Busy Fall!!!

I really do not even have the time to write this blog right now, but I am making myself take a breather.

I stepped up in the PTO and accepted a vote in as Event's Chairperson. This means that I am incharge of certain events within the PTO, starting with our biggest event...Pizza Pumpkin Night! It is a fun events for all ages. It has games and prizes, pizza, pop and water! Haunted Hallway (Trick or Treating) and Haunted Maze! I was blessed to have someone step up and Chair this event, so now I am just an overseer, but still I am finding this time consuming.

Next, my sister had a brainstorm on a business adventure! More details to come, but this is taking up the rest of my time.

To add, one of my sons is actually being sexually assulted on the bus and as he is waiting for the bus at school. And this was happening last year, and I gave this other child a second chance. Just to find that he is starting this again this year. So, I contacted the police and they gave him a verbal warning. If this EVER happens again, I will press charges. As many charges as I possibly can! I will go to the fullest extent of the law! He better watch out! Mess with my blood and you will go down!

Anyways, there is more. and more, and more. But it would take HOURS to type that out!

Yup! Let the rain pour!

:(

Kevin called me from work yesterday to tell me that he pulled his back out. He went into the clinic to find out that he pulled a muscle and sprained his back! Now, he is on Physical Thearapy and 15 restrictions. Tomorrow is more PT and a doctor's appt. We will know if he can return to work on Monday. I really hope so. Or it will look like we will not have the funds to pay our 1st of the month bills for August!!!! Oh, boy......2 1/2 years of not one bill late and now the threat of our lot rent, house payment and insurance being 2-3 weeks late!!!!

Breath Jackie Breath!!!!!

Camping

So, here I am day number 7 of camping. Our camper did not leak and believe me, it has rained plenty to test it! But overall, I am surprised at how much I am enjoying this. I am not looking forward to going home on Sunday. But, all things must come to an end!

The Good and the Bad

Why is it that every time things go good for my family (and maybe other people), something bad follows? Like we have to be constantly reminded not to take anything for granted.

For example, on Thursday Kevin had to just put a few finishing touches on the pop up for our upcoming camping trip. Thinking it would only take 2 hours TOPS to finish, we all went with him. Then it started to rain, then pour. And when it started pouring, the roof of the camper started to leak!!! Yes, it was better to find out then compared to a camping trip, but still.....

And now, is my most recent example.

My children are finally on summer vacation. And even though I am a wonderful mother that LOVES the public school system (and the wonderful time at home without fights and bickering), I am happy to have my kids home with me this summer.

So, we planned to have the kids go to my mother's house of Friday afternoon then to their Aunt Sue's for a sleepover! They were pumped! And Kevin and I were too! We were going out to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary even though it is not until June 26th, it was the only available time for us to go (do to Kevin's work schedule and our trip). All things went as planned. Kevin and I went to Great Lakes Crossing. Ate wonderful food and played games at Gameworks! Also, did a little shopping. Then we head to pick up our youngest and go home to watch those Wings win the Cup.......only to see them lose. :(

Then comes to bad....the ugly....the sad........

I pick up my children at my sister's house this morning to find Jonny with a temp and complaining of a bad headache. He used to have this happen to him when he was younger. Once the headache goes away, so does the temp. Not the case at all tonight. (Or I would not be typing this out at 1:20am) His temp has gone from 101 to 103. Then, I go to him around 11pm to give him his round of meds and boom.......Joey has a fever and complaining of a headache!!!

So here I am....awake, alone, with 2 kids with fevers, staying awake to give meds, not being able to fall asleep bc I am worried about my little men.....

The good............our wonderful anniversary night
The bad..............some type of weird virus infecting my family!

I don't want the bad...just the good.....at least just for a little bit please!!!!

Update

After a visit to the doctors, I have been told that I pulled a muscle in my neck and sprained a ligamet. My muscle is in a big enough knot that the doctor told me he would not even try to touch it bc he knew I would get upset!

Pain in the NECK!

Tuesday morning, I took my mom to the doctor's because she is not well. Sinus infection, ear infection and dizziness. When I took her home then went to leave for Matthew and I to go home, all of a sudden, I got this HUGE pain going up the back-right side of my neck.
Thinking it would go away with time, I just came home and rested. All to find out that it was hurting even more. Took hot showers, no help. Took Motrin, no help.

