a ray of sunshine

I decided I better do this now or it might be a day late. Then I would never hear the end of it from Morgan. My sweet sunshine is 13 years old today.

My pregnancy with her was uneventful but the delivery was a whirlwind and very quick. I remember thinking that we had plenty of time before she arrived. Morgan had other thoughts. A total of 4 and a half hours after the first contraction, she was here. Blonde hair and blue eyes looking just like her daddy. She was crying and the nurse bundled her up and gave her to me. She wiggled her hand out of the blanket and gave me a smack on the cheek. I passed her along to Todd and she immediately quit crying. That was it....daddy's girl all the way.

The time has gone by far too fast for me. My baby is a teenager now. What a beautiful young lady she is turning into. Embracing her title as first born oldest sister of 4. I really have no clue how I would get by without her. She is my sunshine. We nicknamed her that after she was born because her hair was so blonde, you couldn't tell that she had any. But that name means so much more now. Our ray of sunshine that is forever there. Our true gift from God, on lone to raise into a godly woman.

Happy birthday, baby!! We love you so much!!

I will worship while I'm waiting

I love that song. It is one that makes me want to raise my hands in worship and belt out as loud as I can and praise the holy One. If you know me....I don't call attention to myself and can't carry a tune. But I'll tell you a secret, I turn up the radio in the car and belt it out with that one. Sorry kids!!

It has been a rough road these past 2 years. Well, actually for many years it has but these past few have been a humdinger. I won't go into all the sob stories and be a Debbie Downer because if I let myself I can really wallow in my self pity. I don't want to do that. I want to worship my Savior and thank Him for all of the roads I have gone down and am still walking on. I want to keep my eyes on Him and Him alone. I know that He is with me always and that He is teaching me so many things if I just keep my mouth shut and listen.

I can look back and see the changes that have taken place...for better. I can honestly say that I am thankful for the many struggles I have gone through. I see the changes in myself, my husband, and my marriage. I feel my faith growing and my focus in the right direction. Don't get me wrong, I still have a ways to go. But I will worship while I am waiting for my savior to continue His work in me. I will worship and praise Him when our finances aren't enough, when my marriage can't take another blow, my kids are screaming and not doing what is asked, when the drama seems too much, or it's just one of those days that you just want to quit.

I will give thanks when all of our bills are paid and we have $3 in the bank. I will give thanks when Todd and I have an hour of quiet time together when the kids are tucked into bed. I will jump for joy when the kids are sitting at the table helping one another with school work. I will worship because I know that God is never leaving me. He will never give me more than I can handle. He is molding me to the person I am meant to be.

Yes, I am human, and my faith will stumble. I will crumble under pressure at times....OK a lot of times. But He loves me still and will help me get back on track if I only ask.


Thank you Lord for the time and work you are putting into me!

double belssings

In less than an hour will be when 2 of my 4 blessings came into this world. I can look back now and breathe a huge sigh of relief and see the wonder and awe of our precious heavenly father at work. Though it was a difficult pregnancy with emotional, physical and financial stress, it was worth every moment. Those two wanted to enter this world at 24 weeks and it took every thing we could possibly do to keep them in that cozy uterus for as long as we did.(almost 36 weeks) But only by the grace and mercy of God do we have 2 healthy, happy, loving, beautiful, thoughtful, rambunctous, bickering, tattling, comforting, cootie avoiding, booger picking, obnoxious talking, sweet, endearing, compassionate, and God loving twins.

Jacob and Payton are so special to us. When we planned on just one more to add to our family, God blessed us with double the blessing. We can't imagine our life without them. They each bring something different to our family. Unique in their own way, but sharing a bond only they understand. I pray that they will always feel that way toward one another.

