Punky's Surgery

Punky was a brave girl today. We had a cyst removed from her eyebrow. Not major surgery by any means, but they still had to put her under a general anesthetic to do it, which scared me.

We arrived at the surgery center and they called us back. Punky looked a little nervous, and when asked to sit in the chair, she immediately took Hubby's hand and wanted him to sit with her, which he did. She allowed them to take her blood pressure and so forth very well. She had taken a few of her My Little Ponies and Princess babies and was very proud to show them to the nurses and tell them all their names.

Then we told her she had to get dressed...they put on a lovely yellow "princess dress" (scrub gown) and "Princess Jasmine shoes" (hospital shoe covers) and a hat (looked like a shower cap). Punky thought she was just the most beautiful princess. She even allowed one of the nurses to carry her away to look in the mirror. Here is the picture Hubby got on his phone...sorry it is blurry...

Then it was time to take her into the OR...she was very brave, said goodbye, and let the nurse wrap her in the warm blanket and take her away. NO TEARS! We were very proud of our little girl.

After the procedure went perfectly, she did cry coming out of the anesthesia, which they said was 100% expected. After a few minutes, she was groggy, but fine. She was very upset about the IV that was still in her hand and kept grabbing at it to pull it out...the nurse finally realized that is what was causing her anxiety and removed it.

We had told her if she was a good girl, she would get a present, which we gave her...a new princess movie. She loved it. Just an hour later, she was back to her old self, minus one cyst, but plus five stitches. All in all, she did better than I ever expected and am so thankful she came through it fine. I thank everyone for their prayers for us. The Lord was with us.

The True Meaning of Christmas

Well, I am still in the middle of Christmas festivities, even though it is December 28th. We still have two more big get togethers we are trying to prepare for. I have REALLY felt this Christmas has not been Christmas to me...we have been entirely too busy coming and going various places and gatherings, buying gifts, making food, and just being busy. I didn't even get all of my Christmas decor out this year. I wanted to go and see the Festival of Lights, but just didn't have the time. I am sure Punky would have loved it. And, to top it all off, Punky got WAY to many gifts...it was beyond too many, it was actually sad. Next year I will not allow this to happen. There will be restrictions people!!! I don't want her to feel the way I do this year...just overwhelmed with STUFF, instead of the true meaning...the birth of our Saviour.

I stole this from a very awesome person (she knows who she is!) and it was just what I needed at this very moment...so, enjoy. It helps my heart everytime I hear it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKk9rv2hUfA

Oh, and...

Punky gets mad and starts crying when she is on the computer with one of her games and the internet/DSL is slow in loading...very impatient...we've created a monster!

Famous words from Punky...

Here are some more cute things the little princess has surprised us with lately:

We were eating dinner, and her mac n cheese was on her Elmo plate. We were trying to get her to eat, so I said "Hey, I can't see Elmo because there is mac n cheese there. You better eat some so we can find him." She then started scooting the mac n cheese to the bottom of the plate so we could see his face. Then I said, "No, I want to see his feet." She looked at me like I was crazy and then proceeded to move the mac n cheese to an entirely different section of the plate, instead of eating it. Way too smart for her own good.

Punky was being funny, and Hubby said "You are so silly!" She immediately said, "No Dada, I'm pretty!" That's a princess for you.

Punky really likes the movie Peter Pan. One day she was in our bedroom and got a hanger and was holding it so that it looked like she had a hook on her hand (like the boys John and Michael do in the movie). I asked what she was doing and she said, "Come on, Mama, let's play Michael's house!" Too cute.

I have been addicted to Grey's Anatomy lately, but usually watch it when she is in bed (you just can't get anything out of a show while she is awake). There have been a few times I have told her I was watching Greys. One day I had left a wrapper on the coffee table and she asked me what it was. I told her I had a snack while I was watching TV. She then said, "Oh, you ate it while you watched Greys?" I guess I didn't realize how much she hears me.

And my favorite...

Punky and I were laying in bed talking. Most of you know she has a cyst on her eyebrow. Well, that day I had a pimple on my eyebrow so I had her feel it. She felt mine and said "Mama has a bump, Punky has a bump...we can be bumpy together!"

