All things Pumpkin!

YUUUUUUMMMMMMMMM!

We started with a pie pumpkin:

We baked it for almost 2 hours @ 350 (this one was big, normally, it only takes 1 hour)

We rolled out our crust, poured in our pumpkin pie mix, and baked it.

 Here's how it turned out:

I took it to my neighbor's house and we ate it together. Everyone loved it. I know the crust looks incredibly ugly... I am TERRIBLE at doing my crust! I've tried several times and multiple tricks, but I haven't mastered it yet. Well, practice does make perfect, so I will keep trying! :0)

Where is the pecan pie, you ask? Well, the pecan pie met it's demise when I dropped it after pulling it out of the oven. Yes, I cried. Yes, it was a terrible mess. Yes, I got a new pie dish out of the whole incident. I will have to do another one, but I need to work up my nerve first.

My Front Porch Fall Decor: 

I made a pumpkin cheesecake today. I will let you know how it turned out after we eat it... I used the rest of the pumpkin we had left after making the pumpkin pie. Only this time, I pureed the pumpkin because it was too pulpy (is that a word? idk, but that's all I think of to describe the consistancy of the pumpkin in the pumpkin pie). I have issues with the consistancy of things. I needed my pumpkin pie to be smooth and it had lumps in it. So, hopefully, the cheesecake will be nice and smooth and taste yummy.

Almost at the End of the Roller Coaster Ride

This is a picture of Luke right after his halo was taken off. He's a bit groggy and confused, but in his moments of clarity, he was happy that the halo was off! He's doing great right now. He has no pain, his pinsites are healing quickly, and the relief we all feel is almost tangible. He has a hard plastic collar that he is wearing now, and the dr said he'll wear it for about 3 months. This is to keep his neck as stable as possible as the bones continue to fuse. We will take Luke back to the dr in 2 months to see how his neck is doing.

Today, we plan to make some pumpkin pie from a real pumpkin. If there is enough pumpkin left over, we will make a pumpkin cheesecake. Daddy will be very excited about this. He LOVES sweets!! Also,  Luke and I want to go buy some small hay bales, small pumkins, and some mums to decorate our front porch for fall. Around 2 this afternoon, our tiny town is having a homecoming parade which we plan to go to. All the kids should love that!
Til Next Time ~ Amy

Summer 2010

What a summer!!! It has been full of fun and new things for the Gonzalez Family. Luke had his fusion surgery on July 13. His halo has been a constant source of stress for me, but he has done remarkably well with it. He has never once complained about it or felt self-conscience. He's such a strong, brave, and courageous young man. It has almost been 3 months since the halo went on, and Luke will be getting it off on Oct.6. All of us are very excited and hope to have a party to celebrate!!!

 Drew turned 3 on Aug. 24th. He had a Toy Story birthday party with the neighbor kids at our neighbor's swimming pool. It was very fun and Drew had a wonderful celebration.

Gary turned 34 the next day and we partied with a cake and gifts.

We started homeschooling Luke the first week of August. He's doing great. We are using the Veritas Press curriculum, a classical Christian approach to learning. We really like it. Luke is already memorizing his doubles addition facts (1+1, 2+2, etc) and has started reading sentences. I am so very proud of him. Drew enjoys looking at the ABC poster on the wall and telling me what the letters are. "Momma, T is for Tiger." He gets such a kick out of telling Luke what the animals are, and of course, Luke gets slightly annoyed and responds with, "I KNOOOOW, Drew." Ava is learning her animal sounds and currently loves quacking like a duck. It's just about the cutest thing EVER!

Gary has been working hard. He isn't in love with his current job, but likes it well enough. He is good at it and has excelled. It's a very good thing he's good at it, too, because we found out that we will be here for another year (give or take a few months). He lost his spot in the class he was supposed to start in February 2011, so we hope to be in the August 2011 class. We won't find out for several months if he made that class or not, but until then, we will remain content where we are.

Right now, the weather could not be nicer and we are actually experiencing a "Fall" season. It is so delightful and I love this cooler weather. All of my windows are open (my fans are still on in each room, though) and every day we've spent a couple hours enjoying being outside. I'm ready for pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, spices, and Thanksgiving!

