Strep Throat and Busy Plans

Mary Grace has been unfortunately stricken with the dreaded Strep Throat. Poor baby was miserable. Her fever didn't break for two days and her throat was so swollen it is difficult for her to breathe when she was lying down. We started her antibiotic yesterday and let me tell you, it's a miracle drug. Dr. K said that his "drug of choice" for strep is Omnicef and that most children respond by the next day. I was hopeful, but realistic because it usually takes MG a good 5 days to recover. However, she woke up fever free and able to eat 1/2 a chocolate doughnut. That was huge improvement since she ate nothing the day before. Hopefully we are on our way to recovery which is good because we have a busy weekend planned. Friday is Fayetteville's Homecoming and my sister is cheering in the game, so I must go. Saturday we are going to Hot Springs for Ross' grandmother's birthday, and Sunday my grandmother will be in town; so of coarse we have to get the family together for a visit. It has been several months since she has seen Abigail; in fact the last time she saw her we were at Children's. I am looking forward to seeing family, but not the chaos that goes along with it.

Nonsense

I don't have anything exciting to talk about, but I don't want to clean house so I am going to think of something. What have we done? Yesterday, we went to the park with Mandy, Alex, and Emma. My girls always enjoy playing with "Emma and Alex" and it gives Mandy and I time to laugh...most of the time at one another. We had decided that our kids need a padded room, but then quickly remembered that wouldn't work because Abigail would most likely be allergic to the material in the padding...i.e. Latex. You have to laugh at that one.
Let's see, what else? Oh, I had another MEMEC meeting last night. It is always nice to talk with other mothers that are experiencing the same trials and tribulations that you are facing. Plus, it is a great escape for us mother's that are taking care of sick children all day. Four and a half hours later our meeting came to an end...only because Barnes and Noble closed, but I am sure our husbands were glad they didn't stay open any longer. Thanks husbands for letting us go out last night!
Amanda is coming over today to take pictures of my girls. I am so excited! The last time we had pictures taken, Abigail was 5 days old. Amanda is wanting to start her own photography business some day; so I figure she can practice on my girls any time! ;) I hope she is able to fulfill her dream; I know she will be great at it. Between Kristen and Amanda you would think I would have new pictures all of the time, but I don't. Who has time for real pictures (not just snap shots)???
You are all probably bored out of you minds reading this nonsense, so I will go for now. Until next time, have a wonderful day!

Thankful

I decided to do a tribute to some of the things I am most thankful for that most people take for granted. Hope you enjoy!

*Freedom of religion...loving the Lord my God, having Jesus Christ as my personal Savior,
and knowing above all else He is in control!
*Parents that taught me to have a personal relationship with Christ
*Good Health
*Having the freedom to eat whatever I want without having an allergic reaction.
*A wonderful husband, 3 beautiful daughters, family
*Friends that I can count on no matter what...even if it is about a problem that is entirely too
much information.
*My garbage disposal, dishwasher, refrigerator
*Washing machine/dryer and hot water heater
*Coffee, sugar, and cream because no good coffee is without sugar and cream.
*Hair straightener and make-up
*Work...not me, but my hubby :)
*Clean water to drink
*A house with heating and air
*Laundry...dirty or clean because at least I have clothes!
*Disposable diapers...I have washed, folded, changed, and cleaned dirty cloth diapers-NO FUN
*A reliable vehicle even if that makes me a "mad mom in a mini-van"
*Chocolate

Okay, so my list could go on and on, but you get the idea. Hopefully it has reminded you of things to be thankful for during our current economical status. Stay happy, be thankful, and remember that God is always in control. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11. A quote from Pastor Floyd, "We live in God's ecomoy, not our economy." Trust and believe and He will provide.

TAG YOUR IT!

Annie tagged me! Here are 7 weird and random facts about me:

1. My children must always have on shoes and a hairbow before leaving the house; and I prefer they be in coordinating outfits.

2. I cannot go to sleep with the closet door open...it creeps me out.

3. I'm an FHS band geek. I played the flute and was Captain of the Flag Line 3 years in a row.

4. I absolutely hate going to the eye doctor, but don't mind going to the dentist.

5. I have always wanted to have identical twins.

6. I put garlic in every thing...excluding desserts of coarse!

7. Ross and I were engaged before we went on our official first date. What?! We were poor college kids and couldn't afford to go any where. Unless of coarse, you consider lunch in the Pomfret cafeteria a date! Ha!

I hope you enjoyed my list of random facts because it took me forever to come up with anything. Normally I have a list a mile long, but put me on the spot and I clam up. Amanda, Mandy, Erin, Kristen, Alicia, Stacey, and Alissa...TAG YOUR IT!

BB&B 2008

Who is in that picture? That's right. Jesse James was signing autographs at the "6th Street Wal-Mart" on Saturday Morning. For those of you who don't know who Jesse James is, he builds West Coast Choppers among other things.
Ross, Grumpy, and Jesse James. Good thing I took a picture with Grumpy's camera also because Jesse isn't looking at the camera in this one!
Grumpy and the big girls...Abigail still isn't up for touching Grumpy...I think she is afraid! ;)
Look at that hot momma on the back of that motor cycle!...Somehow I ended up with a picture of my mom and Ross on the bike and none with me! So sad. :( At least she looks good.

I have about a million other bike pics, but thought I would spare you the agony of looking at them. Ross always wants to take pictures, but they don't look as good as they did in person. All-in-all the weekend went well and we had a great time. It is a wonderful weekend for both Ross and the girls to spend time with just their "Grumpy" (aka Ross' dad).

Mary Grace's Baptism

"My eyes have seen your salvation." -Luke 2:30

When Mary Grace was three and four, she was involved with Cubbies, an Awana program. During that time, she learned to memorize scripture. As she did so, she kept coming back to Luke 2:30, "My eyes have seen your salvation." This was her favorite verse for quite some time, and as it turns out, on January 9, 2007, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. On July 13, 2008, she was baptized at our church First Baptist Springdale. Mary Grace was honored and excited to have Mr. Zach (our family friend) baptize her that morning. It was an amazing experience; one I know she will always remember. I have been meaning to post pictures, but never seemed to find the right time; so Mary Grace, this is for you. Mommy and Daddy are so very proud of you for making the single most important decision of your life. We are happy to not only have you for a daughter, but also to know you as a sister in Christ. We look forward to seeing your relationship with the Father grow and mature throughout the years, and expect to see mighty things done through and in your life as you walk with Him. Here are some pictures from your very special day!


Mr. Zach and Mary Grace

The Green Family
The Hill Family
The Moore Family

The Girls are ready to go...

Brownie Points for Momma

So I attempted to make my husband "pizza" and "cheesecake" a couple of days ago, and you know what? They actually both turned out very well. The flat bread pizza crust was made from tapioca flour, tapioca starch, basil and rosemary. It was very yummy...much like a pizzeria pizza! Then, as if that wasn't adventurous enough, I made a crust less chocolate cheesecake with ganache and whipped cream on top. It was also good, but a little too sweet for me. A little went a long way. Yes, my husband is the luckiest man in the world to have a wife that is willing to be a little adventurous; so that we do not have to eat the same foods over and over again. :) Enjoy the pictures of my master pieces.


Oh, I did not stop there with the coolness. I let my children have cheesecake and coffee for breakfast! Yes! Coffee...mind you, there was very little coffee and a WHOLE LOT of sugar and cream. They thought it was the best and I won several "coolest mom ever" points with the big two this morning. While I am bragging about myself, I might as well rack up on those brownie points while they are rolling in 'cause I have no idea what's for lunch today. ;)