Love, Life, and a Cup of Tea

wow, it's been awhile!

2009-08-28T02:52:00.004-11:00

Well it sure has been a long time since I have been on here! Our summer has been filled with a lot of kids and pokemon! School will be starting soon and I know the girls are ready for a change. Madison will be in 2nd grade and Isabella is off to Kindergarten! Wow how the time flies!!

So here are a few pictures of our summer and the girls getting their school hair cuts and a trip to the library! Hope you all enjoyed your summer vacation!

Ok so I haven't blogged in so long that I can't remember how to get the pictures on here right! So it will be chaotic but at least the pic's are up! More in the next post!

Daddy Daughter Dance

2009-02-23T05:02:00.003-11:00

Here are some pictures from the Daddy Daughter Dance last wed. Mike and the girls had alot of fun!! They were so cute!

A poem I wrote that I wanted to post for Christmas, but forgot

2009-01-13T04:42:00.002-11:00

A Christmas tree to me A feeling of peacefullness and bliss
As if in a moment of one's first kiss
Twinkling lights become one with your soul
A journey of memories is taking it's toll
By far the favorite part of the season
Without any specific memory or reason

Singing Maddie

2008-12-17T03:19:00.002-11:00

Today Maddie and all of the first graders are going to a Elderly home to sing Christmas songs for them. I have really enjoyed listening to her practice, it really is sweet to hear her sing. Everytime "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas" comes on the radio she turns it up and practices, they are doing all sign language for that one, super cute! So I thought I would share a picture of her before her big performance, Enjoy!

Michigan Weather!

2008-11-21T02:03:00.002-11:00

Days like today make me wonder why I live in Michigan! It is freezing and that's it, no snow, nothing but freezing cold air!

How did this happen so fast?

2008-11-20T07:02:00.004-11:00

or this?

My babies are growing up way too fast!! I miss snuggling with a freshly bathed baby in my arms, the learning of new words, sounds and steps. Time sure does go by fast and it is hard for me to believe that in a few months my girls will be 7 and 5!!! That just seems ubsourd to me! I remember Mike and I wondering what Maddie would look like when she turned 2 or how Bella will sound when she starts talking. Now Maddie is so beautiful that it takes my breath away sometimes. As for Bella's voice, I'm surprised that she hasn't lost it. She talks more than any kid I know but with a very sweet voice. Enjoy your babies they don't stay that way for long.

Some of my thoughts on this Holiday Season

2008-11-20T06:48:00.003-11:00

The holidays are getting closer and so is the failing economy. It brings me to thoughts like how did the meaning of Christmas come to buying so many gifts for your family that they are left overwhelmed and don't even appreciate it. Whatever happened to enjoying each other at Christmastime and having a few special gifts to give that will actually leave a lasting impression on someone? I believe that this Christmas is going to be a rude awakening to many children(mine included) but a much needed one! My girls have circled almost everything in the toy catalogs that were printed. I remember doing this as a child and it is fun but, the consumerism of it all has sort of ruined the true holiday spirit. We have a certain amount to spend on each child this year and have decided to not buy for everyone else like we usually do, it is just too much. I have some homemade gifts that I will put my heart into and give to those special to me and our family but we really need to pull together and stop this materialistic life that is taking the "real" moments from our children.
So tell me some of your ideas on this Holiday Season, how will you save money? What are some of your favorite traditions? Are you cutting back too?

I hope everyone has a Wonderful Holiday Season, enjoy your family and have fun creating those memories and traditions that will last a lifetime!!

Halloween

2008-11-01T00:22:00.003-11:00

Halloween, finally, no more "is it trick or treat day yet?". Yesterday was a very long day, a party and parade at school for Maddie, which Bella and I attended. Then a rushed dinner, costume gathering, and then finally the trick or treating. The girls looked adorable in their costumes and it was still light out when we started, not to mention warm. A beautiful evening indeed. Bella started off on the shy foot not even going up to the fisrt few houses but, by the second street she would turn after getting her candy and say "Happy Halloween" it was very cute. Maddie did a great job with her good manners, a thank you every time. Well here are some pictures of the girls. Enjoy!

Just a few pictures I like

2008-10-15T16:34:00.001-11:00

A day at the pumpkin farm

2008-10-15T16:17:00.003-11:00

We have been visiting a local tree farm for several years now. We go once in the fall for pumkins, grapes, hay rides and to see the animals. At Christmas time we go for a train ride to visit Santa in a log cabin nestled in the woods, roast marshmallows and get a tree. Well about two years ago we quit getting our tree there, way too exspensive. Now it looks like we are going to cut out our fall trip all together. We had to pay a $2 admission ea, well Bella was free because they thought she was only 3! And the pumpkin patch was mostly all green and really big, the kids like to pick out the little ones for themselves, no grapes either. And the word about this place is out and it was crowded, never ever used to be crowded or this pricey. So we just went on a hayride, looked at the animals and then drove the country side where we found some pumpkins for $1 a piece, can't beat that!! So next year we plan to pack a lunch and drive the counrty side in search of our fall harvest of pumpkins and squash. At least we captured some great pictures;)

Bella's 1st day of "peeschool"

2008-09-15T09:20:00.002-11:00

Well I had an empty nest this morning, first time in 6 years!!! It was so cute though to see Bella up, dressed, teeth brushed, hair done, shoes and backpack on all by 7:45am:) She was really excited and did an awesome job listening to her teacher, Mrs. Malaska(Mayakka in Bella language). Here are a few pictures from her day. I love, love, love this first one!!

1st day of First grade

2008-09-05T03:50:00.003-11:00

Here is Maddie on her 1st day of school. She is in school all day now and it was harder on me than it was on her. She wanted me to just leave the classroom, no whining or crying for me to stay this year:( Tears pricked my eyes as I walked away from her classroom). She is loving it though and when we went to her open house last night she excitedly took me around her room and told me all about everything in there. She is very bright and I could tell that she will be the sweet girl in class that tries to get everyone to laugh. That is Maddie in a nutshell!

I love this new smile!

2008-08-22T05:19:00.002-11:00

Need I say more?

2008-08-22T05:16:00.000-11:00

Finally.....

