Mac-n-Cheese Please

Ok...so growin' up I could eat mac-n-cheese EVERYDAY!!! Fine stop pointing...I still can. Both the boys are the same way...so is the babysitter (a.k.a. Country Girl)...I think DareDevil and Country Girl eat a box everytime she keeps him.

When SecretAgent was a baby he would eat only one brand of food...the other two followed the same suit. I didn't plan it this way or force it on them. They liked the thickness of it I think. So anyway...Izzy has been getting baby food. She HATES Mac-n-cheese. This has worried me so much...could she truly be my child? Maybe I should contact the hospital?

While grocery shopping last night...I thought....let me try a different brand...so I got the brand the normally hates and blows back in my face! Seriously! I have the stains to prove it. Guess what....She is OFFICIALLY my child!

***Disclaimer: I am by no means promoting any particular brand of baby food or suggesting any brand of type of baby food. That is the choice of you, your family and your physician. :-)

This is just for fun! LOL....

Yeah...I don't even know what to say! She loves this little boy! They are going to be inseperable when they get older...I guess it was just one of those shots! LOL....I just giggle everytime I see it!

Five Question Friday

1. Do you sing karaoke? If so, what is your go to song?

Ok...so maybe I am boring, but I have only been a part of karaoke like 2x and both times I did...ok ok, I attempted it. Vocals are not my strong point!

2. What is your favorite coffee drink?

What is up with the questions? I so don't qualify! After Izzy was born I decided I NEEDED to start drinking coffee...I'm still working on that....The only drink I can actually complete is a French Vanilla Latte from Starbucks.

3. If you could choose your own name, what would it be?

ANYTHING BUT JESSICA!!!!!!!!!! Na...as a child I hated it! Everyone had that name, but as I have gotten older, I don't see so many people with that name...

I wanted to be Elizabeth when I was little.

4. Were you ever bullied?

More picked on...I was picked on a lot about my size...I was given some extra fluff! :-)

5. How often do you eat fast food?

Holy Crap! Ya'll are killing me here! Usually just once a week if Zaxby's is considered fast food...I don't think it is...but that's open for opinions.

Want to enjoy more Five Question Friday Fun? Check out MamaM!

Wordless Wednesday~Olivia

She's certainly experiencing a miracle first hand!

Read here.

For more Wordless Wednesday hop on over!

Sweet Olivia!

It’s Monday. In the blogging world Mondays often represent a day of silly remarks of “No! Not Me!” Today…it’s a little different spin for me. I’m going to tell you about Olivia…Not Me!

Olivia is a beautiful, fun-loving hand maiden of the Lord. She’s 7. Her mother calls her Doodlebug #2. She’s the second born of five! I’ve never met her face to face, but know so much about her through her mother Aimee. Through the stories and the pictures I feel as though I have known her for years. One day I will get the pleasure of meeting her I am sure. Today Olivia is Expecting a Miracle! (and so are we!)

The reason I am telling you about Olivia and not me is Olivia needs our prayer. Her family needs our prayer. On February 16th while playing she fell on a toy, suffering a severe injury that perforated her bowels. They rushed her by ambulance 2 hours away to Children’s Hospital where a handful of trauma doctors could take over her care. They repaired the bowel through surgery, unfortunately having to do a temporary colostomy loop. The first few nights were restless and full of pain. A NG tube was placed to help with drainage, as her stomach was becoming distended. As of last night the family was still waiting on her body to produce some bowel, but they were relieved to hear some external sounds, so today is hopeful of GREAT things! Infection is still a concern a BIG concern. Olivia must not get an infection. The family is there indefinitely. Doodlebugs 1, 3, 4 and 5 are home with their Nana & Papa and a whole crew of friends looking after them. They are in good hands.

We know that the Great Physician is hearing our prayers, as so many of them have already been answered. Aimee and Joel were given a space at the Ronald McDonald House, a huge answered prayer! X-rays have come back as expected, with no surprises.

I ask that you join me and the rest of Olivia’s friends and family, strangers too, that are lifting this sweet little girl and her parents up in prayer. There is a long road for her and her family and they have only just begun. This is such a sweet little girl who has been through so much and is quite frankly tired of people messing with her and is scared. (With good reason! I am 28 years old and would feel the same way.) Just as she is tired and scared so are her parents, longing to see her snaggle tooth grin, they love so much. Her brothers and sisters long to see Olivia, Mommy and Daddy…and they long to see them!

Their first day in the hospital they posted a sign on her door…

And that’s we are doing…Expecting a Miracle!

If you would like to check in and see how she is doing, you may do so by visiting her Caring Bridge site. Grab the button in my sidebar and spread the word!

Thank you for your prayers! They are felt and appreciated.

Five Question Friday

1. Have you ever hit an animal with your vehicle?

I live in the country so YES!!!! Nothing intentional…I SWEAR!!!

