Finished

Jacob & Jeremiah with their teacher Mrs. Sheila



Darcy with her telescope (diploma)... she was a praying mantis for her end of the year program :)


You may have to click to enlarge... Jacob is standing while Jeremiah is in a ball on the floor... he was shy

Random

Me & Matty

Me and Karen Kingsbury at the Ewomen's conference

Jessica rockin the 80's look (she die if she knew i posted this here but she only said i couldn't post in on my facebook - she didn't say anything about my blog)

Love em!

Daddy & Jeremiah


Daddy & his girls

Daddy & Jacob

Flannery

This is my niece, Flannery!! She's a cutie, isn't she? Lovin the hair!

SCRUBS and stuff

I may be speaking too soon but... I'm pretty sure I got the job. That is IF my references say good things about me ;) The lady I interviewed with said all that we were waiting on is my background check. She said that could take a while... longer if nothing came up. Odd but I guess if they don't get anything the first time around they'll keep diggin ;) lol

Anyways... today I went online and ordered some scrubs. I don't have a lot of money to spend on them right now so I only ordered enough to get me by for a few days. Maybe after I get the job (and my first paycheck) I can order some more.

Jessica is finishing up the last few days of school... tomorrow is a half day and tuesday she has to go long enough to take one exam. The little ones are already out. I made a schedule for us but I'm not sure if we'll stick to it. I know it will help but just sticking to it will take a lot of effort.

I spent the weekend at the Extraordinary Women's conference... heard some great speakers. P&W was led by Charles Billingsley and then we had Jeremy Camp one night and Mark Shultz the other night. I was tired and ready to come home. Home Sweet Home

Me, work?

So it seems I'm looking for a PT job once again. I'm only looking for something to help me out during the summer. I applied at the grocery store but they'd already hired someone. I applied at Target and I haven't heard back from them either. Then while getting my hair cut the girl next to me told me about her place of employment hiring. I can't really say what it is (at least not on my blog) but if you know what Staci does then its almost the same thing but with adults.

Right in the middle of typing out that last sentence I got a call and they want me to come in tomorrow morning for an interview!!! Praise the Lord!

The job is going to be a PT job and its going to be pretty flexible with my schedule... something that I can continue to do while I'm in school. I'm really excited about it. I would love to tell you all about it but I'm pretty sure that would NOT be wise.

In the meantime, my heart has been heavy lately. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to post this on here but if I'm not I'm sure someone will tell me ;) But my brother in law is leaving for his 1st tour overseas in the middle of June. I can't tell you what he does but just know its dangerous (not that anything over there isn't!). I know how much I miss my hubby when he's gone and I can't imagine not seeing him for 12 months. Or not being able to dial his cell phone and talk to him whenever I want. They just recently moved so now she's having to make friends all over again. I'm praying that she finds some really good ones ;) So please keep Heather & Michael in your prayers.

My New Do

I got my hair done for Mother's Day... I like it alot but its already fading :(

Jessica loves it too...she kept saying "you have red streaks!" If only everyone's mom could be as cool as hers! sheesh!

Tomorrow is only a day away

I take my last finals for the semester at 11:30am and 5pm. Math first then Biology. I'm nervous. I could have prepared more but I do have a family ;) I'm getting nervous... Its not a pass or fail situation for me but I really hate the thought of making less than an "A"... whodathunk it, right? ME, trying to be an A student - LOL I couldn't even make honor roll in high school and here I am with 7 A's and 1 B so far. I'm proud of myself.

Sometimes I get mad at myself for waiting so long but I might not have done so well - I know I wouldn't have. But what would I have done IF I did go to college after highschool? Who knows! I know at one time I wanted to be a lawyer... not sure if I would have been disciplined enough to see it through.

I am where I am... and only by the grace of God.

There's a good chance Matthew will be starting college in the fall... something we knew was going to happen but we thought it would be after I finish. He wants to get a Doctrine in Theology... thats gonna take like 7 years! So we figured we shouldn't put it off for 2 years (when i graduate). We're looking into him taking his basics now.... online. We'll see... its something we're praying about - so pray with us :)

Growing Up!

Jacob with a catapillar on his face

Jeremiah with Jonah in the whale on his face :)

Darcy wanted a heart

Jessica on Easter

Spring Fling

My little ones were determined to do this... Jacob and Darcy made it with no problems but Jeremiah couldn't pull himself up at the top... he actually took the harder way. I wanted him to get another chance but the line was waaay too long.

Darcy

She keeps me laughing!



Look what I can do!

I'm stuck! Get me outta this!

Motivation

I need to lose weight but I'm too impatient to do it the right way. I want immediate results! I've got saved up prescriptions of phenemine that I keep saying one day I'm going to start and stick with it. Today might be the day. I took one this morning and maybe I can stick with it. I know weight plays an important part of how I feel - physically & mentally.

On the flip side phenemine messes with me emotionally.... big time! It makes me really sentimental and sappy. I try and refrain from sending sappy emails or making emotional phone calls. Those of you thats received one knows what I'm talking about ;) lol

My relationship with my husband has always been great but here lately its been awesome. I love him and miss him deeply when he's not here. I feel like I can talk to him about anything and he want judge me. I can say things completely wrong and he knows what I meant to say :) He's the most compassionate person I know. He completely selfless. I wish I could be more like him.

