Loving the Simple Life!

The Easter Cake Class

2009-04-16T19:35:00.003-04:00

I just thought I would share a few fun moments in our cake class! We were learning to do the basket weave with a bunny on top! I have to say that even though cake class is over now; we had a great time while it lasted. Hopefully it will start again in the fall! We all have shared a lot of laughs!

This is Tonya so surprised that there was a technique in cake class that she learned...LOL Just kidding she did a beautiful doll cake too!

These are two of our classmates practicing under the supervision of our teacher!

This is how the cake was suposed to turn out!

No! That is not Hurby the Love Bug or Nemo on top of her cake...It's a bunny can't you tell...geez people!

If you want to see pictures of how my cake came out this night you will have to go to

http://foxtalefollies.blogspot.com/

Sharing a few things that make me smile...

2009-04-16T19:17:00.004-04:00

I love seeing ranbows...they always make me smile reminding me of God's promise to us all!

My girls hiding from me....I almost thought they were lost. It took me so long to find them hiding under the cushion on our couch.

My little cowgirl..she calls her self "baby sunshine"...They are her sister's boots that are 5 sizes too big. This is the edited version. The way she usually dresses would have been the boots...yup that's it ...just the boots, so we gave you the PG picture!

A family day out

2009-03-26T14:25:00.007-04:00

The other day my husband was doing a side job and I was off but home with the girls. I called him and asked him to take a lunch break with us. He came back picked us up and off we went. By the request of our oldest daughter we went through the drive through at McDonald's and headed to the park. We all sat together and had a wonderful picnic. Then the girls played on the play ground. After that we took a walk and the girls had such a great time! Them being happy made mommy and daddy happy. We walked through the dungons and by the water. It was so nice! I love my family!

Kaylin Our little showtoon...

2009-03-18T16:00:00.003-04:00

When she wants something she remains quite determined to get it. Here is a little friend of ours that she was determined to get a kiss from. It's a good thing she is determined because after about 10 minutes I finally snapped the camera and she got what she was after! Poor KJ!

Here she is yelling cheese at a birthday party until someone took her picture in that hat!

Like her older cousin my daughter Kaylin has a shoe fetish. We still have her in a crib so she doesn't sleep with them, but she sure does have an addiction when she is awake. It doesn't matter if they match, or if they are on the correct foot or who they belong too...she loves shoes!

She also cons people into doing her hair...and some people just get carried away! this must be her team spirit for the WII.

She loves putting on glasses as long as they belong to someone else...we went to a birthday party and she had these glasses out of the bag before the little girl even got to see them.

Then she was sporting them all night like they were hers or something.

Here is our little angel sound asleep in the car and her precious face still makes us smile!

We love you Kaylin!

Our St. Patrick's Day Projects

2009-03-18T15:48:00.003-04:00

These are the little projects I did with the kids for St. patrick's day! I could not find the project I bought that had to do with St. Patrick's Day so we improvised!

The kids had a blast and we did have a St. Patrick's Day cake at least!

Ally's visit

2009-03-18T15:25:00.003-04:00

One day there was this little girl named Ally who wanted to be a princess....and a fairy godmother named Kara, who wanted to help Ally's wish come true......So first things first the make up.... and of course the hair! Then with a wave of the wand a beautiful dress... but wait she wasn't done yet...

Of course Fairy god mother Kara saved the best for last...she knew how important it was to Princess Ally to have the perfect.....
You guessed it Shoes...It is all about the shoes for Princess Ally!

I'm back.....

2009-02-04T20:31:00.004-05:00

I really am not a good blogger. In the beginning I was so excited about blogging and keeping record of what I have been doing. It was also allowing my friends who are not bloggers to get on and read to catch up on me. I have been informed that I am a slacker. So, I am going to give it a shot again! I am going to blog, but to warn you it may be rather random! Due to my little spare time, my Internet and old computer seem to be real challenges when it comes to me getting anything done on here!

So, where do I start? Well, I should just say go to my cousins blog and you can see some of what we have been up too http://foxtalefollies.blogspot.com/ ....LOL (She is such a better blogger.)

I have been working on some projects around my house. I have painted walls, furniture, and cabinets. I have torn dry wall out of one of the bathrooms. I dealt with a disastrous septic back up in the basement bathroom....and have felt like a single mom when my husband works certain shifts for so long. I have recruited a about dozen people to bake and donate cakes for a local fund raiser our fire company does... I have tried to keep up with birthdays, in the first week of Feb alone I have 4 in my family.....I could go on and on, now do you know why I haven't been faithful to my blog? I know they are all excuses but do you forgive me...Please?????

The kids and I met actually up with a friend I don't get to see much and we went to lunch and shopping! I had a great time Heather, sorry it got cut short! I could only go as far as the kids could tolerate. They did pretty good, but got so tired, so we parted and called it a day! I did find some good deals and got some birthday presents out of the way for some up coming parties we have been invited too! So I got something accomplished out of the house and had fun doing it!

My cousin and I have joined a cake decorating class. Monday nights out with no kids learning something creative and fun...sounds too good to be true huh? I am all about my kids and love them dearly so don't take that wrong! My cousin and I are both stay at home mothers that watch children for friends of ours. So stuck in the house or at home most of the time is not one of the pros to this job. I think it is good to have a break once in a great while. It refreshes me and makes me a better mommy and wife!

So, I may have a busy, busy life style, but when you break it all down it is a very simple life I love living. It really isn't complicated, just hectic at times! It all comes down to me at the end of everyday, knowing we have a "home" we all gather safely together in as a family. Each night after I tuck my girls snugly into their beds, I climb comfortably in to mine. I open the my Bible and read, I close my Bible and pray. I love the freedom of ending each day like that. The commotions that fills the house hold during each day make, that quiet time moment for me even more peaceful and enjoyable! It's the simple things in life we may come to enjoy the most!

Kaylin had a few visitors of her own too!

2009-01-14T11:58:00.001-05:00

Kaylin didn't mind the step sister,

but the step mother on the other hand was not one she was fond of!

She gave Cindy a little attention, but then went about her dinner.

Prince Charming wasn't nearly as intmindating to Kaylin as he was to Kara! Kaylin had a few different pictures taken with the PRINCE. I hope this isn't a sign of her going to boy crazy too young!

Kara's dreams came true...

2009-01-14T11:53:00.001-05:00

Well, the boutique was not the only way we celebrated her birthday. We took her to a character dinner to meet Cinderella in person! All Kara talked about, since she knew about the dinner, was how she was going to dance with Cinderella and the Prince! I have to admitt she chickened out when the prince asked her to dance.

