No more Pleo

at 01/27/10 2:40PM

While I have enjoyed my time here it is time for me to say goodbye. I am on facebook at tarabrown522@yahoo.com. I would love to keep in touch. :)

WAIT! What about Lydias baby sibling? Tell us before you go..... PLEASE.

by friedaj at 01/28/10 8:55PM

10 day countdown

at 01/11/10 6:40PM

Unless this little one comes early ---my C-section will be next thurs. the 21st. This weekend will be the last weekend of just the 3 of us---and we are going to do something special with Lydia, she is not going to know what hit her when our time will have to be shared. I am so happy that we have shared these 4 years with just her and us. She will be a great big sister but I do feel that she will try to "take over". I am kinda sad that it will be no longer the 3 of us and know that when the new ones comes I will be thrilled with the 4 of us but does anyone get what I am feeling? Did anyone else have this feeling when adding a new one? I know my heart is big enough for both of them and then some. I am going to miss being pregnant and feelling the feelings of a new creature inside me. Till then, my posts will most likely be on Facebook since adding here pics I have not attempted.

only 10 days, how exciting!

by kristiegore at 01/11/10 7:05PM
I'll be praying for all to go well! Enjoy this last bit of time with your little family of 3 :)

by trevaesa at 01/11/10 8:19PM
i totally get what you are saying.
i felt sad about going from 3 to 4 in the family.
there are 3 years between sarah and ross.
i worried that i wouldn't love the 2nd baby as much as the first (i can tell ya not to worry about it, that same feeling you have with the first just takes over when the 2nd one arrives!)
it's the same...but different. in a good way.
i love how it all works out.
i'm so excited for you!

by monk at 01/11/10 9:13PM
Yea! So happy for you! I will pray for you and your precious new baby boy!

by txwhittlec at 01/11/10 10:07PM
I know the feeling, and you don't think you could possibly love someone as much, but it is amazing. You can and do. Do not let yourself feel sorry for Lydia, either. No child ever replaces another child. She is not being shafted, or put in second place, or loosing anything.

I never even mentioned OR alluded to the "J" word (*jealous*) when a new baby was born. (Other people will sometimes, and they may talk about how hard it will be for her, but don't let it happen. It doesn't have to be that way. In fact, the more you talk about it or feel sorry for her, and encourage those feelings, the more they will pick up on and think they are supposed to feel that way.) One thing we always made sure of when a new baby came: When Daddy came home from work, he did not run to the new baby first (the baby doesn't know at that age). He would hug on the older ones and play with them for a little while. Also, I allowed the other children to help (especially when they are offering), even if it takes longer to do something. But I never "forced" them to help or to hold the baby. But when they wanted to, I tried to make sure they could as much as they wanted. Keep doing things that focus on Lydia, like you have been, only the baby gets to go with you too. If you OVERdo it , kids are SO smart, she will catch on that you feel sorry for her, and she will feel like she should feel sorry for herself.

I hope this made sense, and I hope it helps. I am so excited for you and for Lydia! You will do just fine, and so will Lydia. :)

by shawnsgirl1 at 01/13/10 11:05AM
I understand. I think you will all do great. I remember having some apprehension, mixed feelings, and other feelings you are having. I think it is normal and natural to feel that way. Any time I am faced with changes, I have some form of those same feelings...kind of scary even. You had a little more time than I did before the second. I am sure you will treasure those memories, and many more to come :) Remember there is no right or wrong distance between children. It is what it is. I was hoping to encourage you. I had someone tell me a long time ago... that when they [children] are little, they step on your toes, and when they are older [teenagers], they step on your heart. I couldn't believe someone actually said that. That was not encouraging to me at all, especially with as many children as I have. I think it doesn't have to be that way, just like the "terrible twos"...it doesn't have to be that way. Mine had "terrific twos"...and I have had (am having) a great time with my teenagers. I'm not saying there are NEVER problems with two year olds or teenagers. I think training plays a big roll, including lots of happy times, love, and laughing. OK, now I am rambling on. Anyway, I am so excited for you. :) BTW, I am feeling great. We will be going to lectures. Maybe we will see you :)

by shawnsgirl1 at 01/13/10 6:02PM
{{{{HUGS}}}}

by friedaj at 01/13/10 10:09PM
You're right, your baby will be very new :) I totally understand staying at home for the first few weeks with him. We ARE planning to attend TT while we are there. My mom and dad will be there also:). They are staying with my Aunt Shirley on FC campus. We will be staying with Shawn's brother and his wife, J.D. and Tara. Have a great weekend together! and I think that is great that her favorite place to eat is a steakhouse ...that is too funny!! :)

by shawnsgirl1 at 01/14/10 3:52AM

A homemade christmas!

