I have HIT THE JACKPOT!

ON Energy! I have cleaned and cleaned today! My upstairs is almost organized. I went through my linen closet and got rid of some sheets and blankets that have holes in them. Some of them..like the boys comforters have been repaired and repaired. It is time though..those blankets are old though..I bought them probably 10 years ago. This year is the year I replace our worn out blankets and towels with new. Of course I am going to get a little at a time.

I scrubbed the kids bathroom and worked in their room. I even repaired a quilt of mine! When I left today to get Justin the down stairs was TRASHED..even though I got up and did a lot of cleaning this morning before the kids got up. Of course when ever I am upstairs for any length of time..its like a free for all down there. Well when I got home it was sparkling..Jason and Jacob put like 110% out there and I was impressed! They both have helped me so much today in getting things done. Right now in my room in an organized stack are toys that I am going to sort through and reorganize their toys and box up some things and rotate them. So I am doing that tomorrow and finishing the girls room. Mostly I will be downstairs though. I might even cook dinner tomorrow! I know I will be running to the grocery store!

Well going to bed..after I email my ever lovin' honey!

I am loving technology today!

Last night..as I lay in my bed with my lap top..NOT in the tub like some people I know..I got an email from Jim! So I email him back..and he emailed me right back..so i had a question..got the answer real fast! BOY what a difference this already as compared to last time!

I am still going to write him..as I am not good about writing period and I am trying to get better in that area..at least for Jim. (I would rather email or talk on the phone!)

All I talk about..

is being tired. I am surprised no one has said..GET SOME SLEEP WOMAN! Ok I will try not to post the fateful I am tired posts. Or at least not mention 50 times a day. I am so sick of reading about my whining..I have to check and see how bad my grammer and spelling is..didnt say I would correct it..but its nice to see how bad it is. HEY if you want nicely typed stuff you'd start paying me right?

I'm..oops..gosh it must be a habit!

Ok really I am going to bed because I'm soooo um.., um..pleasant. LOLOL NIGHT

I AM TIRED!

Wheew! I have had a long long long day. I tell you though..I have decided that we are selling our Jeep and buying an airplane. Jim will be sooo excited because I am the one dragging my feet about it..and he has been sooo good and not just ran out and bought one anyways. Well he can't now he is in Iraq..but I made up my mind he is getting one. I am not sure if I want to buy it for him! What if I get the wrong one..but I am going to ask around and find out from others who have planes. There was a LOT of reasoning before I even came to this decision..so its not like its a spur of the moment decision.

OH and I got an email from Jim. I am so happy about that!

Well..I am going to read for a bit then go to bed. I am sitting on my bed with my lap top being a slug..kids asleep..house is quiet! I am going to enjoy it while I can!

Yikes its Monday!

Well, I am tired today! I was up last night cleaning my bedroom..well putting stuff away. I still have a lot to do. Its a little hard because I am having to put away Jim's last bits of clothes that straggled in from the laundry. *sigh* Want to know the ONE thing that did cheer me up while I did this task? The fact that I will have his dresser top the way I want it and I can set some stuff up there. He would be gasping in shock if he saw it! OH and I get the whole bed. MAN that is nice. Well if it wasnt for all the kids in the bed. Actually Joshua slept in his bed last night so I only had baby Jojo. He is a mover in his sleep..so its funny to see where he ends up in the mornin..its usually as close to me as possible.

In a bit I am running Justin down to the airport for yet MORE flying. He is almost done with his "free" flying. Once he solo's Jim wants me to come up here and have him go through the instructor Jim had. Of course it will be on JUSTIN's Dime. Anyways, this morning he will be flying a cross country flight. When I first heard that term with Jim it panicked me. I was envisioning him flying to like New York or something, but all it means is a flight that is longer than like 50 miles? or something ..its morning and I can't remember exactly. Maybe its 200? We are hoping he has his private license by the time Jim comes home. Jim is so thrilled about that. Jason has the opportunity when he turns 15 to do this also, but Jim and i talked it over and we are probably going to wait till next year.

In other things :
My weightloss is at a stand still. I haven't been pigging out..seriously..but its not coming off..the last 3 weeks I am really at a standstill. I know I need to add exercise but really I am having trouble adding it in. I do so much better when I go to the gym ..plus they have more equipment. During the day its so hard and it seems every day I have something that drags me away from home. I know the best way would be if I get up early and go..but I cant seem to do that because I am up too late. I know I sound like such a whiner.

Well so much for my plans for Monday. My friend Tami was supposed to call me this mornin..like 6am her time..which would be 4 am my time. BUT SHE DIDN'T! such a slacker..(I am hoping she reads this). Its probably a good thing cause I wouldnt have heard the phone! I had forgotten to bring it upstairs. I did set my alarm and slept through it um..2 hours! I think I am going to blame Jim for that! HA HA he isnt even here and getting blamed for stuff! He is going to read my blog though..so he will totally see this. I have learned to "tune out" the alarm clock because Jim likes to hit snooze for um like 4 hours. I mean who can sleep 2 hours with the alarm clock going. Jojo didnt even wake up..we must be totally used to that thing. So I am going to buy a new one. One that rings like a phone! I wake up to the phone. I LIKE the PHONE. I hate alarm clocks. If I could proram my phone to call me I totally would never have a problem waking up.

