Please and Thank You

 

I read this quote the other day and have talked about it to more than one person.  Are you tired of me talking about it yet?  Well hold on!  I'm not done yet!

 

I really like this quote for a couple reasons:

 

1. I love Fred Astaire!
2. It's just really, really good!

 

One of my devotions had this to say this morning as well:

 

"We will be much more influential in the lives of our children if we practice what we preach. Why? Because our kids know when we're being hypocritical! When we complain that they do not treat us with respect, we need to be willing to ask ourselves if our actions and attitudes are worthy of their respect."


Talk about an eye opener.

You know, we always do our best to be on our best behavior while out in public.  But how we treat our husband and children when no one is looking is the real lesson your children will learn from!  Especially when we're having a bad day and we walk into a room we just cleaned.  ::clears throat::

OK.  I'm done. 

I don't even know where this is going!

Hello all!  I don't have any pictures for this post.  Sorry to disappoint. :-)  I'll make sure to take some here soon!

Today is going to be a BUSY day!  I'm pretty intimidated by it honestly...  This morning I am hoping to get my house in order, clean Zoe's room, and get all birthday cards in the mail before 1:00 p.m.  I have to take all the kids to a WIC appointment and then hurry back home for our ladies' book discussion!

A week ago I hosted a book discussion at my house for our married ladies in the church on the book The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian.  I only read the intro for all the ladies and immediately knew in my heart that this book was going to change my life!  We're only reading a chapter a week and I feel like I need to highlight every single word in the first chapter because she hits the nail on the head when it comes to women and marriages.  I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for us ladies as we read this book!

 

After the book discussion everyone is going to head to my garage to start setting everything up for our church's yard sale this weekend.  That is going to be such a tedious job that I'm not really looking forward to it...  I love going to yard sales, but I don't like having my own!  Too much work!  Anyways, most of the money will be going to local expense so I'm praying that God will greatly bless our efforts!

There is now a 40% chance of a storm tomorrow afternoon so I don't know about that...  We shall see!  Either way we have to have this yard sale so here we go!

As much as I dread this weekend, I am praying that we have a great time and we all find humor instead of stress!  I'm speaking to myself mostly.  The stressful gal that I am!

Happy weekend to everyone!

Wishing and hoping and thinking and praying, planning and dreaming...

This morning I have been sipping on my coffee and enjoying the view from my living room window. Paul and I have been working outside getting our yard in shape, and we planted some wild flowers in my little pots as well as underneath our big window! I sure hope they grow...I want to see some beautiful flowers soon! You know how anxious I get about plants! :-) I never know if I'll be able to keep them alive or not! 

Happy Friday! 

"Did I do that?"

 

Things didn't go as planned for me yesterday..  The kids and I did take Hurley and walk to the park.  We met up with my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and a couple other cousins.  We took the kids to lunch and let them play, then headed to Walmart for what seemed like only a few minutes!  By the time I made it home it was 5:30 and I had to think about what to make for dinner.  The house was never touched and we didn't play hide-n-seek.  As Zoe would say, "Oopsie daisy!"

 

We could have played after dinner, but we skyped my family down in Arkansas instead!  The kids and I had a lot of fun!  My little ones are characters, let me tell you!  They do crazy things for a laugh.

 

So I guess we'll play hide-n-seek today instead!  I promised my husband I would clean the house too. =)

 

If you don't hear from me before Sunday, I hope everyone has a Happy Easter!

Monday

 

I have so much to do today I'm not sure where to start!  But I know one thing for sure!  I choose to have a happy, positive attitude!  I hope you all choose to do the same!

I hate animals

Especially lying groundhogs!

 

Source: bing.com via raina on Pinterest

 

The past couple days we have had snow.  It comes down like we're going to have a blizzard and then by the end of the day some of it melts away.  Snow is always beautiful when it gracefully falls to the ground.  It sometimes looks like little fairies are gracefully flying in the wind.