Lets see…
Deer ~ resulted in a new front end and AC
Armadillo ~ bent radiator, causing difficult oil changes
Possum ~ Threw the tires out of balance
Birds ~ Nasty business

Side note: Fireman hit a turkey and busted his windshield out! HAAAAAAA

2. When you see a string on your clothes do you pull it off or cut if off?

Typically I pull it off, but then get mad when it unravels…sometimes I am my own worst enemy!

3. Did you have your own room or share a room when you were young?

I had my own room, unless you consider sharing it with the dog? :-/

4. Would you rather wear the same thing for the rest of your life or eat the same thing for the rest of your life?

What the crap? Do I really have to pick one? I think I would rather wear the same thing for the rest of my life…what I don’t know…but please don’t make me eat the same thing.

5. What was your favorite TV show as a child?

My brain doesn’t go back that far! There would be more than one though…
Blossom! Full House! The Torkelsons! Get Smart! (that was probably re-runs though) Walker Texas Ranger!

And there was this show on Nickeloden where they got slimed…kind of like a SNL for kids?

If you enjoyed this and want your own stab at Five Question Friday hop on over to MamaM. and she will hook ya up! Happy Friday!

Random Thoughts on a Thursday...

DareDevil refuses to go by his first name…he insist on being called by his first and middle name collectively.

Only 2 more days until we can cowgirl and cowboy it up at the Rodeo.

My thoughts are constantly finding their way back to a friend’s little girl who was hurt Tuesday evening and is in Macon…indefinitely.

We ate dinner at the table as a family of five last night for the first time in a LONG time.

Sometimes I wear Fireman’s deodorant, just so I can smell him all day…weird huh?

Just realized the babysitter’s nickname is “Spanky” is that odd?

Really wants a new hair cut…just can’t make up my mind what I want…

I’ve got a big special amazing secret planned for Fireman tomorrow! Hope I can pull it off

Wordless Wednesday~Snow Day 2010

For more Wordless Wednesday Fun jump over here 5 Minutes for Mom

Weekend with No Blog!

Well…with a weekend full of snow, parties, Valentine’s Day and shopping…I never made it to the computer. Kind of nice, but I felt out of place too!




Woke up Friday morning to snow flurries and by noon, snow ball fights were feasible in South Georgia! I missed my doctor’s appointment Friday afternoon because the roads were so iced over in South Georgia! The boys, Fireman included, had a blast in the snow. The boys had gloves, but they are the kind that are just for cold weather, NOT snow. So needless to say there were a lot of tears shed over the pain that comes from sticking your hands in ice. No naps were achieved on our snow day, but that’s ok too!






SecretAgent had a major meltdown Friday evening when he saw his G-force valentines sitting on the table! “Oh, Mama! I was supposed to take these to school on yesterday for my Valentine’s Party. Mrs. D told me to bring them and now I didn’t!” “Well, baby, you didn’t go to school today. So no one took their cards to school. It’s ok you can take them when you go back on Wednesday.” “But now I will be in trouble and I won’t get any!” (As he runs to his room to cry!) Oh how I wish he had the comprehension of time! Some days anyway…

We had a Valentine’s party with the Youth from Church Sunday night. It was so much fun. It was just like everyone was in Elementary School again…exchanging the little cards. Izzy, found a cupcake and literally attacked it! It was so cute and innocent. I don’t think we will have a problem with her when she turns 1!




Oh and yesterday we went shopping…actually went looking for gloves for the boys and we found a few other things...I finally broke down and bought the boots I have been looking at for MONTHS now…I’m ready for the Rodeo! When I tried them on and asked DareDevil what he thought of them he looked up at me with a big grin threw his hand in the air and said… “YeeHaw! Giddy up Poner!”

Could it be...

Ok...so I live in South Georgia! All we get here is rain and gnats! A few weeks ago they told us there would be snow! Crazy weather-man say what!? Guess what...no snow! Not even rain! SecretAgent's school even closed, due to the possibility. Ahem I can see those eyes rolling now, but seriously...this is risky business down here. The majority of the roads are dirt and most folks have no idea what snow looks like much less drive in it. Half our roads have washed away due to the newly formed lakes and rivers, that should they be covered with a nice white layer of snow...the EMS, Fire and Police Departments will have quie a bit of job security!



So anyway...as of this morning there is an 80% chance for snow tomorrow! With it they say will be 1-3 inches of snow...the weather man actually said, "Snowballs will be likely!" Does that mean large balls of snow will fall from the sky or can we make snow balls? This new to most of the folks livin' down here!



My father's family was from Ohio, so I have seen snow, but my kids...this is all new to them! I can almost bet you that DareDevil would run around naked in it, he would be so excited about it!




