Thursday 13 -- 13 Questions I Always Hear

13 Questions I Always Hear

These are in relation to my children, pregnancy or parenting style.

1. Did you intentionally name all your children with "C" names? - At first no. When our oldest was born, my husband named her Crystina after the both of us. We were young; we didn't think of future kids. When our second was born, I named her after my Nanny which happened to be Carolyn. Then our first set of twins came along and I named Twin B (definite girl at 20 week u/s) Charlotte after my granddaddy, Charles. We decided that since this was it for us, then Baby A should have a C name as well and we chose Caitlyn. Surprise! We got pregnant with Twins Part 2. At first, if they were girls, we were going to name them Alexandria and Brooke. But then, hubby decided they both should follow the C tradition and he named them Cheyenne and Courtney. When we found out I was pregnant this time, we knew it would be a C.
2. Do twins run in your family? - Well, since I have 2 sets, they apparently do now! But, before me - No, no other twins.
3. Did you use fertility drugs? - Not that it's any of your business, but no I did not use fertility drugs. They were conceived 100% all natural!
4. How did you get twins? - I prayed to the fertility god? Well, in all honesty, if they are identical then it would mean my fertilized egg split into 2 separate babies. If they are fraternal then my ovaries released 2 eggs and they both got fertilized. I can't really explain it any other way.
5. Wow, you've been pregnant a lot! You must really love pregnancy, huh? - Nope. In fact I hate being pregnant!
6. Are you done? - Again really none of your business, but yes, I am done. I said that once I get my boy I was done. He's coming, so it's a done deal.
7. Don't you have a hobby? - Sure, I do. But, I also have a marriage. And, um, well intimacy is a part of that.
8. So, why did you decide to home school? - Because I'm a controlling human being and wanted my kids with me 24/7. No, I AM KIDDING!! I decided to home school because the school system in VA sucked and the ones in LA are no better. I can teach them just as much, if not more, at home. And so we do.
9. Did you always want so many kids? - H-E-C-K No! I wanted 2 - a boy and a girl. Haha! Joke's on me. I take what I got and I'm happy.
10. Are they identical? (referring to my oldest twins) - Honestly, your guess is as good as mine! I have not a clue. Some doctors say yes, some say no. I never had the genetic test done.
11. How many months are between these two? (referring to my youngest twins) - 30 seconds! Yes, my friends they are twins. I understand its hard to believe that one is a chunky, dirty blonde, blue-eyed mama's girl and the other is a skinny, dark skinned, dark haired, brown eyed, long legged girl. I understand that it is strange when I buy clothes for them and one is a 3T and the other is 18 months. But, that's how they are! And, no they are not identical, so skip that question.
12. Why no boys? - I really don't know. I guess the hubby's male swimmers were not that great of swimmers. My dad swears that Mt Dew plays a role in this. I just say, its whatever!
13. Do you know what causes it? - No. I'm 31 years old and an honor graduate. I have no clue! Of course I know what causes babies and apparently I like it! So there!

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Pregnancy: 28 Weeks!

I am almost there! Just 12 more weeks until my due date! I'm starting to believe it will be sooner as I am having minor contractions already. I have started this early with my last two pregnancies.

I have 3 weeks to come up with the money for Connor's circumcision (considered cosmetic therefore an out of pocket expense). Final decision = no circumcision. I am too much of a "Crunchy mama" these days!

Otherwise, I am doing good. I had to cancel my 28 week appointment. I'm going to wait until after the holidays to reschedule.

QOTW -- Holiday Movies

Well, it's that time again.... QOTW from Multiples and More! This week's question is:

What are you favorite holiday movies?

1. White Christmas (1954) - This is a movie that my mother made me watch every year, and heck not even at Christmas necessarily. I seem to be a sucker for older movies. I really like this one, not sure why. Maybe because its not one of those sappy ones like "It's a Wonderful Life" and all.
2. Home Alone (1990) - I love this movie year round, but since it does center around Christmas, I do consider it a Christmas movie. This one is always a good pick-me-up movie. You know for those times that I need a really good laugh and to remind me that my kids aren't the only ones who can come up with devious plans.
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) - And yes, I only like the animated version. I'm just kooky like that!
4. The Santa Clause (1994) - It's just too freaking cute! The sequels to it are good too, but this one is my favorite of them. And please remind me not to push Santa off the roof and if he does fall, NOT TO PUT THE JACKET ON! I definitely don't need all those extra pounds packed on!
5. A Christmas Carol (1984) - I have not seen the newest version, so I'm going with the version I do know. Kind of ironic, since I am pretty much Scrooge.
6. To Grandmother's House We Go (1992) - Features the Olsen twins. It's been a few years since I've last seen it. It usually comes on ABC Family.

And these are two Christmas movies I want to see, but have yet to:

1. Four Christmases (2008) - Not a big Vince Vaughn fan, but I adore Reese Witherspoon. Besides I know how it is trying to cram so many family functions in one day.
2. Christmas with the Kranks (2004) - Based on a John Grisham book. Need I say more? I'm sure I'll never enjoy it as much as I did the book, but it does feature Tim Allen, so it should be very comedic at best!

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Don't forget to stop by Multiples and More and see what holiday movies other great mommies chose!

