Yay! It's Friday!

Finally the weekend is here!!!!! It's been a really busy week for me and I am tired. Lately, I've felt like everything is piled on me. I feel like I'm in quick sand and can barely keep my head above the sand. I think it's the stress of trying to plan this wedding and wanting it to be perfect, worring about my foster baby and her future, worring about Samantha and all she has going on in her life, three of the kids have appointments coming up this week that I've got to get them to and from, me I've got to go see the ENT doctor on Thursday, and worring about Anna...she has been having pain in her left side, where her ribs are, for several years ,and so far no doctor has ever found anything wrong with her. She went back this past week and still nothing. I know she is in pain and that bothers me. I see her hurting, almost daily she complains, and I know something is wrong. We are going to try to get her seen again this week and this time her Dad or me will be taking her and we are gonna insist they send her to another doctor. So yes, I'm a bundle of worry right now. I know worry is sin, but it's so hard not to do it. Sometimes I just feel like I'm spinning in circles. Sometimes, I feel even God is nowhere around ,when it seems I need him the most. I know he is, but sometimes It just feels like he doesn't care and I'm all alone. Just pray for me.
As for my weekend plans...
Tomorrow is Anna's shower. I'm happy and excited for her. She said, "Mama, I've been to everyone's showers ,but I can't believe that this one is mine". She said ,"It feels like Christmas morning". She is excited. However,she really don't like all the attention on her or being in the spotlight. Me, I've been shopping for her nearly eveyday. I keep finding things that I think she might need . I want her to have everything she needs when she moves in her own home. I don't want her to lack for anything... I guess it's a mom thing. I just want them to have it easier than I did starting out ,because life is so hard.
Well, I guess that is it. Sorry I'm so dumpy tonight.
I've got to run and try to get Kylee to sleep. She is spending the night tonight and she is so excited that she can't sleep. So I guess we will sleep on the couches...her on one and me on the other. I guess I'll just leave cartoons on until she falls out. She has spent the night before,but it's been a while. Anyhow, goodnight! Have a good weekend!

Just stopping in for a few

Well, this week is winding down. Everyone was saying how fast this week is going by, but not for me. It has been the longest week ever....atleast that's how I feel.
We've been working really hard with GVA to get Jacob finished for the year. I really have not enjoyed GVA like I thought I would. In case you don't know what GVA is, it is Georgia Virtual Academy. I like the free books and extra things that GVA provides us, but I hate that I feel I can't be as creative, as I'd like to be. I've just felt like Jacob was bored all year. I'll just be glad when summer break is here and we can have a couple of months to do what we want to do.
However, I also dread this summer ,because I know my foster baby will be leaving me and I just can't even imagine my life without her now. I can't imagine her life without us ,because she is so attached to us. I really realized how much she notices stuff this past weekend when Anna took her to see Sherry(Anna's soon to be MIL) and she fell asleep on her couch. When she woke up, she looked around and busted out crying. She didn't know where she was or those people there. She also done this when my dad spoke to her on Mother's Day and also last week when my FIL came for a visit and he tried to talk to her. She is really noticing strangers these days. Other than that, she is always happy and never cries. I worry how she will adjust in a new life, new home, new bed, and new family because we are all she has ever known. I just love her so much and I can't help but worry. I just don't know if I want to continue to foster. I just get so attached and it hurts so bad. Some are easy to let go, but some break your heart ,and this one is breaking my heart already. I think ,if us foster parents could see our foster kids in their home a few times after they go home ,it would make it easier. If we could just see that she is okay and being taken care of. Usually, when these kids leave you, you never hear from them again ,and it feels very much like a death in the family and it so hard. I think the reason why most parents don't want to let the foster parents continue in the kids lives is because they are scared that they may mess up and that we might call dfcs on them. I don't know, but that is what I think. I'm not in it for dfcs and I'm not in it for the family. I am in it for the kids. I have loved all my foster babies and I do wonder and think about them all the time. It's sad ,because at one time these kids were apart of our lives and when they leave we do feel the loss. I don't know how it will be this time. Our baby's family said they would never take Bay from us or keep her from seeing us. So I don't know how that will go. I hope we will be able to see her and do things for her.
I just think I need to atleast take a break from fostering, because it is so very stressful and hard on not just me but my kids too. I've said this before ,and everytime they call me, I always say. "yes, I will take her/him". So who knows what I'll do??? I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.
Well, I gotta run...
Little Emma is here and I've got to go to the doctor today.
I hope the rest of your week goes well.

Unsurpassed Enthusiam

When the going gets rough, that's not a sign that you must lower your expectations. It is precisely during such times that your best strategy is to raise those expectations.
If your goal is to merely get by, to do nothing more than just break even, there's nothing in it to motivate or inspire you. Set your sights on a destination so compelling that you'll be pulled toward it just by thinking about it.
Giving up and settling for less is never the answer to life's challenges. See those challenges as the tremendously valuable opportunities that they are.
Always, always, always there are rich rewards waiting for those who can produce and provide real value to life. That is even more acutely true in times of turmoil and uncertainty.
You have so very much to offer, for you are smart, experienced, adaptable, curious, open-minded and willing to make a positive difference. So by all means, get busy making your own unique contribution to life with every opportunity that comes your way.
This is your time to shine more brightly than ever before. Greet this day, and every day, with the unsurpassed enthusiasm of knowing what a truly grand opportunity is now in your hands.
-- R.Marston

Stopping by...quickly.

Well, it has been an interesting few days. We had a good weekend! On Friday, Me, Ashley, Jon,Samantha, and Bailey went out to eat at Cracker barrel and had a good time together.
On Saturday, Ashley and me went shopping for Anna's shower. We had sooooo much fun!!!!!! It still seems strange buying stuff for my daughter's house. She just seems to young to be moving out and getting married.
On Sunday, we went to church. After church, we got the scare of a lifetime. I had already taken the baby out and buckled her in the van with Brent, Ashley, and Jacob. Then I went back in the church to find Jon, so that we could get on our way to Mom's for Mother's Day. About that time, my friend ( the lady I babysit for) came up and grabbed me by the arm and she was hysterical. I said what's wrong Christy? She said, "Austin is missing". I babysit Austin. He is three years old and he had just been there infront of me in church. Of course, that was all she had to say and I took off searching. We looked and looked for that child for about 15-20 minutes along with everyone else that goes to church with us. We finally found him hid in some bushes. He just came out smiling. His mom came back over to me and just wrapped her arms around me and she cried and cried. I don't think I've ever seen someone so upset before. It nearly scared us all to death.
After that, we went to Mom's and ate lunch. Then, we went to Linda's to visit for a little while.
On Monday morning, Samantha called me and said, "you are not gonna believe this". I ask her what? She said, she had played the lottery that night before and won $50,000. She really did win! I was soooo happy for her! It couldn't have come at a better time.
Last week, she had been in a wreck and as we set on the side of the road in the dark at 10pm, waiting forever for a cop to show ,we had a looooong talk. She was really discouraged and upset and just feeling like her life wasn't worth living. I told her, "Samantha, this is life and things like this happen and that one day down the road , she will look back and realize this was just a bump in the road , and I reminded her that she has so much going for her. She has her whole life ahead of her and that maybe the reason things have happened the way it had lately was maybe because God has other plans for her and her life. She said when she won the money she told her boyfriend about the talk we had. She was just thanking God that he sent this just in time to pull her out of the hole she's been in.
Now, don't get me wrong. I really don't agree with lottery and kinda look at it as gambling, so therefore I don't play, but if she does it is her business and I'm happy it worked out for her.
So it for sure has been an interesting few days.
Sorry...gotta run...I'm out of time, but I'll write again soon.

Woo hoo!!! It's the weekend!

Yay!!! I am soooo glad it's Friday!!!!! It's been a loooong stressful week. I just feel like I have so much I need to do, but so little time to do it all.
We have Anna's bridal shower next weekend and I 've got to get my shopping done for that this weekend ,because I just really don't have time during the week.
I keep thinking that I have everything we need for her wedding and then something else pops up. I've realized that I am in the wrong business. I should be doing weddings for a living because those people charge unbelievable amounts for the smallest things. I priced a simple white wedding cake at the place that is catering Anna's wedding and they started out about $600. I said WHAT? No Way! You can buy a box of cake mix for a couple of dollars and the icing for about that too. I was just shocked. Then I called around to see if I could find someone who could video tape her wedding and the cost started about $600...geee...I can buy my own dvd recorder for less than that (which is what I'm gonna do)and get a friend to record it. We did atleast find a photographer for less than $1500, so I felt good about that.
Get the idea???? Weddings are expensive! okay, I know you are tired of all the wedding talk but right now it is top of my to-do list and it is keeping me really busy.
As for the weekend,since it is Mother's Day weekend, I plan to go see our Mom's. My little brother has planned a get-together at my Mom's with my Nanny and Mom. So I guess we will be going over there and then to Brent's mom's.
Well, that is all I have time to write for now, because the little kids are fussing in the living room and I need to split them up for a while. I hope you have a great weekend!

