Blah blah blah blah blah blah

There are days that that's all I hear. I have so much on my mind, and so many projects to do and finish, and I have run out of patience. I love my husband, and I love my chidren, but when they and others talk to me, sometimes I am rudely a million miles away. I find myself hurrying the kids outside to play, and kissing DH goodbye, and taking a deep breath. And then I have to jump into working on some project. Like the slide show for my special for the Mother/Daughter banquet, my testimony for the M/D B sharing how I am making lemonade from lemons regarding Joel's diabetes, my Sunday school lesson book that I need to get done for Sunday, and then the other list of things. But then I get interrupted by appointments. And I have to shift gears again.

I know I need to be more plugged in; I just hope I don't trip on all the cords that are plugged in.

Oops

Baby got up during the night, and we found her in her room crying.

Lights on, no pullup, an inside-out and backward dress over her night shirt.

And a huge puddle. In the middle of the floor.

Apparently, she thought she was in the bathroom.

We got her cleaned up, her floor mopped up and back in bed.

Poor little thing.

Let's hope it was a one-time deal.

Eeeee-er Eeeee-er

I stopped at the store on the way home from church. And I forgot one of the most important items on the list in my head. Tomatoes! argh!

I told Baby she had to go back to the store for me tomorrow to get them.

Daddy told her she could go now; that she had to walk.

"I could just take the car."

We all laughed.

With flailing arms and scrunched up nose: "I know how to steer. Eeeeee-er Eeeeee-er."

Oh my.

Crockpot Chicken Fajitas!

Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
2 pounds individually quick-frozen chicken breast tenderloin fillets

1 1.4-ounce package fajita seasonings
2 1/2 cups (1/2 package) frozen-pepper stir-fry
Juice of 1 lime (approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons)
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
12 fajita-sized flour tortillas
1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar or Monterrey Jack cheese
Fat-free sour cream, for garnish
Shredded lettuce, for garnish
Diced tomato, for garnish

Place frozen chicken tenderloin fillets in crock pot. Sprinkle fajita seasonings over top. Add pepper stir-fry, lime juice and chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Spoon some of the chicken mixture onto a tortilla, sprinkle with some of the cheese and garnish as desired with the sour cream shredded lettuce and diced tomato.

Makes 6 - 8 servings.

VERY yummy!

Checklist

1. Get showered and get presentable
2. Clean and redecorate Sunday school room
3. Stop at grocery store for a few things
4. Lunch
5. Practice music for church anniversary party tonight
6. Survive anniversary party at church tonight
7. Finish up Sunday school lesson for tomorrow

All that and try to enjoy the day.

It wasn't easy

but I did it. I sat here last night watching my Thursday night DVR'd shows without snacking.

I still have a couple shows to watch. It was getting way too late to watch them last night.

I did watch the finale on Project Runway. I am SO glad Emilio didn't win. His ego is impossible. His snotty comments to and about Tim were unacceptable. I didn't really have a favorite between the other two contestants.

Swim class went well last night. Poor Little Boy. I cringe when he balks. He is asked to float on his back, jump in and go under for a second. His little face looks pained. I keep giving him thumbs up that he can do it. I keep telling him his teacher is a life guard, and she's not going to let anything happen. "What if I go to the bottom, and I don't come back up?" I told him that would never happen.

The kids woke up this morning asking what day it is. I told them it's Friday. "What's that mean?" (They were asking if we have any activities today.) It means we don't have to go anywhere today!"

Baby says, "But I want a strawberry milkshake! I want a shake!"

Come here; I'll give you a shake. I was laughing. She was pouting.

I have no idea where the milkshake comment came from; it's been a couple months since she had one.

I should get breakfast fixed while the kids are happy and occupied.

The only thing better than Friday is Saturday. LOL

They're Baaaaaack!

I've been dreading this time of year for one reason. But to me it's a pretty big reason.

Little Boy was walking down the hall, and came running back into the living room.


"There's something on the wall. Like a toothpick."



I was afraid I knew what it was.




I was right.





I told him to stand back. Not because I was afraid it would attack him, but because I was afraid he would scare it. And it would run away, and we'd never find it.


Heebie Jeebie time.







As gross as this picture is, the one on the wall was even more gross. It was BIGGER!

Impressive

Baby and I were in the car yesterday. She was jabbering away as usual.

"Mommy, what if we see a nocturnal animal in the daytime?"

That would be something. It's possible, but not likely since they prefer....

"Night!"

That's right!

"That's impressive."

She cracks me up.

