Mom's Sick But We Got Some Cool New Old Bunk Beds!

What a week! I got hit with the yuck bug otherwise known as a sinus infection. I always seem to struggle with allergies here in East TN, and have been with the season change for the last couple of months. (when I was 18 I had sinus surgery which helped for a couple of years) It all hit me Tues. and just worsened throughout the day to cap of the day with a migraine that induced, well you get the picture. Anyways, Ryan was in for it when he came home from work around midnight to a messy house and a woozy wife. Thankfully I got some antibiotics the next morning and the Lord is slowly healing me as everything is seeming to move south :P

Before all this happened we were in deep search for semi-nice used bunk beds for the boys as their crib/toddler beds were recalled. So I've been an ebayer awhile and thought maybe good ol' ebay would come to my rescue, but there were NONE in our area. Ryan kept trying to find one around Atlanta so we could find a really good excuse to visit family and Chalcedon, but nope, no good deals. Finally I decided to reluctantly turn to craigslist. After several days I was disappointed how much people were holding onto their stuff, and then wham. After looking every hour to see if new beds were added, one popped up. A nice family out in Kingston, TN practically gave them away (with mattresses)to us real cheap. And they are so nice! Boy are we blessed! The funny part is, the man told us later that when I got off the phone with him he thought that I responed quickly and was puzzled why it went within seconds of him posting it. Then as he waited for us to pick them up he got four more calls--I bet those people are disappointed! :( We ALL stayed up past midnight getting these beds put together. I also found these nice quilts on craigslist. The lady sold me 5 identical twin quilts for $45, another steal! I'm going to take one of the quilts and make shams, valance and possibly a couple of toy bags for the end of their beds.

It's a bitter sweet to not have any cribs in our house after ,more than fours years of having at least one up (but two cribs for over 2 years)! I would love to have a crib filled with a little baby, but it's just not been God's will for our family. I am so glad to see the boys growing from toddlers to kids, but also so sad to see them starting to leave toddlerhood :(

Ron Paul Same Today as 1988

Another cool giveaway!

A fellow blogger friend, whom I've grown very fond of due to all her fabulous giveaways, is having another great giveaway. She is giving away a product called, Soda-Club. You make and mix your own sodas, isn't that cool! Go on over here to her site and check it all out!

Our Views on the Economic Crisis

I am sure we are not the only couple who frequently discuss these economic hardships. It is a near daily accurrance because it affects everything we do. Every two weeks we get Ryan's paycheck and are reminded of the problems our leaders have got us in. When we mail postage at the post office we are amazed. When we get that dreaded utility bill in the winter, we are frustrated. When we buy ANYTHING, we are down right angry! It might seem small that Ryan's work has asked them to take off 8 unpaid days to benefit the company, but that is compounded with the fact that there is NO overtime available. The plant has nearly cut out a whole shift, which nearly affected Ryan. I am sick of everyone blaming it on the mortgage loans. Sure there were way to many loans given to people that could not afford them. But, we neglect to realize that anyone who got a lone 3-4 years ago or more was to expecting the outrageous gas prices. Ryan and I are now regreting buying a house with gas heat. Thankfully everything else is electric. These gas prices have doubled. Therefore our grocery bills, utility bills, and all other spending took a major hit. I know Ryan is making more than he did 3 years ago and we are still straped due to the prices. What frustrates us so much is that the prices are quickly dwindling down as our country has finally hit a breaking point. We can't help but think these oil executives have a hand in all this. I am sure there are plenty of families who would still be living in the comfort of their own homes had these gas prices not sky rocketed. With all that said, we know that the Lord will provide for all our needs and really we don't deserve such lavish lives. I will say it has made us more witty when it comes to trying to make do. But I hate to think that we are just wasting our money so the suit wearing executives can have their summer homes and indoor basketball courts.

A Pilgrim's Progress Giveaway!!!

Click on this button above to learn more about how to enter in this GREAT giveaway. I'm entering myself as I have heard great things about the book and am eager to see what all the fuss is about!

Birthday--BOY?!!!!

