I did the Black Friday shopping thing yesterday. My mom and I went to Target and waited in line for it to open. I didn't mind it at all, because I did most of my shopping online, and Target was the only place I wanted to go. I still have to go get some gift cards from a few other places, but I won't do that this week. I did leave with a lot of stuff, and a pretty bad case of "Buyer's Remorse". I'm always like that, I hate being responsible for paying the bills and doing the shopping, ew.

I am so happy Bryan is home this weekend. He is leaving the end of the week, so I am just soaking it up. He has finally consented to help me put together Lucy's new bed for our room. I'm excited to see it all put together. I am so ready to not be pregnant, but I don't want anything to happen until after Bryan gets back from NY. This is my last week off of doctor's appointments. Starting next Monday I will be there every week.

This is going to be a busy week and I am going to try very hard not to think about Bryan leaving on Friday (or maybe Thursday). I'm having a little stress about his review when he gets back. It will set his contract, probably for the next year. He really needs a raise or some benefits of some kind in order for us to move out soon. So I'm really trying to relax, when really I keep crunching the numbers over and over in my mind.

Also, I'm really praying that Lucy has adapted to a head down position. She is floating quite a bit and never seems to stay in the same position. Last ultrasound back at 29 weeks she was breach. I can't really tell what's what at this point. ???

"Lord, thank you for this weekend of family time and rest. I am enjoying it so much. Please help me to remember that you have already gone before me in this week and that I don't need to worry about what is ahead. Help me to enjoy this season, my kids, my husband, and the rest that I am getting now. Amen."

Where'd the belly go?

So the good news of the morning is that it seems, and it may not stay this way, that Lucy is quite a bit farther down that she was yesterday. I woke up with searing intestinal pain, probably because my intestines were peeling away from my ribs and diaphragm, where they have been for several months. The good news... more room for turkey tomorrow! But I'm not banking on her staying this way, she dropped a little last weekend only to float right back up, and slide into some transverse-cock-eyed position.
I am sooo ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow, and for us, Friday too. Partly the food, also the time with family, and the traditions and memory making. We are taking pictures as a family and of the kids for our Christmas cards, etc. The next time we get pics done it will be in January to mark all the kids birthdays (since January is in between).
After Friday I will officially allow myself to get peppermint mochas at Starbucks, listen to my Celtic Christmas cd, and wear Christmas socks! I have strict rules about those things until after Christmas.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow. Enjoy your families and love them no matter how frustrating they are every other day of the year. Eat lots of good food, and try to find a warm place to cuddle up for the evening. Oh, and don't drink too much cider, I'm sure we've all learned that the hard way at least once :)

Don't forget to check out the new Jon Foreman song on my myspace, I'm so loving it. I think it is a great song for Thanksgiving, but really for my whole year.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=112297444

Mandi's movie review

So I finally saw "Twilight" last night. You may remember I mentioned the book a while back. I had a feeling I was going to feel this way about the movie, and sure enough...
When you read a book you can know what characters are thinking, feeling, and experiencing. Books can make you feel like you are "there". Movies... not usually. Yes. Edward is a babe, but in the movie he was just sad and pathetic. You can't feel the charm and allure that he had over girls. In the book he smiles and is so charming. In the movie he does just a little too much brooding. Some brooding is hot, but I just can't feel attracted to a guy who's just depressing.
Anyway, I knew it would be impossible for the movie to capture the chemistry between Bella and Edward. I'm not going to say it was horrible or anything, but the book blows it away.
The thing that struck me most about this movie was how long ago high school was. I graduated in 2001, so it's been like 8 years. I kept seeing the "kids" in the movie and thinking things like "where are there parents?" "that is just inappropriate" or "a minor can't just drive across the country alone!". So, the teenager antics and behavior were really stark in the movie (not to mention Jen and I were the only non-teen and non-mom-of-a-teen in the theater) Because the book kinda puts you in Bella's shoes you kinda forget how young she is. By the end of the movie I was convinced that there was no way a 17 year old could really be in "real love" and know what being with someone "forever means" (note: I started dating Bryan when I was 17, and I am still "totally and irrevocably in love"). Of course I believe Edward because he's like 200 years old or something, but I believe most things he says.
So, here is my final take on the movie:
The book is way better, it offers no moral or Christian values, but it's super romantic with out being "gross". The movie is only worth seeing if A) you're a teenager B) you've read the book C) you're a big fan of hot vampires. That sorta narrows it down doesn't it?