Happy Birthday, Jacob! Happy Birthday, Payton! Happy Birthday, my twinkies! We love you so much and think you two are the coolest 6 year olds we know.

discovery toy party

Hi all. You are more than likely tired of hearing about Discovery toys, but if I want to sale I gotta get my info out there. I am having a party at my house on Saturday Sept 19 at 3 pm. If you are interested in attending and didn't get an invite in the mail, leave me a post and I will get back with you on directions. Would love for you to come. If you can't make it, you can host a party yourself with my help. Depending on the amount of money your party makes, you can earn FREE toys or half off. And if someone at your party signs up to host a party...more goodies for you. OK, that wasn't so bad was it. I kept it short and sweet.

another first

OK, some of you have all ready heard about this but I've been busy and haven't been blogging lately. Better late than never. And I am a bit embarrassed to spill the beans on this one. You may think I am a horrible mother that doesn't watch her child close enough.

Yes, it is about my adorable, funny, mischievous, sneaky, 2 and a half year old daughter Addison. It was probably a Saturday afternoon. We're all being lazy. Todd gave Addison a donut and she sits down in front of the tv to enjoy her treat. At some point I hear crunching. It is coming from 'the one I don't put any thing past any more'. I ask her what she is eating. She turns to me and opens her mouth. I don't see anything. We both go about our business. I hear the crunching again.

"What do you have in your mouth?!"

Todd, " I gave her a donut."

" NO that can't be, she's crunching."

So by this point she is hiding something behind her back. AAAHAA!! I get it away from her and let out an " oh no".

Todd asks what is it. He had to tell me the specific name because I had no idea. All I knew was that they normally put it in packaging and it specifically says DO NOT EAT. Silica Gel.

So I go on line and get poison controls number. Never had to call them before and our oldest will be 13 in December. So I get a really nice man and tell him the situation. He tells me that it is NONTOXIC....thank you Jesus...and to rinse her mouth out (all ready did) and give her some juice.

I am bracing myself for the next event that will add to my grey hair.

blurbs from the princess

**This picture has nothing to do with the post but it is one of my favorites**

A little girl handed down 2 bathing suits to Payton that she will be able to wear next year. But my princess loves clothes and is determined to wear the one that looks like Morgan's.

"Mom, my body has been hurting. Can I try on my bathing suit because I've had growing pains."

This is my 5 year old who is going on 16.

ER trip???

OK, this is the first for Todd and I with any of our kids. And leave it up to Addison to be the one to do it. I don't know if you can tell in the pictures but those two teeny tiny objects are plastic, flower beads for bracelets. I was out in the garage and Todd was inside with all four kiddos. When I returned I noticed Addie playing with something, picking at her ear...laughing. So after a second or two I asked her what she was doing.

"Ear mommy." was her reply. So if you know my youngest child you'd know why I automatically went into SEMi-panick mode. I look in her ear and see one of those beads. Great!! We inform Daddy of the situation and I get to work on figuring out how to remove the object. It is barely inside the canal but not easy to get. I am unable to retrieve it so Daddy tries. He is able to get it and figures he's done....

Well, Mamma wants to make sure Addie didn't put more in there. She tells me that yes, in fact, there is another bead. OK, this one might not be as easy to get because she shoved it more down to make room for the last one. I'm thinking we need to go to the ER so they can get it out. Daddy, the calmer one says no he can get it......if the 2 year old can only sit still long enough.

Yeah, daddy get's it lose and out. Thank you, Lord! Now I decide to REALLY look inside those tiny ears to make sure there isn't any thing else. NO, that's it....... until next time. Praying this is the last time.

a sign of healing

about a month ago we planted a rose garden in Gwen's memory. It is still a work in progress but we have 5 bushes and some big rocks bordering it. We have a cross with a scripture on it. Can't recall right now what it is..I'll post it later. We made a marker out of plaster of paris with her name on it. We want it to be a place where Krysta and JJ can go and just think about and remember their mom. Some where the kids and whoever else wants to go and maybe get a little peace from all that has gone on. Have some quiet time with the Lord and just rest in His knowledge of being together with Gwen one day. Mom called earlier and said that 2 of the rose bushes have blooms on them. It is a reminder that life goes on and there will be healing.

After we get some more done with garden I will post some pictures.

that girl!!

