Goodbye 2009!

2009 brought a life changing event in my life....

And in 2010 I'm not going to let MS get in the way of anything I want to do!


how's that for a New Year's resolution!

Wordless Wednesday!

(His love of Legos...this says it all!)

Two years!

**This post was originally run last year on this date. **


Joy was such a wonderful person, I truly wish all the world could have known her. She had something special about her that I don't see in many people. She was special. Her love for the Lord showed through her love for everything else. She was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a friend, a nurse, a mother, a grandmother, and a spiritual teacher. All those duties, were performed with the Lord by her side.

She battled the cancer for 3 long years and was a trooper every single step of the way. And even though is hard for those of us left here on earth, knowing that she is pain-free and with her Lord and Savior makes all the difference.

Below is a letter that I found that Andy started to write. He was planning to read this at the funeral. His feelings took over and he wasn't able to read it, but I feel that it is totally worth reading...

Mom, Joy, is there anyone more fitting to carry that name? You have impacted so many lives and spread so much love and joy. While preparing this, I did some searches for joy, and found a wonderful quote from Mother Theresa that sums it all up.

Joy is prayer - Joy is strength - Joy is love - Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.

Mom, you are that net. No one will ever know how many people you consoled, counseled, and led to a better relationship with the Lord, but the numbers don’t matter.

Your devotion to us, your family, and God, has been an example for all. As I reflect back on everything you’ve done, there is incredible consistency. That consistency is your dedication to God, never ending selflessness, and abundant compassion. You never had to tell us “Do as I say, not as I do”. You taught by example, not by words. When asked to serve, you willingly gave. You were never too busy or too tired. On the contrary, you embraced every task as a blessing and opportunity to serve the Lord.

We miss you very much!

Lots of Christmas Pictures!

Christmas Eve with my side of the family!

Maggie took this one...pretty good don't ya think!

Grandma & Paca (by Maggie)

4 Generations!

Max just being goofy and Maggie getting his picture!

Opening some fun new markers...(washable of course!)

Max and his new finger flashlights!

The girls opening their gift from us...personalized pillowcases...what every tween needs for their next slumber party!


Christmas Morning at home

Maggie was so excited about this do-it-yourself scrapbook
she got from some special friends of ours! She's already made a few pages!

Max loving more Legos...(thanks t,t,m& v)

Double light sabers from Santa!

Mags decked out in her new coat, hat, scarf, and don't miss the new soccer shorts!

Then...
We went to Papa's house in the afternoon on Christmas day

Here's QP opening one of his gifts from us...a Star Wars gun....he was in heaven!

Mags with one of her stocking stuffers

Max and his new "boy" scarf! Super cute!

A Max with Papa's new workshop headphones!

All my pics of Sloan were fuzzy...she's a fast one, but I'm sure Janelle will have pictures posted on her blog...you can check here!

Needless to say, we had a very nice Christmas, and as always, way too many gifts. Hope you had a great holiday too!

Four-legged Mary and Joseph

Yesterday after the craziness of what Christmas morning brings, while we were all just hanging out, enjoying the sounds of kids playing, watching A Christmas Story on television, we had a couple of very unexpected visitors.

Andy glanced outside to check out the snow situation, hoping for way more snow than we were actually getting, only to see two yellow labs out in the windy, snowy and very cold weather. He then saw a mini-van pull up to the dogs hoping it was their owner. He saw a man trying to gather the dogs up and decided to go out and help.

When he got out there, the man was NOT the owner and was just trying to check to see if the dogs had tags and then call the owners. The dogs didn't have any tags, no way of knowing who they belonged to, and it looked like they had been out for a while. They were a mess. Dirty, wet and on top of that...the snow was finally beginning, so they had it all combined together to create two very dirty dogs. And to top it off, one (we'll call her "Mary") was very pregnant.

I came in and called the non-emergency number for the police. They informed me that they couldn't call the auxiliary animal control guy unless the dogs were contained. So we brought them into our garage to wait for someone to come and pick them up. I took out a bowl of water and we gave them a few milk bones and tried to keep our own dog, Charlie from freaking out.

As we were waiting for animal control to come, I told Andy that I felt like the inn keeper in Bethlehem on that magical night. And although our "inn" wasn't full, the dogs were really dirty and there was no way they would be coming into our home. However, we were able to place them in the stable (aka...the garage) to get them out of the cold. We let them lay down on warm towels and we got them out of harms way. We asked the man picking them up to look for our address and the bright star (aka...the porch light). Thankfully they were picked up before "Mary" had any puppies! (can you just imagine!)

My hope and prayer for them is that their owners have been notified to come and pick them up and that they return to a nice, warm, cozy home with owners who love them and have missed them very much.

It amazes me how God puts these little everyday things in our lives to remind us of the much more important events that have already happened to us. God is so good!

Mary & Joseph!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Eve

I'm sorry that my blogging has been lacking lately. I've heard from many of you via Facebook or email and we are all just fine. I have plenty to blog about, but it seems like there might have been a reason for all the illness going through our family in the past few weeks. It has made us slow down, to enjoy just being with each other and to remember what this season is really about. We've had to miss get-togethers with friends, several church activities and even a Christmas gathering with family, but we are all back to being healthy and looking forward to celebrating Jesus' birthday tomorrow.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and many many blessings in the New Year!

Sick day = Treat day!

My sweet girl wasn't feeling well today. I decided to keep her home from school. She wasn't horrible, no fever, no cough, just a sore ear and a tickle in her throat. I thought for sure she had an ear infection (you know, one kid feels left out when they don't get their own antibiotic!) We got into the doctor this morning, only to find out that she did not have an ear infection...just a cold! A regular old cold...except for the fact that her cold is running the opposite way. Instead of her nose running and being able to see it running...hers is running down her throat! Okay doc...so what do I do about that?? His reply," have her chew gum!" I wish I could have captured her smile for the rest of you to see! Her reply, "That's the best medicine I've ever heard of!"

So with my girl being a little under the weather, my plans for finishing up the Christmas shopping this afternoon had to be postponed. While she was resting on the couch, probably watching way too much t.v., I made a bunch of goodies.

I made a double batch of Chex Mix with double the seasoning and double the nuts, just the way my hubby likes it. I also made these cute cookies for Maggie's class party tomorrow. I made them last year too, but I think they are so stinkin' cute...I had to make them again. I sure hope she gets to go to her party!

She also got a big surprise today. Her class was making gingerbread houses today and she really didn't want to miss it. One of the moms dropped off all of the goodies so she could still make her very own house at home! So after a little nap this afternoon, she let Max help her and together they created this beautiful masterpiece. Thanks Angie for helping my girl feel better! (I think maybe a little sugar helped too!)

Missing

Today was Cantata Sunday at church. It was absolutely beautiful. The music they sang, the story narrated by our wonderful pastor, and just seeing all of the choir members and their dedication and talent. It always gets my every emotion.

I knew it was Cantata Sunday and I knew I would be emotional, you see my late mother-in-law used to be a member of that choir. I could see where she would have been standing, and I could even see her head bopping back and forth at a few of the songs and I envisioned her singing her heart out.

I knew I shouldn't have worn mascara, and why didn't I take my own Kleenex? I had to borrow a hankie from our good friends who were sitting behind us, (thanks Wade...I'll get that hankie washed and returned next Sunday!)

It was mixed emotions for me. I was happy, because I know important the Cantata Sunday always was for Joy and I remember how much she enjoyed it. But I was also sad, for selfish reasons mostly, cause I want her back, I want to sit next to her and hold her hand while we listen to it together. I want my kids to sit on her lap as they sorta listen while doing their "math" books during church.

So even though I know she was there in spirit, it wasn't the same, and I know that. I know that life goes on and that "things change", but I wish, just for this day, that she could have been sitting next to me, holding my hand.

Sick and tired of being sick and tired!

chest cold

plus

sinus pressure

plus

a throat that feels like it's closing in

plus

a nagging cough

equals

one sick mommy!


Praying to get over this really soon!

They might hire out!

We LOVE healthy - whatever week this is!

