My Children, My World

Powerful -- Something to think about....

2009-10-26T07:36:00.003-05:00

Yesterday at church was such an amazing experience -- several Baptisms, testimony from members that went to Haiti to visit our church's orphanage and this video was shown ---

Something to think about as the holiday season approaches -------very powerful!!!!

Have a Blessed Week!

2009-10-21T19:49:00.006-05:00

Whew----it's been over a month since I posted -- we have been busy .. Life has gotten back to normal -- whatever normal is....... :)

Here's a list of things we've been up to since I last posted....
School
Shatto Dairy
Louisburg Cider Mill/Pumpkin Patch
Renissance Festival
Birthday Parties
Mother-Son Hike -- in the spring there will be a Daddy/Daughter Dance....
Deanna Rose Children's Farm
Movies
Church
Family Gathering night
Small Group gathering night
Photo Shoot with the kids
Bonfire with about 20 families from church --- so FUN!!!
Visit from Grandparents
Liberty Festival
Dance class
Gymnastics
Tae Kwan Do
Dad-Son Breakfast at school
Moon Festival
Mom's Night Out with Adoption group from church
Volunteer Receptionist - I do this ever week
Doctor Appointments -- I'm ready for those to end..
Apple Orchard
Volunteering at School

The list goes on and on ------ this weekend our favorite boy turns SIX!! WOW --

Speaking of my children -- we had a photo shoot with a local photographer last week.
WOW -- Kayla is FABULOUS!!!

My kids were their normal SILLY selves --- drove me crazy --LOL
Well --- I haven't seen the proofs yet, but Kayla has FOUR pictures on her website from the shoot.

They made me cry -- My children are so very beautiful and the photos are amazing --- WOW!
I'm so very Blessed to be their Mommy.....
The expressions on their faces is pure JOY!!!! :)
They make my heart sing --

Take a look: HERE
You have to scroll down to the October 20th date ---then they are after cute little Kayln's pictures..

There are FOUR pictures of my kids --
I have a feeling this is going to cost me a small fortune -- I've only seen four of the pictures and I LOVE all four -- how will I ever choose ----??? :)

Someday I'm going to get back to cardmaking/scrapbooking -- someday I'll get back to posting on a regular basis --

A special THANKS to those that made comments on the last post and have sent me private emails -- Your thoughts and prayers during that difficult time were so appreciated by me.

I hope you are having a Blessed Week.....

GOD is in Control...

2009-09-17T17:12:00.002-05:00

These last 9 weeks have really taught me that GOD is really in control---
It's been a rollercoaster of emotions ---

This last weekend, I miscarried my precious gift--- It's been a sad week -- but I have been humbled by the love and support from family and friends.... I have been to the ER three times since Saturday --
I knew going into this pregnancy that I faced an uphill battle -- I knew my risk of miscarriage was high --

I have put my Faith in GOD -- he has "HELD" me up during this painful time. I am so thankful for Shelly and Libby who came over and prayed with me -- they too had been through miscarriages themselves... So many other wonderful, caring, compassionate people have visited, called and emailed sending their love and prayers and even food for our family......
GOD is Good --
My husband and family have been amazing -- I am so BLESSED to have such a great family.

We had not told the kids about the pregnancy (was waiting until 2nd trimester) , so with recent events -- they only know that "Mommy has been sick"....
My body is slowly healing and I hope to get our lives back to "normal" in the near future....

I probably won't post much in coming days/weeks ----
Someday I hope to get back to card making & scrapbooking....

Until then - LOVE your family -- and have a BLESSED week....

Busy...

2009-08-31T07:21:00.015-05:00

Happy Monday...

I can't believe it's the last day of August --- I hope you have a great week.
I'm doing well -- just VERY tired -- but that's normal...

Here I am in my seventh week - here's my little guy/girl.....

Wow -- pretty amazing -- GOD is amazing --- that at this moment in time -- a little baby is growing in my belly -- what a GIFT!

Our lives have been so very busy --- I try not to think about being so tired --

My big boy is LOVING Kindergarten -- I'm so very proud of him -- He LOVES it so much -- his teacher says he's doing great!!!! He comes home every day and talks and talks and talks about his day.... He gives me every detail--- so fun!!!
He's also doing soccer -- he enjoys it, but has to learn that YES he will get kicked sometimes and YES there are some kids that have more experience and are faster..... He gets upset easily -- we are working on that.....
He LOVES learning his bible verse -- that to me is the most important -- GOD FIRST!!! Always!

My Emily has started dance and this week will begin her gymnastics again. She loves both so much!!! I received a phone call from her last year's preschool teacher --- Miss Cinda -- there has been some changes and she will be having Miss Cinda AGAIN this year for her Pre-K class.
We are sooooo very EXCITED --- we LOVE Miss Cinda -- she is the best!!!
So what a blessing for Emily ---- She's so excited to have her "favorite" teacher again......

On a sad note, I also learned that the manager of the gym--Sharon -- lost her husband unexpectedly--- so very sad--- he was only 52 years old.... My thoughts and prayers have been with their family as they go through this terrible loss...

On other notes -- just so very busy --- my calendar is FULL --
I haven't had time to make any cards or scrapbook -- hopefully soon....

I leave you today with one of my FAVORITE songs ---- by Chris Tomlin ---- Our family listens to this song daily -- such an amazing message -- LOVE --

Have a Blessed Week!

