Visitors

Pepe & Meme holding Jacob (AKA "Jolly Green Giant")

Jonah LOVED feeding Baxter & Bailey their food one peice at a time.

Jaron didn't want to get in the picture so Meme was trying to pick him up and bring him to the couch.

The boys LOVED having the dogs in the house!!!

We played games, went bowling and watched movies.

Jonah loves his Pepe!

Now Jacob wants to be a "vet". Jaron was wearing his "preaching jacket" and carrying around his Bible all weekend.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd
that's a relationship

I shall not want
that's supply

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
that's rest

He leadeth me beside the still waters
that's refreshment

He restoreth my soul
that's healing

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
that's guidance

For His names sake
that's purpose

Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
that's testing

I will fear no evil
that's protection

For thou art with me
that's faithfulness

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me
that's discipline

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies
that's hope

Thou annointest my head with oil
that's consecration

My cup runneth over
that's abundance

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
that's blessing

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
that's security

Forever.
that's eternity

Send the Rain

I love this song....I also love the family singing it~ Rochesters.

Headaches & Heartburn

Well I have officially started getting heartburn....DAILY. I had it with all my previous pregnancies so it was to be expected. The old wives tale about the baby having hair if you have heartburn is not true. My boys were all bald until they were 1 yr old. This is just simply from being big and the baby pressing on my stomach causing reflux.

I also have a sinus infection. I suffered for 2 weeks with headaches daily and then realized I needed some antibiotics to kick this thing. I have this weird problem with taking pills (they always get stuck in my throat) so I have to request liquid antibiotics (NASTY) but a lot easier to swallow. Feeling much better now and it's only been 3 days taking it.

Haven't taken any more pictures but I know I should. My boys are growing up so fast. Jacob is almost as tall as me. Jaron loves school and they have started riding the bus in the morning now too. I got a call from Jaron's teacher Friday. She said they have too many kids in their classes (25) and they are bringing in another kindergarted teacher this week from a local school. They randomly selected 5 kids from each class to put in the new class. Jaron was on the list. She wanted to talk to me about it. She told me he is doing GREAT! She said "you have a smart kid on your hands, and whatever you're doing at home is working". She said he got up and read a book with her to the class. She didn't ask him, he just did it. In her words "He's just very secure with himself". She also told me that beside each childs name on the list they are listed as "high, med, or low". This is regarding their entry evaluation over the summer. Jaron was listed as high. He read the lady the whole book that day we signed him up for kindergarten. So that made me feel really good coming from his teachers. She did say he has to be "redirected" several times a day but no big deal. So he starts in the new class Wed. but I am going to meet her Tues to fill her in on Jaron's history. I think it's helpful if they know his past.

Raising Children

If a child lives with criticism,
He learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility,
He learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule,
He learns to be shy.

If a child lives with shame,
He learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance,
He learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement,
He learns confidence.

If a child lives with praise,
He learns to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness,
He learns justice.

If a child lives with security,
He learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval,
He learns to like himself.


(Makes me want to change some things~what about you?)

Breakfast with Jonah

Jaron Loves School!

Well yesterday wasn't the best....Jaron forgot to take his lunch box to the lunchroom. He got there and told his teacher but she thought he meant he forgot it at home. So he got a tray of food and sat down. He took one bite of the taco and drank his chocolate milk. He told her again and she realized he meant he left his lunch box in the room so when they got back she let him eat in the class. He ate 1/4 of his sandwich. I was not happy knowing my little boy was hungry all day. But I made it clear to him that he better not do it again.

Jacob had to move his clip for talking in class twice. I wasn't very happy with him either. He did pretty good last year with behavior and this being the second day of school was not a good way to start.

So I took them to school again this morning and made it clear to Jaron's teacher he will be bringing his lunch everyday because he's such a picky eater. She was very nice and I told her thank you for letting him eat in class. So today he ate ALL of his sandwich and Jacob ate all of his lunch too! Neither of them got in trouble so they got their prizes. Juicy Drop Pops from the register at walmart.

I asked Jaron during bathtime what was his favorite part of school and he said "all of it". He's writing his name daily, first and last. He's never before written out Cote for me at home. He also drew a sunshine for the first time today on his picture in art class. My little boy is so smart and I hope he learns to eat better so I don't have to take him out of school.

Jonah is a little bored during the day when they are gone but it's always exciting to see them come running off the bus! He misses his brothers being here with him to play and wrestle. But me babysitting little ones his age, keeps him occupied.

First Day of School

So I took the boys to school this morning and they were so excited and ready to go. Jaron did great! There were a couple other kids in the class crying and he was so excited and just said (across the room) "BYE MOMMY!" He ate 3/4 of his sandwich and I am so proud of him. That is huge for him to sit and eat that much in only 30 min with no one there prompting him to get more and swallow. I hope he can continue this and stay in school. I really don't want to hold him back a year. I was babysitting so they had to ride the bus home and of course I had to take the camera outside when the bus pulled up. Jacob had a good day too. He loves school and he said his teacher was nice. I hope this year is great for him. Now for the homework that follows...

