Prayer Request

I am up and it is 5 am on a holiday. I can't sleep. Last night Nathan gave us quite a scare. He had been outside enjoying his favorite past time, digging in the dirt pile at the construction site next door, it was getting cold and dark so I told him it was time to come in. He was filthy so I picked him up and carried him upstairs. (Yep, I can still carry my almost 9 year old!!) As I was getting his bath ready, he used the restroom and starting gasping. His pee was filled with blood, not just a little blood, but a lot of blood. I am freaking out on the inside. I stick him in the tub and run downstairs to call the Dr.'s office. I know in my mind it is most likely no big deal but I seriously revert back to the mom of a 1 pound baby when he gets sick. I am hoping that by some chance that the Dr.s office has extended hours tonight. It is already 5:15 pm the night before Thanksgiving so I know we are probably out of luck.
Much to my surprise the receptionist answers and is able to get us right in. I had been in the middle of baking an apple pie so I turn off the oven and get Nathan dressed. Part of the reason I was so worried was because for the last week he has been complaining that his body hurts. He has been so dramatic about it and to be honest Jarrett and I were getting rather annoyed by it because it seemed to only hurt when we asked him to do something like get dressed or go clean his room. My imagination is running wild and mommy guilt is setting in. I am thinking, "Did I miss the warning signs of something major??"
After the first urinalysis they ruled out a UTI. The nurse practitioner asked our pediatrician to stay late because of Nathan's extensive medical history. Jarrett and I were very appreciative of that. They did diagnose him with a double ear infection. He never, ever told us his ears hurt. Our Dr. said sometimes when kids get viruses or infections there bodies can react by producing blood in their urine. So it could just be no big deal. They sent us over to the hospital for blood work and more urine samples as a precaution. We are also taking him for a kidney ultrasound on Friday morning and then back to the Dr. Friday afternoon. So as of now we still don't know the exact cause but we are so thankful that God is taking care of our son and helping us get answers quickly. Please pray for Nathan that he is healed of whatever this is. Thank you!

360

The curtains by sweet friend Taffy made! Jarrett's 35th Bday!

Fall Break 2009-Silver Dollar City, Madelyn gets her ears pierced!

Pony farm!

We got some new trees for our new house!!

Happy 7th Bday Ella!!




BOO!

Happy Halloween!!!!!

My life has done a complete 360. I have gone from being a stay at home mom, to a homeschooling mom, to a stay at home mom while my kids are at school mom, now I am a working mom. I have been MIA the last couple of months while our family has been adjusting to this new way of life. I am shocked at how things have changed in our lives some for the good, some for the not so good. Of course I second guess everything all of the time. I always wonder if I have done the right thing, if my kids are going to be better off or worse off for the decisions I have made. Sometimes I even wish I could go back to homeschooling. I must say though that I love my job and feel complete peace while I am there. It is just the other stuff that stresses me out like, laundry, finding time to pay bills and balance the check book, cleaning and cooking and working out, grocery shopping. I just don't have enough hours in the day or I am just to wiped out at the end of the day to do anything productive. The first few months of school were CRAZY! We would get to school by 7:15 and leave after 5:00 most days. Then I would work after the kids went to bed. Now we keep much better hours! Thankfully my kids LOVE playing in my classroom and helping mommy out. I absolutely love the ladies I work with, God has truly blessed me with a fun team to teach with and a great copy mom. (no more standing and making hundreds of copies each week!!) I love my class and helping them reach their full potential. They are a fun and crazy group of kids. They keep me own my toes for sure! I didn't realize how much I missed teaching until I went back. Jarrett has been amazing by being supportive and by helping out more around the house. Plus, he has lowered his expectations and he even thinks it is great when we have cereal for dinner.

Nathan has been busy with his Occupational and physical therapy, his social skills group and his Piano. In his free time he loves playing legos, wii and ds, reading and doing science experiments.

Madelyn started speech this fall to work on her "r's" She is getting better everyday! She loves first grade, her teacher and all of her new friends. When we get home from school she runs up to the game room and plays "school". You would think she had her fill after being there all day. Two days a week she goes to her power tumbling class where she is working hard to get her back handspring.