Baptism

Well, I got baptized on Sunday. I was supposed to get baptized on December 9th, but we had a big ice storm and church got cancelled. What does it mean if God sends ice on the day you get baptized? Anywayz...it was rescheduled for this past Sunday. We had gotten a lot of snow the night before, so I was scared they were going to call off church again, but they didn't. However, there were not very many people at church, which calmed my nerves a little bit.

I thought I would post my testimony, which is what I said in front of the congregation...

"I am blessed to have been raised in a Christian home. I remember as a little girl my parents reading me and my sister Bible stories at bedtime. One night, I talked to my mom and we prayed together. I asked Jesus to save me from my sin and come into my heart.

Throughout my life, I have had Christian influences all around me…I have attended this church since I was about 12, I attended Calvary Baptist Academy from second grade through high school, and my immediate family and most of my friends are believers as well. Although I am extremely thankful for all of this, I have always known that it is only by God’s mercy and faith in Jesus Christ that I can have a relationship with Him. My going to church each Sunday, having Christian parents and friends, and even being baptized mean nothing if I have not accepted Christ as the one and only way to Heaven. One of my favorite verses is Ephesians 2:8&9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, should any man boast.” I am truly thankful that I do not have to work for my salvation, but that God has freely given it to me.
I have felt for a long time that I should be baptized, but kept putting it off for no good reason. However, I have come to realize that baptism is not only an important part of my own spiritual growth, but also an integral part of my ministry. My goal is to be a light for Jesus in my mission field, which is to my unsaved family, my place of employment, neighborhood, and community."

The Gross Family

I have added a link to the blog of a wonderful family we know...They have two cute boys and Marianne is pregnant with a daughter, Emily. They are also in the process of adopting a beautiful baby girl, Sarah from Guatamala. Please pray for this family, as Marianne is currently on bedrest due to early labor. I am sure the stress of this and the adoption are a lot on her.

Thanks for your prayers.

The Family Pic

Here is our latest pic (boy, seems like we take a lot of pictures). This was taken for our church directory. Hard to believe the last time we took our directory picture, I was pregnant with Punky! So....

Here is November 2004...

And here is November 2007!

The Best Gift...

So, I have been a little behind in the housework the past few days, especially laundry, my least favorite chore. For some reason, it seems like when I get a load washed and dried, it ends up in my bedroom or bathroom just waiting to be folded and put away. Well, I had a couple of loads patiently waiting in our bedroom for a few days now, and just have not had time to get to them. It seems there is always something else...spending time with Punky, cooking dinner, cleaning up after dinner, Punky's bath, Christmas decor, Christmas cards, etc, etc, etc.

Anyways, today when I came home from work, I walked into our bedroom to change, and discovered the most beautiful scene...my bedroom was free from clothes. My dear sweet Hubby had folded and put away all of the loads of laundry. Some girls like flowers, some like jewelry, but my Hubby knows what makes my heart jump for joy...doing my laundry.

Santa's Helper

Here is the latest picture of Punky...we went to get pictures to include in our Christmas cards...so, here is the sneak peak!

Santa

We told Punky on Saturday that we were going to see Santa. Where Hubby works, they bring Santa in for the employees' kids each year. We had to make an appointment, but when we got there, they told us Santa had gone home due to the icy weather. Needless to say, Punky was crying pretty hard in the car (and we were not too happy ourselves) so we decided we had to take her to the mall to see Santa.

It went much better this year...no crying like last year. She went to him, sat on his lap, and when he asked her what she wanted, she promptly said, "A bunny, and Barbies, that's enough."

We were not pleased with the picture, especially since it cost us $17, but it captured a memory and she had fun. So, I guess I am very thankful for Santa at the mall...what a lifesaver!

Ready for Christmas

This weekend we got out all of our Christmas decorations to put up. I was anxious to see what Punky thought of the whole sha-bang. She is in Heaven!!!

One of the first things I pulled out was her little Veggie Tales manger. She was pushing the button to have it sing O Little Town of Bethlehem. She then asked "Mama, can I have the pieces to go with it?" I asked her how in the world she remembered that the manger had pieces and she said "From when I put it away last time!" I was shocked that she remembered it. So smart.

