Happy Birthday!!

*Singing*
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Mom/Mimi.....
Happy Birthday toooooo yoooouuuuuu!!!

We love you very much and hope you have a wonderful day!

Getting On The Train

The potty train, that is. I have made the decision to ATTEMPT to potty train Caroline. I know, I know. There are some of you out there in bloggerland scratching your heads and wondering why in the world the mother of a 17 month old would even try such a thing. Really, I have NO expecations for this. If it works, GREAT! If it doesn't, that's perfectly fine! Caroline has just been so intrigued with the potty. She follows Caitlin and Christian around and wants to be as big as them so badly. She has sat on her little potty several times and is now comfortable with using it before she gets in the tub. I guess I'm at the point to where I'm tired of buying diapers. If she can wear cute little panties instead, then more power to her! I'll letcha know at the end of this week how it's going. Again--no expectations, just gonna dive in!

Givin' It A Try

I took Christian and Caroline outside a few days ago to let them try riding their bikes. Christian got his as a 3rd birthday present and never really got the hang of it last summer. He was very excited to try again, but after about 4 times of pedaling on his own, he gave up and went back inside. Caroline got her bike for her 1st birthday and I just now got the energy to put it together. It's really cute! She sat on it once and then decided to join Christian in the house. I don't know if it was the wind that bothered them or what--maybe they will do better next time when big sister is there to show them how its done!

On another subject--John and I are going to be "givin' it a try" today with our 1st softball game. Actually we have 2, but I only get to play in the first one due to worship practice. I'm looking forward to playing. It's beautiful outside, so maybe I'll get some sun as a bonus! :)

It Doesn't Get Much Weirder

John, my dad, and I took a trip to Academy tonight to look around and buy some softball stuff to get ready for our first game this Sunday. John and I both needed cleats, so we went to the back wall to find some to try on. I found some Under Armour cleats in his size, and I handed him the box. When he opened it, we both looked at the contents, then looked at each other. The cleats had been worn--and not once or twice. They had grass stains, dirt, and worn shoe strings. My first thought was that someone had made a switcharoo--put their old ones in the box and walked out of the store with the new ones on. John just shrugged and went on trying on shoes. I wasn't going to let this mystery go unanswered, so I hunted down a salesman.
"Excuse me," I said, "Do you think someone switched their old shoes with the new ones and left you with this?"
The salesman looked in the box. "No ma'am, I betcha someone just returned them. Probably didn't fit or something."
Are you kidding me right now?!?
"Ok, so if my husband were to buy these used cleats, would we get a discount?" I asked.
"Yes ma'am--10% off!"
I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
I went back to where John and Dad were standing near the shoes, and I told them what the salesman just said. John rolled his eyes and made some comment about Academy being worse than Wal-Mart about taking returns.
Note to self: if my new cleats don't suit me just perfectly during this softball season, I can wait until after the last game and then just take them back. LOL

It's A Dirty Job--Hopefully No One Has To Do It

I was listening to Air 1 Radio this morning (Christian alternative music), and they have fun tidbits of information, stories, or encouraging words from time to time. The one I heard caught my attention, and I am going to do it!
Have I got the suspense level up yet?!?
Drum roll please.....
What I was listening to was a woman (the name escapes me) who has recently written a book on how to discipline children in interesting and less offensive ways. Her suggestion was this: go buy a small trash can and use it as a teaching tool. Cut up little pieces of paper and write a dirty job on each one that no one likes to do--for example: clean the toilet, pick up doggy poo from the yard, empty the diaper pail, etc. Then, put the little pieces of paper in the trash can. When your child/children (the chores need to be age appropriate--make sense?) are misbehaving and "talking trash" about their siblings, friends, or even the daddy and momma, then make them go draw a piece of paper from the trash can and do the dirty job listed. Ahhhhh, Caitlin is just going to LOVE this! She has struggled lately with the trash talk when it comes to Christian. I have a feeling my yard will be poop-free, the toilets will sparkle, and the garage won't wreak of diapers VERY soon!! :)

New Blogger!!

