Christmas Kids

We had a very LOW key Christmas this year. Justus' favorite gifts were the MatchBox cars from Daddy. You know, the ones that cost one dollar. Good thing we didn't go crazy buying stuff. Zeke got a swing for outside that we found while in Bama. We didn't do a BIG gift this year. Sam and I were disappointed a little but the boys didn't miss a beat. Here's the boys Christmas Day.

FAMILY PORTRAIT

Well, we had our picture taken for the church directory. All in all it's not that bad....the photographer could have tried a bit more. The good thing is that I don't hate it. The bad thing is that my face is SO red. Too much blush?? Or was I just hot? The world will never know.

The B'ham leg of the trip

We had a great time hanging out with Mathew & Nicole. Some good laughs! The kids got along very good. Especially Justus & Darcy. I think they're two of a kind. I also got to meet Jamie & her boys. Tres & Justus beat up on each other most of the night. Again- lots of laughs & a couple of tears too. It was great to meet your kids! We went to the Alabaster parade as well but the batteries in the camera died.

Down with beta blogger!!!!!!!

I want the old one back!!!!!!! Ive tried to post pics 5 times now. NOT a happy camper!

We're in the process of downloading ALL our pics to another website so we can delete most of them off the computer. They're taking up too much room & slowing things down! It's almost 4am & I can't sleep. I'm about to give it another try. Talk to you soon.

I burnt the cookies & ran out of milk....maybe I should eat an apple instead.

Average???? I don't think so!

Last week Zeke got his shots & of course they weighed and measured him. He is getting close to 16lbs. And over two feet tall. Seems pretty amazing to me! I do realize that Zeke isn't growing as fast as Justus did BUT when the nurse told me he was average I about blew my top. My son, average???? Not exactly the kind of thing you tell a mother. So I politely smiled & we left ASAP. I'm thinking that the nurse needs some lessons in public relations. And me well, I just have to get over it. Poor girl, I know she didn't mean it they way I took it!

Lights out

Well, two light bulbs have blown out in two days. Is it faulty wiring or just cheap bulbs. I'm seriously thinking about buying those bulbs that last for years instead of months! It just may be a worthy investment for my sanities sake if nothing else.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Check out this cute Thanksgiving Set I bought for the boys. Justus LOVES stuff like this & since he has started using his imagination alot more lately it's funny to hear exactly what's going on in his head! Today is better. We all got a better nights rest & that makes for a happier mommy & babies.

Living the life

The boys are grumpy & I'm soon to follow if they don't zip it for a minute. Seriously, I think Ezekiel is teething and Justus is snotty. Aaaaah, I need a little quiet!

HOWDY

So, I've got a second to say hello....life seems to be speeding up! Justus is getting so big & Zeke is just amazing! THis week has been pretty busy & the weekend will pick up speed as well. We still have shots (yuk), student night out (dinner), family pics for our church directory ( again, YUK!) and a fundraiser for a new teen center some friends of ours are opening up.

I think next week will be our only week that there isn't some commitment on the calendar. Maybe some things will show up. If not maybe I can finish the book I started three weeks ago. Ah, that would be nice!

ps I tried to turn the picture for some reason blogger didn't translate correctly. How surprising.

Recap of this past week

So, I will narrate this just a bit. This past week was busy! We had our annual outreach: Hallelujah House. I worked all four nights 4-10. Sam was Noah for two nights & brought the boys one night. Justus was a monkey, Zeke a M&M. During the day on Saturday we took the boys to a carnival/fun fest. That was fun! Hum, what else? can't remember which pics blogger actually put up. They didn't all come thru. Anyways. Enjoy!

Sweet & Sassy!

In that order. My sweet baby & sassy two year old. I didn't plan on taking Ezekiel outside so we put a blanket on his head.




Justus knows when it's time to smile. Sometimes he cooperates....other times we get this.

