The Plan to Prosper

New Blog!

2010-04-30T08:34:00.001-07:00

http://mommyturnedsuccess.blogspot.com/

328 Days!!!!!

2010-04-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

I can't even believe it! I earned Mexico last week! Unreal...total God thing.

The trip is for next March, and Sean and I are taking K1 and K2 with us! It is an all exclusive resort, and something we wouldn't have been able to afford without Uppercase!

It is official...

2010-03-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

I will never have another child.

About 6 months ago, I would have told you that I wanted one more. That was a short 6 months ago. And then, I prayed. I literally asked God to take the desire to have another child from me if he wanted. Basically I was giving up my desire to have another to replace my desire with whatever God's desire for our family is. I knew that if he wanted another child to bless our lives, he would stregnthen the desire in our lives. And I believed that he could take the desire away from us as well. And...he did.

I feel fully content with the fact that we will not have another child. And a new chapter has begun. And because I know that God is happy with this decision, I am having an easier time embracing this chapter.

exhausted...but blown away

2010-03-22T07:23:00.000-07:00

I had a great time in Tampa with my fellow Uppercase Living Leaders. But MAN! I am tired! I don't know what I can blame....the not sleeping, the jet lag, the excitement, the brain overload??? Who knows! :)

All I know is that this company never fails me. Once again I have been given more than I even wanted and have an AWESOME new mini catalog with tons of great celebration decor', a new fundraising program that will offer lots of profits for those organizations who choose to use it and a great new consistency program for my team! I am STOKED! This is going to be a great stretch! I can't wait for convention in July.

Adios Amigos!

2010-03-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

The Sunny Side Saturday

2010-03-06T10:36:00.000-08:00

I may be tired, but I am tired because God has given me an abundance of work and a quiver full of children!

My house may be messy, but it is messy because we have enough

clothes, food and money to buy toys for the kids

My husband may be injured but his injury brought him to a company

that gave him a work vehicle, salary and a 401k.

My daughter may be having surgery, but she is having surgery because we could afford to go to the orthodontist and have insurance that will cover nearly all of the cost of the surgery.

Three Things Thursday...ok I am a copycat

2010-03-04T21:43:00.000-08:00

1. Words I am sure you never thought I would write...I am tired of working! I love UL, love our products, love my customers but I am tired. I have 14 parties to close this month and it seems that everyone in our house is having surgery. I actually have to work the night of one of those surgeries and I am rather heartbroken that I have a prior commitment.

2. I officially hate ISAT's. I think that schools put undue pressure on our children, teachers and quite frankly...us. I don't like being told that I "should make sure my kids have a good night of sleep", or "are well fed in the morning". Jeesh! DUH! Why is this week more important to their education than the other weeks?

3. If I had a day off this weekend I would be doing TONS of house stuff. Painting the rec room, planting my seedlings, re-arranging, cleaning...etc. I am actually bummed out that these things are being put on the back burner.

Kyla's 7 year old photos

2010-03-03T12:39:00.000-08:00

An award...for me???? :)

2010-03-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks go to Erin, over at "yes our hands are full" for this Over the Top award! Truthfully, I think she was just checking to see if I was still alive! I apoligize...I have been SO busy at work and appreciate this WAKE UP!!!!

Here are the rules for the Over the Top award:
-Answer the questions below.

-Pass it on to five people.
1. Where is your cell phone? To my left.

2. Your hair? is going grey more and more each day.

3. Your mother? a saint! Married to my dad with 5 crazy children! Seriously...a saint! and does NOT have more grey hair than me...jeesh.

4. Your father? has more grey hair than me, and is in the west for half of each month.

5. Your favorite food? mexican

6. Your dream last night? I don't remember my dreams too often

7. Your favorite drink? coffee

8. Your dream/goal? to be able to stand at the finish line and know that the words "well done" could be applied to my life.

9. What room are you in? living room

10. Your hobby? working...I serilously love my work.

11. Your fear? drowning

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? I want to have this house finished! And wow...6 years means the twins are 15 so...I guess I want to be sane still?

13. Where were you last night? out with a friend

14. Something that you aren't? calm

15. Muffins? banana

16. Wish list item? SPRING!!!!!!!!!

17. Where did you grow up? Canada until 4, Wheaton, Illinois until 7, Woodstock, Illinois until...now!

18. Last thing you did? went to the bathroom(AND THE PHONE DIDN'T RING!!!!)

19. What are you wearing? workout capri's and a tank top

20. Your TV? not a flat screen

21. Your Pets? 2 dogs, 7 guinea pigs, 6 fish

22. Friends? I LOVE MY FRIENDS!!!!!!

23. Your life? insane

24. Your mood? geting more and more amped up as I move furthur into my week and closer to another 5 day work stretch.

25. Missing Someone? my brothers. I don't see them often enough.

26. vehicle? mini-van

27. Something you're not wearing? socks

28. Your favorite store? JC Penney

29. Your favorite color? blue

30. When was the last time you laughed? last night

31. Last time you cried? at the dentist a week ago

32. Your best friend? Sean, April, Mom

33. One place that I go to over and over? to the coffee maker :)

34. Facebook? yep! LOVE IT!

35. Favorite place to eat? with the family
Here are my 5 blogs:

1. Our daily blessing.....Life!
2. Something to talk about
3. Sweat and Make Up
4. Chad and Nikki
5. A stirring life

Thanks again Erin!!!

Almost a week wearing a bugg!

2010-02-22T06:31:00.000-08:00

This month I spent a little of my Uppercase money on a Bodybugg. What is a bodybugg??? A bodybugg is a high tech calorie/step/activity monitor that you wear on your left arm. It has been used on The Biggest Loser and uses a process to count these different things.

The process is based on:

Motion: The armband contains an accelerometer that measures motion from multiple perspectives.

Steps: The accelerometer counts steps by measuring the distinct patterns created by running or walking.

Galvanic skin response: When you sweat, your skin becomes more electrically conductive. This measurement helps the device understand how active you are.

Skin temperature: There’s an electronic thermometer inside your armband that monitors how hot you are.

Heat flux: When you move, your muscles produce heat. Your armband measures the heat that’s flowing from your body into the environment.

I have been thinking of buying one of these bugg's for over a year now. I have thought of it, forgot it, lost weight, gained weight, worked out, sat on my booty and overall...the yo-yo'ing that I am doing is taking a toll on my self esteem and health.

So, here I am...week 1. And I know...it could be that it is a "new" thing, but at the moment...I don't feel like I am on a diet at all.

I wear the bugg, enter my food for the day as I go(or at the end of the day...depending on the day). My target burn according to bodybugg is 2400. And my target calorie consumption is 1400. Neither of those have been hard at all. HOWEVER...the goal is to put 1000 calories between the consumption and burn. I have noticed that I am burning alot more on some days than others. On days that I hit the gym AND go to work, I have seen burns around 3400. On these days I could "technically" eat 1000 more calories without going off my program. The goal is to have a defecit of 7000 calories per week which is equal to 2 pounds. Make sense?

The bottom line for me is that I am not feeling "food guilt" which can de-rail all of my progress. If I want a snickers bar...I eat it and enter it into the program! I know that my goal is a 1000 calorie defecit for the day and as long as I get there I am "on program!"

Growing on the mind...

2010-02-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

I am SO excited to get started with my garden this year...so excited in fact that we have
-seeds
-growing system(for seedling)
-three new plants growing in the house(money tree, sunflower, and paperwhites)
-and...a few new books and magazines!

(photo from last year..grill is now g.o.n.e!!!!)

If you remember last year, Sean built me two 3' x 12' raised planter beds(measurements are approximate...as measured while looking out the window). Well as you can tell from the photo, I had a plan that I thought was going to work out well. I am glad that I walked blindly into last years planting...I learned alot about what grows well here and what I want to plant more of because I didn't have enough of a harvest.

So...enter the next great idea...Square Foot Gardening!! It is a book dedicated to helping you grow more vegetables and flowers in less space all the while saving you money(on wasted seeds) and time weeding. I am thrilled to try this method and will take pictures along the way to document the process. I think with any luck, and some educated guidance...I will be happier with this years garden!

Now to pray for the warm weather to come quicker :)

What a gift!

2010-02-13T19:13:00.001-08:00

2 years ago today...

2010-02-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

I had no idea what Uppercase Living was. I was and still am a stay at home mom who was up to her armpits with a 10 month old and 2 year old at home. I had no idea what getting out of the house to share a passion that I didn't know I had, would do for my self esteem. I didn't know whether I could succeed or not at anything outside of being a mom. Really...I am dead serious. I didn't know that there was a life for me outside of breastfeeding and diapering.

So on February 11th, 2008 I took a leap of faith. I didn't have any Uppercase in my home, I hadn't applied a piece of vinyl to anything, and I had no idea if people were going to "get" what Uppercase was.

The day that my starter kit came, I signed up my first recruit. A woman called me out of the blue and wanted to know all about Uppercase and how she could sell it...I literally had to go outside to get my starter kit off my porch to talk to this woman. I STILL hadn't applied any vinyl...

The rest is history. God has moved me from one place to another with this company that I have been nothing but impressed with. Since I started I have had over 160 parties, been promoted twice, made the 35K sales circle last year, earned the FREE eastern caribbean cruise with the upgrade, earned more prizes, been to Anaheim for convention and had the priveledge of working with an amazing team of people. My goals have all been met, and I am pushing towards some new ones!

Above all, I love helping women create the atmosphere that they are looking for in their spaces. Paint can change a mood in a room but the words can make it yours. Don't ever underestimate the power of words!

As I write this I can glance up and remind myself that God has been faithful to us! It is written on my wall.

Our birthday traditions!

