Happy 4th Birthday Colton!!!

Hard to believe that my little boy turned four today....Happy 4th Birthday Colton James Allen!!

Even though you are ornery as all get out...probably have given me more gray hairs than your brothers combined...even though you push the boundaries every second...I love you with all of my heart and soul...you are an amazing young boy and I'm proud to call you mine!

Hugs and kisses!

God blesses those who do His work...

I just have to say it for the thousandth time today....I am so proud of my son Austin!!!! Of course as most of you know we had Vacation Bible School this week. Well they had a challenge for the kids that the top three people who brought the most friends with them to Bible School would win a cool prize...and cool prizes they were this year...a 13" flat screen TV, a neat CD player and a water slide...well my Austin was pumped and determined to bring kids to Bible School so he started asking his friends in the neighborhood and his cousins. When he found out later in the week that he was "in the running" to win a prize...he worked even harder...calling kids from school (himself!) and asking them to Bible School...though ever person he called...all 13 of them were either not home or couldn't/wouldn't come. He was so discouraged. Then the only friend that he thought he had lined up to come the last day bailed on him at the last minute...he (and I) were a bit discouraged Friday, though he was pretty proud of the people he brought anyway. We pretty much thought there was no way that he would get a prize. Well this morning they announced the winners (who had to be present to win) and needless to say he did it...he won 3rd place!! I was so proud of him...they let the other two pick what prize they want and what was left was what Austin got...which is exactly what he wanted...can you guess what it was??? I am so thankful...so proud...so in awe that God blesses those who make an effort for His kingdom...God is so GOOD! I'm so happy for Austin and he's in seventh heaven right now.

We had Colton's b-day party Saturday...(yes it has been quite a weekend!!). Can you guess what the theme was??? Colton was so excited...he so loved the Cars movie...his bed currently is sporting Cars sheets & Comforter, he pretty much got most of the Cars things...he was so happy too. It's hard to believe that my little baby turns 4 tomorrow...where does the time go?? He's so stinkin' rotten (and cute...which is his saving grace let me tell ya)!

Well needless to say I skipped church tonight to play and rest with the boys since this past week was dedicated to VBS...I'm officially pooped! I should sleep good tonight!

Hope you all had a great weekend! Only 10 more days until school....not sure whether to be happy or sad...well later peeps!

Still busy...

Another night of VBS...I'm going to be shot by the end of the week. So here what has been happening as of late...

Phone call from my ex-Pastor's wife Rachel this morning...so nice to talk to her!

Watched Dawson's Creek ( I know....I'm so lame)

My boys were beasts this afternoon..we went outside to play...today was perfect...not too hot. Like I said in the last post...I can tell that they have finally had enough of each other...must be time for school ;-)

Had an awesome late lunch with my cool neighbors...chicken chipotle tortillas....so spicy, but oh so tasty!

VBS...cool crafts...bead necklaces and pails made out of plastic cups.

Came home to upload my Dare page onto the Two Peas In A Bucket Site. The Dares are having a contest called The Last Scrapper Standing...and though I wanted to do it I wasn't sure with VBS that I'd be able to pull it off, but I did (lost a bit of sleep maybe but got er done)...here it is: I thought it turned out pretty nice...I worked really hard on this one. I most love the message on the photo...go here to read the journaling. Not that I expect to win anything, but I just enjoy challenging myself.

Tonight...Project Runway! I don't watch much TV in the evenings anymore, but tonight is my night!

Colton's Birthday party is on Saturday...not even close to being ready for it...what was I thinking planning his party right after VBS?!?!? Can you believe that he's going to be 4 on Monday?!?!

Well tomorrow is another day...may have to watch my nieces tomorrow.

Hope all is going well in your neck of the woods...

VBS and other craziness...

Well this is VBS week for me and I tell ya it's CRAZINESS!!! I'm in charge of crafts this year instead of teaching a class and though it's been different...and a LOT more work, it's been FUN! The kids are great and they seem to like the crafts they create...which tickles me. It's a beautiful thing watching a child create...and enjoy doing it. The night goes pretty quickly getting four classes of kids through...so that's nice too. We are doing an island theme this year and the kids LOVE it! Really has them interested. Even if only 1 child finds Jesus it'll be worth it.

After doing crafts this year I began to think maybe I should have become an art teacher. Not that I think I'm that great at teaching, but I enjoy watching kids use their minds to create stuff. I guess that's why Austin (my oldest) tickles me so cause he is so craetive and loves art and crafts.

On other things...boys have 15 days until school...honestly after this week I'm ready...boys have been BEARS this week..pickin' on each other and just getting on each other's nerves...as well as Mommy's. But it saddens me too cause it means it's back to routines, early mornings, fights with homework and tears over school...not looking forwards to Brennan starting 2nd grade. At their school there really isn't a great 2nd grade teacher...I pray for him that this year goes fast and smoothly...Please keep him in your prayers too if you could...he's my sensitive one and I'm just praying that he makes it through with as few tears as possible.

That also means that Colton will be home alone with Mommy...only for a little while. I'll be watching the twins again 3 days a week beginning Sept 7th cause their Mommy is going back to school to be a teacher. So Colton will at least have someones to play with and I'll have a little extra $$ which is nice.

Well sorry for the long post...can you tell I had coffee tonight??? Have a great week folks!

Warning...May be TMI...

For some this post may be TMI (too much information) but for those who have been tracking my health...here goes...

Went to the doctor today...says that my urine is too neutral...thus the reason for the kidney infections. He want me to take 1000mg of Vitamin C twice a day and Cranberry tablets to make my urine more acidic...then I'll see him in a month and see how I'm doing. So...that's it...I know TMI...but I just praise God that it isn't something at this point much more serious, which is what I was worried about.

God has been so good to me...in more ways than I can say, and I feel like in so many ways that I've let Him down and that I don't deserve all that He gives me, but I am most grateful and thankful that He obviously loves me the way He does. God is good...all the time...all the time...God is good.

Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers...they mean so much.

On another note...we may be going to COSI tomorrow (it's a science museum)...they have a Star Wars exhibit going on right now and I think the boys will have a blast...on last summer hurrah before school starts...Hopefully plans work out that we can go.

Have a great day!

A Simple Post...

Just a simple post...a simple Bible verse...that speaks enormeous volumes...

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. (Phillipians 4:6–7 – The Message)

Enough said...

I'll praise you anyhow...

Yesterday I went to church...felt like I'd been away forever since I missed last Sunday...I went to the altar to pray...pray for my situation with my health...and one of our church elders whom I dearly love prayed with me...and I just laid my burdens on that altar...I finally told God...I know it's in your hands...whatever happens happens...You are in control and I'm trusting you. I don't know why I'm going through all this but you do...it's my prayer that You may heal me, but even if you don't Lord I'm still going to praise You anyway.

I thank God for my church family...without them I'd be lost. They've fed me, watched my kids and most of all prayed for me while I was sick. Praise God for them...

Doctor's appts. tomorrow and Thursday. God is in control...He knows the plan for me. I put myself in His hands. Thanks for your prayers for me...the strength it gives me blesses me more than you know.

Happy Monday to all!

What a week...

Not a week I care to relive anytime soon.

Lots going on...

Still trying to recoup...

Meds making me a bit spacey...and tired...

getting crafts for VBS ready...

trying to figure out the why's of what's going on in my life right now...

Going to doctor on Tuesday...not sure if there aren't other things going on...so please keep me in your prayers...

As much that has been going on I'm still trying to hold on to my verse...

16-18Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. I Thess. 5:16-18 (The Message)

Praise God anyhow...

Thanks for your prayers...

After a miserable shot in the rear...(hurt like CRAZY!), a horrible migraine like headache from the awful meds I was put on, two days of pretty much staying in bed, though didn't sleep much those two days, surprisingly I feel better. I took the meds the doc gave me (not my normal doc BTW) and threw them away...I have a hard time with meds anymore...not sure why. Hubby got me new meds from our doc tonight, though I'm leary on trying them, but I know I should. But I feel much better...I'm up and around and actually got outside for about a half hour tonight...that was wonderful. I was even happy doing dishes tonight...amazing how two days of bed rest can make you even appreciate your chores!

