Blogging Time

Hello all my faithful readers! Thank you so much for sticking with me. I am so sorry that I haven't been doing too much personal blogging lately. I can give you all an update this evening, so I am jumping on the opportunity. Being a new mom (this time around) is a bit more challenging. Having 4 children can sure be tiring, and demanding. I love being a mom, and I wouldn't trade my children (or position in life) for anything. I do question my sanity some days, though. Some days I feel so much older than I am, and I really do think that I am getting wrinkles. I have a hard time deciding if they are wrinkles or tired marks. My son Caleb has been my big-time work load lately. Age 3, almost 4, is a patience-trying time. He has so much energy, and doesn't seem to listen very well. Quite honestly, I think he purposely ignores me just to get my goat. There are days that I just want to be a child again so I can go on time out. Why is it that all the things we "had" to do when we were younger, we enjoy and long for as an adult? I would love to HAVE to take a nap...I would love to HAVE to play outside, and I would love to HAVE to be on time out~ or sent to my room!! Seriously, if we could have looked into our future, maybe we would have enjoyed our time outs and free play more as children.
Anyway, updating on my children. I know this post could be about 10-15 pages long, so I will try to summarize a bit. Nathaniel is doing OK. I had a report on his grades this last quarter, and all of his grades have gone down. I am not totally sure why this is happening. One of his classes he didn't turn an assignment in, and the result was a D+. Needless to say, we weren't happy about his grades. I fear that he is just not liking school, the teacher he has this year, and longs to be homeschooled again. I have a hard time with the teacher he has this year (and I won't get into that now), but I just have a feeling we may be taking him back out of public school and homeschooling him again. My husband thinks that this is the best option, but my fear is that Nathaniel and I will suffer in our relationship as we did in the past. Please be in prayer with me over this decision. I could say so much more about this, but I know my post is getting so long already. Nathaniel is a great helper, and he is growing up so fast. He loves to learn facts, and he has such a good head on his shoulders.
Caleb is still very funny (comical) but his actions have been so naughty, too! He is at a difficult age. He wants to be independent, wants to grow up, wants to bully/control his sister, and fights with his brother. Most days he is like a ping pong ball bouncing off of everything! I think he really needs to get outdoors to wear off some of his bottled energy. I think he is also feeling the need to have quality time, and my husband and I know he needs more time with us. I think he is having a bit of a hard time adjusting to Cole's entrance into the family. I try so hard to make sure he knows he is valued and loved. Potty training is good during the day, but he has been having accidents at night time. We need to buy some heavier duty pull-ups for nighttime.
Madelyn is talking a lot more, and she is still as feisty as ever. She has learned to point her finger at us and tell us "NO" in a stern voice. While she does this, she gives you a glaring look and scowls at you. NO, it isn't very fun at all. At first it was kind of cute, and now you just get upset with her. She is our strong-willed child. She is also very sweet and loving, too. She loves to be cuddled, gives lots of hugs and kisses, and is our little co-sleeper. She is also cutting a ton of teeth right now, which could be reason for a bit of her mood.
Cole is growing bigger everyday, and I can't believe he is 5 weeks old already! He is getting cuter everyday, too. He has lost some of his hair on the top of his head, but his hair is still darker. His sores have healed up nice and the blood pooling is going down. Still has a lot to go down, but it is improving. Right now he is a bit congested. That is something new. I hope it doesn't turn into anything. I don't want to isolate him from everyone, but I really don't want him catching anything nasty, either. So, I hope he gets healthy, and it doesn't turn into anything worse. He is in the 0-3 month clothes now. I will try to post pictures of all my kids soon.
This weekend we had some good times! Friday night was my favorite night of the month~ Ladies Night Out! I always look forward to this great night of friends, laughter, food, games....and just pure fun and therapy for the soul! Thank you friends for the great time! Saturday was my monthly stamp club. I missed last month (that was sad) so it was great to be back enjoying my hobby. It was fun showing off Cole, too. We had some yummy treats, chocolate, and made some great cards. On my way home, Terry called me and said that we were going out for dinner. My wonderful MIL sent us a package of Valentine's Love. She sent us money to go out for dinner, cards and gifts for the kids. Thank you Cheryl! You are so thoughtful and giving! It was a fun time. Then, Saturday night, we had some friends over to play games, and have dinner together. It was great to spend time with them. Sunday, we went to church~ heard a great sermon, visited with friends, and then had a relaxing afternoon. It was a great weekend.
I will try to write more personal posts to update you on my life. I do have some funny stories to share, and I will try to post some tomorrow. Right now I need to sleep. I have shorted myself on sleep too much lately. GOOD NIGHT~

