Higley Heroes

New week new numbers

2012-01-29T19:11:00.002-05:00

This has been a rough week. Tuesday sucked, sick kid + Van break down + need to find someone to pick up 4yr old and somehow pick up the 6yr old at 3 ( Finally had to call and have him ride the bus)= Stress. Then we went on to have two more days before we got the van back. As of Friday I was bummed that the scale was stuck so I lost all my steam. I had no desire to work out (My work out buddy was home with a sick kid) and all I wanted to do was eat. I knew I'd probably over eat some but told myself to let it be, try to make good food choices and if I slip up so what I am allowed a hungry day. As I began to complain to Jason he mentioned that stress might be the missing factor to why the scale got stuck. So Saturday morning I decided to un-stick it by going to Zumba. I usually don't work out on Saturdays, too much family stuff to do. I went and felt great, it also renewed my healthy eating desires. The scale moved again which brings me to this weeks starting numbers.

Weight 222
Waist 41
Hips 48

Monday Monday

2012-01-23T14:05:00.002-05:00

So this week's beginning weight 225.
Waist 41.5
Hips 47.5
Interesting note this is also my pre-Matt weight. I have made my first baby weight goal! My next is to get to Pre-Dan at 213, then Pre-Tom, 207, Pre-Ben 190, and finally wedding weight 160. I am very energized by the weigh loss so far. I just hope it keeps going down.

First small goal achieved

2012-01-18T13:53:00.002-05:00

The scale said 226. This means I have officially lost my first 10 lbs. This is starting from November when I was at my breaking point weight of 236. However most of this weight has been lost over that last 2 weeks once I started giving a full effort to my workouts and been eating the right way. Last post I mentioned Weight watchers. I have a friend who was going to drop off her stuff but since she hasn't I have just been tracking my calories in my head mostly. My friend Stacy referred me to MyFitnessPal.com. I registered for it yesterday and like how it helps me track my exercise and food. It is free so I think I will keep using it. I also have a Weight Watchers recipe book and am using that to plan the Family meals. Over all I feel good and I am very happy with the forward momentum. It is going to be a long journey but any long journey begins with a step right?

Bad Numbers

2012-01-15T15:31:00.004-05:00

At the beginning of November I decided that it was time to get more serious about working out so spent big bucks(for me) and did Intensive Group Training with Nikki. It totally kicked my butt. Each Friday mourning I thought it would be easier and in five minutes I would think she is going to kill me. By then end of December I was waiting on results from labs and Nikki's class had only killed a measly 3 pounds off my frame. While I do think I gained some muscle I was very disappointed at the weight loss. In the meantime I was also doing blood work and some general check up stuff with my MD.
Good news, I don't have Mono or thyroid problems. Bad news I'm borderline Diabetic (insulin resistant) and there is plak on my arteries and fat around the liver. In short I"M FAT.
So what am I to do but take real action. This is to include some accountability. I plan on using my blog to record my transformation back to healthy. So Honest numbers
Weight 233
Waist 43
Hips 50

I purposely chose the small pictures. So in order to change I am trying the weight watchers program and I made a friend from my IGT class, we are work out buddies. This past week has been the first week were I worked out 4 days and have been eating better. Good news the scale moved, not much but it's not going up so that's a good move. Wish me luck

Who wants a treat?

2011-10-18T10:56:00.003-04:00

Giveaway
While checking out blogs today, my friend had a giveaway post. The only thing you need to win is to be fast. So here are the rules:

1. I will make something for the first 3 people that comment on this post. It will be surprise and you will get it sometime in the next 365 days (yup, that's a year).
2. To get a special homemade surprise from me, you have to be willing to play the game as well. So, basically, you promise that you will post a similar giveaway on your blog. Only difference is, you only need to give a surprise to the first 3 people that comment.
3. You need to have a blog, so you can post your own giveaway :).
4. Make sure you leave me a way to contact you. So, if we're not friends on facebook or I don't know how to stalk you very easily, leave me your e-mail.

Happy commenting!

Friend's Giveaway

2011-07-20T18:32:00.001-04:00

Go here to enter Emma's giveaway of a cute homemade craft
http://itotallymadethis.blogspot.com/2011/07/as-promised-my-first-giveaway.html?showComment=1311201082956#c3687224501711634155

I am taking donations

2011-07-01T22:06:00.002-04:00

Today I got my first glimpse of how much food we are going to go through. At lunch I took out a new loaf of bread, 22 slices and made PB&J for 3 little boys. My 2 year old ate 2. Tonight for dinner we were lazy so I asked Jason to make some tuna fish sandwiches, salad and fruit. I had one sandwich, Jason had one and again we feed the little boys. So how is is that we finished off the new loaf of bread and 4 cans of Tuna? Now maybe that doesn't sound like much but the boys are only 6, 4, and 2. On the weekends when daddy makes pancakes we have to make a double batch. I use at least 6 eggs for scrambled eggs and they each eat an 6oz cup of yogurt or applesauce.
Soooo, anyone who wants to contribute to the Feed the Higley boys fund please send you checks to our house c/o me, or if you know of anyone who has a farm and wants summer workers in exchange for a whole cow please let me know. Once they hit the teens I think I will have to farm them out:). Good thing they are cute. Hey, maybe they can find some nice girls to be friends and eat at their homes.

He's Here

2011-05-29T10:52:00.002-04:00

Welcome to our newest brother Matthew Joseph Higley. Born 9 lbs 14 oz, 21 inches long. Lots of dark hair and blue eyes(for now).
Due to a long time in the pelvis sunny side up Matt had alot of facial bruising and 2 major gooses bumps on the head. This contributed to an return stay to the Hospital for Jaundice treatment.
Now we are all home and happy. Daddy has done a great job taking care of the big brothers, so much so now they call for him first when they need something (score for me right? Oh yeah!) Other good news includes a baby who is ok at breastfeeding ( vs. horrible like the others, they tried but it was a struggle).As for Mommy, I am tired( big fat Duh on that) but very happy. When Matt cuddles on my chest and I see how much space he takes up I understand better why many friends thought I was going to burst any moment. That was a whole lot of baby.
One of the biggest shocks for me is the sound of the phrase " Mother of Four". I never thought of four as a "large" family. But it really does sound like a few kids. Life is good.
I know I've had my ups and downs alot lately but the extra time in the hospital gave me a chance to reflect on all the people who have been there and have been caring for me and my children/husband. I hope I will remember to keep my eyes open a little more and look for others who are stuck in a " nobody likes me, everybody hates me, guess I'll eat some worms" mentality. I didn't realize how rapped up in my own life I've been. So to all those who have extended a hand, a meal, a gift , and all other forms of love and appreciation to and for me and my family I offer a sincere Thank you. Also don't forget to check out the cute pics in the slide post before this one.

Introducing Matthew Joseph

2011-05-29T10:40:00.002-04:00

Baby boy Higley

2011-05-04T12:32:00.004-04:00

This is his Emperor shot (think Star Wars). The nob is a nose if you look below you will see pouty lips and then the chin. His head has dropped into the pelvis and that's the best she could get for a face shot. Good thing too cause if she dug any deeper into my pelvis I was going to kick her across the room. The pelvis is a hard bone that does not move for the Ultasound wand now matter how you wave it. I still think he is cute. Any name suggestions?

