Tacos for breakfast?!

***This is what I'm watching while I am trying to nurse this migraine, and post at the same time. Austin made this one day this week, while out of school because of the snow. My two younger boys are playing some sort of game, running through the house like this. God definately gave me some creative little guys.

Okay, that is what I am eating as I post this. Crazy as it may sound.

I woke up with a terrible migraine again. I'm just about tired of this craziness. I absolutely hate waking up like this. This is my day off, my boys are at home, I should be able to enjoy the day. When I have these headaches, I go through these weird thoughts. It makes my stomach upset. It kind of makes me feel sick to my stomach, like maybe I'm hungry. So I think, "Do I eat something high in protein?" So then I try. Tacos is what I have chosen today. Then I think, "CAFFIENE!!" That is what I need. So, I then eventually take some Excedrin Migraine, which is just acetaminophen, asprin and caffiene. Well, now I've done the first 2 thoughts, food and meds, jo relief. Now my sister, bless her heart, is on her way to my house to do my nails, and is bringing me a 32oz. diet pepsi fountain drink. Well, see how it works. She lkeeps telling me to go to the doctor for this. "I know, I know, I tell her." Then she says, "Uh, how many times have you encouraged me to go to the doctor?" Again, my response is "I know, I know." Okay, I 'll give an excuse, then I guess I should go. One excuse, I just got insurance, and I didn't want to go earlier, therefore, I wouldn't have any preexisting conditions, and secondly, maybe I should go get an eye exam first. We'll see.

More snowy pictures. Today is was EXTREMELY cold. When I woke up this morning it was like 4 below zero. BRRRRRR!!!!!

I ran outside to take these few pictures. I really need to carry my camera so I can take pitures of some of the mounds of snow around town. The street department guys were telling me today that they'd be out around 11pm to start moving some of the snow, making the snow piles shorter so you can see beyond them. It is crazy out there. Honest.

1.) This is out my garage, back door, this is truthfully how deep the snow is. There wasn't a whole lot of drifting back there, because we have a tall fence, so that is how much snow we got. WOW!!

2.) Snow up to the mailbox. We got a "nasty gram" from the post office telling us to move more of the snow from in front of the mailbox so the mailperson could just drive up to the box. OOPS! The things you forget to take care of when you have a ton of snow in your driveway.

3) Do you see the boys igloo there. TOo funny!

4) The boys tunnel in the drift alongside the house.

5) The snow in front of the neighbors house.

They say more snow tomorrow. Hey, guess what though. My sister is coming to my house to do my nails for me. I've never had them done, and I surely don't have the extra cash to have them done, and she does hers all the time. YEAHAW!!! I'm pretty excited. Heather, I'm still unsure of the toenail thing though. It sounds absolutely wonderful, I'm just not sure I could handle it. I'm really funny about my feet.

One more snowy picture

This is the snowdrift out my side window. You really can't tell how high it is, but it is extremely high.

Some snowy pictures

Here are a few of our snowy pictures. I really didn't get many good ones, because I couldn't locate my batteries for my camera. See, they were on the charger, were they belong, and guess what they disappeared. I asked the boys, who were at my sisters house, and they said "Oh, they are in our dart guns." Well, I ask myself the silly question, "Why didn't I know that. DUH!"" Silly Mom.

At any rate we got bunches of snow. I didn't get an official number of inches from anyone so I'll go with Ms. Karen who says something like 11-12 inches. Let me just tell you it was crazy. I worked until 4 p.m. yesterday. See, I work at a gas station/convenience store, and about 3 p.m. the police came in and ordered that we close. They said we were putting lives in danger because we were open. People just can't stay home. It is crazy. THe snow plows were even stopped from plowing. The police were pulling people over, because we were under a level 3 emergency, which means, no one is to be on the roads except for emergancy vehicles, and when they'd stop someone they'd tell them they were headed to Pak-A-Sak. WEll, we closed with the intention of opening this morning at 8am. NOT!!! No one could get out of their driveways. We eventually opened at about noon. It was non stop busy too, people really just can't stand to stay at home I guess. I would have loved to be at home with my family during this, we think it is fun to be snowed in together.

Let me share a funny with you all. You know you live in a hick town when this happens. Okay, I'm the assistant manager of our store. So it was going to be the manager, myself and 1 other employee to open the store this morning. Well, we couldn't drive down my street, therefore, I was snow bound and couldn't get to work. Kendra, the manager, was able to get out of her street, and pick up the other girl, they thought they'd just pick me up also, and we'd go together. NOT!!! There was absolutey no getting down my street. Well, she couldn't get to anyone elses house either, so there fore the store would not open until I was there with them. It would have been suicide to open with just 2 people. So here goes Kendra to the police department, to ask them to have the street department plow my street so I can get to work, and guess what they did. Not much after she asked them, my street was plowed. Isn't that funny. Well, work was pretty exciting today.

The rundown on the pictures. (I plan to take more tomorrow, the piles of snow are unbelievable intown.)

#1.) The fort my kids carved out of the snow from the driveway, which my husband worked so hard at clearing (continually) so I could get in it yesterday afternoon.

#2) The sidewalk to my front door, see how deep the snow is?!

#3)The house across the street, see how high the snow is to the house. Oh, can you see the street, it is in there also. This taken from my front porch, and there really is a street in there, Honest. You can hardly tell where cars had driven yesterday. Also, this street was plowed yesterday also.

#4)The snow drift next to the house across the street, it was over the fence.

#5) That path is our sidewalk.

Tidbits from the last few days!

Well, lets see where do I begin. Last weekend I was off of work, and I so enjoyed the weekend. We did a whole lot of nothing. We did just enough, so that the house wasn't unbearable to be in. We stayed in all weekend. Zach and I lounged on the couch alot of the 2 days. It was nice. If I was sitting on the couch, he was on my lap.

