My strand of the Web

Hello All!!

2010-09-09T15:05:00.000-04:00

If you are still reading this blog, then great, if not, I'm writing just for me :) That's OK too!

It's been an incredibly busy summer, and this Fall does not seem to be any less busy!! All three children were on the Swim Team this year, the St. Catharines Piranhas. Sophia excelled, and I hope she continues!! Zachary also played soccer again, altho this may have been our last year of that. We'll see.

We did get up to the trailer for a week, as it worked out with Michael's parents, and with his work schedule! We had a great time, the children made some new friends, and we relaxed. I love going there and just 'being.'

We are back to school already, and the days are getting cooler - hip hip hooray!

JA is in grade 5 this year, and that makes her 2/3 done with elementary school. She'll be 10 in just a few short weeks... um, how did that happen!? It seems that just yesterday we brought her home from the hospital and made huge adjustments to our new lives as parents! Anyway, she is in a gr 4/5 split class with another male teacher. He's trying to get the kids to be on their toes already, and well, we'll see how it goes in the next week or two! LOL! She is also enjoying being in grade 5. She has signed up to be a kindergarten helper, and will try out for some teams this year again :)

Zachary is in grade 2. He is in a full grade 2 class, with an awesome teacher. He really wanted Mr. Dyck, and so did we! We have known the Dycks for a number of years... um, 12 or so! He is someone that Zachary needs to keep him on track and encourage him to be his best :) He's loving grade 2!

Sophia, my wee girl, she'sin grade 1. She's THRILLED and so excited still when she comes home from school! Yesterday she breezed in, looked at me with bright eyes and exclaimed "we learned science today!! All about frogs!!!" I hope her enthusiasm for school stays with her through the year, and years ahead! She has Mrs. McCann for a teacher, and Zachary had her last year. We are super pleased with that choice for her :) She's enjoying taking her lunch to school, having two recesses, and staying all day... altho it makes for one tired girl by supper time! LOL!

I have returned to my post as Lunch Supervisor at two local schools (one being our school, and another school close by). I enjoy my job, altho it does break up my day quite a bit. I've always been a list maker, and this choppy day has made me rely more on lists than ever before! I'm getting in my stamping business stuff, some household chores, and a bit of 'me time' every day. It feels odd not to have at least one child home during the day! But I'm getting used to it :)

I've been putting forth some big efforts in my Stampin' Up! business! I've got a great club about to start, and have been getting creative too :) Check out the STAMPING BLOG if you wanna see what I've been up to :)

Well, the children will be home shortly, and altho I'm sure I could write for many more paragraphs, I'll sign off now! :)

Just one picture thought before I go...This is us on our way home from the trailer in August :)

Ok, so it's time for an update!

2010-06-08T09:11:00.000-04:00

I have been asked if I have abandoned this blog. Um, not intentionally... as I've been concentrating on my Stampin' Up! paper crafting blog :) I'm also trying to really get moving on my business, and so have been doing things at this site as well! Check them out if you want.

Oh, April 19 was my last update... not a whole lot to tell.... but I'll nutshell it, and then aim to update here on a more regular basis... a little comment love would help, a little proding reminder might go a long way too :D

Since I last wrote, the kids have finished up AWANA!

Since I last wrote we have been to Ottawa for our annual trip to visit the Lavoie family :) Lots of fun was had going to church, 2 bar-b-ques, playing with friends, meeting new friends, swimming outside, getting eaten alive by mosquitoes, and just an all around great time! :) I will post pictures later, as they are still on the camera.

Before we left, we had a tree fall in the backyard. Great. So we've been dealing with that for a couple of weeks. Hopefully today will see the end of that nastiness!

This past weekend we went to The Americana indoor waterpark. A few weeks ago, Miss Sophia won a family 'trip' on Jack and Lori's Kids Korner on the radio. So we enjoyed a pizza party, a fun room, lots and lots and LOTS of swimming, water slides, and good fun :) We are still tired! LOL

JA had her piano recital this past Sunday afternoon. She did SO well!!! The confidence she has is amazing sometimes :)

I have pics to share, but for now, I have to edit them, and no time right this minute!

Thanks for stopping by :)

whoohoo a fun contest!

2010-04-19T15:04:00.000-04:00

We have a fantastic camera. It's a Canon Digital Rebel. I love it, altho I know next to nothing about the manual settings, but Michael is learning them. :) I hate the strap. It hurts my neck. So I'm trying to WIN us a fun strap cover!!

Over at Simple As That Natalie is giving away a camera strap!!

This one is my favourite, I think.... Michael may not like it, but too bad ;) LOL! It's just fun!!

So if you want to win one of these babies, check out Natalies page, and enter yourself! :) Or not... b/c you know you want ME to win! LOL!

For today - April 1st

2010-04-01T09:39:00.000-04:00

Outside my window... it's sunny, and warm,and the breeze is coming in the open windows!

I am thankful... that Michael got his first paychq today, after so many months with no job!

I am praying... for Joel, a 4 year old boy with brain cancer. You can read about Joel here.

I am thinking... that it sucks to have a nasty cold and wicked sore throat.

I am also thinking... that a nice cup of tea while reading my Bible will be fabulous :)

I am celebrating... Michaels new job, getting all the paperwork in order to get us to the USA, and that SUNDAY IS COMIN'!!!!

From the kitchen... a mess! But also lasanga :) YUMM!

I am wearing... a white shirt, blue cotton vest, cream capris, black flip flops

I am reading... My Bible, First Light, book 1 in the A.D. Chronicles by Brock and Bodie Theone

I am hoping... to get to bake the banana bread, and the delish lemon squares for the Good Friday service tomorrow.

I am hearing... the Christian Radio station I listen to online. I love it!

I am creating... a new MDS background for my blogs :)

Around the house... a little laundry, a little putting of it away, maybe some scrapbooking :)

One of my favorite things... hugs from our children, and greeting Michael with a kiss when he gets home from work :)

A few plans for the rest of the week... Good Friday service at our church, with lunch following. A bbq and bonfire with friends tomorrow evening, ladies meeting at church tonight, getting over this cold, Sunday Easter service, dinner at Michael's paretns, and OUR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!! :)

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing with you... something I made with the awesome hostess club I have :)

Please pray - for Joel

2010-03-27T20:24:00.000-04:00

I heard some awful news this morning, and the same news from another friend this afternoon. I am calling on you, my faithful readers, to pray for this little boy. He is 4/5 years old, and has been suffering headaches. Yesterday they discovered a brain tumour. At 8:30am today, he went into surgery at the children's hospital in the National Capital Region. The surgery was to take 8-14 hours. I have no new news. Please feel free to hop on over to On The Old Path and read about Joel, and his amazing parents, and the start of his incredible journey!

A quick KA special! :)

2010-02-08T22:05:00.000-05:00

A quick turn around special!! Place an order with me by Wednesday, Feb 10th at 10pm and get entered into a draw for the new SCALLOP TRIM BORDER PUNCH from Stampin' Up! Place a 65$ order, get a free reward from SAB AND another entry into the punch draw!

I know I posted this 6x6 scrapbook page before, but I wanted to show it again, as it shows the scallop trim border punch! Click to biggify the image to get a better view of the border. :)

Playing with MDS :)

2010-02-04T16:03:00.003-05:00

My Digital Studio from Stampin' Up! I'm making my own blog banners and backgrounds :)

That's for my scrappy/stampy/crafty blog :)

yummmmm, trifle!

2010-02-04T12:01:00.000-05:00

The best part of it is, it's CHOCOLATE!!!

We had our friends, the Penners, over for supper last Thursday, er, a week ago, yeah, so a week ago! The days are a blur... so anyway... after having 'traditional' trifle at church the previous Sunday, S and I got chatting about my chocolate trifle . SoI made it, as I had all the ingredients except one on hand! :)

RECIPE:
1 box of chocolate cake mix
2 boxes chocolate fudge instant pudding
500ml carton real whipping cream
1 bag of Skor bits, or crush up 2 or 3 Skor bars

Make all items according to package directions

Cool cake, and cut into small cubes. Layer half the cake cubes into the bottom of your bowl . Use about 1/3 of the pudding as your next layer, and about the same of whipping cream as your 3rd layer. Sprinkle with Skor bits. Repeat. I say use less pudding and whipping cream on the first layers as the bowl is narrower. It is DELIGHTFUL!!! Always a hit. Makes lots!! Serves many! :)

Enjoy!

Diligence...

2010-01-25T16:03:00.002-05:00

So I've been asked how this is going... it's going. It's not going as well as I had hoped, but it's going better than I had expected!

Michael and I are doing "The Love Dare" at church with a few other couples... some married 40+ years, some 50+ years, and some only a few years. :) It's been a blessing. My mother has been taking the children so we can go. They have a fabulous time, and so do we! :) I am learning more about love, how much I love Michael, and how to best serve himas I am called. So diligence fits in! :)

I'm trying to declutter the house. I'm not so diligent at that, but we did donate out two med. sized boxes of toys to the CP Foundation. So it's a start.

I've been more diligent in my business, creating samples, and preparing ahead for classes and workshops. I'm so hoping to get it really going, I just need to figure out a schedule with this crazy work schedule of mine! :)

So that's it :) Fornow...

Oh, and for ME I'mmaking a TO DO LIST for the next 2 hours:

~~make spagehtti sauce~~
~~sweep kitchen floors~~
~~empty dishwasher~~
~~fill dishwasher~~
~~make pasta for supper, salad, and cook ground beast~~
wash and chop veggies for the week
tidy living room
~~greet Michael enthusiasticaly when he gets home :)~~

One Word for 2010

2010-01-06T22:27:00.003-05:00

I've been seeing this all over the blogs I read this week. One word. One word to describe how you would like to be this year. Just ONE! Ack, really, only one. It has been inspired by Ali Edwards. I have been inspired by Rhonda Steed. I follow her blog. I feel like I know her from her postings. I'm sure she hasn't got a CLUE who this deranged woman is that sometimes posts comments on her blog posts!! LOL I'm not a stalker, I enjoy her photography and her life stories. I digress...

So I read Rhonda's word: consistency. I liked it. I thought "Hmmm, I want that too!" But I don't want to be a copy cat, I want to come up with something on my own. So I started to think. I want to be - patient. Yes, patient. I want to be prayerful. Yes, prayerful is good. I want to be calm. Oh, calmness is soooo good! I want to be encouraging, b/c you know, we can all use the encouragement, and truthfully, I'm hoping that someone will be encouraging to me along the way too! But I keep coming back to consistent. I want to be consistent in all those things. Then it just hit me... DILIGENT!! YES! That's the word.

DILIGENT.

So I went to the dictionary and found these:

quietly and steadily persevering especially in detail or exactness; "a diligent (or patient) worker"; "with persevering (or patient) industry she ...
characterized by care and perseverance in carrying out tasks; "a diligent detective investigates all clues"

So I'm not going sleuthing for clues. I am going to aim to be diligent... with the care of my family, the tone of my voice, my attitude, my worship, my devotional life, my words... I'm going to diligently strive to be the best that God wants me to be!

Diligent. Somtimes so far from the truth for me, but something I've been striving for this year already, and we're only 5 days in!! I hope it shows :)

To Do List - Dec 24th

2009-12-24T10:45:00.004-05:00

This is for me.... I find I get more accomplished this way!

But while I'm working away here, I am listing to my friend Sara's You Tube Playlist! I am enjoying her selection of Christmas tunes! :) Some familiar, many are new to me, but are all wonderful, and point to the real reason for Christmas, the birth of Christ! Enjoy!! :)

So to do today...

~~run dishwasher~~
~~cook turkey~~
peel potatos
wrap Michael's gifts
~~sweep floors~~
bag up gift baskets
wash whites
fold and put away laundry
have kids tidy their rooms
~~do dishes~~
clean up family room
make peanut butter blossoms
make rice krispie treats
have a shower
bath the kids
make place cards if time permits

For Today - Dec 20th

2009-12-21T20:13:00.003-05:00

Outside my window... it's dark, and it might even be snowing, butI can't tell.

I am thankful...for my friend Lynn who is coming over to play, and for my husband who is going to babysit Lynn's boys so she can come :)

I am praying... for God to provide a job for Michael sooner than later.

I am thinking...about doing the dishes in the sink,maybe.

I am celebrating... the silence!

From the kitchen... sugar cookies, rocky road fudge, chocolate candy cane fudge, and buckeyes!

I am wearing... my comfy red sweats, white t-shirt, and pink super soft socks, and yes, I realize they don't match thankyouverymuch! LOL!

