Our Family

Date Day

2011-02-27T14:31:00.000-08:00

Today Erik and I went on a long deserved date. I can't even tell you the last time we sat together and were even able to have a conversation without a kid asking to say something or just blurt it out.
So we had the kids friend come over and watch them. Erik and I went out to Mystic village and went to Mango Pizza and it was a bit busy but we were happy to walk around a bit. In doing so we went to a sports store and I got a Yankee purse which is sooo soft and then got a Yankee hat. Erik got nothing but I was trying to get him to get something...
So we got to sit at Mangos and had garlic bread to start and Manny's hog wild. It was soo good and would recommend it to anyone. We then headed out to window shop and went into a few more stores. We went into a jewerly store and I got two new charms for my braclet again Erik got nothing.
It was so nice to get that pampered but MoSt of all it was nice just to walk and hold hands and enjoy being together.
What a wonderful day =)

How Do You Stay Away?

2011-02-26T15:29:00.000-08:00

Ok so blogging is something that doesn't come easily to me. Its been awhile huh?
Last weekend we went to a couples retreat at our church. Dr. Jim Binney spoke there. Not only was it good for our relationship but it was also good for my start in relationship with God. He covered so much since he was here. It started on Friday evening and then early Saturday morning (for couples). Then Sunday morning sunday school he spoke and also at 11.

You want to talk about a man who is using his God given gifts. He is one!
This is a older sermon but its great a to listen too.

We bought many of his books and look forward to reading them all.
I would like to share the titles:
The Ministry of Marriage
Living Purely in an impure world
Blessed Assurance
Help for Parents in Crisis

Please check these out.

Liar, Liar Pants on Fire!

2009-12-17T12:39:00.000-08:00

Ok here is the story. Yesterday "Tenderheart" told me that he saw "Joker" in the thinking chair at school. All I thought was great, I am going to meet with the teacher again. So I thought when we pick him up we would ask him about it. Well we get him and in the car we asked him why he was in the thinking chair? Oh Mommy, I wasn't in the thinking chair and from there a war of words broke out. To the point I said I didn't want to talk about it again until we got Daddy.

So Daddy is with us and asks about the thinking chair and of course the same thing again, Daddy I wasn't in the thinking chair. T is lieing, says J. But I saw you, says T. To the point again that they are having the War of Words II. J screaming at the top of his lungs that he wasn't there. Only to say he was and then when asked again, he quickly changed his answer and said no I wasn't.

To end this for the night, we left it up to me writting a note to his teacher and asking her. I have been waiting for the answer and looked at my email this afternoon and sure enough. J lied to us, his poor choice really hurt my heart. I know is sounds dramatic, but being lied to is my biggest pet peeve. Don't get me wrong either, I LOVE MY J, however I DON'T have to LOVE his Choices.

So I go to school after talking to Daddy, and he wanted me to just talk to the teacher and then he wanted to talk to J when he came home. So I met with his teacher and told her, what happened and found out again he was put in the thinking chair today because of the same thing (Pinching, Hitting his peers)! NOT AGAIN!

What to do? Do Moms out there have any advice? I don't know what a 6 year old understands or doesn't. Then on the way out they were acting CRAZY, in the school back to the van. Defeat is really how I am feeling. But you can't let them know it, otherwise they won...... Advice please Moms!

Finding the "Joy"

2009-12-15T15:51:00.000-08:00

This time of year is tuff on me. However I got some great advice today, and from friends I have. I either let this eat me up and hurt my growing relationship or I forgive and move on and "enJOY" the things around me.
One of the ways suggested was to make a list. This would have been great to do when Thanksgiving was around be I feel it just as important now...
My "JOYS"
1. I have the bestest friend in the world who loves me UNCONDITIONAL, NO MATTER WHAT I DO! You are my Joy God~ Thank you for sending your son...
2. My Parents, they maybe hard to understand most times but I know they love me.
3. My Sister Minde, I am not close with my sisters because of past mistakes I have made. However Minde has let me in and we on building a great sister/friend relationship. I know for a FACT I can go to her and she gives such good advice. Or just listens. She is one I would love to be more like.
4. My husband Erik, we have gone with alot of trials that have tested our marriage and relationship. We are not perfect, but we have made a LIFETIME commitment to each other. We are stronger to from what we have learned...
5. My "Babies" Tenderheart & Joker, words can't tell you enough what "JOYS" you both are.
6. My Christian Core Friends, from the times you have been introduce into my life you have made a HUGE difference. I learned so much from you and continue to do so. Thanks for the FUN, The LAUGHTER, The TEARS... THE HUGS!
7. Our Church GBC, so many people who each give "JOY" to our family. You know who you are! ;o)

I know there are more but I want to do this alittle bits at a time.... makes me stop and really think.
Thanks you Lord for these "JOYS". Help me never take them for granted and bless them and keep them in your name we ask it.
Amen

Going on a Trip

2009-11-25T15:54:00.001-08:00

I am excited to say Erik has 4 days off. So after Thanksgiving we are heading up to Erik's Aunt and Uncle house in the Poconos. We had a great time the last time we went and the boys loved seeing the deer come so close to the house. Such a great neighborhood to be able to walk around and explore too....

