Happy Birthday Zachary!!!

Today is my son Zachary's 9th birthday. I can't believe he is already 9!! Zachary is my 2nd oldest. He is the kind of child that if I am having a bad day will go out of his way to put a smile on my face. There have been times that I have gone in my room to find a chocolate on my bed with a note telling me he loves me. Boy, he is going to make a good husband someday!

I decided to keep Zachary's birthday party small this year. First thing this morning CJ has a basketball game. Then in the afternoon Zachary's 2 boy cousins, Joey and Andrew, along with his BF Mason are coming over. Chris is going to bring them along with our boys all bowling (6 boys--he's brave). When they come back we will have pizza and ice cream cake.

Well must go and start enjoying the day.

Toodles,
Judy

A Great Give-Away!!!

Laced with Grace is having a great give-away...some of my favorite things like a Woman of Faith Bible, a Lisa Whelchel bible study tool and more!! Go on over to her blog to sign up. http://lacedwithgrace.com/

Toodles,
Judy

Better Today

We are doing better today. Yesterday Emily eneded up vomiting one time. Chris came home from work sick as a dog. He has been on the couch since last night. The rest of us are starting to eat. I am not 100%...more like 85%, but that is good enough to begin functioning.
I am going to go and get some stuff done before I take a rest.
I am hoping to put some pictuers up from Christmas soon.

Toodles,
Judy

Help----Sick!!

My poor husband...he spent Christmas night into Wednesday taking care of ALL OF US!! Yes, we are ALL sick. Emily started on Christmas eve during the day with vomiting. She was miserable. Christmas day she stopped vomiting and instead it was coming out of the other end. When we were getting ready for Christmas dinner, which was around 5, CJ said he didn't want to eat, he didn't feel good. I figured he was snacking too much. Come to find out...he was not snacking! This was highly unusual. Sure enough by 6p.m. Christmas, he was vomiting. I followed at 10 p.m., Alex and 2 a.m., Zachary at 5 a.m., and Jessie at 8 a.m.. Mind you, in between Chris taking care of the new one who was sick, he had to deal with CJ and I who both seemed to be on the same hourly schedule for heading to the bathroom. He didn't get much sleep. This is usually his day off but he got someone to work for him on Christmas (this was the first Christmas off in over 6 years) so he had to go and work for them this morning from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Since Emily is doing better he has stuck us (the sickies) in the living room....did I mention we had taken the t.v. out of this room? We have one in the family room but Chris doesn't want us sick ones down there. He wants to keep it clear of us for Emily to be able to go down there and play.

Well that is all I have the energy to say. If you can, please pray for us today.

Toodles,
Judy

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas to All!!

May we all take the time to remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Hope you enjoy the day whatever you may do.
Emily was sick yesterday...she looks like she is starting to feel better. I am starting to think she doesn't like holidays.

Chalk one up for Team Mom!

A quick story...
My oldest son takes 3 co-op classes on Thursday's. He takes Logic, Honors English and my Biology class. He hasn't been using very good time-management skills lately. All weekend I bug him to get busy with his work and I get told he has it under control. Then Wednesday rolls around and he is spending ALL day trying to get it all done. His regular work ends up taking a back burner. Finally a couple of weeks ago I had had it. Chris told CJ that from now on ALL his co-op work has to be done by Saturday night. CJ did some negotiating that it didn't give enough him time and we changed the deadline Sunday.

CJ has basketball practice 6 days a week. The only day off is Sunday. So this Saturday morning I asked CJ how much of his work he has gotten done from co-op that week. He tried giving me the "don't worry about it...I have until tomorrow to get it done". Translated into Mom-talk means "no, I haven't started it...I will rush tomorrow." After I saw that he didn't even initiate starting his work I decided that he would use the time he SHOULD be at basketball that day to do his work. This decision did not go over very well with him. He did stay home and did his work---mad at me the whole time....and guess what....THAT WAS FINE WITH ME!!! I had warned him time and time again that school work is the priority...not sports. He just pushed it...AND I PUSHED BACK!!

On the Monday he went to practice (because his work was done) and the coach asked why he wasn't there on Saturday. CJ told him his Mom kept him home because of his school work. The coach told him something to the affect of "I know education comes first but your parents need to understand that you have a commitment to the team. If you miss another practice because of that reason you are off the team."

