It's on...

So, I have decided that rather than wait for the new year, I am gonna start my resolution early. Seeing as I never have much luck keeping my word on the New Year's ones, maybe starting off early will help?? :) I had what I feel was an embarassing moment that help me come upon this decision. The Saturday after Thanksgiving, my brother was in town and asked me if I wanted to go for a run with him. Well, why not? I did run a couple races 2 yrs ago, I have no doubt that I am up to this challenge! And, furthermore, I have been doing the 30 day Shred!! Just call me Flo Jo! Ok, so here's what went down: I get on the road, we start running, I am ok for a few hundred yards. Then my brother drops the bomb that the day before he ran 12 miles! Do you hear me- 12 MILES!!!! Umm, yeah, well I couldn't hang. I was out of breath and my shins were on FIRE! But he was gracious and slowed down to a snail's pace so that we could avoid calling an ambulance to come get me. Anyway, that was my motivation, I am determined to do some 5 and 10k's in the spring. And I did run 2 miles on Saturday with no problems!

The other things is that while I have been pretty religious about the 30 day Shred, I have not really changed my eating habits. It kinda doesn't work to do this insane workout and then down a Twinkie! I do have a history of this behavior, dating back to high school. My good friend Laura and I would walk the track in the evening and then hit Wendy's for dinner!! So, here I am, once again. I really do need to make some changes for myself and to set a better example for my girls.

So, in the words of my big brother, I am gonna go now and get my run on.

Not Me Monday

Well, this will be my first Not Me Monday post- YAY ME!!! So, I did not almost let my kids eat birthday cake for breakfast, only because I was not feeling like making pancakes! (But, I did give in and make the pancakes). My husband and I were not the oldest people watching New Moon on Saturday! I certainly did not understand what all the little teenyboppers were all a twitter over! I also did not put my 2 yr old down for an afternoon nap at 10:30 this morning, because I didn't think I could hold out another 2 hrs!

I am sure that there will be many more thinhgs to post about next week!

It's Been a while..

Yes, I know it has been too long!! But, I am back and really have no great things to share with you!! :) Maggie is binky free!!! It was a tough couple of days, but we all made it through! I cut a hole in the top of and told her it was broken, and she sat on her bed and looked so pitiful! She just kept saying, "Daddy fix it". I felt horrible, but also knew that at 2 and a half, it was time to say goodbye for good.

The girls are now sharing a room at night! About a month or so ago, Mackenzie announced she wanted to sleep in Maggie's room. I really didn't think it would last more than 10 minutes, but guess what? I was wrong. The girls now both have little beds in Maggie's room, and Mackenzie still has her old room! So, we'll see how long this goes on for and maybe in a couple years they will get a bunk bed!

Potty Training

I feel that this should not be hard, since I 've done it once already. Yeah, right!! Maggie first went in the potty at 17 months, but maybe that was a fluke. However, she is very interested in the potty, just not real interested in sitting still on it. Any sugesstions??

Wednesdays Words

Need I say more...

FOr this child I prayed, and GOd greanted my petition

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

My Girls

This is a quick pic of the girls as they got ready for church yesterday. After I got Maggie dressed, I told her how pretty she looked. She walked away a bit, then turned around and looked and me, saying "yes, yes I do." :)

Wednesday's Word 9/30/09

Romans 11:33-36

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgements, and his paths beyond tracing out!
Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?
Who has even given to God, that God should repay him?
For from him and through him are all things.
TO him be the glory forever! Amen.

Wednesday's Word

Philipians 3:13-14

Forgetting what is behind and striving toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

The Great Basement Cleanout

And so it begins, once again. The time to clean out the basement. Our basement has been the catch all for all the things we either don't know what to do with, or are tired of looking at. It's funny how it is always there, taunting me, even after I've attempted this clean up before. I mean, seriously, I pass through the basement every time I go to my car!! I clean a little at a time, rearranging boxes. Yet somehow I feel as though I never really make a dent in the mess that I have. Sometimes I feel like throwing everything away and just starting from scratch. But then, as I go through things I think, "Oh maybe I'll use that one day."