Well I have the stinkiest baby needing attention here. You should see how he climbs into my lap and onto my lap top. Right now he is being so big and climbing up on the couch. He looked into my coffee cup..(just checking) and then grabbed the phone and is hiding it behind the pillows. HE IS BEING SOOO NAUGHTY! He laughs his head off when I say that to him...You'd have to hear me say it.

Well I better get dressed and put my contacts in..you know..if you walk around with out them..the house looks pretty clean!

My 1st Saturday with out Jim

Ok forgive my pining away for my hubby. I seriously am not a basket case. I stayed up way to late last night. Jim would have been so mad at me! LOL I love to stay up late in a quiet house!

My kids right now are working their tails off on their school work. I was lining up their work for the week..figuring out how many pages they were going to be doing each day this week in each subject. Well 3 of my children are doing pretty well considering that we have had a rather chaotic last 6 weeks. BUT ONE of them was not doing their work in 2 subjects. I REALIZE that is partially my fault. Anyways, They are all working on their books and correcting their work. I have their goals set for next week and we are going to be productive. In a few minutes I am heading out to pick up Justin and then everyone will be having baths and going to bed.

I am going to go to bed early too. Well we will see.

Jim called me tonight!!!!

He said they had several stop overs and he is now in Kuwait. Not sure when they will be heading out to Iraq so that is good news. Lots of waiting he said. Of course he wanted me to send him stuff. I told him about his coffee maker on the way. I am hoping he likes it! He called me collect so we will see how much that will be in a month or two! So if you see us NOT eating..you will know why! I am only kidding about that..( I HOPE ANYWAY!)

Of course I could smack him. I not only said several times..Why dont we get you one an international phone card so you can call and not stress about it? Of course HE didnt need one of those...so I didnt get him one. And I was sooo good I didnt even mention that fact to him while talking to him! But you can guess what he is going to open in the mail in a week or two's time! I sure do love him and it was good hearing his voice!

Anyways..I thought he had already arrived in Iraq..but I guess I didnt realize that they make LOTS of stops. :) Plus I really wasn't told the whole itenerary..and for some reason this deployment the general didn't consult with me like last time for you that don't know me..I AM JUST KIDDING!

So he is in Kuwait awaiting the trip to Iraq. Of course when and where is not available yet..you will know like the rest of us..AFTER ;)

We rented Manor House from Netflix

And I must say I am disappointed in this series. It seems like a neat series and I was very interested in watching it. They take people from our time period and place them in a home to live as if they were in that time period. I was hoping to watch something educational with my children so we can get a glimpse of what it was like in those ages..but if this series is any indication of what is to come..I will not watch the others.

I guess because they are not "rated" they can fill them full of trash. So far we have seen men naked and learned that young men of this time are just vile filthy mouthed seducers. Ok I am not surprised at this at all, I just had higher hopes about this series.

I wouldn't recommend this at all.

It's after Midnight here

and jim should have landed in Iraq by now.

I have survived our first day with out him. I know it wont really hit me till its been a month. OF COURSE the kids gave me a run for my money today. And it was a church night tonight. I almost didnt go because I didnt want to get up and fix my hair and change out of pj's LOL ok i wasnt in a night gown..but I was in a sloppy shirt..so its almost as bad.

I didnt do any laundry..or clean anything...but I did have the kids do schoolwork.

The only reason I am still up now..is..I had bought curtian rods on amazon.(I needed curtains for my living room) and they only had one rod in stock when I ordered the other day..well I saw last night they had 1 in stock at 1am.and it was sold out by this morning.( who in the world stays up till 1 am shopping???) So I waited and kept checking today and LO and BeHOLD there was 1 in stock at MIDNIGHT tonight! So I bought it! I am excited I don't usually put up curtains but i want to get rid of my mini blinds...till we move out.

YES some people eat chocolate or stuff when they are sad..I SHOP. Jim wanted me to send him his coffee pot ..but he tried to pack it in his seabag and the carafe broke..so I said I would get a new one..till I realized I was going to spend over 20 in gas driving to yucca valley to get a carafe.(if they even have this kind) .it would be cheaper to just get a new coffee maker right. So I bought one of those hamilton beach ones that dont even need a carafe..(less to get broken). I know i spent a little more than I would have..but he will love it and they are shipping directly to him so I dont have to pack it up and DRIVE to the post office to stand in line for an hour.

