Until we meet again....

Well folks and dear cyber friends...it's time for me to sign off here until next year...it's been such a blessing to meet many of you and to get to know you all. I pray that you have a blessed and lovely Christmas...don't forget the reason for the season.

Well I'm off to see the mouse...will be leaving in the morning. I'll have plenty to write once I return so be prepared!

Take care and God bless!

Countdown begins...

Not sure if I'll be posting tomorrow at all or not so thought I better do a little post tonight. Got all mine and the boys clothes packed and just need to pack the last minute toiletries and come Sunday morning we are off to Disney World!! It's still seems sureal to me...won't believe it until we get there...we've been waiting over a year to do this trip and now it is finally here...WOWZERS! I'm excited, but exhausted from trying to pack, clean the house before we go and throwing Christmas in the mix. It's been a trip though...not complaining at all. I'm also a bit nervous about flying...after all 19 of us are on the same plane....and I don't like to fly anyway. I always seem to get sick. Plus two of my boys get motion sick as well...could be interesting so say a little prayer for us.

Had Christmas last night with my girls Alexis and Alaina and of course Leslie and Michelle...also two peeps from our youth group Jess and Justin. We opened gifts...they got me Disney scrapbook paper and stickers...how did they know :-))))

Had an interesting thing happen to me today...our local newspaper called and wanted to do an article on me doing the Santa letters for our area. Was quite surprised by that one. A photographer came here and took my picture and everything. So after 5 years of answering letters I guess my cover is now blown...oh well...hopefully the kids don't read the paper...I'll post the article once I actually get a hold of one...not sure if it's going to be in tomorrow's or Sunday's paper.

Hubby is sick...he's got it really bad in the chest...hoping he kicks it by Sunday. Say a little prayer.

Well I guess I better go and get a little bit of sleep...we are celebrating Christmas with the kids tomorrow night. They are going to be so excited. Daddy decided to spoil them a little. Austin has his own Gameboy but doesn't like to share much so now the two others are getting Gameboys of their own. Thing is telling them that they are going to have to leave them at home while we go on our trip....hmmmm that could be interesting.

Well if I don't get to post tomorrow, may all of you in cyberland have a safe, happy, and prosperous Christmas and a Happy New Year. May God richly bless you and your family with great times, fond memories, and joy beyond all measure. Until next time folks!

Tammy

Christmas Tag...

I got tagged by Sarah....(Check out her blog here...Earth Crammed With Heaven ) to do a Christmas Quiz... so here goes...

Holiday: Christmas or New Years?
Christmas cause it means so much to me...Hubby usually falls alseep before midnight on New Years anyway.
Cookies: Sugar or Gingerbread? sugar
Decorations: Santa or Snowmen? Snowmen
Reindeer or Elves? Reindeer
Colors: Red or Green? Green
Colors: Gold or Silver? Silver
Tree Topper: Star or Angel? Angel
Stocking Stuffer: Fruit or Candy? CANDY!!! Anything chocolate is great!
Tree: Real or Artificial? I prefer real...though we've had artificial for several years.
Cartoons: Charlie Brown or Rudolph? Charlie Brown...love the message behind it...and who can resist that tree?!?!
Movie: It's a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Carol? Duh...It's a Wonderful Life of course (see earlier blog post) though the Christmas Carol is a good one too, but nothing beats George Bailey.
Stocking Stuffer: Jewelry or Gift Card? Yes please.
Christmas List: Naughty or Nice? hmmm...how to answer that one...a little of both I guess.
Drink: Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hello?!? Chocolate folks...hot , cold, luke warm...don't care as long as it's chocolate.
Holiday Ghost: Past, Present, or Future? hmm...I thought this one was interesting...don't think I'd like the past...having to go back and see the things I screwed up, naaaa...Future?? Not sure I want to go there cause what if I don't like my future??? Guess I'd have to say present.
Vacation Spot: North Pole or Winter Wonderland? I guess Winter Wonderland...though you could park me beside I nice warm fireplace...with my hot chocolate!
Holiday Song: Jingle Bells or Silver Bells? Silver Bells
Holiday Song: Silent Night or O' Holy Night? O' Holy Night...it is the dawn of our dear savior's birth!
More Fun: Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Definitely Christmas Eve. My family always opens gifts on Christmas Eve and hubby & I open ours. Then just anticipating the boys opening their gifts the next morning...that's great too!
Lights: Clear or Multi-Colored? Clear...they're so crisp and classic
Ornaments: Bulbs or Bows? OK I know this isn't a choice, but I far more prefer handmade ornaments...like the one's my kid's make at school or the ones my hubby made when he was young. He made a bootie with sequins and pins on it that we hang deep in the tree every year.
Tree Decor: Ribbon, Popcorn, or Garland? Ribbon, though we don't have any of these on our tree this year.
Gifts: Wrapping Paper or Gift Bags? Wrapping paper, though those gift bags sure do make it easy!
Better To: Give or Receive? Give!!...though receiving is nice too...however I love to see the reaction on people's faces when I give them something.

OK...so let's see...Jada's Gigi, Lu, and Amber...you are IT.

Have fun!

Christmas Quiz...wanna play???

OK...got his from Jada's Gigi's Blog so here it goes...hopefully you'll want to play too...



Hot Chocolate or Egg Nog?
Hot Chocolate
Does Santa wrap the presents or just set them under the tree?
There are people who just put the gifts under the tree unwrapped??? Never heard of such a thing...definitely wrapped.
Colored or white lights on the tree/house?
Definitely white...so pure and classic
Do you hang mistletoe?
No...I know I should after my last post, but I can't find this stuff around here anywhere.
When do you decorate?
When I actually get 5 minutes...
What is your favorite holiday dish/goodie?
Currently it's my homemade cheesecake. Also like the Buday traditional kielbasa and hard boiled eggs.
Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
Read my blog over the last couple weeks...I think you'll get it.
How and when did you learn the truth about Santa?
I don't exactly remember how I found out...I was about 9 or 10 though...and my oldest son turns 9 this year...It'll break my heart when he doesn't believe anymore.
Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve?
YES! First we go to my parents and open presents with them and then we come home and hubby and I open our presents to each other.
Snow! Love it or hate it?
Love looking at it...otherwise hate it.
Can you ice skate?
Nope....never tried
Do you remember your favorite gift?
Had a lot of nice gifts as a kid...but like I wrote earlier in my blog...it was my Tomy's Fashion Plates...loved those things. As an adult...my hubby spoils me so they are all great gifts...there's the Digital Rebel XT camera I got this year...the stereo for my craft room I got last year, 3 stone diamond neckalce I got two years ago, the saphirre ring I got a few years ago. Then there's the Steve Perry concert tickets I got...that was cool too...too many nice gifts.
What is the most important thing about the holidays for you?
Remembering my Lord and spending time with my family
What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
Setting out the milk and cookies for Santa
What type of tree? Live or Artificial?
Love a live tree though it has been several years since we've had one.
Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?
Both
What is your favorite Christmas Carol?
Oh, Come All Ye Faithful...Oh come let us adore Him!

How 'bout you? Wanna play?

Christmas Memory X

Even though I am extremely exhausted at the moment...I just have to share another memory just in case I don't have time to share any more this week. This is one of my fondest memories....it's....



Mistletoe!!! And you are now probably thinking...what's with the mistletoe...well it'll be 21 years ago on December 24th that my hubby had me under the mistletoe and gave me a sweet little smooch and asked me to be his girlfriend. I know...TMI...pretty stinkin' mushy...but true. We still celebrate this "anniversary" even though we are now married...for 16 years now. It's one of those moments I will cherish always. Love ya honey!

Well I'm glad I started with that, because today was A DAY!! Yikes...you know those days where you feel like you've been hit by a MAC truck??? This was today. Had the girls...Lex peed herself after I told her several times to use the potty, then I had one of the ladies from my church ask if I'd watch her 3 year old daughter while she and her husband went to OSU hospital to see his grandma who was dying. I said yes and it was fine...she was fine..the girls loved playing with here since they usually get only "boy" time at my house...having another girl in the mix was a nice change...then it was time to get my boys from school...interesting feat I must say...eight people in a seven passenger van...thank God there were no cops around. Four car seats...it took me a half hour just to buckle them all in...I looked like romper room walking to the school with 4 three year olds in tow. Then leaving with three more children since I had to pick up Alicia's brother too. Made for quite an interesting trip. Needless to say I didn't get done what I should have today so as much as I would love to go on and on about my day I'll cut it short....luckily there is no school tomorrow so I may try to sleep in a little bit, but then it's on to packing for Disney...5 MORE DAYS. Can't wait...hubby and Brennie can't get into the doctor until Thursday...hoping that they get over whatever they have by then...I want everyone top notch on this trip!

Oh...also got all my shopping done tonight. HALLELUIAH!!

