LifeinTheNewcombHouse

MOVING MY BLOG.

2010-07-23T15:57:00.001-05:00

My blog has moved. I broke this one. Go figure. You can now find me here. I will be deleting this entire blog very soon.

Blog writing is hard

2010-06-24T13:50:00.000-05:00

...when you are exhausted. I visit my blog daily and am painfully aware that I have not been blogging much lately. Truth be told, I am just so tired that I cannot think of anything to write about... never mind actually write about it. Everything is more difficult when tired.

So just a little update. That's all I have in me for now because I need to save some of my energy today to get off my butt and clean my house.

My oldest son is officially graduated. I am giddy with anticipation about his future (although my excitedness has been squashed by... you guessed it, exhaustion) . I have high hopes for him. Always have. We got to meet his girlfriend and I have to say, I really like her.

We went to Hershey park for the very first time and it was fun. It is never easy to take two toddlers to theme parks but this park has quite a few rides for little ones and they are old enough to really enjoy them. It always makes my day to see them laugh. It was hot and I thought we might get rained right out of the park but luckily the rain only lasted long enough to make it super humid and freakishly hot. I also cannot stand utterly expensive food and drinks are in places like that. I mean, $3.00 for a 16 oz soda??? It is like they are on Mars and they have to pay extra to get soda there. I have always been a little bullshit over this topic. It should be called what it is, highway robbery. I took juice boxes for the kids (there was 6 of them with us) and when the guard checked my bag she said "How many juice boxes are you bringing???" Yeah, enough so that I don't go broke making sure my kids get a drink. There are no water fountains there. Not that it bothers me though, they gross me out. My never-completely-happy side comes out when I am tired so just read this last paragraph as "We had the time of our lives at Hershey Park and I would recommend going to everyone, just bring lots of juice or lots of money".

I was looking forward to making a trip to Dollywood over the 4th of July weekend but I have changed my mind. Maybe next year when I have had time to recover from the other trip. We don't normally go out for fireworks on the 4th because I hate to think of all of the idiots who are drinking and driving. I don't know, maybe we will this year. Maybe we won't.

I have been working on some little people aprons. Here is one...

There are a couple more but she love that one and has been wearing it since I finished it. If you are interested in purchasing one, I will have some on etsy soon or you can just drop me a line at dianelynn2004 (at) msn (dot) com.

I decided that I was done with long hair. While we were away on vacation and after our day at Hershey Park, I decided I was done. I have been tossing around the idea for a while but I was scared to do it. My hair was getting pretty long and I really did like it... sorta. So, I have gone from this

to this

or even this

I don't know why I didn't do it sooner! I LOVE it. I am so happy to not have to wash, dry and curl all of that hair I had before! It is so simple now and I can still put it in a ponytail if I want.

Okay, so that is my little update. Hopefully I will get back to blogging soon. Don't give up on me just yet.

To Dillon

2010-06-12T15:20:00.002-05:00

Dillon, I can hardly believe that you will be graduating in just a few days. The past 18 and a half years have just gone by so quickly. It seems like you just made your arrival into this world and now you are taking your last walk as a senior. I remember when you were little. You were a mommas boy. We spent all of our time together. I was never left unentertained with you around. Such a sweet and smart little boy. I didn't imagine that there would ever be anything that would hold you back in this world. I, of course, thought I had the smartest boy EVER. I was such a proud mom.

As you grew older I began to realize that teens are difficult. You were no exception to the rule. I really had no idea how hard you were going to make it though. I had no idea. Words fail me. We don't need to bring it all back up but I was scared for you. I was scared for all of us. When I realized that big trouble had arrived at our doorstep, I was devastated. I began to worry about the future. Then I had to do the one thing I hadn't thought I would have to do for a few more years. I had to let you go. I hadn't thought I would have to do that so soon. It was by far the worst time of my life although I was thankful that your absence from my life was not permanent (if you are following me).

Fast forward to present.
You made it! I am now once again feeling that pride I once felt before. I pray that the hurt and dissappointment are things of the past. I pray that as you take your final walk that you realize that the future is yours. You are the captain of your vessel and the decisions you make are yours to own. I will always be here for you. I will always love you beyond measure. I know I will be crying my eyes out on Wednesday night but it will be tears of joy. Congratulations, Dillon. I love you with all of my heart.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from craftyhands's posterous

This post is for my sister

2010-06-10T22:47:00.001-05:00

Her name is Melissa and she is 4 years younger than me. I was born on her due date and she was born on mine. She is my only sister that shares both parents in common with me (no brothers). We do have other siblings as well though. I sure do love her. I don't get to see her as much as I would like. We are only one state away but it is still a 10 hour-turned-16 hour drive for me with the little ones. We tried to move back to her state but it didn't pan out and honestly, the longer it takes, the more and more I don't see it happening. I know that is not what she wants to hear. It's not what I want to believe but we are becoming accustomed to being here and there are things we love about being here. I love my sons preschool and the babies music class. Emily loves her school and her dance class. Up until just recently though, I was ready to get the heck out of here. A recent change of hands with my husbands job though has made me really think that we are probably going to be here for a while so I may as well just get used to it. That thought, all by itself, is really, really, really hard for me. I will be 39 next month and I have never lived anywhere for more than 4 years IN MY LIFE. We have been here for nearly 3 and a half years now. I. am. itching. So, I think I will just sell my house and move across town. It should scratch my itch enough to allow another 3 or 4 years to pass.

