Updates...

Hey,
I'm sorry I have been away for a while and haven't updated. I've been so busy with the kids, life, etc.
I've also been walking in the evenings, trying to get in better shape and trying to stay away from the computer...it is so addictive.
Here is the update on Ashley's poor toe... I took her back and it seemed she had been wearing the bandage to tight and it had caused the wound to seal, but not allow drainage. So she had a build up of flood in there. He popped it open and then it drained and is doing much better now.
The baby has been sick with a head cold. We have been trying to keep her away from sick people, but it seems everyone we know is sick with the tummy flu...grrr I hate that stuff and I hope none of my kids get it, but it is going around in the school close to us and mt little babysitting boy came down with it yesterday.
Over the weekend, we went and saw my Nanny. She was happy to see us. The baby set beside her on the couch and put her on a show. Nanny really enjoyed that. It was good seeing Nanny feeling good. She actually was cooking supper which is something she seldom feels like doing anymore...that was a blessing.
I spoke with our case worker last week about the baby and she says the baby may go home, but it won't be in April or June when we have our next court dates. However, I have a hard time trusting them ,because so often they say one thing and do something else. But while we have her we are just going to enjoy her. I've gotten close to the birth family and they said they would never take her away from us, I took that as ,we will always be able to be in her life. She has been such a joy and I have enjoyed everyday with her.
Then my oldest daughter, decided to pop news on me...she is moving her wedding up...grrr She had planned to marry next spring, but she has decided they want to go ahead with it. So I'm trying to plan in months, what most get years to do. I'm happy for her, but worried too...it's a mom thing.
Jacob has his state test today...if they don't forget us again. So keep him in your prayers.
Well, I have more to share, but I've got to go get the baby.
Have a great day!

Just a quick note

It's been a long day. I've been busy since about 3:30 am (which is when Bailey woke up today). I managed to get the girls to their appointments, and I got back just in time to visit with my FIL and his brother for a second, before they headed back to Alabama. It's been a busy day for sure.
Well, here is the update on Ashley...
I took her to the foot doctor and he removed half of her nail and managed to remove most of the infection in the toe. Her toe has been infected so long that she had gotten a staph infection on top of an ingrown nail. He said, the nail had grew in the shape of a hook and was growing through the toe, and he said that there was no way she could have removed it herself. He felt she should have been brought in long before she was. He said it wasn't the worst one that he had ever seen,but it was really bad. He put her on more antibiotics to get rid of the staph and he asked me to bleach or throw away all her shoes that she wore, because there is a risk of her getting infected again. Now, she is propped up with her foot above heart level for 24 hours. However, she is doing good and doesn't seem to be in any pain.
The baby's apt went well too. Samantha came and rode with me today, which was nice, because I didn't have to go by myself and it's been a while since she and I've done anything together.
Anyhow, that is it for today. I'm bummmmed. Have a good evening.

My day in a nutshell

Well, it's been a pretty good day. I just got in from walking and I feel good. I enjoy getting out and walking. I love to watch the kids on the playground and the little ones playing ball. I just like being outside.
However,It's been a long day. I spent most of my day trying to get my house tidy...which was hard with three teens, 2 babies, 2 toddlers, and Jacob here all day. I just want everything to look good for tomorrow.
Brent's daddy and uncle are coming tomorrow to work on our new room. We thought we would have it done by now, but the weather messed up things and Brent's Dad has had a lot of problems with kidney stones over the last few weeks and hasn't been able to come. Tomorrow,they will be putting shingles on the roof.
As for me, I have to take the baby for a visit, and Ashley to the foot doctor. I'll be glad when she gets this toe well. She tried to walk at the ball park today, but her toe got to hurting and she had to set down.
Well, I need to jump in the shower. Have a good night!

Faithful expression

Fulfillment does not come from grabbing and holding something outside of you. Fulfillment is brought about by being the living expression of what you value most.
The possibilities in life have no limit. Those possibilities you fulfill are the possibilities you choose to embrace and embody.
Life is whatever you can sincerely imagine it to be. Those possibilities that you conceive of, understand, and value are the ones you bring to life.
If you continually hold conflicting possibilities in your mind, then that same conflict will shape the events and circumstances of your life. Focus instead on the good, valuable, desirable possibilities that support and complement each other.
The things you seek become yours when you allow your life to express them. Think of what you can do right now, in this moment, to bring to life your most treasured dreams and values.
Every thought, every word, every action matters, and adds to the substance of your life. When all that you do faithfully expresses the person you are, life is filled with richness and meaning.
-- R.Marston

Read this book!

