Moments Like This...

52 Weeks :: Week 4

2012-01-29T17:17:00.000-05:00

Filling the tummy!!I love finding new dishes on Pinterest to try with my family.I found two for this week.The first one was baked chicken fajita wraps.I just realized I never got a picture of the wrap. But here is the baked part after it came from the oven!The second dish was orange chicken in the crockpot.Here it is in my bowl before I ate it!What I learned :: food is hard to photograph! And, when you have your meals planned the day goes so much smoother! (this is also because of what I did for week one!)PROPS :: (link to actual site, not to pin)Baked Chicken Fajitas Orange Chicken P.S. Sorry for the format issues. I had to use my desktop instead of my iPad due to technical difficulties with the blogging app I use. Hopefully, we'll be up and running normal format posts by tomorrow!

Estimates

2012-01-24T07:34:00.001-05:00

Any guesses as to how long this has been against the heating element of the dishwasher??

52 Weeks :: Week 3

2012-01-22T21:03:00.001-05:00

I gave you all a little hint on my Facebook page as to what I was working on. If you read a post or two of mine you know that I was knitting something last week. You also know that I was knitting 'in the round' which is a term to describe a circular project.

Drumroll Please.....

I'm not a photographer (neither is my hubby in this case) and I am not a person to touch up photos well, either. So my pictures are not going to be professional.

On with the show :: can I have that drumroll again?.......

I knitted a cowl neck scarf!

It was a lot of work but so worth it! I looked at a couple different tutorials on Pinterest but settled on a site I found at yahoo! answers.

And I guess the idea didn't really originate at pinterest because my sister asked if I could figure out how to knit one. Apparently, they get quite pricey in the store?!!?

Here's a picture that Peter took of me!

Isn't this a great scarf! I plan to make one for my sister who asked me to figure out how to make it, and probably one for her friend!

What I learned :: How to Knit in the round with circular needles! AND...My arms are not made for knitting all day!

::

Since the idea above was not a true pinterest project I will also tell you a cleaning technique I found on Pinterest and one that actually worked for me!

Sorry there is no actual before picture. Maybe I was skeptical or just too excited to try but either way the only before pic is one with kids heads and is not a close up.

Fact is, this stain was a complete eye sore to me. I truly hated that stain for being there. It made my house look extra dirty even after cleaning really well. There was no way to cover it permenantly (like with a piece of furniture).

I stumbled upon the magic potion of vinegar, dish soap and warm water! Works wonders!

What I learned :: Cleaning supplies can be found in basic household items!

PROPS ::
Cowl Neck Scarf
Stain Remover Pin

Updates!

2012-01-21T21:11:00.001-05:00

52 Weeks :: Week 1

52 Weeks :: Week 2

I will post week three project tomorrow!

"UH-OH"

2012-01-16T15:31:00.001-05:00

Abigail was shocked to see the stove being moved at my parents house!
She often exclaimed "uh-oh" and covered her mouth in awe.

She also enjoyed some special time with aunt Lori!

50 in January

2012-01-16T15:28:00.001-05:00

Is this really Michigan? We had a few days in January that were in the 50's which made it great weather for playing around outside without the snow pants and boots. Ashley was over this day after school and we enjoyed a walk to Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma's house.

Abigail on the walk!

Aaron enjoyed the weather (if you couldn't tell by his smile!)

Mom, where's my pants?

2012-01-16T15:22:00.001-05:00

Aaron is a wiggly one when he is getting his diaper changed. Sometimes I don't have the patience to get his pants on so I leave them off. He then squats and yells "PANTS ON" when he realizes they are off. Here I caught a picture of him in his famous "no pants" position!

52 weeks :: Week 2

2012-01-15T20:50:00.001-05:00

This week I did a fairly easy project. I made a winter wreath for my front door.
You can find wreaths all over pinterest. I wanted to make one for the door since I took my christmas wreath down. And, since we have an abundance of pool noodles (like 25!) I figured this would be a good project!

Here's what I made!

Everything I already had right in my house!
Pool Noodle to form the wreath.
Knitting yarn to wrap it with.
Lace to add dimension and pizazz!
Ric rac which was messily rolled into a ball and stuck with a long straight pin with a pearl on the end.
Flowery trim also messily rolled and stuck with straight pin.
Not shown is the hanger which I just cut from some ribbon and pinned into the back.

I wish I could have done bigger bling on it but I really didn't want to spend any money on this project! (maybe for a summer wreath I will)

Hope you enjoy! I had great fun figuring out how to add things when I had so little stuff to work with!

Update :: What I learned -- to make a flower out of something I had never seen made into a flower! I came up with this idea pure and simple. I have never seen a flower out of ric rac before (although it has probably been done before)!

Blogger Award

2012-01-13T20:58:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I was given this blogger award by Mini-Van Mega-Fun. She has a beautiful family, a beautiful story, and a beautiful spirit. I enjoyed learning more about her in this award.

It works like so:
I have to list seven things about me that most people don't already know.
Then I tag 15 people with this award and they must share on their blog seven things about themselves. (not sure how many I will choose yet, though)

Here goes:

1. I am a BACON FANATIC!! Bacon is my MOST favorite food ~~group~~! It is delicious!

2. I had a few nicknames as a child which included:
-- hollow leg (thanks dad!) because I eat a lot and don't seem to gain much weight (although I expect this to be changing this year as I will be turning the big 3-0!)
-- Punky Brewster (again, thanks dad)!
-- Red (yes, because of my hair)

3. Until recently (the turn of the year) I have not really cared how my house looks. I am now a organizing freak. I hope to keep this up but I secretly think it will fail before the end of March. We'll see!

4. I don't have regrets. Life is just too short to regret things.

5. I start things and sometimes don't finish. I get bored/lazy easily...

6. I am a homebody. Always have been. I prefer being with my family over going out with friends. Even at college I preferred staying in my dorm over going out and experiencing "college life".

7. I have a terrible memory since having kids. I often forget the small stuff and rely on a calendar for the big stuff. That is one reason I keep this blog, to remember as much as I can about life during these crazy times. Some things I want to forget, most I want to remember.

Thanks for being a reader! Now for the award ceremony:

I pass this award along to:

Amie - Izzie and The Beast

Amy - Treasures in Jars of Clay

David and Rachel - HOEKPERSONS

April - The Diversified Trio

Shari - One Life To Love

If anyone wants to steal an award go ahead. There's plenty to give out!
These are the ones I know who update their blog and haven't already been chosen for this award!

52 weeks :: Week 1

2012-01-08T16:39:00.001-05:00

Week 1 was getting organized.

I put together a binder that will help me stay organized on a daily and weekly basis. I made up some sheets on my computer that are a knock off of some I found on Pinterest. (the ones I found were cute but I wanted to personalize them with my own favorite colors.)

I also made a chore sheet for the kids and morning and evening routine sheets that will help them establish these routines before they begin school.

Also a weekly meal planner sheet was made with space for a grocery list!

I'm so excited to start this binder this week!

I will try to post pics another time.

Week 2 is to make something crafty for the house which will be revealed later in the week! I already have in mind what I want to do and I think I have all the supplies! So excited to get started!

Update :: I've decided to post along with the project if I learned anything new. This project wasn't learning something new as much as implementing and learning to save time!

Also here are the pictures I promised of two of the organizational pages I made!

A favorite toy from Christmas

2012-01-04T11:05:00.001-05:00

The kids got just the rot amount of toys. A good mix of toys, DVDs, learning items, money and clothes (which was all for Abigail...much needed!)One of the favorites is the bowling set Aaron got from Seth's parents!How they set the pins....

How they knock them down....

How they rejoice at their accomplishment!

