Stand Up Old Guy

So The Hubby is gonna hate me for this one...

If you read my blog from last night then you know that he is in Wisconsin. He has some old childhood friends that live there now. They kinda planned the trip around the Michigan State Wisconsin football game.

So I turned on the tube to scroll through college football and I stopped at that game. They periodically show shots of the stadium and it is just a sea of red. I would occasionally get a glimpse of green... but not many.

I sent him a text and jokingly asked if he was the lonely green guy.

His response: "Heck no! I am not wearing my jersey. I'm dead center of the student section. There is one guy wearing green. His experience is really bad. The students are treating him very bad."

Me: "So its that guy I see then. Hope you are at least having fun. Maybe State can come back in the 2nd half and actually play the game instead of giving it away."

The Hubby: "The guys in my section have been referring to me as 'old guy'. Stand up old guy is a disturbing chant. Especially when there are 1,000 kids pointing at you."

Poor guy. He's such a die hard MSU fan too... and it's hard to be a MSU fan lately. Someone needs to introduce them to Gatorade because they always throw away the game in the last quarter/half.

At least Oklahoma is faring pretty good with the temporary loss of Sam Bradford. Landry Jones I think is doing an outsatanding job as a red-shirt Freshman. Big 12 Player of the Week last week. And last week he broke the record for most TD passes in a game (6). Sam Bradford held the record with 5. I think OU is gonna do just fine.

Funny thing is that MSU QB Keith Nichols was formerly of OU. He originally signed with MSU then decided to go to OU. Was there a year and didn't like being behind Sam Bradford because he didn't get to play. Hmmm... Wonder why??? So he went back to MSU. After Sam got hurt a few weeks ago and Landry had to step in, they wound up losing that game. I heard a commentator on the MSU game speaking of Keith Nichols saying "I bet Oklahoma wishes they still had Kieth". Ummm... NO! Seriously... he still wouldn't be playing. Landry Jones is twice the QB that Kieth Nichols is. Props to Coach Stoops and his team... they have a way of picking outstanding players.

Will they go all the way this year? Not sure... but they won't go down without a fight that's for sure.

Sorry for the football rant... I didn't get my official "rant" in this week so I figured I might as well do it now while we are on topic.

Sidenote:

I did NOT eat all my ice cream last night. Decided after about half I should save some for later. Not sure how I convinced myself of that one, but I did.

Friday Friday Friday

Holy Cow! Lots to blog about today...

First things first. Welcome to my new followers! I have 3 now... I just tripled my fan base. Who knew I'd be so popular?

The Hubby is gone to Wisconsin until tomorrow night... kiddos are nestled in bed... and I am sitting relaxing on the couch writing my blog indulging in one sinfully delicious guilty pleasure.

This, my friends, is culinary perfection. Palazzolo's Artisan Gelato & Sorbetto. This particular flavor is Toasted Coconut Almond Fudge Gelato. Imported pure Asian Coconut cream and toasted coconut macaroons blended with fresh dairy and roasted almond halves, a chocolate swirl and fudge pieces. I have died and gone to Heaven. Someone stop me before I eat the whole pint tonight.

I love this stuff... they have so many delectable flavors to choose from. It's made right here in West Michigan and they ship anywhere. Check out the website... order some... you won't regret it. I promise!

We took Caleb to his first Circus last night. Ringling Brothers was in town. So much fun! He had this look of amazement the whole time. It really is The Greatest Show on Earth!

When asked about his trip to the circus: He liked the motorcycles and tigers and elephants the best. The elephants went to sleep (lay down and roll over) and they danced (walked on hind legs) and sat on each other. The tigers walked in a circle and jumped over each other and rolled over. The motorcycles went fast inside the ball and the fast one in the air (on the highwire) with the lady and went in circles (spun around in the wire). Then when it was all done and everyone came back out for the Grand Finale he waved and said Bye to them all as they went backstage again.

Ohhh... to be two again...

The last is something new and fun for Fridays. Tamara over at Mad Boastings of a Cheapskate Mom is spearheading a movement from Drabby into the Fabby. It's called Drabby To Fabby Fridays (DTFF). I am guilty of the Drabby most days. The Hubby takes off to work in the morning and I have the privilege of spending my days at home with two small children. I'm lucky to get out of my jammies or lounge pants by lunch time. My perfume is a new fragrance combination of spit up and poop. Some days I have to change clothes as often as my kids. I have now realized why so many women cut their hair short when they have kids. The purpose of DTFF is get yourself looking Fabby if on;y for one day. She will have lots of cool giveaways on her site for those who participate. Sounds like a ton of fun... and encouragement knowing that I am not alone on my Island of Drab. Can't wait to see the transformations. Go on over and check out Tamara's DTFF post. Look for my DTFF submissions.