Ok, so that is it for now. I just wanted to jot down a few thoughts before they are completely forgotten. I am going to try to do better about posting. If for nothing else as a record of our lives so that some day when I find time to work on my photo albums I will have this blog to help me remember.

The First Day

Today was firsts for all of us! Madelyn's first day of first grade! Nathan's first day of third grade. Mrs. Short's first day back as a teacher in 8 years. We all had a great day but are exhausted tonight! Both kids have relaxed in the bath tub, eaten pizza and have fallen asleep and it is only 8pm. Well I am off to rest before day 2!

Pictures

4TH OF JULY AT SKIATOOK LAKE



WE SPENT A LOT OF TIME AT THE LAKE THIS SUMMER! WE WENT WITH COUSINS, FRIENDS, AND GRANDPARENTS. NATHAN AND MADELYN LOVED TUBING AND GOING FAST AND JUMPING THE WAKE.



WE WENT TO THE BROKEN ARROW WATER PARK WITH OUR FRIENDS, THE CLARKS AND MY SISTER'S FAMILY. THE KIDS HAD A BLAST AND WE HAD PERFECT WEATHER.

MOMMY AND TRACI TAKE SOPHIE TUBING !

I LOVE THIS PICTURE OF KENNEDY AND MADELYN. THESE TWO GIRLS HAVE SPENT A LOT OF TIME PLAYING THIS SUMMER. WE LIVE JUST A COUPLE OF STREETS OVER FROM THEM . TODAY THE HELD A GARAGE SALE IN MADELYN'S BEDROOM. TOO SWEET!

Our new kitchen curtains! I am thrilled with how they turned out!

Ty, Ella and Madelyn at the BA water park.

Almost every night after dinner the kids go outside and play in the dirt pile next store. I don't know what we are going to do when they are done building this house! I love that Madelyn is digging while wearing a skirt!

Jet skiing with dad!

Pushing cousin Ally into the lake!

Cousins!!

Dinner with My girls from my high school Discipleship group!

Jarrett took several Fridays off this summer to hang out with us! We took the kids to the Aquarium and obviously spent a ton of time at the lake and pool!

So two more days until I become a working mom! It is so weird to think that last year at this time I was homeschooling Nathan, stressing about sending Madelyn to kindergarten and never had a thought to go back to teaching. I feel a peace about this but I am still a little nervous. I am having a little mommy guilt and a little jealousy that Jarrett is taking a week vacation to stay home with the kids while I attend meetings and training before the students report to school. Part of me wishes I could stay home and play with them. However, I could not have asked for a better situation. I work with a great group of ladies who love the Lord, have an awesome principal and the kids and I get to be together.

Ok, here are some pics from our summer. I have included a pic of my new curtains that were hung tonight.(Thank you Mitch and Jarrett!) My BFF, Taffy, who is oh so talented, sewed these panels for me. Her family just moved here from Colorado and we have had a blast hanging out with them this summer. I am so grateful to have my kitchen done before I go to work. Jarrett painted this weekend and did an awesome job!! We still have the archway to paint. We are still trying to decide on a paint color for it. Thank you, thank you, thank you! By the way, after school starts Taffy is going to start offering her sewing services to others for a great/affordable price. (She did all my curtains in my last house!!)

Eights

I have been tagged by Shelly and Rebecca so I guess I should do this:

8 things I am looking forward to:

• Fall
• Starting my new job as a teacher
• Going back to Disney World next March and all my future travels!
• Christmas
• Watching my children each day
• Decorating my house
• Going to the lake tom. morning
• Being skinny. (in my dreams)

8 things I did yesterday:

• Took Nathan to Occupational, Speech and Physical Therapy
• Went to my insurance benefits meeting at school
• Went shopping at Belks.
• Took the kids up to my classroom for 2 hours and worked.
• Labeled Accelerated Reader books with Madelyn
• Made dinner for my family
• Folded Laundry
• Went out to PF Changs with my sweet friends from my High School Discipliship group

8 things I wish I could do:

• Be more laid back
• Eat whatever I want and not gain weight or clog my ateries
• snap my fingers and my kitchen be painted (I can't even decide on a color)
• Go on a mission trip with my kids
• Get pregnant and have a baby
• be more consistent with my kids
• spend more quality time with my kids
• travel all the time

I tag whoever actually still reads this neglected blog.

