Take on Tuesday: A New Little Life

Mundane Monday: Memories

I posted this on facebook on February 26, 2009!!! It was so fun to read and I think it's time to make another one. :)

The kids Interview Katie - 9 3/4, Danielle 7, Johanna 4 1/2.

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Katie - "I love you"
Danielle - "Did you do good at school today"
Johanna - "naughty girl" (awww... that makes me feel bad) next she said "I mean 'clean up'"

2. What makes mom happy?
Katie - "when I clean my room really good without being told"
Danielle - "When we clean the house for her"
Johanna - "if I clean up and be good with laying down at night"

3. What makes mom sad?
Katie - "I can't think of anything"
Danielle - "when Mommy and Daddy fight"
Johanna - "when I get out of bed"

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Katie - "by taking funny pictures of Johanna and showing them to me"
Danielle - "tickle me"
Johanna - "she and Daddy tickles me"

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Katie - "shy"
Danielle - "you played Barbies really bad with Auntie Amber" (LOL.. Amber I know you are loving that one!)
Johanna - "bananas and soup and taking showers"

6. How old is your mom?
Katie - "28"
Danielle - "28"
Johanna - "100"


7. How tall is your mom?
Katie - "taller than me"
Danielle - "2 feet tall"
Johanna - "100 big" (and she jumped when she said it)


8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Katie - "scrapbooking and playing on the computer"
Danielle - "spend time with us"
Johanna - "get on the computer"

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Katie - "work on the house"
Danielle - "Clean"
Johanna - "put Alaina and Matthew to bed, then get them up and put them in the car to get us from school"

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Katie - "for taking care of a lot of kids"
Danielle - "For singing"
Johanna - "for dancing"

11. What is your mom really good at?
Katie - "at making me happy"
Danielle - "being a Mom"
Johanna - "playing on Zelda, the racing part with the horse"

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Katie - "making me sad"
Danielle - "brushing her teeth"
Johanna - "making presents"


13. What does your mom do for her job?
Katie - "cook and take care of us"
Danielle - "take care of us"
Johanna - "play on the computer and cleaning up"


14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Katie - "gummy worms"
Danielle - "canoli's"
Johanna - "pizza things that are not pizza and Alaina wants them" (french bread pizza's-- I had them once, lol)

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Katie - "when she talks to us"
Danielle - "that she loves us"
Johanna - "by cleaning up everything"

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Katie- "Snow White"
Danielle - "Belle"
Johanna - "a monster" "a cartoon Mommy"

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Katie - "we talk"
Danielle - "sometimes we read books together"
Johanna - "clean up"

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Katie - "we both have brown hair"
Danielle - "we both have the same type of hair, like smooth and stuff"
Johanna - "we get dressed the same"

19. How are you and your mom different?
Katie - "mom has green eyes, I have blue eyes"
Danielle - "your older than me"
Johanna - "by wearing a different dress"

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Katie - "I just know"
Danielle - "because she shows me by saying it"
Johanna - "by saying I love you"


21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
Katie - "when he helps clean the house"
Danielle - "He's nice"
Johanna - "that he hugs her and she hugs him"


22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Katie - "Olive Garden"
Danielle - "on a date with Daddy to go and eat at a nice place"
Johanna - "go with Juliette's mom to eat somewhere" (Alicia, :o))

A Little Something on Sunday: babies & discipline

Well, today is CD 14..... I am so over the "boy diet"... haha.... I did it for like a day this cycle and even that day I sucked at it.  So... I just pray God blesses us with another son.. Matthew would love a brother. :) Steven made a good point.  The girls all have a sister(s) and a brother.  Matthew only has sisters.  He needs a brother.  I will probably bring a pregnancy test or two on my trip to D.C. That is when I am "due". It would be fun to find out I am pregnant on that trip.  Not so much fun to find out I am not.. haha... Honestly this time I don't feel desperate about it like last month.  Which is nice.  The days are going by so much faster now that I am not obsessing over it.  I think it's because of the due date, actually... I really don't want to be due in July again!!! Weird, I know. Of course I'd be thrilled to find out another one is on the way, no matter when I am due.... only time will tell!!!

Lately I have been trying to be on top of it with discipline again. It feels like the kids have been out of control again.  My problem is, once they start to behave somewhat, I lay off a little.. which then in return causes them to misbehave again.  So I am trying not to slack off again.  My main goals are, obedience.. the first time... with out attitude.  So, I am trying to use some of Raising Godly Tomatoes tips.. if they don't do it the first time nicely they get in trouble and have to do it over again the right way.  So far I've noticed a difference.. other people have too.  We had to go to an appt to sign papers to refinance our house and all 6 were really good. It helped that they had toys in there to play with, but still no fighting and they were pretty quiet the whole time. 
I just need to work on my patience with them.. and stay near them to catch them doing things wrong and not get lazy!! That's the hardest part... is not correcting right away because of laziness.
Well.... I better not make myself a hypocrite here and get off the computer.. Johanna is kind of being a stinker right now and instead of doing what I need to do, I am losing my patience with her.. all because I am blogging! So.... I will sign off now!!

