And the winner is...

Here's the picture I ended up sending in. It's not actually any of the ones you voted on. I got a better shot of him yesterday and went with that one....

I don't know what our chances are but it's worth a try, right? Did any of you enter your beautiful babies??

You gotta help me pick!!

I know every mama thinks her kids are cute but that's our job, right? So I want to enter Jacob in the Beautiful Baby Contest on Regis and Kelly. I took some shots of him today but can't decide which one to go with. Will you please leave a comment and vote? Yes, that means even those of you who don't normally comment here (Amy, Tracy, Tina B) I know you're reading :o)

I really want to capture his curly hair and beautiful blue eyes. So see what you think...

1. Falling over but looking cute

2. Dazed and Confused

3. I'm right here Mama

4. Looking Good

5. Goofy Grin

6. Being silly

7. Just hanging out

So what do you think? Are any of them good enough or should I take some more??

So much going on...

The cutest little reindeer I've ever seen...

Wow, look what I got Mama...

Seth didn't want to get up on Christmas morning. Doesn't he look thrilled?

The wrapping paper was the best part for Jacob...

Checking out all the cool stocking stuff...

This is what his face looked like when he saw our new "family" DS...

Still looks real thrilled to be up early on Christmas morning, huh?

I love Christmas!

Cool Giveaway

Go visit 5 minutes for Mom and check out their new giveaway!!

I don't want to give it away but it's something very cool from Best Buy!

Ain't that the Truth!

A few weeks ago Seth told someone "If there's a mess, I can find it!"

He's never spoken such true words in his life. That child was made to be messy. He could probably make a mess in the tub while he's trying to get clean!!

Here are some pictures as examples of his fine work...

This is one of my favorites... the blue paint day!

I think this one explains itself...

One day I couldn't find him...
he was on my bed with the can of nuts I had gotten for a party!
Oh, the diapers that followed :o)

This was while we were camping...

At one of Josh's birthday parties...

Making brownies with Daddy as a surprise for Mommy...

Got caught playing in my mascara...

He's not really messy in this one but I couldn't help but throw it in...

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of the time he...

~ Smeared Black paint all over his bedroom floor!
~ Dumped Coffee all over the kitchen!
~ Smeared diaper cream all over himself and the bathroom!
~ Finger painted at Grandma's with chocolate frosting!
~ Finger painted at our house with Chocolate frosting!
~ Unwrapped all the Christmas presents under the tree!
~ And many, many more...

Thank you God for such a healthy little boy who keeps me on my toes!!

Really, how do they know?

I've noticed some funny things on food packages lately...

Cake from Safeway ~ "The moistest cake you've ever tasted!"

Wow, how did they know??


Grandma's cookies ~ "Now softer than ever"

Because before they were so hard??


Land O'Frost Brown Sugar Ham ~ " America's Favorite 1 lb. Lunch Meat"

But they couldn't compete in the 1/2 lb. contest??


Philadelphia Cream Cheese ~ "Consumers Prefer the taste of Philadelphia"

Over what??


Sarah Lee Pie ~ "America's Favorite Pie"

Really, all Americans??

Ever feel like this??

The older my kids get... the dumber I am ;o)

Strength beyond words

My Mom is such a strong woman! How blessed I'm am to be her daughter! She had her double mastectomy and was doing just fine. Then she got a call saying they hadn't taken a clear margin around the tumor. So back she went for more surgery... taking more skin, putting in the chemo port and getting started on the reconstruction process.

That second surgery really knocked her for a loop! She is starting to bounce back now though. On Thursday I took her to check out wigs. It was so much fun seeing her in lots of different styles and colors. We tried blonde, brown, redish and even pink... for more on that story, you can check out her blog here.

She did get some wonderful news this week... she is now cancer free according to the pet scan!!

It's been so cool to watch her walk this path. I'm not sure how she has done it. God truly has blessed her with such courage and strength! What a wonderful testimony she is to those around her!

I appreciate all your prayers and ask you to continue to pray as she is starting chemo in the next couple weeks!!