Anyways, I am doing really well (surprisingly) this time around. WAY better than when Jim went last time. Last time I had just had a misscarriage and I know I was a little off the whole time he was gone. I ended up going to my parents house for the last 6 weeks. I know that helped me a lot but still it wasnt till I got pregnant with Joseph that I actually went back to normal. I think now that there was something off balance with me back then. I am just glad pregnancy fixed it! WIERD! I feel pretty strong this time..I know its the Lord! I can't lay claim to anything in that department...but I know He has given me strength. One thing I have been praying about every night is that I stay on top of things and keep order in my home. I know it would be sooo easy to just slack off and go with the flow..but I know that would just make things worse. I now my hardest time will be when I hit the one month mark. LIke I said to someone today.its like when you have a baby. The first 2 weeks or so you feel great! You have energy..(cause your not lugging a baby around) and so you do stuff! Clean, bake, organize! (At least I do..cause I can MOVE again with out pain) The problem is..you feel so good that you over do it and around the one month mark you get tired and worn out and need to rest but NO ONE understands whats wrong with you because you were fine after that baby was born. So I am thinking that is how this is going to hit me. I figure the shock will wear off by then.

Anyways, if you can pray for Joshua. He thinks we left Daddy at the West Gym, because we didnt stay till the buses left. So he is quite upset with me that we LEFT him there. And wants me to go get his Daddy. If we ever have to do it again..we would watch the buses leave. But we are telling him every time..Daddy is in Iraq. I am going to get a world map and hopefully he will get the connection.


Well I better get. I know this is long and rambly and may have horrible misspellings and grammar..but its after Midnight..what do you expect? Tomorrow I invited a friend and her 4 boys over for lunch. I think that is the key..keeping busy..so I plan to get to know her better and maybe the time will go by FAST!

And The Unwanted Day Is Here

Jim leaves in about 7 hours. We have to be at the pick up point at 9am..which is in 4. The bus doesn't roll out of here till noon. I don't know if I am going to wait till the bus leaves. We may just drop him off and go home. I guess that will depend on how upset the kids (and Mom) are. I couldnt really sleep last night so I have been up since 3am. I just can't believe that today is actually here. I am not ready for it.

I am actually sitting here kind of numb. Wanting to say something but not knowing what to say. Just wishing we didn't have to do this.

What my face says?

What Your Face Says

At first glance, people see you as warm and well-balanced. Overall, your true self is moody and dynamic. With friends, you seem logical, detached, and a bit manipulative. In love, you seem mysterious and interesting. In stressful situations, you seem selfish and moody.

What Do People Think Of Your Face?

WOW manipulative..scary. of course where is the option about BIG NOSE?? I mean..that should help me some..right? not so manipulative looking cause of my big nose??? OH well. We can't win them all. I am just glad we don't have one that says..what your rear end says about you..I would be in big trouble!

Just 2 Days Left

Jim Leaves Wednesday at 9:30 am. We have had a nice weekend for the most part. This morning our church had a potluck for us. It just doesnt get any easier that is for sure. We spent the trip home discussing our plans for Wednesday..not sure how we are going to do it. If we should go there and hang out till they leave or should we say goodbye at home. I don't know, its hard I cant even think about.

Well I better get. Hope your having a great Sunday!

Here They Are!

Here they are! Now don't mind the cat or the violins or the suitcases in the corner! Those tables are the ones I have had for YEARS..and after seeing how little space I have I think I am going to go with the C tables. Well in March. ;) And you can see my horse picture on the wall. I love that picture! So what do you think?

I'm Awake!

I know its 8am here and Jim woke me up when he came home and so lovingly made me coffee. I feel like such a slacker! But I was up till 1am. And I am tired! And here I sit on my new furniture blogging to you! LIFE FROM THE COUCH should be the name of my blog! ha ha!

Tara..Heathers cat Snowbell, is so happy about the new furniture. Jim and I were laughing about her this morning because she was acting like.." I am so excited you bought this for me??" Tiger..(Heather cat Snowball) walked on the couch but was pretty much not impressed..I think he said something about it not being his color?
Kitty Witty and Casey..well they are just happy to have a place to sit!

The reason I am sooo tired this morning is Dawn's fault. I am so kidding..well kind of. We baby sat her girls so they could drive and buy a NEW CAR! (Game Show Announcer Voice) And after a mishap and you know car salesman..and the 2 hour drive one way there..they came home. I know they feel horrible about it but they girls had a good time..other than one upset because my girls toys are removed from their room right now..( not gone..just put away till they can keep their the clothes off the floor. So frustrating!

BUT we found out that someone is selling a house off base here. A BIG house 4 bedrooms but they have a rec. room that is really big. AND its on 4 acres. If you can pray about this with us. We realy would like to move and something with land would be so nice! It sounds so much bigger than this house and we are praying its not too expensive. He was going to rent it really cheap..so please pray for God's will in this. Well I better get!

I now have to find homes for all my stuff (read JUNK) that was displaced. JoJo's dresser was in our living room but its now in the kitchen. Until I pull those bunkbeds off layaway it will probably stay there.

Jim is sooo sweet and such a good man, he is pulling some motorcycles out of the garage and storing them at one of his friends house until he gets back. SO I can store a few things in the garage!

Well I better get..I have to enjoy my furniture! YES I am a nut!

In My Living Room

I have a couch and a loveseat! They came! Well sort of! They just got a shipment in today! So I don't have to wait for my order! I will get pictures tomorrow when there are not a zillion people sitting on them!