Our little toddler is growing up and is officially a little boy and not a toddler. I can't believe he is four now. Joseph turned four on Sunday. We celebrated his birthday with our little family on Saturday with the usual food, cake, ice cream & a couple of presents. The Mooses and Pop & Mimi sent him balloons and boy was he excited when a man brought them to the door just for him! Papu will be proud that he chose football themed sprinkles on his cake. He was so excited to get a red apron, matching chefs hat & rolling pin all of his own (and thanks to a fellow blogger it was FREE!). There is always a fight over Mommy's one extra apron and it usual ends in Thomas wearing a dishtowel. We still have a few more presents to open at his big party, but I find it very interesting that he was so content with the few presents he already received. He knows that there are more presents wrapped, but doesn't really care to much about them. We will do his big party with family and friends on the 18th at a nearby park. Where has the time gone? To make it harder he is humongous for his age, Dr. Green is amazed too! Bless his heart his body is growing faster than his brain can catch up and he seems so awkward when he runs. The little 7lb.9oz., 19 1/4 in. baby went from 50% to 100+% very quickly and continues to stay there. He is now past my waist in height and isn't slowing down, as some said he would. I am also encouraged that Dr. Green doesn't put a lot of weight on his learning level, as he is behind in some areas due to regressing with a younger brother and Joseph always seems behind around other people due to his shyness. We spent his birthDAY at some friends, The Wilkersons, for some fellowship and fun. Oh how the boys love playing over there with the freedoms and dirt and all those kids! It's sad to say I am not used to my kids having all those freedoms to run off in the woods and just be boys, but it just can't be done here in this little city. But enough of my rambling, my first born little toe-headed boy is growing up before our eyes! It has been a great four years and I couldn't imagine life without him!

Kids Really Do Say The Darndest Things--So We're Learning!

The other day Ryan took off work to catch up on school work and take us out to brunch at Cracker Barrel--One of our fav's. As we waddled out with full bellies we noticed a couple parked beside our van getting off their motorcycle. Joseph was gazing at the big shiney Harley, as any boy would and I commented to him that it was like his Uncle John's motorcycle. Without hesitation he commented back, "yeah, and I have a tricycle!" I followed with, "yep Joseph, you do have a tricycle don't you." The couple of course got a great tickle out of it and the husband agreed with me that children are so simple minded ;)

Just Our Chaos!!!

Well blogging may have slowed down, but our lives have not. I've just been so busy for the blog world as I am slowly cleaning out our house with a perpetual yard sale in the cyber world. That's right I am a self-proclaimed EBAYer. You name it, I've probably sold it. The funny thing, is that 99.9% of everything I have sold is USED!!!! I use up as much of it as I like and then sell it. Sometimes I even sell it for more than I bought it for! Unfortunatley though, it has a habit of taking over our time, house & energy. I have slowed down somewhat, but do it more in spurts rather than constantly. Praise the Lord for providing via EBAY for Dr.'s visits, groceries, clothes, and the dreaded gas "crisis". Basically it picks up for the shortages Ryan is going through at work.

We are also organizing the donations for Ryan's nephew in Afghanistan and have the 7 boxes stacked and ready to go, awaiting the expensive postage as we can afford it. So that is also taking up our dining room. Our ding room should now be labeled: dining room/office/library/post office box! That's how you do it in a small house--"multi task"!

Lately the boys are into being "Daddies". They also think up people they can marry and although there are some cute girls I wouldn't mind them thinking of, Joseph comes up with Daddy as his prospect for marriage. :/ I have to admit that I think Ryan's a good catch, but nope there are just too many reasons for Daddy being an impossible prospect! Joseph like to think up names for the baby dolls we have scattered through the house and I think he gets his inspiration from the bible

Kalia is naked baby #1
naked baby #2 has an even more interesting name, but he forgot it :)

We also have crazy kittens running around, climbing, scratching, escaping & screaming!!!! They drive Ryan nuts the most, but are slowly working on my nerves. They still nurse on momma cat although they are almost her size. I find it hilarious when they lay over her from behind to nurse :\

On top of all that small stuff, Ryan and I are learning & embrassing the covenant theology which can be so overwhelming, learning so much and interpreting what the bible teaches.