2010-02-05T07:20:00.000-08:00

At 6 we take them away by themselves overnight to a hotel for swimming or theatre.
At 7 we take them to American Girl for the day.
At 8 we get them pets(seriously...reconsidering this one!)
At 9...LEGOLAND!

Yesterday I took K1 and K2 to Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg. They had alot of fun and although it wasn't as big of a place as I expected(I went to Legoland in Canada when I was little), there was still alot to do! If you haven't been there I would go! I definatly suggest going during the week if you don't like crowds. I can only imagine that it gets pretty busy on the weekends.

Here are a few pictures of the experience!

And just in case your wondering what we are going to do for 10.....MEXICO!!!!!! Thanks to Uppercase, Sean and I are going to take the twins with us to Mexico next March(I am still working on earning this trip but am over 70%). Our hope is that each year we can take a different kid with us on our FREE Uppercase trips. K3 is waiting until July to find out where her trip will be!

St.Thomas - A week ago today!

2010-01-28T21:18:00.000-08:00

Wowza! It is FREEZING outside! Only the kind of freezing that you get in January in Illinois...the stuff that we talk about every year. F-R-I-G-I-D!!!!! Which is why I had to tell you from the get go that there is heat somewhere! It is becomming unbelieveable again. The funny thing is that the first 48 hours of our trip Sean and I probably told each other that we couldn't believe the heat...a thousand times. It is just unbelieveable(remember...I don't vacation)

So, a week ago today(Thursday) we docked in St.Thomas(U.S. Virgin Islands) and had a great day! This port is known as a huge shopping port and especially known for its jewelry stores. It was hard to find a store that wasn't selling jewelry. It is a beautiful area. And although the taxi cabs are insane and the drivers are mostly sane, they don't take too much away from the scenery. There were more lizards basking on the rocks on our port. I think they probably stay because the restaurants in that area feed them, and the rocks offer them a good source of warmth...because you can't imagine that they are laying there to "human watch". They typically wouldn't want to be bothered...but they were pretty lazy.

We did a barefoot sail and snorkel ride on the Kekoa which is a self made catamaran. It was a great ride and the men who were sailing the boat actually put the boat together themselves. They also build tree houses and seem very knowledgeable about their trade. Something to certainly be admired...not to mention that they are brothers, which I think is great!

The snorkel is great but takes some getting used to. If you are a natural swimmer like my husband, then you are going to take to this quite well. It doesn't take alot of skill and pretty quickly you can get all the skill that you need to enjoy the scenery. If you are like myself, more of a land dweller...this might take a bit longer. I actually found that if I held my mouthpiece in, I felt better. I think it was the whole "getting over breathing while in the water" thing. I keep trying to hold my breath which obviously...not smart. So, I figured it out and before I knew it the hour of snorkel was over.

San Juan - A week ago today!

2010-01-27T11:13:00.000-08:00

Dare I say...San Juan was SOOOOOO hot! 91 degrees! It is a good place to be if you enjoy shopping, senor frogs, and site seeing. I think there was probably a beach...somewhere but we didn't visit it. We spent our day wandering around picking up free gems from different stores. I tried on an amazing $27000 blue diamond ring that didn't want to but did come off my finger! :) Those blue diamonds...jeesh! Gor-geous!

Here are a few pictures of our trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico!

this was taken from the boat on the way into port

The group that wandered together!

Lizards are everywhere in Puerto Rico!

Here is Sean...who wanted to climb this tree and every other tree he saw...I have no idea why, but I am rather used to this kind of thing :)

Some of the colors of the buildings are quite flashy!

Me outside of Senor Frogs

me with our ship the ms.eurodam

A week ago today

2010-01-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

A week ago today we were pulling our mock-titanic into Grand Turk. From the dock, Grand Turk is beautiful...very close to paradise but we learned more about this area than the average Margaritaville dweller.

Before we went on our trip Sean and I made a list of a few excursions that we thought we would like to do. I figured that we may never be in these area's again and we should try to actually "do" something. At Grand Turk we had decided to go on a clear bottom kayak and eco walk tour. It wasn't too expensive and really wanted to do something that required movement...especially when you have felt like you were eating 24/7 on the boat.

The actual tour was AWESOME. The tour guide was a rather large native man who you wouldn't typically see in a kayak...but he was funny and had great knowledge of the plant life, fish and other things that he happened upon during out trip. Because the kayak was clear on the bottom we could watch the fish and vegetation which added a nice aspect to the ride(I say ride...because Sean did all the paddling) The weather was beautiful and we got to see all kinds of things and wild flamingos, which as it turns out...do exist outside of the zoos :)

The thing is...Grand Turk is a really poor area. Most of the people who live there live in huts and the damage of hurricanes is ever present. There is garbage in the streets, wild horses and donkeys and women who sit in their teeny tiny shops selling handmade trinkets for little money. But you never once saw someone who didn't seem content. It is unreal. In fact as we were driving and I was watching out the window, I remember that I just kept saying "unreal", and thinking that our girls wouldn't believe the houses and land. Unreal.

And the part that got to me the most was that 99% of the people who came ashore that day did not see what we saw. We would ask people what they did and the majority stayed close to shore on the beach or in the shops and restaurants that are just a few feet from the beach. If you were to ask them what they thought of Grand Turk, they would probably tell you that it was paradise, but in reality...the people who live there live in a different type of reality. One that doesn't revolve around tourism, but one that they have grown accustomed to. That is something to be respected and admired. The live with so little and yet they live. What a lesson in the middle of what seemed like paradise from the shore.

Guess what Illinois???

2010-01-23T11:40:00.000-08:00

80 degree weather exists during January!!!!! I know...I hardly could believe it too...and I keep forgetting that when I get home the weather is NOT going to follow me. I am terribly sad about this, but terribly happy to get home to my girls.

I have been blessed beyond measure yet again by a company that showers us with appreciation and I can't wait to get back in the swing of work again! Re-fresh-ing!

Here are a few teaser pictures! We didn't see more than 15 minutes of rain during our entire trip!

This is from our second formal night. It is somewhere between St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay.

On the way into San Juan.

Lizard in San Juan.

The water at Half Moon Cay.

Week 1 - Check

2010-01-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

I am done with week 1 "training". Give me a break right??? Most of you could get off the couch onto the treadmill and handle this workout. But I figure I had to start somewhere! And I don't want to get burned out so, I just stuck with the plan and finished those three running workouts and then added an elliptical and resistance workout as well.

I do plan on running while on the boat, and from what I have read there are plenty of treadmills and beautiful scenery out the windows!

I have to be honest...I was pretty proud of myself getting the kids out twice this week(all 5)while Sean has been gone. It isn't easy to take 5 kids anywhere much less to the gym. They behaved perfectly and I am pretty glad they did!

Next week I up my length of runs. At this point the time is more like a mind game than anything else so if I psych myself out, I will be fine! And...I didn't have any music in my ears this week. I need to charge the ipod(ok...more like find the charge cord), or borrow seans sweet itouch.(if I can get it out of his grubby paws)

Until then...rock it out sistas!

Day #2 of training...

2010-01-07T10:37:00.000-08:00

Yep, it Thursday...and it is SNOWING...not only is it snowing but it is a snow day! 4 of my children are out playing in the snow at the moment.

So this brings me to point 1 of my workout pitfalls.

I don't get to the gym because I have to tote 5 kids with. Now this isn't really typically the case. When I like to go to the gym I usually have either 1 or 2 children because the other three are in school. Fine...perfect, that works! BUT WAIT!!!! How about summer's, breaks and...snowdays! Not too mention that when it is really cold out I feel bad dragging the littles out for something that I often feel is a priveledge(me being able to work out).

Isn't that crazy? Isn't this a bad excuse? Didn't you think that I was better at this parenting 5 kids thing than this post would lead you to believe???

So, for those of you who don't have this problem...I want your advice! I know the whole "just do it" attitude and that it is "better for me", but when the rubber hits the road sometimes it is just easier to stay home.

What do you think?

**edited to add - I am still planning on getting to the gym tonight and am NOT giving up...nor will I. When I set a goal, I am really good about seeing it through. It's after I am done with the goal that things change.

Week 1 - Crazy Idea...starting point...

2010-01-05T10:42:00.000-08:00

Allright...so I have yet another crazy idea.(insert rolling eyes) *Please note that this is NOT part of any resolution. It is just something I congered up today while on the treadmill.

I want to run a 5k non stop.

I am out of shape and want to have a goal to work towards.

I know that a 5k isn't much to many of you...but for me, it's a good start!

I want to be able to do this in a month. Here's the schedule.

WEEK ONE
Mon Rest
Tue Run 2 mins, walk 4 mins. Do 5 times
Wed Rest
Thu Run 3 mins, walk 3 mins. Do 4 times
Fri Rest
Sat Run 3 mins, walk 3 mins. Do 4 times
Sun Rest
WEEK TWO
Mon Rest
Tue Run 5 mins, walk 3 mins. Do 3 times
Wed Rest
Thu Run 5 mins, walk 3 mins. Do 3 times
Fri Rest
Sat Run 7 mins, walk 2 mins. Do 3 times
Sun Rest
WEEK THREE
Mon Rest
Tue Run 8 mins, walk 2 mins. Do 3 times
Wed Rest
Thu Run 8 mins, walk 2 mins. Do 3 times
Fri Rest
Sat Run 10 mins, walk 2 mins. Do twice then run for 5 mins
Sun Rest
WEEK FOUR
Mon Rest
Tue 8 mins, walk 2 mins. Do 3 times
Wed Rest
Thu Run 9 mins, walk 1 min. Do 3 times
Fri Rest
Sat Run 12 mins, walk 2 mins. Do twice then run for 5 mins
Sun RUN 5K

And for my running friends-please check this schedule and give me any and all advice you would like. I am open to your ideas!

