And The Winner Is....

OK so DH took this awful picture of me with absolutely NO zooming in to see the name (He does not know how to use zoom, drives me nuts).

Happy Adopting Mom who was sent over here via Faith. Faith, i can't BELIEVE you didn't win. You had EIGHT entries. This is what I did. I put everyones names on paper, dumped in to a big ol' bowl and let the kids pick. Note, KIDS!

Miss A decided she wanted to help too. They each picked a name and then we put those 2 back in the bowl and DH drew from there.
Happy Adopting Mom-CONGRATS!!!!!!!!! If you would email me at likelabs@yahoo.com with your address i will get the book shipped off to you! BTW-I LOVE the music you have on your blog! The Mighty To Save by Laura Story is AMAZING! I'm putting that on my blog right now!!

Thanks to EVERYONE that participated and please, don't go away!! Keep reading:)

New Toy

Yah like???? I actually had the worst, and most embarrassing, moment with a lawn mower just like this, this past summer. The guy who sold us this, and is DH's friend, wanted to know if a female could operate it. Well judas priest, sure i can but you can't just put me on it say 'do this, do that', and expect me to go!!!! I ended up running up a TREE!!!!!! Kid you not. It was AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!! DH had it on video and i deleted it. I so wish now, I wouldn't have b/c it could have won us $10,000 I'm sure!
We got this delivered about 2 weeks ago. I have mowed once and what used to take me over 1 hour on a different mower, not takes me about 30 min!!! Grunt grunt!! I have it for the most part, mastered. I worked on that when know one was around. I'll see about DH taking a video of me operating it:)

Baby Chick Update

***I'm sorry this is so disorganized. I have been working on setting the pictures up in some sort of order and I keep loosing them. Not to mention the system shut down on me. Thank goodness for auto save. Sorry about the flow of this but hopefully you will still enjoy it:)

I haven't updated you all on the chickens:) I'm really not sure how many we have left b/c trying to count them is like impossible. They are starting to fly around so even taking them outside for 'play time' has come a bigger task then I'm up for. Although the other AM when i went outside (they are in the garage) to do my chores, i saw the cat was left in the garage!! 3 chicks were running around. I found one on the other side of the garage. Well i found another one too. Or rather pieces of another one. Nothing like finding a wing and a foot of a chick. EWWWW

Also last Friday C'man stepped on one, by accident of course. Him and his sister each had ONE out. I looked out the window and Miss A had hers on the top of the swing set. While I ran out to get/rescue it I saw the lid was off the pool and the cat was in there. By the time i took care of putting the lid back on, I came to find a chick flopping in the grass. I picked it up to see blood coming from its beek and eyes. It was AWFUL!! I buried it by the swing set so C'man could be reminded of it. I know, what an insensitive mother I am. He stands over the 'grave' covering his eyes, then peeks out to see if it's still 'there'. Well the other day it was gone!! He was excited thinking it was 'better'. No I told him, it rose from the dead like Jesus did:) Ahhh turned it in to a lesson I did.

When I had them outside this day, 2 of the 3 dogs showed up AND Tinkerbell the cat. She hid in the weeds while K-Dee kept scooting closer and closer. It was SO hard for her to be with them. She would never intentionally kill them, but one lick and they are dad.

Miss A doesn't love them as much as C'man. But she did manage to stuff 2 of them in her hot wheels seat! Good thing I heard them chirping away or they'd be dead too!

There current home with K-Dee drooling over them and there new home I cleaned up. Note the cat checking it out already:)

Give Away Has Ended

I'm sitting here writing everyones name down and will draw a 'winner' later today when C'man gets home from an AM out with Daddy.
This is what I have to:
Jen S- 2 Entry
Gem-2 entry
Faith- EIGHT
Happyadoptingmom-1
Faith-1
Kat-1
Ginger-3
Our Glorious Days-2
Jen-2
Megs-2
I'll check one more time for any updates before drawing. Remember you get an additional 'entry' for becoming a follower.
Stay tuned!!!

BTW-Meg you need to start a blog! I'm sure many of us would love to follow your life as a beautiful, single, career girl living in Florida!! Seriously tho!!! To the rest of you MANY if not most of you, are all homeschooling mommys!! Hats off to you! I encourage you all, if you haven't already, to take a look at the others blogs.

