1930s Husband Test

I don't know whether to be appalled or offended. What are your thoughts about his test score?

55 As a 1930s husband, I am Average Take the test!

DH Appreciation Day; My First Cake

DH left his lunch on the counter. When he asked if I would bring it to him, I said sure. Then I came up with the idea to have a surprise picnic. Placing his lunch bag in the refrigerator, I concocted a nice picnic surprise. Taking care to cook close to his lunch time, which for us is dinner time, everyone had their meal in a nice Ziploc plastic container. With that done, I decide to bake a cake. Well, if you know me, I don't like to cook (but I have to) and I definitely don't bake. Since I had a cake mix, I decided to do it. This would be my first cake. The only other cake I made, DH actually coached me through it all. I was really kind of nervous. I wanted it to be perfect. I followed the directions carefully. Being paranoid about mixing the cake, I mixed it for three minutes instead of the recommended two minutes. Then the baking of the cake. I put the timer on the oven and turn the light on. Since I was baking cream of mushroom chicken, I put the cake pans on the top right (just in case). The toothpick test was done the first time, and it came out brown with goo. OH! NO! I just knew I was in for disaster. The second time though it was clean. Taking it out, I let it cool. My heart starting throbbing. Is it right? Does it look right? I couldn't tell. After turning it over on the plate, I realized I hadn't let it cool all the way. Scared again, I just knew I was in for failure. But, things quickly turned around when I started putting the frosting on it. It actually looked like a cake. The soccer pro even helped put the sprinkles on, while the princess decided it was easier to stick both hands into the frosting container and lick herself clean. Feeling really proud of myself, I proceeded to pack the ice cream, sweet tea, utensils, and baby food. Then it hit me. How am I going to transport the cake? Paranoid, I called my mom (which is nothing new.) We brainstormed and brainstormed. Punch bowl...nope. I really need to purchasing cooking supplies, ie. cake cover, bigger punch bowl...Brainstorm again... flat deep pan...nope...box YES!!!! I had actually bought some boxes to organize my clutter filled office (I need Clean House). It worked perfectly. Packing up the crew, we headed to Comcast in Madison. After picking him up, we headed to Strawberry Park. Before we could get there, the princess kept saying cake cake cake. It's a good thing she knows how to talk, but she is so honest. I also learned that he had figured it out that it was a cake I had made. I told him I bought it. He told me he could smell it. If it was store bought you can't smell it. UMMM...I didn't know that. Anyway, it turned out to be a wonderful surprise. We told him it was his appreciation picnic. He went back to work happy and full from our love and my first cake.

Jeremiah letting his light shine!

Sending emails, I heard Jacob crying and then I heard silence. After a while, I heard Jeremiah singing, "This little light of mine..." When I came into the room, Jeremiah was singing to Jacob. He had put Jacob to sleep.

I use castille soap to wash my hair. It's great because it doesn't strip my hair of its natural oils. Having different scents, it causes a calming affect. I also use it to bathe in, bathe the children, and wash their hair. Now, I have found a new use. I poured a small amount into the washer along with the washing detergent. Amazingly, it had the same affect as a fabric softener. My sheets and comforter smell amazing. Castille soap is a great organic product.

Jacob's Asthma

This morning as I was bathing my youngest. I heard him wheezing, and I almost panicked. He has asthma, but we haven't had any problems, since he was released from home health in April. After the bath, I set him up for his medicine. A funny thing is he is wayyyyy to big for his old car seat. His little feet were hanging over. Anyway, now that he is older, it was a wrestling match to get his mask on. I felt so bad. How can you feel bad for doing something that can potentially save his life? Anyway, once I turned it on. It was apparent that he needed it because he stopped fighting. I am so afraid that he will start having problems again. It's so sad to see him having difficulty sometimes breathing. Being the paranoid mother that I am, I will have to watch him closely.

New Family Hobby

Finding cheap and fun family activities can sometimes be a big challenge, but since my husband's vacation was this past week, we have discovered a new family hobby. This hobby is fishing.

Having never been fishing before, I just knew I would be board stiff. To my surprise, it has turned into something I am growing to love. The first time we went, my little princess was the only one, who caught something. Funny thing was that we all had professional fishing rods and reels. She just used a barbie doll fishing rod from Bass Pro Shops.

