An unspoken story is shared when you take a photo!

changes are here again...

2010-10-25T21:40:00.002-04:00

so my husband and I have been praying for wisdom and God's guidance as to what direction we need to take for our family. Direction for schooling, finances and the emotional balance/dynamics for our family. Two months ago we decided that I would apply for a job at an assisted care facility for the elderly, that would give me the option of third shift part-time. This would enable me to still be a stay at home mom full time, keep the children on the same routine with little change in there daily lives, as well as contribute to the fiances in the household.
I believe that God provides, however I also believe there are leaps of faith we take and then wait on him for further clarification. I was called for an interview after 6 weeks, and by 8 weeks have been accepted for the position and working. This facility does only 12 hour shifts, a bonus for my schedule, because I am working 36 hours a week and only away 3 days.
I am confident that this is the plan that God has for our family, and so he will also give us the strength to work together as a family for a harmonious home. I have a lot of experience in this field and after being away from it for almost 10 years am very excited to be back in this environment. It seems God is teaching me a lot in the area of change and control and his desire to handle these things in my life, and the more I trust in him and strengthen my Faith in him the less painful it is.

thank you for visiting PhotoMama and I hope to see you soon in the bloggy world!

...lets try this again:)

2010-10-20T10:30:00.004-04:00

so I have been away for awhile, I have missed blogging and decided to try my hand at it again and catch up on all of you. In the last year I have enjoyed being a Mom to a beautiful little girl, a Mom to a pre-schooler and now kindergartner, and a Mom to a charming little boy in the middle of it all. I continued telling myself each passing month that I will start blogging again when things slow down:) hmmmm, still waiting on that. Becoming a mother of three has taught me many things already, how to be flexible, manage little bits of time wisely, and just go with it and see where you land. What is our little family up too now? Big Mister started kindergarten this fall and is loving school and catching on well. He has grown to be a darling little man that we just adore. Little Mister is determined to prove he is just as capable as his big brother. A very determined little guy he is. We signed him up for a weekly library program, which he calls his school:) Missy Ann is now almost 17 months old and you haven't heard much of her. She is my Sweet Sugar Pie, and we have been so blessed to have her. Missy Ann is a lively and happy girly girl. She loves beads, and ruffles, and all things pretty. Love That! I am possibly going back to work part-time at an assisted living facility. This willdefinitely call for some change and transition. Looking forward to catching up with all of you. God Bless, Christina

She has arrived!

2009-08-04T12:45:00.011-04:00

It is bright and early when we arrived at the hospital, 5:30 am and she was scheduled to be delivered by 8 am.
She was born at 8:06 am, weighing 7 pounds 11 ounces and 19 1/4 inches long. She has a ton of hair, and a tiny little face with long fingers and toes. Her nickname has been Miss Ann and is now changing a bit too Missy girl and little peanut. We our very proud of our beautiful little daughter and her big brothers are in awe of her as well.

The boys had on matching shirts that said 'We're the big brothers' in which they help make and put they're own handprints on.

They love giving they're new baby sister lots of kisses.

Of course the bows have come out already=)

This was her coming home outfit and she was just a doll in it.

Thanks for celebrating with us!

6 days to go

2009-07-20T22:25:00.003-04:00

Well I only have 6 days to go till we meet our new daughter. Things are getting done, and whether the addition gets completed or not it is done enough for us to move in. The boys are very excited to have a baby girl, and my husband has been working very hard to prepare for us a home fit for our little princess, and I am wrapping up final details to make so all the family is happy. Have a great day, and I will keep you posted when she arrives.

The past week in review....

2009-06-29T22:17:00.005-04:00

My husband has been busy working on our addition, It does look like chaos right now but wait till you see the pics next week:) My Sister Anita and friend Layla are helping me clean strawberries. We picked 65 quarts on that particular day and have now picked about 240 quarts total this season. We have been so grateful for all the help picking as I have not been able too!

The boys found ways of staying cool on the hot hot hot summer days this past week. They called it making mud soup. I loved how well they have playing and helping me out:) :) :)

This was taken on fathers day while I was grilling lunch. The boys wanted to be just like daddy they said and took they're shirts off. They then started wrestling and boy did they have fun.

The week was productive for me, I have made some baby purchases. We now have the baby book, hospital outfit for while we are there and to come home in, headband bows (which are a must), girl scrapbooking supplies, a few major adorable outfits, and I registered for the people that wanted to know what I still needed. I also finished the baby's crib blanket, and also the matching pillow that I take to the hospital for all the people who visit to sign. There will be pics later when the nursery is done.

That's been my week, you have a great one,

Christina

It's been awhile...

2009-06-22T11:21:00.003-04:00

It's definately been awhile since I have posted. My energy has been depleted for quite some time, and my long list of to-do's was crowding out my blog time.
5 weeks from today I am scheduled to deliver the baby by c-section. We are excited for a couple reasons, one I will no longer be pregnant, two we are having a little girl!!
I know a few posts back we were'nt finding out and just having the ultrasound tech write it down and seal it in an enevelope. My intention was to open that envelope as son as I get out of the doctors office, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to share the outcome with the rest of the world. That was our solution. Now I could have held out and not told a soul, but my husband on the other hand was having a hard time not blabbing. He informed me he was telling his mother, so I decided if he was telling than so was I.
We did enjoy our secret for a couple of months.
I have added a few natural supplements to my routine last week and I am finally able to get past the overwhelming exhaustion. That is such a relief with all we have left to get done before the baby in 5 weeks.
Our addition is coming along, my husband is very busy with that and our strawberry patch. We have gotten 135 quarts of strawberries so far and we will be picking for a couple more weeks. God has blessed!
I am going to try to keep posting and keep you updated on the baby news. Miss you all and hope to be visiting you soon!
Christina

Blessings!

2009-04-01T09:59:00.002-04:00

We have some blessings that are so worth telling you all about this week. I believe that God is trying to make his power known to my husbands family and we continue to pray for they're eternal salvation.

We recieved a call on saturday afternoon from my mother-in-law that the younger of my sister in laws was in the hospital. She was pregnant with her third child and expieriencing a great deal of pain. Her mid-wife came out and said she needs to head to the emergency room. She loss conscienceness upon arrival and they did an ultrasound to find that she had a tubal pregnancy. There was only one doctor to perform that surgery and he ws not available for another hour. During this time her tube had burst and she began bleeding internally. They thenhad to perform the surgery very quickly to save her life. They successfully removed one of her tubes, and she is now doing well. She has a 21 month old and a 6 month old at home and is getting help so she can recover properly. She realizes all to well how fortunate she is to be alive today.

We then recieved another call on Monday evening from my mother in law because my husbands other sister, the older of the two, was due very soon for her first child. She went into labor at home and was planning on a home birth but the baby's heart rate was dropping very quickly and she had to rushed to the emergency room. They discovered the cord was around the baby's neck and after 22 hours of labor she successfully delivered a baby girl and named her Viola. My sister in law realizes also how fortunate they were to have they're baby alive and well.

We are anxious to go and see the new baby but will probably wait till good friday with our work schedules.

Have a great day, Christina

my 22 week belly!

2009-03-30T11:17:00.003-04:00

My 22 week belly. I am really carrying this one lower than the my first two. I don't do many belly pics as I have nevver had one of those cute basketball belly's but this is my baby for the time and another 16-18 weeks. Hopefully I can deliver in 16 weeks, I may have to beg tho! Whatever works. Have a great Monday! Christina

Celebrating!

2009-03-23T13:44:00.005-04:00

We had a great day yesterday celebrating Little Mister's 2nd birthday. We keep it small with just the four us and we love it. We had cake and he was so cute blowing out the candle.

He loved his presents...

and his personality was showing through. Love this look...And then we went to the park and played lots, followed by Dairy Queen. Little Mister isn't a fan of eating ice cream but he loves milkshakes.

A great day, with a great Little Guy!

Great book giveaway!

2009-03-20T09:37:00.003-04:00

Elizabeth over at mommy etc. has a great interview on an author she admires and is giving away one of her books 'If tommorrow never comes'. I think it sounds great, so check out her interview and enter in the giveaway.

Have a great weekend, Christina

Happy Birthday Little Mister!

2009-03-19T10:03:00.005-04:00

Two years ago today our lives changed dramatically forever. Our Little Mister took us from this family of three here... to a family of four. We were so taken with our precious little baby and life has never been the same. He has brought smiles and sunshine to our home by the loads. The world is always happy to Little Mister. He is a busy little guy and keeps us hopping.

One year ago we celebrated his one year birthday and he was so cute as you can see....

and now today at two years old he just as darling and makes us laugh at the cute little things he does.

Happy Birthday Little Mister!

wordless wednsday!

2009-03-18T11:11:00.004-04:00

A day out enjoying the sunshine after a long winter!

Ultrasound update!

2009-03-17T15:53:00.003-04:00

We had a fun morning with our ultrasound. The boys were very curious, and waving to baby. I am so glad I took them in to see this. The tech had a split screen up and so it was showing 2 babies. Big Mister was so excited that Momma has 2 babies. We tried to explain that there is only ONE Baby but 2 pictures. It made for a cute story and I loved pointing out the hands and feet , but the favorite body part amongst the boys was the nose. They were very chatty about the nse and oh so cute. The tech asked if we wanted to know the gender and we presented our request for her to write it down and seal it in an envelope. She didn't look at us funny as it appears many do this. So we have our little secret in a keepsake box and it will more than likely follow us to the hospital on the Birth Day! I will at this point purchase outfits for both, and keep reciepts as I did with Big Mister. I find this exciting but one sister called me 'Wierd'. That's okay I'll be a little wierd.
All in all a great expierience for our family, it made me want to rush the time a bit more but much to do to prepare so I will keep our bundle warm till then. My accurate due date is now August 3rd, altho it is a scheduled c-sec so will still be in July.
Have a great day and don't forget to check out the recipes below,
Christina

Recipes

2009-03-17T04:21:00.000-04:00

I have had a request for a couple recipes so I thought I would share.

One is the recipe for my

Crockpot juice Pork chops

6-8 1 inch thick pork loin chops
1 can frozen orange juice concentrate
1/2 tsp ginger
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp soy sauce
4 tbsp brown sugar
3 tbsps cornstarch
1 can mandarin oranges or 1/2 can pineapple chunks

Place pork in crockpot, then mix all ingredients in a bowl and stir except for fruit. Pour juice mixture over pork then pour fruit and the juice over the pork. Cook on high setting for approx 3 hours or on low for 5-6 hours. I serve this with sauteed vigis and rice or pasta noodles. Use the glaze with your pasta or rice. I also add some soy sauce with my vegi's.

Next is my

Pumpkin Pancakes

2 cups pancake mix
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 eggs
1/2 tsp cinnomin
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp melted butter

mix all ingredients and add milk to the consistancy you like you batter. I like mine a little thicker. You can also add in raisins. These were so good. Easy but healthier than many recipes.

Have a great day, Christina

Monday, Monday!

2009-03-16T13:47:00.002-04:00

It's a monday around here. hubby is back to work and I start my day with a nap on the couch dozing on and off till about 9:30-10:00. I put a movie in for the boys and give them milk and a snack and they do good for the most part.
I am going grocery shopping tonight for my 2week meal plan again. I am really liking it. I look at whats on sale and then try to incorporate that into my meal plans to keep cost down. It is really helping me feed my family well balanced meals. Here are my meals for the next two weeks
- chicken dumplings
-Pumpkin pancakes and sausage
-Pork roast, mash potatoes and beets
-baked fish, salad, baked potatoes
-homemade pizza with ham, mush, and pineapple, and salad
- baked chicken breast, and baked steak fries with green beans
-chopped steak, sauteed onions and mushrooms, yellow squash, broccoli
- chicken enchilada lasagne
-homemade burritos
-spinach lasagne
-french toast, strawberries, and sausage
-mock beef stroganoff and salad
-italian chicken club sandwiches, and salad,

I always have fruit that I canned to serve for dessert. a lot of times I also add and extra vegi to make sure we are getting a good amount of vegis in our diet.

Tommorrow I am very excited for my ultrasound. We are going to take the boys with to see the baby. Big Mister is getting very involved. he cracks me and DW up all the time with his little sweet things. we also decidedto have the tech write down the sex of the baby and seal it in an envelope in case we want to find out later.

Well have a great monday, Christina

Yeah!

2009-03-13T14:54:00.002-04:00

We have been praying about what we feel is a need and not just a want. Our new addition! We actually have two additions, one is coming whether we are ready or not and that is this Baby #3, and two is another bedroom so we have a place to place the baby without it being in the middle of our livingroom.(which was suggested to me as an option, yeah right)
We have set a budget requirement and made a list of items that can be purchased used to keep cost low. We are running out of time and were needing a decent amount of money soon.
We had not done our taxes yet but don't expect much from them either as our only income is self-employed with little write offs. I left wednsday evening with a prayer that we at least would get a little and not have to pay in.
The verdict was in and we were so blessed with twice as much as we were hoping for. We are so excited for two reasons. One we expressed a need and not just a selfish want to God, (which is out of my character), and two God fulfilled!

