Crystal and Dave

Well did you guess it? Yup it is my niece Crystal and her boyfriend Dave they got to come for Christmas. We loved having you guys. 

Christmas pie?

Joey is ready for his debut as a "got milk" spoke's person. 

Joseph Christmas Picture

 

Nicholas Christmas picture

 

Christmas

 

Christmas Past?

Christmas I feel came and went so, fast did it really happen? Ok I see my guys with the gifts they got and are so happy with, another electronics year here. Joshua got a couple of books and games, movies, Nicholas got a little TV with DVD player for his bedroom and a King Kong game for the Xbox, Joey got a new game-boy Micro for his favorite present along with roller-blades and a game, and all got the traditional Christmas Eve jammies. Now all of the lights are coming down and decorations I know it is usually that time but I am taking it down kicking and screaming because I am not ready, I love Christmas and so enjoy this time of year. Now on to the next thing that is already out there and in the stores, Everyone ready for Valentines Day?

Hump Day... Wednesday... Year End!

Well this is the last hump day of the year, the last week of the last month.... ok stop going own this philosophical path! The New Year is almost here and what plans do you have for the new year? I am not talking New Years Resolutions I am talking about wishes and dreams. For me it is Charles and I planned on going on a cruse for our 20th Wedding Anniversary, I am still wishing and hoping that it will come true, not holding my breath but none the less still wishing, as we only have 6 months left... LOL I am also wishing to get my piano from my friends house into my own home it has been away on loan for far to long. What is your wish?

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to everyone I hope that you have a very wonderful day filled with lots of love and laughter.

"God Bless us, Everyone"

Thinking......

I must say I am really surprised I have had no comments about the conspiracy theory that I posted, back on my "Thoughts of Thanksgiving post" no discussion, no feed back, no nothin.... I know I have some huge fans in my family and I know it caused quite the thought provoking and discussion in my household. Sheri, Kris, Ken??? Anyone?

Your Eye

Your eye ~amazing pics~
brought to you by Quizilla

~Birthdays~

I know someone who is having a Birthday....
Happy Birthday Sheri
I hope that your day is an awesome adventure for you
and you do something completely out of the ordinary.

Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday and God bless you,
Happy birthday to you.

I love you Sis and I hope your day is one in a million

Trust

The more you trust God,
the more you'll come to know his character,
and to stare in amazement at what he's done in your life,
and wait in anticipation for what he's going to do next.

God is the Sunshine that warms us,
the rain that melts the frost and waters the young plants.
The presence of God is a climate of strong and bracing love, always there.

~Joan Arnold~

We Have.....

We Have Snow, We Have Snow! (Singing and dancing around the room) Oh how we love it when it snows, it is just so beautiful.
Look at this Picture of our area + Gorgeous!

Thoughts of Thanksgiving and Beyond

Here it is the last day of November and I am wondering where the year has gone let alone Thanksgiving. The day started off very nice and relaxing I got up and made scones for my family, (Thanks Mom they were wonderful and very quick and easy) I got the turkey in the oven and started some things that I knew would take longer to cook then I went in and watched the Macy's Thanksgiving parade. In years past I usually only get to see parts of it but this year I wasn't on a timetable so I got to see the parade it makes me smile because I always think of the movie I love to watch Miracle on 34th St. My niece Crystal came by for a visit She has just moved here with her boyfriend (He had to work that day so she came, He was busy protecting our country for the rights and freedoms we enjoy, Thank you Dave). Crystal left around 12:30 then we had Lunch a little while later. This was the first Thanksgiving in 2o years we celebrated with just our family it was so nice and relaxing we took naps later after lunch and watched movies all in all it was a wonderful day. We have always loved being around family with lots of laughter and joking but this year was just different and the whole weekend went that way. We went and saw Harry Potter It was a wonderful movie and probably the best one yet, and very much worth taking the time to go and see. Josh keeps saying he needs to see it again. It was a wonderful weekend. I have a treat for those of you who like conspiracy theory's and have read all of the Harry potter books click here ~

What is the Mystical Land of Your Birth

The Land of Moonlit Magic

You are a siren of the Land of Moonlit Magic. The
moon is your goddess and you follow her with a
mystic eye. You stare up the night sky and
question the world. You are inquisitive and
that is wonderful. You feel most comfortable in
the night air under a cloudless sky. You thrive
under the moonlight.