2008-08-04T08:30:00.003-11:00

I have been waiting for almost two(yes that's 2) whole years to remodel our bathroom. We have been storing all of the stuff we needed to remodel in our garage for just as long, even two old mirrors I found at a garage sale for $1 a piece!! Well Michael had his cousin Bill come out and tile the floor, and he helped with everything else. Thank You Billy!!!!!!! If anyone in Michigan needs tile work done let me know, this guy is amazing at what he does. I really didn't get that many pic's of the before bathroom so I will give you all a little insight , we had berber carpet on the floor(a quick and cheap, move in fast fix), white paint on the walls and trim, a very tiny vanity that only came up to my hips if that, a medicine cabinet over the sink that was scratched and waaaay to tall for me(I had to stand on a stool so I could see to curl my hair), and no mirror over the old dresser, and a really bad shower head that was ready to fall off the wall at any given moment. So here is the new bathroom that I could sit in all day long if I could actually do that. Everything is new( well new to me) new vanity, toilet, shower, paint, mirrors, towel holder, tp holder, floor, and that pretty little light. Ahhhhh now all we need to do is put up the shower rod and we are golden!!! Here is a view going in a circle around our bathroom, it is quite big.

More pic's

2008-07-09T01:39:00.003-11:00

A BEAUTIFUL sunset on lake Charlevoix

Vacation

2008-07-09T01:28:00.003-11:00

My dad and I.
Lake Michgan.

My dad and stepmom were very generous letting us take our vacation at their place up north. We had a wonderful time visiting, relaxing on the beach and just "being". So here are a few pictures, my favorites....Enjoy!

Fashion show 2008

2008-07-08T02:51:00.003-11:00

Well "the girls" have been seperated for a week(we were on vacation) and it didn't take them long at all to get back together and quickly put on a fashion show! I didn't even know they were doing this, but they sure did put on a cute show, I think they may be onto something,lol!! You have to click to enlarge and really see all of the "fancy" accesories!!

Spiderwick Chronicles anyone???

2008-06-30T01:29:00.002-11:00

I love this movie and the girls are into it too. We watched it at the theatre and just rented it a few nights back. Our next door friends had rented it too and all of the kids got together and watched it next door. When I came home from work Ruth was telling me how the kids convinced her to give them some salt, only to find it in the window sills:0 Maddie came running over to me with a backpack full of cans of tomato sauce, too cute. But the funniest thing I've seen in a long time is this picture of Bella with her Goblin seeing goggles on and CRAZY outfit!! I love it, it makes me smile every time I see it! She is a funny girl and those kids had a blast playing The Spiderwick Chronicles yesterday:)

Sharing secrets over a root beer

2008-06-23T01:01:00.001-11:00

Madison

2008-06-15T15:13:00.003-11:00

Maddie begged us for a snorkel and when I seen this one at the $ tree how could I resist!! She was afraid at first and wouldn't even put her face near the water. Then Michael went and threw some coin money into the pool and within ten minutes she had it mastered! That is Maddie in a nutshell, she will not give up until it is mastered. That is how she learned to ride her bike too, on a gravel driveway in less than an hour. I hope her drive to succeed stays with her forever!

Isabella

2008-06-15T15:07:00.002-11:00

I just "had" to post this one of Bella, isn't she cute? She is not really crazy about getting in the pool but boy does she love to wear the swim suits!!

Maddie is a thinker....

2008-06-15T15:01:00.002-11:00

I just love this outfit that Maddie decided to wear this day and the thoughtful look on her face. I'm not quite sure what she was doing, I guess I should start taking more time to just be with her and then I probably would have quite the story as to what she was doing.

This one is for you Mom and Paulette

2008-06-15T14:57:00.002-11:00

My mom and Paulette were complaining that you couldn't see Bella's dress good enough, so here you go:))

Time, why does it pass so quickly?

2008-06-13T02:33:00.003-11:00

I can remember the first day that I brought Madison home from the hospital, nervous, excited, and fearful. Fearful of not being a good enough mother or that I would be able to provide all of the things that she will need. Little did I know that all she would ever need was her mommy and daddy's love. Maddie has been an angel in my life, trying at times, but still my little princess. I remember saying to Mike, " I wonder what she will look like when she is 2 and walking and talking", now she writes sentences and reads stories and invents all sorts of things.

Wednsday was her kindergarten graduation and let me tell you it was a tear jerker. Her teacher was wonderful, we all love her. The kids did a play that they learned in fine arts and then Mrs. Foster played a slideshow with emotion filled songs that made all of the moms cry all over again. We each recieved a copy too. I came home, watched it again, and cried all over again. Here are a few pictures. Maddie's teacher is the one on the left and the teachers aide is on the right. The other picture is with two of her best friends, Elizabeth on the left and Matilda on the right. They were quite silly:)

This is Maddie and Shyla, another best friend.

And here is "Peyton" I think all of the girls talked about him;)

And of course Bella and I got dressed up for the occasion. Thanks Paulette for Bella's dress that is the only reason she would wear it, because "Pauyette" bought it;)

Maddie did it!!

2008-05-21T11:56:00.002-11:00

Maddie has been begging to get her ears pierced for the last month now. We explained to her that she will have to earn it, she instantly ran upstairs and scooped the litter box, and a few other times too. She really did earn her new earrings, doing the dishes, cleaning her room, helping her sister, and putting her clothes away. I was very proud to see that she was willing to keep up her hard work for so long, seeing that it is not so easy to work for something you want. I thought that after driving 20 minutes and walking through the mall(I hate malls) that she would chicken out. She did at first then we walked around for a minute and she said she was ready. She did it, she didn't cry until it was all over, my very brave girl:)) She never forgets to clean them either. You can't really tell in the picture but the earrings are little pink and white daisies. Nothing like when I was little, it was just birthstone studs with really large posts...anyone else remember those beastly things?

Yard Sales and really good deals

2008-05-21T11:26:00.002-11:00

Last weekend my mom and I went to a city wide garage sale outing. My very best friend Paulette came too:) We had a really good time, the weather was alot warmer than it was last year. I had to buy a pair of pants at a sale last year and put them over my shorts, it was that cold. So onto the deals... the first is this lovely set of dishes, actually it is two sets one is high dollar and the other is not. The asking price was $25 for each set, I offered less and the final price......$35 for all of them. Curious as to how much Churchill dinnerware retailed, I got online to find out that the pattern I have(peony rose) is selling for $25 a plate!!!! By far my best yard sale find of my LIFE! I have a $200 set of dishes plus another really nice set for a great price, made my day. I only paid $1 for the antique salt and pepper set and $2 for the candle holder. Another great deal I found was a jogger stroller for $8. The personal trainer has a daughter the same age as Bella and lives on the street behind us. She had suggested that we run together, "Oh I'd love to but I have no stroller for Bella" was my response thinking I am getting out of that one. Well when I seen the stroller for that price I just had to, can't wait to see her response when I tell I have a stroller now. The girls have been busy for days playing with all of the new treasures that I brought back for them. It was like Christmas in May and they know it when I pull in the driveway.

