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!
  

Recent Happenings

I told you that once volleyball was over I would have more free-time. I still have a hard time getting everything done, but I am improving. Here are some pictures from the past few days.

"Punkin" Patch

Malachi lived up to the bargain that we had made on Sunday. Therefore...today we made it to a local "punkin" (Malachi-ism) patch in Iredell County. Carrigan Farms has apparently been doing this pumpkin patch thing for about 30 years. One of Daniel's grandmothers went with us to have fun with the boys. We went in the morning before the major rush. They took us on a hay ride to see a small corral of animals. Then the tractor pulled us to the pumpkin patch. We were able to enjoy some fresh apple cider. There were cut-outs for the kids to take their picture in. Malachi had a great time, but Ezekiel was a little on the moody side. Then, we went to lunch at one of our favorite BBQ restaurants, since we were sooo close. It was nice to get away from the house and area just for a little bit and enjoy the nice, cool weather.

It's Almost Over

I know that I haven't had a genuine post in awhile. I haven't touched my camera for about 2 months. Life is very, very busy with the beginning of school. Then, I coach on top of that. Our season is over sometime next week (whenever we end in the tournament). I can't wait to have a life or resemblance of one. We're almost there. I feel like I miss out on so much of my family's life right now, but I enjoy everything that I do (just not all at once). It is sooo hard to get things done. I have no free time between the hours of 8am and 6pm. BUT enough complaining. We might be taking the boys to a pumpkin patch on Saturday.

We are using the pumpkins as a bribe. Malachi has not been sleeping well at night, and he has been wanting to get in bed with us (which we don't condone at all). Anywho, Malachi has been talking about pumpkins a lot lately. So, we decided we would take him to a pumpkin patch if he sleeps in his bed all night this week. So far, so good. He slept through the night last night and went down "fairly" easily tonight:) He's only got a few more days to go. Now we have to figure out what we can afford and plan it out. We also want to plan to get a real Christmas tree this year, too. Malachi is at the age that we need to start these "traditions" and stick with them. We are trying harder to do more family things on the weekend, now that Daniel is off most Saturdays. We are also pretty tight fund-wise, so we look for the cheap. We had a blast at that local park that I had lots of pics from. And that was all FREE!

So, I say all that to say that we are really trying to make a conscious effort to do family outings that don't cost a lot of money. We spent about a year to six months burning ourselves out. Now it's time to work on our family and less on the "job."

God is ALWAYS good. At times, lately, I have wondered what he could possibly have in store for us, but we are seeking his will for our lives always. We want God to lead us and be the best examples of Jesus Christ to our little boys. They are wonderful (and wonderfully different) little boys. Many days I am reminded of how precious and impressionable they are. At those times, I thank the Lord for teaching us the "right way" to raise our children in His image.

Ezekiel has been struggling with sickness still. It seems that he may have asthma. He still gets one breathing treatment a day. He's got a snotty nose now, which worries me, but God will protect him and keep him safe. We will have to pay almost $150 for a chest x-ray back in September, but I guess that's what we have insurance for, right? Oh, wait, that's after the insurance "adjusted" it. Ok. Sorry. Complaining, again.

Malachi has been fortunate to move up to Kids, Jr. in September. He has "church" and not just nursery. AND on Wednesday nights, he has Tender Paws (a branch of Royal Rangers). He has already earned a dolphin badge and is working on the next. He loves learning like that. At his "school" during the day, he is being taught letters, and he can recognize and sort of spell his name out loud. He still can't form the letters of his name by himself, but he's making huge strides.

Ezekiel is saying more and more and more. He has so much more of a vocabulary than Malachi did at this time, but he also has a big brother that he adores. Z does think of himself as a "big kid." If only I could get him potty-trained already. We would be in good shape:)

I hope you all have a great week, and I hope to take (and post) some pictures soon.

Welcome to the Blog World!

I wanted to let you all know that there is a new "friend" in the blogging world. My friend, J, has started a blog to keep us all up to date on their "new" little one. He's 5 months old, now, but still very loved and adorable. Welcome!!!

