It's all about the pictures!

2010-04-27T15:34:00.004-05:00

2009-04-07T18:00:00.001-05:00

2009-03-28T11:22:00.002-05:00

I have to admit it, planning this wedding is so much fun!! I would have liked a little more time to plan some things and to save for certain things like the reception but I am having a lot of fun. I get to do some things that I really love like create, plan , decorate, take some nice beach wedding shots. My friend Niki, the one who did Becky's wedding with me is going to take some photos with us. It is going to be a very fun time. I love watching the wedding shows on tv and then trying to find a bargain way to do everything for much less. I am on a severe budget but I am finding it really fun to be creative. I have all the things that are important to me like my family will be there, the wedding dress is awesome, the wedding chapel is beautiful like a big white dream, even the day June 6th just sounds beautiful to me. After the devestating year I had last year, I needed some relief, some happiness and some good things to happen this year. It didnt start off too good but it seems to be lightening up a little bit now. If I end up having a great summer I will owe God big time!!!

2009-03-22T12:13:00.002-05:00

My baby is getting married June 6! It's scary, exciting , fun and sad all at the same time!! But at least there will be a reason for family pictures! May favorite thing in the world :)

2009-02-13T16:45:00.003-06:00

Here are a few of my favorite things!!

2009-01-25T12:00:00.002-06:00

Before picture. It was nice but all white and the grout was getting stained and cracking and some tiles were cracking.

So here it is after we started tearing off the tiles. We had holes in the wall and we had to fill them, adding a couple of days to the project.Kevin and Vern putting in the cut counter top.
Oops no one measured how wide the countertop was and now the door wont open.....back to the drawing board!!
Kevin cutting tiles. The kitties are taking notes for future projects.

Making some progress

Fresh home from one of many trips to Home Depot.

All done and pretty.

All my favorite colors!

2009-01-24T10:42:00.004-06:00

I found a really cool online store. She has the best sales ever! She has a dollar section that has items in it that were originally up to $14.99 and I found a lot of cool current stuff for 75% off as well. This is what I got $24.98. I love the wings board book and the cupcake board book. I cut back my spending 90% from last year so it's nice to get a big box in the mail full of great deals!!

http://www.qbaroo.com/MemorableSeasons/index.cfml

2009-01-23T08:47:00.005-06:00

I have went back and forth with myself regarding my scrapbooking hobby. I have spent a lot of time and money over the last few years buying supplies. It is something I enjoy. I love the projects I have made. I have found ways to combine my passion for photography and scrapbooking. I came to a point where none of my friends were scrapbooking anymore. I scaled back on my shopping for a little while. I have enough stuff to scrapbook for many years and still not be out of product! I have thought about it and I decided that I really love scrapbooking. I will find new scrapbooking friends and if I dont I will just scrapbook by myself and with my online friends. I will not spend the amount of money I was spending but I will occasionally buy a couple things here and there. I dont spend money on some things other people do so I am not overspending anyways. I dont drink or do drugs LOL I enjoy time alone in my scrapbook room going through my stash and looking through old photos. If that is all I ever do I will be happy with that. Im not going to let it bother me anymore :) I am what I am says Popeye!

That being said, I have to show you some things I love. Every 6 months they come out with a whole new set of stuff.

2008-12-19T12:36:00.004-06:00

My baby playing in the snow....

Flakes, flakes all around me.... I bet you thought I mean people didnt you....

2008-11-26T18:13:00.003-06:00

My list of things to be thankful for is far less shorter than my list of things to not be thankful for this year. I am trying to make myself believe that I will be a happier person if I concentrate on the "Be Thankful for list" Is it fair to start the list with "It could be worse but its not yet?" or would that be on the other list....

Top 5
1. I am thankful Kevin and I both have good jobs so far
2. I am thankful we have a home to live in and be warm
3. I am always grateful for my 3 grand kids that I love more than life.
4. I am thankful for my husband who is my best friend
5. I am thankful this year is almost over and I have another chance at a good one next year.

2008-11-23T15:05:00.001-06:00

Isn't she getting big. She doesnt even have a baby face anymore :( She is growing up so fast. I remember being tickled at her talking in complete sentences and now she is writing complete sentences! When I was younger and people told me that time passes more quickly as you get older I didnt believe them but now I know its true!!