My NEW World.....

2009-08-26T07:14:00.006-05:00

This is a picture of my NEW world:

LOL

I went to my first visit at my NEW Doctor's office yesterday -- I received the info above, plus a bunch of other stuff. I took, yet a FIFTH pregnancy test -- (I took 3 home pregnancy, plus my regular doctor's test, and the NEW doctor also wanted one--)

YES -- I am still pregnant!!

I walked into the doctor's office yesterday afternoon and there were no less than EIGHT very pregnant women sitting in the office. I had to LAUGH to myself -- I was by far the OLDEST in the room. I never thought in a million years that I would ever be in a room with that many pregnant women again... LOL

I'm kind of in a "nomads" land now -- there isn't much to do -- no more doctor visits for six weeks. Yesterday, I was asked by someone if I was excited -- the answer is NO-- not yet --
I feel very BLESSED, but the first trimester is pretty nerve-wracking for me. So many unknowns, you don't hear the heartbeat yet, you don't feel any baby movement -- it's just a wait and see what happens time. It's a very anxious time for me -- I know GOD is with me -- that's a huge comfort!

I have been so very BLESSED with an outpouring of LOVE and PRAYERS coming my way -- So many phone calls, emails, visits, etc....I am so humbled by their concern for me....
My family is absolutely THRILLED with the news --

Something that has been so very special for me is that I am now sharing this pregnancy with my younger sister who is also pregnant. She's two months ahead of me -- it was such a JOY to talk with her on the phone the other night, comparing notes, laughing, crying.... enjoying the moment... I never thought I would ever share something like this with a sibling ---
What a Blessing!!

The other day, I was reading Colleen's blog and she had this posted on her blog -- it's from one of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. It was written for a "special needs child", I can relate, because my son has some special challenges. However, I also see this as a metaphor for my life right now.... I cry ever time I read it --- My "old" plans have been put on hold and I guess I'm headed to "Holland" -- I look forward to this new Journey........

WELCOME TO HOLLAND
by
Emily Perl Kingsley.

c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

HAVE a very BLESSED and JOYOUS day!!!

An Unexpected Gift....

2009-08-22T11:32:00.006-05:00

Happy Saturday Morning --

I don't know about where you live, but our weather here this morning is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!

Life has a way of taking unexpected turns --- as I mentioned in my last post -- I've been thrown a curveball.....
I am a big time planner and a control freak -- welllllllll........ I have learned these last eight months that I am NOT in control --

GOD is in CONTROL!!!

So here I am at the ripe old age of 42 - I find myself to be PREGNANT!!!

God has Blessed me so much this year and this was sooooo unexpected ----

I won't go into my medical history, but lets just say the odds of this happening were a GAZILLION to ONE..... LOL It's a miracle!!! We did not plan for this baby -- as far as my husband and I were concern, we were quite happy being a family of four...

I am well aware of the high risks involved in my pregnancy ---
But having had my son attend our school district's "special Education" preschool for the last three years -- I met A LOT of Mom's that were much much much younger than me that had children with Down's Syndrome, with Cerebral Palsy, with Autism, and with many other physical and mental challenges.

I believe anybody can have a child with Special Needs.
Most importantly, I believe that ALL CHILDREN are SPECIAL!!!!

This baby that is inside of me (yes -- I believe life begins at conception -- so this is a baby no matter how small) is a GIFT !

NO -- this was not in my plan -- I've been in SHOCK to tell you the truth --
But to know that there is this little bundle inside of me is so amazing ----- WOW --
At this moment in time -- I am a MOTHER again to a third child ----

I don't know what the weeks and months ahead will bring, I can only pray and hope for the best. I am celebrating each day with this life inside of me and whatever happens, will happen. God is in control!
My sweet baby is due in the spring..... the season of New Life!!

God is so Good!!!

So that's my news --- I am a Blessed Woman!!!

1st Day...

2009-08-20T05:35:00.002-05:00

My favorite boy had a GREAT first day of Kindergarten. He was so excited and I was so very proud of him..

Here are a few pictures:

This picture below is one of my favorites-- his face tells the story -- so excited, so beautiful!

Sis had to get in the picture -- She was excited for her BIG brother --

Working hard on his first assignment:

I have only heard FABULOUS things about his teacher this year -- EVeryone seems to think she is the BEST and so very kind!! :)

I hope you are having a wonderful and BLESSED week!
:)

2009-08-18T16:29:00.004-05:00

Hi All --

It's been a while since I've posted -- we've been very busy!
I've been thrown a MAJOR "curveball" in my life--- I know God is in Control - that's a good thing!

My son starts Kindergarten tomorrow -- he's soooooo very excited, I don't know if he'll sleep much tonight... My sweet hubby made sure he had the morning off, so we could all take Mr. B to school tomorrow as a family!!

I will try to post some "1st Day of School" pictures ---

As far as cardmaking -- I haven't really been "into it" lately --- I need to scrapbook -- so I might try doing some pages --

Yes- I'm rambling ----LOL
What a week!!!

Take care and God Bless!

August.....

2009-08-03T19:29:00.011-05:00

Happy August -- WOW - -this summer is going by fast!!
I hope you are all doing well.

We had a GREAT July --- so very busy, but also a lot of fun activities.

