Enchanted

Tonight at church I was cleaning up the communion stuff when Pastor T, Peanut's pastor, peeked his head in through the window and asked if she was in the room with me. She was not. He smiled and told me that he thought Peanut was mature and pretty special and that she needed to be in a movie, a movie about her because her stories are "enchanting". I smiled and thanked him for the compliment and he went on his merry little way.

After he left I got to thinking, Peanut does indeed have a way of enchanting people. I often thought it was just her parents and grandparents she enchanted at a young age. Though I'm immune to some of her enchanting ways, as parents are apt to learn after half a dozen or so years, she still has her moments.

Sometimes I get caught up in the hum-drum of life and get annoyed at her little stories she repeats over and over from the back seat of the car or across the room. Sometimes I cut her off or assume I know what she's going to say. But when I take the time to really listen she does come up with some nuggets of wisdom or anecdote.

Sometimes I need to be reminded that life will still be there and I need to pay attention, I need to be enchanted, before she grows up and conquers the world.

Books By Mail

So I'm totally in a reading frenzie these days. I've read the Twilight Saga 2 complete times through (including the partial Midnight Sun posted on Stephenie Meyer's website) and have read Twilight and Breaking Dawn (the first and last book of the series) 3 times each. Yeah, still totally love that series.

But I've also been reading some other books too. Some vampire books, some aliens, some warewolves, some this, some that, all fiction and paranormal in some fashion. However, I have started The Shack by William Young which is a man who spends a couple of days with God in, you guessed it, a shack. Anyway, just finished the forward and am looking forward to getting started with this book.

Seeing as how up until tonight I was unemployeed I didn't exactly have a lot of money just hanging around for me to spend on books. I tried my local library. I won't say it sucks because my momma said if you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all... so I'll not say anything at all. Then my brilliant, smart,and wonderful friend Abby Normal (you know how I love to protect the names of the innocent- she knows who she is) suggested this website called Paperspine.com.

It is wonderful. It's like Netflicks, but for books. You sign up for how many books you want to recieve at a time and then for a monthly fee you they'll send the books on your queue for you to read. You read them and send them back in the postage paid envelopes and a few days later you get another book! How cool is that!

The ONLY part that sucks is the days you have to wait while books are in the mail. But I guess that's the reason you should sign up for 2 or more books. That way you're reading the next book while you're waiting for the one that's in the mail.

This system is SO much easier then spending $80 a week for a half dozen books that barely last you a month and then take up a ton of space in your house. Now if you get a book that you fall in love with and never ever ever want to part with you just email the company and tell them what book you just have to keep forever and they'll let you know how much it'll cost ya, if you're ok with that they'll just charge your card and you live happily ever after.

The End.

Epilogue-
Uncle Joe thinks I can't write a post with using the word "baby" in it. And so I had to make sure this post had "baby" in a couple of times even though it had nothing to do with my "baby".
:)

Something To Talk About

Baby B has found his voice box. When he's awake he jabbers almost non-stop. He's got lots to say you see. And of course he has a captive audience because who can refuse him? That's right, no one. Not even the puppy dog on his crib's bumper. He's really good at the short "a" sound. I've been working with him on the "m" sound but he hasn't quite put the two together to say Ma yet. Give him time.

He also is a mover and a shaker. On Halloween he rolled over from back to belly and has gone back to belly a couple times since but more often then not he just gets stuck on his belly. But he won't be stuck for long. Nope this kid kicks his legs and occasionally gets them up under him! As soon as he figures out how to lift his belly up off the floor I'll be in BIG trouble.

Well... there's a lot of baby proofing still to be done, so that's where I'll be for a while.

Ta-ta!

It's A Big Year

Peanut is in the third grade. I think this must be a big year because people keep telling "it's a big year". Third grade is when you start getting letter grades on all your papers and report cards. Third grade is when you learn to write in cursive. Third grade is when you take the big state tests. Third grade is when I realized she was determined to grow up no matter what my opinion was on the matter. Hmph.

A couple of weeks ago Peanut brought home her first progress report. The grades were where I expected them on some levels but way off in other areas. I quickly realized she doesn't quite seem to be taking school seriously. I mean, it's a big year, doesn't she care? I guess that phrase means nothing to her.

