Recent Happenings....

Well, as many of you know.....we are now living in Canadian, temporarily for the summer! We were here less than 1 day and I already had Dish Network ready to install my T.V. I don't think Jaylee would have made it all summer without Max and Ruby! Ok, Ok, yes I needed TV too! Yesterday we made a fast trip to Amarillo, (it's like going to Abilene from Munday), to get some things to fix the vents on our trailer. For some, odd, stinky, reason, the vents were not working properly on the top of our trailer, so you would run the a/c and it would smell like sewage. Well, not only am I pregnant and hormonal, but I also can't stand bad smells.....so that was priority number ONE of going yesterday! We returned last night around 10:30 and Jeremy worked until midnight to get it them all to work properly! Now both a/c's work and it feels lovely in my house!


We also had to make a stop to return a TV that we had just purchased Sunday evening at Wal-mart. Being the bargain shopper I am, I settled for a display model TV on clearance instead of paying an extra $20 for the brand new, better brand, same size TV. Well, we get to our trailer Sunday evening and as I turned on a movie for Jaylee yesterday morning, it made this loud, obnoxious buzzing sound! Grrr!!! So that was priority number TWO of going yesterday was to get a different TV. As we encountered the service desk and Wal-Mart, one employee was very willing to work with us, being that we had the TV less than 24 hours, and the other employee was "Nope- sorry! Clearance means AS IS!" Well, persistent and pushy me insisted on them doing something, and they finally called a manager and she was going to do an even exchange... which was perfectly fine! I just wanted my TV.... I didn't need the box or the manual... I just wanted a TV! Well...as luck would have it...they don't carry that model anymore (DUH! That's why it was clearanced!) and I finally walked away and let Jeremy deal with it. The lady finally returned our money to us and my husband went back to the electronics department to buy the original one we set out to buy and paid the extra $20. So, my advice to all is sometimes it's just not worth saving a few extra dollars! That was a major pain in my rather large buttocks at the moment--- so don't always shop the red tags!


We then met up with our good friend who Jeremy works with here in Canadian. For protection, I'll remain anonymous with his name, but it was his birthday. We told him to meet us for dinner and we wound up meeting at Red Lobster. We had previously met at Cavendar's b/c Jeremy wanted to buy him something for his birthday, and he is rather picky, so we just let him pick out his present. We spent a little more than we intended, but something told me inside that there was a reason we bought those boots for him. As we started to dine at Red Lobster, he began to talk about how much he enjoyed Sunday lunch with our family and how he missed Jerry being there. (He admires Jerry--and had come home with Jeremy this past weekend--went to church and had Sunday lunch at Judy's house with us). As he went on to talk about his enjoyment of our family, he said how much he appreciated us buying us those boots. I told him that we appreciated him being such a good friend to Jeremy, etc. He then went on to tell me how his own father, whom he lives with, did not even wish him happy birthday. Then he then said that his own mother didn't even call to wish him a happy birthday. I wanted to burst out in tears right there.



God slapped me in the face so hard. I take so many things for granted, and I don't even realize it. I recently had a birthday to where I was spoiled rotten with many birthday blessings. (See post- My Many Birthday Blessings). I have all those people who went out of their way on my birthday to make me feel special, and yet, he had hardly anyone. I look at our life and see how Jeremy and I both have two mothers who go completely out of their way, bend their backs over, to make our birthday's special. And to not even have your mom or dad tell you Happy Birthday..... it breaks my heart. So, after having this conversation, I felt very blessed to have bought those boots for him and take him out to dinner. He needed us yesterday because he had no one. I am glad that God put us in his life and are able to bless him as others are a blessing to us.


"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which god prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them"
Ephesians 2:10

Finally......SUMMER!

Summer is here and I am excited!!! I have been looking forward to this day since August 23rd! Yes, I do love my job and what I do within my job, but who doesn't love a 2 1/2 month paid vacation from your job. A time to spend every minute with your children and do things/projects around the house that you just don't have time to get completed throughout the school year! One of my favorite past times of summer is Reading. Give me a book during the school year and it will collect dust until Summer. I just can't seem to balance it all. So.... I save it all up for these next 2 1/2 months! I have 3 books on my list this summer, and although they are somewhat dated, they are definite must reads from what I have heard! The first one if to finish my Beth Moore book of So long Insecurity. I was halfway through this book last summer, then I went through my rejection phase and I probably should have continued to read it, but I couldn't. So I'll probably just start all over and tackle the thing that tortures all of us women- INSECURITY! Then-- my other two must reads are Josh Hamilton's book called Beyond Belief, and Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo. From what everyone has told me, both of these books are exceptional and I can't wait to begin!After I finish, I shall update my blog and give my thoughts!

