Low Key Christmas

I figured since it's still December I can still post a few pictures from our quiet Christmas at home. Jordan has been so super excited about the prospect of tons of toys from Santa, and Melody just enjoyed looking at the tree and playing with my advent tree (almost breaking it mind you).

Finally Christmas Eve arrived. We headed to Uncle Bradd's house to read the Christmas story out of Luke. Jordan listened intently to Loney read. He was probably thinking...I wish dad would hurry up so I can open a present. They each picked a present from their Nana to open, and waited patiently while I snapped a couple of photos.  

Jordan received a new scooter, and Melody got a Fur Real dog and they were both estatic to rip open the boxes and play with them.  Then it was bed time in order for Santa to come and bring his presents.

Morning came and it's just Loney and I up at around 8:00 am.  The kids are still sound asleep.  I invite Diana over to watch them open their presents.  Loney grabs the guitar and plays Jingle Bells to wake them up.  

They come into the living room to see the new stuff Santa brought.

Jordan's favorite was the Wii, don't break the ice, and his electronic Drums.

Melody's favorite was the Wii, her baby doll, and her Vsmile Motion (a definite Santa surprise even to us).

We had a great Christmas spending time with Loney's family, and just relaxing.  

Music and Mayhem

My family had an interesting night last night. It was Jordan's first Christmas Concert at school, so we went to watch him (he did great btw) and the people in front of us kept talking and standing up in front of us so we couldn't see him very well. Could have broken into a fight at one point by one of the ladies who was the loudest, but we kept our cool. Why do people need to be so inconsiderate towards others? Everyone there is wanting to see their kid...yours isn't the only one right?!? Here's some pictures of Jordan before and during the program. I couldn't get really good ones of him on stage from where we were sitting. Kept wanting to focus on the heads in front of us. Melody also kept bumping my arm, so they got blurry from that too.

Jordan with his Teacher Mrs. Kris Dale




After the concert we were driving home and the traffic stopped in front of us. Loney was able to stop our car in time before hitting the one in front of us, but then BANG we got rear ended. It was a hard hit, and to top it off...the guy that hit us drove off. WHAT???? Luckily a truck behind us saw the car drive off and offered to follow it and get a license plate #. Neither of us had a phone because they were both getting charged, so someone else stopped so we could call Bradd to come and then called the police. What an ordeal. The police were able to find the car that hit us, brought them back and we got the report done up.

I'm sore, but doing okay today. Gonna keep an eye on the kiddos and make sure they are ok, and Loney called in so we could get insurance stuff taken care of this morning, and to make sure he's doing okay too. Man, my first accident..and luckily everyone was safe.

How was your night?!?

Christmas is Coming

I love this time of year.  The sights, sounds, and smell just bring a smile to my face.  Looking forward to baking this weekend...just hope I don't take too many quality check samples.  

Put up my tree and I must say I love how it turned out.  Don't get me wrong, I love my traditional tree I've added to for 9 years, but a change in scenery is needed every so often too.

Melody and Jordan both helped me decorate it.  Now to just keep them from touching it too much before Christmas.

Thankgiving 2009

Had a blast spending time with my family this Thanksgiving.  Having all my brothers and sisters there was quite the treat.  Also loved visiting with Mom and Dad on Skype.  Next year Mom!!!

Enjoy the random pictures of the day:

My Lifetime Story

Some of you might have been wondering what the banner on top of my blog is all about.  Well, at Faith Sisters for the year 2010 they are hosting a challenge for you to write your lifetime story through scrapbooking.  Here is the introduction details:

"As the year is coming to an end we are busy planning for next year. In 2010 we are going back to the basics of leaving a legacy of faith. This years challenges are all focused on YOU and your lifetime story. When you join us in this challenge you will be creating a mini-autobiography. We are counting down the days till January 6th because we are so stinkin' excited about the My Lifetime Story challenges!!!

Wouldn't you love to know what your grandma's favorite toy was as a child, how she felt when she met your grandpa, her favorite scripture and the song that expressed her heart? Your children and grandchildren will have that treasure when you join us in this challenge!

We will start out with your family roots in January and move into your childhood in February. We will continue throughout the year with your teen and adult years as well. The last challenge of the year will be a letter to your future generations or anyone who reads your book.