We watched the Super Bowl. GO COLTS! It was quit interesting, because we grew up in the Chicagoland area, so Rob and I both grew up in houses that were Bears fans. We have never really followed sports at all. Well, the bank that we use offered a Colts Kids Savings account. We opened them, and each time the Colts won a game, they each recieved a $5.00 certificate to put in their bank account, so now can you see why we say GO COLTS. Well, then of course we are now Hoosiers, and all my boys were born in Indiana, and they are Colts Fans. It was fun to watch the game with them. We really were getting quit excited about it. It was quit comical.

Zach got sick this weekend. He ended up waking up in the night Saturday with a fever, and sore throat. Rob stayed home from church with him, since I stayed home on Wednesday. I had planned on going into work on Monday for a short time, getting my paperwork done and then coming home to be with Zach. I had decided to leave Jordan home for a little while, and then just take him late. Well, you'll never believe this. I had 2 people call in sick that day. I ended up working from 6am-10pm on Monday. It was awful. I was not very happy, nor did I prented to be. Zach was okay, and then Jordan didn't end up missing too much school, because of the weather they had a 2 hour delay, actually all week they've been on a 2 hour delay. Well, Rob took Zach to the doctor, and he had strep throat. UGH!!!! On Tuesday I switched my schedule so I could work in the evening when Rob was home. SO I went in at 3pm. It wasn't so bad really, until........one of my 3rd shift people came in sick. She didn't try to call in, she DID show up and was awful sick, so I ended up letting her go home and I worked her shift. so again, I worked from 3pm-8am. It wasn't so bad, until the next day. The boys had a 2 hour delay and I didn't get enough sleep, so I was a little grouchy. Well, alot grouchy.

We were leaving to go to church and our car wouldn't start. We didn't want to drive the van, since it is older, and we didn't want to get stuck that far from home. Well, no big deal, we'll just jump the battery, right?! Not! The hood latch was frozen. Okay, it wasn't funny then, but it sure is funny now. So, we had to push the car into the garage--that the garage door is about to fall apart--and try to get the hood to defrost. Okay, we ended up getting a new battery for the car. No big deal. Oh yeah, we had sent Jordan to start the car, and he thought he started it but didn't, so he had the lights, the radio and heater on but the car wasn't started, therefore, it zapped the battery, since it is sooooo very cold here.

Thursday, Jordan and Zach had dentist appointments. Now hear me say this, we are so blessed to have such a wonderful caring dentist. He is so concerned about kids teeth, that $$$$ don't matter much to him. He has done so very much for us, and not charged us, just to help the kids. He put a porcelain crown on Jordan's front tooth yesterday, and I'm sure the insurance will not pay for it, and he didn't charge us. He put braces on Jordan's front teeth a couple of years ago, with no charge to us. This is what he told me last time we were there, after he told me all that Austin is going to need done to his teeth in the next few years, "Now, the funding you have will not pay for this stuff, but when I have parents who are willing to make the trip here every week or 2 weeks, and do what I ask them to do, the cost doesn't matter to me." WOW!!! I thanked him and told him I sure appreciated all he has done, and was blessed to have him as a dentist for my boys.

More from Thursday. When we left the dentist, Jordan was a mess. His hands were trembling, like they do when he is nervous or overwhelmed about something. I talked to him and said, "relax Jordan, your hands are shaking." I know Mom, my nerves are shot, that is just too much to do in one day. Poor kid. I said "we are just a mess aren't we Jordan?" "Yeah, Mom, but that is okay we are a good family." Now that was all I needed to hear from him. See, I tend to be harder on him than the other boys, and he still loves me and thinks we are a good family.

Then, Austin and I went to the Dollar store for somethings, and we are walking up to the store, out of the blue he says. "I'm glad I have good parents." Wasn't that sweet?

Well, today, I've done a few chores, and then took Rob lunch and now I'm at home to do a whole lot of nothing. Just some laundry and clean bathrooms. YEAHAW!!!!

Have a blessed weekend.

What Narnia Character are you?

As Reepicheep the mouse, you are valiant, brave and daring.

It's not the size that counts!

But although you are polite and kind, people don't mess with you!

**These things crack me up. They really are pretty true to character. I would have to agree with these statements about me.

Take this quiz at http://www.jamiefrost.co.uk/narniaquiz/quiz.php?lang

Parenting is rough sometimes.

Well, today was a little of a crazy day. The school had a "bomb threat". It was nothing, in fact I think it was a prank pulled by a high school kid (or so rumor goes), however, the authorities have to treat it as if it is real.

I found out it was true, they had indeed evacuated the school from a neighbor, who offered to watch the boys for me if I wanted to pick them up. Of course, I did. They were most definately in good hands where they were, but I just wanted them away from the situatin. They all had been taken to churches in the community, and they was much security with the staff of the schools watching the children and being sure they were being picked up by the right people. See, we do live in a small community and everyone know who you are and who your children are. It is wonderful. Anyway, I just wanted my children to know that I was there for them, even though I couldn't leave work, they knew I knew what was going on and was looking out for them. They were only at the neighbors for about 1 1/4 hours, until Rob came home.

Okay, now to the reason for my title. Evidently Jordan decided it was okay to make fun of Austin for crying because it scared him a little. Imagine that, my GAD child being scared of this event! Okay, sorry for the sarcasm. Well, I couldn't figure out why the 2 of them had been fighting---literally fighting--from the time I came home until we left for church. Well, as we are driving down the road--maybe one block from home--Austin gets upset about Jordan touching him in the car, and it comes out that the reason for the tension is the teasing. It all makes sense now, Austin was extremely "anxious" about the whole situation, and then Jordan teasing him was making his "anxiety" worse. Well, Rob and I had enough of the fighting, and they were warned to stop or they'd be spending the evenings in their rooms, no electronics whatsoever. Guess where I am? At home, 2 boys in their beds, reading or writing, missing out on their great classes at church, as I am also. UGH!!! It is so hard sometimes to enforce discipline.