And of course, I am part of the American body that does not have insurance as it is just to much money to pay out.

I took some more meds last night and went to sleep. Only to wake at 2:30am in execrating pain. No matter what I did, my neck was shooting pain through my head and right arm. Not being able to take it anymore, I starting crying. This woke Kevin up. At that time, I was ready to be taken to the ER even though I knew it would be a GIGANTIC bill.
Kevin was able to talk me out of it and now I am waiting for the doctor to get into the office this afternoon so I can see what can be done.

At some times, I feel like I pulled a muscle. At other times, it feels like I pinched a nerve. When the pain comes, my fingers go numb (tingling) and if I relax my shoulders, the pain goes right away. Maybe I pinched a nerve and pulled a muscle!

All I know is that I have a HUGE bump on the back of my neck and I cannot turn my head at all or it hurts!

Going to be a FUN summer!

Thank you to Craigslist and a very very handy father in law, Kevin and I are new owners of a RV!

Today we bought a Pop up camper for the wonderful price of $200! Needed some work, but my father in law already fixed it!

I am soooooo excited! Already have June 26th through July 5th booked for camping!

H1N1

Last night, all of my sister's and my mother went out for Mother's day. No, you did not forget Mother's day. My mom is helping my sister move to Florida this week so we decided to celebrate early, when all of us could be together. And I don't think we have ever done anything like that before. It was fun!

When I got home, it was around 9:30 and I received a phone call from my dad.
"Jackie, do you realize that is no school for your kids tomorrow?"

I said " Why? WHAT???"

"Ummmm...SWINE FLU" said my dad

At first I really thought my dad was messing with me like he likes to do to me. But, I went online and saw that our school district closed school for Monday and Tuesday due to 1 high school student who MAY have the flu.
Overboard? Yeah, maybe a little. But I can't help to be thankful that they are looking at my children's overall health with this issue.

Pray

When I got home I got a phone call from my cousin. My aunt has been placed in the ICU for 100% Kidney failure. Please pray for peace. Thank you

So, I did it!

For the first time in MONTHS, I attended church.

I actually enjoyed it. Alot! It was amusing, interesting and educational at the same time.

The sermon was taught on Truth.

When the pastor went into our sins, it did hit me and made me see that I am no different than anyone. My opinions are just that, opinions. My sin are just that, sins. And the sooner I see them, the sooner I can be saved from them. The one thing that I just never got was when I would be told to walk away from my sin. It was like "How can I do that? And if I can just do that, then why did Jesus die?"
I think I may be right when I say that it is more about recognizing the sins and facing them. Anger is my biggest sin. I get so made sometimes that I wish people would die. And to be told that it makes me a murder in God's eyes bc of what he told us in the Word, is a shocker. So to see it, face it and try my best to change it is what God wants. He knows my heart. He knows that I don't really want someone to die (Maybe move to England or something LOL) and that I just am so upset and sad. And that I truly just need a shoulder to cry on. And yes, I never turn to Jesus.
I have a hard time turning to him bc his shoulder is not present in front of me. I have to ...I really don't know what I have to do?

Feels weird, but I feel like I am starting over with the Christian walk. Like I have wiped my slate clean and now I am back at the beginning.

But I really liked this new church! And better yet, the kids loved it!

Mommy Questions

1. How old were you when your first child was born? 20

2. What month and year was your youngest child born? July 2006

3. How did you feel when you first found out you were pregnant? With my first child, I was happy.

4. Who did you tell first? My husband

5. How many pounds did you gain during your first pregnancy? I don't remember

6. What did you crave while you were pregnant? Sour Patch Kids

7. Did you find out the gender of your first child? Yes

8. Did you have any complications during your pregnancy?My first pregnancy was induced 2 weeks early due to a low level of the fluid.

9. How much did your first child weigh? 6 lbs. 7 oz.

10. Was your first child early, late, or on time? 2 weeks early

11. What is the most difficult challenge or health issue that any of your children have faced? Rather not share

12. What's your favorite part of being a mom? I do like being a mom. My fav part would have to be when we can play board games/video games, and hang out. I do not like being the discipline mommy.

13. Do you think it's easier to be a mom or a dad? Depends on which one stays at home or both work. In my situation, it is more difficult to be the Mom. Due to the restrictions that are on me everyday. I would not change it for anything though!