In the meantime though, I REALLY miss my sister. I miss you, girl. I wish we could have lunch together and cookouts... girls night out and some therapeutic shopping. I dream about hanging out at your house with your annoying cute little doggy. Emily begging me to take her to your house and Owen crying when we have to go home. Disney world and the water park. I don't have a sister here. Great, now I need a tissue. It is really hard to think too much about the reality of this situation. That is my defense mechanism... I just don't think too much about things that bother me.

So anyhow, I hope you know how much I love you and miss you. I am really sad that I won't be seeing you this week although I do understand. Thats all I have. I wish we lived closer. I wish my kids were more a part of your life and we had time to spend together. Maybe one of these days. Just maybe.

blog

2010-06-04T22:20:00.001-05:00

Hello world. My very first post about my sewing (and other crafty) adventures. I must say, I didn't know I had it in me to sew. A few years back I decided we needed to make a couple of pillows for our oldest daughters bed. I needed something specific and didn't want to search the stores for what I needed. When we took the sewing machine out... I was lost. The machine had been given to us by a neighbor. After several attempts at trying to thread the darn thing, my HUSBAND had to come show me how to do it. Then he had to sew the pillows. I seriously had no idea what to do.
Fast forward to this year. I had to have surgery which resulted in a little bit of downtime for me. Downtime is really non existent in my life given that I have a 2 and 3 year old. So during my downtime, I decided to fill some of it with crocheting. I love to crochet, but again, time doesn't often lend itself to something that I like to do. When I was getting around a little better I decided to go to a Hancock store and proceeded to spend SEVERAL hours walking around and looking. after my adventures, I wondered into the area with the sewing machines. A woman (employee) was there sewing a little girls dress. I struck up a conversation and she explained to me HOW EASY this dress was that she was making. It really did look easy. I thought to myself, "Self, if it is that easy, then for sure you can do it". I was on a mission.
I went home and took out the sewing machine (same one from years ago). Oh... and I bought fabric while I was at Hancock too. I was THAT sure I could do what she was doing. For days I tried to do it. For days I thought I must really be a moron. I mean really, a complete idiot. I told my husband that it must be the machine. It was given to us, after all. Maybe it was broken and she just decided to give it to us... "Eh, just give it to Diane, she's a fricken idiot, she will never know". It. must. be. the. machine. I cannot possibly be THAT stupid. So, for Mother's Day, the love of my life bought me a new, unbroken, fancy schmancy bee-utiful sewing machine. I could not wait to get it home. I could not wait to prove that it was the other machines fault that I could not sew. I probably don't have to say any more. I'm not going to. You already know the punch line. Operator.
I have however been able to make some nice things. I have not mastered the skill that I was longing to. One of these days. In the mean time though, I have been having fun making a few dresses.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from craftyhands's posterous

I think I may be crafty shmafty after all.

2010-05-29T08:55:00.000-05:00

Well, a little time practicing and I was able to make 2 new dresses (and an apron)... I think I could seriously fall in love with this. The only problem is the kids. You see, whenever I run the vacuum, it is like my children turn into little tornados. They run around screaming and yelling like it is some sort of game. I have to admit, it's cute. I never minded. They seem to enjoy acting like I was chasing them around trying to suck them up in the vacuum. Sorry, back on track. Anyhow, every time I turn on the sewing machine, it seems to have the same effect. I need to figure out how to put a stop to that though... it is not cute. AT. ALL.

Here are my newest additions to etsy

Both come with matching hair bows.

Here is what I have added to etsy

2010-05-23T15:36:00.002-05:00

I have also added the hair bow holders. Please feel free to go take a look! Let me know what you think. I am going to work on some aprons next. Just trying to find my niche. I really enjoy making the bows though. Everything is for sale except for the baby. I need to keep her. She is my heart.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Dianelynn2004

Getting into the crafty groove

2010-05-18T14:36:00.000-05:00

Well, I have a few things in the works. I have some hair bow holders ready. They are adorable. I hope you like them. Let me know what you think. You can find them at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Dianelynn2004.

They were fun to make. It took me a while to get it all figured out but I have so many other (design) ideas for these. Hair bows next... and hopefully some tote bags. Crocheting is going to have to wait a little longer... maybe some hats for the winter.

Musical babies

2010-05-17T08:45:00.001-05:00

For a little over a year now we have been taking our smallest two children to a music class. For Jordan right now it is more about singing, rhythm, various instruments (maracas, drums, bells) and a little play on the piano. For Owen, he is getting a little more into the piano part of it (learning notes and such). We tease that they will read music before they read words.

