"Stay Tuned For An Important Announcement"... following a few updates, of course!

Hello All!

First I would like to say that I don't know why certain words in this post are linked...I did not do that, and I do not like it that advertisments can be linked to my blog without my permission! I will most certainly find out why this is happening.

I did not win the Extreme Makeover Holiday Giveaway 2008, I was not even a finalist. Apparently, there are people who need plastic surgery far worse than I...hard for me to imagine.

Summer is with her Papaw and Nanny (my dad and step-mom) until tomorrow night. Sad, my little helper is gone. I suppose that I will have to do everything myself...never mind, I'll just wait until she gets back. I miss her when she's gone, tho I know she enjoys the break from us. She is the big sister and carries a lot of responsibilities around the house. I am very thankful for her and realize how very blessed I am to have her as my daughter...however, I realize it even more when she is gone.

JD is also gone until tomorrow. He is staying with his Mimi (my mommy), and this very instant he is probably at Steak and Shake in Lexington drinking a large strawberry milkshake. I asked if he could stick some in his pocket and bring a taste home to me, but he didn't think that was a good idea. I miss him too! He likes to cuddle at night before bedtime. When he says our "memorized night-time prayer" he asks God to watch over every person...and I do mean EVERY PERSON...that he knows. And JD knows a lot of people! His bedtime routine has gotten increasing lengthy! Lately, however, he has been saying a non-memorized prayer.

It is bitter-sweet when children start to pray from their hearts. Bitter because it is a closing of a chapter in their childhood. That sweet little prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep...", the one that I worked so hard to teach them so that they could feel empowered to talk to God on their own...that prayer just doesn't cut it anymore. They have their own words and thoughts and feelings and concerns that they need to talk to God about. But, I do LOVE to hear my children pray their own prayers and I am privileged and humbled that I am still allowed to sit in and listen to them talk to God. I know someday they will need to speak to him alone without their mommy around to listen.

As I said it is bitter-sweet...but mostly sweet! I love to hear my children praying for things that are on their minds, "Dear God, thank you that we got to go outside today for recess...my knee is really hurting, could you make it better...I can't find my transformer, will you help me to remember where I left it...please make my brother's ear feel better..."

Precious... and I know that God listens intensely to their every word, and has a true concern for their needs and wants. He answers prayers and meets needs for things that I cannot do. I cannot control if the weather is good enough for them to go outside for recess, but God can. I cannot make the growing panes in Summer's knees subside, but God can. I can search and search for the transformer and never find it, and then suddenly it appears out of nowhere, that is God answering JD's prayer!

Last night after our dinner prayer, Colton shouted out "AMEN!" That was another precious moment! He has learned by watching Summer and JD that he is suppose to fold his hands and close his eyes during a prayer, but it was a real treat to hear him say amen. When I say his prayer for him at bedtime he, too, knows that he is suppose to mention the names of everyone he knows. I'll say, "and God bless..." and he says, "Daddy, Buddy, Josh, Papaw, Shelby (that's our dog), Sissy, Bubby, Pooh (that's Sidney), Mimi, Dede, Toni..." He circulates through certain names several times and funny how it is usually the people who need a little extra prayer!

Sooooo... some final news, since it is official and I have permission to say it out loud. My baby sister, Toni, will be going to Louisiana for 1 year, probably in May (maybe sooner), to do mission work and help people rebuild their homes and lives. Her main job will be to show the love of Christ to lost people and to connect them to a local church where they can learn, worship, and serve. I am sad and happy all at the same time. I am sad for selfish reasons...I will miss her terribly! But I am happy because I know that she has a very clear calling on her life and she is a faithful servant of God. Toni has a child-like faith and I am in awe of her...

If you would like to read her testimony, I will post it on my blog tomorrow, after I get her permission.

Bradley told me to post

I have neglected my blog! It has been a whole month since I last posted. I have been shamed and made to see the error of my ways...by my Uncle Bradley!

Some random thoughts:

My new favorite commercial is an ad for a Chevy Traverse. This woman is driving down the streets of some metropolitan city and, low and behold, shoes start falling from the heavens! Watch for yourself...

Glorious!

I have been chosen as a finalist for the 92.9 The Bear 2008 Extreme Makeover Christmas Give-away. Whoopie!! I will meet with the doctors next week and if I am the winner, I will receive FREE dental work and FREE cosmetic surgery...which, my husband can attest to, I desperately need! Four pregnancies and nursing four babies has really taken a toll on my body. Good luck to me!

Tonight we are going to the Santa Express in Bardstown. The kids are really excited about it! They get to wear their PJ's, drink hot chocolate and eat cookies. The grand finale is that Santa himself makes a trip from the North Pole to ride the train with the kids and spend time going over their Christmas lists! I can hardly contain myself!

Toni (my youngest sister) has put a thought in my head. She thinks that I should/could write a children's book. I definitely have some ideas and I know what it takes to make a great children's story, but them what? Who do you show your story to, who illustrates it, who publishes it? I need to research this...

Lastly, a picture...I finally figured out how to do it, kinda.

Holiday Decorating 101

YOU DO NOT PUT UP CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS BEFORE THANKSGIVING!

You varmints who are breaking the cardinal rule of the holidays...Stop it NOW!

I ask you, would you put up Easter decor before Valentine's Day? Would you put up Halloween decorations before Independence Day? Why...WHY then do you think it is OK to *squash* Thanksgiving by putting up Christmas lights? (I am not speaking to those who leave your Christmas lights up all year long, you are in a class of your own...that's a completely different topic of ranting!)

Thanksgiving is a lovely holiday, don't wish it away. If you must put up decorations...hang pilgrims, hang turkeys. I do mean this in the sense of decorating, I would never encourage anyone to really *hang* a pilgrim or a turkey. I understand it is much more efficient to just cut their heads off...the turkey, that is, not the pilgrim. But if you must kill a pilgrim, I think something like chicken pox would do the trick, or you could just show them the condition of the country that they founded and they would probably just die of a heart attack.

So in the spirit of rushing things along...Has anyone thought about a New Year's Resolution? I'd like to hear what your goals for 2009 are.

Enjoying the extra sleep...NOT!

Well, it is 3:30-ish (my blog clock is never correct) and I am up with a little one. Sydney-pooh is not feeling well.



She's stuffy and I know she must be hungry, but it's hard to nurse when you can't breath thru your nose...I'm sure. Her and I have been up for several hours and she is just now dozing off. I feel sorry for babies when they're sick! It must be horrible to have a sore throat, upset stomach, headache...what-have-you... and not be able to explain what hurts!



And it must be the worst feeling on earth to have your snot sucked out with a bulb syringe! I call them booger-snatcher. I'm sure it must feel like your brain is being extracted from your head thru your nose! I asked my husband if I could use the booger-snatcher on him so that he could explain to me what it felt like...he declined my request. I thought about trying to use it on myself just for the experience, but I declined my request also. Colton loves the booger-snatcher! But he can't tell me what it feels like yet, and I don't think it's all that normal to *like* the booger-snatcher anyway, so his opinion wouldn't count. Weird little kid! I mean who *likes* the booger-snatcher?



By the way, although I have learned to successfully post videos, I STILL cannot figure out how to post pictures...I am so frustrated! Posting pictures should be way easier than posting videos. It's like my picture option doesn't work. If I don't get this figured out soon, I am going to change to a new blog site.



I am sad that I won't be able to go to church today, but with Sydel not feeling well, I think she would be miserable and probably very fussy in church. AND...neither of us have had much sleep so we most likely will stay home and I'll have to watch the sermon from the website. You should check it out too... Living Water Church.

I *Really* Like Her!

A real American family...a real American mom.

Busy October

Well, I have not blogged nearly enough this month! There has been so much going on and simply not enough time in the day to get everything done. Here is a quick breakdown of my October!

