family pic

family pic

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Finally... a Place to Call Home!

And so the Monday before Christmas we moved in to an older manufactured home that is on a 77 acre working farm/school... We are out in the country and that is really nice.. So we enjoyed a relaxing Christmas with just Tim, the kiddos, and I.. Beings it is such a difficult time finacially we didn't do a whole lot for gifts... The kids all were happy with what they got tho and I am so thankful for unselfish children... We will be doing our stockings on New Years Day as a tradition that my mom started (plus you get all the after Christmas sales!) In other news... Baby is growing well... had an ultrasound today as the doc was a little concerned since I am measuring small.. Seems all of my pregnancies have been like that tho..I measure big in the beginning and small at the end, guess it must be the way I carry! Everything looks good tho and baby is weighing about 6 lbs 1 oz at this time. Little Love has about 19 more days of growing before being born.. We are scheduled for January 16th for my c-section.. It is a little bit scary as I have never been scheduled before! So that is all that has been happening here.. I am sorry if I havent been on in awhile.. It is so hard to do when I don't have internet..

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Update on my life...

Hello all, I figured I would do a quick update as I sit here in this little travel trailer.. I have been so discouraged lately and am asking you all to pray that everything would work out.. We are still staying at Chad and Anya's.. That is going fine, kids are all getting along and we all have our schedules.. BUT I really am wishing for my own place.. We have been looking, but haven't really had any luck..It's either too spendy or in the wrong neighborhood. We found a place that we really liked, but the wife doesn't really seem to want to rent it to us for some reason.. I fell in love with it too.. It's been totally remodeled and so cute.. little but every space is used wisely.. If we can't get it I wonder why we even got to look at it.. Seriously nothing else can compare and it breaks my heart that it isn't working out.. I even put all my stuff away in my head!! Anyway it is time for bed sooo if you will all just pray that we will find a place and that everything works out with the job Tim is hoping to get.. I do like the area we are at I just would like a place to call my own before the holidays and baby comes!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Update

hello everybody. i figured i would do a quick update. we left on saturday the 1st of october.it ended up being around 1030 am when we left rindge. the first night we stayed in western pennsylvania.. started out early sunday morning and made it to wisconsin that evening.. monday we stayed in south dakota and then on tuesday we made it a shorter day and stopped in cody wyoming. wednesday was spent mostly in yellowstone park and then we stayed in missoula montana for the night. we arrived on thursday afternoon tired but happy to have made it. i drove over 3000 miles... now we are getting caught up on sleep and school while keeping an eye out for a house. dont mind my misuse of the capitalization rules and all as i am using my new phone to type this and i havent figured it all out yet...

Friday, September 30, 2011

Busyness...

So I figured I better come on here and let you know I am still here!! Been busy this last week (and longer) getting ready for our move.. We are planning on leaving tomorrow, hopefully bright and early.. I am just taking a break for lunch and then need to do last minute running.. Not sure when I will post next!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Homeschooling....

We are all settled (as much as a family of 7 can be) in at my parents house, and this week we started school. I am homeschooling this year for a few reasons:

A. We are moving across country
2. We really can't afford private school at the moment
And
C. I do not feel right putting my kids in public school.. The way I see it, why would I send my young, impressionable kiddos somewhere that God is not welcome?

Soooo yesterday got off to a bad start, Shiloh was very emotional about everything, he is one that really benefits from a school atmosphere where the only thing that is going on is teaching.... AND Little Man had kept me up the night before with a bad cold... Today seems to be going better, the kiddos are all working away and Brandt is napping.. Tyrel won't be starting school until after our move as I was worried that the books would not come in time.. For him we are doing CLASS (Christian Liberty), I am excited about that because I don't have to do anything besides send his work in. They keep track of his grades, credits, etc.

I wanted to point out a few things tho...just because I am homeschooling does not mean I enjoy teaching.. I DON'T.. I do it because I feel this is what we need to be doing now.. There are a few types of homeschooling mommas, ones that really love to teach and ones that do it because they feel that is best for their children.. I fall into the latter category.. I have often heard people say, "oh, but you are so smart and organized." Sorry, that doesn't make you a good teacher. You have to enjoy teaching to enjoy homeschooling.. Me, I loved when my kids would come home from school and tell me all the things they learned, especially in Bible. Things that I wouldn't have thought to point out to them. I loved the family atmosphere of HCS. So beings I don't enjoy homeschooling does this make me a bad mother? NO it doesn't.. I love my kids just as much as anybody else. I love spending time with them and living life, but don't like being an "educator."  But for now we will take one day at a time and learn all we can. And for those that really love homeschooling, I say "awesome", I am glad for you!!.. I just wanted to point out how I feel and since this is my blog, I figured I could! :)  

Thursday, September 1, 2011

My Littlest Miracle!

