Saturday, September 29, 2007

Ashley Now 12 days Old


Ashley is doing well now. She is 12 days old and weighs 6lbs 14oz. She just had to get medicine for thrush but it is finally going away. Her siblings are just in love with her and find her adorable. They just love every little thing she does. Thankfully there are no jealousies. I am glad they've never dealt with that. They always thank me for having little babies, no joke!! LOL! Little stinkers. I tell them to simmer down when they ask when I'm gonna have another one.

 I can't wait for my sis who lives out of the country to come visit us. We all miss her and kids very much and we can't wait for them to see our new bundle. 

 Anyhow, life is calming down more back to normal now that I am not in pain with being pregnant. In fact, today I spent 7 hours cleaning out the garage, it looks beautiful! It feels so great to have my body back and my flexibility. LOL! It feels weird being able to bend over again. The other day as I put my foot up on the bed to tie my shoes, I had to stop and think about why I was able to do that. As I stood there for a second I also realized I could see and paint my toe nails. I was so excited.

Friday, September 28, 2007

Stop Having Children!


Mr. Phillips, Stop Having Children!

We receive thousands of pieces of mail at the Vision Forum. Many are encouraging. Some are confrontational. This letter recently arrived on my desk.
[Mr. Phillips] Your poor wife must be sick of popping out kids? Stop overpopulation! Use birthcontrol for (expletive deleted)! Pitiful. Stop adding “freaks” to our society. Abstain. God would want you to (sic). ___.
Dear _, God bless you. This is Doug’s “poor” wife here writing to assure you that “popping out” kids, though challenging, is among the most glorious gifts that the Lord bestows upon a redeemed woman. Prolific mothers are not “baby machines” (as both Margaret Sanger and some very confused professing Christians), but blessed vessels of life from which the Lord brings eternal souls into this earth and fulfills his own command that man “be fruitful and multiply.”
For a Christian, having babies is not about birthing pains, changing diapers or baking cookies(though it includes all of these). Having babies is about transforming the world forever. This investment will last, not for thirty years, not for my lifetime, but f-o-r-e-v-e-r. The investment is realized on earth and pays dividends for eternity. On earth, we pray that these children will advance the very kingdom of God. But in heaven, the souls of every redeemed child will stand with me throughout eternity before the Lord Jesus. The pressures of today (be they financial, physical, etc.)that taunt Christians to self-consciously distort God’s fruitful purpose for the womb, and to separate life from love, will seem infinitesimally small as we look back upon this whisper of a life with our children beside us in eternity.
My children can have more far reaching implications for society and posterity than anything else I can do. Having babies and training children for Jesus Christ means my life work will last forever. I hurt for you and those sad, misguided souls who would think of prolific motherhood as reducing women to the status of “baby machine.” I refuse to accept the minimizing, selfish, materialistic, and limited vision of womanhood dispensed by the apostles of modernity and relevancy in this generation. My dream is far greater. I reject the options which the world offers. I want something bigger.
Though I have been blessed with seven children who are the delight of my soul, Doug and I fervently pray for more. While I am not sure what you mean by “freaks,” I can assure you it is my goal to populate the world with “fools for Christ” who view children as a blessing, the womb as sacred, and the calling of helpmeet and mother as holy before our Lord Jesus.
I understand that you and I disagree on these points, but I want to let you know that I am glad that your mother gave you life. I don’t know you, but I would never wish that you were not born, nor would I presume that the world would be a better place without you. In fact, I would be happy if perhaps someday we can meet unified in Christ and as friends. And yes, with more babies on our laps.
Sincerely Yours, Beall Phillip
***Click Here to go to article

Thursday, September 27, 2007

17lb baby? Ouch!


Here's an article of a woman in Russia who had a 17lb baby. Holy Moly. Although she had a c-section, that baby must've been hard to carry in the tummy! She must have muscles of steel.

New Avatar


Cute new Avatar! Goodbye pregnancy lady, hello new little baby. Okay, this picture is kind of blurry the actual one is in my sidebar. So fun to play with these things

Are They All Yours? Well, yes....

Okay, I know some of you guys have been wondering some things. Here are just some answers to some of those hidden questions you have. I've submitted this to My Page at the People's Media Content. Just for fun. Thought I'd write it here to.

I am a mother of five. It didn't just happen overnight. No. Just within a few different anniversary celebrations, I ended up having babies nine months later. Not all five were planned. In fact, I think we planned one. Little Kyle. He must know he was so lovingly planned because he's the only one that clings on to me and would rather hang on my leg than run around with his brothers at McDonalds. That is not to say I didn't enjoy having my others. I love them to death! They are my joys, my laughter, the cause of my dyed over gray hairs, the little loves of my life. But, for some reason I am not good at planning. So, here I am with five little kids born within seven years time.

