Kudzu Korner

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. ~Phil 4:10-14

Thursday, June 18, 2009

MaMaw's Girl

Posted in Kudzu Babies
The three youngest kids and I just got back from a long weekend at my mom's house. We had a lot of fun and visited with some of my aunts and uncles and just enjoyed not having a lot to do. I think my favorite part of the trip though, was seeing my mom and Kelsie bond. Mom was here about a month ago for just an overnight trip. Kelsie really warmed up to her then and this trip...she was MaMaw's girl.

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Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Wordless Wednesday

Posted in Kudzu Babies

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Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Life's Lessons

Posted in Kudzu Ramblings
Sometimes I get an email forward that is worth passing on. Not often, but sometimes. I got this one today and thought it was very good. Lots of common sense, but definitely things I can stand to be reminded of every now and then.

I felt a little odd posting it without researching it a little bit. I was rather stunned to find that the author is only 53...not the 90 that the email I received credited her with. I'm sure she's be thrilled to know that.

This is taken from Cleveland.com. I read several of the other columns that she has written and they were all wonderful. If you get a chance and are looking for some reading...her links are a great place to look!

--

Regina Brett's 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on
Posted by Regina Brett September 20, 2007 14:03PM

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.

It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

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Monday, June 1, 2009

The wondrous joys of teething

What a great experience it is to wake from a nice slumber to find the youngest child is screaming.

What a wonderful thing when that screaming stops for nothing short of narcotics.

Fortunately, Hylands teething tablets and Orajel are to the rescue.

Now...what can mommy take for her nerves?

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Friday, May 29, 2009

Fiesty Friday

Posted in Kudzu Life
Okay, time to catch everyone up on how things are going around the Korner.

Starting with the head of our domain - Andrew! He would probably tell you that nothing has changed in his boring life, but he would be very very wrong. It is true that he's still working two jobs and keeping our household a float, but he does so much more than that! The weather is warmer, so his 'free' time is tied up with mowing and yard work and lots of outside activities for the kids. Last weekend alone he was seen being pulled kicking and screaming toward the pond with fishing poles in hand. Over Mother's Day, flowers were planted around the yard and some have survived the frost and deer and others haven't. He doesn't lose heart though! There are bikes to be fixed and vehicles to be maintained...he's right there handling it all! Wow...I love that man!!!

Next...mommy...oh that's boring...I'll come back to mommy.

What's not boring?? KIDS!!! Kids are never boring! I'll let the little ladies go first.

Kelsie. What an angel this 18 month old wonder is! I can't tell you the number of times every day she brings a smile to our faces. I am so blessed by the joy she brings to my world. She has two great loves...food and being outside. I really think she'd be willing to have 10 meals a day. I can't think of anything off the top of my head that she'll turn down in the way of food and she loves, LOVES to come help in the kitchen. She reminds me of a puppy that's hoping crumbs will be dropped. As for outdoors, I have visions of Maria from The Sound of Music dancing on a hilltop. If she thinks she can manage a way to get out during the day, she's out the back door in a flash. I've started locking the screen doors to keep her from sneaking out when no one is looking. I bought her a pair of crocs a couple weeks ago and she's constantly bringing them to someone hoping we'll put them on her and let her run free.

Erin. Earlier in the spring, Erin asked us if she could play soccer. She wasn't one that I pegged as the soccer type, but she really enjoyed having an activity of her own. Her team consisted of 4 boys that have all played for a few years and 3 girls. It didn't take long to realize that the boys ran, and managed the ball, well enough that the girls could hang out as goalie and not spend their time running. Tell me that's not smart! As the season went on and she built up a little endurance, she liked running more...but goalie was her favorite spot. I'm not sure if she'll continue next season or not, but she had a great time and that was worth it.

and now for the boys!

Sean. There is just something about boys at 4 years old. Okay, there's something about boys at every age, but four seems to be such a magical age. As the third kid, it's fun watching him develop his own likes and dislikes...and he's got NO problem letting you know which category something falls into. Presently, the categories look much like this:

LIKES	DISLIKES
Dinosaurs	Cheese
Robots	Cheese
Pizza	Cheese
Spaceships	Cheese
Heroes	Bad Guys (and cheese)

Over the last week, he has also decided that he wants to be a fisherman when he grows up. I asked him what a fisher man does.

