The Journey

My Bucket List

2011-10-24T13:39:00.002-04:00

This is my entry in the Just Ask Bucket List Getaway Giveaway. Just Ask offers a breast and ovarian cancer screening and is encouraging people to share 15 things that I want to enjoy in my lifetime as a reminder to be aware of my health. Want to enter? Head over to TodaysMama.com to get the details.

So here it is....My Bucket List:

1.) To build a cabin in the woods, complete with a cozy fireplace...awesome back patio area and of course my own craft room!

2.) Take my family back to Disney World!

3.) Spend a summer traveling Europe...especially Ireland, Germany, Greece and Italy.

4.) Own a Black Jeep Wrangler

5.) Go on a Tornado Chase with my son Brennan...we've talked about doing this for years...we are both huge fans of tornadoes!!

6.) Learn how to swim

7.) Be able to touch someone's life in such a way that they could never repay me, because in the end I know I'd be blessed too!

8.) To run a Marathon

9.) To own an iMac and an iPad

10.) To go on a long vacation with my hubby, just him and I...maybe travel Route 66 together??

11.) Go to New York City!! Catch a Broadway Show

12.) Take a course in professional photography

13.) Be published in a Scrapbook magazine

14.) Get my finances in order so that way I wouldn't have to worry about my finances for the rest of my life!!

15.) Tag along with the team on Ghost Hunters...I think that would be scary cool!

That's it for today....it'll probably be different tomorrow. So what's on your Bucket List??

Why???

2011-04-15T17:57:00.005-04:00

Why....

...does is the weather always bad when my son goes to Scout camp??

...does my lawn look like a hay field...you would think with all this stinking rain we've had that my lawn would look like the hills of Ireland, lush and green...there are two green patches of grass in my backyard...count them...2...which I also ask...

...why can't my front hill look like a hay field so I don't have to mow it!!

...no matter how much I do, the hubby always tells it like he was much busier, worked harder and did more than I.

...do my boys think that I should do everything and complain when I don't?

...does it have to rain so much?!?!?

....am I complaining??

Oh well....time to go to work!

Hello April!!

2011-04-05T10:04:00.010-04:00

Wow...time seems to be on an all out frenzy lately. Here we are, already in the first week of April!! Yikes! So what's going on...well today starts my journey with the Soul Restoration Class I signed up for about a month ago over at Brave Girls Club...today is the day! Though I won't officially start until Thursday because my friend Leslie is joining this journey with me. I'm excited and honestly a little bit scared about this journey....not really sure where this journey is going to take me....from what I've heard from others that have taken the class, it is amazing. So I'm hoping it's true...lol! If you are interested in taking a journey, there is still time to sign up until noon today. Check it out! So Brennan went to the District Science Fair a couple weekends ago....He got an excellent on his project...I am so proud of him. The fact that it was a project that I wasn't totally on board for...he proved me and his daddy wrong and did an awesome job. Though he doesn't get to advance to State level, the fact that this was his first Science Fair and he was the only one in his entire school to advance to districts....again I am one very proud momma, and yes Brennan is already thinking of ideas on what to do for the next science fair...lol!

Kevin had a scope done about 10 days ago because he has Barretts Esophogus and it was time for his check up. There were a couple spots the last time the doctor wanted to keep an eye on and check this time around. The doctor called last night and said that everything looked fine and that hubby wouldn't have to have another scope done for another 2 years...so a huge PTL!! Hubby was pretty worried, but God is good!

So if you've been anywhere near the Northeast...we have been having some crazy nasty weather. One minute it's nice (and I do mean minute, cause it doesn't seem to stay nice for long) and then, bam...tons of rain, like we had yesterday or like last week...freaky snow. It's crazy and discouraging because between being sick last week and this nasty weather I haven't walked/jogged in a week...ugh. I hate going that long without doing anything...I'm about ready just to run circles around the house!

Busy month again this month ahead too...This weekend in Colton's Pinewood Derby and also my sister-in-law's baby shower....definitely one of those times where I wish I could clone myself cause I can't be at two places at once and it's in two opposite directions!! Ugh...and hubby has to work this weekend so...hoping that Pinewood Derby doesn't take that long so maybe I can make it to the Baby Shower, eek...it's either feast or famine in my world...everything all at once or nothing. Ugh!

Well I need to get hubby's lunch ready....trying a new recipe from Gina's Skinny Recipes called Chicken Pot Pie Soup....by the way it is yummy!! Just tried it!

Have a great April everyone!

Wow!!

2011-03-10T09:41:00.004-05:00

So much going on at the moment, but felt the need to share some things on here...so be prepared for a lot of randomness...lol!!

First of all, there is an awesome giveaway over at Lisa Leonard Designs right now. She is giving away my next new necklace, unless I'm lucky enough to win one...lol! If you've seen the necklace and bracelet I wear all the time now, then you've seen here stuff...she is AMAZING!! This jar necklace is so special...it reminds me of the salt jar of Kevin's granny...there is a long very special story that goes with that...ask me about it sometime. I think this necklace reminds me of Matt. 6:21 and how where our treasure is, there your heart will be also. Granny and Papa's hearts were with their family...and the fact that they could laugh at me when I put salt in their coffee instead of sugar, makes it all more special...like I said, long story but very dear to my heart. Anyway check out her giveaway!!

I have been getting huge into reading lately...I stumbled upon a book called "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller...can I just say this book just spoke to me in a way that, well lets just say most books don't speak to me...I read them, they're good, and then I forget about them. Not Donald's books...I haven't had a book speak to me like his books since I read Francis Chan's "Crazy Love" and I read that book 3 times. Donald Miller writes how I would like to write...just like you were talking to him with littel quips thrown in for goof measure. His last book I read, "A Million Miles In A Thousand Years" has changed me in ways that I don't think I've understood yet and I will definitely be reading this one a second time. I wish I would have stumbled on these books sooner because it has really shed some light on my walk with God and how God has given me this amazing story to live out and it's up to me to live it and make it amazing, with God's help. I can sit back and have a boring mediocre life or have an exciting life God has created for me. Anyway, I'll get off the soapbox, but if you are looking for a good read, so far any of Donald Miller's books have been amazing!

Brennan goes to the District Science Fair the end of March. We still have yet to tweek his board and make it more presentable...that is going to be a long day! We have to be at Mount Union at 8 a.m. and it won't be over until 4 p.m. I'm so proud of his accomplishment, especially considering I wasn't too keen on the project at the beginning.

It has been raining like crazy here in Ohio...flooding a bit by the river and I heard we are supposed to get 4-10 inches of snow tonight....I'm about ready to pack up and move somewhere much warmer...this is crazy!! If I find that crazy groundhog, that boy is mine...I have a bullet with his name on it....lol!!!

And when it's not raining...lol...I have still been keeping up with my walking/jogging. I have done 400 miles since August 8th and I feel so good doing it! This past week I started jogging a little bit again, and boy can I feel it!! Now if this rain could ever stop I could really get into it, but nothing is more miserable than running in the rain!

I'm going to be an Aunt again...Luke and Amanda are expecting...just found out yesterday that it's going to be a girl!! Congrats you two!

I'm going to be taking an online art-scrapbooking-journal class over at Brave Girls Club here in April called Soul Restoration and I'm kind of excited about branching out into the art side of things...sound like a really cool class and maybe it will help me use up the little pieces of this and that craft stuff I have that I for whatever reason can't seem to part with...lol!!

Just got over a bad chest cold/laryngitis this past week...which really stunk cause I was supposed to sing the solo at church this past Sunday but there was just no way....but feeling much better now...thank God!

By the way...does anyone know where a woman my age can buy a decent dress?? I'm a bit too old (LOL!!) to shop in the Junior dept. and I'm not ready to branch out in the embroidered sweatshirts and elastic skirts just yet, so if you have any ideas...I have only a couple dresses to my name that I can actually wear and with Spring coming (hopefully!!) I kind of would like a new dress...no I kind of need a new dress....any help would be appreciated.

You can't go home again...

2011-01-21T15:02:00.007-05:00

So this past weekend we took a much overdue trip to the Cleveland area. While we were there we visited my grandparents (my grandpa is going to be 90 next month...WOW!!) and my aunt and uncle. It was so nice to visit and eat dinner with my extended family...and we got to eat at Red Robin which we've never eaten at before (none near us) and it was quite good. It was just nice to take the time out to visit, chit chat and enjoy family.

On Monday we got a tip that the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame and Great Lakes Science Center was having free admission that day...so we decided to partake of the "free day". Luckily we got to the Rock Hall early and the crowd really wasn't bad at all. I enjoyed the Rock Hall very much and the boys liked it some, they liked the hands-on stuff of course and were mesmerized by the wild outfits. They were most fascinated with the Michael Jackson display of course. By the time we were leaving the Rock Hall people were lined up outside to get in...which was CRAZY!! We decided to go next door to the Great Lakes Science Center...speaking of crazy...that place was a zoo. We only stayed for about an hour and got out of there because it was just way too crowded and the boys were getting cranky and hungry...and Colton was throwing a fit...lol! The boys were fascinated with seeing the frozen Lake Erie and the huge boats though.

We didn't stay in Cleveland long after that since we heard there was an ice storm on the way, though we did tool around long enough to see my childhood home, the house I grew up in from the age of around 2 to the age of 11, and then also seeing my old elementary school. The school hasn't changed much at all from what I remember of it. And though I know it's the house, it looks quite different to me. Maybe because it's white instead of the cute minty green that I remember...or maybe because it seemed bigger to me back then. The large pine tree that used to be in the front yard is gone as well as the huge hickory tree that used to be in the backyard. We also saw the old "Lawson's" building that I used to go get milk and bread for my mom was still there as well as Augie's pizza...unfortunately they were closed or I would have so waited for a pizza. They had good authentic Italian pizza...delish!!

Also saw the old mall we used to go to, Randall Park Mall, which I was extremely shocked to find it was boarded up and no longer in operation. This saddened me deeply...this was the place we'd go for something special to do...there was the big theatre...and all the shops...and at Christmas time it was absolutely magical. I loved that mall. There were times we would even walk to the mall...which was about a mile from our house...but it was no big deal to me...we were going to THE MALL!! So to see it all boarded up, vacant and dead was a sad sight. From what I understand, it started going downhill shortly after we moved....go figure.

Like my mom told me...you can't go home again....and not that I would want to go back and live in the Cleveland area again, but I think it's true...you can't go back to your past...you can only move forward in your Journey of life...so here's to moving forward and a great 2011!!

Here is a pic of my new necklace from Lisa Leonard Designs...I'm going to be doing the One Little Word Workshop over at Big Picture Classes hosted by the incredible Ali Edwards. My word for 2011 is "truth". This year I am seeking truth in my life...truth in myself, truth in those around me...just stripping away the fluff and stuff and getting to what is true. And I couldn't stop at just a word for this year...I decided to also include my life word. My life word is "journey"...which is also the name of my blog (and name of my favorite band, but unlike what my hubby thinks this is NOT the purpose of the word)...life is a journey...it is an adventure...there are great, amazing moments...there are potholes and there are detours. The journey includes joy and sorrow, but it IS a journey...not something to sit on the sidelines and watch, but something to be experienced and enjoyed...My hope is to enjoy my journey to its upmost fullest.

Happy 2011 to you all!

A bunch of randomness...

2010-11-18T13:39:00.004-05:00

That's pretty much what the last few weeks have been...a bunch of randomness, very ADD and squirrelly.

To start off...I have to give a huge trumpet call to my son Brennan who just competed in his school's Science Fair and got a Superior on his project! Way to go Brennan...we are so proud of you!!! He did his experiment on the affects different liquids have on baking soda. He had a bottle with a cork and tried to see which reaction would make the cork go the highest. He tested white vinegar, ginger ale, lemon juice and red wine vinegar. After all the testing, white vinegar won. I'm so proud of him, because I'll be honest...I really wasn't sold on this project (he came up with it by himself by the way, no science fair project books or internet ideas), so I was a bit skeptical and wasn't really sure how he was going to pull it off. But he did...he attached string to the cork and then measured the string to see how far it went into the air...ingenuitive! He's always loved science and experiments. He reminds me so much of me at that age. I received my first Chemistry set at his age and I thought it was the coolest present ever!! (Yes Dad I thought it was cool...and I know that it was an expensive gift at the time you bought it. I think it cost $75.00 at the Hobby store (mine was a much bigger kit than the one shown here...I think it had 75 or 100 projects)...but I want you to know it was one of my favorite presents EVER!!) Anyway, He will now progress to the County Science Fair in January and he is so excited! I'm so proud of him!

Also we just got done with selling popcorn for Scouts. Thank you to all who bought popcorn from my boys. I know they appreciated. Brennan now gets to Fort Rapids water park and also got a Marshmallow Gun. All their proceeds also has pretty much paid for their summer camp for this coming summer too. So thank you from all of us, cause that is a big help for us and we couldn't do it without you!!

On the fitness front...I just jogged my best mile and my best 5K yesterday. I jogged a 9' 29" mile and a 30' 55" 5K. Which honestly surprised me because I just wasn't feeling it yesterday. Now this past Sunday I was in a groove...I jogged my longest jog...6.7 miles. The best part of that was walking/jogging around our courtsquare in the middle of town. It's there that I take the time to pray for our city, the people, the officials of our city, the police station, the people in the jails, the fire dept...just anything God laid on my heart. I am loving this time and like I said, before I knew it I had logged over 6 miles....so I guess God laid a lot on my heart...lol!

The boys are starting Upwards basketball soon and they are excited about it. It's Bren's last year so hoping he has a good year this year. Colton...well lets just say he's super confident...lol!

I don't know where you are, but the weather here has been cold and miserable. I think the older I get the more I understand why people go south for the winter. I've had a dull headache for three days and going from the heat to the cold does NOT make it any better. Praying that Mr. Sunshine shows up sometime soon cause I miss him a lot!

Well I better go for now. Gotta get the boys from school soon. Have a super week!!

Sometimes...

2010-10-29T09:47:00.002-04:00

Sometimes life can be tough, sometimes things don't always go the way you planned. Sometimes life throws things at you you don't expect. Then again, sometimes life surprises you.

Today is probably one of the first days in a long time that I've had time to really breath. No deadlines looming on my desk, no huge to-do list...just an unadultered moment to exhale....ahhhhh! And it feels good....not sure how long it will last, but I'm savoring the moment. It seems like I've been going non-stop since...well, since I got back from vacation in August?!?! That's been almost 3 months ago and let me say this puppy is tired and worn out. The only sanity saving thing I've had these past few months is my jogging/walking and my friends whom I don't get to see near often enough. Though these past few months aren't ones I'd care to live again, I have learned some valuable lessons along the way:

Sometimes people make mistakes, sometimes you have to forgive and find it in you to move on...If you push yourself and believe in yourself you can reach your goals (and not to mention a little anger and frustration is a great motivator)...Don't go running after you haven't done so for several days...big no no....God always provides at just the right moment, His timing is perfect...Make time for your family and don't take the time you have with them for granted and protect what you have. And one I'm still learning about but making good baby steps....learning to say NO. My plate is more than full and I have this past month not felt guilty saying no to some things that people threw my way. I used to feel so guilty and take things on and then stress myself trying to get whatever it was done...I'm learning that my health and well being is far more important for me and especially my family. And through it all God has been there, He always will be there and I would be so lost without Him. He's humbled me in so many ways these past couple months, good ways that were needed. I'm glad I serve a God who is not only forgiving and willing to guide me over and over, but also that He's so very patient cause with me it takes many lessons before the light bulb truly goes on.

Well I'm going to go clear off my desk so I can actually see it again and just breath. Have a great day all!

It's not stubbornness...it called being Bound and Determined

2010-10-12T07:21:00.005-04:00

So what a month!!! As most people who know me know September - first week of October is pretty busy for me. This is the time that I get ready for our County Fair. Though I didn't have as much in this year (no crocheting this year) I did have 14 entries...13 of those being in Photography. I actually got to sit in on the judging this year. Now that is a job I would NOT want. From what I heard there were over 800 entries this year in the photography division...for a little fair like ours...that's a lot of photos! I don't know how this judge did it...in fact not sure exactly what he was looking for in some of the photos he chose, but hey I am by far not a professional photographer by any means. I'm still learning...I'm what you'd call a 'trial and error' photographer. Every once in a while I do come up with a pretty stellar shot. So shockingly (and I do mean shockingly, cause there were some pretty nice photos this year...though I do believe there is a HUGE difference between a picture and a photograph) shockingly I was able to pull off 2 ribbons in Photography...and with the odds of over 800 photos and only 13 categories...I am blessed beyond all reason! Here are my photos that won this year:

For this photo I got third place for the category black and white snow scene.

For this photo I got second place for the category of Color landscape scene.

So life yes has been crazy...not sure if it just is, or I'm making it that way, but either way life IS crazy right now. Still e-schooling Austin which is going well, Brennan is in the thick of doing Science Fair (which I really need to help him more on), our church is celebrating its 80th Anniversary at the end of the month so been busy making flyers, bulletin inserts and bookmarks for that...not to mention my weekly FaithSisters commitment and normal mommy/housewife things. I have been a busy busy gal!

To top all that off...some of you know I've gotten back into exercising. Now before, I was doing workout videos and even got into the P90X videos...by the way those are killer! Great if you want results though but prepare to get your butt whooped! LOL!! Well since this past winter our family room has been going through a remodel (which honestly means it's unusable until we can find someone who can fix it and the money to pay them...lol!) So as of now the family room is unusable...at least for me to work out in, cause with all the stuff that's now in there, there is no room to workout. So this past August (and maybe I've already mentioned this before) I started walking, which has progressed to speed walking, which is progressing into jogging...and so far so good...slow and steady wins the race as I say. When I do go out, I try to run (I use the word run loosely) at least 3 miles...I try to do between 3-5 miles depending on time and how I feel. Honestly time is more the factor at the moment. When I started the kids weren't quite in school yet so I could go when I wanted...well since school has started I've had to adjust my exercising schedule...so I started walking in the evenings which worked wonderfully, but...I've since taken on a small cleaning job in the evenings 3 nights a week so evenings are out and honestly now that the days are getting shorter and it's getting darker sooner I don't like going out in the dark alone...and I again have had to adjust. So next solution, I began walking/jogging right before I picked the boys up from school and then walk with them home...of course they didn't like walking as much as I did but hey they got their exercise anyway :-) So that was going well for a little while...that's until a lady that sometimes goes to my church, her van broke down and she needed me to pick up her daughter and take her to school and bring her home. So walking to the school and getting the kids was no longer a good option anymore since this girl lives all the way across town...a little much to ask any 8 year old to walk...not to mention the bellyaching I would get from my own 2 boys. So again, I've had to adjust...now some people may have given up by now, but not me...stubborn you say?? No not me...I would call it more of a "bound and determined" attitude. And also the fact that hey I paid a good hard earned $ 20.00 on that Nike+ Sensor I'll be darned if I'm not going to use it!! So now I came up with the brilliant solution of driving up to the school, doing my walking/jogging around that area and still make it bake in time to get the kids and bring them home. So far it has worked pretty well other than the fact I'm sure the kids don't like the way I smell when they see me, but hey that's beside the point...I'm getting my exercise in...and I'm happy. I'm really happy that I've stuck to it. I've traveled over 115 miles since August 8th and I feel much better. I always feel better after working out. Now I'm concerned with what I'm going to do once the snow starts flying...not sure I want to brave the elements let alone that I have to watch breathing in too much cold air...it causes me to wheeze and that's not a good thing. So again it looks like I may have to adjust again soon...hopefully it won't be a bad winter.

