My Favorite 2006 moments

I kept the kids home from church today. They are better, but I didn't want to upset anyone. We won't be going to church tonight now either, but we will go to dinner with my parents. It's been a New Years Eve tradition for several years now. Since I couldn't go to church, it has given me time to write on my blog of my favorite 2006 moments. There are so many of them. I'll try to enclose pictures of some of them. First of all, by far, my favorite 2006 memory is actually taking a vacation to Chicago with Jack. It's been years since we have gotten to go anywhere overnight, so this was a big deal to us. Let's see, Joshua graduated from preschool and started kindergarten. That to me was a big accomplishment and a good memory. Jenna started preschool too. My baby is gone! Jacob FINALLY got potty trained over the summer during our beach vacation, and started his second year of preschool. We put in new floors in our living room, took a trip to the zoo, and so much more! Our house wishes all of you a Happy New Year!!!

Not too much going on today. I spent most of the morning trying to get Jenna into the doctor. I never heard back from our pediatrician so I tried an urgent care. That place was dirty and the lady said it would be at least an hour before we got seen. There were two people in the waiting room and I heard one lady say she had been throwing up, so Jenna and I just left. I didn't even sign her in. Five minutes after I got home, the doctor called and they squeezed her in at 11:30. She had a double ear infection. One tube had fallen out and the other tube is in place, but there is an infection behind the tube, so she is on antibiotics. Maybe both of us will sleep tonight. I hope we don't start getting ear infections again! She isn't running a fever and the doctor said you can't catch an ear infection, so as long as she does good tonight and we both get some rest we can still go to church. If she has a bad night, I will keep her home.

I am attaching a picture of all the cousins...Joshua, Jacob and Jenna, Tiffany (16) and Philip. Philip is holding Caleb, his son, which would be their second cousin.

The Will Store

Here is a funny of Jacob. Yesterday we were running errands and I told him I needed to go by the goodwill store. He kept saying " Mommy....when are we going to Will's house?" I told him we weren't going to Will's house. He said "you said we were going to Will's store house to play"! I guess he thought Will had a store of toys or something!!

Jack is running to Fayetteville today to his brother's house to work on the tires on his car. Jenna and I may run to some stores or even the "goodwill store".

Wednesday night someone came while we were sleeping and stole the car battery from our car. I can't believe something like that happened in our quiet neighborhood. We really should have kept the vehicles locked. It makes you feel so violated. It makes me very scared knowing that Jack leaves for California in two weeks. I worry if they stole something from the outside than they could come to the house next...and then if I am all alone....I don't sleep well as it is when Jack is gone but now I am a little more nervous.

Daddy's little panther

We went shopping this morning. I wanted to go to Lifeway and I also went to the mall. I easily spent the $20 to Bath and Body Shop. They were having great deals! I even picked up a few gifts for next year. I also went to the store where I got $140 in gift cards to, but never found anything....figures, when you have money to spend you can't find anything!! I'll wait another month and hopefully get some spring things as well as more winter clearance items! I guess we will spend some more time today cleaning up. The Christmas decorations are down now.

Jenna posed this morning in her Carolina Panther hat and shirt. I thought it was cute.

Today is just another stay home get caught up day! Jack hopes to run a return back to Home Depot and take Joshua for his free pizza. I plan on running to the bank and to goodwill. I am on this never ending project of getting stuff ready to sell for the consignment sale. We don't have near as much as the past few sales where we made $500, but that's because we didn't get to many fall yard sales. I still hope to make $100. Joshua's birthday is next month and I hope to use some money for that, as well as cushion our budget.

Jenna is doing better today. Her nose is still running and she coughs a little. Jacob sounds like he is barking. He doesn't take things as well as Jenna does. I guess that is a man thing as Joshua is truly the worst when he gets sick!!

I got a lot accomplished yesterday. I sat down and made my "goals" and also followed the pastor's "redeeming the time" sheet. It was very helpful. I hope to spend more time with Jack and my family in 2007. I also got my closet cleaned out which was a major accomplishment. If you could have only have seen my closet! Even with all the Christmas and consignment stuff taken out, it was still a mess. Happy Wednesday to all, and thank you for reading my "blog"! I know there is only about 2-3 people who read it, but hopefully it will grow!

