Friday, February 27, 2009

Everything

I first heard this song three years ago at our ladies' retreat.

For the last three years, the theme has revolved around "Captivating" which you will find referenced at the top of my left sidebar.

It is rare that I can listen to this song without crying.

I also love to listen to it pretty loudly in the car. It makes me feel better about my singing and also lends to the powerfulness of the song.

I have even introduced it to my kids and they love it too.

Last week, I also introduced it to the ladies' in our new bible study, "Esther- It's Tough Being A Woman.". I was a little nervous about that one, but I was told it went over well. But that is another story.

I put the lyrics below and changed some of the capitalization to make sure it indicates what it means to me. I know the song has been used for other things, but this is how I know it.

It is song #28 on my play list if you want to hear it as you read along. I encourage you to turn up and enjoy! It is pretty powerful if you let be.

I also have a link to YouTube if you need that as well.

After my last semi-rant post, I guess I just needed to reassure myself (and maybe anyone else too) that I really do know and understand what is most important.

Enjoy!

Stacey

Everything
by Lifehouse

Find me here
Speak to me
I want to feel You
I need to hear You

You are the light
That's leading me
To the place
Where I find peace
Again.

You are the strength,
that keeps me walking.
You are the hope,
that keeps me trusting.
You are the light to my soul.
You are my purpose...You're everything.

How can I stand here with You and not be moved by You?
Would You tell me how could it be any better than this?

You calm the storms,
and You give me rest.
You hold me in your hands,
You won't let me fall.
You steal my heart,
and You take my breath away.
Would You take me in?
Take me deeper now?

How can I stand here with You and not be moved by You?
Would You tell me how could it be any better than this?

And how can I stand here with You and not be moved by You?
Would You tell me how could it be any better than this?

Cause You're all I want,
You're all I need
You're everything, everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything, everything.
You're all I want
You're all I need.
You're everything, everything
You're all I want
You're all I need,
You're everything, everything

And how can I stand here with You and not be moved by You?
Would You tell me how could it be any better than this?

How can I stand here with You and not be moved by You?
Would You tell me how could it be any better than this?

How can I stand here with You and not be moved by You?
Would You tell me how could it be any better than this

Would You tell me how could it be any better than this

Everything

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Can you stand anymore of my opinion?!

Welcome.

To the USA.

United Socialist America.

Most everything else I want to say is not suitable for print as my thoughts currently stand.

Except this.

The message of "hope" has quickly been revealed as the true message that it is and always was.

The message of envy.

A message that encourages the thinking of....

You have it and I want it.

Well, guess what?!

I worked for it and you probably don't deserve it.

Despite what you are being brainwashed to believe.

And just mentioning this doesn't even break the surface of all the other horrible socialist policies that are in the works.

I pray that we can end all this madness in 4 years.

Stacey

p.s. Natalie over at Politics4Moms does a much better job than me at articulating this insanity. In case I forgot to mention this, during the year leading up to the election, she never made it evident where she stood on all the issues. She did a beautiful job of being neutral in her presentation of all the politic information she could offer as a way for us to better educate ourselves. Now that all that is over, she has made it clear where she stands on things. PTL!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Pregnancy PSA

Ladies.

Do your Kegels!

I have been a poor student of Kegels over the years.

And now with pregnancy #3, there are simply days I think it is just in my best interest to be already sitting on the porcelain goddess prior to sneezing, coughing, or blowing my nose.

I will spare you the details!

Also, over the years as an Occupational Therapist, I have worked many times in nursing homes. As you can probably imagine, many of those women probably didn't do their Kegels faithfully either.

Isn't being a woman more fun than you can handle some days?!! :)

Just do it!

Stacey

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

In my opinion

My bloggy friend, Megan over at Sorta Crunchy, just posted a great story about car seats. She included some wonderful links and there is good exchange going on in the comment section regarding car seats.

For what it is worth, here are my 2 cents.

PLEASE PLEASE, if at all possible, leave your children in harnessed car seats as long as possible!

