Advent Calendars

Do you have an Advent Calendar? If so, I'd love to see pictures.

I found this and I think I may try it. I've got plenty of time to get it done before Christmas...I think. I'm so ready to start sewing again but have to get the house in order first. I've got a growing list of things I want to work on...I'll save that for another post.

Have a Happy New Year!

Feeling Attacked

I hope I'm not alone when I say this but I really feel like Christians are being attacked. I thought we were supposed to be a FREE Country where we could speak what we believe. Apparently not! I have been appalled by all the news this CHRISTMAS season about the attacks that people are making on CHRISTMAS. It doesn't just have to do with Manger scenes, etc it is now to Christmas lights and buttons.

I heard one news segment about a lady that got fired b/c she was wearing a pin that a customer gave her that said "It's called Christmas for Christ's sake...click here to see the video from FoxNews.

It just all makes me sad. I believe that Jesus Christ was born the son of God and was placed on the earth in order to pay for our sins. Through his death and resurrection we can be made new and live eternally with him in Heaven. I know that's not what everyone believes and I respect that but I feel like Christians should also be respected for what they believe.

Sorry but I just needed to vent....

God With Us

I bought the new Point of Grace Christmas CD over Thanksgiving. Even though I don't think it's as good as the first Chrstmas CD, I'm growing to love it. I have been a huge POG fan since the mid 90's and love how they incoporate stories into some of their songs.

The other day on my way to the big town to do some shopping I had my CD in. I had to reverse it several times to be able to hear the whole song and the whole story. Emmanuel, God With Us is the song I'm referring too. Real the lyrics below, enjoy and don't get too teary eyed.

Merry Christmas!

Point Of Grace
Emmanuel, God With Us

She lit a candle in a downtown cathedral
Quietly confessing, counting all her blessings
She looked as if she had nowhere to go
I could see her weeping
Hands together hoping you would hear...

This is the time of year
We hold our families near
But God let us be a friend to the hurting

Oh Emmanuel, God with us
Spirit revealed in us
That we may be your hope to the world
Oh Emmanuel, God with us
With a light to break the darkness
That we may show your hope to the world
Emmanuel, God with us

I moved in closer just so I could see her face
Maybe she was a mother
Someone's only daughter
Her silver hair shimmered like the snow
Christmas bells were ringing
Now beside her kneeling I asked her name

(And she said)
This was the time of year
I had my family near
But they've all gone and I have been so lonely

Oh Emmanuel, God with us
Spirit revealed in us
That we may be your hope to the world
Oh Emmanuel, God with us
With a light to break the darkness
That we may show your hope to the world
Emmanuel, God with us

So with my family that Christmas day
A girl of sixty years would laugh and play
And as we watched her dance our eyes were full of tears...

Gingerbread Houses

Sunday after church we came home and made gingerbread houses. Before you think that I'm super mom just know that these are store bought kits from Walmart. If you haven't tried doing this with a 3 yr old and 6 yr old you should try it. L did great with his....it actually stayed together. I can't say the same for A's. It ended up in a heap of cookie and candy. All she wanted to do was lick the icing anyway. This will probably become one of our traditions...yes we like messy!!

Our Three Trees....

In the past we have always had only one Christmas Tree that was full of a hodge podge of ornamanets that we have received or bought since we've been married (10 yrs now). I also inherited all of my grandmothers handmade ornaments since I was the only granddaughter. She made them out of felt and sequins. They were mostly disney characters so my kids love them.

Last year we added a tree for the kids to decorate and yes you can definitely tell they decorated it. They love it!!!


Well this year we are hosting a big family Christmas at our house and when we found an extra Christmas tree in our attic my husband said let's put it up. It was left over from our multi family yard sale we had back in the fall so I called up my friend Amber and asked her if there was anything wrong with it. There was nothing wrong just a little sparse....nothing a little bit of tulle couldn't fix. So this was supposed to be my snowman tree but the kids have added things so it's becoming a hodge podge also.

I love my trees...they are cute, not pretty like my friends Lisa and Aaron. Mine are more sentimental like my friend Amber's. It's fun to see how everyone's personalities come out in their trees. Have a MERRY Christmas!!!!

Have I ever?

The things I've done are in bold. My comments are in red

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars does camping a tent or camper count?
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (from the beach)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables tried and failed
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill wanted to but never did...guilty conscience
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse I think I have
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run maybe? I hit a home run at a yard sale this week :)
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke back in the college days
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain probably
53. Played in the mud mudding on the 4 wheeler was always fun!
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business Addie Mae's Closet
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check buying an anniversary card for my parents when I was in college...balanced my checkbook wrong. The check was all of $2.13...that was one expense anniversary card.
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy Cabbage patch kids
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt Joined the Quilter's Guild to learn how
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car even bought one without my husband using his POA
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper too many times to count unfortunately...the effects of living in a small town.
85. Read the entire Bible made it through the New Testament...the Old is just tough to get through.
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox Jr year of HS
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous maybe but didn't make that big of impression to remember...that really doesn't do anything for me.
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby two
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Thanks, Stephanie. Anyone else want to play along? Be sure to let me know in the comments.