So plans are on its way and the sun is shining. We are looking forward to showing the boys the baby tuesday morning at the ultrasound.
Have a great weekend and have a great day,
Christina

2009-03-11T09:54:00.002-04:00

I am behind, as I haven't posted in a bit. There were a few nice days last week and the boys were so happy to play outdoors. I was so quickly reminded of our summertime routine when they came to the kitchen door ready for lunch and they were covered in mud. I stopped them in they're tracks and stripped them and put em in the tub. They were quick to eat they're lunch and off to napville. That was a great day, no squabbling just harmony.
I was pre-occcupied over the weekend and forgot to take my vitamins and by sunday nightI had my migraines back, BOO! That will teach me to forget. I then awoke monday morning with an ear infectiona and a head cold. I am feeling lots better today but still hanging on to a head cold and a bit of an ear infection.
Either the baby or I have been growing quite a bit in the last 2 weeks. My clothes are fitting way to well from one week to another. My big ultrasound is in a week, and we are not decided yet as to what we are going to find out. I thought it might be nice to take the boys with us to see the baby. Big Mister would especially get excited. He told me the other day to open my mouth real big, and then he stuck one eye as far as he could in my mouth and started shouting that he can see the baby in my belly. Very cute! He says we don't need any girls just a boy. Boys learn early to be loyal.
I am really excited to be doing a new nursery. I am going with Raggedy Ann and Andy. I have chosen paint colors and I have a friend that is sharing some of her nursery things. I will definately post pics as it gets closer.
Pray for our addition fund. We need a good amount of money yet to add on to our house as we only have a two bedroom. God always provides, I am sure of that.

Have a great day, Christina

Happy A to us!

2009-03-06T10:40:00.002-05:00

Altho we celebrated our anniversary last weekend, today is the actual day of our 5th anniversary. I was so excited, and now I am so tired all I can think about is taking a nap. I am tryin to get myself awake enough to make a dessert and a card and atleast have a shower before my Romeo comes home from work. Anyhow enough whining, I wanted to share what 5 things I love the most about our marriage.

1) I love the way he still smiles at me.

2) I love the way we can be together and the conversation may be silent but we heard it all anyway.

3) I love how we are so in agreement with planning our future and setting goals with one another.

4) I love how we have a mutual respect for one anothers intrests.

5) And what I love the most is that I get to Love my husband every day! He makes it so easy to Love, I am so fortunate.

I hope you have a great day, Christina

2009-03-02T09:19:00.002-05:00

We had a great time away this weekend. Just the husband and I, and all things romantic. By all things romantic I am refering to the chocolate covered strawberries I dipped myself, the jacuzzi tub by the fireplace, and of course the fireplace itself is so cozy and romantic.
We didn't follow a schedule, just went with the moment. We had pizza and wings delivered the first night, and then followed that with a long soothing bath in the jacuzzi and some of our traditional choc. strawberries.
Our morning started out beautiful on saturday, the sun was shining through the skylights in our room, and we had a delicious breakfast at the inn. We spent our forenoon doing a little shopping for me, visiting a gallery featuring all of the history of Dr. Seuss, and then to a horse show. A late lunch at olive garden was so yummy, it is both of our favorite.
The rest of the weekend was spent relaxing entirely. It was enough to get us through another year, and a busy year it is promising to be.

Have a great Monday,
Christina
P.S Don't forget to vote in the poll on the right side of this post!

Middle of the week post!

2009-02-25T09:09:00.003-05:00

Okay so it's the middle of the week and I am just getting a post up. Oh, well that's the way life seems to go lately.I have had a pretty good week since Saturday. Saturday was a bum day as my plans were canceled because of another migraine.

Monday I just took it easy, and Tuesday was a full day. I had to take my husband to work in the morning, then the boys had they're story time at the library. Big Mister loves his library time. After the library we went to my oldest sister's to help pack for they're upcoming move. They are only moving about 15 minutes from where they currently live but they are excited. I was able to help get the kitchen cabinets emptied and all washed down.

I am not a soda drinker, one because I don't like the sweetners in diet sodas and I don't like injecting my body with the loads of sugar in regular soda. But, this baby has other ideas. I am so addicted to having a soda a day lately and the craving is really strong. I try to make a decent choice by getting diet rite. Hopefully this craving will go away soon.
I have been craving chinese lately as well, so I made a sweet and sour pork in the crockpot last night, then I did spagetti noodles and sauteed cabbage, carrotts, onions and mushrooms. I made a sweet and sour sauce with honey dijon and layered my dinner with noodles first, a drizzle of mustard sauce, a pile of veggi's and then the pork on top. AWESOME! It was so great the vegi's had a touch of teryaki sauce drizzled over them and the pork was pork loin chops, very lean. can I say Yummy?
So, I am 18 weeks and in three weeks I will have the 'big ultrasound'. Vote on my sidebar should I find out the sex of the baby or no?

My big anniversary weekend getaway is coming up in two days and I am so unbelievabley excited. 48 hours of no children and my hubby all to myself.

Well, That's all for now, have a great day!
Christina

The Flood!

2009-02-19T10:25:00.005-05:00

You may be wondering, Flood? It's still winter, where could there possibly be a flood? Let me tell you a funny but not so fun story about our flood.
I had a few calls to make yesterday about bills and that sort of thing. An, of course you know how whenever you have to make those types of calls your on hold for forever and then some.
After waiting for AT&T about 30 minutes I was not about to have my call interupted and start all over. I was a little pre-occupied by the gigling in the other room. I tried to resolve the issues as quickly as possible and then had to give me a sales pitch on how they would love to take more of my money for things I don't need. about 30 minutes later I am finally done and I follow a trail of water from my living room through the dining room and into the kitchen I find lots of water all over and it amounted to a small flood. The boys were both drenched and loving they're water fight inside. Mama was not happy so she stripped them down and but them in the tub to warm up while I made up the mess. It was a few minutes later when I heard a cry from Little Mister and went to check on what's going on. They had decided to empty the body wash and the shampoo into the bathtub and it was burning they're eyes.
And some days that is the way the ball bounces.
It may be hard to believe, but my almost 2 year old Little Mister is the instigator for most of these messes and he will make it look so fun that Big Mister will join in.

Have a great day, Christina

silly boys!

2009-02-18T10:13:00.005-05:00

These are some cute pictures of the boys all wrapped up after a bath. They love sitting on the couch all bundled up and they get a little silly too.

I have been away for awhile in the blogging world. I have been working on my Weight loss class, in a class at church, a few migraines and a doctors appointment. They all seemed to keep me distracted which isn't hard to do lately.

We had a great valentines day. My husband and I went to lunch and enjoyed ourselves without the crowds. DW gave me the most beautiful card and some dove chocolate. I also gave him his favorite chocolate (whoppers) and a card. The whole day was spent with a lot flirtyness back and forth and that was fun.

life is Life here in our home, and hope your day is great,
Christina

an exciting day!

2009-02-12T10:49:00.003-05:00

Today is exciting. I am starting another weight loss challenge along with another coach, and the class is huge and we have a very diverse group of people. Everyone is committed to getting healthy and making positive changes to achieve some great results. The way cool part is that if they are the biggest loser in the class they will win $500.00!
We have all ages ranging from 15 to 70 years old and men and women in the class.

Now on to the next question. Do you have any valentine's day traditions? What are they and how did they start?
I love Valentine's day, but it seems every year it comes and goes and there isn't anything significant about the day. Last year we had planned on watching my sisters three kids so they could go out and celebrate. Our Little Mister had been really sick for several weeks at that point and we didn't feel like we could leave him. Just before we were ready to leave Little Mister took a turn for the worse and we had to take him to the emergency room and they transferred him to a childrens hospital. so that was our valentine's weekend last year.
This year we are on a strict budget and I am happy about that, but I want to celebrate anyway. Any ideas we could do with children on a tight budget, with yucky weather to make the day special?
well have a great day, Christina

Fireproof

2009-02-09T12:16:00.002-05:00

Have you all have seen the movie 'Fireproof' yet?
My husband and I meet with a small group for couples twice a month and the focus is to learn about one another and better our marriages through God's word and encouragement. Our group on saturday night watched the movie fireproof. I really wanted to see it and expected something along the lines of 'facing the giants'. I expected wrong, I absolutely loved the movie and the message in it was so well done that I am amazed the secular world kept it in theaters as long as they did.
All of the couples that night could identify with some part of the storyline in one form or another and the discussion after the movie was great.
If you haven't seen the movie, make it an at home date night, or invite some of you're married couple friends over and watch it together.
Enjoy the movie and if you have already seen it let me know what you thought.
Have a great day,
Christina

What is the H word, really?

2009-02-05T10:47:00.003-05:00

Okay, I am sure you are all wondering what H word I am referring too. This H word has taken over my life and I want it back with a vengance. It is HORMONE! We women talk about it most of our lves and we attribute many issues mostly bad and uncomfortable to this word HORMONE.
What is it really? It's not an organ like a kidney or liver, and it's not a nerve altho getting on my last nerve. So, is it a cell, a feeling, chemistry? I don't know but I am loosing patience.
I have had migraines and nausea that is greeting me at the throat. I know that my neck and shoulders are out place and need adjusting but that has been the case for months long before getting pregnant and it didn't give migraines. So, my conclusion is that my HORMONES are creating the migraines and the nausea.
Okay I think that's enough ranting About HORMONES for now, if I get myself riled up it will come back to punish me and I am doing fine with the mild throbbing.

********************************************

I am getting ready for another Weight Loss Challenge and it's getting exciting. I will splitting the class with another coach, which will take alot of the pressure and adds excitement to the class as well. We have had our phones ringing off the hook for days and the response is just fabulous.

we will start the class next thursday and it will go for 12 weeks.

********************************************

Since I have been down for a good part of the week, I don't have to much happening that is exciting, so I won't bore you with the hum drum of "I am lucky to get a shower before noon, or brush my teeth before the hubs gets home. :(

So have a great day, Christina

Jacuzzi's and Finacial priorities...

2009-01-30T12:10:00.002-05:00

Al tho my title more than likely eludes to the fact that the jacuzzi and financial priorties have everything to do with each other. Wel, even tho at times they may, today they don't have anything to do with each other, just two things I am going to talk about.

First off, the Jacuzzi! I just finished making reservations for a bed and breakfast for our 5th wedding anniversary. I am so excited about going for a list of reasons. First, 2 1/2 days with no responsibility's but to be In Love, our room has a gorgeous layout with a fireplace and a jacuzzi for two, :) dinner at some of our favorite resturants, it is only 30 minutes from home, and last but not least we saved up for this getaway and are paying cash!
We had origionally planned to go to mexico for a few days , but as I would be 5 months pregnant when we were planning to go I wasn't to keen on laying on the beach with or without a bathing suit. I am liking the plans we have now better for the timing. We will be going a week before our anniversary because the room I view as the best is not available on our anniversary.

Now for the Financial part...
I thought I would share some of the principles we learned in our first week of financial peace class with Dave Ramsey.
One is the importance of establishing a budget right off the bat. Not the one with everything but one with the basic living expenses that need to be first. My husband has taken the time to do that for us and did a great job at it.
The next principle or formula that he shared with us is one that I am so excited about. It's the 10, 10, 80 rule.
10% to tithing, 10% to savings, and 80% for everything else. We always set out our tithing amount and then we took care of verything else. We never had enough to save, and yet that is the second most important in order to prepare for the future. We had a few things backward but we are turning it around.
That's all I have for today, have a great one,
Christina

Photo Mama tidbits..

2009-01-29T09:47:00.003-05:00

*The boys are growing almost before my eyes! Especially Little Mister, he doesn't even have that baby look anymore and he thinks he can do anything.

*I am preparing paperwork to send Big Mister to school next fall. I know it seems early but I am sending him to an awesome program that has limited space especially when it has to go through school of choice. It's the young fives montessorri program. He will go 1/2 a day 5 days a week and it is in the next town. We attend church in the same town and many of the schools teachers and administration attend our church. That makes me feel better about sending him and worth driving him 15 minutes to school.

*I don't do a whole lot these days, the pregnancy is not bad but it's whipping me anyway. I have dreams of having a girl and then I have dreams of having a boy. We have great names for either one and high hopes for the baby. I feel like a huge ogre with my extra inches around the waist, and I have so many pimples on my face that Big Mister is always asking if I have ouies.

