The End?

I NEVER talk religion with co workers. I think it best not to.
However, somehow it came up the other night at work.
She said there was a documentary on estimations that determine the world will end 4 years from now, in the month of december.
We got to talking a lot on this. Mildy, and with respect toward eachother. We come out with a very similar belief system.
It started with all the strange weather we have been having this spring.
This is spoke of in the bible.
'There will be ... dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves' (Lk 21.25)
Hail features high on the weather ingredients list at the end of the age. It is part of God's judgement upon the nations. Besides fierce heat there will be extreme hail and snow storms (Job 38.22,23)(Rev 16.8,9,21):
'... and huge hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, came down from heaven upon men ...' (Rev 16.21)

Then we got to talking about politics. In relation to the bible stating there will be a very charismatic leader. We both started thinking of the upcoming presidential election, and electing a leader that will serve the following 4 years. And...what came to mind was OBAMA. Hmmm...

I am in no way trying to influence how anyone votes. But, with all the hoop-la over this election, I am none to excited about what the turn out will be. It is sure to be Democratic. I have never understood how anyone could claim Christianity, yet be a Democrat. Especially since most democrats agree with abortion, and christianity does not. Just my thoughts on the subject.

We also spoke a bit on the idea that going to church every sunday does not necessarily make you a better christian than a person that performs devotions at home. I am not saying, you should never go to church. Not at all. I think one should, but not be looked at as unholy or non-believers if they do not attend regularly.
I also see/know many people that preach they attend church every week, teach bible school, yet the person that they are outside of all that, the person that I interact with, does not in any way blend. I am not saying that I am any better than anyone else, or that I am any more holy than anyone. But, I know what is right, and I do my best to perform such, and exhibit behaviours that indicate an understanding, and belief system that is parallel to what I say I believe.
I'll stop there.

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I signed up for Revolution Money Exchange and received $25.

I referred a friend, and received another $10.

All for free!

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The Diet...rambling

The sugar restrictive diet for the kids seems to be helping some already. They have now adjusted to only receiving one tippy of juice 1/2 watered down in the morning, and water or milk the remainder of the day.
No more granola bars, store bought anyway. I found a great homemade granola bar recipe however. I think I might try that out today.
I have also stopped allowing them fruit snacks. Not that I will NEVER allow them, but on a daily basis, up to 2x per day as previous, NO WAY! Today when they asked for snacks, I offered banana first, then later a spoon full of peanut butter. Much better, and they do love those kind of snacks anyway! Leah loves carrots, so she will eat those instead of chips with her lunch.
Last night I made Teriyaki Chicken with Rice, and steamed asparagus (D loves asparagus), kids were given green beans instead. They would not eat any of it! Atleast the tots would not. Grace loved it and had seconds. Drew will eat anything, pretty much.


I have also thought some things to make it fun for them to adjust to some changes. My Mom always made 'black eyes', she took a piece of bread, buttered the side, cute the center out, place it in a pan, and cooked a fried egg in the center. I loved that, still do! I tweaked it a bit, telling Beau and Leah, "We are gonna make pirate eggs!" Eyes lit up, they loved that idea! The piece of bread that was cut out for the hole I told them was the patch for the pirate's eye (the egg), and told them when could poke the pirates eye with the fork. All things the boy just could not wait for. They did eat about 1/2 each, they loved popping the egg yolk/pirate eye, and dipping the bread into the yolk.

As for not eating fish...we had shrimp stir fry saturday night, and D cooked that boys fish for the kids on Sunday.
He didn't catch them, they had no luck, but as he was leaving a kind man let him have his 4 small fish, Beau kept telling me they were 'coconut' fish. He had NO reserve about holding them, rubbing them, or anything! He wanted to eat them, but at the same time, he wanted to save them forever! Silly boy! Gotta love that little boys spirit. D let him get pick out his own bobbers on the way, and I had found him a cute little L.L.Bean fishing vest at a consignment store last year, he was so proud to wear it! I'm so glad his Daddy is teaching him to enjoy these things. A boy needs time spent like this.

"A trout is a moment of beauty known only to those who seek it." --Arnold Gingrich

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Just want to scream!..*UPDATE*

This Monday is such a drag!
I worked last night, and we spent the weekend busy with weeding, mowing, cleaning the shop, soccer game, etc. My house is a mess today! The weekend was very nice, sunny, warm.
Today, it's raining!
I feel so gloomy!
I am waist high with laundry to do that I did not get to over the weekend, 5 loads. My house is a mess. D cannot mulitask. The kids did not get a bath, and they were so stinkin' filthy! Add that to the list.
My bathrooms are a mess, I need to sweep, mop, vacuume, dust!
Add all this to the normal everyday chores of dishes, meals, picking up toys...
I hate this. I feel so overwhelmed.
I just want to scream!!!

*UPDATE*
PMS is a **tch!
I successfully filled ran dishwasher, swiffer swept/mopped, washed window, mirrors, cleaned bathrooms, finishing 5 loads of laundry as I blog...went grocery shopping, got gas (which by the way went up another 2 cents right after I got my tank filled, auughh!), and have dinner in the oven.
All while remaining semi-sane.
Off on a walk with the tots...before they drive me INSANE!

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My Girls

Today was the first saturday I have been able to attend one of Drew's soccer games since they started this spring. And, it was a beautiful day! Very warm, sunny. NO RAIN. Last saturday they had hale, thunderstorms...it was cut short, and the kids were so scared!