I am just finishing up this book and I would like to encourage everyone to read this book. Especially if you have ever wondered "What your purpose is and why you are here". This book helped me to see many things I needed to see and work on in my life. Of course, keep your Bible handy, because you will need it. I used this book along with my Bible to better understand the translations, because as most of you know, I'm a KJV kind of girl. Anyhow, it really is a good book.

My Personality Test

Global Personality Test Results

Stability (46%) medium which suggests you are moderately relaxed, calm, secure, and optimistic. Orderliness (56%) moderately high which suggests you are, at times, overly organized, reliable, neat, and hard working at the expense of flexibility, efficiency, spontaneity, and fun. Extraversion (56%) moderately high which suggests you are, at times, overly talkative, outgoing, sociable and interacting at the expense of developing your own individual interests and internally based identity. My Personality Traits- changeable, in the middle, suspicious, somewhat traditional, dislikes chaos, down to earth, group oriented, practical... you scored in the middle on the overall factors of this test.

Take Free Global Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

My boring weekend

Well, I just got in. I took Ashley back to the doctor about her toe. It just hasn't gotten any better, actually it is terribly infected. I'm kinda frustrated ,because she has had to go this long before they gave us a referral to see the foot doctor. I will be taking her on Wednesday to that doctor. I don't know if they will do anything that day. I figure they will put her back on antibiotics to get some of the infection out ,before the attempt to do anything else...who knows???
We had a loooong boring weekend, but that was good. I spent almost the whole weekend working on Anna's computer. Last weekend, Jon had several friends over and they played on her computer and now it is locked up with spyware, ad ware, and possible viruses. It had protection through our phone company, so I really don't know how these got through, but they did. It has been very frustrating to say the least. I ran scan after scan and removed everything, but each time I started the computer, everything popped up again...grrrr
On Sunday, we went to church service and then came home and took a nap...it was nice.
Pretty much that is it for my boring weekend.
Well. let me go get busy. I hope you all have a good week.

If you could do anything today

If I could do anything today...
From CafeMom

I would go to the ball park and let the kids play on the playground and I would walk the track. I've been trying to make time to walk atleast three times a week, and I love to walk on Saturday because I don't have as many kids to watch. However, that didn't work out today because when I got up it was cold and snowing...grrrr
I guess, instead, I'll just work in my house...it needs it...it always needs it...grrrr

Personality test

I scored a 44

What is your personality score? I got this in an email and thought it was kinda neat. Give it try. Keep up with your answers so that you will know your score.
Ready? Begin.
1. When do you feel your best?
a) in the morning
b) during the afternoon and early evening
c) late at night
2. You usually walk...
a) fairly fast, with long steps
b) fairly fast, with little steps
c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
d) less fast, head down
e) very slowly
3. When talking to people you...
a) stand with your arms folded
b) have your hands clasped
c) have one or both your hands on your hips
d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair
4. When relaxing, you sit with...
a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b) your legs crossed
c) your legs stretched out or straight
d) one leg curled under you
5. When something really amuses you, you react with...
a) big appreciative laugh
b) a laugh, but not a loud one
c) a quiet chuckle
d) a sheepish smile
6. When you go to a party or social gathering you...
a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed
7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you'reinterrupted...
a) welcome the break
b) feel extremely irritated
c) vary between these two extremes
8. Which of the following colors do you like most?
a) Red or orange
b) black
c) yellow or light blue
d) green
e) dark blue or purple
f) white
g) brown or gray
9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep you are...
a) stretched out on your back
b) stretched out face down on your stomach
c) on your side, slightly curled
d) with your head on one arm
e) with your head under the covers
10. You often dream that you are...
a) falling
b) fighting or struggling
c) searching for something or somebody
d) flying or floating
e) you usually have dreamless sleep
f) your dreams are always pleasant
POINTS:1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1
9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1
10. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1
Now add up the total number of points.
OVER 60 POINTS : Others see you as someone they should 'handle withcare.'You're seen as vain, self-centered, and one who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don'talways trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.
51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile,rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to makedecisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold andadventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takeschances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your companybecause of the excitement you radiate.
41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing,practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in thecenter of attention, but sufficiently well balanced not to let it go totheir head.They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someonewho'll always cheer them up and help them out.
31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful &practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a personwho makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremelyloyal to friends you do make and who expects the same loyalty inreturn.Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake yourtrust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to getover it if that trust is ever broken.
21 TO 30 POIN TS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. Theysee you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder.Itwould really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or onthe spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefullyfrom every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think thisreaction is caused partly by your careful nature.
UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive,someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to makethe decisions & who doesn't want to get involved with anyone oranything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.

