Wow.

I saw my baby today. It was awesome!!! God is great all the time! He or she is very tiny, like a baby bean. I felt like I could breathe today! And what is up with this weather? It is amazing here in Arkansas right now! I love it. I cannot wait for fall, so I can decorate my front porch!!!

I picked out paint colors for my house today. It took forever. I was going to upload pics, but really I am too tired for any pics tonight. I am EXHAUSTED!!!!

Today, when I picked the kids up from school, I had to check them out early. I went to Camden's class last and he was being so good and he looked up at me and said "Mommy, I need to clean up my area." He doesn't clean anything at home. But, anyways I noticed when he looked up that he had chopped his hair off in the front. I was so annoyed. I said something to the teacher (I was not mad..) and she said she had no idea he did it. I just wonder why he had time alone to cut his hair...I think I will just let it go..I shouldn't be upset, right? But he looks a little goofy!

And I do not know this family at all, but stumbled across this blog and have been praying for them. Please pray for this family. I cannot imagine what they are going through, their baby died from SIDS while at daycare. The Jones Family.

Good night, all!

Thank you!!!

Thank you guys all so much for praying for me and thinking of me! I am praying all goes well Monday. I have honestly never been so scared in my life. My doctor told me that alot of OBGYN's will automatically recommend a D&C at the time of an inconclusive ultrasound, and the heavy bleeding. He recommended me to go home and wait it out. He said half of all threatened miscarraiges result in healthy babies.

Anyways, I have been so down the last couple of days. I feel much better! I don't think I ever posted a pic of my kids on the first day of school. It was funny because Laiken for some reason wouldnt keep her purple bow in her hair. I was so annoyed. She took it out. She was sad that she was starting a new school. But now she loves it. Caden didn't want his picture made, but I made him and he is scowling. Camden is making funny faces.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

God is AMAZING.

After being told I might not have much hope for a viable pregnancy, GUESS WHAT?????????????

I went and got my levels drawn this morning. I cried the whole way there because I KNEW my levels had dropped. I was cramping SO bad and I thought I had bled too much. My doctor called me at about 1:30. He started off very monotone. On Wed, your levels were 1800. Today they are close to 4000. It took me a minute to register. I think he thought I was nuts when I got it. :) He said the baby was definitely growing and it looks good. I am on pelvic rest and go for an ultrasound Monday. He said I am not out of the woods yet, but it is SO MUCH more promising than I thought. God is SO good. I so believe in the power of prayer. I am still hurting, but he reassured me some women cramp and bleed their whole pregnancy. I am SO happy. And thanks so much for praying for us.

Update

Scotty and I went to the hospital to get my blood drawn this morning. I cramped terribly all night and the bleeding has not been as bad as it was. This is the last of the serial HCG blood tests. If my numbers go up, we wait two weeks and do an ultrasound. If they go down, my pregnancy is not viable and miscarraige is inveitable. I feel like there is no way I could hurt this bad and bleed so much and have a viable pregnancy. I just need to know. He is supposed to call me this afternoon with the results. I know I am praying and trusting God. He knows the plans he has for me. I could not get by one minute, one hour, one day through this without Him. My faith is holding me up. I have so many people praying for me, and I appreciate it more than you will ever know. I will let you know after he calls me.

I think the prayers I have recieved from all of you, my family, my friends, and my church are what carried me through last night. Because I feel so broken and miserable. I have to continue to be a mother to my children, and try not to cry in front of them. It was so hard to wake up and take them to school this morning.

I know what I am going through is SO common, it's just new to me. And it's hard. I have had several people ask me if I have lost the pregnancy for sure. And my answer to that is I don't know and the Dr. doesn't know. He gave me several scenarios yesterday, some good and some bad. The bleeding has subsided some, it's not as bad. I am still cramping pretty bad, though. Bleeding is fairly normal in the first trimester, and about half of all the women who bleed during the first trimester go on to carry healthy babies. I won't know about my HCG levels until tomorrow after I go get my blood drawn again. I do know that there was no sign of a baby in the sac. The doctor said it is possible since my first + test was a while back, that I may have gotten pregnant twice. It seems highly unlikely, but it could happen. There is a chance I could still have a viable pregnancy. If my levels go up, we will do another ultraound in two weeks. If they go down, it is inveitable I am miscarrrying and will have to let nature take its course or have a D&C. My sweet husband has been so convinced everything is going to be OK, and I shouldn't be so pessimistic and I am trying not to be. It is hard because he is not with me. I am so glad he is coming home tonight.

