^{Lamentations 1:22}The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. ²³Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day

His mercies are fresh every day.   Thank you LORD!  Today I feel pretty good.  I hope it lasts.  We are continuing to work on the lean-to.  As Friday is one of Rob's days off.  Hopefully my little brothers & sisters are coming up to help.  That should make a big dent in things.  If nothing else it will give Rob the encouragement to continue on.  He's getting so tired.

Well...its official the smell of chicken is pretty revolting.  HMM last time it was hamburger meat.  As long as I don't think about it I can eat it....but ewwwww it smells so bad.  What is it about smells and pregnancy.  Yesterday my nose was so sensitive.  Even the smell of fishy crackers was ewwwwwww.  And Kaylin just did not understand why I didn't wish to share them with her. 

Oh well.  At least I'm still eating.  Last pregnancy I didn't eat worth beans.  This one I'm doing a bit better.

Our kids foster mom called.  She saw James.  Her best friend has him.  She took a bunch of pictures and their in the mail to us.  I don't have a scanner (yet) so I can't share them.  sniff sniff.  But I can't wait to put a face to him!  I will be getting a scanner for my birthday.  (The 10th of September) 

EEk I'm gonna be 30.  Am i ready for this?  Actually 30 sounds kinda nice.  Maybe people will stop calling me the kid--nah that will never happen.  Thats what comes from growing up in one community and never leaving it.  I'll always be seen as the kid.  Even when my kids are grown probably. (rolling eyes)

Father God, Thank you so much for the peaceful evening last night, and for the wonderful day we had yesterday.  The kids were good, and I was actually able to get some stuff done.  I pray that today we will enjoy ourselves a lot.  We will also get much work done.  I pray that things would go speedily for Rob, and he would not run into hang-ups.  And be much encouraged by how things go.  I ask that the kids play good, and not spat too much.  I love you.  I ask that you will help me to guard my tongue.  It says things so quickly.  Please help me to remember "slow to speak, slow to anger."  Thank you for your love,  Amen

We had a really good day today.  We went to the Library, and to the MCd's playland.  My kids were angels.  With only one very small altercation.  And that right at the end.  I was so proud of them.

This afternoon we went outside and the kids played.  And instead of burying my head in a book, or folding laundry at the picnic table I watched them play, really watched them.  And learned some things. 

When is the last time you tried something new?  Kaylin did today...she knows those pedals are for something...but she just can't figure out how to get it and she gets so frustrated does she quit?  Nope, just keeps pushing and pushing.  Soon she'll have it...and ack my baby will be all gone.

And then there's the dare devil in us all.  How long has it been since you've done something that makes your heart race?  I can't remember doing something dare devil in soooo long, and I miss it.  This is Zeria skateboarding down the hill.

And then their's the plodder in all of us.  We get there slow and sure.  Boring....but it works.  LOL

And how about the last time I used my imagination?  Here we have the great might butterfly hunters.  Yep butterfly hunters.  Don't ask me why you chase butterflys with sticks, you just do.  And man it looked like fun.  I wanted to run too.  So did Kaylin...she was gigglin' and trottin' tryin' to keep up with them. 

And you know what when your a kid.  You can wear anything, and nobody cares.  You don't care.  As long as your having fun.  Please take careful note of my sons boots.  The good thing is there both black.  The bad thing?  One is a snow boot, the other is his "Motor bike boots"   OOPS.  Can you tell he dressed himself....and they go sooooooo well with his shorts   The funniest thing is when I took the picture he said..."mom, I'm up here."  he didn't approve of pictures of feet!

So now we move to exploration.  My kids have discovered a magical place.  It the worlds greatest place to play.  Under my deck.  Dirt, a hidey hole....what more could be better?  I remember playing under the deck...it was AWESOME.  And I remember when I found out I was too big to fit under there how sad I was.   What is your magical place?  And how long has it been since you've looked for a new one?  I'd forgotten what it feels like to crawl on my belly, and explore.  Today I reminded myself.

I realize the deck pictures aren't great.  But hey its dark under there   Can you see the seriousness of their "play"

And then one last lesson.  You don't have to have the perfect weather conditions to play with your toys.  No snow?  I can still pretend I'm sledding.  NO sun, dream of swimming.  Use your imagination.  Play, love, get excited, do something risky.  And in Rainee's words.  May you have the best of days!

Good morning,  I actually slept in this morning.  Haven't done that in a LONG time.  I mean til 7:10, but its still sleeping in....couldn't make myself get up.  So got up with the kids. 

I dug out my exercises during the pregnancy year book last night.  So started some gentle exercise to help my back. 

The kids and I are gonna try to go to the library today.  I don't usually do outings with them by myself.  So this will be a big adventure lol.  We'll see how it goes.  Their mostly getting older and more responsible.  So hopefully it works.  Besides, I'm desperate for something new to read. 

