Sweeter Everyday

Summer 2017 Kick-Off

2017-05-26T12:45:00.003-05:00

Well, here we are. The first OFFICIAL day of Summer 2017.

My 8 year old is at the day lily farm with my mom.

My 4 year old is sitting next to me playing educational games on her tablet.

My 48 year old is at the office "working."

And myself? I am piddling, "working," chasing rabbits, and trying to recuperate from my first official year as a non-teacher.

Yep, after 18 years, I threw in the towel and "semi-retired" last August. It's been the most amazing school year ever and I am so thankful that I made the decision to step away from the white board and breathe.

I love my profession and still do. It's about peace and the lack thereof. My profession has changed dramatically and I wasn't mentally prepared to change with it. In the future, I may be ready to return to the gradebooks, assemblies, ARD meetings, and paperwork; but for the present, I am content.

No matter who you are, find that contentment and peace in whatever stage of life you are experiencing. With the Lord, that's not too difficult, so lean into Him and chase those rabbits... or in my case, chickens.

Alfredo Mac 'n Cheese ... A Mash-Up Made in Heaven

2015-06-02T21:08:00.001-05:00

If you like fettuccine alfredo...and boy, do I.

If you like mac 'n cheese...the original comfort food.

And if you're a little off, like yours truly...

You will LOVE my crazy Alfredo Mac 'n Cheese recipe that I concocted one day out of pure boredom and a lack of other ingredients. So, all the little fork bangin' sweeties in your life will shower you with love after you make them this...

Alfredo Mac 'n Cheese

Ingredients:
8 ounces elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 heaping teaspoon of minced garlic (in a jar) (add more if desired)
1 dash garlic powder (just to make it extra garlicky)
1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
2 cups milk
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated parmesan/asiago/romano (or other fancy sounding Italian cheeses)
*parsley and extra parm for garnish

Directions:
Cook macaroni as directed on little rectangular box. Leave in the water on the stove, but turn burner off.

In medium saucepan, melt butter slowly, stir in flour, salt, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Remove from heat briefly to slowly stir in milk. (There is a good reason for this, but it doesn't matter.)

Return to low heat. Gradually stir in cheese until completely smooth, gooey, and melted.

Drain macaroni.

Pour cheese sauce over macaroni in large bowl and stir to your heart's content. Toss some dried parsley and extra parmesan on top to make it look fancy.

Enjoy! Tweak it with extra salt/pepper if desired. IT IS SO GOOD!

Redemption

2015-04-23T21:18:00.003-05:00

Look up, for your redemption draweth nigh.

That is all I have to say about the last month of school.

Teachers, rejoice.

Rainy Day Crock Pot Lasagna

2013-10-31T13:22:00.001-05:00

When it is a gross and rainy day and you just want to come home to something delicious simmering in the crock pot, this is a GREAT recipe to throw together. I personally love lasagna and this crock pot version is just as yummy and is ready to serve after 4 hours of cooking. Add a Caesar salad and some warm garlic bread, and baby, you got a meal!

Here ya go!

1 lb lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped (I use 1 cup of frozen onion, celery, and peppers)
2 tsp of minced garlic (or 2 smashed garlic cloves)
1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano or a package of spaghetti seasoning
12 ounces cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese or 1/2 cup asiago cheese
12 ounces lasagna noodles, uncooked
16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:

1 Brown ground beef, onion mix and garlic in frypan.
2 Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt and oregano.
3 Cook long enough to get it warm.
4 Spoon a layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of the slow cooker.
5 Add a double layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (break to fit) and top with cheeses.
6 Repeat with sauce, noodles and cheeses until all are used up. Top with extra mozzarella or parmesan
7 Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.

Options to consider: If you like your lasagna to have a Texas flare, throw in a can of Rotel for some kick!
And..there is no such thing as TOO much cheese. I sometimes throw in shredded monterey jack cheese as well!

One with the Cat

2013-07-30T16:21:00.001-05:00

Disclaimer: This is my official Christ Kay update for my own records, posterity, and relief of a guilt trip from Second Child Syndrome.

Christa Kay, who will be 10 months old this Sunday, is growing faster than Sydney can put on a swim suit.

In March, she was trying to crawl.

In April, she WAS crawling.

In May, she was pulling up to stand & cruising.

In June, she was climbing stairs.

In July, she started walking.

She can say:

"Dada"

"May May"

"Hey"

"Buja, Buja, Buja"

and other strange one syllable utterances I can't really make out yet.

She will eat anything. Anything as in leftover Hawaiian pizza, watermelon, and hotdogs.

As long as it is small enough to cram in her mouth, it will be eaten.

She has 3 teeth and a swollen spot where #4 is trying to come in.

She's a hoot. She's a mess. She thinks Sydney is the most hilarious thing to come down the pipe.

