Out of What Book...

"Just so we are all on the same page, I don't like oranges with fur on them. Also, I don't like apples with fur on them, but apples don't have fur so it doesn't really matter. But you knew that, since we are all on the same page."

--Z (I know you are surprised;)

Rock On...

M: Dad? Can Z and I start a garage band?
Chris (trying not to laugh): I don't know. What instrument are you going to play?
M: I'm going to learn to play the drums.
Z: And I'm going to learn to play the microphone!

Phobic...

Z: Did I tell you I'm afraid of snakes?
Mom: Since when?
Z: Since now. I just decided.
Mom: Oh. Okay.
Z: Remember that time at the zoo when they were feeding all the snakes those dead rats? That was totally sweet!
Mom: People who are afraid of snakes probably didn't think so. I certainly didn't think it was cool.
Z: Oh. (pregnant pause) Turns out I'm afraid of lizards instead.

True Story...

Today I was playing Christmas music and when M heard the line "Don we now our gay apparel" he asked if it meant happy or that "other kind of gay". I was quite horrified until he followed it up with, "you know, ben gay or something". Yes, M, it means happy.

Ouch...

Z: Remember that time daddy beat you up? I was watching, remember? And I was so sad you got beat.
M: Mom wouldn't get beat if she was good.

(Before you call the police please note that we were discussing the time Chris and I played boxing on the Wii. They didn't get why I was laughing.)

That's Logical...

"M, stop using logic all the time! Logic is not good! Logic never got anybody anything! No good will ever come from you using logic!!!"

Thanks for the help, Z....

Letters I've Been Meaning To Write...

Dear Eggo,

Thank you for creating such a tasty and filling breakfast. Your waffles may not be nutritious, but my kids can make themselves and that makes up for pretty much anything.

Sincerely,
Busymommy

Dear Dairy Queen,

We visited one of your restaurants recently and your cheeseburgers tasted funny. Your french fries were soggy and the employee who gave me my soda did not put the lid on properly and I spilled Pepsi all over my shirt. Also, your dilly bars were excellent and we look forward to visiting your fine establishment again.

Sincerely,
Busymommy

Skeletons...

Z: Skeletons are bones of dead people.
M: Wouldn't it be cool if there were live skeletons?
Chris: There are. We just call them people.

Sneaky Girl...

This morning Z came into my room right after I'd finished feeding AJ, who was asleep beside me. He looked down at her and said, very seriously, "Mommy? Did you know AJ snuck into your bed last night?" Totally cracked me up:)

Takes Some Getting Used To...

Me: Z, go up and put this in your sister's bed.
Z: I don't have a sister.
Me: You do now.
Z: Oh, right. AJ is a girl. I forgot.

Hmmmm...

Me: I wonder why God gave babies such sharp fingernails.
M: So they can protect themselves from predators.

Dead Presidents...

We had a plumbing problem (don't ask) and had Benjamin Franklin Plumbing out to the house to take care of it. Today they called to check on how our service was. M answered the phone and handed it to Chris telling him Benjamin Franklin was on the phone. As Chris took the call I heard M exclaim, "Cool! I thought he was dead!"

It's A Girl...

AJ was born on September 28th at 5:24pm. She weighed 6 lbs 7 oz and was 19 inches long. She has a whole head full of dark hair, more than her brothers had at a year old if you combined them:) And I have already spent $50.00 in newborn clothes, shoes and accessories because I didn't want her to look like a boy until after I had the baby shower. If M is not holding her he is asking to and Z has counted her fingers and toes at least 10 times a day. They are both wonderful brothers and she has managed to wrap all the men in this house around her tiny little finger. I'll get some pictures posted to my facebook page as soon as I have a chance.

Scooby Dooby Doo...

Z: They named Scooby Doo that because he always says, "Scooby Dooby Doo" and they named Scooby Dumb Scooby Dumb because he always says, "Scooby Dooby Dumb".

M: What does Scooby Dee say then?

Z: I haven't figured that one out yet.

Chris Makes Me Smile...

Today Chris was putting together two identical sets of drawers. When he started on the second set he didn't just use the first set of directions, he looked for and located the directions for the second step. And it made me smile:)

Z's Nebulizer...

Z got a new nebulizer today. It came with a mask that looks like a dinosaur face. He was quite excited and had to try it on first thing. He was also a bit confused, too.

"Look! Now I can breathe underwater!"

Why Our Kids Don't Sleep In Our Bed...

Our kids have never been allowed to sleep in our beds and last night I remembered why. Z has had a lot of asthma problems the last few days which has resulted in him being up A LOT and waking up WAY TOO EARLY. So around 5am last night I pulled him into bed with us so we could all get some more sleep.

"I have to tell you guys something. I just really love you."
"I think someone is squishing my leg."
"I just really love cuddling with you, dad. That's why I'm cuddling you."
"La La La La. Dum-de-dum. La La La La..."
"I totally getting squeezed here."
"I'm so glad we are all snuggling."

He did eventually fall asleep around 5:30 and slept for another hour+ curled up next to Chris. Which is why he isn't allowed to get in our bed again. That's where I sleep!

War Of No Words...

Z: shhh!
M: shhh!
Z (louder): Shhh!
M (louder): Shhh!
Z: You don't get to shhh me!
M: Then don't shhh me!
Z (very loudly): SHHHHHHHH!!!
M (very loudly): SHHHHHHHH!!!

(I'd keep typing, but it went on for about 10 minutes before they gave it up.)

A Bug's Life...

M killed a bug today.

"That bug is now dead. Physically dead, but we don't really know where he stood with Jesus."

Silly Mommy...

Me: Z, do you need to use the bathroom?
Z: Nope. I just went.
Me: Are you sure? You're kind of dancing around.
Z: Not because I have to go potty. Just because I love dancing!

So Many Things Are Incomprehensible...

M: God is incomprehensible.
Z: I can't even say that word.
M: I'll help you. Repeat after me. In...
Z: In...
M: Comp...
Z: Comp...
M: Be... no, wait. That's not right.
Z: Be...
M: Let me start over. In...
Z: In...
M: Com...
Z: Com...
M: Pre...
Z: Pre...
M: Him... wait. Hen. Yeah, hen.
Z: Him...
M: No! Hen! Oh, just forget it. Just say We can't understand God.
Z: Because He's incomprehensible, right?

Why I Love Mr. L...

Mr. and Mrs. L just got back from China. We were discussing the food and asked if they had tried anything "different".

Mr. L: Well, we had blood. They fry it in a pan and it coagulates.
Mr. R: Was it any good?
Mr. L (very matter of factly): Nope.

Favorite "We're Having A Baby" Moments...

Lately (probably because I'm pregnant) a lot of moms have been telling me their husbands responses to "the news". Some of them have been quite priceless and I thought I'd share them with you.

Accountant Response: "I'm going to have to redo our budget."
Lawyer Response: "We're going to need a new will."
Skeptic Response: "I'm pretty sure you can't be pregnant."
Confused Response: "Does that mean we are having a baby?"
Honeymoon Baby Response: "But you can't be pregnant. We just got married!"
After the Vasectomy Response: "I'm thinking we are entitled to a refund."
Baby Six Response: "Its going to be hard to fit us all in the lens to get a family photo."
My Husbands Response to M: "Told you so."
My Husbands Response to Z: "Told you so."
My Husbands Response to Flubber: "Seriously? Really?"
Favorite Movie Response: Stanley Goodspeed, The Rock

Carla (After telling Stanley that she is pregnant.): You didn't mean what you just said, did you?
Stanley: When?
Carla: Just now. When you were talking about bringing a child into the world and it being an act of cruelty.
Stanley: I meant it at the time.
Carla: Stanley! At the time, you said it like 7 1/2 seconds ago!
Stanley: Well, gee hon, kind of a lots changed since then.

Z's Imaginary Friend...

Z has an imaginary friend he calls "Mousie". Mousie is pretty much everything I'm not. He lets Z do what he wants to do, when he wants to do it and is always saying exactly what Z wants to hear. Tonight, for instance, when Z wet his bed he got up to tell me and announced:

"Mousie said to get up and change my shirt and get a new blanket, but not to worry because he wasn't disappointed in me."

