That's Stamps....like postage Stamps

News

2010-04-27T16:03:00.003-05:00

I hesitate even to blog about this because Ian and I are really trying to keep it quiet. But I know all of the readers on here are people who care about us, and if they found out later would probably be upset we hadn't told them. Most of you know the fertility issues we have had. We got pregnant very quickly with Grace but ever since we have had problems. Takes us years to get pregnant. We have also experienced loss. I lost a baby 6 years ago this week. then my son Nathan had a twin that never developed. We also lost another one 3 years ago this November, before I had Jonah. And here we are again. I lost a baby last week. I am really trying to look to the good instead of drowning in the bad. I'm thankful the kids didn't know. I'm thankful my sister came and stayed with us when Ian had to leave town the next day. I'm thankful I've never had a stillborn. My babies have always been to small to see. I'm thankful this was uncomplicated. The second one was extremely difficult as I had never realized there was a delivery involved. This was by far the easiest to deal with. I'm thankful my blood work came back bad before I started bleeding so it wasn't a complete surprise. I'm thankful Ian called in immediately and stayed with me. I'm thankful for how discreet the people who know have been (including you all I hope). I'm thankful the worst day was the first and it didnt last a week like the last time. I'm thankful for God who I know is in control and I'm trusting someday I will see why we had to endure this over and over. I'm am really trying to consider it pure joy that we are facing this, hoping it's because we are doing what God wants us to do and Satan is hating it. In the past I have also been able to get pregnant fairly quickly after a loss and hoping that that continues. I really dont want my last memory of pregnancy to be a loss, but of a baby in my arms.

That's all I really wanted to write, Please keep this to yourselves we are really not wanting a repeat of last time. Ian has been really good about me telling who I want, but PLEASE be careful. Gossip is not something I want to happen because I wrote this. Just prayers for us. We are doing very well. Like I said, it was by far the easiest, and I have to be honest, I knew what to expect, so we had no surprises.

venting

2010-03-10T08:51:00.003-06:00

I just got almost the maddest I have ever been. I was dropping nathan off at school when a little girl threw up in the foyer. there were probably 20 people (all parents) dropping there kids off and

NO ONE helped her!

They all just stood and stared as this young girl probably 6 was crying not knowing what to do. Well, I stood there for a second, I couldnt just leave Jonah alone, but someone had to do something, so I told Nathan to watch jonah and I ran past all the other parents, told the girl to hold on a minute I would get help, and went into the office and told the secretary what had happened. Did she run out to help that poor girl? NO! She said, oh yep, then I guess called the janitor and stayed in the office. I went back to catch Jonah running away, turned around and the girl was still standing there in tears!

ONE other mom opened the office door and told her to go to the Nurses office, Thats not my school so I didnt know where it was. As that mom sent her to the office, I moved a wet floor sign to the area so people wouldnt step in it. I walked back over to Nathan and all the parents (who had been watching from what I guess they thought was a safe distance) All turned back at the same time. Then another mom asked another one what had happened and upon hearing went "eww!" and took and exaggerated step back.

For crying out loud! It was a little girl! One who needed help when her mom wasnt there. I know noone wants the stomach flu, but you still have to be a nice human being! I was so mad. At the parents and the secretary. I hope me rushing around stirred up the germs and gives all of them a nice case of the pukes.

The start to my weekend

2010-02-11T13:34:00.002-06:00

So, this weekend is my 30th birthday (I am old). But that is not what I'm thinking about right now. Tomorrow morning I head out bright and early to the OBGYN (happy birthday to me) I am not anxious exactly, but contemplative I guess. If you know me at all, you can probably guess that my obgyn and I have a long and frustrating history. But I love him, and wouldn't go to anyone else unless forced. He is great, and is just nice. In a world of delegation, he is personal, he asks about my kids by name, and when things were at their worst, he called me personally to see how I was. Not many Drs would do that.

Here is my issue. I had a son 16 months ago, and never went on any type of birth control. And well, obviously I'm not pregnant yet. Before Jonah we had begun to go thru infertility testing and the next step was Clomid. Personally, Ian and I wouldn't go any further than that. But in the last 16 months, I dont think I have been ovulating. Usually I hurt and have other signs that I am, btu no more. My cycle had shrunk to about 20 days and lasted about a week and a half (fun). So I was put on meds to stretch it out for three months, and by the end it wasn't even working anymore. I finally settled at a 24 day cycle, and of course this week, I hurt as I do when ovulating. Of course right before I go to the Dr.