Well I think I've bored you enough. I got a bunch of stuff piling on my desk. Until next time.
God bless!!

Wait...where did August go??

2010-09-11T06:11:00.002-04:00

OK, can someone please tell me where August went?? What do you mean it's the middle of September already?? Dang that went fast!! What a crazy month or so it has been!

August was filled with vacation, Cub Scout Day Camp, VBS, getting ready for school...now school is in full swing....Austin is doing OCA again this year (and it seems to be going much smoother this year now that we know what to expect)...of course been busy with the odd jobs, doing the usual mommy things...life has truly been a whirlwind.

So something I have started this past month is jogging...ok more of a speed walking if you will potentially turning into jogging :-) I had started a workout program a couple years ago and loved it...however last summer with life getting crazy and our basement needing a remodel (and still does) hubby didn't think it was safe for me to be working out down there...so I stopped. And I could tell...I always felt better after my workouts. So about 6 weeks ago I decided to do something about it. My dear scrapbooking mentor, goddess, funny the way I am kind of girl and someone I would so love to meet Cathy Zielske was doing this running thing attempting to get her life back on healthy note...I followed her progress...I was impressed with her progress...which spurred me on to progress myself. With my iPod Touch that I got for Christmas, my new Nike+ Sensor and armband...I started walking, which is now progressing into a somewhat jog/walk. Baby steps I say, baby steps. So far I have started feeling good again....walked with some great friends from time to time (hi Leslie, Dani, Cindy and Sandy!!) And overall feeling really good about my progress....so far since August 8th I have clocked in over 62 miles! I know...who knew?!?! I am thinking about doing a 5K soon...there is one coming up next Sunday, but not sure if I'm ready for it yet...it's a 5K Run/Walk, so I could walk it if I wanted...lol! We shall see. Stay tuned!

So just celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary a few days ago. Hard to believe it's been that long!?!? Time sure does fly.

So our County Fair is coming soon...need to get things started on that and get my entries in....haven't even started getting ready for that. Yep, looks like next week will be another busy week...oh well. Speaking of next week....I am taking another scrap class from the amazing Cathy Zielske starting Thursday over at Big Picture Scrapbooking called Me: The Abridged Version. I took it last year and loved it so much that I'm taking it again this year. If you love scrapbooking and always wanted to do a project about you (and I don't mean in a conceited "look at me" sort of way) and you love funny (cause Cathy is hilarious) then consider taking this class. It's a blast...And I think I have pics of last years album on my Facebook photos...take a look there...It's one of my very favorite albums!

Well it's early on a Saturday...wanted to sleep in but that of course didn't happen. Maybe a nap later?? Oh well....since I don't know when I'll be on here next have a happy September!

Happy birthday!

2010-08-14T16:05:00.003-04:00

A quick 'Happy Birthday' greeting to my now 8 year old son Colton and my Dad!! Hope you both have a super day!!

Summer is just flying by...

2010-07-10T21:25:00.003-04:00

Wowzers!! It;s already practically the middle of July?!?! Where has the summer gone?? Life has been crazy busy, but good. God has been good to us this summer. Kevin and I have been able to make a little extra money here and there (to prepare for our upcoming vaca) and the boys have been somewhat busy. God is good.

My Brennie had a huge growing up experience this past week...he went to a week long Boy Scout camp, no mom, no dad, just a bunch of boys and his scout leaders. It was truly a learning experience for him and honestly a test for me...none of my babies have ever been away from me for that long. Maybe a weekend, but never a whole week. This morning I was up at 5:30 a.m. and couldn't wait to pick him up...I didn't have to get him until 10:00 a.m. If they would have let me I think I would have been there at 6:00 a.m....lol. I missed him lots! He pretty much came home and crashed and is still in bed in fact. Poor guy. It was a long week! And during this week I think my little boy grew up. Even my oldest son mentioned it...Mom I think Brennan matured a lot this week...and for Austin to say that is huge, cause you'd just have to know Austin...he could use a little maturing himself...lol! Anyway I'm so glad to have Brennan back home and have my family back together again. By the way have I mentioned this growing up stuff stinks?? Speaking of stinks...I just started doing Brennan's laundry from camp...HELLO!! Wow...do not go in there! I know I gave that boy white socks before he left...he must have either traded someone for some black socks or this boy didn't wear shoes all week...YIKES!!

Onto other things...I'm currently attending a online Scrapbook Camp over at Big Picture Scrapbooking with May Flaum. I was a little leary about taking this class at first, but even though I'm a bit behind I'm actually getting some paper layouts done and that's all that matters. Reason I say that is because I haven't done any paper scrapping since I went to Scrap Camp in W.V. back in March so it feels good to get back into the saddle again.

So, we are getting ready to go on a long and much needed vacation. I think I had mentioned before that we, hubby and I, have felt a tugging to go to Asheville, NC. Not sure why, love North Carolina, but God I think has something in store and we are just being open to what He may have for us. Maybe it's a calling to move, maybe it's just a calling for a nice relaxing vacation, maybe it's a calling to help out somewhere just this one time...don't know, but God is in control and we are excited to see what He has in store for us. After we get done in Asheville we are going to visit my parents and little brother and his wife in Kentucky. Even though us moms don't get much of a vacation going on vacation (after all we do all the packing, making sure nothing gets forgotten, keeping track of everything and everyone during the whole entire trip and then all the lovely laundry afterwards) I am looking forward to a nice get away...it's been a long year, a pretty good one, but just been so busy...nice to finally get some R & R.

After we get back from vacation I then am helping Colton during his Cub Scout camp all week...then that Friday hubby and I are finally taking a weekend for ourselves and going to Columbus for the weekend to go see the Broadway show Wicked. I'm super excited about that cause hubby and I haven't been away for a weekend (other than a church kids convention) since 2006. We are sorely overdue for some time away. The grandparents have so willingly offered to watch the boys so we can get some time away...woohoo and thanks Gamma & Papa!!
After we get back from Columbus our church's VBS starts...so by the time mid August rolls around I should be pretty much shot to the wind...lol! Just in time for school to start...ugh! Not ready for that at all....it seems like summer has just flown by in a big way this year.

So how has your summer been??

Not sure when I'll get to post next, but have a great rest of your summer. Going to go inside (yes I'm outside on the laptop enjoying the stars and God's creation) and spend some time with my boys and snuggle with my Brennie a bit, heard he's awake now.

Have a super summer!

Yes, I'm a Gleek...how about you?

2010-04-14T10:41:00.002-04:00

Greetings...I know...more than 1 post in a month...must be something wrong...actually no, just killing some time while Austin gets ready to take his Math chapter test...ahhh. Trying to keep on top of things a little better...trying...anyway.

So did you watch Glee last night??? I have been sooooo anticipating the return of my new favorite TV show...and for me to call a TV show a fav, there must be something to it because it takes a lot to keep me glued to that thing. I know this is going to come as a shock then, but I inevitably have NOT watched the new episode...yet. I honestly thought it was on today (Wednesday) so I forgot they moved it to Tuesday....but luckily one of the greatest inventions made by man (the DVR) recorded it for me so my evening tonight will be stuck glued to the TV in sheer laughter and song! So no one give it away for me...though I did download the preview on my iPod a couple days ago....hilarious....and can't wait to watch it tonight....along with a little Ghost Hunter action....ahhhh!

I'm again glad for the DVR cause I had a hugely long and difficult meeting last night so I just didn't have it in me to watch anything but my eyelids, but tonight....watch out....the TV is MINE!!!

On other interesting things....I took an over 3 mile speed walk around Lake Park (it's a lake about a 7 minute drive from our house) Monday night. Colton had a tour with his Cub Scout pack at the museum in Roscoe so I took advantage of it and dropped him off there and went walking around the lake. Wow....how I have missed doing that....I used to do it all the time in my 20s, but after the kids came along it was tough...but anyway it was so nice to get out in the spring air and just jog and walk around....took me every bit of the hour to speed walk that 3 miles but hopefully in time it will get better. It just really felt good to exercise and my exercise has been a lot of hit and miss lately, but hoping that now that the weather is getting warmer that it will be more of a hit!

Oh and now that Easter is over (by the way I LOVE Easter) I have been able to use my iPod again....yes I gave it up for Lent. It was like getting a new toy again...I've been playing that thing like I just got it for Christmas....man I missed my iPod, but I'm glad I gave it up...I needed to.

Well I'm going to get off here...going to surf the net (if my stupid flaky computer will let me) and look up stuff for vacation...if anyone has any tidbits or advice on Asheville North Carolina drop me a line....I think that is where we are planning on going on one of our vacations this year....God just seems to be speaking to us about that area...we are going to check it out.

Have a gleek week! Love ya all!

God paints a beautiful canvas

2010-04-06T09:13:00.005-04:00

Happy Spring everyone! I hope everyone had a Happy and blessed Easter! He is Risen Indeed!!

It's so nice to smell the fresh clean air...even though I am getting over a cold. Took the boys back to school this morning and I couldn't help but be in awe of God's beauty...the sunshine, the buds on the trees, the pretty daffodils dancing in the breeze...God does paint an amazing canvas...and He does it everyday. There is no artist like Him and I will always stand in awe of His amazing artistry.

As I mentioned I'm getting over a cold. I am so thankful that God gave me just enough strength (and voice) to sing on Sunday morning...I not only sang in the choir, I was asked to do the special that day. God was with me and let me tell ya, it was just enough, because I came home and pretty much felt miserable the rest of the day. Darling hubby got me meds yesterday, which helped tremendously...except for the fact that I probably shouldn't have taken them before bed because they kept me up almost the whole night. I think I got maybe 2 hours of sleep...it's a wonder I'm still functioning!

I have to share this shocking tidbit I heard on the radio this morning. My clock radio is set to a Cleveland station 92.1...Moody Radio, it's a Christian station. Anyway, they reported this bit of news that just shocked me and stuck with me most of the day yesterday. They reported (and I checked on the internet to see if it was truly legit...and sadly it is)...that at a recent Girls Scouts convention they allowed the adult chaperones to leave the room while Planned Parenthood passed out pamphlets to the girls. You can see a copy of the pamphlet here. Please be advised that the information found in this pamphlet is quite shocking. I was shocked and appalled when I first saw it. And I feel quite niave as I was unaware that this kind of stuff is being passed on to our young people. Also, I wasn't aware that Planned Parenthood was now affiliated with the Girl Scouts organization...It's sad to see a once wholesome organiztion become so corrupted.

On a lighter note...the boys are currently starting their last nine weeks of school, and boy are they happy about that. It seems like it's been a long year. Maybe that's because of homeschooling the oldest, but it just seems like it's been a long year. I am excited just as much as they are for summer vacation. No definite plans for vacation, but we are seriously looking into going to North Carolina...God just seems to be speaking to us about that area...not sure why, so I think we may just go exploring and see what God has in store. Also there is always Kentucky now that my parents have bought a house down there...we had a lot of fun there last year with my brother Luke...I think the boys (and I) would love another just quiet relaxing week of nothing but nature, water and camping!

Well I better get off here...I have a house that is screaming my name. It's funny how a house can get so messy after a holiday AND being sick. Have a super day!

I'm feeling a bit like PRofessor Layton...

2010-03-04T09:32:00.004-05:00

How nice it is to finally have a sunshine-y day in Ohio…nothing like a little sun and blue sky peeking through the clouds to lift the spirits of what has seemed to be an incredibly long winter. Also nothing like a little fine tea to lift those spirits as well. For those who have played Professor Layton, especially the latest game, "Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box", you will totally understand this post, and those who have never played the game, I believe you’ll get the jist…

Yesterday the UPS man dropped off a delightful little package…my first order from Adagio Teas. I was so excited to be receiving this package after the dear Cathy Zielske hyped up how amazing their teas were. After checking out their site I thought, why not give it a try. I love tea (hence the reference to Professor Layton)…so I did.

I ordered the IgenuiTEA pot and the black tea sampler. (See pic...also this is just a small sample of the many sample teas I received...it was like Christmas here!) I also ordered the honeybush sampler (for me) and the Chai sampler (for hubby) and a few other samples. First of all the IngenuiTEA pot is amazingly cute and love the simple design and function of it. Put 1-2 teaspoons of tea in, hot water, let it steep, put it on top of your favorite mug and voila! Perfect yummy tea! So this is what we’ve tried so far:

Hazlenut Honeybush: This was the first tea I tried. I think I should have let it steep a little longer, but I was just so excited to try it. Overall it did have good flavor and I liked this one and I think I’ll like it better the second time around when I let it steep properly.

Vanilla Honeybush: LOVED this one! This so far is my favorite…it to me tastes like a vanilla cupcake in a cup…delicious! This is yummy cold too!

Spiced Chai: My son tried this one…again I think we needed to let it steep longer, but he was excited to try the tea as well…it did have a nice apple spiciness to it. I think this would make a great tea in the Fall.

Valentine’s Tea: My other son just couldn’t wait to try this one…supposed to taste like chocolate covered strawberries. He didn’t care for it much…my oldest thought it tasted like 2 day old strawberries…however hubby thought it was delicious! Go figure…I’m just glad it won’t go to waste J

Thai Chai: Hubby is more into the Chai teas than I am…this one is a bit spicier than the apple…it’s not bad…hubby liked it, but liked the Valentine’s better I believe.

Honeybush Mango: So this was the last tea of the evening last night…I prefer to drink a honeybush tea in the evening because it’s so much lighter than the black teas…This tea smells amazing out of the tin…like hubby described it…it smells like jell-o and he’s right, it does. However, the taste of it, though not bad, was just different…it was just OK…after smelling it from the tin I guess I was expecting something totally amazing and after drinking it, it was just OK
Honeybush Chocolate: This one my youngest tried and he hated it…I have to admit, all the chocolate flavored teas have a weird chocolate smell to them and not so much in a good way. I was unable to try this one or the Valentine’s tea since I gave up chocolate for Lent, but just the smell made me turn away (maybe it’s just God’s way of helping me get through the temptation of chocolate…thanks God!) Anyway the general consensus from those who did try it, this was everyone’s least favorite thus far.

Rooibos Vanilla Chai: An interesting tea, in a good way. Never tried a rooibos tea, always wanted to…it had a spicy note at the beginning and the end with a gentle yumminess of vanilla. Not bad for a chai. Hubby liked it…and he better, somehow I ended up with 2 samples of this one.

English Breakfast: The first black tea I’ve tried thus far and English Breakfast is my tea of choice in the morning. However this morning I probably should have waited until the boys left for school to fix this tea because I got a bit distracted with the morning routine and let it steep a tad bit too long…it was strong and a tad bit bitter…however hubby liked it and took it to work with him so no loss there. I will have to try this one again when I can keep a closer eye on it.

Irish Breakfast: After the bit of disappointment from the English Breakfast, I wasn’t sure about the Irish Breakfast, but I made sure I watched it and didn’t let it steep too long. It is actually very good… a nice black tea and at this point I like it better than the English Breakfast, but of course will give the English Breakfast another fair try another day.

So there is a long synopsis of the Adagio Teas we’ve tried thus far. Still plenty of samples to try…so be expecting another long post soon. Oh, and I’d give the company as a whole a huge thumbs up, not only because of their cute tea containters and neat tea pots, but their customer service is great…I forgot to put my $ 5.00 coupon in at the check-out, I e-mailed them about it and they went ahead and deducted it off my credit card…most companies would probably say too bad. Also they tracked my package the whole way…I knew exactly when my package would arrive and that it had been delivered. Beautiful and amazing. So if you are like Professor Layton and love your teas…give this little company a try. Also, though I didn’t try it yet, they have this tea called Birthday Party or Birthday Cake…can’t remember the name exactly, but it is supposed to taste like birthday cake and it even has sprinkles in it! Might have to try that one next time around…I know the boys would love that!

Well off to make another spot of tea…have a great day!

Scences out the back door...

2010-02-16T10:55:00.004-05:00

This is the scene out my back door this morning....After a little over a week of snow, snow and more snow and another snowfall that hit us last night...here is what we have so far...nine inches it says on the yardstick, yet that was in the lowest part of our yard...needless to say winter is alive and well in Ohio...personally I'm ready for a tropical vacation...LOL!!

My middle baby just turned 11 this past Friday....it's hard to believe that my babies are getting so big already...

Have I told you how much I love the gift hubby got me for Christmas....my iPod Touch??? I love this thing! Not only can I play my music on this thing, but I can play games, listen to radio and podcasts and even better I can read the Bible on it...it's wonderful!!!!

Well I thought I would have a lot to say today, but I guess all this snow has frozen my brain...LOL!

Have a great day all and stay warm!

Today I am...

2010-01-29T13:27:00.005-05:00

...helping oldest with his first research paper...UGGHH!

...fighting a headache and my back and hip being out of place.

...organizing my bookmarked scrapbooking sites...too many of them and some of them just have to go...all a part of my year of organizing!

...looking through the Signature Homestyles catalog trying to see what I want to order. Another attempt at my year of organization!

...FREEZING!!! It's stinkin' cold in Ohio today.

...trying to be obedient and not eat too much sugar today since I kind of went a bit overboard with some tapioca pudding and a couple peanut butter cookies yesterday.

...wishing I was having another therapy lunch with my friend JoAnn...I love our new friendship and our bi-weekly therapy lunches!

...now finished with the February Church calendar! Woo-hoo!

...looking forward to a night in with my family...our usual Friday night ritual of movies. On tonights menu...Ice Age: The Meltdown and maybe No Greater Love for hubby and I later.

...tired and hoping that I can relax a bit tonight.

...going to be picking up my boys soon from school.

...despite my headache and feeling drained today, I am thankful for my God and Savior that gets me through each and every day!

...thankful for my wonderful family and friends.

What are you up to today??

On this note I leave you with a random (and maybe distrubing photo). I found this snowman in my yard after coming home from grocery shopping a couple weeks ago....I'm thinking maybe my boys have humungous imaginations or maybe they just need therapy. What do you think??? The Jedi Council may just be looking these boys up someday...LOL!

