tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55863051354494969432023-11-16T01:39:11.957-06:00All in a Days WorkMomma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-15460268947970659092015-07-31T10:18:00.003-05:002015-07-31T10:18:59.502-05:00Working It - In the Physical SenseWhen Tim and I moved to Arkansas, we were excited to find that they had an affordable gym in the area. It cost our family of five, $300 for a year's membership to a weight room, gym, indoor walking track, outdoor running track, a small water play area and play ground for the kids, and an indoor fitness room. In Wisconsin, there wasn't any affordable areas for us to get away and have fitness facilities at our ready. We had the outdoors, but there is something to making yourself go to the gym and putting money down to use it, you feel compelled to get your money back by its use. We also rotate our time, he goes in the morning, and I go in the evening after he comes home from work. We get time away and work on ourselves for an hour or more and are much better at home because of it. We enjoy outside time too, but it's in the upper 90's right now for temps, and neither of us feel up to going out and killing ourselves in the heat. I do look forward to some hiking and outdoor activities this fall, and even this winter. Here they don't get much snow, if any, and that opens up far more outdoor opportunities than we ever had in the north.<br />
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As for my own fitness journey, it's a roller coaster. I truly am fighting a food addiction and dependency. I use food for comfort, boredom, and for feelings of uncertainty. I even eat more when I'm tired. My fitness journey encompasses my mental health, sleep patterns, and finding something that motivates me. Saying that I am getting healthy for myself is a great start, but it often is not enough to motivate me when I have days that I am "low" and I have a hard time caring enough for myself. Those are the days I reach out, I get support from loved ones. My mother inspires me because she is such a beautiful person and she often times can talk me into feeling better about myself and caring. She has been my best friend and most sincere ally of mine since I was young, and I have always felt I could confide in her. I am fortunate that I could find that within my own mother, and hope that my children feel that way about me as they grow up and seek comfort in others and need a confidant. My middle sister is my twin from another birth year. We look identical, just a few years of distance between us. She is very fit, healthy, and eats right. She looks more beautiful than ever because she not only takes care of herself physically, but continually works on herself from within as well. She is often seen sporting a "can-do" attitude, and almost always has a smile on her face. My husband is my side-kick, and is also working on his health. Finding a support system is huge.<br />
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Another thing that I am trying new this time around, that I feel is truly going to tip me further into health and fitness is the ability to forgive myself. This is going to be a life long process. If I go out to eat, eat a candy bar, or drink a soda, it doesn't have to be the end of my journey. Did you know that the chosen symbol for depression is the semi colon ; ? The idea behind the semi colon is that the person with depression chooses to not have depression be the end of their story. As the author of their own lives, they choose to place a semi-colon, where they could have put a period; signifying they chose to live on and further their story where the could have ended it. As a person that fits this on a daily basis, I feel this fits not only the depression, but my ability to forgive myself. I ate a candy bar last night, or maybe I ate two; and today I did better. One mistake, one piece of cake, one meal at Sonic, or a few bad days does not have to be the end, but perhaps another opportunity to start anew. I also have decided to give myself the freedom to have some space to eat something unhealthy every now and again if I chose to. It is very unrealistic to believe that I will never have sweets, as I truly enjoy them. The key is to not eat as much, and to realize that it can't be what drives all of my hunger and my meals. <br />
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I also refuse to go on a "diet". In fact from this time forward, I refuse to even mutter that swear word. The "D" word may make you lose weight, but are often unrealistic in long term health and fitness. I refuse to spend a ton of money on shakes that make you poop like gooses, meals portioned out for me and placed into a carton for me to eat (that are good until say 2030), or powdered fake protein candy or bars that taste like chalk. You've got to be kidding me... this is supposed to replace a candy bar? If I have to force myself to ingest it, how I am supposed to make it into a change that sustains and continues? I also can't go hungry. I refuse to sit in a house full of food and remain hungry because my "D" word tells me I can't eat any of it. Absolutely not! Instead, as we ate the food in our house, we started replacing it with healthier food options. <br />
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We go grocery shopping about twice a week. I plan my meals, and at each meal there are tons of veggies, fruit, and a meat. Then there is always something else, like a roll, rice, bread, baked beans, noodle salad, etc. Right now I am working on paying attention to portion sizes. You can literally eat cups full of vegetables and never reach the point of over eating. I pay attention to portion size so I can better empower and educate my food choices. So I eat a lot of veggies, because I can. Veggies also help your gut, they help colonize the good bacteria in there, and if it's a problem, they also help you poop by adding fiber. Then I eat the fruit on my plate, that's like your instant energy with natural sugars. Then I eat my protein, meats, etc. for long-term energy. Then, if I'm still hungry I may delve into carbs, but at this point, I've eaten enough of other things that I am not as hungry so I don't eat much of it. I allow myself to make my food taste good, so I do use salad dressings (within healthy reason) and butter to eat and cook with. End result, I lost about 10 pounds in a month just by choosing to eat healthier. I've eaten occasional junk food in-between, just not every day. <br />
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You also need to start moving, whether it be at the gym, walking, or housework. To be truly healthy, you should be walking 10000 steps a day. <br />
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Now on the other end of the spectrum, I have been in a "low" for about four days. I have not been to the gym, because even if I did, I wouldn't last long there before my brain tells me to just go home. This is my depression, and I fight it daily. On any given good day I can easily walk 10000 steps and eat healthy, on a bad day I reach maybe 3000 to 6000 steps and will most likely opt for fast food because I just don't care. This is where the forgiveness sets in. I've eaten chocolate, ice cream, Taco Bell, and Sonic in the last four days, and I haven't been to the gym. Today I am starting to feel better, and I refuse to let this define my future, my journey. I will start over and pick up where I left off, because this is not where I end it; tomorrow I will be better.<br />
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I am not on a diet; I am on track for a long-lasting, healthier choice of lifestyle. (okay so I said the "d" word twice... I forgive myself for that too.)Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-67676550588998714042015-07-29T23:03:00.002-05:002015-07-29T23:03:41.707-05:00Starting AnewLife, I have found, comes in waves. Days can pass and nothing happens, and then life hits you at full force and everything happens all at once. Life has hit once again. Our third son was born this April, he is now three months old and growing quicker than the first two it seems. Everything appears to come and go quicker than it used to. I often wonder if time continues to speed up as we age; I think it probably does. But in the past three months the husband received a new forester position in Marianna, Arkansas, we had a baby, we moved, we're working on selling our house (well sorta), and now I'm currently working as a stay at home mom until an RN position falls in my lap. I have to say, being a stay at home mom is a full time job, and harder than going to work. Bella is in kindergarten, Landon is going to 3 year old kindergarten, and Dawson, much to my own heart ache, will be in daycare when I start working. Which means breastfeeding will most likely be out the window, a decision I would have frowned upon pre-baby years. It amazes me that as you experience things, your focus shifts, certain things become irrelevant, other things more important, and you spend time pondering on things you said that were quite nicely put, bum-hole things to say. For instance...<br />
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After two attempts at childbirth, I realized that with my third, I was my own kind of Wonder Woman and I could do the whole process all natural. My first baby girl was 7lbs 2.1 oz., Landon my second baby was 8lbs 8 oz. I was almost ready to deliver and I decided on epidurals. Me, running my big know it all mouth, stated, "I don't know why women scream through child birth. I made it to the end of my births and remained silent." Mind you, the furthest I was ever prior to medication was at 8 cm, I got an epidural, and then had my son a short while later. So again, Wonder Woman, decided she could do it all by herself. WOW was I humbled quickly.<br />
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I made it to 8 cm... and stayed at an 8 for over two hours until Dawson, my 8lb 9oz baby, entered this world. That did not occur until after I was refused pain medications because they thought, "She's going to go any minute", as I delivered and passed through the stages of labor with my other two quite quickly. Because believe me, I was crying and begging for them before the whole process was over. And I screamed during childbirth, to my utter and complete embarrassed self. And I became humbled at that point, and apologized to all the true Wonder Women who gave birth the natural way, and did so with far less overall complaints than I gave.<br />
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And I tip my Momma Hat to all those "naughty kids" in the store that I used to lift an eye brow at (prechildren years); after all, can't you control your children better? Have you heard of discipline? I again, humbled, smile to myself at this. As it was just a mere two weeks ago... I check out at Walmart, my 2 1/2 month old screaming in his car seat, and my two older children are where? Oh that's right... they're in the entryway of the Walmart, wrestling on the ground, full force, Landon smiling proudly as he pins his sister on the ground. Me, quickly sliding my debit card and trying to get out of the store to spare any dignity I had left. So as customers carefully side step around my two older children, I swiftly grab both hands, pull them off of the ground, place one in the cart, the other I drag out of the store screaming as I hold her hand out to the van, uttering promises for when we get home. I have a firm, but gentle hold of my daughters hand and she screams all the way through the parking, "Stop, stop, you're hurting me!" Again mortified, as it most likely appeared as if I was attempting to abduct my own children from the Walmart store. At that very moment, I probably would have tried to return them to the store, but I think they would have denied me any refunds. I now vow to only go shopping if absolutely necessary with all kids, or with the husband as my own children are just too naughty to be in public with just me. <br />
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My kids are also the ones that never let me talk on the phone for more than a few minutes without disruption (a sincere apology to my own mother, as I know we did this to you). They throw tantrums in public places, cry for chicken nuggets from McDonalds (because we do that too), are bribed with icecream to be good through the store or church, and a many other things that I remember thinking that my kids would just simply never do. End point, life humbles you. We've come a long way. I started this blog to express my joy of motherhood, which I still feel. I still have joy with this very stressful job of mommy life. But I can now express some of my heartfelt woes as well, and some experiences that will prove that, as much as we try, we are not perfect (as much as Facebook says otherwise). And really, don't talk unless you've walked the walk, had that baby, experienced that pain, sat through church with kids, and walked through Walmart with three small children. How, my own mother, are you still sane?<br />
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But some new priorities have come afloat as of late. We moved here for my husband's job, and I hope to support him in this. I truly hope this experience for him gets him to where he wants to be. I hope to move into a hospital RN position. We both want to educate and love our kids to death, and provide them with amazing experiences while we're down here in AR. Our focus is on our children and to be better parents. We strive, for perhaps, a more simpler life so that we can focus more on the things that matter. Before we left Wisconsin, we sold a lot of our clutter, and that was incredibly freeing... you should try it some time... simplify life! Mostly we want to focus on our marriage, as that trickles down and ultimately affects our children. Mom and Dad are happy, then babies are will be happy, and as a result, life is good (if only it were that simple). I'm looking forward to looking into the church down here and immersing ourselves in that. And as for myself, I have some personal goals. I have gained quite a bit of weight since marriage, and I hope to find a healthier me. I want to do so without having to drink crazy shakes, completely limiting my food options, and starving myself. I want it to be a life long change. And writing inspires me to work towards my goals, so perhaps you'll hear a bit more from me as I find my way through all of these new and old adventures. Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-37693046440813827072014-07-02T19:51:00.000-05:002014-07-02T19:52:00.065-05:00The end of a long, long, LONG chapter.Well fancy meeting you here. It's been... awhile. The last two years with the Gremlins have been interesting to say the least. Landon wasn't even a year old when I got a phone call, "We have you on the waiting list to start nursing school. Just wondering if you were still planning on joining us this August in our ADN program at WITC?" Well, that was a shock. I was pregnant with Landon when we toured the WITC campus, and then it was suggested to Tim and I, while I sit there with a little girl on my lap and a growing bump that I wait until my kids were a little older, as nursing school may be too hard with small children. I had heard the horrors about nursing school, so I took the suggestion and decided to not to be put on the waiting list for school. Apparently that memo wasn't relayed, and now there I sat on that summer day with a decision to be made. "Well you have about a week to think about it, call us back when you decide." I called my Mom, my sister Lisa, and my husband, a bit frantic about the possibility. Was it possible that this decision lay before me for a reason.<br />
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Well, obviously we took the seat and today I sit here with a nice little "RN" after my name. It took me 2 years to get here, which doesn't seem like much, but it seems like a whole lot to me. Two years! I feel like I missed out two years of my children's life when they were in those precious first few years. On my son's first birthday, I was studying. My in-laws came to celebrate, I threw a cake together, but had no intention of doing much because I was stressed out studying. From then on, I took time off for birthdays from studying for at least a little while. Christmas, birthdays, my birthday, Tim's birthday... well they were kind of put on hold for the last two years. We went shopping on my birthday after I finished my first year, broke, and Tim picks up a 5 lb package of bacon, "Happy Birthday Dear," he joked. "Oh thanks," I say sarcastically. He has our son in his arms, "well we could go get you some flowers?" I laugh, "defeats the purpose if I have to tell you get the flowers, and you buy them while I'm here." We settled for lunch out with the family. But meals out were how we spent our birthdays, we did more for the kids though. We had too. <br />
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But two years ignoring my kids, 4 to 8 hours of driving each week, the kids in daycare for 11 hour days, my husband being Mr. Mom, and my brain just on the verge of exploding, and wallah! I'm a nurse! Everyone says it's worth it, you know, going to nursing school. I think I have to get over it first to feel that way. I just spent the last 72 hours sick and convinced I failed my boards, and now that I found that I have passed, I'm thanking God I never have to go through that again. And I don't condone book burning, but man it felt good to burn my ATI books that I've been buried in for the past 3 months. Almost like I was burning my demons, all the tears spent on nursing school, the time lost away from my family, and all the stress, gone just like that. And throwing my nursing scrubs in was the icing on the cake. Don't get me wrong, I love nursing. But I love my kids so much more, and now I can fall in love with my husband all over again, and we can all get to know each other again. And when I'm at work, I can take care of others and put into practice all that I have learnt the last two years. And of course not feeling broke anymore and being the sugar momma of the household helps a whole lot to! :) <br />
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So to every other little Momma out there with kiddos that are young like mine contemplating nursing school, I have this to say. Most of my cohorts had kids my age, and that's a bonus. You are not alone when you are feeling depressed because your kids cry because you have to go to school again, or because they want to play with you and you just don't have the time. A lot of those around me had little ones and we got through this together. There are a lot of other experienced nurses out there that also went to nursing school when their kids were little too. They say it's worth it and that these little ones won't remember this very chaotic time. What they will remember is Momma able to take time off when it matters, mom not being stressed about money anymore, and proud cause my Momma is a nurse! Nursing school was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life because I had a hard time accepting that fact, and still trying to. School was hard study wise, because it matters if you know your stuff, you can't just memorize it and then brain dump the info afterwards because you need to be able to apply this throughout your career (and for boards). You have other people's lives, loved ones and their health in your hands. That in of itself is difficult, but from someone who isn't the smartest cookie, I can honestly say its doable. The kid part was way harder. But that too is doable, because obviously I just did it. I'm a big baby when it comes to difficult things in life, just ask my husband. I complain, and moan, and B****H. I almost cried the day of orientation. "What brings you to nursing?" I say all nervous, "I'm doing this to prove to my kids that they can do anything they put their mind to, but mostly I do this for myself. Because I need to prove myself wrong, and show myself that I can in fact make it through nursing school. And boy did I grow in proving myself wrong, and I stand here an entirely different person. I believe my husband can vouch for that as well. <br />