Then she pulled out my fake candy canes for the big tree. I told her she could put them on, thinking I would help her with it later. When I looked a few minutes later, this is what I found.

Too cute for words...I am tempted to leave it this way just to show how well she did (and that only the bottom half is decorated). I love it.

How You Live

I heard this song on the radio today, and loved it. It is from Point of Grace, one of my most favorite female groups. I posted the words below, or you can go to the link to hear the song and see the video (click on title above). Enjoy!

How You Live (turn Up The Music) - Point Of Grace
Verse 1: Wake up to the sunlight
With your windows open
Don't hold in your anger or leave things unspoken
Wear your red dress
Use your good dishes
Make a big mess and make lots of wishes
Have what you want
But want what you have
And don't spend your life lookin' back

Chorus: Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
You won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
Cuz it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

Verse 2: So go to the ballgames
And go to the ballet
And go see your folks more than just on the holidays
Kiss all your children
Dance with your wife
Tell your husband you love him every night
Don't run from the truth
'Cause you can't get away
Just face it and you'll be okay

Bridge: Oh wherever you are and wherever you've been
Now is the time to begin

Verse 3: So give to the needy
And pray for the grieving
E'en when you don't think that you can
'Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man
Make peace with God and make peace with yourself

Chorus Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

My Favorite Verse

I have decided I am going to list to the left of the screen, my favorite Bible verse. Now, I have never kept just one verse as my ultimate favorite verse...it is constantly changing. So, I thought I would post each verse as I find them.


Right now it is Psalm 34:4, "I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears."

I sort of stumbled upon this verse one day, and it was right when I needed it. The fact that we, small little mankind, have the honor and privilege to seek out the Lord is amazing. What is even more wonderful is the fact that He hears us - each time we call to Him. And to make things beyond comprehension, He answers us and delivers us.

King David wrote this Psalm, and I sometimes wonder, "Why was David so great?" He messed up "royally" on many different occasions. So why did God have such a special place in his heart for a man that continually made mistakes and disappointed God? While it is easy to judge David, I have come to realize that I am no better than David. I have done many things I am not proud of, but I know God still loves me, wants me to spend time with Him, and love Him in return.

So, to sum it up, my heart is comforted by this verse and all that it means, and I am overjoyed and thankful that I found it.

Candy

Punky just loves the idea that she has Halloween candy waiting for her at any given moment. We really try to limit her to just a piece or two per day (if she is good and eats her meals).

The other day, I told her she could pick one piece because she had been very good in the morning and ate a really good lunch. She picked something, and I left the room to go and do something. She came in to the other room where I was at and asked if she could have the Sweet Tarts that were in her hand. I gave in and let her have them and she left the room.

She came in a short time later and said, "Mama, my tummy hurts." I said she had probably had too much candy and decided to put her down for her nap. After putting her down, I went into the living room and discovered the mess...

Punky had gotten a folding chair from the kitchen, put it up to the counter, and gotten her bucket of candy and put the candy in her purse. She then went into the living room where I found two Reese's Peanut Butter Cup wrappers and a Hershey Kiss wrapper. Little stinker. I wasn't out of the room very long, and can't figure out how she had time to do it. No wonder she had a tummy ache!!! She is getting so smart...and very sneaky too. Wow.

I am thankful for her and that she keeps me on my toes. What did I ever do without her!

First Haircut

Today Punky and I went to the cosmetology school, where I always go to get my hair cut (only $5, and you know how cheap I am). They have teachers there that check the students as they cut. Punky loves to go and is always sooooo good while we are there. We get so many compliments on how well she behaves and everyone just can't believe how good she is.

So this morning, after my haircut as we were leaving, I asked Punky if she wanted Mommy to cut her hair when we get home. See, Punky's hair is something else. It is so fine and thin and the back, long part tries to curl but doesn't quite make it, so she essentially looks like she has crazy hair. N-E-Wayz...

I asked her if she wanted me to cut her hair and she said, "No, mama, I want the teacher to do it!" I was just astonished that she picked up on the fact that a "teacher" cuts the hair. So, I raced home and got my camera, so as not to miss this important moment...her first professional haircut. I have trimmed her hair before, but she has never had someone professional do it before. She promised she would be good and hold still, so we did it! She was very good and her hair does look much better than it did.

