Six

The house is very quiet.  The only thing I can hear is the ticking of the clock that hangs on the living room wall.  Occasionally I can hear the wind blowing. Everyone is asleep ... except me, obviously.  My son and I are getting over colds and my husband and daughter are fighting one now.  My husband took some medicine and headed to bed early.  Poor guy has been miserable all day and so has the little one.  I hope they are able to kick these colds away because we are about to celebrate my son's sixth birthday. 

Every year I ask myself the same question.  Where does time go?  Six years ago on this exact day was my due date but it seems like yesterday.  In 10 years he'll be legally able to get his driver's license and in 12 years he'll be considered an adult and a soon-to-be high school graduate.  I just can't fathom that.  I tucked him into bed a few hours ago and felt my emotions run high when I realized it was the last time I'd see him as a five year old.  Call me crazy, but I don't handle this aging thing so well. 

And every year I always replay the events that took place during the moments leading up to my children's birth. 

My due date was the day after Thanksgiving.  I was never a Black Friday shopper so my husband and I made it a yearly tradition to stay home and decorate for Christmas on that day.  I was feeling fine on my due date, just very huge and bloated.  Since this little man's arrival was unknown we decided to go ahead and decorate on Black Friday, just as we did in years past.  We ate leftover Thanksgiving dinner and then went to bed feeling a little disappointed that labor hadn't started.  Although I know babies rarely come on the due date.  I actually had a feeling he would be really late.  Nope.  At some point in the night I woke up feeling cramps in my lower stomach.  It went away quickly and I thought nothing of it so I fell back asleep.  Then I woke up to the feeling again ... and again.  Okay at that point I realized something must be going on.  I got out of bed quietly so I wouldn't wake my husband and as soon as I entered the bathroom the pain struck me again.  So I snuck downstairs and started timing each contraction.  The next one came after 20 minutes and then the rest came every 4 - 5 minutes.  I called the doctor's office and stated that my contractions were 5 minutes apart but my water had not broke.  The doctor ordered me to go to the hospital to get checked out.  Eeek!  I woke up my husband and we made it to the hospital by 4:30 am. 

Because of an emergency c-section the doctor wasn't able to see me until 6 am.  He checked me and told the nurse to admit me because I was in labor.  That was the moment it all became real to me.  I was about to have a baby.  I WAS ABOUT TO HAVE A BABY?  Wait, what?  Was I ready for this?  I'm going to be a mother? 

Sure enough after several hours of labor and three hours of pushing - YES 3 HOURS OF PUSHING - the baby wasn't making his way down so the doctor said a c-section was needed.  I was prepared for that.  Both my sisters had c-sections and apparently I had the same issue as them.  So after all that pain and agony I was wheeled into the delivery room and moments later a precious little 7 lb 14 oz baby was born. 

And now I have a six year old who is everything from sweet, kindhearted, sensitive, stubborn and ornery.  I don't know what I'd do without him in my life. 

Now I hear the little one crying.  She's been crying on and off and I'm pretty sure this is going to be along night.  Ugh.  Please pray for her sickness. 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/18/13

 Okay, another Monday is upon us.  Time to link up again with Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

As I look outside my window::

The air is warm and beautiful but it's windy.  The day to day change in weather is crazy.  How is it we go from 60 degrees to 48 degrees in one day?  Pennsylvania living!

Right now I am::

Typing up this blog while I'm eating a slice of leftover pizza for lunch, getting laundry and dishes done, wrapping a birthday present for Matthew and a million other things.  It's amazing what we homemakers can do all at once, isn't it?  Also feeling very congested and fighting a cold. 

Thinking and pondering::

Of so much.  First of all my son's birthday is this week and I have so much to do.  Instead of having a party we let him decide what he wanted to do for the day and he came up with a few ideas.  We also will have pizza and cake with close family later in the evening.  Also thinking of Thanksgiving and how I'll have a house filled with people.  I don't mind it at all, in fact, I look forward to it.  Then there will be Christmas to get ready for.  It all comes by so quickly. 