Trustworthy

A few weeks ago Josh came home and I could just tell something happened at school. He had this look like he needs to tell me but he was afraid he'd be in trouble. It's usually nothing big but he still has to spill his guts! I was the same way as a child... hard on the kid, great for the parents!

Anyway, I guess at some point during the day his teacher turned out the lights to get the attention of her class. When she did, the kids all screamed. As the lights came back on she said "Anyone who screamed when the light went off needs to move their tag to yellow." Josh got out of his seat and walked to the back of the room alone. Not one of the other students got up. I wonder how many of us adults could have done the same?

As the day went on Josh thought about his actions and his honesty. He went up to the Teacher's desk and asked "Do you think I could please move my tag back to green since I was honest?" His teacher, being the understanding woman she is said "I think that's a great idea... thank you for being honest."

Then a couple weeks later I got an email from his teacher. She said Josh was going to be presented with a character award in the upcoming assembly. She invited all of us to attend but asked us to keep it a secret from him. I was so proud and had tears in my eyes as I read it. The character pillar for that month just so happened to be trustworthiness!

So Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, Papa, Sherry and his brothers all came! He was so excited to see all of us sitting in the back when he won the award. He also got a coupon for a free shake at Red Robin. It was a proud day in our house and we realized just how closely our children are watching and learning from our character every day!!

Sorry, the pictures were out of focus or I would have added them ;o)

Through the eyes of a 3 year old

Seth was singing I'm a Little Tea Pot for us earlier this week...

I'm a little tea pot short and white
Here is my handle, here is my stuff
Tip me over and pour me out

I think it might work :o)

My husband and I have a high school small group in our home each Tuesday night. Last week Seth asked us when the "High School Musicals" would get here! He sure keeps us laughing!!

In Loving Memory of Peggie

My mother in law, Peggie, passed away this morning about 3:45. It's been such a long hard road but we're so glad God has taken her in His timing. We know that she is no longer suffering and in pain. She is dancing like a teenager... something she said she couldn't wait to do when she got to Heaven.

Thank you all for the prayers you've prayed over our family. We know we couldn't have gotten through any of this without the love and support of each of you!!

Please continue to pray for us and the whole family as we continue this week to walk this road.

Here's Grandma Peggie doing what she did best... loving on her gandkids!

Jeff's parents together at our house for Easter 2006

Peggie at her house - Thanksgiving 2006

Christmas at Peggie's house 2004

Where do I start?

Life has been crazy here! Since my last post we've had my Mother in law go into a hospice care center, my Mom had a double mastectomy and my BIL and SIL along with 4 kids came home from South East Asia. It's been a whirlwind and I'm still trying to catch my breath!

My Mom is doing great since her surgery on Thursday. She is full of jokes which helps her and the rest of us cope with the whole thing. I'm so proud of her! As she woke up from surgery she told my Dad and I, "I did my best you guys!" Then a little while later when my sister, Aunt, Dad and I were there she said, "I'm going to be a survivor!" It was so special and brought all of us to tears. It's been neat watching my Dad take care of her. He holds her hands during walks and tends to her every need. What a love the two of them still share after 28 years of marriage!

My Mother in law has declined so much in the last week. She is getting very confused about what's going on around her. She can't really keep track of time. It's so hard to watch. On Sunday night we took the 7 grand kids down to basically say their goodbyes. We honestly thought we might wake up the next morning to a call that she had passed in the night. For some reason she continues to hang on. It's only a matter of time though. We just know she's in so much pain and pray that she will be released from it soon. God knows and we just keep reminding ourselves of it!

My house has been filled with laughter, tears and lots of people over the last week! We have had a total of 11 people... 4 adults and 7 kids ages 3-7. It's been so much fun and we've really enjoyed having them here. It's been such good bonding time for all of us. We sure miss seeing them after 6 months apart. Tonight will probably be their first night in their rental home and we're going to be so sad not to have them right down the hall from us!

I have some very special shout outs to make...

Julie & Karina - Thanks for the yummy dinner you brought last night and tonight... what a blessing to have such wonderful friends in our lives!

Shalee - Thank you for the wonderful prayer you sent my way for my Mom's journal! She was so touched when she opened the book and saw over 25 prayers from women around the world!