JD turned 6 yrs old on the 10th. I am highly upset about this because we AGREED last year that he wasn't going to have anymore birthdays thus he would stay 5 yrs old forever. I like 5 year olds, they are so likable and lovable and agreeable. Anywho, no since crying over spilled milk...he's 6 now.

YeeeeeHawwww Court Day! My most favorite event! I wait all year long for Court Day and I am proud to say that, despite my husband's distaste for this gigantic flea market, my children are following in my footsteps. I have nurtured a love for this annual festivity and Summer and JD had a blast this year. Poo poo on anyone who poo poos on Court Day..."that includes you Jeff"!

My husband turned 34, on the 24th, born in '74. I think "4" is his lucky number. We went out to eat on Friday, then on Sunday we went to see the movie "Fireproof". EXCELLENT MOVIE! And on that note, I would just like to say how very much I love my husband and how lucky I am to be his wife. I have got to be the most blessed woman in all the world to be married to Jeff DeBruler!

In closing I will give you a brief rundown of "others".

• soccer season (Summer's sport) is over
• football season (JD's sport) is over
• Wednesday night Summit at Gateway has begun (Very fun!)
• Summer started horseback riding lessons this month
• basketball starts for JD in November,
• both Colton and Sydney have had ear infections this month
• Colton will start speech therapy in November
• my college class is on going
• as is piano for Summer
• both Summer and JD got all A's on their report cards
• the sermons at church this month have been awesome
• and Trick or Treat is on Thursday

Our schedules are so busy this time of year but I wouldn't trade it for anything different! Hope you find as much joy in your day as I do in mine!

The Woman I Hope To Be

Proverbs 31 Woman

vs 10 she is an excellent wife; she is rare
vs 11 she is trustworthy
vs 12 she is constant in her love
vs 13 she is industrious
vs14 she is thrifty
vs 15 she is a self-starter
vs16 she is enterprising
vs17 she is willing to do hard work
vs18 she is willing to work long hours
vs 19 she is willing to do monotonous work
vs 20 she is compassionate
vs21 she is prepared for the future
vs22 she is a good seamstress
vs 23 she is married to a leader
vs 24 she is an entrepreneur
vs 25 she is not swayed by circumstances
vs 26 she is wise and kind
vs 27 she is duty-conscious
vs 28 she is blessed by her family
vs 29 she is not satisfied with mediocrecy
vs 30 she is a woman of God
vs 31 she is praiseworthy

*Never allow yourself to complain, ever, about anything--not even the weather.
(Ephesians 4:29)
*Never desire to be in any circumstance but your own.
(Luke 16:15, Jeremiah 17: 9, I John 2:16, Hebrews 13:5)
*Never compare your lot with another's.
(Exodus 20:17, I Timothy 6:10, James 4:3, Luke 12:15)
*Never allow yourself to wish "this" or "that" had been otherwise.
(I John 1:9)
*Never dwell on tomorrow- remember that tomorrow is God's, not ours.
(Hebrew 11:1, Matt. 6:25-37)

New Visitors and A Funny Video

Thank you so much for commenting on JD's fall story...please feel free to continue to send people to my blog to comment, he can continue to earn $ right up until Court Day. And stay posted because Summer is working on her story as well.



By the way, there were two *new* visitors to my blog for my previous post. Jesslee is a Kentucky who is living in Kansas, and JenIg is a woman in Tennessee who, in the bloggity world, is somewhat of a celebrity! She is a freelance writer for several christian and homeschooling magazines...and the main reason why I LOVE her blog is because she makes me laugh until I cry! Thank you ladies for visiting and leaving little JD a comment. I hope that my family and friends will visit their sites as well. Also, my Uncle Bradley left a comment which I was really excited about because he reads my blog faithfully, and even reminds me to post when I haven't written anything in a while. But he has never left a comment until now, thank you Uncle Bradley...I love you so much!



Moving on, I found this HILARIOUS video on another blog and just had to post it on mine. My mom and husband can attest to the fact that this is totally a day in my household!


Enjoy...

JD's First "published" story

JD wrote a story and is hoping to earn money for Court Day. For every person that comments (positively, of course) on his story, JD will receive $.50. It's really easy to leave a comment, give it a try.

Jumping In Leaves

I like leaves. Leaves change colors. Trees grow leaves. Leaves fall down. I like to rake leaves. Then I pile them all together. Then I jump in the leaves. Oh! The leaves go everywhere! I rake the leaves together again, then JUMP! So much fun!

By JD Taylor

Tuesday's With JD

Have you ever heard of the book, Tuesday's With Morrie? Well this is my rendition.

Last Tuesday morning my sister, Dede, took JD to school because Jeff and I had a stomach virus. As my sister pulled into the school parking lot, she and I were on the phone talking and I hear her say, "Oh my gosh! He just puked in MY CAR!" Click...

Yes, JD had vomited all over the front seat of Dede's new car, and in her (much needed) morning coffee. My sister is a sympathy puker, so she couldn't even clean up the mess. She pulled her car over and my mother had to go rescue JD and Dede from the disaster.

This morning my usual 5:30 alarm didn't go off until 6:30, that was my fault, but none-the-less everyone was in a hurry! I packed a "to-go" breakfast of OJ and pop tarts for Summer and JD, which (I must add) was against my better judgement because JD spilled Gatorade in my van yesterday and I grounded him from eating or drinking in any vehicle thru the end of the month. BUT...I can't send my kids to school without breakfast so I just fixed something easy and hoped for the best.

And you'll never guess what happened...never...

Jeff called me after he dropped the kids off and told me that his truck seat was sopping wet. "He either peed in the seat or he spilled the darn orange juice! Either way, his pants have got to be soaked." I called his teacher and explained what was going on and sure enough, she said he was soaking wet and had admitted to spilling his juice in the truck.

What a surprise! My JD? Spilling something? Surely not?!?!

So as fast as I could, I dressed Colton, Sydney and myself, ironed a clean pair of shorts, put everything and everyone in the van and, with much haste, traveled down Levee Road...which is not a road to travel down hastily, by the way.

Now listen carefully, I am NOT making this up! As soon as I turned onto the road, this elderly man pulls out of his driveway in front of me. This is the same man who ALWAYS gets in front of me when I am in a mad hurry. He drives soooo sslllllowlyyy, like 20-25 mph all the way into town! It irritates me so badly! I swear, I think there is somebody who tells him when I am late and in a hurry because that is the only time that I see him on the road, and he always quickly pulls out of his driveway and then slows down to a snail's pace!

As if it isn't bad enough to be stuck behind 'him', as we travel down the road at 22 mph we come upon a school bus. So now, I am not only driving as slow as molasses on a cold winter's day, but I am also having to stop every 2 minutes to let some kid board the bus. As this little brigade moves on down the Levee, a tractor pulls onto the road in front of the bus.

So let's do a recap...I am in a terrible hurry because JD spilled OJ on himself and is sitting at school in wet pants waiting for me to bring him a change of clothes. I am stuck behind an old man who thinks he is driving a horse carriage, who is behind a school bus picking up children, who is behind a tractor. I am now driving at between 12 and 15 MPH, still stopping every few minutes so a child can get on the bus.

It gets better...they have started doing construction on Levee Road! SOOO...the tractor, which is in front of the bus which is in front of the old man which is in front of me gets stopped for 4 minutes (for crying out loud!) waiting ...waiting...waiting to pass thru the road construction zone.

55 minutes after I spoke with JD's teacher, I finally arrived at the school to drop off his clothes, but before I could even walk thru the front doors I had to drag Sydney in and wrangle Colton to the ground at least half a dozen times!

For the love of all that is good and merciful...is anything ever easy?!

By the way, I am looking for someone to keep JD next Monday night and get him to school on Tuesday, any volunteers?

Go Sarah, Go!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/26535823#26535823

She's an American Girl

I have to admit, I am a little nervous to write about this topic because I KNOW there will be those who strongly disagree, but I want to share with you my thoughts.

