Of Health and Self-Pity

Remember how I listened to all of you loyal readers, friends, and family and I went to the doctor for my endless episodes of illnesses this year?

Well, I got the call yesterday; something isn't right. I'm not really going to go into much detail, because I don't know a lot yet. I just know that I have to go back on August 28th to have a biopsy done of some abnormal tissues, that were found. I honestly don't feel too uneasy in my heart, I feel calm and I feel like God is right here with me.

Andy said a beautiful prayer for me, last night, and I think that's where my calmness lays. He asked God to be with us, whatever the outcome may be, and that His will is carried out and that we will see HIM in this all.

I'm such a baby when it comes to my health. There, I said it. I don't like to address issues, I like to avoid even going to the doctor, and I pretend nothing is wrong when it really could be. When I actually succumb to my illnesses, then you know it's pretty bad. But once I do succumb, I tend to whine, sulk and go into the world of self-pity.

Today, is apparently no different. Last night, I didn't sleep one ounce. Last night, I sulked and stewed over the information I received yesterday.

For some reason, in my gut, I knew there might actually be something wrong with me so I tried to weasel my way out of every appointment, and then the doctor canceled one of the appointments, and that's when I knew something had to be wrong. Because that's how things work in my life, when they are put off it's usually because I don't want to hear the outcome.

I've learned something already: do not avoid situations! Whether I am afraid of the outcome or not, I need to learn to take better care of myself. Maybe, just maybe, learn to myself first for once! We'll see how long I keep this learned lesson! ;)

I'll keep you all updated.

Thanks for reading, friends!

National Cheesecake Day

Oh yeaaaa- there is a holiday for this wonderful creation.

Did you know that cheesecake was originated during the Greek Olympics, dated in 776 B.C. ?

Did you know that it wasn't actually recognized until 1872, when cream cheese was *officially* created?

Did you know that if you have a Cheesecake Factory in your area, you can get a slice of this dense, no-calorie (ok, only if you don't have a box stating the calories or if you don't ask about the calories), piece of heaven for ONLY $1.50 (today only!).

Do you know where I am talking my hubby into going for dessert, tonight??

This has been a public service announcement from Mommee.

God Bless The Broken Road

That lead me straight to you....

Dear A-

Seven years ago I was eighteen, barely out of high school, naive, and head over heals in love with a blue eyed, brown (or was it blond when we met?? hehe) haired, boy, who made me melt when I was in his arms. Little did I know what the years would bring: the joys, the sorrows, the trials, tribulations, and the life lessons we would embark on together. We were merely babies taking on marriage, with full force, no matter what warnings we were given.

While the first few years of marriage was a true test of strength, we struggled together. We stood side-by-side, as man and wife, and fought our way through. We grew up together and we grew together as one. We learned to love each other deeper than we ever could have imagined.

In our fourth year of marriage, we had Adam. God took the best of us, and gave us our beautiful little boy. And 20 months later, we were blessed again with another wonderful creation, Matthew. Our little family.

I have been far from the perfect wife and far from the perfect person. You have seen me at my weakest, my ugliest, and my sickest. And through all of that you have continued to love me, you have told me I am the most beautiful person you know, and you have held me up when I've wanted to fall. You are my rock and my partner. And even though sometimes I don't show it nor do I always say it, I am thankful for you. I am thankful that you are in my life, and that you were the one God put on this earth for me.

Thank you, Andy, for being silly. Thank you for making me smile. Thank you for bringing out the best in me. Thank you for being there for me, when I'm not at my best. Thank you for loving me through hard times. Thank you for for everything you do to provide for us. Thank you for being YOU.

Happy Seven Years, baby!

Forever-
B

**This is our wedding song. It's beautiful and ever so true, even to this day**

Balls EVERYWHERE!

Wanna know the best thing about buying kids' toys? Not having to spend YOUR own money on the toys!

Being the stud muffin Matthew is, he racked up mucho $$ on his Birthday! We were going to buy clothes with said money... but he also happened to rack up mucho amounts of clothing! Thus, leaving us to spend money on MORE fun things!

So far, we have bought a new "baby" pool, new sippy cups (ok, a little boring... but ELMO is on them!), barnyard bowling (if you have a toddler, this game is for you! It's SO much fun... and yes, I would know, I've played with it a lot), and... BALLS.

Oh yes, Chuck E Cheese, watch out, we have our own ball pit!! It's seriously the coolest thing since Brangelina's twins, and there's less paparazzi involved! Ok, maybe there's not less paparazzi involved, but I have a special media pass... see below:

Thankfully, this celebrity was not shy about me taking his photo. He's a stud, isn't he? :)

Mid-Week Wrap

* We've spent the week running a muck, AGAIN!

* We went to Cedarville, last night, to see one of Ashley's performances. Cedarville is a Christian College, about 1 hour from where we live. The performance was amazing! See Matt over there... he had a great time!

* Adam is still doing VERY well. We've had two accidents, but overall he is doing a GREAT job!

