Ava Is 5!

I cannot believe my tiny preemie is 5! The years have gone by so very quickly, here is this past one:

Okay, actually she turned 5 on Feb. 21st, but I just haven't had the motivation to blog lately.

She is reading pretty well now. We are still doing home school preschool stuff, for the most part. I think she'll be ready for kindergarten. Will I? That's yet to be determined. :)

I finally decided that, if we move by then, she will go to school outside home. She just loves being with other kids so much!

I say 'if we move' because the public schools are not the best here, and even the one private school is not too great. I just heard that a friend of ours actually pulled his first grader out and put her in the only half-way decent public school here. So, we are really hoping daddy finds a job elsewhere soon! Yes, we are still hoping for St. Augustine, but we'll see where God takes us. Even if it's here, we'll make the best of it just like we have so far!

A New Year Already?!

I can't believe it is 2010! I really do think 2009 went by faster than any year before for us! I wonder if people will finally start saying twenty instead of two-thousand, like twenty-ten when they say the year. Probably not, I've just wondered that since new year's eve for 2001. I mean, we never said one-thousand nine hundred ninety-whatever (or however you write that out).

Aaaanway, obviously, one of my resolutions for this year should be to blog more. That is, instead of just being consistent with updating my background (did I really just put a Valentine's day theme up?!). I've actually gotten a little obsessed with cafe world on facebook recently. Facebook is addictive enough (never thought I'd even be on there) without adding in some pretty fun games!

Christmas was pretty great for the most part. One downside was the basset hound, Ringo, I left at home when I moved out had to be put to sleep the week before Christmas. He was very old and had been very sick just before. I will really miss seeing and petting him greatly when I visit every month. My mother was quite upset about it, but she seems to be doing good now.

Ava got more Christmas presents than we planned on. But then that includes all she got from both grandmothers (I guess if you factor those in, she'll always be overloaded!). She did get the main thing she was asking for, a Strawberry Shortcake Cafe set. And we did make it to see Santa, as a sort of last-minute thing when we were leaving Memphis. She didn't want to go for the longest time, but then one day she said she had to tell him what she wanted before Christmas.

I guess she'll be talking about her birthday soon. Her birthday is a lot closer to Christmas (February) than it was supposed to be! As she was not due until April. She has already said she wants a Kai-Lan birthday party, and it has to be a surprise. She wants "a lot of people to jump out and yell surprise" (with a lot of balloons and gifts). She is so funny! I told her we'd work on it.

Well, there are a lot of things I could say I want to happen this year, but I really do just want to follow God's plan for us. Hence the blog description I've always had. It is the only way to find true and utmost happiness that everyone seems to be searching for. And the only way to try to understand and deal with the tougher seasons of life. Ya know, when life feels like a box of chocolates.:)

Happy New Year everyone! I pray it's a great one for us all!

Pre-Christmas Ramblings

It is really cold tonight, and with so many houses now decorated brightly, it's seems like Christmas is days away instead of weeks! I guess it could also be because our tree has already been up two weeks, thanks to my being outvoted to wait 'til after Thanksgiving. Christmas seems to take forever to get here (hence the phrase "slow as Christmas" I guess) and then it's over in a wink.

I finally ordered our Christmas cards today. I never seem to get them out as I plan every year, but I doubt anyone really minds.

Ava started sniffling and sneezing this morning. I knew that was coming after the kid-filled Thanksgiving. I just hope she's better enough for the parade this Friday. Oh, and my bronchitis-y symptoms subsided quickly.

I am really missing the cable right now. I haven't really since we cut if off in May, but I'm a sucker for holiday movies and specials. Maybe we could turn it back on for December. But then I don't miss all the toy commercials that are really cranked up right around now.

