WWJD

In light of recent events... well, I just thought of the unfairness of it all. My blog entries, my facebook statuses.... some of them have been under fire. I have been accused of being judgmental, intolerant, unChristian, hypocritical.... so many things that the accuser is guilty of doing.

What is intolerant and judgmental from my mouth is freedom of speech from theirs.

I have discovered true friendship (or the absence of) by people's reactions.

Have you for once considered the possibility that the reason you get your back up about something is that you are being convicted? That maybe, you need to dig a bit deeper?

As I'm accused of not being Christian..... being admonished and told "WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?".... let me tell you what he would do:

• He would tell you that HIS way is the ONLY way.
• He would tell you that there is only one way to the Father.... through Him.
• He would tell you that if you don't accept His gift of salvation, ask forgiveness, believe that he was raised from the dead and accept Him into your heart that you will go to hell.
• He would tell you that he, who is without sin, to cast the first stone.

Not my words, friends..... THE WORD.

RESOLUTE!

Hello, all. HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I will come back in a few days' time and talk about our Christmas and post some pictures, but first, this post.

I'm finally getting to some resolutions.

It seems like a lot... well, it IS a lot. But, it's a whole year, right? Some of these resolutions are to change and/or develop habits. Some of these are listed as a plan to get things done. I don't know how it will turn out. I hope, of course, to get it ALL done. I know that probably won't all happen, but hopefully, most of it will happen.

If I remember, I will revisit this blog around this time next year and highlight what I actually succeeded in.

If you blog, and have done a similar post, please let me know. I would love to read of your resolutions for this year.

Family

• I will spend more one-on-one time with my hubby.
• I will become less of a yeller.
  
• I will spend more time cuddling my kids.
• I will carve out more one-on-one time with my kids.
• I will create a more peaceful/comfortable atmosphere for my family.
• We will have some formal family portraits taken.
• I will write to the great-grandparents once a month.
• I will implement a family game or movie night twice a month.

Faith Matters

• I will read through the New Testament twice.
• I will read through the Old Testament once.
• I will earn my Master Seal in JBQ.
• I will help my 2nd son earn his Master Seal.
• I will help my 3rd son earn his Discover Seal.
• I will help my 4th son in JBQ study.

Personal Projects

• I will learn to shoot/clean all of our firearms. (Well, maybe not clean, but shoot. :D )
• I will get all of the boys' portraits labelled and put into albums.
• I will catch up with the boys' journals and update them every 2 months.
• I will paint the hall.
• I will eradicate the "scary" under my bed.
• I will tackle one "big" project per week.
• I will bake more of our snacks and treats.... instead of buying them.
  
• I will try a new recipe, once a time that DH is home.
• I will *finally* clear out my closet.
• I will have a garden this year.
• I will work on a stockpile.
• I will start couponing.
• I will post 2 blogs per week.
• I will do more in Rudolph Club.
• I will go through and scan old pictures, save on a memory card and put into fire box.
• I will stick to a weekly menu and housekeeping plan.

Physical Goals

• I will pursue a regular exercise regimen.
• I aspire to reach my target weight.... though I won't tell you what that is, or how much is needed to get there.
• I will drink more water.
• I will continue to curb the family's soda intake to once a week.

Entertainment

• I will go camping with hubby and the boys. (Unless hubby doesn't want to... and that is OK with me. :D)
• During the summer, I will take the kids swimming twice a week.
• I will start having one-on-one time with each of the boys: twice per month, per boy.
• I will take them bowling, skating, and to the library more.
• I will read to them more.... all of them
• I will become more involved during the music practice sessions.
• I will take my kids to the zoo more often.
• I will read 50 books this year.
• I will help the boys learn more about their area of interest.
• We will play outside more.

One of my plans for my blog is to post my weekly menu, housekeeping goals and personal projects. But, that remains to be seen.

I am already Spring cleaning.... everything from the house, to the vehicles, to my email and facebook address list.... also, my cell phone.

*inhales deeply* It feels good to get rid of clutter!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Y'ALL!

Charlie Brown Christmas

NOT QUITE SURE HOW TO TITLE THIS

Musings?

Reflections?

Auld Lang Syne?

I don't know.

I guess this is just a normal download. There are lots of thoughts taking up space and I need to get them down on "paper," (as it were) and out of my head.

