Convo of the day...

Micah, after waking up and going to the bathroom to pee: "Mommy! My pee-pee is BIG!!!"

Check out my beauty queen...

Where does the time go??? How did she turn 12?

Truth and Consequences

Oh my! Oh my! How the truth has a way of making itself known. I know the truth about what has been going on. No more details needed. I just know the truth. Thank you God for revealing the truth through such an unlikely source.

Another TRIP at the Dentist

So a couple of months ago Micah, my three year old, had his teeth cleaned and Dr. Heather found a cavity. Eeek! I'm a bad mom. So we set up an appt. to have it filled. Now Dr. Heather is a pediatric dentist (why I will never know) so she knows what she is doing. She informs me that we will give him a sedative via a gummy bear and it will make him loopy-loo. Sounds great to me. So we give him the gummy and wait. Waiting, waiting waiting. So after 30 minutes the nurse calls him back and we are ready to go.

Uh-oh. Micah is not happy about all of these people being in his face. He proceeds to kick, scream, pinch and bite! Wow, too late now we've already started. So how many women does it take to hold down a 3 year old? The answer is FOUR! After all is said and done, Micah has a tooth filled, mom is exhausted, one nurse has a pinched boob and Dr. Heather has a bitten finger (something tells me it's not the first) but all is well. So we go home and an hour later, THE SEDATIVE KICKS IN!!! So I sat and laughed at how loopy-loo he was at home instead of at the dentist office.

Fast forward to now. Micah has another 2 cavities...Yes I know, I am a bad mom! So this time we get smart about things and Dr. Heather advises me that we will be using a LIQUID sedative so we know that it will work. So here we go. We get to the office and force poor Micah to drink this nasty purple stuff. He is such a good boy though he just drinks it down, completely against his will. Give him 30 minutes and we are LOOPY-LOO!!! Woo-hoo! This time it worked. We get back into the chair and Dr. Heather says "The med. will peak at 45 minutes so I am kinda waiting till then, we don't want a rerun of what happened last time." I'm thinking, smart woman.

So at 45 minutes we begin. First of all if you have never put a "clown mask" on a three year old, don't try it. They don't like it, no matter how good the "fresh air" smells. Strawberry or not! So then we begin the process of opening his mouth. Hmmm, not looking too great. Dr. Heather calls mom over to help hold Micah's hands. Now so far we have made him drink yucky purple stuff, put something on his nose, pinched his cheek with a yucky shot, clipped a metal biting thing on his tooth, laid a rubber sheet over his mouth (which he is a mouth breather by the way) and now mom is holding his hands still. Wow what a spot to be in when you are three. By the time both teeth were filled, Mom (me) was laying on top of him, holding his hands and legs still, Dr. Heather is holding his lip up and filling a tooth, Nurse #1 is holding Micah's shoulders down and Nurse #2 is holding his head still. All the while Micah is screaming BLOODY murder and crying...we had to shut the door to his room so as not to frighten the 6 year old in the room next to us.

Whew! We are finally done and this is the outcome...now keep in mind that the cavity was on the top. So his top lip is numb and sucked into his very unhappy mouth and yes those are very drunk eyes. He just has not had a good time this morning.

This is his very swollen and still unhappy lip which he bit during his visit. Actually he bit both sides, top and bottom but this is the worst one. My poor baby! If this doesn't make me wanna brush his teeth morning, noon, and night, I don't know what will! Mom of the year award coming my way!!!

My new friend...

This is my new friend...her name is Liz!

What have i been doing?...I'm out of practice!!!

I had free time to kill the other day so I sat down to draw. After drawing for three days, I decided that it has been too long since I have really drawn. I love drawing but I just don't have a lot of time to draw. Well, the past few days I have made the time and now I am mad at myself for letting this much time go since I have really drawn. It's true, if you don't use it...you lose it. So now I have to get back in touch with the artist inside of me so I can get back to where I was 4 years ago!