Her father and I discussed the importance of making good grades with her. We told her it's not about who hands in the paper first, but who hands in the paper right! She nodded in agreement and said she understood. We increased study time in the evening but still papers flooded home with Ds and Fs on them. Concerned that the teacher had not commented on her progress I made the phone call and made the appointment to talk to her. This momma don't like Ds and Fs. The teacher was very kind. We spoke of things that could be changed at school, areas that she needs help in even though she passed the BEAR test. I left the meeting feeling satisfied that everything the school can do to help Peanut out in fact will happen. But now comes the hard part. Lowering the boom, cracking the whip, and buckling down at home about homework and study habits do not come easy to me. I will be the first to admit that my husband and I have a pretty relaxed style of parenting, within reason of course.

I guess this is an important year. This is the year I've learned it's important to stay focused, even when I'm distracted by other things (Baby B, computer games, etc). I've learned that after the after school snack comes homework and no amount of whining or pleading will change that. I've learned that there are free online resources I can use as bargaining chips for her to earn tv time. I wonder what other lessons I will learn this year, because you know, it's a big year.

Sleeping in

Baby B is a wonder baby, but he doesn't sleep through the night. He's close but his little internal clock has this 2 am setting that I can't seem to reset. On occasion he'll wake up earlier then 2, like at 1:30 and last night he overslept a little and didn't wake up until 3. But without fail since the night he was born, we get up around 2 every night. We've been working on resetting the 4 am setting and most nights he'll sleep until 6. Last night he did well, woke up at 3 and again at 6. After getting up at 6 I was too lazy to up him back in his bed so he slept with me. Around 8 he started squeaking and I hollered for Nickel who was up and about. Nickel took him and I got to sleep for another hour. It was total bliss.

We have a lazy day scheduled. Yesterday was busy with lunch with some friends, a wedding, and church. Today, there's nothing that I have to do. I might try to think of something just so I can get out of the house and have some quite me time. It makes staying at home with the baby all week easier if I get out by myself on the weekends.

****************

Peanut signed up for Girl Scouts last week. We went to this big event at a local play ground place. There were a million school age girls there. It resembled Dante's 5th ring of the Inferno. (Please note it's been years since I read the Divine Comedy and cannot remember what each ring actually stands for and I'm too lazy to Google it because I was just trying to make a funny) Anyhoo, for two hours I sat and endured the torture of listening to the girls gab, squeal, and gripe about the bus driver that lives in some obscure little town. The children weren't so bad though, they were playing and having fun. I found out that the meetings are every week. Should be interesting. I'm sure Peanut will have lots of fun.

Kindness

Perhaps kindness has not totally become extinct in our world like I thought. Today Baby B and I had to go to the post office. When we left the house he was in a wonderful mood. The short ride was quite. I manged to make it in the doors carrying a diaper bag, carrier with 11+ pound baby, and box to mail. The line was long, but moving. Baby B and I took our place at the end of the line at the door. THEN he decided he was not happy. I knelt down to talk to him to try to pacify him. People were watching of course. Baby B did not want his binky and would not calm down so I had to take him out of his carrier. Meanwhile people are coming up behind me and cutting in line all because I'm tending to my child instead of moving with the line. I was talking quietly to Baby B trying to calm him down. I commented to him on how we lost our place in line because he was crying. Not in a blaming way but in a "can you believe these rude people?" way. The people that cut in line either talked to people around them or stared at the floor. Meanwhile Baby B is still crying. After a few moments that felt like eternity to this mom trying to calm her son down, a lady from closer to the front of the line came back and offered to help me move my stuff to my place in line. She picked up my car seat and placed it in front of the first lady that cut in line. The two ladies my things were now in the middle of were nice enough to help push all my things along in the line as it moved while I held my baby.

Perhaps it wasn't how I would've handled the situation if reversed, but people actually came through and show some kindness. In the end and I was able to tend to Baby B and get my package in the mail.

Motherhood

Last night both kids were screaming at me. I had to smile and almost laugh because it was kinda funny. Peanut was upset because we insisted she do her homework (mean parents!) and Baby Butter was mad because he was super tired and hungry and it was just too much work to suck on that bottle! He's so cute when he pouts and cries!! Peanut, well, she's pretty funny too when she's crying over her mean parents making her do homework, but don't tell her that!