I was going to post this tomorrow for Fingerprint Friday, but our internet will be shut off so am posting it today!!

"I am fearfully and wonderfully made!"
Psalm 139:14

Little angel's feet, crossed at the ankle! I love how perfect they are!!
Seeing my little baby for the first time was such a joy.. I was so relieved to see that everything is the way it should be.. Not sure if I am just getting older, but I worry more about things being wrong.. Or maybe it's the fact that I hear more of things that could go wrong.. Whatever the case I felt so much better after seeing my little sweetpea!! I am so in love and at the moment am feeling lots of jumping around in there!! :)

Friday, August 19, 2011

Fingerprint Friday

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Go to
The Rusted Chain to join and check out other blogs.. My picture, can you guess what or who it is? ;)


My Little Man in the field.. "I will give thanks unto thee forever!!" Psalm 30:12b


Thursday, August 18, 2011

To Know Or Not To Know?

~~~~~~~~~WARNING~~~~~~~~
 This is my opinion so please do not be offended..



August 30th is the day we see baby for the first time.. On ultrasound! Are we going to find out what baby is? NO WAY!  I think when everybody finds out what they are having it is  B O R I N G!!!!! (remember this is my opinion) And I will tell you why.. 1. I hate to know my presents before I open them, if I do that is the LAST gift I open.. Same goes for babies.. It takes away the excitement of delivery and all that. 2. I have heard it said that you bond better when you know who baby is.. SORRY, if I bonded anymore w/ my baby I would have to eat 'em! :) I don't need to know who baby is to already love them w/ all my heart! 3. I don't like knowing what others are having either.. For example: they find out what gender, tell the name, then 5 months later baby is born. I'm like "I already knew that 5 months ago!" 4. For first time parents it is kind of dumb to get a shower w/ only pink or blue..then what if you have the other later? You have to go and buy that all yourself!! (of course some might never have the other one, but most often you do!).....I have also heard that some want so bad one or the other that when they find out what they are having they almost grieve if it's not the one they want.. When you don't know and baby is born and pops out one or the other you don't even care.  How can you grieve when you see that beautiful face for the first time?? With Brandt I was hoping for a girl, I admit, but once he was born I didn't care anymore. I said, I would take a hundred boys like him!!  It's kind of funny when the doctors ask if I'm finding out/know and I say nope. They get all excited!! It's more exciting for them too.. :) I have had so many comment and say, "You know you are in the minority?" Yup, I do! There is so few great surprises anymore that I like to keep atleast one of them going on! Anyway, you don't have to agree with me, and that's ok! Have a great day everybody!!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Decisions...

And so with our move coming up quickly we find ourselves in a quandary... It has been harder to save money for the big day than we thought.  We had so many times thought that everything was falling into place, cheap moving rig, rental, etc.. Just to have it all come crashing down and leaving us discouraged.. We have listed alot of things for sale on craigslist to raise money, but nobody seems to be buying.. Also it feels like everybody is yanking me in all directions, praying different things for us..  So I have had a number of sleepless nights!... What to do, what to do? Contrary to some peoples ideas, this does not mean we are not moving. We are and still feel this is what we are supposed to do, but just have to push it off for a month.. We will still move out of our home at the end of this month/beginning of next and most likely in with my parents so that we can save the money.. Our plan now is to be in WA by October 10th and praying everything will fall in place.. Obviously we don't want to wait to long as I am only getting farther along w/ baby, but we do want to be there before winter.. Please pray that everything will just work out.. Thanks!!!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

C-Section VS. "Natural" Birth

After Brandt was born I had someone comment that he would have come eventually... Insinuating that I should not have gone w/ the c-section.... (If you haven't read my birth story then read this)  That was hurtful and so I decided to blog about birthing options.. Some might find it controversial so if you don't want to hear about it, then stop right here!! First of all every woman has a different body and different ways of laboring.. For example: there once was a woman that had a baby after laboring for 4 days.. She almost died and after the birth it was touch and go on the little man.. 7 more times this woman suffered through labor, blood transfusions, long hospital stays, and almost dying to birth her babies! The 9th child was a c-section and what a breeze that was along w/ the last 4!! This is a