I'm having a bout of insomnia. I woke up at 3 to go potty and haven't been able to sleep since though I feel really tired. The bed is getting too small for three people, or rather the third person is getting big and needs transitioned back to his own space. Since cutting dairy his sleep has improved greatly though whether it is due to the lack of dairy or just a result of where he is developmentally, I don't know.

Yesterday Mike and Tran watched the boys so we could go on a date. I wasn't sure how it would go for Peter. Usually he sleeps from around 9 to anywhere from 10:30 - 11:30 and we dropped them off about 8:45. Matthew and I hoped to make it to the 9 am session at the temple but we missed it by five minutes. We decided to do sealings instead though it turns out we could have done the 9:30 session (it is the only session on the half hour). Oh well. It was a wonderful experience anyway and we spent some time in the Celestial room afterwards. We were done by 10:30 which left some time to do something else (thinking we had until noonish).

I finally got to go to Ikea. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I liked it. Matthew and I were pleasantly surprised at how cheap everything seemed to be. He is on the hunt now for loft beds for the boys. It was busy in the store! We'd originally planned to take the boys back there after picking them up but nixed it by the time we were ready to leave. There is a restaurant in the store we were going to eat lunch at, but the line was long so we left instead.

At this point it was pretty close to noon so I texted Tran to find out how things were going. She said the boys had been fighting and Peter wouldn't sleep :/ I felt really bad. We were starving though so we stopped to get food. By the time we ordered and got everything together (another 30 minutes or so) she texted again and told me that Peter finally ate some food and fell asleep. We took a deep breath and enjoyed our meal in the car before heading back to pick them up. Just as we pulled into the driveway she said the boys were eating lunch and all was well again and enjoy the time. I - we- are really grateful for the time together, but I figured she deserved her quiet house again :)

Peter slept for a long time (and no wonder since he'd been up since 7:30).  He acted/seemed kind of off the rest of the day. Normally he is really chatty and happy. He seemed more quiet and reserved. I don't know if it was just because he was really tired and off or if he was taking in our absence. Or maybe it was because he slept so long and after eating and playing for a little bit he ended up hanging out with Matthew in the bedroom for a long time while I helped Jared organize his papers. Peter took another long nap about 5:30 or 6. I thought for sure he wouldn't be ready to go back to sleep at 9:30 when we went to bed, but he did.

He is growing so much. We noticed he spent more time creeping then crawling yesterday. He's been experimenting with it the last few weeks but not making it more than a step or two before giving up and going back to his stomach to push off with his feet to move faster. It is so cute to watch him to try to coordinate moving his arms and knees. He's getting more adept. It won't be long before that is his preferred mode of transportation. Jared said he spent a lot of time in the walker and Mike and Tran's yesterday. At one point when Matthew had him he came out with Peter 'walking'. Normally Matthew has Peter's feet on his or pushes Peter's feet to have him 'walk' but he said this time Peter was bending his knees and moving two or three steps on his own. We were talking the other night that Peter will probably take his first steps by nine months but we can't put a timeline on actual walking. He has also been mastering the art of pulling up though he is not quite there yet. It is time to lower the co-sleeper. I think our house is not set up to enable a cruiser so that may slow him down a little in the walking department.

Jared has been keeping all of his math handouts and occasionally digs through them all to find the help for a math problem. He's needed a way to organize them and I promised him a few weeks ago that we'd put them in sheet protectors to make it easier. With Peter's long nap I was finally able to do that. It didn't take nearly as long as I thought it would and Aaron was happy to help too. I couldn't believe how happy it made Jared to have it done. We got them put in a binder and he carried that thing around! He even brought it to the table for dinner. It's always the little things that make such a huge difference!! He'd been struggling to get his math homework done this weekend but he worked on it while I worked on the papers. I think the scenario helped motivate him. It put him in a good enough mood that he even practiced the trumpet without any reminders. And even more amazing to me was after we sang and prayed he wanted to play even more (though he didn't get to). I am curious what time he actually went to sleep and what condition he is in b/c when we went to bed I don't think his bed was even made and he certainly wasn't in his pjs. I was too tired to wait for him though.

*******

We have been trying to figure out what to do about our lease expiring at the end of April. It is really bad timing for a move but we are starting to really feel the cut in pay form Matthew's new job and could use some give in our expenses. I recognized a couple of weeks ago that my spiritual habits were severally lacking and causing the Spirit to be lacking in my life as well. I have made strides with the boys' help to get everything back in order and it has helped tremendously. In fact, the other day I was praying about our housing situation and the answer came to stay. It is amazing the mind shift that happens when the Spirit speaks and an answer is received. Peace.