Above all, I know that it's been the amazing prayers of my family, church and cyber family that have gotten me through all this...God is so good! I was so praising Him with my voice tonight when I was doing my dishes, which I almost always listen to music while I do dishes, but this time I was just really praising Him...I'm so grateful for His healing touch. He is so amazing!

Thank you all...you mean more to me than you'll ever know!

Not feeling so well...

Not feeling so well tonight. Been secretly dealing with a UTI thinking I could take care of it myself...I'm just hoping it's not turning into another kidney infection...already had one of those this year...hated it...don't want it again. I covet your prayers cause I just really don't have time for that right now. Thanks.

Random bit of silliness I must share...

Been busy gearing up for our VBS in a few weeks so I can't be long-winded at the moment...but I have to share this tidbit...

Colton got up a couple mornings ago and I was getting ready in my bathroom...the boys have been on a Star Wars kick lately...anywhoo...Colton is playing by himself and then he says to me..."I'm holding them back with my forest". FOREST??? I say kind of confused....yeah my forest Mom...I'm getting them with my forest. Then it finally dawns on me...oh yeah the "Force"...I'll tell ya...this little guy has been cracking me up big time lately...such personality...

of course I won't go into the "Pirates and the care of beans"...I think you get it....

Well hoping that the "forest" is with you! Later all!

Amby...if you read this...

One of the blogs I frequent Amby said how bad a day she had the other day from being late...I am not usually a late person (unless my hubby is with me...sorry honey, you know it's true), but today I totally forgot about our Youth Group's scavenger hunt and them wanting to borrow my van...now I'm usually a homebody so normally it wouldn't have been a problem, but today I had doctor's appts. then went to my sister's (which took longer than anticipated) and needless to say I was a half hour late getting the van to them...sorry guys! I felt only a smidge of your pain Amby....I hate being late!

Anyhoooooo....Well I guess in a round about way I was tagged so here it is:

1. How old are you? 29....plus 10
2. How many kids do you have if any? 3 darling boys...who can drive me crazy
3. Are you married, single, divorced, widow,? Married.
4. What is your occupation? SAHM...domestic engineer...cab driver...cook...maid...you name it.
5. What are your passions? Christ, my family, scrapbooking
6. Are you a dreamer or a dream seeker? dreamer....no time for seeking at the moment with three boys
7. Are you happy with the way you life has turned out? I know it could have been a lot worse
8. Are you a scrapper and if so how many hours a week do you scrap? Of course i'm a scrapper. And there are not enough hours to scrap...I'm lucky of I get 10 -15 hours a week....that's a really good week.
9. What do you want to do before you die? Share Jesus with someone with my family who will accept Him...fly overseas (of course they'd have to sedate me...I HATE to fly)...Own a Jeep Wrangler, black with a hard top 4L 6 cylinder manual transmission and then go to Camp Jeep!10. What is your favorite food? Chocolate is considered a food right?? I love all kinds of food.
11. What is the food you hate the most? Lima beans...baked beans...creamed corn...love corn but for some reason the look of creamed corn...yuk!
12. What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you? Please....there are way too many for this category! I hate how nervous I get when I talk to people I don't know well...I always stumble over my words...it's so embarrassing.
13. What is the happiest day of your life thus far? Wow...many for that one too...Marrying my hubby and the birth of my boys of course...and when I gave my heart to Christ totally...can't beat those.
14. Are you a neat freak? Or a dirty house cleaner? Yes...depends on what day it is ;-) I try my best to stay neat...with three tornados...it's like a hamster on the wheel...

OK...so to all of you who actually do read my blog...I tag you...and let me know that you are doing this so I can check your answers out.

Have a great day!

Hard to believe that summer is half over..and other randomness

Randomness....
Was thinking today that summer is over half over already....though we went to Hocking Hills for a few days, we haven't done a whole lot yet this summer and that depresses me...hoping to play more and have more fun...life just seems to get in the way a lot...going to my sister's tomorrow...hopefully the boys will play with their cousins and it will be a good day for them.

Had a "date" day with my son Brennan yesterday...it was nice it just being him and I. The boys were starting to get "tired" of each other if you know what I mean...the oldest, Austin, went with the neighbor lady to play video games and see Superman, and Colton went next door to play with the twins...so it was just Brennan and I. Brennan is my shy and tender-hearted one so it was nice to spend one-on-one time with him cause he seems to always be overshadowed by the other boys. We went to McDonald's and picked up lunch and then went to Lake Park (a lake near us) and had a picnic lunch. We then tossed the football and frisbee for a little while and then he wanted to go to Wal-Mart so he could get the new Nintendo DS game he wanted...and since he's been helping me around the house I said yes. He was in seventh heaven...he's so easy to please...he's always telling me almost everyday, "Mom, this is the best day ever." I hope he continues to have a lot of "best day evers". He's my sweetheart...and I'm biased.

I ask for your prayers...my Uncle Patrick is in the hospital. He had triple bypass surgery on Friday, and though he was doing OK, yesterday I got a call saying that his lungs were filling up with fluid, he was pulling out his tubes and being very uncooperative with the medical staff. They had to sedate him and he may also need a pacemaker if his heart doesn't start beating regularly. They took him off the morphine so he's in a lot of pain...he also is probably going through withdrawls cause of not having his cigarettes or alcohol for the past week...though I hate to say that, but it's true. He is only 44 and he's giving up. He's had a rough life it seems and I feel bad for him...he doesn't know Jesus and he lives in Miami, FL. Please pray for his recovery, but most of all that someone shares Jesus with him before it's too late.

Well have to get up early for boy's doctor's appts. tomorrow (just check-ups) and hopefully some fun. Hope you are having a great summer!

Lyrics

Finally fixed the music on here....kind of goes with how I'm feeling...not a new song...the group is no longer together, but I love Creed...kind of something I needed to share right now...here are the lyrics:

My Own Prison

A court is in session, a verdict is in
No appeal on the docket today
Just my own sin
The walls are cold and pale
The cage made of steel
Screams fill the room
Alone I drop and kneel
Silence now the sound
My breath the only motion around
Demons cluttering around
My face showing no emotion
Shackled by my sentence
Expecting no return
Here there is no penance
My skin begins to burn

(And I said oh) So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride
(And I said oh) We're all held captive
Out from the sun
A sun that shines on only some
We the meek are all in one

I hear a thunder in the distance
See a vision of a cross
I feel the pain that was given
On that sad day of loss
A lion roars in the darkness
Only he holds the key
A light to free me from my burden
And grant me life eternally

Should have been dead
On a Sunday morning
Banging my head
No time for mourning
Ain't got no time
(And I said oh) So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride
(And I said oh) We're all held captive
Out from the sun
A sun that shines on only some
We the meek are all in one
[Guitar break]
I cry out to God
Seeking only his decision
Gabriel stands and confirms
I've created my own prison
I cry out to God
Seeking only his decision
Gabriel stands and confirms
I've created my own prison

(And I said oh) So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride
(And I said oh) We're all held captive
Out from the sun
A sun that shines on only some
We the meek are all in one
(And I said oh) So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride
(And I said oh) We're all held captive
Out from the sun
A sun that shines on only some
We the meek are all in one
Should've been dead on a Sunday morning
banging my head
No time for mourning
Ain't got no time

So cheesy!

I know I need to be getting to bed...these late nights are starting to catch up with me...but I had to share this before I went to bed...my latest layout...a challenge to use a piece of paper that I didn't like anymore....I knew I wanted to use the Mac & Cheese paper but wasn't sure how...but the idea literally came in my dreams last night... so without further ado...here it is...

Brennan & I have this bantering thing we do when he asks for Macaroni and Cheese (which is often)...wanted to remember this forever...guess I will now.

