Mother's Day

What are some things you enjoying receiving?? I love flowers and plants but not the flowers that go in a vase. One year my hubby bought me hanging baskets for the front porch.... loved em! I always like to get things I wouldn't normally buy myself... ie flowers. I also love to get things for my house... picture frames, wall decor... just about anything that can add to the house. Maybe this year I'll ask for one of those thingys that you put behind a rose bush so it can climb.... whats those called? LOL I have 3 rose bushes in our yard and they need some attention. I've already gotten so much from him (new deck, paint on the external). I'll have to do something really nice for him for father's day (although he does have a new guitar!).

What are some of your favorite past mother's day gifts? And ones you've given?

So close!

My hubby is working less than 15 minutes from home today. This is a BIG deal! He's never worked this close to home before. Most of the time its at least a 45 minute drive. He got to sleep a whole 1.5 longer this morning!!!! whoa! I hope he stays on this job for a loooong time! Think of the amount of gas he's saving!! I'm going have to go meet him for lunch one day!!! I might even bake them all some brownies and drive them down there!!! lol

Convesation between Matthew and Darcy

Over dinner tonight Darcy and Matthew have the following conversation...

Darcy: Daddy, how does God know everything?
Matthew: Cause He's all knowing
Darcy: HE'S NOT ANNOYING!!!!

don't worry he cleared it up but I couldn't stop laughing!!!

Terrific Tuesday

I'm thinking positive!

So Far So Good :) My kids are watching Bolt for the 2nd time. They love it. I haven't sat down to watch it with them... I've caught bits and pieces and its cute. They're going to freak out when I have to send it back to Netflix :(

Matthew worked late yesterday... he worked at his regular job 10 hours and then left and went to a side job for a few hours. He's sooooo tired! I feel bad for him. He's working Saturday too! Saturday night we have a sports banquet to attend for Jessica. Maybe Sunday he can relax!

I have to turn in my English paper tonight. I've got a few things left to fix on it and its done! I don't have anything important until the 7th... both finals. I guess I could skip a few classes until then. Summer classes start up the first week in June. June is going to be a very busy month!!

Darcy keeps asking if we can go to the beach... doesn't look like its going to happen this year.

talking out both sides of my mouth

lol... my hubby worked twenty something hours of overtime this week! I wanted him to work but I wanted him home at the same time! say a prayer for him this week b/c he hasn't had an off day since last sunday and he'll be working overtime again this week too... not sure about the upcoming weekend yet.

Wish me luck!!

I've got the boys in underware today. We tried this a while back and they had no interest. But if they're going to school next year then they have to be potty trained. So far they've had no accidents but they haven't tee tee'd in the potty yet either! I've tried to bribe them with candy. Darcy is the only one with candy :)

I picked today b/c I thought Matthew would be home all weekend to help with the potty training... he's working sat & sun! I'm not complaining... most people are barely making 40 hours and my hubby has worked late every day this week! Its an answer to our prayers!

Tired of the same ole same ole????

CHECK OUT THE RECIPE BLOG!!!

Back at it!!

I'm trying to get back into the whole CVS thing. I fell out of the habit, got busy and didn't want to start over. I went a week or 2 ago and got some good stuff... earned 10 ecbs too! I've been collecting coupons again. I had to clean out my old binder... hundreds of dollars in coupons... thrown away!!! I even had ecb's that expired!!! I've got a $25 gift card with some money left on it but I can't find it!!! I went today and spent $20 out of pocket but got a butt load of stuff (including diapers that I didn't have any coupons for but had to have them). I turned around and spent all the ecbs that I earned... so I left with no ecbs. But thats okay. I had to get some things and I didn't have coupons for everything I needed.

fyi... I couldn't find the bayer quick gels but when i got to the front they were sitting by the register... with a $1.00 off coupon!!! These turned out to be a money maker!!! yahooo!!!

I also found stuff in the clearance section that I had coupons for that turned out to be money makers.

How many of you are still CVSing?