As I sit here checking my e-mail and catching up on blogs, J and A are eating lunch. J finishes his hot pocket and is enjoying his treat of gummy snacks. A hasn't ate one bite and isn't very happy that she isn't getting her gummies. I told her that she had to at least eat a piece of her lunch before she gets them.

This is her response, " I not like hot pockets. I NOT happy with you."

Couldn't resist posting that. My daughter is going to turn the rest of my hair grey.

Mean while she is laying on the floor saying, " I don't want hot pockets....gummies! "

The terrible two's have arrived.

my nephew, Erinn

This past Saturday my nephew, Erinn, graduated from high school. I was only 15 when he was born so you could say we grew up together. We had so much fun and still do.

He is an awesome young man and I am so very proud of him. He loves the Lord and only wants to follow Him. He has decided to go into the ministry teaching children. That is his calling and I know that God is truly going to bless Erinn. I can't say too many good things about him. So many people love him and just want to see him succeed in life. Erinn is going far in this life!

I love you, Erinn. God bless you!

addison's blurbs

Blurb#1:

Me," Addison, help pick up the toys."

Addison," No thanks. "


Blurb #2:

Me," That's it. you aren't listening. it's time for a nap. "

Addison," NOOOO in corner." (time out in the corner instead of nap time)

She asked to be put in the corner. Go figure.

he is so brave

jacob has done an awesome job being around chasey. she was inside most of the day. Jacob had his blanket on the floor and shared it with the dog. he even leaned down next to her and petted her. we took mo and krysta to the movies. on the way back jacob said that he thought that chasey missed us. it has taken 5 years and many months...but he finally got over his fear.

we are so proud of him.

a brake through

If you know my son, you know how much he is afraid of our dog, Chasey. She has been in our family since way before he was born. She is a black lab/grey hound mix. She is still on the hyper side even though she is around 8 years old.

She pretty much has to stay outside when Jacob is inside. He screams if he comes across her. Very dramatic reactions toward the poor dog who only wants to kiss him and be petted.

Today was a brake through. Todd let Chasey in when Jacob was. J stayed on the couch for a while but didn't cry or scream. After a bit, he even got down and walked near her but still leery. By the 2ND or 3rd hour J actually tried to pet her. Todd held onto her and J did pet her. He was comfortable with her being near him. Yeah. You can imagine what a huge step that is for my baby boy.

Before he went to bed we had this conversation.

" Mom, I might forget in the morning that I am OK being around Chasey. "

" Jacob, I think you are going to do just fine. "

Todd and I made sure to tell him how proud we are of how brave he was today. That made him smile. I think he is proud of himself too.

we have them too aunt lindsay

Aunt Lindsay posted about having a birds nest and now baby birds in a fern plant. Well, not too many days after that, we found a nest in our hanging plant on our porch too. Todd checked yesterday because I kept hearing chirping and wanted to know if they had hatched. He said that there are about 4 or 5 babies in there. I haven't been able to get a picture because it is up too high and I don't want to disturb them. Mama might not like that too much. So, Aunt Lindsay, we just wanted you to know that we have baby birds too. How are yours doing?

scarred for life?

This morning the only 2 sippy cups clean were Aerial and princess. Addison picked the princess and I called Jacob to come get his. He likes to have a spill proof cup so he can take it outside the dinning room.

Well, once he saw it was Arial this is what I heard. "I don't want that one." stomping his foot with a scowl on his face. "This is the only other cup and if you are thirsty, you'll drink out of it." (such a horrible mommy) "It's TOO GIRLIE, I don't want it!" he says as he storms away with the Aerial cup in his mouth.

Did I just scar my only son for life?

meet....

my man and the love of my life. Yes, it sounds cheesey but it is true. This man chose me to be his wife 12 years ago TODAY. God had it planned from the beginning, it was no surprise to Him.

Our "roller coaster" life is exciting, fun, scary, unpredictable, stressful but full of love. Todd is my rock, sound mind when I think I am about to go crazy, companion, comforter, aggravater, teaser, provider, the best dad to my kids and most of all best friend. We have grown up together and have made it through lots of trials and it has only made us and our marriage stronger.