Happy Fall to you! Until next time ~Amy

The beginning of the Roller Coaster Ride

I'm packing this morning... there's so much for a family of 5 to be gone for a week or more! YIKES! Gary has taken the boys to get haircuts and get the last minute things we need. I am amazed at how quickly this is all coming together.
I'm even more amazed at the outpouring of love and prayers from so many people. We are so blessed and so thankful!
I'm not sure how I'll be able to update everyone on Luke's progress... not sure if I'll have internet at the hospital or if I'll have to wait each evening when I get back to the hotel? Either way, I will try very hard to keep everyone in the know!
Til Next Time ~Amy

Grace, Grace, God's Grace

We will leave tomorrow early afternoon to go to Birmingham. Gary and I have reserved a room at a nearby hotel so we can walk to and from the hospital and also so it's easier to get Drew and Ava back and forth. I thought this weekend would be so anxious filled and worrisome for me. But, praise be to God, it has been a wonderful, restful, fun, eventful weekend! Friday evening, we all went out to dinner at Olive Garden, one of my favorite restaurants. After we got home and got the kids in bed, a couple from our church came over and we played monopoly! It was very fun and we had fun chatting late into the night. Gary and I haven't done that in quite a while!
Yesterday, my neighbor and I left home around 8:00 in the morning and drove 2 hours south to Destin, Fl to go to the outlet mall. I can't even tell you how much fun I had. Every second was enjoyable! We had a great time shopping and getting to know one another better. I got so much stuff for everyone in the family!!! I don't think I've ever had SO MUCH FUN SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!!
After we finished shopping (at 7 pm!!!!!!!), we headed to the beach. Oh. Oh. Oh. It was glorious. The waves crashing on the white sand, seagulls flying overhead, a strong wind whipping my hair everywhere. The smell and taste of salt... There is no place on earth that is so evident of the majesty of God. pure blissfulness.
We ate dinner at a restaurant right there on the beach. We ate on the patio facing the ocean. Such a wonderful time!!! We didn't get home until 11:45 last night.
Today has been a day of worship and family time. After the worship service, the elders and pastor annointed Luke with oil and laid hands on him as they prayed for him, his doctors, the surgery, the recovery, and our family. The Lord has been so kind to me and wrapped me in a blanket of peace that  has brought such comfort. I am not afraid. I am not scared. I know my son is in the hands of the great I AM. The Creator and One who knit Luke together in my womb. What have I to fear? Nothing, absolutely, nothing.

Surgery Date is set!

Today we met with Dr. Rozzelle in Birmingham. We scheduled Luke's fusion for Tuesday, July 13th at 0730. We have to be at the hospital at 0530, though, for all the prep and waiting around part.

Gary and I plan on going up with Luke, Drew, and Ava on Monday and staying in a hotel room until Luke is released from the hospital. {When Luke is in the ICU, Gary and I will be able to visit him for 2 hour increments, every 2 hours until midnight (10-12, 2-4, 6-8, etc). We are not allowed to spend the night with Luke when he is in the ICU. He will be in ICU for about 1 day, then he will be moved to a regular pediatric room. Once he is in a regular room, Gary and I will be able to spend the night with him; and Drew and Ava will be able to visit him during sibling visiting hours.} Gary and I will take turns spending the night with Luke and the other will stay with Drew and Ava at the hotel. We feel it is important for our family to be together as much as possible during this time. My mom, Marsha, and sister, Lacey, will be coming to B'ham to help us with Drew and Ava. Gary's mom, Joan, may be coming, but isn't sure just yet.

The details of the surgery are:
It will take 4-5 hours.
They will take a bone graft from his rib cage to put in his C1C2 space. This will stimulate the bones (base of skull down to C2) to grow together, thus the FUSION.
Internally, there will be pins and a rod put in to hold everything together as a guide and a stabilizer for the bones to grow towards one another.
Externall, a halo will be put in place around the outside of Luke's skull to hold his neck in a neutral position and prohibit any movement of his neck. (Think of how a cast keeps broken bones together so they can grow back together correctly.)

The risks of the surgery:
His spinal cord could be damaged during the surgery.
There are blood vessels running on either side of the spinal cord; if either of them are damaged, Luke will never wake up.
Possibility of stroke (if there is a blood clot and it goes to his brain).
And, of course, as with all surgeries, there is always the possibility he won't survive the operation (very small possibility).
After the surgery is over, he will be in the recovery room for 1 hr. They will then move him to ICU. He will be in ICU for about 1 day and then he will be moved to a regular pediatric room. We expect to be in the hospital 7-10 days. Dr. Rozzelle wants Luke's pain totally under control (only taking tylenol), wants him walking around, and somewhat back to normal in order for us to be discharged.