"Goes on a boat and brings back a lot fish."

We can't help but laugh about this, considering he won't touch fish. Just look at this face.

Christopher. Man. How did my boy get to be 8? I'd call him my baby, but he might read this and that would lead to moans and groans like you would not believe, so I'll just call him boy. Of course, he does have a point. Is it really fair to call him my baby (yes, for me it is) when he's 4' 10" at just 8 years old? He doesn't think so. Sigh...

Anyway, the boy finished his first year of Cub Scouts. In a few weeks, he and daddy will be enjoying a whole week of scout camp where they do all sorts of 'boy' things. I'm all for it. Let the men, be men I say! We aren't sure if we're going to continue with scouts beyond this year or not. With where we live the pack is really small and it hasn't been the productive experience that we had been hoping for. We'll keep looking though. I'm sure we'll find something that serves as an outlet for him and ALL his energy. Eventually...

Here is Christopher receiving his trophy after placing 3rd in the council pinewood derby race. He's the same age as the boys next to him. Woah.

School is still going for Christopher and Erin. I had hoped to finish up in June, but with morning sickness and two months of the little ones being sick, we're catching up. We had our standardized testing in March and those scores should be back soon. Once we get those into the school board, we're good for another year. I'm planning on starting Sean in the fall with some basics. He'll still be four, but since he's picking up reading on his own...might as well strike now while the iron is hot!

Jelly Bean & Me. Our newest addition is continuing to grow on schedule! I've had several ultrasounds in the last 6 weeks. I developed something called a subchorionic hemorrhage and had several visits to check and see if it resolved itself. Basically, it was a small bleed on the placenta, but it appears to have resolved itself and all is well. I'm just over 21 weeks now and I'd like to tell you if we're having a boy or a girl, but despite all the peeks we've been able to get...we haven't been able to see THAT yet.

I have another ultrasound in a few weeks, so maybe then. Otherwise, things are progressing great...almost too great. At about 10 weeks I started asking about the prospect of twins. All the scans show only one, but I look like I'm about ready to have this baby already. Ha! I guess it's all in where internal parts shift around and end up, but I could have tolerated not "popping" as fast as I did.

Just because I know you'll think I'm exaggerating...this is me 6 weeks ago at 15 weeks along.

The only other big change for me has been a haircut. I had almost 20 inches of hair cut off and I'm enjoying having my hair short for now. I know me, it'll be long again...probably soon..but for now the easy maintenance and not constantly trying to find a pony tail holder where I can pull it out of my face is a blessing!

So, that's all on us. We'd love to hear how everyone else is doing. Drop us a line and let us know!

God Bless!
Michele
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Thursday, May 28, 2009

I'm back!! Woo hoo!!!

Posted in Kudzu Ramblings
Man it has been forever since I fought my way into this site to blog. It started with a simple lack of desire and time. Then it evolved into a lost password and a near impossible quest to reset said password. All the time later...I'm back!!!

Today is my sweet husband's 37th birthday and we had a wonderful time celebrating as a family tonight. I'll post updates on everyone tomorrow.

I'm thrilled to be back!

~Michele
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Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Hibernation - Mother's Day Giveaway

Hello all. I have been hard pressed to find time to blog lately, but I'm making time to let you know about this wonderful Mother's Day Giveaway.

5 minutes for mom.com is giving away a Toshiba laptop!!! I hesitate to tell you, because I'd LOVE to win this one, but some lucky mom deserves it!

Good luck!

Toshiba Portege

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Sunday, March 15, 2009

Sunday Funny Papers

Posted in Kudzu Kids
We're still sick. A couple are on the mend, one about the same, and one got worse overnight. I don't normally rush to the doctor, but Sean seemed to be struggling for air this morning and I took him to the urgent care clinic in town.

So they're giving us our discharge papers and the nurse is giving me the run down on the meds and I finally just said, "I can sign it. With four kids I know how to do antibiotics." I'm not sure she believed me. Eye Roll

Then she had a conversation with Sean.