Muscles & Marshmellows

Jaron showing me his "Big strong muscles" He told me he's stronger than Jacob :-D

Jacob walking around in his "Muscle shirt"

Jonah showing off his "muscles" and big brother's boxer briefs :-D

All three of them with their muscle shirts on getting ready for school to start!!!

A project we did while the baby's were napping one day. Jaron would rather eat the marshmellows and Jacob couldn't stop being silly and making it fall down. I told him to use his imagination and he said "I need help with my imagination"

Well school starts tomorrow. I am taking them in the morning but they will ride the bus home, because I will be babysitting. I am so excited, anxious, nervous and sad. I want Jaron to do great and eat great but I fear he won't be able to focus. He is very high energy and will most likely be distracted and talking most of lunch time and not be able to finish in time. We'll see how it all goes and I'll let you know.

In the mean time, I'm still looking for a swing set for my boys. I've signed up for freecycle groups online in my area but no one has a swing set to give away. I shopped online and they are just too much money. I've always kinda felt guilty because we don't have much for them to do outside. It's kinda been a secret want of mine. I don't talk about it much but deep down I know it would make them happy. One day...

Another Boy...

Well I went back to the doctor today for another regular check up and they had me scheduled for an ultrasound. Somehow the 3:30 appt got in before me and I was supposed to go back at 3pm when I got there. I waited 1 hour and 15 min before I was called back. Needless to say I was a little aggrivated. No pregnant woman wants to sit that long. I asked the tech what took so long and she said the couple in front of me found out they are having twins and were not happy. So mine went pretty quick and easy. One baby...still a boy and perfect. I love the profile picture.

I am happy to report that my blood pressure and weight gain are good. Maybe I won't get as big this time. I am staying pretty busy babysitting 3 kids and with 3 of my own.

Changing the subject....we've been in this house 8 years and Jacob is almost 8 yrs old. I have always wanted them to have a swing set to play on. We have a slanted yard so I am not sure if that's even possible. I just feel so guilty that when they go outside to play they are bored. We definately can't afford a pool so they just splash around in the little one we have.

If you or anyone you know has a swing set they have outgrown...we would love to take it off your hands....PLEASE!

Who is he?

Well after much discussion we have decided, I think, we are going to wait until this baby is born to name him. We named all our other boys while I was still pregnant but this one is different. Nothing seems to feel right for me. Chris likes John and I like Judah, Joshua, Josiah....I don't know what I like. Waiting to see his face just seems like the right thing to do. I might change my mind next week...who knows!?!?! :-/ (not me)

Plans for Jaron

(Sept. 2005)

Well this past Thursday I took Jaron to Atlanta to see Dr. Riski (speech EXPERT). I told him the speech therapist is Boston said Jaron is hypernasal and may possibly need a P-flap surgery next summer. Dr. Riski believes Jaron's soft palate is not short. He just thinks he needs some more therapy learning to make stronger pressure consonants. P's & B's. The soft palate is a muscle and can me trained to work harder. So he wants Jaron to have more therapy for the next 6 months and then he wants to put a camera in his nose to watch his palate while Jaron talks.

I asked him who he recommends for a feeding specialist and he suggested right there in Atlanta. So I went upstairs to make Jaron an appointment. We are going back Aug. 19th to meet a feeding specialist and let him eat in front of her. I am so anxious to find out why he still doesn't chew and swallow normally. No one seems to have an explanation. Jaron still pockets his food and has to be reminded to chew and swallow. He gets very nervous about trying new things too.

So I am now on a mission to find a good speech therapist and figure out how we will work this into our schedule with school starting next monday.

Speaking of school~his teacher called me to introduce herself. Of course I had to fill her in on his history. I mentioned he is hyper active and also mentioned my concern for him having enough time to eat his lunch. She said I could wait to put him in kindergarten next year if I wanted to. So my plan is to let him go for a few weeks and see how he does. If he comes home daily with behavioral notes and not eating his lunch we may need to reconsider. I might need to take a year to focus on his therapy and let him mature some more before he goes to school.

So many decisions....so much to pray about.

Random Thoughts

Jonah sure does love his daddy!

I printed play money on the computer for the boys. We pretended to be selling toys in the store and they used a toy computer for the register and paid for things with the money.

Jacob told me when he grows up he's gonna have store and eveything will be free. And he said I can come in and get whatever I want.

We put Jonah in underwear today and he pooped in them after only wearing them 10 minutes.

Jaron is going in kindergarten but some days he says he doesn't want to go and other days he can't wait.

Jonah fell off my bed today flat on his face and has a bruise on his top lip and nose.

Jacob has kissed me and said "I love you" atleast 10 times today! :-D

Jaron needs more speech therapy and feeding therapy. We went to Atlanta thursday to see his doctor and I'll post details later on that whole visit.

Jonah has been sleeping in his "big boy bed" now for 3 or 4 nights. He doesn't get out of it yet. He still calls for me in the morning not sure if he's allowed to get down off the bed.

Today the boys got really involved in the leapster and other handheld games they have. It was so cute to watch them sit together and play (without fighting)

James 4:10

(Jacob praying at 2 yrs old)

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He shall lift you up."

