California, Here We Come!

Well, our prayers were answered and we are off to California. We got a better price, even though it was more than what we had planned. Jack will get over time for all his flight time, so that will pay for the ticket. It was tempting to stay the entire week as it was only a little more to stay, but you know me....I have to get back to the kids!! I have a lot of details to work out, and my mind is just racing making sure every part of my kids life is taken care of. It's hard to explain to someone every part of our routine....like remembering snack for Joshua's school. I still need to work out transportation for Joshua, but that will happen. I also have to not worry about mom and the kids. I know that is a lot on her and I worry about her. I know how they wear me down, I can only imagine how they will wear her down.

A Closed Door???

I really thought I was going to California. After mom got home from an exhausting trip, she graciously said that she would stay here with the kids. I couldn't believe it. Last night, I put the kids to bed and started looking into things to do. I was so excited to know there were malls just blocks from the motel (things to do while Jack is working). The facilities looked great....heated pools, hot tubs, gyms etc. I also started planning our trip....the Golden Gate, cable cars, China Town, Fisherman's Wharf, the beaches....etc. I planned out our travel plans, our flights, even Jack's flight home and printed it out for the travel agent so that she could book it for us (he has to use his travel agent at work). I woke up this morning and the price went up $175. It's now over $400 for me to fly. We really can't afford that money. We really couldn't afford the $230 flight either, but that was a dream price. I just feel like it is a closed door. Needless to say, I am very disappointed. If I could have only booked my flight last night. I am praying for a miracle...like maybe his travel agent can get a good discount or a better rate, but I really doubt it. I have checked all the major discount Internet travel sites, and even the airlines themselves, and $405 is the cheapest flight available. I'll keep you posted.

Weekend

So, the weekend was good. I already posted the fun I had Friday night. Saturday, we got up early and went to yard sales. We decided to split up as we were torn where to go. Jack went to Crossroads church, because he found some real deals before, but this time it was a dud. He also went to a community yard sale down the road from my mom's. He did buy a few little things for re-sale, but nothing that will rake us in a ton of money. Joshua, Jenna and I went to some around here, including the community yard sale in Rhonda's neighborhood. I did get some things to put away for their birthday's and Christmas, still new in the box. I was excited to find Jacob some clothes. I got him 4 pair of shorts, 3 shirts (two of them for winter) for 50 cents each. Both of the boys still need clothes, but I love finding the buys! We came home and ate lunch and then we had our "taco night". It was Joshua's turn for family night so he chose to go to the park and have ice cream cones at the house. It was nice. Even Jack and I ended up on the swings.

Girls Night Out!!

Sara and I went to the Southern Women's Show last night. It was so much fun! We walked around and sampled all the food (and how many dips did they have, Sara?). I felt like a little pig there for awhile. It was in two buildings, and the second building didn't have any food, so we did some serious shopping!! We were both very good with our money! I got Jenna a bracelet for $3, and some hairbows. The fun thing that BOTH of us did was go to Clinique and get a make over. I can't believe I did it. I can't believe she did it! I'll have to toot our own horns and say that we both looked really good!! I did buy some clinique makeup and I even scheduled a time to go to the Clinique booth and get a full makeover consultation....only this time I won't have Sara as my crutch!! The show closed at 8 so we headed over to Crabtree Valley Mall. We went into a few stores and then ate dinner there. I still wanted to savor every minute of the girls night, so we headed over to Target. We only had 10 minutes before they closed, but Sara snatched up some good things at the $1 section. I can't tell you how much good that did me. It was so nice to get out without the kids, and I must say I was pretty embarassed at how bad/wound up they were in front of Sara. I was more than ready to get away!!! Thank you Jack, for watching the kids and knowing that I need this time away, and time with friends, and thank you Sara for such a wonderful time. Although I REALLY enjoyed time away from my kids, I really enjoyed our conversations and getting to know you better. You know since I left BHBC, I don't get the "girls night" out anymore, so this was great and I look forward to many more adventures with you! I know having 3 kids you need this time just as much as I do! I enjoy our field trips, but this is much needed time for both of us!

