My Happy Homestead

Here He Is!

2012-01-29T13:49:00.000-05:00

Sixteen days ago our little Jesse bear was born.

Hearing him take his first breath took mine away.

It was simply breathtaking.

We are all so in love with this precious gift.

ps. I really hate surgery. And I really don't like the cold/flu season.

As soon as those two things are well behind us I will be posting more pictures

of my wonderful baby boy.

Packing

2012-01-12T22:41:00.000-05:00

I know I probably packed too many things but I couldn't help it.

I'm a bit excited about tomorrow.

Our baby boy will be born tomorrow. My first winter baby

will arrive the day we're supposed to be getting a lot of snow.

I can't wait to bundle him up in his new bunting and cozy jackets.

My drying rack is full with all the little clothes I bought for him.

Wow. He just moved my whole belly around. I'm going to miss that the most.

All his little movements. Big movements!

Oh, I have so many things going through my mind right now.....

Who will he look like.

How much pain will I be in after my surgery.

Will I remember to send emails to J and B's teachers tomorrow-

so they can tell them about the arrival of their brother.

What will the kids do when they see their little brother.

How will my friends having surgery tomorrow make out - I will be praying for them.

Where in the world did daddy get the energy to do everything he has done around

this house (including finishing the vacuuming upstairs, making us

dinner - making smoothies tonight and bringing mine to me in bed.)

How he took the few tears I shed today in stride as he reassured me

that it's all going to be okay.

I allowed myself two flashbacks from my previous

sections to get to me and that was enough.

Right now I am so excited and thankful to be getting another

baby to hold and love and it is truly a blessing.

I am going to bed tired, content,

and smiling as I feel my baby moving

again and again and again...

See you tomorrow little one!

Waiting

2012-01-11T10:40:00.000-05:00

The crib is all set up and ready to go. Jack and Belle helped daddy set it up a little while ago.

Every morning Bella asks if the baby will be arriving that day. It's really sweet.

Jack doesn't think the baby should come now because his birthday

parties will have to be during the school year.

And although my body seems ready, ready to be "delivered"

I am going to miss this time. This time of waiting, wondering, listening to endless

questions the kids ask as they try figuring out what is about to happen in our family.

It's been a very special time for all of us.

Thank you Lord for this precious time in our lives.

Christmas and The Countdown

2012-01-04T23:40:00.000-05:00

Christmas Day:

Gifts

Breakfast

Stockings

Church

Dinner at Pop's and Memo's

The kids did a great job decorating the tree.

Laughing at something daddy said.

Bella finally gets to see her gifts from Jack.

Jack's note to B.

Opening more gifts. Jack wearing one of his

favorite gifts... the hat he wanted.

B and her stocking stuff.

B making her nails pretty

with stuff from her stocking.

Jack - loving his Legos.

Ready for church.

We had a wonderful Christmas. Spent time with family, a lot of time reflecting

on God's great provision, and counting my many blessings.

Now, the countdown is on for "LB's" (little buddy - daddy's nickname for the baby)

arrival. Just 10 days until he is due to enter this world. The outfit to bring him home

in arrived as did the diaper bag. Trying to get as much done around the house too.

Like hunting down every last speck of dust in this house.
Yes, the nesting instinct is alive and well at our homestead!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-30T21:51:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve at Memo and Pop's

Lots of fun. Lots of food. Lots of laughs.

Two and a half weeks left before my due date!!!

Excited and exhausted...

Time for bed.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T15:29:00.000-05:00

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given...

The Nativity by Bella

And His name shall be called

WONDERFUL

COUNSELOR

MIGHTY GOD

EVERLASTING FATHER

PRINCE OF PEACE

Isaiah 9:6

Have a Merry Christmas!

Polar Express

2011-12-21T23:41:00.000-05:00

After watching the movie tonight the kids made their own Polar Express.

Now my house smells like gingerbread. Yum!

I am finally finished with wrapping gifts for teachers and getting treats together for

the kid's parties tomorrow at school. Now, I can focus on all the things I have forgotten

to get for the baby... things like a diaper bag, crib mattress, crib bedding, car seat....

How does one get to be 8 months pregnant before remembering to buy these things.

It's going to be busy around here for a while. I love it! It's all so exciting (and that helps me to

forget how terribly uncomfortable and achy I am).

Holiday Concert

2011-12-20T23:07:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was Bella's holiday concert!

We all crammed into the elementary school gymnasium. And despite heating up to 200 degrees and resisting the urge to run out of the building into the freezing cold air, I was extremely happy to finally attend a holiday concert. Every year I have had to miss out seeing Jack sing because I was sick or Bella was sick. But this year we made it! I think my favorite part of the evening was when Bella first walked out onto the stage and searched and searched and searched to find us in the crowd but couldn't. That is, until daddy turned on the strobe light feature on his phone. And that's how she spotted us.

I love my family! I love how they make me laugh.

I love how we all fit together like four...soon to be five... peas in a pod!

To My Love, Whom Forever I'll Cherish

2011-12-17T20:27:00.001-05:00

It was missing for years! But finally, I found the poem that was read on our wedding day. A poem I had written a long time ago for my soon-to-be husband.