REMINDER!!!

Mother's Day is just around the corner! I'd like to help you with making your special purchase this year! I've got a lot of great gift ideas for you!

Check out my website... www.marykay.com/nicolebrock

Order now and it will be here in time for Mother's Day!!!

Its complicated!

Maybe if I talk it out here then someone here can help me figure it all out! LOL

Here's my situation. I have a pell grant that pays for my schooling. I've been told that there's more funds/scholarships out there but I can't find them. And the ones I've found don't apply to me... sorry but if I'm not single, black or dirt poor no one wants to help. I'm not saying I deserve help but if other's are getting help then I'd like to get some too!

I had said that I was going to get a job to pay for the boys tuition and go to school full time. But what I didn't realize is... if I get a job then I'm going to lose my pell grant! Whatever job I got wouldn't pay me enough to put myself through school and pay the kids tuition. I'm in a catch 22 here. Any suggestions?

Oh What Fun!!!

I had such a great time yesterday! Here's my on Sandy Jane... she was a little grumpy but she came around. We ran!!!! I can't wait to go back!!!

The lady who's house we went to actually gives horseback riding lessons... she teaches students to ride English... this is one of the exercises she makes students do... she made me do this too!!! Jessica had to squeeze with her thighs and raise her butt off the saddle! HARD!!

Here's Michele... I've really enjoyed getting to know her. She's an amazing woman!

Weather is going crazy!!!

I'm not kidding you! There's 2 tornado's in Alabaster... one went through and the other followed! I've checked on folks and so far everyone is safe. My area is about to get its own share of warnings!

tornado's are crazy and you don't know when one will pop up and which way it will go!

What a day!

Jessica and I spent the afternoon riding horses with some friends. My butt is already sore!!! I've really enjoyed getting to know Michele. She's also an English teacher so after riding we worked on my paper. I did all the work she just helped me find my creative side.

I'll post pics of us riding later. I'm too tired to do it right now. gnight!

am i being silly?

I had a friend from high school leave me a comment on facebook under the picture of us from Easter. She said Jessica looks like ______ (her dad). I know to some this may sound really immature but I deleted the comment. I couldn't even type his name above. He makes me sick. I don't want his name written or said anywhere near mine or my family's. I sent the girl a message and told her why I'd deleted it. She hasn't replied yet. Do you think I'm being silly?

Cute

I was playing around with Picasa tonight... We call ourselves the Brock Six... or Brock Clan I really like this picture... i wish you could see Darcy a little more though!

GO RAMS!!!

I was able to go to AUM (Auburn University at Montgomery) to watch my cousin's fiance, Stephen, play baseball. He actually plays for University of Mobile. I love this guy! And I'm so happy for Jade. He's a good ole christian boy with his head on straight! I cheered him on and when he didn't do so well I told him "thats okay! you looked good doing it!"... yes I really did and he laughed along with half the crowd! I ate with him afterwards and got a chance to chat with him. I'm so proud of my lil cousin for picking such an awesome guy!

Suprise!!

Here's the details of my daddy's party.

My mom had told my dad that she'd made reservations at a new quite little restaraunt. They were going with my aunt and uncle. He wasn't happy... he said he didn't like going to new places. He was completely suprised when he walked in the door! He was a little embarrassed b/c he'd given her such a hard time about everything.

He still thought he was going to eat. The family was in the front of this place and he thought we'd all gotten together to eat. Well when my sister lead him to the back of the place he saw this...

a room full of friends from past and present! He was beside himself!

My dad scored some nice stuff... lots of gifts cards to go out to eat... but not eating at any "new"place! LOL

Thanks to everyone who came out and wished my daddy a happy birthday!

Easter Sunday

My Family!

Jeremiah and Darcy hunted eggs but Jacob didn't care for it.

Jeremiah and Darcy talking about who's got what eggs

My family from Mobile was in town... it was a fun day!

Eggs!!