Testing my blog

This is just a test.

Agree to disagree

We're all different. Each of us operates in a different reality. No one sees the world exactly the same as you, because no one shares your own unique perspective.
The result is that you cannot ever completely, totally see things in the same way as someone else. Once you accept this fact, you improve your chance for understanding and learning from others.
Stop wasting your time trying to make everyone see things the way you do. Arguing is rarely very productive. Instead, agree to disagree, and then look for what you can learn for your differences.
No one will ever be exactly like you. No one will ever agree completely with you. You wouldn't want that, anyway. Imagine how boring it would be.
Learn from the diversity of the world around you. Find the good in everyone, no matter how different they might at first appear.
-- R.Marston

Update

Here is my quick update for this week...
We had a great weekend, but as always a very busy one. On Saturday, we managed to FINALLY get Brent fitted for his tux. Then we went out to Anna's place to visit for a little while. After that, we went to Hiram to eat and Brent and the boys went to the movies, while the girls went shopping for Anna's shower gifts.
On Sunday we went to church and then went to the mall to pick up brides maid dresses, and to shop for the wedding. It has just amazed me how much work it takes to put together a wedding. It has been hard and I was so stressed out to start with, but slowly I'm getting this together. I have all these ideas in my head that I want to do, but the hard part is putting it together. I have realized that I am not a crafty or creative person and this is the first wedding I've ever done. I didn't even do my own...thank goodness for my MIL and mom, they handled mine for me...I just told them the colors and showed.
Anyhow, enough on weddings.
We had a scarey night. It was around 10pm, and I was just getting in the tub, when I heard Ashley say, "Are you alright?", "Samantha, what's wrong?", and then Ashley screamed at my bathroom door that Samantha was on the phone with her and had just had a wreck...she hit a tree. I said, "Is she okay?" She said she can't breathe. I managed to get that she was on 101 hwy...which is very close to me So I threw on my clothes and went to find her. She was okay, just shook up really bad. Here is what happened...
3 cars were somewhat involved. It was dark and on a bad curve(so you couldn't see the wreck until it was to late). Car 1 was infront and for some reason a tree fell on the car. Car 2 saw it, and was quick thinking. He moved his car to the other side of the road ,because he saw that no car was coming head on ,and that if he didn't he was gonna be hit from behind by car 3 (Samantha). So he quickly moved and as he moved, Samantha slammed into the tree, and knocked in off the road and still had the top under her car and sticking out about 6 feet. Noone was hurt...just shook up. Samantha has a good bit of damage to her car but it is fixable. It could have been much worse and we thank God that it wasn't.
As for today, I'm working with the kids, bouncing babies, and working on invitations.
Well, gotta run and settle down the 3 year year olds that are running through the house. Have a great rest of the week!

Why not today?

There is something you've always wanted to do. There is some desire that you've always told yourself you would someday pursue. Well, why not today? Today is the perfect day for you to begin. Of all the days you have available to choose from, today will give you the earliest start and the best advantage.
There is an ideal version of you that you've always dreamed of becoming. You can start right now to work toward becoming that person, toward living that life you've always wanted.
Taking the first step is not difficult. It is well within your reach. It's your life we're talking about here. Don't you want to do everything possible to make it as great as it can be? Why would you want to spend even another minute waiting to get started?
Time is constantly passing by. Starting right now to pursue the life you've always wanted will immediately put time on your side. As soon as you make the commitment to move forward, every moment will bring you closer to your goal.
Get up and go for it. Start right now to create for yourself the life you deserve, the very best life you can imagine.
-- R.Marston