Her eyes twinkle and everyone says she is "bertiful." She has dimples and that is one feature that not one family member possesses.

She wakes up happy and for the most part, goes to bed happy after a few minutes of whining.

She loves the cat. Simeon is her buddy. When she sees Simeon, her world lights up, she squeals with joy, and crawls at break-neck speed, knees a scrapin', to see Simeon.

She is ONE with the cat.

Southern Belle Sweet Tea

2013-07-26T12:02:00.001-05:00

This summer, I've thrown a few wing dings on the patio. At each wing ding, I make a huge container of my Southern Belle Sweet Tea. Everyone comments on how smooth and refreshing it is and how it is not too sweet, but sweet enough, and not the least bit bitter.

So, for those of you that want my recipe, here goes: It is a combination of sweet tea recipes that I have found and it has been tweaked to my liking. Super simple.

Southern Belle Sweet Tea - Yields 2 quarts (simply double for a gallon)

6 Regular size tea bags (or 2 family size)
1/8 tsp baking soda
2 cups water
1 1/4 cups sugar
6 cups cold water

1. In a large glass measuring cup, place your tea bags and baking soda.
2. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the tea bags.
3. Cover and let it steep for exactly 15 minutes.
4. Take out the tea bags carefully and resist the urge to squeeze them.

Repeat after me, "I WILL NOT SQUEEZE THE TEA BAGS." This is what makes tea bitter.

5. Add sugar. (You may add more or less depending on your sweet tooth.)
6. Stir in sugar until it is completely dissolved.
7. Pour into pitcher. Add COLD water. Stir.
8. Let it cool at room temp, and then put in refrigerator. Serve over ice!

The method of this recipe is more important than the actual ingredients. If you measure everything out exactly, though, you will consistently get a great pitcher of refreshing sweet tea. Sometimes, I throw in the juice of 1 whole lemon, just to give it some pizazz.

Enjoy!

Taking it Slow

2013-06-26T15:02:00.002-05:00

My goal this summer is to take it slow.

and to stop rushing about the house like I'm heading to a 5-Alarm blaze.

It seems that I do everything FAST, and not fast like "speedily," but FAST like, BREAK-NECK Coyote and Roadrunner FAST.

Why do we rush around like this? Especially us mamas?

It's cause we are trying to get everything done as quickly as possible so we can hurry up and have fun.

Fun. A lost art. Fun? What is that?

Hanging out with my two angels is what I really want to do. That is fun. Going out with my husband and laughing over breads sticks and ice tea. Fun.

Yes, there are stale crunchies and Froot Loops on the kitchen floor. They need to be swept.
Yes, the sheets need to be washed. The clothes NEED to be folded. And man, the dust on the shelves could grow a well-respected garden.

But, I have made a decision. I will take it slow. I will breathe. I will do my chores deliberately and with gusto and look forward to every moment I have in this house with these people that share my last name and my love.

Taking it slow and enjoying the ride...cause this ride is moving fast enough, which means I don't have to.

Unusual Craftiness Success

2013-04-07T18:32:00.001-05:00

We all have our gifts.

Some folks can dance.

Some folks can yodel.

Some folks can create a beautiful masterpiece out of a few acrylics and a canvas.

Some folks can take a hot glue gun, some pipe cleaners, a few dried pinto beans, and make a fabulous set of earrings.

I am not ANY of the above people.

I can write a song about Vapo Rub to the tune of "Don't Worry, Be Happy", BUT when it comes to physical creations of lovely, it just doesn't reside in my brain.

My creativity is random, serendipitous, & completely by accident. But when I hit it, it really hit it.

I had some cheapo wooden letters from the Wal Mall.

They were covered in a fabric that was used in Syd's nursery.

The Sydmeister needed an update.

Enter my mom's beautiful collection of antique buttons...

Add some hot glue, a few blingy beads, some purple ruffle ribbon, and a little patience....

And, voila! You get something beautiful, yet unique, yet interesting.

I can't figure out which letter I like best. They are all so cool.

I just pray they don't fall off the wall and onto her head at night.

That would be unpleasant.

HINT: I did not get this idea off Pinterest, BUT, was inspired by another craft idea from Pinterest and took it to the Nesha level. The level of weirdness that I cannot quite explain.

Let's just not discuss the bean soup I made...Ewww..

Rants & Randomness

2013-03-15T16:10:00.002-05:00

The cool thing about a blog is that you can express your personal opinions and feelings without shame. It's my blog and my thoughts. What's awesome is that I can disagree with others and STILL be friendly with them. We don't have to agree to be buds...therefore, I mean no disrespect to anyone when I share my views on certain subjects. Okay, well here we go!

