A fun meme...

Here's a fun little game, courtesy of Lauren and then Julie. It works like this: Julie assigned me a letter (T), and I have to list ten things that start with T, and why I chose them. If you want to play, email me and I'll assign you a letter, etc. etc. Got it? Good.

Ten Significant Words that Start With the Letter T...

1. Thomas: My last name... I remember when I first started dating Jeff, I would practice writing my name as if I were already married. Doodling here and there and knowing that someday it would be real.

2. Trice: My Grandma's name is Latrice but my Grandpa calls her Trice. I remember hearing him call her that since I was a little girl. I love my Grandma very much!!

3. Tina: My sister-n-law and one of the best friends I have ever had. We grew up together so it wasn't hard to connect at all when we married brothers. I love her and her family bunches!!

4. Thoughtfulness: I try to put this into almost everything I do. When I give someone a gift or when I do something for someone... I really try to make it so special for them.

5. Try: I usually don't give up easily. I try and try until I get it right.

6. Thankful: I try to be thankful for the things God has given me.

7. Telephone: I couldn't go a day without this.

8. Time: I often feel I could use so much more of this. I think I just need to learn how to use my time better.

9. Trust: I think this is the key to any relashionship or friendship!

10. Time-out: I use this word a couple times a day with my kids and often wish I could just take a time-out!!

Now I tag my Mom and Sherry : )

This is an award winning blog

Okay everyone, Lauren over at Created for His Glory has given me an award. Check it out on the sidebar of my blog. I left a funny comment on one of her posts and she really appreciated it. Everyone go over and check her out. She's super funny and always makes me laugh!

Thanks again Lauren, I really appreciate it!!

Let Me Hold You Longer

This is one of my favorite kid's books.
I will sometimes read it when I'm having
a rough day with my kids.

Long ago you came to me,
A miracle of firsts:
First smiles and teeth and baby steps,
a sunbeam on the burst.
But one day you will move away
and leave to me your past,
And I will be left thinking of
a lifetime of your lasts...

The last time that I held a bottle
to your baby lips.
The last time that I lifted you
and held you on my hip.

The last night when you woke up crying,
needing to be walked.
When last you crawled up with your blanket,
wanting to be rocked.

The last time when you ran to me,
still small enough to hold.
The last time that you said you'd marry
me when you grow old.
Precious, simple moments from your past -
Would I have held on longer if
I'd known they were your last?

Our last adventure to the park,
your final midday nap,
The last time when you wore your favorite
faded baseball cap.

Your last few hours of kindergarten,
those last days of first grade,
Your last at bat in Little League,
last colored picture made.

I never said good-by to all
your yesterdays long passed,
So what about tomorrow-
will I recognize your lasts?

The last time that you catch a frog
in that old backyard pond.
The last time that you run barefoot
across our fresh-cut lawn.
Silly, scattered images
will represent your past.
I keep on taking pictures,
never quite sure of your lasts...

The last time that I comb your hair
or stop a pillow fight.
The last time that I pray with you
and tuck you in a night.
The last time when you cuddle
with a book, just me and you.
The last time you jump in our bed
and sleep between us two.

The last piano lesson,
last vacation to the lake.
Your last few weeks of middle school,
last soccer goal you make.

I look ahead and dream of days
that haven't come to pass.
But as I do, I sometimes miss
today's sweet, precious lasts...

The last time that I help you with
a math or a spelling test.
The last time when I shout that yes,
your room is still a mess.
The last time that you need me for
a ride from here to there.
The last time that you spend the night
with your old tattered bear.

My life keeps moving faster,
stealing precious days that pass,
I want to hold on longer -
want to recognize your lasts...

The last time that you need my help
with details of a dance.
The last time that you ask me for
advice about romance.

The last time that you talk to me
about your hopes and dreams,
The last time that you wear a jersey
for your high school team.

I've watched you grow and barely noticed
seasons as they pass.
If I could freeze the hands of time,
I'd hold on to your lasts.