Ok folks, we have a new blog to read!! I'm so excited--our friends Lance & Carri are now part of bloggerland, and I can wait to read about their lives! They have 2 precious little boys--Caden and Layton--and I'm sure there will be plenty to blog about. If you have a chance, stop by and welcome them! Lance & Carri---we love you guys!! :)

Blackwell Family Blog

Going Green?

Over the past few months, I've really tried to start paying more attention to my actions against the environment---things like recycling (thanks Mom for being such a good example on this!), using environmentally-friendly household cleaners, using ceiling fans and blankets instead of a/c or heater, only driving if I have to....the list goes on. Well, I recently went as far as ordering a new kind of diaper for Caroline. I order diapers from www.diapers.com, and they have Seventh Generation diapers that seemed to be totally worth it--same price as Luvs. Their big pitch is that these diapers are chlorine-free, so babies who are prone to diaper rashes (like Caroline) will not have as much irritation as with conventional diapers. Sounds good, right? So I bought some--A WHOLE CASE. Let me just say, it was not worth it in my book. These diapers leak like nothing I've ever seen. I mentioned it to John and his comment was, "Well quit buying those treehugger diapers and it won't be a problem." Thanks honey. Anyway, here's my question: If they are truly helping the environment and whatnot, HOW? If you end up having to do twice the loads of laundry you originally did because the baby pees through about 4 outfits a day, then it's actually causing more waste in my book. Until Caroline is potty-trained, I think we'll stick with the good ol' Luvs that have never steered us wrong.

So, Now What?

From time to time, I'm going to use my blog as a way to release feelings or emotions, so I'm sorry in advance to those rolling their eyes right about now. Don't get me wrong--I love sharing stories about our lives, my kids' pictures from time to time, and tattle-tale stories on my darling husband. There just comes a time when I feel the need to air out the laundry, bring up hush-hush situations, and basically allow people to see the "real" side of Melissa the blog author.
It's no secret that I recently ended a weight loss plan--Nutrisystem--that I have been on since October 25th, 2007. I have always been an active/athletic woman, and having extra baggage from 3 pregnancies was wearing on my nerves. I have always been fully accepted by John, family, and friends no matter what I looked like, but it has been an inner struggle to find a good balance between having a "mommy body" and being okay with what I saw when I looked down. Nutrisystem was the start of something revolutionary for me, but it was only a catalyst. It wasn't about how quickly I could lose weight, or even how MUCH I lost. It has been about a transformation of my mind, body, and spirit. Cliche' sounding, I know. Before I got my first shipment of food, I began with the spirit side of it all. I gave the fight to my Father and began allowing Him to show me how to control my flesh. The smaller portions, computer tracking program, eating out booklet, and everything else that came with Nutrisystem was definitely a help. I began to realize I could have control over what went into my mouth. I found strength inside of myself to press onward toward my goal no matter how blah I felt about it all. What is my goal you ask? Well, I have a few--these are just the physical ones, mind you. Some have already been achieved and some are still in progress:
Goal #1: Lose 30lbs and at least 4 pants sizes.
I'm proud to say I accomplished that (weight loss of 33lbs) as of 2 weeks ago.
Goal #2: Replace fat with muscle while still losing weight.
Done and still in progress.
Goal #3: Bench press (lay flat on a bench and lift a bar with free weights on each end with no help) 150lbs.
I can now bench press 125lbs., so I'm getting there-still in progress.
Goal #4: Run a 5K (approx. 3.20 miles)
I did so in 30min 30sec on Saturday on a treadmill, but I will be looking to do an actual outdoor 5K run here soon.
Goal #5: Do at least 10 "full" push-ups (no knees), tricep dips with no help, and chin-ups with no help.
I did 30 full push-ups today, I can do 10 tricep dips with no help, and I'm still working on the chin-ups.
Goal #6: Work out at least 5 days a week, have a total body transformation, and LIKE it
Done! What's wonderful about John as my trainer is that he leaves the workouts in the gym and doesn't have any expectations other than what I've told him mine are for myself.
Goal #7: Get a gold medal in the President's Challenge
In progress.
Goal #8: Learn to cook so my whole family can continue to be healthy
Well.....LOL...maybe someday. Let's say it's still in progress!
Yes, a lot of my goals are gym-related, but honestly that's how I'm wired. I lived, breathed, and played basketball for so many years that physical activity just became a part of who I am. Yes, I want to be a physically strong woman--is there anything wrong with that? I want people to understand that I am not doing this "weight loss" thing as something temporary. It is my lifestyle and I choose to keep it that way for as long as I have the breath and health to do so. After all, John and I have been gym rats for 10+ years! :)
I have people ask me the question, "So, now what?" The answer: NOW, I will praise God for His help, I will love my husband even more each day for taking the time to show me his gym secrets and for smiling and kissing my forehead when I complained about an exercise, and I will constantly be finding activities/sports to participate in.
There was a sign with a saying that hung at the entrance to the gym in Ft. Worth where we used to work out, and John has quoted it many times to me since then. Only recently did it make sense. It plays over and over in my head each time I get discouraged, frustrated, tired, or fed up: "Until the pain of remaining the same hurts more than the pain of change, people will choose to remain the same." Ladies and gentlemen, it's NOT about getting compliments. It's not about how good I can look in a swimsuit or my favorite jeans. It's not about showing off or showing anybody up. It's about a change, and let me tell you--change is good!