So, I'm wondering this. I DO want to be pregnant again. But where do we leave off? How long will he want me to try before doing anything? What will be done since I can get pregnant it just takes years and years? My dr seems to hesitate before doing anything huge (which I know is for the best) But I'm 30 now, I cant wait all that much longer. I guess I will find out tomorrow, I just have to get up the courage to ask all of this.

I found this poem on a blog, and I thought I'd share, I'm not sad about anything now, just thought it reflected my lifer somewhat

"I have been fertile and yet infertile; a mom and yet not a mom. I have children who fill my heart and home and angels who fill my dreams and fuel the misty eyed wondering of what might have been." -unknown

10 in 10

2010-02-08T11:14:00.003-06:00

Well, my friend Elise tagged be to blog about where I will be in 10 years. So here ya go!
1-It will be the week before I turn 40, so hopefully I will be taking those last few minutes to make fun of Ian for being 40 when I'm still 39
2-I will have a child a senior in High school, a freshman, and an 11 year old as of now. I would like to add 2-3 more kids in that time. I would like to be pregnant again, but that sometimes doesnt go well for me, so we shall see. I really want to adopt from India, and am looking forward to that journey
3-I hope to still be at Cornerstone, but in a different house, this one will not hold that many more kids
4-I hope I can look back and see the journey to understanding Christ that my kids go through.
5-I want to still be as small as I am now, still pre baby weight, although if we won the lottery, I wouldnt say no to a boob job, and a tummy tuck :)
6-I want to go overseas at least 2-3 times by then (India definitley)
7-I can see Ian still complaining that I'm not a good housekeeper, so again, if we win the lottery I would get a maid in the next 10 years
8- I want to be a volunteer at church, if not work there maybe as a receptionist, but DEFINITELY not as Ians secretary (can you say divorce??)
9-I will own my own library by then, and will lend out books to anyone who needs one
10- I hope I still love Jesus and depend on him more than I do now. I know the getting there may mean hard things, but having already gone through hard things, it pulls you closer to HIM

SO there you have it, 10 things I hope I will be doing in 10 years

Thankfulness

2010-01-28T13:16:00.002-06:00

SO here is a small sampling of what I am thankful for at this very minute. My new housecoat LOVE IT! My son Nathan who is wondering if his shoes will still fit now that he's 5. Jonah, for his new trick of running to you with his arms up wanting to be held. Graces front tooth which is hiding behind her big one, and is finally loose, Ian for letting me take a bath after dinner, and changing a poopy diaper (rarely happens) and for then giving nathan a bath when I wasnt feeling well. My birthday coming up, my dishwasher, I went for so long without one, I shall never take it for granted. Getting my haircut tomorrow, the anticipation is great, lots of milk in the fridge. the frozen soup I found yesterday which meant I didnt have to cook. The doughnuts my dad gave the kids that they have been eating for b-fast. CHeck ups for the kids Fri when I will be able to ask about Jonahs possible raspberry allergy, My church, who loves us so much, my family, who make grace feel special by trying to come to all of her bball games. Ian for taking the kids out on a date tomorrow night. My trip to NY this summer. My house which looks pretty good, my laundry for being caught up. God for giving me peace and patience on some things, although my heart is always thinking about it, and is no longer my own. I have so much more to be thankful of, but my sweet son is asking to be blindfolded, so I'm going to be thankful about getting to go play with him!

Summer

2010-01-20T13:19:00.003-06:00

So, I an beginning to plan my summer. I know, it's only January, but time gets away from me these days. We are joining Mascoutah Pool this year (yay) so we will be there a lot, but I also want the kids to get out. So in addition to the free summer movie series, I have decided we need to go on 1 field trip a week. Dont flip out , I am in no way transitioning to homeschooling, but the kids will drive me nuts in the house all day. So here is my list. Trying for free, but that can't always happen.
Pool- my kids need to learn to swim
Library- we have a great summer reading program
Soulard Market- I've not been there as an adult, but I remember it being fun, and a good experience
Zoo- We are Zoo friends, and always have a great time, planning on spending the night again
Botanical Gardens- Just for an adventure. the kids have never been there
Science Center- Grace will LOVE it!
City Museum-Pricey, but maybe they have a coupon day :)
Magic House- Again, going for the coupons. And this is iffy as the kids have been there a lot.
Arch/Museum-this one is for me. I have been wanting to go there for ages, I am an american west history freak and love this museum, but haven't been since like 3rd grade.
So, here are my thoughts o blog followers. I need people to go with! I can go along, but it's always more fun with friends. So, if any of this interests you, let me know! library, market, zoo, science center are all free. I'm always up for a picnic lunch and fun, I'll even just meet you at a park. If not, I'll just blog about how fun it all was, and make you jealous :)