Infants Drinking Soda:

I just CRINGE when I see a tiny baby/toddler sucking down a Route 44 Sonic drink filled with Dr. Pepper. My word. I mean really...My kid is 4 years old and has NEVER had a sip of any carbonated beverage. I guess I'm just weird, but high fructose corn syrup and caffeine never did anybody any good. My waistline will tell ya that. You have your whole life to pickle your kidneys, why do it during childhood?

Wasp-o-phobia:

I am terrified of wasps. I literally have heart attacks when I see one. Spiders don't bug me. Roaches are gross, but I can handle them. Beetles, honey bees, and dirt daubers are my friends. When we moved to the country, we inherited a HUGE red wasp problem. We've gone through a case of Raid, hired an exterminator last Fall, and just had another team of wasp killers come out today. I've spent buckoo bucks on these terrorists. I just HATE them.

Able-Bodied People on Motorized Carts:

I understand that disabled people need motorized carts. But if you can walk, WALK for pity's sake. I was clobbered by 2 motorized scooters today in the store and the people driving them were young and non-disabled.

Infants with Earrings:

Now, I have a lot of sweet friends with precious baby girls sporting earrings, so I mean absolutely no disrespect when I say piercing my baby's ears is not my cup of tea. To me, getting pierced ears is a right of passage. When I turned 13, my mom took me to Claire's and my ears were pierced. It was a very cool experience and I felt like I was becoming a true young lady. She allowed me to pick out my first set of pink rhinestone stud earrings. It was a endearing memory I shall never forget. I know that the baby doesn't remember the pain of having holes drilled into their lobes, but I think it is unnecessary at such a young age. Again, just my humble opinion and to each his own.

Working Mom Martyrs:

Some moms work outside the home and some moms work inside the home. I have done both. It is SO hard being a mom who works outside the home. It is also draining to be a mom working inside the home. Neither job is easy and everyone does it for their own family's sake and personal financial needs. At times, I hear people making snide remarks like, "must be nice to stay in your PJ's all day," or "poor me, I wish I HAD a sugar daddy like you." If people only KNEW how many things we sacrifice so I can stay home, it would blow their minds. We save over $300-$400 a month by doing "without" things that are in essence, unnecessary. Yep, I know that it takes 2 full-time workers these days to support a family, and if you gotta work, you gotta work. My mom worked when I was a baby because it was absolutely necessary. So, whatever you do, be proud and pleased that the Lord has permitted you to be a mom, working at the house or outside the house.

Screaming Babies At Reverent Gatherings:

What is it about people that allow their tiny children to scream/talk/holler/whine incessantly in church or at someone's wedding or at a funeral? I know babies make the occasional babble or cry, but when the child continues to get louder and louder...good heavens. What makes them think that it's okay to distract others who are trying to hear the Word of God or listen to vows or honor the deceased? Churches have nurseries. If you don't want to take your child to the nursery, why not? Do you not trust the nursery workers? If that's the case, stand in the foyer with the screaming child. I know nurseries are not usually provided at funerals, but a trend these days is to hire someone to watch kids during a wedding.

Mommas, just do SOMETHING besides distract everyone around you who is really trying to focus on what the preacher is saying. PEOPLE'S SOULS ARE AT STAKE. It is just RUDE to sit there and not discreetly take the baby out. We are here to praise God and hear His word, not your adorable, precious kid. We are here to witness two people who have planned a beautiful occasion for MONTHS dedicate their lives to each other. We are here to say goodbye to a dear friend. It just blows my mind.

On that note, over and out. Sometimes you gotta get it off your chest. And, if I touched a nerve, my apologies...I still love ya and I will still buy you a cup of coffee. We can all agree to disagree.

A Birth Story...5 Months later

2013-03-04T22:25:00.001-06:00

Has it been 5 months that I delivered this angelic bundle of sheer delight?

Yes, it has.

With Sydney, my epidural was given too late and didn't take till after delivery. I felt everything and when I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING.

I wasn't making the same mistake twice, 'cause my mama didn't raise no dummy. So, for posterity's sake, here is Christa Kay's story...every gory detail.

Syd came 5 weeks early. Christa Kay was fully baked. I carried her nearly 39 weeks and my body was about to go kaput.

In my mind, I was ready to delivery CK in early September, late August, mid-June...somewhere along those lines, but I knew that a hot, summer-time, full 9 month, pregnancy was before me. I was doing well and did not have as many complications as with Syd. My blood pressure was beginning to creep up along with my swelling, so things were getting a little uncomfortable in late August.

We moved into our new home on a warm 115 degree day in late August with my belly swollen out like a tractor inner tube. Nobody let me pick up anything, which, I happily obliged.

After a 24 hour protein test on October 3 that came back "high" on October 4th, my sweet doctor called at 8:30 that morning and said, "It's GO time! Come to the hospital!"

