Dishes In The Sink

Shopping High...

2008-09-19T22:36:00.003-04:00

To anyone who still checks this blog that I hardly update....thank you.

For the first time, in a LONG time, I went shopping. Not just regular, everyday, grocery shopping; or run down to the mall for one thing shopping; this was good, ol, wonderful shopping. I feel like I need to blog about the experience because it caused such a high I almost couldn't stand it.

Let me preface by saying that my brother-in-law and my cousin are getting married next weekend. I swear it is totally legit - nothing blood related between them! Anyhoo, my husband, Phebe, is the best man and will look so cute in his tux. I ordered pants from Old Navy for the boys to wear along with their white button up oxford shirts they've had forever. Everyone is all set - except for me!

Last fall when I quit my job at CMH, I went thru my closet and gave all my work/dressy clothes to Goodwill. I do not donate them to Browse-n-Buy because my mom usually buys them back for me. Anyhoo, I want to look nice for the wedding, hoping we can get a nice family shot taken by the wonderfully talented photographers (yeah, Denny & Suzanne of Solid Rock Photos).

So, the bachelor party is tonight (actually going on as I type) in our garage. My boys are spending the night at mamaw & papa ye ye's house (God bless them). I had the whole evening to myself to conjure up some wonderful memories by going to my favorite place - Belden Village (not Westfield Shopping Center....please).

I flew up I-77, my favorite road, and stopped at the Avenue store beside Target. The Avenue is geared for fluffy girls (thanks Adair & Susan for that term). The sales people were rude, did not greet me or acknowledge my presence. There was no one else in the store! I tried on a few things and left, definitely not impressed.

I traveled across the street to Lane Bryant, my old faithful, and hit the jackpot! Oddly enough, there were 3 other woman who were shopping for an outfit for a wedding next week. I felt so good finding clothes that fit, taking my time, and of course, getting to buy all this stuff for me!! I know that's so selfish, but today I didn't care. It honestly felt so good!!

Next I ventured through the mall - one of my favorite pastimes. I remembered the smell and missed it. Yes, the mall has a small and I love it! I felt energized and almost hypnotized by the whole experience.

I finished off the night stopping at Target, of course, and then I hit the wall. Physically. I felt like I couldn't move another inch. I worked earlier in the day and had already been to Aldi's and Walmart. I think my shopping finally got to me.

So, as I drove home on lovely I-77, I remembered that Kohl's is open later. I stopped in to look for shoes, which I found, which they did not have in my size (I'm looking online for them right now).

Long story short, today rocked!

A New Hero...

2008-06-18T12:32:00.001-04:00

Dear Mr. Clean Magic Eraser,

Thank you for being the tool that "erased" the black crayon off my living room walls!

Sincerely,

A Mom

Weary...

2008-06-09T23:53:00.002-04:00

I think I finally know the definition of "weary". I looked it up in the dictionary - it means, "physically or mentally exhausted, tired, fatigued". I'm experiencing it now...

If you've kept in touch with us, you know that Simmy has been in and out of the hospital several times, has had many ER visits, and is dealing with a milk allergy. We've all had the flu, sinus infections, ear infections, etc. I finally got my gallbladder out. But tonight was the icing on the cake.

Rocky had a fever seizure - he was totally unresponsive and burning up. Oddly he was perfectly fine this morning. I've never been so scared in my life. I was holding him in my arms watching him breathe and asking God to heal him. My dad and I rushed him to the ER and his fever was 104.7. Long story short, we're home now and he's sleeping...

The word "weary" just kept popping up in my head while we were at the hospital and after we got home. I found the verse that I'm hoping comes into fruition - Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest".

Has anyone else ever felt like this? Would love to hear from you.

Rhonda visiting, Laura's birthday parties....

2008-04-08T21:06:00.002-04:00

We've got some weird irony going on... just hang with me.

February 9th, I was rushed to the emergency room with the most excruciating pain... ended up I had an ovarian torsion (twisted ovary). Whatever. They kept me overnight for possible surgery the next day... which was a Sunday. However, it ended up fixing itself so I did not need surgery. Bizarre, weird, and crazy....

