Much better...

I am so thankful for so many things. Here are just a few of them...
1. I feel so much better. I was pretty worried last week because I had some weird head stuff going on but I think I have narrowed it down to some inner ear stuff. I was so nauseous, light headed, tired, and felt so out of it. I have never felt so "weird" and yucky in all my life. My dr. wanted me to first to try some good allergy medicine for a week and if there was no improvement than she was going to schedule an MRI. Praise God that the allergy medicine has really helped. I think my ears are finally starting to drain thus relief from all the crazy symptoms. I feel so much better. Praise God...over and over.
Funny side note..while I was bargaining with God about eating better, reading my bible more, being more Christ like, etc, etc,..........I went to the grocery and bought fruits, whole grains, and a bunch of veggies. Come to find out, the spinach I bought had E-coli. Lucky for me (and for Brian), I hadn't got around to fixing it. Had you thrown food poisoning in on top of all my other symptoms, I would have been a mess (mentally and physically).
2. I really enjoyed my first bible study meeting on Thursday. It promises to be a great study filled with lots of learning and fellowship. I can't tell you how much I needed and missed being in a study. I think God has been preparing me for this study and I am ready for the challenge. Praise Him.
3. Mops (mothers of preschool students) was a lot of fun on Friday. I am so glad that I went and joined. I met so many moms in the same stage of life as me and I think Will even had a great time. (Sissy...not so much.) One mom in my group even invited me and the kids to a play date on Monday. I am so excited about the opportunity to make some new friendships.....for me and for Will (though old ones are the best). Praise God.
Hope your week was a good one.

Major Neglect

Oh I have been so very neglectful of my blog. Please forgive me. Many excuses--some good, some not--I will try to do better.
Last week was just one of those tough weeks as a mom. I found myself even questioning if I am cut out to be a stay-at-home-mom. For as wonderful as it is, it can sure be an isolating, lonesome, tough job. By far, it is the hardest job I have ever had. Teaching school was not an easy..all the take home work, disrespectful students, tough parents, even tough co-workers, but there is no pressure like the pressure you feel when the kids are your own...truly your own...not just for a year...but for a life time (God willing). I put a lot of pressure on myself to do a good job with Will and Abby, to try and teach them as much as I can, be patient with them, and shower them with love but there are just some days..I guess even weeks...I feel like they deserved more than I gave them. I suppose that is just motherhood....or just life. Fortunately, I live under God's grace and it is new each day. I am so very thankful for that.

We have been having such a hard time with Will and the whole potty issue. The kid just doesn't like to poo. I have never seen anything like it. He will hold it and hold it and hold it until he is absolutely miserable and this is with two teaspoons of milk of magnesia a day plus extra fiber in his diet. It is crazy. I can't even get him to go in his diaper much less on the potty. Sigh.

I can't think of much else exciting to report. I have now worked at the consignment store two times and it is work..let me tell ya. I don't sit down for a second. I'm not sure how much longer or how often I will do it since she just wants to pay me (cash) $6 an hour or $5 an hour with a slight discount. It is not even minimum wage and the opportunity cost alone (Brian rushing home from work, being away from my family,..etc) make it almost not worth it. I suppose it was fun (or should I say different) while it lasted.

I have been feeling a bit under the weather so I am hoping a trip to the dr. tomorrow will shed some light on what's going on. It seems to come and go but I am ready for it to be gone.
My bible study begins Thursday and I am super excited. It is called the Amazing Collection and we are starting with Genesis and ending in Revelation. A two year study! I am sure it will be every bit of "Amazing". I have also joined a MOPS group and our first meeting is Friday. I am looking forward to meeting some other moms in the same stage of life that I am in. It promises to be a busy, but hopefully fun week. I will keep you posted.

She's starting to move....

Watch out world...Sissy is coming.

Here are some shots that Will took with the camera as well. Pretty talented huh? :)

Happenings...

All I can say is holy moly. We went to the zoo on Saturday with Brian's dad, sister, and her two kids and boy did we walk...and walk...and walk. We saw all that the zoo had to offer and I have never been so tired in my life. I didn't even know that they had penguins at our zoo because we have never even made it to that end of the zoo before. It was my first time to see the Hippo up close too. My brain couldn't fathom how something that large was just walking around under water. We had a great time but we were so wiped out the rest of the evening. We felt like 30 somethings going on 80. Pretty sad.

On Sunday, Ney (Brian's mom) came to visit us and boy it was nice. Brian got the yard mowed, I got all the ironing done, and we got in some good family time. The best of both worlds.

Today, the kids and I spent all day in Lexington visiting some of our favorite people. It was such a nice day. Will is crazy about A.J. (and likewise) and I got to get in some good girl time. A perfect mix of kids, adult conversation, and fun.

Thursday night I am going to work at a local consignment store here. My first "job" since I quit teaching. When I went to consign some of Will's clothes, mine, and Tracy's, I could see how behind they were (as evidenced by all the crates) in putting out the clothes, so I asked her if she needed some help. I told her I couldn't do anything during the day but I could help her after hours if she ever needed it. She took me right up on my offer and is putting me to work Thursday from 6 to about 10. I was thrilled. It will be a nice break for me and hopefully one that I can do from time to time. Brian was more than agreeable to watch the kids so I am going to give it a go. I will let you know how it all goes down. I hope Miss Abby isn't too much of a handful.

Here are some pictures from the past couple days. And yes, my son was the only 3 year old in the entire zoo that walked around with "noculars" the entire time. What a little scientist.

Some of my favorites

I took these yesterday and thought I would share. I got so tickled with the last picture....by her face you can guess what she was doing. Those prunes will do it every time.

Family Fun

Well, we sure had a wonderful time visiting my parents this past weekend. Everyone got lots of attention (including me) and it was so nice to just sit back and relax. I feel so fortunate to have the parents I do. I love the way they love me and our children. They have a uniquely, wonderful way of making you feel so special.
So, while me and the kids were relaxing and eating lots of yummy food, Brian was here slaving away painting his little heart out. He worked so hard and it sure shows. The house looks fantastic...clean, bright, and new. What a hubby!
PS...We did a lot of dancing this weekend so I thought I would share a quick clip of Will cutting a rug. I think he has some talent. I was also pretty impressed with my mom's dancing skills as well. She can really move (though she wouldn't let us get her on video).
Stuffed shells for dinner tonight. MMMMmmmm.

What's on my heart...

Thank you Lord for being my saviour.....in so many ways.