But she danced with Cindy twice! Her "Birthday Wish came true"

The entire day went perfect and Kara had the time of her life! The expression on her face when she got a mini birthday cake was truely priceless!

Well, maybe there was one thing Kara wasn't happy about, she did not want her picture taken with the Step sister that was mean to Cindy. Oh well, mean mommy made her anyway and then she got over it!

Bibbity Bobbity boutique

2009-01-14T11:17:00.001-05:00

Kara is so into Cinderella and all the other Princesses too; but Cindy is her favorite! So for her birthday we decided to give her the Bibbity bobbity boutique experiance. She loved it!

They did her hair,nails and make up! Then they sprinkled her with pixie dust!

Daddy, was lucky enough to get a kiss from Cinderella.

One of our little princesses!

I think it was the best birthday present we could have given her this year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-23T21:19:00.002-05:00

Christmas seems busier than ever this year....but in all the hustle and bustle we will be missing a very special person this year. For the first time in my life Christmas day not be spent at my Grandparent's house. since my Grandfather passed My Aunt is taking over the dinner this year. Grandpop will be there celebrating with us in our hearts :(

Downtown Disney's Tribute to the real meaning of Christmas

2008-12-23T13:09:00.001-05:00

This was neat to see in Downtown Disney. With all the public places not wanting to say or write the word Christmas because it has "Christ" in it or display a manger this seems to be a rarity at public places these days!

Well, I hope everyone has a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I will finish my short blogs of our trip when everything slows down!

Monday night sleigh ride...

2008-12-23T13:05:00.001-05:00

Yes I know real sleighs do not have wheels...but it was as close as you could get in FL

Monday at the boardwalk

2008-12-23T13:01:00.001-05:00

We had a great time walking the boardwalk.... No crowds perfect weather!

Playing on the beach was fun, but we didn't have buckets because we didn't know we were going to end up there!

This was a pretty cool water slide.

Just a picture from Sea World!

2008-12-23T12:56:00.003-05:00

Sunday was off to Sea World

2008-12-23T12:54:00.003-05:00

Kara loves her baby sister....

The girls loved to watch the playful dolphins at the dolphin nursery!

Their favorite rides are the merry-go-rounds...even if they have to ride sea creatures!

Kaylin must be telling Daddy something important!

Kara was facinated by Shamu!

Saturday night we went to a local parade in Kissimmee

2008-12-23T11:18:00.002-05:00

After we were settled in and wanting to get some of our vacation started we went to a local parade and saw Mickey and Minnie! This was supposed to be at the big Holiday Extravaganza; that was posted online. Apparently every year they do a huge Frosty's play ground and fireworks at night. They have things going on all day long crafts and food vender's and live music. This year after we watched that parade we asked someone what directions to the fireworks. Dissapointingly they told us this year there would be no fireworks or snow for Frosty's play ground.

oh well we watched the parade and then left to go get something to eat, besides all the candy the girls collected at the parade.

but not before seeing Peter pan, and Captin Hook.

and the Sweet little Angels that were riding on the float!

On the first day of Florida.....

2008-12-23T10:56:00.003-05:00

After driving so far for two day we finally arrived at our resort in Orlando. The resort was really nice. I always go and check out the rooms we are assigned when we go on vacation. This time I took one suit case with me to check it out instead of going empty handed. The room was great! I so I called my hubby and said it was safe to bring the girls up. Why he took the time to get them out of the car and come to the room. I took all the presents that were pre wrapped (Thanks to my cousin) in special paper and hid them around the room.

My 4 year old was so excited...she came up with a whole story about how Santa must have came and left them there for her and Kaylin. She had a blast going around and finding the gifts and opening them.
Most of the gift were clothes for the trip. It just so happen that Kara's clothes ended up being too big. Kaylin's clothes fit Kara fine though. So most of the trip my 4 year old had to wear my one year old's clothes....lol When it comes to summer clothes where the length doesn't always matter it worked. Kaylin's pants were Kara's capri's. Thank goodness we had a washer and dryer in the room.
This shaw was one of the gifts that they both loved. This was a last minute gift Mrs. Claus just had to get. She saw them 50% off when she was doing some last minute shopping before the trip. They each got one of these to wear to their special dinner that was scheduled for later in the trip! It was too warm for them to wear them that night though. Kaylin was bringing it to me all week to put it on her why she was playing in the room at different times!

Roudolph's nose isn't shining anymore

2008-12-03T20:11:00.002-05:00

Well, after I finished painting we had to decorate for Christmas a little more. This has rejoined the livingroom after a year in hiding, so I had to make him festive!

Are you ready for the show?

2008-12-03T19:55:00.007-05:00

My daughter Kara is very into dressing up, acting and telling stories that she has learned.

This is a mixed up story of Alice (From Alice in wonderland) and the three little bears!

We took her to a play in the summer called the trial of Goldielocks...she learned a lot about performing...LOL

Some of the spectaters don't know how to keep their Children off the stage, but as any good actor, Kara did some ad lib and made that little gal part of the show...

Part two was a musical!

Painting the Living room

2008-12-03T19:16:00.002-05:00

My living room hasn't been painted since we moved in. So on a whim on day after about 3 years I started painting it with some donated paint. I took everything down and put it back as it dried.

Even though it was not that dramatic of a difference in color...it made a world of difference to me in freshing up the living room!

a little paint goes a long way!

It was a mess having to take everything down and paint as far as I could why the kids were sleeping. Then putting it away until they went down again. I like to set up finish the project and then clean up....oh well, intervals worked!

My Last living Grandfather.....

2008-11-19T10:26:00.007-05:00

I know you haven't heard from me in a while and I am unfortunately returning with bad news.

My last living Grandfather was diagnosed with bone cancer on Monday. He is 91 years old and everyone says what a great life he has had over the years and think positive. It doesn't make hearing the bad news any easier. I have so many memories of my Grandfather. He is probably the only person in my family that I have never been mad at or upset with at some point in time.

He is a well known and respected man. He is living a remarkable life and for selfish reasons I don't want to face that it may be ending soon. Most of my childhood memories revolve around the farm he worked so hard to run. He has been married to my Grandmother for 63 years and in love with her longer!

They raised 4 children, that multiplied into a dozen Grandchildren, which has then grown into 9 Great-grandchildren! He has been involved in each and everyone of their lives in a positive way even if it is through someone else's life he touched. Everyone of these children have brought a smile to his face at some point. My Grandfather is not a man of many words...but when he says something...it means something to you. He has always made what he says count. You don't really hear much negative from my Grandfather under any circumstance except politics. I have only seen this wonderful strong man ever have a tear in his eye once, when the doctors told my Grandmother she would have to under go a major back surgery. I happen to be at the appointment with them. I saw touching tears fill up in his eyes and one trickle down his cheek. He was feeling her pain. The love they have built is so admirable. Then he got strong for her. He sat down next to her and put his arm around her; then he told her it's going to be fine.