Sick kids...and a break for mom~

My kids started a cold over the last weekend. Through the week, they both had slight fevers, runny noses and coughs. Maddie's cough was really bad on Tuesday and Wednesday. I told my husband that we should probably bring her in on Thursday if she isn't better, because we won't want to make an ER trip over the weekend. Well, on Thursday during the day, she seemed OK physically, but she was like Saran wrap, and wanted to be attached to me all day. I could tell that she wasn't a happy camper, and not feeling well. (see how very little I wrote blog posts the last few days). Thursday morning, she fell asleep in the morning, which is very rare for her anymore. In the afternoon, she took a 2 1/2 hour nap, and I just laid her in bed. She didn't complain about going down for a nap at all, and that is not her norm either. Taking a 2 1/2 hour nap for her is really unheard of. She is not a big napper. When she woke up, she was on fire! I took her temp and it was 102.5 under the arm! POOR BABY GIRL! She was also breathing funny and kind of holding her breath. Caleb has had pneumonia in the past, and I was afraid that is what Maddie had.
So, after talking with Terry, I brought her (and the boys) into Urgent care. The Doctor looked her over, and "clinically" she seemed healthy, however, the Doctor knew she wasn't OK. He ordered a blood test for a viral or bacterial infection, and wanted chest X-rays. Her blood test revealed a viral infection, and her X-rays showed pneumonia. Fortunately, I brought her in early enough, so she didn't have to be admitted to the hospital! THANKS BE TO GOD!! Really, I don't know how things would have been if she had to be admitted! Could you imagine if she was admitted then I was admitted to deliver a baby in a different hospital? How awful would that be? I am very thankful that God is protecting us and watching out for us. He is always blessing us! Her pneumonia was caught early enough, and baby is waiting a bit longer to keep safe from the germs. Madelyn is on a medication and is getting nebulizer treatments of albuterol. She is doing pretty good on day three of her medications, and I am thankful that her breathing is improving.
It was a stressful week with sick kids, aches and pains of being an over-stuffed penguin...a..ka pregnant feeling the bliss of end of pregnancy joys and just wanting the time to go quickly to the due date. I am so thankful that I was able to go to the monthly Ladies Night Out. What therapeutic release. We went to a ladies home for this month's LNO, and we had a blast laughing, talking, playing games, and just enjoying our women friendships! I so needed to be with my friends and just release the stress in laughing myself silly. What fun we had, and I didn't get home until 3:30 this morning. Then, my wonderful husband let me sleep in because I needed the rest! He is so good to me! I know it will be my morning to wake up with the kids, tomorrow. We have a great "unwritten" plan on weekends taking turns letting the other one sleep in. It is wonderful! I hope you all are having a great weekend!

We had a busy weekend...

