Admiring Beauty

Driving down the road the other day we slowed down to turn where a couple of high school girls were waiting to cross the street. From the backseat I hear...

"Whoa, mommy! Did you see her? That girl is so beautiful!!! I've never seen anything like that before!" (C)

"That girl is very, very cute mommy" (N)

Oh my...

You have to think of how completely innocent their admiration is. They are totally enthralled with the beauty they see before them and in a completely adorable way. They feel free to compliment whatever touches them in that moment and are so free! It's such a beautiful thing!

Wishbone

Thanksgiving!!!!!

C was totally obsessed with the wishbone this year. He read about it in one of his library books and was very interested in this strange new venture.

So of course he made his wish out loud. Because he's 4. And he wished for....

A BIG PIECE OF CHEESE!

Mind you, he had a full tummy but he really wanted this cheese and was somewhat surprised when it didn't appear to him. Immediately we found him a big piece of cheese and of course he ate it.

Of all things to wish for!!!! :)

A Letter from Grandma

I recently found a letter on an old piece of notepaper in a journal written by my Grandma Pat and thought it was pretty special and so very her. It made me miss her more and wish I could talk with her today...

Dear Father

I thank thee for my many blessings.

For my children- for the love and companionship as well as comfort and pride that they give me.

For my friends- surrounded by their love and your love Dear Father I never feel alone.

For my work- it helps give a purpose and meaning to my life.

For my apparent good health- so I can enjoy life more fully.

Help me to see that changes in life can be blessings also- that they open new doors and are the beginnings for a richer, fuller life.

Help me to see that disappointments and hurts may be blessings also. Help me to see and understand them as such.

My prayer is not only for myself but for everyone. May they too feel the wonderfulness of your blessings. Be with those who are unhappy, confused, in pain, or have not found the way. Help them- Help them Dear Lord to find the path to true happiness with you.

I ask all this in Jesus name

Amen

Patricia Jeanne Bell Wilson

Love you and miss you greatly Grandma!

sweetness ❤

between a daddy and his girl...

Us...

Just for fun, I uploaded pictures of all 5 of us around the same age. What a funny bunch!

Mr. and Mrs.:

C

N

and the Ladybug

No time for Blogging...

I promise I'm alive, just very busy and blogland is the first place that I choose to neglect.

I am REALLY enjoying my bible study on Daniel. It is so exciting learning about ancient babylonian times, lives of integrity in times similar to today, and prophecy. I am loving every second of it.

I am so trying to keep up with various things, and my organization needs much improvement. I am accomplishing small things, one at a time.

I hold my daughter WAY too much, but I wouldn't have it any other way. She's pretty special. C has taken to calling her Eliza-cute-beth. Or he asks her for an Eliza-hug. N makes up songs about anything and everything. They all seem to enjoy each other!

I've recently discovered many more companies that sponsor and support the homosexual agenda and abortion... Starbucks is a big one but I don't want to turn my blog into a soapbox. If you want more details I have them.

I'm finding unexpected joy in my heart on this topic of homeschooling. God is changing me and opening my eyes to so many things. It's exciting and a gift that I'm so thankful for.

I am thankful for so many things. A truly amazing husband, awesome friends, extraordinary family. How in the world am I so blessed. Thank you God isn't enough to say how I feel inside.

trip to Blockbuster

I decided to go to Blockbuster this evening to trade in our Blockbuster Online rental for an in-store video for the kids. My kids are used to non-violent, somewhat educational videos because that is what I feel is appropriate for them right now.

***Disclaimer: If your kids watch action movies I'm not saying that is wrong, it's just not for us.

So, on the big TV in the middle of the store, guess what is playing? TRANSFORMERS! We walked in during an intense (and loud) action scene. After what seemed like forever, we made it over to the kids section, decided on Nick Jr. Sleeptime Favorites and went to check it out.

So I asked the clerk "What is this move rated?" She said "PG-13". I said "This is allowed in Blockbuster stores?" (at 7pm???) She said "There are no REAL cuss words, and no sex scenes, just violence." just violence? I asked her "Are you sure this is okay for all Blockbuster stores to play PG-13 movies?" "Yes, as long as there are not cuss words or sex scenes." Oh, as long as it's just violence.

My children proceeded to have meltdowns and temper tantrums as we left, (they also are dealing with colds) with the exception of baby girl who had no clue why her brothers were screaming.

I explained to Biggest brother that Transformers is not for small children because it is violent and you are not ready for that much violence. Because I love you and want you to have sweet dreams and feel happy inside. and guess what he said...

"Mommy, when I am grown up I'm going to take my kids to Blockbuster. And when they ask me if they can see a violent movie I am going to say no! And I will tell them it's because it's not good for them and because I love them to much too let them watch it."

