Round Three

I have been wanting to make cinnamon rolls, but I know what I want them to turn out like. AND it's just not happening!!!! I have a "mix" from the fair, but I don't want to use it. I want to make my own.

This reminds me of trying to make the perfect apple pie filling for the Idler's Pie Contest. BUT this time, no prize, and I am the judge!! UGH!! These are NOT good combinations, especially from a pregnant lady.

Well, I have know realized that when the recipe, directions, or video say to roll tightly....they don't mean it~REALLY!!! I guess they just mean don't forget to roll??? Go figure? If you roll them too tightly they start popping out in the middle. Skill learned.

If you want a nice thick filling you have to use a LOT of sugar and a LOT of butter. BUT, wait, if you use too much butter the filling doesn't stay in the way you imagine. Sprinkling some flour in your filling does the trick on this one. Skill learned.

Brown Sugar makes them goopy, so maybe half and half will be better!!!! AAAAAA!!!!

I will let you know if round three turns out looking better than round two!!

Oh, the icing I have made turned out perfectly the first time. Oh, the dough, too! So, I guess it's perfecting the filling, and the technique.

I will let you know when that skill is LEARNED!!!

My Husband Rocks~Friday

This week's prompt is to write about "The Moment." You know the moment you know that you would marry this guy.

That was a long time ago, almost 11 years? How does time fly? The most vivid memory I have was sitting on the counter (yes, the counter) at the local Dairy Queen chatting with a co-worker. I remember telling her about Josh; it was the first time I had really shared anything about him to anyone.

I remember SAYING to her, "I really believe this is the guy I am going to marry." Now, I remember when the words came out of my mouth, thinking...."I am pretty sure of myself, aren't I?"

I really had not even known Josh more than a few months when I told her this. I guess it was so clear to me, that he matched everything I wanted in a husband. I had written a list of the things that were ultimately important to me, and Josh fit the bill. Those were things, non-negotiable....my friends, on the other hand, said I was too picky to start with....and that I would never get married, and my mom would NEVER approve anyway.

I am going to share my list with you:

1. He doesn't want to hurt God, and loves God with his whole heart. God is utmost in his life.

2. He has a vision.

3. He is trustworthy.

4. He loves his family.

5. He wants to have children and homeschool them.

6. He is financially capable.

7. He believes in purity, not just in virginity.

8. He wants to be in ministry.

9. He has a teachable spirit.

10. He is sensitive to others' needs.

It's funny for me to read these, because I was only 16 when I wrote them. They meant a lot more than my small sentences conveyed, but I guess I WAS a bit too scared to write them down. If you checked with my friends, they would agree that I could be very opinionated and detailed in every area.

Josh, you were the man God brought into my life. Thanks for sticking around. You rock!

(thanks, Mom, for approving)

Caleb and Sol

Who? Caleb and Sol are twin brothers and musicians from Eugene, Oregon. They just finished up their first album together, titled "Afloat." They view their music as a ministry. They want to proclaim the glory, majesty, power, and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ through their music, lyrics, and conduct.

How? God is amazing how He makes the small things in life turn out to be divine appointments. Josh and I met Caleb and Sol on the streets of San Francisco, which is one of the reasons I want to share with you about their music. If two men are willing to proclaim the majesty and power of Jesus Christ on the STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO, then I want to make sure I do what I can to get the word out about their passion for Him, through music.

We introduced ourselves quickly, and Josh let them know our house was open to them. Two days later we got a call from "the brothers," saying they were in town. We went to lunch, and they spent the night. That's the end of the story...........BUT God has, in His divine way, made it possible for us to keep a heart connection, even though we have had very little contact. These guys are amazing, and Josh and I both feel so strongly about them. They are genuine, humble, and passionate. Please, check them out!

So, if you don't believe me............check out their music yourself, and let them know which song you like best.

Levi

Sol and Caleb sent us their new CD, and our whole family loves music. (especially new stuff) Levi has been loving it! I think he is too cute for words.......so here it goes:

He is trying to snap his fingers, at one point; he trys so hard. (sorry it's so dark, but I know family will enjoy it anyway)

The Psychology of Fashion

Attachments to clothing is something I deal with constantly, not because I have an issue with it......but because my 6 year old daughter deals with it. Do they ever tell you in the parenting books the torture you feel you are inflicting on your child when you get rid of their favorite clothes? The bigger problem is, that with Jael, it's not just ONE article of clothing it's almost ALL of her clothing.