Movie Review -- New Moon

** Please Note: I am discussing this movie, so if you have not seen it and don't want it ruined, please stop reading NOW! **

I love the Twilight series. I am quite unaware of why, but I do. The first movie was good. Could have been better, but overall it was good. I have always been one to enjoy the book way more than the movie. These were no exception. I admit, I cried when Edward left Bella in the woods. More than anything because in my opinion, how can anyone say those things to someone they said they loved. I really wanted to smack Bella when she jumped on the back of the motorcycle - with a stranger! And I'm guessing that when I read the book, that I really didn't like Jacob, so I skipped over the parts pertaining to him. But, when watching the movie, c'mon now - Bella knows she was leading Jacob on. Any guy would think he had a chance the way she was acting. Please..... I really need to get my books and re-read them to really examine these parts. I love that it ended with the marriage proposal cliff-hanger. I also loved how it alluded to what Bella's "gift" turns out to be (like Alice can see events, Edward can read minds, Jasper can control feelings) when/if (I'll add the if for those who have not read that far!) she becomes a Vampire. The setting in Italy was B-E-A-Utiful! Then again I love all Italian scenery. I have never been a Dakota Fanning fan, but she did fine as Jane, a member of the Volturi. I am looking forward to the rest of the movies.

Although, I enjoyed the movie, and will definitely be buying it when it's released, I do not think it lived up to the hype. The way everyone was talking and acting about this movie, I expected it to be far better than it was. Maybe it was just me, but I did not find it to be so wonderful for all that was said.

**Please Note: I received nothing for this review. I have never had contact with the books' author, the production company, any actors/actresses, etc. However, if they would like they can send me a really nice boxed set of books, both movies and tickets to Eclipse in June 2010 for my review. LOL **

100th Post! -- 100 Things About Me!

In honor of my 100th Blogger Post, I am posting 100 things about me, so are ya ready???