After some conversations with Matthew regarding his job and finances, I kind of feel like we are in for another change in October. Staying in our apartment would make it easier to allow those changes to work. I think Matthew feels the change coming as well. Several times today he's made comments to the effect that he doesn't like change whenever the word would come up in a conversation. He asked me if I could choose to live anywhere in the country, where would I choose? Would I choose to go back to the East coast? I told him I liked it there and would be fine going back but I am ok here too. I am not unhappy here and don't mind staying. I forget that it takes a year to feel settled in a place.

Well, it is a little after 5:15. I feel really awake at this point though I should probably see if I can get a little bit more sleep. Or get lunches ready or something in case I sleep in.

Peter's bottom front tooth has finally broken skin. I think he has handled the process rather well.

I was eating a sweet potato tonight. I have tried once or twice to give him some in the past but he didn't seem to care for it. Tonight he grabbed the spoon and tried to feed himself. He still didn't seem sure about it but he certainly knew what to do with the utensils.

Peter is crawling. All over. Yesterday he broke the LR barrier and made it the kitchen, then after being put back in the LR he headed down the hall to the bedrooms. He is getting quite fast.

As of this weekend we are dairy free. Within 24 hours I was already noticing a difference. We'll see what effect it will have long term though.

Scouts started up this week and the boys have quite the gang of friends right now. I feel so blessed.

Happy New Year! To ring in the new year we had a Star Wars marathon. We started episode 4 about 4:30ish and finally stopped at Episode 2 at 5:30 am. Considering how little sleep we got, yesterday was a fun day.

In honor of Peter's 6 month birthday, he decided it was time to work on crawling. Over the last month he's been rolling everywhere and it is slowly morphing into a scoot. Since Tues (6 mo exactly) he starting getting up on his knees and hands and doing kind of a reach crawl roll thing by pushing off his feet. He usually ends up reaching with his right hand then rolling to his left because he hasn't quite gotten his left hand to get out from underneath his body. He's also sitting up for longer periods of time when we set him up. He hasn't managed to sit completely up on his own. He'll lay on his side with his shoulders and head up though. Daddy's phone is a major motivator.

Matthew has been tested whether Peter responds to his own name or voice. It is definitely his name. This one is a smart one. He understands a lot.

This morning Jared is playing PVC pipes like a trumpet. Peter was watching him and is doing the same. It is really cute. The love these boys have for each other is amazing :)

We went sledding for the first time last night. So much fun!

Christmas was simple due to a pay check error, but luckily I had done some shopping previously. Aaron said it was the best Christmas! Both boys got roller skates, knee pads, and journals. They loved it. I am getting my Christmas present today - a new Bosch system. What started as just wanting a food processor turned into a quest for a Bosch. I just hope that it ends up filling my needs ;P

It has been too long. Today is Peter's 4 month checkup. Our insurance came into effect just in time (yesterday) though we don't have any info to declare it to the dr's office. He is growing like crazy though. This weekend he started rolling back and forth. He'd done it about a month ago an then quit. Then last week he was rolling to his stomach almost immediately after being set down on his back. Oh he would get mad! But Saturday he rolled tummy to back again and was starting to get from point A to point B. He is starting to figure it all out and soon he'll be all over the house. When he is on his tummy he is trying hard to be mobile - kicking his legs and scootching his tummy. We call him an inch worm.

He smiles whenever he sees Jared or Aaron. He can pick Jared out of a crowd of classmates. He looks up at them with eyes of adoration. He loves it when Matthew plays with him - especially games like sit up and stand up. He's very cooperative getting his diaper changed and lifts his bum up and moves his leg up and down when I need him to.

Peter is a joy and I wonder I could be so lucky.

The Bishop's wife stopped by today to drop off a present. It was sweet of her. I really like her. We chatted for a bit before she left. I almost cried when she asked how I was doing. Mom called yesterday too to find out how I was. I haven't told anyone besides Matthew that I am dealing with PPD. I've gone from moderate to mild since school started, but this week has been a lot harder.

Anyway, the real reason I wanted to post was to dote on Peter. He had his 2 month checkup yesterday. He now weighs 11 lbs 11 oz, 23 in long, and his head is 15 in. He got three shots and an oral rotavirus vaccine. He ended up sleeping the rest of the day so last night was a little rough.

The day before though was amazing. He nursed every two hours, went to bed/asleep about 11:30 and didn't wake up until 4:00 or 4:30. He woke me up by thumping his legs on his bed. Normally he wakes up by the time I need to take the boys to school but he had to be woken up.