Is there really a reason I need to keep jewelry making supplies when the last time I even attempted to make a bracelet was like 5 years ago? I mean, really, I haven't even missed it, and never even thought about it until I saw it. Why hold on to this stuff?

If you know me and have been to my house, you probably know that I like things clean and orderly. I know if a picture frame has been moved and want all the pillows on the bed in an exact fashion. I vacuum every other day. But, there are places that get cluttered- closets, drawers, under cabinets, my laundry room! But, I would never let you see that- never!! I sure do think about these cluttered places alot, I'd venture to say on a daily basis, but like the basement there is always another day to tackle that mess. But if you see those cluttered places, then you might realize that I do not have it all together.

I realized something in planning my basement clean out- it is very much like my life. There are things I like to stuff under the bed, or throw in the closet. Things like my frustrations, my disappointments in myself as a wife and a mother and as friend, mostly as a Christian. Things that even though I don't see them every day because they are in my drawer or my closet, the Lord sees them.

How do I tackle these messes? Well, I think that I gut everything. Get rid, little by little, of those things I don't need. Do I need to hang on to what I perceive as my failures? What use is that to me? Will I use it? Why do I need that? The truth is that I DON'T need it. Just like the jewelry making supplies, I don't need to use my sins for anything anymore. I can throw that all away. I can clean out the basement. Hold on to the lessons my sin or failures or whatever it is taught me, but don't hold on to the weight that it brought with it.

My basement is the place that I throw all my junk, things I haven't used in years, or just don't know what to do with. My closets and drawers, on the other hand, are the places that I throw my everyday junk into. My "I'll deal with that tomorrow" place. I need to tackle that too. I need to deal with my "in the moment" sins- frustration at my kids, my tiredness, my whatever for the day. I believe that the Lord wants me to clean out these places too.

You know a few months ago I got on a kick to purge alot of stuff, room by room. (Hence the basement crisis). I have felt so much better without that junk around me! So, I have a challenge to myself and to you. Let's begin the "Great Basement Clean out" together. Let's rid ourselves of the junk that holds us back from being what the Lord has for us. I will be offering a devotion/challenge/words of encouragement in what I will call "Wednesday's Words". Please join me!!

With much anticipation!!
Amy

First Day of PreK

Well, today was Mackenzie's first day of Pre-K. And after a six week long summer vacation, she was ready!! She has been so excited and I am sure she is going to have a great year.

Happy Birthday Mackenzie

Well, I can hardly believe that 4 years ago I held a tiny little bundle, Mackenzie Grace. You are such joy. You have grown in so many ways and I wonder where the time has gone already (what am I going to do in a few years when you go to college)??? I used to wonder what I was supposed to do with my life, I was never one of those people that felt I had a calling or a great passion for my career. It wasn't until I held you for the first time that I realized I did have a great calling and purpose to my life, to be your Mommy. I know there are days we both feel like pulling our hair out, but I wouldn't trade you for all the riches in the world. You are one of a kind and I love you more that you'll ever know, that is until you become a Mommy one day. I am so in awe of what God has blessed us with, and am awaiting to see what HE has for you.

Happy Birthday Toodles!! I love you.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.

Well, not too much is happening around here. Just wanted to update some pictures of the girls, I tried really hard to get them in a picture together with these super cute outfits (gumball machines). However, as you can see, Mackenzie was more than willing to cooperate, Maggie not so much. Such is life!

Oh, and for those of you who are wondering, 2 days Binky free for Mags (although she still asks about it).

Wailing and gnashing of teeth

This is what happens when a 2 yr old wakes up at 5:22 am and clearly that is not enough sleep!! She gets put in her room, baby gate securing her in,(due to the incessant whining and temper tantrums) and finally gives up the fight, falling asleep on the floor with her blanket over her head!!!

Birthday Party

Last Saturday we had Maggie's birthday party. She is in love with Blue's Clues at the moment- we watch it every morning!! So, naturally that was our theme, complete with a live Steve and Blue!! Maggie and all our guests had a wonderful time!!!