There's also a few more things that we are busy with, but I will leave that for a future post, so come back and see what else we have going on!!! Ya'll come back now ya here!

Here are the pictures of chaos:

Sadly this is just ONE of our many ebay/misson afghanistan piles :(




Thomas came up to me tonight to introduce me to his new baby (not new--was mine). They say you turn out the way you are raised, well notice Thomas' baby is also missing clothes.






Here's Joseph's peanut butter smile!






No need for words!

Women Are Equipped--Does Not Mean They Are Called

Okay! This is going to be a sore topic and very unpopular, well at least my views which are God's. We all know and are slowly seeing all the blog postings about this coming election, especially since John McCain ruffled feathers and chose Palin, a female. First of all let me say that I am thankful to be a woman and I believe we are a pretty nifty group, we women. Women are usually multi-taskers. We women can nurse a baby, eat our lunch, take a phone call and instruct the older kids all without skipping a beat. God has blessed many women with great qualities and many have used their qualities to do great things for our nation. With all that said, God's word is clear that women have distinct roles, just as men do.(Proverbs 31:10-31) If you are gifted in a particular area that doesn't always mean God calls you to use that gift. Young wives are called to be in the home raising the children and tending to/helping their husbands. When our children are young there is so much to be done. To think that a woman can "have it all" may be true, but her family suffers for her gain. By the way, there are many things that many men may be gifted in that God does not want them to persue, like staying home with the children or being a passive/submissive husband.(Ephesians 5:22-33) There are even issues of a women/men deciding that God didn't make them right and they mam their bodies into what they think they should be. In one such case a woman made herself physically into a man and artificially impregnated herself.(1Corinthians 6:12-20) Just because she and the other woman were blessed with a baby does not mean that God allowed this unholy union! God does not tolerate homosexuality in any form!!! Be careful not to add or take away from the bible. There are things in the bible that were not ordained by God and yet society accepted it. If we truly have our faith in Christ and profess Him as our God, then we have to be living by His word and not twisting it to what we want it to say for our culture. God will rebuke those who do this. When you read God's word you have to realize what was societal norm (and sometimes against God) and what was God's will/commandment to His people. The issue of Deborah in the bible was a time when Israel had no men that would step up and lead their country (Judges 4-5). Deborah was elected to the position and God punished Israel. We have plenty of men willing for the position as commander in chief. One in particular who holds Godly values, like giving power to the people, lowering taxes, pro-life starting at conception, separating church and state, freedom to home school and the list goes on. This man is Ron Paul. He was unpopular on all the major networks. He didn't receive all the donations and publicity, but he continues to fight for we the people of our nation. I have heard many republicans who do not like their choice, and yet they are going to go to the poles and vote in someone who is better than the alternative. People do not know that we have the power to write-in our vote. That if enough people right in Ron Paul he can win the presidency. Do not think that you are throwing away your vote and increasing O'Bama's chances. We will one day have to give an account for ALL of our actions. God will not accept excuses. It is better to not vote at all than to vote for someone who does not hold Godly values. Please feel free to comment, but know that I moderate, so ugly words and rudeness will not make the cut! Thanks for reading.

I'm Alive and Blogging!

To all of those who keeping checking on my blog and wonder if I fell of the face of the earth, well here I am. All my spare time has been wrapped up in a little thing called EBAY! With the rising gas prices and Ryan's work cutting back, well EBAY has been a huge blessing. To all of those who wonder, "can you really make anything on EBAY?" well yes you can. The more time you put in the more you get back. It does take time to enter in everything and then keep watch for messages from customers and mail out the stuff. Not to mention setting up PayPal and EBAY memberships. Once you get started though, it's fairly smooth sailing. EBAY & PayPal track things and do most of the work for you. The hardest part is not spending all your earnnings on new stuff! I would give a link to my EBAY page, but I'm afraid you maight find a gift or something you gave me! It ahs been a great decluttering tool and I'd rather do EBAY than sit outside and sell a couple items in a yard sale.