Check out the AWSOME new Jon Foreman (lead singer from Switchfoot) song on my myspace
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=112297444

Update from the womb

So here's the update on all things pregnancy.
I'm miserable. Super stink'n miserable. I'm 35 weeks this week. I have contractions off and on, but not the kind that indicate labor anytime soon, just the annoying ones. I have basically experienced the return of morning sickness, but only at night. I have on more than one occasion experienced horrible swelling (the Dr isn't worried about my blood pressure). I guess something about having been pregnant FOUR TIMES happens to wear the body down a bit.
I went to see (Dr) Finley today. We are planning on having this "going" one way or the other by December 27th. We will try some natural techniques to get things moving before scheduling an induction, which he informed me I would have to go to T.G. instead of St. Joe's in the case of medical induction. Bummer.
But I have to be honest with ya'll, and you know I always am, this kid ain't hang'n around in here that long anyway. Call it instinct, call it hormones, but whatever it is something "changed" this past week. I always have certain symptoms the last 2-3 weeks when my hormones start to change and build. I get a weird tunnel vision, intestinal problems, and usually loose a couple pounds. So ya, she just needs to stay in until Bryan gets back from NY on the 12th.
That would be the update.

The only other thing I have to add today is an Aiden anecdote. He got in trouble on the bus home from school today for, and I quote, "spitting on his hands and kissing the windows". HUH?

I have a prayer request...

As most of you know, we have been hoping/planning to move out and get our own place after the first of the year. We have been making lots of progress in reaching our financial recovery goals over the past few months. However, I am feeling a little down today, because some new challanges have been added, all at once!
I got a bill from Children's Hospital (Autism/neuro clinic), another from St Joseph's (ultrasound from before my deductible was met, ouch!), and another from the city of Cheektowaga NY (pertaining to the closing on the short sale of our house), I also found out how much it is going to cost for Bryan's prescription he got yesterday (he has been trying to quit chewing tobacco and it has been making him REALLY SICK), and he has an "operation" scheduled for January (which our insurance doesn't really pay for).
WHY!!!??? I hate money. Really.
I haven't totaled it up, but it is going to be a couple thousand dollars in the end.
So the reason I had to come vent and ask for prayer isn't because I want miraculous financial healing (which would rock), but because most of all I want to have a heart of contentment and patience. I want our own place SO BAD! Let's face it, I'm nesting, and there is no better way to ruffle a mother hen's feathers than put her somewhere where there is no place for her new baby to sleep! (poor Mary, seriously, at least we're not dealing with a stable here)
So, please friends, pray for my family. We are, as always, a three ring circus. I love my life, full of joy and sorrow, because I know God has created a masterpiece for His glory (eventhough it looks like "modern art" to me). But I am in real need of a little extra peace. Also pray for wisdom in dealing with all these situations, including whether or not we are going to be able to move out after the first of the year.

"Lord, thank you for teaching me that material things have no fulfillment. Thank you also for taking care of my children, they have always had a warm place to sleep, even when it wasn't what I hoped it would be. Please remind me to be THANKFUL, especially this next week, instead of trying to come up with a way to get more. Please also help all the other families around me in need. I recognize that we are not the only ones who struggle. I know I have several friends out there who have needs right now, please show them mercy and surprise them with Your blessings.
This is the part where I trust You with the rest.
Amen."

"...it's only a flesh wound." -Monty Python in Search of the Holy Grail

Lucy Clover's Baby Sprinkle Pictures

My baby sprinkle was so wonderful! I had such a great time seeing everyone. Everything was glowing pink, literally!

Random thoughts are the best I can do today

I can't believe I still haven't posted the baby shower pics! They are on my mom's computer, so next time I go over there I will be sure to upload them.

Anyway, can you believe it's almost Thanksgiving?! Aiden starts his break on Tuesday (a week from today) He has been doing so well lately, we have been so impressed at the changes he has been making. He still has tough days, but nothing too crazy. I know he will probably have some rough patches, especially over Christmas break, but I am just thankful for the progress.

I took him to Tyler's 4th birthday party Sunday, and he managed himself the whole time. He didn't even through a tantrum when it was time to leave. He wasn't able to stay in the room when all the other kids were playing games, but he found himself a quiet place to play and defused on his own, no help from me! We stayed an hour, which is a record for us. After the party we went to his grandpa's for dinner, and had no problems there either! I was amazed.

He also brought home an award for reading excellence last week, complete with the Principal's signature and a certificate for Pizza Hut!He also got a hair cut on Saturday, I will be sure to add some new pics of both the boys later (he's not home right now). Have I ever mentioned that Aiden gets hives? Oh my, when he's mad, tired, around pets, in the sun or too hot, and when he gets a hair cut. He had hives all afternoon after that hair cut. I gave him benadryl but they didn't' really go away until the next day. Poor guy, but he still didn't loose his cool. When we were at Kid Kuts there was a little girl (about 2) who was crying during her quick trim, Aiden looked at her and said "that girl is crying, I don't cry when I get my hair cut." I shot him the "don't be rude" look (which he never picks up on) and said "yeah, when you were her age we wouldn't have been able to bring you here, you were so much worse!" The little girl's mom and dad looked at me appreciatively.

