One of THOSE days

Just wanted to blog about my day yesterday. . might get a little lengthy.

* Got up and fed Jaxon. Got him back to sleep.
* Checked e-mail and blogs.
* Took a shower.
* Jaxon awake again.
* Time for relational meeting at the church. . . I love those things! Yesterday's was especially fun just chatting about whatever came up.
* Had to leave early because I had to go to Wal-Mart and Jaxon had had enough meeting!! Jaxon falls alseep on the way.
* Go to Wal-Mart to exchange some diapers. Jaxon starts screaming and won't stop unless he's held. But, I can't hold/carry him and push the buggy at the same time.
* Decide to go to the bathroom and feed him.

Here's where things get to be one of THOSE days:
I go in the "family bathroom" because I knew I could keep a close eye on Evan and I wouldn't have to sit on the toilet to feed Jaxon. I change his diaper and start to feed him when my phone rings. Evan has the need to answer it and goes through his questions: Who is this? What do you want? etc.

He hands me the phone and tells me it's Sally. I was thinking it was the mom of the boy that we pick up from school, but no such luck. This Sally is from ARMC and she proceeds to tell me that I have a balance of $3800 and would I like to pay for it today on a credit card or with my debit card.

Now, as I'm sitting here talking to her, I'm feeding Jaxon. Evan is peeing in the toilet and wants to flush it. I convince him not to. Then, he has to wash his hands and dry them. . . talk about loud! Then, Sally makes some comment about how loud it is and how it's hard being a mom. If I could have reached through that phone and slapped her, I would have!

I explain to Sally that we already paid what we were supposed to pay. She tells me that what I paid was a deposit and not the full amount. I explain to her that the lady told me that if there were any other charges, someone would come to my room and collect the extra before I left the hospital. That was the only way to get the discount. Sally said that the $3800 is for blood work, how long I was in the delivery room, and how long I was in my room and because I paid the "deposit", they weren't concerned about coming to my room to collect the rest. I told her that I was in the delivery room for 1 hour and that this extra $3800 is not what we agreed to.

Then, Sally asks me if maybe my mom or my mother-in-law would help me pay this bill. My jaw hit the floor!! What in the world?!?! I explained to her that I don't have $4000 sitting in a savings account somewhere and even if I did, I don't owe them anything. I already paid what I was supposed to pay. I explained to her that we called and asked what the amount would be and we saved up that much money and I'm not paying for the other stuff.

By this time, I'm having to get on to Evan for turning on the hand dryer again and again. Jaxon is screaming and there is a lady outside the door waiting to use our bathroom. Sally gives me her number and tells me to get back with her. I was so frustrated I just started crying.

I finished feeding Jaxon . . . still hearing the lady outside our bathroom talk about how she was waiting on this bathroom. Jaxon won't go back in his carseat. He wants to be held. I hold Jaxon with one arm and push with the other. It works for a short amount of time.

* I fly through Wal-Mart picking up the things I need.
* Jaxon finally goes back to sleep.
* Go to pick up Alicia's (my college friend) mail, etc.
* Go to Aaron's office to drop off some of his flooring.
* Before we leave to go pick up the kids, Evan wakes Jaxon up and Jaxon wants to eat again. But, it's time to pick up the kids and get them home.
* Go pick up the kids -- all 4 of them. . . Jaxon screaming.
* I'm so totally frazzled by Sally and Jaxon screaming. Brandi helps me get the kids in the car. I laugh and tell her that I think I need something strong to drink and now I understand why people say that! ;)
* She gives me $20 and tells me to use it to buy dinner. . . I love you, Brandi!!!
* Jaxon continues to scream. Taylor put a book in front of him and he finally stopped for 10 minutes.
* The kids are mad because Jaxon is screaming. There's nothing I can do short of stopping to feed him, but that will take 30 minutes with impatient kids in the car.
* Krissy calls and we agree to meet before our usual spot so I can get home and feed Jaxon.
* Meet Krissy. . get home. . . feed Jaxon.
* Aaron gets home and plays football with Payton and Evan.
* Some guys come over for the Monday night meeting. (I don't mind it at all.) I hide out in my bedroom wrapping a few Christmas presents.
* The guys leave.
* Get the boys to bed.
* I go to bed for the 2nd day without really talking to Aaron. . wish we could figure that one out. It always seems like someone is needing something at all times.

Please pray for us. We are leaving on Friday to go to our parents' houses. We are going to be on the road a lot over Christmas and I'm not looking forward to it. I'm not looking forward to doing all of it with a newborn. They don't sleep good when they aren't home and we will really be on the road a lot . . . did I mention that Jaxon hates his carseat? And, I'm so tired of nursing and I want to stop, but then I feel like I'm causing even more of a financial burden. . . yes, I know this is all part of a new baby. Good news is Jaxon is sleeping much better. . . only getting up every 3 hours!!! YAY for that!!

Edited to add: Now would be a good time for those checks in the mail to show up. . those gifts & surprises, those debts paid off. . . you get the idea.

Yes, Pam as I'm sitting there on the phone with Sally mad as I could be at the situation, I was at least thinking this would make good blog material!!! ;)

2 weeks already

Jaxon had his 2-week check up today. He weighs a whopping 10 lbs. 2 oz and is 21 1/2 inches long!! Dr. S had a good chuckle when he saw 10 pounds already -- that's 2 pounds in 2 weeks!!! Jaxon started crying at one point and Dr. S said, 'Oh, are you hungry? I bet you are all the time!" I told him that yes, he does eat all the time. Dr. S said, "Are you nursing?" I said yes and he said, "I'm sorry."

Everyone wants to know how he's sleeping. . . well, we did good for 2 nights in a row!! Then last night he was up every 2 hours again. I guess that's part of it.

I keep trying to remember to make a slide show to post on here of all the pictures we've taken over the last two weeks (ok, maybe not all of them), but I keep forgetting. . . guess that's what happens when you're brain is low on sleep!! ;)

Just Stuff

I am refreshed!! Jaxon slept so much better last night without me giving him a bottle of formula!! I fed him at 9 and put him down. I went to bed at 9:45 (didn't even finish watching Ace of Cakes!!). Aaron did a movie night at BC's house and he got home around 11. I asked him to go check on Jaxon because it had been 2 hours. Jaxon was still snoozing!!

He woke up at midnight, 3 am, and 7 am!!! I woke up this morning thrilled!! Aaron asked me if that was good. That's really good considering he's been waking up every hour on the hour or every 2 hours since we've been home from the hospital!!! I feel like a new creation this morning!! ;)

Also, I read an update on my "friend" Julian this morning. He woke up without pain this morning and asked for spaghetti at 2 am!! Praise God!! Between 11 and 12 last night, I just prayed for him that God would turn this around. I'm so thankful that he woke up without pain!!

Update on my "friend" Julian

A little while ago, I posted about a boy that has meduloblastoma -- a cancerous brain tumor. Last week, his family got to go to Disney World thanks to Make A Wish. On the way there, Julian started having seizures and they had to rush him from the airport to the ER. They gave him some medicine and the rest of the trip went as planned. When they got back to Texas, the doctors did another MRI on him and found that his cancer has spread throughout his brain and spinal cord. The doctors have given him weeks to live.

Each day his mom, Mimi, updates his website and things are going downhill very quickly.
Today I was reading the update and just thought, "God, I want you to turn this around just as quickly as it's going down." That is my prayer for him today.

This is the same cancer my brother had that God healed him of and I know that God can do it again -- no matter what stage it is in. Please say a prayer for his mom today. She's trying to be strong and still process all that is going on with little Julian. He's only 4 years old.

Thank you!!!

I knew that our church family was a blessing, but in the last week, I've realized really how much of a family that we are. I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone!! You have made this transition in our lives so much easier!! From phone calls to see how we're doing to picking stuff up at Wal-Mart for us, I cannot even begin to tell you how much you all are appreciated.

I'm dealing with a situation with my own parents and my heart is broken. But, the way I've been treated by my church family has made all the difference in the world. So, thank you!! Thank you for just being you. Thank you for the phone calls. Thank you for the meals (they are delicious by the way). Thank you for offering to watch Evan. Thank you for stopping by just to check in. Thank you for saying "Call me if you need something" and really meaning it. Thank you for asking how I'm doing and really wanting to know. I know there are more things that I'm just not thinking of -- thank you for those things, too!!

We are doing really good. I have come off of the "baby high", but I haven't hit a "baby low".