DANCING WITH CINDERELLA

Today Madelyn and Jarrett danced during both church services. Along with several other daddies and little girls they danced to Steven Curtis Chapmans, "Cinderella". It was absolutely sweet! A couple of months ago Madelyn asked Jarrett to do a father/daughter dance with her. She has been taking a dance class at our church once a week. He thought it was a dance you went to, you know like a little prom or something. He happily agreed to do it, not realizing that it was a dance in front of the church. A couple of weeks ago he got a call about a practice for the dance. He thought it was strange that they had to practice for a "dance". Once I cleared up his misconception he wasn't so sure he wanted to do this. Getting up in front of people is not really his thing. But he knew he would break Madelyn's heart if he didn't do it. So today was the big day. They were just precious and it is something that Madelyn will remember forever!

We our gearing up for the move but took a break last night and hung out with some friends. The kids had a ball playing outside till dark.

Madelyn and Kennedy spend most of their time together spotting each other in gymnastics. Watch out Olympics here comes double trouble!

We have also been swimming a lot! Nathan has to wear his plugs and band for another six weeks.

Madelyn, what can I say, you look good climbing a tree in your dress!

Oh, sweet little Sophie!

I just couldn't resist taking pictures of her!

POOR NEGLECTED BLOG

I know, I know, I haven't blogged in FOREVER! Our life has been eventful lately. Our house sold, then unsold, then sold again today. I got a job teaching 3rd grade in Owasso. Here is a little more of what we have been up to:

The above pic is of our friend Max. The kids have been taking swimming lessons this week. They have learned so much and have had a blast!

Nathan has to wear this head band because he had ear surgery last week.

Madelyn and Kennedy, aren't they adorable!

We went to Silver Dollar City!

Nathan before his surgery to remove his T- tubes and patch his ear drums.

The kids have had a blast hanging out at Grammy's and Grampy's house on Skiatook Lake. They are dynamite tubers this year which just thrills their daddy's heart.

I have been trying to keep the kids out of the house as much as possible so it can stay picked up since it is for sale. I am amazed at how by moving a toy outside makes it so much more interesting. Doesn't Madelyn look thrilled!

We have had lots of friends over and a lot of popsicles eaten.

So there you have it, a short update on the short family.

A little of this and a lot of that

Our lives have been a whirlwind lately. I have been subbing a lot at Nater Bug's school and I have really enjoyed working in the autism class. Beaded Kreations, my little side jewelry business, has been busy lately. I seem to spend my nights stringing bracelets.



Jarrett went with Madelyn's kindergarten class to the Zoo. Her favorite part was riding the school bus.

Nathan and Madelyn went to a roller skating birthday party. It was their first time to ever roller skate. Madelyn picked it up pretty quick. Nathan wanted to give up after the first time around but eventually we got him to try again.

We went to Dallas for my big sister Karen's surprise 40th bday and for my nieces first birthday. It was a fun weekend with family. Madelyn loves her aunt Liz and hardly left her side.

My bro Steve is such a goof!

Before Nathan's piano recital.

Because of all the rain the kids have had to get creative with their indoor play. They made a "Hotel for Dogs". They even had an indoor toilet for their pets. Madelyn made signs and sign in sheets.

Madelyn slept through most of the piano recital.

Nathan did a great job at his recital. We were so proud of his accomplishments. One of Nathan's physical therapist was there to watch her son and just couldn't believe that the little Nathan she used to work with was playing the piano. Next week we are off to OKC for the state competition.

Hanging out with cousins in Dallas. Don't judge me for letting Nater Bug drink Dr. Pepper. I swear he only had 3 sips.

And the best thing that has happened this past month is I have a new nephew, Cash. He is so stinkin cute!!! He is an answer to prayers!