14. What is the best piece of advice you could give to someone who is about to have their first child? Keep it at one! hehe...well to each there own! But be prepared, mentally. Right when you think things are going well, someone gets a fever, one if fighting with the other...so on.... it is not to be taken lightly. You are the one who teaches and shapes this little person into the adult they will be....you will be surprised at how much they learn from you.

15. Did you always think you'd have kids? Yes and No. I wanted kids but never thought I would have them.

16. What's been the biggest surprise about motherhood? No privacy!

17. Are there things you miss about life before kids? Yes. I married at 19 and had Joey at 20. If I could go back, I would have waited a year longer. Just to have some more one on one time with my husband.

18. How many children do you have? 3 boys

19. Do you plan to have any more children? NO! If I do, yell at me okay?

20. Who's the mom that you admire most? I really don't know. I just try to be the best mom I can be while staying the person I am. I guess I admire the mom who will not change who she is because she is a mom. To be true to yourself and stay a mom is the healthiest way to raise a child. Stay true to yourself.

A new addition

First of all, I will start this blog out with saying that the new addition is not in my immediate family. I am NOT pregnant! Not interested in that right now for SURE!

The new addition is my oldest sister's baby. He was born last night around 6pm. Weighing in at 5lbs. 14oz. Boy, is he a doll too! But to my wonderful surprise, my sister asked me on Monday night to attend the birth. I have experienced 3 births of my own but never had experienced the joy of witnessing one. It was quite different being the one that is helping. Most of the time I had no idea what to do but just be there for her and that is what I did. It was a great experience though. And she is so thankful that I was there. I think (from experience myself) that it was just the point of knowing someone is there with you and you are not alone.

So, now that I am home....I am very tired. I had a great night of sleep last night, but I am still really worn out today. Ready for bed again and it is only 5:30pm.

$5 Dinners

Through a friend on facebook I found this website that is giving away a free $50 gift card!

Go HERE!

Christmas

The TRUE meaning of Christmas can be found in these important verses.

Luke 2:1-20
The Birth of Jesus

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

I think that I have memorized the story of Jesus' birth by now. And I even cry when I watch the Charlie Brown Christmas on T.V. and one of the children tell the Christmas story. Of course this holiday always hits me and us Christians really hard because it is the truth, the day we celebrate the birth, the beginning of life to this one person whom we call God. This man, through his spirit, makes me feel calm when the storm is brewing in my life. He comforts me when sad times approach. And He tells me not to feel alone, because He is always with me. On December 25th (which is not the real birth date of his birth) I celebrate the "coming of my king".
We may not have alot of money for what the world calls Christmas. But I have alot in my heart to give to my Lord on the day we celebrate him.
I think of the way I am on my birthday. How most can be on their birthday. We can kinda act a little self fish...wanting it all to be about us. It is OUR day right? Hmmmm what happens on Jesus' birthday? Don't we all wake up (some of us really early in the morning), and look under a tree in our house and see ALOT of presents? It is not our birthday! It is Jesus'. But yet, because us Christians believe that everything we have is from God himself and we would not have anything without Him, God gives US presents on HIS birthday.....pretty interesting in my book!

I am saddened this year about Christmas though. I miss my old church this year. Seeing everyone at the holidays....I miss it. But also, I am saddened about the selfishness that the world is when it comes to presents. To gifting people with expensive toys and gifts. It is not what it is about. I mean, a nice present is nice and all, but I am looking forward to the time I get to spend with my family.
Someone I love asked this question a few weeks ago. "What do you like Thanksgiving? It is Christmas that has the presents!"
My answer:
I love thanksgiving because there is not pressure of what you are getting others. It is just about family, love and being thankful for what you have on that day. It is not about material things, it is about your relationships and your love for others.