On my bedside table::

Currently reading two books on my Kindle - Just Beyond the Clouds by Karen Kingsbury and the second book to the 50 Shades of Grey series.  Yes, a big difference between the two.  I'm not enjoying the 50 Shades so much.

On my tv tonight::

As I have stated before, we don't have a set show on Monday nights as of now so it will be whatever my husband decides to watch while flipping through the channels.  

Playing on the radio::

I Won't Give up by Jason Mraz on Pandora.  I love that song.  Can't explain why.  I just do. 

On the menu::

Monday - chicken, scalloped potatoes, broccoli

Tuesday - tacos and rice

Wednesday - pasta

Thursday - ham (sides undecided)

Friday - 

Saturday - 

Sunday - pizza and cake for the birthday boy 

On the to do list::

List items on Craigslist.  Already listed and sold two items, just listed a third and will have to decide on what else.  The extra money is coming in handy for birthday and Christmas shopping. 

Cleaning.

Wrap a present we just picked up for my son and have to go buy another one.

Get a menu plan going for Thanksgiving next week.  Yes I'm hosting it!

Still have to buy items to put in the shoe box for Operation Christmas Child.  

Gather the kids clothes that no longer fit and see if the consignment shop will take them.  If not, then it will be something else to list on CL.  

What I'm sewing, knitting, crocheting or creating::

 

I had an idea to create a Thankful Tree to display in our home.  I wanted it to be a family project but the kids weren't too interested.  My hubby helped cut out some of the leaves and I did the rest.  We'll add more.  There are so many reasons to be thankful.

My simple pleasure::

Lately it's been relaxing on the couch and reading my Kindle with a hot cup of green tea.  

Lesson learned the past week::

Well, this certainly isn't a lesson learned but more of an observation and a goal.  My temper and anger are a big issue and it's taken over a part of my life I don't want it to.  Don't worry, I'm not going to beat anyone up or anything.  I just need to learn to control it better because my attitude does affect those around me.  

 Looking around the house::

I'm in the kitchen so I see a mess of dishes in the sink that need to be washed and a pile of papers that need sorted.  

From the camera::

Big brother loves to play with little sister, even if it's Disney Princesses.  Both sporting their Redskins pride.

On my prayer list::

I have my own issues I've been asking God to help me through

My sister-in-law as she searches for a job

My children, always praying that their needs will be met

My husband and the physical pain he's been enduring and also that he's able to find the right doctor for a much needed surgery.  

That our financial needs will be met.  So far we're pretty lucky

Continued healing for my mom after the stroke she had over a year ago.  She's doing great!  Also for my father who has been her caregiver.  He needs the strength to continue to take care of her.  He's been amazing.  

Our country, because the direction it's going isn't good (and you can argue with me all you want about it but it's true).  

Bible verse/Devotional::

 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" -- Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Have a great week everyone! 

Bootcamp And A No Excuse Workout

A friend asked me to join her in trying out a 'boot camp' exercise class.  She knows the trainers from high school and wanted to give it a try.  I've heard of these boot camp classes and heard they are great.  The first class was free so I decided to go ahead and join in.  The class is located in the parking lot of my son's elementary school.  Yes, you heard it right.  Outside ... in a parking lot ... in the dark ... in the cold.  My first thought was what is she getting me into?  Actually, it wasn't that bad as far as the temperature was concerned.  It didn't take long before I went from being cold to extremely warm and sweaty.  It was a small group of people who were very welcoming, sweet and encouraging.  I don't see people like that in my Zumba class so it was nice.  The exercising itself was hard ... very hard.  At one point I thought I was going to throw up but I was determined to keep going.  I had a good workout and felt it this morning.  I'm not sure if my friend wants to continue with it.  I'd love to get myself involved in a class like this because when I'm around other people I feel the push to keep it going.  When I work out at home it's so much easier to give up and stop when it becomes too much.  You never want to stop.  The burn, the sweat, the torture you feel while exercising is good ... KEEP GOING! 