Even though this past weekend was the third recital held since we started this venture, it is the first one that our children have been able to attend. It was fun... hot, but fun.

A funny picture of Jordie. The sun was too bright and she couldn't open her eyes.

Some of the kids in Jordan's class

They were saying their names in the microphone. This point would start and finish Jordan's participation in this music recital. I, however, participated the entire time. GO ME!!

I really love the other mommies in our class.

She was glad it was over.

Me and my pretty girl, Emily.

Haha. He has the same look on his face as Jordan had in the first picture.

Daddy and Owen's turn.

Owen's piano solo. They tap out a few keys, clap and sing.

Taking a bow.

I had to laugh at this picture... she bears she a striking resemblance to me in this one!

A whole lot about me.

2010-05-11T23:45:00.000-05:00

I HAD to steal this from a friend of mine- Courtney. She is so stinking cute I could just slap her. If you think about it... could you send some "get an awesome job" vibes (prayers work here too) for her. Thanks in advance.

I am… thinking about eating some ice cream even though it is nearly 11:30pm.

I think… I will get some so I can just quit thinking about it.

I should… get organized.

I dream… about going on another cruise with my honey.

I want… to learn to sew.

I know… that I need to lose a couple of pounds... i'm still going to eat the ice cream.

I don’t like… whining.

I smell… good.

I hear… all of the funny things my kids say over and over in my mind.

I fear… heights and dying before my children are grown.

I usually… drink too much coffee.

In search… of my crafty side.

I miss… my boys.

I always… pray for them.

I regret… a lot.

I wonder... what the future holds.

I crave… brownies.

I remember… the births of each of my children like it just happened.

I need... a maid and a personal assistant.

I forget... to call people.

I feel… like going on vacation.

I can… go years without exercise.

I can’t… handle it when my children are injured. I pray that I am never alone when there is a crisis.

I am happy… when my family is happy.

I lose… everything. My mom used to say I would lose my head if it weren't attached to my body.

I sing… terribly but I still do it anyway.

I listen… to Billy Joel.

I shop… more than I need to.

I eat... because I can.

I love… my family. I love my life.

I am feeling a little defeated

2010-05-09T00:26:00.000-05:00

My crafty side is kicking my butt. Or maybe I have no crafty side... or maybe the gosh darn sewing machine is just not my friend. But I sure do like my Mothers Day gift. I am going to try to make nice with it tomorrow because there really is a fantastically crafty person in me somewhere... She just needs to come out of hiding. Here is my gift from my wonderful husband. Thank you honey. You are the best husband a girl could ask for.

I'm betting he hopes my crafty side makes an appearance REALLY soon. Haha. He told me not to let it collect dust. Love you, gorgeous.

I am going to try to channel my crafty side

2010-05-08T00:43:00.001-05:00

Please. I am DYING to be crafty. It is something I feel I have to do.

I bought this stuff the other day and I. AM. GOING. TO. MAKE. STUFF. I hope to be able to show you soon.

I made this hat while I was incapacitated. Yeah, yeah, I can call it whatever I want. I can crochet up a storm. Now that the buzz is gone though, it isn't as appealing anymore. I bet you guys are glad.

Moms and muffins

2010-05-07T16:06:00.000-05:00

It was Moms and Muffins day at Owens preschool on Tuesday. Dads and Donuts happened a few months ago. IT WAS SO INCREDIBLY CUTE. We got to sit next to our (3 year olds) and we were served (actually, we had to go up and get them) muffins, fruit and orange juice. I love this stuff. I am such a sap... I was on the edge of tears probably 10 times while we were there (a half hour). I just think about my smallest boy who is about to turn 4 and how fast the time has gone since his birth. Where does the time go? Four years has seemed like a few months and I know that it won't slow down any time soon. So, I get all choked up and have to talk myself out of crying in front of everyone. I'm a little bit of a freak, I probably will be for life.

So, anyhow, our toddlers made a book... again, enough to bring tears to my eyes. I still cry over things the older kids made when they were little too.

My tears quickly turned to laughter though. Leave it Owen to come up with something like this. All of the kids were "interviewed" and here are Owens answers

Apparently my name is Sparky. Haha. How on earth did he get Sparky from Diane? And I guess the jig is up... I go to walmart. One of the other kids wrote that his mom loves to go to the Dollar Store so I don't feel so bad.

It was a ton o' fun. After the half hour was over I was beating the crowd out of the door though... 20 some toddlers can really wear you out, even with their moms there.

A picture of Jordan (she is only 2 and a half). I will be crying in her preschool classroom soon enough.

My post about a super special girl.

