Jarvis

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Little bunny foo foo, hopping through the forest…

November 4, 2010 in Brittany, Fibromyalgia, Jarvis, Pets by Petra | 4 comments

I’m pretty sure our cat got knocked up (her belly is suddenly very round!). So promiscuous. We don’t even know who the father is (but the kids have said a big black cat was hanging around our porch a while back). We aren’t inviting her back in to be an indoor cat, so I’m off to find a cat house today. The kids are excited and are already asking to keep the kittens. {sigh}

My most favorite cousin is visiting this weekend, with three of her ten kids and my aunt. I’m so excited! I haven’t seen Kendra and her kids since we lived in Texas (about five years ago), and I haven’t seen Aunt Cherry since Washington (about a year and a half ago). Good times will be had, and I will try to remember to take some photos.

Facebook… I usually glaze over controversial posts because I don’t want to get sucked into the drama. Once in a while, however, I comment on a post that ends up sucking me in and then I have to put way too much thought and energy into keeping up with the debate. I did this today, and it has taken about 20 minutes of my precious time. And I wonder if I’m just wasting energy. It’s not like the people on the other side of the argument are listening to anything I have to say, and I am firm in my beliefs so they aren’t going to sway me with their liberal “tolerance and acceptance” speeches. I believe that sin is sin and no matter how tempted anyone is to commit those sins, the Bible isn’t going to change what it says about those sins. Period. If we were debating something in a ‘gray’ area, such as “is that chair charcoal or smoke colored?”, then they might be able to pull me over to their side. But those are not the debates I choose to jump in on. Unfortunately. lol

Being glutened three times in the past month (after avoiding any crumbs for months!), along with an extra busy schedule, and the change in weather has pushed my fibromyalgia into overdrive. Lots of tension headaches, and lots of pain all over but especially in my jaw, neck, and back, and much fogginess of the brain have made my day to day life a bit more challenging. With God’s strength, though, I am pushing through. He gives me energy when I need it, and also rest when I need it. I do long for the sunny days of summer, though, as the extra sunshine helps with all of the above. God has also blessed me with a very helpful husband and some very helpful children who don’t complain about having a few extra chores on the days my body isn’t moving as well as it should.

Brittany messed her big toe up two days ago. She stubbed it really hard and her toenail was sticking straight up only attached at the base. It was bleeding a lot, and I managed to push the toenail back down and place a chunk of skin back in place and get it gauzed and taped up. I gave her ibuprofen, had her ice it and keep it propped up. Then yesterday, we went to check on it and change the dressing, and found that when I was concentrating so hard on getting part of her toe back in it’s proper place, that I missed something – part of the base of the toenail that should be under the skin is on the outside of the skin – ugh. She obviously will lose the whole thing, but she’d probably be more comfortable in the meantime if that piece of nail was where it belonged. Oh well. Too much information? Eh. Hopefully she won’t be in too much pain as it heals. It’s going to take a while though.

Jarvis a.k.a. Pele

Darby and Paige with some newfound friends during the soccer game.

Jarvis hustles toward the ball.

And, to brighten your day (or not)…

Bye-um-pum-pum, bye-um-pum-pum, bye-um-pum-pum, bye-um…

October 25, 2010 in Andrew, Jacob, Jarvis, Marriage, Military, Paige, Photography by Petra | 3 comments

I cannot believe it has been a week and a half since my last post! Where is the time going? Well, the last two weeks HAVE been incredibly busy – I’m pretty much just chilling out today, and the change is kind of nice (though I do have some errands to run in a little while). I’m pretty sure it’s time for a bulleted list – it’s the only way my brain is going to cooperate for updates.

Jarvis has one more game in the fall soccer season (the 31st). He’s really good and his team has had some good games and some bad games. He’s having a blast with it, and we love watching him play! He’ll be on the same Challenge team in the spring. I really need to remember my camera next week!
Andrea and Gideon came for a week-long visit and we LOVED having them here. They left on Saturday and Paige got all excited last night when I showed her pictures of Gideon on my computer. She kept pointing and going “who’s that?” (which doesn’t mean she doesn’t know, it just means she wants me to say his name because she can’t say it). The two of them were actually starting to enjoy each other’s company by the time Gideon left. However, Jacob remains Gideon’s favorite, I think. (and these photos are much clearer on my computer – whenever I upload to my blog, even if I size them properly first, they get blurry and pixelated – what’s up with that, wordpress?!)

