Munchie

I've had so many things given to me for #4, whose current nickname is Munch, and it had really blessed my socks off. The list is too long to list....hmm...anyway, we've really been overwhelmed at how God has provided for us during this time. Everything from bedding, clothes, baby toys (we'd sold or donated all of our little toys and only had things that were choking hazards), and even a changing table has been given or loaned to us.

We are almost ready! I have only a couple of things that I'd like new and will register for them. Other than those few items, I'm hoping to get a swing and some other huge-mom-helpers from consignment sales, garage sales, or off of craigslist.

Silly and rather random side note: After Dubs was too big for my Baby Bjorn (which I loved and wore the junk out of) I let someone use it and now can't remember who it was. Stinks. Those jokers new are $$. How do you forget who you loaned things that are that $$ to? I'm not quite sure, but I've managed to do it. I'm sure it was one of my GA peeps because of the timeline. On a positive note I have not forgotten where any of my other stuff relocated(due to it being donated or sold, I never knew where it all went and therefore couldn't lose it).

Back to our sweet boy.

We've almost decided on a name, sort of. For those of you unfamiliar with our history I'll give you a brief synopsis: we don't agree on names. Strangely I think that with each pregnancy it(Shane) will change and naming will become easier(because Shane will agree with my brilliant name selections:). Not so much. That's OK though, because I know that this sweetie will have a name by the time we leave the hospital.

*Found this picture over a year ago when my heart was longing to be be a mom again. Thought this nursery was so cool!

Beyond Precious Moments

Many years ago Shane began teaching E-Dog to open doors for women...more specifically me. Opening the car door was the main focus, but really we wanted him to learn to open any door for a girl or a lady. I would have to say that we haven't been consistent. Being in a rush or having the kids loaded before the adults has kept it from becoming a habit. We forget or he forgets. It's not a big deal at all, but one of our goals is for our boys to grow into men with chivalry. Last Wednesday night was typical. Rushed to get to Awanas. Got the kids checked in to their classes and then I spent time in the nursery. Afterwards, we came home. (Now keep in mind that last week I was 30 weeks pregnant, so I'm moving a tad slower than usual.) As soon as my ignition is turned off, both back doors flew open and the mass exodus ensued. And then I hear E say, "Wait Mom! I'm gonna get your door for you!" My door opened and I saw my little man standing there and for just a moment I wanted to freeze time. Blame it on the hormones or the stress of Wednesday nights, it hit me like a ton of bricks. He was so adorable standing there smiling... and I was immediately aware that I'd never have that time with him again. That moment would pass, unable to ever be recaptured. So as my eyes filled up with tears (which I'm quite sure was not the reaction he expected) I told him how sweet it was and what it meant to me. Don't we all have experiences that we cherish? I've had countless times that I've been so moved and right then I've asked God to help me treasure the memory. I don't want to forget...ever. There are some moments that are burnt into you (in a good way) and they are beyond precious. Living in the present is so hard sometimes, but it is vitally important. If we are always thinking of the past or the future, we truly miss out on what or who is right in front of us. Last Wed was such a blessing. I'm so thankful for my children and for the time that God has given me with them! Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own troubles. Matthew 6:34

Collections

Tole trays are one of my great loves. A few years ago after going to some antiques shows, I realized that I was drawn to them over and over again.

Initally, I was hoping to hang a grouping of them in my breakfast room once I had aquired a decent amount. That didn't happen.

For one thing, I have a hard time finding trays that I like enough to buy. Either the tray is in poor condition or I don't like the painting. Secondly, they aren't cheap. I didn't know anything about them when I started buying them. Typically I find the ones I like are in the $75-$100+ range.

Currently, I have two metal trays and one wooden tray. Both metal trays have a black background and the wooden one is burgundy. My love of tole isn't limited to trays. During trips to the Scott Antique Market in Georgia, my Mom and I found a round table and a small chest with tole paintings on the lids. Both of those pieces were more affordable and we scooped them up.

For me, one of the great aspects of collecting is that it takes years to accumulate. It's like a treasure hunt. Some days you dig for nothing and other days you hit the jackpot. Over time you get to thoughtfully put together a group of items that have meaning to you. I used to try to hurry up a fill a wall or shelf with whatever I could cheaply accumulate at places like Hobby Lobby or discount stores.(I still like to go there, but I don't feel a compulsion to buy an item just because I like it and it's a good deal.)

With each passing year, I find that I'd rather wait and seek out a piece that really speaks to me than try to just fill my house with meaningless beautiful stuff. Even if it is months between finding a treasure, it is worth the wait.

What do you collect or hope to some day?

Romantic at Heart

Over the years, I've collected magazines and saved pages of rooms and gardens that appeal to me. There is considerable variety in the ones I've held onto (and put into a binder), but I've tried to figure out what the commom thread is that unites them.

The verdict is in: I'm a romantic, with a dash of country--not to be confused with western. I've not forsaken my traditional roots, they are are just slowly eroding to make way for a softer feminine style.

No room in my house looks like either of these, but I just heart them. Don't know that Shane would ever be ok with me going off the deep end into this style (and I don't know if I'd want to), but there is something really beautiful and peaceful about a romanctic look to me. Maybe I'll be able to incorporate tidbits of this type of design into mi casa. Until then, I have my binder.