Finally, SNOW!!

2012-01-03T23:17:00.001-05:00

December 2011 was weak for snow. I can't remember a more mild December. At the turn of the year though we got a decent amount that is still sticking. Perfect for little kids like mine; snow too deep would render them helpless!

All ready to go out!

Aaron looks a little confused and unsure. He enjoyed the sled ride with me though!

Peter loves sledding down the hill! My camera was acting funny so I could only get zoom shots which made it hard to get the sled in.

Even Cubby enjoyed our company outdoors. Although, he doesn't like us sledding in HIS territory. He barked in my ear when I went down with Aaron. He also stole a mitten from both twins.

Abigail is not pictured enjoying the snow because she cried the whole time. She enjoyed it more today as long as Seth was near, but she hated the sled ride.

Happy Winter, all!

2011 Review

2012-01-03T22:26:00.001-05:00

February 2011 (maybe March)

We had a lot of things happen this year. And for a full review you will have to just look through my blog. The highlights, though, were easier times with the twins, Seth and I celebrating 7 years of marriage, having a great summer of outdoor fun with the kids, and so much more!

Thanks to all my faithful readers for learning more about us and traveling the ups and downs with us as well!

December 31, 2011

What a difference a year makes (okay, a little less than a year!)!!!

New Years Resolution #1 and #2

2012-01-02T18:18:00.001-05:00

I don't take enough time to myself. I have a hard time finding time because either I'm home and the kids are needing my attention, I'm out at appts., activities, etc., or Seth is home and I want to spend time with him. This often leaves me feeling drained and like I need one big long break.

In an effort to refresh myself on a daily and weekly basis I am going to make time for two things this year. Exercise and Pinteresting!

Exercise through the Wii in the winter months and outdoor with the kids in the spring and summer. I hope I can keep this resolution!

Pinteresting will be done once a week, although it could be a week long process.
I plan to choose a pinterest "project" in the beginning of the week and doing that project during the week. It could be anything from kids activities to crafting to organization to trying a new meal!

We'll see how this year turns out!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

A child's perspective

2011-12-31T01:43:00.001-05:00

Somehow, when I took this picture everything in the background was blurry and Aaron was not. I believe this is how his world looks when he is so active! Its exactly opposite what I see. When Aaron runs he's a big blur, not the background. But here, in this picture, I get to see how the world looks to him!

And, of course, the shirt says it all...

Cookies and more...

2011-12-30T22:53:00.001-05:00

Last week we decorated Christmas cookies with some friends of ours from church/coffee break. Here are a couple photos.

Yes, they ate some of the fun...but that's most the fun, right!?

Today, the kids made gingerbread houses and dipped pretzel rods in chocolate! Mmmmmm! Thanks, Grandma V., for all the fun today!

The ornament!

2011-12-27T22:17:00.001-05:00

A few posts back I mentioned how Aaron was licking one of the Christmas tree ornaments. This is what it is...

...in his defense it does look like a cookie!

More Christmas with the parents!

2011-12-27T22:15:00.001-05:00

Mom was excited about the gift us girls got her and dad.

It is a yard game (which you can also play inside) called everyday golf.

Abigail loves JJ!

And Max!

Here the twins are relaxing with their zhu-zhu pets!

Wits and Wagers is a family favorite!

A wonderfully long day at the Bergy house!

Christmas at my parents!

2011-12-27T22:10:00.001-05:00

For the first time in my life (or at least that I can remember) my dad was sick on Christmas. :(

My mom made a great breakfast, just like dad's!

Aaron's gift.

Peter's gift.

Abigail's gift...part of it anyway. She got all dress-up items!

Christmas Morning

2011-12-27T22:00:00.001-05:00

After we woke up we read from Luke 2, the story of the birth of Jesus! The kids didn't listen too well but I'm sure next year will be easier.

These pics are the best I could get of the kids in front of the tree. Aaron was more interested in reading a book than opening gifts. It was one of those moments for him...

He eventually understood that opening gifts was more fun than reading a book at the time. Because I'm the photographer and the parent that helps them with their gifts the photography went by the wayside. No pics of opening gifts at our house.

They received a zhu-zhu pet and coloring books. Peter also got Thomas the Train UNO game. Aaron got a ball and Abigail got a monster truck (she's been pretty jealous of the boys since they received trucks at another Christmas.)

Seth surprised me by getting me a gift. $25 to JoAnn fabrics, a calendar for planning family outings and a new screen protector for my iPad!

Hope you all had a merry Christmas as well!

Decorations around my house!

2011-12-27T21:49:00.001-05:00

That was all I did this year. We also put lights outside on the house and a wreath on the door. I don't have a pic of our tree, sorry.

New app!

2011-12-27T21:39:00.001-05:00

A great new app I found called "SKITCH".

I'm loving it!

Don't worry, the picture ended well! Peter swung it over top Aaron's head. Aaron was on the floor crying because he wasn't getting a turn, not because Peter was beating him with a vacuum!

Happy Birthday, Peter!

2011-12-24T15:28:00.001-05:00

Happy 4th Birthday to our Peter!

What a blessing you are and will continue to be. We pray for you and ask God for special blessings this next year! Enjoy your special day and the year to come!

All smiles!

2011-12-19T23:28:00.001-05:00

Before bedtime play...

Wake up and play...with Daddy...

Ham!!

2011-12-19T23:26:00.001-05:00

Aaron has been a ham lately! He knows he's funny...and that's what makes it funnier.

We have a Christmas tree ornament that represents Aaron's first Christmas. I guess it looks like a cookie because tonight I found him licking it. I laughed so hard!

Here's a couple pics of Aaron!

Aaron has a temper issue...as seen above!

Christmas program

2011-12-19T23:00:00.001-05:00

Last night Peter was in his first Christmas program at church!

His group only sang 3 short songs but they were the sweetest moments for me to see this season!

We were a little worried about him as Peter prefers to suck on his hand when he's nervous, or he will cry if he has to do something he doesn't want to.

Although he didn't sing, he stood up there and that's all that counts. Here are some pics.

Artist?

2011-12-19T22:24:00.001-05:00

Abigail loves to color...on everything!

Coloring books...

Herself...

Even the kitchen counter (sorry no pic). Hopefully this writing on everything ends soon before we have all the hieroglyphics on the wall colored in in the basement!

We miss you, Grandpa!

2011-12-16T23:15:00.001-05:00

It's been just over a week since Seth's grandpa passed away. The visitation was this past Tuesday and the funeral, Wednesday.

Saying goodbye was difficult.

The last time I was at a funeral for a family member was in January 2002. My great-uncle passed away suddenly and it's the first family member I was close to that I remembered the most about. The first family member I had lost that I had memories of.

My maternal grandfather passed away when I was in first grade. I remember that night {early morning} very well. I was sick and my mom was sitting beside me as I was...getting sick, when the phone rang. My dad, shortly after, came in to tell my mom that my grandpa had passed away. I remember two things about that night. The first is, I remember thinking "does 'passed away' mean he died?" (I was only in first grade, remember). And second, I remember it being one of the only, if not the only, times my dad helped me while I was puking (because he took over for my mom who went out to the living room to be with my grandma who was staying with us while my grandpa was in the hospital). I have some memories of my grandpa but mainly they are second-hand memories, ones people tell me about that I was there for but too young to remember.

Seth's grandpa was a great man. I can't even begin to describe the man he was as there were so many things about him that people loved. Some words that were used during the funeral were "man of integrity", "he filled a room {with so much of himself}", "a man of God's Word".

He leaves behind not just a wife, kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and siblings and friends. He leaves behind a legacy that will be present for many, many years to come.

We miss him greatly but look forward to seeing him again in eternal glory!

We miss you, Grandpa. Give Isaac and Luke a hug from us!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Aaron and Abigail!

2011-12-10T16:00:00.001-05:00

You two are double everything in our lives! We have been blessed by both of you in so many ways! It's hard to believe its been two years but it's hard to believe its only been 2 years!

May your love for life, family and faith grow stronger this next year!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TWINNERS!!!!

Politically correct holiday greetings?

2011-12-03T17:30:00.001-05:00

Not for me!

These days so many things are labeled "politically correct."

While watching a segment on a national morning show they brought up the topic of holiday greetings and how it is NOT politically correct to say "Merry Christmas" but rather we should be saying "Happy Holidays".

My view — who cares!?!

I feel that if I say "Merry Christmas" to someone it tells more about who I am than who I assume the person I'm speaking with to be.

Let's repeat that (as it is my point):

I feel that if I say "Merry Christmas" to someone it tells more about who I am than who I assume the person I'm speaking with to be.

So if I say "Merry Christmas" to a Jewish person or an Islamic person or an atheist I'm not trying to push my faith or beliefs upon them but rather stay true to what I believe this season and holiday is about, or more precisely WHO it's about.

And I won't be offended when someone greets me by saying their beliefs in the holidays. It's who they are not who they believe me to be.

Saying happy holidays, to me, is hiding what I know to be true and right and good in this world. To say Happy Holidays, to me, is to suppress who I am.

So, next time you greet (or say goodbye) to a friend, family member, employee, customer, etc. Remember, your saying what YOU believe not what you think they believe.

In true spirit - Merry Christmas (even if it is 22 days early)!!!!

Countdown to Christmas

2011-12-02T21:39:00.001-05:00

I have this great countdown to Christmas idea that I started on awhile ago. But, I haven't finished it yet which means I'm two days behind in my countdown of 25 days to Christmas. Maybe tomorrow I can catch up!

Hieroglyphic clean-up

2011-12-01T14:35:00.001-05:00

We will be painting the basement bath soon so I plan to re-paint the walls that Peter drew on (see previous post). But I thought I'd take this opportunity to figure out what works best in getting Permenant marker off the walls.

Hairspray - the hilltop to the right I used hairspray on. Works okay.

Toothpaste - the hilltop to the left wasn't removed well with this method.

Toothpaste followed by hairspray - the hilltop to the left, again. Hairspray worked really well after the toothpaste.

Mr Clean eraser - I like this Eraser for non-painted surfaces but for my basement walls I am not a fan. You can see it took the paint right off and I didn't even scrub hard.

Hieroglyphics

2011-12-01T14:27:00.001-05:00

Peter drew on the walls...

Tree

2011-11-30T22:46:00.001-05:00

The day after thanksgiving we put up our tree! It was fun and exciting and went ~~well~~ as best as it can go with three kids 4 and under!

The kids were fascinated by the lights!

Peter wasn't AS fascinated but more just wanted to be included in picture taking.

Abigail was loving how "pitty" (translated pretty) it was.

Love this expression. Surprisingly, it's not that difficult to keep Aaron away, unless Abigail is touching the tree Aaron stays away.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 30

2011-11-30T00:33:00.001-05:00

Day 30: Life

I'm so thankful for my life.

It's amazing how much I complain about this bill or that thing that needs to get done. But at the end of the day, when I lay down and say my prayers, all I say is 'Thank You, Lord, for the life I have'.

I'm thankful for all that is in me, all that I am, all I was, and all that I am going to be.

Every part of my life has a purpose, whether good or bad, these things that are in me and around me form who I am. The intricacies of life are too complex for me. Only God can know the purpose of why things happen...and for that I am thankful too!

Life is amazing and wonderful and sad and deep and so many other things.

(Sorry, I'm just writing what I'm thinking not worrying how it sounds or flows or if it's grammatically correct. And I have no intention of editing anything but spelling!)

I can't fathom all that life is but:
I'm happy for the life I'm in, no matter the difficulties.
I'm happy for the life I'm in because of the wonderful parts of it.
I'm happy for the life I'm in because I'm the only one who can live it!
I'm happy for the life I'm in because life is precious.
I'm happy for the life I'm in because this is the life God chose for me!!

----------------------------------------------------

This ends my 30 Days of Thankfulness Series.

But trust me, this has grown on me. It has changed me and become part of me.

I intend to keep up being thankful!

Thanks for reading, I hope it has affected you in ways you couldn't have imagined.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 29

2011-11-30T00:25:00.001-05:00

Day 29: New Beginnings

The Bible teaches that His mercies are new ever morning. (Lamentations 3:22,23)

I love this! I love that every morning I get to start over. I get to say "Lord, I may have failed yesterday, but thankfully your compassion is fresh and new today!"

It's not just the physical morning that's talked about but each new phase in life (becoming a follower of Christ or renewing your vows to Him), each new start in life (getting married, having children, entering college or a new job) every thing that brings morning or simply put – each time you get a wake up call!

Life is full of them!

Be thankful for each one!

I'm thankful that the mercies are there whether we see them or not, acknowledge them or ignore them, understand them or stand puzzled.

(I'm trying, though, to see, acknowledge and understand. Sometimes it's just not that easy.)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 28

2011-11-28T22:53:00.001-05:00

Day 28: Brothers

I didn't have brothers growing up. I always wanted one though. But I always wanted an older brother and by the time I figured this out there was no way of getting an older brother...

So, I had to wait for brothers-in-law. Now I have 7!

They all are great men who have each taught me things in the various number of years I have known them. I am thankful for the influence they have had on my life as a person, a wife, a mother, a daughter, and a sister.

Thanks to Mark, Adam, David, Micah, TJ, John and Ken. You each have a special place in my life as the brothers I never had!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 27

2011-11-28T22:44:00.001-05:00

Day 27: Devotionals/Bible Studies

I love the study I'm doing right now in Coffee Break about our modern day idols. It's by Kelly Minter and it's titled "No Other Gods". It's full of amazing insights and is allowing me to look at the bible stories I know well in new and life-changing ways! This study is helping me realize who and what I devote my time to (even essentially good things). It's helping me prioritize and focus first on God — the One who created those things I put before Him.

I love that Devotionals and studies do this – change lives! What's more amazing is everyone could read the same book but come out with a different way that it touched their life!

So thankful for these studies, the people who write them, and, above all, God – the One who makes it all happen!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 26

2011-11-26T17:09:00.001-05:00

Day 26: The Little Things in Life (in no particular order)

Shopping with my Mom
Waking up next to a great husband
Talking with my big sis for 45 min on the phone
Coming home after a great night of shopping to a peaceful household
Making dinners for my family
A nice (50*+ day) at the end of November
Making new friends and keeping up with old ones
Hearing another adult voice when you've spent all day with 3 kids under 4

And SOOOOO much more...

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 25

2011-11-26T16:48:00.001-05:00

Day 25: Children's programming

I love that Netflix has a wide variety of children's television. Although my kids gravitate toward Blue's Clues every moment of the day, I'm thankful that Peter chooses other fun things such as Pocoyo and Dora/Diego.

This has saved my sanity. I may be ruining my children's brains and turning them to mush but at least I'm doing it sanely! I'm kidding...I try to ~~equalize~~ make my kids play more than they watch tv. Most days go well.

I'm not as worried about the twins, they only half watch what I put on the TV. Peter, on the other hand, soaks up everything. But even he gets tired of TV and since he's such an active, energetic child I don't worry too much.

Rough couple days

2011-11-24T21:20:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure what it is, yet, but I hope to find out soon. We'll have to talk with the doctor and see what he thinks. It is disruptive to our family, to our household, and to my sanity.

Aaron's temper is overwhelming most days. Other days he's this sweet little boy with bright eyes and an enormous heart full of love. Yesterday and today were full of battles. I took his (empty) plate away today at dinner and it turned into an hour or so of tantrum-fest. If he doesn't get the right spoon or the right TV show or he doesn't see me put the juice in his cup, it is tantrum-ville.

Right now it consumes me. (which reminds me to do my bible study!)

Pray for us, please. You may just think its a phase...you know he's almost two!

But my instincts say different. My mommy radar is on red-alert.

After these last two days my heart and spirit are broken (and very tired).

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 24

2011-11-24T21:09:00.001-05:00

Day 24: Thanksgiving (of course)

It's not just the turkey, the rest of the food, the family time but it's also what this holiday means. It's about the principles and faith this country was founded on.

I'm thankful for what this country used to be and what I know it can be and what it will–prayerfully–become once again.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 23

2011-11-24T21:05:00.001-05:00

Day 23: Marriage

I am so thankful for the union between a man and a woman. What a wonderful blessing marriage is.

Today I am thankful not only for my marriage to Seth but also for the marriages that have taught us what it is to have a relationship. To my parents marriage, to my in-laws marriage, and to all of the grandparents — thank you for showing me what it is to be married, to work at marriage and ultimately how to love in a marriage!

Sorry this post is late, yesterday (and today) have been very long days!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 22

2011-11-22T23:23:00.001-05:00

Day 22: Seth's Parents

I couldn't ask for a better set of in-laws. They help out and go out of their way to do so.

Seth's dad is great at helping out with things around the house. He has been helping us with our basement bathroom and gave me great pointers on how to keep a garden (too bad I failed in implementing some of those pointers which caused my tomato plants to produce less than average numbers.).

Seth's mom loves helping out by babysitting or cleaning up around the house when she's here. For this, I am completely grateful. My house is a disaster most days and when she comes she either enjoys the kids while I clean or helps me clean and then I get me time while she plays with the kids.

I'm thankful for my in-laws. They're nothing like the horror stories you hear from others. I'm thankful that I have a great relationship with them. I love that Seth has a great relationship with them. I'm excited that my kids are able to grow up with their grandparents around!

Thank you, Dad And Mom V., for loving me and accepting me into your family.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 21

2011-11-21T11:32:00.001-05:00

Day 21: Peace

The peace that is in my house right now (it's lunch time and I have Blues Clues playing)!

The Peace that passes ALL understanding!

So thankful for peace!

TT&J giveaway

2011-11-21T09:45:00.001-05:00

I love Tatertots and Jello website! Great ideas for home decor, crafting and so much more!

Today I'm entering a giveaway for a Silhouette Cameo.

You can enter too! Just visit the Tatertots and Jello website!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 20

2011-11-20T22:43:00.001-05:00

Day 20: Imagination

Peter has had quite the imagination lately.

Today he renamed Aaron and Abigail. Aaron is now Mark and Abigail is now Dave. I have no clue where he got these names but when I asked him about them he said "from my heart". So precious!

I'm just now realizing that these are two of his uncles names (don't judge, it's been a long day). It's not like we talk about his uncles all that much; sorry Mark and Dave, we don't really talk too much about anybody outside of grandma's and grandpa's. So when he says he got them from his heart its just too cute. His imagination is running.

I'm thankful for imagination. And hoping he doesn't lose it too quickly and that it stays pure and innocent!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 19 (a day late)

2011-11-20T22:35:00.001-05:00

Day 19: Patience

With 3 kids under four I need a lot of this.

I'm so thankful for patience; if I don't have it Seth does and vice versa. We compliment each other well like that!

It's definetly God given because I can never pull it off myself!

2011-11-19T08:31:00.001-05:00

I know I've been posting a lot of words lately. Here are some pictures that Peter drew last night. This is the first time I have seen him draw detail on a person! I'm a proud mama!

These are pictures of Steve and Blue from Blue's Clues. He's really into this right now! Thankful for Netflix because without it my kids would not know these iconic television characters! Haha! Anyway, on Steve you can tell where his eyes are, his nose, his mouth. For explination, the circles on either side of his eyes are ears!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 18

2011-11-18T21:50:00.001-05:00

Day 18: Emotions

I am thankful that I am an emotional person. Without emotions I think I woul go nuts. I'm happy that I'm passionate, caring, compassionate, and understanding. I'm happy I get angry, frustrated, upset, and just plain PO'd.

I wear my emotions on my sleeve. You'll know what I'm feeling. I hate hiding my feelings because then they just bottle up inside and explode at the wrong times and at the wrong people.

I'm thankful that I can be me emotionally but have the emotional control to be tuned into others emotional needs, too. What I mean is, sometimes we have to hold our tongue, even if we want to say something truthful to others maybe it's not what they want or need to hear at that time.

I'm thankful for these emotions because God gave them for a reason but also to teach us control. It's amazing how God wired our brains and built our bodies. Emotions are complicated. Learning to show the emotions and also control the emotions we learn can be difficult but necessary if we are to live in harmony with each other.

I'm thankful I have learned so much about my emotions, but have a lot of learning yet to do. As do we all.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 17

2011-11-17T22:26:00.001-05:00

Day 17: Modern Technology

I love that I don't have to go far when searching for answers. Today I spent about an hour searching the Internet for recipes without egg and dairy. The best resources are vegan websites and then you just add meat of choice.

Today I found recipes for essentials that normally have egg or dairy in them. Such as mayo, ranch dressing, honey mustard dressing, and sour cream. I also found great substitutes for eggs while baking. Like using applesauce or bananas in baked goods.

Modern technology is great for more than just this, obviously, but it helped me today to help my husband. He was so excited when I told him I found these things. It may seem silly, but to me, it's helping make dinner time a bit easier.

Thanks, modern technology, for making our lives a bit easier!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 16

2011-11-16T22:06:00.001-05:00

Day 16: Kids Part 2

I love how my kids interact with each other. It is such a blessing to see them grow and learn together.

I'm thankful that they help each other out and show compassion to one another. Don't get me wrong, they do plenty of fighting and hitting and throwing things at each other, but it's the sweet things I remember.

Today, Aaron took a toy from Abigail which prompted her to get up and come screaming for me. Aaron's face fell as he realized he upset his sister. He placed the toy back on the ground where Abigail had been sitting and said "Here Go, Abgal" and then started running around the living room in his own happy little way. Abigail returned to the toy and everyone was happy.

I'm thankful for each of my kids and their growing understanding of what it means to be a family. I'm thankful they are learning to love.

I'm thankful for these three little blessings that God has allowed me to raise and care for.

5 Years...

2011-11-16T21:41:00.001-05:00

5 years ago Sarah and I would be placed in a position to face tragedy. Our lives up to that point were full of hope and expectation. We were so excited to learn that we would not only be having one precious child but two. We were in the midst of construction of our new house and all seemed to be going as planned. Until one morning I received a call at work from Sarah. When I got on the phone I immediately knew this would be no ordinary phone call. Sarah was beside herself and crying. She told me that she had been leaking amniotic fluid and had gone in to get it checked out. Upon examination her doctor determined that there was reason to be concerned and that she should go the hospital. Once we got to the hospital her doctor’s concerns were realized and we started our spiral into chaos. From this point on events tended to blur together and time seemed to stand still. We were told that there was a very high probability we would lose these lives that we thought we were supposed to raise into adult hood. There was only a very small chance that she might make it viability stage. So everyday we struggled with the very real possibility our children would never get the chance to experience this world. There were some people who brought us hope and some people who brought us despair. However no one could change the numbness that was growing in my heart. I couldn’t seem to be able to keep up with the movement of the waves and so I held firm, simply waiting for this storm to pass. Whether good or bad I would not let either rule over me. Instead I chose to stay in the abyss of nothingness, not expecting nor thinking, just being. So when the day finally came, and we lost the future we thought we were meant to have, I slipped further into the abyss around me. That day will never leave nor can I ever leave it. It stands as a path not traveled, as a dream unfulfilled, as a life never lived. When Sarah gave birth to those precious children I was asked if I wanted to hold them. I did and was able to glimpse a little of the future that would never be. As I held them and they struggled to breathe I realized that I was holding my dying children. I wanted to help them in their struggle to breathe, to be the father I had dreamed of being. The moment was like standing in the eye of a storm, realizing you have made it this far but that your world has been torn apart and the torment is not over. As Man and Woman become one a bond is formed and a little of each other is bound to the other. I believe that when a child is created a little of his parents are bound to the child. A little of Sarah and I died that day. We will never get that part of ourselves back again. So we live in this world as people incomplete and survive only because of God’s grace. We have since been blessed with 3 children and thank God for them everyday. But we will never forget the past and those precious children we once had. I still hold hope for the future and pray that I might come out of the abyss so I can release the emotions that still exist.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 15

2011-11-15T22:15:00.001-05:00

Day 15: Kids Part 1

My kids are wonderful! I am so happy for each of my children!

Each one helps me to be better, learn more, and keep my eyes heavenward.

My kids are full of life, love and happiness. These facts help me through the times when they are crabby, tantrum-like, and whiny. I'm so happy we have more great times than bad times. I'm thankful for the smiles I see in the morning and the kisses I get at night.

I love that they need me for things and rely on me.

I'm thankful for these kids that make life brighter for both Seth and I.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 14

2011-11-15T22:03:00.001-05:00

Day 14: Laughter

The song from Mary Poppins "I Love To Laugh" pops into my mind!

Laughter is frequent around this house! I am so thankful for it!

(sorry this post is a day late. Silly me forgot to post last night!)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 13

2011-11-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

Day 13: SethSeth is a great husband. Loving, kind, generous, intelligent, etc., etc., etc..He's almost everything I prayed for in a husband and more than I deserve. (I say almost because doesn't every young girl pray for the 'perfect' husband?! But no one is perfect...so I get what God gives me and he always gives more than we deserve! Thankfully!)He is a great father, too! He plays with our kids, disciplines them with love, and is an example to them of what being a husband, a father, and a Christian looks like.He cares, he gives, he cherishes.He's genuine.He's my Knight in Shining Armor! My Prince Charming! (kind of an old inside joke between him and me!)Love you, Seth! Happy 30th Birthday!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 12

2011-11-12T22:39:00.001-05:00

Day 12: Friends

There is so much to say about friends, but it is so late so I'm keeping it short.

I'm so happy that I have friends that like me for me, that enjoy my company, that I can tell most things to, and that include my family in their celebrations of milestones!

To my wonderful friends...I am so thankful for you!

t

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 11

2011-11-11T09:24:00.001-05:00

Day 11: Food

There are so many great recipes out there and I love trying new things. Lately, with Seth's allergies arising this past month, I've been looking up new recipes for our family to try that are egg and dairy free. It's hard but I've found if I try vegen recipes it is easier, much easier!

For the most part, I hate to cook. But, I LOVE to eat! Maybe when my kids are older and not pulling on me while I'm trying to prepare a meal I will enjoy it more. You know, when they can help out more and I can teach them this valuable skill of cooking.

Today, I'm thankful for food! It's so good! Mmmmm!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 10

2011-11-10T12:51:00.001-05:00

Day 10: Coffee Break GroupI have missed the past two weeks of my Bible Study due to illness with kids and myself. It has made a very long 2 weeks. I love attending Coffee Break at my church. The fellowship between the ladies is wonderful and I love being able to have some adult time.I'm so very thankful for the leaders I have this year. They are such a blessing to all us ladies and lead with great wisdom.I'm thankful for the ladies in the group, also. They have insight and revelation that spurs me on and keeps me going.The study we are doing right now is one that is challenging, as we are looking at the modern day idols that we face. Not just evil ones but ones that are good but consume us just as much. I'm learning a lot through this study. I am seeing what needs working on in my life and how I can make that better. Mainly, this is done through prayer and focusing on God and His Word.I am so thankful for this group and the blessings it gives me pretty much every day!P.S. Not sure why every time I use my desktop it formats this way. For that I apologize as it appears to run on and on. Please know I did not format it that way on my own.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 9

2011-11-09T14:50:00.001-05:00

Day 9: Job

I am so thankful for Seth's job. The flexibility, the people there, the fact that it's a job in an unstable economy.

Every job gets its share of complaints, and food retail management is no different. But it does provide a sense of security around the holidays (everyone needs food for Thanksgiving and Christmas parties). I can't complain about hours when there is other flexibility such as Seth being able to help with doctor appointments. It's somewhat easy to schedule so that we can get certain things done and plan family time around his schedule.

I'm happy he has a job so I can stay home. It may be hard at times because he isn't here for dinner time or he's gone before the sun comes up, but I'm thankful that he is satisfied with the job and is able to use the skills he has in his job.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 8

2011-11-08T21:37:00.001-05:00

Day 8: Community

I never really understood what it's like to have community until 5 years ago.

Community is more than the people who reside in the same zip code or who lives in your dorm room or goes to your church. Community is who decides to pull for you when you're in need. It's who cares enough to care for you, pray for you, cry with you, rejoice with you, etc.

5 years ago today I went into the hospital because my cervix was funneling and one of the two sacks was pushing through. I felt nothing, didn't know it was happening, and was scared. Seth and I joined with our families in prayer and took our cares to God. As time went on I realized that more than just our families were praying and thinking of us. There was a teacher from Seth's elementary that was praying for us. A high school teacher of mine came to the graveside service for our boys. Co-workers to our parents. Friends from our past. Prayer chains at churches. They all gathered around us, even though they didn't know us, to pray and ask God to help us through this.

I had never felt community like that before, the good thing is I have felt it since! The power of community is great and I hope everyone can feel that at some time.

I'm thankful for the community that has gathered around us. The great thing is new people come in all the time. (yes, others leave, but things happen).

I'm thankful for the community we have made up of friends, family, and so many others! Thank you to all that have helped us through, lifted us up, and rejoiced with us in so many situations!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 7

2011-11-07T12:28:00.001-05:00

Day 7: My Parents

With it being my birthday today (!!!!) I figured I would be thankful for those two people that gave life to me, raised me, and taught me so many things!

My parents are wonderful! Most of you know that we live ~~fairly~~ really close to them. It is a true blessing! Being close to them means when I was on bedrest they were there for me when Seth was at work. Being so close to them means walking across the creek just to say hi and brighten everyone's day! Being close means enjoying them walking here to say hi to all of us!

I'm thankful my parents decided to have a second family in which I am the oldest ;)
I'm thankful my parents raised me in such a way that I can deal with most life issues without going insane!
I'm thankful my parents taught me to love no matter what!
I'm thankful my parents have shown me what faith is!
I'm thankful my parents are great examples in all areas of life!
I'm thankful my parents have instilled in me the meaning of family!
I'm thankful for my parents!

Love you Dad and Mom! Thank You!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 6

2011-11-06T21:58:00.001-05:00

Day 6: 'Me' Time

Time to myself comes rarely. It seems that if I get time to myself it's more like time to catch up on things that couldn't get done. Laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc., all seem to fall into me time lately.

This weekend Seth was off work. Since my birthday is tomorrow he gave me a couple days to do what I wanted. Since we are all feeling under the weather I just stayed home.

