A Revision

OK...so I made Bill post the blog yesterday with the pictures. He did pretty well, for being a first time blogger! He said Katelyn was 7 pounds 8 ounces, but she was 7 pounds 9 ounces!
Also, if you noticed, he used the inappropriate form of the word "to, too, two"...Of course, if I were posting the blog, my English would've been proper! Hey...just because I'm in the hospital does not mean that I can't be feisty.

Katelyn Mae Curry

Katelyn Mae Curry was born this morning (12-29-08) at 2:56 am. She weighed 7lb. 8oz. and measured 21" long. She has already picked up the eating thing. She is very very sleepy today. I guess I would be to if I moved into this world in the middle of the night.

It All Comes Down to This

Well, friends, the arrival of this little bundle of joy is getting closer and closer by the day. I often find myself daydreaming about this little one that God is continuing to put the finishing touches on. But, then I come back to reality and realize the magnitude of things that need to be done before he/she comes.
You see, we've chosen to deliver the baby in Lincoln, using the same doctor that delivered Luke. I am completely comfortable with this decision, and am so excited to have the same great experience giving birth to this one as I did with Luke. However, this does present some problems. We live just over an hour from Lincoln. So, with each "little" snowstorm that comes, I pray, "God, please help me not to go into labor today." This is a little stressful, I must admit. Especially the other evening when it was snowing, thundering and lightening all at the same time, I was thinking, this weather is just quirky enough that it may put me into labor. Fortunately, that never happened.
Bill and I decided that on Tuesday, the 23rd, we'll go to my folks', who live in Lincoln, and just set up camp there until the baby arrives.
This little fact means that we have to have things ready to go and the house in order by Tuesday, because the next time we will come back, we will be bringing baby back with us. Is that not crazy or what??? So, Bill is working on his "honey do" list while I try to keep my feet up to relax.
Poor Bill...do any of you remember the last part of your pregnancy and how irritated you get with people in general? I try to remain calm with Bill because he truly does try his very best, but at times, I'm sure he feels as if he can do nothing right. Anyways, here are some projects that I am having him do (isn't it sad that I have drug this poor man into my obsessive nesting?)
1. Fix the toilet downstairs for overnight guests
2. Take old toys of Luke's from upstairs to the toy room downstairs
3. Go through toys downstairs and "weed out"
4. Get all electronics ready for delivery...cameras, computer, etc.
5. Load the van
6. Get haircuts
7. Clean the house/do laundry
8. Call the post office to stop the mail
9. Call the neighbor to ask him to look after the house
10. Listen to and obey my every word.

I'm sure there's more that I'll add to the list before Tuesday. But, please be praying for our family as this is such an exciting time. Pray that things go smoothly with delivery and all others activities that follow. We will keep all of you informed on the latest news!

Hi, all! I've been such a bloggy slacker lately. I enjoy reading everyone else's, but there is absolutely no motivation for me to get going on mine. I think it's that "end of the pregnancy" phase that gets me so tired and unmotivated. Anyways...I thought I'd at least post some promised pictures! The first set is from my family's annual Christmas baking day. You'll see the magnitude of the project that is always at hand. And, believe it or not, this year, we scaled way back!
Luke and my cousin, Samantha, decorating like crazy!

A kitchen full of bakers and cookie roller-outers!

The newest member of decorating day, Ezra, taking a snooze.

Even more decorating.

Almost done...



The next series is a gingerbread house that Luke and I made. At first, we tried going off of a pattern, but then we did away with that and made our own creation. Luke was very helpful, but did eat a lot of the candy.

I'm up anyways...I might as well blog.

Yes, I am up. My one friend who is adamant that I keep taking it easy is going to absolutely freak out when she hears/sees that I am up at 2:05 a.m. There's a reason, trust me.
We had a fun, but very long weekend. Bill, Luke and I woke up early Saturday morning because I needed to be in Lincoln by 8 a.m. for my family's annual Christmas baking day (pictures are coming). This is a huge ordeal in our family and literally takes us all day.

After a marathon baking day, my family loaded up to go to my brother's Christmas concert at college, although I decided to keep Bill and Luke at home (they thanked me). Fun times were had by all, but boy were we tired. Needless to say, when I got home at 10p.m., Luke was wide awake with remnants of cookie all over his face. Great. He'd be up forever on that sugar high.

Sunday was a fairly peaceful day. We went to our old church back home. It was great to see friends that we don't get to see very often. Friends that we miss terribly. The rest of the day was relaxing, but Luke couldn't let the excitement of being at Papa and Grandma's wear off. He didn't fall asleep after church at all; until about 4:30 that is, when we were doing errands. Lovely. So, of course, that night, he was up until 11:30.

Oh-don't worry. I'm getting to the point here as to why I'm up late. It's coming...