* I am getting pre-pared for another weight loss class to begin in two weeks. The paper is more than likely going to have an article about the program as well as before and after photo's of previous participants.

* We have officially started the fianacial peace university class with Dave Ramsey. I would reccomend it for anyone. It has so much information that is very practical and eye opening.

* I am excited that our church is starting a small group bible study for couples this week. My husband and I have been wanting this kind of fellowship with other believers, and this will give us an opportunity to great deep bonds and friendships with the other family's in our church.

Well I think that's all for now and I will be back with you again soon.
God Bless,
Christina

Baby Y!

2009-01-21T08:51:00.004-05:00

I had my first doctors appointment yesterday. The routine is pretty much the same as anyone's first pre-natal visit. I did however get my first ultrasound to check that everything is growing the way it needs to be. The doctor saw me and did her thing, then the ultrasound took place, and last the blood draws. I always hate the blood draw. I am a whimp by nature and I get all qweezy at the sight of a needle. I am however doing better as I refrained from threatening the tech.

I was glad to finally go forward, and start the care of our new baby and be in pregnant Mama mode. It just doesn't always seem as real till you start your pre-natal routine.

Seeing the baby in the ultrasound made it more than real, it started a bond. I have two gorgeous boys and I am very prideful of that, and I would love a baby girl. However, I can't place my order and I am quite certain by the way this pregnancy is going it will be another boy. I have been having a hard time with this up to this point. When I saw those short little feet kick, and the arms waving, I new it doesn't matter I will love this child just as much whether a boy or a girl. I am not sure at this point if we are going to find out the sex of the baby. part is my own hormones creating insecurities and part is the lack of maturity in people I come in contact with. I feel like the outcome of the sex of my baby is going to place the value of my child. If that makes any sense, and i will just leave it at that.

I am a full 13 weeks, with two due dates. According to my cycle it is July 28, but according to the size of the baby it is August 2nd. I am a scheduled cesearen, so I will be delivering on a monday or tuesday before my due date. Depending on the strength of my uterus and contractual activity will determine how early.

Big mister was excited that I was going to the doctor, but he thought I was bringing the baby home. We had to explain that the baby is still growing and the doctor was just checking on the baby. very cute tho.

Well that's all the news for now, have a great wednesday,

Christina

Today.....one year ago

2009-01-16T10:26:00.002-05:00

Sometimes it's nice to look back and see how things were a year ago. I had forgottten that big Mister liked giving rides. I probably would not have attempted because I am always overcautious, but my husband thinks everything will always be okay. Little Mister is about 10 months old and looking a little frightened. Big Mister is loving this, a live doll all his own to play with. It's cute to see the picture now.

I finally managed to get my christmas tree out of my bedroom where it has been stashed since the day after Christmas. and I got it put away. Whew! I was really getting sick of looking at it.

I am finally going to be getting my first doctors visit lined up today. I think it's time as I am 12-14 weeks. I always dread the blood work, I am the worlds biggest baby when it comes to needles and I get all woozy. I usuallyu threaten the tech letting them know they get one poke and no moving the needle around. Sometimes they will get another tech that is better. LOL!

I will update my tunes and the blog decor. I really want fresh and springy, and something that I can fit the arrival of the baby into.

Have a great Friday and see you all soon in bloggy world, Christina

Joys, Thanks, and Fears

2009-01-14T21:05:00.002-05:00

Hi Guys, I have missed writing and chatting wth you. I have however been reading many of your blogs even tho I haven't been posting. I am in such a slump that I don't feel inspired to write or share much about any one topic. I'm sure I could get a few one liners for you , but that's not very exciting. That may be it, I don't feel like I have anything very exciting to share, so I don't share at all. Now, don't get me wrong I have lots going on and much to anticipate in the coming months.
-A much needed addition to the house for expanding family.
-The baby that will be joining our lives in 6 very short months.
-Two new weight loss challenges starting verysoon.
-My fifth anniversary celebration.

So don't misunderstand me, I am very thankful for the life that god has chosen for me. I do however feel very inadequate for the responsibilities that lie ahead of me. It is a heaviness in my heart that is squealching the passion and the Joy that I should be feeling at this time in my life.
The fears consume me at times. Fears of delivery, fears of being imprisioned in my home with three children all demanding attention at the same time, and fearsof not being there for my husband like I desire to be.

I have been enjoying reading your posts, as I struggle to write my own. Keep it up and know that you all mean so much to me.

God Bless, Christina

Financial peace university

2009-01-07T05:41:00.001-05:00

My husband and I are starting the Financial Peace university program with Dave Ramsey in a couple of weeks. We have already kinda started to prepare for total discipline. I got an e-mail and it ws an article that listed the most annoying statements or excuses that people make that drive Dave nuts. I thought they were pretty good.

“Dave arguments” that drive Dave Ramsey nuts!
(my comments are in red)
-I hate the argument that you can make more money if you’re willing to go into debt.
(I learned this the hard way, and in a bittering way)
-The ones I hate: I have a very rich relative, if something happens he will help us.

-I can't afford a car that needs to be fixed, so I bought a new one.

-Buying a used car is risky. I want my kids to have what I didn't.
(Never use your kids as an excuse to get what you as an adult want)
-I hate the line about how getting out of debt isn't the best plan for everyone, and you have to go case by case.
(this person had to have been in denial)
-I also hate the [idea that] buying a used car is just buying someone else's problems. I heard that from my own mother!

-My favorite is, "I can get 10% on my investment with money from a 6% home equity loan. I can use my house to make me money!" Sounds like they forgot to account for risk!
(This is a no brainer, always minimize risk when it comes to your home. I have never noticed a plus on my income taxs with owning a home so why use the equity up for other debt to help your taxes)
-I had the "Why bother to save $1,000 in an emergency fund when I owe thousands on a credit card?" chat. They didn't get that it isn't what makes the most financial sense; it is about changing behaviors by never borrowing again!
(we have already done this and it really does help us feel more secure about if things come up)
-I dislike the phrase, "There's nothing in my budget I can cut to be able to put something toward my emergency fund or debt." Meanwhile, they are driving a new car, carrying the latest cell phone, toting a Dooney & Burke bag, and eating out at nice places!

( this one is one that irritates me too, I know lots of people that are supposedly broke and have no money but they are in the latest fashion and they are always eating out. How ironic)
-The argument that drives me bonkers is "I spend more when I use cash." Yeah, maybe the first month. But if you stick to the plan and don't use credit cards as a backup, you learn pretty quickly that when that cash is gone, you are done spending!

(this is a comment that even I was stupid enough to say. but really it was just a way to not make a committment)

I am still here!

2009-01-06T13:51:00.003-05:00

I have been away for what seems so long. I have read some of your posts through this time. I just haven't taken the time to comment or write a post lately. I thought I would give a short summary of why I have not been loyal to my blog for so long:

Christmas was soooo busy

New years came so quick

I have been sick

my boys have been sick

my husband has been sick

I am starting another weight loss class

I am processing the overwhelming (to me) responsibility of having yet another child

I have not been in the best spirits lately and didn't want to dampen yours with my not so nice thoughts.

I think that covers the majority of my disapearance. I hope to back with you all regularly just maybe not 5 days a week, it may be 2-3 times instead.

****************************************

I recieved this very sweet award from Elena at Elena's Garden.

"This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or 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! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."It's hard to choose just eight. I enjoy visiting all my blogging friends:)
I think all the blogs I read are great or I probably wouldn't read them so I nominate anyone to claim this award because you deserve it and you can pass this blessing on to another deserving blogger.

The family plan!

2008-12-25T01:57:00.001-05:00

Mama plus

Daddy

Equals

Equals

and arriving in 2009

A new addition to our family making us a family of FIVE!

Have a Merry Christmas, Christina

Caroling

2008-12-22T09:31:00.003-05:00

For many years, since I was around 10 years old in fact our family would go Christmas caroling. It started out Mom would raise 100-150 chickens every spring and get them in the freezer each fall. We would always keep a certain number of them whole as a roasting chicken and package them. As christmas approached we (I should say MOm) would bake cinnomin rolls and bread. Then on Christmas eve we would start our rounds to special friends and give them a gift of a chicken and baked goods and a card wishes Merry wishes. At that time there were seven of us kids and the eigth on way. We were all young so we did no singing (I guess mom and dad wer'ent interested in solos). However as we grew older we would sing a tune or two. Then Many of us started working in nursing homes and we started making cookies and singing down the halls of the nursing homes we worked in.
Last night was the night for our traditional caroling. Our group looks a little different each, we add a grandchild or two, some get married others live far away and can't be present, and then we add extended family. My Aunt and some of there family have been joining us.
Regardless of who is there we sing many many many songs celebrating christmas and all the elderly get a bag of cookies that are made by a handfull of ladies in the group.
My mom is the one that keeps this tradition going and would rather do this night of caroling than receive gifts. She is busy with a trail of grandchildren passing cookies while we stroll the halls singing our hearts out.
We had a great time and the elderly truly enjoy the music and love seeing all the little kids milling in and out of there rooms. We even have an occasional puppy join the group.

Have a great day, Christina

Getting out!

2008-12-19T10:06:00.003-05:00

My husband and I have made plans with a sitter to stay with the kids tonight and we are going out on a date. We have some shopping we want to do and then out to dinner. It seems like forever since we have been out together with out the boys and am looking forward to it.
However at the time of this arrangement I had not realized the plans in the weather several days later. Currently it loks like a whiteout utside my window and it has been snowing since 3am and doesn't look to slow down till early afternoon. Depending on the road conditions we may need to cancel so our babysitter won't be stuck in the horribble weather.
We will just see as the day goes by, at least we had something to look forward too, and maybe after Christmas we can get out.
How about you, do you get out on a regular basis with your hubs for a date, or am I silly for calling it a 'date' since we are already married?

Hope you have a great day, and if you are in blizzard area's enjoy the snow, Christina

2008-12-16T05:07:00.000-05:00

A Very Merry Christmas to everyone in Blogland. I hope this Christmas season is full of much Joy found in the love Christ has for us, and Peace that the future the Lord holds for us is wonderful, and Love from those we share it with. God Bless, Christina

2008-12-15T11:21:00.008-05:00

We started out 12 days of christmas last night with the boys. First they decorated they're christmas tree with the ornaments that they made. Then we let them open they're first gift revealing the stable in the nativity story. We explained what it was and that tommorrow they will get another present to tell them more of the story.

I finally got our family christmas tree decorated during one of the boys' naps last week. On saturday we got together with some friends and they're kids and made christmas cookies. We made, sugar cookies of course, peanut butter blossoms, chocolate chip fudge cookies, and biscotti. That was fun and the kids loved hanging out together all in the spirit and excitement of christmas.

Hope you enjoy your Monday. Christina

My hot cocoa boy!

2008-12-12T09:25:00.002-05:00

I love my hot cocoa boy. On almost a daily basis my Big Mister asks for a cup of Hot cocoa. I make it in a real glass mug, so he feels really big and important. I fill with half hot water and then the rest milk so it is warm. I found the darlingest mini mini marshmellows and he loves that. Take a break today and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and maybe even a biscotti. mmmm
Have a great friday, Christina

Catching up!

2008-12-11T10:56:00.004-05:00

I have just not been motivated lately to do anything. What is my problem? There is definately so much to do and i look at it and ignore it. Yesterday my good friend Layla came over for the day and we scrapbooked all day, and i mean all day. ( of course in between the requests for everything from the boys and breaking up arguments) Any how I am almost done with Little Mister's first year year album. I have 4 12 x 12 pages left to do and then it will be complete. I have lots done for the second year already and I need to get Big mister's 2nd and 3rd year completed and in books. I have a 12 x 12 drawer with a stack of pages needing to be put into albums. I have been feeling so behind in my scrapbooking and now I am not feeling the pressure quite so much. Whew!
These pictures are of Little Mister with my nephew, Baby S. They were visiting over the weekend for the wedding. Little Mister loves Baby S and sometimes a little too much. have a great Thursday and God Bless, Christina

2008-12-08T10:42:00.003-05:00

Now the wedding day is passed and they are on they're honeymoon... happily ever after. The wedding went well, no major mishaps just a little rushing and inneed of a bit more organization. Oh, well they are married and that's what counts. They're colors were brown and teal with silver. I am guessing around 130 to 150 guests. My big mister was a ring bearer and did a great job when bribed with a new thomas and friends train! LOL! My Mom made they're cake and she always does a beautiful job.

And now of course the Men in my life!

God Bless, have a great day,

Christina

Our Christmas traditions!

2008-12-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to talk about the blessings that are there for us to experience this Christmas season. By 'us' I am not only refering to my family of four, but all of you as well. We are so blessed to have the privelage to worship and celebrate the Birth of Jesus.