100 Things About Me!

1. I am taller than my mother - by 5 inches. And have been since I was 13.
2. My natural hair color is dark brown. I usually keep it auburn.
3. I have two older half sisters and one younger brother. There is 9 years between me and my oldest sister, 6 years between me and my other sister and I am 5 years older than my brother.
4. I met my husband when we were 10. I punched him after he told me "I'm god, worship me!"
5. We didn't start dating until 7 years later when we 17.
6. We got engaged a month and a half later on July 4th.
7. I got pregnant with our first child 9 months after we started dating. It resulted in a miscarriage at 8 weeks.
8. I got pregnant again 5 months later. This pregnancy resulted in a 8 lb, 11.5 oz baby girl born on her due date.
9. I waited 3.5 years to get pregnant again. It resulted in a miscarriage at 6 weeks.
10. I got pregnant again within a few weeks with my first set of twins. I lost one at 13 weeks to miscarriage/Vanishing Twin Syndrome. I carried the other to 41 weeks and delivered a 8 lb, 4 oz baby girl.
11. I got pregnant with my second set of twins almost 2.5 years later. I carried them to 36 weeks. I delivered healthy twin girls, weighing in at 5 lbs, 12 oz. and 6 lbs, 8.5 oz.
12. I got pregnant again a year later. It resulted in a miscarriage at 5 weeks.
13. I got pregnant with my third set of twins 2 months later. I delivered another set of twin girls at 38 weeks weighing 7 lbs, 9 oz and 5 lbs, 8 oz. This was my only c-section.
14. I got pregnant again 1.5 years later. I again had a miscarriage at 8 weeks.
15. 2 months later I got pregnant again (current pregnancy). I am 27 weeks along with ONE BOY!
16. My first job was as a waitress for an Italian Restaurant owned by family friends. Piece of advice -- Never work for friends!
17. My favorite job was when I worked front desk for a bowling center. I loved all my regulars!
18. I was once a Firefighter/EMT. I joined the same department my dad volunteered at 7 months after he retired.
19. I have 3 nephews. The oldest is by my oldest sister; he is 18 years old. The second 2 are my brother's. They are both 2.
20. Within 5 months, my parents gained 4 grandchildren. My brother's oldest was born in July 2007, my twins were born in October 2007 and my brother's second was born in November 2007. Yes, do the math -- my brother's kids are only 5 months apart -- 2 different baby mamas.
21. I graduated with honors from high school.
22. I applied to 2 colleges when I was a senior. The first was to the one I really wanted to go to: Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC. The second was to Virginia Tech for the simple fact to get some snotty people to shut up. I never had the desire to attend Va Tech.
23. I was accepted to Campbell, had been assigned my room and roommate, but my finances fell through. I didn't go.
24. My career desires changed numerous times through high school. I wanted to be a teacher, doctor, nurse, lawyer. Fourteen years later and my major is Accounting!
25. I cook one mean lasagna. However, the recipe is not up for grabs. If I tell you, I must kill you!
26. My husband would never try my lasagna until 3 years after we started dating. Now, he loves it.
27. The only Italian dish I cannot cook is Chicken Marsala. Sigh......
28. The only thing I will order from Olive Garden is the Stuffed Chicken Marsala. I have never ordered anything else.
29. I currently have 9 piercings -- 3 in left ear, 2 in right ear, eyebrow, nose, tongue, labret. I used to have my navel done but took it out when I got preggo.
30. I have 2 tattoos -- one on my left hand and one on my lower back.
31. I still dream of having my "wedding". You know, the one with the fancy dress and all. Didn't get that the first time around.
32. I think Lady Gaga is SCARY! Music is ok, she is scary as heck!
33. I will not side with Kate Gosselin. She has issues herself and its not all Jon.
34. People assume having lots of kids is hard. It's not! The hardest time I had was going from 1 to 2. After that it was a cake walk.
35. I do not vaccinate my children. You ever want to know why? Look it up for yourself. I will not inject that crap into my kids' bodies!
36. I was never scared of the swine flu. The government likes to scare you too much.
37. All of my kids have dark hair, except one. She has dirty blonde.
38. I will never touch Jagermeister again. I drank almost a gallon alone and get sick at the thought of it.
39. Mardi Gras is my favorite holiday.
40. I was born and raised in Virginia. I left there when I was 30. Never looked back.
41. I now live in Southern Louisiana. Am I afraid of hurricanes? Nope.
42. I live about 40 minutes from New Orleans. Visit there often.
43. My favorite store is the Black and Gold Shop. I could spend way too much money in there.
44. My favorite football team is the New Orleans Saints. Who dat, baby?!?!
45. My favorite basketball team is the New Orleans Hornets. In my defense, I liked them when they were in Charlotte. Too bad they suck this year.
46. My favorite hockey team is the Carolina Hurricanes.
47. My favorite baseball team is the Atlanta Braves. This is the only sports team my husband and I agree on.
48. My favorite college for sports is LSU. I also like Notre Dame football and I cheer for the University of Miami for my husband.
49. My favorite athlete is Jeremy Shockey, TE for the Saints.
50. I watch WWE and have watched some form of wrestling since I was a wee tot. My favorite current wrestler is Matt Hardy. Too bad he is nothing more than a punching bag right now.
51. My dream car is a Mazda Miata.
52. I want to visit Italy before I die.
53. I could care less who Tiger Woods may or may not have slept with. Its none of my business and none of your business.
54. I hate golf. Its one of the dumbest sports ever! Another reason I could care less about Tiger.
55. I only like to play Nintendo game systems because I love Mario.
56. I have owned all the Nintendo game systems: Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo64, the Game Cube, and the Wii.
57. I have only owned 2 of the handheld Nintendo games: the GameBoy Advance SP and the Nintendo DS.
58. We have also owned the PS and PS2 from Sony. I refuse to pay $400 for the PS3.
59. I could beat Chris when we played James Bond games.
60. I can beat him when we bowl on the Wii.
61. My favorite ice cream is mint oreo.
62. I was in heaven when Dairy Queen came out with the Thin Mint Blizzard.
63. Raising Cane's has the best chicken -- EVER!
64. My favorite color is pink.
65. I amaze most men because I actually know something about football.
66. I once had a drunken debate over how Jeremy Shockey was the greatest. I have no idea who won.
67. I love the movie Gone With the Wind. Scarlett was the b*tch!
68. I love the movie Twilight. I like New Moon too although it was a tad of a disappointment.
69. I prefer books over the movies. I haven't found one yet where I prefer the movie over the book.
70. I used to own every single John Grisham book. Need to start the collection again.
71. I have been terrified of clowns since I saw Stephen King's, "It".
72. I have been in Louisiana for a year and have not had crawfish yet.
73. I also have not seen an alligator although I have been assured that they are in fact several within miles of me.
74. I used to love Greek Mythology until I took it in college. Now, I loathe it.
75. I had once started writing a book. I can't find the chapters I had written.
76. I love using Accounting programs.
77. I love seafood. Well, except for right now.
78. I am 100% republican.
79. No, I am not against Obama because of his race. It's because he's a dimwit.
80. I do not believe in the death penalty. I do believe in the death penalty. Ok, I am conflicted over the death penalty.
81. I was raised Catholic.
82. I do not believe in abortion.
83. I love taking long, hot baths.
84. I do not like watching movies in a theater.
85. I only like caramel popcorn. Well, except for right now.
86. I love vanilla coke.
87. I do not eat breakfast.
88. I must have pulp in my orange juice.
89. I once drove from Virginia to Corpus Christi, Texas. And back.
90. I had never been in a plane until I was 29. I flew to Albuquerque, NM.
91. Although I bowl great on the Wii, I can't bowl in real life. My husband is opposite. He can bowl in real life, but not on the Wii.
92. I hate asking for help.
93. I hate confrontation.
94. I collect shot glasses.
95. I used to collect angel figurines.
96. I want to get my bachelor's and master's in Accounting from Tulane.
97. I still consider going into corporate law.
98. I have designed a restaurant and bar. Still waiting to formulate my financial plan to start it.
99. I prefer to forget where I came from. I left there for a reason.
100. I love to watch Law and Order:SVU. USA runs a marathon every Tuesday from 7 am CST - 11 pm CST.

I hope you learned something about me!

Aloha Friday #4

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

What has been your favorite class you have taken, high school or college?

In high school, my favorite class was Child Care. We actually had a part-time pre-school that we ran 2 days a week. I wish I had taken part II of the class, but let a boy interfere with my schedule. In college, really haven't taken one yet. LOL I did enjoy Business Law though.

If you want to participate in this meme, go here.

Thursday 13 -- 13 Movies I LOVE!

Well, it's that time again. Time for me to ramble off 13 random things based on some random subject I have come up with. This week I have chosen:

13 movies that I LOVE



These are pretty much in random order.

