Mommy to Mommy

Ok people I need HELP with this one. I don't care if you read and never comment. I don't care if we know each other, you're a friend of a friend, or just snooping around~ I need some input!

In case you're wondering YES it has to with Carleigh AGAIN. Go ahead laugh because that is what she makes me do most of the day but there is 1 particular time of the day that I could very well lose my mind (have I watched Jon and Kate plus 8 a little too much??!!??).

So here's the deal...how do you make a 2 year old sleep in HER bed? Since she was about 15 months old I guess Carleigh would literally flip herself out of her crib. So once we moved into the house she got a big girl bed. She did really well with it for a long time, well once we moved the beds together so she wouldn't fall out, but lately it's been a nightmare getting her to sleep in her bed. It started with her coming and getting in the bed occassionally and then it went to every night. I had enough of that and would then put her on the couch. Oh that lasted about 2 nights. I finally got smart and put Gracie's nap mat for MDO last year on the floor with a sheet, blanket, and pillow. I kid you not, Carliegh comes down EVERY night, gets on the mat and goes back to sleep.

It's not really that big of deal except I hate that she has a perfectly good bed upstairs and she's sleeping on the floor. It also bothers me because it's like she needs to be by me. Don't get me wrong I love the fact that she loves her momma but I'm scared she may be a little too attached, however she does fine going into her classes at church.

So what do you think...should I be concerned or just let it go???

Some Christmas cheer!

Thank you to my friend Susan for sending this to me. Merry Christmas to you and yours...may we all remember the true reason for the season, Jesus Christ, and cherish the gift of family above all others.

'Twas The Night Before Christmas...Mom Style 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the abode Only one creature was stirring & she was cleaning the commode. The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds, while visions of X-Box & Barbie flipped through their heads. Yes, and dad was snoring in front of the TV, with a half constructed bicycle propped on his knee. So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter, which made her sigh, "Now what is the matter?" With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand, She descended the stairs, and saw the old man. He was covered with ashes & soot, which fell with a shrug, "Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."

"Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa, I'm glad you're awake."
"your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled, "So, I've made you a clone."

"A clone?" she muttered, "What good is that?"

"Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit chat."
Then out walked the clone - The mother's twin,
Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.

"She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, watch TV and rest.
"Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream has come true!"
"I'll shop, I'll read, I'll sleep a night through!"

From the room a bove, the youngest did fret.
"Mommy?! Come quickly, I'm scared and I'm wet."
The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled, "She sure knows her part."

The clone changed the child and hummed her a tune,
as she bundled the small one in a blanket cocoon.
"You're the best mommy ever. I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed, "And I love you too."

The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal.
That's my child's LOVE she is going to steal."
Smiling wisely, Santa said: "To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother is needed here."

The mom kissed her child and tucked her in bed.
"Thank You, Santa, for clearing my head.
Sometimes I forget, it won't be very long,
before they'll be too old for my cradle and song."

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."

With the clone by his side, Santa said: "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, dear Mom, you'll be all right."

Sometimes we need reminding of what life is all about.
Especially at times when the Holiday season shouts,
and all we do is clean, bake, and procure.
You get the picture -- I'm sure.

So stop for a moment and hug that little one so dear,
whether he/she is 2 or 22, or even older this year.
For they are the gift that God gave us from Heaven above,

and what a special gift to be treasured, with endless LOVE!

Our little visitor

Last week I had an unexpected guest on my front porch. As I started to walk up the stairs to go check my email I noticed something odd next to one of our columns. My first thought was "what in the world has someone left me?" then I thought it might be a cat since we've had a couple of neighbor cats coming over. Nope it wasn't that. I looked a little closer and thought oh no it's a skunk! since it was wrapped up in a ball, but luckily it wasn't that either. Believe it or not i had a raccoon on my porch!!!! He was really cute and almost seemed domesticated. I refused to go on the porch but did open the door and put my hand to the glass in which he put his up there too. It was a fun day having Toby around and I almost miss him. Here are some pictures of our friendly visitor.