Day after Christmas

We had a very nice Christmas. It looks like toysrus here in the house! I'll spend today trying to organize the kids toys a little better. I also have to spend this week getting ready for the consignment sale next week. I don't have many clothes to sell this time, but I do have a few toys.

Jenna was so sick yesterday. She had a fever. She was a trooper though. She hung in there and played and opened presents. She is still just laying around today. Jacob woke up saying he didn't feel good. I gave him some Motrin some 7up and some crackers and he seemed to perk out of it. I'll just play nurse today. I don't mind too much as I need to clean this house. I do hope to run to Walmart later today just for some odds and end stuff I need. I am putting a picture of Jack and me and of my sister an brother and me from yesterday.

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!!!

I don't have any pictures today. Maybe after tonight and tomorrow we will have some of our Christmas adventures. Last night we went to the "McLean" gathering. It was fun to see all the aunts, uncles and cousins that we don't get to see that often. Jenna liked seeing "Aunt" Angie, Hayley and Wyatt the best. Tonight we are opening presents with Jack's brothers and then we have to get everything ready for Santa in the morning. We will have Christmas morning here and then head over to mom's for Christmas there. Merry Christmas to everyone!!

Fun at Preschool

Our last day of preschool. Jenna had a "program"...basically just singing, but she wouldn't open her mouth. Funny how she won't say a word at preschool, but as soon as they bring her to my class at the end of the day she won't stay quiet!!! Jacob's class did their gingerbread houses. Daddy was off yesterday so he got to come help Jacob. I had Christmas already! I got several gifts, including a Target gift card (my favorite store) and a Walmart gift card! Ohhhh! I can't wait to go shopping. I am sure the Walmart card will be used towards groceries though, but that's ok!!

Princess and the boys!!

Here are my three adorable children. Jenna looks cute dressed up like Mrs. Clause, but she was ready to take it off!!

Christmas Princess

I felt like a princess yesterday. I felt like I was getting showered with gifts at preschool even though it isn't even our last day yet. I got some candles and cookies from Carter. They were soooo good. I don't think we have very many left. I got a $20 gift card to Bath and Body works from Isabella. I can't wait to go spoil and pamper myself after the holidays! Thanks, Isabella! That was very nice of you too. I sure love my kids. Tomorrow is my last day with Meredith and Noelle, two adorable twin girls that have really touched me. I am going to miss you guys!

I spent the morning in Raleigh. Jacob and Jenna went to grandma's while I went to my yearly checkup....fun fun fun! I think I would have rather stay with grandma! I love seeing all the pregnant women in the office. I look at Jenna and know my baby is gone and it makes me want another one, however, I know that three is perfect for us, and they can be a handful.

I wanted to take this chance to say how grateful I am for Jack. He is just a WONDERFUL husband. I am so proud of him. He found out he had to take another class, but yet I haven't heard him complain and he is taking things in stride. He could have taken time off, but he is plugging right back in there and I admire that about him. You are the best, and I love you! Here is one of our pictures from our special trip to Chicago back in October. We haven't gotten away in years, so this was very special to me!

Forever Cleaning

This is what happened yesterday after the park. Jacob splattered Jenna with mud! I must have swept that kitchen floor 5 times yesterday, even after just mopping!!!

Fun at the Park

We decided to go to the park for a picnic today. I wish we would have had someone to share the day with, but I never know who to call at the last minute. We still had fun though. It's been a nice calm day, and for that I am grateful. Tomorrow I have to teach the class by myself as Miss Melody will ge gone. I am looking forward to it!

Lazy Sundays

I am so thankful for Sundays like today when we can just relax and take things slowly and also for the beautiful weather where we can go outside with the kids and play. This is just what we needed after such a busy Sunday last week. I can't believe next Sunday is Christmas Eve! It just doesn't seem possible.

Jacob had his first Sunday in big church and he did such a wonderful job. I was really proud of him!

