Look Before You Leap, It's the Friday Five!

It's Leap Day!! Whether you're one of the special few who have a birthday only once every four years, or simply confused by the extra day on the calendar, everyone is welcome to join in and play our Leap Year Friday Five.

Tell us about a time you:

1. Leapt before looked
When we got pregnant with our first child. My husband and I just thought, why not let God decide. So we started getting ready for us to try. I got of the pill and decided to let my body "get ready". Little did we know that God got it ready before we were ready to seriously think about it. Oh, we wanted a baby, but just wanted to wait another couple of months to a year.

Financially, we were nowhere close to being ready.
Physically, we had what we "needed" by the time our son was born.
Emotionally, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.

Thankfully, God gave us the skills, knowledge to do what we thought was for the best, and kept us strong through the tough times. We feel blessed that we feel more prepared this time around and look with amazement that our son survived those first 2 years of life. =)

2. Leapt to a conclusion
Too many times to count. I now don't send emails when I'm mad, try to talk to people face to face when I have a problem, and find that venting to my pillow is much better than to anyone else, including my husband. I tend to say things I don't mean even to him and better off just letting things go myself.

3. Took a Leap of Faith
When I started my daycare. I had one family that said yes. But, they only had 1 child. I didn't know anyone else that knew me or about my daycare. With a lot of prayers, strong shoulders, and a supporting husband, I put in my notice at work and a month later, I started daycare. On my very first day being open, I had 3 families stop by and decide to sign up with my services. With the changing world of daycare, I also found out that families don't always stay and that a better family will come around the corner when I need them. I learned a lot about praying and patience in those first 6 months.

4. Took a literal Leap
I am a bit crazy, but not that crazy.

5. And finally, what might you be faced with leaping in the coming year?
A new kiddo on the way is a definite. Maybe a new hobby? Who knows....only time will tell. =)

Thursday

I'm bored! Kiddos are all sleeping and I'm beat. I would like to sleep myself, but can't. Some job I have, I have to stay awake while the kiddos sleep. That sucks! But most of my frustration isn't that, it's being bored. I just want to call someone. But I have talked to all that I can today already. Just want to get out of the house. But it is a cold rain outside. It can't decide if it is supposed to snow or rain. And it's so dreary. Just makes me bored.

I am happy though. M & K had their new baby today. My hubby and son and I are visiting them tomorrow night after work and it's hard to wait. Just want to jump in the car tonight and head their way. But I can't. If it weren't for the weather and the fact that I feel like crashing at 8 pm each night, I would definitely be there. I'm so excited for them. I was on the edge of my seat all morning. Glad all went well.

For me, being pregnant sucks right now. I feel fine (aside from the cold that won't go away), but I am constantly tired and getting more cravings each day. This week....crumb cake, snicker candy bars, and mashed potatoes. Yes....each a good treat, but they stick to your bones. Not something I want to eat every day.....even though I do crave them.

Anywho....I'm ready for spring.
Ready for the pregnancy to get to a more fun spot.
Ready for the sun to come out.
Ready to hang out with friends & family.
Ready to get out of the house.

Boy, I can't wait for April!!!

Tuesday

So, I just dread screaming kiddos. I don't mind if the kiddo is upset for a few minutes, but to carry on and on.....it just bugs me. I don't care what age......if you are over 8 months old, you can control their actions.

Today, my youngest daycare kiddo, who is almost 1 year, decided to take a picture frame out of our living room and take it into the bathroom. Luckily, I caught him in time and snagged the frame away. I know it's hard to understand, but he needs to learn that you just don't flush things down the toilet or even play in the bathroom. This is where the "fun" began. He was overtired. (Don't know what mom and dad do at home, but this kid is constantly needing to sleep and never seems to get any at home....when he leaves here, he is fine and happy....but never comes with anything but tears).

So, with a tired kiddo that needed to go to time out, I brought him into the kitchen, where I was making lunch. He sat for 10 seconds and wailed!! You thought he got hurt or something the way he carried on. Screaming and screaming. I know he wasn't hurt, because I would look down at him and he would instantly stop making any noise.