Snow again

It is snowing again here in Ga. I woke up this morning and snow is once more falling. Where is spring,warm weather,and the sun? I like snow around Christmas ,but not in March. I'm ready for warm sunny days, so the kids can play and I can go walking. I'm still on my diet and I've been trying to walk and exercise when I can.
On Saturday, I managed to go and walk 3 miles and on Monday I walked 4 more. I took several kids with me and they got tired, so we came home earlier than I wanted.
It's been a pretty good week around here. It has actually been calm. On Wednesday, friends of ours took us out for dinner. We all went to Road House to eat and had a really good time. However, I felt really bad ,because I missed church service and I don't like doing that. I felt really guilty about it, but Wednesday was the only day that we all had, to get together. We usually try to get together every couple of weeks ,but we have all been so busy. Anyway,It was a lot of fun!
Now the weekend is here...yay!!!! It started off good, until I got to the check out counter Friday night...grrr Let me tell you what happened to me. I go to check out at Walmart and the man scans my groceries. The total comes up to $229.66. So instead of paying the full amount with debit, I pay some of it with cash. So I hand the man $165.66 of cash and he types something into the register,the drawer opens and he puts in $1, and he did not put the rest of the money in the drawer. I noticed that was kinda strange, but I didn't say anything. Then, he says, okay scan your debit, and I did. Then he hands me a receipt, still holding my cash in his hand. So I take the receipt ,and look over it. He had charged all but $1 to my debit ,and he put only the one dollar in the drawer, and who knows what he would have done with my cash ,had I not realized. So as nice as I could, and no I never got ugly or even rude, though he was mad and trying to tell me he did not charge the full amount to my debit even though it was clear that he did. The manger comes over and he agrees with me, and the man hands me back my cash. I left the manager to figure out the rest. The ones in line caught it too and they all thought the same thing. The man was going to pocket that cash, because why else would he put only $1 in the drawer when it popped open? So always check your receipt.
Today, well my plans went out the window. I wanted to go to the park and walk, but it is just to cold and snowy. I guess I'll just stay home and clean house and try to get some laundry done.
I hope you all have a great weekend! And don't forget to spring forward. Daylight savings time begins...grrrrr

One more attempt

If you are always willing to make one more attempt, you can reach whatever goal you choose. No matter what results you get, the only real failure is when you stop making the effort.
When you are mistaken, you can learn. When you are knocked down, you can get back up.
When you find that you've veered off track, you can correct your direction. When you discover that circumstances have changed, you can make adjustments accordingly.
Eventually, you'll reach the point at which the next attempt you make is the one that will complete the desired accomplishment. What a shame it would be to stop just one effort short of success.
For that next effort will make all the others pay off. Commit yourself to making one more effort, one more attempt, as often as necessary, and anything is within your reach.
Keep making that one more attempt, keep getting back up, and keep moving forward in the direction of your goal, one step after another. And you will surely get there.
-- R.Marston

Your Influence

Give, and you will have. Teach, and you will learn.
Listen, and you will be understood. Live with kindness, and kindness will live with you.
Respect, and you will be respected. Be truthful, and it will be nearly impossible for others to deceive you.
Keep a generous spirit, and your life will be filled with abundance. Seek to bring out the best in others, and they'll give you the best that they have.
Give your genuine encouragement to those who thirst for it most, and you'll be encouraged beyond all measure. Speak positively of your world, and your world will be a rich and fulfilling place.
The world you influence with your thoughts, words and actions is the world in which you live. Always be your best, and that world is a great place to be.
-- R. Marston