This is the "still hasn't fallen off yet" boy shot. It's kinda funny cause if you rotate them to orient the same direction it's difficult to see the difference in features. I am getting excited and nervous all at once again.

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T20:34:00.004-04:00

Picture from Jason's Work Easter Activity. What a haul these boys brought home

Sad

2011-04-18T20:12:00.002-04:00

*Note* This is not a humorous post nor is it a request for insincere comments. It's just straight up raw feelings, read at your own risk

Today has been a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Why? Just because, because I feel like no one cares and I am reliving all the times people have let me down, especially when I got up the nerve to ask for help.

Once I asked some people to visit my Mom while she was in the hospital since I wasn't allowed to bring the children and needed a break from being the only care giver of hers. When asked if I need someone to babysit so I could visit I said No, but I needed someone else to show Mom they cared, Didn't happen.

Last pregnancy I was stressed out and could have used a shoulder to cry on or talk or something. I spoke to one friend who mentioned someone else was just saying they were concerned. Nice to know they could talk to each other about me but not actually come to console me.

When it was time for Dan to be born I asked the R.S if anyone might be available to help with Ben & Tom and if so please let me know, no one called, I ended up asking the R.S. President to come over and help my Mom get the kids to bed the night we went into the hospital. Luckily my sister-in-law was able to take them the next day (good thing it was a holiday). I do want to say thanks to Maria, who visited in the hospital, Lurlene, on her own no R.S. coordination, brought a dinner, and all who gave gifts.

Then I was "invited" to a joint baby shower for me (baby already born)and another friend, whose baby had not come yet. If it was for me, even in part why was it the co-guest of honor(in truth the real guest of Honor) who told me about it? I really wish I would have sent my regrets for that one, talk about feeling like the red-headed step child. I was grateful to see some people who wished me well and the gifts were nice.

I guess the lesson I need to learn is 2 fold. 1st Remember this pain and disappointment and try to relieve someone else's loneliness. 2nd, I really do have a few people that will help when they can. Even if most of my "friends" who could help don't or say the would but don't speak up and make me come to them.

We made it! (This time)

2011-03-10T08:49:00.003-05:00

Jason has known since before Christmas that there were layoffs planned. First the company was accepting volunteers to terminate employement at the end of January. By the end of February they were to RIF (Reduction In Force)an addtional number of employees to make the 10% reduction. This meant that about 150 positions need to be layed-off. Our biggest worry was we didn't know the criteria for layoff. He has with the company for 6 years, he has recieved 2 promotions and his MS while here and he is working on active projects. All signs pointed to general security. Yet I am a little too superstious or maybe pessimistic but I didn't want to count any chickens too soon. At first I was pretty calm. I figured we could make it through even if that required a relocation. Then one day it hit me that I was pregnant. Okay major stress. First I was angry that we were paying high premiums and won't get the whole services, then I was terrified about how to pay for a baby out of pocket. After talking to friends they reminded me about medicaid and the like. So once again I was calm(er). Then the appointed day in February had come and gone, no notice. Apparently there had been mistakes in submitting names for approval and they had to resubmit to corporate. Now the Axe was hanging and no one knew when it was going to drop. Well the first blow swing Tuesday evening. The announcements were to begin with the second shift, then 3rd, then 1st the next day (24 hr manufacting plant). Jason knew tuesday night that tomorrow was the day. All of my fears came flooding to the front and Jason was visable concerned. By noon we should know one way or the other. I came home from tumbling class a little after 12pm. I didn't see any new messages on the phone, then I called and J was away from his desk. I called a few more times. Then I checked FB knowing his friends would post. 2 did and they were clear. Since I expected one to be on the chopping block ahead of Jason I thought he might be safe but since he was away from his desk my paranoid pregnant brain started to go into overdrive. He must be in a conference room, he is being let go right now. I told his buddy through FB to have him Call me ASAP. Less then an minute later I deleted my request. Then I went to call again and the phone was dead, the internet was off too. We were changing companies and I thought they must have cut service early. Then to add to it our cell phone was dead so I had to charge it. About 5 minutes later I hear the phone, It was Jason and he still had a job. I started to cry, to be honest I was gonna cry with or with out a job. He had left me a message but the answering machine didn't record it as new so I didn't notice it. As for the phone and internet who knows what the glitch was. Finally the Axe fell and we were not under it, this time. The company may have more layoffs to come but we hope that we can at least have the baby first. So thank you for all those who kept us in your prayers. Now on to the joy. Grandma(my mom) has a new place and is moving Saturday :)

Do we look like Brothers?

2011-02-16T09:37:00.003-05:00

It's a boy! Again !

2011-02-04T19:57:00.003-05:00

Dear Family,
Hello, My name for now is baby brother #4.
I am excited to come to meet my other 3 brothers. One of my favorite sounds is the sound of my brothers yelling and going crazy. It puts me right to sleep. Quiet is my time to play, just ask mom, although she seems to think it's time to sleep or something. Don't worry I'll teacher her yet! I look forward to meeting everyone in another few months. They tell me June but I'm not sure I'm going to wait that long, we'll see! Until then, Kick ya later (mom).
Love you all,
BB#4

Pregnancy or Insanity, is there a difference?

2010-12-16T19:50:00.005-05:00

Dear Beloved Friends,
For those of you who may not know I am expecting baby #4 June 5, 2011. If he/she comes on time this will make #3 born in June.
I have pretty good pregnancies and this one is good but a little harder than the others. So I have been reflecting on the expereince as a whole. To be honest I love crazy pregnant women. I wish I could think of some truly funny stories but many of them elude me. I hope many of you will take the chance to reflect and post/blog your funny pregnancy stories. I need a good laugh, I keep crying(stupid hormones). The good news is I am starting to fill my bra back out. I know I'm not flat however, of all the round spots on my body, that is the one spot I didn't mind a little roundness.
Food/Cravings: Pickles, they are my go to food. Petite dills, I can eat them by the bowlful. Cooking stinks because everythime I make something I lose interest in eating it.
Hormones: CRAZY, not the good Crazy either, the mean and nasty kind where Jason says something and I get mad and then fuss and if he doesn't say something I want to cry because I think he is mad at me.
General health: Good, other than crazy all is well, not sick just a little tired.
Also if you post a comment let me know what your guess is Boy#4 or Girl #1. I'm always curious. I find it funny how often people will ask if we are trying for a girl this time. I haven't "tried" yet although if the baby is early I might get the Maybe(May Baby) I wanted. When all is said and done, healthy and happy is our greatest desire.

The Concert was Awesome!!

2010-11-17T19:07:00.003-05:00

So even though J had to go out of town for travel I hired a babysitter and saw BOYZ II MEN. They were awesome. I loved it. Michael came into the audience at the end song and he was close enough to touch. If it had been 20 years ago I would have, now being an old foggie I opted to let him pass unharmed since I was on his mic side. I can't explain how cool it was to be in a relatively small venue. I sang my heart out. the funniest thing was seeing young'ins who were jamming. We went to the middle show which was the best, they were already warmed up and the drunk and rowdy people were in line for the next show. If we ever have annual passes again I will make sure to see more of these concerts. There was a large number of good artists that I missed. I forgot how exciting it is to go to a live concert. Good night, very good night.

Old, No Really It's official.