So, after a few seconds, he decided to get up. So, I went over, and put him back in time out. This continued on for the next 20 minutes. Finally, he sits his allotted minute and I let him up.

Then, 5 minutes later, I catch him doing something else he shouldn't do. This time, I take him to time out and get the other kiddos eating lunch. This kiddo wails and wails. He finally calms down (10 minutes later), I pick him up to give him lunch. As I place him in his high chair, he starts throwing a temper tantrum. By this point, I don't care. I give him his food and sippy cup. He continues to scream and kick. I just walk away to help the other kiddos. He can carry on, it makes no difference to me. I am tuning him out and making sure the other kiddos are eating and not going hungry. After 15 minutes of screaming and pushing everything away (not wanting to eat), I put him down for his nap. Another 20 minutes of screaming and he finally settles down and goes to sleep.

Hope tomorrow is better. =)

Monday

After a wonderful and relaxing weekend, we're back to the grind.

Friday was so much fun. After all the kiddos left, my son and I went to the local video store and picked out some movies. Then after supper, the 3 of us, changed into our pjs, popped some popcorn, and popped in the movies. We had a blast cuddling and spending some time together.

Saturday was a day filled with running errands in the AM, then afternoon cooking and baking. PM, my husband and I went to a church gathering of other 20's and 30's people. Some have kiddos too and some don't. We had babysitting for our son and it was nice to have a night out socializing with friends. Got home at a decent time and crashed for the night.

Sunday, after Church and lunch, we all just did our own thing for a bit then went and visited my last mom to deliver and her family. She had a baby boy on Wednesday. He's a cutie and head full of hair. So, now the daycare will have a new baby girl and boy come April. And who knows what sex we will have, so I'll enjoy both of them till ours comes.

Then, we just bummed around during the evening. I think we dreaded the weekend ending and just wanted to hang on to it a bit more.

And now, we are back to school and daycare. It will be so good to have a "normal" week. Outside it is snowing like crazy and all 5 kiddos are all asleep. A nice break to a relaxing morning. Before I know it, the bus will be bringing my son home from school and the craziness will start again. Breathe for another minute and take in the silence. It's such a great feeling to have.

Such a morbid thought

So, a few months ago, my husband's family lost a friend in their hometown community. The woman was in her 40's and had a young family. She died in a car accident. From everything I heard, she was full of life and loved every minute of it.

It has gotten me thinking. Yes, I know it not the most uplifting thoughts, but I have been thinking of my funeral and of my will. I know that if I were to die tomorrow, my husband and son would be fine. I would hope they would be a bit sad for a bit, but be able to move on and find strength to be happy again. But do they know what I want? How many of us have these plans written down? Have we ever told our loved ones how we feel? Have we put our wishes in writing so they know exactly what we want?

So, that is what I have been willing myself to do. I want to make sure all my wishes (funeral and burial) are written down. That my husband understands how much I love him. My son knows how much joy he has brought to my life. That friends and family realize how much I appreciate all that they have given me (both physically and emotionally) over the years. So much to say, and I pray that I can have it all down on paper somewhere for them to treasure someday.

Bon Jovi Concert Recap

So, I keep thinking about the Bon Jovi concert
(Feb 18, 2008).

The Omaha World Herald said it was AWESOME! They only give a glimpse of what it was like. The whole concert was AMAZING!! Words can't describe it, but I can say that for my 2nd Bon Jovi concert, it was well worth it. The band never sits still, constantly moving from one side of the stage to the other, getting us audience members all excited and singing are favorite songs + some new favorites. IT'S A ROCKING GOOD TIME!!!!!!!!!!

Sadly though, the only picture of mine are of the 4 guys on the very bottom. Almost all of the other ones are blurry or didn't come close to tell what's going on or who it is. Doesn't matter though, I sure got a lot of memories!!! Great time! Hopefully, I could see them again!