I totally realize that it is not always easy or convenient in terms of space, time it takes to deal with buckling, or cost.

But it is much easier and convenient than the space, time, and cost of the other possible alternative that I don't even want to discuss.

Now I absolutely know that despite our best efforts as parents to keep our children safe that something could happen out of our control. I know that. But I am just saying that why not make sure we have done everything in our control.

Part of me hesitates to give my opinion about this out loud here. Some who read this may very well have their children in booster seats. And feel that this is their best choice for their family. I fear of insulting someone by possibly implying that they are not a good parent if that is their choice. I don't, I don't, I don't think that! It is dang hard being a parent. So many choices, decisions. We do our best. We ALL do our best!

My daughter is 7 and around 50#. We needed to make a new seating choice for her as I had even let her go too long in her last car seat. Not a safe choice either, but I felt it was safer than the regular seat belt with booster.

So last month, I finally forked over almost $300 for the Britax Frontier. I almost choke just typing it! It was both hard and easy at the same time. I knew that I wanted her in a harness situation for as long as possible and that I wanted her in a more secure seat with a seat belt after that.

My husband asked if our kids would be unbuckling their car seats as we dropped them off at high school.

Maybe!!

For our family, I just feel passionately that booster seats are not the safest way to go. I am pretty much a stickler about them riding in car seats in other people's cars as well.

I know. I am such a pain!

I could go on and talk about all the other crazy things that we have all observed in terms of other children riding unsafely in the car. Riding in the front way too young, no car seat, no seat belt, nothing. I bet we all have stories.

I am not going to talk about everything here. Megan did a great job already. Especially updating us about rear-facing limits! Be sure to head over there for great information!

I will get off my soap box now! :)

And duck in case anyone wants to throw rocks at me!

Stacey

Friday, February 20, 2009

New to me

The other day, Jennifer was talking about their trip to the Goodwill store. She's been pondering thriftiness with a few of her posts, but I enjoyed this simple one because it reminded me of my own thrift store trips lately.

As you know, I am no stranger to thrift stores. A few examples here and here.

I am sure there are a few more where I talked about it, but it takes too long to find them!

I remember talking about my big Halloween/dress-up costume score at our Goodwill back in October.

I went back again in December because A and I thought it would be fun to look. I can't remember how much I spent exactly, but it was probably around $30. I just remember that A loved getting her "new" clothes and L loved his "new" surprise clothes as well. I think I picked up a few books too.

My husband made fun of me a bit. He wondered if maybe we shouldn't be saving those clothes, etc for the "poor" people. Personally, I think these places that resale stuff is for the "smart" people as well. Don't get me wrong-my kids get LOTS of new stuff during the course of the year and holidays. More than they deserve or need. There are just times that I can't really see paying full or even "sale" price for things like shoes or jeans or whatever if I can get mostly new-looking stuff for them.

Yesterday, while we gave the pharmacy time to fill her prescriptions, we head to the Goodwill again. Honestly, it is not one of my favorite resale shops that I have spent time in. It smells and they don't always have the greatest selections. We ended up with a few coloring books and a book for about $.20 each, some roller skates for $4 that I am going to use for work, a brand new Scrabble Jr. game for $5, and A got a pair of tall black boots for $3 that she LOVES and wore most of the afternoon with her sweatpants! I also SCORED with some new Method products for $2 each-minty shaving cream, minty body wash, and some floral body wash for her. I got two of each product!

Everyone was happy and I think I was a pretty smart shopper.

And I did leave some stuff for the "poor" people. With the way things are these days, that could mean any of us!

Unless that is, you are one of those people whose life is going to be restored by the latest "stimulus" package! {rolling eyes} Ahem!

Stacey

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Just one of my finest moments!

As mothers, most of us have experienced those moments!


You know the ones.


The ones where we wonder how we ever got our mother-card before we left the hospital!


Several weeks ago, L had a cold. The basic kind which was probably extended by allergies. And he developed his typical cold sore on his lip. We both get them from time to time. Him with colds. Me with colds or stress. I need to be better about dealing with them before they develop.