I am thankful today for $5 cuts! We both got new doos for only $10!!!

Little Things...

Here are some little things that make me happy...

• Sleeping on newly changed sheets
• New socks
• Watching it snow
• Finding money in a pocket
• Punky's laugh
• Punky's voice
• A good book
• TIME to read a good book
• Shopping with someone who loves it as much as I do...even if we don't buy a thing
• Going to a garage sale...and finding something you've been looking for...cheap
• Looking at old pictures you forgot you had taken
• Watching Hubby play with Punky
• Spending time with family
• Deep conversations with a friend
• Snow days (when was the last time I had that?)
• Knowing someone is praying for me
• Beating "the guys" at Flinch (It will happen someday, Le)
• Date nights with Hubby
• My Dad getting an "A" on his paper (which I typed)

Let me know some of the little things you love!

Psalm 23

This little girl is so cute...you can't help but smile when you watch her...

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=9e7c4b40cf5a13cea6ca

My answers...

So, here are my answers to the six questions I asked...

1. I would grab our video camera bag. In it is not only our cameras, but also all of the videos we have taken with it since Haven has been born. They are priceless and irreplaceable. Photo albums and such would be nice, but other people have pictures...we would never again get the videos back...which reminds me, we really should copy those and store them somewhere else...

2. I think I would like to be Punky. I would love to know what she thinks about me and hubby, other people, and see what she truly enjoys. I think I would have a completely different outlook on her (plus, how much fun would it be to be a 2 year old again!)

3. If I had to be someone famous, I would be Oprah...she can meet ANYONE she wants to, she is incredibly wealthy which means I could help a LOT of people, and she has a huge staff to do whatever she wants!

4. If I had to change my name, I think I would change it to Megan/Meg. I really think it is the funnest name.

5. I wish beyone wishing that I could sing well. I would love to be able to sing in church or even record an album. Unfortunately, God did not choose to grant this gift to me! No hard feelings!

6. I know God answers all of my prayers, but if I had one wish, it would be that everyone I love trusted in Christ. It would truly make my heart happier than anything else, because it IS the most important thing in the world!

So, there you have it. I am never afraid of a tough question, so if you have one you would like for me to post, feel free!!!

Catch up...

Just a little catch up from the last time I posted...

I went on Saturday with my mom, dad, and aunt up to Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall for our annual shopping trip. It was too much fun. We always seem to get good bargains and have a lot of fun doing it. I was bummed that Uncle T could not make it, as he was just recently diagnosed with some heart issues, and thought it would be best to sit this one out. We hope he joins us next year for sure...

I found a recipe for Panera Bread broccoli cheddar soup and attempted to make that on Sunday. It was okay, but didn't quite taste like the real thing. It needs a few "tweaks" before it is just right. Maybe next time...

It seems like people all around are getting sick...not just the common cold, but serious things. Infections, illnesses, injuries, hospitalizations seem to be happening left and right. I am so thankful for our health, but I am kind of wondering...is this something new, or am I just getting older and these things are just more prevelant in the adult world? I pray my family stays healthy.

Six Tough Questions...

Here are a few tough questions I am interested in knowing about you...PLEASE leave a comment or email me with your answers. I will post my answers in a few days.

If your house was on fire and you could only grab one item (not a person or animal), what would you grab?

If you could be someone else that you know for one day, who would you be?

If you could be someone else that you don’t know (ie, someone famous), who would you be?

If you were forced at gunpoint to change your first name forever, what would you change it to?

What is something you wish you knew how to do, but can’t do it to save your life?

If you could ask God for one thing that you knew He would grant you immediately, what would you ask Him for?

Tootsie Pop

So, it came time for Punky to pick out one of her daily rations of candy, and she picked a Tootsie Pop (she loves suckers). She had been licking away for quite some time (not sure how many licks) and all of a sudden she made a sad face. She brought it to me and said, "Eeeww, gross! Get this off!" She pointed to a brown speck on the sucker.

I laughed and explained that there was candy inside and to keep trying to get to it. She made a face and said, "I don't want it anymore" and was done with it. I guess she was not quite ready for the world of 2-in-1 candy.