We had a great time tonight. We went to our special friend's house from BHBC, Scott and Traci Cooley. They are such wonderful friends, and I do miss their family so much. Travis is 5, Joshua's age, and they get along so well together. Joshua really misses them. They are just such down to earth people and we truly miss them, but are grateful that our friendship can continue even though we don't see each other every Sunday. Traci fixed a fabulous dinner for us!! It was so nice not to have to cook!! The kids played for a little while and then we went down to this house that was all decorated for Christmas. The man turned part of his garage into Santa's workshop and from 7-9 every night he dresses like Santa Clause. Joshua got to sit on his lap and talk to him again. Jacob gave him a high five, which is big progress for him. Jenna wouldn't even wave to him, but maybe someday we will get over that hump. I wish I would have taken my camera, but maybe we can do it again next year.

I don't have much this week. Two days of preschool and I am off for a couple of weeks. I have a doctors appt on Wednesday, so I hope to see my friend Rudine while I am in Raleigh.

I am finally feeling better. Whew....what a bug. I took the kids up to 40/42 last night to see Santa. Jacob and Jenna, my little scardy cats, completely screamed and cried. They wouldn't get near the guy!! Jacob is screaming and sobbing all the way to the van. I finally calmed him down and he said "mommy, how will Santa know what I want?" I told him if he did well at the Christmas program, I would write Santa a letter....such bribery we use on our kids!! My "king" did just find. Our Joseph aka Carter, cried and would not go on stage. I thought with all the crying Jacob would join in, but he was a trooper. I think we had about 3 kids crying and would not go up.

Today, we made some holiday goodies. Jacob and Jenna had sprinkles everywhere!!! I am so glad I didn't mop yet. I'll do that when they are in bed tonight as I think I'll do another batch so Joshua can help. I had to stop myself and realize it's ok to get things messy once and awhile, even though I have to clean it up! They won't stay little forever!!

Well, I managed to make it to school today. I didn't feel the greatest this morning, but I feel ok now. My stomach, however, is still not the greatest. In fact, it makes these LOUD grumbling sounds. It hurts at times when it does it. I hope after all this pain and discomfort to at least lose 5 pounds! I was so embarrased today because I was waiting at the door at preschool for the mothers to pick up the kids and my stomach kept grumbling. One little boy looked at me and said "what was that noise?"!! I just said "what noise". I am truly embarassed. I don't know how I'll ever make it through the program tonight. Perhaps the kids will sing loud enough! I hope not may parents will want to talk to me tonight! I am just so ready for this bug to be out of here. I haven't had anything quite like it before. I just want to feel better and get through this holiday season without anyone else getting sick. That may be a big wish!!!

I started to feel bad last night. I was able to go to aerobics, but started feeling worse after that. I guess I picked up some 24 hour bug, although I still don't feel the greatest. I did get some shopping done today. Just a gift card and some stocking stuff and I am done. I came straight home from shopping and went straight to bed. I slept for about and hour and a half, and almost missed picking up Joshua. Of course napping is something I don't do!! I hope to get a bath in tonight and maybe I will feel really good. I just hope the kids don't get this too, or it will be a long week!!

Tomorrow is Jacob's program. I told Joshua today that he could go and see his old teachers. I told him that they really want to see him and he said "why...because I was the cutest?" I just had to laugh. Of course Joshua, you were the cutest! I hope I get some strength and energy back so that I can teach tomorrow. You won't be able to keep me from Jacob's program!!

We had a good day at preschool today. The kids were very excited today. We were able to get all our work done by 10:30, which is normal time for us. This is the first time that happened in a long time, but it made the day easier. After that, I can prepare the snack, and we have playground time and music class. We are busy working on our Christmas program. I need to take my camcorder and make money on America's Funniest Home Videos as you can just image what it is like to get 30 3 year olds to focus!!

At least that took my mind off things for a little while. I think things will get better each day. All I can do is pray about it and God will take care of the rest.

Oh, my good news....Jenna pooped in the potty yesterday.....I don't think she really realized what she did, and of course, she made a big mess today in her pullup, but maybe I can work with her better after the holidays.

I had a nice teachers lunch. I really like the people I work with. I have been a little down and discouraged all day. Some things happened to us on Sunday and it has really been bothering me, or really the both of us. Everything will be ok. I hope to go shopping with mom Wednesday morning and hopefully I can finish. Maybe that will get my mind off things and my spirits back up.

