Merry Christmas

I will post more soon but let me just say:
God is good.
Families are Forever.
Faith is real and can bring immense strength.
Angels are everywhere.
And Life is Good!


Merry Christmas!


My eldest is being baptized today. :)
My heart is so full!

Thoughts, thoughts, and more thoughts

• I have had a great time getting ready for Christmas and doing all my shopping, until I ran out of money. CRAP!
• I'm going to have 29 people in and through my house b/w Christmas Eve and Zech's baptism on Sunday. That's alot of people. Do I have enough food? Do I have enough room/ Do I have enough energy? graciousness? patience? (insert prayer here)
• I have contacted all 29 of these people with plans for the weekend which included food assignments, room assignments, festivities and their times. Do you think they have contacted me to let me know Yay or Nay? Thank you Cortnie Johnson for being the ONLY one!!! Ever. To be on top of your game!
• I love Corntie JOhnson. She is OCD like me :) Thank goodness she decided to give Scott a 20th chance (it was about that many right?)
• My house is not ready to house these people yet. It usually is by now. But I have been cleaning my SIL's house, helping watch her kids, working my job, keeping up with my laundry and house and kids, taking meals to people, decorating, entertaining, etc, etc.
• I am in the ugly stage of pregnancy. You know the is-that-a-FLUB-hanging-over-her-pants- or-is-she-preggo? stage. UGH! I am now wearing my "fat" pants. The ones I wear after I have the baby. My belly isn't nice and round yet but I am too big to fit into my nice size 2's I just babrely bought since I was so dang tiny. (Sigh)
• I hate the Wii. Seriously, I HATE the Wii!!! "Why Rebekah? Why do you hate the Wii?" Because even as I type, the darling children are downstairs playing it. After hours of begging to play it on this snow day (the rule is Friday night and Sat only) and having their mean mom say no, I finally broke down and said OK. Now? They are yelling at each other. It never fails. It doesn't matter what game it is. Zech and Gabe yell, Audrey and William whine. I don't know which is worse. Of course the whining gets more on my nerves b/c I'm not used to it and the shear high pitchness of whining drives me insane!!! But no, yelling and whining are both equally as bad. Now I get to be the bad guy and turn it off due to their behavior. See why I hate it now? There will be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. There might even be a Wii controller thrown by my dear eldest son who has a terrible difficulty controlling his temper. In the which, I will get to ground him from the Wii for the whole weekend which will bring more weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. If it were up to me, I'd throw it in the trash!
• There are about a million other things rolling through my head. The most important of them though is the fact that my dear sweet husband is at work puking his guts out. He can't get home and due to the snow and road conditions, I can't go get him. I have to go figure out what to do. Until I decide to blog again....

Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Lists

Christmas wish lists, in no particular order because I suck at blogging. :)

1) I do not think the Griesmyer boys will ever be done with Star Wars. This is all Ammon can talk about. Here in lies the problem: what new Star Wars items do I and you get the little guy? We can always use new lightsabers (they get used out very fast with all the intense lightsaber duels we have here) Ammon LOVES Galactic Hero Star Wars figurines but they are hard to find. PaPaw sent Ammie a $20 gift card for his birthday and guess what he picked out? a $7 Star Wars Lego shirt. That's all. Well, at least we know Ammon is not greedy and that he is happy with very little. I do so love that little man!

2)
There is a reason why this is a pic of Lego Land. Are you kidding me? A trip to Lego Land would be the ultimate to my crew but I think they will be happy with just new Lego packs.
Here are what's hot right now:
Hero Factory (guys and vehicles)
Castles and Knights
Atlantis
Power Miners (the new Lava Fort)
Technics
Since Zech is almost 8, I will be putting him in a Lego Robotics club. He will need a Lego Mindstorm for this. They are very expensive. I will need some help (hint, hint)

3)
My baby boy, Elijah loves balls. I do not think you understand, he LOVES balls!!! I bought him this super cute Lighting McQueen ball pit for his 1st birthday and it was popped within 2 days by a little person living with us. I want a ball pit that is NOT inflatable so it will not pop! I bought this awesome tent thing one year at a yard sale way back when I lived in Fort Rucker, AL. We used the heck out of that thing. I finally had to trash it before we moved from TX b/c it had so many tears in it. It is a great toy for all ages!

