So much to do and so little time... Isn't that the coined phrase of not only every mother, but every person these days? With MSC (many small children) I think that has become my motto.... I know I need to do something about it, I really do. My new goal is to focus on something more positive instead of the negativity that can sometimes bring.
We are reaching crunch mode as far as Ohio Southern Celebrity Pageant prep goes... I am leaving work at 11 to finish packing, clean out my car, find fruffy socks, and on and on and on... The van is scheduled to pull out of the driveway no later than 4pm! Once we arrive and settle in we will need to register and we've been invited to a meet and greet with Eden Wood. She was featured twice on Toddlers and Tiaras. While I am pessimistic that the girls will make the actual "focus" of Toddlers and Tiaras, I have been assured that they will be filmed. I think that they are looking for more "edgey" children and parents. We are far from that and I am fine with that. I am not changing who I am for television. On another note Eden's talent agency would like to meet with the girls, and I am all for it. Josh has even signed onto the thought of our kids being famous.
After all of this hard work and fun, I am thinking that we will be listing all of our pageant attire up after this, it is totally up to the girls at this point, but I'm thinking this is it... We shall see.
I really need to update my 101 in 1001 post. I have really accomplished a lot of the items, and the post should reflect that.
My blog is in need of an update... a new layout, and I'd really like to figure out how to place links in place so they are more readily accessible...
I purchased two new cookbooks this week... The Amish Cookbook Volume 2... I LOVE Vol. 1, and $5 dinners... I am hoping to get back to STICKING to my menu plan... I have a menu plan, but life seems to be getting in the way... I need to FOCUS! Josh has to get his LPL and Cholesterol down... I know at 26 right? but its got to be done, so we are going to be changing our eatting habits as a family. Including spending more time around the dinner table together!
I am super stoked that one of the items on my New Baby Wish List will be arriving this weekend... A good friend Jessica let me know that there is a store relatively close has them for $27 each! And she happened to be going there this weekend, she offered to pick two up for me!!! Yay!!! I can't wait!!!
I suppose that's all for the moment. I'm going to try to blog from the hotel tonight, but if nothing else, I will post pictures over the weekend of all the events... I am SUPER excited!!!! and nervous and a basket case. :)
Love,
Amanda
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Lack of blogging.... and Why Big families are easier... (In my eyes)
GOOD MORNING! My lack of blogging over the last few weeks has been due to, well... Our WONDERFUL internet service provider.. So much for high speed right? A few weeks ago we experienced a LARGE snow storm knocking power out for several days, and our ISP has been on the frtiz ever since. They assure me... (I'm not holding my breath) that it will be fully functional today... We shall see... I certainly hope so though because I really need to send out an Angel Food email to all my customers.
I am getting anxious to find out what our little bean is... While again I would LOVE another daughter, I have to say that I really am feeling the baby boy itch... As long as it is healthy though, I'll be just as satisfied... I think it is knowing that this will probably be our last biological child also makes it more of a desire. I believe that God and my body are telling me that this is it... While we will love adopted children just as much as our own, there is something in my heart that really has the "itch" if you will. My best friend is having a girl, so how perfect would it be... an arranged marriage of sorts, lol.
I keeping with what I wanted this blog to be about originally I think I need to rewind a bit and take a look at what it is that makes a core family close. One thing that really struck me was... Why Big families are easier... at least from my eyes.
Big families are easier, because:
Patience: I have never had to teach patience, my children have learned I can't always drop everything. They have learned that there are many other people around who can assist.
Work Ethic: They have learned work ethic because there are always chores that need done in a small house packed with so many people. They also learn quickly that sometimes they have to clean up a mess that they didn't necesarily create. While this is always a work in progress, I belive that in the long run this will make them strong, motivated individuals.
Humility: My children have learned that it is not always their turn. They've accepted that they can't always get their way because others need time too. They have learned how to be competitive. While some say that this is not a good trait, we (hubby and I) firmly believe that it is. Being passive is by no means a negative trait, it is also VERY important to assert yourself and let others know that you are eyeing the prize as well.
Laughter: The children have learned to laugh often. They have learned that laughing just feels better when seven other people are doing it with you. Family game and movie nights remind me so much of this... especially when someone beats daddy!