2010-05-06T22:19:00.000-05:00

Her name is Rafi. I started following her (daddys) blog just after they entered the University of Minnesota hospital for a stem cell transplant. She is just 2 years old. She has Epidermolysis Bullosa. I learned about this rare skin disease when I was blog stalking and came across another blog about Jonah (his button is on my sidebar). I LOVE these kids. I encourage you all to visit them and learn about this terrible disease. They say it is "the worst disease you never heard of" and man, words have never rung so true. There are so many different variations of EB but these precious babies suffer from blisters over their whole body because their skin is as fragile as a butterflies wings. The slightest bump can cause blisters. They require bandages to protect their skin. These wounds are not only external, but internal as well. Many of them lose all of their fingernails and toenails. They suffer in so many ways. Some die in infancy. BUT, if you were to go look at the blogs of some of them... they are smiling and loving life. Despite their afflictions, they are happy. I am in awe.

When I started to write about her the other day it was because I was feeling all sorry for myself for being under par with the surgery. I just have to think about all that Rafi (and all children living with EB) and all they have to endure... and I realize that my problems are so minute. She has smiles for everyone despite her pain and me? Well, I can just be a pain. Make sure you go watch her videos. I could just eat her up. She is just so adorable.

Please visit her blog. Please keep these children in your prayers. Please pray for a cure. You can also visit the DebRA website to learn more and even donate to this cause.

Thank you to Brett and Jackie (Rafi's dad and mom) for sharing her. I am inspired everyday when I visit your blog. I wish you the very best and as always, I keep you safely in my prayers.

On the mend

2010-05-06T09:46:00.000-05:00

Geezum. I think I am getting to feeling better now. My dad was here to help me out but I released him back into the care of my mom yesterday! Thank you, Dad. I wish we lived closer together.

I have a few posts I need to write. They don't all tie in together so I will write them separately. Check back often. I got on here the other day to make a new post but decided I needed to get permission from a family before I wrote about them here. So, later today... after I get through the mountain of laundry and catch up my cleaning, I will be writing about a super special little girl who's blog I have been following. I thought about her when I was recovering from my surgery. I thought about her A LOT. She has a great mom and dad who take such great care of her too. Anyhow, I will have to come back later and tell you about her.

I was going to post a picture of my wounds but I decided against that. I will spare you. The incisions aren't that terrible... it is the belly that ruins the shot. I have been pregnant 5 times and gained (and lost) about 240 lbs over the span of 16 years. The belly is not what it used to be.

So folks, be ready for a barrage of new posts over the next couple of days. Love to you all.

Bye Bye gallbladder

2010-04-30T10:49:00.001-05:00

So, the surgery went well. We got to the hospital, did a pregnancy test... and what do you know? I'm not pregnant. I know if that test had been positive, it would have to be an act of God.

Once the anesthesiologist came in and put something in my IV... I don't remember much after that. Next thing I know I am waking up in the recovery room. It was terrible. I think my nose itched and I was trying to scratch it and the nurse was yelling at me to stop what ever I doing. She didn't seem very friendly. I was feeling so nauseous. I felt like I couldn't talk though, so I never told her.

They wheeled me down to the day surgery room and I thought I was going to throw up everywhere. A little zofran and demerol took care of that. I slept off the pain meds, got a darvocet and was sent home shortly after. I slept for the rest of the day. Today I am still EXHAUSTED. Dizzy when I stand and pain at the entry sites (4 small holes, maybe I will post a picture), My mouth is like the desert. YUCK.

So, that's about it. I am glad it is over. I hope that I am not amongst the 15-20% that experience troubles after getting their gallbladder out. I just want to get back to normal.

Okay, Love to all.

Update on the blood work

2010-04-26T10:58:00.000-05:00

I am convinced that if I gave blood every week, they would come to a different conclusion. So, as it turns out, (and as I thought) I am not hypoglycemic. I do apparently have low potassium though. She says "Take a multi-vitamin". I say "I told you when I was there that I was having trouble with vitamins because they were making me nauseous" (I think I am not absorbing them). She says "Take the childrens chewables". Okay... that is what she told me when I was there, and I did. That was before the blood work. So, I must not be absorbing those either. Dude! I am going to go broke trying out different vitamins. Maybe getting this gallbladder out will fix some of these problems.

I'm here! I really am still here

2010-04-25T22:53:00.000-05:00

Been busy. So, a recap of the last week or so....

*My honey bought a pair of Sketchers shape ups for me and I LOVE THEM. Free plug for Sketchers. I told Craig that if nothing else, I am going to have some really awesome calves. They really do make a difference when we walk the streets of our neighborhood. (Really wish we had sidewalks though.) I recommend them to anyone considering getting a pair. Walking is really about all of the exercise that I can manage to get in so I want to maximize my "workout". lol

*I did the fasting blood sugar to check on the hypoglycemia... waited all day the next day for a call (Friday, of course) and SOMEHOW missed it. I realized I had a message about 20 minutes after the office closed. I am pretty anxious to know the results so I will let you all know tomorrow. The doc said my numbers for the Thyroid test were good. I am not convinced. I am going to talk to her again at a later date and ask her to test it one more time.