May Is Foster Care Appreciation Month

Please take a moment and listen to this. Actually it's about 30 min. I know I have readers who are foster parents and/or adopted thru Foster Care. My hats off to you!!! Know you are appreciated.
Broadcast Summary
The Rev. Bob Coy encourages listeners to consider how they can help orphans as he describes a program his church has begun which ministers to foster care kids. I hope this link works. If not here's another link.
I have tears in my eyes listening to this. Rev Coy does an AMAZING job of connecting with the listener! WOW!!!

Let The Give Away Begin

*********I'm hoping that by updating this, it will appear back at the top. Still going on and I thank you that have registered already. I'm going to do like Faith did awhile back and put everyones name on a piece of paper and the kids will draw. So Faith, you have 8 pieces of paper so far with your name on:)

A day late, dollar short:) Sorry for the delay. We decided to stay an extra night in Minnesota where we attended my nieces Confirmation. We got home late yesterday (Monday) afternoon and it was off to Pre-School Registration for C'man. I can't believe our 1st born will be going to school. Oh how will I deal with it.

Moving on!!!! GIVE AWAY TIME MUST BEGIN!!! In honor of Dr Laura's new book "In Praise Of Stay At Home Moms' you will have a chance(s) at winning this book. I will ship it directly to you:) I'll run it for a week. Here's how it works, you will get an entry for each of the following you want, or can, do:

1-Being a Stay At Home Mom

2-Becoming a 'follower' of my blog

3-Referring your blog readers to my give away (they must leave a comment of who referred you to me so I give you credit)

4-Leave a comment:)

Note I'm not limiting this to JUST SAHM's. I realize that there are many 'moms' out there who have to work. May not want to, but have to. I respect that. Been there, done that. You also don't have to be a Mom. I'm sure you know someone who is and would benefit greatly from the book. So go ahead and enter and gift it to someone. Or read if yourself for when you do become a mom.

***I will post the winner on my blog NEXT Wednesday****

GOOD LUCK and seriously I hope I get some entries:) I'm a little worried know one will enter wink wink!!

IKEA

How many of you have an IKEA nearby?? We don't!! But my sister was able to stop at the one in Minneapolis and pick of these plates, cups and bowls for me! I had gotten some years ago but it was time for new ones. Thanks to the Katie and a post she did about these awhile back, I decided to get more. They are BPA free which is GREAT! AND they are supper cheap. Think my sister said they were $1.99 for a pack of 5!!

Those of you have an IKEA nearby what bargains do you get there?? I think this summer we're going to make a trip there!! Oh by the way, they don't ship!! Therefore why i couldn't just order them online!

It's My BIRTHDAY....

Humor me by registering for the give away:) Faith has 8 entries already. Seriously, it's not to late and those that have come via Faith's blog, you can become a follower, post the give away on your blog, etc etc.
No real plans for my day. I had to take C'man to see the Speech Pathologists this AM. The appointment was actually YESTERDAY but I dumb right FORGOT! What kind of mom am I any ways. So we went today. I guess not any real concerns.
Looks like later we're going to go to Sioux City. I have $30 in Kohls money I NEED to spend, or loose. Then I think will go out to eat to my favorite Mexican restaurant. Oh did I mention I hope to get a pedicure!? not sure if I'll have time, but will see.
33 years old. My oh my......I often feel more sentimental for my mom. Thinking how 33 years ago she gave birth to me. What kind of experience it was, etc. I feel like I should give HER gifts for providing me life! (and my dad) I should take THEM out to eat. Ever since the birth of my children I've felt that way. Let's celebrate her, not me.
I wonder how C'man's BM feels on his b-day. A couple days before his b-day, and after, she is on my mind NON STOP!! I mean i think of her often, but with great thought and much prayers on those days.

OK I'm not going to get all emotional. I really could. so go register!!!!! NOW:)

Thanks to all who have entered the contest so far!! Keep them coming!! Faith I think you're in the lead with number of entries:) And thanks for posting about it on your blog. Take a look and see how easy it was:) Oh and if you all could leave YOUR blog in the comment that would be great. I'm always looking for new blogs to read! I have some blogs that have gone to private and others that have stopped updating them. So looking for more to read!

