tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127658732011-07-07T19:45:55.791-04:00A Christian, conservative SAHM's life of "SMACKN" my kids with lots of sloppy kisses. SMACKN are my 6 children: Shelby ('03,twin) Mary-Jo ('00) "Al"fred ('98) Cynthia ('98) Kurt ('03,twin) Nadia ('09)Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.comBlogger1651100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-65372491434590451962009-09-28T20:13:00.001-04:002009-09-28T20:14:38.910-04:00

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-19607710258621699482009-09-28T20:11:00.003-04:002009-09-28T20:13:09.495-04:00

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-2212332109569803262009-09-28T18:39:00.003-04:002009-09-28T18:57:10.207-04:00

Hmmmmm, not doing too well, but I will be happy and joyful if only number 1 is completed1. Lead my children to salvation.Cynthia (July 2009)Alex (April 2009)Mary-Jo (February 2009)Shelby KurtNadia2. Go on a mission trip in a 3rd world country (at least once every 3-5 years).3. Take an Anniversary Cruise Trip (I don't care where!).4. Return to and maintain average weight of 175 pounds.5. Buy

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-70238380457948057802008-02-05T11:49:00.000-05:002008-02-05T11:52:15.103-05:00

I can't believe that after more than a year that this blog is still available for me to make entries on. It was not my intention to stop, but we chose as a family to take the internet out of our home. It was amazing, though, to look back at my thoughts and remember those little things that you forget over time when life happens to you.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1158632108090413722006-09-18T21:11:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:15.856-05:00

. 1. Lead my children to salvation. 2. Go on a mission trip in a 3rd world country (at least once every 3-5 years). 3. Take an Anniversary Cruise Trip (I don't care where!). 4. Return to and maintain average weight of 175 pounds. 5. Buy enough land to leave 2-3 acres to each of my children. 6. Repair and recover my furniture to coordinate. 7. Build a shed for storage. 8. Take a week

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1158575749480288572006-09-18T06:32:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:15.711-05:00

Because I never have the pictures printed! I've lost so many of the pictures that I should have had printed from the time Kurt and Shelby were born. I have the vacation pictures printed, but very few of the others actually printed. Not to mention when they get stacked up like this, it's going to cost a fortune whether I print them at home or an internet store or local store.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1153295634295364072006-07-19T03:45:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:15.591-05:00

No, it's not the title of the song, but Pain has been a gift this year. This song has been very comforting these last few months. "In the Waiting" by Greg LongPain The gift nobody longs for, still it comes And somehow leaves us stronger When it's gone away Pray I try and pray for Your will to be done But I confess it's never fast enough for me It seems the hardest part is waiting on You When

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1153013218453695032006-07-15T21:26:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:15.465-05:00

"I love you, Mama."

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1148612839866365662006-05-25T22:53:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:15.351-05:00

Baseball season is almost over. I'm sad because it is just so much fun and Al and Mary-Jo are really beginning to pay attention and follow through with the functions that they are supposed to do in their positions. For the most part they have played left field who's main purpose at this level is to back up 1st base which gets a lot of throws. Tonight the team that Alex played was a pretty weak

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1148016245294844022006-05-19T01:23:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:15.231-05:00

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1146250091869088152006-04-26T11:28:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:15.123-05:00

Where do I start. I was only going to share the whole thing with just my most close and personal friends, but I think it's important to be completely open and honest with anyone who is reading my blog. I'm not going to write a book, because it is a book, but I'll write a Cliff Note version.Two nights ago, I discovered that my husband was in a 5+ year online and phone relationship with another

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1145573652170861932006-04-20T18:53:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:15.014-05:00

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1144896126385455302006-04-12T22:28:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:14.906-05:00

The electrical has been moved and the walls are starting to go back up.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1144895289765792982006-04-12T18:14:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:14.767-05:00

Okay, I finally have some pictures of the inbetween of remodeling.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1144057047217642952006-04-03T05:35:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:14.635-05:00

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1144056856615571422006-04-03T05:26:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:14.535-05:00

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1144056380843673142006-04-03T05:21:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:14.431-05:00

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1144056015005604142006-04-03T05:04:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:14.314-05:00