New Pics

The boy child is almost 3 weeks old. I can't believe how grown up he is already!Doesn't he look like daddy?

Peanut was holding him while I went to get the sheets out of the dryer. This is how I found them when I got back. I didn't tell her that the tv was too far away for him to even see.

One Week

Well, it's been a week since Baby B was born. Life is slowly finding a rhythm. SLOWLY. We've had tons of guest and I can't keep up with my phone calls. But I promised pictures and pictures you shall have!

I was scheduled for my c-section at 10ish but Nickel, my parents, and dear friend Angie kept me entertained. Here I am pretending not to be scared out of my mind. Actually, Nickel said he was going to help the dr since they gave him that cool suit to wear but all he could find was a plastic spoon.

Baby B didn't like the nurses but stopped crying for daddy.
Peanut is obsessed with her baby brother. I'm not sure what that thing on her head is, something she made at VBS though. I was very thankful she wanted to go to VBS that week. It gave her something to do in the evenings

Happy to be holding my baby b on the outside!

38 hours later

Well, I'm sure you expected a birth announcement right away. I expected to write one, however this kid had other plans.

Wednesday morning Nickel and I arrived at the hospital shortly after 7 and by 9 I was on the magic labor making drugs. By 7 pm I had only dialated to a 2 so they turned the drugs off for the night.

Thursday morning we resumed the drugs with the promise of having my water broke around noon.

Thursday early afternoon water could not break, I was still only a 2 and c-section seemed like the best plan but we'd wait until 5 to decide with the magic drugs still pumping.

Thursday evening the magic drugs were turned off. I still was no more then a 2 and since I was so swollen, my blood pressure so high it was decided to take the baby by c-section.

Thursday night there was a baby trying to be born feet first and someone's apendix was about to explode so I was on the list for 10 pm.

Baby B was born at 10:34 pm weighing 8 lbs 11 oz and was 20.5 inches long.

We're both fine. Should be leaving the hospital tomorrow.

Pics coming soon.

End in sight

Went to the dr today. First thing he asked while walking in was if tomorrow was ok. I assured him it was and he made the arrangements. I'm allergic to being pregnant, lol, ok, maybe not, but my body doesn't really like it. I'm puffy from my thighs to my toes, my blood pressure is high (but comes down when I lay on my left side which is a good thing), and other symptoms so since I'm 39 weeks (just 7 days from my due date) we're going to try to coax this little boy out starting in the morning. Hopefully he'll be easier to talk out then his sister was. She took 18 hours to convince and I'm not sure she's ever really been convinced.

Peanut is very excited. She gone to stay the night with a friend of mine so we don't have to wake her up early. Daddy is trying to get everything squared away at work so he can take some time off. Mom is in bed, resting, and thanking God the baby's almost here!

I'll post pics and updates when I can.

It's a Love/Hate thing these days

36 weeks 5 days

I love knowing that in just a few weeks I'm going to have a brand new baby. I love folding his tiny little clothes fresh from the dryer. I love when Peanut reads to my stomach and it moves around for her. I love when people call me and ask how the baby's doing today knowing he's still a chillin in the belly. I love it that people are generally nicer to me and hold doors open for me and let me skip ahead in line for the bathroom. I love the fact that I'm going to get a 6 week vacation from work and that my parents will spend 1 of those weeks with me. I love packing my bag to get ready to go to the hospital. I love working part time and knowing I'll get to remain part time after I go back to work in Septmeber (unless he comes a little early then it'll be the end of August). I love the thought of being a mom to another person and feeling like my family is complete.

But right now. Right this second, I hate having to get up every hour of the night to pee. I hate the pressure I feel on my bladder as I try to walk. I hate that I can't just roll over in bed. I hate that I'm never comfortable. I hate that my belly hangs down so low and sometimes touches the toilet seat. I hate that the lowest part of my belly hurts to touch. I hate that most of my maternity clothes don't fit right. I hate that I can't always control my emotions and hormones. I hate that I don't feel like going fishing with Peanut and Nickel or playing basketball with them. I hate that I can't sit down at a resturant and pig out. I hate that I've burped more in the last 8 months then I ever have in my life. I hate that I'm not yet 37 weeks and praying for the torture to end because it makes me feel selfish. I hate swollen feet. I hate backaches. I hate heartburn. I hate that I'm going to miss my MIL's wedding because it's out of town. I hate that my house isn't as clean as I'd like it but I don't have the energy to clean it and even if I did I couldn't bend down to pick anything up. I hate that my hips hurt if I sleep more then an hour on them. I hate that I can't sleep on my back or my stomach. I hate the waddle. I hate that I have so much trouble getting in and out of a vehicle. I hate that I'm so dang negative right now!