Down to the Wire

Next Monday is my last day of classes but between now and then I have a lot to do! Today I take a Math test, Wedesday I have a lab final and Monday is my math and lecture final. Jessica has a sports banquet on Friday night and my hubby is working late every night and on Saturday too. So pray that I can get everything done. I'm looking forward to being off this summer so maybe I can tackle some projects I've been putting off.

My hubby was supposed to work this past weekend but b/c of the weather they decided not to. So he hung up some shelves for me in my laundry room :) I get really excited over small things... but hey! at least everyone will have clean clothes now. I organized several cabinets and the laundry room. I need to tackle the barn! I also would like to paint my bathroom upstairs and a desk that I bought Darcy at a local thrift store. I'm thinking about turning the office into a usable guest room since we never go back there anymore. It's become a catch all for all sorts of things. I also want to line of some fun things to do with my kids over the summer.

The Funk

I'm in a funk and could use some extra prayers.

Sickies go away

It all started with Darcy running a fever early Monday morning... she stayed home monday & tuesday but on Wednesday I sent her back to school thinking she was finally over it. She still had a lingering cough but no more fever. Last night the kids were picked up for church and I was at school and matthew at work. We both walked in the door minutes apart from each other a little after 7pm. We enjoyed a few minutes together before it was time to get the kids from church. But as we were walking out the door the phone rang and it was a lady from church.... Jacob was running a fever 102! We rushed right over and I apologized over and over. I hadn't seen the kids since 8am so I had no idea he was sicky. I kept all the little ones home today to try and rest and recoup. I called the doctor this morning and I have just now (literally) been called back. They won't call anything in and as of right now they're trying to figure out how they can all be seen at the same time. Apparently strep throat is going around again.... we had that a few weeks back! I'm hoping we're not going through another round of it.

To top it all off... I'm finshing up my semester and I have finals next week but its hard to study with the little ones home with me.

Extra Prayer Requested

Starting today Matthew will be making a 2 hour drive to work every day. Leaving the house around 4:30am and getting off work at 5pm... driving straight through downtown birmingham traffic. Its only supposed to be for a few weeks but the timing is not really good. I'm finishing up this semester and finals are just around the corner. There's also a lot of end of the year stuff happening with the kids at school as well. Its going to be really hard on my husband and hard on the rest of us as well. He's a huge help with the kids and house. I know him and he'll come home and feel guilty about not spending time the kids so instead of eating, showering and going to bed he'll try and stay up with the kids and do all the things he normally does... but with him getting home around 7 or later he's not going to have many hours to do those things. He's going to be exhausted!

Good News!

I have some good news!!!! I'm transfering to Wallace and start the nursing program in the fall... which means I'll graduate a whole year ahead of time... so now instead of graduating in May of 2013 the same year Jessica graduates... I'll graduate in May of 2012! Whooo hooo!!! Its a full time program and I'll be depending on my parents to help out a lot... in fact they've agreed to be at my house 2x a week by 7am to get my little ones up and ready and to school by 8 b/c I have to leave my house by 6:30 to make it to class in Selma by 8am. I'm glad its all coming together. I'm regretting big time not doing this sooner but I can't keep going looking back. This is where I am now and I'm doing it now!

Unrelated news... Darcy woke up in the middle of the night running a fever so she's home with me today. I'm skipping class... not good b/c we have a test coming up and exams just around the corner. Matthew offered to come home but I can't ask him to do that.... if he doesn't work he doesn't get paid! Well I'm being begged to play Uno with Darcy... gotta go!

i'm alive and well

I've been neglecting my blog b/c I don't have anything interesting to say. I'm taking the summer off from school. I'm transferring to another community college. I'll hopefully start the nursing program in the fall and finish in May 2012... a whole year earlier than what I last thought.

Kids are all doing well. They're ready for the summer... every morning the boys tell me they hate school and don't want to go ;) I can't say that I blame them.

gotta go to class :(

Happy Easter

The B6 crew hopes you all had a wonderful Easter weekend with your loved ones - WE DID!

It IS me :(

I often wonder why I always seem to have issues with other people. Why am I always having incidents? Is it me... It is. Being outspoken isn't always a good thing. Holding back is better. Why do I always feel the need to put somebody in their place? Or why do I feel like I always have to stick up for myself? Why do I get mad over the silliest things? Things I cannot control and most of the time really don't affect me personally. Why do I need to have the last word? Why do I have to prove I'm right and they're wrong? I hate this about myself. After a while people peg you as the one that stirs up trouble. I justify things a lot and say "well they deserved it! they were wrong or they shouldn't have done/said this or that." Why can't I let things go? Once I get mad it snowballs... why? I've become more and more aware of this issue and it makes me sad but when "it" is going on I can't see it. Matthew says I need to stop before it gets to that point but the thing is I don't stop.... I'm in the moment. I want to change. I don't want to be a ticking timebomb waiting for the next person to cross me so I can let em have it. I want to be meek and humble. Is that possible?

My boys

Its hard to believe my boys are turning 4 in a few weeks. My life has changed so much since having them. I still remember the moment I found out I was having twins. I was soooo overjoyed and shocked. I remember joking with the nurses and doctor about having twins and the next thing i know they're telling me I'm having twins! I had to tell myself that he wasn't joking with me.

