Happy Monday!!!

Whew! A busy weekend, but fun!!
Friday night I went grocery shopping. Saturday we had Robbie's birthday party at the lake and then yesterday I just cleaned and tidied.

Saturday was nice, the weather cooperated and the kids had a good time. After we got home and the kids were bathed and getting ready for bed, Rob called to say that A offered to babysit so Bill and I could go over to their house and watch a movie! That was a nice treat!! Bill and I enjoyed ourselves. 'A' did a great job too!! When we got home Mariah had woke up and she had already warmed a bottle for her and was changing her diaper. Kayla was awake, but I had suspected that. Kayla had acquired the tummy bug that R and C had brought earlier that week. Of course Kayla started barfing while I was out grocery shopping on Friday night. It wasn't anything too bad, just some barfing. She held it together all day Saturday as well as Sunday, but her nighttime sleeping was off a bit.
Hopefully we can do that again sometime!!!

Yesterday, I didn't get as much done as I wanted, but that's typical!!LOL It was the 10yr anniversary of my Dad's passing, and my mind kept drifting. Especially as to how much has changed in my life, as well as the things that haven't.
10yrs ago..........I was 16 (Just about to turn 17) engaged to Bill, working full time at a Daycare, living with Bill and his parents! I was at work when I got the call from my mom. It was at 8:40am, I was just about to start my shift that day, Monday Aug.21st. I remember my mom saying "Terry is dead" me saying "Terry who?" and her saying "Your father, Penny, he was killed in a car accident this morning" That was what we knew at the time, although when I got down there, my cousin told me what really happened. I started screaming, not good in a daycare setting!! my boss and Cherie (SIL, we worked in the same Daycare) asked what they could do, if there was anyone they could call, all I could say was "Bill, just get Bill here" (on a side note: Bill and I had just gotten back together. I had 'left' him to find myself for a couple weeks as everyone was against us being together and being engaged. So ironically, I had gone to spend a few weeks with my Dad! I had just returned home on the 16th of Aug. Bill and I had spent the afternoon of the 18th together and decided we would stay together, but secretly so as no one could influence our relationship. Well that only lasted the weekend because of my Dad passing away) So Bill arrived in about 10min, usually it's a 20 min drive!! It felt so wonderful to have his strong arms wrapped around me as he led me out of the daycare. When we got in his car, I broke down. He asked where I wanted to go, I said I guess my house. When we arrived, my Mom flipped out....Because I was with Bill. She would not let me into the house to see my sister (who was 10 at the time), she locked the door and told me to get away. I screamed that I had to see my sister and gather my belongings (I had been staying there since I had gotten back from my Dad's) she wouldn't allow it. I remember driving away seeing my sister standing at the door screaming and crying because I could console her. Ugh, that was horrible. So we drove back to Bill's parents house and luckily Bill still had some of my stuff there (That was where I was living before everything happened) so we packed my stuff and set out on the 3hr drive to the small town where my Dad had lived. When we arrived my Uncles were moving all of Dad's belongings out of his house, I wandered through...it was such a strange feeling knowing he would never be there again. His coffee mug was sitting rinsed out in the sink like he always did. Then my cousin showed up and took me for a walk, while we were walking he told me the truth about what had happened. I was shocked! Suicide??? I couldn't believe it. I know he was having some issues with his new girlfriend, they had both talked about the things with me while I was there. But I never knew it was that bad. For a small time, I felt horrible because I was irritated that he was bothering me with his problems. Afterwards I thought, if only I would have listened more closely and more attentively, I could've picked up on something (afterall I was trained in detecting suicidal speaking and signs in people from a class I took in Junior High for counseling teenagers).
We stayed for a few days, the funeral was the Friday the 25th, so we had driven home the Thursday so Bill could go into work (he worked nights at a gas station) and I could pack us some clothes to wear at the funeral. On the Tuesday we were allowed to view the body after all the 'work' had been done on him. It was so weird, he looked as though he was sleeping so peacefully. I told them how to comb his hair, took his belongings away with me, which I still have in a special box. I also kept his moccasins and his leather jacket that he wore when we used to ride on his motorcycle together. The funeral was really nice, my Dad;s family is Mormon, so the ceremony took place in the community LDS church. Then we buried him beside his Mom and Dad, where he had asked to be buried in his suicide note he had left.
It was so odd being at the dinner afterwards, I had never been to a function with this side of the family without my Dad before. Bill was by my side the entire time. We left the next day and that was that. I returned to Bill's parents house with Bill, placed the ring back on my finger and pressed on!! I made a vow to Bill that I was sure I wanted to marry him (even though I was sure before I had left!!LOL) and that I wouldn't let anyone cloud my mind again. Seven months later I conceived Alex!! That Father's Day Bill and I drove out to my Dad's gravesite so I could share the news with my Dad that I was going to be a Mama!! I haven't been to the site since then, and I really hope to go sometime soon. I don't speak with anyone from that side of the family (that's another LONG story!!LOL), but I hope someone has been taking care of his site, it's peacefully to know he his beside his Mom and Dad.