Off to beddy bye now...night-night folks!

We interrupt the "Cave Pics"....

Happy July 4th all! Well I don't know how your weather was, but ours was rainy...loved it this morning though...I was praising God for the rain...I had the window open...listening to the rain...feeling the cool breeze and drifting in and out of conciousness...it felt so good!

Anyways...due to the rain my family canceled their picnic, so we ended up just veggiing around the house all day doin' the lazy thing. I spent most of my time scrapbooking....here's some of what I did... posted some on the Two Peas website.... it's kind of funny in a ways....I hardly get any pea-nut praise on there...not that that is what I'm there for...the site inspires me, I just keep hoping I will one day be as good as some of those gals on there. Anyways it felt good to scrap some and just have a leisurely day. Hope you had a good day yourself.

Ash Cave

I've been meaning to update from our little getaway to Hocking Hills...been a little busy. Anywho...here are a few pics from our excursion to Ash Cave, which was only 3 miles up the road from our cabin. First are a few pics from the actual Cave...so amazing in person...so vast...unbelieveable how God creates such utter beauty...I was in total awe the whole entire day. Next is Austin being his usual goofball self...gotta love him! He's wearing his "My imaginary friend beat up your imaginary friend" shirt...he loves it....next is a pic of me and the boys....I don't get a chance to be in the picture too often...I love pics like these...they make me smile Next pic is one that just moves me for some reason...I love the picture of the boys standing looking at this tree....Brennan standing against the tree...the others looking at him and the tree and the mist from the rain....I don't know what it is, but it speaks to me...I know...what a freak I am right?? Last pic speaks to me too...Kevin leading the boys down a path...the winding path...the fog...it all just speaks to me...I think it's neat...but what do I know right?? The whole day was just so full of God's splendor...the amazing natural formations of caves, waterfalls...amazing wildlife...the mist of the rain...the fresh smell after the rain was intoxicating...I sooo loved it. Hope the boys did too...I want them to enjoy nature as much as I do. God truly has created a very beautiful world...can't wait to see what heaven is like....until later folks...next time...pics from Cedar Falls...Remember God loves you!

Got to love the simpleness of a child.

Today after lunch hubby, myself and our youngest little man Colton were practicing our counting with the little man. We lined up a bunch of different things that were on the table and he began counting them...first it was to ten...then a little farther...then the conversation went like this...

Colton:Mommy...I can count backwards.

Mommy: Really honey??? (Looking a bit perplexed since we haven't begun learning this yet)...O.K. sweetheart, show me.

Colton: O.K. ....he then proceeded to turn all the things he was counting backwards and began to count...one...two...three...

Mommy: BWWAAAHHH!!!! Proceeding to bust a gut. Got to love the simpleness of a child!

Just a few pics....

Well I'm going to post just a few pics tonight...more tomorrow though. It was so nice to get away to Hocking Hills again...I so love the Hocking Hills area...so relaxing and beautiful. I could so live there...minus the mice though...more on that later.

Anyways....here is a pic of our cabin...it was very nice. Loft for the kids...basement room for us...two tv's so we could have watched one while the kids watched Disney channel...not that we did that, but the option was there. It was a very cozy cabin and I realized that Hocking Hills just has this kind of 'smell'...I used to think it was just this one place we would usually stay at for our anniversary...no...it's the whole Hocking HIlls area...it just smells so fresh and alive...alive in nature. It's a wonderful smell. Anyways... this is one of the caves that was right next to our cabin...pretty cool I thought... then we had a furry visitor....the boys named him Smokey...he was a VERY friendly syberian husky... The rest are just pics from our trip....loved the quilts on these beds...wanted to SSSOO take them home...then some cute photos of the hubby and my son Brennan...well enough to bore you with tonight. Tomorrow hopefully I'll post pics of our hike through Ash Cave, Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls. I am always amazed at God's beautiful splendor...more tomorrow.

I'm back....

Got back last night...will fill you in on the details and hopefully have pictures to share later. Weather was rainy off and on most of the time, but it didn't hinder us too much. It was nice to get away.

Momma bird ahtched her babies today...there are 2 baby robins in that nest.

Well gotta get these boys off to bed...they are fighting it bad tonight. Got church in the morning and I have to man the nursery so I need my rest.

Later folks!

Find God in the little things...

So this morning the dog woke me up at 6:30 a.m. Now I'm not much of a morning person as most of you know, but God was gently telling me this morning...Get up...I have something to show you today...so I willingly complied. So here I am, 6:30 a.m. fixing a pot of coffee...go out on my front porch to sit on my swing and in the corner is that robin's nest with it's momma being so good and sitting on her eggs. Then the sweetest thing happened...the daddy robin flew in from my pine tree and was feeding the momma bird some worms and putting some in the nest. It was one of the sweetest things I have seen in a while. Such devotion, this "father" bird taking care of the momma bird. Then the verse came to my head about how the birds don't have to worry about what to eat....God takes care of them, and the lillies don't have to worry about what to wear, God covers them with such beautiful splendor that even King Solomon wasn't dressed as beautifully as those lillies, yet God takes care of them and how much more He loves me (and us as those created in His image) and will take care of me. It was so what I needed to "hear". God is going to take care of me, no matter what happens, no matter how my world goes...He truly cares for me. I am always so amazed how God just shows up...maybe not when we want Him to...but will show us just a glimpse of Himself and it just leaves one in awe...it does me at least. God is just so amazing, so wonderful...how He sends us these little love notes throughout our day and if we are not focused on Him we miss them...the cool gentle breeze on your face, the smell of freshness after a gentle rain, and the devotion of two birds and how they care for each other...so beautiful and so priceless....God is good and so amazing...can't wait to go on this trip tomorrow to see what other wonderful beauties of nature, love notes if you will, He has in store for me. I know there will be something...hopefully I'll have my camera with me so I can share it when I get back.

May you take time today to experience God's love notes to YOU today...until next time...God bless.

What a weekend...

This was a strange...hard...stressful...and thought provoking weekend. I'm hoping that this trip to Hocking Hills will clear heads, wipe out the cob webs, help to reconnect and just enjoy the simple things like just being a family. It's been rough and it's just something that we NEED...it's no longer a want or something to think about putting on our calendar....this is a desperate NEED...no matter what the cost. I am just so thankful that I have a God who is just there to listen to me day or night, hear my cries and just be my comfort and my rock.

Today went to do laundry and the carpet in my laundry/craft area was wet. At first I thought it was the dog, but then after I investigated it ended up being the pump for our air conditioner...soaked the whole piece of carpet. Thankfully it's just a remnant so it wasn't a total loss, but just not something I wanted to deal with. Austin though got an awakening to what it was like to be "the man of the house"...not sure he likes the grown up thing.

Went to go see Cars again today...went with the neighbors this time. I think I liked it even better the 2nd time around. Such a cute movie...If you haven't seen it yet you have to go...it's great!

Well I need to get to bed...have to start packing for our trip tomorrow. If you get a moment...pray that we have a good time as a family and that we connect in an amazing way. Thank you.

May God bless you with an amazing week!

So looking forward to vacation...

I'm ready....hubby is MORE than ready....kids are ready....just need to GET ready ;-) Come Wednesday we'll hopefully be in Hocking Hills...2 days of relaxation...two days of bonding as a family which we haven't truly been able to do since Disney. Hoping Hubby will be able to relax...unwind...hopefully connect with the Lord and with the kids...it's been a rough few months. We have so needed this in so many ways. I'm praying that the weather is nice, but even if it isn't I know that it will still be good...no phones...no interupptions...just us as a family. Hoping for total quality family time. I'll have my camera ready ;-)

We were all sitting outside at our new patio set...I always wanted one...you know the one with the umbrella...and how wonderful that the Lord provided one for free! Not brand new, but it's nice and I love it and that's all that matters. Got it from a house that hubby's mom is working on a forclosure on. So cool. Love it! Anyway we were sitting on the patio set and just enjoying ourselves as a family...it's the first time in weeks that I heard my hubby laugh...it was a nice preview of what our two day outing can be. Please pray that my hubby finds refreshment...finds peace...and just relaxes.