Well, you didn't have to tell me twice. I jumped in the shower, shaved my legs (I think those were my legs cause I couldn't see 'em), blow-dried my hair, threw on a moo moo dress, and hit the road. I was happier than a pig in a mud wallow, and looked like one too. I was evicting this tummy tenant!

On the way to the hospital, Chris and I chatted happily about everything under the sun. About 10 minutes away from the hospital at approximately 11:15 a.m., I looked at him and said, "I'm gonna be sick." At 11:16, I was sick...in the car...and Chris nearly joined me. Well, that was weird.

We checked into the hospital at 11:30. They started my Si-Tech (sp?) at 12:00 for the induction.

My mom arrived around 12:30 wanting to know when the baby was gonna get here. My hubs told her, "Who knows? Could be tomorrow or late tomorrow night."

At 1:30, both my mom and hubs got bored sitting around my room watching me look at the ceiling and went out for lunch. At 1:55, I heard the AUDIBLE sound of my water breaking and thought, "Somebody sure is clumsy out in the hall." Uh, the popping sound was not a nurse dropping something in the hallway, that's for sure.

At 2:00, a nurse checked on me and said, "You need something for pain, 'cause we're watching your monitors and you're having some pretty good contractions." I said, "Uh, not really...I'm cool."

At 2:30, my mom and hubs decided to come back to the hospital after eating and shopping (respectively) and I informed them my water had broken. My nurse then came to check me and said if I was gonna do an epidural, now was the time. I said,"Hook me up, sista," without hesitation.

After the epi, I was ready to sing show tunes and run a marathon. I was still feeling pretty good and was ready for action.

So, for the next hour or so, labor was uneventful (at least for me) and around 5:00, my doc slid in there at the nick of time, caught Christa Kay, and she came out hollering and ready for her mama.

There was nothing to it. I was shocked. So, THIS is the glory of an epidural that actually works. Wowza.

Christa Kay arrived healthy, pink, screaming, and ready to eat. It was just like the movies...they laid her on my chest immediately after delivery, her squinty eyes seeing the bright lights of this world for the first time, my husband by my side, my mom and dear friend Kay watching nearby. Yes, it could not have been more wonderful.

Sydney came out blue and struggling. I did not get to see her until several hours after her birth. Her Apgar scores were horrendous. It was scary.

Christa Kay has been a wonderfully easy baby. She is happy 98.9% of the time, coos, smiles, giggles, and laughs. She eats well, sleeps well, and adapts to new situations.

She and her sister are as different as daylight and dark. But, they are both my sweeties, and I wouldn't trade 'em for the world.

Happy 5 Month Birthday, CK!

Horses & Bubble Gum: Thou Shalt Not Steal

2013-03-02T14:25:00.002-06:00

Well, it's time to get back on my blogging wagon. I've said that before and promptly fell back off, but I am determined this time to continue to document this roller coaster ride I fondly refer to as my life. I started this blog in early 2009 and plan to continue it until I get bored or my husband takes away my laptop.

Things are BEGINNING to slow down around here...what with a new baby, new house, new viewpoint, and new career as a stay at home mom, it has taken some adjusting.

Christa is nearly 5 months old now. She is the happiest little shorty I know of....but she occasionally will throw a wall-eyed temper tantrum to the amazement of her parents. She has been sleeping through the night since she was 6 weeks old and began eating "REAL" food on her 4 month birthday. One bite, and she was sold. She gave me an incredulous look as if to say, "Where you been hidin' this stuff sista?'

She smiles, coos, sings, recognizes familiar faces, army crawls, rocks on all fours, sits up and laughs hysterically when you tickle her tiny armpits. She thinks her sister is da bom dot com and is constantly entertained by her antics.

Sydney is a fresh-faced 4 yr old who is thick in her 2nd year of Pre-K. She knows all of her letters, numbers, shapes, colors, and a laundry list of site words. She says some of the most cornpone things that I document them constantly on Facebook. I plan on compiling her thoughts in a book one day entitled, "What Syd Says."

While we are on the subject of Syd, let's travel back in time to last Tuesday of this week. When Miss Muffet came home from school, we unpacked her backpack as per our usual routine. We found a surprise guest in the backpack last week in the shape of a "Barbie-sized" plastic horse. I knew immediately it did not belong to her. The following conversation began:

M: What is this?
S: Uh, it's a horse.
M: I know it is a horse, but what it is doing in your backpack?
S: I put it there.
M: Why?
S: I wanted it.
M: Where did it come from?
S: School.
M: Who does it belong to?
S: My teacher.
M: WHY did you take it?
S: I WANTED IT!

I took a deep breath and walked away for a moment. Well, here we go....my child is Al Capone & Bonnie Parker wrapped up into one.

"Hand over the horse and nobody gets hurt."