They are growing up

Well, I think it's official. My girls are growing up!! This week marked entry into the world of Mother's Day Out for Mags. I have to be honest, I was probably more nervous than anyone else over it. Mackenzie started attending once a week back in October and did great!! Those of you who know her know that she has a bit of an issue with new situations. You know, the kind where she hangs on to your leg like a cat and screams your name so loud people in the next county can hear it. So this has been wonderful for her. She had a wonderful teacher whom she adored and made some friends. I thought that Maggie would love it too. Every time we'd drop Mackenzie off last year Maggie would just cry because she wanted to stay and play too. So, on the first day, I have to admit I was really doubting my decision. I started thinking maybe she was too young, maybe she'll miss me too much, will she take a nap ok, and on and on. Well, after a few tears, apparently she did splendidly!! She had a great day and was very happy. All my fears were in vain. (Ummm, she could have missed me a little more than 2 minutes!! HAHA!) Although I did not admit to anyone at the time, I did have a bit of a hard time with it, maybe because she will be 2 in a couple of weeks, and she's getting so big! But all in all I am so happy that both girls have a day of fun to themselves, and so do I. I have great plans for my day off- cleaning the basement!! Maybe not as fun as snacks, nap time, and crafts though!

Mother's Day

Mackenzie had a project at school today. She had to tell the teacher things about mommy and they were written on a sheet of paper, and next to it she drew me a picture of a rainbow and a sunshine. So here is how it goes:

Mommy's name: Amy (got that one right)

Mommy is how old? 3 (Ummm, not quite)

Mommy has what color eyes? Green (they are grey)

Mommy had what color hair? Gold (I beleive the actual color would be Revlon Frost and Glow, maybe the glow part is giving me a golden hue)

Mommy's favorite food? Broccoli (I like it, but favorite?? Maybe it's because I force feed them so much with it)

Mommy's favorite place to go? The grocery store (Do I even need to comment?)

I know my mommy loves me because... she gives me hugs!!! :)

It really was one of the sweetest things I have so far, and it made my heart melt.

I am so very blessed to be thier mommy!!

The Long Goodbye

Yes I know, it is past time for Maggie to be rid of her faithful companion. I am talking of her beloved "BB", otherwise known as the paci. She really has a deep fondness for her BB. I hate to do it to her, but the time has come to sever this relationship. We have lost one of the last holdouts in the BB war. You know, you keep losing the things in the car, behind the couch, in the washer, whatever. I came to the point today, long overdue I know, that I just didn't care enough to look for it anymore. I cringe when I see 3 or 4 year olds with them, I sure can't imagine my child like that. BUt, somehow though I think given the opportunity Maggie might just hold on to it by Kindergarten! Time to take charge.

I fully anticipated a major meltdown at naptime, "I need my BB"!!!!!

What?? No screaming, no tears?? She just went to sleep. What?????

Maybe the BB isn't as important as I thought. Now, the "B" (blanket) on the other hand....

This blanket could probably cover a twin size bed, and bless her, Maggie drags that thing everywhere!!!! I have to set out on a covert operation just to get the thing in the wash! I guess as long as we have "B" everything else is ok.

Not much....

Not too much has been happening here. All is prettymuch the same. Just wanted to share some really cute pictures of the girls though....

Two of my favorite songs, what an awesome priviledge we have to sing unto the Lord of Lords,

(Remember to pause the playlist to the right so you may hear this)

Worthy Is the Lamb

Remember to pause the playlist on the right so that you may hear the video.


But He was wounded for our transgressions.
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him.
And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5-6

Do we really understand the sacrifice the Father made for us? Could you give up your child to cleanse the sins-the vile, despicable, heinous- of not just one other person, but mankind? Could you watch your child take that?

What an undeserved gift we have been given. That no longer do we hesitantly approach the throne of God, but we can boldly come to God.

My Jesus, My Saviour, My God & My Lord, My Redeemer. That you would look 2ooo years into time and see me, Amy Curle, and put your hand upon me. That you would die for me, and I have nothing to offer in return.

Don't you know that God's heart aches, it yearns for you. He wants you to know him. This God that has always been, He has been throughout the ages, looks upon you and says "My beloved".