Twilight Zone-

That's the feeling I've had for the past two days....my internet was down & I lost my cell phone. Point blank- I'm a genius! So, it's definetly wierd to be without communication! No one to read my daily "toils"...poor me. And no one to pick up the phone and gabb to for the three minutes before chaos reigns. (it takes approximately 3 mins. for one or both of my children to realize I'm not busy helping them).

k. So how was your weekend??? I've been trying to catch up in three minute invervals....no making much progress. The good news is....internet is back on!!!!!!!!! And Sam found my cell at the church. OOOPPPS! Thank God it didn't rain; I'd left it outside beside the swing. Zeke went a swinging & love it. Mom lost her mind & left her phone. Hey, the baby was happy!

Three minutes is up! Gotta go!

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the prescence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodnesss and love willl follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forver.




Thank you Lord for hearing my heart. For listening to things that I can't even put into words. You are my joy.

More conversations with J

J: Baby's cute

Me: Yep & you're handsome.

J: Mommy's handsome.

M: No mommy's pretty.

J: I'm pretty.

M: No your handsome.

J: Why?

M: Because boys are handsome & girl are pretty.

J: yeah.


NIGHTLY PRAYERS:

God bless, mommy, daddy, baby......on & on....God bless shampoo..man..Yardigans...followed by lots of giggles! And more prayers. Amen.
Goodnight momma, goodnight daddy. ME: What about Jesus??? J: Jesus loves me this I know....continue with the Entire song....followed by more giggles. And eventually a Goodnight Jesus.


OTHER FUN SAYINGS: "mommy, what time's for it??" aka what time is it?, "can I have the jump rote?" aka jump rope, he also likes to call brothers passy a pass seat; not sure if he can't hear right or if I just don't pronounce it well. Maybe it's his age. Whatever the reason, there is always reason to laugh around here!

Pumpkin patch

I was pretty dissappointed with this particular pumkin patch. We won't be going back there next year. The kids were wild & the picture taker (sam) was in a hurry so we didn't get any "great" ones. This was NOT an enjoyable trip. So after this torture session was over we took the kids to the park & had a much better time. Still, I thought I'd share a moment of our day. The other two kids are my niece & nephew.

Cobb webs...

My mind is full of them right now & it's hard to think entirely straight but I will try for just a moment. A few fun things have been happening in the midst of my fuzzyness.

#1 God has totally blessed us! When Sam & I got married we bought a car for 1000 bucks & it's lasted for six years. The poor thing has been all up & down the east coast. Even to Texas & Ohio! Well, its still running but on it's last leg. So, I'll just blirt it out---someone gave a minivan!!!!!!! Yes, it needs a little TLC & maintenance upgrades but it was FREE!!!!!!! How awesome is that??!!!!!!!!!!!!

#2 Windex works: Ever seen the commercial where the bird flies into the sliding glass doors??? Well that happened yesterday. Only the bird didn't fly off it fell into my house two feet away from a sleeping ZEKE. For a moment I almost panicked but then I grabbed the skimmer from our pool & gently pulled the thing out of the house. He must have been dazed still. As soon as he got a breath of fresh air he flew away. YEA---we're all safe.

#3 Allergies are at full blast. I woke up with a nice little headache this AM. Zeke had nice boogies & J has the black eyed (circle under his eyes) look. Plus when I talked with Staci yesterday she & Chloe weren't feeling all that hot...allergy related as well.

#4 Went to get an FLU shot for the boys. Sam & I were the only ones who walked away with them. The one they had gotten that day wasn't for 4 & under. HUM, would have been nice to know before dragging the family to the sick room at the doctors office!!!!!!!!!!

#5 I've been doing some spring cleaning. Yes, it's fall. And no, I'm not pregnant. We just have TOO MUCH STUFF! I find myself throwing things away when the boys aren't looking. And by boys I mean Sam & Justus. They both seem to have the "I need it" mentallity. I have the get rid of it mentality. Poor guys.


#6 Justus makes me laugh, like hold my side LOL kind of laugh. And Zeke puts a smile on my face every day. Man, I'm blessed! And Sam, well he's just good to me! He came home early from work yesterday. Told me to go get a shower. While I was doing that he packed a picnic lunch & got the boys dressed. He took us to the park. We had a blast. I needed a day out of the house. So thoughtful!