I am continuing to pray. I know that God's plan is perfect. I know that I can try again. I know that it could be alot worse. I watched my sister in law deliver a stillborn baby boy a few years ago. I know how HARD that was. I have been in awe of some of the women I know who have such faith and strength after losing their babies. I know that this is just a small bump in the road. Please just continue to pray for us, I think they hardest part is NOT knowing. I hemorraghed when I was 17 weeks pregnant with Laiken and I just knew she was gone. I woke up and the bed was DRENCHED. I was soaked in blood. The mattress was ruined. Scotty rushed me to the ER and they put me on the monitor as soon as I got to L&D. I was lightheaded and unaware of what was going on, I knew it took them a minute to get the heartbeat. But as soon as they heard her, I knew she was fine. Now, I don't know. And that's the hard part. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and I appreciate you listening to me ramble....

Alzheimer's, Monkey, and New house.

Azheimer's. It is a horrible disease. One that has inficted upon my Nana's life. This disease takes away your quality of life, and your dignity.

I don't think that alot of people realize that it is not just memory loss, it IS degenerative, and ultimately deadly. It causes plaque buildup, death of tissue, nerve damage. It basically causes the brain to shrivel up.

It hurts to see loved ones not being able to understand what is going on around them, to be so confused, and to be so upset. It is sad to see my Nana lose her dignity and to not even know what is going on around her. To lose all the years of her life. To struggle to remember parts of her life. It's really hard.

I pray for her comfort and peace. I pray that those around her, caregivers and family treat her the way she deserves to be treated.

Anyways, enough of that. I am just feeling a little sad. :(

This face can always cheer me up!

I love my little Monkey. We called him Monkey when he was born because he had so much black hair. Poor little guy hates kindergarten. I knew he wasn't ready to go. His daddy really thought he was ready and he would be fine. Mommy knew it wasn't going to be so easy. Although his beahvior is not terrible, his teacher said that his listening skills aren't the best, and he could possible benefit from another year at home. I am trying to decide what the best thing is for him.

And while I am talking about school, Caden's teacher has had nothing but problems from him. It's funny, he has had teachers that can handle his behaviors, and some that can't or won't. She informed me yesterday that if he got in trouble today, he would be sent to the office and be paddled. They are not going to paddle him. What good would that do? He has Asperger's!! It is so frustrating. I am going to stop there and not go into it anymore, but can you please pray that we make it through this year? I have alot on my plate right now. New school, pregnancy, moving, building house, husband working out of town.....the usual. :)

My house had the siding put on yesterday. The drywall is all done. It will be painted today or tomm. Then we will stain the concrete next weekend. They are spraying my whole house one color. It is Benjamin Moore Mystic Gold. I want to paint my kitchen a fun color, and the family room. I like dark colors. I have had a green kitchen, a red kitchen, and a brown kitchen. My floors will be stained to look like copper penny. Anyone with any kitchen color ideas out there please help!!! I have got to decide within the next few days. I am glad that the builders have been so fast. I am ready to be in the new house!

Monday

Have you ever felt naked cause you left the house without your watch? Or cause your toenails are unpainted and you have on flip flops? That's how I feel without my kids. Don't get me wrong, I love this time I have alone during the day. It gives me time to clean, shop, watch TV, play on the internet, etc. I do not feel guilty for a second because I never get alone time. So I really cherish this time. I just feel so strange going into stores alone. I miss them.

