My Stick Family from WiddlyTinks.com

I finally have something to report. :) We went bowling yesterday and had so much fun. Brian wanted to do something special with the kids on his day off and they had unanimously decided on bowling. They had so much fun there. Bub, Mel, Luke, Vin, ABby, Jonas and Allie came with us and I think everyone just had a great time. Mia was scared of the ball at first, but she got used to it after I went with her a few times. Joelie was able to do two strikes and four spares so he was really proud of himself.

I gave Abby my turn after just a few go's. I didn't want to get too tired. I stayed entertained with Allies' antics (she really loved the ramp) and the other kids. Aftwerwards we went to mel and bubs' for a cookout.. I was glad to have a stressfree fun time with everyone !

It is a boy!

The ultrasound was today and the results were a definite boy. So in late november we ready for another Mr. Meece in the family

We've had a pretty busy week so far. Joel went to OHIO with my sister Abby , her husband and kids for Sat, Sun and he didn't come home until after midnight on Monday. His grandma Betty really enjoyed having him with her. They played computer games and jumped on the trampoline.. (he not her) *L* They sent me an email on Sunday to say hi.

I really missed my buddy, but I'm glad that hes' home again. I think he grew taller while he was gone :)

Amelia was really spoiled here while her brother was in Ohio. We went to cracker barrel, got taco bell another day, we went to the park and played in the slip n slide and splash pool. I think she enjoyed the attention :)

We had swim lessons last night, but the kids didn't get to be in the water because of thunder storms. Hopefully they will be able to Thurs night when they have their next swim lessons. Joel is looking forward to it, but AMelia is a little freaked out about being in the water without mommy.

I have vinnie today and wouldn't y0u know it. Today would be stormy and cold and my television needs a stupid smart card to work. Oh well, maybe I"ll take them to mcd' playland!!

Almost ten weeks along. I am so thankful for this number. My little peanut or should i say 'strawberry; is growing everyday and is now a fetus; no more of this embryo stuff for him/her :)

This week is somewhat of a landmark for your developing baby. By now, your baby's complete body plan is laid down. Your baby will continue to develop and grow for the remainder of the pregnancy. The fingers and toes have separated and the tail has disappeared now. Your baby has taste and tooth buds at this point, which will continue to develop. The brain will continue to grow at an amazing rate and nearly a quarter of a million new neurons are produced every minute! The embryonic heart is completely developed. External genitalia are not apparent until next week, but a male's testes will already be producing testosterone.

The kids are doing really well, we spend alot of time outside playin gon the swingset or riding bikes. It's nice because i can sit and concentrate on not getting sick while the kids have fun playing.

I found out my husbands' sister Karen is also pregnant and just a month behind me so thats' exciting. That will be the only cousin on Brians' side that will also be a witness. This is her first baby so I'm really excited for her.

Amelia has become such a big girl and is reading simple words and spelling and writing her name. She makes me so proud to be a mom. Shes' so easy and fun. I could easily say shes' my best friend *L*

Joel is doing really well too he is growing by leaps and bounds. he seems so tall these days I feel teenagerhood is almost knocking my door *L* thankfully we have quite awhile yet. He's such a smart little man though he is always two steps ahead of me :)

Brian is doing well even though he is on second shift which makes it a bit difficult for me and the kids to see him. we do have every weekend to be with him now though , which is nice for us. We sure like to have our daddy time :)

It's been a long week without most of the family. My mom, dad, Barbara, Abby and Alison have been in Florida, but they are coming home today. It's been a long week for me because of trying to go without the meds that I need so I don't hurt the baby. I have decided at least until i see the dr. on May 20th to take 1/4 th of the reg amount so that I can still function nominally. I have already been getting sick to my stomach and I am always ready for a nap. I hope that this isn't going to be such a 'long and winding' road and that teverything will calm down soon.

The kids have enjoyed the sunshine and the nicely mowed grass *thank you Brian* They had both the plastic tire swing and the swinging fishie break on them in as many weeks so we need new rope and chain. The swingset and mommys' swing are still in working order though so I think we'll be alright.

I have had Jonas alot this week and he and Joel slept just fine in the bunkbeds. I hope Donny got Jonas washed up before his mommy comes home this evening because yesterday Jonas and Mia got into some markers and used themselves as a drawing board. The girlie mia painted her nails besides the usual happy faces . They were quite a twosome though.

Brian working second shift is alot harder then I thought it would be. It just seems so lonely without him all evening. He doesnt' come home until we are all in bed. It doesn't feel like an eight hour shift that's for sure :( I am going to have to get busy in the evening to make this a little less difficult until he can go to first shift.

