Welcome to the World!!!

I would like to welcome Erin Mackenzie to the world. That means that the boys' friend, Kyla, is now a big sister! She was 9 lb.s & 9 oz. Wow! Your Mommy really is SuperWoman! Welcome little girl. We can't wait to see you. I know that your Mommy was anxious to have you here (especially since you were 2 weeks overdue), but you are very welcome. Congratulations to the whole family on a great day that went relatively uneventfully.

Banana Tip

I heard this tip from one of the DJs either on our local station of 91.9 or 106.9.

Are your bananas ripening too quickly to eat them? Try this.

When you get home, take all the bananas apart, then put them wherever you normally would. They will not ripen as quickly, leaving you more time to eat them before you throw them away.

Let me try it

Here is a video of Ezekiel singing and dancing the VeggieTales theme song. It's a riot. I hope it works!

Fun, Fun, Fun

I've never been so excited to fill up my gas tank! Yesterday, I filled up my tank for $23!!! Only 2 weeks ago, I filled up for $29. This is something that I could get used to.

The boys are doing well and growing quickly. Malachi is already moving into 4t clothes. Usually, he's ready by the END of winter. I just bought a bunch of 3t clothes. Now, I need to go look for 4t. He's not supposed to grow this fast. It's a good thing that his brother will eventually put most of them to good use.

Ezekiel needs 24 mo. shirts to cover his long, skinny torso, but he still needs 18 mo. for around the waste (or 12 mo.). He's definitely getting taller, just not fatter.

You should hear the two of them "sing" songs. Ezekiel added to Malachi makes for endless laughs.

Have you ever heard the "Pirates who don't do anything" song? There's one part in the chorus where they say, "we just stay at home and lie around..." Malachi's version goes, "we just stay home and FLY around." More to come!

Miscellaneous

I was so excited that I filled up the Saturn Ion for $29. The gas was priced at $2.29 a gallon (that was last Sunday). The next day gas dropeed to $2.19! I could have saved over $1.30. Even better now, I have seen gas as cheap as $2.03. I think I'll do a little dance when it drops under $2!

I did my first arts and crafts project with the boys (and cousins). It turned out great!

Our internet router STINKS! It won't let us get on the internet at home. What a bummer.

Accients Happen...I Guess

Last night Malachi had his first pee-pee accident in MONTHS! How does that JUST happen when you are going to put your milk cup in the fridge, and leave a yellow puddle on the floor? Just curious.

"Bread Sticks"

Today, after church, we ended up at a Japanese restaurant. I think that was the first time either of the boys had been to one (where they cook the food in front of you). One of the main reasons why Malachi is 3 and never had that experience is b/c when I was pregnant, I HATED Japanese food.

To the point! There were a few other kids at the table, so the lady brought them chopsticks with the little piece of paper with a rubber band to help them eat better than just plain chopsticks. Malachi thought that was the coolest thing ever! He never touched his spoon or fork. He ate rice and some steak all with chopsticks. He couldn't remember what to call them, so he kept referring to them as "bread sticks." I would lovingly correct him, and he'd just grin and shrug his shoulders. He LOVED the rice! I asked the guy to give him some rice w/o egg, and he did. Ezekiel also dug into some rice. It was all over the place!

You know that the guys cooking the food put on a small show for you with fire and other things. Malachi wasn't too sure. He eventually warmed up, but when he used fire, Malachi about screamed and almost started crying. The man nicely apologized for scaring him and promised not to do it again (which he lived up to). All in all, it was a really fun experience that we will definitely do again one day, probably not any time soon.

I am not too fond of the rice, but I love the carrots! Daniel cleaned his plate!!! Ezekiel shared my salad and my rice and ate one piece of steak. It was nice to do something different. I am trying very hard to appreciate these little things that we do together and blog to share them with everyone else. Bon Appetite!

-isms

Ezekiel-isms
He is so full of life. His smile is contagious. He is mischievous. He screams if he doesn't get his way, but always has a spring/dance in his step.

• "eye-da-dee" - I love you, Daddy (Mommy, anyone else who says it to me)
• "eye-di-ii" - I did it!
• "Zee-zul" - Ezekiel
• "a-ba-may" - banana
• "a-pa-jew" - apple juice
• "yeah!"

Malachi-isms
He is still struggeling with the poop part of potty training and during sleep times. He loves tv. He is a TALKER and doesn't stop much. He is taking behavior hints from his little brother. He loves to state the obvious, and he is obviously 3. He continually forms sentences and uses newer words each day. He has (somehow) contracted a really harsh Southern accent this week.

• "The guy put it way up!" - the guy making pizzas threw the dough up in the air.
• "No, he not 3, I 3!!!" - He can't be 3 because I am 3 (years old).
• "Z is crying, Momma" - Thanks, Buddy.
• "No, I not tired...zzzzzz" - I'm lying about being tired.

***Please excuse my last post. Don't let it be a downer. I'm just documenting my feelings and what is going on with me, us, and my thought process. I think my stress level is at an all-time high. I love, love, love my family, and I wouldn't trade them in for anything else in the world. But, this has been the most challenging few months with Ezekiel, and work, and everything else in life. I'm frustrated with the now and can't wait for the future. God is never late. His plan is perfect. I'm just wondering if He could hurry it up, so I don't have to wait anymore:) J/k! Have a great day and don't worry about my "downers." We will trust God and do His will.

Random Thoughts

• It's late, and I can't get to sleep. There are tooooo many things bouncing around in my brain.
• We need to find a good home for Kiev. None of us want to see her go, but we're pretty sure that Ezekiel is allergic to her, too. And we can't keep him fully well. And Kiev is soooo sweet, but sheds A TON!
• I need the Lord more than ever, because I can't seem to figure out in my own mind how things are going to get better here. I'm just stumped.
• We just got a phone call here at the house about 10 minutes ago. That means at about 11:50pm from an unknown number.
• I really, really, really don't like one of my "jobs" right now (and it's not the one about being a mom).
• I love, love, love, love all 3 of the boys that I have been blessed with. They always make me smile and give me big hugs.
• Malachi has pooped in the potty 2 days in a row. That's a record for him. He's a pro at the peeing part, but he doesn't like to sit on the potty.
• We were hoping to get a realy Christmas tree this year, but that is out of the question, now.
• Christmas is all about Jesus, not gifts. It's funny how I've had all these good intentions, but it has become about presents and not the true meaning of it all.
• Malachi is starting to cry like Ezekiel.
• Ezekiel screams every time something doesn't go his way.
• They both are interacting more and more with the world around them, and it amazes me:)
• I should be more thankful for my health and that of my family. God has blessed us.
• I'm really disappointed by some of the country's chosen politicians, but God is still God, and he hasn't changed. Amen!