And lest you not forget...

2009-12-27T13:44:00.000-08:00

Dear Erin-

This year has been one that I know you will forget in the future year. The reason I know this is because...well you have forgotten the finer details of every year so far. We aren't sure if it is becuase of the fast pace that you choose to run your life or an early bout of alzheimer's, but none the less writing some things down to remind yourself of 2009 is a good idea.

Don't ever forget the health of your children during this year. How the doctor still doesn't know at least one of your children because they are so rarely unhealthy and how even if there were a medical necessity there was insurance to provide for those needs. And never forget how your husband was able to find the medication necessary to take the pain away from his long term injury. How he lost weight only because he was able to move again, and how even though he frustrates you at times - has been more active with the girls enjoying the pool and wrestling on the carpet with them without wincing in pain.

Please don't ever forget how you were blessed with more work than you needed at times. Not only for yourself but for your husband as well. For the different training opportunities that you both had to furthur your jobs and the many customers that you were blessed to have been brought your way. This has not always been the case. And in the grand scheme of things this has been a rather easy year financially.

Don't forget how you never had a vehicle in the shop. There was never a need for major repair or accidents regarding a vehicle.

Don't forget how this year we didn't bury anyone in our family or group of friends and how at this very moment you don't have to worry about a terminally ill friend or family member.

Don't forget how your children served those in need this year. How our church provides opportunities for them to actually show others how God loves them through acts of kindness and serving. Never forget how happy this made them and how proud you were that they were so wonderful towards others who were in need.

Don't forget how God orchastrated the sale of a home and timing of Sean's settlement to show that even when Sean was in pain and we questioned His goodness, He had a plan. This still remains something that you are in awe of this year.

God has been good, that is no doubt. We don't deserve his goodness in our lives, marriage and family. We are blessed beyond measure and give GOD the glory!

Praise Him in 2010!

Erin

It's HERE!!!!! It's HERE!!!!!

2009-12-26T13:02:00.000-08:00

My brand spankin new hot of the presses spring/summer 10' catalog!!!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it and can't wait to get out and show everyone!

http://erin.uppercaseliving.net/

Before and After

2009-12-15T17:57:00.000-08:00

Before(literally...I think RIGHT before he started the Biggest Loser Competition)

And this was just a few minutes ago in our living room...p.s.-Sean needs new clothes, pardon the baggy jeans!

How 12 weeks can change your outlook

2009-12-11T19:35:00.000-08:00

My husband is a fighter.

When he was a pre-teen and teen he was an actual fighter, and his ring of choice was inside the walls of a judo studio. I didn't know him then.

He is still a fighter.

He fought through the pain that he was in during the time that he walked on torn ligaments to ensure that our family was still provided for. I had no idea how much pain he must have taken head on.

And he continues to fight.

On Wednesday Sean will go through another step of his recovery for his ankle injury when he undergoes a pain block.

In the meantime he has fought through another challenge. His very last weigh in for the local Biggest Loser competition is tomorrow morning! As of tomorrow morning he will have lost 51 pounds in 12 weeks! Crazy right? I know! I had no idea just how competitive he was. I thought I was WAY more competitive, but he has proved yet again just how much of a fighter he is. For me...I don't honestly care if he wins! I am the winner! I have learned SO much about my husband during these last 12 weeks, and I am just bursting with pride!

So wish us luck! I am taking the girls out to see the results tomorrow morning at 11:30am so that I can get some pictures! I am THRILLED to have the opportunity to show the girls that hard work pays off, and will update when I get the results.

Snowy Days Make Me Sleepy!

2009-12-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

But unfortunatly...snow days don't make Grace sleepy...so I must stay awake with her :)

Karen Robbins has a new blog!

2009-11-28T11:54:00.000-08:00

About 2 1/2 years ago we were referred to a family photographer named Karen Robbins. She is Great, wonderful, warm and caring and has an eye to get the best shots out of your family and their surroundings! I am continually astounded by the great atmosphere in her work and how she can coax the most wonderful expressions out of her subjects!

So! If you like photography or know Karen or her work please go check out her blog! You will be glad you did!

http://karenrobbinsphotography.blogspot.com/

The steps that have gotten us here...

2009-11-25T18:03:00.000-08:00

Step 1 - Sean gets injured during a routine climb(my husband used to climb and build cell towers). He tears ligaments(2) and starts a lengthy process towards recovery.

Step 2 - September 11th, 2006 - Sean is sent home to recover from his injury and is placed on temporary disability.

Step 3 - September 12th, 2006 - A pregnancy test confirms a VERY unplanned pregnancy with an estimated due date of May 5, 2007.

Step 4 - October, 2006 - We move into a duplex which we rent for more space for our growing family.

Step 5 - March 2007 - The insurance company has exhausted its resources(so we are told) and sean is cleared for work despite the fact that his previous employer hasn't returned his calls to return. We are PAYCHECK less...

Step 6 - April 24th, 2007 - Sean interviews, gets offered and accepts an offer to work for WT Engineering for more money than he was making prior to his injury with a company that is more stable.

Step 7 - April 25th, 2007 - Our fifth daughter, Kendell Seana is born!

Step 8 - April 30th, 2007 - Sean starts his very first day at WT.

Step 9 - Summer 2009 - My grandma moves to Woodstock across the street from us.

Step 10 - Fall 2009 - Our insurance picks up the treatment for sean's ankle as a re-injury when he falls on uneven ground.

Step 11 - October 2009 - Our house is in foreclosure. We have been notified that our landlord isn't paying the mortgage anymore and we sign a 2 year lease for our own protection.

Step 12 - October 2009 - Grandma and I meet with a real estate lawyer to discuss the purchase of the duplex(both sides), an offer was made for the short sale of our home and the other side of the home where grandma will move in and live!

Step 13 - November 2009 - Our lawyer for Seans workmens compensation case contacts us to tell us that we are in a position to settle the case.

Some of these things were direct blessings. We know that. Some of them were challenges that we have faced together and as a family. We know that. But what we didn't know at the time was how this tapestry was going to look while standing back and looking at the big picture. We only saw the little piece that God was painting...and I would be lying if I said that I wasn't angry with God at times, or found myself asking Him if He really knew what he was doing, but when it is all said and done this is what these steps will have brought us to..

-the purchase of our home at a great price
-grandma living on the other side of our wall(a true blessing)
-Sean getting the treatment and pain block that he needs to be pain free
-the ability to say that we are DEBT FREE!
-a job for Sean with a stable company where he has been able to bring other guys on.
-a spunky and amazing daughter, one that will certainly live up to the "baby" role quite well!
-health insurance
-a 401k
-a stronger marriage

If these aren't things to be thankful for, I don't know what is. We truly are blessed and the timing of this couldn't be more perfect!

James 1:17 - Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Step 1 - Making an offer on the whole house

2009-11-22T19:08:00.000-08:00

Today an offer was made on the whole house(duplex). I would be lying if I said that I wasn't completely nervous about the whole thing...actually...I go from resting in His promises to stressing over the details pretty quickly...maybe it is time to refill the welbutrin...

I think I would like to document this process. If for no one else but myself. Like some prayer journals, I like to look back on different documents, pictures, journals to see "where I was" then compared to NOW. There is a common theme in all of these cases...and that is that God was there. He was there and even though I often feel like I am standing up all alone being punished for mistakes that I know that I have been forgiven for, HE IS HERE! And again...back and forth, back and forth in my head. Stress vs. Peace. Seems to be a common theme in my life.

Please join us in prayer that this short sale process goes smoothly. I know that this could potentially take forever to get the banks approval and everything else in order so I am not feeling rushed by any means. I mean...this is going to be the easiest move ever ;) AND in the end, Nana will be in the other unit!!!! If that wasn't a God move, I don't know what is!

Update, prayer and a thought...

2009-11-20T22:41:00.000-08:00

Yep! I did it again! Got too caught up in the here and now to update the blog! Sorry! I promise there wasn't anything TOO interesting..(oh yeah except needing stitches b/c I slammed my head in the van door...smart right?) This is the busy season at work(but so is February so who knows!), and I have 15 parties this month. I am thrilled with the work, customers and extra commission check on the 10th of December! I am looking at another $1000 just in an extra check! Enough about that.

There are things going on with our house. As some of you know the landlord here is in the process of foreclosure. This has been a difficult transition for me(at least mentally). I was pretty angry that even though we faithfully paid our rent on time, the landlord CHOSE to drink our money. I go back and forth in my mind between being angry with his feeling sorry for him because of his alcholism and being angry because I was taking the choice pretty personally. So...to make a long story short, we have the opportunity to buy our side of the house and we ask that you join us in prayer for God's will to be played out in this transaction. If God were to answer every prayer we have we would have my grandma on the other side of our wall(we live in a duplex) and us in ours so that we can finish the basement, make some improvements and work towards paying off our mortgage. I think there could be some major bumps along the way(short sale bumps) but God has never let us down and I am resting in that truth!

Yesterday for the very first time EVER I thought about going back to school. I was at Kyla's 1st grade musical and noticed that there were about 8 children on the stage who had 1 on 1 aides by their side or at least close by. I was shocked...8 kids! That seems like an awful lot of 1st graders who have special needs! In fact, please tell me if you can think of 8 children in your graduating class who had special needs...because I can't. And so the shocking part was that I first felt SO grateful that we don't face some of the challenges that those parents face. I can't imagine how difficult that must be. And second I actually felt a great deal of compassion for those who are willing to work with these students every day. They are standing in the gap for the parents, and so I have been thinking about becomming a teacher, maybe an aide...I don't know. I think I might go to the principal about it to find out exactly what would be required for certain jobs. So...anyways...that was my "thought". I am working out the kinks in my mind. I am honestly too lazy to want to go back to school despite the fact that I know that I would kick a$$. We will see...maybe this is a new journey for me.