Fishing

So The Hubby took Caleb with him to do some running aroung this morning. They wound up at my father in law's house. He lives on a private lake that has some pretty good fishing. The Hubby decided to jump on a canoe and go out on the lake for a bit to see if they could snag something.

He went fishing with Nana (my mom) when she was here visiting a few months ago. We took him out three times and we only caught sticks. But he sure had fun catching those sticks! He still talks about "going fishing with Nana". That's probably how this impromptu fishing excursion started this morning.

They were out there about an hour and Caleb caught three fish!!!

The Hubby said he did OK casting but he reeled those fish in all by himself. He was so proud!

Here's a picture of Caleb (2 1/2) with his first fish.

Tears in a Jar pt1

{Here's a little glimpse into my life. I have been trying to write it out for some time now. There's always a reason why I don't. I feel very strongly that this is something I am supposed to do.

My working title is Tears in a Jar so whenever I write that will be the heading.

Feel free to leave comments or thoughts. And thanks for reading.}

Considering this is my third attempt at writing, maybe I'll get it right this time.

Let me start from the beginning...

The year 2004. My husband, John, and I were at church on Sunday morning. During the worship service I felt like God was telling me I was going to write a book. Crazy. I have always enjoyed writing, but to write a book... that was crazy. So I began to study and seek God for direction. I had a few ideas, but I could never get the momentum started.

Little did I know what was in store for me...

And so my journey begins.

It was now April 2005. We had just come home from our annual vacation to Jupiter, Florida. We took my dad this time and decided to make an impromptu trip to Disney. My dad and I had never been, and John hadn't been since he was a kid. We literally ran through the parks. All four parks in two days. So much fun!

In January of that year we had decided to start a family. So you can imagine our excitement finding out we were pregnant so soon. We told everyone. Ten days later, I noticed I was bleeding when I got out of the shower. An ultrasound the next day confirmed I was having a miscarriage. We were so devastated.

I couldn't believe how attached I had gotten to this baby in such a short amount of time. We were not going to give up.

It didn't take long for us to get pregnant again. It was now June 2005. We learned from our previous experience that life was truly a miracle ordained by God. It was also something you must never take for granted. We were so happy. We thanked God everyday and prayed for our baby; asking God to use it for His glory.

Oh the joy that was overflowing on November 03, 2005, when we found out we were having TWINS! Girls. I was so amazed at the awesome power of God. I remember John telling people "two words that are going to change my life forever... twin girls."

John and I labored twenty long weeks on deciding a name. We finally agreed on one boy's name and one girl's name. We were just waiting on the final verdict of the gender. Now we had to come up with another girl's name... This was going to be torture. We actually hashed it out in about three weeks - record time.

The names were important to us. They needed to have strong meaning and significance. We decided on Abigail (a father's joy) Reece (enthusiastic) and Kiersten (anointed) Alexis (protector of mankind). If we could only know how prophetic these names would actually be.

I had been having contractions over Thanksgiving weekend so I decided to call my doctor. It was normal to have Braxton-Hicks contractions this early with twins and I had just spent the last two days on my feet at work.

By November 30, 2005, I was admitted to the hospital for preterm labor. I was only 23-24 weeks. (For those of you who don't know, 40 weeks is considered full term. I was barely half way.) Because of the contractions I had been having they did an ultrasound. The presenting twin (the one on bottom), Kiersten, had died.

I had what was call Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). It affects a small percentage of identical twins. This happens when the twins share vital blood vessels in the placenta. One twin eventually gets all the nutrients and fluid and the other twin doesn't have enough to survive.

Some people believe that "twin psychology" is at work even in the womb and it is actually the stronger of the twins that gives up her supply so the weaker one has a better chance to survive. If you believe this, as I do, it means that Kiersten was anointed to protect her sister.

Most nights in the hospital were sleepless; but the first was the worst. I don't think I ever stopped praying and begging God for a miracle. I reminded God of all the people He raised from the dead. I talked to Him about how He changed His mind for Abraham and didn't take Isaac and I asked Him to change His mind for me.

I was in my own personal "Garden of Gethsemane". "Not my will but yours, oh Lord." "Take this cup of suffering from me." I knew that God would never leave me or forsake me. I trusted His Divine Providence and Will and I knew he would carry me through this situation whatever the outcome. God understood my pain better than anyone... He lost His only Son.

At 9:15pm on December 03, 2005, Kiersten Alexis was born still measuring 15 ounces and 12 inches. Abigail Reece was born at 9:48pm measuring 11.5 inches and 1 pound 4 ounces. Kiersten had indeed been the bigger twin.

We were so amazed at how tiny they were. It was such a joy to see Abigail kicking and screaming. She even let out a tiny cry. It seemed that both girls were living up to their names.

