Time Flies.........

Today I sent my daughter off to her 1st day of her Sophomore year of high school......*sniff sniff*.  I'm reminded of Kenny Chesney's song, "Don't Blink".  It really is amazing how quickly they grow up.  I have to brag and just tell you how proud I am of this girl.  She amazes me everyday at how beautiful she is, not only outside, but on the inside as well.  We've had a very stressful summer full of unexpected life changes and she has shown me that she is a true "Steel Magnolia" in every sense of the phrase.  She's tough, tenacious and extremely resilient.  What a joy this creature is that I carried under my heart for 9 months and have had the privilege of watching her grow into a sweet young woman.  It makes this mom's heart burst with pride.  Oh the places you'll go, kiddo!!!  I love you with all my heart and I love you BIG :)

Help.......I Need A New Routine And Organization!!! Found The Solution :)

So, I'm now down to minus 1 week until the first day of school! I must admit that over the summer, I've allowed myself to become completely unorganized and without a routine. I'm so glad that it's back to school time just so that I can get my family back into a regular routine.

As I was thinking about the whole "back to a routine" concept, I couldn't help but ask myself if there is a better way than what we have been used to during past school years. The answer was.........well, I didn't have an answer. So, I started doing some research online and found a couple of website that really peaked my interest.

The first thing I found was this wonderful blog, The Organised Housewife. You can sign up for her monthly helpful newsletters with all kinds of new ideas. I'm really looking forward to this every month. This site also has printable charts for planning meals. So helpful. I really need this more than you know!

The second is actually a new iPhone app and website, Home Routines. If you have an iPhone, you've got to check this out. It really is the coolest app that I've come across in a long time. The app is a paid app. I believe that it costs $2.99, but well worth the price. The website has a link so that you can download it. I can't wait to set mine up and start using it. It will help you to get your day organized and help with your daily cleaning schedules.

Ok, off to finish up some laundry and other things before the rest of my day gets away from me. Let me know what you think about the websites and the app. :)

Until next time...........

Awesome New Music!

So most of you don't know that my husband is the program director for one of the BEST Christian Radio Stations, WBGL.  As you can imagine, we get inundated with just about every new CD that comes out and we have bin after bin of CD's in our garage.  I'm talking CD's going all the way back to when the CD took over cassettes.  In fact, if you didn't know what my husband did for a living and you were to go through our storage, you would think that we were CD hoarders.  Ugh!  I just shudder at the thought :/

Before we moved to our current location, we lived in Lubbock, TX.  Yep, home of Texas Tech University, Buddy Holly and the BIGGEST tumble weeds you'll ever see in your life.  Not kidding!  I'm talking the size of a car.  HONEST!  Oh, and some of the ugliest dust storms.  I'm talking, can't see across the street because of the blowing dust.  That's when you pray that it doesn't decide to rain, cause then it'll just rain mud.

Anyway, while we lived in Lubbock, we were privileged to attend one of the best churches there.  Southcrest Baptist Church.  The pastor was and still is Dr. David Wilson.  He is the father of Contemporary Christian Arstist, Josh Wilson.  So, we can say we knew Josh before Josh was Josh!  Ha!  That just sounds funny :)

Josh's music has really been an important thing in seeing me through the past 6 months.  Again, I'll eventually explain what has happened.  I'm just not at a point that I can write about it yet.  I promise that I will get to that in time.  Anyway, Josh's CD "Life Is Not A Snapshot" has  a song on it that has helped me through this very dark deep valley.  It's tack number 2 on that CD and it is "Before The Morning".

Josh has just released his latest CD "See You".  My husband brought it home yesterday and I ripped it into my iPod this morning.  I've been listening to it all day and I can say that this is becoming one of my all time favorite CD's.  If you get the chance, run out and buy it or purchase the entire CD in iTunes.  I promise you won't be disappointed.

Until next time......................