I was actually pretty horrible about taking photos while Andrea and Gideon were here. I managed to get the above series and just a few more, but for some reason I have not been using my camera much as of late. I’m not sure why – I love photos, I love taking photos… seems like a no brainer that I would get my camera out now and then. Oh well.
I love how well Andrea and I get along. It really does not seem like there are eleven years between us. I totally wish we lived near one another.

And how adorable is Gideon?!?! He is just the cutest thing!! And he’s so lovable and let’s you hug and squeeze him without complaint (unlike Paige, who has to be in the mood to cuddle or she shoves you away).

While Andrea was here, we did some shopping (including finding these adorable neon converse for Paige and Gideon), we hung out at the house, we took one very full day and drove to Richmond (see next bullet), and we didn’t get enough chances to watch nearly enough TV… something we both thoroughly enjoy.

My friend, Ali, who I’ve mentioned many times before, met us in Richmond this past Thursday. We had a really fun day together walking around, eating, and laughing – and she took lots of totally fabulous photos!! Seriously, if you are in Virginia or DC or anywhere close, hire her for a shoot – you’ll be thrilled with the images and she is totally affordable as far as photographers go!!! A sample of our photoshoot is below, but to see more become a fan of her photography page on Facebook and scroll down to the “Carden Family” and “Gideon” albums…
(photo by Ali McLaughlin)
We found out a few days ago that Andrew will be deployed much sooner than we thought. Please keep him (and us) in your prayers. I am soaking up every second of time with him while I can. We will really miss him, but know that he is in God’s very capable Hands and, after all, trials make us stronger. And might I also add that Andrew is the most amazing husband ever and I am so thankful for all God has done in our lives and in our marriage – life gets sweeter every day!!!

I have more stories to tell and photos to share, but alas, I have a life, and it has already taken me several hours to get this far into this post (lots of interruptions in my house). I shall try my best to keep the ole blog updated more frequently. I know you are excited at the prospect, but are also fearful because I have made similar empty promises in the past. Hopefully I will get a chance to get caught up on stories and photos this week though!

…where music and passion are always in fashion…

October 12, 2010 in Andrew, answered prayer, Brittany, Darby, Home & Garden, Homeschooling, Jacob, Jarvis, Justice, Lists, Paige, Parenting by Petra | 5 comments

Quick update…

Paige went to the doctor this morning for her 18 month old checkup, and according to her doctor (who we love, by the way!) Paige is perfect. We already knew that though. She had to get one shot today, but the nurse was fast, so while she did scream for a minute, she was soon fine. She weighs 21 pounds (10th %), and is 29 1/2″ tall (5th %). Her head? It’s still large. It’s 19 or 19 1/2″ (I can’t remember which) and that, my friends, is in the 90th %. Tiny body, huge head. For that big brain, I presume.
Britta Cait started babysitting for a local MOPS group. Today was her first day, and they meet once a month. She had a great time. She loves little kids, and she loves making money = a great combo.
Britta also turned 17 last week. More to come on that (and also I have photos from Justice’s birthday celebration last month. Patience, young padawans, patience).
Have I mentioned how much I love my kids? Yes? Well, I’m saying it again. God has blessed us so much with six amazing kiddos, I just can’t believe it most of the time. They all show me and Andy such love and respect (absolutely no slamming doors or “I hate you”‘s in this house), they all want to serve God, and they all love spending time with us. That may sound ‘normal’ to some of you, but I know a lot of people who struggle with their teenagers (and a lot of people who struggle with their pre-teens and toddlers too), and it just makes me so thankful to have loving, well-behaved kids. They are not perfect, of course (no one is), but they are an enormous blessing to me and I thank God for them all.
Homeschooling is going swimmingly (pretty sure that’s the first time I’ve ever used that word). I’m enjoying it, the kids are enjoying it – so awesome. The kids are all learning (which is more than I can say for their previous public school educations), and our schedule is going great. Total answer to prayer – all of it!!!
Construction is still ongoing. Andrew finished building the walls in the main room of the basement (school room/office/craft area), and just needs to do one more round of mudding and sanding – then we paint and put a new floor in. We decided on a laminate floor for that room and Brittany’s room after looking at cost, where it was in the house, how much wear it would get, etc… but we’ll put a tiled area by the back door since rumor has it that laminate flooring does not do well when it gets wet.
We have gotten more involved in our church and are loving it. The people are wonderful, the kids love it, and we just know it’s exactly where God wants us to be. Awesome.
Britta is going on a missions trip with some people from our church at the end of this month. They are heading to New York City to do some ministering to others. Please be prayingn for them.
Jacob has turned into a social butterfly! He used to be SO shy and just wanted to be with me all the time, but he has changed SO much in the past 6 months or so. He just wants to play with his friends, invite them over, go see them, go to church, and of course… marry Katie, my friend Robyn’s daughter.
Aaaaand since I’ve been interrupted no less than 47 times since the start of this post, I’ll go ahead and close with a couple of photos from my brother Matt’s house…