I had a nice talk with each of them, and they are no longer bickering back and forth, and it is quiet and calm in my house. It was a hard decision, but I think it will be one they remeber for a long time. They are very active, and they are spending the entire evening in their beds, and they are missing out on something they enjoy also.

I talked to Jordan about teasing his brother, and I truly feel he feels badly for his actions, and he talked to Austin about it. Austin knows, that his response to the teasing was unacceptable.

Well, I must go and accomplish something visible in this house.
Like I said, it is rough being a parent sometimes.

Update on my sister

She got her test results yesterday. It is just a "something"--she couldn't remeber what it was called. It is not cancerous and only needs to be removed if it grows or she wants to have it done.

Thanks for all your prayers.

My blog friends, please help me pray

My sister, yes the one who has been through so much, has a tumor on her side. I am leaving right now to take her to have a cat scan done on it. Please pray for her strength during this, and also that it would be nothing serious. The doctor said it could just be a fatty tumor, and nothing serious, however it could be something worse. We are hoping for the fatty tumor option. She has lost like 140 pounds, so it is quit possible that is all it is. Thanks in advance.

The other day, Thursday to be exact, Austin had his first appointment for his "anxiety therapy". Well, he was extremel "anxious" about this. He was jittery the night before, and could hardly sleep, in the morning he was so "scattered" it was kind of funny, extremely trying, but funny at the same time.

Well, of course the day was extremely unstuctured. Nothing routine at all, other than eating together in the evening and having our family worship. He was a little more scattered than usual in the evening.

Well, it is now bedtime. Zach has been sleeping on the couch, so Austin has full run of the bedroom. (I know, I know, we have allowed this just because it is easier than dealing with crazy bedtimes) Well, Zach said he wanted to sleep in his bed this night. I let Zach go in and of course it set Austin in a frenzy. I guess I forget that he doesn't take change very well, and I guess I really didn't view this as much of a change, well I was wrong. At any rate, I had to get up and deal with the situation. He got a spanking, of course that wasn't easy because he is so squirmy to begin with. Then I told him he had to stand against the wall until he calmed down, and coud go to bed without a fight with Zach. Well, I had to walk away for a minute and get Zach all tucked in, and when I came back to talk to Austin it went something like this. (I give God all the praise for this) I explained to Austin that it was extremely selfish for him to want the bedroom to himself each night, and make Zach sleep on the couch, and we discussed some other things. He tried to convince me he "couldn't" sleep with Zach in the room. I explained to Austin that we are the parents and responsible (in charge of him--words he could understand) for his discipline, and we are responsible to train him in Godly ways. I then asked this simple question, "who is in charge of Dad and I?" He said, real matter of factly "You and Dad." I responded, "No, it is God. He is in charge of us. And we are in charge of you. We are being disobedient to God when we don't discipline you and let you have your way all the time." I also admitted to him that we have failed lately and enforcing things on him, just because it is much easier not to, but by doing this we were in disobedience to God. I then explained to him that he is disobedient to God when he is disobedient to us. Boy, he sure didn't like that thought at all. I then addressed the issue of "I can't go to sleep with Zach in the room", this way. "Austin, I'm sure you are right and YOU can't get to sleep with Zach in the room, but God can help you, you just have to ask him to." We had a few more words, but that is the jist of it all. We then prayed together, he went to his room and fell asleep, and stayed in his own bed all night. God had helped him get to sleep and stay asleep. ***Thankfully, Zach was asleep by the time this whole conversation was over, so when Austin went back to his room Zach was sleeping. Isn't it great how God works out every little detail for us. We did discuss many other things, like the fact that we are sinful by nature, but we are part of Gods covenant family, and he gives us what we need to overcome.

I just wanted to share a little snapshot into the lives of us. Crazy most of the time, alot of fun (well, in hindsight it is funny) and a whole lot of learning as we go. God is so faithful. I'm so thankful for the things he brings to remberance at times like this.

Thougts of the day--well just one of them

The other day when we were driving home from church (which is quit a long haul for us--but always well worth it), I read a church sign that said the following: "If you don't like your lot in life, build a service station on it." I couldn't believe it really. I read it to Rob and of course we both just kind of chuckled--the question I ask is this; Is God sovereign or are we? I know I say that alot, but it is my thought. If we can just "build a service station over our lot in life", then why do we need God. If we can fix it ourselves, why bother with God. Then I began to think of the words of one of my favorite songs, It is Well with My Soul. Read the words, listen to the words, think of the story. "Whatever my lot, tho hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul." Oh, that songs says it all. If we as Christians believe these words, then why then do we say, "just build a service station over it."

I just really don't know how to express what I am feeling at this moment, I just have to say, "whatever my lot....it is well with my soul." Now, I know that my stuggles and trials my seem like nothing compartively speaking, but I do know that God is in control, and HE gives the grace that I need to endure to the end. I can tell you when I totally surrendered to the "complete sovereignty" of God, how humbled I became at my life. The fact that He has chosen to reveal His glorious truth to me and my family. Oh it brings tears to my eyes at the thought. Then, to realize that not only has he chosen to save me now, that I know He holds me in his hand. Safely, and securely in His hand. He will protect me, give me the grace that I need for each and every situation in my life.