Our wedding day was so special. Surrounded by our loved ones in a church filled with Christmas trees and candlelight we vowed to each other to love, cherish and honor all the days of our lives. The reception was magical. A candlelight dinner, a harpist playing the most beautifully composed Christmas songs, seated beside the love of my life all gave me the feeling I was living a fairytale moment. A moment that would last beyond our final goodbye to teary eyed family. The moment when we were leaving the church for our honeymoon and I caught a glimpse of the snow white limousine waiting for us at the door. It was glistening. A limousine was not something we had planned on. I was quite surprised. I could say nothing. But when I turned to look at daddy his sweet smile told the whole story. It was his surprise to me. A very lovely surprise - making my fairytale moment complete.

Happy Anniversary Daddy!

I love you so much!

And for all the love you have shown to me

and now to our children, for all that you are, all you have done,

I am eternally thankful to God for bringing

you into my life.

These words written years ago

ring as true today as they did then...

...I have found in you every time

I look into your eyes,

A love that runs deep

And all of my dreams realized.

For you have taken my hand and lifted me up

Above all things you have found pleasure.

And with your eyes you look upon me as if I were a diamond,

or a pearl. As your great treasure.

From this day forward, my love, I make a vow to you,

To love, cherish, and honor all the days of my life.

All because there was no greater role that was meant for me

Than to be your wife.

Santa's Shop

2011-12-14T23:02:00.000-05:00

Hurray! It was Santa's Secret Shop today!

It was great seeing the kids excitement when they came

home from school. Just like Jack and his first visit to SSS,

Bella couldn't wait to show everyone the gift she picked out for them.

Under The Weather

2011-12-14T01:16:00.001-05:00

But feeling better!

My blessings haven't been feeling well lately.

Thankfully they are on the mend. I so enjoy having them home

with me, but don't like seeing them sick.

Once they start getting their energy back it's

off the sofa and back to playing.

Making Playdoh Christmas cookies.

Jack didn't make cookies. Can you guess what he made?

Here's a clue...

It's green and looks like an alien and his spaceship.

And when we were tired of that it was back on the sofa to rest a bit.

Then back up again to make marble towers.

Cheerful Heart

2011-12-07T22:34:00.001-05:00

"A cheerful heart is good medicine..."

Prov. 17:22

The recipe for a cheerful heart is a backyard filled with children.

And when those children begin laughing, open all windows letting that

joyous sound into your home.

My Boys

2011-12-06T23:56:00.000-05:00

I love these two!

They are so much alike.

So sweet, so smart, so handsome.

It won't be long now until I will be

blessed with another boy to love. I can't wait.

Can't wait to see who he looks like.

I wonder what color hair he will have.

I can't wait to kiss his sweet, little, soft, fuzzy-haired head.

Over and over and over again.

I am so thankful for God's blessings!

Jack showing daddy how to play a tune.

Holiday Fun

2011-12-05T23:48:00.000-05:00

We recently went to see The Nutcracker. I am so glad we did.

It was fabulous! The kids weren't sure what to expect which made

the anticipation even greater. All Bella knew was that she was going

to see "real" ballerinas.

Here we are waiting for the show to begin.

It was two hours of awesomeness!

(hmm, a little too much Kung Fu Panda playing

in the background at my house lately)

Back at the hotel the kids spun themselves silly in the swivel chair.

Can't figure out why they love this so much.

And me and my anemic, swelling, aching,

contracting body spent most of the time

in this position -- extremely thankful

to have seen such a wonderful performance.

And ready to be back at the homestead.

Favorites Friday

2011-12-02T23:04:00.000-05:00

MY BALLERINA

Who was more than excited to go see

The Nutcracker.

Merry and Bright

2011-12-01T23:58:00.000-05:00

It's December!

Time to deck the halls and celebrate

our Savior's birth!

Daddy and his helper string some

lights on the house.

The kids enjoyed putting up the tree while singing along

to our favorite Christmas songs.

Bella found a new use for the tree "skirt"

And daddy was able to get the train running under the tree.

All The Fixings

2011-11-30T22:32:00.000-05:00

Our Thanksgiving:

The food was most delicious! Of course,

being around family is always what makes the day so special.

My nephew made turkey handprint name cards for the table.

They were adorable!

The kids at the kiddy table played games while waiting for dinner.

And we all enjoyed everyones cooking:

Daddy's turkey, Memo's mashed potatoes and turnips, my stuffing,

and my sister's broccoli casserole, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie.

All were happy and thankful.

(Especially the boys)

My Pilgrim Loves Hats

2011-11-29T21:04:00.000-05:00

For as long as she has been able to put them on herself, Bella has loved, loved, wearing hats.

Any hat. Knit, felt, straw, paper - fancy or casual, she will wear any hat she can get her hands on.

Last week at school she made these beauties.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T23:03:00.000-05:00

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus concerning you."
1st Thess 5:18

HAVE A HAPPY

AND BLESSED

THANKSGIVING!

Fun In The Fall Part 3

2011-11-21T21:10:00.001-05:00

This is the greatest leaf pile maker.

Excuse me, that's not entirely true.

Daddy and his rake and his tireless repiling

of the leaves after each kids whirlwind jump,

now THAT truly is the greatest leaf pile maker!

Favorites Friday

2011-11-18T13:06:00.000-05:00

I love this picture

It makes me happy when they're happy.

I smile when they smile.

I laugh when they laugh.

I take pictures when they jump in the leaves.

But I can dream that I'm right there with them.

Fun In The Fall Part 2

2011-11-17T21:59:00.000-05:00

Fall can't be fall without

GLITTERY

pumpkins!

Fun In The Fall Part 1

2011-11-16T22:02:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time,

when the leaves were still bursting with color...

our family and friends set out on a hay ride.