Jaxon is waking up every 2 hours at night, but sleeping for 3 during the day . . . not sure how to change that, but if I time it right, it isn't so bad. Like last night, I fed him at 9, he got up at 11 and I had just gone to bed. He then got up at 2, 4, & 6. Not so bad, really. I hadn't slept in my own bed in weeks because I couldn't get comfortable before, but I've been back in my own bed the last 2 nights and it's made all the difference in the world. Even though I'm getting up every 2 hours, I feel rested.

Jaxon has a diaper rash already that has peeled a layer of skin off of his bottom. Please pray for that! He really is a champ when it comes to changing his diapers. Just makes me hurt to look at it. Payton used to get those kind of diaper rashes all the time. I'm just believing that this will be Jaxon's first and last one that is this bad.

Evan got home yesterday and we are so excited to have him back!! I was worried that Jaxon would wake Evan up in the middle of the night because Evan is a lighter sleeper than Payton, but Evan didn't move last night. I guess it could have been because he was totally exhausted from Perty's house. They hit a deer on the way to Abilene and it really messed up Roy's (Aaron's dad) new truck -- busted the windshield, the grill, the headlight, etc. I am so thankful that they were all ok.

Evan had a ton of stories to tell. One of the funniest ones is about Evan climbing a tree. Aaron's parents have this little tree in their front yard. Evan climbed up it and he couldn't figure out how to get down. He asked Aaron's mom to get him down and she said she couldn't and asked him how he was going to get down. He said, "Perty! Go call the fire truck! They can come and get me down!" This kid is too funny!!

I took Jaxon to Payton's school yesterday for everyone to see him. I cannot tell you how much I love his school. Payton's kindergarten teacher had her whole church praying for me last week that I wouldn't have to be induced. She said everyone was very excited on Sunday morning when she was able to give the testimony that I had him on my own. I love that woman! The principal and her assistant came and talked to me for a while telling me how cute Jaxon was and they asked me if I needed anything. Payton's teacher told me that Payton is doing really good and he's really proud of Jaxon. That made me feel good.

Last night Cody & Ashley came over for a little while and Cody asked me how this pregnancy compared to my other ones. I told him that it was harder in the end because I was so uncomfortable, but the labor was easier and the adjustment has been so much easier (so far).

OK, so I've been up since 6, it's 8:45 and I feel like it's already noon!! I think I'm going to go do some creating this morning. Yes, I think that's a plan.

Pretty Much Sums It Up

Payton came in earlier and he said, "Hey mom. Do you know what is better than Xbox?" (Remember his thankful list?) I said, "What?" He said, "Baby Jaxon." Yes, I think that about sums it up.

We're Home

I cannot tell you how good it feels to be in my own house with my own stuff and my own bed and our new son!!

I am convinced that Jaxon loves his mom and wanted things to go the way I wanted them to!! I cannot tell you how perfect my labor was with him.

I dropped Payton off at Krissy's house and headed home. I wanted to get my kitchen swept and mopped and I wanted to finish getting my Christmas tree put together before going in to be induced. I got home and started sweeping. My contractions started and were 5 minutes apart!!

Aaron was planning on going over to Bryan's to play Halo, but I asked him to stay home or let them come over here to play because I wasn't going to make it to the morning. About 9 pm, I felt this pop in my stomach. I wasn't sure what that was, but thought it could have been my water. I called Brandi at some point in there to give her the good news.

I got everything done that I needed to do and went and laid down on my bed. I decided to go on in because at least they could give me some sleeping pills or something to take the edge off of the contractions. Right as we walked out the door of our house, I had a really bad contraction and started feeling pressure. It was a little scary.

We made it to the hospital in 13 minutes -- walked in about 11:45 or so! We walked in the ER and I had another contraction. This lady brought a wheelchair behind me and told me to sit down when I thought I could. Then, this guy nurse came out and bumped my legs with the wheelchair and told me to sit down now because we had to go. I thought he was awfully rude!!

This guy takes me FLYING down the hallways!! I had my eyes closed, but I could hear Aaron running -- not kidding, RUNNING -- behind us. He gets me up to L&D and they open the door and he pushes me through the doors and just lets me go. The nurses kind of had to run after me. That was quite funny at the time!! I got the last room available. They said they were going to have to call me and cancel my induction for the next morning anyway, so I was glad it happened on my own.

There were about 6 nurses in the room and one tries to check me and she can't feel Jaxon's head. She asked me if he has been head down. When I would have a contraction, you could see him laying sideways in my stomach. The weird thing is that a few months ago, I had this weird thought that I would have to have a c-section. I thought it was weird and it came from nowhere. I decided to believe against that, but also thought it could have been a "warning". Anyway, several of them checked me and they were whispering. I'm not sure at what point they finally felt his head, but I was relieved!

There was a lady who came in after me, but she was already pushing and they were convinced that she would deliver before me, so all the nurses ran over to her and we were both having to wait on Dr. Sinclair. The really neat thing was that I would have a really bad contraction and then have a period of rest for what seemed like a long time. Aaron said the rest wasn't all that long if any.

Speaking of Aaron, he was amazing!! He knew when to encourage me and when to stay quiet. He was so supportive in everything -- from the birth to family things. He kept telling me how proud he was of me. At one point, I was really embarrassed at how loud I was being during contractions. During my "rest" I actually said, "I think it's time I get myself together." The nurses thought that was funny. I don't know how many times he offered me his hand, but I grabbed the bed rail instead afraid that I might break his hand if I did hold it. I was just so thankful for him!!

Dr. S arrived and delivered the other lady. Then, he came in the room and told me to start pushing when I was ready. I don't think he was quite ready for how fast it all happened!! One push and Jaxon came flying out. Dr. S almost dropped him and things got a little chaotic at that point. He cut the cord and the clamp on my side of the cord came off, which wasn't good. The nurses weren't quite ready or they were shocked or something because everyone seemed to be moving in slow motion. I got the shakes really bad afterwards, which wasn't fun, but, in the end, all is well and Jaxon made his entrance on his own terms!! ;)

Here are his stats:

Jaxon Carter

born at 12:41 am
8 lbs. 5.5 oz
20 1/4" long
14 3/4" head
14 1/2" chest

The nurses were all laughing about how big his head is and how long his toes are. Another great thing about his birth is that we were able to just be the 3 of us for a while before we called anyone or sent out text messages. Aaron's family was in town and I didn't want anyone at the hospital waiting on Jaxon or calling to get the updates while I'm being induced. I cannot even tell you how perfect everything was for what I wanted. I just felt like I was Jaxon's favorite and God's favorite for the way He set everything up.

Last night was a little rough. We were up all night. For some reason, he doesn't seem to enjoy his 100% Egyptian Cotton 800 TC sheets in his bed!! So, we slept in the recliner together for 20 minute intervals last night.

After he was born, he slept for a long time, then they circumcised him that morning, which made him even more sleepy, so he didn't eat much at all for the first day. They told me before I left the hospital that he would probably make up for it and boy, did he!! All he wanted to do last night was eat!! In the hospital, his blood sugar level dropped, so they had to give him formula and they sent some of it home with us, so luckily I had a bottle I was able to give him on occasion to give me a break. Today is much better. I took a nap this morning while Aaron watched him.

Here's another weird detail about his birth. Most of you know I have this weird thing with numbers. I don't like odd numbers, however all of our birthdays are on odd months, odd days, and odd years. Jaxon made it on an odd month, odd day, odd year by 41 minutes!! See, I'm convinced he loves his mom!! ;)

The VERDICT

I am being induced tomorrow morning (Thursday). I have to be there at 5:30 am, but last time Dr. A didn't show up until 9. So, that's the verdict for the day!!

Favor & Grace

No Jaxon yet. . . I'm going to the dr. this morning. Please pray that I will have favor with him and he will send me right over. I've had contractions this morning and I'm hoping that is enough for him to just say let's do it today. If not, please pray that they aren't booked up tomorrow & Friday!! ;)

Also pray that I will have grace for family. I really want him to do it today because of the whirlwind it will make with family. I won't have time to think about it all. My family won't be in town to be calling us every 30 minutes for a progress report, although Aaron's family is still in town waiting for today's "verdict". When my parents come in, I don't have anywhere for them to stay. My house is feeling really cramped and closing in on me the last few days, too. Anyway, I'm really needing grace for family right now. I just want to have Jaxon and call everyone in a few weeks and let them come down. Isn't going to happen that way. I'm just not used to family being around this much and especially with all the focus on me.