I could probably go on but I'll stop there...

36 weeks and 2 days

Last week I cried. Working part time is wonderful and horrible all at the same time. I like the few hours and still getting a pay check. I hate waking up and going to work and dealing with people. But I guess this is true for any job.

So at 1:00 I clocked out and walked out to my car. I opened the door and attempted to get in. But I couldn't. Why? You ask. Well, I simply could NOT lift my right foot high enough and extend it into my car. I tried again, same results. I became frustrated and tears started welling up. Yeah, hormones can hit you at any time because not on a hormonal high I wouldn't have cried over that!

Finally, after thinking about this for a little bit I turned around, lifted my foot the other direction and BACKED into my car. I'm sure this is quite a sight to see and no, there will be no pictures of this. This kid better come soon, that's all I'm sayin.

Peanut on Being Mad

Into my room stomped the 8 year Peanut with a stern look on her face.

Me: What's wrong?
Peanut: I'm mad.
Me: Why are you mad?
Peanut points to the living room: Him!
Me: Well, do you understand why he said what he said?
Penut: I don't know.
Me: Well, what did he say?
Peanut: I don't know!
Me: You don't know what he said but you're mad?
Peanut looks at me and stomps back out of my room.

A few minutes go by and she walks into my room and points at my computer: Can I play?
Me: Sure in just a few minutes I'd like to finish what I'm doing.
Peanut falls to the floor in dramatic heap and whines: Gosh! I haven't got to play ALL day!
Me: I understand you want to play and I didn't have a problem with it, but you have to wait your turn.
Peanut stomps back out of my room. She's probably mad at me now too. Think she'll remember why in 5 minutes?

Watching and waiting

Nickel and I were laying in bed tonight. He was watching TV and I was surfing the web on my laptop. The baby started wiggling so Nickel and I turned our attention to him. We watched as a buldge (from the position it was probably his butt) moved from one side of my belly button (which is still an innie for now) to the other and back again. Just over 5 weeks until the due date. We watch. We wait.

Mountain of baby stuff

(I've tried to fix the size of these pics... this is the best I can do)

Ok, AJ, I know you've been wanting some pics. I had some friends come see this last weekend from out of state. They brought a MOUNTAIN of baby stuff with them.

Before Peanut tore off all the wrapping paper...

After Peanut tore off all the wrapping paper!

Oh, and my big belly there too... lol

Being Pregnant Means Forgetting Stuff

I'm expecting some company this coming weekend so since I had the day off today I tried my best to pick things up around the house and straighten up just a bit. Don't worry, I didn't "over do it" my body keeps me from over doing anything these days. But I did manage to find some things... like the Mother's Day Cards I bought to mail out this year. Oops... I guess that's why they call it Momnesia... that's what they call it right? Sounds right, I could be wrong. What was I talking about? I don't remember.

I can't help it, I'm pregnant!

Um... there's no real rhyme or reason to this post, just what's in my head at the moment...

• Sorry I've been whiny lately. In my defense I'm pregnant, hormonal, and sleep deprived because this boy thinks my bladder is his pillow and insist on fluffing it ever hour or so. I really do appreciate my friends and family.

• In other news my friends Angie and Jaci took me out to eat since they were not able to make it to the shower. Angie had been out of town until that day and had had a headache. Jaci had planned on coming but wasn't sure where it was at and couldn't get Angie to answer the phone! LOL! The three of us had been talking of getting together without kids for lunch or dinner for some time so this was a perfect excuse! We had a great time talking about the kids, summer plans, and everything else under the sun! It was a blast, we sat and talked for an hour and a half and could've gone on twice as long, but we'll save it for another day. They gave me some very thoughtful gifts, but the one that mattered the most was the gift of friendship.