I think he will be close to rolling from back to tummy soon. The leg thumping is him bringing his legs up and then dropping them down, but that is the movement he uses to go to his side. He can get there relatively easily, it will be a matter of time before he makes it all the way over.

The other thing he really enjoys doing is going from laying down to sitting to standing - especially standing. Well, today Matthew taught him real sit ups. He LOVES it! I even video'd him trying to do them. You can see him straining his muscles trying to do it. And when we tell him to lay down he flings himself backwards. It's amazing and so cute - but I think he will be quite the wiggle worm soon!

We are getting ready to switch out our phones so I'm trying to do a data recovery effort. These are texts that I have kept on my phone:

Sent to:

Matthew 6-13-14 10;52 am Took Aaron to doctor. He has pneumonia. Getting antibiotics and probiotics

Matthew 4/28/14 12:53 pm Jared passed out for about 15 minutes. Looked up peds to get him looked at. Not sure if it counts as a seizure or not but that is a serious side effect of his meds.

Brent, Jenna, Mark, Mike, Sharon, Tran 2/11/14 9:41 pm The y is strong in this family. We are having another boy.

Matthew 12/03/13 1:52 pm Heard heartbeat!

Mom, Dad 12/05/12 2:45 pm I am in the bathroom just a min

Julie 11/27/12 4:46 pm I am going to cry. Jared got all his writing done at school. He came home and all on his own worked on his homework. What usually takes all night he has done in maybe 20 min. He still has 5 problems to go but got distracted by the computer when Aaron needed help. I think he has earned the break but want him to finish before the meds are completely out of his system.

Julie 11/26/12 6:10 pm 5 mg adderol starting tomorrow for Jared.

Brent 11/09/12 11:02 am Oh yeah the boys are in heaven :) and I need about 200 bucks to invest in snow gear so they don't freeze themselves to death playing in it :p

Mark 11/01/12 12:56 pm :) We think that probably roads have been cleared enough we could make it but gas would be the big concern. I also need to be here on Sun for primary program practice since we are singing as a fam

Megan Myers 10/31/12 6:31 pm No kidding! But how could I not be ok when I have so many people praying for us? :) We have been greatly blessed for sure.

Jenna 10/31/12 1:30 pm Talked to the neighbor. It could be as late as the 9th or as early as this fri. I have a feeling it will be 2 more days but we will see.

Melissa Freer 10/31/12 12:31 pm I have no idea how long it will take. It came on yesterday morning for about 10 min then went off again but there was a down line on the street next to us so that is probably why. Yesterday it was in the low 50s and today it is supposed to be in the low 40s so it is getting colder but it is still bearable.

Mark 10/29/12 10:46 pm Thanks. We are too :) we will see how the night plays out. So far the worst thing is having to take the dog out to pee though he has refused to go the last hour. Hope he makes it all night.

Mark 10/29/12 10:43 pm We are still fine. We lost power about 6:30 but Matthew has a battery that we have lights plugged in to so that has helped plus the stove is gas so we can still cook. It is mostly a lot of wind not much rain.

Dad 10/29/12 7:40 pm They were scared of the dark but Matthew pulled out his battery and plugged in the lamp so they are fine now.

Dad 10/29/12 6:38 pm Power just went out. Wind picked up. Here we go!

Mom 10/29/12 6:02 pm Are you serious?! Mom! Glad you are fine. It is windy but ok still

Brent 10/29/12 1:22 pm Yeah. Mom and Mark think I should head to NC but I don't want to be driving right now.

Brent 10/29/12 1:13 pm Yep. We are about an hour from Philadelphia and 20 min from the Delaware River which it is projected to follow. This should be fun ;)

Julie 10/27/12 10:12 pm Jared was a ninja and Aaron as a pea shooter. No one knew who he was and they thought Jared was a burglar. No very many adults dressed up either.

Julie 10/27/12 10:08 pm Tonight was our trunk r treat. It was not the same. Miss you.

Mom 10/24/12 10:49 pm Glad you are ok. Exciting night for you :)

Mike 10/24/12 10:47 pm Thanks for letting me know. Glad she is ok though I am sure she is pretty shaken up.

Mom 10/20/12 9:45 am Aaron just realized he is missing his gobbles - turkey. He is very sad.

Matthew 10/18/12 3:13 pm No school tomorrow. Antibiotics it is.

Matthew 10/18/12 2:09 pm Got Jared a 2:50 appt at the tricare doctor

Matthew 10/14/12 2:26  pm Good since that was what I was expecting from your pt score ;)

Matthew 10/14/12 1:59 pm LOL ok. I had read that as 430 of course so I was trying to figure if it took you 4 min or 4 hours. Good work! 17 was the limit right?