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1144055077613250252006-04-03T04:30:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:14.219-05:00

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1144053020117116362006-04-03T04:19:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:14.115-05:00

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1142353337691029682006-03-14T12:16:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:13.995-05:00

Al and Mary-Jo started ball practice last week. I have to say, I'm having so much fun! Really, I am. I get to play with ball with Mary-Jo, Al, and the boys on Al's team before the coach makes it to practice and during Al's team's second practice the coach even asked if I'd help out. So I got to play pitcher pretty much the whole time. It only took me about 50 pitches before I got into the

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1142353004051113172006-03-14T12:03:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:13.881-05:00

Upwards Basketball season is over. Mary-Jo and Alex played this year. Cynthia was too old and Kurt and Shelby have 2 more years before they are eligible.Al thoroughly enjoyed playing basketball even if he's not the most talented he did the most sharing--making sure that everyone got to touch the ball equally. Mary-Jo wouldn't even get on the court until the last 4 games of the season. The

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1139946087641257322006-02-14T15:22:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:13.771-05:00

Do you remember counting out the fruit cocktail cherries so that another sibling wouldn't get more that you? This afternoon after putting Kurt and Shelby down for their nap, Alex asked if he could have some fruit. He brought me the Fruit Cocktail can (family size of course) to open. When I pulled the lid off I saw all the cherries and it brought me back to my childhood. I'm the oldest of 3

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1139517337015367992006-02-09T13:41:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:13.657-05:00

When the last parent pass away there is much division to be done. It is especially difficult to do when both children have not been told of the wishes and the parent has not left a spelled out list of his/her wishes. There is a lot of sentimentality attached to items left behind and feelings can be hurt when inheritance is not divided equally. This is the lesson that I am learning after the

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1138457931268152582006-01-28T10:04:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:13.546-05:00

My husband's Dad and the children's Granddad passed away Wednesday, this week. He had been battling prostate cancer for 18 months and was winning until these last 3 weeks. We were told almost 2 weeks ago that he had a week to 6 weeks left. The twins (almost 3) last saw Granddad the 2 weeks ago Friday before he went into the hospital and before we knew the prognosis. Jab and I decided to take

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1137722536471936582006-01-19T21:54:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:13.443-05:00

We were told some devistating news on Monday. My FIL, Al, has lost his battle with cancer. It started as prostate cancer, then spread to the bone. It was responding well to treatment, but in the last 3 weeks his PSA's increased dramatically so my SIL took him in on Monday for some tests. The cancer has spread to his kidneys with no hope for recovery. He is now at home (my SIL's) and is in

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1137112661808373832006-01-12T20:35:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:31:13.338-05:00

Tomorrow I am going to quit talking about Speech Therapy for Shelby and really do something about it.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1136900752914166942006-01-10T09:42:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:20.187-05:00

Did you know that you HAVE to start eating a banana from the pointed end?Usually Kurt and Shelby will get their own whole banana for breakfast, but this morning I only had one to share between them. So I had to break it in half as I've done on several occasions. They are never happy about it, but a half of a banana is better than no banana. Anyway, I have a habit of giving it to them with the

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1136395025847370652006-01-04T13:07:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:19.988-05:00

"mmmm-mmmm" when your child is squeezing your neck really tight. It's especially sweet when all 5 are doing it at the same time.Children giggles when they don't know you are listening. "I love you, mama."When one of the twins asks their crying sibling, "Okay? Okay?"That small patting sound when your toddler pats your back like you've done to them since birth for comfort and burping purposes."

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1136319749748837122006-01-03T15:38:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:19.783-05:00

Ellie was removed from dialysis over the weekend. She continues making urine on her own, so they are monitoring her. The doctors have told JL and Liz that she may need to go back on dialysis sometime in the future, but right now, she is doing well enough to be off of it! We were very excited about that.Since she isn't on a vent or dialysis anymore, JL and Liz have been putting her in a wagon and

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1136315792871837002006-01-03T15:15:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:19.554-05:00

The bad news is that I thought I was about to have a heart attack and I was hurting bad enough to elevate my blood pressure to 179 over 98 about 2 hours after my most severe pain.Still not exactly sure why I had the pain in my chest and radiating into my arm above my elbow, though. But the doctor seems to think it had to do with a chest muscle.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1136104727968904072006-01-01T04:25:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:19.317-05:00