 

But I'm over you, fairies!  I'm over you, snow!  Can we please have warmer weather now?

 

This morning I wore a sweater and drank hot coffee while doing my devotions.  It may sound nice, but I'd rather be sipping sweet tea and listening to the birds chirping because I have my windows and doors open.

 

I texted Paul this morning and we were daydreaming about a beach...white sand...the sound of the roaring ocean...the heat of the sun on your back...  Sounds heavenly, right?  Well...don't look out your window because it shatters your dreams like a rock does a stained glass window.

 

Ok that may be a little dramatic...but you get my point. ;)

 

I know that one day (soon!) Spring will be here.  The time will finally come when we can plant our little gardens, get our yards whipped into shape, plant flowers, play outside, go on walks, play at the park, etc.  God is just teaching some of us patience.  Thanks, Lord.

 

Happy Tuesday!

Daylight Savings

Source: imgfave.com via Grace on Pinterest

 

No sleeping in for this Mommy!  Thank you Titus and Daddy.

 

Happy Sunday!

Monday Musings

Source: sisterswhat.blogspot.com via Grace on Pinterest

 

Here's something you may not know about me.  I didn't learn how to read until I was 7 years old.  My mom would get so frustrated with me because I wasn't learning!  Then one day I picked up a book.  It might have been a Dr. Seuss one...I can't remember for sure.

 

After that I was a reading machine!  Anne of Green Gables was one of the first novels I read other than kid books like Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, The Berenstain Bears, etc.  I had already watched the movie, now it was time to read the book!  I read all 8 books in that series.  I laughed and cried right along Anne.  I felt like I was right there beside her through everything she went through --- good and bad.

 

I then started reading more.  I love reading classics like To Kill a Mockingbird (my favorite!), A Christmas Carol, Little Women, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, etc.  I have read 90% of Janette Oke, I love Gilbert Morris, and other books like Redeeming Love.  I just love to read!

 

You know how every kid has a time in their life when they think about running away?  Well, when I would think about running away I would always imagine living in a library.

 

I am so thankful I married someone who loves to read just as much as I do.  Paul has been blowing through books lately.  He has read The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Great Expectations, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Invisible Man.. just to name a few.

 

Paul read The Picture of Dorian Gray right before Titus was born.  After he was born and everyone had left and it was just Paul and I, he told me all about it.  I was exhausted but couldn't help but listen to him tell me his thoughts about the book.  Then he said to me, "This is why we're best friends.  We can talk about books and neither one of us gets bored."  He is so right!

 

I hope Zoe, Max, and Titus have the same passion for reading that their parents have!

 

Last week I found myself in Salvation Army with my mother in law.  I almost immediately went to the back wall where they keep the books.  This time I had my kids in mind.  I came out of there with 10 books.  Some of them were books that my brothers and sisters and I read when we were little.  I brought them home and Zoe and Max climbed into my lap and we read them over, and over, and over and...  It made me so happy!

 

It is a lot harder for me to read since I am so busy taking care of the kids all day.  It seems like when the kids are in bed and I pick up a book, I barely get through the first chapter before I realize I have fallen asleep!  But at least I can read to my children.  That gives me so much joy!

 

When was the last time you read a book?  If you're reading one right now, what is it?

Welcome

Source: lovelyrice.tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

 

When you read the sign, did you immediately feel the stresses leave your body?

 

Breathe in..

 

Breathe out..

 

Happy Friday. =)

I feel like quitting!

What in the world is going on with Blogger?!

 

Is anyone else having issues uploading pictures to their blogs on this site?  I have tried uploading pictures for over a week and I can not figure it out.  It shows that I can upload pictures from my computer, but the broswe button is gone.  So I downloaded Google+ and I still don't know what I'm doing!

 

I need help!!!

Unbelievable!