Mommy makeover day with Madison

2008-05-12T09:30:00.002-11:00

Today I went to Maddie's school and got pampered. I had a manicure, massage and a facial complete with makeup. It was such a fun time. Maddie was in her glory with the makeup and looking around at the other mothers, she didn't do to bad of a job.

Mother's Day....bittersweet

2008-05-10T13:43:00.002-11:00

Today my mom, my girls, and myself went up north to see my Grandma. It is always fun to go up north, the town where I grew up, and to watch my girls play and follow my grandma's husband LeRoy around.....just as I did when I was little. It isn't always easy to get up there and see her but a remark that she had made to my mom told me that I'd better get up there.

My grandma is a spunky old woman of 87 years, and after telling my mom of all her aches and pains she said "I think it's time I cash in". I laugh at this because I know my grandma and it is something she would say. She has lived a full life and never really skipped a beat. She had her last yard sale only 2 years ago. So the reason I put the bittersweet in the title is because when I seen her today I knew that she was just waiting to see everyone one last time, I think....she really was not herself and even my girls noticed and that is sad. I also know that I do not want her to be in pain everyday either. We took some great pictures today that I will forever treasure. I spent alot of time at her house when I was little, and to see my girls have a few hours of that same sort of time I had was unexplainable, amazing, and most of all a deep feeling of unconditional love.

Give me some love!

2008-04-30T04:46:00.003-11:00

I asked the girls to give me some love and this is what I got:))

Enjoying the beautiful sunshine

2008-04-24T01:41:00.003-11:00

We have been blessed with some very nice weather, 75 degrees almost everyday. It is so nice to get outside and enjoy some warm sunshine. Here are a few pictures of my girls and their friends from next door enjoying eachothers ourdoor company.

Look at this new smile

2008-04-24T01:28:00.003-11:00

Yes Maddie had another visit from the tooth fairy, and her new teeth are already coming in. she is now busy wiggling the top two teeth that are loose! What a cute smile that will be:)

Maddie is also busy scheming up ways to get her ears pierced! I told her that if she really wants them done(which she does) that she will have to earn the money by doing chores and extra jobs around the house. She immediately went upstairs and scooped the litter box. So for her efforts I gave her 50cents, now she is not going to get that for every little thing she does, I just wanted to show her that if she helps out we will help her out. Yesterday she came home from school and headed straight upstairs....washing hands and potty I think, oh no she is scooping the litter box!!! She really wants this done and it is so exciting for her. It is really cute to see her trying to earn the money for it. She makes her bed everyday now too:) We will see how excited she is when the ladies pull out those ear piercing guns:0
I'll keep you all updated on this one.

Hello Again;)

2008-04-23T04:35:00.003-11:00

Wow it's been a while since my last post, sorry.

So a few updates.... We went to Frankenmuth with my Dad and had a really good time. I didn't get too many pictures but Maddie and Bella did meet a few pirates and even recieved some "gold" from them. We spent the first day at an indoor waterpark called Splash Mountain, it was alot of fun. Brave little Bella went down the huge water slide that was pitch black inside, not once but twice, with Michael. Maddie would not even attempt the kiddie slide. The whole trip was a hit and we spent some nice time with my Dad and Mary. Thank you both, we really had a nice time. So here are the few pictures I did get. I will post more updates later. We are off to school.

A beautiful day and best friends......priceless!

2008-04-03T02:47:00.003-11:00

Well it didn't take long for the gang to get together on the beautiful day we had yesterday. It is funny how they can hear another one outside no matter what is going on inside. Their little ears perk right up like radars, it really is funny to see. And what amazes me is that my girls will know exactly which child is outside without even seeing them, the ears perk up followed by "it's Sophie"or whateve or child it is!!! Here they are playing tag and tossing the ball over the fence. Love it!!! Ahhh spring!

Mail Call

2008-03-31T12:50:00.002-11:00

We have enjoyed our next door friends for almost 7 years now. Time flies by so fast!! One of the best things about having a family of friends right next door are the bonds that our children have made with each other. There should be a worn path in the sidewalk that connects our driveways, as much as the kids run back and forth delivering letters, videos, costumes...you name it they have delivered it one way or the other. Here Bella just found and little card and decided right there that she was going to fill it out and take it over to Sarah, her best friend. I couldn't resist the Kodak moment, it was rainy and wet but still that doesn't stop the mail from being delivered.

A visit from the tooth fairy

2008-03-31T12:37:00.002-11:00

What a magical night it was last night for little Maddie Mae. After we were done reading bedtime stories, Maddie was busy wiggling one of her loose teeth(she has 3 more). I told her to go look in the mirror at how it was turned sideways she was amazed! She exclaimed " I just know it is going to come out". Tooth wiggling is exhausting you know so she lay down next to me and did a wiggle with her tongue and not realizing that the tooth was out she flipped it right out of her mouth onto her pillow! Imagine her face when I said "Maddie you just lost your first tooth" Oh it was so fun to watch her jumping from mirror to mirror looking at that new whole in her mouth. I think I enjoyed it just as much as her. She excitedly called Granny and was trembling with excitement at the thought of a visit from the tooth fairy. After she was all settled in and sound asleep I (tooth fairy) snuck in and sprinkled glitter dust on her pillow, head and face and replaced the tooth with $1. It was a magical night for us all, I really enjoyed playing the tooth fairy;). Oh how I wish I were a kid again sometimes!!

Pictures

2008-03-29T04:54:00.001-11:00

I had some fun with the photo editor and thought I would share. Enjoy!! Another post with more pictures follows, they wouldn't all fit on one post?....

Pictures from Bella's Birthday

2008-03-21T08:16:00.004-11:00

For those of you who are not able to see Isabella being photographed, it is quite funny!! I have my camera in hand and say "Bella what did you get or Bella look at mommy" and this is what I get, EVERY time!!

It was very funny to watch her opening her presents, I would try to take a candid picture but, she would notice and jump right up and strike a pose:)) We all had a good laugh at that one!! Here are a few more pictures from that night. I did manage to get a few candid ones.

But she still managed to get in that pose;)

Happy (late) Birthday Isabella

2008-03-21T02:24:00.004-11:00

I thought that I would stick with the late theme this year;)

Wow you are 4 years old already!!

