29 January, 2010
So I logged into my google reader for the first time in a LONG time! I know... "shame on me"! I discovered how bad of a blogger I really am. I discovered how busy I am. I discovered that ... well... I am the worst blogger friend ever!
Please forgive me! I will try and do better!! To my dedicated blogger friends... don't fail me now! :o) I LOVE you all! You do keep me blogging, just knowing that you are there encourages me!!
Oh yah... I think I will "mark as read" all 1200 posts! Feels so good to start from scratch!!
Have a good weekend all!
Please forgive me! I will try and do better!! To my dedicated blogger friends... don't fail me now! :o) I LOVE you all! You do keep me blogging, just knowing that you are there encourages me!!
Oh yah... I think I will "mark as read" all 1200 posts! Feels so good to start from scratch!!
Have a good weekend all!
30 December, 2009
Well, I have finally done it. I finally sat down and did a blog makeover! (pre-made of course-- I am NOT that good) It was time for some change. I feel that is going to be the theme this year. CHANGE! Some people run from change, but I tend to embrace it! I do better with some changes than I do with others. Changing my hair... piece of cake! Changing my life... tends to freak me out a bit! In the end... I know the LORD is running my life and all change when it is God inspired and led is good in one way or another!
So let's see... change for 2010! Hmmm....
So let's see... change for 2010! Hmmm....
- get a new hairstyle-- like I said piece of cake.
- get a new pet-- the kids are dead set on getting a hamster. We have come a long way from wanting that snake. I am not too keen on another pet to take care of or the prospect that the cat or dog may eat it, but you live, learn, and let them learn.
- Co-coordinate our church's MOPS group-- yah, this is going to be a fun one. Our current coordinator is pregnant and wants to be MOM, go figure! So, she asked (with some donuts, I might add) and I said yes. So this year I am filling in for her while she is out, and then we will partner up to change moms' lives next MOPS year! I am also currently running their blog! I am truly excited! I have a passion for ministering to moms-- especially young ones. Hey... I have been there!
- Getting healthy overall-- There are a few doctors that I need to see for different issues. I just am terrible at going and taking care of me, but that HAS to change. I need to see a chiropractor, a podiatrist, dentist, and my regular doctor. Fact of the matter is... I am a big baby!
- get a new house-- this one is bitter sweet! I love my house (not the HOA and all that comes with that though) ... we are just going to need more space. Right now that they market is the buyers market... we can afford the house we need. Kicker is-- we need to sell ours first. This is going to prove to be a very high mountain to scale. I really DON'T like this process nor do I have the energy, but if I want better for my kids and family... I need to find the strength. I trust the Lord will bring us a buyer at just the right time for just the right price, and then have OUR home waiting for us!
- Take a family vacation to see SNOW-- we have talked about this for A LONG time. We had initially thought we could kill two birds with one stone by going to the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver via one of Hubby's work contacts. That isn't going to happen. They were going to pay for everything except the plane tickets and the kids weren't able to join us. Yes, could have been a great little 3 day get away for hubby and I, but that wasn't in our plans. The $$ that we would have to shell out for VERY EXPENSIVE plane tickets for the two of us for 3 days just wasn't in the priority list for us . We could use that $$ and take all 5 of us to VA or CO for a week for the same price. So we search for vacation options!
- My boy will start Middle school-- next school year starting in Aug. , my baby boy, my firstborn will start what??????? Okay, now I am officially FREAKING OUT! He can still stay at the charter school with his sister, but we will be evaluating their program to see if we will stay there. Poor boy gets to be the guinea pig! Isn't that true of ALL first borns? Thanks mom!!
Well, I think that is a good enough start to the changes we will see this year. I am sure many will arise and we will take them one day at a time! I am excited and filled with hope!! I trust you will continue to follow our crazy journey! We LOVE having you!!
Blessings for an awesome 2010!
Blessings for an awesome 2010!