2010-10-31T18:18:00.007-04:00

Most of my life I have hung out with people my age and as that group got married I started hanging out with younger friends. I also took the LONG track to graduate from college, 11 years. As a result I didn't notice that I was old. By virtue of the company I held it was assumed that I was younger and I have been fine with this. I even married a younger man (5 years to be exact (well 4 years, 11 months and 20 days to be EXACT)). Now that I'm married with young kids I find I have friends near my age and younger friends all with children the same age so once again I feel about par for the age bracket. This week I had a tumbling class mom-friend who is freaking out cause she is turning 30 in two weeks. I just laughed thinking I was just getting married at 30. But today was the official nail in this old lady's coffin. Just one quick comment. I love my age and would not change it for anything. I'm glad to have lived sooooooo long and hope to continue on, even if I do celebrate my 24th birthday... again for a few more years.
Today at the end of Church I was looking for a babysitter to watch the kids on a weeknight. The usual mutual aged girls won't do because of school and seminary. So I asked one of the new 18yr R.S. sisters ( also one of my usual babysitters she doubles with her sister often so I score 2 for 1). Then I began to tell them why I needed a babysitter and am so excited. Epcot has their Food and Wine festival and in connection with this they also have live concerts of some pretty cool singers. Most of the performers are 80's artists. I have missed most of these however I was dead set on going to see one of my favorite groups..... BOYZ II MEN. Yes that's right, I am so syked. To which a 16 year old said, who? Aren't they old, I mean an older group? I've never heard of them. OUCH, truly painful! I can see 80's groups as older but this group hit in the 90's. Then it hit me she was born in the 90's. I can't hide my age anymore. I might be down with Katy Perry, lady gaga and what not but when it comes to MY JAMS, it is "old" school. So I send my love and a shout out to all my OLD hommies from back in the day (1990). Word to your mother! BOYEEEE!.

What is your idosyncrisy?

2010-10-28T20:23:00.004-04:00

My best friend wrote a funny story about her daughter's love of gummys and which gummys she will eat.
It reminded me of all my candy quirks. When given a choice I almost always organize multi flavored candies from least desirable to most and eat in order. Yellow or green is 1st or 2nd, then any purple, then orange and lastly red, if there is a pink and red they might be alternated depending on flavor. I know many people do this as well but how many of you separate your candy bars? Twix split caramel from cookie and eat caramel first then cookie. Receese peanut butter cups, eat the edges and then the center. Snickers, eat the nougat bottom and then the caramel peanut top. Kit Kat, eat off all the edge of chocolate then eat the rest. If I can disassemble it I usually do. I even eat M&M's in color order when I have the time, brown, orange, yellow, red, green then blue. What about you? What do you do that is semi-crazy but makes sense to you and doesn't qualify you as actually OCD? Just curious.

Boys will be boys( and moms will go crazy)

2010-10-20T15:27:00.002-04:00

Random updates.

2010-09-28T13:02:00.003-04:00

Just an update on my gap month. I did my best and only dipped into savings by $50. Not bad when you technically run out of money on the 5th of the month. I highly recommend trying to see how far you can go on what you have on hand and spending for the basics only. It really helped me understand what it will take when lean times hit.
As much as I have been missing fall weather and the change of seasons I must admit I'm excited to try and plant our fall crops. Our very late summer crop yielded 1, 2inch Zucchini, 3 inch green peppers( so cute, but extremely bitter) and some little carrots that are also bitter. Maybe this time we will take better care (Summer is so Stinkin' hot and muggy, the bugs and heat won).
The boys are growing. If you look at my children you will see that I need no DNA to prove who's their daddy. If they open their mouth (which doesn't shut) you know I'm the mom. The oldest has both my gift for gab and randomly singing. The Mother's Curse is alive and well.

Frugality 2nd Generation

2010-07-26T15:52:00.008-04:00

Last week the boys received belated b-day cards and money from g-ma and g-pa Higley. We decided to take them to Target to let them spend their money. While we walked through the toy department I told them to look for toys that had a red tag on them. They did and I am very proud of their haul. Both of them chose a toy story R.C. toy that was marked down from $16.99 to $4.24. My frugal 5 yr old also bought a chalk making set that was $15.19 to $3.78 and a shovel and pail $1(dollar spot) and a water color set. He even had enough to go to Chik-fil-a for dinner. The thrifty 3 yr old made out about the same he bought an animated puppy instead of the chalk set. His puppy was only 50% off so he is still learning the fine art of clearance shopping ;).

Down but not out.....yet

2010-07-16T13:54:00.002-04:00

10 Days after my budget crisis began and all is ok-ish. I am glad to see how well I have spent what I have. I am also pleased to say that the food storage is pleasantly varied. We haven't had to result to Spaghetti for every meal (yet). I forgot that I have a whole Turkey in the Freezer. The hardest thing is the fresh stuff, Milk, vegs and fruit. But no real worry I still have 10+ boxes of brownies and 3 dz eggs, Of course without milk brownies aren't as good. C'est la vie!
15 Days and counting.

Truth according to Kids

2010-07-13T08:47:00.002-04:00

Last night I made a homemade chocolate cake, Texas cake to be exact. I don't like chocolate cake but I love this one.
After making the boys clean up and having family home evening we finally let the boys have a slice of cake.
Ben devours it before we finish serving everybody. Then he says " We love trying new things" Jason and I begin to laugh to which he quickly adds " we love to try new things except vegetables!"
Well I guess I'll have to work on that one.

Saturday Shopping

2010-07-11T19:52:00.002-04:00

I made 3 stops. I wanted to go to Target to see if I could score some freebies.
I ended up with 10pk of Ivory, Olay body wash and 2 bags of rolaids = $1.12
Publix $14.00
6 boxes of Cereal
6 jars of Apple sauce
3 lbs Bananas
3 apples

Walgreens $0.74(Had Wag's Money/RR to use before it expired)
Tide 50 oz (Small)
Colgate
Milk
2 Dozen eggs

Total for the day $15.86
Not bad

Free Food is Frugal

2010-07-09T14:37:00.002-04:00

Today is cow appreciation day at Chick-Fil-A. We dressed up like cows and got free meals. I'd post a picture but I don't have one. They did take out photo at the restaurant though so if you check out the Mount Dora chick-fil-a on facebook it might be posted tomorrow or something. What is funny to me is that some people may have been looking at us thinking we look silly and I was thinking man are those non-cows suckers to pay for their meal when all they needed was some spots. So to those who still have time, go put your moooniform on and get to chick-fil-a. Later I also plan on using some of my Walgreen money to buy so milk and eggs. They expire tomorrow and I'd cry if I just threw money away.

Frugal or Foolish?

2010-07-07T13:54:00.004-04:00

I am on a strict budget as I mentioned and yet I couldn't pass this deal up. I bought 15 pints but I had too. All I had to pay was tax which ended up being $1.05. So was I frugal or foolish you decide.

