10,000 Things to be Happy About

Wordless Wednesday - spider monkey

2009-08-05T08:07:00.002-04:00

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Wordless Wednesday - My hard working 8 year old

2009-06-17T09:55:00.001-04:00

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My latest obsession - Kings of Leon

2009-06-12T15:08:00.006-04:00

If you could look through my CD collection, I could literally tell you the story of my life. Sounds silly, but I have this little obsession with music. I have to have it on while I am doing anything. I tend to hear a song or an artist and that is all I want to hear until I wear it out or drive everyone around me crazy from hearing the same songs over and over. So I can hear a song and tell you what was going on in my life and what year it took place. I am affected very emotionally by music If you would of been around me last month, I was still obsessing over the Twilight soundtrack, this week it is Kings of Leon. I love Caleb Followill on lead vocals, I think his voice is haunting, in a good way. Now I listen to a little bit of everything, well I take that back, I really don't listen to rap anymore as I don't really think the content is appropriate or necessary. Plus I do have 3 kidlets with me the majority of the time. But my play list consists of anything from the above to Third Day, Brandon Heath, to of course Depeche Mode and The Cure.

But in the last few months I have taken on a new habit, I have started running! So of course I need tunes to keep me motivated on my run. (I have never been a runner and I now am up to 3 miles!!!)
So I am just sharing this little bit. I love their CD Only by the night. It is really good and if you happen to be around me anytime soon, it's what I will have on my MP3 player, in the kitchen, in the car...
If you click on the video above it will show Use Somebody that they performed at the MTV movie awards. and below is the new video for Notion.
Notion

An unwanted garden visitor

2009-06-03T08:46:00.002-04:00

We had just planted our garden and hadn't put up the fence yet, I notice this little rabbit in the neighbors yard eyeballing our treats that he thinks are for him. My kids thought this was hilarious! For more wordless Wednesdays click here!

Wordless Wednesday - Rainbow on a sunny day

2009-05-06T08:18:00.000-04:00

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Wordless Wednesday - Visit with the Easter Bunny

2009-04-15T08:10:00.001-04:00

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Wordless Wednesday - Crazy snowy spring morning

2009-04-08T08:13:00.003-04:00

Natalie couldn't wait to go out and play in the snow yesterday morning, I am sooo done with winter!!! For more picture posts, click here

Wordless Wednesday My Forced Flower Bulbs

2009-03-11T09:10:00.004-04:00

COME ON SPRING!!!!!For more Wordless posts, go to Five Minutes for MOM!

Fun with M & M's

2009-03-10T09:11:00.006-04:00

As I logged on here this morning, I realized I went the whole month of February without a single blog post! It just wasn't a post worthy month I guess. We were sick for most of it. I have tried to post a few on my family blog, but if I have a few minutes I tend to jump on Facebook. So with being home with a sick Elena for a few days, my house is scrubbed from top to bottom and I have some catch up time. Last weekend I was playing around with the M&M avatars and the kids got in on the fun too. We did this awhile back but the site wouldn't let us save our creations.

I just think its interesting how you view yourself and how other people can view you as something completely different. I have had a few instances lately where I select something(shirt, purse, song) and someone tells me "oh that is not you at all" Which I respond with REALLY? So is it that I am so far gone from who I really am that I no longer know myself? Or is it others think they know me, but really don't pay that much attention?

I thought it was funny that when I selected an M & M avatar, one of my kids responded with who is that suppose to be? So I thought it would be funny to have them decide who I would be if I were an M & M. here are the results:

The first one is the one I created for myself.Then Ethan made one, this is his version of mom, like the blue lunch lady visor?Miss Elena is so cute, I kept reminding her that she was supposed to make one that looks like mommy, not her and she said I know, this is you. OKAYThen miss Natalie's version of mom

So there you have it. See what I mean? None of them are even similar. Well except the blue shoes, which I don't even own a pair of. Interesting......

If you want to have fun with M&M's just check out their website

Wordless Wednesday - something to brighten my day:)

2009-01-28T09:40:00.003-05:00

It's been so dreary, these definetely brighten things up! My hubby is so sweet:)

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Wordless Wednesday - Our Wedding Anniversary

2008-12-31T08:30:00.006-05:00

A year into dating (12 yrs ago!)

Engaged (10 yrs ago)

Wedding shower (9 yrs ago)

Our Wedding day December 31, 1999

Our family growing

And us now. After 13 years together and being married for 9:)

Tackle it Tuesday -Painting Project

2008-12-30T16:12:00.003-05:00

I have overcome a fear.. The fear of painting. I have always let my husband do these sorts of projects unsure of my capabilities. This fall I couldn't wait for him we had a deadline with new carpet coming and so I painted the whole downstairs! Now it isn't perfect by any means and there still are a few spots that need touch ups or spots I missed. But I no longer am afraid and am moving on to other projects. Our cousin gave us her old dresser for our youngest. So this weekend I took advantage of the nice weather we had and painted this. I put the handles on and put it up today.

Before: It was quite sunny on our back porch, kind of hard to see.

Here is the after: She already put her things on it

For more tackles visit Five minutes for mom!

Wordless Wednesday - Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T09:35:00.003-05:00

Aunt Judy sent the kids these hats from the place she works, so I thought it would be cute to snap a pic to send to her. So this is as close to a Christmas shot as we'll get this year:)

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No School, No School La-La-La-La-La-LA!

2008-12-19T09:50:00.002-05:00

Not exactly how I wanted to wake up this morning, Our school system has just started an automatic call system that will call you when there is a delay or cancellation so you no longer need to get up and listen to the radio or watch TV to find out if there is a change in school, my phone is next to our bed so when they call, I don't even need to wake up- which is nice-They just started this last week and already have had to use it twice. A delay on Wednesday and today school was cancelled. So we now are officially on Christmas Vacation! Two weeks off! The kids had fun things planned at school today. Elena is really upset, she was so looking forward to her Christmas party at school. She doesn't want break, she loves school.

So with the roads full of ice, I am bummed because it puts a slight damper on my plans, I was planning on grocery shopping this morning, picking up Jason this afternoon and Christmas shopping with Bill this evening. I still have most of it to do!!

This is the first year in some time that I have more than a gift or two to purchase yet and it is consuming me. I will not do this again if I can help it!

I will try to shift my attitude around and try to enjoy this extra day of being stuck inside and do something fun with the kids, the shopping will have to wait until tomarrow....UGH

Weekend Recap

2008-12-15T09:40:00.008-05:00

Well I thought since I am sitting here half awake, I would try to wake up my rusty brain and post a recap. I did have an almost KC like weekend. Hee, hee. Usually my weekends involve one major event over the course of it, but this weekend was busy and FUN! Friday I took the day off work so that I could get things done before my cookie exchange that I host. I have to plan things like this from time to time, because it actually motivates me to get things done. I need that deadline.

So I stayed up late Thursday night baking cookies so I wouldn't have that mess Friday. Friday was all about getting the house ready. And also having a day off from work without having to run around was soo nice!! I am counting down the days until Christmas Break! Whoo-hoo! The joys of working in a school:)

Friday night I had some friends over here to exchange Christmas cookies and we had quite the wintery weather. It snowed all day and there was quite a bit on the ground and on the roads. One girl couldn't make it because of the weather. (Crazy as it is all melted already and in the 50's right now) of course KC the blogger girl already had pics up. Here are a few I took. I should of just made her my party photographer :p

Saturday we woke up and the whole family just lounged around ate Christmas cookies for breakfast and watched The Santa Claus. Such a great way to wake up!

My MIL wanted the girls to come over for a tea party lunch, so I took them over there, stopped and picked up a few things at the grocery and came home to a quiet house. AWESOME!!! Bill took Ethan sledding so I had some time. I cleaned out one of my cupboards and then made some cookie dough for Sunday.

When Ethan came home we started putting together Christmas gifts we are making for family and teachers. Can't show you because I don't know who will see. Don't want to spoil the surprise!

Saturday night we went to this neat cabin for a surprise 60th birthday party for my Aunt, my mom's oldest sister. It was the first time in a long time I have seen all 4 of my mom's siblings together. They took some pics by the Christmas tree and I got a bit sad. It has been 25 years since my mom has passed....

It was nice to see cousins and family I haven't seen in awhile.

Sunday got up and went to church, the kids did the bell choir thing for the congregation, I love when they get to do this, they are soo cute.

Came home had lunch and went to Aunt Sandy's social hall at her church and spent the afternoon baking cookies with the girls. It was fun and a great way to get a bunch done!

We went back to her house and ordered pizza and just hung out. Was a great weekend. Of course throughout most of it I forgot my camera, but that is just how it goes. Maybe Santa will bring me a camera phone?

Christmas Cards

2008-12-10T10:28:00.002-05:00

No pictures today, just a musing about Christmas cards. Don't you love how someone can be placed on your heart and then you hear from them? I have a friend who I was closer to anyone in the world and with kids and business we drifted over the past few years, I miss her terribly, and she has been on my mind daily. She has been dealt a lot and she shuts down instead of reaching out for a friend for comfort. I haven't spoken to her in a year and a half and I woke up yesterday morning thinking I should send her a Christmas card, it was heavy on my heart and when I opened my mailbox yesterday there is a card from her! It literally brought me to tears.

Only at Christmas:)

Wordless Wednesday - Silent Night

2008-12-03T08:53:00.004-05:00

I looove this picture! They fell asleep watching The Polar Express and the Josh Grobin Believe song I have playing on my blog was playing when I walked into the room. Such a perfect little moment to store to memory:)

I know not so wordless, but if you want more wordless posts, check out Five Minutes for mom!

Wordless Wednesday - What I woke up to yesterday!

2008-11-19T09:17:00.003-05:00

I couldn't believe it being so early, but we are loving it. It looks so pretty I hope it sticks around a bit.

Sick, Sick, Sick

2008-11-14T08:34:00.002-05:00

The flu bug is going around and unfortunately decided to come to our house so last night I was up all night with miss Natalie. Ick. I can handle any kind of chest cold, respiratory infection, but I don't do well with the pukes!

So I am spending my day today disinfecting and cleaning -when I am not snuggling with my little girl- We didn't get much sleep last night, so I am hoping she will sleep more today. We have a busy weekend ahead so I am hoping the Lysol does the trick.

Miss Elena is having two birthday parties. One tomorrow with her friends and one Sunday with family. So I have the house to get ready, which isn't much but we had new carpet put in last week and I still need to move some furniture around. But later I need to make cupcakes and when Bill gets home I need to shop for all the yummy food and decorations. Her theme is Littlest Pet Shop.

Today is one of those crazy little gifts, that you asked for but just not exactly. I was just complaining to my dh about how I have all these projects upstairs that are started but not finished and I can never keep the kids in one spot so I can finish them. Last night while miss Natalie drifted off to sleep after getting sick, I sat in her room and finally got all their summer things out of the closet and dressers and put away, sorted play clothes and school clothes, tossed some things and got the girls room cleaned. Today I have moved her into my room so she can watch cartoons and hopefully I can sort through these piles of papers around my desk and start on the boys summer things. If she was well, it would still be sitting here. Crazy.
Now I just pray I don't get sick!!