I am reading... nothing at the moment really, ok, my January Stampin' Success and Scrapbooks Etc. :)

I am hoping... for a cancellation so I can get a sooner appointment!

I am hearing...the kids trying to not make noise while they are SUPPOSED to be going to sleep!

I am creating... this really REALLY cool Christmas paper ball!! I will post photos in a day or so!

Around the house...a mess. I've been baking, and creating. I need to get tidied for Christmas!

One of my favorite things... pretty snowflakes

A few plans for the rest of the week...a little more baking, Christmas dinners, wrapping gifts, playing games with the children - we taught them DUTCH BLITZ tonight!

A Christmas Meme

2009-12-10T21:48:00.002-05:00

Have you started your Christmas shopping? Yes, and am mostly done. Just want to make a couple of things, but if they don't get made, they don't :)
Tell me about one of your special traditions. We give PJs to the kids on Christmas Eve. Since my folks split up two years ago, all our family traditions will be changing. I do make cinnamon buns every year for Christmas breakfast :)
When do you put up your tree? Usually the 1st weekend of December.
Are you a Black Friday shopper? Since we are Canadian, that would be a no. I have often wanted to go to the USA to try it out! Gotta get passport!
Do you travel at Christmas or stay home? Just to my Mom's a nd to Michael's folks... but that's only a few minutes in the van! LOL
What is your funniest Christmas memory? Hmmm, not sure!
What is your favorite Christmas movie of all time? The Grinch, the cartoon one! OH and Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation
Do you do your own Christmas baking, what’s your favorite treat? Oh yeah, I bake. I LOVE to bake!! I make rocky road fudge, chocolate chip cookies, shortbread with hershey kisses on top, and am wanting to try out truffles and biscotti this year. My favourite...I love it all!!
Fake or real tree? Fake. I'm allergic to real, and I would like to enjoy the Christmas season without a nasty 'cold' like thing going on!
What day (as a mom) does the actual panic set in to get it all done? I often feel panicky on Christmas Eve, wondering if we have remembered everything, and rushing about tidying things up!
Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve? Sometimes, but not in a panic... might be something we saw last minute or forgot about. Michael does all the wrapping too, so that's nice for me! :)
What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas? Hmmm, lots of stuff really... Christmas programs at school and church, going to see the Festival of Lights on New Year's Day with Popcorn and hotchocolate in the van :) Lots of stuff!
What Christmas craft do you like the best? For me, the stuff I make stamping... for the kids, glue snowmen!
Christmas music? I LOVE it! I would listen all year if I was allowed. Michael doesn't like turning it on before Dec 1, unless it is Trans Siberian Orchestra! I like it all, traditional, new, old, original or not!
When do you plan to finish all your shopping? Except for a few stocking stuffers, it's done :D

This is the man I love!

2009-12-09T20:06:00.000-05:00

I started this post on May 31st, 2009. I will continue this evening, Dec 8th, 2009.

may 31st, 2009 - Yesterday morning, we learned that a good family friend had lost his earthly battle with cancer, and was now in the presence of the Saviour! While we rejoice that he is now at home, at peace, and pain free, we also mourn the loss to his family (his wife and two young sons) and to us, his friends.

December 9th, 2009 - The above info really brought it al home for me, just how much I love Michael. How much I rely on him, and how grateful I am that God brought us together.

I want to go on and on about how much I love him, what he does for me, for our children, for our family... I want to share how it makes me cry that he takes care of my Mom. I want to share how he has a pact with JA to tickle her only on weekends, and has had it for a long long time, but I only found out recently. I love that he has that special thing with her, even though it might be silly to others. As a result of that pact with JA, Z now has his own he made up yesterday - you can only tickle me on Monday's, and Tuesday's, ok, and a little bit of Wednesday too! LOL I love that he went outside tonight to plug in the Christmas lights for me just because I wanted him to. He let me listen to Christmas music in November, and only rolled his eyes a few times! :) He compliments my cooking. He asks about my weigh ins at Tops, and genuinely cares if I've gained or lost. He gives me tickle scratches, even when he is tired. He has not complained at all about not having a job this past 13+ months, even though I have gone through seasons of complaints enough for us both. He tells me he loves me every day, many times a day! He does dishes. He puts away laundry. He teaches me how to use my MP3 player. He wraps all the Christmas gifts!! He helps out at the church. He helps the neighbours. He laughs, a lot! He calls me 'n-o-f-u-n' which makes me laugh! He encourages me to get out with my friends. He watches the kids, and takes them places all by himself. He provides. He cooks. He rubs my back. He tickles me mercilessly sometimes too! He plays with our children. He volunteers with me at church in the AWANA group. He still holds my hand in the van, at church, and any time we are out. He sets an amazing example for our chilren, esp our son. He lets me nap every Sunday afternoon. He takes care of me when I am sick. He cleans up puke because I simply cannot. He likes my scrappy and card making results. He tells me I am beautiful. He shows me I am beautiful, even when I think I am not. I could go on and on and on. I have an amazing husband. I have an amazing best friend. I have an amazing God who gave me the most wonderful man ever!

Michael - He loves God. He loves me. I can't ask for anything more. I love him more every day, I love him forever.

The Princess and Her Hair - blog giveaway!

2009-11-25T10:00:00.002-05:00

So I follow this blog, and it has fun hairdos for little girls :) The girls love it!

Well, she is havinga blog giveaway for an amazing flat iron. I don't really want you to enter, because I'm selfish, and I want to win the flat iron for myself! LOL! Bwahahaha... no really, go ahead and enter! :) I can be happy for you too, lol.

Anyway, check this out to see the contest!

Also, check out my Stampin' and Scrappin' blog... great specials, ribbon shares, button shares... lots of fun!! :)

A yummo snack!

2009-11-11T16:53:00.002-05:00

So I went to get a few groceries on Tuesday. I bough some triscuits. I don't really like triscuits. Too too or something, ya know?! But I bought these garlic parmesean ones... they are GOOD! But even BETTER is putting a tinch of mozza and a bit of marinara sauce on them, and heating them up a bit... Oh, the joy in my mouth!! Oh the garlic onmy breath! LOL!

SO YUMMY!

For Today Nov 6th

2009-11-06T19:56:00.004-05:00

It's been a while since I posted one of these...

Outside my window. . . it is dark, and probably cold.

I am thankful . . . for being almost ready for the craft show tomorrw!

I am praying . . . that we will trust God to provide for us in this time of job uncertainty.

I am thinking . . . about the last minute things I need to do for tomorrow!

I am celebrating . . . nothing at the moment, but it WAS my birthday recently! :)

From the kitchen . . . homemade pizza, YUMMO!

I am wearing . . . white t-shirt, jeans, pink and white stripped fuzzy socks.

I am reading . . . Passionate Housewives Desperate for God.

I am hoping . . . for great sales tomorrow at the show.

I am hearing . . . Transformers, it's movie night!

I am creating . . . a few last minute items for the show tomorrow - are you sensing a theme?! lol

Around the house. . . a mess.

One of my favourite things . . . snuggles with the kids.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . the craft show and a trip to London tonmorrow... church on Sunday. Creating more stuff for next week's show!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you . . .
OK, it's TWO photos, to show you the inside and outside of this cool card! :)

Apparently I've been remiss...

2009-10-24T23:03:00.003-04:00

...in posting about my children! LOL!

There's not much going on with us, just the same old same old. I should have posted about birthday's, and I forgot. I coul do that now I suppose.

JA turned NINE - um, not sure how that happened, but all Mother's say that! I will say that when she's fifty I'm sure! LOL She chose to have an unsleep-over party. All the girlies came in their jammies and brought their pillows.

We played musical pillows, and pin the blankie on the bed. We had pizza, pop, chips and carrots with dip for supper. The girls watched "17 Again" whichin hindsight was NOT the best movie, but c'est la vie. She was spoiled rotten!! Lots of money, which she is spending pretty carefully :)

I made a cake shaped like a bed... and it was SO delish!! I got the recipe from my friend Bernadette and it was fabulous!

I had fun making it, but I think any aspirations to be a cake lady have vanished! If I had a better kitchen, and kids who didn't want to always HELP.... but no, I'm doing the paper crafting thing, and that is fine with me :)

Happy Birthday Baby girl!! :)

AND it's my birthday on Wednesday... so maybe I will post then too :D

One week down

2009-10-23T12:37:00.002-04:00

...two to go!

Michael signed up for the Job Finders Club through EI. It started this week. It's insane the schedule I am keeping! With all the stress going on, with a friends Mom passing away suddenly on Sunday, and then Brian and Stephanie's baby Dean not living past birth, it's just been awful.

However, I thought that today I would post 7 things I am thankful for, in spite of all that is going on.

There are no children or parents sick in our house, despite all kinds of our friends being sick!
I had a GREAT hostess club get together last night!
I have been spending a lot of time, b/c Michael is 'letting me', making cards and other paper crafting things to put in the craft shows I am in during November.
For a supportive school during our time of unemployment, and the breakfast club they started up three weeks ago!
For the little job I have with the school board, that will help keep us afloat until God provides us with a job.
The furnace. It's cold outside today!
Pizza night... which has moved to tomorrow! Every Friday is family movie/homemade pizza night :) Gotta love it!
Ok, I said 7, but really, there ar emore, but I had to share this last one. For Michael. Because he loves me. Because he loves our children. Even when we drive him around the bend!

Word of God Speak - Mercy Me

2009-10-20T21:23:00.002-04:00

This song... it is just speaking to my heart right now.

My heart is breaking, and it hurts so very very much

2009-10-20T18:38:00.003-04:00

My brother-in-law and his wife were expecting their first baby last week. Baby was late, as babies tend to be. Dean Aiden Beaudry was born this morning, but he lived only a couple of hours. My heart hurts. My heart hurts for Brian and Stephanie, for the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins... it just hurts.

It is ripping open some fresh wounds in my own heart of the babies we lost. It does not compare, I know that... but I do find a wee bit consolation that Dean is now playing in heaven with his three cousins!

The chilren are sad. I'm not sure the totally get it, as they didn't see her growing belly, or get to see and hold the new baby. I told them today about the babies that we lost, and that seemed to console them a bit that there were four Beaudry cousins playing in Heaven together. I don't think they get it that the other three cousins would have been their siblings - no, we would NOT have had 6 children!! Just you know, ya know.

So that's al I have to say about that. I'm shedding lots of tears... and hope to get a good nights sleep and waken refreshed tomorrow in spite of the sadness.

Tom the Turkey in trouble with the law!

2009-10-15T14:21:00.003-04:00

Indeed it is true, I saw Tom in serious trouble this morning!

In the spring, we had a flock of turkey's living on our street. We had Tom and his harem. I never did get a photo of his women, but we got some photos of Tom. He would roam the streets, zip into our front and back yards, fly up to our roof tops, etc. The neighbours would comment, take photos, watch for the turkey.

Me?! Scared spitless! I would quake with fear every time Tom ventured into our yard or driveway. I would panic that he'd come up to the porch, ortrap me somewhere - at the bus, on the porch and I would miss the kids getting off the bus, you name it!! LOL! Yes, I am terrified of birds of all kinds, and Tom is BIG!!!

Fast forward to today. Tom is bigger still!! He and his harem have left our neighbourhood b/c one of the neighbours chased him with a big stick. Other neighbours were not so happy to have him go... but secretly I cheered for the big stick weilding neighbour! LOL! :) So Tom has been hanging out near Geneva and Lakeshore, two main roads that are quite busy. I pass by those streets M-F on my way to school. I have seen Tom wandering from yard to yard.

Today, I am driving down Lakeshore, and Isee blue flashing lights. I think to myself that it must be an accident. Nope. As I approached the cruiser, I see another car, and think "phew, not me getting a speeding ticket!" Btw, I don't *usually* speed, so no worries. I get closer, nope, not a speeder, another cruiser! They are both ont he side of the road, BLOCKING IN TOM!! I laughed so hard!! I could see one cruiser door open... I'm not sure what they thought they would accomplish... arrest him? I think they have tried to move him before, but he ALWAYS comes back! LOL So I expect to see him on the Most Wanted list soon!! LOL

Blog Candy at my paper crafting blog!

2009-10-06T10:11:00.002-04:00

I hit a milestone lastweek, so I'm offering some blog candy at my other blog! Check it out to win a great fun prize! :) Here's a hint...

For Today - Oct 6th

2009-10-06T09:06:00.002-04:00

Outside my window. . . it is a bit overcast, trying to be blue!