Isabella Grace you are an old soul that is for sure. You have that old fashioned love that is not seen so much these days. You love the little things in life and care more about others feelings than anything else. You remind me alot of me when I was little. You can entertain yourself to no end, just like I used to do. I love when you come to me and ask if you can sit on my yap!! You are a very lovey little girl, you care so deeply about everything, it is very sweet to see. And by little, I mean little, you are a little bit of a girl with a big heart. I am very blessed to be your mother and wouldn't trade my job of caring for you for anything in the world. I love you baby girl....Happy Birthday to you.

pictures

2008-03-15T09:09:00.001-11:00

Happy (late) Birthday Madie Mae

2008-03-07T08:15:00.002-11:00

I can hardly believe that you are 6 years old already. You have amazed me since the day you were born. You are a brilliant, beuatiful little princess and I am so very blessed to call you my daughter. I will love you unconditionally forever and a a day:) I'm proud of all your accomplishments and can't wait to share each new one with you. So here's to you my little princess.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY, I LOVE YOU WITH ALL OF MY HEART!!!

Pictures will post later:)

Picasso Tuesday

2008-03-04T02:54:00.004-11:00

I hope you all enjoy this masterpiece of mine. I really had fun making it!!

In this picture I used markers, lip gloss, and some crafty pieces that my mom gave me. My mom says that this is one of her favorites.

A night out with the girls

2008-02-27T03:06:00.002-11:00

Finally a weekend with the girls. I have been waiting for this weekend for a looong time. No screaming, fighting kids, no dog, no hubby....ahhhh what a night. Well not long after headed out, I started to miss my family very much. I usually crab when I am out and my hubby calls me(sometimes more than once) but this time was different, I was the one calling and bugging. So I didn't have as much fun as inticipated but it sure was awesome to see my oldest and dearest friends and family. We went to a comedy club where we first had dinner and then a show. The comedians were funny and the food was good. The time we got to spend with eachother was the best. Here we are at dinner, I will start on the left front to back and then from the right back to front. My mom, my silly aunt Carol, my cousin Michelle, my moms girlfriend Renie, one fo my best friends Carol, my other best friend Paulette, and me.

My weekend went to prove that I am NOT a city girl, and could not wait to get back to small town Owosso;)

2008-02-27T02:59:00.002-11:00

I fixed a Picasso Tuesday so that you can click on the picture to enlarge it. I haven't figured it out completly, like arranging the pictures the way I want them, but it will work for now....so go and check out the guitar hero post..... you know the one with the slowride singer..lol.

Picasso Tuesday

2008-02-26T04:19:00.006-11:00

Here is a piece from Maddie's writers workshop, she is moving so quickly in her writing skills. She amazes me everyday. Oh thanks to Ruth, I have the picture set so you can click on it to enlarge and read her writing....Thanks Ruth;)

Enjoy everyone, yours truly, ME:))))

Won't you be my Neighbor.....

2008-02-21T04:10:00.002-11:00

I remember the first few days of fixing up our house before moving in. I was a little scared, not knowing anyone here in Owosso. I'll never forget standing outside taking a break and here comes this cheerful "gal" from next door. She excitedly introduces herself and tells us a little about herself, how her little girl is only 10 months older than Maddie(who was a baby at the time). I instantly felt peace come over me, like God had brought this "gal" into my life to be all that she has been to me for 6 years now, a wonderful friend. So glad you are my friend, and to have you right next door is such a blessing in so many ways. Not only have Ruth and I become friends but our chidlren are great friends too, even our husbands are friends. There have been alot of memories made and it so so awesome to have children that are close in age and right next door. We have watched as they ran back and forth from one yard to the other, yelled at eachother over the fence, rode bikes up and down the sidewalk, sold lemonade at our yard sales, and last night another memory was made. As I was making dinner Maddie and Bella were trying to get up on the counter and I said you know that is not ok. "But mom...Sophie and Sarah are out there". I'm thinking they are not because it is dark and cold outside, but I pull back the curtain and they are Sophie, Sarah, and Samuel at their dining room window trying to get a message to Maddie and Bella! It was one of the cutest things, here are all of these little children with no care as to how cold it is outside, talking to eachother through open windows in the middle of winter. Sophie, Sarah, and Samuel were delivering the message that they wanted to get toghether and make a play. Even little Ruby got in on the action. It really brings a sense of peace to know that we have found not only one friend but a family of friends and they live right next door.

We love you guys:))

Picasso Tuesday

2008-02-19T02:50:00.003-11:00

Tuesday again already???? This week we are featuring another picture inspired from the Guitar Hero game. This is the guy that sings Slowride by Foghat, one of Maddie's favorite songs on there...nice huh, thanks to Dad. Notice the standing microphone.... I Love it!!!!

Picasso Tuesday

2008-02-12T05:49:00.001-11:00

Well this one was done early last year but it is still one of our favorites. The Eloise movies are really cute and Maddie got out her crayons and went to town. I also put up a picture that she drew this from,in case soem don't know who Eloise is. I didn't until we watched the movie.
Have a great day everyone!!!

How many flower catalogs do you get in a day?

2008-02-11T07:07:00.000-11:00

We get anywhere from 2-3 flower catalogs a day, no kidding. I recycle old newspapers and magazines as soon as they are read but the flowers are sooo pretty, I thought....there has to be something that we can do with these. Lightbulb moment.....I gather the girls, some scissors, construction paper, glue sticks, and catalogs and declare that we are going to design our very own gardens!! It was fun to see what flower really caught the eye of my girls and how they would arrange them on their paper. Notice that Bella put a house in her garden with a welcome sign;) I even cut out some of the flower pages in the shape of hearts and they made very elegant looking Valentines, I will save them for next year.

So before you throw out those catalogs or junk mail envelopes(great for the kids to use when they play office or school), stop and think of something, anything that your children might enjoy doing with them first, then recycle them;))

Picasso Tuesday

2008-02-05T02:52:00.000-11:00

I thought I would start a new weekly showcase. Madison has become quite the artist, in fact she claims that an artist is what she would like to be when she grows up. So every Tuesday check in for a new creation by yours truly.......

In this painting Maddie used only the computer mouse and the paint option on the computer to create a seen from the guitar hero game by Nintendo. Our couch is red just like in Maddie's painting(well not quite that red), and the buttons on the guitar are exactly like that, colors and all. So you see why I just have to share all of these wonderful creations with you;)

Valentines

2008-02-04T01:48:00.000-11:00

I LOOOOVE Valentines Day, by far my favorite holiday. It's a time to show love and give pretty valentines to dear friends and make cute pink treats. This year is the first year for Maddie to experience the best day in school. The day of the Valentine party was always my favorite. Remember the decorated boxes that would hold all of those wonderful cards and candies passed out by each one of your friends.....oh the memories. Well this year I couldn't help myself, we made homemade Valentines and they turned out really nice. Maddie did some but was not quite as excited about making them as I was;) I am really excited about being able to be at Maddie's valentine party, it will be a good time for sharing stories with her from my childhood, I can't wait!! So here are a few pictures.

Is this cute or what?

