Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Alone... for a little while.

Last year I got a little gig at the local radio station, www.bartlesvilleradio.com, doing random office work things. The great thing about it; I was able to take Chloe w/ me. When I started she was 3 months old. As most of you know, a 3 month old will sleep most of the day. As Chloe got bigger and more active it became harder and harder to take her w/ me and actually get anything accomplished, so I enrolled her in a Mother's Day Out Program (or Parent's Day Out to be politically correct). She loved it, but it got too expensive for us to keep her in it. We hope to get her back in one when the 2nd baby comes, we'll see though.

Ok, so this is the reason I am writing. I get to go to work today all ALONE for a couple of hours. I was telling Matt that they (work) wanted me to come in and help w/ billing. I was complaining/ voicing my concerns over the fact that it's very hard to bring her w/ me b/c she doesn't want to stay in her exersaucer. (I don't blame her) Matt offered to come home for a few hours so I could go up there and help. At first I turned him down, but then I thought about it and how dumb I would be to turn him down, so I said "Yes, if you can get away for a few."

I called him this morning and he said he could. So all morning I have been counting down the minutes until I get to be alone for awhile, even if it is to stuff and lick envelopes; I don't care. Honestly, I would work for free; just to get out of the house!

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

The Aches and Pains of Pregnancy

Not much time left, just under 5 weeks to be exact, before I am due to bring another baby into this beautiful, yet sometimes cruel world. When I was pregnant with Chloe I never felt pregnant or that uncomfortable; it was all tolerable. I am here to tell you my second pregnancy has been a complete 180* difference than the first. I woke up this morning feeling sore in places I didn't know a woman could be sore in. I'm not a pregnant waddler, but I have been today. I look like something is stuck up my butt and frankly, I feel like something is stuck up my butt. My whole pelvic girdle is on the brink of a complete breach. The baby is the water and my pelvic girdle is the dam holding the water back; not sure how much longer the dam can do its job before there is a flood downstream.

I'm not telling you this b/c I am complaining, I just had no idea this is what the second was like. I was told the second pregnancy is different, but I really didn't know what that meant. I hope it isn't a sign as to the personality of the second b/c if it is Matt and I are in some serious trouble. I can say this though, I will take ALL of the aches and pains of this pregnancy if it means the labor and delivery is going to be easier. Chloe was 23 hours of excruciating pain. I managed to go w/o an epidural, although I did have a few doses of Stadol (not sure how to spell it). I'm just praying the L&D will be a little shorter and a little easier, if so the aches and pains and waddling will be all worth it. Here is a picture of the always moving basketball I am carrying around.

The baby I'll get was a given in the reward side of all this. I thought that went w/o saying though.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

That's Not A Baby Ruth Floating In The Tub

I can't remember the name of the movie, but it's the one where someone throws a candy bar in the pool and everyone freaks out b/c they think it's a terd floating in the water. Then a guy picks it put and takes a bite out of it. Now that I'm explaining the movie, is it Caddy Shack? I haven't seen the whole movie; just parts of it.

Last week, I guess it was Wednesday night, Matt was giving Chloe and bath and he yells for me to come help him. I thought it was just b/c he couldn't get her out of the tub w/ his bum foot. Nope, that wasn't the problem. Chloe had pooped in the tub and she is standing up wanting someone to rescue her pronto. I get her out and Matt cleans the tub.

Friday night, Matt yells from the bathroom for help. I go in there and same situation. She had another bowel movement while taking a bath. In her 18 months of life, we have never had to clean up terds from the tub.

Saturday night, I hear a blood curling scream coming from the bathroom and it wasn't Matt. I could hear him sighing in disgust, but Chloe was the one screaming. I waddle in there and low and behold Chloe has this look of pure fear on her face. She is standing up and desperatly wants someone, anyone to save her from the floater. Apparently the terd had floated her direction and tapped her on the leg and she lost all control and was trying to climb out of the tub. Once out of the tub, it took a few minutes to get her to calm down and stop crying. She was genuinly freaked by "it." She'll probably have nightmares of terds attacking her.

Later that night, Matt and I were discussing the weeks events in the tub. We weren't in the tub, but we were discussing what had taken place w/ Chloe in the tub. Seriously? There is no human possible way w/ the conditions we are in, we could even fit in our tub together at the same time. We were wondering how she knows its gross. It sure is a funny sight to see though, she has the funniest look on her face. I didn't get any pictures of her; we were to rushed to get her out of the tub.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Is Something Burning?

Since Matt's injury I have been doing 99% of the cooking. Why not 100%? That's b/c Matt can still get stuff out of the fridge for me.