My Little Man

Seems that Mr C'man just can't kick this cold. It'll be 2 weeks this Sunday. BUT he was doing better, cough subsided, nose didn't run, etc till the last couple days. The cough is still loose, but deep. He's not sleeping well at night and his nose continues to run. While the drainage is clear, it's still there. Today he's just laying in the chair watching DVD's.
I prayed last night, like I've been doing faithfully for over 2 weeks now, that God would make it apparent what I need to do. With in 2 min. of saying amen, in came C'man to our room (DH was out late last night planting). I decided that was a pretty good sign that it's time to do something.
I'm further worried about everything b/c of the loss of Little Armstrong, reading about what would have been the 4th birthday of a little boy who died from complications of the flu.
Not to mention the constant rattle in his chest that all the docs so far, have said is nothing to worry about. Just things that a mother/parents worries about.
We're heading in today at 310 and get things checked out. For piece of mind I'm going to ask for a chest x-ray. I think it's time for some more extensive testing, for piece of mind that my little boy is OK. Or that maybe he has asthma or something?? Hopefully nothing. When he gets a cold he really gets it.
OH and as luck would have it, we're heading to my nieces Confirmation tomorrow. The last time we were supposed to go to Minnesota, we had to stay home b/c C'man was sick. Miss A actually was sick too.

Just One Of Those Days

How many of you have caught yourself saying that? or at least thinking that? It doesn't matter if you have children, husband, dogs, cats, etc we've all been in situations where we find ourselves thinking that. I can remember days at work screaming 'AHHH it's been just one of those days folks!'
I think I've had more of those 'weeks' being a SAHM. This week is no exception. My patience level is fried. I usually get this way when I have to much going on. I'm thinking it's time to re-evaluate things but I keep putting it off b/c I'm not sure what I SHOULD give up or want to.
I heard yesterday on the news, and then an article today on The Today Show about a mom who was having 'one of those days' and kicked her two 10 and 12 year old out of the car for the endless bickering they were doing. How many of you heard about it? Better yet, how many can relate?
Do i think she's a bad mom for what she did? Certainly not. Do I agree with what she did? No . But can I relate? Yeah, really who can't?
I can't believe she didn't just ride around the block and pick her up or even just down the road. The older girl ran after her mom and got back in the vehicle, but not the 10 year old. (do I see a strong willed child in the 10 year old? Certainly!!) But could she have done much worse? I think so.
Will everyone had learned a lesson after this?? Oh man do I believe so. I bet those girls will stop bickering the next time there mom tells them to stop it:) I've actually done this to my parents. They would go to a near by city and I never wanted to go. I was probably 8 to 10 years old??? Or maybe I wanted them to convince me to go, not telling me we're going. I remember one time they finally said 'fine, stay home!!' They drove away. I couldn't believe they left me. Now granted we lived in a small town, @ 500 people and really NOTHING was going to happen to me. They ended up just riding around the block and picking my sobbing body up off the driveway and away we went. Who won this battle?? I'm thinking I did b/c they came back and got me!
But there was a time when I was 18?? and my parents wanted me to go on vacation with them. I did NOT want to go. And guess what? They left without me. I was honestly shocked at first but then what could they do. Can't physically, or even mentally, make a 18 year old go.
I just finished reading The Strong Willed Child by Dr Dobson and he talked about doing just that. And that very soon the child will be on there own. Parents need to let there child know they trust them and put them to the test. Hmmm did my parents read that book? It worked. I was perfectly fine home 'alone'. I had no parties. Altho I did threaten to mow the yard by putting a BIG 'R' in the middle of the yard. (my dad freaked) I'd never even ran a lawn mower so I was clueless. I did mow, but was almost done when my neighbor came over and showed me how it was a self pusher?? is that what that's called?? I just needed to pull a lever to make it work. Gee thanks!!
In conclusion, I think we really need to try and sympathize with the mother who left her children along side the road. It may be hard for some of you to relate, but I'm thinking many of you may be shaking your head thinking I can SO relate!!
What do you all do when you're having one of those days?? Honestly, share with me, and maybe others, how you deal with every day bickering. Right now my children are at the farm with there Papa checking cows. Many of you don't have that available to you and must just stick it out.

***Give away coming on MONDAY!! Entries for the following:
-posting a comment
-becoming a follower
-linking to my giveaway in your blog

THREE chances to win!! Considering my current 'stats' of visitors, you have a pretty darn good chance!!

Fundraiser

Today I'm doing a fundraiser with my purses at a local hospital. 20% of the proceeds will go to Relay For Life! I hope it's a good day. I'm there from 2-6. As I type this, it's Monday. I'm waiting for $700 worth of purses to come. Part of why it's going to be a crazy week. I have to get purses priced Monday and then Monday evening I have Zumba.