For come some bright fall morning,
you'll be going far away.
College life will beckon
in a brilliant sort of way.
One last hug, one last good-bye,
one quick and hurried kiss.
One last time to understand
just how much you'll be missed.
I'll watch you leave and think how fast
our time together passed.

Let me hold on longer, God, to every precious last!!

Written by Karen Kingsbury

Tough times...

Two new van tires ~ $200

One new car key ~ $135

One broken radiator ~ $200

Knowing we're in God's Hands ~ Priceless

It all started a few weeks ago when we got a nail in one of our van tires. We then found out we had to have two new tires put on. A couple days later the van was shaking so I took it back in. Someone had filled it up to 65 pounds and the highest it should be is 35 pounds. Not what I wanted to hear!

Monday morning my husband went to get in his car and couln't find his car key. We still haven't found it!! I guess I should tell you that it's one of those special keys that has the chip in it and that's the only one that will start the car. Anyway, hubby and father-n-law had to tow it to the dealership this afternoon. They were able to make us a new key.

Then I get a call that he's on his way home and I'm thinking "okay, we're getting back on track." Next thing I know, he calls and says the car has broken down and he needs me to come help him. Turns out it's the radiator and we're going to have to replace it.

At first I just got really frustrated but then I remembered what our Pastor and my Dad always say "If you feel like the evil one is attacking get ready because God is about to do something big!" Just pray for us!! I know God has a plan and it's all in His Hands!!

ABC Meme

Accent: Nope

Bible Book that I like: Ruth ~ reading it again and really enjoying it.

Chore that I don’t care for: Cleaning bathrooms, especially living with little boys!

Dog or Cat: We have a dog named Sassy

Essential Electronics: Cell phone and computer

Favorite Cologne: My son is allergic to most colognes so I use mostly body sprays

Gold or Silver: Silver most of the time

Handbag I Carry most often: The one that matches my outfit

Insomnia: Not usually, I'm a pretty heavy sleeper.

Job Title: Day care provider, Avon rep and so much more!!

Kids: 2 boys for now, probably more to come : )

Living Arrangements: 4 bedroom home in nice neighborhood

Most Admirable Trait: Not sure what to say on this one

Naughtiest childhood behavior: Making my sister do things and then not saying anything when she got in trouble

Overnight hospital stay: Two labor and delivery stays

Phobias: Snakes, spiders, cramped spaces and large crowds

Quote: Can't really think of anything other than "Don't go dyin' on me!"

Religion: Nope, just a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Siblings: My sister Sherry and my sister-n-law Tina

Time I wake up: Usually around 6

Unusual Talent or skill: Touching my tongue to my nose

Vegetable I refuse to eat: It's probably better to say what I will eat... carrots, corn, celery and green beans.

Worst habit: Being late almost everywhere I go!!

X-rays: When I broke my foot

Yummy stuff I cook: I love to bake, cook and grill. Can't think of anything special just now : )

Zoo animal I like most: I love those crazy monkeys and have always wanted one.

Almost forgot, I need to tag someone. I think I'm going to tag Tina, Sherry and my Mom.

Please pass the Possibility Soup

I just overheard my son tell his friend that he'd like to try some of that "possibility soup." I wasn't sure what he was talking about until I realized that the Campbell's soup commercial says...

Campbell's mmm, mmm chicken noodle, possibilities.


They really do hear everything, don't they??

Happy Birthday Mom

Mom, I hope you have a wonderful day!!
You deserve the very best.
I wish I could be with you and celebrate all day, can't wait to take you out tonight!!
I love you so much.
Thank you for all you do!!

Sherry (sister), Seth, Stacey (me), Susie (mom) and Joshua.

Meet my Mom

My Mom has finally decided to start blogging!! Please go check out her blog and welcome her.

I also want to say Happy Mother's Day Mom!!
I love you and appreciate you more than words could ever express!!