Competition: I believe that this is a direct relection back to humility. Do I really need to go into this further? Everything is a competition in big families. The children compete over who can read faster, who's homework was done first, who cleaned their plate first...and on and on and on... Everything is a competition and they're ALL keeping score. While this may seem very child-like, you know the parents are just as guilty.
Balance: And I'm not talking inner/emotional balance. I am talking about physical balance. There are toys, clothes, stuffed animals, and a plethora of other child paraphernalia throughout the house. Balance takes skill.
Life isn't fair!: This is a literal meaning! Sometimes you just give it to the baby because a little peace and quiet goes a long way!
Just say "no": Being able to say "no" may be the most undervalued skill in the world. While it is human nature to give all you can... The need to be liked is pervasive, even as a parent, we want/need that approval from our kids. The need to be cool even more so these days. Thus, we have determined beginning with school shopping this year, our kids will now LOVE khaki, navy blue, and polo shirts... Having siblings teaches our children, not only do we say no, but how to use that sacred phrase 150 times a day with their siblings...
Praying: They learn that nothing beats prayer. I LOVE time that we spend praying together, I wish we did it more. Dinner time prayer, no matter in our own home or out at our favorite restuarant, and bedtime prayers are so special. They represent moments that the world around us stops and a chance for us to reflect on who really is important... the Lord. And while our church home isn't the ideal structure for our family, it is my firm belief that God has placed us here for a reason, so we push on. It is my pure hope that He will lead families our way so that we can begin to grow and serve in a new way!
Nature/Nurture: Having many children has taught me that nature has a lot to do with who your children are and who they will ultimately become. This thought is especially helpful when your children misbehave, or... well out right embarass you. Just blurt out "stupid nature!!!" and blame your husband's gene pool.
Name calling: This is inevitable. You occassionally call your child by someone elses name, it is no fair, time and time again no matter which child you want you seem to find a way to filter through everyone else first. The good thing to this is no matter what... Someone always shows up.
Spying: My children are learning that they can't get away with anything! There is ALWAYS someone watching them who, will tell on them... It keeps them on edge.
Friendship: They have many friends... and they all have the same last name. They'll be there forever, no matter what. One thing that I have learned is while we don't always agree with the methods or choices that our siblings make, one thing holds true, we love them and stick by them all the way! This is priceless.
and finally,
LOVE: I think children, especially my children have learned to love because there are others around them to love and who love them. Aside from the time that we as parents spend dotting on each of them, sibling love is special, something no one else can ever take from them.
I am getting anxious to find out what our little bean is... While again I would LOVE another daughter, I have to say that I really am feeling the baby boy itch... As long as it is healthy though, I'll be just as satisfied... I think it is knowing that this will probably be our last biological child also makes it more of a desire. I believe that God and my body are telling me that this is it... While we will love adopted children just as much as our own, there is something in my heart that really has the "itch" if you will. My best friend is having a girl, so how perfect would it be... an arranged marriage of sorts, lol.
I keeping with what I wanted this blog to be about originally I think I need to rewind a bit and take a look at what it is that makes a core family close. One thing that really struck me was... Why Big families are easier... at least from my eyes.
Big families are easier, because:
Patience: I have never had to teach patience, my children have learned I can't always drop everything. They have learned that there are many other people around who can assist.
Work Ethic: They have learned work ethic because there are always chores that need done in a small house packed with so many people. They also learn quickly that sometimes they have to clean up a mess that they didn't necesarily create. While this is always a work in progress, I belive that in the long run this will make them strong, motivated individuals.
Humility: My children have learned that it is not always their turn. They've accepted that they can't always get their way because others need time too. They have learned how to be competitive. While some say that this is not a good trait, we (hubby and I) firmly believe that it is. Being passive is by no means a negative trait, it is also VERY important to assert yourself and let others know that you are eyeing the prize as well.
Laughter: The children have learned to laugh often. They have learned that laughing just feels better when seven other people are doing it with you. Family game and movie nights remind me so much of this... especially when someone beats daddy!
Competition: I believe that this is a direct relection back to humility. Do I really need to go into this further? Everything is a competition in big families. The children compete over who can read faster, who's homework was done first, who cleaned their plate first...and on and on and on... Everything is a competition and they're ALL keeping score. While this may seem very child-like, you know the parents are just as guilty.
Balance: And I'm not talking inner/emotional balance. I am talking about physical balance. There are toys, clothes, stuffed animals, and a plethora of other child paraphernalia throughout the house. Balance takes skill.
