So Thankful...

I think this was one of the best Thanksgivings ever. Misty and the girls got in about 2:30 in the morning Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. On Wednesday we were able to just hang out and catch up before everyone else arrived. We even went out and did a little Christmas shopping :O)

On Thursday Mom and Dave arrived around 1:30. We spent the afternoon just hanging out until dinner, which was great! I love Thanksgiving! Even if I did gain 3 lbs :O( last week. After dinner Jason, Misty, Dave and I played cards, while the kiddos ran off all the sugar from dessert!

On Friday, Tiffany and her family came down to celebrate Christmas. I had went out at 5a.m. to do some shopping and bought a tree too. By the time Tiff arrived the tree was up, the gifts were under it, and the kids were going crazy with anticipation!

After gifts, mom took us girls shopping for our Christmas gifts!!! I got 2 pairs of jeans( desperately needed), a sweater, a bra, shoes, and a dress for Jason's company Christmas party. The bra and the shoes go with the dress. I had to get one of those 4 in 1 bras b/c for the dress I needed a halter bra and I didn't have one. I can't wait for ya'll to see it. I look HOT!!

PICTURES:

Harrison wasn't much impressed with his first Thanksgiving!

Me and my Mini-Bubba


Daddy and Mini-Bubba

Misty and I-photo taken by Ashyra!

Jason and I-

I'm so thankful for our relationship.

Our ability to understand,forgive, and persevere. He is my soul mate, my "person"

Jason carving the turkey

Ashyra after she tried to use aunt Angel's orange nail polish as eye liner.

It took Misty and Jason holding her down full force to clean her eye!!

Note to self: next visit keep nail polish out of Ashyra's reach!

My sisters and I with our children!

Back row:Tiffany, Me, Misty

Front row: Savannah-7(A), Codey-5 1/2 mo(T), Jonathan- 9 1/2(A),

Elizabeth-3(T), Elize-10(M), Harrison-1 mo(A), Ashyra-3 1/2(M)

Elizabeth

Harrison and Auntie Misty!

Elize and Harrison-She told her mom she wants a little brother. Misty said not until she's married to wealthy Christian man!

Me-in my new yellow sweater

My Ashyra girl

Tiffany's Family

Chris, Codey, Tiffany, and Elizabeth

The Girls being silly in our new sweaters!

Serious Sisters

Chubba-bubba Codey. He's so squeezable!

The Tree

Codey and Auntie Angel

I hope everyone had an awesome Thanksgiving!!

Tomorrow! Tomorrow! Tomorrow!

My sister and my nieces will be here tomorrow :O)

Bizarre

So....last night Jason had a dream that I was pregnant when I went to my six week check up!!


I told him that wasn't a dream....it was a nightmare!!!

63 down, 20 to go!!

Ink

One of the things I'm looking forward to in the next few months is getting a tattoo. It's one of my "gifts" to myself when I reach my goal weight. I want to get an orange lily. Below is kind of what I what. It's the closet thing I can find right now. I don't want the bud sticking out, and a little less greenery. My friend Amy found it for me b/c of course whatever I get has to have orange! The orange lily means "I burn for you". So I want to incorporate one of my favorite verses into the tat as well. Jason got a Jesus Fish( see below) when he got his last tattoo. I like the Jesus Fish as a symbol of faith, but I can't find one I really like. So I think I'm going to stick with the lily and a verse.

Jason and I have talked about getting matching tattoos as well. We haven't been able to decide on anything yet though. I'm really picky about where I will get a tattoo b/ c I want to be able to cover if I want and display it if I want. This one will go between my shoulder blades on my back. I can cover it when I'm in mom mode or I don't want it to be seen, but I can throw on a tank when I want to show it off!!

Sweat, Breastmilk, and other tasty tidbits!!

**I have have lost 63 lbs since the start of my pregnancy! Over 30 since Harrison was born. My clothes are huge on me. I need new jeans, really new everything. I only weigh 15 lbs more than Jason. How exciting. I plan to weigh less than him by the end of the year!!

**One of my goals for 2009 is to run a 5k. I love running. I haven't done it in forever, my endurance sucks. I can't wait to get back into it.

**I read all the blogs everyday, several times usually. I am slow to comment b/c normally I'm nursing when I read and I don't want to type one handed.

**Harrison's eyes look like they might be brown!!!! How stinkin' exciting. A child that resembles me!! Did I tell you he has detached earlobes too!

**No matter how much I shower I always smell like sweat and breast milk. At least to me.

**Jason fireman carried me across the house...just cause he could

**This summer we are going to Alabama for a family vacation!!!

Update! Update! Update!

