Day 30: A Dream for the Future

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:17

Day 29: My Hopes/Dreams/Plans for the Next 365 Days

Where do I even begin? With the financial trials we have had my biggest hopes plans and dreams for the next 365 days is to do all we can to stay on budget and try to regain some financial stability. My hopes are that we continue to trust in the Lord and that His will be done. My dreams are for my husband to not be so stressed out and be able to enjoy life with Joshua and with me.

Day 28: What's In My Diaper Bag

(I very rarely carry a purse anymore, so these are the things contained in my daiper bag)

I've got keys on a ring for everything, my lucky rabbits foot, a bell a whistle, a feather a thistle a map of Connecticut...

Oh, wait, that's what's in my pocket (winking at my sisters) ;)

I have 8 diapers, a changing pad, two changes of clothes for Joshua, two travel wipe cases, 3 toys (A dump truck, a duck and a yellow submarine). A dreft pen, diaper rash cream, orajel, nose sucky thing, rod of correction, my wallet and keys and that is about it. There is usually a book in there too, but I think that is somewhere else right now... not sure.

Day 27: My Worst Habit

I am a big twisted knot of bad habits.

As I told my hubby (and sisters) this week, I don't know how I made it through life without getting addicted to drugs and alcohol when I have the worst time with getting addicted to other things (like facebook, family feud, freecell, tv, food, etc...)

But my worst habit is my laziness... *yes, of course it's embarrassing to admit* but I struggle with it on a daily basis. I am working hard to not be idle during the day. I even had my hubby change the password on the computer so I wouldn't be able to get on it during the day... it's working so far. I do most of my online stuff after he's gone to bed.

I have really been praying about this bad habit lately, and the Lord has blessed me to see a light at the end of the tunnel (so to speak) and with a really detailed checklist, and a son who apparently was really craving a good schedule I have had a very good, productive week!

Day 26: My Week In Great Detail

This is going to be less detailed than my post yesterday (simply because I do not feel like writing in great detail)

Sunday, went to church (had a lovely day in the Lord). Brother Buddy preached about God's Will. After church (and resting a bit) we went to Walmart and to Home Depot. At home I made chicken pot pie for dinner. We ate dinner and watched tv and went to bed.

Monday (started a new daily checklist)- woke up made the bed, got dressed, got Joshua up, he watched tv and drank milk while i made breakfast (and lunch for Joshua since we were going out). We ate, (and while slow pokey continued to eat) I cleaned the breakfast dishes up and vacuumed the floors (hallway, living room, dining room and kitchen). After breakfast, Joshua watched tv while I prepared for going out to lunch with my siblings for Kyle's birthday. I then got Joshua dressed and we read for about 30 minutes until 11:00 am when Kimberly came to get us. Went to Books A million and then Crispers. Then we left to pick up Brooke from school (yes, that is how long we were out) :) Kimberly drove me to Publix (where shopping is a pleasure, even though it's more expensive than wal mart). Played with Joshua for a while, then heated up dinner. Me and Joshua ate. Cleaned up the dishes (Jim's dinner was in the fridge for when he got home). Joshua got a bath. We had our praise time (this is the part of the evening where we all sit on the couch and sing hymns and try to work with Joshua on sitting still). Put Joshua to bed, watched tv Joshua kept waking up because of really bad congestion, finally just laid on the couch with him until 2:00am, finally put him to bed and went to bed also.

Tuesday, woke up made the bed, took shower got dressed, got Joshua up, he watched tv and drank milk while i made breakfast (and lunch for Joshua since we were going out). We ate, I cleaned the breakfast dishes up, Joshua watched tv until 10am at which time we had story time for 30 minutes. Joshua then went to play in his room and I cleaned the bathrooms. At 11:45 prepared lunch, ate lunch, put Joshua down for a nap. Caught up on my bible reading. Got Joshua up from his nap, gave him his milk, prepared for going out with family to celebrate kyle's birthday (this time for dinner). Got dressed and dressed Joshua. Dad picked us up at 5pm went back to their house. Got to the restaurant and had a wonderful meal with my whole family and Jim met us there after work. (got to feed baby Ka Ka a bottle for the first time). Went home put Joshua to bed stayed on the computer writing blogs/playing fam feud. Went to bed