Drew did so well today! She made one of the 2 goals for her team. She ran hard, and was after that ball. I still just don't think she should stop playing this sport. She has mentioned not wanting to play next year, and I am not at all for forcing my kid to do a sport they do not want to do, but she has a talent that I hate to see go to waste. She is so good at it, and it puts her energy toward something that is very strenuous, she needs this. I just see her doing better and better. I hope she changes her mind. Or, I may just have her try one more season to be sure.

Last night Leah discovered the bloomed Tulips. She has been picking any and everything that even looks like a flower. As I went back to start cleaning up after dinner, she came running in her little nightgown, jacket, and rubber boots with this amazing handful of red tulips! She said, "Here Mom, deese are for you!" Is that not just the sweetest thing? I quick grabbed the camera for this one! I love it! We have them all in a vase as long as they will last. She insisted.

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Stripping the Sugar

I am at my wits end at times with that boy lately. I know he is a boy, and as he grows, he will try me. But, regardless of his being a boy, I fully expect that he listen, just like the girls!
A blogger friend had posted this diet on her site, she has used it on her son who is around the same as Beau to curb some behavior issues. I am going to try it also, on both of the little ones, and possibly Drew.
I don't see how I can cut out the milk for Leah, she really doesn't like it that much, and doesn't drink much of it, so I hate to say I won't give her any. She will typically drink one tippy of it at dinner, and she likes to eat her cereal in the morning dry. I have already taken away chocolate or strawberry milk options.
The boy drinks soy, so that won't be an issue with him. Here is the run down of what foods I will be manipulating in thier, and probably, ALL of our diets.

Finding Out if it is ADD ADHD or Food Allergies
What NOT to eat for TWO WEEKS
First, let's find out if there are food allergies causing ADHD - like behaviors. Eliminate these foods for two weeks, then get ready to add them back in to the diet...( OR NOT!)
NO DAIRY PRODUCTS, especially cow's milk.
This is the single most important restriction. The American Pediatric Association estimates that 30% of all children are allergic to milk. Instead try Almond milk, Rice milk, or Better Than Milk. Drink water instead of milk. *not so much of a concern
NO YELLOW FOODS. Especially Corn or Squash. Bananas are white. Don't eat the peel. *this should be easy
NO JUNK FOODS. If it comes in a cellophane wrapper, don't eat it. *MY FOCUS
NO FRUIT JUICES. Too much sugar content. One small glass of apple juice has the sugar content of eight apples. Later on you can have juice, but dilute it with water 50/50.
CUT SUGAR INTAKE BY 90%. If you can, cut it down to zero. Sugar is in just about everything, but give it a try. Do your best without going crazy. *THIS IS MY MAIN FOCUS
CUT CHOCOLATE BY 90%. No more than a single piece, once a week.
NO NUTRASWEET. None. Period. Never. It's bad for you. *NEVER use this
NO PROCESSED MEATS and NO MSG. Only get meats with labels that say, “Turkey and Water,” etc. If the meat has chemicals listed that you can't pronounce, don't buy it.
CUT FRIED FOODS BY 90%. * we don't use oil, rarely
AVOID FOOD COLORINGS WHENEVER POSSIBLE. See if your child is sensitive to any particular colors, such as Reds, Yellows, etc. For now, though, avoid all if possible. * this is a hard one
AVOID FISH. We hate to say this, as there used to be so many benefits to eating fish, especially the Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) or Omega Oils. *although we typically only eat fish when D catches it, or it's saved in the freezer, WE LOVE IT!

FOR BREAKFAST SERVE HIGH PROTEIN, LOW CARBOHYDRATE MEALS.
Say, “Good-bye,” to Breakfast cereals and milk. Breakfast cereals are all carbohydrate and sugar, which is the worst combination for the ADHD brain. And 30% of children are allergic to milk. So the classic American breakfast of cereal and milk is a really bad idea.
Instead, serve 60% to 70% Protein and 30% to 40% Carbohydrates for Breakfast. Eggs, breakfast meats, and some toast would be fine. Other meals of the day could be 50% Protein and 50% Carbohydrate.

BYE BYE CEREAL!!!

I am not saying, nor assuming that my children have ADD, or ADHD. But, I do believe that sugar is huge factor in contributing to how your children behave. So many foods have it, and so many foods have ALOT of it. For example, a few of my kids favorite snacks...
Brach's Treetop 'all natural fruit' fruit snack: 13 grams sugar
Capri Sun with 25% 'less' sugar: 18 grams sugar
Quaker granola bar: 10-15 grams sugar

In an average morning, they would have a tippy of juice, or 2, diluted with extra water, a fruit snack, and possibly a granola bar. That is a total of 41-46+ grams of sugar, not including breakfast cereal which has 9 grams sugar since I bought them Fruity Cheerio's this week as an alternative to the regular plain dry cheerios I typically buy, yet a better choice from them asking for Trix. So, overall before 11am, they would have had 73 grams of sugar!!! That makes my stomach turn.
I definitely have to try this diet. I am having way to many troubles with normal everyday situations that are not only causing them stress when they are in trouble more often, but draining me of all patience, and energy to deal with it. Not good for any of us. We'll see how it goes!

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Losing IT!