2008-01-08T10:09:00.000-11:00

Bella decided that she wanted to do yoga with me today, and she did it pretty darn good. I couldn't resist the kodak moment that came at the end of the session though. She loves to put her little fingers together like that and just sit. Love it!!!!!

Beautiful Sunset

2008-01-03T13:20:00.000-11:00

This is the most beautiful sunset I have seen in a long time and right in the middle of winter!!

Just had to share, enjoy!!

December Bake Day

2007-12-18T03:28:00.000-11:00

Well we didn't get that much baking done again this year and have decided that this would be the last year until the girls are much older. Maddie and Bella did have fun making the sugar cookies though and they even made a big mess, imagine that:) My mom and I did make some awesome lemon cookies at around 8pm(we started at 1pm) so even though we only got two different cookies made it was nice to spend some time with my mom and the girls.

It's the Holiday season....

2007-11-13T01:54:00.001-11:00

Well the holidays are fast approaching and couldn't we all use a little inspiration to get us through it all? This year I am trying to keep my heart on the things that really matter. Family, friends, watching for that twinkle in children's eyes as they peruse through the toy catalogs, and especially listening to the wonderful Christmas music that plays 24 hours a day on the radio. I have been in need of some extra inspiration myself lately and picked up Busy but Balanced, a book that a dear friend gave to me as a gift. In this book I found a few wonderful quotes that really shed light on my thoughts and hopes for this holiday season. I hope they will be helpful to all who read here too.

True gifts spring spontaneously from one's pure compassionate heart with no thought of any return.
~Buddha~

Each day God fills up your heart with love to give to people.
~Age 6~

Isn't that last one amazing, a six year old is thinking like this. Wow. I have been saying this one aloud throughout the day, especially during the stressful moments when we really need the reminder.

Have a wonderful day everyone!!!

Presenting..........Princess George!

2007-11-07T16:37:00.000-11:00

I know you might want to say "poor dog" but let me assure you that he loved every minute of it. In fact at times I honestly think he was smiling:))

Halloween

2007-11-02T10:23:00.000-11:00

Hold onto your hats there is alot of unbelievable cuteness in this post.

Enjoy!!

Clothes, Clothes, Clothes!!

2007-10-26T01:52:00.000-11:00

Well we have ourselves not one but two little fashion diva's. I have been dealing with a 5 year old that has some very frustrating clothing issues. So I figured I'd blog about it and hopefully get some helpful ideas on how to deal with it. I have never seen a child become so upset and angry over the way a pair of pants fits. If they are hanging a little in the front inseam they are ripped off and thrown across the room. If the sleeves on a shirt are not the exact length it too is thrown aside. This goes on and on for an entire morning some days. Yesterday I had had it. I thought for sure we were going to be late because of "what to wear". Maddie starts school at 12:30 and at 11:45 she was still in her jammies, teeth not brushed, and her lunch sitting on the table! It is not like this everyday but it just gets worse as the days go by. I have tried letting her totally dress herself (matching or not), and even tried picking out 3 or 4 outfits for her to choose from. But when it is not the selection that matters but the fit of the clothes in the selection, this is where the high stress comes into play. I try to tell her of the hardships that other children in the world face and that having to have clothes that fit perfectly is silly in comparison to that, this does not help much either.

I am asking for suggestions, have any of you gone through anything like this? What might work, I will try anything. Please leave a comment, we need help over here.

Opening Day

2007-10-01T10:44:00.000-11:00

Well it is opening day of bow season, not only is my husband excited but his two little princesses are too. They know that when daddy gets a deer, they get venison sticks and sausage and all of that "big buck meat". I had to share this photo and yes it was taken today. Too funny that Maddie has the patience to teach Bella how to shoot that bow and she really did teach her how to do it, good too. I think Mike will be impressed when Maddie and Bella are actually old enough to go in the woods with him and shoot that bow.

Recycling

2007-09-07T01:55:00.000-11:00

We have been recycling for a while now. It is nice because there is a free drop off very close to our house, so doing it is not a chore. The thing I really like about it is teaching the girls to care for our earth. Maddie will look at the bottom of anything plastic and tell whether or not we can recycle it. This sometimes leads to me learning of a new recyclable item. Yesterday I had a ton to drop off so Bella and I went off to recycle after dropping off Maddie at school. Bella loves this one on one time and she really enjoys throwing the different things into the different bins. I would love to be able to go totally green and buy only natural and organic food but it is very expensive. So we try, we recycle, we buy organic in the things that we use the most like PB and milk for the girls only, and a lot more fruits and fresh veggies. So even though our part is small it is still a big help when you put it with all of the other people out there that are doing the same.

First Days of School

2007-09-07T01:31:00.000-11:00

Well Maddie is officially a "big" girl. She has completed two full days of kindergarten. There have been sad moments (for me), the first day she got in line at the front school door and said bye mom,bye Bella and smiled all the way to her room, a room that I thought I would "have" to walk her to. And then there have been happy moments too, yesterday she was talking up a storm about the friends she made, the popcorn pop, and how she needs an item for show and tell for Friday. I think Maddie is going to love kindergarten even though she came home the first day and said " I can't believe I have to go to shcool three days in a row", only to find out that she actually has to go 5 days in a row (holiday this week). I keep telling her that the more she goes the more fun it will be. There was a sad moment for Michael too, Maddie has made two friends....both boys;) I think it is funny, he told her to play with the girls. I'll leave a few pictures of the first few days, Enjoy:) Blogger isn't working well so I will post more pictures later. This one is on her first day, well her first day alone.I was with her for the first time there, just for orientation.

Deer Acres

2007-08-27T13:35:00.000-11:00

Not only did I enjoy Deer Acres Storybook Amusement Park when I was little, I worked there when I was 15. The park is based on Mother Goose stories. It really is a cute little park. There is one area where you can go in with the deer and feed them popcorn, but they almost took out Bella. They are very aggressive.

My mom and I recently took the girls there and it is funny how over the last 18 0r so years not much has changed at all. The girls and I had so much fun, I felt like a kid again.

Here are some pictures of one of my many visits(when I was about 7 or 8) and then some of the girls doing the same things.

Here is me and a childhood friend at Deer Acres. And since I don't know how to get words in between the rest of the pictures I will leave it up to you to know who is who. It is pretty self explanatory:)

New Camera = Cute pictures

2007-08-27T13:28:00.000-11:00

I'm so excited to have a new camera. I have been busy taking pictures and wanted to share a few of my favorites.

Love this....

2007-08-15T01:52:00.000-11:00

"When one door closes, another opens, but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us".
~Alexander Graham Bell~

Imagination at it's best.