Their birthday is the same weekend as Easter this year so we're having just a family thing on Sunday. I'm trying to decide if I want to order them each a cake this year or not... they're getting to that age where I think it might matter to them. But I don't want to pay for 2 seperate cakes! We'll see.

THIS SUCKS!

I have some sort of head cold and I'm miserable! The left side of my face is stopped up and feels swollen. I feel like I could mash on it all day to relieve pressure. I hate being this way. I have too much to do to be sick.

I was supposed to work yesterday... got up at 6am, got the kids to school and headed to work. Got pulled over in Alabaster for an expired tag, tried to call my dad to ride with him but I couldn't get in touch with him so I drove all the way to Bessemer. I was there for about an hour when the school called me to tell me Darcy was sick. Drove all the way to get her and when I got there she seemed fine. I was a little mad but according to everyone she was in tears with tummy aches. I took advantage of the time together. She got her hair cut (her request) and we had lunch (taco bell - again her request). I realized that God was looking out for me b/c had I ridin to work with my dad I wouldn't have had any way to get her from school. The office is at least an hour and 15 minutes away and he had a busy schedule. So Thank you Jesus for looking out for me :)

Class tonight, work tomorrow and friday.

Shhhhhh

This year at church I signed up to do the Secret Sister thing... my first time to ever do secret sister. I've had a really fun time doing little things for my SS. I've left notes, little gifts and all sorts of fun things. BUT.... whoever drew my name hasn't done anything :( Am I doing too much? How does this work? Matthew says I got jipped. What are your thoughts? Of course I'm not doing it to get anything in return but I am kinda disappointed that I haven't gotten anything - a card would be fine.

Come & Gone

I had a list of things I really needed to accomplish while out for Spring Break but I didn't get them done. I took on a PT temporary job with my dad's office that has turned into something more. I enjoy the opportunity to make the extra cash but its hard to go back to work after being a SAHM for 5 years... and its even harder when you're working for your dad :)

Matthew also finished up his job at the campus. He's been working less than 15 minutes from home for a while now (maybe 2 years?). I had gotten very used to it. We all had. Today he started at the new place... its in Trussville/Roebuck. Its a long drive... more like an hour and 15 minutes :( This is only temporary. They have 2 weeks of work to do there and then he'll be moved somewhere else but the 'else' part is where we have no clue. No more lunches with my hubby... or just running into him on my way to class. I'm feeling a little down about it. Now we'll only see each other in passing on the nights I have school. And the other 3 nights he'll be getting home much later than usual. But before you all go off on me let me just say... I know it could be worse! I have a dear friend whose hubby works in another state during the week.... I have another friends whose hubby's a fireman and spends every 3rd night away from home... my sister in law is about to send her hubby overseas for 18 months. I get it! It could be worse. But it doesn't change the way I feel.

Lets end this on a positive note :) My sister in law, Amy, had her baby last Tuesday. Flannery is her name... she weighted 9lbs 2oz. She's very cute. All is doing well.

Spring Break Baby!

Or just another week for me... except no school and my kids are home with me. I'm trying to think of cheap things we can do.

TWO!?!

2 stinkin comments! HA! Thats all I got on my blog aniversary post! Geez!

5 year Blogging Aniversary

March is my 5 year blogging aniversary.

Who knew it would last this long?

I've gone through some ups and downs on my blog. I've thought about closing it down several times but its still up and running.

I love getting comments but these days they're few and far between. So today show me some love and leave me a comment! Better yet tell me about one of your favorite post from my blog!!!

Thanks for all the support over the years :)

Here's to another 5 years!!!

Nosey Folks

Some people are truly concerned and want to know and then there's those that just want to be in the know.

I have this person on Facebook who is my mom's age but not a friend of my mom's.... I know her and her sons. She used to be really good friends with Jessica's dad's side of the family but apparently they lost touch. Well a few weeks back she messages me on FB and ask me some questions about Jessica's relationship with her dad. I answered her but kinda felt like she was crossing the line a little. Yesterday she does it again! I replied back and told her the same thing. Well this time she comes back and defends him! She starts placing the blame on his wife and it really rubbed me the wrong way. Where does she get off asking me in the first place details of my life? I was really annoyed and you're probably thinking "why not delete her"... well I dunno. I guess I wanted her to know the truth so she didn't think I was keeping him from her. Oh well... I guess I learned a lesson here!

School Update

School is going really well this semester... not nearly as stressing as it was last semester. I have awesome teachers and it makes all the difference in the world. I made an 97 on my math test!!!! And I'm waiting to get my last quiz grade in A&P II... I'm pretty sure I did well. I'll be submitting my application soon for the fall nursing program. Pray that I get accepted on my first try... its pretty competitive cause there's not enough spots.

"Someone wants to see you"

First I would like to say that we had a great weekend! The weather was great and we really enjoyed relaxing and not having anywhere to be. I'm ready for spring!