Each of our stories is important. This is a book that everyone should create about themselves. It will be the most treasured album of your family. As you create this album about your lifetime story you will be leaving YOUR LEGACY OF FAITH. This is an album that can make an impact in your life as you create it, but it will also create a major impact in the lives of your family both now and in future generations. As your children read your story in this scrapbook that YOU created, they will take your stories to heart. Your stories may have more impact on them than even Bible stories, because they are personal and from someone they know and love. When friends and neighbors pick up your storybook and look through it you will be witnessing without even saying a word. They will read your lifetime history and discover your of Jesus, and His forgiveness and faithfulness in your life!

The My Lifetime story challenges will begin the first Wednesday in January. A new challenge will be posted each Wednesday all throughout 2010. The last challenge will be posted the last Wednesday of December. Just because the challenge series ends at the end of 2010 doesn't mean your lifetime story album is finished. We will continue to offer periodic challenges to continue your autobiography and keep it current.

Please join us in this year long challenge! Some of these challenges may be layouts you have already completed. That is ok! We need to get these all compiled in your lifetime storybook. Everyone deserves to be the star of their own book, including and most importantly YOU! If you don't put some time aside to create your My Lifetime Story album now, you may never find the time. If something were to happen to you, would your legacy of faith be lost forever? Take action now, join us as we create our lifetime storybooks for the next generation to see the glorious work the Lord can do in the life of a woman that loves God!"

Please feel free to go HERE for even more information.  They've posted the LIST OF PHOTOS you'll need for the weekly challenges as well.  Should be a fun experience and I look forward to sharing with you my journey with documenting my life for my family to enjoy for generations to come.

Fun Filled Week

It's been a non-stop on the go kind of week. Just between working on the bathroom (pictures next post) and keeping the kids entertained....I'm exhausted! I did want to show a couple pictures from the bread making and marshmallow building from Veteran's Day.

The night before the activity filled day, Melody came up to me saying: "Pretty...Pretty".  I said yes you are pretty.  Then she puckered up her lips and said: "Pretty Lips!"  It was so adorable.  Luckily I was able to get her to pucker again for everyone and even captured a picture of it.

I also took pictures of my niece Marissa as she is now 6 months old!  Boy how time flies!!

Fun Times

I found this really cool activity resource a while back and have enjoyed looking through the many pages of things to do with your kids. www.education.com

Right now they have a challenge going on. You earn merit badges doing activities they've chosen. Once you get a merit badge done you're entered into a sweepstakes to win "UP" on Blue-Ray. Should make for some interesting time with the kiddos.

For our first merit badge, we're going to tackle cooking. Jordan has been fascinated with mixing and adding ingredients to a bowl. Making yeast bread is just the ticket. Of course we may throw in a batch of cookies too....that's for mom.

Weekend Warriors

Loney and I are tackling the bathroom this weekend.  The shower enclosure is in terrible shape, so we had some extra tile from the planned renovations on our house that we lost and will be using it for this bathroom instead.  Wish us luck!

School Pictures

Jordan received his school pictures yesterday.  

Isn't he just adorable?

Halloween Fun

Took the kids out trick or treating today. What fun. Melody was so excited to dress up like Snow White. She even let me do up her hair and kept in up the whole time. Now I just hope the next time I try to put it up she does the same thing. Oh, but she looked precious.



I bought Jordan a Mario Brothers costume but earlier this week he said he wanted to be Superman. Nathan had a Superman costume so they switched. I would have rather he been Mario, but oh well.



I don't know who this monster was but he decided to tag along too.



All the kids had a blast. We went to a couple places to get some treats. I enjoyed the Old Cars trunk or treat the best. Dad, you would have loved seeing the cool classic cars.

Now to decide what candy I'll be pilfering from the kids stash. Mostly so they don't have the sugar rush of the century.

Miscellaneous photos from the day:

Smarty Pants

Today Loney and I met with Jordan's teacher for the 9 week Parent/Teacher conference. He's doing so good in school. Mrs. Dale is amazed at the academics he's achieved in just these few short weeks.