My 9 yr old daughter, Summer, is in 4th grade. Last Friday the teachers, administration, PTA, or someone in charge hosted a 4th grade dance. The money raised will go into a fund to help pay for costs of field trips that the 4th grade class will be taking later this year. I did not allow Summer to go. Thankfully, she and JD were scheduled to visit their dad in Tennessee anyway, but even if she had been home for the weekend, I would not have allowed her to participate.

I sat on Summer's bed and explained to her my reasons why she would not be allowed to attend the dance, or any other dance during the school year. While we were talking Summer was dressing and fixing the hair of her American Girl doll that my mom bought for her. The doll was a gift that she worked hard to earn by getting all A's on every report card during her 3rd grade year.

She talked about her American Girl for months, she looked at magazines and online for the exact one that she wanted. When she could not find a "dark complected" doll with freckles, she went as far as to add the freckles herself with a permanent marker. She did this within hours of receiving her doll, it just didn't feel right to her unless the doll had freckles like she does. With every report card that she received, Summer would say, "Mom, I'm one report card closer to my American Girl doll."

I would have no problem sending Summer to an ice cream social fundraiser, or maybe a craft project after school to raise money for the cause. How about a jump rope-a-thon where each jump is worth a nickle and supported by each students family, or a chili supper and auction hosted by the 4th grade students. They could serve the food and be responsible for the clean up afterwards-WOW, that's earning money and learning responsibility in one lump sum. How about putting on a play for another elementary school in our community and charging an admission fee of $.50 or $1.00. I would be willing to organize one of these fundraisers or volunteer my time to be present during the event, but I have to say I strongly object to boy/girl dances for 4th grade children. They are still children at this age, by the way. They are not teenagers or even preteens. Although those years are very close, they are not here yet. We need to be encouraging age appropriate activities for our children. I know that Summer would be more interested in attending an American Girl party than a school dance!

I know for a fact that the kids attending felt great pressure to "have a date to the dance" and wanted to look and smell their best for the event. Why are we encouraging this in these little children? They have their whole lives to worry about impressing the opposite sex. There will be years to come, decades even, when they will deal with the stresses and pressures of finding a mate and all of the little games that entails. All we, as adults, are doing is encouraging mini-marriages and mini-divorces at such young ages. These little ones are feeling defeat in relationships at the 4th grade level...because of a school sponsored dance! Think for just a moment of what a 9-10 yr old child must be thinking about in a situation like this, think about the psychology behind what is being encouraged by the adults that they trust the most...parents and teachers.

People, there is a season for courting and learning about the dynamics of relationships with the opposite sex and 4th grade is not the time for it. If I may, I would like to share with you some of the things that I encourage...

1. Church is a must-do...no matter what else is going on, you will attend. (This will be the rule whether she is 9 or 19-as long as she lives in my house.)

2. Nurture family relationships above any friendship. Friends will come and go, family are people who will care for you and protect you all your life...take care of family first.

3. Education is top priority. You must not only go to school and get good grades, but you MUST go to college. You need to be able to support yourself, your family, and your lifestyle without struggle or debt. (I don't want my children to make the same mistakes I have made.)

4. Care about yourself. Wear clean, matching, modest clothes that fit correctly and are ironed. They may not be name brand, but that doesn't mean that you have to look like a rag-a-muffin! Most importantly, care about the way that you are treated by others and the way that you treat others also.

5. Always give your best effort. In sports, at school, at home...no matter what it is. You don't have to BE the best, just DO your best.

6. Boyfriends will have to wait for now. You have to get your education first. Boys have a way of being a distraction from the ultimate goal. But let me know if their is ever someone that you are interested in and why and we will talk about it together.

7. You have responsibilities at home-do them without being asked. That is as important to me as your television privilege is to you.

Listen, I don't have it all together, and even when I know better I don't always do the right thing. But when it comes to my children I just want to protect them as long as I can. There will come a time when Summer will want to go to a school dance, and if she is old enough and mature enough then I will let her go...I just think 9 years old is not the time.

Now if you'll excuse me, there is an American Girl doll in the other room that needs her hair put in curlers and I am going to help while it's still "cool" to play with dolls.

That's my baby's lunch your staring at...

OK...as promised, my opinion. (See previous post if you are confused as to what I am talking about.)

Disclaimer: I am a co-sleeping, baby-wearing, breast-feeding, butt-spankin' momma. If you don't want to hear my VERY strong opinion, please exit to the upper right of your screen.

What kind of world do we live in that would plaster a woman's body all over the television, internet, magazines, newspapers, billboards, and anywhere else that could be visually enticing, but tells a mommy that she cannot nurse her child in a public area without a cover?

No one curls their nose in disgust when they see a mother dog nursing her puppies, or a momma horse feeding her baby. Why is it so repulsive to catch a glimpse of a human mother feeding her human baby the way that God intended? Could it be that YOU are the perverse one, you are the one with the problem, not I? Why would it be OK for me to walk into a restaurant in a blouse with a plummeting neck line and no "undergarment" on, but if you see me inconspicuously nursing my child, then you lose your appetite and want me tossed from the property.

Trust me, there is nothing I would like better than to always be able to feed my child in a private, dimly lit, quiet room with my feet propped up and sitting in a comfortable chair. But the truth is that scenario hardly ever happens. Most of the time, I have to feed Sydney in the company of others-both male and female, family and strangers, young and old. I have become quite a pro at it, and anyone who has seen me do it will tell you I am able to nurse without showing any "skin". I try to cover Sydney with a blanket whenever she is agreeable, but normally she does not like to eat with a blanket on her head. Do you?

As discreet as I try to be, I am sure there are times when someone who was REALLY looking would be able to catch a less-than-1-second glimpse of my exposed breast. I will not apologize for it, I am not doing anything wrong, I am trying to feed my child. If you don't like it, I will let you borrow Sydney's blanket to put over YOUR head!

I Make Milk...What's Your Superpower?

This is a two part series. Part I will give you tons of facts, and in part II, I shall climb onto my soap box and give you tons of opinion.

In case you want to read for yourself, all of the included information I got from www.bluegrassmoms.com and www.4woman.gov. I have not learned how to do a direct link, nor do I have time to figure it out right now, sorry. Anywho...


The Crime:

Wisconsin, June 2006...A mother, shopping in a Victoria's Secret store with a friend, asks to use a dressing room to nurse her baby. She is told that dressing rooms are for customers only and is offered the employee bathroom. She declines to use the bathroom to breastfeed and says that she would rather sit in a chair in the back of the dressing room. The associate tells her that is not acceptable, she would rather her not nurse in the store in front of customers.

Lexington, KY, July 2007....A mother and her children are meeting family at Applebee's on Richmond Rd. for lunch. The mother strategicly asks for a corner booth in case she needs to feed her baby. At some point during lunch she begins nursing and the waitress asks if she would mind to cover with a blanket, another table could see her feeding her baby and had complained. She apoligized and explained that she did not carry blankets with her in the middle of summer, but offered to re-position herself so the table could not see her from the front. This was still unexceptable and the manager quickly came out to ask the lady to leave.

Berea, KY, August 2008....(World Breastfeeding Month...may I add) A young mother meets her parents at a local McDonald's. When her baby gets fussy, she places her oversized purse on the table in front of her to act as a visual shield while she nurses. The manager catches a glimps of what she is doing and demands that she stop and go to the bathroom. The young mother thankfully knew her rights and calls the police. By the time the police get to the location she is through nursing and is told that since the nursing "incident" was over there was nothing to be done. The manager asks the police to escort the young mother out of the restaurant.

The Law:

There is a Kentucky law that says a woman has a legal right to breastfeed her child, without harrassment or interference, in any location-public or private-that she has a right to otherwise be. The problem with this law is that there are NO consequences for businesses that break the law by harrassing the breastfeeding mother or asking her to leave the premises without good reason. The law further states that each Kentucky town can enforce a civil fine of up to $2,000, if they so choose, to any person/business-private or public-who breaks this law.

