funny stories/EPing/or/EBF/TodoShania/proud

Please forgive me its been over a month since I have wrote... I actually have started a few but couldn't find time to finish them.... here are a couple funny stories to start off....

1. Sondra was off school yesterday for MLK JR day... when I tell her we are going straight back to ranch to do laundry she gets mad b.c. she wanted to go home and play in her room and I said we its not happening I have to do laundry...and she then tells me she just needs a day to herself...how did she spend her day off of school..she lounged around watching movies all day at my sister in law Brittany's  house..and Sondra still feels she needs more ME time lol...grrr...

2. a couple Sundays ago we decided in Sunday school we are going to go to Cabela's in MI right after church. on our way driving past the Perrysburg exit we see that mosque and the kids immediately say they want to stop at the castle..LOL...instead of explaining I'm not sure if it was me or Jake but one of us says you have to be a royal or be royally invited to visit the castle...I then ask..well what princess you think lives there..and after thinking Sondra says..I think it looks like Jasmine's castle... :).... we wholeheartedly agreed with her..she is so smart. They were excited about and Sondra asked what other castles we would see. I told her the princesses lived all across the united states! She then wondered out load where prince Eric lived since  she thought he was cute...lol..made me laugh..she is moving up..a few years ago she told me she loved the beast and not to worry he didn't scratch her with his claws...lol... at Cabela's Stuart loved all the deer and stuffed wildlife BUT he didn't like the scary polar bear scene where its hunched over "eating" another animal..I had to bribe him telling him if he didn't smile while taking a picture in front of mommy's favorite animal (polar bear) there would be no new gun!!!>.....Sondra walked away with her first compound bow in pink...I think she likes the thought of it being like Merida from brave..as soon as we got back home her and Jake went out and tried it out... :) it was a fun filled trip and that's what I like... spur of the moment just us!...

3. Stuart loves "punching time" with his Dad... he will just run up to him and scream "punching time"..and they then start punching each other...well last Sunday right before we are leaving...and I kept telling them nagging them..COME ON! Its time to go... Stu ended up crying this punching session... and while in Sunday school in front of all the kids when my comes to him to ask how his week went he says bad acting all sad..and My mom goes well why??..and he then demonstrates how his Dad punched him in his face, head, stomach ect. lol..Sweet boy he is..  

Okay..enough of funny stories..If I think of more I'll add them..3 is probably good so far!.. lol

Christmas was great... the kids loved their gifts...especially the trampoline which we have been itching to put up but wanting to wait for warmer weather...I can't wait till Shania is born and me and the kids go out jumping having a ball. I'm fortunate Jake was very open to getting a trampoline.. I didn't realize how much I missed playing on one till I seen my kids having a ball playing at the Massie's...

How about Shania?? ... she of course hasn't let me forget she is in charge... She kicks her Daddy & Siblings when they snuggled close up to my tummy...so hard..even Stu looks up at me and says: Mommy Shania kick me in my Head!!!!... Sondra the one night was checking out my bare belly and and watched Shania keep shifting her weight and my belly was misshapen and Sondra exclaims: EEEEHHHHH THAT'S WEIRD!! I sincerely was counting the days till she is in my arms... but I can wait somewhat...today marks one month of work left till my last day then off for at least 10 wks... here lately..I'm looking forward to it...hormones & dumb-asses have got me feeling that way :) I know that isn't nice or christian to say..but facts are facts...

I've lately been consumed with reading learning the whole breastfeeding thing... at first I was all formula feeding gal..but then learning about how insurance covers a pump I thought maybe I should give this breast feeding a try... then I was all about exclusively just pumping...and now I'm to the part of I'll try breast feeding and then eventually pumping when I go back to work... and now reading more and more... I wonder how I will feel about the breastfeeding issue...its the most natural way a mother has fed their child from the beginning of time...but I don't find it appealing...either way..I'm going to give it a try... go in with a open mind...and I know everything I have read- just to stick with it and try to find supportive people...which makes sense If you have supportive partner and family..you are more apt to excel whether it be Exclusively Breast feeding..or Exclusively Pumping... its a lot of work....but with support...I know I can do this...  I'm curious how Stuart will take all of it... he will be home with me and Shania while I'm off...Sondra seen it a few times that age..but didn't really "comprehend" it all..as she got a bit older when Ainsley was born she actually understood it  being around it and now thinks nothing of it... I'm assuming that how Stu will be but comprehend it sooner since he will be around it much more. hmm... things to think about that I'm sure aren't big issues but I over think everything... I mean everything :)

Something totally goofy but neat I seen somewhere and thought I'm going to do that!!!... and I actually did...I made email accounts for my kids and I've then them a couple short messages..pictures I take of them on my phone or video on my phone and send to their accounts or funny things they say I send... I'm going to find the files for their birthday letters on my laptop and send those to them too...