08 October, 2009
I am SO MIA!! The guilt is overwhelming! My life is so full right now, but to be honest... I wouldn't have it any other way!! The kids school is keeping me hoping as princess' class mom. I am working on getting the house in sellable condition to put on the market in January. Princess and my boy have their extra activities... softball and cub scouts. Princess is doing really good, btw. She pitched last night and didn't do too bad! The boys have several camp outs coming up since the weather will be getting cooler. Monkey is almost 2 and in all her glory!! She really keeps me on my toes!! I love it! Hubby is busy with work. I used to not be so happy about that, but he is still employed and still loves his job! What more can I ask? We are in week 6 or so of our "shepherding a child's heart" life group at church. It is going great and as a group we are learning a lot on how to shepherd our kids and NOT be a task master!!
ME... I am diving head first back into ministry! I have had a couple opportunities presented to me, and I am really excited about them. I won't go into details now, but it is so fun and a bit nerve wracking to watch the Lord just toss things in my lap. Discerning what I am supposed to do is frustrating at times, but I know He will lead me to the right one that He can use me the most in! I will post when the LORD and I figure them out!
So, I will still blog when I can... it will mostly turn back into strictly a "keep in touch" blog. I will post when special things happen, events, b-days... to keep you up to date and enable to keep the family in the loop. I won't be spending much time doing extras like good deals, sales, meme's etc. I love my bloggy friends and wish you all the best, but for right now ... this is the best for us! You can find me on FB if you really like to know me and what is going on daily. That seems to be my best way of keeping in touch with a large amount of ppl that doesn't require too much time!
So I am simplifying parts of my life so I can focus on the other ones! So funny how your life has seasons too! I can see things getting so much more busier as the kids get older, but things are also getting more richer too!! I love my life and thank the LORD for his many blessings!
I will keep you posted here when things arise!! LIKE.... I am going to see U2 in concert in Tampa tomorrow!! I will let you know how it goes!! Hubby has been trying to talk me into it for some time! We were blessed with tickets so ... as much as I don't really care about U2 (sorry, don't hurt me!) I will go and spend a night out with my hubby!
Until I post again-- I will remain silent , but deadly!! :o)
28 June, 2009
image by: http://www.ldssplash.com/I have been tagged by my new bloggy friend , Amanda @ What... there's no instruction manual?! (I just love the name of her blog! I feel like that everyday!!) I really do love reading these things... does that make me strange? I love learning new things about people!
Anyway ...
Anyway ...
1. Respond and rework; answer the questions on your blog,
replace one question that you dislike with a question of your invention &
add one more question of your own.
2. Tag a few other people
What is your current obsession?
Trying to get into shape and lose some weight
What are you wearing today?
tan Capri and a dressy tank top
What’s for dinner?
Ham and cheese omelets ( We LOVE breakfast for dinner!)
What’s the last thing you bought?
Gas
What are you listening to right now?
The tv ... I really have no idea what is on, guess I should turn it off!
If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
bed.... it has been a long day!
Do you have kids? if so how old are they?
Yes, boy 10... girl... 8... girl 17 months
What do you love most about where you currently live?
everyone wants to visit--- it is Disney World!
What is your favorite colour?
Purple
What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe?
anything that fits!
What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas, of course!!
If you had $300 now, what would you spend it on?
a new lawn mower for hubby. He really needs it!
What are you going to do after this?
go to bed!
What are your favorite films?
comedy, thrillers, some dramas as long as it isn't' too deep!
Your favourite books?
I hate reading
Do you collect anything?
snow babies by Dept. 56
What makes you follow a blog?
commonality... is that a word? Same loves, dislikes, goals, and some humor helps!
Do you like to comment on blogs or just lurk?
I would love to give comment love to every post every time, but I follow so many it is so hard to keep up with!
Whats one thing you dream of doing?
owning a horse farm
What is your biggest regret?
I have none!
What is your favourite thing to do on a rainy day?
chill with the kids with a good movie!
Do you have a tattoo?
no
You have 1 minute before you die, what do you say to your loved one/s?