I spent some special time with the kids today. I took them to McDonald's playland for a couple of hours after we cleaned the house today in preparation for their two cousins to spend Sunday night with them. We went for two reasons. First, Darlene (SIL) asked me to pick up supper for my FIL as she needed to sleep today to go to work tonight. Second, It's easier to keep a clean house if you are

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1135754364332410962005-12-28T02:44:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:18.956-05:00

...and if you so desire, please add her to your prayer chain and blog so that others will pray for this family as well.Ellie (Elise) is the daughter of James Lee and Liz and little sister to Matt. She was hospitalized back on December 2, 2005, with HUS, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. I have experienced the ravage that HUS does to a little child firsthand as my oldest dauther, Cynthia, is a HUS

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1135751530395100682005-12-28T02:14:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:18.709-05:00

My husband is telling everyone how proud he is of me. He is noticing a huge change, one I really hope to continue. This change was due to the Angel Sermon that I blogged about on Dec 13, Am I Useless in the Kingdom in Heaven. I've actually dwelled on this a little more and have realized that Satan really hasn't had to do much to keep me useless, I had been doing it all on my own. I really

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1135623898760351242005-12-26T15:00:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:18.521-05:00

That's what Kurt and Shelby were singing while playing with the magnetic letters on the door this morning. It's amazing to find out that your 2 1/2 year olds know that the song they are singing refers to the letters they are playing with!

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1135552191340152632005-12-25T17:59:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:18.230-05:00

Tonight we will read the story of Jesus's birth, but this morning was all about the presents. I woke up around 7:45am and found that Jaba was not in bed, so I ventured out into the living room and found him and Mary-Jo laying on the couch watching Jesus of Nazareth on the History Channel. It's hard to believe, but the rest of the children were still asleep! While the three of us sat there

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1135274504105526512005-12-22T13:41:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:17.985-05:00

I'll try to add a picture by tomorrow, but we finally have the tree up. It's a 4 1/2 ft tree sitting up on a table. All the kids got to put ornaments on the tree and I just did a little rearranging this year. Hopefully, next year I'll be able to keep my hands off of it, as I really do love looking at how the little ones put 9 and 10 ornaments all at the end of one limb.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1134958484209265902005-12-18T21:56:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:17.597-05:00

NO, it's not the kind that you cook on the stove or in the microwave. It's the kind that is on the ceiling and now it is all over my floor. Well, at least until the culprits get it vacuumed up.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1134938322043892662005-12-18T14:45:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:17.292-05:00

My first thought was, "ALEX! Where's the match!" However, it wasn't Alex...this time, anyway. I guess I've been putting the washer through the ringer this last week, because it was the culprit of the smell of smoke/fire. I think we caught it in time, though. It may just need some simple repairs. So for the rest of this week, I'll be using my Mom's and my SIL's washer & dryer so I can keep

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1134550871987739732005-12-14T04:05:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:16.993-05:00

I've finally washed every stitch of clothes & linens (including rugs) in my house. I've only stored one tote that combines some clothes for Mary-Jo, Kurt and Shelby to wear next year. Right now there is only 3 very small partial loads (whites, darks, towels) that is from what we wore or used today. So that means 3 loads to wash tomorrow evening.I told Sandi, today, that this seems to be a

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1134494790864880862005-12-13T13:23:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:16.709-05:00

It's about lunch time, so hopefully, after I feed Al, Kurt & Shelby, then put K&S down for their nap, I'll be able to take a nap as well. Jaba at least gets off at 5pm today, so I won't have the whole evening by myself as usual.So, what am I going to make for lunch? I hope there is something easy in the freezer/fridge!Edited to AddWe had chicken alfredo croissant pockets & chicken/broccoli

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1134491240132221722005-12-13T11:43:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:16.478-05:00

Sunday's sermon was the last in a series on angels by our pastor. Two things he said really hit me. First, for the believer, Satan and his minions are constantly asking how can I make this believer USELESS in the Kingdom of Heaven. Boy was I convicted and started questioning myself. I am a believer, I was saved when I was 5 almost 6. For the first 12 years, I was certainly a light shining