Well, that was a bit more long winded then I had expected to write!! Hopefully it makes sense because I was interrupted a gazillion times while writing!!

Now, I guess I should moving and tend to the laundry...the dishes.....the kids....and so on!!!
Have a blessed Day!!

Updated Food Blog

Guess What?????

It's FRIDAY!!!! LOL!!!

This has been a tiring week, one of those weeks where you keep thinking it's the next day but really it's still the day before...ugh!

The two kids I look after were sick with a stomach bug earlier this week, then the Mom shows up yesterday in jeans and a sweater......turns out she was sick all night as well as the Dad. So she was just going into work for a mandatory meeting then going home and back to bed. She says to me "Do you know how hard it is throwing up with kids running around?" Nope, actually I don't...grrrrr.....Apparently I think she forgets who she's talking too!!LOL Sheesh, it must be nice to be able to dump your kids off at the babysitters and go home and go back to bed when you're not feeling well, me personally, I have no recollection of that! Good grief, I even take care of THEIR kids when I'M not feeling well, I have never phoned in sick to them....ah well....perhaps I should start!?!? Ethically, I don't think it's fair to do that. I know for me, if I worked outside the home, even if I was home sick, I would still like to spend time with my kids. But there is nothing in my dayhome guidelines that I created that say differently, they have paid for the time, so what do ya do?!?!

I'm just praying that my kids don't get it...ewwww....five barfing kids....NO THANKS!!! Not only that, it's poor Robbie's b-day party tomorrow!!!

I don't know whether it's been the cooler weather or the full moon, but my kids have been crazy this week, anyone elses? They have fought, yelled and whined, with me and each other. Last night Robbie whined for over 4hrs about a little hotwheels car he had gotten while he was out with Daddy on Tuesday. I completely understand that this was a special car, but 4 HOURS!!! ARGH!!! I was honestly about ready to run full force into a brick wall!!! Turns out, that my darling Alex had it all along!! I don't think there is a word in the English dictionary that could describe my anger. I honestly think listening to a five-year-old whine should be considered a form of torture, it would have amazing effects on getting information out of someone!!!

Mariah is teething like crazy and has been a peach!! NOT!!!!
Kayla is back to peeing the bed, the only time she does that is when she is harbouring a UTI. She was having a temper tantrum in my room at 1:30 this morning because her jammies where wet as well as her bed. Me being awoken to screaming and stomping, took a few minutes to gather my thoughts, which in turn was a few minutes too long in her mind. The night before it was Robbie standing beside my bed having a temper tantrum because he had wet the bed AND could not fine that darn car!!

At least on our anniversary, Bill did not forget!!! He came home that day with roses!! That was nice, especially since it's been a tad rocky lately (that ties in with my emotional baggage from the previous week and this week)
We don't fight, we just mumble at each other. I don't know if that just comes with being married for awhile or what. Honestly, I don't have the time or energy to fight!!LOL He had asked if I thought it had been a good nine years of marriage so far, I said "Absolutely, an awesome nine years of marriage and an awesome 11 years of being together!!" He says "Are you sure we've been together that long??" LOL!!!
"Um, yes dear, we started dating in Aug.'94!!" LOL!! Dates are not his strongest point!!LOL

Okay, well I'm going to attempt to post in my food blog, as long as the children can remain occupied!!!
Have a blessed Friday dear Friends!!!
PS. Thanks so much for your kind words Cheryl!!! I'm praying for you and sending babydust your way!!!!