Later folks! May the Lord bless you in a very special way today!

Saw this on another blog...

This morning...I know...morning...I was blogging this morning...must be something up with that since I am NOT a morning person, but the Lord woke me up this morning with a beautiful sunny day, I read His Word and decided to blog...go figure?

First of all...It seems like I've been dealing with a lot of negative...a lot of junk lately and I'm just trying...hard...to get through it. Just a lot of negative attitudes and just plain junk. I just prayed this morning that God would just help me get through the junk and find the good and remain positive about it...to stay positive and not only that...be contagious to others.

Anyways...I read this on one of the blogs I peruse once in a while and thought I'd share it...

What delights you? What are the things that give you pleasure? Notice your moments of joy and make a list of all the things that bring you gladness. Don’t try to analyze what should bring you happiness. Instead, just notice what DOES!

I love this! It goes along with the idea of not making things more complicated than they need to be. Don’t worry about what you think you are supposed to be doing, based on anyone else’s standards or notions. You are uniquely you. God has put desires in you for a reason. Do what you have a natural bent to do, and it will most likely bring you happiness and be a blessing to others. So what I needed to read today...find the joy in something...

So, what brings you joy? Go out and do it today! And tell me about it!

Exhausted...

So tired...not that I did a whole lot today. Sat outside while I watched the boys play in the sprinkler and on the trampoline. I did cook out on the grill today for lunch and had the neighbors over before they left to get ready to go to Disney...lucky bums...so miss Disney.

Finishing up laundry and went to Wal-Mart tonight. Grocery shopping tomorrow. What fun...

Finally found a place to stay on our vacation...though we are only able to stay a couple days, it will be nice to get away...and it's right next to Ash Cave. In fact there is a cave right behind our cabin...check out the picture...better yet, check out their website. I think we'l have fun...we so need to get away.

Well I'm off to bed....actually I might take a nice hot bath first and then off to bed. Nighty- night folks.

Got 'er done...almost

Well got to work in my laundry/craft area today...got most of it done, just need to clean off my craft table...AGAIN....that's something that always needs done though...kinds like the dishes...go figure.

Spent most of my evening tonight though looking for places to go on our vacation here in a couple weeks. I know...procrastinators we are...but not sure if we were going to be able to go anywhere at all, but I think it's more of a HAVE TO...NEED TO go somewhere...hubby has had enough and wants to get away...far away...well not too far, but who am I to buck him on that?!?!? Sounds good to me ;-)

Well I'm tired and need some sleep...got to sleep in today by the way...it was so nice!

Later~

I have other things...

that I really should be doing...like balancing the checkbook...catching up on e-mail...cleaning out the laundry/craft area....but I'm just taking a break for a moment.

Ever just wake up not in a very good mood and not sure why?? Today was my day. Despite the fact that Austin and Colton got me out of bed early today, I just honestly haven't been sleeping well. I think this situation has been keeping me from much desired good decent sleep. Anyways...

Had all intentions to start cleaning the Laundry/craft area today, but my body was so tired and sore from cleaning the playroom, mowing grass, laundry and all the other stuff I did yesterday...just didn't do a lot today.

The boys, Leslie, the twins and I went to the library today and signed up for their summer reading program. It's a great program, they get a pool party at the end of the summer...they love that.

Had Women's Group tonight...just kind of hung out tonight and we met for ice cream. Hubby brought the kids along and he took the twins and boys around the towpath for a long walk. We had a good time just talking and laughing. Times like that are so nice.

On another note I found this quote on another blog tonight....

An introverted person recharges by being by himself / herself, while an extroverted person recharges by being around other people.

So true...I consider myself more introverted and seem to become so much more refreshed after being alone...hubby on the other hand is an extrovert and LOVES being around people...he fuels off of them. Made me think....so which are you???

Wel off to do my "chores" now...thanks for the break!

Out with the old...

Today was the beginning of D-day...or d-week...or d-month...who knows. Began cleaning out the boys playroom today...what a chore that was. They have accumulated so much and though we try to keep a handle on it, it was time to do a major rid-out of stuff. I was waiting until I was no longer watching the girls to do the major clean out. And it feels better...there room is clean...stuff is in its proper place...momma is happy about that. Thing is trying to find a place for all this stuff before I either sell it on eBay or toss it to the garage sale. (BTW if you know anyone who would like to buy a gently used Little Tikes Fun Interactive Kitchen...let me know). It just feels good to lighten things up in our house, though sad to see the things that they've outgrown go. They are growing up so fast. It makes me sad.

Did take a little break from cleaning out the playroom and laundry to play a couple rounds of hand and foot with Leslie & Michelle...they taught it to me Saturday....not sure I like that game...won last night by a fluke I'm sure of it...but I'm having a hard time trying to figure out a strategy. I'm sure I'll have plenty of chances this summer to practice ;-)

Tigger is sounding better today...PTL...still worried about that little pup though. Thanks for your prayers.

Kind of dealing with an issue...please pray about it if you wouldn't mind...someone in my life is not treating people the way I think they should be treated and I may have to get drastic with them and not sure I'm liking that idea...please just pray that they see things the right way.

Hope you had a happy Monday!

The good, the bad...

Well I tried updating this yesterday but internet was acting flakey and I think the rainstorm yesterday didn't help. Anyway, boys are off for summer...so far so good except for the occasional fighting over gameboys and computers...so what else is new. I'm just so glad to have them home.

On a more somber note...had to take our dog Tigger to the vet again Friday. We took him a couple weeks ago cause he had a cough and acted like he was choking...found out he had trachial bronchitis...got him some meds, but just wasn't cutting it...then Friday I called the vet and even though I had an appointment on Sat. Tigger was really hacking bad so I called Friday and they luckily worked him in. Talked to the vet and we already knew that Tigger has a heart murmur, but Dr. Jere did some x-rays and found he has an enlarged heart. Nothing we can do about it. Now I know Tigger is 13 years old, but it makes me sad. Tigger was my first baby and I guess more or less the vet told us to make him as comfortable as possible. I is a sad momma...but we'vre prayed over him and today he's hardly coughed at all, Praise God...but I know that our days together are fading...just makes me sad.



On a more positive note...finally downloaded pics off my camera..found this on my craft table around mother's day. Not sure who did it...no one is fessing up. But it's things like this that make me happy to be a mom.







I got up early yesterday (couldn't sleep) and began reading the 7th chapter of my book "Captivating". This has to be my favorite chapter so far. It talked about how Jesus loves us...not just the "Jesus loves me this I know cause the Bible tells me so" kind of love...though that's nice and I don't want to downplay that. It's just God loves us with such a deep and passionate love that we can't possibly understand or grasp it. God loves me so much and with such passion and He wishes the same from me. God sends us little "love letters" each day and all we need to be is sensitive to those and sense those little displays of affection....the sunrise...the breeze on your face...the twinkling stars at night...the song of the birds in the morning...little things that God sends us when we need them just to show us that He loves us. Each of us has a hole in our heart that only God can fill, but God also has a hole in His heart that only I can fill....God has a "Tammy shaped hole" in his heart and He longs for me to fill it...He loves me that much...all I can say is WOW...I mean that much to the God of all creation. If that doesn't make one feel special...I don't know what to tell ya. God always amazes me.

Well that's all for now...hope you're having a nice weekend!

Onward and upward....

How's it goin'??? Well to recap my week so far....

Monday...Memorial Day...celebrated my 39th birthday...pretty uneventful. Was going to go out to dinner, but place we wanted to go was closed for the holiday. Boys made me some beautiful cards. Hubby's gift didn't come until yesterday...he got me this... a Canon EF-s 60 mm Macro Lens for my new camera...need to take some time to read up on it, but it is nice. Wanted it so I could take some decent close up shots. Thanks honey! Now if I save for a zoom lens (which is far more expensive) I'll be set. I'd like to take a decent photography class first before I plunk a bunch of money on something like that.