Saturday I was unexpectedly left all to myself all day... the day before my in laws asked for the kids... I was all for it..and then when Jake tells me to make sure they are ready by 10am..I was really okay with it...and then when his Dad came and I asked when would they might be home... and heard maybe 9..I was really happy... lol... I got my dishes done..living room straightened up all the clean clothes put away... and the armoire cleaned out ready to be moved out of the kitchen...so I can get my NEW dishwasher picked up from my in laws (our Christmas gift from them).. I'm very excited!!! but I had a great day actually cleaning and resting some..but by 7pm I just sat there and looked around..I was too sore to move but felt uneasy that my house was that quiet... I was happy to get a text quarter till nine saying the kids would be home in a few :)... I'm thankful for parents that don't mind taking the kids... nice "break" for me... We are so blessed for both sets of parents and siblings that always help out...


So..to do list before Shania gets here...
1. Kitchen needs a full clean up..armoire out declutter everything!...
2. I need a bassinet (which thankfully Nungester cousin has one for me to use) just a matter of getting it
3. Need a boppy pillow or attempt to locate the one we had with Stu (Jake may have confiscated it and used it for a pillow lol)
4. Bottles? the whole breastfeeding issue interferes with this todo item..I'm sure its something we may just run out and get if
5. Order breast pump- which I'm doing Friday... b.c. of insurance you are only allowed to order no sooner than a month before delivery...
6. acquire hand me downs from Jess' girls..which she is working on that as we speak..she sent me a pic of piles saying she is trying not to cry... after I get those I'll sort through and see if I really need to buy anything and make a trip to Once upon a child...

I think that is it???? lol... once Shania gets here and I'm home... a lot of things are gonna change in the clum household..like we will finally put in a washer and dyer should be warmed up by then...the kid's rooms will get a make over..with Mommy being home I'm going to sort donate toys from Mostly Sondra's room... and Stuart will need a new bed...I've thrown around the idea of bunk beds for both rooms... Sondra has mattress but needs a new bed frame..   Stuart & his friend Connor broke his toddler bed after a jumping session..which.. it was originally Sondra's toddler bed. so it made it through 2 kids...it done its job!! :) so big changes coming soon :)

also he will be totally annoyed/irritated I even mentioned this..but I'm proud to say My Hubby has quit chewing...its been over a month..I'm so proud of him...I love that man... I pray its for life..but the effort he has put forth this far is amazing...I can't believe it myself..

well that's all I got...hopefully I can update you sooner..and not wait another month... jeeze time slips right through my hands...

Love you ,
Me <3

PregnancyPains/Christmas Excitement/TeddyBearStu/DressUpSondra

A few weeks ago I started having some tail bone pain..like if I sit on a hard chair/bench/ or long periods of time its a bitch just to stand up..walking up stairs..major pain...it felt like I had fallen and bruised it. But I hadn't fallen at all and hurt it... when I had a check up the nurse asks all those questions and usually I don't say anything b.c. its usually so minor and not worth mentioning... well I did at my last appointment and my doctor tells me its the baby causing that. There isn't no "cures" but told me a few things to try and I'll have relief once the baby is here....WHAT?... that's in 2 months!... lol... Now this week I have started to have pelvic pain... like mostly on the left side at my panty line... I really think its from sitting with my right leg underneath me...but I stopped doing that and it still hurts a couple days after -all the time...I'm walking real slow right now... Please pray for my broken down body...I don't even bother with taking Tylenol seems like it doesn't even touch it so why take it........ pray February 24 comes soon...