Jesus came to wash your sins away, to redeem us all. The blood that flowed from his side on Calvary did so for you and me and all mankind. He took the debt we could not pay and gave us the chance to live in eternity. We have to chance to sing forevermore WORTHY IS THE LAMB.

Shhhh...

Almost every night we have the same ritual in our house. When it reaches Maggie's bedtime, I try to distract her and bribe her into her bedroom. We read a story and rock. Many nights Mackenzie joins us. I would like to think it is because she loves her baby sister so much that she wants to share in this lovely moment, but really I think it is that she just doesn't want Maggie to be alone with me. Anyway, there sit the three of us on the rocking chair-me holding Maggie and Mackenzie sitting on the arm of the chair flopping around like a fish out of water- and it usually goes something like this: "Mackenzie be still, Mackenzie be quiet or you will have to go sit in the hallway. Mommy can't you just put Maggie in the bed?" And on it goes until Maggie gets so bored of all this and tunes us out and falls asleep.

Tonight was no different, except that Mackenzie has now taken to singing Maggie to sleep. This is probably due to the vocal stylings of her dear mother when she is trying to go to sleep. ( I have discovered that Don't Cry for Me Argentina puts a kid in a deep sleep in no time- I was running out of material). However, Maggie is not impressed with her songbird sister yet. So, in true Maggie fashion, as Mackenzie was jabbering on and intermittently singing, she looked over at her sister and raised her finger to her mouth and said "shhh." Mackenzie was utterly offended. I had to refrain from laughing. Of course as one who has been shhh-ed before, I do understand the hurt.

It wasn't until later that I realized that maybe God feels like little Maggie sometimes. Maybe He just wants us to be quiet for once. Maybe He wants us to stop talking about everything- our finances, our kids, our marriages, our jobs, our health, whatever. Maybe He wants us to be still and just rock with Him, snuggle up, and love Him.

Be still and know that I am God.

Don't get me wrong, He wants us to talk to Him, about everything. And He is concerned with all that concerns us. But every once in a while, crawl up in His lap, take your blankie and rock. Be quiet and still and love Him.

Cheese Broccoli and The Dance

This was taken Christmas 2008, where Mackenzie was in her "cheese broccoli" phase and Maggie was obsessed with hair product. Ironic because neither put cheese on broccoli or see that Maggie has any hair to style!

Ok, this makes me laugh everytime I see it. One of the reasons I married Dewayne!!!

A long. long time ago

This is by far my most favorite picture of my brother and I. I had to be around 2 1/2 yrs old, I guess, and Mike would be about 7 or 8. As one of my friends pointed out recently, I can now see my little Maggie in me here.

Disney

Well we had a wonderful time at Disney World!!! We were only there for 3 full days and still didn't do all we wanted to. The girls had a wonderful time. Mackenzie was most impressed with the castle, she wanted to see that over and over. Maggie just kept saying "oooh da Mouse". We watched the "castle show" about 50 times and the parade 2 times. The girls were amazed. Mackenzie was impressed with Its a small world, Dumbo, and the teacups. But not so much with Peter Pan's Flight- she did not dig the alligator, which by the way she is still talking about!

The only downside was that these kids were wired at bedtime!!! They did have some difficulty winding down at the usual time, but did great all in all.

The best thing is that a couple of days after we got home, Mackenzie woke up one morning and said to me, "Mommy, I just had a dream come true, just like a real princess." (This is probably due in part to everyone at Disney saying "Have a magical day" or "May your dreams come true" or the song that is still in my head from the parade..."blah blah the time of your life, blah blah, celebrate you....")