true story, I know, that woman is my dearly beloved Grandmother!! Her body was just not made to push out a baby, and all of my aunts and mother ended up w/ c-sections.. Does this mean they are all bad? NO it does NOT!! God just made their bodies a little different so they needed a little help to have those little ones! Some woman have an easy time of labor and delivery.. Not very long labors and out pops baby, but everyone is NOT the same!! I have a hard time of having regular labors and beings I had previous c-sections can't have the PIT to help me along.. Sooo should I go through days of labor and finally when it comes time to deliver then maybe not have the strength to do it and end up w/ a section anyway?? I think not! This little munchkin inside of me will be born by c-section and I am perfectly fine with that. I really do not want to go through what I did with Little Man! The point of my topic today is that everybody is different and goes through different things. Just because you have an easy time  and can't understand why anyone would CHOOSE to get cut open.. or vice versa why anyone would WANT to go through labor!.. I am just saying please do not judge somebody because of their birthing choice! Thank you..

To Be Continued......Someday

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Marriage...

So I promised you Here that I would do a post on marriage and getting married young.. Well beings it is our 15th wedding anniversary I thought today was a good day! I met Tim when I was 15 years old, we got married when I was 16 (closer to 17). Did I "have" to get married? No, but we were in love and I knew this was the man that God had for me, and for whom I had prayed  since I was 12 years old. (I would pray every night that God would be with my future husband) If I wouldn't have gotten married then what would I have done? Finished school, continued working, maybe gotten into trouble? Is that better than marriage and being a mommy? I think not, atleast not for me.. Everybody is different and has different gifts, right? Well I believe mine is being a wife and mother.. Does this mean every girl should get married young? No it does not! We need to be open to what God has planned for us and follow His will not our own. So therefore I believe it is wrong to put an age limit on marriage, be it 17 or 25! We shouldn't push our kids to marry nor forbid them to. I have often heard that if you get married young, you don't have a chance to grow up. Excuse me, but you DON'T grow up until you marry!! Here you are living your life for yourself and one day you are married. Well you have to start thinking of the other person and giving of yourself now, and age has nothing to do with it. Sometimes I think the older you are, the harder it is for you to give up certain things as you are so used to only thinking of yourself! Do I regret getting married young and 5 years later having four babies? Not for a minute!!! It wasn't easy I tell you, but through all of our trials and losses, we have come out more in love than ever! The main thing is that we keep God at the center of our marriage.. That is one thing I stress to newlyweds, that marriage takes three!! It probably does help that I have such an easygoing man! :) He balances out my fiestiness! Or maybe we balance each other out!! :) Whatever the case may be, I wanted to share my thoughts with you, and so I have!!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Dogs and Fireworks...

This is Trigger..Say hi to Trigger, everybody! :) He is a very friendly, loyal dog.. But he has a problem and it's called FIREWORKS!! Also thunderstorms and loud gunshots, but today we are going to talk about his problem with fireworks and why Momma has been so mad at the neighbors lately... 3rd of July (what? yes 3rd!) some neighbors were blowing off fireworks and Trigger takes off, he goes to a house down the road and the animal control officer picks him up... We get him home Monday morning the 4th.. That evening we were gone to the town celebration and he runs off again.. Note: he has a wireless fence that keeps (or is supposed to) him in the yard.. Tha dog catcher brings him home again... Then on the 5th was our veterans program w/ a fireworks show after..well this is just down the road and so we put Trig in the barn...A nice, big, safe barn.. With lots of water, his food, etc... When Tyrel goes out to his room after we get home he finds that Trigger had gone through a glass door!! (yes, glass!)  thankfully he only had a scrape on his paw... The next night he gets away again and gets picked up by the dog catcher (come to find out his battery was missing from his collar, a faulty one, I believe) This time the man is getting a little upset w/ us as am I with the whole situation!! He said he might start fining us.. We need to lock up Trigger, chain him, etc.. I was like ya then he will just strangle himself! It's not like we hadn't been trying to keep him calm and safe.. I was not happy at all with all of the fireworks going off, day or night.. How do you plan for that? Then Saturday night we went to my parents for a campfire and to roast marshmallows, and we decided we better put Trigger in the barn to be safe.. After all the glass was cleaned up and there was no more doors to go through in there.. Sunday morning we discovered that ya, he could still get hurt! This is what happened:
He somehow got on top off some bins and tried climbing out the window, well he sliced up his front legs pretty good and got a small cut on his nose.. Tim and the kids got him cleaned up and bandaged, but that only lasted a couple of days.. Now tell me, what are we supposed to do with a dog that freaks out so bad? We can't stay home all the time and let him lay on Laban's bed.. (that's where he heads when he comes in the house in a panic).. Poor dog, I think he is getting anxiety over the whole deal.. Why can't people just blow off fireworks on the 4th? and do they have to do it day and night? It's hard to know when to be there for the dog and if we can ever go anywhere.. I know it is their right to blow off fireworks, but why oh why do they have to do it all week long? I am beside myself with what to do for our poor dog, my brain is frazzled and I just can't deal with it all right now! Thankfully the fireworks seemed to have stopped and he is doing fine..knock on wood!!  Maybe reading this will help somebody think... And now that I have that off my chest, I will get back to my day!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Another Miracle..

And so I guess it is time to tell you all our "other" big news.. We are expecting another miracle in January.. I am now 12 weeks along and feeling better than I was for awhile.. Although I never did take a pregnancy test.. LOL I haven't taken one since my 4th miscarriage... So I am either pregnant or have some other strange malady! :) I am going to the doctors this afternoon to get set up on our health insurance, and have my blood drawn to "prove" that I am pregnant.. As if the nausea, tiredness, crankiness, and stretching pains aren't proof enough! I am hoping to have all of my preliminary care taken care of (like my play on words? neither did I, oh well) before we move.. You know, pap, bloodwork, ultrasound, all the fun stuff.. Well the only fun stuff there is the ultrasound, which will be great to see!! I am not big on needles or physicals, bleh!! It will be a relief to have it done tho, that way once we move, I won't feel so rushed to get in somewhere. I will be about 20 weeks when we move, which I think is the best time. I won't be sick anymore, won't be to uncomfortable, and won't have a tiny baby to worry about.. So now that you know I will let you get back to your Monday!! Oh, joy how fun!! :)

 You never know, we might just have another little girl, but then again maybe not.. And I am fine w/ either, I would take another Little Man!! :)

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Busy week...

This week looks to be very busy... Ai yi yi..the things I get myself into.. Yesterday I had to bring Shiloh to the orthodontist to have his spacer put back in. Then in the afternoon Brandt went to orthopedics and had his cast removed! They x-rayed his arm and it is all healed.. Looks funny w/ the extra bone around his break, but interesting how God made us to heal! The whole family was excited for him to have his cast off... I think more than he was! Haha.. Now he is running around like nothing ever happened. It's amazing how fast kids heal. After supper the kids had practice for the veteran's tribute. Today I baked all day and now have sore feet.. Tomorrow we are having a bake sale (selling the aforementioned bakery) to raise money for fireworks for the veterans tribute.. Thursday we are going strawberry picking as it is getting to be the end of the season so we HAVE to go if we want berries. So we will be making jam that day too.... Friday we will be setting up for a garage sale and Saturday having a garage sale... Whew! I am beat already and the week has just begun!! That is the plan anyway, so we will see how it all turns out..

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Another Teenager in the House!

My first and only daughter turned 13 today!! We spent the day together w/ her BFF Danielle... Lunch at Longhorn and some shopping! A few pictures of Kirsten:

Reading...another one that loves to read, especially on her chair that Grandma gave her!

With Danielle

The cake that Aunt Mary made!



Hard to believe that 13 years ago I held a little dark haired girl and now she is growing into a mature godly young lady!! Of course she takes after her mother some in her spunkiness! Kirsten enjoys sewing and some baking! We love her and love to tease her!! :) Crazy that my kids are growing so fast!!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Fingerprint Friday

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:

I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God


So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them?



Beki at The Rusted Chain started Fingerprint Friday.. go on over and check all of them out.. Then vote for your favorite!! Now for my fingerprint!!



Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord
Psalm 33:12a
 I love this picture of the Washington Monument that Kirsten took when they were in DC.. It shows such majesty! I know our country is far from perfect, but I still believe we live in a great nation!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Momma Knows Best

   So after 14 years where none of our kids had to have a cast, today was a first for us... Who do you think it was? The 14 year old witty, bookworm? The 13 year old, not such a tomboy? Maybe the competitive athletic 11 year old.. Or could it be the easy going 9 year old? What about the busy 14 month old Little Man? Who do you think?                        Well... I guess I was right when I told my sister that I thought Little Man would be the one to keep us hopping. He is so BUSY!!!But I have to say this was really a freak accident...

Last week at my cousins wedding everybody was outside.. Of course Little Man wants to run around.. and  is always falling over, beings he's such a little guy and has been only walking a few months.. Well he fell down and at that exact moment, my cousin Taylor stepped back (he's not light either) right on Brandt's arm. I calmed him down and we went on our way.. Off and on over the next few days I would notice that he would cry when he bumped his arm a certain way.. I decided to watch as it wasn't swollen and he was using it just fine.... I thought something was odd, but didn't know if I was just being silly and would second guess my concerns.. Maybe when he reached under my pillow and cried, there was a piece of something that poked him, etc.. Then last night Tim picked him up and he acted like it really hurt.  I said forget it, I am bringing him in even if people think  I am being a paranoid mom . Tim agreed w/ me that something wasn't right, even tho he acted fine the majority of the time (happy, playing, using his arm etc). So this morning I called the doc, we went in, then to x-ray (which he did NOT like) and sure enough it was broken. Not a break like an older child or adult, but an indentation is what they said. So it was off to orthopedics and a cast!! He was so happy to leave as he was NOT happy being touched by all these strange people. I will say tho,  I was impressed w/ all that took care of him today and Little Man is fine w/ the big clunky green thing on his arm!.. So next time you are wondering about something w/ one of your kiddos.. Remember this:

Momma Knows Best!!!
So tired after a long day!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

BIG News....

Sooo some people will love this and some will hate it.. Here goes... Every since we moved to NH we have been having a hard time of making it.. The first year was fine, then after that it started to get worse, the economy went south, we had serious financial difficulties, etc.. 2010 was a great year for us, but 2011 has been bad.. Sooo Tim has been thinking of getting into something different besides construction..And if you know my hubby, you know he isn't the type to just jump into something.. That being said, he has been researching different things and it seems a good opportunity would be back in Tri-Cities (I am not going to go in to detail, cuz I'm not sure what will come of it). Plus work there in construction is better than here, sooo it looks like we will be changing states again, back to WA..  If you know ME, the year we lived up there I had said I would NEVER want to live in the "barren wasteland" (yup my words!) forever.. Well we went there last October and I realized it was better than I had remembered, and I think it really had to do with knowing that we weren't living there for good that I didn't feel like I had to like it... Anyway this past winter was horrible... Tim worked, but not much so of course we didn't have a whole lot of money...So we couldn't afford fuel oil for heating.. We burnt wood and pellets, but those ran out when the weather just would not warm up... So we lived in a chilly house for quite awhile, but I think it was God's way of opening my eyes to the idea of moving away.. It did,  we will be embarking on a new adventure and I am good with that! I have my husband and kiddos and that is all I need. Of course I will miss my family, friends, dog (we can't bring him and that saddens me), Kirsten's cat, and things that make New England, New England.. But God is still on His throne and I really feel that we are meant to leave NH. Of course I have times of nervousness, especially in the middle of the night, but mostly I am ready to embrace this new chapter in our lives.. So there you have it, the  news I have been hiding for awhile!  

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Memorial Day..

Memorial Day 2011 was a beautiful, hot, sunny day!

At the Fire Department breakfast

Tim was one of the cooks

Brandt was so excited to see his Daddy, everybody laughed!

Mr. Soldier... (my cousin, Jeffrey)

At the cemetery waiting for the tribute. My Aunt Carla's first parade in MANY years!

Janeya, Kirsten, and Danielle


The band (my FAVORITE part of the parade) resting