Black Friday Shopping

I was one of those Black Friday shoppers. It's the first Friday in 8 yrs I haven't had to work. My mom and I went into Conway and shopped starting at 5:00. The sales were great and we weren't out to just get the latest and greatest...we were just out having a good time trying to get her Christmas started/finished and I was picking up stuff that we needed or would need in the next couple of months. I got a $10 gift card at Belk...they were giving them away to the first $250 cutomers. E got some shoes on sale. L got new jeans $8 each. I got some pants. We got new luggage for our trip coming up next summer. So I did get a few fun things....Point of Grace's new Christmas CD, a book for A "GiGi's Christmas" and a DVD for the kids "A Really Woolly Christmas".

Then it was to Hobby Lobby....that's where i get into trouble. I got ornaments to do for L's class at school and fabric...fun new fabric....check it out here.

I've got 2 more presents to get and I'll be done....I'm so excited. Will I do Black Friday again??? Who knows it was fun but I was worn out.

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope you all have a wonderful time with family and friends this Thanksgiving! Drive safely and don't eat too much :)

Check out my new blog

I've started a new blog for my home based business... Addie Mae's Closet

Check it out sometime and if you'd like to place an order just email me. Also check out a couple of my friends that have home based businesses also.

VGR Designs
Nola Mae
Pet Panache

The SHOTS!

Our county health dept was having a drive-thru flu shot clinic with FREE flu shots. Convenient and free who can beat that. After a little Zumba this morning the kids and I decided to head over to the health dept...well I decided...the kids had no idea where we were going. I turn on to the street get in line and stop...and here it goes. "Mommy where are we going"..."just somewhere"..."Where are we going Mommy!"..."To this place down here"..."what place"..."The health dept"...somehow along the wait they figured it out. "oh no....I'm not getting a shot...I don't like shots" said the older, not so brave, big brother. "I don't like shots either...I don't want a shot" said the younger, follow my older brothers lead, little sister.

Well we eventually got to the end of the line...yes, you guessed it...the SHOT! First of all I didn't dress any of us to pull up our sleeve so that was one hurdle...the easiest hurdle. I got my shot...no big deal. A's turn. She runs to Bubbies side of the van but I manage to get her and get the shot taken care of with out much of a scene.

I get her back in the car and get ready to get L out. He's not in his seat...he's in the back of the van, shaking his head "No!". He moves back to the middle and I try to coerce him out....remember there are a lot of cars behind us. Finally he gets out, gets his shot and gets back in the car...CRYING. "It hurts, I can't buckle".

We go to the park but still hurts so we head home to recoup at home. Now I have one down for nap and the other is playing with a friend and they hardly remember this morning. The things that we go through for our kids!!

Loads and Loads....not necessarily fun!

My friend Meredith has been talking about her household systems and how to improve upon them. Knowing Meredith there is no need to improve but I know we always think we need improving. Well here in my palace I need help...lots and lots of help! I just can't seem to keep up with it all. I know I'm not the only one because I had this conversation just this past weekend with friends.

I decided after reading Meredith blog on her laundry system that I was going to put a plan into action. I knew that I couldn't do what she does and do it first thing in the morning before the kids are gone to school because I'm barely up and about by then (My wonderful husband takes my son to school). Here is what I decided to do....

1-2 loads a day alternating lights, darks and whites. Throwing towels and sheets in with the white. I'm trying to fold and put up as soon as they are done. That has always been my struggle. I even finished ironing today.

So what does my laundry room look like right now? There are a few of the kids clothes hanging up that I need to put up. Laundry basket in my bed room is empty and the baskets in the laundry room are pretty much empty with a load in the washer. To me that is exciting...to start my week caught up.

If I can just continue on I'll be doing good in the laundry area. What do I conquer next? The kitchen, the kids rooms, the game closet, my bathroom, my room?????????
I need to paint the kids rooms but have to clean and organize first so I think that will be my next place to conquer. If anyone has tips on keeping their kitchen clean or kids rooms organized pass them on...I feel like I'm constantly picking up!

Loads of Fun!!!!!

We have had such a fun week! We started out last Friday going to the Pumpkin Patch with a group of moms and kids. We then went to the Diamond Mine on Sunday with some of our best friends. We had a Halloween Party today, Halloween Hayride tomorrow and Engagement Party on Saturday. Oh and I forgot a Cookout for Church on Sunday! I think I'm ready for a slow month... oh November what do you hold for us?????

Another New Hobby...Don't Laugh!

In the past year, I've started the following Hobbies:
1. Sewing again (it's been years)
2. Knitting
3. And today...QUILTING!

My husband thinks I've turned into an Old Lady! He even makes fun of my purse because it's so big. He doesn't take into consideration that a MOMMY needs so much stuff to take care of the little ones.

As I have been sewing and look at different fabrics, I have found several fabric designers that I love....Michael Miller, Amy Butler and Moda. I've seen absolutely beautiful quilts that were made from fabrics by these designers.

My friend Amber is also to blame...she told me she quilts and it inspired me. We went to the County Fair and the quilt there were beautful...more inspiration. Also my Granny quilted several quilts. My quilt she gave me as a wedding gift is now my 6 year olds NIGHT NIGHT. He threw a fit when it was in the washing machine the other night. These are just a few reason why I wanted to learn.