On a Brighter Note....

Ok. I felt really guilty for my post this morning. I have a lot of things to be thankful for, even if I can't get away from Jack. I managed to close my closet door today and get a few minutes to myself (this never happens). The kids were playing nicely in their room, so I prayed about it and asked God if he wanted me to go, that He would just open the doors to make it work out. I know if it is meant to be, it will be clear and plans will fall into place. I shouldn't doubt the summer vacation. That would actually be easier as kids are not in school.

So, my brighter note....I have been a busy bee this morning...I changed the sheets on all of the beds today. It gives me a workout getting on the top bunk! Every time I change sheets, the boys change beds (they both like the top). I have also been spending the day washing, cutting strawberries. I learned I could freeze them. All you do is cut them up and add sugar to them, so I froze two bags. Also Jacob's teacher at preschool made this wonderful dessert. It's almost like italian ice, only it tastes much better. Jacob LOVED it, and I hope that maybe Joshua will eat some. I am proud of what I have done so far. Maybe after lunch, I can finish folding laundry and take my shower for my night out!! Here is the recipe (she called it something fancy and she didn't put a title on the recipe:

1 cup hot water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 cup sugar
3 cup sliced strawberries

Mix first 3 ingredients. Blend strawberries and sugar syrup. Pour into 13x9x2 non stick pan and put into freezer. Every 20-30 minutes stir and scrape sides into center for about 1 1/2 hours. Cover and keep frozen until ready to serve! Yum Yum!!

Finally Friday!

Whew! It's Friday. I am so thankful!! I didn't go to the gym this morning. I thought I would treat myself to sleeping to 6:30 and it felt good! I am looking forward to a good weekend. Family night is getting moved to tomorrow. We will have tacos then and do whatever Joshua wants to do. Tonight, I am going with Sara to the Southern Women's Show! I am so excited to have a "girls night out"!! It is much needed. I used to go to these shows a few years ago when they were downtown, but I have missed it for 2-3 years and now it is at the fairground. I hope it is as good as it used to be. At least the parking is free!! Who knows....maybe I'll get brave enough for a free makeover or something!!
I am a little discouraged though.....Jack called me last night and said that he may be going to California during the week of the 14th (May). He wanted me to go. I thought...wow...California!! I actually checked into airline tickets last night and they were VERY reasonable right now (like $240). Of course the longer you wait, the higher they get. I also thought what a wonderful mother's day gift....to get away!.....Of course, I don't have anyone to watch the kids. Plus, Joshua is in school. I don't mind him missing one day, but two-three days (I wouldn't be gone the entire week) is too much. I don't feel close enough to anyone at church to ask them. I have friends, but no one close enough to ask. I know my mom would watch them in a heartbeat if she could, but the kids are too much for her for that length of time. I'll be honest, I am giving up on the idea of going away for our anniversary too. It's hard for me to ask people, and everyone has their own lives, and who wants to take on three kids!!! I know someone who would take Jacob and Jenna, but because of Joshua's school, they probably couldn't do it, plus, their child is in school too. It's hard enough sometimes to find sitters for us to have "date night". Who knows if he will actually go to California anyway and if it will be that week? And, it would probably be better if we didn't get away this summer, because it would just be money we don't really have....right????

Tired!

I am tired already. I woke up this morning at 4:15 to go work out. I did 20 minutes on the eliptical and then did a 45 minute aerobic class. Sometimes I wonder if it is really worth it. I can't seem to lose any weight and my membership ends in about 3 weeks. I just wonder if exercising in general is really worth it. I'll always be bigger, there is nothing I can really do about it. It's hard to get there, but once I start waking up, I feel good. I do get a lot more accomplished. I have had a shower, put on my makeup, prayed, had my devotions, made the bed, got dressed, sent my "thought for today" out, and worked on my blog. Now, I have to get breakfast and get ready for packing lunches, etc. Joshua has sharing day today, Jacob has a picnic at school, and I have a staff meeting/lunch after school. I need to go and get my corn casserole ready to take over there, so I guess I need to stop blogging and finish my morning work! I don't know what I would do without a calendar!!!

