Happy Easter!

Here are a few outtakes!

Copying their big brother...

Mono Update

Anakin ended up having it for at least 3 days, if not 4. We kept him home from school the first day after Spring Break...and he didn't have a temp, he was just exhausted (but he couldn't have gone anyway since they are suppose to be temp free for 24 hours before returning). We let him go on Tuesday, even though I probably should have kept him home. He had earned a movie (at a local theater) with his class for reading 500 hours during a certain time. I just had to let him go. LOL! Anyway, everyone is better...but Tristin is still acting tired at times and his glands are still swollen. We still wonder if Anakin and Paxtin just reacted different to this sickness because of the differences in their immune system.

Busy Day Today

I've got lots of pictures to share, let's see if Blogger will be nice to me tonight...forgive me, I didn't edit any of these photos and I'm NOT a photographer. ;)

Here's Anakin's "cheese" look...man, does his head look huge...or is it just cause he's skin and bones? LOL!

Today we colored Easter eggs...

Oh, this one makes me laugh! Tristin doing his "deer in head lights" look. :)

Paxtin...he really loved coloring eggs this year and surprisingly, he didn't make too big of a mess!

We also went to an Egg Hunt, which was put on by our church. I was with Paxtin the whole time, so I didn't get shots of Anakin or Tristin. David got one or 2 of Tristin with his camera...poor Anakin...he missed his group starting their hunt. But, someone ran and got him a bag (David had the bucket in our wagon and we couldn't see him - long story, but Anakin was in line to get a balloon animal and we 'thought' we had time....) Anyway, Anakin ended up helping clean up the 2 year old "section" of the hunt. There weren't a whole lot of 2 year olds...probably because it was FREEZING outside. I don't think it was even 30 degrees...and it was WINDY. I've never been so cold! Okay, here are some pictures...keep in mind I was just holding the camera out and taking pictures while I was trying to help Paxtin grab eggs. LOL! It was humorous, I'm sure.

That last photo cracks me up. I'm sure I'll scrap that somehow! ;)

We also made Resurrection Buns today! If you don't know what those are, you can read about it here: http://homeparents.about.com/cs/eastercrafts/a/eastertradition.htm

I am just sharing the pictures I took of Paxtin, they are too cute! He really got into this too. David was helping him with it...here he is stealing a bite of the uncooked biscuit. YUCK!

He didn't mind it too much...he did spit it out after this though!

Plopping "Jesus the Marshmallow" into his "tomb of a biscuit"! LOL!

So, we wrapped them up and we'll eat them in the morning. Tristin is excited...he doesn't remember what happens (the marshmallow melts and "Jesus" is gone/alive). I can't wait to see his face...I'll try to get a picture.

I must go stuff their eggs...we're doing change this year instead of candy. We knew they'd get enough of that at the egg hunt. ;) Yes, we celebrate the Christian part of Easter...that's the most important. But, we also let the boys have Easter baskets, hunt eggs, etc. We don't "do" the Easter bunny. I just never thought to start that and I'm glad. ;)

Later!

Mono sucks.

day 1 - Paxtin
day 2 - Paxtin
day 3 - Paxtin, Tristin
day 4 - Tristin
day 5 - Tristin
day 6 - Tristin
day 7 - Tristin
day 8 - Tristin
day 9 - Tristin
day 10 - Tristin
day 11 - Tristin
day 12 - Tristin
day 13 - Tristin
day 14 - Tristin
day 15 - Tristin (no temp, but still weak, etc), Anakin
day 16 - Anakin <- That's today...yep, Anakin's got it now.

The past 15 days have been kind of a blur really. I've been pretty bummed that this is all happening during Spring Break. (They go back to school on Monday.) Not that we had huge plans, but we could have done a few things...kids' museum, zoo, etc. I'm just praying that David and I don't get it!!! Anyway, Paxtin didn't really have anything besides a 105.something temp. He tested negative for strep. Then, Tristin got it and he tested positive. They told us it was Scarlet Fever/Strep...a few days later, his glands were so swollen...another trip to the doctor's office and they told us it was Mono. Now, it could have been with Paxtin too...Tristin's immune system isn't as great as the other 2 boys. So, it'll be interesting (to say the least) to see how long this lasts with Anakin.

Here's an update:

We didn't keep Freckles, but not because of Tristin's allergies. She was extremely LOUD. She barked at everything...I actually got a headache the first day from it! I did get attached to her though and it just confirmed that we will be getting a dog. We are going to wait a bit...save some $ and also watch the pound for a dog we want. I really want to look/wait for a Cockapoo.

Sickies...that's all I've had for the past 5 weeks, at least! Right now, Tristin has it...a fever. Paxtin had it for 4 days (he had a really high fever 104 and once I got a 105.something but he was laying on that ear and that's when I got the 104)! Anyway, I 'think' I'm over my cold finally and David...well, he still kind of sounds like he's got his. Anakin is okay for now. I'm so ready for Spring!!!!!