Well may you be surprised by a sprig of mistletoe this year (hopefully it's with someone you like ;-) ).

Happy holidays!

Tammy

And the ninth Christmas memory on Tammy's blog...

It's been a few days...I know...not sure how often I'm going to be on this week...this is crunch week so if you don't see me much on here don't panic...I'm still alive.

So tonight's Christmas memory is one of my favorite children's Christmas movies. Though I love the Jules & Bass Christmas shows...this one is by far my favorite on so many levels. But let me tell you what it is first...





Yes...The Charlie Brown Christmas...love it...love the Peanuts...love the message behind this show...love it all...I love Snoopy...he's so cute! I used to be a huge fan of Snoopy as a kid. He rocks!




On another note...my hubby is sick...he's got chest congestion...and Brennie has an ear infection I think...he just cried and cried tonight. Hoping the doctor is open tomorrow. Please PLEAASSSEE pray for my family...as many of you know there's only 5 more days until our vacation to Disney and my family is getting sick...this just CANNOT happen. Please pray for us. I want my whole family to enjoy this vacation so much. Here is a pic of my Brennie...isn't he a cutie....and he finally lost his first tooth...Saturday night. My little boy is growing up....rats!

Well it's late and I'm tired.

Christmas Memories...VIII

Since this is Christmas Memories VIII...it made me think of food (eight...ate...food...I know, it's obviosly late)...well tonight's memory is...






My mom's cookies...while at home she made these every Christmas I think...I can't remember a year without them...they were her Spritz cookies,that she made in various Christmas colors, and Russian Tea Cookies. And she made plenty of them. She'd sometimes make the candy cane ones too. But no Christmas ever went by without spritz cookies and russian tea cookies. They were delicious. And sometimes if my mom had time (which wasn't very often) she'd make here Kuchen. (I think that's how it's spelled)...she'd make a poppyseed and a nut one. I always loved the nut filled one. It was so tasty. Yumm...making myself hungry now. In fact tonight I madea couple more cheesecakes, one for tomorrow's shindig with hubby's father and step mom and that side of the family. These cheesecakes didn't turn out as well I think as the many others I have made...not sure what was up with that. Probably because I was committed to bring them...whenever I'm committed to bring something it's just guarranteed to fail...go figure that one out.

Well got lots to do and a short time to get there.

May the smells and tastes of Christmas fill your senses throughout this coming year.

Tammy

Christmas Memories part VII

Tonight's Christmas memory is a bittersweet one...It's one of my fondest memories of childhood...of course many of us associate Christmas with Jolly ol' Santa...as a child we had a very special Santa...






It was my Uncle Bobby...my dad's brother. (Yes...that's me in the bottom photo off to the left). My uncle didn't have children of his own so he always spent Christmas Eve with us as Santa...and he was so good at it. Unfortunately my uncle passed away very suddenly a year ago this past September. He just made Christmas so special...and with my dad and him together it was such a blast at Christmas at our house. It stinks that he never got to play Santa for my kids. He moved to Florida when I was in my early teens so we didn't see him much after he moved there. I visited a few times after I graduated high school...I may be wrong here cause it's late and I'm tired, but I think one of the last times I saw my uncle was when my grandma (his & my dad's mom) passed away...that was 1994. But the memories of my Uncle Bobby and his laugh and sense of humor playing Santa for us will always be imbedded in my memory as one of the best Christmas memories of my childhood. God bless you Uncle Bobby!

May you find the jolly fun and the laughter like Santa this season!

Oh my golly....only 10 more days till Disney!!!

God bless!

Tammy

Christmas Memories continued...Christmas is for children...

Well to continue my Christmas Memories...Christmas truly is for children...after all, Jesus came to earth in the form of a child. I just love the heart of a child especially at Christmas time. Here is one of the reasons why...




I have been answering the Santa letters that are sent to our local post office for the last 5 years...I love doing it. There is nothing that is cuter than seeing a child's hand scrawled letter with their wishes on it. It's so precious...most are the usual, "this is what I want you to bring me Santa", but usually every year I get one or two that just tug at the heart. I remember one I got a few years ago that this little girl wrote where what she wanted for Christmas was for her parents to stop fighting...and she didn't believe in Santa. She wanted a bead set and in order for her to believe she wanted that bead set for Christmas..so the hubby and I bought her a bead set, some hot wheels cars for her brothers and my hubby hand delivered them (with Santa hat on) to this families house...They were so excited...I'm sure that little girl had no doubt on Santa that year. I've had ones that asked for their grandmas to get better and their dad's to be back at home. It's sad, but so amazing of the believing and precious heart of a child. I'm blessed with each letter I receive and I have kept each and every one. They are my reassurance that there is still some Christmas magic out there in the world. What a true blessing!

May you embrace this Christmas season with the heart of a child this year!

Tammy

More Christmas Memories...

Tonight I'm going to reflect on one of my favorite toys from my childhood...



Fashion Plates by Tomy. Loved these things...I always had something artsy or crafty on my Christmas list and this was one I played with for hours. For those of you from the younger generation who have no clue what these are, these are plastic plates you would use to fashion your own designs...they would come with different models faces, tops and bottoms, then on the back of the plates were designs so you could create "patterned" fabrics for their fashions all on paper. LOVED 'em. Loved them so much I bought the second additional set to go with the original set when I got the money. Still have part of the second set. not sure where the original set went to...may be in my parents attic, which if it's there it's gone forever ;-) So that's my Christmas memory for tonight.

Today was a long day. The only highlight was playing with my new toy :-)))) Boys are so ready for a vacation cause it's like pulling teeth getting them to do homework. I feel like I'm just losing control lately...with all that is on my plate right now especially with getting ready for Disney. I'm in overload. I have something going on every night this week except for Friday, which I'll be doing a lot of baking anyway. My house is a wreck...I'm exhausted, Kevin's exhausted...we are going to get to FLorida and just collapse I think :-/ Looking so forward to escaping for a week away from here and just concentrating on my family. I feel like I'm pulled in so many directions right now and not spending the time on things I really need to....I think that may be a New Year goal....

Had our Church Board Dinner tonight. It was good. Lots of good food, and fun. Got to use my new camera to take pictures. I'm going to have to invest in a zoom lens for this one day I think, but for now I'll just quit being lazy and move closer to where I need to be. My Olympus mad e me quite lazy in that area.

Well I'm going to call it a night. More tomorrow.

Tammy

We interrupt this Christmas Memory moment...

To share a new memory...this is so stinkin awesome I have to share this now...
OK...can I tell ya...I have the bestest hubby in the world!! Yea I do...sorry gals. This is what my hubby surprised me with tonight...




Can you believe this?!?!? A Canon Digital Rebel XT!!!!! I'm so stinkin' excited...I am on cloud 9 and not to mention a lot of reading to do. I want to use this when I go to Disney...I'll be taking my trusty Olympus too, but I want to try out this new one...

Hubby has always been great at the gifts. I cried when he gave it to me...thus the reason why it looks like my mascara was running in the pic. I'm a lucky girl!

Merry Christmas to me...

Off to read now :-)

Memories of Christmas III...

To carry on in my Memories of Christmas...today's memory is my favorite Christmas movie ever, hands down, no debate, this is it...



Yes...It's a Wonderful Life...Jimmy Stewart...Donna Reed...this movie just spells Christmas for me. I remember watching this movie when I lived at home with my parents. It's one of my mom's favs and is mine as well...and it has to be the black and white version...I have a VHS copy of the colorized version and it just loses something for me so it has to be the old fashioned black and white...so nostalgic. Now I'm not a crier very often during a movie, but this one makes me cry every time I see it....and I've seen it hundreds of times. It's just a movie that just is so simple and speaks to the heart. Christmas season doesn't start for me until I've watched this movie...I have the DVD version now...black and white of course...watched it last night...LOVE IT!!

Finally got most of my Christmas shopping done. Just a few more people to buy for and I'm done. Thanks goodness. I feel like a schlup but I did mostly gift cards this year. I know, not very thoughtful or original, but at least they can get what they like. I'm hoping to do a little on-line shopping tonight and get the last little bit done and then that's one more thing off my long list of things to do before Christmas.

Well off to do some on-line shopping...may God remind you today that you truly do have a WONDERFUL LIFE!

Merry Christmas!

Tammy

Memories of Christmas...part II

Today was another awesome day at church...today we celebrated our 75th Anniversary. How awesome is that?? It was nice to see pictures of the saints and the old photos when the church began...what it began as and what it has become. It is amazing what God has done...all praise and glory to Him!

Though this may not be exactly a Christmas memory persay, it's a memory of how I started on my walk with Jesus and with this 75th Anniversary we have just celebrated I just wouldn't be celebrating Christmas the same way if it wasn't for my church family who guided me and for this man...my first Pastor...