I am thankful . . . that Michael has a little job to do this week.

I am praying . . . for Lynn M. as she heads to work for her first day back since Andrew went to be with Jesus.

I am thinking . . . that I need to get on my bike!

I am celebrating . . . JA's 7th birthday tomorrow:)

From the kitchen . . . um, chicken ring for supper... yummo!(recipe to come if you want it!)

I am wearing . . . black hoodie shirt, work out pants(see, I am going to bike!)

I am reading . . . Best Friends Forever (Jennifer Weiner), The Ezekiel Option (Joel C. Rosenberg), The Choice is Mine(Tops), Crazy Love is on the list, but I have not started :(

I am hoping . . . to get a lot accomplished today!

I am hearing . . . the garbage truck backing up!. . .

I am creating. . . lots of great cards for the craft shows!

Around the house. . . I need to do some laundry, and dishes...

One of my favourite things . . . hugs from my children :)

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . make brownies for JA to take to school for her birthday tomorrow, make the 'bed cake' for the 'unsleepover' party on Friday, get loot bag treats, work, cards, etc...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you . . . it is romSophia's brirthday 3 weeks ago!:)

It's magazine time again!

2009-10-06T09:05:00.001-04:00

It's that time of year again!! Magazines are ready to be ordered and/or renewed! Lots of great magazines to choose from- crafty, sports, cars, cooking, healthy living, news, etc... :)

Please go to www.qsp.ca to check out the selections. Our school number is 8089(Port Weller Public School). Please choose one of the children to sponsor:
Julie-Anna (Mrs.Nesbitt)
Zachary (Mrs.McCann)
Sophia (Mrs. Crowther)

If you place your order before midnight on Oct 7th, the children will recieve DOUBLE POINTS towards their individual rewards! :)

Thanks for considering us!!
Kristi-Anna (for the kids!)

Birthday Party Madness!

2009-09-25T09:04:00.003-04:00

Ok, so it had to be coming... and it has come. All three children have a birthday party this weekend!! YIKES!

Sophia is heading to Lily's party tonightat 6, at the community centre. The other two will stay home with us and have a movie and homemade pizza :)

Tomorrow afternoon Zachary's is heading to Ethan's for his party at 2:30. Ethan's birthday is really in August, but his wise Mother put off the party until they were all established in school and friends were determined! :) Great idea Tammy!!

Tomorrow at 5 I am hosting JA's friend here for her birthday party. Again, Emily's birthday is really at the begining of September, but her wise mother also puts it off till school is in routine and friendships are established. So I'm hosting the party you ask?! Yes! Emily wanted a crafty party, so I'm doing my first one as a 'job'! We are making hangingbulletin boards, and a cute little purse :) Should be loads of fun. Stay tuned for photos!!

Another Cool Do!

2009-09-15T14:43:00.003-04:00

JA had her pictures today at school (well,so did Zachary, but he just had spiked hair, nothing fancy!).

I'm loving this blog for the neat hair ideas for girls :)

Without further ado, here's today's creation :)

Cool Hair-Do's!

2009-09-13T20:24:00.004-04:00

I found this blog quite a while ago, but never attempted any of the cool hairstyles. Tonight I went back to visit,and tried one out 9on the girls! I took photos (Ok, Michael took photos!) and will upload them in a bit to show you my creations :)

For now, check out the cool things you can do with girls hair!

OK, here's the photos :)

I did JA's hair first...it didn't turn out exactly the way I had envisioned, but it's still cool lookin',and she liked it :)

Then Sophia sat ~~and jiggled and wiggled~~ mostly still to get her hair done. It turned out more like I had envisioned :)

And the two girls together... I just hope the hairdos survive the nights sleep!! They both promised not to jiggle in their sleep LOL!! :)

For Today!

2009-08-25T10:30:00.002-04:00

FOR TODAY
August 24th, 2009

Outside my window...the sun is shining and it's a lovely morning.

I am thinking...that I should get off here and continue working in the kitchen.

I am thankful for... yummy local peaches and a husband who is willing to be 'bossed' in order to pick up the slack while I do peaches :)

From the kitchen...peaches, peaches, and more peaches! I bought 22 litres to peel, cut, cook and can! YUMMY!

I am wearing... navy grubby shorts, Stampin' Up! blue t-shirt, and my light denim blue apron (ya know, cuz I'm canning today)

I am creating... a big mess!

I am going... swimming this afternoon, and then eating at a family from church's home.

I am reading... The Secret Life of Bees; The Prince; just finished Anne of Avonlea

I am hoping...that I will have lost a tinch of weight this week at TOPS

I am hearing... z88.3 on the computer (a Christian music radio station from Florida)

Around the house... it's about 10 mins from tidy in every room (except ours!)

One of my favorite things... Michael.

A few plans for the rest of the week... pack up to head to the trailer for a week! YAY!!

For Today...

2009-08-20T21:32:00.002-04:00

FOR TODAY
August 18th, 2009

Outside my window...it is storming something wicked! Lots of rain, lightning, and thunder. I LOVE IT!

I am thinking...about the VBS stuff that needs doing tomorrow morning, and about heading to bed for The Unit and the end of the great date night :)

I am thankful for...the fact that Michael made the time to take me on a REAL date tonite.

From the kitchen...nothing, nobody ate at home for supper :)

I am wearing...a girly blue blousy thing, brown skirt... but soon to be some kind of jammie type thing.

I am creating...rice krispie squares with blue M&M's in them!

I am going...to bed soon.

I am reading...a few books - the Complete Cancer Cleanse; Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tough Times Tough People; The Secret Life of Bees that I just picked up today from the library.

I am hoping...that I sleep all night tonight, without waking up (like last night!)

I am hearing...silence in the house as all kids are sleeping, and the storm outside.

Around the house...every room is about 10 mins from tidy.

One of my favorite things...the smell of the rain!

A few plans for the rest of the week...finishing up VBS tomorrow, the Carb banquet for Piranhas tomorrow night, the Regional swim meet on Saturday for JA, soccer banquet day for Sophia and Zachary and Michael, the church picnic on Sunday... and I'm looking forward to MONDAY because there is nothing planned!

Have a fabulous weekend :)

VBS starts tomorrow!

2009-08-16T22:40:00.004-04:00

I am getting up at the crack of stupid tomorrow morning. I'm in charge of snacks for VBS, and I forgot to go buy the juice yesterday. Since we don't shop on Sunday ever (unless there is an emergency of the medical kind!)... I have to get up and go to A&P before 7:30, in order to leave by 8 to get to church early too.

Our theme is Wildwood Forest. Michael is in charge of games, and I am doing registraton and snacks. The snacks are fun!! :) I will have photos later this week.

If you want to join us the details follow.

Location: Bethel Baptist Church, 10 Arlington Ave, St. Catharines
Time: 8:45-11:30am
Cost: FREE!

Last Swim Meet of the Summer

2009-08-15T23:17:00.007-04:00

Er, rather, last REGULAR swim meet, as we still have the big deal one at Brock next Saturday. :)

So JA was so good today!! I finally have photos to share :)

JA and her friend K. They swam together all summer. Both girls have improved a great deal!

Getting ready to launch off the wall for the backstroke, 25 m.

Freestyle, her best stroke.

The Fly (butterfly), man, I don't know how these kids do it! That one kills me!

Things to do

2009-08-12T12:10:00.004-04:00

This post is all for me... when I make a list of things to do, I often accomplish more! :)

So here's today's to do list (in no particular order)

~~wash sheets on our bed and Zachary's bed~~
put sheets on the two beds
put away clean clothes
~~empty dishwasher~~
~~make lunch~~
~~tidy kitchen~~
clean upstairs bathroom
~~sweep floors~~
get kids to dust the house with Fairy Duster
figure out a new project for my Hostess Club
drink water
go swimming

For today

2009-08-12T10:09:00.003-04:00

I'm borrwing this idea from a few blogs I read... thought it was a good thing to do.

Outside my window...it's calm, and overcast, and probably hot and humid, I haven't checked.

I am thinking...about Michael and his appointments today

I am thankful for...food on the table, a reliable vehicle, and a roof over our heads, and mostly for praying friends.

From the kitchen...banana bread, and raisin bread

I am wearing...chocolate brown comfy shorts, and a red t-shirt

I am creating... something with paper for my hostess club

I am going... to go to the wading pool with the children this afternoon

I am reading... Chicken Soup for the Soul, Tough Times Tough People

I am hoping... that Michael is successful today!

I am hearing...Zachary and Sophia playing house together, and NOT fighting in the living room!

Around the house... there is a hurrican to clean up... and I will do it.

One of my favorite things... is spontaneous kisses from my family

A few plans for the rest of the week...creating some cards and some scrapbook pages, cleaning the house, doing laundry... soccer and swimming!

Finding the Joy!!

2009-08-10T20:09:00.004-04:00

I've been thinking. Dangerous, I know! LOL But seriously, I've been thinking, and reading my Bible (the book of James and can't get past the first chapter, so much good stuff in there!)... and wondering, and sometimes griping quietly about the season of life we are in right now. Michael is still jobless. It's frustrating to think that we might have to take a job that is not in his field nor is it productive in promoting him to a new career.

I always talk and think "God is providing, he knows what he's doing, etc" all the cliche things Christians tend to say and do in times of big or little crisis. I'm not denying that God is in fact providing for us in this time of financial unsteadiness, for sure and beyond all I can imagine He has taken care of us. However, the unemployement train is pulling into the final station soon, and I find myself worrying about what we will do next. It's like we've gotten used to this new lifestyle, and it too can be ripped right out from under us. I don't like that feeling. Not. One. Bit. I dont. I don't know anyone who does. It's times like these that I find myself saying the above statements out loud, but in my heart of hearts I fret and worry and wonder and consider things I should not consider (like selling our home, or moving across the country or other such things). I become inflexible... after a life of relative leisure, where we had no worries about anything, I am unwilling to change that... I don't want to have to give up stuff (not that we have lots to give up, but ya know, we all have vices and desires and wants), or convenience, or time together as a family. I don't want to give up my sanity, or at least the little bit I have left LOL.

In the past few days I have been reading a few blogs of folks who are in similar situations that we are in. They have had some profound things to say.

MckMama is the mom to 4 children, the youngest of whom has heart problems. He's not even one yet. The trials. I can't even imagine. She said "Perhaps having a good life, one that we are satisfied or joyful in, is not measured by how much subjective good there actually is in our lives, but simply in if we look for satisfaction and joy." Who can argue with that? So today I will go to bed and look for the joy in things... I will not see the joblessness, I will see all the extra family time we have had this year that we would not have had otherwise. I will not see the mess that is my home right now, I will instead see the wonderful family that I have been blessed with who made the mess. I will not see the bills coming in, I will rejoice that we have not yet had any ulitilies cut off! I will not see the rising cost of gas, but be grateful that we still have a van to drive, and places to go and people to see. I will not see the glass is half empty, but is waiting to be filled!!

God is good, and there is nothing more I can say but that.

So if you are still reading... kudos! :)

We went camping...

2009-07-27T22:58:00.008-04:00

....and it rained. A lot. But that's OK!

So Tuesday we spent the majority of the day packing up the van. We had the car top carrier on, all sleeping gear loaded, clothes, etc. We intended to get to bed by 9:30, but did make it by 10. That in itself is amazing! LOL! We also aimed to get up and going by 4:30... which meant 5, and we were gone by 5:30. Not bad. We were aiming to avoid rush hour traffic, as we were heading north, through Toronto. We were only 20 mins from home, and we came accross a tractor trailer accident. It was crazy, the thing had crashed thru the cement median, and was at this crazy angle. I got an OK picture of it with the kids looking on in amazement.

So we got there in good time, and JA's friend K met us at the gate. I guess she had been looking for us all morning! :) We were camping with her family, altho a few camp blocks from them. WOW, they have quite the set up with their trailer and trenches and tarps. Envy did not begin to describe how we felt when it started to rain on Thursday! LOL We were camping at Mikisew Provincial Park in South River, ON. It's half way between North Bay and Huntsville. Here's JA and her friend K.

It rained ALL day on Thursday. We spent the day under the Klassen's tent, reading, kids playing, and attemping to keep a small fire going. We ended up eating supper out, as we were just desperate to be warm and dry! LOL!

