Love devine..joy unspeakable..Overflowing in my soul
This heart of mine is refreshed and at rest
In your presence...in your presence

my favorite lyrics from our church song. :)

October

October is going well.

We have a nice schedule/routine going for JP. He loves Kinder and is very into learning how to spell right now. Every other question is how do you spell __________? Sound it out sweetie! ;) We went to a Parent Teacher conference last week and got a very good report. I am so proud of my Johnny Boy. His behavior has been excellent, he is eager to learn, and is a very good student. I feel so lucky to be his mommy. Since I stay home now, I get to do everything with so much more tender loving care. That has been my greatest reward. When he brings school work home, it has " I <3 U Mom" written all over it. That MELTS my heart. I think its amazing how love grows.


This Saturday is the last flag football game. I wish the season was longer. The team has come a long way. Its the rowdiest bunch yet, but the funnest yet. JP got a flag on Saturday because apparently using the "stiff arm" in flag is a no-no. Hahahahahahhaha. He was so proud of that move, and to be honest, so were we.



We will be moving on to Soccer next. We've never done soccer, so this will be his first season. We want to keep him active, plus we live for this stuff. Practices, games.. it so much fun!

Mallory is doing good. She is in her own little world. She loves coloring, mega blocks, painting and dressing up. She is all skirts and headbands these days. I cant do her hair anymore, she refuses. I miss the cute little girl hairdos and bows. Yesterday at Target, she saw this little girl with a skirt and boots and wanted to follow her. She kept saying, I want to wear that mommy! Pointing to the little girl. :P

We're getting ready for Halloween. I bought a couple of kids baking kits yesterday. Mini cakes and cookies with decorating kits. Really cute! Cant wait to make them with the kids. The dollar spot had rolling pins, so I got 2 of those. I also want to make Owl cupcakes I saw on the land o lakes website. To die for! I'll post a link so you can see them.

http://www.landolakes.com/tips/Halloween-Hoot-Owls-demonstration.cfm

Johnny and I are in such a great place right now. I feel so lucky to be married to him. Since we have been going to church, our marriage has really strengthened. I could go into detail, but I would just be bragging then. ;)

I'm still having a hard time with a cleaning schedule. I'm so random. Some days I'll clean clean clean, some days I lounge lounge lounge and some days I play play play. I just do what I want and not what I SHOULD be doing. I've tried lists, that doesnt work. The company thing works really good. If I invite people over, I start cleaning like a mad woman. hahahaha Anyone want to come vist so I can get my behind in gear?

Mornings.. it goes a litte something like this:

6:15 I wake up and get JP's clothes, backpack, shoes, etc. I get dressed and washed up, but just to look decent enough to walk him to the bus stop.
6:25 Time to go wake up schoolboy by rubbing his back and saying "its time to get up baby"
6:35 my phone alarm goes off and he knows its time to get dressed
6:40 wash up/brush teeth, his not mine.
6:45 walk to bus stop
6:55 my baby is off

7:00 should I go back to sleep or make time for prayer like a good little Christian?Seriously, thats my battle every morning. I love sleep, but thats no way to waste the morning. Plus if I dont make time for prayer, my day is so off! 70% of the time I stay up and the other days I sleep until Mallory wakes up. 9ish. (so 30% of my days are off, you caught that right?) I'm trying to be a morning person. I feel so guilty if I sleep in. Thats excessive and only losers sleep that long, right? hahahahahaha I dont want to be a loser. Keeping this household in order is a fulltime job and I know it.

Panthers

JP started Flag Football this week.

Practice is on Tuesdays at 5:30. First game is on the 15th.

So exciting!

Never thought I would thank Playstation for anything, but his football video game has *really* helped him! He was busting out moves I didnt even know he knew! He even has names for them. LOL! (let me call him over and ask him the names of them, hold on)

Juke, spin, stiff arm are the moves.. Hahaha! I was impressed. Too funny. My Johnny boys been holding out on me. :P

Dh helped coach, although he isn't an official coach. Its so good to see them bond like that. What a blessing. <3

Where are the Panther's from anyway? and what color are their uniforms? I like to dress Mallory and myself accordingly. Hmmm.. guess I'll find out next Tues when they hand out team shirts.

I think football is my favorite sport that JP plays. Looking forward to it.

Oh and sorry no pics. I forgot my camera. Next week! I promise. :)

Goodbye Summer!