The next time we went fishing I was upset and didn't want to go. I had a list of things I could have and should have been doing. So amidst studying and pouting in the truck, I couldn't resist. Before I knew it, I was carrying rod in hand walking to the pier. That day we decided to compete. Two of them were given to us. I caught three and had to throw a small one back. The soccer pro caught five and threw a small one back. Daddy Wilson caught six and threw one back.

Today, we went and tried a new location. I was amazed at how disappointed I was when I caught nothing. I wanted to stay and keep going, but it was late and we had to leave. It is nice fishing. You bond with each other. You leave cell phones in the truck. The kids are happy. The family is just happy. I love it. I can't wait until this Saturday to do it again. Maybe we can go on Friday and Saturday.

What is even better we had a great meal. I had to make a special trip to the store to purchase a bag of french fries. Even though gas is expensive, I didn't complain. It was worth the trip.

Top Priorities

What's Important to You... And What Isn't:

For you, sex is usually your number one priority. You find getting things done to be incredibly stressful. You don't like having things to do. You attend to almost every priority in your life. You don't neglect much. You want thinking to be a high priority, but you don't take enough time for yourself.

The Priority Test

Online Quiz and Political Views

After taking this quiz, I couldn't believe what I read. Politics and the 2008 Presidential Campaign has my attention. Take this quiz and see if it accurately expresses your political beliefs.

You Are 32% Republican

You're a bit Republican, and probably more conservative than you realize. If you're still voting Democrat, maybe it's time that you stop.

http://www.blogthings.com/howrepublicanareyouquiz/">How Republican Are You?

You Are 56% Democrat

You aren't a full fledged Democrat yet, but it's likely the party that fits you best. You probably consider yourself an independent Democrat. You usually support the party, but you also think for yourself!

How Democrat Are You?

Lessons of Motherhood

Being a mother can be very challenging. I have really learned this since staying home. It is now my one year anniversary of being a SAHM.

1. Stress happens. It is inevitable. Just admit you are stressed and move on.
2. Sleep deprivation. I always worked while the children took naps. Not good. I have to remind myself to sleep when they sleep. I am still adjusting to that idea.
3. Think positive. Looking at the positive of seeing the poop on the floor instead of the toilet is important. At least your child isn't constipated.
4. Plans Fail. Scheduling everything with children can wreck havoc on your sanity when it fails. I have learned that going with the flow is so much easier.

What are some lessons you have learn since crossing over into the world of motherhood?

1903s Wife Test

44 As a 1930s wife, I am Average Take the test!

Confirmation of my parenting skills

Today, I took the kids to the reservior. I wanted to create memorable moments for them. We walked onto a fishing pier at Goshen Springs. It was so cute to watch my little girl tiptoe onto the pier. After leaving the pier, we went to Lakeshore Park to feed the ducks. It was so very warming to watch them feed the ducks. However, I noticed something. One duck was being hasseled and not being allowed to eat. It was agressively made to leave the mainstream feeding session. My soccer pro made a point to make sure he threw bread far enough to the duck to ensure that it at. He didn't want to leave the duck out. Then I realized something. I make sure that whatever I do for one child I include the other child in some shape or form. It was amazing that this simple practice and value has made an impression on my children, and they are actively practicing it. For a quick moment, I felt proud of my ability to be a parent. I must be doing something right.

Jeremiah's Thoughts... Hot Water (as dictated to mom)

I sprayed my mom with hot water because she told me to not do it. But, I did it, anyway.

She also said to me to not do it because it was wrong.

We had fun, but Mama had a rule. But I broke the rule. Because rule #1 is to not spray hair, and rule #2 is to not spray in the face.

Then we are going to find some more trouble things to do.

We love to do water fights. Next time, I really really want to get soap water with hot water, and I will get my mama real good.

The end.

Family Night @ the Ag Museum

Tonight, the kids and I went to the Ag Museum for family night. We had a very good time. I was so proud of my children, when they purchased an item from the General Store with the money that they had saved. Each one politely gave the cashier their money and waited for their purchase and their change. Wonderful!

However, I do have mixed opinions about the outside exhibits. Since I haven't been in years, my expectations were really high. I was kind of disappointed to see that some of the exhibits were not being kept up. For instance, there was a rusting stove in the Doctor's office, cob webs in every exhibit, the mail room was filled with dead bugs, the blacksmith area had plastic bags and other trash laying around. There was even a MS Ag Government vehicle that was sitting next to the train ride trail. It was completely destroyed. They just mowed the grass around it.