I found this exercise circuit on Pinterest and decided to give it a try this morning.  This was definitely a good start to the day. 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/11/13

Happy Veteran's Day!  A huge THANK YOU to those who served!

 

As I look outside my window::

The sun is shining, the leaves have fallen off of most of the trees and it's cold.  47 degrees so it's not too bad but they are calling for snow at some point this week.  Yuck.  I'm not a cold or snow person, but it does make my son happy.  

Right now I am::

Sipping a cup of coffee, writing up this blog and listening to my two children play together.  My son has the day off from school and we spent the morning playing and getting books at the library.  Then we had lunch and now the kids are playing for a bit in my son's room.  So far they are playing very nicely together and that makes me happy.  Also waiting for the dishes to finish in the dish washer and the laundry to finish in both washer and dryer before another load goes in.  

Thinking and pondering::

About my son's upcoming birthday.  These last 6 years have gone by so fast.  He's been asking for a few very expensive items for his birthday or Christmas.  I'd love to be able to give my kids everything they wanted but that's not realistic.  I know I write a lot about how hyper he is but truthfully he's an overall great kid.  He doesn't get into too much trouble (nothing outside of being a typical 5 year old) and is doing great in school.  I'm proud of him.  

On my bedside table::

My friend sent me a copy of 50 Shades of Grey for my Kindle.  I've been slowly reading it.  I think she gave me the download almost a year ago and I haven't finished it.  It's not typically my type of book and I got halfway through and grew bored ... but I'm determined to finish it just because I said I would.  

On my tv tonight::

I guess it will be whatever we find while flipping through the channels.  Matthew said he wanted to watch Jurassic Park since he got the book at the library.  We have it on DVR.  

Playing on the radio::

Alvin & the Chipmunks channel on Pandora.  Yes this is the kind of stuff I'm forced to listen to with small children ... I don't mind.  

On the menu::

I may just make a quick pasta meal since I need to be out of the house a little after 5 tonight.  Joining a friend for some kind of exercise thing.  

As usual the rest of the week is TBD

On my to do list::

~Clean house

~Birthday shopping and planning for Matthew

~List more items to be sold on Craiglist.  I just sold a toy tool bench that was my son's.  He got it for Christmas at age 2 but hasn't been playing with it anymore.  It's been collecting dust in his room and he gave me the ok to sell it.  

~Buy items to put in the shoe box for Operation Christmas Child, an organization our church helps out with every year.  They hand out shoe boxes and we buy different toys and anything that will fit into the shoe box to be sent to a child around the world.  We can chose boy or girl.  Matthew wanted to pick a boy his age.  We'll be picking up another box so we can do one for a girl as well.  

What I am sewing, knitting, crocheting or creating::

I made this for my parents' anniversary.  I wanted to give them real flowers but we couldn't afford it so I thought this would be the next best thing.  I bought the wooden vase at AC Moore for $1.  I used rocks that were in our garden.  I cut out flowers using construction paper and a flower cookie cutter and then put pictures of the kids in the middle.  My son colored the vase.

My simple pleasure::

Blogging.  I love having a place to jot down my thoughts and experiences and also getting to read others.  

Lesson learned the past week::

 As much as I love my kids and being with them it's healthy to step away and have some me time.  It is also better for them to have time away from me as well.  I was able to enjoy some time away last Friday during a wine tasting event with a friend.  It was fun.  I had a chance to step away, do something for me and come back feeling renewed.  It also gave me a chance to miss the kids. 

Looking around the house::

The kids are playing peacefully with each other and toys are all over the place.  It's nice having my son home today and being able to enjoy both children.  

From the camera::

On my prayer list::

Those who are on active duty in the military that they return home safely.

My family & friends

My children

My husband

Financial issues - my husband works hard and we're able to have enough to get by but in today's economy it's tough to know what the future will hold.  Only God knows.  

Bible Verse/Devotional::

"Going to church doesn't make you a Christian.  I can sit in my garage all day and that doesn't make me a car" -- Joyce Meyer

I heard Joyce Meyer say this during one of her television shows and I've loved this quote since.  She was referring to the people who believe all they need to do is show up for church for one hour a week and that's it.  God doesn't just want your time for that one hour each week.  He wants your time every moment of every day.  Being a Christian means constantly living for God. 