2008-11-22T18:50:00.002-06:00

My favorite time of the year is coming up and I am just not in the spirit of any holiday. This has been a terrible year. I kept waiting for it to get better but it never did. This year Kevin and I are going to a Lions game on Thanksgiving. We have never been to the new stadium. I hope the food places are open! I told the kids I would put a ham and turkey in the oven before I left if they took it out when it was done and make all the sides and deserts. I am not sure I am getting a big tree even. I think Ariel and I are going to get a Barbie tree. I will put up the Penguin and that is about it. We already have Ariels big present and I will get her a few more things and that is it. No more 500 gifts under the tree for us. Not this year at least.

2008-11-12T16:44:00.003-06:00

This is what halloween looks like in Calfornia where Evan and Brenden are!

Halloween pics. I know I am late in posting but life has been very busy! Ariel was a Pirate to match Brendens costume at Dance but she was a cheerleader for school and to trick or treat,

2008-11-03T17:32:00.000-06:00

2008-10-27T06:27:00.002-05:00

I cant believe I havent updated this thing since July. We had a great summer again with the boys and it seemed like in a blink of an eye it was over and the boys went back. Ariel started 2nd grade. She is taking ballet and tap this year at the her dance studio. We should be busy :)

I did 2 weddings in August, 3 in September and 4 in October. I have taken 5 family shots and one baby. I have 2 seniors to do next week. I wish they had called when it was a little warmer out. I am thinking about doing a promotional event to get some more business because my job is no longer stable. I cant even describe the chaos so I wont try but its a disaster. I turned down so much photography work that I wish I would have taken now.

Christmas will be here in the blink of an eye. I am not ready for that or snow!!

2008-07-26T13:06:00.002-05:00

We hang out in abandon buildings. Took these just before we got to the carosel and boardwalk.

2008-07-17T16:56:00.003-05:00

You have to meet and pray for these special wonderful people!!!

Do you want to meet some cool people?? I have to convince myself every day that I don't really know these people and hang out with them. I swear Tricia just came for ice cream and Nathan and I got some good shots of baby Gwyneth!! When one of them is sick, I worry all day, when one of them accomplish some medical miracle of the week, I smile all day! You gotta read this story about Nathan, Tricia and Gwyneth. They have been extremely inspirational to me in their faith to God. It really helps to put some things in prospective for me in my own new walk down the right path! Just click below on Confessions of a CF Husband.

Confessions Of A CF Husband: Fast Track (Updated 7.4.08)

2008-06-26T22:57:00.001-05:00

2008-06-09T21:49:00.000-05:00

Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message)

I'll show up and take care of you as I promised
and bring you back home.
I know what I'm doing.
I have it all planned out -
plans to take care of you,
not abandon you,
plans to give you the future you hope for.

As some of you know, this has been by far one of the worst years in my life. It started on New Years Eve actually, like a big fat hint of things to come. One thing after another, to something worse, to even worse , then to the grand finale of them all, only then to find out something just as bad. Every month has held its own little tragedy, sometimes two with no resolutions in site. I know some things are going to take years to recover from, some things may not be recovered from at all. Life is not ever going to be the same for any of us. But that doesnt mean that it wont be better. Much better.

I just want you to know that I could not have made it without Jesus Christ walking right beside me, holding me up, keeping me from going over the edge. Even when I didnt realize it. Even when He was the farthest thing from my mind, He was holding on to me. When I wanted to pack it in and run away from all that was happening he had his arms around me holding me up, pushing me along, making me take care of business.

I will never understand why God lets things happen to people but I do believe he does things for a reason we will eventually get to understand. Sometimes He makes things happen to keep other worse things from happening. And sometimes He does things so we will be forced to do other things. I look forward to some of His explanations :)

I now know and believe things without seeing them with my own eyes, by just faith and that is the first time for me. I am going to be baptized soon. I held off for some time because I dont have a good story to tell about my new belief and life. At my church they play a video of your "story" before you go under the water. I didn't have religious parents or friends who encouraged any type of religion. I didnt have anyone really make me "see the light" so to speak. I only had myself and God. I had to work through my doubts and fears pretty much on my own. I had to learn to believe things I couldnt see. My breakthrough came when I learned of a verse somewhere that said "if you want to believe, God will make it so you can believe" I am extremely hard headed but I KNEW I wanted to believe. I just dont trust people that much. I could not understand how my life after death would be affected by some guy who got himself killed and hung on a cross 2000 plus years ago. When I realized that I dont have to understand it to know its true the walls came crumbling down for me. I convinced myself to have faith in that verse. I prayed and told God it was now up to Him to make me believe and so He did. I really cant explain it but if Jesus came back tomorrow I know I would be gone with him. I now think of eternity in a totally different light. I deserve some good eternity! I look forward to it! I have always found a reason to be happy despite my circumstances and now I am even happier. This life is nothing compared to eternity in heaven. I am not sure what it really will hold but I bet I get that big house on the beach....

