Happy Mothers's Day!!

 

That first little flutter of movement that lets you know your life is about to change..... what an indescribable moment. Your heart beats a little bit faster as your mind says, "was that just my imagination or was that really the baby?". Then the flutter happens again and your heart just smiles. I've been blessed to experience that first little flutter 5 times and I must say....I will never forget it.

Time goes on and those flutters become movements strong enough that daddy can feel them. And then strong enough that your pushing back at that protruding elbow or foot to try to get a little bit of breathing room. Lol!! I well remember those times of thinking surely the "offending" limb was going to pop right out of my stomach!

Then the moment when you hear that first little cry as the doc lays the precious bundle of joy up on your chest so mommy gets the first chance to meet him/her! Course mommy has already created such a sweet bond with the little person as she's carried him/her for the past 9 months. Tears. Smiles. More tears.....and then those precious words of "hey little one...I'm your mommy...welcome to the family". Again...I will say how blessed I am as a mom to have been able to carry and give birth to 5 wonderful little people that are still making me cry and smile.....sometimes both at the same time as their humor and sarcasm has strengthened beyond anyone's imagination. (to the point where I'm wondering if Depends might be in my near future!!! Lol!!)

God blessed me with children...but God has also blessed me with a caring, compassionate mother that would give me her last penny if she thought it would help. I'm thankful He has also blessed me by allowing me to still have her in my life...that just knowing she's there if I need her is something I'm not going to take for granted as I know there are allot of people and friends in my life that no longer have their mother. Have we always gotten along? Of course not!! We ARE human after all with two very different opinions! Lol!! But I won't be guilty of being unthankful for who she is as a person or for taking her for granted by thinking she will always be there. You look back on times when you probably didn't recognize that sacrifices being made...but now as a mom...you see exactly what was happening. Many times mom sacrificed for us kids and I'm thankful for that. There were many times Mom and I would laugh til it hurt....and I would know what to say to get her to laugh harder and that always made me feel like I'd conquered the world. There were allot of times I watched quietly while mom would pinch and scrape to throw a meal together out of nothing and there was no complaint from her....THANK YOU for that as I've had allot of those times as a mom myself when I stood in the pantry and wondered what I was going to feed my family. She taught me a good work ethic, how to make others feel appreciated by going above and beyond, and how to cook, garden, can, sew and take care of kids. Thank-you, Marmaduke, for all did/do as a mom. I love you!!

My mom, Jo, or affectionately called (by me) Marmaduke!
 

My mom-in-law, Alesa aka.......Wheezer.

 

 

God also gave me a mom-in-law! What do ya know about that! Lol!! I've heard horror stories from other people on how tough it was to deal with the mother in law and how much trauma was brought on the family. Yeah, we've had our moments....cause again....we're are two separate individuals with separate ideas. BUT...I can honestly say that I have a good relationship with my mom-in-law and I'm thankful for that. We've had our bumps and stumbles cause after all...I "took" her baby! Lol!! My parents always taught us to respect people. I've learned that with respect comes trust...and with trust comes love. Maybe at first I was looked at as the "woman who stole my son" (come on you mom's out there who have had that thought that no one is good enough for your little boy!) but I feel I'm looked at now as "the woman who gave birth to my wonderful grandkids that I love very much and who has made my son a better man" (those words were spoken by her...not me....so don't fear I'm being proud!) LOL. We recently had the fun of having Wheezer in our home for a week and let me tell ya....it was full of many laughs as she took out her teeth for the grandkids, was tormented over how gullible she is and laughed at for how long she wanted to sleep in the mornings when our family is usually up and at em between 6-8 a.m. (I'm sure she ended up going home and sleeping a full week to recoop!!) I'm very thankful for my mom-in-law cause were it not for her...I'd not have the wonderful hubby that I'm married to.
So....to both the women in my life....who are my "mom 1" and "mom 2"....thank-you for what you did and have done to better MY life and the lives of my family! Happiest of Mother's Days to you both. If it were possible...I'd make you both the best meal you've ever had and the prettiest cake you could ever dream of. But I guess since that isn't possible...you will just have to accept my cyber hugs and kisses and thanks! Love you!!

Ouch

I must start this post with a warning. :) Gotta love that, don't ya? Well...the warning is basically one of this....I had a reminder from God last night that brought pain to the extent that I've been very weepy and yet I've been extremely grateful for how He lets the Holy Spirit bring these important reprimands. So with that in mind, please don't think for one moment that I'm posting this on here to get compliments or praise...I'm posting it only because it is a release to type and brings praise to God for His help in my life.

Due to all of our pianists now back in their Northern dwellings...I've been put in the spot (much to my dislike). I love to play in our home as part of my devotions as I often feel the closest to God at those times. Unfortunately as a child I didn't want to keep up with the lessons and practice and after a couple months I gave up and what I know is what I've taught myself by listening to other people. I play in the keys of C, F and G and that's my limit. Lol! So basically...playing in church is a struggle for me. Troll told me when I started to play for church that I was to just pick the songs so I could play them. I've always considered the song service a serious part of the service and so I've done my best to always take time to pray about it to see what I feel impressed to pick.

