Happy Birthday Sweet Boy

I remember I was about 37 weeks along when I woke Daddy up at 3:00 in the morning because I couldn't breathe with the contractions any longer. We went down to the hospital and they almost sent me home. They gave me one hour to walk around. I made great progress and they admitted me. You were born later that afternoon at 6 lbs 11 oz.

We took guesses with the family on when you would be born, your weight and height. I guessed exactly right on the day. Grandma was closest on your height and weight. You were born exactly 2 years and 11 months after your brother!!

When we first brought Josh in to meet you, he wasn't sure what was happening. He had picked out a special bear for you several weeks before you were born. He brought it in dropped it down into the warming bed and you grabbed it. He was so excited that you liked his gift. It was so sweet!!

Well Seth, you have come into our home and started a whirlwind. You are very curious, silly and funny. I never knew one child could get into so much stuff! I have found you in the dishwasher, bathroom cabinets, the refrigerator, toilet, closets and under beds. You have taken your diaper off and pooped on the kitchen floor. You've dumped the whole shredder basket on the office floor. I think it's like Daddy always says "you don't go looking for messes, the messes find you!" I love that you're curious and love to explore!!

It's been fun to see you do all of the firsts. I thought you were never going to start talking and now you don't stop. Your newest phrase cracks me up "No Pal!" I also love to hear you call your brother "Joshua" or "Joshie."

I can't believe you're already 2! It's going to be quite the adventure with you but we're all excited to take the ride and see what God has in store!! We love you Seth!!About 24 hours old

A couple months old

Taking a bath in the sink

About 5 months old

You love to be naked

Sitting up like a big boy

First trip to the Phoenix Zoo

Dumping out the shredder basket

Playing in the rain

This picture is totally you...
You could roll around in the dirt and be completely happy!!

Our house is a very, very, very fine house

No, we don't have two cats in the yard : )

I did share with all of you some pictures of my kitchen. So I thought "what the heck, I might as well show them pics of the rest of it." So here are some pictures of my house...

This is in the family room.

I'm not sure why I didn't take a shot of the whole room??

This is the breakfast nook in the ktichen/family room area.

This is our dining room. Excuse the mess!!

This is in the boy's bathroom.
Julie and I did this together, it was a fun project!!

This is looking into the toilet & bathtub area of the front bathroom.

This is the boy's room.
We had to take the bunk beds apart for now so it's a little crowded!!

This is the playroom... I think someone needs to reorganize it!!

This is my office/scrapbooking room.
The wall you're looking at is actually a giant scrapbook page!!
When I complete it I'll post another picture.

This is another wall in the scrapbook room.
Lime green... very fun and creative!!
These cool picture frames my Mom found at Ikea.

Well, that's a look into our house.
Maybe someday I'll get it all picked up and post better pictures.
For now, you get the idea : )

My Mug Shot

Okay people, not that mug shot. Hopefully I will never get one of those!!

I think I may have mentioned before that I love coffee and in fact my kitchen and family room are filled with coffee decor. So anyway, Shalee over at Shalee's Diner has tagged me for this meme. Here are a few pictures of my favorites mugs and my coffee decor...

Somehow this is posting funny but the one above is my favorite mug.
It doesn't match anything else I own but it's big and holds lots of coffee and creamer!!
I've had it for about 6 & 1/2 years now and don't think I'll ever get rid of it!!

This mug has been in my family since I was a little girl.
The funny thing is, I can actually do that!!
Maybe someday I'll post a pic of that : )

I keep my coffee filters in this little box

Hubby got me this picture for Christmas.
The candles were from Mom.

Above my kitchen cabinets.
If you zoom in you can see I'm using a soda bottle behind that one tray to prop it up.
I'm trying to figure out what else would work but so far I haven't. Ooops : )

These mugs were given to me by my good friend Julie

She brought them back all the way from England!!

These are the pictures that started the whole thing.
I got them on clearance at Mervyn's for about $5 each.

These are some little mugs I got on clearance at Ikea for .25 each.
They match my curtains and I couldn't resist!!
Also, that's my coffee maker, I love it!!

This is the centerpiece on my kitchen table.
Three candles surrounded by coffee beans.

My coffee plates on a cute little plate rack from Mom

This is above my sliding glass door.
Is There Life Before Coffee??