My neighbors and the girls I babysit for got me this...I saw it on TV and since Brennan has a DS now I've shamlessly confiscated it as of late. This is one of those games I could easily get addicted to...sad I know. Like I'm not busy enough then I have to throw something like this into my life...Is there no mercy?!?!?! Love this game...especially the game Sudoku....wasn't sure how to play this or what all the buzz was about it...now I get it. It is fun and makes you think...enough to make my head hurt anyway! I'm not much for taking any sort of drugs, even aspirin...but the last two days I have taken them. It's sad. I'm beginning to look like my boys...sitting for what seems like hours in front of this crazy contraption...I need help. By the way my brain age is 38...it was 45, but I improved today...good for me ;-)

Got $$ from my parents and Kevin's parents. Debating on whether to just plunk it into the checking account or to splurge on myself and get that Adobe Photoshop program I've been trying to save for. It'll probably end up in the checkbook...Ron & Ellen got me $ 25 gift certificate to my favorite restaurant in town...the Yucutan and picked me up a to go order of chips and salsa...I SO LOVE THEIR SALSA...it's the best. I could literally stick a straw in it and drink it...it's that good!

Well...I'm on an operation to clean out my house and hopefully have a garage sale soon. Time to unclutter and lighten our load. Today I went through my closet...cleaned it down and weeded out clothes and other things I no longer needed. Tomorrow I'm hoping to get through our bedroom and maybe the boys' rooms. We'll see...

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER...(do you hear that faint cry of Alice Cooper in your ears)...YES School is out! My boys were so happy. When I finally get my camera downloaded I'll have to show you pics of what I made for my boys teachers...they turned out great. When I was waiting for the boys at school when the bell rang you could hear this literal roar of screaming and delight from the kids as they were running...and I mean running out of school. It was the first time that Austin was out of the room in a long time that I didn't have to go in after him. They are free!!!

It's late and I'm hoping to sleep in tomorrow....sleeping in...I'm ssssooo looking forward to doing that now!

Happy summer all!

Heading on my last leg of my 30's

Been a busy weekend...Graduation parties...going to hubby's brother and sister-in-law's for cookout...he's paintballing today with his brother...hoping he comes back in one piece...went to church today...ended up having to lead worship today because Joann's daughter Kate was sick...that threw me for a curve, it went OK...we got a new sound board at church so on top of being nervous leading worship, we had to deal with the quirks of dealing with a new sound board, but like I told the congregation today, we need to praise the Lord that He blessed us with a new sound board....sang the special today with Michelle and Leslie...think that went well...came home fixed lunch and then played with the boys while hubby went to get pelted with paintballs...boys now watching Spiderman...currently having a quiet Mommy-boyfree moment....AAAHHHH....that was nice...

Yes...tomorrow I embark on my last stretch of 30-dom. I don't know where my 30's went to be perfectly honest...like hubby said...the kids pretty much sucked those up for ya. Turning 30 I had not a bit of problem with...turning 40 next year...wow....all of a sudden I'm feeling quite old, and unfortunately at times I feel it....and I'm told it doesn't get much better. Oh well....God willing I'll age gracefully ;-)

Well I think I may take a few quiet moments and scrapbook or something. I have a few pages I need to show that I've done this week, but later...I promise.

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend all! Be safe!

Oh my...

Well just some randomness...

Austin has strep throat. Six days of school left and he missed school today. Doctor says he should be able to go back tomorrow though...thank goodness. He misses his friends.

American Idol tonight...I know I said I wouldn't watch since Chris got bumped off...but...I'm a shameless sucker I guess. I watched...I wondered....I wondered why they sang some of the songs they picked...not sure who will actually win. I would like to see Katharine win of course, but who knows...I just know that it should have been Chris...I'm not bitter or anything ;-)

I just realized that there is only 5 days of school left and no teacher's gifts in sight...Yikes...need to get busy.

Have a meeting tomorrow night and I'm praying it doesn't run over so I miss American Idol.

I SHAMELESSLY downloaded some Chris music off the AI website...never paid to download music before. I could see that becoming a bad addiction if ever I got an iPod or something of that nature...I'd definitely have to set a limit on that bad boy.

Don't have to work tomorrow...and after Thursday I believe I'm technically done babysitting for the summer which I'm glad...I'll miss my girls (not that I won't see them since they are right next door) but I really need to get some stuff done around here...like some serious eBaying.

Well I'm off to work on the Church calendar that is due out this Sunday, prepare for tomorrow's meeting and try to get some teacher gift ideas.

Have a fantabulous evening!

I'm Back

Well sort of...still on son's computer (only because hubby is on ours). Finally got our computer back so I am finally operational again. Things have been kind of stressed around here. With weddings, birthday parties, graduations on top of just the everyday it's been a whirlwind to say the least.

I just have to give glory to God above though....been dealing with a situation that had been bugging me and after much prayer and fasting, was finally able, with God's help of course, to deal with, confront, and handle the situation and I think things are for the better because of it. Praise God for His faithfulness and love and for always carrying me through. Praise you Jesus!

Well I know this is short but it's late and I need to go to bed. Only 6 days of school left.

What a weekend...

What a busy and frantic weekend this past one was. It all started with Friday....we were to go see Joel Osteen preach in Columbus. Well about 1:00 p.m. hubby calls me and tells me his parents aren't feeling well and won't be able to watch the boys...YIKES...and we wanted to leave aroun 3:30 - 4:00...so I'm frantically calling people...after all this was hubby's present. I call my mom...no go there...she was ankle high in water from all the rain we'd been having and she was blowing fuses in her house...not a good day for her...I call my sister who owed me anyway...after trying to figure out how to reroute her plans and ours...she came over and bless her heart she watched the boys. However we didn't leave until 4:30-4:45 which put us way behind and not only that...we were going to end up hitting rush hour traffic. And did we...YIKES again. We then were trying to meet Pastor Dean and Rachel for dinner beforehand since where we were going to be was near where they lived so we met them for dinner...about 6:30 by the time we made it through traffic and had to backtrack after making a wrong turn. We had a wonderful dinner with them and though I had thought about telling them we weren't going to make it for dinner I'm so glad we did because it really helped calm hubby down after the drive. It is always so nice to see them and when I get done talking with them it just makes me feel so much better and realize that how I'm feeling isn't wrong and that I'm not alone. I miss them so much.

So anyways, we finally get to the Arena...about 10 after 8. Started at 7:30...though I knew there would be praise and worship first, which I ws right and we really didn't miss much. However when we got there and I handed the girl the tickets she looked at me and says, "These tickets are for the wrong night...they were for last night." My mouth I know hit the floor...after all we went through to get there...I never checked the tickets and I knew I wouldn't have gotten tickets for a Thursday night. YIKES again! The lady then took us over to the service desk and the lady there tells us that we were in luck. Some people had turned in their tickets that they weren't going to use so there were extras...and she gave us the best seats she had...which were better than the seats I had gotten. We were on the lower level just to the left of Joel...very good seats...PRAISE JESUS!!! It was a great time and hubby most of all enjoyed it, which is all that mattered to me since it was for his birthday that we went. After the program we went over to the service desk and thanked the girl again for the great seats and all...so nice to know that there are still nice people in this world.

Saturday we had a wedding to go to for one of the teens from our Youth group. She's not a teen anymore...she's 20, but...anyway it was a pretty wedding. I expected far more of a turnout, since what I understood most of the city and half of Ohio was invited as well as many of those out of state...but maybe the rain kept them away. Saw Pastor Dean and Rachel again there and also Pastor Lisa and Danielle. It was ncie to see them all again. Man I wish I understood more about God's plan...anyways...after the wedding reception we went to the video store and pretty much vegged and watched movies since we didn't have our Family Movie Night on Friday.

Sunday of course was church and then hubby took me out to my favorite restaurant in town...the Yucatan. Great mexican restaurant. Then we visited my mom and then hubby's mom. It was a long weekend.