I would not have been disappointed in him if he had actually been asleep, but he wasn't. He was just too lazy to get up. So I wonder why I frequently feel in superior to Mousie?

If You Give A Baby A Chicken Nugget...

Z: I think our baby will be hungry for chicken nuggets.

Mom: Babies don't eat chicken nuggets.

Z: Are babies allergic to chicken nuggets.

Mom: No, babies don't have any teeth. What can we give our baby to eat if they don't have any teeth?

Z: Dirt?

Bumper Sticker That Is My Life...

Silence is golden, but duct tape is silver.

Apologies...

Z was sent to bed without books, without drama. (Okay there was drama on his part.) He just came out of his room, teary-eyed, went straight to Chris and said, "I'm sorry I disobeyed your directions." We were both a bit surprised, but Chris hugged him, thanked him and went to tuck him back in. What is most surprising is that he didn't ask for a story. He did express sadness that he didn't get to read one, but he didn't ask. Definite progress:)

Paris Hilton Really Loves Her Dogs...

I'm so glad your time in prison taught you so much and that you have decided to devote yourself to the plight of others. (Anyone else remember those "mature" statements?) But $325,000.00 for a dog house??? Not just any dog house, though. This one has a wrought iron mini-staircase, chandeliers, air conditioning and separate bedrooms for her 6 dogs. Sigh. As I've said before, celebrities just aren't like us...

Obama Asks Moms To Return To School...

I don't know if this is an exact quote (seriously doubt it) it is just the headline for numerous ads I've been seeing. And it breaks my heart. The economy is so bad and so many people are jobless and yet we would still undermine what moms do at home. It makes me sad that the entire attitude has become that moms want to work outside their homes, but aren't qualified. I have numerous friends who gave up lucrative careers to pursue motherhood, but I still am frequently asked (like, yesterday) when I'm "going to get a real job". Sad. Just sad.

Z Playing Sequence...

"Wait! Is that cheating? Can you go diagonals? Oh, okay. But you said we can't make L's and I made an L. Look! 12345! That is a sequence. How come? Oh, you can make L's, but they aren't sequence. But diagonals are sequence? Okay. (Game Ends.) Wait! I didn't get to steal one! I have a steal one Jack. If I could steal your sequence you wouldn't win. But that is cheating. I'll just steal this one. (Randomly selects chip. Walks away happy that he stole a chip regardless of the outcome:)

Guess That Object...

Z: "Mom? Can you rewind this? But be careful because its stuck on my finger."

Can you guess that object? :D

Movies...

Movies I haven't seen, but would probably enjoy:
-Chicago
-High School Musical
-Bourne Supremacy
-Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
-Die Hard 4

Movies I have seen, but wish I hadn't:
-Se7en
-Troy
-Bad Boys 2
-Gladiator
-Forest Gump

Movies I have seen, liked, but probably won't ever see again:
-Legend of Bagger Vance
-Remember the Titans
-Bad Boys
-Once Upon a Time in Mexico
-Saving Private Ryan

Movies I could watch again and again:
-Sleepless in Seattle
-You've Got Mail
-Clue
-Grease
-Glory

Movies I will never see because I know I won't like them:
-Blair Witch Project
-We Were Soldiers
-300
-Sin City
-Knocked Up

Celebrities Just Aren't Like Us...

Uma Thurman struggled to cope with the strains of motherhood-until a doctor ordered her to spend one night a week in a luxury hotel.

"I'll never forget. I went to see a doctor a few years ago and he said, 'I'm going to write you a prescription', and I went, 'OK, what's he giving me a prescription for?' And he wrote down on the pad: 'Hotel: One night a week'."

(I think this is the part where you feel sorry for how difficult it is to be a mom, but I can't be sure.)

I Really Need To Go To Costco...

I am out of fruit. My kids survive on fruit so I opened a can of fruit cocktail for lunch. Apparently this was Z's first experience with fruit cocktail...

"What the heck is this stuff? This looks like a grape. Is this a grape? It doesn't taste like a grape. Oops, I popped it open. Its good, though. What are these things? They look like peaches, but not like peaches. They don't really taste like peaches. And these white things don't taste like chicken. Why is there red peppers in this? I thought this was fruit. Is red peppers fruit? Oh, wait, they're ice-cream cherries. I like this. Hey, this tastes like high quality! Can we have this everyday?"

My Kids Biblical Knowledge...

The sky was overcast when we left to take Chris to work this morning, but the sun came up on our way home. Z was very excited and yelled, "Look, mom! There appears the sun of God!!!"

Later that day...

Z: Are you ever gonna have our baby? You've been pregnant for a hundred years!
M: Wow! That's even longer than Abraham was pregnant!

Miscommunication...

Chris was mopping the floor and Z told him he would "be careful" and then they had the following conversation:

Chris: Don't be careful. Stay off the floor.
Z stops moving and looks at the kitchen floor.
Chris: Did you hear me?
Z (still looking at the kitchen floor): Yes.
Chris: Are you going to stay off the floor?
Z (quite exasperated): I AM staring at the kitchen floor!

Today Is...

M's spiritual birthday. 3 years ago, when Chris was home on an unplanned sick day, he and M had a conversation (started by M) on sin and the penalty for sin. (Chris and I both firmly believe that the decision to ask Jesus into one's heart should be driven by the heart, not by parents or leaders putting words into children's mouths. We have seen this happen way too many times and believe that there is a distinct difference between children repeating lessons they have learned and truly grasping the undeniable truth that they need Jesus grace.) Even after M made his decision and prayed, Chris and I watched him wondering if a 5 year old could truly grasp such a big concept. So we prayed, we talked to M and answered his questions and today we celebrate 3 years of M being part of God's family. We have seen so much growth and have watched him mature in his faith in so many ways and we can hardly wait to see what God does with his life! Happy Birthday M!!!

Duh...

Me: Z, why did you write your name backwards?
Z: 'Cause I forgot.
Me: Forgot what? That your name doesn't go backwards?
Z (after a brief pause): Yeah, you're right. That doesn't make any sense.

Pajamas...

Z: "When I grow up I'm going to sleep in just my pull-up. You know, just like dad does!"

Can You Feel The Love...

I was babysitting for a friends kids today and her daughter made the following observation:

Al: Are you babysitting us?
Me: Yes.
Al: But you can't be our babysitter.
Me: Why not?
Al: Because I love you!

The Fire Station...

Our friend MB invited the kids to go visit him at the fire station today. And what a visit it was!!! He took the kids up in the air on a ladder truck, let them climb inside (and on) 4 different kinds of trucks, let them try on his gear and gave them a tour of the station. It was so much fun and the boys were so thrilled. I am so grateful for friends who love our kids enough to take time to hang out with them and share things like this. At no point in time did he treat the kids like an inconvenience or get frustrated with their numerous questions. I know this is a day they won't forget for a long time!

M's Fire Station Quote: "A cat in a tree is not a REAL emergency unless the tree is on fire."

Z's Fire Station Quote: "I liked the kitchen best because that is where all the fire fighters eat their dinner."

God's Perfect Plan...

Just some observations...

In the past year people who do not know Chris and I well have commented on the fact that we "still act like newlyweds". Actually, we don't. At least not like we used to. We made the mistake that many couples make and believed we would be happy because we were in love with each other. After many, MANY difficult years we reached a turning point in our marriage. The reason Chris and I act so in love with each other is because we are so in love with Jesus. The reason we act like newlyweds is because we know where we've been and we know where God has led us and we are so grateful to Him that we strive to do what He commanded us to and that is to glorify Him through our marriage. We are truly blessed.

When Chris and I are out without our other children numerous people have asked us if the baby I'm carrying is our first. Nope, but it never, NEVER gets old for us. Through fertility problems and miscarriages we have learned to celebrate and embrace every second with have with our children from conception on. Sometimes we only have a few weeks, even days to enjoy our children here on earth and that is okay. We are always saddened by our loss, but we are so thankful that God holds all our children in His hands. We can see clearly the gift God has given Chris and I and that is a true understanding that our children belong to God.