Life isn't fair!: This is a literal meaning! Sometimes you just give it to the baby because a little peace and quiet goes a long way!
Just say "no": Being able to say "no" may be the most undervalued skill in the world. While it is human nature to give all you can... The need to be liked is pervasive, even as a parent, we want/need that approval from our kids. The need to be cool even more so these days. Thus, we have determined beginning with school shopping this year, our kids will now LOVE khaki, navy blue, and polo shirts... Having siblings teaches our children, not only do we say no, but how to use that sacred phrase 150 times a day with their siblings...
Praying: They learn that nothing beats prayer. I LOVE time that we spend praying together, I wish we did it more. Dinner time prayer, no matter in our own home or out at our favorite restuarant, and bedtime prayers are so special. They represent moments that the world around us stops and a chance for us to reflect on who really is important... the Lord. And while our church home isn't the ideal structure for our family, it is my firm belief that God has placed us here for a reason, so we push on. It is my pure hope that He will lead families our way so that we can begin to grow and serve in a new way!
Nature/Nurture: Having many children has taught me that nature has a lot to do with who your children are and who they will ultimately become. This thought is especially helpful when your children misbehave, or... well out right embarass you. Just blurt out "stupid nature!!!" and blame your husband's gene pool.
Name calling: This is inevitable. You occassionally call your child by someone elses name, it is no fair, time and time again no matter which child you want you seem to find a way to filter through everyone else first. The good thing to this is no matter what... Someone always shows up.
Spying: My children are learning that they can't get away with anything! There is ALWAYS someone watching them who, will tell on them... It keeps them on edge.
Friendship: They have many friends... and they all have the same last name. They'll be there forever, no matter what. One thing that I have learned is while we don't always agree with the methods or choices that our siblings make, one thing holds true, we love them and stick by them all the way! This is priceless.
and finally,
LOVE: I think children, especially my children have learned to love because there are others around them to love and who love them. Aside from the time that we as parents spend dotting on each of them, sibling love is special, something no one else can ever take from them.
Friday, February 5, 2010
What a week...review
Sooooooooooooooo...... what a long week this has seemed, however the week ahead will be even longer, I'll explain later.
Tonight we are snuggled up watching An American Tale. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
this movie!!!!!! We had homemade pizza which was yummy!!!! I have found a super easy and QUICK pizza dough recipe. Here is the recipe :
2 1/2 C flour
1 C water-warm
1 t salt
1 pkg active yeast
2 T vegetable oil
Mix the yeast and water till the yeast dissolves, add the remaining ingredients... let dough rest 5 minutes, seperate to two pans top with yummy toppings and bake 12 minutes at 450!
DELISH!!!! :):):):)
Today State Farm did a WONDERFUL thing!!!! The closed the office 3:30 hours early, just enough time to finish lunch and time to go! Yay!!! I stopped at the store and did my shopping for next week so that i can prep it all for the week ahead. Menu planning has been getting easier per se. I am all planned out for the rest of the month.
This upcoming week I have Kentucky Licensing, even though I'm going to be an Ohio adjuster... Makes no sense, oh well. Anyway, the state of KY requires that if you even answer the phone on a KY claim that you be licensed in their state. No other state requires this... Go figure, right? Class is 8-5 daily and then homework.... I haven't had homework in 10 years!!! Ridiculous if you ask me! LOL
We are still busy planning for Toddlers and Tiaras and the Ohio Southern Celebrity Pageant... It is a lot of work. Talking about TV, this week was wonderful! The Duggar's are back... Baby Josie Brooklyn is coming along, I know that through God all things are possible, Jim Bob and Michelle are a true testament of this. God has been trying me lately, not that he's not supposed to, but wow he really does make you work for it!
Baby #5 seems to been doing well... No major drama thank goodness. I will be more at ease when I hear the heartbeat again on Friday. It is just something I need right now... reassurance. I mean we've had so many complications even getting pregnant this time that I am learier than I have EVER been. On another note, we found an adoption agency that we are going to use the next go around. Yes we have healthy babies, but there are two reasons behind this... 1.) my body cannot handle this anymore, and 2.) these babies need a home too. CAS in NC is the agency and they specialize in domestic infant adoptions. We'll enlist them after baby 5 is born....
Well that's enough randomness for tonight I suppose.