This past weekend, we rushed Simmy to the hospital after he woke up barely being able to breath. He had started the week with 2 ear infections and a sinus infection. The first medication didn't work and we just started the 2nd antibiotic on Friday. They drew blood, took x-rays, did a breathing treatment and told us he had pneumonia and needed to be admitted to the hospital. He was released Monday morning..... and doing much better! Again, bizarre, weird, and crazy...

Here's the irony - each incident occurred on the weekend that a.) Rhonda was coming up from Virginia to sing and I would get to sing with her; and b.) Phebe's cousin Laura was having a birthday party for her girls. First was Emilee's, then Lexie's.

So, if those 2 events happen to combine on the same weekend again, I'm afraid for Phebe & Rocky!

What do I actually get done in a day?

2008-04-02T20:37:00.002-04:00

I'd have to say that I'm a dreamer - all these ideals in my head of how life is supposed to work according to my plans. Well, plans change...

When I quit my job in August, I thought I'd have all this free time to "get stuff done". Stuff being - filing, cleaning, catching up with friends, pedicures, facials, exercise, organizing closets, cleaning cupboards, etc. What I've realized is that most days are just about survival - the boys not killing each other, the house still basically in one piece, and everybody pretty much fed with most of the food groups. I knew it would be hard work, but I didn't realize every waking minute would be focused on my boys - who (or whom) I love with all my heart.

I read an article the other day that said many moms wake up with a giant "to-do" list, as do I. Once the day starts rolling and we are not checking things off the list, we start to get discouraged and depressed. Bingo! The writer suggested lower our standards for the day. She said we should be happy that the kids get fed and are somewhat clean. That is an accomplished day. That made so much sense to me...

So, both boys have gone to the doctor, both have ear and sinus infections, and both are on antibiotics. They don't eat much and just want to snuggle with me on the couch. Is my house a mess? Yes. Is it worth it? Definitely. Many moms have passed this bit of wisdom on to me: "your children are only small for such a short period of time. soak it up because before you know it, they will be grown and out of the house. you'll never get this time back."

Good deal.

Can't sleep...

2008-03-03T00:42:00.002-05:00

You know how you're so tired and can't sleep? I took a nap today with Rocky (which I loved), but now I am wide awake at 1 in the morning.

There's been so much going on lately...Simmy turned 1, we all had the flu, the boys got sick a month later, Phebe's back on midnights, and so on. Having said all that, we are truly blessed. I can't complain one bit.

So, hopefully, spring is right around the corner and the snow will melt for good. It's time for walks outside, fresh air, and leaves back on the trees...

Happy spring!

Fascinating...

2008-01-18T07:10:00.000-05:00

It's Friday morning, 7:00am, and I've been up for an hour and a half. Just wide awake, nothing major. I've got laundry going, checked my email and news websites, and read a magazine. During my Internet surfing routine, I always check the classified ads on www.tusco.net. Local site, good finds. Anyhoo, I saw a 75 gallon aquarium for sale and instantly thought of Alli - the girl who used to watch Rocky over a year ago. She had a giant aquarium with beautiful salt water fish...

As she flashed into my mind, I couldn't believe that I have not run into her anywhere or seen her since she last watched Rocky. Then I thought about my old boss Pat - same thing! I quit my job in August and the only time I saw her was when I stopped into the office with the boys to visit. Then it struck me...

Is our town really that big?

I always tease Phebe when he calls Phila "little Cleveland". Maybe he's right? I always thought I lived in a small town, but oddly enough, I don't see the same faces when I go to Walmart or the mall.

Fascinating...

The flu, the weather, and the big loser

2008-01-08T14:45:00.000-05:00

It's been quite the couple of weeks since I've last posted. The day after Christmas, I had another gallbladder attack and ended up in the emergency room. I saw my doctor a few days after that and she said "1 more and it's coming out". Lovely.

Cruising thru the week (last week) and excited about Phebe being off for the weekend, everything came to a halt on Friday night. Rocky got sick (all over the kitchen). Saturday morning I got sick. Saturday afternoon Simmy and Rocky were sick. Thankfully Phebe was fine and took care of all of us...that is until Sunday. Phebe had to drum at church. He called me in between services to tell me he was feeling horrible. So, he spent Sunday in bed and sick. Yesterday, Rocky and I felt a little better, Phebe still felt bad but went to work, and Simmy wasn't doing to well.