BTW, my computer is still down...I really hope I get it back soon...I have a ton of stuff to do on there that I can't do on Austin's computer...YIKES!

Well I'm going to quit rambling and go try and do something productive...maybe even scrapbook...we shall see.

Hope your weekend was a good one!

You've got to be kidding!!

I am in utter disbelief.....as you probably guessed....it's over last night's American Idol results. Now granted I unfortunately missed Tuesday's night performance entirely (Church meeting) but I am in shock...I cannot believe that Chris got voted off. I was so upset that I threw my remote down and it sort of broke...I was able to put it together again, but foolish of me I know. It's just a show afterall...which I can't see me watching again...I can't see why he got voted off and Elliott is still in the running...WHAT IS WRONG WITH AMERICA!! It is so against rocker guys I swear....that's why Bo didn't win last season. That's why Chris got voted off...rock and roll is not the thing the majority of America is into. Shame too. But anyway I think we'll still see Chris...he'll get a record deal somewhere. And I will definitely buy his album over an Elliott or Taylor. My hope now is that Katherine pulls it off, but I have no clue what is going to happen now.

Anyway on more interesting things. Hubby and I are going to see Joel Osteen tomorrow night. I think it will be a wonderful time. I enjoy watching him preach on TV. Some people think he sugar-coats religion a bit too much, but I feel that if one can bring people closer to Jesus in a gentle and loving way, so be it. It beats Bible bashing in my opinion. Hoping hubby gets off work in time so we can get there on time. Sounds like a good time for just us for a change.

Well I have to get my boys from school

Have a great day!

Enjoying God's Splendor...

Sorry I've been away so long...can tell that it's May and that summer is right around the corner...things around here are going into hyperdrive.

Spent the last few days finally getting away to get my haircut, go shopping for some clothes for myself (BTW...I hate shopping for myself...why can't they make decent clothes for a almost 40 woman???..Either it's too youthful and half your body parts are hanging out or the clothes make you look like your Grandma. UGH!) I also bought some plants for my yard...I finally bought a Lilac bush...something I have always wanted for my yard. They smell so wonderful! God makes so many wonderful plants...and of course I bought another rose bush...I love my roses.

Saturday I spent running hubby around town and then we spent time with our neighbor friends, playing dominos, eating pizza.

Sunday of course was church...I love church! We had a concert Sunday evening...what an awesome time and the singers were people from around town...such amazing talent! Loved them all.

Yesterday I spent with Leslie and the twins...we went to Zanesville and I returned a dress, spent some money on my boys and then came home and mowed lawn, planted most of my plants and worked on my front hill which I need to finish today. I so enjoy working with the plants in my yard and making it look nice. I like to mow grass even. If my hubby had it his way our whole lot would be concrete and painted green just so it would look nice.

While working on my rose bushes yesterday I couldn't find my garden gloves so I was working with my bare hands...of course I was stuck several times by the thorns...and I could not help but think about our Jesus and the sacrifice He made for us...I was pricked by one thorn and IT HURT. My Savior wore a crown of them and I couldn't imagine the pain He must have endured...for me. And yet He endured far more than that crown of thorns. I was humbled again by His marvelous sacrifice.

Well I'm trying to recover from all the work I did yesterday...a bit sore today...got to finish that hopefully this afternoon.

Have a great and wonderful day!

Oh...and I may not be on here as much for a little while...my PC has a virus again and I'm using my son's computer right now...got to love those viruses!

Later~

Frustrated...

Frustrated a bit today...boys not wanting to listen today...girls not wanting to clean the playroom before they left...hubby telling me he's on his way home for dinner which I run in the house to finish up dinner only to find out over an hour later he met up with his mom and brother...hubby not being home for dinner once this week...just a bit irritated that's all...of course God never said life would go smoothly...it's times like this I bite my tongue (HARD) and pray and rely on Jesus...He sometimes is the only thing that gets me through...which makes me wonder how do those who don't know Jesus do it??? I know it hadn't been that long ago that I was trying to do life on my own, but it seems like forever ago...God is my Rock and my Fortress...I can't live a day without calling out His name...in praise or for help.

On a different note...AI...Paris is gone...my mom will be upset....sorry Mom...she liked her. She doesn't have a bad voice....it's just she had that squeaky voice when she talked which just annoyed me...but I think we'll probably hear more from her in the future...she's still young yet.

Don't have to babysit tomorrow....PTL cause I am in dire need of a haircut...I think it's been February since my last cut and haven't been able to work it in my schedule...I really need a trim...keeping it longer though...I like it a lot and I've gotten a lot of compliments with growing it out.

BTW, got to sleep through the night...no visitors or anyone crying for a change....THANK YOU LORD! You are so good!

Still loving my book "Living With Less"...I think I have 4 chapters to go and then I'm done...and if you know me...for me to finish a book is quite a feat...doesn't happen very often. That should tell you how much I like this book.

Well I'm either going to go off to bed or scrapbook a little tonight not sure which...

Have a great day and when you go outside today...take in one thing that God has created...breathe it in (Lilacs are in bloom here...enjoyed those today)...bask in it...and then thank Him for His wonderful gift!

Well not much tonight...

I know after yesterday's post what else could I have to talk about. Tired today...I've had someone waking me up everynight except one for the past almost 2 weeks now...Momma's starting to feel the effects....Momma's tired so I'll keep this short.

Had Women's Group tonight. It was good...we had a great meal of meatloaf and mashed potatoes. YUM!

It rained here today...it was nice. Love the smell after it rains.

Read more of my book today "Living With Less"....I'm really liking this book. It really puts my life here on earth in a much more temporal perspective...get it here if you are interested. Guarantee it will be the best $ 10.00 you've ever spent.

Watched all of AI tonight...haven't done that for a while. Each week I just am in awe of Chris...he ROCKS!!! Katharine was good too...her first song was OK but she did a great job I thought on here second song. My opinion...for what it's worth...I think it'll be down to Katharine and Chris...but I've been wrong before.

Well going to bed...hopefully for the whole night and no one crawling in bed wanting Mommy ;-)

God is good! He amazes me everyday that He would love a wretch like me.

So much to say...

God is so amazing!!! I feel like with each new Spring day I see something new and amazing about my God. He's os beautiful, amazing, exciting....He's all I need.

I sang last Sunday during Church...forgot to mention that in the last few posts...though it was a song I've sung before...God gave me this amazing strength to sing the song...I was just so amazed as how God used me caused I was so concerned about how I would sound with all these allergy problems I was having...but God was amazing and worked through me and I had several people come up to me and say how wonderful it was. I am always in awe as to how God uses someone as unworthy and common as myself.

I have some amazing friends that I'm developing some close bonds with. My neighbors Michelle and Leslie...(I watch Leslie's twin girls during the week)...they are so fun to be around...they make life fun...I'm so glad that God has brought them into my life. After an incident that happened with a very close girlfriend of mine in high school...(I found out our friendship was pretty much based on a bunch of lies)...I have always had a hard time getting close to female friends...I'm just so glad that God has helped me to be able to want to trust again in this way...God always gives you what you need when you need it.

I've been doing this Bible study on the book Captivating as some of you may know. Very good book BTW. It really gets to the core of a woman's heart...how we long to be told we're beautiful...how God created us to be beautiful and captivating. How beautifully God thinks of us. Lasts week's lesson was good on how we have been wounded...we all have been wounded in one time or another in our lives and how many times we turn to other things like boys, food, romance novels, etc. to fill the void of our wounds when we should turn to God. This week we are reading the chapter about "A Special Hatred" and how Satan hates us as women. "The evil one hates Eve because she gives life....thus Eve (woman) is his greatest human threat. Satan also fell from grace because of his pride and his beauty...now he has this revengful assault on beauty and Eve is the incarnation of the Beauty of God. Thus Eve incarnates the Beauty of God and she gives life to the world...He assaults her with a special hatred." I thought these words wer so profound. and this as well..."He plays on a woman's worst fear: abandonment. He arranges for her to be abandoned, and he puts his spin on every event he can to make it seem like abandonment." WOW...doesn't that put things in an amazing different and focused light?!?! So true...at least at times for me...and this final note..."You really won't understand your life as a woman until you understand this: You are passionately loved by the God of the universe. You are passoinately hated by his enemy." I read those words in this latest chapter and it was like a light came on...My God passionately loves ME....Wow...not like I didn't know that...he loved me...but passionately?!?!? WOW....almost brings tears to my eyes.