My biggest fear and worry right now is that I dont want to go to heaven without my kids and my husband and my grand kids. I must learn and develop into a good role model. My kids are very hard headed like me. But seeing good things happen in my life and hearing my stories of faith and knowledge that it all comes from God will have its effect. I fear life on earth after Jesus comes back and takes the believers with him. But I have faith that he will give me the words and the reasoning to deal with my kids. And my family and friends. God answers all prayers. He can't not answer my prayer that my family and friends be in heaven with me.

God please give me the right words to move those who listen to me in the right direction.

Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message)

I'll show up and take care of you as I promised
and bring you back home.
I know what I'm doing.
I have it all planned out -
plans to take care of you,
not abandon you,
plans to give you the future you hope for.

2008-05-14T18:51:00.001-05:00

2008-05-04T14:43:00.001-05:00

Flying Lamps Fill the Sky

2008-04-05T16:56:00.000-05:00

2008-03-30T20:23:00.000-05:00

2008-02-02T08:37:00.000-06:00

Here is a nice picture I took of Holly at the hill. I think I may change it back to color. Her red jacket looked nice against the snow. I was trying to practice my soft skin technique.

2008-01-25T20:29:00.001-06:00

The circle starts with a 5 year old girl
Maybe loved, maybe just there
Surely not cherished
Or carefully watched out for
No one made sure the monsters were not under the bed
or in them
No one saw the look on her face
or the look in her eyes if they had
they would have seen her fear, heard her cries
They didnt see what was wrong when they left her alone
if they had looked deep enough they would have seen
the horrors that live in her still and invade her home
these people would now die if they were to know
what was going on

She went from one horror story to the next
She spent her evenings in the bar
but too dark and noisy to do her homework
but too little to be home alone
Too small to raise a voice but big enough to be noticed
that she was a little girl alone in the bar
not noticed by kind strangers who would call the police
or her teacher or preacher and ask why she was there
but noticed by those who look for little girls who spend
their nights in a bar, this is where she learned to
send her thoughts so far, just dont think
now they act shocked that a 9 year old is drunk
and act like they had no idea, it was cute when I was 7
and they act like they dont know

now its to hell and the devil was there
reminding her of how she lost all one night long ago
that her mother left her to face the world alone
one girl now 12 needed someone
cried inside and wanted to be loved
all she got was grief when she could have so
easily felt love if those around had cared
not to be so selfish and into themself
so self rightous and cruel to someone
who just wanted and needed someone to care

I wish I could say that this story ended well
but now she lives in her own adult hell
wishing someone had guided her another way
wishing someone had loved her the way
that she loves her own but then she realizes
that the love she has
doesnt mean a damned thing
because all through life the only thing
she learned was how to tune it all out and
be passive and not be heard. Just tried to keep
quitet thinking it would all fix itself someday
now haunted knowing what happened to that 5 year old
little girl has dictated her life
and ruined what was good and could have been right

No hate here. Totally forgiven and turned over to God.

2008-01-25T20:28:00.000-06:00

To my son:

I remember the day I brought you home
So sweet, small and soft smelling like that baby smell I love
smooth black locks of hair and soft brown eyes too beautiful for words
I would have given my life for you without a seconds hesitation
and still would if truth was told
who would have thought way back then
The hell you would live and the pain and fear you would put me in
Somewhere along the line you showed me how real failure felt
The worse failure in the world is to fail what you brought here
You gave me false hope a couple of times
You made me so proud and I thought I had beat the odds
The odds of someone so young who had been through so much
who couldnt possibly know how a good parent acted because she
had never seen one
I tried most of the time to be a good parent, I guess that meant very little
and it sure wasnt enough
because here I sit again with my heart broke and tears falling
not knowing what to do as usual but cry tears that do nothing
I would cut my heart right out of my chest and hand it over to
someone if they said they could fix you
I will never understand how you cant see how much you have and what you could be
you look past all the people who love you and would help you attain the world including me
somewhere I must have commited the ultimate sin to be given 5 chances and
never be allowed to win, not one win
The love I have for you, your family, your friends, our ignored advice, our talks
our heart to hearts, your broken promises, your sins
the sum of your life in my eyes
a strong smart loving man with a heart of gold that no one sees
now my mind can spend its time wondering what you could have had
what you could have been, how good you could have lived
how happy I would have been, you could have had it all
if not for the love of alcohol

2007-12-30T14:08:00.000-06:00

There really was snow!