Last night, I decided to bake a little chicken in the oven. The recipe says to cut red potatoes in half, toss in olive oil w/ pepper and salt and put on a baking sheet. Then nestle the chicken amongst the potatoes. Drizzle it will a little O.O and hit it with some salt and pepper. Then put 1/4c. thyme leaves all over everything.

It's a one pan meal, can't beat that huh? I really do not like to cook not b/c I am no good. I am actually a pretty good cook; Matt likes what he eats. Although he is like a catfish; he'll eat anything. I am a good cook to him. I do not like to cook b/c of the mess that follows. Remember we live in a circa 1950's house, built before dryer hook-ups and dishwashers. This means all dishes must be meticulously cleaned by hand. I hate cleaning up after dinner. I will cook all day if it means I do not have to do the cleaning.

Ok, back to my baked chicken dinner. Chicken and the potatoes are ready for the oven. I put them in and after about 5 minutes I notice a very familiar smell.

I grew up in Keystone, Oklahoma. For those of you not familiar; it's the lake west of Tulsa. There wasn't much out there when I was growing up, so the smell of grass fires in the summer was a staple to living in the country. (side note: I loved it out there) I have a nose like a bird dog, this fascinating feature of mine drives Matt silly b/c I can smell if something is bad before it is actually bad, i.e. milk & meat.

I begin walking the house w/ my nose in the air in order to better pick up the scent. I head down the hall, nothing.
Matt asks, "What are you doing?"
I respond while in deep smell, "I smell something. It smells like something either in the house or outside is on fire. It smells like a grass fire."
He puts his nose in the air, but he doesn't have the "gift."
"I don't smell anything." He chimes.
"I do, something is burning." Now I am starting to kind of get nervous, but my nose leads me to the obvious. THE OVEN!!
Matt says, "Did you take the leaves off of the thyme?"
"Ummm, no."
"Well, that's the grass fire you smell. You are burning little trees in the oven!"
Like an idiot, "OHHHH!"

I pull the sizzling chicken out of the oven and take the burnt brush off of the chicken. Luckily I had more thyme left, so I remove the leaves, sprinkle them over the food and put everyone back in the oven.

Timer goes off and hour later. I go to remove the food and I realize the potatoes look not quite right. I had forgotten to stir them half way through roasting. The chicken had a burnt, crispy skin to it. I had forgotten to spoon the juices over it half way through roasting. It wasn't like the turkey on Christmas Vacation thank goodness. The inside was still moist and juicy. Now the potatoes, they were like the turkey; almost a hollow shell of a potato.

"That was really good babe. The potatoes were a little tough, but once you got through the outer layer they were perfect." Says my supportive and hungry husband. I ate it all anyway, there was already a small mess in the kitchen.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Matt's Dr. Visit

Today was the day I have been looking forward to since January 22nd. Matt was to go to the Dr. today and come home w/0 his silver accessories. He called me after he left the Dr's office and this is the conversation.
"Hi babe, SOOOO what did he (dr) say? Did you get your cast off?"

"Ummm, yes, I got the cast off." Then there was an awkward moment of silence as I tried to figure out if he is playing a trick on me or if he is thinking of a way to tell me bad news as so I don't cry.

I ask, "Well, why aren't you excited? What did he do put another one back on or what?" I ask completely joking, thinking he is going to laugh and tell me he's walking great.

"No, he didn't put another back on. He did put on a boot (long moment of silence) and said I can't walk on my foot for another 2 weeks."

At this point I think Matt is wondering and is thankful he isn't sitting right in front of me to see my face b/c he knows I am not jumping up and down w/ excitement over the news.

I was so looking forward to today. I almost started a load of laundry so Matt could take it out to the dryer and I wouldn't have to. (We live in a home built before the invention of the dryer, or at least before most homes had dryers. Ours is outside in the shed. fun fun) I was also foaming at the mouth at the idea of not having to go to the grocery store alone, take the trash to the street and put Chloe in her car seat.

In two weeks, Matt can start putting a little weight on his foot but will not be able to burn the crutches yet. He will still have to use them and gradually work his way off of his dependency of them. He will be off of the crutches just in time to become a daddy all over again.

Notice the lack of an ankle.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day

Matt and I aren't big Valentiny people. This will be our 5th Valentine's together and in those 5 years we haven't gotten each other anything. That's been our choice, don't worry. For those of you that know me, I tend to have a rebellious streak in me, which is good for some things and bad for others. I think Chloe has that same rebellious streak in her too, uho. If someone tells me I have to do something I tend to do the opposite; on things like this. I'm not into the "tell me you love me b/c society says so" idea.