I fully believe in the sovereignty of God, I believe that God DOES ordain each step in our lives--good and bad, they are used to bring glory to God. Tooday in church Pastor Charlie read the following verse:

Psalm 139:13-16 (ESV)
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

How awesome it is to think these truths. God knew every part of our lives, before we were even born. God is so big. I just thank God today and everyday, that He has chosen to open my blinded eyes one day and show my all His wonderful truths.

HELP

Okay, I updated my blog look. Not exactly what I was looking for, but hey it will do. It is a change.

My problem. Notice my links, some are a different color than others. Now, it may not seem like much, but it is going to bother me until I figure it out, you know how to make them all the same color. (Okay, now you see where Austin gets some of his problems).

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

***How did some of you get these real pretty/unique blog pages? Just curious. Not really that I would have alot of time to put one together. Just a question.

Check this out!

http://www.calvinistgadfly.com/?p=372

Okay, Rob saw this on Calvinist Gadfly. Check it out, let me know what you think. THe only question is God sovereign or are we? Or better yet are we sovereign until we decide to make God sovereign in our own lives? Interesting song, also check out some of the comments people left on this. It was quit commical to me (being the cynical person that I am).

This reminds me/humbles me to remember that is was God that chose me. Why me? Who knows, but God did choose me. It is such an awesome and humbling moment when you realize this.

New purse

This is my new purse. Rob went shopping for me for Christmas, and didn't find what he wanted to get me. So, I didn't get anything. And let me tell you I didn't even think a thing of it, nor did I remember when we went shopping this past weekend.

Well, Rob said "You need to pick something for Christmas." This is it.

I have needed a new purse for a while. I don't buy purses very often, and when I do, I use them until they fall apart. Well, at Thanksgiving I say one similiar to this at Khols, but it was tan/brown. I carried it around the store on 2 different occassions, and then decided not to buy it. Well, then we went this past weekend, and look I found it. It was perfect for me. So, that is what I chose.

This my friends is the reason for the absence.

**Notice the Christmas tree is still up.

This is the reason for my long absence. UGH!!!! I can hardly stand it anylonger. Believe me it was much worse yesterday, and that doesn't even touch the boys rooms.

I guess this is life with 2 parents working 40+ hours a week, and having 3 rambuctous boys.

See, this last picture, my attmept to organize the mess. That is another problem, when I clean I like to do it right, therefore I ususally make a bigger mess trying to clean. My husband laughs at me for this all the time.

I was off last weekend, and Rob and I went away from Saturday morning to late Sunday afternoon--early evening. It was great. We went to eat at the Olive Garden, which is the first place we went when we dated (okay not the exact one). We stayed at a hotel that gave us late checkout. We check in at around 4pm on Saturday and didn't have to check out until 3 pm the next day. It was a nice get a way, without much expense, and we weren't too awfully far from home.

Okay, then we came home, and back to work. I had yesterday and today off. Yesterday I planned on cleaning all day, well, that was nixed when I woke with a horrible migraine. I got the boys to school, then went back to bed until I needed to get up to take my husband lunch. Then I was able to clean some before the troops arrived.

Well, really I must go and clean. It was nice to know I am missed. I will try and make a real post later.

OFF TO CLEAN!!!! YEEHAW!!! Now, don't be jealous of me today. LOL!

Nap time

It is 1:10 pm, and I'm at home ALONE!!!! I think I'll take a nap.

I have worked 45+ hours a week for the past month or so, and today we were actually at full staff level at the store, I was done (kind of) with my work, and so I decided to leave. YEEHAW!!!

Rob is out of town, for a funeral in his family. The boys are at school. The house is farely clean. The laundry is caught up. What else is there to do but sleep.

Listen to me sleep. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Have a great day, and weekend. When Rob comes home we are going away ALONE, from Saturday am until sometime on Sunday.

Happy Anniversary

Today is our 15th wedding anniversary. We were married at 19 & 20. People, especially our parents, said we never make it. HA! By the grace of God, we have made it 15 years, and look forward to many many more. This may sound crazy, but I can't wait 'til like 50 years. God has been so faithful to us.

We've lived alot of years, been alot of places, done alot of craazy and not so crazy things in our marraige. Not all have been easy, but God has always been there for us.

I praise God today and each day for such a God fearing husband. He is a fabulous leader in our covenant family.

Happy Birthday Rob

Rob was the first baby of the year in 1972 at Copley Memorial Hospital, Aurora Ill.

We celebrated on Friday. I knew that I had to work today, at least part of the day. Well, it was a good thing that we did the celebration when we did. On Saturday I ended up working 16 hours, and then today I worked 8 (usual for a holiday is 4 hours). The flu is going around, and it is hitting all of the empolyees one at at time. UGH!!

This was our menu for our birthday meal.

**Coconut shrimp

**pina colda dipping sauce

**broasted potatoes

**corn

**chocolate eclair cake

Rob was surprised, because usually it is either late, or so obvious what we are planning. He was totally surpirsed.

Rob is the best husband in the world, he is a great father, a Godly leader of our family. We are so blessed to have him in our lives.

Questions boys ask

Here are a few of the latest.

During Family worship as we were reading Romans, it was talking about circumcision, and Austin asks when we were done reading. What is circumcision? Great question, right. Well, that was left up to Dad to explain. Of course he did a great job, and also talk of the spiritual application of circumcision of the heart. Anyway, it was a great chuckle for us all. So, at Christmas, Austin said to one of his aunts, knowing full well what he was doing, "Hey, lets talk about circumcision." Uh, what, she said. He then says, just kidding. This is by the way one of those things my boys are glad was done as a baby, and not when they were 30 years old. LOL! They are also happy to know that it is no longer the sign of the covenant.

Today, as my boys are playing their new playstation, they needed something to hold the cords, well, I think at least. Zach says, "Mom can I use one of your hair bracelets?" "Uh, what in the world are you talking about?" "Well, you know the hair bracelet" "You mean a pony tail holder?!" "Yeah, Mom." Of course you can use one, while I chuckle.