Easter 2008

As I have mentioned before, Easter is my favorite holiday. We definitely had an Easter to remember this year. First of all, Caitlin is in Colorado visiting Grandpa Haskell and Grandma C as we speak. She and Uncle Nathan took off Friday evening and have been having a grand time. When I talked to her this afternoon, she was busy having a snowball fight with GMC--too fun! I miss my baby girl, though. It's been too quiet around here for sure. I can't wait for her to get back tomorrow, but I'm glad she got the opportunity to go have fun without her siblings being around.
My mom and grandma are in Austin visiting relatives, so we missed having them at church this morning. My dad came to church and we were able to have lunch with him--thanks Dad for hanging out with us!
We came home, took wonderful naps (LOVE my naps!), and then went to Keri and Cameron Melban's house for dinner. What made this even more special was there were 6-7 other families there--some relatives, some just friends. Their house was FULL and the food was amazing. I haven't eaten that well in months! There was an egg hunt for the kids, and I got some great pics. John and I are just blown away by the kindness and love shown to us by our new church family. Never in a million years did we think we would find a place where we would just fit right in and find so many wonderful families to share our lives with. THANK YOU to everyone who provided food for the dinner, and thank you to Keri and Cameron for opening your house up to all of us. You and your extended families showed us the true meaning of Easter--God's love to others. I am now fully stuffed and ready to hit the gym full blast tomorrow! :) I really hope all who read this blog had a blessed Easter!
Fellowship time before the food
Renay (blue shirt) and her helpers stuffing some of the eggs with money--woohoo!
My handsome hubby :)
Miss Manners showing off her shoes at the dinner table
(L to R) Amanda, Mason (in the highchair), Carri B., and Beverly apparently having a very serious discussion :)
Keri M. and Teresa, beautiful as ever!
The troops heading out for the egg hunt
Keri M. and Mason--such a cutey patootey pic!
That's right--my boy has egg hunting skills
Pastor Randall, you totally crack me up!
(L to R) Cannon, Maggie, and Caroline showing John their eggs--Caden and Christian in the background

Stained

Tonight was Plum Creek Fellowship's drama presentation called STAINED. It was very touching and amazing. I wish all of my family and friends could have seen this, but there's always next year! When we came in to be seated in the sanctuary, there was a big white cross at the front that was made of dry-erase board, and everyone was asked to come write their name on the cross in red dry erase marker. At the end of the drama, the storm and lightning at the cross was re-created, and they had rain come down on the cross. When the water hit the names, the red marker trickled down and looked like blood. It was just breath-taking. STAINED really reminded me of why Easter is my favorite holiday.
The fun part was when a certain Roman soldier started hitting on me--I had someone quickly snap a pic! :)