Bridenstine's blurb

Consignment Sale of the Season

Every spring and fall there is a church that does a HUGE children's consignment sale. I plan to go every year, and each year I get more and more pumped. I ended up spending $115. I pretty much outfitted Malachi for the winter and a few things for later when he grows. Included in that was $8 on a leg push car. It just needs two bolts with washers to hold the top part together. It is in pretty good shape (not faded) and rolls so well. It's been in the house since Friday night, but both the boys are having a blast with it.

Well, 2 girlfriends of mine met at the church to be in the first group to venture into the piles of clothes and other items. After the sale, we headed to a restaurant for a late-night dinner and conversation. I got home about 11:30pm with all my items. Most of them have now been washed and are in the boys' drawers. The proceeds from the church's sale each year goes to their missions program. What a great idea! It takes a TON of volunteers, but I am sooo thankful that they do it and that the profits go towards my heart...missions. I never pay more than $3 per item, and you can't beat that with a stick!

Thanks to my friends, J & L, for meeting me and enjoying a girls' night with me. After the past few weeks at work, I needed that break. AND the boys got to spend that night with the grandparents to give Daddy a much needed break, and Daniel & I got to enjoy getting up on our own time and having breakfast, just the two of us. It has been a rejuvenating weekend. Praise the Lord for this wonderful time!

-isms

Malachi-isms

"I have lots of hands." - My hands are full. He was sitting in his carseat and had to go potty. I told him to hold it, and we would stop as soon as possible. He had Z's cup and his cup in his hands (being the good big bro that he is). When I said, "hold it," he took it very literally and needed to "hold it!"

"Mommy, you have dog fur on your legs?!" - You need to shave your legs!!! One night last week, I was sitting on the couch after practice with my big boy chatting. He was lightly rubbing my leg while we were talking. Then, he asked that question. It had been over a week since I had shaved, so I guess it was time. It was funny that he compared my legs to dog fur. It was soft enough.


Ezekiel-isms

"da-doo, Mom-meee" - Thank you, Mommy. Right now Mommy applies to everyone when he says thank you. It is so cute!

"num-um-ooom-num-um" - yummy

"haa-wu-woo" - hallelujah (said after "praising the Lord" when you cough)

***He can still sign more ("moe"), thank you, and all done. He has gotten very good at signing and trying to say please (usually "pee"). Today he did dog all on his own when I was talking about letting Kiev out. He's been picking up on things so quickly lately. He was nod and say things like "uh-huh" for a yes and "uh-uh" for a no. He just amazes me at how smart he is (as did his older brother at this stage).

Sometimes I Just Want to Ask, "Why?"

Thursday during the day Ezekiel had a cough. He didn't cough that often, but it was a "nasty" cough. We figured he was getting a little cold, again. We put him to bed that evening, and he had a hard time sleeping. As the night went on, he had a hard time breathing. In the morning (Friday), I did a breathing treatment that we had leftover (from last month) with the nebulizer that we bought. The cough sounded better, and I was hoping that would help him on Friday. As the day wore on, he developed a fever and was having a much more difficult time breathing. Daniel took him to the doctor about 5pm. Once they listened to his lungs and saw his symptoms, they gave him another breathing treatment at the doc. office and sent us to the hospital for a chest x-ray. We got to the hospital where Malachi reminded us every 3.532 minutes that "I hungry, Mommy." Once we got "checked in." I told Daniel to take Malachi to get something to eat and get prescriptions filled for Z. I stayed with Z for the x-ray. There was a horrible contraption that we had to put him in to keep him still, but it didn't hurt him. He SCREAMED the whole time b/c he was tired, hungry, and felt HORRIBLE. We found out that he did have a respiratory infection (I guess, pretty much, pneumonia). So, he's on 3 breathing treatments a day, one of those has 2 liquids in them (which takes 3x as long) and antibiotics. I had to work on Saturday (to make up a "flood" day). Daniel had to go to a CPR class while I was at school. It was just what we didn't need to do on that Saturday.


It's just ironic how our 3 year old has all the allergies (dairy, egg, peanuts, dogs, cats, etc.) and has been relatively healthy (except for about 3-4 months right when Z was born). Our 1 year old has no known allergies but is sick almost all the times (tubes in the ears, breathing treatments, antibiotics). Go figure.