Then, on Monday, my family had its annual Christmas shopping day. My dad took the day off to watch Luke while my Mom, Aunt, cousin and me roamed around town. It was a blast. Very tiring, but a blast. I was happy to get those last minute Christmas gifts all bought. We always have fun on this trip. Then, that evening, I had my Premier jewelry Christmas party. It was a jam-packed day; one that my "motherly friend" would yell at me, again, for being overly active.
Don't worry, in the midst of all of this hullabaloo, I had a doctor's appointment and my pressure was the best it has ever been. Go figure. That's what retail therapy will do for you.

So, we just got back yesterday morning. Luke is exhausted. His nap schedule is messed up. His sleep schedule is messed up. This all leads to why I'm awake at 2:16. After 4 months of Luke being potty trained at day and night, he has had an accident for the past two nights. I am not frustrated with him at all. The poor guy doesn't have a schedule, is probably so exhausted that he is in a very deep sleep, and it doesn't help matters when I broke the rules and let him have a sippy cup of milk at 8:00 last night. So, he woke up at 1:30 with a body and bed full of wetness. Again, lovely. I feel bad for the poor little guy. So, of course, I am wide awake. I tried to lay back down, but then I started getting heartburn. After taking a quick hit (of Zantac) I am now blogging, waiting for it to kick in so that I can lay back down.

Phew! Don't you just love my 2:20 a.m. rambling?

All for $1.51

As many of you know, I have been a Premier Designs jeweler for a year and a half now. I love being a "fashion consultant", if that's what you choose to call it (I really don't take too much credit for knowing the ins and outs of fashion). There are so many great things about being a jeweler, but like with all things, there are a few downers too.
So, here it comes. I am about ready to unleash on all of my blog stalkers about how some people can be absolutely NUTS!
The other day, I received an e-mail from a customer who ordered a bracelet and the bracelet came broke and tarnished. This, of course, should not have happened. Premier guarantees their jewelry and gladly exchanges any "lemons" that customers may get. So, I apologized to the customer, who seemed to be upset, and told her that if she sent me the bracelet back (she had to mail it because of the distance between us) that I would exchange it for her. Then, the claws came out. She was upset because she had to mail it back to me. SERIOUSLY!?! Are you kidding me? So, I told her that I would be happy to reimburse her for the shipping charges, and she took me up on it.
When I got the package in the mail, I noted that she paid $1.51 to mail the bracelet back. Do you know how tempted I was to mail her the $1.51 reimbursement in pennies? But, me being my nice self, sent her a check for $1.51 (although I was upset that I was wasting a check for $1.51). Goodness sake.
The moral of the story? Well, there are two morals, actually. Moral #1: Blogging is great for releasing built up anger. Moral #2: If you find yourself fighting over $1.51, stop and ask yourself what in the heck you're doing.

Love you all!

Oh The Weather Outside is Frightful

(I meant to have these pictures in a completely different order, but for some reason, my order came out reversed!)
Today was our annual Curry Family Christmas Tree Hunting Adventure. Boy did we pick a doosy of a day to hunt. The snow was pretty, but the wind was so cold! Needless to say, we didn't take a lot of time mulling over which tree was "the one". Luke, however, loved the adventure. He loved walking through the "forest" and helping his dad carry the tree up to the binder. I was shocked that he didn't complain once.
So, now my home is completely decked out for Christmas. I feel complete. I feel relieved. When I first found out about all of my high blood pressure issues, I feared the worst. I had pictures in my mind of me not being able to decorate my home, go Christmas shopping or do anything that had to do with my favorite holiday of the year. I praise God that I am well enough to do these things, and you know what? I would've praised Him even if I weren't able to do these things. Somehow, somethings have a way of working out. I'm 35 weeks and 2 days along in this pregnancy, and we are ready for the baby. Of course, I want it to stay in there until after Christmas, but I realize that one can't be picky with these sorts of things. November 2008 is over and here comes December. As we were decorating the tree, it was fun to think about this precious little baby possibly being here when we take all of it down in the new year.

Christmas is Coming!

Well, it's officially here. The radio stations are beginning to play their Christmas music, people are putting the lights up on the their homes, and I had Bill drag up our Christmas decorations. I usually do not start this process until after Thanksgiving, but I thought if I could just do one tote a day, it wouldn't be so tiring and overwhelming. That was a fabulous idea. Most of the decorations are out, and now we just wait for the tree to be picked out this weekend.
I am feeling comfortable in the Holiday spirit. It's time. I'm ready.
Luke was excited too. He loved going through all of the totes and finding surprises. And, as we decorate, I also bring you Christmas shopping gift #3. In September, I had a friend tell me about the Little People Nativity set from Fisher Price (Thanks, Makila!). I went online and ordered it. I thought this would be fun for Luke to open as we began decorating. He was so excited to open his surprise and what I thought would just be fun turned into a great learning experience. As we opened each piece, I told him all of the people and animals involved in the Nativity scene. He learned about Mary, Joseph and Jesus and why they had to live in a stable for awhile (of course, it was more like a cave, but I thought that may be a little over Luke's head!). Then, we placed the angel on top and the stable plays, "Away in a Manger". It turned out far better than I had originally thought for so many reasons! If you don't have the Nativity yet, get it! You can order the basic stable, Mary, Joseph and Jesus for pretty cheap. I got the middle-of-the-line version that adds some scenery including animals and the Shepherds. Then, if you're really ambitious, you can order the more expensive scene with lots and lots of action. Any way you choose, it is a fantastic learning tool. Do it! Buy it! I'll be your cheerleader!

