Hubby Monday

  I got a letter today! I'm doing the happy dance right now...in my head! I went to the Gym and I can't get up! LOL! Hubs went into a gas chamber last week and hated it--who wouldn't? He said one of the guys nose bled really bad and they pulled him out--it was a pretty bad day for that guy. He is still homesick, but that deserves him good! He said theres a few young guys in there who keep showing their butt, so they all get crap from the DSgt and get smoked. He supposedly hasn't lost a single pound yet and I call it. I think he's just saying that to make me feel better considering I'm going to the gym and still gaining! Nope, not blaming it on muscle, just fat. He's doing good though, just staying busy learning and doing new things. He finally received my letter and he was answering my questions and he finally got the news about Sawyer. I know it's hard not knowing whats going on and then you get news you don't want to hear--it's an awful scary feeling and then you have to wait another week to know anything. I just miss him and counting down the days until I get to see him again!
 Bentley always gives me a problem from the time of pulling into the Gym parking lot by screaming his head off until the second we leave. Then he is all smiles and tells everyone, "bye!" Well, tonight he went right in with all smiles--SHOCKER! I was a happy Mama! He did good tonight and both boys let me and the girlfriends have some fun at Bootcamp! It was hard, but who said it was easy?
 So how was your weekend? Mine was enjoyable for the first. Sunday after Church, my brother, Bentley, and I went fishing. It was cute to watch Bentley reel in the line and touch the fish. He was a little unsure about it, but overall he liked it! 

 Well ya'll, I am showering and hitting the hay--this Mama is tired! 

-The Stay at home Mommy who juggles it ALL! 

Can't Resist Thursday

Pina Colada Pops

Blend and freeze the following ingredients (don’t forget the sticks!): (Makes 6 servings)

• 1 can pineapple chunks, in juice
• 1 banana
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Calories: 117 per pop :)

-The Stay at home Mommy who juggles it ALL! 

Homemade Baby Food

  So my day started out around 9:10, hearing a little voice calling, "Mama! Mama!" I rolled over and remembered, "Yep that's me! Maybe a few more minutes to sleep? Nope! Never!" I had plans on going to the Gym today, but I think I pulled my back out moving patio furniture yesterday. I poured Bleach and Pine Sol all over our patio and scrubbed it with a brush. It's now clean and the babes can play outside now. Also cleaned my house top to bottom AND finished all the laundry. Yes, I think I over did it and today I'm paying for it. I am planning on hitting the gym tomorrow, but we'll see. Today I made baby food! I made carrots, sweet potatoes, mixed veggies, peas, beans, banana pear apple sauce. Crap! I forgot to make squash! I guess I will be making that next go around. I didn't make to much--just enough to see what he does and doesn't like.

Cooking the vegetables.

Blending up his fruit.

Almost finished! 

Done! Banana Pear Apple Sauce. 

 That took a few hours to do due to juggling house chores, 2 babes, and cooking. I am so proud of myself! Since I don't have much to Blog about because I have been busy cleaning and cooking--here is a quick pic of the littles. 

Bentley James-20 months. 

Sawyer Ray--6 months. 

 These are my two boys who keep my busy and sometimes crazy. You know how I mentioned in the last Blog about that Mommys Group I was in? Well, I figured it wasn't for me. I didn't feel welcomed at all, no one talked to me and I always go by first impression. I guess it's just the boys and I again, which I have grown accustomed to. I like to feel at home and welcomed--I HATE feeling like I'm not wanted. Make sense? Well ya'll, I'm fixing to catch up on Can't Resist Thursday since I'm just a day late on everything this week :) Have a good night! 


-The Stay at home Mommy who juggles it ALL!

Pin*ter*vention Tuesday

Since today is the FIRST DAY OF SPRING, I think everyone should get the Ingredients to this Insect repellant since those skeeters are officially out to getcha ya :)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 1 large cinnamon stick
• 1/2 tsp (about 40 drops) lavender essential oil

Step 1
Mix the first three ingredients in a jar, cover, and let it steep for 2 weeks.

Step 2
Strain mixture, and add lavender essential oil.
When you need to use it, just pour a bit onto a paper towel and rub onto exposed body parts. Keep away from eyes.