President's Challenge

This is a call to ALL ladies in bloggerland. I have decided to join the President's Challenge (http://www.presidentschallenge.org/), and I am really excited! It's nothing big, but it's a way to keep me on track with an active lifestyle. I created a group called Mommies On A Mission, and if you would like to take part in this with me (it's no HUGE deal, just something fun!), then go to the website and register within the next day or two to insure you can still get in. The challenge started today, but I think you still have time! Once you are signed up, go to the "Join A Group" tab. The group number is: 69964 and again, the name of it is Mommies On A Mission. Even though I named the group after mommies, it does not mean that only mommies are welcome---everyone is! Let's have some cyber-fun together and get in better shape at the same time! :)

Goodies And Eggs

Isn't it funny how you can think life has slowed down for a week but it really hasn't? :) That's what has happened at our house. Just when I thought I'd have nothing to blog about, I look at my calendar and realize we have a full schedule all the way through Monday of next week.

Tonight we went to Pappaw and Mimi's house to eat dinner, dye eggs, and open their 2nd round of Easter baskets. My mom and grandma are leaving for Austin on Friday to visit relatives, and they won't be home until Monday. We didn't want to miss the egg dying and hunting, so we did it tonight. I think the kids will have actually celebrated Easter from this past Saturday until this Sunday, which isn't a bad deal at all when candy is involved.

Pappaw showin' them how it's done

Ahhh, yes...there are those cheesy smiles

Great job on the eggs guys!My little Easter bunny

Caitlin hiding the egss while the little ones play
They love the trampoline!

Happy Green Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Now that that's out of the way...
Bleh. That's what it's been like around here lately. Nothing major to report so I'm just gonna throw some stuff on here in hopes that this blogging slump will pass by this next weekend.
Let's see.....for starters, I got bit by Caitlin's hamster, Ruby. For some reason, she does NOT like me. John and Cait can hold her whenever they please, but the minute I stick my hand in there she freaks out and chomps down. My index finger on my left hand is still throbbing--stupid rodent.
No softball practice for us this past weekend, so no new injuries there--whew! :) It was too cold and yucky outside to attempt to catch/throw/bat. Hmph.
John dressed up on Sunday morning as a Roman soldier. It was very authentic looking! Ha! He was asked to be a Roman soldier for the drama thing we are having at church on Good Friday (at 7pm, Plum Creek Fellowship--if any of you are interested in coming, it should be very cool!) and much to my surprise, he went with it. Actually---gasp---I think he had fun. :)
Cait is off for Spring Break and her darling little brother is already wearing on her nerves--and this is day #1. It remains to be seen how the rest of the week will turn out.
No big plans for Easter this year other than to have a blessed Sunday and let the kids color some eggs and hide them. I really hope the weather is nice so they can get out of the house. I swear, cabin fever is hitting all of us like crazy right now. What I wouldn't give for a little sunshine on this gloomy day!
Ok, back to what I was blogging about---what the heck WAS I blogging about? Oh yeah. Random stuff. Ok, so back to that......
For all of you moms out there---how is it that you can spend an entire day doing a bunch of whoknowswhat, end up feeling completely exhausted by evening, and then when the hubby asks about what you've done all day, you really can't say?!? All that comes outa my mouth is, "Well honey, I have been extremely busy. Doing what, I really don't have a clue. I'm sure it was important though."
John only has 2 more weeks of teaching for AC, then it's back to BSA. Yeah, that's right--the job he "quit." Sadly, I don't think BSA wanted to let him go since they are in such bad need of paramedics. At least he will be home on the ever important THURSDAY evenings now to watch LOST.
Last thing on my mind---we had our family pics taken this weekend. I was so excited and we were all dressed to match. Corny I know. Anyway, the drama princess of the household (not me, Caroline) was not having any part of it. Needless to say, the photo session was cut short and we didn't get to do all that we had hoped. Sheesh, I hope she outgrows this stage of grouchiness over pictures soon! My other 2 kiddos--no problem. They smile on command. Her? No ma'am, not gonna do it.
Ok, that's enough blah blah blah for today. Hopefully I have more to yack about soon. Everyone have a very Happy Easter!!