This month is just FLYING by and I have not had a chance to make my Christmas project!  Every time I have a chance to spray paint my frame it starts to snow.  Every. Single. Time.  But I am DETERMINED to make it today!  The sun is shining and I need to do something crafty!  So I'm hoping to have pictures soon, ok Aunt Vicki? =)  I know it will look great as soon as I get it all done!

Paul has been working long hours at work for the past 2-3 months.  The paychecks have been nice, especially since it's the holiday season, but we sure do miss him.  It makes me anxious for a family vacation so we can get out of here for a little while!

Zoe is almost a pro in the potty training department.  She only has two problems. 

1. She cannot go potty without her potty seat.  The toilet by itself still freaks her out and she can't allow herself to relaz enough to go.

2. She refuses to poop on the toilet.  I don't know what I need to do to make her realize that she does not do that anymore!

She is such a funny kid!  She is saying funnier things all the time.  For example, Paul was playing with the kids last night and hit Zoe in the face with a pillow.  She says, "Ow. You hitta me inna the eyeballs."  She's hilarious!

Now that Max is mobile he is so much more fun!  It changed his personality dramatically.  One day last week he decided out of nowhere that it was time for him to walk and he has been doing it ever since.  Zoe and Max are the dynamic duo now and get into so much more mischief.  For example, they found a Kleenex box and emptied the WHOLE thing.  When I asked what they were doing they both gave me blank stares.  Then out of nowhere Zoe said, "Baby sneezed."  They are the best of friends!  I love it!

Titus is a great baby -- till 9:00 at night when he chooses to scream till 2:00 in the morning.  Although, Paul may have discovered something that helps him sleep because the past couple nights have been wonderful!  We have made it where he is snuggled in his bed with blankets and he will only wake up once to eat as long as he snuggled up to where he can't move.  He's also doing great when it comes to tummy time -- my other kids HATED being on their belly.  Being on his belly helps him fall asleep immediately, though I don't feel comfortable with him on his tummy all the time.  He still has dark hair too. =)  It's crazy.

Well I have a lot to do -- including my craft!  Until next time..

"It's snowing."

Source: google.com.tr via Optimist on Pinterest

"It's snowing."

Those are the words that were whispered into my ear early this morning.  Immediately I felt a chill even though I was covered up in my warm blankets!

"It's snowing."

Those magical words gave me a rush.  Before we know it we will be decorating our house for Christmas.  All of the holiday classics will be playing in the background as we decorate sugar cookies and bake other yummy desserts for social events.

"It's snowing."

One day soon we can bundle up and go outside to play.  I see a snowman family in our future.  We will take Zoe and Max on their first sledding trip down the big hill.

"It's snowing."

We will sing Christmas carols in church that still hold power because we're singing about our Jesus.  We will feel tears come to our eyes and goosebumps on our skin as we imagine the most important birth story in history.

"It's snowing."

The secret to a long lasting marriage is...

Source: theatomichouse.tumblr.com via Grace on Pinterest



...one coke, and two straws.

I feel like I tell this story over and over, but I can't help it!  This was the best marriage advice I received before marrying my best friend, and it came from the sweetest old couple I have ever met.  While the husband was telling me his "secret" his wife pat him on the shoulder and in the most loving way said, "Oh Virgil.."  I melted!

The sad thing is that it doesn't take long for the puppy love to fade and comfortable love to set in.  It's a hard transition!  I think mostly for girls -- especially sappy ones like me who still watch chick flicks and cry because the guy is SO romantic and you wonder why your husband isn't sitting next to you taking notes!

Lately it seems like all I see of Paul is the two seconds it takes to give me a quick peck before he's out the door, and then by the time he gets off work at night we're both tired, a little stressed, and the only thing we can think about is sleep.

The reason why I'm even posting about this is because of my daily marriage calender.  The marriage secret of the day is this:

As much as possible, put yourself in your mate's shoes and see things from his or her perspective.  Keep an open mind and be willing to adapt.

So it got me thinking...

Does Paul think the same about me?