When I was about 8 years old, I was in Wal-Mart with my mom doing some minor shopping...this was back when Wal-Mart was not "super" and brown was it's signature color. This was also the time when the corn dog & lemonade stand was in full action in front of Wal-Mart and the pony in front worked like a charm...anyway...

I saw a string of gum balls. They were individually wrapped and in a long strand in the candy section. Ever so discreetly, I snapped a gum ball off the bottom of the strand, popped it into my mouth, and went along my merry way.

Later, my chawing jaws got me into serious trouble. My mother asked where the wad of gum came from and I responded just like Sydney.

M: Where did you get that gum?
R: The store.
M: Did you pay for it?
R: No.
M: Did you take it?
R: Yes.
M: WHY?
R: CAUSE I WANTED IT!

My punishment was one I still remember vividly to this day. She took me home and we raided my "piggy bank." I was quickly informed that I would be purchasing the ENTIRE strand of gum that I botched up. Well, that was fine with me. Gum is awesome.

Upon returning to the store, I quickly found the strand that was one gum ball short. Purchased it with a smile (had just enough money) and went along my merry way. When mom and I pulled into the apartment complex, she stopped the car next to to the dumpster. I looked at her like she had lost her ever loving mind.

I asked, "What are we doing?"
She replied, "Throw it away."
In sheer horror I responded, "WHAT?!"
"Throw it away. NOW."

I threw the entire beloved strand of about 25 pieces of gum away in the trash can. I was horrified. What a WASTE of money! That was my money.

She said, "When you choose to steal you only hurt yourself. That gum was not yours to take. Someone who would have bought that strand would have had one piece missing because of YOU. Never steal anything and NEVER forget what you had to do today."

Guess what? I never forgot that lesson. It made such a HUGE impact on me that to this day, I cannot even take as much as a paper clip from the desk at work. It bothers the supreme fire out of me. If it ain't mine, I ain't touching it.

I bet you're wondering what happened with the Syd. Let's just say I wanted to make the same impact on her.

Her DADDY took her to school. She had to apologize to her teacher. Return Achan's horse, AND, pay restitution in the form of a toy from her own personal toy box that was donated to the school.

Harsh? Nope. I hope she NEVER forgets this lesson about stealing. Will she mess up again? You betcha, and probably before the sun goes down today. But, I believe firmly in raising up a child in the way they should go, because when they're old, they will blog about the wonderful lesson they learned...AND NEVER depart from it.

Dr. "Hugs" a Lot!

2012-12-14T11:47:00.000-06:00

Took Christa Kay to the pediatrician yesterday for her 2 month check. She is a porky little princess weighing in at 13 pounds and is 22 inches long...3 inches longer than she was just a few short weeks ago! Wowza!

Our pediatrician is Dr. Amy Huggins. Her practice is Pineywoods Pediatrics in Nacogdoches, TX. We absolutely adore her! She has taken excellent care of our babes.

One of the best things about Amy is that she genuinely cares about her patients..she's also very smart, great at diagnosing, pretty, sweet-spirited, a Christian, and an Aggie. I didn't attend aTm, every doctor I see is an Aggie and they have all taken excellent care of me.

Have I mentioned that I LOVE our pediatrician? She's also very conservative with handing out medicines. She understands that less is more, and does not just prescribe antibiotics all willy nilly...only if absolutely necessary. I like that... a lot.

Dr. Huggins works with Mariah Riggins. She has more initials after her name than a lawyer...which means she is certified to do just about anything: lactation consultant, nurse practitioner, free sample giver outer..etc. We love Mariah, too. She has also shown much love to my princesses.

So, if you are looking for a pediatrician in the East Texas area, I highly recommend Dr. Amy. We drive over 80 miles one way to see her, and will continue to do so, 'cause when it comes to the health of my girls, this mama ain't messin around.

P.S. Not a paid advertisement for Pineywoods Pediatrics. I just love these gals. Over and out.

First Day of Domestication

2012-08-27T15:10:00.000-05:00

I have taught school for about 14 years now. This year shall be different. I am staying home with my new baby (who is due SOON) and my 3 1/2 yr old toddler (who will be going to preschool 3 days a week, can we say, "Hallelujah?")

My 8th graders 2010- 2011

Let's back track a little. This summer has been WILD. We have been looking for a house for over a year and finally found it. We found a home out in the country that fit the bill in every way. We experienced first hand the joy that is home buying and I hope you can detect the facetious tone in my voice. Paperwork, banks, loans, signing millions of papers, accounts, inspections, surveys, and more red tape have been floating in our brains for 2 1/2 months. We finally closed on the house on August 13 and a load of heaviness was lifted off of me. We are homeowners, at last.