Wednesday, pretty much same routine, got up, made bed, took shower, got Joshua up, gave milk, prepared and ate breakfast, cleaned up kitchen, started the crockpot with dinner, vacuumed, had story time, Joshua played in his room, I flat-ironed my hair, me and Joshua played together a little, i prepared lunch, we ate, he went down for a nap, I did my bible reading, got Joshua up from his nap, played for a little while, gave him a bath, served and ate dinner, got ready for church, went to church, another wonderful sermon about God's will, stopped on the way home for a choc shake, put Joshua to bed, watched some tv, played on the pc, went to bed

Thursday, same story, woke up, made bed, got dressed, got Joshua up, gave milk, made breakfast, ate, cleaned kitchen, dusted the house, had story time, borrowed mom-in-laws car went to bank, came home made lunch, ate, put Joshua down for a nap, did my bible reading, took a little nap too. Got Joshua up, gave milk, played ABC blocks etc. Prepared dinner, ate, sent Joshua to room to play and worked on a nursing cover for sister's friend, gave Joshua a bath, had praise time, put Joshua to bed, sent a couple of emails, watched tv, ate popcorn, played on the pc, went to bed

Friday, you know the drill, woke up, dressed, Joshua-up, milk, breakfast, clean kitchen, vacuum floors (including bedrooms this time), have story time, Joshua to his room for playing, mop the floors, break for lunch, Joshua down for nap, strip bed for washing, bible reading, finish nursing cover, Joshua up-milk, mom and josh time, break for cooking dinner, eat, clean kitchen, bath for Joshua, praise time, Joshua to bed, free time till bedtime

Saturday,

Day 25: My Day in Detail

In case you don't know this, I have been writing these blogs (mostly all at one time) and scheduling them to post on their respective days. So this post is actually reflecting my day on August 31.

Slept on the couch with Joshua until 2am (poor little guy was real congested and kept crying because his throat must have been sore). Woke up at 8:30 am (Joshua woke me up by singing "Happy Birthday To Puppy" at the top of his lungs). Made my bed, went in got Joshua and changed his diaper. Warmed his milk and sat him on the couch to watch Curious George (one of his very most favorite tv shows). While he drank his milk, I made pancakes. We ate our pancakes together and I cleaned up the kitchen while he finished.

After breakfast, we brushed teeth, got dressed and at 10:00am we had story time. I set the timer for 30 minutes and we read The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Baby's First (Golden) Book, Joshua's personalized Disney Cars Book, we looked at a seek and find picture book. And read his ABC Train book.

When the timer rang, Joshua went to his room to play while I cleaned the bathrooms. My mom-in-law came for a visit at 11:30 and Joshua dumped all his ABC blocks on the floor to play with while "Me-maw" was visiting. At 11:45, I prepared lunch for me and Joshua (we had leftover chicken pot pie ("bot bye" as Joshua calls it). After lunch, I put Joshua down for a nap. While he slept, I cleaned the kitchen from lunch time and talked on the phone with Kyle and mom. At 1:45, I sat down to read my bible. I missed my reading yesterday and Sunday so I read Proverbs 29, 30 and 31 and I am reading in Joshua right now also so I read Joshua 8-10. I then read a few more chapters in To Train Up A Child.

At 2:40 Joshua woke from his nap. I warmed his afternoon milk and let him watch his Barney movie while I prepared things for going out later (to celebrate Kyle's birthday). At 4:15, Joshua and I got dressed for going to dinner, and cleaned up toys and books. Dad picked us up at 5:00pm on his way home from work and we went to mom and dad's house so dad could get ready for dinner. We left at about 5:50pm (that's miller-tarry time which is about 10-15 minutes fast).

We arrived at Louie Macks steakhouse and were sat right away. They gave us our own private dining room (it was quite nice). Everyone arrived at the restaurant (Jim made it just in time for the waiter to take his order). I had the prime rib with mashed potatoes and it was DE-LISH! We enjoyed great time with the family for this special occasion (I got some good quality time with Baby Ka-Ka and also with Lindsey.

We left the restaurant at 9pm and came home where we got Joshua ready for bed and did our bedtime ritual with him. Jim was really tired (poor guy is completely burned out from work) so he went on to be too. I stayed up to get in my computer time. I have been staying off the computer until the evening so I can stay on task throughout the day (it is working very well so far). And after I finish this post. I am headed to bed!

Good night!