My first reaction......"who the ---- does he think he is!!!!" ok, I thought that, but didn't exactly say that outloud to my son. I basically laughed and told CJ that he better get his work done because if he doesn't it doesn't look he will be playing ball. I didn't really think anymore about this until Wednesday. Wednesday was a mandatory parents meeting for all winter sports parents. The school also sent home a paper for me to fill out saying what class CJ is taking and if he is passing. I called and spoke to the lady who heads up the sports department about both things and when I was at it I mentioned the little incident with the coach telling CJ if I keep him home again for not getting his work done he would be off the team. She informed me this was not true. If I kept him home for not doing work it is the same as a student in school missing practice for tutoring. She thinks the coach doesn't know CJ is homeschooled.

When CJ went to practice that night the head coach of basketball took CJ and his coach aside and explained all this to him. When he came home and told me this all I could think was...."CHALK ONE UP FOR TEAM MOM!!!!"

Wordless Wednesday

Some radom pictures of the kids


CJ playing football


Jessie on a summer day


Oh, look---now there's 2 cute babies!


Giving a kiss---to herself


The three musketeers


"Did I do That..." Urkel impressions

Emily's 1st Birthday!!

Yesterday was a very special day in our home...it was my little darling Emily Grace's very first birthday! What a fantastic day---besides the weather. I guess I can't complain too much about the weather because it could have been much worse. Living in New England you never know what you are going to get. We had a hard hitting storm on Thursday, which made travel horrific that day. A usual 40 minute ride took me almost 3 and 1/2 hours. They were predicting another big storm, this had the potential to be even worse. No matter what....the party was going to go on. We have this thing about birthdays...we ALWAYS celebrate birthdays on the actual day. I have NEVER had a party for one of my children on any other day besides the actual date they were born. Well luckily the snow turned into rain by mid-morning.





I think a good time was had by all. As my oldest son put it---it was like 3 parties in 1. You had the woman upstairs in my living room talking...the teenagers (supervised) in my son's room.....and the men....well where else would you find a die-hard New England sports fan....WATCHING THE PATRIOTS OF COURSE!!! All the men were down stairs enjoying the game. When they all made there way upstairs after the game was over we had fun teasing them asking them all when they showed up.

FOOD---LOTS OF FOOD!! I would LOVE to take all the credit for the wonderful buffet that was set before us....but I can't. I made a few things...like a roast, lasagna and chocolate truffle. Wendy brought a salad (thank you Wendy), Laura brought a chicken dish (thank you Laura) and my sister brought Chourico and Peppers (thank you Glenda. Well the rest of the stuff...well lets just say that I am great at making lists and delegating. I had my clip board with all the items listed that I planned on making. Yes, I do mean to say I planned on making. But there was alot to do. Wendy was the first to show up. She jumped right in and starting helping out. Next Laura and her family showed up. Once they showed up, Chris basically kicked me out of the kitchen and him and his kitchen crew did a fabulous job. Wendy was joking at one point saying she felt like she was on the show "Hell's Kitchen". Honestly...they all did an awesome job. And the most unbelievable part of it...when he was done cooking and all the food was set out--there was a clean kitchen.








I won't bore you with all the details. Just know that it was lots of fun--we ate, we laughed, we enjoyed celebrating together the joy of having this precious little girl in our life. This time last year I was asking Chris to adopt again and he felt 4 was our fill and now we couldn't imagine our life without her.

If you read my previous entry you may be wondering if I made it through singing "Happy Birthday" without crying. I didn't even wait until we starting singing to cry. As we were setting up the cake I started to cry. Just knowing the blessing He has given us, to know what kind of life Emily could have had if...if she....well lets not think of that now. The cake...you need to see the cake. Beautiful doesn't even begin to describe it. My friend Connie along with her daughter Stephanie made/blessed us with it. Connie hand made the flowers out of gum paste and Stephanie made the butterflies. She made the top layer for Emily to destroy.










The day was beautiful. Enjoy the pics. Oh, one last thing. It was also Wendy's mother Jeannine's birthday too. I was glad she chose to spend her special day with us.

Toodles,
Judy

Emily's Got Her Ears Pierced!