A hay ride indeed. With bales and bales of hay.

And lots of happy children piled up like puppies.

With a breathtaking view of the countryside.

Where hills everywhere showed off their majestic

reds, oranges, and yellows.

I will always be thankful for that beautiful day in the fall

when we went on a hay ride.

The End.

My Soccer Boy

2011-11-15T21:21:00.000-05:00

Soccer season has come and gone and my boy had a lot of fun this year.

His best friend was on his team. Could life be any better?

I would love to know what he was saying...

I'm so proud of my boy! He showed such good sportsmanship --

on and off the field.

Daddy Love

2011-11-10T23:12:00.000-05:00

When I went to turn off the lights tonight in the playroom I saw this

message written on the white board...

There are many reasons I'm so in love with my soul mate.

Little notes like this is just one of them.

Love

YOU

Thankful for...

2011-11-09T21:28:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for my children's interest in playing

the piano. I have always loved the piano. And it makes

me so happy to see them falling in love with it too!

Tooth Fairy

2011-11-08T00:37:00.000-05:00

Guess who lost their first tooth over the weekend?

And who wanted to go to bed early that night?

And who woke up early the next morning all excited about the money

she found under her pillow?

And guess who wishes they could lose more teeth?

♥♥♥My Sweet Bella Wella♥♥♥

Dear Little Baby

2011-11-04T16:27:00.000-04:00

How could I forget to mention the big news we found out weeks ago....

We are having a BOY!

(30 weeks)

When we learned what we were having I sent my sister a picture of the ultrasound. And the next day she dropped off his very first little outfit! Can't wait til he's wearing it.

* * *

Dear Little Baby Boy,

You are kicking up a storm today. I stop everything I'm doing just to watch you move. I don't want to miss a single one of them. Every time daddy walks by I tell him he must see this. Why you stop moving just when he's looking I'll never know. But he has seen plenty of your little wiggles. And so have Jack and Bella.

Daddy and I loved hearing your heartbeat this morning at the doctor's office. We see the doctor every 2 weeks now. The more frequent our doctor's visits the more I realize you will be here soon. Sometime in January. We shall see.

We still don't know your name. But it will come. I pray God's hand will be upon you the day of your birth! It will be. For I know you are another special gift from Him.

Love you precious baby!

Mommy

Catching Up

2011-11-04T00:21:00.000-04:00

Trying to catch up and post the events

that took place during my blogging "break".

Some important events...

Bella started kindergarten!

Jack started 3rd grade.

And I'm still not sure what is most amazing - my baby

starting kindergarten, or the fact I have an 8 year old boy.

In 3rd grade!!! Jack is my constant reminder how fast time is going by.

After all, it was just yesterday that HE was starting kindergarten.

Bella also started soccer this year.

And some other events...

including a bit of relaxing,

birthday parties,

some fun family game nights

(introducing my kids to more

games I played when I was a kid),

and of course, always making smoothies.

soccer pics and fall festivities will have to wait
and be posted another day...

It's The Great Pumpkin

2011-11-02T21:42:00.000-04:00

And we had fun carving it

Trick or Treat

2011-11-01T23:30:00.000-04:00

This is how our day went yesterday...

I realized that it's NOT a good idea to go shopping for

halloween candy while pregnant!

I ended up buying all MY favorite chocolate bars to hand out - and eating

one too many.

Bella thought the fake teeth she got in school were the coolest thing.

So we set off to Memo's house to scare her.

Memo graciously fed us dinner and then it was time

to transform into Darth and Cinderella.

We picked up one more Star Wars guy and then we were off...

... walking the same streets I did

when I was their age. Trick or treating at the same houses

with some of the same sweet faces handing out candy.

Of course, we had to visit the howling werewolf again this year.

And stop in to see one of our favorite uncles.

And then back home to sort, assess and eat this years bounty.

Weekends are For

2011-10-31T23:14:00.000-04:00

*Bringing home big pumpkins*

*Getting our nails painted*

(daddy saves mommy from smelling the yucky smell)

*Playing super heroes*

*Parades*

and

*Carving big pumpkins*

Another Snowy Day

2011-10-29T13:19:00.000-04:00

LOVE

THE

SNOW!!!

I'm not sure who is more excited about these little white flakes falling from the sky,

me or the kids. One to three inches are expected to fall today.

Time for the hot cocoa!!!!

Out of the Archives

2011-10-27T14:29:00.000-04:00

My babies. When they were babies....

Bella's 1st trip to the pumpkin patch

His Blessings Abound

2011-10-26T12:44:00.000-04:00

And I am counting every one of them today:

1. I woke up this morning, period.

2. My husband prayed for our kids before taking them to school.

3. My husband came home and did a load of laundry.

4. My husband prayed for me (as I lay on the sofa not feeling so great) and then prayed for our baby -before rushing off to work.

5. There is a miracle growing in my belly!

6. I am not starving.

7. I am not homeless.

8. I am not hopeless, EVER, because,

9. I AM a child of God!

Having an early Thanksgiving dinner with

Miss Belle.

Baby Bliss

2011-10-19T22:00:00.000-04:00

It's been so long since my last post. Gotta play catch up soon and

post all that's been going on around here. But I was so

excited about this that I had to share.

This is what I pulled out of my dryer today!

An itty bitty, teeny tiny, adorable, little sock.

Years have passed since I washed baby clothes.

So it was fun to rediscover that everything seems 100 times

more adorable at this size.

I am in love

with every little sock, sweater, and jacket

my friend gave me!