Babe,I can't imagine my life without you. I love you and here is to another 12 years together.

Happy Anniversary, Todd!!

goodlooking boys

These are the men in our lives. Are they goodlookin' or what?

can't help but chuckle

I smile every time I look at this one.

Daddy let me take some pictures of him and the kids last weekend. This is one of my fav's because Addison doesn't just give kisses away. This time it was her idea and the word kiss wasn't even mentioned.

mmmmmm........

Last Friday night we went out to dinner at Macaroni grill for an early Mother's day celebration. Afterwards Todd surprised the kids with a trip to Sonic for dessert. What a treat! He pulled into the parking area and asked if they wanted a burger and Jacob looked at him like he was crazy. "Dad, I'm not hungry!" Kids fall for the silliest things.

On the way home, we are laughing and talking about how yummy their ice cream was...except Payton. Todd looks in the rear view mirror and asks her how her root beer float was.Silence....then "MMMMMmmmm!" and that was it. We cracked up because she wasn't going to take one second away from her treat to answer. Normally she is the most talkative one out of the bunch.

MIA

Where is she? I know I have a daughter with blonde hair, hazel eyes, about 5 feet, 90 pounds and is 12 years old. She goes by the name "Mo". I haven't seen her since Friday afternoon. Heard her voice on the phone when I was talking to Nanny....but haven't had a conversation with her. If you see or hear from her, would you point her in my direction. Please. I miss her.

mary, mary quite contrary.....

watch our garden grow. Well hopefully. This is what we started a month or two ago and this is the "fruits of our labor". This is our first year to start one. We decided to go small just it case it doesn't grow.

So far it is doing pretty good and we will be excited if it actually produces some vegetables. If we can only keep the pesky dog out of it. We have put up a "fence" to block off the area and she keeps digging under it or jumps on it to go over. I finally caught her and "scolded" her. Like that is going to help. Any suggestions on how to keep a stubborn dog out of your garden?

gettin creative

too much

I love it. Just 10 seconds ago I am logging in my points on the WW website. Addison comes over to me and says,

" I'm thirsty mommy. I want othin' to dink. Get off the computer. "

Either I am on this thing too much or my youngest is getting too bossy. What do you think?

week #2

Today was my second week on weight watchers. It has been a week in a funk with Payton getting over an ear infection, Addison trying to get sick and all of this crummy rain. So I wasn't on track like I should have been. I didn't work out but maybe once and didn't drink all my water like I should have. But I did stay on track with my points....at least I did something right. Well, weigh in was today and I really didn't want to get on the scale. Holding my breath, I stepped on and I am down 2.5 more pounds. Not exciting but I can't complain it is a lose. I really thought that I hadn't lost any. So, I am getting back on schedule with my workouts and hydrating.

I am determined to get my prebab(ies) body back after way too many years. I know that won't happen because I was 115 when I got pregnant with Mo. It has been over 12 years and I ain't no spring chicken any more. Plus pregnancy does some mean things to a woman's body....and age...not to mention gravity*grin*.

Not expecting miracles, just a healthy mind and body.

One of my closest friends was going to ask if I was sick because I had lost a little. I told her "yes, I am sick. Sick of being overweight."

I got this as an e-mail

THE TEACHER APPLICANT ---------THIS IS A GOOD ONE.

After being interviewed by the school administration, the teaching prospect said, "Let me see if I've got this right: You want me to... go into that room with all those kids,
1. correct their disruptive behavior,
2. observe them for signs of abuse,
3. monitor their dress habits,
4. censor their T-shirt messages,
5. and instill in them a love for learning.
6 - check their backpacks for weapons,
7 - wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, and
8 - raise their sense of self esteem and personal pride.
9 - teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship andfair play, and
10 - how to register to vote,
11 - balance a checkbook, and
12 - apply for a job.
13 - check their heads for lice,
14 - recognize signs of anti-social behavior, and
1 5 - make sure that they all pass the state exams.
16 - provide them with an equal education regardless of theirhandicaps, and
17 - communicate regularly with their parents in English and Spanishby letter, telephone, conferences, email, homework hotline, web page,midterm newsletters, and report card.
You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, abulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps.
You want me to do all this and then you tell me......