Please pray with me...

Well, today has been a rough day. One week ago today, my Mom found out she has stage two breast cancer. Not words anyone wants to hear about their Mom. She is going to have an double mastectomy on Wednesday the 17th.

It was discouraging but right away I knew how my Mom would handle it... with laughter, tears and faith.

She has a wonderful sense of humor and I'm blessed by it all the time. I don't know how she comes up with half the funny things she says but I'm glad she does. It really creates a great environment around our family! There have been many jokes about just having a double because what's the use of a uniboob? Or tonight she told me "This is going to be a lot of weight off my chest!" It cracks me up to think that she is so silly in a time that most people wouldn't come out from under the covers. What a nut!

It's also been a time of crying and tears. We've all been sad and struggling to keep it together. It's such a part of being a women. I don't know the words to say but I know that just hugging her and crying about it is sometimes just as powerful.

Then comes the Faith... what a strong woman of faith! She's already wondering what God is planning to teach her and all of us around her through this trial. It's truly amazing to watch. I haven't heard her once question why this is happening or what God was thinking. In fact, she quoted something my Dad always says "It's going to be neat to watch God work this one out!"

So please be in prayer for her! She is so special to me and I love her so much. I can't imagine life without her by my side. It's going to be awesome to travel this new path with her and see how God works it out. How He teaches us each our own lessons. I pray that we will all walk away stronger and more faithful than ever before!

My 3 year old put it best this morning when he said "God's the Man!" I know He's got a plan and I can't wait to see it unfold in our lives!!

Saying goodbye

It's been a hard road watching my Mother in law deal with cancer. I've known her since I was a little girl, about 5 years old. When I was young my parents worked together at a camp each summer and we went to the same small church. My sister and I grew up calling her Aunt Peggie. She did a little bit of everything at camp... cooking, counseling, office work, laundry, sword drills and so much more.

Now I'm married to her son and she is my Mother in law. It's amazing how much more you get to know a person once you're related! We have a good relationship and I'm glad. I wouldn't say we've always gotten along or seen eye to eye but I enjoy being around her. I look up to her because she is such a Faithful woman of God. She does her Bible study daily and can quote scripture off the top of her head. She truly has hidden God's Word in her heart. Plus, I love her because she raised my husband and helped shape him into the wonderful man he is today!

Just tonight I watched her as we visited. She has slowed down, content to sit in her chair. Her smile has faded as the pain has crept in. I learned how to give her medicine through the new feeding tube that was put in earlier this week. I was glad that I could help. It must be so hard for her not being able to eat on her own. I can't even imagine!

I can tell she still enjoys having the grandkids around and longs to be on the floor playing with them. I sat there thinking back to a time when she could easily carry one of them on her hip and push another on the swing outside. Now she's able to hold the baby for only about 2 minutes at a time with help. Her body is tired and she struggles just to hold a conversation.

It makes my heart so full of sadness when I think about my children growing up without really, truly getting to know Grandma Peggie. I know she wishes she could be here for the important things in their lives... graduation, weddings, births of their children. However God has a different plan and we have to trust that he knows what He's doing.

It's hard to watch her decline but I have a peace knowing that soon it will end and she will be with her Heavenly Father. Pray for all of us that our hearts will be prepared. That we will pull together as a family and really enjoy these last few days, weeks or months!

Finally... pictures

Well, these pictures are mostly for Aunt Tina because she's just dying to see the little guy and his room. It's hard being thousands of miles away! So the rest of you will just have to put up with me bragging on the little guy :o)

This is Jacob in his bouncy seat... he loves it!

This is Jacob on the day he first learned to roll over...
It was a big day in the house and we all celebrated!

This is Jacob chilling out in his boppy pillow.
He's very serious sometimes.

This is a shot of Jacob's bedroom.
The letters don't look straight in the picture but I think it's the angle I was at.

Here's another picture from his doorway.
We finally found a spot for the horse my Uncle made!

Here's one more shot of his room

This is something you won't see often but when you do... look out!

Hey... I'm still here!