We covet your prayers. For Luke, as he is not a very good patient (he gets very angry and sometimes a bit violent), and his acceptance of the halo. For Drew and Ava as they will be interacting with Luke and trying to understand what is going on. For Gary and me: patience, endurance, strength. For the dr's and nurses as they care for Luke and guidance as they perform this surgery on his little body.

I will try to keep everyone updated as we go through this surgery and time in the hospital. Please continue to pray for us, even if I'm not faithful in the updates.

Tingliness

Luke woke up this morning with pain/tingling in both of his lower legs. I called Dr. Rozzelle's nurse but didn't hear back from her until this evening around 5. She said the pain is due to the compression of Luke's spinal cord. This symptom is NOT due to the permanent damage on his spinal cord, but rather, from the compression on his spinal cord from his C1 vertebrae. She scheduled us to come in tomorrow at 12:30. At tomorrow's appmt, we will set a date for Luke's surgery (likely to be early next week) and get all of the pre-op stuff done (blood work, history/physical, etc). We plan to explain the surgery and halo to Luke a day before the surgery. He is a worrier and will dwell on it and fret over it, so we think it best to tell him right before it happens. We have found a great website that talks about the halo and living with a halo. If you'd like to check it out, here it is: http://www.pixelscapes.com/halo/


Please pray for us as we begin this journey.
Til next time, ~Amy

Fake Out

You know that 2.5 second feeling you have when you very first wake up in the morning? The feeling that everything is normal and the way it should be? Then, you really wake up and the realization that everything is definately NOT normal smacks you like a brick to the face. It happened the first few mornings after Gary deployed to Iraq. It happened this morning. My baby Luke has spinal cord damage. He needs surgery that may or may not help him. I sit here in tears over the pain, confusion, and frustration he's going to have to endure after this surgery. If I could have this surgery for him... if I could just somehow give him my healthy bones. It wouldn't take a second thought. I'd do it in a heartbeat. Life just isn't fair.

Luke's MRI

Today was Luke's MRI. The results showed that his spinal cord has indeed been damaged at the c1c2 area. Dr. Rozzelle suggests a c1c2 internal and external stabilization of the c1c2 using a metal plate and rod attaching the base of the skull to the c1c2 and a halo that will hold his neck and head in place for 2-3 months. The metal is the internal stabilization and the halo is the external stabilization. The hope is that the bone around the base of the skull and the c1c2 vertebrae will grow together creating a stable area around his spinal cord preventing further damage. Dr. Rozzelle also says this surgery should be done sooner rather than later due to the current condition of the spinal cord. He also understands that this is a major surgery and Gary and I want to get a second opinion. He even suggested a few drs for us to contact.


Gary and I are going to talk to Luke's geneticist- who understands Luke's bone disorder best, and send the MRI, CT scan, and x-rays to a couple of pediatric neurosurgeons to get their opinions. We just want to be sure this surgery is the best solution for Luke's problem. After getting these dr's opinions, we plan to move forward with surgery to protect Luke's spinal cord.

Dr. Rozzelle has suggested we put Luke in a neck brace until we decide when to do the surgery. Thankfully, Luke likes the neck brace and thinks it's "cool". :0)

Some details of the surgery Dr. Rozzelle suggests: It will be about 4 hours. He will then go to ICU for a day or so. Then he will be in the hospital for a week or so. After that, Luke will get frequent MRI's and CT scans to see if the fusion is working. The halo will be on for 2-3 months and then come off. That's what we know so far. This is barring, of course, any complications.

Also, this surgery may not 'work'. Meaning, the bones may not fuse. If they don't fuse, another surgery will be performed. The chances that a second surgery will work are very low.

Please pray with us that the other opinions will be helpful and point us in the right direction. Also, that if the above mentioned surgery is the one done, that it will 'work' the first time. Gary and I also ask you to pray for our family as we draw closer to one another for support and encouragement. We haven't figured out the best time or way to tell Luke about this. Please pray for that, too. It will be a major ordeal for Luke to have to understand and accept. We are praying for guidance in this.

Again, thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your support and love during this time. We praise God for His provision and for protecting Luke thus far! He is a good and mighty God!

More thoughts...