Friday night, I went to the monthly Ladies Night out at our church. This month we did a Christmas-y themed get-together. It was a cookie exchange (which I didn't do, because it wasn't until last minute that we decided I could go...so no time to bake). Plus, it was a $10 white elephant gift exchange. I brought 2 books that I have reviewed previously, to give as gifts. It was such a fun night, and we even had new visitors. Lisa, Jody, and our friend Anna did the planning, organizing and preparations. You ladies did a fantastic job, and I want to say THANK YOU for all your work to make it a great night!
They did a fantastic job! They decorated the ceiling with Christmas bulbs hanging, table clothes on the tables, and we each had name tags. The name tags were fun because they all related to Christmas or winter. I picked the name Vixen because I thought it was fitting to me. ~lol. We each wore a pin with balls hanging on it to play a game. We had to use our "nick names" when we addressed each other, and if you "caught" someone using the person's real name, you could take their balls away. The winner with the most collected balls was given a prize at the end. That was a fun game!
To get our white elephant gift, we played the game where you roll dice to get double numbers to get a prize. Then, once we all had a gift, we opened them, and then did another 10 minutes of rolling dice where we could "exchange" our gift with someone else. I had originally opened up a butter container. It was an OK gift, but my eyes were on the Mikasa martini glasses (set of 4). I did end up getting them, and I was so thankful! Not only do I LOVE Mikasa, Terry and I do enjoy martinis and entertaining. Of coarse, I haven't had a martini in a long time, and they are saved for special occasions, but they are tasty. These beautiful glasses can be used to put dips and desserts in them, too. I was so happy that I got it. The lady I had switched with ended up really needing the butter container, too...so it was a win win.
After the gift exchange, we played games. Lisa had 3 new games that we needed to help her try out. She got the games to review, and it was fun new games to try. The night ended about 1:30'ish this time. I wasn't planning on staying after 1:00 AM, because we were leaving early in the morning, BUT it was Ladies Night Out, and that just happens once a month. I really hope to make it next month. It is right around the time when my baby is due...so we will see.
Saturday morning, we finished up packing, loaded the car and headed on our way to my husband's side family Christmas. On the way, we stopped at a train show. Terry and the boys went to the train show, and Madelyn and I went to the mall for girl time and shopping. We had a few items to pick up, and a few Christmas gifts to purchase. It was fun to have some one on one time with Madelyn, and Terry had a great time with the boys. After that, we stopped for lunch, and went up North. There were a lot of people in Grandma's house! We snacked, opened gifts, and had supper. Then, Terry, our family, his brother and his family, and Terry's Mom went downstairs and did our family Christmas. It was fun to have that time together. Madelyn got a little cell phone with a purse, dress up shoes, and a necklace...then, when it was all on...she wiggled her little booty and said, "Oooo, Look at Me! Look at me!" It was so funny!
Sunday, we went to church, and then watched the kid's Christmas program. It was snowing and blowing like crazy, so we knew we needed to head for home right after church. We did stop at Terry's Grandma & Mom's house to grab a bite to eat and pack up the van. Then, we made our way through the snow and ice. We did get together, part way home, at my friend's house. We had planned on getting together to celebrate our friend's birthday. It was a fun time to get together, eat some great food, and just touch base again. I miss the days that we just went up to Perkins and talked for hours and hours. Now, with marriage and kids, our lives have become so busy. I was thankful for our time together, though.
It was a great weekend, and now it is good to be home. We got snow and ice over the weekend, and I think more snow is in the forecast. I do love snow, just the -40 below wind chills are a bit much.