Songs:
LOST HIGHWAY
BAD NAME
RAISE YOUR HANDS
RUNAWAY
COMPLICATED
SLEEP w/ Jumpin' Jack Flash
OLDER
IN THESE ARMS
BLAZE OF GLORY w/ Knockin' On Heaven's Door
WHOLE LOT OF LEAVIN'
BORN TO BE MY BABY
WE GOT IT GOIN' ON
IT'S MY LIFE
BAD MEDICINE w/ Shout
THESE DAYS - RICHIE VOX
(YOU WANT TO) MAKE A MEMORY
I'LL BE THERE FOR YOU
BED OF ROSES
HAVE A NICE DAY
FAITH
WHO SAYS YOU CAN'T GO HOME
PRAYER

ENCORE:
WANTED
I LOVE THIS TOWN

Oh my goodness, I would loved to have been a microphone!! =)

Kindergarten!!!

So, my son is going to kindergarten this fall. I know! Who would have known. Both my husband and I were a little nervous about the meeting we attended tonight, but all 6 teachers that were there said he was ready. Showed proof and you know what....we knew it too, just didn't want to admit it out loud. I guess I thought he would, but thinking more and more about it, it makes my happy/sad. Happy that he is growing up to be an independent, fun, loving thinker who will eventually change the world. Sad because he is not my little bundle of joy anymore. He's a big boy, making big boy choices. He still makes me laugh, think, and even wonder what I would do without him. I have treasured these years with him and now I look forward to the upcoming adventure ahead. Him becoming a big brother, who doesn't just help mom and dad with his baby sibling, but is going to kindergarten. Leap forward and face the new light ahead!

Hello world

A glimpse of our newest member. Only 4 1/2 months to go and I'm out of here!!!

So, Tuesday (the day after the AWESOME Bon Jovi concert....will talk about this more later with pictures), we had our ultra sound. Everything looks great. Doctor is pretty sure things are going well. We will go back again in April for another ultra sound to double check things again. Hope you can see this picture. The baby's left hand is out and sort of waving to all of us.

Dad says it's a boy, since it's being cool like that.
I say it's a girl, since it puckered it's lips.
Son says it's a brother....no sister....no brother....no sister.

Either way....we'll all will be happy and still won't find out till the baby decides to come out. Sorry for the suspense, but it's more fun that way! =)

Bon Jovi

So tonight is the night!!
Tonight,

I will sit,

with my sister,

in row 46 on the main floor,

in front of none other than the great band.....

BON JOVI

Can you tell that I'm excited?

And the best thing is that tomorrow I have the day off too!
Life is good.

MMCH

So, if you know my son, you know his love for the
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
He absolutely loves this show and every weekend,
it's our way to get a few more winks of sleep and for him to stay out of trouble at the same time.

There's a great Mickey Mouse Clubhouse website
for those of you that don't know about it.

Check it out: http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/mickeymouseclubhouse/home.html

Enjoy!!!

Is there an elephant in the room?

So.....tonight, my son, husband and I just finished a game of Candyland. (fun game to play, especially if you stack the cards well) and the three of us were just hanging out and thinking about the bedtime routine and my husband farted. My son, sitting next to him looked up and asked, "Dad, you do that?"

My husband smiled, then tried to blame me, then I blamed him and finally, he told my son, "the elephant did. Did you see him?"

A surprised look came across my son's face. He couldn't believe an elephant made that noise, but he was looking like he believed. Dad went on to explain that the elephant made the noise then ran over to the chair by the window. He convinced him to look over by the chair across the room, to see if the elephant was hiding under there.

Very bravely, my son got up and went to the chair. He smiled the whole way there, looked around a little and proudly stated, "I don't see elephant dad."

"Go look over by the curtains."

As my son turned to the curtains, dad said, "look out!"

Now, if you know my son he has some great facial expressions. I must tell you, the look on his face was not just being scared, he was terrified. And as a parent, it's no laughing matter. But, as a parent, to see your son get scared of an imaginary elephant he has not even seen is very funny. So as he tore across the room as quick as he could, crying for mom the entire way, it was so, so hard not to laugh. He would not look at the chair or anything. Even though dad tried to comfort him, it was too late.

20 minutes later and some convincing that elephants live in the zoo and not in our house seemed to help. Dad had to double check by the chair and curtains and make a scene about how there was no elephant there helped more. After settling down and cracking some jokes, and dad turning on the hall lights, we managed to get him was ready for bed.