Pressure

Pressure, blood pressure, that is. 122 over 78 today!!!!!!!!!
Praise the Lord. Thank you all for praying. Don't stop!

Christmas Shopping Tip #2

I was just reminiscing about all of the fantastic and not so fantastic Christmas gifts that I got from my students when I was teaching. I thought that I'd take time to give all of you moms out there a little wisdom when it comes to shopping for that favorite school or Sunday School teacher. There is a craft to it all. Let me explain.
Now, keep in mind that I taught at a school where kids were pretty "well off" so the gifts were always truly amazing, but they can be truly amazing without going overboard.
Here are a few simple rules:
1. Skip giving the standard Christmas ornament. Teachers get a ton of these and most likely, regift them!
2. Avoid going for the decorations with "teacher sayings" on it. The chalkboard sign that says, "Teachers rule" on it can only be hung on so many walls.
3. Do go for the gift card. These are the absolute best gifts ever.
4. Bath & Body Works is a teacher's friend.
5. Don't give books, especially ones about being a teacher. Teachers read about teaching all day...do you really think they want to read about their jobs any more than that? And if they do, they need to get a life. Instead, let them pick out their own book by giving them a Barnes & Noble gift card. Personally, I'd use it on the Starbucks inside B&N, but that's my opinion.
6. Most female teachers love a good smelling candle. I always did.
7. Have your child send a personal note along with the gift. I've saved every single one of these I've ever received.
8. Get creative. I had a pizza delivered to my house for supper once from one of my student's families. That was a fantastic idea!
9. Do not give Christmas socks or any wearables for that matter. Teachers feel obligated to wear them and students get feelings hurt when they don't. Even scarves are a no-no. They usually end up at the staff Christmas party as a white elephant gift.
10. Stay away from Holiday pins. I have several pins, including one that lights up whenever it detects motion. How annoying! P.S. Keep this in mind unless you're calling me so I can order them something from Premier, that is!

I hope this all was very helpful to you! I'll be looking forward to next week so I can bestow some more Christmas Shopping ideas on you all!

The Way I See Things...

How are you doing, friends? I'm not meaning this to be your average, ordinary, every day type of question. I'm truly asking you, "How are you doing?" And I want to hear every single ounce of your answer. I've been thinking a lot lately about how Christians, including myself, are so quick to ask the question, but also so quick to blow off a response. It's so easy to feel as if no one wants to hear about how you really truly are, and at the same time, it's so easy to not take the time to stop and make a phone call or drop a note in the mail to let someone know that you are praying for them.
This has really been on my heart lately. We go to church and put on our "church faces" like life is good and nothing is ever ever wrong. WRONG! Our own lives get in the way, don't they? Trust me, I am the worst at this. If I don't hear from you, I assume that life is good. I'm such a slacker. I often pray for help and guidance in these specific incidents. I want to be conscious of other people and the goings ons in their lives.
I guess I've just been a little convicted lately about feeling that it's all about me. In Sunday School, we talked about what kind of grade the body of believers would get for care and concern of others. I wanted to stand up and say, "I big fat ZERO, Jack!" Not only do I make little effort to serve others, I often say that I'll pray for them and then not even one prayer about them will come out of my mouth. Prayers for my family and me? Of course! Prayers for others? Barely. Does anyone else struggle with this? Most times I feel that Christians get a bad wrap. Well, of course I do! I act so selfish most times.

So, where does this all stem from, you ask? Well, it's 1:45 a.m. Luke woke up to go potty and after I got him back into bed, I decided to come out to the couch and blog. Yesterday was an absolute horrible, no good, rotten day for me. And, since it's all about me, I did nothing but complain to everyone about it. In the midst of all of that complaining, I had friends e-mail me warm thoughts and wishes. I had another friend bring me and my family supper. I got my super cool purple eye-liner that I ordered from a friend and she made a special effort to get it for me, even though it was back-ordered. I got a special phone call from a friend who could totally empathize about the antics of my two-year-old. For what, friends? Care. Concern. Love. I am truly humbled.

Lord, I pray for your mercy and grace. Forgive me for being THAT person. The person that seeks to fulfill selfish desires instead of your will. Create in me a clean heart, God, so that I can serve others the way that I have been served. Help me to be mindful of others' needs. Grant me a peace that surpasses all understanding. A peace that will lead me towards open doors. I want you to open doors for me, God, so that I can truly show others the love of Christ. I want that, God. I need that, God. Amen.
And p.s. God...help my son to have a better day tomorrow. It can't get much worse!