Schools have already started canceling, I see those eyes rolling agian! SecretAgent's school has not announced any such closure, but most parents are so excited over the idea...that they are planning to lay out of work tomorrow and stay home with their kids and play, ahem be productive. I really hate the idea of SecretAgent missing tomorrow, because they are having their Valentine's party! Although I have a feeling the snow would be a bigger hit!




So when I wake up in the morning will my house loook like this?

It's Coming...The Big Weigh In!

So weight is a huge issue….has been for awhile. I am sure that 3 babies in 5 years has not been very helpful. My hormones don’t know whether to go up or down. My stress levels were off the charts. My new job has done wonders for that. I have tried multiple things and seem to drop about 5 pounds then BAM I land flat on my face on that plateau that so many find themselves on. With the exception of StuntMan's birth...I dropped 30 pounds!! ! No lie! I had only gained 10. I guess I should add here too that I never gained a lot of weight with any pregnancy. DareDevil added 18 & Izzy 5 (yes only 5!) but all was lost immediately after birth.

The Biggest Loser is one of my favorite shows, but lets face it people, it’s not practical. How many “normal” people can drop what they are doing and focus like that. Not many. If you see most of them after the fact many of them have gained some of their weight back and I think it’s in part once they lose the weight they are thrown back to the daily life and the stress that goes with it. I commend the players on their willingness and their accomplishments. Overall I think the show is great, it just gives some people a false sense of reality.

For me…I live in a small country town that is 25 miles from the nearest gym. We don’t have a red light, much less a gym! (Hmmm, business venture maybe?) I work in this small town. So for me to go to the gym I would have to load up all three kids and drive to town. If I am lucky get there by 5:45. Unload the kids. Drop off in child care. Workout for an hour. Load the kids back up. Drive home, get there by 7:30 if I am lucky. In all of that I would have to feed them dinner and get them ready for bed and into bed! WOW! I could leave them with Fireman, but he would want to go too. We could alternate days, but then we would never spend time together. So the gym is out of the question. I know what you are thinking....if you really wanted it to happen you would make it happen. You are right, but for me it's not a sacrifice I want to make.

However, we just got a Wii and I LOVE IT! Everyone has been telling me about Wii Active Sports or Wii Fit. So I am definitely looking into that. I am sure StuntMan and DareDevil would have a blast with it as well! A good friend of mine has been using her's and has been seeing a difference! Why not? Fun and healthy?! Works for me.

I recently found a doctor in the neighboring town that specializes in weight loss! I have been very anxious to get in and speak with him and just see what he has to say. He has a long list of satisfied clients who didn’t have any surgery what so ever. I would not exactly qualify for surgery anyway. Anywho…the doctor’s office just called me today to tell me that Dr. B is taking new patients on Friday! SIGN ME UP!!! I have been giddy ever since. I am sure I will have a long road ahead of me…but I feel like I am doing something for myself! FINALLY! Not really sure what all this will entail, but it's worth listening to the man right? Stay tuned!

Post It Note Tuesday

Meal Time Monday!

Here’s what’s cooking in my house this week! I am having to change up the original menu, because Fireman’s BRAND NEW GRILL…Broke!!!!!!!

Monday: Spaghetti
Tuesday: Chicken Casserole
Wednesday: Red Barron Pizzas (Winn-Dixie Special!)
Thursday: BBQ Porkchops, Mashed Red Potatoes
Friday: Out with the Youth!

Yummy!

Check out Org Junkie for more menu ideas!

Another Weekend Gone

Wow! The weekend is gone and I never got on the computer until late last night about midnight and that was to upgrade my cell phone! Which I did… Praise the Lord!

We had a long weekend, a Pampered Chef party hosted at my house on Saturday, Valentine’s shopping with a few of the Youth from our church. Then church, LUNCH, and Super Bowl party with Youth! No wonder I never made it to the computer.

Can I just say I love the YOUTH from our church! I have been truly blessed since they came into my life. They fill my days with laughter. It’s impossible to not have good positive fun when you are with them. Our kids love them so much and they reciprocate the love right back to them! I fell like I have 11 kids, not just the 3 that I gave birth too!

The Super Bowl. Did you watch it? Did it seem different to you? The game was so much shorter than normal, or it at least it seems that way to me. The commercials are definitely not as good. Used to there would be a ton of good commercials but in the last few years there are only a handful that are REALLY funny! My top two this year by far was the Doritos: Keep your hands off my mama! & the E-Trade: Milk a what? commercials! See them below! I really didn’t care who won, but I was kinda pulling for my boy Manning, but oh well!

Doritos Commercial

E-Trade Commercial

How was your weekend? Do anything fun?

It's Five Question Friday!

Questions for Friday, 2/5/10:

1. What are you most afraid of?

2. Do you use a flat iron or curling iron?

3. Hands-free or phone to the ear?

4. Do you have a matching bedroom set?

5. Do you believe in the paranormal?

1. What are you most afraid of?

Death...not so much the whole dying...it's more of the dying and knowing I am dying and feeling me dying. When I go, please Lord, take me instantly!