And Jessica isnt sick..she was fine today so looks like I was spared for the time being!

BUT I HAVE MY FURNITURE!

And Jim got to sit on them before he left! I am very happy about that!

Well Gotta get!

BUNKBEDS!

YES I am going crazy spending money. Of course JIM knows and approves. I put TWO of these on layaway today. I still need to get mattresses for them but by the time I pull them off layaway I will have those too. We really need the beds though and these will last us. In my boys room right now they have 3 dressers and one really old bunkbed set that is really not very safe. I wanted to get them something sturdy (4 boys in there you know) and with the built in dressers its almost perfect. Although the dressers are a little small but it will work.

The girls will in herit 2 of the dressers that are now in the boys room. The dresser they have now is really old and needs to be thrown out. Its fallng apart. I can't wait to have more space in that room. I really would like to get the girls a nice bedroom set but they will just have to make do for now.

Jim's Dad Will Be Here TODAY

Here I sit..still in my nightgown..thinking..yep..I should get up and clean house! HA HA! To be honest I didnt really want company these last few weeks of Jim being here. I wanted to keep Jim to myself. I figure if anyone really wanted to come out they would have before now right? But that is just my selfishness. I don't really want to entertain. I want to spend time with Jim and just do things as a family. BUT you don't want to say no either.

Jim leaves officially on the 22nd. I'm am trying not to think about it actually. Hmmm..as I was typing this..Jessica just threw up! OH GREAT! Jason had the fever the other day but didn't throw up. I can just see Jim's last week here and I have a house full of sick kids! BY HONEY HAVE FUN UM HOLD on..Gotta get the bucket for Jacob. YEAH I am looking forward to that. And It will happen. EVERY single time Jim leaves for ANY length of time..I have kids sick with the stomach flu. Its almost scary. Usually it happens the VERY NEXT DAY.

Well, I better get. I need to clean bathrooms and the linen closet upstairs and I guess figure something out for dinner.

New Furniture On Order

Ok I ordered my couch and love seat. I don't know how long it will take to get here. It's BLUE. I am so weird! Anyways, this one in the picture is close..but not exactly, the one I am getting is a little lighter or so.

Mine has the same 2 cushion seat, but the back is 3 cushions..(or 2 i cant quite remember ) But still the loose style. And It does have the throw pillows. This color is pretty close. The arms are a little lower and do not angle in. Right now I am in a toss up with the tables. I think the mission/shaker style table (B) would look really good with it..but..I think I need the storage that the C and D have. the bottom picture is a little more what the blue looks like but I don't think it was that light. And again..the arms are different. BUT close very close.



I found another table set. I love the trunk but don't really like the end tables. I think its the caster thing? Or I wish they had repeated the waffle theme? Tell me what you think of these.

ONE more table

I just wanted you to see "c" in a different color. Although I like the idea of not dusting a bottom shelf..the shelf on the bottom doesnt bug me because...I would have to vaccume under it all the time and I hate having to move my tables all the time to vaccume. So...I do like this..what do you think about this lighter color?

People's spossed to say yes, Mom

That is what Joshua is telling me. That they can't say no they need to say yes. Why is he lecturing me on this? Because I told him NO to one of Daddy's candy bars. He just came in here asking where is my step stool? And he goes..It's gone..and its supposed to be in the house. I wonder just exactly why he wants the step stool? I love the reasoning of a 4 year old. SOO cute! In his little Joshua voice.
On Sunday in church he learned that a commandment is a rule. To hear Joshua say it will make your day. A manment is a wuuul. So cute. I love it when he talks! I will be so sad when I run out of 3 and 4 year olds..I'll have to go borrowing some that is for sure.

Which one looks like me?

A














B













C













D
Ok So what do you think? A, B, C or D. Or NONE? I am thinking the last 2 would be nice because it would get rid of baby toys on the floor. And when they out grow baby toys I could store something else in it? They do have this in lighter oak wood..which I do prefer..or once did..but Jim likes dark wood...ALTHOUGH he has said HE doesn't care. I told him fine then you will end up with what I want so I hope you can handle that. So tell me what you think?

Driving to Palm Springs

Justin flew yesterday. I went with out any children. It was quite strange actually but nice. I have decided that In-N-Out burger is disgusting. I swear the meat is mixed with liver..which I like..not in a hamburger though. Justin told me that is his favorite place to eat. YUCKY. I know it is cheap cheap cheap. Like $1.60 a burger. But FINALLY I have tried this fast food place.

It seems no matter how soon I plan to come home from down the hill it takes me all day. I had to run here..Justin wanted new pants so we ran back to target, then Jim wanted me to see if they had a certain brand of violin strings so I went to the music store..then ON the way home and passing Walmart in Yucca I remembered the boys needed some art supplies for their art books they are doing together. SO I stopped there and said to Justin..don't let me look around at anything..Of course I see stuff then I just said..Lets get out of here..and we bought our stuff and then left. I didnt get home till VERY late but..I covered a lot of errands.