This feeling of privelage is what had me on a quest to find a way to tell the True Christmas story to my little darlings in a way that they would understand that christmas is to celebrate Jesus, and not Santa.

I am not against Santa, however we do not give gifts in the name of santa, nor do we take pictures with santa. I believe Santa was a real man and he was a very generous person and blessed people with his generosity. However we have many "Santa's" then because there are many who give unselfishly to bless others. Does this then mean we celebrate Christmas in honor of all the santa's? Or do we celebrate Christmas in worship because our savior Jesus was born a miraculous birth, and because of the love the Lord has shown us we give our hearts unselfishly to bless others around us that may not know this miraculous story?

Now, back to my quest. I have explained the reason for my quest, now I want to share with you how this story will be told to my young darlings that will be simple but very exciting.

I love the countdown to christmas, however 25 days is to long for the short attention spans of my little ones. So why not go with the 12 days before christmas? At first I thought I could do the actual song, but that doesn't tell the birth story. So I thought, 'why not use my own 12 days before christmas'? I purchased a Nativity set and I will split it up into 12 parts and wrap each part and label them with a number. Each morning I will place a present under the childrens tree and at night before bed we will let the boys unwrap the gift of the day and tell them what that part of the nativity means in the amazing story of the birth of Jesus.

I chose to buy a nativity thatwas very real looking and could be used each year as the boys get older. I also looked for a set that the baby was a seperate piece from the manger. I felt I wanted to wrap them seperate to really make a statement on cchristmas day that the day of Jesus birth is why we celebrate.

In preparation for this we also purchased a 2 foot christmas tree for the children to decorate with ornaments that they make. We will place it on the dresser in they're room, then that is the tree we will place the 12 days of christmas presents. The nativity will then be place on they're dresser as each day unfolds.

I love traditions and I wanted traditions for the whole month of December to make a season of christmas not just a day where we get presents.

We get together with a few great friends with little children and we make christmas cookies. On christmas eve we open one present , and it is always a pair of pj's.

This concludes our family traditions, I hope you make the most of this Christmas season and celebrate in the birth story.

God Bless, Christina

A trip down memory lane

2008-12-04T09:31:00.005-05:00

I decided for todays post to go back in time to a year ago. My misters were just starting to play toether in small amounts, and I loved to match they're outfits. These shirts were just cheap little 5 dollar wal-mart specials, but I loved the title.
You see my misters love the word present, and the more things to open the better. (they get that from me) LOL
Hope you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane, Christina

anyone out there?

2008-12-02T19:02:00.002-05:00

Hey I am so having fun getting idea's around for my family's Christmas traditions. On a post here, I was talking about traditions. I want to here from you. What is your most memorable christmas tradition growing up, and have you carried it on to your children? What are some new traditions you started for your family?

I love the season of Christmas and I enjoy listening to what is important to others and how they celebrate.

Tommorrow I will post about a new tradition I am so very excited to start with my kids. So stay tuned.

As if Christmas is not exciting and busy enough, my little brother is getting married on saturday and so I am needing to get busy with a little hem job on Big Misters tuxedo we bought. He is a ring bearer. I will share pics later of the worlds cutest ring bearer.

have a great tuesday night. (enjoy the biggest loser, hopefully Vicki goes home) Christina

winter wonderland

2008-12-01T12:08:00.004-05:00

Well it's winter wonderland in my part of the country. We started getting snow late yesterday morning and is it ever so beautiful. Our Big Mister keeps asking to go out to the big hill and go sledding. I prefer a few more inches of snow before making the treck out to the 'Big hill'.
All the snow makes it feel like Christmas. The twinkle of lights are shimmering under the snow and the homes are glowing with warmth. A hot bowl of soup and and a cozy blanket is the best on days like today.
Enjoy the pics, Christina

These are pictures out my kitchen window at my backyard=)

Decorating for you...

2008-11-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

The christmas season is in full swing. In celebration of you visit here I have decorated, the christmas tree is up, three in fact. The tunes are playing to uplift your spirit and prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

I hope you enjoy, and I would love to hear some of your Christmas traditions. If you don't have any, I encourage you to start a new one today.

* A christmas tradition we have, is to open one gift on Christmas eve., it is usualy they're Christmas Pj's.

* I also start playing Christmas music all the time.

* I have started in the last two years baking christmas cookies with the boys, and I always bake pies for a few neighbors in hopes to show the joy of Christ's birth.

* will be doing a Christmas count down project with the boys. I haven't decided on what it will be yet, so if you have any idea's that are not to major swing them my way.

God bless as we start off this Christmas season, and make it a great one this year. I encourage you also to focus on someone else outside of your home and make it your ministry.

Christina

2008-11-28T17:24:00.002-05:00

**Cricut dream update**

Yeah! I got it at the $99.99 price which is half price!

I am so excited to have my own now. I have been using my friends all this time and now I don't have to mooch. :)

Thanksgiving...

2008-11-28T14:25:00.003-05:00

Brings great times with family. (including the Wii)

Great food and the fun while preparing the feast.

A long distance call to Brazil with Thanksgiving and Birthday wishes for My Sister.

Dreams of purchasing a Cricut the next day for $99.99 at the joann' s sale.

Hope your thanksgiving was great and your turkey didn't burn or remain frozen in the middle. LOL! (ours was perfect)

God Bless, Christina

2008-11-26T03:35:00.000-05:00

This not technically wordless, but oh well.

These pictures were taken over the weekend when Bryanna stayed the weekend with us last weekend.

The story is that I used to babysit Bryanna as a baby and she has been a special part of my life ever since. I feel old now that she is in high school and can babysit my children.

She has turned out to be a beautiful girl and we loved having her with us.

Little Mister woke up from his nap and is being bashful and Bryanna had decided to join in.
Cuddle buds!
Have a great Wednesday, Christina

Our Baby...

2008-11-25T15:15:00.007-05:00

Our Little Mister is...

Happy..

Mischevious..

Sweet..

Loving..

Fun ..

and these pictures show all of that to me!

Enjoy, Christina

2008-11-23T19:26:00.008-05:00

A bowl of chicken noodle soup...

Plus... a cup of hot cocoa...

Plus... a chocolate cupcake...

Plus... a train set...

Equals... A very happy Boy!

Have a great Monday, Christina

Thankful tutorial!

2008-11-22T07:16:00.000-05:00

There has been serveral of you that have commented on my thanksgiving plaque and how I made it. So easy and I did some major cheating but here goes. Here is where I posted my plaque. and in that post i referenced a blog that I got the idea for initialy.

She uses wood, but I did not have a wooden plaque, but I also didn't want to wait to make till I go to the store. So I found some cardboard, and used it as my base.

I used one 12x12 sheet of patterned cardstock from basic grey's figgy pudding line.

I used glitters from the martha stewart line at wal-mart (which comes with a fine tip glue) the colors brownstone and blue topaz.

I had a corner rounder yes paste for glue (found at michaels), a 12' slide cutter, a hole punch and sheer ribbon.

First I took and cut my cardstock in half, the back was the dark pattern and I rounded the corners and glued it to the cardboard. Then I trimmed the other half and used the light patterened side. I chose this for my main side because of the design and I new I wanted to use that design to highlight it with glitter. Round the corners and set aside while you type your saying or quote onto your computer and print it onto vellum paper. I trimmed my quote and affixed it where I wanted it with mini brads but you could use vellum tape as well.

Now glue that piece ontop of the other patterned piece, and punch holes at the top and string your ribbon.

My favorite part is the glitter. Martha stewart's line is the most brilliant hands down. Use your fine tip glue and just start outlining a pattern you want to highlight, sprinkle with glitter and shake off the excess. (make sure to shake your glitter on a paper that you can save it )
So in a nut shell:
1) find a canvas you want to work with
2) use a quote that inspires and encourages you
3) use elements, paper, ribbon, and glitter that are in colors you like to work with or that you have on hand.
4) always remember, simple is good.

There is no particular colors or patterns, use your imagination and use what you have and see how creative you can be. Remember it's the message that is most important and let that passion do the work of creating.

Enjoy and God bless, Christina

Dabbling...

2008-11-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

I am in love with photo's and I am addicted to scrapbooking. So I decided to dabble in a little digital scrapbooking. I have met a lady and she does amazing digital scrapping and she has given me a lot of info on getting started with digital. I know I will always do traditional scrapping but why can't I at least stir the pot alittle? Here is my first digital layout. I don't like the black scrolly thing in the corner, I am so not even done with this, but I would love your feedback and if you have Ideas on how you would improve this L.O. I want them, and where I would go to do that.

God Bless, Christina

Tea!

2008-11-20T06:47:00.002-05:00

As many of my long time readers know, I love tea. In my home it is a staple, and there are always reasons to have tea. So I am going to share a few fav's that we have in our home, and why.

1) The most practical tea and also one I make daily in the winter months is for cold and flu prevention and it tastes great. Little Mister has struggled with keeping a strong immune system no matter what time of the year it is. He drinks 1-2 quarts of this tea per day and doesn't even want juice or milk. Now be prepared if you children drink this much tea they will be peeing like crazy. I change lots of diapers, but it is worth it. Herbal teas that are not caffinated are also seen in the body same as water so no more dehydration issues either. I buy all my teas in loose leaf bulk form from the bulk herb store website. They are the cheapest and you get way better quality herbs there than almost anywhere I have found.

Now, what do I put into this mixture?

Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil, and remove from heat and add;

1 tbsp fenugreek seed,- great for the immune system

1 tbsp rose hips-high in vitamin c

1 tbsp spearmint or peppermint leaves- great taste and soothing for the tummy

1 tbsp fennel seed - for upset or gasy tummy's

1 tbsp cammomile flowers- relaxing and a very sweet flavor

1 tsp. lavendar flowers- relaxing

Add in for specific impact:

1 tsp valerian - calms nerves and helps with hyperactiveness

1 tsp echineacea- fights colds and flus

cover and let steep for about ten minutes, I add blue agave nectar to sweeten. If your child is not sick and you are just using this for prevention I would not use echineacea every time and also if you child doesn't have a big problem with hyperactiveness I would not use valerian every time.

This tea is great for everyone and it is tasty. i even gave this tea to my babies at 2 and 3 weeks old. (but not the valerian and echineacea because they are stronger)

Another favorite of mine is just using the Jasmine green tea from the bulk herb store because it is tasty and the aroma makes me feel pampered.

Also the Lavendar flowers and the chammomile flowers is awesome for an evening cup of tea and enjoying a nice hot bubble bath. A great gift idea is to mix both of these herbs, place them in a clear airtight glass jar and package with a teacup and saucer and a ball strainer, you can even add a candle if you like. Click to go to the bulk herb store

This is a picture of the chamomile flowers, and remember these don't weigh much and so a 1/2 pond will equal about 5 cups of dried herbs.

Hope you will try this and let me know how you like it when you do, Christina

Happy Birthday! Romeo!

2008-11-19T00:04:00.001-05:00

Today is a special day for our family of four. Four years ago i gave birth to Big Mister. The Lord gave me this little miracle to make me grow. I needed so much growth mentally and spirtually. I was very selfish and and Big Mister wanted and deserved my attention and my focus to show him that he is the special little boy God intended him to be, and I was entrusted with this treasure to raise him to be God loving till we all meet our savior someday.

Now, about Big Mister,

1) He shines with his smile, his dimples are irresistable and that he gets from his awesome daddy.
2) He is forming his very own personality, he is a teaser and loves to make us laugh with his taunting. Yesterday I went outside and he locked me out of the house. He stood on the inside and just giggled like it was the funniest trick ever. Love it!
3) He has a passion for learning. he enjoys story time and asks a million questions a day searching for information.
4) He is confident and fights for a little more independence daily.
5) Big Mister is a cuddler and loves hugs and kisses and gives it freely as well.
6) He loves doing craft and art projects, playing with trains, and watching movies.

7) We have gotten him a Thomas and friends train set and a carrying case as well as "the fox and the hound" movie. We keep our celebration small and intimate with just the four of us. This year we are going to our McD's which has an awesome childrens area and doing cupcakes and balloons and he will love it!

DW and I are so proud of our Big Mister and wish him all the birthday blessings and more which he deserves.
I hope you love the Picture of our handsome four year old!
God bless you and our Big Mister, Christina

My buddy, Randy!

2008-11-17T21:51:00.006-05:00

Our Little Mister is so cute to watch, playing with his little buddy. We bought this "boy" doll for him when he was in the hospital this summer and he loves playing with "Randy" as we call his buddy. He rocks, hugs, kisses, and sits with his buddy. I love that he will even throw him on the floor and wrestle. Who said I need girls in order to play "HOUSE"? Enjoy Rock-a-bye baby!Alittle love goes a long way.