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And thanks to everyone who made it hard, because I can say that I worked for what I have right now. I'm proud, I'm strong, and I'm an RN!<br />
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Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-35915521660214340912012-07-05T10:42:00.001-05:002012-07-05T10:46:15.352-05:00Freedom has NEVER been FREE<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody><em></em>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="368" src="http://www.afghanheroes.org.uk/images/fh/25.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Damien Jackson 1986-2006</span></em></td></tr>
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Today I go to work decked out in the red, white and blue. I wear the colors proudly not only for our beloved country as she has her 236th birthday, but because today, July 5th, one day after our the emancipation of country, a hero was taken from us. So today, I remember him and all of the others who have died in the name of freedom.</span> </span></em><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>The fifh of July marks the 6th year anniversary of his death and for many it feels as if it was just yesterday he was taken from us. Not a day goes by that I don't think of our Damien, but time has changed me. Anger and sadness have turned to love and a sense of pride for having known such a courageous and loving person. Truly the end of his life had the inevitable impact of changing the rest of mine.</em></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></em></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>He is the living proof that God only takes the good ones with him. Private Damien Raymond Jackson was born on July 9th, 1986. A July baby just like me! He was a passionate being with a God-given purpose. He was energetic and athletic and so very patriotic. He was a PARA and part the 3rd Battalion in the Parachute Regiment. He had been deployed several times and was killed in his final tour in Afghanistan, just a few weeks before he was to come home.</em></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></em></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>He was a great friend of mine, and a huge part of my heart will forever be with him. We spent two years of our youth growing up together before he returned to his mother country of England. About five years had passed by before circumstances would allow our paths to cross once again and it was as if he had never left. We had kept in touch all of those years and time had not lessened that bond. Peace reaches my soul because I know that he was happy and loved throughout his time here on earth and he spoke of such. </em></span><br />
<em><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></em><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>His passing has forever changed me, in ways that are very evident and in some ways even I can't quite explain. I have found a certain amount of peace and patience with God that wasn't there before. I have learnt to trust in His plans as I have been promised that this seperation from Damien and all of my loved ones is strictly temporary. Damien has taught me to love life, and to never take one breath of each moment for granted. But mostly he has taught me sincerity, kindness and a complete sense of selflessness, because that is how he was to me. I know now that how you treat others has the potential to impact those around you for the rest of their lives. </em></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></em></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>His life has been the mold for mine, forming how I approach those around me as I devote my time to helping and giving to others. I want people to have what I did in knowing Damien. So today I bleed red, not just because of that rich oxygenated blood within me (here comes out the nurse in me), but I bleed red for England and for America, and for all of those who have gone before us in the name of freedom. So as we all put our thought and prayers together for us Americans, don't forget the British soldiers who have fought and died for our cause as well.</em></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></em></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></em></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>So in your own words,</em></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></em></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></em></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Love you babes and I miss you like crazy.</em></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></em></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>xoxoxoxoxox :)</em></span><br />
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<table class="wikitable sortable jquery-tablesorter"><thead><em>
</em>
<tr><th class="headerSort" title="Sort ascending"><em>Rank</em></th><th class="headerSort" title="Sort ascending"><em>War</em></th><th class="headerSort" title="Sort ascending"><em>Years</em></th><th class="headerSort" title="Sort ascending"><em>Deaths</em></th><th class="headerSort" title="Sort ascending"><em>Deaths per Day</em></th><th class="headerSort" title="Sort ascending"><em>US Population in First Year of War</em></th><th class="headerSort" title="Sort ascending"><em>Deaths per Population</em></th></tr>
<em>
</em></thead><tbody><em>
</em>
<tr><td><em>1</em></td><td><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War" title="American Civil War"><em>American Civil War</em></a></td><td><em>1861–1865</em></td><td><em>625,000</em></td><td><em>599</em></td><td><em>31,443,000</em></td><td><em>1.988% (1860)</em></td></tr>
<em>
</em>
<tr><td><em>2</em></td><td><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II" title="World War II"><em>World War II</em></a></td><td><em>1941–1945</em></td><td><em>405,399</em></td><td><em>416</em></td><td><em>133,402,000</em></td><td><em>0.307% (1940)</em></td></tr>
<em>
</em>
<tr><td><em>3</em></td><td><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I" title="World War I"><em>World War I</em></a></td><td><em>1917–1918</em></td><td><em>116,516</em></td><td><em>279</em></td><td><em>103,268,000</em></td><td><em>0.110% (1920)</em></td></tr>
<em>
</em>
<tr><td><em>4</em></td><td><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_War" title="Vietnam War"><em>Vietnam War</em></a></td><td><em>1955–1975</em></td><td><em>58,209</em></td><td><em>26</em></td><td><em></em></td><td><em>0.03% (1970)</em></td></tr>
<em>
</em>
<tr><td><em>5</em></td><td><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War" title="Korean War"><em>Korean War</em></a></td><td><em>1950–1953</em></td><td><em>36,516</em></td><td><em>45</em></td><td><em>151,325,000</em></td><td><em>0.02% (1950)</em></td></tr>
<em>
</em>
<tr><td><em>6</em></td><td><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Revolutionary_War" title="American Revolutionary War"><em>American Revolutionary War</em></a></td><td><em>1775–1783</em></td><td><em>25,000</em></td><td><em>11</em></td><td><em>2,500,000</em></td><td><em>0.899% (1780)</em></td></tr>
<em>
</em>
<tr><td><em>7</em></td><td><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_of_1812" title="War of 1812"><em>War of 1812</em></a></td><td><em>1812–1815</em></td><td><em>20,000</em></td><td><em>31</em></td><td><em>8,000,000</em></td><td><em>0.345% (1810)</em></td></tr>
<em>
</em>
<tr><td><em>8</em></td><td><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican%E2%80%93American_War" title="Mexican–American War"><em>Mexican–American War</em></a></td><td><em>1846–1848</em></td><td><em>13,283</em></td><td><em>29</em></td><td><em>21,406,000</em></td><td><em>0.057% (1850)</em></td></tr>
<em>
</em>
<tr><td><em>9</em></td><td><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_on_Terror" title="War on Terror"><em>War on Terror</em></a></td><td><em>2001–present</em></td><td><em>6,280</em></td><td><em>1.72</em></td><td><em>294,043,000</em></td><td><em>0.002% (2010)</em></td></tr>
<em>
</em>
<tr><td><em>10</em></td><td><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine%E2%80%93American_War" title="Philippine–American War"><em>Philippine–American War</em></a></td><td><em>1899–1913</em></td><td><em>4,196</em></td><td><em>1</em></td><td><em>72,129,000</em></td><td><em>0.006% (1900)</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-34124040581281645162012-01-03T23:10:00.000-06:002012-01-03T23:10:32.740-06:00Just a Catch UpThe snots been a running, the body is aching and we are all running around like a chicken with our heads cut off. First me, then Bella and Landon, and now today Tim. The cold and flu season is in full swing and I am counting down the days until summer. I am one of those whiny up-north gals, but I am where my husband is and that takes me to the northern winters. My choice would be somewhere warmer, but not so warm that I can't stand to be outside during the summer. I guess we can't have it all. Wisconsin is tired of snow already and everyone else is praying for it. My family in Minnesota got a dusting of snow and we got 6". This I know, when I'm older and retired, I will probably be one of those envied snow birds with a house in the south to which I can retreat when the winter months get too cold.<br />
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Lately I have been trying my hand at some carpentry. Tim and I have found our second home up in Rhinelander, WI at the Menard's store. We seem to spend more time there than anywhere else. I spent all of New Years Eve putting in vinyl flooring in the kitchen and the dining room and all of New Year's day putting it in the bathroom just to come up short leaving us with unfinished floors. So off we went, in the horrible 2012 Eve blizzard and got some more tiling so I could finish up my job around here. The Hubby said he wasn't going to help me with the tile so I can have a sense of accomplishment when I finished. I am not sure if I believed him, but after the first five minutes of him in the kitchen telling me how to cut tile, I was glad he left me to it. When all was said and done, my way seemed to have worked because we're both quite happy with the new and improved look of our kitchen. Now he just has to finish putting all of the trim back in...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu97Bq3KVwYsyE1ZmdN4RzaPsKTL57GhtPZpfmnzIivnOgBCCh27MCHWByOS65DCLHVSj9THKxTX38jQUwzCCkdBTvTqLjVk84PBeSi6QWuV0xaPCEHxf4PzJ9REFU__pu9C-gHumdEi7Q/s1600/Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu97Bq3KVwYsyE1ZmdN4RzaPsKTL57GhtPZpfmnzIivnOgBCCh27MCHWByOS65DCLHVSj9THKxTX38jQUwzCCkdBTvTqLjVk84PBeSi6QWuV0xaPCEHxf4PzJ9REFU__pu9C-gHumdEi7Q/s640/Kitchen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Other than that, we have been busy visiting family over the holidays and running after our Gremlins. Mr. Landon is smiling quite a bit now and such a good baby. I realized today that his projectile vomiting has slowed down to just dribbles, thank goodness and Bella is keep'n on with being her usual Gremlin self. She's starting to talk and ask for things now and sometimes it takes some detective work to figure out what she's saying and what she wants. Currently, her favorite words are snack, milk, baby, Bella, mom and Tim with an occasional no and mine thrown in there for good measure.<br />
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It was so great to see all of the family this Christmas and I enjoyed it more than I usually do. I love Christmas time when all of the family gets together and this year the atmosphere and mood was entirely different. It was more focus on family and less of gifts, which I loved. We had a big bonfire at my family's house and I got to see mostly everyone. The kids went sliding and I got to see Tim act like one of the kids too. He makes my heart melt when I watch him interact with all of the little ones. He is a very quiet person but he comes out more when he's around children, and that has always been one of the things that attracted me to him. He's such a wonderful dad and he's Bella's best friend. Tim's side of the family all came up and the kids had a blast and they were spoiled rotten by Grandma and Grandpa Frits. I feel so fortunate that my children have two sets of wonderful grandparents and that they love our little Gremlins so much. Bella always comes home chipper and gleeful after visiting the grandparents, and that's the way it should be.<br />
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My big adventure so far is just starting and maybe I'll save that for another day to write about. It is getting more difficult to find the time and energy to write but I promise to get back here soon and post more pictures of the projects going on around here and to write about this, that and another thing. But for now, I hear some children that need attending to. Funny, that always seems to be what gets me to the end of my blogs, such is the life of a mother right? Happy New Year and just think only a mere 356 days until Christmas. :)Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-83100573045014970732011-11-20T00:30:00.001-06:002011-11-20T00:33:05.601-06:00Puke Face<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Just in case any of you thought I was exaggerating my son's projectile vomiting...</em></span> :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qzdn3POi93UHNCHb1rhKPUg44sH5LK9wpemz6Ms-UeGVQkRehiIa1Ct_pQ6YmcjKP8SjkQOmrFqv21GRYKWt8H1mq4eQk2GfWiz_VdDDGTCqm9ZhVo3tt3BQRXbyMKFk8FEfkUo5HhRH/s1600/P1080050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qzdn3POi93UHNCHb1rhKPUg44sH5LK9wpemz6Ms-UeGVQkRehiIa1Ct_pQ6YmcjKP8SjkQOmrFqv21GRYKWt8H1mq4eQk2GfWiz_VdDDGTCqm9ZhVo3tt3BQRXbyMKFk8FEfkUo5HhRH/s640/P1080050.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-16132034925429076602011-11-18T07:18:00.001-06:002011-11-20T00:30:06.221-06:00This, That and Another ThingThis, that and another thing... and it really is just that. My world seems to moving in a million different directions each day and it's somewhat overwhelming. I give tons of appreciation towards mothers who stay home with their children all day long. I give mothers credit who breastfeed, especially those who push through a whole year, work and never let their tummies be filled with formula. I give the moms and dads credit who make a working commitment to stay healthy and fit while raising children. But most of all, I acknowledge the humbleness it takes to be a supportive and loving house wife that makes her home a haven for all those who seek it. Needless to say, I struggle greatly each day with each of these. <br />
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With that said, I did attempt to try and run my first session of "Couch to 10k in 13 Weeks"... and I succeeded! For the fit mom, my running schedule may be pitiful, but for me it was a big accomplishment. It took a lot of self control to push through being uncomfortable while running and to make myself see that these workouts will be worth it. And for the day, it was worth it. I felt great (once I showered the disgustingness off), for the whole rest of the day. I ate well for most of the day and then disappointed myself and ate recklessly that evening. I am an emotional eater, and I struggle daily with this. When things get stressful at home, I eat, when I am sad, I eat; I am working to change this but it is a deeply rooted problem that takes tons of attention. It's like a roaring beast inside of me that I have to keep watch on or it will be escape and wreak havoc. It seems where in one area I succeed, such as running, and utterly fail in other, my diet.<br />
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For any of you who would like to join me in this running challenge, here is my running schedule at the end of this post. All of the days when I'm not running, I am trying to find another fun way to work out.<br />
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I also made some interesting things for dinner last night. We went grocery shopping on Wednesday night and bought all of the raw ingredients to make all of our meals for the rest of November from scratch. Last night was my first attempt at making my own salad dressing and twice baked potatoes. The salad dressing looked like ranch and was made of out of buttermilk and sour cream, but it tasted more light a vinaigrette dressing, which wasn't really appealing to me, but it did taste fine if that's the sort of dressing you prefer. The potatoes, on the other hand, were awesome! Here's how you make them.<br />
<br />
<strong>Stuffed Potatoes</strong><br />
<br />
With 4 large russet potatoes, cut off each end of the potato and throw them into an oven at 400F for one hour. After that time, remove them and cut them in half lengthwise. Take out the inside of each potato and mash well with a fork. Mix the following ingredients in a bowl:<br />
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<em>~1 cup of fat-free ricotta cheese</em><br />
<em>~1 cup of Cheddar cheese</em><br />
<em>~mashed potato</em><br />
<em>~1/4 tsp of salt</em><br />
<em>~1/8 tsp of pepper</em><br />
<em>~1/4 tsp of garlic powder</em><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8rErwKMGZUfDIhqUa8h9KlTrOx1c1xqoJpNsRDnHD-TA7JlybtTKH9pt_ULV2qEFgQ5YTcKxLJ-S5OcbST4WLBRZVmETURvZgg9BR_Cbn_0gBmP0Pz7ri20tTwjTWbtJYJJfU0BeBxJp/s1600/P1080042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8rErwKMGZUfDIhqUa8h9KlTrOx1c1xqoJpNsRDnHD-TA7JlybtTKH9pt_ULV2qEFgQ5YTcKxLJ-S5OcbST4WLBRZVmETURvZgg9BR_Cbn_0gBmP0Pz7ri20tTwjTWbtJYJJfU0BeBxJp/s400/P1080042.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The freezer all complete!</td></tr>
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Stuff each of the potatoes into their old skins (they'll be packed and heaping), lower the oven temperature to 350F and bake for 15 minutes more. Wallah! These were pretty tasty, in fact, we couldn't eat four large russet potatoes, so before I baked them a final time, I packaged four halves up and froze them for another day! My big sister Tess just gave us her big chest freezer, as they got a newer and bigger one. My plan is to make homemade meals each day of the rest of November and freeze part of each meal for quick meals later on for when I go back to work and things get more complicated. Today we are hauling down our new freezer to the basement and we're going sand it down and repaint it with white appliance paint. It should look brand new when we're all done, according to the husband. I'm superbly excited for this freezer!<br />