Syd and her Daddy

Now the hard work begins. Every where you look there is something I want to fix up, do, redo, or overhaul so I can make this place truly ours. I have a baby room to set up. I have a den with nothing in it but junk. There is stuff everywhere and the yard needs major love. At 8 months (nearly 9) months pregnant, there is a limit to what I can do and that is totally cramping my style. I am a tad OCD about my house, and just seeing boxes makes me nauseated, but I letting that go, or at least I ma trying to let that go.

Today is the first day of school. I am usually very excited about the first day of a new year as I enjoy teaching more than a bowl of ice cream, well most days. I was born to work with kids. My little one is here with me today, and it has been challenging to say the least. We are both trying to find our niche in this new life of "stay at homeness" and it is a struggle right now. New house, new "career," and a new baby on the way is a lot of NEW to deal with at once. Analytical and philosophical as I am, it is tough for me to process my recent change of mental address. It will get easier and @ 3:00 in the afternoon, I am looking around wondering, "Now, what do I do?"

The rain is falling gently now, so swimming in the pool is out. I got stung by a wasp yesterday, so I can check that off my list. A nap was attempted earlier, but a miserable failure. So, I guess I will enjoy my first day of domestication by brewing a cup of decaf and playing Angry Birds with Syd. That should keep me busy for today.

Summah Time

2012-06-12T12:09:00.001-05:00

It's 12:08 PM.

So far, I have

1. Made breakfast burritos
2. Gone back to bed
3. Listened to it thunder and rain
3. Watched "Lady and the Tramp" with Sydney Lou Lou

And those are 4 wonderful reasons why I love Summah Time.

Much to Our Surprise

2012-06-11T06:04:00.000-05:00

We have another little girl coming our way.

7 Quick Updates

2012-06-07T10:59:00.000-05:00

1. The house was a no-go. It's tough when you have your heart set on something and then the other party does not get the message. The seller was asking about $25K more than the worth of the home and wouldn't bargain with us. They also asked that we pay double option fees. What?

2. Today is THE DAY we find out about our little bundle of joy. Boy? Girl? My dad is going with me to the ultrasound appointment. I know it will be very special for both of us.

3. Summer has officially started. I am home. all. day. by. myself. with. a. 3. year. old. Enough said.

4. I have turned in the keys to my classroom. It is cleaned out and organized. I cried a little.

5. Sydney is enjoying swimming lessons. She love lessons....but had a little bit of an emotional day yesterday, but she got over it.

6. Our 11 year anniversary is this weekend. We are going away for a couple of days, listen to jazz music on the patio, eat at my favorite restaurant, and just hang out. I can't wait!

7. My child has a future in demolition. This morning, she has: shredded paper, drawn all over the place, tore off her bedroom door (I am not kidding, she literally tore it off the hinges and it won't even close), poured dirt everywhere, thrown clothes all over the place, taken the pillow cases off every pillow in the house, and completely annihilated the cat's scratching post.

And it's only 10:55.

A step of EPIC proportions...well, for us at least!

2012-05-12T05:34:00.001-05:00

My husband and I have been married for 11 years (well on June 9 in about 4 weeks, it will be 11).

We have lived in 4 places in those 11 years, thus, buying a home was not terribly appealing to us. The market has been so weird lately. We've seen houses just sit on the market for what seems like forever and have watched friends struggle to sell their homes. Let's face it, our economy is at best, bearish.

So, we have happily rented. We've rented duplexes, condos, 3 BDRM houses, and even a historical home. We've been super blessed with finding decent looking places for decent prices. We are eternally grateful to the Lord for leading us to safe, affordable residences.

As our family is expanding, the need for a new home is blatantly evident. We are out of bedrooms in our current place, so finding a house is of utmost importance. We have decided to buy a home.

Now, to some folks, that's no big deal. But to us, it is MAJOR. That means, commitment. My hubs and I are commitment-phobic for so many reasons (thankfully not in the marriage department) and this has caused mondo stress in our household lately.

We have looked high and low for a home within the last year. When I say high, I mean, we have seen some DREAM homes, but with nightmarish price tags. Now, some folks will buy a house that is so gorgeous and deluxe that they can barely afford their note, much less groceries and gas for the car. WE are not like that...at...all. We are not about appearances. As long as a house is clean and comfortable, it does not have to supremo-deluxo. If you don't like it, don't come visit.
We're not going to live month to month and wonder how we're going to buy school supplies. Stupid.

As far as low goes, we have seen some of the most pitiful abodes you can imagine. It would take SO much money to make it inhabitable, that it's not even worth the asking price. Some folks are outside their minds.

I've been a little stressed lately about our luck with finding a house. I have asked the Lord to give me peace and help me to trust in Him and His timeline, and not mine. I prefer to move before the baby is born so I don't have to ~~help~~ stress as much with lifting and packing.