#7 So this one isn't so fun but I'll still share. I'm gaining weight & my hair is falling out. This is exactly what happened after I had Justus but with J it happened much faster. I thought that I had avoided it but alas I have not. I am walking on the treadmill 4-5 times a week but haven't seen much physical results yet. My legs are a little trimmer. Anyways, it feels good to do something for myself so I will continue.

#8 Justus has started calling me mommy again. I love it. I've been momma for almost a year now. Wierd huh???

A car ride with the kids

Staci & I hit up some consignment stores today...they were a terrible dissapointment- to expensive for our blood. Followed by lunch with some friends. Then picked up Justus from Sam & headed on our short drive to shop a little more. At one time all three kids were crying; thankfully that didn't last long. Other wise they each took time for a solo cry before they all crashed for a nap. Over all we didn't buy much. Wipes, a thermometer & a bottle of water. Nothing that we were looking for neccesarily but some things we needed. Thanks Staci- it was a fun!

Isn't this beautiful???

It would be so great to sit under this tree & have time to reflect!

Hmmmmm....

Well, this past week went by in a big blur. There were a few moments to pause & reflect but mainly a steady flow of activity. Our EC department put on Masquerade Ball on friday. It went very well. I didn't get to take any pictures like I wanted to b/c my department for the night was food. Since we encouraged our youth to go I was pretty busy keeping food on the table. Getting ready for this event was the main focus this week. AAaaah. It's over.

This month is our missions emphasis ending with the International Banquet last night. It's pretty self explanitory but just in case; we got together & ate food from the nations. As well as the missons report. And funds raised....etc.

That's it.

Except that Staci is coming home at the end of this week!!!!!!!!!!! Look for pics of the kids together sometime next week!

For Mel...and anyone else who might care.

A) Four jobs I've had in my life:

1. Daycare teacher
2. office assistant
3. Intern (for a children's pastor)
4. Babysitter extrodinair


B) Four movies you would watch over and over:

1. Pride & Predjudice
2. Sound of Music
3. My Fair Lady
4.Seven Brides for Seven Brothers


C) Four places you have lived:


1. Dayton, OH
2. Alabaster,AL
3. Palmetto,FL
4. Rockwell, NC

D) Four TV shows you love to watch:

1. Survivor
2. Lost
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. American Idol

E) Four places you have been on vacation:

1. Orlando, Fl.
2. Asheville, nc
3. The Outer Banks (NC)
4.Bahamas

F) Four of my favorite foods:
1. All things dessert
2. Chocolate - this isn't a dessert; its a main food group!
3. Ceasar Salad
4. Pasta, pasta, pasta!

G) Four places I would rather be right now:
1. New York City
2. Niagara Falls
3 The mountains
4. In my own home!

Digging deep

So I gave in and had Sam start me a myspace. I'm not really a big fan but lots of former aquaintences are there that I just wanted to say hey to. Anyways I was doing a few updates on it after devotion time (yeah; I'm doing a little better) & I shared a little.

For the longest time I had a hard time reading the bible. I would read but it would seem like a blank page that no matter how many times I read it nothing sank in. Lately there has been a stirring in my spirit. And the word has come alive! Thank you God for hearing me!

So when I'm up with lil bit I pray, if I can't sleep I try to think of my future. And when the boys are napping I take time for devotions. Can I say RENEWAL?!!!!!!!! This also corelates(sp) with stirring in our congregation at church. There is a sense of urgency to repent. And a hunger for closer relationship with God.

Here was my devo for the day:

Out of my mind!

If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 2 Cor. 5:13

God's spirit has been moving in a great way lately. And one thing has become quite clear. God desires relationship with his people & he won't tolerate sin. Sin has become so commonplace that people think we're 'out of our minds' when we: pray for miracles & answers, save sex for marriage, forgive rather than seeking revenge. And the list goes on.