The Top 20 Reasons to Homeschool

20. Your kids never tell you that you're a lot dumber than their teacher.
19. If you can't find matching socks for your child first thing in the morning, who cares?
18. Cleaning out the refrigerator can double as chemistry lab.
17. Your kids never have a reason to think they'll get beat up by a gang at school.
16. If the principal gives the teacher a bad evaluation, she can stick her icy feet against his legs at night.
15. You can post the Ten Commandments on your school room wall, and you won't get sued.
14. You never have to drive your child's forgotten lunch to school.
13. Your child will never go to their 20th high school reunion, meet an old flame, and recklessly abandon their marriage.
12. You get to change more than diapers, you get to change their minds.
11. If you get caught talking to yourself, you can claim you're having a PTA meeting.
10. It's better to be slightly concerned about socialisation than very concerned about socialism.
9. Your child will never suffer the embarrassment of group showers after PE.
8. The only debate about the school lunch program is whose turn it is to cook.
7. You never have to face the dilemma of whether to take your child's side or the teacher's side in a dispute at school.
6. If your child gets drugs at school it's probably Tylenol.
5. The teacher gets to kiss the principal in the faculty lounge and no one gossips.
4. Your kids recognize that this list is numerically in reverse order.
3. Your honour student can actually read the bumper sticker that you have put on your car.
2. If your child claims that the dog ate his homework you can ask the dog.
1. Some day your children will consider you to be a miracle working expert and will turn to you for advice.

Grrrr....

Well, it's been one of those weeks...again. I've been so very busy. I've been working around the clock on Anna's wedding. It is a lot of work to get married. It's also expensive. I managed to get the photographer set up and I even went ahead and paid her $900, I ordered the cake $189, I got most of the centerpieces done, and all the addresses for invitations in three days...go me!
It's also been a frustrating week.
On Tuesday, I took 4 of the kids for dental checks and cleanings. The first kid went in (Jacob) and as you know Jacob has had numerous problems with his teeth. His first baby tooth came through the gum and already had problems. He has fragile teeth. So the dentist looked at him and said, I'm afraid to mess with his teeth. He felt he was not experienced or qualified enough to handle Jacob's case. He was afraid he would mess up some of the work that has already been done. He said Jacob's mouth is in all different developmental stages and it is caused by the condition he had from the start. So he wants me to take him to a pediactic specialist just to have his teeth cleaned...grrr Okay, I can do that I told him.
Next went in kid #2 (Katie) out she comes and tells me she has two cavities that need fillings. Okay, I can handle this.
Next goes kid #3(Ashley) she also comes out with two tiny cavities. Now how come that othodontist that has been seeing her for 4 years and thousands of dollars later, didn't tell me she had cavities...grrrrrr So I thought, okay, we will get them filled.
Last goes in #4...Jon. And he stays...and he stays... and I'm thinking, "On no, not Jon, he has never had a cavities in his life". So the nurse comes to the door and says, Sandy can you come back here? Yes, I'm on a first name bases because Brent's whole family has used the same dentist forever. So I go to hear my verdict. The dentist then pours it on me. He said, Katie needs to have two apts to fix her cavities, and she needs to see an oral surgeon and get her wisdom teeth removed and soon. He said if they come in (and he expects them in about summer) he said they are gonna push all Katie's teeth out to a point. I'm thinking, "Not my Katie...the kid I was so proud of that I didn't have to put braces on...grrrrr" He said either go now, and pay for just wisdom teeth or go later and it will be wisdom teeth and braces.
Then he said, take Jacob to get spacers,and stretchers now, because if we don't his big teeth are gonna come in and no orthodontist will be able to fix his teeth.
Then he said Jon has a huge extra tooth up in his gum. Jon will have to go and have some of his side teeth removed and an orthodontist will have to pull the extra tooth down with braces. He also said Jon's bite is way off and he believes that is why Jon has headaches a lot. Geeee...I only wanted their teeth cleaned.
So now, we have to go see an oral surgeon, pediatric dentist, an orthodontist, and back to him to fill the 4 cavities. I was so proud last month,that we finally got Ashley's braces off ,and that I wouldn't have to make that loooong trip to the orthodontist anymore. We've been in the orthodontist office atleast once a month for kids in braces for over 6 years now. And just as I thought we were done, now I find out the other three may have to have them too...grrrrr
Well, I guess I'll scratch my new vehicle for another year. I finally had the money saved to get my dream vehicle a Ford expedition and then my daughter decides she wants to get married and now the kids teeth...grrrr Does it ever stop? Just as I feel we are doing good, something else pops up....grrr
So that is my venting for today. I guess, I'll go get busy on school stuff. I hope you all are having a better week than me.