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Lastly, yesterday seemed to be such an off day for all of us at the Frits household. Bella was into the clinic for x-rays on her leg, since she's been limping for almost a week. So with blood drawn and x-rays, they are working on figuring out why she's gimping around. Good news is that she didn't break or fracture anything, but since it got a little worse and then gets better throughout the day, the doctor was thinking it is a bacterial infection in her joint. Common? I have no clue, nor do I know how a person even gets an infection in their joints. We have to wait until Monday for those results, but as it turns out she's starting to walk more normally and it seems to be clearing up, which is what her doctor said would happen (because bacterial infections in your joints clear up on their own I guess).<br />
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I went to work for training, which was fine. Had my 6 week post-baby appointment, which was fine. It allowed me to discuss my plans of weight loss and a breast augmentation surgery in 18 months or so. If I can get my diet and exercise on track and lose the weight I want, I should be on schedule for those life changes in no time. But coming home to a tired Dad and a grumpy daughter was tough. Landon needed attention, everyone was getting hungry, the house was a mess and I was tired (like normal). So the night ended badly, with me being grumpy and angry at the world. So as I laid in bed, trying to get my very fussy Landon to take a bottle after he threw up 4 times, Bella started crying. It's bad enough that Landon couldn't hold down my milk and I resorted to sensitive newborn formula, which had me feeling guilty, but then Bella starts whimpering. I hate that she doesn't feel good, and I can always tell when that is because she sleeps horribly. <br />
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So I went in and got her, laid her in bed with us and started to nurse Landon after his bottle, hoping he'd calm down and put him to sleep. In my grumpiness, I said, "seems like the only one who appreciates me is Bella, as she's the only one not grumpy at me right now." What a pity party huh, it wasn't that bad really, I was letting myself feel bad for myself, which I do often. So at 12:30 in the morning, all four of us in one bed, and a pukey 6 week old on my lap, I contemplate my day. And just as I felt like bawling, my cute little daughter puts her little hand on the small of my back and pats it. She rubs my back and lightly taps it, just like I do for her when she's upset. That turned my mood around instantly and felt incredibly loved. Here is my 21 month old daughter who has been feeling like poop for about a week and who has been an absolute Gremlin for the day and terrorized my entire house, and she's comforting me. And in that loving moment, everything in my heart was healed and I smiled a genuine smile for what it seemed, the first time in that entire day. So I turn around, kiss her forehead and push back her blond hair and whisper, "Thanks Bella, I needed that," and settle in for the rest of the night. I went to bed feeling like the luckiest Mom in the whole wide world with a sweet little lady for a daughter. She may be so naughty throughout the whole day and she make have eyes that speak as much, just saying she is seeking for all kinds of trouble, but she has the biggest of hearts and I am always reminded of this at the oddest of times.<br />
<br />
<br />
I went to bed, praying and promising that today would be a better day. A new day, a new start, and as I had heard once before, this is why God made the sun and moon come up each and every day. With each rising sun, we get to start anew and create a new beginning and forget about all of the failures of yesterday. And with each glowing moon, comes a promise to an end of a crazy day and that when we fall fast asleep that night, God will replace it with our warming sun, for yet another new beginning. <br />
<br />
<span lang="EN"><strong>13 Week Learn to Run Program</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Always walk 5 minutes slow and easy to warm up before each session and again to cool down after each session (this is included in the session times): <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Week 1 </b><br />
<br />
Session 1 - 34 min. Run 1 minute. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 8 times. <br />
<br />
Session 2 - 28 min. Run 1 minute. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 6 times. <br />
<br />
Session 3 - 31 min. Run 1 minute. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 7 times. <br />
<br />
<b>Week 2 </b><br />
<br />
Session 1 - 38 min. Run 2 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 7 times. <br />
<br />
Session 2 - 31 min. Run 1 minute. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 7 times. <br />
<br />
Session 3 - 34 min. Run 2 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 6 times. <br />
<br />
<b>Week 3 </b><br />
<br />
Session 1 - 45 min. Run 3 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 7 times. <br />
<br />
Session 2 - 34 min. Run 2 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 6 times. <br />
<br />
Session 3 - 40 min. Run 3 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 6 times. <br />
<br />
<b>Week 4 - EASY RECOVERY WEEK </b><br />
<br />
Session 1 - 40 min. Run 3 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 6 times. <br />
<br />
Session 2 - 30 min. Run 2 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 5 times. <br />
<br />
Session 3 - 40 min. Run 2 minutes. Walk 3 minutes. Do this 6 times. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <br />
<br />
<b>Week 5 </b><br />
<br />
Session 1 - 46 min. Run 3 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 9 times. <br />
<br />
Session 2 - 34 min. Run 2 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 8 times. <br />
<br />
Session 3 - 42 min. Run 3 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 8 times. <br />
<br />
<b>Week 6 </b><br />
<br />
Session 1 - 52 min. Run 5 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 7 times. <br />
<br />
Session 2 - 38 min. Run 3 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 7 times. <br />
<br />
Session 3 - 50 min. Run 3 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 10 times. <br />
<br />
<b>Week 7 </b><br />
<br />
Session 1 - 54 min. Run 10 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 4 times. <br />
<br />
Session 2 - 40 min. Run 4 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 6 times. <br />
<br />
Session 3 - 52 min. Run 5 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 7 times. <br />
<br />
<b>Week 8 *EASY RECOVERY WEEK </b><br />
<br />
Session 1 - 54 min. Run 10 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 4 times. <br />
<br />
Session 2 - 38 min. Run 3 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 7 times. <br />
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Session 3 - 46 min. Run 5 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 6 times. <br />
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<b>Week 9 </b><br />
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Session 1 - 68 min. Run 10 minutes/walk 1 minute; Run 15 minutes/walk 1 minute. Run 20 minutes/walk 1 minute. Run 10 minutes. <br />
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Session 2 - 46 min. Run 5 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 6 times. <br />
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Session 3 - 54 min. Run 10 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 4 times. <br />
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<b>Week 10 </b><br />
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Session 1 - 72 min. Run 10 minutes/walk 1 minute. Run 20 minutes/walk 1 minute. Run 30 minutes. <br />
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Session 2 - 54 min. Run 10 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 4 times. <br />
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Session 3 - 57 min. Run 20 minutes/walk 1 minute. Run 15 minutes/walk 1 minute. Run 10 minutes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">
<b>Week 11 </b><br />
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Session 1 - 71 min. Run 40 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Run 20 minutes. <br />
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Session 2 - 54 min. Run 10 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 4 times. <br />
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Session 3 - 57 min. Run 20 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Run 15 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Run 10 minutes.</span><br />
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<b></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Week 12 *EASY VOLUME WEEK </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">
Session 1 - 60 min. Run 50 minutes. <br />
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Session 2 - 43 min. Run 10 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 3 times. <br />
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Session 3 - 52 min. Run 15 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Run 15 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Run 10 minutes. <br />
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<b>Week 13 </b><br />
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Session 1 - 50 min. Run 40 minutes. <br />
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Session 2 - 43 min. Run 10 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 3 times. <br />
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Session 3 Event Day 10K: have fun, and take care not to start out too quickly. </span>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span>Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-62063426463270720162011-11-16T00:11:00.001-06:002011-11-20T00:28:35.068-06:00The First Steps of Faith<br />
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<img height="209" id="il_fi" src="http://www.pressies.org/wp-content/uploads/baptism%20gifts%20catholic.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="240" /></div>
<em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Holy Waters...</span></em><br />
<em>It was beautiful, they poured the warm blessed water over my sons head and said the beloved words, "I baptise you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit." And just like that, he has become part of the church, washed from original sin, and without even knowing it, has taken his first steps in follow the faith that we will try so hard to bring him up in</em>. <br />
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Despite the cold weather, a grumpy sibling of his and my camera dying, it was perfect, you couldn't dampen the day. And Landon did his best to let the world know he was around and that this was all about him. He carried on and cried and with his uncanny habit of vomiting at the worst of times, when Father Jerry asked to lay the child so his head was over the pool of water, we all held our breaths and thankfully, he held in his last meal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA237M3nvQxg6LMdi9cb9avN8puI0xyJXJPEbwBSnvSJfJP66qx4sd6OSGgS9ez01OhkXuB9acl8DB5iPxUvjBEyAK-0_bvBFZxHpf_ADUvPB6U0ZV2H_8plOV57WWyKW2NRmZmAMwnyL3/s1600/P1080002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA237M3nvQxg6LMdi9cb9avN8puI0xyJXJPEbwBSnvSJfJP66qx4sd6OSGgS9ez01OhkXuB9acl8DB5iPxUvjBEyAK-0_bvBFZxHpf_ADUvPB6U0ZV2H_8plOV57WWyKW2NRmZmAMwnyL3/s640/P1080002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MJkRIFXi8cCJRXSCIe-sLnC3uiY0utgra8q0PJYlCjb1rQqtn8svoJiFDpM9B-jEmUy2F_u55fa5NFn68Md7c_6RWnk-_cUqImz3gfA8lEerpqYeZ2IJiXgQ1aHxCfMnyBKGf1rjvETX/s1600/P1070984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MJkRIFXi8cCJRXSCIe-sLnC3uiY0utgra8q0PJYlCjb1rQqtn8svoJiFDpM9B-jEmUy2F_u55fa5NFn68Md7c_6RWnk-_cUqImz3gfA8lEerpqYeZ2IJiXgQ1aHxCfMnyBKGf1rjvETX/s320/P1070984.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I didn't take the role lightly, as a mother, of making sure that Landon and Bella had good Godparents. We chose Aunt Lisa and Uncle Phil as Bella's Godparents and Aunt Carina and Aunt Jen as Landon's. My Godmother has played a huge role in the growth of my faith as a Christian and so has my Confirmation sponsor. In fact, my Godmother is my sister Pam, and her husband may as well be my Godfather, because he too plays a huge role in my spiritual life. The two of them together encourage me to be a better person, think critically about myself and my choices in life, and make me strive to be a better Catholic. I always enjoy going for a visit to their house, as I always leave feeling humbled and deeper of faith. <br />
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My Confirmation sponsor is also a sibling of mine, and that would be my youngest sister Lisa. She has also played a huge role in my life as a Catholic. She is a one of a kind woman, as she is deep in her faith and is very humble. She carries all of the qualities that we, as Christians and Catholics, are called to carry within us. In fact, that is something that both of these sisters have, and I think that is why I am so inclined to be around them. Lisa helped me through college, when things got really hairy, she was there. She always provides me with the best advice, often telling me what I need to hear, rather than what I want to and she does so with grace and kindness.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Fz1mXwxcF_ohCiSc-T1wpTA5v2xanetX72EPgWF6j9macWME0us79ypIXwCXd_UPu1cFQhAvup5Nnr4o4bN6II8nBVDGdCStpILkhkQEK1x3WI7vytQVDXIPsuuouLtmeEX2nPdI95mm/s1600/P1070988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Fz1mXwxcF_ohCiSc-T1wpTA5v2xanetX72EPgWF6j9macWME0us79ypIXwCXd_UPu1cFQhAvup5Nnr4o4bN6II8nBVDGdCStpILkhkQEK1x3WI7vytQVDXIPsuuouLtmeEX2nPdI95mm/s320/P1070988.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I have a long ways to go to live up to the type of women these two are, but having such role models gives me hope that some day I will be able to call myself a "true Christian". One that God can be proud of and that He can call His own. So, I did not take lightly the choice of Godparents for our children. I wanted them to have people in their lives that would take the role head on as did my sisters, and help guide them in a faith filled life. I want their faith to be rich and strong, so that when they get older and must face the world. That hopefully the temptations that dwell within this world won't be so much of an obstacle, because they too will have a good head on their shoulders and will do the right thing and make the right decisions in life. I am confident that their Godparents will be guiding lights for them, and that gives me peace.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgnpGOUG6rKeVununSqgcZk-bPHUYiFFV-7r7qbB-9XEtrsvY7yZ8oth1PjwyRjBokMod5PhznuYlbb6QvtwIqcAYWIpN-xXDON9Q9zbc9XAr1OFfTDNobrJ9wR-OooUATw-DD9rj5gsq/s1600/P1080022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgnpGOUG6rKeVununSqgcZk-bPHUYiFFV-7r7qbB-9XEtrsvY7yZ8oth1PjwyRjBokMod5PhznuYlbb6QvtwIqcAYWIpN-xXDON9Q9zbc9XAr1OFfTDNobrJ9wR-OooUATw-DD9rj5gsq/s320/P1080022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragonfly Cupcakes that I made for Landon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I slept well the night before, knowing that the next morning Landon would be baptised. I was uneasy that we were waiting as long as we were. I was excited that some of my family could make it to witness this beautiful event with us and that they were also able to join us for the great meal that my family had put together in celebration. Thank you everyone for joining in our joy and celebrating with us. As soon as I have pictures developed, I will be posting them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZP0TFsK75gI6N2GyFZh82SoYAs3SJ8bOWhTjKDMrsNKeC_IeCyw66uUwj0i3KFJ_OkSC7hNOqV3B5P9Qah__Ad-wVpZZaYvT9eAMsWRKYv5Ynsn0CwtrrG07ydBrxJ1iGpJsuRHJatKS/s1600/P1080012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZP0TFsK75gI6N2GyFZh82SoYAs3SJ8bOWhTjKDMrsNKeC_IeCyw66uUwj0i3KFJ_OkSC7hNOqV3B5P9Qah__Ad-wVpZZaYvT9eAMsWRKYv5Ynsn0CwtrrG07ydBrxJ1iGpJsuRHJatKS/s400/P1080012.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jen putting the food out for the Baptism celebration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-64307252600944701422011-11-11T15:57:00.000-06:002011-11-11T15:57:39.162-06:00The Adventures of Gremlin +2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUBEgaegGoRIpgZNYkbrXEWfUyv9zeq9OLOy6u-o9Ak_U4tXsthfe5BucTvxHKDuOLGBbRTQYvBFdIIJNUDlukCgeXf9DGq0p_PU1O38uid08Oie0SgER9LVNAB0EBw960bgjlNsTZrDU/s1600/P1070928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUBEgaegGoRIpgZNYkbrXEWfUyv9zeq9OLOy6u-o9Ak_U4tXsthfe5BucTvxHKDuOLGBbRTQYvBFdIIJNUDlukCgeXf9DGq0p_PU1O38uid08Oie0SgER9LVNAB0EBw960bgjlNsTZrDU/s200/P1070928.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhVhNZz_YKAZ9kEOBFvyP5hCV68B5VVH3_QVkhU0jTbMlJ-fuXILynz8yB6yc1_IEnVWa3Lqqjgp3_XCVmGimLYtEElY-jBGLnMRAZhXOmoFb2f7vYdW5jZSaLvEd1vy6glV0fkPk6QnI/s1600/P1070929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhVhNZz_YKAZ9kEOBFvyP5hCV68B5VVH3_QVkhU0jTbMlJ-fuXILynz8yB6yc1_IEnVWa3Lqqjgp3_XCVmGimLYtEElY-jBGLnMRAZhXOmoFb2f7vYdW5jZSaLvEd1vy6glV0fkPk6QnI/s200/P1070929.JPG" width="150" /></a>Today was a great day for an adventure. It was freezing cold yesterday, and as the snow fell I was feeling a bit sad that the warm weather was behind us. But as the next day dawned, it started warming up. The snow started to melt and can now only be found in the deep shadows of the woods. It was a beautiful 54 degree weather day! So when the energy in the house became maxed, we decided to put that energy outside in the form of a nice nature walk through the woods behind Grandma and Grandpa Frits' house.<br />
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Behind the house is a nice little trail that lands on the west side of Deer River, MN. We walked to the place where pony league football used to be practiced, and where the dreaded season of tennis during the school year was taught (I hated that part of gym). We walked to the store and each got a cookie to eat on our journey back to the house. When Bella tired, her big boy cousin, Ethan, carried her so she could catch up. The Gremlins were full of smiles and beamed with curiosity as they ran through the area.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAclFQZcnzjueaTei97pTxiFCtYRdR2OZ2kpkdxWks90uopOSuPuy0PiNmrLCXF8k-dNFLQCWhYwZgxg5G-nwtwFeUVTqxPwAzJ0o6gnsTNr2SZPxUgxtnxq4OIQ36JOFBTcUFddxkT3Bh/s1600/P1070933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAclFQZcnzjueaTei97pTxiFCtYRdR2OZ2kpkdxWks90uopOSuPuy0PiNmrLCXF8k-dNFLQCWhYwZgxg5G-nwtwFeUVTqxPwAzJ0o6gnsTNr2SZPxUgxtnxq4OIQ36JOFBTcUFddxkT3Bh/s640/P1070933.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ethan, Nolan and Miss Bella</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrGx8xlQYAQZwrdOv-K8jGQd5qwc0JIAI03GIP2youfO6yWJ_xk70Jb7aB8lJpxf0ceEIQ3rlhOvJnRt7_gxnQHYZYbtc29rNjZj5yFHG15mVK9vStuoA6KZa6u9iPrXAdFaBT4Ozso2p/s1600/P1070940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrGx8xlQYAQZwrdOv-K8jGQd5qwc0JIAI03GIP2youfO6yWJ_xk70Jb7aB8lJpxf0ceEIQ3rlhOvJnRt7_gxnQHYZYbtc29rNjZj5yFHG15mVK9vStuoA6KZa6u9iPrXAdFaBT4Ozso2p/s200/P1070940.JPG" width="200" /></a>Bella figured out how to roll down the hill, and discovered how incredibly fun it is. A childhood couldn't be complete without such experiences anyhow...<br />