I took Simmy to the doctor - he had the flu like the rest of us, but he wasn't bouncing back. Very lethargic, no energy, not eating, and fever. The doctor told us to go directly to the hospital for blood work.

For those of you who know me, I don't like needles. Anytime I have blood work done, I can't look and I sweat profusely. Just recently I've been able to go by myself and not drag my dad. Anyhoo, to see the nurses strap Simmy down and take blood from each arm....I can barely think about it without getting sick. Never have I felt so helpless - I couldn't do anything for him but talk to him.............

So far the blood work is okay. There is one more test the doctor is waiting on, but Simmy is doing a little better today. That's the latest from the sick ward here at the Stull household.

By the way, the weather is fabulous!

Lastly, my wonderful hubby has enlisted me to be his partner for the biggest loser challenge where he works. I'll be blogging a lot more about that. Evil weigh-ins are sometime this week. See, you can thank God in everything - due to the flu, I'm already down 10 pounds!

Confession time

2007-12-19T15:07:00.000-05:00

I have to confess...not until I had kids did I realize how crazy it is to take a trip to the store. Before kids, I would glare and think negative thoughts if I heard a kid cry or child scream. I would think "can they not control their kid" or "what a brat". I confess...I'm an idiot. Never judge..............

As I went to the mall today with the boys and myself, I realize how hard it is to load and unload, put coats on, take coats off, feed one, feed the other, change a runny-poopie diaper, wipe tears, pick up, put down, etc.....

I've done it before, but today there were a TON of kids at the mall. I saw other mommies with their little ones and if they cried, I felt bad for the baby and the mom. I now know it's hard and sometimes you just have to venture out and hope for the best.

Shame on me. Sorry to all the moms and kids I judged before I was a mom. How silly was I to think I had the answers!

Santa update...

2007-12-18T16:44:00.000-05:00

If you read my last post, you'll remember the Santa issue. Well, we took the boys to the mall last night to see Santa - too funny! Rocky wanted to "see" him, not sit on his lap and have a conversation with him. Phebe knelt beside Rocky and helped Rocky talk to Santa. Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas and Rocky replied, "presents". Now I know he's my child!

So, I thought I would get Simmy out of the stroller and let him sit on Santa's lap...maybe get a good picture. Santa held him 2 seconds and Simmy screamed!! I took Simmy back and he was my angel again.............

I guess Santa would look a little scary to a baby.....................

Are you excited?

2007-12-17T05:26:00.000-05:00

Are you as excited as I am for Christmas??? I am so ready for family time, good food, and of course...presents!! Since Phebe and I already exchanged gifts (more on that later), my full focus is on the boys opening presents....but who will they be from?

After Rocky was born, we decided we were going to tell him the truth about Santa Claus from the get go...we weren't going to indulge the fantasy. His 1st Christmas he was 9 months old so it wasn't a big deal. Last year he was a year and a half. The most he understood was to open presents. This year is a little different...

Rocky is two and a half and very much aware of the Christmas season. It has been a blast getting ready for Christmas. The tree is up, presents are wrapped under it, and it hasn't been knocked down! We've watched "Rudolph" (daily) and "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (semi-weekly) due to Phebe and his love for old, animated Christmas movies. One problem - Santa keeps popping up everywhere! He's in the movies, he's at the mall, and people ask Rocky if Santa's bringing him presents...so I thought I would ask Rocky this question:

"Hey Rock."

"What?"

"What does Santa do?"

"Ho, ho, ho"

"Yes, you're right. What else?"

"I don't know."

"Does he give presents to little girls and boys?"

"No....."

"Who is going to give you presents?"

"Daddy!"

"Will Santa give you any?"

"No...I don't know"

After this conversation, I asked Rocky if Santa gave presents to boys and girls who don't have a mommy or a daddy.....he said "I don't know"..... then "Yeah".