A Very Cool Field Trip

As I type this, Caitlin is on her way to the town of Groom, Texas. Both of the 3rd grade classes are going on a field trip to see the 190 ft. tall cross and neat statues there. Here is a website that explains it all and shows pics of what she's going to get to see: GROOM CROSS
The teachers thought it would help the kids get a better understanding of what Easter is all about. Whatever the reason for going, I think it's a great thing! She had NO idea where they were going. It has been kept secret for 3 weeks now. This morning, she was about to burst from excitement! :) After viewing the cross and statues, they will get treated to lunch at the Big Texan. Man, I hope she doesn't try to eat the 72oz. steak! Haha
If you, my friends in bloggerland, have not had the opportunity to see this cross, it is very inspiring. I would encourage you to take a day trip to Groom and check it out!

Pics Of Christian's Party

Note To Self

Don't try to stop a fast ground ball with your shins--use the GLOVE! :) ACCCKK!!
It hurts worse than it looks too! Man, it almost brought me down to my knees. Who in the world decided to name it a softball?!? I really think the other players gasped not from my injury, but from the shock of my pasty white legs. LOL
John and I had our 1st practice with the church's softball teams on Sunday, and it was actually very fun. John had only played in 1 tournament (Pantex--last year) and I have only played sparatically in my younger life, so it was definitely interesting to go try it again. The coach had me playing 1st base, 2nd base, and outfield. I think I'd like playing more if I could just get my throw down. I'm sure the poor people on our team are like "Great, here come the Haskells again. Who told them about this league anyway?" Haha
I really do want to keep playing, and hopefully I'll get better. John did better than me, so I'm sure he'll have no problems. Basketball? No problem! Softball? Ummmmm.....
Batting cages, here we come. :)

Ain't That The Darndest

Ok, I realize this is post #2 for today, but it couldn't wait until tomorrow--mainly because by then I'd forget about it. :)
I was driving down Washington Street today, and I happened to be behind the funniest truck I've ever seen. The truck itself was just lovely--an 80's Ford F150, multi-colored, no rearview mirror, headliner inside falling down, bald middle-aged man driving and smoking. Oddly enough, that's not the main reason this truck caught my attention. The real kicker is that there was a homemade sign duct taped to the tailgate. It was white posterboard, and in black magic marker was this:

DAVID AND TJ'S
PROFECTIONAL TREE TRIMMING
CELL: 220-xxxx
HOME: 356-xxxx

These are the times I wish I had my camera in the car. A true pic of the sign would have been priceless. It really got me thinking that these guys must be true geniuses. After all, if you are both perfectionists and professionals, why not create your own word to describe yourselves? Ha!

Yes, there are 3

The one thing Christian wanted for his birthday this year was a hamster. We figured that since we no longer have a cat it wouldn't be a terrible idea. Of course, to avoid fights between siblings, we decided to let Caitlin pick one out too. We bought the cages this past Friday, set them up, and then picked out our hamsters on Saturday. Caitlin got a Syrian hamster--the big ones that are most common. Christian picked a different kind since his cage is a bit small for a Syrian. He ended up getting 2 Winter White Russian Dwarf hamsters. The reasons we sprung for 2 are that this kind likes to live with a buddy, and they are smaller. So far we've had no incidents to report. They are cute, furry, lovable, and very entertaining. Here are some pics for your enjoyment--and check out the really cool cages! :)
These are the dwarf hamsters--the beige one is Max and the grey one is Alex


And this is Caitlin's hamster named Ruby. She refuses to live in the actual cage--instead, she spends all of her time moving food and paper shreddings up into the observatory (that's her in the upper left corner)

Hooray For 4!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my big 4 year old boy!! I can't believe it---I know I say that each time a child has a birthday, but I REALLY can't believe it. Christian is my little sweetypie. He and I have already been through alot together in such a short amount of time. He's a great helper, super little/big brother, and just an all around loving little boy. I was always told that raising a boy would be a different experience--well that's certainly the truth! They can give you a run for your money, but you know what? I wouldn't trade it for the world. Christian and I have a little saying that we trade off on, and it goes like this:

Me: "Christian, what do you do for Momma?"
Christian: "I make your heart happy!"