I stumbled across this listing the other day. Now, what is strange is that this company is based out of Beaumont and Houston, not our area. So, it was completely a ~~coincidence~~ miracle that I found it.

kitchen (obviously)

I could spend some chilly evenings in front of this baby.

(I am OBSESSED with wood burning fireplaces...not gas, mind you. That is heresy.)

6 Acres of gorgeous land

A sun room for, uh, whatever!

This picture I have of the front of the house does not do it justice, or I would post it. It is set WAY off the road and has a long paved driveway, a 2 car garage, and lots of green grass to roll around in. Yes, we would like to add a couple of rooms and a contractor has already told us how to do it. It is not perfect, but, is definitely workable, and we put a bid in on it today!

Signing my name to all those papers gave me a major dose of heartburn and Chris nearly stroked out, but, we are going to make ourselves do this. After all, baby Chambers deserves a bedroom, not a linen closet.

So, I am praying for God's will to be done. Thanks for agreeing with me!

Nesha

Tough Decisions...But Not Really

2012-05-09T13:13:00.000-05:00

This ultrasound pic was taken 2 months ago, so I know for a fact that Dill Pickle does NOT look like this anymore, but it is for Dill Pickle, that I have made a decision.

I am going to stay home next year with Dill Pickle and the Sydinator.

Let me stop here and say I have NOTHING against working moms. My mom worked when I was a newborn (cause she had to for financial reasons), I worked a contract job when Syd was an infant (cause I needed to), and I have many mama friends that work (because it is a necessity). So, let's get that said right here and now. No hate mail, please.

Our current situation is conducive to my staying at home. I am 35 years old and have been in the education business since I was 20. You do the math...I've had the career thing in place for a while now. I've taught many different grades in 4 different districts and have loved every (well almost every) minute of it. I have spent countless hours worrying over, babying, praying for, nurturing, loving, working with, and pouring into OTHER peoples' children. It is my calling. I am unashamed.

But now, I am going to pour into MY children.

I am going to worry over, pray for, baby, nurture, love, and work with MY children.

I am going to sign up to send cookies, plan parties, chaperone trips, and volunteer for MY children.

It is my duty as a mama.

Yep, we may have to cut back in some areas.

We may not get to go out to eat much.

We may not be able to afford EXTRA stuff.

We may even (GASP) have to do without cable/satellite TV

(which we have NEVER had in 11 years of marriage.) Talk about a WASTE of money.

I have been asked, "What about your teacher retirement?"

Uh, what about it?

I have been asked, "What about the kids that want you as a teacher next year?"

Uh, I am not the only caring teacher in the world.

I have been asked, "Aren't you going to get bored?"

Uh, no.

So, there you have it an easy, yet tough decision and I thank God everyday that he has blessed us with the financial means to make this decision.

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

17 Weeks Pregnant

2012-05-07T15:59:00.002-05:00

17 weeks Pregnant.

I have been completely silent (on my blog) regarding my pregnancy until today.

I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because I have been so tired, so busy, and so sick that I have neglected to blog in the first place. Yep, that's it.

Maybe it's because I have such a bad memory lapse that I forgot how to log in and post anything. We'll just say that.

Here are a few things I want to remember for posterity's sake:

January - Received prayer for complete healing of my body so I could conceive again. God touched me.
February 14 - Found out I was pregnant.
February 15 - Drove to Lufkin in one of the worst storms of the season to get blood work done to confirm and check progesterone levels.
February 16 - Found out I was indeed pregnant and my progesterone was fine. (RELIEF)
Beg. of March - Heard the heartbeat. Saw the peanut.
End of March - Heard the heartbeat. Saw my dill pickle.
February 17 - April 12 - Threw up, laid in the bed, wished the Lord would take me home to glory, threw up some more, and then went back to sleep.
April 13 - Began to feel better.
April 20-22 Endured the worst headache of my life.
May 29 - Woke up with an inner ear infection that kept me from walking down the hall. Nauseated with monster headache.
May 7 - TODAY. Woke up feeling good, yet fat, and so happy that we will find out soon (about 3-4 weeks) about our baby's gender. Hoping for a boy, pretty sure it's a boy, 'cause only a boy could do to me what this little dumpling has done to me. Sydney was much kinder, albeit, I had preeclampsia and toxemia in my 7th month.

Only 4 weeks - 16 days - of school left.

Between now and d-date (late September, early October), I plan to

move into a new house
set up a new house
furniture shop
car shop
set up a nursery
buy new baby furniture
..and..
find a large body of water in which to soak my Shamu sized self in during a Texas summer which is prophesied to be BRUTAL. Brutal as in over 100 degrees on a regular basis.

Yippy.
Skippy.

It Thrills My Soul

2012-04-04T21:42:00.000-05:00

to read this book

and this book

to my girl.