*click to enlarge*

I know .. I know..

Its an overused phrase.. time flies.. blah blah blah.

But seriously! This was the FASTEST Summer by far.

We had a good one. Best one yet.

Stress free, waking up with my kiddos, no rat race, dh home at 2:30. Nice. *sunglass smiley*

My baby Johnny Boy has started Kinder this week. That went smoothly. He was ready. Didn't even want me to walk him in the first day. ( boo for me, good for him) I let him ride the bus the first day, as he wanted. Of course I had to tell myself not to make it about ME and encourage his confidence and independance. So anyway. Yeah. He's doing fine. We are very proud of him. He never fails to impress us. That kid. If you only knew him. ;)

Mallory, on the other hand, isn't doing to well. She misses her "best friend" (brother) while he's at school. Shes so use to being with him. They have spent everyday of their little lives together, and so thats understandable.

So to get her mind off things, I did what any shopaholic mom would do. We went shopping. (uh, oh.. I'm creating a monster.)

*click to enlarge*

Isn't she the cutest little person ever?

She loves her Baby Ernie (gag) and wants to take it everywhere-- with the baby carrier of course. She wanted to put Ernie in the bag, LOL!

Mallory is in a headband phase. She wants to wear them 24/7 and on this day we didnt have one to match, so she didnt want ANYTHING in her hair. In this heat? Woooooooo!Whatever kid. So much for buying matchy curly loops from here on out. *pouts*

She had $5 from her Grampy, so I took her to spend it. She bought a lip gloss keychain from the Target dollar spot, a small Bath and Bodyworks lotion, and two baby bottle pops candy- one for her and one for her brother.

Dh and I are doing well. Just enjoying each other, our kids, our church and moving forward. Learning to live on one income has proven to be a challenge, but we're making it! All of the sacrifices we have made are well worth it. I'm a firm believer in tithing, and trust that God will meet our needs. God is opening doors and pouring out his blessings. Boy do I have a good testimony, but I'll save that juicy for another day. ;)

We are going camping this weekend.. primative tent camping....on the beach... as in no electric or water. Yes, me-Little Miss Cant Take the Heat or I Get Pissy. I'm putting my reservations aside (literally) and making myself become outdoorsy, darn it! I have to. I dont want to be a boring uptight mom! So, I'm stepping up to the plate. Dh is shocked I even suggested it. I've come a long way baby. :) I'll keep you posted on my adventure. I just keep telling myself that smores will be involed and that seems to keep my interest.

ok.. so hows that for an update Kimberly? ;)

I think I know why I dont update here too often. NO smileys- and we all know how much I abuse those things. *blush smiley* <----see? *rolls eyes*

Weight Watcher

Started doing the weight watchers program on July 12!

8 pounds lost to date! WOOOOO! I was in shock when I weighed in today. I thought I gained because (I pigged out at a retirement party yesterday) I wasnt looking at the second digit right. Derr!

A cousin had given Dh a couple of WW books a while back and I came across them while decluttering. God had been leading me to certain scriptures that stressed the importance of having a healthy body and how we should "offer your body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12:12 1 So thats how I got the courage to do something about my weight.

Anyhow, self control is a fruit of the spirit. That's has been a HUGE factor in my success. Through God all things are possible.

Dh and I work out at Anytime Fitness. I think I'm addicted to working out. I never thought I would use the words"I'm going to workout." The membership will be expiring soon. :( We joined through Dh's previous employer. They charged our bank account this month, but who knows if they will charge us for another month. I *really* like this gym. Its small, private, and clean! New equipment. Screens at every treadmill/elliptical/bike. Very nice. In Aug, Dh's new gym membership kicks in with his present employer. Gold's Gym, I beleive. I don't think they allow spouses though. :( Boo hoo. I'll figure something out. Both gyms are 30 minutes away. Not the most convenient. I'm thinking about getting my own memership here in town. World Gym probably. They have child care. They dont quote fees online. I have to email them. They probably dont want to scare me off. That or invest in a piece of home equipment. Not sure if that would keep my attenion though. If I know that I am paying for something monthly, I think I am more likely to use it.

Ideally, I would like to workout 5 days a week. This week I worked out 3 times. I do 40 minutes of cardio. Dh is teaching me how to do arm curls and crunches. I'm a weakling! I have NEVER ever worked out intentionally and faithfully (my bad) before so my motto is slow and easy wins the race. With the rain, no babysitter, and our vacation-- I have been kinda off. I dont like being off.