Today, I am taking Justin to work then heading over to the homestore to look at couches..( they have a sale going on today. Then coming home to work on the house. I didnt get my monday cleaning done yesterday and when I did come home I was worn out and I almost fell asleep rocking Jojo in my recliner. Of course when I came home I had to spend an hour holding Joshua and Joseph..spoiled little guys. (I love being missed) And the kids had Top Ramen for dinner. I KNOW I KNOW! They somehow survived and now they are up trashing the house.

Well I better get..Justin has to be to work in an hour and we still have to go over his school work.

Have a good day!

I Didn't Want To Be Busy Today

BUT I AM! I planned on sitting on my fanny all day and doing nothing but..well I ended up doing all the laundry..ok I have one load left and 3 blankets..( thanks to kids cleaning their rooms yesterday!)

My floor got mopped, I moved some stuff around in my laundry room. Just some stuff. I praticed my flute with Jim on the violin . AND I have sat here and watched Season 5 of the TV series 24. We downloaded the first 6 episodes off the internent! I feel so cool doing that! HA HA! I don't even know when it airs normally but we are almost caught up with everyone else.

I am pretty excited because I was going to get cable just for this dumb season and now I don't have to. (commercial free btw too).

Of course I have to get some clothes ready for the kids for tomorrow..and then I am heading to bed. What have you done today?

Barbie Movies

Ok Jim and I are not to big on Barbie for our girls. We have a lot of reasons that really don't involve the self image part of it but that is besides the point of this post. I have to tell you this..much to my older boys chagrin, my boys LIKE watching the Barbie Movies. When I say..do you boys really need to be watching this they say..Mom their good..have you ever seen them. So then I must confess NO I haven't I am not really into cartoons. Well this morning, Jim is sitting here watching Barbie Nutcracker. And I say to him..oh how sweet you and your boys have something in common. His reply.."This is a really good movie Jamie you should watch it!"

I am sure it is. I think I would rather enjoy teasing them about their Barbie Movie Addiction. So..if your thinking of sending movies for their Birthday..THINK BARBIE

I so hope Jim doesnt read this because I am so in trouble now!

Back To Normal

Well we hope. Joseph is doing so much better today. he is smiling and eating and drinking and running around. Yesterday he was pretty much doing all of that too but today HE REALLY is doing all of that! Now we have to fatten that boy up. (He lost a little weight while he was sick) So that baby gets pudding, and every time he gets milk its one of those carnation breakfast drinks. We don't want him too sugared up but he does need the extra calories.

Of the two fridge puddings out there..Jello and Swiss Miss..(Hey thats the brands they have at the commissary) SWISS MISS is by far the one with the MOST calories. The containers are about the same but Jello pudding is 110-120 calories per dinky cup..and Swiss Miss is 150 or MORE per cup. So guess which brand Jojo is eating? (mental note..no swiss miss while dieting..ok like I really would be eating that anyways!)

Anyways, I think life is back to normal..well till Monday and then its back to driving insanity!

More Diaper Reviews-- MOTHEREASE

I use and love Motherease One Size Diapers. I tell you those are a workhorse diaper. Those diapers have been through 6 children. YES some are getting a little thread bare..but they still work. And they really do what they say they will do..work from birth- 35 pounds. With the snap in liner they are very absorbant. They are not very trim though. Your baby will have a fairly large bum. (But it is sooo cute )

They are more expensive than prefolds..that is for sure..but around 11.00 a diaper (when you add in the insert. When I used them exclusively I wound up with about 36 diapers which was perfect. With me having several in diapers at the same time these were a great choice.

Recently they have come out with a stay dry daiper..which does work well. ( I have the stay dry liners) And they also have all organic cotton diapers. Motherease also sells a Sandy's diaper that just looks absolutely comfortable. They also sell one of my favorite diaper covers ever. For covers and the Sandy's Diapers you must buy for their size as they grow. You will want to use a cover with all diapers unless they are an all in one or a pocket diaper. (Those have the covers built in.) Although I personally like my kids to go coverless. Or you can use wool or fleece pants, shorts and covers instead depending on the season.

Public Behavior--People Remember

I got a phone call yesterday from a music store in Palm Desert. I was waiting on 2 books to come in that they ordered for me. When the man called I told him that I would pick them up on Monday, but I also wanted to return 2 violin shoulder rests. They are not what Jim wanted. Anyways, I said do you remember me when I bought them. and his reply " Well its not very often that we have a large amount of kids that are well behaved come in our store. Usually they aren't, so yes I remember you." I am just thankful they were good that day! OF course I was kind of flipping out in my mind because you don't want them to touch or get in trouble. But they did well. Anyways, I thought that was nice that he said that..he might just be buttering me up so I buy more??? hmm.

Its a Beautiful Day!

Its so sunny, the air is crisp and its sunny and bright today. A great day to have nothing to do..although I do! Jojo is finally feeling a bit better. he is outside with Jacob walking around in the sun. I am hoping he will have a better appetite since he lost weight through his illness. I am heading to the commissary in a minute to get more milk and some Carnation Breakfast shakes. Something anything to fatten that little guy up.