What is the mystical land of your birth? {13 results with gorgeous anime pics}
brought to you by Quizilla

Here is Dad and the boys

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Here are some pictures from the vist we had from Mom and Dad

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I thought I would play this little game, Thanks Kris.

I ask each of you to choose a letter of the alphabet and answer each of the following with a word/group of words that begins with the letter you've chosen... And as always, thanks for playing! =) I Pick- M (Hey It's my initials)!

1. Name one color- Mustard yellow
2. Name one song- Monster Mash (Halloween was just a couple of weeks ago)
3. Name one movie- My Funny Valentine
4. Name one vehicle-car- Maserati
5. Name one food- Mashed potatoes
6. Name one household item- Microwave
7. Name one book- Misery

Happy Birthday Charles

Happy Birthday Charles, well another year has rolled around and it is Birthday time again, I hope that you are having a wonderful day off lazing around the house with the boys... haha LOL. I do know you are having fun watching movies your favorite thing to do, and the boys are loving it. I do love you very much and I hope that this coming year will be an awesome year.
Happy Birthday again.

Happy Birthday Mom

Yes it was yesterday and although I did send you a card I didn't post about your birthday or "officially, for the world to see" Blog about it. I hope that you had a wonderful day and that you were treated like a Queen. Things are looking up in that area at least for you, sense you quit working at McDonalds at least you are no longer one of those "abused older workers" we hear about. I hope you will have a Wonderful year this next year. I Love you Mom.

Lookie, Lookie

I am so excited we are getting the first snow of the season in the foothills around us and in the Cascades. Wahoo! Snow! I love, Love, Love the fluffy white stuff. The ski resorts are are talking about opening maybe by this weekend. Oo0oh gooodie I hope we get some right at sea level thats me!

Thoughts From Halloween

Well I am sitting here thinking quite fondly or in sadness, I haven't quite decided yet, about our first Halloween.... Ok so it has been 16 years of Halloween's with our children but this was the first year our children went Trick-or-Treating without us. I can remember all of the past years where we have had 3 Musketeers (which has become a Halloween night tradition to watch), Mummy's, Ninja's, Monsters and scientists, and walking dead. Where there were cold fingers, hot steaming chocolate, bumps and bruises, rain, and Blue Moons. The boys decided that they wanted to go Trick-or-Treating without us and that they were old enough to go with friends. I did let them go with some trepidation and my cell phone. We live in a safe neighborhood but hey, you never know. They came back with "loads" of candy and happy smiles. I guess this is where we start chalking this time up to being in "The Days of Our Lives".

Feeding time at the Zoo? LOL

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Here is Joshua... I'm not sure what he is but he reminds me of something out of "the Lord of the Rings"

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Here is Nicholas... I had 2 court jesters

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Here are the pictures from Halloween...Joseph.

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Here is a picture from Joe's birthday, he wanted to go to Red Robin where he was treated of course to singing, balloons, and a hot fudge sundae. =o)

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A few weeks ago I had a visit from Patrice.

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Happy Birthday Joseph

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Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Joseph, my sweet baby, my 11 year old, my young man, my love buggie =o) my stink bug, and my sweet heart I love you very much and I hope that you had a wonderful day. God Blessed me with a son like you.

The World's Creepiest Places

The World's Creepiest Places
by Melinda Allman for the Travel Channel


Ghosts and hauntings. Mysterious disappearances and murderous daughters. Whether it's Halloween or not, most of us enjoy a good, clean scare. What happens, though, if the hauntings are real? When the places appear to remain home to their long-departed guests? Then the fun takes on a whole new meaning; the screams and chills become more than some people can stand. For those who are not faint of heart, though, we've compiled a list--from creepy to creepiest--of some of the most frightening places in the world. Are they real? Are they a sham? You decide!

Links marked with a (*) are available to those with access to MSN Encarta Premium. Learn more.



Bermuda Triangle
Location: Atlantic Ocean
What's cool: Area also called the Devil's Triangle, the Twilight Zone, Hoodoo Sea, and the Limbo of the Lost

A writer named Vincent Gaddis first used the term "Bermuda Triangle"  to describe the area from South Florida to Bermuda to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and back to South Florida in a 1964 magazine article. It was a phrase that named the place that had, for years, been a watery grave for countless travelers. Some say aliens captured the unfortunate souls; others maintain that some aberrant energy field creates a time warp that envelops anything. Scientific evaluations have concluded that the number of disappearances in the region is not abnormal and that most of the disappearances have logical explanations. Regardless, it's a place many people avoid, including some pilots and ships' captains.