For me, now I preface this w/ "for me," I would find it much more romantic if Matt and I went out on a date when it wasn't a day someone in the candy, flower, card and restaurant industry said we need to go out. I find this "holiday" a little Conspiracy Theory. haha

One thing is for certain though, I will be making a trip to Wal-Mart tomorrow and I will be purchasing some of the left over candy for 50% off! Since I have a child who LOVES stuffed animals and the non-stuffed variety, I will most likely purchase her one of the stuffed breed for 50% off as well. Not as a Valentine's but more as an "I love you honey b/c it's Friday" gift.

I can see though, especially after having a child, how Valentine's can give that "back from vacation" feeling. It kind of is a good pick me up or a nice tap on the shoulder for those of us that have gotten side tracked w/ the kids, work and or school, especially for men who are married to stay-at-home moms.

I read where over 1BILLION dollars will be spent this Valentine's on chocolate! Makes you wish you were a chocolate connoisseur huh?


As you are reading this you are probably saying to yourself, "Gosh, who gave Megan the mean Valentine card in school?" No, that didn't happen... I don't think. Please don't think of me as a mean, negative person. I will probably make a card and have it be from Chloe for her dada, but I will not be purchasing anything.

For those of you going all out tonight w/ your sexy lingerie, good grub and candlelit dinners; I do wish you a fantastic time! I wonder how many babies are going to be conceived through out the U.S tonight?!!




I will be buying these... at 50% off!! haha

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

God is a Comedian

As most of you know, Matt tore his Achilles two weeks ago. These past two weeks have been very difficult for me. I have been harboring some undeserved resentment towards Matt b/c he is unable to help me around the house.

Last night, I reached the end of my "servant wife" rope and had had enough. I am ashamed to admit it. I am such a sinner!

I go to bed angry (which we try to make it a point to never do that) and therefore I can't sleep. Well, there were a plethora of reasons as to why I couldn't sleep, but the main one was anger/ my feelings were hurt.

I lie in bed for 1 1/2 hours, and then decide to take it to the couch; I just can't sleep in the same bed. Again, do not hold it against me for my sins.

I have to get up at 2:00am b/c Chloe is crying. (She's teething) I hold her, love on her, medicate her and go back to the uncomfortable couch. 4:45am rolls around and our Joy is crying again. This time I protest. Matt crutches in there and I comment from the couch, "Don't give her any Tylenol." She informed him that she is hungry. He feeds her applesauce and the crutches into the living room to ask why I am on the couch. In my mind I thought, "Oh, he feels bad, yea." I tell him I couldn't sleep and my feelings are hurt. (Remember I am a sinner and I am pregnant and I have the right to act like a 3 year old every now and again. Every one of you knows you have wanted to sleep on the couch or in the spare bedroom a time or two. I couldn't go to the spare bed b/c we sold it in a garage sale.)

He said, "Come back to bed." So I did.

I wasn't able to go to sleep until 6:00am when Matt got up for work.

After talking/ venting to a friend, I decided I needed some Jesus intervention on my behalf. I want to serve my husband w/ a Christ-like attitude, I guess the human side of me just wants a little appreciation every once in a while.

I'm going through Beth Moore's study Breaking Free. It's a good one for those of us who have issues! (That's me) Today's hit me square in between the eyes like I was Goliath, thankfully no one cut off my head.

Here's part of the verse she based today off of,

"Foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to serve him..." Isa. 56:6a

Could I feel like more of a failure?! WOW! I keep on through the study, kind of laughing in the back of my mind b/c today's study is for me at this time. She is talking about finding God's peace and breaking free of things that hinder us from finding/ having it.

Beth says, "When Satan takes perfect aim at our 'Achilles heel,'..."

"Hmmm, I hear ya loud and clear God." He (Satan) did too huh? Perfect aim at my family and my attitude! I mean! He got Matt where it hurt and in turn got me too; perfect aim. Now I have to let God take perfect aim at my heart and serve my man and be proud of what I have to offer. If he doesn't see it, it will be ok b/c I am not doing it "for" him, I'm doing it for HIM!!

Monday, February 11, 2008

It's A 4mp Camera, Don't Laugh

Chloe managed to get her little paws on my wonderful 4mp camera the other day. In order to get it back from her w/0 her throwing it and breaking it, I told her I would take a picture of her w/ her "dada." That's baby in Chloe language. I really wanted to let her give it a good heave ho on the kitchen floor and then when Matt gets home say, "Do you know what Chloe did today? She got a hold of my camera and when I went to get it from her she launched it and it broke. I am so sad." He knows I can't chase her and he, for the obvious reasons, can't either, so the story is believable.

