The Art of Sharing....but only the things you hate...

Ahhh Sharing. That lovely concept of giving up something that is yours and giving it to someone else. I mean who came up with that huh? Why would I want to share my piece of pie with you...get your own.

Ohh right! Because it's the right thing to do and sharing actually makes you feel good inside. Now that Lily has a little person to share with, we have been working really hard on this concept....Sometimes it works....Sometimes it doesn't



As you can see by this photo...we are in the "if I reach it really high over my head you can't reach it" stage.

We're a work in progress

Gray and his GF asked for some caramel sauce for their ice cream the other day....well I had some cream in my fridge that was ready to be thrown out....so what does any mother do? Makes Caramel Sauce



I may or may not have pour it straight from the jar into my mouth...and got caught.

Only took 3 ingredients....sugar, cream, and butter and made my house smell lovely to boot.



Pinterest my lovely friend....You have sometimes failed me...and sometimes made me jump for joy...from my camera strap



to the door thingy I made for Reid's room...



To my craft desk that I made from an old door...to the Moss Covered S and burlap banners...



To some of the meals that (excuse me) sucked. To the ones that rocked our socks off.

Source: traceysculinaryadventures.blogspot.com via Laura on Pinterest

I do love you...You have made me feel more creative and inspired than I have been in ages.

We have a dresser that we can't figure out what to do with it...Well Pinterest made me realize what we will do with it....

Source: sewmanyways.blogspot.com via Laura on Pinterest

Awww another day of Pinning and actually making the stuff to show I am productive

Why I Hate Sponge Bob

Hate...that's a strong word....

I know there are parents and kids alike out there that love that little nasty germ filled sponge that never gets a good sterilization.....but that little bugger rubbed me the wrong way....and he's everywhere....I can't even go to the store w/o seeing him on every aisle! Too bad he's not on toilet paper...Now that I might buy!!! Ask Lily "What is Sponge Bob?" and she'll tell you "BADDDD" haha and she's never seen an episode!

So..... about many years ago...put it this way...oldest was in 4th...he's in 10th now.....The kids had been begging me to watch Spongey....I said no...why? Well no reason really...the show just looked annoying.....and they kept begging....and I kept saying no...then it dawned on me....ALL OF THEIR SHOWS WERE ANNOYING....so I said yes, but I would watch an episode FIRST with them and then decide. So there I sat...bored and totally not impressed but didn't find anything to horrible with the show said I said ok....(cheers from the crowd...)

I know I know I'm such a mean mom and all....the show says it's geared towards preschool age but the older kids get a kick out of him too.

Several days later while making dinner....the sponge is on in the background....I can see the tv while cooking....the kids are glued to the tube and I'm sort of paying attention to the show....and I hear something....wait...what did I just see?

The story was something about a 'fake' food inspector was coming around to the restaurants...and sponge and the cook got wind so they thought they would put vomit....and flies....and other nasty stuff in the food when the 'fake' guy came.....sure enough....the 'fake' guy comes in and they serve him. Next thing....the 'fake' food inspector kills over....and they show it by putting big X's over his eyes. Sponge and the cook get all excited...the 'fake' food critic is dead. UMMMM WHAT? THEY ARE CHEERING AND EXCITED? Why on earth are they cheering that they killed this guy? How is that cool to teach kids?

But I can't quit watching.....next thing sponge and cook see on the telly that the 'REAL' inspector is coming around and show a picture of him....and it's a pic of the 'fake' one that sponge and cook killed. They panic...(ummm really?) and they try to hide the body. They put him in the trunk of the car and drive to a hill and start to dig a hole. (are you with me so far?)

then it starts to rain on them...

As they are digging the cops come (oohhh scary) the cops stop to chat with Sponge and Cook and ask if they need help digging? (hey cops we are burying a dead body...one sec will ya?) and then ask how much longer they will be b/c they want a Crunchy or Crusty or whatever burger.....As it's raining the body slides out of the hole and down the hill....and if I remember right the cops help them put the 'bag' back in the trunk for Sponge and cook....(lovely I tell ya)

SO back to the restaurant they all go.....Sponge and Cook are freaking at this point and stash the body in the freezer to make food for the cops (surely we are getting great lessons out of this right?)