at 10/27/09 11:58AM

I would love to make some things for my family for Xmas instead of purchasing things. So what are some idea you all have seen out there? I am going to be doing some chex mix)by the way why do we only make it during the holidays and no other time during the year?) But what are some ideas you all have done--Thank you!!!! I just think for me it would be best this year. Appreciate it! :)

I made carmel corn one yr for family and teachers and put it in decorative tins. i have also made candle's out of bee's wax, Soap, and poputtri.

by holliback2 at 10/27/09 12:27PM
I make jewerly for the girls.

by linseytaylor at 10/27/09 1:45PM
ahhh nice

by lydiasmother at 10/27/09 3:05PM
Personalized magnets....very easy and cute

by vanessacox at 10/27/09 3:11PM
last year I did the same thing... I googled "homemade gift ideas" and got several pages worth of ideas, plus some instructions for the less self-explainitory things. Good luck!

Another thing that a dear friend of mine did was send me a tin of cookies - all different kinds, with a recipe for each. It was great!

by trevaesa at 10/27/09 3:54PM
Ross is in the oil business...and EX Mobil wanted someone from his company to come out and do some research about a drill they will working on!! It was a way easy job..and just a lucky treat for all us!!!

by sunnylee at 10/27/09 7:38PM
You take some of those clear flat marbles (got mine at michaels), cut out pictures from magiznes the same size, attach with a clear silicone, let it dry then attach, with glue, magnets to the back. Put them in a cute little tin and you've got yourself a cute little gift. Found the idea, with good instructions, on line.

by vanessacox at 10/28/09 7:58AM
You can take pictures of Lydia and make some very cute picture frames from craft stores and hand them out to grandparents. You can make gift baskets according to various people's interests (baking ones with all of the ingredients for a specific cookie, craft baskets with all of the supplies for a specific project, etc..). If you have any old songbooks around, you can cut out someone's favorite hymn, buy a cheap kit from a craft store to "age" the paper (or just crumple it up, dip it in some coffee, let it dry) and put it in a nice picture frame. Those sell in religious book stores for $40 or more sometimes.

by pooky at 10/28/09 3:24PM
yes, sarah is 5 months pregnant.
they don't know yet whether it's a boy or girl.
she took a drugstore test (it's a new test) to determine the sex of the baby. it has an 85 % accuracy rate (everyone we know that's taken the test received an accurate prediction).
the test says it's another girl!
she has an ultrasound in a few weeks...so we'll see.

by monk at 11/01/09 7:36AM
kaelyn actually (accidentally) called her mother during their house closing by hitting the redial button on the phone. sarah told me after the closing that she heard kaelyn jabbering on the voicemail.

by monk at 11/03/09 9:36AM
One year, I bought and assembled 2 model cars: one for my brother and one for my sister. The cars? Well, each was a vintage car that both my brother and my sister had driven. For my sister, I made her an AMC Gremlin, just like the one Daddy bought for her when she turned 16. I even painted it the same color: tan. For my brother, I wanted to get him a Ford Maverick, but they didn't have one. They did have a Mercury Comet, which is pretty much the same thing. And I painted it blue, just like our old Maverick. Well, they both really got a kick out of those presents.

But, I still felt that I'd cheated, because I got to put the models together and I enjoyed every minute of it. It was almost like I had bought myself a present as well. I guess that's what making Christmas presents is all about.

by bryanharwell at 11/05/09 6:31AM
i know.
kitties just take it so easy.
watching them is like staring into a fire.
so calming!

by monk at 11/10/09 12:11PM
Hi Tara, don't get on here much, but looks like you are getting ready to have another little one, congrats, send pictures, hope you and your family are doing well.

by lilah at 11/10/09 11:01PM
Cookbook is great! Just haven't had time to make anything yet. As far as gifts go, I always make a photo calendar. Costco is the cheapest by far. I've also made vanilla extract, and house seasoning (paula dean) in years past.

by wafflemouse at 11/13/09 9:44PM
I bought them several years ago online at sks-bottle.com

by wafflemouse at 11/14/09 10:09AM
Umm, big toe not doing so hot...just wanted to give you an honest answer! :)

by create_a_way at 11/14/09 11:52PM
Yeah, the idea of a nursing necklace is to give baby something to play with/ tug on while nursing, other than Mama's hair. :) If you're interested, I can definitely make you one! :)

by wifelet at 11/16/09 8:35AM
"God made dirt
dirt don't hurt"
sounds like something ernest t. on andy griffith would say.
and, i DON'T even want to know all the things i've eaten in my life.
oh....i'm feelin' sick!!