Happy Birthday Julie

Just wanted to say Happy Birthday Julie!!
Hope you are having a wonderful day!!

Love you and miss you!!

Note: not my favorite picture : )

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things I Learned From My Mom 1…. Chew with your mouth closed. 2. Things don't just grow legs and walk away. 3. Life is only as happy as you make it. 4. Never give up! 5. Seperate your darks, lights, jeans and towels. 6. It's okay to miss school once in a while for no good reason. 7. Bargains are the best, look at every clearance section in a store. 8. Ice cream is on the top of the food pyramid and can be eaten for breakfast on special days. 9. Be polite even if it's hard. 10. Think about how the other person feels. 11. It's not always what you're saying, it's how you're saying it. 12. Love people with all your heart. 13. Laughter really is the best medicine. I love you Mom!! Thanks for all you done for me over the years!! You're the best!! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Tina 2. Mark 3. Lauren 4. Theresa 5.(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants



We've got the Blues

Yep, this is my son, Seth. He's a character for sure. This morning I heard my oldest son say "Oh Seth, is that blue paint?" Of course it was. Luckily it was just craft paint and there will be no evidence of it after this bath!! I can't understnad how he actually got it open, it still had the manufacturers seal on it. Thank goodness we have tile in our house... It cleaned right up!!

Works for me Wednesday

Okay, Here's a picture from my laundry room. I've hung a peg board up so I can easily hang things I use on a weekly basis. It keeps them off the floor and where the kids can't reach them.

I guess it looks a little cluttered right now but you get the idea : )




Please note: The laundry room is the only one not painted yet so don't look too closely. I've got a really pretty blue paint with a cute luandry border.
Hopefully I'll get it up soon!!

Chores and Allowances in our house

So Shannon over at Rocks in my Dryer has aske people to post about chores and allowances. Here is the chart we follow at our house. It seems to really work well. All through the week my son does good deeds and chores around the house. Each Sunday morning we get up, add up the magnets he's earned and give him a nickle for each one (If it's a bonus, he gets ten cents). Then he chooses what he's going to give Jesus at church that morning, what he's going to save and what he wants to spend. We really enjoy this because it teaches him tithing, saving and spending. If you're interested in the chore chart below, check out www.empoweringkids.net.

There are 160 magnets in the pack

You can write your kid's names on the chart but we chose not to so we can use it with our younger son when the oldest is past this stage. Check them out, they're awesome!!

In God's Hands

As my friend Julie left church yesterday she was in a car accident.
Julie has some pretty banged up legs and some really good bruising.
She'll be on crutches and have an air cast for several days due to a sprained ankle.
The kids have minor scratches and bruising but nothing serious. It's obvious from the pictures below that their injuries could have been a lot worse. We know God had His hands totally wrapped around her and her van!!


Pray that Julie and the kids will continue to heal nicely after such a scary day!!

Gettin' Hitched

My cousin Jennifer got married yesterday. It was a real country weddin' up in Chino Valley, Arizona. My Mom and I were the wedding coordinators and had a blast getting it all set up! Below are a few pictures of what went on...

My Cousin has been a single mom for several years. Her son actually walked her down the aisle to her new husband. It was so cute! Here's them dancing at the reception.

The bride, groom and my other cousins, Leslie and Stephanie.

The Maid of Honnor, Bride, Pastor (my uncle/bride's Dad) and Bridesmaid

Flower Girl, Jaden

Kind of a Flower Girl, Lexie : )

We set up the tables with denim, bandana material, floating candles and old boots filled with flowers. Also, I'm not sure if you can see it but there are boot shaped cookie cutters for each guest to take home with them. So cute!!

Congratulations to both of you!! I know God will continue to bless your family!!

Have you ever had a day like this??

Do you other Moms ever feel this way??

Today, I don't have much to write about so I thought I would post this cute picture.
I took it in Sptember when we visited the San Diego Zoo.