Pastor Denver Dodrill was my first Pastor. He has such a kind and gentle spirit and it was so nice to see him again today...I hadn't seen him since 1998 when he came to do a revival, which was what brought me back to Burt Ave. in the first place. (I left the church right before I graduated High School...long story). But I'm so glad to be back in church and my life hasn't been the same since. Praise God! Pastor Denver preached today and it was so nice to hear him preach. I always walk away with something from one of his sermons. He always made me think. He always made me try to do better in a good way. He always made me want to learn more about Jesus. His wife Marilyn was with him today too and she looked good...this is one woman who has truly aged gracefully....I only hope that I could look that good.

Anyway if it wasn't for Pastor Denver's guidance and others in my church I would be celebrating Christmas in a far more different way. Thank you God for sending your son!

Anyway, just had to share that...Well gotta go...we are going caroling tonight as a church and then doing a cookie exchange. I always loved caroling and visiting the shut ins. Just to see the smile on their faces makes goign out into the cold all worthwhile.

May the Lord bless you richly this holiday!

14 days until Disney!

Tammy

Memories of Christmas...

I've decided that from now until Christmas I would focus on what Christmas truly is about for me and memories I have about Christmas...so here is the first one...





It's my DAD. (He's pictured here with my little neice Shayna). He truly enjoys Christmas...my Dad can be somewhat moody during holidays...not sure why, but Christmas has, is and will always be his holiday. He loves giving gifts, he loves wrapping them (with tons and tons of tape wrapped around them so it is an effort to open them), he invented the "wrap the present in a bigger box, then put that box in a bigger box, and so on until you are opening fifteen boxes to get to your present. He's into taking goofy pictures of you at Christmas...I'm sure my mom had to tie him down somewhere not to wake us up as soon as he got all the presents under the tree (and with 5 kids there were lots of presents), in fact it's been a tradition since I can remember that we always opened our presents on Christmas Eve night because my Dad just couldn't wait. It's a tradition we do to this day...except for this year since we are going to Disney. We even had a Santa on Christmas Eve...which was played by my Uncle Bob, but that's a memory I'll save for another day. Dad would always make sure our toys were "tested" before we got them and would even help us play with them after they were opened. He always made sure that the toys were free from those annoying twist ties, screws to keep them in their boxes, and anything that hindered us from getting to our toy. Batteries were in place and any stickers that may have needed to be placed on the toy were in place. (In fact I honestly thought that the toy manufacturers put all those decals and stickers on for you...boy what a shock when I started buying toys for my boys!) Anyway, I think Christmas was the one holiday that my Dad would be able to take the time and enjoy us and enjoy his family. So when I think of Christmas...I think of my Dad and how he just truly enjoyed and relished it.

Merry Christmas Dad!

Blessings to you this holiday and may God bless you with some amazing memories this year!

Tammy

So here is the Reason for the Season...

So here it is...as promised...my latest layout for the Effer Dare on Two Peas. Yes it is the reason for the season...Jesus. Just in case you can't read my layout it says (beginning at the top) BAN grinches, BAN fruitcake (does anyone truly eat this stuff??), BAN commercialism (big one I'm on now...I hate Christmas shopping), BAN last minute shopping, BAN scrooges, BAN hustle & bustle, BAN overindulgence (what 10 year old needs a $ 400 iPod video anyway??) BAN thoughtless gifts (and yess one year I did get microwave popcorn..and not just one box...I got several...and I don't even like microwave popcorn all that much and it was the butter kind too which I hate), and of course BAN eggnog (ICK!!)...Well I hope you like it...and I hope you are with me...Christmas is so much more than this.

I also added a new video to the site in spirit of the season...found this tonight and I just thought it went perfect with how I'm feeling at the moment. I hope you enjoy it.

Well this girlie is off to slumber land.

....16 more days till Mickey!

Tammy

This is also what Christmas is about...

We all know that Jesus is the reason for the season and I of all people don't want to downplay that for an instant, but tonight I had so much fun with my boys...with these...



The two oldest boys have a tree they have in their room year round and they plugged it in tonight...I gave them these glasses that when you look into the Christmas lights you see little snowmen...and we sang the Frosty the Snowman song...they loved it..I loved it...it's moments like these that are the true meaning of Christmas to me..not presents, not shopping, it's about family and enjoying one another...and of course celebrating the birth of Jesus.

It's snowing like crazy out tonight...I'm honestly praying for a snow day...the boys need it, especially Austin since he's been doing so much at school...(they push these kids too hard, but that's another soapbox for another day)...though we don't have an official tree up...if the boys are home tomorrow maybe they could help me get the tree out and set up anyway. Not doing much decorating since we won't be home since it's only...17 more days till Disney! I'm getting so pumped about this vacation! We watched the Travel Channel tonight and they had this 2 hour show on Disney World...how cool was that...and it looked so cool, but I think hubby and I truly at that moment tonight realized there is no way we are going to see even a tip of the iceberg in this big huge place. I told him tonight that I don't care if we don't see even half of it, I just want to spend a memorable week enjoying my family and having fun. I watched that TV show tonight and about cried...it looks so beautiful at the holidays and I can't beleive we're going. Thanks Dad!

Well I'm going to try to finish a scrapbook page actually that is about the true meaning of Christmas...hopefully I'll get it done and post it on here soon.

Take time to make those true Christmas memories.

Tammy

I so need to go to bed...

I'm exhausted....my back hurts like crazy...girls were tired and whiny today...Coltie was tired and cranky...Brennan didn't want to do his homework again...Thank God that HE is there to carry me through my day...I know He's the reason I made it through today. Also God bless my hubby....he went out and picked up dinner tonight cause I was just too tired...He's awesome! And it was from one of my fav places...Yucatan Mexican restaurant! YUM!! And he even got me extra chips and salsa...what a man!

Still no closer to getting Christmas shopping done...not sure what I'm going to do yet.

Got a package of scrapbook supplies today...ordered some stuff to work on some last minute Christmas projects...Merry Christmas to me in a way I guess! And I even got extra goodies in my package...a bunch of different kinds of eyelets...not just a pack, many packs! So cool...if you have never shopped at www.4everscrappin.com...do so...they have great service!

Also if you want to see something funny...take a look at this site...Some people have way too much time on their hands...I guess this is in Mason, OH...not sure how far from me he is but I'd love to see this in real life. Take a look here

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/45390/wizards_of_winter/

I saw this and laughed like crazy...too funny. Guess this guy even made it on the Today show or something like that. Go figure?!

Well like I said I'm tired and I have a headache too and tomorrow is another long day.

Take care my friends!

Tammy

Had Women's group tonight...

What a long day....cleaned house...well I should back up...I started last night making cheesecakes (why do I commit to saying I'm going to make these things because when I do it's when time ends up being limited.), anyway stayed up till 12:30 a.m. making cheesecakes last night. By the time I got things cleaned up and took my shower it was after 1 a.m. Colton got up about 6:45 I think...Then I was lucky enough to coax him back to bed and I stayed there till a little after 7. Then I cleaned house, mopped floors, tried to get some stuff done. The women's group was at my house tonight which I think it went well. Esther made the meal while it was my job to make dessert. Esther made an awesome meal of Spaghetti pizza, breen beans and salad. Bless her heart she even did most of the dishes too. It was so sweet. Group was good, we laughed as usual. Michelle is such a hoot and though she doesn't think she's a leader, she is and a great one at that. Eveyone seemed to have a good time. I just felt a little self concious though cause most of these people have really really nice homes and though I have a nice house, I have hand me down furniture and old carpet that's coming off the floor. Not only that, it truly is ugly..but I won't let hubby replace it until the boys get a little older and quit spilling stuff on the floor all the time. Won't be too much longer hopefully...though Brennan did spill a glass of root beer tonight. It's nice to belong to a group and even better yet belong to a group where I don't have to lead. It's nice for someone else to lead for a change. It's nice to be involved, though I'm one of the newest members of this group and not totally comfortable yet, I think that will change in time.

Oh, I have a praise! The girls I babysit during the week. Their mom got a call from her ex. The girls have been staying the whole weekend with their Dad during his weekend and it had been really messing them up. It would upset me to see them come back from being with him and they would just be bawling and crying and just totally confused as to what was happeneing to them. Well he's agreed to only keep them on Friday night and they'd come home on Saturday. I'm so glad! I think that they'll not only do better, but Monday's here will go smoother. Alaina always act so whiney and is so scared of things after she's been at her dads. Some parents may think that divorce doesn't hurt their children but it so does, in so many ways. I'm so glad that I grew up in a home with my mom and dad and that Kevin & I are determined that we'll always be together (and one of us would have to kill the other to get out...only kidding). If you are a child from a broken home or a parent of a broken family, I'm sending out a prayer to you tonight. May God show his rich blessings upon you and just know that no matter what happens in life GOD ALWAYS LOVES YOU! And HE WILL NEVER LEAVE! God bless you!