Here is a pic of Evan with Santa. There wasnt any of Brenden so I will assume he was afraid of Santa. He is about that age. He wasnt afraid last year though....

WEll, Christmas is over. I hate the anti-climax of it every year. We had a mild toned down Christmas. Kevin and I even woke up alone because the kids were all in Ohio. I look forward to this long New Year weekend. I have spent time alone in a nice quiet house for the last 2 days. Ariel is with her mom Yay!! She doesnt go back to school until the 7th. After I am done playing on the computer I am going to scrapbook !!! Yay :)

2007-12-10T13:07:00.000-06:00

Ariel's Christmas Program

Some family pictures.

My favorites

2007-11-25T08:25:00.000-06:00

Holly found her car yay! That is a big burden lifted off my shoulders. She found it in the ER at Bon Secours. A friend saw it there and called her and Kevin went and picked it up. It is in pretty good condition except filthy and smelly. We think someone was living in there. Lovely :)

Here is our newest friend.... Got him on our shopping excursion :)

We can finally talk about Alex new boyfriend. She has given the official nod to call him a boyfriend now. They have been "friends" for a while but couldnt actually use the official "boyriend" title. Now its okay. So now he is subject to me taking his pictures at any given moment and posting them on my blog :)

I had a great time loving up my new baby neice and taking a million photos of her last weekend. So we spent the weekend in Ohio shopping and Kevin and Allen putting on my sister Tammy's roof. Sorry Kev. While they were doing that Coral, Amy . I and baby Abby shopped and talked. Then we went to BWW and had a big family dinner. And here is a few pics of the cutest baby on the earth!

2007-11-03T07:42:00.000-05:00

Another one bites the dust.....

Why cant my kids get in a normal accident. They cant just back into a pole, or dent a panel or rear end someone. They can't get in an accident that doesnt include tv cameras and the jaws of life. Alex was the latest victim. Or should I say her poor jeep was. She totalled it. Totally crushed it. No way to salvage it. And once again God proves to me that he is sitting right here next to us making sure nothing happens to me and those kids. She got out of it with some soreness and nothing else....

2007-10-31T19:40:00.001-05:00

Halloween....
I finally talked Ariel into being something other than a princess, she was a witch!! A very cute witch. Pictures to follow....
We were all excited about giving candy out at our new house this year so I went and bought about $50 worth of candy and put it in our big popcorn bowl and there was a little left for a smaller bowl. Well the doorbell rang and I dropped the little bowl and stopped to pick it up and Ariel went on to the door to pass candy out from the big bowl. It just so happened to be 6 or 7 people mostly older boys. Well they took the entire contents of the bowl and ran. The lady who was with them stood there and watched the whole thing and had the nerve to stick her bag out and say trick or treat.... I said are they with you and she said no and I said well as you can see we are now out of candy. The boys passed out the little bowl to the kids in the neighborhood after we left. Well I saw the lady with those same kids while Ariel and I were out up the street.
It sucks that this was our first halloween here and that was Ariels first experience passing it out. Bigger issues go on in the world though....

2007-10-23T14:39:00.000-05:00

Eliminating Toxic People

I cant recommend this highly enough

There are encounter we have every single day of our lives that are not good for us. They are malicious, they are dangerous to your self esteem, they are destructive, they are toxic.

I cant tell you what a change this has made in my life. I see so many people every day that need to do this. It is really something to think about. You scan your computer for viruses so scan your life for them too. There are miserable people who want to spread their misery into your life, your marriage, and your parenting. They are a virus to your dignity and to who you are as a person. They use their words and their attitudes like a knife to strip you of your dignity and your self worth. You need to get rid of encounters in your life that not productive, that are secretly malicious, and that are not respectful. Just cut them out of our life and you will start to see things so differently. They cant persuade you or manipulate your or intimidate you or guilt you into doing something that you dont want to do or make you feel bad about yourself if you dont let them in your life.

2007-10-15T20:07:00.000-05:00

We took our annual trip the pumpkin patch to pick pumpkins and eat apples!