Maybe I'm just getting older and maybe wisdom does indeed come from age. I know it took me longer to grasp these truths than God would have wanted. I could have been spared myself and others so much sorrow and pain if I had listened more closely to His voice and truths from the beginning. All I know now is that I should have rejoiced in the midst of every trial because God was with me, molding me and shaping me and teaching me truths that will help to sustain me in future trials. Now I just need to remember to read this post when the next trial hits! :D

Two Interesting Questions...

Z's Question: "Mom, are you emailing Jesus?"

M's Question: "Why are you using a picture of praying hands instead of praying knees?"

The Promised Land...

"They went to the promise land. The land of milk and honey. And cake and ice-cream!"
-Z

Why Z Had Time-Out...

Me: Will you two please stop being so loud and calm down!
Z: Will you please stop interrupting us to tell us to calm down!

Funny Story I Keep Forgetting...

Late in my 1st trimester I went to Target and there was a woman there who had already finished her shopping. She struck up a conversation with me and finally asked when I was due. I told her and she asked if I would do her a favor. She told me that she had turned fifty last year and her husband had made a huge deal about her being older than he was and "over the hill". So she had thought of a perfect present for him and she was hoping I could help her out. I was a bit confused until she pulled a pregnancy test out of her bag! So I went in the ladies room, peed on the stick and gave it back to her. Can you imagine the look on his face when he opened his "gift"??? Still makes me laugh!!! :D

Housing Update...

God provided some temporary housing near Chris's office right on the bus line. Small, but with 2 bedrooms. It will make it possible for Chris to bus so I can have the car 5 days a week. It will work out just fine. We are hoping to close on the house by mid-August, but it is what it is. We can deal with it:D Thanks for all your prayers. Hopefully the next update I type will just be a closing date!

True Contentment...

Well, we are officially going to be homeless as of June 30th. Today we rented a storage unit to hold all our worldly possessions. Z walked into that 10x10 storage unit and asked Chris (in a very excited voice), "Is this our new house?" What a wonderful example of true contentment and a good reminder of how blessed we truly are.

Why I Love My Husband...I Think...

I got pregnant right after we took the kids to see Madagascar 2. After I started showing Chris would grin at me and say, "Baby, you huge!" which is the pick-up line the one hippo uses to hit on the other hippo. I just rolled my eyes at him, but I was usually grinning. Probably would've gotten old pretty quick, but luckily Chris saw a commercial for the new Ice Age movie and the one mammoth hits on the other mammoth. So now he keeps grinning at me and saying,
"Round is foxy!" Lucky for him I'm still laughing:D

Good Advice...

My kids and I have a rhyme to remind us that we should be grateful for what we get. Today M and I were discussing whether the baby will be a girl or a boy and I reminded him that "we get what we get and we don't throw a fit". M's response?

"Or we get what we get and we don't throw it. That would work, too!"

Good advice indeed...

Name That Tune...

M (singing): "Risky for my men, but not for the horses!"
Z: "No! Its whiskers for my men, beards for my horses!"

Can anyone name the country song they were singing along to? :D

Lilly's Prayer/Science Lesson...

Lilly offered to pray during Sunday school today...

Dear Jesus-Thank you for this day and night. Thank you for the food you provide for us that we grow, pick, cook and serve. Thank you for the insects like the bumblebees that gather pollen to make us honey. And thank you for the birds that fly in the sky except the penguin who doesn't. And thank for the mammals, like the ones with long necks like giraffes and the ones with long trunks like the elephants. And thank you for the things in the ocean like fish and sharks and turtles that come up on land to lay their eggs, but swim in the ocean sometimes, too. And thank you for all our friends and cousins. Amen.

Jon And Kate...

Okay, I watched the show a few times. The kids are cute as a button. Jon seems like a fairly decent father when he's around (the episodes I've seen he is mostly at work, but I think that's because they mostly took place during the day). Kate is...well, in my opinion she does not show her husband the respect he deserves as her husband and the father of her children. Plus she kinda needs to chill out a little. I was reading that this show has a following of mostly married women with young children, so women like me, but I am just out. I'm not reading anything more about the show or the couples private lives. I am praying for the children (especially the older two) who are now living out their parents alleged problems in full view of the gossip world. And I am trying hard not to be judgmental of parents whose first decision for their children seems to be to place them under a microscope for the world to see. So no Jon and Kate for us, gossip or otherwise. I wish you the best with your very busy household and do sincerely believe that you love your beautiful children. Good luck to you both!

Clara's Mommy Get's Married...

*This is a true story. Clara is 5 years old and her mommy is getting remarried. Clara is the flower girl.

Scene: The bridesmaids have just finished making their way down the aisle, cue the flower girl. Clara enters wearing her fancy new dress.

Step...step...sprinkle flowers...smile at nearest guest..."I'm throwing flowers 'cause I'm the flower girl"...step...step...sprinkle flowers...smile at nearest guest..."See my new dress? I'm the flower girl"...step...step...sprinkle flowers...smile at nearest guest..."My mommy's getting married. I'm the flower girl"...

(Flower girl finally makes it to the end of the aisle. Guest are grinning, but have managed to control themselves so far.) Clara looks in her basket and then turns it upside down and begins to pound on the bottom of basket to make good and sure that the basket contains no stray petals. A few guests chuckle. Bridesmaid gently moves Clara to her position. Music changes and crowd stands to watch the bride make her way down the aisle. Bride reaches the front of the church, organ stops, guests begin to sit and flower girl grins at bride and yells.

"MOMMY!!! YOU LOOK JUST LIKE GETTIN' MARRIED BARBIE!!!"

Groom cracks up.

Things I Wonder...

-Why anyone would twitter (tweet? twitt?) while in labour.
-Why anyone would want to read what someone has tweeted (twitted? tweetered?) while in labour.
-Why I feel dirty saying M's chess coach tweets (twitts? twittered-ed?).
-Why elderly ladies wear their curlers to the grocery store. Don't you curl your hair so it will look nice when you go out?
-Why I think its cute when my four-year-old says "clickly" instead of quickly, but find it annoying when my eight-year-old says "rock-a-moly" instead of guacamole.
-Why my husband absolutely adores me when I'm pregnant. (To be perfectly honest I am not a very nice person when I am pregnant and yet Chris just gets more and more patient with me.)
-Why I think anyone will care what I wonder about. Really, this whole post just makes me look a little sad, but oh well! :0D

You Know You Live In Arizona...

When you have your back to the sun, your sunglasses on and yet are still squinting.

Truth...

Me (in a very serious mom voice): Z, you and I both know that that is not the truth.

Z (in a very serious kid-caught-in-a-lie voice): Well, I know its not true, but that doesn't mean that you know that!

Weirdest Thing Said At Our House Today...

Chris: Could you just not kiss the cocoa puffs bird!?!?!?!

Worst Field Trip Ever...

"Today in Sunday school we went for a walk to see that grass we aren't allowed to play on. And we couldn't even make any noise!"

-Z, telling us what he did at Sunday school

Too True...

M: What's is this a puzzle of?
Chris: It's a picture of a basket of fruit that two puppies crawled in to hide, I guess. Or maybe someone put the puppies in the basket and then threw fruit at them, which is kind of disturbing.
M: Maybe someone put fruit in the basket and then decided to throw puppies at it. That would be even more disturbing!

Balloons...

Today as we were leaving Chick-Fil-A the boys and their friends were given balloons. When we got outside one of the boys friends balloons blew away. Z offered him his balloon, we said good-bye and in the car I complimented Z for being such a good friend. His response?

"I didn't want my balloon. Its too windy outside and it might blow away. I just don't need that kind of stress in my life."

Comfort Foods...

A friend and I were discussing "comfort foods" yesterday and I decided that mine are saltines and ginger-ale (even when I'm not sick!) and my mom's homemade egg custard (which my husband makes almost as well. Okay, probably just as well, its just not mom's!) I decided at breakfast that I would probably add sugary cold cereal to that list as well. What about you? What are some of your "comfort foods"?