I also did survive the 2 day shopping trip with my family: Mom, Deb, Barb, Jessy, Kayla, Melissa, Brittany, and Me went :) oh how could I forget our chauffeur Uncle Dave...it was a fun couple days that resulted into getting Christmas shopping done... a lot of food ate...and a lot of cackling of laughter... We even Met My friend Andrea for dinner the first night at Red Lobster :)..too bad Joel was stuck back at the hospital....
I am so excited for the kids to open up their presents...I'm even more excited for the trampoline Santa is bringing for our family....aka Mommy's trampoline... I've really wanted one and we by chance got one Black Friday... so exciting!!...I can't wait for it to warm up so we can set it up.. I thought Stuart would be super easy to buy for...but he was my "harder" one this year..I had all of Sondra's presents bought even before going on the trip...of course...I bought her more which in turn made me have to buy more for Stuart... Girls are so easy to buy for... Shania even got a few things... all horse related of course... that was my reasoning...but there are horses on it..I just have too... :)....I encouraged Jessy to buy away on clothes too..since you know... Shania is getting her girl's handy me downs... lol....

Stuart today...I'm not looking forward to picking him up today at daycare..I know he probably got in trouble today... It was PJ day and so the only pair of matching ones I had at the moment clean are Power Ranger ones... He asks Mommy what are those..I say they are like Ninjas...instantly his leg flings out and nails me right in the tummy... I said Stuart! No That hurts Mommy/Baby..you can't kick me... instantly he starts to sniffle and have crocodile tears...and he just started to crumble...I pull him in and he just cries... he just got really excited...I felt bad to see him so hurt..I know he didn't mean it...when he left like always he comes gives me a hug and kiss and then hugs my belly and kisses it..and this morning he said Sorry baby... :).. he has such a gentle heart....although.. he don't always show it..but today I'm sure he went wild since he had power ranger pj's on and he is playing ninja!

Here is a funny- Sondra has a hard time getting up in the morning... like..she is her father's daughter... Jake has to dress her...Stuart is better at getting dressed in the morning... I have just had it this week..the girl is 6 years old she should be dressing herself... well- My solution for this... yesterday when she got home I got her clothes for the next day and made her practice getting dressed... Amazing thing this morning...she got herself dressed...lol.... if it continues it will be great if it does not... She will keep practicing!


Welp! I must be going... :)

Best Friends/lotzKIDlove/Endw/FUNNIES

Its been too long- I'm sorry! or maybe you are welcome... not everybody wants to hear my crazed train of thought or my sappy thoughts all the time..or any of the time I'm sure...that is why I blog... its a choice..you want to know what is going on with me...go ahead and follow the link... :)

So first and foremost... pray for Jake & I's friends: Joel & Andrea Schwartz plus their kids Cara and Connor... Joel is currently in the hospital in Columbus... this past week it was touch and go and thankfully he is recovering and will prepare to fight a battle with cancer... a lot has happened that I couldn't possibility be smart enough to detail. Just know Joel is a great guy with such a kind heart- and his wife..well this past week or so she has held that family together like glue..she is a strong women...I'd take her into any struggle battle by my side :)...love that family... although its been a little tough b.c. Jake was friends with both of them before we dated..and me and Andrea have became best friends and through this all- I've been the one to stay home with the kids... I struggle with I really really need to be there..and the other end is..I really really need to be a constant in our kids life's when their Dad is away...and then there is this crazy about me that I just miss my kids...
I don't know how Andrea has held up or Joel not being able to be with their kids.... We went and visited them in the hospital in Columbus 2 days in a row and the first night they ended up staying the night with Jake's Sister and husband..."unexpectedly" but was glad they could b.c. we wouldn't be home till midnight..and then the second night I said Yea just have them stay..but as soon as Grandpa Clum left with the kids- I cried... lol...I know... Jake came home and probably thought what the hell is the matter now???....She is upset that she isn't at the hospital and "stuck" with the kids...and Now she is upset that she isn't with her kids....I'm crazy...I am certifiably crazy... I am... self aware...

next order of business..."My Girls".... ahh.. I love saying that... I am so excited and will gush right now for the love of Miss. Shania...and for the love of being able to say "My Girls".... all you mothers of boys and don't want girls-- go ahead reassure your self that...there is nothing like taking a little lady shopping... or doing the princess stuff...or the tomboy stuff... Sondra is a lot like me when I was young...I loved babies and dresses...but I'd be riding my horse in a dress covered in dirt...me and Kristin invading my brother Jordan's fort... the life of a tomboy.. how could I help it?. I just can't help it... I always wanted Sondra to be a girl..I wanted a girl first..after I got at least one..I was at peace!... but then Stuart came along..someone or rather a gender I really wasn't interested in having..he has melted my heart even though he isn't the "traditional" Momma's boy...just in the privacy at our home...now if we are anywhere else..its Daddy, Uncle& and Grandpa...not Mommy....