Wordless Wednesday - She loves her big brother :)

2008-11-12T00:00:00.001-05:00

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SNOW!

2008-11-10T07:46:00.002-05:00

Before I went to bed last night, I looked out the window and shrieked! Everything had a thin blanket of white! It snowed!! The kids were getting ready for bed and got all excited as well. This is the only time of the year that I get so excited to see the white stuff and the kid in me now that I am working in a school thinks - maybe school will be canceled tomorrow?? Hee, hee.

Of course it didn't really stick around by this morning, but it brought back good memories of when I was a kid and my brother and I would mark the calendar when the first snow was and compare it to the last year and run outside in it. Love the first snow!

So guess what i am gonna have to listen to as I do the mountain of laundry? Christmas music of course!

Have a great Monday!

Wordless Wednesday- Halloween - kids and their friends

2008-11-05T07:39:00.006-05:00

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Wordless Wednesday - My husband's dreaming:)

2008-10-01T08:57:00.001-04:00

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Blogging, what is that?

2008-09-30T10:14:00.002-04:00

That is how I feel lately, I never have any time to post, let alone read up on other blogs. I miss my sahm days:( I definitely am working more than I expected to and it's amazing how just working 2-3 hours in the middle of the day throws a kink into everything else! I had a nice four day weekend, but I babysat Natalie's friend Friday and babysat 2 kids on Monday so nothing really got caught up. Oh yeah and throw in a play date, a night of puking by Elena and a trip to the Dr with Ethan (luckily not the ER) because he sprained his wrist!!

I really want to take more time on here, but I need to hop in the shower and get ready to head to the cafeteria! Lunch duty calls once again. I go to a new elementary school today so I get to torment a new group of kids. YAY!

I hope I can get this new routine down and get back to blogging. I miss it. Really, I do.

Have a great Tuesday and probably week too!

Wordless Wednesday - my 3 yr olds drawing

2008-09-10T09:42:00.001-04:00

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Wordless Wednesday - Last days of summer break

2008-09-03T07:05:00.002-04:00

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I've been tagged!

2008-09-02T07:50:00.003-04:00

My friend Katie over at greatlife-happy2bme has tagged me for a meme. Now it is 6 random things or quirky things. I don't know if I could think of 12 random and quirky so this will just be a combo of both. Thanks for the tag!

1. First one since I have been thinking about my past pregnancies with my first baby turning 8. When I was pregnant with him. I was completely obsessed with what I ate each day. "The books" said I needed to eat this much of this and this much of that so I made charts and was sure to eat EVERYTHING on the list. Never touched caffeine because the book said not to, not even chocolate. Chocolate had caffeine. One time I drank root beer assuming all root beer was caffeine free and when I realized there was some in it, I freaked!

2. On the same subject when I was pregnant with my girls I had my cup of decaf each morning and had chocolate everyday!

3. My favorite candy bar is peanut butter twix, I like to eat all the chocolate and peanut butter off the top and sides and then eat the cookie part.

4. I am constantly misplacing my sunglasses. In fact I stopped buying sunglasses that were at all expensive and now buy cheap ones because I leave them everywhere I go!

5. I cannot go to bed at night unless I make sure everything is shut and locked up, if I fall asleep and am not sure I need to get up, check all the doors and downstairs windows, lock the car and make sure the garage door is shut.

6. I cannot leave the house without forgetting something. It is a joke in our house that I have to make one more trip back inside for something. Sometimes more than once - it is horrible!!

I think those things were more quirky than random, but there you have it a little more information about my life :)

Wordless Wednesday - Ethan's 1st Demo Derby Car

2008-08-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

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New Beginnings

2008-08-26T09:33:00.003-04:00

First day of school underway and Miss Elena starts today. She was so excited. She picked out a
Hannah Montana shirt to wear with sparkly silver shoes and of course a silver headband to match. I was never so accessorized as a kindergartner. Not even in high school! Anyways, I keep thinking I need to pick her up in a few hours. That will be different. She didn't act nervous at all and we found out there was a little boy from her preschool that she played with all summer that is in her class. So that was reassuring. A familiar face.

Ethan wasn't so crazy about his first day. Lunch was later and his friends were all scattered. It will be better for him today I am sure. He thinks he doesn't need me to walk him to/from school anymore. He got mad when I made him walk with us. Big second grader.

My first day was fun. It was great to see all the kids that I know and the teachers were so nice. Surprisingly Ethan's teacher from last year was quite chatty and told me of a job opening. So I am going to see what I can do about getting it. The ladies I worked with were great and I got to work with my friend who got me my job so that made it so much easier getting into it.

Natalie was super excited to go to the babysitters, but had a rough afternoon. We'll see how she does today.

So my new beginning besides working out of the house is getting back into working out! I have been such a slacker and I can feel it. I don't usually go by the scale, I go by how I feel and lately I can feel that I have put on a few pounds. When I went to the Dr a few weeks back his scale said I have gained 12 pounds since late spring!! WOW! So I have been watching what I put into my mouth, trying to snack on veggies and such and since I just have one child with me starting today I amgetting back into walking daily. I took the kids to school and took Natalie on a 30 minute walk. I am gonna shoot for 30 min a day this week, bump that up to 45 next and keep moving until I am at an hour. I will walk until the weather gets too yucky and then I will head to our local rec center.
So wish me luck with this. It is so hard to get into a new routine.

Okay now I am off to bake a chocolate cake for dessert tonight. Hmmm wonder how those 12 pounds snuck on? I have no idea!

Back to School

2008-08-22T07:37:00.007-04:00

The last weekend of summer vacation. A month ago I was dreaming about this, craving the regularity of a schedule. I have 2 going to school this year. My middle child is beginning kindergarten and although I have been so excited for her to go, now that we are days away I am getting sad. I know she will thrive in that environment. She loves school I am hoping it continues now that it will be an all day everyday thing. I am looking forward to days with just me and my 3 year old though. She is at such a fun age, I know we will make lots of special memories together.

Another thing about school starting this year that I am nervous/excited about is I am going back to work. I was hired by the school system the kids go to in May as a substitute helper. I will float between all the schools wherever there is a need, secretaries, library, teachers aide, kitchen. I am a sub so I can for the most part choose my schedule. Well I got a call with a request to work at the elementary school my kids attend for the whole week next week. I will only be working for two hours each day just to help in the cafeteria. Perfect. I will be here with them before and after school. I am glad I will get to see them at school each day, but nervous about returning to the work world. I have been home for over 3 years and even before that I was only working 1-3 days for 2 years before that. But I know once I get in there it will be fine. Natalie is excited about going to the babysitters, she has been telling me for weeks that I go to work she will go to the babysitters. So I know the adjustment for her will be fine.

Well I better get myself ready to go shopping. Just a few more items to pick up and the kids are ready for back to school!

Thursday Thirteen - MOPS MOMMAS!

2008-08-13T21:07:00.013-04:00

I went to our county fair yesterday and since I usually run into so many mops moms there, I thought I would do a Thursday thirteen on who I see. I did see a couple more than 13, but oh well. It was fun catching them all off guard when I said "Hello, SMILE!!"

(If you don't know what MOPS is, be sure to click on the word above and it will take you to the website. Great Group every mom should know about! This years theme is adventures in motherhood, so seeing these mommas at a fair was quite fitting)

I left names out for privacy reasons, but the last one is ME:)

Happy Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday - Storm Clouds

2008-08-13T07:52:00.000-04:00

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Tacke it Tuesday

2008-08-12T09:17:00.003-04:00

My tackle for today sounds incredibly simple, but I have been down for 2 days straight with what I am guessing is bronchitis. I have had a scratchy throat and then a sinus thing, but it is in my chest so bad and I cannot get into the Dr until Thursday. Tomorrow is kids day (free day) at our county fair so I am resting all I can today so I have the energy to hopefully get out there tomorrow.
So my tackle today is LAUNDRY! stripping beds, washing bedding and the mountain in my laundry room. There probably is a good 5-6 loads of laundry to wash, dry, fold and put away. Which with the way I am feeling will be an all day tackle. YUCK.

Click the button above for more tackles.

Stuffed Puppies!- Right up my alley:)

2008-08-05T23:08:00.008-04:00

My Sweet little Natalie just loves, I mean loves dogs. She has her little toddler bed full of them. Different colors, different sizes all with names of chocolate or m&m's her fave things in the world. Unfortunately her momma is more of a cat person. And our old kitty is pretty set in his ways I don't think any new animals are in our near future. BUT over at Five Minutes for MOM I saw this awesome giveaway that would make her year!! AND they are giving away 3 so big brother Ethan and big sister Elena wouldn't be fighting over them. They all want a dog so badly. This giveaway would be perfect I mean how cute are these? If you want to check out the store that is sponsoring the giveaway- A Rocking Horse to Love, just click the link here go to the stuffed puppies section to view more.

I don't do many of these giveaway write ups, but a life size stuffed puppy? So worth it. So wish me luck!

See how excited they would be to win?

Updates

2008-08-04T21:10:00.005-04:00

Back and have some time to catch up a bit. YAY! Seems this summer is absolutely flying by! I guess that is a sign of getting old, eh? When you are young time drags on and on and when you get older it whizzes past. Anyways.
First thing is my dear son Ethan who I am sure will cause me to grey waay before my time, Is in the clear with his tooth!

For now anyways. Last week we went to the dentist and he says his tooth is being held by the bone. It has grown around and is now supporting the tooth and the X-ray showed that the root is reattaching. So we are back to normal for the most part. I am still going to take caution with some of the things he does or bites into. Of course we come home from the dentist and that same night he thinks he is going to pull out his ramp and start jumping his bike. YIKES! Don't think so. But he was able to play in his last ball game of the season which was nice because all season he wasn't allowed on the field, only could bat with the protective helmet on. And we can actually swim now too. This whole summer has went by and we only could go to the private pool we belong to a handful of times. I am hoping we have many sunny days left so we can get down there and enjoy them.

While this was taking place with Mr. Ethan Miss Elena wanted to get in on the action and dislocated her elbow. It was a rainy day and we were leaving the dentist office I took the kids to the mall to play. Just as we were getting ready to leave she does one last dive off a toy and must of fallen just right. I didn't see the fall, but she complained all day about it hurting. I figured it was bruised because nothing appeared to be out of place. When my dh got home from work I took her out to the ER since our Dr was on vacation. 3 Hours later it was all back in place and life was good. Other than she had to rest her arm for 2 days in a sling. She hated that you would've thought the world was gonna end. How would she react if it was broken? Anyways glad that is behind us as well.

I have spent most of the summer sick. ICK! I had strep throat in the beginning of summer and for the last 3 weeks have another lovely sore throat. I guess I better start taking better care of myself. eh? I will make a mental note to do that.