My house isnt too bad..but not too good. I just had too much going this week to really do a good job. plus I have been pretty tired lately. I just hope I am not getting sick myself. Although I am feeling good otherwise..just tired..but I think all Moms are that way anyways.


I am still here but taking some time off from the craziness.

A witness in school?

I stumbled upon this blog today and I found an interesting article that argues the idea of children being a witness in a public school. I agreed with this article wholeheartedly. It is ONE reason we homeschool our children. Years ago I was confronted with push to put my kids in public school to be a witness. People can really make you feel like you are too sheltering, too controlling or worse not allowing them to witness for Jesus. But the truth is, and my great deep thought analogy..is how can the branches be stronger than the tree? They can't! Until my children are on their own..they are branches given to me to mold and tend to. Someday they will be a tree and they will have to stand up for their beliefs. BUT to expect children in a public school setting to stand for whats right? I wont go around trying to pretend I have "SUPER Christians" for children we all want to fit in and be liked. . children that stand on their own unashamedly. No..like most people they tend to want to blend in with their surroundings. Maybe not to the extreeme of what is going on..but I think of me in situations. I know for me..sometimes I wont say anything to people. I prejudge their responses or I am afraid of what they will say or think? I know I am supposed to be better than that but I am not.
The saying: "Good apples don't make the rotten apples good, but the good apples rotten." is very true. I am sure you can think of kids in school who would goof off in class and act up and everyone would laugh. How most of the popular kids in school were also the meanest? Everyone wants to be liked and accepted. EVEN as grown up adults. How much more would a child want that?

As a Christian I have a hard enough time witnessing and standing up for the Lord, how much more harder I would think it would be for a child to do the same.

Like a storm that breaks off the weak and the strong branches at the same time I don't want my children to face the storms until their faith in God is firm. How easily it is for children to be tossed to and fro, for their ideals to be changed and manipulated by the wolves of the world. I am NOT sorry to keep my children home away from all of that. I don't care if I am sheltering them. SOME DAY they will be out in the world on their own and will have plenty of years (LORD WILLING) to rage their faith against the storms of this world.

Ok I didn't really mean to ramble on. I guess I have sort of knack for that! HA

You Know Your Tired When

You know your tired when you put your coffee filter and grounds in the maker with out the actual basket to hold them.

When you fall asleep watching TV.

When you almost fall asleep taking a shower. (YES it can happen)

When you wore your shirt inside out all day and no one said a word.

When you put the milk in the cupboard and the cereal in the fridge.

When you microwave your coffee and forget its in there.

When you can drink 4 cups of coffee in rapid succession and still take a nap 30 minutes later.

When you've only been up an hour and your thinking of how soon you can take a nap.

Were HOME!

We left this morning for Jojo's appointment. NOT sure or remembering how long it takes to get there, I left about a 1/2 an hour too early. Our appointment was at 10:30, and we got there just before 10am. As I was taking Joseph out of his car seat and grabbing his bag.I came around the jeep to grab my keys, my purse was by the diaper bag so I already had that. As I rounded the back of the Jeep..Jacob came around and said Hey Mom I locked the Jeep. I almost started crying. MY KEYS were in the Jeep. I kept looking through my bags but when I looked in the window..there they were. On the floor.

I was so sick but we went to our appointment..well after I called Jim and flipped out a little. Anyways after waiting an hour to even get into the "little room" we waited probably another 10-15 minutes for the doctor to come in and say he would do the surgery. ( Less than 10 minutes in the room. ) The only bad thing is..surgery wont be till June. Right before the Doctor left I mentioned that my keys were locked in my car and he goes..oh just call security they will take care of that. So they got me the # even dialed the phone..and when I got to the car they pulled up and opened my car! I was soo happy! I didnt really want to walk home

Anyways, Joseph is doing a lot better..no fever today..and no more throwing up..he has been drinking and even ate a few small bites of food. He is still clingy and tired but I think he is on the mend. So far no one else has had this? Or we already had it a month or so ago.

Anyways,

ONE thing I did on the way home though was I stopped at Calvary, our old church. I sure miss it. :( But Joshua had left his Finding Nemo Jacketthere a while back. Its part of a 3 piece set and I was praying and hoping it was still there but just never had a chance to check. Anyways, IT WAS THERE! Joshua was sooo excited when I brought it home. He has already put it on and worn it to show the neighbors.

God has been so good to us today! HE kept us safe there and back and EVEN got me into my car for FREE! And now I am going to go cook dinner and just chill the rest of the night.

What Kind of Donut are you?

You Are a Boston Creme Donut

You have a tough exterior. No one wants to mess with you.But on the inside, you're a total pushover and completely soft.You're a traditionalist, and you don't change easily.You're likely to eat the same doughnut every morning, and pout if it's sold out.

What Kind of Donut Are You?

Cloth Diapers

As some of you know I am using cloth. After YEARS of using cloth, I stopped around the time Joshua was 6 months old. I don't remember my reasons why..but I must of had a good one. Well with Joseph..after battling diaper rash after rash after rash I went back to cloth diapers. I still LOVE IT! How in the world can you love cloth diapers? I don't know..I just do.