The Bain of My Existence

You know it's said that the deepest anger is rooted in hurt. I can't even tell what emotion is stronger right now, ANGER or HURT. The kids had another visit with Marcus today. Enough said? No? Well now not only do I have to deal with Graces crazy 10 year old emotions when they come home from their biological father's house but now I get to deal with it when they come back from a visit with Marcus!!! Ryane just is a island to herself. She deals in her own quiet way. Grace lashes out in a high pitched sing-songy yell, at me. Over what does'nt matter, just whatever pushes her button at the right moment. So, here we go now, all the times that Marcus "took care of her" when she came back from Rick and now Marcus is the one that's making her react like that! Not only that but now I have to deal with my own emotions after a visit with him!!@!!!@!!@ He was always there to talk me away from the ledge of Rickey! Who is there to talk me away from the ledge of Marcus? I AM SO ANGRY AND HURT TODAY!!!!! (People pay shrinks good money to be able to say stuff like that...I'm too poor so I have to shrink myself)

How 3 is Micah?

You always here about the Terrible Two's, but nobody warns you about the third year. Micah, who can sweep anyone off their feet with one look, is three. As we walk through the store, I hear all of the time "Oh! How adorable." or "He is so cute" or any other positive comment that you can think of over an adorable little boy.

Someone the other day made a comment that stuck with me though. She said "Oh you are so cute I would just find it terribly hard to punish you, but I bet your momma doesn't have a problem with it." I had to smile at that because it is so true. I have to admit that Micah can make me smile at almost any given time just by being himself but he is such a little booger that I can let him have it at almost any given time as well.

He has just hit this point to where I think he is just plain bored being at home. Not enough stimulation so he invents trouble for himself.

*He has discovered that by standing on the toilet, he can easily climb into the bathroom sink which is only secured to the wall, nothing underneath.

*He has found out what happens when you pour a gallon of Chocolate milk into a gallon of tea.

*He has figured out that neosporin can also act as glue for breathe right nose strips to stick to jewelry boxes and other miscellaneous spots in the house.

*He discovered that by blaming his 18 month old brother, he won't get into as much trouble.

*He thinks by saying "Sorry" as soon as you say his name that he won't get fussed at.

*He figured out that his sisters like to leave kitchen knives out on the cabinet so he cuts his own apples.

*He's decided that he's not going to go to sleep for naptime or bedtime.

*He's decided that he can sit in my bed and pee for no apparent reason.

*He really likes to pee into the bathtub when the toilet is right behind him.

And this is all within the past week or so. Shall I go on? Well, probably not necessary. Truth of the matter is I love the little monster and he can make me smile just by being himself. And his soft little kisses mean just about everything to me. God love ya Micah, God love ya!

Empathy or Just Plain Nosey, it's a trip.

You know my life is not that bad. Sure my husband has left but still, my life is not that bad. I have my health and I have 4 beautiful children, who are also healthy(minus an ear infection). The Lord is blessing me in my life literally left and right. I got to spend a full month at my sister's house this summer. Met many wonderful people while there. Have a TON of people praying for me. Have friends who truly care about me. Have people giving us clothes, which were really needed. The Lord is truly wonderful is all of his rich blessings and his grace.

Now, I can say that because it is true. Some people however don't want that to be true. How very unfortunate for them. If you are truly interested in how I am coping, then read below. HOWEVER, if you are only interested for the sake of gossip then you may stop reading now because you are nothing but selfish people who have nothing better to do than get the DISH so you can pass it on to someone else. I don't need you in my life.

So for those that really want to know, I am managing just fine. For those that know me well you will remember that I have been down this road once before. Managed just fine then and with God's grace and mercy I will manage just fine again. Now don't hear me say that I am not sad or upset. I am both at any given time, but I am also angry, relieved, happy, emotional, teary-eyed, lonely and hurt. Did you notice that the word happy was in there? Much to some peoples dismay, I am not, I repeat NOT miserable. I am just like any other person who is going through an unwanted change in their life...on a roller coaster of emotions. So for those of you who hear me crying and think that is all I do, you are wrong. For those of you who see me angry and think that is it, you are wrong. For those of you who think that I am only allowed to feel one emotion right now, you are wrong. Those of you who have been through this before or are going through it now, you know exactly what I am talking about so I know that you can empathize. Those of you who have never been through this just sit back and enjoy my roller coaster.

On my own...again!