Mmm!! Mmm!!!

Now THAT'S my girl! I never knew a toddler would love to lick a beater like my Jaylee Ray. Tonight I was preparing some fruit dip to take to school tomorrow for a joint baby shower, and she suprisingly waited patiently on me to finish, and as soon as I popped those beaters out of the mixer, she was waiting with open hands! I'd say she liked it!

It's that time of year......

Well, the time of year has come where the combines are loaded, trailer houses are hooked onto the service rig and pickup, and the boys are ready to pull out of town. I knew this day was coming, I just never knew it would hit me as hard as it did. I have known we aren't going on harvest for a while, but there was something about seeing it all loaded up, ready to go, and our trailer house wasn't there with the rest of them. Of course I am relieved to not be going for pregnancy reasons, but part of me feels lost. I never knew after just 4 years of going, that I would become so attached to such a different yet awesome lifestyle. I'm going to miss the weekend garage saleing, all the cooking and taking meals to the field, and getting to watch Jaylee ride in the trucks and combines with her boys!

I'll definitely miss the afternoon coke drive around town, trying to find the best ice in town! Oh and I for sure am going to miss all the "hand signaling" that goes on in the field day to day. I'm going to miss it all! Well, maybe not EVERYTHING. I don't think I'll miss moving day, and the bickering and arguing going on when we finally get to the next place and my trailer isn't level and I have to act like a not so nice person to get it levelled. I think more than anything I'm going to miss my mother and father in law. Both of them have been so good to Jaylee and I this past school year; we have become so attached to them! I know Jaylee will miss her Lolli and Pa! Hopefully the Dr will approve of us travelling a bit this summer and when Jeremy gets a weekend off we can go see them!

As for Jeremy,I know that if it's hard for me missing a year after 4 years, it has to be killing him inside. This will be Jeremy's 2nd time in 28 years that he will have not gone on harvest. So, although we are in a different place this summer, our hearts will be with Lowe Bros and missing (almost) every step of the way!

Success!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths"

Proverbs 3:5-6

As many of you know, my school year started out with a much slump in my attitude. I was slapped in the face last summer with a big dose of rejection. I had truly never faced rejection as hard as I did for that situation. I felt worthless and unimportant. I felt that I was a horrible teacher and wasn't up to par to teach anymore. It was one of the hardest, most difficult times I had to face with myself. It was hard to go to the grocery store, post office, dollar store, etc just because I felt as if everyone in this town had labeled me with the same labels I had given myself. Not everyone in the public eye knew the dirty deal I was handed, but I knew there was a reason I had to go through that very situation. I finally one day, opened up my bible and just said "Lord-- I'm tired of feeling this way!" As I began reading....the above verse stuck with me. It's been my motivation from that day on. I knew that after dealing with that difficult situation, that something good and the understanding of why would come out of it, I just never knew when or what it would be.

It's been a hard past 10 months, with a very stressful class and load to handle. After 6 weeks of being completely stressed at work and at home since Jeremy was in Montana, on the Canadian border.... I also started to notice my frustrations being taken out on my child at home in the evenings. Everything was bothering me, I was an emotional basket case, and I wasn't being the loving, fun mother that I had aspired to be. So, I resorted to medication for OCD and what a lifesaver it became. I no longer felt worthless; I felt like a wonderful mother, wife, and teacher again. Lots of people are against medication, but I say that they make it for a reason, and it helped me wonders! But, along came another pregnancy, and I went off the medicine cold turkey. I still had no husband at home, still the stressful class, a terrible two toddler, and now hormone rages! But-- looking back I see that God handled it all for me. He wrapped his loving arms around our family and took care of us. God has been there for Jaylee and I this entire school year. Not many can deal with a husband being gone all week long, but somehow-- we made it. This is just part of my success out of rejection story....


So today came along and I knew that it was a day that probably wouldn't turn out well being that it was Monday morning, and knowing that Sunday night was the night that TAKS scores would be sent out. But I just told myself that no matter the outcome, I was still a good teacher and life would con tine to go on. My boss stopped by my classroom during our lunch session and said "I have your TAKS scores and they are AWESOME- AS ALWAYS!" I told her to "quit lying" because we had both prepared ourselves for the absolute worse this year. However, as I glanced at all the yeses and the few nos..... all I could do is remember that verse from back in August....... wow! He sure did show me the path..... he showed me today that I am still a good teacher, despite whoever thought this summer that I wasn't. I succeeded this year with 90% passing and 47% achieving Commended Performance (for those of you not familiar with standardized testing--commended performance is only achieved by missing 2 or less questions)! All day long, I have been so thankful and blessed for God showing me his path. He intended for me to continue teaching, whether it's here, there or Timbuktu! He showed me that something good truly does come out of something bad, it just takes some time to understand and realize. So I'll end today, with another favorite verse of mine....