Julie 10/12/12 5:41 pm I first think about calling after the boys leave for school which ends up as the same thing for you so I want to wait a bit to give you a chance to breathe and then I get busy and the next I know kids are home :/ I am mostly doing well. How are you doing?

Julie 10/12/12 5:01 pm You have been on my mind a lot lately but I feel like it is never a good time to call :(

Matthew 10/11/12 5:33 pm Well at least we had lunch together

Melinda 9/29/12 6:15 pm Oops. Well at least you can watch it online later :)

Julie 9/7/12 12:48 am I bet so. She was a good teacher. I want to keep talking but Matthew is ready to sleep now. I will try to call you tomorrow.

Julie 9/7/12 12:45 am She needs to bribe him with candy :)

Julie 9/7/12 12:44 am Poor guy. Poor you. I was surprised you put him in this year. I thought you would have waited.

Julie 9/7/12 12:38 am Ok. Is Taylor getting any better after school?

Julie 9/7/12 12:36 am Matthew needed to decompress though I wanted to go to sleep an hour ago. Do we need to send you one straight to you?

Julie 9/7/12 12:30 am Oh dear. I wonder why they didn't give it to you.

Julie 9/7/12 9:53 pm Did you get our check at the closing?

Melissa Freer 9/4/12 10:03 pm You were just so excited about each other I am sad for you. Are these other guys from the site too?

Sharon 9/3/12 7:28 pm This is in New York. We are settling in ok. I am starting to figure out my way around town though it is still a little intimidating. I am def not ready to navigate my way around new york by myself. It is hard to believe we have been here 3 Sundays already. How is Brian liking his new teacher?

Dad 9/3/12 5:28 pm Yep they were in central park

Sara Christiansen 9/3/12 I don't know if you can read it but it is the directors guild of america

Mom 9/3/12 4:23 pm King of the rock. The rocks are in central park.

Mom 9/3/12 4:22 pm We are in New York.

Dad 9/3/12 Not quite the rockies but we'll take it.

Sharon 9/3/12 Found Wicked on Broadway

Sara Cansen 9/3/12 1:54 pm Thought you would like that. If I could I would have bought you something and sent it your way.

Sara Cansen 9/3/12 This makes me think of you (moustache display)

Julie 9/2/12 8:20 pm Aw thanks! Jared has been wanting to see more pics of the house so this is great. We completely filled the living room here with our stuff and had one week to get it emptied. We mostly did it but it was a lot of work.

Mark 8/29/12 8:41 pm Well we don't start school until the 6th so I thought it would be nice to take a trip down but with all the other people coming and going I am not sure if there is a way to coordinate it.

Dad The pond behind our house on the walking trail to the church

Matthew After complaining about not wanting to go to the library, I think we have some satisfied customers. First time card holders. (pic of WW library train)

Mom 8/16/12 6:35 pm This is the longest 5 hours ever! Still in Penn. Ugh

Jaclyn 8/16/12 2:11 pm Thanks! We are in Penn about 3 and a half hours from our destination. So ready to be done :)

Dad, Mom 8/16/12 11:02 am From julie: Good news!!! The house met appraisal and there is no inspection required! Moving forward!

Julie 8/16/12 11:01 am I am looking forward to not having to get up and driving

Julie 8/16/12 10:59 am No I was up 3 hours ago. It is just taking that long to get on the road.

Julie 8/16/12 10:56 am West Stanton Pa. We have about 5 hours ahead of us. We haven't left from the hotel yet.

Julie 8/16/12 10:54 am I was hoping that was what that msg was going to say

Dad 8/16/12 9:04 am Nope. And we actually get to see the scenery now.

Dad 8/16/12 8:26 am Good morning from West Stanton Pa. We have about a 5 hour drive left. I am the only one awake right now so we will probably head out about 10 again.

Mom Baugh 8/16/12 8:19 am Yes :) I wished it weren't dark when we drove through west VA. I could tell there was some great scenery we were missing.

Melissa Hoffer 8/16/12 12:06 am Yeah he has. It is crazy. (response to pic of Jared in front of PA sign)

Julie 8/15/12 11:55 pm You are awesome. Thanks :)

Matthew 8/15/12 11:51 pm Let me know what you figure out. Barely got a spot and with aaron asleep don't want to get out.

Mom 8/15/12 8:31 pm On the other side of columbus ohio

Julie 8/15/12 5:53 pm ok. Oops I should have left the drop clothes. I think I threw them away. There is the mud in the garage for the crack but they probably do need some tape too.

