Judgement House

This so far was the most relaxed day we've had all week. I wanted to post last night but we just were too tired.

After the kids left for school, Kevin and I got to spend sometime just me and him...something that is very rare with a houseful of kids. Of course it was quickly interrupted when bio-mom decided to call us back after leaving her a message the night before. Thankfully she was at the courthouse dealing with another legal issue of hers and could get too excited. In the end she basically agreed to what we had offered her in the beginning of our custody. She didn't seem to plan on providing Breanna with certain items and stated...if I send her up there in something too small just put it in a bag and send it back. Hate to say but it has been our experience, everything will be going back in a bag and we will be providing her clothes. This is fine with us as long as they get returned, a major problem in the past. Of course my thought is, if she knows the clothes or shoes are to small then why even put them on her at all. I guess we all just don't think alike.

Kevin helped me make Cheeseburger Soup(a recipe Erica gave me at church). We are a good soup assembly team. I made a double batch so I could take mom and dad some. Mom came home yesterday after lunch. She seems to be doing pretty good so far since her knee replacement. We stopped by to see them and drop it off on our way to pick up Christopher for Judgement House.

As soon as the kids got home we put it into high gear...homework, showers, dinner. Cindy was coming to watch Breanna so at first Breanna was going to eat with her, but when we all started eating she ate. Kevin, Cameron, Christopher and I left for Judgement House and of course I had to fill Cindy in on the rules...something told me Bre' would try to take advantage of Cindy. She could have soup for dinner or if she got hungry and then at 7:00 p.m. she could choose a snack. At 7:30 p.m. brush teeth, go potty and it is bedtime. As soon as we went out the door she pressed Cindy for candy, cereal and whatever else was off limits. Cindy text me and I gave her the rules again and told her to be firm and not let Breanna take advantage, too funny. Bedtime came and she tried to change those rules again. When we got home she was sound asleep, I guess she finally realized the rules were the rules no matter who was here. This was the first time we had a babysitter.

We met everyone at Christ Family Church and headed to Judgement House. I'm not sure but I think we had around 40-50 people go. Cameron was really excited and we heard there was a scene that might not be good for him to see, so I warned him and totally left it up to him. We were in the first 10 people to go in. It was a wonderful experience and very eye opening. God is so good. I think there were a few things that really triggered my emotions. One was when a man died in a hospital and the heart monitor went to a dull single beeeeeeeep, which let you know he had passed on. I don't think people get to hear that very often other than on t.v. and standing a few feet away from it gave a real sense of reality to it. The next thing that happened that was very emotional was when each of us was called by name to stand in judgement. Just the thought that this could be the time made you really think...am I sure? This was very stirring for Cameron. I think he was a little afraid of being separated at that moment and the fact that the black figure on stage had already taken two cast members away. We then headed to hell and Cameron decided he couldn't handle it. Kevin decided to stay outside with Cameron and Christopher who also backed out just as he was going in. The hell scene made me think. Everyone I think interprets what hell will be like. After seeing this I think my vision was opened up. I think hell will be very dark and empty, hot enough to make it uncomfortable and would make you just sit and think about what you could have done to change your life and always remembering what you miss. The portrayal of the devil was great to me. At times he spoke just as if he was sitting next to you having a conversation and then in an instant he became the evil person that he really is. It think the devil is just like that to us everyday. Insisting us to make things tempting and look good and then when you are drawn it you have nothing but torture to deal with and evil over your shoulder constantly. The final scene was heaven. The did this wonderfully...we actually got to enter through the gates of heaven. But the most meaningful moment is when Jesus came to each of us, took our hand, placed his hand on our shoulder and looked us straight into the eyes and welcomed us one at a time into heaven, while sharing a special message. It was amazing and I'm sure only touched what it will really be like. As we left I thought of the song, I can only imagine. I don't think I will be able to do anything but cry with JOY. Cameron prayed the salvation prayer again. I am so proud of him...he amazes me everyday and is so open at times with his love for God.

So as you can see it was a wonderful day and I look forward to what each and every day will bring us. I thank God for giving us eternal life and am so glad to know my family serves and awesome God and we all enjoy it.