Overall, the trip was well worth it. The kids had a great time. The play was really funny. The train exhibit was awesome. They loved the train ride.

When we visited the Main House exhibit, it was funny to hear my son ask where the television was. Cute, huh!

Having a staycation may not be so bad, if we can keep finding great family activities for FREE!

Rankin County Sheriff Patrol to the Rescue

I know it's late, but my heart is still throbbing from the traumatic episode I just experienced.

After a wonderful chat with my friends on Facebook, I get up to check on my children. Walking past the door, I catch a glimpse of something by the brick wall next to the garage. OMG!!! It's a snake!!! I begin immediately freaking out. It's 12 am. What am I going to do?

I couldn't see the head. All I could see was the thick body and the long skinny tail. Immediately, I call Kwandis. He tells me to boil some water and throw it on it. I decide to use the automatic tea brewer I bought from a yard sale, since it heats up really quick. After I heat the water up, pour it in a bucket, and add bleach to it, I open the door and give it my best shot. My best shot is not good enough. I see the head, then I see it move to the edge of my garage. I start to freak out again.

So, I call Kwandis and tell him what happened. He says get in your car and run over it. Okay, I say. That makes sense to me. So, I run and get in my car. Let the garage door up, remembering not to actually hit the garage door (been there, done that). I back up, almost hitting the basketball goal. Look at the gray concrete, and no snake guts are seen. OMG!!! My first thought is that it went into the garage. I panic again. This time I panic a lot.

In our subdivision, we have no street lights (that is another blog). So, it is extremely dark. My mine begin racing. I am driving in the grass, back and forth in my drive way. No snake. I just know this snake is in my garage. Then I start thinking about the kids. What if they wake up, don't see me and get upset. What if they see the lights and open the door? What if the baby falls out of my bed, nudging for me.

I am too afraid to get out. I call Kwandis. He tells me to go in the garage, and run in the house. In the infamous words of Whitney Houston "HELL to the NO!!!" I won't. He tells me to run in the house in the front door. No I won't. So in case of emergency, call 911. I tell the dispatcher my problem...saw snake, tried to run over snake, don't see snake, afraid to get out of car, young children in house, afraid to get out of car, husband at work, afraid to get out of car, dark outside, afraid to get out of car, don't see snake, afraid to get out of car, think snake in garage, afraid to get out of car.

He quickly explains that they don't do snakes. Then he tells me to hold on. Meanwhile, I call husband on three way, still freaking out. Thankfully, he says that an officer will come out. I call my mom, leaving a hysterical voicemail. She finally calls back, drunk from sleep. I keep driving around my driveway. Then I see it. It is curled in a ball, under my children's bedroom window. The hand is propped up, facing me.

Freaking out again, my heart starts throbbing. Can't let the garage door up, may go in. Can't run to front door, may bite me on the way. It is huge. Then I see two patrol men creep by my house. Thinking it's my rescuers I become a little relieve. Unfortunately, they creep on down the street, out of view. Meanwhile, I am still being mean mugged by the snake from hell.

Then, my knight in shining armour drives into my driveway with a flashlight. I explain to him that I found it and where it was. He tells me they saw me driving back and forth in my driveway and thought someone was breaking in. I must have appear a little off the wall doing that. Several patrolmen pull up to my rescue. They go in my garage and get the weapons of mass destruction (Home Depot shovels) and prepare for battle. This snake does not go down without a fight. It is huge. Turns out it was "just" a chicken snake. To me, a snake is a snake is a snake.

When they commence to removing the snake, my electronic window went up immediately. As I am writing this, I still have a slight ache and visions of "the snake."

Living in Rankin County has its benefits, we may not have the lap of luxury of hard liquor, but it is nice to know that these men take protecting their citizens to the full extent, even if it is only a snake and 1:00 in the morning. Parking in my garage and running or rather sprinting into my house, my nerves are still bad.

So, bad that I am waiting up for hubby to come home. Amazingly, the children were still sound asleep in their beds, somewhere in Dreamworld. Yet, I won't be visiting Dreamworld anytime soon.

Motherly Reflections

Having children in your life brings comfort and satisfaction at the right moment in time when you really need it. Sometimes I find myself just hypnotized by their very presence. I wonder if they notice me quietly admiring their existence. From eating their breakfast, saying, "Thank you," to me fussing at something that has happened, I am truly blessed. For hours, I played outside with them today. We went walking around the subdivision. When we returned from our short but exhausting walk, we played...