"Give thanks to the LORD for he is good, his love endures forever" 1 Chronicles 16:34

Today's Devotional......

"Dear brothers and sisters; be patient as you wait for the Lord's return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring.They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen"

James 5:7

God has put dreams and desires in every person's heart. But most times, there's a season of waiting involved. But there is a right way and a wrong way to wait. Too often, when things don't happen to our timetable we get down and discouraged or anxious and fretful. That's because we aren't waiting the right way.

The fact is, we are all going to wait. It says we should consider how the farmer waits patiently and eagerly. We're not supposed to sit around discouraged; we're supposed to be hopeful, positive, and full of expectancy!



OK--- now for MY thoughts--- First off-- the person writing this devotional has NEVER been pregnant. Does he not know how hard it is to be PATIENT when your hormones are completely out of whack!? Ask my husband if I'm patient about anything, pregnant or not pregnant, and he'll be the first to straight up tell you- NO! Patience is something that I have struggled with my entire life. When I get my mind set to something, I won't quit working/doing until I get it done. Even if it requires help, I will nag the other person involved until the job is 110% complete.

Yesterday, we had lunch with a friend here in Canadian and I was still quite upset that I came "home" the night before to a dirty trailer house. I should have expected it being that I had not been here since Spring Break. However, I really really thought that since I was pregnant and hormonal, my husband would have went the extra mile for me, and made an effort to clean the trailer house- ha! WRONG! Anyways, during our lunch, the friend proceeds to tell of a horse/roping story from the previous evening, of which my husband was involved in. Well of course, this hit a nerve with me, and I proceeded to say that "oh so instead of scrubbing that nasty toilet, you chose to watch him rope instead?" Then my husband proceeds to lean over and tell the friend "Remember the pregnant and hormonal? Yeah- HEAVY on the hormonal!"

WHATEVER! I am not patient when it comes to not balancing out your time right and doing something that needs to be done! Am I wrong for thinking he could have been cleaning HIS nasty toilet or running a vacuum cleaner before we showed up!? He only had 3 hours to do so before we got there so time was not pressing! I know, I know, he's just a man! But when does that ever come into play for me as an excuse!? Do I ever get to NOT cook supper b/c I'm a woman? I'm about ready for us females to get to have some excuses and get out of things as easily as males do! So, as good as this devotional was to read.....it sure is hard to practice this when your hormones are completely out of sync!

Cantankerous Jeremy.......

So....if you were to look in the dictionary....and look up the word "Cantankerous" you wouldn't just see the definition in writing, you would also see a picture of my husband along with his father. These two boys drive me nuts with their cantankerous/crotchety ways. Just last week, my husband thought he might get a slight promotion to be the "main mechanic" for the company he works for. He was very excited and was somewhat reserved in case it didn't work out. But then, Monday rolls around, and they placed him at truck driving position instead b/c of a truck driver becoming ill and having to quit. So, he was the replacement, and no mechanic was hired. So he was grouchy, grumpy, griped all day Monday and Tuesday simply because, he can drive a truck on harvest and this wasn't what he wanted to do. I just kept telling him "be thankful you have a job in this economy!" So then.... yesterday rolls around...another day in the truck...started the day at 3:30 A.M. which made him even more grouchy, then he calls me yesterday evening and informs me that he just may have stuck his foot in his mouth! Upon asking what he was talking about, he informs me that they were standing around the shop yesterday evening, and he asked the boss who was going to replace the mechanic spot. The boss then goes to tell Jeremy that he didn't know-- and asked him if he wanted it! My husband said yes---he told him to be there at 8 this morning-- then he calls me all grumpy b/c he is the mechanic. CAN YOU SAY CANTANKEROUS?! Were we NOT just excited last week about this possibility of a promotion????? Then we get the job.....and now we aren't sure because "it's hot during the summer...it sure is nice and cool in my truck cab!"
OH MY HEAVENLY STARS! I just don't get him sometimes--- so--- I have just learned that he's "just like his daddy and his cantankerous ways!" As our conversation went on, I asked him what his plans were for this weekend. Being that we have an extra day this weekend at school, I offered to go see him.... but he then proceeds to tell me "Well I don't want to sit around the trailer house all weekend and no TV or nothing to do" I said, "OK--then come home Friday after work" He goes "But I don't want to drive home either....and besides...my trailer house needs cleaning" Well..... I was all fine and dandy with traveling this weekend to see him, until that last statement. I just said "We'll see you when you get home Friday" and hung up the phone! He wears me out some days! So..... stay tuned for Friday evening and I'll let you know who goes where this weekend.......