Silly boys.

Merry Christmas

May we remember the gift that was given on this day. Our savior. I wish you and yours a blessed Christmas and New Year. ***Last night in our family worship time, in which you wonder if your children really do inteed listen as they fidget and look around, we read Luke 2. When it was over, Jordan asked this question (well something to this effect) Where is says "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with who he is well pleased!" (Luke 2:14ESV) Is this talking about predestination? Absolutely, it is talking about definate atonement. Well, my point in this comment is that THEY DO LISTEN. There was also something that Austin picked up when we were doing our chatecism questions. This shows me that the boys are listening, thinking and taking to heart what they are being taught. I'm so thankful for many things this year. God has brought us so far on our journey. We have gone from being extremely legalistic, oneness pentecotal, to very reformed in our theology. God has revealed so much to us. And then, to top it all off, my children understand. God has opened their understanding. God is so AWESOME! He is so faithful. My children are a part of the covenant family. Okay, I could go on and on. I just want to praise God for revealing truth to us each day.

The things I saw when I walked into the boys room.

Yesterday when I came home, the boys room was a mess, as usual. I walked into survey the damage, and this is what I saw. These poor G.I. Joes were hanging. UGH! I continued on into the room, and behind the closet door, the next picture is what was hiding there. I asked Austin what happened the the "hanging G.I. Joes", he calmly told me that they had disobeyed the laws of war and were being hanged. Then I asked it the closet was a hosptial, or what, he said "no this is their beds. The hanger you see is the "lift" into the bunks. Very imaginative boys I have. They happened to use an entire box of kleenex for the beds, I sure hope the G.I. Joes were comfy.

Zach gingerbread house he made at school

Austin update

Austin goes to Riley Children's Hospital ADHD Clinic again tomorrow. He is doing exceptionally well with his new medicine. I was concerned because the Dr. said it could cause his anxiety to become worse and then it is just a 12 hour med, so I was also worried about the evenings. He has been doing so much better. He has a rough time getting started in the morning. He is SO scattered, the other day it took him 20 minutes to put on 1 shoe, and then I had to tie it for him. He was trying to do so many other things while he was putting on the shoe. Well, we figured that out. I take him his pill with a drink, before he really wakes up and he takes it, this way when he does get out of bed (usually about 30 min later) he is ready to do what needs to be done. This has helped tremendously. Our evenings are not as chaotic as I thought they'd be. He is a little more high strung than before, however, he is not having the outburst of rage, and he is playing with his brothers somewhat calmly (well, as calm as 3 boys together can be). I think that because his days are much more relaxed it is helping him in the evening, because he doesn't have all the bottled up anxiety from a day "gone wrong". Oh, and lest I forget. He was doing HORRIBLE in spelling--d's and f's faithfully, and that with extra help. He has gotten 2 B's and last week was an A. WOOHOO! He was so excited! So, I guess I have to say overall, Austin is doing well. Thank God for medical help. He is such a great kid, and he just needed some help. Oh, I think his sleeping is a little better. Well, except the other night, he was up playing video games in the middle of the night--he says "what am I supposed to do when I can't sleep and everyone is asleep?"

Reason for my absence

Hello to all my mny (ha) blog friends. I have missed you all. I have a computer with an illness, and its warranty just ran out (imagine that), and it is $70 just to look at it. NOT happening now.

Well, I'll do a short, very short update, as I need to get my children picked up in about 10 minutes.

Things are well in the Myers home. The boys are fighting less, because they are being forced to interact with each other, since they can't get on the computer, or the PS1 (it's broken too). I love it. I'm am spending more time with my children, also since I can't waste time online. So, see there are good things to say about our computer problems. Now, dont get me wrong, I sure do miss blogging and reading my friends blog, but for now, we'll just have to make a trip to the library or someplace else to do this.

We had a great Thanksgiving weekend. We were able to spend good quality time with Rob's 2 sisters and their families. It was great. FABULOUS! Actually.

Well, that is it for now. Maybe I'll make the short trek back to the library to blog some more. We'll see. Maybe I'll even have a profound thought for the day. Until next time.

Melissa

You are Sunrise

You Are Sunrise

You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary.You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward. Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts.

All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be.


Okay, I do hate to admit this, but I think this is all pretty true to me. Ha! These things are too funny to me.

Welcome Jayden Michael

My manager, Kendra had her baby today.

Jayden Michael. He was born at 12:56pm, and weighed 6 lb 7.3 oz. He is absolutely adorable.

My adorable nephew

The wonderful things my children can do. Isn't it great?!

The Fort Austin & Zach built

This is what I saw when I turned onto our street. Great view. The boys evidently needed a Fort for some reason. I told you, they are very creative. (do you see the Colts flag hanging on the fort--too funny).

Life with boys

This is what ones bathroom may look like when living with little boys. They were playing G.I. Joes, I'm not exactly sure what was happening. Let me tell you this much: give my boys some string (in this case it was embroidery thread) and a box (not necessarily this time) and they can entertain themselves for hours. My boys are very creative.

Was it Thanksgiving or Christmas?

These are all the cousins from Rob's family. Rob has 2 younger sisters. Jen & Faith. We enjoyed spending alot of time with them all. Eating, shopping, talking, laughing, eating some more, and just lots of fun.

Front from left: Montgomery, Acacia (Jen & Dean's kids) & Myles (Faith & Brent's boy)

Back: Zach, Austin & Jordan

We had "great fun" this past weekend. It ended up being Thanksgiving/Christmas all weekend.

I'll post details of our trip later. Now, I must go to bed.