Sunday we went to my parents house after church to celebrate my mom's and Matthew's birthday. My mom had to go to church that afternoon for a meeting but was coming right back so we stayed and waited. She called and said there was someone that wanted to see me and I needed to come right away. My first thought was heck no! She knew the only way to get me there was to tell me who wanted to see me. It was Margaret. A dear friend that I hadn't seen in years!!! She was actually the mother of an old boyfriend. But she was also like a mentor to me. I spent a lot of time with her and her family even when I wasn't dating her son (Slade). I couldn't get to the church fast enough! I could have spent the entire night just catching up with her. We kept in touch for a while but I got married and moved and we just lost touch. We swapped info last night and we're staying in touch! Her daughter, Kristen, is in Master's Commission at Kingwood. I hope to see her again soon.

9 seconds

The girls lost yesterday. They played hard! They were actually ahead at the half and stayed ahead most of the game. They were tied with 9 seconds on the clock. The other team made one heck of a shot and put them ahead by 2 points. We got the ball and set up for the shot - miss. The buzzard sounded and that was it.... that was the roughest 9 seconds. I think the girls were in shock. It was gutt wrenching! I tried to say encouraging words but Jessica was crushed.... nothing could have made it better. I did tell her that this isn't her last championship game and she should be proud to lead her team to states being a freshman!

Yesterday was also my hubby's 30th birthday :) We ate at Taste Of Thailand on the way home from the game.

Boys Lost

The Patriot Boys lost tonight by 3 points :( The girls play tomorrow at 2:30... Matthew was able to take off work and we're both going to watch Jessica play :) Tomorrow is Matthew's 30th birthday!

Sniff Sniff

The yuckies hit me on Saturday night and Jessica on Sunday. We both went to the dr and we tested negative for strep throat. We were loaded up with some meds and have been taking them faithfully. We also started using a Neti Pot... oh what fun! You should google some video's on youtube... I watched videos until I cried!

Jessica's big game is tomorrow at 2:30. The boys play tonight @ 6pm. If the guys win they play again on Friday night and if the girls win tomorrow they play on Sat @ 12:30. I believe if they win on Saturday they're the STATE CHAMPS!!

Tomorrow is Matthew's 30th birthday. I wish I could have done something really special for him but it just didn't work out this weekend. Maybe I can plan a surprise trip for him later. I'm going shopping in a little bit for his present... and my mom's cause her b'day is the 21st.

Gotta get going... Thanks for stopping by to check on me :) Leave comments!

STATE BOUND

Jessica's team is going to state!!!!!!!

They beat the team they've never beat before until tonight! They played their hearts out and pulled out an upset!

42 - 34

whoa!

now just pray i can find a babysitter for next friday so Matthew and I can both go... the game is in tuscaloosa

Its Going

This week is blah! Yesterday I slept the day away and today I wish I could... but I have 2 boys home with me b/c they're under the weather.

Staci and her family were here last week and I enjoyed every minute of being with them. It was like old times. We laughed until one of us peed on ourselves while the other barked like a dog. Good times for sure. Its nice to have kids the same age... they all played well. I'm ready for them to come back! Staci and I were able to meet up with Jamie and Crystal for lunch and a little shopping. It was nice to get out and be around other likeminded adults.

Friday we're supposed to get snow but I'm not going to hold my breath. I really want it to snow but last time the kids and I were very disappointed.

School is going good... My A&P teacher is so different than the last one. Different good. But I'm extremely grateful for the last teacher b/c I know she really prepared me.

Well today is the big day for me... I have an appointment this afternoon with Down w/the Pounds. I'll take a 'before' pic tonight but you probably won't see it here until I'm able to post a much smaller pic of myself :)

nada

I wanted to sit down and blog but I realized I don't really have anything interesting to say. sorry :(

L O V E

I found Jeremiah and Darcy in the chair the other day playing vtech video game.

My New Do

I actually have bangs but today I put them to the side...

Do you like it?

A New Do

I haven't gotten my hair professionally colored in probably 3 years... Today I'm getting my hair did!!!! I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to do but I know I want some multicolored highlights (or maybe its called lowlights) throughout my hair. I don't want to cut any off the length but I wouldn't mind if she shaped me up some. I'm pretty easy when it comes to getting my hair done.

I'm going to a family wedding shower in Mobile this weekend... Me and the girls. Matthew's going to have some guy time with his little fellas :) We're both looking forward to the time with out kids but we'll miss each other. He's been working crazy hours still but after next week things should slow down.

Funny Stuff w/the kids

The boys try and trick us into thinking they're the other twin.

Right now I'm listening to them say "Good Morning Sleeping Beauty" back and forth to each other.

The other night Darcy had begged Matthew to let her sleep in our bed. I was at study group. He said she wouldn't settle down so finally he said "Darcy I let you come in here for one thing and one thing only! To lay down and go to sleep!" She rolled her eyes and sighed reallly big and said "Daddy, thats TWO things!" He couldn't help but to laugh.

Over the last few days when I've had asked Jacob things like 'Are you okay' or 'Are you hungry' he replies with "No I'm sick"

Sickies and So On

Matthew has been working 10 - 12 hour days 6 days a week for over 2 weeks now. He comes home dead tired. He doesn't come home and put his feet up... he insists on playing with the kids or helping me with the nightly task. The job they're on should finish up next week and after that I'm not sure where he'll be sent. Most of the jobs are a pretty long drive and I've gotten so use to having him 12 minutes down the road.

Jacob woke up Saturday morning running a fever and it hasn't let up yet. I made his doctor appointment first thing yesterday morning and by the time Jeremiah woke up he was sicky too! I ended up taking Jacob to the dr but she gave us enough meds for both of them. So far Darcy & Jessica are symptom free.