I love you... life is a journey, not a destination... enjoy the scenery!
If there was one thing you could change about your body what would it be?
Stomach
What is the first thing, other than your family, that you would grab running out the door if your house was on fire?
My photo albums and photo CD's
I tag:
Emily at Strobel Happenings!
Julie at A day in our Life!
Melissa at Sew blessed with 3
Kristy at I heart shopping momma!
Have some fun getting to know these great gals!!
26 June, 2009
image by : abracadabra"I feel so old"... isn't that what you are supposed to say when you celebrate another year? This is the end of the first year of me starting this blog!! As I stated before... I have really been blessed by blogging. From my first real post to my most recent-- laughter, tears, insight and celebration has been sandwiched in between! Why do I blog you ask? The full story is here!
I have also met some really amazing friends through bloggy land!! Yes, I would call them friends! (keep your eyes peeled, I may have a giveaway just for my followers sometime!!) Each post I write, I can always count on a comment of encouragement from them!
Just to name a few: (there are many more!)
Stacey @ McCrakensx4
Mimi @ He and Me+3
Kim @ Homesteaders Heart
Debra @ Clothed with Scarlet - I have gotten to meet her in person! What a gal!
I have been able to do some reviews of products , movies, and food! I feel the best advertising doesn't have to cost $$, but word of mouth. The power of the people!!
I love participating in a couple of Meme's! Wordless Wednesday and Friday Funnies!!
The best part has been sharing my family with bloggy land!! I love my family, and I love that I can share them with you-- the good , the bad, and the sometimes ugly!! Thanks for coming a along!! So without further rambling... well it is "our family ramblings"... the winner of my blogiversary giveaway!! Thanks to ALL of you that entered!!
Picked by my beautiful Vanna (daughter)--DRUM ROLL PLS!
ROBYN from AN ALASKAN FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!
I so love reading her posts about life in Alaska!! I love the pictures she post even more. What an incredibly beautiful place!! Keep your eyes on that Volcano , Robyn!!
Congratulations!!! Thanks for being such a loyal bloggy friend!! I hope you enjoy it! I will send you an email to get your shipping information!! 
Then this little beauty will be on its way!~ (the picture frame, not my girl-- although depending on how she is behaving on the day I mail it, you may get a double prize!! J/K!!!!!!)
Here is to another great bloggy year!!!
24 June, 2009
Could it be? Nah... There is no such thing. But it could be possible? Nope... not possible! Although we may have stumbled onto something new?
"Bloggy-too-much" syndrome?
Seriously, I have no idea what I did to my wrist, but I can't move it or put pressure on it. It hurts like the dickens to pick up monkey. So in the spirit of trying to save myself a co-pay and opening up a can of worms at the Dr.s, I am trying to immobilize it and let it heal on it's own and see what happens. Whats the worse that can happen, it will stay sore and I will have to bite the bullet and go to the Dr. Until then ,watch out.... bloggy-too-much syndrome may be the cause! :o) It is mighty contagious!! :o)
Monkey is so sad about this too. Poor girl is just torn up about it! (actually, I think I just told her "NO"! God forbid!)
Don't forget you don't have much longer to enter my blogiversary giveaway!!
For more WW fun, click here or here or here!!
16 June, 2009
Okay, so it is almost my blogiversary! I can't believe it has been a year since I started this blog! I have learned a lot, laughed a lot, cried a lot, and reflected a lot!! I have gained a lot too! Friends, knowledge, frugalness ( is that a word?) and support!! I started it just to simply keep my out of town family and friends up to date on our comings and goings, but it has proven to be so much more!
I am SO humbled and grateful for my followers!! They really do keep me blogging! My blog "stalkers" who read and don't comment or follow... I love you too. Leave me a comment from time to time and let me know you are here!
So in honor of my blogiversary, I am giving back!! Here is what is up for grabs and oh , it is picture perfect!! 
This is the HP 3.5 digital photo frame!