I wrote a letter to a friend to encourage her yesterday. She's coming up on a stressful week and I wanted to help out in some way. Of course, by writing this letter, it's been making me think a lot on the relationships I have in my life. I have begun to realize that although I'm the one who feels I've been wronged by certain people, I have wronged them, too. I have not been loving or even nice to them. I've been so busy focusing on how they are mean or unloving towards me or my kids, that I've lost sight of God in that relationship.
Here is a part of the letter I wrote to my friend that has been convicting ME!

We, as Christians, are to love God and others at all times, under all circumstances (Matthew 22:37-39 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind… Love your neighbor as yourself). We are called to love those who are hardest to love (Matthew 5:44-48 But I {Jesus} tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.).


We have to show kindness, patience, and longsuffering while bearing with them (Matthew 5:13- 16 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lamp stand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.). There are no qualifications for the ungodly. They behave their own way because they are in the darkness. We are to show the Light. They will hate us for it, but (Ephesians 6:12-13) our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.

Here are some verses I found to focus on and meditate upon when faced with a particularly stressful situation or relationship. I hope they are sources of reassurance and comfort for you, too!

Ephesians 6:18 With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and stay alert in this, with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

James 1:19-20 Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

I Thessalonians 5:18 Be thankful for all things for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Philippians 2:4 Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

I Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with temptation, He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.

Philippians 2:13-15 For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to will and to act for His good purpose. Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world

Philippians 4:8 Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable- if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise- dwell on these things.

On a lighter note, I am going to a family reunion this weekend and am SO looking forward to it! I can't wait to see a few people in particular, but, on a whole, it will be fun to see everyone. My mom has asked me to be the 'official picture taker'. I think it's because I have an awesome camera ...  :0) The bad thing is, I would rather visit and talk than take pictures! LOL! I'll have to designate the chubby hubby the picture taker... he's more the strong silent type, so he won't be tempted to talk instead of take pictures!
 
Til Next time! Amy

Facing my sin to Focus on God

This past weekend was a respite for Gary and me. Instead of worrying over Luke's neck issues and trying to figure everything out, we each took the time to pray, fellowship, and worship God. Gary's way of letting things settle in his mind was to finish painting the pergolas on the back porch. He did a wonderful job, by the way! When he came into the house that evening, I could tell he was at peace and not struggling with anxiety and worry over Luke. He later told me that he was able to (while mindlessly painting) focus on God, the past struggles He has brought us through, and how he is now assured that whatever the MRI shows, he will trust God with Luke.
I was able to spend a lot of time with a dear Christian friend. We didn't talk about Luke. We didn't focus on what I didn't know or understand. We talked about our struggles and sinfulness. We talked about being imperfect mothers and wives; how we long to do what is right, but lose our tempers, get obsessed with how we are being treated and allow bitterness to take root. It was encouraging to know we share the same struggles and that God has given us the way to know how to deal with them: His Word.
After spending time at church yesterday and doing devotions with Gary, I know I also struggle with loving God when I've been hurt. My first inclination is to lash out and hurt whoever hurt me. I hold back forgiveness thinking I can't let someone get away with hurting me. This is not the gospel. This is not what being a Christian is. God expects me to behave and act like Christ, His Son. His Son who, while I was still a sinner and hated Him, loved me and died a humiliating death in my place. He paid the price for my unwillingness to forgive others and love God.
What a wonderful God I serve. What a blessing to know He loves me even when I hurt him and He refuses to hold back forgiveness. He gives me His forgiveness so willingly and I will never, ever deserve it.
The hymn we sang during family worship last night was Amazing Love. Here are the words, so beautiful, so sweet, so true:
And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Saviour's blood? Died he for me, who cause his pain? For me, who him to death pursued? Amazing Love, how can it be, that thou my God shouldst die for me?
Amazing Love! How can it be that thou my God shouldst die for me?
'Tis mystery all! The Immortal dies; who can explore his strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries to sound the depths of love divine. 'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore, let angel minds inquire no more.
Amazing Love! How can it be that thou my God shouldst die for me?
He left his Father's throne above (so free, so infinite His grace!) humbled Himself (so great his love!) and bled for all his chosen race. 'Tis mercy all, immense and free; for O my God, it found out me.
Amazing Love! How can it be that thou my God shouldst die for me?
Long my imprisoned spirit lay fast bound in sin and nature's night; thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; my chains fell off, my heart was free; I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
Amazing Love! how can it be that thou my God shouldst die for me?
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in him, is mine! Alive in him, my living Head, and clothed in righteousness divine, bold I approach the eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Amazing Love! How can it be that thou my God shouldst die for me?
(written by Charles Wesley, 1738)

Luke's News...