The Pinewood Derby was Friday. I stayed home with Paxtin so I don't know what pictures we got! But, David got 5th in the adult round...Anakin got 3rd in his age group and Tristin...he got 1st!!!! Fun!

Then, on Saturday was Anakin's last JBQ (Junior Bible Quiz) meet in Peoria. He got 1st place individually and their team won 2nd. Then, they calculated their totals for the year and then handed out metals. Anakin got 1st individually and their team...2nd...LOL! They got to keep the trophy too...although I'm not sure who ended up with it. (Wow, Anakin needs a major hair cut!)

We also found out that the JBQ leaders want Anakin to go to the State competition in April! We thought he wasn't going to be able to go...mainly because his team is not extremely strong. Anakin is, the other 2 boys aren't. (I feel bad saying that but it's true. One boy maybe gets 10 points - that's one question and the other boy gets a little more..but, a lot of the time they end up with negative points!) Basically, Anakin pulls all the weight. Anyway, they said he can go and compete for individual points...he'll still be eligible for a individual award, if he places. We are going to let him do it, basically for the experience. We also found out that he'll be advancing to the next league next year. That means he'll have a new team (bigger) and he'll have more competition! It's going to be tougher...and I'm not sure he's aware of that. He's gotten used to getting 1st. LOL! I 'think' he'll be assigned certain questions that he'll have to know and then he'll only answer those questions in the competitions. That's less chance for points b/c we don't know what questions they'll ask each round. I really hope he sticks with it.

Anyway, I think I NEED to go shopping tonight. I am so sick of being in this house!!! Maybe I'll take Anakin to Old Navy or something. He needs summer clothes and it'd just be fun to look. (Yeah, right!)

Paxtin is driving me up a wall today...he is a 2 year old boy...no doubt about that! He is into EVERYTHING, climbing, jumping...well, just take a look at this photo...it says it ALL. He was jumping off the coffee table to the couch. Yes, I let him do it so I could get a picture. LOL! If you look closely, you can see that we were watching Toy Story too.

Tia...I just realized you'll be here in what? Two weeks? :) I can't wait!!!!!!! We need to chat before you come! Let's set a date/time, email me! :)

Guess I should share a picture of Tristin too! Here he is at our local children's museum. He loves to paint and I'm so happy I got a picture of him with his name. He's so proud of himself. Can I just say that I love the way he dots his i's...lol! Anakin did the same thing at this age. :) AND...the backwards "s". He only does it about 1/4 of the time he writes his name, but I think it's cute (for now - he's 4, who cares!).

Later...

Meet Freckles

We are keeping her for a week...to see how Tristin reacts to her. He has asthma, but we also have a cat and Tristin survives him. We'll see. :)

Sorry this is so short, I'm so tired!!!! :)

Adoption News

OMGosh! I'm freaking out!!!!! So, this is what has just happened.
I got a phone call just minutes ago from my old OB/GYN's office (Dr. Weaver), she's the doctor I talked about loving...back when I was having my bleeding issues. My insurance dropped her...:( Anyway, just days ago I was talking to David about maybe calling them to see if they would hold our name on their list of people want to adopt. If you know me at all, you know I have a hard time making phone calls. I can do it, it just takes me forever to get the nerve up and even then, I have to make a list of what I want to say, etc. I know, I'm a dork...I just get nervous. So, I get this call...can I tell you how happy I was? LOL! I asked the receptionist about the adoption stuff and she forwarded me to a lady named Rhonda. Get this...Rhonda and I bonded the moment I walked into that office...so, she remembers me. I almost cried...here I was talking to Rhonda about adoption, etc. AND she said that they WILL put our names on the list even though I am not her patient...they will keep my records!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know nothing may come of this, but I believe in miracles and I believe that things happen for a reason. God is good and even though I have a hard time giving control of this situation to God, I have peace now that I did not have even hours ago.

So, I called David and I think this is our sign that we need to get to it! We HAVE to have our garage sale (we have so much junk to sell...including baby boy stuff - and NO I will not get pregnant this time), clean out our basement and get things in order. We need to start the adoption process all over again...and get our foster care license. Wheeeew!!!!!!!

Scrapping News

I just tried to insert some of my layouts and of course it didn't work! If you'd like to see the, please check out my gallery here: http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showgallery.php?ppuser=138

In other news, I'm on two guest teams this month! Joana Carvalho's (www.joanacarvalho.com) and Darcy Baldwin's font team (www.blueflombingo.com). I had Darcy make my handwriting into a font and I LOVE it. I am having a hard time using other fonts now! LOL! You can see it here: http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=84076&cat=all&ppuser=138. If you've been thinking about doing it, do it! It's worth it!!!