"I CAN'T PRAY?" Are you nuts!

a little success

A month ago I decided enough was enough. I have been over weight since the twins were born....5 YEARS ago. So, I joined the FLC at church and have been working out about 3 to 4 days a week since. Nothing was really changing because I wasn't watching my calories. I joined weight watchers last Tuesday and have been watching EVERY point intake as well as doing my pilates or the FLC.

Today was my weigh in day and I was excited to see that I have lost 5.5 lbs in one week. YEAH!! I am very encouraged and pray that I can keep on this road to success. I really need to lose the pounds and get in good health. I have no energy to keep up with the kiddos. I have it in for me because Addi is a ball of fire taking off when you least expect it. Just wanted to share how excited I am to make some progress.

cuddlin' with my daddy

Payton hasn't been feeling well. I am sure she has a double ear infection. Hopefully I can get her in to see the doctor tomorrow. Well, here she is snuggling with her Daddy earlier today. They both look pretty comfortable.

*Payton has an ear infection in one ear. She is on antibiotics and antihistamine. Poor baby can't hear well and we have to literally holler at her so she can hear us. Today she is feeling better.*

peek a boo...i see you

playin' with daddy? couldn't resist sharing. she keeps us laughin'.

pictures.....

Hope everyone had a great Easter. We spent it with Susan and Garry. Attended church, got caught in the down pour of rain,ate a yummy brunch, thankful the sun came out, hunted eggs, Daddy snoozed on the couch, came home, made the kids rest, never dyed the eggs(oops), ate dinner, and Daddy went to work. It felt rushed, but very nice to remember the true meaning of the love Jesus showed and continues to show us daily.

I am disappointed I didn't get better pictures. I hope S and G did better. Here is what I could salvage.

dating all over again

Todd and I have been together over 13 years now. So ,you know, the spark is pretty much a fizzle. After 4 kids there isn't much time for romance or couple time. We really didn't put forth an effort to turn off the parenting and focus on husband and wife time. Our marriage was stalled and uneventful. Don't get me wrong, we love each other but we were stuck in a rut!

We have decided that we need more communication of what each others' needs are. We are talking more and putting forth the effort for each other. Making sure the other feels important and spending more time together. It's like we are dating again. We did have dinner and a trip to WalMart last weekend...alone. I know, WalMart isn't that romantic but it was nice to just be together.

Susan and I went shopping this morning and Todd kept the kids. Thanks Susan for taking me and being my fashion consultant. My hubby is making sure that he takes the kiddos for me every once in a while so that I can unwind. After I got home my nephew returned Todd's call to confirm babysitting tonight. Wow, 2 weekend nights in a row. How did I deserve that?

Well, I better get some house work done before my "hot" date tonight. Anybody jealous?*grin*

we tried

This was one picture from our photo shoot. I like it....... The only thing missing is Todd. We'll get one soon with all of us.

my little hot tamale

Todd loves hot sauce. The hotter the better he says. I bought him some Cholula and one he had never tried before called Yucatan made with habanero peppers. Yeah, can you say burn.

Anyway, little miss Addison decides to try them both. She managed to get the bottles off the counter and the lids off. I noticed that she wasn't where I could see her. I call her name and she has the Yucatan in her hand, the evidence around her mouth, drool coming down her chin. I ask her what she did. She says, "I try it." Mind you there are NO tears or screaming hot. She actually liked it. I guess she takes after her Daddy on that one.