The kids have been in the summer camps at the gym- they have LOVED them so much. Emily had her Mommy and Me week. We went to the movies, bowling, out to lunch, did some school shopping, went to Build a Bear where she built a PINK Unicorn with wings. She named her SWEETHEART. We also went to Chuck E Cheese. I think I have had my "fill" of Chuck E Cheese. I don't need to visit that place again for a long time. :)

Brandon is COUNTING down to Kindergarten. He is soooo very excited about school. We have a Count Down going on -- I need to take a picture of it -- it's cute.

We did make up his School Supply list. We hope to go shopping this week. My sweet boy LOVES checklists, so I typed out the list and made little boxes and he cut out pictures from Ads in the paper. So when we go shopping, he'll have his list to cross off.
Here is a picture:

I also FINALLY bought some of these VERY cute cards from Compendium. I have had this site bookmarked for a few years now and I finally get to use them. My son will be taking his lunch everyday and I hope to put of few of these cards in his lunch every once in a while. They are so neat and send such a positive message. :)

One of my travelmates from China sent me a very cool link to a frame that will hold up to 5o pieces of artwork that your children create. It's a wonderful frame that has a mat already in it for that "PROFESSIONAL" look. I bought a couple different sizes -- it's so very cool and easy to open and change out artwork. I bought it from Dynamic Frames.

Here's a picture:

We went down this past weekend to celebrate my Mother's 76th Birthday. I am TRULY BLESSED with the most wonderful parents. They have been married for 46 years and they have LOVED me for over 42+ years. They are the BEST!!!
While visiting my parents-- we went to a local putt-putt golf/Go-Kart place. The kids had a lot of fun.

The most exciting news at my Mother's Birthday party was that my sister announced she is PREGNANT. I'm soooooo very happy for her and her hubby!!!
Here is a picture of my Mom opening the card from my sister -- there was a sonagram picture in the card announcing they were pregnant. My Mom was so excited by the news!!

The year 2010 will not only bring my younger sister a new baby, but my older sister and BIL are also expecting -- they are Adopting :) -- so hopefully they too will be Blessed with a new member of our family!!! :)

Now onto some CARDS -- I managed to complete FOUR!!! Whooo HOooo for me!!!! :)

The first card is for Taylored Expression!! Love her sketches so much -- they have a NEW RELEASE coming out this week. Yippee!!!

Here is the sketch:

Here is my card:

Recipe:

Paper -- Doodlebug - Sundae, SU - Soft Suede Cardstock, PTI - Pink Cardstock
Stamps -- Kim Hughes - Sweet, Two Scoops Rice - Ice Cream Cone
Ink -- SU - Soft Suede, Copics Spica Glitter pens
Accessories -- SU - Soft Suede Ribbon, PTI - Vintage Button,

The second card is for Libby's Courtney Challenge -- though this week her son Carter is the guy that we are using as our inspiration. Check out her site for his picture. He's wearing an adorable dinosaur shirt.

Here is my card:

Recipe:
Paper -- Making Memories - Giggle Kids, PTI - Cardstock
Stamp -- Kim Hughes - Little Boy
Ink -- Memento Black
Accessories - PTI - Ribbon, PTI - Button, SU - Punches, Candy Dots...

My third card is for Ashley's Etsy Inspired Challenge -- this week Julie's Jewels is being used for inspiration.

Here are the earrings that I chose for my inspiration:

Here is my card:

Recipe:

Paper -- My Cardstock, PTI - White and Kraft Cardstock
Stamps -- PTI - Everyday Button Bits
Ink - SU - Tempting Turquoise
Accessories -- Nestabilities, SU - Punch, buttons, thread

My final card is for Color Throwdown. They have another wonderful color combination for this week.

Here it is:

Here is my card:

Recipe:

Paper -- SU - Cardstock
Stamps -- Verve - Just for You
Ink -- SU - Pink
Accessories -- SU - Ribbon, Candy Dots, Nestabilities, Corner Rounder

We have a very busy week ahead -- hopefully I can get in some "craft time" for me. The weekend will bring a Birthday Party and we were invited to attend our Church's Adoption Group Pool Party -- Our weather is finally heating up -- so it will be a perfect for a pool party.

On a wonderful note -- little STELLAN is doing GREAT!!! The power of Prayer is AMAZING!!
He is such a little fighter!!!! :)

I hope you all have a wonderful and BLESSED week! Take care

"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see"
(Hebrews 11:1, NLT)

2009-07-27T07:40:00.001-05:00

PRAYING FOR STELLAN!!!!

Still on Track - Weigh in Monday...

2009-07-21T10:57:00.006-05:00

Fabulous week ---

2009-07-19T18:06:00.010-05:00

Hey All,

I hope you have had a great weekend. The weather here in KC has been AMAZING!!!!
It feels more like Spring, than summer -- cool mornings, low humidity, highs in the upper 70's/low 80's -- PERFECT!!!!

This past week was GREAT ---

** Emily had FUN at Cheerleading camp -- she was so cute doing her cheers!!
On another note, I FINALLLLLY received Emily's US/MO Birth certificate. I started the paper work over THREE years ago when we brought her home, but never finished it -- it's been sitting in a pile for three years. I thought I had procrastinated long enough -- I finally sent off for it and received it in less than TWO weeks. Whoo Hooo -- I can now enroll her in Kindergarten in the Spring of 2010.