Well I don't really remember the rest of the story....I think the guy wasn't dead but more 'in shock from nasty food' and he lived. (hip hooray! right?)

BUT WHAT THE HECK?

What's the moral of that story we teach to our kids? It's ok if you kill someone...just bury the body when it's not raining and away from cops? Ohhh and sometimes it turns out ok and you didn't really kill the guy, he just passed out?

I thought the point of shows was to teach a cute lesson....ohhhh You know how on Bubble Guppies they teach to sit at a table at a restaurant and order and eat your food like a good boy or girl? Or the time Blue's Clues was teaching the kids to use their memory to retrace their steps if they lost something....or how Team Umizoomi teaches the kids about patterns?

I'm not sure the lesson I'm going for as a parent is to teach my child how to hide bodies....

When I told a few of my friends what I saw and how they should be careful what their kids watch...their response was "ohhhhh that was only 1 show"

mmmmmm maybe only 1 show they caught or didn't catch...but seriously that one show spoiled the lot. But what worries me is....what other 'great lessons' is Sponge Bob teaching kids mixed in with bad humor?
It reminded me of a story our Pastor told us one Sunday....(I'll break it down in a few sentences)

If I made you batch of delicious smelling brownies...and added an extra organic ingredient that was POO...would you still eat it? I mean it was just 1 ingredient....the rest still has eggs....chocolate....water....flour.....and poo. ? Same thing...that one episode spoiled the batch!

You decide!

You won't find that germ infested pile of poo playing in our house!

Side note....18 weeks today....I still feel terrific....still growing like a whale...and guess what? Next week we get to see sweet bean...and find out if he's a she or she's a he! woohoo! I'm beyond thrilled!

Pregnancy Hormones....The Laughter Kind

I seriously have had the giggles lately. Everything that seems to happen is really funny...here are a few things this week that got me in stitches...Again probably not funny to anyone else, but I couldn't stop..

Tuesday

I have some really big glass jars that I have some of that chalkboard vinyl on for labels. I have a sugar, powdered sugar, flour, and rice jar. I usually have the words in French....through use (touching and grabbing the jars) the words were smearing so I wiped them all off and was looking for chalk to rewrite them. Being me....(clears throat) I got side tracked and never got around to rewriting them. I KNOW which jar is which though...they are always in the same order. Enter hubs

He went to make some dinner on Tuesday night....Shrimp in a garlic lemon sauce....he used the "flour" to thicken the mixture...I kept seeing him make faces...and kept adding stuff to his mixture. I was busy doing other things and not totally paying attention to him....I remember looking at the counter and thinking..."Why is my Powdered Sugar jar out?" Light bulb goes off....
"Ummm honey? Did you use that jar on the counter there?"
"Yes? why?"
"Well b/c that's not flour....that's powdered sugar"
"Well that explains why my shrimp and sauce are really sweet and not the flavor I was going for"
Me....uncontrollable laughter. I mean I know it's funny, but not that funny, but I couldn't help myself....
He ate it anyways...

Wednesday

Around dusk Lily, Reid, Me, and the In Laws were outside letting the kids play...the neighbors came out and all the kids were playing.....then it started to get dark out....but the fun continued....
Out on the upstairs balcony Kate comes out and hollers for me to come up...I holler back that I will in a minute....I tell her to come to us...and she cries NOOOO
She comes back out a few mins later...same thing ....and I said same thing...In a min
A few mins later...out she comes AGAIN. This time we pack up and go in.....Upstairs I go to her room....only to find her in tears WITH A COMB TWISTED AND TANGLED IN HER BANGS. I couldn't help but bust out laughing. Which of course had her crying more. I told her that was a huge mess and either I could work it out....or we'd have to cut it out...(it was really bad) She cried harder....I laughed harder. I ended up working the comb out and all was well! She learned the hard way that you don't twist your hair around combs....and ask someone else to help you because your mom is a freak.

