Are math skills hereditary?

Cuz, if they are, I know where she got her genes from.

This was overheard on our way home from church tonight.

Loulabelle: (said with sas!) "Moooom, I know. I already know everything you say."

Z: "Oh yeah? If you already know everything, what is 100 + 100?"

L: "100"

Z: "No, 200. What is 10 + 10?"

L: "10"

Z: "No, 20. What is 4 + 4?"

L: "4"

Z: "NO. I thought you said you knew everything."

L: " I do!"

Z: "OK. What is 1000 + 30?"

L: "A lot."

Oh, girl. You are more my daughter everyday!

Guilt be gone.

Can I just tell you of all the sleepless nights I have had since I destroyed Skip's bumper and our house? I haven't been able to sleep or eat. The guilt has nearly destroyed me.

Well, there was that one nap I took yesterday and the almost full night's sleep the night before. OK, so I have been able to sleep. Nothing could take me away from my favorite past-time.

Also, I have been eating. The baby has needed nutrition. But I haven't enjoyed it. I promise you that! Except for the BLT I had at Sonic. That was just darn tasty. Again, it was for the baby.

Today is a new day and I, my friends, am free from guilt. Skip took the car to a locally-owned body shop and received a bid for the repair. The owner of the shop goes to our church and gave us an awesome price for the job. If it wasn't for him, we were looking at a major expense.

The house might be another story. Skip managed to "piece" it back together, but it definitely needs to be replaced. I still have a little guilt about that.

But I am pretty sure that I will go right on sleeping and eating like nothing ever happened.

I am so thankful to my man. He has handled this entire debacle with grace and mercy. I think he and his buddies have had several good laughs at my expense though. Every time I talk to him he has a least one or two more stories about female drivers. I will admit that I deserve any laughter coming my way. My driving record is not what I would call "sparkling" but it has been a long time since I have done anything remotely close to this.

Anyway, thanks honey. You are a man of honor.

P.S. Could you bring home some ice cream?

You'll have him eating out of your hand.

Ladies! I found a FOOL-PROOF way to get your husbands to run all your errands for you.

Are you ready?

This is pure genius!

First. Make sure your man is taking a nap then lose your cell phone. Make him call you 40 times until you can locate it in the deep recesses of your car, otherwise known as the passenger seat hiding under some Krispy Kreme napkins.

Second (and most critical step). While backing HIS car out of the garage make sure you don't check your mirrors so you can slam into the HOUSE and pull HIS bumper half-way off allthewhile causing significant damage to your garage.

Third. Pray that he hears the horrific noise and runs out of the house to survey the damage.

If you follow steps 1-3 then I PROMISE you next time he will take care of all your errands. He might even offer to take your children with him.

You have my Money-Back guarantee!

THE REALLY BIG NEWS!!

What a sweet morning we had today. We loaded the car up with the kids and Skip's mom and headed to the BIG CITY to our ultrasound appointment. My mom met us there, so we had a big showing for sweet Lil' Poppy.

The kids were so excited as they led us down the long hallway to the procedure room. I have to admit that butterflies were flying around my tummy. I just wanted to see all the parts and pieces. Gender was important, but I wanted to see it all.

The six of us squeezed into the tiny room and I got ready on the table. The kids stood next to me while I laid down. It was so precious that I got to hold their little hands as we watched our new baby squirm away on the TV monitor before us.

Our tech really took a lot of time explaining all the body parts to the kids and made a special effort to get certain views, such as waving. She made Z and Lou feel such a part of the process. It was neat to hear them giggle when they saw fingers and toes.

She saved the gender for one of the last views. The view was so clear that it was no mistaking a little BOY!! Z-man grinned from ear to ear. Lou became a little silent until she was reminded that she was going to be a big help with the new baby. She will be the perfect Smother Mother. Then she became excited once again.

I praise God for our sweet family time He gave us this morning. What a precious memory that will hide in my heart forever. I am reminded of the words in Luke 2:19 after the birth of Jesus.

"But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart."

This day has become one of my all-time favorite days. Thank you, sweet Jesus.