Yesterday, Luke was evaluated by a pediatric neurosurgeon. We got additional x-rays and a CT scan done of his neck. After looking at those, the dr said that Luke will need a surgical intervention to protect his spinal cord from any damage that may occur from the instability of his c1c2 vertebrae (a common occurance in children with Luke's specific form of dwarfism). Before we make any decisions regarding the type of surgery or when the surgery will be, Dr. Rozzelle first wants Luke to have an MRI. Dr. Rozzelle's nurse is trying to schedule the MRI for June 24th (we will be going up there for an orthopedic evaluation on that day, already). Luke will have to go under general anesthesia for the MRI because the MRI takes 30-45 min and Luke has to be still that whole time. After the MRI, Dr. Rozzelle will look at the results and then we will discuss what he thinks is the best course of action for Luke.

I'll try to explain the problem with Luke's neck... Basically, because his c2 vertebrae is missing the odontoid process (think of a little 'post' that holds the c1 in place) the c1 vertebrae is moving around and could severely damage his spinal cord. This particular area of the spinal cord, if damaged, could result in not only paralysis of the legs, but his arms, lungs, diaphragm, bodily functions, etc would be affected.

I would like to ask you to please pray for Luke's neck, the wisdom of Dr. Rozzelle (who has only had one other patient who has had Luke's condition- meaning SEDC- and hasn't had to do any surgery on this kid yet. However, he has done c1c2 fusions many many times), and for Gary and me to make decisions for Luke's health and protection.

Gary and I were hoping that we would be able to just monitor this condition, that it wasn't this serious. We are both a little overwhelmed and discouraged by the news. However, we know God is in control. He has taken care of Luke from the beginning and will continue to do so, of this we have no doubt. We are praying for a miracle. We are praying that God will heal his neck. At the same time, we know that His will will be done and He loves Luke more than we do. He will do what is best for Luke and we trust in Him to take care of Luke in every way.

Thank you for praying for us. Thank you for loving our family and our Luke. May the peace and love of God sustain you.

Changes at our Home!

Over the Memorial Day weekend, we had our living room carpet ripped up and laminate floor put down. We also started painting the pergolas out back... Some photos of the progress:

the old carpet

rippin it up!

makin progress!

OH YEAH! WE'RE LOVIN' IT!

The Pergola Progress:

prep work

staining/painting the beams

Looks so good!

I'm not sure when we'll finish... we were rudely interrupted by a huge thunderstorm! AND, it's been raining atleast once a day since Sunday and we need the wood to dry out. Oh well! It'll wait on us, I guess! :0)

Luke has conquered K4!!

Luke graduated from K4 today. Summer has started.  I plan on taking the kids to a splash park and getting the boys into some swimming lessons. Luke said he wants a scooter, so I told him, if he learns to swim this summer, I will get him a scooter. Not sure if it's a wise thing to do, but I've got to find some kind of motivation for him! He's terrified of swimming and doesn't want to learn how to swim. He won't leave the steps even with floaties on. It's a source of frustration for me, as I just don't understand it. I loved swimming when I was a kid (and still do). It seems silly to me for my kids to NOT know/learn how to swim. I don't want my children to fear the water. So much fun can be had on the water! This is the summer they will both learn to swim! Here's a pic of Luke with 2 of his buddies from K4:

Texas Bluebonnets and Ava turned 1!

Ava's 1st birthday was April 22nd. My baby girl turned 1!

This was taken in Texas in a little patch of wild bluebonnets.  Ava fits right in there, huh? :0)

Here are Luke and Drew (who had a minimal amount of patience with me taking their picture!):

Luke

Drew

All 3 kids, really hating me now! Sorry guys, but you look so good in TEXAS BLUEBONNETS!

Pics from my NIKON 3000

I have had so much fun (and frustrations!) playing with all the settings on my new camera...

Here are a few pics that I took on Sunday

Luke loves helping me weed the flower beds

Ava is having fun seeing how close she can get while I try to take her picture!

Awww.... my cute golden, Chief.

My red knockout roses are in full bloom! I love roses.

My Yellow Rose of TX plant finally has buds on it! I can't wait to see them in all their glory!

My garden is planted in a box. I have corn, squash, zuccini, and yellow, red, and green bell peppers.