I am now off to see what cyber-Monday sales I can still catch. I need to narrow down what to get Ava and just the opposite, I have no idea what to get the hubby. As far as myself, I usually end up getting things I need more than the more frivilous-want-type stuff. I think that happens to a lot of moms.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, I can't believe Thanksgiving has come and gone! It seems we get so busy in the days before getting ready for it, that it's suddenly over before you know it. Our "Duggar-esque" get-together went very well. I can't say it feels as well physically now. I think I may have developed a bit of bronchitis from all the smokers that were there. I thought you could only get it from a virus 'til I looked it up. The restaurant we had it in did have a bar, but I wasn't expecting to feel like I was really in one! None of the 23 from Colorado smoke, but Many others from here do. I've never been around so many of them at once. I'm just glad, so far, Ava is not coughing. Maybe I wasn't as lucky because I was right at their height, and that made it feel like I was just puffing away with them at times. Unfortunately, it even affected eating, just couldn't enjoy it as much with all the smoke smell. Hopefully I'll get it cleared out soon.

Anyway, enough of my personal health update. We ended up with plenty of food, even with the around 40 people. I had no idea the Colorado folks were bringing food too! I don't know how they fit it all in the rv's with everyone! We probably would have still had more than enough, but what a blessing! The things they brought were a little less than traditional, but were all very very good. I may have to get a few of the recipes. We all exchanged email and home addresses so we can keep in touch better. We are thinking about going out there to visit in the spring.

Ava thoroughly enjoyed aaalll the kids that were there. At least 4 of the 12 or so were right at her age. They all wanted to keep running outside to play, but with the wind, it was quite cold. And would you believe I forgot my camera! I had extra batteries in my purse, but forgot to stick the camera in there. It was sitting not far from where I had my purse, just got in too big of a hurry.

My poor mother-in-law wore herself out of course. I hope it won't affect her health too much. They'd probably admit her if they saw the amount of swelling she probably has right now. But I know she enjoyed seeing everyone. I know she doesn't have too many more Thanksgivings with us here. Unfortunately, she was one of the ones puffing away. I wish so much that she could quit. I know she feels it's just too late to try, but she could only feel better after getting through the withdrawal.
Well, I'm wore out too. Before my eyes start crossing, I will just say I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving and good luck in the stores tomorrow! I doubt I'll be there, or at least not too early!;)

Less Is More

This year Christmas is going to be a bit different around here. We went a little overboard last year to make up for the rough financial year we had the year before that. This year we are going to have her decide on three gifts that she wants the most. I got this idea from a fellow blogger and thought what a great idea. It represents the three gifts given to Jesus, but we also want to teach her about the overall spirit of giving. I thought this would be a good year to start her on understanding charitable giving. We will be sorting out toys from her way-too-many to donate. She understands as much as she can at her age that there are some children that don't have as many toys, some not at all.

Before she was born we had just about decided to let her know early on what Christmas really is, the celebration of the best gift to the world, Jesus and that Santa was part of a fairy tale someone long ago made up for fun around Christmas (or something like that). But, my dear husband decided to pass down our own childhood belief that Santa brings the gifts. Although, if you ask her, she knows what Christmas really means. She has already asked if we'll be making the birthday cake for Jesus again this year.
I know for some it seems like you're robbing your child of something by not carrying on the tradition of Santa, as my hubby, but I see it as robbing them of their trust by not telling them the truth. Okay, maybe that would only be if they were a bit older (if their belief lasts that long) when you tell them.
I've even struggled with letting her get her picture made with Santa. I know some of you may say it's just part of the fun of Christmas, and I should lighten up. But, I think the "going to see Santa" just confuses them against our saying he is not a real person. Then there's those (like my mother) that try to make you feel bad if you don't take them, but then that's how the world wants you to feel for not conforming to be like everyone else. Which is the exact thing Christians are to resist doing (Romans 12:2). But then we all deal with that in so many ways other than Christmas.

Whoooa I don't think I meant to go into all that! I am just trying to say by less is more meaning getting less things (like toys) in order to give to others is more for, most importantly, doing just as the one we celebrate did and wants us to do, and hopefully spark that giving spirit in our children that they can carry throughout life to pass to their children. And, of course, more to the hearts of those we give to.

And many Christmas blessings to those who made it through my rambling and run-on sentences!

Canvas Print Giveaway!