Last night we ended up with all 3 little ones in our bed. This is very uncommon for us. The boys hardly ever sleep in our bed... unless they're really sick. At some point I went to Darcy's room to sleep. But I was having difficulty sleeping b/c my right arm and leg was tingling. It started earlier in the evening around 8ish and didn't stop until a few hours ago. Not sure what thats all about.

School has started back and so far so good. I have a test on Wednesday that I'm sure to make a 100 on.... unless I draw a blank.

Back in the Saddle

School started back for me this week. I'm going M & W's only... I take a day class then go that night for another class. I really like both of my teachers. I'm going to miss tonight's class b/c I'm going with my husband to the Seeking 7 conference to hear Ravi Z speak. We'll be out Monday for MLD and then Wednesday I have my first test - already! YIKES! But I'm not sweating it too bad. I'm pretty sure things this semester are going to go smoother than last semester.

Matthew's been working a lot of hours lately. I'm miss him like crazy and when he gets home he's like a zombi from working so hard. We're grateful for the job and the overtime but its really hard on my husband who does manual labor for 10 - 12 hours a day in this freezing weather!

Well I've got to get some study time in before class... Hope everyone's doing well. Seems like all us 'bloggers' are too busy to blog :(

So far so good

I didn't make it to the gym this morning but maybe I can squeeze that in tonight after class... I'm a late night kind of person anyways. I did make it class today. Elementary Algebra - whew. The guy thats teaching is Jessica old teacher from CCA. He's really good at explaining things and no one ever has anything bad to say about him. I think I'll enjoy this class. Tonight is my A&P 2 class.

Matthew and I are going to the Seeking 7 conference in b'ham Wednesday night. We're not able to go to the whole thing but we're going to hear Ravi speak Wednesday night. This is NOT my kind of thing... I'm kinda scared that its going to be waaaaay over my head BUT my husband is really excited about going so I'm praying that I'll enjoy it too.

I need to pick up before I pick up the kids.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTER IN LAW AMY!!!! I'm pretty sure she's turning 25 but I might be wrong.

My New Years Resolutions

Of course at the top of the list is to lose weight - duh! I'm going to start back at the gym next week when school starts for me. I've got to try harder... this is NOT the body I want to be stuck with!!

My hubby was really buff when we started dating (and I was a lot skinner).... so he's NYR is to get buff again. I bought him one of the $50 Gold's Gym in a box deal... the little door way hanger thingy to do pull ups and junk on. It also came with some other contraptions that I'm not sure exactly how they work.

We also started a nightly devotional by John McArthur. We're still reading other books but now we have a devotional to read.

I also made a commitment to keep my house kept up and not let it get overwhelming. I hope I can maintain this while in school. If so it would help with my stress levels.

I was telling my hubby about my next NYR when he jumped right in and bursted my bubble ;) I said I wanted to learn to bite my tongue... HE said... I should pray that God would change my heart so that I would think differently and NOT have to bite my tongue. Love his honesty... even if it stings.

Wish me luck

\m/ HOOK EM \m/

In a matter of hours the game will be on and people will be glued to the TV... I may or may not be one of them. I really don't care who wins but I don't think I can tolerate the obnoxious Alabama fans. Not all are obnoxious but there's enough to make me pull for Texas. My dad had my mom rent a generator just incase the power went out. Which brings me to my next point...

Where's the snow? I really wanted it. They talked this up so much calling it a "historic winter event" and all that junk. I'm going to be really disappointed if we don't get snow. I've seen flurries off and on all day. My kids are begging for snow. I'm ready for it. We bought a portable heater that runs of propane. We've got plastic to cover the windows (cause we're ghetto). I have groceries and plenty of warm clothes. We're just lacking the white stuff right now.

Matthew, Jessica and myself have been watching all the Harry Potter movies over the last few weeks. We watched the 6th one last night so now we're going to be one of those geeks that stand in line for hours trying to buy tickets ;) maybe not. Its good but I don't know of many movies that will make me stand in line for hours. Its not anything like I expected it to be. I remember when it first came out and all the talk about it from christians.... how they were banning it and that junk. I'm not really sure why. I mean if those christians would take such a strong stance with all they do and see then maybe it would make more sense to me. But those same christians are hooked on soap operas, romance novels and all sorts of other junk that they shouldn't be watching for the same reasons they wanted to boycott HP.

Well I've managed to make my first batch of macoroni salad... I asked everyone what was the one thing they wanted to snack on this weekend if we got stranded... Jessica picked macoroni salad. I must say... I did good. Now I've gotta get started on my mexican soup.

Prayer needed

Most of you know by now that Reba lost her husband Danny to cancer on Saturday. You also know that my family is very close to Reba. It has been really hard seeing her like this and I'm asking that you all pray for her. Like really pray... not just say "I'm praying" I can't imagine what her and his kids are going through. He left behind 2 children, Katie 18 and Taylor 14... their mom passed away years ago from cancer also. Its not fair... its not fair that those kids lost both parents. Its not fair that Reba is burying her husband today. I'm angry and sad. My heart aches in ways that it hasn't before. I don't know what lies ahead but I know its going to be tough. Most of the time we go to funerals and pay our respects... we might even follow up with a phone call. But soon after we return to our normal lives.... Their lives will never be normal again.

Take time to let your family know how much you love them and appreciate them.

Christmas is over :(

Yesterday was our first day at home since Christmas morning when we opened all of our presents. We had a great Christmas. I guess I hadn't realized how much I'd been buying and putting back until we started wrapping everything on Christmas Eve. We thought this was going to be a sad year for our kids but it wasn't! HA! We didn't do a lot on each other this year... well I take that back. Matthew did alot for me but I didn't do so much. I'll have to make it up to him on his birthday. I'd love to take him to Gatlinburg as a surprise.... Our tax return should be back in time for me to do that. I just need to figure out all the details. He'd love to stay in town so we could walk to all the stuff. I've been looking online at places... any suggestions?

We went to my sister's house Christmas day and after lunch and presents the grown ups (jessica included this year) played dominos until it was time to go to the Brocks for another Christmas dinner. Saturday morning we headed down to south alabama to visit more family. We came back Sunday afternoon.

Michael and Heather are in town so its been nice to have them around. They're moving to Clarksville, Tn soon... maybe in January. He's going to be stationed at Ft Campbell and its only 4 hours away!

I took pictures but you'll have to wait... I've gotta find the cable to hook up the camera :)

Any big plans for New Years anyone?

Christmas vacation!

Last night Matthew and I went out to eat and got some last minute Christmas presents bought.... all because his employer decided to actually give a decent bonus :) I feel much better about the things we got for our kids now... up until last night they were lacking in the toy area and I didn't think they'd get too excited about clothes and pj's. But we got some cool toys and now they're set! Jessica didn't ask for any big items this year so she wasn't too hard to buy for. I wish I could have given her more... or atleast been able to hand over a few hundred dollars to spend on her choice of clothes after Christmas. I remember being a teenage and LOVING that my mom would give me money in my stocking to pick out my own clothes.

Since finishing up with school I feel a little more relaxed. My stress level is definitely down. Although yesterday I got this strong feeling (or conviction) that I needed to be reading up for my next semester. But I have sooo many other things I'd like to get done while I have this time off for Christmas. I ended up getting a "B" in my biology class. I didn't expect anything above a "C" but was secretly hoping for an "A"... however the B doesn't show that its affecting my GPA... its still saying I have a 4.0... not sure how all that works. My lab partner made a D... its passing but for nursing you have to have a "C"... this was her 2nd time to take the class. She called me balling her eyes out and I tried to comfort her but the mother in me came out and I scolded her for her lack of effort throughout the semester.

I'd better get moving... we're due over at the inlaws to see Michael and Heather. They're moving to Clarksdale (or ville?), Tenn... only 4 hours away!!!!! We're not sure of their move date yet but we're hoping its very soon. We miss them and our kids miss them.

Proud Momma Moment #59686598948594854

My Darcy bug can read :) She turned 5 in November and she's reading and wants to read everything. Her teacher told me she's at the top of her class. I sub'd in there the other day and I saw it first hand... my baby is a genius!

Study Study Study

Its Monday morning and its really foggy outside. I'm sitting at the kitchen table waiting on my Lab Partner to get here so we can study. I'd really rather go back to bed. I'm subbing tomorrow and my final is on Wednesday so I don't have a lot of time left to study. I also have to give a speech for my other final. I'm doing it on abstinence :) I took my math final last Thursday... I don't my grade yet but I'm pretty sure I passed.

I was looking back trying to find pics

I was just telling someone about this the other day! LOL

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

My phone call
this morning the phone rings at 8:30am... this is how the conversation went

me: Hello

man: who am i speaking with?

me: Nicole

man: oh, well i think i have the wrong number Nicole. sorry.

(((this man seemed like a very nice man)))a few minutes later the phone rings again

me: hello

man: is this Nicole again?

me: yes sirman: I'm really sorry Nicole to bother you but I was given this number by agency but I was told it was to contact Stephanie.

(((well with my mom making phone calls yesterday to the bar I thought maybe this was an attorney trying to help me))))

me: what agency?

man: well i hate to say since this isn't stephanie

me: well maybe they gave you the wrong name by accident

man: the escort agency

me: hahahahahahahahhaahhaahahhahahaa (i couldn't stop laughing!!!! and he soon joined in) i'm sorry for laughing... I hope you find stephanie soon.

man: hahahahaaha thanks sorry to bother you.

OMG!!! I couldn't help laughing! then i hung up thinking... was he really talking about an "escort" service like prositution?????? so i called matthew to tell him about the phone call... i asked him if it was just like one of those area singles groups that match up personalities... he said UM NO! I said are you sure... maybe he needed a date for his company christmas party... he said yeah okay whatever! now this guy sounded like a really nice business man. I pictured him sitting in his nice size office drinking his morning coffee with a tie on... oh well... i guess everyone has needs. lol

Ickies and more

My wonderful hubby has been icky for days and now its my turn. He's a much better sicky than I am. I'm a whinner. He never complains! He offered to stay home this morning to help me get the kids ready for school but I told him I could handle it. I really wanted to say "yes please stay home!" I ended up falling on my front porch. I was trying to get Jeremiah out the door and tripped over the cat, rolled my ankle and hit the ground :( I'm okay.