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We learnt how to determine the age of a tree.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This tree was 42 years old!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTbKQr6xAjd7swla9xz8kyq77JRqUc-bl7vbZ_wX7thHjvRUqrg44ajn-63qiRPd43FSW2TJNc59dhxTJd-tkzjd9ffuAV1zScyX2-QMmvljtr3OyQR8tZG0nbVJslqERFTI9uOkG7oiQ/s1600/P1070960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTbKQr6xAjd7swla9xz8kyq77JRqUc-bl7vbZ_wX7thHjvRUqrg44ajn-63qiRPd43FSW2TJNc59dhxTJd-tkzjd9ffuAV1zScyX2-QMmvljtr3OyQR8tZG0nbVJslqERFTI9uOkG7oiQ/s320/P1070960.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSQQ22rpzADjaQZVnXNNNP7HtJ1FIxn5JlIHoWvlXxM3mCpaJ_vn1Gm9KBm6pPJQR56dMa8zd3cBDMVuGmFVgEjiGknIAmAeJY1XCDZzKYlGEkBIFj9XsT-airECN6ptowakQOZwOEmCT/s1600/P1070953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSQQ22rpzADjaQZVnXNNNP7HtJ1FIxn5JlIHoWvlXxM3mCpaJ_vn1Gm9KBm6pPJQR56dMa8zd3cBDMVuGmFVgEjiGknIAmAeJY1XCDZzKYlGEkBIFj9XsT-airECN6ptowakQOZwOEmCT/s320/P1070953.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We found that if you talk on one side of a culvert, it's really loud on the other! So we played a bit of peek-a-boo with the kids and went back into the house with rosy cheeks and a few good memories.<br />
<br />
It's fun to see all of the new things kids learn just by interacting with the world around them, hopefully the weather channel is right and we have an even nicer day tomorrow so we can go on exploring more.Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-90588109131580096732011-11-09T08:27:00.002-06:002011-11-16T00:07:51.919-06:00Bragging Rights GrantedAs I had posted earlier, it is with a sense of pride that I post bragging rigthts onto my blog. The husband has brought home a deer and we now have venison to last us the whole year long! So without much further ado, here are the men and their deer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cs4YgVDL8MK7ouWgoMQ6y0r1-_RhCSAULQxAfpkYDwfO5Z80PruKFNsFG_ZH-sVO3scVR2yHeW38esWS1YF-he1_6AEOZ4Wrfhc7kLS1DQ62Wnj-x9bnRnd73KURmjf-kNDToQyugLM_/s1600/phil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cs4YgVDL8MK7ouWgoMQ6y0r1-_RhCSAULQxAfpkYDwfO5Z80PruKFNsFG_ZH-sVO3scVR2yHeW38esWS1YF-he1_6AEOZ4Wrfhc7kLS1DQ62Wnj-x9bnRnd73KURmjf-kNDToQyugLM_/s640/phil.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
Phil's big doe that he harvest the first Monday of deer season at the Stangler Farm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0HNzolw5CRIQjzhP7M_n4hrd6mIb2cADZ1bbaI8jCZfHugKwdKOZIoj_1gmCs1ExS-W5bjSOt8kxx1lXU6X69FZ5qirqwYY7wowrkPiBUY57hsO__f2-egZEjSkvqF5yfKrL6ZEqxD0q/s1600/100_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0HNzolw5CRIQjzhP7M_n4hrd6mIb2cADZ1bbaI8jCZfHugKwdKOZIoj_1gmCs1ExS-W5bjSOt8kxx1lXU6X69FZ5qirqwYY7wowrkPiBUY57hsO__f2-egZEjSkvqF5yfKrL6ZEqxD0q/s640/100_0340.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa Garry's 180lb Doe shot Tuesday at Deer Camp</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2iINgslYjLFmvBaMkjZeM9u5y_Kqzh4PZTpRRhlyp-cu8liRckidurXgQm-_lTPxzZjOZwBjXfjbc3Cn2fvkWqNYeDMgWMmj_F7JAq0vs8zyJEZk7CeFN4qRs0uB0l1wPF0_HfHPqmec/s1600/100_1768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2iINgslYjLFmvBaMkjZeM9u5y_Kqzh4PZTpRRhlyp-cu8liRckidurXgQm-_lTPxzZjOZwBjXfjbc3Cn2fvkWqNYeDMgWMmj_F7JAq0vs8zyJEZk7CeFN4qRs0uB0l1wPF0_HfHPqmec/s640/100_1768.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Hubby, Tim's 170lb Spike Buck shot Monday night at Deer Camp</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF5Q4WKVrgu4UfSwma7ilEbTEjl7Zw2QlpEXVVaNo1PQV8KIlIevyISeasGqWkvdrvrmMUWYYTigD5AhW76eDwO24So7IGjUba5k5YGX3tKXTMN-5p7TSqJgD8NhY1xwP1F7nPih4S7l2/s1600/P1070878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF5Q4WKVrgu4UfSwma7ilEbTEjl7Zw2QlpEXVVaNo1PQV8KIlIevyISeasGqWkvdrvrmMUWYYTigD5AhW76eDwO24So7IGjUba5k5YGX3tKXTMN-5p7TSqJgD8NhY1xwP1F7nPih4S7l2/s640/P1070878.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Dad and his 8 pt Buck shot on opener day on the Stangler Farm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUIaVnIulgiIcspEl_kR35AdJmXcDUR8CUYnkPwf-QReD0VZ_5gWfgWXxDtdPU_tlZKWrp0IMuSic2H4rq-5_1wuzvdfcVAixsf23lhfDXPMA8E4tB7RsNgagIh52L4hg3OEjCSPD-GKq/s1600/Nick+and+his+8+pt+buck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUIaVnIulgiIcspEl_kR35AdJmXcDUR8CUYnkPwf-QReD0VZ_5gWfgWXxDtdPU_tlZKWrp0IMuSic2H4rq-5_1wuzvdfcVAixsf23lhfDXPMA8E4tB7RsNgagIh52L4hg3OEjCSPD-GKq/s640/Nick+and+his+8+pt+buck.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick and his 8 pt buck with David and Sarah, his kiddos</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-43559844769618370692011-11-08T12:51:00.001-06:002011-11-08T13:22:54.505-06:00The Healing Sense of Home<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UngeWUXQbub7SCZheAiTNRUyaZLpfnld0O5R6XzfrJTCiXBQeqU3fPHvrXbksubasu88i_4yPF5YHqdk3vikFYXRHWb7hvxq0Lki7FojCzhqBDVUyRmo_t_55MkRnNJFviGI4b1BXbUY/s1600/Bellas+Feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UngeWUXQbub7SCZheAiTNRUyaZLpfnld0O5R6XzfrJTCiXBQeqU3fPHvrXbksubasu88i_4yPF5YHqdk3vikFYXRHWb7hvxq0Lki7FojCzhqBDVUyRmo_t_55MkRnNJFviGI4b1BXbUY/s640/Bellas+Feet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bella roaming the earth of the Stangler Farm, with bare feet, just like me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I wake up to the soft sound of little feet roaming the floors above, the sound makes me smile. It is still so dark in the far room of my parent's basement. I love sleeping here, with no windows and with it being somewhat tucked away, it is by far the most peaceful and quiet room to take refuge in after a busy day. I will myself out of the comfy bed, Grandma had taken Bella awhile back when she decided she was ready to wake up and face the world. With two Gremlins keeping me up at night, it tends to be much earlier than I am ready to get up. I take a sigh of relief, Landon is still sleeping; he's not feeling good. It is such a gift that their Grandmother takes them in the morning to allow us to sleep a few more minutes or a couple more hours and rejuvenate. Grandma doesn't know how much all she does means to us, both Grandmas. Coming home is this mother's vacation, as I believe it is for my siblings too. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1vhyphenhyphenGhEeuhzuu9I4fSZplv255FXwrx-zSHK93f_FbEbD1_GwYevBGeFFIVjLY0UTaywbvtKySKm4JRNGquhgf9mKugKbJMk2Y8odtaIH0UMWy73l9D-K5gdPLcovau4c-2TGn63ggsFQ/s1600/mornings+with+grandma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1vhyphenhyphenGhEeuhzuu9I4fSZplv255FXwrx-zSHK93f_FbEbD1_GwYevBGeFFIVjLY0UTaywbvtKySKm4JRNGquhgf9mKugKbJMk2Y8odtaIH0UMWy73l9D-K5gdPLcovau4c-2TGn63ggsFQ/s320/mornings+with+grandma.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma Sue and Natalia Sue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I let my feet hit the old cement floor, one set of toes, and then the other. I close my eyes and remember mornings of past when I used to do this very same thing. Waking up for school in the morning or during the summer months, when the world outside waited patiently for me to begin exploring, as I did often in my much younger years. The feel of the cool, cement floor feels like home to me. I love this place, it is my refuge. I pull on my Dad's big fuzzy green robe that they've let me borrow for the two weeks I am home, sweep my angelic son into my arms and head upstairs.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyG8KQeN51xE45z5AWyVwEIv61ngQ_7t5J_SA72Y0N4NHDhckYSPAtO3QULZHepnwt5h6bmPkbsNSX0D-TiTFcHccBwBRkfOWlYkbRSrAJdgUdlc9mipFxyhCvC0b_VJYdH3af8SovBQb/s1600/auntie+and+drotts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyG8KQeN51xE45z5AWyVwEIv61ngQ_7t5J_SA72Y0N4NHDhckYSPAtO3QULZHepnwt5h6bmPkbsNSX0D-TiTFcHccBwBRkfOWlYkbRSrAJdgUdlc9mipFxyhCvC0b_VJYdH3af8SovBQb/s400/auntie+and+drotts.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mitch and Mindy Drotts and I <br />
We grew up practically like siblings only being 2+ years apart in age.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The creak of the stairs follow my steps, and I can hear my parents talking. The smell of the sausage and bacon hits me before the sound of the sizzling in the pan to my ears. Some of my family is over for breakfast this morning, up early for the hunt or for visiting, depending on the day. Grandma is of course catering to others, as she makes sure each child has a plate of food and a filled tummy before she indulges in anything. My dad is flipping the pancakes and the family eagerly awaits to homemade breakfast while sitting at the table sipping fresh, hot coffee. These are my mornings, just as I have been imagining them for the past few weeks, absolutely chaotically perfect.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6k4hXMyove4teSlhUAwInL7Qy2h_N9DNPsBBJLkkzBUWKRSxDjH1vxWDMDU9awBzlRKdQ7w3Lbs_f6WCuS9jPPcIaALmZX2NxykLBHUu6ZGIWRx6LdbR7Jff7S36i5jGcIOfDrueO1Dt/s1600/Grandma+and+Grandpa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6k4hXMyove4teSlhUAwInL7Qy2h_N9DNPsBBJLkkzBUWKRSxDjH1vxWDMDU9awBzlRKdQ7w3Lbs_f6WCuS9jPPcIaALmZX2NxykLBHUu6ZGIWRx6LdbR7Jff7S36i5jGcIOfDrueO1Dt/s400/Grandma+and+Grandpa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma Sue, Natalia and Grandpa Stangler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The house is a flurry of conversation and roaming children, everyone is busy. Mothers are frantic, trying to rain their children in, and fathers sit unknowingly around the house, talking "man talk", completely unaware of the chaos. People, not of our family, enter the scene and are taken aback. How do we stand the massive amounts of body in such a small place and the noise, mixed with the umpteen grandchildren running buck wild throught the house? It is a part of a life that we have grown up with and come to know and accept, as this is our family, where we're from and where we love to be.<br />
<br />
I am the youngest of 10 children in the Stangler family. Three brothers and six sisters, the men are often outnumbered, until lately. We've had a spurt of male grandchildren born into the family, only after a large run of girls. 21 grandchildren, 11 boys, 10 girls; it's a pretty even mix. When the great grandchildren are born, making me a very happy Great Auntie, we'll probably have to move into a bigger building for Christmas, not out of want but out of necessity. We are an ever growing family and this big family is quite the blessing. Where some people feel quite alone throughout their life, with very few people to support them through their trials and tribulations, I have two parents, 8 living siblings, two children of my own, a loving husband (and his famiy too), and 19 nephews and nieces that have no choice but to love me for who I am and accept me. Some of these individuals are the greatest and closest friends that I have, becoming more than just family to me, but my confidants.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYM1MqNlKzaRuzIlPuvsIGOV6WOU-YP4p-1CR7VrNr228bqouI8_96eYlwW0RnfOOQzVtCfu31KTpvGB2j4DUGNL98d2EwpTLvTldM7p7mT3Ty77icFzgWJNWao0-g7LP66U6MIOa8vA-/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYM1MqNlKzaRuzIlPuvsIGOV6WOU-YP4p-1CR7VrNr228bqouI8_96eYlwW0RnfOOQzVtCfu31KTpvGB2j4DUGNL98d2EwpTLvTldM7p7mT3Ty77icFzgWJNWao0-g7LP66U6MIOa8vA-/s1600/family.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siblings Pam, Mary, my Dad, me, Lisa, my Mom, Tess and Barbie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhSGNWFi4iTnbucrJuiL4PDocFfzQp8GxyB2KG2FDAHmxnkkrG1HtigJawZ-fTPT5CKe58-hii7NgYOdra4BlMo48T7TTxQ8JLOtJX2s74mGwERr4kiDvhEDNHv4Wg1O0Eo1yxZwmYm4A/s1600/confirmation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhSGNWFi4iTnbucrJuiL4PDocFfzQp8GxyB2KG2FDAHmxnkkrG1HtigJawZ-fTPT5CKe58-hii7NgYOdra4BlMo48T7TTxQ8JLOtJX2s74mGwERr4kiDvhEDNHv4Wg1O0Eo1yxZwmYm4A/s320/confirmation.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister Lisa and I at my confirmation. <br />
She was my sponsor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When I decided to pursue writing, even though I am still unsure as to which avenue I'll take, they gave me insurmountable amounts of praise and affirmation. In the words of my sister Lisa, after confiding my fears of writing, she says to me, "where you lack the confidence in yourself, my confidence in you fills the void." She is truly God-inspired, always full of wisdom and always saying the right things. What more could ask for in a friend, sister and confidant, but for her to say that in all things that you do, I have full and complete confidence in you. It's no wonder I love her and my family so much. <br />
<br />
Each day I wake up in this house where I grew up, I feel that the hole within me growing smaller, the void created from the darkness of the world around me is filled. I am inspired just by being here, to become more of who I am truly meant to be. I feel a sense of healing that derives only from what a close family and God could provide. I get to revisit the old trails behind our house, roam through the golden fields that are readying for winter, drive the same paths and go the same churches that I grew up in. The Saint Joseph's church that I was baptised in, is the same church where I received my first communion and spent the majority of my life learning about my faith. It is still exactly the same as it was 25 year ago. It looks the same, the members that still go there are the ones that where there when I was little, it even smells the same. And even though the massive amounts of incense they insist on burning has always made me physically sick, I still look forward to it and expect it. It is all part of the process, and it's what makes this place what it is. When my life is chaotic and completely inconsistent, I at least know that I can come back to these places and feel at peace, as I know they will never change. In a very unstable world, they provide stability, even if it's in the smallest of ways.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjks7DtoAEMoF-bAUcweTPAi6cBq90G-Ft02-H_WgqCHnJnUVIFYbSBlRRA4jZgcoks-H9A57NNA3lIjt8ohbgQCxf_xJdWo5m0brHnj8rTEx2lPfrVWaAy2MU9OLagenf-LQlTE5H6ydfF/s1600/Stangler+grandchilren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjks7DtoAEMoF-bAUcweTPAi6cBq90G-Ft02-H_WgqCHnJnUVIFYbSBlRRA4jZgcoks-H9A57NNA3lIjt8ohbgQCxf_xJdWo5m0brHnj8rTEx2lPfrVWaAy2MU9OLagenf-LQlTE5H6ydfF/s640/Stangler+grandchilren.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and David at Grandmas during a hot day. Grandma filled up this tub <br />
and let the kids dunk in to cool down. Doesn't get much sweeter than this!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So as I sit in the bathtub, the same porcelain, white tub I was bathed in after I was born, and sip the coffee that my Dad always makes, and sleep in the same room I grew up in, and write this very message, the smell of the outdoor wood stove that has always aromatized this homestead with that beautiful smell of a campfire hits me, and I thank God for bringing me back here. I thank Him for my family, this place I call home and for the memories He helped to create here. But mostly I thank Him for the opportunity for my children to be brought home, so that they too may feel that same healing of being here, where the scenes never change and things always feel at peace.Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-33250054881703225612011-11-06T14:31:00.001-06:002011-11-06T19:02:22.660-06:00God Bless the Baby that Sleeps in You - 40 Days of LifeIt is in memory of the innocent who have died in the most epic, and by far the most gruesome battle of all ages, that I write this. None of us are fond wars or the killing of innocent beings, even worse is the killing of innocent babies. The worst part is that this war is waging in our very own land, the land of the free. But really, how can we call it the land of the free where we pride ourselves of free choice, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness when these values are not given to all individuals equally. What separates an individual from these basic rights we feel so entitled to. Does race separate us, or gender, or sexual preference? How about age? Some would say that we don't discriminate at all, that we are all truly equal. I beg to differ.<br />
<br />
A life is a life, regardless of what people say, or the way the try to put it. Nothing can justify the taking of lives, of any age. Pro choice and being a Christian is an oxymoron. Like water and oil shaken in a bottle, as much as we try to get them to go together, they simply don't mix. Have you read Psalm 139:13-16? It states, "For you formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb. I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew; my bones were not hidden from you. When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth. Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be."<br />
<br />
God knew us even before we were born. The days of our existence were written in the book of life in heaven. He had a purpose for us, a plan, and he knew it before we even knew the existence of life that was growing within us. In fact, he is the one who intricately made us, formed us and made sure we were just as perfect as could be. He gave us mothers the gift of feeling this life within us, to feel that God given connection. And while this creation of love formed within us he worked on our hearts and expanded the amount of love we possess so that it could envelop this new precious child within us.<br />
<br />
But when we take our lives into our own hands and tell God that we don't want to follow his plans and we are unaccepting of these blessings and miracles of life, we choose to end it. We choose inequality, we choose death, we choose murder. Cutting off the connection of God in our lives entirely. These babies are precious, they are our future and we are destroying our future. We pray for cures for cancer, AIDS, MS and so many other illnesses and when we don't receive it we cry out in anger and curse God for not bringing us an end to it all. It is entirely possible that we were given an answer to our prayers, a special being God had formed within one of us, and chose to end that life before that life could even take their first breath. There is nothing that could justify this war, to make it right. Abortion is murder, and this war is the most disturbing to hit the world.<br />
<br />
<br />
I encourage all pro life believers to pray for these unborn children of God, and pray for them every day, especially today on the very last day of the 40 days of life. If you are a person of pro choice, I challenge you to look into your hearts and search for the truth, especially if you are a Christian. Ask God for guidance on the matter, so that you too may believe in the value of a life, unborn or not. Our future, our babies and life depend on it.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you are pregnant and are feeling lost and buried by the circumstance, I encourage you to look into the Pro Choice Clinic. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.firstchoiceclinic.com/">http://www.firstchoiceclinic.com/</a><br />
<br />
"God bless the babies that sleep in you." ~Mason Jennings<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="329" id="il_fi" src="http://www.russellmoore.com/files/2011/07/unborn_baby.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="411" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from: <a href="http://www.russellmoore.com/2011/07/18/an-open-letter-to-an-unborn-baby/">http://www.russellmoore.com/2011/07/18/an-open-letter-to-an-unborn-baby/</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-29587748630424112382011-11-06T07:46:00.001-06:002011-11-06T14:04:24.115-06:00Those Fury Brown Creatures that Bring Us Together - HuntingThe house is quiet, not even a mouse could be awake and moving right now as I'm sure I'd even hear them creeping along. Earlier today, the Stangler Farm House reminded me of the old children's rhyme with the over worked and over tired mother who lived in her shoe with her many many children. I'm actually surprised that there weren't children hanging out the windows, although I did see Bella trying push through one today. This house was busting at the seams, with tons of family coming together for deer season. <br />