--Happy Homemaker Monday was created by Sandra at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.  Check out her page and below her HHM post is a list of others who are also participating. 

Celebrating 43 Years of Love

Today is a special day.  My parents are celebrating 43 years of marriage.  It's not often we hear of marriages lasting this long anymore and with the divorce rate of over 50% it's nothing short of amazing when couples make it this far.  Trust me, my parents didn't have it easy in these 43 years.  There were many times when I thought they were going to give up and leave one another.  Their marriage saw many hard times and probably worse than any marriage I have ever known.  Yet, they stuck it out and made it last.  They believed in working hard to keep the vows they made at the altar.

As parents they did the best they could in raising us.  I could never say that I wasn't wanted (according to my mom they tried for 2 years to conceive me) and they've loved me unconditionally.  We've had plenty of good times as well as hard times but we all got through.

After my mother had her stroke my dad stepped up and proved to be more amazing than we ever thought he could be.  He takes such great care of her.

I have learned so much about marriage from my parents.  I learned the promise you make at the altar is not one to be taken lightly.  In sickness and health, until DEATH do us part.  I learned that it takes a lot of selflessness; putting the other one above everything else.  I've learned the importance of forgiving each other in our mistakes.  I've also learned that marriage is worth fighting for and worth being a part of.

Thank you Mom and Dad.  I love you both so much!  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/4/13

Hello everyone!  I hope you enjoyed the weekend.  Mine was good.  My son's last fall ball game was Saturday and then I rushed off to attend a wedding for a friend from high school.  Sunday was just spent with the family.  We went to church and then relaxed at home.  My husband was able to enjoy a win from the Redskins so he went to work this morning showing team spirit with his burgundy and gold Redskins tie. 

And now it's time for Happy Homemaker Monday.  I do enjoy doing this so much!  I'm joining the creator Sandra at Diary of A Stay At Home Mom.  Go check hers out and the others that participate.  It's so much fun.  Thanks for the opportunity, Sandra.  I'll be typing this up while getting lots of other things done too. 

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY - 11/4/2013

As I look outside my window:

The sun is shining bright.  However the weather is cold.  Too cold!  I don't like the cold.  According to my thermostat it is currently 34 degrees outside.  We were bundled up in winter coats this morning at the bus stop.  Also, the leaves on the trees have changed colors and most have fallen to the ground.  I love all the red, orange and yellow leaves.  Fall is full of beauty, isn't it?  I could live without the bitter cold though.  

Right now I am:

Doing a lot of things and taking breaks here and there to write this up.  The little one is eating lunch and when she finishes I'm going to lay her down for a nap.  I'm also working on laundry, dishes and lots of other housework.  My son's friend is coming over after school to play video games so I'm trying to get everything done beforehand.  Although, his friend's little sister will be here too so I guess there is no point in cleaning up the toys since they'll be playing with them anyway.  At some point I need to get some exercising done.  According to my 30 Day Challenge (see previous post) I have a rest day, but that doesn't mean I'm going to rest.  

Thinking and pondering:

About my kids.  I love those two so much but I will admittedly say they can drive me crazy.  Yesterday was filled with stress since my oldest was acting obnoxious and wild and my little one was just plain grumpy.  It was a lot to deal with and I get so easily angered about it.  I can only handle so much and I don't know why my son gets so crazy at times.  He gets so wild at times and I can't calm him down.  It's embarrassing when he acts this way around family.  They look at me as if I can't handle being a mother.  My son is almost six and of course has lots of energy but I need to find different ways for him to burn off that energy.  In the last few days I haven't even let him touch his Halloween candy.  He doesn't need the added sugar.  

Parenting is hard work and I just worry that I will fail. 