There have been soooo many wonderful times with him to remember! Which is one of the reasons it makes it so hard to hear such awful news. My Grandfather said to my Grandmother to tell all the kids how it is, because we have to face this. I know he is right. It isn't going to be easy but it is reality.

Just a couple of weeks ago my cousin and I were attending a great Aunt's (my Grandfather's sister-in-law) funeral services who lost her battle against cancer. It is hard to see what this does to a person, and we know all to well from all to recently.

So life isn't always so simple, but I love when it is! I just have to remember the verse

Jeremiah 29:11. I know that I will find peace through all this and that it is more likely to get worse before it gets better!

I am so blessed that both of my girls have gotten to meet him. I know some don't have that opportunity and I am grateful!

Putting together the Christmas tree...

2008-11-10T13:04:00.001-05:00

Here are the pictures I promised about the Christmas tree!

Lauren decided to wear the Christmas Tree Skirt as her own....

Kaylin was a little leary of the big tree when she woke up.. but she eventually became adjusted! My fearless one (scared of the Christmas Tree...)

What did you think you were going to get to see the finished product?

The Girls Sleep over....

2008-11-10T12:07:00.003-05:00

One day last week since school was closed Kara had a couple of friends sleep over. I babysit for the girls once in a while now that they are in school. Kara gets so excited, because these two are her best friends. She loves having them come play. When I used to watch them all the time and then they started school Kara had a hard time adjusting. She, at two, didn't understand why they were not there in the mornings after she woke up. Eventually she accepted it and we have special occasions to keep in touch!

The other night our sleep over consisted of going out for pizza, running to walmart and coming home to watch a movie.

The girls got all settled in and comfy for the movie!

SHHHH! Kaylin is sleeping!

Maybe I should have rotated this picture...oh well!

Oh yes we painted finger nails and did the fun girly stuff too! I was painting nails so I didn't get pictures of that. They also enjoyed pop corn as the movie played. Remember popcorn is a must for us!

The next day we got up and baked a cake! That is the day we put up the Christmas tree while listening to Christmas music! Yes, I have been told I was crazy but....It was crazy fun! Eventually I will have pictures of that day posted!

Fall fest part 2

2008-11-10T11:59:00.002-05:00

Kaylin had to sit buy and watch the pinata but that is ok, Kara shared her candy with her.

Then it was time for the older kids pinata...it took them so long to break theirs compared to the little ones.....ha ha

There were two hay rides, but I only got one since I was riding the other one....LOL I am glad they didn't race for long

At last they ended with a bon fire. There was a neighbor that was gettign rid of some perfectly good furniture, but it made for a good fire. A table was only the beginning of what they were burning....

Those project people would have loved some of the things used to fuel this fire, so don't tell them over there at foxtale follies!

Fall Fest part 1

2008-11-10T11:48:00.005-05:00

We were invited to a fall fest on November 1, 2008! I was so much fun it went on all day! Jeff was home sleeping after working a long shift. So I loaded the girls up in the morning and headed over to a friends house that was setting up for a fall fest a little later. She has two girls of her own. So they took my too girls and went off so I could help them put things together and set up. Then my husband could sleep in peace!

The chain of events that were going on that day were so long I did leave after lunch and take the girls home for their nap.

After nap we had a soccer game to run too! Tori on of the girls I babysit for was playing soccer! I needed to get to one of her games like I had promised her. Since the fall fest was at her house we decided to go watch her soccer game before we went back to the fall fest!

When we arrived back to the Orton's fall fest; we went right into the fun of some little activities!

a mummy wrap

a sack race

pinata time

(yes Kara knocked down that pinata when it was her turn and she was soooo excited)

bobbing for apples!

This was not the end you'll have to wait until part 2 to see the some more of the events! I don't have the time to finish blogging right now!

To Be Continued.......

Trick or Treat....

2008-11-10T10:51:00.003-05:00

We only made it to a few houses before the girl zonked out!

Catching up never happens

2008-11-10T10:32:00.004-05:00

Catching up is something doesn't that get done around here too often. When we attempt to catch up on things it is never the way it was intended it is usually a much shorter or quicker way to make it acceptable. My point is that I have promised my self I would catch up on my blogs, but I am not going to get everything blogged that I want too. So I am going to take the drafts I have put together and send them all unorganized and you can match them up....lol Just kidding my life isn't that exciting that anyone would take the time to do that. You'll get the short version of some of the stories...and like I said before they are in no real order! Like the events in my life. They can be all jumbled up at times from what I can see, but I am sure the Lord has direction for me!

A day out...

2008-11-08T18:51:00.003-05:00

Yes, I get a lot of these...like I have said before I am always making plans to run run run! This time was different...I did it with out kids! Yes, it just so happened I got a chance to meet up with some friends for lunch. I was going to take the kids when the plans were originally made. My husband had off unexpectedly so he asked if for the girls to stay with him....Oh yeah! It worked out perfectly!

I left earlier than expected so I could get a little shopping in before I was to meet my friends. How fun is it to go through a toy store and actually look with out little ones picking up everything they see! I picked up a couple little things for my oldest daughters birthday. Then I picked up a few little things for them for Christmas.

Then I met my friends had lunch and caught up on old times...I think I did most of the talking....Since I have been a stay at home mom and don't have much of a social life outside of kids.......I tend to chat a way! We laughed a little, shared some pictures and enjoyed lunch. After lunch we went for ice cream...yummy..but I was soooo full. I knew two of us were going to the movies afterwards and it is mandatory that I get pop corn at the movies....LOL

I had a great time... Thanks Girls!

I do have to say that the best thing about the day was the faces, hugs and kisses that I returned home too! My girls ran up to me with such a heartfelt greeting, that I truly felt missed. Their little giggles, kisses & hugs and beautiful smiles made it all worth rushing home too! I love the simple things.

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

2008-11-07T18:40:00.004-05:00

Well I haven't blogged in a while...I have been so busy doing different things. I haven't had much time for the computer ya know. I know there are some out there that know exactly what I mean. I have so much to blog about that I am probably never going to catch up in one night....so I will have to break them into separate blogs. I am going to go out of order too! Today I am blogging about today!