I'd almost rather take them to a park, its soooooo nice outside.  Maybe we'll do both.  Depends on how much energy I have...and how good they are.

I'm feeling much better today, then I was yesterday morning, and the day before.  I'm ready to cope again.  Now I have to do the housework I ignored. (oops)  oh well...the housekeeper will be here tomorrow to pick up the rest of the pieces.  I love the luxury of that!  And why did I put off getting someone so long?

Father God, as I grow throughout this day, let me have peace.  Let me be in peace.  Let my children and I enjoy each other, and for me to LOVE my husband, and enjoy him too.  In your sons name amen. 

Good morning, I'm sorry about last nights vent.  It was a LONG day.  I'm feeling more able to cope.  Though I think the apartment that Rainee suggested sounds really good.   For those who didn't read the comments she decided she wanted a apartment with nobody in it---lots of books  a nice warm tub etc.  I'll go haves with you

Ok....today is a new day.  One without flaws in it.  I had a reasonably good sleep.  Father I'm so unready for this day.  Can I go back to bed.  Ummmm no kids will be waking within the next 10 minutes.

Give me the courage the courage to be your child.  The grace to give others grace.  And please be strong for me where I am weak.  Because today I just feel weak.  Help me please.  TIA

Blowing kisses to daddy

Yeah my camera's working again   Here's 3 quicky's without me playing touch-up lol.  This is Midge a couple weeks ago. She has the cap from a water bottle...and she's filling it up with the drip from the hose.  This entertained for a LONG time.  And was too cute.

And here's Zeria playing on our swingset.  A friend of ours gave this to us...as their children had outgrown it. 

And here's Handsome Dude playing in the yard.  Aren't my kids cute.  Oh and please forgive Zeria's color combo--she dressed herself hehehe

The broken table in the background looks like poor white trash   But the kids were using it as a slide...until we fixed the leg and took there fun away.

Good morning!  And the topic of the day is nausea.  Nevermind...don't wanta grose you out.

Just gotta say CONGRATULATIONS DAYLESMILK!  She's who I was referring to yesterday.  She's pregnant due 3 days after me.   We've been nursing babies together and aiming since January.  Now I guess we'll be "enjoying" our pregancy together too LOL

Today is church.  And my kids my kids let me sleep in until 7:30.  What is the world coming to?????  Probably means no shower for me.  They got their baths last night.  But sleep---I LOVE sleep.  Especially since i was up once last night with Zeria & a legache, once with Kaylin and wanting to nurse.  And a 3rd time listening to Kaylin sing.  Every little bit of sleep helps. 

The wedding I went to last night was beautiful.  It could have been a sad thing.   The girl was raised in a "good" home.  Her parents are wonderful people.  And she chose to defy them as she got older.  And ended up pregnant.  And now has a 3 month old baby.  Her father had given her a chastity necklace, and obviously returning it at the wedding was a mute point.    But he did, and he did it with class.  He said that he had kept half of it as a vow to protect his daughter, and now that job was done and he was passing it over to the Groom.  And was passing the job of taking care of his daughter over to the Groom.   The dad apologized to the daughter for being too strict, and making poor choices in the raising of her.  This in front of 200 people.  That takes guts. 

And the parents though sad...we're proud, and did so well.  And we were all able to rejoice and celebrate.  Instead of wondering what we were doing there.  I was very reluctant to go...because of all the problems surrounding it.  But instead it was fun, and a good reminder to continue to pray for them, as they started this marriage out on a shakey foot.  *sigh*

This girl reminded me so much of me.  All through her struggles.  She grew up wanting to be a mom.  And when she graduated from high school and there were no "prospects"  things kind of went sour.  I grieved for her the whole time.  Because I knew the emotions she was going through.  And I knew how hard it was to stand.  I stood....but I had supportive parents.  She had loving parents, but not supportive parents.  Do you know the difference?

Mine always said Do what you want we're proud of you.  Her's had soooooooo many expectations for what she should do in order for them to be proud.  Don't get me wrong they are GOOD people...they just had some mistaken identities in their children.  And its sad.

Well gotta get ready for church asap.  Remember to LOVE your children, and let them grow in the direction God has in mind....not you.

Good morning!  I see the sun again.  I hope it lasts.  Yesterday I got all excited about the sun.  And by 8 am it went by-by.    But it never rained, so at least we were able to be outside.

I know something you don't know, and I'm soooooooooo excited.  I can't wait until she announces it publicly. 

I'm kinda spacey today, so please don't mind any strange typos. lol.  