We did get in several trips to the beach (Eagle Lake), which was nice. It was nice and sandy, and the water was clear and shallow. The kids had a blast! We built sandcastles, made new friends, and swam around. Every year the Klassens build a 'sand shark' in 3D, and it's very cool, but I got no photos :( They invited JA to help this year, and they made a hammer head. Love the beach! :)

We didn't get any photos of our site, but we had Lake Beaudry twice. It was nasty, but thankfully stayed away from the tent. :) The tent did leak a teeny bit, but nothing that couldn't be dealt with. Thankfully, the dining tent had no problems until the last night, at which point it rained so hard that it came in thru the seams. Michael dug lots of trenches to drain water away, and they mostly worked :)

The kids had a blast. They loved biking around and using the walkie talkies to tell us where they were etc :) We went to a little program about tadpoles that the park staff put on, and it was pretty fun and informative.

On our way home, we were privy to a double rainbow that lasted at least half an hour. It was amazing and brilliant! I was reminded how God promised not to destroy the earth by flood again... and how he keeps his promises. My heart was encouraged.

We stopped at Webers for supper on the way home. It's a unique place that has the best hamburgers going! We ate in the train car since it was still raining. The kids LOVED it!! It has been a while since we have been there, so it was a great treat :)

It was nice to come home though... to dry and warm/cool air!! I'm still up to my ears in laundry, as I have to wash all the sleeping bags, plus our clothes, and beach stuff and whatnot. Michael has the tent set up outside, hosed down, and drying out.

One last photo of Sophia hanging out at the bathroom, waiting for the girls to come out.

I really am still here!

2009-07-17T23:43:00.001-04:00

I have lots to write about, but nothing to say. So much has been going on in our lives, and still no job.

We just went camping at the IL's trailer, and had a great time! I will post more on all that later... end of school, soccer, swim team, camping... and job hunting. Are you hiring?!

Destination Create!

2009-05-21T03:00:00.001-04:00

Ok, so Destination Create was awesome! The first weekend of May (which also is National Scrapbook Day weekend!) I packed up my gear (ok, so I spent the better part of the previous week packing up!) and headed out to the Four Points Sheraton in Thorold. I went last year and had such a good time, and got lots done. This year was no different. We had fabulous meals, great goodie bags, I took an awesome class with Caroline of Maya Road fame, and had some great roommates.

The event started on Friday at 11am, but b/c I had to do lunch duty, I decided to wait until JA was home from school to go. So we all went in and dropped my gear off. No tears this year from anyone!! YAY! I found my table, dropped my stuff, and took a look around, did some visiting, and went to supper.  I was sitting with Cathy B., Vanessa I., and Karen T. Behind me were Sherry P. and Cathy M. I didn’t know the other two ladies at the table.

On Saturday morning Vanessa let me borrow her SUV to head to the Fairview Mall for bowling awards for JA. I missed it last year, and didn’t want to miss it again. More on bowling awards later.

Saturday afternoon I took the best class ever!! Honestly, I have taken other classes before, and have never been 100% satisfied. I have enjoyed them, but WOW this class was AMAZING! Caroline , the co-creator of Maya Road flew in from Texas to teach some fabulous classes. I wasn’t going to take any due to the cost, and the no job thing still... but I am oh so glad I took the plunge and got the last seat available! We made a butterfly book made of chipboard and acrylic pages. We had different techniques on several pages – using Maya Mist (similar to Glimmer Mist only better!), painting on chipboard, rubbing stickles on (wow, it gives a totally different effect!), stamping on patterned paper, embossing the acrylic with Tim Holtz distress embossing powder, and using ribbons and lots of chipboard embellishments! After the class time flew by, I went back and started working on my book. On Saturday night I had it completed! I do want to add a teensy bit of journaling to it, and some ribbons to the jump ring to make it totally complete... but that will come. I will post photos soon! The product we got in that pkg was also beyond amazing!! We needed 5 chipboard letters, she gave us the whole tin, we needed a few little bling flowers, again, the whole tin! We got yards and yards of ribbons, several patterned papers from Pink Paislee, whole packages of chipboard scrolls, and then some!! It was certainly worth the price, as the value of the product was beyond wow!! So glad Karen talked me into the class (you know, twisting my slightly rubbery arm LOL).
Friday night we went up to the hospitality suite and had a little surprise 40th birthday party for Patti. Several of the ladies from the Nook/Nook boards made a 4x4 chipboard coaster for her, and it turned out so beautiful!! Everyone put such efforts and each one was a work of art. She cried. Mission accomplished ;) LOL
I stayed up WAY too late both nights, and suffered for it for the next few days, but it was all so worth it!! I got started on my ‘secret project’ , did a page in our Florida album, and did a page in the Port Weller School album as well.

All in all, a fabulous retreat, and I cannot wait for next year!!!

HUGE thanks to Barb, Patti and Elia for putting on a fabulous weekend!

All about Awards

2009-05-20T14:43:00.008-04:00

Bowling awards and Awana awards, all in the same week. April 29th saw Zachary and Sophia finishing their school year bowling league. After lunch duty I met up with Grampa, kids and Michael at the bowling alley. The kids got a snack of hotdogs, chips and a drink, oh and their two tim bits! LOL! Each team got a trophy for participating, and they had awards for high single for a girl and for a boy. I’ll have to go back and look at the pictures and trophy’s to see who won what! The kids have such a good time at bowling, and *I* love it b/c it gives me an hour or so after lunch duty to come home and rest or get things done that I can’t do while the kids are underfoot.

That same night we had our Awana awards potluck. It was extremely well attended!! We ended up having to set up extra tables, as more folks than we thought came! Lots of good food, and fellowship was had. Reid’s family came, Heather’s Family, Kendra’s family (all families we introduced to AWANA). Each group sang a song or two, and said some Scripture.

Here are the Cubbies and Sparks singing "Peter, James and John in A Sailboat" and "My God is So Big!"

Sophia graduated from Cubbies this year, getting her 2nd book award ribbon, attendance award, Sunday school award, and she was the Clubber of the Year!! Way to go Sophia! She is beyond excited to be moving on to Sparks in September!

Zachary finished his first year of Sparks. He got his first year book award, Sunday school, and attendance awards. I am SO impressed with my son this year!! He learned to read, and read well, in school (and at home!) and that helped immensely with the learning of his verses. He has a great memory, which was proven when he could remember verses from months previous! Way to go Zachary!! (sorry, no good photos of Zachary!)

JA finished her first year of T&T (Truth & Training). After much prodding, she also finished her book. I think she did the last 2 full discoveries in 3 weeks time!! Maybe she’ll remember that for next year and work a little every week... there is more in the 2nd year book, so I may start to remind her in September of that! LOL She got her first book award ribbon, Sunday School and attendance stickers. Way to go JA!!

JA’s friend Kendra also put the push on at the end of the year and got her book done! Way to go Kendra! Reid also worked hard this year, but did not complete his book. He can continue to work on it next year. HOWEVER... he did get two awards the other girls didn’t get – perfect attendance, and Clubber of the Year!! Way to go Reid!

We are so pleased to be involved in the Awana program. I did it as a child (Sparks on up to the end of grade 8). I have my awards still! LOL The club has changed quite a bit since my day, but it has only improved and stayed relevant to the kids. Michael and I are both Sparks leaders, and will continue in that roll next year.  It’s nice to have a break, and for the first time in YEARS we have NOTHING to do on Wednesday nights!! Since before we got married we have had youth, or Awana, or soccer or something going on Wed nights... it’s almost weird... almost. We are enjoying the midweek break.

On Saturday, May 2nd, JA had her bowling awards. I zipped in from the retreat to attend. I know that next year I will not come right away for 10am!! They bowled glow in the dark bowling for an hour or so before they moved on to eating and awards. It was loud. I hadn’t had much sleep the night before. LOL She enjoyed the glow bowling a lot! After that, they had pizza and then awards. JA’s team came in 4th place overall, which isn’t too bad considering two of her team were new to ten pin bowling this year. Julie-Anna was the bowler of the year for her division, as she bowled 106 pins over her average at the tournament! Way to go JA!! The girls all did well this year and had oodles of fun. However, we are also enjoying the break of NOTHING happening on Saturday mornings... leaving us free for camping and visits to Muskoka! 

Oil Changes, laptops, and stuff

2009-05-20T14:36:00.001-04:00

I am finally getting to posting some blog entries I wrote last week! LOL!

Aren’t laptops great? I’m sitting here at Niagara Motors getting my free oil change. They called several weeks ago, trying to lure us back to their service department. Michael said we’d probably not be back. They asked what they could do to bring us in, would a free oil change do it? Of course, free always is the best kind of service! We needed an oil change anyway, so why not?! So here I sit, wishing I could connect to the ‘net and post to my blog, and check on a few things, but alas, no WiFi here. The network is not secure here, but you have to have a login to get anywhere. Drag. Oh well, Word is just as good to get things done that I need or want to get done in the next 25 minutes.

This is our second trip to a dealer with our van. Last week it was in to John Bear. ..to the tune of $414.00. Last year sometime, probably early Spring, I broke the window switch for the driver side door window. No up. No down. Just annoying and hot. The passenger side switch on the driver door worked, but that’s it. I thought we could live with it. Spring got warmer, but not enough to warrant the air conditioning. Then I went through a drive through. What a pain!! So we lived like that for over a year. Our new neighbour is a retired mechanic. He got us a new switch at the wreckers. Michael installed it. WHOOHOOO.... the window went down. UGH.... the window would not go back up! We thought a window stuck up was bad, a window stuck down is oh so much worse... and it rained. So we lived with plastic on the window at night to keep out rain and bugs... and drove FREEZING cold as it was too flappy having the plastic on the window. So we took the van to John Bear. Another mechanic told us it was the motor, but it turns out it was the switch – defective from the wrecker. So we got a new switch, they fixed some wiring, and we are good to go!! Old habits are hard to break tho, and when someone came to talk to me through the window my automatic reaction was to open the door! LOL!

We are heading to Ottawa for the Tulip Festival this Friday. The oil change was WAY past due, so we are gearing all up to go. It should be a great time... we’ll take in the festival, visit with family, the men are going to see Star Trek, the girls will do their hair. We are going to go to Hull, Quebec to the Museum of Civilization where they have an amazing children’s museum. We’ll go with our relatives, and meet up with some friends and their children as well. Should be a GREAT day! This is our 9th Tulip Festival. We went the first time when JA was only 7 months old, and have not missed a trip since. We have been twice for other occasions (Canada Day 2000, and for Mark and April’s wedding in August of 2001.) The kids would not hear of missing it this year. We are going to drive down (over? Up?) through the USA, and do a little bit of shopping. We have to have passports starting June 1, so we’ll try to get as much in over there as possible before then!! LOL

OK, I think I’ll post another blog entry about our Mother’s Day scenic trip. I still need to post about Destination Create as well!! :)

Books I'm Reading

2009-04-24T11:30:00.005-04:00

I have a friend, from my wedding list, and she belongs to a local book club. She posts often about what is on her nightstand, or playing in her vehicle. I often read her reviews, and head to my local library to check out what she's been reading... and more :D

So I'm trying to read 40 books in 2009. I should read 3.3 books a month. We are almost done April, and this is what I have read so far:

Confessions of A Shopaholic
Shopaholic Takes Manhattan
Shopaholic & Sister
Shopaholic Ties the Knot
Shopaholic and Baby
Obsessed - Ted Dekker
*The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - John Boyne
The Shack
*The Hiding Place - Corrie ten Boom
*Against Medical Advice - James Patterson with Hal Friedman (?)
The Five People You Meet in Heaven - Mitch Albom
*One Red Paperclip
*He Chose the Nails - Max Lucado
*The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The books marked with an * are excellent reads. I haven't read one yet that I don't like, but the others are just a decent read.

On my nightstand are:
*****
Kiss - about half done
The Total Money Makeover - take 2 LOL
The Zoo Keeper's Wife

Do you have any reading suggestions?  Leave some comment 
love, and I will draw a name for a RAK!!  Deadline to 
comment is April 30th.

Heading to the Great Wolf Lodge!!

2009-04-24T10:22:00.008-04:00

WHOOHOOO!! Two exciting weekends in a row for me!! (the other being my scrappin' retreat next weekend)

A few weeks ago, Zachary won a trip to GWL on the radio. I'm so glad the day has FINALLY come, as I'm tired of them asking when we are going! LOL!

I'm just packing up swim suits (got me two new ones that I LOVE!)... snacks, lunch stuff, etc. I will zip to school for lunch duty and bring JA home with me (she doesn't know she's checkin' out early from school, so that's gonna be a fun surprise!)... then we are off!!

Our pkg includes the hotel room, two days of swimming fun, a Pizza Hut Pizza party tonite, breakfast at the Antler room tomorrow, and FUN FUN FUN!!!! WHOOOHOOO!!