Of course, with a few months to go before my due date, I suppose

I could have waited to start washing the outfits. Except that

I couldn't wait to start washing the outfits!

What's for Dinner

2011-07-22T12:00:00.000-04:00

In need of inspiration. That's when I go to my bookshelf and
grab an armful of cookbooks. When I'm pregnant I crave
food like mad. Not for a specific food, but mostly all food.
The irony is when I'm not pregnant I'm never hungry
and food tastes just okay. But not lately.

My life is very much revolving around food these days.
I think about food all the time. I dream about it!
The other day I had a dream that I was walking
down the streets of my little town and all the stores
had magically turned into restaurants. And all the tables were
outside. As I was walking along the sidewalk I could
see what everyone was eating. I was drooling over the entrees.
It wasn't long until I was sitting at a table and ordering one
of everything! It was a great dream. I woke up hungry.

So when I'm out of ideas for dinner I need to find inspiration. Quick!

♥It's extra fun going through cookbooks when Bella is helping♥

My inspiration? Some pretty good books;

Happy Birthday!

2011-07-16T22:20:00.000-04:00

My darling Jack,
My eight year old boy, I love you. I love everything about you. Your kindness, your beautiful spirit, your ability to make us laugh... You are sweet, you are smart. You're as handsome as daddy! You are our miracle baby. We are thankful for you!!!

Happy Birthday Jack.

'at a boy!

2011-07-11T19:35:00.000-04:00

My wonderful little

J boy was helping out today.

I think he deserves ice cream tonight.

And I may have some too!

Birthdays and Bike Rides

2011-07-08T23:04:00.001-04:00

My beautiful Bella. You were sent to us from heaven.
When I was carrying you in my belly I knew in my heart that you were a girl.
I cannot believe you are five! You have blessed us in so many ways.
Brought so much joy to our family. I thank God for you!
Happy birthday my sweet Bella.

This almost made me cry. What can I say, it's pregnancy hormones. This is Jack's gift for Bella. The gift box was an empty tissue box. We recycle.

This was everything inside the box. My near tears quickly turned to laughter. Dental floss, one dollar, two quarters, a pen, a toy giraffe, a ribbon, one card from a deck of cards, some play milk (which is hers to begin with) and a mini slinky. What a great big brother!

Our first family bike ride. I'm thrilled this was the summer I got my bike!

It's been years and I'm a little rusty but having fun anyway. Let's face it, I'm really

never going to be great. It's my lack of coordination thing.

I sort of panic when somebody starts riding too close to me.

Or comes flying one hundred mph straight towards me.

A discovery that Daddy and Jack find all too amusing.

It is so much fun though and is now our favorite

way to end the day.

CHOPPED

2011-07-05T11:32:00.000-04:00

It's now a tradition!

Mommy and daughter day at the salon.

We both looked at books and picked our favorite

styles to show Miss Liz. I went short. Very short. Belly got a trim.

It was such a great day with my little Belle.

I've said this before and will say it hundreds of times over

again...

Children are a blessing from the Lord!!!

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T22:45:00.001-04:00

Summertime!

2011-06-29T10:21:00.000-04:00

The water was freezing but they splashed in it anyway. We're happy

summer is here. Bella and Jack are spending their time playing

badminton, bike riding, splashing in the pool, and eating

homemade ice cream and popsicles.

I'm trying to resist being sleepy all the time. Gotta

keep moving. And I'm finally getting a bike! Can't wait to pick it up and go

for our first family bike ride.

And the best part of this summer, we heard the baby's heartbeat

yesterday. And saw it moving! It was amazing, incredible,

miraculous, to see that tiny little baby

moving around.

We are so thankful for God's blessings!

Reason To Celebrate

2011-06-06T19:59:00.000-04:00

Several actually;

1. Jack does NOT have strep. Poor boy has been sick since his summer break began. Today's test was negative and he's doing so much better. Of course, waiting to see the doctor for over an hour with bored kids not so cool.
2. Daddy landed! Hallelujah! I won't get to see him until late tonight. But I'm always happy to know he is in the U.S.
3. I held it together, quite well, these past few days.
4. I am caught up with ALL of my laundry! (this makes mommies really happy)

And to celebrate,

I'm having a Klondike bar!

BIG NEWS

2011-06-01T16:27:00.000-04:00

Daddy left for Romania again.

We kissed him goodbye this morning.

We miss him already!

Oh, yeah, the other big news today... We are in the family way!

Daddy had to leave before my doctor's appointment.

He is soooooo excited. He told me to text him as soon as I found out.

And then he started telling everyone.

After my appointment I went to Memo's house to sit on her

porch and stare at the beautiful green trees,

and perfectly blue sky.

It's a good place to meditate and to absorb really big news.

The most fun part of today was telling the kids.

They think this is the coolest news ever.

Oh daddy, if you could have been here to see their faces...

Jack didn't want his pic taken, but was smiling from ear to ear.

He wanted to know if the baby could talk when it was born.

As soon as we got home he called his best

friend to tell him all about it.

Bella began right away figuring out who the baby could play with.

She told me that she would NOT be changing diapers, and the baby
could have her old crib. She also wanted to know if it was a boy or girl.

After we got home I was upstairs doing laundry.
Bella came up to me and said "so, how's that little

baby in there doing?"

I was going to wait to post the news since I am very early along.

However, daddy, and now the kids, seem to be spreading the news and I wanted to tell somebody

before they did! I'm so happy.

I'm tired. I am nauseous and I am hungry ALL the time.