I finally had to go through her clothes a few days ago, because she is growing like a weed. Josh suggested we put her in a box, not because she wouldn't grow there.....but no one would see her jeans creeping to the top of her knees.

It seems like overnight she was outgrowing clothes. Most of the time, because of attachment disorders, I would just slip the outgrown clothes in our Goodwill bag. The problem this time was the amount of clothing that she has outgrown. We actually took some intervals during the cleanout session, JUST to make sure we were not going to burst into tears.

Our project left her with very few clothes that fit. In fact, I actually had to leave some in there, just to make sure she had some clothing to wear.

Yesterday I went to buy some clothes for her, and we have already started the attachment phase. She has REASONS for liking ever shirt she owns. The one she is wearing today reminds her of Papa, because it has a butterfly on it. Yesterdays shirt reminded her of Titi, because it's pink?? I have no idea where this comes from, because when it came to getting rid of shoes.......she was perfectly fine with those??

The torture is over............for NOW!! Until the next growth spurt, and I feel like a horrible mother for getting rid of the shirt that always makes her think of Papa.

Tears Flow

Today, one day after the historic Roe v. Wade decision, President Obama lifted the ban put in place by President Bush, that bans the federal funding of abortions abroad.

I guess he promised change and he's following through.

Now your hard-earned tax dollars will fund the slaughter of babies in third world countries.

My Husband Rocks~Friday

Click here to read about why MHR Fridays started!

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This week's prompt:
Tell us about a time that your spouse went out of his way to serve you, and love you sacrificially.


I have never used one of the prompts, until now. We will see how this goes........

I am pregnant right now, and it has got me to thinking about the birth of our newest member. Yes, I realize I am only halfway, but I cannot help but think about it.

After the birth of every one of our children Josh has taken off work to be with me. I know that at times it was more sacrificial than others. I have always appreciated those moments of bonding for us as a family. He certainly did not have to, because my mom has often been around to help. AND after each new member, my recovery seems to take less and less time.

Thank you, Josh, for being there for me. I might act tough, but I do need help more than you realize.

April's Giveaway!

If you like my blog header, you will love April's Designs. She is super creative, super friendly, and super fun. If you decide to follow her blog OR become her friend OR purchase something make sure you tell her I sent you. It's always nice to get credit for sharing friends.

She has the most giveaways of anyone I know!!!
This is her most recent one:

100th Post Giveaway!


137 days, 100 posts, and 113 followers! I may not be the best of the best in the blogging world, but I am definetly the sexiest. (What can I say? You're a close second...okay tied for first.)

To commemorate the sexiness, I'm having a cuper kick A contest/giveaway. Since you know I am known for being pretty long winded, I will make this short and to the point. Please be sure to read all the rules though. I don't want anyone left out :D

Prizes:

Two winners will be chosen in each category.

1. Totally Awesomely Amazingly Wonderful Customized Blog Layout! Of course this is going to be the numero uno prize silly head! The winners get one of everything under the Blog TLC link above.

2. A $40 gift basket filled with TONS of customized mark. and Bath and Body Works products! Luxurious shower gels, yummy lotions, makeup, hair styling products, accessories, jewelry and more! Click on the link -----> on the right sidebar to go to my online store and pre-browse!

3. Custom Illustration! How cute would you look as a cartoon? Adorable!!! Full body, half, or headshot available. You can use it as your avatar, incorporate it into a header, or even print it out and put it on cards or embellishments. Great for Etsy stuff!

4. 10 winners will get 50% off any blog TLC items of their choice!

Criteria: To be considered as an entrant you must...

1. Make a post about this giveaway on your blog.

2. Take this giveaway button and post it on your sidebar. (Click in the box, press CTRL A, CTRL C. Then go to your blog layout and click "Add a Gadget", select "HTML/Java" and paste by clicking CTRL V.)

<a href="http://aprildurham.blogspot.com"> <center><img src="http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/aprildurham23/GiveawayButtoncopy-1.jpg" /></center></a>

2. Comment on this post. (Believe me, you'll want to!) In your comment you may also include WHAT you'd like to be considered for. (i.e. If you already have a blog layout, you may not want that. But you might want the gift basket.) So feel free to specify, but you do not have to.

