Friday, September 30, 2011

Good -bye friend.

I know I can do it.

After the headaches and fatigue I will be fine.

My stomach will feel so much better.

I need to drink more water.

That is why I am giving up diet Coke.

I am not promising this is a long term commitment, but at least for a month.

I have gotten into this terrible habit of stopping at McDonald's everyday and getting one.

I drink 2 cups of coffee in the morning and a diet coke around lunch. So at 1:00 that is all I have had...no food.

This is clearly not good on the stomach.

My resolution for October, and only October, is to give up Diet Coke.

Here goes nothing...prayers appreciated!

Don't forget to go here and enter the giveaway. I am really embarrassed only 2 people have commented! Come on people...I mean, it is a gift card!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Thankful Thursday

It's that time again...

time to be thankful.

If you remember last week I wasn't feeling all that thankful.

Today I am. I feel like things have slowed down a little, and that project I mentioned...it is just about done.

Tuesday night at house church, Diana over at Daily Walking by Faith, came to share with us about what she will be doing on her upcoming trip to Africa. (Go visit her blog and read about how God is using her family in Africa. It is awesome!) One of the things is teaching the kids the story of Daniel and the Lions Den. She wanted to let all the kids make a lion pillow. She shared with us that these kids have nothing.

No sheets on their thin, beat up mattress.

No pillow.

Nothing.

The lion pillow will provide them with a pillow or stuffed animal. Something that is theirs. So when she asked me to help I was all for it. You see, I really want to go on this trip but the timing didn't work out. So any way I can be involved I am all over. It was a little stressful for me because I am not a detailed person. After I ordered the fabric I kept thinking, "I didn't order enough." Then when it didn't come in when it was supposed to I kept thinking, "How are we going to get these done."

I am happy to say that with the help of a lot of people, they are just about done. People from our house church donated money to buy the supplies, cut a lot of circles, eyebrows, eyeballs, noses, muzzles, and helped put the kits together. People from another house church helped cut and bought Ziploc bags. One of Carys preschool teachers donated bags. One of our house church members is a teacher so she had her students cutting circles. (A lot of circles!) It truly has been a blessing to watch this all come together. And...the best part, I am pretty sure we are going to have extra!


Today I am so thankful that these darling children (pictured above) will have a pillow they can
call there own.


(I just wish I was going to be there to deliver them.
Someday. Hopefully sooner than later, right Diana!?)

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Giveaway Time

300!!!!

That is how many posts I have done over the years! 300! That is a lot!

So in honor of my fabulous readers I am doing a giveaway!

To enter the giveaway you have to become a follower. You also have to leave a comment saying what you like about my blog and what you would like to see more of.

You probably want to know what you are entering to win.

How does a Starbucks gift card sound?

Monday, September 26, 2011

Weekend News

Of course it was another exciting and eventful weekend around here. Broderick "graduated"(not sure what they call it) from a Tiger Cub to a Wolf on Friday night! So proud of him. So bring on another year of cub scouts.
Saturday we had great plans to do something fun outside, but the weather was looking a little questionable, so we went to plan B. We headed down south a little ways to eat lunch at one of our favorite places. And guess what? They had a fire truck there. It was so cool. The kids of course loved it. We also took the kids to a great train place that was having a special Halloween thingy. It proved to be a winner.

While we were out Saturday we did a little shopping. Broderick walked past this picture and said, "That would be perfect for us." So we bought it! What do ya think?
I love that he picked it out. It makes it that much more special! So now, Rob and I are "in talks" about what color we should paint the living room. We are trying to move some pictures we already have around a bit. I am just not good at this sort of thing so...

Unfortunately on Saturday while we were out I hurt my back and Rob started feeling really crummy. So Sunday we just hung around home. It was not exciting, but we needed it.

And now...another week begins!

Friday, September 23, 2011

It is a good day


Happy Fall Friends!

It is a perfect fall day in my opinion.

Rainy and chilly.

And guess what...

I have on my favorite zip-up hoodie! It's the small things people!

We have a lot of fun plans for October. Hayrides, festivals, the amusement park, Trick or Treat, Carrie's Halloween party, and the annual girls weekend! I am looking forward to them all!

Again, happy Fall and have a great weekend!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Thankful Thursday

To be perfectly honest...
I am not feeling very thankful today.

I have one kid crying because he has homework and wants a friend to come play.