To make the issue even more sticky, the business owner can claim indecent exposure as a reason for calling the police, which there IS a fine for and possibly jail time. AND a person who is asked to leave a location in front of a police officer and is not agreeable, can be arrested and charged with tresspassing.


The Facts:

*Of the 50 states, Kentucky ranks 50th in both breastfeeding initiation and breastfeeding continuance, according to the Center for Disease Control

*The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a baby be breastfed exclusively for 6 months, and that a mother should continue breastfeeding while introducing solids until the baby turns 1 yr. According to the AAP, breastfeeding after 1 yr of age can be continues if desired by either mother or baby.

*However, the World Health Organization suggests that every child should be breast fed until the age of 2yr for optimal physical and brain development and to further encourage bonding between mother and child.

*Breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition for infants, and a mother's milk is tailored specificly for her baby's needs. The amazing thing about breast milk is that it adjusts nutritionally as a baby grows. (The milk that my body makes for Sydney now is different that the milk that I made when she was a newborn. How cool is that!)

*Adults who were breastfed as infants, have less obesity problems.

*Breast milk is easier to digest than formula, so less spit-up, less stomach cramps for babies, less gas....which results in a more content (less fussy)baby.

*No slaps in the face intended but... in multiple studies, adults who were breast fed as babies, consistantly showed higher IQ results those who were formula fed.

*Breast feeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer for both the mother and female nursing baby. Also, nursing lowers the risk of osteoporosis after menapause.

*Studies prove that babies who are soothed by offering skin-to-skin physical contact on a regular basis (which breastfeeding provides that type of contact) are more secure-feeling, content, and in general, show a stronger bond to their mothers.

*Breast milk boosts immunities and antibodies in babies, leading to fewer allergies, less sickness due to bacteria, and stronger immune systems.

*It makes life easier...no measuring, heating, or packing.

*Breastfeeding saves on health care costs since breastfed babies are typically healthier, there are fewer doctor visits, hospitalizations, and prescriptions.

*Breastfeeding mothers miss less work, as their children are sick less often. This statement has both truth and longevity. Adults, teens, and children who were breastfed as babies are healthier individuals and tend to miss work less or cause their parents to miss work less for illness related absenses.

*Breastfeeding is better for the environment because there is no trash or plastic produced by bottles or formula cans.

*The last fact that you should know is that I am a LACTIVIST, and proud of it. If you make me mad, I will yank my "bobos" out and squirt you in the face with breastmilk!

Who is my man?

Who is your man?

Jeff DeBruler

How long have you been together?

Since December of 2003-or at least that's when we met and I fell head over heels for him. We have seen each other *just* about everyday since the day we met, minus half a dozen days, or so, when he goes out of town to drag races. We married in May of 2006.

How long did you date?

2 yrs and 5 months-including engagement.

How old is your man?

33-he'll be 34 in October.

Who eats more?

Honestly, right now, I do because I'm nursing and I feel like I'm starving to death all the time. But if I'm unpregnant and not nursing (haven't seen those days in a while!) then he would eat more than me.

Who said "I love you" first?

Funny story, I was CRAZY about him and knew that I was in love with him but we hadn't been dating all that long so I was afraid to say it - I didn't want to scare him off, and it would have crushed me if he had rejected me after telling him how much I loved him. So, after I had put Summer and JD to bed one night, Jeff came over to see me (at that point I wasn't letting him spend a great deal of time with my children-wanted to make certain he was a sure thing). We were watching TV and he leaned over and told me that he felt like he was falling in love with me, I got all flustered because I felt the same way and told him that I KNEW I was in love with him, so...there you have it, I guess technically he said it first.

Who is taller?

He is.

Who sings better?

Jeff doesn't sing so I would have to say that I am the better singer. Yeah, I am definitely a good singer, anyone who has ever heard me sing tells me how amazing my voice is. Often they say things like, "Interesting, I've never heard anything like that before." What a compliment, my voice must truly be one of a kind.

Who is smarter?

We both have our areas of expertise. There's a lot of things that he knows that I don't, common sense kinda stuff. But I'm more the book smart type, I know a lot of worthless, random information.

Who's temper is worse?

Well, we each have different ways that we handle ourselves. I just kind of fly off the handle and start yelling and rambling, then I'm done, I'm over it. Jeff hardly ever, ever gets mad about anything, but when he's had enough - you better clear out! We both have tempers, I show mine off more often than he does.

Who does the laundry?

We both do-however, at some point in the near future, my children will take over that job.

Who takes the trash out?

We both do-but JD helps most of the time, and soon he will be able to take that job over, he needs time to bulk up a little, trash is heavy to lift.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?

We both do-(hee, hee) .

Who pays the bills?

I currently keep up with the check writing and balancing the check book. However, Jeff will take over those responsibilities very soon because I need a break! But really, it's pretty mutual. There are no secrets, we both know how much $ we have, or don't have. We both know when bills are do, he may drop off a payment here or there if he's in town. We are pretty much on the same page when it comes to that sorta stuff.

Who is better with the computer?

He is.

Who mows the lawn?

He does for now. Again, just waiting patiently for my children to get a little older. There will come a day when Jeff won't have to mow anymore and that responsibility will belong to one of the kids.

Who cooks dinner?

Me, most of the time. Unless we grill out. My husband is, hands down, the best "meat cooker", whether it be grilling, frying, baking, BBQing, -he's way better than me.

Who drives when you are together?

He does. I really like for my husband to drive. I think he's cute and when he drives, it gives me a chance to look at him.

Who pays when you go out?

Does it matter, he's the only one making the money, so I guess technically, he pays! Usually though, when we go out, he will pay the bill.

Who is the most stubborn?

Me, no him, no me, no-definitely him, mostly me and usually him...it's a secret.

Who is the first to admit when they are wrong?

We are both still learning to do this. I, however, am really good at admitting when *he* is wrong, but I don't think that was the question.

Who's parents do you see most often?

We see my Mom more often because she lives so close. His parents and my Dad live out of town.

Who kissed who first?

I attacked him first, but I forewarned him that it was going to happen if he didn't stop lookin' so darn handsome all the time, and he always smelled so good! So I might have kissed him first, but he made me do it... it was his fault.

Who asked who out?

It was a blind date. However, he was gracious enough to go out with me after I stood him up twice!

Who proposed?

He did, he gave me my ring in this HUGE box with this cheesy note in it that said,"Will you marry me?" We never set a date though. The wedding date was set when this conversation came up..."Uh, babe, I'm pregnant. I guess we should get married ASAP?"

Who is more sensitive?

Me--I win that one every time!

Who has more friends?

Definitely, him. I have "acquaintances", but not really all that many friends-this sounds awful, but I don't make time for friendships at this point in my life. Jeff works with his best friend everyday so it's easier for him to nurture that relationship. My closest friends are my sisters, my mother, and Jeff-those are the people that I see or talk to everyday.

Who has more siblings?

I have 2 sisters and 2 step-siblings. Jeff has 3 half siblings. How do ya figure that up?

Who wears the pants in the family?

He does.

How did you meet?

My sister introduced us.

Summer

A terrible thing has happened...terrible, awful, horrible. I must have the MOST disobedient daughter on the face of the planet. I cannot believe that my sweet little girl would go and do something that I specifically told her NOT to do. She will most certainly be grounded for eternity. You won't believe it, I can't believe it, guess what she went and did...

She Turned 9!!!!

On Wednesday my oddest, I mean oldest child, had her ninth birthday. I was 21 when she was born and even though I am oh so furious with her for turning one year older, I am going to tell everyone who is reading this nine reasons why I love my SumSum!