*I am going to have my gallbladder taken out on Thursday. It has been bothering me since Thanksgiving. It is time for it to go. I am scared. I have never been "put under" and that is a little scary. Then... I am scared that I will be in that small percentage of people that have issues after such a surgery. When I am feeling good, I think about canceling the appointment. When I am feeling bad, I wish they took it out yesterday. So, if you are the praying type, just pray that I am one of the ones that have no problems afterwards. Thank you in advance. My dad is going to come up here to take care of me. Love you, Dad. You are the best.

*I forgot to post my toddlerisms... I will though.

*I got the sweetest call from my 16 year old son yesterday. He made me cry my eyes out. I will share more about that at a later date. It really made my day, week, year, LIFE. I see hope for him yet. Thank you, Jesus. I was almost feeling like my prayers weren't being heard. I should know better though, he has never let me down before.

*Had an awesome Lia Sophia party last week. I LOVE having the parties. I LOVE the jewelry.

*Going to a new hair stylist on Tuesday. I am so super picky about my hair. It is SO HARD for me to find someone I trust. The last girl that Emily and I would go see moved to Texas (her husband is in the Army) and we were so super sad to see her go. She is a fantastic hair stylist and we are going to miss her very much. The last time (before Army wife) that I truly trusted someone to cut my hair was 5 years ago when both my SIL and I lived in Florida. I have to say though, not having someone to cut my hair for that long made the decision to let my hair grow out very easy. So, I have been eyeing a salon here near my house for, oh, the last 3 years so I finally stopped in and made an appointment. I really hope she does a good job. I don't want to cry over bad hair cuts anymore.

That is really about it, I suppose.

*Oh, wait.. Keurig is awesome. I am just full of free plugs tonight. Craig had bought one last year (I believe it was for my birthday) and recently it had begun to only make a half cup of coffee. Very annoying I tell you. So, we called and they sent us a new one!!! Awesomeness. I love my coffee maker. It makes my mornings a little happier. Thank you, Keurig. Love you bunches.

Okay, that is it. Goodnight.

Blog change

2010-04-21T13:50:00.001-05:00

I am messing with the look of my blog. I am like that though. Love you all.

Yes sir! That's my baby.

2010-04-16T01:12:00.001-05:00

This girl is a total mommas girl. She cannot let me out of her sight. Okay, I am guilty too. These were taken after Emilys birthday party the other day. This is really quite literal. She is stuck on me. I love this girl SO MUCH.

Do you think she looks like me?

And these are some bows I made today for both of the girls.

Totally toddlerisms Tuesday

2010-04-13T22:54:00.000-05:00

Owie "I have a wiener just like you. Thank you for my wiener, Daddy".

Jordie "When are we going to grow trees store (grocery store)?"

Owie "I didn't pee in my pants! Good job, Owen." (he said that to himself)

Jordie (talking to her daddy) "You not supposed to yell at me, I am your friend".

Owie "I have a rash on my wiener but I don't talk about that at school, only at home." (he still has the rash from the strep throat, poor guy)

Jordie "I sleept all night in my bed because I am biggered enough!"

Owie "I don't want to sleep all night in my bed because I miss you."

Well, that's all I have for tonight. I know there are more but I need to start writing them down all week and share them here on Tuesdays!!! Be sure to check back. I will have more next time because these kids are always coming up with something.

I knew I wasn't sweet enough!

2010-04-12T19:39:00.000-05:00

Hypoglycemia. Really??? I mean, now that I go read about it, I do exhibit SOME of the symptoms but I never would have pegged myself as being hypoglycemic. I did, however, know that I was not sweet enough. I really thought I was having a thyroid issue, as more of my symptoms coincide with hypothyroidism.

Here are the symptoms for hypothyroidism. I have put a * next to my symptoms.

Hypothyroidism is the medical term for a sluggish thyroid. It can lead to a wide range of hypothyroidism symptoms:

severe fatigue, loss of energy * It isn't SEVERE for me.. but I am tired all day.
weight gain, difficulty losing weight * 7 lbs in about 2 months and buddy, they aren't budging. I know, I know... I said I don't exercise but, I did cut back on the eating.
depression and depressed mood * The word depressed seems like I should be sad all of the time.. not like that but STRESSED for sure
joint and muscle pain, headaches *
dry skin, brittle nails * dry skin super bad
brittle hair, itchy scalp, hair loss
irregular periods, PMS symptoms * My PMS symptoms have been HORRIBLE.
breast milk formation
calcium metabolism difficulties *
difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature
constipation *lol. You wanted to know that, right??
sleeping more than average
diminished sex drive * could be the 2 babies sleeping between us though, no telling.
puffiness in face and extremities
hoarseness
bruising/clotting problems *easy bruising
elevated levels of LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) and heightened risk of heart disease
allergies that suddenly appear or get worse
persistent cold sores, boils, or breakouts * I hate that I get cold sores but unfortunately I do... and they have been popping up more and more.
tingling sensation in wrists and hands that mimics carpal tunnel syndrome
memory loss, fuzzy thinking, difficulty following conversation or train of thought *
slowness or slurring of speech

Now, the symptoms for hypoglycemia... again I have put a *

Hypoglycemia causes symptoms such as

hunger
shakiness
nervousness
sweating
dizziness or light-headedness
sleepiness *
confusion
difficulty speaking
anxiety
weakness

Hypoglycemia can also happen during sleep. Some signs of hypoglycemia during sleep include

crying out or having nightmares
finding pajamas or sheets damp from perspiration
feeling tired, irritable, or confused after waking up * but doesn't everyone feel this way? Not confused though, just pissed.