In You Alone

When I am weak, You carry every burden
When I'm alone, You're just a breath away
When I am restless, You're the One Who who stills me
And where I fail, You always stay the same

In You alone, I'm lifted up to Heaven
In You alone, I soar on borrowed wings
When I reach the end, You are just beginning
In You alone, I find all that I need

When I am lost, You rescue me from danger
And when I fall, You pick me up again
When I resist, You love past my defenses
And though I stray, You're patient to the end

In You alone, I'm lifted up to Heaven
In you alone, I soar on borrowed wings
When I reach the end, You are just beginning
In You alone, I find all that I need

In You alone, I soar on borrowed wings
When I reach the end, You are just beginning
In You alone, in You alone

This is the song by Steve Green that I sang last Sunday. I sure need to remind myself that He is there when I feel alone.

Day 1

Today I am trying to get back on track food-wise. I'm not feeling well, so maybe it won't be white knuckles all day. I need to get on the treadmill when the kids go outside to play. Hopefully the big clang sound Little Boy made by kneeling on the front part doesn't mean it's out of commission. And they will be doing something other than riding vehicles. Yesterday, I walked out on the porch just in time to see Little Boy ram his four-wheeler into the side of Baby's Mustang. She said he had done it multiple times. This is something we've talked about before, so he will not be riding for a few days now. And she doesn't like to ride if he's not.

I want to go back to bed. But two little people need me. I'm not entirely sure if I am homesick for my bed because I don't feel well, if I'm just so tired, if it's the allergy medicine, or if I'm depressed. Or it could be a combination of any/all of those reasons. Maybe I can lie down when DH comes home at lunch.

I'm letting the kids watch the rest of an episode of Franklin. And then we need to jump into today's schoolwork.

I was up a little late last night. I'm working on my Sunday school lessons for the next couple months. I'm writing my own lessons on sports. Last Sunday I had 7 kids! I bought a book on object lessons from sports, and I'm working them into the lessons. I'm putting together a little booklet for each kid.

I would like their lessons to be fun and exciting, but I want them to work on a little something at home each week. I've been encouraging them to read one verse from Proverbs a day.

I've been enjoying fresh strawberries. I've been cutting them up into Little Boy and Baby's cereal, waffles and ice cream. They are low in carbs, so I can actually give Little Boy a good-sized portion.

It looks like it's going to be a beautiful day. I have to remember that Baby has ballet tonight. And a make up lesson tomorrow night.

Can I go back to bed already?

My name is Tammy

and I am addicted to food.

My day revolves around food.

I hate that food controls me.

I hate that I have to spend so much time fixing food. But my son is a diabetic, and his life depends on me fixing his meals and snacks. I know more about food, nutrition and diets than most people, but in this case, knowledge isn't power. I'm like an alcoholic bar tender.

It is almost impossible for me to deny myself food.

If I know there is something in the house that appeals to me, I WILL eat it.

I am an emotional eater. I eat when I am happy, sad, mad, angry, and the list goes on.

I eat when I am bored.

I eat crazy things when I am feeling desperate.

I tried a food diary a couple times, and I can't even keep up with my eating for more than a day.

I HAVE to lose weight. But I don't see it happening in a way that will satisfy my impatience.

I am admitting my problem. I need to face this head-on.

This isn't the solution, but it's a step in the right direction.

Let 'er fly

Tonight my kids were racing - Mario Cart - on the Wii. We work with them on being gracious winners and gracious losers.

But in the middle of a race, it happened. Little Boy swore. A four-letter word.

WHOA.

I sent him into the kitchen to talk to his daddy. I wanted to keep Baby out of it; she hadn't heard him. But he was not quiet about sharing with Daddy what he had said. He wasn't ashamed; he didn't know it was a bad word. He had heard someone say it.

Daddy shared with him how it's hard to not say words we hear. They prayed together and asked Jesus to help him edit what he says. He's so sweet; he's going to be ok.

Baby

After ballet class, Baby and I often go to Denny's for supper. She insisted this was what she wanted to eat. And she insisted that she wanted dessert, too. She barely made a dent. She and Little Boy split what was left for breakfast the next day, and each had plenty.



She's my little shopping buddy. We found this fruit, and had to get a picture. I hope it has a thick skin; there's no way I could eat a whole one. But it smelled very good. I think I'm addicted to the smell of citrus.

I know I'm addicted to Baby.

Smile Fix

I hog the DVR and record a bazillion DVR a few shows on Thursdays. So after the kids get into bed, I watch my shows. As I was fast forwarding through the commercials (I LOVE FWD skip!) I got my fix.

My smile fix.



Topper Shutt (cool name, huh?) is the weatherman for one of the DC stations. Whenever DH and I watch that channel, and the commercial for the upcoming weather comes on, we both perk up.


We watch for it.




Waaaatch fooooor it....








Waaaaatch foooor it....






Waaaaaaatch for iiiiiit...





THERE IT IS!



You might be asking yourself, "What on earth...?"