Maybe I'm a little strange, but I actually made up a little tune to the words in this story and instead of simply reading it, I sing it to her. I love making these memories and it simply thrills my soul to see her giggle and smile when we get to her favorite parts. She's pretty talented with sound effects, you know.

10 Reasons I Love Working Part-Time

2012-03-05T14:58:00.000-06:00

1. I can eat lunch at home.
2. I can spend time with my daughter.
3. I can grab an afternoon nap, iffen my daughter grabs one.
4. I can catch up on old sitcom reruns on Netflix.
5. I can do a load of laundry or two before the weekend hits.
6. I can leave work at noon, which just happens to be the precise time my productive/effective portion of my brain wears off anyway.
7. I can go grocery shopping before the masses.
8. I feel like I actually have a life outside of my job.
9. I can grab an afternoon nap...wait...that was # 2.
10. I have ample time to prep and prepare a nice dinner for my family.

I love working part-time. I am blessed to have this gig. Thank You, Lord.

Mine to Love

2012-02-08T15:56:00.000-06:00

Loved this song the moment I heard it today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLXK-C08hps

Reminds me of my girl and my buddies who are pregnant for the first time after struggling with infertility.

God's timing is perfect.

It Could Be Worse

2012-01-26T21:31:00.001-06:00

Ever have a do over day? A day where you thought, "Okay, this is not working for me. We need to rewind the footage and start this puppy over and MAYBE things will turn out better."

Ever had a "never want to relive this day again day?" A day where the very thought of a "do-over" sends chills of dread and sweat trickling down your face? Well, bruthas and sistas, today was one of those days.

As I took my troubles to the Lord, I began to realize my God was bigger, stronger, and more powerful than the obstacles facing me. I focused on the promise and not the problem, and I really struggled with this at first...

And God answered prayers. He came through. He made a way where there seemed to be NO WAY.

And now, I think, well...it could have been worse...

I could've been this fella

getting an exam from this girl...

and receiving a shot..in the gut..

*sigh*

It's Night O'Clock!

2012-01-24T21:30:00.000-06:00

I'm a little persnickety when it comes to bedtimes around here. We folks here at the Chambers' household believe in REST.

And especially when it comes to the little person that lives here. She goes to bed at straight up 8 o'clock if not earlier.

I am OCD about getting her to bed because a rested child is a happy child, and a rested mommy, is a happy mommy, and a rested husband is a rarity.

So...on those occasions when bedtime is delayed, I fight feelings of irritation and find myself hollering, "Syd! It's nearly nine o'clock...you have GOT to go to BED!"

So, this evening, as I was cajoling Syd towards the bedroom, she stopped, looked at me and said, "Mommy, I know...it's night o'clock. I gotta go to bed."

Yes, dear. It is night o'clock and we ALL need to go to bed.

Words with Nerds

2012-01-23T17:59:00.000-06:00

I haven't blogged in so long I am plumb embarrassed.

So, in the spirit of the "blame game," I must tell you that my blog negligence all started with what seemed to be nothing, but it turned into a BIG something.

I FINALLY joined the masses and upgraded to a smart phone in September and what to my wondering eyes did appear but a whole new fantasy land of time wasting games, apps, and smart phone gotta haves.

So, in all the spare time that I USED to blog, I am being a word nerd, or blowing up defenseless pigs, or trying to sink peoples' ships, or checking ever-present email, facebook, and pinterest pins.

For that, I am ashamed, deeply apologetic, and downright abashed.

But, it all stops here. I have too many things I want to remember that I gotta get on this blog for posterity's sake!

I need to remind myself of:

the way Sydney says, "Oh, mama, you silly goofball!"

and the way she prays, "Dear Jesus, I love you, be my friend, live in my heart, help me to listen and obey and stop cryin all the time, and I want to live for you always..."

the fantastic Christmas we had with Uncle Rick,

the night classes Chris is taking so he can advance his therapy degree,

and the way Syd says, "Mommy! Clause it! Clause it! I gotta go to potty" as she is watching cartoons...

and the feelings of hopefulness that are flooding my soul right now because I KNOW God has heard my heartfelt prayer for another child even though it has not happened yet...

how Syd turns 3 in Febuary. How did that happen? She was just an infant that I held in my arms a few minutes ago. My baby is growing up.

and that she is 99.9% potty trained, which is a HUGE blessing and took a whole lot longer than I expected.

And now, a completely random photo.

I want to live here and receive my mail here.

Yes. I do.

And if you've never had a full body lemon grass scrub while laying on a table in the outfit God gave you under a waterfall, well, baby, this is place to get one done. Good thing my modesty went out the window with the whole giving birth to a child thing 'cause you can't have any shyness during this treatment.

Please. Let me go back to the Mokara.

If you listen closely, you will hear it calling my name.

And my pocketbook.