Some positive, I mean WONDERFUL news is miss Natalie is now Potty trained!! YAY!! It took a little time, but once she had it down, she had it down. It has been over a month and we have only had 3 accidents. She is thrilled with herself. I cannot believe I am finally done buying diapers! 7 1/2 years straight of diapers, diapers, diapers. I almost grabbed the microphone at Walmart and announced it to the store I was so excited when I bought the Princess pull ups. My last package I will buy for myself!Whoo-hoo!! She wears the pull ups at night, but she wakes up dry. I still am making her wear them a little longer to avoid any messes. But Go Natalie Go!!

I started am currently babysitting Elena's best friend and her big brother until school gets back in which has been an adjustment around here. Now this week they are sick so their mom is keeping them home (which I soo appreciate!) I also will have Natalie's best bud a few days in there so at least they all have someone to keep them busy.

Even though we have had to lay low. And I mean low. I couldn't even do play dates because I just didn't feel like telling Ethan no 300 times so I just avoided anything he might have trouble controlling himself with so that was friends, parks, beaches, etc etc. We did do the summer reading program at the Library and they really go into that this year. Natalie was old enough to participate too so that was fun. She is looking forward to story time this fall.
We did go on our annual 4th of July family camping trip which was a lot of fun, we went to the drive in movie a few times, the zoo, VBS, and lots of just hanging out together which I am loving.

I am so torn about school coming up, part of me wants to keep them home longer and have more fun together and part of me thinks 3 more weeks? AWWWW.

Okay I think for the most part we are up to speed now. I have more, but I will save it for another post.

I'MMMMM BAAAACK!!!

2008-08-01T08:02:00.003-04:00

I hope for good this time. It has been over a month since I have been able to be online. We have a trusted friend who fixes our computer problems for us and my dear hubby will not allow any one else to work on it. So I had to wait for a good time for one of us to take the computer up over an hour away and then pick it up. Apparently it was a task for us because it took over a month to accomplish!

I have so much to update you with! I don't have the time now, I have been babysitting this summer and I have to get all the kids ready for VBS. I will be back with pics, stories and more. I know you will be waiting at the edge of your seat. hee hee.

I will be doing my blog rounds soon too. I can't wait to see how you all are doing and how your summers are going.

Be on soon! Just wanted to let you know I am still alive:)

And a little more....

2008-06-19T20:37:00.004-04:00

Well if I wasn't a mess when I typed my last post, I sure was by the end of the day! I do have a major praise, well two praises from my horrible day Tuesday. When I called the dentist to get him back in they couldn't see him until 3:30! I was in tears. This is his bottom front tooth just sitting in the socket, I couldn't let him eat for risk of him swallowing it and the lady on the phone was not so nice. I hung up the phone and bawled. No sooner did I cry out to God that I couldn't do this today. That I needed some help, the phone rings - dentist office- come right in! He said it looked better after 5 days than he expected. The gum was healing up nicely around it. Oh I forgot to mention 3:30 was the time I had an appointment that I couldn't miss for my job for next school year. So luckily I was able to do that still. But my day just kept getting better. My computer had gotten some kind of virus and I wasn't able to get online at all so I had to wait for our friend who is our computer expert who got ahold of me today and fixed it, YAY! (I went 2 days without a computer, that was hard! I didn't realize how much I get online to look up stuff!) Then at the kids T-ball game I had to make Ethan sit out -and keep him and Natalie still- And while I am watching the game, Natalie slips on the bleachers and gets herself so upset she pukes all over me!!

Let me just say by the end of that day I told my dear hubby that I quit as momma! Oh yea my second praise in the midst of all of this flowers were delivered to my house and a balloon. My hubby sent them to me with a little card telling me what a great job I am doing. Okay, I'll still be momma:)

Well my littlest one, is still wanting momma instead of sleeping, so I better spend a few extra minutes with her so I can get some quiet time.

Thanks for the encouragement ladies:) I really needed it!!

Just some Ramblings

2008-06-17T08:21:00.003-04:00

So far we have entered into a busy summer, busy for us anyways. We started the summer off with a slumber party, we went to the private beach we belong to a few times, went to see Indiana Jones at the Drive In, had some baseball games a T-ball game (those keep getting rained out) Started the summer reading program at the Library which the kids really get into and this is Natalie's first year that she can participate and she is doing great with it. Went to the zoo, caught fireflies and done sparklers. And of course friends are over every day.

My biggest obstacle occurred last week when Ethan was playing on the neighbor kids new slide pool. All inflatable, but my little man found a way to get hurt on it. He lost a permanent tooth sliding down the slide on the edge of the piece of plastic that connects the slide and the pool. I do not do well with emergencies, but luckily the dentist could get him right in and they reattached the tooth. They say there is a high chance of the tooth reconnecting if it is reinserted within an hour of coming out. But see, he lost the baby tooth next to it this last week also, so that tooth will be shifting and growing and could pose a problem. This has been a rough 5 days for me already and when I woke up this morning, the bonding (they bonded his tooth to the other permanent tooth) the bonding broke. So now we are waiting to get into the dentist again this morning.
He has been on a soft foods diet since Thursday which is so hard because he wants what everyone else is eating. He can't do a lot of the things he likes to do because he cannot bump that tooth again or the chances of his tooth going back again aren't likely. I know its just a tooth and they make fake teeth all the time, but I don't want my baby to worry about little things like that his whole life if they can fix it with his real teeth. I just had to share because I have been a mess trying to keep this active boy busy, but not wild like he wants to be.

Wordless Wednesday - Friends

2008-06-11T07:34:00.000-04:00

check out 5 minutes for mom for more pics!

Faith Lift Friday

2008-06-06T07:29:00.002-04:00

Encourage others and yourself! Share a scripture, quote, devotional, lyrics, or anything that has blessed you and strengthened you in your faith.For More Faith-lift Friday visit Taking The Challenge

Someone has said that before our prayers can mean anything to God, they must first mean something to us. Mindlessly repeating a prayer we memorized in childhood, or vaguely asking God to bless everyone, everywhere -- that isn't authentic prayer. Prayer is speaking to God about the deepest concerns of our hearts.What is the source of true prayer? It is a heart attuned to God. It is a life lived in loving obedience to the Father. The Bible says, "And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight" (1 John 3:22).God delights in the prayers of His children -- prayers that express our love for Him, prayers that share our deepest burdens with Him. Don't pray casually or thoughtlessly, but "come boldly to the throne of grace, that you may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16).

The Reverand Billy graham

Wordless Wednesday - Slow down! Geese crossing

2008-06-04T00:01:00.002-04:00

For more wordless wednesday check out five minutes for mom!

Tackle It Tuesday- Summer cleaning schedule

2008-06-03T00:05:00.007-04:00

(click the button above for more tackles)

We are down to 3 days left of school around here and I am actually getting excited about this. The lazy days of summer are going to be here. Despite the news I just got today. - I have strep throat- which means at least one of my kiddos or hubby will probably come down with it also some time this week. ICK!! But me & the girls had a picnic in the back yard for lunch today and it was wonderful, just taking in the sunshine watching all the birds and just being with them. I take in every minute of it! So that being said, I just sat down and completed my tackle for today. I made my schedule that will make my life so much less stressful. I have a summer cleaning schedule. I am not a clean freak by any means, but it seems I get stressed easily because no matter how much I do, there is still a mess to clean up! During the school year, Monday is my big cleaning day. I spend most of the day scrubbing the house from top to bottom. But during the summer it is so much easier to do a little each day. What I do is I take my time first thing in the morning and that way I have the rest of the day for fun activities. I don't beat myself up if things get switched around, but I really do try to stick to it. I just made one general calendar for the summer, I am not completely rigid. It just helps me to stay on task and the kids understand a little better of what all needs to be done around here.
I made up chore charts for them. This is something new, but I asked each of them to pick one thing they would like to be responsible for and the rest are things like making beds and helping set the table. My philosophy and what I have told them is how much fun we have this summer depends on how much we can work together as a team. They help me, we can have more time to do fun things. We have a lot of fun things to do this summer!
I have put the calendar on here, it probably will be hard to read, it is clickable and if you want to copy to use yourself - go right ahead!

Basically it is:
Monday - Kitchen, laundry and sweeping
Tuesday - Bathrooms
Wednesday - Bedrooms, laundry and sweeping
Thursday - Living room, dining room, Toy Room, Halls and Laundry room
Friday- laundry and sweeping
Saturday - outside projects
Sunday - off!
Now I don't do the FlyLady thing, but I did once sign up and got a few tips that I do use when I clean.
#1 is to set a timer. 15 minutes in each room or space. You are not allowed to leave that room to take anything any where else. You put it in baskets or whatever and when you are done you move things where they go. It is great how much easier it is to stay focused. I always used to get sidetracked and go from room to room never really completing any task. The max I spend each day doing these is 1-2 hours.

#2 You break the big projects into a weekly project and spend no more than one hour each day on them.

#3 Shine your sink! Don't leave dirty dishes in the sink when you go to bed at night. I always feel so much better when I come into a clean kitchen in the morning. When I come into a sink full of dishes, I am stressed before my day even really begins.

And notice I do schedule a day off. I mean there still will be messes to clean, but I am not doing anything out of the ordinary on these days.

This looks like more than it really is, but for me it makes my summer being home GREAT!!

Menu Plan Monday

2008-06-02T07:18:00.008-04:00

Click the button to view more menu plans over at Laura's blog.

It's been awhile since I have posted a menu, some weeks I have even sat down and been blank. I am in a menu rut! The seasons are changing and my hubby isn't eating with us as often so I don't always make bigger meals when he is gone. Those are the nights we have breakfast for dinner which we all love, but he doesn't like.

So I spent some time this last week going through my cookbooks, magazines, etc. trying to be inspired with some new easy and not as heavy recipes. I will be making some time this morning to visit as many blogs as I can too to get some inspiration. (Not too much time as it is suppose to be gorgeous today)

This is what we are having for dinner over at my house this week.

Monday: Mini Tacos, Bean burritos, spanish rice, corn
Tuesday: Ratatouille with pasta - this looks so good!

Wednesday: Pancakes, sausage, and fruit salad
Thursday: Last day of school! Slumber party, so we will be ordering pizza

Friday: Basil Tomato Grill Cheese sandwiches

Saturday: Grilled Chicken, Potatoes and corn on the grill

Sunday: Birthday Party - my nephew turns Six today!

Well that is it, if you stop by today, let me know so I can check out your menu for the week too!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-05-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

For more wordless wednesday posts, go to Five Minutes for mom!

A TAG

2008-05-27T19:54:00.005-04:00

I have been tagged for a meme, which of course I don't mind at all. I am just a little behind on getting this one up. Katie over at Great life-Happy 2 b me was so kind as to tag me for this 4 things meme. I had to think a bit, but here are my answers..

4 Things I was doing 10 years ago:

Purchasing my wedding dress and planning my wedding
Selecting fabric and having my bridesmaids get their dresses made.
Dreaming of buying our own house
Was a Human Resource Manager at a large department store and did not like my job

4 Things I was doing 5 years ago: (This one is hard 5 years ago has been erased from my memory. Not such a great year for me)

Enjoying being home with my 2 year old boy and my 6 month old baby girl
Painting our home that was a pukey pink color a warm red (which I miss, we've since put siding up)
Deciding to join the steering team in my MOPS group for the first time.
Going out of my mind! I don't really know, I just remember a lot of stress back then.