A seemed to get a bit congested and had a few days of nose-blowing, but nothing like him.


And then of course, I have been dealing with my crud.


It is much much better, but still crud. I love the shower soothers that were recommended and I went for Zicam as opposed to other meds. Along with my Neti, I am sure things will work themselves out soon.


Around last Friday, my dtr began developing this sore on her nose. At first, it just looked like irritation, then it looked mostly like a cold sore. Then it got UGLY! We do a good job of dealing with her eczema/seasonal allergies, but she has never had a cold sore like me and L. So, I just assumed that in her play with L, she probably picked up on some of his germs. I dealt with it.


Then earlier this week, the nose got really gross and her eye started looking a little yuck. I knew it wasn't pink eye, but figured she had just spread the germs by picking and rubbing.


Yesterday, the nose was looking better, but I just had this funny feeling like maybe I should be checking into it more. I had been reading so many sad stories of little ones dying from things that seemed to start out so innocently. I just needed to be reassured. So, I sent a note with her and told her to go see the school nurse yesterday.


I do not over-react medically and hate dealing with unnecessary doctor appointments. You know the ones, where they say to just wait it out and then ask to be paid! I am much more into the free consultations from the school nurse! :)


Yesterday morning by phone, we kinda concurred the same thing, especially since her nose was looking better.


Then she called me about 1:30, saying A was in her office with a 99 fever. No biggy, but I still had to pick her up. Once home, she took some Tylenol and chilled out. About an hour after being home, I noticed another sore on her face. And another developed last night! We made an appointment for first thing this morning!


Last night, my husband was a bit concerned and said to go look up some things at WebMD. Nothing seemed a great fit UNTIL I happened upon....


Impetigo!


It was a perfect match.


My poor girl had been suffering with this since late last week. She had been reinfecting herself AND she had been around other kids!


I was completely mortified with myself. I hate the idea that I let this go on without even thinking to do a little research. I really did think it was just a bad cold sore, but shocked that I didn't utilize my Internet love a bit earlier. I also really really hate that I allowed her around other kids. I just never want to be one of those moms! I had had daily conversations with her about not touching her sore, hand washing, etc., but still!


We started her oral antibiotic and topical treatments today. We are going to keep her home today and tomorrow just to give the antibiotics a chance to work.


She is disappointed that her friend can't sleepover tomorrow, but we have already planned on next Friday. She is NOT disappointed that she is missing school!

And I am trying to recover from my guilt by eating Thin Mints!

Stacey

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Notice anything new around here?



I was so giddy about ordering the new addition for my necklace!

And even more giddy knowing that it was going to arrive this week!

Revealing our baby's name makes me even happier than the icing-covered two-bite brownie I just ate!

And it was good!

Over a year ago (I think), I decided to stop using my kid's full names when I write about them. I thought about, but never went back to change all the posts before because it would have been a massive project.

I am not sure what I was afraid of. Long before, I had made sure that I had taken any indication of my last name off my blog.

I guess I was afraid that all my bloggy fame (HA! HA!) might lead the wrong people around and they would see my kid's names.

I haven't fully decided what I am going to do about it. Go back to first names or stick with initials.

But just for now, I thought it would be fun to explain my kids' names.

Anysa Jeanette~ Anysa is pronounced with a short "i" sound as in "sit". I would have to go back and find my list of our other choices because I can't remember right now. He still gives me a hard time because I spelled her name "wrong", but I totally disagree. Yes, you will often see it spelled other ways, but I actually don't think it is that common and I LOVE her name just as it is. Jeanette is in honor of my husband's sister. It was her middle name as well.

Luke Wyatt~ Luke is simply the one we finally agreed upon. I find it funny that of all my other cool boy name choices that we ended up with this one. One more common than any of the others on our list! However, at this point, I can't imagine him with any other name. It is a strong name. It is also short and easy to spell, which I believe our kids will thank us for later on because it will be less name to write on their papers! Wyatt is a name I just really liked, but I didn't want a "W" name as his first name since our last name starts with "W".