This past year has brought so much.... mostly joy, some disappointment, some realization.... and, I guess it is only natural that, at this time of year, one.... I.... would think about the past year. Perhaps make some resolutions.

I have learned a thing or 2 about friends and those who do not fall into that category. It was kind of proof, I guess, of what I have always known.... friendships are for a season. And, some of the seasons have changed for some of my past friendships. It's sad, really. Part of me thought about trying to work things out, but in the end, I don't forget. I'm often a ding-bat. Sometimes I'm crazy and gullible. I am not a fool. How do you face someone and say that you trust them when you feel utterly betrayed? I'm glad God isn't like that..... so glad.

I feel I have grown in my faith. A lot is due to.... or maybe proven by.... the above. I know Christians have been/will be persecuted. I know that Christianity will be reason for brothers to turn against each other. However, I know that I have never wavered.... much to the chagrin of others.

I have connected with some new names and faces on facebook. And many of these ladies are such precious people. I'm SO glad to have gotten to know them. One, is someone I admire so much. (Shout out to Mrs. C.H.) Others are such kindred spirits. (Shout out to S.L.) Some, I have reconnected with. (Shout out to hometown friends: L.S. and C.B.) Still, others are bloggers whom I have gotten to know online and I cannot wait to meet them IRL. (Shout out to L.K.H., L.K.M. and C.C.B.)

I am so proud of my 4 boys. They are lights in my life. They are all saved. They are learning the Word of God. They are active in Junior Bible Quiz. They all, with the exception of my youngest, are involved in music: saxophone, guitar, and piano. They make awesome grades in school. And, they are decent. I point this out because I have some friends whose children do all this, but they are.... well.... they are not decent.

We have 10 teachers.... 12, if you count music teachers, who are absolutely phenomenal. I love each and every one of them!

My husband..... wow..... what can I say about him? I adore him! I have always adored him. But, the other day, something got me to thinking about our relationship and I just sat their smiling. He is SUCH a good father. He is a great man - a wonderful spiritual leader in our home. I am truly blessed to have him. I love you, Honey!

Two of my boys, my youngest 2, asked Jesus into their hears this year. My 3rd, back in June. My youngest, just today. Such a sweet, innocent, faithful step... truly, they have the faith that Jesus talks about and wants us "old fogies" to have.

My almost 103 year old grandmother went to Heaven in May. She lived a long life and left a large family. I can't even begin to tell you how many greats, great-greats and (maybe a few great-great-greats). I can tell you that I have almost 30 first cousins on my mother's side, alone. It was sad to say good-bye, but I know where she is. I know I will see her again.

In October, my 3rd son started his journey on correcting his microtia/atresia. (I'm not going to link anything here, but if you want to know more of our story, you can just do a search, on my blog, and pull some posts.) He is SUCH a big boy.

My youngest boy started school. A lot of sadness from me. I love my boys. I only put them in daycare when I was teaching. And, I didn't teach after he was born. My buddy - *sniff*.

I celebrated (if I can call it that) being off Dr Pepper for a year. Now, when I say "off DP" I don't mean that I don't drink them at all. I mean that I am not addicted to them any more. I don't enjoy them as much. I will enjoy an 8 oz Dublin every now and then, but now, when I drink one, I usually regret it because I feel junked out. :-P

I realize that I am maturing. Ha... doesn't seem very mature to say that. But, there were several things that happened this year that I wanted to .... um.... handle less delicately. I am quicker to apologize and see my own fault... a bit quicker to bite my own tongue. I haven't mastered it completely, but I do think I'm doing better.

All in all, 2010 was a great year. Come to think of it, I haven't ever had a bad year... thank God for that. But, as time goes, the last 12 months have been good ones.

Now it's time to say.....

OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW!

I hope you all have a great Christmas and a truly wonderful New Year.

GOD BLESS YOU!