4 Things I did yesterday:

Woke up! Isn't that amazing? I got out of bed and started my day. (with a cuppa joe in hand of course)
Had a cookout with family and hung out all afternoon just catching up while the kids played games in the yard. Nice time.
Went to Taco Bell for dinner - Just me and Ethan. We don't get too much one on one these days so I took him with me.
Went to Jason's Baseball game - which they won! Whoo-hoo!

4 Shows I like to watch:

Dancing with the Stars
Men in Trees
Notes from the Underbelly
I can't think of another one, When I get a chance to watch something it is usually because I set the DVR. I haven't seen any shows lately to record. Although I did catch Last Comic Standing last week and watched it. I like stand up comedians. I like to laugh.

4 Things I love to do:

Hang out at the beach with the kids
Go for walks or bike rides
Take pictures
BLOG! I have two of them that I work on whenever I get the chance. I haven't started scrap booking yet, so this is what I do.

So there you have it, there is my tag. I have to get back downstairs and pack a truck load of lunches for field day tomorrow and clean up a kitchen. yuck, so I tag YOU. Yes you, so leave me a comment and let me know when you have this up!

Have a great one!

Tackle It Tuesday

2008-05-27T09:27:00.005-04:00

Click on the button for more tackles

Well with having a long weekend and nice weather. YAY! My house is a wreck. I have tackles to do, but today I have to tackle just some yucky ol' housework.
I am having trouble getting going this morning too as outside has taken a turn and it is cold drizzling and not a drop of sunshine. Nice because it means we will be indoors and much easier to get things done, but all I need is a sunny morning and a big pot of coffee and I can tackle anything!

So once I find an ounce of motivation, here is what I need to tackle today.

LAUNDRY! Luckily we went out and bought a new Maytag washer this weekend. Our old one lasted us 12 years and was on its last leg. This one washes so much faster AND I can put more in per load! Love it! But I have 3 loads of unfolded laundry that will have to be fluffed then folded and put away. Plus a load of whites to soak and wash and strip all the beds and wash sheets.
Clean the Kitchen- Top to bottom. Unload dishwasher, wash windows, counters and sweep and mop
Toy Room which somehow keeps getting messy. Don't know how...

That is the main part of it. I am trying to use my crock pot more, so I need to look up some good recipes. HEY, IF YOU HAVE A GOOD CROCK POT RECIPE THAT WORKS FOR YOUR FAMILY LET ME KNOW! LEAVE ME A COMMENT, OR E-MAIL ME lovemybusybugs@yahoo.com I'd love to find some more. I used it twice last week and it made life so much easier, I want to make life easier more often!

Other tackles I need to work on this week are: Re-organize the girls room, my closet, the bathroom closet and the pantry. eek. I am hoping to work on one each day, but we'll see how that goes.

Little Miss Sunshine

2008-05-23T08:35:00.002-04:00

My 5 yr old had her preschool graduation/spring program Wednesday night and our 3 yr old was sick so we couldn't go to my SIL for her to pretty us up.(she's a beautician) so mom had to attempt to do some fancy hair(mom doesn't do fancy hair) So since miss Elena has straight hair I thought how fun to put some curls in her hair! Well she wasn't too happy about this whole process as you can see. She wanted her hair down with a headband.
I was loving it because she had curls like momma, but they pretty much fell out by time program time came. I was able to pull it out of her face and bribe her with some dangly earrings, so it all worked out in the end. But I just had to share this face! Love it.

thursday Thirteen

2008-05-22T07:54:00.006-04:00

Two weeks ago or so I did the Blockbuster Online thing.There were so many movies out that I wanted to see and I kept walking into Blockbuster so I decided to just do the online. Much better deal when you can rent unlimited for one price. So over the last two weeks we have been watching way to many movies waiting for this Ohio weather to warm up already!

Last year at this time the kids were wearing shorts to school. This year we are still wearing socks and shoes and jackets. I'm ready for some warmth!!

So I watched some really good movies and some that were just okay. Here is a list of 13 of them. A few of them I am reliving through my kids which is so much fun.

Juno - This was a surprisingly good movie.

The Water Horse - The kids liked it, but not enough to watch more than once

The Namesake - Real Good Movie

Hairspray - Gonna have to buy this one the girls have watched it over and over. Even my 3 yr old walks around singing "Good Morning Baltimore!"

27 Dresses - Okay

Jane Austen Book Club - I love Jane Austen movies, but this was just okay

Charlie Wilson's War - my dh liked it

P.S. I love You - I haven't cried so much in a movie in I don't remember when

Dan in Real Life- This was a cute movie. I liked it

Monster House- I have actually seen this a million times, but we still don't own it and it actually is a good kids movie that I am surprised my kids don't get scared by.

ET - I can remember seeing this at the movies when I was a kid

Indian Jones - Raiders of the Lost Ark

Indiana Jones - Temple of Doom - I have always liked the Indiana Jones movies, am curious to see how a 65 yr old Indiana does. We are gearing up for when it comes out this weekend. YAY! Just need to watch # 3 sometime this week.

So that is my list, I think I am movied out. Come on nice weather, I need some fresh air!!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-05-21T05:04:00.006-04:00

(The comic is clickable if you want to read it better, just click, I couldn't get it any larger for some reason)
For more posts, click on over to Five Minutes for MOM!

Tell me your Story

2008-05-16T10:21:00.006-04:00

My friend KC referred me to a blog. Diane over at Meyers on the Hood is having a Tell Me Your Story Bloggy Carnival. About a year ago I sat down for the first time and wrote out my testimony. I was amazed by how much I had forgotten that had gone on in my life and it was wonderful to see how things all play together and where you end up from it all. I had given my testimony to my MOPS group last year when we had a tea and treasure day. So I am copying the story and sharing it with you.

(Mind you, this is the longest post I have EVER done!)

I am a fairly new Christian. I have always known God. Believed in God my whole life, but only recently have had a relationship with Jesus Christ.

When I was younger – elementary school age- my mom & Dad sent us to church on a church bus. I don’t remember my parents going to church, but me, my brother and my 5 cousins who lived next door piled on the bus and went to the Baptist Church. I don’t remember a whole lot from those days, but I remember having fun. I liked going to church and I remember the church doing nice things for our family when my mom died. My mom was killed in a car accident when I was 8 yrs old. That night it happened is a flashback I live over way to often. It was a very hard thing for me to understand why that happened. Back then I was angry about it often. This happening really changed me and especially changed our family.

My dad was young. Just 26 when this happened. He became isolated from us kids. He turned to heavy metal music, partying and a new girlfriend. I came home from school one day two months after my mom died to a new girlfriend living in my house playing mommy. It was a scary, uncertain time in my life. I am thankful my aunt and uncle and cousins lived next door. I spent much time there. But even that became strained. My whole family turned against my dad because of his behavior. Some of the people I so needed to be around I no longer was allowed to be with. I felt very much alone.

As the next few years went on we saw my dad go from one girlfriend to the next- always moving them into our house. My dad joined a Hard Rock band and me & my brother were dragged from bar to bar while they had shows to play. Brought to strangers houses so the band could practice. Or we had a houseful of people mostly guys in and out all the time. Most of the time when we were brought along we had no idea where we were. Usually we hadn’t had much to eat and we were left alone a lot. By the time I was 11 yrs old I was pretty much responsible for both myself and my brother. We moved to a new town and even though the church bus came all the way to our new house to pick us up, we didn’t get on. Dad was never awake to make us so we didn’t. I didn’t have much faith in God at that point. All I could see was that I had nothing.

Luckily the summer before 6th grade I met a girl who was my age that lived in my neighborhood. We instantly became best friends. One thing that intrigued me about her family was that went to church every Sunday. And if you were sick, you stayed home and watched mass on TV. They were Catholic and that was different church then I had seen before. It made me want something again. I would see all these families attending service together and I wanted that so badly. Lucky for me they let me come along each week. Even bought me a new coat and some things I could wear to church. They didn’t even mind when I was there on TV church days. I was part of something and I liked it. I started praying again. There is one prayer during that time that always stands out to me.
When you think of unanswered prayers that were really answered but you didn’t know it until years later? The summer between 7th and 8th grade I knew we were moving from a small town to a larger town. I was terrified. Everyone told me horror stories of things that would happen. How the kids would be. How I would be treated. I prayed every night for God to bring the right kind of friends into my life. I didn’t want to meet kids who did drugs or who were fooling around. When we moved I met the “popular” kids and hung around with them. I made a lot of friends but those were the kids I kept struggling to stick with. Finally a fight with one girl caused me to start hanging around some of the other kids I had met. I was so upset for so long, but didn’t realize that was what I asked for. God pushed me away from the kids that later would be kicked out of school, doing drugs and having 1, sometimes 2 kids while they were still in high school. God answered my prayer!
Freshman year I met another friend who’s family went to a Catholic church. Her family invited me to come along also. I would walk across town each week to come because my dad wouldn’t drive me. I can remember it being the one time all week I would feel at peace. My whole life felt out of control, but on Sunday it was all okay. I continued to go to church with her throughout high school and even went to a few youth events with her.

During my high school years my dad did marry one of the girlfriends. My step mom started out to be the best thing that happened to us. She brought us close together as a family. Something we hadn’t been since my mom passed. At the time when she moved in we lived in a large house. My brother and I lived upstairs, Dad downstairs and we shared the kitchen. His side of the house was locked. My stepmom took down the locks and opened the door. Only for a short time though. She became pregnant. I was thrilled. Maybe I would get a sister! I did get a sister at 17 yrs old, but once she was born, so was my stepmothers addiction to pain killers. My little family was torn apart again. There was screaming, sometimes hitting. I knew this wasn’t the life I wanted. I was working to pay for all of my things and when my things and money started missing I had to move out. One of my friends witnessed the way I was being treated and told her parents. I left the house a month after I turned 18, since I was still in high school my friends parents asked me to move in with them. I lived there until I left for college.

When I moved back this way I started going to church. Methodist Church, with my grandma. We did that and we always went out to lunch afterwards. It was nice and I enjoyed the time spent with Grandma but I was needing something I just didn’t know what was missing. During this time I broke off my 5 year mentally abusive relationship with my high school boyfriend. I got my first real job, first apartment and started praying a little more. I was dissatisfied with myself and things going on in my life but had no idea how to make them better.

I met my husband and we dated for two years then he proposed. At the time he proposed my cousin was dating a preachers son and was making some complete life changes. We both did the partying scene late in high school and college her more so than I. So I was curious as to what was making her change. We started having some deep conversations about the lord and religion. When I asked her to be in my wedding, she accepted, then declined. She wouldn’t participate in a bachlorette party, or have champagne for the toast. Wow. What was making her change this much! I wanted to know more about this. So once Bill and I were married and on the advice of the pastor who married us, I started looking for a church that would be our church. It wasn’t until after I had our first child Ethan that I started going to her church. It was there that I started to feel a little different. I knew there were changes in my life I needed to make, but I kept making excuses for why I couldn’t take the time to make them. I was afraid to change my life too drastically. One day Pastor was really delivering a message that spoke to me. I sat there in the pew and I thought what is this about that people say they feel different, that they feel Jesus. I didn’t understand. So I just said to myself. Jesus, I believe in you, I want to know more about you, I ask you to come into my life today. Come into my heart I want to know what this is about.
The best way I can describe that feeling I felt that day is the Grinch. How his heart grows. I felt my heart outside of my body and was filled with warmth, like the biggest bear hug ever.
I knew Jesus was there. I knew things would be different. I stayed at her church for awhile but as Ethan grew I wanted him to be at home too. I was embarrassed to tell anyone that I never read the whole Bible or that I really didn’t understand what Easter was about. Most people assumed I was where my cousin was spiritually. I felt dumb and unsure of myself. I questioned if this really was the right time to do this.
Not long after a friend of mine invited me to MOPS. She was new to it and thought that it might be something I would enjoy since not many of my friends were moms. I thought I would check it out. It took me some time, but I met some other moms that I felt comfortable talking with and I felt more at ease asking questions about things I was unsure of. I bought a new Bible for myself and it was one geared for moms so I could relate to what I was reading. Someone told me to start by reading the Gospels and even taking that step made me so much more confident in this choice that I made!
Another thing that really helped me was by reading the children’s bible stories. Then when I would hear about them in church or come across them they made a little more sense.

Shortly after coming to MOPS, we switched churches and started coming to Church here. Since accepting the Lord as my savior there have been many times that I know God has helped us through. But mostly the year I was pg with my daughter Elena and the year that followed was a time that we were hit with everything. Financially, Emotionally. While I was pg I lost my job, then Bill was laid off early that year, Elena was sick- we were on the verge of losing so much. But by having faith and learning to trust God we made it through. We got through each month and learned to not question how it happened. Relationships that were strained were mended and somehow we came out of that year even stronger.

I am still growing in my walk with Christ. But as I look back I can see that I have always been drawn to God, always wanted religion in my life, always wanted to be loved. It took me 25 years until I found it and I know I can never loose God’s love. I am so thankful for the place that I am in my life now. I can see how God has protected me. Allowed me to be in so many different positions but helped me to make the right decisions. Some of the things I’ve seen in my life a young girl never should have to see. Who I am standing here is different than I ever have been. I’ve always had a positive attitude about most things, but now I look at each obstacle in life in a different way. Nothing is as much of a challenge as before because I know we don’t go through anything alone. I can always give my troubles, my worries and especially my praises to God!

I’ve learned that prayers don’t have to just be for the major things. Major crisis, major illness. God wants to hear from you and help you with the simplist things. I wake up each morning and pray that I don’t start my day off yelling at my kids, or not to forget to say something loving to my husband before he leaves in the morning. It’s amazing to me how even mundane things can be better just by taking a minute to talk it over with God.

As a mother I am so proud of where my children are spiritually. To see where my faith can help them know the Lord and see them start out having confidence in and loving Jesus. To see my husband grow and come closer as well.

The other day my 4 year old daughter asked me where wind came from while she was swinging. I told her God made the wind. She then asked me to give her a push on the swing, at the time I couldn’t leave the baby where she was. Just then a huge gust of wind gave her a big push. She yells out “THANK YOU JESUS!” with the biggest smile on her face. I had the biggest smile in my heart because that is what I say too, THANK YOU JESUS!!

Want something FREE? Go out and get it!

2008-05-14T23:14:00.003-04:00

Today, Thursday May 15, 2008 is the day for you if you'd like a free deal!

Dunkin Donuts is having free iced coffee day! Stop in between 10AM and 10PM for your free treat! Not sure where there is one close to you? Click the link above to find a store near you.

Also participating McDonalds restaurants are giving from 7AM-10:30 AM today the Southern Style Chicken Biscuit and from 10:30AM - 7 PM you can receive a southern style Chicken Sandwich. Now you do have to purchase a medium or large beverage to get your free sandwich, but you would need something to wash it down anyways, right?

So go out and treat yourself to something FREE - TODAY!!

Wordless Wednesday - Our Potato Head Family

2008-05-13T23:59:00.001-04:00

Got to Five Minutes for MOM for more wordless wednesday posts!

Tackle It Tuesday!

2008-05-13T07:41:00.005-04:00

An update from last week. Our patio door is now installed!! YAY! It is amazing how different it feels in the room now. Here is the after photo. Instead of clicking a link to last week. Here is the before.

My next tackles are to paint the trim and find curtains for the door.

I really did a bunch of tackles yesterday. Cleaned up from the busy weekend. It was party central here. We had a birthday party and then a fiesta. A mexican buffet and ended the evening hanging around the fire pit. So nice.

I went through all the clothes bins and got out all the summer clothes, made a list of what each kid needs and tomarrow we begin the shopping.

So busy day yesterday, busy day tomarrow. My tackle today is going to MOPS. Our last official meeting of the year. and Taking it easy.

Random Things MEME

2008-05-08T14:05:00.003-04:00

I have been tagged by KC the mindless chatter of a busy mom blogger for a meme. It's been awhile since I 've done one and this is short and sweet so here it goes.

3 Random Things about myself meme.

Here are the rules:
1. Post three random things about yourself.
2. In your post, link to the person who tagged you.
3. Tag at least five other bloggers. Let them know you've tagged them by commenting on their blog with an invite to participate.

1. I have an obsession with baking. There always is some sort of baked goods around my house. Mostly cookies and I eat entirely too many of them! I have a major sweet tooth and I always am wanting something fresh baked and usually chocolate is involved.

2. I love to take pictures and have only had a handful of what I have taken over the last 3 years on actual print. I am 3 years behind on getting pics and putting them in albums (since child #4 arrived, hmmm) That is a goal I have for myself this summer. To start getting the ones I want printed and put in order.

3. I don't really care to watch much tv. I actually suggested to my dh to cancel cable for the summer to cut back on an extra expense since we are usually gone or outside. (Of course he wants to watch baseball on weekends so that is a no go - I did remind him that half the time he is outside listening to it on the radio anyways, but oh well)

So there you have it. 3 random things you may or may not have known about me. I now have to tag 5 people. hmmm most of my bloggy friends have blogged as much as me so we'll see who responds.
1. Tina the Palm Tree Fanatic
2. Stacey @ Under my Rock
3. Shaunda
4. Katie @ Great Life Happy 2bme
5. Melissa @ Life with Two

Wordless Wednesday - Showing Love with Train Tracks

2008-05-07T00:07:00.001-04:00

For more Wordless Wednesday Posts, check out Five Minutes for mom!

Tackle It Tuesday -Tear em up / Tear em down

2008-05-06T00:12:00.003-04:00

So it is Tuesday and I have a few things going on. My baby will be turning 3 on Friday so there is a party to prepare for. YAY! Which means cleaning the house and TRYING to keep it that way which really means doing my regular cleaning and then Friday running around the house like a madwoman cleaning it again :) On top of that we are throwing a little home construction in the mix just so it doesn't get boring. Oh don't forget to add a sick 5 year old who spent Saturday night in the ER for vomiting for a day and a half straight has been sick again and we have to make a DR appt today to see what is going on with her. and PRAY no one else develops what she has in the meantime. So my Tackles are the birthday pinata. Natalie helped me mix up the paste which was my wordless Wednesday post last week. Here is my picture of it almost done.And the finished product!! I was happy that it actually turned out like a rainbow! I was going to get brave and attempt a DORA head, but when I mentioned rainbow, she was so excited. Now it does take a little work to make it yourself, we took about a week from start to finish. You could probably do one in a day or two if you didn't get to detailed and spent a lot of time, but the best part is this cost me a whole....$1.50 to make. Can you believe it? If I would of bought her one it would be anywhere from $15-20. Now I could find them cheaper if I looked I'm sure. But you can't beat $1.50. I purchased the candy to fill it for under $10 so I am still way under priced for the ones I have seen. Gotta love that. The next project won't be done by myself we are hiring people to do it. But we are installing a new patio door. Since we added a deck onto the side of our house (about 3 years ago) we have talked about how much nicer it would be to have a sliding door to go out to it. The porch door is in our hallway so you have to go either outside through the kitchen and walk around or through the dining room into the hall and around. When you are bringing food out and stuff it is a pain. So they are coming today! YAY! Here is what our dining room currently looks like. I will post an after pic once they finish. They are coming early this morning to get started. What are your tackles today? Go to Five Minutes for MOM to see some more!

Wordless Wednesday - Almost 3 yr mixing up the pinata paste

2008-04-30T07:18:00.001-04:00

For more wordless posts, click here!

Wordless Wednesday - Lets all be Action Heroes

2008-04-23T07:09:00.004-04:00

For more Wordless Wednesday, check out Five Minutes for MOM!

You may want to hit the stop on the music player to hear the video.

Wordless Wednesday - Story time with bear and puppy

2008-04-16T00:01:00.003-04:00

For more wordless wednesday posts, check out Five minutes for mom!

Tackle it Tuesday

2008-04-15T07:46:00.003-04:00

Hello! Today I am so happy that the sun is shining:) I actually have a low key day and a really busy rest of the week so I am going to take today to tackle my laundry room. Change all the linens and wash them and catch up on my bible challenge!
My 90 day Bible Challenge, today is day 41 in the reading and the week before last when the weather started warming up I got two days behind, then I left for the woman's retreat and forgot my Bible even though I told myself to run upstairs and grab it twice. So then I was 4 days behind. Over this past weekend I spent some extra time Saturday morning and caught up on 2 days worth of reading since my hubby was home to keep my little shadow (my 2 yr old) busy.

So Where I am today is in Psalms 11. I am reading in day 39. So I need to read until Psalms 69:21 Can I do it? You bet I can! Even if the kids drag me outside, this bible will come with me! I have to get caught up. I don't want to get any further behind!

Also a Tackle for today is get in a workout. Now I am actually feeling pretty good about myself right now despite the fact that my tummy could use some work and I probably could stand to loose about 5 lbs. But my hubby is happy with me and that makes the world of difference. But I have about 6 weeks until Valley Beach opens so I am gonna make it a point of getting 30 minutes in everyday, whether that be a walk or yoga, or some type of cardio - Something. I have recruited a friend to walk with me at least once maybe twice a week if we can coordinate our schedules. So yay! I should be feeling even better by summer and have more energy too!

What are your tackles? I'd love to know:)

Wow has it been that long?

2008-04-14T08:25:00.003-04:00

I hopped on here today and couldn't believe that it has been that long since I have blogged. My poor little blog which was given so much love the last week or so was completely ignored. Not to mention the blogs that I was just starting to find time to read. So I have missed my bloggy friends! Today I am here and hoping to catch up with some of you!

While I have been away I have been soo busy. Love the weather changes, but it is hard to change things around. The kids always want to be outside and I need to move a little faster to get what I need to get done so we can play outside. I have been going through all their spring/summer things to see what fits them and what needs to be given away. Rearranging dresser drawers and closets. Oh my!

Besides that trying to keep up with my reading challenge. Which has proven to be a challenge indeed. I will post more about that another time.

We have had some fun too. The weekend before this last, I got to go away on our Alliance Women's retreat with our church. which was so nice. I do think this was one of the first trips I have had without my hubby or kids that I was able to enjoy. I had a nice time spending it with some people that I don't get to hang out with as much as I would like. I don't schedule much time that is just for me so this was much needed. One of the things that I thought was great about this is there were so many great speakers and such wonderful messages and when we left, our group was talking about how nothing popped out at us.
Well I love how sometimes the Lord just plants a seed that will grow into something later. One of the things discussed was conflict resolution and how to do it with a biblical perspective. Wouldn't you know when I come home there is a conflict waiting for me! We are having some issues with one of our neighbors and it was trickling down to another neighbor. Well the conflict is only partially resolved, but I know that with God's help things will smooth out and I am not stressing over it like I normally would.

I have been able to finally been able to help at my son's school which I love to do and his teacher has only allowed me to come once this year. So here we are at the end of the school year and I didn't know half the kids in his class! So I helped two weeks in a row and have learned most of their names. I love it! This week I get to help out 2 days. One for the whole day. They are having a COSI on wheels there, so this should be a lot of fun!

We had a fun get together with family yesterday to celebrate both my sister in laws' birthdays and my step sons. He turns 14 today!!! How did that happen?? Oh!! our cousin announced she is moving up her wedding date. She was getting married next May and they now are getting married in November this year!! AND she asked miss Elena to be a flower girl! Oh this will be exciting!

Well there is my update for now. No menu posting today, I am planning pretty much a kid menu for most days, although I am trying a new recipe Saturday for an Italian chicken chili which looks sooo yummy. I am gonna serve it over spaghetti noodles. I think the kids will like it that way. If it is good, I will share the recipe.
Take care, take in some sunshine and have a GREAT MONDAY!!

Thursday Thirteen

2008-04-03T08:23:00.003-04:00

Thirteen Things I am looking forward to doing now that the weather is finally breaking:

Going for walks outside! One of my favorite things to do first thing in the morning is get out and walk while the sun is still low. You can hear all the birds chirping and it is just a great way to start the day.
Getting the kids out on bike rides.
Hitting the parks! Natalie has been begging to go to the play park and so far they have still been too muddy.
Going to the ZOO. We have two zoo's each about an hour away and we love to spend lots of time there.
T-ball games! This year Ethan and Elena will both be playing. I am hoping on the same team. This should be fun to watch.
Baseball. Jason started practice this week, so That is always fun, he loooves Baseball.
On the subject of Baseball. Opening Day was Monday! Whoo-Hoo! GO TRIBE!! We try to get to a few baseball games each year.
Okay this is further into spring, really summer but we just got our renewal papers to Valley Beach and I wasn't going to get another pass this year, but I think we just may.
Cedar Point! We had so much fun last year we are definitely gonna plan a trip or two this year.
Park Play dates. I love to get out and have picnics with our friends.
Planting flowers - I love to freshen up the landscaping with new growth and color. This year we need a landscaping update.
Planting a small garden. Ethan is excited about helping me pick some vegetables to grow.
Camping! This also is really getting into summer, but we have at least two camping trips we are planning and I cannot wait!!

That is my list of things I am getting ready for. How about you?

Wordless Wednesday- I see some GREEN:)

2008-04-02T07:43:00.003-04:00

These are some of my tulips that are trying so hard to come out. YAY!
For More Wednesday posts, check out Five Minutes for MOM!
Happy Wednesday!

Tackle It Tuesday

2008-04-01T07:52:00.002-04:00

Well after a VERY long day and it feels like a million phone calls, our Gas meter is fixed. Thanks to my hubby, cousin and our neighbor. What a day! There are so many codes that our old house was not up to and had to be fixed before they would hook us back up. Even when they guy came back there was one thing and he almost wouldn't let us be reconnected, but I was praying and praying that he would let it slide even temporarily and I stepped outside with miss Natalie so he could see we have a little baby and he gave us a temporary okay with the condition that this one code must be fixed in the next few days. YAY! Luckily it wasn't cold out, but my hubby starts work this week and that means he isn't here to fix any adjustments so we really needed that to be back and running last night. Praise the LORD!!

So since my kitchen was torn apart yesterday and I couldn't do my normal Monday cleaning that is the fun tackles I have today. Oh how I wish I had a fun project to tackle today!

So here is my list:

Strip all the beds and wash bedding
About 5-6 loads of laundry
Dusting
Washing windows
Sweeping and mopping kitchen
Sweeping and mopping Bathroom/laundry room
Sweeping and mopping Entry ways
Vacuuming

Doesn't that sound like a fun day? Somewhere in there I am gonna have to squeeze in lots of snuggle time with my 2 yr old. She had a rough day yesterday with mom being occupied helping dad all day. I think she cried the majority of the day and she already is glued to my side and whiny this morning. Hope that gets better!
Happy Tuesday!

Menu Plan Monday

2008-03-31T07:08:00.004-04:00

Real simple this week
Monday: Dinner out - Problem this morning with gas lines bursting, AHHH! So calling plumbers and such to fix. No Gas. No heat, No Stove, No Hot water. This should be a fun day!
Tuesday: Pancakes and bacon, fruit salad
Wednesday: Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread
Thursday: Chicken pot pie, jello w/ fruit
Friday: I get to go away for two days for a woman's retreat for church. I am soo looking forward to this. MIL will have to get dinner for kids or maybe they will just order pizza.
Saturday: I will still be away (hee, hee) so Dad will get dinner for family. Maybe Hamburgers or Hot Dogs Grilled mmmm.
Sunday: Salisbury Steak, buttered noodles, green beans

For more menu ideas, check out Laura's Blog!

90 Day Bible Challenge - Day 23

2008-03-28T07:41:00.003-04:00

For those of you that are joining me on this, isn't this great? I have to admit the first two weeks it seemed to be easy to wake up earlier and get most of or all of my reading done before I needed to get everyone ready to head out the door. This last week has posed more of a challenge and quite a few days the little bit of reading I did one day wouldn't get finished until the next, but as of this morning I just finished 2 Samuel 22 and even read a little into tomorrow's reading. What a wonderful feeling!!

It has been comforting to me that as I go through the Old Testament that I knew more of it than I thought. (Apparently I do hear more than I realize when I listen to pastors sermons:) So getting more into these stories has been such a comfort for me and I am noticing a difference in how I am talking to people, to my kids. A Lot of positive feelings and a little more love going around. It is GREAT!
Knowing that God is a jealous and firm God, but also a loving God. He holds his children to their words, disciplines his children with love, corrects them when they are wrong, but rewards them greatly when they obey. The perfect model of what parenting is and should be.

Give me your update. How is it going for you? Do you have something that has stuck out with you? I'd love to know. E-mail me or drop me a comment.

God Bless!

Wordless Wednesday - The Easter Bunny

2008-03-26T07:04:00.001-04:00

For more Wordless Wedesday, check out Five Minutes for MOM!

Happy Easter!!

2008-03-22T18:10:00.004-04:00

The Angel said to the women, " Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was Crucified. He is not here, he has risen, just as he said." Matthew 28:5

Blessings be upon you all and have a joyous Easter.

Thursday Thirteen

2008-03-20T07:34:00.006-04:00

Thirteen Easter treats our family loves

1. Chocolate Bunny

2. Cadbury Eggs - yes I do like these

3. Jelly Belly Jelly Beans

4. Robin Eggs

5. Gummy Bunnies

6. Reese peanut butter eggs

7. Blow Pops (The kids, especially Natalie love these)

8. Chocolate Lollipops in bunny and duck shapes

9. Chocolate Eggs

10. Sweet tarts in Easter Shapes

11. Peanut M & M's - The kids are happy with any flavor, but the peanut are mom's fave.

12. Bubble Gum Eggs

13. Actually most anything chocolate works for us!!

Now don't get me started on Easter baked goods, that is a whole separate list!!

Hope you get all the Easter treats you wish for and the Easter Bunny is good to you:)

Wordless Wednesday - Bye-Bye Winter! Hello Spring!

2008-03-18T23:20:00.004-04:00

(The remains of our snowgirl)
For more Wordless Wednesday, check out Five Minutes for MOM!

Tackle It Tuesday

2008-03-18T01:57:00.001-04:00

With St Patty's day done and over we are on to the next celebration. Crazy that they are so close this year. We did have a fun St. Patty's. We had our family party Sunday so really we just did silly things with food. My dh made the kids shamrock shaped pancakes for breakfast and for dinner we had green eggs and green milkshakes. It's always fun to do things different though.

For my tackle today I am working on a wreath. I usually pick pastel colors when I decorate for Easter and Spring, I love the soft purples, pinks, yellows and greens but this year with getting so much snow so late in the season and Easter being earlier, I am all for the bright colors. ( I am ready for spring) Since my wreath from last year was pastel I thought I would make a bright colorful one to cheer up my entry way. Here is what I am starting with...And after just a bit of time and my handy dandy hot glue gun this is the result.That is my tackle for the day, well not my only tackle I have NOTHING to wear for Sunday and nothing to fill Easter Baskets. So a shopping I will go. Wish me LUCK!

Menu Plan Monday

2008-03-17T07:39:00.010-04:00

Happy St. Patricks Day!!

We celebrated with family yesterday and had all the good stuff, The family loved the Rueben casserole. This week, most of my menu comes out of a page from Parenting Magazine.

Our Menu for this week goes a little something like this...

Monday: Green Eggs and Ham, Shamrock shakes

Tuesday: Dinner Out -YAY!

Wednesday:Mexican rice and Beef

Thursday: White Chili

Friday: Turkey Couscous

Saturday: Pesto Ravioli

Sunday: HAPPY EASTER!! Easter dinner. Ham, Augratin potatoes, vegetables. I am in charge of desserts so I will be making a coconut chifon cake, birds nest cookies and an apple pie. mmm, mmm ,mmm!

All of the meals I got out of the magazine have the recipes linked. They all are called One Dish Wonders. We will see how wonderful they are.

Don't forget to check out Laura's Blog for more menu ideas!

Horton Hears a Who!

2008-03-16T20:46:00.002-04:00

Horton hears voices, but he's not crazy; he's an elephant. (Duh!) Jim Carrey and Steve Carell get animated for the movie of Dr. Seuss' book, which reminds us that a person's a person ... no matter how small

We took our kids to the movies this weekend to see this movie. Now this is a first, other than at the Drive In and it was Natalie's first movie!
It was cute and I recommend it to you all.

90 Day Bible Challenge Update

2008-03-15T09:01:00.004-04:00

Day #10
This past week has been so refreshing. To make it a point to spend time each day reading scripture, it is awesome how by doing that you have a different perspective on the rest of your day. I am happy to report so far so good. I have been able to keep on schedule and have read Genesis, Exodus and today I will finish Leviticus. How are you doing? Let me know!

Faith- Lift Friday

2008-03-14T09:13:00.005-04:00

Encourage others and yourself! Share a scripture, quote, devotional, lyrics, or anything that has blessed you and strengthened you in your faith.
For More Faith-lift Friday visit Taking The Challenge

Do all things without complaining and disputing - Phillipians 2:14

Okay, so this is the verse I come across a couple weeks back and something about it really sifted it's way into my brain. The next few days I was catching myself complaining about this or that, things going on in my life. And mind you these were silly piddly things, not major life or death situations. How did I get to this that I am such a complainer? I really had no idea how often I grumbled about what life dishes out to me.

As I am beginning my journey of reading the entire Bible, last week I am reading through Exodus where Moses is leading the people out of Egypt and as they are wandering through the desert, they are complaining about what God is putting them through, and God keeps responding with Don't you know yet that I am GOD? And again I think about how much faith do I put in that he will take care of us? Believe me, my faith has been once again reassured as it always is when I turn it over to the LORD.

This past week has been especially difficult as there are things going on in my home life I sooo want to grumble about. But I find that when I guard my thoughts and resist the temptation to complain, I feel better than if I would of just let it out!

Lord, help me stop complaining When things don't go my way;

Instead give me a thankful heart For all You do each day - Sper

Wordless Wednesday - What a nice surprise.

2008-03-12T15:00:00.003-04:00

I was surprised the other day when I got a package in the mail. The kids announced that the mail lady dropped something off and I assumed it was something I had ordered not long ago. Much to my surprise it was a package from one of my oldest and dearest friends who now lives in New Mexico! She sent me a sweet card and photo album and made this hat and scarf for me too. I loove the colors!! I was really having a bad day that day too and it completely turned my day around to know that someone was thinking of me. I would've been happy with a card or a phone call, but this was so nice. What a great surprise!

Well it wasn't so wordless - Sorry!

Meal Plan Monday

2008-03-10T10:33:00.002-04:00

Being snowed in is just no fun. I mean it is for a day or so, but on a day like today, when I have been cooped up for days - I JUST GOTTA GET OUT! - You know what I mean. I'm getting a little stir crazy. It doesn't help when everyone has been sick, so between snow days and sick days we haven't had a full week of school this whole year (2008). Have my 1st grader home today possibly with strep throat and waiting for the Dr's office to call. I am hoping I can beg them to just call in a Rx for us. I don't feel like taking everyone out and waiting in a Dr's office. .
One thing that is nice about being stuck inside is it gave me a chance to go through old magazines and get rid of them and find some new recipe's! So this week I am taking our menu from Simple & Delicious magazine. Trying new things, we'll see how they go over.

Monday: Chicken Tortilla Bake, corn muffins
Tuesday: Ham N' Cheese Pasta, Rolls
Wednesday: Vegetarian White Bean Soup, Bread sticks
Thursday: Chicken over Curly Noodles, Broccoli
Friday: Homemade Stuffed crust pizza
Saturday: Birthday Party- eating there
Sunday: Annual Saint Patty's dinner w/ Family. Corned beef, Reuben Casserole, Shamrock shaped butter cookies, Grasshopper cheesecake and whatever other goodies the family brings!

Well I tried to link more recipes, but I don't subscribe to Simple & Delicious, my mil does, so if you want any recipes, just e-mail me. If any are really good, I will post it next week. Happy Eating! Oh! Don't forget to check out Laura's blog for more menu ideas.

Daylight Savings

2008-03-09T16:04:00.005-04:00

Hope you all remembered to set your clocks ahead an hour
(SPRING AHEAD)
It's probably a good thing that we were bombarded with like 18 inches of snow and that our 1st service at church was canceled today because I never would of made it to class on time! I was scheduled to teach in the pre-school wee worship class and I like to get there about 8:30 AM. I thought about the clocks last night, but didn't set them before I went to bed, so when I woke up it already was 8 AM! We're all reset, but it could've been a crazy day, instead it's another stay inside and snuggle up day. Which is much needed as we all have been passing around a cold and fevers. NOT FUN!
So if you haven't yet- so turn your clocks ahead and enjoy a little more sunshine in your day:)

Ready for a Challenge? - I AM!

2008-03-06T09:07:00.002-05:00

Something I find myself saying more and more is that I need to spend more time in His Word. Yet each day passes and I don't make it a priority, I open my Bible as I am climbing into bed and I am asleep before I realize it. Not really as it should be.
So a friend called me and told me about this 90 day Bible reading challenge. I have tried to do the read the Bible in one year, and I have read a good chunk of it, but it is sporadic and not consistent. So I got really excited about this, plus someone else is doing this with me, so there is accountability, always makes a challenge easier to accomplish.

The challenge technically started sponsored through Haven Ministries. But you can print out a reading schedule and start at any time. I am starting my challenge today. My only rule is that I must make time during the day to do my reading.

If you would like to join along, leave me a comment, or e-mail me. I would be thrilled to have more people accompany me on this.
To get a schedule or more information click here: 90 Day Bible

Today I am starting in the beginning - Genesis 1:1- Genesis 16:16

Wordless Wednesday - Driving to Grandpa's

2008-03-05T07:38:00.001-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday posts, click here!

Vote Today! - Ohio Primary

2008-03-04T10:15:00.005-05:00

Just a reminder to hit the polls today!

Excercise your civil rights and VOTE!

Menu Plan Monday

2008-03-03T09:02:00.002-05:00

It is sooo nice and sunny today! Suppose to be in the 50's I cannot wait to get out for a walk!

Need to start planning some healthier(lighter- less calorie laden) meals but for now here we go:

Monday: Cheese Quesadillas, Rice

Tuesday: Chicken Pot Pie, Jello w/ Fruit

Wednesday: Pork Chops, Mushroom Noodles, Green Beans

Thursday: Smoked Sausage, Fried potatoes

Friday: Spare Ribs in the crock pot, buttered noodles, pork & beans

Saturday: Bacon Cheeseburger meatloaf, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies

Sunday: Dinner out!

OK that's our menu for the week - check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for more ideas on what

to eat this week! Now on to attacking the house!

Waiting

2008-03-02T21:12:00.006-05:00

House full of people and nothing I can do. No place to go, no space to call mine. Mil in the kitchen, ss in the living room, daughters up in the boys room/computer room, Son and Hubby in ours. The house is filled. There are a zillion cleaning things and projects I could do, but nope. Got myself all ready to be presentable today. I was suppose to take Elena to a birthday party so I figured I would hang out with my friend. She wound up with a fever, we're not going anywhere... My nephew is coming by sometime this afternoon. Don't know when so I keep watching for him. Waiting.. I don't see his mom often and I would like to not look like a wreck when I see her. ( Have certain clothes I wear just when I am doing cleaning or stuff around the house- they are not going out of the house things) So I wait, really can't start anything because the minute I do, someone needs something and I am pulled away from it. Not in the mood to get pulled away or to get into anything. I feel like I have been waiting for awhile now. Not just waiting on Jude, but like everything in my life is just on hold for the time being. Not long ago my dh even said something to me about it, it feels like we are waiting for something big to happen, but have no idea what it is..
There was a time in my life I was Not so patiently waiting. I even joined a Babycenter group with the title. At the time I was so anxious to have another baby and I knew I had at least another year to wait. These girls were in the same boat. (most of us go pg within weeks of each other)(Love you girls!)
But now I am waiting and surprisingly patiently waiting for my next step. What am I being led to do next. I feel like the little neighbor boy on The Incredibles when he looks at Mr incredible and when asked what is he looking at? He replies" I don't know I'm just waiting for something amazing.. I guess." I guess is right. I can only imagine what is in store for me. I hope it requires no more waiting though. I have been waiting for days when our family has appointments, waiting for the kids to have a full week of school again (then here comes spring break) waiting for mil to find a job (she's been unemployed for a month now) Waiting for hubby's body to heal. He sprained his ankle over a week ago and he got a vasectomy this past week, so he has been down and hurting for a few weeks. I am waiting for things to return to what they were. I am used to this house being mine. Having some time of the day where all is quiet and mine to do what I will.(without interruptions) I don't want to leave or do anything, I just want my house back! I thought I was supposed to go back to work, I had a job opportunity and never felt led to turn in my resume. I have been feeling like I need to work up a new budget for us though. Need to cut back on some spending happening lately. But when I think something is going to happen, it doesn't and here I sit and wait with this feeling like something is about to happen. What is it?? And will I know when it happens?

Wordless Wednesday - snow day fun

2008-02-27T07:31:00.006-05:00

Some snow day fun pics. This was what it looked like outside my window yesterday morning. We spent most of the day in the snow!

For more wordless Wednesday posts check out five minutes for mom.

Tackle It Tuesday

2008-02-26T07:19:00.002-05:00

No School, No Mops. We are snowed in for the day. So many things that need to get done, but my tackle for today is as follows:

Make yummy blueberry waffles for breakfast and have some warm hot cocoa with it.
Watch Underdog with the kids - one of their favorite movies these days
Break out the board games and play Trouble, Uno and Twister!
Have some story and snuggle time. Just spend time taking turns reading books
Maybe before the temperature drops any more we'll get out in the 4 or more inches of snow that fell last night and play. It is suppose to snow all day, they are saying schools may be closed again tomorrow already. ( I sure hope not)

I'm sure the kids will have more ideas of fun things to do, this is just some of the things we like to do when we are housebound. Happy Tuesday!

Menu Plan Monday

2008-02-25T07:45:00.003-05:00

What's for dinner this week? Well I was going to start trying a new recipe each week and after I sat down and wrote out the menu, I realized nothing was new. Oh well we'll try that next week:)

So this week here is what we are having.

Monday: Smoked Sausage, Beef Rice, and Carrots biscuits. My son's fave meal

Tuesday: Chicken Parmesan, green beans

Wednesday: Sloppy joes, tator tots, applesauce

Thursday: Cheese Ravioli, Salad and Garlic Bread

Friday: Beef Taco Skillet, fiesta corn and corn muffins

Saturday: Date night! Mom and Dad out to dinner (4th Saturday in a row we've had a date!! I am loving this!!!)

Sunday: BBQ spare ribs, homemade mac & cheese, vegetable blend crescent rolls

Looking for meal ideas yourself? Check out Laura's blog for more menu's

Wordless Wednesday

2008-02-20T07:44:00.002-05:00

Some winter wonderment for a cold Wednesday morning. This was in our front landscaping when I was playing with the kids outside the other day. For more photos, check out five minutes for mom!

Faith Lift Fridays

2008-02-08T07:44:00.000-05:00

Perspective

You'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.

Philippians 4:8

More awards.. for me?

2008-02-07T21:06:00.000-05:00

These two awards were awarded to me from my dear friend KC. Thanks so much! If it weren't for you... well, I wouldn't have any awards! HA!
So now I will award Tina the Palm Tree Fanatic the Loveable Blog award and Everyday Kindness Award to Stacey at I believe this week she is Under my Rock. (It is still saved in my faves as Bores Family Update hee, hee)

Thanks again KC for thinking of me and to Tina and Stacey for having such loveable and kind blogs for me to read!

Come and get me kitty....

2008-02-06T07:49:00.000-05:00

For more wordless wednesday posts, click here.