I made a run to Kohl's today. Clearance shopping, plus 10 kohls cash with $50 purchase and I needed to get a price adjustment on a couple tee's I had gotten Drew.
I forwarned the little ones. I let them know that they were to stay with me, no running, no hiding in racks, NO RUNNING OFF. I'm sure I sounded like a broken record. But, I wanted to make the point clear. I told them IF they were good they would get an icee on the way home. They both said "okay mom". And, they started planning the flavor they wanted to get. Beau wanted pepsi, and Leah wanted banana.
Well...it went like this:
Leah was to sit in a cart. 2 wild ones running around makes my blood boil. So, Beau was to stand close by, staying near me at all times.
Didn't take long before Beau instigated Leah's escape from the cart, and they were in the racks. They even started climbing all over the display beds!!! I paddled both. Sometimes, they give me this crazy grin when I am reprimanding them. I HATE THAT! And, that boy did it. I paddled him 2x. I honestly do not care who sees me discipline my children, I am not abusive, but I paddle my kids when they need it. I can't stand the misbehaviour when I am trying to focus on something. I feel like I am having to reel them in so many times that I reach the boiling point in no time at all.
But, you know, I let them know before-hand. I gave them a few chances, and they blew it. I told them, "You've lost your icee's! Icee's are GONE!" Now they were fully willing to listen, however, I held to my word. NO ICEE'S.
That boy started balling like a baby. And, you know, GOOD. He needs to learn a lesson.
Watching Reba last night with my dtr, and the lady on there is supposed to be punishing her son for beating Reba's lamp with a bat till it broke. She is saying, "Now, we are still gonna go get that icecream Mommy promised you, but next time..."
THAT is exactly what I will not do.
And, I have told them for the remainder of the day, they will only receive water. Except for milk with dinner, it's all water. And, nothing sweet, candy-like in any way shape or form. And, naps for both.
I am so disgusted, embarrassed, dissappointed, and quite frankly, FURIOUS.
My rant for the day!

Proverbs 29:17 'Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.'

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Patience? NONE HERE.

It is so frustrating. I do not have a scale to wiegh in every day, and I know you should not do so anyway. But, as much as I feel I am losing wieght, I have no numbers to look at.
I got to 22 minutes on a higher resistance today, and have surpassed my weekly goal for calories burned, already. I still have tomorrow, and if I can find time with soccer, kids, and work on the weekend, I may also be able to squeak in Saturday and/or Sunday.
I can see I am getting a butt back, and my face is slimming down. But, come on, what is up with losing belly fat. I hate my post baby baby baby baby belly. The elliptical works me all over. I feel it in my belly, arms, legs, butt, back, ALL OVER.
I have an impatient personality at times, and this is for sure one of them.
I want dramatic results! And I want them NOW!
I even skipped over dinner last night and ate something small since the kids and D wanted stroganoff, and frankly, I cannot stand the smell of it, and I know it's loaded with fat. I even used lean ground beef, and 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup. But, the pasta, the sour cream, the bread to go with....
I passed!
Tonight, it's a can of tuna and salad with lemon juice, pepper, and rice vinegar. And, all day today, WATER!
I am going to succeed to my full expectations.

I see some sun poking through, so off to get around and get the little ones outside to ride the scooters. The boy is going crazy with the rain preventing him from doing this.

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Dark Brown It Is!

Hair dyed...oh, yes, is it dyed! I love it! I went suttle, darker brown to even out my uneven color. Dramatically enhances my green eyes...a little too much. But, I think that has always been told to me to be my best feature. Which I can thank my Dad for!
And, I am really loving my new haircut even though it wasn't what I had thought I would get. I think keeping the bangs make me look a bit younger. I do not feel 31, and honestly, I don't want to look my age.
Well...off to get kiddos around.
My sweet little Lulu ended up throwing THE WORST tantrum, banging her tippy cup into Daddy's glass gun cabinet door. BIG NO-NO. She was quickly escorted to her room for an early nap, and she quickly fell to sleep. All the better for me to get stuff done, I guess.

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I did it!

I am so blasted proud of myself this morning. I started doing the elliptical for a minimun of 15 minutes, plan was MWF. I have done it more often, doing it on the weekend as well. I inched up 1 minute here and there, and today, I DID A WHOLE 20 MINUTES STRAIGHT!
This may sound like a very petty accomplishment to some, but to me, it's amazing!
I have spent the past 5 years either pregnant, breast feeding, and putting ALL, not just most, ALL of my attention to my children.
This did my body NO good.
I am taking it back now.
I am stoked today, what a wonderful start.
I am now off to:
Make beds, do laundry, emtpy the dishwasher/reload it, dye my hair, shower, dress the little ones, and plan dinner.
I feel great!
BTW, Sis, I think some of my motivation has to do with your loan of the MP3 player with Vampire Weekend on it. Ha ha. No, really, it's so stinkin' upbeat, I rock out & time flies!

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ONE SIZE SMALLER & Cakester Heaven

AUGGHHHH! I hate going to WW. It doesn't matter what time of day, or day of week it is, there is always a million people pushing carts around, and you cannot maneuver no matter what!
And, they didn't even have the MP3 player I went for in the first place.
I did end up finding a really cute scrub set, and a new pair of pants and shirt for MOI.
I never shop for me, virtually EVER.
I had to try stuff on, just to be sure being that it is a long drive to WW for me.
I grabbed a large scrub pant, and what do ya know? I needed a size SMALLER! Woohoo! I am getting somewhere. And I really like the fit of the pants I got. Mid rise, boot cut. And, a cute rust colored short sleeve henley. Now I got my new hair cut, new outfit, new set of scrubs, and I'm gonna dye my hair tomorrow morning. A semi new ME. A little lift, pick ME up. I think I need it right now.