Goodbye spoiled rotten , Hello humble

2010-07-06T15:14:00.003-04:00

Budget need I say more? Jason has been coming home listening to all them fancy smancy economisty people and reading some new fangled book called One for the Money. Now he thinks we need to have an accurate budget. Well we finally decided to acknowledge the financial Elephant in the room. It feels good to have a realistic budget. What doesn't feel so good? Realizing that I am over for the month already. Yes July 5th and I can't spend another dime from the bank account. This is a test in real food storage. All I have to spend is whatever cash on hand (Cash, what is that?) and my Walgreen and CVS money if I don't want to have to use savings. Now before you think this is a pity party or that I might come to your house to bum some eggs or milk, it's not. To be honest I am looking forward to trying to really use some budgeting skills. I am greatful for the chance to do so in a practice mode. I know that there will be times of lean to come and I want to be better prepared. It was humbling to look at the cupboard and ask myself how long I could survive if this was all. Kinda scary, as much as I love them I don't think I could truly live off of all the brownie mixes (Especially since they all require eggs). So what can I do? Blog my experience! Day one must drink more water, I have no soda (I needed to give it up anyway)and I don't want to drink to much milk and use up what I have on hand. We had a normal breakfast. For lunch I looked in the fridge to see if there were any leftovers that needed taking care of. Worked out nice. We had hotdogs, watermelon, potato salad, and pretzels with water for me and a little juice for the boys. I am planning on making some curry tonight and maybe some fried rice. I have everything on hand. So far it's not too hard.
I really do want get back into using a budget. I know I spent less when I did menu planning as well. The time for "Princess doesn't pay attention" is over. Long live Peasant Prudent Planing. Wish me luck

The Big 0-3

2010-06-17T19:41:00.000-04:00

A tribute to the 5 year old

2010-06-10T21:46:00.001-04:00

You know it's time to hit the gym when...

2010-06-06T20:32:00.002-04:00

You know it's time to hit the gym when
You have a conversation and end up saying "No, I'm not Pregnant, just fat"
You go up to a size you've never been before (even when you ARE pregnant)
Your child asks if you are going to have a baby... tomorrow
Same child tells you your stomach is too fat, you say that hurts my feelings so he says I mean it's big you don't have a lap anymore that's why I can't fit

I think he likes food

2010-06-01T08:02:00.001-04:00

Why I love my friends

2010-05-11T08:45:00.003-04:00

Why do I love my friends? Because they are funny ladies and we can talk about any topic, and I do mean ANY.
Some friends have specific topics that we usually gravitate to
One friend, who shall remain nameless (you know it's you, no not you, her)is famous for our talks on sex or gas. I don't know why but one of those topics always gets into the conversation at some point.
Other friends and I get to relive the hilarity of our youth. (A big shout out to my WOW peoples, I didn't say peeps just for you MB;) )
Some can swap mission stories. Xia, Wuj, Bai remember the song President, President?
ALL my roommates over the YEARS, when you marry at 30 you have many roommates. Women who saw me in all my happy morning person glory and didn't shoot me or when I was in my exercise Nazi phase and came to the gym with me at the unmentionable hour of 6 am.
The beautiful women I befriended in the University married ward, some of whom also came with me at the crazy hour of 6 am so we could work out before work (for me) and kids got up. The women who also helped me through my first pregnancy so I didn't freak out as much as I could have.
Now, the great women I am around here in Florida, the ones who laugh with me over the joys of motherhood and cry with me over the joys of motherhood. The ones I call when my mother(who lives with me) is getting on my last nerve and think to invite me for Cheesecake when I think no one cares about me, even when they didn't know that.
I guess I just realized that I have and have had many great women in my life to help influence me and love me (some even love me more than their luggage). This is why I love my friends

Bowling, Disney and More

2010-04-23T18:09:00.000-04:00

Love your brother

2010-04-06T20:11:00.001-04:00

March Report, Finances

2010-04-06T15:33:00.002-04:00

Well, I did ok, I was trying to get back on budget after January had more medical vosots than was budgeted for. I have been playing catch-up ever since. Overall I think we did well. The key to my financial sucess comes in writing down what I spend and using cash not credit/debit cards willy-nilly. This is the first goal that I actually had some sucess in. I'm not rich but I am more aware of where my money is going. On to April Goals

Music and My mind

2010-03-24T09:13:00.002-04:00

If you know me then you know I have a habit( So I have been told) of singing outloud even without knowing it. You know when you have a song in your head and then you hear someone else sing it and you wonder where that came from and they tell you "YOU". Well you need to understand what a burden it is to always have songs at the ready. My friend said " what are you dreaming of and I start singing in my head. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. This morning I read a post on facebook that said Word up and now that song from the 80s is running amok in my brain. In the midst of trying to write this I am also Im-ing said word- up friend and every word she types insights a new song. So lets play a game. You leave a one word comment and I'll tell you what song came to mind when I saw it.

Fast Sunday

2010-03-08T14:19:00.002-05:00

Today is a Tom day. First as we are in the chapel Daddy asks Tom to fold his arms. He folds his arms and begins to say the dinner prayer. Dad asks again and again Tom says a prayer. Dad tells him that he doesn't have to pray just fold his arms, so again Tom folds his arms and again and a bit louder he says a prayer. You know loud as in the people around us just look over and chuckle. That was cute but the next little story left Daddy in tears. Tom was eating his snacks on daddy's lap. Tom is pretty good about sharing his snacks so he takes his pretzel sticks and offers them to dad. Dad says no thank you, you eat them. Then Tom offers again. Dad again declines. Tom isn't one to take no for an answer when he is being generous so he begins to shove it in dad's mouth. Jason says no thank you Mommy and Daddy are fasting and we don't eat when we fast to which Tom immediately responds oh that's right we eat when we are slow. Jason busted a gut and was trying to stifle his laugh so hard. He looked up with a tear in his eye. Tom is very quick and I love the things he comes up with. So remember if you are fast you can't eat but you can eat if you are slow.

FHE Lesson

2010-03-02T22:25:00.002-05:00

Last night Ben decided he wanted to teach our lesson for FHE. He chose to teach us out of his planet/ solar system book. We decided it would be a good lesson that we could tie into the creation. He began by teaching us about the moon. Then Jason asked a question to which Ben responded, That's a good question, let me tell you and gave his answer. He continued to go on to the Earth. Jason asked him who created the Earth. Ben responded God and again told us that was a good question. He moved on to another page which talked about day and night. I took this oportunity to talk about when God divided the light from the darkness. Ben told me I had good questions but that we had to keep going with the lesson. Anytime we shared he would acknowlege and give us praise and if we were talking too much he would redirect us back to the lesson. It was awesome. One he was excited to share and teach us. Two he was very loving and let us share but kept us on track. I love these learning and growing moments.

Try Try again

2010-02-22T09:03:00.002-05:00

I was determined last week to start getting fit with the gym " Get Fit " program. I went Monday Gunho. I used muscles I forgot about. I was discouraged by my weakness but continued the whole work out. Then what happened? Stomach Flu. First me all Monday night I thought for sure it was Chili's and they poisoned me on purpose after a night of the worst service ever. Then Tom and Jason the next night and Ben Wednesday. It's a conspiracy but it's Monday and I will try again. Wish me luck.

Happiness Report

2010-02-05T10:25:00.002-05:00

Well it's a good thing that these goals are progressive. I totally failed in Jan. My goal was to read the R.S. lesson through the week. I will just have to start again. Feb's goal is to go to the gym and start the Get Fit Program Feb 15. SO far so not so good. I thought this would be easy since my kids like the gym and I like to go in the mornings. Well the baby has had a viral infection along with teething like a mad man and an Ear infection. I didn't get there this week. The good news is that I have been going outside most days ( when it wasn't raining) and watching the boys ride their bikes. Holding the baby is also a good workout since he is 23 lbs now. I will start again on Monday and add the missed lesson reading to my happiness goal. I do notice that when I am going in the right direction I am happier.