Changes....

Changes....who likes them? NO ONE! No one likes change!? Mainly because we know that anything in life that is a change, probably requires our inner self to change somewhat and be a little more open minded to what lies ahead.

Looking back over this school year, Jeremy and I made a huge decision to pull Jaylee out of daycare and put her with a private sitter. Oh what a hard decision! I lost many hours of sleep, and spent many many weeks praying and debating over what we were going to do with Jaylee. Her current daycare was going fine, it just wasn't "great". I wasn't seeing improvements in Jaylee like I felt I should. I tried really really hard to sit back, and view things from every angle, but once the digression began, I knew something had to be done! I randomly started generating names of ladies in my head, and this one lady kept popping up and kept popping up! I kept thinking though, "What in the world would she want my child for!? She already has 4 of her own!" I was so nervous sending her that e-mail, and never ever expected her response to be yes. But, I wanted to atleast tell myself that I did try and I did ask, so I could eliminate another name off my wanted list! Anyways, I waited and waited for a response....and after a week of waiting, I almost gave up on her response. I thought to myself "Why is she not answering me? Oh- that's right-- I really was crazy thinking she wanted my child on top of mothering her own 4, plus her husband!" Ha! So-- something inside of me told me to ask her one more time-- so of course--over eager Brittany did- and I got an immediate response of "Let me talk to my husband, and let you know!" At 6 Am that next morning, I got a cell phone text from my e-mail saying "I would love to keep Jaylee!" It was hard telling our current sitter goodbye, but something inside of me told me to just stay strong, stay positive, and things would be O-K! I know you are probably thinking "Good grief--What a controlling mother" and I am-- I'll admit. I am OCD, Anal Retentive, and Johnny on the Spot with wanting attention! However, looking back now over the past 10 months, I couldn't have asked for a better "change" in my family's life! Jaylee LOVES her Miss Robin and loves turning the corner everyday to get to her house. She loves to get out of the carseat, run around the car, and run right up to her open arms. I don't know of one single day in 10 months that Jaylee has wanted to leave her house when I go to pick her up. It's almost a fight to get her into my car-- to the point I almost worry that Miss Robin might have to call CPS b/c my child doesn't want to go with her own mother! Even on Saturday's and Sunday's we have to take "Attendance" and talk about all the members of "Miss Robin's" family and guess about what they might be doing. Jaylee gets to go places, see faces, and have experiences that she didn't get to at daycare. Over the past 10 months, we have learned to speak in complete sentences, know our basic colors and shapes, and many many songs that she loves to sing and irritate some with! She also has learned to be polite and say "Yes, No, Thank you, and Please" Miss Robin cares for Jaylee as if she is her very own, and probably better than her own sometimes (LOL!) We love the "circus" at Robin's house and are glad that she accepts and loves our little clown/monkey! All in all, we are very thankful that God put this change in our life!

Out with the old.....in with the new...

Well, it's that time of year again, summer is almost here and it's time to start preparing for next school year! I worked my tail off today at school and got quite a bit done! We have big changes coming next year at KCE and I am actually excited about what is instore for us! I will be tackling all 3rd and 4th grade Reading next year.... yes that's right...I signed myself up for TWO, not just ONE, STAAR tests! What the hell was I thinking!? That's right- I wasn't! Oh well- I am really excited about this opprotunity as my passion is teaching kids reading and especially dealing with those kids who were just like me in 3rd and 4th grade! I am looking forward to tackling this challenge next year. I honestly get a small, slight thrill out of state testing; it's a challenge to me, and I feel that I get to prove myself as a teacher. Some gripe and complain all the time about unfairness, and how stupid the test is and yes I've done my share of complaining too. Yet, I try to look at it as a challenge to myself to see how good of a teacher I am and how many of those borderline kids that were once just like me-- that I can get to pass. Just don't ask me about this year's scores b/c this year is an exception with the school year that I've had. Anyways--back to topic--I love to start my school year off with a fresh, new look, and you ought to see the changes I've made just today! I've moved shelves, cabinets, tables, to all different locations and I'm already excited. Normally I don't do this until August, but since how there's something happening in August that is kind of a big deal, I better get this show on the road now!

My weekend......