Paige walking around Uncle Matt's house like she owned the place.

Justice and Tanner in the 'mud pit' at Uncle Matt's house - the boys had a BLAST!

Canyon, Justice, Tanner, and Chance

Poor Jarvis was sick on the mud pit day.

Jacob LOVED the swimming pool and hot tub!

Darby and Taylor

Taking turns on each other's shoulders in the pool

Taylor's turn on Darby's shoulders... so fun to have a cousin so close in age!

Britta apparently beating up Canyon. lol

More mud pit fun (that's Canyon and Britta if you can't tell)

Well I won’t back down, no I won’t back down…

October 7, 2010 in Andrew, Brittany, Darby, Jacob, Jarvis, Justice, Paige by Petra | 4 comments

Airborne and Special Operations Museum (we went a couple of weeks ago after Andrew’s PSYOP graduation)…

At the museum...

Jarvis' long lost friend?

Darby is a nut!

Imitating the mannequins

I don't even know.

Excuse me mister, can I have your gun?

Jacob's cheese grin is hilarious!

More reenactments from the drama queen...

My sweet Jacob

Britta reading stuff

She's outta control

Hello? Hello!!??

Roger Roger

Paige was SO done after getting up early, going to the graduation, lunch and now the museum. She was like "WHEN IS MY NAP!!?!?"

"Where did you get that scarf? It's so last year."

"This map is so confusing."

I was there too.

"Take me home! Waaaahhhh!"

So deliriously sleepy. lol

Squishy little arms and legs

Doesn't get any spunkier.

Sweet Sassy Spunky mess

Cute Britta. I love her individuality!!

pretty girl

We finally let her run around - little cutie patootie

Really fun family day, but it was time to go home.

Petra is back with my brand new invention…

September 30, 2010 in Brittany, Darby, Homeschooling, Jacob, Jarvis, Justice, Lists, Paige, Travel by Petra | 6 comments

I know it’s been a while, but diving into new schedules, full-force homeschooling, a road trip, and a stomach bug have kept me away from the blog. I should be around for a while though, so expect more frequent posts. {here is where you jump up and down and cheer}

For today, I have a list update followed by a bunch of party photos (more photos ready to share over the next several days too)… hopefully tomorrow I’ll think of something that will be inspirational and blow your mind. Let’s play that one by ear though, okay? Okay.