Coolest Happy Meal Toy Ever...

"Mom! Burger King doesn't just have Star Trek toys, they have transporters, too!"

-M, after seeing a Burger King commercial which was advertising the new Star Trek drinking glasses.

Z's Blog...

Z asked me to blog this. I don't think that Z understands what a blog is, but since M asks me to blog things for him occasionally I guess that Z just wanted in on it. So here is what Z asked me to blog.

"If you buy a special marked package you could be the next grand prize winner!"

(Sadly, he doesn't remember the name of the product or the peticulars of the prizes, but good luck everyone!)

The ABC's Of Me...

I got tagged again and because I am a co-operative friend here are my ABC's...
A: Age-32
B: Bed Size-Queen
C: Chore You Hate-Dishes
D: Dog's Name-Monti (Dog I had in high-school.)
E: Essential to Start Your Day-Prayer
F: Favorite Color-Pink
G: Gold or Silver-Silver
H: Height-5'2" (In the right shoes!)
I: Instrument You Can Play-Piano
J: Job-Mommy!
K: Kid's-2 + 1 Still Baking!
L: Living Arrangement-Complicated;0D
M: Mom's Name-Myrtice, but she goes by her middle name now.
N: Nicknames-Busy;P (Also, the Stallion calls me...wait. Never mind...)
O: Overnight Hospital Stays-Too Many
P: Pet Peeve-People who get annoyed with my kids for just existing.
Q: Quote from a Movie-Remember when I told you I'd kill you last? I lied.
R: Right or Left Handed-Right, but I brush my teeth with my left.
S: Siblings-2 Older Sisters, 1 Younger Brother
T: Time You Wake Up-7:00am
U: Underwear-Currently I wear gigantic maternity underwear. Sigh...
V: Vegetables You Dislike-Peas
W: Ways You Run Late-Kids
X: X-Rays You've Had-I practically glow in the dark.
Y: Yummy Food You Can Make-Soup (You name the kind and I've probably made it.)
Z: Zoo Animal (favorite)-Manatees (we saw them in Ohio.)

I'm supposed to tag 26 people, but I don't really know 26 people. (Okay, I do, but tagging people just isn't my thing;) If you'd like to do this go for it!

Legoland...

We had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the new "Indiana Jones" ride. Plus nobody puked, which, now that I think about it, is highly suspicious. We have never gone on a family vacation where no one threw up before. Oh, well, its probably best not to dwell on it.

One Of Those Moments...

M turned 8 today. Say WHAT!!??!? That's right! My baby is 8! I can hardly believe it, but now that I think about it I probably saw it coming. Little signs were all over, really. Like the fact that I can no longer lift him up into my arms. Or the fact that he doesn't call me mommy anymore and kisses my cheek instead of my lips. Maybe it was the fact that he prefers chapter books to picture books and loves multiplication. Or it could have been that he wants to play football or chess with his friends instead of Candyland with his mommy. Its weird, but even with all those signs it still caught me by surprise that my baby, my first-born is officially an 8 year old. It helped, though, when he commented on his new status.

"I know I'm eight, but I still feel seven. It will probably take a week or two before I really feel eight."

The Stallion...

I just recieved an email from "The Stallion". I opened it and discovered the following link which absolutly cracked me and moved me tears all at the same time. (Okay, so the tears are mostly pregnant lady tears, but it was still very sweet!)

Mothers Day News Flash!

Why I Currently Can't Wear The Purple Shorts With The Purple Shirt...

Grimace.

Tough Questions...

I recently read a book by Caroline Mahaney, who is a wonderful Christian author. One of the things she addressed in the book was women's desire to be thin. I admit that this has always been my desire, one I have never achieved. I have tried every diet on the planet and exercise (even now) a lot more frequently than is probably good for me. To what end? Before I re-injured my knee I was down to a size 14. That's it. As advised by this book I made a list of the reasons I wanted to be "healthy" only to realize that I am healthy! My cholesterol and blood pressure are well within normal ranges, my asthma is under control, I rarely get winded and I have no trouble keeping up with my kids (at least I didn't before I got pregnant). So I ripped up that list and made a new list with all the reasons I wanted to be "thin". Guess what? Not a single one of them was God honoring. Not even one! My husband doesn't even prefer skinny girls, so I can't use being more attractive to him as an excuse. (Truth be told, he hates it when I diet!) So while I am still eating healthy I am trying not to do it in hopes of losing the baby weight faster. While I am still walking in the evening I am taking the doctors advice and not running. I am even shortening my walk when I feel tired. I don't know how long this new attitude will last, but I am praying about it. But this time I'm not asking God to give me will-power or a tighter butt! This time I'm asking Him to help me remember that my identity isn't built around my earthly appearance, but my heavenly one. I am asking Him to give me the strength and courage to ignore my worldly desires in order to focus more clearly on what He desires for me which I'm guessing probably doesn't have a lot to do with how my butt looks today.

I Really Love Facebook...

While I am certainly not addicted to facebook (I have friends who always seem to be posting or taking quizzes) I really do enjoy it. It has become an easy way for me to hear about prayer requests, not to mention meal and babysitting needs. I have heard from few old friends, but mostly it has just been a way for me as a busy mom to keep in touch with my other busy mom friends. So if anyone asks me I can honestly say I really love facebook!

*As a side-note, M asked if he could have a facebook page and I promptly told him, "Nope. Mom's on facebook. Its kind of a grown-up thing. :0D

Holy Pancakes!

Full Headline: Holy Pancakes! Virgin Mary Seen On Griddle

Article goes on to discuss the "image" of Virgin Mary that appeared on the griddle of the Las Palmas Restaurant. Does anyone else ever wonder how people manage to "recognize" a woman who was never photographed or even described very clearly? Or am I the only person who wonders these things...

Dear Dove...

Sometimes I wish my Dove wrapper would just say, "Have another piece of chocolate. You deserve it!"

8 Things...

I got "tagged"...twice! So here you go...

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:

1. Baby 3
2. M's Birthday
3. Trip to Legoland (next weekend for M's birthday!)
4. New Housing (We have an offer in, but still in limbo...)
5. Another Peanut Butter Brownie (What!?!?!? There yummy!)
6. A Date With My Husband (soon??? maybe???)
7. Being Done With Homeschooling for the Year (I'm in good company...trust me:)
8. My Nephew's Birthday Party (H is almost 3...can you believe it???)

8 Things I Did Yesterday:

1. Napped (just a given these days)
2. Spent 2 kid-free hours with my husband.
3. Took Z to P.E. (last day)
4. Missed M (he had a great time with friends at the Zoo, but I still missed him.)
5. Skipped Dinner (I ate a few tortilla chips later, but I just wasn't hungry.)
6. Watched Hell's Kitchen with the Stallion.
7. Took Z to breakfast at Jack-in-the-Box.
8. Took a short walk.

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:

1. Knit (Thanks for trying to teach me Mrs. L. Sorry I'm such a bad student:( )
2. Bake. (Sort of...I mean, what if I want peanut butter brownies when Chris isn't home???)
3. Grow a Garden.
4. Lift M. (When did he get so big???)
5. Hug Hobbitsister.
6. Sleep Comfortably.
7. Catch up on laundry. (If only we were nudists...)
8. Sleep in with my husband. (Chris usually lets me sleep in on weekends, which is nice, but it would be nice if we could sleep in together occasionally.)

8 T.V. Shows I Watch:

Okay, I have to change this to "have watched" because I really don't watch T.V.
1. Hell's Kitchen (Chris watches and I got hooked while on bed rest so I'll be finishing up the season. I think Paula's got it.)
2. House (Chris watches it, so its on in the background...)
3. Family Guy (Chris...)
4. CSI (re-runs and CSI:NY is out at this house since the Gary Sinise dream...)
5. Scrubs (Chris and I used to watch this one a lot, but we lost interest.)
6. 30 Minute Meals (M's favorite)
7. Handy Manny (Z's favorite)
8. Numb3rs (I like this show, I just don't watch T.V. and never seem to catch it.)

Okay, I'll tag the Stallion just for fun, but that's all for me folks!