2007-10-15T20:05:00.000-05:00

Look whos in the apple tree, its Ariel and Jordie :)

2007-10-08T19:37:00.000-05:00

Allen's lookin hot in that uniform and sunglasses isnt he ... :)

2007-10-08T19:29:00.000-05:00

If Chris gets a new toy, I guess Allen get's a new toy....

2007-10-08T19:21:00.000-05:00

Ariel and Brenden cruising Gateshead! They dont need MTV to pimp their ride, its pretty cute already!

2007-10-08T19:17:00.000-05:00

Chris and his new toy...

2007-09-27T07:30:00.000-05:00

Look at this little angel. It's abby with her Marine hat on and dog tags!!!

2007-09-26T17:37:00.000-05:00

Here are a few shots I took recently near the house.

2007-09-26T17:33:00.000-05:00

Finally made one of those clear albums I was crazy about. I kept it kind of simple.

2007-09-26T17:32:00.000-05:00

The cutest thing ever!!!!

2007-09-26T17:30:00.000-05:00

One of Ariel's new kitty's decides he likes the shelves. I actually had to move what he was climbing up here with because he wouldnt stay down and then the other one tried to climb up and they were knocking my stuff over. They have an entire house ya know!

2007-09-26T17:29:00.000-05:00

Can't wait to make these for Ariel's class!!!!

2007-06-16T11:59:00.000-05:00

Nothing is cuter than this!!

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2007-06-12T20:47:00.001-05:00

They're here!! check pics on the right.....

2007-06-10T15:54:00.000-05:00

I have been sooooo busy!!! I have not had time to update.

We are moving.....thats all I have to say for now. I dont want to jinx myself and I have the kind of life where weird unusual things that never happen to anyone, happen to me. So all I am saying is once I get the keys in my hand, I will be screaming and hollering and thanking my lucky stars! Why is this move so exciting? Well for a couple reasons. This is the first house Kevin and I have bought together. It is also going to be the place I have a lot of fun in during the month of July. My babies will be here next month. I have 2 + weeks off work and I am going to have fun and lounge by the pool every single day! I have invited almost every one I know over to the house this summer. I hope to have a really good summer!!!! I will post pictures of the new house as soon as I get it all decorated!

If you belong to my kit club it will be going out on June 25th :) :)

I will be blogging the boys entire vacation for Monica just like I did in November so watch out for the pictures!!! If you know where I live come and join the fun!

2007-05-23T11:43:00.000-05:00

I am now a Marine Mom!!

I am terrified and proud at the same time. I got "the call" at 2am this morning and it went like this:

"this is corporal Josh Polek, I have arrived at Parris Island safely, please do not try to contact me or send me any packages, you will receive a letter in 7-9 days with my new address, good bye"

That was it! I wont see or hear my babies voice for another 12 weeks until his graduation.

On a good note, I can now buy Marine scrapbooking supplies to scrapbook his graduation!

2007-05-09T09:01:00.000-05:00

I am going to try and do a layout a day to catch up. My babies are going to be here for the summer and I still have not caught up with Novembers visits pictures!! Yeah, I know the layout below doesn't really help me catch up becuase I just took that picture last week while the ones I took 5 months ago are still sitting in a pile! But I figure I had to start somewhere!

Evan and Brenden will be here for the summer!!! Sounds like fun :)

2007-05-04T16:02:00.000-05:00

Did you ever while looking for a home find one that just called your name? One that you could see a million possibilities in and you were already placing our furniture in your mind? Well, I found that house. I have prayed until I am sure God is sick of hearing about it. I know all things come in time, and I must wait until God is ready but I feel he is ready ya know :) I am saving my money like never before!! I have Kevin geeked up too. He is very supportive of my wishes :) He is probably the best husband on earth.

Now Holly has found a townhouse of her own and she gets the keys this Saturday. She probably wont move. But she will have a house LOL

Josh has been in a state of discontent. He has tried a hundred jobs since college and he decided to go take the pre - test for the Marines. I was hoping he would not pass...... He passed. He is taking his long test this weekend and taking his physical next week. He may still change his mind. I am not freaking out because my nephew joined the Marines after graduation this past year and he is loving it. He is in Japan right now and his next step is Austrailia. I cant imagine being able to go to those places. I am not going to be selfish and cry and insist he drop out and not join like I did to all of them when they were in HS and talking about it. I am going to support him and be proud of him. But I am very sad. I dont like war. I crave Peace. I dont support anything going on with this war in Iraq right now but I am want Josh to be happy but right now my heart is very heavy. I am not much fun to be around. I just want to stay at home with my family. I dont even like to leave to scrapbook any more. I just want to stay home where I am safe. Or I think I am. I think if I stay in the house, no badness can reach me easily and no badness can get in because I am there to protect it. It doesnt make sense right now but that is how I feel. Sometimes I think I will have time for that nervous breakdown soon......