Snack Time with Randy. Me and my friend!
God Bless, Christina

Thankful Plaque

2008-11-15T06:11:00.001-05:00

This is the plaque I made to display for thanksgiving I have it hanging in my foyer as you enter our home. I love the martha stewart glitters that are sold at wal-mart. They are the most brilliant and they shimmer from a distance (except in pics) . I am really into bringing out the design in the papers I choose it keeps it easy yet getting more bang for my buck!

Big Mister was also in a crafty mood and made a few crafts of his own. I love that he is being more specific with not mixing the colors on his paper or wood and he is taking more time to put color where he wants it. Most craft stores and even wal-mart have great wooden shapes and toys for as little as 50 cents. a hand full of washable markers and they are set to go. Big Mister loves it.

Have a great Saturday, Christina

It's a Good Thing

2008-11-14T08:31:00.003-05:00

So is it only Martha Stewart that can label something with "It's a good thing"? NO! I am Christina and I am labeling my purchases from yesterday's shopping trip as a good thing.

My cousins wife and I went about an hour away to a good size city and go down the list of childrens consignment shops.
Boy am I glad we did, I got tons and tons of awesome deals for the boys' winter wardrobe and it looks like I shopped at the Gap, childrens place and R. Lauren. LOVE IT! I couldn't have shopped at wal-mart for these prices and about half of my purchases were brand new.
I like to dress my boys as gentlmen, you will rarely see them out and about in a t-shirt and jeans and never in sweats and athletic wear. Call me crazy but I have very specific taste and the stores we went to yesterday were meeting those tastes.

Now, my huge bargain! Big Mister is turning 4 next wednsday and I haven't shopped for his birthday yet. I spotted a thomas and friends train set with the bridge tracks and a good 20-25 trains. They are all magnetic and I got it all for 18 bucks. So there is his main present.
We went to Olive Garden for soup, salad, and breadsticks for lunch, the kids overall did great. Little Mister has me watching him constantly, but that is just his age.

So That's all for me today, a big weekend ahead with a bridal shower for my soon to be sister in law, and shopping for my dress in the wedding, and my sister and her family are coming for the weekend. Also I am getting my hair done in the next couple weeks and not sure what style I want to go for, any ideas send them my way.

God Bless, Christina

Being Thankful!

2008-11-12T13:37:00.003-05:00

Through a chain of blogs and hearing God's word through family Life, I have been so convicted that I am not intentional enough about being thankful.
I don't express it enough to my children that I am thankful for them and all the sweet little things they do that make me smile. Nor do I express to them that it is so important to say thank you to God for all we have instead of always asking for more. (my downfall)
I know I don't nearly convey how important and what a blessing my husband is in my life. I am so thankful for all he is and does.
Why is it such a great big secret to us that we are thankful. The word thankful is such a humbling word, It takes the "I" out of the equation and puts "_____" into the equation. Taking out the "I" is the magic for me.

I found idea's through Jackie's blog here on a few craft projects to do with your kids and that would be a great way to talk about being thankful and the importance of being thankful. If you read Jackie's post follow her links as well because there are some great idea's.

Thanks for reading my blog, and drop me a note on what you are thankful for.

God Bless, Christina

Mix-it up Monday!

2008-11-10T10:07:00.003-05:00

Okay Elizabeth does mix-it ups every monday and I have decided to follow suite as there are things of various topics floating in my head.

First off, I had a great time preparing the baby shower with my friend Layla for our friend Teri. Teri is such a sweet girl and very much deserved having a special time to celebrate the upcoming arrival of her baby girl. This will be her first and she has had the worst time of being pregnant than anyone I have ever known. They actually had to put in an IV port so she could hook herself up instead of going to the hospital all the time. Teri does need prayers to get her through the last 6 weeks, they are doing some testing and depending on results this week they will be inducing very early in the pregnancy. Our theme was sweet and pink. teri craves sweet things and since she's having a girl we did everything in pink. On a coffee table I had a 3 dish server that was glass and iron (very beautiful dish from home and garden) and we bought a mixture of pink jelly bellie jelly beans, pink m&m's, and pink and white good and plenty's. a mixture of candles around the arrangement finished it off. Any way we had a great time.

Our couples class is just the greatest thing for DW and I, we have such a great mix of couples and the topics always seem to be where we need to grow and learn in. It seems everywhere I turn I am filled with overwhelming emotion because of the grace that God extends us and the amazing sacrifice he has made for our eternal salvation. And the word Redemption, I don't think I have really fully understood that word and all the glory in it. Redemption is a feeling in me that I am not able to put into words at this point. The Lord has given us the ultimate gift of salvation through his son, and extends grace and redemption on our behalf daily. How fortunate we are as his children.

DW left for work this morning and a while later called home to inform that he totaled the car. Yes, he needed a newe work vehicle and this one was a piece of junk but I didn't want harm to come to my husband. Apparently the front wheel bearings gave way and he preceeded to hit a tree and smash the front of the car. DW is fine and thankfully not hurt. I know had he taken another route to work the outcome may have been considerably different. So, another prayer concern, we need another car and the fianaces are not readily available, God is always on time and so we just ask for prayer that we are patient and wait on his timing.

I have a wonderful weight loss class and today is a half way mark in the challenge. This has been a small form of income for us and I just keep praying that it continues to be an income source for our family as well as a ministry for me.

I think I have mixed it up enough, and don't forget to check out Elizabeth's blog, Christina

Where do I start?

2008-11-07T08:46:00.004-05:00

I visited some of you all yesterday. Unfortunately I didn't get my post up. I had started at about 9:30 in the morning raking leaves in the front yard, and the next door neighbor was so gracious and brought his leaf mulcher over. He had 3/4 of the leaves picked up and mulched by the time I had 10 bags of leaves raked and picked up. he put all the mulched leaves in a pile then all I had to do was put them in a bag. Mulching eliminates about half the amount of bags and it makes so I didn't have to do all that raking. I ended up with 25 bags in the front yard and then I got started on the backyard. Growing up we would take a flat sheet and lay it on the ground and rake all the leaves onto the sheet. It saves so much time picking up and i can get about 3 wheelbarrow loads on the sheet at one time. I am walking like an intoxicated santa but at least it is quicker. After about 15-20 of those loads I called it a day, plus it was dark so I couldn't see where to rake anymore.
This morning I awoke feeling every fiber of muscle that resides in my body and they are all screaming at me for hurting them soooooooo much. Well boo hoo but I am taking a few tylenol and going back out in a bit to get it done before bad weather hits us. My husband should love me lots by then!LOL!

I am meeting with my friend tonight to finish a scrapbook for the baby shower we are doing on Sunday for a friend. We still need to get the grocery shopping done for it and then tommorrow we will do the cooking and hopefully have a great time on sunday. I guess that means I better clean my house as well since it will be here. HUH?

As you can see I have many tasks and better get to them, have a great weekend, Christina

processing

2008-11-05T08:17:00.003-05:00

the outcome of the election is taking time to process on all levels of government. I'm not going to talk about democrat or republican. What I do want to talk about is conviction.
When I went to the poles I voted based on my conviction steming from the word of God. What does the Lord say about the issues and then after that was established firmly in my mind what are my choices that won't go against those moral truths that not only God talks about but also what this country was founded on. Whether I thought my vote was going to be a win or a loss, I voted with the intent to please my heavenly father. ultimately I am accountable for my individual choice, and the choice I make or anyone else makes speaks very loudly what is on our hearts. I have always believed there is black and there is white, there is no grey. Yes or No, For or Against.
Now let me ask you, "Did you vote for the majority, or did you vote your convictions"?

God is ultimately in control and I have peace within me that his will always prevail and he allows only what he chooses to allow. I am grateful for my freedom of religion, and i will pray that the Lord will blwess this country and that his power is revealed.

Have a great wednsday and God Bless, Christina

A day for...

2008-11-04T11:05:00.002-05:00

...reading at the Library, and socializing with other children and moms. we are all there with a common goal and very similar lives. It's important to us all that our children get the socialization and learn the importance of reading at a young age. I love helping Big Mister pick out new books and i always choose a few that are going to peak his interest as well as advance him in the verbal skills that he is lagging on.

...using your given right as an american to stand for what you believe in and head to the poles and vote. It is so important to understand first what are the issues that god stands for and based on those we need to make a very moral decision on whom we vote for to run our and lead our country.

...for trusting the Lord and lean not on our own understanding.

...enjoying yet another day of warmer weather and Autumn beauty.

Have a great day, Christina

Good bye is only for a little while!

2008-11-03T10:46:00.004-05:00

Today is bittersweet for me. One of my little sisters is leaving on an adventure today. I say my goodbyes late last night. But I keep wondering all morning is she ready, has she got all her important papers, is she excited or scared or both, how will it be to not hear her voice and constant chatter for two months. You see she's leaving for the country Brazil for two months, and she has a special beau waiting there for her. This will be the first time she meets his family and she's excited to expierience his culture. He comes from a christian family of four. He is kind and very adoring of my sister. I am so envious of all she gets to expierience but also very happy for her. She has had so many obstacles the last couple months and she is constantly in prayer and wanting the will of gd for her life. I admire her perseverance and her strength as she embarks on her journey. It is with a lump in my throat and a few tears that I say goodbye and pray for safe travels. If you new her you would know she is the peacemaker in our large family of ten and she is an encourager, always willing to do for others and a servant at heart.

God bless Anita, have a great time, and remember we Love you very much!

my trick or treat wish list...

2008-10-31T15:48:00.002-04:00

If trick or treat was Photomama style, I think we would find way more than tootsie's and smartie's in our bag.

so if I got to choose my treats, what would they be?

*Homemade pumpkin cookies

*gift card to may favorite store hobby lobby

*Nicole Sponberg cd

*dove chocolate

*weight scale showing ten pounds less

*new shoes (plural)

*a pink laptop

* cannon rebel slr

* biscotti

*carmel Latte

no I am so serious, I really don't think I am asking to much, do you? Because I am not getting those things is why I am definately not a big halloween fan! Ha Ha

Enjoy you're evening with your kids and be safe, Christina

Dress up?

2008-10-30T15:35:00.005-04:00

Love these pics and thought I'd share. As you can see he is a stinker and has lots of spirit! Sorry I didn't realize that I hadn't removed red eye till after they were uploaded. Enjoy

All dressed up!

2008-10-29T09:27:00.014-04:00

Fall, scrooge, and yes, you're all right!

2008-10-28T13:01:00.005-04:00

Yes many of you have commented on the grand cherrio mess that I will probably be finding them for weeks. It has been I think a week, and yes I am still finding them. In shoes, the toy box, under the couch, and even in the book shelves. If only I could have been a fly on the wall! LOL!

Now, I love fall and it has sped right by us with all the tasks that we need to get done before winter, like the roof, and the roof, and by the way the roof! I have my canning out of the way and have started the organizing of the garage and a magical face lift of the garage. (although this kind of magic is requiring much assistance from tinkerbells muscles, and I must be the tinkerbell) Anyhow, back to fall speeding by. We finally decided to go to the pumpkin patch on sunday after church. the place we went to has tons of great things for kids to do and I just loved this farm. It is a beautiful sunny hour drive and the boys are excited about the train ride through the cherry orchard, and the wagon ride through the farm, and of course the pumpkins! We arrive with much excitement, a little chilly but we dressed for it. We walked out to the pumpkin patch, which was beautiful and only about 200 feet from where we parked. The boys got to pick out pumpkins and ride in the wagon with there little orange beauties, and we took some great photo's. Then out of a clear blue beautiful sky it suddenly sleeted, rained, and hailed along side lots of wind all at the same time! What is up with that? we had to run to the car with the boys and leave our pumkins because it was actually hurting the boys' faces. So we sat in the car with Big Mister wailing at the top of his lungs because he wanted a train ride and Little Mister is bellowing because the hail hurt his face and DW and I look at each other like what did we do? After about ten minutes it cleared up and the sun came to visit alltho even colder temps now the boys were happy to go and play. This concludes our fall festivities for 2008 and I am so sad.

Now for the scrooge. I mentioned that I am a halloween scrooge, I hate dressing up, witches and ghosts and all things scarry. However Big Mister is in a story time program and today they did have a little haloween celebration where the kids could go around and trick or treat and dress up . I didn't want My misters to be the only kids not dressed up so I tucked the scrooge away for the morning and they had a great time and looked so cute. i will post pics tommorrow since this post is becoming very long.

Have a great tuesday, christina

Rain, Rain go away!

2008-10-24T14:29:00.002-04:00

So it has been a georgeous fall so far this year. I am however not done with this season yet. we had big plans for this weekend, and I mean BIG! The roof needs to be finished, and we were taking the boys to the pumpkin patch and cider mill. They have tons of activities like riding the train, wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, and pedal tractors in the coral just to name a few. So what is up with the cold temperature and all the rain and dreariness? Now that all the plans for our weekend has been spoiled, I am praying that next weekend will be gorgeous for our last chance to go on this fun outing and to also get the roof done. So rain, please go away and come again another day!

a little of this and that...