For those who love the Christmas season.....you might get this blog! I have a kid in June and a kid in December...sometimes it seems like I am taking 6 months planing for each party. It is like never ending...Anyhow, I am not doing a big party for my oldest this year. It will be too much with our Disney trip, Thanksgiving and Christmas! So, since Christmas is Jesus Christ's birthday, why not start preparing for that early. I would make all year the Christmas season if I could...there is just something in the air about this time of year. Every year it seems like stores prepare earlier and earlier for it....and I am all for that!

As a tradition I started after I got married, we have always put the tree up on Thanksgiving! After Kara was born we still put the tree up on Thanksgiving, but waited to decorate it on Kara's birthday. The past couple parties we have had for her....we hand the kids the decorations and let them go to town!

This year we have changed our tradition a little. We spontaneously put the tree up today! Did I wake up thinking this? No! By lunchtime it crossed my mind but, I didn't take myself seriously. By the time I put the babies down for nap I knew the tree was going up today! The girls I watch, Kara, and I were so excited. (I did let Kara skip nap which I regretted later)

Someday we will get a real tree, but not yet...I couldn't be quit so spontaneous with a real one!

It is all my husbands fault. He called me from work the other day and told me there was a radio station that is playing all Christmas music already! Yes! I love it! (Actually we had a fall fest to attend on Saturday and on the hayride we started singing Rudolph) The Christmas cheer just is so contagious! Once I get started with the entire Holiday season I just get filled with moments of excitement and joy! I LOVE IT! It's the simple things like the Christmas music and putting the tree up...baking whatever! (maybe it was the bake sale that set all this off!) Whatever it was is a rush that lasts for a couple of months out of the year.

With all the gifts and hustle & bustle of shopping and dinners and things to do and prepare for, we can loose the true meaning of what we are to celebrate. It's Christ's birthday and we get all the gifts...how awesome is he. Would you give up all your gifts on your birthday for everyone else and not think twice about it? Families that he has blessed us with all come together! The day is usually filled with the smiles and laughter of kids as well as adults! There is cheer in the air. Does his birthday last one day? There is a designated day for the Holiday, but his birthday and the celebration of him is worth celebrating all year through! What a true gift Christ is to all of us...there are so many that take that for granted! Every little thing we do that make us happy for this time of year is because of the Jesus! It is a holiday created because of him and for a reminder to us! We all need that little reminder some times!

I have some pictures for this post, but I will have to try to add them later! Time is limited!

Kids these days are out of controll...Where are the parents!

2008-10-31T10:39:00.001-04:00

Yes that is a picture of what some little munchkins did to a house around the block from me. I can't believe the parents that let their kids go drop TP all over the place. I hope they get caught and are made to go back and clean it up! How ridiculous!

Oh look one got caught! Looks like she is going to pay the price! I like when justice is served!

Look they might catch up with another.....wait that kid look familiar...oh never mind, I don't know her!

I guess she didn't get caught she is at it again, and look another accomplice caught in the photo!

yes there were some that didn't make it....

2008-10-30T13:42:00.002-04:00

Did I mention that the baking could be fun but time consuming....well, sometimes I admit with the distractions around here time got away and some cookies were left to bake a little too long. OOPS. We don't have to send them to the bake sale. It's just the simple life things happen!

Helping out with a local bake sale

2008-10-30T13:38:00.002-04:00

Well, I have cousin who has a step son in a robotic club. She does everything she can to go out of her way and help the kids with their extra curricular activities. She has organized events and made special arrangements when needed. Now her step son has to raise $800.00 as his share for the club. So being the involved creative person that she is she organized a bake sale to help him start earning his portion. Many people pitched in to help and donate things for them to sell. Here are a some of the things we donated.

Of course baking and making some items to donate can be time consuming, but it is the fun and easy part. Making all the arrangements with a place to do it, pulling it all together, spending the time collecting the donations, researching and pricing the goodies, and doing what it takes to prepare for the event of selling the goodies is the hard and important part! (especially when it is added on top of all the shopping and baking goodies that she made her self too)

She has two other younger children of her own also that she tends to and makes arrangements for. One of the others also being in extra curricular activities that she helps with. (the youngest still too little but in much need of her mommy's attention). It is a job to juggle that is totally under estimated!

The day of the event there is gathering all you the bake goods, getting change for the sale, dropping little ones off, collecting helpers, and getting there to set up. This is the real time consuming part. Sitting out side at the tables in the cold weather, waiting to see if all your hard work paid off.

Well, today is the day! She is out on her way, to spend all morning and afternoon at a bake sale before she rushes home to take her little ones out trick or treating! In the mean time we are honored to have the easy job of enjoying Ally's company. It is a treat for us in return of all her hard work...Not quite fair to her, but I'm not complaining!

It's all in the Icing...

2008-10-30T13:32:00.003-04:00

My husband loves yellow cake with Chocolate Icing. He Especially loves homemade Chocolate icing. So since he has been working so much lately I decided to make him a cake. I don't have a picture of the first cake, because when the kids got home from school they all went crazy and ate most of the cake. So, my hubby got a small slice but didn't have any extra to pack in hid lunch to take to work.

So a few days later I found the time to bake another one. What is so special about this cake? Nothing it is a plain ol' box cake. The thing about the cake is that it goes good with his new favorite icing. He came home with the Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa. On the back of the container is a recipe for buttercream frosting. Jeff asked me to make a batch and a half so he could just eat the rest of the frosting.....LOL and he did. It is a good thing I took a picture of this. Once it was cut it was gone! I'm not that big on Chocolate but I have to admit this frosting comes out pretty good!

The little things...

2008-10-30T13:26:00.002-04:00

Since my husband has been working a different shift than usual, the girls don't get to see him as much as usual. When he was getting ready to leave for work he came into tell them good bye and they pounced him. Kaylin first and then Kara joined in. Kaylin thought it was the funniest thing to jump on Daddy. Daddy thought it was pretty special too! He is missing his girls and they are missing his attention. He took a little extra time saying good bye that day. Getting the girls wound up before he left.
See Daddy is under there! The little happy moments are the ones that mean the most. Daddy and his princesses, the happy smiles and the laughter that was filling the room. I couldn't help but feel grateful for my family and my simple life! Just thought I'd share another happy moment!

Why are they taking away childhood...

2008-10-29T20:06:00.003-04:00

Does anyone agree with me that kids these days are getting shorter and shorter childhoods? A notice just went around our township that the state has mandated by the legislature to provide 3 and 4 year old programs next year. Am I against them....NO. Do I think it is something the state needed to waste their time on ....NO. There are plenty of other issues out there that need to be taken care of than robbing young children of childhood.