Hey everyone ~ I'm still here! I just wanted to write a little note to let you know all is fine with our family. We're just trying to get back into the swing of things here. Life can sometimes be crazy with three kids, as many of you know. I'll post some new pictures and good stuff soon so stay tuned :o)

Giving it away

Let me just list some of the things I've been up to lately...

~ Taking care of 3 rowdy little boys
~ Working part time for our church preschool program
~ Selling Avon
~ Running a playgroup
~ Helping in Josh's classroom
~ Running a high school small group
~ Cooking, cleaning, laundry... I could go on and on :o)

You get the picture! So as I was looking over some of these things I realized that I was doing way to much and not doing a very good job at any of them. I've decided it's time to say no and just focus on the most important things in life... my family.

I'm only going to have these kids in my home for a short time. I need to make the most of my time with them. I want to teach them the things they need to know about life. I want to take time to just sit with them and read. I want to love on them as much as possible!

I'm giving up playgroup and told Josh's teacher I can't help in the classroom this year. Hopefully this will lighten my load some. I think it will be nice to just take a breather and focus on my kids and church preschool. Pray that I will have the courage to say no when other opportunities arise. It's hard for me but this is the season I'm in and I need to live in it!!

First grade... a world of difference!

The title pretty much tells the story for me. Josh started school a few weeks ago. He was pretty excited and ready to go back. Thank goodness!

I don't know if you all remember but last year we almost had to drag him crying each day. It broke my heart and I almost gave up! I was ready to take him to counseling because of it.

This year he has said things like "I'm glad I don't have to go to that baby Kindergarten again." Or "Good thing I already know my way around this school." It's too cute!

It's been such a blessing to watch him grow and enjoy school. Now he wakes up and asks if he can go to school each day. I can't wait to see what 2nd grade holds for us!

Our trip

We're back! It was a crazy whirlwind trip and we made it. We got to Palm Springs around 1:00 on Saturday and Jeff got me settled in the room. He then took off to set-up with the rest of the guys and they had a trade show and then a meeting. I didn't see him again until almost 7:00. In that time I visited the outlet malls, got some lunch and watched a movie in the room.

From about 7:00 until 11:00 we were downstairs in the dinner/celebration event. It was nice and they recognized Jeff for all he had done with and for the company. I was glad they took the time to make him feel appreciated after all he has done around there. He's been with them for almost 10 years now!

It did pay to gamble a little because Jeff won just over $100 the first night and about $20 the next day. He tried a couple different slot machines and his theory really does work... As soon as you hit something and make a profit or as soon as you loose the most you're willing to loose, stop right then. Otherwise you will sit there and waste away all your money. You have to know going into it that it is what it's called, a gamble. You have to be willing to loose and not feel guilty about it. That's why we always set an amount and stick with it. So anyway, it was nice to win some money to help pay for the gas and a couple meals!

We got back home around 2:00 on Sunday. It was nice to just get-away and be with Jeff. A casino is not where I would have picked but hey, it was free and the hotel was really nice! So a girl can't complain, right?

A little get-away

Well, Jeff and I are getting away for the weekend. It won't be a big trip and Jeff's going to have to do business while we're there but it's still going to be fun. We'll be away from home and the two older boys. We haven't been away from the kids since Seth was about 6 months old. It's going to be great but it will also be sad not having them with us.

Hope the rest of you have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you on Monday. Before I go I'll leave you with this picture...

Because what would a nap in your swing be without Mr. Carrot Head??

The Line of Life

On Friday I sat in the pick up line at school waiting for Josh. There was a fairly long line in front of me but nobody was behind me. I sat watching the birds, parents, kids and the crossing guard. I was in my own little world thinking about my day.

When I looked back in my rear view mirror I noticed a line had formed. There were probably 10 or more cars behind me. I started thinking about how many times I'm sitting in the "line of life" just daydreaming and a line starts to form behind me. People just watching and waiting. Wondering what my next move will be. How I will handle a situation or what I will say when my patience is being tested. How will I react when life is tough or if it will change when life is going good.