Ground Hogs Day

2008-02-02T14:11:00.000-05:00

Last week we went to the library and got some books out about Holidays coming up in February. The kids really took an interest in GroundHog Day. They drew pictures of Ol' Punxsatawney Phil and talked about spring coming and all the fun things they can do in springtime. Friday night you would've thought Santa was coming the next day, the kids were so full of anticipation. It was quite comical. Ethan asked me, what do we do for GroundHog day? I told him we eat Ground Hogs. He didn't really like or believe that answer though, so I told him really we just watch on tv if he sees he shadow or not and then you just deal with his answer. Can you tell that we have Cabin fever at our house? Well the kids woke up this morning and Ethan turns the tv on the news. Not finding any answers, he changes the channel to the Weather Channel. What a clever little guy. Still no answer, so he sits patiently and watches the weather for like an hour, while Elena dances all around singing songs about springtime. Bill got online and found this article which predicts 6 more weeks of winter. UGH. If we at least had snow to go with this cold it wouldn't be so bad it would be prettier to look at anyways.

They want to know if next year we can watch the ground hog come out of his home at the Ground Hog Zoo which is located in the local library in Punxsatawney, PA (according to the book we read)- Just in case you didn't know that and were wondering-Someday maybe. But for now Have a wonderful Ground Hogs Day and enjoy the next 6 weeks of winter!

Menu Plan Monday

2008-01-28T06:53:00.000-05:00

Getting back into planning weekly, my pantry has been moved around due to a remodel and I have lost focus just having a general list of meals on hand. Need to plan each day again. So here is what we are eating in our house this week. What is on your menu?
Monday: Beefy One Pot Dinner, biscuits
Tuesday:Taco Bake, corn on the cob
Wednesday: Ravioli Bake, Salad, Garlic Bread
Thursday: Chicken Nacho Bake
Friday: Steak, Twice baked potatoes

I don't have Saturday or Sunday planned yet. I do my grocery shopping on Friday morning so I plan out the weekly meals on Thursday. I have linked the recipes. Most of them you can find in Kraft Food and Family or on their website. For more menu ideas, check out Laura at I'm an organizing junkie! Have a great week!

Some not so depressing thoughts

2008-01-27T18:46:00.000-05:00

Here we are getting through what they call the most depressing week of the year. In our house we actually had one of the best weeks. This year having my dh home has been better than any year in the past. We really are enjoying being able to be home together and be with the kids. We were just talking about our childhood today and I honestly don't even remember my parents being around to much when I was playing with my brother or cousins growing up. They never sat down and played games with us or hung out and watched movies or read stories in the middle of the day. The other day I was dealing with a really yucky migraine and Bill and Natalie snuggled up with me and we spent the morning there. Doing nothing but snuggling and watching TV, mostly Dora, but that is what kept her there that long. It was so nice to just be. We didn't have an agenda. The other kids were in school. I am just so thankful for those days to just really enjoy the life that God has provided for us.

Wordless Wednesday - Learning the ABC's

2008-01-16T12:54:00.000-05:00

Just click the play button twice. (Also to hear the video and not the music on the site, just click on the pause button for the music player:) )

For more wordless posts, check out Five Minutes for MOM!

Tackle Free Tuesday!

2008-01-15T06:01:00.000-05:00

It's not that I don't have anything to tackle, in fact I have one big thing to stay on today and that is to make sure my dh does not miss his appointment for a consult for the big "V" if you don't know what the big V is...(It's a vasectomy) If you aren't sure what that is, I'm sure if you log on to WebMD.com and type it in the search engine you will be provided with some information. I won't go into any more details other than the fact that I am completely happy with 4 kids and I really don't want to go through it all again. I went on the pill last May and lucky for my dh it has turned me into a "B" so that is motivating him to do it so his sweet wife will return:)

This is the week for Doctors appointments Me and the kids both have Dentist appts. tomorrow, but Today I also have to take Ethan to the ENT to have them inspect his ear. Miraculously purple play -doh has found it's way deep into his ear canal. The other night he tells me it felt like something was in his ear, I look and sure enough it's something bluish - purple, so I ask him if he itched his ear with a pencil and maybe the eraser broke, he swears he didn't do anything. I put some ear wax remover stuff in his ear and he tells me the next day that a chunk of purple play-doh came out. (Still not fessing up as to how it got there in the first place, ugh) I checked him after school and I could see a ball of it - We got that out with tweezers, but I don't want to mess with the ears, so we call the Dr.

Luckily I have MOPS this morning and can take my mind off these men in my life for a little while! Because the afternoon will be filled with Dr's offices!

** *Update Bill went to his appt!! His surgery is scheduled!! Whoo-hoo! now he asks if we are sure we are done having kids??? WHAT???
Ethan's ears are now play-doh free!!***

Movies, Movies and More Movies

2008-01-10T10:01:00.000-05:00

Did I mention that I have become quite the homebody these days? Well right after Christmas when we really just started staying home and just being with our family, we got a two week trial of Netflix now from time to time I will do the Blockbuster online, but I thought I would see how many movies we could get in our free trial. Well we managed to view 11 movies in two weeks!! No we did not just lay around all day watching movies. It pretty much was each evening we would watch them. So here is a list along with a short review.

1. In the Land of Women - I really liked this one.

2. Evan Almighty- I was surprised about this one. It didn't look like one I would like to see. The whole family watched it since it was rated PG. We all liked it. Natalie likes to say "Everybody on the ARK!!" Our pastor even referenced this movie in church last week. Good One we probably will buy this one since we watched it 3 times!

3. The Nanny Diaries - Good movie. Made me thankful that I was not destined to be one of the mothers they depict in the movie.

4. The Simpsons Movie - Okay. I used to be a Simpsons fan. Not so much these days. I wouldn't watch it again.

5. Underdog - Another really cute family movie. The kids loved it. Natalie always is saying "Give the Dog your food" So we now use that in everything. "Give Mommy a kiss" " Give Daddy a hug" etc. etc. Funny. We probably will purchase this one as well.

6. The Nativity Story - I watched this one late Christmas Eve after everyone went to bed before Santa came. It really was a special movie. Makes you take another look at what faith in God Mary and Especially Joseph had. Awesome.

7. Oceans Thirteen - I really like all of these movies

8. The Bourne Ultimatum - I can't give an opinion on this one since I really only watched the first 10-15 minutes. Bill liked it though.

9. License to Wed - ummm wasn't crazy about it. IMO, Previews made it look funnier than it was.
10. The Wild - Didn't watch it, kids did and said it was good. Didn't look interesting to me.

11. I now Pronounce you Chuck and Larry - I have to say there were some funny parts in it. Didn't love the whole concept of it though. Bill thought it was great!

Well I should've squeezed two more in, This could've been a Thursday Thirteen!

Oh What a Night!

2008-01-09T09:43:00.000-05:00

We have had some wonderful unseasonably warm weather the past few days. I completely was loving it. Monday it was in the 60's and sunny - I woke up and was full of energy! Took Natalie out on 3 walks, washed all the windows, dusted swept, opened up some of the windows and let the breeze blow in. Sooo refreshing!! My dh grilled hot dogs for lunch and suggested we just move somewhere with weather like this all the time. I really don't think I would appreciate the days like that if it were always pretty much the same. I am an Ohio girl and I love all the seasons. Even the winter. I like my hibernation time, it really is good for the soul. But it is a nice thought.
Anyhow. What I don't like about the quick change in temp, is crazy storms and tornado's. Now listening to the news this morning it said nothing about any tornado's touching or even being spotted last night, but my mil and I both swear we heard the train sound. I have trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep these days so last night just as I was falling asleep (about 1 :00 AM!) My 7 yr old Ethan comes in and tells me he is scared of the wind. So I go into his room and lay down with him. Now his room is on the back of the house, so you really could hear it. I lay there with him I would say 3 minutes and the power starts flickering off. I get a little nervous. Then it goes out and the wind picks up so hard, I am not kidding the whole room started to shake, the girls both wake up and they are screaming. I literally picked Ethan up and started carrying him. Told Bill to get the girls and we ran downstairs. The mil came out of her room with a flashlight at the same time. I was completely scared. That wind was really whistling, they said 60mph winds. We ended up having a slumber party in our dining room which turned a scary night into something fun for the kids. They asked if we could sleep there again tonight. Oh I hope not!!

Here is one of the lovelys my neighbors have to deal with. There are at least 3 pine trees that blew over. This one was uprooted and they live on a corner lot. The tree was at least 150 feet tall or more. It was a scary night for sure!

New Years Eve!

2007-12-31T08:36:00.000-05:00

New Years Eve. A day to reflect on the past year, time to embrace all the wonderful things that took place. Remember those who are no longer with us. To think of changes you would like to make and what you never would like to be any different.

This year for me was a different one. I personally feel I have changed a lot. Really took a look at my life and stopped stressing over the small details. Declined a lot of invitations and really spent a lot of down time. A lot of alone time. Which sounds kind of depressing, but I learned a lot about myself this year. In the past I was so worried about pleasing everyone and something in me clicked and I realized that I no longer needed to do that. I was pleased with myself and no one else's opinions of me should affect that. Anyways. It was a good year. So here's hoping 2008 will be even better!

Also today is my husband and my wedding anniversary. Eight years! We have been together for 12 so it feels like, We've only been married 8? So I need to go downstairs and bust out the wedding video to watch. I love looking back on that. Best New Years Eve of my life! We have fun on New Years, We are pretty much homebodies. We have friends over, some family stops by and we eat lots of unhealthy food and play games all night. So I am looking forward to tonight.

To all of you I wish you a Safe, Healthy New Years and Blessings to all of you in 2008!!

Karaoke Theme Song

2007-12-29T22:58:00.000-05:00

Your Karaoke Theme Song is "I'm Too Sexy"

You're a total goof ball and a bit of a nut job. You don't take yourself seriously at all.
And while you may not be the greatest singer, you're the first to volunteer for karaoke.

You have a wild and unpredictable sense of humor that always gets people cracking up.
Irreverent and rebellious, your humor knows no bounds or limits. You enjoy shocking people.

You might also sing: "Like a Virgin," "Ice Ice Baby," and "Hey Ya!"

Stay away from people who sing: "Sweet Home Alabama"

What's Your Karaoke Theme Song?

I have to absolutely LOL at the "You might also sing" part because when I was in 6th grade, at my uncle's wedding while the band was taking a break my cousins and I goofed around with the microphones, the band came back and tricked us into singing "Like a Virgin" because I was such a Madonna fan at the time. Looking back what a horrible song for a 12 yr old to be belting out! Had no idea but it is funny to look back on! Here is me at that breakout gig:)

More Christmas Fun - What Color Christmas Tree

2007-12-15T22:09:00.000-05:00

You Should Have a Blue Christmas Tree

For you, the holidays represent a time of calm, understanding, and peace.
You avoid family fights, and you don't get too stressed out - even when things are crazy!

You like to make Christmas about making everyone's life a little bit better.
You don't get caught up in greed or commercialism. You're too sincere for that.

Your blue tree would look great with: Lots of silver tinsel

You should spend Christmas Eve watching: It's a Wonderful Life

What you should bake for Santa: Chocolate chip cookies

What Color Christmas Tree Should You Have?