Starting today, I will be backing up my computer and deleting a lot of stuff off my computer. I'm nervous about it, I just want it done NOW! :P

I think I'm going to go take a little nap. I'm exhausted! Who am I kidding? I need to work on some organzing of my kits first. ;)

Just a quick post...

I fell down the stairs last night. The stairs are short (the width of each step)...my feet are huge...and I was going a little too fast. My foot slid out from under me and BAM!!!!!!! I landed on my right side with my arm up in the air. When I hit, I could feel my shoulder over extend...is that the right way to say it? LOL! It hurt instantly. I'm pretty sure I saw my life flash before my eyes. I slid down the rest of the stairs and that equals carpet burn. I went to bed just throbbing from neck to ankle. LOL! Today, my ankles are hurting (mainly the one that slipped out) and my muscles hurt. Just wanted to say OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, I did a little scrapping the past 2 days. :) Thought I'd share. :) You can see the credits here: http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showgallery.php?ppuser=138

I can't believe it has been over a month since I blogged! I had some things going on in my personal family life that I needed to talk about but didn't want to post it here. It just wasn't the place or the time. It's still not the place or time for some of it, LOL! But, I can talk about some stuff.

(What kind of cookie am I?)

You Are a Chocolate Chip Cookie

Traditional and conservative, most people find you comforting.You're friendly and easy to get to know. This makes you very popular - without even trying!

What Kind of Cookie Are You?

Totally fitting since that's my favorite cookie. ;)

(My Creative Teams)
First, I decided to remove myself from Trish Jone's Creative Team. I was on it for 2 months...but things just didn't seem right for me. I was stressing over it and just didn't feel like I could meet the guidelines for the team. Since then, I have also taken my blinkie down for Frick & Frack, mainly because i haven't heard from them in ages and all I've seen from them is one kit. No personal issues there, just did it until I hear that they are designing and then I'll go from there. ;) I also stepped down from the SBB E-Team, which was probably stupid because I only had one more month left! DUH! Anyway, so, I decided to apply to Lauren Grier and Angela Barton's teams. Lauren I know from my time at Digital Freebies and really, I should have begged her (when the CT there broke up) to keep me. Angela, I've always liked her kits, but never have used them. She reminds me a lot of Chatterbox. LOL! So, the big news is...I made Angela's team. :) I still have to wait for Lauren's call to end.

(The Kids)
We are working with the boys on a schedule (Anakin NEEDS it and we've already seen some improvement on his behavior), rules or our household and a rewards chart. Okay, so I haven't got the reward charts done yet, but I'm working on it.

Anakin and Tristin both have had field trips...I'm still volunteering at Anakin's school library. They are both doing well in school. :) Their last reports were awesome. Anakin has only missed one word in spelling all year (and that was because he forgot the "tail" on the Q in the word)! Tristin's teachers confirmed what we thought about him...he's ARTISTIC! LOL! He loves to do the crafts and paint at school. Paxtin, well, he's a sweetie as always. He turned 2 on 1/18. He is just now getting his last 4 teeth...not sure why it took so long for him to get them! He's talking up a storm...even making 6-7 word sentences! He's ready to be potty trained...we're just waiting until we're ready. LOL!

(Me)
Now that I'm done with all the bleeding...I need to get re-focused on me and my weight. I sooooooooo wish this wasn't an issue, but honestly, it always has been so I don't know why I can't just accept that I'm never going to be a size 2. BUT...I was watching Oprah yesterday and they were talking to Bob Greene about his weight loss challenge they just started. They were talking about exercise and how for some people (or it should be everyone) will have to exercise 5 times a week and you just have to "get it" and move on. It's so hard to get out of the habit of thinking...I'll diet until I get to a certain weight and then I can go back to doing whatever I want. It will NEVER be that way for me. Ever. I know, it's simple. I can say that I want to change my lifestyle...but that is exactly what I have to do. I have to change everything! David and I have been trying to change the boys' life too...do you know how hard that is? No chips, no cookies? WHAT? yeah, it's hard...maybe because it's ME that needs to change. I'd rather eat the chips and cookies than the good stuff. LOL! I need to find alternatives and get the boys off the SUGAR. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay, enough about that.

I've got pictures to share, etc. I'll get to it...I'm going to try to blog more. Keep me to it, Julie!!!!!!!! ;)

[I forgot!]

Read the last entry first....lol! Go to this special forum HERE, lift a layout of mine and post it there! You could win a $15 gift certificate to Sweet Shoppe Designs. TIA, you should do it!!!!! Hint hint!

[Finally did it!]

I switched my blogger account to beta. I really don't understand what that is (didn't care to read it) all I know is that my hubby said it probably would be better. LOL! So, things look a little odd right now, but when I have time (ha ha) I'll get it updated.