by monk at 12/04/09 7:54PM
i do have some cornhuskers.
it didn't occur to me to use it on her face.
i will now.
thanks!

by monk at 12/12/09 5:38PM
Good, thanks! How about you? You don't have much longer! :)

by txwhittlec at 12/16/09 4:11PM

Not much but interesting never the less- Taken from Josh Hastings!

at 10/20/09 11:57AM

OK. Here's the deal with this one: you can ONLY answer YES or NO. I know, I know, you're like "77 questions?! no way!" But it really does take less than 5 minutes to do this. And if it does take longer than 5 minutes, you're probably censoring your answers! ;-)

You're not allowed to explain ANYTHING unless someone messages or comments you and asks. Trust me, the temptation to explain some of these will be overwhelming!

1. Kissed any one of your Facebook friends? (or Pleo friends)--- YES
2. Been arrested? --- NO
3. Kissed someone you didn't like? --- YES
4. Slept in until 5 PM? --- YES
5. Fallen asleep at work/school? --- YES
6. Held a snake? --- YES
7. Ran a red light? --- YES
8. Been suspended from school? ---YES
9. Experienced love at first sight? --- YES
10. Totaled your car in an accident? --- NO
11. Been in a vehicle at more than 100 mph? --- NO
12. Driven a vehicle at more than 100 mph? --- NO BUT CLOSE
13. Fired somebody? --- NO
14. Sang karaoke? --- YES
15. Pointed a gun at someone? --- DOES PELLET GUN COUNT, PAINT BALL GUN? THEN YES
16. Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? --- YES
17. Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? --- YES
18. Caught a snowflake on your tongue? --- YES
19. Kissed in the rain? --- YES
20. Had a close brush with death (your own)? --- NO
21. Ever feared for your life? --- YES
22. Seen someone die? --- YES
24. Sang in the shower? --- YES
25. Smoked a cigar? --- YES
26. Sat on a rooftop? --- YES
27. Smuggled something into another country? --- YES
28. Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on? --- YES
29. Broken a bone? --- YES
30. Skipped school? --- YES
31. Sleepwalked? --- NO I DON'T THINK SO AT LEAST
32. Walked a moonlit beach? --- YES
33. Ridden a motorcycle? --- YES
34. Dumped someone? --- YES
35. Forgotten your anniversary? --- NO
36. Lied to avoid a ticket? --- NO
37. Ridden on a helicopter? --- YES
38. Shaved your head? --- NO
39. Played a prank on someone? --- YES
40. Hit a home run? --- NO
41. Felt like killing someone? --- NO
42. Cross-dressed? ---LIKE A MIME SO LOOKS LIKE A GUY KINDA
43. Been falling-down drunk? --- NO
44. Made your girlfriend/boyfriend/sig-oth/spouse cry? --- YES
45. Eaten snake? --- NO
46. Marched/Protested? --- NO
47. Had Mexican jumping beans for pets? --- NO
48. Puked on amusement ride? --- YES
49. Seriously & intentionally boycotted something? --- YES
50. Been in a band?--- NO
51. Knitted? ---YES
52. Been on TV? --- YES
53. Fired a gun? --- YES
54. Skinny-dipped? --- YES
55. Gave someone stitches? --- YES (WHOOPS)
56. Eaten a whole habenero pepper (or other hot peppers)? --- NO
57. Ridden a surfboard? --- YES BUT NOT REALLY lol
58. Drank straight from a milk carton? --- YES
59. Had surgery? --- YES
60. Streaked? --- YES
61. Taken by ambulance to hospital? --- NO
62. Peed on a bush? --- YES
63. Donated Blood? --- YES
64. Grabbed an electric fence? --- NO
65. Eaten alligator meat? --- YES
66. Eaten cheesecake? --- YES
67. Killed an animal when not hunting? ---NO
68. Peed your pants in public? --- YES
69. Snuck into a movie without paying? ---YES
70. Written graffiti? --- NO
71. Still loved someone you shouldn't? --- YES
72. Think about the future? --- YES
73. Been in handcuffs? ---YES
74. Believe in love? --- YES
75. Sleep on a certain side of the bed? --- YES
76. Have a tattoo? --- YES
77. Have a piercing(s) --- NO

piercing--YES

by lydiasmother at 10/20/09 12:09PM
You've streaked? I'd LOVE to hear that story! LOL.