P.S.  I've added a neat little gadget on the right hand side of my page.  It's Jana's iPod.  I've put some of Josh's music on there.  You can play" Before The Morning" from there, as well as Josh's latest single "I Refuse"off of his new CD "See You".  I've also added one of my all time favorite songs, Where There Is Faith" by 4 HIM.   Happy Listening and I hope that his music will speak to you as it has me.  Enjoy!

I'm Still Here!

To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward. ~Margaret Fairless Barber

It's been a LONG time since my last post, and for this I apologize. I've had lots going on and have had a life changing and very traumatic event that took place to me and my family earlier this year. The kind of event that's very difficult to bounce back from. I'll be sharing about that in a future post.

I wanted you all know that I'm still here and as school starts, I'll be blogging more. Be patient with me :). I've got lots of new recipes to share and tons of new books to recommend to ya!

Until next time...........

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

"You Can't Beat the Real Thing"

I'm from the great state of Georgia, and when asked where this recipe originated from, I have to say that I'm not sure where it originated. I just know that it was always a “staple” dessert when I was growing up. It’s probable that I enjoyed it at church potluck suppers; my grandmother’s house; and at University of Georgia football tailgate parties (along with fried chicken, boiled peanuts, country ham biscuits and pimento cheese sandwiches!)”

When asked what makes this recipe southern, I have to respond with.....1. Coca-Cola (which was “born” in Atlanta, Georgia in 1886)..... 2. Pecans (Georgia is the largest producer of pecans in the United States)..... and 3. Buttermilk!

This cake is a delight to make and eat!  This recipe has great flavor and texture, it is straight-forward, and the story that accompanies it (The Coca~Cola Story can be read by going to.....www.thecoca-colacompany.com) is by far the best that there is.  Coca-cola cakes are a southern institution, and this is one of the best I’ve ever had. 

Enjoy :)


COCA~COLA CAKE

CAKE:
2 cups plain flour (unsifted)
2 cups sugar
2 sticks butter
3 tablespoons cocoa
1 cup Coca-Cola
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 whole eggs beaten
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups mini marshmallows

ICING:
1 stick butter
3 tablespoons cocoa
6 tablespoons Coca-Cola
1 box confectioners powdered sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
t tsp. vanilla

CAKE:
Combine sugar and flour in mixing bowl. Heat butter, coca-cola and cocoa to boiling and pour over flour and sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly. Add buttermilk, eggs, soda, vanilla and marshmallows. Mix well. This will be a thin batter with marshmallows floating on top. Bake in greased and floured 9×13 pan at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes. Ice while hot.

ICING:
Combine butter, Coca-Cola and heat to boiling. Pour over sugar. After beating, stir in chopped pecans and vanilla. Spread over hot cake.

~Best when served warm with a large scoop of Vanilla Bean ice cream!  :)

I'm BACK!!!!!!

Wow!  I didn't realize until the other day just how long it has been since I last posted.  I mean really Jana!  It's been since Easter.  C'mon girl!  You're better than that!

Seriously, I've been busy.  Since school got out for the summer, I've been hitting it hard.  This summer has been wonderful.  Lot's have happened and I have alot to share with ya.  I'm gonna take it one subject at a time and try to post pictures to help tell my about my summer adventures.

I also have lots of new recipes to share with ya as well.  Yes, we've been eatin' good in the Springer house :)  

So, hang in there with me!!!  I promise not to leave ya hangin any longer!  I'm BACK people......I'M BACK!!!

 Until my next post............

Dancing With The Angels

Layla Grace Marsh

11/26/2007 - 3/9/2010

Now Dancing With The Angels

Memories surround me

But sadness has found me

I'd do anything for more time
Never before has someone meant more
And I can't get you out of my mind
There is so much that I don't understand

You had love for your family

Love for ALL people

Love for the Father, and Son
Your heart will be heard
In your unspoken words
Through generations to come
There is so much that I don't understand
But I know..........