When Sondra came along I had this big "job" to raise a young lady or perfect lady or so I thought.. but Stuart gives me much different goals and ambitions for him- I want him to be strong but gentle- not just respectful to everyone but especially to women..I want him to take care of his wife and be a awesome Dad.. so many things..I want him to be the "perfect husband"..which I know he won't be but I hope he strives to be that for some special lady someday... and especially all my kids- I don't want them to be like their Momma and follow the crowd as a teenager or at times lead the crowd into some stupid things..but be different...I think its very possible to be different and not be socially awkward.......many things that I need to instill now so hopefully they decide later on their own to follow their upbringing..... big job big job.. its daunting...

I pinned this a while ago but came across it and this is what I want... 

My family took a little road trip last night and after the kids went to sleep I explained to Jake that after him being gone like he has been lately I have realized that you know what is is going to matter if My kid doesn't finish his plate or has dessert for dinner?... What is it going to matter if they are running wild and having so much fun and really its just hurting my ears?..more or less- I just needed Jake to listen to me talk- b.c. I don't have the authority like he does to my kids..I'm their Momma..they test me much more or really more often... maybe needed him to just listen and not so much "disagree" with me...he was wise and kept quiet :)

we have been lax parents..somethings are non-negotiable..but especially to me..I don't look for ways to tell my kids no...I'm not all about "sensitivity to their self esteem shit" & trophies for all..I meant kid's self esteem is a important part but not the only part...but I'm not a hard core parent that its my way or the highway..line in the sand...But there are times I struggle with am I too lax.. or when I'm trying to be firm about something- and I second guess myself and say- are we doing the right thing here... Will I look back in 15-20 years and think... why would I do that??.. just thoughts I guess

I wonder how Shania will be... I'm afraid a wild women like Sondra- but Shania is much more wild here lately..she kicks up a storm.. to the point i wake up at night and just feel her craziness..I can't imagine much more... one thing I liked hearing Jake say..the other day..he says hopefully Shania comes our with a head of dark hair!... I think I'm converting him to my dark ways..lol.. I was a bit disappointed when Sondra was born..Sondra had dark hair for about a day or 2 and then it was gone and then for the 1st year I had a blue eyed blonde hair baby..that I could not come to terms with..lol..thankfully her eyes darkened and her hair some too...but Sondra is Sondra...Dark eyed light hair little gal...  she is a beautiful little girl that has a lot more of me in her than I ever knew...

I'm thinking all these parenting thoughts and wants and desires for them amount to Shania's impeding arrival... and impeding isn't till February lol... but I worry or anticipate for our family dynamic to change..I stressed or over thought Stuart's arrival..I wanted Sondra to meet her brother first..and very much the same when Shania arrives..my SIL will be picking the kids up and bringing them up to the hospital...its just... small matters to other people but to me I think its important...but yes..all these thoughts here today..have inadvertently ran together in my mind these past few weeks since I have last wrote...

I felt loved Sondra at school picked me to be thankful for- but loved she gave me a perky rack and rockin' gray hair w/purple highlights...even she knows her Momma will age gracefully or is this how she sees me now..I'm 26 yrs old kid..I don't have gray hair!!!!!! lol..I should have asked 

funny Sondra story: our Sunday school is going to the nursing home to sing to Christmas songs...Sondra asks me in the car "Mom when am I going to the funeral home to Christmas carol?"...lol..no its nursing home Sondra...No mom its the funeral home... lol...no the funeral home is where they take people that have died...OHHHH okay Mom....

Stuart story:...on Sunday I was telling Mom about how Stu never seen teenage mutant ninja turtles but was obsessed with them... finally I downloaded a season on my kindle and he has been in love... but as Stu walks through and Mom goes so Stu are you a ninja turtle man?...which what came out sounding was: "Nope  I a titty man"..... which he was saying "Nope I a kitty Man"... which we both agreed we knew some other "Kitty/Titty men" too...lol.... funny business  and please don't ask him if he is a titty man...he doesn't know what that means..