A thought

I have really tried to stay away from writing anything political in my blog. I'm an extremely passionate person about some things, and not so much about others. But I've learned a long time ago to keep my opinions to myself unless I know for sure that the person I'm talking with feels the same way that I do. I think that's just a smart road to take, don't you?
And, just because I've started out this blog mentioning politics does not mean in any way that I'm going to start expressing my opinions now, but I have a question for you. Do you ever think about what it would be like to actually move into the White House? I mean, do Obama's girls get to pick their own bedrooms and decorate it? When do they move in? Wouldn't it be a little creepy living in a place where there's such history? What about the Bushes? When did they pack up and move out? Can you imagine a big U-Haul pulling in and out of that place? I smile just thinking about it.

That's as political as I go...it's the simple things that really matter, right?

Update

Just thought I'd let you all know that my tests came back fine. Phew...
I'm still resting well and being a good girl! Thanks for all of your prayers!

Back in the Saddle Again

Hi, friends! So, I may be blogging more than usual over these next weeks as I have been given strict orders from the doctor to "take it easy". Yep, high blood pressure....again. This happened with Luke, but it wasn't until I was a little further along. Good grief.
When they took my blood pressure Monday, it wasn't dangerously high, but just high. So now I have to go in weekly and I just got through doing a 24 hour urine analysis. Sick. There's nothing like collecting samples of my "deposits" in a huge orange jug for a day straight. I'm supposed to find out the results of that test today, as they are checking for protein in my urine. Good grief.
As many of you who read my blog know, I am a busy-body. I often have more than one thing going at a time, and I am definitely a little high strung. I have been at this taking it easy thing for 2 days and I am about ready to go batty. But, as a good friend reminded me, I'd be even battier if I had to be on bed rest in the hospital or even extremely batty if I had to deliver this baby now, at 32 weeks. Therefore, I am resting. Good grief.
Bill has been awesome. He does the laundry, brings it to me, I fold it. He has really taken over with Luke in the evenings. I'm doing the best I can with him during the day. Maybe having a 2 1/2 year old has landed me some high blood pressure. I'm sure that has a little to do with it! Have I said "Good grief"?
Anyway, keep our family in your prayers and please e-mail or call...the Lord knows that I will need some different activity during the long days. To boil it down, I need to keep resting for another 5 weeks, until I'm considered full term. Please pray for this goal. Pray hard.
Good grief!

I got tagged! Here are 7 things that people may not know about me.

1. I made All State softball my senior year, but sat the bench in college.
2. I can recite every line of "The Sound of Music"
3. I hate going to the grocery store. I'd rather go to ANY other store.
4. I used to own leather pants...don't ask. They were popular a few years back.
5. I think that I've met an angel. For real...ask me and I'll tell you the story.
6. I start listening to Christmas music November 1st (maybe a little earlier this year)!
7. I detest camping.

This was harder than I thought. Now I tag Julie L.!

Flash Forward

So, my son's life is flashing before my eyes. He is 2 1/2 you know...about time he goes to Kindergarten, right? I see a glimpse into the future from time to time when Bill has to drive the bus on the after-school route. When he does, his last stop is at our home to pick up Luke. Then Luke gets to ride the bus across the street to the bus barn. This is the hi-lite of Luke's day, to say the least. Here are some pictures of my little school boy...sniff sniff.

OK, wow! I'm impressed that all TWO of you are waiting on baited-breath for my genius idea! I hope it's all you've been waiting for and more.
Each year, I try to be more and more organized with my Christmas shopping, and this year is no exception. Usually, I work from a list (like with most things) and then when a purchase has been made, I throw the sack in a corner in the basement and cross the name off my list. Trust me...this just causes a lot of confusion when it comes to wrapping time! Whose stuff is in which sack? Where's the receipt? Shoot! I forgot Grandma! Yada yada.
So this year, I ran to the grocery store and purchased (for 5 cents a piece) about 20 brown paper bags. Next, on each bag, I wrote the name of the person that I needed to buy for (see picture). Now, as I buy the gift, I place it in the bag, along with the receipt. Since I'm a visual person, I can see the names of the people that I need to buy for and when it comes to wrapping time, everything is right there in the bag. I'm loving it.
Now...are you truly impressed? Was it worth the wait? Oh, and by the way, this is not an endorsement for Super Saver, I'm a HyVee gal!

I Bet You Can't Wait

I am a genius...words cannot even express how impressed with myself that I am. And, of course, I am the most humble person I know. HA! No, really...I had a "brilliant" moment today. These moments do not come very often, so I have to really brag about it when they do. But, I will have to share it with you tomorrow because I haven't taken pictures of "it" yet and it's past my bed time. OK, so in all actuality, maybe I'm just really impressed with the idea and you all will think, "That is the most stupid thing ever!"
I will stop going on and on...until tomorrow....toodleloo.