Mygoal is to lose 20 by Thanksgiving. I can and WILL do it. When I put my mind to something, I stick with it and do it with passion.

VBS! at The Door Christian Fellowship Church

We are having vacation bible school soon!

I am teaching the 9-12 year old class. There will be 2 of us working with the kids, so I should survive.

The theme is I am a child of God.

Starts August 6th - August 10th. 9:00am - noon.

I have to find some craft ideas for us to do based on characteristics of being a child of God.
I love a challenge, especially one that requires finding online resources. I live to research stuff online.

This is the biggest thing I have volunteered for at church. I have only done nursery 2 times a month. Should be exciting making new friends and working together for the kingdom of God.

Schlitterbahn!

Wooooo!
Taking the kids to the #1 rated water park in the WORLD!
FUN in the SUN.

I just got done packing our stuff.

30% chance of rain. 70 percent chance it wont. I'm going with the better odds. :P

My cousins and I are taking the kiddos. 3 on 3. I like that ratio. I am a *freak* when my kids are around water. I panic and am very overprotective. Annoying overprotective.

Good thing is that they allow coolers inside the park. So happy I can pack our own lunch/snacks. I'm packing healthy food (fror me), so I wont totally blow my points. We'll save some money too. Concessions are always outrageous at amusement parks. $4.50 for a hot dog. Um, no thanks.

Anyhow. I'll update my dropshots with some photos later this week. I bought a waterproof camera. Not taking my digital. So I cant promise the best quality. :P

I think I am as excited as the kids. Cant sleep I am so anxious.

My TO DO LIST!

• Cut, and organize my coupons in my new clear pink coupon caddy. (in alpha order)
• Start a prayer journal
• list gymboree on eBay :(
• start school clothes shopping for my kindergartner
• pull the weeds from my front rose garden
• buy new mini blinds for ds window
• re-organize my kitchen cabinets
• rearrange my bedroom
• clean out entry closet, mostly seasonal items
• get a small bookshelf
• get an oil change

Thats enough for now. My goal to get all of this done? Hmmmm.... 1 week. Can she do it folks? :P

My new hobby...

Stockpiling!

My First Stockpile Trip! (with pic)
« Thread Started on Today at 5:12pm »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First off, I want to thank Angie for all the tips and inspiration!

I did, OK! for the first official trip coupon shopping, with the goal of getting my stockpile going. I even cleaned out a special closet just for the occasion.

I got:

Target
(4) 64OZ Motts Apple Juice for 1.57 each.. so with $1 off coupon each= ...57 cents each.


B1G1 Pepsi 2 Liters They are 99cents each, so 50 cents ea.

I wanted to try Pepsi Max first, before I stocked up. I plan on going evey few days for apple juice.


Walgreens:
not much luck there.
Our intitions were 9.99. Still would have been 6 off with coupons, but I passed. 4 dollars for something I didnt particularly want or need. I'm holding out for a better deal.

and the Pantene, no clearance.. and I forgot how Angie said to apply those coupons. so I passed.

I did, however, score on Secret Deoderant.
Clearanced for 99 cents, and I had a 50Cent off coupon.
I got 2 of those.


I know I really dont save THAT much money when taking the gas and time it takes. I'm looking at it more like a hobby. I cant spend like I used to, so I have to get creative. This is a perfect way to feed the need and not blow my budget in the process.

I cant wait to tell Dh. LOL! He'll be so proud of me.

The goods! All for around 4 bucks.
Thursday, July 5, 2007




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Rainy 4th

We didn't do anything spectacular for the 4th this year.
Rain, rain and more rain here lately.
The fireworks display was cancelled.
Dh had to work.

We went to church. Good service! Felt revived and refreshed after. It was a guest Pastor and he preached really well! Just what I needed to hear!

After that, we were on our way to Pizza Classics. I got a phone call from my sister saying that we should head to the hospital. One of my uncles passed away.He had cancer. I wasn't really close to him, but I wanted to be there for my mom and grandmother. We went to expressed our condolences and stayed there talking to family for a while. When someone passes, its amazing how we can all come together.

When we got home, Dh fired the fireworks we had. Mallory was scared, so she watched from the backseat of my Malibu. hehehehe! JP loved them. He kept saying "wicked awesome!" He thinks he's so cool! Then we did some snaps. You know those little white things you pop on the ground. Mallory liked those. She did 3 boxes of them.