• Simon says...
• Red light, Green light
• I spy
• Basketball

I truly hope that they realize how important they are to me. As I sometimes watch them sleep, I pray over them. I pray for their success, safety, knowledge, endurance, and so much more. My children are wonderful blessings. I am so thankful that I realize this now and not when it is too late. Every moment I spend with them is beyond amazing. Every smile I can trigger, every hug I receive, every argument I stop, every "Thank You" I hear, seals the deal even more.

TEN THINGS WORTH SAVING...

1. Happy memories
2. Take-out coupons
3. Money
4. Maternity clothes
5. Old report cards
6. Baby clothes
7. Past tax returns
8. House Deed
9. Marriage License
10. Your Marriage

Cleaning like a pro...

I checked out a book to make sure I was cleaning everything I should be and to make sure I was cleaning things the "right" way. This book is called the Queen of Clean's: Complete Cleaning Guide by Linda Cobb. This book is jammed pack with cleaning tips. Here are two tips for making your own furniture polish:

Combine 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of olive oil in a clean container. Shake before use.

Combine 1 cup of mineral oil and 3 drops of lemon extract. Shake before each use.

She even has a website: www.queenofclean.com. I have learned so much about cleaning.

David and Goliath: A lesson on faith

Today's activity was a lesson on David and Goliath. The children and I discussed the story. Surprisingly, Jeremiah was well educated on the subject. I was very excited. The children painted a picture of David, slaying Goliath. Jasmine kept saying David. I think her favorite book, No David, came to mind. When they finished painting picture, they created a drawing about the story. It was fun to see them concentrating so hard.





Meanwhile, Jacob decided I wasn't feeding him fast enough. I guess me talking with the children about David and Goliath was taking away from him. The most interesting part was that he held the spoon with his right hand. He put the large put in the container and actually dug the food out. I couldn't believe it. He is growing up so fast.

Today I...

Today was a very interesting and busy day. Here's what I did...

1. Made Jasmine a dress for church: I used the Clarion Ledger to make a pattern and went to work.
2. Cook breakfast before church.
3. Dress myself and three children.
4. Pushed a car in peeped toe heels and silk wrapped dress: A family in distressed were sweating profusely in their car, after running out of gas in our subdivision. I went home and got some gas we use for the lawnmower. I helped her husband pushed the car out of the street in heels and a dress. Ironically, people just stared and drove by. No one offered to help. They were so shocked that I stopped and helped. The man mentioned "small town values." I am originally from a small town,where everyone knows everyone. I remember so many times my father and mother helping people out. They instilled that into me. I hope that my children were taking notes. However, all I could hear was their arguing over Jacob.
5. Went to church.
6. Wrestled with two children at church. We had to leave early. No one could hear the minister for my irritated and crying children.
7. Searched Ebay for a phone.
8. Feed the pets. We are still trying to figure out how Princess keeps getting out of the dog pen.
9. Coaxed Jazz to sleep.
10. Indulged in some quiet me time.

I am sure if left some things out. I was truly amazed at how much I multi-task. Being a mother sometimes is overwhelming. Yet, today I just took care of business. How much business was taken care of is sometimes still amazing.

Last Day of Kindergarten

It was just like yesterday. I was crying, when my son was off to his first day at kindergarten. Today is the last day of kindergarten. It's surreal that a chapter in my son's life is about to close. The Class of 2020 is growing up.

Yesterday, we were about 30 minutes late for school. Today, he was ready and we were 30 minutes early. He really wanted to go to school today, even though he will be dismissed in an hour and a half. Hearing him say that he wasn't ready for school to end brought back memories of my nerdy days. I really did enjoy reading, writing, and arithmetic.

I am so excited for him. He was so happy to show me his report card,yesterday. He wanted to let me know he had worked really hard. He wanted me to know that he had passed to the first grade.

I will try hard not to drill him too much this summer. It is sad when your child tell you he feels you are pushing him too hard when they are first learning to read books on their own. He broke down and cried after a homework session. I felt so bad. Have I turned into one of those parents you see on television that are micromanaging their child?

Since then, I haven't drilled him so hard. I let him figure it out on his own, and then I followed up. I just have to be really disciplined this summer not to overload on the education road. I want him to succeed, but at the rate I am trying to go, I may just burn him out.