Nine Reasons Why I Love My Daughter SOOO Much

1. She is the person who made me a mommy. She gave me the greatest job in the world.

2. She is my second set of hands. There are many, many things that I could never get done without her help.

3. She use to call Mermaids 'Wormaids'...I never corrected her because it was so adorable.

4. She is the only child who has freckles like me.

5. She lets me read her stories. Even though she knows how to read and has read *just* about every book in our house, she knows it makes me happy to cuddle up next to her and read her a story...and as corny as that is, she still lets me.

6. My daughter is BEAUTIFUL! She is one on the most beautiful people I have ever seen. Most importantly though, she has a beautiful heart. She is generous, she is mannerly, she is witty. I can't wait to see the awesome woman that she will be someday. And although, when she is grown, I will still be her mom I am most excited to be her friend.

7. She is strong! I am amazed at her physical strength, she is NO wimp. But she is also mentally strong. She is very outspoken and confident, and is not easily swayed by others remarks or thoughts.

8. She is brave. I am in awe of her courage to stand up for what she believes in, even at such a young age.

9. And the most important reason why I love Summer so much is because I know that God created her and made her my daughter. She is a wonderful young lady and I am a better person for having her in my life!

Happy Birthday Summer, I Love You!

Like this little child...

Something happened to me last week at church that changed my heart. I would like to tell you that it was something that the pastor said or maybe a song that was played, but it wasn't. It wasn't a testimony of God's forgiveness or healing. It wasn't a praise for an answered prayer. It wasn't because someone rededicated their life to Christ or got baptized. It was none of those things. Something happened during church that was seen by only my husband and I.

My son... my sweet son, JD, pulled a dollar bill out of his pocket during offering and placed it in the offering bag. He was not told to do this and he did not ask me for money, it was his own. He didn't give his dollar because someone was watching or because he wanted praise, he didn't even know that we saw him do it. After the service he didn't brag about it or ridicule someone else who he noticed had not given. He gave his own money out of his own penny bank, it was probably the only dollar in there or maybe the only one he could reach with his little fingers. None-the-less, I was proud and ashamed all at the same time.

See, he didn't learn that from me because I am not an obedient giver. I tell myself that *next* week there will be some money left over to tithe, I'll give *next* week. I tell God that when the checking account looks better then I'll start giving regularly. As soon as the school clothes are purchased, then I'll be able to budget in my 10% tithes. I tell God that I'll do some volunteer work-that will be my tithes and offerings. The truth is that I tithe only when I have extra money, only when it is convenient for me. Only when I have no other obligations.

This lack of obedience is a testament to how weak my faith is. On the 'Cardboard Testimonies' video from my previous post, there was an older gentleman that held up a sign that said "God Robber". I felt a lump in my throat, that was ME...along with several other signs that I saw. I am robbing God, I am stealing from Him. He gifts me with so many blessings EVERYDAY and I have the nerve to sit in church and give him nothing in return, and he asks for so little-I don't even given him the few pennies on the dollar that he asks for.

God promises that he will take care of us if we tithe! He promises that by sacrificing our hard earned money (that just doesn't seem to go as far as it needs to) he will pour out the blessings. Listen to God's own words...

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. TEST ME IN THIS," says the Lord Almighty," and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so many blessings that you will not have room enough for them." Malachi 3:10

I try to be a living example for my children, but last Sunday my son was the example for me. God told JD to give his own money for an offering and JD obeyed without question, without need for praise or attention, without placing judgement on others...God told him to do something-JD obeyed. That command had to come from God, because that was not the example that I had set for him.

Tomorrow in church I will be tithing. I will follow the example that my son has set for me.

Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3 and 4

Yes Lord, I hear you loud and clear.

Watch this

This is what God's grace is all about!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ

I would like to invite anyone who reads this blog to come and visit my home church, Living Water, this Sunday. Come as you are, I will have my bluejeans on and Jeff will be wearing his Redwings. There is a smoke pit out front, and drums and a base guitar in the sanctuary. I'll be saving a seat for ya!

http://www.lwclife.com/

We were created to be free from sin.

The Name Game

I just got finished reading a blog that I like to visit and today the topic was how she chose names for her children. It was mildly interesting, so for lack of a better topic, I thought that I would write about the same.

First I must say that I firmly believe a child should have a meaningful name. It makes me cringe when I hear a parent say, "Well I just liked that name." I know there are some lovely people out there who have no reason/purpose for giving their child a certain name, but for me personally (and this is MY blog, so if you don't want to hear MY opinion, please exit to the right) I just believe that if you have a name for ALL your life, you should at least have an interesting story about it. Secondly, I think that if children are given biblical or family names, it grounds them to some extent, it gives them a feeling of connection-I mean, there was a reason that you adored that person enough to give your child their name so it must be meaningful to you, right?

So, in the beginning, there was Sumsum ....Summer was born in July(hence, the middle of summertime). Also, when I was in college at WKU, I had a friend who's name was Summer and I always thought that was the coolest name! Now the truth comes out....toward the end of our friendship, Summer sorta "went off the deep end" and took up employment at a respectable establishment in Bowling Green called 'Tattle Tails' where she was schooled in the fine art of exotic dancing. However, I still always thought she had a really great name and so I gave it to my daughter. (I am now kicking myself in the butt for the stupid comment that I made in the above paragraph about giving your child a meaningful name!) So the joke among my sisters is that I named my child after a stripper...Ha,Ha! ANYWAYS! Summer's middle name is Mikala, she was named after my dad Michael.

In line to the throne is King James. My sweet son. He was named after the matriarchs in his family tree. JD's grandmother's (on his dad's side) maiden name was James and my maiden name was Davis, so he was given the name James Davis, ie: JD. Doesn't James Davis Taylor sound like a future president's name? Maybe a doctor of a medical foundation, or president and CEO of a large and successful corporation, ....or the name of a man who lives next door to his mother all his life and mows her yard and goes to the grocery for her at her beck and call. Doesn't it sound like the name of a gentleman who drives his mother to church every Sunday and to homemakers on Tuesday mornings? Scratch the whole president, doctor, and CEO thing. JD's never leaving his momma!

Then I gave birth to my third child which actually turned out to be a bear. From the beginning he was given the nick name 'Baby Bear' because he looks like a sweet angelic baby, but acts like a rowdy, destructive bear. Colton is unbelievably strong and constantly active. He is, by far, my most hard-headed child, which he undoubtedly gets from his father (for some reason people always roll their eyes and begin to whisper when I say that)! "Colton" is actually his middle name, his first name is Jeffrey and he was named after his dad-Jeff. Jeff is also the name of my husband so it worked out really well...JOKING people!

And bringin' up the rear is Sydney-poo. Sydney's middle name is Ellen and she was named after my mother. Some of my family calls her Little Sydel. (Sydney and Ellen combined). I have an uncle who calls her 'Ellie'. She'll probably grow up answering to anything...I can just hear Dede now, "Hopefully she won't be answering to the name *Cherry* or *Lady Diva*...didn't you have any other 'respectable' friends you could name your youngest daughter after?"

Shut up...Dede!

This very moment...

Outside my window

It is raining and I see an empty swing set, and a wet dog that wants to come inside, but I won't let her because she'll stink up my house.

I am thinking

about how nice it would be to lose 30 lbs. and fit into my summer wardrobe.

I am thankful for

allrecipes.com. Why do I keep my recipe books? I never use them! This is probably one of my most favorite websites in the whole universe.

From the kitchen

for lunch...cheeseburgers and baked potatoes. For dinner...haven't thought that far ahead. I will probably have to go to the grocery for dinner stuff. Also, I need to wash my dishes, which I detest doing!

I am wearing

my frumpy PJ's

I am going

To my mom's house this afternoon to let her dog out to potty, to the grocery store, and to clean out my vehicle because "something" stinks and it is coming from the direction of JD's seat...probably wet socks or a dead pet cicada in his cupholder.

I am reading

the book of James in the bible. It is short and uncomplicated, and it gives great advise about the danger of "words". I find that I often need to show great self-control in this area.