Well I have some other things to take care of before hitting the hay so I better go.

Later friends!

Tammy

Been MIA...

Man I can tell it's the Christmas season because I've been so busy. Trying to get last minute things done for Disney...plus trying to get things done for Christmas. With this Disney trip hovering overhead I have about forgotten about Christmas shopping. I am so far behind in that area this year. YIKES!! Where did the time go??




So I did it...got my hair chopped...This isn't the best picture since it was taken at the end of a long day, but it'll give you an idea. No longer a slave to the curling iron. It's pretty much wash, some styling gel and go. It will be great for Disney, nice and easy. I like it...I had it like this before not all that long ago, but I think I liked it a little longer...I'm just trying to get used to it so short again. Tell me what you think...and be honest. It won't hurt me if you don't like it. I'll probably grow it out again after Disney anyway. I go through spurts...I want it long I want it short...never happy with it. After all it's just hair right?

Check out this post by Jada's Gigi...it's awesome...put's Christmas and the true meaning of what JOY really is in perfect perspective.

http://cherylstreehouse.blogspot.com/

Well I need to find out where and what my kids are doing...their quiet and we know what that means...they're probably into something. Hopefully I will have a better picture of myself and more time to talk tomorrow.

Tammy

Church was awesome yesterday

You know God is so good...Led worship again yesterday and even though there were moments during Praise & Worship that things didn't go well with the music (Dave started playing a different part during one of the songs) God still took it and used it for good. We had a guest speaker yesterday since Pastor Rod and Joann were gone and the amazing thing is that the songs that I selected to sing went perfectly with his sermon about knowing God. Not that I deserve any of the glory or praise, but I just thought that was so amazing...definitely a God thing. I was in such awe, as I usually am when God works. This was probably my last Sunday to lead worship for a while...I'm glad. Though I enjoy leading to a certain degree, I'm glad to be passing the baton back to Joann...she does a good job. It'll be nice to fade into the background again.

Then last night we had another church join us for worship, Shiloh Baptist, and their Pastor spoke. He was great too! It was so nice to be able to not only mix denominations, but also to mix races. It's nice to know that even though we may belong to different denominations, we still serve the same God. I love that. No one is better than the other, we are all the same. The Pastor talked about how we are our brother's keeper and need to care for one another. It was an awesome sermon.

Today was an OK day...it seems like Mondays for whatever reason are so hard after such an uplifting Sunday. Boys didn't have school today...they go back tomorrow. HAd the girls for a little bit today while Michelle drove her brother back home. They were good, except Alexis kept getting scared of Tigger for some reason today...I think she was just tired.

Speaking of tired, I'm tired too. I'm not sure if it's just being tired or if something else is up, but I've been irritable and fatigued tonight (no it's not that time either)...beginning to wonder if it's caffeine that is affecting me. I'm going to try to kick the caffeine for a while and see how it goes and try to narrow down what it may be.

Thinking of getting my hair cut shorter again...especially for Disney...easier to take care of. Kind of like a hairstyle like the one in the photo:
Let me know what you think.


Later folks!

Tammy

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving...

Well another Thanksgiving has come and gone. Hope yours was a happy one. Mine actually turned out OK...everyone was great and seemed to have a good time. I made 15 lbs. of mashed potatoes...I don't know what I was thinking?!?!? I have enough potatoes to last till next turkey day. Needless to say I'll be taking mashed potatoes to Charlene's tomorrow...and still have plenty left over I'm sure. YIKES!

Getting excited about Disney...get some details finalized...going to start on a shopping list of things I need to buy before we go. Can't wait...I'm getting excited. Dad and I are going to sit with the other siblings and try to get them nailed down to at least a rough schedule because if they don't they are going to be so overwhelmed. Not only that they will never be able to use their Disney Wishes for meals...I'm hoping everyone will have a pleasant vacation...I think we all deserve it.

So with Thanksgiving I wanted to list a few things that I'm thankful for:

First of all for the saving grace of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who loves me just as I am, takes me back when I come crawling back for forgiveness and died for a wretch like me so I could spend eternity with HIM! JESUS ROCKS!

Second for my husband who works so hard so I can stay home and raise our family...He ROCKS too!

For my awesome boys! They are the coolest...the rottenest...the most amazing beings in my life!! They make me laugh, they make me cry, they make me want to yank my hair out, but they are beautiful and I'm so blessed to call them mine!

For my awesome extended family...for in-laws that honestly and truly do ROCK...they love my boys (all 4 of them ;-) ) with so much love...it's not the "lets spoil them with gifts" love...it's the true "let me show you how much I love you" love...they ROCK and they are always willing to go out of their way to take the boys to school, take care of them when we need them to...they are great. For my family who is taking us to Disney...my dad wasn't able to afford to buy us a lot as we were growing up so Disney is his way of giving us what he wished he could have when we were young, yet now the grandparents get to experience it with the grandchildren too.

For awesome neighbors and friends...who made us two pumpkin pies for thanksgiving, always willing to share and hang with us, and their two beautiful girls that I get to babysit through the week. For friends who may be seperated by distance currently, yet still hold a huge place in my heart!

For an awesome church family that I love!

That's about it for now...may God's blessings truly rain on you and may you always cherish those things in your heart!

Tammy

Another mountaintop thrown right into the valley moment!

Yes folks...though I may have colored my hair a darker shade of blonde...it doesn't matter how dark a blonde I color it I still have those blonde moments...and this one was major...how BLONDE can I possibly be anyway?!!?

First off last night began great. Went with our women's group from church to a Thanksgiving Dinner they were putting on at the high school (which BTW creeps me out on so many levels since it's been 20 years since I ate in that cafeteria...so many weird moments there), then we went to the Tabernacle to hear Pastor Rod preach the community Thanksgiving service. (BTW the new Tabernacle is beautiful...and huge). The service was great and uplifting...a mountaintop moment. Then I came home, which was fine really, until we put the boys to bed and hubby proceeded to tell me that his parents weren't very happy to hear that I invited my parents and sister's family over for T-Dinner too. (Which stupid me did without asking hubby first...I know, big mistake...what was I thinking!) In fact the in-laws thought about canceling. Which of course broke my heart. They thought that since my parents are taking us all away for Christmas and we'll be spending all of Christmas vacation with my whole family that T-Day would be THEIR day with us. Oh, and hubby's brother and his family won't come because my family is going to be here. Now I've upset my in-laws and the whole day is just going to be uncomfortable instead of what I had in my mind to be a day where I'm surrounded by the people I love most. I thought about just canceling the dinner all together, but hubby says it's too late for that. Anyone got a major illness they can pass my way so I CAN cancel???? (I know...shouldn't wish that.) I am so upset with myself for being so "blonde" and for screwing up the holiday. Makes me want ot find a huge rock to crawl under and stay there for...I don't know till I'm old and gray maybe?!?! Now I know why I don't plan anything...even if I try to do something nice it always ends up blowing up in my face. Oh well...pray for me. I'm really going to need it.

Tammy

Well only 33 days...

Until Disney that is...I'm ready for a vacation. Not that disney is going to be much of a vacation, but it will be nice to get away.

Lead worship yesterday at church...didn't do so well as I did last time. Joann was there which praise the Lord for that, she's feeling a bit better, but I just don't feel like I do as good a job as her, so it makes me a bit nervous and I think it showed yesterday. Oh well...there is always next Sunday. We had our Harvest Dinner at church yesterday...some good eatin' there. Love our church get togethers.

Oh, and I'm fixing Thanksgiving Dinner for Kevin's parents. I told Kevin that I refused to do another Thanksgiving at a Ryan's or Golden Corral...I want to have Thanksgiving at home and enjoy my family...all of my family. Anyway like I told the hubby I want leftovers! I miss turkey leftovers since I'm usually not the one fixing turkey dinner...I WANT LEFTOVERS!! I want lots of turkey...lots of desserts, lots of dressing and, I want it all. I'm excited about fixing dinner. Kev's fixing the turkey. I'm doing the rest plus trying to get the house ready which I'll be hammering on come Wednesday.

Well I better go...I have some ironing (I hate to iron) calling my name and got some other things I need to take care of before I go to bed.

Later folks!

Tammy

Don't let this innocent face fool ya!

Don't let this cute inncoent three year old face fool ya. This boy is going to pull my hair out. Was pretty upset tonight. Little Coltie...yes my sweet lovely little angel of a three year old...I was ready to toss him to the curb tonight (OK not really, but...) I don't know if it's a stage he's going through cause I don't remember the other two guys doing this, but he is going through this stage of saying "stupid" and "stinkin'"...Stupid is a no-no word in our house...and just the way that little guy uses the word stinkin'...kind of like "I don't want to pick up that stinkin' car". Maybe it's the attitude behind it as well. He's just so strong willed. He will look me in the face and say it and hardly bat an eye. It was a battle of wills with him and I for sure tonight I was bound and determined not to lose! (I was praying for strength and wisdom the whole time...Jesus..Jesus...just give me strength.) I finally got tired of his mouth and attitude that after dinner I washed him up and put him in bed. The whole time he was crying "I want to be good...I want to be a good boy" which just didn't work for me tonight. I was glad I stuck to my guns and put him in bed. I think he was tired anyway...and I know I was tired of his attitude. ACK...how did my parents ever allow us to live!?!?!? Man being a parent sometimes can be so hard...it is worth it though, it's just that days like this make it hard.