Also I recently had the pleasure of guessing Skeet's Tuesday Teaser which put me in a drawing, which I won!!! Skeet live in the great state of HAWAII and used the help of a hative at Starbuck's to draw the name. Yay a Starbuck's gift card, I wonder who will get that, (Ahem, Ryan!) :)

The boys are definetly alive, and kicking and screaming! They are a handful as usual, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Ryan and I got to drop them off with the some friends, Gabe and Brandi and go to one of my old friends' weddings. We had a good time but had to leave just before the dance floor opened. I don't know whether to be glad or sad :/ Get this, the happy couple was gifted TWO WEEKS in HAWAII--Hey maybe Skeet will see them there!

Sunday we had a church fellowship picnic so here is some pic from our time:



Ryan and the Boys checking out the huge bamboo patch at the park



More checking it out



Thomas charges!



And gets out of there quick. He is so active it wears me out thinking about it.

Congrats to Ryan For Highest Honors!

Just wanted to spread the news of Ryan's accomplishments thus far. He currently has a 4.0 and received highest honors for his grades at ITT. He had a lot more work this past quarter and didn't receive as much help from me, although I did quite a bit of cheering and encouraging to stick it out. Way to go Ryan!

Mustard Seeds has a Charm Giveaway!

Go on over to Christina's blog and check out how to get in on this giveaway! Just click on Mustard Seeds above to find out more.

Here's What Five Weeks Does to Growing Kittens

The kittens have reached the stage where they are oh so cute, and yet oh so much trouble!!! They are getting into EVERYTHING and praticing their dueling skills with anyone and anything. The picture above is our favorite time as they do absolutely nothing. That usually lasts all of 20-30 mins. or until Thomas locates their where-abouts and snatches them up, tormenting them. I figure the kittens will either be really tame or really mischevious due to all the boys put them through. I am actually amazed they have lived through these five weeks. We found out that one is a girl who is very uptight and nervous and the other is a boy who is laid back and carefree. We are getting so attached that it will actually be hard to let the girl go as we are giving her to the Igarashi's from church. But, she will have a great home/farm and I know she will be well loved by all those kiddies and goats ;)

Update on Collections for John McDonald's Troop

We are thrilled by all the responses and donations we have received from family, friends & strangers. We have had one monetary donation of $25 and I was able to get some clearance outfits for the baby along with some nice body soap/lotion for Cindy. I also have been working on John's box and have it 3/4 of the way full with books, games, snacks, candy, & personal hygiene items. Ryan and I recently took care of the nursery at church and got all the little ones to color up some pages I made to send to the troop. All of that was right in the beginning and then it kind of trickled off, but we were pleasantly surprised and blessed to find some items in the collection box at church. I have had a few people promise monetary gifts and items that we are waiting for before we send the boxes out, the boxes are flat rate after all.

Here are the pictures of our progress:



Here is the progress on the box for Spc. John McDonald in Afghanistan



Here is the progress on the box for John's Wife and Baby in Texas

Urgent needs for our troops!

After posting my previous post I felt a desire to help these soldiers in anyway I could here in the states, especially after speaking to John’s mother, Teresa. John had the luxury of calling his wife, Cindy & daughter, Savannah this past Sunday and give updates. The situation out there is dyer. With no running water this means to restroom facilities. They have no way to wash their hands or bath for that matter. There are about 20 men total in his troop and they are finding shelter in a shack made of 2x4’s and a tin roof on the side of a mountain. The average temperature is 130 degrees. They have no electricity and no means to call/email home, except for every 2-3 mos. when the government provides them with a special military satellite phone. Currently they have not built their guard tower so his job in tales keeping watch while sitting in a hummer. He works three hours on three hours off, rotating shifts. When they first arrived to their location they thought they were under attack, but it ended up being off in the distance. They have not experienced any attacks since then. They have been told that he will have leave to come home in Nov. or Dec. but often times plans change. His total deployment time with be 12-15 mos.