What prayer can do

Bill and I have been working very hard at teaching Luke to pray. We've been teaching him a mix of prayers from the heart and recited prayers, but it's funny how sometimes our "free flowing" prayers tend to say the same things, making them more like recited prayers. Did you follow that? Gosh, I'm getting pretty intellectual for a blog!
For instance, I must say "Bless this food to our bodies" a little too much. Every time I don't say it, Luke reminds me, "Momma! Bless our bodies! You forgot that piece!" I think I need more variety to my prayers! Anyways, last night when we sat down to eat, Bill began to pray for the meal.

Luke interrupts, "I want to say the prayer!" Bill and I gave each other a quick glance. Great!

"OK, Luke. You can lead the prayer."
He squeezes his eyes shut and begins, "And now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. Guide me through this starry night and wake me up when the sun shines bright. And BLESS OUR BODIES! AMEN!"

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

OK, I have a confession...I really want to play Christmas music. I mean...I REALLY want to play Christmas music. Most of you will probably think that it's crazy that I start my Holiday season November 1st anyway...but with the chance of snow in our future, and being super close to November 1st, I may just have to bust out the Christmas CD collection today.
To tell you the truth, I've already begun Christmas shopping. With being 7 months pregnant, I am just fearful of either being too tired by the time the shopping season comes around, or going into early labor. I feel a "push" to get it done (pun was completely intended). I LOVE Christmas shopping, don't you? I love walking through the meticulously decorated malls, with all of the sights and sounds of Christmas. I love the hustle and bustle. I understand that such hustle and bustle is not what the season is about. Believe you me, every year the true meaning of Christmas becomes more and more dear to my heart, but I absolutely love all of the other activity that comes with it. It is absolutely exhilarating to me. Maybe because at heart, I am a shopper. I love shopping for others. It's a challenge for me to find that one gift that will make the recipient "ooo" and "ahh". I love it.
Is anyone else as crazy as I am?
p.s. Shelby is supposed to get 3 inches of snow by tomorrow evening...not looking forward to that...yet.
p.s.s. Any ideas on what to get those fabulous grandparents that have absolutely everything? Please respond a.s.a.p. I have shopping to do!!!

God Made You Special

We took Luke to Veggie Tales Live on Sunday. He was mesmerized, to say the least. Of course, like all of those kids' shows, Mom and Dad got tired, but Luke followed every motion, every word. I thought that the plot may be a little over his head, but as we were walking to the car, Luke recited everything that happened during that hour and a half. Amazing. We were fans of good old Larry and Bob before, but now you can call us "Super Fans"!

Annual Halloween Bruhaha

It's that time of year again! My mommy's group gets together every October so that the kids can "show off" their adorable Halloween costumes. Aren't they cute? And, of course, every year it's a fun challenge to try to get all of the kiddos to take the annual picture!

The "red dragon".

Too scary for words!

Sicko

Does anyone else find it disturbing that my Grandma told me that there is a guy that comes to her retirement home to clip everyone's toenails??? SICK!

Randomness

Oh my stars...where have I been? I've been here...trust me. Maybe not completely "here" though. It has been the busiest week of the school year by far...let me just give you some insights.
It all started last Friday...

1. My folks had last Friday off of work. Luke and I went down to hang out and then that night, we had a wedding to attend. Bill met us at the reception. They had cheesecake...yummo.

2. Saturday morning was fun...My parents, Bill, Luke and I went out to eat breakfast at Village Inn. We all had stomach aches afterwards...too rich. Plus, they charge $4.57 for a glass of OJ! Ridiculous! Should've went to Cracker Barrel. Then we did some shopping. We went to the new Kohls (super fun) and then stopped at a massive garage sale. I found some old records. Luke and I have been enjoying Mary Poppins and the Music Man.
Later that day, I had a Premier show. Then later later that night, we had supper with friends.

3. Sunday we went to church with my folks and then headed to Nebraska City to find pumpkins, visit the orchards and celebrate my Uncle's birthday. It was a blast, but my camera was out of batteries. What in the heck? How am I supposed to blog about the fun time we had without pictures? My brother, Travis, took some pics with his cell phone, but I have yet to see those.

4. We stayed in Lincoln Sunday night b/c Bill had an administrative meeting in Lincoln. Mom took the morning off. We went to Gordman's (my favorite) and ate lunch with my Grandma. That night, I had Premier training, so it worked out well for us to be in town.

5. Tuesday I did 8, yes 8, loads of laundry. It took me ALL day. That night we had to travel to the volleyball game.

6. Wednesday I cleaned house ALL day. It was a mess. Well, maybe I should say it was a mess by my standards. Wednesday night I had choir practice at church.