Today My Memaw and I decided to go to Little Rock to do a little shopping this morning. I picked her up at about eight and off we went. First off, we went to Mardel because she needed a new Bible. And, I got Cam a nap mat. I waited till the last min to get one and everywhere was sold out. Lo and behold, I found one at Mardel. Yea! I kept thinking his teacher must think I am irresponsible. She also got me a book "30 days to Taming your Tongue." And the workbook. (I am not always so sweet, ha!) No, really the book helps and explains how to control your tongue in a Godly way. It talks about the Know it All tongue, The Cynical tongue, the medding tongue, the lying tongue and a lot of others. I thought it would be a good read. I am actually looking forward to the workbook. A verse to ponder: A woman who is bautiful but lacks discretion is like a golg ring in a pig's snout. Proverbs 11:22.

Then, we went to Old Navy there because I heard the had. UM (GASP) Maternity clothes. I can't button my jeans. I just got some yoga pants and two tops for $36. And a pair of flip flops.

I then dragged her to Hobby Lobby where I got an All Because two People fell in Love sign for over my bed.

I decided I wanted to go to to Zaxby's for lunch because I was craving this:



I then went to a Resale Shop and went grocery shopping. I haven't grocery shopped without at least one kid in about three maybe four years. Wow. It was nice and peaceful.

Have A Great Monday!




<

Blah

Sorry Peeps, but I have nothing interesting to blog about and no pics. Caden did a number in hiding my camera. Camden did better in school today. He got a "much better" report from the teacher even though he really tried to get out of going. I didn't walk him inside today. :( I felt like I was leaving a baby. I am glad he did better today. I have already had a conference with Caden's teacher regarding his Asperger's because he has had some slightly "innapropriate" behaviors. Really, it's so hard because people are always pointing out his faults and it is so hard for me to grasp. On the third day of school, I am having a conference. It's rough stuff. Plus, I am a little emotional. I am going to be blatantly honest. Caden is the most difficult child I have ever seen. He gets on my nerves sometimes. I love my child, so please don't send me hate mail!! It is the hardest thing I have ever done to be him mom. Yes, it is very rewarding and I would NOT change it. But noone understands unless you walk a mile in my shoes. I understand it's hard for him to adapt with sensory issues and he is miserable. But it's also hard for me to physically do everything for a 7.5 year old. He moans, groans, and throws himself on the floor. These behaviors are getting worse with age. Will you guys please pray for strength and patience for me? I have a feeling this will be such a hard year for him. It breaks my heart. The little boy at his table next to him asked to be moved away. He told his teacher that "he couldn't handle that litte boy." Knife in the heart to a mama. I just feel really helpless.

On the other hand, Miss Social made lots of new friends and loves school. She is a sweetheart. She has never once been in trouble at school. She's so good at school. Thank you, Laiken!

I just ate a mixture of potato chips and pickles with french onion dip. It sounded like a good idea at the time. Really, it did. Now, not so much. Feeling a little queasy. I have been praying I don't get too sick this pregnancy because I have so much going on! I have my first ultrasound on Sep. 8th. It seems so surreal to be pregnant. After five years, it seems like it's been so long. It's just weird. So far, I have just been very sleepy.

So today, we went to our house and it is coming along so fast. I had no idea it would happen this fast. I am so thankful I talked the Hubs into five bedrooms!! So much for the office. I sat in the kitchen floor and just looked around and it seemed so strange. We have 23 acres in the woods and such a fabulous place to raise our FOUR kids. Wow. God is so good.

Enough of my ramblings...nothing else to do on a Friday night!! Good night!

No pics because I think one of my kids hid my camera!! They will come later, I suppose.

First day- I woke up at five to get me and all three out the door. Caden and Camden wouldn't eat breakfast. Laiken wolfed down her fave (oatmeal.)
We got there very early and Caden made me leave him with no hug or kiss. Laiken's lip was quivering when I walked away. She was sad because she missed her friends and this was their first day at a new school. Miss Social Butterfly thinks her old friends won't like her anymore.