I was just talking with a co-worker today about how awesome these little things are when they happen and that we should be writing all of them down. Well, I am thankful I have this blog because that is about all I am writing down at this point!

Halloween #2

More Mulan...Here are a few pics of the evening...

After Hubby got home from work, we dressed Punky up again and went out to some houses we knew. We went to Grammy & Grampy's, Grandma & Papa's, Aunt Terry's, Aunt Kari's, and a few neighbors. We met up with Buddy (aka Spiderman) and he was adorable. He is really not into sweets all that much, but with all the candy around, I did see him eat a little candy bar. They are too cute!!!

Punky doubled her candy. It is insane!

I am so thankful it was nice outside (a little chilly) and not raining. I can remember years past where it was snowing!

Halloween #1

Well, we are done with what I am calling, Halloween #1. Punky and I woke up this morning, got ready and headed out to Grammy's office, Grandma's office and Papa's office. Punky was ever so cute in her new Mulan costume and she really seems to love wearing it. I pulled her hair back in a clip and put a flower in it. Punky also got make-up for this special occasion (I love Halloween!!) When I told her we were going to get candy, she was ready for it...


We proceeded to Grammy's office first and got lots of candy and goodies as well as compliments. We were then off to Grandma's office (walking distance) and met all her nice friends and got more candy and goodies. Papa wasn't in the office yet, so we couldn't see him~but we will later. We then decided to venture off to my office and got even more candy. Will update more later today...

Birthday Party

Sunday was Buddy's 2nd birthday...I can't believe he is 2! They grow up so fast.

Before going to the birthday party, Punky woke up from her nap. Before I could stop her, she had started opening the present I had wrapped for Buddy. Ugh...we had to make it fun and tell her what was inside was a secret and that she could tell everyone later. It worked.

He got some really nice presents. We got him a child's vacuum which makes noise, and Sis was thanking me the next day after having to listen to it constantly! I am sure she will get me back for that one...

Punky is getting excited for Halloween...I am not sure if she realizes she will be getting CANDY tomorrow. I will be sure to post pics of our little Mulan.

Pew...

So we just got home from getting groceries (my MOST favorite thing to do~not!) and when we pulled in front of our house, there was a skunk in our front yard! I can't say I have ever seen a skunk in real life...if I have I don't remember.

We got Punky to look out the window at him and she thought he was funny. He dug around awhile in the grass and then merrily scampered down the sidewalk to our backyard. I asked Punky what she wanted to name him, and after a while, she decided on Pew. Very appropriate...


In other news, my uncle is in the hospital with some heart issues, so I would appreciate your prayers for him. Since he is single, I am thankful my mom was able to take him to see the doctor so that they could begin treating him right away.

Buddy

So I thought I would introduce everyone to "Buddy", my favorite little nephew. He is the cutest thing in the world. He is just 9 months younger than Punky, and they play really well together (most of the time). This is one of his newest pictures, and it is just too cute for words. They asked my "Sis" at the photographer's if she was entering him in the Gap baby contest. I know he would totally win!!!

His 2nd birthday is coming up...in less than a week! He is doing or saying something new every time I see him. He is actually a very sweet little boy, and I am so thankful I am an aunt!

The Wedding

This weekend we went to Rockford to attend Hubby's Grandma's wedding. Yes, she is 80 years old, and has been swept off her feet by Rex, a wonderful man who seems to treat her very well. I have never been to a wedding where the bride and groom were this old, but it was actually quite lovely, and made me feel very happy that these two no longer have to live life alone.

We spent quite a lot of time with Uncle Teeb and Uh-cole, eating and going shopping. Punky proclaimed Uh-cole her new best friend (but I think Uncle Teeb is right up there too). Aunt Kare Bear and Uncle Crowbar (don't ask how he got that name, but for some reason it has stuck) were also there, as well as Grandma and Grandpa.

We also got to see our favorite (just for you D) Florida family. Oh how we wish you lived closer~I'll pray for that one!! I know GiGi and Punky would have a blast growing up together. I got some pics of them playing as well, and hope to post them soon. We also got a picture of all of Grandma's grandkids and great-grandkids:

All in all it was a good weekend seeing family. We had thought we were going to stay two nights, but ended up coming home on Saturday night instead. I am thankful we did that, as it actually turned out better. I needed Sunday to clean house and get ready for work on Monday.