Oh, and I cry at good movies too.

Oh Happy Day!!! These are all good signs!

Please keep me (us) in your prayers.

So So General Tso

2011-05-18T18:53:00.000-04:00

The kids wanted Chinese for dinner so I tried making General Tso from scratch. It turned out decent but next time I will leave out the ginger and replace the sherry wine with chicken broth.

Click here for recipe.

We Miss You

2011-05-16T13:08:00.001-04:00

Our favorite tree.

Even though

it's made us sneeze our heads

off, it's still our favorite.

Poor Jack. Had to stay home from school his allergies

were that bad. He missed the day his class went around

picking up litter. What a great class!

As they passed by our house we heard

these little voices all saying,

"HI JACK"

"WE MISS YOU!!!"

Jack waved to his class. His whole class waved to him.

I called my sister and told her all about it.

And I cried.

Out of The Archives

2011-04-30T12:23:00.000-04:00

Daddy kissing his baby princess

Easter past

Easter

2011-04-27T00:44:00.000-04:00

It took a little longer this year for

the kids to find their baskets. Every year

I hide them somewhere in the house.

I'm running out of hiding spots!

Easter morning

Here are the squirmy wormies who

were thrilled to be posing for more pictures.

After church

The day ended with Cotton-tail napping in our yard.

Redeemed:

2011-04-24T20:42:00.000-04:00

♥ To compensate for the faults or bad aspects of something,

♥ To recover ownership of by paying a specified sum,

♥ To buy back, repurchase,

♥ To free from captivity by payment of ransom.

I can't begin to describe my feelings, my thoughts....

I am just so thankful for His sacrifice.

I don't deserve it. Never earned it.

But it's true. We've been redeemed

by the Lamb of God.

HAPPY EASTER!

The Apprentice

2011-04-22T09:42:00.001-04:00

Daddy helped Jack tighten his shoe laces this morning.

Then they headed out for work.

Gotta show him the ropes!

All set to go with his computer, cereal, and games.

Umbrella

2011-04-21T17:53:00.000-04:00

Belly loves the rain. Because she gets to use her new umbrella.

(going to ballet class)

Hope's Anthem

2011-04-18T18:45:00.000-04:00

He's awakening the hope in me

By calling forth my destiny

He's breathing life into my soul

I will thirst for Him and Him alone

He has come like the rain

That showers on the barren plain

So my heart and tongue confess

Jesus Christ the hope of man

My hope is in You God

I am steadfast

I will not be moved

I'm anchored

Never shaken

All my hope is in You

click here if you want to listen to this great song.

click here if you want to hear another great song that

has me and belly jumping around the house. fun song!

First Haircut

2011-04-14T21:46:00.000-04:00

Belly Boo got her first haircut today.
If you don't count the time she cut it herself.
Miss Liz did mine first and then B's.
Belly loved it!

Favorites Friday

2011-04-08T14:38:00.000-04:00

S W I M M I N G

My Little Ham

2011-04-06T16:29:00.000-04:00

these pics were taken a few days ago. everyone was feeling good. not any more. every other day someone else succumbs to the bug! today was my turn. seems like recovery is pretty quick. that's the good news. i'm already ready to feel better.

in the meantime, i've got my ham to cheer me up. i love my boy. i love my girl. i love my hubby.

how blessed am i!

Distractible Me

2011-04-05T17:44:00.000-04:00

What happens when I'm cleaning.... and get distracted?

I find my tub overflowing with suds.

Saturday Post

2011-04-02T17:54:00.000-04:00

What our Saturday looks like

Helmets.

PJ's.

Zoooooooooming around the house.

Laughter.

And Jack filming it all with his new phone (daddy's old one).

Favorites Friday

2011-03-11T22:02:00.000-05:00

♥

LOVE

LETTERS

FROM

KIDS

♥

Favorites Friday

2011-03-04T14:25:00.001-05:00

THINGS THAT MAKE US FEEL

BETTER WHEN WE'RE SICK:

Freshly squeezed orange juice

Bee M.D. throat drops

Gargling with sea salt

The Braun ThermoScan

ear thermometer makes

me feel better when I

see fevers going away!

And, of course...

Juicing & Smoothies!!!

And I can't forget to mention

lots of rest

lots of prayers

lots of reading and meditating

on God's Word

playing Old Maid in bed

and eating a few of these

I just had to buy trefoils

from the adorable

little girl that came to the

house the other day!
Yes. I just had to!

Favorites Friday

2011-02-25T12:06:00.001-05:00

MOUNTAINS OF WHIPPED CREAM

on top of our pancakes

to match the mountains of falling snow

This Is What I Believe

2011-02-22T18:53:00.001-05:00

I believe HE is mighty to save!

I believe HE is coming again!

I believe HE will pour out HIS spirit upon ALL flesh!

And I believe I really like this song.

Favorites Friday

2011-02-18T22:48:00.001-05:00

A Little Princess

I loved walking into the playroom and finding Bella

reading her books. As a princess.

Ballerina Belle's Debut!

2011-02-15T13:26:00.001-05:00

Here she is in her first recital.

I am so proud!!!

She is as graceful and coordinated as her momma.

Sweet Valentine

2011-02-14T20:08:00.000-05:00

A few days ago we all helped Jack

decorate his box getting it ready for his school's

Valentine's Day party.

The end result was this little lady bug.

Today she came home filled

with 17 sweet little valentines!

Happy

Valentine's

Day!