I have actually always wanted to get a photo printed on canvas. I just think that's one of the neatest inventions. Krystyn over at Really, Are You Serious? is sponsoring a giveaway from Digital Room of a 16 x 20 rolled canvas print! They are artist quality and come UV protected. You could have it professionally stretched and mounted for a great Christmas gift!
Just click on the link to Krystyn's blog above to enter! There is also a list of ways to get extra entries, so just head on over!

Cough Cough Sneeze Sneeze and Prayers Needed For Mawmaw

Well, this sinus drainage I've had since this past Thursday finally decided to kick into high gear last night. I think making a trip to Memphis this past weekend thinking it wouldn't turn into anything may have caused it to do just that. So, because of some extreme symptoms this time (I won't gross you out with details), I went to the dr. today (haven't been for that in years). I usually just take some Advil cold and sinus and Afrin 12 hr., and deal with it. I thought I might need an antibiotic, but he didn't really think so, as it is just viral thank goodness. He did, oddly enough, give me an rx for one in case it didn't improve in a few days. That and some stuff to treat symptoms. When I get this it always reminds me of the Thanksgiving I was pregnant and couldn't take anything good. I was absolutely miserable for several days. Very thankful for medications right now!

Unfortunately, not as good news for mawmaw (my MIL). She found out today that she has diabetic nephropathy. Basically, her poorly managed diabetes is destroying her kidneys. They said dialysis would not help, but she said she wouldn't go on that anyway. About the best thing she can do is try to get her glucose levels way down and keep them down, as well as her blood pressure. She already has CHF (congestive heart failure), so it's going to be pretty difficult for her body to manage. So, we would appreciate your prayers for her.

I'm glad we will be able to be with her this Thanksgiving. Maybe that's why God has chose to keep us in this town for right now. It should be a pretty special one for her. Kevin's half brother and his huge family from Colorado are coming in. They have 10 kids, plus a few grand kids, plus some spouses, making around 21 people! They are coming in two motor homes that they will dock at a campground near by. It's going to be like having Thanksgiving with the Duggars! BUT, mawmaw also found out today that we now have a place to have the big get-together! A restaurant owned by a friend there in her town is letting us use the whole place, just as long as we clean up! What a blessing, because we were all a little concerned since my MIL lives in a small apartment, and no one else would have room for everyone (including all the rest of the family) either! I told her I would be there extra early to help however I can. I guess this also means I'm gonna have to double the side dishes I usually bring! But, that's fine, they only get to come every few years.

Mmmmm now I'm wanting some dressin' and my special green bean casserole!

Halloween '09

We had a pretty busy Halloween week. We went to two church carnivals, daddy's work (employees bring their kids to go around the office and load up on candy from other employees) , and trick or treated. Ava was supergirl, by her choice. I had to talk her out of the boy's spiderman costume, she thought it would be fun to have tough-looking fake muscles. I didn't get it either. But at least she got to look tough in her own way.

Punkim Patch

Today we went to the roadside pumpkin (or punkim as Ava calls them) stand/patch. It was pretty windy and cool, but a nice day and Ava had fun. Except for trying to avoid the Heartland Catfish mascot that was there. She wouldn't go near him no matter how I tried to tell her it was a man in a costume! So, of course she wouldn't let me get her picture with him and I didn't think to just snap one with me until we were leaving. So, of course, as per usual for her, she did her own artistic interpretation of her reaction to Mr. Catfish (or whatever his name is).

Catfish with hat on, the catfish mobile (a VW bug with fins and logo), Ava crying, and me.

Thirtysomething

I can't believe it's been over 20 years since that show came on! And I really can't believe I am and even more so as of this past Tuesday! Back then (I was 10 the first year it was on), they all seemed so much older, I guess because they were/are my parents' age. And now here I am "in my thirties", it's kind of mind-blowing, to me anyway.
Btw, Tuesday was nice overall. Nothing big. We went to my MIL's, she made enchiladas, yum. Another reason we went there was so she could babysit while we went to the movies. Oh, and I don't really recommend Zombieland. Not that I expected Oscar-quality, but we'd heard it was hilarious, and it just didn't even come as close as I was hoping. There were some aspects that made it a little more original than other movies of this type, but it wasn't enough for it to surpass them or anything.
Anyway, I guess 32 is better than what my hubby will be in 2 weeks! (He's 9 years older than me, heheh)

A Wubbzy Halloween DVD Giveaway!