Thursday

Back before Reid was born Lily would take a bath at night with Barbie and Ken. She named Ken Dude Friend....(That is where Reid got his nickname...)

So last night I remembered Ken and Barbie and got them out for the 2 buddies to play with in the tub. I handed Reid Dude and Lily Barbie.....Reid stared at Ken for a min....got a weird expression...then got up in the water on his hands and feet (like a bear) then looked at me with horror and belted out screaming in terror. Again...I busted out laughing...(great mom huh....he's terrified and I laugh) I guess a naked Ken Barbie in the tub is enough to scare anyone huh? I'm dying to know what was going on in his head.

But with each of these I start laughing and can't stop....the kind where you can't talk...you look in pain, but you're really laughing...and the minute you think you're done you start up again.....It's good for the soul.

I'm pretty sure sweet bean growing in my belly thinks I'm totally insane already. It's not alone....the other siblings already know that.

The Best Day Ever.....

Yesterday started off great...kids slept perfectly (I did mention Dude has been sleeping through the night for about a month now right?....it's about time huh) I got dinner started in the slow cooker and dessert made all done by 8 am....I pulled a Pinterest recipe out and was not disappointed...

Source: plainchicken.com via Laura on Pinterest

although I altered it a bit...we added some ham base and a few chunks of potatoes (added at last hr) that I had leftover in the pantry calling for a meal. I say this was a hit...

Then off to the Galleria to meet the Mother In Law for a day of shopping....first stop? American Girl Store....Lily has been really into babies lately....Which is totally fun considering the fact that Mini Me had baby dolls but never ever got 'into' it. She could take them or leave them. Lily on the other hand just exploded in the "I need to feed, dress, change, play, and put my baby to sleep" My MIL went crazy on Lily....(don't judge...grandparents are supposed to spoil) she got another bitty baby...this one has dark hair and blue eyes....Lily has since named her Lucy. Lucy got a baby carrier....play food....a play baby food mixer....bowls....sippy cups....bird spoons....bottles....blankets...back pack....



a couple of changes of clothes....(and I had to buy the matching outfit for Lily) MIL also bought Miss Thang Julie the American Doll...have you seen the cool 70's girl?



Lily walked the mall with Julie...holding her hand and showing her the sights....Then off to the "special" shoe store...where Lily got 2 new pairs of shoes....her choice...and Reid got a pair too...(yea Reid) Then some clothes...Miss Thang picked out 2 dresses....a hello kitty bathing suit and hello kitty rain coat. Reid got a cute Cookie Monster stuff animal that he pleasantly chewed on the entire trip....Lily picked Pizza for our lunch....which both kids inhaled....I was impressed at how well they did.....long day and totally totally fun!

The minute in the door we had to dress and change and feed our baby a million times. Lily needed to match so off our clothes came and we pranced around happily matching Lucy. When my inlaws came for dinner, Lily dragged her "old dad" off the park and she had to bring her baby and baby carrier! (grand dads are terrific)

Before bed we had to change back into the baby pj's and she fed her baby....don't get me started on how she slept with all that....she was one proud mommy!

Before bed Lily told me that was the "Best Day Ever" (grins)

This morning has been more of the same....Ive already put Lily's dress in the wash for her to wear her's again to match Lucy....(Lucy of course has been fed and changed again this morning)
This photo cracks me up....she said she needed to be "swerious for her photo with her baby" notice the hand motion as if she is a Price is Right model showing off the prizes....



The kids have been playing in the backyard...Lily is on a trip taking Lucy to "Americas" and picking wildflowers....Reid is along for the ride she said....

I had forgotten how incredibly fun it is to play baby dolls...(and how much easier they are to care for haha)

On a side note....this sweet guy is 13 months today....ain't he a handsome soul!!