Anyway, guess I better go get ready!! Crazy to think that I could be holding my little one this evening!!!

Update

So here's what I've decided. Yesterday I was sitting on the couch just doing nothing except I guess feeling a little sorry for myself when it hit me. . . my attitude is up to me. I can either be miserable these last few days or I can be in a good mood. I've decided to just be in a good mood until. . . until whatever happens. It's a mindset even when my flesh wants to pout and mope around. But, I've changed my attitude -- I'm in a good mood and I'm waiting patiently on the arrival of Jaxon!! ;)

Pregnancy Rambles

Yes, I'm still here. . . still pregnant. . . still wondering when in the heck this big event is going to take place!! I feel like I've done everything in my power to get Jaxon here, but I'm convinced that he's just comfy!! This morning in the shower I was praying and I just had to ask God to make sure that I wouldn't be pregnant forever. How is it that this whole pregnancy has FLOWN by, but the last week seems like an eternity!!

Yes, I know Jaxon will come when he's supposed to, but doesn't he understand convenience? Aaron's mom, sister, and brother are here until Tuesday. His mom told me she's hanging around waiting on a baby. Gosh how nice it would be if Jaxon came before Tuesday!! We wouldn't have to worry about where the boys are going to go, how long they'll be there, etc.

Yesterday I went shopping with Aaron's mom. I was on my feet and walking for 12 hours straight!! My feet were killing me. My stomach muscles hurt from carrying this giant out in front. I just knew something would happen. Nothing.

I have said all along that I didn't want Jaxon to come before Black Friday because I wanted to go shopping. Then, yesterday I thought about Brandi's comment to Francesca about how it's just like a boy to do whatever it takes to get his mom flowers. I thought -- that's right. It's just like a boy to let his mom go shopping and THEN make his great debut. So, yes I went shopping and he did wait.

Maybe he's waiting on me to put up my Christmas decorations!! Yeah! Maybe that's it! Those are going up today. The boys are sorting the tree parts into different piles as I type.

Oh well. . . guess he'll just come when he comes. I go from one extreme of "I'm calling Dr. A right now and telling him let's get this show on the road" to the other of "Oh, what's a few more days really?"

One thing I do know is that I will definitely have him by this time next week . . . guess that should give me some kind of comfort. . . just a few more days.

One More Week (or less)

I'm hoping for the "or less" option!!!

I went to the dr. this morning. I'm still dilated to a 1 . . maybe 1 1/2 (like it makes a difference). He said the baby is very low (didn't have to tell me that). When he measured him, Dr. A's eyes about popped out of his head. He just said he's "good size". He's giving me another week and then I'm going to have to induce because Jaxon is getting too big. I'm so ready to have Jaxon, but I am very thankful that this time Dr. A isn't pushing me to induce.

Linda (the nurse) wasn't there today and there was another older nurse. She asked me if I was going to go natural or be induced. I told her I'm trying to go natural, but I'm almost considering inducing. She kind of chuckled and said, "Well, what's one or two more weeks?" I'm telling you, that was the last thing she needed to say to me today!!! ;) One or two more days seems like an eternity right now not to mention one or two more weeks!!

Today I was thinking about the things I won't miss about being pregnant. Here's my list so far:

* Maternity pants -- I can't keep mine up lately!
* Sleepless nights -- at least my sleepless nights will be from a baby and not just because I can't sleep.
* Painful hips -- need I say more?
* These crazy emotions -- I've had my feelings hurt more in the last week than in the last 5 years -- all over silly things, of course.
* Swollen fingers and feet -- maybe my feet will shrink back to my normal size, too.

Having listed those few things, would I be pregnant again? Absolutely.

Will I ever be pregnant again? The jury is still out on that one.

Total Surprise!

Yesterday morning, I went to church prepared to stay in children's church, but preferring to be in the service. I have been a little "on edge" lately and children's church is the last place for me to be when I'm like that! ;)

But, when I got to church, Krissy kept trying to kick me out of children's church. It didn't hurt my feelings, but she was being a little pushy about how I needed to get out of there and go sit down and do nothing for a change. But, I had my yellow team to talk to and Krissy was quick to say that she would handle it for the day. At our team pre-service meeting, Krissy told Eric & Nicole to just flow with it. . . she didn't say what "it" was. . . just flow. OK . . . not exactly how I do things, but I trust her.

So, I go to service, they dismiss the kids, I ask one last time to make sure Krissy is going to be ok and she assures me that if they need me, they will come and get me.

I'm sitting in the service when an usher comes up and tells me that I am needed in children's church. I knew whatever it was, it had to be bad. I'm walking up the aisle wondering what in the world could be going on. I get to the door of the gym and it's dead silent on the other side of it! I was a little scared and then I thought "What if the Holy Spirit came and knocked them all out and Krissy just wanted me to see it?" I just prayed real quick and asked God to get me through whatever was on the other side of that door!

I opened the door and all the kids yell SURPRISE!!! They all came running at me with cards in their hands that they had made for me. They threw me a surprise baby shower!! I was overwhelmed and shocked and truly blessed!! They had the presents all lined up and ready to go and they had a special seat for me to sit in. The kids had cookies and couldn't wait for me to open their gifts!! I had fun listening to them say "Diapers & wipes! Again?" So, here's Jaxon's loot from the day:

It totals:
398 diapers
1,071 wipes
1 bottle of lotion
6 washcloths (that have crowns and castles on them)
4 bibs
4 outfits
22 socks (11 pairs)
1 diaper rash cream
$5

After I opened my gifts, the kids spoke blessings over me and Jaxon. It was the sweetest time. They told me how much they loved me and how much fun Jaxon was going to be. I think there are two that stand out the most -- one of the boys said, "All I have to say is Jaxon, rock on!" and then one of the girls told me that Jaxon was going to follow in my footsteps and the blessing that I've been to them (my current kids), that Jaxon would be that same blessing to their kids. WOW! That one caught me off guard, but it was so powerful!!

That's not to mention all of the cards they gave me!! I am truly blessed!! Our kids are such givers and they just love to give -- even if it's a piece of paper with their drawing on it.

There is one picture that I want to share that kind of stood out to me. I was opening presents and it was inside one of the bags. It was a picture of like a storm on one side and this blue sky on the other. There was this cloud between the two with lightening coming out of it. I remember pulling it out of the bag and thinking "Well, isn't that interesting?" But, tonight as I was looking through everything, I saw it in a different way.

I had a bad case of postpartum depression after Evan. I can't describe it other than it was one of the hardest times of my life. In the last week or so, I've felt "the funk" trying to come over me. Thankfully, I recognize it and realize that I have authority over it this time! But, when I saw that picture tonight, it was like God was saying that I've been in the storm before, but this time He is going to bring light. This time will be different. How powerful of a picture to me at the current point in my pregnancy. I'm not sure if the child who drew it knows it was from God, but I'm going to try to track down who it was and make sure they know that God used them to speak to me. How awesome is that?!?!

So, it's 1 am and I'm heading to bed a blessed children's pastor and a blessed woman -- blessed above and beyond all I could ever hope, ask, or think!!

That's My Boy!!

Yesterday Payton brought home one of his papers and on it he had to list 7 things he was thankful for. Here are his 7 things (in his order):

1. Xbox
2. NFL
3. NBA
4. Brothers
5. Dad
6. Mom
7. Romo (Tony Romo)

Is that a boy's list or what? And, what's up with me being #6?!?! He said he couldn't think of the last thing and his friend suggested Romo. What about clothes, food, and shelter? Aren't those the "given answer" when you say what you're thankful for?!?! Oh well. . . I did think it was cute!

Word for Someone

A friend posted this on her blog. It was a word that Vaughn Clark (not sure who that is) gave at her church one night in October. I have read it over and over and I feel like it is for someone who reads my blog, too. I think I know who you are, but I thought others might benefit from it, too.

So, here's the word: "You need to breath fresh air in the Spirit. Take a deep breathe. Your one of those ladies that when you came in, you came in. And it was like here I am, your what I've got and I'm going with you Jesus. Don't let the enemy disappoint you and take you down. Don't let him put you off to the side. You have got to learn to walk in peace with people and do what you do because God has told you to do it. Be grateful for encouragement you have from other people, but don't let hindrances from other people stop you. You just be on about it. You have to be constant and immovable in the work of the Kingdom. When you've got help and encouragement from others, thank God for it, but when you have blockages from other people don't let it wear you out. You just go on about your Father's business."