One thing I love about Cornerstone

2010-01-12T08:51:00.003-06:00

I am a pastors wife. In that one sentence lies several layers of feelings and issues. What do I know? What am I supposed to know? What can other people know that I know? That however is not the focus of this blog today. Cornerstone is much different than our other church, a small church in a small town where we lived in a fishbowl. And so here it is, my biggest pet peeve as a pastors wife, and also the thing I love most about where we are now. It really makes me mad when people get upset or mad, or unhappy with Ian or the church leadership as a whole, and suddenly that translates to being mad at me. It happens. A lot. But not here at Cornerstone. People here seem to have the uncanny ability to separate us. And I like it. Does the staff make decisions based on what is best for the church as a whole and not individuals? They have to. Does that make some people unhappy? Of course. But the wonderful people here dont take it out on me. And that makes me so happy. I love it here. My friends are my friends based on our relationship, not on their issues with the church. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!

2009 in review

2009-12-31T12:52:00.004-06:00

So, I thought I'd go back and talk about my 2009, the roses and the thorns
JANUARY- Nathan had his tonsils and adenoids removed, A rose for better sleeping eating habits, a thorn for the horrible recovery
My older kids turned 7 and 4, a ROSE for them getting older, a THORN for me missing their party because Jonah was in the hospital.
Jonah running a 103 fever at three months- A ROSE for the diarhea that finally gave the drs a new symptom (never though I'd be thankful for the runs) and for Nurse Ursula for taking him under her wing and making sure he was admitted. A THORN for having to see my baby lethargic and unresponsive.

FEBRUARY- I turned 29 a ROSE for the magical day of fun Ian planned, massages, new books, mani-pedi, new ipod, a THORN for the awful Bissel Mansion Dinner Theater we went to with friends, the friends were great, the food and activities were not.

MARCH- My dads birthday, ROSE for us kids finally buying his lunch, another ROSE for the 4 Wiis he bought us!

APRIL- A ROSE for my nephew Cody turning 1

MAY-Ian and I celebrated 9 years of marriage A ROSE for the good times and a THORN for the hard times

JUNE- Ian, Jonah, and I spent a week in Pennsylvania, A ROSE for me running up the stairs like Rocky, a THORN for Ian hating the original Philly Cheesesteak that we drove to the hood to buy.

JULY- Lots of Summer time ROSES- My Grandpas surprise 80th birthday party, my cousins moving to town, Jonah sitting up from the floor, and a weekend float trip in the rain with friends. A THORN for my last time nursing Jonah

AUGUST- A ROSE for the kids starting school, and THORN for the poor girls assigned to my soccer team

SEPTEMBER-A ROSE for Ian heading off to India, a ThORN for me having to be a single parent for 1 1/2 weeks. Another THORN for the H1N1 virus hitting our family.

OCTOBER-A ROSE for Ian turning 30, another ROSE for Jonah turning 1

NOVEMBER- A ROSE for our big trip to Disney, we had so much fun.

DECEMBER- A ROSE for all the friends and family we spent time with, a THORN for the stomach flu which kept us home from the staff Christmas Party.

I have had a great year! Can't wait to see what 2010 has in store for us.

Nathan

2009-12-17T12:24:00.004-06:00

So, this is really quick, but I needed to write it down someplace before I forgot, and it's slightly too risque for a status update. we all had the stomach flu this week. Nathan had it last. Both ends to put it politely. So, Nathan goes into to bathroom and starts yelling, "uh mom? There's bacon in here. MOM there's bacon in here! mom bacon." I was very confused until I walked into the bathroom to see him looking at his underwear. That's right folks, he was talking about poop streaks in his underwear. We call them bacon strips. He apparently feels comfortable enough with them to give them a nickname. Bacon. Oh the life of a 4 year old.