Miscellany Monday----17 weeks

one. 17 weeks



and counting...holy macaroni batman! my fav checker at walmart commented that i'm almost getting close to the halfway mark. how is that possible? i just found out (or so it seems) i guess by the 6th baby it flies by...still working out sleeping arrangements....and dying to find out if it's a girl or boy! hubs and i came up with some names the other day.....the girl name of course hasn't changed from when we were picking boy and girl with reid....we're one of 'those' that like to find out before the bless'ed event! People say well then it's not a surprise...yeah it is....b/c I didn't know before the tech tells me...and I HAVE to have the room ready...clothes, blankets, and sheets washed....I need it all prepared...No last minute shopping after baby is born...who wants to shop AFTER baby? I also like to give him/her a name while still kicking inside...makes me feel more attached....dreaming of hair color, eye color and what they will look like....makes it all the more real.

two. flutter

speaking of sweet bean....I felt her/him move this weekend for the first time...I was sitting eating dinner with the family and felt this tiny flutter in my lower belly...that little "hey mommy notice me notice me I'm real". The best feeling in the world feeling that little flutter for the first time. Hi Sweetie!

three. one handed

I do a lot of things one handed....cook, type, take pictures, eat, grocery shop, laundry, crack eggs, walk....just to name a few. Why? Because there is usually a babe on my hip...and it looks to be the case for another 3 years...I've perfected picking up stuff with my toes....but there is one thing I don't recommend doing one handed? Opening a can of Canola Spray (you know the Pam stuff) I popped the top with one hand this morning while baking Banana Nut Muffins....Guess the nozzle was facing me....I guess I popped the top too close to the nozzle...I guess it sprayed me in the eyes....Better me then Dude Friend...I guess I still have a few more things to learn one handed...

four. tweens

Mini Me cracks me up....she so wants to grow up and I soooo seem to stifle that growth. Too many of our (meaning the world) girls grow up too fast and miss out on being a little girl. Trust me I would if I could go back in time... She is constantly wanting to put make up on...or wear perfume....or the dreaded 'shave my legs' . Honey what you don't understand is once you do that....YOU CAN'T QUIT. I've put dates on most of these things...praying those dates never come (a mom can dream) This weekend after I put the babies to bed...off we went for mom and daughter cheesecake date. It was great to get away with just her to visit. Then yesterday she went with me to run an errand...on the way home I asked her a question....in the most dramatic of all voices....she said "I have no emotion to answer...I'm soooo hungry" and that was that! TWEENS

five. FAILURE AGAIN

If you remember last week I tried to make the King's Cake for Fat Tuesday...and I didn't bloom my dern yeast. I take pride in my baking...I'm not much of a cook...but now a baker?...that's different. There isn't a recipe (usually) that I can't conquer. What is wrong with me? Ok so today I got my yeast going perfectly....but the sucker rises 5 times bigger than it was supposed to I guess during the 2nd rise....(I tried patting down) and when it baked? Don't get me started of the hilarious sight. First I made a mistake by doubling the filling and adding some...(I didn't all the whole double...but I know how my man likes a little more of filling in stuff) The ring didn't seal together like it was supposed to...and yes I followed the directions....it busted apart and the inside oozed out. Now if I had followed the directions and put it on a baking sheet like it said (I used my stone b/c well heck I usually use my stone while baking) it wouldn't have caused the smoke filled house. Because what happens when something drips (no runs) off your pan and into the bottom of your stove? Yes, that would be the mommy and toddler who find the kitchen filled with smoke after reading a book in the other room. Dear me....not only did I take it out b/c it was browning too soon....but it look horrid. I will conquer this recipe...I have never ever met a recipe I can't bake.



(Note...I did peel off the top left side of ring to taste it...it wasn't bad...but I wonder if the middle side of the ring got cooked through? I'm still gonna ice and decorate it later...the kids will still eat my masterpiece (ummm failure) Try and Try again!

Why I am What I am....

A SAHM Mom

Because I can't imagine anyone else doing my job better than me.

I can't imagine anyone else waking my sweet babies or tucking them in at night.

Because I can't imagine anyone feeding my baby first thing in the morning and getting all the snuggles....

Because I can't imagine anyone else seeing all the FIRSTS
First grin, giggle, roll, food, push up, crawl, walk, word...

Because I'm selfish and want them all.

I want all the hugs....the kisses...as snotty and slobbery as they may be.

Because I want to be the one they run to when happy or scrape a knee.