So, yeah... i'm not so sure. Except that the doc said my blood sugar was way low. I think my lab work got mixed with someone elses. It is the only explanation... I am, after all, a stay at home doctor, you know.

*I got all of my information from the www. I give credit to them for the above mentioned symptoms.

Birthday party success

2010-04-10T16:29:00.000-05:00

So, it happened and boy am I glad it is over. It was nice though, short and sweet. I am beat so... here are some pictures.

Birthday wishes to my firstborn daughter

2010-04-09T10:58:00.002-05:00

Twelve years ago today I woke up in the hospital in anticipation of meeting my third child. I had been in the hospital since the night before in preparation for an induced labor. It was a Thursday with Good Friday following the next day (I brought her home the day before Easter, I believe). The induction went as planned and my labor with her would prove to be my shortest. About 8 hours after induction, I gave birth to her, my firstborn baby girl. I only had to push about two or three times and she arrived in all of her glory. A dark haired, dark eyed little bundle of sweetness. A few hours after she was born they allowed her and I to get into the tub together. That is something that I had not experienced with the only other child I had by vaginal birth (my 1st, 4th and 5th children were c-sections). It was so sweet. A time I will never forget.

So, fast forward twelve years and she is now about to wrap up her 6th grade year. She has been on the honor roll all year and we got to attend our first ever honors breakfast with her. It was a real tear jerker for me. I just think about how bright her future is and how I know that no matter what she becomes in this life, I will always be proud. I know she will be smarter than I ever was, heck, she already is. Now if only we could fully engage the common sense factor. I suppose it is just the age.

An Ode to Emily

Emily, Emily you are so sweet
But I really don't like the smell of your feet
You make me laugh, you make me cry
I smell your feet as you walk by
You really are a sweet, sweet girl
But the smell of your feet makes me want to hurl
I buy you soap and sweet smelling lotions
But maybe your feet need a strong witches potion
Maybe you will grow out of it, but maybe you won't
Maybe you need some Dr. Scholls insoles
No matter the problem, I do love you so
My baby girl I love to watch grow
You make life worth living and I am glad you arrived
Although I am surprised we have survived
Twelve years of feet smelling
My tears forever welling
Now go wash your feet
It's time to celebrate!

Okay, okay! Enough picking on Emily. She really does have smelly feet though. I wouldn't just make that up!

Tomorrow we will be having her birthday party. It will be far less lavish than she would like but I am sure she will have a good time. I will post pictures.

For today though, here are some pictures from her birthday twelve years ago (and one from her 5th day).

Kitchens and birthdays

2010-04-07T15:25:00.002-05:00

Well, I didn't win the funny green colored mixer from Pioneer woman. Dangit. Maybe next time. Green would have gone along good with my kitchen when I repaint it. I picked out some color swatches yesterday (both green) and I plan to get to painting when my husband isn't looking. I think he would not approve of me repainting. I have painted each of the kids bedrooms twice each already (we have been here 3 years, remember?)

Well, I will have a birthday girl on Friday! My oldest daughter will be 12. Seems like only yesterday she was 3. I tried my darndest to make fairy wings for her but I will have you know... they aren't that easy to make... or I am just not talented. Okay, maybe it is the talent factor because the girl in the video sure did make it look easy. So, I went to wally world today and found some for $6.00! You better believe I bought them. Goodbye stressful project, I left this one to the experts in Taiwan.

I wish I had more blog readers because I could really use some input. It is about birthday parties. You see, my wonderful daughter thinks that each birthday party should more lavish than the last. I think she should be thankful that we even throw birthday parties for her. My sister and I did not have parties when we were growing up, especially not lavish ones. Am I wrong to think that her birthday party should be a few close friends, chips and dip, cake and ice cream, a couple of games, gifts and good bye little children because my nerves are shot and my patience is low? I mean... is 4 hours not long enough to celebrate? She thinks we can serve a full lunch, party like rock stars for 10-12 hours, get goody bags like the ones they pass out on the red carpet... she really does ask for IT ALL! So, for those of you who do happen to read this, what do you do?

Till next time!