On my bedside table:

Pursuit of Peace by Joyce Meyer

Bible

On my TV:

Super Why on PBS is just ending.  All morning it has been all kid shows and now that the little one has gone down for a nap I think I'll just keep the television off while I get stuff done.  After a busy and chaotic weekend I'd like some peace and quiet for awhile.  

Playing on the radio:

Disney Princess music.  Yes, you heard that right.  It's not on the radio but on the computer.  I've been downloading (don't worry - it's being done legally) some Disney Princess music so I can burn a CD for my daughter and our little friend who also loves the songs.  I'm sure they will both enjoy it since they both love Disney Princesses.  Oh and I will admit that I love it too! 

On the menu:

Chicken (as requested by my  little girl) and maybe a side of mashed potatoes and another veggie. 

On my to do list:

Housework

Clean fridge

Vote tomorrow (even the non-presidential elections are just as important)

Hair cut for little one

Buy needed craft supplies

Attend a wine tasting event on Friday with a friend

What I'm sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:

Still working on updating both baby books.  Just need to add a few pictures to Matthew's and his will be complete.  

Also, when I can grab a few extra bucks I'd like to go to the craft store and make something for Brianna's room.  A wooden B with small wooden letters that will spell her name, paint the big B white and the small letters pink and then glue the smaller letters onto the side of the B.  I've seen it online and thought it's a cute idea.  She needs more stuff for her walls.  

My simple pleasure:

At night when the kids are in bed I love curling up on the couch with my husband.  We'll watch some television and snuggle together.  After a day of chaos with the kids (which I do mostly enjoy) that moment of peace and quiet is so needed.  Even though we're a family and have kids to care for it's still so important for a married couple to take time out as often as they can for each other and I make sure the two of us have that time every night.  

Lesson learned the past week:

To handle everything with a positive attitude.  This is a tough one for me.  I always catch myself complaining about things and have trouble seeing the good in any situation.  Complaining and negative thinking doesn't accomplish anything.  

Looking around the house:

Do I have to say it?  Toys!  Everywhere!  

From the camera:

 Trunk or Treat in the Park last Friday

On my prayer list:

-The government - local, state and federal.  I don't like to get into politics on here but this country is in a huge mess and can use so much prayer.  The state of our country leaves me to feel nothing but fear for the future of my children and all they could be faced with. 
-My children and make sure they continue to grow into healthy and happy individuals.  That I'm able to see that all their needs are met.

- My faith.  It's not as strong as it should be.

Bible verse/Devotional:

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." -- Hebrews 11:1

30 Day Squat/Abs Challenge - November 2013

November is here!  I can't believe it.  The year is almost over.  How did that happen so quickly?  In a few weeks we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving which means lots and lots of good and not-so-healthy food.  

Since a new month is upon us it gives us a new opportunity to start fresh.  Over the summer I found a 30 Day Squat Challenge online and decided to give it a try.  I stuck with it for three consecutive months and then, for some reason, gave up.  I'm still very much interested in fitness and keeping up with it but a busy life happened and I wasn't as regular with exercising as I wanted to be.  Also, I had a goal to run in a 5K on Thanksgiving.  That's not going to happen either.  I haven't been consistent with running and haven't built the endurance and stamina it would take to run over three miles.  I know three miles doesn't seem like a big deal but it is to me.  I'm not a runner ... yet I want to do whatever I can to become one.  I had a goal set to run every morning in the summer but I barely made it happen.  Ugh!  I can kick myself for giving up.  My husband even took me to the store to buy a new pair of running shoes.  Well let's make this clear, I haven't given up and I won't.  It's time to get back into it!

I created another blog specifically to be a log for my exercise goals and achievements.  I wasn't updating that enough so I decided to shut it down and just write my progress on here.  So here we go.

 

I already completed Day 1 and also added a few other exercises.  My body aches right now but I know that's a good feeling, a feeling that will pay off in the long run.  I also use a barbell when doing the squats.  Adding weights is what adds the muscles (my husband keeps reminding me of that).  Start light and then keep adding.  The more weight the better the result. 

So if you're interested in joining me on this challenge I wish you lots of luck.   

How To Do A Basic Squat