Catching up

I realize that it's been forever since I have put any pictures of the kids on here so here they are:

LIVE auction TONIGHT @ 6PM!!!!! You don't want to miss it!

Have you ever been to a live auction? To hear the auctioneers cry (is that what it's called Ray?) the sounds of the bidders, the excitement, the people watching, oh it is SOOOOOOOOOOOO much fun. Well if you need a little stress release or need to find a gift for that hard to buy for person or better yet would like to help bless 2 families trying to adopt raise funds in order to do so then TONIGHT is your night. Check out these sites for all the details and I hope to see you there!!!

http://www.sumnercountychat.com/?p=332

http://breagirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/more-detailed-listing.html

These are a few of my favorite things...

...having to do with a baby. In no particular order these are things that I have deemed as must haves with children that nobody tells you about.

1. Mighty Tite. You know how difficult it can be trying to get your car seat secured tightly in your car. Well this little gadget works AMAZING and you won't believe how tight it gets!!!!

2. Safety 1st curve gate. We have steps that go down off of our kitchen into our laundry room which also leads to the garage. I have been using a standard gate but it was a pain in the butt to put up, move, climb over, etc. I saw this gate at Babies R' Us and now I'm in love with it. It swings open and has a small ledge to stand...much safer and friendlier.

3.Hand held shower head. You may think I have lost my mind on this one but it just may be the new thing I give at baby showers. It really doesn't benefit you as much until your kids are walking and then it will be your best friend, especially if you have a girl.

4.Storage basket in the car. It doesn't matter what kind you get but I highly recommend having something. I have one that slides under the middle seat of the van that I keep some toys for the kid in. It makes trips easier when you can just lean over, grab something out of the bin, and throw it to them. It also saves time not having to remember to pack toys in your bag and then end up having a toy box in your car.

Well that's all I can think of for now....what are some of your "must haves"?

Mommy to Mommy

Well I've decided that this is going to be the title of regular blog posts where moms (and dads) can share their insight on a variety of subjects. We all know parenthood is hard but having others who have already been through or going through what we are makes it a little easier. With that said here's the next topic:

HOME SCHOOLING!
Yes I know this can be a sensitive subject for some and in NO way am I trying to be divisive but I want feedback. Lately I'm hearing of more and more people choosing to home school their kids and since I don't have school age kids yet I'm curious if I'm missing something. I guess for me personally I go back to the childhood song "This Little Light of Mine" where it talks about hiding it under a basket and again personally this is what I feel I'd be doing if I home schooled my kids. However I know there are different circumstances in every family so here's the question:

1. Where do your kids go to school? public, private, home
2.What was the basis for that decision?
3. Where did you go to school?

Adorable outfits @ cheap prices

I hope you don't get this too late but there is a great sale happening this weekend that you won't want to miss. My friend Brea is having a sale @ her house Friday and Saturday to raise money for an adoption. She is selling NEW boutique clothing (Baby Lulu, smocked, CHRISTMAS), retired Longaberger baskets (the large ones are only $35!!!!!) as well as new shoes. Check out her site for pictures as well as the whole scoop. I snuck a peek there Tuesday and let me tell you C-U-T-E stuff!!!!!!

Traditions

I'm a sucker for tradition and old family photos however we don't have either. I love the idea of having something to look forward to each year that we do as a family. I love the thought of my kids always remembering something specific and wanting to do it with their families too.

Growing up we didn't have much money so one thing we did was go to Opryland and see the lights. I still enjoy it however Jeremy thinks it's stupid so it's not always the fun time I envision. We also would always drive to 109 to see the lights there but we have yet to take our kids.

This year I want it to be different!!! I really want to institute at least 1 new tradition...seeing lights, baking cookies, something. So what traditions do you have? Any that you want to start? Come on people I need ideas!!!