Yep, even a coffee rug!
My Grandma gave me coffee rugs as a house warming gift.


I'm now tagging Julie, Theresa, Tina and Sherry...
Get out there and show us your mug shots!!

Weighing in...

Okay, so I've never really mentioned my problems with weight on here because frankly, I didn't want to bore anyone with it. I do think I'm going to mention it now because I'm tired of it and want to do something about it. I'm 20 pounds heavier now then I was when I married my husband over 6 years ago and about 15 pound heavier then I was when I got pregnant with my first son.

We are going to California with family at the beginning of August and I want to feel good about myself. I'm tired of only having pictures of myself from the waist up. My goal is to loose 10 pounds by the time we leave. I think it's a goal that can be reached. So, I need to know if there is anyone out there who has done this before and has some good tips? I'm cutting back on portion sizes, trying to eat more sensibly and not eating sugar. I've heard these all will help for sure. Plus, I'm riding my stationary bike, my real bike and walking on a regular basis. Please leave any other tips in the comment section and pray that I will meet my goal!!

Fireworks in my heart

I love the way my son, Josh explains things. The other night we happened to be at my in-laws house when some fireworks started about a mile away. We went outside and watched. As we sat there and enjoyed the wonder of it all my son says "Mom, it's like a picture in the sky!"

It melted my heart!!

Thank you Dad

It's father's day and I wanted to talk about my Dad. Most girls think about there Dad and say "I think my Dad should be the president." I always thought "Man, my Dad sure could fix up that old white house!" I don't think there's a project I've ever heard my Dad say he couldn't do without first giving it his best try. I've seen him do room additions, patio additions, painting, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, back yards, front yards, upstairs and downstairs... you name it, he's done it!!

I also remember thinking my Dad could do no wrong. I know now that that's not true. I do know he's quick to listen and slow to speak. He doesn't get angry very often and it takes a lot to get him that way.

He's a man of God. He reads his Bible and prays daily. He is currently the Pastor of Development and Construction at our church. It's a great way to combine his love for the Lord and his community with his love for construction.

My Dad also has a very funny side. Sometimes he almost seems serious and then you realize he's just pulling your leg. Once in a while that get's him in trouble with Mom : )

My Dad is a wonderful Grandpa. He gives ponny rides through the house, with sound effects and all! He reads to my boys. He plays ball and takes them for walks around the neighborhood. He has even brought them back toys when he goes on a business trip.

My Dad has always seemed like the biggest guy in the world to me. Oh yeah, that might be because he's 6' 6". He's very tall and I used to love riding on his shoulders... it was like being in the clouds : )

I know some of this might seem silly to you but it's what was on my heart. Thank you Dad for everything you've done!! You mean the world to me and you'll always be my Daddy!!

Tubes went great

Okay, so things didn't go exactly as we planned this morning. Jeff set the alarm last night before we headed off to bed. Well, he woke up yelling at me this morning to get up because it was already almost 6:00. We were supposed to be there at 5:30. Jeff called the hospital and told them what happened. They told us we would be fine and to go ahead and still come down. We got dressed, I pulled my hair up (luckily I had showered the night before) and jumped in the car.

When we got in the car Jeff announced that the tank was on empty. We stopped and he put enough gas in to get to the hospital while I put my make-up on in the passenger seat.

We get to the hospital and I sign in. Just after I write our names down a nurse comes walking out and has a chart with Seth's name on it and is checking to see if we're there yet. I spoke up and apologized for being so late. She assured me that everything was fine and we just needed to get registered.

As we're sitting in the lobby, my parents show up with my sister and our other son, Josh. Josh then announces "I'm so tired because it's like 1 o'clock in the morning." He's not used to getting up before 8 on regular days.

We get registered and then taken back to the room to wait and see the surgeon and anesthesiologist. While sitting there, two men in construction hats walk back through the surgical doors and disappeared. My husband says "Wow, that must be one tough procedure!" Cracked me up!! That was a good thing since I was so nervous about the surgery.

Next thing we know a Dr. walked out and said "Okay, who's next?" My husband says "Um yeah, we'll take a kidney transplant, go ahead and put a stint in my heart and why don't you shave a little off the cranium while you're in there." Then adds "Imagine if surgery was like fast food restaurants." I'm sure glad I had some comic relief while we waited.