<br />
While the women held onto their better senses, which we almost always do, and stayed in our warm cozy beds with our babies, the men and fathers of the house pulled on their nickers and long underwear with their blaze orange attire and bared the frigid cold of these beautiful November mornings in Minnesota. I have to give the guys credit for that; seeing the sun come up in God's Country is something that brings peace to your soul and makes it worth it even if you don't see any furry brown creatures trotting your way. There's a reason they call it God's country and this place right here is why. People come from all over the world for this, and I'm lucky enough to call it home. <br />
<br />
<br />
We sit here bundled up and we probably still manage to get frozen fingers, frost bitten ears and a rear that has been permanently fused to the stand just for one more year of deer season. It may be stupid, senseless or even crazy, yet year after year we all gather for it. Why? Because coming together and spending time at deer camp with the guys or at home with family is worth it, frozen feet or not.<br />
<br />
I have spent my time out in the deer stand, worrying that my feet would never again regain feeling or warmth, and I can appreciate what the men do. But five years and two children later I find my favorite place to be is inside with the women. We spend the day running after our children, walking through the land mines of children's toys, sharing wisdom and stories of our youth, and sitting eagerly for the sound of a gunshot. That sound brings a sort of joy, relief and pride. Joy because the men are getting to do what guys do, shoot guns and hunt deer (and drink beer too). Relief for some of us as an out of state tag comes at a hefty price of about $140.00 and they get to bring something home for it that's worth the money. And pride because there is that primitive part of us that still exists. That we, as women of the house, are glad to see these big, strong men come home with their big kill, it's attractive because they are providing for their family.<br />
<br />
It was a wonerful day, my husband reported back that no furry creatures had even been seen in their parts, but my dad got a beautiful 8 point buck and we feasted on a huge mid day meal fit for kings and just as big as Thanksgiving dinner. The majority of our family made it home, we caught up on the excitement of each others lives and the children got to play and terrorize each other. Home is definately where the heart is here.Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-34380879367180924112011-11-01T15:39:00.000-05:002011-11-01T15:39:06.717-05:00The Gremlins Go SpookingA few pounds of candy later and some added inches to my waist line and we've had ourselves a great first Halloween outing. We braved the chilly late October evening with my sister-in-law and her two precious kids, Sarah and David. Bella trekked around as the cutest little pirate ever, and probably the happiest too. She took the night on with ease as if she was a pro. It helped having her cousin, Sarah, along who was the beauty of the bunch, showing off her elegant blue ballroom gown, complete with a crown and a wand to rule us all into glitter and glee in the land of Sarabythia. Landon was a hungry cow, and made it to one house before he puked all over his outfit and was sent to spend the rest of the evening cuddling Grandma Stangler. David lasted with us a little longer than Landon and was a pumpkin, which fit his perfect plump complexion. He's grown so much since we've seen him last and he's going to be a wholesome little boy, perfect for football. He sports the same gopher cheeks that Landon does now, as did Bella when she was a baby; about the cutest baby feature ever.<br />
<br />
Halloween, aside from the crazy, Gothic and demonic stuff that some people follow, is one of the cutest and most precious times when you're children are little (I'll add fun to the list of adjectives when the kids a little older and easier to direct). At this age, currently, the children think that an open door means we get to tromp into a Stanger's house and start exploring. Gladly, many people find this curious attribute adorable, as long as it doesn't continue on into their older years... :) Listening to Sarah talk so intelligently and clear, reminds me that in just a few short months, Bella will be babbling more words and then sentences, making us wish why we were so keen on getting her to start talking in the first place. But it was exciting to see four different age and developmental levels in the car at one time, not to mention four very different attitudes. It all makes me look forward to the years ahead of us, when all of us adults can sit back and watch our children play together, becoming the best of friends and growing up close like all of us sibling had.<br />
<br />
As much as it's dreaded, I hope that Bella and Landon find themselves in a world of adventures when we go to Grandma and Grandpa's farm to visit. That with their cousins they'll be climbing the forbidden hay bales, scaling up the tall basswood trees that shade the back yard and running around the fields and woods. They always, and still in a way, serve as a foreign and exciting land that make all of the creatures of my imagination come alive for as long as I roamed this wild earth. There's something about this place that makes the kid in me come alive.<br />
<br />
So from the Gremlin Post, we give you a Happy Halloween and a of this years little Gremlins in the Halloween attire! Enjoy and we'll add pictures as we get more!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvBm6vjoxea8z6m5DmGMx4JwElZTcbsnYiGNd7bjbco18l7nx1G2UdmC8nHud-aUQDE5Ys0O9qyb2jYi0N9-yl_PU6-ScmH8tbIF53O1duMqWgX4rorKLWOnXM0RpScMgQpR2vha1g-ww/s1600/P1070837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvBm6vjoxea8z6m5DmGMx4JwElZTcbsnYiGNd7bjbco18l7nx1G2UdmC8nHud-aUQDE5Ys0O9qyb2jYi0N9-yl_PU6-ScmH8tbIF53O1duMqWgX4rorKLWOnXM0RpScMgQpR2vha1g-ww/s640/P1070837.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting off our Halloween adventure at Grandma Stangler's house. Bella the Pirate, Landon the Cow, David the Pumpkin, and Sarah the Precious Princess.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGIEWmJBy3Em_iq0oSlXIe8Kz68yibiycY2TlH-dG1ffUT6vY2tTP7DEZ8B_Bsv_QKN9uHQv-EY3NGAczMFjLA_H5YX1zVvngZD7NRp0MvT5sc629KfhOR5gj9fMUoPsGSjEscupwooJM/s1600/P1070846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGIEWmJBy3Em_iq0oSlXIe8Kz68yibiycY2TlH-dG1ffUT6vY2tTP7DEZ8B_Bsv_QKN9uHQv-EY3NGAczMFjLA_H5YX1zVvngZD7NRp0MvT5sc629KfhOR5gj9fMUoPsGSjEscupwooJM/s640/P1070846.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landon the Hungry Cow</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYU4OjZw3jGX8yV2hqutV59KtPdBZJ8PbztVoONPATr0EQenPbHror5rHKkOoqRR0BL0IYESiiH89IioIZqiSS2RQ_V6_Wcymo3Gxl8T6nXY86afJ7Dm_8XtUcC73V1Ryjd2AqXW-PMVKX/s1600/P1070845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYU4OjZw3jGX8yV2hqutV59KtPdBZJ8PbztVoONPATr0EQenPbHror5rHKkOoqRR0BL0IYESiiH89IioIZqiSS2RQ_V6_Wcymo3Gxl8T6nXY86afJ7Dm_8XtUcC73V1Ryjd2AqXW-PMVKX/s640/P1070845.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David the Plump Pumpkin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoSh4M9qi75ga58SEpHl_0rDdlUMdrMPg7BjZD3buuQlnP-6Tn5rEtAa6KgRW0mF3EWmXjjXTt_zbQbq95K-0CBg0_OB0HkL5u4DLe4YfbaDf1mjCkE91oK-0M_3lwNG9JoLmJZwvaFLs/s1600/Bob+and+Larry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoSh4M9qi75ga58SEpHl_0rDdlUMdrMPg7BjZD3buuQlnP-6Tn5rEtAa6KgRW0mF3EWmXjjXTt_zbQbq95K-0CBg0_OB0HkL5u4DLe4YfbaDf1mjCkE91oK-0M_3lwNG9JoLmJZwvaFLs/s640/Bob+and+Larry.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Veggie Tales, staring Rachel as Bob the Tomato and Liz Beth as Larry the Cucumber and their special guest Daddy the Policeman (but he really is a policeman)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NDq52VWZ3aDsc6yh4H4T3d214UwcokY3c6L4W7MmeEcGYNO3hDM2psBbYoK1cMFP3J75P_0OG2dzv5NKUaO9ML0AMXN8GtXjegOBH892vPrJMD0NeCG-jNuEaNOKENse4pDSmsT36Ks9/s1600/Brianna+the+Brave+Lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NDq52VWZ3aDsc6yh4H4T3d214UwcokY3c6L4W7MmeEcGYNO3hDM2psBbYoK1cMFP3J75P_0OG2dzv5NKUaO9ML0AMXN8GtXjegOBH892vPrJMD0NeCG-jNuEaNOKENse4pDSmsT36Ks9/s640/Brianna+the+Brave+Lion.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brianna the Courageous Lion</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijwk45YIXSkuRW-tyK-pEkl9eSBC4eP36kLezD_rY4Be-x5dUeZMrGo_T49mq3FL68PyR-15Ch-7-Dj4IzZYkxoompKu1aAQtAvaBn-AjaRGURujY-58M8UMHC12iz5P4lpsxcJrOrruc/s1600/Swan+Holloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijwk45YIXSkuRW-tyK-pEkl9eSBC4eP36kLezD_rY4Be-x5dUeZMrGo_T49mq3FL68PyR-15Ch-7-Dj4IzZYkxoompKu1aAQtAvaBn-AjaRGURujY-58M8UMHC12iz5P4lpsxcJrOrruc/s640/Swan+Holloween.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Swan Family - Lisa and Phil and kids Evan, Rachel and Lizzy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJrsqw4sW-DsMnS4AhAdJx1yrvkWhdLQwrmKe3KoNCj2yE72-uuQwsUXU_cQkgDWIMgfXJY5Mry5y8BzDSd0oPByHmeoHHPzMALZKvr3FYniXjCm-Hhjo32SUq6bkN7frIf9I_gVst4gJ/s1600/Sarah+the+Princess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJrsqw4sW-DsMnS4AhAdJx1yrvkWhdLQwrmKe3KoNCj2yE72-uuQwsUXU_cQkgDWIMgfXJY5Mry5y8BzDSd0oPByHmeoHHPzMALZKvr3FYniXjCm-Hhjo32SUq6bkN7frIf9I_gVst4gJ/s640/Sarah+the+Princess.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah the Princess and her Pumpkin friend David</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvtxUDWYa4RxN7H0iG4Ht1_xOevYNKdTBEpjDxqo3v5XAdRyZZdbye3cCt8J4gCEA5HxA-xtLhzKis1URdcDqf5hUQr6q4UvTDJeRDn7Hav48LooNdyyzgTbAfuJmiiSTsaS6jNfWSJHq/s1600/Natalia+as+Strawberry+Shortcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvtxUDWYa4RxN7H0iG4Ht1_xOevYNKdTBEpjDxqo3v5XAdRyZZdbye3cCt8J4gCEA5HxA-xtLhzKis1URdcDqf5hUQr6q4UvTDJeRDn7Hav48LooNdyyzgTbAfuJmiiSTsaS6jNfWSJHq/s640/Natalia+as+Strawberry+Shortcake.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natalia staring as Strawberry Shortcake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVvVZw2tuKVw5S-VxmYAuCW3F2e4De7d63wpLaIzSpAL7eFOMR48FVySbHdMfullEd_YXLbXKtOxw1LEBn9qm9OXrNbCa990y2yqBUUNOz8S6Lwd_ZKcF3aOFbbPLrSKbXI2cBmSgit8z/s1600/Mary+the+Whoopie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVvVZw2tuKVw5S-VxmYAuCW3F2e4De7d63wpLaIzSpAL7eFOMR48FVySbHdMfullEd_YXLbXKtOxw1LEBn9qm9OXrNbCa990y2yqBUUNOz8S6Lwd_ZKcF3aOFbbPLrSKbXI2cBmSgit8z/s640/Mary+the+Whoopie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry Shortcake's Mother, Mary as a Whoopie Cushion</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKBlw3FbqwDrjgJqJfHai1fu8TLbfyZPcTxc-9x67gL8UrXRWPeC3fxqkds0ikftrPsvGYNNL6KIZG2NGEnAtsVewZrUDcpRTUbMoE_kxN2H6lMCcJFajgV5YBuIEf-vaA7Wg4cUI-IzX/s1600/P1070851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKBlw3FbqwDrjgJqJfHai1fu8TLbfyZPcTxc-9x67gL8UrXRWPeC3fxqkds0ikftrPsvGYNNL6KIZG2NGEnAtsVewZrUDcpRTUbMoE_kxN2H6lMCcJFajgV5YBuIEf-vaA7Wg4cUI-IzX/s640/P1070851.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Bella as the Ardy Ar Har Pirate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-66319287083186783482011-10-27T15:26:00.001-05:002011-10-27T19:51:29.803-05:00Red LipstickSo yesterday while I was in the shower getting ready for my hubby and I's date night, Gremlin #1 managed to find my red lipstick. She had been quiet for quite some time, and the throwing of her toys into the shower with me had halted, so I had some suspicion that something fishy, and most likely naughty was going down. Just a few short minutes later, Daddy arrives home. I hear some shuffling, a few words being said and then silence. I emerge from the bathroom, all dressed, and the hubby's face says it all. Some thing's up... I chalked it up to the house being a mess, and yes, Gremlin #1 managed to destroy my clean house in a matter of less than 10 minutes before Daddy got home. Then I see my red lipstick down the side of the bathroom counter. Ugh... "Bella, did you get into Momma's lipstick?" Not a word... silence.<br />
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"Tim have you seen my red lipstick? I think Bella got into it?" I ask. "Yah, she got into it" he replied. "Ugh..." I groan. I again seclude myself to quiet of the bathroom to put my face on, and when near complete, I again question for the red lipstick. I was going to wear it to match the red blouse I had on that evening. Tim directs me to Bella's floor where the evidence is written all over Bella's white carpet. The container had been confiscated awhile back, but the contents lay all over her floor. There was no denying who did it, the proof was all over the place. <br />
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These are the lessons I've learned from this:<br />
<br />
NUMBER ONE!<br />
Red lipstick is one of the hardest stains to remove out of carpet. Not only did I read this, but I now know first hand. Yay, right?<br />
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NUMBER TWO!<br />
Using near boiling water to wash most of the lipstick out first works well and then finish scrubbing it out with 409 cleaner. 15 to 20 minutes later, and some lightly scalded hands, my carpet looks near new again. After I experimented on the lipstick, I used the same method to clean up a small spot on our bedroom carpet, when she got into my eyeliner about six months ago.<br />
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NUMBER THREE!<br />
The terrible two's have arrived, and are in full force. The result, a locked down house. My make up is now up one drawer higher and safe until my little Dandelion grows some more. Which we all know how Dandelions grow, pretty much over night. And with her learning by leaps and bounds, it won't take her long to figure out how to get into the closet and grow enough to reach the higher shelves. <br />
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These are the years to be cherished right? :) I kind of have to laugh when I think of it. I enjoy our children, but I understand the concept of grandchildren much more now. You spend the weekend with them, spoil them rotten, and send them home. Children behave much better for their grandparents and they get their house back to normal once the kids leave. They maybe grow a few hairs that weekend, but they will recover. Raising children, on the other hand, is where all of the gray hair starts. Or in my Dad's case, his seven girls gave him a head of full blown pearly white hair where he now very much resembles Gandalf the White from Lord of the Rings. We not only made his hair grow gray, but another step further into white. It all begins with the up all nights and poopy butts, then evolves into the red lipstick or nail polish all over your white carpet, then the sassy years where "no" and "mine" seems to be the only two words in their vocabulary, and finally concluding into the dreaded teen years with the "Mom, Dad, I need $20 bucks!" and you worry about who their kissing and what their doing when their not home. And kissing better be all they're doing...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.council-of-elrond.com/castdb/gandalfwhite/gandalfwhite1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" id="il_fi" src="http://www.council-of-elrond.com/castdb/gandalfwhite/gandalfwhite1.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gandalf the White</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56tdjEAFtw-ZdKB69OG-5R7eFe_0_bzPBQEHH4mZ2nol6rVpgKW1ZB7mK0eqjsj2qo3bEPXwA9z2I7WHfdXvMH81h1MdMO817317nHazgxiBQxmnixFYiGdxka5VZ5W_8tzRrjGxdX8zM/s1600/IMG_1279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56tdjEAFtw-ZdKB69OG-5R7eFe_0_bzPBQEHH4mZ2nol6rVpgKW1ZB7mK0eqjsj2qo3bEPXwA9z2I7WHfdXvMH81h1MdMO817317nHazgxiBQxmnixFYiGdxka5VZ5W_8tzRrjGxdX8zM/s320/IMG_1279.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Dad</td></tr>
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I don't think you ever stop worrying about your kids, as I know for a fact my parents and even my husband's parents worry about me and my family on a regular basis. In fact, my parents are driving four hours to come and pick me up and drive me and the two Gremlins home with them for two weeks while the hubby is gone deer hunting. It's not that I didn't want to drive home, because I did, but everyone was worried about me and the Gremlin's first long journey away from home. So, we will be trekking it with Grandma and Grandpa this time. It is a sigh of relief for me, to not have to drive, but serves well for proving my point. You never stop worrying, even as your children grow up. BUT, you get enjoy your grandchildren in a different way entirely than you did raising your own children. With that said, I hope to get a few grandchildren of my own some day. Hopefully not in the next 20 years, but someday. Until then, I am just going to focus on getting us all out on the other end of childhood years and teenage hormones alive.Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-65484893464031684792011-10-25T07:06:00.000-05:002011-10-25T07:06:38.285-05:00Good Morning from the Gremlin Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Curiosity peaks early at the Frits household. While most of the children of the world (at least in our hemisphere) are still fast asleep, my little dumplings are up bright eyed and bushy tailed at 5:30AM. And to Bella's amazement, she was not alone. On our journey to the fridge for our morning milk she found the most interesting of creatures on the fridge, something new for her hungry eyes and imagination.<br />
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Of course she had to poke at it...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hR1tH8rlWgBzsZQy3DexeTxdJ2q4g3JMJXGsBpRG6mZsEDehMjODEMrQMhzf1mdN2fgKXY5eBwBOq7i_kkdcCwJDEg3dEHPiN3UaB1Elmsg8o8NliswxdtzlxYOaBeyaptrJ7nYcwCKM/s1600/P1070799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hR1tH8rlWgBzsZQy3DexeTxdJ2q4g3JMJXGsBpRG6mZsEDehMjODEMrQMhzf1mdN2fgKXY5eBwBOq7i_kkdcCwJDEg3dEHPiN3UaB1Elmsg8o8NliswxdtzlxYOaBeyaptrJ7nYcwCKM/s200/P1070799.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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And touch it without REALLY touching it...<br />
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But she really wanted to.</div>
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She is an interesting little lady with her hobbies including, but not limited to, geology (rock picking), pedology (digging in the dirt), and entomology (a fascination with bugs) with a minor in the arts (finger painting). She is like her Daddy as she loves the great outdoors, but has her Momma's touch because she's always putting her hands in the dirt and stopping to admire a leaf, or a flower's petals, or that bug that sits atop them while we're roaming around outside.</div>
In the end, we find that our little girl is somewhat of a girly girl even if she likes her hands in dirt.<br />
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She woke up on Sunday morning, just to find that Momma's toenails were painted red, and she kept pointing to her toenails, wondering why hers weren't red too. She, with her Daddy in tow, went walking down the hallway to approach me when the question arrived to my ears. "Momma, can we paint Bella's toes too," her Dad asks on her behalf. So up she gets propped on the couch, sitting so diligently beside her Daddy, as I paint her nails. Now she's prancing around the house, showing them off and so very proud that her toes now are sparkly red like her Momma's.<br />