4)

Gabriel wants one of these. Well each of the boys would be happy as clams to get one of their one. Gabriel also wants Bakugan and Bey Blades. Gabriel likes to play. He does not fixate on any one thing but he tends to like trends. I personally do not get any of these things or their attraction but he is my little angel and whatever makes him happy, I am ok with.

I was about to finish the post but I forgot about me! I want Want, WANT:

size 6 Dansko brown clogs

size 6 Dansko black clogs

It's cold here and I don't have any close toed shoes without heels that don't kill my back.

Gary wants a vacation. He needs a vacation. We were supposed to go on a cruise for our 10 yr anniversary back in April but he was in GA for training. Money and shear work load has prevented me from being able to book anything for us to escape. I hope to send us at least for an overnight excursion for his birthday on Jan 1st. But if you want to buy him something you could get him some LDS CDs to listen to to and from work (he has a long commute) We love book on tape and CD's. It helps put him in a relaxed mood which is very helpful after a very stressful day.

That's about all. I love you all!

Cripple

Last Wednesday morning started like any other morning. Ammon came into my room around 6am because he needed to potty. After he did his business, he climbed into bed with me for about 15 mins of snuggles, then asked if he could go downstairs. I got up and went downstairs to feed him. Gabriel was the next one awake. Zechariah finally woke up around 7:00am. Elijah was still asleep. I got cereal out for everyone, said prayer with them, then went upstairs to take a shower. I took special time picking out my outfit that day. I felt good, I wanted to look cute. I had found out that a week before that I was pregnant and knew my skinny days were drawing to a swift close. So in honor of skinnyness, I picked out a pair of jeggings (yes, I have those-one pair!) I had found them on clearance at NY&Co while shopping with my SIL, Kimmy. They were brown and felt GREAT on me! I slid on my brown cowboy boots over them, put on a cute top, and completed the outfit with my Premier jewelry. I was hot! And ready to get the boys dressed and out the door for school. I heard Eli in his room. Finally! He was awake! I went to his room, scooped him up in my arms, gave him hugs and kisses, and started down the stairs. Then it happened....

The front on my boot slipped, my heel caught on the edge of the stair, I went down on my knees, and started falling down my stairs. There was nothing I could do. So many thoughts and solutions went through my head but the only one that prevailed was, "No! No! NO! NOT ELI!!!"
I held him to my chest and tried to throw my body back as I was falling so that I wouldn't roll head over on top of him and crush him. When I got the the end of the stairs, Zechariah came tearing around the corner. "Mom, MOM! Are you ok?" The only thing that I wanted was to check if Elijah was ok. He was screaming and I couldn't tell if he was hurt, there was just one problem: I didn't have the strength to get him and look him over.

"Go get Aunt Sarah", I said. Zech was gone in a flash. Sarah and Zech came back and I told her I'd fallen down the stairs with Eli, I couldn't move yet, and to please check him out. She felt his head, look him over, then turned her attention to me. She asked Zech to get the phone and dialed 911. I totally did not think it was bad enough to call an ambulance. I kept telling her No! I don't need an ambulance. Just call Gary. I figured he could take me to the Dr. if I needed to go. Sometime during all this I tried to move and grabbed my right knee because it was hurting worse than the rest of me. My hand came away covered in blood. I was shocked! I had no idea I was bleeding. Zech and Sarah took off my stupid boots (which are now in the trash) and helped me peel off my jeggings so that we could see the source of the blood. YIKES! There was a nasty tear on my knee that was gaping open and just plain gross. Sarah went upstairs and brought me down some different pants to wear that were going to be easier getting on and off. The paramedics showed up and strapped me and Eli to those awful back board things and took us to the hospital. Eli was madder than a hornet at being strapped down. Gary had made it home by then and was trying to comfort him. Gabriel is Elijah's buddy and protector and kept bringing him balls to play with and trying to sing and talk to him to calm him down. Finally we were ready to be carried to the ambulance and taken to the hospital. Once there, they checked out Eli who was discharged immediately. I mean, the kid was laughing and playing and trying to run around! Aunt Nancy had shown up to check on me and took Eli home. I then spent the day getting X-Rays, an ultrasound, 4 stitches in my knee, a immobilizing brace, and crutches.
Every day gets a little better. I can bend my knee a little now and put weight on it.