Laundry overflowing.

Dishes that need loaded in the dishwasher, but no dish soap.

I am tired.

I have been working a lot lately. Volunteering at Carys' school and subbing at the preschool. (Which I love!)

I am working on a "project" for my friend who is going to Africa that is kind of stressing me out. It involves a lot of details and I am not a detailed person. Why wouldn't Satan want me to be stressed when I am trying to minister to children that have nothing? I just keep praying, "Lord, you will work this out."

I am just feeling a little stressed. I don't want to sound like I am complaining, because I am not. Just keeping it real my friends.

But this is why I do these posts. Even when life gets busy...I need to pause and be thankful.

On Tuesday, my favorite band, NeedToBreathe, released a new album. I really think it is about the only thing that is keeping me sane this week. I have listened to it non-stop. I would strongly suggest you check them out if you haven't.

Even the name of the band relaxes me. It reminds me to breathe through the stress. Stop and pray, "Lord, you will work all this out." Whether it be

...laundry.

...crying kids.

...homework.

...dishes.

...exhaustion.


Today I am SO thankful for music.
Especially NeedToBreathe.

What are you thankful for?

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Weekend News

Yeah, I know, today is Tuesday, but that is okay. I have been subbing at the kids old preschool so I have been a little busier than usual. (Let me just say...I don't know how moms who work do it. Even if it is part time. I guess you figure it out.) Any hoo...

This weekend was super fun! Saturday I got to go see my best friend, Carrie, finish her first marathon! Since she doesn't have a blog I will tell you all about it! Basically, she is a
ROCK STAR!

She ran the ENTIRE time! She finished in about 4 hours. She is amazing.
To say I am proud of her does not even describe how I feel.
Here she is with her metal!

Ricki and I...the cheerleaders!
Saturday night Ricki, Carri, Maria and I went to a movie to celebrate!

Sunday brought church and relaxation and movie night. Sunday at church Broderick got a paper with scripture that he is supposed to read each day. Sunday night he was ready to go and read the Bible. I think my favorite part of the weekend was hearing Broderick read from the Bible with Rob. He is just getting so big. I love how he is growing. Then he wanted to mark his Bible to take on the bus with him to read. Which was so sweet!

Now it is Tuesday and the week is well underway. Today my favorite band, NeedToBreathe, released a new album! It is great and has made my day wonderful.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Thankful Thursday

Today is about 65 degrees.

The sky is clear and blue.

The breeze is blowing.

It is, in my opinion, perfect weather.

I love when it is cool enough to have the windows open, a sweatshirt on, while drinking your favorite cup of coffee. (Mine at the moment is Salted Carmel Mocha from Starbucks. Delicious!)

One of my dear friends, Ricki over at the Family Fun Mom, found this fabulous hooded zip sweatshirt with our high school team name at Goodwill! It has quickly become on of my favorites. And since I live in "comfy" pants and zip sweatshirts in this kind of weather it will be getting a lot of use.

Today I am thankful for cooler weather! (And hooded zip sweatshirts!)

What are you thankful for?

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Dates I L.O.V.E!

I love to go on dates with Rob. I feel like we don't get enough of them, they aren't consistent, and I am feeling like I need one now! Since I have really been in the mood to go on a date I have been thinking the last couple of days what my favorite dates are. Here a few I thought of.

Movie night in. This could be done when the kids are in bed or if they are staying over somewhere. Pick your spouse's favorite movie, snacks and drink and you have a date.

Broadway show. Rob and I have always gone to shows ever since we started dating. We have seen Phantom at least 2 times, maybe 3. We have seen Wizard of Oz (with the kids), Shrek, Young Frankenstein, The Little Mermaid, Titanic, Peter Pan, Rent, and Beauty and the Beast. (We are taking the kids to see that in a couple weeks. They have no idea and I am super excited!

Picnic. I could not tell you the last time Rob and I went on a picnic just the two of us. I know we have done it and I remember loving it.

Dinner and a movie. Who doesn't love this. I love to eat and I love movies. Perfect combo!

Amusement Park. One year we had my mom and step dad watch the kids all day and we went to the amusement park. It was seriously one of the most fun times I have had with him.

Coffee. This is a very inexpensive way to get out, relax, and talk.

Dinner at home. We don't ever do this but I think it is a great idea. Take your kids somewhere else and have dinner ready for your spouse when they get home. This would be a great week night surprise.