" The tongue is the smallest part of the body but is the most dangerous. A great forest can be set on fire by just a spark. In the same way, the mouth also can be a fire...it can corrept the whole person and destroy the course of ones life with words." James 3:5 and 6 (paraphrased)

I am hoping

that Summer is having a wounderful time at camp. I hope she is safe and is learning about God and making lots of friends, and I hope that she is looking forward to coming home because I have missed her so much.

I am hearing

the crunch of Cheetos in my ear. I feel the pecking of a cheesy finger on my shoulder and the sweet little words of my son asking me if he can have an Ale81 to go along with the chips that he is eating at 10 in the morning. Excuse me a moment while I tell him no and wipe the cheese off my shirt.

Around the house

Both the little ones are sleeping, the kittens are playing in the house, the wet dog is still outside glaring at me thru the window, JD is watching Disney channel, and there is lots to be cleaning so I need to finish this up.

One of my favorite things

my porch swing that Jeff got me for my 29th birthday last year. This year for my 29th birthday I think I'll ask for a gift certificate to my new favorite clothing store, and next year for my 29th birthday, I am planning on asking for new paint in my bedroom.

*May you see the blessing in whatever it is that you are doing this very moment.*

The Stare Down

I have this rule in my house and among my family, no adult is to EVER be the first to look away when one of my children has initiated a stare down. You may be thinking, "Why does Gina care if she loses a staring contest with the kids?" Listen closely...as a parent of a toddler, two former toddlers and a soon to be toddler this is valuable advise!

There will come a time when your child understands what the word 'NO' means, he will understand what your 'mean face' looks like (if you don't have a mean face, get one immediately). Undoubtedly, there will also come a time when your precious toddler will test his limits to see how serious you are when you say 'NO'.

The other day, my sweet baby Colton was climbing on the dining room chair. I told him NO and removed him from the chair. No sooner had I turned to walk back into the kitchen, than the little bugger started pulling himself up on the chair again. I immediately turned around, abruptly pulled him away from the chair, knelt down and said in my stern mommy voice with my 'mean face', "Mommy said NO."

And the stare down began! Colton stood there still as a statue as if he were hoping that I might forget he was there...eyes dead locked on mine. I had a bazillion things to do but I knew that I had to let him know how serious I was and that meant not moving. No grinning, winking, standing up, speaking, hugging, looking away, negotiating, NOTHING. His face was as serious as mine and I wanted so badly to just pick him up and smother him in kisses but I couldn't...a lesson was being learned, and an important lesson at that...

"I have to do what Mommy tells me, period."

Now listen carefully parents...

We cannot always use redirection as a tool. We cannot remove from our homes every single potential hazard. We cannot always discipline by spanking (although I do spank my children when it's appropriate). At some point our little ones have to learn what NO means and they have to learn who is in charge (that would be the parent by the way, in case there is any confusion). And this lesson can be taught in the form of the stare down. It's really quite simple, if he wins he's in charge and will most likely return to whatever he was doing that got him in 'trouble' to begin with...if a passive sweet "No honey" is what you consider 'trouble'. But if you win, then your in charge and this is the goal.

Teaching your child to obey you is not taking away your child's individuality or curiosity. It's not being strict or unkind or demeaning to the child. It's not teaching them to fear you or any of that bull cah-cah that the world would have you to believe. It's teaching them to understand boundaries...often for there own safety. It's teaching them to respect and appreciate the material things that you are providing for your children by not destroying them. It's teaching them to respect you and in
turn receive respect and praise for good behavior, which will make them feel good about who they are and the decisions that they make.

Will Colton test his boundaries again? Most definitely, he tried to climb on the table again last night, but to my surprise Jeff handled to beautifully, stare down and all. The important thing is that Colton learns that we are in charge. And not just because we are the parents and we're trying to be mean by asserting our authority...because God has made us responsible for our children, and in the end God will hold us responsible for the way that we raised them.

He has given us these children and expects us to not only love and cuddle and play with them, but to also teach and instruct them about what is appropriate. To teach them to be generous,kind, humble, to be helpful and respectful to others. All of these lessons are taught by example, enforced by discipline, and encouraged with lots of praise.

Parents, do not be afraid to discipline your children in public, whether that be in church, a restaurant, at a friends house, the ball park, or anywhere else. Parenting does not stop just because you are in public. Many times I have told a waitress in the middle of ordering my food to please give me a few moments to help my children calm down. If my kids start acting up while I am speaking to someone that I have run into, I have no problem stopping the conversation for a moment to quickly tell my children what I expect of them and what the consequences will be if they continue to misbehave. My children know what I mean when I say, "Do we need to go to the bathroom and discuss this?" That has never been as empty threat, but rather a place to speak sternly and most likely to have their butt busted for continuing to be disobedient. I have NEVER left a public place because my children were misbehaving, and I won't. I will deal with bad behavior on the spot no matter where I am or who is around me. And my children will be better for it.

My mom was a strict parent, she had to be. With three daughters, the first time she let something slip by without it being corrected, we would have taken her out! It never occurred to me that she was out numbered, all I knew was that I had better do what I was told and do it the first time because the consequences were crystal clear. As we got older, she didn't even have to go over all the details of her expectations of us in public. All she would say is, "Girls, you know what I expect of you."

Sometimes I feel like I am too lenient on my children, I feel like there are things that I let slip out of pure exhaustion and I wonder if they notice or if it gives them the fuel to push the envelope a little further. However, the other day my (strict-never let them get one over on you) mom admitted something to me...she lost a stare down between her and Colton.

I have been a mother for almost 9 years now and I have NEVER lost a stare down...I feel redeemed!

This is not a democracy

Well, there are the rumblings of war on Sawmill Road. The citizens are being disobedient and think they are going to over turn their dictator...they think! Someone forgot to tell my sweet children that there are no child labor laws enforced on Sawmill Road.

"There is plenty to get done today and my job is to feed you, wash your laundry, and keep Sydney from screaming her head off. So hop to it!" (Cracking the whip.) I have momentarily allowed them to rest for an hour and a half, I may even let them run thru the water hose later. I have to give them something to work towards, right? I even made Colton pick up his toys earlier...however he thought it was a game and tossed them all back on the floor within moments of me saying, "GOOD JOB, Mommy is proud of you!"

In other news, Jeff and I have decided to keep Colton indoors for about a week for fear that someone will call the police and accuse us of abuse! No, but really, he has had a horrible 24 hours! Yesterday morning he pulled a plate off the counter and one of the broken pieces nicked his big toe, then he fell down 3 porch steps (because 'someone', who's name begins with a G and rhymes with 'ina', didn't latch the porch gate while she was dutifully retrieving a sippy cup out of the yard) and he landed face first into the concrete sidewalk. Lastly, this morning JD was trying to chase a wasp out of our house -because I am petrified of wasps and JD is so very brave-, when the wasp landed on the couch, Colton just pick it up as if he were going to hand the wasp to JD. Needless to say, Colton got stung. I suppose I should get out of the bed and supervise these children....(joking)!

In otherly news (is that even a word?) Meyers in Lexington has milk on sale for $2.50 a gallon! I am making a trip over there this week and am bringing back 10 gallons of whole milk, I read somewhere on-line that whole milk freezes well. I'll let ya know.

I hope all of my blog buddies have a wonderful, superific week. And stay *Cool*! (Hee, hee...I meant that in the literal sense, but when I said it, it made me sound really hip! I'm sure when my daughter reads this she will roll her eyes in disgust and embarrassment...I think I'll say it again!)

Stay *COOL*!!!

This post is dedicated to the Wal-Mart associate who is having her third child by her third husband.

Summer break is finally here and I am so glad to have all of the kids at home (check with me in a week, I may feel differently?) I have lots planned and I have a "skeleton" schedule of how my day should go, just so I don't waste my summer days being lazy. I'm going to go over the schedule with the kids today so that Monday morning we will all be on track. Good Luck to me!