Love!
Tonight we are snuggled up watching An American Tale. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
this movie!!!!!! We had homemade pizza which was yummy!!!! I have found a super easy and QUICK pizza dough recipe. Here is the recipe :
2 1/2 C flour
1 C water-warm
1 t salt
1 pkg active yeast
2 T vegetable oil
Mix the yeast and water till the yeast dissolves, add the remaining ingredients... let dough rest 5 minutes, seperate to two pans top with yummy toppings and bake 12 minutes at 450!
DELISH!!!! :):):):)
Today State Farm did a WONDERFUL thing!!!! The closed the office 3:30 hours early, just enough time to finish lunch and time to go! Yay!!! I stopped at the store and did my shopping for next week so that i can prep it all for the week ahead. Menu planning has been getting easier per se. I am all planned out for the rest of the month.
This upcoming week I have Kentucky Licensing, even though I'm going to be an Ohio adjuster... Makes no sense, oh well. Anyway, the state of KY requires that if you even answer the phone on a KY claim that you be licensed in their state. No other state requires this... Go figure, right? Class is 8-5 daily and then homework.... I haven't had homework in 10 years!!! Ridiculous if you ask me! LOL
We are still busy planning for Toddlers and Tiaras and the Ohio Southern Celebrity Pageant... It is a lot of work. Talking about TV, this week was wonderful! The Duggar's are back... Baby Josie Brooklyn is coming along, I know that through God all things are possible, Jim Bob and Michelle are a true testament of this. God has been trying me lately, not that he's not supposed to, but wow he really does make you work for it!
Baby #5 seems to been doing well... No major drama thank goodness. I will be more at ease when I hear the heartbeat again on Friday. It is just something I need right now... reassurance. I mean we've had so many complications even getting pregnant this time that I am learier than I have EVER been. On another note, we found an adoption agency that we are going to use the next go around. Yes we have healthy babies, but there are two reasons behind this... 1.) my body cannot handle this anymore, and 2.) these babies need a home too. CAS in NC is the agency and they specialize in domestic infant adoptions. We'll enlist them after baby 5 is born....
Well that's enough randomness for tonight I suppose.
Love!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
TLC, Parent-teacher conferences, and such
Ok so a week ago we got "the call" from TLC, we've been selected to be featured on one of their reality shows, YAY! Right? WOW, this is so much work! Who knew it right? First they needed 5 photos, no problem, ummm except when they are going to network TV. Is this picture clear enough, is this what they are looking for... yada, yada, yada... STRESSFUL......
Next, they want a video, the video, umm yea... video interview with my family... well they are getting a video, I am not sure that its what they want. I wish it was!!! So, it could break the deal I'm not totally sure how its going to go, but we shall see... hehehe
The kids are bathing and hubby is chilling in bed, I am catching up on daytime soap operas and blogging while I await sendspace to upload the files...to send to TLC. Such a tedious project. But it'll all be worth it in the end.
Parent teacher conferences were tonight... Defintely interesting. Drea's on the gifted curve so hopefully she'll get moved into that program next year... Payge is having a problem with a particular child in her class... Hopefully we can resolved this asap.
I am trying to figure out this whole menu planning stuff.... I thought I was doing good HOWEVER.... we are going to the church sweetheart dinner on Saturday evening... FREEBIE yay, but in planning saturday nights dinner and sundays ended up being the exact same thing... GREAT, back to the drawing board I guess...
Love,
Amanda
Next, they want a video, the video, umm yea... video interview with my family... well they are getting a video, I am not sure that its what they want. I wish it was!!! So, it could break the deal I'm not totally sure how its going to go, but we shall see... hehehe
The kids are bathing and hubby is chilling in bed, I am catching up on daytime soap operas and blogging while I await sendspace to upload the files...to send to TLC. Such a tedious project. But it'll all be worth it in the end.
Parent teacher conferences were tonight... Defintely interesting. Drea's on the gifted curve so hopefully she'll get moved into that program next year... Payge is having a problem with a particular child in her class... Hopefully we can resolved this asap.
I am trying to figure out this whole menu planning stuff.... I thought I was doing good HOWEVER.... we are going to the church sweetheart dinner on Saturday evening... FREEBIE yay, but in planning saturday nights dinner and sundays ended up being the exact same thing... GREAT, back to the drawing board I guess...
Love,
Amanda
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