Momma's Boy..AKA Camden was not upset I left him. He did not care. They had a Boo Hoo Breakfast this morning for the kindergarten parents. I had a muffin.
When I picked them up they were all excited. Camden said he doesn't want to go back now because his teacher yelled at him for getting out of line. He already got a note saying that I need to really encourage him to follow the rules. He is such a character.

We have had dinner and they are ready for bed and I am super exhausted because I have been staying up all night throughout the summer. Reality Check!! Besides the fact that I have pregnancy related tiredness. And nausea. And a few other symptoms.

I have been miffed my two friends (well one friend/one family) because I am pregnant. (They both have fertility issues) They have both said to me "Isn't three enough?" How do you react? What do you say? I got down on my knees literally this afternoon and prayed for my friend who so badly wants a baby and has been through so much physical pain to have one. It hurts me that they hurt, but I also feel guilty. And I know that's not good. This is part of God's plan. I feel horrible. But I want to be happy for me. Which brings me to this. I know this is VERY early, but my last pregnancy we changed his name ten times. It went from Hudson to Keaton to Camden to who knows. So I have named this chid whether it will be a boy or a girl. There is less than a 2% chance I will change my mind. So here goes...If it is a girl, her name will be Landry Kate. I always said Landry sounds cute with Laiken. If it is a boy, his name will be Hudson Joel. Camden was almost Hudsom. Joel is my grandfathers name and he means so much to me and he wanted me to name Camden after him and I know it would mean the WORLD to him if I gave my baby his name. So there ya go!!!

Good night Yall!!

WHEW!

I am gonna try to give you guys the short version. (Gotta get up early for school tomm!) And again, sorry but I took no pics of the inuries. Especially the second one.

My kids woke up so happy today. We had some last min shopping to do, so I loaded them up and off we went. First, I lost Caden in Target. PANIC! Then, Laiken slammed her door on her thumb. I think it may be broke. She SCREAMED for hours. I know it hurt. Tonight we had a meet the teacher event at school and we came home to shower and get ready. I stripped my kiddos down and I started feeling sick. I then threw up so I laid down for a second...then I heard the LOUDEST screams I have EVER heard. Camden comes in here holding his private area with blood dripping down his legs. I freaked out!!!! He couldnt tell me what happened but I noticed his scrotum was RIPPED. I could see his testicle on the left side. I yanked him up, put a tshirt on him, called my mom, made the other two get dressed and we headed off to the ER. WHEW. He told me in the car between sobs that he fell on a wire hanger and it ripped him open. OH MY I am sick...I cannot imagine that pain!!! He is now glued back together and ready for kindergarten tomorrow. He may not get to stay because he is having trouble walking, but we will see in the morn.

LOOOOONG day.

Thanks guys, for all the congrats. More about the pregnancy/baby stuff later!!!
Really this morning when I was shopping all I thought about was hair bows and dresses. :)

I have an announcement!! Haha...

Baby number four is on the way.

My Caden

Caden is a very handsome 7 year old boy who seems normal on the outside. He is incredibly smart, and loves to play outside. He, however isn't "normal." (Not sure what normal really is.) This is the way God created him.

As an infant, Caden cried constantly. It was very hard on Scotty and I especially because I became pregnant when Caden was three months old and I was sick in the beginning and on bedrest at the end. We called it "colic."

He began banging his head on the floor at about a year old and crawling under tables and doing some other strange behaviors. He pulled at his clothes and screamed at bright lights and loud sounds. His behaviors were very puzzling to me.

Caden got a diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder at around two. At around four, he was diagnosed with Aspergers. This has been so difficult for me. I love my child and want the best for him, but I have had such a hard time with school and social situations with him. Alot of other children don't like him because he can be "annoying." He tugs at his shirts and stretches them all out. He yells, moans, and screams a whole lot. He doesn't really have a sense for danger or listens well. He has run away from me several times and it can get really scary. He has had therapy in the past, but we stopped because insurance quit covering it and it is so expensive. Getting Caden to take a bath or get dressed is an ordeal. He throws himself on the floor alot. He cannot be trusted to walk beside me in the grocery store, but he is super intelligent. Aspergers is so hard to understand, especially to those who don't know anything about it. He covers his ears and grinds his teeth when he is upset. (He now has vampire teeth.)