I'm so glad God blessed me with these boys...life would be too boring without them.

Well I'm going to try and re-attach my hair now ;-)

Tammy

Weird day sort of...

Well today didn't go anyway that I thought it would...but it still turned out OK. Which is how I planned it right ;-) Girls were good today, except Alaina is sick and I tried to get her to take some medicine for me and she stubbornly refused...I tried but it was no use. She did nap for 2 hours though and I think that's what she needed. Colton still has that barky cough. If he still has it tomorrow I may take him back to the doctor. Hopefully he gets over it.

Helped hubby with some P.O. work. He needed some name tags done for a big shindig they're having tomorrow...in swoops "Publisher Queen" to the rescue. I love love love Publisher. Made the name tags, not to brag but they did look good and most of all hubby was happy.

There is a new scrapbook store that opened in town today...hoping to get down there to check it out sometime this week...hope they have some cool stuff!

Well going to get to bed.

Tammy

Happiness depends on...

Me...and my reliance fully and totally on you Lord. That seemed to be the "hit me over the head" message I received today. You know sometimes it takes a message being pounded into me all day for me to finally get it. I was reading a book last night by Stormie Ormatian and that's pretty much the message I got from what I read, then I was reading my devotions today and it was a Psalm...another rely on God...then I was watching Joyce Meyer a little bit today and she always preaches John 10:10. Yes God wants me to enjoy my life, but it's up to me to enjoy what God has given me. Then I got a coll from Pastor Dean today. He'd been thinking about me and just wanted to see how I was doing. So sweet of him. Thank you Lord for hitting me over the head today. I made today a good day...and it was! God has truly blessed me and if that's all I ever get from now on, I still am blessed.

After Pastor Dean called today the hubby called me. I was telling him about PD's call and as we were talking I finally came to grips with the fact as to why I'm having such a hard time moving forward...these folks PD, Rachel & PL were a huge spiritual support system for me. There were times that Rachel would call and just say the things that I needed to hear, whether I liked it or not. Rachel could be opinionated, but she always told it to me straight and I needed that. PD has always been there when we needed him and PL too for that matter. PL...I think I miss her most...she'd always make me laugh and we just seemed to click. I got teary-eyed talking to Kev today about them. I miss them...terribly...and the fact that we didn't get to see them this past weekend really bums me out. They were my huge support system...now I feel like I don't have much of anything as far as spiritual support...not spiritual ROCKS anyway. But I know I need to move forward...it's just been a harder struggle that I initially thought. But God gave me a push today...so I'm taking up my mat and I'm beginning to walk...slowly ;-)

Changed my blog song today...bought the hubby the new Jeremy Camp CD...though this song isn't on that CD it is one of hubby's favs and I like it too...no matter how much we screw up, Jesus is always there to take us back...THANK GOD! For me that seems to be a daily occurance :-)

Hubby and I went over the last details on Disney tonight. He'll probably be making reservations for meals tomorrow. It's getting so close. Can't wait....38 more days!

Later all...

Tammy

Sunday..a day of rest...

Yes it was a day of rest (forgive me Lord) but it was nice to sleep in somewhat for a change, made breakfast for my family (homemade scones...which K-man loved, and homemade pancakes...which I thought turned out pretty well for my first try). Then we cleaned out the playroom. That took a little while since we dusted and swept really good, but it looks better. Then I went to Payless and got a pair of shoes. Still not totally sure of them, but they do go with my outfit I bought the other night. Then I made lunch and pretty much vegged the rest of the night...played Battleship with Austin...he beat me the first game (with some help from Bren) and then I won the last game. Then we played games on Disney Channel. It was fun. I tried to scrapbook tonight, but the boys wanted to play games so I guess scrapbooking will have to wait for another day. I think once I finally get my scrap space cleaned off maybe I'll feel more inspired to scrapbook anyway.

Kevin pretty much vegged all day which he deserved and totally needed...he's in such a better mood today, much more relaxed and refreshed.

Well the countdown now begins....40 days until Disney!! Yippeee!!!!!

Later my friends!

Tammy

As usual a change in plans...

Well of course as par for the course our plans for tomorrow have changed...We won't be going to se PD, PL, & Rachel at their new church. PL isn't even going to be there, PL's dog is supposed to have puppies this weekend so Rachel probably won't be there either, so I guess we won't be going. And I just made toll house pies too! I'm bummed...was looking for a moment to sort of get away, but maybe we should just take advantage of the day and SLEEP IN! I know that is so bad on a Sunday, but I already made arrangements not to be there on Sunday...not like we (especially Kevin) couldn't use the rest. We'll see what happens. I think God would understand.

Well I'm going to try to get the boys in bed so hopefully we could all get a good night's rest.

Tammy

Venting my frustration....

Yes...I am totally frustrated at the moment...went shopping tonight. You know there was a day...a very very long time ago mind you, that I actually enjoyed shopping. Now it's just a hassle and just plain depresses me. A new Kohl's store opened not too awful far from us and the boys needed new winter coats...so we went. Found them coats...yipee...also I am in dire (and I'm not exaggerating) need of some new clothes. Thought, hey why not. It turned out to be pretty much a 2-3 hour fiasco. The boys were restless running all over the store. Lost Brennan once (though he was actually playing hide & go seek with me, though he failed to tell ME that), I tried on several pieces of clothing and ended up with only a pair of pants and a sweater. Everything I tried on was either to tight on "the twins" or made me look like my grandma. When did my boobs get so big?? I never wanted big boobs and still wishin' that now. Then if the shirt was to clingy it showed my "baby fat roll". I was so stinkin' frustrated I could have spit nails. Then I saw a pair of shoes I likes that would have gone great with my new outfit...of course none in my size. Pair of boots I liked too...again none in my size. Can't anyone make an outfit that makes a woman going on 40 look hip and younger without looking like a teenager with half her belly being shown off and without looking like her grandma!! And why don't these stores get smart and create a play center where you can drop off your kids while you shop??!?!?! That's why I never go shopping for clothes for myself anymore and why my wardrobe looks the way it does cause I've been wearing the same stuff for years or stuff I have just quickly picked up off a rack at Wal-Mart because I don't have time to do any shopping for decent clothes for me...ARGH!!! Sorry for all the belly-aching...one plus though....I saved the hubby an awful lot of $$$. At least he found a few nice things to wear to work which he desperately needed. Thank God for that. Well I'm going to try to sleep and hopefully tomorrow I'll wake up a size 6 with a 34 inch bust.

Later!

Tammy

Random things today...

Took a quiz on and here is the result:



You are Deb and you could drink whole milk if you
wanted.


Which Napoleon Dynamite character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla


If you are one that needs to have something to do for the next five minutes...try it yourself:

Well here's the results...

Well the day went not quite as planned, but it was still good. Didn't do any shopping...which was probably a good thing since it's burning a hole in my pocket.

I did scrapbook...the pictures above are my creations today. One for the dare # 14 that I was behind on...not too fancy...not too special either...kind of boring IMO...but it's done. The other is a digital layout I made to thank the Effer Girls. They didn't have a dare this week and I know it must take a lot to get one up each and every week. Here is hoping that there is one tomorrow!

After scrapping today, I just feel very uninspired and it showed. I'm in a funk creative wise and I think it's becaue my desk is all in shambles and Kevin has repaired the wall behind my desk yet so who knows when my craft table will be back to normal...what I wouldn't do to have my own room!!!

Papa took Coltie-man this afternoon so for a little while I was kidless...that doesn't happen often.

Other than that, it's been another long day, yet a relatively good one.

Oh, good news (I think)...I think there is another scrapbook store opening up on Main Street. All I could see from the street were shelves with scrapbooks on them and racks with paper so...man that would be so nice...hopefully they carry some cool stuff, not just the basics like the other store. That would be awesome...may have to take a stroll down ol' Main Street this weekend :-)

Have a good one!

Tammy

What to do...what to do...

I'm in a quandry as to what to do today. I don't have the twins today. May even have the option of pawning Coltie off for a little while (though I doubt will happen cause he's been rather clingy to me lately), but anyhoo...a day to do what I want and not sure what to do...do I do the practical thing and...
clean house (which it could really use a thurough cleaning) do I... go shopping (boys need new winter coats)...or do I SCRAPBOOK...I'd love that...but with Colton it may be near impossible but I could at least get some layouts started, pictures printed, things put out to embellish with...it's been so long since I scrapbooked...I'm going through withdrawl...of course shopping isn't a bad idea either...haven't done that in a while and I could use some new duds myself. It's so cold out right now though...decisions, decisions, decisions....I'll let you know what happens...hopefully I don't do what I usually do and just waste the whole day.