* Matthew seems to like walking, more than crawling. I am not so sure I like this. I much prefer the crawling. He is also working on teeth 7 and 8. Teeth= cranky/mad/crying/clingy baby.

* Monday is our 7 year Anniversary. Where does the time go? I have no idea what to buy my husband. Any ideas? Husband, you may chime in and give me ideas! :)

* I finally went to the doctor. The doc seems to think my hormones are just way out of whack, from having two children in 20 months. eek. I really did do that, didn't I??? So, we are trying more hormone drugs, to see if I can get back on track. Which means, no babies for a little longer. I am ok with that, for now. :) Ah yes, and pray I can maybe gain a little weight. I've lost more, which isn't a good thing. I'm not far from being under 100 lbs, and let's just say if I get below 100 lbs. my husband said he would check me into the hospital and he's not kidding!

* I want ice cream. (hmm see... I eat ice cream!)

* Today is STAY home day! I don't think we've stayed home in well over three-four months!

Hope you all are having a great week! :)

If you read this...please comment! I want to see how many people are actually reading this blog. My google blog, thingy, says over 100 per day... hmmm... Why am I only getting 5-15 comments per day??? :) I love you all, really I do! So show me some lovings!

Potty Trained!!!

I am doing the potty trained dance right now. TWO days, underwear, no accidents. AH! :) I can smell the money we will be saving on diapers. SIGH. This has been the longest experience of my life. Can I hire any of you lovely people to train Matt, when the time comes? please?!

BSM: Our Operation Barnabas Family

This past week has been tiring, jam-packed, inspiring, encouraging, loving, and just plain amazing. Not only did I get to see my sister do, act, love, and impact others; I also found a family within this group of young adults. I've never met a better group of high schoolers! They are truly amazing people, with BIG hearts.

The week ended with a performance, by ALL three (90 students total) OB groups, at our largest Grace Brethren Church in the area. Afterwards, the kids put on a nice carnival, complete with clowns, sno-cones, games, and rides. Everyone, including the adults, had a wonderful time!

Here are some photos of our new family:

Matthew with his new buddy Paul. Literally, Matt wanted Paul to hold him whenever we saw him. He even chose Paul over me, today!

Ashley being a "Carnie," as she called herself.

Adam and his "new friend" Dominique (She stayed at my mom's house, this week). Dominique is my new adopted sister. Isn't she beautiful??

I love you new sister, D! :)

Adam, enjoying the tasty treats, on this 95 degree day!

And...... my favorite shot of the week......

Andy.... and his hostage, Emily. That's what she gets for wearing my pants AND shirt.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! :)

Head over to Mother May I for more BSMs!

Weekly Wrap

1) We are going out tonight, with another COUPLE, and NO kids!! What? Who does that anymore??? ;)

2) I hear this coming from the computer area, this morning, as Adam was playing on Nickjr.com:

"Hi, What are you doing?"

pause

"Oh. I am just checking my e-mail"

pause.

"Yea, ok, see ya later!"

3) The kids loved their goody bags! :) And we were able to hang out, while they had their pool party, too. It was great fun! AND look, I got some photos! :)

Emily, Ash, and Rachel (remember her from the crazy concert video?)

My little brother... looking old...

Rachel, Ash, Em, and madddd Trevor. I have to laugh at this photo. hahaha. Sorry, Trevor, but c'mon it's FUNNY! :)

4) After I got Matt dressed this morning, this is what I found on my bed. For a really good laugh, make the photos larger. That kid carries anything and everything in that Easter basket. We can't put it away; I think he'd freak out! haha. Anyway, apparently Adam said since he was "sick" he needed this stuff on mommy's bed in order to "feel well, again." Oh, yes, he says "well."



Hope Everyone has a wonderful weekend! :) We get to go to a performance of Ashley's on Sunday, and then we say goodbye, AGAIN, for two more weeks. :(


Oh. Oh! Also, Andy interviewed for a new position, today, at work. Pray for him! :) It would be nice if he got this position and he really feels he would be happier if he did get it. I am praying for God's will, in the situation, even though I really want to pray for my OWN! ah! :)

The Last 48 Hours

(This is Ryan, a friend of Andy's from High School. He is now a youth pastor and used to youth pastor at our church...with my sibs...small world, eh? I am not sure what Adam and Matt think of him. I think this photo is hilarious.)

Here's our last 48 hours-

*Ashley is HOME! We've seen her twice and I can't even tell you the tears that have been shed, the endless hugs, and the growth that has occurred within her heart. She has truly, truly, grown! They are leading a church service on Sunday, and I will try to get pictures of her then. Can you believe I've not gotten any? oops.

* We've been to Chuck E' Cheese

* We've been to the zoo

*We've gone swimming twice

* We've had a big party/dinner for Ashley

* Tomorrow I am taking 35 "care bags" to the kids on Ashley's team. I have yet to buy the things for the bags...meaning...they are not put together. Wish me luck! ha ha.