I have had a very hard time with Caden this summer being at home with little schedule. It is hard. It stresses Scotty and I both out. I want the best for my baby. I love him so much. Even though I know he is a little "different", I still get mad at his behaviors sometimes. I am trying to work on it. It is hard to deal with a child that hears but doesn't always listen. I love him, and this is the way God made him. I wouldn't want to change him, but I sometimes wish that there were a cure. He is trapped and it is frustrating for him.

I don't talk much about his issues, but want people to be aware of them. I had a lady tell me a few months back at the ballpark she hoped her son didn't grow up to be like Caden. I know she wasn't thinking when she said it, but it really hurt me because she has NO idea what I have been through the last seven years...

Family Tradition!

I love carrying on family traditions. I CHERISH the moments I had as a chid, and savor them. I love remember my parents being married and I remember all of us digging our toes in the sand on family vacations. I am glad that I can hold on to those. I can't change my parents being divorced, but I do have some great memories.

My family LOVES us some catfish. One of my fondest memories with my parents is eating every Friday night at Riverside Grocery. It is a gas station/grocery type store that serves up homemade food. On Friday nights, it's all about the catfish. Catfish, pan fried potatoes (slap your mama good!), coleslaw, pickled tomatoes, baked or brown beans, corn on the cob, hushpuppies, lemon and onion..YUM YUM. I am glad that Scotty likes catfish, so we can carry on the tradition with our kids. We don't go every Friday night, but we go often. We go on Sundays after church sometimes for plate lunches. Last night, when we were eating I had a memory of me sitting there with my mom and dad, and some friends and it seemed so real. I am just glad that I can carry on the tradition...

Sorry if you don't like catfish! (I really love me some seafood too..Bonefish, Red Lobster...YUMMY.)

I cannot believe I am sitting here takling about food. Scotty, the kids, and I just grilled out big juicy Ribeyes that marinated all night last night and we had some mashed potatoes. Has anyone tried these?
Since I LOVE mashed taters, this is so easy and so much better than instant. And much better than boiling potatoes. So here is what I do...I buy the Cut Red Potatoes(Stem n Mash) cook them, add the milk and butter, then I add lots of sour cream, chives, bacon bits, a lil shredded cheese, garlic salt, and some parsley. They turn out so Yummy. Kind of like Colton's loaded smashed potatoes. But better!!!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!!

What I DO know.

I don't know alot, but here is something I do know. God's Grace is sufficient for me. I am not perfect nor will I ever be.

"And lest I should be exhalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exhalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)
I know when I am weak, he is strong. When I am down, he is by my side. I will Praise him in the storm.
I have had alot of things going on lately. Sometimes things get rough. Motherhood is not always so glamorous. Being a good wife is hard work. My kids are far from being perfect, but I am so thankful God gave them to me to raise. I am not the best mom. Sometimes I yell, but I am doing the best I can. And I will continue to praise Him.


This is me and my Grandpa. I love him so much, and cannot imagine life without him. I am so lucky to still have three living grandparents. My grandpa is sarcastic, witty, funny, always right, Mr. Fixit, wonderful example of a Godly husband. He can make me feel better when I am down. I love, you Grandpa!!

Hot wigs, and Gettin Ready for School!

Did ya'll know that since I love this hairstlyle SO much, it can be mine for $14.99?
(COUGH)


I mean. Really. I am sure there will actualy be folks dressing up on Halloween as Kate Gosselin. Just saying...

I am gearing up for school to start. I am SO ready. I LOVE my kids, BUT this summer has been kinda rough, honestly. I got sick a few times, meningitis included (PAINFUL) and I never ever get sick...and with my husband in Nashville, it gets really hard. I am probably the only mama around here that has NOT bought school supplies and clothes yet. I put it off because it stresses me out. I am going on Friday. I have offered to pay my Mama to come help me do laundry and clean and get ready for school. I need to be more organized. She is coming on Wednesday for a small fee. THANK YOU, MOTHER!!!! (And yes, she would probably help me for free, but I intended on hiring a housekeeper anyways!)