(Nurse) "After your mommy gives you these eye drops, you can go to school tomorrow."

(Sean) Blink

"I don't go to school. I'm four!"

(Nurse) "Oh, well then you'll be able to go to preschool tomorrow."

(Sean) Blink

"Huh? What's that?"

(Nurse) Blink

She looked at me. "I guess day care then?"

I just No Way

and shrugged but Sean said "I don't go to daycare. I get to stay with my mommy ALLLLLLLL day! I'm the luckiest boy in the whole WIIIIIDE world." (and he even made the huge sweeping motion with his arms.)

(Nurse) Blink

I just patted Sean on the head and told him to get his coat. "Yes mommy!" Clap 2

Have I said that I love that boy? Love

And all the places that I put Blink

, that's is almost exactly the face that they made.

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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Thrilling Thursday

Posted in Kudzu Life
Just a quick update to let everyone know that we're a house full of sickies right now. Hope everyone else is well!!
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Thursday, March 5, 2009

What my kids think...

Posted in Kudzu Kids
This was a fun meme on Facebook. We're going nuts with testing for the older two kids this week so I thought I'd post it here too for an extra laugh. Enjoy!'

--

Cut and paste these questions, then ask your child or children these questions and post the answers. It's hilarious!

Christopher is 7 1/2, Erin is 6, and Sean is 4.

1.What is something mommy always says to you?
C - I love you.
E - Did you brush your hair?
S - Behave.

2.What makes mommy happy?
C - not being sick
E - having a baby
S - eating

3.What makes mommy sad?
C - having her baby die
E - us misbehaving
S - being sick

4.How does your mommy make you laugh?
C - tickles me
E - being silly
S - tickles me and goes swirly eyes

5.What was your mommy like as a child?
C - I don't know.
E - I don't know, you'd have to tell us.
S - she looked like Erin

6.How old is your mommy?
C - 34
E - 34
S - 44

7.How tall is your mommy?
C - I don't know.
E - She's tall.
S - I can't reach that tall but you are "up to here" when you sit down.

8.What is her favorite thing to do?
C - Have babies
E - give presents
S - eat dinner

9.What does your mommy do when you're not around?
C - I don't know. I'm not there. Am I supposed to know?
E - waits for me to get home
S - sleep

10.If your mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?
C - Becoming queen.
E - being in a show
S - because she was finally asleep

11.What is your mommy really good at?
C - Being a mommy
E - making dinner
S - making birthday cakes

12.What is your mommy not very good at?
C - skateboarding
E - being messy
S -I don't know.

13.What does your mommy do for a job?
C - be a mommy
E - works around the house
S - to walk at the house a lot

14.What is your mommy's favorite food?
C - I don't know.
E - zucchini (um, ew...no way)
S - cake

15.What makes you proud of your mommy?
C - She's the best mommy in the world.
E - when she lets me help her
S - nothing

16.If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
C - Wendy (from Peter Pan)
E - Word Girl
S - Long hair mommy! and she'd wear a cape. (lol!)

17.What do you and your mommy do together?
C - Play
E - go to princess stuff
S - go to church

18.How are you and your mommy the same?
C - We both have all our teeth and we're both human beings.
E - we're both girls
S - we both have belly buttons

19.How are you and your mommy different?
C - Mommy wears glasses and I don't.
E - I'm younger than she is.
S - I'm a boy and she's a girl.

20.How do you know your mommy loves you?
C - She says it all the time and gives great big hugs.
E - Because she tells me and I believe what she tells me.
S - because she let me come out of her tummy.

21.What does your mommy like most about your daddy?
C - They are married.
E - (she couldn't think of an answer for this one)
S - He's a good daddy.

22.Where is your mommy's favorite place to go?
C - To the store.
E - Home.
S - Home.
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About Me

I am a mom to six wonderful blessings--Christopher (7), Erin (6), Sean (4), ^Joshua^ stillborn (11/06), Kelsie (1), and our newest blessing expected Fall '09. I have been married 13 years to the love of my life, who is also the most amazing man on earth!