Sometimes I just want to ask God, "Why?". I know that its just a sickness, but it happens so often. He gets so sick, so easily. No, he hasn't been hospitalized, but we are struggling just to stay afloat financially and mentally with all the stress of a demanding job and a house and family. I don't regret any of those things, and I am extremely thankful for all of them. But I am in a continual state of "overwhelmed-ness." When will it end? Didn't we do everything correctly when raising him? Why us? Why now? Is a nervous breakdown on the horizon? I still trust God and his timing, but I'm running low on what I can handle. I know he's in control, so after my questions, I am comforted by God's grace and abundance. He's MORE than enough for me.

A Day of Fun

Yesterday was a fun day for our family. We went to a "new to us" park in the area. It had a yucky, mud pond with cool turtles. It also had great trails, play equipment, and it was soooo not crowded! We had planned to make sandwiches and take our lunches to the park. We had turkey, peanut butter, and soynut butter (an alternative to peanut butter)---none of them mixed together. We went to see the turtles twice and had loads of fun playing on the "toys." The bathrooms were nice. The basketball courts and volleyball nets were still fully in tact. We were so impressed. There is another area park that is closer to our house, but it is always soooo crowded and even a little run down due to the overcrowding. This park was tons better. Anywho, we had a blast. Afterwards, we went to see Paw-Paw in the transitional care center (he's out of the hospital). Then it was nap time. After naptime, the boys went to play with grandparents while Daniel and I had our first date night in over 2 months. The food and (most importantly) DESSERT was great!

It's Going...

It's been a little bit of a "bear" of a week (and its only Tuesday). Malachi refused to use the potty yesterday. We had a pow-wow last night, and he kept the same pair of underwear on today. So, I made good on my offer, and I went to get him a special drink (apple juice slushy). Our funds are super tight right now, but I still want to do little things for him that can reward him (and are healthy, too).

I've had 2 days of students and 2 days of tryouts for volleyball. I got home about 7pm last night. I got home about 6:30 tonight. Daniel has "started" an after school program at church. So, he's got the boys in the morning and will be bringing them home each evening and making dinner. We're tired and exhausted. Did I mention its only Tuesday!

Back to "Normal" and a Prayer Request

Well, we all seem to be back to normal around here. Daniel's stomach has been bothering him lately, but he hasn't been paid a visit by Ralph, so I think we're in the clear. Malachi, Ezekiel, and I seem to have our stomachs back to our normal eating schedule. The boys didn't eat much this week at "school" or at home (probably due to recovering from upset stomachs). Today, though, they have both been eating like horses! They had cereal for breakfast around 8am, then we decided to do our Saturday "tradition" of going out to breakfast on Saturday at about 10am. We got the boys toast and grits to share, while Daniel and I had the bigger breakfasts. They ate several pieces of toast and most of the grits. Then, they napped early without "lunch." They had letter cookies from Trader Joe's on the way to a family birthday party. Then they both pigged out on nothing healthy. Before bed, they shared a chicken tender and a few french fries. I think they ate more today then the whole week combined.

Daniel's grandfather has been in the hospital for about a week. They have diagnosed him with the early stages of Alzheimer's and just put in a feeding tube to help him eat (because food was trying to go down to his lungs). I won't say much more, but please remember him in your prayers and know that we greatly need them here. Thank you!

On the Way Up

So, after my post about Ralph, it got worse. Malachi gave up his food 3 times on Saturday. He had extreme diarrhea on Sunday. I woke up with the same on Sunday. Then about noon, I started getting a visit from Ralph. Thankfully, I was able to eat and drink a little bit Sunday evening.

I went to work today (as did Daniel), and the boys started school. I was concerned at how the 3 of us would do today. My stomach is still not back to normal, but I am doing well. I ate a hearty lunch and kept it all down. The boys didn't eat much today (the same story for the weekend), and they still have some diarrhea. I am thankful for how quickly I recovered and that Ralph decided not to stay long.

I think Daniel was able to escape the disease. He had an upset stomach yesterday but nothing else.

I know that you all care about the details of our intimate lives, but I thought I would document for posterity sake. Not quite sure why, but let's run with it.

***As I was typing this post, Malachi coughed and started calling for me. I left him in his room. When he starting calling louder, I went in, and he said, "Mommy, I say bleah." Yes, he had thrown up after going over 48 hours without doing that. He's been better today, though, and eating. I'll be praying for Ralph to stay far away.***