Interesting Prespective...

Z: "I wish I was Pinocchio. Then I could lie all the time and know one would know."
Mom: "Pinocchio's nose grew longer when he lied. Everyone always knew when he was lying."
Z: "No, mom. At the end of the movie Pinocchio becomes a real boy. Then he could lie all the time and no one knew. I guess he just became a real boy and a liar at the same time!"

Good Reminder...

"Homemaking-being a full-time wife and mother-is not a destructive drought of uselessness but an overflowing oasis of opportunity; it is not a dreary cell to contain one's talents and skills but a brilliant catalyst to channel creativity and energies into meaningful work."

-Dorothy Patterson

House Hunting...

Chris always looks at the price vs. the space. I just look at the cross streets. Its just faster that way.

On Yahoo News...

"With divorce rates rising, some countries are proposing nuptials with renewable contracts."

Sigh...

I Can't Help But Wonder...

Are people who I have never really been friends with "friending" me because they are curious how I turned out or because they want a lot of friends?

The Stallion...

Chris just baked a cake for a friend's daughter's birthday. It is a pink and purple guitar with flowers all over it. It is absolutely precious and I can't wait to see her face when she sees it. If you haven't seen one of Chris's cakes I am trying to get him to post pictures on his facebook page. He could really do this professionally or at least as a side job...

The Zoo...

Yesterday I took M and two friends to the zoo for a few hours. We rode the carousal, went to the petting zoo and monkey village and saw all sorts of animals.

Today I took Z and a friend to the zoo. We played at the water park, had a picnic lunch, looked at the giraffes and rode the carousal.

I was trying to figure out which day I enjoyed most. Both days were filled with challenges and excitement and I finally decided it is a tie. But I am a lot less tired today:D

Parenting...

Chris: Z, go use the bathroom.
Z: Why do you keep telling me to do that?
Chris: Because you keep grabbing yourself and dancing around!
Z: Yes, because I have to go potty!

I Think I Might Just Be...

more popular on facebook than in real life. Which is sad for the people who added me, since I'm not a very reliable cyber friend, as you all know too well;P

Whining...

My kids are not whiners. Thank goodness. After a brief period of time with whiny kids I was about to rip my ears off my head. (I'm not talking the occasional, "its hot outside", I'm talking the constant, cannot seem to speak in a normal tone of voice whining...)

I Joined...

facebook. Still not sure I get it yet. Plus I only have one friend, so I am also a big geek. Quick! Someone friend me!

I May Or May Not Have...

just eaten the tops off of 4 cupcakes.

Biblical Humor Day Nine...

Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?

Best Reason I've Ever Heard For Joining Facebook...

"If you don't have kids old enough to want to join facebook or kids who even know what facebook is, now is the time for you to join. That way when your kids ask to join you can say no, mom's on facebook, its for grown-ups!"

Poor Parenting...

I just gave M a ridiculous ultimatum because I am just so sick of him messing around instead of just doing his work. I know that it was ridiculous. I know that I will have to follow through on it. I know that it wasn't a proud parenting moment. But then again I also know that his school work should have taken him less than an hour today and yet he's been at it for well over two. Serenity Now!!!!

Just Another Reason I Love The Stallion...

Yesterday after work Chris ran by the store and bought something I had joked about wanting. So thoughtful...

(Plus the other night when I had trouble getting off the floor he helped me up and said, "I love it when you are great with child!" Totally cracked me up...)

Dear Miss California...

Thank you for your honesty. Regardless of what people believe they should at least respect the fact that you have integrity. You should be proud of yourself for being who you are regardless of the circumstances.

Only Chris...

Chris told the boys that the baby will be here after Talk Like A Pirate Day.

(For those of you who don't know TLAP Day is Sept. 19th and my husband and children follow "the rules" all day long including in public. So fun... :D

Petition and Praise...

Petition: Both boys have strep throat:(
Praise: They also have a WONDERFUL doctor who called them in a prescription of antibiotics so they didn't have to go to urgent care.

I'll Be Your Best Friend...

Z reaches over and helps himself to a nacho off Chris's plate. Chris asks what he's doing and with a big grin he replies, "I'm having nachos with you, dad, 'cause you're my best friend!"

Biblical Humor Day Eight...

Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible?

M and Z Have Joined Team Asher...

Dear Blogging Friends,

Our friend Asher was born with Cystic Fibrosis. He gets sick a lot and our family has been praying for him since he was born. Now we have decided to join Team Asher and walk for Great Strides to help raise money for research. Our goal is $150.00. If you are interested in supporting us please visit our Great Strides Home Page to donate. Either way please pray for us as we prepare to walk on April 25th. Thanks!

Love,
M&Z

Note from mom: M and Z overheard me discussing the walk with Chris. They both got so excited about it that we decided to walk as a family.

"We just really want Asher to get better soon so he doesn't have to be sick anymore."
-M's reason for participating in Great Strides

"Asher is one of my favorite babies!"
-Z's reason for participating in Great Strides

Why The Stallion Isn't Sure He Can Handle A Baby Girl...

"I'm married to the most wonderful woman in the world and even she goes insane without warning."

Follow Your Own Path...

Z was trying to do a maze in the coloring book his grandparents sent him for Easter. Chris told him he just had to follow the lines and find the way to Eeyore. Z proceeded to draw a straight line from the start to finish, ignoring all the other lines. "Look! I found my own way to Eeyore!"

Happy Easter...

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

My Boys Grow Up...

I frequently refer to Chris, M and Z as "the boys". I sign letters Love Busy and "boys", I say lets go "boys" and whenever they are doing something with just Chris they tell me that its just "the boys". Until yesterday...

M: Your men are taking you out for a fancy dinner tonight mom!

Z: Yeah! And we are baking you a cake and you don't have to help, 'cause the men are gonna do all the work!

Is it just me or do they grow up way too fast???

(My fancy dinner was at Melting Pot, which was awesome! All my "men" looked very handsome in their suits and everyone behaved appropriately. Plus, dinner was delicious. :D)

Biblical Humor Day Seven...

What excuse did Adam give his children to explain why they had to leave the Garden of Eden?

Love you Busy!

In the grandest of what is now an annual tradition, I have hijacked Busy's blog to wish her a most wonderful, special, and happy birthday.

While I may be worse for the wear as the years add up, they seem to just bounce the beautiful BusyMommy. I won't reveal her age, of course, but she doesn't look a day of 24... honestly.

I love you Busy (even when you aren't busy...which is so very rare!)

As promised, though, I only use the fact that I know your passwords for the forces of good ;)

-Chris

Biblical Humor Day Six...

Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?

No More Right Said Fred Songs...

"Dad's awesome, but I'm too sexy for my pants!"

-Z, referencing "I'm Too Sexy", which mom may or may not have accidentally played in the car without realizing that her four-year-old would spend the next few months singing it...in public...at church...

Nerd...

"This is a Vulcan heart. Vulcan's have green blood."

-Chris, while doing shape and color flashcards with Z. He was holding a green heart.

Baby, I love you, but please stop nerding up our kids...

Biblical Humor Day Five...

What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?

Pregnancy Destroys Brain Cells...

In fathers, too, apparently.

"Or you can reach me at my office tomorrow. The number is 555-555-..." (Insert pregnant pause and incredibly dumbfounded expression.) Click. "I hope they think the voice mail cut me off. What the heck is my office number!?!?!?!?"

Temperature Issues...

"I was too hot last night because it was so cool in my room."

-Z, trying to convince Chris to turn on the air conditioner.

International Smells...

"Is that French rice? Something smells French."

-M, tonight at dinner.

Biblical Humor Day Four...

Who was the greatest female financier in the bible?

Z's Flashcards...

Chris holds up the letter Y card which has a picture of a yak on it. Z yells, "K for sheep!" Chris corrects him and moves onto number cards. "Onety-two" (12) "two-ty four" (24) and, of course, "Five-ty zero". We're working on it... :D

Biblical Humor Day Three...

Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?

Housing and Trasportation...