Yesterday my grocery trip was a calamity in stupidity.  I drove into town.  (25 minute drive)  Was just getting ready to pull up to the ATM machine to get my grocery cash, and realized no ATM card.  I was planning on getting breakfast at McD's and was starving.  So scavagened my purse, found enough leftover cash.  Bought breakfast and drove alllllllllllllllll the way back home.  Get home go in the house.  Can't find the ATM card,  Grab the checkbook instead. (I'm gonna find it today when I do laundry....I put it in a pocket on Wednesday, but can't remember which one *sigh*)  Anyhow....so Rob says just use mine.  Okay, I said.  Where is it.  Its in the glove compart I'll go get it.  The glove compartment??? of the car I just drove??  Yes,  he says.  "YOU mean, I just drove all the way home, and had a way to get money?"  Yes, *AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!"

Get in car drive back to town.  Poor Kaylin's thinkin' am I ever gonna get out of this carseat??  And as a side 3 out of those 4 times past a neighbours house they had this huge hounddog that scared the stinkin' snot out of me trying to chase the Geo's tires or something.  I screamed 3 out of the 4 times...cause he was HUGE!  DUMB DOG.

So did my grocery shopping.  Got very tired, and nauseous.  But survived lol.  Let Kaylin have a dougnut.  She thought that was AWESOME.  Had to wash her off in Wal-mart cause she had it alllllllllllll over.   

I was able to get Zeria new shoes.  And seperate her from her summer sandals.  Zeria has a shoe fetish.  And I was expecting a trauma over the sandals having to go bye-bye.  But she was too excited to see her new shoes (phew)  Sandals and the 3 days of rain we've had do NOT mix.

I also went to Goodwill and got Rob 5 pairs of Workpants.  So I won't be hearing "Where's my work clothes"   as often.  I swear we have a monster that eats his work clothes.  And if I could find him I'd use the shot gun on him. LOL

I bought Kaylin the cutest little Garanimal outfit too.  She very very rarely gets "new" clothes.  But this was toooo adorable.  I wish my camera was working   Its pink and orange stripes on the legs.  And a flower power shirt.   

Samuel poor guy didn't get anything this time around,  But he didn't need anything either. 

The wood is allllllll cleaned out of the lean-to.  And the dirt is raked up.  Now we need somebody with more expertise to come and tell Rob what to do next.  We know its digging the dirt away from the walls, etc.  But not sure how much, and how level we have to make it.

Today's my laundry day.  And laundry has just become a pain.  Because my laundry room is in the dirt. (YUCK)  And its a 4 foot step down into that room right now.  The only part of the room that has floor is where the washer and dryer is.  I used to fold my laundry out there and watch the kids play outside.  Not sure what I'm gonna do now.  Maybe I'll fold on the picnic table.  Which means hauling everything back inside.  But if the kids are happy...I really don't care. 

Father, God today is a day I'd rather be lazy.  But I'm choosing to worship you instead.  I ask you to give me the strength to do what needs to be done.  The brains to stop when I should.  Thank you for protecting Kaylin, the baby and I as we drove yesterday.  There were several angel incidents yesterday, and I appreciate it greatly!  Please watch over my friend with the good news.   And continue to give her peace.  I love you.

Amen

Good morning!  After 3 days of never ending rain.  We can see the sun

Well the caseworker came and went yesterday.  And all "my" side of the paperwork is done.  My character references need to get there stuff in.  And the criminal background check has the clear the state--which could take a LONG while.  So we continue to pray for that to happen quickly.  After that happens then we just need the interstate compact (getting permission for the child to change states)  and then James came be placed with us. 

That's one baby lol.  The other one is currently making me nauseous.  I even had to turn the computer off last night and stare at the tv.  I just felt too icky sitting upright.  Not throwing up...just feel lousy.  Oh well...this too shall pass.

My kids and I got VERY housebound over the last 3 days.  We were all ready to pull hair out by the end of the last day.  I'm soooooooo glad they should be able to play outside today. 

I have to do my bimonthly grocery shopping trip today.  So that should be entertaining.  I think I will take Kaylin and leave the big kids home.  This way it will be a semi-break. 

Rob will continue to work on the lean-to.  See if he can get the rest of the broken up wood outside.  And the dirt away from the outside of the building.  The big kids can just play outside while he does this.  They love to use their swing-set, and ride their big-wheels all over the place. 

Only they don't ride their big-wheels the way they should lol.  We have this really big hill.  And they climb up it carrying their "bikes" and then stand on the seat of the "bike" and ride it down the hill like their skate boarding.  For being 3 & 4 they have incredibly good balance.  And this is a BIG hill....and man do they get flying.  We LOOOVE that hill.  Because it makes them tirrrrrrrrrrrrrrred (lol )

Well, have a good day today.  I'm sure I'll be back again.  Can't stay away too long.

Father, God.  Thank you for your love for me in your life.  Thank you for the incredible peace I've had this week.  Which could have been incredible anxiety.  Please enable me to speak kindly to Rob.  And to enjoy him today.  Let me touch peoples lives the way you would have them.  And let the kids enjoy one another and not spat.  In your son's name,  Amen

Isn't this precious???????  Somebody sent it to me, and I had to share