Tomorrow we are having our annual cookie walk at church. People come from all over to our sale. When you come in, you get a box to fill with all the homemade cookies and treats you want. We then weigh the box and we charge by the pound. It's an awesome way to get a variety of different cookies.

We all know that I am not a baker. In fact, I'm honestly not much of a dessert person at all. I'd choose a bag of chips over a dessert any day. Sad I know. But there are a few cookie recipes that I do like to make over the holidays. To help out with the cookie walk and my friend Lisa, who is in charge of it, I got my Kitchen Aid mixer out yesterday and started baking.

Yesterday I made a double batch of cranberry-walnut cookies and a double batch of chocolate chip cookies. Today I made pecan-shortbread cookies (yummy) and some pretzel treats. And now I can't wait to get them out of my house. My counter top is full of cookies to take to the church later today.

The holidays are a hard time for those us trying to get some weight off, heck, it's hard to just maintain a certain weight this time of the year. I've still been getting a few days a week in at the gym, but I need to do more. It seems like I can always find something else that needs to be done. But I know that the shopping, wrapping and baking will still be there for me to do when I get back from the gym.

Any body have any great-holiday-stay-fit-tips, or heck...got any good cookie recipes that you want to share? We'd take either.

Have a great weekend and stop by our cookie sale if you can! (I'm not helping am I? sorry!)

Simple decor makes me happy!

I get so excited every year when it's time to get all the Christmas decorations out. It's one of my favorite things.

But I think what I love even more is getting a little something new every year! This is my favorite new item. Isn't it just the sweetest!

I especially like it on the top shelf of the desk area in my kitchen! So sweet!

Do you have a favorite new or old Christmas decoration?

Almost Wordless Wednesday!

This is one of my favorite pictures from last year. How can you NOT just love these faces!

It's crazy out there!

Today we were back to the regular scheduled program. Andy was back at work, the kids went back to school. Everything was hunky dory until I decided to run to Target.

I thought it was cyber Monday, why were there so many people out shopping, aren't they supposed to be shopping from home? Were they giving something away that I wasn't aware of?

Seriously, you would have thought it was like a week before Christmas. I try to be patient and have a Christian heart. I smile and speak nicely to everyone who helps me. So why do people have to be so mean.

Anyway...this is just my quick little reminder to slow down and remember what this season is all about!


**Oh and just a little side note, I left one of my bags at Target and they can't seem to find it. So I think someone helped themselves to my already purchased items. To them I say, "Merry Christmas! I hope you have warm feet!"**

How many do I really need?

Today as I'm decorating the house for Christmas, I realize that I have a very serious problem.

My love for cute holiday paper products. Why do they have to be so stinkin'cute?


Seriously, I would be set for the next 5 years or more. It's not like we are having a ton of holiday parties or anything, I just can't resist how cute they are. I already bought a few this year, forgetting that I had bought some at the end of the season last year. Those were found again today as I was going through the Christmas tubs. So sad!

So here I am, admitting my love for holiday paper products....stop by if you need a few extra plates or napkins...I'm sure I'll have plenty.

Happy Decorating!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Take some time today to enjoy all the many blessings
that are around us each and every day!

We have so much to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving!

CELEBRATE!

We're having a party!

A "celebration" kind of party!

On a Tuesday night....

What kind of party you ask?!

We are having a "Maggie's NOT nervous for school" party tonight!

A few friends, a little pizza, a lot of ice cream and the Wii, what could be better!

This may seem like a small accomplishment to some, but it's HUGE in our eyes! Way to go Maggie, we are very proud of you!

We ♥ healthy! - Week 7

Not enough time to blog today,
Cleaning and baking are getting in the way.

People are coming over tonight,
My basement is so NOT a pretty site.

Trying to be healthy this week was just okay,
More days at the gym is the only real way.

Tonight is about friends, and slush and food galore,
All the calorie counting goes right out the door.

Start back tomorrow with a busy busy day,

How was your week? I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Thankful Thursday!