Could that have ended any better? I just couldn't believe it.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UPDATED

I called this morning and spoke with the Shift Manager, the same person who told me it was "just violence". I was asking for the District Manager's phone number. She said after I left she actually watched some of Transformers and realized that it is not appropriate for children. She said that it was not on the BlockbustserApproved list, and they had just been playing it because a new Transformers movie is about to be released. She said she will speak with all her employees and make certain that the only movies played in the future are appropriate for EVERYONE! (Thank you Jackie for encouraging me to call!)

not at all surprising

The Nation's largest travel organization is has been outwardly supporting the gay and lesbian lifestyle for more than 7 years. I saw a brochure today so this is news to me.

AAA Gay & Lesbian Vacations

AAA Sponsor Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

"AAA of Northern California will have a float with the theme 'We're Out There With You' in this year's San Francisco Pride parade"

Our culture is changing right before our eyes.

I never thought I'd say this, but..

We have decided to homeschool.

What??? did I just say what I think I said?

Yes. I said it. The same girl who's said that I can't put my kids in a bubble.  

That's not what homeschooling is about... they won't be in a bubble!

The same girl who said that I can't possibly teach my kids.  I am not a teacher!   

Just an excuse, coming from someone who didn't have the confidence and didn't know what I know now.

This began with a stubborn mom (me) searching the internet to find any criticism AGAINST homeschooling in order to prove my point that public school better prepares children for life. And I found that all my arguments made no sense and that for my family homeschooling did... and that with God's help I can do this!  

and guess what?  I know it's going to be a lot of work but I am so excited!  

What I saw this morning

I woke up around 5am to hear my Ladybug crying. Rolled out of bed to get her. As I looked into her room I saw what looked like an image of person radiating soft white, blurry light and standing next to her crib looking at her.

I blinked.

The room looked normal again.

I went to the crib and picked her up, and carried her to my room thinking...

What in the world did I just see. Was it real? I could make excuses, but should I disregard what looked like an angel comforting my crying baby?

And should I post this or do I just sound crazy?

Oh who cares, I'm sure I've been called worse things! :)

until we meet again..

My grandma died today. Her name was Patricia Jean Wilson (Bell). She lived 87 very full years.

She grew up here. Her dad died of Valley Fever when she was a little girl. She graduated from Roosevelt High, and went on to get her Bachelors degree, Teaching Credentials, and her Masters. She married a U.S. Airforce Engineer named John 'Skip' Leroy Wilson and gave birth to their first baby (a boy) 9 months later. She next had two daughters, and the older one is my mom.

They moved each year and the first thing my grandma looked for was the nearest Methodist Church. She had a rock solid faith and loved the Lord with all her heart.

Grandpa Skip passed away and she became a widow at 57. She's been an active, and very independent lady as long as I can remember, completely dedicated to her church and her family.

And as for me... She never missed a ballet recital, choir performance, swim meet or birthday. I always knew she loved me even though she didn't talk about it. She was very stubborn but I wouldn't have her any other way... that's Grandma Pat.

These pictures were taken this week. She LOVED being with Elizabeth, and I am so glad for these last few days I got to share with her.

I will miss you so much Grandma!!!

Can you say, OUCH!

..."Mommy, you should know that zipping up your penis wouldn't feel very good so be careful when you help me."  

..."Also, it would not feel very good to slam your penis in the door.  That would feel very, very bad."

He knows this because last week the toilet seat/ lid fell down on his penis. SLAM!  The doctor says that his penis will be fine but for now he is being very, very careful.

(...and moms with boys, the doctor said this is a VERY common injury in boys this age... so remind your sons to be very careful and avoid falling toilet lids!)

And here is my big lovable boy, xoxoxo.

this moment

Part of me wants to stay in this moment of life.

When my babies are still small 

innocent

 amazing.

Almost scared to move forward,

Wanting so badly for time to slow down,

just a little?

But the other part of me is pretty sure,

The best is yet to come.

she SMILES :)

All the time!

Somebody Pinch Me!

Because God is so good all I can do is praise Him!  Even in a state of constant sleep-deprivation... I refer to it as blissful exhaustion.  That goes for all of my babies, they are such miracles all I can do is stare in wonder.  This one... She is so adorable I can't stand it!  

All I want to do is kiss her!

So just to let you know I am still here... I just spend 99% of my computer time nursing and am not THAT great of a typer!  :)  

Happy Anniversary Superman!

Not that I have much time to type on here but just wanted to wish Mr. Durst aka my Super Hero a Happy Anniversary!  It's been 6 years, 3 kids, one boston terrier and he still puts up with me.  Just kidding.  I am very blessed that God chose him to be my husband and can honestly say that these are the best 6 years of my life... and they keep getting better!  

4:30 a.m.

And I can't sleep.  I'm about to have a Ladybug.  I don't want to go to the hospital, do you think I can get out of this one somehow?  There's got to be a way.  I don't want to be away from my little boys, I don't want to have surgery, and I really dislike hospitals.  Yes, I do need to get over it, I know.