THE ROOM IS FINISHED!!

The masterpiece is finished -- completely finished!! Things put away, clothes are hung, diapers are stacked. . . just waiting on a baby! ;)

Here's the link to the pictures:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=fyhgbqj.9a96x9j3&x=0&h=1&y=760452


If you looked at them before, not much has changed. . bedding is in, mobile is attached, and things are put away -- for the most part. I had just gone shopping that day and that's why there's stuff on the changing table.

So, now it's the waiting game. Evan asks me every day when I'm going to go pick up our baby. Boy, I wish it was that easy!! ;)

The Golden Compass

I have received an e-mail about this movie several times over and I thought I would post on here. I haven't read the books and I haven't seen the movie, but from what I read, I think we should all be careful when considering taking our kids to see this movie. It comes out on December 7th and has been made to look like the Narnia series, but it is far from it.

I am going to do more research on the subject, but I plan on having something to hand parents about the movie on Sunday. I don't think we should be Christians who get a rise out of movies and get all crazy about boycotting them. I just think we need to be informed about movies -- especially ones that are directed at our kids.

So, here's a link that a children's church curriculum writer put together:
http://truthquest.net/newsletter/newsletter-goldencompass07.html

At the bottom of the article, there are different research places to see for yourself. This week I'm planning on researching this out.

Update & Fancy Bedding!!

Less than 3 weeks. . . . less than 3 weeks. . . . LESS THAN THREE WEEKS!!!!!!!

I can't believe it's less than 3 weeks!! I had a dr. appointment yesterday. I gained 3 pounds in 2 week -- yuck! He checked me and said I'm 1 cm dilated. That kind of freaked me out because I never dilated before going into labor with my other ones. I wasn't expecting that at all. But, it is nice that the contractions that I am having are doing some good! He also said he is really low and when it does happen, it should be quick. That was good news! Do you think I can hold him to that?! WOW! Less than 3 weeks!!

On another note, I ordered my crib bedding off of Ebay. It said it was 800 thread count Egyptian Cotton. I thought "OK, whatever". I thought the shipping was a little high ($45), but some people make their money on the shipping, so I didn't really think much about it. I just wanted plain navy bedding.

Anyway, the place sent me a tracking number and the shipping place was one I had never heard of, but it said in cooperation with UPS. So, I entered the tracking number to see where my package was and it said "Cairo Egypt"!! This bedding is REAL EGYPTIAN COTTON -- STRAIGHT FROM EGYPT!! I thought it would be weeks before I actually saw it, but the UPS man showed up on my doorstep today with it!! It was tightly bundled with this string and put in this envelope. It must have cost more to ship it in a box. Anyway, I cut away the string and this 5-piece bedding is all rolled up like a sleeping bag and VERY TIGHT!! I love it and it is very soft. Just can't believe my baby will be sleeping on 800 TC sheets!! I don't even have any of those!! ;)

My Favorite 4 Year Old

Photo Caption: Mom, take a picture of me working!

Ahhh. . . at this time 4 years ago, I was sitting in the hospital with our new bundle of joy. Who knew how much fun this kid would be?!?! Who knew how silly he would be? Who knew that he would be the king of goodbyes? Who knew this kid would be obsessed with Cars? Who knew he would love football so much? Who knew he would know names and numbers of NFL players? Who knew he would be such a people person? Who knew he would be so laid back and relaxed? Who knew how much he loves to have his picture taken or take random pictures himself? Who knew how much I would love this kid? Who knew how much I would love his personality? Who knew how much I would want to be more like him?

So, today as I celebrate my baby turning 4 years old, I am so thankful that he's my kid! I'm so thankful that I get to watch him grow up. I'm so thankful that he is my favorite 4 year old!!

Creativity

"You're so creative!" I've heard that several times over the last few weeks and I have to say that is my favorite compliment. . . not necessarily how good I look or how good my hair looks, etc, but that I'm creative. I love to be creative!

I have realized over the last month or so that if I can be creative for just one hour a day, it makes my day so much better! Sometimes I sit down and plan out some cards. Sometimes I have project going in my scrapbook closet and I leave it out where I can stop by and work on it for a few minutes at a time. Sometimes I find a creative tv show and sit for an hour or so soaking it up.

My favorite creative show lately has been "Ace of Cakes". These guys are AMAZING!! They make different cakes, but they aren't your everyday kind of cakes! The other night, they made a gumball machine cake and one lady was working on a Scrabble cake. I cannot even begin to describe how much these cakes looked like the real thing!! One night they made a cake for the 80th birthday of a guy who started a local hamburger joint a long time ago. So, they made him a cake that had a hamburger (no veggies because that's how he served them) and onion rings. They made this red basket thing with the paper underneath the hamburger. Again, I cannot tell you how real it looked when they were finished!!

The creative part isn't always how the cake is going to look, but how to make it look like whatever it is. The other night, one lady was working on a slot machine. She wasn't getting the look she was going for, so she had to go back to the "drawing board" and figure out how to make it bigger so that it looked more realistic -- problem solving -- another one of my sometimes favorite things to do.

Anyway, I went to a children's conference one time and they talked about creativity and how most people don't look at themselves as creative. But, the Bible says that God created us in HIS IMAGE and let me tell you, my God is CREATIVE! Just look around you. . . He made everything and no two things are alike!! How creative is that?!?

OK, so I'm off to be creative for an hour before my day really starts (aka when Evan gets up). I'm going to challenge you to do something creative today. . . get those creative juices flowing!! ;)

My Weekend

I can honestly say that I am really nesting!! Friday I was determined to get Jaxon's room pulled together before my shower. I started cleaning out that room/closet and by the end of the day, I had a mess from the back of the house to the front!! It was everywhere!! I did throw away 2 bags of trash and started on a third (sorry Becky. I told you I threw away 3). THREE BAGS OF TRASH IN MY HOUSE -- JUST TAKING UP SPACE!! WOW! That felt good!!

I cleaned up my scrapbook mess that was happening in my living room due to baby shower hostess gifts. I had my laundry piled HIGH on the couch. My house was a wreck!!

But, today it is all pulled together -- well, for the most part. My laundry is put away. My scrapbook stuff is put away for now. I cleaned out and reorganized the hall closet. Jaxon's room is mostly clean and my dishes are all done. Yes, I'm sure that I'm nesting!!

Monday, my plan is to attack my scrapbook closet. I know there are things in there I will never use and it's time for me to downsize a little bit!!

Aaron's at the World Series right now as I'm typing this. I'm watching on tv and I have to say that I'm almost a little jealous!! His brother caught a home run ball during batting practice and they were first in line to get into the stadium!! Aaron sent me a picture of him from his seat -- definitely nosebleed seats, but I am sure it is fun anyway!! Right now, they say it is 39 degrees in Denver . . maybe I'm glad I'm not there! ;)

My shower today was great!! I love a good theme party and it was all Dallas Cowboys!! Amy had a great idea to make a flower vase out of a football. They cut off one end and put some rocks in the bottom to help it stand up and they put flowers coming out of the top. It's too cute!! The whole thing was great. There weren't many people there, but I thought it was so much fun! We were able to sit around and talk about mommy inventions. Lots of things left to get for Jaxon, but that will be fun, too!!

Aaron's mom and sister took me to Sharky's tonight for dinner. It's been a few weeks since I've been in there and it was so good!! Aaron's mom wasn't all that impressed -- like mother, like son! We got it to go because my boys were with Joel and I was afraid they would come home, but her food got cold on the way home and it wasn't as good. I think she should give it another try at least!! ;) I sure enjoyed mine!!

I think that's all for my update of the weekend so far. Aaron's mom and sister are coming over after church tomorrow and the boys are going to paint some little piggy banks that Aaron's sister bought for them. Please pray for my boys! They are really missing their dad -- and I mean REALLY REALLY missing him!!

Dr. Appointment

Yesterday I went to the dr. for another ultrasound to see how big Jaxon is getting. I gained 6 pounds -- UGH! Anyway, Dr. A measured his head and the due date came up as October 27th!!! I thought it was a miscalculation, but Dr. A said, "Well, his head is larger than average." Great.

He measured his stomach and told me that that measurement would give us a good idea of how much he weighed right now. That measurement said he weighs 6 pounds 13 ounces -- RIGHT NOW!! I have 5 weeks left!! Dr. A said that since I'm tall, I'm more likely to have bigger babies. He is guessing that Jaxon will be between 8 1/2 pounds to 9 pounds!!