2007-07-27T02:11:00.000-11:00

A little play make-up, a scary face, and a lovely princess add up for a good time playing the wolf and the princess. A story made up by yours truly..........

Dance Pictures...finally.

2007-07-17T01:56:00.000-11:00

Well after a month and a half we finally recieved Maddie's dance pictures.

I will just post the group one because I like it the best. For those of you who read about but did not attend the recital, the dance for this outfit was My boyfriends back. It was soooo cute. The little guy was such a trooper, blowing each girl a kiss in the routine...too cute.

2007-07-06T15:59:00.000-11:00

Yesterday Maddie turns on the TV and finds the cartoon station. I walk into the room and hear a program about how the egyptians drain the body of all organs and brain etc...etc... I look at Maddie and see an expression on her face that is priceless. It is a look of confusion, horror, and interest. Hmmmm...should I leave it on or is it too much for her . Now this is a children's show, Reading Rainbow. I always let them watch this if they are interested, it's educational. I used to watch this show, I loved it when I was little. But still, taking out the brains and internal organs? I decide to leave it on, you can see the intense learning that is going on just by looking at her. Towards the end of the show they show the pryamids where they kept the mummies and she is fascinated, proclaiming that she wants to go to Egypt! I bring out the globe and show her exactly where Egypt is, no problem to her. "All we have to do is take a boat like the one we rode on to Mackinaw Island and then drive the rest fo the way". I laugh and try to explain to a 5 year old how far and exspensive it is. She and I argue about this for a while, I tell her the only way we will get there is if we win the lottery. And that I would love to go to far away places too(trying to teach contentment) until I finally tell her that we will go to the museum and see a real mummy someday.
The point to my story here is that Maddie is not that little baby girl I long for her to stay, but she is growing and wanting to know and learn about things that I thought she was too young to handle. I'm trying to live in the present moments and this really makes me wonder how many moments I've lost by not living in the present.

Here is our garden so far this year

2007-06-28T06:31:00.000-11:00

I will post the pictures starting from behind the garage to the back right corner of the yard. We only put acorn squash, watermelon, and cantaloupe in the vegetable garden. The rest of the veggies are either in pots or hidden in the flower garden.

Here is the clothes line we put in this year.

This is where the perennial garden starts and it goes the rest of the length of the yard. We added a space for strawberries and chnaged the stepping stones around. I really like it better this way. Next year the rose bushes are coming out, they are just too much work.
Our Strawberry Patch This is the new addition , really we just connected the two existing gardens and moved stones around. Here are some hidden veggies that are doing very well, I think they like it here. There are pickling cucumbers, bambino eggplants(which I will post a picture of) and japanese eggplants. We also have cucumbers, green beans and peas. Oh and let's not forget Maddie's carrots, which she plants every year and they do great every year.And the little bambino eggplant, there are wuite a few. Can't wait to try them))

Thankful Thursday

2007-06-28T05:54:00.000-11:00

SOOOO thankful to have a digital camera again.....
Enjoy!!!

Just some pictures

2007-06-26T08:01:00.000-11:00

Since my camera has been down I haven't been able to post any pictures, or take any for that matter. Over the weekend my mom gave me back my old digital camera and I'm back in business. So enjoy all of the cuteness.

Garden Pictures

2007-06-18T09:07:00.000-11:00

Well here are a few pictures from our flower garden this year.

This is Bella and her Best Friend Sarah.

And here is Maddie and Bella taking a moment in the garden...love it!!

Dance is over ahhhh.....

2007-06-18T08:52:00.000-11:00

After taking a 6 week summer dance class last year Maddie wanted to keep with it. So after finding out that her teacher from that class just became pregnant, I wondered how she would be able to teach the whole year. We ended up going to a studio that is new to Owosso, BIG mistake. I will not go into all of the horid details of this ladies business sense but I will leave you all a beautiful picture of my little "Dance Star".

By the way she did a wonderful job at the recital and for all of you wondering if I will let her continue dance, let's just say that if she wants to I will take her back to the place where she went that one summer. I saw some of the pictures from their recital and the costumes were not only 100% cuter(if that's even a word) but they were also $20 cheaper!!

Enjoy the pictures

Awesome Salsa

2007-06-05T02:26:00.000-11:00

Here is a great salsa recipe. It can be used with tortillas chips or with grilled chicken pieces on top of grilled corn tortillas with sour cream and cheese. However you want to eat it, it will be great!!

1-3 mangos, ripe but firm. Chopped into small pieces
1-2 jalapeno peppers. seeded and then finely chopped
Fresh chopped cilantro. As much or as little as you like. I use quite a bit.
1-2 large tomatoes, use the type you like. chopped small
The juice of 1-2 limes
1 med onion finely chopped

Mix all of the chopped ingredients together and let sit in the refrigerator to chill for about 1/2 an hour or so. This is so lite and refreshing you will love it. You can add more or use less, depending on how much salsa you want to make. It really is an eyeball it and taste as you go kind of recipe.

Enjoy:))

Thankful Thursday

2007-05-31T01:58:00.000-11:00

Wow it's Thursday already!!
There are so many things to be thankful for. Even as I am typing I'm trying to decide which one of the things I'm thankful for that I would like to share today.

Friends, old and new are something everyone should be thankful for. We all have friends and I'm sure that at some point we have all taken those friendships for granted. Only realizing this when a close, neighboring friend moves away, or an old friend calls and shares exciting news and wishing you could be there to give a hug and celebrate, or a dear new friend that says something so inspiring that you stop and think wow how thankful am I to have such great friends. Friends that love me for me and do not judge or expect anything more than just me. I love these friends exactly the same, no expectations and no judgements.

So here is a nice quote about friendship

Chaff and grain

" Oh, the comfort...of feeling safe with a person-having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together: certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away."
~Dinah Craik, England

Sunday Sentiment

2007-04-29T12:06:00.000-11:00

I have really neglected these Sunday Sentiments so I will try to keep them going.

Here is a good one for me today, it really worked for me yesterday too...enjoy!!

" We have the right not to tolerate the intolerant. We should tolerate them whenever we can do so without running a great risk; but the risk may become so great that we cannot allow ourselves the luxury."
~Karl Popper(1902-1994), Austria/England~

Thankful Thursday

2007-04-19T08:59:00.000-11:00

Kind of busy today so this won't be a long post. I was talking with a friend and she really got me thinking about something I had read in my book. That is an emotion that I carry with me daily that I wish I could let go of forever....Worry. I worry about everything and it is not healthy or fun. I am missing out on other great feelings because I hold on to this worrisome mind set. My dear friend pointed out that I am not living in the moment, the right now in life, I am always thinking "what if". Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not here yet so why not just enjoy today and the right now of it all. I'm taking this to heart and really going to try and keep this in mind the next time I start to worry about the silliest things. So today I am thankful for my friend who point blank told me to stop worrying and live in the right now;) Love Ya Friend.