A pretty good weekend~

Friday night, we had our monthly Ladies Night Out at church. As many of you know, this is a great time of fun, games, food, and TONS of laughing! Every month we have been staying later and later into the night. Friday night, Saturday morning was no exception. We were at the church until 2:45 A.M. I was the first one to leave at that time, and my friend Lisa said they stayed a bit longer! We always have such a super time! It is something I look forward to every month because it is so therapeutic and a stress relief. This event is open to everyone in our church, and anyone they invite, but it usually is the same people every month. This time we played Canasta hand and foot, a game Lisa is reviewing. It was a fun game, and fun to try it out. We also played Apples to Apples. We used to play that one all the time, but we haven't played it in almost a year, so it was fun to bring it back out again. One of the funny things that always happens at our monthly LNO is that we get even sillier, and more laughter explodes as soon as the first person leaves. I am not sure why this happens, but it does. Our friend, Paula, usually goes home earlier, and we were teasing her that the real fun will start now. We are totally kidding about that, and not directing it at her. Seriously, the minute the door shut behind her we were laughing to almost tears over something. It really wouldn't matter who the person is that leaves first, but somehow that is a trigger for us to really let go and have a hootin' good time. I am really looking forward to our December LNO. We are doing a cookie exchange and white elephant gift exchange. I am hoping a few new faces will join us for that one! Of coarse we will do the games, food and share some hearty good laughs.
Saturday, besides being tired, I had to get up early for my monthly stamp club. I am in a Stampin' Up stamp club, and it is so much fun! We make 2-3 cards/projects, enter into a door prize, and make at least a $15 purchase. It is a great way for me to enjoy my hobby on a budget, and to have some time to make a few projects. I also get some great ideas. This club meets for about 10 months, and each month one person from the club gets the benefits of hostess, so they get free products. It is a great time, and I am happy to be in it. Saturday afternoon, my friend Lisa, had a Philadelphia Cream Cheese party. It was fun to socialize with the ladies, and enjoy yummy treats. I really enjoy cream cheese, and it was fun trying new recipes. When I got home on Saturday afternoon, I swept and vacuumed our basement level. It was needing the cleaning and organizing. Then, Saturday night, after supper and getting the kids to bed, Terry and I watched a movie together.
Today, we went to church, and it was great to be there. I haven't been to church in a few weeks. We were out of town last weekend, and the weekend before that I had woken up with the kink in my neck, Terry was working, and I really didn't want to bring the kids by myself...with being pregnant and chasing after the two little ones. Anyway, it was great to be back and fellowship. This afternoon, we all took much needed naps. I was so thankful for that! Now, in just a bit, we are going to get Nathaniel. He was with his Dad this weekend. I am excited to bring him home. I really hope he had a good weekend.
Please pray for my shoulder/neck/arm. I had a horrible night last night, and the pain was excruciating! I took some Tylenol, and Terry rubbed this cooling gel on it. It felt like sharp knives digging into my shoulder blade. I am going to try to get into some kind of Dr. this week. I do get to see my OB/GYN on Tuesday. MY DOCTOR! I am so glad and excited to be back in his care. It will be good to see him. I know he will let me know what type of things I can do or take for my pains. I can't believe I am pretty much 32 weeks already! Wow, this pregnancy is sure going fast! Oh, and I have a fun event coming up (here on my blog) the beginning of December. See the button on the upper right hand side for some details. FUN CONTESTS! Be sure to check it out! Feel free to post the button on your site if you want. I would appreciate it!

Getting up-to-date on things...

I have officially signed up with facebook. I think it is a lot of fun already! I thought blogging was addictive, now I am searching for friends from my youth, high school, and college! It is so fun and I highly recommend it! It is fun to see how people have changed over the last 10-18 years! I hope to find more of my friends!

Friday night, I went to Ladies Night Out. It was so much fun! I so much look forward to going once a month! We did have such serious talking this time, so we did have to bust out the Quelf game to get the giggles rolling. I read a card wrong~ I simply blame the pregnancy~ but the word was abracadabara! It was in all caps, so because I am pregnant and I was extremely tired for some reason I read it as Barrak-a-bra! I had to say this word, while twirling my hands above my head, every time someone picked up a new card. So, my friends thouroughly enjoyed laughing hysterical at me we got some laughs from that error. We were out so late this time, and I think we hit a record. We left the church at 2:15 AM. My sweet hubby let me sleep in on Saturday, so that was a huge blessing!