We dyed eggs... I wasn't able to find the stuff we normally use to paint them but I don't know how well the boys would have done with that. This was their first year to do eggs!

haven't forgotten

about posting pictures... I used Jessica's camera and I need the cable to upload the pics :)

Reflection

Our kids are a reflection of ourselves!

As a parent you have to be careful what you say, how you say it and when you say it. I get myself in trouble a lot.

Yesterday and again Today!!! We got behind a car on the way to school. One incident the car was driving waaay slow.... another the car was pulled up next to another car blocking the road. Jacob... my sweet little Jacob... said out of nowhere!! "stupid car, GO!" It was all I could do not to laugh. I had to get on to him instead.

Registered!!

I'm registered for my Summer classes.... New Testament - online and Psychology 210 with my favorite teacher on Tuesday's and Thursday's!!! Yippie... picking my schedule is the hardest part of this college stuff!!! LOL

Consumed

I've been consumed for the last 2 days on the disappearance of the local girl. I'd rather not mention her name b/c I don't want all that traffic on here! I've spent hours straight on the computer waiting for something new to be posted. As a mother my heart was breaking.... I kept praying that no matter what situation she'd gotten herself into that she'd know that her parents love is unconditional and they just wanted her hoome!!!! I've made my share of stupid teenage mistakes and was just praying and praying she'd be found unharmed. A lot of the things I heard didn't make sense to me. I'm one of those people that wants to know all the details. I analyze things over and over again. We'll probably never hear the truth behind this ordeal. But the most important part is she's home now.

I have class tonight. I don't really want to go. Its getting down to the last bit now and nobody cares if they miss or not. Even though they don't take off for missing I still feel like I need to go in order to set the example for my own child. I have an English paper to write. I hope to get that done asap! I haven't been motivated lately... about school work or anything. I've been lazy. I admit it. I've been really lazy and selfish. I need to get out of this funk. It hits me every now and then like I'm sure it does everyone. And realizing it is probably the first step to getting over it :) At least thats what they say to alcoholics :)

I wish I could be consumed with God's word like I was with this ordeal.

t i r e d

I'm so tired. I need another weekend to recover from this weekend! seriously! the surprise party went off without a hitch... my dad was very surprised! i'll post pics and details later.

Easter was great. we had a great time with family. we've been really busy this weekend. i'll post pics of everything later.

the kids are all fine. tired but fine. jeremiah is having a rough time with his allergies. i'm ready for a normal week! whatever that may be. lol

going to bed!

pics to come!

We dyed eggs last night... Matthew's dad and grandmother came to watch/help. It wa fun. I was a little sad b/c this is the first year in SEVEN that we didn't paint our eggs. I couldn't find the paint stuff so I settled for dye... I got the regular kind and the glitter kind (a huge disappointment). But it was fun. I think I spent more time setting up than we did dying the eggs! LOL The boys kept 'dropping' the eggs in the cups. I had to take a breath and say "it will be okay!" I'll post pics later. I'm off to buy Jessica some shoes for her outfit tonight!

Attention! Attention Please!

I got my test score back from my psychology test... I made a 74!!! YIKES!!! But don't worry I still have an A in there!!! And I have a HIGH A in English!

School is out today. Everyone seems much better!!!!! I was really worried that we'd have a horrible sicky weekend. But it looks like everyone is going to be WELL!!! Thanks for all the prayers!!!!

Matthew is working tomorrow so we're doing eggs this afternoon... tomorrow night it the big party! Sunday is Easter at my house then over to my cousins for my granny's birthday party. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!!

Dear God,

You promised you'd not give me more than I can handle.... please pay attention cause I'm breaking down!!!!!



I got Darcy up this morning. She was very excited about her Easter Party. She's missed every day this week. So I'm getting her ready when all the sudden she tells me her butt hurts. So I ask her if she needs to potty. She sits on the toilet for 20 minutes. Jessica has SAT's this week and she was freaking out b/c she was going to be late. But I couldn't get Darcy off the potty!!! I got ahold of a friend and they picked her up just in time. Darcy is very upset b/c she missed her party. I'm pretty sure her stomach was upset b/c of her medicine. Her teacher even called to check on her. Poor Darcy Bug!!!!