So that's the up-to-date report on Aiden. I haven't been writing about him much lately because "no news is good news". Here are a couple of fun Aiden anecdotes for everyone who enjoys his extensive vocabulary.



Aiden: "Alyssa tried to kiss me on the playground."

me: "You better be careful because you know kissing is against the rules and you will probably get in trouble."

Aiden: "I know, I'm just gonna have to break her little heart."





(while sitting on a footstool at his grandpa's house)

Aiden: "I'm sitting on my tuffet."



"Lord, thank you for making Aiden so different. You have always known what a fan I am of different."

November 15th is a good day to be born!

Wow, two of my friends may be having their babies right now! My friend Jen called me while I was at the grocery last night. She was about to go back to the hospital. She was there last week and they gave her medication to stop her labor. She's only about 35 weeks, but they haven't put her on bed rest or anything. So she was going back last night because the contractions had returned! I haven't heard an update, but I'm hoping to hear something before lunch. It's possible they stopped her labor again and she is home resting.

Also, Jessica sent out a text at about 3:00am to let everyone know she was 5cm and resting comfortably with her epidural. I am hoping to get a picture of baby Keeley and minute!

I was already wishing the end would hurry up and get here, but now my pregnant friends aren't going to be pregnant anymore!! Hang in there Michelle, I don't want to be the only one!

Can you put children in the dishwasher?

So I just thought I would share a little bit of the weirdness going on in my brain this morning.
My first thoughts upon waking up centered around my desire to go grocery shopping. ? Today is grocery day for us, but because Bry is sick and I drove him to work this morning I am going to wait until he is home. So then I started cleaning like I'm on the clock or something. You could eat off any surface in our bathroom. I put half the kids tub toys in the dishwasher and ran it at "high heat" and threw the other half away (they smelled funny). The wash machine has also been working really hard this morning. I have pretty much washed anything I can find.
I balanced our budget for the next two weeks, cut coupons, swept, made all the beds, etc.
I have officially lost my mind. I had promised myself I wasn't going to start "nesting frenzy" until after Thanksgiving (36weeks), but this week I already washed and organized all of Lucy's clothes. I still haven't messed with any of her big items (bed, swing, bouncy seat, etc) so hopefully those things really will wait.
Did I mention that the other day I made jalapeno poppers and ate them swamped in raspberry jam?

"Dear Lord, thank you for my family and the home we live in. There are so many times when all I can think about is what I want or what I think will make me happy. How foolish I am. I know that you have blessed me beyond my needs in so many ways, and I have to stop looking at my life through worldly eyes. Thank you for my husband, and thank you that after over 8 years together we are so in love. Thank you for my two awesome sons, and thank you for the surprise gift you have given us with our daughter. Thank you . Amen."

I won! (Warning: PG-13)

I had such a great weekend. Saturday I went on a trip to Downtown Seattle with my mom. It was a benefit for Children's Hospital. I was also the lucky winner of a raffle on the trip. I won a huge basket of organic non-toxic home cleaning products. I was soooo happy because it was full of things we already use. Also , I don't know if I have mentioned before that Aiden likes to do a lot of cleaning. He uses the "GreenWorks" products by Clorox. So I knew he was going to be thrilled. It was really cool because I NEVER win things, and in this case I felt like I was probably the person who would appreciate the prize most.
Sunday afternoon was my baby sprinkle. I LOVED it!! I will be talking more about that when I get the pics uploaded!

So there is one other story I wanted to take time to share today, but beware... it's mushy. You probably all know I am not one of those mushy love people, I have a bubble. But I think it's really important to brag about our husbands once in a while so they will know how much we really appreciate them. If Bryan does something and it impresses me enough to tell my friends, then he really feels proud.
Monday night, I was feeling so miserable. My gallbladder has been bothering me, plus every time I lay down my stomach tries to empty itself. Ugh. Bryan had been moping because I had been gone doing fun things all weekend and he hadn't received any attention from me. (Warning:TMI ahead) And as many of you know or can guess, pregnancy isn't the best time for "intimacy". So he was really moping. But I felt absolutely miserable. I knew this made him even more disappointed, all I wanted to do was go to sleep.
I tried to lay down in bed to sleep, but I couldn't. I felt so sick. He noticed I was sitting up and asked me what was wrong. I told him how I was feeling, and mentioned that having a Lazy Boy or a recliner of some kind would have been awesome. Well, we don't have a recliner. He must have genuinely felt sorry for my condition, because despite the fact that he was going to have to get up at 4:30 in the morning to go to work, he sat up in bed with a couple pillows behind him and let me lean against him, like a real lazy boy. I fell asleep that way, but I don't think he was very comfortable. But he toughed it out until I was ready to lay on my side at about 3 in the morning. When I woke up in the morning I was so in love. I felt like he had rescued me. I do try to appreciate him on a daily basis, and let him know that I notice how hard he works. He is my favorite person. He is the reason why I love my kids so much! I probably shouldn't tell you, but... I think he was feeling pretty appreciated the next day ;)

Aiden, the alien

I have no idea how long it has been since I posted. Monday, I think. This week was so busy, mostly in a good way (with some low spots).
The highlight of the week is something I have been looking forward to sharing, I just had to wait for a time when I could sit down and think enough to form sentences.
So here goes:
Aiden is a funny guy. Often we don't really know what is going on in his head. He is random. His teacher sends home his school work every week, and it is a good way to check his progress. However his level of function changes regularly and it is reflected in his school work.
Anyway, we have been told he did well on his most recent letter and word identification assessments, although we can't get him to talk to us about it at home. I read to him every night, and have since he was born. Last Christmas we received a box of BOB books as a gift. They have been waiting with much of the learning materials I have because when I have attempted to work on reading with him at home he has been very resistant.
I found the box of BOB books the other day, unopened, unread. I got out the first two books in the series and I figured if I start reading them to him he will eventually identify all the words in the book. So we sat down to read and I read the title of the first book, "Mat". That's it. That's all I read, because Aiden proceeded to read the rest of the book to me. As well as the next two books. I didn't pressure him to keep going when he wanted to be done,because I felt like I was somehow going to jinx it and whatever had just happened was going to turn out to be a fluke. That night he read a few of the books to Bryan before bed. I dunno, we were both just speechless. We never know what is going on in that kid's head. My little 5 year old is a reader! This morning he showed me on a map where Washington State is, and then he told me there are lots of aliens here, over 100 of the. What?

So about the rest of my week. I had a great time at Valley MOPS on Tuesday, and Bethany MOPS on Thursday. Aiden was in school Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesday Jack went to my mom's for some special time with Nana. I went to my friend Amy Eller's where I had some rock'n homemade "Baked Potato Soup". I really enjoy hanging out with her :)

This weekend is going to be so fun. I'm going to Seattle with my mom tomorrow for the whole day. We are taking a nice charter bus up to downtown in the morning and it is bringing us back in the evening. We went last year also, it was soooo fun. I am trying to decided where to eat. I am thinking about Wild Ginger. I would normally say Purple, undoubtedly. However I don't think it's an option this year (thanks alot Lucy!) Then on Sunday I am heading to my mom's for Lucy Clover's "Baby Sprinkle". I am ready to see all my friends!

Ok, that was long. I have more stories, but I'll save them in hopes I will post more often!

Trick or Teeth

We had a fun Halloween. The kids did great and brought home lots of candy.

What made it a really special day was actually something I didn't expect. Before heading over to my mom and dad's (Nana and Poppa's) for dinner and trick or treat, Aiden casually mentioned to me that one of his teeth was "wobbly". It really was. I'm not sure how long his tooth had been loose, but it was really loose.I made sure everyone left it alone, I knew Bryan would try to convince him to tie it to a door knob or something.
Anyway, so after our long walk around the neighborhood we went back to my parents with our loot. Aiden who is not only smart but funny, decided if he ate the just the right candy it would make his tooth come right out.
So he dumped a box of nerds in his mouth. He was crunching them like a cat. Then after what seemed like an unreasonably long amount of time to chew had gone by, the expression on his face changed. My mom and I both jumped at him calling "spit it out! spit it out!". And there it was, not a nerd, but a little white tooth. Probably the first tooth that had ever popped through his gums.

He was so proud. He told everyone he saw on Saturday about is tooth and the "two dollar bills" the tooth fairy and left him.

So that was all fun and wonderful, but there was a downside to the evening. Apparently with all the good pregnancy hormones I have going on right now, one of the side effects can be VERY loose hip joints. I honestly think my right leg was out of the socket by the time I got home. I was so close to heading to the E.R. I couldn't move it and it was excruciatingly painful. However Tylenol and a couple days off my feet seem to have healed it. I'm just going to be more careful from now on. Too much walking, I guess.

"Thank you Lord for my children and all the joyful experiences they bring!"