Saturday, Terry was going to go work on a model layout for trains for an upcoming train show, and I got to go see my dear friend! I was so excited to see her! We haven't seen each other since July, and that is too long! It was so great to reconnect again! Our kids had a great time playing together, too. Another great thing is, she is the mom to two of my nieces, so I got to see them, too! They are growing up so much! The oldest is a senior this year (hard to believe) and the other one is in 10th grade. It is exciting to see them grow up, but I am sad, too. I used to change their diapers. :)

Today, we went to church. Terry was going to go into work, but he decided he would rather stay home. He got a lot of work done here, though....so he was really happy he chose to be home. He switched out one of our garage doors, and he insulated more in our store. We had a yummy supper with steaks, baked potatoes and gazed baby carrots. It was a great day, and we had a ton of rain! Plus, I got hooked on facebook, and I am reconnecting with friends! :)

Friday night at Ladies Night Out!

I look forward to Ladies Night Out every month! The next day after ladies night, I look forward to the next one! We had so much fun last night! We really had a lot of ladies there last night, despite the amazing storm brewing in. We had our regular attendees (minus one) and one new lady. We had a very nutritious lay-out of food, really! I thought about bringing caramel and apple wedges, then I thought about cheese and crackers...but I ended up bringing celery, carrots, cucumbers and dip. My friend, Paula ended up bringing the apples & caramel and the cheese & crackers. It cracked me up. We were going to work on another ladies flower arrangements with her. Her daughter is getting married next Saturday, but unfortunately we really didn't get to the flowers. (Sorry!!) We played the game Fact or Crap, and that was very comical. Paula was very good about getting her choice down first, so she would either get 2 chips or lose 2 chips. (Whomever had the most chips at the end won).
Then, we played Guesstures! What a hoot that was! You have to act out words with out props, before the card slips through the slot. I loved watching everyone act out words, and what they thought up. What made the teams really great was we were split up from the sides of tables we were on. We didn't even know at the time, but we were color-divided. One side of the table toted women in pink and yellow shirts. So, they called themselves the Pink Lemonades. Then, on the other side of the table ~my side...A.K.A. "the winners," were in patriotic colors of the Red, White and Blue! We were even in the order of 2 red shirts, one white, and 2 blue shirts! The two blue shirts was Lisa and Jeannie! How cool is that! It was so funny. I had to insert my foot into my mouth at one moment...I still feel bad! This one lady was up there arranging her cards in the slots to get ready. She was making sounds of moaning... and I blurted out, a cow in labor! (like I was guessing her word) Isn't that awful! I was totally kidding, and not implying it to her, but...ya know, the foot went in my mouth for that comment!
I was in tears several times for the many super funny things that were discussed and shared! I love Ladies Night Out! I love being with my friends!