Last week:

*I am so thankful for healthy happy kids and the opportunity to be able to stay at home with them. Even though it's the hardest "job" I've ever had, I LOVE it! I love that God has given me two totally different personalities in my children. It's making me grow as well as I do the best I can to guide them in the right direction.

*I am so thankful for my hubby. I wouldn't be able to do this stay-at-home gig without all his hard work. He is such a great daddy and I know I don't tell him often enough. So, thanks honey for all that you do for us. We love you!

*I am so thankful for the challenges God has placed in my life. I know for a fact that I would not be the same person I am today if it weren't for my past. God gives us all different roadblocks, challenges, and hurdles to overcome. We have to be faithful that He is right along with us, guiding us on this pathway, directing our life in the direction we need to be going.


This week:

* I am thankful for a warm, dry, cozy house that keeps my family safe and secure. Even with no drywall/plaster downstairs and the icky, cheap carpet (which is getting replaced very soon), I'm thankful to be right where we are. A home is about the memories you make and the time you spend together...walls or no walls.

* I am thankful for an awesome group of friends. Friends you can be yourself with. Friends who are always there to share your joys and comfort your tears. Friends who you have a lot in common with, and those special friends whose differences make life just a little more interesting. Friends you can call who live hundreds of miles away and friends you have actually never met, but know that if you did, you'd be friends forever. God places people in our lives for a reason and I'm so thankful for the people He has given to me.

* I am thankful for the freedom to write what I want on this little blog of mine. It may not be funny, entertaining or even interesting for that matter, but it's mine, and I hope that it will someday be a great gift to my family. They might not appreciate it now, but I hope that in the years to come, they will cherish these everyday moments.

By the way, some of you know that I'm kinda a dork about numbers, (example: got married on 02-02-02, which was the 5 year anniversary to our very first date) anyway, when I logged on today to write this post, the visitor counter said, 23, 456! I thought that was pretty cool....wish I could tell who that person was, I'd send them a little prize.

Today the kids are thankful for:
Maggie - Charlie, Mom, Dad and sometimes Max
Max - Jesus and us (Mom, Dad and Maggie)

Oh, I almost forgot...Happy Birthday wishes today to my dad, my grandma, and our little friend Ashlyn who is 6 today! Love you guys! Hope you all have a great day!

I'm sure thankful that you stopped by to read this post today, and I'd love to hear what you are thankful for!

What NOT to do...

It's been raining here for like f-o-r-e-v-e-r and the other day I went to the grocery store and I was so thankful that it had stopped pouring rain and that it had turned into just a nice steady rain by the time I was checking out. I tell ya, it's the small things that make me smile. What a difference it makes to load up your goods in just a steady rain verses the pouring rain. Can anyone relate to that?

Anyway, I rushed home to get the stuff put away before I had to leave again to get all the kiddos picked up.

I pulled into the garage, and hit the button to open the back of the van. I rarely use this nifty gadget, I usually get out of the van first and go around to the back and manually lift the back door. I usually do this just to double check that I have pulled up far enough that the door won't hit the garage door up at the top.

I guess rushing was my first mistake. And I honestly don't know why I pressed the button inside the van...but I did and yep, you guessed it, a BIG ol' crease. YIKES!

It's didn't make a loud noise or a big thump....nothing. I didn't even notice it til the next day when I was putting something else in the back.

It's not horrible, and most people probably wouldn't even know. But I know, and now it's going to drive me nuts...forever!

Can ya see it there? Right above the hitch!?

I was a little worried to tell Andy, not that he would be mad, but you know...I was afraid of getting that well-how-it-the-world-did-you-manage-to-do-that look. But I should have known, my laid back guy gave me the most laid back response, "Bummer!"

So there you have it, just another tip from this gal who doesn't know much about a lot, but I do know this, don't open the back door of your mini-van without first making sure you are all the way in.

(Tim, I can hear your comment now...."that's just another reason why we DON"T have a mini-van!" - Okay, I'll let you win this one!)

What I DON'T know....

While listening to the radio this morning, the announcers were talking about what people, or I should say, "Things women don't really know about!" I pretty much fell into every single category. I'm so pitiful.