I know I have been majorly MIA since Harrison was born. So if this post rambles I apologize. I want to get as much out as I can before Harrison wakes up again!! First off, thank you for the thoughts and prayers over the last week. I'm still tired, but hopefully it will be up hill from here!! He's really a good baby, better than Jonathan and Savannah were.

On Thursday night we headed to Texas. We stayed with my good friend Staci! It was nice to hang out and chill with a friend even if it was only for a few hours!

Me and Staci

Harrison and Staci

It's hard to believe Harrison is almost 3 weeks old. Tomorrow is my due date, technically he should still be cooking. He is so sweet. I love his little detached earlobes, and heart shaped lips. He's so little and snuggly. At his 2 week check up he was only 7 lbs 10.5 oz, still 1/2 an oz off his birth weight. He nurses well, by well I mean a lot! It's hard work! I know it's worth it though.

Jason has been college searching. He wants to start classes in January. While it's a scary prospect, it's an exciting prospect. Him having a degree and working in the technology field would guarantee my status as a stay at home wife and mother. Which I love and is the best job in the world!! He has put in for his GI Bill, now we have to wait for VA which is a hassle. He is still deciding between a 2 year program, then moving on to a 4 year or going straight to the 4 year.

Jonathan and Savannah are doing great. They are really wonderful with the baby. Savannah almost to much. She's always in his face, which I think bothers me more than him. He is our "Mini-Bubba".

Wish I could write more, but Harrison is screaming!

Exhausted

Harrison has been fussy

Not sleeping more than 2-3 hours at a time

Will only sleep in the arms of momma or daddy

He doesn't sleep in his crib

or his car seat

or his swing

or his bouncy seat

or his basket

Are you getting the picture?

No sleep

If it wasn't for Jason, I'd have done passed out from exhaustion

He's been wonderful beyond measure

Staying up until 3 am when he has to up at 7 to go to work....

Cleaning the house while I sleep...

And so much more

I'm trying very hard not to give up breastfeeding

but it's so exhausting!!!

Momma is TIRED!!

It was rough for a few days....

Harrison had his first growth spurt this week. It was rough! He was eating every 2 hours for about 48 hours. To include the nights. Like I said, ROUGH! Last night he went to bed at 11:45, woke up at 2:45 to eat, then didn't wake up again until 7:45. I can handle that.

I haven't decided what to do with the baby blog. Several people have asked me if I'm going to make it all about Harrison and I just don't know. It would be nice to have a blog dedicated to only him, but at the same time maintaining 2 blogs seems a little daunting now that he's here. I will keep you posted on what I decide. Until then, I'll just keep updating this one!

We Voted! Did you?

HOW WOULD JESUS VOTE?

1. Jesus would not vote according to his 'pocketbook'. 1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

2. Jesus is Pro Life. Jeremiah 1:5 Before you were formed in the body of your mother I had knowledge of you, and before your birth I made you holy...Psalm 139:13-16 ; Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

3. Jesus is not tolerant of the homosexual lifestyle. Romans 1:27-28 And in the same way the men gave up the natural use of the woman and were burning in their desire for one another, men doing shame with men, and getting in their bodies the right reward of their evil-doing. And because they had not the mind to keep God in their knowledge, God gave them up to an evil mind, to do those things which are not right.

4. Jesus would not vote for anyone who has interests in other religions besides Christianity. John 14:6 Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

5. Jesus is against welfare. (the church should provide for people's needs). 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

6. Jesus is pro Israel. Nehemiah 13:2 Because they did not give the children of Israel bread and water when they came to them, but got Balaam to put a curse on them: though the curse was turned into a blessing by our God. Genesis 12:2-3 I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great. You will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you. All of the families of the earth will be blessed in you.

7. Jesus knows who really controls the economy. Matthew 6:31-34 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.8. Jesus is not worried about social security or the stock market. Matthew 6:19-20 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

It all comes down to this. We need God in America again. Our economy, our children, our marriages, etc. need healing. While neither candidate looks to be a strong Christian candidate - as a nation which one will lead us closer to God and not farther away?2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. As Christians, who we vote for does matter to God! Romans 14:10-12 As surely as I live,' says the Lord, every knee will bow before me; Every tongue will confess to God.' So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. 2 Corinthians 5:10

Harrison's Story

I know I have been promising to update, and here is it!