by hoose at 10/20/09 1:33PM
handcuffs?

by txwhittlec at 10/20/09 3:17PM
Yes, I would like to hear the streaking and peeing your pants in public stories please. :)

by pooky at 10/21/09 12:43AM
So do I have to? LOL

by lydiasmother at 10/21/09 10:05AM
The pumpkin butter was easy. I posted the recipe under my post on my Facebook. It's not even a real recipe, but it is what I did. :)

by isabeau_danjou at 10/22/09 10:18PM
Pretty good, thanks for asking! :) Hope you and little baby are doing well! :)

by txwhittlec at 10/23/09 10:45PM

Only thing new is something in blue!!!!

at 09/13/09 1:46PM

Due late January will be an addition to our already blessed family!!!! Doing well and enjoying the joys of pregnancy. The best thing of being pregnant is feeling that little in your tummy. What was the best part for you? I tell Greg that I am sorry he does not get to feel the little one inside, it is the most glorious thing to me at least. Hopefully this one will head down before the 8th mnth--whew talk about movement that was almost scarey watching that!!!! God is good.

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Congratulations!! Little boys are so wonderful!

by turtle_girl at 09/13/09 3:47PM
aww, congrats!!!!

by rica5219 at 09/13/09 3:50PM
A boy? That's great! So happy for you!

by larry_shannon at 09/13/09 3:57PM
Tara....congratulations....wonderful news. Little boys are wonderful. I LOVED being pregnant...both of my pregnancies were fantastic. Feeling the movement for the first time and the months to come is just an awesome experience....hope you have an easy go of it.

by momster at 09/13/09 4:39PM
Congrats boys are totally different than girls but just as fun.

by holliback2 at 09/13/09 4:54PM
Congrats to you guys! So you guys already know its a boy?! I love having a boy and the girls. You will enjoy being a mommy again no matter what the baby is but both are special for so many reasons. My birthday is the 25th and it has always been a great day for me and I am willing to share that day with someone else!!!!

by crazy_mama at 09/13/09 5:57PM
Congratulations!!!

by kristindoula at 09/13/09 7:23PM
26th is a good day to have a baby...I'm with crazy mama, I'd be willing to share! I LOVED being pregnant...felt great, my body image was better than any other time in my life, feeling that little one move around, hearing the heartbeat and knowing God has given you this special and unique gift. Congratulations!!! So happy for you.

by vanessacox at 09/13/09 8:16PM
Congrats!!!! My favorite part was laying in bed feeling Reagan moving around. I also love how my hubby, mom and mother-in-law would rub and talk to my tummy. :o)

by linseytaylor at 09/13/09 9:21PM
Wow, how exciting!!! Yea! So happy for you! :)

by txwhittlec at 09/13/09 10:59PM
Thanks. I've just recently thought about selling my bows - my husband has been suggesting that I get an etsy shop! I still think I have some learning to do for them to be good, but I'm my own worst critic! I have some pictures of others I've made if you're interested, though!

by mrs_worm at 09/15/09 9:11AM
Congratulations! What is your due date?

by friedaj at 09/15/09 1:38PM
AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats girl!! I'm so sorry I'm just now finding out and congratulating you!! My heart and excitement is w/ you!

by sunnylee at 09/17/09 1:16PM
Congrats Tara!

by lilyofthevalley at 09/17/09 6:19PM
Congratulations! I hope everything goes well with you and the baby.

by bryanharwell at 09/20/09 1:57PM
Congratulations!! I didn't realize you were expecting again! I can speak from experience... boys are amazing!! I hope everything goes well. Pregnancy wasn't my most fun-filled part of life. I had very easy pregnancies with zero trouble (including vomiting and whatnot) and yet, I still did not love it. I did, however, enjoy the movement of the baby inside. That is truly incredible. Congrats again!

by sjb at 09/20/09 11:43PM
what a blessing!

by monk at 09/21/09 10:47AM
I'm a 1/24 baby so it looks like you have lots of options for having it on one of our bdays :-) Congrats. and thanks for the prayers on our behalf as well. I'll be praying your pregnancy goes well!

by dragonwriter at 09/24/09 12:57PM
I didn't know you were pregnant. Hope all goes well for you.

by sutherngirl at 10/01/09 2:49PM
happy happy!!
i was sick every second thru both pregnancies, so the best part was having my babies!

by monk at 10/02/09 11:37AM