Thanksgiving

Since we are just 2 weeks away from the Thanksgiving holiday I wanted to ask, "What are you thankful for THIS year?" I know we can all say our husbands and/or kids but besides that, what specific things are you thankful for this year?


I am thankful for the way God has shown himself to me this year. It's no secret that we've had a hectic year full of many new adventures but through it all God has been right beside us. I'm also thankful for answered prayers. There just seems to be so many things from buying our house, to the birth of a healthy child (especially after this year I will never take that lightly), to providing for our financial means, to my sister being baptized (can I hear a WHOOP WHOOP?!!), to allowing me to open my home for a Bible study and learn so much about HIM in a short 6 week period, to...I could go on and on. This year I'm thankful for GOD and the work He's doing in me!

Sneak Peek

I told you it was going to be BIG!! Spread the word...Garage sale @ my house (1011 Forestpointe Dr. H'ville) Friday and Saturday 8am-2pm RAIN OR SHINE!!!!!!!!!!!
There are even more items in the house too!!

New business adventure

I have really wanted to do some decorating since we moved in to make our house feel more like a home but with 3 little ones it sort of makes it hard to even work part time somewhere to get the funds to do so. Then a couple of weeks ago an idea sprung into my head about a way that I could earn a little money here and there...some ME money. I have been selling a few items on Craigslist and have heard a few times from people that they would love to do it but just don't have to time. AH HA!! I decided that I could start selling peoples stuff for them and doing a split depending on if they brought it to me or if I went and picked it up. I had literally just told Jeremy my thoughts when the very next day I got a call asking if I would be interested in doing this very thing. Come to find out the mother of a friend of mine is cleaning out her attic and wanted to have a yard sale and/or put stuff on Craigslist. Immediately I said YES! and will be having a yard sale THIS Friday and Saturday. We will have a little bit of everything so if you can come by and say hello. Oh and if you'd like to come and help me with it let me know...I could definitely use the help.

This is my test run so depending on how it goes, I'll decide if it's something I really want to pursue. I do know though that yard sales will not be regular but due to the mere amount of stuff this time it was inevitable.

imagesbyNaomi

These pictures were taken by a great friend of mine, Miriam. Check out her website here. Thanks again Miriam, we L-O-V-E them!!!!!

Celebrities at the pumpkin patch

On Saturday the girls and I went to Honeysuckle Hill with some great friends. Jeremy was supposed to go but got called into work early that morning so his mom offered to keep Harrison for me (thanks Ninnie!) and let it be a girls day. We had so much fun!! I really wish I had pictures to share with you but I didn't realized the batteries in my camera were dead until we got there :( The girls LOVE the spider slide and yes mom loved it too. I seriously think they could have stayed on it ALL day long. We also saw all of the animals, "milked" a cow, played in the sand, went down the Monster slide, swung on the swings, went on a hayride, picked out pumpkins, and played in the Corn Corner (try saying that 3 times fast!). If you have not been it is definitely the place to go.

The other fun thing was that we got to see several of our friends there. Is it bad that you have to drive almost an hour to see people who live 5 minutes from you? One of the families we saw were the Biermans. Denver was on Next Great American Band last year so he was celebrity #1. We also saw many kids in costumes but you'll never guess who Carliegh saw there. The girls were playing in the Corn Box, a huge box full of nothing but corn kernels sort of like the balls kids play in. Like the balls you have to take your shoes off to get in. When it was time to go I went to sit Carliegh down on the ground to put her shoes back on. Back behind me was another woman in her early 20s with 2 little girls somewhere between 15 months and 2 years in strollers. These little girls were Hispanic and like other Hispanic kis had a head FULL of jet black hair. As Carleigh came over to put her shoes on she looked at the little girls and said DORA!!!! Ha! I quickly but calmly pulled her down to me and said no honey that's not Dora. I don't think the mom heard her but it is something I'll always remember.