Double

I have been meaning to tell you about Dubs for a while...I guess really since the beginning of this blog. Double is our youngest child--at least til May. He is in Kindergarten. Shane sold a Harley so that we could have Dubs. Not really. Well, kinda. Shane was very hesitant to "try" for more children, mainly due to financial burdens. He sold his Harley (which paid off our debt) and then agreed to give it a go. So the bike left in July and we were preggo in August. Nice how that worked out!! LOL

I can't tell you exactly why I thought he was different early on, but I felt it. I mentioned Autism to a few friends, but none of them seemed to think he could be autistic. We went through a lot of changes in a short time and I didn't pursue answers. Long story short, Dubs had sensory processing disorder (specifically tactile defensiveness).

After about a year of weekly Occupational Therapy and a daily sensory diet (not food), he made enough progress to be released. {He was three when he started OT. At the time, he wasn't able to put together three word phrases. It only took a couple of months for the language to start developing and we saw huge progress.}

His needs changed our whole family and opened our eyes. I'm so thankful that we were able to get excellent therapy and that Dub's doesn't have such severe overreactions to his environment anymore. We still face challenges associated with sensory issues, but are so grateful for the improvements.

Peanut butter is a staple in this boy's diet. Everyday. He is trying new foods all the time. Even if he puts up a fight, his aversion to new tastes and textures is diminishing. We waited four years for him to try pizza! Honestly, he is probably our healthiest child. Our other two together don't consume the amount of fruit and granola that he does.

At dinner, we have recently started giving him what we all are eating. Sometimes it goes well, and other times it is a small battle. He has recently told us that my chicken casserole was a choking hazard (and that is why he didn't want to try it). Nice.

Double can devour books. Seriously. It is obviously a gift that only God could give him(and for all you smartmouths, duh, I know that every gift comes from Him:). Some people have assumed it's because I home school. It is not. I can't take the credit. W didn't learn to read from E-Dog or Tater. He basically taught himself. (Only in the last several months have I introduced phonics so that I know he is learning to read correctly, and not just memorizing a ton of sight words.)

Shortly after he began therapy (at 3) he started to read. Before that, he had a huge interest in letters and numbers. He would see them everywhere---even on a toilet paper holder in a public restroom(he saw the number 9).

So he is wrapping up Kindergarten, but is reading at around a second to third grade level. Since it is his passion he reads for enjoyment. I've also noticed that he reads to decompress, so books are really a blessing to our little guy. Even during VBS last summer, I would take him out of his class for breaks and he would sit in the hall and read. Then he could re-enter class and have an easier time doing what was required.

What else does Double like? Anything physical! He loves soccer, basketball, freeze tag, wrestling(with his brother and Dad), riding his bike, and going fast(on anything, anywhere).

We love our W. In the almost six years we've had him, we have learned so much from his little life. Love you, Dubs!!

Maybe Not

This weekend I went out in search for a pair of "skinny" maternity jeans. Got to Motherhood (after foolishly going to the mall and realizing they aren't there anymore because they moved to Turkey Creek) and grabbed a few to try.

Now, I have previously tried on skinny jeans in my pre-preggo state and they were um...not flattering. Basically they highlighted everything about my body that I would ordinarily try to disguise. But, for fashions sake I at least attempted them. Didn't purchase.

Fast forward to this past Saturday. Got my self tanner on(not that it makes your shape change, but thought it might help the ol' confidence) and I was ready to see if maybe now (23 weeks pregnant) the skinny jeans would work.

To my utter disappointment they are just as hideous on me as ever. Now mind you I don't think that the majority of people who wear them should either, but I was hoping that maybe, just maybe they would work.((SIGH)) They didn't. Was not close to the above picture.

As I stood there checking my reflection out, I concluded (even though they were by one, get one half off) they shouldn't go home with me. If I didn't look like a lollipop entering the dressing room, I certainly did in that moment. Well, maybe it was more like a pear with two tapered stems supporting it from the bottom. It wasn't right. No skinny maternity jeans for this momma...and you should be thankful.;)

What trends did you want to try only to later decide that you couldn't pull off?

Is a Friend a Friend on FB?

I know that this is silly, but it's just a thought. We have all done it. Accepted or made a friend request to or from someone that isn't really a friend. They aren't rotten. They aren't vile. They aren't your friend either.
Why am I asking such a silly question? Well, I recently discovered that I was unfriended ((GASP)) by someone that I thought was my friend, and not just on FB. It was surprising (we've been friends for a few years). I just saw this person and spoke with her the other day. Nothing was awkward, and certainly nothing happened for me to wonder if we were "friends."
Today I just happened to go to her page and realized we weren't friends anymore.
Now granted, this is not the first or last time I will be a casulty of unfriending. A few dirtbags have dropped me. Kidding.:)
But, I also know that the only people I've dropped are people that I don't desire connection with anymore (and maybe never did, but hit accept without really evaluating). Was just wondering what you think of FB friends that unfriend you that you considered a friend.
Do you ask them about it?
Do you let it go?