Just in case you all are feeling particularly ambitious - if THIS POST reaches 100 comments I will add a winner to EACH category. 200 comments I will add TWO winners to each category. And so on... YES, you can post multiple comments but I have a right to remove crude, distasteful, or ones that don't make sense/are too short.(Like only two or three words.) So spread the word!!!!

For additional entries into the contest you may:

1. Follow this blog if you aren't already. Anyone who is, or becomes a follower gets FIVE extra entries!

2. Comment on any post, any number of times (each comment is an entry.)

Good luck and show me some love!!! *wink*

Deadline for entries is Feb. 1st at Midnight. Winners will be announced Feb. 2nd before noon.

Do I Detect a Second Trip to the ER?

I certainly hope not, but for a 1 year old.............he already has my nerves in a frazzle. For some reason all of my children love to climb, and I am thrilled at how far I have come.

I really do allow them to explore and do their thing. To be honest, maybe I am not better, I just refuse to WATCH them!!! I remember the first time Abishai was climbing the rope ladder at Nana and Papa's. I really just cannot watch. If I don't watch, they get to climb in peace.

Here is the most recent photo of ONE of my climbers:

I Sat On My Arm, Mom!

Honestly, I keep going over this in my head. Believe it or not, I even tried to sit on my own hand and see if I could do it in such a way that would actually cause pain?? Well, I stopped trying!

I am actually glad that I was sitting watching him when it happened or I may have blamed one of the kids.

Ezekiel was getting his shorts on, and he SCREAMED!! He was crying so hard; we were all watching him trying to see what happened. All of us were in the living room, so I wondered if someone had stepped on his fingers. He grabbed his right arm, and he proceeded to wail. I asked him what happened, "I sat on my arm!!" What in the world????

After sitting with me for a while, and whimpering about it hurting still we decided to maybe take him to the hospital? Ezekiel does not overreact to things. He got a stick thrown at him the other day, and he has a cut in the back of his head. He was DONE crying in a matter of seconds. If we moved his arm, he would cry harder.

I got in the shower, and I kept checking to see if it was really that bad?? We had a hard time getting on his shirt with a lot of crying. I loaded him up in the car, and we were off.

We waiting in the lobby for 50 minutes; ZQ proceeded to inform me that "they take LONG days to see me!" So, we kept waiting. Once we got checked in, things progressed quickly. The nurse came in, and looked at him. He grabbed his arm, and Ezekiel screamed. So, he TWISTED it. By this time, Ezekiel is screaming at the TOP OF HIS LUNGS. He twisted it the other way, and then it popped.

The doctor informed me of how common this thing is, but he had never heard of it happening from SITTING ON YOUR ARM? Oh, well.....

Almost instantly Ezekiel was back to himself again. He hopped of the bed, and he was ready to go home. They gave him a cute bear, and we were on our way. I am glad it was nothing too serious, but he was in a lot of pain.

From what I have researched I am glad we took him in, the longer you wait to correct it the higher chance of it happening again.

I will try and watch him better, and make sure he stops sitting on his arm!

My Husband Rocks~Friday

This is the USUAL headline: How to get out of watching a chick flick with your significant other.

I really think some guys have been trained from a young age that they just should NOT have to endure torture.

I have always been good at watching all the movies Josh picks, except for dubbed martial arts movies. Right, Babe?

This has to be one of the first times I can remember that Josh watched a movie with me that was ENTIRELY a girl movie. He has been known to watch Romantic Comedies, but they have a COUPLE in them.............and he certainly wouldn't watch one TWICE.

Last night he agreed, with NO fuss at all, I could almost give him credit for suggesting we could watch MY movie. I was very happy to have my friend watching a movie with me, so I didn't have to enjoy it by myself. I MIGHT have even heard a few comments like, "that would be amazing to have FOUR good friends......usually it's only TWO." Was that a bit of enjoyment??

My husband rocks..........because he endured Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants AND Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. I think he is set for a few years..........

Lentil Stew

Jael made lunch today. The boys were so cute, complimenting her at every chance they got. They want her to make it again tomorrow!! Now, if I made Lentil Stew they would have taken an hour or MORE to eat it. But..........sister made it!