I love mine and take it everywhere!! It is so nice for those family reunions when everyone wants to see pictures, but you couldn't possibly fit ALL your pics in your pocket! I like it too, because hubby can take it on his business trips and set it to play on his night stand! Instant brag book!! (in the middle of a melt down , it can also be a great attention getter for the baby!! The slide show feature rocks!!) It is pretty easy to operate and is SUPER portable. I keep mine in the diaper bag! You can play the pics right off a digital card, or upload to its memory! This just makes sense. Power is supplied to the frame either through an AC adapter or via a USB cable. The rechargeable battery can handle up to two hours of show time between charges. Up to 45 JPEG pictures can be stored in internal memory, while SD, SDHC and MMC external formats are supported. The panel has an aspect ratio of 4:3 at 320×240 resolution, while having a contrast ratio of 400:1. It comes with leather carrying case, USB cable and power adapter !
This is brand new sealed in the box and ready to show off all your pics. We all know us bloggers are picture addicts!! :o)
There are 3 easy ways to get chances to win:
1. leave a comment saying, "I am here and I want it"!!
2. If you are a follower, leave a comment and tell me! (you can become a follower today, click on "follow me" in the side bar, and comment and tell me you did!
Welcome to my world!)
3. Blog about this giveaway and link back! (comment so I know you did)
4. Now get up, turn around ,and jump up and down--- just kidding!!
Nah, just do the 3 above and you are golden!
The entries will be received starting today through the actual date of my blogiversary which will be in 10 days! I will announce the winner in my blogiversary post when the countdown clock reaches 0!! Each comment is one entry! Each entry HAS to be put in comment form on this post! ( I will have the link at the top of the blog with the countdown clock so you can find it!) All entries will be put into a hat and my lovely "Vanna", I mean daughter, will pick the winner!! Come one and come all!! Tell your friends and your friends' friends'!! Who doesn't like free?!!
If you are a giveaway addict, you can go here for many more around the blogisphere!!
23 April, 2009
I love getting to know people, especially my loyal blogger friends!!!
Here's how to do this 8 THINGS thing:
Mention the person that tagged you.
Complete the lists of 8's.
Tag 8 of your wonderful bloggy friends.
Go tell them you tagged them!
EIGHT THINGS I LOOK FORWARD TO:
1. Christmas every year!
2. Mother's day weekend! (my and my girlfriends are going away for the night!)
3. When Monkey's cough goes away!
4. Our family vacation.
5. The good things the Lord has in store.
6. Celebrating my kids' birthdays!
7. SUMMER!
8. MOPS!
EIGHT THINGS I DID YESTERDAY:
1. Got up after having NO sleep.
2. Went for a great walk/run
3. Read some blogs.
4. Went to the store to look for a table cloth for my new table
5. Picked up the kids from school.
6. Helped hubby work on cleaning out the disasterious garage.
7. Took the kids to get their hair cut!
8. Wished it was SUMMER!
EIGHT THINGS I WISH I COULD DO:
1. Coach Volleyball.
2. Lose weight.
3. Make the kids all be little again!
4. Take another cruise.
5. Plant a money tree to get us out of debt.
6. Meet Patrick Dempsy. :o)
7. Snap my fingers and never have sickness in my house!
8. Have a maid! :o)
EIGHT SHOWS I WATCH:
1. Greys Anatomy
2. Brothers and sisters
3. Dancing with the stars
4. Amazing Race
6. Castle
7. Anything on HGTV or DISCOVERY
8. Extreme Makeover Home Addition
Now I am supposed to TAG 8 bloggy friends!! I know time is limited so if you are a follower-- consider yourself tagged!! If you have time and wanna participate, let me know so I can come and get to know ya!! If not... it is all good!!! I will just stalk you! Just kidding!! :o) Thanks Darlene and Mikki... it was fun!!