You're dancing with the angels
Walking in new life
You're dancing with the angels
Heaven fills your eyes
Now that you're dancing with the angels

We're only here for such a short time
So I'm gonna stand up
Shout out and sing hallelujah
And one day we'll see you again

So Much To Be Thankful For.....And Prayer For Another!

As I begin to write this post, I must tell you that I have tears streaming down my face.  Tears of thankfulness and tears of sorrow.  Funny how your prospective on life can change on a dime. 

Some of you know that I have a twitter account.  Twitter really is useless, but from time to time I actually learn stuff.  Recently, I began following Ryan Seacrest.  Mostly to keep up with behind the scenes of American Idol.  Little did I know that one of the things that he tweets about is a little girl that is in the fight of her life.  Yesterday I was curious as to who this little girl is, so I checked out her website.  A website that changed my perspective as a mother.

The tears of thankfulness that I shed are because I have two very beautiful and very healthy children.  Sometimes in the thick of total choas, I forget how lucky I am.  Yesterday I was reminded not to take all those moments, both the good and the chaotic, for granted.  Last night as I lay in bed I thanked the Lord for all of those moments and for giving me two wonderful children. 

You must be asking, "What was on that website", "Who is this little girl that Ryan Seacrest is tweeting about"?  Her name is Layla.  She is a sweet little two year old girl that within a few days will succumb to cancer.  She is absolutely a beautiful little girl.  In fact, I think what drew me to her was just how much she looks like my little Jackson.  Those great big blue eyes!!!!

Please pray for Layla!  Pray that the Lord will comfort her in her last hours of life.  Pray for peace for her family, especially her mother.  My heart goes out to her the most.  I can't imagine having to watch the life of my sweet child slip away.  Go to their website  laylagrace.org  Be thankful and greatful for what we have :)

Until next time..........

*The above pictures is of Layla and her father taken just a few days ago.

Follow me on Twitter: @JanaSpringer
Follow Layla on Twitter: @laylagrace

Where Have I Been?

I know it's been a very long time since my last post and I apologize for that.  Just to let you know.....It hasn't been on purpose.  My family has really had a very long and bumpy last few weeks. 

It all started with little Jackson about 3 weeks ago.  He started coughing one day and we all thought that he was being silly trying to get attention.  He sometimes will hear others cough and will cough himself thinking that he's funny.  We all laughed along until the next day when his silly little cough was followed with a fever.  We limped along for a few days and eventually he broke the fever and began acting more like himself again. 

Morgan all of a sudden began coughing and complaining that she too wasn't feeling well.  This was on a Sunday.  She went to school on Monday and Tuesday, not feeling great but good enough to go to class.  By Tuesday evening she begain running a temp. of 104.5.  Holy Mercury Batman!!!!  This kid just never gets sick.  The cough got worse and she missed 3 days of school.  Took her to the doctor on Thursday and found out that she had viral pneumonia!!!!  I was stunned!  Her fever finally broke and she began feeling better that weekend and was back at school on Monday.  As fast as she got sick, she got better just as quickly.  Amazing how kids can bounce back from a major illness.

Now we are going into week 3!  Saturday afternoon, I notice a funny feeling in my chest but I just ignore it.  Sunday, I wake up not feeling great but have way too much to do to let it get to me.  By Sunday evening, I was running a fever.  Only a slight one, but a fever non the less.  Monday morning, I wake up and feel like I'd been hit by a 747 still in flight!!!!  The cough was getting worse and the body aches were unbearable.  I began running a high fever of 103.5.  Tuesday morning I decided I had better get to a doctor because I didn't want to end up with pneumonia like Morgan.  Too late! A chest x-ray confirms that I too have fallen victim to viral pneumonia.  I ran a fever of 101-103 for 5 days straight.  But I'm here today to say that I survived and am on the mend!!!!!

With all of that said, I've missed y'all!!!  Before everyone began getting so sick, I had been trying out some new recipes that I can't wait to share with y'all.  I promise that I will be posting those here soon.  I have a return doctors appt. and few things that I have to tend too since I was in bed for a week.  As soon as I get things back in order and on track, I'll be back! 