2. Do you use a flat iron or curling iron?

Both...lately my hair seems to be on the outs with me and doesn't respond to the the curling iron, so I must use the flat iron.

Just depends on the day as to which one I use.

3. Hands-free or phone to the ear?

Phone to the ear! I drives me crazy to see someone walking through the mall just a talking and thinking to your self that person is nuts they are carrying on a conversation with theirself! (Then again I do that with out a phone device!)

4. Do you have a matching bedroom set?

Actually I do! First time in a long time, but only because we built a new house a year ago and got all new furniture! Yay!

5. Do you believe in the paranormal?

Tricky! I do but not in the sense that they are out to get us. That's where I will stop on that one!

Wanna join in the fun with Five Question Fridays? Hop on over here!

G'ma Saves the Day!

G’ma is by far the greatest Mom in the entire world! Last night she was going into town to pick up a few things. As I sat at dinner with Fireman, the kiddies and friends and we discussed the 4 inches of rain we were expecting during the night and today I got to thinking about the “ponds” & “rivers” I would have to walk through. So as we left the “neighborhood grill” I gave her a call and just asked if she came across any rain boots to please pick me up some.

So at about 10 pm last night I heard two blows of a car horn come from the back of the house. This is her usual I am here come see what I want signal. I went outside and was delighted in what my Mother had gotten me. Now G’ma may be turning 60 but she still has a little style in her! Checkout these AWESOME rain boots!


They have been water tested this morning and my feet are still DRY!!!!!
Thanks G’ma!!!! Love You!

GROCERY PROGRESS!!

Last night was the weekly trip to the grocery store. It’s the day all the stores here put out their new weekly ads and I jump right on them!

I went in expecting to spend about $100 including meats. This budget was a bit higher than normal, but that was because of the extreme amounts of BOGO deals. I use these to stock up our pantry and to plan meals around. I have just recently started clipping coupons again, so my supply of those is still building up. This list would last me almost two weeks.

All in all it was a great trip. The usual conversations took place…“Stuntman, keep your hands on the buggy! DareDevil, we are NOT buying that! Stuntman, why aren’t your hands on the buggy? DareDevil, that is not on my list!” Izzy does great all through the store until we get to the check out line! Naturally! At this point is when she starts screaming and I miss out on watching the total drop drastically once my reward card is scanned.

I had $3.50 worth of coupons & the store I was at did another make-a-meal deal resulting in 2 Red Baron pizzas, a box of Tyson Anytizers, a package of Bryan Cocktail Smokies, a 2-liter of Coke, and a tub of Edy’s ice cream for $11.98

So for the total….

My Original Total : $196.10
Less Savings: $ 80.31
GRAND TOTAL: $113.34

It's all about the DRESS

So, yesterday I found the perfect dress for my sweet Izzy. It was an eventful, emotional rollercoaster ride of events.

I met G’ma at Sears. She’s been telling me for DAYS WEEKS that I MUST go see these dresses. Ordinarily I don’t really like shopping at Sears for the kid’s clothes, as our store tends to not have a great selection and the sales are few and in between. Anyway, there we were looking at these dresses. I am not a frilly kinda girl, so I was totally avoiding one whole section of dresses. I just don’t see the point in putting a small child in a dress that has a gazillion layers of itchy fabric, off the soap box now. As I was saying, I was digging through the various dresses when out of the corner of my eye; I saw it, a white lace dress with a pink satin bow! I could hear the angels singing Hallelujah in my head! I drop what I am doing and rush over there, leaving poor G’ma with Izzy and DareDevil. As I frantically search for Izzy’s size I can’t find one. I turn to G’ma, trying to hold back the tears, and tell her this dress would be perfect for the wedding in May! (Our cousin is getting married!) She agrees and says I should get it. I explain there is not a dress in her size and I begin sifting through the massive piles of over fluffed baby dresses, all the while silently praying that the Lord will grant me my wish to find that dress. After a few minutes I give up and turn my attention back to the summer dresses, still upset that I was not granted my wish for sweet Izzy. Then I heard the angels again! There in the middle of brightly colored gingham summer dresses was THE DRESS…in her SIZE!!!! It was almost like the Lord had taken that dress and placed it there for me. I grabbed the dress up and did a happy dance, while other shoppers thought seriously about calling security. It amazes me how the littlest things make us so proud! The next task was getting Fireman’s approval on the matter, as he feels since he is Izzy’s father he MUST approve EVERYTHING she wears! Wonder how long that will last?! But yes, he agreed the dress was PERFECT! Alas, Izzy has a dress to wear to her cousin’s wedding and she will look beautiful!




Now to find the perfect outfits for the boys!