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1134486470326537102005-12-13T10:01:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:16.242-05:00

I found another 4 loads of clothes that I needed to wash, but the best part is that they all are going to end up in someone else's home. Just some clothing facts from our household:1. Kurt has the most clothes with Cynthia in a close 2nd.2. Mary-Jo has the most school uniforms as she can wear both Al's & Cynthia's hand-me-downs (yes I've kept hand-me-downs that long--8 years)3. If you remove

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1134370934013846152005-12-12T02:44:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:16.064-05:00

I am down to about 7-8 loads of laundry you wear and 4 loads of linens (including curtains). I have been one lean mean (well, I'm not lean and I really haven't been mean--this time) washing machine these last 2 days. I've washed nearly every stitch in the house. I've also weeded out some clothes for Mindy's youngest, Marcy; Micki's oldest daughter, Breanna; for a church friend (Angela) with a

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1134039701313046852005-12-08T06:22:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:15.890-05:00

It's the best love story that I've seen this year. Keira Knightley (Elizabeth), Rosamund Pike (Jane), Judi Dench (Lady Catherine de Bourg), Donald Sutherland & Brenda Blethyn (Mr & Mrs. Bennet) are awesome. As for Matthew MacFadyen (Mr. Darcy), I think he has dreamy eyes no matter the brooding "pride & prejudice" behind them.If I had to choose only one film to watch this year, "Pride and

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1133933631385887412005-12-07T01:27:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:15.454-05:00

Cynthia and her cousin, Megan, shared their 13th, 12th birthday party on Saturday, Dec 3. They both invited about 15 school friends each, but only 2 showed up from Cynthia's list and 3 from Megan's list. However, it was really a fun party for both. My step-sister and her husband live on a military camp and had access to the movie theatre. It was reserved for just us, so the girls and their

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1133751497919981512005-12-04T22:56:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:15.280-05:00

I wrote this on another board, but wanted to transfer it here so I would have a record of it.I can remember when I first dedicated each of my children back to God. The first time was in 97 when Cynthia was almost 5. She somehow was infected with the virilent strain, e-coli-0157. She went in to the hospital because she would not eat (even popsicles) and was having diarrhea movements a minimum of 1

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1133079736550633152005-11-27T04:19:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:14.879-05:00

After much searching on the net, I have finally figured out my bowel woes--it's Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Maybe that's why I've been so irritable all the time?

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1133018265686048432005-11-26T11:15:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:14.659-05:00

What is wrong with me? These last 2 nights I've actually been getting sleepy and going to bed by or before 10pm. Not only that, but I've also been really tired throughout the day as well. Is my body finally shutting down to get rest after all of those late nights?

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1132956914336463012005-11-25T18:03:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:14.441-05:00

This afternoon we have been cleaning up yesterday's mess along with some of todays. It hasn't been an easy task because I keep finding them doing something other than what I've asked them to do. The reason I named this post "jingle bells" is because that is the most recent thing that I heard Cynthia playing on the piano when she was supposed to be cleaning the table off. All I could think of

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1132912273201459532005-11-25T03:07:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:14.239-05:00

After Thanksgiving Dinner I took the 3 oldest children to see Yours, Mine & Ours (link is review by pluggedin online a division of Focus on the Family). The one thing that is not mentioned in the negative part of the review is that the one child seems to be played as a prepubescent homosexual. This is the child, Lau, that the mom states that, “No one will ever doubt you’re my son.” It was not

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1132658562233596002005-11-22T07:20:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:14.069-05:00

I'm enjoying the Daily Trivia Game Tournament that was started by a friend on a private message board so much, I thought I start one for my blog. I chose Bible Trivia as the question theme.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1132518786988420892005-11-20T16:13:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:13.817-05:00

Today, Jaba and I got into a raising your voice match. For my part, I was totally unrealistic, but quite jealous of Jaba's time. However, the root of my discontent really has to do with my desire to have another baby. I can't pretend to know what it's like to suffer through infertility as Jab and I first got pregnant on the pill, then when we planned to have our second child, we got pregnant