His leg measurements had due dates from November 2nd to November 17th. His heart was beating normal and it's definitely a boy -- no question about that!!

Now, I know women do it all the time. I know that Pam has done it every time and at home at that!! I don't know why, but the thought that Jaxon already weighs 6 lb 13 oz just flipped me out yesterday!! Dr. A said the ultrasound could be up to a pound off either way -- bigger or smaller and that Jaxon should gain between half a pound to a pound each week from here until the end. Payton was 8 lb 3 oz and Evan was 7 lb 11 oz induced 10 days early.

He was all bunched up, so we didn't get any pictures. He is head down and he has dropped, although he still feels like he's in my ribs. I'm not dilated at all, which was kind of nice to hear, but I sure wish these contractions I'm having were doing some good!!

Please Pray for Julian

This is a little boy I've "met" over the internet. He has the same cancer that my brother had. They thought it was in remission, but on Monday they found out that his cancer has returned. Of course there are several options for his parents. They meet with his head doctor on Thursday morning to discuss treatments. They are really leaning on God and believing, but I wanted to share this slide show to show this beautiful boy. Gosh! These pictures bring back memories of my own brother. WARNING: May cause tears to flow -- at least it did for me.






Makes the pinched nerve in my leg seem like nothing at all.

Yes, Jesus Loves Evan

Yesterday we went to look for some coats for the boys. They seemed to have a million and one coats last year, but they seem to have disappeared. Anyway, we found a Dallas Cowboys fleece pullover thing for Payton, but I didn't really want to spend $20 on that (although I know that's not a lot -- well, actually it is for a pullover).

Anyway, Evan kept telling me that he wanted a Chiefs coat. I kept wondering how we were going to find that in Texas without spending an arm and a leg for a coat he'll wear one year.

Anyway, last night Aaron told me to go to Goodwill this morning and see what I could find. We pulled in the parking lot and Evan asked why we were there. I told him we were looking for a coat and he said, "But remember, I want a CHIEFS coat."

We went in and were looking through the rack. I found a black and blue coat that was in good shape, but he wasn't having it. He wanted the CHIEFS. I went to the other side of the rack and look what I found:


He was so excited!! And it was only $3.24!! Yes, the sleeves are almost too short, but I just couldn't pass it up! He is SO proud of that thing!! I told him I had to wash it and he didn't want to take it off! I just kept laughing thinking that God cared whether Evan had that CHIEFS coat or not!!

The story behind the wall

I met this lady online on a scrapbooking board named Amanda. I was asking if anyone had some textured football paper. She did and through various e-mails, she asked me what I was going to do with it. I told her about my plans for Jaxon's room and the football field. She e-mailed back and said she had done a football field on her son's wall in the University of Alabama. I asked for help and she did that!! Her field looks AMAZING!!!

Anyway, we "talked" several times over e-mails about the room and how it was coming along. This week, she posted this post on the scrapbooking bulletin board:

First the not so good part: Friday I was told I probably had a brain tumor!

I was very scared. I am only 26 and have two children 3 and 1 year. This can't be happening to me.

So, today I went in for more testing.

We didn't tell but just my mom, my two BFFs, and my neighbor. Sunday in night church we had a missionary speak on how as Christians we say we believe in miracles but do we act like it? Do we believe that if we pray for someone they can be healed? At this point I was called out of service because Drew was crying in nursery. So when I came back in after the service was over Scott and my mom met me at the door to tell me I was healed.

Disclaimer: as a Christian I do believe in healing but I have always been weary of those preachers you see on t.v. that "heal" people on the spot. Now this guy dosen't speak to people before the service because he doesn't want to be accused of being a hoax. Someone who can talk to you, read your body language and then "heal" you. Please keep this in mind.

Back to the novel: So I thought they meant, yeah we got to believe I'm healed. Yadda, yadda, ya. But no. During the sermon he stopped and looked around the room. Then said there is a young mother here who has a brain tumor. She hasn't told many people but I am asking all of you to stop this service and pray with me that she will be healed. God has great and mighty things for her and she can't do them if she has this tumor. Although it is begining it still needs to be gone! So everyone, including my pastor whom we haven't told yet, is looking around trying to figure out who it is. They pray and go back to the sermon. At the end, he would call people out and say like sir in the yellow shirt, you have leukemia and you don't believe you will ever be healed from it. God just wants you to believe. Things like that. So I was the only one he didn't specifically call out, because I wasn't in there. After the sermon my mom told my pastor what was going on so they went and got me. As soon as I walked up to him he knew I was the one. He told me the same stuff he told everyone else and then a bunch of people gathered around and prayed for me.

Today, the doctor couldn't find the same stuff the first doctor did. They are redoing new bloodwork and I get another MRI Wed. But I know I was healed last night.

Please, do not think I am hookie or weird or anything. I don't go to a church where we play with snakes or anything. I go to a normal church where a wonderful Man of God came and REALLY did heal me through the grace of an everloving God.

I hope this doesn't offend anyone, but I wanted to share my news. I've heard of people saying they were healed but I've never actually "known" it to happen to someone I personally know or love. By the grace of God I will watch my children grow up. Thank you for reading this! I love you girls just like my own IRL BF (in real life best friends) and just wanted to share!

I am so excited for her. (The stuff in the parenthasis (sp?) is translation for the lingo we use on the board.) On this board, you do kind of develop relationships with women that you don't really know. There are a few on there that I talk to almost daily, but you never really know what they believe or much of anything else. Plus, it's a PUBLIC forum. She could have seriously taken some flack just for posting that!! But, the ladies on there really encouraged her -- testimonies about how they had been healed of something or how they knew of someone who had been healed. It was nice to see all these ladies who you "know" but you really "don't know" confess their beliefs and it just makes the board more neat, in my opinion. I was able to share with her the testimony of my brother and how God healed him from a brain tumor, too. The thread had been locked this morning because someone posted a comment about how could someone NOT believe in healing and another lady got offended, so the moderators locked the thread (nobody else can post on it).

The cool thing is that I can't help but think about her story every time I look at that football field. I think it has greater meaning for me than just another testimony. I'm not sure if healing will be "Jaxon's thing" or what it exactly means, but I cannot tell you how excited I am for this woman.

The coolest thing is that the same day or the next day, another lady posted this testimony:

Praise GOD!

Sorry if you don't believe, but my son is living proof of miracles and God's healing powers! We just got home from our 10 hour adventure to Childrens Hospital in Seattle to have Garretts follow up CT Scan and Neurosurgery appt.

PRAISE GOD! Our baby is healed!! No kidding, I was speechless when the neurologist said "I don't know how else to tell you this, but you don't need to come back here! Garrett's fluid levels are normal and his head is growing at a normal rate." I cried I was so happy...and of course secretly SHOUTING inside "Thank you LORD for your healing and answered prayers!!!"

This lady's son had excessive fluid on his brain and even had to wear one of those helmet things to keep his head from swelling. Again, ladies posted with encouragement and testimonies. I just love it!! Of course, one lady had to post, "I don't pray, but you will be in my thoughts today." Everyone else was just amazing with testimonies and excitement for this miracle.

Anyway, I just had to share how God is using a public scrapbooking forum to shine!!

The Curtains & My Toes!!

How's that for a title?!?!

Krissy came over today and we got the curtains hung up!! I LOVE THEM!! They really make the room!! So, here's a picture of those:


Then, in the last secret sister round, Candy gave me a gift certificate to Creative Nails for a pedicure. I've put it off and put it off because I'm really not fond of people touching my feet. But, I had until Saturday to get it done and decided to go today. Here's the picture:


Yes, they're blue. Guess I might have gone a little overboard on this whole Dallas Cowboys thing!! ;) Now, the big question is -- So, what did you think? I liked it, I guess. Probably not something I'll keep doing, but it would be nice every once in a while, I guess. I did like having all the dead skin scraped off of my feet. They look SOOOOOO much better!!! The girl that did mine was really sweet although she didn't say a whole lot. Her husband was doing the lady next to me and told me they were expecting their first child. It was funny to listen to all of them talk. I liked paying attention to all their toenails. I wonder if it's mandatory that they all wear sandals and show off their toes?

Anyway, it was a good day. I have a story I'll share later about the lady who helped me with the football wall. . . gotta run for today!

I just can't wait!!!

I just can't wait to show you guys the pictures!!! I'm so excited about this room and even though it's not quite finished, I just have to share!!