When I was pregnant with my first child, I remember sipping coffee, chatting with my pregnant friends online, dreaming of the day I would have a little baby to lay on top of that perfect little blanket set inside of that cute little crib. I was nervous about becoming a mommy, but I knew my little baby boy was going to listen to me and make me a proud mommy by not acting like all those little stinkers I saw being naughty in the stores. I had my facts all put together. That was, until my first born came into the world. Sure, I was fine in the hospital, but once I brought him home, I had no idea what to do. I cried when he cried, I didn't sleep when he slept. I was exhausted. I thought, "who in the world thought it was okay for me to bring this baby home from the hospital?" I had no clue and I was scared. When Chaz was about three months old, I was happily catching onto things and loved how nursing was another form of birth control. Or so I thought. Nine months later.....

Here came baby number two. Little Ryan. I realized when I had baby Ryan, I still had another baby at home. Chaz had just turned 12 months old when Ryan decided Chaz can't have the limelight anymore. For some reason, by having two kids, I started to really feel accepted in the "mommy world". Now I would have a little bit of merit in offering advice. While my head was still reeling from discovering parenthood the first time around, I had to quickly get my act together for baby number two. I even started feeling funny about sitting on the floor playing Nintendo which I loved to do since the elementary years. I decided it was time to start learning a little bit more about cooking besides microwaving Pasta Roni's. It was around baby number two that I decided that I didn't believe in birth control pills anymore since I learned how they really work. Once I found out what doctors never bothered to tell me, I banned them from my house and never took another one again.

I don't know what it is about the holidays, but it's romantic. it was also the time of year we decided to get married back in 1998. We love the holidays. Without noticing the time of year, Charles and I started to think about how we didn't have a baby girl yet and would like to "try" for one. I don't know why I say "try" because I can just say the word "baby" and one appears nine months later exactly. Well, it was the holidays and Charles and I were sitting at the air park watching planes depart and arrive at the airport. We looked at each other and both decided within a 10 minute time frame that with a littlest son being so grown at one year old and another at two, now was a good time to have another. Nine months later, no joke, came baby number three. Our first, and last, planned baby so far. Our third little boy. We name this phenomenon Kyle. By this time, I was really getting into the mommy mode. I had it figured out. Having three kids within three years meant that I had to have three in diapers. Chaz was not yet potty trained and had an aversion to toilets. I had to lay down all three at the same time and slap diapers on them when needed. I no longer played Nintendo on the floor because I had no time. Nope. Just time to clean, break up toddler fights, add thousands of diapers to the landfills, and take a shower when kids were sleeping. When another year had passed, I started to really long for a daughter but I knew that I was not ready to think about having the fourth. I don't know what it is about the fourth, but it was a scary world to me. However, during the holidays, and not being careful, once again something strange happened. Nine months later came.......

Baby number four. My sweet little, itsy bitsy Ivy Joy. As cute as a button. She was my little doll. I dressed her up like one too. By this time I badly needed a minivan and although I said I'd never want to own one, it had to happen. I quickly got over it. The weird thing is my husband started acting funny around her. Even as she started to get a little older and started to show some attitude. My husband just melted around her. What happened to my tough husband who was always so quick to set bad behaviors straight? I think it died temporarily with the birth of his first baby girl. Me thinks someone lulled daddy into her grasp. A year later and so many suggestions that I should quit now that I got my little girl. I thought so too. I got my three boys and my little girl. I should be happy. Oh trust me, I am very happy with my little four. But because of those darned holidays and miscalculations of an ovulation.....

Nine months later came baby number five. My second little girl and just as cute as a button. 10 days ago, as I was laying in my hospital bed recovering from her birth, I was amazed how far we've come. Who would've ever thought that the girl who was once a sassy immature teen, a few years later would learn the true joys of life were not in pleasing only ourselves. That mothering little ones are one of the greatest joys God could give us. Yes they make me cry sometimes, worry a lot, and have to clean an awful lot of messes, but they were worth it. Every time they run to me with an ouchy, or cling to me when they're scared, I realize how good it feels to be needed. Even better, how much more awesome living really can be by having that selfishness driven right out of me. Kids will do that to you. Many ask me how come I seem so calm with so many little ones running around me. I tell them, although I didn't have it all planned out, I realize that I made my life like this. No one made me. So enjoy it. I've chosen not to complain about the little things. Not to pick on mistakes. Find humor in the craziest situations. I had to remind myself that God had originally designed families this way. And here all this time I thought He meant for us to do Algebra together when He said "Be fruitful and multiply". After much thought, prayers, and tears, I came to a conclusion. If God designed women to have children, then He will also give us the strength to raise them. No need to fret. No, I'm not mother magnificent. I just understand that millions of women before have traveled down this same road. Boy is it a wonderful road. :o)