That was it. Dh still owes me a BBQ though! ;)

Um, Hi!

*blush*

Sorry I haven't blogged. I've been meaning to.

Things are going very well over here at the P*** household.

We're settling into a routine of staying home instead of the old working mom gig.

Dh started a new job, more pay.. less hours. We were blessed with that job, he wasnt even looking for a new job. The opportunity presented itself so we jumped on it.

Lots to tell. I email my mom every week and thought about copy and pasting some of those emails on here. That way I will keep my blog going. Just a thought, I'll see how it goes.

Whats gonna work?

TEAMWORK!!!


last night dh and I started assembling the children's swing set. WHAT A CHORE! the high humidity didnt help any. ::) It was a challenge to keep my mouth shut and not question everything dh was doing. I am a stickler for following directions. It irks me when people dont follow them to a T! I sorted all the nuts, bolts and screws and put them in indiv. zip lock baggies too. hehehe!
We erected the playhouse section and the ladder/slide. I put the canopy and sides together, which was a pain. We'll continue the quest on sat am, bright and early. oh joy! :-X

Here is a link to the set we got the kids! It looks fun.
and we lucked out, when we bought them it was $50 off and the last one in stock. Woot Woot! <--- as Jamie would say. :P

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2490732&cp=&sr=1&f=Taxonomy%2FTRUS%2F2254197&origkw=cambridge&kw=cambridge&parentPage=search
http://trus.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-3244055dt.jpg

Mallory in Fiesta Del Sol

It isnt just me....

JP is going thru something...

The bus driver assistant lady told me that she is having problems with him lately re/: his behavior. :( Talking too much, standing up, wont listen. ??? (p.s I never knew that you counldnt talk to your friends on the bus.)

Why all of a sudden? I am worried.

When I asked him what was going on, he said he " was tired".

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

T*G*I*F*

Counting down the weeks until my new joby job as a SAHM. 6 more to go.
I cheated this am and spend a couple of hours at home with my little Mimi.
Made her breakfast and we played blocks for a little bit. Just the 2 of us.
I don't think the boss was very happy about me coming late though.

I am tired of working for the weekend. Rat race. Rush. Rush. Rush.

Time to ENJOY everyday, live life on MY terms, nurture my children, teach them how to live a righteous life, less focus on material things, more on the things that really matter. Show them how to be kind, loving, patient, by example.

Have dinner on the table for my super sweet sexy husband. To pack his lunch at 4 in the morning. To actually have time to set out his clothes, boots, keys, cell phone for him. Small things that make a big difference. Thats what I want.

I CANT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel like I am fast forward these days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grumpy 5 year old

I swear, ever since JP turned 5 years old, he is ornery as all get up!
What gives?

Is this normal?

Is 5 the bratty age?

I want my sweet 4 year old back!

He is SO demanding! Whiny demanding. Tears and jeers... the whole 9.

In church last night, he wouldn't shake any ones hand after prayer. RUDE!!! GRRR! I know he is "just 5" but to me, that's disrespectful. I felt like such a loser parent when he crossed his arms and refused to acknowledge our "church friends" ( as he calls them).

He demands a "special treat" each day when he gets off of the bus, and makes a scene if I don't have something waiting for him. WHAH? Um, no! Sorry!

What else? He is a BULLY at T-ball practice. Jerking the ball from the smaller kids, cutting in line during drills, sliding at every possible play, even when catching a rolling ball! *crazy eyes*

Mocks us when we are trying to discipline him. Saying "Johnny doesn't have any rules, only toys".

Time to step it up. Parenting is so hard!

lucky wee-ner

I won $40 on the Texas Lottery Scratch off "Weekly Grand" ticket last night.

I never win anything, so yes, I am all cheesy about it. LOL!

Funny thing is that I bought the ticket at a self serve machine at the end of the grocery store check out. Just on a whim. I dont usually gamble. :P

Dh wanted to make a pit stop at a convenince store down the road to buy more tickets because I was "hot"... dont push youre luck buddy. Sheesh. *rolls*eys*

my anthem these days... <3

width="425" height="350">

My sister <3

I love my sister.

After lots of downs in our relationship, we are finally where we want to be.

We had a perfect day yesterday, a very nice and peaceful Easter. Pretty tablescape, delicious food, sincere hospitality, heart to heart conversations. Everything I have imagined it to be-- and what I have longed for so long.