I would have loved to post a picture of her face.......

a little....or big..... push

*I forgot to post about the most exciting part of our day. After parking at the mall for our play date, I was talking to one of the other moms while she got her kids out of her car. Took about 5 minutes. As we started walking I looked over at the van and I had a flat tire. I mean it was dead. No hope for fix a flat....so my wonderful hubby who was just about to go to sleep since he works the 3rd shift. Drove 20 minutes to change my tire. What a man!!! I did pay attention so that I can change it if it ever happens again. I'll pray it doesn't. So after our fun time playing, we went to Discount Tire where I was told it could not be patched because a razor sliced it open.(how did that happen?) $26.00 and a new tire later, we are blessed.* added later


There is a sports program for home schoolers that meet twice a month. Morgan has only been
twice, today being one of the times. She enjoyed it so much the first time and couldn't wait to go back. She had met 2 or 3 girls that she had hit it off with. Yesterday she couldn't wait to go to see one girl in particular. Well, this morning it was completely different. She complained and didn't want to go. I usually give in and say OK but not this morning. (I am working on that.....give me some time.) I put my foot down and gave a push(not literally) and told her she WAS going. Of course then I got the attitude which seems to be a lot lately since she is a "preteen". Oh the hormones, but that is a another post all by itself.

Anyway, I take her into the building and she is still really not wanting to be there. Being standoff-ish, looking uncomfortable, looking for a familiar face. A smile appears of recognition, the little girl she wanted to see was there. Yeah. But she still wasn't participating like she normally does in sports. My athletic daughter didn't want to play. Well, the younger kids and I had a play date with 2 other moms and their kids so I left. When I came back to get Mo, she introduced me to her friend and asked if she could go hangout at her house for a little while. Double yeah!! So she is at her house right now. I know that she is having a great time.

I am realizing that I do have to give a push every once in a while or she is going to miss out on some thing good.

why can't it be easy

Today was a beautiful day so the kids and I enjoyed being outside. I was able to get some good pictures of us but can't download them on our new computer. Our camera is no longer compatible with our "operating system". Wouldn't you know it. Todd told me to take the picture disk to Walgreens and get them put on a disk. Then down load them on our computer to post on here. Seems like a lot for this very impatient person. Our world is way to advanced in technology for me to have to do all that WORK.*grin*

But is was a gorgeous day to be outside. The kids road their bikes, played basketball, gave each other rides in the wagon. Todd put some pork burgers on the grill and we made total pigs of ourselves. We had a nice time. Addison went down early because we skipped her nap and by 7 she was having meltdowns right and left. I laid her in her bed, gave her her puppy and paci and we didn't hear a peep out of her.

One down...3 to go.

new toy

Todd bought us a new computer yesterday. We needed one BAD. Our other one crashed a few months back. My dad is a computer whiz and had a go at it. I am not a technical person so don't ask me what was the problem. Needless to say he was able to retrieve my pictures and Todd's itunes etc. You know, all of the things we can't live without.*grin*

So since we still have some income tax money left, we decided to splurge on a new one. Now we are fighting over who gets to play on it and figure every thing out. I am going to take some pictures and see what kind of program is on here. I have been lacking in posting recent pictures of all of us. So stay tuned and we'll see how well the kids and Todd cooperate. And if I can take a decent picture.

neglected

Yes, I realize I have neglected this blog. I don't think it minds and it isn't like we have an exciting life around here.

I was looking at the pictures I have posted and realize I need to put new ones up. My kids are changing daily and it is hard to believe. Susan and Garry wanted to spend some time with them the other evening. When they returned home, Todd and I thought that Addison's features were different. I know it sounds crazy!!!

We are potty training "queen A" and not pushing the issue. If she wants to try when we ask, great, if not that is OK too. I guess after 3 kids before her I am not so much in a hurry with the baby. Morgan and Payton were trained right when they turned 2. Jacob was a late bloomer, he was 3. I was determined to potty train him before Addie arrived. I finally just put underware on him and told him that he would wear them. He maybe had 2 accidents. He was ready. Addie turned 2 in January so we will see how she does. She all ready thinks she is grown so she may not take long...then again she is pretty stubborn.