So...in other news, Sean is getting his pain block for his ankle!!! This is HUGE! It could mean permenent relief in his ankle! Oh yeah...and he is down 30 pounds and is in 2nd place in the biggest loser competition! He is just as annoying :) as he was when I met him!

so...if you are still reading you deserve an award! This was a rambling post...sorry!

Alice!

2009-11-03T13:43:00.000-08:00

I saw this site on facebook(thanks Molly!)and had to try it out! Alice.com is a website that sells household items. Garbage bags, laundry soap, nail polish remover, and SO much more! I thought I would search the site and see just how much it would cost to get the things that I knew we needed for the rest of this month. I bought 21 items and it cost me $48.89. My items included some larger quantity things(toilet paper, paper towels) and some things that I bought specifically the brand that I was used to(toilet bowl cleaner, laundry soap), so I think that overall the cost was VERY comparable to Walmart if not better. Granted, you could certainly get some of these items when they are on sale and the price would probably be lower, but the great thing about Alice is that they apply any existing web coupons that they have found to items in your cart! There are also great clearances and items that they have put on sale as well.

After placing my first purchase yesterday morning and receiving the box this afternoon with ALWAYS FREE SHIPPING(29 pound box mind you!), I decided to look again today for coffee and fake sugar(aka splenda) and was thrilled to find coffee on clearance!!!! I also found crystal light on clearance!

My only complaint is that I didn't go through a referral. If I had I would have scored a $10 credit on my future purchase. I wish I had known that! So if you are interested in checking this awesome site out, please feel free to use my referral to get your $10 credit. http://www.alice.com/referral/50088B40

And if you have questions please let me know!

The 5 fairies in the New Tinkerbell movies!

2009-10-31T16:14:00.000-07:00

and the amazing nanna who loves them enough to spend MANY hours creating these awesome costumes! Thanks Nanna!

Another Wonderful Review

2009-10-30T10:41:00.001-07:00

Thanks so much Jess! I am thrilled!

http://jessicaturnersblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/giveaway-friday-uppercase-living.html

My new clock!!!!

2009-10-21T14:29:00.000-07:00

Now I have NO excuse! I must be on time!

Honestly, wasn't A product from Uppercase that intimidates me except...this new clock!

We started selling these clock kits in August. They are available in all 40 of our colors and include a set of working hands! You rub the clock numbers and then mount the hands, which was what I was nervous about...the hands! So, this afternoon I set out to give it a shot! I figured if I got nervous or if things weren't going my way, Sean could finish the project. BUT!!! low and behold 15 minutes after starting I was sitting back admiring the new addition to our living room! Keeping perfect time, I might add!

I think I should pick out a hot pink one for the girls room now! The kids one is SUPER cute!

Made 5 of these crazy hats!

2009-10-20T11:48:00.000-07:00

Super easy, and so fun! This was my second sewing project! (Karen Robbins took the photo!)

New Photo Vinyl!

2009-10-17T08:44:00.001-07:00

I think I may have a problem...I am rather addicted to our new photo vinyl!

Here is the latest photo to make it to my collection!

Photo before editing.

Finished photo vinyl for my wall in my bedroom...5 feet by 4 feet!

Here is the photo next to my 18" photo so that you can see the scale difference!

Be sure to enter this giveaway!

2009-10-15T12:00:00.001-07:00

I think I know the demonstrator who is the "annonymous" demonstrator! ;)

http://andtwinsmake5.blogspot.com/2009/10/uppercase-living-wall-embellishments.html

Scholastic Online!

2009-10-07T10:47:00.001-07:00

My mother passed on a children's book obsession to me. Her eyes would light up when she saw books at a garage sale and she kneeled down to rifle through the books to find the best books for the best price.

This obsession has led to MANY books. In fact probably more than one household can handle. I actually have books in plastic bins that my children have *never* laid their eyes on. Obsessive much?

Well my obsession has been fed yet again! This year when Kiara came home with a cursive worksheet, I checked the worksheet to see where it came from(which publisher). It was a scholastic workbook so I quickly went on the scholastic website to see if I could get her another workbook to have at home. I was so pleased to learn that you can now order your monthly scholastic book orders online! They still ship to the teacher and the teacher gets the credit from your order to supply the classroom with more books! Talk about a win/win situation!

In addition to being able to order from your monthly sheets, you can also see over 500 other titles to add to your order. The great thing about this is that you can now get pre-k books even though your pre-k child isn't in school OR you can surf the clearance section for the $1 books! And there is no shipping fee!

The only catch- your teacher has to sign up to allow you to order online(you need a username and password from the teacher), but when they do they get an extra book for EVERY online order that you make!

So, if you are obsessed like me...or looking for something specific be sure to check out the scholastic site! And if you don't get book orders but would like me to add something to our list, I would be more than happy!

Fuel your Morning!

2009-10-06T11:03:00.000-07:00

I am really bad at eating breakfast. I mean...I don't think I ate A breakfast during my high school years, and if I did it was probably at a local restaurant NOT something that I figured out on my own.

Well...I am a big girl now(in more ways than one!) and am figuring out what works and doesn't work to help me feel full and know that I am providing the nourishment that my body needs to keep up with my family, business and endless stacks of laundry!

So...here is my steel cut oat recipe(I make a big batch so that I can refrigerate)

-6 cups water
-2 cups milk(I use 2% because its what we have in the house)
-2 tsp. olive oil
-pinch of salt
-2 cups steel cut oats
-1/4 cup brown sugar
-8 Tbsp. flax seeds(this might be major over kill and can certainly be omitted)
-cinammon to taste

1. Pour water and milk into a big pot on the stove. Add the oil to the water and milk so that the oats don't get too sticky.

2. Turn heat up and wait for a boil. When boiling add the oats, flax seeds and pinch of salt, stir and turn the heat down to low to simmer.

3. Stir the pot every once and a while until you get the consistancy that you like(I like mine pretty thick and it takes about 20 minutes on low) Add the cinnamon to taste.

4. Remove from heat and pack it up for storage(I keep mine in a plastic container with lid in my fridge)

-You can add anything else that you want. These are great with raisins or nuts and you can certainly use brown sugar splenda if you prefer to save the calories.

*If you use my recipe your serving size is 1 cup and you should have enough for more than 8 days. 1 cup = 6 points.

My Biggest Loser!

2009-10-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

Sean that is! Ever since he found a med that actually takes his pain away he has been un-stop-able! He is swimming, rock climbing, running, biking, lifting weights and...nagging me! LOL! I am super proud of him and his desire to get healthy again!

He recently joined the "Biggest Loser" competition at Premier Fitness in Algonquin. Premier Fitness is a personal trainer type gym where you go to get one on one help. They opened up this biggest loser competition and I signed up...when Sean found out that the med that he was put on actually took his pain away, I traded my spot for his(I can do this at home, and wanted him to have something of his own). There are prizes for the participants who are in the top three percentages lost and for team loss(they grouped them up).

This week he lost 4.06% of his starting weight and I lost 3.55%. It has been fun sharing in this loss and gathering information that we think is helpful for both of us!

Thankfully!

2009-10-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

Finding out that Chicago was in the running for the Olympics was so exciting....at first. But today I am releived that we didn't get it. Especially considering our new presidents wishy washy view on terrorism and protecting our country from it. So...maybe you are bummed, but be thankful that this alarming event will not be occuring in our backyard.

Happy Fall Chicagoland!

2009-10-01T09:04:00.001-07:00

Here is a list of the available events for October throughout Chicagoland. We don't do haunted houses but figured I would post the entire list! Happy Fall Everyone!

Johansen Farms & Children's Zoo Festival
9/15 - 10/31
630-759-8711
710 W. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook

Didier Farms
9/19 - 10/31
847-634-3291
16678 W. Aptakisic Road, Prairie View-Lincolnshire

Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival
9/19 - 10/31
630-231-9515
29W310 North Ave (Rt 64), West Chicago

Shades of Autumn
9/26 - 11/1
815-675-6396
Stade's Farm & Market, 3709 Miller Road, McHenry

Dungeon & Labyrinth of Doom
9/25 - 10/31
262-331-0092
2701 Deborah Avenue, Zion

Dream Reapers Haunted House
9/25 - 10/31
708-344-2084
1945 Cornell Street, Melrose Park

X-treme Hauntings Haunted House
9/25 - 10/31
847-702-7227
76 Honing Road, Fox Lake

The Children's Farm Fall Festival
9/26
708-361-3650
12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park

Sweet Dreams Haunted House
9/25 - 10/31
708-388-3500
Fun Time Square, 11901 S. Cicero Ave, Alsip

Bengston's Pumpkin Fest
9/26 - 10/31
708-301-FARM
13341 W. 151st Street, Homer-Glen

Dollinger Family Farm
9/26 - 10/31
815-467-6766
7502 E. Hansel Road, Channahon

Goebbert's Farm & Garden Center
9/26 - 10/31
847-428-6727
40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington

Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch
9/26 - 10/31
847-464-5952
Route 47 & Reinking Road, Hampshire

Tom’s Farm Market Fall Festival
9/26 - 10/31
847-669-3421
10214 Algonquin Road, Huntley

Siegel's Cottonwood Farm
9/26 - 11/1
800-304-3276
17250 Weber Road, Crest Hill

Raven's Grin Inn
9/28 - 11/1
815-244-4746
411 N. Carroll Street, Mount Carroll

Chicagoween
10/1 - 10/31
312-744-3370
Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington, Chicago

The Children’s Farm Pumpkin Patch
10/1 - 10/31
708-361-3650
12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park

Franken Plaza
10/1 - 10/31
312-744-3370
Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington, Chicago