* Directions - like in north, south, east & west. If you placed me out in the wilderness (or even the middle of my driveway) I could NOT tell you for sure what direction was what. I will admit that it would be a lot easier if I was standing in my driveway, but I wouldn't bet my life on it either. Oh, and if you ever have to give me directions, I need landmarks people, with left and right...not "turn north on highway 91, then south on blah, blah" really what I would be hearing is that, "I really don't want you to come to this thing I'm giving you these directions for..."

* Sports (what they are and the people who play them) - Okay, so yes, I know what the different sports are, but I have no idea what all the rules are and what people play what sport. And honestly, I could care less. Thank goodness my hubby isn't a big sports fan. I'd be in big trouble.

* Counties - You know when there is a storm coming and the TV people put that cute little radar picture at the bottom of the TV screen. I still to this day, don't remember which shape is our county. The kids will ask, "Is that us mom? Do we need to take cover?" Guess I better figure that one out..or we might find ourselves going north, south, east and west in a tornado.

So there you have it, I'm officially one of those women....I'd love to know what you DON'T know!

Waiting....

...why does it have to be so hard.

I'm not waiting for anything major. I'm trying so hard to just be patient. I'm definitely NOT praying for patience, cause we all know what happens when we do that, right?!

I guess I'm just not a good wait-er! It's hard.

I ordered my new dining table back at the beginning of October, of course it's back ordered, and won't be in until late November. But I want it now! I want to have it before I start decorating for the holidays...oh, yeah...I still have to order the chairs too! And then wait for them to come!

I ordered some Christmas gifts on Etsy also at the beginning of October, have had only one email from the seller, and I'm getting a little worried. (Did I tell you that some items I ordered last year for Christmas didn't come til after Christmas?!?....I think I'm having flashbacks to that) So I'm worried and waiting to hear something from her.

I'm also waiting for the family picture proofs...wishing and hoping they come out okay. Honestly, I'm wishing and hoping I don't look like a complete goofball.

Oh, and I'm waiting for drywall. I'm already tired of looking at pink insulation and wood boards on my walls downstairs.

But instead of whining some more, I guess I'll just wait. What else is there to do!

We ♥ healthy! - Week 6

Well, not much new to report. Pretty much the same as last week.

I have to admit that I did have a little bit of Pepsi last Saturday morning. That was because I was up waayy past my bedtime on Friday night at the Beth Moore conference, and up waayy too early Saturday morning to get back to the conference. I'm not blaming Beth for this, and I would have had coffee except for the lines to the potty were waayy too long for my liking. However, I do have to say, that when I tasted the Pepsi...it wasn't good. I'm not a "dark" soda person anyway...so I'm glad that I won't have to worry about the soda thing for a while.

I also have to admit that I caught myself nibbling from Andy's popcorn bowl last night....and it was past 8:00 p.m.

Gotta get back in the groove next week....I have to!

How was your week? I know I saw my friend/neighbor at or coming from the gym several times this week....great job Mary! Maybe you can help get me motivated!

Hang in there with me girls....together we can ♥ getting healthy!

Thankful Thursday!

Since we are getting close to Thanksgiving, we are once again turning our regular Thursdays into Thankful Thursdays. Even though I am thankful most every day, I want to take the opportunity to share it here.

I'm going to list at least 3 things each Thursday and then repeat them all until Thanksgiving. I'd love for you to join in as well!

*I am so thankful for healthy happy kids and the opportunity to be able to stay at home with them. Even though it's the hardest "job" I've ever had, I LOVE it! I love that God has given me two totally different personalities in my children. It's making me grow as well as I do the best I can to guide them in the right direction.

*I am so thankful for my hubby. I wouldn't be able to do this stay-at-home gig without all his hard work. He is such a great daddy and I know I don't tell him often enough. So, thanks honey for all that you do for us. We love you!

*I am so thankful for the challenges God has placed in my life. I know for a fact that I would not be the same person I am today if it weren't for my past. God gives us all different roadblocks, challenges, and hurdles to overcome. We have to be faithful that He is right along with us, guiding us on this pathway, directing our life in the direction we need to be going.