If you're wondering where Drew is, well... he hates having his picture taken and none of them turned out very well. He is a bit of a stinker! Although, he is now fully potty trained! YAY! No more diapers (for him anyway)!

Oh, and by the way, I have started back up on my treadmill! It feels so good to work out! Well, after it's over, it feels good! LOL!

Til Next Time ~Amy~

I'm BAAA-AAACK!

AHHHHH!!!! After a month of traveling to PA, TX, and back to PA, I'm back into 'blogger mode'!

Working out has taken a backseat to traveling and getting settled back into the groove of real life! I am starting my regiment back up today of working out on my fantastic treadmill 2x's a day... I'm ready!

One thing I HAVE to share today : For Mother's Day, the chubby hubby got me a Nikon D3000!!!!!

Wowza!!!!  I am so in love with this camera! what an awesome Mother's Day present! I've messed around with the settings and take a few pics, but I need to read my manual and practice some more.

This week I will try to update the blog on all my travels, Ava's 1st birthday, and whatever else pops up in my life!

Week 1- Completed!

I successfully completed my first week of working out on my treadmill! I feel so good about it! And, although I know this will be a slow and gradual process, I can already tell my body is getting into shape. Physically, I feel more comfortable and mentally, I feel good about myself. This is so exciting!

On a potty training note, Drew is doing great! He's totally motivated by M&M's and even making bubbles in the toilet... LOL! Hopefully, by the end of this week, diapers will only be used at night time.

I am meeting up with my friend Kelty (who lives in NC) in Savannah this weekend to see 2 of our friends, Becky and Sarah. Becky just moved there from here and I really miss her!!!! Sarah has lived in Savannah for about a year now... She's preggers with twins, a boy and a girl. Her hubby is deployed and she's raising an 18month old. What a handful!  I'm really looking forward to this weekend. It's the first time I'll be away from all my kids and husband for a whole weekend! What a treat this will be! Hopefully, I'll have some great pics to share when I get back.

One of my goals for 2010

I've just begun working on one of my goals for 2010. I want to lose weight. I know. I've said this about a million times. BUT, I just got a new treadmill and I really like it! My goal is to get on it 2x's a day for 30 minutes.

This is the one we got and it has a fan that blows in your face! LOVE IT! Also, I can get these little 'ifit' things to plug into it and  it'll do some kind of training with me. How cool is that?!? I haven't used it yet, but I will soon!

Also, I've started a low-fat diet (thanks to my hubby and son having high cholesterol), so that should only help me out! I don't have a goal weight... which maybe I should. But, my main goal is to lead a healthier lifestyle. :0)
I've also just started potty training my 2 1/2 yr old. I LOATHE, HATE, DESPISE potty training. So far it hasn't been the terrible experience it was with my first son, but it still sucks! We are going potty every 10-15 minutes. YUCK! I have to look to the end of the week and hope that I will have a potty-trained child and he will no longer be wearing diapers! Now that is one BIG YAY!!!

The Most Wonderful Place on Earth...

Yesterday, the kids and I took my brother- and sister-in-law to the most wonderful place on earth: McClelland's Critters. We had a wonderful time feeding the one-hump camel, Henry, lots of goats, the bison and cows, and miniature horses.

After we fed the animals, we were guided by Mr. Mike, the owner. He showed us Simba, the African Lion, and the 2 Lionesses

He also has beautiful Siberean Tigers

The sweetest most adorable animal there was a 2 week old baby Black Bear! We got to hold him and he was ADORABLE!!!

We will definately be going back as soon as possible! There is a mountain lion, tiger, and monkey that will all be having babies soon, too! I can't wait to see them! If you have an opportunity to go to McClelland's Critters, you should definately go!

Mr. Mike hand feeds his animals and has a lot of interaction with them! He  has such a love and respect for the animals and it's evident by the way these creatures respond to him!

Ok, so now that you know how much I LOVE McClellands ;0)...

I made the cinnamon rolls out of my new cookbook. They were a huge hit and I'll be making TONS more to store in the freezer for weekend treats and to give to deserving loved ones! :0)

MM...mmm....MM good!

This past week, my hubby's brother and his wife came from Maryland to visit us! We had a wonderful time. We visited the Aviation Museum at Ft. Rucker, went to McClellands Critters, and I tried out lots of new recipes on them... They were good sports and liked just about everything I cooked! It was a fun time and we look forward to visiting with them again!