Recent Pictures

2010-01-26T12:28:00.002-05:00

MaryBeth's Inspiration

2010-01-26T10:28:00.005-05:00

I have been wanting to repaint the living room for a while now. When MaryBeth mentioned she was painting this weekend I decided I wanted to do it too. My friend is far more intelligent than I am however. I decided I wanted it mostly done. Instead of sending my children away my husband and I waited till they were asleep. That means we were up till midnight Friday night and 2 Saturday night. But it's done for now and I am pretty happy with it. We left one wall undone because it requires taking the wall unit down. When I have it complete I'll update some photos. What do you think about Kaledascope (Blue) and Ponytail (Beige)?

Earthquakes, I've been there

2010-01-20T07:48:00.003-05:00

I know the Earthquake (and subsequent after shocks) in Haiti have caused great loss of life and the numbers will continue to rise. The trama will long affect the people. I know, I was in Taiwan in 1999 when we had a 7.7 earthquake. It was a 2 am and my bed starts to shake, I hear things in my room fall of my table and I know I am moving. All I can think is please don't let me fall out of the window. I lived in an apartment with 2 other teachers and we were on the 16th floor. This was the longest minute of my life. I had felt earthquakes before but this one was sooooooo long. When you are on the 16th floor a quake begins with an up and down shake like you are standing next to a jack hammer. Then they building sways and the higher up you are the more you sway. The water in the toliet was sloshing out. Once the inital shock stopped I got up and surveyed the damage. My bed moved 4 inches away from the wall in a diagonal pattern. The dishes jumped out of the cabinets and broke. Lucklily we didn't have much so not much was broken. Another shock hits and I head for the door frame. Our boss calls us and tells us to leave the buliding but we didn't leave until another boss had come to our door. The last place you want to be is trying to leave a buliding when a shock is hitting. Finally we leave and take a backpack with us. We spend the night in an open field with other from the area. On the ground we feel the continuous aftershocks. An Earthquake isn't one great shake it continues for weeks and even months. Even when the shaking stops you don't. I felt earthquakes for 1 year after. I was in Utah and would feel them, people thought I was crazy but I would check USGS and find there had been a shake of 3 or 4. Most people can't feel them that low. It usually takes around a 5 for you to really notice it.
In the morning me and the other teachers went to our boss' home where we stayed for the next week. They had a 4 story buliding and it was easier to evacuate. School was closed because we were still having large aftershocks. When we finally went back to our apartment we woke up the next morning to a 6.2 aftershock. I hear of Haiti and I am instantly transported back to Taiwan. I was fortunate and didn't get hurt or have my building shaked into a rubble but I did see a buliding exactly like mine, 3 17 story bulidings in a C-formation, reduced to rubble. One of the side bulidings fell and the fisrt floor was floor # 8. the other floors had been crushed. I saw massive landslides and roads that we completely destroyed. Everywhere I turned I saw the news of continous devestation. Yet there were also miracles.

If you feel like you want to help please use well established sources. The country is in turmoil on many points and if an organization is not already established in Haiti, the odds are they won't get in. I suggest The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints Humanitarian aid department or the Red Cross. Be wary of insta-Charities that popped up since the disaster. Also don't get caught up in the Political guilt trips that are sent to make poiticians look good. Haiti's devestation is enoumous but not a singular event. In 1999 there was also a 7.4 that hit Turkey resulting in a loss of 14,000 lives. Earthquakes are devestating across the world.

Happiness Project

2010-01-11T14:14:00.003-05:00

My Happiness Project 2010

My best friend Petra blogged the following
"I have been working on my Happiness Project for 2010, (see this Woman's Day article, "C'mon, Get Happy" by Gretchen Rubin for an overview), and have come up with my 12 categories to work on that will make myself a happier person. The idea is to have one area per month to concentrate on, but you continue concentrating on each one so by the end of the year you are working on all 12! (There is also a really cool blog that you can check in on to give you ideas and keep you focused... http://www.happiness-project.com/.)"

I decided to read the article and it was like I was reading my own thoughts and feelings. So I've decided I need this too.

Here is what I decided my happiness project will look like:

January: Spirituality
February: Fitness
March: Saving
April: Taking time for Jason & I
May: Parenting
June: Organization
July: Friendship
August: Improving extended family relationships
September: Education
October: Gardening
November: Family History
December: Life of Christ

I look forward to improving and finding the peace that is right here in front of me.

Sever allergic reaction

2010-01-08T15:53:00.005-05:00

Saturday evening I noticed a rash on Tom's stomach. After much panicking and researching I decided it was hives. He woke up Sunday with the stomach rash on the mends and new welts over his back. Jason reminded me that we had just bought new dryer sheets. With more Hydrocortozone on the rash and newly rinsed Pjs he slept Sunday night. Monday I had already planned to take him into to have him checked out. He looked pretty good. Then I woke up to Dan having mosquito looking rash. I took him with me to the doctors. It is an allergy to amoxicillian. By the afternoon Dan started to look like this

I gave him Benedryl and thought it might start to get better. Man was I wrong. By the next morning it looked like this. (This is actually later in the day after the shot but before the zyrtec)

I called the doctor again and they got me in by 9:15am. I cried before I called the doctor. I cried when I saw the Nurse. They gave him a steroid shot and another prescription for steroids and some zyrtec samples. By the way in 2 days I had 4 doctors co-pays and filled 7 prescriptions (2 for me, 1 Tom, 3 Jason and 1 Dan).I cried when we got home. It wasn't until 1:30pm, an hour after I gave him a dose of Zyrtec per docs orders, that the rash finally seemed to fade a little and his eyes began to be less swollen. On thursday I had a recheck and she gave us another Antibiotic to clear up the sinus infection he had which put us on amoxillcian in the first place. This one is not penicillin. He is doing much better and although the doctor said it will take 7-10 days for the reaction to move through the system I am glad that his rash is only moderate now. No more poor alien baby.

Short

2010-01-02T10:24:00.000-05:00

I miss my Friends.

Our first real Florida Vacation

2009-12-26T07:56:00.003-05:00

We went to St. Augustine. It was alot of fun.
First we went to the Castillo De San Marcos
They loved the hill outside the Castillo the most. We also went to the Spanish Quarters and they saw a chicken in a coop that had an egg. Lastly we went to the Fountain of Youth. All in all our first real Florida vacation was a success. I'll try to add more pics another time.