WOW

• Where does the time go?
• I *thought* I had just blogged... it's been over a week.
• Sorry.... to the 1 or 2 who keep up. :-)
• Not a lot has changed.
• That person and I still aren't talking.
• I still love my kitchen.
• DH is working on his bathroom now.
• The walls are kind of a creamed coffee color and the trim and cabinets are DARK brown.
• Once the bathroom is complete, that will leave 2 walls and the hallway untouched.
• Wonder when I can convince DH to fix that. ;-)
• I didn't make Christmas cards this year.
• Still mailing them, though.
• About 75 total.
• Down by about 25-50.
• JBQ party this Sunday.
• Need 4 kid gifts for "white elephant" exchange.
• And food.
• Always, food.
• My youngest has had fever all day.
• And loves it.
• He is acting OK.
• Just tired.
• And hot.
• Oh, so hot.
• My oldest is spending the night with grandparents.
• The same grandparents that failed to call my 2nd son (yesterday) and wish him "Happy Birthday."
• My kids have 3 sets of grand parents.
• The ones with NO blood ties were the ones to get him a gift.
• The OTHER grandparents... well it was posted on facebook that they were wishing him a "Happy Birthday."
• Except they didn't.
• Can they wish it if they didn't actually talk to him and say it?
• Just sayin'.
• I mean, one of them posted it as THEIR status.
• Had I not seen it in my news feed, I wouldn't have known.
• Needing to get stocking stuffers to "wrap up" Christmas shopping.
• Got a new ornament with a Nativity on it.
• Only thing is Mary has a "halo."
• Mary, great as she was, shouldn't have a "halo."
• But, it is neat because the ornament is hand-painted, one-of-a-kind.
• Need to finish my cards.
• Need to decide what candies/bread/cookies to make next week.
• That is what I give to teachers as gifts.
• More teachers this year means more time in the kitchen.
• I can't believe Christmas is a mere 2 weeks away.
• Have a great week!

THANKSGIVING

My sweet younger boys playing in the leaves.

Yes, I know it's over. This is just a recount of the day.... or week.... yeah, the week. Keep in mind, that this is from MY memory. If things were different... well, this is how they were perceived by yours truly.

My hubby and I have spent the last few weeks neck deep in home improvement. I started, a long while ago, stripping wallpaper from the kitchen walls.

We were delayed, in that, due to life. We just got busy. But, my hubby, good man that he is, knew exactly when to start working again, because really, had he started any later, it would not have been finished.

And, though I would love to claim the credit for taking on the kitchen, it was all hubby. He pulled the cabinets, he sanded them, he painted everything and cleaned and replaced the hardware. I only painted a few cabinet doors and then papered the shelves and drawers. The kitchen turned out so pretty..... deep red and navy. I am going to accent with bluebonnets and Texas stars.

Monday, my hubby and dad installed the convection/microwave oven. *swoon*

That afternoon, I had to go get my hair done. Yes... I HAD to. I got it trimmed and highlighted, as normal. But, usually I highlight my blond hair with lighter blond. This time, for fun, we did some blond and some auburn. Totally different for me, but fun.

Tuesday, I got another surprise. A new washer and dryer. Well, that wasn't necessarily the surprise. Hubby told me he was getting them. Home Depot was running a good special and as our old set was.... well, OLD, we decided to take advantage of this. I asked for red, but the special was on certain styles, which, I think, only had white. Well, when it was installed and I came to see, they were red. SO excited.... my hubby is good that way.

Right after the installation, I went out with one of my BFs. She and I went Christmas shopping and spent some time together. She has, this year, gone back to work and we hardly ever see each other. We ate at Chuy's... YUM! Then we hit many stores. Spending money and getting some stuff taken care of. I was gone from 9:15 a.m. until about 6:30. It was a great day and allowed me to "get-away" for a bit.

Wednesday. That is when things kicked into overdrive. We were expecting my SIL, my ILs and my hubby's grandparents "sometime today." I don't do well with "sometime today." And, as I'm sure most of you experience, I don't notice a lot of dirt until I'm about to have company. There were things cleaned that hadn't seen clean since.... well, LAST Thanksgiving. LOL! We. Worked. Our. Butts. Off.

(My older 2 helping out.)

About 2:00, I was finally able to start cooking and baking. And I did that until about 9 that night. Then, we "entertained." I had bought sandwich stuff as that would be the easiest to present and clean up in the midst of all the other stuff I was doing.

The next day, about 10:00 or so, all our company started to show up. We had me, hubby and our 4 kids, my SIL, my ILs, hubby's grandparents and my parents. Does that make 13? That's how many we had.