When I put myself in Paul's shoes I don't like what he sees.  He gets up before the sun and works a 12 hour shift every single day (except Sunday), he comes homes to a messy unorganized house with crying kids and a wife that is stressed and not in the happiest of moods.

That's not fair to him.

No wonder puppy love fades.

Yesterday, before I even knew what today's marriage secret was going to be about, I decided to take a room at a time and thoroughly clean and organize from top to bottom.  Get rid of the junk we do not use/need and make our house a home -- a place where we don't want to leave!

I started in the living room and got A LOT done.  I will finish the last of it today and move on.  I'm bummed that it takes me a little longer these days, but I can't help that I'm ready to pop and I have two little ones that like to "help" Mommy.  With every little thing I put away -- or throw away -- I feel like a better wife!  I'm slowly making progress.

I don't ever want to be a nag of a wife that complains because my husband doesn't do this or that.  Sure there are some things he does -- or doesn't do -- that make me slightly annoyed, but I know there is plenty that I'm doing -- or more importantly NOT doing -- that annoys him too!

So I guess it's safe to say that today's marriage secret was definitely one I needed to hear!  I know plenty of others that need to hear it as well.  It's a great reminder.

And, if I want that romantic guy who sweeps the girl (and me!) off their feet in the chick flicks, maybe I need to be that girl that he WANTS to sweep off their feet.

Something to think about...

Bozeman Adventures

Source: Uploaded by user via Karlee on Pinterest

 

The whole family has been living in a hotel room in sunny Bozeman, MT while Paul continues his training for his job.  We got here Sunday evening -- and surprisingly enough -- we have been keeping pretty busy!

 

The kids normally wake up around 7:30.  Paul leaves around 7:45.  The kids and I watch cartoons till about 8:30 then we walk down to breakfast.  The continental breakfast consists of mini muffins and bagels -- with no cream cheese.  Oh, and Frosted Flakes or Raisin Bran.  The coffee is horrible.  Seriously.  I'm pretty much drinking water.

 

I work on my laptop till Paul picks us up around noon.  We go out to eat together and then I drop him off so I have the car in the afternoon.  I drive around exploring new places, sometimes I'll stop and shop.  Yesterday I found a Joann's store so I had to stop!  I bought some items and plan on doing a craft this weekend when I don't have any work to get in the way.  It's something that even Zoe can "help" me with!

 

I'm only out for an hour or two before returning to the room.  I put the kids down for quiet time -- since afternoon naps flew out the window as soon as we got here -- and I do more work on my laptop till around 5:00 when we go pick Daddy up from work.

 

After Paul gets off work we drive around and shop together till we're hungry for dinner, we find a place to eat, and then it's back to the room for relazation.

 

I am so thankful that everything is working out the way it is.  The kids are doing surprisingly well with being cooped up in a room.  We play with toys, watch cartoons, we brought Zoe's school.. we keep busy!  It seems like the days fly by.



Bittersweet

Source: potentiallybeautiful.com via Carole on Pinterest

The past couple days the house has been a little chilly.  As a matter of fact, Zoe, Max, and I are all wearing socks because I REFUSE to turn on the heater when I know I'll need to use the A/C later this afternoon.

Before we know it Fall will be here!  The leaves will change, pumpkin flavored coffee will be back, and there will be college football games!  I am looking forward to it, but I really, really love my summer.

There were a lot of days that the heat was unbearable because of pregnancy, but I still LOVED the weather!  Swimming, sweet tea, the fair, etc.

Are you excited about the weather changing?

Prepare to be bombarded...

...with PICTURES!

I know I have been a total slacker when it comes to my blog.  I got in this mindset where I didn't have enough time to do anything and I just ran around like a chicken with my head cut off.  I was too frazzled to enjoy the life God had given me.  I would go to bed and have a hard time sleeping because my mind would race with what all had to be done the next day.