God is good.

Today is one year she is clean and sober.

All the glory to God.

I beleive in miracles.

update on leaving my job....

**************************
I finally told my brother that I plan to leave my job at the end of May. It was very emotional (on my part). I tried to be graceful, but i ended up being a big cry baby. I dont know why it was so hard. Anyway, its done. I feel free now. He was understanding, and still wants me to work part time after hours (monthly). Its a compromise, plus the extra money will come in handy.

I told him Friday just as I was getting off, and I cried and cried in my car afterward. Dont really know why... I wasnt sad, or happy... just emotional. It was good to get it all out.
« Last Edit: Today at 8:51pm by jeni »

I have the best husband!

He put a roast in the crock pot this morning.
Even did the meal planning and grocery shopping for it too.

MMMMMM. cant wait to get home.

Its almost Easter!

I love Holidays!

Mostly the crafty stuff and baking.
The kids and I will be making the chick cupcakes (the bunny ones look so generic) AND the carrot napkin thingys. Cute huh? I already bought all the the stuff to make them. Cant wait until Saturday!

This year we are having a BBQ at our house, right after church.

Elgin Sausage
Macaroni Salad
Corn on the Cob
Deviled Eggs

Simple and Springy. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

Feliz Cumpleanos!

GUESS WHO TURNED FIVE TODAY?

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Brave

01 : Brave(Nichole Nordeman)

The gate is wide
The road is paved in moderation
The crowd is kind and quick to pull you in
Welcome to the middle ground
You're safe and sound
andUntil now it's where I've been
'Cause it's been fear that ties me down to everything
But it's been love,
Your love, that cuts the strings

So long status quoI think I just let go
You make me want to be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be brave
Brave, brave

I am small
And I speak when I'm spoken to
But I am willing to risk it all
I say Your name
Just Your name and I'm ready to jump
Even ready to fall...

Why did I take this vow of compromise?
Why did I try to keep it all inside?

So long status quo
I think I just let go
You make me want to be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be brave
Brave, brave

I've never known a fire that didn't begin with a flame
Every storm will start with just a drop of rain
But if you believe in me
That changes everything
So long, I'm gone
So long status quo
I think I just let go
You make me want to be brave
I wanna be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be brave
Brave, brave

SAHM

Stay at home mom...

should I or shouldn't I? (that was the question)

I have been going through trials this week.

A couple of sermons really spoke to my heart. I am not even sure how I started thinking about quitting my job and staying home full time. (Surely, it is the holy spirit guiding me. ) I have been praying for wisdom and guidance with this, as it not an easy decision. Many things to be considered, mostly financial.

I feel like I need to take control of my life, instead of my life controlling me. I guess it never bothered me before because I was living for the world. The rush rush of my everyday working mom life is bearing me down. I wake up DREADING going to work. Nothing has changed at work, I am the one that has changed. Since I have been saved, my priorities have shifted.

I was feeling unsure about letting go, so during my lunch hour today I read the bible for some direction. My bible has a handy reference guide, so I turned to the scriptures in the "looking for guidance" section. After reading a few, it was clear what I needed to do. Its amazing what putting your faith in God and reading the word can do. God is good.

I had already discussed my feelings with Johnny, and of course he said he would support me in whatever I decided.

.... and for even more confirmation, I get a phone call from my uncle today. He was calling to ask if I knew of any babysitters, since he wants to return to work. (he is raising his grandchild) A cowinky dink? I think not.

So thats where I am. I havent told my brother yet. Thats going to be tough.

I want to wake up in the morning ready for life and with a positive outlook. I want to spend the day with my amazing children. I want to be the one that serves them breakfast, the one that takes them to Tuesday morning puppet shows. I want to be the one to teach my daughter her how to write her name. I want my house to be in perfect order when my husband comes home. I want a healthy dinner on the table made with patience and love. I want clean socks in the sock drawers at all times.. I know, I know.. you get the point. :P

I know there will be many sacrifices... but they will be worth it. My treasure is my family, and I want to be the BEST for them.

I have a wonderful husband to count on (always have, but its more clear to me now) and I have Jesus.

God will provide.

Someone wants to say hi!

Happy Birthday to my Sissy!

Happy birthday Jodi!

Hope you enjoyed your pretty plant

and birthday cake! <3

Red Sox

Velcro T-Ball Season is here again!

JP is in the Red Sox.