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1132476135196362302005-11-20T04:41:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:13.635-05:00

Your Blog Should Be BlueYour blog is a peaceful, calming force in the blogosphere.You tend to avoid conflict - you're more likely to share than rant.From your social causes to cute pet photos, your life is a (mostly) open book.What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1132472148998007592005-11-20T03:26:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:13.470-05:00

Ya'll I was stopped by the police!!! I was asked to step out of the vehicle and go to the back. I was resigned to getting a speeding ticket as I was going about 57 in a 50 mph zone. But I was stopped because my right tail light and license plate light was broken. I didn't know about either and told the officer that my husband who works at Ball Foods usually drives the truck and I usually

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1132437990971717202005-11-19T18:04:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:13.278-05:00

Well, after about 5 hours of cleaning, the children and I have finally gotten the house clean enough so that we are not embarrassed if suprise guests or company comes by.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1132205025724982762005-11-17T01:00:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:13.002-05:00

Why is it that I can happily clean and organize someone else's home, but it is such a chore to do my own? *raises hand* I know! I know! It's because I don't feel quite as appreciated by my husband and my children as I think I should when I've cleaned my house. How's that for being selfish. I think I've resigned myself to an unclean, but quite lived-in home until the last of my children reach

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1131923605932516722005-11-13T19:10:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:12.639-05:00

Kurt and Shelby no longer just tell me "I hungry" or "I want more." They end everything with "NOW!" I guess they've heard "in a minute" or "wait just a minute" one too many times.BTW, Shelby is telling me, "I want more, now, Mama," right now. So I'm cutting this post short......NOW!

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1131516246222501732005-11-09T02:00:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:11.940-05:00

Try BLOGideas.I sometimes am stumped at what to write about and came across this link on Cara's To Whom It May Concern's blog. Cara is a Christian SAHM.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1131396616080700982005-11-07T16:44:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:11.763-05:00

when I put Kurt and Shelby down for their nap time. After they switched around through the 4 sleeping places (a crib, toddlerbed, cushioned footstool the size of a loveseat, and a twin bed), I kissed them and said "night-night" at the door. I usually say "night-night, love you", but I forgot the love you.Kurt smiled and said, "Night-night, love you."Boy did my heart swell. Love you has always

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1131388582759578962005-11-07T14:31:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:11.524-05:00

"Yak-let now!" That's what Kurt told me.I had to listen to him 4 times before I understood what he wanted...I want chocolate now.My boy's vocabulary has exploded over the last 2 months. With the songs such as "God Bless America" and "Battlehymn of the Republic" and of course "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star", "Itsy Bitsy Spider", "Old McDonald", "Big Big House", "Jesus Loves Me", etc., in his

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1131342493033073552005-11-07T01:46:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:11.275-05:00

WooHoo!! Shelby tinkled on the potty again! Almost as soon as she sat down she began tinkling. Dare I hope that I will have at least one potty trained before Christmas?

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1130776814171913742005-10-31T12:39:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:11.051-05:00

Shelby had taken her clothe and her barely wet diaper off (after I got off the phone with Sandi) so I decided to go ahead and take her to the potty to sit. Shelby started out on the big potty and Kurt on the little one. Neither of them had done anything. So I turned on the water in hopes of getting things flowing, but Kurt just decided he wanted to wash his hands. Shelby took the opportunity

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1130044277061655892005-10-23T01:02:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:10.229-05:00

Jab called me from work about 2pm and asked if I felt comfortable enough for Cynthia to watch the twins from 6-9pm this evening. His boss invited him and his wife(me) to go to their house to watch the LSU game. Jab and I have not had a night out together without kids since we brought the twins home on March 17, 2003. Jab and I have also been cleaning up our junk room, formally known as our

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1129583633363371992005-10-17T17:10:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:10.026-05:00

Waaaay into the future. This is our 5 year plan. The previous post shows the current layout (minus where I'd like to add a foyer locker area) of our house. This one shows how I'd like to remodel our home. Is there anything that any of my friends would do different?This is a general layout of our property. With the exception of the little inkspots near the road at the top of the picture, all

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1129357690519447172005-10-15T02:25:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:09.555-05:00