I hope I set the example in my life that God has asked of me. I hope when people are rude, I answer them in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. I hope when I'm tired and feel like I can't do it anymore, I continue to show that the Lord is my strength. I hope when the rain comes I get out my umbrella and let the drops roll off watching for that next ray of sunshine to peek through the clouds! That I continue to praise in the good times and bad.

Titus 2:6-8 (NLT) ~ In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teachings. Teach the truth so that your teachings can't be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.

Random Thoughts

1. How does a family of 5 have so much laundry?

2. Why do I feel like my clothes don't fit even though I've lost weight?

3. How come we have so many spiders when the bug guy was here about 2 weeks ago?

4. Is Jacob going to be one tough kid or what? Living with two big brothers gives him lots of bumps and bruises!

5. Why do people get cancer?

6. Why does God ask people you love to move half way around the world?

7. Why do Jr. High and High school boys feel like they can fart anywhere, anytime in front of anyone?

8. Where do my kids put all that food they eat?

9. How was I blessed with such wonderful friends and family??

You know... bologna birds!

Today on the way home from school Josh said "I think I would eat these kinds of birds... Turkey, Ostrich and Bologna."

I just started cracking up laughing thinking of a bologna bird. Then I had to explain where bologna really came from without getting too descriptive.

It gives a whole new meaning to "When pigs fly!"


Yes, I did sing this little song in my head when checking my spelling... "cause Oscar Meyer has a way with B-O-L-O-G-N-A.

We have our Winners!!

What a fun contest this has been. I got 140 comments this time! Thank you all for playing along. Unfortunately, we can only have two winners this time. Maybe I'll do another one again soon.

And the winners are...

Paulette for the Avon Body Wash

Kylin's Mom for the Votive Holders

Congratulations!! I'll be emailing both of you in just a few minutes!!

Dog Days of Summer Giveaway

Updated - This contest is now over. I will not be accepting any more comments. Please come back later to see who won. I will also be emailing all winners. Thanks for playing along!

Woohoo... it's that time already. Shannon is hosting the Dog Days of Summer Bloggy Giveaway. I figured I might as well join in and give away a couple things. They're not big but hopefully two lucky people will enjoy them!

See below for the items I'm giving away and the rules...

Hallmark Expressions Votive Holders (brand new in box)

Avon Naturals Body Wash in Peach and Raspberry

Rules...

~ You do not have to have a blog to win however you must have an email address where I can contact you.

~ You must be a U.S. resident.

~ The only way to enter is to leave a comment by Thursday night.

~ Please be clear if you would rather win the body wash or the candle holders.

~ Friday morning my boys will each pick a name out of a hat, one for the Avon and one for the candle holders.

Adventures with Boys

On Wednesday night I decided I was sick and tired of not having food in the house and went to Walmart. It was kind of crazy thinking since Jeff was at the hospital with his parents and I had all three boys by myself! Anyway, the whole shopping experience was overall pretty good. We didn't have too many issues in the store. It was outside where somehow it all went downhill...

I opened up the van and put the two older boys in. I left Jacob on the cart and started loading groceries. All of a sudden Josh yells "Seth is peeing!" I ran around the van to see Seth with his pants down to his ankles peeing out the van door. Unfortunately, I had flip flops on and stepped in it... not good! I spanked his bottom, got his pants back on and made it very clear that we never ever pee in the parking lot like that!

Later I'm telling the story and I said "I was just thanking the Lord that it didn't get on the car next to us. I would have stayed around to apologize to the people!" Josh said "Well, Seth isn't big enough to spray his pee that far but I am." I told him he better not even think about it!

Oh, the joys of living with and raising boys!!

A New Generation

About a week ago we had a potluck/preschool meeting at my friend Brooke's house. Several of us brought our families along. It was a great time of fellowship while we ate.

Then it was time to get serious and into our meeting. So the 4 guys took all 13 kids and went to another room. Three of the men are Dads and the other one hasn't had any children of his own yet. I have to tell you that they did such a good job. We only had a couple of interruptions but overall they kept them quiet and entertained. I was so proud of them and the way they handled everything! Great job Jeff, Dustin, Wes and Kenny... you guys are awesome!!

