By the way...

I forgot to tell you all. We made a gigantor pumpkin cookie this afternoon and I had the sink full of soapy water that I had washed the dishes in. I came into the kitchen to grab something and didn't notice anything amiss. The lights were off, it was silent. Then I looked a little closer. There, right in the middle of the bubbles, was a naked Faith. I have to admit, the last two nights we have had sink baths because of Ellie's burn. The older two HAD to have a bath in there like Ellie. But not in the middle of the day!! Then I remembered. My camera. I had taken a picture of Ellie in the oven drawer while we were making cookies. Sure enough. My camera was there. Right next to the sink. Soaking wet and covered in bubbles.

Endurance--I have none

I had this great thought that today I would wake up and go to the gym to swim some laps. I did wake up. And go to the gym. The laps thing is a little questionable. Holy Moly! That is stinkin' hard! I swam in high school and had no problems that I can recall, but today. Oh today. First off, apparently the rule is that if someone is in the pool, the lifeguard man (not the cute one) must be in his tower watching. Which wouldn't be that big of a deal if I wasn't the only one in the pool. But I was. And he had a buddy in there talking to him. Or laughing at me. One of the two. It was so hard. I had my goggles in place and determination was written across my brow. I pushed off and made it halfway down the pool before I sputtered out and died. Literally. I could not catch a breath. I could not swim in a straight line. I probably looked like I was dying. I swear I heard them laughing. I couldn't see them because my goggles do not have magnification and in order to wear my goggles, I must remove my glasses. Oh it was embarrassing. But at the time, I figured it would have been more embarrassing to admit defeat and leave. So I continued on. I think I was in the pool for all of 20 minutes and I almost had to ask young man lifeguard to carry me out. My legs were like noodles. Limp ones. And my arms hung down at my sides while my chest heaved like I had just run a marathon. It was not pretty. Oh it was not pretty.

Swimming, Puppies, and Pizza

Gracie had her first PE class at the Y today. I was unsure whether or not she was going to leave my side and follow the teacher. Well, maybe that was me. She is growing up so fast that I think I am the one having separation anxiety! They got to swim today, and the way the YMCA is built, there is a glass wall that people can sit and watch the pool goings on (like that language? hehehe). Faith found herself a spot, and it was like her little tushy was glued down! I don't remember the last time she was that still while awake! It was fantastic as I was filling out paperwork to get our membership all settled. Yay! I am so excited. Tomorrow I think I will swim laps...maybe whittle the waist a bit...that way I can eat the BIG pumpkin cookie with frosting that I plan on making tomorrow without feeling guilt. That is how it works right? You work out, so you can eat whatever suits your fancy? That sure is how it works for me.

Once PE was over (did I mention the super cute lifeguard that was a helper in her class? He was probably 15, but still...), we went to my pal Jaymie's house to let the girls play and to check out the NINE puppies. They are soooo cute. I love puppies. Almost as much as I love babies. I don't WANT any puppies though because they tend to shed, bark, and grow needy, but I love the hold them and smell them and cuddle them when they are so new...ahhhh

And the pizza. We made pizza at Mom's so Cam could have a little pow-wow idea making session with Dad about church stuff. Changes are on the horizon! It is so exciting when church gets a change. Really builds anticipation. You all need to plan on coming to see what is happening in Veribest. It should all take place in December. Something about a gameshow maybe?...

Emergency Room Drama

Well, Ellie had her first run in with the ER. She figured out how to turn the water on from the water machine and got the hot (boiling) water on. She burned her thumb, palm, and arm to the elbow. There is a nice sized blister on the forearm area. So, when the breast feeding comfort of Mama wouldn't calm the cries of pain, I called the pedi. He told me to take her in. Yuck. They gave her some pain reliever so they could clean it and wrap it and sent us home with supplies and knowledge of how to do the same. It is so hard to see your sweet baby hurting and not be able to do anything about it! She is now sleeping peacefully in my arms and I am reluctant to put her down. So, I think I will cuddle her just a little bit longer and catch up on my missed tv from the week. I will post a picture of the boo-boo when it gets light and I find my camera...

YMCA

We just went and toured our local YMCA. It is so nice! I don't know about you guys, but for some reason I cannot think of the Y without singing the song (with the motions) and thinking of gay people. Why is that? Whatever the reason, the song is blaring in my mind...