Diane Ladley's Historic Ghost Tours
10/1 - 11/15
630-978-7033
Quigley's Irish Pub, 42 E. Jefferson Street, Naperville

Eleventh Hour Haunted House
10/2 - 10/31
847-439-2650
Bertholds Garden Center, 434 Devon, Elk Grove Village

The Fear Haunted House
10/2 - 11/1
773-THE-FEAR
Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago

Apple Festival
10/2 - 10/4
847-634-0888
Long Grove (Routes 53 and 83)

Ghost Tours of Naperville with Kevin Frantz
10/2 - 10/31
630-205-2664
Central Park, 36 S. Washington Street, Naperville

Lambs Farm Haunted Harvest
10/2 - 10/31
847-362-4636
14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville

Ditka Haunted Mansion and The Asylum 13
10/2 - 10/31
630-739-7600
730 N. Bolingbrook Drive, Bolingbrook

Richardson Corn Maze
10/2 - 10/31
815-675-9729
9407 Richardson Road, Spring Grove

2009 Oktoberfest Celebration
10/3
847-367-3700
Vernon Hills Metra Station, 75 Route 45, Vernon Hills

Chicago Country Music Festival
10/3 - 10/4
312-744-3370
Grant Park, Jackson Blvd & Columbus Drive, Chicago

City of Chicago Halloween Activities
10/3 - 10/31
312-742-7529
Chicago Parks, see website or call for location near you

Fright Fest at Six Flagst
10/3 - 11/1
847-249-INFO
Six Flags Great America, 542 N Route 21, Gurnee

Lombard Jaycees Haunted House
10/8 - 10/31
email for info
1000 N. Rowhling Road, Lombard

Crypts of Campana, A Factory of Fear
10/9 - 10/31
email for info
901 N. Batavia Avenue, Batavia

Scarecrow Festival
10/9 - 10/11
800-777-4373
Downtown St. Charles

Autumn On the Fox Art and Craft Show
10/9 - 10/11
800-777-4373
Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Avenue, St. Charles

Scream Scene
10/9 - 10/31
847-674-1500
Oakton Park, 4701 Oakton Street, Skokie

Trail of Scream & Fear Asylum
10/9 - 11/1
815-965-6772
1006 W. Lincoln Avenue, Belvidere

Screamatorium & Fear Fest
10/9 - 11/1
815-965-6772
6512 Manchester Road, South Beloit

Fall Fest & Adventure Race
10/10
847-395-6342
William E. Brook Bandshell, Downtown Antioch

Pumpkin Trolley
10/10 - 10/18
847-697-4676
Fox River Trolley Museum, 365 S. LaFox, South Elgin

Haunt 31
10/10 - 10/31
847-732-6373
340 S. Annandale Drive, Lake in the Hills

St. Pat's Haunted High School
10/11 - 10/31
815-347-3003
Aquinas Catholic Academy, 366 E. Hickory, Kankakee

Brookfield Jaycees Haunted House
10/15 - 10/31
708-387-4695
Jaycee Ehlert Park, 4315 Park Ave, Brookfield

Haunted Halloween Happening
10/16
630-784-6100
Aldrin Community Center, 391 Illini Drive, Carol Stream

The Hair Razor Maze
10/16 - 10/31
773-792-3077
St. Thecla Church, 6725 W. Devon Ave, Chicago

Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour
10/16 - 10/31
630-513-6200
Citywide event, 8 North Avenue, St. Charles

St. Matthew Haunted House
10/16 - 10/31
847-438-7709
24500 N. Old McHenry Road, Hawthorn Woods

Fall Family Fun Fest
10/17
847-438-5500
Village Hall, 2 Lagoon Drive, Hawthorne Woods

Oktoberfest
10/17 - 10/18
847-634-0888
Historic Village, Route 59 & 83, Long Grove

Midnight Circus
10/23 - 10/31
312-744-3370
Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington, Chicago

Haunting in the Valley
10/23 - 10/24
847-985-2100
Spring Valley, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg

Order of the Arrow's Haunted Hike
10/23 - 10/24
847-824-6859
Methodist Campground, 2000 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines

20th District Haunted House
10/23 - 10/25
312-742-8770
CPD 20th District, 5400 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago

Halloween Happening Parade
10/24
312-744-3370
150 N. State Street, Chicago

Haunted Trolley
10/30 - 10/31
847-697-4676
Fox River Trolley Museum, 365 S. LaFox, South Elgin

Adding something to our schedule!

2009-09-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

Having 5 girls is sometimes a juggling act. These three to school, those two stay home, that one does pre-k, that one does not, those two to soccer, that one needs more art supplies, those two need a nap....you get the idea! And I am sure some of your lists are MUCH longer! I have a feeling that we have just begun this hectic go go go lifestyle! But why do parents do these things? How do they choose which activites to run to? In my opinion...that has alot to do with where your treasure lies...but that is another topic!

In an effort to provide more wholesome activities and events for our girls and to expose them to things that are "out of the livingroom" we are signing K1 and K2 up for 4H. K3 will also go and will be involved in Cloverbuds until she is 8 when she is eligable for regular 4H.

Maybe you have heard of 4H? If so, you probably think just what Sean and I did at first..."isn't 4H for farm children?"

As a short answer...no! There are so many different things that you can learn about in 4H and famliy participation is definatly needed...especially when you are working with 8 year olds! This can provide my girls with some of the things(cooking, dog training, butterflies, etc.)that they are already interested in, at a deeper level! And we are excited to get started!

Here is a link to the 4H site in case you were interested in learning more! http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/state4h/

So my question...how do you choose which activities/sports/programs your children participate in? Do they ask? Do you watch them to see if specific skills are present???

Adventures in Odyssey- Safe, Fun and Focused!

2009-09-29T16:41:00.000-07:00

Maybe you don't know all about Adventures in Odyssey.

Adventures in Odyssey presents original audio stories brought to life by actors who make you feel like part of the experience. These fictional, character-building dramas are created by an award-winning team that uses storytelling to teach lasting truths.

I have listened to many of these episodes and I and highly recommend them for kids ranging from 6 years on up(some of you might have exceptional 4 and 5 year olds...but mine are squirmy)

Today I stumbled upon a great website for those of you who are interested in sharing this show with your kids. http://www.whitsend.org/

Every day they put on a different FREE story to listen to on your computer. Today's story was on manners/judgement and the seven deadly sins.

In addition to the radio show, I also purchased the series pictured above from christianbook.com. I picked this particular one b/c the specific episodes that it features aren't ones that we are going to find on the free broadcast, AND mostly because I hope to implement the principles taught to bring Godly perspective to the every day things. Once we are done with them we would be happy to borrow them out to another family :)

Pre-K First Day!

2009-09-29T08:52:00.001-07:00

Today was Gracie's first day at Pre-K! She didn't qualify for the "at risk" program which is REALLY great! And because there are too many 4 year olds, she didn't qualify for the "pre-k for all" program either.(probably next year) So! She is at our local high schools pre-k program! Every one of my girls have done one year in this program. It is a great way to expose the high school students who are interested in early childhood development to pre-k'ers while exposing the pre-k'ers to many different teachers. This is all head up by the child development teacher who certainly is qualified to teach all of the pre-k'ers all by herself(they take 15 in this program)

Gracie was so excited to go to school! Here she is with her new tote!

And how is Kendell you might ask??? Well...I took this photo right after we got in the car to leave. Her reaction "where my gracie?" Have no fear, she has gotten over it ;)

Photo Vinyl- Take 2!!!! :)

2009-09-21T11:56:00.001-07:00

I GOT IT!!!!!!! What is it??? My custom photo vinyl order of course!

It is 2 feet by 2 feet and only costs $29.95! How great is that???

The quality is great! The vinyl is very durable and easy to wipe down to clean, and I can't wait to order more!

So...what do you think??? Cool? Interesting?

Small kids in the BIG league!

2009-09-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

Kellyn and Kiara were born at 35 weeks 5 days. They were 5lbs 5oz. and 5lbs. 9oz. T-I-N-Y! In fact, Kiara went home from the hospital just three days later at 4lbs. 12 oz. This all happened in the dead of winter...crazy right? And yet I had them to church only a few short days later b/c I wanted to celebrate with those around me their long awaited birth.

They have worn slim jeans since they got into a size that "had" slim jeans! They often outgrew the height long before the waist and I was SO thankful when I discovered adjustable waists!

Last year they started playing soccer. They would run after that darn ball with everything inside of them, but did NOT have the skill to be considered "good". They did have something that the other kids didn't have though...the ability to just keep going! If you have never seen a 6-8 year old soccer game then you have no idea what I am talking about but as expected after awhile of excersize some children just s.t.o.p. They stop moving and start watching the ball go past them. My girls NEVER did that. They weren't great, but they were certainly driven to try.

By the end of last season(this spring), they had improved their skills and they got pretty darn good! I enjoyed watching their games and would call Sean if he wasn't there to tell him stuff like "they weren't afraid to kick the ball away from the other team" or "you should have seen them, they are just getting so good!". I was impressed with their ability to stick with something that didn't seem to just "comet to them" easily in the beginning of the season.

This season they have moved up a level in soccer. They are now playing with 8-10 year olds...yep 10!!!!! year olds!(why does that seem so old?) They are back to the akward feeling out stage and I am nervous that they are going to get discouraged and want to quit or not go to practice. But they won't. I know that even if they lose EVERY single game or NEVER score a goal this season, they will stick with it. And I am so very proud!

I am amazed how God teaches us through our children, and I am blessed to have been taught by my 8 year olds.

I often want to stop something because it isn't working RIGHT away. I often get discouraged, mad at myself and throw a tissy fit because well...I can! I am reminded today of those girls on a soccer field running after that ball and even though it might get kicked the other way...they turn and run after it again. Praises to HIM for this lesson of endurance!