7. Thursday I had to substitute teach at school in...Kindergarten. Yuck. There was a reason that I taught 5th grade. Actually, it wasn't a bad day...just long. I only had to clean one poopy bottom. I think it was more that I wasn't used to being on my feet all day long. I was so tired that I fell asleep on the way home from Columbus (we ate at Valentino's with Bill's sister). I'm still feeling a little groggy this morning. I am such a wuss!

Now we come to today...Luke and I are currently cuddling in bed watching Little Einsteins. I'm cherishing every moment of our little morning routine, as I found out yesterday what it was like for millions of American women, who have to get their families all ready in order to get out the door at a certain time. Praise the Lord that I am able to stay home!

Motherhood

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OuE5Miymwo

OK...for all of you moms out there who have not seen this commercial, click on the link to watch. It is my absolute favorite commercial of ALL time. I laugh and laugh and laugh whenever I see it. I think it's something we can all relate to!

Parade Season

I have always loved parades and am so glad that Luke is at that age where he can go with and actually sit and watch! Last Saturday, we went to the Columbus parade to watch our school's marching band. We had a blast! Luke loves the band, especially the tubas! When they practice marching, they go right by our house and Luke puts up his fingers to direct the band. Super cute. I love this time of year!

One More Thing

A couple of weeks ago, one of Luke's friends came to spend the day with us. Luke was amazed that his friend could stand up to go potty. Ever since then, Luke has wanted to stand up.
When he finishes his "job", he shakes his cute little buns to finish the "job" and at one point, I laughed and said, "I love how you shake your buns!"
Now, every time he does it, he says, "Momma? You love it when I shake my buuuuns?" I just die laughing every time...it's something you really have to hear in order to appreciate its hilarity!

Kids Say the Funniest Things

Sorry to all of you people who stalk my blog. My internet has been down all weekend and let me tell you, it was a ton harder on me than it was on you! Turns out that I had a bad modem. Oh well, all is fixed now. Phew...

I just have to tell you the cutest thing. At our church, kids can start going to Sunday School when they are two, so Luke has been going to Sunday School for quite some time. He LOVES Sunday School and we hear the cutest stories. We always ask him what he learned. Last week, the theme was that God knows everything. The story was about how Adam ate the fruit from the tree even when God told him not to. For this young of kids, the curriculum does not use the names of the people, however. Instead of saying "Adam" it says to use "The Man". They do use God's name, but try to keep it simple other wise. This is, for the most part, a good idea. Except when it comes to my son...the detail-oriented child. This is how our post-Sunday School conversation went:

Tiffany "What did you learn in S.S. today, babe?"
Luke, "I learned that God ate the cherry from the tree and that was a really BAD CHOICE!"

Don't worry, we did some clarifying! Bill and I just laughed and laughed.

Back to Reality

Don't you just LOVE fall TV? Oh my stars...I love the beginning of the new season of shows. There's something exciting about all of the hype leading up to it. Although I love it, I still am a tad bit embarrassed about how excited I get for new TV shows. It's quite sad, actually.
The thing is, I don't really get into dramas or sitcoms at all (except for an occasional episode of The Office). My passion, without a doubt, is reality TV. What is so intriguing about watching people be, well, people? I have no answer. I just know that I absolutely love it.
For instance, when I was in the middle of being induced with Luke, I had the nurses turn on the TV to good old Fox to watch, you guessed it, American Idol. My favorite. I've loved it since day one. My Tuesdays and Wednesdays are not complete without it. I actually feel a certain void in my life from May to January (OK, maybe it's not THAT extreme). Nothing says addicted like breathing through a few contractions while watching Simon, Randy and Paula.
Right now, I'm into Dancing With the Stars. I know exactly why I like that one. I want to be a dancer. I want to look that good in a tiny costume (will never happen). I am mesmerized by all of the movements. Deep down, I think I am traumatized by my mom not ever taking me to dance lessons when I was young. Come on, Mom! Not even clogging? Sheesh. Oh, and by the way, I want Warren Sapp to win it all this year.
OK...I'm obviously going on and on about reality TV, so I will come to a close before I start to sound really pathetic. And as for The Amazing Race, Survivor, The Bachelor and America's Next Top Model...I love you all too.

Stand By Your Man

Remember that old Patsy Cline song "Stand By Your Man"? If not, here are the lyrics to the chorus:

Stand by your man
Give him two arms to cling to
And somethin' warm to come to
When nights are cold and lonely

Stand by your man
And show the world you love him
Keep givin' all the love you can
Stand by your man

Bill and I have always been super supportive of each other. If one of us is sad or upset, the other is as well. As a matter of fact, when we were first married, I felt treated very unfairly at a little gift store. I don't remember all of the details now, but when I got home, I was visibly upset. Bill was upset, too. He was so upset that he called the store and asked to speak to a manager about the situation. We laugh about that now. How silly to be that upset about something that happened at a store! Newlyweds....*sigh*
Anyway, ever since Bill has become a principal, I have found myself to be extremely sensitive. His job is not easy. Not easy at all. When I hear of certain situations, my blood boils. My blood boils so much that I find it extremely hard to find the Godly things to think and do.
Does anyone else feel this way? Does anyone else have a spouse that is continually in the public eye; the critical, accusatory public eye? It drives me bonkers!
I am so proud of Bill, and I think that any school is extremely fortunate to have him on its staff, in a leadership position. So, when I get upset, I just have to remember that it's my job to

" Stand by your man
And show the world you love him
Keep givin' all the love you can
Stand by your man"

p.s. If you're looking for a post about Luke's new bed, keep scrolling down...it's there!