Kids Say the Darndest Things

I just thought I would share a few cute things Punky has said in the last few days...sometimes I wonder where she gets it...

We were trying on shoes at the store, and she put her foot in one, made a funny face, took it off, and reached in it to get the tissue paper in the toe of it that I had forgotten to take out. She said, "Mama! There's garbage in here!" The store clerk just laughed.

I was talking to her about going to potty like a big girl, and I told her I was sad because she wouldn't go in the potty. She said, "It's okay, Mama. Dada come home soon and give you a big hug. Don't cry." She totally missed the point I was trying to make.

We were shopping and I took a dress off the rack. I asked Punky if she liked it and she said, "Pretty, Mama! You could wear it for Halloween!" I put it back on the rack.

The other day I was cleaning up the living room to dust/vacuum and Punky came in to help me. She said, "Who's coming over, Mama?" Oh boy, have we got her trained...

Uncle Teeb and Uh-Cole were here briefly the other day, and Punky said to Uh-Cole, "I saw you at church!" Funny how she remembers a month ago that we saw Uh-Cole preach in her church.

I am so thankful for the smallest blessings...

Jammies

So, I have already said how much a I LOVE fall weather, but the best is getting out the winter jammies. For some reason (which I will not question) winter jammies bring about lots of cuddles. I also think it makes me feel a little bit like Punky is still a baby...when we would wrap her up in warm clothes and blankies and just hold her. She still likes us to hold her, but she sure is a lot more squirmy than she used to be...

I have been so busy, and posting has not been as often as I have wanted it to be. We had Uncle Teeb here staying with us for a few days, and Punky LOVED it. She now has a new Buddy. I found her a couple of times downstairs with him instead of upstairs playing. He was very good with her, and I love it when people actually talk to her like a person (as he did) instead of like a baby (which I do). We are so thankful they have moved closer so that we can see them much more often!

In other news, we are going this weekend to Hubby's grandma's wedding (yes, that is correct). That should be quite the interesting blog when we get back home.

Life as a pumpkin...

Someone was once asked, 'What is it like to be a
Christian?'

He replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin. God picks you
from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.

He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you
a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the
world to see.'

This was passed on to me by another pumpkin. I thought it was very cute...especially this time of year. I am very thankful to be God's pumpkin...

Love it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uISuvTiTYJA

Fun Weekend

This past weekend we went down to the St. Louis area to visit Hubby's bro & sis-in-law, more affectionately known as Uncle Teeb and Uh-Cole. It was such a great visit. We are so glad they are closer to us now!

We went on Saturday morning and all went to the zoo. It was great. There were so many animals to see, and Punky had fun. She doesn't seem too scared of anything quite yet. I am sure my absolute hatred and total fear of frogs will someday rub off onto her, but alas, she still looked at them up close.


When asked, Punky says her favorite things were the crocodiles (which didn't even look real) and the train that we rode around the zoo. They even had peanut butter and jelly packets there for lunch that Punky could eat with her fingers! Perfect. It was so much fun that she fell asleep before we even got back to the car.

Saturday evening Uh-cole and I went shopping (always a good time) and then we had the most delicious pizza at Roma's. YUM YUM! Sunday we went to church with Uh-cole and got to hear her preach~no surprise, she did a wonderful job~we were so proud of her! We then went to Teeb's church to see/hear him play the worship. He, of course, did awesome as well.

All in all we had a wonderful time just hanging out and watching Punky torture poor Mozart the cat and Smudge the Pug. I am sure they are very happy Punky is out of their home! I am so thankful we had a chance to go down for the visit, and hope we can go back again soon! Luckily, we will see them again in only three short weeks at Grandma's wedding (sounds so weird to say that!!).

Life

I was reading another blog from someone I know, and what she said totally captured the way I feel, so I am just passing it along.

Sometimes I'm overwhelmed with all the things I should be praying for: my marriage, kid's health/development/personal relationship with Jesus, wisdom in teaching her, extended family, requests of friends, church, nations leaders, personal struggles, and things that make your heart so heavy you can hardly move. Well, lately my mental prayer list keeps getting longer and longer.