Brax Garrett~ There was MUCH discussion about this! My husband will tell you that he has a different and longer name, but I totally say that is not true! He likes this name but doesn't think it will fly as he is a man in the business world. Believe me, we will be dealing with this up to the very minute I sign his name for the birth certificate!! I love it because it is another strong name. I also think it is pretty cool. I mean can't you see him already as a cool baseball player or guitar player! :) As one friend commented, "He is going to be a rock star!" Well, of course, he is already my little rock star! We both agreed that Garrett had a nice sound as a middle name. The funny thing is that I never planned the double "tt" thing with the first two. I don't think I even ever noticed. At least not that I remember! But I planned it on purpose this time and love it!

So, what do you think?!

Kimmy asked me what girl names we were thinking about. I purposely did not plan a girl list until we knew what we were having. I didn't want the stress of worrying about both. My two top choices without doing any research were Harper or Emery. Harper was my husband's grandmother's maiden name and I always liked Emery. I had really thought about Harper Love. No, I am not a hippy! Love was my great-grandmother's maiden name and I thought it would be a neat way to honor them. But really, who knows what direction we would have taken!

I just have to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to Jennifer for making my original necklace and helping me add my newest charm! You can find her stuff at Mommy Jewelry.

And look at the sweetest little outfit she sent him!


It is his first official outfit! He will have lots of well-preserved hand-me-downs from big brother, but I love that he has a new outfit to call all his own! Thank you Jennifer! So sweet!

Stacey

Monday, February 16, 2009

This would stink if I could smell it.

I have a cold.

Couple that with the fact that my nose already hates the trees/pollen around here causing my allergies to flare, and you have fun, fun, fun times.

I don't like to take medication while I am pregnant, but I feel like a walking zombie.

Which would be fine if I could sit on the couch with my eyes closed and not have to worry about laundry, cleaning, cooking, working, kids, etc.

I have used my NetiPot at least twice a day since Friday, made sure I have taken my super-vitamins, taken a little extra probiotics, and blown my nose at least "500 billion and 15 times".

That last part is a slight exaggeration, but not too far from the truth as far as my nose feels! I was quoting my 4-year old son as he was describing something to me the other day. I always have to laugh at his counting of things!

Anyway, I am tired of the congestion, the dark circles under my eyes, and having to sleep sitting up (more than usual) so my head doesn't explode.

Am I missing something? Any other ideas?

Stacey

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Happy HEART Day!

Stacey

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

What it is not!

We finally know what his name will be when he arrives in May!

After many, many attempts by each of us to persuade the other, we finally compromised. I still think that he made me leave a lot of cool, and frankly great, choices on the bargaining table. BUT I am happy with our final choice.

Here is the short list of what did not make the final cut:

Beck
(This was one of my #1 choices. I still really like it!)

Brock
(This was our initial possible agreement until someone made a joke about "Barock". It quickly got nixed! I still like it though-Brock, not Barock!)

Cash
(This was one of my #1 choices, although it is getting used more than when I first wanted it 5 years ago. I still love it!)

Ford
(Nope, he is a Chevy man, he said. Whatever!)

Pierce
(I liked it. He said it was too much of a last name for him. I liked it!)

Ryder
(This was one of my #1 choices. Even 5 years ago.)

Tripp
(We kept it on the list, but probably wasn't the favorite of either of us.)

Jagger
(Middle choice only. I almost got this as the middle name last time around, but he chickened out. I still like it.)

Porter
(Most likely a middle choice. He didn't like it from the beginning. I thought it was cool.)

Brody
(First or middle choice. I really liked it, but he never became too fond of it. He said that I was reading too much "Popsugar"!)

Slater
(Most likely a middle choice. Again, he hated it. He said it was too snooty for him.)

Harley
(Middle choice. I thought it was cool, but I was surprised that he didn't. My friends thought they were funny when they suggested "Harley Ryder". You know somebody out there has done it!!)