Just an update

It is so hard to believe that it is already March. I'm happy because that means Spring is just around the corner, but I'm also worried because I know court is just around the corner too. I know that there is a very good chance that our little foster baby will be leaving us, and I know that it is gonna be soooo hard seeing her go. So keep us in your prayers.
It started out a really good day. My Mom and Uncle surprised me and came to church. It blessed my heart seeing them. My mom hasn't been to church since I lost my brother and that was nearly 3 years ago now. Seeing her in church was an answer to my prayer. I hope that she will start back going to church somewhere. So also keep her in your prayers.
After church, we ate, and came home and pretty much I cleaned house...does it ever stop????? I know Sunday is suppose to be the day of rest, but not around my house. I miss one day and it seems everything comes un-glued. I'm just frustrated with it and tired of doing the same thing over and over everyday.
As you probably can tell, I'm kinda bummed tonight. It's been a busy weekend and a good weekend, but it's all about to end and I'm not ready for Monday...grrr I've got my state papers due and my BOE papers due, not to mention trying to get Ashley back to the doctor about her toe. It's been very frustrating. I felt they should have sent us to a foot doctor in the beginning, but they didn't and her toe is no better. The doc said, go home and take these antibiotics, soak your toe, and try to pull up the nail...I tried to tell them we had already done that and the toe nail can not be pulled up. She said pull it up and maybe it would grow past that spot. What does she mean by that? We don't want it to grow any further into her toe. Anyway, I guess I'll be trying to get her in to see our real doctor this week and maybe he will listen to me and get something done for her.
Well, I'm having a pity party tonight and I'm kinda discouraged about a lot of stuff. So keep me in your prayers.
I'm gonna try to get back to doing my school work this week. I paid for my classes online and I've just set it aside ,since November ,because one thing after another has came up, but my goal is to try to get back on that this week too.
Well, have a good night.
Maybe tomorrow will be a brighter day for me.

Weekend Post

Yay!!! The weekend is here .
Yesterday, we had the state come in for their monthly check and everything went well. I hate those things. It makes me feel like my life and home really aren't mine. I always worry that I might look over something and I try so hard to keep everything done and with a family this size, it is so hard. I feel like I spend 24/7 cleaning and fussing and I hate that about myself. I just want to be like my Mom and be able to be so neat, tidy, and organized like she was when I was a child, but I just can't seem to measure up to her.
Last night, me and the girls and cassie went out to eat and shopping. It turned out to be a fun night.
It's been a good weekend so far! Today, the weather was so beautiful here. We decided we would go to the park and walk the track and let Jacob and Jordan play on the playground. I'm not sure how far we walked ,but we walked for about 4 hours. My brother-n-law and sister-in-law surprised us and came and joined us and we had a good time just walking and talking. Although, I realize just how bad in shape I am. It's been awhile since I've walked that far. I'm tired tonight. But, it felt good.
All my girls went their own ways tonight and I ended up with a house full of boys. Jon has three friends over and they are wild tonight and driving me nuts. Me and Bailey are out numbered for the first time in a long time. Usually the girls out number the boys around here but not tonight. I just set here listening to the boys talk and it amazes me the things they talk about...it's gross...I wouldn't even want to share with you what these boys have been talking about. What is it about boys? They think the most gross things are cool. Maybe I'm just to girly.
Anyway, it's been a good day and a good weekend!
Hope things are just as good on your end.
Also, I want to tell you sorry if you have emailed me this week and I have not responded yet. I'm trying to sort through my emails right now. I have had a busy week.
Well, I gotta go and get Bailey ready for bed. Have a good night!

The Homeschool kids who can't do anything By Zak Gahagan

We are the homeschool kids who can’t do anything
We just stay at home and do our work
And if you ask us to do anything
We’ll just tell you
We can’t do anything.
Well, I can’t pass notes in math class
and I’ve never bought my school lunch
and I’ve never had my homework eaten by the family dog
and I’ve never had a hall pass
and I’ve never owned a locker
and I’ve never had detention after school.
We are the homeschool kids who can’t do anything
We just stay at home and do our work
And if you ask us to do anything
We’ll just tell you
We can’t do anything.
Well, I’ve never been suspended
and I’ve never missed the school bus
and I’ve never got a fat lip from the bully in the hall
and I’ve never seen the school nurse
and I’ve never slapped erasers
and I’ve never had detention after school.
We are the homeschool kids who can’t do anything
We just stay at home and do our work
And if you ask us to do anything
We’ll just tell you
We can’t do anything.
Well, I’ve never changed for P.E.
and I’ve never had a swirlie
and I’ve never had a teacher that I didn’t like at all
and I’ve never had supply lists
and I’ve never answered roll call
and I’ve never had detention after school.
We are the homeschool kids who can’t do anything
We just stay at home and do our work
And if you ask us to do anything
We’ll just tell you
We can’t do anything.
But we’ve often taken field trips
and we go to school in pjs
and we often do our work while sitting on our favorite couch
and we finish school by lunchtime
and we find our books on ebay
and we don’t have any homework after school!