Practice starts tomorrow, 5:30.

We are super excited. Photos of the little man coming soon. :)

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AYs2TRq0aN3GQ¬ag=1

Poor baby, :(

JP had a rough morning.

Spring Break is over, and its back to school.

He cried when I dropped him off at school. He has never done that. I had to pull over and get him off of the car myself. He refused to get off at the car line. He just sat there, arms locked stiff and eyes staring at the headrest. :( He wasn't budging. He said he was tired and started crying. :( :( :( I got him off the car and hugged him really tight. :( :( :( He walked into the gate, with tears in his eyes. I know he did fine, but leaving him like that was hard.

Mallory, on the other hand, did just fine! Funny, because I was expecting her to give me a hard time.

Anyway, I promised JP I would take him to Sonic for some cheese sticks after he gets off the bus. Bribing my kids cant be good, but whatever works right? *shrugs shoulders*

Spring Break!

Johnny is on Spring Break.
No Pre-K all week.

Mallory's sitter took the week off as well.

The kiddos came to work with me today. It was fun the first hour. LOL!

Luckily, my niece offered to watch them for the rest of the week.

OOOPS! I did it again. *eye*roll*

I won another auction.

Fiesta Del Sol size 8 Ladybug sandals for Mallory.

Of course, now I have to go bid on an outfit to go with.

*runs*off* with head hanging down in shame. <<<-not.

LOL! sorry, I'm in one of those moods.

Tender moment

Last night, I was on the recliner with my feet propped up watching Dateline.

Mimi was in and out of her bedroom, playing at my feet. The usual.

Mimi walks up to me and lays her pink blanket over my arms. It was the sweetest thing. She brought me a blanket and even tucked it in.

She said. "Here mommy, so you wont be cold."

HOW SWEET IS THAT?

I said to her, "Mimi, Thank You! That was so sweet of you!" You are a sweetheart!"

Her reply, "Yes I am!" with such confidence.

I love being a mommy. <3

Be careful what you "bid" for

Looky what I won on ebay last night. I didnt think I would win it!

This line is a big joke on my Gymboree board! LOL

I happen to like this dress, thank you very much.

I wanted this dress for Mallory when it came out but I was too tight to pay $36.00 for it. *blush*

In my defense, its nicer in person. The accent ribbon is shiny. Me likey. Mimi will look like a doll in it.

I already have her sandals. Plain white flip flops. Those are shiny too. I searched high and low for em. Ebay, Zappos.. nada! Where do I find them? Wal- Mart. $6.42 I bought 3 pairs. They are classic. In fact, she had the same style last year. I was lucky to find them again!

Lock out

It was a Monday morning alright!

7:30 AM, ready for the day!
Kids dressed/shoes? check! Lights off? check! A/C off? check! Jackets on? check! Cell phone? check! Keys? Um... they're here somewhere... I couldn't have? (locked them in the car).. they have got to be here! NOPE! no keys.

It's all Dh's fault. LOL! (I tend to blame him for everything, but I am working on that)

You decide.

Since Dh's truck is at the shop being repaired, We have been sharing one vehicle. Since he drove all weekend, we were using his set of keys. Well not realizing that, I drove last and hung HIS set of keys on the key hook by the door. So this am when he leaves, he takes HIS keys.

{vent:

Um. why? for pocket weight? Well your pocket weight just cost me alot of hassle, buddy. Dont need the house key, we are riding together this week, remember?}

So I call my mom, and ask her to pick us up. Johnny was late for Pre-K, and I was late to work. Lucky I am cool with the boss.

OF course, my purse, wallet, check cards, and cash were in the car. As well as Johnny's backpack. I feel lost today. Blah.

Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

....and I know..... It was my fault. (sorry I got snippy with you honey.)

Up, up and away....

We flew kites yesterday.
It was a perfect, beautiful day.

Mallory got a Dora kite and Johnny got a Sponge Bob one.
Mimi's first time flying one, so she was super excited.
Johnny, on the other hand, wasn't so impressed. Boo. :( He flew his for about 3 minutes then wanted to go ride his bicycle.

I snapped a few shots of kids. I'll download those tonight.

Braggin' RIGHTS!

I had a parent teacher conference this am.

Great report,as expected! ;)
He mastered all of his skills.

Teacher comment on his report card:
"Johnny is a great student! He learns quickly and loves to play in the block center. He is very conscientious of rules and a good listener."