Making it easy!

2009-09-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

Once again Uppercase has launched a new promotion to support its demonstrators! I can't be happier! When I joined Uppercase Living as a demonstrator 19 months ago, we didn't have too many promotions. We had some pretty great ones...but they were certainly not as frequent as they are now.

Starting today not only is our brand new mini catalog launching(if you requested one...it is in the mail), BUT if you host an Uppercase Living Party (9/15-10/15) you will automatically get a bump up in hostess credit! SWEEEEEET! This is available on regular parties OR catalog parties! I LOVE being able to get my hostesses their wish list for next to nothing! In fact the hostess that I just worked with on Sunday is receiving over $150 off her order!!! She is using her credit to buy Christmas gifts, which I am sure will certainly help out!

It is so nice to feel supported by the company that you represent!

My first Photo Vinyl purchase!

2009-09-03T07:44:00.000-07:00

I placed my first photo vinyl order a few days ago. I am SO excited to see it in person and show everyone the capabilities of this high quality product! We have two different photo vinyl options. The first is contour cut and the second is not cut, so it is like a regular photo, but made of re-useable vinyl. I bought a 2' x 2' of the picture below. It was only $29.95 which I think is pretty amazing considering they are taking your photo and making it into reuseable art...really a good frame costs much more than that AND that is without the photo! So this is a start. I am thinking of doing one of each girl at this stage in b & w next to each other. I think it will be a great statement AND when we move I don't have to worry about where it will go...it will go with me when I peel it off the wall and put it back on the backing paper for storage!

Now if I could only keep the girls this small forever!

Photo Vinyl!

2009-09-02T11:38:00.001-07:00

Check this out!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37ZKIRO5uOQ

Today's Message

2009-08-30T16:54:00.001-07:00

Today's message at Willow by Darren Whitehead was about believing. Well...that's what it was titled but it was really more based on the whole Matthew 7:7-12 passage.

7 ¶ aAsk, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask for bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

I walked away remembering a few things...and maybe some of you can help me process through my thoughts...

1. God wants to bless our lives in ways that we can't even imagine.
2. I am too selfish to stop what I am doing and ASK him to change what I think is just going the "normal" way in life.
3. If I were to ask for the desires of my heart, would that be selfish?
4. What isn't selfish to ask for?

I mean...this got really complicated for me, and I don't think that Darren intended people to get confused. But I struggle.

Does God want us to just ask that he heals Sean's ankle? OR for the surgery to just be scheduled already? I know that I have prayed time and time again(fully believing)for Sean's ankle to just be "fixed", for God to take the one thing that plagues Sean's mind and body and bless his socks off by taking that pain away. And yet, I know that God's timing is perfect AND that he hasn't left our sides during this frustrating process. But was it selfish to ask?

What about my business??? Is it selfish for me to ask God to increase the number of customers or work that I have? I LOVE my job...and I am not just saying that. I really do have a certain passion for helping people change their homes or their lives through providing income for their families. But is that what God really wants from me? Sometimes I feel so out of balance when I am running ragged from party to party. It does help me cherish the time that I have with my little ones but is it selfish to ask for him to bless me through my workload?

What about us buying a home? I know that he has provided us the home that we have now. Why am I not content? Is it selfish for me to ask him to provide a larger home where we are not running all over each other?

The problem is... the things that I am asking him for feel worldly(except for Sean's ankle)...and I know that he also says to be content! I am just so confused. I want to ask God and not forget his promises but also "not be selfish about it". Does that make sense?

Chalkwall...ALL THE RAGE! :)

2009-08-29T20:50:00.000-07:00

Remember when I mentioned that Uppercase Living had a great new promotion...that was for a limited time...chalkwall??? WELL!!!! It is now one of our number 1 sellers and is here to stay! There are so many things that you can do with chalkwall! Our great cutout kits are perfect for a pre-teen room, dorm room or playroom! Our organizational kits are great for kitchens, refrigerators and offices and the blank chalkwall is just the thing to add a personal touch to! These are GREAT!!!!!! And the best part...THEY ARE REUSEABLE! So...if you don't like them where they are...move them! :)

Two 3's and a 1

2009-08-27T21:05:00.001-07:00

My how they grow. I know...I don't need to tell you, but lately I have been thinking more and more about when they were babies. How they wiggled, made grunting noises, moved their mouths towards food. They are SO big and I realize this problem can only get worse! :) I realize that if I feel today like I am letting them go...in about 10 years I will feel devestated by the fact that I have to allow them to leave this nest. I love these girls. Oh goodness...I want to slow time so that I can cherish every second with them, and yet I am sure those who have gone before me feel the same way. Here we go again. I praise God for their healthy bodies, clear minds and kind spirits. They are truly wonderful little girls!

I.got.the.upgrade.

2009-08-24T17:35:00.001-07:00

Holy Smokes! I can't even believe it!

Uppercase just released it's Summer 09 newsletter and I was starting to read through it...when I got to page 10 I realized that my NAME WAS ON THE CABIN UPGRADE LIST!!!!!!! HOLY SMOKES!

I know...big deal right???

Well....a few stats. 21 demonstrators even earned cruise. 5 got an upgrade... 1000's of demonstrators across the country...

HOLY SMOKES! I can't believe it!

9 years! Say What????

2009-08-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is our 9 year anniversary(yes...I remembered this year!). I still can't believe how time has flown! Together we have been through twins, job loss, car trouble, living in a tiny apartment, debt repayment, struggling to make ends meet, pregnancy after pregnancy after one more pregnancy!, moving, extended family issues, injury, disability, church changes, and most recently landlord issues. Whew! Sounds like alot! But honestly those were the struggles and I truly believe that "every true stregnth is gained through struggle", and "God is present in every struggle".

So today I reflect on the fact that God has never left us. He brought us together and has blessed us each day along the way.

Love you babe!

I love these kids! :)

2009-08-08T23:00:00.000-07:00

Even the big one!

And in March 2011 I will be...

2009-08-07T17:05:00.000-07:00

on an all-inclusive trip to the exotic Barcelo Maya Palace Deluxe resort in the Mayan Riviera!

Yep, you guessed it!!! This is the next trip for UL demonstrators who earn it! I am thrilled. This seems so fun, so inviting, so warm!

Here is some more info about the location-

Barcelo Maya Palace All Inclusive is situated on the Mayan Riviera, nine miles from Xcaret (theme park), and 45 miles from Cancun International Airport. This location is also 13 miles from Playa del Carmen, 16 miles from Xel-Ha, 20 miles from Tulum (Mayan ruins), and 90 miles from Cancun. The property's amenities include the meals and snacks, beverages, watersports, snorkeling (one hour a day), kayaks, tennis, basketball, miniature golf, salsa dancing lessons, daily shows, and use of the swimming pool, spa tub, beach and pool chaise lounges, and kids' club. Motorized watersports, scuba diving, spa and beauty services, laundry and dry cleaning, airport transfers, premium beverages, business services, and babysitting are available for a fee. A buffet-style restaurant, and 3 a la carte restaurants are also available on site. Barcelo Maya Palace guests have access to the whole Barcelo Maya complex and may use any of the pools, restaurant or public areas they desire. Other amenities on property include children's pool with a slide in a water park, a fitness center, an 18-hole miniature golf course, seven lighted tennis courts and two lighted multi-sport courts, a business center, and a discotheque. Gift shops are located in the lobby. All rooms feature modern decoration in bright colors, air-conditioning, cable TV, in-room movies, minibars, coffeemakers, complimentary bottled water, bathrobes, voicemail, dataports, sofas, and balconies or terraces. Bathrooms are large, well lit and are finished in marble. Closets are spacious and in room safes are available.

Back! And Thrilled!

2009-08-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

to have a new catalog to offer! I can't even believe how many of our requests were met by our company! This catalog will be so easy to sell and my hostesses are going to be so happy that they will get their wish lists for free or half price! Here are just a few photos from the convention!

Gonna miss...

2009-07-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

this and

this and

this and

maybe these

but definatly not this!

Don't worry girls, only three sleeps and we will be home to see you! You are in good hands with those whom you love and love you! We will see you soon! xoxo mom and dad

S.h.e.e.r Dee-light!

2009-07-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than actually capturing non posed sheer delight! Those are the photos that you will actually cherish long after the nicely framed ones have made it to your walls. The natural laughter so captivating that you can hear it!

When things get quiet...worry!

2009-07-20T19:37:00.001-07:00

Look what Grace can do to Kendell!!!! It's a good thing we can't find any scissors in our house...or maybe she has stashed them! :)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-15T10:00:00.001-07:00

Don't blink

2009-07-14T08:49:00.001-07:00

Moving from worry to motion

2009-07-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

I have to admit...I am a dreamer.

I dream about what things will be like, look like, feel like, smell like...

So when I imagine us in a house that honestly...would be a dream house for us, I can't help but imagine my life within those walls.

But today I feel different.

I have been praying for God's peace regardless of the outcome because he says that he will take care of our needs. He says so. So, if I really am who I say I am, then I need to rest in that. And model that for my children while reminding them that mommy is SO not perfect and worries about things that God has under control.

So when I was confronted with a John verse(sorry...I am not great with references) yesterday, it hit me like a ton of bricks..."I have come that you may have life and that you may have it to the full" and a question popped into my head. So...if he says that he will supply our needs and that he came to give us life to the full...what does that mean for things that we WANT! And...why do I feel selfish for wanting a big house for our children. Is that selfish? Do we have to live like mouses as Christians?

For those who have gone before us...

2009-07-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

buying a house. I would love to hear that you made it through with no stress...but I am guessing that if you are human, there was at least a little stress!

I am walking a line between being secure in God's provision for our lives and being petrified of this process. One side is calm...one side is anxiety driven! I am not kidding...PETRIFIED!

It would help to know that we had an unlimited amount of time in the house that we are in now...but that isn't the case. Our landlord is going to let our house go into forcloseure.(sp?) because to put it nicely...he is an alcholic whose wife has left him and has basically lost just about everything. It is a hard situation. I am trying to not be angry about it. We have been loyal to our landlord. We have never been late on a rent check and to find out that he has decided to "drink" our money is sad. His life hangs in the balance and although I am pretty angry at the situation, I pray that he will seek God for a greater direction in his life.

So...we ask for prayer. I know that buying a house isn't really a catastrophic problem. It doesn't even rank when it comes to the blessings that we have in our life. Our children are healthy, we both have jobs, we are striving to improve our marriage on a daily basis and we have God at the center of our lives and of our home. So...where is he going to be the center? We pray that it is the house that we are interested in. We pray that the plan includes the house that we think would be perfect for our family.

And we rest in the fact that he has said that he has a plan and it is for good. Not to harm.

Summers Past and Present

2009-07-06T11:35:00.001-07:00

2007- May

2008- 4th of July

2009- July 3rd

Garden Update July 5th

2009-07-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

Here are a few updated photos from our garden. I am thrilled with the growth and have already enjoyed our lettuce greens many times! If you don't plant lettuce...you should! It replenishes over and over and is very easy to grow. Plus you can pretty much layer the plants really tight together and they still thrive. I don't think that I will grow cucumbers next year. There is somthing eating the leaves and it is rather frustrating...and the dill that I was hoping would grow...like a weed has also been eaten. Grrrrrrrr.... oh well. I can't complain b/c there are so many wonderful things growing!

My very first snap pea of the season...I am hoping for MANY more!

Beets, Salad greens, and the vine is a pumpkin plant

Our herbs have grown!

Zuchinni, and the pumpkins are running over the side and into the yard.

The tomatoes have taken over this area!

What's done is done! Happy July 1st!

2009-07-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

Our Uppercase Living "year" is officially over! I earned cruise which is the companies highest honor and don't know yet if I am within the top 5 who get the upgrade yet. We will see.

Today starts a new year! I am SO excited to have a new catalog coming out in a few short weeks and can't wait to start getting my display items purchased so I can change out my "box".

I am also SO excited to go to Anaheim in a few weeks. Sean and I will be heading out the last week in July so that I can go to UL convention and he can hit the beaches! I get the opportunity to go to a leadership dinner inside Disney and bring Sean to the awards evening. There is training, projects, and awards to be had and I am SO excited!

So...I will be starting a new ticker for this year. I don't even know where the cruise will be in 2011 but I will be earning it!!!! The challenge is to earn it PRIOR to my earn date this year of May 27th. That will be tricky but...not un-manageable!

Random Photo- File 5, photo 3

2009-06-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

Want to play along???? Open up your photos, and select your fifth file, third photo in and post away!!! It will be interesting to see what we can come up with!

Update on Sean's ankle.

2009-06-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know us "in real life" know that Sean(my husband) has been injured and in pain for three years now. He is a tower climber who tore a ligament when he was climbing a tricky tower. We have been through so pretty hard things together but I think this has been the worst trial for him. We didn't "lawyer up" because we knew that he wasn't lying about the pain that he was in and the injuries that he had(he was in a cast in the beginning).

Well...fast forward to today. The workers comp. case is still tied up with the lawyers and Sean's ankle has become even less stable. He decided to just go to a doctor on our insurance after he fell numerous times in one day. He saw that doctor today AND GOOD NEWS!!!!!! We think that there is now a reliable plan to get his pain under control and hopefully the surgery needed will be minimal.

Please continue to pray for Sean. He will be trying physical therapy as a first step towards the scope surgery. We are fairly certain that the physical therapy will NOT bring much relief. He has had physical therapy after getting his cast off and it didn't make any major pain changes. He is hoping the process towards surgery will not take long.

We so appreciate all of you who have asked and have prayed for us during this time. It is so difficult to see him in pain on a daily basis and wondering just how much ibuprofen is safe for an adult male to take.

Thank you!

P.S.- Kyle has a girlfriend

2009-06-21T21:08:00.001-07:00

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

2009-06-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

Ahem...

It has been brought to my attention that some of you *ahem* readers would appreciate if I updated my blog more frequently well... considering I see those of you who are complaining on a semi-regular basis(and you have my phone number) I thought I would give you a few reasons why I have not been keeping you up to speed.

1. Summer. Enough said...life for me has changed again! And...you know how I am with change. It actually alters my life!!!!! Tomorrow we will start our regular summer schedule(morning school work while I clean, playgroup for K1 and K2 in the afternoon while K3 and I spend some time together and K4 and K5 take a nap) Ahhh...life is going to be better tomorrow!

2. June. This is the end of my Uppercase year. With that being said I am in a 9 party stretch and actually have 10 parties to submit prior to June 30th at midnight...now that's pressure! So, that means that the time that I would rather be talking to all of you is spent on the phone or emailing my customers and hostesses. Again...I am blessed!

3. I am boring. Sometimes I just don't feel like I have anything great or interesting to say...like this post for example. It isn't the "breaking news" that I have been reading on some of my friends blogs.

4. Gardening. The garden is doing well but is beckoning me to "tend" to it daily. It's ok...I forgive the garden. I love it!

5. Grandma. For those of you who don't know...grandma moved in a few doors down and we have been spending some leisure time with her. It has been great!

So there you have it folks! 5 great...ok good...ok fair...reasons why I have been neglecting you! I would feel bad, but I would prefer to feel balanced!

Have a great week bloggies!

Commit yourself entirely to God that He may set you free to be everything that He planned.

2009-06-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

I want to trust in You with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding; in all my ways I will acknowledge You, and You will make my paths straight(Prov. 3:5-6). For you know the plans You have for me, Lord. Plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me a hope and a future(Jer. 29:11).
I desire to dwell in the shelter of You, the Most High. I will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of You, Lord, "You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust"(Ps.91:1-2)
Faithful Lord, becuase You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings. My sould clings to You, and Your right hand upholds me(Ps. 63:7-8)

Goodbye Kindergarten

2009-06-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

It looks like Kyla's reaction to change is just about the same as her momma's. We were both in tears as she came off the bus this afternoon. I am just amazed at how much 9 months can change a child. She went to school with long hair, all her teeth and a sense of nervousness that was noticed by all. She came off the bus so longing to be with her teacher forever that she blurted out "I want to stay at my school with my friends". I can't help but feel the same way. Her teacher was fantastic, her friends were fun and my heart just wants to freeze time.

I might be biased but she is just the kind of child that any momma would be lucky to parent. She is a writer, reader, learner, smiler, friend, silly goose, leader, singer, artist, protector, and cuddler. And I am terribly proud of this girl.

Update 6/8/09

2009-06-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

I apoligize for my absence. There is alot going on here lately and I haven't been able to keep up with the blog. So...just to fill you in on a few things.

The big girls are almost done with school(they are done on Thursday). They will be starting their summer schedule on Friday and all three of them will be going to the playground program starting on the 22nd. They are pretty excited!

Kellyn and Kiara just finished soccer last Saturday. We are so proud of them! This was their first year and they had made such improvement from the beginning of the year! We are looking for soccer camps for the summer(just to complicate life right???) to supplement their fall/spring season.

My grandma has moved to Woodstock and is actually literally about 50 feet from my door! It has been nice to be able to walk over and talk with her from time to time. She has also started her job at a dimensia care center in McHenry. God has provided for her and we are thankful!

Sean is in alot of pain lately. Please pray for him. He is discouraged by the process that we are still in for his ankle. We would also appreciate prayer for a company that Sean wants to start. He will stay with his current company AND start the new company. This would be a HUGE supplement to our income and blessing to our family. He needs some guidance with the steps that it takes to start a company by himself, which I am praying for.

I have been pretty busy with Uppercase. I feel very blessed to have earned my FREE cruise! There are typically only about 50 people in the entire company who earn it and to have been #6 is a true sign of God's blessing in our lives. I love selling UL and can't wait to enjoy the reward for the hard work. In addition to my UL schedule, I have been busy in the garden(I will post pictures soon), working out in the rec, and started with a new small group. I have also finished up my marketday for the year and resigned from my vice presidency for the PTO at Olson. I will still continue to go to meetings and chair marketday and the fall fundraiser, but I didn't think it would be a good idea to commit to another year as an officer.

Sean and I went to see houses on Saturday and are both pretty in love with one of them. I would REALLY appreciate prayer in this for us. I am scared to death and actually sick to my stomach about this process and need to know that God is in our decision.(if that makes sense)

I think that is about it...have a great week!!!!

Where have I been???? Here's a hint!

2009-05-23T15:01:00.001-07:00

Our front porch with the new planter that Sean built me! :)

A row of newly planted lettuce seeds.

Our first pumpkin plant.

My herb garden.

My mothers day gift from sean. Two raised planters and a few days later, the dirt to fill them!

Do you use this memory card for your camera???

2009-05-19T07:45:00.001-07:00

My dad is doing a giveway on his blog. Go check it out! You might be able to win one of the 6 memory cards for your camera.

http://nikonsniper.blogspot.com/2009/05/400-nikonsniper-followers-today.html

Do you have these items?

2009-05-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

If you do...you can clean your toilet!

Here is the "recipe"

1/2 cup baking soda
1/4 cup white vinegar
(optional) 10 drops tea tree essential oil

Combine all ingredients. Just add to the bowl, swipe with a brush, and you're done!!!!