We put an offer on a house and our realtor reminded us not to charge or spend any significant amount of money (no new furniture, M's orthodontic work on hold, waiting a bit longer for our vacation). Chris and I said no problem. All that stuff could wait. Then the car broke. That is the one thing that cannot wait, since we only have one vehicle. The good news is that $500.00+ dollars from now we should still have one vehicle. Stupid car. If you were a horse I would have shot you by now and put us both out of our misery.

Jessica Simpson...

Chris: Maybe O.J. didn't kill Jessica Simpson.
Me: He didn't kill Jessica Simpson.
Chris: What was her name? Right. Nicole Simpson. Jessica Simpson was the one who o.d.'d in the Caribbean.
Me: No she didn't.
Chris: Who is Jessica Simpson, then.
Me: You know the singer that played Daisy Duke.
Chris: Who o.d.'d in the Caribbean then?
Me: Anna Nicole Smith
Chris: Oh. I'm still not clear on who Jessica Simpson is, though.

(This conversation did indeed take place, regardless of what The Stallion says in his comments...)

Biblical Humor Day Two...

What do they call pastors in Germany?

I Don't Think He Is Deaf...

Chris (to M): You're going to need to shower tonight.
M: Right now?
Chris: No, I want Z to take a bath so just wait awhile.
M: Do you want me to leave Z water for his bath?
Chris: He's eating. You can leave him water when you shower. Just wait a little.
M: Okay, so you don't want me to leave him water right now?
Chris: Not now. When you take a shower.
M: Okay.

(2 minutes later we hear the shower start. Chris just looks at me and sighs...)

Biblical Humor Day One...

What was Boaz before he married Ruth?

195 Days!?!?!?...

Stupid baby counter.

The Stallion Just Read An Email...

Informing him that you can "get rid of stretch marks in only 6 days!" His response? "Who cares?" Typical response from man who has never been pregnant...

(The Stallion earns numerous bonus points tonight for running out for Chinese food. Insert applause here...)

Things That Have Been Bothering Me...

Joaquin Phoenix: There is a difference between becoming a rapper and becoming a jerk. I might have bought your album, but at this point I am just sick to death of you...

Oprah: Why would you feel that publicly offering unsolicited advice to a young celebrity that has just been victimized is appropriate? Would you take advice from someone who feels entitled to bring your abuse public instead of respecting your privacy?

Rosie: Um, you were allowed to make the decision to come out of the closet in your own time. No one outed you. So why do you feel it is appropriate to call into question everyone else's sexuality? Why can't they have the same freedom you had?

Lindsay Lohan: I'm not saying that the paparazzi is not out to get you. I don't know. All I know is that if you weren't doing naughty things or showing naughty parts they couldn't take pictures of them. Just saying.

That Guy On The Radio This Morning: Who was yelling about how the speed control cameras are violating his rights. What rights are you referring to, the right to break the law or the right not to get caught?

And don't even get me started on moms who refuse to discipline their children and then try to force mine to play with them...

Okay, I'm done now. What about you guys? Anything bothering you?

How Special Am I...

I got two evites to two different events today. How loved am I!?!?!? :D

He Doesn't Even Need Braces Yet...

We are looking at a $592.00 bill from the orthodontist for pre-braces work. And that is after the insurance picks up its half. Ouch.

Housing Update...

Located on Chris's blog if you are interested.

www.randomsequential.blogspot.com

I Think I Just Frostbit My Lips...

Never attempt to hold a Popsicle in your mouth while putting pillows into their cases. Just a bad idea.

That Moment...

Did you ever have one of those moments when someone mentions something offhand that indicates you made some sort of a commitment to them and you totally blank!?!?!? A couple days ago my friend called and asked if I "was still on for Saturday". I panicked, trying desperately to figure out what I had agreed to do and if I could figure it out before I had to answer her. Luckily when I hesitated she said she was only asking to make sure Chris could still make the cake, so she could pick one up if he didn't have time. DO YOU KNOW WHAT I BLANKED ON!?!?!? A baby shower I am helping to host! For the record, I had my part under control, Chris was planning on making the cake and I probably would have remembered to go, but still!!! How dumb can you be!?!?! Sigh... Further proof that pregnancy does indeed destroy brain cells.

(I also had to apologize to a friend I accidentally insulted and my family for getting cranky because "everyone kept talking to me". That whole brain to mouth function seems to have stopped working as well:D)

101 Dalmatians...

Tonight for movie night we watched the live action version of 101 Dalmatians. We were surprised by how Z responded to it. We knew he would enjoy the puppies and the physical humor. What we didn't expect was for him to start crying at the end of the movie because, "All the puppies growed up and I thought they were gonna stay little puppies forever!" We finally managed to calm him down by telling him that all the puppies grew up and were going to have more puppies.

Shoe Troubles...

"When you wear flip-flops your toes have to hold on to your shoes real tight."
-Z, attempting to walk in flip-flops

Check This Out...

Test your vocabulary skills and help feed the world! This site donates 10 grains of rice for every correct answer you get.

M and the Dwarf...

Something Honormommy posted reminded me of the first time M saw a dwarf. He and the Stallion had gone to the grocery store, just the two of them. They are walking down the aisle when one of the women who worked at the store, who happened to be a dwarf, walked past them. M watched her intently and Chris readied the speech we'd prepared about how God made everyone different and how special that was and how He loved them all just the same. But M doesn't say a word until she turns down another aisle. Then he looks up at Chris with wonder in his eyes and yells, "DAD! THAT WAS AN OOMPA-LOOMPA!"

Oops, Sorry...

Mary reminded me... I had an ultrasound on Monday and they took me off bed rest for the most part. I am still supposed to "take it easy" for another 2 weeks, but other than that I am doing much better. Thank you for all your prayers. I can't believe I made it! :D

The Ice Cream Cone...

M and Z got ice-cream cones to eat on the way to Chris's office today. Z would eat for awhile and then yell that he needed help with "the drips". I would blindly reach back, grab the cone, lick the edges, then hand it back. We picked up Chris and headed for home when Z started yelling again. I reached back and he put the cone in my hand. Sort of. Actually, he had eaten most of the cone. There was about an 1/8 cup of ice-cream balanced carefully on a 1 inch square of cone. I was covered in ice-cream and rolled down my window to toss it out, only the wind blew most of the melted ice-cream back into the car (i.e. my face). Chris was laughing his head off and Z was yelling that he just wanted the cone. So I dumped the ice-cream off the cone, rolled up the window, handed Z the remainder of his cone, told Chris to put a sock in it and dug out the wet wipes. I would love to tell you that I learned my lesson, my kids will never have ice-cream in the car again, but I will not lie to you. I learned no lesson except that I should probably look at what Z is planning to put into my hand before he gives it to me.

Who Are You...

When Z was leaving Sunday school today some kid in his class kept yelling, "Bye, Brian! Bye, Brian!" Z was a bit offended that he didn't know his name was not Brian. Chris asked Z what his friend's name was and Z said, "I call him Dougie, but that's not his name." Chris asked why he called him Dougie then and Z said, "because I don't know his name." Four-year-old's are funny!

Home Owners...

The Stallion and I are talking about buying a house. For years (12, in fact) we have said we do not want to own a home. We a)didn't want the responsibility of a house, b)liked the convenience of living in an apartment and c)weren't really the home owner type.

So what changed? Not much really. We still like living in apartments, we still don't really want the responsibility of a house and I think we are both questioning whether or not we are the home owner types. But with baby 3 on the way we are looking into moving into a 3 bedroom apartment where, for the first time, we will potentially be paying more for rent than we would be paying for a mortgage. So we contacted our realtor friend, Fiona, hesitantly explaining that we just might, maybe, possibly want to buy a home. She was definitely the right person to contact because she is not pushy and understands that we just don't know anything about buying a home. She gave us some sound advice, which we are taking, and a list of homes in our area, some of which are distinct possibilities.

Pray with us about this decision. We feel a little overwhelmed, more than excited, about our housing decisions. Part of us just wants to pack it in and take the bigger apartment. I'm wondering, did anyone else feel this way when they bought their first home? Or are we just crazy? (Probably the latter:D)

No More Pacifiers...