My lab partner is supposed to come over today to study but so far I haven't heard from her. I really wanted to go back to bed but I refrained. I need to study! I also have a huge pile of laundry to tackle.

I went to the Ladies Christmas party at church last night. I decided to do a secret sister this year... I hope I don't let her down. I know her... she's pretty special to me :) Now I get to spend the whole year letting her know how special she is :)

Nice

This was last weekend... not sure who or why but they rolled the only tree in our yard... its on the other side of our fence next to the road. We ran out of TP last night and this sure came in handy :)

All this over football?

I've deleted it now so you can't go looking for it. But some of you may have seen the comments left on my facebook. It really bothered me that people were leaving such hateful comments about a guy they don't know and for most of them... he shares their faith... supposedly. Hateful remarks that turned personal. I got comments from people that I never talk to... it was just unreal at the stupidity displayed by some people. All this while calling themselves christians. You have to just stop and think what kind of witness are they being to those not proclaiming to be christians.

Thanks to those of you who did not leave ugly remarks :) I did notice.

Running Around

like a chicken with my head cutt off! HA!

School is almost over... for a few weeks anyways. I have big plans for those weeks off. Hopefully I can do some serious cleaning in my kids rooms and maybe even paint the master bath. I said I wasn't going to sub until after my finals but I ended up going in today and I'm subbing the DAY BEFORE my big final in 2 weeks. Its hard to tell them "no" when you know you're the only one that will help them out. I think all parents should be required to sub once :)

This morning the little ones watched Polar Express at school and I got to be there for that. Half way through the movie we stopped for hot chocolate and cookies. Tonight is Jessica's homecoming game... last night we decorated the school for Patriot Day (just her, a teacher and myself). It was kinda cool seeing all the kids this morning trying to figure out who did it. They seemed pretty pumped up about the game tonight.

I'm hoping it snows tonight... they say we could get an inch. I sure hope we do... even more would be nice. I ran to the store last night and got the kids some long johns and gloves just to be on the safe side. I forgot to buy up all the milk and bread :)

I hurt my shoulder again... its the same one I hurt a year ago. Its really sore. I'm trying to avoid going to the doctor with it. Last time he tapped me up and thats not cool! I cannot function with one arm!

Thanksgiving Day to Remember!

Jeremiah visited the ER room after busting his mouth on a wooden toy he was pushing down the hall at the Brock's house.
2 trips to the ER
5cc's of Lortab
2 attempts to start an IV
1 IV full of some sort of sedative
2 stitches
1 jacked up tooth
1 missing stitch
ONE TOUGH CHILD!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday with their loved ones. We're heading down to South Alabama at some point.

Darcy's FIVE

My baby had a birthday yesterday! She turned the big FIVE!!! I cannot believe it! When I picked her up yesterday from school she said "Momma, I'm not five! I don't feel five." I laughed! We had her birthday party at the "skating place" per her request but she didn't know where it was until we got there and then it took a minute (or someone blabbing it out) to realize where she was at. We all had a great time :) Here's some pics...

Me... Holding Back???

So I told you guys about me getting that job setting appointments for a scout... well I never received payment :( I set up several appointments and then ran out of contacts to call. I sent the guy an email asking him for more contacts and to make sure everything was still good. He replied and said he was going to get me some more contacts and send me a check. Well that was weeks ago and I haven't received anything. He owe's me a little over $300 and I could really use that money right now with it being so close to Christmas. I sent him another email tonight. Please pray God convicts him and he sends me a check soon! I don't know why I was so skiddish about contacting him again but I was... now I'm just waiting for a reply.

FOR SALE

I have some dear friends in the area trying to sale their house... Her husband has been relocated to Atlanta with his job. Check it out!

HOME FOR SALE

smelly

So one of my favorite things about this time of year is the smells! I love all the smells of fall/winter. I love the apple cider smell... or the cinnamon brooms :) I have a plug in right beside my door so everytime we walk in I smell the apple cider.

Whats your favorite smell?

My life

My life is very busy and I apologize to those who may feel neglected... I haven't forgotten you. School is very overwhelming... I'm in a pretty tight spot. I have to decide whether I'm going to drop the A&P class or stick it out. I DON'T want to drop it but if I can't make at least a 70 then I'll have to retake it anyways and it will bring down my GPA. If I drop the class then I will not be penalized... I'll just have to retake it. Which hopefully the 2nd time around it will be more of a refresher course and I'll do much better. But then again if I have to retake this course then it will put me behind on my plans... I would not be able to start nursing in the fall of next year :( I have to decide by Nov 13th... please pray for me :)

The Bug

I'm talkin about the stomach bug :( It has attacked our house and we're not happy about it! NOTICE the time of my post.

It all started with Jacob at 3 o'clock. I picked him up from school and he was still napping. I woke him up and within a few minutes he had puked. By 6pm he had puked a dozen times. He wasn't able to keep anything down.... nada! He puked up until we put him in bed around 10ish. Matthew was sleeping with him.

Darcy was in the bed with me. She woke up puking.... like P U K I N G!!!!! She wasn't even fully awake. The matress is soaked... I got her bathed and now she's on the couch. So far its only once for her.

No other symptoms. No fever... just puke.

I have a biology practical today and I really need to be at class. Matthew had already agreed to stay home with Jacob but I'm not sure how I feel about leaving him here with 2 sick kids.