**While Emily was at camp, it was LOVIN' ON BRANDON week. Together, we went to see
Ice Age 3-D (cute movie), went to Chuckie Cheese, played at Airzone (one of those places that have inflatable bouncing slides, etc..) we went bowling , did some shopping and ate lunch together. It was a wonderful and busy week spent with my favorite 5 year old son!!! :)

** This past weekend, I volunteered at our church SURVIVOR VBS overnight camp for 4th - 6th graders. WOW -- what an amazing experience. I was a Tribal leader for a group of girls -- they were so very sweet and SMART!!!!
We went to a camp nearby and stayed overnight -- there were 100 people in this one big house. We slept in barrack-type rooms --- 30 kids (15 bunks) in a room.
Have you ever tried to sleep with 30 giggling 4th-6th grade girls??? Let's just say, I was a bit tired when I got home late Saturday afternoon. :) Lights didn't go off until almost 12:30 AM and we were ALL up by 7:00 AM!!
It was ALL worth it though -- so much fun, such great memories -- It was so neat to see these young kids PRAISING GOD!!!!
Our church has such wonderful Youth program-- Love it so much!!!

We prayed, we sang a lot of wonderful songs, we swam, we learned about the Armor of GOD , we played lots of silly/fun games, we had wonderful food, met some incredible Christians and most importantly - celebrated GOD !!
Here are a few pictures -- (for privacy -- I won't be able to show you pictures of their kids -- though there is one with the "backs" of their heads)

GOD Blessed us with beautiful weather for our camp---

Since I LOVE to craft -- I wanted to make a card for the girls in my trip -- so before I left I created this one -- it's simple and sweet -- I've used that sentiment before -- I LOVE it so much-- it means A LOT to me!!!!

Recipe:

Paper - PTI - Kraft and Pink Cardstock
Ink - SU - Chocolate Chip
Stamp -- Unity -- Promise of GOD
Accessories -- PTI - Ribbon, PTI- Kraft string, SU - TopNOTE, Nestabilities

Before we left for camp -- the Tribal leaders had to come up with a silly name for each of our groups -- We were ( I had a co-leader -- LINDA was so FABULOUS) the
THE LADY BUG-ETTES!!

I made up a few ladybug peppermint patty treats for the girls and also a little box of Ghiradelli's Chocolates for their pillows on their beds. The girls LOVED their treats!!!

The rest of the weekend has been spent at church, playing with the kids, doing chores around the house and trying to get caught up on a little sleep. :)

This coming week -- Brandon will be attending SURFIN' Camp at a local gym and it will be LOVIN' on Emily week. I look forward to sharing some 1 -on- 1 time with my sweet girl.

I hope to finish up some cards this week -- we will see. I can't believe how fast this summer has gone !!

I leave you with a Canvas that I ordered a few weeks back. I ordered it from: HERE
The artist - Sara Frankl , has an amazing story -- she is such an inspiration.

My theme for this year is JOY --
I just had to order this canvas from Sara --

So GREAT!!! I hope you choose JOY in everything you do...

Oh -- one last thing -- I need to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to my younger brother -- he completed his FIRST 200 mile bike ride in ONE day on Friday. His goal was to finish it in less than 17 hours -- He DID IT -- In 16 hours and 5 minutes.
I am sooooo very proud of him... He has gone through a lot in his life -- six years ago he weighed over 300 pounds -- He CHANGED his lifestyle -- he chose to get healthy -- he now bikes for recreation -- It didn't happen over night or in six months or even a year -- it has taken him several years to get to this point -- He did not use diet pills or surgery -- he did it through a healthy diet , exercise and hard work --
He is such an inspiration to me -- LOVE you brother!! :)

Busy , Busy, Busy!!

2009-07-12T19:58:00.005-05:00

Whew..............what a wonderful and verrrry busy week!!!!

We had VBS all week, it was GREAT. . I worked with 4 -6 year olds --- it was so much fun. I taught Kdg. for thirteen years, I had forgotten how much I loved working with that age group. On Friday, the Hospitality team put on an AMAZING luncheon for all the station and crew leaders. IT was yummy!!!

On Friday, I attended an evening Scrapbooking Crop. It was nice to spend an evening with grown-ups. There were more people than expected -- we had ten throughout the evening. I managed to finish up a few 2-page layouts.

On Saturday, it was our sweet girl's FOURTH birthday -- She's getting so big --I just love that kid!!
Here are a few pictures. She wants to be a "Rock-N-Roll" star when she grows up. She wanted a guitar, jewelry and a microphone. As I type this post, I can hear her singing at the top of her lungs -- "I LOVE YOU" -- an original song she wrote and all the VBS songs that she learned last week. LOL

She had a GREAT party and wonderful people to share her special day with her. On a side note, we love Ni Hao Kai Lan in our house. Little Kai Lan happens to be Chinese -- they are FINALLY coming out with Kai Lan toys. Yippeeee!!!!! For Emily's birthday she received the Kai Lan Puzzle and should be receiving the Nie Hao Kai Lan goes to China Video verrry soon. I pre-ordered it on Amazon and it should be coming out in days. While I was at it, I did some early Christmas shopping and bought a few more Kai Lan items to save for that special day. :)

Today we went to church and all the VBS kids performed several of their songs that they learned this past week. IT was fun to see them so excited singing about GOD!!! Then afterwards, despite the rain, we had a fun indoor picnic with everyone.