Ok let me explain before all the out of home working parents jump down my throat..... I do understand that the majority of the parents both work, or single parent have to work. I get that. I also understand that this will help those who have children that qualify with child care service. I think that is one of the positive points actually.
Do I think a 3 year old program will turn into a day care service in the public schools...yup sure do just not a positive one! Do I think that needs to be part of the public school....No way. Three years old is too young to be put in the school system for an all day program. I personally think 4 is also, but that is a little more understandable. I think children are absorbent little sponges and shouldn't be held back from learning. I just think the public is taking over more of what should be the parents jobs. Most 3 year olds are not potty trained or mature enough in other ways to be in a public school. They should be in a day care, if they have working parents, that is geared toward younger children.

So this is where I stand on the matter. I believe the 3 and 4 year old program could do a lot of good if....they open it to more options. Maybe offer full time and part time learning experiences. If a parent needs their kid to be there all day ok then so be it...If a parent works part time allow or encourage them to come get their children and spend the rest of the time with them when they are done work. To mandate that if your kid attends the program they have to be there all day...well that is just awful. If it is going to be something that is run by the the public schools anyway, and all kids that are eligible can attend...why not allow they to attend for the learning experience...Let us Mommies that are able to, do our part. We can feed them and give them naps at home.

I love the simple life I live with out all the extras and bells and whistles, because I give that "STUFF" up to stay at home and raise my children, that I decided to have. If I send my children to this program it could benefit them for the first 3 hours after that, having them at home would benefit them soooooooooo much more. So why not allow that?
Sponges can only absorb so much before they need to be rung out and dunked again. Kids can only learn so much before they need to sleep and start another day.

This program is going to cause little three year olds (occasionally 2 years olds since October is the cut off)to ride on a bus or be in a building with children up to their teenage years, all day. It is well known that the teenage years aren't always the best for kids. In a day care most of the time the little ones are less likely to be exposed to those issues that may come about with teens and pre-teens.

It is decided and there is nothing to do about it now, but my poor little girl who thought she was going to start pre-school next year and was so excited about it may not get to go. The pre-school was set up as a half a day program since before I started at that grade school. Now they are changing it to full day only not an option. I don't see the need for her to go there. So, parents that have given up things to raise their own children are the ones who ended up paying in the end. If I want her to start a part time preschool program somewhere I am going to have to pay for a private school. Doesn't make sense that a full day would be free. But it is more important to me that I have as much time with my children as I can since they grow up too fast anyway. Family values aren't learned in schools....and it is not fare they are making them less important.

2008-10-26T18:03:00.002-04:00

Because of the disappointment the parade caused being stopped and canceled last night I was trying to think of something special to do with the girls today. My cousin mentioned that an event called Boo at the Zoo had been postponed until today because of there being a chance of rain yesterday. So, again I did not mention this to my little ones until I thought it was a sure thing. I debated all morning on dressing them up in their costumes and taking them or not. I finally decided why not. I am getting more use out of these costumes I made than any I have ever purchased. It made all the time working on them worth it and the main time they were meant for has not even arrived yet. Kaylin has definitely be trick or treating more than most one year old kids....and Halloween isn't even here yet.

When we arrived at the zoo, they handed each kid a bag to collect their goodies in. Kara politely said to the gentleman "No thank you, I have a basket." The guy thought that was the cutest thing; then told her that the bag he handed out had a special treat in it. She got a grin on her face and then politely asked for two bags (one for her sister of course). Then we went to the first table where they had a pumpkin container filled with candy corn...we filled out a paper where Kara guessed 5,000. As we proceeded through the zoo they had a game to toss the balls into pumpkin buckets. Kara got so excited when she got the ball in the pumpkin. After that there was another treat table, and face painting! While waiting in line there was a little boy dressed as batman. He was talking to Kara and then leaned over to his mommy and asked if he could have his picture taken with Little Red Riding Hood. I chuckled. Then his mom looked at me to see if it was ok first. Little Red Riding Hood gladly posed with batman and then again with a skeleton boy. Kaylin did not want her face painted. She doesn't like to hold still for anything! Kara went up and got a pink flower on her cheek. Not knowing what little event would be next we continued on our way. Another treat table! This time each child got to pick a pumpkin and color it with markers! Kaylin and Kara both concentrated hard while decorating their lil pumpkins. Not too far away another table! What could this be...wow Cookies! Not just cookies...cookies that you could decorate with icing and sprinkles! The girls loved it! There was a cave women there holding a lizard that the girls were not too sure of, but they were interested from a distance! After we were done at the zoo Mommy thought it would be nice to take the girls out to lunch. We went to a near by pizza place and ate. By the time we got home the girls were exhausted. I changed them out of their costumes and down for a nap they went!

Not so Special Surprise..

2008-10-26T16:11:00.004-04:00

As I had said before there would be a special surprise if Kara took a nice nap. So she did. When she woke up she was wondering what her surprise was going to be. It just so happened that my mother-in-law was on the phone with me and asked if she could tell her. I said sure. I handed Kara the phone and she was excited to hear the "Gandmom" was on the phone talking to her. She had asked her if she would like to go watch a parade with her. In the township where my mother-in-law lives they do a Halloween Parade at night every year. Last year Kara was in the parade with a group of friends. Their float was called Granny's pumpkin patch! Kara was invited to ride with them. All the kids were dresses as pumpkins. It was cute, but that is another blog maybe some day. This year we were going to be spectaters. Kara was so excited to go watch the parade. Gandmom has a golf cart that she parked for us to sit in and watch the parade from. Kaylin wanting nothing to do with sitting. I knew that was going to be an issue. The parade started and so did the heavy, heavy rain! Then the parade was canceled and my baby girl that did everything she was supposed to earn her surprise, was broken hearted. Surprise there is no parade...what a tease for the little kids. All the kids that were participants and spectaters were so disappointed, all the little ones that put such hard work into preparing floats and performances for the parade were let down. They had a rain date set they should have just used it....but it was a poor call! Oh well, in all this it is a good lesson to little ones that sometimes life doesn't go as planned. Sometimes there are moments of disappointment or change. Kara got over it rather quickly. Mommy was fine with it, it got us home sooner and to bed late but earlier than if there was a full parade. Kaylin fell asleep in the car on the ride home. I knew she would be tired so I changed her diaper and dressed her for bed before we even left!