Well I went to my first Quilting Guild meeting today. Needless to say I think we are going to have different taste in fabrics but that's ok...They are willing to teach me and I want to learn. They do a quilt every other year to be raffled for charity so it's for a good cause. I'll consider this charity work :)

Now that you know I'm 65 in a 30 something body...Please don't laugh...I'll be able to teach you when you get to 65 and want to learn.

Oh and by the way...I was the youngest there by at least 10 years if not more!!!!

New Dresses and Shirts

I have been busy sewing this week getting ready for the HS Arts and Craft Fair. I don't think that I have near enough things but here we go anyway. Special Orders I hope will come in. Here are some pics of the Christmas dresses and shirts I have ready. Say a prayer for us this weekend...we are nervous!

Life as a Soccer Mom

It has been a busy week. I don't know how mom's do it when they work. I was just there 3 mos ago and can't imagine being there now.

We had dance this week, baseball practice twice, baseball game once, soccer game and more hitting practice. We got a few books read this week and homework done. Oh and I had bunko in the mix of it all...but I don't count. If I didn't have the time from 3-5 to do homework, feed the kids snacks, etc I would absolutely go crazy.

I can't say that laundry is done now and ironing is definitely not done. The house is not clean and I have sewing to do. I just don't know how people do it.

Oh another note...we had a playdate this week and I'd have to say that I have met several moms that have kids the same age as L that are just absolutely wonderful. There is that bond there b/c we are all in the same boat and we all understand what each of us are going through.

Amber, I don't know how I'd manage life without you there. You are such a good friend and I know that you don't judge me. I admire you for being the best SOCCER MOM there is.

For all you other SOCCER MOM's out there that think life has to be smooth...It doesn't...we'll all make it through.

Life as a Thirty-Something

I've had the opportunity to get to know several college students and spend time with them over the course of the last several years through church. It reminds me a lot of my life 15 years ago. 18 years old...Freshman in college...pledging a sorority...boy crazy! Everything from back then seems so petty now compared to life now.

Life now is amazing. I have an amazing husband who loves me unconditionally, two beautiful, smart kids that are good most of the time :), am able to stay home and try to be Susie Homemaker, have a great group of friends and a great church family.

My advice now when I talk to one of my college friends...is it seems like a big thing now but in a few years you'll look back and think why did I make such a big deal out of this. I wish someone would have told me that but who knows if I would have listened.

I can't stop reading!!!!!

I'm addicted and can't stop reading!!! I discovered the public library this year. I know that sounds weird that I just discovered the library but I just never thought about going. I had always bought books so I didn't read all that much plus I didn't have a lot of time. Well now...the books are free...and I have time.

I love Karen Kingsbury, Francine Rivers and Terri Blackstock. I just finished the first book in the Newport 911 Series by Terri Blackstock. It was really good. It took all of....ummm....2 days to finish. Yes I'm addicted. It's a good thing that I don't have Book #2 here with me. I've started one of Francine Rivers books but it takes a while to get into them but when I do I am completely involved.

I just got on Karen Kingsbury's website and found out the her book "Like Dandelions Dust" is being made into a movie and coming to theaters. It's a great story about adoption...I'll definitely be checking that out.

If you like to read these are some great authors to check out!!!

Back to the Sewing Table

After a brief siesta, I'm back to the sewing table. My friend K told me about some long sleeved shirts that were in at a store here in town on Friday night so guess where I went....yep you guessed it...I went a got the shirts. They had a purple and turquoise that matched some ribbon I had bought perfectly. So that's what I did today during one of my addictions(The Young and the Restless)....I sewed ribbon on to 5 shirts.

I also ordered some new fabric to make some Christmas dresses. I can't wait to get it in. Check it out.

So I think I'm back in the sewing mood so I hope I don't bore you with the new creations.

First Day of School

Well Monday was L's first day of school. He had a great time and came home exhausted. Everyone has asked how I did....Well I did fine...Maybe better than fine. I hope there is nothing wrong with that. L was in daycare from the time he was 8 weeks old until June so I've been used to dropping him off everyday. We've had a great time this summer but it was time for him to have more to do and some consistency. So I think that is why I had such an easy time. I love my son very much and miss him during the day so I guess I'm just one of those weird kindergarten moms.

A and I made it fine. It was actually pretty quite around here with it being just the two of us. We got some cleaning done and some errands ran. Other than a pretty calm day.

Lost???

I just finished reading "And the Shofar Blew" by Francine Rivers. She is the same author of "Redeeming Love". This was an incredible story of a pastor that LOST his way in Christ and did everything to glorify himself instead of Christ. That's all I'm going to say about the book b/c it's great and I hope you read. I don't want to ruin it for you.

Our sermon this morning was about people being LOST. Neal even talked about how people can wander off from their faith and get LOST and that as the Church it's our responsiblity to help people to find their way back. He even mentioned how it is possible for people to get lost in a church. I can honestly say I have been there and have seen others there. It's sad that people can get lost in all the programs, committees, and what nots within the church.

All this to say....I know God is speaking to me about this...I'm not sure what he is trying to say but I'm listening...ears wide open.

I've struggled with quite time and still do...I need you guys to hold me accountable...so I don't get LOST. Cleaning house, laundry, dishes, more laundry, sewing, errands....the list goes on but those are the distractions that we face on a daily basis. I know that things would just go smoother if I would just give God his time.

Where have I been?????????

I've been here and there....I just haven't had time to blog.