Here's a couple pics from our last trip there, that JA won on the same radio station! (Nov 07)

...then yesterday...
So I took the kids to school, everyone looked and felt fine. I returned for lunch duty and JA has this bright red splotch under her right eye, like she got hit with something. Apparently not. She touched it and it hurt. Then it started to burn. Then over the course of recess, it spread down her cheek a bit, onto her upper eyelid, and then on to the other side under her left eye.

She walked home from school with her friend, and one of those swarmy bugs (you know the ones... ew, gag) landed on her face right on the red spot, and she came in freaking out and crying that her face was burning!! Oh great. I dosed her with some Motrin to help with the pain, which it did for a few hours... did a few errands, dropped off food for our friends, picked up other kids, pre-bowled, then home for supper. I zipped her to the walk in, and it's a 'touch' thing... she must've touched something or someone, or perfume in the air or something. Ugh. So she's got cortizone cream for it, twice a day. It sucks, as ANYTHING that touches it hurts, including water!!

We are going to the GWL today... so I got her some vaseline to put on the affected areas to help keep the water from touching it... Good grief, what else can go wrong?!

BUT we will have a great time :D

Sunday Seven!

2009-04-12T21:28:00.002-04:00

I missed it last week, so I thought I'd actually get it out on Sunday this time :D

Today is Easter Sunday, Resurrection Sunday, WHAT AN AMAZING THING!! To know that God sent his Son, that he died, and that he arose!! WHOOHOO!
For Sophia's theological soundness - Jesus died on the cross for our sins, because we don't need them anymore. Ok, not so sound, but so on the button!
For eleven extremely wonderful years with my wonderful husband (April 4th)
For going out to dinner, sans kids, to celebrate our anniversary.
For cold/sinus meds that make it possible for me to function and sleep.
For a fun time doing our egg hunt this morning before church.
For the cute 'belle' type dresses for the girls, pics forthcoming :)

BIG SPECIAL!!!

2009-03-31T11:39:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! Today Sale-A-Bration concludes, so I thought I would offer this quick turn around special!

FREE SHIPPING
on all orders placed and paid for by 9pm this evening! (March 31st)

This is my own promotion that I want to share with you! Due to the short time frame for this Stylin' Stamper special, I would prefer to have orders paid via credit card (unless you can get to me with cash or cheque by 9pm tonight!).

As an additional incentive, for anyone who purchases the BIG SHOT machine, I will throw in a die of your choice valued at $5.95.

In addition to the great savings of shipping (plus saving the tax on shipping!), for each $60.00 that is spent qualifies for one of six sale-a-bration rewards ABSOLUTELY FREE! I have attached the Sale-A-Bration catalogue for you to peruse.

These purchases also qualify for your Frequent Shopper Cards!

What more can you ask for, free shipping, free merchandise, free rewards!

Please email me your orders, or call before 9pm this evening!!

Have a happy day!
Kristi-Anna
www.stylinstamper.blogspot.com

Sunday Seven

2009-03-30T09:10:00.002-04:00

Yes, it's Monday... I'm getting better :D

Sponge Rollers. Need I say more? I will have photos of the girls hair later today. They LOVE getting their hair done up in curlers!
yummy chicken pizza that Michael made for me for supper last night
That I am coughing less, most of the time. Coughing is horrible.
That I lost .75 lbs last week, I'm finally back on the right track!
For friends that had JA for a sleepover on Saturday night, and kept her for a while on Sunday afternoon (even washing her dress when she got a nasty bloody nose! Thanks Debbie!)
For a relaxing evening visiting with Meg on Friday
For a good play practice yesterday (for church, for Easter)

Sunday Seven (yes, I know it's Wed!)

2009-03-25T22:53:00.002-04:00

The kids are back to school after a good March Break!
LOTS of fun was had at Crocodile Dock VBS at Gateway Christian Fellowship! We enjoyed the Sunday Service there as well.
The warm weather is arriving, and we had some wonderfully warm days on the March Break!
Eating pizza on Friday (as we always do) and watching Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (Zachary is HOOKED on Star Wars!)
Cadbury Easter Creme Eggs. Need I say more?! YUM!
A good time at the vendor fair I participated in on Saturday.
My wonderful WONDERFUL husband :D

Wild Turkey!

2009-03-20T09:48:00.003-04:00

...and no, I don't mean one of the children!! :D On our way to VBS this morning, we turned onto Lakeshore Rd., when I spotted a wild turkey on the side of the road (and NOT as road kill!). I slowed down a wee bit so that the kids could get a good look... and then it walked out in front of the van. So I sat. It sauntered. Slowly. I honked, and it didn't even flinch!! (at which point the children informed me that had it been a possum, he would have played dead because it was afraid!). It sauntered accross Lakeshore Rd., stopping traffic going East bound. Stupid bird. I looked for him in the way home, but he had found greener pastures by that point. It's probably the same turke we would see riding to school last fall, and last Spring. Apparently it waltzes down Croydon every day around 7pm and perches on top of some family's white van for the night! Crazy! That photo to the left is kinda like what we saw... busy road, lights, and.... wild turkey!!

The kids were quite excited about the whole thing. They were anxious to get to VBS to share their "God Sighting" with their crew leaders!! :D

Sunday Seven

2009-03-15T18:39:00.002-04:00

I'm going to try something new. I was prompted by Joan that I haven't blogged in FOREVER (or something along those looooong lines LOL). I read a blog and she does this Sunday Seven thing each week, where she posts 7 things she's been thankful for this week. So I thought that would be cool to do too!!

A great day at the Stampin' Up! Regional event yesterday
Dinner with Joel and Julie last night (we see them far too infrequently!)
Mom's who were willing and able to take the kids for overnights so we could go to London yesterday.
NEW STAMPS!
a relaxing morning this morning
The cute little breads my new four mini loaf pan from Pampered Chef makes
my husband who loves me very much

I could say more, I'm so sure of that... but I'm a bit tired. I want to post pics of the rennovations and such this week. I am trying a new thing with balancing my time for 'work,' home stuff, ME time, and family time as well. I almost want to make a chart for it! LOL!

The kids are going to VBS this week. I'm torn about it. I want them to go and have fun, which I know they will. It's Crocodile Dock. BUT I was looking forward to NOT getting up early every day!! LOL Oh well, at least I don't have to go to school :D

Off to do some taxes, and read to the kids :D

I'm still here!

2009-02-20T22:25:00.003-05:00

A few bullet points to get you over this dry patch ;)

(Hello Paddy, Anna, Joan...)

Zachary turned 6 on the 19th! Whoa... where did the time go!?
We have been up to our eyeballs in kitchen/front entryway rennos - moving a wall, jacking up the floor, taking out a bathroom and closet. Much thanks to our friends for their time and tools!
We put new flooring in the kitchen, dining room, front entry, and living rooms - looks fabulous. Pictures forthcoming.
Michael and the children are going ice-fishing this weekend... 'tis a home alone vacation for me! I hope to get lots of scrapping and house tidying done.
I got a job at school, and am now an official employee of the DSBN!
I'm still volunteering in kindergarten.
Michael is on the cusp of a temporary job, which should start next week, God willing.
We are busy at church, as always.

I think that's about it, but I will get out a more detailed and photo filled post soon. Right now I need to finish packing up for the kids, and get some sleep. It's 10:30 and FIL will be here for my family at 2:30am!! YIKES!

A Trade Show - in Welland

2009-01-20T22:38:00.001-05:00

Several of Niagaras best direct sales companies are going to be gathering all in one place to serve you! Stampin' Up!, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, Discovery Toys, Tools for Tomboys and MORE... Free coffee and parking! No cost to come! Free draws for great promo items!

Date:	Saturday, January 24, 2009
Time:	9:00am - 12:00pm
Location:	NT Co-Op Community Room
Street:	366 Thorold Rd
City/Town:	Welland, ON

Would LOVE to see you there!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-03T19:17:00.002-05:00

I haven't got much to say, or show, as the pics are all still on the camera.

Michael will be gainfully employed for a few short months come Feb, so that is a HUGE blessing and provision by God! :D So in Jan he'll still search out work in his field, or in a new field, and work on the house. We'll be re-doing the front door area into a mud room... YAY! :) We might even get a fresh coat of pain on the trim work in the kitchen/living room areas, and new vinyl flooring in the kitchen as well. YIPPEE!!!

Christmas was good... lots of snow, but some rain too. A little odd in the weather department.

I've resolved nothing NEW this year... I do want to get back on track with a few things, including healthier habits eating and exercising, and SCRAPPING!! I'm going to revamp the scrapbooking area downstairs, and that starts with getting rid of a sofa, love seat and two matching tables! :D I'll start on that tonite! I joined a yahoogroup for a local scrapbook store (well, it's in St. Thomas! LOL), and they are having an organizational challenge up right now, so I will take that to heart and get started :)

Do you have anything you are resolving to do this year, or just get back to!??! Do share in the comments, and I will make a wee draw for some handmade cards for you!! :)

KA

SNOW DAY!!!

2008-12-19T15:49:00.002-05:00

Well, half a day anyway!! Threats of a winter storm last night, so when it was snowing and blowing this morning, they canceled bus runs. No matter, I was driving the kids in anyway, as I was helping in the kindy class and participating in the carol sing etc. Yesterday afternoon I made chocolate dipped marshmallows for treats for school. YUMMY! So I wanted to take those in (cuz really, how many can you eat yourself???). The snow got worse. And worse.

Just before kindy let out at 11:30, the school board made the call to close the schools. YIPPEE!! There's a TONNE of snow on the ground, a tonne still falling, it's blocking our front door in (Michael will have to shovel his way IN to the house I am thinking!), and blowing like crazy!!

I want to take pictures but the camera battery is dead. UGH. I think the charger is IN THE VAN OUTSIDE>.. so, um, NO! LOL!

I will get pics later tho :)

16 Inches! WOW!

2008-12-18T22:31:00.002-05:00

So my sweet darling JA has been asking since mid August to have her hair cut again. The last time she did it (April 2006, she was 5.5) she donated 18 inches of hair in a braid. We were giving it to Wigs For Kids. She wanted to do it again. I delayed in making the appointment (not sure why now, it's so much easier this way!). Finally, on Thursday December 4th, we had an appointment. We went to the salon right after school. She was giddy with excitement!! It took FOREVER to brush thru her hair to make it usable! After that, Natalia sectioned it off and braided it into four skinny braids.

After that, she started cutting!! If you look closely in the mirror in the photo, you'll see the biggest smiles on JA!!

They measured the braids after they were cut off... and it was 16 inches!! WOW! I was amazed that her hair grew so fast in just 2.5 years! The staff in the salon remembered her, and she felt like a celebrity! LOL!

She got her hair washed, cut, and styled. She turned into a little Diva for a few days, constantly flipping her hair around!! It has been SO much easier to take care of... and she's already planning to grow and donate her hair again! Sophia will go next time... the first thing Sophia said when JA came home "I didn't get my hair cut!!" And pouted. LOL! Next time baby girl, next time!

(and yes... Mommy cried when they cut her braids off... I'm not always a big fan of change, and WOW the heart of my little girl!!)

Mom to 3 winner of blog candy

2008-12-18T15:34:00.002-05:00

I haven't heard from you since I made the draw. I click your name in the comments, but it doesn't give me an email or any way to contact you!

If I do not hear back from her by noon on Friday, I will draw another winner!!

The Winners!!

2008-12-16T21:01:00.000-05:00

ROSE can you please email me at beaudrybunch at cogeco dot ca (beaudrybunch@cogeco.ca if that links up!) YOU WON A GROOVY PET!!! Please email me your snail mail address so I can get your pet to you asap!! :)

Thanks for playing along!

Groovy Girls Blog Candy!

2008-12-11T14:18:00.006-05:00

ETA: A few have emailed me saying they have nobody to give the doll/pet to! If you want to enter, feel free, and then donate it to a family in need, or your local food bank, or somewhere that is collecting new toys for Christmas!! :)

So I thought I'd like to share the wealth, so to speak. Last month when we won the Groovy Girls I wondered what I would do with all those dolls and pets!! I donated a pet and a girl to the Port Weller School Winter Wonderland raffle table. I am keeping a girl and a pet for each of my daughters for Christmas. That leaves me with 5 dolls and 2 pets! I am keeping some to use as birthday gifts... and I thought I would do a giveaway for a Groovy Girl and a Groovy Pet!! The best thing about these dolls is that they are the RSVP dolls! They come with a tag that has a code for going online to play games, change their clothes, and have oodles of clean fun! Check them out HERE to learn a little more about them, and all the cool possibilities!