I would add the foyer locker space in the green rectangle located between BR3 & dining room. It is a foyer area, but it's not a enclosed foyer.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1129257421268254062005-10-13T22:26:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:09.283-05:00

Thanks to Peggy, I have found 2 dream design options for my foyer locker space. My next step is to show my Mom the designs so I can get her opinion. We both like to do projects like these. This design is closest to what I liked about the furniture locker space that I found in my previous post. But I really think I like the next one better.I just absolutely love the way this space is layed out.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1128974943852814722005-10-10T15:57:00.002-04:002006-11-13T13:30:09.026-05:00

I would love to have either something very similar to this style of Entryway locker or have someone build something similar for 8 people. (NO, I'm not expecting, but we do have animals that need a space, too). Right now when any of us come in we put everything on top of the deep freeze. So we end up with baby bags, school backpacks, etc., loaded up on top of the deep freeze.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1128919619824372042005-10-10T00:44:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:08.423-05:00

But only when you add bunny behind it!

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1128918575990428142005-10-10T00:15:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:08.233-05:00

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1128631589442740032005-10-06T16:30:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:07.851-05:00

Mary-Jo as a future bride. Like 20 years into the future!!!This picture was taken at my Grandma's 90th birthday bash. Ninety percent of the time, you will find Kurt playing with trucks or cars. Jaba with the kids and the cats. Duet is the black and white and Solo is the other.Jaba took Al and Mary-Jo fishing early one morning at one of the many nearby lakes back in late July. This is

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1128624228075446492005-10-06T14:38:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:07.538-05:00

Alex got hit in the privates Tuesday night at football practice. He got up and hobbled to the coach and told him, "He hit my private! He hit my private!" Well, as you know, we've been having a problem with soiling & wetting, so when I saw him holding himself, I just assumed he needed to go potty. I told him, "Come on, let's run!" But the coach told me, runnings probably not the best idea. I

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1128493769194143522005-10-05T02:27:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:07.264-05:00

Today has been a real rollercoaster of emotions for me again, but it has also been a day where God has answered prayer and revealed answers and opened a path as well as provided a clear choice.As I waited in the schoolboard office waiting area to meet with the Assistant Superintendent, I prayed and asked that God would soften all of our hearts (Jab's, mine & school officials) and I asked for God

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1128034952073926312005-09-29T17:35:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:06.829-05:00

I am in a rollercoaster of emotions right now. I got a call from the principal today requesting that I drive Alex to and from school instead of him riding the bus. Now, if money were no object, I would be perfectly fine with this; however, money is an object. At the current gas prices, it would cost me between $5-6 a day for transportation. That's $25-30 a week. When I informed the principal

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1128029718848394502005-09-29T17:29:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:06.582-05:00

Kurt loves My Little Pony's. He can even distinguish between them now because I've taught him the color names. They are Purple Nony, Pink Nony, Orange Nony, Ween Nony and White Nony. I don't know why he can say Purple and Pink, but not P-P-P-Pony.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1127981514495342642005-09-29T03:25:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:06.386-05:00

I don't usually let the kids make out a Christmas list for Santa because I don't want them to be disappointed if they don't get what is on their list. Mostly because they really are good kids and I don't want them to think that they've been bad if they don't get everything on their list. So far I'm thinking that this is what I'm going to get them for Christmas this year.Cynthia---art drawing

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1127978260609170422005-09-29T02:56:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:06.141-05:00

I was asked some soul searching questions by some friends and I just thought it might be a good thing to record some of them here.What scripture do you feel you use most often on a regular basis?I struggle with sin so much in my daily life. It is a great burden to know what is and what is not sin. I don't want to sin, but I do it anyway and then feel like such a failure. The following

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1127879962628960732005-09-27T23:36:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:05.898-05:00

It came to my attention this week that some who visit my blog got a bad "vibe" because of the word "smack" in the name. So I thought it would be appropriate to give thedefinition and a synonym for the reason I chose this particular name.So what does SMACK mean to me?First the letters represent the first letters of each of my children's first names...ShelbyMary-JoAlCynthiaKurtSecondly, not only

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1127699157932461562005-09-25T21:37:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:05.647-05:00