As I leave this post today I have to give a shout out to the New Orleans Saints!!!!  May they win BIG TIME over the Indianapolis Colts this evening in the Super Bowl!!!   GEAUX WHO DAT NATION!!!

Until next time.........

The Lovely Bones

Hello everyone!  I know it's been a while since my last post and I apologize for that.  Life has been busy, busy, busy with the holidays and the getting back to normal afterward. 

We had a wonderful holiday season.  We made our usual trip home to Georgia for Christmas.  As always, we had a great time.  I was so nice to be at home with all of my family but most of all, it was nice to walk around without a bulky parka on!!!!  We had temps from the mid 60's to the low 50's.  It was great.  I did't wear a coat the whole time I was home.  But of course, that came to a screeching hault as soon as we came back to the frozen tundra also known as Illinois. 

Well, I have to tell you about an amazing book that I literally just finished.  I'd heard that this book was really good and that a movie was being made based on it.  The name of the book is The Lovely Bones.  If you haven't read it.......run out and grab yourself a copy.  It was really good.  The movie comes out tomorrow, so I'm gonna try to see it this weekend.  For those of you who haven't heard about the book or the movie....here is a synopis.

When a book has attracted as much attention as The Lovely Bones, there's a lot of pressure for it to live up to the hype. Fortunately, Alice Sebold's gripping tale of a young girl's death is equal to the task.

The book's narrator is 14-year-old murder victim Susie Salmon. Raped and killed by her neighbor, Susie ascends to heaven, where she observes how her death has affected those around her.

Her father, who suspects the killer's identity, goes crazy with grief over the loss of his first-born, and his inability to do anything about it.

Her mother, who never wanted children, withdraws from her family and into an affair.

Susie's sister, Lindsey, fears the kids at school will forever define her by Susie's death, and their little brother, Buckley, struggles to understand the meaning of death.

The book is strongest in its first half, when it is part mystery and part ghost story. Susie's dad knows that their strange neighbor Mr. Harvey killed Susie, but has no proof. His obsession causes his wife to drift away, but draws him closer to his surviving daughter, who becomes similarly preoccupied. Meanwhile, Susie lives in her version of heaven, with cool swingsets and a duplex that she shares with another little girl, named Holly.

In its second half, the book becomes pure ghost story - a less moralizing version of Our Town, as Susie watches her loved ones grow older and observes the turns their lives take. Though still absorbing, this section doesn't measure up to the creepy, unsettling beauty of the first half, with Susie replaying her own murder in her mind, trying to puzzle out why it happened.

Without sounding cold, it seems that the dead's interest in the living would wane after a time. After all, Susie would have all of heaven at her disposal -- how concerned could she really be about her sister's graduation from college and engagement? Still, there's poignancy in Susie's reluctance to let her family go, which Sebold's delicately beautiful writing makes the most of. This is her first published novel. Her only other published book is the memoir Lucky, about her own rape as a college student.

That book received relatively little fanfare, but Bones is a breakout success, topping bestseller lists and garnering glowing reviews. It's not just hype. Sebold and her lovely, disturbing book are the real deal.

Ok, well, that in a nutshell is what I've been up too.  Mostly just trying to catch up from over the holidays.  I've got some new yummy recipes that I'll be posting soon, so y'all stay tuned!!!  I promise not to disappoint :)

Until next time..........

LONG Weeks and Santa Fe Soup

Wow! I can't believe that a week has passed since my last blog. This past week has been a long one for me. Ryan left last Wednesday for the Christian Music Broadcasters convention in Orlando. He was there until Sunday. I must take a second to brag on my husband. He was up for the CMB Echo Award for Program Director of the Year. He is truly one of the hard working PD's in Christian radio. He didn't get the award this time but it sounds like he came very close to winning it. The loss was softened a little by knowing that the award went to a PD from Augusta Georgia. Gotta keep it in the home state :)

I'm so glad that Ryan is back home. I'm just not fit to be a single parent. It's hard work!!!!! My hinny was dragging by the time he came home. Not only was I doing my regular everyday things that I do but I was having to do Ryan's share of things around the house as well. I was up at the crack of dawn and in bed (if I was lucky) by midnight. My body just isn't used to that. AT ALL!!!!