Julie 8/15/12 5:48 pm Did you paint today? Is the stuff still there? I am scheduling the pickup and need to tell them how much there is.

Mom 8/15/12 5:11 pm :) We are almost to columbus now

Melissa Freer 8/15/12 3:56 pm It is long and tedious. Can't wait for it to be over. Unfortunately we will probably have one more day of it.

Mom Baugh 8/15/12 3:54 pm It is ok :) So many things to relearn as we blend back together.

Mom Baugh 8/15/12 3:51 pm That would have been good advice for the travel scheduler...

Dad 8/15/12 3:05 pm Where is the time change? Do you know?

Mom Baugh 8/15/12 11:25 am Both and not well timed stops. One time we stopped for a potty break then for gas 20 minutes later and both stops took a lot of time.

Mom, etc 8/15/12 9:34 am Headed out. Will probably stop somewhere in Penn.

Dad, Mom, Mom Baugh 8/15/12 12:46 am Stopped at a hotel in Greenville, Illinois

Dad, etc 8/14/12 9:30 pm We are about 80 miles from St. Louis. I think visiting Stephen has been taken off the list.

Tran 8/14/12 1:59 pm :) It is hard isn't it? Well we are off so I will text later.

Tran 8/14/12 1:51 pm Thanks :) Did you get everything moved in yesterday?

Tran 8/14/12 1:45 pm Long! We have just left for the day and still have a 10 hour drive ahead.

Dad 8/14/12 12:09 pm On the road

Julie 8/14/12 9:40 am I left your lock in the pantry

Julie 8/14/12 9:33 am :( Just wait til you go to the house... It is surreal to see it so empty. Which by the way there is a pile of stuff labeled for people but it can just be taken to the church probably.

Julie 8/14/12 9:26 am How funny about your dream. I think painting is a great idea. I think I moved the paint to the garage. There is one that has a tiny bit and one unopened. The white is in my bathroom. Utilities are on til closing. I did turn the ac up so it wouldn't run much.

Dad, Mom 8/13/12 4:47 pm We are in Cushing, OK which is 20 min from Mary's

Dad, Mom 8/13/12 12:19 pm We have just left the great state of Texas, welcome to OK, the Sooner state.

Julie 8/13/12 9:24 am Thanks. We can use all the prayers. Can I call you and talk while I drive?

Julie 8/13/12 9:23 am I know. I wish I could help you move.

Dad, Mom 8/13/12 7:59 am We just passed exit 21. we are about 30 miles from Fort Worth.

Matthew 8/9/12 9:36 am I think I may have a nervous breakdown before this is all over.

Julie 8/6/12 9:46 pm You, woman, are the most amazing friend ever!!!

Jaclyn 8/6/12 5:51 pm Unless you were up for a late dinner I don't think I will have a chance tonight. We are into hard core pack mode. Thank you for being willing though.

Haley Hinojosa 8/4/12 7:16 pm I only speak the truth. It will prob be about 7:45 when I get there

Matthew 8/4/12 2:58 pm Did you have your test today?

Josh 7/22/12 9:59 pm Ok. My phone is almost dead so I will call from a different number.

Josh 7/22/12 9:57 pm We probably ought to finish our earlier conversation but I just laid down with the boys to put them to bed and would need to wait to talk.

Josh 7/20/12 1:22 pm Ok. I talked to someone at the credit union and they do closings at the branch. All they need is a notary and they always have one on location so closing on Sat isn't an issue and sellers are typically not present at the closing. So my guess is it won't matter if we are already gone.

Matthew 7/20/12 1:07 pm I just heard from RBFCU and our loan has been approved! Unfortunately, the loan officer doesn't think the 10th is realistic. He says the 17th is better.

Josh 7/20/12 1:06 pm Yay! Did you happen to ask about a saturday closing?

Josh 7/19/12 9:00 pm When you get a chance will you give me a call. I have a few things I want to talk to you about.

Matthew 7/19/12 3:15 pm Ok. Probably the sig page isn't enough...

Matthew 7/18/12 The wettest Chickfila event yet. If you are already wet from the rain you might as well play in it. (pic of boys with pool)

Matthew 7/18/12 7:15 am woohoo #55

Matthew 7/17/12 7:02 pm Talked to realtor. We don't owe anything.

Julie, Matthew 7/17/12 1:30 pm I just found the key to our u-haul lock! Yay!

Josh 7/17/12 7:06 am, fwd to Matthew 7/17/12 7:19 am Some questions: you still need 2% for closing? Will the lack of carpet in the closet be a problem for the loan? And if we do have to put carpet for it, will that amount come out of the allowance?