Why people hate the IRS (and don't want to pay taxes)

As a small (very small) business owner we have invited the IRS into our lives a little more than I would like. Yes, she lives with us and is a part of my regular thinking. I think about her every time we get paid from a customer, every time we pay ourselves, and yes, every time those quarterly taxes are due. I actually think "I wonder how much we are really gonna get out of this"? I am not much of a mathematician, so the statistics here are not gonna be accurate- I'll guess 25-30%, but let me tell you we pay ALOT in taxes. It is utterly ridiculous!! Oh, and they never tell you when you are supposed to file a different form than the one you've filed for the past year either!!!! Why, that would make too much sense. So I called the IRS today for a simple question, you know one that has no personal information attached to it. And guess what?? They would not even tell me what form I need to file because I am not the actually business owner! WHAT??? How do you expect people to give you their money??? I had a brief moment where I was not my usual nice and polite self to the lady on the other end, as I hung up on her. I am guessing there is a little red flag now attached to our file. I mean for real, just tell me what form a person would usually file for this particular tax... is that classified information?? Does that breach national security? Oh, and I don't really buy your on hold lady saying "your call is important to us" (stay on the line for 30 minutes so we can just make you mad and wonder for the rest of the day why you even bothered calling in the first place). I don't really feel like my call is that important to you, not as important as it is to me lady!!!

I now understand why people find ways around the IRS. You people make all the rules, but you can't tell us what they are. You are like the Wizard of OZ, mysterious and all.

I am not hopeful either about the direction we might go in as a nation. Why do 80% of the people that create jobs and income have to bear the brunt? Don't we do enough already? What more do you want from us Mr. Obama?? Do you want our first born too? Seroiusly, I wish people would educate themselves and really understand that government is WASTING our money (and alot of other things). Really, what are they doing with it? Enough for today.....

Fraud

As I am writing this I am on hold for 48 minutes now!!! ( By now I am committed and am gonna wait it out until someone answers). Why you ask?? Well, I have spent the better part of two days now calling numerous Internet sites asking them to refund money that was charged to our bank account!! I am not happy. Let me just break this down for you:

• We had about 12-15 charges ranging from $1-$60- all for products we did not purchase!!!
• The worst of it was an "adult entertainment site" - and JOSEPH R. CURLE if you really exist I am going to find you!!!!!!! That was the name on the account (thanks to the customer service rep for telling me that). And he used someone else's phone #, whom I called and bless him he has been getting phone calls regarding this same person. JOSEPH your days are numbered because I will hunt you down. I AM ON A MISSION!!!!
• We have had products shipped to our home, and the business had our name and address
• Many of these were free trials that then lead in to monthly subscriptions
• And if you even think about ACAI BERRY- they are the wort (hence the 48 minute hold time) they are the worst- Google complaints on GNS Vitamins. I am not the only one that has had this problem.

Please be careful with your information. There are many people out there that are waiting to steal from you.

The Countdown is on

We are going to Disney in....3 weeks!!!! I am probably more excited than the girls are at this point, just can't wait. Here's a picture from 2 yrs ago when I was pregnant with Maggie and Mackenzie was 18 mo.

Why I love Mr. Clean

I just have to say that I am a HUGE fan of the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Why?? Well, I am somewhat obsessive about my girls' shoes looking like they are new, and let me tell you this does the trick! I usually clean them once a week and keep them looking sparkly!! Just thought I would throw that out at you. And, it really does get stuff off the wall, like crayon marks and such. It is a gem, and every house should have a ready supply on hand!

What is With this Girl??

Ok, I just had to show some pictures of our dear sweet Maggie is her newest endeavor- undressing! I am really not sure what her fascination is with taking her shirt and pants off, but she really enjoys it!! Apparently her recent diagnosis of salmonella does not deter her!

Thanks to MOPS mommies

I just wanted to say a thank you to my wonderful friends at MOPS (mothers of preschoolers). I did what I hate to do yesterday- cry in front of people. It just makes me feel silly. Although, I am a big cryer- I do it alot, happy and sad. I am not a pretty cryer, get blotchy and my nose runs. Anyway, after the prodding of my friend Shelley, I spoke a prayer request for the sleepless nights and utter frustration I have experienced lately. And, generally I don't like to publicly announce my prayers requests, again- the silly feeling. There seems to be more important ones than mine. Long story short, just the encouragement from these wonderful ladies made me feel better. To laugh with them about their experiences lifted my spirits. I am so thankful for this group of moms in my life. If you are a mother of a preschooler, please check out MOPS- it will change your life and your parenting! www.MOPS.org

And, just to update, we had a better night last night, just one waking and right back to sleep!! Praise the Lord!