Children and Callings

2009-12-18T09:20:00.003-05:00

So as the counsilor over Cub scouts I have been going every Wed until we get an(or some) assistant(s) called. We only had 4 boys there but holy cow. While we waited for their art projects to dry we took them to the gym and played some games. First we played freeze tag. That was great until someone got singled out 1 time (girls aren't the only whiner/criers). So then we played sharks and minos. I decided to be "it" to start. Man they are quick and yes I am old. Finally I was able to cut one from the heard and catch the rest. They were all tired (Me , I was dead) and yet 2 minutes later they were up to play again. Then when we finished we took them back in the Primary room where they continued to play, run, jump, friendly pumle each other, and shout.
Then it occurred to me that I have 3 boys somewhat close in age much like this group of 7-9 year olds. It was at this point that I realized they should never call a woman who may still want to have children to a position where she may want to rethink having them. Cub Scouts and Faith in God girls can join Nursery in the ranks of wonderful birth control. The boys have more energy than a nuclear explosion and the girls could talk a blue streak (I finally understand all my teachers and leaders through the years and understand how patient they each had to have been to deal with me)
To all you leaders and teachers that were able to cope with my incredible verbal skills thank you. Thank you for letting me talk, loving me , and not strangling me :)

Millennial Day

2009-10-24T08:38:00.003-04:00

Today we had the chance to participate in the Stake's Millennial Day. We decided to take the children to the Temple in the morning since Daddy had the day off. It was nice to spend the morning thinking about the purpose of the Temple while we spoke to the children. It was also a nice chance to help them understand where we go. I was expecting a great rush of the spirit but this day it was just a peace and I was grateful. The quiet peace made me stop and feel and it was this peace that I truly needed.

Help

2009-10-13T07:43:00.002-04:00

I know I don't get alot of blog traffic for my stories which is nice but do any of my friends read me? If you do will you comment? My ego is fragile and I look for comments for validation of some of my thoughts. Well it's more I like to see others thoughts and reactions. Either way this is kinda a test to see if anyone is really out there. If not, oh well. I still love reading y'all blogs. Keep up the good work.

Some Doctors Suck

2009-09-23T15:41:00.002-04:00

I hate most Doctors, they are a necessary evil. I tried to be seen today but after nearly 1 1/2 hr, I left. I had to get home and take care of the kids and get Ben to school. I was so mad I just cried all the way home. If they can't see you they should respect your time or at least be honest and say it may take over an hour. Instead I got "there's only 2 people ahead of you" after 45min of waiting. 1 hour just to get in a room and then more waiting. What a crock of Crap. I dislike to the extreme Dr. Ivette Santiago. She is a pill pusher and her office staff are not honest. Then they had the nerve to call me to check up. I'm still too pissed and so I let it ring. I've been to doctors that have a long wait because they actually talk to their patient but nothing sucks worse than waiting for 1hr + and then have a 2 minute chat with the Dr. followed by a prescription that is not even explained. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I could scream. I know many people have had worse problems but nothing makes you feel even more crappy than stress and frustration.

Coupons and the Gospel

2009-09-18T08:11:00.004-04:00

Thanks to some very important people. Petra, My Supreme Frugal Guru. I have always been impressed by your mad financial skills. For any who don't know you can check out Petra's savings blog at http://frugalityville.blogspot.com/ Maria, my local hands on coupon guru. You have shown me the way to use coupons and the Internet to give me guidance on where and what to buy.
This photo is of things I bought at K-mart when they were having a double coupon week. After coupons and tax I spent about $ 30.00.

The second photo includes everything I bought. All of the additional items you see where free after the coupons. I was able to get awesome things like cleaning and beauty supplies for free. After this trip I knew I was completely hooked on couponing. Ben now asks when we go shopping if I have my coupons and Tom knows what my coupon book is (toopons as he says)

So why is this tittled coupons and the gospel? Well I wanted to post something on my blog about couponing because I am so into saving, it is such a rush. I literally will look in other's baskets at the store and if they are buying something that I have a coupon for but won't use I will give it to them. I tell people all the time about the websites I use and I love sharing the knowledge I have gained. Can you see where this is going? I realized why new converts are so powerful in sharing the gospel. They have the fire of excitement, they are learning new things everyday and want to share that information with everyone. So I wonder can I have that zeal. If I can be so nosy about someone's shopping and offer unsolicited advice to save a few pennies, can't I start a conversation to save a soul? I think I will have to put some pass along cards in with my coupons so I can jump at the chance to share the gospel. I hope I will really catch the spirit I feel right now. I guess the real key is renew my passion about the gospel and the best way to do that is the basics, as I learn new things I will have new things to share.

A child's Mind

2009-09-02T13:02:00.002-04:00

Just a quick funny post
I love the way children's minds absorb and apply information. Ben started school and everyday we have to take him to his classroom and drop him off. Tom has started to see school and say there is Ben's school.
Now for the random application of taking Ben to school. The other day Jason was in the bathroom. Tom came in and asked him if he was dropping off his poopies. Jason said yes and then Tom left.

Frugalityville, Best savings blog.

2009-06-27T17:02:00.002-04:00

I love this blog http://frugalityville.blogspot.com
It is written by one of my best friends. Growing up her mom taught her how to be frugal andit paid off. Now she shares her years of experience. One of the best things is that she gives common sense tips that anyone can use. Take a minute and check her out, it can save you a ton.

Tom The Terrible 2

2009-06-26T07:49:00.000-04:00

2nd b-day

Cheesy 2

1 year old

1st Day

Happy birthday sweet 2 yr old
Yes, the terrible twos has officially begun

Ben Turns the big 0-4

2009-06-18T12:54:00.000-04:00

1 Day

1st B-day

2nd B-day Group Party

3 Year old

4th b-day party

I can't believe how the time has gone by.

Who Knew "Toesies" were so funny

2009-05-26T20:42:00.003-04:00

I did it, and now I'm addicted

2009-05-11T08:44:00.002-04:00

I have been trying to use some of the great money/coupon/deal info I've been reading on blogs for a while but I finally went and did it. On Friday and Saturday I bought a total of 15 boxes of Cereal and ended up spending an average of 62 cents per box. I could have done better but I screwed up a transaction by buying the wrong cereal and ran out of coupons.
It was still awesome. Friday morning I ran out w/o the kids to Kmart where they were doubling coupons. I bought 2 Post trail mix cereals and got them for free, and bought 2 shredded wheat and 1 Special K for $.75 each. Total $2.25 for 5 boxes. I also got 2 more coupons for $.75 of total of next purchase. I was so excited I called Maria (My personal Coupon Guru) and Jason. I also set up my sunday paper so I can get the coupons. Then I went out later after Tom's nap. I brought the kids and that's where I made my mistakes. I was too worried about them wandering off when I was checking out that I didn't watch the transactions and use my coupons the best way. Then I went to target where I bought $13.28 worth of snacks for $1.28. Saturday I went back to Kmart(no kids) and bought 4 more boxes, 2 free and 2 for $1.29 ea. 15/$.62 ea How cool was that? I was so stoked. I'm still on a savers high. I can't wait until I have more coupons and good sales to hit so I can save some more.

Smile

2009-04-30T14:13:00.002-04:00

The picture says it all.

First Soccer Game

2009-04-28T21:19:00.007-04:00

Ben starts most days by asking me " What day is today? I told him that it was Tuesday and Soccer day. He has been so excited for soccer ever since I brought home his uniform. Since I let Ben dress himself he chose to wear his soccer clothes socks and all. I told him we wouldn't go to soccer until Daddy came home and we had dinner. He, in true 3 1/2 yr old style then asked me every hour more or less if it was time for soccer. Finally the time arrived and we went to the Y for his first game.

First they warmed up and learned to dribble.

Ben trying out the goal.

Mob Ball Ben is # 7 with his back to us.

3 and 4 yr olds are very funny when they play soccer.