Well yesterday was a pretty busy day and through the working and cooking and etc...I wasn't feeling any leading as far as songs were concerned. As I got into bed and laid there for who knows how long...I was feeling pretty frustrated. Now as most of you women know...the female mind tends to just go a million miles an hour when we are supposed to be sleeping, right? And mine was no exception. Here and there and everywhere it seemed to go and I was like, seriously...what is wrong with me? Why can't I get the direction that I need to go as far as songs go for church tomorrow. And then my mind started down a road I've been on before. "Why couldn't I have been more like my brother who plays so very well and had such a devotion to learning? If I had been more willing to take lessons and be like him I wouldn't be stressing out over these songs cause I would be able to play in every key and therefore wouldn't be laying here a mess!!" Unfortunately the road didn't stop there and it went on to "why can't I be a better kid's worker like some dear people I know so that kid's church is better" and "why couldn't I be a better people person like Troll and Jelly are"? Why, why, why?

And then God stepped in. Gwen, are you doing the best you can in every area of your life that I have given you? Well yes!! I try my best to give 100% best in everything I do but if I could play like this one or that one I could do a better job in church. Gwen, I have given you the talents that you have and therefore you need to stop worrying about what YOU think you should be and keep doing your best at doing what I have given to you. Because it's not about you...it's about ME and what I feel is best for you. You are always praying that I help you be better as a mother, wife, Christian and that's good but then you want to add that you're not satisfied with the talents I've given you because you don't feel they are good enough?

Oh my. Tears immediately came as I realized I'd been doing exactly what I've preached over and over to my kids NOT to do. Only I didn't realize it to that extent. I'm always telling them to be content with what you have and as long as you do your best that's all that matters. And I've done my best to be thankful and happy with everything in my life except this area. In my praying and wishing I was better, I was taking the talent that God had given me and not appreciating it. This was a disappointment to me in that I'd not realized what I was doing sooner. But in saying that...I once again want to say that I'm so thankful that God is a tender Father and He bring reprimand in such a gentle, compassionate way. I'm thankful that He doesn't do this to cause hurt and pain (even though that does happen sometimes) but to help us to grow stronger in Him and rely more on His divine plan for our lives.

With tearful heart yet triumphant soul....I'm happy in HIS service!!!

Fun Evening

Well last evening I was suddenly struck with a severe case of cabin fever. :) You know the feeling...the house just seems to be sucking you into its interior depths of things you need to do and your body is screaming "LET ME OUT!!" So around 6:45 I couldn't take it anymore. It was gorgeous outside, beautiful sky, perfect temperature....it had to be done....we loaded up and left. Since one of our favorite parks is not too far away, we were soon there and thus began a night of allot of laughing. Everyone goofed around for a bit on the playground equipment and then we started our trek. Ok, let me rephrase that, it was supposed to be a trek and ended up being a short climb up "the hill" and then the fun began. Running down the only hill in this state, attempting to kick Gatorade bottles further than 2 feet, throwing sticks in the pond, watching the oldest and youngest two kids attempting to climb a palm tree...you know...FUN!!

After that we loaded up and went to the local DQ and "splurged" on blizzards and smoothies. As we finished those and climbed back into the van someone asked me what time it was. I informed them of the time and then said, ya know, we should drive to daddy's work and wait for him. They all hollered their agreement and after stopping at Wal-Mart to pick up some coffee filters so dad would stop using napkins....we arrived at Troll's work. Upon pulling into the parking lot, one of the kids suggested moving the Burby from where Troll had parked it. I quickly found this suggestion MUCH to my liking and knowing that it was soon time for him to get off work I put the plan into action. I parked the van, jumped out and ran to the Burby and then drove it way off from whence it had been parked. (LOL) Ran back across the "miles" of parking lot and jumped in the van (amidst much laughing) and drove to another section so that we could see Troll when he walked out of work.

Then we waited. All of us were giggling at the thought of Troll walking out to see that his beloved Burby was no longer where he'd left it. 5 minutes, 10 minutes..."there he is" someone squeaked out. Sure enough, out he came with 2 female co-workers. Wait for it........THERE!!! He's chatting away (like is so typical) and then BAM....stops dead in the middle of the road and stares at the empty parking space where the Burby had been. Unfortunately he looked in the direction of where I'd parked the Burby but then his arms go out in the "WHAT? WHO? HOW?" position as he stood there dumbfounded. The two co-workers looked around as well as all 3 tried to figure out what had transpired. I decided enough time had gone past and started the van, rolled down the windows and as we started to drive toward the trio, all the kids let out a massive holler. The trio in the parking lot jerked around in surprise and then died laughing! It was awesome! I will never forget the look on his face as once again....he got pranked! And to think....this time I had accomplices!! Man, I love my life!! :)

I think this is the only hill in the entire state so the kids were "conquering" it.

I was trying to get the kids to cooperate at the same time....uh yeah....that's virtually impossible.