I hope you all got my email with the MSN video attachment, and I hope that you learned something about yourself and others as you watched it. I don't feel the need to discuss this much but, on a more personal note, I want you to know that my family is like any other. We have "issues" that we deal with that others don't, but likewise, you probably have something in your household that you deal with that your neighbors don't have to. It's not necessarily bad, it's just an "issue". Some families, may have a grandparent that lives with them, some families may only see their extended family once a year. Some may have a child with a disability, some may have a child who sleeps in the bed with mom and dad, some moms are raising their children without a father in the home, etc., etc. None of these are horrible scenarios, they are just issues that others deal with that I don't have to. Jeff and I are raising 4 children, two of them are bi-racial and two of them are white, that's our issue...one of them anyways! Our goal for all our children is to raise them to be educated, confident, independent, God-fearing, humble, successful, happy people. I tell Summer and JD all the time how special they are, I will tell Colton and Sydney the same things as they get older. The color of their skin is not the deciding factor of whether they have happy, successful lives. That happiness depends on how they feel about themselves and how resilient they are.

I would like to pose these questions to those of you who have children...Are you raising your children to feel good about who they are? Are you teaching your children to listen to their own inner voice, or do you encourage them to listen to others voices, to let others decide who they are, to let other people's words have power over their lives? So what if your child only has one parent who is active in their life, so what if your child has a learning disability, so what if they look different from the "norm", so what if they are not enrolled in every activity they want to be in and you don't buy them everything their classmates have, so what if they are adopted. Why should those factors, and many others, cripple your children emotionally? Why do we give the circumstances in our lives power to define who we are?

On the same note, but a little lighter...Wal-Mart is ALWAYS an adventure for me when I take my children in. Usually it's just the chaos of keeping up with everyone, but yesterday as I was going through the check-out, the lovely Wal-Mart associate made a comment that I hear a lot..."Boy, you've got your hands full!" I just politely nodded and then she asked me if I was a foster mom. What? I told her (again politely...against my initial reaction) that they were all mine. As if that explanation wasn't enough, she then makes a really inappropriate facial expression and asks, "Well, how'd that happen?" I simply said..."The oldest 2 are from my first marriage and the youngest 2 are from my second marriage."

I guess because of the uniqueness of my family, I NEVER raise my eyebrows when I see children who don't look like their parents. There are lots of scenarios and I really don't think twice about the hows and whys of blended or multi-racial families, so it shocks me when people ask me questions like that. I really wanted to say, "What do you think happened?"

Please, the next time you see a blended family, think of me and my children before you open your mouth and ask a stupid question. Just think about it silently and see if you can figure it out...if still you can't figure it out just leave it be...it really isn't any of your business to begin with.

Why did the chicken cross the road?

I copied and pasted this from another blog, so feel free to do the same if you want to send this to someone. I have no idea who the author is. My favorites are Dr. Suess and Ernest Hemingway. Have a good laugh!

Why did the chicken cross the road?

BARACK OBAMA:The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a CHANGE! The chicken wanted CHANGE!

JOHN MC CAIN:My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.

HILLARY CLINTON:When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure -- right from Day One! -- that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me.......

DR. PHIL:The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that he must first deal with the problem on 'THIS' side of the road before it goes after the problem on the 'OTHER SIDE' of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his 'CURRENT' problems before adding 'NEW' problems.

OPRAH:Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.

GEORGE W. BUSH:We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.

COLIN POWELL:Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road...

ANDERSON COOPER - CNN:We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.

JOHN KERRY:Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.

NANCY GRACE:That chicken crossed the road because he's GUILTY! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.

PAT BUCHANAN:To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.

MARTHA STEWART:No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information.

DR SEUSS:Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY:To die in the rain. Alone.

GRANDPA:In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.

BARBARA WALTERS:Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart warming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish its life long dream of crossing the road.

ARISTOTLE:It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.

JOHN LENNON:Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together, in peace.

BILL GATES:I have just released eChicken2007, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your check book. Internet Explorer is an integral part of the Chicken. This new platform is much more stable and will never cra...#@&&^(C% .......... reboot.

ALBERT EINSTEIN:Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?

BILL CLINTON:I did not cross the road with THAT chicken. What is your definition of chicken?

AL GORE:I invented the chicken!

COLONEL SANDERS:Did I miss one?

DICK CHENEY:Where's my gun?

He should have made me put my nose in the corner

I told my sister, Dede, I was going to write about this. I hope it's entertaining, but if not, read it anyway. There is something to be learned by someone else's mistakes.

Last Thursday was JD's preschool graduation. For the sake of convenience I decided that we should all get dressed at my mother's house...probably not real convenient for her...but never-the-less, that's what we did. So, me and my four children ate dinner and changed clothes AND miraculously, were fed, dressed, and ready to go by 5:45pm. I had decided that, in order to get good seats, have the camera and video recorder set up, and have JD in his classroom on time, we would need to leave my mother's house (that means pulling out of the driveway) by 6:05 for the 7pm program.

Now watch and see how my evening begins to unravel...

*Promptly at 6pm Summer comes to me and says that she wants to change her pants because they were wet from the rain. "Fine, just move fast." *6:o1, JD decides that he needs to use the bathroom. "OK, but go fast, we need to leave immediately, if not before."
*All of a sudden, Sydney starts screaming. "Alright little one, I will feed you but hurry it up or we're going to be late" Like she really know what I'm talking about!
*All the while, Colton is destroying my mother's living room as I begin to yell at the top of my lungs, "Quit, put it back, leave it alone, get away from there, stop it now, No no Colton, NO...NO!

Remember, at this point I have been confined to a chair by my nursing baby who will now only nurse from the right side during day light hours (odd!), even though I am engorged beyond belief and leaking from my left side (with no nursing pads within reach). At this point, and out of pure necessity, I have pushed our departure time back to 6:15. " We are leaving in 10 minutes, everybody move toward the vehicle!"

*Next, Summer tromps thru the living room in turquois capris,which match nothing she has on. "What are you wearing? No! Go change back into your other pants. I don't care if they are wet, suck it up!" She starts to cry, but goes to change.
*Then JD walks in the room with not only are his pants down and shirt untucked, but also his tie off and his shirt unbuttoned! "Why are you undressed? Was all this necessary just to use the bathroom?! Get over here now!" He starts to cry, but walks over and allows me to re-dress him as I continue to rant like a mad woman.
*All the while I am still redirecting Colton by telling him everything that he is NOT allowed to touch. Out of frustration, he starts crying.
*Then Sydney fills her pants. So I begin to ramble under my breath about how inconvenient a time it is for my 2 month old to take a poo. It would be nice if she could have waited until another time! Can't she see how irritated I am at the moment?

So, Summer changes, I get JD redressed, change Sydney's diaper, and quickly pick up mom's living room. We all get in the van and arrive at the church in plenty of time to get JD to his class and sit down...with time to spare.

As I sat watching my little boy graduate from preschool, I thought about my evening. I thought about what I jerk I was to my children, I thought about how God was so faithful to me and how very unfaithful I am to him. All I wanted were good seats...but I lost my cool and made my kids feel like it would be all their fault if I didn't get to sit where I wanted to. How stupid is that? And despite the way that I behaved, God provided my good seats anyways. He should have made me go sit in the corner...that's what I deserved.

Motherhood is HARD. I am not perfect. I did not read a book or take a class on how to raise children. I'm wingin' it just like everyone else. I want so badly to be the mom that my children need me to be. I want to be the kind of parent to them that God is to me...Gentle, loving, forgiving, slow to anger. The truth is I can't do this alone. I need His example and His forgivness everyday.

I apoligized to the kids later that night for the way that I had behaved. I want to be transparent to my children, I want them to know that I make mistakes...big ones and little ones, and that I will apoligize to them when I am wrong. I want them to know that I am not perfect, and if they are looking for perfection it's not in me, nor them, nor any person on this earth. They need to keep their eyes on Christ. As good a mommy as I try to be and as good a person as I try to be, there is one thing that I can guarantee my children, friends, and family...I will let you down.