I want to be the one waiting at home with cookies and a glass a milk to hear all about their day....I want the first version not the pass down b/c it's been told a million times version already.

Because I don't want to miss all the sweet nursery rhyme songs sung off key at random times during the day.

I don't want to miss the 'nature' walks with my sweets pointing out all the bugs or planes flying by.

Because I don't want someone else to see the pure bliss on my child's face as they fly a kite.

Because I don't want someone else teaching my child the itsy bitsy spider w/o me.

Because I want to be the one who's smile they see first thing after their long nap.

Because I want to be the one that tickles them until they squeal.

Because I want to be the one they reach their little arms up to to be picked up.

Because I want to be the one invited to the Tea Party dressed as a Princess or Fairy.

Because I don't want to miss this....the way they love each other....



I don't want to miss one single second of their days....I can rest and have "me" time when my sweet babes leave my nest...until then...give me it all!!

Product of the Week: Great Smelling Babies

Carter's Lotion and Bath Wash



If you are anything like me you realize our sweet babies skin have sensitive needs....well at least my babes do. Finding an inexpensive sensitive skin soap was a challenge...they were all super priced....

Until I ran across the new baby line at Carter's. I adore Carter's clothes....they have held up through multiple hand me downs....the quality is great and so are their prices. When I saw a baby care line I was sold....but not at $8 a piece....but they had a buy 1 get 1 free...$4 a piece.
Every time I have gone in that store everything is always 40% off...Now we're looking at $2.40 a piece....and if you have an iphone...use your app that gives you 20% off of a $40 purchase. (hello...I always come out spending $40) So score!

Both say they are Paraben Free (a must for me)
with a soothing scent...



I personally can't tell a scent on the wash...but the lotion is really lovely. I get headaches with strong scents on lotions....(that Johnson's lavender lotion makes me ill) Most bath and body does too...I have to have light scents...and this works perfect! I love sniffing and cuddling my babies after bath time!! Nothing like a sweet smelling babe to lift your spirits.

What's your favorite bath wash and lotion for your kids?

Epic Fail....Yeast is NOT my Friend....

I hate yeast....

Or

I hate the fact that I can't predict what temp the water is....
I think I have wasted more packages of yeast b/c of the whole temp thingy. Makes me mad.... I tried to guess the temp of the water...and I guess I was wrong...

MY YEAST DIDN'T BLOOM. You know what that means right?

Ugh I was so excited to start the morning off baking bread. 1 packet of yeast....let's not screw this up Laura....(I guess I jinxed myself)

I turned the water on....and flushed the morning cold from them.....I got it warm but not too warm....tested it and retested it....2nd guessed myself and added a little warm/cold to it....WHY OH WHY....tossed in my yeast and 5-15mins later ....barely a bubble....

But I proceeded on....like a fool wasting 5 1/2 cups of flour and all the other ingredients in the bread....

I knew something was wrong when I was kneading it....it didn't feel like my other doughs...I told myself (to feel better) that I had never made this recipe before and to settle....

Oiled my bowl....put my dough in and patted her telling her to rise.

She didn't listen....2 hrs later I had a brick in my bowl...the same size I put in the bowl. BOOOO

I hate yeast!
It was too late to head to the store.....it was nap time.....and after that the kids would be home....

I think I'll try again tomorrow!

But...if there are those that like to bake bread....give this recipe a try...It looks great and I'll try her out again! I will not give up!

Maybe I should get a thermometer too huh!?

King Cake

by Suzan Jackson and Alcestis Llobrera, Photograph by Bill Milne

Hands-on Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (includes rising and cooling time)
Serves: 18

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 5 1/4 cups flour
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

• small plastic toy baby
• FOR THE FILLING
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• FOR THE TOPPING
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons water or milk
• Gold-, green-, and purple-colored sugar

Instructions

1. For the cake, microwave the butter and milk in a small bowl until the butter has almost melted, about 1 minute. Stir the mixture, then microwave it until the butter has completely melted, about 30 seconds more. Stir in the vanilla extract, then allow the mixture to cool to a lukewarm temperature (around 110°).