Favorites Friday

2011-02-11T09:10:00.000-05:00

WINDOW CRAYONS

... and the cute pictures the kids made on Christmas Day.

Favorites Friday

2011-02-04T13:44:00.000-05:00

COOKIE JARS

I love cookie jars.

The kids and daddy love what's inside of them!

Our Holiday

2011-02-03T21:31:00.000-05:00

Our Christmas was really special this year.

Since our relatives that were supposed to come over got sick

and couldn't make it, it was just the four of us.

There was no hustle and bustle to get the house ready for company.

No pressure to have our dinner finished at any particular time.

No shuffling the kids into the playroom while the grownups did their thing.

We had all day long to enjoy us.

Of course, the first thing we did was open presents.

My favorite thing under the tree was all the cards and
"gifts" wrapped and tagged "to mommy

from Bella, to mommy from Jack"

My children melt my heart!

After that Daddy and Jack played games while

Bella and I went to the kitchen to start breakfast.

When breakfast was over we played a bit more...

Jack and his action figures

Bella on her phone

Daddy got to put a few toys together

And I got quite a few pictures of our wonderful day...

...a few more to post another day.

Hello World!

2011-01-31T00:43:00.001-05:00

It's been a long time since I posted. I had very good intentions to post our Christmas pictures by the end of January but a couple of sick kids kinda changed those plans. So, I'm thinking by February something I should have those holiday pictures around. I'm looking forward to reliving our Christmas memories...

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2010-12-24T16:11:00.002-05:00

The kids are so excited about tomorrow!
The presents are wrapped, there's snow on the
ground, and we're ready to celebrate one of
the greatest events that deserves celebrating,
the birth of our savior!!!

The kids after church.

B's reindeer craft.

Breakfast time.

Watching our world transform into
a winter wonderland.

After visiting Santa's Secret
Workshop.

The ring Jack picked out for Memo.
She's gonna love it!

More crafts.

Decorating gingerbread houses.

Posing with Santa.

HAVE A MERRY

CHRISTMAS!!!

Dear Daddy

2010-12-12T01:33:00.002-05:00

I just finished watching a wonderful Hallmark movie. Alone. It's no fun at all watching those movies without you. Even when you're on your computer I can still pretend you're paying attention and really interested in my million comments. This one was really good. I saved it. It was a love story, of course it has to be on Hallmark, about a young lady who is an aspiring writer.

Naturally, I am now wishing that I was a better writer. :)

Well, it's late so I better be going. I pray all is well with you and bro. Richard.

Love and miss you.

mommy

Marshmallow World

2010-12-08T22:54:00.003-05:00

This morning we kissed daddy goodbye

as he headed back to Romania, to the place

and the people he loves. He is flying somewhere

over the Atlantic right now.

Love you daddy!

After he left, Bella and I sang A marshmallow world -
with a little help from our friend Bing.
Belly giggled everytime we said
"marshmallow clouds"

When Jack came home from school we spent a cazillion
hours getting ready to go outside. Snow was falling so hard
I thought the kids would change their minds
about going out. That didn't happen.
Just take a look at this marshmallow world we played in!

Hot cocoa warmed little
hands and rosy red cheeks
when we came inside. And we came in
just in time to get daddy's call before
his flight took off.

Favorites Friday

2010-12-03T13:10:00.000-05:00

F A M I L Y

                  G A T H E R I N G S...


                                          The Sights, the Sounds, the Aromas.

The feeling of being so blessed.

Window candles in the windows

Double batch of cornbread for the stuffing

Beautiful apples for applesauce

The feast

The laughter..........

Happy & thankful

for God's

abundant blessings!

"Mayflower" by Belle

2010-11-23T23:13:00.000-05:00

Belle's artwork

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like....

2010-11-22T22:37:00.001-05:00

THANKSGIVING!!!

These arrived just in time! They are the

placemats going on the kiddy table.

Now I want to sit at the kiddy table!

Tomorrow we're picking up the turkey.

It's our first free range turkey.

(Jack & Bella happy we put up the tree)

(Bella, after church on Sunday)

(Bella in a slump*. )

*Slump: the position one assumes after having their picture taken a trillion times.

Over the weekend we put up our tree.

I really was going to wait this year until AFTER Thanksgiving

but since every store is decked with holly

and all things glittery, sparkly, Christmas-y,

I couldn't wait. My house wanted to be glittery and sparkly too.
Besides it kept us busy while daddy was gone.

And when he came home, we mobbed him like this

We miss him when he's away, so we mob him when he returns.

And the mobbing turns into tickling, the tickling turns into airplane for little girl,

and airplane for big boy.

Big boy doesn't fly very long.

I am thankful for so much.

And I'm looking forward to spending Thanksgiving dinner with my family.

It's going to be so different from last year when we were

so sick and had family staying with us.

I loved my family staying with us. I didn't like the sick part. God

faithfully brought us through that difficult season. As He always does.

Seasons in our lives change but God stays the same...

Loving, merciful, comforting,

ever present helper in our time of need!

This year as I prepare our Thanksgiving table
I will be mindful to set a place for

the One who I am most thankful for.

Isabella Cinderella

2010-11-18T22:20:00.002-05:00

That's what my Aunt called Bella the other day.

So guess who is in love with that new nickname?

So that's what we have been calling her lately.

This is Isabella Cinderella...

making fancy schmancy letters,

in her fancy classroom,

with a fancy hairdo,

making a big, fancy, glittery "D",

and one big fancy nancy schmancy dinner!

ooooohhh I just love my

Isabella Cinderella!!!