Pumpkin Carve

2008-10-26T15:45:00.005-04:00

Daddy had something in store for Kara but never told her what it was until it was time. All morning she was running around doing exactly what she was told to do. She was trying so hard to be good because, we told her there would be a special project for her today if she was a good girl. She was so extra helpful at breakfast. She set the table as usual and ate up all her oatmeal. She then cleaned off the table including her sister's bowl. She helped clean up all the toys in the living room her little sister got out. She did it all with out complaining. So when Kaylin went down for a morning nap, it was time for Kara's special project that daddy was going to do a with her. He told her to go get her pumpkin from out front that she picked from the pumpkin patch. Daddy had to help her since they were heavy ones. Then they took it to the dining room table. Kara was still asking "What are we going to do with it daddy?". He told her we are going to carve it. She was so excited and knew exactly how she wanted it to look. So first they had to get all the yucky stuff out. Kara seemed to love that part! Then she told him where she wanted the eyes and what shape they needed to be. The same with the nose. She kept saying I want a happy pumpkin Daddy! She is in the stage where she asks so many questions. I think if there was a question about a pumpkin to be asked, she at some point has asked it. They had such a good time! Now we have a carved happy pumpkin out on the front step, we just need to get a candle in it. I hope it stays cold enough for it to last a week out there!
We had another surprise for as long as she took a nice nap! She couldn't wait to find out what that was going to be!

A Friday evening in?

2008-10-25T14:46:00.005-04:00

With me being a stay at home working mom, I am always looking for a way to get out. We almost always have on the go plans from Friday until Monday at some point through out each of those days. This weekend with the weather being up in the air I wasn't quite sure what we were going to do. We have plans but only weather permitting. It was a long day if you know what I mean. My husband usually gets home before I am done watching kids, when he is on a normal shift. So he usually gets to see how hectic it gets here during the day. This Friday he called and said he was bringing home dinner! Yeah! A great ending to an ok week, that didn't start out great! When Jeff walked in the door I was running around finding all the kids scattered items for when their parents arrived. Then even though it was chilly we headed outside to play for a few minutes until each and everyone was picked up! When I came back in he had the table set and the youngest one strapped in her chair. How awesome is it to finish working and walk back in the door to dinner on the table ready to go. As a stay at home mom that doesn't happen much around here "for me". As we were eating we were again talking about our weekend plans. After hearing how much was going on this weekend I was hoping for a night in with a movie. Of course our netflix never arrives in time for the weekend. Once it does arrive we never save it for the weekend. So after thinking about it, I figured it didn't really matter if it was a movie we saw before. I told my oldest she could pick out a movie after dinner for all of us to watch. She was so excited. I can not remember the last time if ever that we had a movie night in where my husband, kids & I could all be together. Well, I have to say there was a movie already in house that I had not seen for years, and no one else here had seen, that I had for gotten about. So by the time my oldest daughter carried everything down from her bed and set up on the floor in front of the TV, we were ready to start the movie. We pulled all the shades, dimmed the lights and pressed play. Soon the previews were over and "Sleeping Beauty" had started! Yes, a night in with my husband and girls watching Sleeping Beauty. I looked and my husband and whispered "Does it get any better than this?" He looked at me with a slight grin showing how much he appreciated our family time!
I love my simple life!

Soccer

2008-10-24T12:18:00.005-04:00

Last night I had the privilege of going to a soccer game to watch a couple little kids I know play. It just so happened I ended up seeing several kids on the other team I knew too. My two nieces and two of the little guys I watch during the day were on the opposite team. It made for an interesting game. I could either not cheer for either team or sit there cheering for both teams. Since they are such little ones playing everyone really cheers for both teams anyway. I had a good time sitting there snapping pictures of them playing against each other. It was a good game! I actually was able to sit and watch the game since my husband said he would stay home with my youngest. When I have been in the past...I have been to busy keeping up with her to pay attention to the game!

Catching up!

2008-10-20T18:50:00.003-04:00

Today I am trying to catch up on my blog. I haven't had a chance to write for a couple days, not really much to write anyway.

This weekend...does anyone know where it went?

Friday evening Kara went hunting with her Daddy again. She loves it. Of course he just does it to take her out and have fun...he never expects to be able to get anything! She loves going. Since we live it the country it is not hard to see deer around here. In fact there is a white one around here once in a while. It has some brown on it but mainly white. When I can get a picture of it I'll post it! Don't get your hopes up though.

Of course we had to dress Kaylin in her little camo for a picture too! Someday she will get her turn to go hunting with Daddy, but not yet.

Saturday Daddy went hunting without kids...Mommy had the morning with the girls....which didn't go so well. Kaylin woke up not feeling well. You know how things are when your kids get sick! Not fun. She got over it rather quickly, but it was am awful start to the weekend! I hope things improve for the starts of the week!

A day with Cindy...

2008-10-17T11:33:00.012-04:00

Since I wrote a blog about Kaylin discovering her best friend....I had a memory of one time when Kara met a special friend. It was a Saturday, that I went out yard-saling with my cousin. Kara was getting into the whole "Princess" stage. On one of the yard sales I came a cross, a doll that I thought Kara would love to have. It was a Cinderella doll. It was $3.00. I debated a little about spending $3.00 on a doll, since she had so many dolls. Anyway, I did.

When I got home that afternoon Kara was down for a nap. So, I undressed the doll and washed her dress, then scrubbed her down. That way Kara could play with her when she got up. After she got up from her nap I showed her the doll and told her we had to get the dress out of the dryer to dress her. When we got the dress out Kara wanted to try it on. Then we dressed Cindy. Kara (2) at the time asked if they could go out side and play. I chuckled and said sure. So, with the doll bigger than she was, Kara proceeded out the back door and down the steps.

I had to get my camera, and take a few pictures. Kara went and got her wagon out and put Cindy in it. She pulled her around the back yard for a long time. Kara and Cindy had a great time. They played like too new best friends. They never fought or argued the entire time. I loved it. They played in the back yard for almost an hour together. Just in that hour I figured I got my $3.00 worth, even if she never plays with her again. She did thought Kara and Cindy were best friends for a while.

Off to the slide. Kara had a time getting Cindy up thsoe steps but she managed!

Then Kara had to go down with her! For Cindy's safety ya know!

Then it was off to the big slide. As much as Kara wanted to help Cindy her self, Mommy have to help get Cindy up there this time!

and down they went.

I guess then it was time to rest in the sun. What a fun play time. Yes, it was time to come in for dinner...of course Cindy joined us!

Not doing so well at my new goal

2008-10-16T12:11:00.002-04:00

Today I started thinking. (Something I don't always have time to do) I am not doing so well with my new goal of making things simple. I think I have been complicating situations. Well, I have no pictures to go along with this blog. I want you all to know that I have given my self a challange to simplify a situation. We shall see how it goes...