2. Meanwhile, in another small bowl, add the yeast to the water, stir once, then let it rest for 5 minutes.

3. In a large bowl, use a whisk to combine the flour and sugar. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients, slowly pour the yeast mixture into the well, and use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to fold and combine.
   
   Add the butter mixture, folding to combine, then add the eggs, folding to combine them as well.

4. Transfer the dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead the dough until it is smooth and stretchy, about 8 minutes, adding more flour if the dough is too wet. Place the dough in a large, clean, generously oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.
   
   Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 2 hours.

5. Combine all the filling ingredients with a fork until they are well blended.

6. Line a 13- by 16-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 10- by 16-inch rectangle.
   
   Spread the filling over the dough, leaving a 1-inch strip uncovered at one long end. Beginning at the opposite end, roll up the dough jelly roll–style, pinching the seam closed with your fingers.

7. Place the roll on the prepared baking sheet and shape it to form a 13-inch-wide ring. Lightly wet the edges of the ring's ends with water, then pinch them to seal them together. With a knife, cut slashes about 1/2 inch deep into the top of the dough around the entire ring.
   
   Cover the ring with plastic wrap and let it rise for 45 minutes.

8. Heat the oven to 350°. Bake the cake until it is light brown, about 30 minutes. Place it on a wire rack to cool, about 3 to 5 minutes, then insert the toy baby into the top of the cake. Cool the cake for another 30 minutes.

9. Meanwhile, make the icing by whisking together the confectioners' sugar and water or milk. Ice the cake while it is still slightly warm, then immediately top it with the purple, gold, and green sugars, alternating the colors (this will hide the baby's location).

Tips:

To keep the ring from closing during baking, fill the center hole with a ramekin about 2 inches tall and 3 inches wide.

Miscellany Monday.....Foody Alert

one. Lily

From the moment she has woken up this morning I have been in stitches laughing and crying. She has said the craziest things....she's usually a grump monster....so I will take this side of her when I can.
First thing out of her mouth when she saw me was...."Momma did you know Moses stinks (that's our dog)...his tail is really fluffy and under it it's naaaasty"

"Momma did you know you DON'T pee pee in the bed....you go in the potty. When I woke up I used my nose like this (sniff sniff sniff) to smell the bed" Ok this one made me nervous and I checked her pj's...nope dry hahahaha
She saw oldest brother and said...."Hey Grayson...look at my tongue...it's yellow...can I see your tongue...what color is your tongue?" then "Hey Grayson....did you know you go poo poo? I went pee pee and poo poo this morning. I made a lot of black moons (what she calls poo)" Gray's response? "Lily you need more fiber then"

Ok this girl cracks me up

two. These bad boys



I had an itching for these ever since I saw them in the magazine last week. I was out of eggs for like ever...and finally this weekend I gave them a go! Got a total green light from me!

Brownie Waffles

Stir 1/2 cup butter and 3 oz chopped sweetened chocolate over med-low heat until melted. Remove from heat. Mix in 1/2 cup sugar. Then add 2 eggs (slowly...don't want to curdle them), 1 tsp vanilla, 1 cup flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Whisk in 1 cup of milk until smooth. Pour into your waffle maker....serve with fruit! mmmmm we added some 'snow' to ours...that's what Miss Lily calls powdered sugar!



three. Heather

Thanks for those that are praying...her surgery is this morning and this is her CaringBridge page if you would like updates!

Heather's Page

four. The Devil

Man raising tweens isn't what I expected. Not from my sweet Mini Me. Heaven forbid we as parents ask our children to pick up after themselves (like a million times) or not leave wet towels on the carpet (a pet peeve) ...I overheard said daughter tell her friend...."yeah when my friends are here she's nice...when they leave she's the devil" I guess I'm the devil when I took her last weekend for daughter mommy shopping....or when we head for hot chocolate after the babies are in bed for girl time....or when I visit with her while she's in the shower asking about her day etc....OHHH I'll show her the devil when she comes home today! (evil laugh BAHAHAHAHA)