The Strawberry Patch

Excited to go!

Hunting for berries
Whew, this is hard work!

what a nice reward and treat!

I went ahead and posted Joshua's soccer game yesterday in case you missed the details. Yesterday, Jacob and Jenna's preschool went to Smith's nursery and strawberry field. It was a lot of fun. I have never been strawberry picking, can you believe that???? I'd love to go again. Each of us got a bucket (they gave the teachers a free bucket). After we picked our strawberries, we went down and saw the catfish and the turtles. Then they took us to see the goats and a beehive. It was one of the nicer field trips that the school has taken. It worked out really well because Joshua's class took a field trip yesterday too. Anyway, the lady told me strawberry season is about the second week of April until the second week of June, so we might just have to take another trip. They really enjoyed eating some along the way too!!! I also want to visit their nursery as they had some beautiful plants!

Don't they look good?

Soccer (Post 2 for today)

I had to make two posts today. Joshua was so excited about soccer. He was all over the ball again last night and he almost scored a goal. It hit the post otherwise, it would have been in!!! He came SOOOOO close!!! He wants a goal more than anything. He begs his coach to let him play. He doesn't want to rest, he wants to play! I sure hope he scores one in the next three games!!

101 Reasons Why......

Jenna took this picture!

I could talk about my 4:30 workout or Joshua's soccer or our plans for today, (I'll do that tomorrow) but this one is dedicated to Jack! Happy Tuesday!!! The other day I was writing in a book and he asked me what I was doing. I said I was writing 101 reasons why I loved him. (which I really wasn't). He told me I couldn't list that many, but darling, I took you up on the challenge and here it is. Some of it might be repetitive, and some might be goofy, but there are so many reasons why I love you!.........

101 Reasons I love Jack:

He loves me
he is a Christian
he loves God
he wants to do God’s will
he protects me
he takes care of me
he provides everything we need
he is cute
he is handsome
he is funny
he loves to joke around
he loves to have a good time
he works hard
he loves his job
he loves his kids
he is a good friend
he is a good brother
he is a good father
he is a good husband
he is a good son/son in law
he sticks to his goals
he sticks to his standards
he is a leader
he is concerned for me
he accepts me for who I am
he forgives me
he adores me
he will help anyone
he is content
he is always striving to be better
he always tries to find the positive
he is faithful
he is loyal
he is true
he is devoted
he is kind
he is gentle
he has self control
he is not selfish
he has integrity
he can fix things.
he is strong
he has nice muscles
he is trustworthy
he is smart
he is talented
he is understanding
he motivates me
he is tenderhearted
he is a great role model
he is a great teacher
he is a good listener
he is MY best friend
he is my dream come true
he stands by me
he is successful
he is sweet
he is joyful
he is not judging
he is satisfied with what God has given him
he memorizes scripture
he is a good student
he doesn’t let me go through things alone
he respects me and others
he is proud of his family
he keeps his promises
he is loved
he is a good kisser
he is full of energy
he is the leader of the house
he is stubborn (in a good way)
he doesn’t hold a grudge
he holds my hand
he loves a challenge
he demonstrates the fruit of the spirit
he is creative
he is my cheerleader
he has great self esteem
he can keep a secret
he is amazing
he has been the same size since I met him
he is accepting
he is an angel
he settles any arguments
he respects authority
he is awesome
he isn’t bald or gray (I’d love you anyway)
he believes
he hopes
he dreams
he doesn’t get bitter
he is a blessing
he doesn’t boast
he is calm
he is the perfect catch
he can put up with my mood swings
he is full of passion for life
he is full of confidence
he keeps his eyes on Christ
he persevers
he is focused
He is all this and more. He is my gift from God. He is my every dream come true. I love you for all of this and more! I love you!

I couldn't get the numbers to copy, but actually there is 102! Happy Tuesday!!!

Monday Thoughts

I can't believe the weekend is over again! I enjoyed it. Jack and I put the kids down at 8 pm Saturday and then watched a movie we rented. It was a good, but sad movie. (definitely not a chick flick!) Sunday we went to church. I went and worked out, but I can tell the workouts are getting harder and I am getting out of shape. I am not going to aerobics tomorrow because the teacher is having revival at her church and won't be there.