Wow-- here it is Sunday night again, and looking back at my blog......I can't believe I've blogged as much as I have so far! I really thought I'd only blog a time or two a week, but I really get some therapy about getting my feelings out on here! But can someone tell me where the weekend went!? I had many many plans on doing things around my house and in my yard and not ONE SINGLE THING got accomplished! I attempted to start laundry yesterday, still haven't finished it as I'm writing this! I went to Wal-Mart yesterday afternoon....and all my bags of stuff are still sitting on the kitchen table! That is SO NOT LIKE ME! My mother-in-law is rubbing off on me in more ways than one, good and bad! We did however get to spend some time this weekend together just being a family, out in the field, just loving life. Jaylee is absolutely in love with those combines and trucks! She had all 3 of those boys (Jeremy/Jerry/Jordan) wrapped around her finger.....all weekend long! I got so tickled this afternoon when Unky Munky stopped to pick her up to ride, and Pa got his combine and was in the lead. After a few rounds, Unky Munky got his combine closer to Pa's and the dust started blowing into Unky Munky's combine. He proceeded then to get on the radio and tell Pa that his baby girl wasn't enjoying the dust blowing in her way of seeing and she was trying to blow his dust away! So instead of just laughing, speeding up, or just ignoring it..... Pa proceeds to STOP and let them go AROUND him so she wouldn't be upset! Jeremy and I sat there in the pickup laughing and I looked at him and said.....You have got to be kidding me! Anyways, I cooked for the boys all 3 evenings, and loved every minute of it! It really hit me that I wasn't going to be doing this all summer. Even though I've only been on harvest for 4 summers.....it's amazing how it just gets into your blood! I love the preparation and delivering meals to the guys. Not only because I love to cook, but there's something about a bunch of hungry boys, standing around, devouring the meal, good or bad, because they flat out are tired, worn out and will eat anything! I have also found that these types of boys are the most appreciative eaters. I even enjoying turning my supper table into a tailgate! It's still as close-knit and family oriented as sitting down around a table! Overall.....it was another great weekend.....and I am looking forward to this 4 day work week and an extra long weekend!

Mmmm....

Oh my goodness..... I really wish we had a McDonald's that was closer to us. Last night, I laid in bed and thought about where all the McDonald's were that were around us and which one I could drive to and get a smoothie to satisfy the craving....but they are all atleast an hour and a half away. Hmph! Would it be stupid to pay $3.95/gallon to drive to Abilene and get one!?! I love these things, and they are healthy too~! I also am tempted to try their latest, frozen strawberry lemonade. Jeremy tried one yesterday and said it was awesome! So-- maybe I can talk him into taking me to Abilene later to get a smoothie or the lemonade. What am I kidding myself for!?!? He is out in the field, driving combines and trucks..... he got home yesterday long enough to kiss Jaylee and I on the cheek and headed out to the farm, after being awake for 36 hours straight! So--- I wonder what his reaction will be when I ask him to take me to get one later!?!?!

For now....

Well.... I've had lots of people asking me here lately about what this summer was going to withold for my family. If you are a daily blog reader on my site, you know how hard this decision has been on us. Even though his heart is in combines and farming, Jeremy has decided to stay with RK&R this summer. His boss offered him full time status, with even a company cap to wear around! (Inside joke!) So, my family and I will be in Canadian (which is only 40 minutes away from Perryton--- Lowe Bros. first harvest stop!) most of the summer, but I'll be traveling back and forth for Dr.'s Appointments, seeing family, and other things. But atleast we get to spend 90% of summer together, have family dinners, and when August rolls around-- I know he can get to me in 3 hours, as opposed to being in Montana and being 27 hours away!


I Thessalonians 5:18 – In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

True Beauty!

Well....I blogged about my lack of beauty here lately.....and somewhere my post has gone missing. But to sum it up, getting further and further into this pregnancy, the uglier I feel! My fingers are swollen, my rings barely fit. I have cankles in the evening and then there is this nose that is growing everyday. Yes, that's right, my nose! I sure hope that when this is all over-- it goes back to normal size before anything else! My family has a big/long nose gene and I am praying ever so hard that it misses me! So-- as I continue to grow bigger and bigger, I'll just put my big girl panties on (b/c yes they are bigger now with these wide hips!) and deal with it! I have 14 weeks left to go until we meet Miss Jentri......and I know that all this "extraness" will be worth it!

A few verses that popped out today.....

Philippians 4:11-12
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I havelearned the secret of being content in any and every situation,whether well fed or hungry,whether living in plenty or in want.

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you.

What's it worth!?

