This week in words

It is not going to happen in pictures because well, I did not take any.

Monday & Tuesday were pretty good days. I can barely remember them now, so what is there to say?

On Wednesday, I early voted.

Also, a roofer actually talked to us and visited our home. This is big b/c usually they laugh when we ask them when they are coming. Now, we just need the $ to pay for the roof when he begins work. I know you are so interested to know that squares have gone up $125 each since Rita. At least, that is what we are told.

It was a big ministry day, God is so good. We were encouraged in several areas. Why we question His faithfulness, I will never know. We can be such Israelites.

Speaking of Israelites, I am studying Moses in BSF. My fave principal from the lecture this week was: "Everyone brings glory to God by man's repentant & yielding obedience or disobedience through His wrath." I could give a million thoughts on this but just think on it yourself. :)

On Thursday, I had a "first." I left at 9:10 and drove to meet Kelli at Baybrook Mall, to shop, all by ourselves. A sweet friend of mine picked up the little ones and then I got back in time to get the 1st graders. Quick trip but tons of fun. I got some darling Gap pants, I love Gap, especially the clearance section. Also, the Marshall's Home Goods store was fabulous but very crowded. I thought we were in a recession, why are these people not at home planning dinner & folding clothes?

We had a make-up soccer game, the weather was great. If we were keeping score, we lost but it was a fun game. We played hard and Faith scored, 1st time this year. The look of shock on her face was priceless, her excitement was delayed by "did I really kick it in that far?" I love the game but I think I am a bit of a nut, I need a muzzle. I am not negative just excitable!

Today, the weather is beautiful! I walked early with Donna, it was chilly. Craig and the girls went to Pancakes with Dad at Regina. I stayed home with Will until time to take Claire to school. We had a war, he does not care for long sleeves & jeans. I finally won but he desires another wardrobe. He has such darling winter clothes, he is going to have to get over it!

Then, we went "CVSing." I got great deals, I could take a pic of my deals like real bargain shoppers but I am not. I got 3 packs of Huggies diapers, Cottenelle toilet paper (8 pack), 2 packs of wet wipes & garbage bags for $26.07!

The weekend holds gymnastics, birthday parties, and soccer. I have been thinking that we need to do more things with couples but when would we do it? Our socialization is through the kids!

A case of forgetfulness

If it is a disease, I have it. I feel like I have been through a washing machine cycle for days, it has just been nuts.

An example of my lack of accomplishment this week was evident today.

1. I forgot today was Faith's snack day at school, I had to bring them to her late. When I taught 1st grade, it totally annoyed me that unorganized parents could not remember their snack day and I thought they had too many kids to keep up with anyway. I was pregnant by 1/2 way through the year and snack was essential. I always checked it out as soon as I assigned Journal time and took roll. You reap what you sow.

2. I also forgot to take food to church for a funeral tomorrow and then I missed a funeral today. Luckily, the people who went to see Jesus will never know.


3. At the store, I forgot to buy Craig's Sprite and you know how that is at my house. It's been b-day week around here so groceries took a back seat.

4. So did cooking. Craig & I had flat iron steak tonight but the kids were not patient enough to wait on the grill, so they all ate mashed potatoes and chocolate chip oatmeal cookies for dinner. So healthy.

5. I burned one batch of cookies, wish I had them now.

6. I realized Will did not have a "fall" shirt for "punkin" pics. So, he just wore orange. I have no idea where it came from, it was just in is drawer. I am sure he (and Craig) will thank me later that I did not put him in a big punkin shirt.

7. We did remember to take the kids to the Pumpkin Patch this evening. Fun was had by all. As we bought 3 high dollar pumpkins, I reminded myself the $ goes to missions. Speaking of missions, Craig saw someone tonight who said they saw a random woman with a Power Castle shirt on, they asked her if she volunteered with us. She said no, she bought the shirt at a garage sale! Oh my, cracked me up, if whoever sold it only knew how much we would have used it, I must forget that. Wonder what it was priced?

To end this forgetful post, here are our "punkin" pics.

Dear Craig,

My sweet hubby, you are 35 today. Thanks for being a godly, kind and patient man. I pray I always remember you are a special gift God granted me, even when I sometimes act ridiculous.