Starting NEXT Monday

Hey everyone. Do to an absolutely CRAZY week, yeah I know aren't they all?? I'm delaying the give away. I'm also not sure how much I'll be on here to post. I will humor you with a quick weekend post and since the kids are sleeping I'll post a couple more to publish.
The wedding- I was a Personal Attendant in my first college roommates wedding this past weekend. Phew, I was exhausted. I ran and ran around. It was fun and I had a great time. That being said, the hotel we stayed in had ALOT to be desired. I thought about taking pictures, but then I thought people are going to be shocked we even stayed there. Good thing I didn't have to worry about our 'safety' b/c for sure we'd had been out of there. The only safety hazard was wondering how the he** we'd get out if there was a fire. Only on floor one but still. Oh yeah and the hazard of wondering if the ceiling was going to fall in on us.
One thing that made us laugh was the note on the door saying everything had been accounted for in the room and if something is missing we'd be charged. Let me tell you, it was so tempting to take one of the electric blue, totally vintage, bath towels. Or the cowboy rope that was on the wall stapled in with fence staples. DH had to convince me to leave it all there as it didn't match our current decade, I mean style. I made sure DH had his shoes on if so much his big toe hit the floor. Oh yeah, and when you sat on the toilet your head almost hit the sink. I could seriously take a shower, reach over the sink, and flush the toilet. LOL
All that being said, if DH hadn't decided to take a nap ON TOP OF THE COMFORTER we would have driven home that night!! But it was a great wedding and I tell you I've never seen so much food. The bride and groom sure had that going on. Seriously how frustrating when you're waiting for your meal and there is nothing to snack on, or during the dance you get the munchies. And the meal itself was GREAT and HOT!! The couple we sat next to, I kid you not, when he took his last 2 bites of potatoes, they were still steaming! While people arrived there was a beautiful display of: Skittles, plain and peanut M&M's, chocolate candies (dove, kisses), peanuts, hot tamales, etc. The supper was baked Chicken, roast beef, cheesy potatoes, 2 salads, dinner roll, and a drink. THEN during the dance out came a meat and cheese tray with crackers! It was all just GREAT!! DH and I could have grazed there all night!
Cheers to the bride and groom. Was a great day despite rain showers here and there. Now safe travels for them as they travel to Chicago for a honeymoon!!!

Where Are You??

I've noticed this past week that my 'hits' are lower. Where are you all? I think it might be give away time. Monday I'll start the give away. I am going to do the book by Dr Laura. I'm going to just have it shipped directly to you. In the mean time, please spread the word to fellow readers of YOUR blog. I will give everyone that 'refers' someone to my blog, an additional entry. I'd like you to also be a 'follower' but that may be a little much.
This is what I'm thinking in order to win:
1. You must be a stay at home mom, OR know someone. (megs, like your sister)
2. Additional 'entries' for every person that you send over to my blog. They must say who referred them so i know who to give the credit to.
3. optional, of course I'd love for you to become a follower of my blog.

You could get THREE entries. Wooo hooo

Hows that all sound? Entries start MONDAY and will conclude that following Friday!

I'm Going Crazy

With these baby chicks. They keep dying on me. I've even taken such drastic measures as taking the weak ones inside, in a shoe box, using a dropper to give them water and THEN put them in a warm oven! They come back to life but then they end up dying when i put them back in with the others.
Funny story, yesterday I was bringing in a couple and I was holding this yellow one and it was looking at me. I was like OK baby, I'll get you some water. Well it wasn't moving, I assumed since it's eyes were open it was alive. I assumed WRONG. The thing was dead already. I freaked out. I'm like good grief what in the world am I doing and what I have gotten myself in to!
I called DH out of the field, he's spreading anhydrous, and said please we need to do something here. I'm getting nothing done b/c I'm CONSTANTLY running out to the garage to check on them. I'm not kidding, i got NOTHING done yesterday. He got another heat lamp, I ran to town and got another bulb and some wood chips. Did i mention that these things STINK!! He cut out two holes in a piece of sheet rock and put the heat lamps in.
Come to find out a friend of mine on facebook, said that cold chicks chirp non stop. Ahhh HAAA they are MUCH quieter. But now I'm worried about fire b/c at one point there was smoke in there. DH worried about that too. So he rigged something else up.
Then last night was my book club, yes I feel so grown up, and then Mom's Night Out. I guess i humored them all with all the chick drama going on. At 130 C'man woke up coughing and coughing. (anyone suggest a good cough medicine I could get, preferably natural. I have one kind and it's just not cutting it) Give him medicine go back to bed and all I can think about are the chicks.
What do I do? Climb out of bed, walk out to the garage, see that more are dead but at least no fire, and then I can't get back to sleep. Back downstairs and get on the computer. This is ridiculous.
Today is a new day and it's not looking any different then yesterday.