I am showing a photo of a random girl and a random pet, but those might not be the ones you win!! I will have random.org draw 2 winners on Sunday evening, and I will let the winners know. To win a Groovy Girl or Groovy Pet, please leave a comment on THIS post, to gain a 2nd entry, link back to my blog and post a SECOND comment including the link back direct link!! :D Please let me know in your comments if you would like a PET or a GIRL! :)

When I draw the winner, I will email you immediately, and if I do not hear back by Monday at noon EST, I will have to draw another winner. I"d love for you to have your Groovy Girl/Pet for Christmas!

Happy Christmas!!!

God is BEYOND amazing!

2008-12-10T13:04:00.002-05:00

I just have to say... :)

Just a few updates:

Michael did NOT get the job he interviewed for last week (or the week before I guess!). He did get a letter saying that they liked what they heard and saw, but there just isn't work for him right now. So we are looking again. Things may perk up after Christmas!

We had a fabulous trip to Muskoka to visit with my brother and his two kids. We go every year at this time to celebrate the kids birthdays. THey have a luge run in the back yard, and I will post pics when I take them off the camera! It's amazing!! I will write more about that later too.

GOD IS BEYOND AMAZING, and that is what I have to say about that!! We have been so truly blessed these past weeks since losing our source of income! EI has kicked in, and with good budgeting skills, we'll be OK! BUT that is not all!! Oh not that is not all! We have had so many unexpected blessings dropped into our lives, that it just brings me to tears... for fear of singling anyone out, I will have to leave it at that, but WOW GOD.... I can't even be thankful enough!!

I will sh are photos later today I hope! I have 3 hours to myself this afternoon to get caught up on Christmas card/ornament orders, make some more, and enjoy the quiet... perhaps I'll watch drivel on TV or put on some Christmas music...

Have a blessed day!

Please pray for Michael!

2008-11-27T23:04:00.001-05:00

He's got a job interview at 9:00 tomorrow morning!! YAHOO!!! The best part about it is that it's local. Ok, so maybe that isn't the BEST part, but that is certainly a perk, since we have been looking near and far (I sound like Grover! LOL!)

Thanks all! I will update when he gets home!!

Excellent news about Tricia!!

2008-11-23T20:20:00.003-05:00

I am thrilled to have this update from Nate about his dear wife Tricia!! I have been praying for them for a number of months now, and WOW God is TOTALLY amazing!!!

Check out his post to see TRICIA'S MIRACLE!!

Groovy Girls!

2008-11-20T11:04:00.004-05:00

I read some blogs. OK, so I read A LOT of blogs. Well, I have lots of blogs in my bloglines roll, but I don't read them all every day. There are a few that I do. :) One of the blogs I read daily is Because I Said So by Dawn Meehan. She is hysterical! She has 6 kids!! She is still in her right mind :) She also has another blog entitled Because I Said So Reviews as a 'spin off' to her every day blog. She's famous! Well, a lot more famous than I ever will be!! She gets invited to cool events, movie screenings, and many companies have asked her to review their product, or she has found a product she loves and shares that info with her readers. One such company is the manufacturer of Groovy Girls! They had asked Dawn to give away 3 sets of 13 dolls (well, 8 dolls and 5 Groovy Pets!). Out of 563 entrants for the contest, I WON!!! I WON!!!!!! I WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We nearly have Christmas taken care of now (YAY GOD!). So the girls will be getting some Groovy Girls for Christmas, and Zachary will get some Groovy Pets! These are from the RSVP line and are similar to webkinz in that you can go online and register them and do fun things with their rooms, and clothes and stuff. I can hardly wait to get them!

Delicious Baby!

2008-11-18T11:11:00.002-05:00

I just heard about this site today! This is her write up about herself and her site:

"I'm Debbie, mother of two delicious kids and I write about traveling with little kids. I keep track of my favorite activites, hotels and restaraunts in my City Guides. My site also has tons of tips, including information on flying with kids and babies, favorite travel toys and jet lag solutions."

Wow, for those of us with children, and who like to travel (close and far!) this is a great place to check out! Thanks to Nancy for pointing me to her!

So, back to Delicious Baby! She's giving away a FLIP! Until today I had NEVER heard of such a thing. Oh, but now that I know, I can't wait to win it, or have Michael get a new job so we can buy one! (and of course I want a pink one!) LOL We do have some video capability with the camera we used to have (and now borrow the same version from my In Laws), but I haven't a CLUE how to edit it or get it from A to B to share it! This FLIP sounds like just the thing for me :D So go check out this post to see what it's all about!

God is SO good!!

2008-11-16T14:05:00.003-05:00

No, we haven't found a job yet. We have some leads, and we are following up on them. Tomorrow, after a quick trip in to Value Village to get him some new to him jeans, I will drop him off downtown to get the EI stuff completed while I head to the dentist (also downtown, we are so getting good at this!) and get my cracked tooth fixed. :)

But onto why God is so good! Last week Michael did some odd work for his dad, so he got paid yesterday! WHOOHOO!! Nice. Then today we went to church. Between church and Sunday School I went to check our mailbox for anything new and interesting (usually it's not so interesting - old Sunday School papers, etc). Today I took one new thing out... my eyes bugged out of my head, and I looked at Michael and started to cry (quietly, afterall there were people looking!). Someone had left us a Sobey's gift card!! On it was a little printer sticker that said "a gift card for x amount to help you out at this time!" WOW!! I was totally floored, and amazed, and WOW'd by God and the generosity of our church family!! If it was you, and you read this blog, we are ever so thankful for your beyond kindness gift! It will be put to good use, and probably saved for closer to Christmas time!! YOU ARE A BLESSING and GOD IS AMAZING!!!

So we asked you to pray

2008-11-13T10:01:00.003-05:00

And now I will share why. The long and the short of it is that recession has his the Beaudry home. Michael lost his job last Friday due to cutbacks. God has totally been providing for our family this week tho! Michael has been able to help his Dad out every day so far (not always a full day, but work none the less!). I have been really learning (and struggling) to be extremely frugal, to avoid 'the deals', and to shop for what is necessary THIS WEEK only, and not for a rainy day. We have some job leads, Michael has put in 4-5 resumes this week in between working for his Dad and church.

It's so easy to slip into 'whiney' mode and the 'blame game' mode as well. It's nobody's fault we are without a job (well, if that one company hadn't broken their binding contract we'd still have a job!), nobody is an inefficient worker, no slackers, just really cruddy timing.

We are trusting God. The children are learning to be more frugal, and have stopped their 'we want this' 'we want that' whining. I think they get it. Most of the time. Julie-Anna had even offered some of her birthday money to buy us ketchup!! It brought a tears to my eyes that she would be so self sacrificing for our family.

It's a struggle, no question about it. God is faithful and will not abandon us in our time of need. No doubt about it. I have to remind myself of that many times a day... some days are easier, some days are not.

Please continue to pray for us.

Thank you!!

Sheetload of Cards - BLOG CANDY!

2008-11-10T13:12:00.002-05:00

WOW... what a great thing!! Check out this GIVE AWAY that's going on there!! It rocks! :D I should start doing give aways. :D

This is what you'll win, er, will share with three other winners I mean! LOL!

Please pray for us.

2008-11-07T18:16:00.001-05:00

That's all. Thank you.

Americana here we come!

2008-11-04T13:29:00.001-05:00

Whoohooo!! We're just eating lunch, packing the van, pickin' up JA from school early, and off we go! The kids have NO IDEA that we are going somewhere so fun!! If you wanna check it out, go HERE it's going to be fantastic!!

I've packed up homemade pizza, roast beef, snacks, breakfast foods, and we'll stop for some chips and buns on our way out We'll eat out for supper tomorrow night I think, but it might end up being McD's.

YEEEEHAW!!!

Emma's Spine

2008-11-04T08:58:00.002-05:00

Many of you know that I went to Bible College in British Columbia. I made lots of friends there, but moving back to Ontario and staying here, well, I lost touch with many of them over time. Now, because of Facebook, I am begining to find many of those friends! One of them is Corinna. She's an amazing mom of 4 kids, and wife to Keith (who's romance story is similar to mine!). Most recently she started a blog all about her daughter, Emma. Emma has scoliosis. Yesterday she underwent a grueling day long (I believe like 8 hours or more!) spinal surgery. Emma's story can be found HERE! I would like to encourage you to pray for Emma, her parents, and her other siblings. This was HUGE. GOD WAS AMAZING!! Sorry, that should read God IS amazing!! He is continuing to provide the peace and assurance that this family needs when they need it! As a mom, I am marvelling at the strength that these parents are showing!! Corinna and Keith, if you happen to be reading this, know that you are being prayed for across the country, and potentially around the world!! There is no other way to describe this, but GOD.

Cupcake Bites

2008-10-30T20:01:00.003-04:00

I recently found this blog, Bakerella! She has some fabulous recipes! The one that caught my eye tho... was these cute cupcake bites on a stick!! I didn't put mine on a stick. I didn't want the grade 3 boys at school to turn them into some kind of weaponry ;) LOL!

I did make them, and indeed you do NOT need the entire can of frosting. Had I only read it in detail BEFORE I put the whole can in!! Oh well, they turned out and taste DELISH!!

So I am taking these to school tomorrow for the kids Hallowe'en parties :D I bet they will be a huge hit! I baked a chocolate fudge cake, used cream cheese icing, and rolled them. Then I dipped the bottom in Merckens milk chocolate, the tops in Merckens white chocolate and then dipped it in fall themed sprinkles while the chocolate was still wet.

Kids and Cell Phones

2008-10-21T23:23:00.006-04:00

Why do kids want cell phones? Why do parents think that children should have them??? I honestly don't think the logical reasons that some folks give for their children having cell phones is ... well, logical!! Do you not remember BEING a child... a kid, a teen, etc?? Did you ALWAYS tell the truth about where you were going, who you were with, etc?? (ok, I did... there wasn't an ounce of rebellion in me at all!!). So you give your child a cell phone, so you can know where they are at all times, who they are with, what they are doing, and when will they stop doing that and come home. So a cell phone... unless they are supposed to be playing in traffic, or on train tracks where it will be obvious from the background noise... who is to say your child is where s/he says they are!?

"Hello, Mom?"
"Yes, darling."
"Yeah, I'm just at Susie's house, and I wanted to let you know."
"Ok, thank you! Please be home by 9."
click.

HA... your sweet darling just outsmarted you, and she's not at Susie's, but she's walked to the Avondale by herself, well, WITH Susie... but def NOT at Susie's house. You believed her. She tricked you. Cell phones. Ugh.

I'm not saying YOUR child is like that, or will be, nor will mine. It's possible I suppose. It's a matter of trust. Trust between parents and their children. I'm trying to build that kind of trust NOW with my children, so that when they are just *dying* to have a cell phone, it won't be such a huge issue. Ok, so in 10 years, it might not be an issue at all, as it will all be by video, and this will be for naught.

So... I'm content to let my children be children for as long as possible... they grow up tooooooo fast as it is, why rush it?!

Confessions Of A CF Husband: The Latest

2008-10-16T16:32:00.000-04:00

Confessions Of A CF Husband: The Latest

Pray for Tricia!

2008-10-16T14:15:00.004-04:00

There's a blog I follow. I have been following it for many, many months now. I don't know this awesome family personally, I feel like I do. He is so forthcoming about their struggles with a micro-preemie baby, undergoing double lung transplant surgery (Tricia), and now Tricia is struggling with PTLD, which is a form of cancer that is sometimes found in post-transplant patients. I won't say much more, as Nate says it so much better and from the depths of his heart.

Here is the latest post from Confessions of a CF Husband:

Tricia's PET Scan (Monday morning) shows that the chemo has done very little to affect her PTLD, and, in fact, some of the spots in her lungs have grown, and the lymphoma has possibly spread to a lymph node in her chest (outside of her lungs). They are stopping the current R-CHOP treatment, since it is obviously not doing her any good, and performed another biopsy on Tuesday morning.

That is literally all we know at this point. We arrived home late last night. We should hear back from Duke later this week about what the biopsy shows and what they recommend next.

We are very discouraged as we very distinctly recall the cancer doc telling us a few months ago, "If this treatment doesn't work, Tricia is in serious trouble..."

Nate

If you pray, please do so. Please ask your friends and family to do so. This family, among many many many families I realize, needs us to hold them up in prayer to the God who brings all comfort and healing!