10 April, 2009
I guess my WW post was very fitting! I had actually forgotten that I won a giveaway at Eyeglasses and Endzones for her blogoversary!! ( My first blogoversary is coming up soon, so don't miss out on my giveaway!) My prize came in the mail today! Yipee! It IS Christmas in April!! I won a fabulous yoga bag, an exercise dvd, and a beautiful note from Tarah! When I say fabulous yoga bag, I mean FABULOUS! It is so nice and big and pockets galore!! The picture only shows half the bags size! I may even use it for an overnight bag for the kids!!
If you want one for yourself you can visit Xcess Rize Designs!! She has bags to your hearts content!!
If you want one for yourself you can visit Xcess Rize Designs!! She has bags to your hearts content!!
An exercise dvd... hmmm, guess I have no more excuses! I think this might be the kick in the pants that I need to get "going"!
Thanks Tarah for being so generous! Congrats on your Blogoversary!!
27 February, 2009
Here is my funny story for this week!!
My 7 year old came running downstairs after going in to keep her baby sister company after she woke up for her nap!
My 7 year old came running downstairs after going in to keep her baby sister company after she woke up for her nap!
"Mom, where is the camera? I have a great picture for you to put on your blog!"
I laughed so hard! Do I really blog that much?
I didn't even know my kids knew I had a blog!
Thanks for the help and great material kiddos!!
Here is the picture she HAD to take for my blog!
I guess she is just "chillin" waitin' for someone to come and get her!
21 January, 2009
So Stacey at McCrakensx4 interviewed me what seems like ages ago. I am finally getting around to doing it after all my company and party stuff is gone, and we are semi back to normal!!
Geez, I take a couple of days off of blogging and it takes me days even weeks to catch up!! I kid you not, when I logged into my reader-- I had over 150 new posts to read! Any way-- here goes.
1. What have you gained since starting your blog? I have gained a lot of insight and support in my journey to financial health! I have also gained some awesome friends!! I so enjoy reading about your comings/goings and being apart of your lives, so to speak! I am honored to have you be apart of mine!!
2. How many TVs do you have in your house and what is your favorite TV show? We have three TVs. One in the family room, one in the playroom, and -contrary to what the experts whoever they are- say, we have one in the bedroom! My favorite shows are:
Greys Anatomy, The Mentalist, The Amazing Race, Big Brother,
Private Practice, Jon and Kate +8, House Hunters
3. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? I would go to London and Australia! I know... two very different places, but Oh, I ache to go there!!
4. What's under your bed? I have three under the bed storage boxes. One with warm clothes, one with purses, and one with crafts that my kids have made for me in pre-school/kindergarten!
5. If you had one day to do anything you wanted, with no limits, what would it be and why? That is such a hard one! Way to make me think Stacey!! :o) Amazing how when you grow up and your life isn't your own, how your pleasures become so simple... I think I would take a girl's day ALL day!! Pack up my two best girlfriends in the morning after a great breakfast , head to the beach and lay there all day long listening to the peace of the ocean !! I know someone else said something similar to this, but it is so true! When I get a break to rejuvenate, my kids have a much better mom and that is what I want most-- to be a great mom!!
Thanks Stacy!! That was fun!! If you would to join in the fun and be interviewed, let me know and I will come up with some questions!! I will be kind! I promise!!
18 December, 2008
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!
12 December, 2008
More awards ... really? I am so honored!!
This first award says:
"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find, and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers."
Thanks so much Stacey!!
So now I need to pass it on! Here's the scoop on the rules: Deliver it to eight bloggers who are to include the text above and then pass it onto eight bloggers...etc, etc. Beautiful!
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The next one is from my "fabulous" friend Debra!! Oh, girl... you bless me so!! With this award,
I am to fess up to five addictions and then pass on to five other Fabulous Sisters.Addictions: (in no particular order!)
1. my kids
2. Blogging --oh brother
3. organization
3. organization
4. Sweets
5. Jesus, Jesus and Jesus!
I pass both these awards on to everyone that follows me! If you follow me, I am truly honored to give you this award. The fact that you stop in and check on me just warms my heart and shows me that you are a true bloggy friend and really deserve this award!