So, if we're going to be 'out of our minds' lets do it for God. Keeping in mind there is a right & wrong way to do it. Live a life pleasing to God. Spend time with him learning his ways & letting go of our own.

Alot for a little

First check out my consignment finds; all for $80!!!!!!!!!!


It's hard to see all that I got but the quick recap is: 2 winter coats for Justus, a fall costume for Zeke (pram?), 2 pairs tennis shoes for the boys. Several longsleeve t's for each kid. A few girly items for my nieces. 4 fall outfits for Ezekiel & a pair of adjustable jeans for jbean. There are several other items that didn't make it into the picture. 2 games for the PS2, a bag full of cars & a car carrier for the TONS of cars justus has.

For you Staci

More conversations with J

J: Baby's cute

Me: Yep & you're handsome.

J: Mommy's handsome.

M: No mommy's pretty.

J: I'm pretty.

M: No your handsome.

J: Why?

M: Because boys are handsome & girl are pretty.

J: yeah.


NIGHTLY PRAYERS:

God bless, mommy, daddy, baby......on & on....God bless shampoo..man..Yardigans...followed by lots of giggles! And more prayers. Amen.
Goodnight momma, goodnight daddy. ME: What about Jesus??? J: Jesus loves me this I know....continue with the Entire song....followed by more giggles. And eventually a Goodnight Jesus.


OTHER FUN SAYINGS: "mommy, what time's for it??" aka what time is it?, "can I have the jump rote?" aka jump rope, he also likes to call brothers passy a pass seat; not sure if he can't hear right or if I just don't pronounce it well. Maybe it's his age. Whatever the reason, there is always reason to laugh around here!

Dear Diary....

It's 1:46am & I'm awake. Babies are sleeping, husband is snoring. Fan is spinning, and somewhere in this room there is a stinking cricket singing his heart out. I've been having a little sleep issue for about two weeks now. I can't go to sleep. At least at night. Could it be possible that Zeke has rubbed off on me??? B/c sleeping during the day isn't a problem. Nope; it's only during the quite times that I just can't get settled.

My heart is wrestless (sp?) & my mind is reeling with so many what should be's but aren't....and a bunch of nonsense. Such as I really want to paint the walls & the floors. FYI we have concrete floors & walls in all but one room of the house. Yep, that proved pretty much an adventure when J was learning to walk.

Other things on my mind include...I need a liscense, we need a new car, I want a house, Justus needs to potty train, Sam deserves a raise, my toenails are ugly, the laundry is almost caught up- ha what a joke like that will ever happen. Etc., Etc, Etc.

Here are some more...if I lose 10lbs I'll look much better; what color will Zeke's eyes be??, will I ever get good at devos? it's time to take the pool down, now who's gonna do it? Does God hear me tonight??? What's next????

Lunch in bed?

Here's what happens when mommy spends the entire day on the computer instead of doing housework:

When Sam brought Justus home today NOTHING had changed. The bed was still unmade & laundry waiting to be done. Sadly enough I spent an unamed amount of time reading not writing blogs today. Zeke of course was fed and well taken care of but other than that I had a date with the computer. Can we say addicted?? UUUURRRRRRGGGGH. What a shame, there was so much that I should have done but didn't.

Coversations with J

About pillow fights-"I said wait".

This is what you will hear if you're ever in a pillow fight with Justus. "Wanna fight momma?". Sure J. The pillows quickly become a bat. "Batter up!". Next Justus becomes a football player. Be prepared to be tackled. Then it's time to wrestle. Belly flop to the pillow. In other words be prepared for a variety of fun. While you never know what your gonna get he will always say-'I said wait' before it's over. He has to be sure & get his blows in before the fun is over.

Where's Justus?

Each night before we go to bed we spend about 30minutes winding down. J's new thing is to hide under the covers & say where's Justus? Followed by Sam/myself saying silly things like: he's upstairs taking a bath, he's cleaning up his toys, he's standing on his head. This continues until we say something Justus thinks is funny. So sometimes he responds with a NO!, sometimes a yes. And every once in while he comes up for air & says- here I am!