[TOOOOOOOOOOOOT x2]

This month at Sweet Shoppe Designs I am the "Treat of the Month"! Just click that link there and you'll be taken to the front page of their shoppe. You can read about what that is there and follow more links to see my bio and answers to questions they asked me. You'll also see layouts on that front page that were "lifted" from my pages. Do you know what an honor this is? LOL! I feel so odd about it because I never thought in a million years that I'd be picked. So, I'm enjoying it and every once in a while I have to go back and look at it. :)

My other toot is here: Multi-Photo Scrapbook Layout Gallery (it's a blog). My layout "Oh Wow" is there! I had submitted a bunch of layouts just the night before and was SHOCKED to see it there! In fact, I didn't see it until the 2nd of January. It's a really great blog, if you like to do multi-photo layouts. Hopefully, you'll see more there some other time! :)

[Christmas & New Years]

The holidays went by WAY to fast! I hate to have to take my tree down already, in fact, before Paxtin was born (1/18/05) we would leave it up as long as we wanted to! I think the longest we left it up was until EASTER. Yes, Easter. I don't know what I was thinking. LOL! Now that Paxtin has his birthday in the middle of January, that's my goal date. I must have it down before then. Anyway, the boys all loved their gifts and Anakin even acted thankful this year, Tristin didn't....LOL! It was nice to have Anakin act differently this year though. Paxtin, he didn't care. As for me, I got a new camera! A Canon Powershot something or other. I seriously can't remember the name of it for anything. It's just the opposite of my old digital camera. It's small enough to put in my pocket or purse! I love that. New Years Eve was just like any other day really. David played drums with a band at a local outreach coffeehouse for a bit and was home around 11ish. We watched a movie and I scrapped a little. All in all we had a great "vacation". David was home for the week inbetween Christmas and New Years Day. Oh, the one sucky thing...I got a cold on Christmas Day. I swear it started at my parents' house that afternoon...and I am still coughing. I am coughing so hard it hurts my back! I told David I wonder if I broke a rib. Okay, maybe bruised it? I don't know but it doesn't help having to pick up a 29lb almost 2 year old! He's heavy! (And Tristin weighs 30lbs and is a little over 4 years old!)

Okay, I must try to finish my SBB E-Team layout tonight. :) Night! Hope you enjoyed my ramblings!

Christmas cards are out (minus a few I am waiting on address from my Mom on).
Shopping is done.
Albums are not.
Decorating is not. (Still need to decorate the boys' tree in their room.)
Cleaning is not.
Wrapping is not.
Grocery shopping is not. (Last minute dessert items and a veggie tray for my Mom and Dad's house)
Baking is not.
Stressed? Me? Yes...

We only have to travel to my Mom and Dad's house (an hour away) on Christmas Eve. I have no complaining about that. David's parents are going to PA to be with David's brother and family. I just feel stressed about the deadline of Monday morning! David is taking off work tomorrow, so that will help a lot. I'm going to start making Chex Mix this afternoon and the kids and I will do cookies on Saturday. The only other thing I'm planning on making is something for my Dad...something with no sugar. ;)

So...I got my results of my sonogram back on Wednesday. Let me first just say again that I love my new OB! LOL! Remember, the yucky one told me that the reason I was bleeding was more than likely the breakthrough bleeding you have on the Depo shot. He did briefly say something about fibroids. Well, it was NOT breakthrough bleeding. I have 3 fibroids. I'm pretty sure I knew about one of them. They told me about it when I was pregnant with Paxtin. They said sometimes they can cause bleeding during pregnancy...etc. Well, my OB said that the lining of my uterus looked good (HUGE answer to prayer)...and that one of the fibroids (the bigger of the 3) was pushing up against my uterus (not in it). She said that she thinks that is what caused it. She has no idea why now...etc. So, this is the plan. She gave me a Depo Shot (yeah!!!!) and I got back to have another in 3 months and then I see her a month after that just to make sure everything is okay. She said that if I was sure that I was done having babies, she'd suggest having that fibroid out. But, because we aren't ready to do anything permanent, she is willing to wait. Now, if I start to bleeding again, we'll have to re-think things because of my health and probably have the thing out. She just doesn't want to do it now and weaken my already weak chances of getting pregnant again. PCOS SUCKS! Sorry, just had to say that. No, we're not going to activily try to get pregnant, we just want the option if we decide to a few years from now. I can tell you that I'm 95% sure we won't! LOL!

Fun. Tuesday Tristin woke up and puked...and did a few other times during the day. He's now fine. I just hope and pray no one else comes down with it. It was around this exact time last year that everyone had the flu but ME! David, Anakin and Tristin all had it at the same time!

Tuesday I was able to go to Anakin's school and help make gingerbread houses. So cute. I've got pictures...but they are on my camera. :) My NEW camera...yes, I got my Christmas present early! I will have to go look and see what the name is...I can never remember! Until then...

[One big post...]