God is good...

2010-01-25T22:25:00.002-05:00

So here I sit after going through my 21 day fast...and I am humbled and I am amazed at what God can truly do...because honestly I couldn't have done it without God's help. Going without sugar has truly been a huge stretch for me...not something I could have done on my own. And how it has changed me is amazing! First of all that I was able to do it in the first place again was a true God thing...then the fact that I feel so very much better. During the 21 days I didn't have the stomach problems I was having, no bloating and pain, no sluggish feelings during the day, no brain fog...I just have felt a ton better. And I praise God for that!

So my fast ended this past Sunday and I thought I would go off the deep end into a total sugar coma...honestly I didn't. What was the first thing I had??? Believe it or not, a simple cup of hot cocoa. After 3 weeks of drinking nothing but water or tea without sugar (which btw, is not very tasty) all I wanted was something to drink besides water...I had cocoa...and though it was just a basic Swiss Miss cup of cocoa, it tasted so good and I thanked God through the whole cup. It was amazing! Then I tried a cinnamon roll I had bought at the bake sale at the Upward basketball game...honestly...I hated it. It wasn't a bad cinnamon roll, it just wasn't what I wanted or expecting...it just didn't taste good to me anymore. I let the boys have them and they surely didn't turn them down. Today I had a half a Kit Kat bar that Colton saved just for me for after the fast and I was shocked how sweet it was. And how it just didn't do it for me anymore. The thing I noticed on this fast was how I don't really have the snacking cravings like I would have during the day. It's been nice and I'm afraid now anymore to eat anything with too much sugar because I honestly just don't want to go back...I'm looking forward and excited not only for what God has in store for me, but for a healthier and better lifestyle.

So through this fast I wasn't really sure what God wanted to show me, but I KNEW what he wanted me to give up...that was without question. And it wasn't until the very end of the fast He revealed to me what He wanted to show me...even though something may taste good, or seem good or you may think it is good, it just may not be good for YOU. And with with giving up sugar and yeast products it has truly shown me that though it may taste good and seem good, it just isn't good for me. And I have a feeling God is going to reveal many other things that really aren't good for me in the long run.

So here's to a corner being turned, a life being changed for the better and for whatever God may have in store.

Also...on the growing up front....Colton lost his top tooth Saturday....man...this growing up stuff is for the birds!

Have a super week!

I hate this part...

2010-01-20T21:27:00.004-05:00

First of all many apologies for the lack of writing here on my blog...the last few months have been hectic and stressful, but things are looking up and God I know is going to do great things in our lives for 2010!

The end of 2009 was very very stressful with me going to the emergency room twice (once was an overnight stay) and Hubby having a throat scope and biopsy done. First time I went to the ER was for a supposed ovarian cyst that burst (which hurt like the dickens and I say supposed because they never really could tell me for 100% sure that that was my problem). Second time was for a very bad pain on my right side...come to find out I have gall stones and they suggested that I have it removed. However, me being a rebel and not really wanting or feeling like going through surgery (after all I AM a mom...I don't have time for a stinkin' surgery...LOL!) After seeing my doctor, they determined not only was the gall bladder a problem but again my kidneys were again infected and I had an internal yeast infection (whatever that is)....so I was put on antibiotics...which in all honesty didn't make me feel much better...so again being the rebel that I am I decided to take my health into my own hands...I threw away the antibiotics and began reading things about health....come to find out that the antibiotics I was on were probably making my symptoms worse and that it actually killed off the good bacteria in my body making the bad bacteria thrive...so I began to take action. After some help (and coconut water from my sister) I decided it was time for a life chage and a more healthy lifestyle. After the holidays I began watching what I ate and doing things a bit differently...and right now I'd have to say I feel so much better...and God has been with me all the way. Ironically our church began a 21 day fast 2 1/2 weeks ago...which really helped kick in the new healthy lifestyle I was wanting to start. So for my fast I gave up all sugars and yeast based products. Right now I am on the last week of the fast and I haven't felt this good in a very long time. So far I have lost 8 pounds (not that I'm doing this to lose weight) and I feel much better. And let me tell you when you take sugar out of your diet (even natural sugar) boy does it ever limit you on what you can eat...hubby has been doing this fast alongside me and though it's had its rough moments God has helped us through. I'm hoping that after Sunday (which is the end of the fast) that I don't go overboard :-) But I think that now that after three weeks and I'm starting to feel so good will help motivate me to watch what I eat, watch my sugar intake and hopefully take better care of me. Funny thing since starting this fast I haven't had even a smidge of stomach problems like I had before going into the hospital. And hubby hasn't had a bit of acid reflux either...hmmm. It's been good and God is good!

So the boys have been growing...maybe the better word is maturing...and I'm hating it...hating it with a passion!! I mean I know they need to and I'm glad that they are, but I miss my little guys. Tonight was a "running into the brick wall" moment for me when Brennan tells me he was too old now to do our nightly ritual...ever since I can remember Brennan and I always said goodnight by giving each other a hug, a kiss and a nosey nosey....tonight he told me he's too old for it. Broke my heart. Colton let our new dog Milo use his blanket...the blanket he's had since he was a baby....I knew that day was coming soon, but man I didn't want to see it. Golly why do they have to grow up! Colton's top tooth is about to come out at any moment and I'm hating that too....it's like all of a sudden they are on microwave mode and growing up faster than I can keep up...ugghhh!

Now I've mentioned before that I don't do New Year's resolutions...but this year I have begun organizing my life a little better...in baby steps though. LOL! It's funny how after having three kids you turn around and see your life so disorganized that you can't even find yourself...so this year I'm determined to become more organized. So I've already begun in the living room, fridge and now working on my craft desk (again!) and shelves in the dining room and so far so good. Each day I'm picking an area to work on...baby steps. Hubby already worked on the basement a bit...I think the goal is obtainable! I'm feeling so good this year and about 2010...I know God has many great things in store!

So that's life so far in a nutshell at the moment...I was sick, hubby had throat scope, which by the way there are a few spots they want to keep an eye on and he has to go back in a year and be scoped again...I've taken a bit of control on my health and eating habits...and my boys are growing up way too fast. Such is life and life will keep going even though I want it to slow down. And I'm trying to organize my life. So there you go...

How is 2010 looking for you???

Lifetime Story Challenges 2010 @ Faithsisters!

2009-11-09T12:50:00.003-05:00

2010 is going to be super exciting over at Faithsisters! Come join us for an awesome year-long challenge of scrapbooking YOUR faith story...read on for details:

As the year is coming to an end we are busy planning for next year. In 2010 we are going back to the basics of leaving a legacy of faith. This years challenges are all focused on YOU and your lifetime story. When you join us in this challenge you will be creating a mini-autobiography. We are counting down the days till January 6th because we are so stinkin' excited about the My Lifetime Story challenges!!! Wouldn't you love to know what your grandma's favorite toy was as a child, how she felt when she met your grandpa, her favorite scripture and the song that expressed her heart? Your children and grandchildren will have that treasure when you join us in this challenge! We will start out with your family roots in January and move into your childhood in February. We will continue throughout the year with your teen and adult years as well. The last challenge of the year will be a letter to your future generations or anyone who reads your book. Each of our stories is important. This is a book that everyone should create about themselves. It will be the most treasured album of your family. As you create this album about your lifetime story you will be leaving YOUR LEGACY OF FAITH. This is an album that can make an impact in your life as you create it, but it will also create a major impact in the lives of your family both now and in future generations. As your children read your story in this scrapbook that YOU created, they will take your stories to heart. Your stories may have more impact on them than even Bible stories, because they are personal and from someone they know and love. When friends and neighbors pick up your storybook and look through it you will be witnessing without even saying a word. They will read your lifetime history and discover your of Jesus, and His forgiveness and faithfulness in your life! The My Lifetime story challenges will begin the first Wednesday in January. A new challenge will be posted each Wednesday all throughout 2010. The last challenge will be posted the last Wednesday of December. Just because the challenge series ends at the end of 2010 doesn't mean your lifetime story album is finished. We will continue to offer periodic challenges to continue your autobiography and keep it current. Please join us in this year long challenge! Some of these challenges may be layouts you have already completed. That is ok! We need to get these all compiled in your lifetime storybook. Everyone deserves to be the star of their own book, including and most importantly YOU! If you don't put some time aside to create your My Lifetime Story album now, you may never find the time. If something were to happen to you, would your legacy of faith be lost forever? Take action now, join us as we create our lifetime storybooks for the next generation to see the glorious work the Lord can do in the life of a woman that loves God! Begin thinking about what size album you would like to use for your My Lifetime Story challenge. Michelle started hers in an 8x8 but now has decided that she needs more space so is moving up to a 12x12. Sunny is doing hers 12x12 also because she knew she had a lot she wanted to fit into this album. What size do you prefer? Start gathering your supplies now so you will be ready to start when we kick off the first challenge January 6th! Next week we will post a Photo List so you can start gathering photos that you will need for this challenge.

Hope to see you there!

Milestones...

2009-10-30T12:38:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday! What a crazy crazy week...we had trick or treating last night, then my Signature Home party last night, then just got back from Brennan's Harvest party at school...I tell ya I am one whipped little puppy...so glad for the weekend to almost be here.

Some random ramblings...cause it's been a long week and I can't seem to stay on a train of thought long :-) So reflecting on some milestones I've acheived lately...Hubby & I recently celebrated our 20th anniversary...Colton turned 7 not too long ago...but another milestone that will be acheived this weekend that proves to me that in fact my babies are growing up...my eldest is going on his first out-of-town Youth trip and Mommy & Daddy won't be there to monitor him...going to be interesting...for both of us. I'm so used to keeping my babies close and it's hard to believe that my first baby is old enough to be in Youth...scary! But it's true.

Things I'm thankful for:

- God's beauty in the leaves and the awesome canvas He paints for me everyday!
- The fact that daylight savings time is this weekend! I so need that extra hour sleep!
- That the puppy we found wandering around loose last night found it's owner! Thank God!

Sorry to make this short, but B & C are getting out of school early today...early dismissal day, and I need to go get them before they thik I've abandoned them.

Have a super great weekend!

Giveaway tip for ya...

2009-10-28T14:24:00.002-04:00

Just popping in for a neat giveaway that is going on at All Scrapbook Steals.com until Nov. 2nd. Check it out...and while you're there check out their amazing scrapbooking deals...especially their American Crafts cardstock...some of the cheapest prices I've been able to find on some pretty amazing cardstock.

Also if you happen to be in my neck of the woods tomorrow night and aren't too tired from trick or treating, stop by for my Signature Home party...lots of great and darling things for your home...especially for the holidays! Hope to see ya there....starts at 7:00 p.m.

Hope you are having a good week....

Coffee, Tea and Me

2009-10-21T08:29:00.003-04:00

Yes, again it has been over a month since my last post....Wow I feel like I've just been to a Catholic confession (no offense to Catholics) but wow...yes it's me and yes it's been over a month since my last blog post...Yikes....yes life is very much in full swing in this household...still!

To sum up the last 6 weeks...we had our annual County Fair...though I didn't have time this year to enter nearly as much as I usually do, I did manage to put in a few photographs and my scrapbooks. I received 2 third places and 1 first place in photography and a second place in my scrapbooks. I was happy with that. I made just enough to pay for my fair ticket, which is usually the goal anyway. It's funny though how the older I get, the less I enjoy the fair...it's just not the same when you are a kid. :-)

Had our family pictures taken...finally...by an amazing girl (who I actually used to babysit as a teenager...yes I feel old!)...check out her work here. I'm hoping to have pics soon to post here. The photos were my Christmas present this year and I couldn't be happier!

The weather here in Ohio has gotten much chillier...and I've been trying to not drink so much coffee, cause it was getting a bit obsessive...yeah...a bit...but now I have found a new found love to tea...thing is I have to watch how much I drink cause it causes havoc to my kidneys, but I'm doing my best to drink it in moderation...I like to drink my Twining's English Breakfast tea in the morning and then Numi's Honeybush tea at night...YUM! And I've learned to drink my tea without cream and find it quite tasty! So as long as I drink only a couple cups a day, so far I've been fine...which is a blessing!

On another note...homeschooling...is going...well, we have our good days and bad days still...Monday was a good day, we went on a field trip to New Concord and visited the National Road Museum and John & Annie Glenn's house....and of course got to visit my favorite "sister" Chelle at school where she works....it was a good day....yesterday...not so good day...tough test....Austin didn't do well at all...made for depressing day...though I like this idea of homeschooling, I'm still debating in my head whether I've done the right thing for Austin or not...not only that, I'm still debating whether I'm really cut out to teach....I didn't get bad grades in school, but I wasn't an A student either. Just not sure I'm believing in myself enough to really pull this off and the last thing I want to do is harm Austin's academic career...but today is a new day and I'm trying to look at it with new eyes for today and not think about yesterday...God will get us through, I know He will.

On a more religious note...I've been reading the Old Testament lately...mainly the journey of the Isrealites to the Promised Land. I have been feeling a lot like the Isrealites lately...wandering in the desert...mainly because of disobedience...and trying to find my way to the Promised Land. I am searching...I am walking...and yes I am stumbling along the way, but I'm coming to realize that no matter what, God is always there for me. He never, ever leaves me...He may not like what I do, but He is always there and loves me. So right now I'm currently trying to seek Him more, to learn how to fight battles that I finally need to bury once and for all, and realizing that these fights are from the enemy and not just some flukey thing I'm going through...believe me, when I finally get around this mountain in my life, there WILL be much rejoicing! But until then, I pray, I read, and I'm learning to rely on God more and trying to rely on me less. Hard to do when you like to control things :-)

So I also took another online class from Big Picture Scrapbooking from Cathy Zielske called "An Encyclopedia of Me"...let me tell you, if you are a scrapbooker and you love to laugh...you MUST take one of Cathy's classes...she is a hoot and she rocks with the scrapbooking let me tell ya! I'm just about done with my album, and I had so much fun writing and creating this one...hopefully I can post some pages on here soon. I know Cathy is teaching her "Designing My Life" class sometime in early 2010 and if you are just beginning scrapbooking or like me, just want to hone your skills and learn from a genuine pro...run to Big Picture and sign up for her class...you will definitely not be disappointed! She is truly amazing.

Well I really need to get busy and get something accomplished today, but I just felt the need to update this, whether anyone actually reads this or not, at least for posterity purposes.

For now, have a good day...or should I say month since it will probably be that long before I post again? ...Anyway...blessings and hugs to you all!

I can't believe it!!

2009-09-02T11:09:00.001-04:00

Has it seriously been since May since I posted last?? Wow...all I can say is that life has been super super busy and no chance of letting up anytime soon.

Summer was a blur...June came and went pretty quickly...not really sure what happened with June....seems like forever ago.

July went just as quick...and cumulated in a 3 week vacation, a week spent cleaning and making some extra $$, over a week of that spent camping in Kentucky then the rest of the vacation cleaning up after the vacation....and needless to say after we got back home I wanted to go back on vacation...I LOVE camping! (There was a LOT going on as soon as we pulled into the drive it seemed...funny how life works that way...though it wasn't funny at the time let me tell you!) We went to Kentucky to see my baby brother get married...it was so sweet. Never thought he would do it...and they have such a pretty area where they live!

August consisted of pretty much getting things ready for school and just trying to get back on track sort of...I've decided to homeschool my oldest...it's going OK...we have our good moments and we've had a couple meltdowns, but overall I think it is working well...just trying to get into a routine that works for both of us. The other two boys are enjoying school. Brennan seems to be doing really well this year...and Colton...he's of course in his element with his friends and enjoying being the class clown :-)

I of course have come down with a cold...and not that I'm surprised...I've had a very awful time sleeping lately and I know I let my body get run down a bit...I've kind of gotten away from my workouts this summer..but I've been able to maintain my weight so I'm OK with it for now...but I do want to get back into a routine once life gets back into a routine...and I get over this blasted cold of course!

I know this is short for being away so long, but I have to help Austin with his Social Studies.

Have a good week!

Here I am...barely breathing...

2009-05-28T09:46:00.002-04:00

If you hear a huge sigh...that would be me...after the month of May pretty much whomped my sorry tushkuss...May is usually a busy month for me, but this year takes the cake by far hands down...looking at my calendar...I had a total of three days...count them...3....that I had nothing planned...I was one busy busy momma. Considering the month of May was field trip central for all my boys...it was like "Hey let's cram as many field trips as possible in one month"...Craziness! But we all had fun and weather for all the field trips were good, thank God...but I am one worn out woman...my busy month is about over...today is the boys last day of school YIPPPEEE!!! So happy about that...bring on summer! Then tomorrow my parents are taking me to Columbus to see Joyce Meyer for my birthday...probably a BD's Monogolian Grill trip in there somewhere as well I imagine ;-)

So yes I've been busy...house is a wreck so please don't visit me until at least mid-June :-) Kids are good which is a GOOD thing. Brennan and Colton have had straight A's the past nine weeks and this nine weeks. Austin is not far behind with only 2 B's. I'm highly considering homeschooling Austin though next year because I just don't feel comfortable sending him to the Junior High just yet...I just don't feel that he's ready for that...but I'm getting a little slack from some people saying that it's not the right thing to do...so if you have any experiance with homeschooling and can give me some pointers or tips or just some support...I sure would appreciate that.

My baby brother FINALLY popped the question to his now fiance and will be getting married this July...so sounds like a camping trip to Kentucky is in the works this summer! My baby sister just moved to the Westerville area in Columbus to find a better school suited for my nephew Treyce...I admire her dedication to him and all that she does to make sure he's got the best he can get...amazing!

Went to celebrate hubby's birthday this past Saturday with a trip to Easton Mall in Columbus and of course a trip to BD's Mongolian Grill. Lots of fun and great food of course! My dad got to cook behind the grill...unfortunately I missed seeing that or I would have had pictures...I'm sure he was like kid in a candy store though! Then we did a little shopping ending with a trip to the Apple Store to drool all over their equipment...Is it wrong to pray specifically for an iMac??? I want one...heck I need one since my computer is down again with another nasty virus, just had the mother board replaced...now I'm using Austin's computer again...ughh....come one money tree...grow already!

Well need to clean a little bit of house at least and do some laundry...going out to lunch soon with Kevin and his father and step-mom for an early birthday lunch at English Ivy....YUM! Maybe I can have a birthday week like hubby did last week :-)

Hope all is well with everyone and I hope to post more often than once a month now that summer for me will officially start at 3:15 p.m. today! Yeah for the last day of school!!!!!!!! Later peeps!

For what it's worth...