Great sale for a Great cause

If you have been reading for any length of time you know that I am friends with the ultimate bargain people. However I have to give props where props are due and let you know that Brea (yes I talk about her alot) knows how to do it right. Not only is she now a CVS queen, she is THE queen of garage sales. This girl can find anything at a great price. Can you say $2 Longaberger?
Not only though does she know how to go "junking" as she calls it, she knows how to have a sale. THIS Friday and Saturday is your chance to see what I mean...the ulimate garage sale!!! You can read her post here for some of the things that she will have but she is still having things donated so there's no telling what treasures you'll find. All monies made will go into their adoption fund as they pray about adding another Freeman to the crew. Please help me get the word out about this sale and be sure to stop by if you can!!!


**Just to wet your taste buds there is already planned mulitple racks of NEW WITH TAGS GYMBOREE ($4 each) and boutique clothing as well as used clothing ($1). You can search Craigslist for "adoption yard sale" for directions.

Mommy to Mommy

Ladies I am in uncharted territory here and I need your help. I like to think of myself as a Nazi mom but Carleigh is really testing this theory. Besides the time we get up in the morning I try to have a pretty basic schedule~breakfast, play, lunch, naps, play, dinner, baths, bed~and I am a stickler for discipline. I was taught a long time ago if you want your kids to take you seriously you have to mean what you say. If you tell them they will get spanked if they do it again then the next time they do it they get spanked; if you tell them to stand in the corner then they have to stand in the corner; if you tell them to come here then they should do it the first time and not the 27th. Ok so you get my point.

Here's the problem...it doesn't matter how rigid I am with my rules, she just keeps pushing. I can spank her and it doesn't phase her. I can MAKE (literally) her stand in the corner and the fits just get worse. I can take her to bed 15 million times (sometimes I think literally) and she will continue to get out of her bed until she gets her way, whatever it might be that day. I have even gone so far as to stand out side of her door holding it until she finally gives up and passes out on the floor just so she'll take a nap.

This is NOT the mother I want to be but I'm to my wits end and I'm out of ideas. She's only 2 so I'm sure some of this is part of the terrible 2s however I know if I don't get a handle on this now the trecherous 3s might just put me in the nut house :) So what are some of the things that worked with your kids?

Where are our morals?

Please excuse as I get on a soap box for a moment. I try not to do this too often (unless you REALLY know me and then, well....) but for some reason I feel the need to share my thoughts on this subject. We are currently 27 days away from what may be the biggest presidential election I will ever vote on and surprisingly enough there are some key issues not being discussed.

I understand that the economy isn't looking good however if you go back and look at the history of the nation's economy you will see that it is more of a cycle than the recession everyone seems to be harping on. I'm not saying that we shouldn't be concerned but I am saying that we're not guaranteed tomorrow so lets be good stewards of what God is giving us TODAY. Even with the the lose we've seen over the last 2 weeks we are still a rich nation, lets be grateful for that. The other thing that really irks me is the fact that all the financial mess is resting on Bush and the Republican party. Am I the only one that realizes #1) we may have been doing well financially before Bush took office but that was also prior to 9/11 and # 2)we have a democratic Congress. If they didn't support it, they're the majority~it shouldn't have passed.

I also understand that energy is a big issue not to mention the war. Both of these are key areas that need to be addressed. In terms of the war, does it really matter when we pull out or does it matter more if we win? No, it doesn't seem that we sent our troops to the right area first however they are still fighting for our freedom and we should support them. And yes we do need to find alternative means for energy for our kids futures.