Mundane Monday: cd1

Well... cd32 is now cd1. So disappointing....
So here I am. Potential due date for this month is July 9, if I have a "normal" cycle.. which I am not counting on.

Sigh...........
This Monday sucks.

31 Biblical Virtues to pray over your children

1. Salvation—"Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." (Isa. 45:8; 2 Tim. 2:10)

2. Growth in Grace—"I pray that my children may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Pet. 3:18)

3. Love—"Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to live a life of love, through the Spirit who dwells in them." (Gal. 5:25; Eph. 5:2)

4. Honesty and Integrity—"May integrity and honesty be their virtue
and their protection." (Ps. 25:21)

5. Self-Control—"Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be alert and self-controlled in all they do." (1 Thess. 5:6)

6. Love for God's Word—"May my children grow to find Your Word more precious than much pure gold and sweeter than honey from the comb." (Ps. 19:10)

7. Justice—"God, help my children to love justice as You do and act justly in all they do." (Ps. 11:7; Mic. 6:8)

8. Mercy—"May my children always be merciful, just as their Father is merciful." (Luke 6:36)

9. Respect (for self, others, and authority)—"Father, grant that my children may show proper respect to everyone, as Your Word commands." (1 Pet. 2:17)

10. Biblical Self-Esteem—"Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus." (Eph. 2:10)

11. Faithfulness—"Let love and faithfulness never leave my children, but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts." (Prov. 3:3)

12. Courage—"May my children always be strong and courageous in their character and in their actions." (Deut. 31:6)

13. Purity—"Create in them a pure heart, O God, and let that purity of heart be shown in their actions." (Ps. 51:10)

14. Kindness—"Lord, may my children always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else." (1 Thess. 5:15)

15. Generosity—"Grant that my children may be generous and willing to share, and so lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age." (1 Tim. 6:18-19)

16. Peace-Loving—"Father, let my children make every effort to do what leads to peace." (Rom. 14:19)

 17. Joy—"May my children be filled with the joy given by the Holy Spirit." (1 Thess. 1:6)

 18. Perseverance—"Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to run with perseverance the race marked out for them." (Heb. 12:1)

 19. Humility—"God, please cultivate in my children the ability to show true humility toward all." (Titus 3:2)

 20. Compassion—"Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion." (Col. 3:12)

 21. Responsibility—"Grant that my children may learn responsibility, for each one should carry his own load." (Gal. 6:5)

 22. Contentment—"Father, teach my children the secret of being content in any and every situation, through Him who gives them strength." (Phil. 4:12-13)

 23. Faith—"I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them." (Luke 17:5-6; Heb. 11:1-40)

 24. A Servant's Heart—"God, please help my children develop servant's hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord, not men." (Eph. 6:7)

25. Hope—"May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Rom. 15:13)

 26. Willingness and Ability to Work—"Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work at it with all their heart, as working for the Lord and not for men." (Col. 3:23)

 27. Passion for God—"Lord, please instill in my children a soul that 'followeth hard after thee,' one that clings passionately to You." (Ps. 63:8)

 28. Self-Discipline—"Father, I pray that my children may acquire a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair." (Prov. 1:3)

 29. Prayerfulness—"Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers." (1 Thess. 5:17)

 30. Gratitude—"Help my children to live lives that are always overflowing with thankfulness and always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Eph. 5:20; Col. 2:7)

 

31. A Heart for Missions—"Lord, please help my children to develop a desire to see Your glory declared among the nations, Your marvelous deeds among the peoples." (Ps. 96:3)

Simply Saturday: A lot to look forward to...

............but none of it gets here fast enough!!!!!
For one.  I am on CD 30 and still no sign of af... OR pregnancy.  Sigh.... As of this morning, negative. So, that means that spotting I had was not ovulation.  What?!? What was it then?  Last night and on and off today I cramped pretty bad.  If I ov. really late then it could be implantation cramps.... hoping. I guess I kind of doubt it though... it's just so late and even if my period was going to come as late as it did two months ago, you'd think it'd show up on a frer by now.  Then again I haven't tried one for like 2 days.  Might pick up another pack tomorrow if no af. That's one thing I am looking forward to though. Two pink lines!! That stick obviously.