So...on Monday the 27th I went to the OB and my BP was still high. He decided to go ahead with the induction on Wednesday. This was the first day of my 37th week. The earliest the hospital would let him induce. He "stretched" me out. Whatever that means, all I know is it hurt like a B!! I'm glad he did this though, I think it helped speed up labor. By the time I went to the hospital Wednesday morning I was having small contractions and was starting to lose my mucus plug. I arrived at 5 a.m., but didn't get to my room until almost 6 b/c I asked for a big room with a window and one had to be cleaned for me. At 6:13 the pitocin was stated, I was dilated to a 3, and we were on our way to having a baby!

In an effort to speed things up, they broke my water at 8..another cervix check and I was dilated to 4! I chilled for awhile, but decided to go ahead and start a epidural around 8:30. By 9 I was hooked up and ready to go. Once I wasn't feeling contractions, I was a happy camper. I wish I had some neat story to insert here about how Jason and I bonded over the impending birth of our son. However, I went to sleep and he maintained communications via text and phone with everyone awaiting news of Harrison's arrival.

I woke around 11, they checked me and I was a 6. As soon as I was fully awake I started fussing to the nurse that I had to poop SO bad!! She laughed at me and said no that was the baby. I was like no, I don't feel any contractions, in fact I feel great, except I really have to poop! She checked me again and I was an 8! Within a few more minutes I was a 10! It happened so quick!! My mom and sister had barely gotten into the room before they ushered them back out so they could begin to set up for delivery. I did not feel a single contraction after the epidural, so I sat there in awe as everyone hustled around me to set up for the birth. I just kept thinking, I just have to poop! Finally they convinced me that the baby was coming and I needed to push. This is where it gets painful.

Harrison's head was sideways..yea...ouch! I was freaking out. It hurt so bad! Jason said I only pushed for about 5 -10 minutes, but it felt like hours! It was the worst part of the whole thing. He was small enough that if his head had been vertically long like my girl parts I'd have delivered him so easy. Instead I had to an episiotomy :O( I so didn't want one. Once I was cut and was able to push his head out, the rest of him came out so easy.

Jason's favorite part of the birth story is the fact that he came out peeing! As soon as is body was delivered he started peeing all over the doctors! They gave him to me for a split second, before they took him to clean up. He got weighed( 7 pounds, 11 ounces), measured (20 inches) and scored a 9 and 9 on his apgar. Then they brought him to me!!

He's so tiny. He started out tiny, then lost 9 oz, which dropped him down to almost 6 lbs. All his newborn clothes swim on him. He is doing so well now. He didn't much the first few days, he slept to much! Now he's eating well, and still sleeping quite a bit! I'm sure you will hear so much about him over the next few months, you're going to want to puke. I'm apologizing in advance!!!

Check it out!

More Pics

It's faster to load pics to myspace, so there are a lot there. I unlocked my profile so non-myspace friends can see them. Just click on the the word pics below Harrison's pic. I will write an update soon, promise.

http://www.myspace.com/savannahandjonathansmom

We're Home!

Harrison Daniel Lee

October 29, 2008

12:09p.m.

7 lbs 11 oz

20 inches

I'll post more tomorrow

Wide Awake!!

I think I slept in too late today.
I cannot get to sleep!
I toss and turn, and I'm sooo uncomfortable!!
I don't know where I'm going to get the energy to make it through the day tomorrow.
I'm going to go lay down and try again, maybe Jason has stopped snoring.....

Feelin' Better

Now that I have an actual induction date for Harrison, I am feeling better. It helped ease my anxiety a little bit. Or should I say it feeds the control freak in me. I hate not knowing. I can handle anything, if I know!

I did everything to get ready yesterday, so now I get to lay around until it's time for me to show up at the hospital :O)

Be on the look out for updates!!

Freakin Out

Yes, freakin like no other. You'd think I'd never had a baby before. I'm petrified of the pain. I'm not quite sure why. I was never afraid before. Then once I get past the thought of the pain. I keep thinking that I actually have to bring this baby home!! Care for him, nurse him, lose sleep b/c of him...it makes my head swim! I am excited too. I can't wait to see what he looks like, hold him close to me, and smell his clean baby scent. I never had these type of conflicting emotions with the other 2 children. I'm not sure what my deal is.

SHE'S BACK!!!

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO KNOW MY SISTER SHE HAS STARTED UPDATING HER BLOG AGAIN!! WHOO-HOO!


http://thedukegirls.blogspot.com/

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Life Rambles

The dog is driving me nuts! She'll pee outside all day long. She hasn't grasped the pooping outside concept yet. Made worse by the fact that Jason's feeds her in the morning. So she poops during the day. So today I made the command decision to feed her at 6-7 ish so she'll do all that pooping business while Jason is home in the evening. his way her last poop should be the first thing the next morning which is still on Jason's watch. YIPEE!