1) Twilight (2008) - I am quite unaware of why I love this movie so much but I do.
2) Gone With the Wind (1939) - This was my favorite movie since I was like 8 years old, maybe even younger! I always wanted to be Scarlett.
3) Sweet Home Alabama (2002) - I love Reese Witherspoon. I think she is an awesome actress! This is probably my favorite movie by her.
4) Big Money Hustlas (2000) - It is crude, obnoxious, and definitely not a movie to let your kids watch. But me, I love it. Chris finds it tacky yet humorous. Go figure.
5) Ladder 49 (2004) - I love this movie. I went to the theater to see this one when it first came out. I was in Firefighter I class at the time. Oh, I cried like a baby.
6) Backdraft (1991) - I love this movie as well. I had the brilliant idea to watch this on Christmas morning while we served breakfast to our families. Yeah, bad idea! My dad (retired firefighter) decided it was his duty to inform my in-laws of every screw up in the movie. Thanks.....
7) Wizard of Oz (1939) - Who doesn't love the Wizard of Oz? I can remember being allowed to stay up late every year when it was on TV. Of course, I kept having nightmares about tornadoes and witches. Wait, maybe the witch nightmares were really my mother??? Haha.... I still love to watch it. I always loved Glenda, the good witch... and the Lollipop Kids. That little smirk was soooo adorable!
8) Dirty Dancing (1987) - Always been a favorite.
9) Titanic (1997) - Who could not love this movie?? Ok, first get past Leonardo's cheesiness (I did not like him as Jack). And past Mr. A$$, Rose's fiance. And then it was good. I wanted to slug Rose's mother during the whole thing. And it took me a couple years to figure out what the ending meant.... yeah, I'm slow!
10) Goonies (1985) - Once a goonie, always a goonie!
11) Steel Magnolias (1989) - Oh, my favorite movie for years.... Ok, behind Gone With the Wind. I read the original play. I watched/owned the movie over and over and over. And I love Julia Roberts movies. "My colors are blush and bashful. I have chosen two shades of pink; one is much deeper than the other. I like pink. Pink is my signature color." Oh, that is soooo me! And another of my favorite sayings came from this movie: Shelby: "I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special." And then there's the quote I live by: Clairee Belcher: "That which does not kill us, makes us stronger."
12) The Fast and the Furious (2001) and Fast and Furious (2009) - I couldn't decide between the two. They are my 2 favorite simply because Vin Diesel is in them.
13) Gameplan (2007) - Who wouldn't love a movie with the Rock doing ballet??
And simply because I needed an extra movie to make the above picture look right, here's an honorable mention:
The Pacifier (2005) - Vin Diesel and baby.... Nothing more needs to be said!
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Pregnancy Week #27

Well, I am now 27 weeks pregnant with Connor. I have the usual pregnancy complaints -- heartburn, indigestion, constipation. Any advice for any of the listed problems will be greatly appreciated. Nothing works for me this time as it had in the past. I have been doing fine with the iron pills. The first day I got nauseous. The second day, I had minor throat irritation. After that, no side effects at all. Otherwise, I am doing just fine.

Since I really don't have much to report, here's what I found online:

Mother:
Around this time you will begin to really put on the weight, this will last until about week thirty-six. Although some cultures dictate otherwise, weight gained during pregnancy is not fat or unhealthy, but rather, necessary for a healthy pregnancy and baby.
The weight that you gain will be distributed in several places. The average breast before pregnancy weighs about 7 ounces and during pregnancy each breast can weigh up to an average of 14 ounces! Some of the weight will go to body fluids (amniotic fluid, blood volume, etc.).

Baby:
Your baby's skin is very wrinkled from floating in water. This will stay this way until a few weeks after birth as your newborn fills out into a baby. Although take heart in the fact that your baby's looks are assuming the looks that they will have at birth! Baby has also hit the 2 pound mark (900 grams).
** Connor was 1 lb, 10 ozs last week. I guess right around 2 lbs is right.**

Dad:
If mom is starting to complain about her weight remind her of the importance of weight gain in pregnancy for a health pregnancy. You should also help her by not tempting her with sweets and setting a good example yourself.
**I think he's sick of hearing me say I'm fat and then reassuring me that it's all baby.**

I am getting so eager to meet Mr. Connor.

Semester Update

This was the list I made on November 21st of assignments that needed to be done by the end of this semester.

1) Accounting for the Small Business –
Final project due 12/8

2) Computerized Accounting –
Chapter 13, E-mail reports due 11/22
Chapter 14 due 11/22
Test 3 due 11/29
Final project due 12/6

3) Interpersonal Communication
Discussion 4 Due ASAP
Discussion 5 Due ASAP
Discussion 6 Due ASAP
Discussion 8 Due ASAP
Discussion 9 Due ASAP
Paper for 10/17 Due ASAP
Paper for 11/7 Due ASAP
Discussion 10 Due by 12/14
Discussion 11 Due by 12/14
Discussion 12 Due by 12/14
Final Discussion Due by 12/14
Assertiveness Quiz Due by 12/14
Stress Management Quiz Due by 12/14
Conflict Resolution Quiz Due by 12/14
Final Exam Due by 12/14

4) Principles of Accounting
Chapter 22 Quiz Due by 11/29
Chapter 22 Homework Due by 12/7
Chapter 24 Homework Due by 12/7
Final Exam Due by 12/6
Computer Problem #2 Due by 12/6

5) Survey of Economics
Chapter 3 Due ASAP
Chapter 4 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 5 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 6 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 7 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 8 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 9 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 10 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 11 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 12 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 13 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 14 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 15 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Test 1 Due ASAP
Test 2 Due ASAP
Test 3A Due ASAP
Chapter 17 Pre, Post, Quiz Due 12/4
Test 4 Due 12/7

6) Greek Mythology
Chapter 20 Assignment
Exam 2
Exam 3
Exam 4

As of today, this is what I have done:

1) Accounting for the Small Business –
Final project due 12/8

2) Computerized Accounting –
Chapter 13, E-mail reports due 11/22
Chapter 14 due 11/22
Test 3 due 11/29
Final project due 12/6

3) Interpersonal Communication
Discussion 4 Due ASAP
Discussion 5 Due ASAP
Discussion 6 Due ASAP
Discussion 8 Due ASAP
Discussion 9 Due ASAP
Paper for 10/17 Due ASAP
Paper for 11/7 Due ASAP
Discussion 10 Due by 12/14
Discussion 11 Due by 12/14
Discussion 12 Due by 12/14
Final Discussion Due by 12/14
Assertiveness Quiz Due by 12/14
Stress Management Quiz Due by 12/14
Conflict Resolution Quiz Due by 12/14
Final Exam Due by 12/14

4) Principles of Accounting
Chapter 22 Quiz Due by 11/29
Chapter 22 Homework Due by 12/7
Chapter 24 Homework Due by 12/7
Final Exam Due by 12/6
Computer Problem #2 Due by 12/6

5) Survey of Economics
Chapter 3 Due ASAP
Chapter 4 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 5 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 6 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 7 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 8 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 9 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 10 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 11 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 12 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 13 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 14 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Chapter 15 Pre, Post, Quiz Due ASAP
Test 1 Due ASAP
Test 2 Due ASAP
Test 3A Due ASAP
Chapter 17 Pre, Post, Quiz Due 12/4
Test 4 Due 12/7

6) Greek Mythology
Chapter 20 Assignment
Exam 2
Exam 3
Exam 4

So far my grades are:

Computerized Accounting - B

Accounting for the Small Business - A

Principles of Economics - B

Principles of Accounting - No Comment

Greek Mythology - Not finished

Interpersonal Communication - Not finished

In Memory -- Dakota Lee 12/8/01

Eight years ago today I miscarried our third pregnancy. I was only 6 weeks along, so relatively early, but heart-breaking nonetheless. I had already suffered one miscarriage and we had a 3 year old daughter.

This certificate is from The Church of the Holy Innocents.The Shrine of the Unborn

Product Review -- Intelligender Baby Gender Test

*** Please note: I received nothing from this company. I have never communicated with any person associated with this company. This review is based upon a product that I purchased out of my pocket, and decided to review for others to read. ***

Over the last 11 years, I have been pregnant 9 times. I have walked away with 6 living children; not including the one I am currently pregnant with. The 5 babies I have lost are unknown to me as far as their sex; I can only guess. The 6 I have had are all girls. Yep, every last one of them. So, when I announced this pregnancy to people all the speculation began - "Is it another girl?" "Will we finally get a boy?" I had been nervous, anxious, wondered if my ultrasound would reveal another girl or the long awaited boy. I, of course, wanted a healthy baby above all else, but a boy would have been icing on the cake. A friend of mine mentioned the Intelligender Baby Gender Test. I was intrigued. I had never heard of this before. I immediately looked it up online and came across their site. According to this, I could take this simple urine test as early as 10 weeks and it would tell me my baby's gender. It seemed a tad pricey for me. $34.95 plus shipping if I ordered it on-line. Chris found it at our Wal-green's for $29.99. We discussed it for awhile. It said it had a 82% accuracy rate. Seemed a little low for the price. When I was 12 weeks along we decided to give it a try. So, we went to Wal-green's and purchased the test. I came home and took it. I couldn't believe it when the result came back as BOY! After 6 girls, I was supposed to believe I was having a boy? So, I sat down and read the entire insert that came with the test. It said "Please refrain from having unprotected intercourse 48 hours before testing." The website elaborated more with this: "Preliminary tests indicate that there may be a link between false boy results and recent sexual intimacy. We recommend refraining from such activity for at least 48 hours prior to taking the test." Ooops...... It had been only 24 hours. Crap! I assumed that my test was wrong because I had intercourse. So, naturally I didn't believe it. We discussed it again and decided that in 2 weeks, we would buy another test and not have intercourse for 2 days prior. We bought the second test, I took it, and again the result was BOY! I was still in disbelief. There was no way I could be having a boy! I kept seeing cute little boy clothes but refrained from buying them. Eight weeks later, I had my ultrasound. The tech assured me 100%, with no doubt, that I was in fact carrying a BOY! It was confirmed again a month later. I can officially say that I am in the 82% accuracy rate.

As far as the test itself, the directions were clear and easy to understand. The test was simple to take. I prefer the easy pee on a stick tests like I use for pregnancy, but this one was simple enough. Everything needed was provided. The color codes depicting girl or boy were easy to see and compare. This is definitely not something I would buy if I were really struggling for money. The accuracy rate is not really that high and you can still have false hope for a certain sex for 10 weeks. But, if you have the $30-40 to spend, then why not give it a whirl?

QOTW -- Holiday Traditions

What are you favorite holiday traditions?

Growing up, my family was never big on traditions. My parents were pretty much two people who should have never been allowed to reproduce - ever. But, they did and here I sit with my own kids trying to figure out how to do traditions, or even what to do, with them. When I was younger, we always decorated the day after Thanksgiving, went looking at Christmas lights/decorations and spent time with family. That was it. I was never one to be fond of the whole gift giving thing. On one hand I'm being told that the holidays are all about family and love and Jesus' birth. Then I'm being told we need to spend money on gifts for every one in our family. And, now that I'm a mother, I keep thinking - "Have you met my kids? They are spoiled rotten!" And I mean spoiled all year long. Any ways, now on to the question at hand.