On top of all of the madness with Ryan being gone, my daughter started telling me that she just didn't feel right. To make a long story short.....she battled a nasty sinus infection all weekend. She woke up this morning running a low grade fever, so I decided to keep her home from school today. She isn't a very fun kid when she's sick. Life can become unbearable with her when she's not feeling well.

So, with all of the madness going on, I decided yesterday to make a pot of Santa Fe Soup! So easy and so cheap to make. Plus, Morgan said it was just what she needed since she was sick. The good thing is, it makes alot of soup so we are heating it up again tonight for supper :) Yay me!!!! All I had to do was plug in the ol' crock pot and supper is ready! I'll put the recipe at the bottom of today's blog :)

Well, the sick one is calling for me so I must tend to her :) I am hoping to blog more than just once this week. We will just have to see how the week goes I guess!

Until next time!


SANTA FE SOUP
1 can black beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can dark red kidney beans
1 can corn
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 (28 oz.) can of diced tomatoes
1 packet taco seasoning
1 packet ranch dressing seasoning
1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained
1 cup water

Mix all ingredients in a large crock pot. Heat for at least 3 hours on low.

Serve with fritos, sour cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Enjoy! :)

Homemade Laundry Detergent

If you're like me, you're always trying to do what's best for your family. Sometimes it can be a struggle when you're on a tight budget. Recently I was at our local "Superstore" to buy laundry detergent. As I stopped to pick up a bottle of my favorite detergent I noticed that the price had gone up AGAIN! But, I had to have it so I just shook my head and put the bottle in the cart and then made my way down the aisle to where the fabric softner was located. Again, I picked up a bottle of my favorite fabric softner and the price had gone up on it as well.

Now, two years ago Ryan and I decided that we wanted to save a little money on our water and electric bill so we bought a high efficiency (HE) washer and dryer. Best move that we made. I LOVE my machines and we have really noticed a difference in our water and electric bills. Ok, with that said, I've been paying out the wazzou for laundry detergent because my machines only use HE or low sudsing detergent. Do you know how expensive these detergents are? We go through alot of laundry around here, so I was running to the store almost every week and a half to buy detergent and fabric softner at close to $10 -$15 for detergent and $5 -$7 for softner. Thats ALOT of money when you're on a budget!!!!!

So, about a month ago I was watching one of my favorite TV shows on TLC about a family that has 18 kids. Yeah, you know the one :) Anyway, I decided to check out their website. While I was looking at their site I noticed that they make their own laundry deterget! And they use HE machines!!!!! I was like, WHAT? BACK THAT TRUCK UP!!!! So then I decided to do a little research on my own about making your own laundry detergent. Now, Ryan at this point is shaking his head and was most likely thinking "Whatever".

I found out that it really is so simple to make your own detergent and it's very inexpensive. WAY CHEAPER!!!!!

So to make a long story short.....I made my first batch and I was pretty surprised to find that not only did it clean better than the high dollar brands but it also softened our clothes (I no longer use fabric softener) and made everything even smell fresher than the brand I had been using.

It has been requested by all members of my household that I only use this detergent from now on. We’ve been using it for about a month now and I’m totally won over. Of course, they love it for the smell and feel of our clothes, I love it for how great it works and the fact that it only costs me about eight cents per load of laundry now!

This is only my second batch that I’ve made up. It seemed to last forever so this last time I actually measured out how many loads were in each batch so I could give you an accurate figure. No wonder it lasted forever, I had made enough for 160 loads!