I'll be writing again "soon"....not knowing the true meaning of soon... :)

Love,
Me

Mommy & Stu time

I am savoring my time with my "current" baby right now.... I will tell you I feel the time drawing nearer and my time with my baby boy is getting counted down..he has had me in tears because he doesn't so much 'like" me right now...and I mean..its been like this for a LONG time (he loves his Daddy a lot) really but maybe its started to hurt since I know our family dynamic will change once again like when he came...so the prospect of a night of just me and Stuart kinda had me excited... 

so with Shania I have been craving sweet treats and such..or in Jake's opinion I've been craving anything food :)..but I realized I had all the ingredients to make some cinnamon rolls that I hadn't made since I was pregnant with Sondra last...so that was our mission...we get home and at first I thought it wouldn't be a good night b.c. Stu had a meltdown over 2 tractors I put in toy jail for pooping his pants 2 times in one day the previous day..both with me..gggrrrr....but once I told him we had some cooking to do..he perked up quickly... we started of as soon as we got home and started the rolls dough..got the bread machine (yes mom I have my bread machine back at my house it goes back and forth depending on how often I"m using it)...and got that going. b.c it took 1.5 hours for that part.....then we set off making Granola bars which is supper easy peasy..I've been craving them b.c. one of my favorite drivers brought me in the honey he collected..and let me just say..it just tastes better....one problem though...I bought the wrong kind of granola...I usually get it from  an Amish shop that we buy our apples from..and never bought it from Walmart..but the bars DID NOT stick together....and I never have that problem.and I followed the recipe to the T..and the only difference is the granola....anyways..that's when we decided on a nutritious meal of Chicken Nuggets and French fries...like your surprised?? lol... so after the dough cycle was done in the bread machine Stuart was ready to bake!- which was not so climatic since we just put the bread on a floury surfaced to rest for 10 minutes (and that's a long time for a 3 year old)..he says Mommy why does cinnamon rolls need to have a nap???...they do Stu its TV time... then we got the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture and lots of butter for the middle..then we rolled out the dough..spread the good stuff..and rolled them back up and cut the rolls..and then let sit again to rise again....hmm...these are going to be good I kept telling myself.. :) then we started off on making the Icing... I get out my mixer..which Stu asks Mommy what is that?..I'm embarrassed I haven't been doing much baking lately..I say its my beloved mixer Stuart...Oh mommy that is a nice machine..I like your big machine..its nice...then when I turned it one...he even lost it even more...what a nice machine Mommy...Mixer Stu..Mixer Stu... as I got the icing done it was in the mixing bowl where we were standing..I put away the mess..I turn my back for 5 minutes and then realize Stuart has eaten a good 3/4 to a cup of cream cheese icing.... I said Stuart! those are for the rolls..."it good mommy"... lol... okay so he can't be left alone with cream cheese icing..but also..if all else fails and he refuses to eat... this icing will do the trick!... so after another batch of icing is made our rolls come out of the oven looking ever so good and we ice them up and more than enough icing... and now I can't wait till tonight to enjoy them! :)

We cuddled last night before his bedtime...and talked about his baby sister..and asked "why is your belly so big" and such....in the tub we have a baby and he plays with it and says it Shania..which is adorable...but ultimately... the funnest is this video below...Hopefully this doesn't mar the whole night of Mommy & Stu time.. Now we did this 10 times before this video and he was laughing up a storm and I wanted to video it to send and this is what happens:  

the funniest thing: after he calmed down he looks at me and says straight face: "Mommy I said a bridge I didn't want you to hit my P - P...soo..hopefully I don't get no calls from Children services asking about why I hurt my son...lol.. 

Shania the Terror(please act surprised)/Sweet Miss Fly/Crying/Church Haven/Weekend

Shania girl- you are reminding me more often you are with me...sometimes its comical...like last weekend... I had been on my feet all stinking day and I finally plop down on the bed on my side and I get a few kicks/hits right on my side... just one after another finally I say FINE I'm rolling to my left side Jeeze!!!!... see if I drink another cold coffee for you again!... lol... that appalls some women probably..but me and caffeine do not exist without each other... with Sondra I tried cutting it out and had terrible headaches and just cut way back but still had them...Stuart I tried the same thing but eventually had a cup of coffee in the morning and a pop in the afternoon or evening....With Shania... there are no rules... :)... She does however seem to be a little Sondra...she kicks up a storm...I can feel it..but I haven't caught it yet with my hand...partially b.c. I'm lazy and another sick way of looking at it..I don't want to share her with anyone..there I said it... plus.. being over weight and pregnant you second guess yourself in am I showing or am I not thing... and so I've even been shy about people touching the belly...Jake has...and of course the kids even before the baby belly was there...I remember a few weeks after we told the kids..Sondra goes..so is that the baby Mommy?...lol...well Sondra its in there...but that is just left over baby belly from you and your brother.then Recently Sondra says: those lines mommy? what is that?...those are stretch marks from you and Stuart honey...and these bright ones...those are from Shania most recently... lol...