Thoughts to Ponder

The values in your heart When your world seems frustrating, keep in mind that the most important part of you exists beyond those frustrations. When life feels painful, never forget that the pain, however difficult it may be, is confined to just a small portion of who you truly are.
All around you are things you can see and touch and physically manipulate. They are part of life, but they are by no means all there is.
You cannot hold love in your hand, and yet you know for certain that it exists. You cannot capture joy in a box or an envelope and yet you have no doubt that it is real.
When the outward concerns of life seem to be overwhelming, remind yourself, there's more. There is so very much more to living and being than those things you can see and hear, taste and smell, touch and possess.
Even those losses and disappointments that feel big and burdensome, are small in comparison to all the beautiful, positive possibilities living within you. Look beyond the noisy, superficial distractions and remember the miracle of your existence.
Live your life around the values in your heart. And those everyday pains and nuisances will lose their power to bring you down.
-- R.Marston

Hey everyone!

So what's new here? Nothing really. We've all been busy as always. I have been working daily trying to get this wedding together. It is hard work planning a wedding. It just seems unreal that my daughter is getting married...am I really that old???? Yesterday, they went and registered for their shower, etc and they had the shower and wedding annoucement in the church paper. I guess, it was that moment that I realized this really is real...my baby is getting married. So if you don't see me online that much over the next few weeks, it is because I'm knee high in ribbon, flowers, bows, and such.
On Friday, I was told my foster baby may be going home around Fall. I can't even imagine what that will be like. Actually we have court tomorrow, but I've decided that I am not going...I don't have to go. So be sure to keep us in your prayers, because it is gonna be so hard when she has to leaves us .
Also, on Friday, Me and the baby went to Nanny's to see Nanny and Mama. We stayed for a little while. Bay put a show on for them. She has learned to dance and to patty-cake...so sweet. However, she is going through a stage where she is just wanting me. Normally she wants Brent over me, but not for the last few days...everything is mama...mama...mama. She can say, "mama", "da-da","bye",and "bay-bay". She still isn't crawling, but she is rolling all over the place. She is growing like a weed.
The other kids are just busy trying to get done with this school year. Jacob and Jon both have 4-wheelers now, and they stay pretty busy riding them all over the yard. The girls are just being girls...lol
Well, that is it for now. I've got to get busy helping the kids with their school work. Have a great week!

I'm still here!

Sorry for my lack of updates. My sister-in-law reminded me last night that I have been to busy to update...she is right, I have been so busy...thanks Cori! So where do I begin????
First off ,my oldest is getting married...not next year like she first planned, but instead in June. So that gives me two months to plan a wedding...talk about busy. I've been spending time searching the net, calling on the phone, and planning...lots of that. We go this weekend to be fitted for dresses. It's for sure a lot of work to get married.
The last couple of weekends, I spent with my aunt Linda, trying to build a relationship that I've never had. I am so excited about it. I am a family person and I've always wanted to know my family. My great aunt passed and that was sad ,but it was also joyful because it gave me the chance to see my Daddy after 2 years, my uncles Randy and Sammy, and my aunt Linda...and also some of my cousins that I had never met. This has been my dream come true and seems almost unreal to believe. I just hope that I mean as much to them as they mean to me.
This week we've been on spring break, but spring break means I'm busier than ever. All the kids around come to my house to play and they have kept me on my toes. The kids have 4-wheelers and dirt bikes, and they have rode them around the top of our property til they have made trails. Now all the neighbors bring their 4-wheelers and dirt bikes down to join them. They have all been enjoying the better weather and the spring break week.
However, My little foster baby hasn't been feeling well and has wanted me to just set and hold her, so that is what I've been doing yesterday and today. I thonk it is the pollen that is bothering here.
Yesterday, I got brave and took Jacob and five of his friends to Monkey Joes. They were so good and had a great time.
As for next week, I'll be in school taking some classes, so it will be a busy week too.
Well, that is it. I've got to run and check on my baby. Have a great week!

In Our School

In our school there will be
no boring lectures, no politically-correct textbooks, no required courses, no graffiti-covered walls, no overcrowded classrooms, no high-stakes testing, no strict schedules, and no dress codes…
But the whole world will be an open book as we run free to windsung poems,and we will rejoice as we explore the wonders of God's creation.
By Teri Ann Berg Olsen

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!

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!