We took a family trip to Houston to visit E's family down there a couple of weeks a go. It was the longest trip we have taken with the kids so far. I can't count the times we heard "How many more minutes?". L likes to measure things in minutes....not hours, not miles, but minutes. A kept asking "Are we in Hooston yet?". All in all they did fine. We know where all the play yards are along the way...By the way Marshall does not have a play yard at any of the restaurants. We watched 4 movies...at least. Their favorite was "Everyone's Hero". It was so cute. It's about a boy that's trying to get Babe Ruth's bat back to him and traveled from NY to Chicago.

We finally made it and we were in the pool within an hour. The kids loved having a pool right out side. Their swimming improved quite a bit too while we were there...they didn't hang on to me the entire time. :)




We made it home...and thankfully the kids and I slept for 3 hrs on the way home. We loved hanging out and getting to see our friends and family down there.

I also had the booth at Ladie's Night Out. I've been working on dresses, shirts, bows and diaper cakes. It went well. There were almost 2000 people that came through. We handed out a lot of business cards so hopefully we will get some calls.

My friend B called and placed a diaper cake order for a friend...I think this was one of my favorites.



We also have played...quite a bit. We've been to the lake.

We've played in the sprinkler...




And went to the coolest place called "Party Central" with some good friends...




The past couple of weeks have been fun. The summer is winding up and it makes me sad because we won't be able to spend as much time with our friends playing but it's time for L to get back to school.

Until next time...

Junk Junk Junk...

How can we accumulate so much junk/clutter in such a short amount of time? A year and half ago we went from a 1600sq foot house to a 2400 sq foot house. We tried to declutter then and thought we did well. Well in that short amount of time we've allowed ourselves to accumulate more and more.

Yesterday as I was telling a friend at church about a book I'm reading "Living Simply:Choosing Less in a World of More" by Joanne Heim, I decided that it was time. Time to concour my closet, my chest of drawers and my craft closet. My friend Amber also inspired me.

So I finished my closet, my chest of drawers and craft closet. I have at least a foot of hanging clothes for the yard sale and at least 2-3 boxes of clothes. I also got them all priced for the yard sale along with all the other stuff I had already pulled out for the yard sale.

My craft closet more or less needed organization. I'm good at just throwing things in. I did find out that I tend to accumulate old note cards and Christmas cards that I have good intentions on using and not as good follow through. So those are now in the yard sale stack.

I now have at least 2 sacks, 6 boxes, a childs rocking chair, a childs picnic table, a air purifier, and a steamer (that I just thought I had to have) ready for the sale. I now have to go through my kids rooms and see what I can do to declutter their toys. That'll have to wait until school starts.

I showed my husband the results...that I was clearly thrilled with... and his response was "Looks the same to me" and "I never look in this closet anyway". I love him anyway!

Thanks for all the inspiration guys!!!

Dresses, Dresses and More Dresses

This is what I have been doing the past week....

The first is candy corn
The second is abc's
The orange and white dots with the pink and orange flowers is my favorite!!!

If you know anyone that needs a little dress let me know!

I love Fabric!!!!

Well I went to HS today for the jurying of our items for the Hot Springs Arts and Crafts Fair. I had to be there at 8:30 so that meant leaving at 7:15. It was worth it though b/c we got in!!!! I'm not going to be able to put my bows in b/c we had to many categories but oh well. I can focus on the dresses. I'm getting pretty quick at it now. I finished 2 yesterday and should finish another tonight. Hopefully I can finish another tomorrow. I'll try to post pics of the dresses tomorrow.

There is something about a fabric store that makes me crazy. I could spend so much time and $$ in one. I bought about 10 yards of different fabrics. The fabric I love the most is candy corn. It's not too halloweenish. I got some Christmas fabric and some alphabet fabric that is really cute. Now I can't wait to put them together. I thought I'd be able to do A's winter wardrobe but right now it doesn't look like I'm going to have time. I'll have to do a few things for little miss cutie!

One of my favorite fabric websites is Over the Rainbow. They have some of my favorite brands...Moda, Michael Miller, Robert Kaufman, & Amy Butler.

Off to the sewing machine!!!!

I've been tagged

I've been tagged!! Thanks, Amber

Here are the answers to the questions...

1. If you could inherit a comfortable home in any city in the world that you could use, but not sell, where would you want it to be? I think that it would have to be in the mountains...I love the Appalachians near Gatlinburg but out west in the Rockies would be ok too.

2. If you could be instantly fluent in one other language that you currently do not read or speak, which would it be? Why? Probably spanish...I think there are probably a lot of amazing Spanish speaking people in our country.

3. If you were given an hour to spend an unlimited amount of money in any store in the world where would it be? Clothes....Ann Taylor Loft; Any Fabric/Craft Store :)

4. If you had to give your children to the care of someone famous, whom would you pick? HMMM...that's a good question. Do I have any famous friends?I think that I'd have to defer this question...

5. If you could cast an actor now alive to play you in a new film, what kind of film would it be and whom would you choose? It have to be a Comedy...b/c life with my kids is a come

6. If you could have an elegant dinner alone with anyone presently alive, whether you know them or not, who would you want it to be? I'd have to go with Amber on this one....Just a dinner alone with my husband would be great!!!