So, today is Monday, the start of a new week. I have realized that even though I have been totally exhausted lately, I just have to start getting up early. I need time to get myself together and then shower and things like that before the kids get up. I know that is going to be hard. I even thought about getting up again and working out at 4:30 am because my membership ends in a few weeks.

I have gotten a lot done today. I am caught up on the laundry, I made the beds (i usually don't make the kids beds because they take naps) and I mowed the front yard. I did most of it by the rider but I did use the push mower too. I try to do stuff like that so that Jack and I have more time together.

Jacob and Jenna have been arguing over the jeep. This morning they didn't get to ride until 10:30 because they kept fighting. I am having a hard time with Jacob right now. He is the sweetest boy, but he really tests me right now and we have the "battle of the wills". He is also famous for his temper tantrums. I don't know why people call it the terrible twos, because for me it's the threes. I hope in a month he will get better since he is almost 4. I also realize Jenna just turned 3, so it may be a long year!!!

Loads of Fun

We have had a lot of fun this weekend. It started yesterday when me and the kids went and surprised Jack at work! He was really surprised. Then, we ate lunch with him and Jacob stayed and helped daddy at work. Jenna and I went to get Joshua and then played with the new barbie jeep. We had our taco night and then played outside and then watche Curious George. Then, this morning we managed some how to get out of the house by 7:30 and went to yard sales. We hit this community yard sale and was there for at least an hour and a half. We didn't get home until 11:45. The kids were excellent and having fun with their new treasures. We got two X-box games for resell, a barbie backpack on wheels, brand new shower curtain liners, a picture frame, a t-ball thing, a book, a Waltons video, The Star Wars Triology, a Carolina Pathers Football. It was fun! When we got home, we realized that our Saturday plans got changed without notice, so Jack and I took the kids into my mom's house and went to Cookout and took it to Shelley Lake and had a picnic. It was the nicest, inexpensive date we had. We just sat on the blanket and rested and talked and it was SO relaxing! It was nice to get our date squeezed in since we were put on the spot. Thank you so much mom for those nice couple of hours! It was so nice! Now, I have to catch up on some work, but thank you again for letting us have our date! Shelley Lake was another place we went on our first date, and we went back several times when we were dating!!!

The Never Ending Job

Yesterday after preschool, I decided to REALLY clean the kitchen. I put things away, scrubbed, disinfected etc. Then I made dinner....a simple dinner (chicken nuggets and french fries because Jack has class) and I came back in there, and all my work is gone. You couldn't even tell that I cleaned. There were dishes to be washed, crumbs all over the floor etc. I just kinda hung my head and wondered if it were all in vain. I'd like for Jack to come home and know that I really did do something with my time (although he NEVER says anything or criticizes me).

On a brighter note.....I got Jenna a Barbie Jeep yesterday. I got a deal on Craigs List. She was a little scared of it last night. I have got YARD SALE FEVER! I am so EXCITED to get out tomorrow. I am a woman on a mission. I hope to find some good stuff to re-sell. I hope to find Joshua and Jacob some clothes because they REALLY need some summer clothes!! I hope to find me some things too! After that, I think that I will just take some time to myself and go shopping. Jack has got some other things to do, and some things to help his brother with, so I am taking some much deserved me time. I know that probably sounds very selfish, but after being in the house all week, I just need to get out!! It's also family night...Jacob's turn. I think we are renting Curious George!

Picnic Day

Jenna's class had a picnic today. She seemed really excited about it. She wanted to make sure that she had a peanut butter sandwich in her lunch! Tuesday all the classes are going strawberry picking so that should be fun. It's been a quiet day other than this. I guess there just isn't much excitement this week!! Here is Melody and Luke working on one of the kid's projects for today.