Thanks everyone :)

15 minutes and more!

2008-10-09T15:29:00.003-04:00

I started to tidy up my scrapbooking area. It quickly escalated into more tidying around the basement...plus some other long overdue junk getting KICKED TO THE CURB!! Well, some of it is getting kicked to Freecycle including books, shower doors, the crib, books and other misc STUFF. YIPPEEE!!!

Michael ripped out the toilet and the vanity/sink last week, and next is the tub from the front bathroom upstairs. Just calling the garbage people now to come for the toilet and the tub (what a motivator for him to get it out!) :D Now to get the flooring stuff and get the front hall/old bathroom done so we can have a mud room!! WINTER IS COMING! (did I really say that?!) Michael is off to L. St. Amand for trip 1 of 2 to get patio stones. The shed is getting built!!

Back to scrapping... so I've made a little 'area' for my new Big Shot, just gotta get a storage something or other figured out for the dies that I have right now. I've got paper in a box to recycle (not good pappers!!)... and I am PURGING... i should photograph some of this stuff for the yardsale... hmmm, tonite, while CSI, Grey's and ER are on! Maybe...

I've got photos that need to be hung up! I bought 3 'floating frames' at JoAnn's today. They are super cool, and I fully intend to hang up the kids school photos this year! :D I got a cool wall vinyl thing to hang up with them about 'family'. I can't wait!! I also purchased a plate stand to put my scrapbook pages on display (thanks to KAREN T for the inspiration for that!).

This purging feels GREAT!! I should sleep well tonite :D

I'm on a roll!!

I WON! I WON!! I WON!!! :D

2008-10-06T20:32:00.001-04:00

WHOOOHOOO!!!! I just got this email:

Looks like it's your lucky day - http://laylekoncar.typepad.com/6degrees/2008/10/winner.html

Please reply with your mailing address and we'll get a Garland Product kit in the mail to you in a few weeks when all of the products are in stock.

Thanks for playing!

Layle Koncar
Director of Marketing
Scenic Route

I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE IT!!! SUPER HAPPINESS HERE!!!

This is what is in the kit:
"The Garland Product Kit includes 5 sheets of double sided cardstock, 1 Scrap Strip, 6 background sheets, 1 12"x12" die cut shapes sheet, 1 12”x12” die cut alphabet sheet, 1 sticker embellishment sheet, 1 chipboard embellishment sheet and over 200 alphabet stickers." I want to post a picture, but I can't seem to do it.

Hannah Montana is in the house!

2008-10-04T23:14:00.008-04:00

...in our house, on a cake that is!! :D It was JA's birthday party today. She opted to have a pampering/Hannah party. So the girls paired up and painted each others toe nails, then decorated with nail art things. We had fruit smoothies, a fruit tray with dip (which they devoured nearly the entire thing!!), cake, and presents! We had a great great time, altho the house did smell like nail polish for too long!!

I made this cake. My friend does cake decorating as a side business, so she made me this icing sheet. I put on decorative sugar sprinkles, and some edible glitter on the top border. The kids loved it! It tasted pretty darned good too :D

Here's a few photos of the big event :) I didn't take nearly enough :( Michael took the little kids to his Mom's for the duration of the party... so I was busy doing everything and not taking photos :(

Pierced!

2008-10-04T22:50:00.006-04:00

So it's JA's birthday on Tuesday. I'll post about that later. She has been bugging and bugging for over 2 years to get her ears pierced. So one day last Feb or Mar I said "Ok, for your birthday, you can get them pierced." She's gonna be eight I reasoned... she can take care of them. I was really hoping that she'd forget!! She didn't. So off we went to Ardene's at the Fairview Mall yesterday, straight from school. She was such a trooper... picking out some nice blue earrings (of course... what other colour is there?!), sitting so still, and BAM, it was done!! Here's a few photos from the big event! :)

Waiting to get her ears pierced.

prepping the ears

all marked and ready for action!

a double shot!

Ok, Mommy, now take my picture!

...but let me check myself out first!

Blue, of course... what other choice was there?! :)

2008-10-01T21:37:00.002-04:00

I am borrowing this paragraph from Confessions of a CF Husband since he puts it so well! No need to reinvent the wheel! :)

"Squidoo (an online group that raises tons of money for charities) is giving $80,000 to the charities of your choice. Basically, anyone who wants to participate can vote for one charity (from a list of about 50...don't vote more than once or all your votes will be deleted)...Squidoo will donate $2/vote. You don't even have to sign up for anything! Feel free to CLICK HERE and vote for any charity you believe could use $2. You have until October 15 to vote!"

Hey, we all have something we are passionate about, so why not? :)

Computer parental controls?

2008-09-30T16:43:00.002-04:00

Do you have them on your computer for your kids? I trust my children, I trust everyone who uses our computer. I don't trust the internet! It's true. One day JA was at youtube because her friend told her how to get Hannah Montana episodes on it. I don't mind her watching there. So I sent her down to watch an episode. Mike came down to check on her success, and Holy Hannah! Oh, not so holy!!! It sent her to various things to do with Hannah Montana... in obviously photoshop altered situations!! YIKES!!! In all innocence she went to look for something wholesome, and came upon crud. She didn't know how to get out of it. It was awful!!

So I want to get some kind of parental controls on the computer. I don't even know where to start. How do you do it? Where do you get it from? What does it prevent?? I would rather not have the kids stumble on this crap, or the babysitter, or anyone who might use our computer!

So... any suggestions!?

The busiest week ever

2008-09-29T22:08:00.002-04:00

This week is insane. There is soemthing taking me from home every night from Monday-Saturday. It's crazy! There are several things taking me away during the day as well.... lunch duty at school (YAY GOD for providing a little job for me!), volunteering in the JK/SK class, going to the USA, election training... I can't wait for Wed afternoon when Michael and I might get a little time to ourselves while the little ones go bowling with Grampa! :D

It's JA's birthday on the weekend... well, it's next Tuesday, but her party is this Saturday. Hannah Montana. Spa/pampering. Should be fun! :D

A Fond Farewell

2008-09-22T13:56:00.002-04:00

So yesterday we had a little farewell party for some friends of ours. They are part of our church, and their daughters (aged 9 and 6) have played with our children since they were born. He recently quit his job here, but was unable to find another... and Saskatoon lured him away! After 2 months he returned home to collect up his family and take them back to Saskatoon. It was a sad thing leaving church yesterday, knowing it will be a LONG time before we see them again. They are departing from here on Saturday morning for a LONG trip West (and North!). They are starting a new venture in their lives - new home, new church, new friends, new life!

We want to wish the Bivands God's richest blessings as they set forth a new path in their family journey!! WE WILL MISS YOU!!!

Cool Blog candy!

2008-09-11T19:12:00.002-04:00

I just saw THIS at Sheetload of Cards, and WOW they look SUPER COOL!!! Check it out. The contest closes at midnight TONITE!!

Another 15 minute day!

2008-09-08T15:18:00.004-04:00

A bunch of things I want to get done today :) This fifteen minute thing ROCKS!!

~~make chocolate cake for Michael's birthday dinner~~
~~go to Curves~~
~~put away laundry~~
~~vacuum living room~~
~~steam clean the marker from the carpet~~
sweep and mop the kitchen floor
~~run the dishwasher~~
~~do dishes~~
clean out fridge
make birthday party invitations for Sophia's party
~~make lasanga for supper~~
~~clean upstairs bathroom~~

So that's my list for today :D

15 Minutes at a Time

2008-09-04T09:31:00.006-04:00

I have followed FlyLady off and on for the last several years. Sadly, it's mostly off! LOL! But a few principles have stuck out to me. First... you can do anything in 15 minutes! Use the timer!! Set routines. We have routines here. With starting school, we have set out new ones... and next week we'll get into them full force. This week is sorta laid back.

So with that said, this next part is more for me than for you! I'm going to make my BIG list of what needs to get done, and come back here and strike out what I have accomplished. I did this a while ago while preparing for a trip. It worked wonders, and it felt good to come and strike out my list!!

catch up on all laundry
fold all laundry
get Michael to put all laundry away
sort seasonal clothes
get a box for clothes that do not fit etc to donate
~~list a few items for sale on kijiji~~
declutter the girls bedroom
fix the girls bed
declutter OUR bedroom
sew the little tear in our duvet cover
work on Sparks scheduling
~~get ready for supper - peel/dice potatos, cook chicken~~
~~go to Curves~~
~~get Stampin' Up! stuff to Hardwicks~~
~~fill dishwasher~~
~~make lunch~~
~~vacuum living room~~
tidy scrapbooking area
work on the Port Weller scrapbook for next week
declutter the craft cart for the kids
~~steam clean the living room area rug~~
sweep and mop the kitchen/dining room floors
declutter the kitchen counter
declutter the microwave top
declutter the top of the fridge

I think that about does it for now. I don't intend to get all this done today, but things are happening!! I'm determined to start fresh this Fall... I'm aiming to be EARLY or ON TIME for all events and appointments (which for those who know me well, know how this will challenge me!), keep the house clear of clutter, and do daily devotions (which are going well btw!)

Have a fabulous day... hug the ones you love!

Back to school!

2008-09-02T17:30:00.003-04:00

Whoohoo!! I am always bitter sweet about heading back to school. I love getting back into a routine. I hate getting up early. This year was a bit harder, as the wee Sophia was starting JK!! Amazingly there were no tears (from ME, not her! LOL!).

We had a fabulous first day... The kids got to school early, we found their teachers without hassle, and they all got settled.

Here are some photos from the day!

Are they excited or what?! LOL!

JA started grade three today... where has the time gone?! Wasn't it only last year that I sent her off, tearfully to JK!?

SK bound!

JK bound!!

The JK/SK teacher... she's phenomanol! I'm sure today was not an easy day for her!

I arrived back at school to take a couple more photos, and to make sure that the kids all got on the bus like there were supposed to. Sophia turned to me and nearly shouted (while pointing accusingly at me!)... "YOU!!!! GO BACK HOME!!! I am taking the bus." And that was that. She did let me take some photos tho

They all reported having had a great first day back to school! JA had a wee bit of homework already, but I am SURE that is b/c she is so social.... LOL! It's going to be a good year... :D

Brian and Stephanie's Wedding

2008-09-02T17:25:00.003-04:00

So we went to my BIL's wedding this past weekend. We spent two nights in a hotel, which worked out wonderfully!! The reception was amazing, with yummy food, good friends and family, dancing and lots of laughs!! The speeches were good, and Michael even made two!! Steven put his foot in his mouth during speeches, and I felt vindicated for the faux pas he made at our wedding ten years ago! LOL!

Here's a few photos from the day:

This is Brian's face when he first saw Stephanie in her stunning gown!

The Beautiful Bride and the Boastful Groom!

Zachary, practicing for his own day of escorting beautiful women down the aisle!

JA and Sophia in their matching dresses.

All the grandkids, not the best photo ever, but at least everyone is looking and has their eyes open! LOL!

All the Beaudry Men. What a handsome bunch!!

Not today!!

2008-08-29T11:57:00.002-04:00

So I awoke at 5:07am when Michael got up for work. Normally I head right back to dreamland. Not today. Ugh. I laid around, praying, thinking, for about an hour. So I got up, hit the bathroom, and came back to bed. I read for an hour. So now it's close to 7. I finally fall back to sleep and the two younger children wake up. Ugh. JA is out sleeping at her friends house, so only two kiddies to deal with :)

While I was awake the first hour, I hear Sophia coughing with this nasty nasty dry cough. It's only getting worse as the day progresses. WHY!? Why today... this weekend. We are heading to London for Michael's brothers wedding. Two nights in a hotel. It's not conducive to sleeping for the children in the first place! LOL! So I guess I'll stock up on echinacea suckers and motrin, and tylenol cold for kids. *sigh* It will be a great weekend away! :D

Powerful!

2008-08-26T16:03:00.000-04:00

I love this song, and the presentation is amazing!

So more about Accountability

2008-08-25T09:33:00.003-04:00

I was just reading a blog post by my friend Coralie where she reviewed a good book. I'm linking back to her post for two reasons - I can win a copy of this book, and I can't do it justice to summarize her words about the impact this book had on her. Please check it out! The title of the book is Wild Goose Chase. I'll include a photo here to peek your interests!

As for the accountability thing... I have been doing very well. I have a couple of friends who check in occasionally (I'd love it if more did that! LOL!). It is life changing for sure!! But more on that later. I have pictures to share (when they get off the camera and are resized!)... and updates to share as well! :D

name that spider

2008-08-17T23:55:00.003-04:00

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwww!
Can you tell me what this is?! I don't like these unwanted, unwelcome, TOTALLY DID NOT INVITE YOU INTO OUR HOME visitors!!!