Bad blogger and two little sickies

2010-04-05T13:16:00.004-05:00

I'm a bad blogger. I knew I would be. My life just isn't interesting enough to blog about right now. Not to mention that I am apprehensive about what I should and should not be putting out there in cyber world. I have mentioned before that I am pretty private anyhow... what to do. I am thinking that this blogging thing could really be about all of those little things that I mean to write down in baby books... you know, like how Owen and Jordan say things like "That scared me out of my crap" and how they call "The Bee movie", "The Beet movie". I don't want to forget all of the little things that make me laugh everyday. I want to be able to look back one day and say "Oh yeah, I remember that!" instead of having no recollection at all (like I often do with the older kids) because I am old and pertinent information such as that was thrown out of my memory bank when I had more and more and more kids. That makes me sad. If it isn't bad enough that I hardly have any photos of the older kids as small babies (let's face it... digital cameras weren't in my budget, or didn't exist), but I really have to struggle to remember things from when they were wee little ones too. I'm sure they forgive me.

Okay... so for the two little sickies: I wrote a whole long to-do about this last night only to have my post disappear before I could post it, oh well. I said if Owen was not better by today, I would take him to the doc this morning and low and behold, Jordan becomes sick as well. I know I didn't mention this before in the "Who am I" post... but I like to think of myself as Doctor Newcomb. The internet comes in very handy when I am making my diagnosis, sometimes. Thank goodness I am not a real doctor! I had Owen pegged with fifth disease and it turns out to be strep. The rash is from the strep. They both have strep throat. We haven't had a decent nights sleep in about 4 or 5 nights, so here's to hoping that the amoxicillin kicks this sickness in the hiney. The bags under my eyes are not very attractive.

Practice for the Easter production at church.

2010-03-28T21:14:00.001-05:00

My husband and I have been asked to participate in the Easter production at our church. Now, being that I have terrible stage fright, I am apprehensive about how well I will perform. The entire production is about crossroads that christians face at various times in their lives such as gossiping, being faithful, and a few others. Our part in this is... cheating, like cheating on your spouse. My husband is married (not to me) and away on business. I am apparently a lonely, maybe even sleazy, marriage wrecking, um, woman. Okay... nobody actually said that in so many words... but I know what they meant. So, the scene is this: He is talking on the phone to his wife telling her he misses her, can't wait to get home (while sitting in a club of sorts) and I walk in. We make eye contact and I proceed to be flirty. He tells his wife he has to get off of the phone and I close in to seal the deal. I AM NERVOUS. I don't know if I can get through it with a straight face. I really hope they get this on video so I can share it with you.

Our Anniversary

2010-03-20T20:31:00.002-05:00

   Yesterday marked 5 years that I have spent with my incredible husband. We are a classic case of lost-contact-ages-ago-and-reconnected-through-classmates story. I found him after a few exhausting years of internet searches and calling phone numbers matching his name. I had given up. I was DONE. Then one morning as I sat at my computer I randomly thought.... "I should look just one last time". So, I did and low and behold, there he was. I was pretty certain it was him. It was the right high school and the right graduation year. So, I shot him an email through classmates just to confirm. I think I heard back from him the day after... maybe even later that day. I have slept and had two more children since then so my memory is a tad fuzzy. It was in fact... HIM. Like you didn't know that already.
   We talked and emailed for a while, never laying eyes on each other in that time except in photos. I think you could probably just go ahead and consider that the dating phase because I am here to tell you, once we did see each other again, we were married within 2 and a months. We were not living in the same state so dating really was out of the question. He asked me to marry him on Valentines Day (while visiting at my house) and we married on March 19, 2005.
   It has been an incredible 5 years. We have 2 beautiful children together. We have been through moves and retirement, heart break and happiness, loss and gain. We have gotten to know each other and I can honestly say, I love him more now than I did when we married. I trust him with all of my being. That is most important. I have a trust issue. But, not with him. Thank you, Jesus.

So who am I anyway?

2010-03-18T21:49:00.001-05:00

I figure that I may as well go ahead introduce myself. Here are 100 facts about me!!