2007-03-22T11:40:00.000-05:00

This is my sister Shelly and her husband Ali and little Abbas

2007-03-22T10:37:00.000-05:00

Some pictures of my neices and nephews. Aren't they just adorable!! My sister took these pictures, I am so proud of her! She did a great job!!!

This is Abas, the newest addition

This is Maya my neice

This is Jamie my neice

This is my handsome nephew Hussein. He is gorgsous!!

2007-03-11T08:16:00.000-05:00

Tell me how this big moose slipped on the ice and hurt his paw. He is an Alaskan Malmute. I thought they did good in the snow and ice. When Kevin lets him out in the morning he runs around in circles like a nut and somehow he slipped on the ice. He immediately laid on the ground and started howling like he was hit by a car. He laid there until Kevin walked over to him and rubbed his leg. Then he started limping. We took him to the vet and it is not broken. Well that was a week ago. You can look out the window and see him walk just fine but when Kevin goes outside he lifts his leg and gives him this sad look and walks on his other three legs pretending to still be hurt!

2007-03-04T17:26:00.000-06:00

2007-03-04T14:06:00.000-06:00

2007-02-20T12:39:00.000-06:00

Another Tammy quote for ya!

Tammy: I bought a new car! It's a Kia and it's $488 a month.

Rhonda: Tammy, isn't that a lot of money? You had a hard time paying your last car note that was $100 less....

Tammy: Well if they're gonna reposses a car, it may as well be a good one!

Some times I just don't know what to think about her :)

2007-02-20T12:33:00.000-06:00

Brenden is 2 on MOnday!!!!!! It seems like he was just born :) I wish I could be with him but you can bet we have a million presents on the way. There is a little UPS store by our house and they know us by name now :)

We are planning a summer weekend at Cedar Point. We are renting 2 cabins and cooking out! the kids can go to cedar point and I will lay by the beach :)

Also we are plannng a big Disney adventure in October. Not sure if we are going with Monican and the boys to FL or if Kevin , Ariel and I will go to okc and pick up the boys and go to California!!!

So these are the reasons no one hears from me and I dont have time to visit any one. I am working 60 hours a week....

2007-02-05T09:18:00.000-06:00

My new favorite thing! Kevin bought me a portable satellite radio yesterday! He is the best hubby I gotta tell ya! I love it. I was so suprised and excited when I got to work to see that it picks up the live signal from work :) This is such an exciting little piece of technology. One of my favorite channels is the Starbucks music channel :)

2007-01-30T14:36:00.000-06:00

2007-01-30T14:34:00.000-06:00

More cool stuff :)

2007-01-24T11:51:00.000-06:00

Can you say cool!! New Danelle Johnson Stamps that have some of my very favorite themes......BEACH!!!!! I am in Love with them!!!

2007-01-23T09:23:00.000-06:00

I have this bright idea to make a Valentine book of my family this year. To do that I need to do a valentine photo shoot. I have a couple of Ariel already now to get the rest of the kids and Kevin in on it. I told Kevin I got him a pink shirt and he needs to hold up the L and he just gives me this look like he's gonna die and he isnt.... The sometimes seem to give me trouble about things like this but when they see the actual product made from all the pictures they always love them. There is nothing my kids love more than to see pictures of themselves. They are the vainest bunch I have ever seen!!

Here are a couple of Ariel I started.....

2007-01-10T09:44:00.000-06:00

I love this little board I made with Basic Grey Blush. It should hold about 8-10 photos. I am going to keep it at my desk at work :)

2006-12-25T14:38:00.000-06:00

Enough bling for you? Gotta love it! Kevin went out on his own and picked this ring out for me. Now those of you who know me well know I just love a big pile of diamonds on my fingers right NOT LOL I lost my wedding rings 2 summers ago and have procrastinated buying new ones becuase that would mean actually giving up that I would ever find my other sets and I couldn't face that. Well I waited too long and Kevin went out and found me a set on his own. You know what that means, any wife will tell you, if your husband goes out and buys you a $7000 ring .... I had better get used to them!!! :)

2006-12-25T14:16:00.000-06:00

2006-12-24T13:06:00.000-06:00

Ariel helped me make christmas cookies today. She is the only one not sick so she is awake and chipper and wanting to do the various christmas things we always do. She was trying to wake me up since about 7am. I finally drug my sick butt out of bed and we cheated a little bit and used a box mix for our peanut butter kiss cookies but they are sooooo good.