So, to start with I initially titled this blog "Alone...again!" But then I realized that I am never alone. My God is ALWAYS with me. So I changed it to On my own...again. Which, I am. After four years of marriage, Marcus has left us. Yes, us; not ME but US. See with the me comes the four us'es. No real reason for leaving given honestly, just a bunch of jabber. I trust that God is moving me to where he wants me in my life and I can only trust that one day Marcus will see, know and feel the mistake that he is making. I love him very much and want nothing more than to see that necessary change in order for our family to be what God has designed a family to be. But until that time comes, I can only put my hopes and prayers in Christ. Great song by the way, In Christ Alone ( my hope is found).

So in the mean time (for however long that meantime is, if it ever comes) I am going on with my life again, on my own. This part is the ME part because I am the head of this house and the provider for my family. I am the spiritual leader and I hope that I am teaching my children to rely on God.

As a matter of fact, there is a story to go along with that comment. Ryane, my 12 year old, comes into my bedroom last night complaining of her eyes bothering her. Now mind you she has been complaining of her eyes burning and itching for the past 3 days. So again we get the allergy eyedrops out and go through the process.

Afterward she says "Mom it feels like there is something in the corner of my eye and I can't get it out."
To that I reply: "You must have scratched it doing all of that rubbing the past few days, now go back to bed."
She mumbles while rubbing that very troublesome eye: "I can't. I tried but it bothers me when I close my eye."
Knowing this is another excuse to stay out of bed I say: "Ryane, just go pray about it and go to bed."
She grumbles but slowly goes back to bed.

The next morning she is getting ready for school and says "Lets put the drops in again because my eye is scratched again"
I kinda giggled and said "Well, Ryane, your eye is not going to heal overnight anyway sweetie."
She gave me a raised eyebrow and put me in my place with: "It will if I ask God to heal it."

Well, shut my mouth. What more is there to say after that one?

JUST WANNA SCREAM!!!!!!!

Why you might ask? Let's start with the child who had shots yesterday. Has done nothing but fuss and cry since then. WAAAAAAA...translation...Hold me constantly MOMMY. Don't put me down at all MOMMY! Then lets go to the blebs on my nipples! Yes, fun fun blisters is what they are. What are they from? Breastfeeding! That's what. Constant pain! Now lets move on to the two year old being potty trained. If it can be peed on it will be. Oh wait, for that matter, if it CANNOT be peed on, it will be. Trying my best to potty train HIM pretty much by myself. And the pies de resistance...a husband who had it in his head that he HAS to work 3 jobs, whom I never see, and when I do see is either too tired to talk or too cranky to deal with. What do I do? What am I supposed to do? Oh, that's right. NOTHING! Just sit and wait for the world to spin in MY direction for a change. No, wait that's right, it won't ever spin for me, I am a mom!

Welcome Tucker Jensen!!!!

Here he is...Tucker Jensen. Born February 28, 2007. 7lbs. 11oz. 20 1/4".

Have I complained about my husband lately?????

If I have to you then I need to ask for your forgiveness. I have a wonderful husband. Sure we have our ups and downs but what couple doesn't? Nothing is worth having if it is not worth fighting for and that includes a marriage. Apparently this marriage is definitely worth having because I am finding myself fighting for it more and more lately.

Marcus is my love. I adore him. I love him. I respect him. I appreciate him. He is the father my girls would have never known. He loves them and accepted them and all of the responsibilities that come along with them. What kind of man does that? A great man does. What kind of man just jumps head first into a ready made family? My man does. Look around people, men like that a few and far between. I have a good one and I plan on keeping him.

He is not just a good father to my girls, he is a good father to my boys as well. He loves the Lord, he loves his children and he loves me. What more could I ask for? Well, lately I have been asking a lot and he just quietly does most of the things that I ask. Ok, well, some maybe not as quietly as others, but he is still doing his best to help me be more comfortable and happy. Even if it is the opposite of what he wants to do. Now does he do exactly what I want? No but he does somethings in his own way and I appreciate that.

I love him very much and he is DEFINITELY worth my fighting for.

((((M-you're a good man charlie brown!R-))))

Now watch, tomorrow I'll be fighting for him again ;)

Calling on the prayers of the Godly

As most of you know, I have an ultrasound scheduled for Jan. 22. It appears that one of Tuckers kidney's is larger than the other. Apparently not by much but still...
I would just ask that each of you say a prayer for Tucker and for us as a family. I have complete faith that God can and will correct this problem if he hasn't already.