HAPPY EASTER

We decided that this year we would plant our very first vegetable garden. Grampy came over to help us and give us his expertise. I don't think we could have done it without him. Jarrett planted onions, green beans, cucumbers and 3 different types of tomatoes. We can't wait to see everything grow! Thanks Jarrett for doing this with the kids!!

Nathan was quite the helper.

The kids learned all about soil, manure and the spacing of seeds.

Madelyn liked planting the onions and labeling the wood posts.

I got to hang out with Jakey Pooh! (My friend Traci's little boy) Is he not the cutest thing??

Madelyn had her walk a thon at school.

We went to Kennedy's Spa bday party at Classroom Corner.

Our family had our annual Easter Egstravaganza at Aunt Kim's house. Grandmama helped the kids decorate Easter cookies and Easter cookie baskets. Nathan ate the icing, Ella poured half a bottle of colored sugar per cookie, Ty had fun eating the cookies, and Madelyn, well she just did what she was suppossed to. It cracks me up to see all their different personalities.

The dads were in charge of egg dying. They were smart and had them do it outside. Ty dyed his fingers and mouth instead of his eggs. It was hillarious.

Then it was time for the egg races. Last year Nathan cried the whole time. He couldn't get his egg to stay on the spoon and he lost. Two very frustrating things for a child with aspergers. This year was a whole new story. He did great plus he won, so that helped a lot!

Then it was time for the men to race. Let me just say that there was some serious cheating going on.. I will not mention names because you know who you are. By the way, dad, I was very proud of you for paricipating this year. You certainly held your own.

Next it was time for the Easter Egg hunt. The kids had fun opening the eggs. There was some serious trading going on.

Goofy Cousins!!

Cousins and best friends!

Kim and I have the same camera and we were trying different ISO settings. We had fun taking a ton of pics but we are seriously clueless! We need to take a photograpy class.

The Easter Bunny came and he delivered! The kids each got a new swim suit and water bottles for their lunch boxes along with candy, bubbles, and a jump rope. Our Easter Bunny is very practical.

Nathan and Madelyn and Mia ready for church. Madelyn was very excited that she found a dress that came with a matching doll dress. She carried Mia all around church today. I love it!!

And the very, very, best part of this weekend was welcoming our friend Jorge home! He is still sick and is trached but he is Alive and we are overcome with Thankfulness to our Heavenly Father for that. He is truly the GREAT PHYSICIAN! We pray that he continues to get stronger everyday.

Jorge

For an update on Jorge go to Traci's blog, www.simplytraci.com Her mom is updating it as she gets news. Please pray for them. They are our friends that we went to Disney World with. Our hearts are just aching for our dear friends. I just had a second, I will write more later, I am off to take kids to school.

I'm a Winner!!

When I was going through Nathan's backpack today, this is what I found. I especially loved the last line! HEE HEE!

Tonight I went to a women's ministry event called, "Tickle Me Pink". It was a lot of fun and I won a door prize, 1 week of free tanning!! Who Hoo!! It got me thinking of how "lucky" I have been. I don't really believe in luck but instead blessings. When I was a senior in high school I won a TV at the end of the year party, then there was a trip to San Antonio that we gave to Jarrett's parents, a trip to Branson, a Brighton Necklace, a free pedicure, a $500 visa card, and now free tanning. So girls, what have you won??

Busy

The theme of my life lately: BUSY!! The week before spring break I subbed in a kindergarten class everyday. I had a lot of fun and was reminded of how much I love teaching kindergarten! But by Friday I was not feeling so hot and the kids were dropping like flies. I ended up having the flu and bronchitis just in time for Spring Break. Yuck.

While I was busy being sick, my kids were busy playing their DS's.

By the end of Spring Break we ventured over to Branson with my whole family minus my sister Karen and her kids. We rented a really cool cabin and had fun. However, I was grumpy because I was still under the weather and probably just should have stayed home. Don't get me wrong we had fun and the kids had a blast at Silver Dollar City. We couldn't stay the whole time because we had company coming. We needed to head home to disinfect our germ infested house.