In accordance to the tradition of decorating the day after Thanksgiving, we went out and bought a small tree and a few decorations (almost everything I own is still in Virginia). And we have looked at some lights/decorations around the city. It's so cute when Cheyenne sees them and immediately screams - "Aweeeeesome!"

As far as beginning my own traditions, these are a couple I have always had the intention of doing and just have never done. And, if I don't get a move on it - my 11 year old will miss out on them.

• Buying a new pair of pajamas for them and allowing them to open that on Christmas Eve.
• Buying each child a new Christmas ornament each year. Then, when they move out on their own, they get each of theirs to start their own ornament collection.

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This year money is real tight, and I mean real tight. Chris got laid off in July and work has been so scarce since. We have discussed Christmas over and over and really have no option but to really downplay it this year. We have moved 1000 miles away from family, so we won't even be seeing them at the holidays at all. We just cannot afford to make the trip. So, we have decided to buy each child a small, in-expensive gift to open on Christmas. Then when tax time comes around, we will get them more. We already have a Wii so they can call that part of their gift. Crystina wants a Nintendo DSi and Carly just wants a regular Nintendo DS. So, we may get those at tax time for them. The other 4 are relatively easy.

Update on Pregnancy, Week #26

On Friday (yesterday), I received a call from a strange number. These days I rarely answer the phone if I do not recognize the number because I can only say "No, I'm not Jared." so many times before I get fed up. I decided to google the number and it came up as the number for my doctor's other office. Ah, no wonder I didn't recognize it. So, I called it back and talked with the nurse. Apparently when they sent my bloodwork off for my GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test) they also checked it for other things. She said I was "slightly anemic". Oh, joy. I have never been anemic before. But, when I looked it up, it explained a lot of how I was feeling.

(The ones I have been feeling are in bold.)
If you do develop anemia, you might not have any symptoms at all, especially if your condition is mild. Or you might feel tired, weak, and dizzy. (Of course, these are symptoms that many women have anyway during pregnancy, anemic or not.) You might also notice that you're paler (especially in your fingernails, the underside of your eyelids, and your lips) and have a rapid heartbeat, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or trouble concentrating. Finally, some studies have found a link between severe iron-deficiency anemia and cravings for non-food substances such as ice, paper, or clay (a condition known as pica). If you do have these cravings, don't give in to them, and be sure to tell your healthcare provider. (Taken from BabyCenter)

Now I am on Hemocyte-F once a day.

Aloha Friday #3

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

What is one accomplishment from this past week?

Mine is simple: I finished up 3 of my 6 online classes with 1 A and 2 B's. I finished a 4th class as well, but that grade has not been calculated and once it is, it won't be pretty!

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Who Dat????

Twas the month before Christmas and no sign of snow.

But N.O. doesn't care cause the Saints are 11 & 0.

Dinkins scored a touchdown, Sharper intercepted a pass.

And the Who Dat Nation cheered when Brady was sacked on his ass.

Sunday the Redskins, to Washington we will go.

And when the Black and Gold get finished we'll be 12 ......& 0!

Go Brees, Go Bush, Go Harper & Ellis,

Our teams UNDEFEATED and the others are jealous!

On Thomas... On Shockey... On Sharper and Bell !

On Brees... On Colston... Let's give 'em hell!!

On Meachem... On Harper... On Roby... On Greer!

We Show'd Pretty Boy Brady the meaning of Fear!!

WHO DAT!!

Thursday 13 -- 13 Things I Have Been Craving

Connor will be amused by this when he's older....

13 Things I Have Been Craving This Pregnancy

1) Twinkies - Only fitting since I craved them with my first and now my last


2) Sunny Delight - Only the smooth


3) Wild Cherry Pepsi


4) Marie Callender's Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo


5) Crunch and Munch Caramel


6) Stouffer's Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta


7) Barber Food's Cordon Bleu Stuffed Chicken


8) Raising Cane's


9) Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes


10) Bubble gum - And I only chew it until the taste is gone, then it must be replaced


11) Baked Potato with lots of butter and Concord Food Potato Topping - I have tried it with bacon bits and nope, not the same!


12) Snickers


13 3 Musketeers


I know, nothing healthy, but what can I say???

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26 Weeks!

I am 26 weeks pregnant, today, with Baby Connor. I've only got 14 or less weeks to go! It's going by so fast!

I also had my 26 week check up today. I had to do the Glucose Tolerance Test. Bleh! I will not miss that! Those drinks are so nasty! My BP was fine, HB was 137, they said I was showing signs of dehydration, gave me a list of things to be on the look out for (contractions, etc. like I don't know enough about it). I signed my paperwork for the repeat c-section and my tubal. I drug Chris in there to sign the consent for my tubal too. Making sure those were signed this time around. I signed the consent for the circumcision, even though we won't be getting it done any way. I even had to sign a paper stating I knew how to do kick counts (?. Okayyyy..... 7th baby, if I don't know by now, I never will!) Then they said "Time for your ultrasound." I was never told I was having an ultrasound this time, but heck, I ain't gonna complain! It was a quick, probably only 5 minutes, ultrasound. Saw the heart, the head, the spine, the stomach, double-checked gender. I only got 2 pics from it, one proving that he is still a he and one of his little feet together. They estimated his weight to be 1 lb., 10 oz. and all looks good. He wasn't too pleased with being disturbed and would kick every time she moved across my belly. I guess he wasn't in a good mood from that nasty fruit punch glucose drink. Can't blame him, neither was I. And he was probably upset because he didn't get his morning Orange juice since I had to fast since midnight.