Tammy

When you're on the mountaintop...

You know...when you are on that mountaintop...there is a certain "person" (I don't even want to call him that) that doesn't like it and attacks. Yesterday it seemed like my day just drug on and on...never had time to stop. Brennan was home with a touch of Bronchitis...so I had to take him to the doctor...luckily Kevin was home to watch Coltie and the girls so I could take Bren to the doctor or that could have been a lot of fun. Then I had to drop the boys off at art club, go to Wal-Mart to get the prescription, pick up the boys from art club, get home and start on homework and dinner, clean up from dinner, and then I went to bed with Bren cause we were tired...but then I ended up getting Austin & Coltie ready for bed too. Then the two boys were making such racket downstairs I didn't sleep much anayway.

But overall...I praise God anyhow. I read a book Pastor Rod had been suggesting us board members to read and it's been pretty good. God was good anyway and I praised Him anyhow for giving me another day.

Today though was a better day and went relatively well...no complaints here other than hubby being a bit tired and grumpy, but hey that's OK.

Just a comment though...it's been ages it seems since I've scrapbooked...need to get some creating done...maybe tonight...probably not, but maybe tomorrow...or maybe Thursday...I may not have the girls Thursday...maybe I just need to write it on my calendar. :-)

Hoping all is well with all of you and that you have had a good day!

Tammy

God is Good....

God is good...all the time...all the time...God is good. I know I need to trust God more, that He has a plan, a purpose, and all I need to be is a willing and obedient vessel. That has become so so so clear to me today. I know last night I said I was stressing about preparing for worship this morning...last night after I posted it didn't get any better...Colton did NOT want to go to bed. I finally put my book, my Bible and notes away and just finally said...OK Lord, you are going to have to do this because I can't. I even thought I'd try to get up early this morning and work, but God of course had other plans because Colton was up with me and there was no time to prepare then either. So off to church I went, luckily a little early. But Travis was there at church and sometimes (bless his heart) he wants to talk. So still no huge amounts of time to prepare...I had time though to open the Bible to Psalm 100...after I read it, it was perfect to go along with the music we had prepared...praising the Lord...it worked...then in the youth's Sunday School we have been studying Revelations. Today was chapter 4...and one of the verses was about the 24 elders casting their crowns before God's throne...one of the songs we sang today was "We Fall Down"...we fall down we lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus...it was so perfect...then it rained shortly after service began...the last song we sang was a medley we do of The Potter's Hand & Lord Send The Rain...I'm just so in awe as to how God works...the service went somewhat flawlessly and we really felt the Spirit of God move in the sanctuary this morning...and (I don't want this to sound boastful cause it's not) I am so in awe as to how God uses me. As I've said before I'm not a person who likes being in the spotlight...I'm not one who likes to be the center of attention. And maybe that's why God is using me...I don't know...maybe He likes a good laugh...who knows...but I just give God all the praise and all the glory for what He has done so far today. Still have evening service to get through today, but if it's even half as good as this morning it will be great! PTL!!!

God truly is good!

Praise His Holy Name!

Tammy

Ok...I'm stressin'

Yes...I finally have to admit it...I'm stressing out about tomorrow with leading worship. I know God is in control...I know God will make it work...I know by this time next week no one will remember what mistakes we may have made...it's just that there are so many elements against me. Not singing with Dave at the piano, and don't get me wrong, Cindy plays the piano just fine, just she has her way of playing that is a bit different than the way Dave plays. Then I am also trying to get a whole service together myself for Sunday night, which I think is what I'm more nervous about. Again, I know God is in control...I just don't like being in the spotlight, but for whatever reason God keeps putting me there.

So right now I'm going through Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life" book to go along with my service tomorrow night on "Worship"...with the boys today it's been hard to concentrate on anything...so it may have to wait until they go to bed...I'm just needing a destressor...like some hefty scrapbooking, which I really haven't done in a while. Maybe it's a good thing that there is no Dare this week.

Well I'm going to go read now and hopefully God will lead me where He wants me to go.

Have a blessed weekend.

Tammy

I'm going to try to keep this short...

It's been a long week as I'm sure you've read and I'm going to bed as soon as I get done typing this. I'm scared I may be coming down with the cold that has been milling around my house...and I have to lead worship this Sunday...please Lord no...I've been popping pills and Vitamin C like candy this morning...Got to nip this before it even tries to get me.

Talked to Pastor Dean, Rachel & PL tonight. Man I miss those guys. It's still hard not having them here. PL's mom is in the hospital, not doing too well. I guess her heartbeat is irregular. Pray for Avonelle Willey. We may go visit tomorrow depending how everyone feels.

Got two days of our Disney trip somewhat planned. Hopefully I can get the rest done soon.

There was no Effer Dare today and after looking on Two Peas they said there wouldn't be one this week. They said they'd post as to why later, hope everything is OK. Man I could use a Dare Fix right about now.

Well that's all for now...pray that I don't get this cold...I can't have a cold. Pray for me.

Tammy

Not bad...

Today wasn't too bad a day...though I kept quite busy. Didn't have the twins today...Michelle stayed home from school today and watched them...so that was a surprise today so I got some things done around the house for a while and then I took my hubby out to lunch at the Serenity Tea House (love that place...the atmosphere is so nice)...and I bought. It's kind of nice having my own money again...though it ain't much I love being able to spoil my boys. We had a great lunch and then my day went into overdrive...I then went to Wal Mart and got Kevin his prescription, then went immediately to the school to get the boys, got them home and started on their homework (which was like pulling teeth today), then I checked on dinner (made spaghetti with my homemade sauce), then had to take off to the school for parent/teacher conferences. Both boys are doing well...need to work with Brennan a little with speech and reading, but other than that they are both doing great...praise the Lord for answered prayer.

Then as soon as I got home Cindy from church called. Dave J. (My back-up to play piano on Sunday for worship) his dad had a heart attack so he had to head out to Maryland. (Pray for Dave's dad). So Cindy is my back-up for my back-up so to speak...I asked her to pick out music since she's not so comfortable playing...could be interesting on Sunday morning, especially since we haven't praticed at all. Then Dave & I were to lead worship on Sunday night...Cindy can't play Sunday night...I'm in a quandry about that...Asked Tammy F. to bring her IWorship DVDs...hoping she has some with songs we can sing...may have to do just an acoustic set with Michelle...like I said could be interesting, but I have faith that God is going to get us through this. Pray for us anyway cause it sure can't hurt.

Also trying to work on our itinerary for our Disnay trip...want it to go as smoothly as possible. So much on my plate...

Well I'm going to bed...I'm exhausted tonight. Hopefully I can read Ecclesiastes 4 tonight.

Tammy

Just had to post this before I go...

I forgot to post this...I posted my curtains on the Two Peas website...you wouldn't believe who commented on my curtains...Yes indeed folks...Donna Downey herself! To check it out go here:

http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/pg.asp?cmd=display&layout_id=689877

Just had to share....it made me smile.

Tammy

To everything there is a season...

I feel like i'm in a rut...

Today wasn't a bad day, it wasn't a good day...it was just a day...and another long one. I feel like my wheels are turning anymore and not going anywhere...I'm just in the same spot...just a different day. I'm not depressed, I'm not happy, I'm just not anything and that's what bothers me. I feel like I'm in the season of "children"...right in the thick of it and I'm lost...I've lost myself, among taking care of the kids, babysitting the twins, trying to keep this house together, doing church stuff...I feel like I'm lost and not sure where I am...I'm just existing.

Got a call from Pastor Rod today about leading worship until further notice until Joann can get back on her feet...it looks like she does have mono. Scares me to lead worship again. I just don't feel worthy to do it. I'm not the best christian, not the worst either...I mean, there are those I think would be far more worthy to do it. I just don't think I do that great of a job. I just hope that God is pleased and that His name is exalted that is all...that's all that matters right? I DON'T want people seeing me in worship...I want them to see GOD...it's just something I've struggled with since I began doing this...I just want to do a good job for God.

Kevin & I are so in need of a getaway. We are hoping to get away as a family next weekend (we are hoping to see Pastor Dean, Rachel & Pastor Lisa at their new church). I would love to go away for the whole weekend...that would be so sweet and so so needed. Kevin is just so burned out doing this supervisor work...tonight he didn't get home until 7:40...and he only got a 45 minute lunch and he went in at 5:15 this morning.