Back home his wife and 3mo. Old daughter are keeping their spirits up, but weary at times. She has befriended to other military wives, whose husband are in the same troop. She decided not to come back to TN or GA to stay with family because she didn’t feel right to be here without John.

My reason in writing you this letter is to explain their circumstance and ask that if it is on your heart to do so, that you would help out with their many needs. The needs are varied and you can really give as much or as little as you please. Please do not feel obligated to do so, as we believe you should only participate in this act of giving if the Lord presses it upon you and so provides the means for you to do so. My desire is to pull enough items and financial resources together to possibly send enough for all 20 troop members. Also, I would like to put together an additional box of items for Cindy and baby Savannah (so as to not forget the sacrifice they are making too). Many items are specific due to information from the soldiers.

Food:
Beef Jerky (Slim Jims, etc. with no cheese)
Non perishables (no cans)
Twizzlers, Tootsie Rolls, Suckers, hard candy, Gum
Kool-Aid, Crystal Light, Gatorade (the small dry pouches you add to water)
Nuts/seeds
Instant coffee
Granola bars, cereal bars
Pretzels, Cheetos, Fritos, Chex Mix
Easy Mac, Ramen, Soup mixes
Cookie packs & cracker packs
Condiments, spices, sugar, dry creamer, lemon juice (in packets)

Hygiene:
Hand Wipes (individually wrapped)
Hand Sanitizer
Chap Stick (squeeze tubes so it doesn’t melt)
Instant cold packs (that activate when squeezed)
Finger tip tooth brushes that are disposable
Toothpaste
Mouth wash
Liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner in small bottles
Q-tips
Foot Powder
Razors (disposable)
Shaving soap or cream (no cans)
Travel toilet tissue
Kleenex pouches
Deodorant – unscented
Sunblock
Bug Spray
Shoe Insoles

Misc.
Writing materials
Envelopes, paper, pens, mechanical pencils
One-time use cameras
Hand written letters, cards to boost their spirits
Crossword/puzzle books
Bibles (new or used in good condition, no writing in them)
Godly Books (small)
Tylenol, IB Profen packets/samples
Small toys (Frisbees, balls, hackey sacks
Playing cards, UNO, Yo-yo’s
Travel sized laundry detergent
Flash lights that are friction generated (not battery)

Cindy & baby:
Calling cards-to call family
Nice bath soaps, lotions
Candles
Small things that women like
Handwritten cards, letter to boost her spirits
One-time use cameras
Godly books
Small baby toys (3m. & up)
Baby items
Gift cards
Stationary

*Since this is going out worldwide I ask that you make monetary donations if you do not live in the East TN area (email me at rprmsr@hotmail.com to see about sending the donation). If you do live in this are please contact me to let me know where to pick up the items from you (contact me before you make purchases to make sure you are not to far out to pick up the items). If you do not have the time to buy the items listed you may also give monetarily. Money will be used to buy these items and also for the postage. I have gotten free flat-rate shipping boxes from the USPS and it costs $10.95 per box to ship, no matter the weight, so I will be using every square inch of the boxes. I will be mailing them out to John and he will distribute them among the troop. I will send them out as soon as I have enough items and money to do so. I encourage the children to get involved and make little crafts to send the men. If you have any questions please contact me at church or home (865)657-9543 or rprmsr@gmail.com . I appreciate in advance your considering what the Lord would have you and your families to do. May God be glorified as we meet the needs of these soldiers. Most importantly than giving is praying for these soldiers and their families through this time.


Thank You,
Megan

Urgent and Continual Prayer Request

Ryan's brother's step-son, John McDonald, was deployed to Afganistan on July 3, 2008. This is his second deployment (previously in Iraq). He is now an Army Specialist and they have changed his job to, Security as a Guard Tower Sniper & a Checkpoint Guard. This is one of the most dangerous positions to be in. To make matters worse, he was not sent to the area they had originally told him. He is now in a 100+ degree desolate area with no running water or electricity and his only means of communication is USPS(mail). He leaves a wife and 3 mo. old daughter back in Nolanville, TX. She has family in GA and TN but decided to stay in TX. Ryan's brother, John Reed, Jr., has asked for anyone who has a church prayer list, to please place this family on such list. Also, I encourage anyone who feels a desire to send letters or care packages please let me know, I can give you their addresses or send it out to them myself. I know both John & Cindy need encouragement in this difficult time.