Look at his little, bitty feet! Awwwww........

Connor is still definitely Connor!
I go back in 2 weeks for my 28 week appointment.

Five Special Moments with my Children

Time seems to fly when you have small children, doesn't it? In the midst of changing diapers, doing laundry, cooking, working, planning, etc, it's easy to overlook the special moments that we have with our kids on a daily basis. Today, we want to stop and take a minute to remember and appreciate some of these moments. So, this week's question is:
Describe in detail 5 of the most special moments you have shared with your children.

• Well, the first of my five is relevant to all of my children. It consists of my pregnancy. Pregnancy is so special to a mother. It's our first chance to bond with our children. Nobody can come between those 40 weeks (normally 40). Talking to the baby(ies), feeling them kick, rubbing the belly and getting a response. Plus, ultrasounds - seeing your baby and then being able to see the likeness after they're born.
• Of course, their birth days. With Crystina, my first (and biggest!), I was proud of myself for actually just giving birth. Her birth was my first experience and although it could've been worse, I question why I went on to have 5 (almost 6) more kids! Carolyn's I did alone. The twins part 1 were a natural, vaginal birth. I was really proud of myself for that one. The twins part 2 were my first experience as a c-section birth. But, just hearing them cry for the first time was absolutely music to my ears.
• When Crystina was an only child. We had all the time in the world to spend, just the two of us. She didn't have to share me with any sisters and we would just cuddle up together and watch TV or read. Of course, at 11 years old now, she feels too old to do that with me even if she were an only child.
• Late nights and early mornings now. Cheyenne is a complete cuddling, mama's baby. She has to sleep with me in order to fall asleep. Normally she crawls in bed with me at night and just before she falls asleep she crawls down and lays on her pallet on the floor beside my bed. In the mornings, especially if she wakes up while Chris is getting ready, she crawls back in bed with me. Love the cuddle time.
• Anytime one of the kids does something "just because". For instance, Courtney heard me say I was thirsty earlier and she went straight to the fridge and got me a single serve bottle of OJ. She was so proud of herself and I just didn't have the heart to tell her that I meant a soda and not a juice.

It's hard to pick just 5 moments when you have 6 kids! Another type of moment I love when it comes to my kids is when I get compliments on their behavior. Now, don't get me wrong, they are total h*llions 60+% of the time at home, but they are perfect little angels when we are out. I am always getting compliments on how well they behave. I had one woman stop me in a restaurant and ask me to come home with her and teach her grandchildren how to behave! Another asked me to please write a book explaining how my children can be so well behaved. Book’s on hold because I have no idea how they act so wonderful in public and so "evil" at home.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

My nephew, Aidyn! He turns 2 today!

He looks almost identical to how my brother looked as a baby.

Here is a picture of him the last time I saw him in early 2008. I hate that I do not have any contact with him.

Mommy Moments -- Chore Time

This week's theme for Mommy Moments is Chore time. In all honesty, I wish I could get my kids to do chores these days! They feel they are "royalty" and therefore exempt from work. Mmmmhmmmm!

Below are some pictures of my second daughter, Carolyn, back in 2005. These were around her 3rd birthday. I was pregnant with Twins part 1 and was on bedrest. I was folding laundry, the one chore I could still do, and Carolyn decided that she wanted to do laundry too. So, she went and got her doll baby clothes and spent HOURS folding, unfolding, and refolding.







I once had a picture of Carolyn when she was about 2 pushing her toy vacuum. She loved that toy! Of course now, getting them to do chores is next to impossible! The kids like to play with my vacuum now, but scream if I ask them to turn it on and vacuum!

Click here to visit Mommy Moments at The Mommy Journey. You can also read about others' Mommy Moments!

Don't forget about the Cans for Comments Blogathon! For every new comment I receive between November 27 until December 2, I will donate a canned food to my local food bank! See here.

Aloha Friday #2

For Aloha Friday, I ask a question. I will leave my answer; you leave your answer as a comment. If you wish to participate on your blog for Aloha Friday, go here. So, here's my question for this week:

How did you celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday?

Our Thanksgiving holiday was spent together and alone; just the 8 of us. We ate late lunch/early dinner at Ryan's (buffet). This is the second year that we have spent this holiday as just the 8 of us!

Whatever you did, I hope it was relaxing, warm and that you got to spend it with the ones you love the most!

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Don't forget about the Comments for Cans Blogathon! Click here to read about it. Remember EVERY comment counts!

Join me in the Comments For Cans Blogathon!

I am participating in a Cans for Comments Blogathon with the Multiples and More Website.

For every comment I receive from November 27 until December 2, I will donate 1 (one) canned good item to my local food bank!

So, leave me comments and let's help needy families!

Thursday 13 -- 13 Holiday Foods I LOVE!

I was going to go the Thanksgiving route and write about 13 things I am thankful for. However, I just did "What I am Thankful For" for my 10 on Tuesday post (you can see that here). So, I am keeping the Thanksgiving theme but going in another direction.

13 Holiday Foods that I LOVE!

(This picture is not mine. I got it from the WWW. It does look absolutely delicious, though!)

1) Turkey - The main piece of any holiday dinner. I will only eat the breast meat though. And it has to be warm.

2) Mashed potatoes - Oh, I will fight you over my potatoes. I will stab your hand if you come near them. I love homemade mashed taters, made with milk and butter and a bit of sour cream. Sometimes I like the skin on, sometimes I prefer skin off. I'm just a potato type of gal.