Matthew 7/17/12 7:07 am (fwd from Josh) I will also cover the cost of the engineering report.

fwd to Matthew 7/17/12 6:49 am Valerie, I have a revised offer. 73K w/ 2k carpet allowance AND we'll take the house as is -- no more repairs or painting. Let me know. - Josh

Josh 7/16/12 9:51 pm Are you still up or is it too late to call?

Elizardos 7/10/12 2:12 pm Closing costs are about 10 - 20 % of the selling price. Would you guys be able to come up with the 7-8K?

Matthew 7/9/12 6:16 pm Showing the house to another family at 7

Julie 7/9/12 3:31 pm How did Josh's house hunt go? I called a realtor and she is coming wed morning.

Mark 7/9/12 9:28 am I guess now that there is another v in the family I can pass all my initialed niceties to her

Received txts

Laralin 8/21/14 4:53 pm So I thought I should tell you this in the middle of the night but of course no cell service for me. Be confident and KNOW that you are a GREAT mother to your children. You were hand-picked to be their mother and you are a wonderful fit for them. Okay. That's all. I love you.

Dad 8/8/14 9:28 pm Glad you came down. Love you

Jaclyn 8/8/14 7:05 am Safe travels, friend. Thank you (and Peter) for carving out time to bless me :D (((Hugs)))

Laralin 8/4/14 1:56 pm I got the job!!!

Jaclyn 7/30/14 4:28 pm I just read your FB msg and literally gasped!

Dad 7/30/14 10:05 am Tell Aaron that grandpa is happy because I'll be able to see him again about 2:45

Dad 7/30/14 8:12 am Good morning, Val. You little sneaker!! Talk about surprises. Welcome home to Texas!

Matthew 7/15/14 3:34 pm Submitted all the travel vouchers.

Matthew 7/2/14 9:31 am Are you up yet?

Sharon W 6/30/14 11:49 am Yay!!!!! Can't wait to see the sweet guy! :D missing you wish I could give you a hug and him a snuggle!

Melinda 6/30/14 11:45 am I can't wait to make him smile

Melissa H 6/30/14 11:44 am Yay! Congrats momma! I hope it was everything you had hoped! I am sure he is amazing! And he decided to have his own month, just barely!

Laralin 6/29/14 5:46 pm I'm getting so excited for you to meet your new son, Thing 3.
Laralin 6/29/14 5:45 pm Hi. Is your bun still in the oven?

Laralin 6/1/14 10:23 am Happy birthday, my lovely, wonderful, and dearest friend! I love you.

Laralin 5/26/14 3:27 pm My new meds are working wonders.
Laralin 5/26/14 3:26 pm I'm good. My head is clearing. I went shopping and bought basically a new wardrobe because my mom gave me money to. Because she saw the pic of my face on fb and said I looked thinner. So I told her how I lost a bunch of weight. And the wearable clothes were falling off on bottom and hanging on top. And my work shoes split in half on the bottom all the way through. And stuff that sort of fit were torn and stained and not presentable. And I wasn't trying to get money from her, but she offered. So I hit memorial day sales. And I finally envisioned how to arrange my apt and have been cleaning and rearranging and purging this weekend. Still a ways to go, but there's direction, motivation, a specific goal, energy, and progress to be pleased with.

Laralin 5/26/14 2:44 pm I love you, my beautiful friend! You are incredibly special in general but especially to me as well.

Tammy 4/4/14 7:03 pm Sounds lovely! I was there in spirit & didn't even know it :)

Tammy 4/4/14 6:55 pm Just thinking abt u. Hope everything is going well... I know moves r difficult. Wish I was there. I'd love to help u get ready 4 the BIG day. I am so happy u'll b closer! HUGS!

Matthew 3/31/14 1:00 pm Orders published

Jaclyn 3/12/14 8:19 am I'm so excited for you!!! I know you and your family are where you are meant however, for selfish reasons, I wish you were near. Know I'm supporting you thru prayer and wish I was there to do more.

Jaclyn 3/12/14 8:13 am "heavenly homemakers" is also useful
Jaclyn 3/12 14 8:12 am "The healthy home economist' is a really great blog. Lots of info on coconut oil in case you have interest.

Jaclyn 3/10/14 2:25 pm Shut your mouth!!!! Congratulations!!!! I just read the post.

Matthew 3/6/14 8:42 am Can you talk?

