Sunday, May 31, 2009

Happy Birthday Mackenzie



Yesterday my oldest son -that I gave birth to turned nine. I just wanted to wish him online a Happy Birthday and on myspace (only) I told some of his story. So if you know my Myspace account you can see it or else ask :)

First of all Mackenzie Robert Taylor's Birth story. The second part I wanted to share is only my Myspace due to privacy.


I was married to Adam at the time and we worked at Domino's Pizza as managers together. My sister Cherish and I were pregnant at the same time. I would talk to my sister Angela who had already had a baby and she would tell me labor feels like someone squeezing my stomach so hard I can't breathe. Well one day I had pain but it didn't feel like that it felt like someone stabbed me and twisted the knife in my cervix. We lived an hour and a half from the hospital I was supposed to have Mackenzie. I went to the local hospital that had a bad rep and rubbed me the wrong way early in my life. They told me to take all these IV drugs and I didn't want to. They told me if I could talk through my contractions I wasn't in labor. They finally told me that they were giving me a bag of saline to hydrate me to help labor along. It wasn't saline and my labor stopped. I had an OB appointment and Ultrasound the next day and I couldn't' move out of my car. Adam ran in and got a wheel chair and a nurse. I begged them to induce me. Not that I needed much help. They did the exam and ultrasound I was 38 weeks. They sent me to the hospital to induce me and gave me a bunch of guilt trips about it. They put half a dose of cervidil and five minutes of the pit (hell in a needle I call it lol) and my contractions were right on top of each other. But they wouldn't show up on a stress test. It looked like uterine irritation. Oh man I was in pain. I finally gave in to IV drugs. I slept for 9 hours. I woke up like I was being stabbed to death screaming my head off. Adam and I had an argument over the epidural. I didn't want it. Finally I gave in to that as well. I slept another 9 hours lol. They woke me up to check my cervix and I couldn't feel NOTHING but a wet butt lol. I said I think my water broke because my rear is wet.... It had and I was at 10. They said ok time to push and I am like what how? I can't feel my own rear end! They woke up Adam and my sister in law. Adam had a seizure. Then there was drama about whether or not he should go to the ER. Then he wanted my sister in law to coach me. I was like no make sure Adam doesn't hurt himself this baby is coming with all the help of these nurses and midwife. I pushed out Mackenzie in about 30 minutes and he was perfectly fine. I had a great labor in my opinion.
By the way Mackenzie was born a week to the day of my nephew Matthew. Matthew was still in NICU when Mackenzie was born.





Thursday, May 28, 2009

Girls clothes for sale.... CUTE STUFF

I have been going through Skylar's clothes that she has grown out of. I am selling them really cheap so if you have any questions or want to make offers let me know. I have pictures posted to my albums.. I have one 12 month dress, few 18 months, few 2T or 24 months and a few 3T or size 3 Clothes. Find them here.





We moved to Huntsville in 2007. So Skylar was almost 4 and all I had for her when I came and what I bought once we got married was size four so this will be the majority of the size that I have. Some of these clothes are just good for play clothes. I don't guarantee they are free from cat hair, stain, or tear.. but I tried to point out the obvious. Most of it is as cheap as it gets pretty much just make offers and ask questions if your interested. I have a few size 5 and very few size 6 since thats the size Skylar is currently outgrowing and I am replacing. Some Gymboree, Old Navy and Children's Place brand.
View this album here

ATTN Military Flybabies!

Dear Military FlyBaby,

Our military families give up a lot for us. I want to give back to them. These young men and women join the military to serve our country.

My thoughts are to set up a group for our military families. I would like to visit at least one post or base a month, but that takes money. I know that I can use what is free to help them right now; BigTent Group, Facebook, Twitter and my BlogTalkRadio shows.

We all know a family who is in the military! I want us to send them a thank you note and invite them to join us on FlyLady Mentors. I know God is going to send us a sponsor to help me visit these families. Until then I will be sending out emails, doing BlogTalkRadio shows, answering your questions and maybe even doing some videos for them.

I need your help! If you are part of our military family and you have a question please send it to me. I will take your questions and answer one a day.

Send them to: FlyLady@flylady.net with MILITARY in the subject line.

If you want me to come to your area please let me know and get me a contact person. If any of you know our First Lady, Michele Obama please ask her to help us help these families! Even if it is just a video I can play to thank them for their service.

I love you all and I know together we can build these families up!

FlyLady
https://www.bigtent.com/groups/militaryflybabies
http://www.flylady.net/

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Updates on Blogger

On My Family Blogger.... I have A Gene Simmons Military Tribute that you MUST watch, I have some pictures of some 4 and 4T girls clothes I am selling for CHEAP low prices!, Our floor plan ideas for our new house, My Memorial Day message, Why Walmart sucks! so stay in touch and catch up on all the blogs i may not have had a chance to post on Myspace ... http://armyknightslady.blogspot.com/

On my Creative Blogger. See what I made for my Fallen Hero's... http://stormyariescreations.blogspot.com/?zx=c433f8bd47fff5c4

Are you keeping up with my Love Dare Blog? I am on Day 25. I have slacked off and gotten lazy but I am almost there! Sunday was the last day of Mustang Marriage and I have yet to post about THAT! It was awesome as usual. http://bellaslovedare.blogspot.com/

Of course we stay busy preparing for William's arrival. I am now 29 weeks pregnant and I have just less than 10 weeks to go WOOHOO! I will be posting his 3D Ultrasound pictures once I get them today so don't miss checking back on my blog, reading about my baby shower and things are going to get busier the closer we get!
http://anotherrecruitontheway.blogspot.com/
I've still be narley sick but I am hanging in there.
Here is how I keep people updated on what I am doing for William
http://peridotchecklist.blogspot.com/

Of course when I post a blog to Xanga it posts on my face book as well!
Don't forget myspace www.myspace.com/armyknightslady!