3) Stuffing - I will not eat homemade stuffing. I will only eat Stove Top Stuffing. Hey, I never said I was normal. I'm an individual when it comes to my food.

4) Gravy - I prefer homemade, thank you. And it gets poured all over my turkey, potatoes and stuffing. So yummy!

5) Ham - No salt cured (which is what my maternal grandmother always had) and served warm.

6) Butterbeans - Prefer homegrown. Cooked with a ham hock..... (My mouth is watering)

7) Corn - Again, homegrown from the garden is preferred. Mixed in with my butterbeans.

8) Green Beans - Ok, I was raised in a farming family. My grandparents have always had a garden where we got our vegetables and froze/canned them for the year. I love green beans cooked with lots of black pepper and a ham hock.

9) Black Olives - Ok, maybe not a holiday food to everyone, but we have always had them on holidays. I love them! I usually ate them all waiting for the food to finish cooking. So, extra was always bought.

10) Apple Pie - Apple pie is like my favorite pie, well after Key Lime Pie. I love it when it's still warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

11) Carrot Cake - Oh, gosh. I love this all the time.

12) Pumpkin Pie - Who doesn't love pumpkin pie (my mother also did a pumpkin roll, pictured below. Click here for the recipe).

13) Rolls - Doesn't matter the brand/type. Just gimme some rolls to soak the gravy up with!

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Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

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Irony! Ask And You Shall Receive!

This is one of those odd posts. You know, the ones where you have something to say, but it's a really odd subject. First, the important thing to know is that I conceived Connor on June 16th. A few days later, me and Chris got into a huge tiff and it pretty much got to the point that we wouldn't even speak to each other. Well, on the 23rd, he sent me and email apologizing for all he had ever done and promising me that things would change between us. But, one part that stands out is, "I would love to try and have a boy with you one day!!!! Even though I have said no more my heart wants a boy if you know what i mean."

After we had Crystina, we said "That's it. She's gonna be an only child - no more." Then 4 years later, we had Carolyn. And once again, said she was the last. Three years later, Twins Part 1 were going to be the last. And again 2 years later after Twins Part 2 we said we were done. We decided 6 was enough and that we would remain content with our 6 girls and live our life. However, I have always had the nagging feeling that I wouldn't be complete without a son. A few times I had voiced my opinion to Chris but he remained firm - no more kids. So, I was absolutely floored when I read this email. I had just voiced my opinion a couple months prior. If we only knew -- that boy was already baking and neither of us knew.

That early, there was no way to know. But, looking back now, the signs were all there. We just didn't see them. Two days after I conceived, no lie!, I turned down shrimp! Now, anyone who knows me knows that I can pack away 5 lbs of these crustaceans alone. Chris bought a cooler full of shrimp, brought them home, cleaned and shelled them and then grilled them for me. I immediately turned them down; they absolutely repulsed me. I instead wanted an Italian BMT sub with extra meat and cheese and jalapeno peppers. Odd for me. Beginning 4 days after "conception", I immediately began wanting Raising Cane's food every day. Sometimes 2 or 3 times a day. Admittedly, it is awesome food, but isn't that an overkill? Ummmm...... A week or so later, I tried to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and got sick to my stomach. I was always moody and emotional. I didn't understand it. I just thought I was getting ready to go through a bout of depression. I finally put 2 and 2 together 10 days after my missed period. I think at that point I really didn't want to believe it. It was in all honesty the worst possible time for a pregnancy. Chris and I were working through our marital problems, he had just been laid off, we were in an area where our family and friends were 1000 miles away. Luckily, our marital and financial situations are just fine now.

I still pick on him about it. I just think it's so ironic that he sends me an email talking about having a boy, and at that time I was already pregnant with our son -- we just didn't realize it!

10 on Tuesday -- 10 Things I Am Thankful For

10 Things I Am Thankful For

1) My husband, Chris - He loves me despite my faults. He accepts me, quirks and all. We have our problems, but in the end we always work it out. Thirteen years and still going strong. We had people telling us we wouldn't last a week!

2) My 6 daughters: Crystina, Carolyn, Caitlyn, Charlotte, Cheyenne and Courtney - Though they drive me crazy and I complain on days, I love my baby girls like no other. I would be lost without them.

3) My unborn son, Connor - He's the one I've been waiting for, for the last 10 years. We always said when we got out boy, we were done.

4) My nephews: Clifton, Christian and Aidyn - Clifton is 18 years old and the son of my oldest sister. I spent alot of time with him when he was a baby. Christian is my brother's 2 year old. He'll always be my other "baby boy." Aidyn is my brother's other 2 year old son. I never get to see him or hear about him.

5) My friends - The ones who see me through hard times.

6) My freedom - The freedom of speech, the freedom of religion, the freedom to have a choice.

7) The internet - To keep in touch with my friends all over the world.

8) On line classes - Because if I had to sit through Greek Mythology 3 times a week, I would be certifiable!

9) Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo TV Dinners - Have you ever been pregnant? Then you know where I am going with this. These are what I crave. And my Wal-mart actually ran out the other day. The nerve!

10) Louisiana ABC Laws and living in a "wet" parish - Well, I'm really thankful for this when I'm not pregnant, but thankful none-the-less. If you don't know what this means, then here's the breakdown: drive thru daiquiri shops, can buy beer/liquor 24/7, and Wal-marts, gas stations, drug stores, etc even sell liquor. Nothing like a 3 am beer/liquor run. LOL

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