Megan

Hubby Monday

Hubs is doing good. He said that Basic is kicking his butt. He has hives from his dog tags that broke him out, rash on his back from his camel back, sun burnt pretty bad, and he's homesick. I'm glad he's homesick--deserves him right. I miss that man. He has fire guard all the time, one guy is awful and they all get penalty for it, and he is enjoying eating healthy. He's been doing obstacle courses and marching for 4 miles with an 80 pound back pack...in the heat. I'd die! It's been almost a month since he has been gone, 3 more to go. It sucks. I thought it would fly by, but it hasn't. Hubs hasn't yet to receive any of my letters which is a bummer, but I'm hoping he gets them this week (I sent them out last week). He should already have them, but who knows. Bentley is growing up so quick and speaking so much, Hubs will be shocked when he comes home! Bentley asked me earlier, "Mama, where's Dada?" He had an episode tonight screaming and crying for him, I think it hit him that Daddy isn't coming home anytime soon. If I could wish anything, it would be for him to see his daddy for a second. He doesn't understand where he is or what he's doing. I cry.
  The boys are feeling better, so I think I will go back to the gym tomorrow. I haven't been in what seems like forever because the littles and I were sick. It stinks and so discouraging because I want to lose this weight and feel good about myself before Hubs comes home, but I feel like that's never going to happen! It's so hard to eat right and stay healthy...especially with two babes and a sweet tooth! We went to our first Play date today and met knew friends, Bentley, had a ball. I go again this Friday, so hopefully I can open up more because today was a little awkward. I am NOT a shy person what so ever (for those of you who know me, know I'm not) and today it was an awkward shy. We will see I guess. Bentley enjoyed it and that's all that matters. He played by him self for the most part because the bigger kids where off in their click. Bentley tried robbing apples from some other play group there to learning to go down the slide himself. Exciting! 
  So I am going to vent for a minute. I have some people on FB of all places, one in particular that thinks her crap don't stink. She thinks her and her Hubby walk on water and can spend whatever they want because that's the way it 'should be' and it bothers me! I can't stand that 'I am better than you attitude' becuase you aren't. I don't care what you do, what your husband did/does, what hour you go pee at night--I DON'T CARE! Now since I did a quick rant, I'm going to hop off here. Hope you enjoy your night! 

Megan

 

Can't Resist Thursday

Greek-Style Quinoa Burgers

   Whatcha need: 

• 1/2 cup rinsed quinoa
• 1 medium carrot, cut in large chunks
• 6 scallions, thinly sliced
• 15 ounces great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• Coarse salt
• Ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 4 pitas (each 6 inches)
• 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced diagonally

           Directions: 

1. In a small saucepan, bring 3/4 cup water to a boil; add quiona, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until liquid is absorbed, 12 to 14 minutes; set aside.
   
2. In a food processor, pulse carrot until finely chopped. Add cooked quinoa, half the scallions, beans, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; pulse until combined but still slightly chunky.
   
3. Form mixture into four 3/4-inch-thick paties (dip hands in water to prevent sticking). If too soft, refrigerate 10 minutes to firm. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium; cook burgers until browned and cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes per side.
   
4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, and the remaining scallions; season with salt and pepper. Serve burgers in pita topped with cucumber and yogurt sauce.
   
   
   

   Megan

Ghountry...LOL!

What to Blog about? Today was full of fussy babies, attitudes, and snotty noses. I will be so happy when the babes start feeling better. I feel like I am running out of energy and could pass out any second. Whew-wey! As I lay here in bed, I can't help but think of how mad and stressed I am at the Military. It's been almost a month since we have gotten a paycheck which I don't know for you, but it's hard on us...it's STRESSFUL! I was supposed to get the paycheck tomorrow, but instead I am getting it on the 19th. Military pays every 1st and 15th of each month and this month is different. I called the Finance Office up where Hubs is at and she was a butthole. I guess I will have to wait until Monday even though I have bills coming out tomorrow...just so aggravating. Hubs has been in almost a year...7 more to go! Can''t wait. I'm OCD about everything and have to have everything planned out way ahead of time and the Military is the complete opposite of what I like. 