So one night, Phebe and I talked. He believed in Santa when he was little as did I. We both loved it and have nothing but wonderful memories............why did we say we didn't want Rocky to believe? Well, we've squashed that idea.

We've told Rocky the true meaning of Christmas. When I told him we celebrate Jesus' birthday, he asked if he got a cake! So, our new tradition is making Jesus a birthday cake! As long as the true meaning is there...I don't think it will hurt to also have the fairy tale...

Browns, Buckeyes, and Cavs...oh my!

2007-11-18T14:55:00.000-05:00

As I watched the Browns game yesterday (phenomenal win!), I think I came across something that makes a whole lotta sense that I never realized before. Last night I was telling Phebe that when the OSU-Michigan game was on , Rocky started saying, "Michigan, Michigan". Phebe, being the cool, level-headed father he is, replied "he better never like Michigan or he'll get his butt beat." Of course he was joking (I think), but what happened next made a lot of sense.

I went to my mom and dad's for lunch after church (Phebe was working) and after we were done, my dad went downstairs to watch the Browns. Rocky wanted to go with Papa so he went downstairs too. A little bit later I called him to come up because we were leaving and he didn't reply or come upstairs. I went downstairs to find Rocky and my dad watching the Browns. Rocky was actually sitting right next to papa watching the game! I was so excited! They were so cute! I got him ready then we headed home...

No matter how much we say we like a certain team, it all comes down to our attitude. I'm sure many parents can attest to this - the more you tell your child not to do something, the more he wants to do it. The more we tell Rocky that he has to like the Browns and Buckeyes, the more he'll probably find something else to like. But, the more we are just watching the game with the ones we love, having a good time, and enjoying each other's company, the more we will want to be in that environment.

It's like high school kids at a party...they may go into the party not wanting to drink alcohol, but when they see everyone having a good time, they want to be a part of it as well.

It makes sense why I'm such a football fan. All those years of holidays and parties, I hung out with my dad watching the tube; and when my mom yelled at me to come upstairs and help clean up, I totally ignored her because I didn't want to go. Eventually she gave up asking me to help...

So in conclusion (I sound like I'm writing some stupid report), I want to live the life that I want for my boys. Go Browns!

It's beginning to look a lot like...

2007-11-02T14:28:00.000-04:00

CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay, I'm officially geeked for the holidays! Thanksgiving...Christmas! I cannot wait!

The other night, a Big Lots commercial came on showing all of their new Christmas items for sale. Seriously, my heart started beating a little faster and I got all jittery...I was elated!

So, yes, I'm a child of commericial materialism, but at this time of year I love it!!!!! I won't fight it!!!

I've gotten some catalogs in the mail - Pottery Barn being my favorite - showing me all the wonderful things I need for Christmas!

It's only November 2nd, but I'm ready!!!

Hair, hair, wild, wonderful, hair!

2007-10-10T11:47:00.000-04:00

It's been so long since I've blogged.....I'm going thru withdrawal! Life is fun, life is crazy, life is full!

I had to blog because yesterday, my baby Simmy, got his 1st official haircut. No big deal, right? I sobbed like a little girl! I stayed home with Rocky & Carson while Phebe took Simmy to the barber. The boys were playing and I was washing dishes (go figure) when Phebe got home. He set Simmy's car seat on the floor beside me and when I looked at him, I just started bawling! Phebe thought I didn't like the haircut. I told him that wasn't it at all. I looked down and saw Rocky 2 years ago. It literally took my breath away.........he didn't look like a baby, he looked like a little boy making me stop and soak it in. I know........dramatic, right?

Well the shock has worn off and we're all back to normal.........well, just me I guess - they were normal to begin with! This morning I started looking at pictures to remember the fun times and special moments that were camera worthy. A little reflecting never hurt anyone!

Bored? Heck no!

2007-09-18T13:26:00.000-04:00

So, it's been a month and a half since my last day of work - or I should say last day of work outside the home. Several people commented saying, "oh, you'll be bored in no time" and "you'll be ready to go back to work in a week". Sad to say, but they're wrong...