Creative Apple Recipes Wanted!

2008-10-15T15:23:00.008-04:00

Today, was a day that didn't have a good start! You know how someone makes a comment that bothers you and you lay awake all night dwelling on it. That is the kind of night I had last night. So I started off the day venting to my husband and complaining. (He has been working nights so when I get up he gets home with in the hour) He loves working all night to hear me complaining about something.

Anyway, that was just the start to my day. I ended up talking to my cousin who also watches children in her home. We decided to take the kids on a field trip. We love taking the kids out! Today's trip was APPLE PICKING! We take them to an orchard every year. This year my cousin found a new orchard we decided to try. It was awesome. They gave us free apples to try when we arrived to see which type we wanted to pick. Of course I decided to choose the sweeter ones! I was a beautiful day and the kids LOVED IT! We filled our little baskets and went back to pay for them. Then we took the kids out to lunch and got them home in time for a nap. I should say my day was going a lot better than it started. Coming home with bags of apples had me wanting to try and bake something new and unique with them. I am up for any ideas to try! My kids love eating apples, many different ways. Kara's favorite is to have slices of apples and a dish of peanut butter for dipping! If you have any recipes worth sharing send 'em my way, please!

Below are some pictures of kids at the orchard!

Birthday/pumpkin party

2008-10-14T14:02:00.006-04:00

Well, I don't know where the weekends go. it seems like we keep so busy that the weekends pass us by. This weekend was my Grandmother's 86th birthday party. When we were invited we were told that the kids could each decorate a pumpkin for a contest. Now we knew this a week a head of time, but as usual I didn't prepare a head of time. I planned on getting them all done on Saturday. Little did I know a trip to Cabela's was going to take the place of that! Although on the way back from Cabela's there was Walmart. Yes, it was late and yes the kids were sound asleep in the car, but I had to get the stuff to decorate the pumpkins (knowing there would be no time tomorrow). So I took one kiddo and my hubby took the other in, laying over our shoulders half asleep. We ran around gathered what I thought I might need to help my babies decorate their pumpkins.

My 3 year old decided she wanted her pumpkin to be decorated as a lady bug. I am not the most creative person, so I am thinking if I can see a picture I could figure it out. There were not many cute pictures that gave me direction on how to make a lady bug out of a pumpkin. So we decided to do it the easiest way I could think out. We spray painted the whole thing red. Then took black paint. I made a couple lines and told her to paint black in the lines. I made the lines extra thick so there would be little chance she could paint outside of the lines. Then on the front I had made an oval and told her to paint in the oval black. I have to say she did good. I did touch up a little after she was done, but making the thick lines worked. Why it was drying I let her paint her sister's pumpkin.(pic to left) Since we were out so long the day before my 1 year old was sleeping the morning away. I wanted Kara (3) to do a scare crow but she was set on the ladybug. Since Kaylin(1) isn't old enough to have an opinion I chose a scarecrow for her pumpkin. This I did find a picture of on line. Not exactly the same, but gave me a great idea of what to do. Since the whole pumpkin needed to be painted Kara was having fun doing that why I cut out felt circles for the lady bug dots. Kara and I had so much fun making a mess while decorating the pumpkins. After Kara's lady bug dried we took a pipe cleaner and made antenna's and the glued on wiggly eyes and a nose (made of pink construction paper). We also bent and glued a small pink pipe cleaner for the mouth. The I took a piece of ribbon and tied it around the antennas to cover up the globs of glue at the bottom of the antennas. I put a bunch of dots of glue all over the red and handed Kara a handful of the felt circles. She took the time to stick them on, why I went back to helping with the scare crow. I found raffia down stairs from former project. I took hot clue and glued it all around the hat of the scare crow then I cut it to the length I wanted. I took ribbon and made to pony tails and painted on a face. Then I took a scrap piece of material I had left over from the girls costumes and made a bandanna. Both ended up very simple to make and very cute. I had a blast working with my daughter on these. This is how they turned out.

So now that our pumpkins are done, I got together what we needed and went to the party. Of course we were late! (about 20 minutes late) We made it in time for the cake and the contest though! My Grandmother decided it would be a good idea to have Kaylin sit with her why we sang happy birthday. No she was not tempted at all to try and grab one of the two cakes placed in front of her.....not my 1 year old! Although I have to say she did good. I snapped a picture of her attempt and then corrected her!

So after the cake and ice cream. They did the pumpkin contest. My Grandmother was a judge she didn't know what pumpkin belong to which "great grandchild". Her and one of my Aunts worked together to pick a category for each of the pumpkins. My Grandfather participated in picking out two of the prettiest. Which is the category both of my girls received a certificate in; signed "Judge Grandpop"! Then all the winners (everyone) got to pick a prize. Here are pictures of my girls with their grand prize!

A new discovery...

2008-10-13T20:02:00.005-04:00

I was going through some of my pictures and came across a few to share. This was a cute little moment when my youngest daughter discovered her new best friend. We were away on a long weekend trip in A.C. for a carpenter's convention. While we were in the hotel room my darling, almost one year old, met someone. She hit it off great! She started kissing and hugging her new little friend right away. She was giving her friend high fives and playing with her so well. I was loving it! It was one of those firsts you just loving watching. It was the first time she interacted so well with a new stranger. I was so happy to see her that I snapped a few pictures. I thought I'd share.

I guess in a boring ol' hotel room you have to figure out something to stay entertained when you are this little. I took the pictures because I thought it was cute...then I was freaked out that she had her mouth on the mirror! I can't believe I actually thought to take pictures before I panicked about her kissing the mirror! Now I have this wonderful memory of her and her friend from A.C. and some cute pictures of them playing together!

Family time is Simply the best!

2008-10-10T15:07:00.010-04:00

The other day my husband and I took the kids out for an afternoon. We really didn't have anything planned out, but spending time together is one of our favorite past times. There was a Fall Fest going on not too far from our town, and we decided to go walk around there for a little while. My oldest loves pony rides! So she got to ride a pony.

My husband loves fresh kettle corn, and he got a bag of that. My husband took my oldest daughter to the bathroom. So, why we were waiting a live band playing not too far away, and my youngest just couldn't help but start dancing in the stroller. I thought it was so cute watching her I decided to let her out of the stroller. She just started putting on a show. Everyone getting a kick out of her. Then my husband and daughter came back from the bathroom; and she started dancing with her sister. We decided to just sit down and enjoy their little performance. There were several other that stopped and enjoyed watching them also. It was such a nice time!