Bedtime is one of my most favorite part of the day. Not just because sleep will soon follow. But it's one time of the day when we're all together with no distractions. No one is calling Sam needing help. The TV is off. And there is nothing left to do but get the kids to sleep. I truly enjoy the process. We have some important coversations right before bed. (When I was a kid these conversations happened at the dinner table.) Justus is especially affectionate at this time so I get lots of hugs, tickles & kisses; what fun!!!!!!!

Other things you might here Justus say: "Watch with me" (cartoons). I'm hung-a-ree. Let's check the mail...he'll do ANYTHING to get outside even if it only lasts for a minute. It's way harder to get outside with him since the baby is here..poor kid. Wanna ____________ with me???? Fill in the blank with play with me, fight (army men), play game?????? He really is getting social these days.

Also, "come with me mom' that means he has something to show me. Or press the red button;in other words "Get off the computer mom I need your attention!!!!!!!". And "I hear brother, you go get him. He's to little. He knows that he's not allowed to pick up the baby by himself.

I just asked him if he was hungry. My brother made supper & it's time to eat. Justus said: no, no thanks. A moment later he's eating supper. And just now he said 'I gotta get a drink.' In my biased personal opinion he is quite the conversationist!

There's so much more I could share but I'm probable boring you. So I'm off to eat supper while its hot!

Celebrity Duets

So I'm watching celebrity duets & it's pretty interesting. I just saw Lee Ann Womack sing with Carly Patterson. Carly was in the olympics as a gymnast. I barely recognized her...she isn't stick thin anymore. They sounded pretty good. I haven't watched this show before but so far they are my favorites. We'll see. Ok. Smokie Robinson & Lucy Lawless were pretty good too.

oops

I posted two of the same pic...it kept saying your request didn't go through or something like that. Anyways, it's really hard to catch Zeke smiling. Our camera has a delay. :( So below is a semi-smile.

What's new?

Well, it seems everyone is tired of looking at the 'visitor' aka the freaking bat! I am too; so here's what's going on around here. HUM.....

The kids are growing! The lil'one weighed in at almost 12lbs yesterday. And J will probably hit the 40 mark by Christmas. YIKES.

Sam & I are praying about some serious changes that have to be made. This is exciting to me b/c it usually hits each of us at different times. So it's nice that we're finally on the same page. Now we just have to continue seeking God's will & get to work. I know this information is pretty vague but I do covet your prayers. So if you think of us please send up a prayer!

We're planning a maquerade ball at church! I wasn't really that interested at first but now I'm excited. The whole point of it is to do something that the community can enjoy. Since the dancing reality shows have been such a hit our EC director decided this would be a good way to draw people in. It's kind of scary b/c we don't know what to expect.

We also have a consignment sale coming up in a couple of weekends. I sold some stuff last year that I absolutely did not like. Funny thing is someone liked it b/c I made over $60. This year I am helping with set-up & such so that should prove for a busy week.

Sam & I will celebrate our 6th anniversary next weekend. WOW- time really does fly. And somehow 30 doesn't seem old but rather just the starting point. Can I get a witness???

I've also been thinking of fall & Christmas. We looked at christmas stuff for Justus the other day. All the "good" toys are expensive so layaway it is. This is also another reason I'm ready for the consignment sale. We've got to do a clearance in the toy department for Justus. Everyone & their brother gives him toys. I mean we could buy only one toy for christmas & he'd still end up with 10+ new toys....where are we going to put them all??? Would it be bad to request less toys for my son? A saving account would be better, right???

Ezekeil is waking up---gotta go!

Going batty???

Check out the little visitor we had last night at 4am! IT's not a great picture b/c this is as close as I was willing to get.


I had just finished feeding Ezekiel & I heard something moving around. I'm not sure what I thought it was but I never expected to see a bat flying around. So I woke up Sam and told him what was happening. He didn't believe me at first. Then the bat flew over our bed. I shrieked & kicked my feet. Sam jumped and the whole bed moved. I screamed.