1. My name is Diane... and I go by Diane and mom, mommy, momma.
2. My sister calls me DJ.
3. My husband calls lots of (sweet) names, but rarely Diane.
4. I have 5 children.
5. I never planned to have 5 children.
6. I sure am glad I did though.
7. At least 2 of them have broken my heart beyond measure.
8. I love them regardless... and they love me.
9. My 11 year old looks NOTHING like me, but she sure does act like me.
10. 3 of my children strongly resemble me.
11. I was born in Florida.
12. I don't live there anymore but I wish I did.
13. My 3 boys were born in Florida.
14. My daughters were not.
15. I have never lived anywhere for more than 4 years in my life.
16. We have been at our current residence for 3 years.
17. We may or may not move.
18. I don't like crowds.
19. I am shy when I first meet people.
20. Sometimes people take it as though I am not very friendly.
21. That may or may not be true (lol).
22. I tend to be sarcastic in real life... but I am shy about being sarcastic when I write.
23. I am a blog stalker and a few of them have really captured my heart.
24. I never thought I would blog... because I am pretty boring.
25. I tend to take everything to heart and my feelings get hurt easily.
26. I hate that about myself. I wish I had a thicker skin.
27. I cry way too much.
28. I drink way too much coffee.
29. I am having trouble with this list.
30. Tomorrow is my 5th year anniversary.
31. My older 3 children are mine, the younger 2 are ours.
32. I struggled in the past with relationships.
33. I am married to Mr. Right, no doubt about it.
34. We have known each other since we were kids.
35. We hooked up again on classmates.
36. We talked for 3 years before we saw each other again.
37. Our story was featured for a while on classmates.
38. We have moved 3 times in the past 5 years (different states).
39. I am a neat freak.
40. I have not always been that way.
41. I stress myself out over cleaning... especially if we have company coming.
42. I stress quite a bit.
43. I need to work on that.
44. I went to school to be an LPN.
45. I only worked as an LPN for 8 months... I haven't worked in 5 years.
46. Nursing is hard work and I admire nurses.
47. I didn't stop nursing because of the work.
48. I married, moved and started planning for more children.
49. I still don't know what I want to be when it is time for me to return to work.
50. I have some time to think about it.
51. I am afraid of heights.
52. So, window washing is out of the question.
53. I have grown tremendously as a person in the last 7 years.
54. It started with college and continued with marrying my perfect compliment.
55. I encourage my children to go to college.
56. I pray they have happy, healthy lives.
57. Speaking of praying, I am a faithful soul.
58. I admit that I am not as far along in my relationship with Jesus as I would like.
59. That doesn't mean that I am not working on it.
60. I believe in prayer, I believe in Jesus, I believe that I am on the right path.
61. I didn't grow up going to church so I have some catching up to do.
62. I would love to learn how to sew.
63. I crochet a little.
64. Maybe I will make this blog about my adventure in learning how to sew.
65. I'm not much of an animal person.
66. I think they are adorable and I love to "visit".
67. I guess I am just not much of a pet owner.
68. If I had to choose between a dog or a cat... it would be a cat hands down.
69. I did have a dog that I LOVED (a mini greyhound)
70. We couldn't get her house trained and unfortunately had to let her go. I still miss her.
71. I love to shop. It really is therapy. I don't even have to buy anything.
72. I love a good bargain. I try not to pay full price if I don't have to.
73. Coupons are not my thing though... I forget to use them.
74. I still clip them. How weird is that?
75. I'm not terribly weird though.
76. I am a fairly private person so I am thinking that writing on a blog is going to be difficult for me.
75. My husband is my best friend.
76. I am really hoping I get a bike this summer with a kiddie ride-along-thingamajigger.
77. I need to lose a little weight.
78. Exercise is not my thing though.
79. I am glad that my child bearing days are over. I love the thought of having more children but I think 5 is enough.
80. I would be a surrogate if I could, but I think 3 c-sections rules me out.
81. I would be so honored to be able to give that great of a gift though.
82. I love Kate Gosselin. I don't care what anyone else thinks.
83. I would show my belly on TV too if I thought someone would offer to give me a tummy tuck too.
84. I don't think that is why she did it, but I would if it had the same effect.
85. Billy Joel is my all time favorite singer.
86. Norah Jones is in 2nd place.
87. My favorite food is shrimp. I do not like cocktail sauce. Tartar sauce for this girl, please.
88. I do not like bologna.
89. My husband is a better cook than I am. I wish he would cook every night.
90. I am not a cold weather person.
91. I would rather stay inside than go out in the snow. My husband has come home from work early to take the babies out to play in it.
92. I complain about it far too much.
93. Despite my dislike of the cold and snow, I dream about visiting Rockefeller Center at Christmas time and ice skating.
94. I am an advisor for Lia Sophia jewelry and I LOVE it. I love the jewelry. I don't wear much jewelry on a regular basis though.
95. You can check out my website here too.
96. I go to bed entirely too late. It is my quiet time.
97. I love to sleep in with my family, but it doesn't happen often because my 3yo is an early bird.
98. I am praying for time to slow down a bit because it is killing me that my baby is getting big so fast.
99. I am almost done with this list!!
100. If you have made it to the bottom, I hope you feel like you know me a little better. Thank you for reading this!

Happy Saint Patricks Day

2010-03-17T17:14:00.000-05:00

Happy Saint Patricks Day to all. I dressed all of the 3 smaller kids (11, 3 and 2) in green tops today. The baby even got to wear green panties until she fell asleep in her car seat and... well, she is only 2. So, I will be cleaning the car seat in a few minutes.

My first ever blog post! EVER.

2010-03-15T21:27:00.001-05:00

OOOOOOOhhhh boy! A new blog! What to write about, what to write about. I am going to have to think about this some more. I am so danged excited about blogging... the Lord knows I will just be talking to myself anyway... oh well, I am used to that already. I mean, I do live with kids and all. So, there it is, my first blog post EVER.