This week-- we will be just as busy. Emily will be attending CHEERLEADING camp for four days in the afternoon.. While she is at camp -- this will be LOVIN' On BRANDON week --- he gets to choose activities all week that he gets to do with ME. It will be nice to spend 1-on-1 special time with each child. I think Brandon has decided on swimming, a movie, bowling and Chuckie Cheese for his activities.

The following week, Brandon will be going to "SURFIN" camp and it will be LOVIN' On EMILY week. I'm not sure what she has planned for us to do. :)

Next weekend -- I volunteered to help the 4-6th Grade VBS OVERNIGHT camp. It should be FUN and interesting. The theme is SURVIVOR VBS. I haven't worked much with this age group -- my friend Shelly has ME as a tribal leader for 6 girls. LOL She told me she KNOWS that I will do a great job. I hope she's right. :)

As far as cards -- I managed to make ONE tonight. Whooo Hooo for me.

I love Ashley's Etsy Inspired challenges..... This week they have chosen Verbena Custom Blends as their inspiration.

Here is what I chose to use for my inspiration:

Here is my card:

Recipe:

Paper -- PTI -- Aqua Mist, Cream , and Berry Sorbet Cardstock
Stamp -- SU - Crazy for Cupcakes, Hero Arts - Sweetie
Ink -- Copics, PTI - Berry Sorbet, VersaMark Black
Accessories - -SU - Corner Punch, PTI - Vintage Buttons & Ribbon, jewel

I hope you have a WONDERFUL and BLESSED week!!!

Thanks and other stuff...

2009-07-06T16:31:00.005-05:00

Happy Monday--

I hope everyone had a great weekend !!
I'm not posting any cards -- but I did want to post a BIG THANK YOU to two different Card Challenge sites.

I was HONORED to be picked as the weekly winner for the Etsy Challenge and was picked as Libby's Favorite for Courtney's Card Challenge. THANKS SO MUCH GIRLS!!!!! You made my day!!!! :)

We had a GREAT 4th of July Weekend!!
On Friday - the kids went to "Firecracker Camp" at a nearby gym and my hubby & I got to spend SIX hours together --ALONE without kids. We had a great day visiting some local museums and had a wonderful lunch out for just the two of us. Then that evening we went to the Royals Baseball Game as a family. The Royals did NOT win, however we still had a great time. The kids enjoyed visiting the "Little K", eating hot dogs/chicken and watching the wonderful Fireworks show after the game. Fortunately, the weather cooperated - the temperatures were fabulous and it didn't rain until AFTER the show was over.

Here a are a few pictures:

The 4th of the July was spent with Family and Friends. We had great food and a great time!!
Afterwards, we came back to our neighborhood and shot off Firecrackers. The sky was FULL of beautiful colors , it was so much fun to watch. There were lots of children around - they loved the sparklers and throwing those little "snapper" ones that pop when you throw them on the ground.

(This is a picture of the kids before we left for our 4th of July picnic)

The new week has started and we are at VBS -- the theme is Crocodile Dock!!
Today was a the first day and it was soooo much fun! The kids LOVED it so much!! They've been singing the songs all afternoon.

All the rooms and main stage are decorated in the "Crocodile Dock - Down in the Bayou" theme --
Here are a few pictures:

(The main stage - getting set up before the kids arrive)

Then here is the Preschool Craft room -- we have around 20 kids PER rotation -- so we made LOTS and LOTS of crafts today. My Craft team had fun decorating our room -- the kids LOVED it so much!

We will spend the rest of the week at VBS, then on Friday night I am going to a CROP with 6 other girls. YEAH!!! I haven't scrapbooked in a while, so it will be a fun evening. Then Saturday is a BIG day for our girl who will be turning FOUR!!
Then Sunday -- ALL the VBS families are invited back to the 3rd Service so that the children can sing some of the songs they have learned, watch a Video/Power Point Presentation of all the week's activities, then a great Cook-out/Lunch afterwards.
I just LOVE our church --

I hope everyone is having a BLESSED week!

Take care!

Happy Thursday...

2009-07-02T20:42:00.005-05:00

Hey All --

I thought I would post because I know that the upcoming weekend and week are going to be FUN and SUPER busy!!!!

I managed to complete a few cards -- since I won't be posting for while --

My first card is for Mojo Monday -- Here is the sketch:

This was a wonderful sketch, though I did change it around just bit!!
I LOVE this IAN stamp -- then again -- I LOVE ALL of the Ian and Anya stamps -- super cute!!!

Recipe:

Paper -- SU - Parisan Breeze, PTI - Brown Cardstock
Stamps -- The Greeting Farm - Baseball Ian, PTI - All Star Team
Ink -- Copics, SU - Chocolate Chip
Accessories -- buttons, May Arts Ribbon, Nestabiltities

The second card is for the Pink Elephant Challenge, this week is to use your favorite color combination. I LOVE Pink, Aqua Mist and Kraft -- so very pretty!!!