This weekend is going to be crazy! Why can't my last weekend pregnant be relaxing?? On Saturday Jonathan has his last football game at 12. Can I get a woo-hoo! Then Savannah's birthday party starts at 3. We will have cupcakes, and presents then head to the theater for HSM 3. Saturday night both Jonathan and Savannah are having a friend over. Sunday is our Church's annual Fall Festival. Which is supposed to be outside, so I hope it warms up!!

On Monday I will find out when this baby is arriving!! It will be sometime next week, but I'm not sure what day and I PLAN to keep it a secret and surprise everyone. We'll see, I tend to be unable to keep secrets exciting as something like that!!

All is ready for baby. I only need alcohol for his umbilical cord and a bathtub. The tub isn't an immediate need until the umbilical cord falls off. If the sono gram from last time was correct, and the baby gained 1/2 pound a week since then, he'll weigh in the high 7's or low 8's. About the same size as Savannah. My other BP induced early baby.

In other baby news: My sister is pregnant! No, not Misty. Tiffany. Yes, she's the one that just had a baby in June. This baby will be due about a week before Codey's first b-day. BUT, since she had a C-section last time, she'll have another one this time, so she'll probably be induced the end of May! So they'll be 11 1/2 months apart. WOW! Oh oh, and she has a 3 year old step daughter! What a brave girl. I told her to tell Chris that her big sister said now he needs to make an honest woman out of her!!

Harrison Update

http://landon-olivia.blogspot.com/

Our Weekend

On Friday the princess turned 7. She declared it her best birthday ever!! Hehehe. They are so easy to please when they are young. Her party is next weekend. We(ok, I) will be taking Savannah and 3 friends to see HSM 3! I could lie and say I'm dreading it, but I love HSM too, so I'm kind of excited for some G rated fun. The dancing is amazing.

On Friday we also took this little lady to the vet. She doesn't have a chip, so we had a family meeting and declared her a Hallock. Her name is Doxie, b/c she is a miniature dachshund. The vet said she is probably about 3 months old. So she's a teeny tiny thing! She is still doing very well potty training. She hates her crate, and would much rather sleep under the covers snuggled up to a hot body!Yesterday was our 12 year anniversary. Jonathan had a game in Augusta(we got killed!) then we just came home and hung out. J ended up staying the night with a friend. I helped Savannah clean her sty of a room. If any one has any motivational techniques to get a 7 year old to keep
her room clean please let me know!!

Savannah and Doxie

Today I woke up feeling awful. Correction, I woke up at 2 am feeling awful. I was was puking, and I had a headache that was slowly easing into a migraine. I spent about 45 minutes in the hottest shower I could stand, I took some Tylenol, then headed back to bed. When I woke up this morning I didn't feel any better. I opted out of Church and hopped back in the shower. I felt a little better after that and ate some french toast. Big mistake! It came back up!! My headache still isn't gone. Jason and I went to wal-mart to check my BP. It was a little a high, but not as high as it has been, so I'm hanging around to see if I start to feel better. I go back to the Dr on Wednesday, I'm going to try and make it until then. I don't want to go to the hospital, be admitted, just to sit there for 2 days again.....

Me-looking miserable today :O)

My bubba looking like a cutie today!

12 Years Baby!!

12 years today we decided to begin this wild ride called marriage

it's been hard, fun, happy, sad and so much more

but i wouldn't have it any other way

always you, only you

Carry each others burdens,

and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ
Galatians 6:2

A new family member?

Last night Jason called me freaking out. He thought he had hit a dog. When he got out to check it out, he found this adorable little dachshund. She was shivering, and smelly, and since she didn't have a collar, or tags...Jason brought her home. We took to one of the local vets today and she doesn't have a chip, so on Monday we are going to call the animal control guy at the police dept. If that does not produce her family, then I guess we are keeping her. The vet guessed her to be about 3 months old. She has only had one accident in her crate, and I think that is b/c we didn't listen to her. All other deposits have been outside. Yippee! I can handle a mostly potty trained dog. Anyone who has known us longer than 8 years may remember scooter. He was our "first" baby. We got him shortly after we got married, and had him until March '02 when he jumped off our bed, broke his back, and had to be put down :O(

Doxie resembles Scooter so much!! It almost makes me want to keep her.

First we have see if she already has a family.

P.S. Harrison may be coming reall soon too~

Feel Like Gambling??

Then check out Harrison's Blog :O)

http://landon-olivia.blogspot.com/

I had a great 30th!