Of course they wanted to be goofy!! I love them so much!



He's the only one that would pose with ol' mom. And then it ended up blurry....stupid phone!

Dodge Momma!



 Two and 1/2 years ago my Saturn Ion died. :( It was a sad day for our family as we once again went to being a one vehicle family. We sat our kids down and told them that it was time to start praying that when the time was right, God would help us to get another vehicle. They took it to heart and there were many prayers prayed for this to happen. We explained to them that when God felt the time was right...it would all fall into place and happen just perfect.

Well yesterday Troll walked into a dealership...or should I say....he rode in on 2 1/2 years of prayer?! Lol! A little over 4 hours later...he DROVE out in our first brand new vehicle!! The kids were at school and I couldn't pick them up and get back home so they could see it before he went to work. So at supper I said, Ok kids...we had an answer to prayer that I need to share. They all stopped eating and looked at me expectantly. I said, We got a new vehicle today! Of course they didn't see it and just looked at me for a second. Then someone said, Huh uh!! I said, yup! Daddy went today and everything worked out just great and he took it to work! The hoots and hollers that ensued shoulda brought all our neighbors running! Lol! It was awesome to see how their faces brightened and I think I could even see their faith get stronger when they heard how God had answered THEIR prayer!

So....we would like to introduce you to our brand new, right off the truck, DODGE!! :) I've NEVER had a new vehicle...even as a kid....and seeing the odometer clocking in at only the miles from driving to work and to and from school...it makes me smile every time! But the biggest thing is that once again...GOD!!! Ha!! Yup, God!! Only because of Him did this work out and I am happy to lay this blessing to us at His feet! We still have the pickled clam (as we affectionately call the Suburban) that doesn't have a/c, the passenger side door won't open unless you put down the window, two of the windows threaten to not work every time we try, the seats no longer work so the kids have to climb over them, it has over 220,000 miles on it and it leaks when it rains (hence the name we call it) so its always welcoming us with lavish smells and dampness! Troll said he will drive it until it literally dies! It is still a blessing to us because now with two vehicles my running has just been cut drastically. So there ya have it!!! The latest in our news!

2013 Answer to prayer!!

Our first brand new vehicle!

 

The lowest miles I've EVER seen in a vehicle I've driven! Lol!

 

 

Funnies

Due to the rat population being crazy on campus this year (I know....disgusting, right?) it has managed to scare Beep half silly. To the point that she won't even sleep in the kids' rooms anymore. She either sleeps on the couch or in our room. Two nights ago she was sleeping with me. Troll had to be up for work before 5 a.m. so he said he'd sleep on the couch so we weren't disturbed. At different times through the night I realized Beep didn't have covers on and the box fan was blowing right on her. I figured she was getting cold so I'd fling the covers on her. I'd wake back up to realize the covers were off so I'd fling them on her again. At one point the covers came flying right back. So thinking she was doing this in her sleep I flung them back on her. She proceeded to fling them back at me! This happened twice and I finally said, Beep...you need to leave the covers on or you will get sick! She said, "You're throwing them on my face!" LOL!!!

Last night Beep was sound asleep on the couch and we didn't want her to be out there alone so Troll went in to wake up Jelly to see if she'd sleep on the other couch. He said, "Jelly...you need to go sleep on the other couch so Beep is not alone." She said, "Ninininiininininininininini." He laughed and said, "JELLY...you need to get up and go sleep on the couch!" She grinned real big and said, "Ok, sure." There was a few second pause and then she looked at him and said, "What did you say?" LOL!!

He's alive!!

Beep: I feel bad for Gabe!
Me: Who's Gabe?
Beep: Our lizard that we caught and he froze to death in here.
Me: Oh....I see!

Beep walked out the door and Eman came in.

Me: Where's Beep?
E: She went out to testify to Gabe.
Me: Oh?
E: Yeah...you know....when you say stuff about people that die?
Me: I see!

Eman walks away and Beep comes flying back in the house.

Beep: He's alive!! I went to tell him I was sorry to hear he'd died but he's alive! Eman!! We buried him alive!

LOL!! Gotta love it.....gotta love it!!

Behold...she squeaketh!!

I had just washed my hair this evening and after doing the supper dishes went back into the bathroom to comb my hair out and put conditioner in, etc. As I was standing there with head flipped over brushing out my mop I hear this squeaking scream. I realized it was from Jellybug who had gone to the laundry room to throw a load of towels in the washer. Next thing I know, Jellybug is in the bathroom with me, laughing so hard her eyes are watering and her face is red and she can't even talk to me. I figured she must have seen a cockroach or picked one up by accident in the pile of towels.

I figured wrong!! Lol!! She was in the process of putting the Downy in the washer when she heard a noise up above her head. When she looked up she came face to face with.............. a RAT!!! And not your common, ordinary, lovable house pet kind!! This was the fruit eating, pillow chewing, live in the attic and run across the roof all the time kind!!! LOL!!! I guarantee.....she will NEVER forget that moment!

And no, this was not said rat!! :)