I've got nothing to put here

2009-12-17T10:23:00.002-06:00

Well, I hope my mom doesn't read this because she will be really disappointed in me. I think I may be done watching the Young and the Restless. I have watched this show for 15+ years. All the ups and down, the illigitamat children, the big dramatic weddings, and the theme song from Ice Castles playing everytime Nikki and Victor get back together. I still have a season pass on my DVR, but I hardly ever watch it. I read the spoilers on the internet, so I know what happens, and I think I'm just over it. Maybe it's because nothing good is really going on. Maybe because I'm busy with three kids, but no matter what, it's slowly getting out of my system. It makes me sad, I have seen many babies be born then disappear for a year to boarding school and come back adults. Many villans go to jail, and come back to be the hero just when you need it, and many babies being switched at birth. MAybe I've just had my fill. I think I'm getting old.

Two years ago

2009-12-09T08:37:00.003-06:00

Two years ago this week I lost a baby. It was my third to have lost. It was just as awful as the others. We learned after the first not to announce anything right away, so we waited until my blood work had come in. It looked perfect. So we told everyone we knew. Even a stranger at McDonalds. You see, we had been trying for three years, and it had finally happened. We were so excited. Grace was thrilled, and Nathan was oblivious as always. Then when I was about 6-8 weeks along I started bleeding, and my heart just fell through the floor. I had been there before. Ian came home and we drove over to the Drs. The ultrasound showed a sac but no baby. I was very thankful for that. To see a baby with no heartbeat would have been worse. The dr said not to lose hope, it could still be okay, and he sent us home to wait out the weekend and have more bloodwork done on Monday. So we did. It didnt get better. They (whoever "they" are) say moms just know. I did know. It was over. Nothing I could do could change what had happened. I told Ian we needed to tell Grace, so she would have the weekend to deal with it. She was worried she would have to tell her class what had happened. I told her I would email her teacher. We went back for more bloodwork and it showed that I was right, it was gone, I just had to wait for my body to expel (I hate that word) the tissue (baby). Then I went to work Tuesday and noticed that out of nowhere I would get really tired, like almost fall asleep standing up. I tried to take my blood pressure at my moms, but it was so low it wouldn't even register, then I stopped for gas on the way home and it was like all of a sudden a flood began (sorry) I rushed home and called the dr, and he said to come right over, but not to drive myself in case my blood pressure dropped anymore. Ian came home and we went over and met my mom at the hos so she could keep the kids. He said I had a few options. 1 go home and deliver on my own, 2 a d&c which is a surgical procedure that meant we could not try for 3 months, or 3 an in house procedure where they took a large (12-18) in 1-2 inch wide syringe and tried to get it out themselves. They warned me that it hurt and I couldn't take anything. Ian left it up to me, and I wanted it to be over. I didnt want to go home and scare the kids by having this drag out. I also didnt want to have to flush my baby down the toilet. So, I was laying on the table holding my hands over my chest when the very nice nurse looked at Ian and said, Hold her hand! Like she was scolding him. I almost laughed out loud. It did hurt, but it was over. I got on meds to slow the bleeding and we were sent home again. To start trying again.

3 months later we found out I was pregnant again. We told no one until I was showing and people started guessing. I went in for my first ultrasound and the office didnt have it on the schedule. I was getting ready to freak out. There was no way I could wait any longer to see it. The nurse that was with us during the procedure saw us, and immediatly took care of it, we went back, and my dr actually was able to do the ultrasound. He was wonderful. I freaked out a little because I couldn't see the heartbeat right away, so he zeroed in on it, measure everything, and said that nothing could be better. 7 months later 9lb 12 oz Jonah was born.

After it happened I thought a lot about why. Questions that I though only God had the answers to. Then a few weeks later a friend came to me and told me his daughter (also a friend) had lost a baby over the weekend. He said that no one knew, but He wanted to tell me because he thought no one could love her like I could right then. And then I knew. Ian and I had to go through it to show others that you can get through it. that it doesn't have to destroy you. That it changes you forever, but you are a better person for it. That God sweeps you up into his arms and doesn't let go. That your faith in HIm, in the idea that God does all things for your good is true. That girl was not the first. Several of our close friends went through this not long after we did. And we were able to be there for them. And I can honestly say although it sounds stupid. That I would rather go through it again then have someone I lover have to go through it once. I know it sounds crazy, but I know there is a light at the end, and you can make it through.