I am ready for fall. I LOVE fall. This summer has been odd, it started off so hot, then got cooler, now it's hot again. I am OVER it. I am ready for Pumpkin Lattes, and Mums on my front porch..

I want to throw out a congrats to This Chick on the birth of her second baby boy!!

Blog Design Giveaway

Jenissa at Once Upon a Blog is giving away a free blog makeover. Head over HERE to check it out!!!! She designs some fabulous blogs....

Silliness.

Keith Urban and Sugarland Concert, and Wickles:Decideidly Deicious

Hey ya'll. My husband took me to the Keith Urban/Sugarland concert. I adore Sugarland. I LOVE Jennifer Nettles. I listen to her ALOT. I think I am really her biggest fan. She puts on a great show. Keith had an amazing performance, but the opening act was my fave. I just love that woman. I think I may be her biggest fan. I miss Nashville!

Ok, can we talk about fashion..like pubic event/concert fashion? I don't ever blog much about fashion. But I really absorbed all the craziness I saw at that concert and had to blog about it. I will say the South has the most beautiful women....BUT.
I love to people watch. I love to see what other people wear. I saw some really cute girls wearing short shorts and boots. It's cute IF you can swing it at a country concert. Saw lots of dresses and boots, again appropriate...BUT. Saw lots of awesome dresses. But I also saw some that I wouldn't sleep in. I saw some girls wearing ripped up 80's prom dresses with boots. Not a good idea. I saw Wrangler shorts and cropped 80's vests. (ICK.) I saw the occasional Hogs shirt (GO Hogs!!!!!). I wore a sleeveless button down vest tunic, cute jeans, and cute gold sandals. And I wore cheap jewelry from Rue 21. I really stress over what I wear out to events. And then when I get there, I am so busy watching people I get over it....Do all women do this? And am I the only crazy that people watches?

The concert was upbeat and fun, and it went well. I really enjoyed the show. When Sugarland performed, all they had to do was throw a Razorback up on the screen and the crowd went wild. GO figure! I CANNOT wait for football season. I am a crazy Razorback fan!

Ok, I have an addiction to these:



They are so seriously good. That is if you like pickles and slightly spicy things. I have been buying these awhile and I bought the pepper rings for the first time today. Yummy. I like to put the pickles on Lays lately. (No, I am NOT pregnant.) I just like the whole vinegary/salty/spicy mix. You can go to www.wickles.com to buy.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!!

Happy Birthday Camden William!!

Camden is 5 today. 5 is such a sad age, because you realize they are at a crossroads. They are no longer your baby...they only need you sometimes. He is super independent. I am bummed cause I wanted to scan some baby pics of him, but my scanner is not working. :( You have no idea what a precious baby he was!! He had SO much black hair and it stuck up and he had these eyelashes for days. As soon as they handed him to me, that was the first thing I noticed. His eyelashes touchd his eyebrows at birth. He was so pretty!!!
Camden-
I love you more every day. You are the sweetest, funniest little boy. You look just like your mama. You make people laugh who don't know you. You are an attention getter. I am so glad that I have you. You love the outdoors and want to be just like your daddy, which melts my heart. You wear those big boots around, saying I want to be just like daddy. You can stay for HOURS all day in the heat or cold in the woods with daddy. You have a passion for deer, 4-wheelers, dirtbikes, and bicycles. You are such a rough and tough little boy. You adore water and mud and it manages to find you wherever we go. I am so glad God gave you to me. Because you are amazing and precious!!!!!
Mom

Camden will be getting a dirtbike for his Bday. He seems too little, but daddy says he will be fine...
We will be back on Friday with pictures of that deer cake. Tomorrow we are going to Sugarland without the kids so I am excited. I haven't been to a concert in a long time. I am freaking out over what to wear!!! I don't want to buy anything new, either because I am buying school clothes next week!!!