Blood work results are in...I'm anemic. No big surprise there...except that for all 3 of my pregnancies, I never had to take iron, even after giving birth! That's how much blood I've lost! LOL! So, iron pills it is.

My sono is tomorrow.

I was in denial that Thanksgiving crept up so fast...I'm not in denial that Christmas is less than 2 weeks away! It seems impossible. I need to get my Christmas cards addressed, stamped and mailed; finish my shopping (just a few things); figure out what we're sending my BIL/SILs; mail a few packages; finish decorating; make cookies...it goes on and on! I'm sure most of you can relate.

Anakin came up to me and asked if we could order some sugar cookies from Market Day (through the school). I read it and then it dawned on me...OH MY GOSH, this would be so much easier than making them from scratch. Done. LOL! I love to bake, etc. but with the kids it's just not really fun. Does that make sense? They don't have the attention span to really make cookies from scratch. Plus, there's not a lot of time. So, we're going the easy route this year (again). I will, however make some frosting from scratch because it just tastes better. Then, I'll let the boys go nuts with the sprinkles because they all love them and David...LOVES them. Me, not so much...and I don't need to be eating them!

That brings me to another thought. My Dad is now taking medication for diabetes. I shouldn't be eating sugar either...because of my PCOS. So, I'm going to try to find some really good diabetic "sweets" recipes. I think I have a recipe for a cheesecake made with Splenda (my best friend). I just know that with the holidays, I'm going to want something sweet and my Dad will too. Maybe I'll wrap something up for him too. ;)

Hmmm...there are always 10,000 things I think of to blog about when I'm NOT here and typing. Oh oh oh! I've got a big TOOT coming soon. I'm not sure if I'm suppose to say anything yet, but it's coming in January. Stay tuned!!!

Here are some recent layouts that I'm pretty proud of. You can see all the credits at my gallery at DST here: http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=138

My favorite picture of Anakin and Tristin...using some of Jen Wilson's yummy stuff:

Here's one that I really didn't want to do at first. I didn't like the photos but as I worked with it, I began to LOVE it. It's using the December kit by the Elements Team at SBB:
and some more yummy Jen Wilson stuff. Anakin lost his first tooth last week and a few days later his second. What fun memories!
And a fun layout about something that Anakin said. It was actually a conversation with me...but, I didn't include me asking him why? LOL! I will have to say here (because I didn't in my credits) that it was David's idea to take the picture like this. I, of course, took it...LOL! Trish Jones' stuff is rockin' here! Love that paper...and I'm pretty proud of the shadowing on this one.
There is a layout that I will be doing soon...we're taking the boys caroling for the first time this year. Carrie Stephen's kit "Celebrazione" is just too amazing. I love those little carolers there. I seriously can't wait to use it! So, watch for that. :) Oh, here's the link: http://www.fishscraps.com/Store/index.php?main_page=document_product_info&cPath=65&products_id=417

Night!

[It was time...]

BEFORE AFTERI loved his curls, took tons of pictures of them, but I was sick of the poof. LOL! Now, I have a big boy. Sniff sniff...isn't he cute!!!!! I don't regret it at ALL! I'm just glad his cute curls are sticking out in the last pictures we had taken. LOL!

[My Christmas Card]

Had to share this too! We got pictures of the boys and my Christmas card is done, ordered and hopefully on it's way to my mailbox! I will get them out EARLY this year! YIPPPPEEEEE! Aren't my boys adorable?! :) (Credits: Everything but the staple is by Jen Wilson, the staple is Kim Christensen's)

[Update on me]

I'm still bleeding. That's the bad news. The good news as quickly as I can put it:

1. I got rid of the OB/GYN that I was forced to see (had to see someone b/c of the bleeding, he was the only one available...now I know why)!

2. Made an appointment with another OB/GYN, a female.

3. Called to make an appointment with my primary care doctor to see what HE would say about it all. I, thankfully, already had an appointment for a week later. Forgot about it. ;) It was today, I just got back. Here's what I learned:

My doctor said he can't really take care of the bleeding...that's the GYNs job, of course, I knew that. So, I pressed on and asked more questions...and I'm soooooooooo glad I did.

He asked about my "ring" (Nuva Ring), I told him I lost it because I was bleeding so bad. He said, "They didn't try to stop it?" HELLO!?!?!?!? He said, "Did they do a blood test?" HELLO again! My thoughts exactly. I told him that I wasn't feeling comfortable with my doctor (and I named him) and that I had made an appointment with another doctor. His face lit up and he said and I quote, "I'm so glad you said that. I have such a hard time recommending doctors, I can't. My wife goes to her (the doctor I'm going to see) and she's good, educated, listens, etc. I ALMOST CRIED. Apparently, what I was thinking about the doctor I didn't like...was right. I was told several times after that that my primary doctor was so glad I was seeing the new doctor. OKAY...so, he also put in orders for me to get blood work done.