Gene Simmons Military Tribute

Size 4 and 4T Play Clothes I am selling






































If your interested let me know

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

We are going to buy a house!

We know someone that has had a house built by a different company than the ones we are looking at. They advertise Big House Little Price... But their big house is like a Car without breaks... nothing is standard you have to buy EVERYTHING... So we probably won't go with the Hunter Builders but we've been "stalking" Adams homes and have went to three different sites to look and see what was available to build and for how much... We have viewed a few different established homes in the same price range and we worry about the integrity of the house that's 20 years old versus building our own and we can pick and choose down the faucet we put in the kitchen right off. We just don't have anything more than the VA Loan we are approved for to afford the house itself and with repairs or maintenance. We were told it would be a far shot to get what we wanted for our price point. Either in a built house or an established one which is 4 bedroom 3 bath with the Master upstairs... I would REALLY want a bonus room, finished basement, or mother in law suite for James and Alex but its not panning out. Rick is very admiate of not getting a house with acreage because him and James are too lazy to keep it up lmao.



This is probably my second favorite or favorite in our price range. It has the utility room upstairs but it only has two bathrooms which I really would prefer James have his third. But its probably not going to happen. The rooms and closets are a little smaller than I would like not much bigger than we have now. I wanted more room and grow into it because I don't want o outgrow a house. Not a nice kitchen but an Ok kitchen with a few cabinets. I also have conflicts with the stair for three reasons. I like stairs good for containing mess and noise... Cons on Stairs are Lightening wouldn't do so well with them plus baby gates. Skylar sleep walks for unknown reasons right now and she would have to be responsible for herself making sure the gates were closed. Of course we know baby and gates are never a good mixture. A screened in porch is available for a little extra cost as well as a privacy fence as in most of their models.



We were told this is the PERFECT floor plan for us. It gives James his own "space" including his own bathroom, bedroom and entry (through the garage.) I like how the kitchen is set up. I fear the bar being over the carpet but I can fix that. I like a plant ledge they have in the living area's it gave it some uniqueness but at the same time its a dust catcher isn't it? Or attracts curious cats and bird? Probably with the price range of 2034 we wouldn't be able to afford upgrades like the garage door opener, fence, porch, Whirlpool jets lol... etc



YaY for three bathrooms. Kinda serves my purpose in helping me help James become an adult self kwim? Gives him more freedom and less drama and fighting with the children. The dining area can be used as a study. Is it just me or does it seem like a long 3 am walk to nurse the baby? LOL. I like the size of two of the closets in this house too! No porch available according to the floor plans....




The con's about this one are again James and Skylar have to share a bathroom with James said was alright he figured he would HAVE to.. I was actually pushing for him NOT to. We could get an archtechtualy less quality house. Its not as nice looking inside or out but with a thousand more square feet in the middle of no where not locally. Pro's are sq footage still not what I want but I am spoiled lol. I like the Master Closet it was very glamour. Stairs are a pro and a con as posted in another comment. The loft is a pro and a con because it gives the kids a play area away from visitors but at the same time I see cat and or child catapult over the half wall provided not thinking that the stair case below will kill them if I don't first. This one only has space for 2 bathrooms and the utility room is down stairs. We would really like the screened in porch just because Rick and I like to sit outside and it would be sort of a play room for the cats and bird (of course we would have to kitty proof it with plexiglass)

Monday, May 25, 2009

Remember what Memorial Day is for...





In memory of my old high school buddy Blake.

Legacy Page

Fallen Hero Page



A fallen hero from Calhoun GA. Alot of my friends know him and I may have met him a time or two.

Fallen Hero Page



Sgt Hasenflu was in my friends unit in Afghanistan. I was there with his wife when she got the call.

Fallen Hero Page

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Walmart sucks and this is why....

First of all Walmart USED to be all about Made in America... Now its all outsourcing. I don't believe in outsourcing. They coerce their vendors into out-sourcing to other countries in order to provide Wal-Mart with a cheaper wholesale price. As a result Wholesalers that can't comply go out of business. Also as a result Americans lose jobs because work is outsourced to accomidate Wal-Mart's demands. and as a result They rely on cheap labor from countries with less than ethical standards of child labor.
If we out source everything they how are our factory workers going to have jobs to be able to afford Walmart. Towns like Detroit will be non existent! Detroit is already going bankrupt because no one is buying American cars.
To me its common sense. My ex boyfriend used to work in a carpet mill and they outsourced to Brazil. Wouldn't you know the rugs are sold at Kmart and Walmart. If we put Americana's out of jobs then who can even afford Wal-Marts "low low prices."