7. If you could resolve any single dispute, anywhere in the world what would you solve? Iran/Iraq/Afghanistan...I know that's not one but oh well

8. If you were instantly able to play one musical instrument perfectly that you have never played before, what would it be? I'd love to play the guitar....and sing of course too...but I can't do that either.

Welcome David & Paul!!!

A good friend of mine had twins today. I am so excited for their family!! The combined weight was nearly 14 lbs...that's a lot for this little mama. She's about my size if that tells you anything. I know she is glad they are here...now the real excitement will begin!

On a different note...I found out that a friend was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. From what I hear she is doing well and will have surgery soon.

God is good and will be with both of these families as they go through these life experiences. He will not give us anything we cannot handle!

Please be praying for both these families...as I will.

Weekend of fellowship and fun

This weekend has been full but it has been great!

Saturday morning started with going to a wedding of beautiful couple that is so in love. Their ceremony was so sweet and you know that God has his hands in their marriage. I am so thankful to know them and have gotten to spend time with them. We got to hang out with some friends at the reception and it was fun to get to know them more. It's fun to get to just hang out with grown ups with out the kids. Sometimes I forget how much fun that can be. But I love my kids and nothing is better than spending time with them.

L turned 6 yesterday. We had a Veggie Tale party for him last night. 2 of his friends were able to come and 1 had a little sister that came that is A's friend. They had so much fun. Smaller is better when it comes to birthday parties!!!! We missed our good friends that weren't able to come but understand completely! He had fun and that's what counts.

We had a church fellowship tonight at our house and it's so fun to get to visit with people you don't see on a regular basis. It was on forgiveness. I normally don't have many problems forgiving people. I normally have to ask for the forgiving. Just like now....Aaron....I'm sorry for the way my children were acting on the Wii. I'll make sure we make you tall and skinny before the next time you play!!!

Parenting is so hard!!!!! I'm finding it harder each day. Bed time is so hard right now...both kids want me to lay down with them...how do you choose? It's about to be where I let them both cry and sit out in the hall between their rooms until they fall asleep. I just feel like a heal doing that.

You never know what kids are going to say and how to explain to them about things that can be offensive to others.

I've got a lot of work ahead of me!

Refuge and Dwelling Place

I have a feeling quite a few of my post are going to be about the book "The Simple Life". So hope that's ok with you all.

As I was reading today is about Simplifying your home. She was talking about how God is our Refuge and Dwelling Place and how we feel safe knowing that. Well our Home should also be that place where we can go to find Refuge and feel safe.

As a SAHM, household manager, homemaker, etc, I feel an increasing burden to make our house a HOME a place of Refuge, Relaxation, Peace and Love. (that sounded kind of corny) But it's true. Is my house this for my family...sometimes yes. Most of the time...No.

E came in tonight and the kids were fighting, not listening and just loud. After a day of hard work he should be able to come home and not worry about the kids and be able to just love them and take care of what he needs to at home and REST. Does he get that....Most of the time NO. How do I change this? I don't know...Any help???

I've learned the hard way...Discipline from the beginning. Yes I discipline my kids but not consistently enough. When I was working I didn't want to come home and constantly be on there case. Well a lot of good that has done me. At 3 and 6 it's going to be a lot harder to train than if I would have started at birth. Maybe it will help when school starts.

I about lost it tonight when A said she needed to go potty so I went in there with her and turned on the light. She then began playing with a toy and I reminded her why she was there and not to go in her panties. Well I go back into the kitchen and hear a weird noise. I proceed to go check on her and she is wetting her pants in the bathroom. Mommy wasn't very happy!

Day by Day hopefully it will get easier. I did good and spent time with God. I know that he needs to be the center of our home to bring Refuge to our Dwelling Place.

Can't wait to see what the book has to say tomorrow. I've got to finish cleaning house and hopefully can start on some more sewing. I got 5 tshirts done today and hopefully I can finish at least 4 more tomorrow. I've got some really fun fabric that I can't wait to make into some dresses.

I've also decided that I'm going to go through the kids winter clothes and get an outline of what they need for the fall and winter. Make some things for A and get the essentials for L. I'm going to try and not have more than 10 outfits for the winter for A. I know that seems like a lot but you should see her closet. (My mom buys most of her clothes on sale the previous yr end of season) I think that I have most of Logan's stuff for this fall and winter. I bought some things for him on sale at the end of last winter season. He'll just need some jeans and khakis. I'm doing laundry every other day anyway so something will be clean. Who cares if it's the same thing. Like Kindergarteners are going to remember.

The coolest God thing happened last night. My good friend Amber (goodrumfive.blogspot.com) posted on her blog how she felt God calling her to spend time with him. Amber and I have not talked about this recently. Well that's what my blog was about last night. I feel like God's telling us something...Accountability. I know there are others out there that are feeling the same way right now too. Hopefully we can all hold each other accountable.

A is finally asleep so I'm going to go converse with my husband in peace and quite :).

The Simply Life by Joanne Heim

I won a book!!!! My friend Meredith (lifeat7000feet.com)was having a book giveaway on her blog and I won...I guess technically Becky and Amber won also and anyone else that wants to read it around this part of the world.

I have read 50 pages and after reading the first 2 I felt like she was in my mind. For at least 6 months I have felt like life was getting to be more than I could handle. I know that everyone is able to handle different levels of busy, but I believe for my family Simple is better.