However, she went on to say that even through all of the praying, worrying, and guilt over not praying enough, we can cling to these verses:

"The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus". Philippians 4:5-7

I am so thankful that God loves me the way that I am. I am totally amazed that I can come directly to Him with all of my cares and concerns ~ and I know that He not only hears me, but answers me as well. And what is better, is that no matter how I pray or what screwed up words I use, He knows my heart~aaaahhhh, that is just so comforting.

A Great Day on the Potty

We have finally had a good day on the potty. From the time Punky got up this morning, we sat her on the potty and she went. Up until this point, she would get excited the first time, and then not want anything to do with it the rest of the day. She was even rejecting her pull-ups and requesting the diaper. We didn't want to push her too hard and turn her off completely, so we have been pretty laid back with it.

So today I told her that the diapers were all gone and she had to wear big girl pants. She bought it. I didn't push her, but just tried to make it sound fun, and reminded her of the Skittle that awaited her if she went. She went on the potty 5 times today, and one time she even told me before she had to go. A Milestone!

I hope this is the beginning of the end of diapers for her. Unfortunately, I DREAD taking her to the bathroom in public places. I haven't quite figured out a sanitary way of doing that~I welcome any ideas!

I am so thankful for my day off during the week. It allowed me to really concentrate on the potty today. Sometimes the weekends can be so crazy, so hopefully today will set a good foundation.

Fun at the Orchard

Yesterday we took Punky to a farm/orchard for a day of fun. They had tons of things for kids to do including a small train ride, real school bus to play on, goats to feed, swings, mini golf and, the MOST exciting, ponies to ride.

We had prepped Punky for this day by telling her there were REAL ponies to ride. Since My Little Pony is just AWESOME, she was quite excited when we told her she would get to ride a real one. When we told her in the car, she said, "Yes, and mama will put the money in the slot and we will go!" Poor little thing is only used to the pony in the mall.

Nonetheless, when we got there, the first thing we did was go to the pony rides. Once there, Hubby tried to put her on a horse, but she was scared and didn't want to sit there. Then we showed her how the other little kids were doing it and she tried it. I never saw the smile leave her face...until it was time to go. So, not only could we NOT get her to get on, we couldn't get her OFF of it either. Aaaahhh, two year olds...(needless to say, we rode the ponies twice)

I am so thankful for a great day of family fun. We spent way to much money, but had a very yummy pork chop sandwich and hot dog, and purchased the best apple cider we have ever tasted. We are already planning our trip back next year with little cousin Buddy!

Daddy's Girl

So last night Punky and I went to see Hubby play in his soccer league. Punky was very excited, as she is really liking soccer, and anything Hubby is doing, she wants to do to.

Once we got there and Hubby started playing, Punky says (as she is walking toward the playing field) "I need to go help Daddy!" It was hard to keep her off the field.

It was getting dark and the bugs were out, so I decided to take Punky home before the game officially ended. That was a mistake. I have never heard such a SAD cry. "My Daddy! My Daddy!" was what she was screaming as we were trying to leave. It was so bad, that Hubby actually subbed out of the game for a few minutes to try to comfort her. Once in the car, she cried almost the whole way home, saying, "My Daddy" like we were leaving forever.

I really got to thinking that she is very much a Daddy's girl. She is always around him and wanting to do everything with him. Yes, she wants to be near me too, but usually only to play something or to have me help her with something. She genuinely loves to be around her Daddy. Hubby made the comment the other day, "It's like having a little puppy who follows me around all the time! Never had one of those before!"

I am so thankful for such a wonderful husband and father for my daughter. He is the best. I couldn't have imagined a better husband, and I am so glad God hand-picked him for me!

The Caterpillar

Sorry I have skipped a few days in blogging...the cold is still hangin' on.

I thought I would write about our little adventure on Sunday.