Day 24: Where I Live

Mulberry... not the cultural high point of the good ol' USA, but a place I have loved to call home for the past 4 years. We live in a very quiet subdivision that was developped in the 1970's (our home was built in 1978- what a great year). To our knowledge there were only 2 owners prior to us purchasing the home. The first owners lived here from 1978 to 1984. Then the owners from whom we purchased retired here from OH and lived here from 1984 until 2006. The house was immaculate when we moved in (noticed I said "was") It looked as though it had just been built... in 1978 (not modern by any means, but very well maintained). Since moving in, we have gutted the living room (jim removed a 3/4 wall that divided the dining room and the living room) raised the floor (it was a sunken living room) and put in hardwood bamboo floors. He enclosed the laundry room (which was in the garage) and made a doorway from inside the house so I have an indoor laundry room (which I LOVE). There have been very few other changes made. We took the wallpaper down in the Master Bath and painted, but that's about it.

Please be in prayer for us as we continue to work with a real estate attorney to try to re-negotiate with the bank (so that we can stay in the house)

Day 23: A Youtube Video

Il Divo singing Amazing Grace live at the Coliseum in Rome.

And my personal favorite Youtube video (of course it's my favorite cause it's a video of my Joshua!) I am sure it will make you laugh! :)

Day 22: A Website

The Duggar Family

This truly is an amazing family.

Day 21: A Recipe

Vegetarian Tortilla Pie (from Good Housekeeping)

I make this recipe at least twice a month. It is SOOOOOO good and so super simple. And healthy to boot! :)


4 10" flour tortillas
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 (12 oz) jar medium salsa
1 can no-salt corn, drained
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
6 oz. reduced fat Mexican blend cheese (cheddar or Monterey can be used too)

1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves (I used 1/8 cup dried cilantro)

Preheat oven to 450°F. Spray the bottom of a 15x10 1/2" jelly roll pan with cooking spray.

In a small bowl, combine tomato sauce and salsa. In medium bowl, combine corn, black beans and cilantro.

Place one tortilla in the bottom of the jelly roll pan. Top with 1/3 of the salsa mixture, then 1/3 of the black bean/corn mixture then 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat layers twice, ending with the last tortilla.

Place in oven and heat for 10-12 minutes.

Day 20: A Hobby of Mine

I love to sew, and I have really enjoyed making nursing covers for several sisters in our church (as well as some friends of my sisters). I have several projects ahead of me, just not sure when I will get to them

Day 19: A Talent of Mine

I don't really consider myself to be talented at anything. If you ask my family they will say I am a talented singer, and perhaps a talented sewer. But, I think I am just average- though I love to do both those things. I know there are a lot of people that are a lot better than I at both.

Day 18: My "Past" Wedding

It all started because Sister Gayle asked me if I liked Jim as much as he liked me: (I did, but I was not at a place in my life where I was available to have such feelings). Afraid that Jim would move on before I was available, I (contrary to all I was taught) approached Jim with my feelings for him and he told me he had already planned on waiting for me... (The Lord was already working) :)

On October 25, 2003 (I think- I remember it was not too long after my birthday) Jim took me to a beautiful formal restaurant where he proposed. We were married on May 8, 2004. My Matron on honour was my lovely sister, Kerry (I was Kimberly's maid of honour, Kimberly was Kerry's maid of honour and Kerry was my matron of honour). I had two other bridesmaids, my sister Kimberly and my friend from church Rachael. Jim's Best Man was my brother, Kyle. And Matthew (Kerry's hubby) and Phil (Kimberly's hubby) were his groomsmen. We had the most adorable Junior Bridesmaid, Tess (Jim's niece) and Ring Bearer, Ethan (Jim's nephew) - and even though you might think it was my day since I was the bride, it was actually the two most precious flower girls anyone has ever had in their bridal party that stole the show! Abbey and Brooke (both were 4 at the time- if I remember correctly) Brooke (who is a little CDO like her mom) was not very happy about throwing flower petals on the floor.. it was after all just a huge mess. So as they walked down the aisle, Abbey threw the petals and Brooke stepped on them :) Our Pastor at the time, Brother Steve, married us, our Ushers were Rachael's dad, Chris and my cousin, Bill (who Jim worked with prior to ever meeting me). We had the best photographer, Danny Cruz (of Lakeland, FL). We were truly blessed with the family and friends that attended, and while it went by so fast and all I have are pictures as reminders, it is by far my fondest of memories as it was the day I married my best friend!