They offer this PE class for Gracie on Mondays and Fridays (homeschoolers) from 1:30-3:00. She will learn sports on Mondays and Fridays will be swimming lessons and pool time. How fun is that! I will have to drop her off (no childcare at that time so I can't work out)...alone...without me. She seems okay with the idea. Okay. She seems thrilled at the idea. She asked me how many days until Sunday. A little confused, I told her and asked why. She replied, "because the next day will be Monday!!". Not relating to PE, but to Gracie: we were getting out of the car and Gracie was toting the arm of Ellie's vibrating chair that has a refelective surface. I asked her why she had that, and she said, "because I like to look at myself". LOL I didn't really know what to say! I mean, sure. I have noticed that she always talks to herself in the mirror, but to bring along the arm of a toy just because it is reflective?!! I should give her a mirror...


Faith loves to dress up. This morning she found that perfect crown that would finish her outfit. Look at that sweet face. She doesn't like trouble--does she?!

UGH!!!

UNCLE DON!!! (aghast) I do NOT have gray hair! Maybe one or two little strands, but not my roots. Seriously. Gee. :)

A Busy Monday

My Grandma and I went to Abilene yesterday (I know, I know Summer. It was a super fast trip though) to have her fitted for a special bra that helps with pace makers somehow. Anyway, there is this lady there that sells these Jeunique bras. They are UGLY, let me tell you. Well, she decided I needed to be fitted for one too. I just looked at her and thought that I seriously don't need that kind of support...but for kicks, I stripped down. She puts this bra on me and I look down thinking "can't she see that it is EMPTY, as in devoid of breast in the cups?". She then proceeds to grab my boobs and tug and pull and rub all over the place (this is where I told her to be careful because I hadn't nursed Ellie in a while and milk was likely to come out). She had me reach in the cups (they unsnap like nursing bras so that you can get all the "breast tissue" from everywhere) and pull skin, or tissue as she liked to call it, from my underarms. It was a WEIRD experience. Well, then she gets is all done and shock! the cups are still not full. She said, "hmmm...I must have wrote that down wrong, let me get a half size smaller". While she was looking, I casually ask her what size the one I had on was. She says, just as casually, 32DD. I about fainted. When I told Cam, he said, "what is that woman smoking!!" hehehe She didn't actually have the 32D that she claims I wear, so I escaped without the purchase of a new $55 Grandma bra. I did, however, leave with a scolding for wearing underwire ESPECIALLY while nursing. Oh yeah! I forgot about the part where she told us everytime we use the potty we need to bend over and grab the front of our bras and shake shake shake. lol It is supposed to encourage blood flow and healthy breasts. Can't hurt anything right? So you women go SHAKE THOSE BOOBIES!!

Milk Chocolate

I got a haircut today. I also had it dyed back to my "natural" color. My new natural color is milk chocolate. Isn't that yummy!?! I know you can't really dye it back, but this is close. I just didn't remember it being so dark!! I really like it, but it sure is different. Just so you realize--I had just gotten out of the shower and have no make-up on in this pic. I am also in pjs. So be nice!

Sweet Family

Last night I had the rare opportunity to eat dinner with my Aunt Cindy, Uncle Don, and cousins Adam and Jen + their little girls Shelby and Bethany. It was so good to see them!! I think Adam is the funniest person ever! He never fails to make me giggle about something. Jen is one of the sweetest people and such a calm mother! She delights in her little girls and it is a treat to witness. Shelby is about Gracie's age, and they are so similar! I wish they could spend more time together. Bethany was so quiet and so pretty, like a doll. And THEN I learned that Uncle Don has been reading my blog! I was so surprised and thrilled and happy all at the same time! However, he won't post a comment. hehehe Maybe this will put him on the spot. Everyone check to see if Papa aka Don posted me a note. :) Love you Uncle Don!

Good Morning!

Ellie slept in this morning, and when she woke up, her hair looked a mess!! Good sleep I suppose. :)

Sin

Last night, my preacher (otherwise known as Dad), spoke about sin. About calling sin-Sin. I didn't really realize how much we DO whitewash sin and make it okay. Little things (which are not little to our Jesus) like watching television that doesn't glorify Him. I know! I LOVE Grey's. But seriously, Izzy and George had an affair and are planning to break up his marriage. Grey and McDreamy are sleeping together out of wedlock. And it goes on...It is funny because while I don't sit there and call it sin, I won't let my daughters watch it with me. I watch it when they are in bed. I don't want them to see the sleeping around and become used to it and think it is okay and normal. It ISN'T okay. It may be normal, but that is just wrong! There were a lot of things mentioned last night. Hard things. Things that wouldn't have surprised us when we were 10, but kind of hit us wrong now. Remember when we were little, we dressed up to go to church? We had church clothes, school clothes, and play clothes. Now, we just wear whatever we had on that day (which is better than not coming to church if you can't change clothes, because I don't really think Jesus cares, but it is about respect). I used to think, "would I wear this if I were meeting the president?", and isn't Jesus more important than the president? We should WANT to look our best to go to His house. We should! It was a really good service. One of the best (in my opinion) that I have been to in awhile (thanks Dad!). I have a lot of things to change. Not that I want to. I really like my television...