Pictures from Grandma & Grandpa's Visit

2009-04-26T21:07:00.001-04:00

Trip to Kennedy Space Center

2009-04-23T18:24:00.001-04:00

We had a blast ;) The weather was nice and the crowds were few.

One of the best parts was a trip through the Apollo/Saturn V Center. We got to see some of the old command center desks and watch a rocket launch as if we were there in the control room. They made the windows vibrate and everything.

The other cool thing was to see 2 space shuttles out on their launch pads. The driver said this will be the last time that they will be sending up 2 shuttles so close together. Kinda neat to see a part of the closing of the shuttle era. I hope we get a chance to see one of the shuttle launches before they are through.
Overall a very fun trip

Blessing day

2009-04-19T14:11:00.001-04:00

Today was a lovely day. Jason's parents came out to visit and we had Dan blessed. Melani, Peter and Elizabeth also came out. It was wonderful to have the family there and to share this beautiful day with them. I sang in sacrament meeting, Where can I turn for peace.

Here is Grandpa, Grandma Higley, Grandma Bunny, Melani, Elizabeth and the family

2009-04-13T10:31:00.000-04:00

OK I'm open

2009-04-03T09:02:00.002-04:00

So I must be too vain to be a private blogger. I am going to try having an open blog.
now read my story about Ben and tell me how sweet he is.
Kidding, sorta

Pictures for Ben's Talk

2009-03-29T22:21:00.002-04:00

Ben's first talk in Primary

2009-03-29T20:42:00.003-04:00

Today in closing exercises Ben gave his first talk. His topic was "Many people in my Family can help me". Yesterday I sat down with Ben to write his talk. I opened up a word document and inserted pictures of the family. Then Ben told me things each member could help him do. The following is what Ben told me and the slide show has the pictures he had on his paper.

My Family

Me and Daddy working to fix the sink. Daddy helps me take a ride
Mommy helps take care of me and stops my little brother from hitting me. Mommy helps me stop and look for cars so I can cross the street.
Grandma gives me food all the time
Grandma and Grandpa help me go camping.
Tom plays with me and doesn't pay attention to me
Daniel likes to eat food and take a nap
We all help each other learn about Jesus Christ. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love me. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen

We practiced once and then he told his daddy. Then today he gave his talk. He started by saying he was so excited as he walked up to the podium. Everyone heard him and chuckeled a little. I stood by him but I didn't have to prompt he very much. He gave the talk almost as he had told me the day before. " All by myself" he said. He added a few things Like Dan Dan, Daniel Eats and sleeps, eats and sleeps alot. I also reminded him of the quillow we brought as an example of Grandma and Grandpa Higley who love him and help him feel safe and warm. At the end he bore his testimony all by himself. It was very beautiful. He made the Primary president cry. I was so proud of him. He really wanted to give a talk and he did a great job. Way to go Ben!

The cookies go to...

2009-03-18T21:18:00.001-04:00

I used the random generator on Random.org and the winners are

Here are your random numbers:

7
4
2

Timestamp: 2009-03-19 01:16:17 UTC

Couplabz
Tammy
Debbie

Please send me an email with your physical address and your cookie preference and I'll have hubby make some cookies and mail them out ASAP. So how sad am I that I only have 7 friends. I guess that's what I get for having a private blog. Well thank you few who love me and remember to check out our blog.

My giveaway

2009-03-11T12:55:00.003-04:00

So I've entered other peoples giveaways and now it my turn. If you read my blog your odds are good because I only have 30 people that can read my blog since it's private. If you know someone that I know well and they can't access this blog let me know and I'll invite them.
So what am I giving away?
Cookies. I'll send 3 random commenters a dozen husband made cookies of their choice (as long as I have a recipe).
Why Husband made instead of home made? I have always been good at desserts but Jason tops me at the cookies, he is a taste tester and I don't care for cookie dough. Cake batter I'm all about that but not so much on the cookie dough. Anyway why cookies? Well

I'm not crafty
I'm not rich
Anything that puts sugar and butter together is a good idea

I forgot to put an end date so this giveaway will end Next wed March 18, 5pm EST.

Ice Cream For Breakfast

2009-03-07T19:23:00.005-05:00

My good friend MaryBeth invited people to have ice cream for Breakfast this Saturday in commemoration of the Give Kids The World http://gktw.org/ Founders day which is March 7. To read more of her story please check out her blog entry http://myveryownlifetimemovie.blogspot.com/2009/03/eat-ice-cream-for-breakfast.html
Here is our attempt.
As a mom I felt I had to make something kinda healthy so I decided to let them have ice cream topped French Toast. It was really good. After trying it I realized that it isn't any worse than syrup or jam. It even has milk, which makes it healthy. Next time I will add more toppings like fresh strawberries and banana split makings.
Jason and I are thinking of making this part of a General Conference tradition.

The Facts of Life, Higley Style

2009-02-28T13:29:00.003-05:00

Disclaimer
The following blog will contain "icky words" dealing with body parts. If penis offends you, you may want to skip this entry.

When you have a new baby questions about how he came from mommy's tummy to our home begin. Breastfeeding also creates more questions for the inquiring minds. I'm sure the facts of life will clear up sometime but for now we have a multitude of different ideas of how, when, and where the different body parts are or how they work.
The boys like to go around using the breast pump on their chest. If you ask Ben ( or even if you don't ask) he will tell you all about boys having a penis, testicles, pecks and nipples. He knows that he can stand up to pee and that his pecks can't make baby milk.
Tom goes around pulling up his shirt pointing to his chest and say (quite clearly) MY NIPPLES. A few days ago he was calling them "owies" because that's what I was saying when Dan would latch on.
Ben thinks that I have Breasticles (a combo of breast and testicles). He told me the other day that I couldn't go potty because I didn't have a penis.
These kids crack me up. I didn't know I needed a penis to pee.

2009-02-18T21:32:00.000-05:00

Baby Daniel John Higley

2009-02-18T20:36:00.005-05:00

Feb 15: After having random contractions throughout church it is over and we finally head home. On the way home we begin to time the contractions as they become more regular. By 6 pm we decide to head over to the hospital to check things out. I was really hoping we would be dialated to a 5 or more and ready to deliver by midnight. Daniel had another plan he was only a 4 when we were admitted. I walked and labored until about 11 pm when the nurse offered me some nice pain meds. By 3 am I was about a 6-7. I thought that would be a good time to get an epidural. Then we slept. As with Ben the epidural slowed my contractions to 10 minutes apart. By 8 am the doctor order a pitocin drip. Around 9:30 she came and broke my water. I was so disappointed and blamed my self for the baby not coming. I thought all later babies came faster. Luckily my doctor came in and said 3rd babies have a personality all their own and I didn't do anything wrong. Labor picked up and by almost 12:30 The baby was ready, fully dialated and had dropped into position. 3 contractions later a nice 10lb 3/4 oz baby was born. Labor was long but delivery was very nice.
We are all very happy to welcome Daniel John Higley to our family Feb 16, 2009 @ 12:39pm.