Well, this was a lot longer than I thought it would be, and thankfully for you, I did do a little editing, but there you have it. And in case you are wondering, I am fine. It is weird. Even though this is the week, it's the few weeks before that bother me, just the thought that it is coming. Then it gets here, and it's not so bad.

p.s. there are a few songs that are really great dealing with this. Glory Baby By Watermark, and one you all know, You Never Let Go. By Matt Redmon. He and his wife write it after their 3rd miscarriage. both great songs

The Momma Bear Instinct

2009-12-02T10:12:00.005-06:00

This is Grace. Yes, I know she is beautiful. You don't have to tell me. She is also sweet, sensitive, smart, a good friend, a great sister, patient, kind, generous, imaginative, fun, and a whole list of other things that would make this post too long. A long story short, I love her to pieces. And I would do anything for her. Even punch that little, bratty, ugly, snotty girl right in the face....but I digress. As long as I'm being honest, Grace is not perfect. In fact, far from it. But she does have a tender heart that is easily hurt. And it was hurt yesterday. And the Momma bear is rearing its ugly head. I consider myself to be a fairly levelheaded person. Not prone to overreaction or tears. But you touch my child or hurt them in anyway, you better be prepared to suffer the storm. I have even been known to chase little kids on bikes with my car at the age of 17 to defend my sister Holly when she was called fat by a girl in our neighborhood (not my best moment)

ANYWAY!!! Grace left for school in tears today saying she didnt like it, so I knew something had happened. Then I got home and told Ian to which he replied, "That mean girl Sharon*, started a club a recess and invited all of their friends, but told Grace she couldn't be in it." Then the red flush started creeping up my neck until it was all I could see. How can someone be so hurtful? They are only 7 for crying out loud. Who even thinks of keeping 1 kids out of a club? A mean girl that's who. I don't like it, not one bit. So I emailed her teacher, and a friend of mine who's daughter is in the club to ask if she had heard anything. I know why she did it. Grace and her best friend are having a joint birthday party and she is jealous. Even though she is invited (I may need to change the guest list) Grace and this girl have been best friends since the 1st day of kindergarten. And Sharon just doesn't like it. They never leave her out, but it is obvious who are the best friends. It just burns my gut for someone to be so mean to my girl. Now having been a little girl once myself, I know I have done similar things, and I KNOW I have felt just like Grace does today. I also know that girls are fickle, and it will probably all be resolved by the end of today, but until I know it is, I am furious. And so, you all are lucky enough to get to hear my rant. And let this be a lesson to you all, dont mess with the momma. I don't bring her out much, but watch out when I do....no one is safe. I need to come up with a cool biker chick name for her.

* Name changed to protect myself just in case

Vacation

2009-11-25T20:18:00.003-06:00

So, I know we just got back from vacation, but we decided to plan our beach trip for next year early, and I am perplexed. To rent a condo on the beach its like 1000 for the week. Then count on 75-100 a day for meals, two days in a hotel traveling and it adds up quickly. Then I found a carnival cruise for all of us for like 1700. all meals would be included, and a stop in cozumel mexico from mobile alabama. But we would still have 2 nights in a hotel and 3-5 meals out during traveling. Plus all the tips on a cruise (which we usually dont give as much as you are supposed to) So really it would be about the same, but I dont know what I want to do. At the beach, you go to the beach or the pool everyday, and its very relaxing. on a cruise it would be one day on a beach (but the kids dont get in it anyway) but the cruise has a kids club that they could go to to play if they wanted. Less boredom may be a good thing. I hope some of my 4 faithful followers have some good advice or opinions. btw, happy thanksgiving!

Christmas/dont let your kids read this!!!