Still Freezing!!

But at least it's supposed to warm up by this weekend! Good thing, because we're having Robbie's b-day party at the lake on Saturday with Uncle Rob and Auntie Shellie and the girls!! We'll be celebrating K's 11th bday as well (Shellie and Rob's youngest dd)

THANKYOU MISTY!!!! Your card was beautiful (they always are!!!) What a wonderful talent the Lord has blessed you with!!!

Well today is mine and Bill's 9th anniversary, and do you want to know what I got?? A nice, big stuffy nose and a sore throat!! Hurray! The gift that just keeps giving!!LOL Started the Cold-FX this morning, does it work!?!? Dunno, but I've taken it the last few times I've felt a cold coming on and it hasn't amounted to much.

I have been getting emails asking what's wrong, (thanks Debbie!!LOL Get everybody in an uproar!!LOL j/k) There has just been a lot going on, kind of like when everything gets dumped on you emotionally. I don't want to go into it too much yet, but I will share some praise reports with you!!
- Mariah FINALLY took some steps (about 2wks ago, but took five steps to Bill last night)
-Mariah FINALLY got another tooth, her fifth!! Right beside her top left tooth.
-Managed to get my Homeschool cupboard somewhat organized!!LOL Now I just need to go supply shopping.
-My sister was in the hospital on Saturday night because she was bleeding, after an examination and some blood work, as well as an US the following morning, they could not figure out why she was bleeding. Baby is all snuggled in where he/she should be!!! He/she is approx the size of a raisin (slightly larger, I guess a plump raisin?!?!) I was proud of them, especially Brad. He was so worried he was sick to his stomach (no I wasn't proud of THAT!!LOL) but he took her in right away, and stayed by her side (even though he was freaked out!!) I talked to him later and he was worried, but calm for her. I think they both handled the crisis as good as one possibly can! (esp being 1st time parents!!)
-Robbie had the first of a series of assessments done yesterday. This 1st one was Audiology. He did excellent!! There are no concerns regarding his hearing!!!! PTL!!!
Now we just need to have the OT and the PT assessments done.

As for the other stuff, I just ask for your prayers.

Not much planned for the next few days. Grocery shopping on Friday night and birthday party Saturday!! Bill and I don't have much planned for tonight, no money or babysitter!!LOL Maybe a quiet night??

At any rate, I have to go check on the kids downstairs (it's become quiet) and make yet another cup of tea, and then I have to place my order from Pic 'n' Del I'm ordering my meat from there and a couple other things, then the rest I will get Friday night!
Maybe after I order, I can actually post something useful in my food blog!! I have been wanting to get it updated over there, with some new graphics and recipes........ah maybe one day!!LOL I get so many email requests for recipes and requests for food tips and questions, that I thought I would just dedicate an entire page to it!! We'll see!!

Okay, now there are a few arguments going on..........God Bless!!

IT'S FRIDAY!!!!!

Aw, you knew I was gonna say that, didn't you!?!?!?LOL

I'm still freezing!!!*teeth chattering* Right now my thermometer is registering 12C (52F??) I refuse to close all my windows, so we're all wearing sweaters!!LOL
If only I had the motivation to bake or something. Maybe this afternoon. All this cool weather is making me want to start decorating the house for Fall and thanksgiving!!! Although I will hold myself back until at least September 1st!!!
It's time to add some seasonal Tickers to my blog!!!

I had some thoughts I wanted to post about pop into my head last night as I was falling asleep, but now I'm not so sure!!LOL Funny how you can wander through the day thinking about what you will post about (ok, maybe only I do that?!?!?) then when you sit down to post, it doesn't really fit anymore.


Well, not much on the plate for this weekend. Going out with Kerri tonight!! Probably just putter around the house this weekend, get some cleaning done and probably laundry. LOL!! Maybe I'll even wash the floors!!!!!

Had a nice visit with my sister yesterday. She came for the day and stayed for dinner and cake. Poor thing is fighting some morning sickness...YUCK!!!

Alright, I suppose I should get moving....maybe another cup of tea will help?!?!?

Have a great Friday!!!God Bless!!

Fun Things!

What's Your Spiritual Type?

You scored 89, on a scale of 25 to 100. Here's how to interpret your score:

25 - 29
Hardcore Skeptic -- but interested or you wouldn't be here!
30 - 39
Spiritual Dabbler -- Open to spiritual matters but far from impressed
40 - 49
Active Spiritual Seeker – Spiritual but turned off by organized religion
50 - 59
Spiritual Straddler – One foot in traditional religion, one foot in free-form spirituality
60 - 69
Old-fashioned Seeker -- Happy with my religion but searching for the right expression of it
70 - 79
Questioning Believer – You have doubts about the particulars but not the Big Stuff
80 - 89
Confident Believer – You have little doubt you’ve found the right path
90 - 100
Candidate for Clergy

Took this at BeliefNet

AND THIS ONE
Your Results:


The top score on the list below represents the faith that Belief-O-Matic, in its less than infinite wisdom, thinks most closely matches your beliefs. However, even a score of 100% does not mean that your views are all shared by this faith, or vice versa.

Belief-O-Matic then lists another 26 faiths in order of how much they have in common with your professed beliefs. The higher a faith appears on this list, the more closely it aligns with your thinking.

How did the Belief-O-Matic do? Discuss your results on our message boards.


1. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (100%)
2. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (94%)
3. Orthodox Quaker (92%)
4. Eastern Orthodox (91%)
5. Roman Catholic (91%)
6. Jehovah's Witness (89%)
7. Seventh Day Adventist (86%)
8. Orthodox Judaism (81%)
9. Bahá'í Faith (79%)
10. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (79%)
11. Islam (73%)
12. Liberal Quakers (61%)
13. Jainism (55%)
14. Hinduism (55%)
15. Sikhism (55%)
16. Mahayana Buddhism (43%)
17. Unitarian Universalism (43%)
18. Theravada Buddhism (42%)
19. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (41%)
20. Reform Judaism (41%)
21. Neo-Pagan (34%)
22. New Age (25%)
23. Secular Humanism (25%)
24. Nontheist (22%)
25. Scientology (18%)
26. Taoism (18%)
27. New Thought (17%)


Interesting!!!

Also got this when I took the Quiz: What type of Christian are You?
scored 406 out of 400

Jerry Falwell Christian
(a.k.a. "Historicist" or "Literalist")
You view the Bible as historically accurate and divinely inspired. You go to church every Sunday, with the Good Book in a Bible cover, and Wednesday night for Bible study. You've read at least one of the books in the apocalyptic "Left Behind" series, prefer your iced tea very sweet, and suspect Bill Clinton has murdered somebody somewhere in Arkansas. You're furious that people actually believe "The Da Vinci Code" and have bought a book debunking the novel. You wept uncontrollably all three times you went to see "The Passion of the Christ" and have ordered the DVD in bulk to give copies to friends. You may watch Eternal Word Television Network, and you adore Dr. Laura, Chuck Colson, James Dobson, and Rush Limbaugh. You enjoy some episodes of "Joan of Arcadia" but think it's not reverent enough--"Touched by an Angel" was better. If you're Catholic, you go to Latin Mass and weekly confession, though you don't have much to confess. You think homosexuals are sinful but try periodically to love them. You think the surrounding culture is so polluted that you shop at Christian bookstores, listen only to Christian radio and send your kids to Christian or parochial schools--or homeschool them. You give generously to your church and Christian charities. The Bible provides you not only a direct connection to God but a roadmap for how to lead your life.


God Bless!!!
~Penny

*chattering teeth* BRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!

It is cold, not cool or breezy, COLD!!!! My thermometer outside my kitchen window says 8C (that's about 44F, I think!!LOL) It is just past noon here!!!!!
I'm afraid that my furnace will kick in, which I definitely DO NOT want to happen because it hasn't been cleaned yet and the smell will be terrible!!!

I haven't got much done today, although I will have to go downstairs and 'crack the whip' on the kids down there, they have destroyed the basement! It is disgusting down there. The black fake vinyl got ripped on our broken recliner chair down there and guess what was inside??? Nice chunks of that orange foam! Guess where all that foam is now??? Guess where the 1000 piece puzzle pieces are located now? Yup, all over the floor as well....it makes me want to scream and have a big ol' temper tantrum, but that wouldn't help anything (ok, maybe short term!!LOL) So I stay up here, making my way to the top of the stairs to YELL down to them at dutiful time increments "GET CLEANING!!!", "IS THAT CLEANING DONE?" or "IF IT DOESN'T"T GET DONE IN 15min I AM COMING DOWN THERE WITH A GARBAGE BAG!!!!"

A short while ago, I made my way down there and said in a nice, quiet voice "I am only going to say this once so listen carefully. What ever remains on the floor at bedtime will be packed up in boxes and bags and posted on my Freecycle(TM) email group and then left outside to be picked up"

Did anyone watch the conclusion on Trading Spouses last night? Well if you watched last week and this week, then you'll know what I'm talking about. I am borderline Mia. Somedays I am full blown Mia, and my family must endure My Mia-moments.
Now, I do not vacuum my floor a few times a day, although I have no doubt I would if time allowed it. In all honesty, I'm lucky if I can actually vacuum a few times a WEEK. (I do aim for a quick one every day...lol)Now for washing the floors, with each child this chore has become less and less. So if you do find yourself at my house, you may WANT to leave your shoes on to protect your feet from any mishaps that may be lurking on my floor. Not to worry though, most items are of generic value and shouldn't cause any harm. Although it does indeed suck when you step on a Cheerio or Corn Pop and it feels like a small explosion under foot that leaves a small pile of powder on the floor. Then of course let's not forget the sticky spots on the floor, these ones are great, because in time they just collect all the fuzzies from people's socks and become no longer sticky!! Then you can just rub your foot over the spot very quickly and it will roll into a little ball and you can pick it up and toss it into the garbage!!!

I used to be a freak about people wearing their shoes in my house, every once in awhile it still get's me, but I think it's not got to the point, does it really matter? My biggest issue was because of having crawling infants on the floor and the fact that they then put their hands into their mouths and who knows where your shoes have been. But does this not get tossed out the window when the children willingly scarf back dirt and other inedible objects? How many times do I walk around saying "Get that out of your mouth" *sigh*

As for all other Mia-itis symptoms, well I guess I'm borderline. Would I allow my children to have a big silly string fight in the house? Probably wouldn't initiate it, but I doubt I would stop one if it were to arise. And hey, a JELLO fight in the backyard!!! WHOOHOO!! That sounds like fun, and easily washable!! Might have to try that!!

So all in all, I think I am a clean freak and I will admit I go through small phases where I stomp around the house mumbling (and sometimes mumbling loudly) this place is disgusting, and that even animals don't keep their living areas this gross, and there are times I will stay up late and go through bottles of bleach and Vim and Pinesol attempting to reclaim some sort of cleanliness around here. But, there is also a lot times that I don't. I have standards, dog poopies all over my floor would gross me out, disgusting food sitting in the fridge grosses me out, dirty toilets and tubs gross me out, disgusting kitchens gross me out, bugs making homes in my house, not acceptable. Silly string on the roof a good conversational piece.
Hey, we had a few spaghetti noodles on my kitchen roof for a couple months!!!

You see all in all, as much as I love a clean house and to have all my taps sparkling and to be able to actually SEE in the mirrors because the toothpaste spit is actually in the sink and not splattered all over the mirror, or to not have gobs of blue sparkly toothpaste sitting in the sink. But you see, if I didn't have all of those that would mean there wasn't any children in my house, and I am not ready for that yet. So, the next time you walk into your bathroom and sit on a pee splattered toilet, turn on sticky taps and look up into a spotted mirror, feel blessed!!! Because one day, you'll walk into your bathroom and it will be just as you had left it.

God Bless!!!
~Penny

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KANDIE!!!!!