Me: "And..."

Christian: "Proud!"

Me: "And..."

Christian: *deep sigh* "And love!"

Buddy, you definitely do make my heart happy and proud--and it's filled to the top with love for you. Thank you for being my funny little boy, and I hope you have a fun day! We will post pics of the family party probably tomorrow.

P.S. Today is Lainee Ator's 4th birthday too (she's Christian's friend and they were born a few hours apart in the same hospital)! Happy Birthday to you from all of us!

Yes, this is how we roll...

I found the cutest shirt at Target for Christian yesterday on the clearance rack...it reminded me of the ones John wears occassionally. I just HAD to get it! :) John laughed when he read what it said and his comment was, "does that come in my size?" Ha! So, yes ladies and gentlemen, this is how the Haskell men like to dress...
P.S. Click on the picture to supersize it so the shirts are easier to read

30 Day Challenge

One of my fellow bloggers, Amy B, posted a very cool link today. She was talking about words of affirmation and how we as wives should try to uplift our husbands on a daily basis. She stumbled upon this cool site--The 30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge For Wives--and I just wanted to share it with the rest of you women that read my blog. After reading through it, I think it's a terrific idea..so much so that I'm starting tomorrow. Thanks to Amy for a wonderful suggestion!

The One and Only Face of Daddy John

You know that whole "the many faces of" project I've been doing? Well, the objective was to get EVERYONE in this house to participate---I guess Daddy didn't get the memo. I tried to take more than one pic, but the majority of them had either his hand in the camera lens or a laptop covering his face. Spoiled sport! :)
And before anyone begins to question whether or not Momma is participating---yes, I am. I will have those soon enough.

The Chair

Writing that title reminds me of a song:
"Well excuse me,
but I think you've
got my chair..." George Strait
That really had nothing to do with my post, but that song is on a continuous loop in my brain now. Ha! I am all about random posts, and let me tell you, this is one of those.
I was trying to go to sleep last night--on my right side facing my sewing table. I was intently studying the interestingly painted details on my semi-ugly sewing chair, when it all started to make sense. Keep following me, I do have a point here. That chair has a story to tell, and not just one about the previous owner. Here is how I aquired it:
When John and I first came to look at this house, it was totally empty--in fact, it had stood empty for about 7 months. Mind you, the previous owners were jewels...they had painted every wall a hideous pinky-peach color, torn up the carpet, and done some interesting patch jobs to the walls just to name a few things. They had left random stuff behind like a basketball goal, grill, miscellaneous patio furniture, tires, etc. The most interesting thing they left behind was this chair. According to the realtor, it's purpose was to be the "time out" chair for the previous owners' 3 children. What's funny is that it looked like the children had been turned loose to decorate it themselves. Now there's an idea--at least they'd sit their time outs in style, right? I'm including pictures of it so you can get the full effect without having to read every detail. I made a comment to the realtor about how I really liked the chair but didn't know if I'd ever have a use for it. She made a silly joke saying if I'd purchase the chair for x amount of dollars (the price of the house), she'd throw in the house for free. Ha Ha
When we moved in, I put the chair in a back closet. There it sat for about 2 weeks before it truly became useful. The reason it's so signifcant is because it was one of the first physical answers to prayer that I ever received. I was up in my new sewing room (now Caroline's room) trying to find a good chair to pair with the sewing table my grandma had so kindly given to me. None of the chairs in my house worked and I didn't want to go spend money on a new one. I asked God to provide me a chair that would work. At that moment, He nudged me toward that funky chair in the closet. What do you know---it worked PERFECTLY! It was the right height and size, and it was comfy!
As I laid there in bed studying it, it just dawned on me that even our littlest, most insigificant needs can be met if we just ask. Who knows how or why that chair was painted like that, or even why the previous owner left it. All I know is that it sits at my sewing table day after day and serves a wonderful purpose.
Wanna know something strange and funny? As I was sitting here typing this in John's recliner downstairs, waiting to start a movie, John just walked by casually, pointed to the recliner, and said, "Excuse me, but I think you've got my chair." :)