We love our new homeschool schedule. We get up in time to have two hours for breakfast, exercising, Bible study, and getting ready for the day before our schoolwork begins. We did a week-long test run, then interrupted for a trip, but will get back to it this coming Monday.
We had a great trip to Atlanta visiting my siblings and nieces and nephews. Wonderful times were had by all. My kids LOVE hanging out with their cousins – we wish we lived closer so they could see them more often.
We stayed with my brother and sister-in-law (Matt & Carolyn). They are so nice and hospitable, and my kids love their kids, their house, their animals, their pool, etc… [Thanks for letting us stay guys!]
Gideon (my great-nephew) is SO adorable. His first birthday party was the reason for the trip, and he just couldn’t be cuter.
Isn’t it funny how traveling makes you appreciate your own bed/pillow/blankets? I have slept like a rock the past two nights!!!
Andrew is finished with school and is at his new job now. My prayer is that he loves it! He’ll be deployed a lot, but that’s part of the downside to being in the military.
The kids (the five oldest) started their Wednesday night programs at church last night. Britta and Jarvis missed it because they weren’t feeling well, but the other three kids had a great time!
We passed around a stomach bug. It was kind of brutal for some of us, but short-lived. I’ll take super painful/gross for a day over less ill for a week though. I prefer just getting it all out of the way at once.
Andrew got a lot of work done in the office/school room while the kids and I were in Atlanta. He rocks!
Now there’s a lot of sanding to do and then we prime. Andrew had to build some walls, and then drywall and he got all that done plus mudding.
I was sick the day I was supposed to shop at the Atlanta IKEA with friends/family, but on the way back home Tuesday, I stopped at the Charlotte IKEA and was able to do about an hour and a half of shopping. It was fabulous. I LOVE that store!! I didn’t spend too much (although if I HAD more to spend, I certainly WOULD have – lol), but I got some much needed items for the kitchen (glasses, kids dishes, mixing bowls, can opener, platter, cute napkins – yes cute napkins were much needed – haha), and I got toilet bowl brushes (hey – they are only 99 cents and are much cuter than the 3 dollar ones at Walmart or Target!) and I got some $20 desks for my three oldest kids to use for their schoolwork. So score!
While at IKEA, it was kind of late (we were there from 7:30 to 9:00 pm), and when I let Paige out of the cart in the kid’s section, she climbed into the toddler beds and took her shoes off, laid down and tried to sleep. She got mad when we wouldn’t let her go to sleep. She was like “hey – I haven’t seen my own bed in weeks” (it was only 5 days, but that’s a long time to a baby)… “I’m tired, and this bed is comfy – why can’t I sleep here?!” She’s so adorable. AND I found the toddler bed I want to get for her – as soon as I have the extra cash, I’m going to head back to IKEA and get it! It will go perfectly in her newly painted room!! AND it stretches out to a twin bed for when she grows, so it’ll be a good investment. :)
I have a few things I want to sell on craigslist or ebay, but it is SUCH a hassle to do that type of thing anymore. Does anyone want to do it for me? I’ll probably just end up giving those items away – so much easier. lol
I really love our house – have I mentioned that? I’m so thankful to have a house of our own (I mean, it belongs to the bank currently – but we are not renting for the first time ever). I love being able to paint it, I love having all this space (we’ve lived in some pretty cramped places in the past), I love our neighborhood for the most part… it’s just nice.
I need to make my meal plan and grocery list for this pay period. Any suggestions for cheap and easy meals that will feed 8 and are gluten-free? Please post them.

Paige wasn't so sure about the ball pit at first, but she liked it later.

Sweet Taylor. Darby had a blast playing with her all weekend!

The uncooperative duo. Marci was trying to get them to re-create their old "fight stance" photos, but they refused. Oh well.

Adam and Andrea.

Gideon and his Grandma.

Paige getting cupcake all over Aunt Marci's shirt.

Canyon, Jarvis, and Nathaniel.

The Van Meters. Some of my favorite people in the wide world.

Me & Andrea dressed alike. Again. Never planned. (because why on earth would be plan to match? that would be weird.)

Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Gideon. Happy birthday to you. (whew. so glad to get that out. only Andrea understands.)

Paige and Andrea. Paige was kind of a grumpypants that day.

Me and four of my six siblings.

A lot of Goodling cousins. Missing Tori, Cory, Tim, Matt, Lauren, Olivia, & Alia.

The LaMontagnes and Van Meters.

Matt and Carolyn. My wonderful brother and his sweet wife. I just love them!

My sister, Marci, and one of my best friends in the world.

Paige liked the ball pit with Darby and Taylor in there playing too.

The Joshinator. Looking forward to his Thanksgiving visit!

Jacob. I mean, Wolverine. I didn't get a better photo of the sticks. I mean, claws.

She was absolutely filthy (and SO sweaty) by the time the party was over!

They did not allow me to get a good photo of them together. Next time, next time.

Back at Gideon's house - he's such a rock star, he loved the drum sticks one of his little baby friends gave him for his birthday.