So Grown Up

Hi, all. What a week it has been! Fortunately, it's Friday! We started out the week with Luke being sick. It turned out to be a 24-hour bug, but it seemed like that just put me behind the entire week! How in the world does one setback put me so far behind? It has been one of those weeks that I feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water!
Anyway, like I mentioned, it's Friday. Praise the Lord! I'm looking forward to a rejuvenating weekend...hopefully!
My Dad put the final touches on Luke's bed, and we brought it home Monday night. Luke LOVES his bed! I wasn't too worried about it, actually. He loves any bed, like his mom! Here are a few pictures of him and Bill putting it together. Luke felt so special that he got to help Daddy!

I'm Still Here

Yes, I am still here. Unfortunately, Luke had been sick a couple of days and now that he's better, I'm trying to play catch up around the house. I am working on a new post, though. Luke is in a big boy bed tonight. *Sigh* I cried.

Not too much to say...

I really don't have one single iota to blog about, but at the same time, I want to blog. I just got home from a high school volleyball game, put Luke to bed and now am sprawled out on the couch with my trusty laptop in hand. I was reading a friend's blog when I began to think about all of the amazing friends that I have. God has truly blessed me. When I think about it, I think that some parts of my life God ordained just so that I could have friends that would last me a lifetime.
I think back to my days at good old Northwestern. I can't really think of any other good reason as to why I went there. It was a great school and all, but I met some of my best friends there. The kind of friends that no matter how long you have been apart, it feels like you had just seen each other yesterday when you finally do reconnect. There is no explanation for that kind of bond other than the bond that us sisters have in Christ. We have an eternal bond. It's fabulous, let me tell you (I love you Milk, Les and Julah!)
God has also blessed me with several friends in this small town too. When we moved here, I had never felt so alone. Seriously, alone. Then, out of the blue, I was was invited to join a mommy's group that meets once a month. These women are awesome! We share stories, laughs and even heartaches. Through that group, I have connected with my walking-partners-in-crime, Kels and Rachel. I depend on these ladies a lot to help me keep my sanity each day! We have fun together and get frustrated together. What can beat that?
Then, there's my church family. I have bonded with women who have been through what I am going through. They know me and love me for who I am. Isn't that a great feeling? My great friend, Jill, is my twin. We just "get" each other. We are exactly alike and she is the only one who understands my OCD tendencies.
Amazing. God is awesome. I am living proof that wherever we move or wherever life takes us, God will continually provide friends for me because He knows that is what I need. Companionship with other women. Good thing He knows what I need more than I know myself!

So, to all of my friends mentioned or unmentioned, I love you and feel continually blessed by each and every one of you.

Nesting...

A little more "nesting" chat...
Here's my philosophy about nesting, especially as I am just 6 months along...I may as well satisfy my motherly urges to get things done while I feel like it, you know? I had Bill bring up my 0-3 months totes of baby clothes and all of my baby supplies. Of course, as I went through it, I cried.
Anyway, I washed all of the clothes and other supplies, including a ton of blankets, and folded them neatly in the baby's dresser. I feel good.
Back to the "blankets" issue. I love baby blankets. I especially love ones that people made for Luke after he was born. I have one beautiful quilt made by Bill's grandmother and another made by a dear friend that still hang on Luke's crib. At the same time, blankets must have been the thing to give to newborns when Luke was born, especially those really soft fuzzy blankets that you can get at Target. I love soft blankets, but as I was washing all 15, yes 15, I began to wonder, why in the world didn't I take some of these back? Luke never used even a fraction of these. I must have been so caught up in "baby bliss" that I felt bad returning anything that had to do with babies. What was wrong with me? I could've returned all of those blankets and got a really cool swing or something. Ugh...
The moral of the story is...a handful of blankets is plenty. Cherish the ones that people make for the baby and return the rest of them!!!
Oh, and one more thing...if anyone needs really soft baby blankets from Target that have never been used (even though the tags ARE cut off...geesh), I have them. I will be taking them to Goodwill this week, so let me know if you need any before I donate them to someone who finds them as irresistible as I did. Good golly. Holy Mother blankets!

P.S,

A little update...my shower is fixed!
AND.......LUKE IS POTTY TRAINED! GOOOO LUKE!