When I was growing up my Dad loved to play with us and help take care of us. Once in a while my Mom would have a girls night and Dad would keep us home. I remember a few summers when Mom went to women's camp and my Dad even did our hair! He was a truly amazing and caring Father to my sister and I. We loved hanging out with him and thought he could do no wrong!

However, some of my friends just didn't have this kind of relationship with their fathers. The Moms did most everything for them and that's just the way it was. Dad's just didn't take the time for their kids.

I've also heard my husband and my Mom talk about their Dads. That generation was completely different. They were seriously in the mind frame of "children are to be seen and not heard!" Dads just didn't spend quality time with their kids.

Now I look around and see Dads (and Grandpas) in the mall, at church, on playgrounds, at school... I could go on and on. It makes my heart so glad when I see these Dads playing with their children, teaching them lessons and tenderly showing direction in these little lives. What a great way to show our children God's love in action!

So Dads, thank you for all your hard work! We couldn't do it without you guys!!

Cool new giveaway...

Kelley is doing a fun giveaway over at her blog. You only have until tonight at 10:00 to get in on it.

What are you still doing here?? Get over there and get registered already!!

Being content

Lately I don't know if I have the baby blues or what. I've decided that I should make a list of things that are getting me down and then try and see the positive in each of them. Maybe it will help me to be a little more content and thankful for my life!

Negative ~ Medical Bills

My prayer ~ Thank you God for providing me with health insurance that at least covers most of the cost. Also, thank you for providing the doctors to care for my family!


Negative ~ Kids driving me nuts

My Prayer ~ Thank you Lord for giving me these wonderful gifts. Some women may never get the chance to experience having their own children. Please give me the strength and wisdom to raise them the way you would want!


Negative ~ Summer Heat

My prayer ~ Thanks God for giving me a home and car with AC so I can keep my family cool!


Negative ~ Rude People

My prayer ~ Lord, please help me to remember that you created each of us and you love us all the same. Help me be patient with those around me and always show your love!


I'm feeling much better already! What's getting you down lately??

Seth's Birthday Pictures...

Here are the pictures from Seth's Birthday Party that I promised. Let me explain that it was a cowboy party so some of the pics make sense. He had an absolute blast and so did we!

The Birthday Boy with his cake

This is a rocking horse my Uncle made for him

We're talking human hair, a real saddle and fur to make it more real

His cake said "Happy Birthday Cowboy!"

Yummy cake and ice cream!

Hitting the pinata in the backyard

Checking out his new bath toy with Natalie

Our Melting Pot Date

Way back in April Shalee asked us to join her in the Sadie Hawkin's Date Night. I told her I would willing participate since I already had a date planned that same night.

We went to the melting pot with my BIL and SIL. It was a celebration of our 7th Anniversary and their 8th. What a fun and exciting night for us. We also did our personal goodbye gifts that night since we knew they would be leaving soon for South East Asia as missionaries.

Here are a few of the pictures I took that night. I'm so glad we got to spend that time with them before they left. What wonderful memories we made!!

Jeff and I getting cozy in the booth

Jon and Tina getting in some snuggle time, too

Mmmmm, sure looks tasty

Hey... no public displays of affection you two!!

Happy Birthday Seth

Seth turned 3 last Friday and I wanted to write a post about him. Unfortunately I never got around to it with all the party planning and birthday stuff going on. He is an amazing child and I thought it would be fun if I just listed some words that pop in my head when I think of him...

1. Energetic
2. Fun
3. Loving
4. Sweet
5. Mischievous
6. Silly
7. Imaginative
8. Happy
9. Friendly
10. Ornery

Just an example of our life with Seth. The other night we told the boys to get their PJ's on and head to bed. Here's the conversation we then had with Seth...

Seth ~ "I had a dream."
Daddy ~ "Oh yeah, what was your dream?"
Seth ~ "The angel told me to watch a movie before bed."
Me ~ "Wow, he did, huh?"
Seth ~ "He did tell me that!"
Daddy ~ "Did he have a name?"
Seth ~ "The angel's name is George Bush."

It was all I could do from rolling on the floor laughing! He's is so silly and has such an imagination these days!!

I'll post some pics from the party in the next post :-)