One day I was just sick of not having fun with my life.  So I changed my attitude.  Obviously I couldn't get rid of all of my responsibilities (not that I would want to!), but I could get rid of the hectic feeling I had towards it.

Recently I have been waking up at 7:30 every morning.  In the beginning it was hard because I had allowed myself to get used to sleeping in because I'm always so tired.  Before I even get out of bed I read my Bible and devotions.  Immediately that puts me in a better mood.  I have realized I am more feisty and can get into trouble when I skip my reading.  Haha!

By 8:00 I do a Pilates workout and then I take a shower.  Or "shake a tower" as my family would say.  Reading my Bible and doing a workout first thing in the morning gives me energy that I didn't even realize I had!

The house is still not in excellent condition, but it is a work in progress.  I had let a lot of things slip because I've always been too tired to work around the house.  I put together a chore chart that is helping me get things organized, and I hope that one day soon I will be on top of everything thanks to my list!  I'm slowly getting there and that motivates me.

I work while the babies take a nap during the day or when they are sleeping at night.  This does sometimes mean late nights for me, but I don't really have a choice right now.  Thankfully I don't have a huge work load compared to others in the company.  I know I cannot do more than I am now.

Last weekend a friend and I bought material and made maternity dresses.  This was my first time EVER sewing anything (other than quilting many, many years ago) and it was a fun experience!  I laughed, I cried, I screamed, I wanted to pull my hair out, but I did it.. and I'm so proud!  I would love to make another one soon!  I think I would enjoy sewing more.

This past week Max hasn't been feeling well (which is why there aren't a whole lot of pictures of him this week).  I don't know if it was teething or a virus, but I can tell he is not going to be fun to hang around when under the weather.  He does not handle sickness as well as Zoe.  Poor guy.  Thankfully he is back to his normal, happy self!

Zoe had a birthday on July 25th.  She is now a 2-year-old.  Paul and I cannot believe we have a toddler.  Her party will be this Saturday.  It is Elmo themed -- of course.  I plan on decorating and planning fun games.  I can't wait to see her face!

Paul is doing well with his promotion at work.  I am so proud of him and everything he does for us!  He is such a hard worker!  Even his attitude has changed.  He feels like he's slowly getting somewhere in life.  I'm glad he's happy.  When Daddy is happy, Mom is happy.  When Mom is happy, everyone is happy. =)

Oh, I almost forgot!  Something else that happened this past week.  Paul was able to get in contact with a lady that was selling maternity jeans that looked in good condition.  We were expecting to pay $10 for two pairs.  When the lady came to drop the jeans off at Paul's work, she had a box FULL of maternity shirts and jeans.  She said that if they fit me to let her know because she has another box she would give us too.  And get this -- it didn't cost us a penny.  I cannot tell you how thankful I am for this because I have struggled so much in this pregnancy because I hardly have any clothes that fit.  Now I have a plethora!  Thank you Jesus!

Anyways.. that's our news.  God is good, life is good, it's all good!

Life is good.

This morning I woke up with such an overwhelming feeling that life is good.  I know that my outlook has been a little negative lately and I needed an attitude adjustment.  God is definitely helping me to see the glass half full again, which is nice since being negative is.. well, too negative!

I may not have everything that I want and desire, but at least I have a handsome, loving husband who is working hard for his family.  I have two children that absolutely adore me and I love them to pieces!  We have a cute little house that brings me joy because it's so sunny and bright!  Our refrigerator and cabinets are again filled with food and I look forward to making fun dinners with the help of Pinterest!

Life is full of speed bumps.  If I allow the little things to get me down then I will turn into a sorry, miserable person who isn't grateful for anything.  I can't be like that!  I choose happiness and joy!

A virtual tour

Both kids fell asleep so I took advantage of the moment and cleaned my living room!  I thought it looked so good I decided to take some pictures and show off my home. =)

When you walk through the front door this is what you're going to see -- my lovely red wall. ♥  I'm very proud of this wall.  Actually, this picture doesn't even do the red justice!  It is very vibrant without being obnoxious.  I love it.