Before I forget, when I do feel the need to use fabric softner I've started using (are you ready for this?) plain ol' white vinegar. Yep! Not only does it soften my clothes (and no, you can't smell the vinegar in the clothes) but it keeps my machines smelling good and keeps the hoses clean and fresh!

Today I’m bringing you the recipe I use. This one is the hands down winner at my house!


You’ll need:

■Laundry Soap (Fels Naptha or Zote are the ones I have used. You can also use: Sunlight Bar Soap, Kirk’s Hardwater Castile, or even Ivory)
■Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda (NOT baking soda)
■Borax

Note: You’re not likely to find all of these things in one store. I usually have to make trips to at least two different stores to get them. One store will have the Borax but put it beside a huge box of Baking Soda instead of washing soda and then another will have the soap. Just have fun shopping around for what you like but be sure you remember where you got everything! I am going to show you a recipe for detergent to make about eighty loads worth but I recommend you get four bars of soap and go ahead and make 160 loads worth because there is enough Borax and Washing Soda in one box to do that much. This will give you the absolute best savings!

The only real work involved is grating your soap. I use a cheese grater for this. I really want to use my food processor but I’m worried about hard soap damaging or dulling my blades so cheese grater it is! I get about three cups of soap shavings from each bar. Measurements will vary according to the size of your bar soap and how finely it is ground. We’re grating this kind of fine so it melts easier in the water. If you like, you can run the shavings through the food processor when you are done to make it finer but this works just fine for me.

Measure out your soap grounds in a large mixing bowl. This is where the recipe gets easy. However many cups of soap shavings you have, half that to know the number of cups of Washing Soda and Borax to put in. So for six cups of soap shavings, use three cups of borax and three cups of washing soda! Measure out the washing soda and borax then stir all of that up! You’ll have to stir a bit each time you scoop some out to get a good ratio of soap shavings to powder but that’s no big deal.


I store mine in a glass container with a lid and leave a 1/8th of a cup measuring cup in there to measure it out. Can you believe this only takes two tablespoons per load? Seriously! I put this to the test, too. I’ve figure out that two tablespoons is pretty close to 1/8th of a cup so that is the measurement I use now.

The main difference you will notice between this and store bought detergents is that this detergent doesn’t suds up as commercial ones do. Don’t let that deter you! Once you pull out your first load of clean, fresh smelling, naturally soft and fluffy laundry, that only cost YOU eight cents to clean, you’ll be hooked.

If you decide to try making your own detergent let me know how it works for ya. I know that you'll love it and love the savings! Happy washing :)

Homemade Laundry Detergent

■4 Bars Laundry Soap (to yield 12 cups of soap shavings)
■6 Cups Borax (this is roughly one box)

■6 Cups Washing powders (this is roughly one box)
Grate soap using cheese grater. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well. Place in sealed container and measure out two tablespoons for each load.

Pumpkin Bread & Georgia Bulldog Football

We had a busy weekend here at the Springer house. Every year exactly one week before the first Georgia Bulldog football game of the season, we have our "Hanging of the Red" ceremony. Basicly we get out all of our festive gear, cover the mailbox, hang the garden flag, get out the UGA china. You know all of our "stuff". We always have a blast doing it and it really gets us (well, more me than anyone else)ready to cheer on the Bulldogs!!!!

It has been unseasonably cool here over the past few days and I'm enjoying every minute of it. It's been nice to turn off the AC and open the windows. Ahhhh.....just love the fresh air!!! Now of course this time next week we could be blazing hot again. I guess we are entering that wacky Summer/Fall strange weather pattern.

We decided after church on Sunday to run out to our local apple orchard for some lunch. While we were there we bought a half of a peck of just picked Jonathon red apples. Yep! Momma is gonna make an apple pie with those babies!!!!

Today, since we didn't even crack the 70's, I decided to make a couple of loaves of pumpkin bread. I tell ya, there just isn't anything like the smell of fresh pumpkin bread baking in the oven to make you want the fall to hurry up and get here already! It smells so good!

