Because I don't have anything to say....

I happened upon this questionnaire at Selah's blog, and since I have nothing better to say... I filled it out.

1. What book are you reading now? Karen (Kingsbury) does not have any current books out at the moment that I haven't read, so I'm going back and re-reading some. Currently I'm reading "Whispers from Yesterday" by Robin Lee Hatcher

2. What’s on your mouse pad? mickey mouse, of course

3. What’s your favorite board game? probably Clue

4. What's your favorite magazine? The only one I get is a scrapbooking magazine.....so I'll go with that

5. Babies? Their adorable when they are other peoples to raise :)

6. Favorite sounds? the kids laughing and playing together, nicely. Also the garage door in the evenings, telling us that 'daddy is home'!!!!!

7. Worst feeling in the world? feeling like a failure of a mother/wife

8. First thing you think of in the morning? time to get up allready?

9. How many rings before you answer the phone? whenever I get to it

10. What is most important in life? God and Family

11. Chocolate or vanilla? vanilla, please

12. Do you like to drive fast? How late am I?

13. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal? nope

14. Storms, cool or scary? scary!

15. What type was your first car? 1990 Dodge Daytona

16. Do you eat the stems of broccoli? Nope. And on a side note, I don't eat the other half either.

17. If you could dye your hair any color what would it be? maybe a little lighter, with an auborn tint

18. Ever been in love? of course!

19. Is the glass half empty or half full? Depends on the time of day

20. Favorite movie? I have a ton that I like. A couple that come to mind is Mama Mia! and Fireproof

21. Do you type with your fingers on the right keys? Yes. It's the only way I can type.

22. What’s under your bed? a couple of storage containers with wrapping paper and gift bags and tissues in them

23. What's the last thing you ate? WW choco brownies (with a little cool whip on top....ssshhhhh)

24. Where do you wish you were right now? on a secluded, sunny beach somewhere (Hawaii maybe?).......with just my book, a virgin strawberry daquiri and maybe Jer ;)

25. What's your favorite thing about yourself? My eye color.

26. What are you most ashamed of? ??

27. How old are you? 28

28. Do you have any regrets? none that I can think of off the top of my head

29. What do you do when you need comforting? call Jer or my mom, or just go lock myself in my room and sulk/cry

30. Who makes you happiest? Jeremy :)

MaRcH MaDnEsS

The end of March is approaching, and lemme tell ya, I'm excited! Not that March was a 'bad' month necessarily, but we just had so much going on in March, and with the death of Grandma and having company, potty training and birthday parties.....it's just been crazy over here!

~The beginning of the month, we were blessed with some beautiful spring weather. I love it! Finally after being cooped up in the house all winter, we were able to go to the park a few times and play outside, and the kids even got to try out Isaiah's new "bike" he got for his birthday. Lilly really liked it!

~Then of course, as you all know from my previous blogs, that we have officially been in the potty training mode over here. It wasn't working too well at first, but I think Isaiah has finally gotten the hang of it, and we are beginning to see fewer and fewer accidents during the day. Hooray!! He just might get the hang of this after all!!! =)

~This past weekend, was just a mess, weather-wise. See the pic of Lilly riding the bike, then the pic of our back deck. Two totally different seasons. And yet, all within just a couple weeks of each other. We got hit with what I would call "March Madness". KC weather is just plain crazy sometimes! Spring, come back!!!! We allready put away our heavy winter coats and gloves and hats! We are ready for Spring!

~So, what do you do when you are suddenly stranded in your house for a few days, because the roads are so nasty? Why, do some "spring" cleaning of course! I am having a garage sale at the end of April, so I figured Saturday would be a good day to go through the attic, and the kids' rooms and toy boxes, and pull out garage sale stuff. Here's what I came up with:

Now who's going to go through all the stuff and price it and set it out on tables for me? Anybody?

oh the joys of potty training....

whoever said that if your child is 3 they should be potty trained???? Apparently Isaiah missed that memo. Isaiah refuses to tell me when he needs to go potty......ugh......this is so frustrating. Number 1 is one thing..........peeing all over the floor.....but this morning, Isaiah took it to a whole 'nother level. Yup. That's right. #2 in his bright blue, brand new, Thomas the Train underwear. GROSS! It's almost just as bad, but he didn't even tell me he went.......he was just running around playing, with a stinky buldge in his behind. I only got clued in when he came racing past me and I got a whiff. He is not even the least bit bothered by this fact, and continues to play happily. this worries me.