2009-04-09T19:34:00.002-04:00

Silly me has been dealing with a cold off and on for the last three weeks...one day I'll feel great, next day lousy...and it just will NOT go away....I'm so sick of it...come on Spring officially get here already so I can get these germs out of my house!

So it's been a while since I've posted and a while since I've commented on American Idol. Since this is pretty much the only thing I watch on TV of course I have to comment. I have to say this has been an OK season. The judges are driving me nuts personally with their "You really need to change the song and make it your own" and then comments like "You shouldn't change that song, it's great the way it is"...it's no wonder some of these guys seem frustrated.
But beyond that...I honestly think the first two spots are pretty much cinched at this point...that being Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert. These guys have been solid since day 1 and if I were a betting woman I'd say the final show will be between these two. Danny though being the front runner, because for one I LOVE him and his heart in his music. But I love Adam too because he's so different, which I feel will be the reason why he won't win...because it seems that with Adam it's an either "you love him or you hate him" thing...but either way you know both of them are going to end up with a contract somewhere.
So about the last results...I wasn't totally shocked about Scott going, though to be honest, I thought that Lil would have been the one to go this time. She's got an amazing voice, but has yet to wow the people...she's great for karaoke, but not much for originality or showing us who she really is. I knew Scott would be on the chopping block soon, and his song this week was probably the worst he's done yet. I have to say I did admire his heart and how he has not allowed his disability to squelch his dream. Anoop...I haven't been a huge Anoop fan (sorry Jackie)...but there is just something about him I don't like...his attitude at times for one. Though his rendition of "True Colors" was very nice, but not overly original.
Ans though Lil managed to escape being chopped this week, I think she's really going to have to step up her game in a huge way to avoid being chopped next week.
So here are my predictions: Top two: Danny & Adam
Third spot is a toss up between Allison and Kris.
Next to go: Probably Lil.

Well I'm off to take some more meds and hopefully kick this cold before Easter Sunday...I have to lead worship...YIKES!

Have a great week!

God keeps blessing...

2009-03-17T14:23:00.003-04:00

Just found out that I got 2 more layouts published in the March issue of Scrapbook News & Review. The issue comes out at the end of the month so I'm soooo excited...God has been good.

Brennan was sick yesterday with a cold....Yesterday was a busy day!

So far today has been a good day....had to work today...which was hectic as usual, but good cause it went fast...Scrapbooking tonight at the church...oh and it's St. Patty's day....corned beef and kraut for dinner...YUM!!!

Hope you are having a blarney good day!

How has time past this quickly??

2009-03-13T10:06:00.002-04:00

I'm sitting here wondering how time has past this quickly...today is my oldest son's birthday...he's 12 today! How is this possible?!?!? Where is my little baby?!?!? How did he go from this little bundle.,...

to this handsome young man??

God only knows...

Happy Birthday Austin...We love you!

Slice Giveaway

2009-03-11T23:47:00.003-04:00

Just a quick note...a sweet lady that I've met at Faithsisters.com and fellow blogger is doing a sweet giveaway on her blog...please go check it out here...HINT HINT...if you have ever wanted one of those new Making Memories Slice Die Cutting Machines...then you definitely want to check it out.

Hope you are having a good week!

Say it with me...God is good...all the time...

2009-03-02T23:13:00.004-05:00

I know by now I shouldn't be amazed or should I say shocked at what God can do, but every time I pray a specific prayer, God amazes me and comes through in ways that astound me. First of all by blessing me with people who watch out for me and are God's hands in my answer to prayer. Let me regress for a moment...

Back in October I may had mentioned I was praying for a job or a way to make some extra $$ to help with the family income. The job had to be something I could do while the boys were in school...well a friend of ours at church just out of the blue asked me if I was looking for a part-time job working in the cafeteria in the school system...I said I was indeed interested in a job and filled out the application. The day after I did this was when Pastor Rod had asked me about filling in for our church secretary while she was out on medical leave. Needless to say, I took that job, LOVED IT, and it was perfect...working during the time the boys went to school. As you all know, Shirley has come back and working great like nothing had happened to her (PTL God is good!!) and that found me unemployed again...not that I was overly complaining cause my house was needing me. But that extra $$ was coming in handy. So now fast forward to now...

I was just praying a week or so ago that God would help me again to find another job where I could work while the boys are in school. I kind of forgot about the job with the school cause I never did hear anything...well the same friend asked me last week if I was still was interested in the cafeteria job that the lady who was doing the hiring was looking for someone to fill in while 3 of her regulars went on medical leave. I said sure...placed the call telling this lady I was still interested in the job. I went and got my TB test today (I guess it's required to work in the school system) and this afternoon I got the call that I start on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. at the high school (A little nervous about that...but oh well God will get me through). Anyway I am so amazed how God blesses, in an economy that isn't that great...and granted this is only a sub position...I'd only work when someone calls off or something, but I have a feeling that something good is going to come of this. I'm excited, I'm humbled because God answers so perfectly...He is so good.
So in honor of what is happening in my life thus far...I think I should make this week's blessing...

God Answer's Prayer

God is good all the time and He always answers...granted in His time, but He answers. I am amazed that the secretary job came about at just the right time, that when that ended God knew I needed a little bit of a break (and that my house needed some TLC) at just the right time, and now this cafeteria job came as an answer to prayer...at just the right time. God is amazing...God is powerful...God IS good! I praise God for His faithfulness to me, even though I truly don't deserve it!

Have we reached the bottom of the barrel on America's talent?

2009-02-27T16:32:00.004-05:00

Ok...as many of you know I'm not one to sit and watch a lot of TV...just so many other more interesting things to do in my opinion...but I always seem to get sucked in like millions of other people by...yes...American Idol. Everytime one of my favorites gets bumped off I swear I'm never going to watch again, but find myself every season glued to my TV. And now with the glorious invention of DVR...I can watch it whenever I want to...awww technology.

But with that being said...I have to say how sorely I'm disappointed with AI this year. If you are a watcher too, then I think you'll agree...these folks are just not getting it! Though there are those VERY few rays of sunshine so far have to say this year is just alll out puzzling me...I mean after the laughing hyena Tatiana...and the Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle or whatever his name is...(Though I have to admit he is HILARIOUS and I really did like his performance this week...but seriously did he really think he would get through on that...but truthfully...he HAS now made a name for hmself and I guarantee we'll see him in Vegas somewhere...) I always said I would never want to WIN AI...just get far enough along to make my name known and go from there...after all...how many winners besides Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are really making a name for themselves?? After all I bet if I were to check Chris Daughtry has probably sold as many or maybe even more albums than any of those that won...but I will set bitterness aside and move on...

This season is just one of those season's where you wonder where the talent is...again, how did Tatiana make it through to the top 36 other than for her annoying laugh?? And can we mention Stevie Wright's awful performance...sweet girl she seems...just totally hacked her moment. And it all seems to be based on song choice...come on people...you for one don't pick a song recorded by a megastar unless you are cocky enough to say that even come close...you are taking a risk picking songs by Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and the like...also for the most part a girl shouldn't sing a guy's song and vice versa unless you can really change it up...with the except of Danny Gokey...He right now is my fav and I loved his rendition of Hero by Mariah Carey...beautiful...he was the exception. And AI is more than about singing the song...it's about performing as well. How painful was it to watch Matt Breitkze's performance...he pretty much just stood there...I thought I was at a club watching karaoke...not that he sung that badly...just no life in his performance.

So here are my top three thus far:

Danny Gokey: To me the forerunner and I just LOVE this guy!

Alexis Grace: Not only a cutie...but she can truly sing! I like her a lot!

Adam Lambert: He's raw and edgy....he's definitely marketable and has a cool voice.

So just my two cents for what it's worth...my first choice of course is Danny...he blows everyone away. Alexis and Adam I feel are going to go far in this competition...After all never have I seen such a gap between good mediocre singers and great amazing singers...I think these three alone have it wrapped up...so the question is...has America finally reached the bottom on singing talent?? Hmm...we still have one more group to go I know, but so far I'm not holding my breath...they couldn't have saved all the great singers for the last round after all right??

Congrats Brennie!

2009-02-23T09:46:00.009-05:00

First I want to start off with the busy weekend we had...Brennan and Colton had their Father/Son Cake Bake and Blue & Gold Banquet for Cub Scouts this weekend. I have to say that Kevin was a real trooper as though he likes to bake, doing it with the boys can sometimes be a challenge for him since he has that Type A perfectionistic quality about him, but he stuck it out...even with the fact that they didn't get started baking until around 7:00 p.m. and after making and decorating 3 cakes (it was supposed to be 2, but more on that later)...by 12:30 a.m. they were done and after already working a 9 hour day I was proud of him! Here are some pics of their evening:

Brennan's was a camp scene cake that he totally designed pretty much on his own. He even sketched his idea on a piece of paper first before he decorated it. Colton's was a sunflower cake made with yellow Peeps and chocolate chips in the middle. We also made a baseball cake because Kevin had initially thought of making a 4 layer popcorn bucket cake, but it got so late that we ended up doing the sunflower and baseball instead. Brennan ended up getting best camp scene cake at the banquet and we indeed got to keep all three cakes...we brought the camping one and sunflower home...the baseball we gave away...and the camping cake was enjoyed by our Junior Church kids for snack yesterday...and boy did they enjoy that!

So now that my weekend is over...the boys are now in school...I've been thinking about something that God has been layong on my heart for a week or so now...and I'm using it as my blessing word for this week...and that is:

Quiet Time

If there is something that God has been convicting me about is spending quiet time with Him, which is sometimes really hard for me because I am one who is always doing something, working on something...there is always SOMETHING to do or needs done. To just sit and be still is a struggle...but that verse in the Bible has been speaking in my head all week...Be still and know that I am God...and also the verse Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. So this morning for the first time in a while, after I dropped the boys off at school, I got out my Bible...read a little...prayed a little...and just reamained still and listened. And it was nice. I made it through a half hour, not that time is important, but considering unless I'm in front of the computer or scrapbooking...for me to be still for 10 minutes is hard. So I want to remember the blessing of having just those few moments to BE STILL and just enjoy God's presence....may this be a reminder to me.

Well off to do what mommy's do best....have a good week!

This Week...

2009-02-16T10:40:00.003-05:00

Again..a little behind, but hey...what's a girl to do. So this past week's blessing for me is

Kindness

And no one shows kindness better than my son Brennan...he is the sweetest, kindest and gentlest kid I know. And boy can he pray...he is a true prayer warrior...he always is willing to pray for anyone who needs it...and he does it straight from his heart.

Speaking of Brennan...my Brennie Gene celebrated his 10th birthday this week...Happy Birthday Brennan!

Been another busy week with birthdays, Valentine's Day parties at school, going to the Chocolate Extravaganza in town for Valentine's day and eating some decadent wonderful chocolate...I was in heaven!

Then another busy week ahead...of course. Cub Scouts tonight, Scrapbooking at church on Tuesday, Wednesday is Prayer Meeting, Thursday is our Couples Group (we are doing a Bible Study on the movie Fireproof...BTW if you haven't seen this movie yet...GO...Go and rent it now!) Friday I will be watching hubby and boys making cakes for their Blue and Gold Banquet which will be Saturday for Cub Scouts....could be interesting. So full week.

Hope you have a great week yourself.

This week...and Blessings

2009-02-06T12:48:00.004-05:00

It seems no matter how hard I try I can never seem to get on top of things, but maybe that's OK...maybe I just need to take time to take things in instead of tryng so hard to get things done...for in my busyness I miss on those little blessings that God tries to give to me each day.

This weeks blessing (I know I'm late on getting to it...oh well.) is:

God's creation

This past weekend I went to Columbus to go to Winter Jam with our Youth group (great time btw) and on the way over the sun was shining and of course everything was still ice covered...especially the trees...I just couldn't help staring in awe at the tress as we drove by (thank goodness I wasn't driving LOL)...as the sunlight hit the trees it looked as if they were covered in diamonds...they just glistened and sparkled. It was a truly amazing sight! And I know that I've done my share of complaining about all the ice and snow we've had the past few weeks...but here God was trying to show me just how beautiful this stuff really was and how HE sees it...I was truly humbled and again in awe at His creation. God is good!

Stumbled across an amazing video that was on Cathy Zielske's website...please take a moment to check it out...it is somewhat long (16 minutes) but I swear you won't regret it...it's sweet and touching and may just be what you needed today ;-)

Hope you are having a great week.

Blessings for this week

2009-01-26T20:22:00.002-05:00

Though honestly I haven't done my blessing layout for this week for FaithSisters...I have a good excuse...I have been down with the flu and cold since Thursday night and I'm having a tough time making it completely go away...I think I start feeling better then BAM, I'm sniffling, achy and exhausted again...so if and when I get a chance to do a layout my blessing layout is going to be about

Health

Don't realize how you can take your health for granted until you aren't healthy anymore...and not only that as many of you Mommies know that when mommy is down the house goes down with it...though hubby is being nice and taking care of me, there are just those things that only a mommy can do....so I'm doing what I can and letting some things go.

Speaking of health...I did go to the doctor on Thursday cause I was concerned about a spot on the bottom of my left leg and since skin cancer runs in my family I wasn't going to take any chances. Come to find out it was nothing...just dermatofibroma...which is basically scar tissue from a hair follicle that keeps scaring over I guess...so I'm thankful and praise God for that!

So until I feel better...here is to Health and hopes that I get back to 100% soon!

Have a great week!

52 Blessings

2009-01-19T19:01:00.005-05:00

As part of a new challenge they are doing over at Faith Sisters, they are doing a 52 Blessings challenge where you think of a blessing a week and scrapbook about that blessing. Though I'm abotu 3 weeks behind at this point I want to give three blessings I have so far to catch up.

1. My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him I truly am nothing.

2. My husband...he takes very good care of us and he makes me smile.

3. My three wonderful boys...they are truly a treasure... a blessing from above.

What blessings are you thankful for?

As a sidenote...do you have any idea on how to import a template on Blogger?? I've tried and just not getting it....any help would be appreciated...I need a new look here.

Let's Recap...

2009-01-14T20:45:00.007-05:00

Since my posts as of late have been quite sparce (hoping that will change soon), I thought I'd do a little recap of life thus far.

My last official day of work was Tuesday at the church, though I'm filling in next Wednesday and Friday because Shirley has Dr. appointments to go to. I have to admit, though it's nice to be home again...for one my house really needs my TLC since I haven't been able to give it the attention I'm used to giving it, yet part of me is sad because I really enjoyed filling in at the church. It was nice getting to know people and getting to know some people even better. I'm glad that I will be filling in whenever Shirley needs me to and that Pastor Rod has appreciated the job I've done. Working these past few months truly has been a blessing to me in more ways than one.

Christmas and New Years came and went and in a way I was glad for it to be over...only because I truly was way too busy. Note to self for next year I guess.

And no I have not made any New Year's Resolutions...I don't believe in those anymore...it truly only sets me up for failure and then I feel bad at the end of the year (or usually much sooner) for not attaining my goals...I'm just refocusing on my life and trying to get it back into some sort of order that I can live with. My word for this year is MARGIN. Pastor Rod has been preaching these sermons the past few weeks on having margin in our lives...these messages have been truly speaking to me...and thank goodness I have them on tape so I can listen to them over and over (since I teach Junior Church during Pastor's message, they make a tape for me.) So I'm going to try and refocus my life and create a little more margin so I have time for more important things.

Was supposed to go away this weekend to the Scrap Studio but they had a water pipe break and won't have it fixed by the weekend so I'm not going. In a way I'm sad cause I really wanted to get away, yet part of me is relieved since I really wasn't prepared to go and I was truly scrambling to try and get things packed and stuff. Hopefully now that I'll be home a little more now and hopefully the weather breaks soon and then I can go...maybe in March or April. We shall see.

I've become a permanent member on the FaithSisters site, which I'm very honored to be a part of. I love FaithSisters,and though I haven't been able to give it the attention I would like lately, I love this site and what they stand for and how we are all working together to get the message of Christ out there in the scrapping world.

Boys are growing like weeds...hard to believe in a couple weks Brennan is going to be 10 and a month after that Austin will be 12. Where is the time going?!?! They are growing so fast.

I'm finishing up a class I was taking over at Big Picture Scrapbooking and hoping to finish it this weekend. I'm also starting a new class in February called "Library of Memories" taught by Stacy Julian from Simple Scrapbooks. I won this class for free over the summer during Big Picture's Big Wig Bash and I'm so excited to be taking this class. I so loved the Cathy Zielske class I just took and I have no doubt this class is going to be just as educational. Though it's not as much about scrapping as it is about organzing I'm hoping this class gets me organized to be a better scrapbooker.

I'm also teaching a scrapbooking class at our church. We are creating a prayer journal that is going to take us through the whole year. I'm pretty excited about this class and I know the ladies I'm teaching are too. God has really led me in this class and it's truly been a blessing.

Well I've got to go do some laundry and hoping to get to my craft table tonight. Hoping 2009 is working well for you all so far this year.

We got several inches of snow today...and I just heard that tomorrow is a snow day for the boys...it's Kevin's day off and I am not supposed to work (Unless Shirley can't make it in)...so sounds like a nice sleeping in family day....aaaahhhhhh. That sounds soooo nice. Thank God for snow days ;-) And I leave you with this picture of my hubby during our Christmas play at church...it was his singing debut...and yes he is doing the "Saturday Night Fever" dance...needless to say he was the hit of the play...and it truly was a once in a lifetime moment. He was truly born 10 years too late ;-)

Have a blessed week!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-26T12:07:00.002-05:00

Good day everyone...I hope and pray that you are having a blessed Christmas and that you are having a chance to enjoy your families.

Christmas here has been hectic and fun. We had our annual Buday Christmas on Christmas Eve, though this year we had it at my sister's beautiul house...she's got such a pretty house...since my parents are redoing their porch and it wasn't feasible to have it at their house this year, my sis graciously offere her home. Fun was had by all and gifts flew like crazy in usual Bday tradition.

Yesterday Kevin & I had an opportunity to see the movie Fireproof. He got the movie owner (who is a very good friend of my sister) to show it just for us (long story on that one). Needless to say, it was an AMAZING movie...oneI think every married couple MUST see...and one I will definitely be buying for our collection as well as many people I know cause it was just that good...has a great message.

We then spent last night with hubby's family. Lot's of fun there as well...and the annual passing of Grandma's moose was passed along to Adam and his family...looking forward to seeing what they come up with when they pass it on to us next year. I already have some ideas as to what we want to add to the happy moose.

Today we are just kind of taking it easy. May have to slip into work for a little bit to get the church calendar done and then possibly going out to celebrate hubby's sister's birthday. But more or less today is just a relaxing and just straighten up the house day...relaxing is definitely a welcome change around here...trying to remember how to do it, but it is nice.