I will say the kids were wonderful. They all played together so well, even shopped together well. It was a lot of fun times and memories for them.

Thanksgiving Turkey

Here are some pictures of a project that Zach made today at school. It was a turkey (notice I say was--he ate it right after I took the picture) out of a apple, and colored marshmallows.

I just thought it was so cute.

Austin's second Dr visit

We went to Riley Childrens Hospital again on Friday. It was a shorter visit and Austin was able to go school for the afternoon, which is what he wanted. I had kind of planned on just enjoying the day with him, and NO he wanted to get back to go to school. (the hospital is almost 2 hours away, so it is quit feesible to be gone the entire day).

They are changing his meds for the ADHD. She has us weaning him off the current medication and slowly adding the new medication. Great plan. The last time we tried to switch, it was one day one kind the next day the new kind and it was AWFUL!!! I even thing awful is an understatement. At any rate, I'm curious how this new medication will work. We are hoping it will allow him some better sleep.

She says that Austin suffers from General Anxiety Disorder. We have a few options. 1.) is medication like prozac or something else. 2.) Copeing therapy. 3.) Both. The therapy takes anywhere from 8 to 22 sessions, and they like to see children at least once every 2 weeks. She asked what I preferred. I said the therapy for now. She said that is great, because if he never learns to cope and we just do meds, he'll not know what to do and if as an adult he decides not to take meds, he'll be a mess. So we start therapy in January (that was the quickest we could get him in). I also said if he does these sessions and still needs some meds, we'll talk about that later. I would like to see what we can change by behavior modification. I am in hopes that they will give me lots of reading material, or ideas of what to read, so we can help alot at home, and learn what we can, so maybe we won't need 22 sessions. Please continue to pray for us during this time. It is really hard on Austin. He gets so upset with himself.

Just wanted to update on the happenings for Austin. We are finally making progress in this battle.

A quick note on our visit. Of course it is a childrens hospital. We saw many, many children coming and going. Babies hooked up to machines, babies and children with no hair, children in walkers, and thing like this. Austin was quit amazed by this. We talked about how blessed we are that they are physicaly healthy, and that there are many families with sick children, and we should pray for them. Well, today at Wal-Mart he saw a container for donations, and it was for Riley Children's Hosptial, and wouldn't you know he was putting all his change in the bottle and asking for more. Zach wasn't sure what was going on, so I heard Austin explain to him that this would go to help the sick children that go to Riley. Austin said he was sad when he thought about how sick some children are. I am blessed to have children with so much compassion. God is so good.

Just another great God story

Here I shared with you all how I was feeling about stuff in general. Well, I woke up with a much better attitude. The Holy Spirit was at work in my heart and life. I said a silent prayer as I started my day that God would give me the grace I needed, and he did. Isn't it amazing what God will do if we just ask. At any rate, it was a good day. (Actually all of them have been good since I got my selfish attitude in check again) Jordan, who is now 12.5 years old decides he is just going to have a crummy attitude and treat his brothers awful. Well, I had tried to remprimand him kindly, and ended up sending him to his room. I told him all he had to do was change the attitude, and he could join the family again. He goes to his room, and comes right out, and I could tell there was absolutely no change, so back he went to his room. Which of course he thougth I was just awful. I thought to myself, "self you need to have a talk with this boy" (actually I'm sure it was the Holy Spirit at work again in my life). Well, what in the world am I going to say to a child in a bad mood, that I feel like I'm talking to myself when I talk to him. (does anyone understand what I mean by that) Well, I go in and just have a conversation something along these lines.

I talked to him about the bad attitude, and how sometimes it is jut much easier to keep the attitude than get rid of it. Even when we know we are wrong with out actions. He just looked at me, like whatever. I talked about how we are like this because we are sinners, even if we've been saved we are still sinners and have a sinful nature. Still just looks is about all I'm getting with an occasional nod. I went on to tell him the only way to change is to ask God to forgive us for the selfsih ness and ask for his help in changing. More nods and looks. Then I went on to talk about myself ahving a negitive attitude and knowing it, but not changing, or asking for God to help me. I told him that before I went to bed on Sunday I had to repent of my selfish sinful ways and God changed my attitude and helped me. At that I got a big grin and I could tell he was understanding what I was saying. He didn't necessarily need me to tell him what to do, or how he was srong, he knew that. He needed to know that I struggle the same way sometimes, well lots, and I have to ask God to forgive me and help me. It was such a wonderful experience for us both. I got a big hug and I love you from the boy. I connected with my soon to be teen, who I now look at his chin when he stands in front of me. What a great kid. What a great big God we serve. He used that awful mood I'd gotten into to bring glory to Him. God used my situation to show my son that we all struggle, we are all sinful by nature, but God can and will help us each day.

Nice day

Today at our church was Thanksgivng dinner. It is my weekend to work, therefore, we really didn't plan on staying for the dinner. It was at 5 pm, and it just didn't seem feesible to stay gone all day. Well, then we get to church and they announce no Wednesday night service, so therefore, we stayed in New Castle (which is about 50-55 min from home) for the day. We had driven in seperate vehicles, which actually worked out great this time. We were able to take the van to Wal-Mart and get the oil changed, and still have a vehicle to run around in. We ate, extremely cheap at McDonalds, and then Pastor Charlie left the church office unlocked and we just hung out there for a couple of hours. It was a nice time, we were able to talk to the church secretary, who I've never actually had time to have a conversation with, and there was a pool table in the basement, which occupied the boys. This wonderfu covenant family we are a part of is great. We love this church family. It was a nice day. We got back to town around 7:15 and I went into work to finish my weekend duties. I really should be in bed, but obviously I'm not.