 I think the terrible twos have hit Bentley! I'm not gonna lie, he has picked up this mischievous attitude and I don't like it! Where did my sweet Bentley go?! He says to , "No" to almost everything I tell him and it breaks my heart. I of course, discipline him and tell him why I disciplined him, but he still does it. I know that's part of growing up, but I just don't like it. It's so hard for me to believe that he's 20 months already and Sawyer is 6 months! It shocks me! It makes you realize how fast life truly is! I use to think 50 years was A LOT, but now when I think about it--it's not. It's 'just' 50 years that fly by so fast that it leaves time behind! That also means change and I don't take change very well. 


Well, guys--I'm signing off to finish watching Idol and lay my exhausting self to bed...or enjoy a nice bubble bath. Have a good night!


Ghountry- Ghetto Country! Love it!

Megan

 

Pin*ter*vention Tuesday

Easter Egg Wreath

Wreaths aren't just for winter! To make this festive springtime wreath, cut skewers into two-inch lengths, leaving one end sharp. Using a paring knife, pierce shells of speckled malted-milk eggs and insert skewer tips. Push candy into an eight-inch foam ring; top with ribbon.

Megan

Updated Pictures of My Babes.

These are the two beautiful faces I get to wake up to and spend my entire day with...everyday :)

Bentley James 20 months old.

Sawyer Ray 6 months old.

Megan

Hubby Monday

I GOT A LETTER FROM MY HUBBY!! Oh my goodness! I am one happy Wife and Mama! I've had one heck of a roller coaster ride with Sawyer going to the Hospital, me and the boys being sick, missing my Hubby, yada yada yada. It's only been 2 weeks of my Hubs being gone and it feels like so much longer. I need to stop dwelling on it, but it's so hard. 
 With that said, I not only have 1 letter, but I have 5 :) They are pretty much telling me where he's at which is Ft. Leonardwood, Mo. The Tornadoes that hit in Missouri were 5 miles from him and they had to evacuate which my heart dropped when I read that. I knew the tornadoes were close, but not that stinking close! He is getting fed very well, but not as good as my cooking so he says. Honestly, I think hes just saying that to flatter me ;) LOL! He actually ran into a guy he knows who is a Lt. and of all places it was there! From what I gather, it's way out in the boonies of Missouri--I am the one who usually runs into people at random places. We were on our Honeymoon and I knew someone who was in Jamaica. The letters were very short and like I said, he was practically giving me the address and info on the place, so next Monday (praying I get a letter or two by then), I will tell you all about his thrilling experiance at Basic. That is, if he sends me detailing enough letters. 




 Tonight, I tucked my Sweet Bentley to bed who is pitiful and sick. He's had been begging me to go "nite nite: for 2 hours before his bedtime (he's always begging to go to sleep because he loves his big boy bed) and finally when I laid him down-he cried for me. This is the first time in a very long time that he's actually cried for Mommy at bedtime. Yes, I'm a sucker...I crawled into bed with him and just laid there. That's something he's never let Hubs or I do...lay with him. I am totally against kids sleeping in the bed with parents and we have always made him sleep in his bed, and that's why he likes his own space. I believe the spouses bedroom is for them, it's their time, and their space. You can't let children sleep in between you because it's separting you from your spouse. That causes marital issues. Anyway, back to what I was saying before I got side tracked. I laid in bed with him and just caressed his head and sang "I fly Away" and "ABC's" which is his two favorite songs. It made and still does, make me teary eyed. I miss those days when he was Sawyers age and I could just hold him and sing to him all day long. I miss him not being able to walk because he fully relied on Mommy to take care of him. As I was rubbing my big sweaty fingers through his fine thin hair, he fell asleep with a little smile on his face. I knew I had made him happy, fulfilled his little bit of emptiness, and made him at ease. I know I have been spending a little bit more time with Lil Dude because he's been really bad sick and I think Bentley misses the time that he and I usually do have together. He has hardly ever showed jealously towards Hubs and I, but tonight I think he missed me. It was a stress free feeling and just laying there felt very peaceful with my sweet Bentley. I am very blessed and so happy with everything that my Father God has given me. 
 Right now as I think about my littles and I being sick, Hubs being gone, what seems to be my world falling apart in 2 weeks--I kind of want to laugh. It's me being so selfish. God had this plan for us before we even knew it and He is using this as stepping stones to build our faith in Him and to strengthen our marriage. This is His plan he has for us (Jeremiah 29:11). Everything that's happening, I just need to say, "Thank You Jesus," because He has plans and He will protect. Just like my Mama use to always say, "When you stump your toe, just laugh and say thank Jesus. He has a sense of humor." That has always stuck to me.