Thankful Thursday

2007-04-12T04:13:00.000-11:00

Today I am thankful for the willpower that has come over both my husband and myself. Michael has now been smoke-free for 3 weeks!!! I am so proud of him, I know how hard it is for him he was probably born with a very addictive personality. I'm not just talking about the cigarettes either...Hunting, Fishing, and Golfing are very addictive for him too, can you hear the sarcasm in my words? Really though I am very proud of him. I am also proud of myself I guess because I have been smoke-free for 3 1/2 months. I am more proud of the fact that I have not gained any weight, actually I just noticed yesterday that I have lost 5 lbs!!! I guess all of those walks, the yoga, and using the dumbbells is finally paying off. Now back to poor Michael who has gained about 10 lbs! He is laughing it off, me too sort of. I keep telling him to watch it or those 10 lbs will turn into 20. Men are lucky like that, as soon as the weather is nice and he mows the grass once it will all just magically melt off, more sarcasm.

So thank you God for giving us both the willpower we both needed to stop that terrible nasty habit. We both feel great and are getting along much better too!!

Thinking Spring, Big Time!!!

2007-04-09T03:55:00.000-11:00

This is our backyard now. The view here is looking towards the back of the house.

This is looking from the back deck out into the yard, same side of the yard though.

This is the big plan for this years yard work. Work it will be but isn't it pretty. I'm sure ours won't look like that for a few years but since we are not going anywhere for a while this will help ease the discomfort of the cramped space inside. If you click on the picture you will see that there is a shed back there, that will be where the playhouse is now.

Well what do you think, like it?

Thankful Thursday

2007-03-22T01:13:00.000-11:00

I love a new box of crayons. Coloring gives me a sense of peace and relaxation. It brings me back to those more carefree days of being a kid again. Coloring to me, seems more appealing when there is a new box of crayons to use. Maybe it has to do with the sharpness of them, being able to color in all of the tiniest details, or maybe it is the sense of a fresh new start filled with all colors imaginable. How about the memory of getting new crayons as a child, the excitement and question of which page to color first,what picture deserves the vibrant colors and detail that only new crayons can give? Since becoming a mother I have had the pleasure of using new crayons more times than I can count. Each time brings a new experience with my children. As they grow they are able to appreciate those new crayons a little more and the special times that coloring together can bring. Our crayon collection is quite large but so are the memories of us all coloring together, even daddy finds the child within on occasion. I have even been known to color a picture or two for my dear(grown) friends if the picture is fitting. So this week I am thankful for new crayons and the memories they can produce and the ones that I hold dear to my heart. Thank you Crayola for such a wonderful and inexpensive treasure.

The secret of happiness

2007-03-20T03:14:00.000-11:00

I am currently reading this book and really enjoying it. I am excited to start putting these exercises into practice. I want , not only for myself but for my girls and husband too, a sense of thankfulness for what we have. A sense of feeling like this is what our lives are meant to be right now and not expecting or wanting more. Sounds nice huh? This is going to be very challenging for us, I admit we have been roped into the material world. A material world that is so domineering that even the littlest ones are hypnotized by it. I find myself wanting all of the new beauty products, clothes, shoes, home furnishings, clothes/accessories for the girls, and on and on. Where does it stop?? I'm hoping to figure this out while reading this book. I'll leave you with a few good thoughts from this book, Enjoy:)

The richest among you is the one who is not entrapped by greed...The miser is the poorest of all.
~Mohammad~

Satisfaction isn't so much getting what you want as wanting what you have.
~David Myers, author of The Pursuit of Happiness~

Love that last one!!!

Thankful Thursday

2007-03-15T02:23:00.000-11:00

I have been thinking lately about life in general, the everyday things that are sometimes taken for granted. I have really been trying to connect with myself, God, and my family. I am amazed at how easy it has been, at least to reconnect with myself. I have been walking almost every night after dinner, sometimes with friends and sometimes with God. Yes I walk with God, he is right there beside me while I thank him for all of the wonderful things in my life and in my surroundings as I walk. So today I am thankful for the life I have been given, my children, my husband, my home, and every thing and everyone else that is a part of my life.

Against Separatism

2007-03-06T08:28:00.000-11:00

" When you call yourself an Indian or a Muslim or a Christian or a European, or anything else, you are being violent. Do you see why it is violent? Because you are separating yourself from the rest of mankind. When you separate yourself by belief, by nationality, by tradition, it breeds vilolence."
~Jiddu Krishnamurti~
I really love this. If more and more people would just give this a little thought, I believe, the world would be a better place. Anyone agree??

Another inspiring Yoga moment

2007-02-28T16:56:00.000-11:00

I am seriously hooked on Yoga, love it!! Amazon is amazing too because I found this for $2.00. So moving on with some more Yoga wisdom. At the end of the sunset session it says to not think of how sweaty we became from doing this workout because after we shower the sweat is gone and it is the serenity we look for in our daily lives.....Wow!! Aren't we all looking for that serenity to just consume us in our daily lives? I know I am and this just seems to make it easily attainable for me. To know that no matter how many "things" we think we need, or how hard we search for the "perfect" solution, it will never be as tranquil as reaching inside for that great feeling of serenity.

Sunday Sentiment

2007-02-18T17:53:00.000-11:00

Better late than never right?? It is 11:52pm Sunday night, so here goes....

"Cheerful patience is required both for naughty children and your own mind"
~The Buddha, India~

This just fits perfect for me right now and I will be referring to it often throughout my days.

Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-14T09:46:00.000-11:00

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

"I claim there ain't another Saint as great as Valentine"

~Ogden Nash~

Oh how I love Valentine's Day.

Not quite sure how to get these photos in here the way I would like to

so I am just putting them in how they will fit;)

I like them, they are serene, romantic, happy, and old fashioned.

All of the things that I love. I hope you all have a wonderful Valentines day

filled with lots of love and affection.

"Love is the greatest refreshment"

~Pablo Picasso~

Just one more.....

"Love is an irresistible desrie to be irresistibly desired"

~Robert Frost~

Sunday Sentiment

2007-02-11T09:22:00.000-11:00

Seriously.........