So, after much debating, contemplating, prayer and weighing out the good vs the bad, we are still undecided as to this summer. Jeremy didn't go back to Canadian Sunday due to his great aunt passing away and the burial service was today in Weinert. He had the opportunity these past 2 days to work on the farm, preparing combines for harvest, and I knew that after 2 days, he'd want it back for a lifetime. I could see the look in his eyes yesterday and today after he got in from work-- the look of happiness. The sensation of seeing his family after work these past two days, working with his dad, and just doing what he loves to do! It was time for him to leave tonight, and I could see it in him-- he had no desire to load his stuff, and pull out of the driveway. So all in all, my question tonight is What is it worth to be "happy" ? Do you continue doing what you not love but do it because the money makes things so much easier on your family? Or do you go back to what you once were doing, that made you happy everyday, and know that God has provided us thus far the past 4 years with that job, and continue for God's blessing? It's been so nice and stress free the past 6 months, not having to worry about this bill or that bill, getting to pay some things off, and getting to take a few family adventures and not having to worry about money. But is all that really worth it if you aren' t happy day in and day out? I don't know---and am sure leaning on God for an answer.

NO THANK YOU!

So, today, I had the opportunity to take my class on a slight mini field trip. A parent of one of my students had recently purchased a milking cow and wanted to show the class where milk came from, and then let them church the milk into butter. "WOW- WHAT FUN!" was my first thought, and after that my thought was "Of course! These kids need to learn that stuff just doesn't come from the grocery store!" So I was all for this. We loaded on the bus this morning, got to the family farm, and the dad got the cow all situated, placed the bucket underneath, and away he went to tugging and pulling. Ok....BLECH! I really really thought I was a tough, farm girl, but I found out differently today! GAG! The dad did it with such ease, and the other family members were all into what they were doing. My students enjoyed it very much. I kept turning my head and my teaching partner finally said "Brittany, this is no different than what you did with Jaylee and what you will do in a few months!" And I know she was right, but there still something that just didn't set right with watching that whole process. Then, later this afternoon, after letting the milk sit and giving time for the cream to rise to the top.....they came back to my classroom with their Grandmother's churn, dated over 100 years old. Of course I've made whipping cream before that ended up to the consistency of butter, but truly milking a cow and doing the whole churning process-- um NO THANK YOU! The parents gave all 22 kids a turn to churn the milk....and all the while they sang a tune "Come butter, come butter, come butter, Come!" The process was over in about 20 minutes, and of course, they had butter. The parents whipped out the crackers, spread that butter on them, and the kids gobbled them up. Thank God for my Dr. Appt and me getting to leave early. I was glad to miss out on the chance to taste that. Of course I've known my entire life where milk comes from-- but I think I'll just stick with the plastic jug in the refrigerator section and continue to pay an arm and a leg every time for it!!

Mother's Day Weekend 2011

Well, as you can see, we had such a wonderful time at the Ranger's game. Despite the 4-1 loss, it still was as entertaining and exciting as always! The hot-dogs were yummy and the funnel cake-- was hilarious! Hilarious? Yes- on our way back to our seat, our row of seats was completely full, so instead of trying to slide in front of all those fans, I thought I'd just take the easy route and step down on the empty seats behind our seats, and crawl over. Easy? HA! Talk about a commotion! I went to take the step down on the seat--- and my foot slipped inbetween the seat chair and the back and got caught. I was fine, other than the fact that these stupid things on my feet called bunions, wouldn't release my flip flop off and I couldn't get my foot unstuck. Everyone was freaking out, partly because I was pregnant, and the other part b/c others thought I broke my leg. Good grief! I was fine---but I sure did scare alot of people! Jordan finally reached around-- took the shoe off for me--- my foot came right up-- and we were back to our seats in no time. So onto enjoy my funnel cake with Judy and we were eating, and a slight breeze came by.... and dusted this innocent guy in front of us. After rolling hysterically for about 5 min, we decided not to tell the guy. It was way too funny! The game then ended with a firework display that lasted almost 20 minutes long to Mother's Day Music. It was awesome! If you ever get the chance to go to a Friday night Ranger's game-- it is definitely worth every penny you pay to just see the fireworks!



On Saturday, I spent the day shopping with my Mother in Law while the boys came back home to help Jerry prepare for upcoming Harvest. I then got up Sunday morning, and traveled to Wichita Falls to meet....
Miss Madison Rose Hostas! Madison was born Saturday at 4:14. What a suprise it was to see that we have yet, another girl, in the family! What a blessing she is to our family and we are ever so thankful for another healthy, happy baby. She is absolutely beautiful!

Take me out to the ball game.....

I can hardly wait! Tonight, I'll be sitting at the Ballpark in Arlington Texas, watching the Rangers take on the Yankees! I've always wanted to see the Yankees play--- so I guess I will be able to cross this one off my bucket list! Not only will it be an entertaining game, but the fireworks after the game are what I'm longing for. Jeremy and I went this same weekend last year, and the fireworks were sponsored by the same company as tonights--- and they were PHENOMENAL! Supposedly this is the best night of all the Friday nights for fireworks! Alongside Jeremy and I will be Jaylee, Jordan, Judy, and Jerry! I can't wait to spend the evening doing chants and claps, eating hot-dogs and my ever so favorite- funnel cake! We are taking Jaylee with us this time, so I'm very anxious to see how she handles it all. We will either be standing in the potty line all night and missing out on the fun, or she will be so entertained and caught up in the excitement that she won't even think about the potty! My bet is on standing in the potty line--- so we shall see!