(I know this is terribly generic, but....forgive me.
You know I love you all, and I just can't choose!)
02 December, 2008
Okay I got another award this week. I wouldn't bother to participate, but this one is right up my addicted alley!! I am addicted to Christmas!! I love Christmas!! Alicia over at More than Words bestowed this awesome honor on me. Thank for fueling my addiction girl!! :o)
Of course with receiving awards, there are some rules that come along with it. For this particular one, the rules are very simple.
They are....
You must be a true Christmas lover to receive this award.
You must be a true Christmas lover to receive this award.
The person to whom you give the award must also be in love with Christmas.
You must link back to the person who gave you the award.
You must list 5 things that you love about Christmas. If you can't limit it to 5 things, then keep going till you run out of space! :o)
Pass the award along to as many people as you like. That can be 1 or 45; it's up to you. But, you must pass it on to at least one person in order to keep the Christmas cheer going!
Let your recipients know that you have tagged them by leaving them a comment on their blog.
Here goes:
5 things I LOVE about Christmas!!!
1) That is the day my Lord and Savior became a man to "take on this world!"
2) I LOVE all the Christmas lights. Clear/white are classy, colored are whimsical-- pick your style!
3) I love watching my kids perform in their Christmas shows!
4) I love the look on my kids faces when they actually believe Santa got the key from under the mat and unlocked the door. We don't have a fireplace thus no chimney!
5) I love when they look into the sky and swear they see Santa's Sleigh.
6) I love a white Christmas but only in the movies, cards, and pictures!!
7) I love the Christmas cookies. Making, baking, especially eating them!
8) I love the music! Anyone can sound good singing these songs!
9) I love getting together with family!
10) I love killing the check out girl at the store with kindness and just gushing over her after a scrooge has just treated her like crap!! Spread the Christmas love people!!
11) I Love seeing the pictures tucked in the Christmas cards of family & friends I haven't seen since last Christmas' card!!
Oooopss! that is more than 5-- I could go on, but... I will spare you! It is your turn now!
I tag:
(this gal is hosting a Christmas carnival)
Anyone else who loves Christmas -- consider yourself tagged!!
01 December, 2008
My new friend meme at Pizza and Potatoes has awarded and tagged me with a new award!! Check her out and see what makes her happy! Thanks so much! I know people get tagged in the bloggisphere a lot, but it is such a great way to learn new things about people and figure out that there is more to them than a URL. Common women with common goals and challenges!! So without further "rambling"... 10 things that make me happy!!1) My relationship with my Lord.
2) Oh, my three kids!! I can't get enough of them!
3) Everything Christmas. I am such a Christmas addict!! :o)
4) Spending time with my girlfriends especially at Ghiradelli!
5) M&M McFlurries!! (I became addicted during my second pregnancy!)
6) Thunder storms! They exhibit the awesomeness of God's handiwork in nature.
7) Having a girls day with my girls! Usually consists of mini-pedicures and manicures. Sometimes a facial! Usually ends with PJ's , Popcorn , and a movie in my bed!
8) When my son wraps his arms around me and says "I Love you!" for no reason!
9) Vacations! (When we can get one!) Best one to date... Disney Cruise!!
10) Gas prices falling!! Yippee Skippee!!
Now I tag others to do the same!! Go for it girls!! I know you all have things you are happy about!! Share the bloggy love!
Sarah @ Happily Evers After
Jaci @ The life and times of the Todd Romer Family
Julie @ A bunch of Random Ramblings
Kelly @ John and Kelly in Fl.
and Florida Girl!
20 November, 2008
You watched a crime drama on tv before bed, then went to bed and dreamt about the drama except you were the criminal!! (I have NO idea what that says about me. ) Anyway, in this dream you sit in jail and say to yourself, "I should really blog about my life in jail!" and then find the nearest computer! (I must not have been in a maxium security facility to have access to the internet-- so maybe my "crime" wasn't so bad!)