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Kyle Sleeping



This is so funny. We were getting pictures done at the mall yesterday evening and while we were waiting to view the pictures, we hadn't noticed that our son Kyle had fallen asleep. A couple came in and told us we just had to see what our son was doing. We walked out of the store and looked in the window and saw how Kyle (who is dressed up like Batman) had fallen asleep against the glass and people were laughing as they passed by. It was pretty funny. The workers had to get a picture too.

View My Slideshow!


Come see pictures taken at the hospital of our newest bundle! Click here to view slideshow or click here to read birth story.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY? (written by kids)

You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should li ke it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
-- Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
-- Kristen, age 10


WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
Twenty-three is the best age b e cause you know the person FOREVER by then.
-- Camille, age 10

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
-- Derrick, age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
Both don't want any more kids.
-- Lori, age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
-- Lynnette, age 8

On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
-- Martin, age 10

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
When they're rich.
-- Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
- - Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
- - Howard, age 8

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
-- Anita, age 9

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?

There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
-- Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 Favorite is........
HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?

Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck.
-- Ricky, age 10

Monday, September 24, 2007

Ashley, 7 days old


My computer was down a few days so I couldn't work on my slideshow of Ashley. Yesterday was her first church service and I wanted to show you a picture of her little preemie dress. Cute. This isn't the best picture of her because she was fussy so I got the best one I could get. LOL! It's hard with a little wiggly newborn who wants to eat.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Baby Arrived!


Baby Ashley is here, you can click here to read birth story. Pictures will follow soon!

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Van Repairs

Thankfully we are taking our van in today to get some repairs done. The connection is bad to our fan and we've broken down a few times. It also makes it to where we haven't been able to run our a/c so we need to get it fixed before Ashley is here. It's so hot out there and there is no way she can ride around in the van like that. Also, I keep forgetting to pack my hospital bag! I'm always like that. When I went into labor with Chaz, I packed right before I went into hospital. Sooooo, I need to get to work. That, and stock up on diapers. I forgot about that too. I have to buy those teeny butt diapers. LOL. They are so cute. :o)

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Joy in Finding Sugar!



Do you remember the blog I sent around called, "Heartbreak in Finding Sugar"? Well, if you haven't read it, it'll help to read it to understand how excited we are to have him back. To get Sugar out of the pound, we had to sell our little Chihuahua. It was better for her we all thought because truthfully, she was terrified of the kids. She would always run under the beds and hide. I don't blame her. What Chihuahua wants to be pushed in strollers, shopping carts, and dressed in doll outfits? They are already nervous dogs as it is. So we found her a home that was much more peaceful for her. In the meantime, we were able to go get Sugar out of the pound. We had at to pay $119 to get her licensed and vaccinated before we could get her out. That was our dilemma. Charles and I were nervous not knowing how his temperament was. We haven't had him in awhile. Well, he is much more calmed down, still knows his command I originally taught him, and he gets along great with Daisy our Great Dane. They are very happy together and even cuddle each other at night. They are male and female which means Sugar is scheduled to get neutered very soon! They are both excellent dogs and I don't have to cry anymore thinking about him in the pound. Also, good news, our little Jasmine is pregnant! We are all happy in our little animal kingdom!

My Cat is Pregnant!!!


Well, our little Jasmine, which is Chaz's cat, is pregnant!! We are all so excited and are trying to be more sensitive about watching out for her bulging tummy. She is much more sleepy and just loves to be cuddled. By and adult I should add. She's not as patient as she normally is. I totally understand Jasmine! I am pregnant myself. Lol!

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Friday, September 07, 2007

My Little Batman


Kyle is just at this really cute age where he is so fun to be around. He's out of his "terrible twos and threes" but still young enough to say the cutest things. I love how every night he wants to go to bed in his Superman Pajamas and every morning when he wakes up he goes right into his Batman Costume. He just wants to wear them everywhere but I have to put my foot down when he says he's gonna wear it to church. LOL!

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Video and Pic of 36 Weeks with Ashley


Too Blessed to be Stressed!