Oh, the junk in the corner is one of Paul's and my summer projects!  We have been collecting different frames and we plan on spray painting them with some oil rubbed bronze stuff.. I don't remember what it's called exactly, but we did it to the lamp you see in the above picture and it looks spectacular!  One day we will FINALLY have pictures of our children and family on the walls. =)

Here is the other side of our living room.  The computer is on the far left.  That is where I work/facebook/Pinterest surf/blog.  The basket in the far right corner is holding hats, scarves, gloves, etc.  I'm not comfortable packing them up yet.  You never know when Montana is going to dump snow on you!

Oh, the box next to the lamp is there for me to pack up some things on the bookshelf.  I just realized I need some newspaper!

A closer look at some of the things in my bookshelf.  I love to go to Sally's and buy old looking books.  I have read some of the ones I buy, but lately I haven't had a chance to read anything.  They still look pretty on my shelf, though.

Here is our wedding sand, a shadow box showing our wedding invitation, and the vase is holding the flowers from my wedding bouquet.

So there you have it!  Welcome to my living room. =)  Now that I started this, I need to show off the rest of my house!  One day at a time.. one day at a time.. =)

Kids these days.

Zoe has been cracking me up lately!  She uses her Papa's iPad to watch Elmo -- she knows how to work it too!  Also, she swipes and taps the screen on our TV thinking that's how you work it.. like a touch screen phone.

The brightest thing I did as a kid was make a mud volcano using the hose to shoot water out like lava! O.O

If you don't have something nice to say..

Or you simply don't have anything to say AT ALL ... then maybe you shouldn't be writing a post, huh?

I am completely lost on what to talk about on here.

We had a GREAT Christmas!  Paul and I spent Christmas morning with our children.  It was a lot of fun watching Zoe open her gifts -- and to watch Max's eyes get big when we would show him what he got.

Afterward we spend the day with Paul's side of the family opening gifts, eating tons of food, and playing games.  It was a very nice day.

The holidays are over and a brand new year is literally days away.  Any new year's resolutions?

I can't say that I have any resolutions this year, but I always have a list of things to try and accomplish everyday and every year.

• Continue to draw closer to the Lord.  Everyday I try my best to keep God first in everything I say and do.  It's a work in progress, but I try to always read my Bible and/or devotions in the morning before doing anything else.  When I accomplish this task I realize I am slow(er) to anger, more patient, and simply happier and at peace with my life and what I'm doing throughout the day.
• Live in a more organized home.  Just like my morning devotions, this is a work in progress EVERY DAY.  When I was still living at home, and single, I was amazingly organized.  Now that I'm married and have children that quality has KINDA been thrown out the window.  I try so hard everyday to be clean and organized.  I hope and pray that one day my organization will kick in (again) and it will be easier for me.
• Be healthy.  Since Paul and I are taking a break from having kids for a little while, I would love to lose weight and be what I used to be.  I'm already on the right track and I feel great!  I was given Zumba for Wii and I know that will most definitely help me continue to lose weight and feel better about myself - not to mention I will probably learn some awesome dance moves!
• Spend time with my growing family.  I didn't have kids so someone else could take care of them.  As soon as I was pregnant with Zoe I started daydreaming of all the wonderful things we could do together!  Now that I have two, that means double the fun for Paul and I!  I anticipate this upcoming year to bring lots of fun memories with our kids.  Taking walks in our neighborhood, lunches at the park, walking to Story Time, spending the day in the mountains, at a lake, or even in Great Falls.  Not to mention the fun things we can do around our house - crafts, playing outside, coloring, etc.  I can't wait!
• Pick up a hobby.  I never learned how to knit, crochet, sew, or anything crafty like that.  So I plan on learning some stuff soon!  I have a sewing machine and I can't wait to try it out!

Do you have a wish list?  I'd love to read about it!