Day 17: An Art Piece

I hope I don't get in trouble for posting this on my blog. I know the artist personally, but didn't ask his permission to post it:

Jim's Uncle Richard is an artist. He works with a media called digital art and I think he is absolutely phenominal. I took this image from his website. It's called Flight Path and it's part of his "abstract" works.

Day 16: A Song That Makes Me Cry (or nearly)

Show Pity Lord, O Lord Forgive
Show pity, Lord, O Lord, forgive,
Let a repenting rebel live:
Are not Thy mercies large and free?
May not a sinner trust in Thee?

My crimes are great, but not surpass
The power and glory of Thy grace:
Great God, Thy nature hath no bound,
So let Thy pardoning love be found.

Should sudden vengeance seize my breath,
I must pronounce Thee just in death;
And if my soul were sent to hell,
Thy righteous law approves it well.

Yet save a trembling sinner, Lord,
Whose hope, still hovering round Thy Word,
Would light on some sweet promise there,
Some sure support against despair.

O Depth of Mercy! Can it be
that Mercy's still reserved for me?
Ah, can my God His wrath forbear,
And me the chief of sinners spare?

Mt Zion Primitive Baptist Church of Gray, Ga - Show Pity Lord Powered by abmp3 search engine

Day 15: My Dream Home

I have always been drawn to Plantation Homes. I love the large wrap-around porches, and generally there is always a grand staircase as you enter a plantation home. It's the very picture of Southern Hospitality don't you think?

Day 14: A Non-fictional Book

As Kerry stated in her post of favorite books, I too am reading the book To Train Up A Child. I am really gaining some good tips on training Joshua. However, there is one book I would really like to read: (this was prior to the birth of their 19th child and is in ref. to the parents + 18 children)

(Publisher's Description) This practical, positive book reveals the many parenting strategies that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar use as they preside over America's best-known mega-family. Each time a new baby arrives, the press from around the world clamors for interviews and information. Visitors are amazed to find seventeen (baby number eighteen is due January 1, 2009) well-groomed, well-behaved, well-schooled children in a home that focuses on family, financial responsibility, fun—and must importantly, faith.
Readers will learn about the Duggars' marriage—how they communicate effectively, make family decisions, and find quality time alone. They'll discover how the Duggars manage to educate all their children at home, while providing experiences that go beyond the family walls, through vacations and educational trips. And they'll see how the Duggar family manages their finances and lives debt-free—even when they built their own 7,000-square-foot house.

Answering the oft asked question—How can I do with one or two children what you do with seventeen(soon to be eighteen)?—Jim Bob and Michelle reveal how they create a warm and welcoming home filled with what Michelle calls "serene chaos." They show how other parents can succeed whether they're rearing a single child or several. With spiritual insights, experience-based wisdom, practical tips, and plenty of humorous and tender anecdotes, the Duggars answer the questions that pour into the family's Web site on a daily basis—especially after every national media interview and TV appearance—including their segments on the Discovery Health Channel's "Meet the Duggars" series.

Day 13: A Fictional Book

Published in 1985, this is the only book required by the school system to ever make it on my "I can't put it down" list. I have never been a huge fan of sci-fi but this book (and the movie Gattaca) are two that I thought were awesome.

(Book introduction from the website)Ender's Game is a science fiction novel that tells the story of Andrew Wiggin (nicknamed Ender by his sister, Valentine.) The story takes place on Earth in the future. Earth has been attacked twice by an alien species called Buggers, nearly destroying the human race. Mankind begins training young geniuses to become soldiers and commanders to fight in Earth's defence if the Buggers should ever attack again. Ender is extremely intelligent, and at the age of six years old, he goes to Battle School to be trained. Ender quickly rises to the top in Battle School and begins training in order to command Earth's fleet.

Super Good Book!

Updated "Day 11 Recent Photo Of Me"

So I mentioned on Day 11 that I would post a photo from our trip to the Central Florida Zoo. Well, I lied. Instead, I will post a photo from our trip to Lowry Park Zoo (after a little research and reading of reviews, we determined our time would be better spent at Lowry Park than the Cen Fl Zoo. I really didn't like any of the pictures with me "posing" for the camera, but here's a pic of Joshua with me in it! :)

Day 12: Something I Am OCD About

First of all, if you REALLY knew me, you would have laughed at this title knowing that I am OCD about NOTHING... Now if you asked me what am I a hypochondriac about that would be another story. So, I am going to tell you what my oldest sister, Kimberly (aka 143) says about OCD:

"I'm CDO, that's OCD with the letters in the correct ABC order" :)