I also love this book.

It's the reason I haven't posted in a looonnnng time.

I have shamefully been behind in my

reading. Thus, feverishly trying to catch up.

Every single night I have been reading, reading, reading until

I can't read any more. I am almost caught up!!!

The grass withers and the flowers fade,

but the word of our God stands forever.

Isaiah 40:8

In Loving Memory

2010-11-11T23:51:00.000-05:00

My dear Uncle Steff

Favorites Friday

2010-10-29T22:40:00.000-04:00

Costume Party

for super heroes

and a fairy princess

Favorites Friday

2010-10-22T19:17:00.000-04:00

Baking bread

and the aroma that fills my house.

Banana Bread

1 1/4 cups sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (3-4 medium)

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

Heat oven to 350F. Grease bottoms only of 2 loaf pans, 8.5x4.5x2.5.

Mix sugar and butter. Stir in eggs until well blended. Add bananas,

buttermilk, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.

Stir in remaining ingredients just until moistened.

Pour into pans. Bake about 1 hour or until

toothpick comes out clean.

Cool 5 minutes. Loosen sides of loaves

from pans; remove from pans.

Note: Add 1 cup chopped nuts if you like.
Reduce heat to 325F if using cast iron pans.

Recipe: Betty Crocker

Four Little Pumpkins

2010-10-19T20:07:00.000-04:00

Carving pumpkins with four little

pumpkins was a lot of fun!

Except the fourth little pumpkin ran away

and didn't finish his.

2010-10-15T12:22:00.002-04:00

Al Fresco

2010-10-11T21:03:00.001-04:00

Today felt like a day

to dine outdoors. And a day to order out.

The wind blew the leaves and our napkins around

while the birds sang to us.

It was all so peaceful.

Even the part where Jack stopped eating

because of the bug that landed on his

sandwich.

Soccer Boy

2010-10-09T14:27:00.001-04:00

Jack's last soccer game was today.

We cheered.

We coached.

We screamed.

We calmed down.

We were proud.

Favorites Friday

2010-10-08T19:11:00.000-04:00

The Boys

Playing

Croquet

where rules are optional

in this highly

competitive sport!

Falling for Fall

2010-10-07T11:40:00.000-04:00

It's just the beginning of fall and already we've been

enjoying so many things about it.

Here are a few of those things that make this season

one of my favorites...

Painting pumpkins with the kids.

Jumping in the leaves.

Sunflowers.

For the last couple of weeks this has been dinner for the bluejays.

So much fun to watch.

The garden rests.

Pop strolling around the yard.

Happy kids.

Favorites Friday

2010-10-01T22:36:00.000-04:00

Decorating for Fall

The Whistle

2010-09-30T13:32:00.000-04:00

Today I'm typing this post from our sofa, aka the sick bed.

It's the preferred resting spot when somebody is sick.

A couple weeks ago it was Jack on the sofa, this week it's Belle.

Thankfully, she is better than last night.

A night filled with big sobs and big tears and big requests,

"mommy, please make me better!"

This morning daddy was tasked to pick up

her prescription and new toy.

Both from the pharmacy.

Both do wonders in the healing process.

When Jack was sick he got a red yo-yo.

Bella, well, she got a whistle. That's right.

A whistle.

Not a doll, not a puzzle, not a cute, fuzzy, furry, fluffy,

stuffed thing, but a whistle.

Turns out daddy thought it was a great idea for her to have a whistle

to blow whenever she needed mommy to get her anything.

The first blow I came to see what she wanted and gladly got her a popsicle

from the freezer. The second blow, I was happy to oblige by sitting on

the sofa with her. The third, fourth, and fifth blow sent me to find daddy

so I could thank him for picking the whistle.

Thank you daddy.

We love you!

His Wonderful Blessing

2010-09-27T22:59:00.000-04:00

When I think about how amazing and great God's love is for me,

how He has provided, beyond measure,

all I could ever need or want in this world,

sometimes, it feels like my heart cannot contain it all.

Here's

small

list

things

I'm

thankful

for

this day...

I am thankful for my house.

It is perfect for our little family.

It has brought many happy gatherings and happy

memories to our lives.

I am thankful that this branch missed our car, by inches.

Thank you Lord!

I am thankful for the little bit of extra energy I've

had lately, so I can make the kind of dinners I want

to make for my family.

I am so thankful that God blessed me with children.

A long, long, long time ago, I had questioned if I

ever could have children, and many years later, here I am

with two blessings from heaven. I'm so thankful for them.

So thankful.

I am thankful for this tree.

It's the tree that held the swing our toddlers used to swing in.

It's the first tree my son climbed in. It's the tree that

produces the best pile of leaves to jump in.

It's the tree that I stare out my window at

to enjoy the colors of creation.

I love this tree.

Yes, I am thankful for this tree!

God has blessed my life.

May I always remember to have

a grateful heart.

Favorites Friday

2010-09-24T21:05:00.000-04:00

FALL FOLIAGE

I love the colors of fall.

Today I stood in my yard and just enjoyed

the beauty of this season. It is everywhere.

And it is beautiful.

Until Next Year

2010-09-22T23:05:00.082-04:00

Dear Summer,

You leave us with plenty to smile about!

Thank you for some wonderful memories...

*POP'S GARDEN*

The garden that grew and grew and grew.

That Jack helped plant with seeds.

Grass seed. That daddy weeded, and weeded,

and weeded.