In part of it she talks about doing a job and doing it well and how when we multi-task we don't always do things well, and for me a lot of times don't finish the job. That's something that I really need to work on. That and procrastination. She mentioned getting things done so that if something comes up you have time to do it. I need to remember that. She uses a lot of good scripture too.

I thought I'd have more time to spend with God know that I'm home. Well it hasn't happened yet. I do feel myself spending more time in casual conversations with God as I'm driving or spending time with the kids but not the indepth conversations of listening to God and reading his word. I'm going to try and start getting up earlier and doing that. You guys hold me accountable.

I would love to have a wicker chair or settee(sp?) for the front porch to sit on and read in the mornings so if anyone comes across a cheap one let me know. It's a want not a need!!! Got to watch those things.

I'll have to let you know what else Joanne has to say in her book. She has a blog...check it out sometime. thesimplewife.typepad.com

Back to the real world

Well we are back in full swing in the real world. We've been cleaning house, (A just loves doing laundry...I wish I could get L more motivated), running errands, going to the waterpark and wearing ourselves out.

We have gymnastics and story hour tomorrow and then the waterpark tomorrow night. I'm hoping I can get a few more rooms knocked out so I can have everything done by Friday.

L's birthday party is Saturday. He wanted Veggie Tales again. I went to order the cake and guess what...G was out of town. The only person in town that decorates cakes the way you want them is out of town. So I called Mom and asked her if she could get one done. She lives close to a town of 50,000 so of course she has a lot more options. Well guess what 2 out of the 3 places she went were out of town. So we are getting a cake from Kroger's. Who knows what it looks like but it should have Bob and Larry on it.

Well I think that I better get to bed. The kids haven't slept normal since we've been home so I'm hoping to actually sleep in my own bed tonight.

Never Let Go

Oh I wish I would have just had my video camera. It's 11:08 p.m. and I'm trying to get A to go to sleep. She was sitting on the toilet using the bathroom and started saying the words to one of her favorite songs(not singing but saying). It just hit me how God can work through even the youngest of his children and how impressionable they are. Here are the lyrics below and no she doesn't know all the words just the chorus. It was priceless.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuVQWhCAu4A&feature=related

Matt Redman's-You Never Let Go
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth

Chorus:

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Paradise for a week

All I have to say is that I have been to paradise and now I'm back. We went to Aventura Spa Palace just south of Playa Del Carmen in the Mayan Riviera for almost a week. It was beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had a wonderful and relaxing time and I don't think that we got on each others nerves too bad. This was my favorite spot to relax....



And my favorite thing to listen to was...


Here is the view from my favorite breakfast spot...



The spa was fabulous. We had 2 free massages in with our package. Of course E didn't want his so I got his too. Well I was able to upgrade from a 25 minute back massage to a 50 minute hollistic massage for only $38 each. Let's just say...worth it!!!! I went an hour early to go to the hydrotherapy area. I could have stayed there all day if E would have not missed me too much. They had a sauna, steam room, foot soacker, cold shower, hot tub, warm tub and cold plunge pool. They also had chaise loungers that you could lay on and they would bring a warm towel and lay over you and a cool rag that smelled like eucalyptus or something like that to put on your face. All the while relaxing music was playing. AAAAHHHHHHHHH Paradise!!! So I got massages on Wednesday and Friday.

The food was not the best. They try and get to fru fru. The mexican was not what you would think of mexican. No enchiladas, burritos etc. Not even salsa. Very disappointed. But the Italian and Argentinan restaurants were fabulous. And of course breakfast was always the best.

Drinks....yes I had a few drinks believe it or not. E wouldn't let me be a prude this year. My favorite drinks were the Riviera Maya (strawberry daiguiri, oj and something green) and then a Mudslide. I don't know how many Riviera Maya's we put away.

We had several pools and a lagoon. The lagoon was pretty. We snorkled (at least I did) and took a kayak out. Below you'll find several pictures from that including a huge school of fish near the edge and a crab.





There was no beach but the waves crashing against the rocks was worth it.

Iguanas were everywhere. In fact, we caught one sunny by the pool.



Our room was on the 2nd floor with a partial ocean view. It was great. It had a hammock that I laid in every night and we would watch people walking back to their rooms. A lot of the time they were a little tipsy and we would get good laughs. There was also a labrinth below our room so that was funny to watch people do also.



I guess that about sums it up. The pics will tell the rest of the story.

Rambling thoughts

I just read a book by Francine Rivers called "Redeeming Love". Wow....that was awesome. It's about a prostitute who is saved by a farmer who is a very devout Christian. It's set in the mid 1800's. That's all I'll tell you about the plot. Check it out sometime.

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to live back then?? I've been thinking about it lately and this book really made me think. They had to do everything for themselves. Walking a couple of miles for them was nothing. To me that is a chore. Living off the land, having only a couple sets of clothes, having a very few close friends, having very little and not living in a large house. Ok so that doesn't sound very appealling or does it??? Sometimes I wonder what the world would be like if we just went back to the basics. No tv, no internet, no phone...yes it would be hard and you're right I wouldn't make it a day.

"B", I know you are laughing at me right now!!!!!

So I think we are going to do a small garden next year so if anyone has any pointers send it my way.