* The boys both have colds. Snot everywhere. It's gross.

* I have been without coffee for two days. If you know me...this is bad. bad. bad. I am trying to ween myself. I doubt it works.

* I need sleep! ;)

**Go check out, The Land of K.A., today's Theme Thursday is FUN!**

Music MeMe

Elaine has tagged me for this little meme....

(if you click on the links below, I've linked all of the songs so you can hear them! :))

Here are the rules: (because yes, there are always rules!)
Instructions: List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they're not any good, but they must be songs you're really enjoying now, shaping your summer. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they're listening to.

1) Eiffel 65- P-L-A-Y-S-T-A-T-I-O-N and Move Your Body(Ok, so I am not usually the techno type... but these songs are amazingly catchy and you will want to jump up and dance!)

2) House of Heroes- In the Valley of the Dying Sun (just plain good) PLUS- these are the guys I went to high school with, and I need to show them some love.

3) The Fold- Medicine (my "go to" song- I listen to this whenever and wherever)

4) Family Force 5- Drama Queen-- mind you, when you watch this video- this is the concert I went to about 3 months ago. Ohhh and it was CRUNK. ;) ha ha.

5) Maroon 5- Umm... The whole dang "new" CD. I am addicted. (Michelle and Elaine have you SEEN the newest video with Rihanna?? AHHH!! If not... click that LINK!)

6) Guns and Roses- Sweet Child o' Mine (I used this on Matt's slide show and I've found myself listening to this song a few times this week)

7) Andy Hunter- Smile (another techno song. Maybe I AM a techno geek?!)

Ok, so what are YOU listening to? I tag the following people for this Meme:

Mark- because I know you have good taste in music and I want to know what you like right now.

Brittany- because I know you're sitting on the couch, resting, like a good girl, and want to do this meme!

Kellan- Because you don't talk about music much, on your blog, and I am curious!

Kathryn- Because I am curious to see what kind of music you like.

Krissy- Because I KNOW you have to have good taste in music. Besides... I am doing something for you, so you have to do something for ME!


Ok... That's all I am doing, because I need to get off my butt and go work. :) Hope you all learned a little about me, through my music! :)

Whipped Cream Fun

Does it get any better than this??

oh. oh. oh... one more question....

Why is hot fudge SO dang GOOD? I've eaten so much hot fudge, I feel ill. SEE people, I do eat things that are bad for me... ;)

~*~*~*~*~*~

P.S.> Ashley comes home (for 4 days) tomorrow!!! :) I can't wait to see her! :) :) :) :) :) :)

Matthew's Birthday Party

Chaos. It was complete chaos. Ok, so maybe it was only chaos to me(?). I had many people tell me what a wonderful time they had and what a great party it was. BUT to me... it was a complete ZOO!! haha. We were so blessed to have so many family members and friends come to Matt's "big ONE" party! There were no big catastrophes, minus Matt trying to play with the fire, during cake time. While, yes, he may have briefly touched the flame, I think me yelling "MATT NO!" was far more harmful. We had enough food barely, we may have ran out of forks, and cups were (gone) scarce... but... but... we had a wonderful time and no one threw up their cake so, in my mind, the party was a success! Here are some photos of the event:

farmer Matt and his Birthday throne

The sheep trying to escape the barn cake!

Matt escaping cake eating! He really wasn't impressed.

Look! Amy's Mommy CAN hold babies. ;) See Amy, she needs grandkids someday!! :)

Naked baby opening presents. Does it get any better??

Oh, yes... it does.

Why do THEY (ANDREW) always get stupid face photos of me?? Seriously, people.

And here is one of my favorite photos of the weekend. I know it's not of Matthew, but it's just SO cute! :) Adam wrapped in crepe paper! :)



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh! And Matt's Stats from his well check:

* He can say 22 words- by identifying photos or people
* He can catch a ball and throw one
* He can dump, pick up, and place raisins back into a dixie sized cup
* He can walk, stoop down and pick up something and stand back up without falling
* He can flip through a book, the proper way
* He can wave and clap
* He was assessed at 17-19 months! :) Go genius boy!! :) ha ha.

*Weight: 19 lbs (almost 10 %tile)
*Height: 29 inches (25th %tile)

Auntie Em- Happy 15th! :)

Ahh yes, it's that time again. Another one of my sibs Bdays! :) Today is Emily's 15th Birthday! In honor of Em I've decided to share some photos of her from over the years.... Happy Birthday, Girlie, I love you! :)

And here she is today! :) (taken last night at Matt's party) What a beautiful and loving young woman, she has become! :)

Happy 15th Birthday, Emmy T !!!

He's FAMOUS! ;)

Two posts, one day, I know. But, I have a good reason!
Our local news station puts up photos of babies on their first birthdays. And, well, being the showoff mommy that I am, I of course submitted Matt's photo! So here is his 2 seconds of fame:

The poor news girl stumbled over the last name... but well... you try saying it!! ha ha. It follows all phonetic rules, if that helps! ;)