Major
(Middle choice. Probably didn't have a chance, but it seemed kinda cool.)

There you have them! Since we are not having any more children, feel free to use them for your own if you wish!

And on a complete side-note....why is that a pregnant woman must spend the majority of her pregnancy hiking her pants up?

Stacey

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Stuck!

Well, I was expecting 2 needle sticks.

NOT 4!

And I was expecting a fun hang-out time at the mall for about 2 1/2 hours.

Not revolving through the lab door every hour for 3 hours!

Oh well, I survived.

I had a great nurse who gave me 3 painless needle sticks on the right arm and 1 stingy stick on the left. But we decided that was a vein issue, not her! :) She really was great.

With all my short-term waiting, I ran a necessary errand, got little man a snack, organized some papers, read lots of magazines and books, and then treated us to a yummy and well-deserved lunch!

I devoured Olive Garden's Soup/Salad/Breadsticks while he enjoyed some Fettuccine Alfredo and salad! I even ordered him ice cream for being such a great companion today. He didn't resist and even declared it "a great day, Mom!"!

I would say now for the waiting, since I actually started typing this to post yesterday evening, but the news just came in as I was preparing to post right now!

I PASSED!

Apparently, I am normal.

Oh wait.

She said my blood work was normal!

Same thing, right?!! ;)

No gestational diabetes for me!

Thank goodness!

Stacey

Monday, February 9, 2009

Prayer updates

Remember when I asked that you remember a sweet young boy in your prayers.

I received this email from my friend a few weeks ago:

First, thank you so much for all the prayers you have lifted up for our friend’s baby, L. We got an update yesterday that just broke our hearts. L had been back in the PICU for about 8 days with respiratory trouble. The initially thought it would be a short stay there, but during that time, L’s situation worsened. The fungus in his lungs raged out of control and spread into his heart. (His parents) were told there is no surgery or medication that could control it at that point. Also, the Leukemia continues to worsen, as they have been unable to continue treatment with his current infection. They were told there is nothing more that can be done for L. So, they’ve moved him out of the PICU back to his regular room where he is most comfortable to spend the rest of his time here. The doctors told them it could be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

I cannot even begin to imagine what (the parents) are going through, facing the end of their son’s life. Please pray for them….strength, courage, peace, comfort. Also, for L’s big brother, B, who is having a really hard time coming to terms with what is going on with his baby brother, and of course, for L, that his last bit of time on our Earth is full of as much joy as possible, and that he can go to God in peace.


Not long after receiving this email, I learned that sweet baby L is now at home with Jesus.

Please continue to remember this family in your prayers.

Also, please continue to pray for my friend's mother who I talked about here

She has a rare form of bile duct cancer called Cholangiocarcinoma and was given less than a chance for hope with her first round of local doctors. After spending time with doctors the last 2 weeks at MD Anderson, God has supplied them renewed hope. The center actually has a specialist for this type of cancer. It is complicated, so I can't explain it all here. What I do know in simple terms is that there is questioning as to whether or not the tumor is actually malignant and they are also working to get her ready for chemo/radiation if it is. Her bilirubin needs to go down more for treatment to occur, so that is a BIG prayer request. A group of doctors is discussing her case this week, so please pray that they will find insight and agreement and be able to treat her cancer effectively.

My friend's mother has a Caring Bridge website, but I feel like I should ask permission before linking to it here.

And just a little simple one for me! I would love to pass my 3-hour glucose test tomorrow. Remember, I flunked my screening this past week. I would also love it if God helped suppress my hunger between midnight and 12:30 PM tomorrow!! I fear hunger these days!

Thanks again!

Stacey

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Movie Night

I am sitting here writing, at the same time listening to the rest of the gang watch a Superman movie I dvr'd off tv last night.

The ongoing conversation, or questions from the kids, reminded me to write this.

I have mentioned before my son's enjoyment of the Indiana Jones movies and his admiration for "Dr. Jones". We finished the series a few weeks back.