With being in the self contained program for his communication and behavior issues, we created an IEP (Individualized Education Program) for goals he's to meet for the school year. Jordan has met and gone beyond everything as far as he academic goals were.

Mrs. Dale has him doing 1st grade math, I know he's reading at at least a 3rd grade level but now he's comprehending what he's reading too. Jordan is amazing and I can't wait to see what other goals he'll meet or surpass for the rest of the year.

Now to get him to use a public restroom.

Little Tidbits

Me: Good morning Jordan. Are you ready to get up for school?

Jordan: No.

Me: Why not?

Jordan: Sometime I just don't want to go to school.

I feel the exact same way.

Playing with my Camera

I've been taking so many pictures with my new camera, but I haven't posted what I've taken on here yet. So here are some photos of the kids while they were playing outside this weekend.










Here's one I made Melody's eyes pop.

Pretty as a Princess

I created this today. How can you not love this face!!

Cool Find

I want to make these.


Aren't they the cutest things ever!?!

Facebook Junkie

I've done it again. Sucked into a world of online games and time wasters. Oh, but I love it so. I've got to be better about not being consumed with the games. I've not let it get in the way of time spent with my kids, but I know I could do so much more if I just stepped away.

We had fun this last weekend celebrating Melody's birthday. I can't believe she's 3. She's getting so grown up and quite a little independent stinker. I'll post pictures of you birthday celebrations by the weekend (hopefully) as long as I get off my duff and do it.

Created a couple of new layouts as well. Just haven't been able to get my mojo working as of late. Between Facebook, the kids playing on my computer, and not really being at home, I've been a little stagnant. I'm hoping the pictures taken with my awesome new camera will help give me the inspiration I need.

Here we go again...

My computer took a crap yet again!! Dang thing just won't let me get ahead. I guess it might have to do from the power supply going out. Just stinks soo bad. I wanna scrap but I can't. Oh well.

Let Fall Begin

There is a cold front that has made it's way to Nevada.  I'm soo excited!!  Unfortunately though it brought the wind with it.  I can handle just about any weather, but if there's wind....it's just miserable.  Oh well, I guess I shouldn't complain since it is cool out.

Everyone is almost healthy and happy around here.  Loney is dealing with a staph infection again.  I've got a slight sore throat from the wind and weather change.  Luckily the kids are doing well...for now.  Melody went to bed at 8:00 last night and is still asleep this morning.  It's 9:00 already.  Maybe she's growing and is sleeping it off.   It's a nice change though.

I've been a super slacker in the layout making this past month.  Between my computer being out, and just running around everywhere, I just haven't gotten around to making some.  I'm hoping that changes this week though.  I so enjoy creating.

Up and Running

Woot! My computer is fixed. Turns out the power supply went out. Loney tells me though that when the power supply goes out to watch for other things to mess up as well. It just wreaks havoc on your computer. Cross your fingers that everything is hunky dory.

Now onto my news. This past month I've been a Guest CT member for Krystal Hartley. Well one of her permanent CT members PM'd me last week asking me to join her CT using her designs. So I now design pages for mle Card. Look for new layouts using her designs soon.

I also left people hanging as to which Digital SLR camera I was going to purchase. Well, I decided on the Canon EOS Rebel XS.  

Oh My Goodness...can I just say I am in LOVE!!!  I don't know why I waited so long to get one.  I'm looking forward to learning all the neat tricks I can do and taking better pictures.  Loney and the kids are going to be sick of me in no time because of all the pictures I'll be taking.  LOL

Have you ever had one of those days...

Where everything falls into place just so. Well, mine was kind of like that today. I played with the kids, they didn't fight (much), got an unexpected PM(more on that later), and am just glad I'm feeling better.

Busy day tomorrow shopping with Loney to exchange my motherboard, do a little birthday shopping for Melody, and pick up a Digital SLR camera! I am so stoked about that last one. I'm hoping to find some good tutorials/practice tips to hone my skills. Stay tuned for my hit and miss adventures.

Not the best.....

I've been so miserable the last couple of days. Strange pains surfacing that make it difficult to lay down, sit down, stand up, bend over, just all around miserable. I'm hoping to get better because my house is falling apart with needing to be cleaned, and laundry need to get finished too.