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She's so humorous, always finding a precarious situation to be put in...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2S3lq6X0vXthkEqQ5HPzWKnZSD0LG95Zd0IyHEunAWAOcHArV49BBepDA5UKmZtTqYOMtqiUOEXcJO2Rjil1fbuOlFWd-BX68FUvtIgBLPKflN2halSpyczmKC0X7VP6eKDHah8OOwMEx/s1600/P1070780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2S3lq6X0vXthkEqQ5HPzWKnZSD0LG95Zd0IyHEunAWAOcHArV49BBepDA5UKmZtTqYOMtqiUOEXcJO2Rjil1fbuOlFWd-BX68FUvtIgBLPKflN2halSpyczmKC0X7VP6eKDHah8OOwMEx/s320/P1070780.JPG" width="240" /></a> Or laughing at her own jokes... Quite often you'll hear her jibber jabbering in what sounds some foreign language and then a trail of laughter to follow that you can't help but be caught up in. You are left in wonder, trying to figure out what in the world she must be talking about that is so darn funny. But all together she's a one of a kind gal with a heart of gold, even if at times it doesn't seem so. I don't think Landon could find a sister that loved him more. </div>
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This is our little lady Bella. She naughty most of the time and sweet as pie just as often. But mornings such as these, she's the latter and I just soak it all in, because I'm sure later she'll have me pulling my hair out. But I love it, I love the way she is, and somehow she's always making me melt.</div>
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Funny how these little munchkins can do that.</div>
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But now that she decided to go back to sleep, I'm going to go cuddle my other little man and get some more z's in myself. I just thought I'd share my morning to all of my readers. Hope your day starts off as sweet and adventurous as mine and Bella's. Good morning world! </div>Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-31444028624709871082011-10-24T00:27:00.002-05:002011-10-24T00:27:47.707-05:00Organization - My Very Own Home Management BinderIt's late, I know. Landon was awake so I decided to work on my Home Management Binder (HMB) and I finished it! So I'm superbly excited and had to blog/brag about it! But he finally fell asleep, so I'm only allowing myself a few minutes on here to tell everyone about it.<br />
It has 13 completed sections, each of which reflects a part of my life so that it helps to better manage my time and helps me to not forget things, like appointments or the last time the refrigerator got cleaned and when it need to be done AGAIN. Here are my sections and subsections (just in case you're thinking you want one too...):<br />
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Section One: Scheduling<br />
A Collaborative Weekly Schedule<br />
Monthly Calendars<br />
Work Schedules<br />
Day Care Schedules<br />
Garbage and Recycling Schedule (sent from the city)<br />
Section Two: Food Menu & Grocery Lists<br />
Grocery Lists<br />
Shopping Lists<br />
Weekly Food Menu (that gets posted)<br />
Monthly Food Menu (with featured cookbook)<br />
Section Three: Household Maintenance <br />
My Master To-Do List<br />
Weekly Cleaning List (one room gets cleaned each day)<br />
Seasonal Cleaning Schedule<br />
Fishtank Maintenance Log<br />
Vehicle Mainenance Log<br />
Work Record (for when things get fixed around here)<br />
Section Four: Yard & Garden Maintenance<br />
Garden Plans<br />
Outdoor To-Do List (Seasonal)<br />
Plant Care Sheets<br />
Chemical & Fertilizer Application Log<br />
Section Five: Family Planning<br />
Fun Ideas for Family Time<br />
Birthday List (for my HUGE family)<br />
Natural Family Planning Information<br />
Section Six: Medical<br />
Appointments<br />
Any pertinent medical stuff we need to keep up to date on<br />
Section Seven: Financial Peace <br />
DAVE RAMSEY!!! <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/new/baby-step-1/">http://www.daveramsey.com/new/baby-step-1/</a><br />
Our Budget<br />
Bill Pay Stuff<br />
Section Eight: Child Care<br />
Emergency Contact Numbers for Babysitters<br />
Isabella's and Landon's Daily Routine<br />
Do's and Don'ts<br />
Fuzzi Bunz Care Guide - How to Use Then<br />
Section Nine: Physical Fitness & Nutrition<br />
My Excercise Plan<br />
Couch to 10K in 13 Weeks <a href="http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=1462924">http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=1462924</a><br />
Body Weights and Measurements<br />
Information from my Body Media <a href="http://www.bodymedia.com/">http://www.bodymedia.com/</a><br />
Information on Eating Right (from my Nutritionist)<br />
Section Ten: Self Cares & Reflection<br />
Short Term and Long Term Goals<br />
My Book Reading List (Top ten books I want to read right now)<br />
Prayer Journal<br />
Time set out for fun lady stuff like manicures, pedicures, facials, etc.<br />
Time set out for charity and giving<br />
Section Eleven: Blogging<br />
Blogs I've written<br />
Ideas for future blogs and where I want to go with it<br />
Section Twelve: Project Profiles<br />
Each MAJOR project have going on gets a profile where I can write down ideas and <br />
plan what I want to do.<br />
Section Thirteen: Miscellaneous<br />
Anything that doesn't fit in the first 12 sections, this section is empty right now.<br />
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I know this seems crazy OCD, and maybe it is, but it's a place where I can go and make sense of all the chaos in my house. I am super excited to have it done and in full swing. I've been using it for a month or so to clean my house, for babysitters and daycare, scheduling and such and it's worked beautifully as long as I stick to the plan. Of course there are days that the plan doesn't work, but you can always compromise and pick up where you left off. Even Tim used it today to catch up on our house cleaning, and he liked it because he didn't have to ask me what I needed help with next, it was already written out.<br />
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So all together, it has been a productive day. Like I said, sometimes the "Plan" doesn't work out and the last three days was one of those times. So we spent the day catching up and cleaning the rooms we didn't get to and when that was done, I worked on this management system and took care of the kiddos. But I said I was going to keep it short, and I've already been on here longer than I anticipated so I'm off to bed. Thanks Nessa for getting me going on this whole thing, I LOVE IT!Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-60705486524024858402011-10-18T16:57:00.002-05:002011-10-18T16:57:57.639-05:00Big Sister, Little BrotherIt's getting later in the day and both kids are asleep, as was I just a few moments ago. I awoke feeling good, and should have woken the little ones, but decided to enjoy this quiet moment without the Gremlins awake. I thought I'd share some of my more intimate moments of the past two weeks.<br />
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Big Sister ~ It has been a joy and a bit of trouble having a new baby with a very interested Big Sister under the same roof. A lot of mornings, if Landon is laying in his chair, Bella will wake up and immediately go over to give her brother lovies. I think Bella fell in love with Landon just as fast as her Mom and Dad did. I will never forget that day in the hospital when Grandma and Grandpa Frits brought Big Sister in to meet Little Brother. Her eyes lit up and excitement touched her face. "Baby!" she exclaimed! We had spent the past three months pointing at Mommy's belly and explaining how Baby was inside Mommy's tummy. Even a few days after, Bella would still point to my pudgy belly and say "baby", which would then lead to a little discussion about how the baby in Momma's belly was now her brother Landon. Bella's a smart cookie, and I don't think it took her too long to figure it all out. A once worried mother, concerned that her two babies wouldn't coexist in peace, now worries that Big Sister will strangle Little Brother with hugs and smother him with kisses. They adapted so well, I stand hopeful and confident that they will grow up as best friends, just as I did with my next youngest sibling. After all, that was the whole point of having them so close, so that they could grow up together, play together, and be the best of friends.<br />
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A Not So Sleepy Baby ~ Landon is a good baby, he is happy for the majority of the day. But Bella was an excellent first baby, she slept all of the time, and when she woke up she would eat and go directly back to sleep. And although breastfeeding was a bit of a struggle initially, she took to it in a week or so and she rarely spit up. Landon on the other hand, likes to be awake the majority of the time and has his nights and days screwed up. The past few days he has been staying up for about 3 hours at night, from around 1AM until after 4AM, bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready to eat. He LOVES to eat, and LOVES to nurse. I enjoy nursing, as it provides a moment of intimacy between you and your infant child, but four hours straight of a child looking to you as their milk factory and their contentment, is hard to provide when you're so tired. And I'm not going to say that at 4AM I am this gleeful and patient mother, because after a full day of running after the older Gremlin, when the younger Gremlin is awake at night and stealing most of my sleep and energy, I get a bit grumpy. None-the-less I realize, after a bit more sleep does arrive, that it won't be like this forever and I WILL miss these late night pajama parties. I can say without a doubt though, that I will NOT miss being blessed with the fountain of spew that comes after each feeding, leaving us both soaked and leaving me with a large amount of laundry at the end of each day. I can now understand what my family was talking about when they joked that the reason for cleavage was to catch all of the puke... it makes complete and "utter" sense now. :)<br />
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Hubby Hubby ~ Another wonderful thing about being a new mom, is the togetherness that it creates between you and your spouse. Terrible twos and tantruming toddlers create stress between a marriage at times, as it wears your patience thin and at the end of the day you've pulled out a few hairs and magically grown a few gray ones to replace them. Even if you and your spouse match stride for stride in your parenting skills, you can't help but rub off the grumpiness on each other at the end of the night when its been a bad day. Having two under the age of two has been hard, but having a newborn comes with a sort of haze that lingers for a few months. It catches the both of you up into a love nest where all you can do is sit there in contentment and smile at the little miracles you have created together. Tim and I often sit and smile at one another, cuddling our newborn son and watching our adventurous daughter muster up some silly tactic that we both have to laugh about. Bella has grown to be quite the character, and quite the little girl, running around with her butt wagging, blond curly hair that falls to the nape of her neck, and who can forget that mischievous grin. Landon will have quite the play date with his Big Sister around, as she's full of the dickens. He already watches her when she comes up close, and I am sure that I will have a double dose of trouble in no time. But again, I love the togetherness that a newborn brings home with them when they enter this world, creating a more complete and fuller family. I'm loving it!<br />
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What About the Healthier You? ~ Hah, I have been trying and failing quite a bit. I find that when Landon doesn't sleep and Bella is being naughty I crave junk food like mad. I imagine that when Landon is sleeping more on a schedule that this will get easier. I haven't incorporated walking into my schedule yet, but I have started using my Home Management Binder each day so that I keep moving around the house. Today at Walmart, I bought a $4 pedometer so that I can visually see how close I am to my goal of 10000 steps a day. 10000 steps is what they say an "active" person walks in a day. My house is slowly coming together and getting more clean as I am becoming more motivated. I am hoping with more sleep, comes more energy and the motivation to start working out. I can't fathom doing that right now with the 6 hours or less of sleep that I am getting currently. But I AM going to start running by the time my 6 week postpartum lazy daze is done. I signing myself up for a 10k run at the Fargo Marathon weekend where my sister Lisa lives and today we discussed running the 1/2 marathon together in September 2012 at Lake Superior. With providing goals like this for myself, I am hoping to muster up some motivation to getting more healthy and in shape. Each day is a struggle to not eat junk food and to become more physically active, but I am getting there. Eventually life will settle into a routine and such things as planning a run early in the morning will become more possible.<br />
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But with that, I am needing to come to a close. Miss Bella is awake and crying to get out of bed. Thanks for reading and I will post again soon! :)<br />
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<br />Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-12869768704128655012011-10-09T18:18:00.001-05:002011-10-09T18:18:12.691-05:00New BeginningsLife seems to move along, at its own pace and with its own intentions. One of my four OB/GYN doctors had told me, "You'll have this baby before October." So, here we sit with a new baby boy, one day before my due date, and the very last day of September. I went into labor at 8:30PM on the 29th, and God blessed us with our little boy, Landon Michael Frits, at 11:54AM on the 30th of September! A much faster delivery than Bella. I was in labor with her for 26 hours, with our son less than 16 hours. I pushed for 11 minutes, which I am proud of as he was 8lbs 8oz and 21" long. A whole pound and a half larger than Bella was! :) He is beautiful and perfect in my eyes.<br />
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And so dawns the start of a new life for me and my family. Having one more little one in the house adds much more complexity and chaos, but in a good way. We are still adapting to this new life a week later, and it's amazing to me how intimidating this one little life can be. He's so small and fragile, and he requires so much attention. It is definitely a balancing act that I will need to master, being a Mom to Bella and Landon, a house wife, and a loving wife to my husband as well seeking my new journey to athleticism. We will see how it goes.<br />
<br />
So today is my last lazy day that I am allowing myself to have. I have been leaning on my husband quite a bit in the past few days, allowing myself to sort of melt into the couch with Landon. Tomorrow I am activating the "New Life" movement, which entails starting my Home Management Binder, starting a new food menu (that we're going to stick to), starting a new healthy diet (that is realistic), starting my "Couch to Marathon" training which will take a year for the 1/2 marathon, and within the next year a full blown marathon. I am sure I will fail, several times, but success to me is not measured by how many times I fail in this process, but rather that I picked myself up and started where I left off and kept going. With my goals in mind, I am determined enough that I believe that within the next 18 months, I will create a whole new happy and healthy me with a happier and healthy family. All of this is only possible through God's help, so I fully intend to jump into a more active prayer life, as I know and hope to fully realize eventually that this change is only possible if I lean on Him and derive my strength from Him.<br />
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Thank you to everyone for your inspiration to become a better person! </div>
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Wish me luck in my new endeavors and I will be blogging again soon! </div>
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Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-91025798602779140432011-09-27T06:40:00.000-05:002011-09-27T06:41:10.987-05:00My Ultimate Anniversary GiftI haven't blogged in... forever.<br />
<br />
Or at least it feels that way.<br />
<br />
It's not yet 6:30 AM in the morning, and I wish I was sleeping. Last night I prayed really, REALLY hard that I would go into labor today. I had been thinking, especially once the weekend hit, that I was hoping to not go into labor until today. Why? Today is Tim and my three year anniversary! I just think it'd be an awesome gift to go into labor and at the end up of it, hand our new little bundle of joy over and say, "happy anniversary Love!" Can you picture it? It would be a beautiful gift for God to give us today.<br />
<br />
I just don't feel like there is enough room in there for this little one anyways. My ribcage is taking a beating, and I'm tired of not being able to bend over or roll over when I'm sleeping. Maybe God is trying to instill some patience in me. I honestly have thought this over, and feel that maybe that's the reason this isn't moving as fast as Bella's pregnancy did. I know Baby will come in due time, literally, and I have no control over it, but hope that when God decides to plan the "Big Entrance" that he takes into consideration how I feel right now. haha... <br />
<br />
In the meantime, I am doing what I normally do and emotionally eating my cookies, pop tarts and bread and keeping as busy as my energy level allows me to do. Yesterday I finally did my Dave Ramsey budget, and as depressing as it always is to look at finances, it feels good to somewhat be in more control. Miss Bella has been great, despite coming down with a cold. She's been giving me, and the Baby Belly kisses for two weeks now. I am sure enjoying my little Gremlin now that she's back to her not-so-screamy self. Life is good. Other than being a tad bit uncomfortable, everything else seems to be in place and I am feeling blessed.<br />
<br />
But the Baby-in-the-Belly has decided this will be a short post, as he or she has stretched out and is now clinging to their normal spot, my right rib cage and I need to stretch out instead of sit here and write. Maybe I'll take that as my cue to try going back to bed. <br />
<br />
So with that said, Happy Anniversary Tim (If you ever read this post) and know that I love and appreciate you. Even if we don't go out tonight and celebrate, I will enjoy my evening just having you here with me. When you come home from work is my favorite part of the day, as it has been since we met. Loves! ~Wifey.Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-66128905254865543272011-09-20T08:21:00.000-05:002011-09-27T12:22:15.233-05:00Baby Llama DramaJust another blurp... in case you're interested...<br />
<br />
So after a very insightful comment from an awesome mother (you know who you are), I was inpsired to start a "Home Management Binder". I think you can read about it under my last post. I started the same day I recieved the comment, I googled it and I am working on creating a home management plan to fit my life and my time. If you haven't started one, I would give it a look on the internet. It seems to be a useful tool for Moms who get overloaded with every day life. It is taking some compiling and time to put together, but it allows me to have a "one stop shop" for pretty much all of my projects, cleaning lists (so I can make sure my floors get scrubbed more than once a month), finances, medical information, childcare, schedules for work and daycare, meal plans, etc. When I'm done getting it to how I want it to be, I think it'll really help me sort out my week/day! :) Thanks for the wonderful, insightful idea!<br />