2006-12-24T12:44:00.000-06:00

Ariel had her first school musical. She was so cute dressed in her red satin shirt and red bows. Her kindergarten sang Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. Very cute program.

2006-12-24T12:09:00.000-06:00

My Christmas Angels

2006-12-20T12:12:00.000-06:00

"It's Been a Whole Year",
by Norma Fonseca

It's been a whole year, Since you went away,
to Heaven above on a cold November day.
It's been a whole year, Since I heard you say,
"I love you Gramma", in your special way.
It's been a whole year, Since I felt your touch,
with a great big hug, Oh, I miss you so much.
It's been a whole year, and still I cry,
for the love we shared, and wonder why.
It's been a whole year, with many a tear,
how lonely it is without you here.
It's been a whole year, and to God I pray,
please help me make it through another day.
It's been a whole year, and I sit and wait,
to see you again at Heaven's gate.

Please remember to keep my Aunt Norma and Ginny in your prayers. It's been a whole year but they still need prayers just to make it through the day.

2006-12-17T19:19:00.000-06:00

Have you seen this kid? The one with the soft blond curls, cute little smile that loved to wrestle with his big cousins??

I know this can't be him with the uniform. Tattoos and the tanks!

What a handsome, courageous young man he has become. We are all very proud of him. We are lucky we have him and those like him who care to fight for the freedom of our country and our way of life.

Way to go Christopher!!!

2006-12-16T21:21:00.000-06:00

I came across this picture while looking for some for my "Book of me" that I am doing. It's so hard to believe this was only 3 years ago. I was in California starting a new job, a new life, a new home, a new car. Did I mention with all new people??? Did I make the right decision to come back? Is anyone better off that I am here? I was going to come back for all my girls as soon as I got settled. My boys don't seem any better. Kevin and I are a million times better. It's a toss up. I could have had so much better quality of life. But no Kevin. I am glad I came back but hey, I'm glad when I eat 16 brownies. Just becuase I am glad doesnt make it better for all.

2006-12-16T11:24:00.000-06:00

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

2006-12-15T14:34:00.000-06:00

2006-12-14T15:21:00.000-06:00

Quote of the day by my sister Tammy:

Everyone can put a pencil in their ear but me!!!

Yeah Tam if only you could stick a pencil in your ear you'd be okay....

2006-12-14T11:48:00.000-06:00

See, I knew there was something wrong with me. I knew I had some type of mental defect LOL

What mental disorder do you have? Your Result: Paranoia You are constantly thinking about what others may be saying about you behind your back. You may also feel people have conspiracies against you, or they are out to get you. In crowds you may feel like everybody is watching to closely.
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
Manic Depressive
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder)
What mental disorder do you have?

Take it yourself and see! I bet there's something wrong with you too!

2006-12-13T12:42:00.000-06:00

2006-12-12T07:40:00.000-06:00

Ariel and Kevin and Alex play this dumb game where they mock each other and the other one says "stock mocking me" then they all start saying "stock mocking me" over and over until I go nuts. Ariel and Evan did it non-stop for 3 weeks. Now they just say it at all the time for no reason whether anyone is mocking them or not. I say Ariel did you do your homework and she says "stock mocking me" you get the picture.... Well she had a book fair the other night. We walk in and there are a few other kids there and they all look at Ariel and she gets this big smile on her face and they all in unison say, you guessed it, "stop mocking me", stop mocking me" over and over and the teacher is telling them "I told you to stop saying that and they are all saying "stop mocking me" over and over. I could even hear the kids in the hallway saying it. She is such a little leader :)

2006-12-05T09:11:00.000-06:00

My babies went back home today. I could not be there. I cry too much and will get all emotional. So I took yesterday off and spent their last day playing and opened a couple gifts. Then Alex and Evan took them to the airport this morning.