I would also ask that each of you say a prayer for us (being Tucker and I) that God will give us the strength and energy we need to make it to the end of this pregnancy. Whenever God sees fit to put me into labor...I welcome it. I am tired, swollen, achy, cranky, you name it...I am just VERY pregnant. Some good days/some bad. So please keep us in your prayers over the next 6-8 weeks.

New Baby Name

Ok people, we have picked out a baby name...for now anyway.

TUCKER JENSEN RICHARDSON

Don't like it? WE DON'T CARE!

Conversation with Ryane

Ryane: "I need to tell Timmie something."

Me: "Ok, call her but be quick."

Ryane proceeds to call and talk to Timmie. Finishes conversation.

Ryane: "Mom how do I hang up the phone?" (cordless)

Me: (on the computer so not paying close attention...) "Talk" ---meaning press the talk button

Ryane: (putting the phone back up to her hear) "Hello? Ok mom I talked. Now what do I do?"

The child growing inside of me...

How can I describe the life growing inside of me? Amazing, wonderful, miraculous? All of the above and then so much more. We had our third ultrasound today. He is beautiful. You could see his eyelids, his lips, his fingernails. Oh, I wish I could show everyone what we saw. He was sucking on his hand. He even stuck out his tongue. He is wonderful. He still doesn't have a name yet but that will come with time. I love to feel him move inside of me. You that are mothers know that feeling. It's a feeling like nothing else in this world. NOTHING could ever compare to is. I love my baby so much and he isn't even here yet. I am excitedly anticipating his arrival.

Speaking of his arrival, we still have 10 weeks left and this child already weighs 4 1/2 lbs. Let's think realistically here. In the past month he has put on 2 lbs. We still have 2 1/2 months left. IF he only puts on 2 lbs per month (which is not realistic at all) he will weigh 9 lbs. We all know that babies get good and fat there at the very end. OUCH! What am I gonna do? Drugs are not an option. Blech! Pain! And lots of it.

Marcus and I were having a conversation about carrying someone elses child for them. He didn't understand how I could say that I would. Now mind you I made it perfectly clear that I would only be doing that for my sisters (one of which I know doesn't want anymore kids). So that safely leaves me only possibly doing it for the other. Marcus kept saying how could you give up a baby that you know is yours? But in reality, that baby would not be mine, it would be my sister and her husbands. I would merely be the packaging of the most precious gift anyone could ever give. I honestly could only do it for my sisters. That miraculous feeling that only a mother can feel is too wonderful to just give away a baby.

SOAP BOX TIME...Shame on you women who destroy these wonderful blessings from God!

I AM BACK!!!!!

I am back ladies and gentlemen! We are officially back in the phone game. Yay!!!!! I can blog, and I can email, and I can research, and I can talk! I am so happy. I am a happy happy woman, well, for now anyway. That will change daily until this child is outside of my body! Curse those hormones!

Due March 8,(or Feb. 22 by ultrasound), so that leaves us officially 11 weeks and 2 days. Ugh! I think I can make it though, that is if I don't go crazy first. That or die of heartburn. Has that ever actually happened? Sometimes I think it could.

Well, life is good and I just wanted to blog because I could! Catch ya on the flip side!

STRAIGHT from the Campbellsville Personals...

Yes, we do have a personals section in the newspaper. I didn't know it either until this week. So this is word for word from the personals...


My name is Janie Louise Warren Ritchie, I was born January 20, 1967 Hazard, KY. I have 3 seals on my birth certificate. I have lived in Campbellsville, KY for 6 years. I was first Janie Louise Ritchie Buren. I have been reported dead, carrying diseases and a child molester. Forgive these rumors I am a very good person. 5'2", hazel blue eyes, approximately 110 pounds, auburn hair. I wear a black hat with ribbons.



Now isn't that a "catch"?

Wow, has it been that long?

Well, as most of you know, it has been a while since I blogged. That would be fully due to the fact that we are too poor to pay our phone bill. And funny thing, if you don't pay your phone bill, they tend to turn it off. So, until we get our phone turned back on, I wont' be able to blog. I know that you are all so very disapointed. See you on the flip side.