Hope you and yours are als enjoying the Christmas season and may God richly bless you this coming new year!

Hello...my name is Tammy...and you are??

2008-12-15T22:24:00.002-05:00

I know how lame am I?? Well let me tell ya, I've been quite busy as usual and every time I think it's going to let up...on comes something else. I just started buying Christmas gifts on Sunday and hoping and praying they get here by Christmas Eve or I'm going to have some very unhappy people on my hands...I don't think I've ever waited this long and it seems to get worse every year...so to those whom I give gifts to....I'm already apologizing for next year because let's face it...it's just not getting any better I'm afraid ;-)

Still working at the church, which in all honesty is a huge blessing cause it has helped pay some of the bills. And it's nice to be amongst adults and be around in the outside world a bit more, but my home is missing me if you catch my drift. Between the job and hustle and bustle of the holidays, my house is not in the best shape...not only that I just got out our Christmas decorations Saturday and my tree is still sitting in the living room with no lights...It truly is sad. Though lights are usually hubby's job, though may have to take that one on as well...once I get twenty minutes ;-) ...Hey maybe after Christmas!

Well as much as I could ramble on and on I've gota ton of things on my plate that I really need to be doing, so until I get those extra twenty minutes...thsi little update will have to do for ya!

Hope all is well with you and that you have a Merry Christmas!

The way of life today

2008-11-14T00:06:00.002-05:00

My eyes have been opened in so many ways these past few days...being a stay at home mom kind of puts you in a bubble and I've been in that bubble for almost 9 years! I'll work backwards here...

First of all today I had to do the Accelerated Reader program with Colton's 1st grade class...I volunteer twice a week...I LOVE IT!! I have such fun watching the kids grow and learn to read and how they are so proud of themsleves with what they are learning and reading...it's fun to watch and experience. Today I was about done when the principal came over the loud speaker and said that the school was in locked down. Immediately the kids hunched against the wall and everyone got really quiet, lights were out, no one moved...well not very much anyway, after all we are talking 6-7 year olds. Thing that struck me is that no one seemed overly scared or concerned...they just hunched down and smiled as if it was no big deal. Now granted like I said these were 6-7 year olds, but I was scared...and believe me, they may say that there is no prayer in school, but while I was kneeling on that floor I was praying...for the kids, the school, everything. It struck me that unfortunately that is what our kids are subjected to in today's society...kind of like back in the day when you did bomb drills and went to bomb shelters...a bit before MY time mind you, but I'm sure the same thing...long gone are the days of the simple fire drill or tornado drill...now the kids have lock down. Scared me...and makes me worry about my kids...and its a shame that our children have to be subject to that...that there are those out there that don't care if they hurt you...it truly is sad.

Also on another sad note, and I apologize for the downer post, but since working at the church I have had my eyes opened to how bad our economy in our area truly is and how so many people are truly hurting out there...it first of all makes me extremely thankful for all that I have, and it burdens my heart to see those out there struggling. I pray that somehow this economy can turn around and very very soon! More of our factories here in town are shortening work weeks and threatening closing...I pray that it turns around soon, but I' afraid it's going to get worse before it gets better.

Well...I better go, again sorry for the downer post...on a good note...we are going to Sandusky this weekend to go visit Kevin's Great Aunt Thelma...we always celebrate Christmas with her before for she leaves for Florida...so though I heard it's supposed to be extremely cold this weekend, I pray we have a good relaxing time...we are overdue for it.

Take care and have a good weekend!

Life...

2008-11-07T22:24:00.004-05:00

Life is tricky...one minute things are going in a certain direction...next you are off going in a direction you didn't think you'd be going. As vague as that sounds let me explain...up until two weeks ago I was a stay at home mom doing her thing...plate was full enough...so I thought...then God stepped in....answered in a way, a prayer I prayed a while back, and though I would have never wanted it to be answered that way, He did answer. I am now an employed momma...only part time 18-20 hours a week, but am employed. Our church secretary had a heart aneurism (or however you spell it) and will be out of commission for at least 2-3 months. In steps me...the closest fill in...and I'm honored to do it...really I am....I just feel so sorry for Shirley (our secretary) and hope and pray she gets better soon...I do have a new appreciation for the work she does in our church office though...she is very organized...which helped me out a lot. So I is a workin' woman again. And let me tell ya...after spending the past almost 9 years (hard to believe it's been that long) out of the workforce...it truly has felt a little weird being back at it in a job...actually very weird. I really have enjoyed being at home...maybe a bit too much and I've been spoiled (if you can even say that being a SAHM)....I love being at home.

But honestly this job came at the right time...of course it did, because it was God's time...not mine. I was wondering how we were going to do Christmas this year, and hey God answered. HE is truly good!

So other things...hmm...well I'm still taking my class over at Big Picture Scrapbooking....having loads of fun with that, even if I am a bit behind on my assignments...learning lots and loving it!

Taught a scrapbooking class at our church Tuesday night...the challenge that we are currently doing at Faithsisters, I'm teaching the ladies at church and we are using paper bag albums to do it....now I've been teaching scrapbooking at the church for a couple months now and usually have no more than 4-5 ladies. Tuesday night I had 22 counting myself....22!! I was stunned...luckily I had a sign up list so I had an idea beforehand how many would be there...but I even had a couple extra show up...It was a super class...the ladies (and boys...I had a couple preteen boys their with their mom)seemed to realy enjoy it and I got many compliments...it was so amazing...God has been good!

Other than that I'm just trying to get into a routine since I'm not home during the day doing hte normal things I usually do so I'm doing laundry now before I leave for work, and then before I pick the boys up from school, then of course afterwards...house cleaning will have to wait for Thursdays or the weekends...but overall...I'm adjusting OK.

Well I need to get some projects done...maybe even straighten up my office (ha-ha)...until next time...have a super week!

Time passes so quickly...

2008-10-21T00:24:00.003-04:00

I have been so busy lately...and I've been missing being on here in blogger-land...but life and time passes so quickly...took some time this past weekend to take in some of the fall season during the annual area Fall Farm & Foliage Tour. What a beautiful weekend for it too! A bit nippy at first, but OK towards the end. However this year was a different year for me...it was just Colton and I this year. Austin...well....he just wasn't at all interested in going so ironically Papa stopped by that morning and saved him from my "evil plan of taking him out into nature". Brennan...well...my brave and amazing Brennan went on his first official Cub Scout camp out (and man was it ever cold the night they camped...I felt so sorry for him and every moment I was awake that night I prayed for those guys!) Hubby went camping with him too...in a tent I'll have you know....and if you know my hubby a tent is NOT how you camp...camping is pulling in with the motor home with satelite TV, air conditioning and the works (of course a heater this weekend would have been SUPER!) Needless to say they overall had a wonderful time...Brennan can't wait to do it again. Though I have to say I had the most terrible time dropping him off...I cried when I left him...I've never left him behind like that before...I mean he's been to Grandma & Papa's and the neighbor's house, but to leave him to go on a camp out with a bunch of other boys and I wouldn't be there....it bothered me a lot...I'm very protective of that little guy...it was rough and I'll just leave it at that.
That's when I realized how fast these boys are growing up...Austin is pushing those teen years (uck!) and Brennan is sprouting again and I can't get enough food in that kid at the moment...I swear I'm going to walk in the kitchen and all our food is going to be gone! And Colton...can I just say how much fun I had with Colton during the Farm Tours...we don't get a lot of mommy Coltie time anymore like we used to so it was kind of nice. He's growing up so fast too and boy is he ever sharp and smart! He has a way and a charm about him...which is his saving grace let me tell ya!
Well off to another week of busyness...I'm praying that at some point this all starts to slow down some, but I'm not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel yet...maybe someday.

Later~

And so...

2008-10-07T13:32:00.006-04:00

I feel like I've been a very bad blogger lately...been thinking a lot this past week as to how busy life seems at the moment and how much I long to be bored...I would love me a bit of boredom at the moment. Now that the fair is over I was really hoping for a little repreave, but nope...not happening...nothin' doin'...so here I am plugging on and taking just a few moments to take a small break and update on life and how things have been going lately...

Lead the Singspiration at church Sunday night...honestly I do not like being up front in front of people and speaking...in fact I pretty much hate it...I don't consider myself a limelight person, but God for some reason keeps putting me in that position...the Singspiration went very well and I was truly blessed.

Listed about 17 auctions on eBay last night....if you are interested in any Bare Escentuals makeup or Cabbage Patch dolls...check them out there.

Found Colton's blankie yesterday...WOOO HOOO....was so afraid it was gone forever...I think I was more upset about it than he was...can it be that Colton is getting past the blankie stage?? Though today he has been clinging to it since he's home from school with a cough, but funny thing is I haven't heard him cough since his brothers went to school...hmmm...guess who's going to school tomorrow ;-)

I'm currently enrolled in a scrapbooking class over at Big Picture Scrapbooking called Design Your Life by Cathy Zielske. So far I am truly enjoying class (and if you are interested you can STILL sign up for class until tomorrow)...though I do know a good bit about scrapbooking I feel I learned it kind of backwards and that my design is hit and miss...so thus the reason for this class...hoping to fill in the pieces I may have missed about design along my scrapbooking way...so far I'm enjoying class and learning a lot...though it truly is keeping me quite busy in an already busy schedule.

My house is a terrible mess...enough said about that...

Colton won a cookie bouquet from our Fair today...his name was put in a drawing and they drew his name...he also won a book that co-ordinated with the cookies...we just got done enjoying the book and the cookie...here he is enjoying the cookie.

Well got to go and get ready for my scrapbooking class at church tonight...feel a little off kilter about teaching this class tonight...way too much going on and mind is just not focused on it. Hopefully that will change between now and 6:30 tonight.

Hope you are having a good week.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow...

2008-09-30T20:43:00.004-04:00

All I can say is that God is good...so good...as many of you know, September is a busy month for me as I prepare for our County Fair...Well...hard work and God's gifts He bestowed on me paid off...Here is my scrapbooking display:

And I got 1st place and Best In Show...shocked...yes I'm shocked...as often as I've tried and always failing short, but this year I guess was my year...woohoo! I also got

a ribbon for 2 of my afghans (3rd places), my crocheted pumpkins (2nd place), and A first place for my black & white flower photo, 2nd for my black and white Fair photo, and 3rd for my black and white General Pictorial photo. Very happy and just glad that I made enough again off my ribbons to pay for my fair pass...which is what I strive for anyway...especially since the price of tickets went up this year.

On another note, going to be trying to do the "Week In Your Life" Challenge that Ali Edwards is putting on this week...I've taken a few photos, not sure what else I'm going to do yet, but hey I've got good intentions. If you want more info on the challenge see Ali's blog here.

Hope you are having a good week...and wow this is the last day of September?!?!? Where did that go??? Have a super October!

Faith Sisters Birthday Bash This Weekend!!

2008-09-24T12:49:00.003-04:00

Join Faith Sisters for our Birthday Bash Cyber Crop!

Who: YOU are invited!

When: September 26-28th

What: Challenges, Prizes (traditional and digital,) Sales,Chats, New Goodies and MORE!

Where: http://www.faithsisters.com/

Why: To celebrate our 1 year birthday!

Earn points toward winning prizes by doing challenges, purchasing digi kits from our shop, and more! Earn an EXTRA 5 Points for inviting a NEW friend to the crop and have them sign up and participate in the forum!

Download this mini kit that is a part of our Birthday Bash Collab Kit forFREE for a limited time!

Come and join the fun!!! Hope to see you there!

Blow wind blow...

2008-09-16T00:49:00.003-04:00

So today was spent taking care of or helping others with the HUGE windstorm we had here last night...and let me tell you if it was anything like they had in Texas...God bless them because this windstorm was the worst I'd ever expereinced...though fun to watch though...I know...I'm strange...but I honestly was out in it and just in awe of the power of the wind...it's amazing how God can just cause a gentle breeze or a 75 + mph wind. Trees were of course down everywhere...shingles blown off some houses...some cars smashed by trees...like this one that was smashed only three houses down from us... but luckily we were OK...many places in town received worse damage...the Wendy's sign got shattered, a gas station's roof blew off almost...lots of destruction...in fact the boys didn't have school today and may not have it tomorrow because the area where the school is still has no electricity...luckily we have been OK in the electricity dept. too. Our old neighbors were with us a good portion of hte day because they had no electric. So exciting night to say the least.

Hubby is feeling better, thanks for your prayers...just pray that he would take better care of himself...he attempted to walk to the post office yesterday (almost a mile from our house) and today he mowed the lawn. He's not a very good patient. Needless to say I've been a bit upset with him.

Well hope you are having a good week...another busy one here...always busy ;-)

New FS Challenge and continue to pray please!

2008-09-13T16:19:00.003-04:00

We got back into the swing of things over at Faith Sisters and we have a new challenge this week...so if you're into scrapping and want a challenge check it out! Here is my layout for this week:

Also I ask that you continue to pray for my hubby...he's in a lot of pain and we had to go back to the chiropractor today...he goes in Monday for another appt. and possible MRI to see if maybe he ruptured or herniated a disc. Praying it's not that...he has to take Monday off and he may possibly be off for more depending on the verdict of the MRI...though he has sick leave built up...not really wanting to do that....hubby is not a good patient if you know what I mean. Please pray that it's just strained or something minor like that and not something he's going to have to deal with for the rest of his life....BTW...finally found out why he hurt his back...guess he jumped off the wall behind the boy's school...It's pretty high...not quite a story high but close...go figure! Spring chicken he is not and I think he's finally figured that out the hard way. Thanks for your prayers.

Scratch that...

2008-09-12T21:35:00.002-04:00

Hubby hurt his back pretty bad yesterday...had to cancel our anniversary trip...which is just as well...it's supposed to rain all weekend. Please if you can take a moment...pray for him that his back starts feeling better soon.

And before I forget....Happy Annivesary Mom & Dad!

Right now...

2008-09-10T13:14:00.003-04:00

As much as I hate to be this impersonal with my blog lately....life is in overdrive and time is of the essence so here is my life right now....

....Just celebrated my 19th wedding anniversary with my high school sweetheart...hoping to get away this weekend...and thanks to my mom who watched our boys long enough for us to grab some dinner...thanks Mom!

...Finally was able to get back to Wednesday morning Bible Study....nice to get back into that.

...Just sold a bunch of college books on eBay....eBay is keeping me really busy...which honestly is good because I have a couple trips planned I want to go on...maybe West Virginia again to Scrap Camp or maybe a one-day New York City trip....FUN!!!

...My Mom and Dad will be celebrating their Anniversary this Friday...I think it's 42nd?? That still only makes me 29 though ;-)

...Been doing great with my work outs...lost 10 pounds since March and into my size 8's again...woo-hooo!!

...Tired....lots going on and going to bed too late.

...Working two days a week at the school helping Colton's class with AR reading and testing. Those kids are so cute!

...Colton has gotten his card flipped 7 times so far at school (this is the school's discipline)...I think he's trying to beat Austin's record of 8 card flips in the first 9 weeks. Thing is...have you ever met a person who just honestly could NOT help getting into trouble?? That's my Colton...he tries so hard to be funny. He got his card flipped last week for putting crayons on his head and ears. This week it was for putting his scissors in his mouth...I think the principal and I are going to be on a first name basis soon :-) Just kidding.

...Brennan is on an AG day field trip today learning about Agriculture.

...There is a new Faith Sisters challenge up today.....go check it out here. Just got my page done in the nick of time.

...Probably going to dinner at the girlfriends house tonight...yeah!

...well more later...gotta run! Have a super week!

I am....

2008-09-02T13:42:00.002-04:00

...enjoying the silence of my house at the moment...kids are all in school and hubby has finally returned to work after a 2 1/2 week vacation. Ahhhhhh.....

...preparing for my Scrapbooking class tonight at church. I am teaching or shall I more approriately say, heading up a scrapbooking class at my church. Kind of nervous...I always am when I'm in front of people.

...getting ready to clean my main floor of my house. Having company over tomorrow.

...tired...stayed up a little too late watching a cooking show with hubby.

...out of my Millstone's Decaf Chocolate Velvet coffee...bummed about that.

...probably going to have to go back to the grocery store and pick up the can of black beans that I forgot for tomorrow's dinner. RATS!

...picking up the boys from school in an hour...so I guess if I'm going to clean I better get moving ;-)

...fixing homemade pizzas for the boys for dinner.

...hoping you are having a good week...talk more later!

Soo...officially...

2008-08-26T16:47:00.004-04:00

So we've taken our (probably) last camping trip of the year...Colton is officially 6 now and had a nice party...boys are now officially in school...hubby is on vacation though this is more of a working vacation working on the house and cars and stuff. So my vacation officially won't start until next week (LOL!!) It seems like I've been away so long and that I've been in a blender...so much going on and just spinning around dizzier than all get out...of course some would say I am dizzy as all get out, but that's another story.

So needless to say I'm keeping this short for now...too much going on and can't seem to think straight. But such is life. Just wanted to say Hi...I'm still here...talk more when I can.

I'm going to miss 5

2008-08-13T22:53:00.004-04:00

My little guy turns 6 tomorrow...makes me sad...he's growing up and it truly makes me sad. I SOOOOO enjoyed 5...I think with all my boys, 5 was a great age. And with Colton he's been a pistol and a true bunch of fun at 5. Let's see what 6 has in store.

Also this young man is also celebrating his birthday tomorrow...here is a picture of him holding Colton after he was born...time truly does fly!

Happy Birthday Dad and Colton!

Not much longer...

2008-08-08T08:46:00.002-04:00

So the eternal question to mothers right about this time of year is, "So, are you ready to send your kids back to school?" Now if you would have asked me last week I would have said NO...I really do enjoy having my boys home and knowing that they are safe here...but if you were to ask me this week...I'd give you a resounding YES! Isn't it funny how life just cycles like that. Though I'm still scratching my head wondering where the summer went...I can tell that the boys are ready to go back to school because they are just SICK of each other and they are currently in that "I'm just enjoying picking on you and thus annoying mom to the fullest extent" stage. And so life goes...but honestly, though I've enjoyed the summer (again wherever it went) but I'm ready to go back to some sort of routine...summer is bunches of fun wuth the freedom of not having to be anywhere and all, but it's time to get back into a routine...I'm ready....not for the early mornings mind you, but a routine nonetheless.

Been busy with VBS this week. I was in charge of crafts again this year. And this year we took the VBS to the kids. We went to a local playground about 4 blocks from our church and held our VBS there. Overall it has been really good and thank God the weather has been really good...we were supposed to get rain Tuesday and yesterday, but God held it off and we have had a great time with the kids.

Now with VBS about over it's time to gear towards our next camping trip which will again be at the Brown Farm...we'll be staying up there 3 days next week and having the youngest one's birthday party up there. Hard to believe he's going to be six....he's, well they all are growing up so fast.