Well, my baby sister turns 20 today!!!! OMGoodness!! I can't believe it, I honestly remember helping change her diapers and snuggling her on the couch, I remember when my Dad called me (I was staying at our neighbors) from the hospital to tell me she had been born, I remember him taking me up to the hospital to see her and I had brought my favorite Cabbage Patch Kid outfit and it fit her, I remember my parents trying to decide what to name her (Bambi or Kandie) I begged them not to call her Bambi, I said let's call her Kandie because she's so sweet like Candy, so it was decided she would be named Kandie Aleena instead of Bambi Aleena (hey, my Mom was going to call me Talina Faline *shudders*)I remember her infectious giggle when I would blow on her tummy and when she had Gastro and I was right beside her reading to her so my mom could sleep, I remember her second Christmas when she got Teddy Ruxpin from Santa and the look on her face when he began to talk to her!!
Now here she is with a baby of her own growing in her tummy AND after I talked to her this morning to wish her a happy birthday....she tells me that Brad (babies daddy) took her out to a steak dinner and got down on one knee and proposed to her last night!!!!*clapping hands* YAY!!!!! They're getting married!!!!!
So now, my baby sister has a fiance AND a baby on the way.............awwwwwww!!!!
I needed some good news like that!!!

Yesterday and today I have been just taking it easy, lot's going on so I'm in no rush.
Have to book two appointments for the boy's today, one for Robbie and to get in for audiology assesment and one for Alex to be seen my our family dr. I'm not going to say much about Alex until I know for sure.
Well, I suppose I should get motivated, I'm lacking in the motivation department!!LOL
Of course I just put the little girl I look after down for a nap and my yardwork guy's just started................grrrrrrrr!! Guess who's yelling now?!!?!?!?
*sigh* I just have to remember to BE.NICE.

Have a blessed Tuesday!!
~Penny

Thoughts....................

On the good side of things, my sister had a quick drs appt on Friday and learned the EDD of her peanut!!! EDD:04/02/06!!!

PLease keep us in your prayers, there are other things going on as well, but it's not the right time to post about them just yet. Just a bit of an emotional month to say the least!! Up and Down, Up and Down...............

Thanks for listening/reading................
God bless you all,
~Penny

Is it Friday???

Okay, somebody seriously needs to create a way to have coffee pumped into your body ALL DAY, without consuming it or creating nasty side effects!!LOL I am SO TIRED!!! This is crazy, I could fall asleep in a nano second!

Anyways, what a nice week we had. I have some pics of our day at the lake from Friday (we went again!!LOL) Kerri sent me a pic of the one pic we took from last year.....WOW!! How do you they grow so quickly?!?!?

Yesterday we went to the ZOO!!! It was just Bill and I with the kids, Auntie Shellie and Uncle Rob weren't able to make it. But we had a good time, the kids had a blast seeing all the animals. Especially the monkeys!!! Unfortunately we don't have a camera, so I don't have any pics. (and of course I forgot to grab a disposable one!!LOL)

We packed a picnic lunch and then got Ice cream cones from Dairy Queen on the way home. It was one of those days where you wish you could live it over and over again!!!

BIG NEWS!!!!
Guess who's gonna be an AUNTIE!!!!! ME!!ME!!ME!! Yup, my baby sister is preggo!!!!
She hasn't been to the docs yet (just found out on Saturday) but I figured her EDD should be around April 1st-5th, thereabouts!!! HURRAY!!! My mom doesn't know yet, because unfortunately she's on another binge (binge number two since the Rehab back in Januaury) I'm hoping they'll move out closer to us. She lives with the Daddy, they've been dating for a couple yrs. I know what they're up against, being that they're young, not married (YET!!!) and about to have a baby, but they'll be fine!!!
Besides, I'll be right there to kick their rear-ends if they don't!!!ROFL!!!!
I will be praying for her and Brad and my niece/nephew daily, God will protect them! A baby is blessing and a gift, I firmly believe that!!!

Of course it is a nice relief to have some good news, since this month is rough for the both us. It'll be the 10 year anniversary since our Dad committed suicide (Aug.21st'95), so it's tough.
Other important dates for this month:
Aug.9th: Kandie's 20th birthday!!!
Aug.17th:Bill and Penny's 9th wedding anniversary!!!
August 31st: would've been mine and Kandie's Dad's 56th Birthday!!!

Well, I will post the photo's here and then add them to the 'photo album' after!!

Have a great Tuesday and God bless!!!

PICS!!PICS!!!PICS!!!!

Here they are!!!
ENJOY!!!
Scroll over the picture for the title!!
































Hope you liked them!!!
God bless your day!!
~Pen
PS.Changed the time at the bottom so the pics would show up under my post.Real time posted was 10:20am, not 9:37am.