Sweet boys

2009-02-05T19:08:00.003-05:00

Both boys are down with a cold. I think Ben may have a sinus infection but it's too early to know since they only started too feel poorly yesterday afternoon. Today Tom woke up after only ten minutes of a nap so I tried to put him back down. When he started to scream Ben ran to comfort him. As I changed Tom, Ben asked if he could say a prayer for Tom. I told him yes and he said we should all pray. I closed my eyes and Ben began a prayer. He asked Heavenly Father to send the ghost in his room away so Tom wouldn't be scared and he could sleep. When he was done he came over to Tom and rubbed his chest and told him that Heavenly Father would protect him, he promised. Tom calmed down and then they began to giggle. Nap time was over but I was so touched by the showing of love. I couldn't be too frustrated.
Then tonight after P.Js were on Ben came into the living room and laid down and fell fast asleep. Tom walked over and Jason and I told him to Shhhh Shhhh Ben was sleeping. Tom then proceeded to pat Ben softly on the arm and began to sing a I am a child of God to Ben. No one else could have discerned the song but we heard a word here and there and a soft tune. He really loves Ben a lot and I enjoy how tender they can be.

Happy tag

2009-02-01T08:58:00.002-05:00

I've been tagged.

Marybeth at myveryownlifetimemovie tagged me with a HappyTag!

Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person who has tagged you.
2. Write down six things that make you happy.
3. Post the rules, tag six others and let them know you did it.
4. Then tell the person when your entry is complete.

Six things that make me happy:
1. Hearing Ben use words like Vortex or define the acronym L.A.S.E.R, obviously things daddy teaches.
2. Having the dishes done, without being the one doing them.
3. Anything sweet, Ice Cream, fresh made cookies (also compliments of Jason, I ruin cookies), and Tim Tams
4. Sleeping children
5. A mother-in-law who can sew anything and is willing to mail it out.
6. A husband who can fix stuff and loves the "crazy" me.

I tag:
1. Jenna
2. Tammy
3. Ashlea
4. Debbie
5. Amy C.
6. Ardith

This is fun

2009-01-25T08:40:00.002-05:00

Check out the bottom of my blog. There are 2 comparisons. Jason Me & Tom and Jason, Me, and Ben. It is a fun little website to figure who your kids look more like. I had a blast trying different pictures. I even compared Jason to Jason and myself. The program said that baby Jason was equally both of us. I thought that was a hoot. Anyway give it a try and let me know what your results are.

Help with a name

2009-01-19T08:24:00.003-05:00

So some or many may know that we are having a hard time finding a name for our new baby. It seems to me (Although I may be wrong) that we had a name more or less figured out for Benjamin and Thomas by this time. At least we had it narrowed down to two. So I am asking for suggestions. We really like the name John for a middle name. We also have a Ben and a Tom so we need something to go with that. I posted a little poll on the right side of some of our top names but I'm also open to new suggestions. I would love to get a fresh point of view.
Oh, and in case you are thinking that I can't find a boy name because this is really a girl I have 2 things to say. One, I have a name for a girl so we are covered. Two, If this is a girl than I'm telling the Doctor she broke it off because we had 2 ultrasounds and there was a stem on the apple each time. :)
Thanks for your thoughts.

Daddy's graduation vacation

2009-01-14T16:30:00.000-05:00

I had a deep thought on the law of mercy

2009-01-14T15:36:00.002-05:00

Tom is in a hitting phase. When Ben takes something away or if Ben says no, Tom will usually hit him out of frustration. Then I try to have Tom say he is sorry and have them work it out. I thought of an experience my friend Maria shared where her younger son offended (hit, pushed, tackled I can't remember) his older brother. Maria tried to have the younger apologize but to no avail. A chance to teach about repentance changed into another lesson where she taught the older brother how to forgive when someone offends you and isn't sorry. This made me think about the law of justice and it reminded me of a story. Many of you may have heard of the story of a woman who was in her car when a frozen turkey crashed into her car leaving her critically wounded http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=1225516. I remember being so angry thinking she should throw the book at the kid. He didn't seem to care. She chose to show mercy.
Today I started to understand why. I realized the real mercy was relying on was the mercy of the Savior. The woman of herself could not fully extend mercy but she could accept the Savior's terms of justice. Through the Savior she would be made whole and then she would be justly dealt with. By "showing mercy" she freed herself from the burden of misery and bitterness. In return the Savior through the atonement paid the price for the young man who committed the crime. He could accept this mercy through repentance or deny it, that would be his choice. What I realized was that sometimes in order for Justice to be paid with Mercy I need to accept the Saviors terms when I am "in the right". I accept that He will heal my wounds and deal with me justly and in His time. This means I let go of misery, bitterness , or for life to be fair. Sometimes I have to accept that I may not have asked for certain trials but they are mine to learn through. I know this is an obvious point that I should get but it just came to me again. I had never thought about some of my trials being related to the law of Justice and Mercy.

Zoo Day

2009-01-06T12:10:00.001-05:00

A handy (not just handsy) man is good to have around.

2009-01-02T13:58:00.003-05:00

This has been a great Christmas break. I just want to brag about my wonderful sweetie. I know many of you have Husbands that are just as wonderful so you can understand what a blessing it is to even have some simple things done. He has been cleaning the dishes too ( a real brownie point earner in my book).
I have been wanting to get a few things done around the house but we have been waiting for Jason to be done with school. Now that he has graduated he has become a handy man again.

Jason has finished laying the flooring, waiting since 9/08
Fixed the laundry room light, waiting since 5/07 (yes pre-Tom)
Re-routed the washer to the outside, waiting since 10/08
Cleaned out and straightened the front closet including hanging hooks, waiting since 12/06

I have been able to clean out the linen closet and organize some things. I realize this may seem boring but I loved having someone taking care of the kids while I had an hour to get things done without interruption.

The boys have loved being with Daddy. I love that they have such a good example to follow. We haven't done a lot away from home over this vacation other than the zoo (I'll post pictures later) and going out to eat a little too much. Ben now asks to go to the restaurant anytime we leave. He knows some places by the neighborhood. When we get close he'll say are we going to Chic-fil-a (his favorite) or Golden Corral? All in all life is great. Anytime I don't have to cook or clean and get a nap life is as perfect as it can be. Am I right?

2009-01-01T21:07:00.000-05:00

How do I link other people'sblogs on my page?

2008-12-28T14:18:00.001-05:00

Basically the tittle says it all. How can I link all you cool people's blogs on my site so I don't have to look you up? That's it.

by George I think I've got it. (some of it)

2008-12-26T16:07:00.003-05:00

I've started to get how to do this. But I still don't know how to get the cute page background. Please advise.
I hope every one' s Christmas was great. We had alot of fun and the boys haven't stopped playing with their cars (sometimes daddy is the main player;) ). For those who might we jealous we are still having 80 degree weather. We on the other hand envy those who have snow (maybe not all 2 or 3 feet of it). I guess we should just enjoy the day. I know having Jason home is such a wonderful blessing. It is worth raising daddy's boys. I love that I become somewhat invisable when he's home.

2008-12-26T15:27:00.000-05:00

Help I'm new and lost, but I'm trying

2008-12-24T20:40:00.003-05:00

So I decided to try this blogging thing and I can't figure out half the things I want to do so please give me advice on how to make my blog as cute as y'alls are. I'm trying to upload some fun pictures of Jason, Ben and Tom. Hopefully I'll figure out how to get a slide show going.

Sorry I sent out invites and then didn't post anything. In addtion to being inept at this I also forgot how to log in. Well. I'll catch you guys later. Have a great Christmas and I look forward to reading your blogs even if mine never comes up.