Hoping to get a few Christmas gifts, I have fallen in love with two stores up there. One is American Candle where you can get not only candles but also candy and all kinds of things for your house. Then we went to this other store Country Junction. Erik's Aunt took us there to get the pumpkins for the kids and they had a hayride there too and it was a great store because it had alittle bit of everything there. From decorations or the holidays to pets (dogs and cats and other animals) to TVs and so much more.

So will be back on Sunday afternoon, Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Fun quiz for Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T14:47:00.000-08:00

I was reading a friend of mine's blog and she did a fun quiz for Thanksgiving on it.
So thought I would share mine:
1. Turkey or Ham? Turkey, like Ham for Christmas
2. Favorite side dish. Creamed Onions
3. Favorite dessert. Chocolate Pie or Ice Cream
4. Black Friday: Are you going or not? Maybe, usually go with Erik's sister Cindy
5. If so, what's on the top of your list? Clothes for the kids and Christmas Pjs
6. Going out of town or staying close to home? Going to Erik's Sister side
7. Hosting or helping? Enjoying....
8. Name one family tradition at Thanksgiving. Really don't have one...
9. What do you do after dinner? Go Home
10. What are you most thankful for this year? My Family

On my Heart!

2009-11-19T09:03:00.000-08:00

So today while waiting for Thomas to get out. I took some advice I got from MOMS and kept a bible also in my van to read. I was reading today from Psalms 118:1-18 it was really on my heart to share so hope you don't mind.....
Give thanks tot he Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
let all Israel repeat: "His faithful love endures forever."
Let Aaron's descendants, the priests, repeat: "His faithful love endures forever."
Let all who fear the Lord repeat: "His faithful love endures forever."
In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free.
The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.
What can mere people do to me?
Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me.
I will look in triumph at those who hate me.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than trust people.
it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.
Though hostile nations surrounded me, I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord.
Yes, they surrounded and attacked me, but I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord.
They swarmed around me like bees; they blazed against me like a crackling fire.
But I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord.
My enemies did their best to kill me, but the Lord rescued me.
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.
Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly.
The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!
The strong right arm of the Lord is raised in triumph.
The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!
I will not die; instead, I will live to tell what the Lord has done.
The Lord has punished me severely, but he did not let me die.

AMAZING, Don't you think?

Its been along time...

2009-11-19T07:57:00.000-08:00

Wow it was March that last time I blogged. Since then alot has happened both good and bad. However since it is closer to Thanksgiving I just want to be thankful for the positives. For one my boys are growing more and more each day and loving Kindergarden. Each day they ask "Are we going to School yet?" Then when we arrive they ask "Are we late?" I love that they get this way and hope as time goes on that they continue loving and being excited about school.
I have to admit that I liked going to school to see my friends but not for learning. I had a hard time making info stay in my mind and studing for test, wasn't pretty. It was tuff moving as schools teach ways in different subjects in different states. So one of my many prayers for my kids is that school is something they enjoy going to each day for learning.

Even Hubby's need to get Away!

2009-03-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

Erik has been wanting to go to some concerts at Mohegan Sun. He saw Nickleback (one of my favorite groups) and then tonight he is seeing Hinder/Motley Crue. He told me tonight he is stressed at work and just isn't himself. Puts a hurt in my heart and I don't want him to be in that kind of mood. So I am glad he is able to get away, and just not think of things for awhile. He likes going, he loves music so. Mostly 80's bands but some of the newer Rock Bands. He takes such great pictures too!
Will put some on maybe tomorrow....

Doing Laundry!

2009-03-10T08:19:00.000-07:00

I don't know if all you know, but about 2 weeks ago I had breast reduction surgery! I have always had a large chest. It really started to hurt once I had the twins as my chest got even bigger. My size before I had surgery 36K. They took 5lbs out of each breast. Now I am around c-d. I got some of my stitches out yesterday. Which was painful in some places. However not all came out and need to go back again to see if the rest can be taken out.