It took a minute to form a plan. Zeke was already covered up. So I covered Justus real good in case the bat tried to land near them. Then Sam jumped up and turned on the light. The bat landed and I took the kids into another room. Then went to get my dad to help us catch the bat. Luckily it didn't move b/c of the light being on and was easily captured.

WOW- what a night. Justus enjoyed b/c he got to watch Backyardigans and eat goldfish in the middle of the night. It took me a while to go back to sleep! Still not sure how he got in!

Six Weeks

Justus shared his beloved army man. Zeke love it as you can see.

Zeke & daddy exercising.


Ezekiel is six weeks old today. So far he has been pretty easy going. He discovered his arm today & was delighted! He cooed & gurgled for twenty minutes or so. Wonder what the arm had to say? It was really cute.


He also is smiling lots now which I love. He weighs about 11 lbs now..wondering if he'll be a big guy like his brother. Zeke can't wear the newborn diapers anymore he's officially in size 1. This is a good thing for me b/c we've spent about $100 in newborn diapers since he's been born. YIKES.

He sleeps about 4 hours before waking up at night. Very nice! Hoping to make it to 5 hours soon. Still sleeping a good bit during the day. Also good for me b/c I'm still adjusting to having two kiddos. I've never been a scheduled person but I'm finding that some (more) structure works better with two.

For example it's better for us all if we start our bedtime routine at 11 now instead of midnight. This allows time for Justus to wind down & Zeke to realize it's bedtime. Otherwise J gets over extended aka CRAZY & Zeke wants to stay up until 2am. And mommy don't play that! Patience eludes me about that time and I just don't handle it well.

Losing it!

My poor lil' baby is loosing his hair. The top half of his head is bald while the entire back half is FULL of soft brown hair. I know it's normal but I don't remember such a drastic change with Justus. He always had a little bit of hair every where. It just gradually lightened up.

Ezekiel eyes are also changing but not very fast. Last night we were looking at his eyes. They're starting to lighten up a little. I was wondering how soon Justus' started changing so we looked at some of his baby pics on the computer. His eyes were bright blue by the time he was just eight weeks old. We kept waiting for them to change but they never did. I'm thinking that Ezekiel might end up with green eyes like his daddy. Wouldn't that be great??!!! It doesn't look like they'll be brown but you never know.

Oh yeah- we also weighed Zeke yesterday. He's almost 11lbs already! YIKES. He's getting longer too. Some of his outfits are to short.

Here is Justus sporting his fashion sense. He's obviously still learning!

Please pray...

Today my SIL called me from Florida. A family we went to church with has had a tragedy in their lives. Lisa & Tyler Mathews were in South Dakota (maybe North) at a motorcycle rally. There was an accident & Tyler was instantly killed. Lisa was injured pretty badly and is in the hospital for recovery.

I hate death! And this is especially sad to me. The Mathews are a close family. They have three children: Tyler Jr., Sammy (girl) & Eli. The two oldest are teenagers. Please pray that Lisa can get home to her family as soon as possible. I'm sure they need each other right now.

Me & the boys

Talledega Nights

We went to see this movie today & ended up walking out. It was rated PG-13. I didn't even want to watch the entire thing. There was enough cussing to last me a lifetime in the first 30 minutes alone. Including the "F" word & taking God's name in vain. It also had a same sex couple in the limelight so to speak...anyways we finally had enough and left. We should have left sooner; but I kept hoping it would get better. It didn't. What stinks is that there were some really funny parts & you always want to know the outcome but---I didn't want to know bad enough to sit through all that filth. This movie also includes teaching kids to be rude, & curse, etc. And encourages affairs. NOT the best movie in the world. Definetly not PG-13 to me!!!!! Can't they just do something CLEAN for a change??

One month old today!!!

Getting Bigger!

Been feeling reflective lately; knowing there are things I need to work on! Changes that need to be made. OK- so I realize it. Now what???? Changes don't come easy.

Sam's mom is here so we have been keeping pretty busy. We also have kids crusade at church so there hasn't been much time to sit & write or even read and catch up with everyone. I keep forgetting to take pictures....not good! Later.