2009-11-24T14:14:00.000-06:00

So, our family is changing the way we celebrate Christmas this year. We will no longer be exchanging gifts between our immediate family (the 5 of us) I just think it gets a bit ridiculous considering how many other gifts the kids get and the fact that 2 of the 3 kids have a b-day within the next month. We run out of things for people to get them. And we are so lucky and thankful that we have a family that loves us and are very generous toward our kids. And Santa will still be coming of course. So we have come up with an alternative that I hope will be something our kids will always remember. We (I) picked three angels off of our churches angel tree, and are using the money that we would be spending on our kids to give gifts to those in need. We are hoping to make a big deal out of it, and let the kids each pick out their own gifts. This year we have a girl who want crafts (right up Grace's alley), a boy who want outdoor balls (we are planning on including an air pump), and a girl who wants preschool learning books. I am really excited about it, and hope it is something we will do forever.

Disney

2009-11-20T12:14:00.000-06:00

So, Im sitting here feeding Jonah lunch upset that some of my friends haven't blogged in awhile when I thought, hey loser, why do you expect them to, when you dont? So here we go. My family took a big vacation to Disney last week. The week prior, I had been freaking out about any of us being sick on vaca. I was down to the last few days when Nathan started saying his leg hurt. Well, being the wonderful parent I am, I was like suck it up it's growing pains. Then Friday morning, 2 days before we fly out, he wakes up and can put no weight on it at all. NO walking, total pain, all concentrated in his hip joint. So, of course we call the dr and get in right away. My brother, who is a med tech heard about it said he vaguely recalled something about hip problems in young children. its called toxic synovitis, and is basically temporary arthritis in his hip joint. We will never know, but it may have been a complication from his H1N1 virus in Sept. SO, the dr says to get xrays, and take a stroller with us, but he is too big for any stroller. The xrays were fine, so it is just inflammation, nothing but ibuprofen. But what to do about Disney? He cant just limp around all day. So, we had to rent a WHEELCHAIR!!!! It was waiting for us at the hotel. What a pain!! But looking back now, I think it was a gift God gave us. He felt fine, but would never have made it walking around all day, so we had to push him.....straight to the front of the line!!! It was the best of both worlds, we got to the front of the lines, but when he wanted to he could get up and walk short distances at a time. It was wonderful. But no one was better than grace, she was a trooper. She is a kid that would have whined about being the only one walking, but we heard nothing. she was wonderful, and a joy to be around. We had a blast. Memories we will have forever. here are some highlights with pics if I can get them to work.

Nathans Pirates League- this is new thing you can do at the magic kingdom for boys to turn into pirates. I had researched it online, and told Ian to get him to not pick the "cursed" pirate, so of course he does. here is before and after.

Well, they are at the beginning of this post. sorry, i cant figure out how to move them. im an idiot

Graces Bibbiti Bobbitit Boutique- Grace got turned into Snow White on her special day, right before we ate lunch at the castle. she was beautiful!!! no telling where these pics will end up.

well, this is stupid, I need jaime to tell me how to do it

after (almost) 10 years of marriage

2009-10-29T14:00:00.000-05:00

It makes me smile that after almost 10 years of marriage, Ian still giggles like a school girl when I fart in bed. Hope this made you smile today too :)

Family

2009-10-26T14:28:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful for the family I have. I have come to realize this past week that I have it really easy. We may have fought a lot growing up, but all my siblings and I get along great as do our families. I know of other people not so lucky (no names will be mentioned to protect the innocent or the not so innocent) they have siblings in constant turmoil, or parents who act like they are one of the kids. Just to be honest, this whole post is just about my immediate side of the family, this is neither the time nor the place to get into all the other "stuff" (insert word of your choice if you would like) My parents are great. Really, they may be the most incredibly generous people I have ever met. I dont know of one time they have not seen a need and not acted on trying to help. And they wont ever let you pay them back either. Once all of us kids tried to take my dad out to lunch for his birthday and successfully got the check away from him when he goes out to his car and gets out 4 Wii's he had bought. One for each kid. All of our jaws just dropped. It was awesome. They are also really good about boundaries. They wont push in until asked. They try to stay back and let us live our own lives unless we ask for advice or opinions. And I think because of that we ask them a lot. Because even with an opinion, they never tell us what to do (even if sometimes thats what I want) I know a lot of people who struggle when they have a baby and have asked how we were alone in the delivery room. I kind of looked confused and then said, well we didnt ask them to be. It was as easy as that. gotta go, ians home sick, but I have a great family!!!!!!!