Another thing.......... I might be going to D.C.!!! Well, I am probably going!!! I've always wanted to! Steven has a business trip and I've told him as soon as he finds out he has to go I am totally going with!!
It took a little work, but between Alicia and Becca I have sitters lined up.  People I trust and feel totally comfortable with.  Becca (and Adrielle) will be with them most of the time. Early Sat morning to Tuesday night.  I am cool with that, if anything happened to me and Steven I'd want Becca and Himler to raise our kids (not that I wouldn't want Cathy because I think she'd do an awesome job, but I just want her to keep the grandma role and I know Becca would keep her so involved)... so obviously I am good with that.. no worries there.  Alicia will have them Tues night to Wed afternoon when I fly home.  Steven will stay til Thurs.  Alicia spends a lot of time with our kids (except Elise) so I am really comfortable with that too.  Our girls are best friends so we're together a lot. 
We'll miss Halloween with them... but they're so excited about Becca, Adrielle and Ezra they are fine with it. 
It's Washinton D.C. though!!! Saturday and Sunday, site seeing with my hubby... alone time... lots and lots of pictures, going out to eat... seeing the White House.... the Lincoln Memorial and so so much more.
 Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Steven will be in conferences so I'll hang out in the hotel Monday and Tuesday.  You'd think I'd be bummed about that, but nope! Thrilled!!! I can knit... watch t.v., sleep, facebook, blog, did I mention sleep? We'll have those evenings free as well to go out and do stuff. Then Wed I'll head to the airport and come home.  I am sure I'll be good and ready, I am going to miss the kids so much!!!
 I've wrestled with the thought of bringing Elise... she'd be free to fly.  BUT.. I don't think she'd enjoy it that much.  I really think she'd do better at home.  Plus, it'll be a lot easier for us to get around and stuff with out the fat baby.  I'll miss her sooo much though. :(
I really really hope it works out.  I don't have my plane ticket yet.  Get this, though... I have a $150 voucher from a  year ago when I went and saw Grandma (was gone over Halloween then too).. it expires Nov 4 and I'll be flying home the 2nd.  The tickets are only $230 so after the voucher (assuming it goes as planned) it'll be an $80 ticket!!! Every night of the hotel paid for except Sat night, we'll pay for that one, a rental car paid for if we need it, I think like $70 a day for food and Steven's ticket is paid for.  So, this will be a relatively cheap trip. Maybe I'll be pregnant.. and sick... blah.... I hope not!!! But I hope I am too.. you know. :)

Also, on Friday Steven is taking the day off to go to Vala's pumpkin patch with us as a family (with the school for a field trip).  Yay! We never get to see him anymore since he works so much so it'll be fun.  Then Saturday we are going as a family to a birthday party at a bowling alley! :) Fun times. :)
I also might get to go to Once Upon a Child soon too.
And I am starting to get hat orders and have been creating new ones, which feels great.
So much to look forward to but yet I feel cabin fever and frustration! I need something different.. can't wait for Friday.  Can't wait for the end of the month going to D.C.  Can't wait to find out I am pregnant again... then I'll be anxious to know what I am having... then anxious to meet him or her! haha!!
I'll keep ya updated.. of course.

September Status updates

I think I'll keep this tradition going... one day I will appreciate doing this because it's so hard to look back on all the old status updates on facebook, especially years back.  I am the sentimental type and if I happen to catch a glimpse of an old status it brings back so many memories and I want to read more!!

So... starting at the beginning of September 2011:
Sept 1, 2011
Yesterday, Johanna: "will somebody please change Elise's diaper, she stinks so bad it's making my teeth hurt!" LOL!

Is really proud of Steven, not only is he working many extra hours to pay off bills and get ahead, but he's also been up late building computers for our wonderful church school. :) He's a great guy and I love him!

A fly tried to land on my eyeball and now it's itching and burning. ugh, nasty!

Sept 2
"Each new life a woman conceives is an eternal soul that will live forever." -Nancy Campbell

Matthew is way too sweet... tonight we didn't get a chance to do our family Bible study, and he just got up out of bed and was very upset we didn't do it tonight. He's the only one still awake (due to long nap) so I thought we could just read a cute story from the children's Bible. Nope, he wanted the real one. :) We read and prayed together and now he's back in bed. LOVE HIM!! :)

Sept 6
Angry birds....... if you have never played it, don't. It's very addicting!