Ok, well, I believe that we are caught up with what's happening here at the Springers. I hope that you all have a wonderful week and hope that all of you are getting as excited as I am for the kick off of football season! GO DAWGS!!!!!

Until next time!


Pumpkin Bread

3 1/3 cups sifted all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. cinnamon
3 cups sugar
4 eggs
2/3 c. water
14 oz. can of pumpkin
1 c. vegetable oil

*Combine all dry ingredients.
* Add wet ingredients and mix well.
* Pour batter into 2 greased and floured bread pans.
* Bake in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour and 15 min. or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Enjoy!!!!

No More Excuses!

So this morning I was on Facebook and saw that a friend of mine has started blogging. She is a mother of 8.......yes, that's right a mother of 8 and if she can find time in her hectic schedule to blog, then so can I can! NO MORE EXCUSES!!!!

Well, since my last post Jackson has turned 1 and Morgan is now 11 years old. Morgan is now back in school and is officially a 6th grader and is in middle school! How time flies. Seems like yesterday I was dropping her off at pre-k. I'm just not ready for her to grow up. I'm holding on like crazy to Jackson. We tease all the time that he's never gonna grow up and he is gonna live at home with mommy for the rest of his life. :)

Ok. I've got tons to do today and I'm already way behind. We had a long night of severe weather. I wasn't able to get enough sleep so I slept a little longer this morning than I would've liked. I've got a mountain of laundry that isn't getting washed by itself and Jackson needs to be changed and put down for his morning nap.

So, I promise to get back on the ball and start blogging again! Until my next post....have a fabulous day!!!!!


P.S. Check out Shannon's (my friend on facebook) blog! www.myshannonigans.blogspot.com

I know, I know!!!!!

I know that it's been a while since I've posted to my blog. Life gets busy and time just flies!!!!! I promise to get back in the game......I just need a little push! I guess I just figure that there just isn't anyone out there who really want to hear about my really boring life. It's a busy life.......but it's boring.

Ok.....so I just want to let ya'll know that I am still alive and breathing!!! Now, I must go and chase down Jackson! He is into EVERYTHING now. Never a dull moment with a 10 month old! HA!

We Survived and are Still Alive!!!!

Well, I know that it's been a few days since I last posted. I'm sure you're wondering how we all fared with all of the sickness that we've had as of late here at the Springer house. WE SURVIVED AND ARE STILL ALIVE!!!!

It all started with Miss Morgan almost 2 weeks ago. She came to me right before bed one night complaining of her throat hurting and feeling achey. Of course, I blew it off as, Um.....it's Sunday night and someone doesn't want to go to school tomorrow. That's what I get for jumping to conclusions cause before I could say anything she added that she didn't want to stay home from school because of a fun project that they were going to be working on and she didn't want to miss it. I knew then that she was serious and really wasn't feeling well.

A few days later, Ryan called me from work complaining that his sinuses all of a sudden were draining like a faucet and that his throat was beginning to get sore. By nights end, he too had fallen to the dreaded disease. I was doing all that I could to keep little Jackson and myself away from my disease ridden family. If I could've wrapped Jackson and myself in bubble wrap and put in a disease-free plastic bubble, I would've done it!!!!! By the time Friday rolled around, Ryan was taking the day off because he didn't have a voice and was just feeling really cruddy. Saturday morning he woke up early (which he NEVER does) and told me that he needed to see a doctor. I should've scooped up Jackson right then and ran for the hills.

Sunday afternoon, I noticed that Jackson (whom in his 8 short months of life has NEVER been sick) wasn't acting right and had a slight cough. Then the sneezing and the crying began, yep that was me! I too was becoming a casualty of the sickness monster. Of course, I don't have the luxury of sleeping it off or even just taking the day off to recoup! I'm mom and life as we know it would come to a screeching hault! So I say that to say that this stuff is hanging on with me. Jackson recovered quickly!