The reason I did not let her "break" it is it's the only camera I have, even though it is far below sub-par. I know I mention this camera thing often, and it really drives Matt crazy, but it's just important. He understands the significance a new camera can and will have on our marriage and our future, but it still erks him that I mention this topic at least once a day. See, he wouldn't want a sub-par bow, or sub-par hunting boots. He may shoot a deer and it may not die and w/ bad boots the trek getting to get to where it should be would be a painful one b/c of his aching feet. I may shoot a picture of a deer and b/c the camera is sub-par the shot would come out blurry and grainy. It's all relative.

I did manage to get a few shots of Chloe posing w/ her baby.



Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Day At The Park

A photo story of our day at the park... Enjoy

Chloe is so happy to be at the park, she just doesn't like her hands to be dirty...

Or her pants...

She has spotted the swings...

I took one last photo before heading to the swings.

Matt crutched behind.

We played in the swings for a while, then I let her down to run. She spotted a dog down the hill and of course we had to go say hi. I let her pet the dog, blow it kisses and wave good-bye and we headed back up the hill for the truck.

Matt crutched behind.

We walked past the toys and swings towards the truck. I picked up Chloe and she went limp on me. Going limp is the international sign for, "I'm very angry and I do not want to go where you are taking me. If the ground were softer I would throw myself on it and scream, but since you are picking me up mom I will just go limp and squirm." The following pictures will show how she felt about leaving the park...






Monday, February 4, 2008

Life In My Bubble

Some neighbors of ours brought over a few videos about the persecution of Christians in other countries. They work for Voice of the Martyrs, so they have access to some good videos. Yesterday afternoon, after putting Chloe down for her nap, I did my quiet time. I've been going through 2 of Beth Moore's studies. One is "Breaking Free" and the other is "A Heart Like His" it's about David. I chose to do the David one yesterday and man it was good. After I finished, I turned on the TV and of course nothing, so I thought I would watch one of the videos.

It's a ficticious story about a young man, probably in his 20's, who came to the states, from a Muslim country, for an education. While in the states he accepts Christ. He decides to go home for a few weeks to see him family who he hasn't seen in over 2 years. Once home they greet him, love him and are so excited to have him home for a while. During his stay, a Bible is discovered hidden under the mattress of his bed. His mom or sister was making the bed for him.

Family finds out he has accepted Christ and that's when it all broke lose. I've done a study on the Muslim religion. The book I read was good, "Unveiling Islam." His family was out to kill him for converting. He ended up eluding them and the movie ended w/ him safe, but it got me thinking.

I can sit in my recliner, drink coffee, open my Bible, do my study with out a care in the world. I can go meet w/ God and not worry if the police are going to come barging in my home, take me out back and kill me for serving God and loving Him. I can walk into my bedroom 24 hours a day 7 days a week, grab my Bible and read it and not be ashamed! Praise God! I knew before how blessed and lucky I am to have religious freedom, but I guess it finally sank in after seeing that video.

So when you do your quiet time, thank the Lord you are able to sit in silence with out fear and read from His Word. And remember to pray for those who have to sit in fear, hiding while they read from His Word.

Friday, February 1, 2008

Snow Day











This is what I got to wake up to Thursday morning! It was so beautiful! I tried all day to teach Chloe how to say "snow." It always came out as "no."
Doesn't look like much snow, but as the day progressed we received much more. I just don't have pictures of it.


Today, I decided I need to take Chloe outside and play. She has never played in snow before, so I thought today would be a good time to basically torture her.


She fell and couldn't get up b/c I'm a bad mom and she doesn't have any gloves, so she couldn't put her hands down. The other reason? She is dressed like Ralphy's brother in "The Christmas Story." If she could she would be saying, "Help Ralphy! I can't get up, I can't get uuuppp!!" So I pick her up put her on the driveway, that I shoveled yesterday before Matt came crutching in. I didn't want him to hurt his good leg.





I'm not sure if you can see what she is chasing, but there is a cat. She is running down the driveway meowing. Of course she is heading towards the part I did not shovel. You will notice the huge patch of ice just in front of her. Yes she does hit it, but I manage to waddle my way down there and catch her before she hurt herself. I had cleverly left my YakTrax in the truck, so no traction for me.


After waving good-bye to the kitty...


I picked her up and placed her in the snow for a few more photos before her hands completely froze.


The time difference between these two shots is literally seconds. She went from "oohh" to "uuhh" quite fast. We went straight inside and I apologized for having not bought her any gloves or boots.