Today was a BIG day for Emily and her little friend Madison (Wendy's daughter). They went together today to get their Ears Pierced!! Ok, I guess I should start from the beginning. Emily's birthday is Sunday and Madison had her birthday last month. They are about 5 weeks apart. So today started off with Wendy and I bringing our 7 year old daughters to go and see the Nutcracker, HOWEVER, we were running late...VERY late. So we decided to make it just a funny girly day. We brought them for a little shopping and lunch. While at lunch we were talking about how we wanted to get the babies ears done. We thought it would be so cute for them to get them done at the same time. Pictures they would be able to look back on when they get older and think "our parents are nuts". Well, while Wendy went to get Madison I brought the girls to get their nails done---which they LOVED!! Chris met me at the mall with Emily. Wendy was smart enough to have me go first because she knew that if Madison flipped out I would chicken out. I will have to say...I think Emily took it better than ME! She moved some while they were trying to mark her. Then I held her arms down and her head still. With a lady on both sides it was time to go....and 1-2-3...CLICK! IT WAS DONE! Emily cried real tears---they came streaming down her face, but I gave her her bottle (which she was due for anyway) and she stopped. It lasted less than a minute. 5 Minutes later you would have never known it had happened. She looks so adorable. Wouldn't you know, my camera battery was dying so I only got a few pictures from it. Wendy took some. When I get them I will have to post them under a Wordless Wednesday. Here are a couple until then. Enjoy!

One Crazy Week

I can't believe I haven't posted anything in a week! Last week was a very busy week and this week is probably going to be even busier. Emily's 1st birthday is on Sunday and there is lots to do between now and then.
My week at a glance:

Monday- Saturday my oldest has basketball practice. Even though I homeschool he is allowed to play sports for the local high school. Which is a HUGE blessing for us because my son takes sports VERY seriously. I do truly believe that God has blessed him with natural talent in sports and I do believe it will be used for His glory. Oldest DD has dance today and DS #2 has a basketball game.

Tuesday-Both social workers are coming over tomorrow morning. Oh let me clarify that one. We are in the process of adopting little Miss Emily. In every way, shape and form I already consider her mine but it won't be legal until sometime after the new year--not sure when. She has to physically live with us for 6 months before we can file the paper work--which is Christmas Eve. Then after we file the paper work it is a matter of waiting for it to go through and get a court date. I don't mind the social workers at all. We have the same 2 we had when we adopted before so it is more of social visit then anything else. Once they leave 2 children have piano. Early Intervention comes tomorrow for Emily. Considering she was 6 weeks early I think Emily does fantastic. The only things she was behind in was verbal skills and a little in fine motor. She is very quiet especially around people she doesn't know. Ok, back to my day. DH will finish up with EI and I will head for my yearly Dr's visit.

Wednesday is a fun day. My sister, mother, niece, best friend and I are spending the day shopping!!! Girl's day fun all day!! I can't wait for this. I don't care if I have only enough money for lunch in my pocket, I am going out! After being so busy last week and the weekend I just had, I need this girl time more than ever. My oldest also has his first basketball game this day which I am going to miss (which he is not very happy about).

Thursday--Last co-op until January.

Friday--Wendy and I are bringing our daughters to see the Nutcracker and out for lunch. This should be fun.

Saturday--BASKETBALL-BASKETBALL-BASKETBALL!!! There is a game for one of them, practice for both and pictures. YIPPY!! Ok, I said that yippy VERY sarcastically. This is the day that I will be going totally crazy and stressing about the party.

Sunday---PARTY!!!! I can't believe she is already going to be one. When we got Emily back in June, December seemed so far away. But here it is! I am expecting around 50 people at the party. I am just hoping I can make it through singing "Happy Birthday" without crying. Yes, you read right. For some reason, singing Happy Birthday makes me tear up. I think it is because I start thinking about them when they were younger and how fast time is going by. You know, when you are in the daily trenches of motherhood it can be so easy to just wish the day away or the stage they are at. But then, as they get older you look back at that time and wish to be there--holding them again--teaching them to walk--the funny things only a 3 year old would say--things like that. I know that God has intrusted me with these precious gifts of His. With every birthday I feel closer and closer to them not needing me. I know this all sounds crazy. But there must be others that feel this way too?!?!?!?!

Any-who...just keep me in your prayers that I will not only get through this busy week BUT I WILL ENJOY this busy week. I don't want the stress of all this to overshadow the really important memories that are just waiting to be made.

Toodles,
Judy

Monday Meanderings

Oh boy, it's Monday. Day is off to a very slow start but I am hoping it is going to pick up speed. This weeks plan:

1. Bible Study/Devotions
I NEED to start on the Beth Moore bible study. I wanted to start it last week but never got around to it.
Spend time daily with the Lord BEFORE starting the day--even if only 15 minutes.

