Photo Contest?!

I was thinking about adding a picture of my baby to a photo contest. I don't want to be one of those mom's that thinks her children are soooo adorable when they are not. I mean I know that they are both really cute but are they contest winning potentially or not. I need some outsider advice. The other dilemma is that I would like to enter one that I can trust and that isn't a rip off or a scam. So any advice from everyone. I have a Chat box on the side, if you would like to leave a comment that is fine, or the chat box might be a little quicker. So here is one of the pictures I was thinking about. Everyone that reads this, please give your opinion! I have other cute pics too, this is the one that I absolutely love. Also, I don't know if there are photo contests for just babies or children too. So just let me know. Give me some feedback. Please!

Having Troubles

Well, the past few weeks I have been having trouble with abdomen pain and I went to the ER because I had a terrible cramp that lasted for over an hour. So they checked for possible appendix problems and that wasn't it so they told me to go home and if anything gets worse to be seen again and follow up with my regular doctor. Well, from the really bad cramp, it just felt as if it has strained some muscles or something, it was just sore like that for 2 days and then it was fine. Well then 1 week later I started having this cramping again and it wouldn't go away all day so I went to the doctor and they checked my blood and everything was fine so the next step was to get an ultrasound, but at that point it was too late. Well the next day I had an appointment for something else and the doctor I was seeing just so happened to be an OB/GYN as well so I as her about it during my appointment and during a pelvic exam found that I had a cist on my right ovary. It is 2 in. long and 1 in. thick, which is a normal/fine size. If it were to be 3 in. long, she said that is not normal and then they would have to do something about it. I dont know what they would do, she didnt really explain that part. She just told me that alot of women get them, and alot of times they go away. So if it gets worse to come in and get the ultrasound done and then we will go from there. Well, the thing that worries me about this is that my sister has had two cists on her right ovary. The first was the size of a baked potato, she got that one removed, and the second one she got removed was the size of a grapefruit, but it had turned and actually engulfed her whole fallopian tube and ovary so they had to remove it all. So, luckily, her other was fine and right now actually, she is pregnant! LUCKY GIRL! But the doctor told her that even if the second one started forming right after her first was removed, there is no way is should have grown as fast as it did to get the size of a grapefruit that fast. So they don't know why is grew that fast. And I dont really know how genetics works but she is only my half sister so I dont know the chanced that we could have the same problem. We do have alot in common though. Physically I mean. We have the same mole/freckle on the back of our neck, in the same spot even, the only difference is that hers grows a little hair. LOL We are both the same height. We both have blue eyes. There are several others as well but now we both have/have had a cist, and on the same ovary! So I am a little nervous about that, it has been 4 days now and that cramp thing still hasn't gone away! And now this morning I woke up with a sore throat, but the kind that it feels like you have a big lump or ball in your throat, and for some reason, my eyes hurt, I am not really all that tired, I am tired, but they just hurt for some reason. And I have chronic back pain to go with it. I just keep telling myself, it could be worse! There are alot of people out there that have it much worse! So, I am holding my head high and observing what is going on with me and just takin it easy. I would love to hear any other similar stories if you got them!

Been a while!

Sorry for how long it took me to write a new post. I had to write and get some frustrations out. We had our fuel company come out and fill our tank, which they only needed to fill 35%, and it costs close to $500. It isn't even terribly cold out yet, today it was in the 30's, but december, january, and february are the coldest months. How are we going to heat our house in the dead of winter? We got fuel assistance, however that wont even cover half a fill! I hope something turns around now that Obama is in office. Right now it is soooo scary how fragile of a state the world is in that no matter who is in office, hopefully they make improvements. I will say that I myself am an Obama supporter, but I am still fearful. I hope all the good things he says he will bring to the table with actually happen. We need a go getter, get 'er done, and do it good president right now. Lets pray!

UPDATE!!...Help!????