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Other than that, we're still waiting. I've got one week and four days until my due date and today I go into the clinic for yet another OB appointment. I'm going to have them check for progress as over the weekend I endured three days of strong braxton hicks contractions and I was nauseous (pretty much the whole 9 yards). I was dilated to two, two weeks ago, and 50% effaced, so I am hoping for a progress report that shows... well.. progress. Baby must have moved down, as I can finally breath and eat and not feel like a stuffed hippo after a few bites who can't walk down the street without loosing her breath. Yes, this pregnancy has been much more challenging than the first. It's just making me all the more ready to go, and estatic to finally hold my little pumpkin. I am just hoping it all goes down sooner than later.<br />
<br />
I'm also bringing Bella in today. I got a notice telling me she was up for her second Hep A shot.... I was told she was done having shots until 5... I guess I'll have some question asking to do when I get to the clinic this morning. But I am concerned about her. She is getting increasingly more difficult to deal with. She wakes up in the morning and from her naps screaming, randomly screams throughout her meals (with tears and all), screams through her bedtime (it hasn't been a peaceful sleep around here for awhile), and her naps are pitiful, she won't eat a whole lot, and is refusing even her beloved peaches and pears. She's just not been very Bella like, and I am becoming more and more stressed trying to figure out what's going on. I'm hoping it's teeth and nothing seroius, but non the less, she's going in with me today to see if there is anything major going on BEFORE baby arrives. I can't imagine having a newborn baby and screaming toddler that cries just as much as newborn. Keep her in your prayers, I just have a gut feeling that she isn't feeling the greatest and something is up, whether it be molars or an ear infection (hopefully nothing more serious).<br />
<br />
.... That's about it folks. I'll keep you posted and tell you what the doc says, maybe he'll tell me I'm 5cm and ready to get induced. Haha... I wish. I have been praying and praying and praying and I have found one cannot "will" themselves into labor, as much as I'd like to think that I can...<br />
<br />
Wish me luck, and keep that in your prayers too, that just possibly, maybe they're off on my due date by about 10 days... hehe... :) I'M READY!Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-67193789232872285082011-09-16T14:10:00.001-05:002011-09-16T14:10:48.098-05:00The Ramblings of a Crazy Person: My Expression of SelfI have been trying to write these posts in a certain format or style, but today I just don't feel like following suit. Today I just feel like writing to write and use my writing as a form of expression. So with no theme, rhyme or reason, here it goes...<br />
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It's 11:00PM and I'm awake. Big surprise huh? If you knew me, you'd know I don't sleep anyways, but none the less, not at least trying to get a few hours of sleep in the late PM hours generally leaves me tremendously paying for it the following day while trying to run after Miss Bella. My lack of sleep derives from my inability to shut off my brain. In fact, I can remember most of my dreams or my thoughts throughout the night, and I'm not sure I ever truly fall into that "deep slumber" that so many people look forward to when their heads hit those fluffy white pillows. It takes days of this "up all night business" before I will fall asleep peacefully and wake up wondering where the night had gone. The good news? It won't be too different for me to be up with a newborn come a week or two.<br />
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With my anxiety level amped up, sleepless is my middle name. I go to sleep at night anxious that I may go into labor (anxious in that I want to BE in labor) and then I wake up around 2ish, severely disappointed because I'm not. I'm not full term until Saturday, but really... I'm 37 weeks and 5 days... but who's counting? I'm close enough! I'm ready to go and I'm tired (literally) of waiting. Ultimately, what I want is a healthy baby... I am just asking for a healthy baby sooner than later, and definitely not after 40 weeks as I fear my husband may divorce me (totally joking) if I go overdue and he has to put up with me and my emotional recklessness.<br />
<br />
But it's not just baby that is keeping me up at night, it's other things. Earlier on this week, I could no longer stand my dirty floors and with my husband home to watch the Gremlin, I took the opportunity to really scrub them. We have a mop, but I opted for the more labor intensive route and got on my hands and knees and washed all of the floors in the house (with a hidden motive of possibly putting myself into labor). But as I scrubbed the unidentifiable black spot out from underneath the couch, I thought deeply about what I was doing really. I told my husband, "Some of these spots have been on this floor FOREVER, and sometimes a person just needs do it the hard way and put some work into it to truly work the mess up and off of the floor. There is no way that mop has been getting these floors as clean as I'm getting them now. Sometimes things in life just need a good spring-like cleaning, and that takes a bit more work." This thought led to another and eventually I had an epiphany. I hit this ah-ha moment often, and each time I do, I am motivated and my eyes feel opened for awhile. A new found vision as to where my life is headed, or rather where I want it to go. Sometimes I wonder if these moments are God-inspired, as if he is slapping me upside the head, telling me to get my crap together.<br />
<br />
Just like my floors need a little hard work once in awhile, I feel like I need to put a little elbow grease into my own life and work up some of the dirt. Life, at times, feels stagnant, boring, and at times entirely unhappy. I have no one to blame for these feelings but myself, as I often become lazy in my perseverance to be a good, happy, healthy and vibrant person, the person God wants me to be (which includes many other good qualities not listed here). I see so many people around me fulfill their life goals and they seem peaceful with where they are in their own personal journeys, and I often wonder how in the world they got there. Who told them which roads to take and how did they acquire enough energy to get through all of the obstacles, or did they just get lucky and they landed in that spot from the very beginning? Maybe some people have that luck, but I think it's a select few that do. I struggle with this, how do I get from point A to point B, and be who God wants me to be. The fact that I am continually struggling with myself tells me that I am not doing what I should be doing. Something is missing.<br />
<br />
Writing has been a huge relief to me, and I often find that when I don't write, I get more anxious and more unreasonable. So why do I go for a week and not write? Well, that's because I'm tired, but that's really no excuse. I think that I am at a very difficult time in my life with all of the changes and challenges. Prior to marriage and children, I had an array of friends, each unique and wonderful and they fulfilled some part of my life that needed nurturing (but even then I felt something was missing). Being moved away from everything that I know, and now with children, one cannot help but feel a bit isolated. It wasn't until Bella got about a year old that I found it difficult to be "Mom". It is such a precious and God-given role, but unless you're one of those people that miraculously gets put on the right path from the very beginning, you're probably a mother just like me that gets overwhelmed with the constant screaming, poopy butts and the lack of daylight hours and energy. I often wonder if somehow someone is playing a prank on me and stealing a few hours between dusk and dawn. Really, where do the hours go in my day?<br />
<br />
I am not asking for sympathy, but I am so frustrated. How do people do it? That's what I want to know. How do people be God-like, and have the energy to pray each morning and every night, and brush, floss and rinse with mouthwash twice a day, just as the doctors say. (Hey, that rhymed!) How do mothers have the energy to get up and look beautiful for the husbands each morning, manage to have the house clean by 5:30PM when they arrive home, keep their babies happy, and still have sanity? Maybe they don't? Because I know that when I strive for this life, I usually end up burnt out and exhausted within a few days of time. Or how about the people that lose tons of weight on Biggest Loser? They show you how to physically transform your body, but come on! You can lose all the weight in the world, but unless you stop buying Twinkies, you're screwed. How do you mentally wrap yourself around giving up an addiction that you still need to survive. I'd rather be addicted to cigarettes I think sometimes, then I could at least separate myself entirely from it. You can go the rest of your life without touching cancer sticks, but you can't stop eating food. Darn, it just happens to be that food is necessary to live, which makes my struggle with not eating it all the more difficult.<br />
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My epiphany, or my ah-ha moments, are times when I can visualize the person I am meant to be. I get excited thinking that it's a possibility, that my life could really be like that. But then, the more I think about it, the more distressed I become. How does one change the parts of your life that make you miserable and unhealthy, especially when you know no other way. And where the h-e-double hockey sticks, do you get the motivation for the movement of change? So if you're out there, and reading this and you have ideas I am honestly open to some insight. What makes you happy and how do you juggle the struggles of life and come out on the other end not coo-coo? Each person has a method to their madness, and if they don't they have to be feeling like me. <br />
<br />
The thing I need most is time, time to myself and time with others. This time is divided up as such (In no particular order):<br />
A) Part of my day with just me, time for silence, reflection, prayer.<br />
B) Time to get things done and focus on household chores or projects, which can <br />
include others. But simply time to get stuff done, otherwise my house would fall apart.<br />
C) Time with my husband, intimate time. Time for us to talk and love each other in whatever<br />
language we speak (READ THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES, an absolute MUST for couples)<br />
D) Time with my Bella Bumpkin, playing and learning with her and loving her. Family time! <br />
And this soon will include Baby Frits the II<br />
E) Time with others outside of my immediate family. Whether that's my siblings, my parents or <br />
my in-laws, or just friends. I need someone else included or my husband will get <br />
overwhelmed with me spewing every detail of my day and life on him. This is exactly why <br />
people need others in their lives, it gives them a different perspective and level of support.<br />
<br />
I think these are healthy perspectives to have, healthy wants and needs. I was thinking that I would try to get to bed at night around 9PM and wake up at 5:30AM, two hours before Bella perks awake. That would give me an hour of reflection/me time, and an hour to do stuff around the house. In this time I could pray, drink a cup of coffee or tea and reflect about where my day is headed, my goals and what I want to accomplish. The next hour I can work on cleaning, if I so choose, and maybe get things together for lunch and supper. By this time, Miss Bella would be awake and my busy and most challenging part of the day begins. I could work on my physical self and jog with the babies or walk to the park each day, besides I heard that physical activity releases endorphins that make you happy and less depressed (just what I need). My time with Bella is very lacking currently, as I spend the majority of my time trying to get things done, I really think that if I were to get up earlier and get stuff done before she awakes, then I would be able to fit more time in with her. I also need to realize that things don't have to be perfect around here.<br />
<br />
The part that is challenging is where do you fit in time for the husband and the friends? Tim needs time to himself too, and often when he comes home from work, he is thrown into watching Bella and entertaining her until bed. After that, he spends the rest of his night relaxing and unloading from the day. His days off are becoming consumed with working and I work on the weekends (most of he time). Date night once a month doesn't really cut it, it would be like waiting for an intimate conversation and time alone every 30 days. I think we need more time together than once a month, but it's hard to justify paying for a babysitter more than once a month. And it's hard to meet people in a new town that you feel comfortable with and people that you want to spend time with (or that seem to want to spend time with you). I think this last paragraph is where most of my "I'm missing something" comes into play. <br />
<br />
Other things that seem to weigh heavy on my mind are the things about myself that I want to improve. This includes:<br />
A) My relationship with my husband, I want to be a loving wife that isn't grumpy all of the time.<br />
B) I'd like to be more "put together", not like I just rolled out of bed each day when he gets home.<br />
C) I want to be a patient and loving Mommy that spends quality time with her children. The only<br />
time I ever want to raise my voice is when it's a severe situation, and I want this to be a rarity. <br />
I don't want to have my children see me fight and lose my temper and my sense of self (boy <br />
this is hard with Bella's constant whining and attitude as of late).<br />
D) I want to pray each day and every night and devote more of my life towards God's goal for <br />
me. Too often I get caught up in what I want and what I think I need. Good thing I have great<br />
role models for this struggle.<br />
E) I want more energy and strive to for the things that are important in my life. I have no idea <br />
how to get this one. I feel so lazy and tired all of time, I don't know how to change that. I <br />
think if I felt better, that other things would become easier. Maybe this is my God-given <br />
struggle? I think everyone has one of those...<br />
F) I want to be healthy and get my weight and eating junk food under control. Another one of <br />
those, "how in the world do I do this" type of thing.<br />
G) I want to be a better person, giving more to others instead of taking. If I could give back to <br />
others what has been given to me, I think this would be a great sense of purpose and fulfillment<br />
in my life. Less focus on me and more focus on the greater good! ;)<br />
<br />
So if you've stayed with me through this huge post, I appreciate your time in reading. Like I said prior, I'm not looking for sympathy, but I am interested in how others manage their time and work with these types of struggles. I am looking for input so that I may find a way to work up the dirt in my life that keeps me bogged down. I want to be a better, happier and God-like person. I want to live His purpose and to feel His grace when I am finally living the life that I feel He is pushing me towards. Some people run, others go to church each day, some people pray fervently (in fact I think most happy people do), so what do you do?<br />
Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-10455392837745569842011-09-08T14:49:00.002-05:002012-10-27T18:58:46.529-05:00Building the NestThe fans are dusted, the floor is sparkling, the drapes have been washed, and the cupboards have been cleaned for the first time in nearly 1 1/2 years (or at least they will be by the end of the week). I have gotten the urge to clean, clean, clean and organize everything down to making sure each pen and pencil, sock, piece of paper, and spare household part has a place. This is what they call NESTING! I am about as busy as the squirrels in the front lawn who have been aggressively collecting all of the acorns from our oak tree for their hefty winter food supply. I think my busy Bella has found her match for the next two weeks or so. <br />
<br />
This urge to get ready was only hastened when I went in for one of my prenatal check ups yesterday. He sounded pretty confident that Baby would be arriving in September, NOT October, which has given me hope that their is light at the end of this tunnel. Not that I dislike being pregnant, but there comes a time in the last trimester when pregnancy becomes not so fun. It becomes a chore to do many of the things you used to do and it takes at least twice the energy to do them. I can't even remember the last time I could see my feet while standing up or been able to properly shave my legs, instead now I get out of the bathtub just to find a large area that I missed. Yes, I will be glad when this Baby Bumpkin finally arrives, as we are simply competing for space at this point. There is a feeling deep within me that tells me that Baby will be coming sooner than later, call it a mother's intuition. <br />
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It's crazy all of the changes that are happening within me, emotionally, physically, spiritually. One cannot help but feel the glory of God when being pregnant. You think about how it all began, and how when you found out about this little bean growing inside of you, that it was so hard to believe because this little life seemed so... small and so unimaginable. You often forget your pregnant in the beginning, until the hormones begin to kick in. The first three months is like having a mild case of the flu, months 4 through 6 are glorious and the time to truly appreciate being pregnant, months 7 through 9 is like soccer practice and your rib cage is the goalie. <br />
<br />
This little Baby, who was a baby from the very beginning (contrary to what some individuals say), has grown from a few cells to a soon to be 7 1/2 to 8lb, living, screaming, pooping infant in just a week or two. The scary and most precious part is that YOU are the sole provider for this child. This Baby will open their eyes and you'll be the first person they'll see, smell, touch, taste, feel. Their blurry little eyes will spend the next few weeks focusing on you, they'll grow familiar with the smell of your skin and know that you are Mom (or Dad, Sister, Grandparent, etc.), they will feel the softness of your skin when you cuddle them and feel for your hand so they can hold it. As I will be breastfeeding, I realize that I am this child's primary and only source of nutrition in the first few months, the best there is out there. This Baby will be dependant on me and Daddy to live, and most everything they learn will derive from us as parents. How scary and intimidating, and yet how precious. <br />
<br />