There are blessings in all things too:
. 1)This was the day before Veterans Day so Gary had a 4 day weekend where he could take care of me and the boys. I do not know what I would have done without him.
2)The ultrasound found a hemoraging cysts that I didn't know I had and will have to keep an eye on.
3)The 4 day weekend plus me being laid up provided a good opportunity for Gary to work on his school work and get one class finished (almost).
4) Not being able to do for myself gives others an opportunity to help. I am fiercely independent and try not to ask for help but have had to many times over the last week.
5) I am learning patience. I HATE to be slowed down, at the mercy of others or my own bodies inabilities.

In conclusion, I am a cripple and it is inconvenient and frustrating. But I am learning to chill out and take it easy and this is probably exactly what I needed. ~Plus my husband has been amazing! He has doted and cared for me in a way that he never has before. Not even when I've had my babies! But I am not a sickly, needed person and he has never had to or I have never let him. What does that say about me? What does that say about our men? They need to be needed. So I will take off my Wonderwoman cape for now, hang it up in the closet, and rely upon my big hunk of a man to care for me and love me. After all, I do not want to do this alone.

On the Road Again

I'm heading to Georgia tomorrow. Mom will finally be moving. She has sold her house in this awful market which is a miracle in and of itself. I was going to leave the 2 oldest kids with Gary and my SIL and take my 2 little guys. Gary had this MAJOR case come in and has been MIA for a week and expects it to last another 2 or so. UGH! He couldn't tell me he would be home to care for them, do homework, put them to bed, etc. My SIL is starting her 1st week of having all her chickies home and homeschooling and couldn't keep my guys either. So I toyed and fretted and worried about what to do.

Gary and I had the privileged of going to the temple on Friday night where I took it to prayer. (There is just no where on this vast earth that is more pure, sacred, and beautiful than the temple.) I felt impressed to ask Gary's mom to come over and help me. After more tiny miracles, her schedule completely cleared and she is on her way here even as I type! I will be leaving all my boys. I am so relieved b/c I will be able to drive and work SOOO much faster and harder without them around. Of course, I am making lists, schedules, dinners, menus, etc, etc. cause I'm OCD like that. But hopefull, it will be a lovely week for my in-laws and my boys to develop a strong bond. You all know that my love language is service so I totally feel loved by them!

Here I go, on the road again!

Tender Mercies

I have more faith and am less stressed. This is a tender mercy because I have not made myself less stressed. I am trying to read my scriptures and pray more but I think faith is a gift. Just like the Holy Ghost. I cannot produce faith. Maybe you can, but I can't. It is usually given to me by Heavenly Father. For that, I am truly grateful.

My mom has had ALOT on her plate with selling her house and the projects that had to be done before she can close. I tend to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders and think I should fix everything or at least coordinate the fixing! :) I worried how to help my mother. My brother Jason and his amazing wife Teri packed my mom. My brother Chris fixed up her house. All I have to do is go down there to help clean and oversee the moving her stuff out of the house and into storage. I am now breathing a huge sigh of relief.

I am in love. I think that being in love with your spouse is a tender mercy from the Lord. Marriage takes work and it is hard to not dwell on the negatives, differences, and frustrations. You can love your spouse and not feel that giddy school girl feeling for him. But recently, I have felt that and I am not going to let it go! I am grateful for my husband and the wonderful man and father he is.
October originally had 6 parties on the calendar for my Premier business. 4 canceled on me. I whined, I worried, then I prayed. Since then I have had 3 OP's (where I tell people about the biz) and 2 more parties book for this month! 2 of which are tomorrow!!!

I paid my tithing on Sunday. I came home and checked the mail from Saturday and found an escrow reimbursement check! I had just been discussing with my SIL how I never receive money when I pay my tithing. It is just something I always do without expecting anything in return. Well, I feel the Lord wanted to let me know He heard me and here is something in return. Thank you Lord, I appreciate it and I needed this sweet tender mercy from thee!