So, instead of trying to upload all of them to here, click on this link and you can see the slideshow from start to almost finished!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=fyhgbqj.cb6yyud3&x=0&y=7tu0eu

I am so pleased with this room!! Just a few more things to get done. The curtains are going up tomorrow and the ceiling fan . . . hopefully this week. Then it's time to move the furniture in and just the littlest details!!

WOW! I can't believe how close it's getting!!

It Is FINISHED!!!

Well, at least the paint is finished!! The nursery is done!! Now all that's left is to hang the curtains and the ceiling fan, move in the bed, and move the dresser from the closet. I am so excited!! I'm not quite ready to share pictures just yet. I actually have the star to attach and then my masterpiece will be complete!!!

Speaking of that star, it has been my biggest headache over the last few weeks -- trying to figure out how to do the star and the end zones. I found some print out stencils online that were perfect, so that was taken care of, but it was that silly star!! There was a Cowboys magnet at the mall that I thought was $6 and I thought I could trace it and then paint it in. But, when I went to pick it up, it was actually $13!! Not paying that for a large magnet that I have nothing to do with except put on my fridge after I'm done!!

Then, my genius friend, Krissy, said, 'Hey! What about those stars that you see at places like the prom where they hang them from the ceiling?' I went straight to Card & Party Factory and there were the stars -- in about 8 different colors and about 6 different sizes!! So, I bought a large blue star, a smaller white star, and an even smaller blue star. I stacked them on top of each other and it looks just like the Cowboys star!! And, I didn't have to paint anything!!!

Anyway, I am so very excited that it is complete. I'll be sharing pictures within the week. I just want to get the curtains hung first.

Also, here's a little something that Aaron found that I absolutely love and I thought I would share it with all of you!!!

www.grocerylistmaker.com

You HAVE to check it out!! You can check off the things you need and it prints out a list of just those things and it's all categorized!! And, if you need something that isn't on the list, you just add it yourself. I checked off everything and printed it out to hang on the fridge. I have a highlighter near by and when we run out of something, we just highlight whatever it is that we need. Today I went to Wal-Mart with my list and was checking out in 30 minutes!! Now, it wasn't monthly grocery shopping or anything, but I loved having my list all highlighted!! I think it just makes my life easier!!

I am determined!!

I wanted to title this blog "I am OBSESSED", but I think a better word is DETERMINED. I'm DETERMINED to get this nursery finished!!! I feel like I've been working on it forever. Although, it's only been a few weeks off and on, I guess just because I've had the whole thing in my head since July and how many times I've drawn it all out on my graph paper, it feels like it's been forever.

I can say that I think I know more about the Dallas Cowboys than I ever thought I would. I know their colors, what the field looks like, I even know a few players and their numbers. I only have one wall left in the nursery to finish and it's the football field. So, I've been checking out the Dallas Cowboys website and looking at the new stadium through the hole in the roof down onto the field. All the while, learning about the tradition of the open roof and the Dallas Cowboys. I've been trying to match the font of the field. I can't find the right stencils, but last night I realized that I have my scrapbooking die-cut machine (my Cricut (pronounced Cricket)) that can cut letters out and I can make the stencils. . . I just don't have the right cartridge.

Right at this point, Aaron would think that I'm nuts. He thinks I'm getting too detailed on this room. I just keep telling him that it will be AWESOME when it's finished. I already have a few kindergarten boys that are wanting to move in there!!

I did find a lady online who has done the whole football field thing on the wall. She did her son's room in the University of Alabama. Her wall looks AMAZING!! I just hope this wall looks half as good as hers when I'm finished!!

BUT, the reason that I'm able to focus so much on this room is because I'm learning to delegate. I am so thankful for that!! By delegating things out, I'm able to focus on the nursery. I'm able to focus on my house. I'm able to not be all stressed out about how many things I have to get done in a day or this week. And, in learning how to delegate, I am so thankful that I get to go to children's church on Sunday morning and I don't have to do a single thing -- just be there.

I'm even getting "the night off" tonight. I'm thinking about heading to the scrapbook store for a few hours of crop therapy. Gosh! Before, the only time I really had to do that was the last Sunday of the month. I don't know what I'm going to do really.

My goal for today is to:
* Finish taping off the yard lines in Jaxon's room and get them painted
* Get Payton & Evan's room picked up and organized again (aka throw a bunch of stuff away)
* Get my laundry all done

Then, maybe tonight I'll head to the scrapbook store for a little R & R and use her Cricut and the cartridge there.

Gosh! Maybe I should have delegated someone to finish Jaxon's room!! No, I'm too much of a control freak for that! ;)

P.S. Here's something neat that happened to Aaron last night. Ever since we got married, Aaron has wanted to go to the OU vs UT football game (aka The Red River Shootout). But, tickets have been expensive and hard to get. About a week ago, Aaron's cousin called and said he MIGHT have Aaron a ticket, but he had to make sure it wasn't taken already. Aaron got excited, but that started to fade after days of not hearing from Ryan. But, last night at 10:30 pm, Aaron's phone rang. His cousin has him a ticket on the 50 yard line on the first row on OU's side!! Aaron is so pumped!! He kept telling me it was an answer to prayer. I just laughed. He thinks I'm not excited about him going, but I really am. Yes, I have to take my kids to 3 birthday parties on Saturday -- two of which are at the same time, different places -- but I'm really excited for him. And, I'm excited that at least the boys and I have something to do on Saturday!! So, if you watch the game, rejoice with Aaron that he's there!!!

Brandi's Birthday Party

Here's the info:

Brandi's 30th Birthday Celebration

Friday, Sept. 28th

7:30 pm

Kelly N. (nursery Kelly)'s house

Other info: It is a SLUMBER PARTY, but staying the night is optional. If you can't stay the night, please come for the other stuff!! We'll be making pizza, so bring your favorite pizza topping -- we'll have the cheese, sauce, & crust. Call me if you need more info.

Happy Birthday, Brandi!!!

In honor of Brandi's 30th birthday, here's my list of 30 reasons why I love her. I know there are more than 30 and these are in no particular order, but it's a start!!!

1. She is so creative.
2. Her thoughtfulness surpasses all others.
3. She loves homemade gifts!!
4. She started a coffee group that I miss tremendously!!
5. Her personality is like no other!
6. She's been through some rough things, but they haven't changed the way she is -- she isn't bitter about it all.
7. I love her phone calls!
8. She has some of the most well-behaved children I've ever been around.
9. She has the patience of a saint!
10. She spends half of her day loving on nine kids in kindergarten!!
11. She likes to scrapbook!
12. She can wear those shoes she bought in Arlington and get away with it!
13. She loves & supports her husband.
14. She is such an encourager.
15. She loves to send people cards.
16. She is a friend to everyone.
17. She is a great listener.
18. She is a great gift giver.
19. As a life group leader, she took on the task of teaching the kids in her life group.
20. She loves to worship.
21. She is very relaxed and she doesn't have to have everything perfect.
22. She is the reason we are at KLF. (Well, her and Randy)
23. She is the reason Payton goes to Cornerstone.
24. The first time I met her, she had me with "Do you scrapbook?".
25. She invited me to mommy group.
26. She has 5 kids and they are not a burden to her.
27. I love the times where we've laughed about something so hard we can't breathe!
28. She is an amazing writer!
29. She hears from the Holy Spirit and she's obedient.
30. I just love her because she's Brandi -- and everything that means.

Brandi, I love you so much!! I hope that your birthday was amazingly special!! This list by far doesn't do you justice, but they are just a few things I love about you!!

For everyone else, we're having a SLUMBER PARTY on Friday night for Brandi's birthday. Of course, there will be a few twists that I'll tell you about later. But for now, mark it down and be there!!!

Brandi is THE WOMAN!!

I get a phone call on Thursday that says to be at Brandi's house at 7 pm on Friday night. That's all the information I got. Now, I don't like surprises, but I was trusting Brandi on this one!!

We got to Brandi's house at straight up 7 pm and when the door opened, I hear "New York, New York" playing on the CD player. I was so excited!! But, not near as excited or amazed as when I came into the living room and saw this:


And, I can say that I don't think the pictures even do it justice!! It's a HUGE mural of NYC and we all have our own stores!! It is complete with a Business Records Management building, Jaxon's Baby World, Evan's Pet Store, Rachel's Scrapbook Heaven, and Payton's Sporting Goods!! I'm trying to find a place in my house to really hang this thing! It was so awesome!!



I head to the kitchen and see this spread of food!! New York hot dogs!!