*SPARKLERS*

Bella got so scared she ran into the house crying.

And daddy assured her there

was nothing to be

afraid of.

*SOCCER FUN*
Jack played a lot of
soccer in his flip flops. I did too.
And that was fun. Not really.

*JACK'S FRONT TEETH CAME IN*

This was really exciting!
We waited a long time for this.

*INSEPARABLE BOYS*

Hours, days spent playing,

playing, playing, a little

arguing, and more playing.

*THE FISHING DERBY*

Jack was the second one to catch a fish!

Belly wanted to play with the worms

and drink soda. They both got a prize.

God love those people!

*EMPTY!!! & THE TEENY, TINY
RESTAURANT*

Discovering that our tank was on empty

driving from the derby - it said zero - we all held our breath...

Until we decided to get something to eat on the way

home.

*FUNNY FACES*

We really cut up at this place. Still in denial that we

have no idea how we're going to get home.

(Here I am with some serious hat head.

That daddy will soon have too!)

We did make it home. We don't know

how, but we made it!

Thank you, summer, for these

moments I will treasure forever.

We will see your beautiful face next year!

Favorites Friday

2010-09-17T08:51:00.000-04:00

This is the cutest movie.
Our used copy came from
Amazon and has been played at least
a dozen times at our house. At least.
So much for waiting til
Christmas.

Love

It!

We only wish it was longer!

Boost

2010-09-16T22:08:00.000-04:00

Here's our secret weapon, one of them

anyway, in our effort to give

our immune systems a little boost - Just in time

as we're entering cold and flu season.

I've added a few

extras to our smoothies.

*Yogurt*

*Peaches*

*Blueberries*

*Blackberries*

*Strawberries*

*Banana*

*Flax seed*

*Spinach*

We do not like the cold and flu season,

but we really like this smoothie. (And in case you

were wondering, you can't taste the spinach.)

The Girl Who Ate Anything

2010-09-13T23:26:00.004-04:00

When I was a little girl,

I think I would have ~~gagged~~ said no thank you
if my momma

gave me a prune to eat.

My girl not only eats prunes,

but a plethora of good-for-you tasty treats.

And she eats them because she likes them.

Not because we make her.

Jack, well, he's a lot like how I used to be.
He ~~gags over such things~~ is learning to like such things.
He is starting to like the capple (carrot & apple)
juice. That's progress!

* * *

This is my recipe for hummus.

It's been evolving and tonight's results

were the best.

15 oz can organic garbanzo beans
1/4 cup plus 2 T liquid from can of beans
2.5 T lemon juice
1.5 - 2 T tahini
1 clove garlic, diced
salt to taste ( I used a little more than 1/4 tsp)
4 tablespoons EVOO

Drain chickpeas, setting aside liquid from can. Combine remaining
ingredients in blender. Add liquid from beans. Blend until smooth.

Serve with veggies, corn chips, toasted pita bread...

Add more garlic if you like it super garlicky! But you will
need to get some breath mints.

Favorites Friday

2010-09-10T00:17:00.001-04:00

MATH MANIPULATIVES

The kind you eat.

Back to baking

2010-09-08T22:33:00.000-04:00

Here we are. Back to that wonderful time of year again.

Cooler, crisp days, when I really feel like baking.

And having my oven on doesn't mean it's a million degrees in my house.

Oh, lovely AUTUMN, I've been awaiting your presence.

...Mmm... the smell of baked goodies is still lingering.

Weekend warrior extraordinaire

2010-09-07T01:23:00.011-04:00

Our plans to get away over the weekend were changed a bit. Jacky boy woke up on Saturday not feeling so well. But staying home pampering our boy turned out to be a pretty good weekend.

Daddy fixed a couple things around the house (which makes me especially happy since my house is my nest). I love my nest and I want to make it nice and homey for my babies and daddy.

Daddy is pretty good at drilling and hammering.

And great at allowing little hands to help.

I'm celebrating over the baseboard trim in the bathroom. It only took a mere 8 years to get finished.

Happy, happy, happy, it is finished!

Favorites Friday

2010-09-03T01:04:00.002-04:00

Homeschooling preschool

Favorites Friday

2010-08-27T22:53:00.001-04:00

FLOWER GIRL

Back to school

2010-08-26T23:00:00.001-04:00

This day was a day full of emotions -
excitement, apprehension, joy.

It was a little bit sad.
We had an awesome summer vacation and
it was sad to see it end.

But my family is always up for a little change.

Change is exciting, and

we think change is good. When it's good.

This was the first year I didn't know Jack's teacher.

And I wondered how they would get along.

I wondered what kind of personality she had,

if she was going to be really nice to my only son.

Jackie B, 2nd grader, really likes school.

I prayed that this year would be

a wonderful experience for him.

Bella girl, preschooler, was more than ready to get started.

So much so that she started

without me! Drawing some awesome letters on

her chalkboard, Miss Belle is showing her independence.

Just like her momma.

I think this is going to be a great school year!

I am proclaiming that for my children.

ps. Jack came home giving Miss P the thumbs up!

Another project

2010-08-24T23:05:00.007-04:00

Do you know how much I love an organized space? A lot.
The playroom closet that we recently finished
was begging me to come take a peek at it. Over. And over. And over.
And when I did, the toys in all their organized glory made me happy.

A few days later, however, our bedroom closet
shelf decided to quit working.

But thanks to daddy and a trip to Home Depot

we now have another gloriously organized space!

Thank you daddy.
Now, what shall we organize next?...