five. 16 weeks

I can't believe how fast this is going...slow down bessie!! I still haven't figured out which dresser drawer this little sweet bean is going to be sleeping in. (totally kidding...I know which dresser drawer....ha ha kidding again) I'm gonna have hubs take a picture of me out on the balcony where I take Reid's monthly photos....so stay tuned...I mean we all know that a baby bump is exciting right? (not) unless it's your own. 3 weeks until we find out cowgirl or cowboy...I'm itching with EXCITEMENT. No new news to tell you about. Weight gain hasn't been bad...I feel great....Reid is sleeping through the night now (knock on wood) about 11 days straight. If he does wake up I'm not sure what I will do....I physically feel great...emotionally I'm doing great (I mean even though I'm the devil and all) No complaints....just give me until about 30 weeks...then I'll bust your ears with some)

six. 6 Maids a Milking.....

I think I mentioned how back at Christmas my InLaws and parents blessed me with a Maid Service for a few months...well I will have to keep them....I do daily cleaning, but knowing they are coming once a month to really get some major cleaning makes me giddy with happiness...I mean imagine 8 months pregnant in the summer temps of 100+ and they come? Makes me want to weep....Now I need to beg the family for more months.....My birthday is in April...so fam if you are reading this....I would be the sweetest girl ever for a few more months!!!!

I Ain't No Feminist....

*disclaimer....these are my views...and I'm not forcing them on you...just stating my views...so no need to write ugly words to me....thanks*

I'm Feminine ....womanly....but not even close to a Feminist...

You see to me ...Feminist implies (again I said to me ppl) those women who get all hot and bothered and put their hands on their hips saying "GIRL POWER" or "If a man can do it I can do it...better" or "I don't need no stinkin man"

For starters....what is girl power? You a super hero? Like a Power Puff?

I hate to tell you this....but God made MAN different than us for a reason. (thank you Lord) I love being soft and curvy....and I love that my man is strong and rough. I love that my hands are delicate and made to nurture....I love that his are strong and were made to toil the earth (work for my family) and fixes things. I love that he's the rational to my emotional.....and I LOVE THAT I CAN GIVE BIRTH.....men were made for other things...and I embrace all things GIRLY....and not try to be like my hubs.

As for I don't need no stinkin man....OHHH YES I DO.....too many to list since they would make you blush!

My husband is my best friend....and he's all man....and loves that I'm all woman!!

I'm sorry but I believe if you choose to walk down the street wearing next to nothing then don't complain when men gawk or

Why am I spouting this nonsense to you?

I guess I read a Liberal (gasp) magazine Parents....sorry yes to me it is....most topics are totally not on board with my views....but I got it free and I like reading about baby clothes....baby food.....and in fact on page 54 of the March issue they talked about a temperature gadget I want....anywho

They had the top 2012 Best Blog awards.......and I wanted to see if there were any I had read. I love finding new blogs to read....crafty ones too....

The first one up was a mommy blog.....I got all excited...b/c hello? I love the mommy blogs, but alas I had never heard of her....after reading a bit if her blog....not likely I ever will...

You see she's one of 'those' .....

The ones that think it's ok that the little boys want to paint their nails Pink....or wear ballet tutu's to the store....or for the boys to like all thinks Pink and Sparkly and that's the theme they want for their Birthday Parties....or for her daughter's friends that are boys to want to wear pink tights with his shorts to school....b/c after all it's a free world and everyone is equal. Sorry....I can't agree with her......My boys are NOT like my girls and my girls are NOT like my boys. And honestly I like it that way.

I guess I'd better get off my soap box and get my barefeet and pregnant (6 times over) belly back in the kitchen.....I really like it there....there is something about wearing an apron and baking banana bread that puts me in the mood!!

For those that are praying for Heather...keep praying....she arrived in Dallas late Wednesday and and they admitted her for more testing.....the doctor said surgery will be Monday and then they will have an idea of how to treat this. But it doesn't look good....The tumor is large and on the left lower side....and there were fingers already growing to the right side. Her children are still back home I'm sure missing her like crazy and scared to death. Pray for her and her family. Pray that the tumor shrinks or is gone and that a true miracle happens to their family!

P.S. I hope you're still my friend after reading this.....