Moving right along

I've been really busy lately with school. My A&P class (human anatomy and physiology) has been kicking my tail. Its one of those classes that you HAVE to study every day. I've been spending a lot of hours at school with my lab partner. We studied for 3 hours the other night... luckily it paid off - for me anyways. I had a quiz yesterday and I only missed 1. Whitney, on the other hand, blanked on the test and didn't do so well. It was so hard to watch her freak. I knew that she knew this but she froze. Some people just don't take test well. We have some sort of test every week... we have quizes, exams and practicals. Quizes are worth 10 points but they cover a lot of information. You almost feel cheated b/c of the amount of stuff you actually have to study but then a very small part of it is on the quiz. Yesterdays quiz was the bones of the skull and they axial skeleton. Exams are big... they're worth 100 points and they're pretty hard. They are scantron. Exams are the only test thats multiple choice but its still pretty hard. Practicals are rough. They're worth 50pts. Its basically a test that is set up around the room at different stations.

My online math class is alright. My other online class was very structured and I thought that I hated it but now I realize I liked it. My math class is a go at your own pace kinda thing and I forgot about it. I'm not disciplined enough to do it on my own. I probably won't do another online class.

Speech is good. Its a really easy class. It does require some effort so I imagine that some people might think its hard but I don't mind it. I have midterm in there tonight.

Well thats whats happening around here... whats happening in your neck for the woods???

I'm a nerd and proud of it!!!!

I got a letter today from Phi Theta Kappa inviting me to join the International Honors Society b/c of my GPA (which btw is 4.0).

SMACK

Jeremiah likes to smack when he kisses you... its very sweet :)

ITS NOT RIGHT!

Jacob is such a nut! He's really funny about his socks. I probably have to take off his socks and shoes 2x before they're like he wants them. He'll scream "its not right!" If the seam is on the side of his toe or if there's a little bump he's not a happy camper. It gets frustrating at times but it makes me smile. I want to remember this about him :)

Twitter

So after updating my facebook status, about laughing at jeremiah b/c matthew was tickling him and he jumped up and said "uh oh tee tee!" and ran to the bathroom, I got a message (maybe a hint) about twitter. I'm not really sure what twitter is all about but I have one now. So if you're dying to know my every thought and step you can follow me now. No stalkers please :)

www.twitter.com/brockclan6

Very discouraged

I went for my testing this morning. I wasn't prepared for the news.... just to have the test it was going to cost me $300... thats my copay. I didn't have the test done. I left in tears. I went straight from there and had to sub. I'm trying to figure something else out but I'm not sure yet.

Testing Testing 1 2 3

I went back to the doctor today for my following up appointment. I was convinced it was my gall bladder but now I'm not so sure and neither is my doctor! I took the medicine he put me on. I had no issues. But then the other night I forgot to take it 30 mins prior to eating. I ended up taking it but only waiting 15 mins. One of the reason I really thought it was my gall bladder is b/c that night I ate broccoli and its one of the foods on the list that is related to gall bladder issues. Well I had *issues* about 30 mins after I ate. I just knew it was my gall bladder but then I couldn't decide if HAD I taken the medicine like instructed if I would have had the issues. The medicine I was on treats IBS aka spastic colon.

So today i tell him about what happened. We went over again where I was having pain and all the other symptoms. My pain is on my Left side... gall bladder is on the right side. He listed several things he thought it could be... I didn't catch many of the names... other than him saying again that it could be IBS or dumping syndrome. He said he wanted to run the test to rule out gall bladder. So I'm scheduled to go tomorrow morning to have the test ran. Hopefully we'll have some answers soon!

He said if it was IBS then I'd just need medication (and take it like I'm supposed to) but I don't want to be on daily meds at my age. Guess we'll see!

My freak out

I just had a major freak out moment and called the police on my hubby! now let me explain. He left to pick up our kids an hour and half ago... he had to drive 20 mins down the road. After an hour and 5 mins had gone by I called the sitter (my dear friend Jenn) and asked how long he'd been gone (he wouldn't answer his cell phone). She told me that he hadn't gotten there yet to pick them up. At first I thought she was kidding but I quickly got this sick feeling in my tummy. I called the police (aka my dear friend Matt Staggs...more like a cousin). I explained to him what had happened and asked (or demanded) him to FIND MY HUSBAND! In the meantime I find his cell phone (he left it by mistake). I called the sitter back... still no hubby. Then I called Matt back... he said he hadn't had time yet. I scolded him and told him to send out an APD (thank God he loves me and realizes I'm crazy). Jenn beeps in and Matthew has finally arrived... he had gotten lost. Thats my husband! LOL Now I'm waiting on him to get home... hopefully he can find his way back home. God love em

totally random pic

This was last March... me and the boys at the doctors office (me, jeremiah and jacob)

I think I can I think I can

I HOPE I CAN!!! Yesterday my biology teacher passed out our test grades from last weeks test... I made a 50! The highest grade was a 76 and the class average was a 52. I cried. Yep I cried in class. We also took another test yesterday that I don't think I did well on. I guess I'm going to have to study harder. I can do this!

I woke up this morning and found a note from my hubby. At the bottom of the note he had a scripture for me... Phil 4:6-8 It was exactly what I needed! Go look it up!