I have been busy busy busy! I apologize for taking so long to post. I took Ashlee to her 6 month check up and she is off the charts for her percentage for hieght! Which I am worried because my grandmothers family on my moms side have really tall men and women. So I wonder if she may have gotten that trait because the top line on the percentage chart is 97% and she has ALWAYS be above it or on it, but never below it! I mean there are some women over 6 ft. Like 6'5 or something. And men of 7 ft. I am tall for a woman, 5'9 and my husband is 6'1, I might just be the short one of the family! That would actually be kind of neat because I have always been the tall one.
My dad came up for a visit. It takes him 9 hours to get hear by car, and he was only hear for about 2 and a half days. But it is always nice when he comes because of course we miss him, and he always takes me shopping. So I got some things that I have been wanting to get for a while now but couldnt afford. And then the last day he gave my husband and I 200 dollars! He probably spent about 600 just on me and my kids, including the 200. But we had a really nice visit, short and sweet but it was a good one! And it was the first time ever for him to meet Ashlee. He absolutely loved her!
My sister always gives me the codes for the McDonalds monopoly and so we put them together and I enter them in online. We are never going to win anything but you cant if you dont try I guess. Its so irritating. I have dial up so it takes forever for the game board to come up. I havent seen it yet because I always end up clicking the quick code entry. Last year I won a monopoly computer game.
My husband works w/ a guy who just had a baby boy and he is looking for a babysitter. He [my husband] is asking me if I will. And he is not putting me on the spot because he hasnt said anything to the guy but I am 'thinking' about it.
Pros:
1. We need the money, thats all I can think of for pros right now.
2. I thought of another, Jason usually works on the weekends so he would be home most of the days that I would have to babysit.
3. thought of another, I could go shopping! I would have money, I am a stay at home mom so I never have money! I would! It would help through, as they say on CNN, the toughest winter ever! Which is pretty important.
Cons:
1. ANOTHER kid/baby to take care of. Ashlee is a really good baby, she can be pretty independent as far as being able to feed herself her bottles and going to sleep on her own when I lay her down. It wouldnt be too difficult, but this is a newborn so it would depend on how good that baby is. I dont want to if he is like colicy or gassy, went through lots of gas with Kevin, not fun!
2. I dont know the hours yet, but I am sure that they would get in the way of being able to just go somewhere because I would have to babysit.
3. I once babysat a little girl before, but I didnt like it. She was really good, and I really like the parents. But I hate being tied down at home. It would be so different if I had a regular job, but I hate be tied down at home. I would so much rather find some kind of work from home, like on the computer, but that seems to be pretty impossible too!, especially when you have no history of anything but factory work, and dial-up!
4. Kids tend to drive me nuts, especially when they are not my own. Unless they are good. But even my own drive me nuts. And babies are so unpredictable.

Okay, so those are the pros and cons of this, give me some advice everyone! Let me know what you think.

My hubby!

Today is the day that we started dating 5 years ago. So my hubby went out and got my an Mp3 player. Well, he was looking through a flyer and seen that it was going on sale for $5 less in the next couple days. He says 'Aw, I could've gotten it $5 less....oh well, you're worth it.' That means more to me than the gift. He was asking me if I wanted it for an anniversary present, which is in a month, or for the day we starting dating anniversary gift. So you know what I chose. He says 'you deserve it! I know how hard you work to keep up on the house and stuff and you have been working hard and I really appreciate you!' So I just about melted. He has been being really sweet lately, and those words alone mean so much more than anything he could buy me. Well, almost anything ;)

Teething!

Well, I am pretty sure that Ashlee is teething. She has been just a tiny bit fussy. And I know this because she is never fussy. She is always perfect and content and doesn't really cry unless she is hungry, tired, or wants a nuk. Those are pretty much the only reasons, sometimes if she is bored. But anyways. Lately she HAS been a little bit fussy, and whenever I put anything up to her mouth she clenches her lips together and won't let anything in her mouth, unless its her nuk. Last night the only thing I could get in her mouth was a cold wet washcloth. It is a little bit confusing because when I do get my finger in there to see if I can feel a tooth, I don't really feel anything. She also hasn't been eating at much. The other night she had a low-grade fever, and then I fed her some first foods, solids, and about an hour later she threw up so much it started coming out of her nose! It was a little bit scary. But when we woke up the next morning it was gone. So I don't know if she is teething, because of the fact that I just don't feel anything, of course it probably takes a few days for them to surface; maybe? I don't know. When Kevin was a baby his just itched and he chewed on everything, I didn't really have a problem with him teething other than a runny nose. If any of you have any suggestions, or similar situations, it may be helpful. Please let me know about your situations so that I am not so worried!

Redneck Smoke Alarm

Why Why Why!

Why, Why, Why

~Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting dead?

~Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they know there is not enough money?

~Why does someone
believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

~Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?

~Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

~Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?

~Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

~Whose idea was it to put an 'S' in the word 'lisp'?

~If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?

~Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?

~Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?

~Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?

~Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?

~Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?