Oh, brother... anyone else addicted?
image :inmagine.com
10 November, 2008
I have been tagged by Debra at Clothed with Scarlet.
This "episode" is 15 things I am not afraid to admit!
So here goes:
These are just a few of the ladies I would like to get to know better! Now, do your 15 things, tag someone else, and go leave a comment on their blog telling them they have been tagged!!
Have a blessed week!
So here goes:
1. I am in love with my Jesus!
2. I hate coffee. I made it through college on Mt. Dew!
3. I am terrified of bees.
4. I have wanted to be a mom since I was a little girl.
5. I found my wedding dress in a catalogue when I was in high school and then searched
every dress shoppe until I found it when I got engaged!! I found it!
6. I love a good label maker! I am very organized and think if only the world were that way, we could have world peace! :o)
7. I am a huge country music fan!
8. I want to go to Australia and live in the cabin on the mountain
with the cast from the Man from Snowy River!!
9. I prefer to eat out rather than cook. The only reason I have a kitchen is because it came with the house and the builder wouldn't put in a game room instead! :o)
10. I have just recently become obsessed with frugalness. I used not be this way. My hubby is praisin' Jesus right now!
11. I was a yearbook editor, cheerleader, volleyball player, and drama chick in high school. I am surprised I had time to graduate!
12. I met my husband at a concert in Pittsburgh, PA!
13. I am deathly afraid of heights.
14. My last pregnancy took a huge emotional toll on me.
15. I found victory in being able to tell people NO!! I was a "yes" person and really was overwhelmed from all my commitments.
This is a great way to get to know your fellow blogger friends better, so I tag:
Jessica @ dearest Jessica
Jackie @ one momma's journey
Julie @ A day in our life
Brittani @ Family Pics and circus tricks
Valarie @ The Daly News
This is a great way to get to know your fellow blogger friends better, so I tag:
Jessica @ dearest Jessica
Jackie @ one momma's journey
Julie @ A day in our life
Brittani @ Family Pics and circus tricks
Valarie @ The Daly News
These are just a few of the ladies I would like to get to know better! Now, do your 15 things, tag someone else, and go leave a comment on their blog telling them they have been tagged!!
Have a blessed week!
26 October, 2008
I got my first blogging award!! Yippee!! I feel so special!! :o) My dear new friend Mikki has given me award!! She is my fellow disney lovin' floridian!! She also blogs about her teenage daughters!! I just might need to put her on "speed e-mail" to help me keep my sanity when my kids reach the teenage years!! I send this award back to you as well! :o)Thanks so much for givin' me some love!! Looking forward to much more blogging fun!! Blessings!Part of accepting the award is:
*displaying the award
*linking back to the person who gave it to you
*paying it forward & nominating 7 blogs
*adding links to those seven blogs
*leaving comments on their blog telling them you gave them an award
*enjoying the award
I’m passing this along to…
Jaime-- my dear friend that blogs about her christian walk and sweet heart!! She helps me remember to focus on a more simple life!! Thanks for being so vulnerable!
Brandi-- this girl gets around and has experienced more in a few years than anyone in a lifetime!! Her vivid posts about her trips to Africa and the joys of raising kids, one of which is adopted from Liberia, keeps me on my seat and in the moment!!
Cassie -- of course I would get shot if I didn't give her an award. Frankly, I don't think I would save as much $$ as I do if it weren't for her and her publix run-downs and frugal tips!!
Rachel-- I have really enjoyed her posts , especially the current Christmas Carnival that she is hosting!!
Jessica-- She is currently adopting stateside! She is a great friend with a killer sense of humor! You need one with all she has had to deal with in this adoption process!!
Danielle-- My dear lifelong friend. Gosh, we have know each other forever it seems. She is a homeschoolin' mama teaching her boy the wonder of God's great earth!!