After the parade we had our annual family (my grandparents on down) BBQ at my parents.. Lots of food, family, and fun!!!

Monday, May 30, 2011

8th Grade Graduation..

Friday night Tyrel graduated from the 8th grade with High Honors... High honors is getting straight a's and one b.. (You are allowed one b) So we are extremely proud of Tyrel for doing so well in school.. His year average in History was a 101!!! All the other subjects were in the 90's, so yes we are happy with how well he has done!! :)

A few pictures:



Tyrel with Mrs. White.. A very good teacher!!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

A Word of Advice...

Never let a roll of toilet paper go through the wash... Seriously!! We keep our tp on a shelf above the washer and dryer.. Well... Tuesday when we were doing laundry, Laban threw the boys darks in the washer. I was behind him w/ my clothes and he said "That sounded weird" so he looks in the washer, but didn't see anything.. Hmmmm...oh well, I throw my clothes in and we go on our way. Later I went to change the toilet paper and couldn't find the last roll or the package... LIGHTBULB!!! I looked in the washer and sure enough, soggy pieces of tp!!! Oh boy... threw the clothes in the dryer...They come out covered with little bits of tp!! I shook them out and threw them back in the washer for another go around.. Vacuumed out the dryer, emptied the lint trap, and dried them again.. Shook them out, but they still have bits and pieces on them. So...... we have been using the lint roller, over and over...and over!  The moral of this story? Never wash your clothes with toilet paper!!!
Kirsten's shirt, after the second wash!!
It looks much worse in real life... Little teeny tiny bits!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

A "New" Computer..

My brother sold us his old computer so I am able to get back on here.. I might not be on as much in the next week with school ending and all.. Then again, maybe I will!! :) Today was field day at HCS so we were there all day.. My kids all came home with atleast one ribbon... You can always tell the more athletic ones, they get all the ribbons! And in our family that is Laban, he placed in the top third, four times out of six events.. (I won't mention that he has a smaller class... LOL) It is true tho, he is very athletic!.... And it was warm today!! For the first time this year, I actually got a little bit of sun.. Maybe summer really will come! I am pretty sick of chilly days when living in an old house and no heat. (ran out of pellets and wood) Anyhoo, better run, just wanted to let you know I am back online!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Comptuter Crash...

So my computer decided not to work anymore... It is "only" 7 years old!! :) I am at my mom's right now so figured I would let you all know and if I don't comment on your blogs that is why.. Hopefully we get something figured out soon!! Until next time...

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Secret Sisters...

So I had mentioned secret sisters in This post here. I said I would tell you about that and I guess today is the perfect day!! Every year the ladies of our church (and the surrounding ones) get together for singing, a message, and yummy food! We often play games too.. Then for the BIG part, we pick names for the coming year, and reveal our names from the past year. Basically what it is, is that we commit to praying for our "sister" and sending them gifts to brighten their days. It is alot of fun to see who had you and to find out who you have for the next year. Well today was the day!! We had a brunch at 10:00 and I made a spinach and sausage egg bake.. Ummmm  mmmm was it good! I did get lots of compliments on it so that is always nice! ;) We sang some songs, my favorite being "Go Light Your World", and heard a message, then ate... There was lots of good food!! :) We played a candy game where you had a clue and you had to guess what candy it was.. Like "two pronouns for a girl?"= HERSHEy! Whoever got it right got to keep that candy. I came home with M&Ms, Almond Joy, and Starbursts! A great game for a party or get together. Then we picked the names and I am happy with who I got! :) It always makes it easier when you have ideas of things to get that person. You are not required to spend lots of money either. A card here and there to let them know you are thinking of them. Of course it's always fun buying little things for them too! So that is what a secret sister is and now you can't say I didn't tell you!! :) It really is just a fun way to fellowship with the ladies of the church and I really enjoy it!

Monday, May 16, 2011

The Versatile Blogger Award


This award was given to me by Amy at Non-Stop Mom. Thank you so much Amy, what an honor!!! So to let her know how much I appreciate it, I am sending my readers her way.. So stop in and say hi!

           So the rules of the Versatile Blogger Award are:

       *Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post.

   *Tell us seven things about yourself.

     *Award fifteen recently discovered new bloggers.
            So here goes....Seven Things About Me...