One of my very best friends got married! Teresa and I have been friends since 5th grade!!

The Beautiful Bride

Steve-the groom

Notice their accent color!!!
Mr. and Mrs. Sims
Me and Teresa
Pics on the Harley
I also received an e-mail from my long lost friend who lives in Clay Center. April and I have known each other since 3rd and 4th grade!! I sent an e-mail to the only e-mail I had for her. Turns out it was an old one, but she finally checked yesterday! How cool is that?? I received lots of texts, calls, messages, and comments for my day. THANK YOU!!

I'm going to make you fat!!!

I have to share 2 new recipes that I have tried the past couple of weeks. Neither are healthy(at all), but both are ohh so delish!!


Amy's Potato Soup-This recipe tastes EXACTLY like Outback's Potato Soup. It is very thick it's not a brothy potato soup. Oh, and it makes a ton!!

5 lbs potatoes, cut into cubes
3 sticks marg.
1 yellow onion diced
1 1/2 C. flour
11 C. water
1/4 C. chicken broth/ 1 bullion cube
1 Tb. sweet basil
Salt-to taste( I used about a 1/2 TB)
Pepper-to taste( I used about 1 TB)
16 oz heavy whipping cream

**Boil potatoes to soften-set aside
**Boil water, chicken stock, basil, salt, and pepper
** While water is boiling. Melt marg. in skillet. Add onions. Saute until translucent.
** Add flour to marg. mix. Mix well with whisk.
**Add flour/marg to boiling water. Stir with whisk until dissolved.
**Add potatoes and boil for 5 minutes.
** Remove soup from heat and stir in heavy whipping cream
** Place a lid on the pot and allow soup to sit on the stove top until ready to serve( 2-3 hour minimum)
**Serve with bacon crumbles and shredded cheese

So YUMMY! Now once you have had that for dinner. You can make this super simple dessert:

Cheesecake Sopapilla

2(8oz) cream cheese
2(8oz) crescent rolls
1 C sugar
1 t. vanilla or almond extract
1 stick marg, melted
1/2 C cinnamon sugar mix( 1/2 c. sugar with 1 TB cinnamon)

**Flatten 1 pkg. rolls into the bottom of a 9x13 pan
**Mix Cream chz, sugar, and extract. Spread over rolls.
**Place the 2nd roll of crescents over the cr chz mixture
**Pour melted marg. over the top ans sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mix
** Bake at 350 for 30 minutes

Super good as a sweet breakfast treat too. I prefer it warm, but you can refrigerate and serve later if desired.

Let the baking begin!!

Not Much Going On

No big news. Kids got out of school early today, so we are chillin. My Dad came down this morning for a few hours. It was nice to spend some time with him. Tomorrow Jonathan has a football game. Then Jason is supposed to help me put together my scrap area. SWEET! Jason is looking into nursing school again. He's on his way home from a meeting at one of the schools.

That's all folks!!

I hate my Nana!

That is what my little girl said today. Now you may be inclined to think 'what a horrible thing to say'! First let me give you some background. When the kids were there(PA) this summer she made some sort of commitment to both of them to send them a DS game when they got home. The kids arrived home the 28th of July, and Jonathan's Guitar Hero game arrived shortly after. I know it was here before school started and that was the 12th of August.

It is now the 6th of October and no game from Nana for Savannah. Savannah asked her about when she was here for her surprise visit and Karen said it should have already been here( apparently it was ordered off ebay) and she would check on it and let us know. Last week Jason sent her a text inquiring about the game AND told her how upset Savannah was. What does she do? She calls back and leaves a message telling him she will let him know what's going on with if he calls her back!!! What! She is using it as leverage to make him call her???AGH! He of course just threw the phone and used some not nice words and said he wasn't going to play her games.

So today I pick the kids up from school, and Savannah asks of I checked the mail box(the PO box) and did her game come?? I have to say for at least the 50th time, 'no honey, it didn't'. That's when she busts out "I hate my Nana". What could I say? I don't blame her. Jason tried to talk to Karen about her favoritism towards Jonathan when she was here, but she refused to acknowledge that there was even favoritism. She made sure Jonathan had his game ASAP, and not only has Savannah been waiting for 2 months to get hers, she wants to play mind games with Jason about it. Sad.

Hospital Update

On Harrison's blog :O)

I'm Home! With no baby!

It was a scary few days, but it turned out well. They were able to get my BP down, for now. I have a feeling it will go back up though. It was a roller coaster for 48 hours as to what was going to happen. They are going to monitor me closely for the next 6 weeks, and I'm to do as little as possible and keep the BP down.

More Later