Cheeseburger Soup

2 carrots
1 onion
2 stalks of celery (we leave out because we don't like it)
8 cups diced potatoes
3 cans chicken broth
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup butter
1/2 lb hamburger meat (we use turkey, also if you like a lot of meat you can use 1 lb)
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 lb Velveeta cheese (cut into small blocks)

Brown meat and drain, set aside. Chop potatoes into small chunks and set aside (was told you can use the steam and mash potatoes if you like). Grate carrots and chop celery and onion. Melt 1/2 cup butter in large 5 qt. pot and saute onion and celery until clear. Add cooked hamburger meat and potatoes along with the chicken broth and simmer until potatoes are tender. While this is cooking, take remaining butter and add flour over low heat. Stir until thick and set aside. Once the potatoes are done (to your liking) add the flour mixture to thicken the soup. Stir well and then add the cheese along with the milk. Stir occasionally until the cheese is melted. Right before serving take the soup off the heat and add the sour cream. Stir until incorporated and s

erve.

Birthday Season Over

(Above are the photos of the food spread Candice did...soo goood!)

Breanna got up this morning feeling so excited that it was her birthday. She couldn't wait to get to school and wear her birthday hat. I had no idea what that meant so I asked her. She said her teacher Ms. Bishop makes them a hat on their birthday to wear all day. How cleaver that is, something so small makes these little kid's day.

Kevin ran errands and I worked at the charity for a while. Of course we were in a rush when school was out to get Bre' ready to meet bio-mom and Cameron's homework. Not sure if Breanna would be fed on her two hour visit (according to her they usually don't feed her on Friday for her weekend visit, so I had my doubts that anything was planned for this short visit) so I decided to make her a favorite peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich with apple juice and banana for dessert. Of course she love it, she's a kid. We dropped her off on time and I must say that arrogance must come naturally to some people. I'm sure we are all guilty of it a times, but some people just blatantly display it for what I guess is just a personal shove. First of all bio-mom was smoking (okay outside the car for a change) and didn't even budge to come get her daughter that she felt the need just a few days ago to express that she must have her on her actually birthday because she laid in labor all that time for her. I tend to think that I might at least look a bit excited. Bio-mom's sister instead proceeded to open the car door and grab her before she could finish telling everyone bye (a ritual we go through everywhere we go, not to mention bedtime), Kevin had to stop her so he could tell her bye and we'd see her in a couple of hours.

We headed to the hospital to visit mom. She was up and in a chair, had been exercising and doing her therapy. We had a good visit and it seems that she may get to go home tomorrow some time after lunch. I know she will be so glad just to be home. Recovery is so much better at home than a hospital. Of course it will make if much easier on my dad. He is so sweet, he is going to make sure she is taken care of and has everything she needs...while hobbling on his broke foot. The are the best parents.

Kevin headed out to get Breanna and Cameron and I headed to church. I took cupcakes for the kids birthday at church. They were given the option of taking them to church or school and both chose church. Cameron's class had a Halloween Party so the cupcakes were a great addition. Candice made some wonderful treats for the kids; hot dogs wrapped like mummies, bone bread sticks, pretzel and fruit roll up witches brooms, string cheese fingers, cheese pizza and ice cream punch with gummy worms. I'm thinking something else to but can't remember. She always has great games for the kids. The class is wonderful and Cameron really enjoys it. Breanna's class worked on crafts and enjoyed their cupcake party. She was so excited when she got there. Luckily praise and worship lasted a little bit longer than usual and she got there just as the kids were heading to the classes. She came to see me, hugged me and said where's my party? It is such a gift when you see a child's face light up. Don't rush those moments or ever let them pass you by.

