Thank you Grandma !

This Christmas Grandma got the boys each a shaving cream bath kit..and they love them !! Not a bath night goes without pulling out the shaving cream foam, special shampoo and toy razors. In fact they are on a second set now ! :) The boys have always enjoyed bath time, but now it's a true joy to get in there and foam it up. Thanks again Grandma !

Fun at the Park

Today was the perfect day for going to the park. It was an unusally warm day for us..much welcomed after the chilly days lately..so we ventured on out. We made a quick stop to Mc Donald's first to grab a couple of ice creams to take with us and then we were on our way.


We sat down at a table to enjoy our ice cream while we watched the kids running about the play area. The boys sat for a good 5 minutes enjoying their treat before needing to get up and run around. Our friends met us today and I must say it was a great day. They even gave me 3 minutes to capture this fun photo of them enjoying the sun !

My Special Gift

My nephew Seth is due to be born any day now..we are all anxiously awaiting his arrival. My special gift to this new family member is a quilt made by me. I have been working on it for about a month now, it probably hasn't taken me quite that long, but when my sewing time is limited it seems to take a bit longer. :)
I had some precious time to myself today since the boys are spending the night with Debbie Grandma and Papa..so I took advantage and finished the quilt today. This is the first quilt I have made, and I didn't realize how much I would enjoy putting it together. I have thought of him using it to have some tummy time..to use when he'll take a much needed nap..for when he is ready to roll over..so many times he'll be able to enjoy it. I know that it isn't a perfectly made quilt, but it is a one made with love, tenderness and joy. I hope that he'll have it for many years to come.

Bird Feeder

Today was a fun creative day after lunch. Ryan received a great Boys Devotional Bible from cousins for his birthday and we have been enjoying going through it. There is a story to read based on scripture and then it is usually followed by an activity, a verse to memorize, a song to sing..etc. Over the Christmas break we had read about God creating the earth and filling it with animals. The activity for that day was to make a bird feeder out of a pinecone, peanut butter and bird seed. It just so happened that we collected 3 bags of pinecones on our trip to Tahoe in late Oct, and they were sitting in the bags still waiting for us to use them ! So today after re-reading the story and the reason why we were helping to take care of God's creatures, we created our bird feeders. Ryan & Matthew had a great time spreading peanut butter over the pinecones and then pouring as much bird seed as possible all over the kitchen counter! It was fun to be spending time together, teaching them about God's creatures and having some laughs all at the same time.

Here they are spreading the peanut butter.


Holding their bird feeders before I hang them in the tree.

January 6th

Today has given me some time to stop and think about this first week of the New Year. I have taken an idea from a friend to simplify our lives this year (thanks ny) and am taking it to heart. It's amazing to me how the little changes are making a big difference to me. Keeping in step with my own goals/resolutions this year..I am making things easier and simple if you would.
I sat down to the computer the other night and made out a month calendar of meals for our family for Jan. Now some of you may think I am just nuts for trying to think of about 28 different meals to put on a calendar in one night. (i had to leave a few days for mom to have a night off) But here's what the end result was : I now have a calendar on my fridge, for all to see, that we are following thus far..it was a great help with my first grocery shopping trip of the year..I didn't go over budget on things we don't really need because I knew what we would be using. I have made a template for myself on the computer so that next month I can go in and just fill in the meals on the dates.
The next SIMPLIFY goal I am starting has to do with reading my Bible. I have always wanted to read it all the way through, but for some reason never quiet get it done. This year is going to be different. I found a fun tool on crosswalk.com that has a study tool for reading the Bible in a Year. The schedule of readings is set for you..I go in and check it off when I am done ( I love having accountability) and if I chose to read it online, I could highlight, make notes and such as well. So far I am right on track and have also started making notes for myself as I read..so it has become more of a study then just reading time. I have note cards next to my bedside so that I can write down thoughts and content of the verses for the day. After I have a few note cards filled out I plan on putting them on the computer to make myself a reference binder to help me find those special verses and stories in the Bible.
So far just these 2 things have given me more time with my family at night and a sense of closeness with God as I read His word each day. I must say so far 2009 rocks !

2009 Goals & Resolutions

As the first day of 2009 draws to a close I find myself thinking of all that I want to accomplish, try, start and do this new year. It has been a quiet enough day where I have had some time to think and reflect upon this past year and to think about the new year in front of me. I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for me and our family, and to hopefully grow stronger in my faith and walk with the Lord.
Well I don't have a huge list of goals / resolutions, but they are things I would like to see myself do this year ~

• read my Bible from cover to cover
  
• make an exercise routine that will help me to lose the 10 pounds that just won't come off :)
• make more time for family time
  
• keep in touch with friends
• sew & scrap at least 1 thing each month
• be a better mom & wife
• organize, organize, organize
• remind myself to not fret over the little things

My list will most certainly have a few more things added on as the year progresses, but I do believe that I will be able to stick to the list I have and that in turn will leave me with a feeling of accomplishment. I am going to make this the best year for myself, family & friends..for that is what it is all about after all.

Happy New Year

This New Year's Eve was spent in Reno, NV with my hubby and brother in laws at the UNR vs UNC basketball game. It was such a fun night ! We arrived early so that could get our yummy stadium food, get in our seats and watch the fun. UNC is Mike's favorite college team and these tickets were a gift from our son Darren for Christmas..such a sweet heart. We caught glimpses of Psycho T draining some hoops along with Ellington and Green in the warm ups.
UNC dominated the game almost the entire time..part of me was rooting for UNR simply because it is our sons school, but deep down we are UNC all the way baby!! What a fun way to bring in the New Year..attending a college game with my man and having the time of our lives !