Our dear, dear friends Mitch and Taffy and their 4 kids and Greyhound, Hudson , came down from Denver. They are moving back here after being gone for 9 years. We met them at our old church, Liberty and had a lot of great times together. They came during their spring break to start looking at houses. We had so much fun hanging out, staying up late, and looking at gorgeous houses. They are seriously considering moving to Owasso. I can not wait until they get here!!!! I was worried about where to sleep everyone but we just stacked the kids in Madelyn's room and had 10 people plus 2 dogs sleeping in 3 bedrooms. Nobody seemed to mind and the girls were in hog heaven! They ended up staying 5 days and seriously I wouldn't have minded if they stayed 5 more days. They are so easy and fun to have around.

We have had some big news in our house: Madelyn lost her first 2 teeth at the same time. She was actually born with those first 2 bottom teeth. I was a little sentimental about seeing them go. Her new ones have already come up. When I was putting her to bed that night we had the following conversation:

(How cute is she??)

Madelyn: "Mom is the tooth fairy real?"

Me: "What do you think?"

Madelyn: "I don't know?? Are you the tooth fairy?"

Me: (Trying not to ruin it for her) " What do you think?"

Madelyn: (starting to tear up) " I don't want a tooth witch coming into my room."

Now she is sobbing and shaking.

Me: "Oh, honey I am YOUR tooth fairy. There is no such thing as witches, don't you worry. And whatever you do, don't tell your friends there is No tooth fairy."

Nathan went to the district piano competition and scored well enough to move onto the state competition in OKC in May. He wasn't to impressed with himself that he made it, in fact he didn't want to go until we bribed him with Maggie Moo's ice cream. I am not passed bribery!

We also enjoyed the Spring snow storm! The kids loved playing out in it. Madelyn has stocked our outside freezer with snow balls so she can pound her brother with them this summer.

So there you have it. Please pray for my sweet MIL, she fell off her bike on shattered her wrist. She is having surgery tom. morning. Thanks.

Oklahoma Adoption

Hey friends, I just have a second but I want all of you to do me a favor. Check out this new blog and help us out. Just click the linky over on the side of my blog about Oklahoma adoption. Thanks!! Love ya all!

Understanding

I don't understand. I am not meant to understand. But I wish I could. Things happen in our lives that just don't make sense or seem fair. My precious little sister and her family are hurting today. Most of you know their story. They have two sweet babies that passed away shortly after birth within the last two years. They were in the process of adopting baby Tess. The past few months they have prepared for her arrival and got to know the birth family. They brought Tess home from the hospital yesterday. The birthmom changed her mind last night. As an adoptive mom, and a mom who has experienced a failed adoption first hand, I can understand the heartache she is feeling today. It is such a surreal experience. Even though you don't birth the baby literally you birth the baby in your heart. Does that make sense? When I had to give back my first daughter my heart didn't know the difference. She was mine, I loved her. I had cared for her, fed her, changed her diapers. I had a room ready for her. My arms ached for a month afterward. I experienced a literal pain in my arms. This is the risk we take when we adopt. It is an awful risk, one that you just can't prepare for. I hate that my sister is now experiencing this kind of pain, especially after everything they have been through. I am praying that God will comfort them and that His name will be glorified through this. He has a wonderful plan for their family. He loves them and loves Tess and loves her birthmom. The Lord will be the one who sees them through this devastation. We, her friends and family, are called to be His hands and His feet right now. So if you think of them, pray. Maybe drop a line of encouragement on their blog. I want her to feel so loved right now during this time where they feel "forgotten."

I finally got to the place where I could accept what happened even though I didn't understand why. I felt called to pray for my baby and pray for her birthmom. Maybe she didn't have anyone else her life to lift her up. Maybe we planted seeds in her life. We will probably never know on this side of heaven. So for now I will just go on not understanding but trusting God.

3-03-03

Happy Birthday Madelyn!! My baby girl is 6 today! I can hardly believe it, time has flown by. Madelyn has the coolest birthdate, 3-3-03 and she was born at 3 am. Pretty cool, huh?

I remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. Andrea, Madelyn's birthmom, picked us about 2 weeks before she was born. We were thrilled that Nathan would have a sibling but boy this was fast. There was a bad ice/snow storm right after we were picked so there was little time to get ready. When we went for an ultrasound they told us we were having a boy. I got my boy stuff out and ready but just in case I picked up a girl outfit and blankie from gymboree.

After church on Sunday, March 2nd I was in total nesting mode. I cleaned, did laundry, etc.. We thought the baby wasn't coming for another 2 weeks so boy was I shocked when later that evening we got "THE CALL" We happened to be in Tulsa at a Bible Study. As we were leaving our cell phone rang and it was Andrea saying that she thought she was in labor and on her way to the hospital. We quickly took Nathan to my parents (with no supplies) and ran to the hospital. Once Jarrett checked on Andrea and we determined that this was the real deal he ran home to grab the camera and pack our bags. The hospital was great and gave us our own room. He got back around midnight.

We couldn't believe how fast Andrea was progressing. She went through labor with no drugs!! She was amazing. After a couple of pushes the baby was out and boy were we shocked when we didn't see any boy parts!! I started balling!!! I was so happy to have a little girl! What an answer to our prayers, a healthy baby girl.

Madelyn weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces and was 18 inches.

She had to go to the NICU for a couple of hours for her to be monitored because of some meconim. But by mid morning she was in our room and we were lovin all over her. She was a beautiful baby! She even had her first 2 bottom teeth.

Today those sweet baby teeth are wiggly and probably going to come out soon.

By Tuesday afternoon we were home with our precious baby girl. She had terrible colic, if that is what you call crying everyday, all day. It started at 2 weeks old and lasted until she was 1 1/2 years old. SERIOUSLY! I had to carry her in my baby bjorn all day for her to settle down. Everyone would try to comfort her but they couldn't. I was the only one she wanted. One day a lady came and prayed over and her and she stopped. She was happy! Total miracle.

She brings so much joy to our lives and life to our home. When she is gone our house is so quiet. Madelyn has such a sweet spirit and is always complimenting and encouraging people. She is an amazing sister to Nathan. She is a girly girl! But she can also keep up with the boys.

Happy Birthday Baby Cakes!

WHATZ UP??

Well, we are finally well here at the Short home, two of us are still on antibiotics but feeling much better.

I have entered a new phase in life, working mom. I started substitute teaching a couple of weeks ago with the intention of doing it 2 days a week. Instead I have been doing it everyday. This week is already booked solid as well as 3 days next week. I love it but I am having a hard time balancing everything else that I take care of at home. Jarrett has been amazing and really stepped up to the plate. He has been such a big help to me! I also have been blessed with some great friends that have helped me by picking up the kids from school. I am so not used to having to ask for help. The kids are at different schools so sometimes that makes pick up hard when I am not subbing at either of their schools. This week I am subbing in special ed all week. 3 days in the autistic class and 2 in the MR class. I have really enjoyed special ed but do not think I could teach it full time. We are praying about me going back to teaching full time next year. I never ever thought I would go back. I sold all my stuff. But I did keep up my certification, just in case.

This change is exciting and sad. I am sad that my babies aren't babies anymore. I loved being home with them all day, every day. I am such a homebody so this season really suited me. I really can't believe that part of my life is over. So, it is time to move on and find joy in this new season. It is exciting because my babies are getting bigger and growing into such great people. They are fun to be around and we can do all sorts of things that we couldn't when they were younger. It's exciting because I am getting a paycheck for the first time in 8 years!! There is something rewarding about that. (trust me, it has nothing to do with the amount, because it ain't much) LOL. . Subbing is great for me because I have none of the extra responsibilites that just wore me out in the past, I just get to do what I love, teach! I am learning how to balance everything and learning to let certain things go. So we will see where God leads me as far as a job goes, I want to serve my family only in the way HE wants me to.