I also came across some new Nilla Cakesters....oh, you do not know heaven until you taste one of these....I'll have to hide 'em from myself. I got them for the kids. Bad move, I suppose, but I need to exercise some restraint. What better way? Ha. Seriously, though, WHY do they even make this crap?

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A Pleasant Surprise, and then some

My girl, My Grace has been so helpful. I have been trying to get time to go get a haircut for over a week. I hate taking the little ones since they then find it a free for all, and run around, me in the chair getting a hair cut cannot easily get up and chase them down, know what I mean? I'm sure they dread when they see me coming in the door.
So, yesterday, D working 12 hours again, I had Grace stay with the kids for a couple hours, so I could go get a haircut, mail bills, and go get some much needed groceries.
I left a sink full of dishes, and a full dishwasher.
I made it in exactly 2 hours.
When I got home, she had fed them all dinner. Emptied the dishwasher...AND washed all the sippy cups, then reloaded the dishwasher. She even wiped down the kitchen, and scrubbed the sink!!!
I was so impressed. So grateful. My ranting and raving is paying off, hee hee.
So all I had to do when I got home was put away groceries...well, and tend to 3 other kids with various demands!

Tell me, please. I do not understand this. When Leah asks for something, she always gets right up on me. She stands as close as she can until I do what she is asking. Get juice, snack, etc. IT DRIVES ME CRAZY! She's all up in my space! I can't move without bumping right into her. I tell her to move over, watch out, but then she starts balling, "Mommy, I just want to be by you!"
That's fine, but right up ON ME? I just don't get it.

Well, I am off to Wally World to get a cute little ZEN red MP3 player that I have been wanting.


Oh, and yesterday, I got my red silicone kitchenaid muffin pan, and cupcakes cups Buy One get One Free at Freddie's, with another 10% off. I love the silicone bakeware. I bought a loaf pan a couple weeks ago, and I LOVE IT! The bread comes out so moist, and pops right out! Not to mention, it's so easy to clean!

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A Twist

I made some more of the muffins below today. Only I made a slight change in how to make them. I did not add any raisins or craisins this time. I only added a small amount of honey. They are so good, and a few people have already asked me where I got them. Like, if I BOUGHT them somewhere. They are really great for on the run. And, getting me a great start in the morning.

APPLESAUCE OATMEAL MUFFINS

1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup non fat milk
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 egg whites
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnmaon
1 tsp. sugar
Raisins or Nuts, optional

Soak oats in milk for about 1 hour.Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine oat mixture with applesauce, and egg whites, mix until combined.(Next part I did while oats soaked)
In seperate bowl measure, and wisk dry ingredients. Add wet mixture.Mix just until combined, do not over mix or muffins will be tough.Add nuts or raisins if desired. (I used golden raisins, and craisins)
Spoon into muffin pan. Combine the cinnamon and sugar, top each muffin with sprinkle of mixture. Bake 20-25 minutes.
Makes 12 muffins, serving size 2. Can be frozen, and reheated in microwave.
Fat 0.5g Carbs 20.5g Calories 93.5 Protein 2.9g

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Super Scooters!

Beau has been wanting a scooter. They went on sale yesterday at Target for only $19! I got both Beau and Leah one. I still have the knee/elbow pads from Drew for Leah to use, and they already have helmets. They were so excited!
Beau picked a 'hotwheels' one, and Leah picked a princess one, ofcourse. I put them together this morning. Leah's was a super pain! It had me all riled up! Beau's was basically all put together, just needed unfolding. Super cool colors, blue and orange with flames. He loves it!

Leah's has a cute little basket, and she has already filled it with barbies, kitty cats, etc....Everything a little girl loves.

She has also been the first one to fall off of it. Leaving her unwilling to try to get it moving. That boy is already moving all over the house. Hopefully the rain will let up, so they can ride outside.

They will be perfect for camping, and something to take to the park. Beau always see's other little boys with one, and stands watching forever. Also, Leah is such a lazy little one, it will get her interested in something that keeps her moving. She would rather sit and play dolls for hours! BTW, I know the handle bars look awfully low for Leah, but I was so mad at that thing in just getting it put together at all...I'll adjust them later!

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A New Camera?

I have been debating for awhile on whether or not to go ahead and get the camera I REALLY want.
I was in a pinch last summer, and bought one of the cheapest ones I could just to have a camera in time for the air festival, when my camera ended up unexpectedly broken.
But, what I really want to get is a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT . With having as many kids as I do, I think is a great investment. I want to have clean, clear, amazing photos to keepsake. It is a very important thing to me. I know they will be treasured forever.

So, I have 1/2 of the funds saved up, and found a very good deal on a camera case. Just 4.95!!! My Dad found it in fact, at a discount store. Plenty big enough to hold the new, and old camera.

I am getting so excited! I can't wait to have it in my hands!


Definitely before the summer is here, and the photo ops are never ending!

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We all have bad habits...