• Several weeks ago I mentioned to Nickel that I wanted to go home this weekend, or at least part of this weekend because my mom's family gets together to do the cemetery decorating thing and then picnic in SpeedTrap City. It's the one time each year all my aunts and uncles get together, and sometimes a few of my cousins show up. But then the subject was dropped. Then last week Nickel talked to his brother in Tulsa who is having a gathering of old friends that Nickel has seen in years. He mentioned wanting to see them. But again the subject was dropped until the other day I had an epiphany! One of my aunts live in Tulsa and I could ask her to give me a ride to the family gathering and Nickel could hang out with his brother and friends. (I should note that while I'm not on any driving restrictions from my doctor I don't really want to make long drives by myself at this stage of the game just in case something should happen.) I made the call and sure enough the details fell right into place so I'm really excited to see my family even if it's just for part of the day!

Fun at the Dr Office

So yesterday I had my 29 week check up. Everytime I go to the doctor I have to fill out this purple paper as to why I'm there. Most of the time I just kinda sorta fill it out because I'm OB and not really there because I'm sick. Yesterday I decided to have some fun. About half-way on the page there is a word bank where you can circle your symptoms. I circled about 10 of them. They all applied.

• Frequent Urniation
• Belly Pain
• Trouble Sleeping
• Weight Gain
• Tiredness
• Hearburn
• Headache

Those are just a few of the things I circled. I handed the paperwork back to the lady at the front desk, smiled and took my seat. Later when the doctor came in the room he shook his head and said he has some patients he limits to just three symptoms on any given visit. I looked at him as innocently as I could and said, "But they all applied". Then I burst out laughing because the look on his face was funny. He wrote in really big letters over the word bank "OB".

I think he needs a seperate form for the OB patients because that word bank was just too much fun!

94 days

...until my due date. I'm not really counting down, one of the baby websites I go to has a little counter for me and I looked at it yesterday.

I feel good, or as good as one feels with a growing belly and a little person on the inside kicking and punching all day long. I'm starting to get a little short of breath with my organs pushing up around my lungs, but it's not too bad, yet.

I went to the doctor last week for my 26 week check up. My blood pressure was high but came down when I laid on my left side. Seems my poor little kidneys are getting squished but I can help them out by laying down on my left side. God foresaw this problem and that's why my hours were reduced at work. I feel best in the mornings so off to work I go and around the time I start feeling tired my 5 hours are up and I'm heading home where I curl up in bed and watch tv until Peanut gets home from school (and sometimes until Nickel comes home). She's loving being able to walk home from school, but I go pick her up if it's raining, that's what moms do, right?

My parents came for a visit last weekend. They brought the baby crib with them. The crib originally was my cousin Kacy's. She's almost 17 now. When my oldest niece was born they gave (sold?) the crib to my parents and every grandkid has spent some time in it, but with 5 grandkids already in a three bedroom house there's just not enough room to put it up for the half dozen times we visit a year so they brought the crib to me. My daddy was nice enough to put up a new door on Peanut's room. It had been ripped down by an angry three year old about 5 years ago and never replaced. They did other odd projects around the house for me. You see, the house is my territory and the outside is Nickel's. If there's a car problem, he'll fix it. If the grass needs mowed and pinecones picked up, he'll do it. If the blinds need replaced in the kitchen... well, that falls under my territory and it just wasn't something I could with this ever growing belly. I think my daddy really enjoyed helping out his little girl. I told Nickel we'll be the ones helping Peanut out someday, after she moves out!

My mom and I also managed to squeeze in some shopping. She helped me start a registry at Walmart since I couldn't convince Nickel to spend that much time in WallyWorld. A friend had alerted me to a sale they were having, lots of baby clothes marked down to just $1! I think we picked up 20 or so pieces in different sizes. Even if Baby Boy doesn't wear everything a dozen times they were only a dollar!

This weekend I plan on being lazy. Oh, I might do a couple of loads of laundry just because I only have so many days worth of maternity clothes, but I don't plan on going overboard on the house work. Peanut is trying to get on my good side so she can use the computer so she's picking up the living room as I type! Being pregnant has it's advantages!