Anyways, With all the rest of the kids, I didnt venture out and try diapers. I had a friend that used Motherease One size snap diapers..and because they were snaps and so easy to use..I just stuck with them. Well this time I had a partner in crime who unbeknownst to each other we were had made the decision to cloth diaper and when we told each other we kind of laughed because we were both going to! This time around I tried out diapers..and I am so glad I did. Well maybe??
Anyways, I thought I would do my own personal review of diapers for anyone who is interested or happens by. I will do a few diapers and you can read or skip if you want.

First I will tell you what I wont use.
ANYTHING VELCRO
1. It is scratchy and I dont want that on my sugar babies.
2. It will cling and ruin other diapers. (trust me on this.)
3. It makes a HUGE velcro ball in the dryer..even if you think you closed them all.

PREFOLDS
1. I don't do pins
2. I don't do pins
3. I don't do the t-strap thingy either.

Prefolds however are the cheapest way to go..if you get really good quality prefolds..the junk from the store is NOT worth the money. If you do want to go the prefold route buy diaper service quality. You can find them under chinese prefolds..unbleached or bleached..even indian prefolds. Do a little research..just don't buy from walmart .and nothing with polyfill..you want absorbancy..so get cotton or hemp or what ever.

Ok NOW to what I love. I LOVE FUZZI BUNZ diapers. My favorite place to buy them is Cotton Babies (because they include the inserts). They come in a variety of colors and have an awesome resale value. They are a little expensive..but with the insert they are very competitive. They are called pocket diapers. The reason is..they have 2 different materials put together to form a pocket for inserts. Waterproof PUL outside and fleece inside. They are super soft. PLUS the fleece insides keeps moisture away from their skin so FEWER rashes.
You stuff them and put them on and go. They are hard to stain! (Jojo keeps trying!) And with the inserts pulled out..they are a snap to wash. I wash the covers seperately from the inserts and they dry super fast. If you get Cotton Babies inserts ( remember FREE with pocket) they are microfiber which is a great material. Super absorbent but has natural antibacterial properties..so properly washed they are a super diaper.
I love them. If I had the money I would get rid of all my other diapers and buy all Fuzzi Bunz diapers.

Still sick

His fever is coming down(FINALLY) but he is still throwing up . HE is keeping some things down and he is more eager to drink fluids today. Yesterday he wasn not interested in liquids at all although every 10-15 minutes I would force him to take a sip. The ER doc said he was wll hydrated so I must be doing something right. He did keep everything down from about 9pm till this morning. I am feeling pretty tired myself right now.

And somehow I have managed to get those kids doing schoolwork and I have kept up with the house. Its not perfect but not bad either. Anyways, I am going to go take a nap..I will try to update if anything changes.

Jojo went to the ER

Ok I dont know why I do this..but I took Jojo in.. MOSTLY because I was thinking he was going to need an IV and because his temp was still 103 on tylenol. I am so tired now but we are home. NO IV and they told me to give him motrin. I am a little leary of it..so I am going to have to get past that worry. And that little guy wasnt keeping anything down all day and for once I am so thankful that he had doctor visititis.. Because they gave him a popsicle and he woofed that puppy down. I am going in the morning and getting some at the commissary but I made a few pedialyte pops in a cup for in the morning. (ok they have some 7 up in them) The doctor said to switch to gatorade because it isnt as salty. He said the only thing bad about gatorade is because it has so much sugar it can be too heavy for their tummies but it tastes better. I am worn out and heading to bed.

VIOLA

Guess who got a viola??

Why JIM of course! He was sooo excited the other day and forced me to take all these pictures. So here is the photo play by play.

TA DA! YEAH he has a viola! And he has already started playing it!

I am losing weight!

I started up dieting again. I am pretty much doing an exchange diet. This is what I am doing pretty much every day. Breakfast 1 egg, 1 slice toast, and 1/2 apple. For lunch and Dinner I am doing all packaged conveince foods like healthy choice, lean cuisine. I just usually add 2 servings of veggies to it and its perfect. I also am doing snacks like 1/2 banana or raw carrots. So far I have lost 7 pounds in 2 weeks. And I am not starving or dying!

I am also drinking tons of water .

Here are my mini goals and rewards I am using as an incentive to lose!

10 pound loss Hair Clips I DID IT! 3/6/06
20 pound loss New Earrings
30 pound loss Necklace/bracelet
40 pound loss New OUTFIT (might need more than one! )
50 pound loss PEDICURE
60 pound loss Haircut and Highlights
70 pound loss Jim should be back from Iraq..so I am thinking of going here with him.
80 Pound loss * still thinking*
90 pound loss..my goal weight * still thinking*

I know when you look at the last amount its a little daunting, but I have already made it through 2 weeks and I am already doing so well.

Practice Makes Perfect

My boys are all learning vioin. Here they are together practicing with a computer program called smart music. Its part of the Essential Elements for Strings Violin. I am very impressed with this program.