Big Dreams

This August Jack and I will celebrate our 10 year anniversary. To some people it's just another year, but to me, it's one of those "mile marker" years (I really don't know what else to call it). My big dream is to take a special trip with Jack this summer. I don't care if it is simple as going to Virginia for 2 days, or something bigger, I just want to get away. He may be going to California in a couple of months, and that would be a wonderful trip for us!! (because the company pays for most of it!!). Last year, I went to Chicago with him for two days and it was like a fairy tale! We hadn't gotten away together in years! Wow, if I could go to California with him, that would be wonderful, but like I said, I would take a simple trip....any trip!!

So....I have two BIG hurdles.....first of all, trying to find someone willing and able to take the kids for a few days. Secondly....finances! Going away would take money, and money that we don't really have in the budget. We are already going to the beach with the kids in August, and I don't know how we will pay for that. I know it will work out if it is meant to be. Right now, I'll just keep dreaming!!!

Funny Pictures

Ok, I am sorry honey, but I had to post these. Last week Jack was off so we did some projects around the house. We spent the entire day out on Thursday. He presure washed the front of the house and it looks so good. He decided that he wanted to try to get the roof! Joy was over here at the time, so we got a good laugh watching him try to get up there. Of course, once he got up there, the washer stopped, but luckily I was able to get it started for him. Seriously though, I am glad he did not get hurt. Joy wanted us to come to her house, but I told her I needed to stay close because I didn't want Jack doing that work alone. Thanks, honey. I know I had to pick on you, but it does look nice and I appreciate it, even though the roof trick didn't work. Joshua didn't have soccer last night because of the wind so he was disappointed. Jenna's appt went well. We saw Miss Tina and Miss Karen. Jenna wanted Miss Tina to come look at her. I told her Miss Tina was not the doctor!!!

Monday, Monday

Well, it's back to the normal routine again. We got off this morning without too many struggles. The kids were up at 7 and got dressed and ate breakfast. I could tell Joshua would rather extend spring break a few more weeks. The weekend was pretty good. Yesterday, we had church and then lunch at the church. We came home and the kids took a nap. Since we didn't have Sunday night church, I went to the gym. I got to work out for 20 minutes and then take a 45 minute aerobic class, so that was fun. Oh, I did make the kickboxing pretty well. She called it "boot camp" and then only did about 20 minutes of kickboxing. I was so sore for about 2-3 days after though! We had taco night last night since Friday we had Jenna's birthday, and Saturday we were kinda running around. Jenna has her three year old checkup today at 10, so we have to get ready for that.
Last week, Anna and Oliva came over on Thursday because Joy wanted something to do with the girls. Anna said she was going to marry Joshua!! The kids played for several hours. I didn't get any pictures of Olivia (3) but I did get some of Anna.

What My Kids Say

I have to write these down when they say them so that I can look back one day and remember. Like yesterday. Jack changed the oil in his car. I wish you could hear Jacob say it. I need to video him saying it. It's more like..."are you going to change the o-yell?

Joshua was riding in the van yesterday and out of the blue asked "Does Uncle Mark have a mom"? Jack said "yes...who do you think it is?" Joshua thought for a few minutes and said "Aunt Catrina?" He hasn't gotten the concept that the three of us share the same mom, and I think he has a hard time thinking that "grandma" is my mom!!!

These pictures are for you Jen. Here is Jenna opening your gift!!!

The Barbie Cake

Jenna had a really nice birthday. She seemed to like going to Logan's. She got to ride home with grandma and grandpa. When we got home, David and Jenna and Miss Tracy came over. They also had a present for her. She got a bubble blower, barbie sunglasses, a barbie fun pad, princess night light, princess necklace and play camera. She also got a new baby doll which she really wanted! She was so stuck on this baby doll. I kept trying to get her to get a cabbage patch newborn, but she wanted that doll. I guess I wanted her to have the cabbage patch, but it was her day, not mine. We even took her to ToysRUs to have her pick of all the dolls, but she still wanted that doll, so we went back to Walmart to give her the special doll. It was a good fun day!

Happy Birthday Jenna!!!