Here's the thing.... there are 3 strong females in that group. One of them, for the most part, backed off..... She recognized that 1.) it is my event to host and 2.) it could just get ugly trying to swim in the pond that held myself and my mother. LOL! Cooking is a favorite activity for the 2 of us and anyone who gets in the way... well, it leads to collateral damage. It's best to hunker down in the fetal position... cover your head, if possible, and let us do what we are going to do.

The thing that got me.... and keep in mind, nothing was WRONG... it was just there were certain things I wanted done a certain way and it didn't happen. When we are doing a big meal and hosting several, there is a certain role that I want to play and I want my hubby to play.... and.... well, some of that was taken from me. Sometimes, hubby didn't hear me. Sometimes, hubby didn't respond quickly enough. And, sometimes, MIL pushed FIL into the position. :0/ *sigh* What do you do?

"HONEEEEEEEY?"

"WHAT?"

"Will you put the turkey back in the oven?" (It was 25# and I didn't want to drop it.)

*(new voice)* "I'll go get [FIL]."

When I called DH to carve the turkey, MIL tried to get FIL to do it.

Now, I know this isn't a big deal to most... and it shouldn't be to me... but that is how I am. In big, traditional meals, the man of the house does certain things and the woman of the house does certain things......

Well, thanks to my new washer and dryer, all my big girl panties were freshly laundered, so I had them on. I just smiled and let it happen.

The one big disappointment (big to me, anyway) was I wanted DH to sit at the head of the table... that is where he sits. Always. ESPECIALLY when hosting a family dinner. Well, MIL and SIL set the table and he was placed on the side, by me. Then, when I said something about it, DH said, "Don't worry about it."

There was no worry.

Just disappointment.

Kinda sucked, that.

BUT, all that aside, the meal was a tremendous success. All the food was yummy and enjoyed by all.

(This isn't all the food, but it is the only table pic I have.)

Everyone left after dessert, well.... the grandparents took dessert with them..... they had to get back... TODAY! When we reminded them that it would be dark (they *are* old and there are some medical conditions that we need to consider) we were reminded by the grandfather that "The car has lights."

Nice.

Again, what do you do?

We did get a call that they had made it back safely.... of course, the call came from their daughter in their town as their cell phone was not charged.... good thing they didn't have issues and good thing "the car has lights." :-/

SIL stayed one more night. Yesterday (Friday) we kind of lazed around for a few hours before taking SIL to the airport. Nothing like wrapping up a Thanksgiving weekend with your choice of full-body scan or "pat-down." Actually... I don't think that airport does that..... yet.

We came home and just relaxed. Hubby got packed up for his trip and we watched some TV. It was a nice day.

Now, there is a small lull (our tree is already up.... we only need outdoor decor that will be hung Wednesday or Thursday). During this weekend, I will be checking school uniforms, catching up on laundry, clean up a few areas (trying to keep the momentum from the beginning of the week) and start lists.... always the lists.

Christmas cards.

Christmas pictures.

Baking list.

Candy list.

Teachers' gift list.

Classroom parties.

Wrapping gifts.

You know how it goes......

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

Have a great weekend and

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

STAGE 1 COMPLETE!

This past week was a big week for us. DS #3 got to go trick-or-treating and then return to school on Wednesday.

He was very excited. He has so loved the attention.

We have had no problems to speak of.... very little pain meds.

This past Tuesday, we went to the doctor to have the tubes removed... here are a few pictures.

These two were taken Monday night.

Our doctor removing some of the tape and tubes.

Our son pulling the tape and medicine tube off his belly.

Giving a final glance.

The scar one week after the surgery. There is still tape, but we are letting it gradually wash/rub off. He is still a little sore, but nothing that really needs medication.

His ear, one week later. It was actually looking a bit better, but today in school, he was bent under his table getting something. He bumped his ear on the way up.... I think that explains the bruising on the top. Scared the teacher, I think, as she came out to tell us what happened.

He looks symmetrical.

So, stage 1 is done. We don't have to do anything until the end of January to the beginning of February for stage 2. I will post on that, when it happens.

We still have not heard from insurance on what they will cover. So far, we have *only* paid $500.

I hope this blog is a blessing to someone. To anyone who is going through this, I would love to communicate with you.

Thank you for the prayers and support from the readers.