Their little eyes are watching you from birth until the day you die, just to see how you do things and how you react. My 1 1/2 year old daughter is living, breathing proof. Just today, she came and got my attention, pointed into the bathroom and crawled on the toilet. She pointed out her toothbrush, and said "more" in sign language. So we pulled out her toothbrush and I put a dab of children's toothpaste on there and let her have it, as we always do. But today, she decided that she needed to spit out the toothpaste in her mouth in the sink, no doubt, just as she's seen her Mommy and Daddy do it, as we haven't taught her that part yet. Or how just being polite to one another in this house has taught her when and how to say "thank you". Again, not something we worked on, she just picked it up on her own. I cannot express the great need for parents to see and understand how much their children look up to them and learn from them. Their behavior, habits, and the way they see the world and interact with it derive primarily from YOU as parents. Tim and I are starting to understand how important this is just by watching our little Bella act out our every move and say our every word. We have to watch what we say or she just may say it back. Eek!<br />
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It bothers me to see young children watching shows with foul language, sex and violence. A child's innocence is so important and precious, and we hope to keep our children as innocently minded as long as possible. Rather than wait for the world to dirty their minds with filth, we'd rather take it into our own hands and teach them at our own pace. Wouldn't you rather your children learn about sex, death, and the ways of right and wrong through your ways of teaching rather than at the mercy of others? There will come a time, many of them, when we will have to sit our children down and explain some hard stuff to them, but they won't be learning it by watching Jersey Shore, CSI, Sex and the City, etc. Could you imagine if your child learned by watching Jersey Shore the proper ways to treat a man or a woman, or the value of themselves or others? Also, for this very same reason, why we as a couple must show ourselves as a loving, respectful and happily married union, because that is what our children will see as "normal" and they will either strive to be like you (in a good circumstance) or settle (in a bad one), because afterall, the only way they know is your way. These shows are only apprioriate (if at all) once they have a healthy understanding of what they are seeing in them. <br />
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It's this whole pregnancy thing, and a child on the way (quite soon) that makes me reconsider how my husband and I parent and what choices we will make. Everything down to the diapers you put on your child, who's coming to watch your toddler when you're in labor, whether or not you have enough energy in your reserve tank to clean that closet that's been bugging you for the past year, all the way down to thinking about your Baby's first date, their happy moments and sad ones, and their children's children all flow into your mind at once. You are on OVERDRIVE the last month of pregnancy. Their becomes a need to work out all of these things with your mind or you simply just can't relax. So if your a husband with a pregnant wife reading this, cut her some slack. It's by nature that we act like crazy hooligans the last few weeks; we simply just can't help it!<br />
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I haven't written anything for awhile, and I know that everything I write is quite opinionated. But at least I know where I stand. I know that my children are the most important thing to me in the whole world and I take raising them up right very seriously. It's during this very pregnant moment that I feel such a great urge to get some of my thoughts and emotions out so that others who feel the same way know that they are not alone. Because sometimes taking these stands do seperate you from the rest of the world and you just hope and pray that the decision you make are the right ones. <br />
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<em>My little girl, currently, is fussing, so nap time must be over. Thank you for reading and until next time, hope you have a beautiful fall-like day! Enjoy the warm weather while it lasts.</em><br />
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Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-4281707514575552742011-09-01T00:18:00.000-05:002011-09-01T00:18:06.827-05:00That "Old Married Couple"<br />
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<em>No direction for this post yet, but as normal, I feel that one will form</em></div>
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<em>written are the ones that form as you hit the keys or put the pen and ink to paper.</em> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July of 2011<br />
Stangler family Gathering <br />
in Ely, MN</td></tr>
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Another night here and another day gone. My sidekick and Hubby has been physically absent for five days now, but has managed to send text messages and I've gotten a call each night (for which I'm thankful). We spend the majority of our days trying to get under each other's skin while we're both home, but when we're apart we miss each other like crazy. Maybe that's the way most marriages are? Who knows, I never wanted a marriage like anyone else's. I didn't want to become that "old married couple." I think kids make you become that "old married couple"... as do responsibilities of growing up and putting the big girl/big boy pants on.</div>
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That "old married couple" we speak of... well, maybe it isn't so bad if you think about it, really. What is the alternative? I often wish, at times, that I could be that carefree woman and do whatever I want and be whoever I want to be (you know, the sexy ones you see on TV that are independent and adventurous). But what would being that woman within that marriage entail? If drinking, or going out to the bar is what that picture looks like, I guess you can count me out. I got enough of that in college, and find that it isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Besides, I'd rather put my money into a good, $10 bottle of wine, rather than a cocktail at the bar. And a night at the bar could easily cost you $50, and that money would be better served in my children's college fund. If being carefree means I'd get to be with whoever I wanted and have tons of friends, I am not up for that either. I'm happy with my husband, he is my best friend and I don't want anyone else in my life or anyone to take his place. The few friends that I have are genuine and most of them are my own siblings so I have assurance that they aren't going go anywhere. In any case, they are obligated by blood to like me even on my bad days.</div>
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If it means that I'd get to travel the world, and go bungee jumping or go on some crazy adventures... well I didn't do that before I was married and so why would I expect to do that now? I wouldn't have fun if I didn't have Tim to go along with me, he is generally my motivating factor to do any adventurous stunts anyways. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first hike at the Grand Canyon in 2007 (or so)</td></tr>
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Who else could get me to hike the Grand Canyon twice, camp in the middle of some Arizona mountains where some wild dog steals my shoes. Or how about the time we went hiking miles up a mountainous ridge, under a waterfall, a journey that takes hours and much blood, sweat and tears (literally). You find that once you get at the top, the 1000+ year old ruins that he promised would "take your breath away" truly does all of that and more and it's even more special because he made this crazy, adventurous hike with you; a journey that you would have never taken otherwise. He has pushed me to my limits physically just so he could give me the sense of accomplishment that it serves and to show me some of this world's wonders, so I could share in the joys he felt when he saw them the first time. This man knows me like the back of his own hand, and I wouldn't want our marriage any other way.</div>
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Statistics show that I have a 50% chance of making it to the end of my life with the same man I married three years ago this September. How sad and depressing is it that we, as Americans, have such staggering statistics. One of my college professors once told me, "It's when you start seeing divorce as an option that it becomes one. If you take it out of the picture entirely, you'll make it through each fight and still love each other because you have to, there's simply no other choice." Some of the best advice I've ever been given. The other came about a week before we tied the knot. We were out searching for a car to buy that would pull our U-Haul trailer to Arizona; our BIG move scheduled just two days after the wedding. Tim and I had been at odds and it was getting stressful with just a few days before we were to be wed.</div>
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My sister called and felt the urge to confront me about something. She asked if I was second guessing myself in getting married. Truth was, I was scared to death and had thought several times throughout that week whether or not we were making the right decision. This wasn't some small thing for us, being married came with responsibilities and commitments that I didn't take lightly. When we said those vows, we were in it for the long haul. She continued to explain that with her first marriage, it came and went and she felt no weariness or concern at all, she tied the knot and didn't think much more about it. They were in love and that was all that mattered. This time, with her new husband, she thought about it much more deeply. They loved each other on a whole different level, getting married meant more to her this time and she was scared to death to take the plunge. That she too had the same concerns, but thought that she was much happier in this marriage and that the concerns were normal, that it meant that you weren't taking this marriage or the commitment too lightly. Whew! I'm thankful for both of those tidbits of wisdom as they had reformed the way I thought then and have changed what paths I have taken since. I try to pass the same wisdom to those newlyweds around me when the opportunity arises.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Exchange of Rings, One of the Happiest Moments in My Life<br />
September 27th of 2008</td></tr>
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These three years of marriage have not been a walk in the park, to say the least. We've both had our challenges, some more severe and difficult than others. Tim has had to deal with some of my excess baggage and took it like a champ while I worked through some of the most difficult parts of my life. He has been my saving grace and my rock all the way through. I am not entirely sure that I would be as good of a person today if it weren't for his guidance, strength and PATIENCE (and I don't mean this big-headily, just that I would probably be a whole lot worse of a person). I think and hope that the feeling is mutual, as I've heard him say, "You're staring to rub off on me and I'm coming around to your way of thinking," when talking about some of the more important issues in (my) life. He makes me think about things more logically and I make him think more emotionally, working on that whole "empathy" concept. We are complete opposites and think nothing alike. We don't agree on much and agree to disagree on pretty much everything. But we love each other and we love our babies as well as a deep faith in our marriage, our family and our God. At the end of the day, these things are all that matter.</div>
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Right now, he's sitting over on the east coast helping with the hurricane relief. I'm due in just four weeks now and we're hoping he's back by the 15th, as my little lady, Bella, came a little bit early. Some people would be mad that their husband left during such a time, but I can't help but be proud of what he's doing. How many others would make this sacrifice? Before he left, he patted my belly and whispered to his baby, "You stay in there and keep incubating until I come back." With all of the kicks and pushing in there, I have to keep reminding Baby of their Dad's special request, but we're going to hold off until at least the 15th. I give kudos to the husband and wives in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as their spouses at home. It takes a certain person and a strong marriage to work through the distance, and I know how hard it is. Tim and I were separated for nearly two years before we got married, he in Arizona and I in Minnesota finishing college. And these two to three week assignments where he leaves home to aid in a larger cause, aren't any easier than before we were married.</div>
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So, I guess if I'm going to be an "old married couple", then I take that title proudly if it means I get to have the life that I have now. I don't get trashed on the weekends or any day of the week for that matter, we simply come home at the end of each day and eat a homemade meal in the late evenings and talk about our day with small chat across the table. I spend my days running after Gremlins, and change dirty butts for a living, and I answer to "Momma" or "Wifey", as is my title in this job. When I'm not doing that, I am trying out the whole working thing and in that case I'm still changing dirty butts, I just get paid for it in cash instead of kisses (or smooches as we call them in this house). My adventures, since children, have consisted of walks to the park and running after Bella in the grocery store as well as battling through church on Sundays. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the beaches of Florida, back when it all started. Newly dating!<br />
March of 2006 (or so)</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">I spend each night resting my head next to the same man and catch myself praying fervently and frequently that the good Lord holds us together so that when I'm 80 years old, wrinkly, gray and forgetful, I can look over and see him still and be as much in love, if not more, than I am today.</span> Being married, and living this way is a choice. I may still get a little tipsy from a glass of wine every now and again, and we may go out on a date and forbid we ever get a little crazy and forget ourselves, but we're still that "old married couple" and darn proud of it. I'll take this life over the alternative any day! Cheers to all you old married folk!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Old Married Couple" <br />
The day of Bella's baptism and Tim being confirmed in the Catholic Church, <br />
yet another exciting moment in our lives. March of 2010</td></tr>
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Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586305135449496943.post-89015676586080770602011-08-30T21:02:00.002-05:002011-08-30T21:08:28.842-05:00I Blame This One on PregnancyPast 5:30PM, Bella gets grumpy and so do I as my patience and energy start to dwindle. On a normal day, Dad is home to take over and saves the day as he spends the majority of his evening playing with Bella, which I'm so very thankful for. With Tim out on the east coast aiding the relief effort, I am home wishing the relief effort was aiding me. Tired of having PB & J's, I decide to cook stir fry and rice with fruit (have to have something Bella will eat included in the meal). To my surprise she takes a few bites of rice, but then turns back to her normal ways and throws the rest on the floor and at the wall. I grumble thinking, "I cook good meals, and she doesn't know how good she has it. There are starving people in China that would kill for what she's depositing on my wood floors!" Haven't we all heard that one before? I never thought it would come from me.<br />
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7PM hits, I'm grumpier than grumpy and Bella is making my hair curl and my nerves twinge. "Bella, go grab your shoes and your Blankie, we're going outside!" I say reaching my limit. If I could walk for a half hour, then when we get home that leaves a half hour of play and then bedtime for her and me shortly there after. Sounds good, right? She finds her shoes and her blankie and brings them to me; she's set and ready to go, thankful to get out of the house. She's been increasingly more grumpy with her side kick, Daddio gone and my heart hurts thinking of how she feels. With that thought in mind, I decide to find my phone. Yes, find my phone... Where is my phone?<br />
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I turn to the most guilty party in the house, Bella. If things have gone missing, it's generally because miss sticky fingers has discovered it and carts it along with her until she finds something more interesting to play with. "Bella, where's Mommy's phone? Will you bring Mommy her phone?" I ask her. She knows what I'm talking about and starts running around and eventually finds my shoes and starts following me around with them as I search for my phone. Nearly 10 minutes go by, I'm furious and she's grumpy; she wants to go outside! "Bella, where is Mommy's phone?" She, again, runs off in a different direction. I'm so very frustrated. She brings me back her orange play phone, and I can't help but smile. "Yes, good job. That's a phone, just not the right one." If Daddy calls while we're out, and I miss it, I'm gonna be upset.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0yVz4DXVp88/TOBid-yCL5I/AAAAAAAADuM/GBlHjsKB8Yk/s1600/pregnancybrain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" id="il_fi" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0yVz4DXVp88/TOBid-yCL5I/AAAAAAAADuM/GBlHjsKB8Yk/s1600/pregnancybrain.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="209" /></a>I give up on my search and resort to going out for our walk without it, knowing that when I come back I will track someone down on facebook that can call me and help me look for my stupid phone. We get a couple hundred feet from the house and my phone starts ringing! I'll be darned... my chest starts vibrating and I jump. I quickly pull the phone from my bra, and answer it. It dawns on me then, that I put it there when Bella wanted to play with it earlier, in an attempt to hide it from her all-seeing eyes! After I get off the phone I give her lovies and apologize for blaming her. I felt bad for pinning her to the crime... instead I blame this one on pregnancy. I joke constantly, saying that when I had Bella, half of my brain cells went to her, and that now, being pregnant again, this baby is working on the other half. Anyone that has been pregnant before, knows how this feel. You feel less intelligent, less with it, and just incredibly stupid and forgetful. If you've only had one baby, try having two... it only gets worse. :)<br />
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So if you're a Mommy or a Mommy-to-Be and an airhead as a result, I post this for you, so that maybe you'll feel a little bit better about your general lack of brain power. After all, it happens to all of us preggo people!<br />
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Momma Fritshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779083192482570511noreply@blogger.com0