After church we came home and got the kids all scrubbed up. Breanna said she was hungry and as predicted ate nothing on her visit (do some people just not think?). Not only that she let us know that she only got a sweater and pair of pants from her grandfather and not a single gift from anyone else. No cake, no small party, no anything...she was told that on her next visit that they would give her a party. I'm not an expert but it seems like that would be a little hard for a 6 year old to comprehend why a week before they put off her party, now on her birthday no party and is expected to wait another week and a half for her birthday. She was very disappointed. Of course she is beginning to get used to being let down and that just breaks my heart. And another issue that as a mother just blows my mind is the fact that bio-mom either is to prideful to tell us she needs us to send clothes for her when she comes down there or she just doesn't care or know what size her child wears. Most of the time Breanna comes home in clothes to small for her. This last time she came home with pants about a mile to long and shoes two sizes to small. When Breanna told her that she needed to buy her some new shoes tonight in a size 13 (she asked her size before she left) she was told to tell Kevin that he needed to send her clothes and shoes down there. When we got custody of Breanna, I specifically told Ms. Bio-Mom (sorry for the sarcasm) that we would pack her a bag for every visit and for her just to please just place the unwashed clothing back in her bag and return everything. I told her that is what I did for Cameron when he was visiting Jack. Her reply was, I don't need anything from you...I can provide anything my daughter needs. So that was that, from then on what she sent her home in would be what we sent her back in for each visit. It has been that way for three years now. So Kevin politely (and I do mean politely, no sarcasm) left a voice message to remind her of her own words and told her if she needed him to send clothes and shoes down there that she needed to let us know and not send messages through Bre'. Also told her that Breanna is growing and needs clothes that fit her and to please not to send her back in shoes two sizes to small, then he gave her what size clothes she was in I believe. We kind of expected a nasty little phone call, but well it's after 10:30 p.m. here and so far no call. There is always tomorrow. I don't mean to seem like I'm acting ugly, but you know...enough is enough, how selfish can one person be? I just want to tell her to wake up, Breanna is slipping away from her and she doesn't seem to care. On the way home from church she said, when I turn 8 I can make my own decisions. I asked her what she meant and she said you told Cameron when he was 8 he could decide whether he went to Jack's or not. She was right, that at least was something that we both agreed on...we would never force him to visit and eventually it just became a place he never wanted to go. I told her that if and when she ever felt that way she needed to talk to her Dad. I knew someday this would happen, just didn't know it would happen at 6. Another said point is that bio-mom as even express this to Kevin and is aware that Breanna will eventually not want to visit and this doesn't change her actions.

Okay on a very funny note; just as Cameron was going to bed Kevin found a song on the Internet that was a favorite of his when he was little. First let me tell you that when Cameron was born he had a hernia and it wasn't able to be correct until he was 5 years old. So technically he was born without a belly button. It was a protruding bump when the belly button should be about the size of a quarter and stuck out about an inch, I'm sure you can imagine (I'll have to find some pictures). Well he was a huge Veggie Tales fan and we happen to find a little song that says, I've got to tell you something...I ain't got no belly button and it quickly became his favorite. He loved to dance to it and pull on that loose limp piece of skin it finally became. I was so happy when they went in and repaired the hernia and made him a belly button.

I made Breanna some left over chicken and rice after her bath. She was so excited about her little party at church with her friends. I hope these kids are the ones she grows up and has strong bonds with. I know this is a little gross but just as she came to tell me goodnight I notice she had something in her nose and told her to go clean it out. Well I don't know how it progressed but she couldn't get it and told me to get it out. I just blurted out, no that's a monster booger and it must be holding on until Halloween...that sent her into a big laugh. On and on it went until Kevin tried to get it and finally, yep I ended up with the job. Afterward she kept asking for her birthday whippings. I told Kevin we really should reconsider punishments and spank the kids, when they beg for a whipping, 6 and one to grow on...you know you don't spank your kids enough, lol. So I started to give her her birthday whipping as she called it and she counted and kept counting to 8 and I said hey you are only six are you trying to get older to fast. She thought that was really funny. She said yeah I want to be big I'm going to be 10 next year. I told her no way, next she would want her own apartment and thank goodness she said no. Actually she agreed to living with me forever and when I get old she would be here to take care of me, so I should be good since both her and Cameron have agreed to this (I have a feeling I should have got that in writing, lol.). Okay so now Kevin had to do the birthday whipping and finally she could go to bed. I'd say this was a great birthday, not just for her but Cameron also. They had a big party, each got a special birthday dinner party and a church party...I'm jealous. Hey, they are only little for such a short time and I plan to enjoy every minute of it...no matter how exhausting it is.

Well, I think I need to head to bed...it is waaaaaaay past my bedtime. I can't wait until Judgement House tomorrow. I really don't know what to expect, but it is something Kevin and I have wanted to go to since we met and now Cameron is old enough to go.

So Tired

Well we got up and made sure the kids looked as much in order as possible. Today was school picture day so we had to remind them to please check themselves and no silly smiles (you know they are tempted) when it is their turn. They came home looking pretty good so looks like it went well.