I feel such a HUGE relief!

[Pictures...finally!]

First, I must say that since I started digi scrapping, I have gotten pickier about my portraits of the boys. But, we can't afford the amazing photographers that I see here in town. We just can't. I have come to the conclusion that I value my day to day pictures much more than the portraits. I still want the portraits, lol, but it just doesn't matter that they aren't perfect!

So, having said that, here are Tristin's 4 year old pictures that we had taken at Sears tonight. (As usual, I can't get a few of my pictures uploaded....errr..)

Update, School News, CT News and a bunch of other stuff...

- Still bleeding and getting pretty sick of it. I call the doctor on Monday to give an update and see if I can start birth control. If not, it's D&C time, I want this over!

- Paxtin's been sick. Cold and an ear infection from Hell! You know it's bad when he won't lay down at ALL. It took me 24 hours to figure out it was not a toddler issue...it was his ear!

- Friday night my friend Jenny kept the boys all night! You don't know how much that means to David and I. She's really the only one besides my MIL that watches them overnight...and my MIL really doesn't want to do all 3 boys. :( Jenny is their honorary Aunt. LOL! So, Friday night we went to our favorite Chinese resturant, went to see "Stranger Than Fiction" (very good movie) and then came home to start watching the first year of the X Files on DVD. LOL! I watched 3 episodes, I think David made it through 1 and 1/2. I was on my computer too though...I think that's why I stayed awake. The next morning we picked the boys up around 9:30am because Jenny had an open house for her townhouse. We picked up some breakfast (totally not healthy!) and came home. The rest of Saturday is a blur. Why? Because we watched our friends' 3 boys! We had 2 - 6 year olds, 5, 4, 2 and 22 months. Basically, 2- 6 year olds, 2 - 4 year olds (because the 5 year old just turned 5) and 2 - 2 year olds...all BOYS. We don't have a big house and I was reminded of that once they were all here and running around.

- I've held 2 baby girls in the past few days and I'm sad. I thought I was done. I don't want to be pregnant again, I really want to get myself healthy. Then, David drops this one on me...he'd possibly like to have another. WHAT????? Our heads are spinning with 3 boys and he wants another? (I'm assuming boy here!) I just don't know if I can do it. Am I horrible if I say that if we knew 100% that it would be a girl, I'd do it? UGH! So, that brings us to the adoption talk. David is worried about money and I'm worried he doesn't really want to do it. He reassured me that he does and I told him not to think about the money. LOL! So, nothing has changed in what we want to do...it was just a shock to me that he brought it up.

- My weight...ugh, let's just say that I haven't been the best or the worst and I've only gained 2lbs back of the 16 I've lost. It's hard, specially being all hormonal!

- I'm so in denial that Thanksgiving is around the corner. I think it's "my" year to host it. We used to do both parents at the same time and I don't know how comfortable they are doing that anymore. So, we'll have to figure something out. I won't have to fix 2 meals though...at least they aren't picky there.

- Christmas pictures. Not done. :( I have GOT to get busy. I need to take pictures of the boys AND get them to Sears to have a quicky done there for the grandparents...UNLESS I happen to get a good one myself. I need a better camera!

- Speaking of which, I think I want a new camera for Christmas and my birthday...and Valentines Day and our Anniversary (that covers through April!) LMBO! I've also decided that I am not ready for a camera with lens' and a huge learning curve. I don't have time to mess with it right now. Maybe when the kids are all in school...I'd really like to take some photography classes. In the meantime, anyone have any suggestions for a little GOOD camera? I need to go search on DST www.digishoptalk.com
see if I can find some old threads.

- I know I said I was done applying to CTs when I got on Jen Wilson's team www.jenwilsondesigns.com. But, an opportunity came up and I had to try...and I got it! I'm now on Trish Jones' CT! www.trishjonesdesigns.com. I am feeling like maybe I need to consider giving up a few of my spots, but I am so torn. So, I'm going to see how it goes for a few months and then decide. Right now, I am required to get 11 layouts plus I have 2 teams that just say 1 per kit and 2 teams that aren't active right now - Creative Snaps and F & F....so, averaging it's 15 layouts a month. In October, I did 16...that was before I got Trish's team. I can do it, right? LOL! I don't doubt that I can, I'm just worrying about what other people think and I shouldn't do that!

-Moving On...can I brag? I try not to share this with many people in real life because I don't want to seem like I am being snotty or trying to show someone up. KWIM? Anyway, we got Anakin's first standarized test scores back from school this week. Now, I know that they don't tell everything and he's just in 1st grade. But, I'm remembering back when I took them, I'm pretty sure I was average. LOL! Anakin's scores were almost all Above Average! The only one he didn't get AA in was "Environment" and that was only 5 points away from AA. This kid amazes me. On another note, he got into his first school fight this week! UGH! It was 4 kids and out of the 4, Anakin was the one that got in trouble. That is probably a good thing because it made him think about it. Now, in trouble means he got told to stop by one of the volunteers at recess...not going to the principle's office. Anakin is very sensative so it was not a good day. But, by suppertime, Anakin went and told 1 of his friends that he was sorry (the one he was really fighting with) and they are best buds once again.