I love New York t-shirt cookies that Brandi made herself!!


An Empire State Building cake made by Donna herself!!


Songs about NYC playing in the background!! I was in heaven!! I was so surprised!! I loved EVERYTHING!!!

We ate dinner and then opened presents -- oh how I love presents!!

ERICA, STOP READING FOR A SECOND. JUST SCROLL DOWN:


I got an Andy Warhol bag that is black and white with purple flowers on it. On the handle, it says "My favorite smell is the first smell of spring in New York. . . " I love it!! It has a banana shaped coin purse inside of it! It is so cute!!! Thank you, Joel & Trish!!


OK, ERICA, YOU CAN START READING AGAIN:

I got a really cute card from Brandi. It was so cute!! On the envelope, it had Brandi's name with a big X over it and then it had my name. On the inside, was written a really cute note by Christy (Miles' nurse) and it was marked out with a note from Brandi on the other side. The P.S. said, "Look, it was either a handmade card OR a party! I went with the party!" I'm so glad she did!! It was awesome!!

I got a zebra wallet from Dustin & Krissy that I love!! On the inside of it was a gift card to Sharky's and a gift card to Lowes and some cash!!!! I love it! It has so many pockets and places for stuff!! And, it matches my purse that I have now and when I do "upgrade" to a zebra purse, it will match it, too!!

Then, Brandi tells Randy to go get the present. Randy comes around the corner with this zebra suitcase!! I said, "Oh my gosh!" outloud! I was so excited!! I had been in the store a few weeks ago with Aaron's mom and I saw it there. I stood there trying to justify the purchase, but I couldn't. And, there it was -- all mine from my amazing friend!!! Now it's even more special!! Brandi told me I could use it when I really do get to go to NYC!! I love it!!

Then, we all played a game of "Apples to Apples" (get it? NYC -- the big apple?) when in the middle, the doorbell rings. In walks Mia & 2 of her friends as "show girls". I don't even remember the song they danced to because we were all laughing so hard!! Oh, I think it was "All That Jazz". That was definitely one of those things you just had to be there to see. Describing it wouldn't do it justice -- at all!! Thank you, Mia!!!

Randy ended up winning Apples to Apples, but we kept playing. I think Cody won "second" -- or first loser as he put it.

I had Aaron take a few pictures of me with Brandi and Randy. I cannot believe how much work they put into that mural and the party itself!!

I'm telling you, I am so blessed to call Brandi my friend. Someone asked me yesterday how we ended up at KLF and when I was thinking back on it, I remember the first thing we ever went to was Brandi & Randy's life group at David & Candy's house. Jocie was a little baby. We just felt comfortable there. Then, at the end of the night, Brandi said, "Do you scrapbook?" Right then and there, she had my heart!! ;) Who knew at that moment, I had made a friend for life. For that, I am very thankful!!

So, here's to the bestest best friend in the whole wide world!!!
(Yes, I had to crop Randy out of this photo. In the picture of just me and Brandi, I blinked. And, don't pay attention to the rabbit ears!!)

ETA: Oh my goodness!! Thank you so much, Trish!! You ROCK!!! Your idea was the BEST!! Thank you for taking my feelings into account (that I hate surprises, etc.)!!!! You were instrumental in me having the best birthday party EVER!! Not to mention that bag!! I love it!! Thank you so much!! I could never thank you enough!!!

I am the most blessed person in the whole world!

I cannot tell you how amazing my birthday was and how amazing my friends are!! Here's how my day went yesterday:

* My birthday present from Aaron was a hair appointment. Weird, I know, but that's what I asked him for. But, I thought he would be able to watch Evan for me, but he had a big job, so he couldn't. I called down a list of people on Friday morning to see if they could watch him and I couldn't get anyone! But, PAM came to my rescue and agreed to watch him for me!! THANK YOU SO MUCH, PAM!! It was so much easier without him there for 3 hours!!

* I was supposed to meet Aaron at Sharky's for lunch, but my appointment took a little longer than planned. He called at 12:15 and I told him it would be another 20 or 30 minutes. He tells me that my college friends are there! I had no idea they were going to be there! I'm so disappointed, but they waited on me.

* I head to Sharky's and call Pam to tell her about my surprise lunch and she says to go and have fun! THANK YOU AGAIN, PAM!! We got our Sharky's burritos to go and headed to their house to enjoy some Donna Halliburton salsa -- the thing that started our friendship!! It was a blast! I love hanging out with them because they just love me. They don't look at me as an "old married woman", but they truly love hanging out with me. Not to mention, they gave me a $50 gift card to Hobby Lobby!!! WOW!! I love those girls!!

* I go pick up Evan and head home. Pam, I cannot thank you enough!!

* Aaron gets home and I know he's hiding a surprise in the garage. It's 2 more dining room chairs from Brenda, my sister, & Aaron's grandma!! THANK YOU, BRENDA!!! I really did need more chairs for as many people as we always have over here!! I was very excited to see them!!!

My party just deserves a post all of it's own!! Stay tuned for that one!!

Happy Birthday to ME!!

It's 5 am and I can't sleep . . . more like I can't breathe. Please pray for me today! These allergies are making my nights (and sometimes days) miserable! It would be awesome if God healed me on my 30th birthday from these things!!

Anyway,

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY
TO ME!!

Deep Conversations . . .

With Payton having the chicken pox these past few days (yes, you read right -- chicken pox), we've had an opportunity to have some interesting conversations. I just thought I would blog about a few of them.

I was painting Jaxon's room and Payton walked in. Here's how our conversation went:

P: Mom, what if a black person and a white person were in love?
R: Well, I think that's ok. They're just people, right?
P: Well, it would be weird.
R: I think it's only weird if you make it weird. I think it's just fine for a black person and a white person to love each other.
P: (just kind of shook his head yes and walked away)

It was just weird having that conversation!! Remember that staff meeting (for those of you at staff meetings) where we were talking about race? It was just weird to have that conversation with all of you and then have it with my six year old (six and a half if you ask him).

Then, today we were on our way into town and the boys both had suckers. Evan's stick was sticking out of his mouth and it looked like a cigarette. Payton told me about a boy on Ethan's football team who picked up a cigarette butt and put it in his mouth and tried to convince the coach that he was really smoking. So, here's how this conversation went:

P: Mom, have you ever smoked a cigarette?
R: Yes.
P: What was it like?
R: It was gross -- really gross. I took one breath and didn't like it.
P: What happened when you smoked it?
R: I started coughing and choking so I just put it out. I've never picked up another one.
P: How old were you?
R: I was 17.
P: Who were you with?
R: My friend.
P: What was her name?
R: Lori
P: How old was she?
R: Probably 18 or 19.
P: I only know one person in our family that smokes and it's Uncle (my brother). He also drinks beer. Mom, have you ever drank beer?
R: Yes, once.
P: What happened?
R: I was with my friend and she told me it would be good. I took one drink and almost spit it out. It was really gross.
P: Why do some people think beer tastes good and some people don't?
R: I'm not sure.
P: Who was your friend?
R: Lori.
P: The same girl?!?!
R: Yes. You know what I learned, Payton? I learned that just because my friends are doing something, it doesn't mean that I have to do it.
P: I know, Mom. Mom, how old is Lori now?
R: Probably 32 or 33. I haven't seen her in a while.
P: Does she still smoke and drink?
R: I'm not sure if she does or not.
P: I bet she does because once you start those things, it is hard to stop.
R: I bet you're right.

WOW! Who knew all of that was in my 6 year old?!?! I love how he's already thinking about things and I'm glad he felt like he could ask me those questions. I pray that those questions will continue and he'll keep asking me.

My Saturday in a Nutshell

* 2:00 am -- Got to go to bed after most of the girls were asleep at the camp out.

* 7:30 am -- Some girls were awake. Head to Clyde for the morning donut run.

* 8:15 am -- Make it back to the camp out after stopping by my house to pick up coffee creamer because some of the girls wanted coffee and Erica said ok (I secretly thought that was kind of cool). Start tearing down tents and getting girls stuff together. We still seemed to manage to lose a few pairs of shoes and I came home with someone's pillow.

* 10:00 am -- Head home after making sure Kelly's house was all clean and tidy.

* 11:30 am -- Head to Wal-Mart for children's church stuff

* 12:00 pm -- Aaron and the boys move the "swingset" from Arrowhead to our house -- Thanks, Kathy!

* 1 pm -- Make it back home. Search for Aaron's hammer. It's disappeared.