Happenings

Monday Happenings at the Haines':

~~I got the potty training blues. Tried to start potty training Isaiah a couple months ago. Long story short: It didn't work out. He was not even a teeny tiny bit interested. So, I quit pushing it, and thought I'd try again after he turned 3. Lo and behold, he is now 3. ugh. Which means.....the potty training season is back in full swing. We tried all day on Saturday - went thru several pairs of underwear, and not even ONCE did he pee in the potty. We didn't really try on Sunday. We weren't only but home an hour or two, with church and all. So we started it back up again today. So far- 2 pairs of underwear soaked, along with a piece of carpet in the living room, and not even a tinkle in the toilet. *sigh* Wish me luck.

~~ I am stuck at home vehicle-less today. Jer's truck decide to blow up this weekend (well, not really blow up, but it may as well have.....). So it's in the shop until sometime the middle of this week. Which means Jer took my truck to work. So I am at home on this beautiful 70 degree day. Anybody want to come rescue me and take us out? ;)

~~Isaiah received one last birthday wish from his late Great-Grandma Haines. Yesterday at church my mother-in-law handed me an envelope with Isaiah's name on it, in Grandma's handwriting with $15 in it, meant for his birthday. No card, just the money. Happy Birthday Isaiah, from Great-Grandma in Heaven.

~~I am very excited about my new computer we got. It is an HP 20" widescreen, and looks really slick. I'll have to take a pic later and show ya'll. Jer and I spent some of the weekend cleaning out my office and desk area and he put up my new computer for me. Still taking a bit to get used to......newer, different functions than what I was used to. But I think I'll like it. :)

~~I'm off to do laundry and take Isaiah to the potty.....again.

Happy Birthday

........ to my mom, who is celebrating her birthday tomorrow, March 20th. :) Mom and I enjoyed a yummy pre-birthday lunch today at El Maguey with my kids and my 2 nephews. Hope you have an AWESOME birthday, mom!!! Love ya!

Be prepared for a long read

It has just been a crazy last few days. Let me rewind and pick up where I left off.....

*Thursday (3/12): Our very very good friends from St Louis came to visit us, and arrived at our home around 8:30pm or so. Charles Partney was my youth pastor, in Raytown, back in the day, and him and his wife Janece are now pastoring a small church about 30 miles from St Louis. I'm pretty sure I've talked about them on here before. Very good friends of the family, and Jer and I had went to visit them last October. Anyways, them and their 3 kids arrived at our home on Thurs evening, for a vacation. Much needed- for them and for us! We were up until at least midnight visiting with them and just catching up.

*Friday (3/13): Us and the Partney's went and had a blast at Paradise Park for most of the day.

The girls, at PP, in the Art Room, making their masterpieces

Jer and I had to leave PP in the early afternoon, to go home and change and get ready for Grandma's visitation that evening. The Partney's stayed there and the kids got to play longer, they had a blast.

*Saturday (3/14): Charles and Janece were gracious enough to watch our kids for us, while Jer and I attended Grandma's funeral. The funeral was at 10am, and our Pastor did a very good job. It was a very sweet, time of remembrance and there were many tears. Jer, along with his cousins, was a pallbearer. Afterward, we went back to our church for a dinner for the family provided by our church.

We got to see our company for only an hour or so, and they were heading to a friends wedding reception, and Jer and I were heading back to church, him for choir practice, and me to watch choir kids in the nursery. It was just a crazy, emotional day!

*Sunday (3/15): The Partney's went to church with us today. (usually when they are in town, they go to their 'old' church in Raytown, where he use to youth pastor. We had talked them in to going to church with us this time). After church, we had lunch plans with Monica and Jeremy, at their house, for all of us. And some other friends came by to, to see Charles and the fam. Sunday night, we were back at church for our a special choir concert, by students at North Central University. And our ET choir joined them for their last song. It was incredible. As Charles put it, he got a taste of what heaven will be like! They were all amazing, and such talented people.

Josiah and Lilly at Monica's house. They are good buddies.

*Monday (3/16): We had to do some kind of a field trip while they were here, so we headed out to Union Station and visited Science City. The time was short that we were there, it seemed like, as there is so much to do and see, but it was all tons of fun, nonetheless. The kids all had a blast.