Well guys, I'm fixing to take me a nice bath and try to relax. I've had a very eventful 5 days and haven't had a chance to even think.    


...and lil dude is waking up. Ya'll have a good night and hope you enjoyed my Blog! 

Megan

Sick...

This is going be a short Blog, but I figured I would say, "Hello." So...hello :) 
  The boys and I woke up not feeling to well this morning and by the time late afternoon hit, this nasty sickness took over. I feel like I have the Flu, Sawyer has something nasty, and I think Bentley has a sinus infection. We practically stayed in my bed all day because I have no energy to walk. Talking about hard! This is what I was dreading when Hubs left...'if we were all sick together with him gone.' It's miserable. 
  I am going to bed--sorry this is so short...




Oh! I'm thinking about dying my hair blonde...what do you think??!

Megan

Can't Resist Thursday

Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls

    Whatcha need:

• 2 cups frozen corn, thawed
• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles, drained
• 4 green onions, chopped

• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• ½ tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. pepper
• ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 package egg roll wrappers (about 24 total)

    How to make it:

• In a large bowl, combine everything but the egg roll wrappers. Mix well to blend. Lay an egg roll wrapper out on a work surface so that one of the corners is pointing toward you and place ¼ cup of the filling in the center. Fold the tip closest to you up over the filling, roll a bit, then take the points pointing outward and fold them in toward the center. Continue rolling into an egg roll shape until a small part of the remaining point is still free. Dip a finger in water or beaten egg and lightly brush on the edges of the free corner. Finish rolling and press to seal closed. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
  Preheat the oven to 425˚ F. Lightly oil a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place the sealed egg rolls on the baking sheet seam side down and spray the tops of the egg rolls with cooking spray. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until lightly brown, turning halfway through baking. Serve warm with salsa.
  
  
  

  Megan

  
  

2 Corinthians 9:8

  Do you ever have those days where you want to hold your children and not let go? I love to hold both of my boys in the glider and sing 'I Fly Away' and just look at the smiles on their faces. Sometimes, just looking at them makes me cry. I am just so overjoyed and love them with my entire heart, I cry. I may sound crazy, but that's how much I love them. When I think about the love I have for them, I then think the love God has for us. It's amazing to know that He feels the same way with us and even more! His love is never ending. It just amazes me. Now, I do have bad days with the kiddos--don't get me wrong. Some days I feel like screaming my head off. It doesn't matter how impatient, upset, mad, whatever it is--one little smile from either boy takes it all away. Well, I was surfing FB this morning and saw that a friend had a link that caught my attention. I truly believe that every parent should read this. If you are anything like me, get a box of Kleenexs.

I copied and pasted it, but click Here if you would rather go to the link:


"When I was a younger mom, I used to count the hours.  I counted the meager number of hours I slept each night, the number of hours I spent rocking a screaming baby, and the number of hours I spent nursing.  I counted the number of hours I spent making meals and cleaning up the kitchen, the number of hours spent folding laundry and vacuuming.  I counted the number of hours my boss was late in picking up her son, and how many hours I spent in traffic trying to get home.  I counted the number of hours I spent editing my husband’s papers and the hours he spent away at class each day.  I counted the hours until he came home.
With all the hours counted, I knew just how tired I could be, or irritated, or unproductive.  I knew how much to require of other people and how much to coddle myself.   I knew what I could or could not do.
I knew the hours were against me that first Sunday back to church after the baby was born.  I smelled like sour milk and I was pretty sure I had forgotten to put mascara on my left eye.  None of my clothes fit right yet and I wanted to burn the maternity skirt I was obligated to wear even though I was no longer pregnant.
It only took ten minutes to get to church, but by the time we arrived, the baby already needed to be changed and my toddler said she was hungry.  Had I packed her a snack?  I wasn’t sure.  The entire morning had been a blur.  How could two children be so much harder than one?
We were late, and as we walked in from the back parking lot, we could hear the sounds of singing coming from the open doors.  I didn’t want to go inside.  I knew I would spend the entire service in the cry room, changing and feeding the baby and trying to keep my nineteen-month old entertained.  Other toddlers were content to play in the nursery.  Mine screamed until her face turned purple and one of the nervous young nursery helpers was sent to find me before my daughter went into convulsions on the alphabet rug.
The cry room was already crowded with other mothers and babies in various stages of crying, sleeping, and nursing.  I looked around for a seat, trying not to step on the clingy toddler clutched to my leg.  Her little fingers were creating a run in my nylon the size of the Grand Canyon.
The baby decided he was no longer enjoying his stay in the car carrier.  He rolled his head to the side and wrinkled up his nose, clutching his fists together in preparation for a scream.  I rocked the carrier with my foot and dug around in the diaper bag.  I knew I had packed a burp cloth and a blanket, but I couldn’t seem to find either.  Within seconds, the baby’s face was bright red and his tongue had curled back to let out the full force of his dissatisfaction.
I found the blanket and decided the burp cloth could wait.  I tried to cover up so I could nurse him discreetly, but his body was rigid and he refused to acknowledge the fact that I was finally prepared to feed him.  Meanwhile, my daughter had found a book in the toy bin and was tugging at my sleeve.  “Mommy, read it?” she asked.  “Read it?”
“Jus’ a second,” I mumbled, trying to hold the blanket to my chest with my chin.  I never understood how some women could nurse in public, as if it didn’t require and extra set of hands and a tent.
Somewhere under the blanket, my baby found what he was looking for and his screams subsided.  My face was hot and I was developing a spasm in my shoulder.  A woman in the rocking chair across the room smiled at me.  It was a simple gesture, but I suddenly felt like I needed that smile more than anything else she could have given me.
I couldn’t remember seeing her before.  She was tall and large boned, with deeply angled features and long, fawn-colored hair that had been warmed by the sun.  In older times, she would have been called a handsome woman, with a strong, practical sort of beauty.  She wore a plain linen jumper and summer sandals, like she had just come from a day at the ocean.  When she smiled, the lines around her sea-blue eyes betrayed the fact that she was not a young mother, but there was a constancy about her that made me think she had always looked the same, and always would.
Just then, another woman came in the room, her arms loaded with supplies.  Gigantic pink and purple flowers exploded all over her dress.  She wore a hat covered in more flowers.  A real hat, with fake flowers.  People in the Northwest don’t wear hats to church, I realized.  But they do in Ipswich.  She took one look at the woman in the corner and cried, “Bryn!  Are you back for a visit?  Oh my goodness, look at that little one!  So precious!  And look at you!  I hear you’re expecting another already?”
Bryn smiled easily.  She patted the baby in her arms with capable determination, like she wasn’t concerned in the least about having two babies so close together.  I guessed her son was no more than three months old, which meant that her two would be closer together than mine.  Almost like twins.  I was suspicious of her confidence.  I wanted to tell her that she had no idea what she was in for, that having two wasn’t as easy as she seemed to think it would be.
“Let’s see, this will be number seven, right?” the boisterous newcomer continued as she refilled the baby wipes and checked the diaper supply.
Seven?  I glanced over at the woman in the rocking chair.  I was staring.  I knew I was staring, but I couldn’t stop staring even though my daughter was stealing Cheerios from someone else’s purse.   She didn’t look like the mother of six and soon-to-be seven children, although as soon as I thought it, I realized I didn’t know what a mother of seven should look like.  I guess I thought she should be a little less rested, a little less like she just blew in from a week at the beach.  She didn’t look like she might lose it if someone asked her what was for lunch.