We were learning about Jacob and Esau, and Esau sold his birthright for this type of stew. It was a great object lesson, and it was cute to see the boys reactions.

Replacement Time

Ever since I met the most amazing midwife in the world, I have dreamed of actually getting to have a midwife with me throughout a whole pregnancy. I have been "stuck" with doctors, because of medical complications. I really knew what I wanted, in my heart and mind, so I asked some friends to pray that I was lead to the best doctor--for me. (the dream doctor)

I wanted a doctor who:

~ has no problem with doing multiple c-sections, because I don't want the hassle of refusing a tubal ligation EVERY appointement. I honestly think I would find a new doctor, if this were the case.
~will respect my wishes about not signing for every test, shot, or "review" necessary.
~will not give me a hard time about the fact that I refuse to schedule my c-section, and that I want my baby to tell us when he/she is ready.
~will check to see if I am dialated, BEFORE surgery, because if I am dialated........I want a natural birth.
~will offer his advice on my cerclage, and be willing to discuss it with my without FEAR of the consequences: VBA4cs. :-)
~will offer a non-threatening, pleasant atmosphere.

O.k. so, God is SOOOOO not afraid of all those requests......now you have my list; I am SURE there are PLENTY more.....but those are the most important to me right now.

Oh, Christian would be nice, too!

HERE IS WHAT HAPPENED NOT MORE THAN AN HOUR AFTER MY REQUEST!!!!

The FIRST place I called to see about an appointment was a clinic that I had heard of, but their website was down. I had looked at all the others I saw online, but I decided to call this one. The receptionist asked me lots of questions about complications during pregnancy, etc. I really HATE answering that question, but I told her……”you all would say so!!” Anyway, I told her about having four prior c-sections, the last one was not high blood pressure, but the other three were.

She IMMEDIATELY said that I would HAVE to see the OB, and he wasn’t accepting new Medicaid patients. I got put on hold, the song playing: Holy is the Lord!! The song has words like how awesome He is!!!

Anyway, she came back to tell me that they would have to call me back, because it stands that the doctor I would NEED to see was not accepting patients. BUT that she wanted to check JUST to make sure.

Well, I got my call back!!! The midwife, a lady named Marie……who is a Christian, wants to take my case!!!! WOOHOO!!!! A MIDWIFE?!?!?!?!!? Oh, and should I mention she has seven children of her own?

Go back and read my request………..a non-threatening, pleasant, atmosphere!!!! Midwives are known for promoting a more natural birth; she will only turn my case over to the doctor if I things get complicated. She will be with me the whole time, and she will attend the c-section. (IF necessary, since I have had four)

The doctor will perform the c-section. I GET TO HAVE A MIDWIFE!!!!! Seriously, Friends, I don’t think I could have gotten a quicker answer to prayers. I am excited to meet her, and see how she relates to me. AND understands me……and all those other things I requested. I feel as though, so many of the things are already answered. This is very promising.

My Husband Rocks~Friday

My husband rocks because he is getting better at being romantic.....without a lot of hints.

The last few posts..........

Hope you don't mind that my blog for the last few posts has been all about "us"!!! BUT, it is my blog, and I am thrilled that my husband took the time to be so "sneaky" and romantic. I was VERY surprised, and he certainly got points for that one. My last post was scheduled to show up this morning, and I figured I would just let it come through.

God gets all the glory for where we are today!!!

More about my awesome husband.....

Where did you meet? We met at Mt. Zion Church, during the yearly mission's convention. Josh and his dad traveled 8 hours to attend, because mutual friends told them that it was worth the drive. Who knew what ELSE was in store? (Josh's dad says he knew......)

How long did you date before you were married? Date? Well, it wasn't really dating, according to the world's definition. Josh asked to court me on May 8, 1998. So, I guess that would make it almost a year.

What does he do that surprises you? If you mean what surprised me RIGHT after we got married.......it would HAVE to be that he talks in his sleep!!!!! To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I have had LOTS of fun with this over the years, but it was so ODD to have a conversation with someone who was asleep and then had NO RECOLLECTION of the conversation the next morning.


What is your favorite quality of his? His calm personality is just about the best balance for me; I get worried when things don't go my way. Josh keeps a very calm attitude. Admirable.