I asked the kids this morning what they were thankful for on the "Thankful Thursday"....they responded with....

Max - "Jesus, because He makes everything!" He was probably thinking about toys, because he was looking at a toy magazine as he replied.

Maggie - School

That was all I could get out of them. Hopefully, as we talk about this more, they will get more into it....at least I hope they do.


Hope you are Thankful on this beautiful Thursday, if you are, I'd love to hear about it!

Thank you!

Happy Veterans Day!

Enthusiastic!

That is one of Maggie's challenge words on her spelling test this week in first grade!

Enthusiastic!

I can tell you with all honesty that my spell check would have high lighted that word if I would have typed that word without looking at her sheet.

I think I'm going to be in a lot of trouble.....good thing my girl has a smart Daddy to help her with her homework!

We LOVE healthy - Week 5

Okay, okay...more excuses. I've really got to stop this.

I did get some exercise in this week.

Remember Sunday's post about the high ropes course. Oh my gosh....my arms hurt so bad on Monday...but I went to my class at the gym anyway. Glad I went, but the air conditioner was broke and I couldn't stay the entire time. (MS and overexertion....not a good combination) I stayed for 45 of the class...so that wasn't too bad. But Tuesday...oh my word, don't they say that the second day after exercise is the worst. WOW!

I took it easy on Wednesday (actually chose getting my hair done instead of my exercise class...sorry Ann!)

Wednesday and Thursday afternoons I was battling fatigue. So I chose to rest and finish book #2 of the Twilight series. (I know, I know....I said I wasn't going to read them..but gosh, they are so darn good.)

Eating hasn't been too bad either...dinner is still my main meal. I have been doing well at eating light during the day and then getting most of my calories from dinner.

So there we have it. How'd you do? Did you get your exercise in? Any tips on motivating yourself to do the exercise?

Remember, together we are going to love getting healthy.

**Oh, and hey if you leave me a comment, click on the "email followup comments" that way I can respond to your comment. I'd love to hear from you!**

Winter project

Remember this post a while back. Remember his rule about winter projects....well, the projects have begun.

I wish I could just snap my fingers and wiggle my nose and the entire process would be done! Only a few weeks till it's time to put up the Christmas tree down there. But no pressure honey!

Learning to Trust

This past Sunday, Andy and I spent the entire day with the senior high youth from church. We left the church at 7:00 am and drove an hour and a half to a beautiful state park. The morning consisted of a small worship service and then a shortened version of The Amazing Race. We had 7 girls (the boys weren't brave enough to join us..hehe!) and we divided them into 3 teams. They did a fantastic job. I was so proud that they didn't get too frustrated until the very end. Great job girls.

H.U. & K.A., I'm sorry, but I don't know what happened to your team picture, sorry :(

While the girls were out "traveling" to different countries, Andy and I hiked the park. It was some great quiet time. We don't get that too often.


We then headed out and drove another 45 minutes to another camp. There we were introduced to this....

A high ropes course!

It took a lot of concentration!

and faith! (yep, that's me...)

but most of all, it took trust. Trusting yourself, Trusting God!

In the picture above, I'm getting ready to do the zip-line. I am standing on the second ledge (at the very top of the picture), 45 feet in the air. First you have to do the ropes course to even get to the zip-line...then climb the tree...then the zip-line. Just so you know, I'm NOT the adventure-some type. This was WAY out of my comfort zone...I mean WAY! I sat there for a l-o-n-g time, everyone was cheering for me...(thanks to all of you for the encouragement), but when it came down to it...I had to tune them all out...focus on something bigger...I had to trust that God was holding me in His hands. He wasn't going to let me fall. I had this overwhelming peace once I put the focus on Him. I leaned forward and fell. Tears were pouring out of my eyes the entire time. I was emotionally drained, but the feeling was something I don't think I've experienced before! What a trip!

Andy was in hog-heaven...all this stuff is right up his alley!

The goofy group picture!

This group of girls is the best. They used team work and were very encouraging to each other. I am proud of each and every one of them. You guys ROCK! I ♥ ya!