TAG!! Apparently I am "It"

I've been tagged by Shyanne. I've been instructed to write 7 things about myself, strange, crazy, funny but all true.

1. I have this great big longing to dance, but Cam won't play along.

2. I pray that God will defy all the odds stacked against me (Cam's vasectomy) and that I will become pregnant again (Gimme a break! Pregnancy is all I know!!)

3. I took a pregnancy test yesterday. You have to BELIEVE He can overcome those odds...hehehehe.

4. I REALLY would like to have breast implants.

5. I love how it feels (and smells) to have a clean house with all the laundry done, and then I like to just sit on the couch and watch tv with Cam.

6. I would love to open a bakery someday.

7. I love to cuddle my own fresh smelling babies and to watch them sleep.

Okay. I tag Summer and Jennifer!

Almost Forgot!!

While we were in Fort Worth, we took the girls to Cool Cuts (a really super place for kids haircuts) and got new hairstyles for the older chicas. Faith won't wear barrettes or bows and has recently decided no braids, so her hair was always in her face. It drove me nuts! I decided to try bangs and chin length on her. Then, when Gracie saw Faith, she wanted bangs just like her. I thought it would be fun...Cameron wasn't thrilled when he saw them. I didn't know he didn't like bangs. oops! hehehehe I think they are adorable. And Gracie LOVES it. She constantly looks at herself and says how much she loves her hair and how she will keep it like this forever!! :)

AS A SIDENOTE:

Ellie walked up to me yesterday with the remains of what must have been an enormous arachnid hanging from her mouth. I about gagged when I saw the hairy legs and crunchy body with white goo oozing out. She was spitting and grabbing her tongue, ICK!!

Weekend of Pictures

We had a smashing good time this weekend! The fair was a great experience (we had never been), but it is one of those things that was great ONCE. Maybe in a few years we can go again when the girls are older. The girls wanted to ride every ride, and at $3.50 a person, that just wasn't going to happen! eek! We did all ride the Ferris Wheel ($6 each) because how can you go to the fair and not ride the ferris wheel?! We also had some face painting done, and experienced the corn dogs, hot dogs, frozen yogurt, and fried cookie dough (it tasted like a fresh from the oven hot cookie--very good!) The petting zoo was fantastic! There were lots of baby animals (some nursing...I felt like I should sit in the pen with them and nurse Ellie since that is ALL I ever do!). I really think the fair should be experienced at night. The lights and the noise seem so magical in the dark.

Here are the suckling pigs...

This is Jesse Jennings (longtime friend and brand new recording artist...yay! go find his cd) and his girlfriend Kim (she is great!). They came to fair so they could "hang" with us. It was so good to see them. It has been awhile since we saw Jesse!

Colby's Chuck-E-Cheese party was good...lots of noise, little kids, and laughter. It was a really nice evening! And I must say, the pizza seems to be getting better.

Saturday, before the return trip, we got to watch the nephews Caleb and Colby play soccer. Caleb is very good at this sport. He takes it seriously and plays well. Colby's team seemed to have much more fun though. He slid into the goal net every chance he got, then got up with a thumbs up and big dimpled grin. These are the moments that I wish with everything in me that I lived there. We had such a good time just being with family. Talking, laughing, wrestling. Even Ellie was becoming social by the end of our trip! It was all just so nice. Really.

Catch-Up Week

We took this week off. No school. No scheduled activities. Nothing but catch-up. I have swept, mopped, dusted, cleaned ceiling fans, scrubbed bathrooms of all the lime build-up. I have cleaned out drawers and am working or organizing my closet. It is long and narrow and just not laid out well! I have spent hours scouring the stores in San Angelo for organization solutions. I have found nothing but a little metal shelf and 20 plastic shoe boxes...