* 1:45 pm -- I realize that I bought two kids in children's church gift cards to Wal-Mart. . . their parents don't shop there!!

* 2 pm -- Lay down to take a nap because my allergies are acting up.

* 4:30 pm -- Wake up to see these pictures:


Good thing -- Aaron did have them both cleaned up by the time I woke up.

* 4:50 pm -- Evan gets tackled in a bed of fire ants. Payton comes running in the house and Evan's screaming. Aaron knocks all of them off of him and this is what was left:


(The blue is left over paint . . . not from the fire ants.)

* 5:00 pm -- Payton has a theory on the fire ants. He says, "Mom, you know how Jesus arose? I think what happens is that dad goes out and puts out the poison on the ant bed and he puts water on them because that's what you're suppose to do, but on the third day, they come back to life. It's kind of like they're just knocked out or something." Payton is proud that he was Evan's "hero" and got Aaron so quickly.

* 5:40 pm -- Evan's running around and most of the bites have disappeared.

* 6:15 pm -- Aaron leaves to go take Cole's trailer back and go turn on the a/c at the school for tomorrow morning. He then heads to Abilene for Bryan's party. I'm staying home with the kids because my head is all still plugged up and I feel like I can't breathe. Evan complains a little that his bites are hurting again.

* 6:35 pm -- Payton decides to teach Evan how to ride a big boy bike (without the training wheels)


* 6:37 pm -- They crash.


* 6:45 pm -- Sit down to blog about the day.

* Now heading to my scrapbook closet to try and finish Justus' calendar and another "secret surprise"!! ;) I'm secretly hoping to get Jaxon's room taped off so I can start painting this week!!

I'm DEFINITELY God's Favorite!!

Over the last few weeks, I've been trying to get a plan together for Jaxon's room. I had the idea, but I had to get it on paper. So, I made a list of everything I needed for his room to be complete. I decided that the first thing I wanted to do was paint and it would be the coolest Dallas Cowboys room ever!

So, yesterday I got my graph paper out and sketched it all out -- where the lines are going to be and how big they're going to be. It actually came together pretty quickly.

Now, here's where it gets awesome -- Trying to match the Dallas Cowboys colors. I've been to Lowe's 3 times trying to find paint chips that would match. For hours, I've thumbed through my paint book that Randy gave to me trying to make a match. When I went to take my laser level back, I was again looking at paint chips and I realized that all I needed to do was take a jersey in and have them match the color! DUH!!

But, the tricky color was the green for the "field". Today I went to Home Depot to find paint for the field. On my way there, I realized that it was just before 2 pm and I had to buy the paint and go to Wal-Mart before I had to pick the boys up at 3 pm. I was a little panicked, but I prayed and asked God to help me find the right color very quickly and help me make a decision on it -- something I'm not good about right now. I also prayed that there would be someone at the paint counter when I got there so I didn't have to waste time trying to find someone.

So, I walked in Home Depot and headed for the paint section when I see this Dallas Cowboys jersey up on the wall. I saw a huge poster next to it that said something about your "team colors". I went down to the Glidden paint chips and there was this pamphlet there with all the NFL, NHL, NBA, and college teams. They had already done the work for me!! There it was -- Dallas Navy, Dallas White, Dallas Silver, & Dallas Blue!! Hip Hip Hooray!!

But, today I was specifically looking for the green. I turn the page and there is a room with a football field on the wall. I took it to the lady (who was already at the counter) and told her I wanted that green and that white. We found the color and she mixed it up!! I walked out of Home Depot at 2:07 pm.

I cannot tell you how excited I was!! I made it to Wal-Mart and made it on time to pick up the boys, but if I had to stand there and find a color and make a decision, I either would have walked away (again) with no paint or not gone to Wal-Mart (which was a necessity trip -- we were out of TP) to get the boys on time. God totally had me taken care of!! Of course He did!!!! I'm his favorite!! ;)

Remembering 9/11

I didn't realize what day it was until I got in the car this morning and heard them talking on the radio. The question was: Where were you on 9/11?

My answer:
I was at home at 710 West Palm in Enid. Payton was a baby and he had slept in that morning. I got up around 9:30 and turned on the Today show. Both buildings had been hit. I wasn't sure what was going on. The news crews were quiet. Then, the first building fell. I thought maybe they were demolishing some building in NYC. Boy, was I wrong!

I was glued to the tv most of the day. . . listening to most of the theories on what was going on and who did it. I remember that Aaron came home from work for lunch and he said, "My guess is that Osama Bin Laden did it." I had no idea who that even was.

Gas prices went through the roof. I went to a friend's house that afternoon and there were lines everywhere of people trying to get gas. Gas prices were well over $3 a gallon (I can't remember the exact amount). People were kind of freaking out about it all. I guess it was kind of scary not sure what was going to happen. I was amazed at how many theories there were. All kinds of "formulas" to the reason it happened on 9/11 to the flight numbers.

I remember knowing that I was witnessing history. The thing that my kids would someday study in history class, I was witnessing it first hand. The thing that you would remember where you were and what you were doing when it happened. The thing that would change our nation and the way my kids grew up in it.

Update on Payton

First off, I want to say a HUGE thank you for everyone that has called to check on Payton and for those of you who have been praying for him. It has been over a week now and there aren't any signs of Mono!! YAY God!!! He hasn't had a fever in a few days and he has been playing football at school and hasn't been tired that I know of!! His nose running is part of allergies, I think, and although I believe God can heal that too, I'm just excited that we aren't having to deal with the mono!!

Strange Request

Anyone have a laser level? One of those level things that shoots out a laser so you know when things are level? I'm going to start painting Jaxon's room soon and I'm going to do a few horizontal stripes and I thought it would work perfect, but I don't want to spend the money on one if someone has one. If not, seems like I saw one at Target for $15 a while back.

UPDATE: The more I thought about it, the more I figured I would use a cool tool like that, so I just went and bought me one. So next time someone needs one, I have one! I also have a wallpaper stripper machine thing if anyone needs it sometime (at least I hope Erica still has it!).

UPDATE #2: Why didn't I think of Randy? I think I'll take mine back and let someone get it for me for Christmas. I know the perfect person for that!! ;)

I'm BACK . . . well, kind of

I'm back at a computer and anxious to blog about our weekend!! We had such a great time!! We got to Dallas before rush hour (very important to us). I got a phone call just blocks from my friend's house to tell me that she is engaged!! We missed seeing her by just a few minutes, but it was too crazy to turn around and try to find out where she was.

Anyway, we went to Joann's to look for some Dallas Cowboys fabric. They had some, but not what I wanted. So, we went down the little strip mall to a few stores. Then, I took Sally to IKEA and we walked around, but I don't think she was as impressed as I was!

Saturday morning, we got up and headed to Canton. We walked from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm without stopping. Let me tell you, by the end of the day, my legs didn't want to move!! We saw close to the whole thing this year. We thought we did that last year, but we found out that we were wrong last year!! I bought some wrapping paper and some tulle. I also bought a zebra print diaper bag. I also found the "ribbon guy" that was there last year, although I didn't buy as much ribbon this year. It was crowded, but not too bad. It was hot, but not scorching. We had a $5 corn dog for lunch with our $2 bottle of water!! My sister hit the jackpot on a few things, but most of the things there are more her style.

We hit the outlet mall on the way back to Dallas and I bought Jaxon a few outfits at Osh Kosh for $3.99 & Gap for $2.99. I was going to take Sally to Sam Moon, but it was already closed. We went to the scrapbook store, but I walked out without buying a single thing (I know, shocking!!). We went BACK to IKEA so my sister could get some blinds and I bought Jaxon a dresser. We ate dinner at Chili's, which tasted so good after our busy day. We totally ran out of money, so we decided to head back on Sunday.

This morning, we got up and Sally wanted to go to the Bass Pro Shop before we headed out of town. We decided that it would be a shorter drive for her if we just went to Wheeler and I could meet up with the guys and head home on Monday. We stopped at a junk store -- well, antique store -- on the way home and Sally was almost in heaven! Me, not so much. So, after 6 hours of being in the car, I'm in Wheeler with the boys. We decided that we will be going again next year and save up some money this time . . . well, we said that last year, too. Oh well! It was a blast!!!

Please pray for this: My hands and fingers are swollen. Even my toes are swollen. I know those are "normal pregnancy symptoms" but they are annoying. It hurts to bend my fingers. Even my watch isn't fitting right now.