Defending Momma

At night, Nickel and I like to kid around and act like we're fighting and tease about who kicks the most and snores the loudest. Well, tonight he was talkin some smack so I grabbed his hand and put it on my belly and told Mr Man (I'm trying out nicknames so bare with me until I come up with just the right one) to kick his daddy. Like a good boy he did just as he was told! Nickel said he just barely felt it, but my whole stomach moved so I'm starting to wonder about his sense of touch.

Peanut never kicked her daddy. Never, ever. Well, at least not while I was pregnant. All those long months I got kicked in the bladder and ribs and he never felt her move, he might have seen her move once or twice towards the end, but everytime he entered the room she'd calm down, he'd put his hand on my belly at night, she'd go to sleep. I even tried putting my belly up to his back at night and she wouldn't kick him! Such a daddy's girl. But my boy, now he loves his momma and ain't no one, not even daddy gonna get away with talkin smack about his momma!

Peanut on turning 8

So Saturday morning I'm standing in my mother's bathroom drying Peanut's hair. She looks at my belly and says without missing a beat:

"Daniel, this is your sister, Peanut. I'm eight years old. And I'm prettier then you!"

Half-Way

I have finally reached the halfway mark! Here's just a little update on our progress

Morning sickness- gone

Tiredness- still here, but I am finally able to stay awake until 9 pm again!

Belly- Getting bigger, but not too fast

Baby- Kickin around and giving the nurses a hard time

Peanut- Happy and mostly waiting patiently

Daddy- Still alive!

LOL

My job is good. There's things I don't like that are beyond my control so I try not to dwell on them. Instead I focus on the positives. Last week they came to me and told me that on March 17th I will be part-time instead of full time. The package they gave me was very generous and I jumped on it. I will only be working 5 hours a day, have time to watch my soaps and pick Peanut up from school. Life is good.

Hope yours is too!

We're having a baby

A baby boy.

His name is Daniel and his sister is super excited!!! Of course his parents are too!

Count down

The ultrasound is in just two weeks! I can't wait! I'm not one of those wait and see kind of people. I want to know what I'm having NOW! I'll keep you updated.

Back in the Boat

Luke 5:1-7
One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

I attend a church that has a wonderful program called Saturday Night Service. It's wonderful because I get to go to church a few hours earlier then most people, we never did much on Saturday nights anyway, and I get to be lazy Sunday morning and sleep in. But I will admit, I find it very nourishing to my soul otherwise I wouldn't go. The worship services are great at drawing my focus in on God with modern music. Don't get me wrong, I grew up with all those old hymns and love them dearly, but the newer music is singing to God and not about God and I love that. The pastor is young, somewhere around my age but he knows his stuff. God is doing and will continue to do great things through this man as long as he allows.

This weekend we were privileged to have a guest speaker by the name of Ron Rhodes. A powerful Evangelist who spoke Saturday night on true Worship. The message was amazing. Today I downloaded the pod cast of Sunday morning's message. I listened to it twice and will probably listen a few more times tomorrow. The sermon text came from Luke 5, the scripture posted at the top of this entry. Then this man opened my eyes to something I hadn't seen here before. I will have to give you the gist of the sermon because there is no way I can do it justice. If you'd like to listen to the hour nineteen minute sermon let me know and I'll direct you to it.

Jesus has spent the day talking to the crowds near the lake. He looks over and sees Simon Peter washing his net. Peter was a professional fisherman, he didn't just do it on the weekends to relax, he didn't do it to just get away or when he had a hankering for some good ol' bass. No, this was his job, something he had done his whole life. He knew the ins and outs of fishing. He knew what time of day and in what weather he stood his best chances. Most of us I dare say work a job that if we're productive or not we're still going to get paid. This was not the case for Peter. He didn't catch fish, he went hungry. And here is Peter, washing out his nets and Jesus says to him, 'I need your boat.'

Peter could have replied, look down there a nice new shiny boat with all the bells and whistles, they'll take you out, but he didn't.

Let down your net, He says next. I imagine Peter pausing with closed eyes and taking a deep breathe, not really a thought going on in his head. Peter could have said, we've fished for 24 straight hours and have caught nothing. I'm tired, I want to go home take a long hot shower and slide into bed and just forget about this awful day. But he didn't.