It's been an adjustment and not an easy one at that. I've worked outside the home since I was 16. Since then I've been a lifeguard, a waitress, a telemarketer, a bible cover person, an office automation clerk, and a network specialist. Woo hoo. Honestly, this last month and a half has been the hardest work of my life!

I realized something - all those jobs were focused on me and how does this effect me and how much money can I make and so on and so forth. Being a mom is the most self-less thing I've ever done. I'm focused on them 24/7. I want them to be safe, eat healthy, be happy, learn like crazy, and most importantly, I want them to be like Christ. Everyday I have the choice to mold them, negatively or positively, into the person God wants them to be. Never, in my life, have I had so much responsibility...

So...am I bored? Never! If I'm bored then something's wrong. Do I wanna head out into the workforce again? Maybe someday, but I know right now this is where I'm supposed to be.

Chop it off!

2007-09-13T14:45:00.000-04:00

Ever have one of those days where the baby pulls your hair, the 2 year old tries to brush your hair....with a spaghetti utensil, the baby succeeds in pulling out some of your hair, and then the toddler spreads Balmex in your hair? Well, I had one too many of those days and chopped it off! Yes, I cut my hair super short and let me tell ya, life's been a little easier...

Here are some comments I've heard (the past 4 days):

-Wow, it's short. (no kidding)
-Not sure if I like it. (as I recall, I didn't ask)
-Ya know, most people think women with short hair are lesbians. (judging by my husband and 2 kids, I think I'm straight, but thanks)

But let me tell you this, Rocky and Simmy have been unsuccessful in their attempts to traumatize me using my hair - they opt for their other methods now. My shower is 3 minutes shorter. It only takes a second to style it as opposed to 30-45 minutes, and it's always off of my face and out of the way. Plus, there is hardly any hair in the shower drain!

So, to quell the rumors, I am not a lesbian. Yes, I know my haircut looks boyish (since 90% of guys have short hair). I'm sorry if you don't like it, but it works for me right now. I'm very happy with it cuz I know it's just hair - it will grow, I'll cut it, again, and again, and again.

Life's too short to worry about my hair!

Roasted basketball anyone?

2007-09-06T13:52:00.000-04:00

Okay, I've heard plenty of people tell me to watch what you say around your kids because they will repeat everything. I guess that goes for our actions as well...

I was feeding Simmy in the living room and I heard Rocky in the kitchen rootin' around. I didn't hear the cupboard slam, or the water turn on, or the microwave start so I knew he was fine. When I was done feeding Simmy, I walked into the kitchen to find this:

I love it! Rocky had put a sock on his hand to copy the ov-glove we use. Bless his heart! He decided to bake us a basketball for lunch! I love little kids and their imaginations!

Let's get some church up in here!

2007-09-01T21:08:00.000-04:00

I told Rocky we are going to church tomorrow and he instantly got excited. I love that! Then he asked if Simmy could go to. He is amazing! I need to follow his example.

Since when did I start worrying if I was hurting someone's feelings just by asking them about church? It seems like so many people I've talked to have been "hurt by the church". That's starting to sound like a cop-out. People haven't been "hurt by the church", they've been hurt by someone and instead of assessing the situation and putting into perspective, they automatically go with "I've been hurt by the church" and then give up. How sad.

How do I communicate to everyone I know that God hasn't given up on us! He wants us to keep going forward. I love people too much to NOT tell them about Christ and help get them plugged in.

So, Rocky, thanks for helping me get back to basics.

Big Boy Bed!

2007-08-27T14:07:00.001-04:00

It's been an exciting weekend! We transitioned Rocky into his big boy bed! He's doing so well and we're so proud of him! I've posted a pic of his new bed!

I'm not sure if it was more fun for me or him...it gave me a legitimate reason to go shopping!

Next up? Potty training! I think we'll wait....one transition at a time!

Nap time...

2007-08-23T14:34:00.001-04:00

You know it's a good time to blog when all 3 kids are napping at the same time. When I say 3, I mean my 2 and Carson (not Phebe). Carson is Rocky's best buddy and I'm watching him for a little bit today...