I want to end this post with my most favorite Christmas song.
Please go to it.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqAJJyuyPno

Here are the lyrics

A poor orphan girl named maria
Was walking to market one day
She stopped for a rest by the roadside
Where a bird with a broken wing lay
A few moments passed till she saw it
For its feathers were covered with sand
But soon clean and wrapped it was travelling
In the warmth of marias small hand
She happily gave her last peso
On a cage made of rushes and twine
She fed it loose corn from the market
And watched it grow stronger with time
Now the christmas eve service was coming
And the church shone with tinsel and light
And all of the townfolks brought presents
To lay by the manger that night
There were diamonds and incense And perfumes
In packages fit for a king
But for one ragged bird in a small cage
Maria had nothing to bring
She waited till just before midnight
So no one would see her go in
And crying she knelt by the manger
For her gift was unworthy of him
Then a voice spoke to her through the darkness
Maria, what brings you to me
If the bird in the cage is your offering
Open the door and let me see
Though she trembled, she did as he asked her
And out of the cage the bird flew
Soaring up into the rafters
On a wing that had healed good as new
Just then the midnight bells rang out
And the little bird started to sing
A song that no words could recapture
Whose beauty was fit for a king
Now maria felt blessed just to listen
To that cascade of notes sweet and long
As her offerings was lifted to heaven
By the very first nightingales song

Merry Christmas!

November 22nd

On Saturday it will be my 29th birthday. I am not one to "freak out" about my age...so it is no BIG deal that this is my last year of being a 20-something....

Instead, I am very excited. This year, I have the honor of doing something great on my birthday. Something selfless, something that gives you something that no amount of money can buy.

I will be handing out thanksgiving baskets.
My father started this when we were young. We would get a small basket together, (turkey,stuffing, milk and so on) and take it to my fathers aunt who lived in downtown Detroit. But one year, she was not home. So we decided to take a drive and see if we saw someone who was needy. Then as we were about to give up, we saw couple going through a dumpster behind a building. They did not have a home to live in, they did not have any material possessions except what they had on them. As I look back I think they may have been abusing some type of drug. BUT, my dad got out of the car and offered this couple a full Thanksgiving dinner. I remember him asking if they had a place to cook it, and they were so excited and replied with a YES! They were able to take it to a friends home and cook it.
I also remember the car ride home. It was sad and lonely. At that time, I was kinda bummed that our day had been ruined so to say. But now, as a soon to be 29 year old, I see why it hit my dad so much. It hurts when you go out there and give. It hurts because of so many reasons. One, that you feel like you just will never have enough to give. You want to give so much more. Two, it kinda slaps you on the face to see how "self fish" you can be. A want that seems like a reasonable one, seems like you are asking too much. Three, It makes you see how well God has blessed you. Not only with a home, good food but with a loving family who loves each other.

So this is Christmas???

So far in my house, it kinda is!

We have our outside lights already up (heard it might snow this upcoming weekend) and I have my village up! Both look so pretty!

And an update:

Things have been busy around here. I organized the Farrand Fall Festival at the kid's school. That was a great success, but took so much of my time. Then Kevin went on vacation and will return to work tomorrow.

I have been watching my little nephew 1-2 times a week. But I do not get him this week :(
He is going to Arizona with my sister and mom to visit my grandparents. They won't be back until next Sunday. I will miss that little guy! And same with Matthew.... He is always asking for "iya"...hehe

But hmmmm.....Oh REALLY GOOD NEWS! My husband...Kevin, passed his test to be a licensed plumber! He gets a raise tomorrow at work and received a better work truck! Now he really has a "truck-like" truck!

Other than that, just to same with the kids. Growing and Growing. Eating and Eating!!!

Hope to hear from all my friends out there...Miss you all!

Economy

It seems like the economy is hitting hard around us. So many people we know has lost alot of money due to the stock market and with prices of EVERYTHING going up, up and up...there is not telling what kind of Christmas anyone will have this year.

Here is a story I read in the Observer this week. This is my children's school district.

http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008810160692

Welp...

I gave in.

I had a cigarette.
I was a mess. So I just gave in.

Any smoker knows that it is hard.

I have set a new quit date:

Thursday Sept. 25th

The day after my husbands test.

I had

my first crying fit.

I was really hoping I would not, but I did. I just pulled myself together and now I am fine.

I am really trying to use NOTHING.
But I do have nicorite gum ust in case.

It has been 15 1/2 hours since my last cigarette.

So far is has been 11 hours

Since my last cigarette.

Other than having to stop myself from the "habit" of going outside this morning, I think I have been doing good.

I have to remind myself that I am quitting because I will die.

And so I can get a good nights sleep again. It has been over a week now since I have had a good nights sleep. I am sooo tired.

Just wanted to update.

I ended up having my last cigarette a day early b/c of my breathing problems.