***let me explain, just in case you wonder, my weekend schedule at work. I have to work 18 hours between the 2 days (sat & sun). I work at least 10 on Saturday, and get all my Saturday stuff done, and start what I can of my Sunday work, then on Sunday when I go in I just do the paperwork, the banking, and stuff like that, then I leave and go to church. Then when the boys get close to bedtime, I go back into work and finish, usually about 3 hours. I have to finish the grocery order for our store, which includes inventorying all cigarettes and figuring the order for the week. Then my weekend work is done. I'm so thankful that my manager understands how important that church is to me, and allows me to be so flexible with Sundays. It works great, because I get stuff done before church spend the day with the boys and go back when they go to bed.

I'm going to be bad today! It's okay though

Today I am off of work. Jordan and Austin had eye doctors appointments. I just took them to school. My house is a mess, like usual. However, I have some things I'm going to do instead of cleaning at the moment.

Jordan has grown so stinking much that his jeans I just bought him when school started are getting too small--good thing he only has 2 pairs. Therefore, I'm going to go to the mall today. I love to buy the boys jeans at Old Navy, and besides I'll go to Kohls also. Those are my 2 favoritest stores well, besides Wal-Mart. I have returns to all 3 stores actually, so off I go to enjoy my day off. I guess I'll pay for it later. I am hoping to get back just as the boys get out of school. You know we live FAR from a city with the stores I like to shop at, so it will not leave me with much browsing time, but that is okay, I really don't have alot of extra $$$ to spend at the moment.

Oh, by the way, yesterday was a wonderful day in our house. I'll post a story about it later. It is amazing what the Holy Spirit can do through us when we are not looking at ourselves.

Have a great day.

This is a test! and I'm falling horribly!

Do I really believe that God is sovereign and in control at all times? Do I really believe that God will give the grace necessary to get through hard times in our lives?

I'm tired! I'm exhausted from working full time (40-45 hours a week lately), Rob is working a very physically demanding job 45 hours a week, we have 3 ADHD children, a house, and just life in general. Let me be the first to admit. I'm doing a lousy job keeping up with all this. I'm tired all the time. My nerves are shot, I don't have patience with the boys, I can't keep my house picked up much less clean. UGH!!!! Today was another of those days. I was off this weekend, however I worked for 8 days straight to get to this point. I was tired. They boys stayed at my sisters on Friday. Great I thought, I'll get up and clean and do laundry, then we can go to the promised "Wal-mart shopping spree" with the boys. Well, I did sleep in. I slept until 9am. Got up started my day. My dryer is not working right. The vent house is flex pipe (?) and is full of lint, therefore, it will not heat up to dry properly. Therefore, it takes 2 to 3 times longer to dry the clothes, which makes laundry more of a nightmare than usual.

Okay, enough gripping. Today on the way to church I wasn't in a very good mood. I know it is just pure selfishness, things aren't going smoothly for me, and I don't like it at all. I'm tired of the boys fighting all the time, I'm tired with Austin (poor little guy wears me out), I'm just tired. Well, then we get to church, and of all things we talked about in SS was "Thankfulness". UGH!!! I was so convicted, I was almost in tears the entire time, good thing no one made eye contact with me or I would have lost it, like I'm about to do know just thinking of it.

Some of the things that Patti talked about were so elementary, I know them, but boy did I need to hear them. God is so absolutely great, and even if he doesn't give us exactly what we want we should still worship and glorify him. He doesn't owe me anything. I owe him so very much. He has given me life, and more than that, he calls me his own. He is my father, what more do I need. UGH!! I get so frustrated with myself sometimes. I'm so stinking sinful sometimes, it drives me crazy. I think I get trapped back into the mindset of "works based" thinking. I.E. "You know God I'm doing my best, couldn't you just reward me for that?" WHY! WHY! WHY! God is so awesome, I can't even put into words how I feel right at this moment. Why, when I feel this way to I allow my self to get so upset at circumstances, why don't I just turn my eyes towards God and cry out to him for help? Sinful nature, and a lack of quiet time each day with the one who is able to sustain me through all things, that is why. I have gotten so wrapped up with the day to day things, that I've forgotten to talk with God each day. It is so easy to say, "I trust God can carry me through any circumstance" and not believe it with all your heart. Today the Holy Spirit sure did a work in my life, I hope to not soon forget. Now does this mean I didn't struggle at all the rest of the day, absolutely not, I just know where I can find my true joy. It is in worshiping the creator, not what he has or hasn't done in my life God has preordained these circumstances, gave me the children I have, and I have to trust that he will work through me and carry me through this time.

I hope that this makes some sense to someone out there. Even if it doesn't, that is okay. To God be the glory for the revelation he did in my heart today.

Hevenly Father, I worship you for who you are. Father, please forgive me once again for my unbelief and selfish sinful nature. I have taken my eyes off of you once again, and focused my attention on the things in my life, and not on you. I cry out to you with a humble heart, asking that you please give me the strenght it takes to get through this time. You know the thoughts and desires of my heart. Lord you have given me the children chosen for me by you. Lord I thank you for them. Lord help me to glorify you, and to show them the love that you've shown to me. Help me Lord to be kind, and not so critical and unhappy towards my chilren. Lord, through the work of the Holy Spirit, I ask that you produce the fruits of the spirit in my life. I want to glorify you in all I do. Not for myself, but that others may see Christ in me. I thank you that you chose me "before the foundation of the world". You knew exactly who I'd be, and all the circumstances that I'd encounter. I thank you that you sent your one and only son to die on that cross for my sins. I thank you that even though I'm a sinner, I know that you love me, and my salvation is secure for Christ holds me in his hand, and you, Father, hold that hand that holds me. Oh, I get such joy when I think of that. I thank you once again just for who you are. I know God that you will carry me through this time in my life. In your sons precious name. Amen!