I am trying really hard to stick to picking out things that I should be eating or drinking vs. giving in to a craving, or habit.
Bad habit #1: I NEED CAFFIENE IN THE MORNING
What do I do? Since I'm not getting, or making coffee's anymore, I give in and grab a pepsi. I don't always drink it all, but still...BAD HABIT!
Bad habit #2: I always get up atleast once during the night. I sometimes eat a quick snack, like a granola bar (FULL OF SUGAR :-( ), or slice of bread. NOT GOOD.
I need to just drink a glass of water, and get back to bed!
This is a habit that started during the pregnancies of my last 2, and has not quite fully subsided.
I did read that drinking grapefruit juice before a meal decreases your insulin levels, aiding in wieght loss. I LOVE GRAPEFRUIT JUICE! This won't be a problem for me.
For dinner last night, D cooked wild salmon on the BBQ with some amazing rubbing salts for fish. And, steamed cabbage/carrots/broccoli. I ate very little. Kids had chicken, and pasta with thier dinner. I really do not like salmon, of all fish. I love halibut, ling cod, and sturgeon. And, tuna ofcourse. Salmon is just too fishy for me. Halibut and ling cod sort of lose that fish flavor with cooking it. And, we most always BBQ. So we RARELY ever fry anything. That is a habit. A good one.

I am noticing that with use of the elliptical trainer, that I am getting slimmer. My arms are showing it, my butt, my hips, my belly, my neck and chest. I am doing very well with the water intake. It is so much easier though to keep to it when I am working. I take my water bottle with crystal light energy or focus packet to work, drink it first, then fill it up atleast 4 or 5 more times with water. And, on some nights, I can hardly get time to eat, so I do well.

At home, everything is right in front of me. I get busy, and ignore my needs since the kids are my focus.
In any case, I'm doing well. It's got D focusing more, and trying harder as well. And, boy, would it be nice to see a little bit of weight fall off that man too! I love him, I have no issue with his weight, he is much taller than I. 6ft 2. But, he has slacked just as much as I. We are both needing this change. Being short, and overwieght sucks way worse!

***BTW, today, for lunch, I got a salad from a little place downtown.
It has shredded carrots, salad shrimp, celery, green onion, crunchy noodles, and sunflower seeds all mixed together with a tiny bit of mayo! Yum! It will last me a few days lunches.

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He said SORRY!

So, our little squabble from the other day is officially OVER. D, on his own accord, very calmy, and ever so gently, apologized.
I think, my reaction, as severe as it may have seemed, as OVER reactive as it was, really shocked him. But, come on! Am I not privy to that type of reaction to an injustice EVER?
Sometimes I think men have a double standard when it comes to acceptable behaviour from they themselves, vs. the wife.
I took a strong stand. I had the final say. And, I received the apology that was most definitely DESERVED!
This will go down in history as the most heartfelt apology D has EVER given me.
Yeah, I'm soakin' it up!

On a much lighter note...I made the yummiest bread today!

You can view the recipe HERE.

And, how much yummier is a sandwich when you cut it into little tiny hearts??? Apparently, 100% yummier according the Sweet Little Lulu!

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I love it!

I am loving using SparkePeople. I have gotten great lowfat recipes from the site, and they are so good! My kids even like them. It helps me a lot!
The 15 minutes on the elliptical are getting so much easier, and I can feel a difference in my clothes already. I feel stronger, more energetic. HEALTHIER.
I love it! I don't have that hump in the middle of the day when I feel like taking a nap. My mood is uplifted. I feel like I am more alert, less forgetful.
Even if you don't need to lose weight, you should check it out to get some great recipes for your family.
If your like me, I HATE eating breakfast. It is something I not only forget to do, but just don't feel like eating that early. I know I need to, and I love things that I can just grab out the door, and not bother too much with, like a banana, cereal bar, etc. So...
Here is the muffin recipe I made yesterday:

APPLESAUCE OATMEAL MUFFINS

1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup non fat milk
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 egg whites
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnmaon
1 tsp. sugar
Raisins or Nuts, optional

Soak oats in milk for about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine oat mixture with applesauce, and egg whites, mix until combined.
(Next part I did while oats soaked)
In seperate bowl measure, and wisk dry ingredients.
Add wet mixture.
Mix just until combined, do not over mix or muffins will be tough.
Add nuts or raisins if desired. (I used golden raisins, and craisins)
Spoon into muffin pan.
Combine the cinnamon and sugar, top each muffin with sprinkle of mixture.
Makes 12 muffins, serving size 2. Can be frozen, and reheated in microwave.
Fat 0.5g Carbs 20.5g Calories 93.5 Protein 2.9g

Tomorrow, I am trying this next recipe...

SUMMER FROZEN FRUIT BARS

2 cups summer fruit ( strawberries, peaches, watermelon, etc.)
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Place fruit in blender, blend until smooth.
Add 1-2 tbsp. water, if necessary. Add sugar, and lemon juice. Cover and blend until well mixed.
Pour into 4 oz. ice pop molds or paper cups. Insert sticks. Freeze until solid. Makes 4.
Fat 0.3g, Carbs 8.7g
Calories 35.6 Protein 0.5g

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?????

It was a busy weekend. I spent my mornings till noon or 1pm weeding, hedgetrimming, and then cleaning up the mess from doing so, and off to work. So monotonous. Kids were SO wild, being that we had 70+ degree weather here. Raining today, and expected thunder storms. Auggh! Atleast I don't have to water the flowers.