Another attempt at a photo of the two of them, but Paige is just looking at Gideon like "why are you on my mommy?!?!" lol

Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ down the river…

September 16, 2010 in Brittany, Darby, Jacob, Jarvis, Paige, Random, Uncategorized by Petra | 6 comments

Another round of ”what I find when I upload pics from my camera”… the kids were at it again!

I found this photo of Jacob making a crazy face! And yeah, his hair has been cut since this... lol

There were about 10 very blurry photos of Paige, but this one was too cute... did Jacob take these? Who knows!

Following this and a few other silly photos of Jarvis (in our now-lavender guest bathroom, even though it looks pink in this photo - it's a pale lavender), were several close-ups of his hair? I don't know.

And then after he got whomever (Brittany?) to take the previous photos, there were some self-portraits in the mirror.

I do recall Darby being INCREDIBLY dirty a couple of weeks ago, but I didn't take this crazy-looking photo. lol!

Paige as a 'who' (as in 'horton hears a...'). And Jarvis in the background.

Cuteness all around!

Too much cuteness!

Paige playing with the Wii Fit. And wearing Jacob's shirt. Where was I? Who knows?!

Paige loves remotes! She points them at whatever she's trying to control and gets really giddy whenever something actually happens!

Britta doing Wii Yoga. I'm guessing Jarvis took this photo. lol

I got out of the shower one day to find Risk pieces EVERYWHERE! *sigh*

When I saw THIS photo, I knew why they were everywhere!!!!

What evidence will the kids leave for me next time???

“Watch your footwork, better learn to bob and weave…”

September 15, 2010 in Darby, Decorating, Home & Garden, Jarvis, Justice, Paige by Petra | 3 comments

Some recent photos…

Jarvis' first soccer game was this past Sunday. His team is awesome!

They won 14 to 0! I'll try to get some better photos next game.

The boys love to go back in the woods behind our house and have airsoft wars. Sometimes it's just the two of them, but sometimes they gather all the boys in the neighborhood for their wars.

Heading out to the woods...

I spent last weekend painting the girls' room. It's just taped off here - I finished the main color, but still need to do the accent colors. I'll post views of the whole room when I'm done. For now a few sneak peeks...

The main color is a stone gray... I love it so far - can't wait to get the room all done and decorated!

Paige's side will have some yellow...

...and some black and white...

...and Paige's dresser is no longer the old hand-me-down ugly wood with gold handles... more photos to come...

I see trees of green, red roses too…

September 3, 2010 in Brittany, Darby, Jacob, Jarvis, Justice, Paige, Random by Petra | 10 comments

Another random list… cause that’s how I roll…

Justice has a job! He is helping with the filming of the local high school football games. This was his 2nd week, and he loves it!
Speaking of Justice, he’ll be 15 in 5 days. Crazy town!
I finally caught up with my bcf, the Kendster! We chatted for 2 1/2 hours the other day and could have gone on for another 12! That’s what happens when we only talk once every six months. We really need to chat more often, but between my 6 kids and her 10 kids – finding time to chat on the phone is challenging.
I need help. I Timothy 2:15 says “Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.” (NKJV) and I can’t figure out what it means. I’ve read three commentaries, and they all said different things, and they were all pure conjecture. I’ve worn out my concordance. I have a couple of ideas of what it might mean, but I’m not satisfied yet. So please, if you have insight to offer, please do. I need to move on. lol (I won’t share what I think it might mean with you yet, so it doesn’t cloud your opinions on the verse.)
We are on day 2 of a 10 day field exercise wherein the hubster can’t even call. *sad face*
I forgot to get laundry detergent the last two times I went to the store, and now I’m completely out. I’ve been out for two days. Which means I have an ever-growing pile of laundry. Must go to the store tomorrow! (I don’t think I’ve ever actually run out before – it’s so unlike me.)
Paige’s eye teeth need to just hurry up and cut through the gums. She was sleeping so well, but the last couple of nights she’s been up fussing. She usually gets a runny nose and a fever when she’s teething, but this time she has diarrhea which means diaper rash (which we are keeping under control, but still – it’s no fun)… and this has gone on for nearly two weeks. I just don’t function properly on interrupted sleep! Here’s hoping she sleeps all night tonight!! I gave her Tylenol before bed, but she usually wakes up around the time it wears off, and even if I give her more, she is up for a while – last night? from 1 am to after 3 am… *sigh* (eta 9/4/10: Paige slept from 7:30 last night until 9:20 this morning!! Hallelujah!!)
Paige has been talking more – it’s SO cute. I LOVE this age. (aside from the teething – ha!) She’s so playful and giggles when we tickle her or chase her. She gives the sweetest little hugs and kisses (and I can’t get enough of those). Now she says “eat” as she does the sign for it. She’s walking a little bit. She’s still nervous about it though.
Jarvis is loving his soccer team – games start pretty soon.
Jacob went on his first “friend” outing without any of us. He went with a friend’s family to the children’s museum in Raleigh on Wednesday. He left at 8:00 am and came home in the early afternoon. He had a BLAST and has been talking about it ever since.
Brittany has been researching colleges and has a list pretty narrowed down. She wants to major in Anthropology (and possibly minor or double major in Art or Linguistics). She’s all signed up to take her SAT’s in October, and I need to get her signed up for the ACT’s. All the fun ‘senior’ stuff.
Darby doesn’t really have much going on lately – just being busy being 9. I’d like to get her in a gymnastics class or something of the sort so she has an extracurricular activity. I missed the fall sign-ups (no funding was available – lol), but the winter classes start in November, so hopefully she’ll be able to do those.
I think I’m going to start doing crossfit again. I want to get in shape and walking and yoga are great, but I want results FAST! I’ll let you know how it goes.

That’s all I got for now…

the other day, I saw a bear, a great big bear, a way out there…

August 25, 2010 in Breastfeeding, Brittany, Darby, Homeschooling, Jacob, Jarvis, Justice, Lists, Paige, Random by Petra | 6 comments

Lists are our friends.

Andy’s parents and sister came for a visit this week, and we had a blast. I definitely hit the jackpot when it comes to in-laws. And I’m not just saying that because they read my blog. I really, truly mean it. Love them!

It was more difficult than it should have been to take this photo - lol.

I had to use the flash to get a semi-decent shot. Ideally, I'd have taken this photo during daylight when everyone was all fixed up (note the freshly bathed, pajama'd three in front), but alas, I forgot to even touch my camera during their whole visit until the last possible second).
Darby got baptized on Sunday morning (and Andy’s family was here to see – so cool)! So proud of her that she genuinely wants to follow Jesus.

Darby was too short to see much during the actual baptism, but I managed to take her photo just after.

Getting her baptism certificate (I was using Andy's point&shoot camera and I have no idea how to work that thing - lol)
Jarvis had his first (soccer) scrimmage with another team last night and he did great. Looking forward to his games, which start in about three weeks.
Have I mentioned our school plans on my blog? If not, fyi (and for prosperity’s sake), we are homeschooling all the kids this year. That’ll be 5 kids. Homeschooled. Grades K, 4, 7, 9, and 12. Once we start, if you don’t hear from me for a while, check in and make sure I’m still alive and sane, would you? Seriously though - I’m looking forward to it. We aren’t ‘officially’ starting for a couple more weeks-ish, but are doing some things to prepare such as diagnostic testing (starting today).
I went to Darby and Jarvis’ old schools yesterday to withdraw them (school started today — what? you don’t wait until the last possible minute to do things? whatever.), and my decision was just completely confirmed. Ahhhh… feels good to be doing the right thing for your family.
And please don’t take that last sentence to mean that I think everyone should homeschool. I definitely do not feel that way. But I do know that this is the right thing for OUR family right now.
I caught the Dojo Sensei in Mousehunt a few days ago. Exciting, right?
As you know, my iPhone got wet. So sad. I did manage to get it working again, but the LCD screen is all smeared and ruined. I can only barely see 1/2 the screen, and when I try to turn it on, I can’t slide the bar to get to the main menu. So it’s useless to me. It’s okay, you can cry too.
Since I don’t have a few hundred dollars set aside for replacing phones, Andrew found his 5 year old Motorola Razr L7. We charged it, and lo and behold it works. So, I have a phone now, which is nice. The downside is that I have to pay the iPhone $30 monthly fee until April, when my contract ends, and it’ll probably be April before I can afford another iPhone. Oh well. At least I can check my yahoo mail on the Razr, and set alarms on the calendar. I’m just happy to be able to talk and text again – not that I talk/text often, but it’s nice to have the option.
Note to self: record Brittany playing the piano and post it. She totally rocks.