Had the option to clean my kitchen and bathroom tonight or play games with the boys and for a change I left the mess lay and played with the boys...we played Bingo and dino dominoes and had a blast. Sometimes I just have to tell myself to let them dust bunnies lie...my boys are growing up way too fast and hey them stinkin' dust bunnies will always be there...for tonight they get to live. :-)

Well I'm going to call it a night and try to get some rest and read. Been reading the book of Ecclesiastes...I love that book for some reason. When my life seems to be going out of control, for whatever reason that book puts things in perspective for me. Reading chapter 3 tonight...to everything there is a season...

God bless ya!

Tammy

Busy Busy Busy

Well I have been a busy little beaver again today...remember I needed to work doubletime today to make up for my craft project yesterday...Well finished the bigger curatin in the living room, but ran out of ribbon halfway through the last window...need to go to Wal Mart and see if they have more...if not I may have to go to Wal Mart in Z-town or Dover or Millersburg to see if I can find more...I'll be totally bummed if I can't find more of that ribbon.

Totally cleaned my living room and dining room today. Tomorrow I'm going to try to attack the kitchen and Kevin's bathroom. I'm feeling the need to rid out again.

Went to Women's Bible Study again tonight. We have a fun time...it's nice. It's Michelle (who is the leader whether she wants to admit it or not), Leslie, Esther, Jess, Renee, Shelly H. and Shelly T. We spend most of our time fellowshipping than Bible study it seems but we do have fun.

Be in prayer for Pastor Rod's wife Joann...they think she may have mono. Would explain why she's been so exhausted. With two little ones it makes it tough to try to recooperate. Not sure then if she'll still be leading worship then. I hope so cause I just don't do as well a job as she does. I'm just not cut out for being an up front and speaking in front of people type of person. It's not me. But I'm willing to be used where God needs me and that's all that really matters, whether I think I can do it or not. Now if I had Kevin's people skills and my singing skills...then we might have something :-)

Also Pastor Lisa called me on my way to Women's group tonight. Her mom has congestive heart failure and she's not doing well. Her mom is still at home and they've given her meds to try to lower the fluids on her heart and lungs but if they don't go down then she's probably going to end up in the hospital. Her mom's spirits are low and she just wants to go home and be with her husband..which can't blame her...PL's dad passed away this past June. PL I don't think is ready to let go of her mom yet. I feel so bad for her...seems like for the past year especially she has done nothing but struggle. She's been with her mom since 3:30 a.m. this morning and was heading back home which is a 2 hour drive and then has a midterm to take tomorrow. Please Lord just lighten her load a bit...she needs it.

Brennan got his card flipped at school for the first time today...guess he wasn't listening to directions and do what he was supposed to be doing. He's been a bit out of it today...hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.

Well I'm really tired and have other things I really should be doing. Have a great day!

Tammy

See what I did today....

Well I didn't do what I should have let's just put it that way, but I was productive...(does that really count in the grand scheme of things?!?!?) Though I should have been cleaning house and doing laundry, I opted for putting up my brand new living room curtains and then "doing a little scrapbookin magic to them". Can't take all the credit, got the idea from Donna Downey's Photo Decor book, but I think it turned out so stinkin' awesome! I don't mean to brag, but it just is so cool to see my boys pictures on the curtains...got two more sets to do this to, I can't wait to do them...though I really need to do laundry tomorrow...man I'll have to do doubletime tomorrow ...I won't have the twins tomorrow so maybe that will help.




Kevin carved pumpkins with the boys last night while I went to church. They turned out so cute...we took them out tonight and lit them. Colton's we just let him draw on his with marker...the thought of him slinging pumkin guts everywhere I guess wasn't to appealing to his Daddy...still think it looks cute.






We had Pastor Appreciation yesterday at church...had to sing for Pastor Rod...I don't think it was my best singing job, but it was kind of weird trying to sing while a person is literally staring at you. The service was good though. Pastor Rod seems to have such a caring and loving heart. Hopefully in the future we'll get to know each other a little better...I just have such a very hard time getting to know knew people and getting close to them. It's one of my downfalls that I'm trying to work on.

Well I better get to bed if I'm going to get all that house work done tomorrow :-)

Tammy

Well I made it...

Made it through the day that is THANK YOU GOD!!! We made it to the 9 a.m. meeting on time (yes with all three boys in tow) and I was pretty thrilled about that. They behaved somewhat, but they were a bit distracting....Thanks be to God that they were only there for about 45 minutes because Kevin came to pick them up. Much better after that.

Then I came home and cleaned my disaster of a house. Got all my laundry done, barely fed the boys lunch. Made broccoli cheese & noodle soup again...Kevin's sick so I thought soup would be good. Made enough to send over to Pastor Rod and Joann tomorrow for lunch. Joann has been really sick this week so that has left Pastor Rod to run things with 6 year old Karissa and 1 year old Kate. Thought at least a lunch may help them out some...I know it ain't much, but I thought it might be nice.

Went to a cookout tonight, only took Brennan with me since Austin is still sick and Kevin too. It was nice...it was at my old boss's from Buehler's house, Danny. I haven't been to one of his party's in years...and I was so shocked when his wife Lori called me and invited us out. He always has the best Halloween parties. Always a campfire, lots of food and a haunted hayride, which I forgot about, but this time it was a trail you had to walk through...he always goes all out. I had a blast. It was so nice to get out amongst adults and just be me for a little while, even if I did have Brennan. Saw several people from church I knew and Donnie Jacobs that I knew from Buehler's. It's hard to believe that I haven't worked at Buehler's in almost 6 years now. Time has just flown. Anyway had a great time, was a little cold, but we bundled up good and the fire was nice and toasty.

Well I need to get to bed...I have to lead worship tomorrow with Joann being sick and I'm not sure exactly what I'm doing since I didn't go to practice last week...wasn't planning on being upstairs this Sunday. On top of leading worship I have to sing a special song too...could be interesting. Be with me Lord!

Hope your weekend is happy...

Tammy

What we did tonight...

Austin, Brennan & I made Halloween cookies tonight. They had fun decorating them...I let them do that themselves. They enjoyed it. Yes, it was store bought Pillsbury dough, but hey the way I've been so busy lately it still worked anyway and the boys still enjoyed it.

Got to help out at Austin's Harvest Party...luckily Kevin didn't have to go back to work until 3:30, so I got to help out with the activities...it was nice to just get out of the house and away from three year olds. Love them I do, but after a while of whining and fighting from not sharing, it can get old quick. Brennan however told me that his class didn't have a party...not sure why or why not, but I was pretty bummed for him...so I think baking the cookies tonight made up for it.

Kevin is coming down with a cold...so here we go until Spring...passing around the sickness. I went to Wal-Mart and bought $ 20.00 worth of cold medicine and Vitamin C pills...that boy won't be holdin' onto that cold long :-) The long hours he's been putting in along with getting maybe 4 hours of sleep a night I think is catching up with him...poor guy.

Here is a picture of the boys from last night's Trick or Treat outing...aren't they cute??

Well I have a meeting at 9 a.m. and I somehow have to take 3 boys with me and keep them occupied while I take notes from the meeting. I'm praying it doesn't last long (with the boys there maybe it won't)...Why do people make early meetings on my only stinkin' day off...hate that. Wish I could just stay home. I'm just tired.

Well I better get my stuff together for my meeting tomorrow and head off to bed.

Tammy

My Austin is sick...

Went to the doctor today for just Austin's yearly check up and though he had been dealing with a cold the last few days I didn't think much about it. I was giving him the cough and cold medicine and doing all that a mom could do...the doctor looked at him today and said he has walking pnemonia...I felt like the worst mom...here I thought it was just a cold and he's actually has pnemonia...he's upset cause right now for the next month he's on an inhaler, he's on an antibiotic and cough medicine. In a month the doctor wants to see him again to rule out asthma...which freaked my son out just because he freaks out about everything. He went to bed crying tonight and in his prayers tonight he said, "and God could you please not let me have asthma." Broke my heart...right now I feel like I'm failing at everything...I must be the worst mom out there...

Boys went trick or treating tonight...when I upload the pics I'll post them here...We bundled up Austin a bunch...He went as Stitch...Brennan was a Dinosaur...and Colton was Spiderman again. They had fun...we didn't stay out the whole time...we only went for about an hour and came home...the boys were tired and ready to come home.

On a different note...trying to put a new song on my blog the last few nights...hoping this one works...I usually listen to more christian rock/pop music, but I always liked Nickelback's music...their newest one is just kind of what I'm going through personally now...looking back on the past, thinking about the fun I had back then, and though it would be nice in some instances to go back, it's time to say goodbye to that...sigh...well I hope the song comes up.

Have a good night.

Tammy

Ever have those times...

When you just want to give up and crawl back in bed and shut the world out...felt that way today. Not sure why...maybe it's this blasted Ohio weather...haven't seen sunshine for days...nothing but rain for I know at least the last three days. I need some sunshine folks! Felt kinda irritable today, but not at anyone, just that "I'm irritated" sort of feeling. I guess I'm just in a funk right now. Pray that it passes soon.