2 for 1 day!

So, not only am I blogging once, but TWICE today. It's been a day that started out, well you saw how it started out if you read "Everyone Needs Their Daddy" . I don't have days like this very often, and thank goodness! My eyes have burned all day and my heart has been heavy. These past few weeks have been a time of lots of consideration as to what my husband will do this summer. He has the opportunity to stay with his current job or go on harvest. We have been leaning more towards his current job as it makes things 10 times easier on me being pregnant, and him being closer to home whenever the baby is due! However, it's hard to stay at a job that you aren't happy with. When your heart is and has always been in combines, it's hard to ever get away from it. I could go on and on and weigh out both sides like I've been doing in my head all day, but if you are reading this-- please just pray for us. I felt like God had already showed us his plan a few weeks ago when Jeremy was offered the spot for this summer at his current job, but now I'm not so sure. There are so many things that weigh into this decision and its no easy decision to make.

Everyone needs their Daddy!

Jaylee was very upset this morning, and nothing I was doing was right, or pleasing her. It's typical for us to have a few bad mornings throughout the week, but today, I could tell that something just wasn't right with her. After SCREAMING for 20 minutes about not wanting THOSE shorts and not getting a piece of cake for breakfast and me not turning on Max and Ruby b/c of her tantrum..... I finally just started bawling with her. I finally got on her level and said "What's wrong?" and she just had tears in her eyes and said "Daddy". So--- like usual-- I get the phone-- we call Daddy---and INSTANTLY the relief was seen in her. She quit crying, she quit sobbing, she quit throwing the fit. I rocked her in my chair, as she listened to his voice. I know you might be thinking "how bizarre.... a 2 year old knowing such things" but just ask my sitter. Her and I both can tell you when she's been around Daddy, when Daddy has been gone for a while, when Daddy has just left, or when Daddy has just called.

Anyways, Daddy ended up losing service and it was time to load the car and get to our normal, daily routine. I dropped Jaylee off for the sitter and was off to work. My heart just broke. I just screamed as loud as I could.... WHY GOD?

Jeremy and I have had numerous discussions about this lifestyle and my biggest fear out of all of this changed, split lifestyle.... was Jaylee's emotional being. Being a teacher, I see many dysfunctional households and I see the toll it takes on students with not just divorced parents but military parents and those that have their mommies and daddies but their daddies are gone early in the morning and get home late at night because of work. I can tell you when the child has seen Mom or been with Dad and their actions/behaviors show it. I tell myself "I DON'T WANT JAYLEE TO BE THAT KID!" This is why we have always put Jaylee first, and make a point to let her hear his voice atleast once a day. It melts my heart the way she lights up the instant he comes home or sees him on the weekends. That girl loves her Daddy!

So as my day continued after dropping her off, me in tears of this crazy life and the basket case I was in..... I looked up and read the sign at the church out in the country on my way to work and it read "DON'T GIVE UP--MOSES WAS ONCE A BASKET CASE!" All I could do was laugh.... God has a funny way of showing us that we are not in this alone, that there are people who have once been in the same shape emotionally as I am. As hard as it is to stay strong, I know this isn't forever. I have 3 1/2 weeks left of work until summer and we can be together again!

Supper!

Well---part of this journey that my family currently experience is lack of family supper. Family suppers were always a top priority in my house, as well as my husband's house growing up. I never thought for a minute after us marrying that anything would change......but typically....I make plans and God just laughs! I honestly cannot tell you the last time my family sat down, at the table to eat "supper". Out of all the pros and cons of this type of lifestyle---this is the one thing I feel like has been robbed from us. Some people get upset about not having this or that materialistically--- but dang it I just want my family supper! I miss that time of cooking and preparing supper, waiting for Jeremy to get home, and we all sit down, as a family and talk about our day. Instead it's making a pot of mac-n-cheese, eating spaghetti 3 nights in a row, going out to eat occasionally with Lolli and Pa, or a bowl of cereal. Our supper also doesn't take place at the table. I know I should probably try harder with this, and get more control, but really, when a 2 yr old is screaming Max and Ruby and all you want to do is eat your supper in peace.....what would you do? Of course---you plop down on the couch, and you both eat your bowl of cereal together on the coffee table! Then I sit back and think--- "WHAT IN THE WORLD!? My mother would be ashamed!" Supper not only not at the table, but in front of a TV! I keep telling myself that this is not forever, that some day--- we will be together and have that family meal together again! Until then--- I'll just keep on keeping on~!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Today I turn 26! I am very grateful for the 26 years that God has blessed me with thus far and I hope there are many, many more to come!