Teacher comment in person:
"He is one of my brightest students, I can tell you work with him at home."

Music to my ears. I do work with him at home. I do it very casually though. Nothing formal. While we are outside, in the car, taking a bath. I definitely dont want to be overbearing. He still gets to be a kid. From time to time we use workbooks, but those dont seem to be challenging enough for him. ('ll have to get some new ones)

Johnny is very eager to learn. He wants to know everything. This boy does not miss a beat. He even wants to lean traffic laws. He knows that you can go right on red. LOL! Yep, I have a backseat driver! As much as I want to tell him, "be a kid would ya?" I can't. This is a good thing. I have high hopes for him. He is a special kid.

Choxie

On my Babycenter.com bargain board, someone shared a link for
printable Target coupons. (its a weekly thing)


Well, this week, there was a coupon for a free Choxie candy bar. I am always leery of internet printable coupons, but I printed out a couple anyway.


They worked! I got a dark chocolate coconut something, and a chocolate pretzel one. Yum! (YUMMO!) LOL!

I have the link saved to my work computer, and I am at home right now. I wanted to post the link (for the coupon) here, so I googled Choxie coupon and came across this photo! LOL!

Seriously! Is that for real? LOL

p.s HURRY EXPIRES ON THE 3RD!

Debt

We owe, we owe. Its off to work we go.

Its time to pay the piper. I have collected a list of debtors, and we are going to pay off. Its something I have been putting on the back burner way too long. Its not a huge amount, less that $3000, I'm sure. Still, it needs to be delt with.

During our Marriage Retreat, one of the sermons was how to be "Stewards of God". Take control of our finances and act responsibly. Protect our resources.

This is one of my MAJOR struggles. I shop when I am bored. I shop on impulse. I obsess about a certain thing and won't calm down until I get it. Sure, there are lots of underlying issues that contribute to this obsessive behavior, no denying that. I have issues, so what. *sticks out tongue* Trying to fill a void? yep Trying to make myself feel better with material things? yep

I have to change. I will change. Things wont make me happy. I am chasing the wind.

Recognition

I am so happy for my brother!

Our Frigidaire distributor, Century Supply, awarded Allen with 2 Dealer awards at a banquet in Houston Texas last night. One wall plaque for Top Sales in our region, and a glass award for Dealer of the Year!

My brother pushes Frigidaire systems, because of their value. Its a mid priced product, but performs comparable to the high end systems such as Lennox and Trane. To boot, their warranties are like no other. 8 years parts warranty! and *IF* a major component fails with in a year, the whole unit is replaced, free of charge! They even send us, the dealer, a check for $250 to cover our replacement costs.

So anyway... its a great honor for us here at Reliable Air.

My brother was very hesitant to take the workday off to attend, but was very glad he went. He had no idea he would be recognized at the banquet. What a blessing. <3

The Ring

Dh has never worn jewelry, so he isn't used to keeping up with it. Doesn't surprise me, since he isn't good at keeping up with anything. He is very careless at times. (grrrr!) Which irritates me because I am just the opposite. I overthink and obsess with things like that.

Anyway.......

He wears his ring to work, but has to take it off while he welds or paints. Well, Saturday night, after he got home, he couldnt find his wedding band. He said he put in in his pocket while he painted a fence. He said it might have fallen out when he was checking the time on his cell phone. (Um, dont put your cell phone in the same pocket genius! )

I was UPSET. Almost crying upset. Wanting to get up and beat his head upset. Not even married THREE weeks and he loses his band. THE token of our covenant! The ring I slipped on his finger with so much love and commitment...... I was ready to go postal.

I took a deep breath and let it go. (prayed) We were expecting company any minute and I didnt want to cause a scene or ruin the mood.

After Belinda and James left, dh started looking for it--thinking it may have fallen out of his jeans pocket when he got undressed. No luck. The more he looked, the more angry I got. He didnt find it. I was upset on the inside, but was TRYING to keep my cool. Dh went right to sleep, which made me even more angry. I asked God to help me with my anger, and to help me find some peace so I could get to bed. He did.

So I wake up the next morning, try to go on as if this isnt bothering me. Wasn't working. I could not let it go. As much as I tried to tell myself "Its just a ring", that just wasnt cutting it. I spend most of the day trying to forget about it.

Dh stayed home with the kids while I went to evening worship. I almost didnt go because I was still so upset. So glad I went. It was a great service. My anger and resentment were gone. I prayed that we would find it, and if we didnt. Amen.