When we moved into our house when Nathan was one we used the formal dining room as a play room. We would jokingly call it the formal playroom. It was filled with all his sweet baby toys. We would spend hours everyday in there playing and reading. He learned how to walk in there. I would spend hours in the middle of the night in there with Madelyn when she was a newborn and had her days and nights mixed up. We hosted playgroups in that room. Over the years the toys changed but it continued to be the favorite hangout room for the kids and their friends. Then when we were homeschooling we turned it into a school room. We ripped the carpet out, laid wood, then we could do art and science experiements without having to worry about spills. It was such a great school room. So much was learned and discovered in there. The last few months it has sat empty. I cleared out all of the school stuff and pretty much just left Madelyn's gymnastic mat in there. Ok, I am a dork, I am crying. That room has changed with each season our lives. Today it was painted. The holes patched, the crayon marks coverd, but the memories remain. Today dining room furniture was placed in it. Today formal china was unpacked after 12 years of sitting in their original boxes. Today crystal was carefully placed in a beautiful hutch. Today I have a grown up room that is begging to be decorated. I am blessed. All my pics of baby days are pre-digital camera...

PS I am a deal seeking kind of momma, and boy did we get a deal on this furniture. A lady from Jarrett's office was selling it. It came with a table with 2 extensions, a full set of pads , 6 chairs, and the hutch. They don't have children so it looks brand spanking new. So now I am need of ideas for a rug, drapes and accessories. We are also adding trim to the white part to make it look like faux wainscoating and we will eventually recover the chairs with a more kid friendly fabric. I would love to hear your ideas!!

Happy Valentines Day

This week Kathy's blog will have a guest writer. Hi I am Kathy's husband. If you are a regular reader you know that a week ago both our kids got some kind of bug. We thought it was allergies, but Madelyn started throwing up every hour so I guess she had something a little more. About the time she got better, I had a major allergy attack. I was miserable for a week and Kathy told me I had to go see a doctor. After waiting in the waiting room for 20 minutes and waiting in the exam room for 40 minutes, the doctor came in and basically told me to get $50 of over the counter medicine. Like I have not been doing that over the last week. I told Kathy you know when you are getting old when you think you know more than your doctor.

Enough about my issues. Kathy now has come down with a sinus infection. She looks pretty miserable. Our house has been pretty nasty with people coughing, hacking, snorting, and puking long enough. I am hoping as soon as Kathy gets over her sinus infection we will be clear for the year.

As you can see by the picture she is getting all ready for Valentines Day. For those of you concerned she has grown Clifford the Big Red Dog ears, that is a rice bag you can heat up on her head. Since Valentines Day is Saturday and I still have not gotten anything for her I figured I would start my gift out by saying some nice things about my wife on her blog. God knows I will need the brownie points after she finds out I put this picture out here.

10 Things I Love about my Wife:

1. She is beautiful even when she has a big red rice bag on her head.

2. She is the social outgoing one. (Everyone knows I would not have any friends if I did not have such a lovely wife with a lovely personality).

3. She has been my best friend for 17 years. (6 years of dating and 11 fun filled years of marriage).

4. She is just as anal as me when it comes to a clean house, carpet marks, mowed yard, and clean cars. ( I wish she would understand why it is important to carry that to the garage).

5. The best mom anyone could ask for. She will go the extra mile for the kids.

6. I know ever night within 5 minutes of being in bed she will ask me to scratch her back.

7. Faithful

8. Reliable

9. Godly

10. Supporting

On a even more serious note she does complete me. I cannot imagine going through life with anyone else. It is true behind every good man is a great wife. She is the one that holds this family together. Taking care of the kids, grocery shopping, cleaning, bills, laundry, after school activities, and the biggest job of all taking care of me. My mom should be very proud to know that such a good women is taking care of her son. Honey I know we will have a Happy Valentines Day even if you are wearing your Clifford Ears.

Frugal Living

This picture will make since after you read my post. For some reason I can't move my pics around.