Sept 7
Today is the girls' first full day of school, I felt kinda sad dropping them off! We had an almost 4 month long summer and it was crazily fun. :-) it'll be good though, everyone has been getting antsy (fighting) the last couple wks.... so being able to get out of the house is good for them, and me, because it forces me to get moving earlier in the morning. :-)

Sept 8
Just had THE best salad! Spinach, lettuce, seasoned chicken (I put hot sauce and teriyaki sauce on it, mmmm...), raw garlic and onions! My breath on the other hand is not so wonderful..... lol

"Do you sometimes think you are failing in your role as wife or mother? Maybe you think you are not good enough at this whole parenting thing, or you think you are a poor example of a godly wife. The Lord says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts!" Is55:8 He does not think those thoughts of you! He thinks you are more than able, and more than capable! He chose you for this purpose, and He will equip you for these tasks!Above Rubies

My status last year, LOL... Oh, Johanna... "tonight as I handed Elise to Johanna she said... "but I need the whoopie cushion to help hold her head up!" I laughed and said, "you mean the boppy pillow?" LOL... she told me she likes to call it a whoopie cushion. :)"

Sept 9
My grandpa Lester died last night..... so sad. Feels like a part of my childhood is gone w/ him. :(

Sept 11
It stinks having only one car and Steven working all through the weekend... we can't go anywhere!!!! ((other car is in the shop)) On the other hand, I am thankful we have 2 cars in the first place... it would REALLY stink to have to rent a car... anyway, that's why we weren't at church if anyone is wondering.. ;)

Today I was eating a salad and Johanna told me she LOVED garlic.... she was going on and on about it so I gave her a piece of raw garlic.... her face suddenly got serious, her jaw dropped and then made this horrific expression

Sept 12
Elise is talking so much!!! It's crazy after having so many babies that didn't talk well (except Danielle). She says over 50 words, she's saying 2 word sentences, and is pretty articulate for her age (15 m). She's SO cute!

Sept 15
My status on this day last year tells me Matthew peed on the potty for the very first time!! Wow, it seems longer ago than that. He was the easiest kid to ever potty train though.... with almost zero accidents day or night for probably 8 or so months now. Wonder if Elise will take after her big sisters and be a stinker!

Elise follows directions very well... I just told her to bring me a diaper (only half thinking she would) and she ran and got it saying, "poo-poo". Lol she follows other directions well too, but sometimes she just says, "no-o-o" with her mouth in a very pronounced 'o' shape while shaking her head. Haha, she's a handful, but I love her personality!

Sept 16
Today Lisey and Matthew were both standing on the same chair coloring at the table.. Elise leans back and picks up Matthew's shirt which reveals his butt crack... she stares a minute, points to it and says, "poo-poo".. haha!! We got a kick out of it, and apparently she likes that word! Stinker!

Sept 18
Danielle does not feel well... seems that she has whatever Katie had a few weeks ago and what Steven and I had earlier this week. :( Sore throat, headache, dizziness...

Sept 19
Can't sleep..... Matthew is having the CT scan on his neck later this morning and I guess I am feeling a little anxious about it. He has to go under anesthesia so that makes me a little nervous although it's a pretty minor procedure. Bummed I can't be with him, Steven is taking him and I am staying home w/ the other kidlets.

Update on Matthew. He did great! He didn't cry when he got his IV and they ended up not even having to put him under, because he held still for the CT scan. :-) when they were all done he said, "daddy I was brave!"

Sept 22
I have cabin fever...

Girls (and boy) are ''cleaning'' the basement for their massive sleep over tonight. All I hear is them singing in their karoke machine though. :-)

"Dear God.... (insert shy smile)..... Amen!"
-Kenadae Davis
:o) I had the pleasure of doing family Bible Study with the Davis girls and that was Kenadae's prayer. It was sooo cute!!! Caitlin prayed that her parents would have a safe trip... it was very sweet.

Sept 23
think I'm going to keep Alaina home from school today, her cough is kind of bad and she's not feeling 100%. Really though... I just want her here with me today.

Sept 24
Happy Birthday to my full of life, spunky, beautiful, bright new 7 year old... Johanna Alexandra Lynn!!! The meaning of her name fits her very well, "God is my gracious defender out of her heart He causes rivers of living water to flow"!

Getting a new car today.... it's bittersweet.

Sept 25
Matthew still uses a pacifier.. all the time.. he's 3. I've been "talking" to him about how none of his sisters (except Elise) have one and I've listed all his friends that don't have one, etc, etc.. he doesn't care. Well, tonight Steven talked to him and said, "daddy doesn't use a pacifier, don't you want to be big like Daddy?" Matthew said, yep! and went to bed with out it.. haha... So simple.

Sept 26
Matthew was attempting to write letters on a piece of paper... he told me, ''this says, 'Matthew Scott loves Daddy!'" Awww!

I have a new nephew!!!! Cayden Scott Maestas! Congrats Bryan and Kayla!! I can't wait to meet him.
 :-)

Sept 28
This evening during our family Bible time Alaina prayed that "God would help mommy get more toys.... and not yarn..." LOL ((I take them with me into Michaels and Hobby Lobby and move swiftly past anything 'fun' and just grab yarn and get out.. haha))