So here I am, alive and well! I think that I'm beginning to feel human again. Hence, another saga in the day (or shall I say weeks) of the Springer clan. May we all stay well for a very long time. I can't handle another few weeks of constant sickness! I'm so ready for the weather to warm up and stay warm. We all could use some springtime fresh air!

Hope you and your family are staying well!

A Nose In Need

OK! I have to admit that I have been defeated!!!!
I did however put up one heck of a fight. I didn't go down easily.....however, I am down for the count.
Yep.....sniffling, sneezing, stuffy head, aches, chills, coughing and my teeth hurt!!!!!! When you go to brush your hair and that hurts, you know that you are sick.
Now that I've updated you on my misery, I'm gonna go lay down while Jackson is taking his nap.
Hope everyone else out there is alive and well! I'll catch up with ya'll in a day or two! AAAAA CHOOOO! Excuse me! Cough Cough

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!

Well, yesterday Ryan woke up feeling worse than he has all week. He actually took Friday off (which he NEVER does) because he felt so bad and he had no voice. He decided that it was time to see a doctor! Wow! I knew he was seriously not feeling well because he avoids going to the doctor like one tries to avoid the plague.

The diagnosis: A really bad sinus infection! I could have told him that!!!!!! Sheesh, should've gone to med school!

After taking NyQuil every 6 hours and a few rounds of antibiotics, Ryan is feeling somewhat human today. At least that is what he is telling me. I'm so glad cause he is no fun when he isn't feeling well!

Morgan is feeling better. I'm glad cause she is not one that you want to be around when she is sick. So not like me at all. When I'm sick, I want my mommy. Morgan wants to seriously HURT you if you come near her.

Now, I say all of that to say this.........I woke up this morning with a sore throat and a stuffy nose!!!! I keep telling myself, "You're NOT getting sick, You're NOT getting sick, YOU'RE NOT GETTING SICK". You see, I just don't have time to get sick. Plus, there is a rule in the Springer House........Mom isn't allowed to get sick! I don't have the luxury of laying around and sleeping it off. I still have an 8 month old to care for (by the way, he is remarkably well!) but I still have my everyday stuff to deal with. If my world comes to a screeching halt and the whole world comes to an end, so to speak.

Well, I'm gonna go take some more Sudafed and suck it up! I'M NOT GETTING SICK!!!!!!!


**I almost forgot! I told you that I would let you know how the Jonas Brother Movie turned out......It was surprisingly good! We ended up going to the 4 PM showing, so there wasn't alot of screaming pre-adolecent girls! I highly recommend it if you have a pre-teen girl in your house. :)

Been Gone For A While!

Hey everyone! Sorry that I have been gone for awhile. I promise to pick things up again. Just need to get my thoughts in order. Hope everyone is well!

Jana

A Letter To Family & Friends

Dear Family & Friends,

On the day of inauguration, I wanted to reach out to all of my friends and ask that at some point today, you take a moment to pray for the future of our country - if not for our sake, for the sake of our children and their children. Despite your political views, the current state of our country demands prayer. Pray for our new President and his advisers. Pray for the state of affairs in the midst of an economic downfall. Pray for our children's education. Pray WITH your children for the future of our country. Pray for the job situation - I personally know several people who have recently lost their jobs. Pray for our military and their families.

I am thankful for the vast majority of Christians in this country, but ashamed at our silence in recent years. I challenge you to prayer and testimony, especially over the next 4 to 8 years. Stand up for what you truly believe in and prove that we have a freedom of speech and freedom of religion, which is part of the reason we live in the greatest country in the world.

I'll be praying and testifying - I am not ashamed. I was not ashamed to write this letter to all of you, regardless of what you believe. Delete if you want to or pass on to your friends and family - whatever you choose is fine with me. Personally, I've never felt more called to faith than at this point in my life and I intend to pray hard, daily, on my knees, with absolutely no shame. God is the only one in control of our future but we have to ask for His help and pray unceasingly. I know I'm right with God. Are you in?

~If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.~