06 October, 2008
image by : blogging101.com
That has been a question that I have been asked several times! So I decided to answer that question along with the question I hear even more, "how do you have time?"
Why do I blog?
1. My hubby and I moved to our current state about 11 years ago. We moved several states away from ALL our families and friends that we loved so dearly. When we moved, we started building our family. I needed a way to keep our family and friends connected. I searched and developed different sites over the years to accomplish this goal. It is actually amazing to see how our "connecting" has evolved! From mailing photos and letters via "snail mail" to where we are now! After the birth of our third child and many sites later, I decided to set up a blog on blogspot! Blogspot enables me to do a little bit of everything and to meet all my "why do I blog" needs. (more on that as I write) I can post pics to show what we are up to, share special events in our lives, and help our family/friends to remain involved in our lives from 1600 miles away!!
Three of my biggest reasons for blogging!
2. I have always loved to write and journal. It was always a great idea in theory! Now I have a place that I can do it! Blogging is a live journal that details, archives, and organizes my thoughts, happenings, and our lives in one place.
I wish I had started this blog a long time ago. I went through a lot over the past couple of years with that I know could have been a great therapy session had I blogged about it and enabled others in on my journey! I do scrapbook which allows me to keep track of my kid's lives through pictures, but I don't do much journaling in them. It will be amazing to look back in the online archives and see where we have been and how far we have come.
3. Connecting with others going through similar life experiences is a big reason as well. Sometimes as a SAHM, you get a little burnt out and NEED human interaction and support. Bloggers have a community of like minded people struggling, rejoicing, encouraging, and supporting each other through life's funny craziness!! We encourage each other by leaving comments on each other's sites, supporting their causes, and keeping track of their comings and goings so that we can pray, encourage, and get to know them better!! I have readers from all over the globe!! It is amazing what you can learn from people in other countries!!
4. Blogging also provides you with a little bit of extra income!
Through the google ads that are placed on my site, I can earn income from allowing advertisers to advertise on my blog. They do a really good job making their ads "blog specific"! So next time you visit my blog, don't forget to click on a google ad! You will be contributing to my families financial health! It isn't much, but hey, every penny counts!! You can also earn $$ from signing up with many different sites that allow their ads on your site or you can review items via pay per post! It all goes down to exposure as well. The more you are "out there" and the more readers you have, they more income you can generate!
5. Most of the blogs that I read are from family and friends doing the same thing I am doing. However, there are many blogs that I read that are about being frugal minded! I read many blogs that help me with coupons, sales, and tips about being a better steward of what we have been given. I am dedicated to helping my household bottom line every way I can. Since I am a SAHM, it is important to me to help out with the finances. I work on keeping my budget tight, my mind frugal, and my family not wanting for anything! You can find several of my frugal sites in the left column under "money saving blogs"! If I find a great deal or sale, I will also share this information with fellow bloggers! We stick together to beat this crazy economy!
6. I also get a lot of information about products from blogs, so I try and return the favor! I have done a some reviews of some products that I love or can't live without. I can't tell you how many times that I wish my friend had an item and could tell me exactly what I need to know before buying something! Blogs are the most honest form of advice and review! Most are from honest consumers just like me wondering the same things from the real world. Yah, consumer reports can be helpful, but tried and true is better in my opinion!!
How do I have the time to Blog?
Well, I sometimes don't have the time, but sometimes to accomplish my above goals for blogging, I have to make the time. Sometimes I do it at night after everyone goes to bed. Sometimes, I do it in the afternoon while the baby is taking a nap. If I have several posts that I know I want to post and I have the time, I will write several posts at one time and use the handy dandy little thing called "post options" that enable me to "schedule" when the post will appear on the blog. So even though it looks like I have posted something each day, chances are I have written several posts on a Sunday afternoon and scheduled them to post on different days that week!! (love that feature!)
That is it in a nutshell!! Thanks to all of you who join me on my journey! Thanks to those who comment, encourage, and just let me know you are following me! If you ever have a question or something you would like me to blog about, let me know!!
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