Clearly, I was in the presence of a super-woman, and I felt small and inadequate and insecure, like she could see right through me with some sort of x-ray vision.  She could probably see that I had a pile of dirty dishes in my sink at home, that I hadn’t read my daughter a bed-time story in a week because I was too tired, and that I was angry when the baby wouldn’t go back to bed after his 3 am feeding.
The baby squirmed.  I had forgotten to burp him.  My daughter flopped across my knees and let her book drop to the ground.  I had not read it.
Bryn was looking at me and smiling.  I wasn’t about to fall for that again.  I was duty-bound to dislike her, no matter how kind she seemed.  Seven children.  My word.  I couldn’t even handle two.
“The first two are the hardest,” Bryn said apologetically, as if she could read my mind.  The cry room had emptied out and we were alone.
Her words melted me.  Stupid super-powers.
“How do you do it?”  I blurted out, even though I didn’t really mean to.  “When was the last time you got any sleep?”
Bryn brushed a wisp of long hair behind her ear thoughtfully.  “I don’t know.  I’ve never really worried about that,” she said quietly as she rocked her baby back and forth.  “I figure God is big enough to give me just what I need for each day.  Maybe it’s not as much as I would like or as much as I think I need, but I have to believe that it’s sufficient for the moment.  He promises that, you know?”
I swallowed hard.  I was not in the mood for a sermon.
But Bryn started to tell her story, and I found the words settling deep into my soul, obliterating my defenses.  She talked about how she had lost three babies before a doctor took the time to figure out why her body wouldn’t let her carry a baby to term.  She talked about the fear that surrounded each pregnancy and a heart that wouldn’t let her love a baby she might lose.  She talked about how something in her died when the tests that showed her baby would have Down Syndrome, and how she couldn’t stop crying when he was born healthy.  They named him Samuel, after a baby in the Bible who was born out of a barren womb to a mother who had known the taste of tears.
“I don’t think Hannah worried much about sleepless nights,” Bryn said about that faithful mother.
I didn’t think she did either.  I couldn’t help but think that in the middle of the night, when the stillness of Hannah’s home was interrupted by a baby’s cry, she did not take her eyes from his to think about how little she had slept or how much she needed her energy for the day ahead.  How long would it take a mother like that to forget how much she’d been given?  Eternity could not take the memory of it from her.
“I bet she held Samuel close as long as she could.”
I nodded.
Bryn shifted her baby to the other shoulder and sighed. “I’m not saying it’s not hard.  It is. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.  My back hurts and my stomach looks like stretched out Silly Putty, and if you saw my house, you’d be embarrassed for me,” she smiled and I realized I liked her again.  “But somehow, God saw fit to give me these babies for this time, and I can’t help but being awed by that.”
On the way home, I stared at my reflection in the window.  Spring green fields flecked with dandelions passed over my face.  The cherry trees were blooming and the songbirds had come back.  My mind went to sparrows, who don’t have to worry about seed for tomorrow.  I wondered why I had so little faith.  Had I ever been in want?  Had I ever been lacking?  No matter how many times He’d proved it, I didn’t really believe that God could give me just what I needed for each new day.
I thought about lilies, which don’t labor for their clothes, and to the woman in a linen jumper who knew what it was to be buried deep, like a bulb in the frozen earth.  There in the darkness of broken dreams and aspirations, she had died to the plans in her own heart and to the things she thought were certain, but which never came to pass.  Then, in the coldness of late winter rains, when everything seemed hopeless and lost, God brought new life out of the ground and clothed her in radiance and splendor.  I wanted to be beautiful like that.  But dying is hard.
That night, I put my nineteen-month-old to bed and settled down to nurse the baby.  But the strangeness of a Sunday schedule had left him confused, and he wouldn’t nurse, and he wouldn’t sleep.  He didn’t want to be held, and he certainly didn’t want to be put down.  I let out an exasperated sigh.
“You should go to bed,” my husband said, looking up from his desk.  He was studying for a final. “I’ll take care of the baby.”
I was so tired, I couldn’t even think of what I needed to do to go to bed.  “Just go to bed,” he insisted.  “There’s nothing you have to do that can’t wait until tomorrow.”
I crawled in under the covers and pulled them up around my neck.  I put a pillow over my head for extra measure.  The alarm clock blazed 11:27.  11:27, 11:27.  He’ll be up at three, I thought.  That’s not enough sleep…
I got up and walked out to the living room.
“He doesn’t need you,” my husband teased, casting a look at the baby in the bouncy seat.
I handed him the alarm clock.
“What’s this?” he asked.
“Just keep that for me,” I said.  “Tonight, I’m going to get enough sleep.”
I headed back to bed, and for the first time since I’d brought a baby into my home, I didn’t count the hours.  When my newborn son woke up in the middle of the night, I remembered Hannah, and I held him to me and studied his face.  His cloudy blue eyes looked inky in the dim light and he made little grunting noises that I knew wouldn’t last.  One day, I’d hold him and realize that he didn’t make them anymore.  One day I’d look into his eyes and notice they weren’t blue anymore.  One day, I’d look at him and realize he wasn’t a baby any more, and I’d wonder where the hours had gone.
For just a moment, it seemed like time stood still.  I considered all that I had been given, and I was awed into silence.  A God who created such perfect hands and feet could surely care for me all the hours of my life.  Finally, I was ready to believe it.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”—2 Corinthians 9:8"