2008-10-23T13:21:00.002-04:00

I am just kind of working on a little of several things.

First, I am working on a special photo project so I have spent a couple of hours editing pics of the boys and have thoroghly enjoyed it.

In the mean time I have pumpkins steaming on the stove in preparation for canning creamy pumpkin. Yesterday I finished my apple canning, including the apple pie filling. It is quite yummy and was super easy. For anyone interested here is the recipe.

Canned Apple Pie filling
8 cups water
4 1/2 cups sugar
2tsp cinnamin (I used 2 tablespoons)
1 tsp nutmeg
a shake of allspice
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup clear gel or cornstarch would probably work too.

cook till thick and then add:
28 cups of peeled and sliced apples

cold pack for 20minutes.

I have been e-mailing a few friends and are allready wanting another scrapbooking weekend and we aren't sure if we can go till spring. HMMMM I think we may have to do something about this issue.

Anyhow have a great one, Christina

On the flip side

2008-10-22T21:07:00.010-04:00

Can I take back what I said here? Because, If this is what 2 children can do than what in the world will four do? I knew the giggles I was hearing was to good to be true , but I was on a roll. I was canning the last of my applesauce and canning my apple pie filling, yummy. Little Mister slept thrugh most of the time but man when he was awake, he was awake. I walked into the livingroom and they had managed to spread a whole box of cherrio's all over. Yeah, Fun!!

But, on the flip side. Here are some of the scrapbook pages that I did on my amazing weekend getaway last weekend. The very first one is my favorite. It is of Little Mister wearing my husbands baby outfit when he was a baby. I tried to get a good shot but the camera really did not do this page justice. The colors are so vibrant and The flower is made of layers of petals from the cri-cut machine that has become my best friend.

This is a page that I love showing the boys playing with they're antique bouncy horse before bed.

I love this page because our little mister thinks pulling this pull-toy around is the next best thing besides his blankie, even in his diaper. Love those chubby legs!

This picture is also very poor. The colors of this page is really rich and it doesn't show all of the details in the leaves and the tree. I started playing with glitter and it made fall come to life in a magical way. I also started playing with the colorbox cat eyes to distress and love it. I also think that the martha stewart line of glitters is the most brilliant and the highest quality of all glitters. The next picture shows the tree on this page in larger detail but still doesn't doit justice.

This is big mister enjoying my strawberry patch this summer. Simple but love it too.

tagged twice as good!

2008-10-21T16:34:00.004-04:00

Photo tag!

This is a fun photo meme that I was tagged for by Mari.

Here are the instructions:
* Go to your Sixth Picture Folder then pick your Sixth Picture.
* Pray that you remember the details.
* Tag 5 others.
Here is the picture I found in my 6th folder.

This picture was taken when I was eight months pregnant with my 2nd child 'Little Mister'. (yes, I know I was positively gigantic) I was doing what i did a lot during the last few months, enjoying cuddle time with my Big Mister. Now there is another part of the story to this picture. The puppy, we named him teddy and this was a third attempt to have a puppy for Big mister. It was on a trial basis, and it lasted all of 3 days. He was adorable but I was miserably pregnant so everything seemed like a big deal. That meant the dog had to go.

Now for my tag, I tag anyone who wants to do this fun little meme.

Now for tag #2

I was also tagged by Elizabeth at mommy etc...
Here are the rules...
1-post the rules
2-write 6 random things about yourself
3-tag 6 people at the end
4-taggers start with rule #1

as I am pressed for time I am going to keep this short, sweet and simple.

1* I am no longer in denial, I will fess up and admit it, Yes I am a scrap addict, but not willing to go for help yet!

2* I very much dislike halloween. I hate scary things and spooky things. I think halloween is a waste of the word holiday. I am not a halloween scrooge I just don't see the point in celebrating scary things and rotting the teeth of our children.

3* I am a conservative. I dress more on the conservative side. I am not one to wear jewelry hardly ever. I won't even get my ears pierced because I get nauscous (i know it's spelled wrong, sorry) at just the thought of a needle poking me with my consent.

4* I love wine tasting. I love the culture of it, the process of making the wine, from the vineyards to the cellar. I don't believe in foolish drinking but I love a romantic evening with a glass of wine and chocolate covered strawberries. mmmmmm!

5* I am still praying for twins with at least one girl. Not right now but my next pregnancy. I want 4 kids and at least 1 daughter but only one more c-section. I'm not asking to much am I?

6* I love childrens books. i collect them old and new, and I enjoy reading them just as much as my children. I get excited every tuesday morning when we go to story time at the library.

Now for my Tag, If your're reading this.... Tag your it!

Christina

Oh My!

2008-10-17T09:09:00.002-04:00

It is 9 am and I am so wired I can't even tell you. I got up with my hubby at 6:45 a.m. and drank my power shake and two cups of my awesome herbal concentrate energy tea and the excitement for my girls weekend has taken over my body. My children are even starting to look at me a little wierd.
Wired is putting it mildly, I think! It is my fall weekend scrapbooking getaway. We are going 2 hours north of my home to an inn that is so adorable. In the great room where we scrapbook there are huge plasma tv's and a huge stone fireplace with an adorable kitchen that has a cafe' style decor to it. They provide all drinks, snacks and meals for the 2 1/2 days that we are there. My sister from out of state sister K, and two awesome friends that I used to work with Layla and Joy, and a great new friend Heather from church are all going with me and there will be about 10 other ladies that we don't know up there as well.

I have the hubby set up with easy meals and and treats, and am almost packed to go. I will keep this short as I need to get ready to go.

Have a great weekend and see you when I get back, Christina

how time passes

2008-10-15T19:44:00.003-04:00

7:00 a.m. the alarm wakes me up ( the boys)

7:45 a.m. I lay back down, the boys have they're sippy's and a movie

8:45 a.m. The boys wake me up (oops, it's been an hour)

8:50 a.m. I think ' I need some more sleep

9:00 a.m. Little Mister throws a tantrum on the floor of my bedroom. I lay down and watch

9:10 a.m. I ask Little Mister if he wants to lay down with mama. He gets in the bed, Big Mister watching PBS

9:10:30 a.m. Little Mister is snoring, Yes, Mama gets a nap.

11:30 a.m. I wake up and Little mister is still sleeping, I sneak away and find Big Mister still watching PBS, WHEW!

Now, I will add that I have not been feeling up to snuff and all the doors have double locks and we have a very child proof home. I did feel tons better after my second nap. Almost motivated to accomplish a few normal not to assertive tasks. I came to the conclusion that a long road trip, an amish funeral, a wedding, a teething toddler, a possible touch of the flu and unhealthy food (not by my choice) all in one week is an equation that my body does not appreciate and I must be getting old because it's taking to long to recuperate.

That's my day hope you had a good one, Christina

Succotash Tuesday.

2008-10-14T14:16:00.004-04:00

Breathing a little easier today, all of the awesome advice from yesterday was great. Some were things I already have on my list, but I wasn't doing what I knew would help. Thanks!

I haven't done Succotash tuesday in quite a while, but to many things to talk about so I thought I might as well make succotash.

I am loving my new class. Half of the participants are new and the other half are returning from my first class to reach more of they're weight loss goals. week 1 results were awesome with 1, 2, 3, and on up to 6.5 pounds lost!! AWESOME!!

I was so excited to take Big Mister to story hour for 3 and 4 year olds this morning. It is every tuesday morning from 10-11a.m. and they have a group of about 15 or so. He was beaming afterward. I was really battling with the whole pre-school thing and this seems to be enough to get him through to next fall when I will put him through a monisourri program (I know I misspelled that word, sorry). It is an awesome way of learning that is very interactive. I wanted to send him this fall but it was $250.00 tuition per month unless he were already 4 years old. He missed the deadline by a month. A lot of school systems are getting this type of program and it is so awesome.

Now, my only task for the week is, to prepare for me to go on a all girls scrapbooking weekend and ensure that things are set up well enough for my husband to take care of the darlings for 2 and half days while I am gone!! WOO HOO!!

I decided to try my hand at another canning venture this fall. I am going to make canned apple pie filling. I love apple pie or anything apple and cinnomin for that matter and so I am going to do all the work in one day and enjoy the benefits for a year. I will let you know how it turns out. I had to beg, plead and grovel at the feet of my aunt Lucy to get the recipe but she finally gave it to me, HA HA just kidding I just wanted to be dramatic for a moment! LOL! She gave it as simply as I asked for it. Thanks Lucy!

Is it just me, or is it not just the most fun thing in the world to take your little tots to the pumpkin patch and perch them on a big fat pumpkin and take a picture? I am so looking forward to doing this and the place I am taking the boys to has wagon rides and all kinds of outdoor festivities to make a magical scrapbook page, or I mean a magical day for the boys! Woops you almost caught me.LOL

I hope you all have a great tuesday, Christina

Drained.......

2008-10-13T10:26:00.003-04:00

Yes that is exactly how I feel, DRAINED! I just can't seem to work up the energy and mindset to get anything done and my house is such a mess with laundry piled high. I have my class tonight and I need to get ready for my weekend getaway on friday! I know I have to get a little something done just to make it liveable. But I am DRAINED!!

Christina

updates

2008-10-12T20:08:00.003-04:00

I have had a few questions here and there and I haven't answered them because it is chaos in my brain.
One simple question from Lisa was what is that bucket thing that my niece is sitting in a few posts ago? It is called a tummy tub, and it is a european baby tub that is a God send with a colicy baby. I have used it with both of my boys as early as 3 weeks old and my sister uses it with her son since a month old. Now to my niece, she thinks she is a baby too and wanted a bath in it. It is an amazing invention and a regular bucket doesn't work near the same.

I also talked about the possibility of going back to work a while back and desiring God's leading in this issue. Some have wondered if I am or am not going back. At this time the Lord does not lead me to going back and I am content in that final decision. I know that God is always on time and I for the first time in my life am stepping out in Faith and not stressing at all about this.

My sister and her family are back home and we continue to pray for they're family that God's plan for them is shown fully and clear. We enjoyed having them with us, but I am sure they are glad to be back home after nearly a month of being away. Little G and Baby S are so sweet and adorable and will miss they're little faces around our home. My brother-in-law 'D' had his 30th birthday last thursday and alltho was a very sad and dreary day, I hope we can help make his next year a happy one.

You may ask why would it have been a sad day on his birthday? Well, my grandmother passed away very early monday morning October 6. We headed nearly 12 hours away to Missourri and spent a few days there with family. the funeral was on thursday on 'D's birthday and it was a hard day for many family members. I can't even put into words the emotions that have come over me in the last week. I feel almost numb just trying to get through the day. After we drove all night thursday night and arrived home early friday morning, we were so fatigued our bodies physically hurt from the lack of sleep throughout the week. How do we unload the car and then prepare for a celebration the next day? Funeral on thursday and then a wedding on saturday! My cousin got married on saturday and we were glad to attend. My cousin was a beautiful bride and The food at the reception was so delicious. They had green beans in a mushroom gravy and a green salad with dried cranberries, pecans, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes. they also had many other things but I loved those two items, I got extra of those. I enjoyed a romantic dance with my hubby and visiting with friends and family that I don't see very often.

I think that this catches me up in minor detail form from my past week. I pray for a clear mind and chaos free week to recover.

Have a great sunday night, Christina

P.S. My youngest sister announced that she is expecting her first child and gave me a call this week as well to let me know that her due date is on my birthday May 20, 2009 YEAH!!

She will be missed!

2008-10-06T10:26:00.003-04:00

This is a picture of my Grandma on my mom's side. I recieved a call early this morning from my Mom that she passed away at 4:00a.m. The picture is blurry and not very centered, ut since it's the only one we have of her I am grateful to one that is good enough for my children to see what she looked like years down the road. We are now preparing for a long 12 hour trip to amish country in Missourri. We have a 5 passenger impala, 18 month old, almost 4 year old, hubby, myself and my dad for this long road trip. I ran to wal-mart for an emergency item, a portable DVD player!

My Grandma is will be missed, pray for my Mom as she is going to have a very hard time with her loss.

I will be back this weekend and will talk with you more.

God Bless, Christina

I've been tagged!

2008-10-05T12:24:00.006-04:00

I've been tagged by Tiffany!

First: Add a family picture, Here's ours!

(yes I realize the boys are not smiling, It seems to be the case lately at pic time)

Second: Answer the questions.