Monica over at Peapod Squad Stuff is giving away a "Wubbzy Goes Boo!" Halloween DVD!

"Wubbzy and his friends are back in an all-new DVD collection just in time for the fall season! Watch as Wubbzy, Widget and Walden clean up a crazy mess with Moo Moo’s magic wand, pick the perfect pumpkin and create the spookiest Halloween costume of all. There’s singing, dancing, trick or treating and kickity-kick ball too, plus plenty of positive values like creativity, patience and responsibility. It’s all here in the Emmy-winning Nick Jr./Noggin hit that’s so much fun it’s scary!"

All you have to do to enter is click on the link above and leave a comment, and of course there are details on how to get extra entries. There's also a trailer on her blog in case you want to actually see what it's like or in case you've never heard of Wubbzy. Ava has loved it since they started coming on Noggin a few years ago. We even had a Wubbzy cake when she turned 2. Below is a picture of my kinda sad attempt, but I guess I did pretty good for a first time.

Reminder: Check 'Em!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month(reason for the new background). It strikes 1 in 8 women! I've two aunts that had it. One is still alive after more than 20 years! She had a double mastectomy and it even metastasized to her trachea and chest wall. So, I know I should probably consider getting a mammogram next gyn visit even though I'm no where near 40 (although I will be getting closer on Tuesday). But I do check mine regularly, and that's one key to early detection which is the best chance of survival. About 6 days after your period, here's what to look for:

• swelling of all or part of the breast
  
• skin irritation or dimpling
  
• breast pain
  
• nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
  
• redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
  
• a nipple discharge other than breast milk
  
• a lump in the underarm area

You just really need to get to know 'em, to know when something has changed. You can help spread the word by "going pink" on your blog. Another great site I found to aid in your self-check is http://www.checkyourboobies.org/. (Hopefully I won't get too many weirdos putting that word on here).

Remind all the women you know to check 'em!

Woof

Ava decided to pretend to be the neighbor's puppy, Hootie. She never lets me put her hair in pony tails otherwise, so I took these pictures.

And my favorite, mean Hootie (although he's never mean in reality).

My Turn Finally Came Today

In a bad way, that is. I ran out of gas for the first time today (on my way to the gas station), ever. I was in the turning lane to turn into the station, and it just wouldn't go any further. I make such short trips around here that I tend to (stupidly) push it to the edge, and well, it had to be physically pushed today. I'm still just sooo embarrassed for being so stupid. I am normally very careful to watch the miles I've gone once the light starts trying to come on. Well, I think with my car getting older, it's just not going as far as it used too, obviously.
So, God may have taught me a lesson and/or warned me about the car getting older, but He decided to shower me with blessings too. First, it was still daylight and not raining. Second, I was on a major road, in a turning lane, right at a gas station. Third, I wasn't sitting there more than a few minutes and a lady pulled up to ask if I needed help, and then almost simultaneously, two guys pulled over on the other side of the road and came over to push me on over to the station. I couldn't stop thanking them (and God, of course). And thankfully, Ava didn't freak out too much.

So, I guess for the first time, it could have been a much worse situation, but ended up not being all that big of a thing (except in my head).

Stormy Monthly Memphis Trip

Ava and I made our monthly trip to visit with my family last week. It ended up being a little scary Thursday and again on Saturday. Some pretty big storms with tornadoes came through Thursday evening doing quite a bit of damage just north of us (we were southeast of Memphis). They even had it on cnn. Two of the tornadoes to the south of us started up our direction but turned away (big blessing, I know). My mother's backyard was flooded for a short time. It was weird to see a small current going by the back door!