Camping Calamity!!

2008-08-13T11:37:00.003-04:00

So we went camping this past weekend. We stayed local, and went to Jellystone in Niagara Falls. Let's just say that we agreed it's probably the last time we'll go there. ...and it had nothing to do with the weather! LOL!

So it rained, and rained and rained. Then it rained some more. And then some more. We did manage to stay pretty dry tho, so that was nice. Our wonderful friends blessed us with an awesome kitchen tent... screened in, had wind flaps on all 4 sides, but one side we poled up to make an awning. It kept us dry!! It kept our stuff dry!! We ate DRY!! LOL!

The kids had fun. There were crafts, colouring, wagon rides, and activities for the children, and sometimes for the family. We did swim a little. The kids and Michael went mini-golfing. We got pictures with Yogi Bear.

Zachary had a big accident on a pedal cart, or rather UNDER it... he's pretty banged up, but he's fine. It was TERRIFYING for us though!

I'll have pictures to share later today, as they are still on the camera!!

Thunder, Lightening and Soccer...

2008-08-07T18:54:00.002-04:00

They just really do not mix. Period. The coaches manual even says that the games go ahead in RAIN... but as soon as there is ONE boom of thunder and/or one crack of lightening, the game is to be called. Makes perfect sense. Apparently, they don't always teach their TWELVE YEAR OLD referees how to make these kinds of life altering decisions. :roll:

So we get to soccer (Zachary's) for 5:30, and the clouds look menacing. My friend (another soccer mom) who took some meteoroligy classes in uni., said "oh, those are thunder clouds, no mistaking it!" But the game started, as there had been no lights or sounds.

Fast forward about 1.5 minutes. boom...... Boom.... BOom.... BOOOOM! Along with that came sheet and bolts of lightening. The game goes on. UM NO!! The 12 year old who has reffed for only 3 weeks simply doesn't make the call. The parents are kinda wondering. A couple parents start pulling their kids off the field. I try to be one, but Zachary doesn't pay attention, or can't hear me. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt! LOL!

I then step in. I'm not the coach, but Michael is. I tell him "YOU get out there and call this game, RIGHT NOW!" For Pete's sake (man he takes a lot that Pete!)... CALL THE FREAKIN' GAME!! I get the attention of the other two coaches and tell them the rules state, you know it, now get out there and get that kid to call the game. They talk to him, he says "I will defer to you as coaches." COP OUT. So *I* call the game! LOL! Then the ref does, and the other teams coaches agree that it's not safe. WELL DUH! The other game going on beside us continues, but when they see OUR game is over, they call theirs too.

That isn't the end!! LOL A parent from the other team is like "oh come on, this is ridiculous!" She was pissed for them calling the game!! I turned to her and said "it's only ridiculous until YOUR child, or another child or adult gets struck by lightening. It won't be so ridiculous then. It's in the coaches handbooks, the game is called on account of lightening." She just miffed at me. :eyeroll: Honestly... really!?? The 'storm' continued for a while... so the game would have been called anyway!

NOW we are off to JA's game, and see how it goes! LOL!

Accountability

2008-07-27T23:55:00.002-04:00

Last week, Michael was looking for his old work notebook. He still can't find it. He did find a notebook full of some notes and prayer requests from several years ago that I started. It was like a kick in the pants really. The dates just blew my mind that it had been so long! :(

So today I started again. I got out the notebook, a pen, and my Bible. The kids and Michael watched some TV for 'rest time' and I closed the door in my room and started to read and write. I have a book to help me read my Bible in a year, but couldn't find it. So I simply went to 1 Corinthians and started to read. I read 2 chapters. The theme I kept reading over and over is "GOD IS FAITHFUL!" Oh how true that is!! God has proven himself faithful time and time again in our lives - in the mundane, and the magnificent! Not that God *has* to prove himself, but it's just something, well, something we as mere mortals seem to desire. 1 Corinthians 1:9 says "God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." And then onward in 1 Corinthians 2:5 is says "so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." I so need reminding of that... more than I'd like to admit!!

So I'm asking for some accountability. I want to read my Bible and talk with God every day. I want it to be more meaningful. I want to set aside time daily to do that... and keep notes. I want to add your prayer requests and praises to my list, and see how God is working in your lives as well as my own!!

If you have a moment, will you do this one thing for me? Leave a comment or an email, just a little 'poke' to see how it's going :)

Thanks all....

The first week!

2008-07-27T20:54:00.002-04:00

Whoohoo!! The first week at the new job is behind him! :) It was an excellent week! Things got settled with his shifts/hours, and the are not the greatest, but they are not unreasonable (as some suggestions were!) It looks like he'll be making a wee bit more money then he was initially told. :D That's a huge blessing!! We learned a few interesting facts - F-B Tool made the die for the Canadian Toonie! How cool is that?!! It's a place that is going places!!

Only God could provide for us the way things are going :) YAY GOD!!

A Quick Update!

2008-07-18T22:39:00.003-04:00

So this past Tuesday, JA headed to the trailer for 13 days with Mike's Mom. I whipped her up a little note card for each day with a little message for her. She's called home twice. We miss her. A lot. She'll be home next Sunday... many sleeps away yet!! It was hard for me to let her go... she is only 7 after all!! She's having a great time though - feeding chipmunks, bunking with her two older cousins (Ricky aged almost 12, and Jessica just turned 10), and swimming... lots of swimming!! Apparently last night she roasted 4 marshmallows - 2 were PERFECT GOLDEN, and 2 she burned! LOL! I can't wait to hear more about her trip!

So today... today was Michael's last day at the old job. 10+ years of the same place. He starts his new job on Monday. It's an exciting time in our lives!! There's a bit of turmoil going on at the new shop with the changing of the shifts... and it's not making me a happy camper - however, it did lead to my floor in the kitchen/dining room getting EXTREMELY well cleaned! LOL!

I will have pics to share later...

Congratulations to MEG!!

2008-07-14T10:20:00.000-04:00

Using Random.org she was the chosen winner for my BIG NEWS post!!! Thanks for all the comments guys!

I will get your prize off to you shortly, Meg :D

Fast and Easy Super Hero Capes!

2008-07-10T21:22:00.000-04:00

I stumbled on this blog quite some time ago. It's called TIP JUNKIE. She has some scrapping tips, some household tips, recipes, and whatnot. Well today, I found SuperHero Capes made from old t-shirts!! Here's a totally unknown to me kid modeling one :) She gives great instructions, and I may just try my hand at it! :D

How will I survive??

2008-07-09T21:21:00.000-04:00

I don't know how I'll survive the pre-teen years... and my kids aren't really that close yet!! I'm sure that God knows what he's doing. No, I *know* God knows what he is doing. As sure as I know that God knew NOT to give me more than 3 children. Really. Truly. I can only be a mom to 3. I can take in 'spares' when it is necessary, but it just confirms that I should. not. have. more. kids. :D I love the three I have.... I could not ask for better kids.

OK... so I'm complaining. I don't like doing it here. I am just at my wits end tonite with 5 kids, a late bedtime... ugh. Tomorrow IS another day. :)

OK, don't forget the BLOG CANDY that I am giving away at THIS POST! Leave a comment there, and enter yourself into the draw!! I will visit random.org to find a winner!! Keep your eyes peeled!

A gas Card giveaway

2008-07-08T22:33:00.000-04:00

So I visit my friend Nancy's blog. She posts things that are freebies or givaways! Now there is a gas card giveaway. At the price of gas these days, WHY NOT?! LOL!

Check out THIS BLOG to see what I'm talking about :D

Have a great day! :D

A new endevour - Photography!

2008-07-07T20:46:00.000-04:00

So my friend Karen asked me to come to the beach at sunset last night to take photos of her and her husband. They turned out FABULOUS!! I thought I would share a few here with you. I'm LOVING this venture, and would dearly love to take it further... to find classes that fit my schedule would be good! LOL!

Thanks to Karen and Mike for letting me share these with you! I will share a few more tomorrow.

The BIG news!! Two Week Notice Man!

2008-07-07T14:46:00.000-04:00

Ok, so several of you have asked if we are expanding our family... a resounding NO to that! LOL! No room, no money, no more mental reserves LOL!

So without further ado...

MICHAEL HAS A NEW JOB!!!!

I have so been wanting to post it for about 6 weeks!! The interviewing process has been lengthy with 3 live interviews, a few phone calls, one walk through, and FINALLY an official job offer! :D His start date is July 21st. The hours are fantastic, the pay is decent, the environment is so clean you could eat off the floor! It's climate controlled (boy I bet he wishes he were there today!), pension plan, etc. It's amazing.

He'll be working at F-B Tool & Die and it's only 2.4km from home, where he is 6.3 km from home now (not a huge difference, but at 1.35 a litre!!)

He's in the same field, but it's a change as he's been with his current company for 10+ years. It's time to move on!! He says this could be the place he stays at until he retires. I can see that too!! YAHOOOOOOOO!!! GOD IS SO AWESOME to provide for us this way! :D

So to celebrate, please leave a comment, and I will randomly draw a winner for some BLOG CANDY next Monday!

The Last Day of school!

2008-07-06T21:34:00.000-04:00

I am about a week and a half behind in posting this, but thought, better late then never :D

So here are photos of the kids and their teachers.

JA finished grade two, and she had a fabulous teacher in Mr. Reimer! At the end of grade 1 JA and her friend P. didn't want to have Mr. Reimer for a teacher... he called one Elvis, and the other Julie-Wahnah! LOL Of course, both girls ended up in his class come September. By the end of the first day, you could not have asked these girls to change classes! Thank you Mr. Reimer for a fabulous year!

Zachary had Mrs. Goodman this year. She was JA's teacher for her two years in Kindergarten. Mrs. Goodman retired this year!! HAPPY RETIRMENT Mrs. Goodman!!

Both kids passed into the next grade, and Sophia will join them when she enters Junior Kindy in September... may how time has flown by!

My strand of the Web

Hello All!!

Ok, so it's time for an update!

whoohoo a fun contest!

For today - April 1st

Please pray - for Joel

A quick KA special! :)

A quick turn around special!! Place an order with me by Wednesday, Feb 10th at 10pm and get entered into a draw for the new SCALLOP TRIM BORDER PUNCH from Stampin' Up! Place a 65$ order, get a free reward from SAB AND another entry into the punch draw!

I know I posted this 6x6 scrapbook page before, but I wanted to show it again, as it shows the scallop trim border punch! Click to biggify the image to get a better view of the border. :)

Playing with MDS :)

yummmmm, trifle!

Diligence...

One Word for 2010

To Do List - Dec 24th

For Today - Dec 20th

A Christmas Meme

This is the man I love!

The Princess and Her Hair - blog giveaway!

A yummo snack!

For Today Nov 6th

Apparently I've been remiss...

One week down

Word of God Speak - Mercy Me

My heart is breaking, and it hurts so very very much

Tom the Turkey in trouble with the law!

Blog Candy at my paper crafting blog!

For Today - Oct 6th

It's magazine time again!

Birthday Party Madness!

Another Cool Do!

Cool Hair-Do's!

For Today!

For Today...

VBS starts tomorrow!

Last Swim Meet of the Summer

Things to do

For today

Finding the Joy!!

We went camping...

I really am still here!

Destination Create!

All about Awards

Oil Changes, laptops, and stuff

Books I'm Reading

Heading to the Great Wolf Lodge!!

Sunday Seven!

BIG SPECIAL!!!

Sunday Seven

Sunday Seven (yes, I know it's Wed!)

Wild Turkey!

Sunday Seven

I'm still here!

A Trade Show - in Welland

Happy New Year!

SNOW DAY!!!

16 Inches! WOW!

Mom to 3 winner of blog candy

The Winners!!

Groovy Girls Blog Candy!

God is BEYOND amazing!

Please pray for Michael!

Excellent news about Tricia!!

Groovy Girls!

Delicious Baby!

God is *SO* good!!

So we asked you to pray

Sheetload of Cards - BLOG CANDY!

Please pray for us.

Americana here we come!

Emma's Spine

Cupcake Bites

Kids and Cell Phones

Confessions Of A CF Husband: The Latest

Pray for Tricia!

15 minutes and more!

I WON! I WON!! I WON!!! :D

Hannah Montana is in the house!

Pierced!

Computer parental controls?

The busiest week ever

God is SO good!!