Here is my card -- very SIMPLE.-- (My favorite kind of card)

Recipe:

Paper -- PTI - Aqua Mist, Kraft and Pink Dots
Stamp - PTI - Heavenly Medley
Ink - SU - Chocolate Chip
Accessories - PTI - Aqua Mist Ribbon, PTI - Buttons, SU - Top Note

Cards and Stuff.....

2009-06-28T19:52:00.008-05:00

Happy Sunday!

Wow -- it's been a while since I've posted -- I have been super busy! The summer has been great, I can't believe June will be over in a couple of days.

Before I get to some cards, I thought I'd share what's been going on in our lives:

**My favorite boy has done GREAT at summer school. He will be in Kindergarten in August, so this was his first chance of going all day at school. He has LOVED every day -- his teacher told me that he is a "HAPPY child, with LOTS of energy". I would have to agree with that!!!!!! He's also been busy swimming and having friends come over to the house to play.

**My favorite girl will be FOUR years old in a few weeks. She has been busy with gymnastics and just started a new dance place for the summer. She's loving both-- on Fridays she has been attending the gyms "FIT & FUN Fridays" -- it keeps her entertained for several hours. She has also been swimming, going on playdates, helping Mommy, "reading" lots of books and just having fun!!!!

** I have been busy working on my "TO DO" list for the summer. One of my HUGE projects was to clean out the Master Bedroom closet, both kid closets, the hall , the coat and the Toy closet. It was a BIG undertaking, but I"m done and it was soooo worth the hours. I had to make two trips to Salvation Army, but we donated almost 30 bags of clothing, toys, coats, bedding, etc....

**At the beginning of May, we began going to a NEW church -- it has been so wonderful. GOD has Blessed us with new friends and we look forward to going to service every Sunday. The children talk about their Sunday School class all the time. The week of July 6-10, we will be at VBS . I'm helping with the Preschool crafts -- I'm so looking forward to it.
Tomorrow is the last day of my Beth Moore Bible Study for the summer. I have so enjoyed this class -- God spoke to me in so many ways --- the women I have met have had such a strong impact on me -- their Faith in God amazes me!!! They truly Walk the Walk & Talk the Talk -- it's such a Blessing for me to have been in their company... I will definitely be signing up for the next Women's Bible study in the Fall.

**Hubby has been busy with work, he just returned from a week long trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania. He has a few trips scheduled for July, but his travel schedule hasn't been too bad lately. :)

**My weight loss journey is still on track -- It's going verrrry slowly, but I did manage to loose another 1/2 pound. I'm hoping to loose at least 10 more pounds by the time both kids are back in school. I'm still heading toward my first goal of 50 pounds. As I have mentioned before, this is NOT a race. I want to be Healthy and Strong -- for ME and my family. I really feel better than I have felt in years.

July looks like it will be just as busy as June --- if I don't post -- I'm just really busy. Another thing on my To Do list is to CLEAN up my scraproom -- it's a MESS!!!!

I DID however find some time and a SMALL space on my desk to complete some cards. :)

So HERE they are:

The first one is the Card Positioning System sketch challenge. I always love their sketches -- here is this weeks:

In honor of the upcoming 4th of July weekend, I did a red, white and blue card. Here it is:

Recipe:

Paper -- PTI - Pure Poppy & white cardstock, my Blue Cardstock
Stamps - PTI - Let Freedom Ring
Ink -- PTI - Pure Poppy, SU - Pacific Blue
Accessories -- SU - Circle & Scallop Punch, Cuttlebug Dots Embossing Folder

The second card is for the Color Throwdown Challenge:
Here are the BEAUTIFUL colors for the week:

Here is my card:

Recipe:

Paper -- PTI - Cardstock, SU - DSP
Stamp- Clear & Simple Stamps - Generosity
Ink - SU - Chocolate Chip
Accessories - Nestabilities, ribbon, button, thread

The THIRD card is for the FABULOUS Courtney's Challenge. I have missed participating, so I decided I needed to join in the fun this week. Make sure you stop by Libby's site to see adorable Courtney in her summertime outfit:

Here is my card:

Recipe:

Paper -- Sassafraslass - Woodland Whimsy, Cardstock
Stamp -- SU -Hope Happens
Ink -- SU - Chocolate Chip
Accessories -- Quickutz - Flower, button, Nestabilities

My final card is for Heart Hug"s Esty Inspired Challenge. This week Tony Carlisle's photography is the focus.

Here is the photo that I picked for my inspiration :

I LOVE the pink!!!!!

Here is my card:

Recipe:

Paper -- SU - Pink Piourette DSP, Cardstock
Stamp - PTI - Bitty Baby Blessings
Ink - SU - Chocolate Chip
Accessories -- PTI - ribbon, SU- Felt Flurries, buttons, SU- Punch, corner punch

A Couple of Cards...

2009-06-16T20:20:00.005-05:00

Hello Again -

Wow -- 2 posts in one day -- miracles happen!! :)

I managed to complete a couple of cards.

The first card is for TWO challenges.

I'm using the wonderful Mojo Monday sketch and Heart Hugs- Etsy Inspired Challege. This week Naturally Felt is the sponsor.

Here is the sketch and the color scheme that I'm using for my card:

Here is my card, I used my NEW and ADORABLE Hero Stamps. Love them so much!!!