I had planned on leaving early Saturday because it was supposed to start up again that evening. Well, God decided to surprise us and brought it mid-morning. It was pretty rough, but after pulling over at a gas station for a bit to let the worst pass, it wasn't too bad. There were periods of heavy rain off and on the rest of the way.

As far as the rest of the time in Memphis, with the storms, we didn't get to do a whole lot. I did finally get to meet my younger brother's girlfriend from Hawaii. She flew in the day after we got there. How in the world did he wind up with someone from Hawaii? An online game, believe it or not. She is very very sweet, but painfully shy. One sort-of-problem is, they've been talking about marriage (hopefully further down the road for their sakes), but families are very close over there, many even live in the same house, so she is going to want them to live there. She wants her children to be raised there (can't say I blame her). I just don't think my mother could handle that (she won't be able to let her baby boy be that far away). And we all know how sky-high the cost of living is there. They should just take their time, as they should have plenty since they both need to finish college. But I know it will be hard, as they've only seen each other a few times in the few years together. Hopefully they'll be smart about it. And keep sending the chocolate covered macadamia nuts!;)

Hoops And Yoyo

Here's a picture Ava wanted to take to submit to the Hallmark Hoops and Yoyo site. People apparently take pictures of them in all kinds of places and then post them. This is from today at the chinese restaurant's little fish fountain thing (with Piddles too).

VBS '09

Last week Ava went to a friend's church for vbs since we missed ours this year. Their theme was crocodile dock. She loved it. Kevin and I enjoyed the time together, going somewhere most nights (it was an evening vbs).
Here's a few photos.

Ava reluctantly with the turtle she made.

Picking rocks out of the parking lot on the way out.

Ava and a new friend (that she came home talking about every day).

Give Your Kid A JumpStart!

My friend Krystyn over at her blog "Really, Are You Serious?" is hosting a giveaway of a 3-month subscription to a great educational website called JumpStart. It is for kids 3-10, and is a great way to learn and play at the same time. You get to pick your own "Jumpeez"character or make your own to go exploring different lands that teach math, reading, and more.
Ava and daddy tested it today (for over an hour) on the non-member trial version, and both loved it! Ava loves educational computer games, and this is another great option for her.

So, to win the subscription, just pop over to JumpStart and pick a favorite Jumpeez character. Then, head over to "Really, Are You Serious?" and leave a comment telling Krystyn your favorite. There are also some other ways to get additional entries (one is posting about the giveaway on your blog and then leaving another comment that you did will get you 3 extra). The contest will end on July 22nd. Good luck (uhm, to me too)!

And So It Begins...

We were in the car last night and Ava was drawing on her magnadoodle. She was drawing one of her usuals, her in my belly. Ever since I showed her my ultrasound pictures of her (as above), she has been somewhat fascinated by them. But, last night her fascination hit a new peak.

Ava: Momma, did you swallow me, is that how I got in there?

Me: Uuhhhm, no, God put you in there to grow into a new human being.
Ava: But, why?
Me: Because He wanted to bless momma and daddy with a special gift to love and raise up to be another of His children in the world.
Ava: Why does he need more children?
Me: That's how the world gets people in it. Aaaallll the people you see everywhere.

She just went on to something else after that. They say every generation is more advanced than the previous. I think that's a scary prospect now. I know our turning off the cable may not be enough soon.

New Veggie Disguise Attempt: Failed

This would have been at least a semi-wordless Wednesday post, but Ava wouldn't let me take her picture.
A picture of her trying veggie sausage. Yes, today I tried replacing one of her most favorite meats (I have a very carnivorous daughter, hence the need to sneak vegetables) with a veggie version. Well, it worked for a few bites, then she declared she "didn't want sausage, any sausage". Of course, I did not tell her it was veggie. I think part of the problem was the strange texture. I took a small bite and it was a little mushy. A little over-done on the spices, but not too bad to me. Next I think we'll try another favorite, burgers. That should be a little more successful, hopefully.
Also, some time this week I'm going to make spinach balls again. I made them a long time ago, and they were really good. They're good dipped in marinara sauce, plus that's extra veggies.
If she won't eat a vegetable outright, I'll get 'em in somehow!