Another book I'm reading is "Living With Less" by Mark Tabb...another good book and an easy read. It talks about how we need to learn to live with less and that it's the world's view about how we think we need more stuff more things more more more....when in fact all we need is God and seeking His kingdom first and all other things will be taken care of. How we need to be a servant...and serve others...instead of focusing on ourselves and those things we think we "need". Like I said...good book so far...check it out.

On other notes....as far as Reality TV goes...so glad to see Kellie go...she hasn't been very good the last couple weeks...not sure who the next one will be...my guess is Paris or Elliott...what do you think??? An on Top Model...I haven't been following this one too well since it's on the same time as Idol...but Nneena is gone??!!!?? What is up with that!!! and Jade is still there....can't figure this one out...Jade has such an attitude...she thinks she's all that. Oh well.

Finished the scrapbook I've done about me today...finally. I'll post pics once I get the pages all scanned. It looks great I think ;-)

Well don't want to write a book...though I've got a pretty good start going thus far huh?? Hope you all have had a wonderful and blessed Monday. Later all!

God is so good!

Thank you to all of you who prayed for my family. Got the results finally yesterday and Austin DOES NOT have a heart murmur and hubby doesn't have hepatitis at least, though they say he may have another gall bladder attack if he doesn't take better care of himself. I know he doesn't want that to happen so he's trying to change his diet now...though the stress hasn't changed in his life...hey baby steps right??

I am just so in awe of the awesome God we have. The God that knows my heart and answers prayer...the God who comforted me while I waited...the God that I trusted to answer. He is amazing. Truly and completely amazing. To think that the doctor thought he heard something and to find out there was nothing....I attribute it totally and completely to God....He is the Mighty Healer....Thank you Jesus!

Thanks again for all your prayers and concern...you gals are amazing!

Random stuff

Well....no news yet on hubby and Austin's tests...a little bummed by that. Called this afternoon and of course they didn't have the results yet, but they would call later this afternoon...and of course no call...and they of course are closed until Monday. Long weekend I guess.


Saw this on Sarah's website and thought I would try it so here it goes:

1. Never in my life: Have I traveled overseas
2. The one person who can drive me nuts, but then can always manage to make me smile: Wendy
3. High School was: a pain
4. When I'm nervous: I tap my foot
5. My hair: Needs cut
6. When I was 5: I stole a 3 Musketeers candy bar from the grocery store
7. Last Christmas: Was awesome cause I was at DISNEY WORLD!!! (Thanks Dad!!)
8. When I turn my head left, I see: The pile on my computer desk that I really need to go through
9. I should be: Typing my Church board minutes
10. When I look down I see: My pink painted toenails
11. The craziest recent event was: Hey everyday here is a crazy event
12. If I were a character on Friends I'd be: Rachel
13. I have a hard time understanding: How Chris made the bottom 3 on American Idol
14. Take my advice: Don't get your tubes tied!
15. My ideal breakfast is: French Toast
16. If you visit the place I grew up: You'll understand why my family moved
17. If you spend the night at my house: Please bring your own Valium
18. I'd stop my wedding if: It needed to be stopped.
19. The world could do without: Cancer
20. Most recent thing you've bought yourself: Way too many scrapbooking supplies from QVC
21. Most recent thing someone else bought for you:Honestly can't remember...Ticket to the Chonda Pierce concert last month I suppose
22. My favorite blonde is: Ash blonde...oh you mean blonde person...my mother-in-law Marlene
23. My favorite brunette is: Kevin
24. The last time I was drunk was: right after I got married...almost 17 years ago
25. The animals I would like to see flying besides birds are: Pigs...how many times did someone tell you "When pigs fly"
26. I shouldn't have been: so shy as a kid
27. Last night I: Watched Idol
28. There's this girl I know who: Stares at me in the mirror everyday...man I wish she'd quit following me
29: I don't know: and don't blame me...I'm blonde.

Have a great week.

Idol...

Well I'm not surprised...Ace is gone. Sorry to see him go in a way, but it was bound to happen I'm afraid. But I am TOTALLY floored that Chris was in the bottom three...HOW CAN THAT HAPPEN?!?! Unbelievable. How did Kellie make it through when she hacked her song?? Go figure.

When it rains....

Lord please send the rainbow....still waiting on results from Austin's test...hubby however had his check-up today. Almost told him to cancel it...he's been feeling just fine. Wasn't sure it was worth the trip...hubby called the doctor...they wanted to see him and thought it would be in his best interest to come in...his blood test showed that his billirubin is still too high...blood pressure is high...protein is high...doctor taking more blood work. Not sure if it may be hepatitis, a liver problem or possibly his gall bladder or who knows what else. Hubby of course fearing the worst. I'm done with all these health problems this year. On top of that my allergies are giving me fits. I know that God brings things into your life for a reason...Im just really really searching for the reason right now. I know He's still in control and all things are in His hands. Please pray for hubby and for Austin. Should hopefully know by Thursday about both of them. Things are just a bit stressed here.

Speaking of stressed...raising children is definitely not for the faint at heart. Trying to teach my nine year old about obedience...he's been rather the opposite lately. Not ready for those teen years...guess this is what I have to look forward to. He's such a sweet boy. He hates being disciplined though...but isn't that the way with all of us ??? Even with our Heavenly Father??? No one I know has ever said, "Yeah I love to be disciplined." It stinks. It's hard. It breaks my heart....as I'm sure it breaks God's heart when He has to discipline us. Trying to tell a nine year old that is I think even harder. There are rules...there are boundaries...they are there for a reason. I just hope one day he can look back and know that we loved him and always will. Like I've always told my kids, "I may not like what you do, but I will ALWAYS love you." I just pray that I can look back and say I did a good job. It's one thing I struggle with. Since being a SAHM is basicly my job, I want to do the best job I can. I hope one day my boys can say...yeah mom you did a good job.

Well going to shove off to bed...kids go back to school tomorrow...ick. Not much longer till summer though. YEAH!

God bless...

Sometimes...

It's so hard not to give in to the same old thing....ever feel that way?? Today was kind of a hard day for me...though it ended better...

Today I had to take my oldest son Austin to the hospital for an EKG because the doctor thought he had a heart murmur. Still of course waiting for the results on that, but it was a stressful day. No mother wants to hear that something is wrong with their child. Though the doctor told me that it's not uncommon, that some children grow out of it...nothing to be too concerned about. I prayed to God when we went to the doctor last week..."God please take this and make it go away, but if you choose not to, then give me and Austin the strength to get through it." Thing is when it got to today I was hoping that hubby was going with us for the test, though unfortunately work got in the way. I was upset and things didn't go well there...Felt bad...felt bad cause I should have allowed God's strength to sustain me and instead I was trying to rely on hubby to do that...bad me. Just struggling with trying to see God's purpose for this...give it to me...don't give it to my kids. I know I'm probably making so much out of so little...oh well.

Though the neighbors made it a bit easier for me...gotta love them. They watch the other two boys today while I took Austin to the hospital. Then I had them over for some leftover lasagna and we played dominos. Got my mind off of things, which I needed badly. Thank you Lord for friends!

Well got some things I need to get taken care of before bed, but just needed to share that.

Help me Lord to truly lean on you and to trust you better.