Employee's of Walmart and the like have actually asked a Military Spouse what deployment is. If Korea was out of the country... ok GO BACK TO SCHOOLLLL!

Yes no one is forcing anyone to work at Walmart but with the economy and unemployment these days and your a single mother are you going to refuse a job?
I've heard they only hire part time so they don't have to give their employee's insurance or benefits. They end up treating their employee's like crap. Before my first husband died he worked at Sams Club as a Credit Manager. (Sam's club is owned by Walmart) and he was on the floor helping a customer with a safe and the customer dropped his end of the safe so my husband hurt his back. Walmart wouldn't pay disability for him AND gave him a demotion to Door Greeter. Manager to Door Greeter because you hurt your back by having GOOD customer service? Alrighty then!

Wal-Mart is hypocritical. They didn't (when I used to shop there) allow Mature rated movies, music, games or toys (like WWE toys etc) They even banned a certain barbie because she was pregnant alrightly then. BUT they will sell the most HOOCHIE style clothes for our CHILDREN. I have seen more baby booty and mid drift (for a two year old really) than I have for adults. Oh yeah when you can buy a mid drift top for your two year old but wouldn't dare find it in the adult clothing. Isn't that hypocritical and don't they realize that it may be promoting Pedophiles.

The American Way is being put to death by Wal-Mart. IMHO... The American way has always been come to America and be an entrepreneur. Mom and Pop business's still could play a VERY large part in today's society and they just can't afford to outsource that way or beat Wal-marts prices. Walmart also tells companies what they are going to charge for products or they won't carry them. That's like Musicians telling MTV what they will play or they won't let them use their music. It puts small business (even big business) OUT Of business. Not fair in my opinion.

They don't stand behind their own guarantee's. I buy a vacuum I have a receipt and its less than a week old and I can't return the vacuum because its under warranty. I have to send it back to the manufacturer.

Back to how they treat their employee's I read a story that an employee had insurance disability insurance because she worked at Walmart nearly till retirement. She got in a car accident and she was able to collect her Walmart Disability. But once the party that caused the car accident paid up the woman was told she would have to give the money from Walmart back. Her son died in Iraq the next day (not that its truly relievant but it is to me because I am an Army wife and mom) Walmart is greedy. They eventually got so much bad press they let her keep the disability. But she already had to divorce her husband so she could qualify for the type of care she needed underneath the medicaid program... Ok more tax payer money because Walmart probably only second richest next to the oil companies won't give the woman what she deserves!

Walmart offers great discounts on prescriptions... but not to the military. We aren't offered the same discount as everyone else.

They sacrafice quality for quantity and cheapness. In this society. People are so quick to rush around and be chaotic but we don't have to be stopping to acknowledge a customer, getting to know their needs and telling them have a good day may be more rewarding in the long run. That person may be back tomorrow just because you smiled at them.

Wal-Mart is notorious for taking advantage of small towns. In order to increase money spent in their town, a town may wish Wal-Mart to set up shop to drive business to the town. In order to encourage Wal-Mart to do so, the town will often offer Wal-Mart a no-tax, tax break. This means for a period of several years, Wal-Mart may collect sales tax and forward it to the government but they will not be responsible for other taxes. Many times Wal-Mart has been open and done business until their deal is up and when the town no longer wants to offer the tax-break, Wal-Mart abandons their store leaving a shell. Now an entire huge Wal-Mart store is empty, no small business can afford to buy it and large businesses don't want to bother because they'd have to pay to remodel it so it wouldn't look like a Wal-Mart anymore. This results in a large, abandoned, commercial area that isn't generating the town any money.

Not everything you buy at Walmart is more inexpensive then other major retailers. Its made cheaper but not every thing is more inexpensive. Why do you think Target profits aren't hurting by Walmarts bulliness? Kmart/Sears does what they can to support our troops!

More to come...

By the way since Feburary 2008 I have spent less than $20 at Walmart. You can TOO!

*Resources
Cafemom
Walmart is ALWAYS bad for business ALWAYS
Amazon.com How Wal-Mart is Destroying America and The World and What You Can Do About It
Green Day VS Walmart. I will buy their CD like it or not on FYE or Itunes. I at least appreciate their effort.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Help my Crystal win!


http://www.theoriginalscrapbox.com
Go to her post and please post about it on your blog and then leave a comment on her blog and leave the link where you posted it so she can get the points to win! Each comment that has a link back to your post about this gives her 25pts! lets help her win this awesome scrapbox.
She really wants this so please everyone go DAILY to this link here : http://www.theoriginalscrapbox.com/catalog/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=102 and click on number 258 and vote for her!!

* I stole this from Olenka's blog cause Crystal asked me too lol

To see Crystals Blog go here http://favorite-hello.blogspot.com/
To see Olenka's Blog go here http://lifestylesofascrapper.blogspot.com/
anddd if you want to see my scrapbooking (not much there :( ) and or my other creations http://stormyariescreations.blogspot.com