So- last weekend Jake & I went on a Sheep tour in Holmes county... I know how romantic..but it was kinda...we were surrounded with couples in their late 50s and older..which 50s isn't old but compared to us..it is..but it was all weekend just us..It was nice...

Monday- started off horrible....Let me say it again..Horrible...over the weekend our dog Fly got out and was out all weekend...we came home she was home.... So Monday morning like normal I...I myself put her out and  about 20 minutes later we hear a truck go by and it sounded like at first that the truck ran over something..Jake goes out...sure enough Fly is gone...WHY... why does that happen when she was out all weekend and that morning that happens?... it was just frustrating because no body could catch her while we were gone b.c. she is terrified of strangers..When I say how sweet of a dog she is...most people that have been around her probably don't believe it..but she was such a sweetheart...I'm thankful she was gone instantly...and it wasn't a question of what we should do because I would have spent THOUSANDS to fix her...I'm just at loss of words..I couldn't even talk Monday...I cried through out the whole day...putting on a somber face ...Sondra cried that morning too..I'm sure all of us cried that day....we thought it would be okay to let Stu help Jake bury Fly so he understood that she was dead and gone not coming back...I feel immensely frustrated and guilty especially when all weekend I was telling Jake if anything happened to Fly I just couldn't handle it and I'd be mad...it wasn't his fault yet I made him feel that way Monday without even saying it.....I know its a animal.. I know.... but my heart is broken.. feels like when I lost my horse Mystery... which I've come to the conclusion...I have a curse... I'm crazy I know...

When I was pregnant with Stuart my Grandma Sondra passed away...and then a month before Stuart was born- I had to make the decision to put my Myst down....this horse was ornery I guess..because she had suffered a few life altering injuries that I would think would only happen once in her life time..but then something else happened....I was convinced that when Stuart was born I was going to get my happiness and I did... but truly with this pregnancy I have been waiting for something bad to happen..I was thinking last week when my work bag that contained my ipad and kindle and other smaller things was taken that was the bad thing...I really didn't imagine something else would happen..let alone my dog.. then on Wednesday I'm leaving for work I go to grab my rings on my stand by my chair I only see my "fancy right hand" ring...where is my wedding set????? I tear apart the living room..go to work...JUST ONE MORE STINKING THING I think to myself(and I didn't say stinking) ...and when I get home that night from bible study I continue to look around my chair flip it over...closely starting to lose it... and Jake walks in and sees me and probably seeing I"m close to bursting in tears..asks what is wrong..and I tell him and he says just calm down quit stressing...I just couldn't take it..I go in the kitchen to cry... (crying is a common occurrence with this pregnancy) and he says Quit it I found it... I still cried... and it wasn't for joy...I have a sign by the sink and it says:

Just a reminder that yes- its okay to cry! 

Wednesday rolls around and I'm still down about a few things and I see people putting status about their heart's breaking and its a friend I ask her if everything is alright...and she tells me a girl a few years behind me in school had died in a car wreck that morning... a girl that had been to hell and back and survived and had her life back together and had a 2 year old daughter that has been left behind without a mother and also that Tuesday a wrestling family's house had burnt down and living through that I know how hard that is........aaaaaannnnnddd I'm depressed about a dog... wow Joie.... instantly prayers were sent up for their families and friends that were hurting..but still- I have been left questioning God why he would not interfere and save that girl...or that house...or even why my Dog...

Something I'm thankful for is my Church's Wednesday night Bible Study which we talked extensively about God's Will and that whole situation with that young lady...and then Thursday night we have at our church a women's Bible/Book study..which we are in a book right now..but it was all about how God didn't come to the world for the righteous..he came for the sick people..the sinners..and how God isn't a "fair" God... we don't get what we all really deserve... he is a merciful God...and that bad things do happen to good people...and the other way around..and God is here to comfort us and support us...He isn't going to ward off all the bad things...and he will allow something bad things to happen...so I don't know if my recent unfortunate events are just tests or what but that is how I was feeling last night...then last night I pull in my drive- I see my brother sitting in his truck... I started having a panic attack..Jake didn't answer my last text...I immediately call Jake and it goes to voice mail..and I'll admit I started freaking out..had to stop my self from crying...so much Bad stuff was happening I was afraid he was there to tell me something...I'm not one of those people that you can tell me something bad over the phone and expect me to drive after...especially right now... so... I just immediately just prayed that my family was safe..and he just needed something... I'm crazy I know...as it turns out he just needed something..no bad news...after my family gets home..I sit down and think to myself..you gotta calm down lady... SO- that is what I am going to do... after scaring the living shit out of myself last night I'm going to calm down!..I'm going to be thankful for what I have and as Sharon puts it "I'm going to make the best of the situation with God's help" or something like that..I should have written it down after she said it at bible study last night...man I'm thankful for those ladies..