Peter obeyed God every time despite his frustrations, despite his exhaustion, despite this was the longest night he had known up to this point in his life. Peter's nets were full of blessings! So many his boat began to sink, he had to call his friends "Hey! God's in my boat! Look at all these blessings! I have too many come over here and let me share with you and maybe your boat will sink too!"

I don't know you, but I've stayed up all night before. Haven't done it in years though, but I remember that exhausted feeling and when the idea of a nice soft bed is the only thought I had. I know how easy the tears came to my eyes and how short my temper was to anything keeping me from getting some rest.

But God, I'm tired of always putting into but not getting anything out of my marriage. But God, I've been sitting next to this hospital bed, or by the bed of a child child for so long, won't you do something? But God, I've been waiting for this this miracle to happen in my life and there's nothing. But God...

Get in the boat.

But God!

Get in the boat.

I think it's time for us to get back in the boat. We might be amazed at what happens next.

Sick as a Dog

I've been super sick this week. I started feeling a little puny Monday and since I had to work two and a half hours later then normal for a meeting I came home at lunch time and took a nap. By the time I left work I had a full fledged sore throat and felt like crud. Of course it didn't help that it was like -59 degrees. OK, so I didn't have a thermometer but it was cold and the drizzle was frozen to my windshield. Tuesday I managed to work about an hour and half maybe two hours before I had to go home. I called my Dr office on Wednesday and got in to see the Nurse Practitioner. She was a sweetheart and was excited to hear I was pregnant. She gave me a script for some antibiotics that are considered safe for pregnant women such as myself and recommended a decongestant to take for the massive drainage I was experiencing.

Filling the prescription was an adventure in it's own. I won't gross you out with all the details but I think the woman who cleaned up the mess should get paid triple whatever she gets!

I have to go back to work tomorrow. Totally sucks but I'm out of sick days and they're being punks about us taking sick days. Guess I can't be sick again until April when my year rolls over.

I just hope that Nickel stays well because I can't stand to be around him when he's sick! He acts like a total helpless baby and won't do a dang thing. But when I'm sick I'm expected to still get Peanut ready for school, pick her up from school or daycare, have the house picked up, change the sheets every couple of days, wash dishes (at least the silverware which he's scared of) and fix cheese cake. You think I'm kidding? I'm not.

And I can't find my fingernail file and they're driving me nuts!!! :(

So there's my update, AJ. Happy? LOL!

i'm a water baby

My friend R tagged me for this wonderful meme. So let the fun begin.

I have been instructed to go over the qualities associated with my birth month. Then pick 12 people to do the Meme. I don't know if 12 people read my blog. So if you read my biog and haven't done this Meme consider yourself tagged.



FEBRUARY:

Abstract thoughts. I often daydream about things that will never happen. With people I'll never meet.

Loves reality and abstract. Sure, I know the difference reality and pretend. And love them both.

Intelligent and clever. Of course. Ok, so maybe there are a lot of people out there that are more intelligent and clever, but I like to include myself in that little group.

Changing personality. There was a time in my life when I was super shy. So yeah, I'll say it's a changing personality.

Attractive. Sure. Why not?

Sexy. Now you're pushing it.

Temperamental. If things aren't going my way at all then yes, I can be tempermental. Especially the mental part of the word.

Quiet, shy and humble. Not so much quite and shy. I have my moments when I'm outside my comfort zone. I try to be humble.

Honest and loyal. And another couple of qualities I try to be.

Determined to reach goals. What goals?

Loves freedom. I do. I like structure too.

Rebellious when restricted. LOL, my friend Cathy has been threatening to kick my butt if I drink caffine during this pregnancy. I told her I was on my way to Sonic as we spoke. I wasn't really, but I needed her to think that.

Loves aggressiveness. Um... I don't really think so.

Too sensitive and easily hurt. Sometimes.

Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Nope. That's not me. I tend to show it when I'm angry but I don't get angry really easily. Keep pushing my buttons and I will be though.

Dislikes unnecessary things. Yep, I'm always throwing stuff out and then later wondering where it's at.

Loves making friends but rarely shows it. I do love making friends. I'd like to think it shows.

Daring and stubborn. I have my moments. I have a pretty strong will when it comes to something I firmly believe.

Ambitious. I don't see it.

Realizes dreams and hopes. Nope.

Sharp. Like a knife!