Is it really that "super"?

My apologies if you have clicked here looking for the REALLY BIG NEWS report. We have yet to go. A case of heartburn and an ice cream craving have woken me from my tossing and turning. Make sure to check back later for the REALLY BIG NEWS!

In the meantime, let's ponder this question. What makes the SuperCenter so "super?" Is it the convenience of the one-stop shopping that lures us in? I, myself, have been known to purchase 3 shirts while running in just for some milk. Or is it the big city feel for us small town folks? It has EVERYTHING, mind you.

Except for these. No more, my friend, can you find these little two-bites of heaven located on their shelves. This fact alone has almost rendered the "Super"center dead to me. The only saving grace is that I can no longer stomach the two-bites of heaven. I am sure this is a temporary problem because who doesn't like little chocolate cakes with the perfect amount of frosting per bite? I have a few months before I figure out what to do when my tastes buds return. Do I switch stores, or will I be forced to MAKE MY OWN? Gasp.

Oh, but I digress. The other day while driving home from the Big City, I was having one of those familiar cravings for the NESTLE CRUNCH ICE CREAM BARS . Boy, I tell you this baby is one demanding little creature. What this baby wants, this baby is sure to get. It already has me wrapped around its translucent fingers. This baby NEEDS ice cream and it is very specific.

For example. I was feeling a certain bond with the baby when he/she suggested that I seek out vanilla ice cream with M&M's mixed in. Sounds simple enough. Found a drive-thru that served custard and ordered my M&M goodie. The baby was NOT happy with the result. This establishment, which shall remain nameless, used Mini-M&M's in their "ice cream treat!" This baby demands that only regular sized M&M's are to be used at all times. People, I am telling you that this little 5 ounce person has big opinions. I did manage to stuff the whole thing down, but I could tell someone was hiding in the corner of the womb pouting. Maybe even telling the placenta how mean I was. The nerve!

Anyway, back to the "Super"Center. Here I was searching high and low for the Nestle Crunch bars. I couldn't find them anywhere. What kind of place doesn't sell a staple such as Nestle Crunch?

I did find a substitute product but was completely turned off by the packaging. It was for the Blue Bell KRUNCH bars. Which would have been completely OK with me. I have lived in Blue Bell country. I know the appeal of the the Blue Bell name. But some marketing genius got hold of the product and decided it would be in their best interest to put a dirty man on the box. Yes, you heard me correctly. On the box is pictured a man, dirty from head to toe. He looks friendly enough as he bites into his KRUNCH bar, but still. He HAS DIRT ON HIM FROM HEAD TO TOE.

Now, I don't mean to be picky. But I don't want my food associated with anything dirt-related. Are you with me? I don't want to get my ice cream bar and feel like it may contain some of the mud that is sticking to this man's face. But what is a momma to do when the little person inside is DEMANDING the ice cream? I bought it, dirt and all. But I was NOT happy about it.

While I know this is not the "Super"center's fault. I am still thinking they could have chosen the Nestle alternative. The product that doesn't show a dirty man on the box. I am just saying.

Like many of you, I will forgive the "Super"center of it's shortcomings. I will continue to shop for the convenience of the one-stopness that it offers 24 hours a day. In time, I am sure that I will forget about the two-bite brownies debacle and the Blue Bell KRUNCH mishap. It will continue to be my source for cheap clothes and milk and oil changes. That is the American way, afterall.

As far as the KRUNCH bars are concerned. If you close your eyes while digging them out of the box, you won't even think about dirt. And the taste completely makes up for it. I assure you that no mud was used in the making of the product.

new profile pic

Just cleaning house and cleaning up the blog today. I hope you are having a wonderful Saturday!

Stay tuned Monday for some REALLY BIG NEWS!

I will give you a hint.

GIRL or BOY...

And Jen, if you say TWINS one more time, I may have to hurt ya!

I may be eating crow tomorrow.

A certain blonde, curly-headed girl has slept in her own bed for several nights in a row.

Also, a certain freckle-faced boy has been really good and fast in his morning routine.