But here are the topics that are being over looked in this election.....
1)abortion. This is still a big issue in our country, has anyone looked to see how these 2 men have voted on the issue? Here's another question that I just recently thought of...why is it that a doctor only has to have a mother's permission to terminate pregnancy? Yes it is her body but that baby is not solely hers. I know that opens a whole new can of worms when it comes to rape, incest, medically but it is something to ponder on.
2)social security/Medicare. To most that are reading this it may not seem to be a big topic because retirement age isn't close at hand but what about your parents? What about those Americans that are mentally ill already getting benefits or will need benefits? Have you ever checked to see what it will cost if you were to have to make the decision to put a loved one in a nursing home? Is it fair that the generations that have built this country to what it is now may not be taken care of in the future?


To be honest I don't know the answers to all of these questions or how to solve all of the nations problems however I do know this...we seem to care more about what our bank accounts say than the well-being of our neighbors. My heart has been so heavy lately worrying about the future but the Lord has clearly said...TRUST ME!! It doesn't matter who ends up in the White House, God is still on His throne and He is in control.

Please pray for protection!

I know there are prayer warriors out there so I'm asking that you please add my cousin to your prayer list. His name is Philip and he is deploying to Saudi Arabia tomorrow for more training with the Army and then more than likely to Iraq. He is 27 and has only been in the military for a year or two so this was a big commitment for him. He is married to Teya and together they have 2 sweet little girls..Riley 3 (4 months younger than Gracie) and Aidyn 7 months, so you can imagine how hard this will be to leave them. He is supposed to be deployed for a year and we are praying that to hold true or even shortened. Here are the specifics I am asking prayer for:
1)PROTECTION!!
2)ignorance for his girls. Obviously Aidyn won't understand but Riley is a very smart little 3 year old and I just pray that as she hears things it won't make her scared for her daddy.
3)time to FLY by. I know they are going to miss him terribly and the quicker it feels the better.
4)Encouragement and help for Teya. I know I have those days when you're counting down the minutes until daddy gets home, however for the next year she doesn't have that nor does she have family there.
5)discernment for me. I hope this doesn't sound selfish but I know that God can use me to stir in my heart those times that maybe Teya just needs someone to listen. Please pray that I'm sensitive to that.

Also, as you pray for this family, remember there are hundreds of others just like them....pray for them too!!

Irises

I've been meaning to post this but I keep forgetting so I hope it isn't too late (plant people let me know). Anywho, I have a ton of irises that need to be separated so I thought if anyone would like some you are more than welcome to them on 2 conditions....
1)you come and separate them, taking what you would like
2)you still leave me some :)

I am not a plant person by any means however the people who lived here before us were so therefore we have some beautiful plants. I can't tell you for sure what color they are but I believe the ones I'm needing thinned out the most are a really pretty dark purple. We have several colors and I can't remember right not which ones are where but hey did I mention you can have them for FREE?? Seriously if you are interested leave me a comment or email me. I'll say the first 2 who do can have first dibs and then if they need to be thinned more I'll go from there. I also have rosemary if anyone is interested in that.

Kmart DOUBLE coupons!!!!

RUUUNNNNN don't walk to Kmart right now for some amazing savings. Today (Wednesday) through Sunday they are having double coupons up to and INCLUDING $2!!!! This is a great time to use those $0.55+ coupons and get some great deals. I went today and got $110 worth of stuff for $42!!!!

My only advice though is to know what other stores charge because Kmart does typically run a little higher than other stores so on somethings it may still be cheaper to use the coupon elsewhere.

It's official......

I need to start working out hard core. Jeremy and I helped out in a 3 year old class today at church and as I sat on the floor playing with the kids one of the little girls sitting next to me asked "do you have a baby in your belly?". "No honey, he's been out for almost 5 months now!". Like they say , out of the mouths of babes.

Then to make matters worse, I came home and change shirts just to be more comfortable as we had a birthday party to go to. so as I scouted out things to wear I decided on a green shirt that, yes, was a maternity shirt. It doesn't really look like a maternity shirt and it's ultra comfy. Again as I was sitting on the floor getting Gracie to go Jeremy says, "why are you wearing Gracie's shirt?" Of course I said I wasn't and then he preceded to say "well it looks tight". AHHHHHH seriously??? Needless to say I changed AGAIN, this time into one of my notorious pink T-shirts (I have 3 that I rotate!). And yes I plan to join a fitness place in October!!