My favorite room!

Well with 3 boys in the house and my husband, I am out numbered so everything is boy colors. Our bathroom is the only room I can decorate girly. So I love purple and have been busy fixing up our bathroom lately. Well let me back up~we had to do some repairs because Jaron jumped off the tub and grabbed my towel rack and ripped it out of the wall. So Chris patched the holes and then we had to paint. So we painted it the other night. And then I put the border up tonight. We've had it for months I just never felt like it. It took me about 2 hours. My back is killing me from standing that long but ~ I LOVE IT!!! What do you think?

SPLASH ZONE!!!

We found a place for the kids to play and have fun. It's cheap and close to home. It's called Frances Meadows and the kids love the splash zone! We told them Saturday at 9:30am to get in the car with their pj's on. Jacob was so confused as to why we were leaving the house in our pjs. I had packed a bag with bathing suits and towels. They didn't even see me put the bag in the car. So the entire 20 minute ride they were asking questions. "Where are we going?" "Do we have to get on the interstate?" "Is it outside?" "Is it a family members house, cause we're in our pjs?" And then we pulled up. You could see the waterslides from the parking lot.

And Jacob said "Oh no we have to go back home we don't have bathing suits" I said "No we don't, I brought them with us" So they changed clothes in the van and we were one of the first families there. We had fun for 2 1/2 hrs then we had to MAKE them leave to come home.

This last picture is at bedtime. Jonah was exhausted. They were relaxing watching a movie and Jacob got the empty diaper box and turned it upside down for Jonah to put his cup on and his bowl of dry cheerios. Jacob said "I love this baby!"

Basket~Foot~Base Ball & Skebidy

Jonah got all "geared up" by himself and I asked "whatcha doin?" he said "playing baseball" It was so cute!!! Notice the helmet is on backwards :-D
Well we had "skebidy" (spaghetti) for dinner and Jonah LOVES IT!!! He was rubbing his hands together like he had lotion on them.

PS. Tell me what you think of our new layout. Just click on the word "comment" below my signature.

Ways we save!

The boys all got haircuts last night and here they are all clean and ready for bed.

Those of you who know me, know that I am thrifty. I save money in all areas of our lives. Here are some of the ways we save:

-I cut all the boys hair and Chris's hair too.

-I do our taxes every year.

-I paint my own toes, no pedicures unless someone else buys me one.

-I wax my own eye brows, I would never pay someone to do that to me!

-We love to shop at Goodwill and thrift stores for clothes and anything else we might need

-We cancelled our home phone since we both have cell phones

-Chris sprays around our house outside for bugs so we don't pay an exterminator

-We don't pay garbage pick up since we live 2 miles from the dump he takes the trash

-We use online bill pay instead of buying checks and stamps to mail all our bills

Just imagine how much we have saved in haircuts alone. Chris and I have been married 11 years and I have cut his hair on average about every 2 weeks. I am not sure what they would charge at a barber but it ain't cheap. I paid $20 for a pair of clippers and they lasted me for years. Last year we bought another set of clippers cause the old ones were worn out. I'm sure our "haircut savings" is in the thousands!!! My mom also cuts my hair for free so that's another way we save.

I love being thrifty!!! It feels good to save money and just use it on the more important things like GROCERIES!!! :-D

Wal-mart wanderer!

When I go to walmart for groceries I try to just take one of the boys and get some alone time with them. So today was Jaron's turn. He was a little sleepy and didn't want to walk. So he sat in the buggy for a while until it was too full and he got out and laid underneath for a while too. I was getting one last thing and I looked down to see that my little boy was GONE! I freaked out! He was just now laying under there and I was moving..where did he go??? OMGosh I am going to cry just thinking about it. I have never been so scared in my life. I was standing near a walmart employee and she got a call over her walkie talkie...."Do you have a Mom Carrie or Terri in your dept. tell her I have her son at Customer Service".

I was mad and scared and relieved all at the same time. I went up front to get him and took him straight to the bathroom and spanked him. I couldn't believe he ran off. He knows better. He's five years old and we talk about it all the time. "Don't run away from mommy, someone will take you" "please stay with mommy Jaron" "Hold onto the buggy or stay where I can see you" I say these things so much and he knows not to do it. He wasn't crying and but I was about to. So we checked out and went home. The ride home was silent.

We had dinner and baths. When I tucked them in the bed I said "I want to know how Jaron felt when he got lost in Walmart." and he said "I was a little scared". A LITTLE? That was the worst 3 minutes of my life!!! I went in circles with the buggy looking for him and calling his name louder and louder. Leave it to Jaron to do something like this. He's our unique child with tons of extra energy. Jacob has never done that before and he better NOT ever. Thank God for nice Walmart ladies doing their job!!!

Splashing not swimming...

Well we are content with our little pool but the boys are too big to swim in it so they just do a lot of splashing...

When it's 95 degrees outside it's nice to have something for them to cool off in or playing out side is no fun.

Jonah was playing in the closet so I got the camera and he said "123 cheese!"