Such a great weekend~

Happy (Belated) Mother's Day to all of you! I hope all you mommas had a wonderful day with your families!
Nathaniel surprised me with a carnation flower (he purchased himself) from school on Friday. He is such a thoughtful and generous kid! He was so excited to give it to me, too. He made sure I didn't pick him up from school that day, so I wouldn't see his surprise.
Friday evening, I got together with my dear friends from High School! It was great to get together and just talk! We went out to eat at our favorite Chinese Restaurant! It was tasty! We had 4 hours (almost) of uninterrupted chat time! It was just great! Of coarse, we could have been there all night. I miss our night time visits to Perkins...where we would be there for hours on end...just talking!
Then, Naomi and I went to Ladies Night Out where we played the famous LNO game "Quelf." This game is so fun! You can read so many posts about the game over at my friend Lisa's blog! We had endless laughter, as always! What a great and therapeutic night! It was great to get together with "the gals" again! I also made the announcement (with wearing a sticky note on my shirt) that I am prego! Yep, we are due for another baby in December! I hope the baby makes it for a tax break! :) LOL~
Saturday, I went to our Ladies Brunch at church. It was a great time! We had the author of Love Letters to your Child there to talk about her book and inspiration! Tracey Finck is an amazing, and talented woman! I was really touched and moved by what she started! I would love to do this for my children. The idea is to write down things your kids say, or achievements they do, or anything that pertains to your child that lifts them up. I love this idea of a "brag book." What an encouragement to our kids! I think this is such an important and POSITIVE thing to do for our kids. I really had a hard time with Nathaniel this morning, and he made the comment that I hate him. This is devastating to hear as a parent, because it makes me feel like I am failing him. I know if I had a special book just about him, I could pull it out, and show him all the ways I am proud of him, and he would have written proof of my love and adoration of him. It is one thing to tell your child about your love, but another to have it in writing! That is something that Tracey said, and I agree!
After the brunch, I rushed home to get ready for a day trip. We went to a train show about 2 1/2 hours away. It was such a rainy day out, so we decided to head out. It wasn't a big train show, so that was sad, but it was fun to just have a travel day. Nathaniel picked out a train accessory for Terry, and bought it with his money. He loves to give gifts. We went out for supper at Old Country Buffet. It was fun to go out, and I like that restaurant. I ran into a girl that I graduated from High School with. It was fun to see her again. I haven't seen her since High School. She is married now, with 3 kids. It was fun to catch up again.
When we got home that night, we got the kids to bed and I went to get a movie. We watched Rendition with Reese Whitherspoon. It was a disturbing movie, and kind of hard to watch. It was about a man that was accused (wrongly) of being apart of a terrorist attack. I know this stuff happens, but it was still hard to watch him be tormented. I think if I knew now (before watching it) I don't think I would have watched it. I had a terrible dream Saturday night because of what I saw. It wasn't the worst movie I have seen, but not a good feeling movie.
Sunday morning, I was told to stay in bed longer. Nathaniel and Terry brought me breakfast in bed. It was very thoughtful. Nathaniel had made me a special card in school, and he gave that to me as well. It was my first breakfast in bed. I did end up bringing it down stairs, so I could eat with Terry and Madelyn. Then, we went to church, and the service was great. 2 girls did a special music with their flute and violin, and that was sweet. After church, we went home for a quick change of clothes, let Lena out, and get diapers changed. Then, we went to Oseola, WI to ride the train. It was so much fun! The kids were so excited. Caleb and Nathaniel had no idea where we were going, so it was fun to surprise them. Terry was asked my the engineer if he and the boys would like to ride in the engine on the way back. Of coarse, he couldn't turn that question down! They had so much fun. The views from the train was amazing. We saw natural springs and waterfalls. Maddie did so well, too! Can you believe we forgot our digital camera!! So, we had to spend $1o.00 on a disposable. Terry really didn't want to spend that on a disposable (neither did I), but it was the very first time the kids were going to ride a train! So, we had to have the pictures. I really hope they turn out for us! After the ride, we went to the DQ and then, we went down on a hike in the valley where there was a big waterfalls. It was so beautiful! I really hope to go back again this summer. Even though there were uber amount of stairs, it was worth it. Then, we headed for home. I gave Nathaniel a much needed hair cut last night, and we all got to bed relatively early. It was a great Mother's Day. I love spending time with Terry and the kids. I know my house was hurting from not being cleaned this weekend, but it was so worth it!