That's why as parents we need to offer Christ to our children from an early age so that when parents, friends, future spouses, or just the world in general let's them down, they have someone to hold on to that will never let them down.

I am so blessed to be a child of God...He is a good Daddy.

Lord, help me to be a better Mommy, I want to be like you.

Chickens have lice, Goats stink

Summer came home from school on Friday and wanted to know if she could bring home some baby chics. Apparently, one of the teachers at school let her students incubate some eggs and not all of the children were allowed to take their chics home ( I don't have a clue why!), so the teacher was asking for volunteers to give the chics suitable homes.

That very same afternoon on our way home, we passed a small farm with goats and JD had the wonderful idea that we should get a goat. A farmer had brought some goats and lhamas to their school to learn about a few interesting farm animals. JD shared with me that the farmer had told his class that some goats were like pets and they were very sweet.

What a splendid idea! Chickens and goats! Yes, yes, and yes...actually we should get two chickens and two goats because everyone needs friends, right? I will inform Jeff immediately that we will be aquiring some new pets and that he should make the appropriate housing arrangements......whatever they may be... - sayeth the non-country girl.

Done, it was that easy...only in my head of course! When I oh-so-casually explained this to Jeff, just as I had rehearsed in my mind, he quickly squashed all my plans!

Jeff- Gina, we don't have a place to put chickens and goats!
Gina- I thought you could build something.
Jeff- When do you expect me to do that?
Gina- Well, can't they just stay outside?
Jeff- Gina, we don't have a farm!
Gina- 3/4 of an acre is big enough for two chickens and two goats, isn't it?
Jeff- ...and 4 kids and a dog too!!?! NO! IT'S NOT ENOUGH ROOM! I grew up on a farm, I know about this kind of stuff.
Gina-I thought it would be good for the kids to have something to take care of.
Jeff- YEH RIGHT! You said that when you brought the dog home. You know good and well
who will be taking take of them. ME!
Gina-Please?
Jeff-Look.... chickens have lice (proceeded by some story that horrified me and made me itch),
and goats stink (he knows that I hate smelly animals- I can deal with smelly children but
NOT smelly animals).


Gina-.....could we get a cat?
Jeff-...(pause)...(pause)...(then hesitently)...we can get a cat .

Gina-Can we get two?

Quiet Blessings

It's 10 pm and all is quiet. I do love these moments, but it always feels like something isn't right, I am so use to hearing noise all the time, even just the breath of a baby lying next to me. It's moments like this that I have time to clear my head and remember all that I have to be thankful for. I told someone the other day how "blessed" I was . And as I walked away I thought about the meaning the word blessing. Now, I haven't looked it up but here is what *I* think it means..."a gift which I do not deserve and could never earn, a valuable present which I could not ever afford, luck beyond understanding."

Sunday was my little sister's birthday. She turned 26 and most everyone in my family turned out for the occasion. I love being with them, we tell jokes, talk about stories from our childhood, and catch up on everyone's life. I am so proud of my heritage. I am proud...no, blessed... to be part of a family that loves each other so much. We are a family that celebrates each other's victories, shields one another from hurt, and comforts each other during hard times. Why do I deserve to have such wounderful people in my life? Well, I don't. They are a blessing.

Learning to post pictures...bare with me!

Who knows how this will end up!

I am trying to move to the next stage of blogging...posting pictures.

This first pic is left justifies, small image (I am talking to myself, by the way! I am making notes so that I can decide what I like.) I meant for this picture of JD to be UNDER the above first two sentences...didn't work out for me, I'll have to play around some more.

This next picture of Summer is centered, small image. Somehow it ended up at the top of the page when I meant for it to be between this paragraph and the above paragraph. What does a girl have to do! Let's try again!

The last picture which is a TROPHY WINNING S-10 drag racing truck (that should be displaying a "For Sale" sign) is right justifies, small image. Clearly, it ended up in the right hand corner of the page...which is not where I intended on it being. Again, it was suppose to be between this and the previous paragraph. I am flopping at this! Did I mention the afore mentioned truck is for sale? I think I will try once more to sell the truck...I mean post a picture (ooops!).

The picture on the VERY TOP of the page, is medium image. Maybe I need to try to manually move them...nope, didn't work! Anywho, I feel that I have been successful in my quest to post pictures, however, failed miserably at getting the pictures to post where I want them to be...I shall make this my mission for next time!

Did I mention that the truck was for sale?

Chunky Monkey

I don't believe in skinny babies! There is nothing cuter than a little fat baby, and my little Sydney is fat and I love it! She has little pillows for cheeks and she sleeps with her hands under her face like a little angel...it's so adorable. I am so in love with her, I am such a lucky mommy to have four awesome and amazing children.

Well, I ventured into Wal-Mart with my youngest three today, Summer was still at school so she didn't have the pleasure of attending (I say that with much sarcasim). It's always interesting to try to grocery shop quickly and efficiently, all the while doing a head count every few seconds (I HAVE momentarily left one in the grocery before so I do head counts constantly when we are in public!) It's much like herding cats.

Also, my husband is going away this weekend on his annual weekend with the "boys". A group of him and his good buddies go to Bowling Green, KY for some big fancy shmancy drag race. They basicly spend all day drooling over fast cars and expensive engines and then retire to the local Hooters-wanna-be-restaurant where they act like a bunch of middle school boys. What A Waste! Iwould much rather be shoe shopping or having a root canal!

Well, I must go...so much to do, so little time to do it in.

Oh, to win the lottery...

I found out earlier today that my husband will be layed off from his job as of Friday. I have to say that although money gets tight when he's layed off, I do LOVE IT when he is home. He has been working long hours the past 6 weeks and I feel like we just pass in the hallway. He even has to sleep on the couch in order to get any rest because the baby wakes him up and he needs to be well-rested for work. So, I am really happy that he will be around more, I love to hang out with him! Plus he's gotten behind on his business, he's a carpenter and works for himself quite a bit, so this will give him a chance to get caught up on some work that he's had to put off.

I actually wish he would just work for himself all the time but we live from week to week and it's pretty scary to think about having NO money coming in if there wasn't work for him to do. But, it's fun to dream...having him at home and working his schedule around our family brings me so much happiness.

Jeff and I were dreaming the other night about what we would do if we won the lottery. What big plans we had! Although I will say, to be as broke as we are, there sure is a lot of love in our home and I wouldn't trade that for all the money in the world!

"Everywhere I look in my home, I see someone I love."

In the middle of Busy

Yesterday was a big day for the Taylor-DeBruler gang. First of all my oldest daughter, Summer, who is 8yrs old, got her glasses. She looked so adorable...(Summer, if you are reading this what I meant to say was mature, intelligent, and classy. Adorable is just a mommy word!) Also, my youngest daughter, Sydney, turned 4 wks old yesterday.

In other news, we ate ravioli last night for dinner, which is always interesting when you have a 16mon old who prefers to feed himself. My sweet husband, who works 10 hour shifts as a carpenter, is such a good sport. I'm sure he was just thrilled to come home from a long day at work and find that I had opened up a can of ravioli for dinner.

Thank you, Lord , for such a sweet, non-complaining husband!

Maybe tonight I can cook something a little more "homemade". Meatloaf sounds great, we'll just have to see how the day unfolds. Being a mom of four has really made me a fly-by-the-seat-of -my-pants kinda girl. Ya never know how the next moment just might change your whole day!

Intro.

I set this blog up several months ago and this is the first time that I am posting...I always tell my family that I will get to things eventually, so I think it's pretty cool that today "eventually" has finally arrived! I wanted to have a place to talk about my comings and goings as a stay-at-mommy, how great my husband and kids are, and (in general) how very, very blessed I am! I hope that anyone who reads this blog will enjoy it and visit again from time to time, but I want most for my family to read and enjoy these postings because my writings are about them and how very much I love them.