Sing with me now...School's out for RITA! No, it's not summer (did you start singing?). It's "Rita" assessment. I know we are out Monday, but not sure what Tuesday and the rest of the week holds. Some areas are still experiencing power outages. Additionally, I think it will depend on whether our gas shortage has abated and if any schools are still being used as a shelter for our Southern

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1127651688322619762005-09-25T08:20:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:05.366-05:00

We finally have the suburban repaired, but I can't drive it anywhere because Alexandria/Pineville has no gasoline anywhere.The final cost on repairs was $1000. Thankfully the mechanic is letting us pay it out over a couple of months.Jab's store can't open because they have a leak in the roof that has left standing water on the floor in the produce aisle as the floor slopes down about an inch or

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1127260707706150592005-09-20T19:53:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:05.120-05:00

Due to Hurricane Katrina our school enrollment has increased tremendously. So our school has added a Kindergarten teacher and Mary-Jo was selected to be moved to her class as the teacher feels that she is able to accept change easily. To be honest, I was really quite thrilled. I had prayed and asked God to provide a friend or two for Mary-Jo. Today I discovered that there are at least 2 girls

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1127260368999464252005-09-20T19:28:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:04.862-05:00

I got a letter from the school yesterday concerning Alex. This is a first offence.Nature of Incident: Fighting his little sister. Pooped in his pants again. Second request for Alex to ride the Special Ed bus or his mom to provide transportation.Action taken by School Administration: Principal held conference with studen and student was reprimanded. Parent is to come to school for a

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1127071889958840792005-09-18T13:15:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:04.740-05:00

Al's football practice started at 2pm Saturday with pictures following at 3:30. His JV game started at 5. He is not a starter so he did not get to play his position the whole game, but he was substituted in about half-way through and played his 2 positions the rest of the game. His positions are the O's.xxx.xxx xxxxxxOxxO xxx.x x x x xAfter football, I took the kids to Cynthia's best friend's (

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1127011617151280492005-09-17T13:25:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:04.493-05:00

The suburban is still not fixed so I was going to have to leave Cynthia home to babysit while I took Alex to football today (1:30-6:00). Cynthia was really disappointed because she wanted to go to Taylor's last rodeo of the season.My Mom was scheduled to work tonight, but she is not feeling too well (that part is not a woohoo) so she is letting me use the van so we can all go to Al's football

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1126946571399516452005-09-17T04:27:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:04.065-05:00

I have been doing lots of painting and cleaning at my SIL's and my FIL's home. She is preparing her 2 spare bedrooms (now that her boys have moved out) for the possibility that my FIL may find it necessary to move in. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer back in March. The first line of treatment did not work and the cancer has spread so now he is reluctantly doing chemo. He has been really

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1126945614071625212005-09-17T04:20:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:03.838-05:00

I heard Cynthia and her best friend, Taylor, talking about band at the beginning of the second week of school. Taylor was expressing her desire to enroll in band and that she wanted to play flute. Well, I have 2 flutes so I told her to get permission from her mom first and that I would let her use one. If after this year she wanted to continue in band when she gets to high school, I told her

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1126945242105504262005-09-17T04:15:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:03.555-05:00

I'm still a Cubbie helper this year. There are nineteen 3 & 4 year old Cubbies enrolled and the majority is made up of the 3 year olds.Mary-Jo was promoted to Sparks this year. I was worried that I might have to move with her, but she has been a big girl this year and has not had attachment issues like we did the previous 2 years. This is Alex's last year of Sparks before he is promoted to T&T

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1126944891725326822005-09-17T04:10:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:03.269-05:00

and he is LOVING it! He is also not complaining as much about doing his homework because I've made it a rule that he has to finish before we go to practice.His jamboree is today at 4:30 after a 2:00 practice and 3:30 pictures. We still don't have the suburban repaired and Jaba has to work. I'll have to leave Cynthia at home in charge of Mary-Jo, Shelby and Kurt. However, it won't be so bad

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1126944631533328842005-09-17T03:27:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:02.890-05:00

Mary-Jo's first days of school (kindergarten) was August 30 and Sept 1. Then she started full-time after Labor Day on Sept 6. However, she missed the first day of FT school because the parish buses for Rapides, Natchitoches and Grant parishes were commandeered by Governor Blanco to transport the people who went to the Superdome & Convention Center of New Orleans as a Place of Last Resort to find