I want fall to come. Just tired of the heat, and so looking forward to the Holidays. Fist and foremost is planning Melody's birthday. Hmm....what to do.....

On top of not feeling good, my computer is still out of commission. Such a bummer to not have access to my own stuff. Hopefully I'll be up and running this weekend.

Computer Issues

So once again my computer is on the fritz. We thought it was the Hard Drive, so we got me a new one. I'm happy to have more space (1.5 terabyte) but unfortunately it wasn't the issue. Swapped memory sticks with Loney and the computer worked for almost 2 weeks. Now it looks like the graphics card on my motherboard isn't working. Soo not wanting this drama. I'd much rather be on the computer scrapping. Oh well, hopefully we'll get me a new graphics card soon.

I've been so proud of Jordan. He's doing great in school, but I worry about him with math. I think he'll get it eventually, but it's still a little early to tell. Other then that he's thriving in Kindergarten.

Melody is enjoying time with mom without Jordan. Though she thoroughly enjoys waiting for Jordan's bus to come and runs up to give him a hug when he steps off. I need to get a picture of the two of them. It's soo sweet.

One thing with my computer not working is that I'm getting more sleep. Only an hour or so more, but it's making a difference. When I finally get it back up and running, I really need to stick to getting to bed no later then midnight. We'll see how that works out.

I've got a lot to plan in the next couple of weeks. My baby is turning 3, so I've got to get down when, where, and what for her party. October 7th will be here before I know it.

Ho Hum

Been an exhausting week. Between the kids, housework, and just not feeling very perky I'm just plum tired. Perhaps I should go to bed at a decent time, then my day might be better. But then again...maybe not.

The weather is finally cooling off. There's a nice cool breeze and I'm ecstatic! Though it has been a mild summer, I'm ready for fall to make it's grand entrance..all 2 weeks of it. LOL

I created a layout inspired by Emilie Ahern's Project Project she's hosting in honor of Project Runway. Although I don't watch the show faithfully, I've enjoyed seeing what she has cooked up for the challenges. I decided to try my hand at week 4. Here's a link to the challenge: Project Project wk. 4

Here's my layout:


I know I've been a blogging slacker, but I hope to get better about it. If nothing else, I'll post my layouts I've been creating...what few I've done...or just post to say hey! It all depends on how I'm feeling.

Blah

I woke up this morning with some major stomach issues. I haven't been out of the house all day, and just have felt really crappy. Unfortunately Jordan has felt the same way. Poor kid. I'm feeling quite a bit better tonight, but not out of the woods yet. I just hope it's a 24 hour bug and will be gone tomorrow. Guess we'll find out.

I wanted to post some pictures I took from Jordan's school open house. His teacher is really nice, and he and Nathan are in the same room. I guess they don't even acknowledge each other unless one is in trouble. Too funny. He's taken to going to school all day very well. Can't wait to see how much he grows during the year.

These were the only one's in the classroom who showed up.



Jordan sitting "next" to his desk.


Nathan sitting at his desk.

Busy Bee

It's Faith Sisters Birthday and they are celebrating by having challenges all week to win prizes.  I've been busy getting my layouts done.  I'm almost all caught up, just have 3 more to do before a new set of challenges begin tomorrow.  It's been nice being able to scrap.  I haven't had much time/mojo to do it lately.  

Jordan is doing well in school.  I think he likes his new class.  Open House is next week, so that'll be fun to visit the classroom.

After not being able to go camping at the beginning of the month, I've had an urge to go somewhere.  I haven't been on a vacation since last year.  I'm almost to the point where I don't care where I go...just somewhere.  Hmm.....what to do.

Back to School

Well, Jordan started school today.  He's going to all day Kindergarten because of being in the special Head Start program.  He was so excited to start school he was up way before me.  Not sure how early, but before me nonetheless.  

I got him ready and out to wait for the bus with Nathan.  We'll see if he falls asleep on the bus to tell me just how early he woke up.  LOL  I'm looking forward to this year for him.  Hopefully he'll be able to make some great headway as far as his communication and speech goes.  He's already brilliant it's just getting him to express himself.  

Here's some photos from this morning before the bus came.