I worked at Serenity Pointe today, but just not enough hours to get it done. I had to rush home to meet Kevin and go to parent/teacher conferences this afternoon. Things are great! Breanna seems to be doing well and on target. We are going to check to see if speech is needed. This has been a concern for a few years, but they thought she would grow out of it. Hopefully that will be the same assessment. Regardless, we are on top of it. Cameron got rave reviews and I am so proud of him. The teachers are saying that he is a pleasure and is making great progress in is class. He is trying really hard and has managed to stay in the regular curriculum. I am so proud of him for trying his best. The sky is the limit. We have the best and SMARTEST kids (you can challenge me on that if you want - I might be a little biased).

I had Kevin make a throw together meal so we could come back home eat, do homework and hurry to the hospital to see mom. She is doing well with her surgery, but dad told me that in light of the bad rain and the fact that she was hurting and tired from her therapy that it might be best to let her rest. So we decided that we would just stay home and make sure things are in order since we have something planned every day this week.

Here is the recipe to the throw together meal I had Kevin make...just in case you are looking for something quick and different.

Quick Chicken & Rice

2 boxes Chicken Rice A Roni
1 can Corn (you can used and vegetable you like)
chicken (I had some left over that I cooked Saturday and just added it), canned or cooked (shredded or cubed)

Make Rice A Roni according to box directions, when adding the water add the drained can of corn and chicken. Done...easy and the kids love it.

Long day

Well I spent the day at the hospital, mom had her left knee replaced today. It has been 2 1/2 years since her right knee replacement, of course they did 2 other surgeries on that same knee afterward. I hope she has a quick and easy recovery. Dad is still hobbling around on his broke foot so I hope they get along good. Not easy having to lame people in the house.

Pretty non eventful other than the surgery. But something funny did happen that I just have to tell. I'm so bad. Breanna talked to bio-mom today and during the conversation I heard her ask where her sister was. She must have told her that she was outside playing because Breanna told her she didn't need to be outside by herself and then told her she need to have a parent watching her. You have to laugh when a 6 year old (well in 2 days) knows more about parenting a child than the parent does. Of course this is probably a typical thing down there. We may let the kids go out an play, but in this day and age...they are never out of our sight. Please watch your children at all times. They are too precious and anything can happen in a few lost seconds. Just watch the news!

End to a long weekend.

Last night was really upsetting to me, I guess it was a lesson that someone thought we needed to be taught. Kevin tried to call Breanna and well the ex wouldn't return our call. That is usually her justification that she can have some little bit of control. I hate to be angry but she should have thought about that before she gave her rights up to Kevin...at least we let her have visitation. As a mom and I truly feel in my heart that Breanna is my daughter, it is the worst feeling when you can't talk to your child. Wondering what they are doing and especially in her case what she might be exposed to. All I can do is pray that God keeps her safe and in his sight. I know he has a watchful eye on her but these times are so difficult. I've worried about her all night and day.

We all went to church today. It was Homecoming but I just couldn't bring myself to go without Kevin and Breanna. We couldn't have went anyway, during church Cameron came down with a bad headache and when we came home I had to give him some medicine. He slept until 4 p.m. And I have to admit I took a little nap during that time also. I really needed that.

A little after 6 p.m. I talked with Kevin's mom Reta and she told me that Breanna had been picked up. I'm so glad she is safe...such a huge relief. God is so good.

Well I just talked to Kevin and him and Breanna are on their way home, so I guess I'll get ready for bed so the water won't be cold for them. This is going to be a very busy week for us. There isn't a day that something isn't on our calendar and most days multiple things. We will start tomorrow out with the first day back to school from fall break...you know the day that is the hardest to get the kids out of bed. Then head to the hospital for mom's knee replacement and hopefully all will go well and we will be home just in time for the dreaded homework routine. Everyone keep us in your prayer.

By the way, soup, dip and pie was great...plenty for today so I didn't even have to cook.

Just when you think you had a good day...

Well today was the last day for me to sleep in late and yep, I tossed and turned and was wide awake at 5 a.m. Oh well, I was still planning on making this a great day no matter what.

Kevin had to work and of course Bre' is gone, but the rest of us got up and had some breakfast and straightened the house so that we could just enjoy the day with nothing to do. I took Cameron and Christopher to meet mom and dad so they could spend some time with them and I went to lunch with Cindy and her mom.

I went to the store and got some items for Kevin, who is watching his diet. Came home and made Homemade Chicken Vegetable Soup, Key Lime Yogurt Pie and some Mrs. Dash Sour Cream Yogurt Dip for Veggies. I cut up all sorts of vegetables for dipping; squash, cucumbers, mushrooms, bell pepper and carrots. I really hope everyone eats them and this doesn't go to waste.

I went and got the kids and that's when my day made a sudden change. Everything was just fine when I left. Not a thing out of place and the volume on the living room t.v. was working just fine. All the dogs put up but Mojo, so maybe that is my answer, lol. I get home, put the dogs out, tell the kids to get bathed and sit down to watch t.v. and I'm watching a silent show only in color...what's up with that? I did everything, change the channel, tried the t.v. remote (ever so dusty) instead of the cable remote and yes I actually walked over to the t.v. like I had to do when I was a kid and turned it up manually and nothing... So anyway I guess I'll just wait for Kevin to get home so I don't mess anything up. Isn't it funny (not really) how when things are going good something always costs you. Well I guess this will be a good excuse to send the kids to their rooms and Kevin and I to cuddle in bed and watch t.v. tonight. Hey, you gotta look at the bright side of everything.

Here are my recipes for Key Lime Yogurt Pie and Mrs. Dash Sour Cream Yogurt Dip (have tried just got this one of the Internet today). Enjoy them.

Sour Cream Yogurt Dip

1 cup light sour cream
1/2 cup non-fat plain yogurt
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
2 tbsp. Mrs. Dash Original Blend
1/2 tsp. sugar

Mix everything well together, cover and chill for 2-3 hours or overnight. Stir and Serve with fresh cut veggies.

Key Lime Yogurt Pie

1 graham cracker crust
2 containers Key Lime yogurt (you can use any flavor you like)
1 small container of cool whip

Mix yogurt and cool whip together well and pour into graham cracker crust, place in freezer for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve, remove from freezer and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Taking it easy...

Today was a strange Friday... a mix of work, relaxation and some fun. We slept in until about 8 a.m. and for us that was sleeping in. The kids straightened their rooms while I made biscuits and gravy for breakfast. After a Hearty Southern Breakfast, I started the daily laundry, cleaned the kitchen and the kids played for a while. Had to run to Walmart (didn't buy anything) just to sign and insurance paper to get Breanna's new glasses ordered... some new thing they do.

We came home and worked on our Halloween Treats. We decided to make Ghost Suckers and everyone pitched in. We will be handing them out at the Halloween Trunk or Treat at Christ Family Church Halloween Night.

Since it was raining this morning I thought I'd turn the A/C on because it was a little stuffy in the house. After about an hour I noticed it seemed hotter...yep it wasn't working. Dad came by and like before it froze up. We did survive the day with the doors open and breeze coming in since it did stop raining. Thank goodness dad came to the rescue...Kevin was at work.

Kevin is watching his diet and is trying to eat "heart healthy", so that means low-fat and salt-free. We shopped for some spices and decided on some Mrs. Dash. I've used it in the past a lot but had stopped buying it. I made Caribbean Baked Chicken, sauteed Squash and Onions with the Caribbean Seasoning and a little Orange Juice and then made some Garlic Scalloped Potatoes for dinner. It was pretty good and everyone seemed satisfied.

I had to drop Breanna off tonight to spend the weekend with her bio-mom...she had mixed feelings about wanting to go. But by the time we headed out she had stopped making excuses about not wanting to go. It must be hard to leave the place you call home and go to a place where you just aren't sure if people care for you. That issue seems to really be on this five year old's mind.

The boys are having game night, not wanting to read the directions and keep asking me everything. Kevin just got home from work and we plan to relax and watch some t.v. or a movie. Lately I'm wide awake again at night and he is sacked out before me...my insomnia is creeping up again. I wish I could just fall asleep like everyone else. You'd have to suffer from it to understand.

Oh, I wanted to share something with everyone today...

Be sure to teach your children that no matter what, it is always better to tell the truth. If you expose you children to learn that you tell lies or always try to cover something up, they will just mimic you. It becomes second nature and they really don't know any different. Think about this the next time you try to cover something up, make something sound better than it really is or just flat out change the facts...your child is striving to be you, and if you're a liar then you are teaching them to be one.