Stuff

2009-10-15T12:30:00.001-05:00

I never knew October could be so busy. This year with the kids being in two different schools, it is crazy! Not to mention Jonahs Birthday, Bible Club at school, Awana, The craft show, Ians birthday, and Halloween! It is crazy. Luckily, I am in the most organized time in my life. And trust me that is really saying something. I try to FLY I dont know if you know what it is, but it is awesome www.flylady.net is the site. At the beginning it says, do you live in CHAOS (cant have anyone over syndrome?) That was my life!!! I love having people over, but the house was always too messy, but it has gotten much better. since I stay home there will never be a day when EVERYTHING is done, but Im doing much better. My laundry is still caught up, but not the ironing (boring) and I still have lots of spare time. Not this week though because of Jonahs Birthday party Sat. I hope it goes well. sometimes when both sides of Ians family gets together sparks can fly. So we shall see. I made my dip, favors, and candy corn cookies today. Even more to do tomorrow, then soccer before the party on Sat. Whew! Im tired after reading this :)

Love Stinks

2009-10-08T09:52:00.000-05:00

Jonah is my youngest son, about to turn one. He is the sweetest, smileyiest boy ever. He starting to walk and talk. I thought he was doing good with momma (ma ma) daddy (da da) and Nathan (na na) sense a pattern here?? All until last night. You know how sometimes commercial jingles get stuck in your head? Well, Nathan and I had both been singing Love Stinks from the new swiffer commercials all day. Then last night I was just singing to myself as I was straightening up and I sang really loud, "Love Stinks!" Then I heard a little voice go, "Yeah Yeah" plain as day, I turned around thinking it was Nathan, but he had gone to the bathroom. My little almost one year old was the only one around. So I did it again, "Love Stinks!", he looked at me and goes "Yeah Yeah!" I kid you not, Jonah was singing it with me. So of course we called daddy, and all I said was hold on, "Love Stinks!" then really loudly, jonah did it again. Ian was like, was that jonah! No one could believe it. By then Jonah had figured out he got attention for it, so I pulled out my phone and took a video. So cute. I still cant believe it. He is one smart little boy. I tried to put the video up on facebook, but for some reason the audio didnt come thru, so I'll have to try to figure it out. I need to get a good video and put it on You Tube. I think it could be huge ! :)

gone again

2009-10-06T06:44:00.000-05:00

So, Ian is gone again. From Tues to Sat. In atlanta at some big conference. and a U2 concert. The kids have gotten used to him being gone which i'm not gonna lie makes me mad sometimes. That he is gone enough that it is not a big deal to them anymore. But I still dont like it. I hate sleeping alone and being the one in charge at night. I woke up this morning and had a daymare about me having to kill someone who had broken into our house. It was bad, I had to figure out who to call (after 911) And then I had to change out of my pjs to go to the police station, and leave the kids with someone. And I also refused to be alone in the house until Ian got back. Mind you this was all in the first 15 of him being gone this morning. At least Im not too old to have an imagination. But in reality I know if anything did happen even when Ian was here, I would be doing most of the protecting anyway. He would go charging thru the house in his underwear and gun (as he has on a few occasions) and I would have to protect the kids. Also in reality, we live in such a weird place that I dont think a robber could find our house and we have a gravel road so they couldnt be quiet at all. Anyway, this has been my morning so far. I should have gone straight to the kitchen to fix a big breakfast, but oh well. I'm over it. Toast will work.

ps I am a horrible speller

things I want

2009-10-05T16:14:00.000-05:00

I've decided I need to get back into this, because I love reading my friends blogs, and hope that they will like to read mine. so I decided to start with the things I would like to blog about. Maybe I will get thru the list and maybe not.

1 My kids

2 my husband (the good and the bad)

3 Struggles i face in my life

4 the babies I've lost (will be a hard one)

5 funny memories I have of growing up

6how God is working in my life

(I started this with a whole list in my head and it's gone now)

7stupid people I see in my life (strangers, just dumb ones)

8 gifts I would like to receive (feel free to give hints to my husband)

9my very strict beliefs and how they have changed thru my life

10 things I like to do

11 anything else that strikes my fancy

We shall see how this goes. So far it's looking pretty boring

right now I'm looking at Jonah as he swings himself in his swing. maybe a clue he is too big for it.