I think about how much is in my closet and as I go through it to get rid of things I think...oh...I might wear this sometime. But will I really? I need to just go through it and pick out my favorite things and just wear them all the time. Who needs a ton of different clothes and who does it matter to if I wear the same things every week. I do laundry every other day anyway. It's weird not working and not having to pick out work clothes but I sure have enjoyed being able to go casual.

I want to start decluttering but that is so hard to do sometimes. I always think of ways to use things later....but do I ever use them later....usually not.

Can you tell I'm getting ready for a yard sale!!!

Yard sale tip....price as you are going through things so all you have to do is lay them out the week of. Have I done that yet....NO!!!! I mean well but can't quite get there.

This weekend was fun. We went to my parents house and to see some friends that just moved back to the state. We also got to see my brother....for all of 15 mins. That's good for him this time of the year. He was feeding my kids lies....telling him that I was mean to him when we were little....ok so maybe I was a little.

Funny story....It was my freshman or sophmore yr of college and me and a friend were staying at my parents for the weekend. I went into my brothers room about midnight or so to get a blanket. Well he wasn't there and the window was wide open with the screen off. Needless to say the worry wart in me thought he either snuck out or was abducted....so yes I told my parents. I haven't lived that one down.

My kids think that my brother is so mean b/c I told them that he hurt my knee. I have a big scar on my knee from having warts removed. When he was probably 10 or so. He put his soccer or baseball cleats on my knee which had a wart and proceeded to scrap my knee causing the wart to spread. So I tried to have them removed several times and they would keep coming back until about 10 years ago. I finally found someone that removed them and blamed my brother for my wound. So Mean Uncle "B' really isn't mean.

Enough rambling for now. I'm ready to go clean out my closet....hopefully I won't lose the motivation before tomorrow.

Friends

I miss my work friends!!!!

I miss my friends that have moved away!!!!

I'm enjoying seeing old church friends!!!!

I'm enjoying spending time with Good friends!!!

I'm enjoying meeting new people!

I really miss you guys at work and those of you that have moved away!

Glo-I miss my cube buddy!!(that does just about everything there is to know about me)
Kelly-you were my daily support...need I say more. I'm so glad we had the time to rekindle the past.
Lachell-ditto...you were my daily support too...I miss the "STAR" stories.
Mer-I think about you on a weekly if not daily basis even though you've been gone for 4yrs.
Kate-I want to come over and just sit and talk like old times.
Becky-I feel like you are still here....that weird?
Aime-you're back!!! somewhat

Old Church Friends...
Know that I'm always here for you!

Good Friends...
Amber-I've had a great time this summer and thank you for all the prayer and support. I don't know what I'd do without you.

New People...
I've met several very neat ladies the past several weeks and am enjoying getting to know them. I've so glad that God (and E) have given me this opportunity.

All my friends....I'm so grateful for you.
I'm so grateful that God has placed all of you in my life! I love you all!

Power Lab

VBS at the church we used to go to is this week. It's called POWER LAB and it's so much fun. They have the most fun music and the men did an incredible job on the stage decorations including fog machines and motion lights.

My kids have been looking forward to this for months. "A" loves the music and was up on stage dancing and doing the motions. "L" doesn't get into the music much but loves seeing his friends. I hoping that he really catches on to the biblical truths this week.

It's been good seeing friends and being back at our old church as the kids call it. I really enjoy being at the church we are at now but there are definitely things I miss...mostly the people.

There is POWER, POWER, wonder working POWER!!!!

Bedtime

Why are bedtimes so hard? I know I'm not the only one that struggles with this but I also know that there are many out there that have no problems putting their children to sleep. I know a lot of it boils down to me and I messed up from the time "L" was 6 months old. When we would do breathing treatments we would just let him fall asleep on the couch and then give him his breathing tretment and move him to his crib. Well ever since he won't go to sleep on his own. He does now when he is so tired that he just falls out before I can get there.

But then there is "A". Too cute and that's the problem. She gets her way....I've got to stop. She did good untli she was about 6 mos old and could pull up. That's when I gave in to her. Well she'd fall asleep on the couch with me and then I'd put her in her bed until we moved into then she would just sleep on the couch. LAZY on my part not to move her. We finally got her moved to her room and she goes to sleep in her room but with me laying down with her. Sometimes it goes quick other times it takes forever. Naps have gotten pretty easy. I think we are going through the TERRIBLE 3's!!!!!!!!!!!!

Any suggestions send this way:)

This week

We had VBS this week at the Methodist church here in town and "A" had a great time. "L" only got to go one day b/c he got sick. Some sort of virus....yuck. He didn't feel better until Thursday. We got to go to the waterpark Friday though and had a great time....and yes we got a little red but not as bad as the week before. I don't know what is up with the sunscreen now days.



I found out that there is a vbs in town that is going to be Veggie Tales. For those of you that know my kids you know how much they love Veggie Tales. We're not going to be able to go though b/c we have prior VBS obligation. He'll have fun anyway but I thought it would be so much fun to spend the week w/ Bob and Larry!!!



My kids have become such Mama's kids in just 2 weeks. Especially "L". He doesn't want to do anything without me. I'm hoping this wears off. Don't get me wrong, I love it but he needs to want to spend time with "E" too.