1. How many children do you have? 2 boys

2. What are their ages? Little Mister is 18 months, and Big Mister is almost 4 in 1 month

3. What time of day do you start your day? When the kids wake up about 7-7:30 am

4. What do you eat for breakfast? I eat a high protien shake from Herbalife and the my Husband has raisin bran and the boys will usually eat eggs, yogurt or oatmeal

5. Do they watch TV? Big Mister loves Thomas and friends, Little Mister doesn't stay in one spot long enough to say he watches, The husband and I don't much.

6. What are their favorite activities? We love doing outdoor things as a family. My husband is a horse man and I love love scrapbooking!!

7. Do you get a break during the day from them? Yes Little Mister usually takes a 3 hour nap and Big Mister just chills and watches a movie or something.

8. How do you end your day? It's never the same lately

9. What is your best parenting advice or tip?Build your day around your childrens schedule but try and encourage a little flexibility and life will go much smoother. This was a hard lesson for me!

Now, Pass it on to five people:

1. Elizabeth

2. Jackie

3. Wendi

4. Heather

5. Candy

It's Life in Photo Mama's house!

2008-10-04T15:25:00.010-04:00

Fun with Daddy, even if daddy's tired!

My Niece, Little G thinks she wants to be a baby too.

My nephew, Baby S is growing so fast at 5 months going into 12 mo clothes.

Big Mister made this crown in sunday school during the strory and he was so proud of it.

Little G is a spit fire and she is appearing very calm here but if you could have been there!

Little Mister in his play fireman's hat!

Baby S as cute as ever!

Have a great Saturday, Christina

2008-10-02T14:54:00.004-04:00

I decided I have mised you all so much that I am stopping the 101 things I am doing and still need to do and chat with you a moment.

I have started painting and organizing a room in our humungous garage today, and also finished painting the front of the garage on the outside. Whew that is finally done. I have been preparing for the celebration tonight with my weight loss challenge and am excited to see who the winners will be. On top of that I am also starting another 12 week weight loss challenge on monday. I have tons of folders to put together and lots of product to gather for the first night. I always get excited at the thought of new beginnings. A point where people decide that it is time to set a goal for they're life and be intentional with they're life.

Speaking of new beginnings we recieved some exciting news yesterday. my little brother Christopher has proposed to his girlfriend of two years and they are planning a wedding for December 6, 2008. I am also excited because my big Mister will be in his very first wedding as a ring bearer! I can't wait to see him in his little tuxedo. I will definately be chatting more about this as plans progress. Here is a picture of my brother and his Fiance' a year ago that I took.

Have a great thursday and I will post pics soon of our days here, God Bless Christina

2008-10-01T12:27:00.002-04:00

I can't even give this post a title. I am not feeling well but better than yesterday. I still have much healing to do in my body and am reminded that tho i have come a long way, I still have a long way to go. Little Mister has also not been feeling very well the past week. I am keeping him home from everything as not to put his little body into virus overload and hope to avoid all the junk we have faced already twice this year. You can read up on it here if you are just visiting me for the first time. He is doing good in his recovering we just don't take chances anymore.
I also am finishing up my weight loss challenge tommorrow and the results are great and I am looking forward to the celebration for my participants. I will be starting my 2nd challenge on October 6 and it will continue through to dec. 22.
I think I am almost done with my fall canning, I want to do another 20 quarts of applesauce in a couple of weeks and I did one batch of salsa yesterday.
Insurance has sent us the money to redo the roof and we will also be doing some other remodeling on the house. I am constantly reminded that God is never late because we were not sure where we were going to get the money to redo the roof and we discussed it and decided to just pray about it and almost to good to be true we have the check.
I am hoping to visit all your blogs later today. God Bless and have a great day, Christina

a little of everything.........

2008-09-26T08:39:00.003-04:00

I wanted to post a recipe request, it is so delicious and a perfect fall entree.
This is how I make butternut squash.

Baked butternut
peel and cube your butternut
place in a large bowl, then;
sprinkle with a good dose of cinnamin
drizzle 1/3 cup of melted butter
sprinkle with salt
sprinkle with a lttle nutmeg
stir well and place in a covered casserole dish
bake at 350 degrees about 40-50 minutes untill very tender.

I am taking Little Mister for his 1 1/2 month doctor visit, and am hoping that the doctor is pleased with how he is doing. He does ave a rash starting and Big Mister has it as well but I doubt my doctor will know what it is. he will more than likely prescribe an anti-itch cream for something he has no clue about. What faith in our physician, HUH?

I am also going to can 2 bushels of apples into applesauce today and then do another bushel later. I promised DW that I will make him an apple cake today. He was telling my brother-in-law last night that there is nothing better than this cake not even ice cream. Now those are some standards.

We recieved some more good news. We had a very bad hail storm earlier in the summer and our insurance has approved to replace the whole house and garage roof. It was a very old roof and so now we don't have to pay for it. YEAH!!

I had my weigh-in this morning. I have to tell you that I was happy and mad at the same time. I lost since last week a little more than a poundl; but I have been itching to be at the 60 lb. lost mark. Well this puts me at 59.9 pounds lost yeah ! but I am only 1 ounce away from saying 60 lbs lost. UURRGH! Oh well I guess I need to work more intentionally on it than what I have been.

Have a great friday! Christina

Girls Night!

2008-09-25T09:59:00.002-04:00

I love a girls night, especially when it's with my sisters. My sister K is still here and so we went and met my sister V at hobby lobby and then Michaels since they are also now hooked on scrapbooking. Finally 2 out of my 5 sisters will scrapbook with me. Both of those stores had awesome sales on scrapbooking supplies. All the rage right now is in the 2 inch square punch. I get two scrap mag subscriptions and they use that punch so much in so many different layouts. Well they have been sold out everywhere because they are that awesome and last night I finally got one and it was 40% off. YEAH!! I am a paperaholic and so I found amazing paper for some of the events that took place recently. I love cosmo cricket, basic grey, K & company and bohemia. These are all companies with exceptional paper desighns.
I also had a creative memories party this week and am getting a 113.00 dollar kit for 30.00 dollars plus two free mini albums for brag book, and 75 dollars in free merchandise of my choice. NOW THAT"S COOL!!
Have a great thursday and God Bless, Christina

did we go to see the wild animals or take them back?

2008-09-24T06:02:00.000-04:00

We had a great time at the zoo, and at moments thought we brought the animals back to the zoo (aka: the kids). I finally had to stop with the pictures because we had so many great ones. This was Little Mister's first trip to the zoo and he loved it, and Big Mister just kept talking about the train at the zoo! Go figure! Wild africa is always the highlight for us, but the kids also loved the petting zoo, we had to watch thenm carefully because they thought the little poop balls were for them to play with. Thank God for sanitizer!! Enjoy the pics, Christina

riding for a cause!

2008-09-23T09:17:00.012-04:00

On saturday afternoon we went on a 12 mile trail ride for a fundraiser that supports a children's research hospital only funded by donations. A local amish family hosts it almost every year, and they have people with covered wagons and some open wagons as well, then there were about 35 or so on horseback. It took about four hours and was enjoyable in between a few meltdowns from the 2 and under crowd. You get people to sponsor you and collect donations to support this hospital and then had a pig roast after. Here are a few pictures of our ride. Hope you enjoy, and have a great day! Christina

P.S. My sister and her two little darlings went with us as well, Little G and Baby S. They are ever so cute!!

Meeting Rose!

2008-09-22T20:06:00.006-04:00

On Sunday we had the privelage to meet 'Rose', my husbands other lady! LOL! She is a two year old filly and I was so impressed with how well she did with the boys and how quiet she seemed. She is a very beautiful horse and so I am hoping I don't get to attached since the goal is to sell her down the road .

Have a great Monday, Christina

Applesauce or applesauce?

2008-09-20T20:46:00.008-04:00

I ask you would you care for some applesauce or can I get you some applesauce?

Look below and you can see why I was not on yesterday and why I ask if you care for some applesauce! We did get a total of 56 quarts canned for my sister K. It was soooo Delicious!!

2008-09-18T15:04:00.014-04:00

sitting on top of the couch is the coolest and funnest, apparently!

Yes, this is a pink dollhouse in a home where no little girls reside. But, the boys love as you can see dolls not nessesary.

My sweetheart!

and my other sweetheart!

Boys are always having fun when dirt and mud is involved.

All tuckered after a long fun night at the rodeo, lasso under the arm, shoes off and you see where he'll hang his hat!

Big Mister loves going for a walk and riding his bike on the road, Super cool!!LOL

I hope you enjoyed as much as we did. God Bless and have a great day!

Life happens..............

2008-09-17T12:51:00.002-04:00

Well if you wondered what happened to me, I will simply tell you LIFE!! I started getting very busy on friday when I went scrapbooking untill midnight and then saturday I was gone all day at a health conference. I wanted to say hi and fill you in on sunday, but I was so enjoying the relaxation time with my husband since the boys slept a long time. On Monday I got a phone call that my sister and family were coming from out of state for a week or so to work with my cousins husband. Work at home for them is slower than ours in construction.
We are enjoying the time with them, and are hoping to can applesauce this week together. I finally got all of my beets in from the garden and I pickled and canned them, I have another batch of spagetti sauce brewing right now, and think I can get most of my garden cleaned out this weekend.
God has blessed our garden so much this year, so many others are not having the harvest they were hoping for. We should get about 70 or so quarts total of spagetti sauce.
DW is a happy man as he bought a 2 year old colt and is going to train her for riding and sell her and hope that he can keep doing that to make some extra money on the side as well. His passion has always been to work with horses and since we have been married he has not had the space to do so. He came home last night with a lighter step than usual and a twinkle in his eye, (and I thought I was the one that put that twinkle there) LOL!
Well, My best friend is coming over in a bit to scrapbook with my sister and I so I still need to finish my sauce and the laundry so I better scoot. I will upload some pictures soon so you too can see my little darlings.
God Bless, Christina

The fog....

2008-09-12T13:16:00.003-04:00

I wanted to take today and just say that I have a great life, allthough it can be stressful at times. Sometimes the fog of stress gets so thick that we weary of pushing it away and seeing and reminding ourselves that indeed we have a great life. I love the little things that makes my life meaningful, but I also came to the realization that it's the little things that if they were absent it seems as tho it is a large hole in our life.
My husband is such a treasure to me. I love that if I want to express myself that he is always so willing to listen. We weather the storm together and we are more bonded and in love for it.
My boys are just becoming cuter and the sweet little things they do and say just tickle my heart. I often think how did I get so blessed to have such sweet and adorable boys.
In a world with so much corruption and heartache I am fortunate enough to have the awesome friends that I have.
It is the details such as these that when I focus on them, the fog gets a little lighter and I can be a servant for the Lord instead.
I hope this post is an encouragement to anyone who sometimes have a hard time seeing through the fog.
Have a great friday and God Bless, Christina

when I don't desire God...

2008-09-10T08:37:00.002-04:00

My husband and I just started a new study with our couples class at church. It is on the book 'When I don't desire God' by John Piper. We have workbooks and a dvd study that we are using along with this. I was a bit intimidated at first, but after getting into the first two studies I am very excited and anxious to learn. We have excellent teachers and the group is wonderful too. This study is very deep, but when working along with others to disect it and understand it, it is so enjoyable and a I learn so much more when I an hear others take on the scripture and see what I may have missed. I have always had a problem being disciplined with my daily devotions and this has devotions through out the week that will also help me grow in this area.
The pastor of our church did get a lot of mentorship from Pastor John Piper and so I am excited to expierience a fraction of what our pastor has.

I encourage you to get into a study of your own and tell me about it, we can all learn somthing and maybe I can learn something new from you.
God bless and have a great day, Christina

Pricker balls?

2008-09-09T10:22:00.004-04:00

I haven't been in a great frame of mind the last few days. It seems life sometimes sends a pricker ball your way and while your picking out all the prickers another one comes, then another and you finally get tired of picking out the prickers and they start to fester. Well that has been the last 4 or so days and I just had a mental block and couldn't write or read. I thought I might as well be real with you today and just lay it out. Things that I have learned to do and not to do. This may not always be the most positive. But at least I will get it off my chest.

1. If you really want to vent, choose who you vent to very carefully because others may not be able to keep they're trap shut even if you are saying the truth.

2. If you feel you can't handle the load, then don't. You'll pay the price later.

3. Family is not always your best friend, but thank God for great friends!

4. I can choose the what I do with my days, and how it effects my children.

5. I have a great church, with a great ministry, that I am encouraged that when I get pricker balls they will help me grow from that with a godly attitude.

6. Even if slander is a favorite pasttime for others I will choose the truth even if the consequences are not nice.

7. I know more than ever that I have the most awesome husband even if he's not perfect all the time. which is few and far between.