Hubby saw a caterpillar crawling up our driveway, and called me and Punky outside to see it. Punky had never seen one before, but liked it. She tried to touch it as it was crawling, but got a little nervous. I picked it up and let it crawl on my hand and then put it on her hand. She let it crawl on her for a minute and then dropped it to the ground. We decided the caterpillar needed to go back into the grass, so we took it to the yard. Punky just watched it crawl around and talked to it like it was a person. When it was time to go inside, she said "Bye bye caterpillar! See you later. I love you!" So cute. I wish everything in life could be so simple.

I was so thankful for the beautiful weather this weekend. Airing out the house felt so good. I love the cool weather and cold nights-sweatshirt weather! My favorite...

Fall Cold

So, I have the dreaded fall cold...you know, the first cold of the season, which is always the worst because you forget how bad they really are. I have had it all week, and now I am completely drained. I have so much "stuff" I want to do this weekend ~ get my mums for outside, yardwork, set up the bed in our spare bedroom, not to mention that our whole house needs a thorough cleaning. Let's hope a REALLY good night's sleep will help for tomorrow.

I am very thankful for cold medicine...

All the Hoopla...

OK. I know there is not a whole lot to do in our mid-size town, but I really have to wonder when I see so many people getting crazy excited over the Grand Opening of a new Schnucks grocery store (no bashes here, I was there on Tuesday night). Here are some things I noticed...

• I loved the squeaky clean floors and fully stocked shelves. I give it three months before the floor looks like all the other grocery stores and they are all out of the one thing I made the trip over there for...


• The produce was incredible, but the more I looked at it, the more I wondered if this was veggies on steroids. The size of some of this stuff was unreal. I bought nectarines the size of a softball. Being the negative person that I can be, I wonder how long before the Wal-mart quality produce hits those shelves (if you know what I mean).


• I can't help but complain about the exit/entrance to the building. The west entrance was fine, stoplight and all. However, the east-most exit is dumb. I unknowingly decided to go out that way, since I wanted to turn east. However, some clever individual decided to only allow people exiting the parking lot to turn west. Needless to say, I turned east anyway, which is what everyone else will do as well.

So, no more store bashing. All in all it was a lovely store and I hope it stays in tip top shape, and doesn't go downhill like the nearby Eagle's did. I am very thankful that we have grocery stores, and don't have to go into a crowded market place to buy our daily rations (or that I don't have to grow our own food, as I think my family would starve). We are truly blessed to have so many options at our disposal.

***********HOLD EVERYTHING********************I just noticed on their website you can do online ordering of your groceries and have them deliver it! I had no idea this even existed. What is this world coming to when we can't even go and buy our own groceries?! (even though I dispise going grocery shopping).

Fear Factor

So, we have a 2 1/2 year old that just isn't into eating meals (but treats are always welcomed). In order to get her to eat, we usually have to resort to bribing her. The other night, she would not eat her ravioli at all, that is until hubby offered her M&M's. Reluctantly, she took a bite of her now cold cut up ravioli and the fun began.

Then, it started...

Only two chews into it, and she began to gag. Not just a small gag, but the loud kind where a horrible cough follows and you see all of the food in her mouth. However, instead of spitting it out, she held on, and eventually swallowed it. I looked at hubby and said "Yes! The Fear Factor winner! You would think she was eating a bug or something in order to win $50,000!"

But alas, all she received was her little red M&M, which was completely fine with her. She, however, did not take any more bites of Fear Factor ravioli.

I looked at hubby, and couldn't quite figure out if we were exceptional parents for getting her to eat, or horrible parents for tricking our child into gagging herself for an ever so small piece of candy. I think probably a little bit of both.

Having said that, even though Punky is a horrible eater, I am very thankful for a healthy child. I know there are many parents out there who wish their only worry was getting their child to eat three meals a day. And for that matter, I am thankful we can afford to give her three good meals each day. Hopefully someday, she will be thankful for this too, and eat supper without having to be bribed.

My First Blog

Ok, guys. This is my very first blog. I am really doing this for myself, just to give me a few minutes alone everyday. I hope I have some frequent readers, and please feel free to respond to my posts so I know someone out there is reading!

One of my main goals with this page is to list something I am thankful for each time I post something new (I stole this idea from my wonderful sis-in-law, uh-cole). Today I am thankful for my family. I feel that I am so blessed by God to have such a wonderful family who loves me unconditionally and supports me in whatever I do.