Jacob has been a cuddler lately. I'm not complaining one bit. I am going to take al I can because one day he will not want to. I pray that that won't be for a long time. Every morning he wakes up and the first thing he does is come give me a big hug and say, "I love you." He is going to make some girl a wonderful, affectionate husband one day. Us girls are training him well.

Payton is still the prissy, primping, princess. Try saying that fast 3 times. SHe is putting her hair up by herself now and does a pretty good job. SHe just got 2 bags of dresses and 1 bag of flip flops from a little girl my aunt knows. SHe has had to wear each outfit and shoe once before she wears any a second time. We are in for it when she gets to be Mo's age.

Mo thinks that she is older than what she is. WHat is it about wanting to grow up so fast. She got really upset with me the other day when I called her a little girl. YOu would have thought I'd drop the floor out from under her. How dare I say that? SHe is awesome though. THe other day I went grocery shopping without her. I took the 3 younger ones and was stressed out more than normal. Mo helps so much. If I forget some thing on another aisle, she gets it for me so I don't have to back track. If someone needs to potty she takes them. That day it took me probably 30 minutes more than normal. I made sure to thank her for all that she does when I got home.

Not much else is going on. Todd is on 3rd shift at work. THat is difficult at times. But we manage and will continue to. We are blessed!!

Pray all is well with ya'll.

PS Lucy tell EMily we got the pictures the other day of her and Sav. Too CUTE. Miss you guys.

Dad has been home from the hospital for a few days now. I am not sure when because the days have been running together. He is doing really well. The doctors did several tests and procedures. He is on medication. He was at church today and looked really good. Thank you all for your prayers and comments. Our family appreciates knowing that so many people care.

I'm going to send a "shout out" to the Broyles family. Saturday was a struggle with emotions from different things going on in this crazy life. I here a truck pull up in front of our house. It is the UPS person with a package for us. Inside is a beautiful iron cross with a sweet note from our cousins giving some encouraging words after Gwen's passing. Yes, when I look at it I will remeber wonderful memories of my sister. Thank you so much for that specail gift. God always seems to know exactly what we need and when we need it.

too long

Our computer has a mind of it's own and hasn't let us do much of any thing on it for the past several months. I finally have a chance to touch base with those we haven't spoken to in the blog world. Have you missed us?

So much has gone on. Christmas was great. We were blessed tremendously by loved ones and a family from church who had no clue who we were but knew my kids so well. Todd was hired at BH at the end of November and is doing wonderful. God truly knew what He was doing. When will we ever learn that. For years, I have prayed for this job.......God answered. Right now Todd is working the 3rd shift which is rough. He has to get used to staying up all night. After six months he can request a change if this doesn't work out for our family. We'll see. Right now we are just so glad that he is working at an awesome place with so many benefits. That is new to us.

Mo turned 12 on the 19th of December. She wanted a slumber party and invited 4 of her friends. It was fun watching and listening to 5 giggling, laughing, rowdy, LOUD preteens. They had a fabulous time. We told Mo that that was great because that would have to last her a few years. They stayed up high on sugar until about 3:45am.

Addison turned 2 on January 17 and is definitely showing and acting her age. That little stinker knows how to work everyone for what she wants. Smiling and batting her eyes. She is quick too and into every thing. None of my other babies were as nosey. But she keeps us smiling.

We did have a tremendous loss in our family. My sister Gwen passed suddenly on January 9th. She was 38 years old and has 2 kids. She was a wonderful, caring, loving, giving, smiling, protective...the list could go on and on....She is missed terribly by all of us. What gives me peace is that I know I will see her again. She is with our Father and that is the best place to be.

My dad is currently in the hospital. His heart is skipping a beat and they are running test after test. He has been there since last Thursday. He has a new doctor today so hopefully this one can find out what is going on and how it can be fixed. Please pray for him and my mom. They are under a lot(understatement) of pressure. The passing of my sister, taking care of her 2 kids, dad being in the hospital, the uncertainty of their finances.......they need peace and to remember to give it all to our Savior who knows all and can do all things.

I pray that all is well with everyone. God bless you.