I am keeping my fingers crossed. Or not.

Mommy Math

For those of you that know me, math is one of my strongest interests. I strive to figure out any problem that comes my way no matter how long it takes me. I love numbers and can compute quickly and accurately in my head. I am a Math Whiz, a human computer.

What? Why are you laughing?

Oh, you don't believe a word of that?

You want the truth? OK, I stink at math. There. Are you happy now?

I can't add without my fingers and I certainly can't compute in my head without getting dizzy. But I can do Mommy Math.

For example,

LEGOs + soft music = 45 minutes of peace and quiet so Mommy can lay on couch undisturbed.

1 intense craving for Nestle Crunch Ice Cream Bar + 2 kids + a good 3 minutes before they find me = Mommy having to shove the whole thing in her mouth while hiding in the garage.

Nasty smell from laundry room + forgotten towels in the washer = break time is over for Mommy.

Children's bedtime - daddy + frazzled & cranky mommy = DRAMA times infinity!!

Mommy Math is simple and fun. Anyone lacking sleep and personal privacy for long periods of time can master this.

What is your equation?

Books Aplenty, a meme

I was tagged by Alana for this book meme. I love to read but like other hobbies in my life, it has fallen to the wayside. Blog reading has really replaced my book reading time. I hope to get back into a good book or two this winter. It really does relax me.

Just a word of advertisement for our local library. I just love this place. You order your books online and then drive thru the window to pick them up. You can also request that the library purchase a book for their collection. If they choose the book you recommended they will hold it for you to be the first. I love that!

OK. On to the business at hand. BOOKS!!

BOOK(s) THAT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER (edited from Books That Changed My Life)
--Honeymoon with My Brother by Franz Wisner. Excellent read!! Very touching.
--Night by Ellie Wiesel. Unforgettable
--The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. This will stay with you long after you read it.
--To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Classic read!
--My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Piccoult. Absolutely the best book. Very heart wrenching.

BOOK(s) I'VE READ MORE THAN ONCE
--I tend to be a book snob on reading multiple times. I can't think of anything that I have re-read. Once I know the ending I just can't do it. Now that it not true for movies. I can watch my favorite movies again and again.

BOOK(s) I WANT ON A DESERTED ISLAND
--The Bible. Hands down. I could finally read it without distractions!

BOOK(s) THAT MADE ME LAUGH
--Anything by Jennifer Weiner

BOOK(s) THAT MADE ME CRY
--Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks. Story of great loss and heartbreak and survival.
--Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. Edgy but sweet.
--The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

BOOK(s) I WISH HAD BEEN WRITTEN
--The Secret to Understanding Skip
--The Secret to Understanding Z-man
--The Secret to Understanding Loulabelle
--The Secret to Understanding Lil'Poppy

BOOK(s) THAT YOU WISH HAD NEVER BEEN WRITTEN
I have books I didn't like, but I can't think of one that I wish hadn't been written. I just am careful about which books I choose to read. If they are too violent or graphic I don't read them. I also don't read romance novels. I just don't have time. But I am sure someone is grateful that they have been written.

BOOK(s) CURRENTLY READING
--The Power of a Positive Mom by Karol Ladd
--How to Make Your Kids Mind w/o Losing Yours by Dr. Kevin Lehman
--Creative Correction by Lisa Whelchel.
(Are you sensing a pattern?)

BOOK(S) I HAVE BEEN MEANING TO READ
--Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
--Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell
--Sisterhood of Traveling Pants (series) by Ann Brashears


If you are a reader, consider yourself tagged. I love book recommendations!

I've got good news and bad news.

Which do you want first? The good news or the bad news?

Personally, I prefer the bad news first. I like to know that there is hope in any situation so I save the good for last. So here is the bad news. I am sick again. YUCK!!

Yesterday and today have been awful for me. Just like before...nausea, horrible taste in my mouth and some rushing to the restroom. I am feeling so discouraged by this. I want to cry, but I think I am too tired for that. I really hope this wave doesn't last long.