I walked into the house, and dh was doing laundry. A load of his jeans. I didnt think anything of it. Dh walks up to me and raises his hand, and says "Look what I found." The ring! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!

What a perfect way to end my day. I should have had faith from the get go. I should have handled it like Dh did. He has such patience, grace, and MOST of all.. Faith.




*UPDATE*
He hasnt taken his ring off since this incident! Smart boy! ;)

Romantic Date

Friday night DH and I went on a date.
We had this planned for a couple days already, but I like to be cheesy and call and ask him out. I called him at lunchtime and said... "Would you like to go out with me tonight?" His reply. "I'd love to." Awwwww. .. my heart melted.

My mom kept JP and Mallory went to Aunt Jodi's to have a sleepover with Hannah.

Dh and I got dressed up and went out to Montana Mike's Steak House. It was nice to eat a good meal in peace! Good conversation. We re-connected after one very busy week. I had a ribeye, and Dh had a Chicken fried steak.

We were stuffed when we left there, so the movie theater was out of the question! We took a cruise around the town square. Our usual stop after eating out on the weekends is Hasting's. I wanted to do something different. So Dh asks me what I wanted to do. It was already 9:00 PM, so our choices were limited. Reluctantly, I suggested The Garden Center... as in Wal-Mart Garden Center. LOL!!! Romantic huh?

So we head over to the Garden Center. I was looking for a bird stuff. Bird food/seed, bird houses, bird bath. Speaking of... the birds haven't taken to my feeder. Not sure what I am doing wrong??? I tried a new type of seed. Maybe that will help. Wasn't too impressed with their selection of bird baths, or feeders for that matter.

Anyway... we decided to plant a small garden with the kids. Dh wants to do strawberries. I was thinking more along the lines of tomatoes, or cucumbers. We'll see. We need to read up on it a little more before we start. I want the kids to be involved from start to finish. Sounds like fun, right!

Certainly, most would not consider our date as "romantic", but I do. MAKING time for each other, talking over a nice dinner, holding hands as we walk, nurturing our kids. Little things, that make a big difference. My idea of romance isn't all roses and candlelight. ;)

Birdwatcher update

LOL! how cheesy is that.. Birdwatching.

Anyway........

We put out the bird feeder yesterday evening.
I didnt see any birds on it this am. I hope they take to it.
I filled a small plastic Dollar General feeder with black sunflower mix.
If birds start eating from it, then I will invest in a nice bigger one from Lowe's. THis is just a trial run.

We are going shopping for a bird bath this weekend. *soft cheesy claps*

Crush

When JP got off the bus today, he had a huge grin on his face. I knew something was up.

The first thing he tells me is... "Can I call Carolina?" Her phone number is XXX-XXXX.

Part of me was proud thats wants to call her, but part of me was scratching my head.

4 year olds, using the telephone? I think not! Sorry hun!

Revival

Our church is having a revival this week.
Yesterday was the first day of the series.
Sunday through Thursday.
It was powerful!

Pastor Carnagie is full of energy, and tells the best stories.
The title of the sermon was "eyes wide shut".
Open your eyes, dont live your life in denial. Deal with your issues!
Overcome them. Thats what I walked away with last night.

Mallory

Cute words my daughter says.
Age: 3

Pupcakes
Bunky Bed
Mella melon (watermelon)
Make me up (wake me up)
Somebody was talking louder and was making me up!

I love this age! So sweet and innocent at times, then such a drama queen at others. My daughter is wonderful. I love her with all my heart. She is beautiful. I could stare at her forever. <3

New name

I forget that my name has changed!

I find myself still writing my maiden name.

It will take a while, I have been E______ for 33 years now.

Spring!

Birdnest pictures!

Oh I cant wait until spring.
I am ready to plant some pretty flowers.

I have a couple of birds nests on my property. One in a small tree in my front yard and one on the beam on my carport.

I think the little birdies that live in my carport are back. I found a broken little egg on the ground directly under the nest. :(

We made a bird house. I want to hang it out for our little guests. It still needs to be painted though. I also want to buy a bird bath and bird feeder, so my kids and I can be bird watchers.

Fresh Start

Fresh start... it feels nice.

I feel huge weights lifted off my shoulders. I feel the need to make my life as simple as possible.




time to prune the dead branches off of my life, to make room for God's will.