I typically function on a fairly level playing field, but yesterday...well, yesterday had me wound up tighter than, well, tighter than...you get my point!
I came absolutely unglued with my husband. I lost it! I will not disclose events preceding this outburst. But, I will say, I have not felt so many emotions at one time ever before!
One of those days when yelling into a pillow, or breaking a dish just will not do enough justice!
I love that man, but OMHH can he push that one button on me that lets it all loose!

And, to top it all off...we have wonderful little "poop stirrer" at work. It is always those that are so unhappy with themselves that feel the need to spread negativity. This girl is divorced atleast 1x, separated from another man. Has 2 school age children.
She has always been a big ? for me, and I avoided even saying hello for some time. But, I guess if some one has it out for you, they find a way.
What totally flabergasts me, is this lady teaches sunday school at church EVERY sunday. Yet, she walks around cursing, gossiping. I have caught her in lies regarding her work. Tell me how you can pass medications to 40+ patients, with a novel in one hand? Or...better yet...how can you focus on the tasks at hand while texting someone on your cell phone?
I'm so done.

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A Few Fun Pics

AMAZING weather here today. Got me sneezin'! We fed the ducks, and played at the park...shoulda down some weedin' :(...oh well, got plenty of time for chores. Enjoy a few pics I took. Love the one of my Grace. 1 in school, the other 3 with me today!

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A New Start

I need to lose weight. I procrastinate. I put it off, over and over and over. I'm sick of seeing all these cute clothes that I can't wear. Shopping, and seeing something I want, but can't fit it. And, most definitley wouldn't think of trying to.
I need more energy to keep up with my brood of children. I need more confidence in myself.
So...this is my goal, and I'm stickin' to it!
I joined a Free Weight Loss website today, called SparkPeople. It is great! It gave me cut and dry details on what I need to do to reach my goal weight. No grey areas. I don't know about you, but I need a little push. It also helps me track it all, and gives detailed meal choices that are best. I log in my cardio time, food items consumed, water drank,etc.
I spent 16 minutes on the elliptical today. We have had that thing for atleast a year, and this is the 3rd time I've used it.
My plan is this: I LOVE the new Vampire Weekend CD. I have it on my MP3. I managed to go strong through 4 songs, equalling about 16 minutes. I want to work up to going strong on the elliptical for the entire album. This may sound stupid. But, it is measurable, and a distraction for me. Listening to that, keeps my mind on the music vs. the work out. And, it blocks out mutiple demands from the tots. They can do without Mommy's full attention for 1/2 hour each day at least! They like watching too. But, if I do it during Super Why!, thier new fave show then I get that 1/2 hour no problem.
I also have a core strengthing ball. I did 3 reps of 10 crunches on that today as well. I feel so energized. And, encouraged.
When Beau was a baby I bought the DVD set of Winsor Pilates. I started it, and then got pregnant with Leah, worried about my incision from the cesarian, I stopped doing it. So, another goal is to work that back in.
It's a go!
Another motivator: While bending over cleaning toilets yesterday, that boy came up behind me and said, "I'm seeing a widdle too much butt cwack Mom!" If your kids comments don't motivate, I don't know what will?!

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2 Weeks of Toys at 5 Minutes 4 Mom

Wow! Great Giveaways here! 5 Minutes for Mom is hosting this huge giveaway!

I would love to win the Rose Petal Cottage for Little Lulu.

Go check it out yourself!

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A Little Brag

I have been thinking lately about how proud I am of my girls. I don't get a lot of time with them, but we have been listening to music together, giggling, talking on the couch, watching movies.
I am so impressed by my oldest, Grace. She has such a strong sense of self. She has the perfect amount of self esteem. She is not prideful, she is not conceited, she just is. She knows what she likes, wants, believes, and stands strong. She voices what is wrong, she expresses her dismay. I love this. It is very important for a girl to have this strength. So many things can jump in to interupt your being, your comfort. I hope she carries this with her, and does not allow for anyone to take it from her.

As a teen, I don't think I was very strong. I know I wasn't. I may have had some confidence, but I was not strong. I let everything get to me, and became so emotional over everything that happened. Every comment made to me by a classmate, or 'friend, or 'boyfriend' traumatized me. I also held too tight to those that I really shouldn't have, becoming a follower.
Many things happened to me in my late teens, early 20's that strengthened me. One of them was having my Grace.
I am a much different person now than I was back then. I am very direct. I will tell a person what I think, and feel. It is not worth it to be silent, and stand back, and just allow something you do not like to happen.
I had a boyfriend at the age of 14/15. He was very quiet. Nice, but strangely quiet. I was too. We took many walks together, held hands, went swimming. I was so young. I really 'liked' this boy. But, something happened. I started to cling, and he became mean. Angry. To this day I do not know what I did, if anything, to cause it. But, one day, he just up and kicked me in the shin, HARD, with his soccer cleat. This memory is clear as day. I had many feelings.
I was shocked...surprised...confused...hurt...ANGRY! But, I did not express my anger, and I wish so badly I had. This is where I know my dtr is stronger than I ever was. If it were her tomorrow that this happened to, she would get up and kick that boy right back! YES! I am not promoting fighting, but if someone is going to intentionally harm my child, my DAUGHTER, then they better be prepared for a return of the favor.
I speak with my dtr routinetly about how she should expect to be treated. From a girlfriend, or a boy, or a teacher. She knows what is acceptable. She also knows how she should treat others. She comes home and tells me little things that occur, and yesterday some girl was just being mean to her she said, "She threw a ball right at my back, when I was on her team, and then, she called me a 'B'! And, I said to her, 'What did you say to me?', and she said it again!" Needless to say, I was enraged. I wanted the name of this girl, and I right probable would have been knocking on her doorstep. But, my dtr is all about, 'Mom, I don't want you to do anything, this is my battle, I don't want you taking over!' Okay, but to a point. If it doesn't resolve with her choice of dealing, then I will surely intervene. Although, I feel confident she will deal with it in the way that suits her.
What about you Mom's out there? Would you stand back, or step in?

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I Dumped it!

I had NO idea I had 197 pictures still on my camera! Some from all the way back in December! I am such a procrastinator about printing out my faves!

Anyhow...I thought I'd enter one of the 197 in this great little contest over at 4tunate. Idea is to dump your cam and pick your very fave one to enter and win a little prize. I am having a hard time picking. Un4tunately, a lot of my pics are of my youngest 2, since I am home with them all day, and the 2 girls are in school all day long. But, here are a few of my faves that were STILL on my cam. I'm entering the one to the right......."Blowing Bubbles"

"Pleading "

"Giggles & Grumpy"

"THE CLIMB"

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Wordless Wednesday~HE'S ADDICTED!

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He REALLY wants those points!!!

Yesterday, that boy woke up at 6:30am, and came to my bed. He fell right back asleep as I was making the girls' lunches for school, and didn't wake up until about 9am. TIRED BOY! When he got up, he was a bit disoriented, as he wandered into the kitchen, he was whining, "Oh no! Why did you let me get into your bed? You supposed to put me back in my bed! Oh man, I'm gonna lose my points!" I think he's finally getting it...

Kids went to bed last night way too easily. I don't usually have a fight, but some resistance at times. D and I sat down to watch a movie together, and barely into the first 3 minutes we had a visitor. I could see that boys reflection in the screen of the T.V. "My blankets are messed up, Mom, can you fix them?" Okay. He does this all the time. I picked up my boy, took him back to his room and told him if he got up anymore he'd lose his points. His Chuck E. Cheese reward points. He wants these so badly! He went right back to bed without a fuss.
We start watching the movie, again, and here comes that boy AGAIN with one of Leah's broken toys to show us, ( she must have called to him ) and chubby little Lulu right behind...I got them right back to bed, and yet, one more time that boy came out. I can't even remember why that time. But, I repeated to him he would lose his points should he not stay in bed this LAST TIME! He finally stayed, and did not come to my bed at all! Yippee!

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She WANTS to pee in public?!!

I have found the loop hole. That tiny window of incentive to get Lulu going potty in the toilet, A toilet, ANY TOILET! She absolutely hates to sit on our potty at home. Even though she has a cute little Dora the Explorer potty seat. She would rather go in a public restroom! I do not understand this. I hate using public restrooms. But, for some reason, this triggers her interest. Could it be because in public usually all of the kids need to go at one time? Or is it the simple fact that we aren't at home? I DO NOT KNOW! But, it's driving me crazy.
We went shopping at K yesterday with my Mom, and Gma, also had lunch. Leah was dry all morning, and did indeed go potty when we all went to the restroom at the restaraunt. Then, she pee'd her pull up once we got home. I just do not get it!!! This girl is so hard for me to figure out. I am lost!
I even bought more diapers, and have been trying to use them as a sort of consequence. If she pee's her pants, then she must wear a diaper, since only babies pee thier pants. Then she becomes so dramatic, and cries incessantly, "I don't wanna be a baby. I wanna be a girl! I don't wanna wear a diaper!" Yet, when I put a pull up back on her, SHE PEE'S AGAIN! Auugghhhh!!!!

How do I sternly enforce with this bubbly little ball of giggles??? She melts me, that may be part of the problem. She's the baby, the last one. My last one. My tiniest, sweetest, most loving little one. I think I give in too much. I'm gonna have to start taking a stronger stand, I know.

*********
That boy has a reward chart now to give him some incentive into staying in his own bed all night long. I am so tired of being woken up at 3am and then not being able to sleep for the rest of the night since he is right up on me, with all his 'sleep' toys poking me in my back!
The other night, he was scrambling around for the ONE special truck he could not go to sleep without even though he had 4 other trucks already in his bed. I finally had it. I told him to just get in bed, no more searching. He was so upset, slumping his shoulders, he said, "Humph! I am getting so activated!" Ha ha! What he meant to say was aggravated, but still, what a BIG word for such a LITTLE boy. My Little Einstein.

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Random Rambles

Leah had somehow broken her crib rail off, and so I got her a toddler bed this week. It is so cute to see it in the room! She is growing up so fast! And, she hasn't even tried to get up once I lay her down to sleep for nap, or bedtime. I don't think her realizes that she can, or even thinks to do so. (I won't mention that I backed my van into a ditch after picking up this toddler bed from the seller...I also won't mention it was really stuck in that ditch, and I had to be pulled out of it...I'd rather I kept this to myself, D always freaks out on little things like that.)
Potty training isn't going so well. I did away with diapers, got pull ups, she realizes she no longer has diapers, but she just doesn't get the concept. She NEVER lets me know until she's already gone. I am putting her on the potty frequently, and I even started a little reward chart that I found online. I just don't think she is ready. And, as far as real underwear go, NOT on my new carpet. I will just have to wait until summer to really push the issue when she can pee outside on the grass :-(

A friend brought over a really neat computer game for Beau the other day. He can create his own fish, and then he has to feed it, help it find things to eat in the ocean to stay alive. He has to be careful of the size he creates his fish to be, if he is too little, then other bigger fish will eat HIM. But, no matter what, he also has to watch out for sharks. He is doing really good at figuring it all out, and wants to play all the time! It's called ODELL DOWN UNDER. Being that The Boy loves fish, he is having a blast with this game!

Drew has started back up with spring soccer, and they are having practice at this great little park, so the little ones can play while she has practice. It has a huge rock that was made from steel ,then coated to look like a real rock. It was made for the children to climb. Beau took the challenge without question. It was so neat to watch my little boy climb so high without any help at all.

I firmly stand that if he cannot do it, then I will not lift him. I learned this when I was working for the childcare co-op in college. If a child could not problem solve to accomplish something, then they weren't quite physically ready. Also, a safety issue. And, even though that boy begged for me to place him on top, I told him, NOPE. Still, he did it. All alone. I did help him down just by holding his hands so he could jump. Leah even tried to climb.

During the summer, this park also has a free outdoor wading pool for tots. I've been to it before, but Leah was just a tiny baby, and Beau ran away to the park area so much, that I gave up and left early, never have been back. Also, I was very fearfull of other kids getting my little tiny ones sick, so I didn't do to much for awhile. Especially after he came down with Fifth's Disease at 16 months. It was hard enough to care for 2 under 2, let alone 2 under 2 SICK!

I've also been trying to get a few things done, like weeding, and pulling up Canna Lily roots. I left a list at work, and 20 people signed for roots. So, yesterday I dug, and broke up almost 40 roots. I'm taking them to work today. We had a beautiful few days of sun, and warmth. Which also started to dry out my upcoming plants and flowers. Luckily, today, we have RAIN!
In the process of pulling up all those roots, I felt something on my neck. It was some bug, not sure, but this morning I woke up with a nasty lump/bite where I flicked the bug off. Now, I know it was not a mosquito, and I know a tiny little knat could not leave a lump that size, so I am thinking a spider. Ewww! Not a good thought, but I'll keep an eye on it, and I can always have another nurse at work look at it for me. Perk to working in healthcare :-)

Now, heart be still...I found out the New Kids on the Block are reuniting! Joe McIntyre (far left), whom I swooned over in my early teens is still looking ever so delicious! I am so taking my girls to the concert when they tour! AND, IF YOU LIKE COFFEE, YOU WILL BE EVER SO PLEASED TO FIND OUT THAT TODAY FROM 5AM-9PM THE HUMAN BEAN IS HAVING A GRAND OPENING, FREE DRINKS ALL DAY LONG! I am sooo there!

Well, the fam has requested my Mom's yummy homemade mac & cheese recipe, as well as meatloaf for dinner, so I am off to the grocery store. And, that boy is gonna help me make some vanilla pudding with bananas and vanilla wafers for dessert! Yum! It's a kids request night!

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Satan at Work

I absolutely cannot express my disgust more. A Pregnant Man, boasting on Oprah of all shows. Go figure she would be the one to help it be known.
How much more insane can the world become? This 'man', who was legally born a female, underwent treatments to become a man, only he did not undergo surgery for a sex change. HER genitalia remains female, all the while. SHE married a woman. They chose to undergo artificial insemination to impregnate 'HIM'.
They boast this...A MIRACLE!???
WTH?
Sorry, this is some sick sick sick sick plot to gain world renown status.
This was NOT what God himself intended to occur.
A baby was never meant to be born to a Man.
I fear what more will come.

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Grrr!

During spring break, when I was clearance shopping with my cousin, I had bought a bag of sidewalk chalk paint. Came with 3 bottles of 'paint', a paintbrush, a roller, and 2 stampers.
Yesterday I decided to break it out, no rain, let the kids go for it!

The stuff was the consistency of glue. And, our drive is so old, so uneven, that they could hardly use it right. AND, it take so much of it to draw a very small thing on the ground that in less than one hour, they had used it all! Yeah, not a great deal afterall. I will not be buying sidewalk chalk paint EVER again!!! Stickin' the good old sidewalk chalk CHALK.

I had also recently gotten them a small plastic bowling set. The had so much fun with it for about 2 hours, then all the pins seemed to be inverting, they would no longer stand up. By day 2, all of them were bent in half. I tossed them out. For the price I paid, it wasn't worth the drive back into town to complain. But, seriously, WTH?

Well, off to try my hand at making my very own version of a Crayon Apron. I have some very cute scrap fabric that is little strawberries all over, and another contrasting that has big strawberries allover. Plenty to make a Crayon Apron for Lulu. And, I found a pack of 24 crayola crayons for .39...we'll see how it turns out! I'm sure I can do it, and definitley don't want to pay $20 for one, when I can make one for the cost of crayons.

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Have to Share...

Yesterday we went to town to get the shrimp I forgot to get at the grocery store the day before ( MUST make shrimp fajitas!).

Also, being the first sunny, NO RAIN day we'd had for over a week, I promised a trip to the park.
We were in the car, and Beau pipes up..."
Mom, when me and Weah get bigger, you know, we are gonna get married."
I laughed, and replied, "Oh, really?"
He said, "Yeah...Weah will be the Pwincess, and I will be the Pwince. But, I don't like being dwess-up, so I will have to be a Pwince."

That boy kissing his new sissy, 3/05

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