2. Must-do List
Me and my honey are doing our 1 big day of shopping on Wednesday. My mother sleeps over the night before and we leave early in the monrning, go out for breakfast (for energy) and then don't stop until we are done. I need to finish brain-storming some ideas for gifts.
Continue planning Emily's party. Invitations are all written out. Need to mail them today. Need to work on Menu for it.
Prepare for Biology class. I always feel rushed with this. I need to plan better for it.
Organize Emily's clothes.

3. Zone
Master Bedroom. That is the dumping ground for the rest of the house. I need to get in there this week and get it organized and clean.

4. Train them Up
A very wise woman I know that is done homeschooling as told me many times that homeschooling is as much for the parent as the children. This is so true. Usually issues that need to be worked on with homeschooling usually can be traced back to me and something God is trying to work on in me. With that said..this week:
Work more consistently with homeschooling. Last week I was so worried about getting to other stuff besides the basics that I slacked in the basics. So this week I need to prioritize.

5. Menu
Monday--BBQ chicken, Rice and Corn
Tuesday--Taco Tuesday! Taco, Rice, Veggie tray with dip
Wednesday--Roast with chicken, chorico, potatoes, carrots and olives
Thursday--Portugesse soup with Bread
Friday--Auntie Glenda coming over with Pizza and to watch a Christmas movie with the kids.
Saturday--Hot chicken, egg noodles, veggie---Putting up Christmas tree and decorating the house.
Sunday--Chicken Casserole

Church Cookie Exchange

All the Ladies at the Cookie Exchange

Our Hostess--Andrea and Sarah





Last night I went to a cookie exchange hosted by 2 ladies from my *new* church. This was the first time I had ever been to one.....WHAT A BLAST!!!! They did a great job. When we got there we all got a candy cane to play a version of the clothes pin game like you would at a baby shower. For those who don't know how to play it is really simple. First you give everyone a candy cane (or clothes pin). Then you say what the *word* is that you are not allowed to say. Last night it was *cookie* (at a baby shower it may be multiple words like *baby* shower*). If you hear someone say the *word* then you take there candy cane. After a set amount of time, whoever has the most wins. Last night....IT WAS ME!!! I love that game. I can usually win. I am good at tricking people into saying the word---he he he.


We did a yankee swap. It was hilarious! Our hostess, Sarah, loves to give gag gifts. Oh, I guess I should expain just in case you don't know what a yankee swap is. Everyone brings a gift...nothing too expensive. There is usually a $5-10 limit. You bring it all wrapped up and place it in the pile. Then everyone picks a number from 1 to how ever many people there are. Then the fun begins. Starting with #1 you go and pick a present--open and decide if you like it. If you don't then you can pick anyone that went before you to swap gifts with. The person whose gift you take gets stuck with the one you give them (unless someone swaps with them). There is an array of gifts..from socks to candles to videos...all kinds of things. Well getting back to Sarah's gift. Well it was time for the pastor's wife to go (pictured in the antlers). She picks this beautiful green glittery box. She opens it and pulls out a black---HUGE---GIGANTIC---NEVER SEEN ONE SO BIG---BRA!!!! It was

hilarious!!!!!!! Needless to say, she traded. A little while later, the eldest of the group, a 91 year old great grandmother opened her present. You are not going to believe it but she traded her gift for the bra....she said "maybe I will grown into it someday". Someone then handed her a tissue box so she could "fill in"....she ended up taking the box and sticking it in the bra. We were all rolling with laughter. A bit later another gag gift was open. Inside a coffee mug was a HUGE pair of underwear. Well the great-grandmother ended up taking it out of the person's hand and put them on over her clothes. I thought we were all going to pee our pants at that point! It was good old clean fun. I turned to Connie, a friend I brought with me, and told her it is always the church woman you need to watch out for.







Me along with Wendy (left) and Connie (center)







The rest of the night was spent gabbing and catching up with some ladies I haven't seen in a while.

I am starting to feel better. Today I spent cleaning-cleaning-and more cleaning. Yesterday there wasn't a room in this house that was clean. But now it is down to 2 rooms that need to be done. One is the family room which is mostly clean except for the laundry I have sorted out. Then there is my room---or as my hubby calls it "the black hole". It is the dumping ground for the rest of the house. If someone isn't sure where something goes, or if I need something out of the way until I can get to it...it goes there. I know I won't get to that today and I don't think I will get to it tomorrow either. There is always Tuesday.




Enjoy the pictures of from the cookie exchange.

Ellen won Best Presentation--she was SO surprised!

Ellen's display

Table FULL of Cookies

Wendy enjoying some cookies----Want Some

Best dressed!