Well, it's not just his smile. Because if you look at the pictures, he has a nice smile. He has a smile that makes you smile.


But you have to watch this little video clip to get the full effect. Take special note right at the end. I even paused it a bit so you can catch it:

The thing is, he smiles that exact same smile at the end of each weather clip. He talks about the weather, and then suddenly smiles. Sometimes he starts out with that smile. Sometimes he holds that smile for a number of seconds until the clip ends.

And it makes us smile.

Thank you, Topper!

Maybe this guy has a future in meteorology:

"I can't wait"

So today we moved the treadmill to the living room from the den. Our living room looks horrible from a design standpoint, but I know myself. I am not going to lose weight without exercising. And I won't exercise if it's not convenient. So for now the monstrosity stays.

My kids came in from playing, and were fascinated. Daddy demonstrated it for them, and they each got a chance to get on it. And then we told them it's not a toy. And I explained it's for me, and I hope to lose some weight.

My son is matter-of-fact and told me, "I can't wait to see you skinny, Mommy."

He innocently asked me if it will take me 3 or 4 days. I laughed. "It could take me months, or years, Little Boy. And what happens if I never get skinny?"

"It's ok, Mommy. We'll still love you, even if you stay fat."


Ouch.

Philly Swirl Sweet 16

I want to share a yummy treat with anyone who is interested.

Philly Swirl Sweet 16 bars are a favorite with my kids. But what is special about this treat is that it is sugar-free with only 4 grams of carbs. They have ZERO Weight Watchers points. They are also gluten-free for those who also have to watch out for that.

Both of my kids enjoy these, and I am happy to offer them something that is so yummy.

Flare

Today wasn't a good day pain-wise. I spent a good portion of the morning in bed. And all day I've been pretty miserable. I can't wait for the weather front to move out. I wrote on FB that if I hacked off every aching joint there wouldn't be much left. A nose, maybe?

I've said it before, but I need to remind myself that having arthritis reminds me every day that I need God.

And drugs.

But mostly, God.

ha ha

Beautiful day for a drive

I made it to my doctor's appointment this morning. It's amazing what you can do when you go to the right place!

And my ear/nose/throat doctor made a quick buck today. He asked how my acid reflux was doing (fine) and how my allergies are doing. I told him my 4 year old daughter has been sick and has no concept of covering when she coughs and sneezes so I could be sick or my tree allergies have started up.

He told me that as long as I am ok with controlling symptoms with the nasal sprays and or over the counter stuff, he's ok, and he'll see me in 6 months.

Done.

And I was out and on my way back home.

It really is getting pretty - flowering trees, green tree tops on the mountains, forsythia and lilacs blooming.

I walked in the door and my son was picking up a whole bag of jelly beans off the living room floor.

Don't ask.

5 Minutes for Moms Ultimate Blog Party

So, I found this party through a blog I read.

My blog is just about the every-day happenings of a Christian, stay-at-home mom. I'm also a homeschool mommy. I have two kids; my son, Little Boy, is 6 1/2. He was diagnosed last year as a Type 1 Diabetic. For those of you who don't know, his type is not hereditary. It's not the result of being overweight. It could have been brought on by a virus, but it could be something he was born with. There are Type 2 Diabetics in our family, but he is the first Type 1 in several generations.

He's so brave, and is cooperative the majority of the time when it comes to his care. I can only imagine how old it would get to poke my finger at least 5 times a day, and get shots at least 4 times a day. My day revolves around my little guy and his needs. I have to count his carb intake; the number of carbs combined with his blood glucose level are combined to figure out his insulin dosage. I also try to watch his protein and fat intake. As someone who has weight issues, you'd think this would help. Sadly, not so.

My other child, Baby, is 4 1/2 going on 15. She is the sweetest, most beautiful little sassafrass I've ever known. If I could get her sweet side to be more dominant... We'll get there. If you scroll down to previous posts to look at her pictures, poor thing got a black eye just in time for Easter. Brother whacked her in the face with a plastic baseball bat. Purple eye - purple dress. I guess she wanted to complete the ensemble.

I have the best husband in the world. I wish we had more time to spend together. He works a swing shift, so we all work around his schedule. He's also working on a degree online during all his free time. ;-) He has a 4.0 grade average; I love that he's so smart and diligent.

I'd love to have a bunch of new regular readers through this party! Welcome to what I think or say on a regular basis at the end of the day - "What a day!"

My first 3 prize choices:
US20
US28
USC13
My next choices in order:
US4
US112
USC37
USC8
USC10

Love those lips

My kids are sincerely thankful for the gifts they received at Easter; they didn't expect much. But seeing that Little Boy is diabetic, we try to replace most of the candy with other goodies. And he's very thankful for the candy he does get. He's the sweetest little guy. I pray God gives him the strength and steadfastness to continue on his journey. I would take it from him in an instant if I could.