My little baby is three today! She is growing up so fast. I can remember the day she was born and all the excitement of having a little girl. When I held baby Zoe on Wednesday , it brought back all the joy I had of holding you!! I wish I could just stop time and keep her at this age forever. You are a joy to us Jenna. We are proud of you, and we love you so very much! So, mommy can say now that I have two 3 year olds......how many women can say that without having twins!! I can say that until the end of May! No wonder I am so tired at nights....I have two three year olds in the house!! So, we are off to an adventurous day. We are going to see Aunt Catrina at work, get Jenna something for her birthday (I was hoping something else would work out but it didn't and that is why it is last minute) pick up her cake, play, and eat at Logan's with grandma and Grandpa! Happy Birthday, Jenna!!!!

Growing Up So Fast

My kids are growing so fast. Joshua is going to take off his training wheels on his bike today. I am glad Jack is around. I know how he will get. He will get mad that he can't do it right away. He'll want to quit. I don't know if I have patience for all of that or not!! My fears start to kick in now as I know there will be a lot of boo-boo's in the future. I guess maybe he is late taking off the training wheels, I don't know. I know Jenna next door (6) just took them off this week, and her brother, David (8) just took them off a few weeks ago. This is why the training wheel issue all came up because he wants to be like them. I'll try to take pictures this afternoon and post them to this post, so check back later for out bicycle adventures!

Pooped Out

We spent a lot of yesterday outside riding bikes. Jenna was pooped out. She fell asleep just sitting on the couch. Then they played outside with the neighbors once they got home from school (they had spring break last week). Jenna, the next door neighbor got a new bike (she is 6) so she gave her old bike to Jenna. Jenna feels like a big girl now because her bike has brakes! I didn't get to go to aerobics last night because Jack worked late, so the kids and I went to Lowes Foods to order Jenna's birthday cake. I think I will do the kickboxing class this morning. That should be a real joke! I used to take the class all the time last year, but Jenna kept getting sick every time I took her so I stopped taking her to the day care. So, I haven't been kickboxing for a year and I am not in the best of shape, so this should be taped for the funniest home videos!! I hope to get groceries after that. I really need too because I am taking a meal to Olivia tonight (the lady at our church that just had a baby). If I don't get to the store, her meal will consist of nothing but rolls!!!

To Diet or not to Diet.......

To diet or not to diet....that is the question! I really need to lose 10 pounds in two months. Nothing magical or special about two months, just something I need to do. I really don't like the way I look. I figured 5 pounds per month is reasonable. The first 5 usually come right off anyway. Now....can I stay motivated? My problem is that I love to go to the gym, but just don't get there like I would like too. I can't get motivated in the cold to get up and go at 4:30 am. I also worry because my membership expires next month and I don't know if we will have the money for me to renew. The biggest problem however, is that I LOVE to eat!!!Food and I are best friends at times. I am also an emotional eater. When things get crazy, I go in for a snack. When I am lonely or sad, I eat. When I have had a stressful day with the kids and they are sleeping, I go in for "my" time. I swear if I didn't snack, I would probably be thin. I lost so much weight only to gain it back. I don't know if I should commit myself to this goal or not. I also know we have a big birthday this Friday and of course we will have cake and eat out, a shower on Saturday with more cake (and you know how I LOVE marble cake with whipped icing!!!). I guess as long as you are sensible and eat in moderation, you don't have to deny yourself of food. So, let me go out on a limb, like Sara, and try for the magical 1o lbs by June 15th. (that gives me a couple of extra days, especially since I have blown today). I'll put it on my calendar to post my update on that date.

The Weekend is Over?

I can't believe the weekend is over. We had such a great time with our families, that I can't believe the work week has begun again. At least there is no school. I don't know if that is a good or bad thing, but it is nice not to have to rush around in the mornings! The kids have been so tired every night and sleeping in a little, which gives me time to get ready for the day! I am going to take some time to myself today for about an hour and go and work out. I need that after all the food I ate over the weekend, not to mention my refrigerator is wall to wall of sweets and ham! My sister must have had about 6 different desserts yesterday. Oh well! I'll start back to working out. Hopefully, tomorrow night I can go to aerobics class. Jack is off the last part of the week, so I hope to have time to spend with him, relax, and still get some household projects done. Oh, one more thing.....

Happy Birthday, Angie!!