I painted an old two-seater school desk and some chairs. They are now proudly (or not so) displayed on the back wall of my living room. I painted them black so they would fit in a little bit with the decor. It actually doesn't look so bad. I am going to hang a bulletin board and some tin pails for crayons and such (IF I decide to be brave, because while cleaning, I found Faith's latest mural in my entryway in red marker. Not sure I want "tools" readily available to her). I also drained the swimming pool and have done 15 loads of laundry (that MAY be an exaggeration, but it WAS a lot). The grocery shopping is done, and I even painted my toenails! I let the girls play with play-dough on the patio, and they left all the lids off even after my frequent reminders not to do so. So, now our house has no more play-dough. I really should get them some more...

A preview for you...

I made the older girls Halloween costumes (tutu-kitty's) and bought Ellie's costume, and I ordered the two little ones pumpkin treat bags from Pottery Barn to match Gracie's. I even made little tags with their initials on them using embroidery floss and some felt. Did I mention I redeemed GymBucks and got some more great outfits for Ellie? Talk about productive!! And it is only Wednesday.

Tomorrow (I think) we are heading to Fort Worth. It is Colby's birthday today, and the celebration will be Friday night at Chuck-E-Cheese. Yay! He is 6. I think we may try to catch the state Fair while we are there. I could use something fried and sweet.
Pictures will be coming of both my closet (if I get it done) and the girls new "classroom".

Disney on Ice was spectacular! Well worth the money! We had a ball. The girls eyes were glued to the stage with expressions of awe and delight. Really there isn't a lot to say about it. We had $7 cotton candy that was the best ever (it had better be!) and some fries with messy ketchup all over them and a big frothy cold coke. We had a truly fabulous date!

It's a princess!! Or not...

We have tickets to Disney on Ice. They were for Thursday night. We didn't go. They rescheduled it for Sunday evening because our city didn't THINK about how they didn't have a machine that could freeze the ice quick enough. Don't they know that totally threw my menu off! Geez...

We went to the library today because there was a rumor that the princesses from the show were coming to read the kids a story. We got there and the place was packed. I mean packed! I had to park practically in a dumpster (well, okay, in front of it, but still. the stench was right there). The "princess" was late. In true princess fashion I suppose. She came with her handsome "guy" who was carrying a bouquet of balloons. She was NOT a princess. She was a member of the ensemble. That is what she said. The Ensemble. I am sure the kiddos knew exactly what she was talking about. She was wearing work-out pants and a Disney on Ice t-shirt. She stayed for less than 15 minutes. Then they just walked out. With the balloons. I mean, seriously. The balloons were much more exciting than the "princess" who was not a princess. Two weeks ago, the library claimed to have Dora coming to read us a story. We went to that too. Dora was a middle-aged overweight Mexican lady. She did a great job, but she was NOT Dora. Perhaps we should have learned our lesson...

The ALL NEW Facial

In one of my brilliant moments, I put a bowl of cream (not creamed) corn on Ellie's highchair for her to eat while we were eating. She did a really good job...for the first half of dinner. Then she started to drink the cream out of the bottom of the bowl. Then she just dumped the whole bowl on her head. Hehehehe One of those moments, when you can't help but run for the camera!

The Frustrations...

Remember how I said that we didn't want to spend money on gymnastics, but that I went ahead and did it because Gracie needs FUN? Welllllllll, at gymnastics today, her "regular" teacher apparently was not there and we had a sub (Gracie said she was "very nice") who decided that an hour was just too long and cut 15 minutes off their class! Shanna (you just gotta love her) asks the guy in a way that meant business WHY she was letting them out early. He replies, "it is like a pre-k class". WHAT does that mean!! And why in the world does it matter? We are still paying, and not complaining that 10 of their 45 minutes was spent in the bounce house (HOW is that gymnastics?)! Ugh! Ugh! Ugh! I really should go eat some brownies a'la mode. That always makes me feel so much better...

It's My Birthday!!

I am officially 27 years old, and I got some great presents, because that is what birthdays are about- yes? To celebrate ME. :) My parents took me out to lunch at Outback (they have the best sweet potatoes!) and gave me a really great Fossil purse. I got some of the new Fiesta goblets to match my dishes from Shanna and my Grandma. My best friend gave me a paper organizer thingy for my scrapbooking papers, a Rascall Flatts cd (yummy!), and a necklace that she made that I cannot begin to describe. It is made with glass beads that are the birthstones of my four daughters. It is amazing! I got "something wonderful and fabulous for me" from my other parents. AND finally, At 12.00 this morning, Cameron gave me a set of pearls with earrings and bracelet. It has a toggle clasp that looks like Brighton. Gorgeous! I have been wished a happy day by countless others. My girls even sang to me (for the very first time). So, all in all, I have been spoiled rotten. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by the family and friends that I have. God is just awesome!