Blog Negativity+a little positivity!

I don't want to dwell on this for too long, but wanted to say a few things. First off, I love blogging and reading other people's blogs. The blogland has become very small and everyone seems connected to someone somehow. I love reading other people's blogs because I get an insight to other people's thoughts and feelings, good and bad. I love that there are other mommies out there who share my same beliefs. I have noticed that alot of the blogs I read are going private due to lurkers and people saying mean things via comments or E-mails. I don't understand why people take the time to write mean and nasty things by way of comment. It makes no sense to me!!
About a week ago, I recieved an Email from a woman who was upset over my blog. MY blog! I mean, I was shocked. I don't even have that many people who read my little blog. She was upset because I complained too much. I was so mad. She basically said I should be more grateful that I have three kids. I am so super blessed. I know I am. I don't think I complain too much. I blog to write what I am thinking, whether good or bad. And there are lots of things I would like to write about, but I don't. I decided not to respond and I let it go. I prayed about it and I let it go. I almost quit blogging, but I realized I can't defend what I write. I decided it wasn't worth my time to be mad about!!

Anyways, for the few people who read this blog, I love you guys and thanks for saying sweet and happy things!!!

I am sorta sad...my baby is turning 5 tomorrow and I realized I haven't had a baby in 5 years and started thinking I needed one!!! What am I going to do when he starts kindergarten in a couple of weeks? And speaking of that....I know, I ony have three...BUT it sounds so weird to say that I have a kindergartner, a first grader, and a second grader! And to think I want another baby. I am not really sure if I want another baby or not, I am praying about it. I know that it's in God's hands. But seriously, ya'll I was thinking about baby names today. I am a little goofy....my life is already pure chaos. But I really love it. Camden watched My Big Redneck wedding a while back and saw a deer cake and really wanted one. He has been bugging me about it for months. He LOVES hunting and being in the woods like any little five year old Arkansas boy. :) So, I have ordered a deer head. Red Velvet, his fave. (And it looks like blood.) And it will have red bavarian creme in the middle. Gooey blood. I so know you are looking forward to the pictures!! We are going to celebrate Friday night so you will have to wait. And bless his heart, tomorrow on his B-day, we are going to get his 5 year old shots. It was the only time I could do it. He may hate me!!!

Good night ya'll!!

Blog Hop:Enouragement

This week's blog hop is about ENCOURAGEMENT. Not that I think I am one to encourage anyone, but I thought I would participate anyways. So this post may be kind of random. But, one thing that I have learned more than anything is that it is so important to use kind words. Try never to say hurtful things to anyone, even if you bite your tongue. It is much easier to lash out in anger, but so much more rewarding to be kind. Oh, and I smile at everyone. It makes all the difference!!

School is starting back soon, and for those of us with school age kiddos, we tend to get stressed. Here are some ways to deal with stress..
*Say no more ofter
*Smile (practice a Monster smile!!)
*Be prepared for the rain
*Walk in the rain
*Believe in you
*Tickle a baby
*Plant a tree
*Practice grace under pressure
*Get up 15 min earlier than usual
*Go for a jog
*Remember that stress is an attitude
*Become a better listener
*Quit trying to "fix" other people
*Praise other people
*Ask for help!!
*Schedule play time every day
*Dance!!!!
*Make an extra set of keys
*Set appts ahead
*Strive for excellence, not perfection
*Curl up in bed with a good book
*Break large tasks into bite size portions...
*Develop your own sense of humor
*Look up at the stars..
*Look for the silver lining
I have a list of 101 ways to seal with stress, and these are some of my favorites. I so can't believe that summer is almost over...it seems it just started. I am ready for the kids to go back to school, but will most certainly miss them.

My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27)

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9-10)

I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

And, my oh my, I cannot believe this baby is almost five!!!! Two more days...we are on a countdown!!!!


http://www.mcklinkyblog.com/2009/07/blog-hop-encouragement-842009.html ...STOP