The good news is that my friends don't let me suffer alone. This friend begged to take Lou off my hands. At first I said no. I don't know why I do that. Probably because I don't want to inconvenience anybody. But she persisted. She is like that and I love that about her. Not only did she take Loulabelle, but she also picked Z up from school.

What a tremendous gift that was. After 4 hours of sleep, I feel somewhat better. Good enough to retrieve my children and pretend that I am a good mom.

Oh, and some more good news. There might be a slight chance that I have felt the baby's movements. It always takes a few days to register the fluttering sensation, but I think it is there. That puts a HUGE smile on my face!

What have I learned today? If you are in a position to bless or help someone. Just DO IT. Don't take NO for an answer. Thank you, Alana, for not taking me seriously! It made such a difference today!

If only I could pretend this didn't happen to me.

Mom, are you older?

Older? Older than what?

Just older? Are you?

Well, I am older than some people. I am older than daddy. Why?

Daddy said that older people have hair in their nose. And you do.

I have no title for this random mess of information.

Hi everyone! I have been away far too long and I would love to catch up with all of you. First let me explain why I have been away. It is weird and you might not believe me. Being that I have been so sick with this pregnancy, one of the side effects for me is an aversion to Wal-Mart and computers.

Now I know you are all shaking your heads in disbelief. But it is true. I haven't been able to tolerate our local Wal-Marts, or spend any length of time on the computer without getting really sick. I can't explain it but it has held true with all three of my pregnancies.

The good news is that I am feeling 100% better. The dark days of the first trimester have cleared and I enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and family vacation without the dreaded and frequent trips to the bathroom. I am so thankful that it is behind me and I am enjoying my newly formed BUMP.

Today, I am tackling Wal-Mart. I think I can do it.

Anyway, December flew by for us probably like it did for all of you. It was a magical month filled with anniversaries, birthdays, gingerbread houses, hot cocoa, weddings, gift exchanges, Santa sightings, movie nights, and cookie making. Honestly I don't know how we managed to do it all based on how sick I was. It was all a blur, but I know memories were made.

Right after Christmas, Skip's dad plans a Mystery Trip for the whole family. He plans it and is the only one who knows where we are going. This was our 14th year and what a blast! We went on a Rambling Road trip through the South and ended up in Disney World. Watching my kids enjoy the wonder of it all with their cousins was really special. Zman was brave enough to ride the biggest and fastest thrill rides. It really made it fun to watch him overcome his fears. Loulabelle and I met every character and decided that Belle was pretty but not her favorite. I think she thought the Beast was lurking somewhere in her midst ready to scare her.

Since returning home I have been buried by laundry and dishes and the clutter of toys. Thankfully our house was de-Christmased while we were gone so I didn't have to mess with that. I am almost through getting organized. I still don't know where to put some of the new toys. It is time to get serious on Mission Organization!

Last night our area had a MAJOR storm. At around 3am, the Tornado siren in our neighborhood started to shriek. I felt for Skip and couldn't find him in bed. I got up to look for him and figure out what to do. I couldn't find him in the kid's rooms. I looked in the garage. I couldn't find him. I made one more walk through and see him coming in the front door from outside. FROM OUTSIDE. What was he thinking?? He said he heard a really loud noise like a snow plow and had to go check it out. Hello! The tornado siren was going off so there is only one thing that could sound that loud...WIND. I think he wants to be a weather chaser in his next life!

Little Poppy had a doctor's appointment today. I have lost 10 pounds since October and the Dr. was a little concerned. I need to start making up ground. I find it hard to believe that I am still losing because I am starting to waddle. Anyway, she said the baby was active and the heart beat was really healthy. I love hearing that sweet noise of the heart. It is so reassuring to me to know that our baby is safe and sound inside me

As you can see, we are still here. Healthy and safe. I can't wait to start blogging again and reading all your terrific and encouraging words. I have missed my computer time. Now that it won't make me vomit, I should be spending more time right here with you!

I will leave you with our sweet Christmas card picture. I still have my cards to mail so if you live in B-town I will get you a real copy!