Random Pics

Harrison's first taste of cereal. He wasn't quite sure what to think but no he enjoys it.

Is this a glimpse into the future?

Look mom, no hands!!

My little over achiever.

What?!?!

Have your voice heard!!!!

I'm not one to normally get caught up in politics but the recent government bailout has got me intrigued. I hate to say that I'm unsympathetic but I just don't understand how the government is justifying this. I am sympathetic to those who had a life change thus resulting in possible foreclosure but to the person who didn't have a job and obviously was never going to be able to pay their mortgage...um not so much. I mean what about those of us who do pay our mortgage on time? Will we be getting a Christmas bonus for behaving correctly? no actually the government is wanting to penalize us and make us pay even more to help out those companies whose CEOs are making millions....not sure that adds up to me.

With that said, as I was listening to Dave Ramsey today he laid out a plan, that seems pretty simple, allowing Congress to help the nation's financial situation without spending $700 billion dollars. You can listen to it here...it's short~like less than 10 minutes. After listening I hope you will go here and contact your Congress men/women telling them "NO" to the $700 billion and to change the accounting rule "mark to market".

Happy birthday Carleigh!

I almost can't believe that you're 2 years old today. You are so sweet, funny, full of energy, and such a dare devil! Your daddy and I love you so much and are so thankful that God choose us to be your parents. Happy birthday sweet girl!

A busy, busy weekend

I don't normally do weekend updates but we did so much this past weekend I thought I would share it with you. On Friday I got out early (10am but hey it's early for me!) and went to Kohls to do a little shopping. My mother in law had an additional 30% off coupon that she graciously allowed me to use too so I was able to get some great buys. Afterwards we drove through Chick-Fil-A for lunch (gas at this time was still $3.49 per gallon) and then off to Wal-Mart for more shopping. Once we got home I put the kids down for a quick nap and then headed off to my nephew's birthday party in Springfield.

On Saturday morning we got up and started doing things around the house preparing for Carleigh's birthday party @ 3pm. For those of you who know me, you know that I can be somewhat of a procrastinator so at about noon Jeremy's mom came over so we could go and finish our shopping. Yes here it was 3 hours prior to the party and we had yet to purchase the birthday girls' gift so the first stop was Target. I had done research the night before on what we wanted to get her and found Target to have it about $20 cheaper, however once we got to the store realized they didn't have it so off to Toys 'R Us we went. Luckily they had plenty so we grabbed it up, purcahsed it, and off to the next store. The next hour or so went like this...balloons, cake and chips, buns, cups, and ice cream. Yes 5 stores in an hour and a half all but 1 in Rivergate on Saturday around lunch. I'm telling you it was nothing short of the grace of God that we were able to get it all accomplished so fast!

By 3 I was already worn out but excited for the party. I'm not really a crafty person so we just had over family and a few friends who were more than happy to play outside. We did the traditional hot dogs, chips, cake and ice cream, and then a pinata. Unfortanetly I don't have pictures of hitting the pinata because the batteries in my camera died :(. Here though are some random pictures of the day.......









Thank you to all who came and celebrated with us...we love you guys!

On Sunday Jeremy and I "celebrated" 6 years of marriage. I say it that way because we really didn't do anything but lounge around the house until it was time for us to go to a wedding. A friend of mine that I've played softball with for about 4 years was getting married. I told her that she didn't have to throw us such a big party for our anniversary but she insisted so we took her up on her offer! :) It will be fun sharing an anniversary with them as they are a really fun couple....congratualtions Kevin and Lacey! Here are a couple of pictures of us at the wedding....and no I can not take a good picture to save my life.



So there you have it, a whirlwind of a weekend but spent with family and friends we love...I wouldn't change a thing.