I would like to buy you a boat but since we cannot even go to the beach, how about thinking about it. Lame huh?

I love you!

So excited about Caroline Lucy

My youngest sister is having a girl! I guess Jesus thinks we do not have enough of them. :)

Adrienne is due in March so we are getting ready for her arrival. I say "we" loosely b/c actually I have done nothing but think about it, give advice and oh, I did pray. That is pretty important.
And, I am passing down several tens of dozens of clothes. If I look at anymore labeled storage containers that say 3-6 months, I will scream!

The ultrasound tech noticed a "placenta strand" so we need to pray about that, we are waiting to see if the doc finds it significant.

I especially love her name . . . Caroline Lucy, it has such a ring to it!

Actually, it is Lucy Caroline but I may call her CL since a certain someone thought I should name my firstborn Rebekah Faith. Could you imagine if I would have listened to her?

I am glad I didn't and I am sure she is not listening to me!

Desperately trying not to be sappy

I cannot believe my baby is 2 years old today, my baby, I repeat . . .the baby! It seems like life has flown right by me since the day he was born.

He was so thrilled to see us, he could not stop crying!

(Btw, this is what you look like after it takes 10 minutes to have a c-section. I looked so chipper and healthy. I may never post the pics 7 hours later after severe hemorrhaging, 2 blood transfusions & repeat surgery. The worst part. . . . the HAIR was quite unruly. )

Announcement pic - sweet memories Paula?
3 months4 months
6 months9 months - don't even get me started on how young my girls look!
1 year - I could still dress him without a fight and he was so precious. I have now given into (shudder) characters for b-day party attire.

18 months

20 months - beach memories add to sappiness (sp?)

And now he is TWO! I adore they way he is looking at Lila. They were so sweet singing. I will share the video, oh yeah, I DID NOT VIDEO! As he (or we) blew out the candles, I asked him if he made a wish, and he said . . .nothing. But, Lila said "Yes!"

My sweet precious boy, you have brought so much joy to our lives. I love your smile, energy, curiosity of trucks and cars, and unique spirit. You are the icing on the cake in our family. I wish you could stay young enough to play with your new race track all day long. I thank God for you each day, may you grow in His love and grace.

Temptation

Fab hair

It probably is not humble to say that my hair is looking good lately but it is. If I may say so myself. And the few of you who disagree, just hush.

For years I (and a few others) have made fun of my dear friend Susan (who needs to really update her blog) for her taste in hair products.

To veer a bit off course, let me tell you about Susan. My first memory of her is that she used to hang out with my sister, Adrienne, who is 5 years younger. How odd is it now that we are friends? Anyway, one time they were at our house and mom had me bring them to Susan's house around the corner. I remember not speaking to them since I was of the ripe old age of 16 and they were 11. I remember turning in the back seat and they were staring at me, I said, "get out."

Lovely moment to be kind to your sister, I was not in a ministering mood I guess. Actually, I had no idea how to minister to them with my words. I do not know why my sister or Susan talk to me today.

Anyway, S. is a hair stylist with exquisite taste in hair products, like most do. But, they are higher than a cat's back to buy so I always just stick to Suave or maybe Tre Semme if it is on sale. This makes S. cringe.

However, before Ike, we had been discussing hair. After Ike, I got a haircut and talked with S. about products. She told me what to get. And, now my hair is fab. I am off cheap-o-products. Plus, while playing the refugee card in Arkansas, my sister's friend Amy hooked me up with Matrix curl shampoo & conditioner. Love it.

So, those of you with curly hair who do not straighten it, listen up all 1.5 of you, this is free advice.

First, I use this gel while my hair is wet, either dry naturally or use diffuser, depends on how I am that day.

Then, I spray it with Catwalk, I borrowed my sister-in-law's once, I liked it. You use the diffuser until it is not heavy on your hair, excuse my non-stylist words.

Lastly, repeat with Sebastian spray, it holds all day. And the best part, you can just style & go in the a.m. without washing it every.single.day.

In this re-budgeting time, I do have a hair envelope. It is necessity. I don't feel bad about it either. If you stay at my house and have to shower, use my bathroom for good hair products. The kids still have Herbal Essences, Tre Semme or Suave, their husbands can pay for their good hair.