The nurse came and took Seth away through the double doors and he never cried but I had tears in my eyes!! We went to the waiting room and the Dr. came within about 15 minutes. He said that everything had gone smoothly and Seth was in the recovery area.

About 3 minutes after that someone came and asked me to come back and see Seth. When I got back there he was in a nurses arms. She said "You must have the best little guy ever!" He never even woke up crying or groggy, most kids wake up really irritated and mad." I was so proud!!

Anyway, we're back home now and he's fine. Grandma Susie got him a new "Elmo visits the Doctor" toy and he's happy as can be!! Thank you for all your prayers, I think it really made a difference for all of us!!

Down the tubes

Well, not really. My son Seth will be going in for tubes tomorrow morning. We have to be at the hospital at 5:30 AM. Some of you didn't even know there was another 5:30 in the day, huh? Anyway, he's been having lots of ear infections and some hearing problems so we think it's best. Please pray that everything will be fine. I know kids go through this every single day but it's hard when it's your little one!! I know God will take care of him and protect him!!

I'll update after we get home... thanks for your prayers!!

Breaking my heart

On Saturday night we took the boys to see the movie Cars. It was very cute and we all enjoyed it. They did a great job of holding my kid's attention but also making Jeff and I laugh. Take your kids and go see it!

Okay, here's what broke my heart. We ran out of diet coke and Seth was getting a little fussy. I decided to take him for a quick break and refill the diet coke. When we were heading back into the theater, I saw a little boy laying on the floor crying. The next thing I know his Dad kicks him three times and I'm not talking about a little nudge. He kicked him hard. Then grabbed him up by one arm and dragged him the rest of the way out. His wife and other son walked out behind with their heads hanging. I was so sad to see this act and wanted to do something about it but what? There's no way I could have called the police because by the time they got there, he would have been gone. All I could do was pray for that family. I hope someone else will be able to help that little boy. I feel very guilty for not doing more but I'm not sure what else I could have done.

Maybe if you think about it, you could just say a little prayer for that little boy, his family and all the other children who are suffering from child abuse!! My heart just breaks!!

Our Camping Trip

Our trip into town to have lunch at the park... Grandma and Josh swinging

Papa, Josh and Aunt Sherry Fishin'

Peek-a-boo Seth

Aunt Sherry and Seth hanging out by the lake

One thing Josh was great at catching... caterpillars

Grandma and Seth snuggling at the lake

Josh imitating Big Papa after a hard day of fishing

A very dirty little Seth after two days of camping

Okay, so camping for us is near Flagstaff, AZ. We go to a place that has the camp-site cleared for you. They have nice bathrooms and showers if you really want to live it up. Some people would say that it's hardly considered camping but with little ones and three women... it's camping for us!!

We had warmer than usual weather, in the 90's. We were hoping for a few afternoon showers but that never happened. The bugs were terrible this year, we all left with bites. Overall, it was just nice to get away and enjoy some family time!! We played board games, fished, hiked, biking and so much more. Can't wait to do it all again!!

Hey Everyone...

I'm back from camping. Thanks Lauren for checking up on me : ) We had a great time exept for the wicked kidney infection that landed me in the ER the night we got back. I'm trying to figure out my camera and computer as far as downloading pictures to post about our trip. Something went horribly wrong... oooops!!

Anyway, I've had meetings and baby showers and lots of other things going on. Hopefully I'll have a new post up soon. Sorry it's taken so long!!

Goodbye Blogging Friends

Goodbye bloggin buddies... we're leaving this afternoon for our camping trip. We'll return on Sunday night and hopefully I'll have some cute pictures and fun stories to share. I'll miss you all and think of you while I'm gone : )

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen things I love about Camping...
(We're going camping this weekend)

1. Waking up in the morning to birds chirping

2. Campfires

3. Being able to actually see the stars at night

4. Smores

5. Watching my son try to catch a fish

6. Taking a nap in your tent with the fresh air breezing through

7. Taking a "hike" with my kids

8. Hot Chocolate

9. The weather

10. The little squirels

11. Watching my kids discover nature

12. Seeing my parents playing with my kids and making memories

13. The funny things kids say about camping. The first time we took Josh he said "Wow, this looks like the forrest or something." & "Animals come out, come out wherever you are!"

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.