Abigail was whisked off to the NICU and we spent time with Kiersten. These moments were so bittersweet. We found comfort knowing she was in the arms of Jesus.

Life in the NICU was crazy but short lived. Abigail joined her sister at 3:00am on December 09, 2005. She was a fighter. John and I held her in our arms as her heart was beating its final beats.

Our journey was not over. We knew we were destined to have children so we wasted no time. On March 21, 2006, which was the twins actual due date, I found out I was pregnant again. Oh the Joy that Floods my Soul!

I had my first OB appointment on May 09, 2006. The doctor was having difficulty finding a heartbeat so he sent me in for an ultrasound. Once again, we had lost another baby. We scheduled a D&C on Friday and Sunday was the worst Mother's Day ever.

After that, we decided we had enough heartbreak for a while . We couldn't bear to lose another baby do we decided to wait at least six months before even thinking of trying again.

Apparently God had other plans. You can imagine the look of surprise on my face when I found out I was pregnant in July 2006. I jokingly told people it had to be Immaculate Conception because there was no way this could have happened. Somewhere in the middle of moving and working a fireworks tent 13 hours a day for two weeks (a one hour drive each way I might add) this happened. I don't remember when...

That showed me to never put God in a box. His ways are higher than mine. My due date for this baby was March 31, 2007, just one week behind the twins due date. I was a nervous wreck the whole time.

On Tuesday, March 27, 2007, at 2:55pm John (God is gracious) Caleb (bold) was born - we call him Caleb as he is a fifth generation John. He was a healthy 7 pound 4 ounces measuring 20 inches. That was the happiest day of my life.

Zachary (spiritual) Baxter (tenacious - also my family name) was born at 10:38pm on Sunday, May 10, 2009. The day was also Mother's Day. He was 8 pounds 11.4 ounces and 19 3/4 inches.

Both boys bring me such joy on a daily basis.

I still don't ever really know how to answer the question "How many children do you have?" but I am getting there. One day at a time.

The Tomato Collection

I have been enlightened... now let me enlighten you!

My friend Nicole introduced me to The Tomato Collection by Kevin Kammeraad. I have heard her talk about The Tomato Collection before, but never really followed up with it. (Sorry, Nicole) It's "one of those things" where I was genuinely interested but when I had the opportunity to check it out the information would get lost in the black abyss that becomes my mind on occasions.

Anyway, Nicole saw Kevin recently at the Celebration on the Grand in downtown GR. Her blog contains an impromptu interview she had with Kevin. Read that here. She is giving away a signed copy of his book The Tomato Collection that I would be stoked to get. Now that I have a blog, I finally have the opportunity to win. (Keep your fingers crossed)

I went to Kevin's site and checked out some of his works. My oldest, Caleb (2 1/2), was in the room with me at the time. He was excited by the colorful pictures and the catchy poems. He kept saying "Can we read that one again?"

Kevin also has a link where you can listen to one of his songs from The Tomato Collection cd. We heard "A Pickle for My Christmas Tree" which is a hilarious adaptation of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Caleb was bouncing and dancing and spinning to the tune.

So, if I don't have the privilege of winning this giveaway I will definitely be purchasing some of Kevin's books and CD.

You can check out Nicole's blog, Bellies and Babies, here. And while you're at it, surf on over to The Tomato Collection and check out Kevin's site too.

Thursday Rant It's Official: I'm on a Dishwashing Strike

I HAVE A FOLLOWER!!!! Already, I know! How exciting for me! And no, she's not my mom. By the way, Mom, why aren't you a follower?!? Now I have to make sure I have interesting enough blogs to maintain my following.

Speaking of which... I have been pondering ideas. I like the way Travis over at "I like to fish" has his set up so I might try a similar approach and see how it works out. You can check out Travis here. Funny stuff.

Thursdays will be for ranting... that way I can get them over before Friday and the weekend. Makes sense to me anyway... Let me know what you think. Constructive criticism always welcome. "Props" definitely accepted. : )

So my dishwasher broke shortly before my youngest son was born. He's now FOUR MONTHS OLD!!! And contrary to popular belief, the dishes don't just wash themselves. So I have been washing dishes by hand ever since. Not my idea of a fun afternoon.

Let me just add that my dishwasher could have not broken at a more inconvenient time - both the particular night and in my life. We had just had friends over for dinner and I swear every dish in the house was used for one thing or another. So I easily had two full loads and probably a small third to do. So I load it up and put in the soap and... nothing. UGH! The next morning all the lights were flashing and the number display was counting down from 50. It did that for about two months before it completely shut down. I always joked that there was a bomb inside somewhere malfunctioning. So you can imagine four months later I had quite the science experiment growing in my dishwasher. It wasn't really as bad as it sounds; but I never imagined that I would still be looking at it four months later.