 I just had to share this.  

Megan

Hello! You there?

This week has consisted of staying home...NOT! Believe it or not, I have gotten out of the house a little bit. I have been forcing myself to get OUT of the house and go to the gym, had supper with a friend and lunch another day, play date with the kiddos, my Mom came and visited today, and tomorrow will be gym and possibly the park. I am trying to speed up time! I'm trying to stay focused and I would love to not think about the time clicking very slowly because I am ready to see my Hubby. I miss him a lot. I keep thinking he's at work and will be home in the morning, but when I turn over in bed to look for him, he isn't there--it sucks. Today Bentley kept consistently asking and crying for "Da-da" and it breaks my heart. I hate it. 
  So yesterday I cleaned my clean house. Did something sound not right in the last sentence? I'm sure it did. My Hubby has been gone almost 2 weeks and my house has stayed spotless...literally. That's also with a 20 month old and a 5 month old. How?!? I told him several months ago that I truly believe that he is the one that messes the up house and yesterday proved my point. I did mention that in a letter I wrote him. ;) It does surprise me because he helps me with a few things around the house, but it's true--he's a slob, LOL! Goodness, I love him! I am a tad bit OCD with a clean house, but I like to make sure it's cleaned almost every other day. I bleach, bleach, and bleach some more. 
  When I feel in doubt, my God, again amazes me. Most of you know that I have been stressed to the max with Hubs gone and Sawyers MRI results. I've been waiting 2 weeks to get results and the woman told me the Ophthalmologist would call me next Wednesday. I sat by my phone all day waiting on the Dr to call. My impatient self blew their phone up today because I was scared to go another day not knowing. The lady told me this morning that the Dr was only in 1 afternoon a week...yes, I did panic. I know he's a surgeon and he has other patients, but like I said--I wanted to know. Finally got in touch with him and Sawyers vision isn't that good (around 40%), Nystagmus, and Albinoid (Albino in the eyes). No, this isn't good news at all, but considering he had an MRI for other possibilities, it's wonderful news. He is going back in 6 months to see if he can 'tolerate' glasses for his vision and darkened lenses for his Albinoid. It is very heart breaking and would rather myself go through it than my own child. He's my baby. I have faith and know that God will heal him. Nothing is impossible for Him and there isn't anything He and I can't handle together. I just wished that I could pick up the phone and call Hubs. 
  I didn't get any response on the Hubby Monday idea, which makes me wonder if anyone ever reads my blog? Hello? You there? Give me some input if you are reading. I hope you have a good night--I'm going to finish watching Idol. See you back for tomorrow's 'Can't Resist Thursday'!

Megan

 

Pin*ter*vention Tuesday

Spoon flavored yogurt into a plastic bag. Squeeze dots onto cookie sheet and place in freezer. They'll be ready in about an hour. I think this is the NEATEST idea, especially with mine and Bentleys yogurt obsession.

I know this isn't a neat crafty idea, but I did get it off Pinterest! I would have saved this for Can't Resist Thursday, but I already have a yummy supper coming your way. So with this put aside, I feel bad that I didn't give you a cute little craft, so here you go: 

Have any Children? This is the cutest little Easter craft you can make with them! 

Megan

Hubby Monday

There is no Hubby Monday for now. Hubby is gone for a while :(. Although, I have thought about updating you in on how he is and what he says about everything each Monday (if and when I receive a letter). Whatcha think?

Megan

Can't Resist Thursday

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Dip

 

      Ingredients: Chocolate Chip Dip

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (6 ounces) miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• Graham cracker sticks

     

     Directions:

• In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add the sugars and vanilla; beat until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips. Serve with graham cracker sticks. Yield: 2 cups.

Nutritional Facts 2 tablespoons (calculated without graham cracker sticks) equals 180 calories, 14 g fat (9 g saturated fat), 31 mg cholesterol, 84 mg sodium, 14 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein. 

Megan