Matthew said he was feeling better this morning... not sure if he was just telling me that or what.

Jeremiah seems fine.... and so does the rest of em.

nada

We took Darcy to the doctor today. We left with no real answers. The doctor named a few weird things that we could be all passing back and forth but I couldn't tell you what they were. She gave Darcy some antibiotics... she also has a very bad ear infection. The antibiotics were strong so maybe that will take care of whatever else she's got.

In the meantime, Matthew is starting to have major diarrhea again. I know you all remember when I posted (less than a month ago) about this same thing. Well its back. Darcy started with puking and a fever.... she also has really smelly gas. Jeremiah has puked a few times today. Matthew is nauseous, gassy and the diarrhea is starting up. Jacob, Jessica and myself are symptom free... For how long... I'm not sure! Last time the girls avoided it while the boys took the brunt of it.

I'm Back

I CVS'ed tonight... for the first time in almost 9 months!!!! Isn't that crazy!!!! When school started back last fall I didn't have time and I just fell out of the habit. But it was making me sick to pay for things that I knew I could get for less than $1!! Although, I have to admit... tonight I was unprepared. I stopped by there on my way home. I was tired and ready to just get home. But then I remembered I hadn't gotten Darcy's prescription filled!!!! So I pulled into CVS b/c thats the only pharmacy open this late. I shopped while they did her prescription. I had no coupons or ecb's to use. However, I do have coupons at home but they weren't with me. So I spent $40 saved $26 and came home with $10 ecbs!!! Go me!!! Some of the things I got were...

2 packs of Huggies diapers
2 Dawn
4 tubes of toothpaste
1 pack of charmin TP
2 BIG packs of wipe refils
1 box of puffs
1 bag of lolly pops

i think i'm forgetting something but i'm really tired :)

The bug

has hit our house again. I'm really sick of my kids being sick! Darcy has an appointment this afternoon. She threw up again yesterday afternoon. This morning Jeremiah woke up puking too! My hubby hasn't been feeling well either. I really need everyone well by Saturday night!!! We're having my dad a surprise 60th party!!!!!

Last night I had a psychology test. I don't know how I did... I'll find out Thursday. I also found out that I have to write an English paper due the 28th. Its going to count 1/3 of my final. I have to write a paper about a story we've read. It doesn't have to be a certain length... I was kinda shocked about that part. And we don't have to do a title page b/c she said that was a waste of trees... funny.

After class I met a friend at the gym and we worked out. I felt great afterwards!

blah

I was asleep on the couch but my mom called to check on Darcy and now I can't go back to sleep! I really don't need to be napping anyways! I should be studying for my psy test.

This week is such a busy and expensive week. Easter/dad's b'day/school registration/another basketball camp I'm looking into robbing the nearest bank! LOL

Any good cheap ideas for Easter baskets? Ontop of getting Easter baskets... all of my kids need shoes for their Easter outfits! Jessica's foot just grows non stop. The boys only have one pair of shoes (tennis shoes) and they've got to be replaced... the toe is completely out on one pair!! They really need more than one pair of shoes and maybe I could have a good pair and a play pair but since they grow soooo quickly I was trying to avoid spending the money. Darcy's the same way as the boys. I got a flyer for JC Penney the other day... good deals!! I'll have to get up that way one day.

I'm skipping the actual registration b/c I have class myself but I've got to send my papers and money in this week. Its nearly $400 for all four children!!! Which is nothing compared to what I'm going paying a month in the fall! But I'm going to be working to pay that... strickly working to pay tuition so I can go to school... sad I know. But one day it will all pay off!!!!

So I'm really excited about 2 things.

1st. I haven't been going to the gym regularly in months. Today I find out that an old friend of mine is a member there!!! So I'm gonna meet her there after school tonight! We're gonna start working out together and I know she'll hold me accountable!