It was some good laughs (and tears of joy) and we realize that relating elephants and farts are not a good idea with our 4 year old.

Friday Five: The Water and the Word

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In this Sunday's gospel Nicodemus asks Jesus, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?" Poor old Nicodemus! He was so confused about the whole "water and Spirit" business of baptism.

For today's five, tell us about your baptismal experiences.

1. When and where were you baptized? June 30, 1975, just 7 days after I was born. Do you remember it? Nope Know any interesting tidbits? My parents had gotten married about 10 months earlier, so I was close to being a honeymoon baby, but wasn't. So I was the only one of my siblings that was baptized during a Sunday morning service. Dad wanted to make sure the congregation knew I was conceived while my parents were married and they were not married because of me.
2. What's the most unexpected thing you've ever witnessed at a baptism? I am a godparent for a child whose parents are (if I remember right) are both Catholic. I, being Lutheran, was asked to be a sponsor. I agreed but found it strange that I could be a sponsor and since I could not afford to or physically be able to travel to DC for the baptism (I was pregnant with my 1st at the time) could still be considered as a sponsor. Well, I am a sponsor.
3. Does your congregation have any special traditions surrounding baptisms? Lighting the baptismal candle is about the only one I can think of.
   
4. Are you a godparent or baptismal sponsor? Yes, I have 3 kiddos I am sponsor. E that lives now in Europe, and both my husband and I are sponsors to our best friend's kiddo T and our niece A. Have a story to tell? At the baptism of our niece I got very, very sick. There is only one photo of me with the group, I headed back to where we were staying afterwards and crashed. I think everyone thought I was pregnant, not the case. There was a flu bug that was being passed on from about 4-5 people in our group and I was the 2-3 person to get it. That weekend, there was such an awful snowstorm that I ended up coming home with my son a day later. It was quite a strange weekend. Glad I went, just wish I wasn't so sick.
   
5. Do you have a favorite baptismal song or hymn? Gather us in. I sang it one baptism and think it fits for so many occasions. I love the song!

My vesion....

So, my friends M & K both wrote about when they
started dating 11 years ago.
Now it's my time to share my version.

My boyfriend (now husband) was pretty sick and very worn down (find out on V-day a few days later that he has mono....yet another story for anther time). So, both of us were hanging out at his house so he could rest and try and work on homework. The other roommates were there, brother and is girlfriend and another friend R. The phone rings. It's for the brother. He takes that in his room and all is fine.

Then my cell phone rings. Yes, it's K. She is acting strange. I ask her what's up. She says that her former camp site manager & my former councilor friend thought they (K & M) should hang out. We talk for a bit and I find out that this "so called" get-together happens to be on V-Day. Yep, I tell her, "He likes you. There is no way he would ask you out without knowing it's V-Day." She denies it. Over and over again. We hang up the phone and I just laugh.

I tell my boyfriend about the conversation. He says, "really". He says that the guy on the phone was "M and he is talking to my brother". Hmmm...... He is probably about the same thing that K just called me about.

So, when the conversations are both over, we all meet in the living room and "discuss" the calls. It is quite cute how both M & K view the gathering time as "different" occasions for getting together, but all of us agree that it is a date. We all hope for the best and we all know they would be perfect together.

Boy...I think their friends are smart! =) Glad you both realized it was a "date" and made it into a lifetime of happiness! Congrats!!

Horsing around

So, we visited family in Iowa this weekend.
My son found it quite fun to play on their rocking horse.
Thought I would share the fun.

3 days?

So, the 3 days, stayed only 3 days. I tempted fate by writing about it. But, I'm still proud!

Today, I hoped for an uneventful day. Not so fast George Banks! Kiddo cried this morning when his mom took a toy away (only hear for 2 minutes), then my kiddo cried when I turned off the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (how dare you do that), the bus came early, and the baby cried when grandma and aunt dropped him off (not a surprise). That's all before 8 am! For one day, could I ask for a "low key" kind of day.

Well....tomorrow will be nuts! Valentine's Day is always wild and tomorrow will be even more so. I have 2 kiddos coming that haven't been here for a bit. Here's hoping for Friday! =)

Hope your Wednesday is a good day!