Well I better go for now...lots to do.

Check this out!

2008-07-31T13:34:00.001-04:00

I just got Layout of the Day at Scrap In Style TV....check it out!

http://scrapinstyletv.typepad.com/sisterhood/

Bad blogger..bad..bad Blogger I am

2008-07-31T01:31:00.007-04:00

WARNING...SUPER LONG POST!!

No I haven't died, or been kidnapped (well...it is summertime you know...I have been KIDnapped by my boys so to speak)...just been super super busy this last month and in all honesty no intentions of letting up anytime soon. As I wrote in the last post, we did get a camper...and we used in during hubby's vacation a few weeks ago. We had lots of fun and boys loved the camper...even if we were only 10 minutes away from home. Here's a picture of the camper: We stayed three days up at the Brown Farm...my sister, her husband and her son came and spent some time camping with us too...which the boys TOTALLY enjoyed...they were so excited to see them pull in...just ask my sister ;-) Here are a few pics from our camping trip:

After our camping trip...we went from camping in the great outdoors to a 4 star hotel...talk about both ends of the spectrum! We got a free trip through our bank yet we were limited to where we could go...one of our last options was Dearborn Michigan...(we were hoping to get to go to Cincinnati...but they were already booked)...so off we went ot Dearborn...and I'll admit it...I wasn't too thrilled about going to Dearborn...just because I was afraid the boys would get bored and have nothing to do. Overall the trip to Dearborn went relatively well....we of course visited The Henry Ford Museum...which the boys enjoyed...and we actually closed the place down...in fact the boys (and Kevin) got so caught up in doing a project that they actually had to tell us they were closed and it was time to leave. The next day we went to Greenfield Village (which is right next to The Henry Ford Museum)...though Kevin and I liked it, towards the end the boys were getting bored...though they enjoyed the schoolhouse and the teacher who taught there as if in the old days...I think they appreciated their teachers a bit more now. ;-) It was cute. If you do go to Dearborn...head to Buddy's Pizza....best pizza I've ever had...in fact on our 4 day trip we went twice including for a late "brunch" before we left Dearborn...very very Yummy! Then there is the BD's Mongolian Grill....I ate WAY too much and boy was it ever so good. You got to make what you wanted and they fixed it for you right there on their grill...super tasty! Oh...then polish it off by just going down the block a piece and head to Coldstone Creamery...I'd never been to a Coldstone before...though it was a bit pricey, it really was very good...you got to pick out your ice cream and then add whatever you wanted to it...I got the Chocolate Cake Batter with Ghiradelli Chocolate Chips...yum! Austin got Green Apple Ice Cream with Gummy Bears...hey as long as he ate it...and he did...to each their own. Our hotel was really nice...though I have to admit I looked like a dork trying to find the button to activate the elevator and the boys and I couldn't find any button anywhere on the elevators (there were 6)...until we saw this pedestal in the middle of the room that housed "the button"...I know there were people who must have thought we were a bunch of hicks...oh well...we thought it was funny. Overall it was a good trip after all. Here are some pics:

Of course coming back I have been hopping it seems non-stop...a mom never gets a vacation, especially after the vacation! Now I'm trying to get things caught up after being away for 2 weeks, Brennan started summer school, we had a small flood in our basement and had to rearrange some things, all of us went to a baseball game with the church...that was fun...dime a dog night...Brennan ate 4 1/2 hot dogs! I've got VBS on the horizon (I'm in charge of crafts again this year), and Colton's birthday coming up and school (yes I said the dreaded word) starts in about 3 weeks...yikes where did the time go?? And my boys just seemed to really sprout this summer. Kind of ready for them to go back, but really not...kind of looking forward to getting back to a routine, yet not looking forward to homework time and all that stuff. I really do like having my boys home. I like knowing where they are and that they're safe.

Well I think I've rambled on enough...I apologize for being away so long...but life called and I was living it...hopefully I'll be a better blogger once school starts again. Hopefully you are having a great summer as well...God bless ya!

And So Life Goes...

2008-06-24T01:24:00.004-04:00

So how's your summer goin'? Well mine is going and seems to be going fast...Hard to believe that June is almost over. WOW!

So this past Saturday hubby and the family went and bought a used tent camper...now we will be able to go camping...which Brennan has been begging and begging for a camper of some sort since we went camping last summer. Hoping to use it when hubby takes his vacation in July. So excited. Brennan even had been praying for a camper in his evening prayers...and now has said thank you to God for his camper...he's so excited as well of course!

We have had two full rainbows this week over Coshocton...a sign maybe?? The one we saw on the way home after buying the camper and then tonight. I have pics...will upload later.

Today Brennan and Colton and I did some science experiment. Brennan received some science kits for Christmas and we finally broke them out today and used acouple of them. We worked a little with his weather set (which he LOVES weather...he even loves to watch the Weather Channel)...then we did a rocket with backing soda and vinegar...which we only got to work once, but hey it was fun anyway, then we played with the diving submarine that you used baking powder with....Brennan sat for almost an hour and played with that. Nice bonding day.

Well it's late and time to get to bed...update with photos soon.

Wow has it really been that long??

2008-06-17T00:38:00.004-04:00

Wow...look who's been a bad blogger lately!! Things have been a bit topsy turvy since hte boys let out of school and hubby's been on vacation. Boys got out of school the end of May and honestly I love having them home...yet it has thrown me off my schedule so I've been trying to truly no avail to go back to some sort of schedule, but hey...it's summer...schedule...no schedule...it all works out and the days go by quickly with or without one.
Hubby was on vacation these past two weeks and it was more or less a working vacation...we worked around the house, cleaned lots of cars and just tried to get caught up on things.
I had a birthday while on hiatus from my blog not that I want to advertise birthdays anymore, but Brennie (my sweet tender hearted one) was so determined to buy me a present and was so disappointed when he wasn't able to get me one on my actual birthday (hubby was out of town at the time), but hubby took him later that week to buy me my very own WEBKINZ! Yes I've been blessed with adopting my very own Webkinz...now I can play with all my boys online with their Webkinz...and I have to sheepishly admit it IS quite addicting...I know I am truly a sad individual.
So now that hubby is back to work I can finally be on vacation and get things accomplished that I want and need to accomplish (as long as I can stay off this computer...it truly just sucks me in and I can't get away from it!)
So I hope you are having a great summer...I know I am so far. See ya real soon I hope!

So...

2008-05-27T21:19:00.003-04:00

So...been away a little bit...sorry 'bout that...so much going on with the last weeks of school (only 2 more days now)...field trips, helping at the school, then just keeping up with home and hubby tossing jobs my way...I'm finally seeing a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel now finally.

Hubby is away at classes for the next two days in Cincy for the USPS....so it's just me in the boys chillin' out. Great bonding time.

Speaking of bonding time, worked on the ant farm that Brennie got for Christmas since God just seemed to plunk hundreds of ants on my front step tonight...thought it was a great opportunity to work on that. Brennie, well honestly all the boys, but Brennie most of all loves that kind of thing...he loves to examine how things work especially when it comes to nature and animals....he's so caring. When I was collecting the ants he was like, "Now Mom, this isn't going to hurt the ants is it?...are they going to miss their family, cause if they are going to miss their family maybe we shouldn't do it." He's just so kind and tender hearted...like today as he was playing recess (He has recess right before school lets out) I was in my van and he came over to the fence to give me a flower....things like that are what makes being a Mom sooooo stinkin' great!

Happy Birthday...

2008-05-19T21:52:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday Kevin!
I love you bunches!

As a Mom, some days are just two shower days

2008-05-15T09:43:00.004-04:00

I know Mother's Day has already passed, but as a Mom I have to say the usual "it's the hardest job in the world yet the most rewarding" line cause it is true. Some days are easy days where you are just hanging out with your kids playing or watching a movie together...other days not even trusty duct tape could keep it all together.... and it's funny it all just works out anyway...who cares if there is a mess on the counter or dishes in the sink. As mother's we try so hard to get it all done and done right...when in the end all that matters is family.

Tuesday, well actually all this week, is a busy week...field trips, meetings, etc...just lots going on. Tuesday however was a crazy day...I had to get Austin up early for school because he had a field trip that morning, then I get all the boys finally off to school and I try to do a few things around the house, get a shower and rush up to the school to do lunch duty, do some errands around town, run to Wal Mart and do a few things at home, run and get the boys from school, hear that it's going to rain the next few days and figure I better get the lawn mowed today, so I mow...by now it is now 5 p.m....I have a meeting in an hour, run in the house, get my second shower, make quick sandwiches for the kiddos and get them out the door and was 5 minutes late for my meeting and ran in there like my hair was on fire...but it was all good and OK and no one cared. Even though I'm the secretary....but hey...such is life. Then I get home from the meeting (hubby lagged behind talking to some people) at this time it's after 9 p.m. past the boys bedtime...rush and get them started for bed...kitchen is a wreck...sink is full...finally get boys in bed, start on kitchen....finally about 10 p.m. or so kitchen is cleaned, and I finally collapse on the couch to watch my DVR recording of American Idol...tried for an hour and a half to call for David Cook to no avail...thus at midnight I finally called it a night...thus the life of a mother...for those of you who are mother's I'm sure you can relate...those of you who are not...I'm sure I just scared the pants off ya...but truly, it really is all worth it...right moms??

Here's to every day being Mother's Day

New Survivor Series

2008-05-08T22:14:00.002-04:00

I'm not one much for the show Survivor...but this new one sounds like it would be worth watching ;-)

THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks.

Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes.

There is no fast food.

Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, and complete science projects, cook, do laundry,and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money.

In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each week.

Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives, and send cards out on time.

Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment.

He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the Urgent Care.

He must also make cookies or cup cakes for a social function.

Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house, planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times.

The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.

The men must shave their legs, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes, keep fingernails manicured and eyebrows groomed.

During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or slow down from other duties.

They must attend weekly school meetings, church, and find time at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.

They will need to read a book and then pray with the children each night and in the morning, feed them, dress them, brush their teeth andcomb their hair by 7 :00 am.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father willbe required to know all of the following information: each child's birthday,height, weight, shoe size, clothes size and doctor's name. Also the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of labor, each child's favorite color, middle name, favorite snack, favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear and what they want to be when they grow up.

The kids vote them off the island based on performance.. The last man wins only if...he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment's notice.

If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over and over again for the next 18-25 years eventually earning the right to be called Mother!

have a great Mother's Day!

Tired and sore...

2008-05-05T22:32:00.002-04:00

So after a busy weekend of hefty scrapping...today was a busy day of getting caught up on things that needed done. So here is what I did:

Stayed up till 1 a.m. this morning organizing my scrap paper...finally unpacked all my scrap paper from when I went to Michelle's Studio and got it all organized by manufacture and cardstock is organized by color...it's such a good feeling and it looks so nice!

Did my work out and laundry.

Worked in the yard...I pulled weeds...I raked...I dug some things up...I mulched...I mowed...I swept...I straightened. Yard is starting to look good again. Still have to mulch and work on the front hill yet and use the weed eater, but it's coming along.

Took the boys to get haircuts today...made dinner.

Took 2 showers today...now I'm relaxing for a moment on the 'puter and getting ready to make a list of what I need to do tomorrow...more cleaning...time to rid out...time to spring clean...time to get a grasp on things that have needed to be done.

Until tomorrow...have a great week!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

2008-05-02T12:50:00.002-04:00

OK...now that I have you in that Christmas spirit...it's not exactly Christmas I know....but it is like a holiday to me...guess what this weekend is...and no it's not my birthday quite yet. Any ideas??? Well it's....

National Scrapbooking Weekend!!

Now for those that don't scrapbook...sorry...and a question..."Why not??" I know I'm freakishly passionate about this hobby but I want to hear if you aren't a scrapbooker, why you don't scrapbook?? Do you just not feel creative enough? Think your pictures aren't good enough? Just intimidated? Don't be shy...tell me...I'm hoping to start a scrapbooking group again at church soon and I've already heard some of the reasons....but hey give me yours, that way if someone says the same thing to me I'll already be prepared ;-)

I'll be spending part of my time at FaithSisters this weekend (I only say part because hubby is working and hey the kids do have to eat and I have to be there to break up any arguments...I mean not that my boys argue with each other or anything ;-) )...so if you are a scrapper...PLEASE...stop by the FaithSisters site...they are having challenges and prize giveaways all weekend...and if yo uare a digi scrapper especially...there are lots of sales going on...plenty of coolness out there...so if you ARE a scrapper what will you be doing during our happy holiday???

Have a super duper weekend!

Out of the mouths of babes...

2008-04-30T23:51:00.003-04:00

OK...I have to say...my boys just crack me up...Now my two older boys have been very busy taking their state tests the past two weeks....now yesterday before we left for school Brennan frantically tells me..."Mom, Mom...I think today is hat day at school." I look at him kind of funny because usually they tell parents when they are having these "special priviledges" at school. I'm like "really buddy??"...he's like..."yeah mom...my teacher told us that we needed to bring our brain hat."...I stood there and thought for a moment...brain hat?? Then it hit me..."You mean thinking cap buddy?"...."Yeah that's it mom...I need my thinking cap...can we get it?"

Hee-hee...gotta love 'em!

Also if you happen to be surfing the net and are a digi scrapper...check out these Freebeies at FaithSisters.

Hope you are having a good week.

So Let's Review...

2008-04-25T13:30:00.003-04:00

OK...I just have to say how cute my boys are right now...last night we were getting the boys ready for bed...and hubby asks Colton if he got his card flipped at school (card flipping is our school's form of discipline for those who may not know)...and Colton unfortunately did yesterday...I guess him and another boy were hiding instead of going to the Art room. Of course his 5 year old (and very intelligent) brain tries to explain to his daddy why he got his card flipped...well daddy I wasn't really hiding I was just playing and I wasn'tready to go into the room yet. When hubby asked Colton to explain again what he did...he looks at his daddy plainly and tells him...OK daddy....Let's review...I lost it...I had to walk away...where does this little guy get this stuff...it's like the day at church when he wanted me to spell sun for him (he kept spelling it s i n...appropriate at church I guess)...and after I spell it for him he says, "That's very interesting Mom." He is such a trip!

Then there is Brennan who came home yesterday with bandages on his elbow and leg..his leg all skinned up...I asked him what happened...He tells me he caught the football and another boy pushed him to the ground to get the football. Now if you know Brennan he doesn't play much with the other kids...he says he has no friends and he usually plays alone on the playground...so I honestly was kind of excited to hear that he was playing football with other kids...after a long conversation...come to find out he wasn't actually playing the game...he was in the middle of the field and accidentally caught the football...he wasn't actually in the game, he was just in the wrong place and happened to catch the ball and caught dirt too in the process...I was upset to hear the boy who pushed him didn't apologize, but one of the big prayers I have had this year is that Brennan would have a friend. And the last couple months he's mentioned this boy that has been playing with him and befriending him. Well yesterday this boy saw that Brennan got hurt, personally took him to the office to get cleaned up and gave up his recess to help my Brennie...I was so touched by that...and the power of how God answers a mother's prayer. God is good! It's good to know that even amongst children there are those who truly care about others.

Hoping to watch Hans Christian Anderson with the boys this weekend (yes the 50's Danny Kaye movie)...hope they enjoy it like I did as a kid.

Oh...also...If you are a scrapper and well if you are obsessed with it as I am...you know next weekend is National Scrapbooking Weekend...well in honor of that Faith Sisters is having a celebration on their web-site...there will be prizes, scrapping and tons of fun....so stop on by...you know I'll be there ;-)

Have a super weekend!

After much anticipation I bring you...

2008-04-23T22:47:00.007-04:00

My Kitchen...the pictures aren't the best...with the new doors this room is a little dark, but it really look gorgeous IRL...here are a few pics:

Even though this is NOTHING like what I originally wanted or planned and this project gave me more headaches than anything I've ever dealt with...after all I was aiming for a more rustic feel...I do actually like it...even if the doors are much darker than the background...I'm going to call it chic rustic...or maybe contemporary rustic...what do you think? If you're close by...come by and check it out.

Been keeping busy with boys school projects, church stuff and scrapping this week...also trying with not much success to start spring cleaning, but oh well.

Going to keep this short as I have not been to bed before 1 a.m. this week and I still want to watch American Idol on my DVR before I retire this evening...but before I go...

If you happen to know how to convert a .wma file to an .mp3 file could you please let me know how?? I have a song I need to sing at church this Sunday and it's in .wma and I usually haven't had any trouble, but it's been a while since I've done it so maybe I'm doing something wrong...any help would be greatly appreciated! And please remember I'm blonde...I need details ;-)

Have a great week!

Check this out...

2008-04-17T14:44:00.003-04:00

Going to keep this super short, got to pick up the boys in a few minutes...but I just went to the Faith Sisters site and one of the fellow Faith Sisters, Dahlia, who asked me to join her Creative Team featured my layout from her last challenge on the website...you can see it here. I'm super honored and excited...God has been blessing me greatly in this area of my life and I am super grateful...God is good!

Have a great day!

What a great weekend!

2008-04-14T22:35:00.007-04:00

Sometimes it is just nice to get away. This past weekend I went here. So nice to see Michelle and Christina again and just get away and just scrapbook. Huge thanks to hubby for taking care of the kiddos all weekend and my super father in law that helped hubby just about finish putting my cupboard doors on my kitchen...it looks FABULOUS! I love it! I will take pictures tomorrow when the sun (hopefully) is out and I can get a better picture. Anyway fantabulous weekend! I got 18 pages done and another 9 pages done in a mini album I am working on. Here are some pics of the weekend:

This studio used to be a bar and these girls converted it into an amazing crafting studio...I had an amazingly awesome time...I'd have to say more fun than Scrap Camp, just because it wasn't as noisy and cramped (there was only about 12 of us compared to 100 at Scrap Camp) and it just seemed more relaxed. I liked it a lot. Plan on going again soon, once I sell more eBay to pay for it ;-) That's how I paid for this trip...my eBay monies...well worth it too! I do owe hubby $ 23.00 cause I just HAD to buy one of those cute new ribbon organizers...that I filled up today and it is just too cute and now all my ribbon is in one spot and most of all visible! Thanks Michelle and Christina for an amazing weekend and all the awesome food (yes they fed us too)...the Taco soup was amazing!

They had a layout contest from the weekend and the campers voted and I tied for first place...I'd show you the layout, but it's for the next challenge on Faith Sisters so after Wednesday I'll show you. But the other girl who won with me made this layout that I voted for because I thought it was truly amazing:

Here are a few of my layouts:

Then on Sunday Christina and another lady invited me to go to a church service at an area church...kind of like an inner city type mission church to describe it...it was a very upbeat church that their target seemed to be teens, single moms and the homeless...honestly I had a great time. Their praise team ROCKED! The worship was truly amazing and just feeling God move there was all I could say is WOW...it was nice to be at a service for a change and not be "in" the service doing something. Totally helped me to focus more on just worshipping God. It was a great experience.