I thought of something the other day at church. I've been dealing with the fear of sharing Christ's message to everyone I meet. As I walked into the restroom at church, I looked down the row and every single door on both sides was closed but one. The one that was open I chose to go in to. No one else was in the restroom, but it was just easy to go into the open door...

It scares me to think that if I'm not an "open door" to the person I'm spending time with, will he or she keep walking until they find an open one? Who knows what that open door will bring them.

Life can be so odd...nothing like a potty break to open up my eyes to some of God's truth.

E-N-E-R-G-Y

2007-08-18T13:46:00.000-04:00

It is a beautiful Saturday with blue skies, sunshine, and no humidity! We just took a drive down to West LA (West Lafayette) to pick up our boys at Mamaw and Papa Ye Ye's (Phebe's mom and dad's house). As we remarked about the wonderful weather, we talked about how much "stuff" we have to get done this weekend before Monday comes...

Ironically, I was reading an article in my Glamour magazine (their biggest issue ever) that was telling women what to do to get more energy. One of the things on the list was "getting some junk out of your schedule". Here's the complete list:

1. Sleep well: at least 7-9 hours a night at least a few times a week.
2. Eat often: your body needs food every 3-4 hours to regulate blood sugar levels (energy)
3. Sweat a little: exercise!
4. Stop doing stuff you don't need to do: separate the stuff that needs done from the stuff we just do because we feel we have to all the time.
5. Focus on doing one thing at a time: multitasking is great, unless you're a chronic multitasker.
6. Flick off your worry switch: they said we feel better when we talk with someone about what we're worrying about.

Yes, I know it's just a magazine, but I thought this article was really great! Have a great weekend and here's to gaining more E-N-E-R-G-Y the natural way!

In the Groove...

2007-08-15T13:58:00.000-04:00

I'm in the middle of my 2nd week at home. I'm adjusting much better and starting to get in the groove of things...

What I've noticed is I can't make enough lists to stay on top of things. I love lists! I love post-its, notepads, chalkboards...whatever I can write a list on. What I love most is crossing things off my list!

Anyhoo, I need to work on "the list" while the kids are napping.... I swear, their naps are the shortest hours of the day! Maybe because I'm trying to cram everything on my list into those 2 hours!

It's Early...

2007-08-12T04:30:00.000-04:00

It is 4:30am Sunday morning. It's early.... Every now and then, I have one of those nights where I just don't sleep much and keep staring at the clock. I came downstairs so I wouldn't wake anyone...

I'm singing at church this morning and my throat is a little scratchy. Rocky has had a runny/stuffy nose for 3 days and I just knew that I might catch something from him. Plus, I can hear Simmy sniffing and gurgling in his sleep...poor buddy. There's nothing like a quiet house - it makes me feel good knowing everyone is sleeping peacefully (minus the sniffing and gurgling thing). This is a morning to count my blessings - God knows I have the time!

Tomorrow starts week 2 of staying at home. I'm looking forward to it mainly because my awesome husband, Phebe, cleaned the house yesterday. While I was taking pictures with my sister-in-law, Suzanne, for a wedding (she's the photog behind Solid Rock Photos), Phebe was at home with both boys cleaning the entire house....have I said how much I love him?

I'm a Stay at Home Mommy Now!

2007-08-10T14:01:00.000-04:00

Hello! This has been my first week home as a stay at home mom. It's been quite the week! I was expecting all this free time hoping to get everything done that needs done...boy was I surprised.

I've worked at Community Mental Healthcare for the past 8 years and the Corps of Engineers 4 years previous. That goes back to my high school and college days working as a lifeguard, waitress, book stacker, and telemarketer. So, to say the least, I felt like I was ready to be home full-time.

What I didn't realize is that my 2-year old, Rocky, has more energy in his pinky finger than I have in my entire body. Second, my almost 7 month old can't do much on his own so he consumes all my time.

Please understand - I love my boys and I love nothing more than being home with them. I just didn't realize all the free time I thought I would have is the same amount of free time I had before - nap time and bed time. It's taken me a week to figure this out!

I'm hoping I can get organized this weekend - plan some meals, figure out a good schedule, etc. so I can give my full attention to the boys and not feel guilty for leaving the dishes in the sink.