~How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?

~When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, 'It's all right?' Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, 'That really hurt, why don't you watch where you're going?'

~Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?

~In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?

~How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?

~And my FAVORITE......The statistics on sanity is that one out of every four persons are suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.

****A day without a smile is like a day without sunshine!****

What do you think?

This is a poem I wrote for a friend of mine that I have had for all my life, since I was about 7 years old. She has been the most incredible friend to me that you could ever imagine and I love her so much, so to thank her and let her know how much I appreciate everything, I wrote her this poem. What I would like is a little bit of feedback. I want to make sure it is close enough to perfect before I give it to her so if you have any advice on how I could make it better, I would love to hear it and appreciate it so much. So here it is, Oh, and I also need a title.

You lift me up when I am down,

You're there through thick and thin,

You're truly loyal and loving too,

Someone I can confide in.

I know I've done some bad things

That could upset any good friend,

But we talked it out and you decided,

That's not important in the end.

You don't let any small things

Come between us, you let it go,

You care more about our friendship

And for that I want you to know,

You truly are the very best friend

I have ever had in my life

I love you like I would a sister

Even more through heartache and strife.

I hate to see you in pain

You're just like family to me,

I'll do anything in my power

That will support and make you happy.

We will always be the best of friends

And help eachother out

Whether you're here, or there, or anywhere,

That's what friendship is all about

I love you!

Okay, now tell me what you think and help me out a little, I would appreciate it soo much. Thanks everyone!

9 Crucial Tips!

Because of recent abductions
in daylight hours, refresh yourself
of these things to do
in an emergency situation...
This is for you,
and for you to share
with your wife,
your children,
everyone you know.
After reading these 9 crucial tips,
share them with someone you care about.
It never hurts to be careful
in this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do :
The elbow is the strongest point
on your body.
If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. Learned this from a tourist guide
in New Orleans
If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse,
DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM.
Toss it away from you....
chances are that he is more interested
in your wallet and/or purse than you,
and he will go for the wallet/purse.
RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car,
kick out the back tail lights

and stick your arm out the hole and

start waving like crazy.
The driver won't see you, but everybody else will.
This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars
after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit
(doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.)
DON'T DO THIS!
The predator will be watching you, and this
is the perfect opportunity for him to get in
on the passenger side, put a gun to your head,
and tell you where to go.
AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR ,
LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.

If someone is in the car
with a gun to your head
DO NOT DRIVE OFF,
repeat:
DO NOT DRIVE OFF!
Instead gun the engine
and speed into anything, wrecking the car.
Your Air Bag will save you.
If the person is in the back seat
they will get the worst of it .
As soon as the car crashes
bail out and run.
It is better than having them find your body
in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting
into your car in a parking lot,
or parking garage:
A.) Be aware:
look around you,
look into your car,
at the passenger side floor ,
and in the back seat
B.) If you are parked next to a big van,
enter your car from the passenger door.
Most serial killers attack their victims
by pulling them into their vans while the women
are attempting to get into their cars.
C.) Look at the car
parked on the driver's side of your vehicle,
and the passenger side.. If a male is sitting alone
in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back
into the mall, or work, and get a
guard/policeman to walk you back out.
IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY.

(And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator
instead of the stairs.
(Stairwells are horrible places to be alone
and the perfect crime spot.
This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7. If the predator has a gun
and you are not under his control,
ALWAYS RUN!
The predator will only hit you (a running target)
4 in 100 times; And even then,
it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ.
RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying
to be sympathetic:
STOP
It may get you raped, or killed.
Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking,
well educated man, who ALWAYS played
on the sympathies of unsuspecting women.
He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often
asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle,
which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point:
Someone just told me that her friend heard
a crying baby on her porch the night before last,
and she called the police because it was late
and she thought it was weird. The police told her
'Whatever you do,

DO NOT
open the door.'
The lady then said that it sounded like the baby
had crawled near a window, and she was worried
that it would crawl to the street and get run over.
The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way,
whatever you do,

DO NOT open the door.'
He told her that they think a serial killer
has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax
women out of their homes thinking that someone
dropped off a baby He said they have not verified it,
but have had several calls by women saying that
they hear baby's cries outside their doors
when they're home alone at night.

Please pass this on and DO NOT open the door
for a crying baby ----
This should probably be taken seriously because
the Crying Baby theory was mentioned on
America 's Most Wanted when they profiled
the serial killer in Louisiana.

A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle.