31 December, 2008
Yup, you are seeing what you think you are seeing!!Here is the quick story. This was Christmas. My boy had taken his new toy outside to play with. The head of said toy fell off in the grass. The head was about a half an inch long and was tan-- just about the same color as the dead grass. In Fl., we have really dense , thick, and "hard to find anything" grass!! Being the parents that we are, we felt badly for him so I went out to look for it with him. When it was no use, I suggested ,half joking, to take out the shop vac to suck up any loose things in the grass hoping that would suck up the head. I went in to get something and when I went back on the porch, this is what I saw. Okay, #1 he listened to me #2 he is using my household vacuum #3 it didn't work!! Oh my... give me strength!!
28 December, 2008
image: blog.esl.chI go this in an email a while back and thought it SO true and funny!
So in honor of 2008-- here we go!
YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2008 when ...
1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.
2.You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7 .Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you did n't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile.: )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this l ist.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list AND NOW YOU ARE LAUGHING at yourself.
Welcome 2009-- will you be much different, better, or worse!!
26 December, 2008
Family photos.... yah, you have them done when you get together! For some reason, even though my family lives in my area, we haven't had a family photo taken since... well.... 2002!! I am in awe at how much we have all changed! Check it out!! Here is the one we took when they were itty bitty and "monkey" wasn't even a twinkle in our eyes...
Here is the run down:
left to right:
girl with purple flower: My sweet niece
man and baby behind her: my brother and my nephew
I am next holding my princess
I am next holding my princess
My hubby is beside me.
My mom is behind my hubby.
My boy is in front of my hubby.
My dad is behind my boy!
Now the family today taken about 2 weeks ago!!
left to right:
My boy in the white shirt
My princess leaning on the chair.
My hubby behind my princess.
My dad holding "monkey" with my mom beside him.
Me beside my hubby.
My brother beside me.
My sweet niece beside my brother.
My nephew infront of my niece!
Whew... this should hold us for another 6 years or so!?
Her "my first Christmas" PJ's!!Last year at this time, I was so pregnant and couldn't wait to meet her. It is hard to believe that this was her first Christmas!! The year has gone by SO fast!! I think she had a good one. She had a good time opening all her gifts, tearing up the paper , and eating the paper!!
Enjoy her first Christmas in pictures!!
Santa brought her a fun "smelly, shiney, touchy" book!
Ummm, I said "smelly" not "licky"!!
Oh, Merry Christmas anyway!!
Opening presents with my bro. and sis!!
Swinging with my sis!! Yes, they are wearing tank tops! It was 82 degrees for crying out loud! Next year , we may go somewhere north! :o)
Chasing the kids' Wall-e toy!
25 December, 2008
( I am positive that these cookies gave "Santa" raging heartburn and she-- oops, I mean He couldn't sleep very well!)We had a great Christmas this year!! Even more special was that it was "monkey's" first!! We started with Christmas Eve service! It was beautiful! The best part of the whole night was that my two older kids took communion with us for the first time!! (I waited for them to take part until they asked to and knew what the meaning and importance was!) They understood it and wanted to participate!! I was almost in tears!! (Thanks Lord for that little gift!) After church we went to my mom's for some little munchies and for the kids to open their gifts from the grandparents! 
We got the remainder of the gifts wrapped and under the tree at home. Finally off to bed. My boy comes walking into my room just as I dozed off and said, " mom, I just can't fall asleep. Imagine not being able to fall asleep on Christmas Eve. This is not good!" Finally he made it to sleep.
Christmas morning was full of fun, gifts, and paper everywhere!! "Monkey" had no problem ripping into her gifts! Since it was her first, we took so many pictures that I will put them in a separate post! We spent the day playing with our things and waited for our family to arrive for dinner! Family is so special and it is such a blessing to have them close. We lived in FL for almost 8 years without ANY family. Now some are here to share these days with!
We got the remainder of the gifts wrapped and under the tree at home. Finally off to bed. My boy comes walking into my room just as I dozed off and said, " mom, I just can't fall asleep. Imagine not being able to fall asleep on Christmas Eve. This is not good!" Finally he made it to sleep.Christmas morning was full of fun, gifts, and paper everywhere!! "Monkey" had no problem ripping into her gifts! Since it was her first, we took so many pictures that I will put them in a separate post! We spent the day playing with our things and waited for our family to arrive for dinner! Family is so special and it is such a blessing to have them close. We lived in FL for almost 8 years without ANY family. Now some are here to share these days with!
Dinner with our cousin!
Exchanging gifts from our "secret Santa" with our cousins!
These were our traditional panera goodies for Christmas morning! They were huge!! 
The night came to a close with us all sitting down to watch "Prince Caspian"! Good movie!! A little intense, but we will see how the dreams go tonight!! I think they may be too tired to dream! :o)
I trust you all had a great Christmas!! Sorry about all the pictures, but it was a good day!! Enjoy! Stay tuned to WW!! I have a funny story and even funnier picture to share that happened today!! :o)
The night came to a close with us all sitting down to watch "Prince Caspian"! Good movie!! A little intense, but we will see how the dreams go tonight!! I think they may be too tired to dream! :o)
I trust you all had a great Christmas!! Sorry about all the pictures, but it was a good day!! Enjoy! Stay tuned to WW!! I have a funny story and even funnier picture to share that happened today!! :o)
Reading a post card from Nannie about the doll she bought a long time ago and saved until she had a granddaughter to give it to. My girl is her first granddaughter!
She waited for Santa so patiently... I think it paid off!!
Daddy discovering that someone left him a gift in his car!! I can't leave his gifts under the tree. He was born with this sick sense of being able to tell what his gift is before even opening it. 
She got her swing for the playground out back!
Future Hannah Montana! And yes, it had to be pink!
Thanks for hanging on till the end!! Have a great day!
24 December, 2008
I was walking around the store this morning making my run to Panera for our traditional goodies on Christmas morning, when I remembered and almost said outloud to the Panera lady, "Oh, crap... I forgot to post WW!! " 
This was "monkey's" first time experiencing sand!
I post this to honor our Christmas weather this year! It is a balmy 80 degrees!! Beach anyone?! Merry Christmas!
For more WW from our family go here.
For more WW from the blogishpere go here.
22 December, 2008
("monkey is ready for some christmas festivities!!)Two years ago, I hosted the cub scout christmas party for our den! We had a lot of fun. Last year, I said sorry-- no way!! I was 9 months pregnant and it really wouldn't have been a very nice night!! :o) So, I felt the need to get back into the swing of things this year and host again! We had a BLAST!! Only a few families showed up, but it was so much fun getting to know them better and letting the boys get to know each other better while celebrating Christmas together!! They are such a great group of people!
We ate, drank, and were merry!! :o) We had each child bring a wrapped up book, and did a book exchange! We also played a very "competitive" game of Christmas pictionary! Enjoy the pictures!!
Getting ready for the pictionary smack down!!
The cub scout boys trying to grasp victory!
My girl doing her thing at pictionary!
Getting ready for the book gift exchange via "hot potato"!
I am thinking the dog was wanting to join in.
Mom and "monkey"
Oh, and 15 minutes prior to the party starting, I realized I hadn't heard any noise from monkey for a bit. I waked into the other room and guess what she has learned how to do? Guess I need to start putting that gate up now!
Have a great Christmas, everyone!!
20 December, 2008
I know the economy is hitting people very hard lately. It is hitting everyday people like me. People that otherwise would be "okay" to get their families food and buy their kids Christmas gifts. I shutter to think that some child might not have a Christmas this year because mom or dad or both have lost their jobs or/and homes. I constantly remind myself to be so thankful each morning I wake up with a roof over my head, food in the fridge, and a hubby that is still working to pay the bills. Don't get me wrong... we live paycheck to paycheck and pinch pennies where we can, but we HAVE a paycheck and pennies to pinch! I am SO thankful!
That being said, I am reminded today about a situation that I have always debated in my mind and heart. People approaching me for $$ in the parking lot. What do I do? Do I give them all I have? Do I give them a couple bucks? Do I say no? Do I witness? Do I take them into the store and buy them something they need? I have in the past been very critical about homeless people begging on the streets. I get annoyed when they approach me when I have my kids with me. I don't know them or what their intentions are. "Mamma bear" needs to protect her babies! I have at times seen moms with their nicely dressed kids sitting outside of a restaurant with a cardboard sign and thought they were just trying to take advantage and were lazy. I work my tail off for what I have why aren't you?
So many questions flew through my mind in a split second this afternoon when a woman approached me in the parking lot of my local Target. She dressed casual, but nice. Her toenails were painted. Her hair was combed, but a little ratty. All she carried with her was a bag from the dollar store with flowers in it. Her story was, " I have no money to get gifts for my kids for Christmas, so I am selling these flowers to help pay for something for them." She said she had 5 children and no job.
Here are my questions and concerns :
1. If I give her $$ will she use it for what she says she will?
2. Is this nicely dressed woman telling me the truth about her story?
3. Will she use the $$ for herself for drugs/alcohol?
4. Did she only approach me because she thought she could play on my "mother" instinct since I had the baby with me.
5. Does she really have kids?
6. If I say NO will she get combative?
7. Am I being an enabler to continue this life?
Amazing how fast your mind works and all these different questions and scenarios go through your mind in a minute! As she was talking to me, I continued to load my car with the Christmas presents that I had bought. (imagine my mind spinning out of control) What do I do Lord? As clear as day, I had my answer!!
"I love this woman! I am her maker too. It is not for you to judge her or her situation. Bless her as I have blessed you. I am in control of her circumstances. It is not for you to decide if she is worthy of your help. It is not for you to decide if she is telling the truth. You bless her the way you can and she will be held accountable to what she does with that blessing. "
I get it now. For some reason the Lord brought her to me. It isn't for me to judge. What she does with the $$ isn't for me to be critical of. I did what I thought I should. Now it becomes between her and God. I reached into my purse, pulled out $$, and handed it to her. Her face lit up. I told her to keep the flowers. She thanked me. I told her I know times are hard. She said she was waiting on God. I told her to be patient, it will get better. I told her not to stop waiting, He is there!!! I told her as she was walking away --He isn't going to leave you. She turned around and nodded at me. I watched her approach another woman who turned her down quickly and coldly!! I felt badly for her!!!
As I drove home, I quickly said a prayer for her and blessed the $$ I gave her. I prayed that she would use it for what she said she would and not for drugs/alcohol. I prayed for her children.
As I drove home, I quickly said a prayer for her and blessed the $$ I gave her. I prayed that she would use it for what she said she would and not for drugs/alcohol. I prayed for her children.
I think the Lord taught me more today than I had intended on learning on a trip to Target. I still have a lot of work to do in this area. I don't know if I would have reacted the same had a dirty ole man approached me. It is a hard place to be in and to know if a line should be drawn. It is out of my comfort zone therefore "uncomfortable". Do I help the old man who is dirty or do I hold out for the clean woman who says she has starving children at home? It is not up to me who the Lord brings across my path. It is up to me what I do with what HE presents to me.
Sorry this is so long, but I felt a need to share my heart!! Have a blessed Christmas!! Count your blessings! Bless others!
19 December, 2008
As if we didn't have a bazillion things to do to get ready for Christmas and parties... the boys decided that they were going camping with the cub scouts! The more I thought about it, the more I thought, "an opportunity to get some things done without the boys around!!"
They had a great time, however, it was stinkin' cold-- Florida style! I think the low was 42 each morning! They had fun in spite of it!! Here are some pics from their weekend!!
Santa even joined in on the fun!! Of course my funny boy thought that since he talked to two santa's and told each one he wanted a different item, that he would get both items from him. (I have always told the kids that Santa only brings each child one item and the rest are from mom and dad!! :o) Oh, and he informed me this morning that he believes in Santa, but not flying reindeer! I asked him how Santa gets all the toys around. His response... "Mom, he uses a semi-truck! How else could he get all those gifts everywhere in one trip?" Kid has got some logic!!
18 December, 2008
I have always loved this song from Carrie Underwood, but these days I find myself singing it over and over!! It is about giving it all to Him, letting go , and re-commitment!!
It is a constant intentional process each day for me. Take my wheel ,Lord! Be my driver in this journey! There is a lot in the "road", but with you at the wheel, I WILL make it!!
(turn off the music in the left side bar first!)
Find peace, my dear friends!! There is no better hands for our wheel to be in in these trying times!! If you are weary-- give it to Him. If you are stressed-- give it to Him! Give Him your journey and it will be oh, so sweet! I didn't say easy, but I did say SWEET!!
Find peace, my dear friends!! There is no better hands for our wheel to be in in these trying times!! If you are weary-- give it to Him. If you are stressed-- give it to Him! Give Him your journey and it will be oh, so sweet! I didn't say easy, but I did say SWEET!!
I have had some inquiry into why I refer to my little princess as "monkey" instead of "princess" or "unbelievably adorable one" !! :o) I did a post about this exact thing a while ago , but I have new wonderful bloggy friends so to bring you up to speed...
On a side note... "monkey" is doing better with her breathing. We were able to reduse the breathing treatments! Now , she only gets one when she is wheezing. She is still coughing pretty good, but is sleeping throught the night which is a huge blessing!! She still has this "hanging on forever" cold, but I can see the tail end right around the corner. I just hope she doesn't get sick again too soon. Her poor little immune system needs some time to recover!! Thanks for all your warm thoughts and prayers!! You guys are the best!
17 December, 2008
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