1. Even tho I am very outgoing, I actually am very nervous meeting new people, speaking in public, etc.

2. I do NOT like the smell of lilacs... It's the truth, I don't like real florally (is that a word?) scents.
          
3. I don't like cleaning, yet hate a messy house...       

4. I can't stand getting dirt under my fingernails so therefore do not make a good gardener. Even tho I love having pretty flowers and all that. Just don't make me weed!! 

5. I really enjoy baking, cooking, and trying out new recipes, as long as I have the ingredients! :) 

6. I am enjoying my teenagers.. 

7. I would love to write a book someday, maybe about our miracle story... 


So now, to bestow the honor on 15 more bloggers.....these are blogs that I follow regularly, so go check them out!

1.A Little Healthier A young mother that posts healthy recipes as an alternative to all the yuckiness out there!

2. Blooms Buttons and Budgets A young creative mom who saves money all while taking care of her family

3. Coloring Spirit An artistic Momma and military wife

4.Counting Our Blessings A mother of a terminally ill child, who lost another baby..Yet through it all her faith has stayed firm...

5.Delightful Order If you would love help in getting your house organized, then check out this blog! A very organized and creative woman!!

6. Devotion Mama The title pretty much speaks for itself.. This woman has been through alot, yet has stayed strong!

7.Frugal on the Cheap Looking for help saving money.. Head to this site for lots of great tips!!

8. Pioneer Girl at Heart  A homeschooling Mama that loves her family dearly!! (oh and I am part of that family.. LOL)

9.Quiet Ramblings A sweet young mother, who has some adorable children.

10.Recipeaholic A talented cook with some yummy recipes.. I really like the calzones!

11.Stenersen Daily Life The life of a family that always seems to be doing fun things!!

12.Stuff and Nonsense A mother that will make you laugh...or cry.. or scratch your head..Maybe all three?

13.The Chronicles of Windy Ridge A very talented mother of 9 that has her own famous clothing company.. She also happens to be my sister-in-law!!

14.To Everything There is a Season A sweet homeschooling mama who is also in my family tree!!

15.When Eight Create 8 women that can do pretty much everything!!


So, there you have it! Go read these blogs and show them some love! Bloggers love readers, and bloggers really love readers who follow them, and bloggers really really love readers who follow them AND leave comments

                                                    


Saturday, May 14, 2011

They Came Back To Me....

Soooo early yesterday morning I heard the door open and my kiddos walked in.. They had arrived early, so instead of calling to wake me, my uncle (one of the chaperones) dropped them off. I was so happy to see them!! They had lots of stories to tell and then crashed for a few hours! I cannot believe how much I missed them and was so excited to have them home again... Now I need to get ready for a CPR class this afternoon... I will try and post some pics that Kirsten took of their trip someday!! :) 

Thursday, May 12, 2011

A Giveaway...

Wish I could be the one to give something away, but alas I have nothing to give!! Anyway go Here to enter to win a gift certificate and autographed book!! Tata for now!! Oh and I am surviving being left behind.. My kiddos come home tomorrow! I can't wait, been following their progress on the itinerary.. Yesterday I got a text from (assuming.) ( It was somebody elses phone) Tyrel with one word: Alive!! Hehe... he knows his Mama worries when she doesn't hear from them occasionally!

Monday, May 9, 2011

I've Been Left Behind...

Ever since my kids have gone to HCS I planned on going with Tyrel on his Washington DC trip... Sadly this did not happen, early this morning (3:30 to be exact!!) I brought both him and Kirsten to the school to climb on a bus and leave Momma behind.. The two oldest were going so there was no way we could come up with the money for me to go too.. Although most of their trip was paid for through fundraising we still had to pay some. So with a sad heart I said goodbye and watched them excitedly climb on this HUGE bus! Sigh..... I really am excited for them... Really, I promise! A part of me is sad tho, to see my kiddos growing up and leaving me behind!..... On Saturday I took them shopping to get some clothes for the trip, we had a fun time and they were very happy with our purchases. Plus we got to spend some time together. It's kinda hard to do w/ 5 kids and all the busyness of life, so I am glad we went!.... Now I just have to wait until Friday to go and meet the bus with them on it, coming back to me! :)      
    Don't mind my dark fuzzy pics.. Kinda hard to get good pics in the middle of the night and w/ a camera that didn't want to cooperate!!
Looking real happy to have their picture taken

Countdown to DC

The bus, or part of it!!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

My Firstborn Turns 14.....

Crazy to think that 14 years ago today I became a mother!! Happy Birthday Tyrel Michael. Here is a glimpse of his personality:
Snowboarding

Playing w/ Brandt and spoiling him rotten!!

Reading, he goes through books like water!!! Seriously!

e-mailing his cousins or "painting"

And eating!!! :)

Friday, May 6, 2011

Fingerprint Friday

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Go Here to join!


God's promise of spring after a long winter!!
Growing in our cobblestone path

The path w/ Brandt and his "puppy" Trigger

My Little Man, my reminder of God's love to me!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Technology

So I have had this post in my head for awhile.. Let's see if I can get it out that makes sense and doesn't bore you at the same time! Well here goes..deep breath...let it out...ummmm ok! Technology has been bugging me lately, on the one hand we can "communicate" with so many more people through the internet (obviously here I am now), texting, etc... BUT at the same time, how many close relationships do we have left? I don't know when the last time I TALKED to somebody long distance, on the phone, and heard a voice was... Oh wait ya I do, my SIL Jen called me...BUT it was on accident! She was carrying her baby upstairs to bathe and had her phone in her pocket when she heard me saying hello!! LOL.... Anyway there are so many ways to hide your true feelings on the internet, for that matter you can make up a person that isn't you at all!! I know more about what is going on with others, but do I really know when they are going through a hard time and just need to rant? It isn't quite as easy on here where anybody can read to get out some deep hurts, know what I mean? And texting? Here is an example.. somebody's bridal shower is coming up and we get a text, but not everybody gets it. My sister just found out about it today from my mom and now she doesn't even feel like going.. Shouldn't we double check and make sure everybody knows about it? Why can't we send out invitations or atleast call...Oh because it's too hard to take the time to do!! It seems that with all of the convenience of technology we have given up some great friendships.. All for the sake of saving time! I am preaching at myself here too, but I am tired of always being the one to reach out and contact others so I have gone the "easy" way also.. About the only one that will call me is Ronda  It is extremely nice to have somebody call when they hear my baby is sick with advice (I did get some elderberry, Ronda) or to ask a question. So I am just asking, is it really that hard to reach out and communicate?  Sorry for the rant, but at times I feel a little bad living far away and feeling so removed from the rest of the family like we don't really matter.. Maybe it's just me, but I miss PEOPLE!!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Still here

What a busy life I have been having... Last week we ran every day for HCS's annual auction and Friday night was the auction. It went great, we made more than they had budgeted for so I am happy with that! The auction is one of the two big fundraisers that the school does to keep the tuition down.. And since the school took all four of my kids for a fraction of the cost, I had agreed to head up the auction committee... A lot of work, but also alot of fun!! My favorite part? Shopping with other peoples money...hehe... We get some monetary donations so we get to figure out how to spend it.. This year we bought a trampoline, gas outdoor fireplace (simply gorgeous), Radio Flyer wagon loaded with outdoor toys, patio set, and lots more! Anyway it was a successful evening and now it's time for me to relax.... Or not, I have to do some baking today, have an HPO (Heritage Parents Organization) meeting, errands to run, and my house is turned upside down from neglect.... Oh boy! But atleast I get to sit here for a little while holding my sleeping boy, who by the way, has two more teeth that came in sometime during all the chaos and mayhem. I noticed them yesterday at church during our Spring services. Brandt never got real crabby with these two teeth and he has actually been very happy what with all the craziness that has been going on!! I love my little angel bug!! :) I better run tho and take a shower before he wakes up as it is kinda hard to do when he is awake.. He is the busiest kid EVER!!! So, just wanted to let you know that I am still here and apologize for not making it to all your blogs lately...  

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Photo Shoot...

Little Man got a new outfit from Auntie Jen so of course I had to take pictures, and I took ALOT!! They all came out so cute and it was hard to pick ones to share.. Therefore I just decided to do them all (well not quite)... Anyway here they are, and if you want to get your little ones some clothes like his just go Here


The hat, shirt, and pants are all part of the Friday Harbor Collection

These steps are about 200 years old....









The brown jacket isn't EB and I should have worn his little EB denim one, but didn't think about it until later... Oh well! Thanks again, Auntie Jen, I miss you and love you!!!