take care

The past few years I have been so focused on others and their needs that I have really forgotten to take care of myself. I get the kids ready and only if I have extra time get myself ready. If not, I just throw on whatever is clean (or the closest thing to it), brush my teeth and usually toss on some flip flops. I have had some big dental issues that I have ignored due to lack of funds. And I will generally forget to eat something until I am on my way to work and end up hitting a drive through. Ugh.

Well, I have had a couple of challenges lately. My dad told me that I have to start taking care of myself because my kids need me well to take care of them. Hmmm, good point. Alivia told me the other day, "Mommy, my body is healthier than yours because you drink so much soda." Again, a valid point. During our last week of study of the life of David, I was challenged to take God at His word that I am His good choice. He has chosen me to live this life because He says I am the on He wants to do so. Okay. Here I am, ready to make a change.

These are my goals for the week:
* Drink more water
* Participate in 3 classes at the gym
* Schedule a dental appointment for myself

a light airing of grievances

For your reading enjoyment, a light airing of grievances. This list was composed with the help of Brandy. Any and all grievances containing incriminating evidence and possible curse words have been omitted.

-Women with man hands, for the love, wear gloves.

**This was Brandy's, since I happen to possess a pair. I'm headed out to purchase some gloves right away.

-People who drive 27 miles with their right blinker on and then make a left turn.

-People who drive cars worth more than their houses.

-Mom, mom, mom, mom, mooommm, mooommmmy, mooommmmmyyyy!

-Hearing people eat

-When people say, "I forgot to eat." In our world that is equivalent to "I forgot to breathe."

-Improper facebook etiquiette: STOP YELLING AT US!, We don't care to hear the minute by minute run down of your each and every day, writing about every detail of your dysfunctional relationship, cyberbullies.

-Calliou and Whinese in general.

-A lunch system that charges you full price for a lunch when you purchase milk. The same lunch system that charges your child for breakfast when she only goes to school from 12 to 3.

What's bugging you??

Things that made me laugh this week.

*Alivia, in all matters of seriousness, telling me she doesn't like the word turd because it means (in a whispered voice) "poop".

*That the term dum bass has taken off...see here.

*I laid Koleson down for a nap at Aunt Brandy's house. He was fighting sleep and crying. We hear from the bedroom: "Elp, Koka!" Translated "Help, Mocha!" (Mocha is their teacup chihuahua.) I'm sure she would be a great help in your escape attempt, Koli.

*This video that has inspired many a one liners that have cracked me up:


It was more than a week ago, but definitely needs to be noted: the shake weight.

What has made you laugh??

We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love be with us, LORD,
even as we put our hope in you. Psalm 33:20-22

This day

Today is a special day. We haven't celebrated Brandy's birthday in a few years. Today we did. And last weekend we did. I love the extended birthdays...Especially when they include a vacation!

The top 10 things I love about Brandy:

10. She is a rockstar aunt to my babies.
9. She knows me better than anyone else and still chooses to hang out with me.
8. She laughed when I forgot my ID. And still laughs...
7. She has pictures of me from high school...tucked away in a box somewhere. And hopefully, they stay there safe and secure.
6. She came home from out of town when I thought I might be in labor with Koleson, just in case. Even though I insisted she need not since we had until at least tomorrow before anything would happen...And she and Timmarie made it to the hospital with very little time to spare. What a nice surprise!
5. She takes care of me when I need it. And when I am too proud to ask for it.
4. We laugh together. She almost made me hyperventilate once in college.
3. Our children love each other and do life together.
2. She possess an equal amount of flight response as I do when times get tough.
1. She thinks inappropriate humor is, sometimes, very appropriate.

Brandy, Thanks for being my sister and my friend.

Dinner Conversation

I overheard the following statements tonight while Alivia and her cousin Gabe were eating.

Alivia: "What are your favorite things?"
Gabe: "Beefaroni and God."

Alivia: "I don't really like Beefaroni anymore."
Gabe: "You have gone to the other side. The side of the republic where they don't like beefaroni."

Alivia to Gabes: "I love Jesus and God a hundred million. I love you a hundred. I love you guys a lot. Just not as much as God and Jesus."

I have a smile on my face.

a day in the life

These are some random happenings from a typical day when I don't have to work...

*currently listening to 2 little girls play "therapy". One is the therapist, one is the assistant. They are playing bubbles with "their students". It's so precious I can hardly stand it. I just overheard that the kids freak out if they get time out, so instead they just have to drink from a bottle.
That's a kind of therapy I can get behind, people...I'm kidding.

*My dad came over and brought the kids a gift from him and Gramma. It is a sand and water table. The funny thing is that I asked for a water table for Alivia's 2nd Christmas. They couldn't find one that year. Apparently Gramma Vera has a good memory, she called me a couple of days ago and asked if the kids would like one. Grampa brought it over today and Alivia helped/bossed him put it together. The kids played in that water for over an hour. Koleson was wet from head to toe. I think it is fair to say a good time was had by all.

*Brody just explained to me the many special qualities of a Giant Squid. He teaches me so many things, such as did you know that the giant squid uses his tentacles to walk along the surface of the sand as well??

*I may or may not have seen Chris pull out some swiss cake rolls from deep within their pantry. And I may or may not have assumed it was ok if I have one.

*And I got to go to the grocery store all alone while my dad and the kids played outside. This is a big deal in my life...

I love the days when I get to do regular things with my kids. It's where the special moments are made.

they say it's your birthday!

Dear Timmarie,
I am so blessed to call you friend. Happy birthday! I pray that this year finds you even more blessed than the ones that came before it.

I asked some of your peeps what they appreciated best about you. Here's what they had to say...

Alivia said, "I like her dresses."
Gabes said, "She makes food for us."
Koleson said, "Thooba, thooba, thooba."
Addison said, "That she is nice and pretty."
Brody said, "I like that she cooks and stuff."
And I think Hudson would say he likes when you hold him.

Happy Birthday to you!