Last night after Stinkbug brushed his teeth he said, "Mommy, make sure you don't forget your cell phone because I need to be able to call you and tell you how much a miss you."  I love him.  And I don't know how to make it through Friday without my Beetlebug's cuddles. 

Did I remember everything?  I hope so.  After spending an hour last night debating which outfit to bring for Ladybug I decided to bring 3 sleepers... one has ladybugs of course.  And then I got started on the blankets... so I just brought them all.  My suitcase it full to the brim, I hope I can close it.  Shaved my legs, and painted my toenails red, and now I'm ready (don't ask me why I know nobody cares).  Now I'm writing down our guesses for Ladybug's birth weight-- this is something for me to focus on other than the surgery so I'm going to bring that right along with me!  Yay for distraction.  I hope and pray for my own room... please???  I will beg, I'm not ashamed.

Now I just have to remember not to drink any water!  :)

Just for fun

I am so bored in this last week of waiting for Ladybug's arrival!  Maybe it's the sleep-deprivation, I don't know.  But I thought it would be fun to guess Ladybug's birth-weight.  So, I promise I won't be offended no matter what (it's not my weight)!  How much will she weigh?

Happy Birthday Sweetl Boys!

We had a little birthday celebration last night at my parents house. Just the 4 grandparents, my brother & his family, and Cole (Sugi was at school). It was the perfect place to avoid germs! I'm so glad they are young enough to not have expectations, they were thrilled with all the balloons and decorations and attention! C has been talking about his birthday party all day today, you'd think it was a big huge party or something! So if you ask C, he is 4 years old and N is 2 years old. Their birthdays are actually February 2nd and 27th. Oh, and I couldn't get the cardboard off the cake, that's why it is still on there! :)

The MOPS & Church Baby Shower

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for giving me a baby shower!  I had such a great time, and feel so honored for all of the thoughtfulness!!!  I have such awesome friends!!!

FOOD

Well, since Lora posted the foods she likes & dislikes I thought I would do that too. Sounds like fun!

YUM:

Sushi & miso soup

Fresh Salmon, broiled

Steak, Chicken, Cheese, duh...

Mexican food: Tacos, enchiladas, chile relleno, etc

Italian food: All of it!

Lentil, Navy bean, Split pea soups, & many more

Salad: No iceberg lettuce!

Chili: spicy

Chocolate: brownies, pie

Fruit

NOT so Yum:

Mushrooms!!!

Would you believe I can't think of ANYTHING ELSE???

I love all fruits and veggies as long as they are not too ripe or over-cooked. Not a fan of packaged convenience foods but that's another story!

Blueberries in my brain

Munching on blueberries after lunch today...

C: Oh, mommy. You have to be more careful! You're eating too many blueberries too fast and they are going to get stuck in your brain! First it will make you sneeze 5 times, and then you will cough 5 times, and then daddy and I will have to take you to the hospital. And I don't want you to be sneezing and coughing because that means you don't feel good and I don't like it when you don't feel good, mommy. And then the doctors will have to take the blueberries out of your brain, which doesn't feel very good either. And all the sneezing and coughing are things I don't like. So please mommy, eat the blueberries one at a time and very slowly, okay?

...And the other day my parents came to get C for a few hours, and as he was leaving he turned around and said:

C: Mommy, I have to leave you for a little while and you're going to be OKAY. But if you get scared just call me and I can talk to you and make you feel better. But don't worry, I will be back in a little while and you will be okay without me.

Me: (trying to keep a serious look on my face) Okay, I will call you if I get scared. Love you!

Preg-mentally me

So I'm now 35 week pregnant (measuring almost 37) and having her in less than 4 weeks.  I have been wanting to post something new in my blog for two weeks but my brain is shutting down and I feel like such a moron because whatever I say doesn't seem to come out right!   Can I blame this on pregnancy please?

I wish you all a Happy New Year and I think about you all the time!  I am so glad to have friendships with all these awesome mothers who, like me, consider mothering and marriage the most important thing beyond our relationship with Christ!  Our culture is so ME, me, me... and mothering and marriage is definitely NOT!  That's why I love MOPS and how it brings us all together... because I know we all know moms who don't have the same priorities we do!  I know I'm a little obsessive-compulsive, protective, and very nurturing in my parenting style and some people think I'm a total wierdo and need to loosen up and relax but I won't!  I love my children too much to not protect their innocence and guide their hearts the best way I can!  

So anyways I'm thankful for your friendships and prayers and everything we get to share together.  I think about that a lot, and how much it means to me!

Here is my Birthday Cake for Jesus.  

It was very special and a lot of fun (although not the prettiest cake I've ever seen)!

Thank you Cindy!

I miss everyone, and look forward to seeing you all soon!