8. I love scrapbooking with the girls and can't wait for my next wknd retreat with a couple of sisters and friends. OCTOBER 08'

9. I am loving that it is getting darker earlier and cold out, i finally get to take bubble baths and play games with my husband. The boys are in bed by 8pm sharp and we have a quiet evening. YES!

10. and lastly, Allthough I seem in control of my life I trust God now more than ever to do with it what he feels is best for me and my family.

Have a great day everyone and I will talk with you soon, Christina

2008-09-04T12:45:00.002-04:00

I have continued on my weight loss journey this summer, not as fiercely as when I was a part of the competition but am being faithful and I love my eating lifestyle. It truly is how I will eat the rest of my life. Anyhow I was expieriencing mild frustration with my scale that the pounds were not disappearing as quick as it is supposed to. I went shopping for new jeans with my husband on sunday and grabbed a size 16 womens (I had just fit into a size 18 womens on july 4rth) anyway, I tried them on and they fit great but still a little loose in areas that were not the most flattering, so I went to the misses department and grabbed a pair of 16 misses and tried those on. OH MY GOSH!! They fit and I was so super excited. So my barely 6 lb loss was not so bad when I realized that I was dropping inches. I also realized over the weekend that I have ankles, Oh yeah, and I think they are bordering sexy! My husband has been laughing at me because I keep looking at my ankles!
Well have a great thursday and let me know how your journey to a healthier you is going.
God Bless, Christina

Fun and recipes!

2008-09-03T10:24:00.002-04:00

I am very excited, my cousin is in town visitng from 22 hours away or something like that. Anyway, she and her darling Tulip are coming over in a bit for lunch and to catch up on life. Yes, my cousin is mommy etc.... I am looking forward to seeing Tulip as well, she growing up so fast and since they live so far away I feel we miss so many special moments that build upon a relationship. She and my Little Mister are only a couple months apart but haven't had many opportunities to play together, so today's the day. YEAH!!

Yesterday was also a great day. My best friend Layla has a new serious boyfriend. He lives three hours away so we had not gotten the opportunity to meet him. Last night they came over with a few other friends for dinner and a bom fire. He is very much a gentleman and we did get a great feeling about him in the sense that we think he is a great guy for our dear friend Layla. I grilled potatoes and cheese burgers and had roasted red peppers and onions for the topping and then baked butternut squash. Dan (the boyfriend) was great and while Layla was at work did get some fresh fruit and cut up a fruit salad that was a perfect compliment to our meal. We started a bomfire and had smores and ice tea. I wish I would have taken pictures but I didn't think about it , but I took pint and quart jars and glued bright tissue paper on the outside of it and then put wire around the top to hang it from tree branches and put votives inside to illuminate them. They were super cute and did shed a little extra light as well.

now for the recipe, I had a request for my spagetti sauce recipe that I can. I use it over burrito's for pizza, all pasta and even my meatloaf and it's great.

Spagetti sauce

1/2 bushel tomatoes made into juice (approx 10-12 qts.)
1 1/2 cups sugar (I use agave nectar )
2 red bell pepper chopped
2 green bell pepper chopped
3 lbs. onions chopped
2 bulbs garlic chopped
1 lb carrotts chopped
1 lb fresh mushrooms chopped
1 cup olive oil
Cook this for one hour, then add:

1/2 cup sea salt
2 tbsp oregano
2 tbsp basil
2 tbsp chilli powder
2 tbsp parsley
8- 6ounce cans of tomato paste if you want it super thick add 10-12 cans.
1 tbsp thyme
Cook for another hour stirring periodically, an 18 quart roaster works well too.

Have about 15-16 quart jars and lids and rings ready and fill with the hot sauce (keep the sauce on low while filling jars) and lid right away. They should seal with in an hour.

This is a very easy recipe and I hope you like it.
God Bless and have a great day, Christina

Me and My Man

2008-09-01T09:13:00.004-04:00

1. Who is your man? My husband is a hunk(in my opinion) He is a builder because that pays the bills but he loves training and working with horses. He was a young amish man when we met and then converted after we dated a few months.

2. How long have you been together? We have been together for 5 years as of the 4rth of july and married for 4 years 5months.

3. How long did you date before you got married? We dated for 8 monthes and 4 months of that we were engaged.

4. How old is your man? He turned 30 in June and he is a year younger than I.

5. Who eats more? We eat about the same.

6. Who said "I love you" first? He did.

7. Who is taller? He is. He is 5'10" and I am 5'6".

8. Who sings better? Definately me, if you want a good hummer my mans your man.

9. Who is smarter? We both have our strong area's.

10. Whose temper is worse? Mine definately

11. Who does the laundry? I do, but he always helps out with out being asked when I am really busy.

12. Who takes out the garbage? He usually puts it out on trash day. As far as emptying the wastebaskets and bringing it out, it's either one of us.

13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do.

14. Who pays the bills? I do.

15. Who is better with the computer? I am but he does well too.

16. Who mows the lawn? He does - but I like to as well I am just caught up with other stuff a lot.

17. Who cooks dinner? I do - unless you want macaroni and cheese with hot dogs and corn in it. MMM gourmet!

18. Who drives when you are together? Usually he does

19. Who pays when you go out? whoever happens to have the cash, my money is his and his money is mine. We both work hard so we both take care of the bills and then we both get to do other things.

20. Who is the most stubborn? I may have the temper but he's the stubborn one, but what can I say he sometimes works with mules and donkeys, maybe he picked up a few habits.

21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? he does so he can always say he did.

22. Whose parents do you see most?Right now we see his parents more.

23. Who kissed who first? He kissed me first.

24. Who asked who out? This a tricky question because he was amish and wouldn't ask me out even tho he wanted to. so i conveniently was available to give him a ride to places and then I needed manure for my garden and magically had dinner ready when he was done, so I guess you could say I did in a sneaky sort of way. he was hooked after that! this is the honest to God truthj!

25. Who proposed? He did

26. Who is most sensitive?I would say I am and I express it, but he actually is pretty sensitve too but doesn't express it as well.

27. Who has the most friends? We are each other's best friends, and then we have about the same number of friends because a lot of them are couples.

28. Who has more siblings? i have 5 siters and 2 brothers, he has 2 sisters and 2 brothers.

29. Who wears the pants in the family? He teases me about this, but in reality - he does!

30. How did you meet? My cousin had a business metting and my uncle had me speak a little at the end. My husband was a friend of my cousins and was sitting in the middle of the crowd with the most amazing smile and I knew I was hooked and I was going to marry him.

I hope you enjoyed my little interview with myself. I got this idea from Mari here. I would love to read this from some of you too.

Well have a great Labor day, Christina

what is that , that I smell?

2008-08-30T13:56:00.002-04:00

it kind of smells like peaches, but no my nose says it's tomatoes, but the onions and garlic are drawing me in close tosee truly what it is I smell. Ah Ha it is indeed many peaches as well as a large kettle bubbling with onions and garlic in tomatoe juice and many aromatic spices. I have been very busy the last two days getting all my peaches canned, and I have accomplished this goal with a total of 61 quarts!! Along with that I have been working on my spagetti sauce, which I use on burritos, all pasts, meatloaf, and many more things. I just got done canning 32 1/2 quarts of sauce and picked more tomatoes and peppers to do another 15 - 18 quarts next week! It smells wonderful although I don't want peaches or spagetti for a good week or so. I did not take pictures because I was so tired and the boys have been a hand full the last two days. Little Mister has decided to step it up a notch in is mischeviousness, he has decided to prune all of my rose bushes with his tonka truck and push vaccum, then he decided to dig a hole in my lettuce garden in the planter that my husband built on the edge of my patio and throw that wonderful black dirt all over and then turn on the hose and make mud. Yes this is my lovely 17 month old. After bath number three and outfit number three by 5:30 pm I let him go in a diaper to play, no more laundry for this mama.
My dear sweetheart DW is working today so I am going to continue to take advantage of the day and pull the last of my beets and pick some beans. Then I have about 6 loads of laundry decorating my sofa that needs to be folded and put away. Oh, is this a holiday weekend? Well you wouldn't know it around here, there is to much work to do. We need a holiday in october besides halloween , because I hate halloween and anything to do with it. My boys don't even know the word and when the see a witch or a ghost they go "oh mama yuck". That's my boy!!
I am however getting another scrapping weekend together for october and very excited about that.. Well the beans won't pick themselves, nor will the beets. so I better get out there and get it done.
God Bless, christina

peaches peaches peaches

2008-08-28T14:21:00.009-04:00

It is a rewarding feeling when you see the jars all lined up and ready to put in the store room. I got up at a quarter to eight this morning and the boys were in a decent mood; so I figured I might as well get started. Peaches are my favorite thing to can. The sampling throughout the process is delicious. I always sort my peaches to start out with the ripest first and then I rinse them and start peeling and slicing. I was on a pretty good roll, it helped that the boys played outside and were in great moods. By 1:00pm I had zero dirty dishes, one clean kitchen, two sleeping boys, and thirty quarts of beautiful canned peaches.

I have the other half left to do tommorrow if they ripen enough, if not then I will can my spagetti sauce tommorrow and do the last of my peaches on saturday.

Now, I get to relax a bit and get ready for my class tonight. Hope you have a great thursday and God Bless, Christina

P.S. I am feeling guilty for taking credit for the two sleeping boys, I gave them they're sandwich for lunch while watching PBS and they were so quiet all of a sudden. I went to look and they had put themselves to sleep. I guess they were whupped from canning too!

Interview update

2008-08-27T14:25:00.002-04:00

I had my interview today. I gotta say I don't think I have ever had as much confidence as I did today to speak my mind about what I want in a job and I think I interviewed them as well.
It went very well, she said as much that she was impressed with my work ethic and my answers to a thousand questions(well not quite a thousand).
After the interview I had a little unsettled tummy, to where I wondered if I was making the right decision for our family. I said a quick prayer and just told God that he make the decision, he knows best what our family needs to be a happy family.
They still have a few people to interview so they will contact me in a week or two at the most and let me know yeh or ney!
I have to admit as well that I have never been this at peace with giving God all the control over the future of my life. I expressed to the lady conducting the interview that I know that God has in mind the perfect plan for myself and my family.
I will keep you posted, in the mean time I will be canning full force ahead. I am doing 3 bushel peaches (about 60-65 quarts) and about 40 quarts of spagetti sauce. I did can 12 pints of corn yesterday. I still have a 30-40 ft of beets in the garden to can so I will more than likely do those next week. Along with another 40 quarts of spagetti sauce. I will post more as I reach a few more of these goals.
Have a great day and God Bless, Christina

Our Lake adventure!

2008-08-26T12:01:00.013-04:00

Our vacation at the lake was great. We and the children were super excited. The cottage was cute and set up well for kids. We had lots of bikes to enjoy an evening ride with the boys, and there was a playhouse outside in a fenced in yard with a ton of awesome toys. This was Little Mister's first official vacation besides visiting family. He thoroughly enjoys the water. The weather was great on saturday and a little cool on sunday. The water was warm so no one minded and we played for about 4 or so hours. IOn Monday we stayed until about 7:30 that night and the weather was so beautiful for swimming.

Our Family ready to walk to the beach.

My sister K and her family.

My sister V and her family.

Little Mister the wanderer.

Big Mister is playing every second that he can.

My sweetheart let us bury him and Little Mister thought he was a lounge chair.

This was the game of the weekend, AGGRAVATION! It was always guys against girls and it was pretty competitive. The girls kicked tail the first night. WOO HOO GIRLS!

Me and the Boys!

Little Mister loves the water and floating.

Our view from the cottage, GORGEOUS!

My handsome Big Mister!

Me and Little Mister!

We came home last night and we were tired but we super enjoyed ourselves. This is just a few of a couple hundred pics that were taken. Have a great day, Christina

Keeping my pinkies crossed!

2008-08-23T06:43:00.000-04:00

A while back I mentioned that I was considering going back to work part-time. I have come to the conclusion that I do need the time away and that the boys will actually enjoy being around other children as well. I did put in a couple of apps, one at my old job we'll call it bank #1 and then another at a credit union. I was really hoping to get a postion at the credit union since the hours were perfect and the pay scale is awesome starting is more than I have ever made in my life. At Bank #1 I would be working with my best friends and where I am familiar, but the pay scale is literally 4-5 dollars less per hour and the hours are 4-8 hours less than what I want. Well, on friday I got a call from the credit union and they have asked me to come in for an interview for a position 1 mile from my house. I am so excited at the possibility and a little nervous since I have'nt been out in the working world for a little over 3 years. I guess I just use my incredible wit and charm to win them over! HA HA!! LOL!
DW is happy for me and I think is also welcoming the relief of the 'fianacial stretch' we'll call it.
I look forward to seeing you all in a few days when I get back from my fun in the sun weekender!
God bless, Christina