Now...next question for those of you who already knew this!(I know there are some of you out there)

Where do you find BORAX locally? Is it at Jewel? I found the washing soda, fels naptha(sp?) bar soap, vinegar and baking soda at Meijer(you can obviously get the baking soda and vinegar anywhere). My essential oils are coming in the mail from amazon.com(8 pack, $20 shipped...I thought it wasn't bad) I also still need glycerine soap and liquid castile soap. Any ideas?

Happy Monday cleaning ladies! :) P.S.-I haven't forgotten my "real me mondays"...I have to take the picture! Don't worry...it is still quite easy to find something REAL!

Mod Flowers are in!

2009-05-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

Here are a few designs using some of our Uppercase Living flowers! I think they are pretty fun! I don't have a mod house or mod style but there is something appealing about the color combonations and flare!

Also, our new SUMMER SPLASH is coming SOON!!! I sent out an informational email to my customer base. If I missed you and you want the details, comment with your email address!

Happy Decorating!!! :)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-13T05:32:00.001-07:00

Tuesday's Toesies!!!

2009-05-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

Real Me Monday- Piles Edition!

2009-05-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

Hello my name is Erin and I am a piler! Here is the evidence!

A few photos from our walk

2009-05-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

From my window I can see...

2009-05-09T17:29:00.001-07:00

P.S.-Dad...name these birds(mostly the top ones....)

Update from Ga to the lena

2009-05-09T14:07:00.000-07:00

This is the tree topper that we are staying in.

This is where we had breakfast this morning. YUM-OH!

I met the owner of this store at a UL party that I did in Streamwood. The store is full of spices and is amazing!!!

See how cool the spices are???? They last up to 9 months in these pouches if you push all the air out of the pouch.

This guy was pretty cool too!

Who can go to Galena without stopping in at the Galena Cellers???

We got the "kitchen sink" popcorn.

This is hands down my favorite store. So many different childrens things, stamping stuff, and art supplies. This trip we picked up a pack of 4 journals and a "make you own natural cleaning products" book. Now I have the recipes for fabric softner!!!! EXCITING RIGHT???

Spring in full BLOOM!!!!

2009-05-07T06:15:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-06T09:40:00.001-07:00

A Summer Plan!

2009-05-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

Here comes summe!!! I am thrilled??? scared???? overwhelmed??? by the thought that yet another schedule change is fast approaching.

Ever since the girls started school I have worried that summer lazyness will take away all that they learned during the school year. In fact, I am all in favor of year round school because of it! I have a conversation in my head every year about this time...it goes like this...

Thought 1-"The girls can't forget what they have learned"

Thought 2-"But it is summer...isn't summer about fun?"

Thought 3-"But what about when they start school again...it won't be fun to catch up"

Thought 4- "Ok...fine...but what is too much fun vs. too much work"

And on and on it goes.(Maybe that is why I am on anti-anxiety meds)

So here is "the plan" for the moment... And actually most of "the plan" was brought on by one of the twins second grade teacher insisting that twin b keep up her reading and writing because she is just at grade level in those areas.

The "work" part-

I have ordered the summer bridge books for all but Kendell. I know that some kids do not like the summer bridge books but my girls(especially Kyla) love the worksheets. If they didn't I don't know if I would bother with them.

30-minutes of reading each weekday. This shouldn't be too hard. We do this during the school year(and try to remember the weekends too!) I would like to know if any of you have experience with the books above??? We don't have any Christian series books for the girls...and I have to say that I am MORE THAN FRUSTRATED...with the amount of witch, fairy, strange...books that are out there. If someone is interested in trading some chapter books with us, we would be more than happy! In fact, that would be great! We have a good selection of books that we have already read. I do realize that we can go to the library and we will...but I thought I would throw the suggestion out there!

Journaling. I don't think I am going to put a time frame on this. I do know that writing every day(again...we will try to remember weekends), is just as important for my girls as the reading is. So, we will be journaling...about things that happen, what we are reading, our family, friends etc. AND...we will be journaling about...

FROGS!!!!

I ordered a tadpole kit from insectlore.com. It is a great rescourse for life cycle projects. With our kit we get mondo(is mondo a word???) tadpoles, a lilypad growing kit, everything that you need to house and grow the tadpoles and the lifestages models. This will be great b/c the kids can also draw the stages as the tadpoles grow. We did the ladybug stages during the summer when the twins were going to be going in to kindergarten and they just loved it! It was great to talk aobut our observations, draw pictures and learn the vocabulary that goes along with the stages. If you have never checked out the insectlore website you should! It is great!

The FUN STUFF!!!!

-The twins will be going to playground program. Playground program is pretty much a day camp(afternoon) which is part of our city's recreation department. The three oldest girls went last year(morning) and they loved it! I am not sure if Kyla will go this year...she would be going to morning all by herself and is telling me that she doesn't want to go, I might "force" her to go to get her out of her comfort zone...sometimes she needs a gentle push so that she sees that what she thought was scary...just isn't.

-Library Program- We are blessed to have such a wonderful summer reading program at our city library. There are incentives that go hand in hand with our regular reading program...some of those include, prizes, topical "classes" about fun stuff!, a pool party, and even a FREE play out our town's Opera House. The program is FREE and we have been doing it for years. All the kids will be involved in this program this year. Kyla is actually really looking forward to this!

-Camping- Easy enough...we have one trip planned already and will plan at least one more. With my schedule it is difficult to block off weekends.

-Soccer- The twins are already in soccer and will continue as the finish up their spring season. I am still trying to find something that will work well for Kyla as she has said..."Mom, I don't want to do soccer, that's what the twins do". So...I am working on it! :)

Other than that...I think we will play the rest by ear! I already have 7 parties booked for June, a trip to California planned for July, and I am sure will come back to more work in August. Now that I planned work AND fun for the girls...what do I do about myself???

Real Me Monday- Garden Edition

2009-05-04T14:32:00.000-07:00

Yet another thing that I am going to keep real! My skill with gardening! I can pretty much kill just about anything...case in point.

These were roses...

A pearl of great price

2009-04-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many of you know about this site but I feel compelled to tell you about it. I happened upon it after searching through some blogs about trisomy 18. I would much rather prefer that our friend was carrying a healthy baby girl, but unfortunatly baby Olivia has challenges that only a miracle would solve. Our God is faithful and I am cleaving to the fact that his word says that HE has a plan and it is for GOOD.

So in the interium I found this site.------>HERE

It was the only website that I could find that offered help to those who choose to follow God's plan for their babies lives.

Apparently those who choose to carry a baby with less than perfect odds of being "perfect" are rare. I pray specifically for those of you who have chosen to do the right thing. I pray that God covers your choice with his love and comforts you with his Holy hand. And I pray above all that you never lose hope. That you know that God can choose to heal your babies but can also choose to heal them by bring them to himself. Oh what a day! When you can see your babies fully healed! When you can hold them in your arms and know that the Lord and Creator has restored what was once held within you.

So this is why I choose to tithe to string of pearls. I tithe to them in the name of baby Olivia. Without her...I wouldn't have a clue that such an organization existed. Blessings to you!

cool!

2009-04-29T11:51:00.001-07:00

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Ms.Eurodam!

2009-04-28T18:36:00.000-07:00

The boat

The plan

The dream upgrade(top 5 demonstrators only!)

There is nothing greater...

2009-04-27T21:40:00.001-07:00

than a two year old in a tu tu!!!!

Real Me Monday-Car Edition

2009-04-27T21:38:00.000-07:00

yep...even my car has clutter!

Birthday Party Recap!

2009-04-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

Here are a few from Kendell's birthday party yesterday evening! As you can see she had quite the time opening the presents and enjoying the time spent with her family!

In our house...there is a rule. Stay on the carpet while the birthday girl opens the gifts! The "non" birthday girls are always trying to steal the thunder!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

2009-04-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

Man...I love this blue eyed beauty! Happy 2nd Birthday Kendell Seana!!!

Say WHAT??????

2009-04-24T22:05:00.000-07:00

2009-04-24T06:27:00.000-07:00

This week has been great! Sean was home all week and we still had the usual soccer practice/game to attend. In addition to the "usuals" we celebrated Kendell's birthday with Sean's parents and gave her a new bike!

Here are Kellyn and Kiara making the cake for Kendell's celebration! Yummy Mississippi Mud Cake!

Here are a few pictures from the park! It was finally nice enough to spend some time outside!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-22T06:40:00.000-07:00

Eights

2009-04-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

Eights

I've been tagged by Hollie and Stephanie in a little game called "Eights".

8 things I am looking forward to:

1. Hitting my 100% for my cruise.
2. Going away with Sean to Galena in a few weeks.
3. Summer!!!!!
4. Gardening.
5. Being out of debt.
6. ANAHEIM, Mickey Mouse and Convention!
7. Working this weekend!
8. Kyle coming home.

8 things I did yesterday:
1. took my antibiotic
2. changed Kendell's diapers
3. read some of "The Shack"
4. worked on hostess packets
5. caught up on my work from being sick.
6. listened to Kyla read
7. watched the baby team play with the Dora house
8. watched tv with Sean.

8 things I wish:

1. I wish the kids were in bed :)
2. I wish my husband didn't have to work so much.
3. I wish Kellyn didn't have to wear glasses.
4. I wish summer felt closer.
5. I wish I didn't have strep.
6. I wish Samson could neuter himself...
7. I wish people weren't so full of themselves and MEAN!
8. I wish it didn't bother me when they were.

8 shows I watch:

1. The View
2. Oprah
3. Medium
4. Jon and Kate plus 8
5. A baby story
6. Greys Anatomy
7. Private Practice
8. House

8 people I tag:

1. Leah
2. Tara

I think all the rest of my "peeps" have been tagged...Zach if you are out there...you can be tagged too! :)