Dear Z,
Thank you for leaving your na-na's for me. You are such a big boy and I am sure mom and dad are very proud of you! Since you are so big I traded your na-na's for a special big boy toy. Have fun!
The Na-Na Fairy

PS-If you find any na-na's hiding at your house give them to mom and dad. They will make sure I get them.

*Letter left with Indian Jones legos in exchange for Z's pacifiers. He is so big!

More Flirting...

Z told our waitress at lunch today that she looked very beautiful. She laughed and said he was the cutest guy that had ever hit on her at work. On the way to the restroom to wash his hands Z grins up at me and says seriously, "I didn't tell her she looked sexy, 'cause only daddy's are allowed to say that!"

*Later in the meal Chris had to take him to the bathroom again. On his way back he yelled across the room, "MOM!!! I made it to the potty in time!!!" I wasn't even embarrassed, just so relieved!

Flirting...

The Staillion recently updated his blog and I was struck by the fact that he flirts better in cyberspace than in our apartment. This is probably a) because the kids can't hear it and b) because he isn't distracted by all the things that have to be done right then. Either way I love it. :D

Kisses...

Mommy: Can I kiss you?
Z: I don't know. Will it be juicy?

Z: I slammed my finger in the toilet lid. Can you kiss it?
Daddy: I don't know. Did you wash your hands yet?

Bargain Clothes...

I watched this video talking about how celebrities are wearing "budget friendly" clothes these days. They showed different outfits and pictures of the celebrities wearing them and then told you where you could order them. Some of them were, indeed, bargains. However, I have never, never paid "only $32.00" for a t-shirt. I mean, it was striped, but $32.00??? Is it just me or is that really expensive? Maybe its just me...

The Flu...

My entire house has the flu. I tricked the boys into napping by putting on a movie in their room and Chris took the next couple of days off in order to recover. And I am having morning sickness on top of all this. The wonderful news is that someone is bringing us dinner tonight. I have to go find a towel, I just sneezed on the monitor.

Dora The Explorer Has A New Meaning...

Poor Dora! What have they done to you?

Dear, Sweet Fiona...

Not only did Fiona invite M over to play all yesterday morning, she also sent home a coupon for $5.00 off an ice-cream cake at Cold Stone. What a wonderful friend!

Dear Prudence...

Today Prudence received a letter from a woman who is "in love" and "talking about marriage" with an intelligent, wonderful man. Her problem? He is apparently "not as attractive" as she is and she wants to adopt rather than risk having ugly babies. Prudence let her have it, of course, but all I could think was "RUN MAN!!!!! RUN!!!!!!" I mean seriously, how shallow could you possibly be!?!?!?

Pretty Well Sums It Up...

"Put on a movie and rest for awhile. Z's coughing, you said you aren't feeling great, I'm definitely not feeling well and mom's....well, mom's pregnant."

Chris to M this afternoon.

The Tooth Fairy...

Today Z came running in with a container of baby teeth to "leave for the tooth fairy!" I pointed out to him that those were M's old teeth and showed him where I had written, "M's Baby Teeth". He disappeared and came back a few minutes later with a big grin. He'd taken a marker and crossed off "M" and written "Z". Sadly I was forced to tell him that that wasn't going to work and he would just have to wait. He couldn't understand this at all until finally inspiration struck. "Oh! The tooth fairy doesn't know how to spell Z does she?" We'll just go with that...

Maybe If...

We worked for AIG we would have gotten a real bonus this year. Shame on you, AIG.

Dinner Conversation...

Out of the blue at dinner tonight M says, "One time a sneezed a noodle out of my nose." Then he just went on eating while Chris and I stared at him. Thank goodness we weren't having noodles.

Z's Baby Name...

Z wants to name the baby Arizona Jones.

And The Award Goes To...

I officially award the Sexiest Husband of the Year award to the Stallion for going to Dairy Queen to buy his pregnant wife an ice-cream cake. So yummy:D

Hands Up...

Z was attempting to remove his pants using only his feet. It wasn't working so he started yelling, "help, help!" Chris told him to use his hands. He immediately raised his hand and waited for Chris to call on him.

How Did It Get There...

Z: M, you found my Mach 5!!! Where was it, under the refrigerator?
M: No.
Z: Under the dresser?
M: No.
Z: Under the bed?
M: No, it was in the toy box.
Z: Huh???? What was it doing in there?!?!?!

Baby Names...

If it's a boy it will be J. If it's a girl it will be A. Hope everyone approves;D

This Baby Does Not Like...

Butter!!! And mayonnaise is iffy, too.

Go Figure...

Watching infomercials about exercise equipment does not actually make one feel more active.

Bed Rest, Day 5...

Me: What are you playing with?
Chris: Broken zip tie.
Me: Why?
Chris: I don't know. Want to try it?
Me: Okay.

Spend next hour watching SVU reruns and playing with broken zip tie. How pathetic...

It Does Get Confusing...

M: Okay, close your eyes and count to ten slowly.
Z: But if I count slowly I will forget what comes after 4!
M: 5.
Z: But only if you count it fast enough!

Positive Things About Bed Rest...

I have been put on bed rest for 3 weeks and honest to goodness it is only day 4 and I am going insane. So here are some positive things I came up with...

1. We are surrounded by wonderful friends who are eager to serve our family by playing with our boys and bringing us meals.
2. My husband loves me and this baby so much that he has not strangled me even though I am really really cranky with him for "doing my job".
3. My children actually enjoy watching television and playing computer all day long.
4. My feet don't really swell that much when I'm not on them 12 hours straight.
5. I am completely hooked on this seasons "Hells Kitchen", much to the delight of my husband.
6. I am still so tired that for the most part being forced to sit down a bit isn't too bad.
7. At the end of the day Chris still loves me even when I don't obey the doctor as well as I should. Also, he cleaned the house and did the laundry so I would stop crying.

Thats all I could think of, but who knows, God may be teaching me a lesson through all of this...

The Magic Chocolate Boxes...

For Valentines Day we gave each of the boys a small box of chocolate (3 pieces). They finished them in a few days, but Chris and I thought it would be funny to put one more piece in each box. They were so amazed that the boxes refilled themselves that we kept doing it. M has caught on by now, but not Z. Today he walked over to Chris and yelled, "My magic chocolate box even put in your favorite kind of chocolate, dad!" Its so cute, I know that they are going to be eating way more candy than usual for awhile.

Dear Mr. President...

About 2 years ago my husband and I were approached and encouraged to buy a house. We explained that we could not afford a house at this time. 'They' then showed us numerous ways that we could afford to buy a house, but we stood firm explaining that while 'they' could change and rearrange all the numbers we still made exactly the same amount of money. We chose to be responsible and live within our means. So at this point in time we can only assume that we will be receiving a check any day now from our government rewarding us for being responsible, since our tax dollars are helping out all those people who chose not to be. We appreciate this more than you know, because while we still live within a budget it is becoming harder and harder for us to so in this failing economy which I doubt will be much better when you finish throwing money at companies who have already proven that they cannot be responsible with it.

Thank you for your donation,

Busymommy

Ya, That Does Sound Gross...

M was reading the sign in the McDonalds window today. "McRib sandwich is back. Gross. Who would want to eat Ronald's rib???"

Not Really That Sneaky...

Chris and I were in the bedroom and Z knocked on our door. (Remember that part!) We told him to come in. The door opens and he begins to tip-toe around before hiding behind our dresser. We watched him for awhile then finally asked him what on earth he was doing. He peeks out from behind the dresser with a huge grin and whispers, "I'm being a sneaky butt."

Dear Steak I Had For Dinner Last Night...

When I saw you on the menu you just looked so good that I had to have you, but now I am regretting my selfish decision. As wonderful as last night was I'm afraid it is over between us. I spent all morning reliving my decision last night. It literally consumed me and made me unable to truly appreciate my beautiful family. So I am afraid this is good-bye, for now. Perhaps after the baby arrives we could renew our friendship, but until then, adieu.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Busy Mommy

As Of The First Week Of October...

Busymommy will become busiermommy!!!

(Or, as The Stallion puts it, we are about to be outnumbered:D)

Z And The Isamanites...