SO, you might have guessed

We've a new addition arriving in December. It is not a cat, nor a dog, but it s a baby. I just found out today and I couldn't be more excited. I know it's early to tell anyone, but I am just soo happy! :)

I think spring is being sprung? Could it be? I am so ready for spring I can't even tell ya. I am ready for the long days and the sunshine and not coming in all day just watching my children play. I am ready for a veggie garden and cleaning out the winter debris.. and the warmth! even the rain.. I don't mind the rain really, sometimes me and the kids go out in when it's a warmer rain and just run around and be silly. Thank you spring for 'springing'!

Tips for a better life.. (not witness, but still has some good points)

Tips for Better Life

1. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
3. Sleep for 7 hours.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Play more games.
6. Read more books than you did the previous year.
7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
11. Drink plenty of water.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
14. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
15. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
16. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
17. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
18. Smile and laugh more.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about. Don't compare your partner with others.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
25. Forgive everyone for everything.
26. What other people think of you is none of your business.
27. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
28. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
29. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
30. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
31. The best is yet to come.
32. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
33. Do the right thing!
34. Call your family often.
35. Your inner most is always happy. So be happy.
36. Each day give something good to others.
37. Don't over do. Keep your limits.

WE've been doing pretty good the last couple of days. Mon we went out all of us sisters to Rock Bottom it was nice to hang out together. Saturday night Barbara and I went out to a movie and before that BRian, me and Mia all went to steak and shake.. Dont' laugh we hardly get to go out any more so it was kind of a big deal *L* The meeting went well tonight; the children were very well behaved and I got alot out of it which is nice. I babysat Jonas and ALlie today and yesterday I had Vinnie so I have done my auntly duties :)

Things I did yesterday

• 4. Now I am on my computer; checking my online life out... it is 1.48 pm
• 3. Homeschool time!
• 2. I made chorizo and velveeta and a can of tomatoes and tomatillos and made burritos for me. It was too hot for Mia; she had fruit loops and milk.
• 1. Mia and I took a bath when we woke up; we used Fructis for curly/wavey hair.. I listened to the radio and read 'star' mag. :)
• 4. Now I am on my computer; checking my online life out... it is 1.48 pm
• 3. Homeschool time!
• 2. I made chorizo and velveeta and a can of tomatoes and tomatillos and made burritos for me. It was too hot for Mia; she had fruit loops and milk.
• 1. Mia and I took a bath when we woke up; we used Fructis for curly/wavey hair.. I listened to the radio and read 'star' mag. :)

Things I have to get done

• Finish the black couch room
• Empty big toys out of tv room
• porch
• Do the Laundry *

Things I did yesterday

• and lastly.. Mia just 'came in for a kiss' *L* I love my princess
• Now Mia is watching a movie and Joel is putting together his toy :)
• Then we went to goodwill and I got a babyscale for 6 dollars! Joel got a neo shaper new in box and Mia got a little beanie dog
• Today we went to the post office

Things I have to get done

• Finish the black couch room
• Empty big toys out of tv room
• porch
• Do the Laundry *

yes it's been awhile and no I'm not sorry *L*

I have had some recent happenings in my life that made my poem (lower down on my list ) really bring me back. It's funny how a poem you might write once, might have different meanings through the years, or months as your life continues. I am hoping to bring some new blood into my little coven.. I mean blog, but if I don't thats' okay too.

Brian had to go to work this week after having a few weeks off and I already miss him. I just do not know what to do with myself when Brian is working. I think it is harder because he works at night and I'm alone in the evening also.

We were glad to see that Brian has the weekend off of the circuit assembly on Feb 7th, but as always and we have no idea how this works out he will have to take vacation for the district convention, i would love a year where he didnt' have to work anyway and then that year perhaps we could go on an actual vacation. I want to see the beach and the ocean so bad, I can almost taste the salty air.

Amelia and Joel have been doing very well since I have been here last. Joel had his 'reading party' with his cousin Luke in Nov.. I think it was and it was a blast, Joel did very good and read his book )are you my mother?) almost all the way through until I told him he didn't have to continue, our guests eyes were starting to glaze over *L*

Amelia has been a busy little bee, it so funny to see how different my two kids are. Joel is very vivacious and doesn't know a stranger whereas Amelia is kind of shy and has always been my velcro baby, staying close to me as if her life depended on it. She reminds me so much of my littel sister Barbara at that age. Barbara wouldn't talk to anyone but famliy also.

Mia received a hair cut courtesy of her brother a few weeks ago. So now my littel girl has bangs. I was not happy about it because it makes her look older and I"m kind of going for 'looking like my baby' look *L* Shes' still kind of cute though .. Please leave a message ifyou find my blog and I will try to write back to you.