Shiloh, inside Union Station

Josiah and Lilly in the police helicopter exhibit in Science City

That evening, we went to my parents house, who had invited us all over for dinner. They miss the Partney's since they have moved, and mom and dad have always been an adopted "grandma and grandpa" to the kids, since neither of their grandparents have ever lived close. My parents use to babysit them a lot when they lived in town. So we had a wonderful dinner and time of fellowship with them. Even some DQ ice cream cake to celebrate my parents birthdays! :)

All the kids (minus Josiah), bottom is Shiloh and Jonathan, behind them is Lilly and Isaiah, then Matthew in the yellow shirt, and Caleb at the very top.

Mom and Dad and their birthday cake

Jer, me, Janece and Charles

*Tuesday (3/17): Happy Birthday, Dad!!!!! Today is my dad's birthday! Well.....sort of....maybe. Um, that's a whole 'nother post! Anyways, we will celebrate his birthday today at least! :)

Our company left today, around 4:30. They stuck around as long as they could, and Jer and I almost talked them in to staying until Wednesday, but Janece had to work Wed morning, so they had to head back today. We were sad to see them leave (and their kids- who were WONDERFUL babysitters, by the way!!!! lol), but hope that it won't be as long before we see them next time.

In the meantime, we are getting our house back in order, and preparing to get "back to routine", since the last week of so has been a little different.

Jer goes back to work, but the kids and I are still on spring break until next Monday.......hm, what to do....what to do.....

Update

Wanted to update you all while I had the chance, and have the house to myself. A very rare occasion. Lil is at school, and Jer took Isaiah to the dr. No, he's not sick. Just a general 3 year check up.

Family is all doing well. I must admit, the last week has been an emotional roller coaster in our family, as we have all spent time by Grandma's side. I smile though, knowing that she is in NO MORE pain, and is dancing and having a grand time in Heaven. She has finally received the ultimate healing. She will be missed here by many. I will never forget her big smile she gives you, and the way she asks how you are doing, and really means it, not just 'making conversation', and that special little *wink* she gives you, that only Grandma can do. She is a precious, sweet lady, and has blessed many lives, mine included.

Her visitation is Friday night, at Langsford in LS from 6-8pm, and the funeral is Sat at 10am.

We are still having our company coming in tonight. Some friends of ours from St Louis is coming in tonight and staying until Tuesday. We had this planned with them long before we even thought we'd be planning Grandma's funeral at the same time. We have told them what's been going on, and they have been very understanding with us doing what we need to do. We are looking forward to spending time with them this weekend, and catching up and just relaxing. :)

In the meantime, I've got to finish getting my house in order. So I'm signing off. Thanks for all your prayers!

Grandma Haines....

.....just passed away about 10-15 minutes ago. (About 10:10 this morning, 3/11). Please keep our family in your prayers. Updates soon on visitation/funeral arrangements.

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Updates and Photos

Grandma is still hanging in there. We spent some more time with her this afternoon and this evening. Actually Jer is still over there. Nothing much new to report. She is very jaundice (yellow) still, and breathing is very shallow. She has not been awake since they gave her a sponge bath yesterday (Sat) afternoon. She was awake then, and then fell asleep and has been sleeping ever since. They gave her another sponge bath this evening, and turned her on her other side (she was getting red "hot spots" from laying the same position for so long), and she opened her eyes briefly and muttered something, and then was back asleep. We are taking it moment by moment right now. Someone is now in there with her, sitting next to her at all times. 24/7. They don't want her left by herself. Please continue to pray. She has slipped in to what Dan called a coma or a "semi coma". Which is good I guess. It means she is sleeping peacefully, and that is preferred over her being awake and uncomfortable and in pain. I will keep you all posted.

We went ahead with Isaiah's birthday celebrations Sat night. Here are some photo highlights of the evening....

A great time was had by all. :)

Happy Birthday, Isaiah!

Yesterday, (3/6) was my son's 3rd birthday! It was a crazy day, and I was not able to get on the computer much, so I am just now posting it. We didn't do anything special yesterday, we are celebrating his birthday with family tonight. I can't believe my little boy is 3 all ready. wow! This is a pic of him in Oct 06, when he was 7 months old.