Well I've got my self busy until Christmas. A couple of friends and I are going to do several craft fairs starting in August. We have one in August, one in Oct and one in November. I've been working on bows and tops all week. I finished a diaper cake to and it's adorable. "E" tells me to work on the dresses. His philosophy is to do one thing and do it well. He says my dresses are good and are what I should stick with. I just can't get motivated on them. I guess if I will finish up what I am working on with the shirts and bows and get started then I'd probably be able to get motivated. I have some really cool fabric that I order to make a top and purse for me but it would probably make a really cute dress or pants and top. I see something cute and I want to try it. I'm just trying to do too much I know.

Off to the start of a new week....Wish us luck...swim lessons start in the morning.

On the Needles

I've taken up a new hobby...Knitting! Ok...so you're thinking the same thing my husband is thinking...how old are you? Like someone told me I should have lived in the 1950's. I love it. It's so relaxing and it is so much fun to see what you can create.

I've been knitting about a month know and I finished 2 scarfs. I've also finished seveal headbands. I'm going to attach a flower and a couple of leaves to them. Here are the things I'm working on currently

• Bib
• Catepillar Scarf (very cute)
• scarf

I've got yarn and the stuff to start a couple more projects:

• Baby Blanket
• sweater for addison
• Alligator Scarf (super cute)
• And I'm sure something else :)

We're going to visit some friends and family this weekend so I'm sure that I will have some time in the car and while we are visiting to get more done. I'll post some pics when I get some of these done.

The Week in Review

I got kind of lazy this week writing on the blog. That's not good for the first week.

Tuesday was our last tball game and boy was it hot. L still says he likes Golf the best. He's a boy after his daddy's passions. If he is as good as Eric at it that's fine with me....that means golf scholarships. Let's just hope that he gets the scholarship letters instead of someone else with the same name. (That happened to Eric)

Wednesday we had gymnastics and Addison had fun with her new class. It was just 3 compared to 8 girls and she loves her teacher. We met our good friends at Burger King for lunch then went to the waterpark. The kids had a blast. One of Addison's friends from school was there and they were inseperable. Addison's gymnastic teacher is a lifeguard there and Addison wanted to hang out with her. In fact she would go deeper and deeper and then climb out and go sit with her on the lifeguard chair. Logan had a good time and I really enjoyed visiting with my friend. Addison crashed as soon as we got home and we are all fried (Even with Sunscreen)

Thursday we just hung out and ran some errands and Friday pretty much the same thing. It's been nice.

Three of us have decided to try and enter a craft fair in HS in October so I've got to start working on stuff. They have to jury things before hand so I've got to work on everything. I've got that to work on today this weekend. Oh I finished 2 dresses I've been working on for 3 months today and got them delivered. It won't take me long to do dresses from here forward it just was hard working and trying to do it.

I found the cutest pattern for a alligator scarf today so I think I'm going to order it and do some of those. I know...I know...I have too much going on.

Well this weekend is going to be relaxing I think...I hope.

I hope you guys have a good relaxing weekend too!

My Answered Prayer explained

Well some of you may be wondering why my blog is called "My Answered Prayer". It probably should be Answered Prayers b/c God is always answering my prayers but it's singular b/c I've been praying for a while that God would lead me home to be a stay at home mom. Well this spring it happened. We got a letter in the mail from our Agent that takes care of different investment and insurance needs saying that they handle health insurance also. Well E told me to call and that set things in motion.

April 15th was a great day for our family....1st of all it was the end of tax season...woohoo!!! Secondly I got the phone call from the agent....actually I called his secretary. She was so sweet. She said she had never known someone so anxious to quit work but then I explained that I could be at home with my kids. She understood then. She found out that day we were approved and the premiums were remarkable. So on April 15th I gave my notice at work. It was bitter sweet. I have such a wonderful group of friends at work. People I would have never gotten to know if it wasn't for work. Some of my best friends. And rekindled friendships. 8 yrs at the same place will do that. Yes Glo...I'm getting teary eyed.

Last Friday was my last day at work and yes I cried most of the day and avoided some people b/c I knew I would cry the other half of the day even though I knew I'd see them the next day.

Well that explains the name of the blog and I'm sure I'll be sharing more answered prayers!!!!

God is o good!

Our First Day at Home

Well today has been a full day and of course I didn't get hardly anything done. I did clean the kitchen floor with the help of the kids. We used shaving cream....boy did they have fun!

I got a book in today that I order for vacation. It's hard for me not to pick it up and start reading it but I've got to wait. Karen Kingsbury is my favorite author. Check out some of her books at www.karenkingsbury.com. I can't put her books down once I start. I also got some fabric in that I had ordered. I can't wait to start my projects with it. I'm planning on making a bag and tunic top out of it.

It's nap time now so maybe I can get some more done at least get dinner cooked.

My first post

Well tommorrow is the first day on my new job....Household Manager!!! After 8 1/2 years in the same job, it's bitter sweet. I leave behind a lot of wonderful friends yet my prayers have been answered. I get to spend more time with my kids...loving, teaching, playing and loving some more. I'm estatic.

I'm also excited about having more time to spend with God and strengthing our relationship. One of our pastors has encourage us to go through part of the new testament and have an "In Christ" journal. I'm really excited about being able to do that.

I've also started knitting among other crafts that I do. So I'm sure I'll spend some time sewing for "A" and scrapbooking some of the latest tball pics of "L".

Well off to bed to get some rest before the big day!!!