Washing dishes is such a time consuming task for me that I thoroughly do not enjoy and I have to do it every day to stay on top of the regenerating pile of dishes in my sink. Dishes are like the laundry... you think you have everything cleaned and put away then you find more. Ugh! My hubby and I have had many "discussions" about this over the last four months. I had to convince him that even though there doesn't seem to be many dishes in the sink it still takes me at least an hour to complete the task from start to finish. I will spare you the details... just trust me on this one. I timed myself numerous times.

For those of you who know that my husband is a plumber, I should tell you that this was an electrical problem. So it is not his fault. Now the leaky faucet... that's another story. We know an appliance service tech who insisted that he could tell my husband how to fix this problem over the phone. He was trying to do us a favor by not having to charge us to come out himself. I can appreciate this. But, on the other hand, my husband is a very busy guy, and this guy was not always available when my husband had time to mess with the dumb thing.

Finally, my husband tells him to just come out to the house and we will pay him the $45 service fee for him to tell us what's wrong so we can do something about fixing it. Something we wanted him to do all along... I think my husbands exact words were "can you get someone out here today because my wife is threatening me with divorce papers?"

So a few hours later he shows up. Long story short, it would take almost $450 in parts to fix my 8 year old dishwasher. No thanks! I wanted a new dishwasher anyway.

So we bought said dishwasher last night from Best Buy. Its pretty... stainless... nothing on the front but the sleek handle... buttons on the inside... Soon to be the new beacon of light in my kitchen. Once my plumber husband installs it.

When I jokingly (seriously) asked him if he was going to install it when we got home last night he said "sure, but there aren't any dirty dishes." Problem solved... my dish washer went on strike effective immediately. She works for the union, as do I, so I can't cross the picket line and maintain my dignity with the union. (heehee)

I thought maybe washing dishes all this time would be good for my hands and nails... but its not. All those commercials lie when they tell you their dish soap will leave your hands soft and strengthen your nails. I'm gonna find that old hag, Madge, and give her a piece of my mind!

Don't know who Madge is? She was the "star" of Palmolive advertisements back in the day. The commercials would show her out and about around town and everywhere she went women would stop her and say "Look, Madge" and hold out their hands for her to see how soft their hands were. What a load...

Anyway... I digress...

Cheap Entertainment

Ok... so let me start with a little background information. We live on a dead-end street that's only about a block long. The street has a slight incline to it and if you go half way up you can get a nice coasting speed going. My house is situated at said point.

Today I was sitting in the floor playing with my two boys. It was a nice day so I had the windows open.

These 4 guys came walking up my street. They were making a lot of noise as guys often do so they instantly caught Caleb's attention. We have a big picture window in our living room that looks out the front and into the street. So he ran right over to see what they were doing.

Let me take a minute to describe the 4 guys in front of my house. All 4 guys were older... highschool age. Guy1 was average build and a little taller. Guy2 was average build. Guy3 was tall and skinny. Guy4 was... well... he had to be at least 200 pounds.

4 guys. 2 skateboards. Now comes the fun part.

Guy1 lays down on his board on his stomach and bends his knees so his feet are in the air. Guy2 sits on top of him and holds onto his legs and they go rolling down the street.

Cheers and high-fives commence.

They come back and Guy1 again lays down flat on his stomach and Guy2 lays down flat on top of him, also on his stomach.

Guys 3 & 4 think this is "awesome" so they decide to try it.

So Guy4 lays on top of Guy3. Now keep in mind Guy3 is the skinny one. They didn't get very far before they toppled over.

Next, Guy1 sat on the back of the board and wrapped his legs around Guy2 seated in front. Guy3/4 did the same. This time they raced. Didn't see who won.

Then, the louge. One guy flat on his back the other laying on top. Only this time Guy4 was on bottom of his team. Loud yells of approval and I think someone fell off.

End of show. I guess you never know what you might see when 4 guys get bored. Caleb wanted to know where the "funny guys" went when they didn't come back.

Hope you enjoyed my first official blog.

Blogging Virgin

So... I decided to jump off the blogging cliff today... Thought I could use a productive - or not so productive - outlet for my personal confessional so to speak. Maybe I just need a way to purge all this "stuff" that floats around in my head all day from being a mom to two boys... There's only so much intellectual conversation a 2 1/2 year old can provide. My 4 month old talks A LOT, but I don't think we speak the same language. When I talk to him he just looks at me with a funny grin. He occasionally does the customary "uh huh" and he sometimes laughs at the right moments; but I don't think he is really listening to what I say.

My day consists of Dr. Seuss and Baby Einstein... feeding... napping - not for me... and everything else in between.

Maybe you, my reader, can find some enjoyment in the blogs to come.