13 Things to look forward to~

1. January is almost over: which means, the longest month of winter is almost over. This means super, butt-nipping cold is almost gone.
2. The days are starting to get longer: which means, the daylight hours will be longer=happier people.
3. My babysitting/nanny job is going to be starting into full swing by next week. This will mean my life will get a lot more busy, but I think all in all this will be so good in so many ways.
4. Nathaniel does NOT have school on Friday: which means some great time with my oldest son! I like when he doesn't have to go to school. (I miss having him home during the days).
5. We are going to my husband's side of the family for a Christmas (belated) gathering. It has been awhile since we have been up to Grandma's and I know it will be fun for visiting. Terry's brother's family moved up there recently, so we will get to see their new home, too. Grandma's house is remodeled, too, so it will be fun to see the (much needed) update.
6. I have some super products coming my way to review, and I think you all are in for some treats...HINT, HINT....yes, that means some SUPER contests will be coming your way very soon!
7. I am planning a girl's night sleep-over to happen in February. I loved hosting it last year, and I am SO looking forward to a night with my special girly friends...for laughing, munching, giggling (yes, laughing and giggling are different)...yakking, and maybe sleeping. OK, I know I can't handle staying up all night anymore, so I will be sleeping.
8. Madelyn is starting to say more things, and I am really looking forward to when she is talking. I love this stage she is in, and it just amazes me how much they really know.
9. Speaking of Maddie, she has her first birthday coming up in a month and a half! WOW! I can't believe she was born almost a year ago! Time goes so quickly!
10. In March, my parent's will celebrate 50 years of marriage! That is so wonderful and inspiring! I am so happy for them! It truly is a blessing! Congratulations to my parents!
11. LADIES NIGHT OUT in February. This is such a great night with my girlfriends at our home church. Game night, laughing, yakking, giggling to the point of: (1) tears, (2) rolling on the floor, (3) walking funny all the way to the bathroom before an accident, or (4) spitting a beverage out of your mouth. It is so much fun, and I hope we all can make it!
12. SNOW MELTING!! Need I say more?
13. Spring! Ditto...need I say more?

Two Ladies Nights in a Row~

Last night my friends, Lisa, Jody, and "The Token 'ol Lady" got together at Lisa's house. We did our Christmas gift exchange and had a great time. It is so wonderful getting together with those ladies. We have a hoot, and mostly get out of hand with our laughter. Tonight, we have Ladies Night at church, but Lisa will be M.I.A. She gets to go away for the weekend (with out the kids) with her hubby~Lucky gal! I am looking forward to getting together with friends tonight to laugh, play games, snack...and be silly!

Have a super weekend!! Don't forget to sign up for the Boon Groovy Plate set contest! I will have another review and giveaway next week~ Stay tuned!

Here batty, batty, batty...

Ok, so who said going to church was boring? Our ladies night out once a month at church is a pure hoot. Well, this time it was a pure boo....
We were graced with the presence of a bat to keep us company. As if 7 Women weren't enough for fun! We weren't sure if it was just one bat that kept sneaking in the room we were in, or if it were a couple different ones having fun with us.
We were all sitting there laughing our heads off when all of a sudden a bat flew in and soar over our heads. Screaming and running to hide in the bathroom (well a few of us anyway) we let a few of the other ladies see what they can do. Cindy found a silver platter from the kitchen. (Bon appetite'?) She was trying to hit at the flying mouse. To no avail, the ugly creature was out of the room heading upstairs. After all the doors were closed, the three of us gals who were hiding in the bathroom came out. After all, I had to protect my baby from being scared, so that is why I was in the bathroom. :) All of us were wondering what we should do to let our church know that this rodent problem should be dealt with. The worship team found 2 dead bats on the Thursday night before ladies night, so it is a big deal. I suggested that we find a dead bat (or kill the one tormenting us) and put it on the silver platter then put it up by the offices. Then, Lisa and Jody were saying to put m&m's on the platter or stuff an apple in it's mouth. After searching the sanctuary and the halls, Jeannie and Lisa couldn't find a bat. Lisa came in screaming and running (pretending to be chased by a bat). You know where that got me heading...until I saw her face and smirking smile. I should know better than that, since she is a queen of all scares. 2 more scares from the bat, and we decided it was getting late and we should all go home. Heading up the stairs (with Lisa behind us) we hear a blood-curdling scream...with proceeding giggles from Miss "I love to make people freak out". So, needless to say, she about wet her self. And if that weren't enough to satisfy her, she told us (after locking up the church) that she thought she saw a shadow walking behind her in the church! Ok, so who wants to drive home (alone) this late at night? Anyway, it was a great night, and thanks to Lisa for adding the special effects...it will be even more memorable!