Good Friday

Hoping you are having a Good Friday...Today I can't help but to reflect on what a sacrifice has been given on this day many many years ago. I stand in awe as to how much our wonderful God must truly love us...I mean REALLY TRULY LOVE US! I think and look at my three beautiful and amazing boys and wonder...would I be willing to allow any of my boys to die for sinners...some who could care less...some who may never know the sacrifice that had been made for them...Tough question....but God did and without hesitation...and Jesus was willing...Did he want to...I don't think He wanted to...but I do believe that more than anything He wanted to do His father's will and He did...for us...so we could enjoy eternity in heaven with Him oneday. That's how much He loved us...that He willingly died on an old rugged cross...sinless as He was and without blame...so we who believe can live. So as you reflect on today. Think about the sacrifice that was paid for you...for you to have the possibility to enjoy eternity in Heaven. Think about how much God must truly and unconditionally love YOU...God is Amazing...God is Beautiful...Thank God for the sacrifice of His Son so I can boldy come before the throne and worship, praise Him and cast my cares directly at His feet.

If you don't know Jesus...check out this site. Jesus wants to know you.

Praise Be To God and His Amazing Gift and Sacrifice!

Have a Blessed and Amazing Easter!

What a beautiful day!

What a beautiful day today was! First day of the boys Easter break and we and the neighbors and the little girls I babysit went to the Park to play....what fun they had. It was nice to get out and just enjoy the sunshine. I think it got up to 80 today. So nice! Wish hubby could have enjoyed it...he ended up working a long 10 1/2 hour day.

Hope you had a wonderful day and enjoyed it with your family!

Reality TV and other silly things...

Well as most of you know I've gotten into Top Model and American Idol. I only caught the very end of Top Model last night and only half od AI last night. First, Top Model....though I didn't see the commercials the girls did....I am so tired of Jade and her attitude I just wish she'd get axed already. Was kind of sad for Molly Sue.

As for AI...I unfortunately caught AI after Chris sang....bummer. But didn't sound like he must have done so well. I thought (from what I watched...which was the last half hour...)that Taylor stole the show. He had so much energy and just rocked the house. Hubby is more of a Taylor fan than I, but he did do a good job so Kudos Taylor.

But I am so happy after the results tonight...as most of you know... Bucky got the ax tonight....It's about time. He was annoying me. Sorry to those who were Bucky fans, but after Mandesa exit last week...It was high time that Bucky went too. Thing is ...Ace better kick it up a notch cause I'm afraid he's going to be the next to go. We'll see what hapeens next week.

Well I also did one of those weird Blog tests tonight....this one was about "What Sign Is Your True Love"...now I don't believe in astrology or anything so don't think that I do but I just did this for fun. This is the result....

Your True Love Is a Taurus

Why you'll love a Taurus: Romantic and sentimental, a Taurus can provide you with the security you need. And you both share a fondness for the finest things, from great food to luxury vacations. Why a Taurus will love you: You have the honesty and direct approach that down to earth Taurus desires. And enough elegance to show a Taurus a few new decadent delights!

What Sign Is Your True Love?

Ironicly...hubby is a Taurus....guess it's meant to be ;-)

Boys are off school until next Wednesday. Kinda glad...I love having my boys home. Hoping to go to Columbus on Friday, but we'll have to wait and see.

Hoping your week is going well.

Can't sleep

3:30 a.m......actually got up around 2 a.m. Hubby was laying on the couch with Colton...put Colton in his bed. I then tossed and turned until 3-ish figuring sleep was going to ellude me the rest of the night.

Got a batch of laundry in the wash...ready to put a second load in...

Cleaning off the rest of my craft table while I wait on laundry. Spent the last few days cleaning out our basement...things to go into the garage sale I hope to have this summer...things going in the trash...things to go to Goodwill...It's been liberating getting this stuff cleaned out...I have a little more room which is phenomenal! Spring cleaning...I hate to do it, but it sure is a great feeling when it's done! Though is it every really done????

Father-in-law had hernia surgery this past week...I just want to say that I am so blessed that he takes the kids to school in the mornings. Though I haven't had to drudge out and take them yet myself...I know I'm probably going to have to this week...what a load it takes off me when he does it for me though...Thank you thank you thank you! I have the greatest FIL in the world!

Well off to put some towels in the dryer and do my next load of laundry. Hoping that I don't fall asleep this afternoon and forget to pick up the boys. We have a DR. appt. right after school so that would be bad.

Have a great day!

What?!?!?!

I cannot believe it!! Granted I have been getting too much into this season of American Idol I know...but...

I can't believe that Mandisa got the axe!! I missed her performance Tuesday night, but I did see a smidge of it...and though it wasn't her best performance...there were for worse. Like BUCKY FOR INSTANCE!!!! Granted I know I'm not much of a country music fan, but I like Keith Urban and Garth, but Bucky in my opinion can't sing. I was especially surprised and dissapointed when Bucky sang Tuesday night when it was country night...totally his element...and I thought he stunk! I was not the least impressed. How is he staying in this competition?!?!? All I have is a picture in my head of all these country music folk sitting at their local bar sharing a cell phone and dialing his number for two hours....I can't for the life of me understand it...I don't think Mandisa would have won, but I surely thought Bucky would be gone before her...I'm totally confused by this show.

Anyone else feel this way?? I know I may be a bit out of line, but come on!

On a different note...went to Brennan's Parent/Teacher conference tonight. He's doing much better...I'm so proud of him. I was really expecting the worst when he started first grade since Austin seemed to struggle with it. His teacher said that he is opening up more, gaining confidence and doing more things on his own. Now if we could just get him to talk louder (Oh if only his teacher could see him at home!!)

Well going to go get the kiddos off to bed.

Hoping God blessed you with a wonderful day!

Scrapbooking and why I do it...

So here's the thing...as many of you know I peruse the site Two Peas. I like to post layouts sometimes, love to leave praise for others...then I was reading Missy's blog last night and it reminded me....I shouldn't just scrapbook to get praise from others....nor should I stop scrapbooking because I don't. I should scrapbook because of what it means to my family...not just those I have in my life now, but those to follow me. It's not about all the accolades....it's not about being published (though honestly I would love for that to happen just once)...it's about leaving a piece of me behind for my family...it's about keeping hold of those memories I'd probably forget ten years from now otherwise....it's about digging deeper....finding out more about myself...realizing more about my kids...it's my life...it's my passion...it's my hobby. If others don't like what I create...that's OK...it's not about them...it's about me and my family...it may seem selfish (at least it sounds that way...don't mean for it to) but it's the truth. Nothing beats the accolades from your child anyway.

Speaking of my child...this weeks dare was about allowing one of our family members to create a page...this is one that my 9 year old Austin made out of my scraps...it was kind of a two-fold project...1 for Two Peas...2 as a recycling project. I think he did a great job (and he's already received more praise for his page than I ever have...I'm proud!)

Looking at this page however, it reminded me of something...the days when I would just do art...when I would just do what I wanted...paste something where I wanted to paste it. Colored what I wanted to color whatever color I wanted. I think those of us who feel like mediocre scrapbookers get in a rut where we think we need to be spectacular like the Ali Edwards, Heidi Swapps, Elsie Flannigans....but God didn't make me to be that way....He made me as Tammy...and though I may not be Ali or others...God created me to make beautiful things too. And not only that...as a challenge to myself...I'm hoping to follow Austin's cue and make a page where I just put things where I want, create it my way...hopefully soon. I'll post it when I do. Thanks Austin for reminding me! Please don't think that I'm sounding crass or nasty...it's just a freeing revelation that sometimes I just seem to forget....especially when I look at so many other artists amazing work. We all create beauty in our own way.

May today cause you to create what God created you to create.

Later~

Conversation with Colton....

Colton: (Coming into the bathroom...no privacy at my house after all) Hi Mommy!

Mommy: Honey, Mommy needs some privacy.

Colton: No you don't.

Mommy: Honey, yes I do. Can I have some privacy please?

Colton: O.K. Mommy, I'll close my eyes.

Mommy busts up laughing....how can I not!


Got to love these guys....even if I don't get any privacy.