He's stuck in a fish bowl!

Just kidding! Ty was introduced to bubbles today. It was a gorgeous 70 degree day so we are spending the afternoon outside. I was hit with a nasty stomach bug yesterday afternoon and am glad to just be achy and worn out today....this weather makes everything better!

Integrity

Integrity is defined as 1. Moral uprightness; honesty. 2. Wholeness; soundness

I was told to watch the local news last night for coverage of the school board meeting. I won't typically watch local news because I don't think most of the coverage is newsworthy. That said, I did watch the first few minutes last night to catch this particular story. I was so sad. I wish I had gone to the meeting so I could have spoken up. This is the third time I have watched local politics at work and left shaking my head. This community is self proclaimed to be "good Christians" and yet, every time they are faced with a conflict or feel they are being slighted in some way, they publicly crucify those who are trying to lead. We are so blessed to live in one of the best school districts in the state. Our kids have the best resources available to them. The government changed the way our schools are funded which is changing the budget in a HUGE way. The leadership who has thus far, provided an amazing education to our kids is now facing an enormous challenge. Rather than coming along side them and asking how we as a community can support them, local parents were screaming, condemning and accusing this team of horrendous and outrageous lies. I continue to be amazed by the local people who live for the show of being Christian yet will stop at nothing to gain what they want. I suppose that since I moved here from Ohio where school funding issues are always in the news, I just cannot see how people can treat others like this, especially since they are not responsible for the situation. Locals just don't know how blessed they are.....I removed my children from public school in early elementary school in Ohio because of all the funding cuts that prevented them from helping my daughter who has learning delays and because it was a very liberal school system with ideals that were contradictory to our Christian values. Erin's freshman year has shown us that this school system is truly looking out for the best interest of their students. That isn't to say that we haven't had discussions at home to work through minor conflicts, but overall, this experience has been positive. I wish I had been there to say this publicly, but I wasn't. Facebook and my blog will have to serve as that voice for now.

Speaking of integrity, I have been blessed by true friendship. Kristin, Cherie and Jill have been friends of mine since High School or in Jill's case, since 1994 when I met my High School sweetheart's girlfriend and deemed her "Perfect" for him! At no point have we questioned each others concern for each other. We have never had to think about their motivations. We know we are loved and cared about. Enough said. If we feel there is something out of place in someone's life, we address it in love. We are honest with each other and there aren't any worries about who's saying what when the other isn't there.....The funny thing is that we all have different religious beliefs and philosophies about life in general. I love each of these ladies like my sister, who is also rather wonderful. Thank you Lord for showing me that I am so blessed to be supported and loved by some awesome ladies.

Simple Pleasures!

It was a gorgeous weekend! Sunshine and 60's...we saw our first signs of spring on a walk this afternoon. A neighbor has crocus plants blooming. Kate asked for watermelon and corn on the cob....it just felt that wonderful. Of course we have to wait on the cookout with our favorite summer foods but it was nice to have them requested in anticipation of it arriving. Lauren had five friends visit all afternoon (three of them were boys...YIKES!) Makenna also had a friend over for the afternoon. So it was really great to have them outside!We had two little guests yesterday and will have them again tomorrow. Sarah is 4 and Miley is 18 months. Their little brother Matthew has been hospitalized again for growth issues. That poor family needs lifted in prayer! Anyway, we've enjoyed having the girls. They just fit in around here where we always seem to have extra places set at our table. I love having a house full of kids. I was teased at church and called Michelle Duggar. I wish I were as laid back as that special mom of 19! After such a long and cold winter, being outside breathing fresh air and planning the spring yard work felt refreshing.

Photo updates since the computer crashed

Busy week

Ty had his 6 month check up today....we were a month and a half late because our pediatrician had an emergency that took her out of the country for three weeks and then we delayed it while Ty was on antibiotics for impetigo. Anyway, our big bundle weighed in at an impressive 19 lbs 1 ounce. He was in the 75% for weight. He is 28 5/8 inches long (90%)! He is hitting 9 month milestones and is predicted to be walking before his first birthday. The appointment went well. He likes Dr. Rezaei.

My little decorative end table went into time out Thursday. Ty has been interested in knocking it over when he's being held on the couch or in my rocking chair. This week he decided he also likes pulling it over when he's on the floor. For safety reasons, the table is in time out. I miss having a place for my cup of tea.....Ty's not concerned.

We had a little guest all week. Sarah stayed with us while her mommy and baby brother were in the hospital. She is 4 years old and Kate loved having "a lot of sleepovers" with her. By last night, they were bickering like sisters! Both girls cried when it was time for her to go home this evening. Baby Matthew appears to be doing better as well.

Greg's parents visited yesterday. They are home from Florida for a few days. The weather in Dayton does not encourage them to visit more often! It has been a crazy winter!

Erin started her new job last night. She's given up babysitting after school and is now assisting a coach in a local gym teaching three year old gymnastics. She loved it. She is working for some spending money and gym time. She's thrilled for the opportunity. Right now, she works on Thursday evenings but will be needed more this summer.

Greg was in a minor fender bender this morning....not a good day for him. Praise the Lord no one was hurt and the damage to the vehicles was minor.

Growing Old Together

Greg and I got to laughing at ourselves today. He is always stiff after sitting for awhile as a result of the arthritis in his entire body from his accident 10 years ago. Ten surgeries will do that to a person! I have Psoriatic Arthritis, which was diagnosed and treated as Rheumatoid Arthritis for a few years. I am only stiff when I wake up in the mornings or when I have been still for a while. He was limping into the bedroom to wake me and offered to help me up, which ended up pulling him over! We were a mess! I giggled as I told him that I vowed to grow old with him, I just didn't expect to be old so soon!
The blessings in all of our "premature aging" is that Greg is still with me to grow old together. It is nothing short of a miracle that he's here, working and functioning. My diagnosis being changed is a HUGE blessing. I no longer face the threat of ending up in a wheel chair as a result of this disease! I deal with some pain and stiffness but am not even taking medication at this point! It is a huge financial and medical relief. God is good and I am blessed to be growing old with my best friend. (Greg just called me a sap and pointed out that Kristin is 180 miles away!)

Doesn't it just figure?

I had the great idea that I could use leftover paint from the little girls' old bedroom to paint the laundry room. It is a pretty, fresh sage green and would be a nice compliment to the tan and red kitchen that is immediately adjacent. Long story short, I am half way through the job and out of paint.....life as we know it.

Several months ago I dropped the vacuum down the stairs and broke some tiles in the foyer. Over time, more and more of them are broken so we need to scrape them up and replace the broken tiles. Apparently the sub flooring is not level and there are tiles that are literally hollow underneath. Nice. We are trying to decide if the entire floor has to be removed or if we can patch it....I am leaning toward an oak laminate since I know how easy it is to maintain. Grout is not my favorite! So, just in case you wondered, Dyson vs. Ceramic Tile= Dyson wins

Poor Erin went outside to shovel off her trampoline and take advantage of the beautiful weather last night after church. She apparently frightened a nest of moles or mice in the process and sent them all running. She was terrified and paralyzed with fear, screaming for a half an hour while the rest of us were busy in the house unaware. For my OCD daughter, this was the worst form of torture! She won't likely be out after dark again for quite some time! We are treating the yard for our new mole issue as soon as spring arrives. If that doesn't take care of the issue, we may have to invest in some outdoor cats.

Ty's new trick

Ty always wakes up between 5 and 6am for a quick diaper change and bottle. He goes right back to sleep until around 8. This morning; however, after he was back down I heard a lot of grunting and odd noises. I assumed we would be changing another diaper but when I went to peek in on him, I discovered him standing in his bed! He started trying this latest skill yesterday using me for balance. He was clearly very proud of himself. It is funny how he is so determined to achieve something once he discovers it is possible. I took down the mobile and Greg will be helping me lower the mattress today.....he's growing so quickly!

Total Cuteness

Erin took Makenna with her to a high school basketball game tonight. We've been stir crazy this week with entirely too much snow so getting out to socialize a bit appealed to them both. They looked so cute in matching Floyd Central tee shirts. Makenna felt like a big shot getting attention from Erin's high school friends.