I had a really difficult and weird couple of days. Or should I say month? LOL! My husband got laid off of his job a month ago but he left with an amazing letter of reference for the next company. Well, we decided that with us having savings money, instead of him finding work right away, he would take time off and be with me in my last month of pregnancy. So far it's been awesome since I have had horrendous back pains in this pregnancy and I lose lots of sleep over it. The doctor gave me pain pills but they are very powerful and knock me out for like a day and a half. Not a good thing when you have four little kids. Anyhow, so in these circumstances, we are also hoping for things to ride pretty smoothly and I have to honestly say they have. Between my friends Brianne and Michele, they have been great support for us and are always there.

Yesterday we got a nail in our tire and had to take our van to Discount Tire to get it it fixed. Because of it, we couldn't meet the boy's bus in time and they had to be taken to my friend's house who lives close by. Today, as we were leaving a store with a big shelf on the top of our van, our van overheated and we had to pull over. We couldn't of been stuck in a more terrible spot because we were very far from any phones and didn't have cell phones on us. We sat in the heat for quite some time waiting for van to cool down so we could look under the hood.

 With my back pain, I am unable to sit for very long so I had to pace under the 100 degree sun since there was no shade anywhere. The worst part was that my four year old had to go poopie and couldn't wait. Where we were parked was off the side of the road with a big empty field. Lots of cars were constantly passing us and could easily see anyone on the field. I looked everywhere to find a place for my son to relieve himself but had to just help him go into the dirt right there in front of cars. With his little white butt, I'm sure it was a strange sight. Charles was so embarrassed! LOL! Finally we found out what was wrong with our van and could only put a temporary fix on it till we could get to nearest gas station. 

 From there I called my friend, once again, to see if my kids could be dropped off at her house till we got there. Once we left gas station, we couldn't leave to get part for van because we had to go pick up the boys. After we picked them up, with a temperature gage going up and down, we tried to get home as soon as possible. As we were pulling our van into the garage we heard a "crunch sound". Charles said, "what the heck was that?!" We pulled back out and realized we had forgotten all about the shelf on top of the van and crushed part of it! Charles hopped out of van and was so upset but when I saw the crushed shelf I just lost it. I started laughing and laughing. I couldn't stop. We had just been stuck in the heat for a long time because of our van and now that we finally made it home, we smashed the one thing we had bought today. Charles just looked at me weird as he saw me laughing my head off. I figured, why cry? Might as well have a good laugh! It was a funny sight seeing Charles try to fix the crushed leg on shelf it was smashed so bad. LOL! When I finally got inside, I changed and my shirt practically peeled off from sweating so badly in the heat. It sure was a strange end to a strange day!

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

36 Week Pregnancy Check-up

I'll bring a piece of my journal here.

My check up for 36 weeks went well. I lost a pound so I've only gained 18 lbs so far. Hopefully it'll stay there for the next couple of weeks or for the last month. I am 1cm dilated so far. That's good to know because a couple of weeks ago I was not dilated at all. But who knows with that stuff. It could mean nothing, depends with each pregnancy. Ashley's heart beat sounds good and she's measures good. I'm so curious as to how much she's gonna weigh. I haven't had any more ultrasounds at all to see. I'm trying to buy the stuff I need as fast as possible. I have a cradle and a changing table now but I'm still trying to get a rocking chair for nursing. I'm gonna set her up in our room because we don't trust Ivy! LOL! We just know she'll try to mother her so once Ashley is old enough, we'll move her in with Ivy. Right now Ivy would just want to crawl into Ashley's crib and try to give her bottles and blankets. So, for sake of Ashley's survival, I think we'll be extra cautious. LOL!

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Ivy Eating Donuts

My Nephews and my Dad

These are my two cute nephews and my dad. My kids always ask for Kelvyn and Geoffrey. All the time. They hate that they live far and they just adore them.

Saturday, September 01, 2007

Smart Dog!

Make sure to turn off music in Sidebar first.

Outreach at Park




Our church does outreaches every week to tell people about Jesus every Saturday night. Sometimes they are at church and sometimes they are at the parks so we can go around and witness to people. We also offer fun stuff for kids like face painting, jumping things, cotton candy, snow cones, BBQ's. Lots of fun and even better, people pray with us and we see people accept Jesus into their hearts. Anyhow, here is a pic of my friend Michele and her two kids along with my son Ryan. :o)

Chess Game


This is so cute. I just had to show you a picture of Ryan and Chaz playing Chess together. I couldn't get them to come eat because they were in the middle of a game. Funny.

Happy 4th Birthday, Kyle!

Dancing Dog

Remember to turn off music in sidebar first.

36 Weeks!


View my online pregnancy journal here!