Lately I have been thinking a lot about living more frugally. I am not sure why really,but I am. Since I have been stuck at home due to the ice last week and Madelyn being so sick this week I have had some time to research ideas of how to be more frugal. I have always been interested in couponing and deal finding but I am just not seeing the savings I would like. Our family has always tried to live below our means and save for things before we buy them. Don't get me wrong, I have so many "Things" that I want. I struggle with being content and thankful for what I have. It seems I always want More. For instance, I really want granite for my kitchen and a King size bed and new bedroom furniture right now. There is a part of me that just wants to run out and buy it now and pay for it later. Or better yet, do 6 months no interest. But I know better. Those are traps and always come to bite you in the long run. Sometimes I believe the lie that what I have isn't good enough, trendy enough, that I will be happy if I just have more or something different. I believe that God wants us to be content in Him. He is Enough, He is Good, He is trendy. He will never go out of style!! Oh, how I struggle. There is a bedroom suite calling my name. But I will wait, I will save, and oh how much sweeter will that new bed be when I pay cash for it.

We went through Financial Peace (Dave Ramsey) a couple of years ago and it changed our lifes and how we think about money. I highly recommend it! Sometimes I hate those envelopes but they do help us stay on track.

Because of our 2009 Financial goals I really need to amp up our savings. The one category that I feel that I can shave some $ off of is groceries/household expenses. I will try to share some frugal tips with you over the next few weeks. Maybe we could call it "FRUGAL FRIDAYS"

Here is one that I came across today:

Make your own dryer sheets.

1. Dip an old washcloth in liquid fabric softener.

2. Ring it out.

3. Let it dry.

4. It can be used 12 times.

**I am not sure if it will work but we will see**

Another thing we are doing is trying to eat more left overs. We aren't big leftover eaters but I know it will save us money on our groceries.

SNOW DAYS

I love snow days! The kids are having a blast sleeping in, playing board games, playing video games and just hanging out. My house is a pit, the laundry is piling up, the floors need to be mopped, the bills need to be paid but I think I am just going to snuggle up under a warm blanket and read a book.

I made this potato soup that was so so good the other day. I had never made it before. and am actually shocked that it turned out. It is perfect for these cold days!

Creamy Potato Soup
4 slices bacon
3 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
water to cover
2 cups milk
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon paprika
In a large saucepan cook bacon until crisp. Set bacon aside, along with 3 tablespoons of bacon drippings.
Add potatoes, onion, carrot and celery to drippings. Add enough water to cover vegetables and cook over low heat until tender, stirring occasionally.
Stir in milk, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
In a separate bowl, stir together sour cream, flour and paprika. Gradually stir 1 cup of hot soup mixture into sour cream mixture.
Pour sour cream mixture into sour mixture. Cook until good and bubbly hot. Top with chopped bacon pieces.

We don't like celery so I left it out. Also, I didn't cut the potatoes small enough so they took forever to soften up.

Keep your lips to yourself!

Nathan has always struggled with spelling and writing, a common issue with asperger kids. He is an incredible reader though. It was a really frustrating issue for me when I was homeschooling him because I just didn't know how to help him. So far at school he has made all A's on his spelling test but C's and D's on the dictation part of the test. Thankfully it is 2 separate grades. He seems to be able to memorize the words but he can not spell them in sentences. This week his words for some reason are very hard for him. We have studied for hours and he is still just not getting it. I have tried everything I know to help him. Now he is saying ,"I am no good at spelling and writing. I can never do it." It just breaks my heart. It seems like just yesterday he didn't have a care in the world and now I see him stressing. He told Jarrett that he wants mommy to homeschool him. Oh, how I would in a millisecond, but this is what is best for him this year. My prayer is that he discovers his passion at an early age so we can nurture it and mold it. The other stuff just won't matter as much.

We also got an email from his teacher today:


Kathy,

Yesterday Nathan started trying to kiss the girls. I talked to him about it and he said he would stop. These girls must be irresistible because he was at it again today. I told him he would loose his stamp today. I also had him go down to Mrs. Ingram's room to chill out a little. I just thought you would want to know about your little lover boy. :)

Becky


I am thrilled that she has a sense of humor about these things. The autism teacher is getting a video for him to watch. Oh mercy!!

This school thing is a whole new adventure. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.