Again...the whole weekend was an amazing time...will be doing it again hopefully soon...I got my cupboard doors on my kitchen...kids were good while I was gone...life right now is good.

Now back to reality and getting back into the groove.

Have a great week!

I want one of these

2008-04-08T09:13:00.003-04:00

OK...I don't usually get to excited about these die cutting machines, but I've seen this one and I want one...it's portable, makes cute designs and from what I hear more reasonable than the other bigger models which I really wouldn't get the use out of, but I really like this one...may have to save my pennies for this one. Check it out:

Also don't forget my giveaway below...you have until Thursday.

Back to life....back to reality...and Lurker where are you? I've got a prize for you!

2008-04-04T19:49:00.006-04:00

OK...now that I have that crazy song playing in your head...been extremely busy lately...busy at the school, busy doing things for the church, busy at home, busy trying to get things squared away...just lots going on....today it was another non-stop day. Had to go to the school for "Pastries for Parents" day...it's their finale for their Right to Read week...and they got to wear their pajamas to school today...it was great to go to the school and eat donuts with my babies! Then it was off running errands and grocery shopping (man is that ever getting expensive anymore!) and then hubby took me out to lunch at English Ivy...yummm...I had a bowl of their Mexican Cheese soup...oh my...so delicious...my favorite soup from there...so tasty and spicy! Then I was home for less than an hour and had to pick up the boys again...man these days just go faster and faster!

On to other things...I did get my movie that I mentioned in the previous post Dan In Real Life...so cute...may watch it again tonight...maybe while I'm working in the office that is. Oh also rented Indiana Jones first movie...can you believe I've never seen this movie all the way through?

OK...you may have noticed that I have this map on the right hand side of my screen...tells me where in the world people are reading my blog...I'm amazed as to where people are reading from...Montana, California...even Singapore?!?! (Jaz is that you???) So I want to prompt you out of your lurking...I know all who read may not be scrappers, but I'm going to make the assumption that you are...so if you post a comment to this post....just say Hi...(a name would be nice too, but I'm not picky) I will pick a name at random this Thursday evening and you will be the happy new owner of these foam stamps. So come on...quit lurking and talk to me ;-)

Have a great weekend all!

Movies and Books

2008-03-31T08:36:00.008-04:00

Busy month ahead...but just had to share some books and movies I've seen recently.

If you haven't seen Horton Hears A Who yet at the theatre...it's funny...the kids loved it...even Austin who at first had absolutely NO interest in going and moped the whole way there...ended up laughing through the whole movie.
And of course the movie Enchanted which is a totally endearing "can't get that song out of my head" type of movie...take all Disney's prince/princess movies and roll it into one and you have this movie....the boys love Pip the chipmunk...Apple??

Dan In Real Life...I liked it more than hubby did, but totally funny/sweet movie...loved the scene when Steve Carell's character is playing the guitar singing "Let My Love Open The Door." Loved it! I don't go out and buy a lot of movies...but this one WILL be in my video library soon!

If you are looking for a good somewhat romantic movie...this is on is good. Chocolat stars Julliette Brinoche (Which is also in Dan In Real Life), and Johnny Depp...whom my sister loves....Wendy you would like this movie. It's about a woman and her daughter that open up a chocolatier across a church in this small village and how she changes the town...endearing.

Becoming Jane - Chose this movie because I loved Anne Hathaway in The Princess Diaries movies and of course The Devil Wears Prada...though Anne plays a great part, this movie was a bit slow and didn't end the way I thought it would. I'd give it a 3 out of five stars...if you are into those english movies like Pride and Prejudice and the like you'd probably enjoy this one more.

One movie I cannot recommend is Atonement...no picture here cause I just don't think it deserved any more time wasted to it. A total waste of two hours in my opinion. I saw where this movie got such rave reviews (which usually is a sign that it's gonna stink), and so hubby went ahead and rented it. The same main male chracter in Becoming Jane played in this movie...and he's a great actor for these type of English back in the day movies, but this movie was pointless until the very end where they finally reveal the jist of it...which after an hour of watch soldiers on a beach just didn't cut it for me....I was left exhausted and frustrated. If you want a good foreign movie that takes place during the Holocaust rent "Life Is Beautiful" ...far better movie...it made me cry and it will touch your heart.

As far as books go, I finally finished 40 Days of Purpose again...and also read a book by David Gregory and I'm in the middle of his second book. I think I also told you I finished Captivating too...quite a trip with this reading thing.

Boys are doing well and everything is pretty good here. Fixing dinner tonight for a lady in our church who was in a car accident last week. April is going to be a crazy month between meetings, boys study groups at school, me taking a weekend away, trying to get things straightened away here...lots to do. So I guess I better get busy....hope all is well with all of you...Take Care!!

Thank You!

2008-03-21T14:01:00.002-04:00

Thank you Lord for your amazing sacrifice and for dying on the cross for ME!

Your love is amazing!

Happy Birthday Austin!

2008-03-13T09:39:00.002-04:00

Happy 11th Birthday Austin!

I love you bunches Jedi Master!

FREE TO GOOD HOME

2008-03-08T23:03:00.004-05:00

Free to Good Home

TONS AND TONS OF SNOW

All 12+ inches of it!

Yours for the taking...just come and take it PLEASE!!!

Would be happy to send it to ya...reply below.

Whatcha doin'??

2008-03-07T10:59:00.004-05:00

I'm sure that is what you all are wondering...been busy...truly...honestly it's been like a week since I've really been on this computer to play or anything. Check the occasional e-mail, but that's about it...I haven't even parused others blogs like I usually do....been busy doing other things.

First the boys had their birthday party this past Saturday. It's so hard to believe that my babies are 9 and soon to be 11 (March 13th). Where has the time gone? They really didn't have much of a theme to their party this year...sent out Transformers invitations and then Bren wanted Ratatouille...so I got a Ratatouille cake. Never thought I'd see the day where there would be a rat on my boys birthday cake ;-)

Dealing with sickness here noe too...Austin started with the Bronchitis late last week then Colton started with a cold yesterday. He's home right now enjying some Mommy time. Then I just got a call from the school..they are sending the kids home early today because of the weather. Supposed to get 8-10 inches more of the lovely white stuff by Saturday. Not fun! Spring just seems to keep alluding us. Oh Spring where art though?!?!?

Also I've started reading some more, which is pretty amazing for me because I'm truly not much of a reader...If I finish a book it's truly an amazing feat. I'm in the middle of reading Ricke Warren's "Purpose Driven Life" again...read it about 5 years ago, felt the need to re-read it again without the pressure of going through the church campaign...good stuff in there. Also finished (finally) a book I've been trying to get through for a while and never finished Stasi Eldredge's book "Captivating". Really good book. Explains a lot. I was in a Bible study with it once (never finished), tried reading it another time, again didn't finish, but this week I finally finished it. It felt good to finally finish something. Not sure what I'm going to read next...any suggestions??

Well other than that just keeping busy with the usual with homelife, snow days, sickness, scrapbooking (there are new challenges up at Faithsisters.com), and just trying to get past my sickness of CABIN FEVER.

Well got some things to take care of...boys will be home soon. Later~

SICK OF IT!!

2008-02-29T20:43:00.003-05:00

Of snow that is! Don't know about the rest of you but I am just so ready for spring! And these 2 hour delays and snow days off from school are just utter craziness! Yesterday was a 2 hour delay...the sun was shining and though there was snow on the ground...I took the boys to school AGAIN yesterday at the regular time only to find out that there was a 2 hour delay...then today though there was an actual 2 hour delay because of a teachers meeting it was snowing to beat the band, yet they still had school...why...because they already used all their 5 allotted days...it was crazy....not sure what they are thinking...but oh well....they didn't ask me ;-)

Getting ready for boys birthday party tomorrow...nothing too elaborate...in fact there really isn't a theme...sent out Transformer invites and having a Ratatouille cake...go figure...as long as the boys enjoy themselves is all that matters.

Not much really going on here...trying to keep up with all these snow days, keep up with the house, do eBay, and throw a little scrapbooking in there when I can.

Hope all is going well with all of you out there!

I've been tagged

2008-02-21T21:35:00.002-05:00

You must post the rules before you give your answers. You must list one fact about yourself for each letter of your middle name. Each fact must begin with that letter. If you don't have a middle name, just use your maiden name. After you've been tagged, you need to up-date your blog with your middle name and answers. At the end of your post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and need to read your blog for details).

My middle name is Lynn.
Love my family bunches.
Yep I love music
Nine years ago I started going back to church
Nothing is more important than my relationship with God and my family

OK, so now I tag...Jackie, Cheryl, and anyone else who would like to participate since I don't know too many people who blog. If you do this, let me know.

Also on a more somber note, please be in prayer for the Wentz family. This man was killed at the factory where my brother in law works. He accidentally had a a 40,000 lb. roll of steel dropped on him. He was a good friend of my sister and brother in law and my brother in law was working the same night this guy was so it could have so easily been him. So glad God was watching out for him. Please pray for this family...he left behind a wife and two girls.

Happy Birthday Brennan!

2008-02-12T14:14:00.000-05:00

How did 9 years pass so quickly?!?!?

Happy Ninth Birthday Brennan!!

Will you?

2008-02-08T12:51:00.000-05:00

Layout for the latest challenge on FaithSisters.com. The challenge was to make a valentine...how better a valentine than Jesus showing us His love for us on the cross. This is a digital layout...still prefer paper scrapping, but digital is fun for something different. Picture credits to Izzy Galvez.

Sorry I've been so MIA but I just haven't been on the computer much...I've been finding many other things to occupy my time right now and that's OK...sometimes in life you have to move on to other things in order to appreciate the things you are used to doing. You kind of get in a rut and sometimes you just need to step back, refocus, and hey you never know you may find something new along the journey that you never experienced. I'm just trying to not get so stuck in a routine or better yet, spend so much time on the computer. So many things out there in life to discover and enjoy. Here's to discovering something new!

Have a great week and if I don't see you before Valentine's Day...have a lovely one and think about the one who gave you the ultimate Valentine!

Latest Challenge

2008-02-02T13:27:00.000-05:00

If you haven't been to the FaithSisters site lately...check it out...this weeks challenge is about Grace. Loved this challenge...here is my layout:

Been so busy lately, and honestly I just haven't had much to talk about. Just drifting through life trying to keep things going here.

One of my hopes for this year is to be more organized. So on that note I'm hoping to clean my craft room this weekend cause it SOOOO needs to be cleaned. Haven't been able to craft there in weeks or at least very minimally since I have so little space....it's time for a major overhaul...and if you keep an eye out on the FaithSisters site....I may be doing a happy RAK (random act of kindness) and be giving away some of my scrapbooking items of "things I just won't use anymore" and just need to give away and make someone happy. So be on the lookout in the very near future once I ever get this room cleaned out...I will post here once I do.

Well no better time than the present. Wish me luck!

The Weekend...

2008-01-28T23:02:00.000-05:00

Concert was good! Missed Group 1 Crew, but other than that, had pretty decent seats and just had an overall good time...even Skillet was good! Barlowgirl rocked and Steven Curtis Chapman was great as usual. I was amazed that Skillet's drum player was a girl! She can wail on some drums let me tell ya...as well as Barlowgirl's drummer...I was unaware that she played the drums AND sang...amazing! The weekend was good other than dealing with a headache for most of the weekend.

Helped my neighbors move this weekend...which was bittersweet. They are moving to a better place...only a few blocks away, but it's sad that they aren't right next door anymore.

Not much else going on...kids are OK for now (other than Brennan has a cough), just keeping up with things on the homefront. Hope all is well with you.

Have a great week!

Tonight...

2008-01-25T14:10:00.000-05:00

I will be here in Columbus with our Youth Group....Wish me luck ;-)

More later...

Pure Magic

2008-01-18T09:16:00.000-05:00

Hi di ho all! Above is my latest layout for the Faith Sisters Challenege this week ...it's based on a sketch by Nikki on the website. Layout is of pictures from our Disney trip in 2005 that my dad took all our families together for an amazing memorable trip! Anyway, if you feel like playing along, come join us! I like Nikki's sketch so much I did another layout (a one pager) about items I remembered from my childhood...

I so loved all these things...and I know I'm dating myself, but I remember as a kid watching the Banana Splits (and HR Puffinstuff)...I wasn't and still am not a huge TV watcher but I do remember taking time to watch these shows...the Marathon bar...which I think I mentioned in an earlier post...totally yumminess! The Spirograph and Fashion Plates....hours and hours of good crafty fun...I'm sure my mom loved these toys since I'm sure it kept me occupied for a good while...Journey...my favorite band ever! Holly Hobbie...and yes I had the Holly Hobbie lunchbox. Fisher Price's Video Camera....before electronic gadgetry of course...I used to love to take the cartidges and play the movies backwards...especially the one with Mickey and the Ghosts...classic! Mrs. Beasly...from the show Family Affair I believe...I'd carry this doll everywhere...I loved her...recently sold her a few years ago on eBay. Came in handy when I needed a little extra $$. As with the Camel with the Wrinkled Knees from Raggedy Ann and Andy. I think I sold him and Mrs. Beasly at the same time. Was sad to see them go, but I still have the memories and that's really all that matters. Oh, and Quiz Kid...I know...so nerdy, but I loved this too...and it truly was a great educational toy...It wouldn't give you the answer...one eye would turn green if you were right or red if you were wrong. Oh and almost forgot one of my toys from later childhood and one I really did enjoy...my Chem Craft Chemistry set. I remember in 5th grade seeing this Chemistry "magic show" on TV at school and I was hooked. My dad, bless his heart, saw my huge interest and just like any loving dad would....took me to the hobby shop at the mall, plunked down the $ 75.00 + dollars for it and off we went to do some experiments. It's one of those days I'd never forget. Back then that was a lot of money too and being he was the sole breadwinner and raising all us kids...I knew it had to be a sacrifice...but I'm so glad he did it for me. My dad always did come up with the best gifts for me (and mom too), but considering my dad worked a lot and when he got you a gift it was special. Like my electronics set (which he just bought one for my neice Tea and teaching her electronics now...woo-hoo!) My rock tumbler where my dad took me to this hobby shop in Cleveland that had a whole room it seemed of unpolished rocks...he helped me buy some. And not to mention the endless hours I spent with him at his workbench working on electronics with him...loved those days bunches! I'm so glad (and I've told him this) that my parents didn't raise me as a girly girl. My mom was a tom-boy...and so was I. I had more fun playing in the dirt (with my mom's spoons...sorry mom) than primping in the mirror. So much fun...Wow...this post got long...well back to reality.

So my new bedroom set...finally got it all in (including the dresser which barely made it and I pretty much told Kevin it will probably stay in this house if we would ever decide to move...if it wasn't for hubby's friend Ryan at work coming over and helping move it it would still be in my dining room! So here are some pics of my new set...not the greatest pics but you'll get the idea. I really like it. With the new mattress on my bed (BTW I really like having a Queen...more room!) my mattress is so huge and the bed is so tall I feel like I'm going to touch the ceiling! I have to literally step up into it...trying to get used to that, but anyway...love my new set.

Well I better go do something constructive...like clean out my craft room...again!

Have a great weekend!

Well

2008-01-16T10:57:00.000-05:00

I'm learning that sometimes life throughs things your way...not bad things, not good things, just little curves in your road where you feel like that car and the orange cones are coming at ya...sometimes fast, sometimes unexpectedly and somehow you need to maintain in order to make it through. Seems like life lately. I laughed yesterday and told the hubby, I would love to just have one day where things would just go the way I plan...but that's truly not life. And God is teaching me that lesson. So I'm trying not to plan too much or at least not write it in stone anyway cause somehow it always gets rearranged. So here...is to being more alert, more flexible, and not sweating the small stuff.

Finally got my furniture...I love it...it's nice. However can't seem to get the dresser up the stairs...it's too big (which I was afraid would be a problem)...so now it sits in my dining room until we figure out what to do with it.

Got my hair cut...I like it too, but I think it makes me look old...don't like that.

Worked late last night getting the next Faith Sisters challenge done. Had to run and get more yellow ink in order to finish printing out my pictures...again another curve in the road. But I got it done and that is all that matters...and I'm happy about that...check out the new challenge at the link above or to the right.

I think I mentioned before about my new little friend I had in my house...the one who somehow was crawling on top of my craft desk and partaking of my favorite Dove chocolates...well, needless to say he is no longer a resident...he's gone. Kinda felt bad, but he took my chocolates! No one does that and lives (just kidding). Well if yoou are a mouse anyway you don't...anyway...sorry mousie and I hope you have no friends with ya here.

Well got again tons on my plate and need to talk to hubby as to figure out how we are going to get this blasted dresser in our happy room....could be interesting to say the least.

Have a great day and may the orange cones be minimal.

I have been...

2008-01-14T23:23:00.000-05:00

I know... a very bad Blogger lately. Sorry 'bout that...been very busy trying to get my house in order after Christmas, helping boys with homework, playing with the boys with some of their new Christmas stuff...yes i've been having fun too, just honestly haven't had a lot of time for sitting in front of the computer lately. So what's going on...hmmm...

Well I've started working out...just at home, but it's a little something...about 20-30 minutes a day...been good so far. I'm hoping to lose about 25 pounds, but we'll see.

I did finish reading my Bible in a year....was proud of myself. I didn't think I was going to make it for a while. Got a little behind, but I made it...woo-hoo. Hadn't done that since I was a teenager.

My new bedroom set is coming tomorrow...yikes! That through me for a loop, but I got my whole bedroom gutted today, Kevin took our old bed to a girl that goes to our church and hopefully tomorrow we will have our Mission style Amish oak queen bed! Can't wait!

Oh...and hubby got the regular position he applied for at work...finally!! He's happy and sad about it at the same time...we're happy that he will now have every other Thursday and Saturday off. He should no longer have to work Sundays or holidays (WOOHOO!! That always stunk at Christmas time). We may actually be able to do things as a family on weekends! The drawback is that he will probably see a bit of a pay decrease, which of course concerns him, but I'm putting it in God's hands...He's always brought us through before. I trust He will again!

Well can't think of much else....gotta go...big day tomorrow, got lots going on....all I can say is I'll see ya when I see ya! Have a great week...or month depending when I get back ;-)

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T19:43:00.000-05:00

Wishing all my friends and family a wonderful and blessed 2008! Hope that 2008 is one that fills your life with joy, happiness and family!