I am so glad this weekend is over. I got my haircut Saturday so I felt like a pretty princess for two days. Now, I'll have to try it myself. It never looks the same, but hey, at least I was queeen for a couple of days. We had a great time at the company party. It was nice to get out for awhile. Today, however, was just too crazy. Church, lunch, baptism and cantata pratice. I really enjoyed it, however, I am totally exhausted. I was supposed to shop tomorrow with my mom, but I told her, I just need to bounce back, not to mention I have 3 loads of laundry and other misc stuff to catch up on. I kept thinking of the verse tonight on the way home about come unto me all ye who are weak and heavy laden and I will give you rest!!! We have a so-so week this week. I have a teachers luncheon tomorrow (even though I am not "officially" a teacher) and Jacob has his program Thursday night, so that is all. It was so nice to be back at BHBC. I so enjoyed seeing all our friends. It brought back so many memories of Jack and I getting married there and everything we went through those 10 years there. I miss the friends there, but we know we are "home now" and are so grateful for the new friends God has brought our way. We can still keep in touch with the ones we are close too, but now we are on a new path. Well, let me get some sleep. It won't be long before the morning routine of rushing kids out of the house will begin once again.

So frustrated!!

I thought I was having a great day. I actually had Mikayla come over and watch Jacob and Jenna so I could exercise, shower (ha ha) and get groceries without any kids! Jack got a call last week from someone from Wake Tech saying to call, there was a problem with his application for graduation. Well, he found out today (with Wednesday being the final) that he needs one more class. He has an email from his advisor back in July telling him if he finished this one class, he would be done, and to go ahead and apply for graduation. Now, less than one week before graduation, he finds out he needs another class. He is so discouraged. My heart just aches for him. You don't know what to say and I can't make it better. That just upsets me when you can't take away the burden your husband is carrying. He has got a good attitude, but yet I know he is so burned out and so discouraged. I know the Lord is trying to teach both of us something by this. Registration took place several weeks ago, so I hope that he will be able to get that one class he needs. Here we go again. At least one night a week gone until spring. I also just found out he has to go to California again for a week. He leaves January 15th.

What children say....

So, we are driving to school yesterday and Joshua said..."I wish I were a girl". My first thought was what a horrible thought could come through such a little mind!! I asked him why he thought that way, and he said,"because I don't want to work when I get older, and girl's don't have to work"!! Boy, is that what he thinks of me....mommy doesn't work? I think a lot of people think of stay at home moms sitting on the couch all day eating etc. If they only knew!! I told him that a lot of girls worked...his teacher, his aunt, and even I used to "work" once. I also told him I "worked" at preschool, but who knows if he really thinks now that girls work too!!

I am so looking forward to the weekend! I finally get my hair trimmed after 3 months (although, with the Christmas budget, it won't be good). Jack's company is having their Christmas party at Embassy Suites in Cary. It's our first night out since our Chicago trip. It's usually a lot of fun. Last year we didn't get home till after midnight, so I hope this year is just as fun. Sunday will be a very full day, but I hope after this weekend to take it easy again for awhile (ha ha)

I need Jen or Sara to show me how to "blog" the right way!!! Today was pretty busy. I had to work at preschool today and since Thanksgiving things have been crazy. The kids have had TONS of crafts and projects to do and their program to get ready for next week, so I don't get much down time right now. I finally got back to the gym tonight. It felt good to do aerobics. Now if I could only stop eating!!!

Jenna was tired today because she didn't get a nap. She just cuddled with me on the chair...letting me rock her etc. Sometimes things get so crazy that I just need those sweet moments. I realize that they won't be little for long and some day I won't get to do this any more. My baby is 2 1/2 and I miss having the little one already!!! Joshua wanted me to lay down with him for 5 minutes tonight and gain I was reminded a day is coming where he won't let me do that any more.

December 4, 2006

I am so glad a new week has begun. It was such a crazy week. I had something going on every night and it just wears me down! I have three loads of laundry to do, the house to clean up etc. It's a little after 12 noon, and I haven't even showered or put makeup on!!! Jacob and Jenna and I did run to the library this morning. Even that gets a little stressful as Jacob has no "inside voice" and you can imagine what he sounds like in the library!! I am trying to work with Jenna on potty training, and I am not sure if either one of us are truly ready for this. Boy, what will I ever do when I don't have to buy more pullups!!!

December 3, 2006

Ok. I have started my "blog", thanks to Jennifer A. We will see if I can really do this and if I will keep it up. We enjoyed having lunch with our friends today.