I still got my me time though. I was able to take a 3 hour nap yesterday!! That was super! And today I was able to watch some things on Netflix!

It was a great weekend! I'm thankful for the me time I get and how Seth jumps in to give me that time at the right times!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 5

2011-11-05T14:18:00.001-04:00

Day 5: Seasons

I am so thankful for seasons, not just fall, winter, spring, summer.

Through our lives we all have seasons of happiness, struggle, dependency, growing, etc.

The season of Fall is beautiful. From leaves changing colors to the excitement over holidays to the wonderful smell of cinnamon and all spice! Although I have health struggles in the fall because of nasty allergies, I am also very thankful for this time of year as all the old things of summer morph into the beauty and crispness we call Autumn.

This time of year for me brings remebering a certain season I have been through. The season of loss. This month marks 5 years since Issac and Luke were born and passed away. This season is sad but oh-so precious. I cry and mourn but I also rejoice and am thankful. This may seem strange to some, to rejoice and be thankful, but when you have two children in Heaven you know they are well taken care of. The plan was not mine but rather the perfect plan of God's. For that I am thankful, for this season I am thankful, and for fall I am thankful!

I love this season!

Answered Prayers

2011-11-04T17:45:00.001-04:00

The button to your right "Praying for Baby Bird" will soon be gone. Jamie wrote her last post on this blog today. She has a blog listed that you can continue to follow if you would like.

Tessa is an answer to many prayers!

I hope you all have a chance to be touched by her story in some way. She is a beautiful gift from God!

Enjoy the video! (have tissues near by!)

Click the button on the right to get to the blog!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 4

2011-11-04T10:52:00.001-04:00

Note about yesterday: Sorry about the formatting. I'm not sure what went wrong. I typed it on my actual PC in Chrome. I'm confused as to why this happened.

Onto today,

Day 4: Freedom

"Freedom doesn't come free" is a phrase often used today. I agree, someone has to pay for me to be free.

Not only as an American but also as a Christian.

I am free because there are American soldiers willing to give their life for my freedom.

I am free because Jesus died on the cross for my sins!

I am forever thankful!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 3

2011-11-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

Day 3: Sisters (and sisters-in-law)Sisters are great people to have in your life! I love my sisters with great depth. They are a part of who I am and who I will become.When I think of the word 'sister' a few things pop in my mind:DedicationEncouragementSillinessForgivenessPrayer~~Cat fights!~~ Bathroom Brawls!Emotions run highJokes only sisters can understand and relate toetc., etc., etc...My sisters are wonderful. They uplift me, the encourage me, they pray for me, and they have a bond with me that can NEVER be broken. It doesn't matter what differences we have, what fights we have, or how upset we become with one another...Sisters are sisters for life! We get past our differences, we forget about fights, and we cool off after being upset. In hind sight, it made our bond stronger. We all learned something. We all still love one another with a fierce, sisterly love!Sister-in-laws are the same. We are all a part of a family that loves deeply. We are all a part of a bond that will never be broken. We love each other, we pray for one another, and we forgive no matter what the injury. Even though we are sisters through marriage, we are sisters!So to Lori, Carolyn, Shari, Claudia, Brooke, Joy, Rachel, Lisa and Anna: Thank you for being my sister. Thank you for being who you are so I can be who I am without reserve. Thank you for understanding me in ways no one else can, not even Seth! ;)Sincerely, your sister,

Halloween

2011-11-02T22:17:00.001-04:00

I know, it's past. We didn't get to trick or treat because of illness, which is also the reason I couldn't download pics until this evening.

I don't have any pics of the boys in their capes but I did manage to get a pic of Abigail in her costume that we borrowed from a friend.

So cute!

We are lucky great-grandpa and great-grandma are so near. They brought over some candy and the kids had a piece after dinner!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 2

2011-11-02T10:34:00.001-04:00

Day 2: I am thankful for health.

For those of you that know me this may sound weird to say today. We have all been sick for the past few days. So why am I thankful for health today? I have 28 more days to be thankful for this, right?! Yes, but I am thankful that we are generally healthy and that we don't have worse sickness today. It's general colds and stuffiness and coughing.

We are healthy most of the year and we don't have any ongoing issues besides allergies. We are blessed...and VERY thankful for the health God has given us.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 1

2011-11-01T21:48:00.001-04:00

Today starts my 30 Days of Thankfulness.

Day 1: Faith

I have so many reasons to be thankful for my faith. My faith in God has lifted me up, pushed me beyond, and thrust me forward in so many more ways than I can imagine.

My faith is the core of me...but sometimes I fail and fall short. This only makes me stronger. Builds me up taller. Creates more of a desire to know Him more!

Today I am thankful for the faith I have in our Lord Jesus Christ!

If you want a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, please email me. I will tell you all about His wonderfulness!

Research for Recipes

2011-10-29T09:06:00.001-04:00

I love researching recipes! I never thought I'd have to research recipes for cheese and egg substitutes.

We recently found out that Seth is allergic to milk and eggs. My first thought...OH DEAR. Almost all my wonderfully tasting recipes include cheese!

I really didn't want to do tofu cheese. This cheese is tapioca based.

This website helps a lot:

http://www.daiyafoods.com/index.html

Piggyback

2011-10-27T17:05:00.001-04:00

What great fun! Piggyback riding on your big brother!

I love the way these kids play together. Each day brings new adventures and interesting imaginative play!

Project

2011-10-27T17:03:00.001-04:00

Did the second step of a fun project I'm working on to be completed in December!
The first step was collecting the caps I spray painted.

Stay tuned for more of the reveal throughout the next few weeks!

Allergy

2011-10-27T17:01:00.001-04:00

Allergy to cinnamon...

Yup, both of them!

Found this out when I put cinnamon on their oatmeal. Bummer.

Half way...

2011-10-19T22:37:00.001-04:00

Let me clarify my last post. We are not ill or injured. This week is a long week due to a very abrupt schedule change that is taking place for one week only. My work load has increased, which I'm not complaining but rather just stating. Like I said, it's only for a week. Next week, Seth will start a vacation. I will explain more on Sunday!

On To the post...

Monday: I can't remember. I've been so tired because of this schedule change.
Tuesday: went to the in-laws to make applesauce (more about this later). We also stayed the night at the in-laws and then came home by 7:30 this morning.
Today: plain craziness. Tired kids and rainy weather is not a good mix. Luckily we all got good rest this afternoon and the evening went a bit smoother!

Have a great rest of the week and look for an update this weekend about the second half of the week!

Blessings,

Indian summer

2011-10-17T15:55:00.001-04:00

The past couple weeks were warm. An 'Indian summer' they call it. It was great to be outside playing with the kids. This past weekend ended all that with temps in the high 50's and wind that blows you away!

Some pics from early last week!

2011-10-16T17:52:00.002-04:00

this is how I found Abigail at my parents one day. Yes, I'm a horrible parent. I made her suffer through this aweful pretzel position she put herself in so that I could grab the camera!

Sunday Brunch: Long Week

2011-10-16T17:48:00.000-04:00

We have a long week ahead of us. I can't reveal all details because I don't need the whole world knowing...I will post about it when it's over, though. The important thing is that I do have a few events scheduled so that, hopefully, it will go by quickly.I'm going to make applesauce on Tuesday with my MIL. I've never made it before so this should be interesting for me to learn. Luckily, MIL is a seasoned vet at canning things!I will also have my Bible Study on Tuesday morning. I love this time because it is ME time. Okay, so it's time with other ladies, no kids, and especially time with God! Not exactly 'ME' time but time where I get to do something I enjoy and want to do, nonetheless.I plan on visiting my sister as she is off work for awhile following a surgery. This should help Seth a lot so that he can rest. Hopefully the weather is nice enough we can walk to see her. Otherwise, I guess I will have the vehicle, therefore, making it up there no matter what the weather!I guess I should plan some other things as well...now that I have it all typed out it doesn't seem like much.Prayer for my sanity would be much appreciated as I will be dealing all week with the kids almost completely alone. If you can't find me next week, look in any corner you can...I might be curled up there trying to regain my sanity!!Have a great week! I know I will try!

Remembering

2011-10-15T08:56:00.001-04:00

Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

As a mother of twin angel babies I remember, today, Isaac Robert (11/15/06) and Luke Alan (11/16/06).

Next month will be five years since we lost our precious baby boys, born too early. I will write more, then, about our journey. Today, though, we celebrate their life. It may have been short but it has impacted many.

We also remember all our family and friends today who have been impacted by miscarriage (at any pregnancy stage), still birth, and infant loss. We continue to pray for the love of God to ensnare you and keep you comforted, knowing one day we will see our babies again!

If anyone has questions about a life-changing, life-saving relationship with Jesus Christ please feel free to contact me. Visit my 'contact me' tab at the top of the page for an email link.

Blessings,

Teach a man to fish...

2011-10-13T12:17:00.001-04:00

"Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime."

This is an old Chinese proverb. We've all heard it said in many places we've been and I'm sure we can apply it to different areas of our lives. Our parents have taught us valuable things; our siblings, high school teachers, college professors, friends...the list goes on...have taught us as well.

One thing I love about our church is they have fabulous outreach events! Last night we had our annual fishing event that is put on by our Outdoor Club. At this event they feed us dinner (ironically, not fish), have an ice cream truck, and poles and bait are available for fishing in our church pond! It is open to anyone in the community. Many people bring their adult kids who have church homes elsewhere, their grandkids, or, in my case, their parents who enjoy watching their kids and grandkids grow in life and faith!

Here are a few pics from last night.

Teaching Peter not to reel in too quickly and let the fish come to him!

Patience is important but in the 45 minutes we fished and shared our pole Peter caught 4 fish!

Ashley came along (my parents and sister Lori were there too). Ashley with her first fish!

Aaron chowin' down on the hot dog and fries!

Abigail trying to eat! Next year she'll be able to see what she is eating!

I'm happy our church isn't just feeding people. I'm glad they are teaching and equipping the congregation with valuable skills that will advance the Kingdom of God!

All for His Glory!

Abigail's Fashion

2011-10-09T21:21:00.001-04:00

Trying on daddy's boots...not quite the look she was going for.

This is better...thanks mommy!

I made these pjs for Abi this week! I had to do some work on the collar. When I tried it on her, well, it wouldn't go over her head. So I took the neck piece off, made my own bias tape and sewed that on. It works...after all its just pajamas! Can't wait to make more!

Sunday Brunch: My style

2011-10-09T11:46:00.001-04:00

I've never really been a fashionista. I like to wear nice things but I don't buy a lot of dress clothes because I find shopping a chore. If I go with Seth he doesn't really seem to care about my fashion. He thinks a lot of things look good on me. (he's also the one who put an olive green polo with black dress slacks today. Don't worry, I made him change.)

Today I got a few compliments on my outfit. I NEVER get compliments about clothes. I was so excited for this outfit though, so maybe I was stood a little taller with more confidence? Whatever it was it got me compliments, and it made me feel fashionista-ish.

What's so great about this shirt? Oh yeah, I SEWED IT!! it's the first shirt I've sewn for myself and I love it! I can't wait to make more clothes for myself!

Please excuse the hair and no makeup picture. It was late and I wasn't putting makeup on just for this photo!

Have a great Sunday!

Big rocks first!

2011-10-04T07:07:00.001-04:00

This blogpost made me think today...

http://keepinglifecreative.com/mommy-moments/31-days-place-the-big-rocks-first/

Thanking God today for some pretty awesome big rocks!

Long walk

2011-09-29T14:16:00.001-04:00

A one hour walk with the kids before the rain started = 2 tired twinners, 1 tired older brother and one relaxed mama!

We stopped at three different houses to chat with family and enjoyed nature as we found the trees that are starting to change color!

Love this time of year!

Pin It!

2011-09-27T15:48:00.001-04:00

I've jumped on. Wasn't sure if I wanted to. Today I plunged in full force. Luckily the kids loved playing in the basement today which allowed me time to figure this out. The hardest part was finding a tutorial on how to get it done on the iPad.

PINTEREST!!!!

I love it. It's my new ~~obsession~~ hobby.

I look at so many blogs with tutorials and crafts and awesomeness galore! I want to share all these at the same time with everyone but, until now, haven't been able to.

It's just another avenue to find awesome things for my house, my kids, and myself! And great DIY projects for the hubby! ;)

Sunday Brunch: activities, activities

2011-09-25T21:36:00.001-04:00

I was talking to my Mom tonight about all the stuff coming up in the next few weeks. Even for a family without kids in school it seems the start of the school season brings so much to do. There are church activities to go to, bible studies starting up, flu shots to get, etc., etc., etc..

Because we only have one vehicle and Seth's schedule is so crazy sometimes, my mom and his mom help out A LOT!! Doctors appointments, certain activities, and church meetings. It seems they are either babysitting or driving. I realized today, as I was driving the kids home from church, that I have only driven all the kids one other time somewhere by myself. In February, when we had to take Seth parents car to the airport to pick them up. Of course Seth was right behind me then, today he was not.

Getting a second vehicle is expensive. It's not something we can really afford right now. With insurance, registration, and not to mention, GAS! I wish we could have a second car; something I could use to get to the library, the store, the post office. But then I think about dragging the kids in to each of those places, keeping them quiet in the library by myself, taking each one out just to get the mail and put them right back in.

And then, I remember how comfy I am right at home, saving money and my red hair!

Someday it will have to happen. Someday is not far away. Someday, though, whenever it is, the kids will be older and easier to handle alone!

When the kids are in bed...

2011-09-24T22:50:00.001-04:00

I love to do projects. Or, should I say, I WOULD love to do projects. Crafting projects, that is. But I'm almost always ready just to sit and vegg-out. So, while I'm watching the latest shows I catch up on all the crafting blogs I follow.

An app I have allows me to whip right through them with ease! I can star the ones I like and leave others unread until I can get to them later.

I hope to put together a list of all projects I want to get done before the end of the year. Then sort out which ones I already have supplies for, putting those at the top of the list. Gather all supplies to one area with instructions/tutorials printed and ready to go. Yea! I'm getting so excited!

And...omigosh...I just realized I'm going to have about four to five days by myself at the end of October! Okay, well Seth has off too, so I guess I'll have to share time... ;P

Haircuts

2011-09-24T15:49:00.001-04:00

Both boys got a haircut yesterday!

Wish Peter's photo wasn't so mug shot like!

See previous post about "spirit week fun" to see before pics...

Harvest festival 2011

2011-09-24T15:42:00.001-04:00

Our town had a wonderful festival today from 9-2.
My mom and I took the kids (Seth had to work) and had a great time.

I wasn't sure what to expect. It was a wonderful, fun-filled time! I was thankful for all the activities the kids could do. Here are some pics from our time there!

Bouncy slide!

Katie L. (our library mascot) made an appearance. Aaron was the only one who got near her!

Pumpkin decorating!

Just before we left I snapped this photo. Abigail's pumpkin was a bit heavy for her!

Peter got Thomas the train painted on his face. (it was the painters first time doing Thomas!)

Abigail got a rainbow!

Aaron got a pumpkin!

Peter had a sword made by the balloon guy!