Loves entertainment and leisure. Indeed!

Romantic on the inside not outside. This makes me laugh out loud. I'll agree with it though.

Superstitious and ludicrous. Nope. Not really. I like black cats, Friday the 13 only scares me because I wrecked my camaro on that date. I've been known to walk under a ladder.

Spendthrift. I have my moments.

Tries to learn to show emotions. I think I do a pretty good job at showing my emotions. LOL

Now for those of you that are participating in the meme here are the months. Make sure you copy them into your post otherwise people will be scratching their head saying "Huh?" Tell all about your qualites and leave me a comment letting me know you've done it because I want to read it!

Have fun!!!

THE MONTHLY FLAVORS, WHICH ARE YOU?



JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teachand be taught. Always looking at people's flaws and weaknesses. Likes tocriticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitiveand has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excitedor tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses butprone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loveschildren. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Verystubborn and money cautious.



FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent andclever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shyand humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom.Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easilyhurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessarythings. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn.Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment andleisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous.Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.



MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved.Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace andserenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered.Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assessesothers. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Lovesattention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors.Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.



APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret.Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention.Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people's problems. Brave andfearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional.Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others.Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lovercan see.



MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharpthoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deepfeelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs nomotivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strongclairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Goodimagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts.Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children.Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.



JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite andsoft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends todelay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous.Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knowshow to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to gettingcolds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takestime to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.



JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood.Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation.Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people's feelings. Tactful.Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody andeasily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets.Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically andmentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving.Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judgespeople through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Lovesto be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to bequiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Notaggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems.Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.



AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless.Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generousand egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises.Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous.Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Lovesto lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music anddefense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learnsto relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to makefriends.



SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes topoint out people's mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able totalk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed.Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Goodmemory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Mustcontrol oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding.Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly showsemotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially inrelationships. Systematic.



OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things atthe center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn't pretend. Gets angryoften. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt butrecovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what othersthink. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the artsand literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Justand fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loveschildren.



NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Uniqueand brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strongclairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive.Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative butamiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there isa will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angryunless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others.Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited.Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain inrelationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest andkeeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.



DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games andinteractions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations.Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves tobe loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changingpersonality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions.Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.

Call her Big Sister

Even though we found out the day before Thanksgiving Nickel and I opted not to tell Peanut or the rest of the family until Christmas. Let me tell you, for someone as excited as I was (am) that was not an easy thing to do.

On December 22, the three of us gathered around the Christmas tree to open presents. We always do our family Christmas early because we spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with our other family and this way Peanut stops harrassing us about the presents and gives her something to do for the rest of the day while I bake or clean or like this year, lay on the couch exhausted. Anywho, one by one she chose a present and unwrapped them. She enjoyed the games she got. Then she opened the present that contained one white shirt with just enough writing. "What does it say?" I asked her. "I'm going to be the Big Sister."

She looked at me as if to say, 'Yeah, so what's the big deal, mom?'

"What do you think that means?"

"I dunno."

"How does one become a big sister?"

"I dunno."

"Do mommy and daddy have to have a baby in order for you to become a big sister."

"Yeah." Still the 'what's the big deal, mom' look.

"Mommy's going to have a baby."

"You are?"

"Mmmhmm... that means, you're going to be a big sister."

"I'm going to be a big sister?"

"Yep."

There were lots of squeels and claps, I won't attempt to describe them for you. She of course wore her new shirt that day even though I had intended for her to wear it on Christmas Eve. Luckily, my momma taught me how to do laundry.

Throughout the day Peanut asked her to help practice being a Big Sister. She had lots of questions too, "Can I hold the baby?" Not right now, you have to wait until it's born. "When will it be born?" Sometime late July or early August, but Mommy's hoping for July. "Is it a boy or a girl?" We don't know yet. "When will you know?" Hopefully sometime around the end of February. "How did the baby get in your tummy?" God put it there. "How?" Oh look! Here's a present you didn't open.

A week and a half later she's still excited. She doesn't just randomly scream "I'm going to be a big sister!", but she's excited. Every few days or so she asks how big the baby is. She was amazed when it went from being the size of a grape to a lime.

Hope ya'll don't mind a bunch of "baby" posts for... oh, I don't know, ever.