(By the way, I am pretty sure I did not spell cryer right, or even if there is such a word, but I know you will understand)!!

Not Me!

I did not just eat a whole bag of chocolate marshmallows!!!!

Frustration (Take the good with the bad)

So , a few blogs back I talked about the difficulty we were having with Mackenzie and sleep. Well, good news is that she seems to be over that! Praise the Lord! Alot of tears and prayer have gone into that. Bad news, round two with little sister Maggie! Out of nowhere she has decided that she wants to put up a fight at bedtime, didn't see that one coming. So here we are again with the tears and prayers. I know that to some it may seem silly to petition God for help on this, but that's what I know works. Not much else. I have read my fair share of how to's and believe me, tried them all. I am frustrated because it seems there is always something! I hate to hear my girls cry, I hate to see them be so stubborn (although if they use those powers for good one day, watch out)!!!! I ask you to say a little prayer for us. Several nights with sporadic sleep and tears wears on you. But as the saying goes, "this too shall pass, just in time for the next problem." I am thinking of painting a sign with that on it and hanging it in my house, just to remind me!

Flashback

So today has been a little crummy. I am dealing with a baby that did not sleep well at all last night! She was up like 47 times and I still can't figure out why. But I did get a little relief when my dad brought some of my old toys over. He and my mom were cleaning out the attic and found my Barbies amongst other things. Anyway, when I saw this pair it reminded my of a couple things, why the 80's were a bad fashion decade, and Ken looks like he might moonlight at Chippendale's! Made my day a little brighter.

random things about me

1. I was a vocal performance major in college, before changing to social work
.2. I once stuck my fingers in an elecrtic mixer to see what would happen
3.I have sung on the Grand Ole Opry
4. I am really not a good cook, but I really wish I was
5. I have 3 tatoos and am really considering more
6. I worked at he YMCA while I was in high school, I was a summer camp counselor
7. I was born in England, but don't have dual citizenship because my parents didn't want me to. I really wish I did because that would be cool now!
8. I re-arrange my kitchen (Drawers, etc) about 4 times a year, but always go back to how it was to begin with!
9. When I die I really want chicken McNuggets served at my funeral, with sweet and sour sauce
10. I would rather eat at Chick-fil-A than a nice restaraunt.
11. I vaccuum my house at least every other day!
12. I buy way too many clothes for my kids, guess something form my childhood is playing out in that!
13. I am very shy around new people, I try not to show it though.
14. I am terrified of speaking in public.
15. I hate to unload the dishwasher and put away laundry.
16. I do not miss working at all!!!!
17. I always have some kind of list going- baby names, goals, grocery, whatever. I really enjoy lists.
18. I have no desire to go to Vegas, Egypt, or China.
19. I wish I had better skin- tan and blemish free
20. I try to grow my hair out at least 2 times a year but always cut it
21. I am really bad at math, stems from multiplication tables in the 4th grade.
22. Moustaches kinda freak me out
23. I am fascinated by Amish people and people who are in religiuos cults.
24. I hate to drive with a coat on.
25.I do not like to leave my house messy when I have to go somewhere, I like coming in to a tidy house.
26. I knew after 2 weeks of dating my husband I would marry him.
27. My husband and I used to go out dancing- alot!! We could cut a rug.
28. I am a big BonJovi fan.
29. I've seen Cher in concert, really one of the best concerts I've ever been to. Also saw Barry Manilow, pretty good too.
30. I listen to talk radio, even though I used to make fun of my dad for it!
31. I would like to teach voice lessons.
32. I hate my ears being touched, and I do not like people getting to close to my face.
33. I really like the phrase "hot mess", it's my new slogan- as in "wow, she looks like a hot mess"
34. I love my husband, adore my kids, and think that I have a really great life!!!!!!

You can be anything

Today Mackenzie said to me, "Mommy, did you know that when you grow up you can be anything you want to be? You can be a bee, a butterfly, or a poodle!" Maybe she was insipred because my hair is a little on the big and frizzy side today!