- My next post will probaby be what we bought the boys for Christmas. I love reading what people are getting...so, I thought I'd share ours. :)

[Emotions]

I am an emotional person. With all this hormonal stuff going with me...it's not good because it's like 200 times worse! I was blog hopping tonight and ran into Andrea Burn's blog. Here: http://embellishbyandrea.blogspot.com/ She's pregnant with boy #2. Just reading about the comments people have said to her...wow, it just brought a rush of memories back to me. Not good ones. While I was pregnant with Tristin, my 2nd boy, it was ok. I handled the comments okay. I still had a little hope that #3 would be a girl, right? While pregnant with Paxtin, my 3rd, it was hell. People were so mean. The comments were awful, even from friends. I don't even want to repeat them. How in the world can people make such rude comments and worse yet, IGNORE the fact that I am pregnant. It was like my pregnancy didn't matter. I'm not being selfish or bitter or making it up! Even my hubby noticed it. Anyway, I think about this often when I am looking at Paxtin...I could have missed THIS.

Him. He's such a joy. He's been the easiest baby. He's almost always content. He's super smart (of course...lol) and is just...gosh, he's just adorable. I cannot in a million years imagine my life without him. It's hard having a 6 and 4 year old. I hold Paxtin and just enjoy his little self. Him poking my nose repeatedly and saying "nose" "nose" "nose". Hearing him call David "Honey" because that's what I call him. Ugh, I could go on and on. I'm not sure why I'm blogging this. I guess I just needed to "talk" about it and David is sleeping. lol! Okay, so...emotional...yes. AND I can't stop eating sugar. Not good for the "change of life" diet!

I'm back at in on Monday. I'm giving myself one more day of whatever and then I have to do it...

[On a lighter note...]

I love it when I read blogs and they tell what they have bought. I don't know why, maybe because it's just a window into their life? Well, I love to shop but I don't do a lot of it for myself...unless you're counting digi products! Case in point...I haven't bought a purse in probably 7 years or more! Well, this week Paxtin and I went to Meijer and I looked. I've been looking everywhere and just haven't liked the styles. Too many tossles and eyelet things. Save those for scrapbooking people! But, I found this (sorry, that's the biggest pic I could find) purse. The one I bought is red but not bright. I don't use the long strap either. It's so not me. I've been carrying a diaper bag for almost 7 years! When I saw this, I knew it was done. I can throw a diaper in here and a few wipes...and Paxtin's passy and forget everything else! LOL! Anyway, it has a paisley print on it and that's so not me either...but I LOVE it.

Two things David bought this weekend that totally suprised me. I don't have pictures so you'll have to go off of my description! LOL! We took the boys to Tanners Saturday to buy apples and some apple donuts (see, I told you!!!!!!). http://www.tannersorchard.com/ I found an old lantern type thing that you put a candle in...and he bought it for me! We don't buy things like that a lot. ;) Then, he was looking around (not normal either) and he found a clock thing...okay, I'll take pictures because I don't know how to describe them! But, anyway, he piled that in our cart too. It was fun to have HIM pick something out and actually want to buy it. I get so sick of having to ASK him. He says I shouldn't feel that way but I do! I don't bring in money...and I like to shop so I have to hold back! K, I'll get pictures and update this tomorrow...

I'm so procrastinating! I should be working on my hard drive...I'm almost done sorting through everything and rearranging and copying the things I want to keep available at all times. Tomorrow comes the BURNING! Then, the backup to my external hard drive....and then I can scrap! I've got tons of new kits and elements to download from my Creative Teams! I'm so behind! :(

[I missed my blogger anniversary!]

October 17, 2005 - I started this blog! I can't believe it's been over a year already!

[I'm sooooo proud of Anakin!]

We received Anakin's 1st report card today. All E's (exceeds expected) and a 100% in spelling. The teacher even commented that he is a great reader. :) I'm soooooo proud of him...almost makes me want to cry! LOL! We have his first conference tomorrow. It's a "student led" conference so Anakin will be showing us what he's been working on, etc.