Jonah Gregory Stamps

2008-11-19T14:57:00.000-06:00

Well, he's here and I'm not making any promises on this blog. I'll probably write some and do more later. 3 kids is a whole new ball game. I feel like phoebe on friends when she was sitting for her triplet neices and nephews and when left alone screames "they're going to triple team me!" That's exactly how it is. anyway. NOTICE--some of what you are about to read may totally disgust some of you (provided people actually read this) however I want an accurate discription of that day to look back on later so dont read if you dont want to know what labor and delivery is really like--the good the bad and the ugly. so im going to stop here today because i feel guilty doing this and not getting any work done while the baby is actually sleeping :)

38 weeks

2008-10-14T18:15:00.000-05:00

well. I'm still here. Not only am I not in labor, but I haven't even progressed any from last week. Barely two cm and 70-80% effaced. Bah Humbug. Well, there is a full moon tonight...maybe that will give me a kick start. Hopefully, I wont update again until after the birth.....hopefully :)

that's right be amazed

2008-10-01T13:55:00.000-05:00

So, my appt was yesterday and I'm already updating. I'm very proud of myself. The appt was a great one. I had an ultrasound and the first thing the dr said was .... do your kids normally have big heads?? To which I replied, yes they do. Well, this one is to be no different, it's head is measuring in the 97th percentile as is it's belly. We did get to see that it has hair and really chubby cheeks. Nathan was thrilled that we got to see his wee wee. As of now, it's average weight is 8 lbs 14 ozs with 4 more weeks to go, although the dr said he didnt think it was wuite that big yet, it was just the head and belly throwing the measurements off, but where else does fat sit other than the cheeks and belly ??? Who knows, only time will tell. I'm 1 cm dialated and 80% effaced for those of you who know what that means.. I dont really, although he did say the baby is already really low. He said its on its way to come early, but he cant say for sure. So I'm stuck like this for probably a couple more weeks. I dont know how much bigger I can get though, I couldn't even see the scale read out when I got weighed. Which I guess is not a bad thing. We did get 3d pics but they didnt come out well, the babies umbilical cord was in front of it's face, but we could see a little. Well, that's all for know i'll consider updating next week after my appt on tuesday.

behind

2008-09-22T14:23:00.001-05:00

well, so much for this great idea of a pregnancy blog. I think I've missed all the important stuff. Lets see....I'm 35 weeks now pregnant with our 2nd boy- Jonah Gregory. However I am measuring 4 weeks ahead so the baby is measuring 39 weeks. Does that mean I'll go early? Who knows. Will it just be really big? Who knows. All I know is, it feels big, I can't move around as well, and I'm ready to meet this new person. I have an ultrasound next Tuesday to see it's position and weight. So we'll know more next week. Does that mean I'll update this blog? Who knows. I do know the baby is head down, and last night it turned face up, so I guess he's ready to come. I'll update again when I know more....maybe :)

16 weeks

2008-05-21T15:48:00.000-05:00

so, I had my 16 week check up last week. Everything was great. The heast rate was 155. I did have to take an early glucose test for some low blood sugar problems, but everything was fine. The juice they made me drink was disgusting. I was sick all day. But from the results, the baby is just taking more out of me than I'm putting in, so I have to keep snacks with me all the time. Which should be great for the weight gain, but oh well, as long as the baby is ok. 3 more weeks until we find out what we're having :)

week 13, why this is

2008-04-21T08:33:00.000-05:00

So, many of you are probably thinking, this is not like Jodie. But I know several of you like to keep up on how the pregnancy is going, and I thought that if I actually keeep up with this (We shall see), then I can print it off and have a good keepsake for this baby. So, I went to the doctor last week on Wednesday, just for a check up. I had to see the nurse practitioner because Dr LaPoint was doing a delivery. So Michelle came in with a student who asked if she could take the heart tones. Well, she was an idiot. She couldn't find it. But luckily you could tell she didn't know ow to do it, and Michelle found it right away. So all in all, it was a good check up. I did however get in trouble for not gaining any weight. So, I have a mission to put on 1 pound a week before next month. Coldstone, here I come :) Grace is getting very excited about the baby. She loves to feel my tummy, which is getting very big. Not that the baby is, but my tummy just keeps growing. I keep telling her that we should feel kicks sometime this month, and she is over the top excited. Nathan likes to say he's a big brother. I don't think he really gets it, but maybe when he feels the movement he will. Well, that's all for now, some time I want to backtrack and start at the beginning, but not today, I can only handle this a little at a time.