Dollywood Adventures!

We got in another visit to Dollywood this past week. With Ryan off all week it was a nice break from our cabin fever. The nice thing about season passes is, we can come in later and not kill ourselves trying to ride everything. We had a day full of veggies, heat, water, rides, heat & water. The veggitales were at the park and got to enjoy a live show in the AC of their theatre. Hopefully we can go back before Zaboomafoo leaves.



Joseph & Daddy pose by the Dollywood Express that we got to ride.



Thomas & Daddy pose too!



Here the train engineer is loading up the coal in the fire to prepare for the ride ahead. The last two times we rode we sat in the first car and since it's an open car, we ended up with coal dust all over us. It's also very loud up there.



There was a sandcastle making exhibit. There was actually a person there making this castle as we watched. And believe it or not this was 100% sand & water. Incredible!



Joseph finally got up enough guts to ride these cute little duckies after seeing Thomas go alone. Joseph, Joseph, Joseph...What are we going to do with you?!





Here are the boys at the Beaver Creek area of the park. It's a great place for little ones ( and Mommys ;) to cool of in the running water. Both boys managed to break the no running law and both left with bumps on their heads to prove it.



Here Ryan and Joseph rode together on the 50s style Rockin' Roadway. Ryan was sure glad he didn't get the pink, purple or aqua car.



Thomas drives Mommy around on the Rockin' Roadway. AAAAHHH!

The Kitties are Here, Jen!

Yesterday evening "Lady" went into labor with her kitties. She insisted I stay and mid-wife the whole thing as she followed me anytime I left her. So for 3-4 hours straight she labored and birthed three cute grey kitties as I assisted. I know I must sound like some crazy animal lover who thinks cats are human, but really they pretty much do the same thing we human-women do. I have to give it to them for birthing multiples and some other gory stuff they have to do that I won't mention. She's been a good mommy cat and doesn't get to bothered when we handle them. At one point I was handling a kitted who started to scream and "Lady" gave me a genlte nip as to tell me, "I really don't mind you holding them, but I think I should take over now." Unfortunately the first one was still-born even after my attempts to revive it. I think she just labored to long with it as it was the largest of the three. Here are the pics.:



This was kitty #1 who didn't make it


This is kitty #2 who is the laid back of the two.


Joseph was excited at the chance to hold this wiggly kitty as Mommy-Cat birthed #3 (He was also hyped up from all the chocolate ice cream Daddy gave him)


Kitty #3(left)who is feisty and a little more slender. He gave me a scare as he struggled to breath at first. Good Mommy-Cat nurses one baby while cleaning up the other.


By the way there are plenty more yucky pictures if anyone is teaching biology! ;)

My Crazy 24+hrs. with Four Kiddies In Tow

(Quentin's hiding inside the yellow sleeping bag as Thomas pounces him)

My sister called about a week in advance and was desperate for someone to watch her kiddies, Quentin-7 & Cheyney-5. I gladly accepted and got out the pool for the first time this summer (I'm kinda lazy about outdoor stuff this year). It took me more than an hour to pull out the pool, blow it up, fill it with water and swim toys & catch my breath! It took the kids 20 mins. to have their fill and muck up the water with grass clippings, oh well! We also made fourth-of-july cookies and went to the local park. They are two good kids and were eager to help for the most part, as much as kids can be I think. Thomas was actually the most difficult to deal with as he learns how to share his toys. So please, we invite all to come over with your kiddies so Thomas can learn how to play with others. The great thing was that I caught myself telling Ryan, "This isn't so bad, I think we could handle four kids." So praise the Lord for showing us he will always give us everything we need to care for our children or future children. Above are the pics of our outdoor fun & the 2 hour long going to bed process(whew, they wore me out getting them to go to sleep):

Obama, please do explain!