Also, last Saturday Anakin had his first JBQ (Junior Bible League) Meet. Basically, the kids are givin questions and they have to learn them and the answers word for word. Then, they use buzzers to buzz in and answer the questions. The goal is to know the QUESTION within the first few words...sometimes the first 2 words! Can you imagine? Well, get this...Anakin blew us and most of the competition away! David and I were completely shocked. Not that he's not smart and doesn't know his stuff...we just weren't sure how he'd deal with the competition. So, they had 6 rounds. Out of those 6, Anakin "quizzed out" on 5. That means that he answered the maximum number of questions allowed - five. Because of this he gets 10 extra points. :) Okay, back up... round 1, 2, 3, 4...they went great. Round 5 he had a breakdown. He was starting to get tired and restless. The competition was buzzing in before him (even if they got the question wrong...that made it worse for Anakin because he knew it) well, his team mates also dominated this round. It was kind of funny because they were pretty quiet the other rounds! So, Anakin started to get upset and then it happened...he got a question wrong. There are two questions that are almost the same and he didn't get enough of the question to know which one it was. :( Anyway, round 6 came and thank God we had a few minutes to talk to him, reassure him and let him take a breather. He was a little off in this round too but only because the other team was quick and good! BUT, my boy did it! He quizzed out again! He ended up in Second place overall (individual) and their team came in 3rd for their division. Not bad for their first meet ever! So, here's a layout I did yesterday. I'm suppose to be cleaning my hard drive...burning DVDs and getting stuff off of here! I'm doing it...I just needed a break! (Of course my photo isn't showing up, so you can check it out here):

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=35324&cat=500&ppuser=138

[Get ready for TMI!]

TOO MUCH INFORMATION...I've been having some bleeding issues the past few weeks. Last week I saw a new OB/GYN...he basically told me to call the office if it got worse. Well, on Monday, it did. I was bleeding very heavily and had HUGE clots. Worse than after having the boys! They started me on some estrogen which is helping to slow it down. I asked the doctor today (when I went back to see him) how that works. He basically said that the lining of the uterus "evens out" with estrogen. Anyway, why am I worried about all this? Well, I'm in the middle of a 3 month cycle of the depo provera shot! I'm not suppose to be bleeding AT ALL. I knew spotting was one of the side effects...I didn't realize GUSHING blood was. (Sorry) So, they talked about doing a D&C to clean things out. We're holding off on that to see how things go on my own. Next month, I'm switching birth control. I'm trying the Nuva Ring...anyone tried it? LOL! It's that or an IUD and I don't want to do that...unless David gets snipped and then there's no chance for fertilization. Ugh...I feel so odd about all of this. This isn't suppose to be happening! I already have PCOS...I have to deal with that crap every day. The hair loss/growth, the moods, the medication, the depression, the weight gain...now this. UGH!!!!

Okay, I'm off to bed! If you made it through this entry...you earn a star. ;)

[Digging out]

I just realized that my inbox has 730 emails...130 some UNREAD. What in the world? No wonder I forget to respond to emails. I'm sorry friends!!! I'm digging out right now.

[Colds]

Everyone has colds. Coughing snot up (sorry)...allergies, asthma (Tristin)...I hate this! No one is on allergy medication YET. We usually end up having to by now, but I'm putting it off. I hate drugging the boys (Anakin & Tristin).

[Doctor Appointment]

I'm going to a new OB/GYN today. Get ready for TMI! I am on DepoProvera...I get a shot every 3 months. I'm on month 2 and I'm spotting. I shouldn't be! So, off to the GYN. I am nervous.

ETA* - My appointment went well. Dr. Galvan was really nice. I guess I'm just going to stay with him...because, get this...he had to EXAM me. I wasn't expecting it and there is nothing like having to spread your legs for a guy you don't know...LMBO!!!!!!!! Anyway, he things my bleeding is just from the Depo shot. I'm due for a shot in a month...and he gave me some info on another form on bc. It's the one that lasts for 5 years. I didn't realize I could do that one because of my blood pressure, etc. But, he reassured me that I can do it. I read a brochure and I'm going to do it. It's the same medication as the Depo, it's just not as much and for a longer period of time.

My new friend, Kristine, watched the boys for me while I went to the doctor. She had already planned on having them for an hour anyway. It worked out perfectly! We originally had planned to swap sitting every week. We both wanted to volunteer in our boys' classrooms. Jake, her oldest, is in 1st grade and was in Anakin's kindergarten class. He's in a different class this year. Anyway, I talked to Anakin's teacher and she informed me that she doesn't need Mom helpers for the day to day activities. (In kindergarten and 1st grade they do "centers" where they work on things and then move to the next "center" and work on something else.) She only needs helpers for the bigger activities. Well, okay, made me feel like an idiot for asking. She's young...seems a little TOO confident. I know, that's not bad, but when you make me sit in my 1st graders chair and you stand up in front of me and bark your info...makes me feel little and worthless! I wonder how the kids feel!?!??! So, I asked Anakin! I asked him if he still liked her. He said, no, she's bossy. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!! We talked a little more and he admitted that he likes her, he just doesn't like how she talks to everyone. I totally know what he means! I didn't let him know that though.

Okay, I'm about aready to fall asleep! Later!