And btw, #4 was awful in my opinion, at least compared to the first three. And the whole alien thing. Ruined the whole thing all together for me.

Anyway, we will likely start the Star Wars series soon. Several people have mentioned that it is my duty since my son's name is a big part of that movie!

But all that to say, has anyone else discovered how difficult it can be to watch a more mature movie with young kids?!! And I don't mean more mature in a bad way, simply one that stretches beyond the cartoon-type.

It has been humorous and almost painful at times watching these movies with our kids. Of course, we have already seen them before but it would be nice to watch them again.

WITHOUT ALL THE QUESTIONS!!!!!!!! :)

Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...? Why...?
What...? What...? What...? What...?

(I will let you fill in the rest of the ????)

I can't even tell you how many times we said,

"Just listen." "Just watch the movie." "Shhhh, you are missing it."

4-year olds and 7-year olds sure ask a LOT of QUESTIONS!!

Oh well, I guess it is the price we pay for sharing the classics with our kids.

Stacey

Friday, February 6, 2009

You will find that I am just as effective as warm milk!

So, if you are having trouble sleeping at night, try reading this post right before you go to bed.

I just couldn't muster more this week than what I am offering today.

I mean I have been around; reading, commenting.

But to actually put together coherent thoughts of my own.

No way!

Tired would be an understatement, but that is the main reason why.

So here is my bullet-summary from this past week:

* The Ladies' Retreat was so good. Good thoughts, good singing, good food, good friends! We stayed up way too late both nights, but enjoyed every minute of it. More on that later.

* Canton was fun and the weather was perfect for walking around for 3 hours. It did a number on my ankles and feet though and left my right leg sore and crampy for days. Oh well!

* Once back home on Sunday, my day included lunch with my in-laws and 2 other couples from church, as well as a gathering of 3 couples for Super Bowl and food later that evening. It did not include a nap, which I desperately needed!

* My little man and I headed to Dallas Monday for my dr. appt and a visit to my old office. I am so proud of L! He was in excellent-behavior mode and did so well the whole trip, which included hanging out with me at the hospital (we went and saw all the babies!) and at my appointment. I don't think I can take him anymore though. He got all the attention and I got the "oh, you are doing great!" at the last minute. My dr. did a magic quarter trick and juggled for him. My son wants to invite him over for dinner!

* I have gained 16 pounds which is much less than how I feel! Even if (and it likely will) that number doubles by the time I deliver, I can totally live with gaining 32 pounds. The bad part is I flunked my glucose-screen and have to do the 3-hour test this Monday. I have been assured that a lot of women fail the screen but pass the test. Pray that is me!

* We are getting really close to a name for our baby boy!

* My daughter is a Brownie with Girl Scouts for the first time this year. I have such fond memories of GS. I just found out that the leader is leaving and the co-leader is a 25-year old mom of 4 kids and 1 on the way. The leader and I talked the other day and apparently she had already tagged me as a good person to help this young and disorganized (her words, not mine!) lady out with the troop. Warning: That is what happens when you are the mom that actually asks questions and wants to know things ahead of time! More on that later!

* I am working on starting a bible study here at church. I have a lot of mixed emotions about it, coupled with all the emotions I still have in general about being here. Put that all together with pregnancy hormones and you have a winner on your hands!

* So seriously, why did God make us so hormonal during our pregnancy?! It is hard enough to look good as you grow, but then to add the stress of making sure you are wearing your water-proof mascara! The pressure!

* I hate laundry! Need I say more?

* I can proudly say that I am ready for the Valentine's parties; 1 for my dtr, 2 for my son. I just need to add labels to the playdough and bag my dtr's goodies. Sorry kids, no candy or paper cards from me this year! L is giving out mini playdoughs. A is giving pencils and notepads; cute for girls and cool for boys! One trip to the store will mean fulfilling my food requirements-yah!

* There is lots more, but most of it is stuff for longer and more thoughtful posts!

Aren't you glad?

Stacey