What is your favorite feature of his? ooohh, that's a toughie....which to pick. I honestly think that Josh is just gorgeous. Do you know how hard it is to be married to someone that is better looking than you? I love his lips, his hands, his broad shoulders, his arms, and his neck....but my favorite feature of his is his muscles. They are seriously perfect! I hope our boys end up with his muscles. :)

Does he have a nickname for you? I don't know? He does call me, Babe! He has tried to break that habit, and he couldn't! LOL!!

What is his favorite food? FAVORITE??? He loves anything I cook, as long as it's not CHEESE, BEANS, OR PEAS!! :-) He loves fresh, hot, bread! (maybe even deep-fried pepperoni balls, but I am not sure?) He likes lots of different foods, but he has "times" for when he likes them. Christmas isn't the same without peanut butter bon-bons, almond roca, and a chocolate yule log. He is very easy to cook for, because we dislike the same things. I have lots of fun memories of Josh telling me the things he didn't like: soy sauce was the funniest one to me. I use a LOT of soy sauce in my cooking?!??! What was I going to do? As I cooked for him, and I slipped it in.........I realized like MOST people in this world.........he just didn't want a GLASS of it to drink!!!! Still makes me laugh.

What is his favorite sport? Is Mario Kart Wii a sport? Josh isn't a huge sports fanatic, but he enjoys playing a game of football, basketball or paintball when he gets enough guys to play.


When and where was your first kiss? June 19th, 1999!!! Our wedding day.......at the alter.

What do you like to do together? Everything. I really enjoy being together. It is a different thing every day.

Do you have any children? almost 5

Does he have a hidden talent? Really, he's good at so much stuff. I have already shared that his confidence is what helps him conquer the world.

Who said "I love you" first? He did. AND right after he asked me to marry him. We agreed no to say those words, unless they could be followed with a commitment. So, we waited. It's been 10 years.

What is his favorite type of music? He really likes rap, specifically Lacrae. BUT, he likes a lot of worship music, too!

What do you admire most about him? His willingness to make some tough life changes.

Do you think he will read this? I'm sure he will....because it's about him.

SHHHHH!!!

SHHHHHH!!! Don't tell Serena! I hacked her account. Well, not really hacked it...she left it open on my laptop. I'm Josh, Serena's husband.

She writes these posts about how much I rock. Let me tell you...she is the one that REALLY rocks! Let me tell you...

She is the most amazing wife that there has ever been. EVER!!! Since time began! I am so not kidding! She takes care of me in the the most wonderful ways. I love that woman! More than a little blog could even say!

Yesterday, was the anniversary of the day that I proposed to her. Hands down, the number one best decision of my life, besides deciding to live for Jesus.

Babe, there is so much I could say but you may walk in at any moment, so I should sign off and log out.

You just need to know...that I love you and am in love with you. Immensely!! You say that I rock? Girl, YOU ROCK!! You rock so hard that you broke the meter! And any rockin' that I may do is because you make it so easy and worthwhile to do so.

I love you, Serena!

My Husband Rocks~Friday

Christmas has past; New Year's Day is gone...........wow, what a BUSY holiday season. Is life going to seem "dull" now? I will blog, hopefully, later about our very eventful Christmas, but I cannot forget to write about my husband. Especially since I forgot to write one last week!!! I am glad that Josh cares so much about reading what I have to say about him---so much so that he reminds me when I forget. You rock, Babe!

I am feeling more and more blessed to be married to Josh; I have never regretted saying "YES" to him--10 years ago. Even through the rough times it was nice to know that I felt like GOD had a plan for us, even if it wasn't looking like it. I am falling in love with my "new Josh" more and more every day. He has been working so hard to put God first in his life, and it is evident in his daily life. I cannot be more proud to see him walking WITH God.

Last Sunday Josh spoke at church; he hadn't been behind the pulpit in almost a year and a half. The man I listened to on Sunday was not the same man I married. I know it took a lot of God's strength to get him through that day, but I was blessed to see him make some amends to those who have been hurt by our choices. It takes humility, that I haven't ever seen in Josh before, to bring up past hurts.

Josh, you rock! I am so proud of who you are becoming. I love you, and I am glad I am your wife. Thanks for making this holiday season the best EVER, for me!!