Recipe:

Paper -- SU - Red Riding Hood DSP, White & Black Cardstock
Stamps - Hero Arts - Asian Dolls & Take Good Care Greetings
Ink - Memento Black, Copics
Accessories - Ribbon, button, thread, Nestabilities

The second card is for Mother and Daughters Challenge. PLEASE make sure you check out their site -- They will be picking their favorite entry each month and the winner receives 40% off their ENTIRE order from their store. (SO GREAT!!)

This week the challenge theme is FATHER's Day !!

Here is my card:

Recipe:

Paper -- Scenic Route - Salem Boardman Paper, Orange Cardstock
Stamps - Hero Art's - Happy Father's Day stamp, Papertrey Ink - Star Stamp
Ink - SU - Orange Ink
Accessories - Ribbon, Nestabilities, Nestabilities, thread, button

So Behind...

2009-06-16T15:15:00.003-05:00

As usual -- I am behind. :)

Life is soooo very busy --- having a great summer, just very busy!
I really hope to post some cards soon ---

As far as my weight loss--- I've hit a MAJOR plateau --- I am not discouraged -- just have to get myself out of it. I haven't loss any, I haven't gained any either.
I'm eating healthy -- I continue to exercise -- It's good ---
So I'll keep you posted ----

I leave you with a CUTE picture of my kiddos ---taken this past weekend before church.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, today I am expecting Your goodness. I am looking for Your favor. I’m trusting that You, the God of the breakthrough, are working mightily on my behalf. Help me to live a life pleasing to You as I wait for Your hand to move in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Look -- I made some cards!! :)

2009-06-06T13:51:00.006-05:00

Happy Saturday --

I hope you all had a great week -- mine was BUSY!!!!
Family was in town and my son started his ALL day Pre-Kindergarten Summer School. He LOVES it so much! I emailed his teacher to see how he did the first couple of days and she told me that Brandon was a "GREAT kid, but that he does love to talk A LOT. " LOL
Yep -- that's my boy!!!
I'm so happy he loves school, that makes my heart sing!!! :)

Well -- I managed to get FOUR cards made. WOW -- that's really good for me.

My first card is for Mojo Monday -- Love the sketch so much! :)

Here is my card:

Recipe:

Paper - -3 Bugs-Snips & Snails, PTI - Cardstock
Stamp -- The Greeting Farm - Surfer Ian, PTI - Star Prints
Ink -- Copics, PTI -Chocolate Brown
Accessories -- Brown Ribbon, Stampin Up - Circle & Floral Punch, PTI -buttons & twine, Nestabilities

The second card is for The Pink Elephant. This week it is a Recipe Challenge to use 1 Sentiment, 2 Layers, and 3 buttons.

I really don't know how to count layers -- I used the "base" as one layer and then I added one more -- I hope that's OK.

Here is my card-- very clean and simple!!

Recipe:

Paper -- PTI - Kraft and Aqua mist Cardstock
Stamp -- Our Daily Bread - Verses
Ink -- PTI - Chocolate Brown
Accessories -- PTI - Aqua Mist Ribbon, PTI - Buttons & twine, Cuttlebug Dots Embossing Folder

My third card is for The Color Throwdown -- Here are the colors:

My colors are lighter in shade than what was suggested for the challenge--

Recipe:

Paper -- SU - Simply Scrappin Love Stories
Stamp - Our Daily Bread - Verses
Ink -- PTI - Chocolate Brown
Accessories -- SU - Love Stories, PTI - button, ribbon & twine

Finally -- my last card is for Ashley's Etsy Challenge -- I love this week Etsy Store -- such CUTE stuff!!!

I chose this very cute bow to use as my inspiration. I just LOVE the pink & brown color!

Here is my card:

Recipe:

Paper -- Taylored Expression Paper Kit
Stamp - Unity - Birdie Inspiration
Ink - SU - Pixie Pink
Accessories - Nestabilities, PTI -Button, thread

Have a great rest of your weekend! :)

Still Here

2009-06-02T07:48:00.002-05:00

Happy Tuesday --

I can't believe it's June 2nd, time just keeps going tooooo fast for me.

We just got back this past weekend from a little trip to the other side of the state and tomorrow we have family coming into town. I've been busy doing LOTS of laundry and cleaning the house for guests.

Our trip to St. Louis was fabulous -- the weather did cooperate for the majority of the trip. The temperatures were quite PLEASANT --- I have been to St Louis in July when it's soooo HOT and HUMID -- NOT fun!
So we decided to go at the end of May -- which was PERFECT!!

Here are a few slideshows of our trip -- so MUCH fun!! We went to a couple of places I had never been before, the kids had a BLAST!!!! (so did the parents)

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

As far as my WEIGHT LOSS journey -- it's going well . I managed to loose another ONE pound -- even though I was on vacation. I did exercise every day -- I went down at 6:00 AM to the hotel's workout room and did the treadmill. So GREAT!

Sooooo I am up to 31.5 WHOPPING pounds. I'm feeling good!!

Last night was my Women's Bible study-- I am so enjoying this class. I"ve never done a Bible study before - -God knows what He is doing -- this class is PERFECT for me. It has been such an UPLIFTING experience-- I'm loving it so much!!!

This week my son starts his "Pre Kindergarten Summer School -- He's excited, I hope he stays that way. :)

I really do hope to make a few cards this week, but life is just very busy -- I have a HUGE To-Do list for the summer. I hope to get some of it accomplished -- we will see.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Week!!