Here is the link to the surprise I was eluding to a post or two ago...finally my work is getting out there. I won the Scrapbooking.com's Year In Review contest (won an awesome prize of scrap supplies too!) It really has started me New Year on a positive note. If you get a chance check it out!

Also the Faith Sister's site is posting a give away this week and a new challenge tomorrow if you're interested in checking that out as well.

Happy New Year All!

I'm back

2007-12-27T14:20:00.000-05:00

For those who may not have known...I was without internet for about a week...thus the reason I haven't been on here. Found out I had a bad modem...but now, as you can plainly see I am up and operational again...YIPEEE!!

Christmas was great...got some awesome presents...kids were spoiled as usual and all has been good. Still have one more Christmas to celebrate with hubby's family this weekend, but overall I say it was a good Christmas. My dad gave us all an awesome gift...hoping to find a frame for it so I can hang it somewhere...in my craft area I suppose if I can find it...my room is still buried under Christmas paper. My little sis gave me a cool gift as well....

Don't you love when people truly listen to even the little things you want?? My little sis (bless her heart [hugs sis!!]) knew that I loved the old Marathon candy bar from the 70's...it was my fav. Whenever my mom would send me to Lawson's down the street she would give me a little extra to buy myself a candy bar...I almost always got a Marathon bar. Well Marathon bars of course no longer made, but this is supposed to be very similar...thus my sis gave me the "Curly Wurly"...not only that, she got it for me from her last Disney trip this past October (I admire your restraint little sis for not partaking of this yummy thing)...I have yet to try it...I am still i awe that she got me this...I know it's just a candy bar, but it's little things like this that means bunches to me...I'm not sure to eat it or frame it ;-) Love ya Sis!

Well I'll post more later...I've got TONS to get caught up on at the moment and better get busy.

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Here's another...and another...

2007-12-17T20:14:00.000-05:00

OK...I feel like I need to play catch up here...I am sharing two songs today since I have missed a couple days...first one I wasn't able to find a viceo for but I still wanted to share....it's of course by my favorite Christian artist...Jeremy Camp and it's his version of "O Come All Ye Faithful" which is one of my favorite Christmas carols anyway so if you are looking for some good Christmas music...look for him:

Here is another song I have loved over the last couple years...by another one of my favorite Christian artists...the group Avalon, their song called "Light a Candle"...the video isn't that great, but the song is awesome.

Hope you are having a good week!

On to our next song...

2007-12-14T09:25:00.000-05:00

OK I'll try this again...blogger is acting a bit flaky today and I was almost done with this post and then it just closed on me...oh well...on to the next song anyway...

Today's song is brought to you by my hubby....this is one of his favorites...so Enjoy!

Oh, and there is a new challenge on the Faith Sisters site so go check it out and play along with us! Oh and I have some cool news about the layout I did for that challenge...just can't share quite yet, but soon...just stay tuned....and now to our regularly scheduled music...

Have a Wonderful Christmas time!

Fleas On Your Dog...

2007-12-12T21:10:00.000-05:00

So I'm going to keep this short and sweet tonight, but I promised a favorite song...the first favorite Christmas song I wanted to share is a favorite with me and my boys. The song:

Feliz Navidad

Or more apptly called among me and my boys..."Fleas On Your Dog"...we love to sing and dance to this one...it's totally priceless and crazy and ssssooo much fun. You'd have to be there and just goes so well with my sense of humor. So here you go everyone...sing with me...fleas on your dog...bum bum bum bum bum bum...fleas on your dog...

Hoping you are having an awesome week!

Christmas Randomness...

2007-12-11T13:03:00.000-05:00

So needless to say I've started to get into the Christmas spirit now...slow start but I think I'm getting there...maybe that means the Christmas spirit will last longer this year...always a thought...

Anyways...finally got our tree decorated...hubby and boys decorated it Sunday night...mine is still undecorated...I usually decorate my tree with my birdhouses I painted, but I just haven't felt like it yet, nor do I think I could get to the blasted things anyway....admist all this eBay I'm doing right now...God does bless in mysterious ways...Brennan the last few weeks had been praying that "Mommy would get more money", cute and silly prayer of an inoccent 8 year old, yet God has listened because there a couple ladies that hubby cleans cars for that have asked me to sell their antiques and collectibles for them. Has kept me quite busy I must say, but it has paid for a large chunk of the boys Christmas so Praise God for that!

On other things...I'm desperately trying to memorize lines for our Christmas play in a couple weeks...luckily I don't have as many lines as most, but honestly my brain is fried right now and the brain cells aren't remembering so much. The fun of the season!

We finally got TV back...as many of you know we have been without cable TV since August. Well we finally got Direct TV yesterday. Hubby is happy and scratching his head at the same time...let me go on...he gets home...asks me what I think of it...how does it work...I kind of give him the basics to what the guy told me..."So what do you think?" he asks...I told him...don't know...as soon as the guy left I turned it off. The story gets better...boys get home...tell them if they get their homework done there's a surprise for them...we reveal the surprise to the children (especially Austin) who hounded us about getting TV back...Austin proceeds to play on his computer, Colton proceeds to play on his Gameboy...Brennan is the only one somewhat interested in it and Hubby is left literally dazed and confused as to why he spent all the money...but hey he's at least happy he has TV back.

So on one of the blogs I frequent the lovely Stephanie asked to use a letter to describe your day today...today my letter is F. For Friends, Family, Fun, Frigid (lets face it...right now in Ohio its COLD!) Fabulous, and don't forget festive and food (that one's for you Dad). So what is your letter for today?!?!

I will be sharing over the next few days favorite Christmas songs...let me know what your favorites are!

Hope you are having a fabulous Feliz Navidad!

More of the white stuff...

2007-12-07T15:35:00.001-05:00

Yes folks...another snow day...in a way I'm glad...nice to have the boys home and sleep in a little bit. So what have we done so far today....

Well the normal laundry, dishes, cooking (have to feed the kiddos after all...not sure why they get so hungry all the time he-he), scouting out Christmas gifts on the internet, more laundry....oh and I finally broke out the tree and Christmas music and some Christmas decorations...I'm slowly (very slowly mind you) getting into the Christmas spirit. Will decorate the tree once hubby does his magic fluffing and putting on lights (of course who knows how long that will tkae, but my job is done anyway).

So I leave you with this little ditty:

Colton: Mommy...can you open this game for me?

Mommy: Sure buddy.

Colton: Thanks mom...now I can be the cop and I can catch all those bad guys.

Where do they come up with this stuff anyway??

Have a super day!

SNOW DAY!!

2007-12-06T14:26:00.001-05:00

Needless to say we woke up yesterday morning to this:

Which of course lead to school being canceled (YIPEE!!)

Which of course lead to the boys wanting to go out and play...who was I to say no ;-)

Even Daddy got in on it and played with the boys a bit (after shoveling the driveway of course)...ask Austin about the special delivery snow pizzas!! Too funny!! We all had tons of fun!

Today there was a two-hour delay for school (which always throughs me off for some reason) and I forgot that the school was having a special "70's dress up" day today to help raise money for a 6 year old girl in our school district who has an inoperable brain tumor and her daddy just lost his job. So I was scurrying around to try and find 70's like gear...this is what we ended up with:

Colton's 'smiley' t-shirt I made for him about 30 minutes before we left for school...good thing he has a crafty Mom...he was none too happy about his outfit (cause he wanted a costume like Austin) until I made him this shirt...thank goodness for quick thinking! Brennan wore star glasses with his too. They all looked adorable...I mean GROOVY! I'm just hoping Austin didn't get in trouble for wearing his Darth Vader costume, but hey Darth Vader was part of the 70's after all ;-)

Been working on my Faith Sister's site creating and uploading new layouts for upcoming challenges...check out this weeks challenge here.

Still haven't started Christmas shopping...YIKES! Hoping to get that done soon...hubby was way too tired to help me with that today. Maybe later.

Well got to go pick up my GROOVY boys....until next time!

Now it's OFFICIALLY December

2007-12-03T20:59:00.000-05:00

It is NOW officially December...why...because Saturday night we saw this:

Snow has arrived in Ohio...we ended up spending the night in Sandusky after visiting hubby's great aunt because the roads were a bit slippery and we where in no hurry to go home anyway. It was kind of nice to get away for the weekend, even if I didn't sleep all that well.

While we were at Aunt Thelma's Colton found a new way to play cornhole:
Why just throw that beanbag when you can crawl underneath it and catch those happy beannies!

Overall it was a nice, yet tiring weekend.

Still have yet to start my Christmas shopping. Hoping to get started this week...hoping.

Well I've got a huge to-do list and only a short time to do it so I leave you with this photo....

Have a great week!

Can you help??

2007-11-29T15:58:00.000-05:00

OK folks I need a little help...a little help in the Christmas spirit department...ain't got none, NADA, zilch...not sure if it's just the fatigue of working so much on the recent remodeling, lack of snow (not that I'm wishing for any yet), or what but I just have NOT been able to get into the Christmas mood yet. Been playing Christmas music on the radio, and that had helped a smidge, but I have NO desire to break out my Christmas decorations yet and with three kids that is just NOT COOL. So here is my plea to you....

Help me find the Christmas spirit this year...is there some sort of tradition that just puts you in that Christmas mood...a website that you've been on that just screams Christmas or anything at all...I'll take anything...just help a tired Mom out OK ;-)

May watch "It's a Wonderful Life" tonight...that always helps with the Christmas spirit...after I watch The Little Princess with the boys (I know Princess and boys just don't mix...but it IS a good movie...you know the old Shirley Temple movie.)

Well here's to hoping the Christmas spirit finds me.

The Reveal...

2007-11-26T17:17:00.002-05:00

OK folks...the moment you've been waiting for. Take it these photos were taken before I've put anything on my counters, but you'll get the picture....still not totally finished but much better than before.

I feel so happy and grateful to have this done at least to this point anyway. I was able to make Thanksgiving dinner in my new kitchen! I love my new oven and stovetop and microwave too. They are so cool and amazing. They actually tell you when your food is done. Technology, it's so amazing! And my new sink...I could swim in this thing it's so huge and deep! Love that bunches as well! So all we have to do now is paint the backsplash...we are going to put an edge of brick along the bottom of the backsplash to kind of tie the whole room together and then also put some brick in front of the sink as a splash guard. Then the cupboard doors...which in all honesty I'm not sure I want to go there...the guy who refinished them for us did an awesome job....the doors were beautiful....unfortunately they were the wrong color. Why he didn't test one of the doors to see what we had and to see if we matched is beyond me, but my cupboards are more of a brown and his doors are more cherry red. We used the same stain, but I guess the stain on the exterior of the cupboards took a little differently than the veneer on the cupboards. He's going to try to make them more brown, and I pray that they turn out. I don't expect them to match perfectly, but I told him I didn't want red. I don't like cherry, even though the stain we used was an antique brown cherry...the stain he showed us on our cupboards appeared more brown when he showed it to us...for some reason his came out more of a red. I was so sick and upset by it...but I figure it will eventually turn out, God is in control anyway...just one more setback that's all. Just pray with me that they do turn out more of a brown than a formal cherry red...I'm not into formal.

Anyways...hoping your Thanksgiving was great. My Thanksgiving was wonderful...cooking in my new kitchen, had my parents and hubby's mom and step-dad over to eat with us. We had a great time, had MORE than enough food and great conversation and spoiling the grandkids was had by all. I love having family around me...it just makes everything feel like its meant to be. It makes me content.

So did you do the Black Friday shopping thing??? I'm not into getting up before dawn for ANYTHING, not even to save a few bucks. I think I'm going to do what I've done for the past several years...shop on the internet....for me it's just the way to go. No lines, no hassles, don't have to deal with people or get frustrated cause you can't find the right thing and drive all over God's green earth to find it. I can sit in my jammies, surf the net, and just order and have it delivered to my door. And many places offer free shipping too....how can you beat that?!?!? I know with three boys I sure can't.

Well I have to go finish helping hubby clean a car, finish some laundry, get dinner, then start selling some eBay so I have some Christmas $$ to do that internet shopping with ;-)

Have a great week!

One Tired Chicka....

2007-11-21T00:02:00.000-05:00

This remodeling is truly kicking me HARD! Had all intentions of posting some more pics of the kitchen progress, but honestly I'm just too tired...maybe I'll post some later this week, but for now I'll just "chat" about it.

Kitchen is coming along...may even have a kitchen (minus new flooring) by Turkey day...possibly. After spending the last several days fumigating myself with polyurathane (nasty stuff...P-U), I finally got my cupboards stripped, sanded, polyed (four coats I may add...I added an extra coat just cuz...) sanding in between each coat of poly...though it's not perfect, it's perfect enough for me and I'm very happy with it...much better than hubby's initial thought of painting them that's for sure. My cupboards have this beautiful rustic look that I was really hoping for. (I know...you want to see pictures now right...sorry....still too tired, so you'll just have to wait...or stop by). My countertop should be going in (HOPEFULLY) tomorrow so I may actually be able to (again HOPEFULLY) cook in my kitchen tomorrow...we shall see. It will be nice to not have to cook in the basement anymore. Then the fun will begin of trying to clean this mess up and actually put hings back where they belong...somewhat. I still won't have my drawers and doors until the weekend, but hey...I've gotten kinda used to no doors. Oh well.

Well again, I'm TIRED!! so this chicka is going to finally go to bed. Pictures next time..hopefully with pics of countertop on too!

And if I don't get on here before Turkey day....have a blessed Thanksgiving!

This face...

2007-11-13T23:06:00.000-05:00

This face is a face that is SUPER excited....want to know why...I'm sure you can guess.....

Finally got his room done! In fact he is warm and snuggly in his new room even as I type. Bless his heart! He was so super excited and actually grateful...gave me the biggest hug ever...worth a month's worth of painting and aggravation after all. It really turned out super cute...other than curtains (that should hopefully be here next week) and a couple tin signs I'm hoping to win on eBay, his room is pretty much finito!! HALLELUJAH!

Here are a few more pics of the room:

Now if I could only get the kitchen done...stain is NOT working well and may be a total nightmare before it's all done. For some reason the wood on the top of my cupboards must not be the same wood as the bottom or something because it's taking the stain totally different. The top looks great, the bottom however is way too dark. Going to try and sand it tomorrow to see if I can lighten it up. Hopefully!

New challenge will be up on Faith Sister's tomorrow...check it out...it's about Home Sweet Home.

Well another busy day tomorrow and I need to try and get a good night's sleep! So until next time...

So much to share...

2007-11-04T21:54:00.000-05:00

So much to share...oh my...where to begin...
Had the most awesome worship service in church today...the congregation from Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church came to share in our service this morning. So amazing!! The fact that we could come together under one God and worship despite our differing denominations (they are Baptist, we are Wesleyan) and the fact that we are different races (they are African American), didn't matter...we all worshipped together, worshipping one God, no boundaries, no theological agendas...just worshipped! So amazing...I wish you all could have been there...Gave me a glimpse of what heaven is going to be like...cause I doubt there are going to be denominations in heaven...just Christ followers praising the same God. I guess this was such an uncommon thing that our local paper is doing a story on it...find it here...and ABC News was there filming us...not sure why and why it would have been such a big deal (we've had Shiloh Church worship with us before)...I got to meet Dan Harris and he interviewed me and another lady form our church...I doubt that I'll be on TV folks (which is plenty OK with me)...I guess after the 3 hours of filming they did the segment is only going to be 2-3 minutes long. I didn't realize how much work went into making one little blurby segment...wild! Anyway I'll let you know (or maybe someone else can let me know since we still have no cable) when it's on. It was just an amazing and wonderful day.

Hubby is sick...has what I had. I'm praying that either God heals him fast or that God gives him enough wisdom to call off work...he's never called off work in the 15 years he's worked there despite a couple time I KNOW that he should have.

Kitchen remodel is coming along...slowly. I do have new electricty run in my kitchen so now I hopefully won't keep blowing out the fuse box...I have new drywall up on my back splash...the guy is coming tomorrow hopefully to finish that. I'm praying (HARD) that my counter top gets put in next week...having no counter is getting annoying. I have stripped the bottom of the cupboards, tops yet to be stripped, but doors will probably not be done until after Christmas...oh well. As far as Austin's room goes...that is a project that just won't die! It's taken a LOT longer than I thought and not sure how much I'm going to be able to get done this week. I'm a bit upset because the paint I got for the trim is not the right paint...though it was labeled a Satin paint, it actually is a flat paint....hubby didn't realize this until I was almost done painting the trim...so sometime during my busy schedule this week I have to hike back up to Lowe's and exchange the paint for the right kind....very, very unhappy about having to go over that trim one more time....not looking forward to it at all. Austin's carpet is ready to go in...whenever I get that trim done :-/

Went looking for new bedroom furniture for us because we are going to give Austin's set to the girls instead of trying to repaint it and give Austin our dresser. We were so excited to find this Mission style set by Broyhill, but were so disappointed when we actually saw it because it just wasn't in my opinion quality made...very chincy and I wasn't paying that kind of money for chincy...I don't buy furniture very often...in fact the set we have now is the set we got when we got married 18 years ago....I wanted something that would last, so since we were in Amish country we went looking around and found this Amish store that had this really nice Mission style set...I get it in the stain color I want, in the style I want...I even get the nice mission style fixtures on it I love so much....it was a bit of money...Merry Christmas to us I guess. This house remodeling is costing us a bunch of $$$...freaking me out. Anyways...

Well I have to get busy cleaning my house...I'm having a Party Lite party tomorrow night in my torn up house so I need to make some sense out of it so I'm not totally embarrased. Hope you had an amazing weekend! Have a great week!

From our house to yours...

2007-10-31T23:09:00.000-04:00

Wishing everyone a very Happy Halloween!!

Still alive...still painting...almost done with Austin's room...hopefully by the weekend (cause I just want to be done with it!) Kitchen is still gutted...new electric for kitchen goes in Friday. Hopefully new countertop next week (really hoping). Still sick though feeling much better other than an irritating cough that won't go away. Boys went trick or treating tonight...Austin was a Jedi (of course), Brennan ended up being a cross between a vampire and a pirate...we called it a Vampirate....and Colton has for months said he was going to be the black spiderman...tonight he changed his mind and for the third year in a row...he went as the regular Spiderman...guess when you've got a good thing going you stick with it...he's wearing Brennan's old Spiderman outfit now...luckily there is always Austin's Spiderman outfit when outgrows Brennan's...who knows how long this Spiderman thing will last ;-) Will post pictures of the boys once I get them downloaded...right now I'm going to go take some cough medicine, hack up a lung and hit the hay. Happy Fall everyone!

Not feeling well...

2007-10-25T11:17:00.000-04:00

Not feeling well...just tired and sniffling and got the cough too...so it begins I guess ;-(

Anyway wanted to share this video to keep you occupied....very very powerful...please check it out: