Stress!?! OR maybe complaining??

Ya'll, please pray for me. I am cracking!!! It just gets so overwhelming sometimes, and noone ever wants to hear the bad, BUT! As the few of you that read this know, my husband Scotty works in Nashville, TN and I live in Arkansas where we are from. I moved to Nashville in 2006 but recently moved back. I feel like a single mom, and I feel bad for saying it cause my husband is a very hands on dad and very dedicated to his children. He is here every weekend. But between breakfast, getting ready for school, doing laundry, cleaning (what little I do), lunch, ball practice and games, baths, and the OH SO dreadful bedtime, I am slightly losing it. (And the GAZILLION other mommy duties in between!) And moving back home wasn't the best decision, we thought it would be good for the kids to be close to their grandparents (I have since discovered WHAT grandparents), and it would be easier on me. My boys are driving me mad, not listening to me and being disrespectful, Laiken is at a very whiny phase, and I miss my husband! I love my babies so much, and I know that I am SOOO blessed. But, please still pray for me! I need it. I have two houses besides the one I live in, and need to sell them ASAP..but with the market the way it is, no such luck. Anyways, it made me feel a little better to have a gripe session, I don't complain much. Off to take a Hot bath with a Tylenol PM.

Something that just kinda stands out to me is Isaiah 40:8. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. It kinda helps me to put things in perspective. And it is hard for me to read some of these blogs, and understand why babyStellan is so sick or why baby Sage had to go be with Jesus. It really doesnt make alot of sense. I hurt for these mothers and their families. I pray for them. I am so saddened by alot of things I read. But I believe in the power of prayer. I know that the Word of God does not change, and that we can't change God's plan. The world continues to change, but His Word stands. But we need to trust Him without reservation. Please pray for these families...

So, we have been super busy lately with all three kids playing ball. (What was I thinking??) Laiken's team had a tournament on Sat., and a game tonight. Both Big and Little C had practice tonight so since I can't be in 3 places at once, my MIL took the boys to practice. Which bothers me, because I really enjoy watching them. I am not good at not being there for my kids, and it is super hard with Scotty in Nashville. (Wishing I was there.) It was hard getting back in the swing of things after Spring Break. The kids were so exhausted this morning. They didn't want to get up. On another note, I know of a little girl in foster care (there are so many) who is precious and needs a family to love her. My heart breaks for these kids! This particular little girl's parents have not had their rights relinquished yet but I think this is in the works. I want so badly for this little girl to have a loving family. I wish more people could open their minds, hearts, and homes to foster children. OK, that's all for now!

Afternoon Snacks

It's spring break and the kids seem to be hungry ALL the time. Caden really seems to want to eat all the time...so I figured not too long ago if he fixes it, he will eat it. I have been letting him chop his own veggies (with supervision, don't worry) and he really feels big. He loves celery! (BLECH) All my kiddos do, they eat it with peanut butter like crazy. Caden's other favorite snack is (YUCK, AGAIN) peanut butter on tortilla chips. He was so proud of his snack..

For Sale!!

Just throwing this out there, but we are selling our lake house and really need to sell it so if anyone is in the market for a house in Greers Ferry, let me know know!
http://www.crye-leike.com/main/browsedetail.php?addrmls=10212791&mgrp=11&tid=littlerock&mlsnum=10212791&ln=1

One of my Favorite Places....

Is.......


My bathtub!!!!



This is part of my tub and my shower. I was gonna do a whole blog about my bathroom, and take pics but I can't cause my camera is still broke. I will be so glad to get it back! Hope you had a great Wednesday! It was a gorgeous day here and I took Camden and my niece Maycee to the park. The kids played outside after school today until 7:30. They are now bathed and ready for bed. I love this weather!

Catching Up..

So, I got to do something this weekend I haven't gotten to do in a long time...spend time ALONE with the hubby. We rarely ever get to be alone...we are not fortunate enough to have family that will watch all three kids at once...or even one at a time that often.
We went to visit our lake house in Greers Ferry to see how it looked, we had new carpet put in this last week and we wanted to check it out. We also wanted to do some boat shopping. We spent alot of time walking docks and looking for pontoons for sale. We also shopped for new boats (I think a new pontoon is in our very near future.) I really just enjoyed riding in the car with him, and being able to talk and not hear kids whine. It was cold and overcast, but I didn't care. We actually ate lunch and dinner alone. We had a good laugh at lunch when I ordered a sweet tea at a whole in the wall hamburger joint and took a sip and it tasted really bad, and I switched our drinks. I made him take it, and I took his coke. I love me some burger joints, but not these burgers. Anyways, he looked up at me and said I know why you gave me the tea...and there was a large fly floating in the half drank sweet tea. EWWWWW. We even got to go to dinner together. Two meals in one day without kids! I really started thinking and reminiscing while we were eating dinner. So much that we drove the hour and a half back home and realized I left my purse at the restaurant and we had to turn around and drive the hour and a half back. Just more time alone, he said. He wasn't mad. Some men would have been really ticked...the kids stayed with my mother in law who agreed to watch them for the day. So back to the thinking...(this may take forever!) This is our story.

Scotty and I became parents very quickly. We did not plan this, and I certainly did not anticipate or plan my life the way it played out. We had Caden, and he was a very difficult baby, but beautiful and sweet. I dont think marraige was even in our future at this point. I laugh at thinking of us taking care of that poor baby...he was so loved and we tried so hard. When Caden was three months old, I found out I was pregnant. Here we are..no money, one baby, unmarried, and pregnant with another. I knew my family was going to be so disappointed. I prayed like crazy. My family was very supportive and I knew that our new baby was going to be very loved, although I was doing this all the "wrong" way. At about 24 weeks, I had an abruption and had a major bleeding episode. I thought I had lost my baby, and I was admitted to the hospital and put on bed rest. When we found out "she" was fine, I was so thankful that God continued to bless me, even though I knew I was doing everything backwards. We decided to get married when I was pregnant with Laiken, and married within three weeks of deciding to. We got married at my grandparents house, at seven months pregnant. (I wore pants, LOL.) We went on a honeymoon cut short due to contractions and more bleeding. So we really had maybe two days alone together before becoming a family of four. When Lai was born, I poured my whole heart out into being the best mother I could possibly be to my babies. Caden was 11 months old when she was born and I had very little help, so I spent lots of time at home holding two babies, both crying. We had very little money, and Scotty was a truck driver at 24 to provide for us. It was so hard sometimes. We had one car, which he drove to work while I stayed at home with no car. I cooked and cleaned and watched lots of Barney and Noggin. We scraped our money and we ate Ramen and macaroni alot. I appreciated the help I got with clothes and formula, etc..I was so thankful for anything. Sometimes the only time I left the house during the week was to go to Wal-Mart maybe once and to church on Sundays. When Laiken was 7 months we found out, on our ONE year anniversary that baby num three was on the way. I was devastated. I could not grasp how I was going to handle three babies. I have a great family and they love my kids, but I am the one who did everything. I never left my kids overnight, (it wasn't really an option anyways!) Scotty kind of took the news with no reaction, he was just like OK. And he wasn't as involved with the preganncy this time. I think he was nervous as to how he was going to provide for us. I wanted another little girl, but God had a different plan. The sweetest little boy ever was born to us in August of 2004. One look, and I knew God sent him to me. He was so beautiful and perfect. He was an angelic baby. (No so much now.) I survived with a 2 y/o, a 1 y/o, and a newborn all on my own. And it was SOOOOO hard because they were so close, but needed such different things. At this point in my life, financially and emotionally I really understood why people divorce, especially young struggling couples with kids. I came so close, even though I don't believe in divorce. I read about divorce in the Bible, and prayed and soaked myself in it. The next year and a half was a blur, we fought and yelled and took care of babies. I think that it was really hard, because we were never alone and noone ever offered to watch them for us. I stood firm in my decision that I just don't think divorce is the best option. People give up too soon. My own parents divorced when I was 18. We bought our first house, and struggled with the kids. Caden was diagnosed with Asperger's and he was a constant struggle. (Still is, but I adore the little man.) About 4 years ago, I knew God was listening to me. Scotty was blessed with an amazing new job, and things started to change. We moved to TN, moved back to AR, back to TN, and then finally, back to AR. We are very blessed with all that we have now, that sometimes I foget how far we have come. And that there were some amazingly happy times in our tiny house. I was thinking how much I loved spending all my days with my babies, and I didn't ever complain about not having a car. I am not sure that I could handle it so well now. I am so thankful for all that I have, and for my husband who works so hard for all that we have, and rarely tells me no when I want something...I am thankful that I have beautiful amazing kids, even though I PLANNED on being married at 26 and waiting 5 years to have babies. So, I started a little young. I know that at 21, with three kids, I was as good of a mom to them as I would have been at 30. And since 30 is not so far away, I know. So I was thinking really that some of our happiest times were in the beginning even though I didn't really realize it then. Sometimes when I get blinded, I need to look through the cracks. Because I am so super blessed. I love my crazy kids. But, I love the time I get to spend with my husband away from them. I have to admit, though, I am a little envious of you guys that had amazing honeymoons and trips without kids. But, I wouldn't change a thing.

Favorite Things Thursday

Ok, so I had pics of alot of my fave things, but my camera is not cooperating. Lets start with my fave accessory right now..for fall, spring, and summer. Love these....with sandals and flats.

Footless Tights!!!!

It took me awhile to jump on the whole black fingernail/toenail polish thing. But now I love it. My current fave color for both is Sally Hansen Flirt. It is a purplish black. I took a pics of my toesies, but again can't upload.


My fave makeup for the last 6 years..gotta have it!


I love to shop for home stuff. I was gonna show some pics of my fave purchases from there, but since I can't..I will just tell you that I love Hobby Lobby and Big Lots.




Some of my fave things round the house...

I LOVE reed diffusers. They feshen up any room, plus I like the way they look. I still love candles, but reed diffusers are my new love for scents.


I have had an obsession with stars long before it was popular to put them in your home. I love stars, and I have around 5 in my house...

The last one...

I think my husband thinks I go overboard with random words, but I have them everywhere. And I really like this. I have one over my couch, and in my dining room. They look great, and are fairly inexpensive.

Trying to post pics

Well, I have been trying to post some pics, but blogger is not being so nice and it won't let me! Ugh! Maybe later...

Calling all Doggie Lovers!!!

If you have a dog, do you let it sleep with you? Here's my issue: I have a precious chihuahua named Bella. She is about a year and a half old. I have had her since she was about 6 weeks old. HOWEVER, she refuses to sleep anywhere but with me. She is tiny, but she sleeps between my legs under the covers. I am wanting my bed back. (It took long enough to get kids out of my room.) So, night before last I put her in the crate with a soft blanket. She whined all night. I ignored her, but I didn't get much sleep b/c she whined the whole time. I figured she would stop, but she wouldn't. So last night, I thought well I just won't let her get in the bed with me. She sits at the side of me bed and whines until I put her up there. I ignored her and told her No firmly so she scurried off and sat outside my bedroom door for hours, whining. I finally got up and put her in bed with Big C. I just want her out of my bed. She follows me everywhere as it is, and every time I sit down, she jumps in my lap. I just want her to sleep in her doggie bed. Any advice out there?

Kitchen

I just adore my kitchen. I feel totally lucky and blessed to have it. It inspires me to cook....it's amazing. The only thing I don't like is my fridge. It is commercial grade and although it looks huge, it is not very deep so I actually cant fit as much stuff as I would like. Anyways, just wanted to post some pics of my kitchen!!!

P.S. I HATE cleaning stainless steel.

Random.

Michelle Duggar would be so proud. (LOL) Today, I went to Savers to check out what they had. They do have limited pickins to my taste. However, they have leaps and bounds of T-shirts and I am T-shirt obsessed. I got the kids 20 T-shirts for $20. Camden begged for a shirt that had a turtle on it and was from some Minnesota Turtle Race in like 2001. I myself collect T-shirts (weird, I know) so I figured the kids needed some random play shirts.

On another note, a week ago today, I felt like my world was crashing down. I thought my daughter was going to have a grim diagnosis and I thought she had cancer. They were not very optimistic with me...so, in a nutshell, here I am, a week later and she doesn't have cancer. God is so good. I prayed and I prayed. And I thank everyone who prayed for my sweet baby girl. She is such an amazing kid. Keep praying, she still doesn't feel 100%.

So, today Camden and I shopped thrifty and ate lunch together @ Taco Bueno. We picked up a few things from Wal-Mart and came home. We are going to go eat dinner with Mom @ Mazzio's then off to the boys' baseball practice if it doesn't get rained out. Hope everyone had a great Monday!

A little over the top...

Click this link to watch the segment on CBS. What do you think about these people? I guess in this economy, people will do what they have to do to make a buck or two.
http://gmy.news.yahoo.com/v/12346064

Southern Church Potluck Salads....

Or so I call them. These are some of my fave "salad" recipes. And they are easy cheesy.

Broccoli Salad
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 2 gala apples, chopped (you can use any)
3/4 C sugar 1 C dried cranberries
1/2 tep salt I C golden raisins
1/2 tsp mustard seeds 1/2 C sunflower seeds
3 TBSP Veg Oil
1 pkg broccoli slaw mix

Combine vinegar sugar, salt, and mustard seeds in a small sauce pan. Bring to boil for one min. Remove from heat, let cool. Whisk in the oil. Combine slaw mix, apples, cranberries, golden raisins, and sunflower seeds in large bowl. Pour the liquid over broccoli slaw and toss well. Cover, and refriegerate. Wait at least 2 hours before serving.


Grape Salad (yummy yummy!)

1 pkg cream cheese
1 carton sour cream
1/2 C sugar (or splenda if u must)
1 tsp vanilla
8 cups seedless grapes.

Mix first four together, then fold in grapes. Cover and refrigerate.

Cornbread Salad

Ok, sounds gross but it's SOO good.
2 pkgs cornbread mix
3 med tomatoes (diced)
1 lrg bell pepper
1 cup green onions, chopped
1 3/4 C Mayo
4 slices crisp bacon

Cook cornbread according to directions. Let cool. Crumble in large mix bowl, Mix tomatoes, bell pepper, green onion, and mayo. Add to cornbread. Refrigerate. Just before serving, crumble crisp bacon over top.

a good laugh

I made this video of Laiken on her Bday a year ago. And she has grown so much in the past year. She is something else. She made all the words up to this song, btw. She improvises all the time.

So, I was gonna post some pics of Lake's Bday party but I don't really feel like it. She had a nice little party with a few little girls from her class and they had lots of fun. She was very tired, though. She has been sick for sometime and not getting better, so we went back to the Dr. for some labs. Hoping and praying that all is well. Please pray for her.