**I can and WILL do this ONE pound at a time---

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, search my heart. Show me any area in my life where I may be hiding. I choose today to stand in faith and invite You to move mightily on my behalf. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

2009-05-31T20:49:00.004-05:00

Happy Memorial Day and other ...

2009-05-25T08:37:00.003-05:00

Hi All,

Happy Memorial Day to everyone in the US --- My thoughts and prayers are with all families that have men/women serving in our Military-- especially to those that have given their lives for our freedom. Thank You !!!

We have had a nice weekend -- did some cleaning, had a wonderful picnic with new friends from church, played outside in the sprinklers and "tiny pools", and just relaxed -- so great!!

It is WEIGH IN MONDAY --- I did manage to loose ONE pound this week. Whoo HOooo-
Slow and Steady. :) I am up to 30 1/2 pounds LOSS----
I was up at 5:00 AM and did my 5 mile DVD workout this morning -- I feel so good!

We have a busy/FUN week ahead -- I'll talk about that later.

Until then, I hope to post a card or two later today.

Have a GREAT week!

**I CAN and WILL do this ONE pound at a time! :)

Here is a prayer for today---In honor of our Armed Forces:

Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace, strengthen them in their trials and temptations, give them courage to face the perils which beset them, and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(beliefnet.com)

Color Throwdown Challenge

2009-05-22T13:00:00.006-05:00

Happy Friday --

I hope you have had a wonderful week. For those in the US , have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day weekend!!

We have had a FABULOUSLY BUSY week!!!
It's been so great. The weather here has been so wonderful. We have played at a couple different parks, played in our sprinkler, road our bikes & scooters, used up lots of bubbles, drew beautiful masterpieces on the driveway using sidewalk chalk, ate popsicles, played with the neighbor kids, had a picnic, and just enjoyed life!!!

My son is officially done with Preschool -- he had a wonderful last day of school . It was hard to say Goodbye to all his teachers. He has learned so much -- I am so proud of him.

We have been so busy that I haven't had much time to craft - but I did manage to finish up a card this morning for the Color Throwdown Challenge.

Here are the colors for this week -- so very pretty!

Here is my card:

Recipe:

Paper -- PTI - Cardstock & Green Tea Leaves DP
Stamp - Our Daily Bread - Scripture Collection #1
Ink - PTI - Lavender Moon
Accessories -- PTI - Ribbon, button, flower, SU Flower Punch, Cuttlebug Dots Embossing Folder

QUICK Tuesday Post

2009-05-19T06:48:00.003-05:00

Hi All,

Just wanted to post a couple of pictures from my BIG boy's Preschool Graduation. He was SO excited and SO proud!!! All he talks about is going to Kindergarten -- I'm so proud of him.

SINGING his songs -- I just LOVE the untucked shirt -- it's sooo him!!

WAITING to GO Home with his "diploma". :)

WITH HIS "Diploma"

Brandon HAD to have Candles on his cake -- We sang "Happy Graduation Day To You". :)

What a wonderful evening -- I CRIED lots of Happy Tears -- it was so emotional to watch him up their singing. He has learned sooooo much at his Preschool -- We will miss his teachers A LOT!!

After his party -- I managed to run over and attend my wonderful Women's Bible Study -- sooo wonderful --

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, I choose to rejoice in You. I know that Your goodness goes way beyond my difficulty. I know that even when I don’t see a way, You are making a way for me. Fill me with Your supernatural peace and joy as I surrender every area of my life to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Monday Happenings...

2009-05-18T09:53:00.005-05:00

WOW -- What a FABULOUS weekend --- so busy -- so GREAT!!
God has blessed me with such a wonderful life -- I have decided to share a few pictures of my kiddos. I just can't resist --

They are so AMAZING -- This weekend my daughter had her Gymnastics Spring Fling Showcase and her Dance Recital. Here are a pictures of my Athlete and my Diva!! :)
Such a JOY!!!!

MY ATHLETE

MY DIVA

She did so great at both events -- Her class was wonderful during her dance recital -- they were all so cute!!
Emily did that POSE all by herself -- She's just a little Diva.

Then TODAY is a BIG day for my favorite son. He is GRADUATING from Preschool. WOW
I can't believe it -- he has made such AMAZING progress these last three years. He has attended our school district's Preschool for kids with Special Needs. He has done so well -- He and I will both miss that school so much, the teachers have been so GREAT!!!
We are having a BIG celebration for him -- he deserves it.

Here are some pictures from this morning and I"ll post some pictures of his little ceremony tomorrow.

As far as my WEIGHT Loss Journey - It is Weigh IN MOnday!
I think I've hit a Plateau - -Oh well -- No weight loss this past week --
That's OK -- I"m NOT discouraged -
These things happen -- I'm not on a Biggest Loser race -- I'm just trying to get healthy -- and I think I'm succeeding. I continue to exercise six times a week and am eating healthy. I am not counting points or calories, I'm just watching portion size and eating sensibly --

So I stay at 29 1/2 pounds --
:)

I CAN and WILL do this ONE pound at at time.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, I come to you today giving you all that I am. I choose to praise you no matter what is going on. Fill my heart with joy and help me see the bright future You have in store for me. In Jesus´ Name. Amen.