They are doing so well..so far they are still plucking the strings but fairly soon they will learn to use the bow. (after they have learned all the notes)

Please don't mind the monday mess on the counters..we have Bibles, salt, stuff from Jims work..recorders computer..what not..but I haven't gotten that far..see post below..I am lovin my sick baby.

Jojo is sick

He started throwing up last night right before we were leaving for church. It was pretty much nonstop all night long. He stopped throwing up around 4:30 this morning and kept some milk and pedialyte down, but he is running a fever. I just put towels on my bed last night and all night changed the towels continually. I am exhausted! It must be going around because I then this morning a friend of mine called because she was throwing up and she had a house full of kids and one needed a bottle, 3 needed diaper changes, and they all needed breakfast! So I ran there put her house in order so another friend could come and take over..and now I am feeling really really yucky. I SO hate to throw up but I am forcing myself to drink water so at least if I do..I will have stuff to throw up. My house isnt in order but I did get my kitchen cleaned up.

Poor Justin he was supposed to fly today but that isnt going to happen..I cant leave Jojo home sick and I am not taking him and thats all I need to do is drive down there and barf all the way home! Anyways, I think we are in suvival mode today..although some are still getting their school work done.

So much for making plans.
Also..Jojo has his urology appointment on Wednesday I am really hoping everyone is well because HE has to get this appointment. They are like booked 3 months out so if he misses this one we wont be able to get another one till April/May and it not even his surgery.they have to schedule that later.

Well I better get the kids are trying to force feed Jojo and he wants NO part of it.

WOW its already SATURDAY!

Lets see what I haven't told you?

Justin flew Thursday and LANDED THE PLANE! He was pretty excited! Other than being sick this week and having some chaotic days with school and running around its been pretty normal. Well Yesterday was supposed to be normal but it wasn't but I dont even have the energy to relieve that!

I am started a diet and I am doing well with it!

My only rant this week is about something that happened at the commissary yesterday. I took my kids to the commissary and some woman decided to comment that My you have your hands full. Normally I just kind of ignore them and smile and move on but in the last couple years my boldness has emerged and so I said firmly "NO, I DON'T" I didnt even raise my voice or anything just remarked back and kept on with what I was doing. What bugs me about that comment is first off..because I have a large family it seems people just think they have permission to make any comment they want. Like I was in the doctors office with my friend yesterday and this guy comes in and commented about Alayna having a pacifier and going on and on how I should put mustard on it. I said..she's only 2 and she is fine. You have no idea what is going on in her life. He continued on. I wasn't going to explain to him..well she was almost off the pacifier but recently she has gotten 4 new children in her life and so now she is clinging more to her pacifier than she did before. Plus the fact that they JUST moved here not even 2 months ago..she has had a lot of upheavel in her life I think the pacifier is nothing compared to how she could act out and behave. BUT people want to make comments where its not their buisness.
Having 8 children opens me up to that all the time. Some of the comments I get are:
"do you know how that happens?" "are they all yours?" "did you plan it this way?" "you must not watch tv?" "are you going to have more?" "So are you finished?" "have you ever heard of birthcontrol?" I mean where in the world do people feel bold enough to ask these questions? I don't go around asking people about their sex life.

For years I was nice and tried to find some cute retorts back to them but sometimes I get fed up with it and will just put them in their place. Sometimes I will say to prying questions..Thats really not any of your buisness is it? And walk away. Sometimes I am a little more shocking.

So that has been my week. I will leave you with this happening that happened to me Thursday.
It has been a long joke on a board I am on, about not wearing flip flops to church. Some women are very adamant about it not being proper. Some are more relaxed. I don't really care personally although I would rather NOT wear them. Well Thursday is our church service and after running around all day with Justin's flying lesson I came home to fix dinner and was running scrambling around getting the kids ready. My boys were singing their first special ever that night also so I was also helping them prepare for that. Well Jim came home and while we were upstairs ( and just about to go) I said.."I need to change my shoes I would be so embarrassed to wear flip flops to church." And anyways, I ran down stairs grabbed Bibles, diaper bag..baby, fixed Jerrica's hair, and got kids in the van..next thing Jim gets out the door and says..lets go lets go ..so I hopped in the van and about a mile down the road I go..OH NO I didn't change my shoes!

Well we get there to church and Jim stands up and announces to the whole church "Jamie is a little embarrassed tonight because she wore her flip flops to church." I about died!

So much for hoping no one noticed.

Picture of my New dishes

Well here are the dishes I put on layaway. They are made by Sango and they are called Nova Blue. This picture doesnt really do them justice because they have this swirl in them and you can just barely see it in the picture.

I cant wait to get them. I am waiting till they get 2 more sets of dishes. Each box is only 4 place settings..although I have seen a set that has 8 place settings and a lot of the completer items..but I don't think I need 2 butter dishes? Maybe I do?

I have some sunflower stuff, and I think I am going to box it up for another time or when my tastes change again or I need a break from blue. Now I need to find a flower or motiff for my kitchen.