"Agenda for today: breathe out, breathe in, breathe out."
~The Buddha (c.563-c.483 BC), India~

Thankful Thursday

2007-02-08T02:13:00.000-11:00

Today I am thankful that our little Bella is now out of diapers!! She woke up dry one day last week and went on the potty, wanted panties on , and is now on her way to being a big girl. Kind of sad in a way, I feel like all of my babies are not babies anymore. That longing for a baby comes back, then quickly I tuck it away again. Not possible right now at all. So Big cheers for Bella and big sis who cheers her on everytime:)

Sunday Sentiment

2007-02-04T04:40:00.000-11:00

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
~Anonymous~

Surrender

2007-02-02T03:48:00.000-11:00

Here are some wise, meaningful words that spoke to me in a way that changed something in me. They are from a yoga dvd lent to me by a very good friend.

" Be active.....Surrender".

I love that!!! Sometimes it seems that we are all so active that we forget to surrender. Surrender our hearts to God, our children, and our mates. We skip right over all of the surrendering moments that come and go throughout the day. Moments when our children ask us to play hide and seek, play go fish, or get all fancied up with them. Moments when that favorite book is calling us, or even the couch for a 15 minute rest. Whatever it may be I've realized that it is important to surrender at moments like these. Take these moments, cherish these moments and just surrender, the rest will get done, when you are done.

2007-01-22T06:53:00.000-11:00

Life is full of all that is good
if that is true than life to me is misunderstood
Good things are there yes that is true
but lately the life I live leaves me feeling blue
Find your rest in God, great advice I agree
I try and try to find that love from him to me
Is the prayer I pray not enough
To carry me through the challenging stuff
More prayer each day that is my goal
To see me to my inner soul

Thankful Post

2007-01-19T05:43:00.000-11:00

I know this was suppose to be done yesterday and I tried, really tried and I was having technical difficulties...yeah that's it. So now I will try this again.

I must admit that I have the baby bug. Now I don't want all of the grandparents that read this to start buying baby clothes, there is not going to be a new baby any time this year, but I have been thinking of it and a way that it might be possible for next year.

I miss those little "quiet" sleeping babies and all of that cuteness that comes with them. I miss rocking a nursing baby to sleep, I miss all of those first milestones....first smiles, first coos, first, teeth, and steps. For those of you who know me personally you will remember this:

And this:

I am thankful for the sweetness and innocence of these little tiny creatures of God that I have them in my life. The sweet and always loveable qualities that were once a given are now a give and take chance to grab whenever possible at least in our house right now. The sweetness can trun to this in an instant: and this: But at the end of the day it's faces like these that just make my heart melt with love and thankfulness that God thought so much of me to give me two of life's greatest gifts.

Update

2007-01-18T08:34:00.000-11:00

Here is an update on the big quit, suggested by Yellowmama. It has been 16 days smoke free!! I have now started to exercise to keep at least an even weight for now. I want to lose 5 lbs by my birthday in one month and then another 5lbs by Bella's birthday in 2 months. Overall I would love to lose 20 lbs by November, 15 year class reunion. I really will benefit from this and it is not just for the class reunion, it is for life.

Thankful Thursday, even though it's Friday.

2007-01-05T04:15:00.000-11:00

I was going to do the Thankful Thursday with Ruth but I had to unexpectedly work so here it is today.
Not really that thoughtful but important to me especially this week. I am thankful for the willpower and new found energy I have gained when I quit smoking this week. Today is day 4 and the energy that has come from this is what is keeping me going. I love having all of this energy. Michael is still smoking so that makes it harder but I feel an extra ounce of pride in knowing that I can resist that temptation that is right in front of me. So there it is, my Thankful Thursday I promise that next thrusday will me more thoughtful:)

2007-01-02T04:08:00.000-11:00

2007-01-02T03:26:00.000-11:00

I love this photo editor program I have. I almost forgot I had it;)
Now if I only had ink in the printer.

A New Year

2007-01-01T04:46:00.000-11:00

As we turn into a new year so do a slew of resolutions. My husband and I are giving up smoking, something that we are not proud of, and if you do not know us personally I should tell you that we do not smoke anywhere around our girls...house, cars,etc. Anyway this is something that we have been wanting to do and just used the resolution thing as a set date. For me this new year is a chance for me to focus on my inner self and that of my girls and husband also. I want to LIVE each day and not just "get through it" . I want to this new year to be an opportunity for our family to become a close knit happy family. Not a family that worries about a dirty dish in the sink or whether or not dinner is "good" enough, is the laundry all done, did the girls clean their room?, etc....
Here is a short passage from a book called Busy But Balanced by Mimi Doe, a great read so far, received from one of my very dearest friends for Christmas.

Parents do lose their tempers, moms don't always
want to cuddle, dinner doesn't have to come from
a recipe, not every spiritual family goes to church
or synagogue each week, calm can be found when
dishes aren't done and the house is full of activity.

Now if I can only get my husband to understand this I will be all set, lol.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday Season and I wish you all the best in 2007.

Thankful Thursday

2006-12-29T14:40:00.000-11:00

I thought I'd join my friend Ruth and do a Thankful Thursday, you can see hers at My Woods
I don't know how to do those clever little links yet.
Well this is going to be short and sweet today because I am still trying to organize my house and make all of the stuff we recieved for Christmas fit and look nice.
This week I am thakful for friends who bring you Indian food as if they knew you have been craving it for weeks:) Thanks Ruth and Luke, it was great!! Yes, Michael and I shared;)

Tree Farm

2006-12-13T01:43:00.000-11:00

We had a great time at the tree farm this year, despite the very, very COLD weather. Although I don't think we will be buying our tree from there anymore(very pricey) we will continue our tradition of riding the train to santa's cabin and buying an ornament. Here are some pictures of our trip, Merry Christmas.

Our new addition

2006-12-01T13:37:00.000-11:00

Well after five years of listening to my husbands pleads to have a dog....I caved. Last night I let him talk me into "looking" at a litter of black lab puppies that had been left in a box on the side of the road, and rescued by the Humane Society. Well let's just start by saying that the people who work at the humane society must have the biggest and strongest hearts of all. I could never be there with all of those poor animals and not have my heart broken a hundred times over. So back to the puppy,the litter was named after the Grey's Anatomy cast, and I LOVE that show...never miss an episode. We brought home George, and he is so sweet and lovable that all of my anti-dog schemes are gone forever!! This little guy only messed on the floor twice and that was the night we brought him home. Don't misunderstand me here, it's not like he runs to the door when he needs to go out but, with a watchful eye he has only been messing on the snowy covered grass. Now if we can just get the cats and him to get along we would be all set;)

Opening Day

2006-11-15T06:38:00.001-11:00

My husband shot an 8 point buck this morning and the girls were chanting "Daddy got a big buck" throughout the house. We went over to Grandma's and took some pictures. It looks like the girls just might end up following in their daddy's footsteps.