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1126931062723643362005-09-17T00:17:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:02.571-05:00

Two days after my Bus post, our computer totally crashed. We tried to get a second hand computer but the computer that the guy sold us didn't meet what he said it would do so we took it back. So Jaba & his Dad went to Sam's Club and he bought an Explora GS28 PC. We had been talking about getting a new computer as our old one was at least 7 years old, but we were going to wait until Jab got his

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1126930628739131472005-09-17T00:15:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:02.272-05:00

I have been trying for almost a week now to get back onto my blog!!!I thought I had it figured out a week ago, but for some reason I got locked out again.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1125582107581961362005-09-01T09:41:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:02.045-05:00

Cynthia's bus driver drove by her AGAIN without picking her up. He didn't even slow down to look and see if she was there.I called his house first thinking, well maybe his wife can call him on the bus and he can come back by and pick her up. No, no phone on the bus. So I call the school and tell them that this is the second time that he's driven right by her. They asked me if I could bring her to

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1125352130677940102005-08-29T17:47:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:01.749-05:00

I don't recommend this weight-loss regimen.I've lost 16 lbs during the last 2 weeks.First you start with pink eye. I couldn't see to bring a fork to my mouth.Second, you add one hefty dose of viral gastroenteritis to clear out all the bad stuff and and to start your exercize program of utilizing the squeezing of buttocks & swiftness of feet exercises. You also must lay down inbetween these trips

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1124533414641868502005-08-20T05:51:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:00.838-05:00

I just got home from the movies & then "sopping" at Wal-mart. (yes, it's 4am as I type this).I saw 40 Year Old virgin. I liked the main character, but his new buddies should have been left out. The supporting 3 buddies were just waaaaay to crude. I agree with pluggedinonline's review that it should have gotten a NC-17 rating. BTW, the 40 yr old virgin waited until he was married to consumate

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1124533548810889862005-08-19T18:23:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:01.131-05:00

This post is reserved for the Longview vacation that the children and I took with my SIL from Aug 4-15.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1124534091959574962005-08-04T18:26:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:01.372-05:00

After I reviewed my objections about the cell phone with Jaba again, He decided to return them.My objections included: Our home is in a dead zone,$70 for service and we have $101 monthly notes for home insurance coming up in Sept.We still have repairs that are needed on our family vehicle, it's unreliable which makes it unusable.We are already paying for a landlineCynthia is not driving, yet.We

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1123095483693655122005-08-03T14:50:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:00.608-05:00

Why is it that men have to have buy all the gadgets that come out? Jaba brought home 2 cell phones last night. We have already discussed that where we live is a dead zone. We have so many other things that need to be paid--house & auto insurance is coming up in November, we have to get the suburban repaired as we have no family vehicle right now. If I wanna go ANYWHERE with all the kids I

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1122743629561047702005-07-30T13:02:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:00.420-05:00

That's what Shelby told me as she was bringing me my socks and shoes. I let Cynthia, Al and Mary-Jo go with a friend to her house to play on a tree that was cut down. They are making obstacle courses with it to run on and race. They were getting their socks and shoes on, too, so Shelby was telling me she wanted to go. Unfortunately, the grass in the yard is too high and the surburban is not

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1122660006215866382005-07-29T13:55:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:30:00.061-05:00

Mama's sanitary napkins are so much more fun to play with? They make a nice ripping noise when you stick & remove them from the floor, the dining room chairs, the table, and everything else in between. They don't like it too much when it gets stuck in their hair, though.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12765873.post-1122655962296872592005-07-29T12:44:00.000-04:002006-11-13T13:29:59.815-05:00

I was sure that my house would be a disaster area by now, but here we are on day 3 and it's still presentable! Hmmmmm, I wonder if being out of the house for almost all of the waking hours makes a difference?Wednesday evening after Jaba got off from work we went and spent the whole evening with my Aunt Debby, Uncle Howard and cousin Zack. We ate at a BBQ place, then stoped at TCBY for a cool

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645234344214105817noreply@blogger.com0