Rosana 3/4/14 9:49 am Valerie - thank you for your testimony on Sunday. It really touched my soul. - Rosana

Melinda 2/8/14 12:02 pm I miss you

Laralin 1/4/14 12:03 pm Hi Val. Just thinking about you because I just read your blog about 2013 goals. I think it is pretty great that you tried to keep every goal even if you haven't accomplished all of them yet. So keep it up. :)

Dad 12/24/13 9:17 pm Got the calendar. Congratulations

Julie 12/19/13 11:03 am By the way, I miss you.

Tammy 12/19/13 9:57 am U r such an AMAZING FRIEND! Just wanted u 2 know how much I love u!

Laralin 9/28/13 4:31 pm Hey Val! Great job! You're amazing and I love you.

Laralin 9/4/13 7:23 pm Hey. I love you and you're awesome. Don't go forgetting these things.

Jaclyn 8/29/13 12:24 pm I just read and installed an app called PaceDJ. It allows you to measure your comfortable pace then it calculates what music has a certain beats per minute

Jaclyn 8/28/13 7:31 pm The last 3 minutes of the second run were the toughest for me. I kept saying in my head "I can do ALL things thru Christ who strengthens me". Lol

Jaclyn 8/28/13 3:26 pm I'm really proud of you! I wondered how it went... :S Haven't gone yet. Giving myself the next hour to mentally prepare. The last one was tough for me to get thru. I'm no where near a 10 minute mile.

Jaclyn 8/26/13 8:31 am God is SO good to us! Really. We have the luxury of being able to run this morning. We are prepared and totally have this!

Jaclyn 8/26/13 8:29 am I remind myself how awesome it is that I GET to run! I'm Thankful for my legs. Some people wish they were in our position this morning.

Jaclyn 8/26/13 8:28 am I'm going to encourage you to NOT think about the time. Think about your day, the boys, how awesome you are, how healthy your heart is becoming, your strong lungs...

Jaclyn 8/20/13 12:26 pm 1) I'm so proud of you!!! 2) I miss you! 3) I haven't jogged since Saturday

Mike 7/25/13 9:00 am Genevieve Lorraine was born at 7:50 am on July 25. Weighing 7 lbs 9 oz and 19/25 inches long

Kim 5/5/13 7:09 pm Hi Val it's Kim, just reaching out to you. We're moving along with the house, so just wanted to see if you selected the other place. I'm re-listing the house, but thought I'd touch base with u

Melissa F 4/25/13 7:15 pm I am pregnant

Laralin 3/27/13 6:36 pm You are a reason I feel loved, special, and smile. So happy you are my dear friend. Random but wanted to tell you anyway.

Laralin 3/13/13 6:55 pm *hugs* I know you're going through something rough right now. If you want/need to discuss, I'm available. I love you dearly.

Laralin 3/4/13 6:14 pm Oh Val. I love you and want to make sure you remember. I hope you had a great Monday.

Laralin 1/10/13 10:44 am Sorry you're sick today. I hope you have a speedy recovery. Try to rest as much as possible. If you over do it, the illness could linger. I love you.

Mark 12/31/12 8:32 pm wow - good time. Thanks for coming.

Kelly M 12/28/12 5:33 pm :) I love hearing about everything you're up to on fb. Yay for a white Christmas!

Daniell B We miss u all hope ur holidays were as merry as ours love Jonathan Daniell Jacelyn Jathen and baby Jaxsin!!

Mark 12/24/12 5:51 pm Eliza - pink, Camille - purple,  Vivi - indifferent

Julie 12/19/12 2:30 pm So, I am doing fine. Last week I was more upset. I guess I am glad it is going to be more the slow process than sudden.

Julie 12/19/12 2:09 pm Thanks for your message. I like friends. I miss you.

Mike 11/30/12 1:46 pm That's good that you all are doing ok. How's the house sharing? We're doing alright. Tran's almost done with the semester, and my busy season is almost over. So we're tired. We miss you and the boys. And I know mom does too.

Julie 11/26/12 5:28 pm good luck. i hope it works really well.

Julie 11/26/12 5:24 pm whew. starting with the big drug.

Mark 11/25/12 1:04 am We here, thanks again for having us!

Mark 11/23/12 12:54 am You should be done and come home.

Brent 11/22/12 9:16 pm Happy thanksgiving. Hope you got stuffed! Ha Brent

Mark 11/22/12 5:55 pm We're at the front door

Mom 11/22/12 9:50 am Thank you. How fun for you all!

Mark 11/20/12 11:24 pm Just got into new jersey. Should be another hour.

Mark 11/20/12 8:00 pm Children are... alive. We're about halfway. Should get there around 1.