Walking. This may seem boring and not like a date, but when do you get to enjoy nature, hold hands and be silent? On a walk.

Museum. Rob and I love to go to museums. Before we had kids we would go walk around museums often.

Game Night. Another great idea for after the kids go to bed or a week night. Turn off phones, computers, tv and play a game together. I love to play games...Rob does not. So I know if he does he is making a sacrifice for me...his love!

Now, get off your computer and go plan a date! You need it!
(We all do!)

This post is linked up with Top Ten Tuesday over at Oh Amanda!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Where were you?

My grandparents remember every detail of where they were when they heard the news of Pearl Harbor, along with many others.

My parents remember every detail of where they were when they heard the news of John F. Kennedy, along with many others.

I remember every detail of where I was was when I heard the news of September 11, 2001...

I was 20 years old, been married about 9 months, and was at a job I had started a month earlier. I sat at the front desk of an insurance office and answered phones. I picked up the phone, just like every other morning and heard an upset woman wanting to talk to her husband, one of the agents. Soon after he came out of his office and told us what had happened. Immediately we turned on the small black and white tv and watched with horror. I called Rob, who was working at home, and told him to turn on the tv. I just wanted to be home with him, sitting with him. I couldn't though, I had to stay at work. I still had to answer the phone of clients calling with questions who did not know what was going on. I remember trying to get a hold of my mom who lived in Alabama and worked on a military base. It took me a couple tries and I remember panicking. When she finally answered the phone I starting crying. I just wanted to hug her. Soon after the second plane hit the office phones went silent. It was eerie. Here I was in at a place with people I hardly knew. I just wanted to go home. We, like everyone else, were glued to the tv all day.
I can still feel...
the pain.
the sadness.
the fear.
I remember going to church that night and embracing my sister with a hug and tears. I remember my boss and his son leaving 2 days lady to go to New York and help. I remember watching the sky for planes. I remember not wanting to go outside. I remember so much.

Here are a few more of your stories...

I had just gotten to work, (I worked at Fairhaven Church) and someone came in and said that the World Trade Center had just been hit. We all gathered to watch on the television what was happening. We saw the 2nd tower get hit, and then we got word that the pentagon had also been hit. We knew that this was bad and they told us that if we needed/wanted to go home, we should. I left and went home. I was alone and I remember thinking, "What if this is it? What if we are all under attack and I die today?" I just wanted to be with my family. I decided to go to my parents house and we all sat together the entire day/evening watching the news coverage. I had always felt like The USA was so safe, that no one could ever touch us. that day, I learned that wasn't true. For me, it was a HUGE reminder that the only for sure thing, is Christ. I am safe in Him, and that is the only guarantee I have.
- Ricki

I was attending Indiana Wesleyan University and was in my English Lit class when someone mentioned that a plane flew into one of the towers. We didn't know much else at the time. When I got back to my room, my roommate had the tv on and was bawling. We couldn't believe it. We were from Northern Virginia and knew MANY people that worked in the pentagon. I got a phone call from my Dad and he told me I wasn't allowed to leave my room. {He worked for the USAF} So as the rest of the campus went about their day since they didn't really "feel" how serious it was, I was in my room - praying - and shocked at the horror. I won't ever forget that day. It still aches my heart when I see what happened.
- Michelle

I was just back to our east house after a walk. I had to work that day was so scared. I found out though I was preggers about 1 month after and it brought comfort and makes me think Kyler was one of the baby boomers after the tragedy!!!
- Kelly

I was feeding Olivia breakfast in her high chair watching good morning America when the horrible news broke in.... I could see the horrible look on Matt Lauers and Katie Courics faces. So scary. Buckled Olivia in the car and went to pick up Jaclyn at preschool right away. I will never forget that day. Surreal. When I heard the sonic boom that evening, I thought that was the end. My heart goes out to anyone who was affected by this horrible day.
-Sandy