what does my weekend entail..today I don't know..no football game..hopefully just taking it easy..I got laundry I need to do......then with a sheepish grin..my parents will have my kids this weekend...b.c. we have a adult only wedding/reception for Jake's cousin in Columbus on Saturday...I almost feel bad for my kids..2 weekends in a row we ship them off to grand parents lol... Sunday is a wonderful day..that it will be a early morning for us..b.c. we gotta make sure to be at Sunday school/church for our class and then my niece will be dedicated and also-  that evening we have 5 kids from our Sunday school class being baptized. its going to be a great day...Pray for my nerves..pray for my family... I'll talk to you soon..

Joie

Lock-IT-Up/GaurdianDog/Past/Gage/Study

Hello All!...Some stuff has been going on... Let me fill you in! 

1. Tuesday after work I went straight home was in a hurry and left then came home that night around 9:30ish and the one time in months or ever I leave my work bag in my car unlocked. I am a country living girl that has never locked her vehicle SO I don't want to hear it. Anyways..the next morning I get in my car and my glove box is left open with all the stuff on my front seat.....Shhhiiiiittttt....BUT my bible is sitting there which I noted that should be in my work bag... I get to work..hmm..I know my work bag wasn't by my chair at home where I usually put it...and then wasn't at work... fears confirmed...somebody got in my car and took it... What did my work bag contain???... Our Family Ipad, My Kindle Touch, Vera Bradley bag and a Full size purple ARC notebook (pretty much filled with different photography poses that I liked)....I text Jake..and disable everything on my Ipad its in lost mode...today I filed a police report..My aunt calls with info someone around the corner from us found a lot of our mail. (which I know was in my bag)..SO I'll be picking that up today..... so calling the friendly "neighbor" and telling me to come pick my mail up whenever just shattered my hope I misplaced my bag....  Truly the electronics isn't a big deal..Yes I should lock my car (which I am starting to do) but it scares me and I don't care whether my car was unlocked..someone got into it and took my things...why are people that evil... I mean I'm going to go through some withdrawal...and my Son shed a few tears for a good 10 mins. yesterday after I told him...but It scares me and shakes my "security" I've never really felt unsafe but it just is a odd feeling someone thought to go through a perfect strangers car and trespass on our property...but here is a positive: they didn't steal my bible... granted they probably need that book and I shouldn't be so happy they didn't..but man.. My Bible is MINE... I love it..I mark in it highlight underline write thoughts down... our Assistant pastor at our church has his bible..and it looks worn and beat up from all the reading and studying that man has done.....I look at and think man- I hope mine looks like that someday... I want to wear my bible out..and after all that loss of material things..I'm just thankful and happy I still have the one thing that truly was the most valuable in my bag... so not having my Ipad..maybe my bible might get a little more wear and tear than normal :) 

I've been against getting a "maremma" guardian dog (it lives out with our sheep but it protects our property..well it will be "HIS") but since this happening...I've pretty much told Jake..I want one when we can get one.... when we went to go look at our dog Fly the seller had a few of those dogs..and when we were walking up to the house I seen it jump a 3-4 ft fence coming right at us wanting to know what we were doing and why this was a little midget with us(Stu).... I picked Stu up immediately b.c. the dog was staring giving him the eye down.. that particular dog hadn't been around kids enough to not be weary... but Anyways.. You get them when they are pups and bring them up with your animals..and they are great with kids if they are socialized with them..and are protective of their land and family from Strangers especially when the owners are not present...at times it may be inconvenient to have such a dog..but I guarantee you it will scare the shit out of a unsuspecting thief! Here is what one looks like full grown: 

Another night this week I was able to put this sign in practice

When I pinned this on pinterest I knew exactly what it meant to me and was glad to share my experience and my thoughts with some of the people I love most... although some of it was embarrassing and some nervous laughs between us all...it was bearable... 