Julie 11/13/12 5:48 pm oh bother. i am but verily crying now. just got your card. i love you! Besides all the nice things you said, i don't think i have ever had anyone acknowledge that i struggle with adhd. it is definitely something people sweep aside. friend in person seem too far away :)

Ranita 11/6/12 12:07 pm Ranita Cheruvu, Srinath Chavali

Matthew 11/2/12 11:00 am Power is back on.

Megan M 10/31/12 4:29 pm So glad to hear you are safe. You had so many of us worried. What a way the north east welcomes you on your first year!

Melinda 10/31/12 1:49 pm I was thinking of u, glad everything is ok

Mom 10/31/12 1:21 pm I guess if the school has power the boys would be ok there even if you don't have power.

Mom 10/31/12 11:44 am Wow. Will school be canceled that long? Was Matthew able to make out to Philly?

Jessica S 10/31/12 11:27 am You have been in my prayers these couple days. Been checking facebook. Thanks for the update!

Jenna 10/31/12 11:24 am Hope your power comes on soon! glad to hear all is well otherwise! love you!

Julie 10/31/12 11:23 am Hey Valerie! i am glad you are ok. everyone was worried.

Melissa F 10/31/12 10:00 am Yay! Miss you bunches. When do they think you will have power? Is it cold?

Sharon W 10/31/12 9:46 am I'm SOOO glad you guys made it through safely!!! Sorry about the power though. Are the kids back to school yet?

Matthew 10/31/12 7:11 am Sgt Babb. She said it's ok to charge battery.

Mom 10/31/12 4:26 pm Is Matthew still home too? How many more days does every one expect to be off?

Mom 10/31/12 4:23 pm Have you got any water storage?

Mike 10/31/12 6:51 am Glad to hear it. Hopefully it is done and it's not just the eye.

Mom B 10/31/12 6:47 am That among other things. Nehi got out and was killed but I didn't find him until a week ago (on tues) when he started to smell from under the porch. And also on last tues. someone texted me that he has left two "little cats" in one of my carriers on my porch. Read that 2 - 2 wk old kittens with severe eye infections. Now, granted, Otis found them by the road just down the street and knew their eyes were matted, but they were contagious and in immediate need of vet care, not to mention too young to even lap milk. One died Sunday but the other is getting better in general, but her eyes still look so bad that I wonder if she has sight in them. I have her in isolation in the bathroom. The whole thing smacks of such overwhelming inconsideration. Now, if I had found them, I might possibly have brought them home, but if I had, it would have been my choice. This isn't as though someone had dumped healthy independent kittens on me. I have to seriously wonder if people even think. The pickup's heater also went out but someone at church replaced the switch and fixed it. The week imploded. I will be glad when I get my hot water back.

Mark 10/31/12 6:13 am Does that mean you're for sure coming on Thursday?

Mark 10/31/12 6:09 am Glad everything is okay.Bummer that you didn't make it down here though.

Mom B 10/30/12 6:05 am Good. Glad it isn't too bad. My gas has been out for at least a week. I discovered it out last Tues when I ran a tub of cold bathwater. That was the shortest bath in history. The utility people need to mark the lines and the repair guy is planning to run a new gas line on Thurs. The insurance doesn't cover the repair because the collapsed line is considered normal wear and tear.

Jaclyn 10/30/12 5:59 am Phew! I'm relieved. Thank you for the update!!! Sending prayers and love

Brent 10/30/12 5:40 am That's cool. After about a week we ended up staying with some friends for a week and a half. Hope the river doesn't overflow too bad to get you. Brent

Brent 10/30/12 5:25 am :) yes. We had to use a camp  stove.

Brent 10/30/12 5:22 am Me too. That sucked when we were out for two weeks.

888777 10/30/12 12:28 am NJSP: Levee break Borough of Moonachie Bergen County

Mom 10/29/12 9:17 pm Love you. Be safe will pray for your safety.

Mom 10/29/12 9:15 pm Looks like from the website it is between Chester & Clamont  SW of Philadelphia.

Mom 10/29/12 9:09 pm NY city had shutdown. They said for New Yorkers to stay in their homes if it is safe and not to evacuate - it is too late for that.

Mom 10/29/12 9:06 pm South of Atlantic City, nj

Mark 10/29/12 8:43 pm Good to hear; glad you're safe.

Mark 10/29/12 8:25 pm Hope you're doing okay. Do you still have power?

Mom 10/29/12 3:46 pm How is the weather? Is it pretty windy? I wrecked dads car today but we are ok.

Julie 10/27/12 9:30 pm nobody was a zombie?

Julie 10/27/12 7:16 pm I thought of you today when i watched the 1996 jane eyre. and i am thinking of you now, as i see your dad counting attendance at stake conference