(disclaimer: this point includes the words ‘breast’ and ‘mastitis’… move on to the next point if you aren’t interested)… A few weeks ago, I cut down on the amount of times per day that Paige nursed, thinking that I’d wean her by 18 months. She got down to nursing 3 or 4 times a day (at bed time, nap time, sometimes in the morning, and sometimes if she woke up in the middle of the night). Well, then she started teething again (and no, those eye teeth haven’t poked through yet), and she wanted to nurse ALL THE TIME. So I accomodated her since it seemed to comfort her, and my milk supply went up again. Then, one day, about a week and a half ago, she refused to nurse. Ever again. She went from getting my milk supply WAY up to absolutely nothing. With no warning whatsoever. It was so weird. Anyway, so that led to mastitis in BOTH breasts (fun for me), which I quickly nipped in the bud with garlic, but because of the process of going cold turkey on the breastfeeding, it was kind of a long week or so. I did pump a few times for relief, but I’ve never had much luck with pumping (and I hate doing it). I’m finally feeling ‘normal’ and my energy is starting to return. Thankfully.
I made some barbecue chicken when Andy’s family was here that turned out really great, if I do say so myself. I’ve been struggling trying to find a barbecue sauce that we all like that is 1. gluten-free, 2. chemical-free, and 3. corn-free. Corn-free is nearly impossible to find. The last barbecue chicken I had made was kind of gross – dry and the sauce not tasty (an organic Annie’s sauce – I do not recommend). And of course, we had company when I made it (so sorry Pastor Josh and Trisha! I’ll make a better main course next time! Not that you read my blog, but just in case… I really can make chicken taste good. lol). Anyway… the homemade barbecue sauce had rave reviews, it cooked well with the chicken, which came out really moist and wonderful, and of course, I have no idea how I made it. I did write down all the ingredients I used, but amounts? Who knows? I just threw stuff in there until it smelled right. If I can replicate it, I’ll share the recipe.
Speaking of corn-free… have you seen King Corn? We watched that the other day. Other food documentaries I’ve watched lately are Food, Inc. and The Beautiful Truth. I recommend them all (and they can all be found on netflix’s instant play list). Watch them, make changes, and stop killing yourself by ingesting poison. When we’re all old and I am clear-headed and healthy (because hopefully I made my changes before it was too late – my health is slowly but surely improving), and when you have Alzheimer’s because you thought I was nuts for eating organic and not using harsh chemicals in my home? I’ll say “I told you so!” and you won’t have a clue what I’m talking about because the dementia will be so bad, but I’ll say it anyway and you’ll say “who are you again?” and the nurse will come wipe your drool and wheel you away and I’ll go for a jog.
Yes, the correct spelling of ‘BBQ’ or ‘barbeque’ is actually ‘barbecue’. In case you are judging my spelling of the word in point number 12. Not that I’m ever very aware of grammar on my blog, but misspelled words is a pet peeve of mine. Fragments and run-on sentences are okay though. Unless I’m writing a book – in that case, I’d be more careful with my grammar. Believe it or not, I do understand proper grammar. I really am qualified to teach it to my children.
That last point was FULL of terrible grammar.
Did I blog about Josh’s visit last week? I think I just posted a few photos from our trip to the capitol (in the things-I-love post). Well, Josh visited last week and we had a great visit. Jacob thinks Uncle Josh hung the moon and gets a little hyper excited when Josh is around. What can you do? He’s four.

Britta and Josh imitating Justice on the bench. lol
Darby and Paige wore matching dresses to church on Sunday – and of course, these were the only two photos that I got. I’ll have to make them wear them again and take some real photos. Darby was the one that picked out their clothes, so don’t be all “why are you forcing your children to match” on me – it was HER idea! (dresses are complements of our good friend Robyn who passes her girls’ clothes down to my girls).

Paige is tugging at her face in the one on the right, which explains why her eye looks all wonky. lol