Surprised the boys with their Halloween costumes tonight. Austin has the Stitch costume and Brennan of course is a Dinosaur. Colton is going to be Spiderman again cause that's what he wants. The boys loved their costumes and were pretty excited about it. That made me happy. It just puts a smile on my face to see them smile.

Not sure I'm liking this new schedule hubby has right now. He works all day...literally...though the money is good, I miss having him here and it's hard for me to plan anything....I'm just hoping he doesn't miss out on trick-or-treating on Thursday.

Well I'm going to bed.

Tammy

It's here!!!

Yes...the paper I ordered from Rocky Mountain Hobbies arrived today...and it's so stinkin pretty...can't wait to use it...hard to believe there is $ 30.00 worth of stuff there (I got a couple packs of rub ons and some Lil' Davis chipboard letters too so it's not all paper), but I haven't splurged that much on paper in a very long time...it's so beautiful!





This is my hard workin' hubby...he finally has seen my blog for the first time tonight and he was like..."nice...you have pictures of the kids, and even pictures of your scrap pages, but nothing of me..." (not true...there are a couple pics of him on this blog...just nothing recently)...so to appease my loving hubby...here is a picture of him I took this summer at his brother's place. Everyone say hi to Kevin for me!!!

Today was Monday...Alexis was whiney today...Monday's after the girls spend the weekend with their Dad is always hard...makes me thankful that Kevin & I are still together...we may have our moments, but I would hate to live with a split family. I've seen what it does to the girls and it breaks my heart. I've never posted pics of the girls I watch during the day so here it goes...



First pic (one with bandana around her neck) is Alaina...other is Alexis...aren't they cuties?!?!

Well I better mosey on outta here and try to get a good nights sleep for a change.

Later taters!

Tammy

Finally starting to figure out this Blogger thing...

Well if you haven't noticed yet...I finally have music on my blog...(Switchfoot ROCKS btw)...and if you look to your right...I have some interesting reading listed...just some of the blogs I peruse and some wonderful people I've met being on Two Peas and stuff...it's amazing the connections you make online. Now if I can just figure out how to make my own cool banner for the heading of my blog...

Well just got done talking to my family...we have a flight to Florida...PRAISE YOU JESUS!!! And it's a God thing because we are all (19 of us remember) on the same flight and it's a straight flight...no layovers...thank GOD!!! So everything is a GO for Disney...I'm starting to get excited now. We leave later on Christmas Day which is OK with me, we leave Florida earlier than we were before, but I think after 7 days of Disney a few hours aren't going to matter. It ended up costing my Dad a little more for tickets, but not as much as he thought it would so that is another praise! God really worked on this one...Thank you again Jesus!

Exhausted again today...I beginning to think maybe I have something or can it really be the change in the weather...don't know...I'm just tired of being tired. Just can't seem to get it in gear.

Praying for my boys today...we had to have a family talk today...for whatever reason they have been very disobedient lately...Austin & Brennan walked to church without their Daddy today after Kevin told them not to. Granted it's only a block an a half away (pretty much down an alley)and granted Austin is 8 but I'm just not comfortable letting him do that yet...maybe I'm overprotective...we live in a pretty safe city...just scares me. So I had to sit and talk with them today. Hoping that they took it to heart. It's so hard being a mom and having to disipline your kids. It' breaks my heart sometimes. Though I know it's for their own good I'm not sure they see it that way...one day I hope they'll understand.

Went to look at that house again today...it's such a nice house, but it is a bit out of our price range and we just realized it doesn't have AC and is electric baseboard heat...so no ductwork for AC anyway. It need all new windows and carpet. It still is a nice house, but for $ 159,000...not sure it's that nice when I'd have to plunk so much more into it...but the boys love it out there...with 3 acres to roam...they were like free little birds...it's so sweet to watch...also on the downside they would end up in a different school district...meaning new school, new friends and all...not sure how'd they'd feel about that. But anyway...it's nice to dream.



Here is a photo from last weekend...they boys and my niece Tea went pumpkin pickin'. Looks like they had a good time.

Well wrote more than I thought I would...going to call it a night and get geared up for another week...hope you have a great week too! God bless!

Tammy

My poor hubby...

Feeling kind of sorry for my hubby at the moment...He's been back in supervisor mode again for the last few weeks (and he has to work this position until May at the earliest)...he's been working 60 hours a week though it seems like a lot more because he goes in at 5 a.m. and usually doesn't come home until 6-6:30 p.m....tonight it was 7:30 p.m. He does come home for lunch, but lately those have been short lunches. I feel bad for him...I know he's working hard for us, I just wish he didn't have to work 6 days a week. It's like he's a stranger and I don't get to see him much. By the time he gets home in the evening he's fried and exhausted, yet he still won't go to bed early....poor guy. Say a little prayer for him...he works too hard.

Had fun with dinner tonight...since I was going to be a bit busy today with cutting grass and other things, I decided to do beef & noodles in the crock pot. Well I had some candy on the canisters in my kitchen and Brennan got some...also on the canisters were the candles the boys made from the Fall Foilage Tour we went to this past weekend...well somehow Brennan's candle fell on the lid of the crock pot and melted into the crock pot...so I had this nice purple wax floating all on the top of my beef for the beef and noodles. Needless to say we ended up doing a frozen Digorno pizza...so much for trying to get ahead...but I did almost have to laugh...though I was REALLY hankering for some beef and noodles tonight confound it!

Finally getting a haircut tomorrow...can't see past these bangs and my hair just will not curl it's so long! I had a trim about a month ago from Kevin's hairdresser, but I'm in need of Monica doing my hair...since I got a break and don't have to watch the twins tomorrow I hurried and made an appt. with Monica for tomorrow and luckily she could get me in...Thank God for that!

Spent some of my babysitting money tonight...I just couldn't help it...It's been so long since I bought any scrapbook paper...bought some of that new Daisy D's French Market paper, some KI Memories paper and that awesome new Scenic Route Fall Harvest paper...it's so beautiful...can't wait to get it. Now if I can just get to a Michaels to get some of that new Christina Cole paper I've been seeing...

Well I just may scrap a little tonight...on my little desk. Havea great night!

Tammy

The Lord works...

Today, though it was very busy went pretty well...see the Lord got me through! I was up at 6 a.m. and amazingly I wasn't too exhausted as I usually am. Actually it wasn't until I got in front of the computer tonight that I finally started feeling tired.

The twins were good (Alaina though pee-d her pants twice...not sure what was up with that.) Colton was pretty good too and Austin liked the play he went to see. Brennan had a good day...the weather was nice...it was all good.

Made dinner for Dora Belle tonight...she appreciated the meal. Made her a ham loaf, some homemade broccoli cheese noodle soup, rolls and some corn...bought her some angel food cake at the store...I hope she liked it. It was nice to be a blessing to someone. Even though there are times I just shamelessly grumble about not having time (yes I'm hanging my head at the moment) but once you see the smile on someone's face that you are being a blessing to, how can you NOT want to be a blessing to others. I think I really needed to make that meal for her more than she needed the meal. It's so easy to lose sight of why we are here...thank you Lord for the reminders.

Well I'm off to sleepy bye land...may God richly bless and use you in extraordinary ways today...

Tammy

Beyond exhausted...

I'm keeping this one short tonight as I am just totally whipped and need to go to bed. Still just dragging butt around here...not sure if it is just the weather with everything getting colder and the days getting shorter or just too much on my plate, but I'm drained.

Did get to go to a women's Bible study tonight. It's been so long since I've been to a Bible study where I wasn't leading or had some sort of hand in it. It was kind of nice to be "fed" for a change. I think it's what I've been needing. Like I said in a past post I think I need to start re-balancing my life and try to spend more time with God than I have been.

But then things just keep getting thrown on my plate...the devil just loves that I think. I have to be up extra early tomorrow cause Austin needs to be at school at 7:45 a.m. to leave for Newark to go to a play. Then I have to get Bren off to school, the twins will be here at 8:15 a.m., then one of the ladies from our church has been down sick and some of the ladies have been fixing meals for her each day for the next two weeks and Betty C. called me today to see if I could make her meal for tomorrow...so I need to do that...then I have to make a few more phone calls for Austin's school Harvest party to get things squared away for that...Then to top it all off my sis Wendy called tonight and needs me to watch her two girls tomorrow around 5 p.m. while she goes to the hospital to be trained on her new diabetic pump...then at 6:30 p.m. it's off to Dora Belle's to deliver her meal (we're taking the youth group with us as well)...very full day tomorrow...but I believe God will somehow by his grace will get me through it.

I need a day off...a day to just relax and get caught up on things...God...how about an eight-day week huh?? LOL!!

Well off to bed I go.

Tammy