On my mind

1. Home improvement projects: the holidays are coming up which means entertaining and family and cooking and kids off of school. Gary and Will just laid the new floor and new pedestal sink in our downstairs half bath. Now I need to paint the walls and trim.
   Other improvements that need to be done are:

• toe molding put in everywhere downstairs
• LR ceiling painted
• LR walls painted
• Baseboards put in the quiet room downstairs
• all trim and doors downstairs need to be painted
  
• tub and tile ripped out of the master bathroom
• new surround and tub put in to the MB
• old vanities and linen closet ripped out of MB
• new double vanity put in which includes rewiring, moving plumbing, and knocking down walls.

2. My Premier Business: I have had 4 people cancel their parties this month and I am getting very frustrated. I must keep the faith. I am trying to not let it affect me but October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I decided to donate 10% of the proceeds of my parties to the Susan G. Komen foundation in my Aunt Sis's name since she is a breast cancer survivor. I was very excited about how many shows I had on my calendar to make this successful. It is more than just being upset about loss of income or new contacts. I was really happy to be giving to something greater than me. I wanted to do this for her. Aunt Sis lost one of her breasts and had to have reconstructive surgery. It was scary, it was hard, but she made it. How many people don't?

3. Gary starts working in Quantico, VA June 1st: Do we go? Do we stay? Do we sell our house? Do we rent down there? Questions, sooo many questions.

4. Sarah is looking for houses: My SIL lives next door to me. They sold their house, didn't know where they were going to end up, and ended up renting the house next door. Sometimes, our stress becomes each others stress. She is consumed with house hunting which means I hear about it all the time which shouldn't be stressful but she talks about us moving too with her or close to her. Since I don't have answers to my questions, this sometimes confuses and frustrates me.

5. I'm thinking about having another baby: There you go, I said it. No, I am not pregnant. I could list a million reasons why I am contemplating this but honestly it's none of cyberspaces' business! I am researching having a girl. I am completely happy with my 4 beautiful boys! I am content with my family. I feel that the Lord wants me to put my faith in him and try for a baby girl. Please think pink for me!

6. Gary is taking his last 2 classes for his Bachelor's: IF he finishes these 2 classes, IF he passes these 2 classes, and IF we don't kill each other in the process you are all invited to a HUGE graduation celebration!!! Not kidding! Mark your calendars!

7. I've been contemplating homeschooling: As if my life weren't stressful enough. I love homeschooling. There are a million reasons why I feel homeschooling is useful, valuable, and most beneficial for my children. I also miss my little guys when they are away. I want to protect them and make them happy and help them work through and deal with their stresses. However, I can say this is one answer I have gotten as of late. Gary and I both feel that they should stay where they are right now. We are both pleased and at peace with their elementary school and their progress. Prayer has helped confirm this in our hearts and I can now rest easy knowing that while my desire is noble, it is not the time. Zechariah has had some difficulties but he is working through them. He needed to learn how to deal with these frustrations. I am very proud of him.

8. My mom is finally moving! Mom has sold her house (well almost-closing is Nov 1st) My brothers and I have once again rallied together to help pack her up and move her out. Chris spent a weekend pulling stuff out of the shed and attic to see how much we were dealing with. Then Jason and Teri spent the next weekend packing like crazy and got most everything in boxes. They are amazing!!! I will leave next Monday to help direct the loading and moving of the household goods as well as clean the house before closing. I will drive down Monday, and be back Friday for Fall festival at school, Trunk or Treat and other Halloween festivities.

9. Where is Mom going to stay? Gary's Aunt Nancy invited mother to stay with her until she decides where she wants to be. I hope Mom will decide to stay up here but that choice has to be made by her. I offered for her to stay here with us but she kinda isn't looking forward to sharing a bathroom with 4 little boys. Why not? :) Still I stress out because I want her to be happy. And no matter where she goes, Aunt Nancy's or my house, I've still got A LOT of rearranging of furniture to do. When will I do that? UGH!

10. The holidays: I LOVE Christmas. But since the divorce it has been forever painful. Having my mom and dad together in the same room is like watching a time bomb go off. It's awful. Throw in that mix my Dad's wife, FORGET IT!!!
This Christmas, my sweet baby boy turns 8 and will be baptized.
All the family will be here. = drama
(I started to rant and rave further but have decided to delete and stop there-sigh)

So now you know. I've got a lot on my mind. So here it is cyberworld/ journal.
What do you think?