The Karate Kid

Here is some great pictures of Austin and Zach. As you can see my boys love to dress up too. It is funny to see what they come up with. This day evidently was Karate Day. Boys are great. So much fun.
Now let me tell you, this picture is a little decieving. They don't always act this calm when the other wants to try and kick you. LOL!!
Austin looks ready to conquer the world. See, he is such a great kid.

Zach's cake--Yummy!

I can't believe I forgot to post this picture. Zach baked this cake (with a little help from me). He picked it out and everything. It was chocolate fudge cake with chocolate fudge icing. It didn't sound very appealing--too chocolatey--but it was delicous. It was very moist, and the icing was fabulous. See the "Fall colors" on top. It was like one of the first few days of fall, so we decided it would be a "Fall Cake". What fun. Baking with my boys. They love it.

Family Photo

Here is the latest Myers Family picture. It usually takes me about 1 year to talk my husband into getting pictures taken. This time I think it only took 8 months. What a guy. Like how I have the boys match. Fun! I'm sure there will be a day that they won't do it for me. We'll see. My face looks a little pale in this copy, I'm not the best at scanning and that kind of stull. OOPS!

have a great day. I must get ready for work, since I've done nothing this mornig but mess on the computer.

Obedience

You must read this today. WOW!!!
http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php

It is not a set of rules to obey. It is to obey the creator.

How selfish am I at times. Looking at God through pinholes and not directly in his face.


Heavenly Father, Forgive me for my selfish acts. It is my desire to be obedient to you each day.
Thank you for your loving forgiveness. You forgive me each and everyday, sometimes for the same ol' thing. I thank you for the sacrifice you made, through you son Jesus, on Calvary that day long ago. I thank you that you chose me before I could even think to chose you. I want to bring glory to you each and every day. Even though I fail so many times, you are so faithful to love and forgive me. Please Lord teach me to look to you first, not myself for the answers. I thank you again for your undying faithfulness, grace and mercy. In your Sons precious name. Amen

Phlegmatic

***You Have a Phlegmatic Temperament***
Mild mannered and laid back, you take life at a slow pace.
You are very consistent - both in emotions and actions.
You tend to absorb set backs easily. You are cool and collected.

It is difficult to offend you.
You can remain composed and unemotional.
You are a great friend and lover.
You don't demand much of others.
While you are quiet, you have a subtle wit that your friends know well.

At your worst, you are lazy and unwilling to work at anything.
You often get stuck in a rut, without aspirations or dreams.
You can get too dependent on others, setting yourself up for abandonment.

What Temperment Are You?http://www.blogthings.com/whattempermentareyouquiz/

I'm a wild, drinking, abusive parent with tattoos! NOT!!!!!

Crazy isn't it. Let me fill you in on these comments.

Yesterday my friend Becky called me and told me that someone was giving her a hard time, because she had chosen (well, God chose--another story for another time) to start coming to church with me and leave our former faith family also. Okay, well, this is the jist of what her friend asked her. "You were supposed to help win her (me) back to the faith--the truth--not go with her. Besides I'd heard she (me) had gone wild since she left and had tatoos, and stuff like that." Crazy right? Let me ask you this question, did anyone who said these things, or heard these things about me bother to call and see what was going on? NOT!!! It was just easier to continue to tell these stories. Let me tell you something else, I won't even get my eyes pierced, do you think I'm going to get a tatoo? NOT!!!!! People are so shallow and closed minded. UGH!!!

Now, here is the alcohol part. Today, I had to take Zach to the Dr. to get a refill on his perscription. Dr. Downey comes in and here is our conversation--well, maybe not word for word, but you'll ge the idea.

Dr. : "What's going on?"(very concerned like)
Me: "Not, much, just need a refill for Zach."
Dr.: "This isn't for Austin?"
Me: "No why?"
Dr.: "What's going on will Austin."
Me: "Well we went to Riley last week, and go back in a couple of weeks again. Why?"
Dr.: "Have you taken him to Winds of Change?"
Me: "Yes, why?"
Dr." "Your boys have the same Dad right?"
Me: "Uh, Yeah!" (very dumbfounded by this question--since we know him personally and
have gone to him for 4 years.)
Dr.: "Well, I got a faxed letter from Winds of Change, something about Austin being scared to go
to his Dad's because he drinks alot and is abusive."
Me: "Not my Austin. In fact I"ve not taken him there in a while, I found it useless, since we
were going to go to Riley."
Dr.: "Okay, I'm going to check this letter out again, and I'll show you."
He brings the letter in, and yes, it was about my Austin--but it was a BIG mix up.
Me: "Hey, (lightbulb moment) there is another Austin same middle and last name in this
county, and get this the only difference in their birthdays are the months they were
born. Same day and year."
Dr.: "How do you know this?"
Me: "Because when Austin was a baby I went to the health department to get his shots once,
and they tried to tell me he had already gotten them. I had to convince them he had not
and that is when I discovered this."
The Dr. and I just kind of chuckled about this when we figured it out. He immediately, while I was there, called Winds of Change and told them they were mistaken. Wrong Austin. So, I proceeded to tell him the other things I'd learned this week about myself. Great laugh. He told me I'd probably better lay off the alcohol and quit abusing my kids. LOL! I told him the only alcohol I've ever tasted was communion wine--and that was only once--every other church we went to served juice.

Boy, am I thankful for a Doctor who does know us well, and he believed me when I told him "Absolutely NO was my husband a drinker, and definately not abusive." Crazy huh! I'm just so glad that I had the appointment today, or who knows what would have happened.

Just thought I'd share the funny story with you all.

So, truthfully, I'm am not a drinking, abusive mother with tatoos. And YES, all my children do have the same father.

I got a chuckle out of this today. Hope you do too.