It was a wonderful vacation but exhausting! I dont know how Monica does it. I dont remember how I used to do it. I will be sad for a couple of days going home to the quietness. It was nice seeing all those happy little faces running around when I got home from work. Ariel is going to be sad. I should have got her a ticket to go with them but she had school and I had second thoughts on spending another $300 when I didnt know how much I would need to do the things I wanted to with the boys. We did good though. We went everywhere we could possibly go and did everything we wanted to do.

Give me a week to recuperate and I will be missing them again!!!

2006-12-04T17:59:00.000-06:00

2006-12-04T12:36:00.000-06:00

2006-12-03T22:15:00.000-06:00

2006-12-01T09:39:00.000-06:00

Just look at what she is doing to me. Knit hats? Antlers? what does she think I am a Baby Gap model or something? I'm not even getting paid!

Dear God please take that camera away from her before I go blind.

Here's a smile for you Nana! I am smiling are you happy! I am nuts now. I have finally went completely crazy brain dead from the camera flashes.

2006-11-30T07:46:00.001-06:00

Remember the love! Remember the joy and happiness of the life of little Serenity! She has been gone for one year today. This is going to be a very very hard day for her mother and grandmother. Please remember them today and pray that their hearts are filled with peace and joy in remembering how loved she was.

Remember how much you love your family today. Everything you say and everything you do could be the last thing that happens before you or they are called home forever. What would you want them to remember as your last words or actions? If I die tomorrow I want my babies to remember me kissing them goodnight and tucking them in, maybe reading them a story and telling them I love them. I want them to remember going to the beach in November just so I can get shots of the boys by the water for my scrapbooking. I want them to remember me hanging out at Chuck E Cheese with them for 5 hours! I want them to remember me taking unauthorized pictures of them talking to santa even when I saw the "no personal photographs" sign and was getting dirty looks from the elves. I want them to remember me crawling around looking under couches at 5am looking for binkies. I want them to remember the look on Gamp Gamps face when he saw that I bought him and Brenden matching pj's so I could take their picture in them!!! Remember the look on my face when I am trying to tell Ariel about Jesus and SHE tells ME he is in heaven peeking down to make sure we are okay. Please treat your loved ones with love and kindness. You just dont know who will still be here tomorrow!

2006-11-28T19:12:00.000-06:00

At The Beach In November!

2006-11-28T19:07:00.000-06:00

2006-11-28T18:50:00.000-06:00

Catch us if you can!

2006-11-26T14:14:00.000-06:00

Brenden the red headed reindeer

Ari gets in the spirit a little too soon....

Brotherly Love

Ho HO HO

Don't even ask.....

2006-11-26T12:32:00.000-06:00

2006-11-23T10:48:00.000-06:00

Turkey Preview!!

Let's stuff this bird I'm hungry!

2006-11-22T19:51:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Mommy! I love you so much I am eating cake for you!!

and its pretty good!!!

I am blowing a big birthday kiss your way!!!

2006-11-22T08:26:00.000-06:00

2006-11-21T09:03:00.000-06:00

My sister finally made a kid that looked nothing like her LOL Cute little Abbas :)

Abbas and Hussein

Oh yeah, here come my bottle!

2006-11-20T08:39:00.000-06:00

It's been a whole month since I have been in the hospital and my meds are working and I feel great!!!!! I am enjoying Evan and Brenden being here. We took them to see Happy Feet Saturday and Chuck e Cheese on Sunday. I was so tired. They ran around that place for 5 hours!!! and then had the nerve to fall asleep on the way home and get a catnap to rejuvinate themselves before we made it home! I have a ton of pictures to upload I just need to find a ton of time to do it!!! To think I actually thougt I could upload pics every day so Monica could see what we were doing. Hahahahaha I was fooling myself :)

Tonight we are going to a Happy Feet Penguin display and getting their pics taken with santa :) I will upload santa and happy feet pictures tonight if it kills me.

2006-11-16T07:31:00.000-06:00

Pow! right in the kisser.

2006-11-16T07:30:00.001-06:00

Evan picks his bed!

2006-11-16T07:30:00.000-06:00

I didnt know I would have to take a bath here!

2006-11-16T07:29:00.000-06:00

I wanna play too.

2006-11-16T07:28:00.000-06:00

2006-11-16T07:26:00.000-06:00

Too much love for Brenden

2006-11-15T06:43:00.000-06:00

Evan was very happy to see his daddy.

Brenden had to look us over for about 5 minutes before he remembered us and then he started blowing rasberries at us all night.

It didnt take long for Brenden to get in the swing of things and join in the fun!