Once we were ready to leave, the kids were exhausted. I talked to my husband and said let's go pick pumpkins. There is a little farm market on our way home that gives you a free hay ride to a pumpkin patch and you can pick out your very own pumpkin. We do it every year! So we added that on to our day. The kids were tired but they got their second wind by the time we got there. My 15 month old was picking out all the pumpkins that were way too heavy for her. It was so cute watching her try to pick them up though.

My husband and oldest went across the pumpkin patch to see what they could find.

Once we each picked out a pumpkin, we loaded it on a wagon (along with the kids) and went back to the front of the patch to wait for the tractor to pick us up.

Another Simply fabulous time with my family! I am just loving life!

Sidewalk painting....

2008-10-10T14:41:00.004-04:00

Ok for anyone who was wondering how the sidewalk painting went....well you can see for your self. They take their artistic work so serious! My little artists! Needless to say, afternoon baths before nap were a must. (We should have stuck to pumpkin painting)

Just Simply a Beautiful Day.....

2008-10-10T12:00:00.002-04:00

Good Afternoon,

I really don't have anything special to share today that is out of the ordinary, but I feel like blogging anyway! Today my girls both woke up in a great mood. They put a smile on my face first thing in the morning. What a way to start out a day! Getting up, getting dressed and opening the shades to let the beautiful sunshine in! Take a deep breath of fresh air as the breeze gently blows in the windows! Autumn is my favorite season! The moments of the morning before the day gets hectic......go down stairs and sit comfortably on the sofa and read a few verses from the Bible. Say a little prayer thanking God for another beautiful start to a beautiful day. Then my 3 year old curled up in my lap and snuggled only for a moment.

By 8am ...........the phone rings, and the door bell starts and the silence is gone until the kids go down for an afternoon nap. You see, I babysit a couple children for a few friends of mine during the day. This is my way of being able to stay home with my children and watch them group step by step! For those who know how children are when you get a group of them together...you know there is no silence while they are awake (unless they are eating)! My day is filled with children laughing, and playing....and wining and fighting...smiles and tears....my name is called out countless times during the day. I know that until 5 o'clock it will be busy, busy, busy! Today I am letting the kids paint my sidewalk...then we are baking a cake for an after school snack. You see I have children that come in the morning and then school children that get off the bus. So a busy day only gets busier before the end of the work day. One of my reasons for blogging. It is a break where I get to ramble to the outside world about whatever I want! Well, all the kids have finished their lunch, so I guess we are off to paint the sidewalk........

Something to be proud of

2008-10-09T13:01:00.005-04:00

Well yes the obvious...my girls! That just goes without saying. But I have been shopping and shopping to figure out what costumes I should have for the kids this year. We were going to sesame place and I saw that they could wear costumes and do trick or treating around the park. Since my oldest has quite the opinion these days, I decided to ask her what she would like to dress up as. After all the different things she went through (a pink cat, a doctor, a peacock, and so on) she wasn't sticking to any of the ones she picked out. I started searching the Internet and seeing how expensive costumes really were. So I started throwing out "Simple" ideas of things she already had here to use. None of them interested her. We went to my grandmother's house and she had a magazine laying there with a picture of a little girl dressed as "Little Red Riding Hood" my daughter was yet again changing her mind. "Mommy I really want to be Little Red Riding hood". When I saw it I thought oh that looks easy to make. But I am not doing anything about it yet because she keeps changing her mind. The "Little Red Riding Hood" costume stuck and she started tell people that is what she was going to be. So when we were in Walmart one day I went to the craft section and guesstimated on the amount of material. I tried to buy the fabric I remembered in the picture. Now for you people who sew yes this is a simple project. As for me I always make things more difficult than need be. To make a long story short, I attempted on my own. Then I had to ask for help. Between my grandmother, my aunt and I we accomplished two "Little Red Ridinghood" costumes. I started out making one for my oldest, and she said she wanted her sister to match her. Since I didn't know what I was doing when I picked up the fabric I had plenty. A lot of laughs and chuckles along the way...usually laughing at my attempts to get further with out them (I never did get a head). I used the thread ripper a lot. We had a lot of fun and I learned...there was a much more "Simple" way to do what I was making so complicated. I should have just asked for help first...but then we wouldn't have laughed so much. It was fun!

I felt so good when people were coming up to us in Sesame Place complimenting the costumes. I felt they were definitely something to be proud of. Especially since I only spent $12 on fabric and bought red thread. So I dresses both of my girls in matching costumes for under 15 bucks! I had a priceless time laughing and learning with my grandmother and Aunt along the way!

So here are the costumes that in my children's eyes are "Something to be Proud of" too!

The beginning of something new

2008-10-09T09:43:00.001-04:00

Good morning! Today I have decided to start blogging. I am new to this, but have been excited about starting a blog. I will warn all readers I am an awful speller and I type so much worse.

I have a "Simple" life. Sometimes it takes me a while to realize how great my life is...but I come around. With all the venting and complaining I do among friends, at times, I don't always put out the positive things in my life. Blogging I am hope will help me do both; vent and share blessed events....(we all need to do both at times)

I love the Lord; who has given me such a wonderful family that I am so grateful for everyday. I have been blessed with a husband that is such a perfect mate for me. I don't always tell him that but he really is! We have been married for 7 1/2 years. He is such a hard worker, and wonderful husband and father. Sometimes I sit back and wonder how the Lord chose to give me such a great guy. He is an all around family man! We have two amazing children, that we are so grateful for. Sometimes we live our day to day life and take for granted the blessings we have. I look into the eyes of my girls and get so emotionally filled with joy. Watching my husband with them is one of my favorite past times. (When they don't know I am watching of course) both of my little girls have daddy wrap around their fingers if you know what I mean.

So now that you know how I feel and what a wonderful family I have been blessed with; you should keep that in mind if you are a follower of my blog. In reading some of my future blogging you may need to glance back at this as a reminder....LOL!

I may have painted a perfect picture of our wonderful family...but they are only perfect in my eyes. We are perfectly normal! We have the stress of hustle and bussel on a daily basis. We have the girls that know how to throw the perfect temper tantrums ages 3 1/2 years and one soon to be 16 months. We have the bills, and the debt of any normal family out there. We get caught up in all of the chaos of the daily life. The key word in all this is Normal...... The typical family life...... The "Simple" life! At the time you are living it or complaining about it or trying to decide "Are we having fun yet?" (a saying my cousin always asks when things aren't going so well) it might not seem so simple. Then at the end of the day I look back and see what I have in my life and realize how blessed I am. Some of the things I made so complicated didn't have to be that complicated at all.........The more I simple I make things the easier it might get. To "Simplify" will be my new goal!