2nd. I have become really good friends with one of Jessica's friends mom, Michelle. Her and I think the same as far as raising kids. She's also an English teacher at my school... thankfully I don't have her or else I'd fail! nah just kidding... but she's hard :) Anyways... she's single. She also has horses... and she rides them everyday!!! She's offered to give Jessica lessons for free! AND She wants me to come ride too!! I'm very excited b/c I've always wanted to ride horses!!! AND She has a pony that she says I can bring Darcy bug to ride!!!!

ps... darcy came home from school around 8:45ish sick... she hasn't puked but she's just not herself.

You gotta GO!!!

I'm refering to my cat. She's out the door! Our cat is pissy and now its actually pissing on my couch!!!!!! Yeah I'm not a happy camper about this. The cat will attack without warning or cause. The other day at the b'day party it tore up my FIL. This is not the first time its gone crazy like that either and I can't take the chance that its going to do that to my kids.

All day Saturday there was a wet spot on the corner of my couch. I didn't notice it. Jessica did. I saw it there that morning and assumed a sippy cup had spilled. Then later that night after the party the wet spot was still there. I sniffed it... BIG MISTAKE! CAT PEE!!!!! It had been peeing there all day!! Don't know how I missed it!!! I was sooooo ticked off. Not only has it stained my couch but the smell will never come out!

Then again this morning I walk downstairs and she's done it again... same place! I hate this cat!!!! Her litter box is clean... I think she hates us and thats what she's doing it! Well she doesn't have to worry b/c the first chance I get she's G O N E !!!

New Look

I decided to give my blog a new look for Easter. This Easter weekend is going to be different than any other. We're having a Surprise 60th b'day party for my dad. He hasn't got a clue!!! The weekend is going to be very busy. I'm hoping to paint eggs on Saturday afternoon. Sunday we're having our family over to have lunch, hide eggs and play volleyball. But our activities will have to wind down quick b/c my cousin decided to have a b'day party for my grandmother at 4pm. Her birthday is Monday. She'll be 88. I'd rather NOT have to celebrate her birthday on Easter b/c we have our own family traditions... but they insisted. Oh well. We'll make the most of it!

Hopefully we'll make it to church on Easter... last year someone was sick. I think the year before we missed too. Now that Matthew is playing in the worship band he'll have to go. We all have really cute outfits too so I'm hoping everyone is well!

Darcy is home today... she ran a fever all night long but seems better now.

More birthday pics!

Uncle Tony and Darcy

Enjoying each other on my new deck!

The boys


Uncle Tony and Baby Cody

The weather was perfect... the deck got finished the night before!!!

THREE

Jacob (top) & Jeremiah (middle) turned three on April 3rd. We celebrated their birthday on Saturday. I love my boys. I can't imagine life without these two little fellas! They're so loving and they love on each other all the time. They are different but alike at the same time.

Darcy Bug...

has got a bug! Some sort of stomach virus I'm assuming. She started throwing up yesterday around noon and hasn't quit yet! She threw up throughout the night! She's not eating anything and cannot keep down sprite! Yesterday we had the boys birthday party and she'd try and play for a minute then she'd find a spot and lay down. She's running a fever. She's very sicky. Please pray for Darcy.

Surprise!

I snapped this picture real quick... she didn't even see me coming!!! LOL I was at the school for Darcy's Field Day and couldn't resist embarrassing Jessica!

FIELD DAY!!

Darcy had Field Day today! We had a blast!!!! It was very cold this morning and she was freezing... I didn't bring her a coat or anything!!!

more

Darcy doing the relay race!

Darcy and Ryan (best kid ever!)


Snack time!

Tricycle Race... GO DARCY!


She's a HOME RUN HITTER!

25 yard Dash... GO BABY GO!!!

LipStick

Jeremiah and Jacob played in my lipstick... I could only get Jeremiah's picture.

And a few hours later...

Darcy did the same!!! LOL