Wednesday I had ANOTHER nephew born! His Name is Gage Reffitt! and he has DARK hair..how exciting..makes me excited to see what my Shania will look like...and gives me hope maybe I'll have a baby born with Dark hair!...I'm hopefully gonna see him tonight.... 

Last night was our first Women's Book/Bible Study... We are starting "The Christian Atheist"... so far its been good and the conversation last night between us was lovely..makes you feel not alone... I'm excited to see where it takes us in our faith...

Well- I gotta get going! :) ...I've got some work to do! 

Love you all and pray for my sanity and peace this weekend 

Shania Ross is on her way :)

I cannot tell you how happy I am that it is Tuesday! Today marks the end of a very busy week. It started with Wednesday & Thursday I had photo sessions, Friday was football night, Saturday was spent cleaning then got a break and did pictures in the even, and then Sunday was church day and then was spent cleaning some more and got away to do pictures in the evening again then ending with dinner with the whole family, and Monday was our little Baby #3 reveal!

Last week it was decided we were going to do cupcakes to tell our kids what we were having...We thought it would be polite to invite our parents and siblings if they wanted to come for dinner but not to fret that it was just for the kids and we would text everyone after...oh my lordy...can I tell you how loved we felt when 14 adults & 12 kids showed up!...wow!..it was a full house that spilled into our back porch and yard...

A little sister will be joining Sondra & Stuart in our family. A little girl?! I think I felt relief. Leading up to Monday I kept telling Jake it will break my heart if Sondra is in tears...well she was happy and Stu was mad but got over it...getting a special ninja turtle pillowpet dreamlite may have swayed his Baby Sister to be his favorite sister for the moment too..

Another daughter...wow.. a daughter...it hasn't really really sunk in...it has but it hasn't... a sweet little gal... my immediate thought..what is she going to look like??? Will she look like Sondra...or be a peanut like Stuart? Will she have hair or bald..man I am so excited...what outfit will I bring her home in? It has to be a perfect outfit...I'm thinking a bonnet of course..and some type of layette set since it will be colder out since it will be February... :) I'm on the search

Stu in his Trucker outfit

Sondra in her Dress & Cowgirl boots w/bonnet

and this girly's name: Shania Ross Clum - we actually officially decided on this last Friday.. All along we had been talking Schuyler for a girl but we were not in love with it...how do you explain that?...like we were talking about it..and Jake says well do you even like your name? Its a matter of you getting use to it.. lol...actually I really like my name and wished people would call me by my actual name!... its different..not the run of the mill kind of name.. Jonelle...how many Jonelle's do you know??? So- like when we named our first 2.. we just wanted something unique but not way out there...so then we started talking about other names and I threw out Shania...I love it.. I didn't think Jake would...he originally threw it out a few months ago... but he repeated it a couple times..lol..and was like...I could get use to that!... :)..I was officially excited to have either a boy or girl... I'll admit I was kind of hoping for a boy because we had a boy name picked out and I love it..but then we agreed on Shania...I was at complete peace! :) Her middle name is Ross...yes its a boys name...yes it is her father's middle name... yes I know..and no you don't need to give me other suggestions for other middle names...we pretty much had it in the beginning We would use Ross for either a boy or girl name... the only reason we not use it was if the girl's first name wasn't very girly.. hence why we were not completely in love with Schuyler..... and we just knew Shania Ross was it! :) :) 

It was so awesome to see an ultrasound... The lady kept saying the baby was moving so much..which I apologized for drinking a cup of coffee that morning.. :)...while waiting for our appt after the ultrasound we chatted with a dear friend and her daughter my friend was going for an ultrasound too :)...then after they were called back our old family doctor Dr. Tran came in and we chatted with him too!!!...a little reunion of sorts! :) ...makes me miss him!... 

BUT yes a girl!! The men in my house I think are just fearful b.c. they will be outnumbered...Jake's response was: He isn't sure if he can love another princess as much as Sondra...but my feelings is.. Daughters soften up their Daddy's...they love them tender.. maybe expecting Dad's are scared they won't teach their daughters how men are really supposed to love them...or what? I don't know..but Men always want Sons... they do.. that long need or WANT for someone to carry on their name...either way though... I know my babies' daddy will teach them how they are supposed to be loved and will Teach Mr. Stu how to love..

well- I need to get going!!!!! 

Joie