Oh For The Love Of A Chia Pet

I have been on a mission lately. Some call it "nesting". I call it me just being my normal OCD self! Anyway, my mission is to clean out closets. This has been very enjoyable for me (I know, I'm a psycho) because I feel a sense of completion and accomplishment.
As I was cleaning out one of our utility closets, I found a Bart Simpson Chia Pet that we had received as a white elephant gift last Christmas (thanks, Clint). As I was getting ready to pitch it, I saw the sheer horror in Luke's eyes. "Mommy! You can't throw that guy away!"
He tugged on my heartstrings. Fine. We'll try to grow it. Oh, Lord, please forgive me. Of all of the tacky, red-necked things to do, this is right up there.
It was a fun project for Luke and me to do together. And, after it was completed, we promptly took the...head...to Luke's room, where it sits proudly on his dresser. I thought I'd show you a few pictures of our prize-possession.

Pulling My Hair Out-Literally 1

First of all, let me preface this post by saying that I absolutely LOVE my son. He is the best thing that has ever happened to Bill and me (is it bad that I'm starting out a blog by prefacing that?)
Luke is a great little guy. He is sweet, minds his manners, is easy-going and overall, minds us very, very well.
But, the past two days have been everything but lovey between him and me. Maybe he's just sick of me. Maybe I don't play enough, or get rough like he does with his Dad. Maybe his boyish aggression is becoming a little overwhelming for me.
It's almost as if my little angel is out to lunch while I have to deal with the little boy who finds it way too fun to be mischievous. He is whining, being defiant, throws fits, and basically thinks he can get whatever he wants. He's in timeout at least 5 or more times a day. Again, what happened to my angel? Boo hoo!
I know things will get better, they always do. Every mom has great days, good days, and extremely horrible days. My extremely horrible days just happen to be occurring right now.

OK...it's off my chest. I'm going to get over it now. I'm going to stop being a baby about it.
I do have to say, however, I am looking forward to "alone time" at Hy-Vee tonight. I have plans to get a bundle of groceries (much-needed), sip on some Starbucks and look at absolutely everything on each of the shelves. I'm leaving my angel with....his Dad.

Projects Update

So, I promised an update on our home projects...I've stalled in writing because our projects have seemed to stall too! We got the mantel put up on the fireplace. Now we just have to wait for the plumber to hook up the gas line. You can also see pictures of my bathtub fixtures...well, half of them, that is! The shower head is in, but Bill is having trouble with the faucet. Who knows. I don't ask questions. All I know is that I can't use my shower until my faucet is in. This is not a big deal except for the fact that the other shower upstairs is slow to drain. The plumber is supposed to be fixing this when he comes to hook up the gas line for the fireplace. Why the big deal, you ask? The shower is so slow that you have to get out every 2 minutes to let it all drain and then get back in. Now repeat this about 3 times. Frustrating! So, I've been going downstairs to shower. This is fine for me, but Luke is afraid of the shower. Needless to say, "I NEED MY SHOWER FIXED!!!!" Did I say that loud enough?
The other thing that went very well is my fall decorating and the painting of our front door. I hope all of this comes together very soon!

The Joys of Owning a Home

Home projects...always seem fun and easy, but do they ever turn out that way? Bill and I finally had a weekend with absolutely no agenda. Perfect! Maybe we can get some of those little home projects done. We had a long list of things that we needed to do...paint the front door, get some more landscaping done, scrape the trim in preparation for painting, change some light bulbs, pick out some tile for our new gas fireplace, install the carbon monoxide detector, install a new shower head and let's see...did I miss anything? Nope, I think that pretty well covers it. Now, we did get a lot of our "fixing" done, but now it's 6:00 p.m. and we have to run back to Columbus to take back the light bulbs (wrong size) and exchange the shower head because it's not working out. Ho hum....well, the front door does look nice, even though we still need another coat of paint on it. And, we will have to save the trim for another weekend. Usually, these projects that don't go well lead to at least one argument, but I have become wiser with age. If I just don't expect things to go well, then I won't be disappointed if they don't and I'll be really excited if they do. Does that sound completely bad? Am I a bad wife? Bill does a great job with home projects, but it always takes a little longer than planned. I guess I've just learned to not get my undies in a bunch about such things. Anyways...I'll give you an update Monday with pictures so that you can see our progress on projects...wish us luck!

GOOO BIGGG REDDD!!!

Ah...the sights and sounds of the first Husker game. This is, by far, my most favorite time of year. And mainly, because of Husker football. And, of course, there is an excitement this year about all of the changes to the program. No matter what all of the buzz is, it will always be just "dear ol' Nebraska" to me! We had a great weekend of relaxation, and caught the game on Pay-Per-View with some friends. I'm glad we got to watch, but does anyone else think it's a major rip off to pay $30 to watch a college football game? Can I get an "Amen"??? Here are some pics from the weekend. Luke was excited about his first game, but was more excited about playing with friends and root beer floats! Go 'skers!