So I have been feeling like I can't help out like I want to around here, so yesterday I went and asked the Doctor first if I could hold my babies. He said yes but don't have them squeeze you to hard! Then I asked if I could workout, he said yes but start slowly! So I am excited to get back to the way things were before. I miss workout and getting that feeling to push though the day! So today I am testing myself to see how things are. I haven't been able to lift the laundry basket filled with clothes, so Erik has had to do it (He has been a amazing, understanding, patient, and at my beckin call...I have to tell you). So today I am going for it and can't wait to feel like a wife again.

Its going to be different not having my bumper there though..... Just thought of that! =)

Amazing J!

2009-02-26T06:32:00.000-08:00

I know its been awhile. I am healing from surgery I had, more to share later on that. However I wanted to share how Amazing my boys are and the things they come up with and make out of simple things. I woke up on morning to J so excited to show my what he made. He kept saying "Mommy I made a spider web and spider!" He was so proud was well as his brother. So I told them to hold on and I would love to take a picture of it! So tell me don't you think its Amazing?! It really does look like a spider web and spider!!

The Web and Spider, so neat huh?

The Spider is the black piece on the top......

Friends!

2009-02-12T06:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went over to my friend Sandy's house for lunch. I feel like I haven't talk to her and my friends in ages! So it was so thoughtful for her to invite us over and we can catch up with each other.
Well I am very happy I brought my camera not only because I was taking pictures of the kids at school that day for their Valentine's Party (see other post) but I also got to take pictures of Sandy and her daughters. My kids love Sandy's kids, and they missed playing with her son who was at school. The boys love her baby, ALOT!
So it was great to have new pictures and spend time with Sandy and Kimko and the kids, it was a Great (Yummy) Day! Thanks Sandy, I am blessed to have you as such a dear friend! Love ya!

J, giving her kisses!

T trying to teach her to dance, like him!

Baby

Sandy and Her daughters!

School Valentine's Party!

2009-02-11T16:09:00.000-08:00

Today the boys had their Valentine's Day Party, they were so excited. They enjoyed picking out the cards they wanted their friends to have and they enjoyed picking out the candy they wanted to put with the cards!

So last night we were trying to have them sign the cards which there are 20 kids, so signing their names wasn't much fun and they gave up a few cards into it. So we moved onto putting the candy to the cards and it moved alot smoother! So they all wore RED and just had a great time with their friends!

J enjoying his cookie!

T enjoying his cookie!

T and his friend Alessandra

Looking in one of the Classrooms

I <3 my Heart Doctor!

2009-02-06T16:48:00.001-08:00

So today I saw my heart doctor. Dr Fiengo and I had a sit down about how my heart is doing. I am taking a sec to share what I love about him. I like doctor who won't make me feel like I should have went to "Doctor School" to understand him. Dr Fiengo is that guy. He talks to me not using big medical words or talking down to me. He reassures me and lays it out straight, "hay you need to stop this for your heart sake!" When its something that is scarey to hear he holds my arm and looks me in the eye. Some may think that is inappropriate, but not me or Erik. When he gives my paperwork to the checkout lady. He gives me a hug (which, I told I would rather as hand shakes are for guys). Until we meet again.

So anyway, we went in and he was telling me that my heart muscle is very strong. That where they did the balloon procedure is fine and nicely opened. However I was born as he said"special". "When God was putting me together, he gave me a bi-cuspid valve instead of a tri-cuspid valve". So as I get older the valve is going to get weaker and blood that is just alittle bit coming back in. Will be coming in alot more. He also wants me to start again on a high blood pressure meds. Which is fine and I will do what he says. However I am cleared for my surgery! I am so excited and praising God for this blessing and last hurdle.

Heart Doctor

2009-02-05T12:32:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow I go and see my heart doctor, so he can see how my heart is doing. Getting a EKG and then a clearance for a surpise coming up. *Talk about it as it gets closer* Anyway I am doing alot of praying and just know God has a plan set up and just need to follow him. However he knows I am still nervous.... Please be praying that my heart is ok! Thanks =)

My Book List...

2009-02-03T10:37:00.000-08:00

I started trying to read again, its not something I enjoyed AT ALL. However the kids enjoy it and Erik loves it so much. So I decided to try again, well one of my friends Kathy talked about a book store that sold used books and had something for everyone there. So one afternoon Erik and the kids and I went there, its called the Book Barn and its a wonderful place to get books for cheap prices! I got some books for the kids, Erik was excited about finding books for himself. I want to read the "Left Behind Series". I had started but stopped, I asked where they would be and the lady told me that they had another shop that would have religious books there. Sure enough there is was and I was so excited to start reading that I finish to series in a matter of months. Maybe 3 months. The end of the series was harder to find...

Anyway since then I have many friends who have let me borrow different books and I hope to finish these in the weeks and months to come...