Happy Birthday Dewayne

Just a quick note to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dewayne! I hope you have a wonderful day. WE are so gratful to have you in our lives

Not One of my Brightest Moments

Yesterday as I was fiddling with the car seats to put them back in the car after cleaning, I did something really dumb!! I was closing the liftgate on the Jeep and apparently was standing closer than I thought. BAM! Right on the bridge of my nose, met the liftgate!!!It took me a good 5 seconds to process that I just did that. I put my had to my nose and was gushing blood! And you know that the first thing I thought was "great, now I am gonna have a big bump and a bruise right between my eyes, and I just got some great new makeup that won't be seen because of this stupid goiter!!!" Then I rushed upstairs crying like I had not in a really long time. I actually thought I broke it. The girls were silent for quite a while, probably in shock because their mother was acting like a maniac. But as sweet as they are, kept rubbing my back and patting my arm. I think I'm in the clear as far as it being broken, but have learned to give the liftgate a wider clearance!!!

Terrible 3's?

So, I thought we got really lucky and missed the terrible 2's that everyone warns you about. Until the past few weeks, we have had relatively few problems behavior wise out of our kids. Well, I guess they just reared their ugly head!!! I have not felt so helpless, frustrated, and discouraged yet in my parenting. Why is my 3 year old having a colossal meltdown over a waffle? Why does she want 47 stories before bed? Why all of a sudden does she refuse to go to sleep? How long can she scream for at one time? I am sure that this is just a phase, but it sure doesn't feel like it in the middle of a 45 minute screaming session. I am telling you this because I feel that there are a few things I have learned in the last few weeks.

• Everybody with a toddler has had this experience! I am not alone!!!!
• This too shall pass
• She really does love her mom and dad, even if she is screaming at us, throwing books and a stool out of her room, and kicking the door.
• One day she and her little sister will be best friends, even though they pull each other's hair right now.
• She needs to know her boundaries.
• Alot of books on parenting are a waste of money- yeah, I'm pretty sure I didn't need to spend $13 to be told I need to stay calm!
• Is there ever really a way to anticipate that a Popsicle that you don't even have in the freezer will send her into a tailspin?

Most of all, God is with us. I cover that child in prayer daily, several times a day. I thank God for her in my life. I am honored that God chose me to be her mother. I am amazed at her beauty, her smile, her spunk. I love her beyond any measure that I could have dreamed of. God has great plans for both Mackenzie and Maggie and it is not in his will that our lives be in chaos. I urge you to pray for your children daily, Pray for their obedience, their sleep, their attitudes, all the "little" things that you think God is not concerned with. Let me assure you, He is! You will see a difference I promise. I believe there is nothing better you can do as a parent thatn pray for your children- even if they are not here yet. (I prayed over my girls from the day I fould out I was pregnant with each of them- I prayed for easy delivery- and although it was not what I expected, I never had one labor pain with either). He is concerned with all that concerns us. And remember He forgives us when we act up or throw a hissy fit, he hugs us and says "I love you, forgive you, and want you to do better." And when I feel like a failure as a parent because my child does not always act perfect, the truth is I don't always act so great myself. I think I disappoint my Father alot too. But I have a God that loves me for all the good things that I am, and all the things that I need to do better at. And just like my 3 year old, I am learning to "do better.'

New Year

Well we had a wonderful Christmas. The girls got way more than they needed, but oh well. Mackenzie has been rockin out with her Barbie Jammin guitar. It plays songs (although we never seem to get passed Girls Just Wanna Have Fun), and even has a whammy bar. She is diggin it. She also got a dollhouse and a camera. She and Maggie got the Rose Petal Dream Cottage and the Market. So, they have had sooo much fun with that. Maggie is obsessed with dogs, so needless to say she received alot of dogs. But that's ok she loves them. We had a wonderful day with our family. The next big thing is maybe planning a trip to Disney in a couple of months. As anyone with a little girl knows, Princesses are it right now. So I think it will be a perfect time for the girls to go. We will be in full swing with our "lessons" as Mackenzie calls them. We are learning letters and counting and all that fun stuff. She loves it and asks several times a day "when are we gonna do our lessons"? The thing is that we usually do them when Maggie is asleep, so now she keeps telling me I need to put Maggie to bed- even at 8am! Poor Mags!