It was a great morning and we spent just over an hour there! We could have spent more time if the kids would have been a bit older. I wish we could do something like this right in our community every couple of months...

Spirit week fun!

2011-09-23T22:23:00.001-04:00

This week we had a great time when Ashley would come after school. Every day was different — thanks to spirit week! Now that she is in middle school she is having much more fun doing these special days. Everything from hat day to 80's day.

Friday, of course, is purple and gold day!
I helped her rewrite on herself as most of it had faded. I also added a yarn belt, ties for the sleeves, and some pretty nifty warrior-type arm bands! (not shown in this pic)

Peter picked out some yarn for himself. He couldn't be left out!

Here all the kids wanted to be in the pic! Here you can see the arm bands and sleeve ties!

Thanks, Ashley, for bringing some spirit week fun to us all week long!

Crockpot meal!!

2011-09-23T20:53:00.001-04:00

I've really been jazzed about using my crockpot lately. Yes, it's because of the Facebook sensation "crockpot girls". I found a lot of yummy recipes on their web page! I have been so into it I google things just to see if I can make it in the crockpot. A week or two ago I made hamburgers in the crockpot! They were surprisingly very delicious!

This meal pictured below is Apple Cider Pork Roast with potatoes and carrots. The butternut squash I made in the oven.

There was something satisfying about having the meal cooking at 9am and then being able to smell it cooking All. Day. Long!

This was made on Wednesday. Today, I used the leftover pork to make BBQ pulled pork. We ate the rest of the squash, too! A very yummy Friday night meal! I was very anxious to use the leftovers as, too often, they sit in the fridge and at the turn of the week I can't remember how old it is and if it still might be good! So happy there was no wasting this delicious meal!

Plan versus Real Life

2011-09-22T21:39:00.001-04:00

My plan tonight was get the twins to bed, have Seth get Peter to bed (something he does every Thursday; Seth goes to bed early because he has to be up at 4am so him and Peter go into bed and I get some me time.), and watch The Big Bang Theory (CBS) season premiere.

Seth helped the kids clean up their toys, I got the twins ready for bed after cleaning up the kitchen. Everything was going great—then Aaron started crying about 3 minutes into my show. On commercial break I went in to calm him down...then Abigail started screaming. While all this was going on Peter kept coming out asking for water and juice and whatever he could ask for. I finally got Peter into bed, but Abigail was relentless. She would not stop.

So here I sit, watching the X Factor (FOX), typing this blog entry, and cuddling my little girl!

The night didn't turn out like I hoped it would. It's better! Abigail and I don't get enough cuddle time because the boys are always fighting for my attention as she sits and plays quietly during the day.

I love how tonight is ending!

Detox

2011-09-19T08:52:00.001-04:00

I'm taking a break from Facebook. And all things that I tend to look at when I'm board. I'm cling this my FB detox. But it's also more than that. I play a game on the iPad that is named Tiny Tower. It's gone! Let's see how productive I can be when I'm not worried about who did what a certain time of day or whether or not my bitizens are happy!

Don't worry I'll still update the blog!

Peter quote

2011-09-19T08:50:00.001-04:00

While looking at a book with Aaron he was asking him to to find a picture of the word he listed. "where's the horse?" for example. When Aaron would find the picture Peter would then tell Aaron about that item. Here's what came next.

"syrup comes from great pa-pa. Pizza comes from Pizza Hut!"

I was a little worried...

2011-09-18T23:46:00.001-04:00

Our spider wasn't eating. Until I saw this one day!

A great moment...

2011-09-18T23:44:00.001-04:00

In every child's life.

Ready

Steady

Go!!

Yeah! Peter!

JSYK

2011-09-18T23:19:00.001-04:00

I'm moderating comments.

The previous post might upset some people and I want to keep it clean in the comments! I'm sure I have visitors outside my family and friends and would like to moderate any comments that may appear from other readers I don't know. Sorry for the inconvenience. If you're family or a close friend, most likely your comment will be posted within a day! Other comments will be posted based on cleanliness and attention to topic.

Thanks for understanding!

Sunday Brunch: Extreme Couponing

2011-09-18T22:22:00.001-04:00

These thoughts are my own and politics of the issue I have discussed with family and friends.

I'm just going to say it: I disagree with this new movement of couponing.

I will lay this out real simple for now and ~~may~~ WILL expand on these thoughts in later posts.

Why I dislike extreme couponing:

• in the shows that highlight this issue these people seem like hoarders; leaving shelves empty so other customers can't buy something, I believe, is greedy. There garages are warehouses, their pantry's are grocery stores.

• people who extreme coupon spend so much time on it. Time they could have better well spent with family or friends.

• They rack up huge bills at the grocery store and pay pennies. Do you realize that stores almost NEVER get the full pay out for the coupons they turn back into those companies that offer the coupon? The stores are losing out huge and then raise prices to make up for it. Economically, I believe this movement is hurting more people than it is helping.

Why I understand why people take part in this movement:

• the economy is tough...people need to save money anywhere they can.

• some people need a hobby and this is really a hobby to most. Although, most extremers will tell you it's their "job"..."Spouse works and I save the money" - or something like that...

• it's a thrill to save money at the register. I love when I get a gas coupon from my local Spartan store! I love the feeling that I shopped sales and saved $20 here and $10 there...I can't even imagine what it's like to save hundreds.

Why I still don't like it:

• I wonder how much is actually wasted in these people's homes? As my friend put on as a comment on my FB status — "I don't have a large budget for food but I make it work and by buying only what we'll eat (emphasis added), we actually save money because rarely do have anything that sits in the house for weeks or months." I agee! (I hope this person doesn't mind that I'm using their words!)

• a lot of coupons are for preserved stuff that could have easily been made from scratch for a lot less, too. And probably in a healthier way! I was looking at coupons just today (because I DO use coupons which I will discuss later) and saw boxed cheesy potatoes. I could make a bigger dish that would fill my family and have left overs for the week by purchasing real potatoes that don't have things like MSG or fake processed cheese.

• if these stay-at-home mom's (and dad's) would spend time making things from scratch instead of having instant meals from a box they could teach their kids the importance of healthy eating habits and teach them the value in preparing great meals for your family! Instead they teach their kids that beating the system (which, in my opinion, is what extreme couponing is. Which, I also believe, is wrong) is ethical. Hello...maybe this is the attitude that got our economy into a crisis?!?!

These are just my thoughts for today...as I went through this I will definatly have to follow up on this.

Please don't get me wrong or think I believe these people are horrible parents, because I don't. I'm sure they are wonderful parents that give their kids time and attention and teach them great things in life. I just think people have jumped on this huge bandwagon that has caused a hype. It's very appealing...I researched it, thought about it, discussed it with family and friends, considered it myself. I just don't think people have considered how this effects others...especially in our culture of ME, ME, ME. But these conclusions are my thoughts against the practice of extreme couponing, not against how these people are as parents.

More of our spider

2011-09-15T14:44:00.001-04:00

I took this pic in the morning which displayed the spiders web beautifully!

Homeschool

2011-09-15T14:43:00.001-04:00

We didn't send Peter to preschool this year for various reasons but I was kind of regretting our decision so I decided to do some schooling at home. I'm not following a particular program but rather whatever he seems interested in. We learn during the twins nap so it's the same schedule all the time. And this way Peter and I get to spend special time together.

On Tuesday we did some cutting of alphabet flashcards and Peter did wonderful with the cutting of semi-straight lines.

Today, when we were on our walk, we collected different types of leaves. I printed off some worksheets for identification and Peter matched up the leaves to the papers. He then taped the leaves to the right paper. We then did this craft which used more cutting and glueing!