I am reading right now:

Layers by Sandi Patty (thanks mom)

The One Year Bible New Living Translation (thank you Sandy)

Along with the Bible I am looking some things up in my book, The Bare Bones Bible Handbook, by Jim George (thanks Caroline)

Books I am excited to read:

The Five Love Languages for Couples & Kids by Gary Chapman

When People are Big and God is Small by Edward T. Welch (thanks Tami)

Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend

Christ in You Reflecting His Glory by Dr. Les Carter

Rereading Mom... and loving it! by Laurie Lovejoy Hilliard & Sharon Lovejoy Autry (thanks Kathy)

Mom to Mom Confessions of a "Mother Inferior" by Elisa Morgan

The New Way of Living by Larry Kreider

The Deeper Christian Life by Andrew Murray

Walking with Chirst

So as you can see I have alot to read but I am VERY excited to dive on in!

Starting Again...

2009-02-03T07:37:00.000-08:00

Well I haven't blogged in so long. Well since Halloween. Feel like I have alot going on and so much to say, just haven't found the time or want to sit down and really share. However I am trying once again and hoping to that my family and friends will come back and see how we are doing....
With that off to take pictures, one thing I ask from you if you comment... Please DON'T use my kids names! T & J or just fine but nothing else (unless you have a cute nickname for them lol).

Happy Halloween 2008!

2008-11-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

Well I have two holidays I just love, one is Halloween and other is Christmas! I love to decorate the outside and just have fun and enjoy the look on the kids faces. However this year we didn't do much outside, which was by my choice.

Hoping next year to be able to have my imagenation go crazy and then LOOK OUT! Anyway I did have the kids dress up and go out and this year both Erik and I said people were so nice and cheerful and not grumpy as they usually are each year, it was just a nice change! Also alot more kids out this year than years past which was nice to see too!

Well here are some pictures and hope you like them as much as we loved taking them.

J - was Commander Cody from Star Wars the Clones Wars

T - was Optimus Prime from Transformers

I just can't get over how grown up they look!

Awanas

2008-10-07T07:22:00.001-07:00

I must say I am so greatful to God that we tried Awanas again this year. Last year I tried the first night and 1 hr later got a call to pick up the boys and I took it very hard! This year though we really think they are more ready.... They love it and are excited about each time they get to put on the vest!

Last wed they said their final verse to get their first patch and (I thought they didn't get it) looking though the book it was on the inside taped on! They are so special and God thank you for them!

I will be sewing them on today... but wanted to show you a picture of them after they completed their first 2 Bear Hugs!

The Ants come marching One by One.....

2008-10-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

So the kids are really into bugs and we love to feed the Ants our left over food from the van. So it was a surpise to see this on the sidewalk beside our house..... J and I had a lot of fun watching them and seeing what and where they were doing and going. I have loved Ants since I was a kids and its nice to see its passed onto my own!

Been Awhile....

2008-10-02T08:40:00.001-07:00

I know its been awhile since I have written, but I will be putting so pictures and things up soon! So much is going on and so with that...will blog soon!

For My Aunt

2008-08-05T08:40:00.000-07:00

As many know my Aunt has Cancer. She is doing Chemo and is starting to lose her hair. I have a few momories of her growing up. Family Reunions, but she lives in Idaho and we were moving around alot, so never had the chance to really know her.

I have been praying and thanking God for the blessings happening in her life. So I was thinking about her losing her hair, in this world people are judged on their appearance. What does a women with Cancer and going out in public with hair falling out feel like? She is so strong and a fighter, so I wanted to see what a taste of it would be like and show I support her and love her and praying for her and so much more.....

I cut all my hair off this morning and I am so proud to do so, not because of the people who will look and ask questions, or judge me on how I look. I am proud to do it because of My Beautiful AUNT!

Backyard Bible Club

2008-07-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

Today was a great morning, I had found in the Sunday newspaper a clip. On it was, "Backyard Bible Club", it was from July 7-10 and starts at 10-11:30 am, for ages 4 to grades 6. They would have bible stories and crafts and games and moonbounce and new friends. I called to see what church would be hosting it and it was through Grace Baptist Chapel.

I was nervous as I am though all thngs new, but I was asking God to please help me and not saying anyting to embrass us either, something else I can do without thinking.

So we were welcomed and the kids were excited to see them blowing up the moonbounce, after the kids took turns they had the bible story about creation and the boys spoke up and followed along, then they did a craft, and then it was time for snacks and drinks, then they blew up the moonbounce again the boys palyed for a few more minutes and then it was time to come home.

We all really liked it and wanted to share some pictures and looking forward to what tomorrow has in store!