Ty's face is clearing up...it is still obviously there but improving. He doesn't seem to notice and takes it all in stride. He's using his toy basket to stand. His favorite new skill is climbing. All people and toys are speed bumps to be conquered. He is crawling forward finally but still not efficiently. I think he's just in too big a hurry. His newest silly facial expression has him sticking his tongue out as far as it will go and leaving it there. He has it out of his mouth more than in....which complicates him clearing up the impetigo!

I went through Kate's outgrown clothes in hopes of willing Spring to arrive! She's grown so much in the last 6 months! I packed up some of our favorites for a friend's daughter. Included in the box are American Girl outfits three of the girls wore. As I folded them one last time I felt time stand still for just a brief moment. I could just as easily see little Lauren wearing them as Kate who just outgrew them. Time flies all too quickly when I look at the kids. It just doesn't seem possible to have two beautiful teenagers....they were just little girls.

On a "not so cute" front, our fridge appears to be going out....it isn't even 4 years old yet! Honestly, is ANYTHING made to last? I literally prayed over it tonight in hopes it is an easy repair. We got a lead on an honest repair man....that is more than half the battle in this day and age, another sad statement about our world.

This is a day the Lord has made......

Ever have "one of those days"? This week has been rather full of them for me! Our computer crashed taking all my email accounts, bookmarked websites, and our homeschool records with it. If you emailed me last night or today, please resend so I can save your email address in our insight webmail. I will miss Outlook until our wonderful computer guy works his magic on our tower in the next couple of weeks. Ty went to the doctor last Friday when he had what appeared to be a cold sore. I called to ask if we could use Zoverax to treat it. They informed me a cold sore on a baby is typically an indicator of an underlying medical condition so they needed to see him. I took him in to see the new nurse practitioner who called in one of the doctors because she was convinced it was impetico. He disagreed and diagnosed it as a cold sore and recommended we use Zoverax.....no underlying condition except perhaps the fact that we pay our medical bills! So, the "cold sore" has spread and new white head spots have started. It looked so bad today, I called again and was informed they needed to re-evaluate him. Another two hours and likely over $100 later, it has been re-diagnosed as impetico. He's on oral and topical antibiotic for treatment. I pray it clears up quickly. I looks so painful and quite ugly. I don't like seeing it on my sweet baby's face. If I had the ability to upload photos, I'd post one. He makes the silliest faces these days. He cracks us all up regularly. He weighed 19 lbs today...

We've had quite a bit of snow and been house bound all week. Kate has been rather stir crazy. She has had a couple of funny one-liners lately. On Sunday, I was able to take a "Mommy Day Away" and met my best friend Kristin in Indy for a day of scrapbooking. I am so thrilled to be caught up! Anyway, we were all having breakfast before I left and Kate asked Greg if he was going to like being boss while Mommy was away! The look on his face was priceless! He laughed and said that he can't be boss when I am away because someone always tells him he isn't doing it like Mom! She also started a story last week that began with "one day, when I was young..." Hilarious!

Purity Ball 2010

Greg and Lauren just headed out for the Purity Ball. Lauren chose her dress this year and I think it suits her personality perfectly! So bright and colorful. They are looking forward to spending the evening with each other as well as some of their friends. I realize Greg's hand is still in the photo. He was poking her to make her jump. The only other shot I was able to get of them, they were both sticking their tongues out at each other.....You can dress them up but you can't take them out. The church always does a really nice job of creating a special atmosphere for the event. While they are out, Erin and I are going to dinner. Makenna has a dance with her friend and I have hired my first ever babysitter for Kate and Ty. It only took me 5 kids to make that call! Erin's friend will do a great job....she is such a sweet girl.

"I didn't have to lift a single weight for this body"

Super Daddy....Super Baby

Down on Candy's Farm

One of Candy's goats had twin boys last week. One baby died and the other is growing into a big strong boy....male goats sadly have very little value, so they hope to find someone who is looking for a cute pet! Much to Lauren's dismay, we are not. Anyway, we took advantage of the only sunny day we've had in weeks and went out to meet the new addition. Kate likes all of the goats and the alpaca. The chickens "freak her out" though.

Laundry Soap

Greg earns the money. I try to stretch it.....I have been making my own laundry detergent for over a year. I am thrilled with the results and at 3cents per load, the little bit of effort is well worth it.
Grate 1 bar of Fels Naptha and allow to dry on a cookie sheet for three days. Mix with three cups of Borax and three cups of Arm and Hammer. All ingredients are available in the laundry isle at the grocery store. For locals, the Fels Naptha is available at JayC for 99 cents. Use one Tablespoon per load of laundry. It works as well as anything else I have tried. I wash bedding and towels in hot water but use the cold cycle for everything else. This stuff removes baby stains as well as anything else the kids may get into! I also use Shaklee cleaners. The Basic H is so concentrated that I've used only half a bottle in a year. I am a bit OCD about my house so that is being used very liberally. I have used one bottle of the germicide in a year...again, I am a bit of a clean freak so I like to use all natural, safe products for my home. If you have a more stubborn stain, a tiny bit of the Basic H concentrate as a laundry pretreatment has always worked for me. One last endorsement for Shaklee, the scrub is amazing on my smooth top stove. I had one jar for over 6 years when I passed the remnants on to a friend and ordered a fresh jar.

Camp Discover 2010!

Kate and I had a blast at Camp Discover tonight. We played in bouncers, learned bible stories, sang, played games and met new friends. She is thrilled to be spending the night with over 100 friends! Since I had to get home to the other kids, our sweet friend, Jennifer invited Kate to stay in her tent with Shelby for the night. I pray that goes as well as it appeared to be going when she threw my coat at me and suggested I "say good bye now"! Thanks to the Early Childhood department at Northside....you guys rock!

Erin's Baptism

Erin was baptized this evening. She asked her small group leader from middle school to be the one to "dunk" her. Lana is a sweet lady who reached out and welcomed Erin into her life two years ago, making a big impression. Erin started asking us questions about the Lord and salvation when she was six. This was a decision she made after serious consideration. She had at one time believed she would want to go to our "home church", Salem Church of God in Clayton, Ohio for the service but because of Lana's love and the wonderful people we've gotten to know, she feels at home at Northside. Lana shared with us (it was a private baptism) that she loves Erin's heart and that she wishes she had such a genuine faith at her age. She said Erin is wise beyond her years. We couldn't agree more and are honored to be her parents.

Our handsome boy!

Ty will be 6 months old this week

Our handsome little guy is a bundle of smiles most of the time. He is practicing his crawling skills so much that we catch him on all fours rocking back and forth in his sleep! He is quite determined to be up and running! He can move backward and rolls all over the place. He likes to unload the book cases, play with fireplace tools and leaves his finger prints all over the entertainment center. He loves his solid foods, although he isn't completely sold on peas. He'll eat them but doesn't do it very enthusiastically. Sweet potatoes are thoroughly enjoyed as he says "mmmmm" with every bite and smacks his lips! He is wearing clothes between 9 and 12 months already! He's an aggressive kisser....Mommy gets most of those. He grabs my face and holds me there while he practically drowns me in drool.....He covers my face in them but mostly likes sucking on my chin. Daddy's face is a bit too rough so he likes to put his hand on Daddy's chin to be tickled. His laugh is contagious and he's a noisier baby than the girls. I suspect we'll be discussing "indoor voices" as he grows.

Happy New Year!!!

We spent New Year's with my family in Dayton. Theresa and I had Christmas for each others kids. The cousins always have a great time when we get together. Everyone but Kate made it to see the "ball drop" this year. Sadly, the rest of the programming around the dropping of the ball is in such poor taste, we allowed Disney channel and the Wii to occupy the TV until the countdown. On Friday, Grandma and Aunt Laurie joined us for dinner. It was great to see them both. That night, Kristin and her boys arrived just before Jill brought her family to visit. It was a great start to what we pray is a calm, peaceful year!