Z just learned about how the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and last night in the bathtub I heard him yell, "Follow me, all you Isamanites! I will push the water for you!" Then I heard, "This is so NOT WORKING!!!"

Interesting Praise...

On Tuesday I spent the entire day in the car on the freeway. I went from Mesa to Phoenix to Chandler to Phoenix and back to Mesa. I picked up Chris before I headed home and then I had a craving for a Sonic Slush. Right after we pulled in the manager flagged us down and told us we had a flat tire. Chris thanked him and went to change it only to discover we had no wrench (it is a used car and it wasn't in with the spare). Luckily, the manager had a lug wrench that fit. Chris changed the tire and drove half a block to where we bought the tires. Just as he pulled in the spare went flat. When the mechanic went to pull it into the garage to change the tire he discovered it was leaking antifreeze because we had a crack in our radiator. Our friends picked us up at the car place and our car was fine by tomorrow. (It did cost $500.00, but we had the money to pay for it and it could have been so much worse.) So...

Praise: Didn't blow a tire on the freeway while I was alone with the boys.
Praise: Didn't blow the radiator on the freeway while I was alone with the boys.
Praise: Had slush craving and stopped at Sonic less than half a block from mechanic.
Praise: Tire only cost $9.00 to repair since it was under warranty.
Praise: Someone was available to take us home from car place.
Praise: Chris was able to borrow a car so he didn't miss work.
Praise: Actually had the money to pay for car repair.

God is so good to us in so many ways!

Uh, Its The Same Amount Of Work...

Everyday when M sat down to do his workbook he would say, "Do I have to do both sides?" and everyday I would tell him he did. Chris just copied the second half of his workbook and, unlike last time, he didn't copy the worksheets back to back. That's fine, though, because I just give M 2 sheets. Now everyday M says, quite happily, "Its only one side!" Today I pointed out to him that he has to do two worksheets instead of just one, so technically he is doing the same amount of work. His reply? "No, I'm not. If I had to do two worksheets everyday I would have to do four sides. Now I just have to do two!" The ironic thing is that the subject is math...

Sometimes It's Better Not To Ask...

Z runs out of his room wearing a red baseball cap. "Look dad! Jack died and now I'm Indiana Jones new helper. And look," holds up arm with Am Ex wristband on it, "I have American Express power!"

Wiinjury...

What my husband says happens when you play Wii without stretching.

Who Are You Kidding...

If you choose to have 14 children while living with your mom and using a sperm donor, please don't go on talk shows and talk about how you "can't do it all alone" because that is what you basically decided to do.

Less Video Games, Maybe...

Z: Am I still 4?
Me: Yep.
Z: Oh, man! I'm never gonna get to level 5!

Dumb Lady...

"Well, we believe that telling our children no when they ask to buy things sends them the wrong message. Telling them no is like saying they don't deserve things. After all, what are parents for if not to make our children's dreams a reality? Nothing should ever be out of their reach."

-Quote from the dumb lady I met at Ikea. Seriously. Dumb.

Healthy Hair...

(Photoqueen's spa story reminded me of this:)

When I was younger (high-school age) I had very long, very thick hair. Anytime I would go in to get a trim my mom and I would joke because it was always the same old thing. The stylist would compliment me on how beautiful and healthy my hair was and then ask what products I used. I would tell them that all I used was Pert Plus and then (it always happened!) they would inform me that that stuff was "really bad for my hair". Go figure.

BTW: I never really loved my hair because while it is thick and long it is also hard to manage and since it really doesn't feel worth the effort to me it is almost always braided or twisted up somehow. It looks about the same now as it did 20 years ago, too.

My Son, The Rock Star...

M: Mom, can I rip some holes in my pants?
Me: Uh...no.
M: Man! But that's all I need to really be a rock star!

M: I'll play and you sing Living on a Prayer.
Z (singing): Oh Yeah, we're halfway ther-are, Oh no, living on a prayer.
M: Now say, its time for a guitar solo.
Z: Its time for a guitar solo. Oh oh, were halfway...
M: You don't sing during the guitar solo.
Z: But I like to sing.
M: Sigh. I really need to find a new backup singer.

One Time M...

applied a temporary tattoo in the backseat of the car using only his own spit. Quite impressive, really.

I'm Not A Huge Football Fan...

...but I am having a great time watching the game! It is a beautiful night here in AZ so our windows (and everyone else's) are wide open. Which means that when ever anything good happens (like the awesome touchdown the Cardinals just scored!!!) we get to celebrate with all our neighbors:D

Superbowl Conversation...

Z: I'm gonna watch the Superbowl with daddy.
Me: Good.
Z: The Superbowl is football.
Me: I know.
Z: Footballs are brown and not circles.
Me: I know.
Z: Squares are not circles.
Me: I know. They are squares.
Z: Footballs are not squares, though.
Me: I know.
Z: I want to eat chips with daddy, too.
Me: Okay.
M walks into the room and sees us on the couch.
M: What are you two talking about?
Z: I was just telling mom that I want Ramen Noodles for lunch.

Chris To Z...

"You are making me go crazy and BALD!!!"

The Wrestler...

The Stallion was wrestling with the boys when suddenly M yanks off his shirt to reveal a temporary tattoo he'd stuck right in the middle of his scrawny chest. You should have seen Chris's face!

Out Of Context...

I realized today that Chris and I say things to each other that sound really bad when taken out of context. For example The Stallion just said to me:

"I could so beat you."

(He didn't, though. I made it to the kitchen first:)

M's Take On Guitar Hero...

"Hey, dad. If you had a really cool tattoo and then took off your shirt before you play guitar hero, then you would REALLY ROCK!!!"

He's Too Cute...

"Hey, what do you think you're doing? Get out of there! Come on. Right now, I said! Come on you silly foot! That's right. Come to papa."

-Z, while attempting to take off his footed pajamas.

Making Predictions...

M's grammar book had an assignment yesterday concerning making predictions. Here are my two favorite answers.

Latoya decided to bake some brownies. She put them in the oven and went outside and jumped in the pool. She swam for a long time. She forgot all about the brownies. What will happen next?

They started to burn. Uh-Oh. Kaboom! They exploded!

Dad and Sam went fishing. They rowed the boat to the middle of the lake. Then they hit a rock that made a hole in the bottom of the boat. Water started rushing in. What will happen next?

Its too sad. I can't tell you.

Z's Plague Story...

"Today I learned about Moses and the evil shepherd. There were lots of frogs. And when you get out of bed in the morning you'd step on frogs. And, this is gonna be hilarious, when you take a drink of water a frog gets in it and you go BLEAAAHHHH! And you couldn't get to your office 'cause there are too many frogs. Only it wasn't really funny. Just a little bit, but not a lot."

(FYI--Pharaoh has a staff in the picture, thus the "evil shepherd".)

Out Of One Of My Christmas Books...

So wondrously caring is God ev'ry day,
Creating, sustaining my life ev'ry way.
Each breath I intake, ev'ry beat of my heart,
All pleasures well-tasted are His to impart.
Indeed, for such blessings He should be adored
And honored supremely as eminent Lord.
In fact, for this purpose He brought me to be,
That I might His glory and kindliness see
And cherish Him fully in all of my days,
Obeying with pleasure whatever He says,
Fulfilling the calling He's laid upon me
To show forth His glory deliberately.

-A Gospel Primer for Christians by Milton Vincent

Whatever Happened To...

Chris: Do you ever think that K.Fed is really just Vanilla Ice? What happened to him, anyway?
Me: I don't know. He only had one hit song. Its just like that guy Snow.
Chris: Oh, global warming.

The Happiest Thing That Happpened Today...

I almost forgot to wash the kitchen towels and napkins, but then remembered just in time. And that was the happiest thing that happened to me to today. (I'll blog about our trip just as soon as I have 10 consecutive seconds.)

We Got Home Last Night...

8 Checked-Bags, 7 Carry Ons, 1 Carseat, 2 Boys, 5 Hours on a Plane and 1 Mommy Thankful to be Home! Hope you guys had a great Christmas!