Cold!

The last couple days have been hot. Too hot. And then a front moved in and now it's half the temp it was! My poor daffodils are shivering!

The kids had their first swim lesson last night. I was more than halfway there when I realized I had forgotten towels. We were going to be there early, so I zipped into the mall. We ran into Penney's, grabbed two towels, and ran out. We were still there 5 minutes early. I got the kids changed and we waited. Class started a bit late (but ended on time). Both kids had a great time.

Last night DH and I were watching CSI on the DVR after he got home from work. I think he was getting annoyed with me. I kept hitting pause because I was getting anxious during the suspenseful parts. But then he told me to pause it. We listened. Someone was barking coughing. I sent him back to Baby's room with her cup with ice water. I mixed some cold medicine, honey and a splash of water. It took me a little time to convince her to drink it with the short straw. (Less chance of spilling.) I sang a lullaby to her, and she laid back on her pillow and closed her eyes. She slept the rest of the night.

And back to CSI. I was annoyed with the way the episode ended. And then I watched Project Runway and Models of the Runway, and then fell into bed.

Before we fell asleep, I told DH that Saturday I want to move our armchair in front of the fireplace, and put the treadmill where the chair is. I could tell he thought it was a weird request. He asked why I wanted to wait until Saturday. I reminded him he won't really have time to do that today. He's filling in as union pres., and then tonight he has a haircut appt. I honestly think it's my only chance of losing weight, as I'm having little or no success controling what I eat. Sigh.

More Sweetness

Meds

I seriously need to get back on my depression/anxiety prescription.

I am not doing well right now. I am so thankful for the green grass and warm temperatures. I'd be a mess if I was still seeing brown out there. And it's so nice that the kids want to be outside as much as they possibly can.

If I could just curl up in a ball, and stay in bed for as long as I wanted - UNINTERRUPTED, I'd be there about 20 hours a day.

I HAVE to get the treadmill dug out. I HAVE to lose weight.

I HAVE to figure out a way to not let my emotions about my mom affect me the way they do.

I HAVE to get the hot dogs on the grill so two little people can eat on time.

sigh

PMS - gets me every month.

Wasted Trip

I had an appointment this morning to see the ENT doctor. His office called yesterday to confirm the appointment. I hate going to this appointment. Who would look forward to seeing a doctor who looks up your nose - with a scope? And did I mention that he is nice looking? So who would look forward to seeing a nice-looking doctor who is going to look up your nose? I get nervous going to any doctor, anyway.

So for the last couple days, I would remember the appointment today, and my stomach would jump into my throat. I got up, got ready, went to the appointment, drove past my exit, had to turn around and go back, and as I pulled into the parking lot...

Empty.

Apparently, he moved his office when the new hospital opened.

It was so nice of someone to tell me that when they called to confirm my appointment yesterday.

So I dug in my purse to find my cell phone. I have his number in my planner. No phone. I left it in the other vehicle yesterday.

I drove home - furious - at them and at me - and called when I got home.

"No one informed you?"

Ahhh. That's what I just said. And I wouldn't have driven to the wrong place if they had!

So now I have a new appointment next Monday to look forward to.

I need a nap.

Easter Sweetness

It's a good thing

I bought sunglasses to match her Easter dress.

She's going to need them.

Colored eggs

Last night we colored Easter eggs. I set everything up on the kitchen floor. It was easier for the kids to see down into the cups. I was a little less nervous about spills, too.

I didn't get any pictures. I was too busy watching flailing arms and crazy legs to take any pictures. Also, I made my kids strip to their undies to prevent stains. That's probably way overboard, but they run around here in their skivvies anyway.

I'm going to put their eggs in little bowls with green grass so I can get a picture of them with their eggs. I'll let them color on them with crayons or put on little stickers today if they want to.

Is it weird that the part I like the best is seeing the broken colored shells in a bowl? Is there a craft or something I can do with them? I'm going to look online. I just think they are so beautiful.

I'm going to teach the kids with the Resurrection eggs tonight. DH is supposed to have the day off, but he has to go in on 2nd shift today. Pros/cons situation: 17 hours red time this week; kids' shower time by myself.

Who killed the cat?!

O MY WORD. I just heard a dead cat on my recorder where my voice should be!

I am working on my song for Sunday. I decided to record myself on my little Kodak camera. I need to know if I'm singing flat or sharp, and if I'm keeping in time with the accompaniment.

I sound horrible. I hope I sound better than that in real life. It has to be the recorder, right? I sound like I'm 10. Do I sound like I'm 10?

I found the flat spots. And the rest was tinny. Yikes.

Good thing this Sunday is Resurrection Sunday, because that cat needs a miracle.