Unfortunately, Isaiah's birthday is being over-shadowed this year by other family issues going on. Jer's Grandma. She is not doing well at all, and is not expected to make it through the weekend. (I am very thankful she did not pass away on Isaiah's birthday). Jer and I were able to spend some time with her Thurs morning and night and again last night. (thanks to my sister in law, my parents and my sister for watching the kids for us so we could. It's not really an atmosphere we can take our kids to). Thursday morning we were fortunate to come just when she woke up and Dan (her youngest son) was bringing her in the kitchen in her wheelchair. So she sat with us for 30 min or so, until she was too tired and had to go back to bed. She was holding my hand and gave me her smile and special *wink* that she does.

She is very yellow in her skin, which is a result of her liver shutting down. She can't talk a whole lot. She tries so hard to talk and tell us things, but it's very hard to understand her. And I know she just has so much she still wants to tell us! It's very frustrating - for her and us! Jer was fortunate to be there at the right time Thurs morning, and spoon fed her about half a cup of jello. Other than that, she has not eaten anything. Her body cannot process food anymore.

It is terribly sad and depressing to watch her go through this. Watching someone slowly fade and die is not something I would wish on anyone. Thankfully, she doesn't seem to be in a whole lot of pain. Which we are grateful. I don't know if I could handle that. She is being given Morphine, when she shows signs of being uncomfortable or in pain. The boys (her 3 sons) and their wives and everybody seems to be taking it fairly well. We all know it's coming. I am concerned about Grandpa though. Please pray for him. He is trying to be strong and be there for her, but it is soooo hard for him. He is having a very hard time watching her slowly fade, and not being able to do anything about it. On the upside though, Grandma is ready to meet Jesus! She is ready.

Just keep Grandpa and the Haines family in your prayers if you will. I will keep you posted.

Until we hear otherwise though, we are continuing on with Isaiah's birthday party tonight. We are making plans and playing it minute by minute. My kids don't know what's going on. So I will try to make Isaiah's party as fun for him as possible. Even though we aren't really in the partying mood. BUT, Isaiah turned three yesterday so for tonight, we will CELEBRATE his life!

Weigh-In Wednesday

I stayed the same this week! I was actually very happy with that, I had a feeling I was giong to gain. It's been a rough week, diet wise, because I've been sick. So of course, diets just kind of go out the windown when your sick, and I had a lot of chicken noodle soups, saltine crackers and sprite. So I'm fine with staying the same.

Isaiah has a parents as teachers appt this morning, here in just a little bit. So can't chat long, just wanted to drop in and say 'hello'! :)

Hope you all are surviving this hump day...... and "national grammar day". Who knew a day like that even existed? Just heard about it on the news this morning.

A New Baby to Welcome!

I'm so excited, my good friends Jason and Pam just had their first baby, a little baby girl! Hailee Jean is her name, and she is just about as cute and precious as they come. She was born in to the world (on her due date!) March 1st at 2:11 pm and weighed 7 lbs 1 oz and was 18.5" long. Sweet as they come. Congrats Jason & Pam!

In other Radomness today....

*It's March! Welcome March! I love March. It's one step closer to SPRING! I am sooooo ready for the snow and heavy coats to be gone! It's also a big birthday month in my famiy. Both my parents and my son all have March birthdays. (And of course, we can't forget Monica and Jeremy!) :)

*Next weekend is the dreaded daylight savings time, as my church reminded us on Sunday. I probably woulda forgot. Is is here allready? seriously? *sigh*

*I am getting more and more on the mend from my sickness that plagued me last week. Still got the leaky faucet (runny nose), and little cough, but feeling MUCH better than last week. Just in time to......

*Get ready for Isaiah's birthday party this weekend! His birthday is Friday. He'll be 3!!! Whew....we survived the two's. (barely). I am welcoming the threes with open arms. Nothing big or major for his birthday this year, just a family party. (We are saving the "big" parties for when he's older and begs us for them. Until then, we're going cheap! lol)

*Um let's see. Nothing much else going on over here. Gettin ready for the weekend and next week we are having company come in and stay with us, so we are really looking forward to that! My old youth pastor and his family. Can't wait to see them and their 3.5 children. Actually it's probably more like 3.1 children. lol. Is that right? Math was never my strong point. Anywho, they have 3 kids, and one due in September. :) yay!!!

Hope ya'll had a good Monday, or at least survivied. :)

I'm so excited, my good friends Jason and Pam just had their first baby, a little baby girl! Hailee Jean is her name, and she is just about as cute and precious as they come.