My Many Birthday Blessings!

Well, today is my 26th birthday! Do I feel 26, yes and am very grateful that God has blessed me with 26 years thus far! I celebrated my birthday along with Briana's and Grandma Ethel's yesterday with my family at Mom's house! My mom fixed us an amazing pot roast lunch and topped it off with one of my favorite cakes! I then came home, did some housework and my hubby gave me my gift since he wouldn't be here to celebrate with me today and it was a food processor (which I did ask for by the way!) Then, my in-laws showed up with this huge box---and much to my surprise it was a new gas grill -just like the one in the picture! And yes-- it is RED! I loved it! It totally was alot more than I ever expected! I had mentioned a few times that it was time to replace ours, as we had worn our other one out! My hubby and I put it together yesterday evening, and we probably should sign up for marriage counseling sometime soon! Talk about two opposites---that's US! I swear God gave me Jeremy to mellow me out and let me see another style of living life! Our 2 1/2 hour assembly project was intense to say the least! From Jaylee wanting to hold all the tiny bolts/screws, to her getting in his way, to attaching wrong parts in the wrong places.....I must also add that, it didn't help the fact that I had assembled grills while working in the Wal-Mart garden center while I was in college, but that was besides the point. I finally, probably because of hormones, just got up and planted my butt on the couch, with the directions in hand, snickering under my breath. I believe Jeremy said "well why didn't you tell me that?" 5-6 different times and all the while, I just smiled and said "Because you didn't ask!" Finally- we did get it assembled, and it is beautiful! I can't wait to use it!


Then my actual birthDAY has been a day full of blessings. I have been blessed with so many facebook messages, text messages, e-mails, and cards in the mail! I also was taken out to lunch by my sweet co-worker! I returned from my lunch break with 3 flower arrangements waiting on my desk! One was a thank you from my two sweet nieces for doing their hair, and the other two were for birthday from Jeremy and my sweet secretary! Awww--- I feel so loved! Then my Mother in law offered to take me out for supper, but I requested her amazing Spaghetti instead! I was expecting our usual birthday crowd at her house, but my Mother in Law totally out did herself! She had prepared her delicious spaghetti, but to make things even more special, she invited some special people to celebrate with us! It was a ladies night and was I ever so shocked! She invited my two closest co-workers, 2 church friends, my indescribably fabulous babysitter and two of her little girls, my MiMi and last but not least--- there was Jordan too! The only man around! Poor guy! Anyways, I was totally, blown by surprise. I shed a few tears afterwards, just thanking God for #1- blessing me with such wonderful, loving, caring friends and #2- for giving me a Mother in Law who has always gone out of her way to make me feel loved. She has known for a while how hard it has been for me to be without my Mom currently, and I just feel that she has really tried to step in and fill those ever big shoes. She has really made this transition easier on me and has totally been the physical, in person MOM that I have needed during this time. Of course I have my phone to call my Mom at any second, and I get her on the weekends occassionally, but there's something about walking in to a house and getting that "Mom- I love you feeling hug"-- And Judy has always done this to me. I know that Mom is probably just as grateful for this as I because she too knows what it feels like to have a wonderful Mother in law. Overall--- it's been a birthday full of blessings, and no matter the gestures, big or small, I have appreciated them ALL!

Glitz and Glam

So, this weekend, I was blessed with the opportunity, not once but TWICE, to get to fix Emily and Eryn's hair for their dance recital! Oh how I LOVE fixing hair! Despite the thickness of their hair--- we survived it both days and in my opinion, their hair turned out fabulous! I am proud to have little girls in my life that I get to help get all dolled up for such special occasions! I can't WAIT for Miss Jaylee to start dancing and I get to doll her up as well!!! I also loved getting to spend time with my two special nieces! They are both so cute and very special to me! While working on Eryn's hair this morning--- she said the darnedest thing! She poked my protruding belly and goes "I poked your tummy!" I said "Well don't wake the baby up! She might be sleeping in there!" And she said " Did you eat one?"

HAHAHA! Out of the mouths of babes! I just loved it! I think that kids' imaginations are interestingly wild and you never know what one is going to say! Overall- it was a great time spent with my two nieces, who by the way did a fantastic job dancing! I thoroughly enjoyed the entire Movement Space recital and am already waiting for next years (hopefully Emily and Eryn won't let their "tights" fetish get in the way of not wanting to do dance next year!)