I was one month away from my due date with Sam (our second)... Brian was letting me sleep in b/c I was exhausted with having a 2 yr old and then being so prego. He was feeding Noah breakfast when the first plane hit.. I got up and he just told me about what had happened. He was very nonchalant about it b/c at that time all the news anchors were too... just an accident, etc? So I was curious, but not too worried. Then he hurried off to work (before the 2nd plane hit). I kept the news on and while I think Katie Curic was talking, you could see the 2nd plane hit in the background... my heart sank. I knew at that point something was not right. Then all the other attacks starting happening. I was on the phone most of the day talking to my mom, friends, Brian. It was very emotional for me regardless of my hormonal state. I kept thinking, what kind of world are my babies going to grow up in? That day there were so many emotions as to what else would happen... such a feeling of vulnerability.
-Jenna

I was teaching at Miamisburg High School at the time. The principal announced over the loud speaker that the first Trade Center Building had been hit. All the teachers turned on our classroom tvs and watched the day unfold. It was shocking and hard to understand as more and more was reported.
-Jan


Pearl Harbor, JFK, WWI and WWII are stories my generation learned about in History class. Stories we have watched on tv and heard people talk about. To my grandparents, parents aunts and uncles they are connected to those events September 11 is a part of us. Even writing the date in my journal this morning at church brought tears to my eyes. It is a day that I will never forget.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Thankful Thursday

All this pain I wonder if I'll ever find my way?
I wonder if my life could really change at all?

All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found?
Could a garden come up from this ground at all?




You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust

You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of us


All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found in You


You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust

You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of us

Oh, you make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of the dust

You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of us

(Song by Gungor, Beautiful Things)



Today I am thankful for all the men and women that serve our country without fear! I am thankful to live in a country where we are free. I am thankful for a God who heals pain and makes beautiful things out of dust.







Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Let's play a game

1.) Real or Fake?

Like I mentioned on Monday we went to the Renaissance Festival. Some of these people are truly a different breed. I mean, I get getting dressed up and having a good time. (Have you seen some of my pictures?) These costumes are not cheap people. The little girls dresses were $75, a men's coat was $395!! Crazy!
Today I thought it would be fun to play a game. Each picture is numbered with the question real or fake? You comment with the number and then tell me if you think the person dressed up is real- part of the show, or fake - simply a spectator. Got it? Here we go...(You have to go back up to the first picture)

2.) Real or Fake?

3.) Real or Fake?

4.) Real or Fake?


5.) Real or Fake?

6.) Real or Fake?

7.) Real or Fake?

Monday, September 5, 2011

Weekend News

It was so nice to have a long weekend! We sent the summer out in style this weekend! Friday and Saturday were blazin' hot to say the least. About 95 degrees both days.
Friday night we went to the pool with friends.
Saturday we went to the water park. We had to be in the water or we were hot.
Sunday was raining so we took the kids bowling. We had never done this as a family. It was great fun.
Monday the temperature dropped about 30 degrees...literally. We bundled up and went to a Renaissance Festival in our area. Now...before you start laughing (like my best friend did!) it was super fun.
Broderick loved looking at all the swords and weapons.
Carys loved looking at all the pretty dresses.
Rob and I loved making fun of all the people. Ohh shoot...I am sorry, I didn't mean to type that. Yes I did, who am I kidding!?
Best. People watching. EVER!

No lie! There are so many pictures to show you and so many things to say about the people at this festival so it is getting its own post later on the week.
In all seriousness we really had a great time.
Now tomorrow we are back to the weekly routine...you know the one...school, homework, chores.
Oh, and I am going to take Carys to the doctor. She has these blister looking things on her hands, feet and some on her legs. My kids have never had hand, foot and mouth but after looking at pictures online, I am going to guess that is what it is. We will see what the doctor says.
Funny things is, she cried when I told her she wasn't going to school tomorrow. She is so funny!

Friday, September 2, 2011

Once a Month Resolution

Did anyone notice I didn't make a resolution in August?

I didn't...until about the 24th!

I decided then that my resolution for September was going to be to

slooooooowwww dooooowwwwn!

With school starting and me being a person that likes to cross things off a list it is easy for me to rush around and get things done.

My goal the last couple of weeks and for the month is to not rush things.

Homework. Getting ready in the morning. Eating dinner. Leaving to go somewhere.

You know how it goes...

"Hurry up and eat, we have to get ready for bed!"

"Hurry up and grab a toy, I am leaving! NOW!"

"Hurry up and get dressed, the bus is coming."

This can be very challenging, but I am working on it. It is amazing how many conversations, smiles, and special moments that can be missed just because of being in a rush.

I challenge you to also slow down a bit and just enjoy the moment!
(Even if you have somewhere to be.)