Roswell
Location: Roswell*, New Mexico
What's Cool: An extensive lecture series and tours to crash sites

In 1947, resident William "Mac" Brazel found pieces of debris from what he claimed (and others came to believe) was a crashed UFO. Since then, Roswell, a tiny desert town guarded by the southern Rocky Mountains, has become synonymous with UFOs and mystery. The dozens of alien-themed shops and the area's International UFO Museum, located in downtown Roswell, only perpetuate the mystery. At the museum (which calls itself the worldwide center of UFO information), visitors can see exhibits ranging from pieces and pictures of alleged UFOs to evidence that claims the town's sheriff and government concocted an elaborate scheme to cover-up the incident.

See also: Columnist Tamim Ansary on "The Truth About UFOs"



Winchester Mystery House
Location: San Jose, California
What's Cool: A window built into the floor and doors that open into blank walls

When rifle heiress Sarah Winchester began construction on her Victorian-style mansion in 1884, she pledged that building would never end during her lifetime, thinking the continuous pounding of hammers would appease the ghosts that plagued her after the deaths of her husband and daughter. Only Winchester herself knows whether or not the plan worked, but the Winchester House stills stands today, now a museum to the oddities and mysteries that were part of this woman's life. Among the most strange, doors open into blank walls; one chimney rises four floors; and a set of stairs leads to the ceiling.



Gettysburg
Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
What's Cool: A day trip to Washington D.C.

One of the deadliest battles of the Civil War took place in 1863 in the tiny Pennsylvania town of Gettysburg. Union soldiers, low on ammunition, were losing the fight, nearly capitulating to the advancing Confederate army. Then, as they used up the last of their gunpowder, a ghostly George Washington on a white stallion appeared before them, commanding them to continue and win a battle that ultimately turned the tide of the war. That's the way the legend tells it, anyway, and to this day, the people who live in and around Gettysburg maintain that George Washington's ghost rides regally across that same battlefield every summer.


Salem
Location: Salem*, Massachusetts
What's Cool: The annual Halloween Haunted Neighborhood

During the winter of 1691 and 1692, in the tiny New England village of Salem, two young girls (9-year-old Betty Parris and 11-year-old Abigail Williams) accused three local women of coming to them in "spectral" (ghost) form and of causing the girls to have fits, cry out in pain, and go mute, among other afflictions. The village elders who heard the girls' story came to believe that the accused women were witches. This set off a hysterical wave of accusations of witchcraft, and led to the now infamous Salem witch trials. Ultimately, 14 women and 5 men were hanged, another suspect was pressed to death under heavy stones when he refused to take part in his trial, 4 people died in jail awaiting their trials, and nearly 200 other people were arrested. Rumor has it that the ghosts of the people who lost their lives still haunt the town, and the Salem Wax Museum and Witch Museum allow visitors to experience the terror that reigned during the trials and come face-to-face with the accused (in wax or, perhaps, ghostly form).

See also: "Petition of an Accused Witch,"* a letter sent by Mary Easty shortly before her execution in the Salem witch trials; and "On the Use of Spectral Evidence Against Witches,"* a defense of the trials by Cotton Mather, a noted Puritan clergyman of the time



Tower of London
Location: London, England
What's Cool: The sites of London

Diaphanous apparitions, rattling chains, howling winter winds... The Tower of London* has it all (or so the legends say). In the 900 years since it was first constructed, the Tower has served as, among other things, a tourist attraction, a prison, and a place of execution for some of England's most notorious characters--Henry VIII's infamous second wife, Anne Boleyn, lost her head there, and rumor has it that a chained Sir Walter Raleigh still prowls the Tower grounds. The inner fortifications include Bloody Tower, so called from the tradition that the English child-king Edward V* and his brother Richard Plantagenet, duke of York, were murdered there in 1483; and Devereux Tower, where, in 1478, George Plantagenet, duke of Clarence, supposedly was drowned in a barrel of wine. Whether haunted or not (that's for visitors to decide), the Tower displays many eerie mementos of times past--including the guillotine that took the lives of Boleyn, Raleigh, and others.



Paris Catacombs
Location: Paris, France
What's Cool: Sign above the underground hallways reads "Abandon hope all ye who enter here."

Hidden beneath the streets of Paris are the city's famed catacombs*, long an escape route for revolutionaries, smugglers, and the French Resistance movement battling the Nazis. In this dark, dank underground world rest the remains (primarily the bones) of long-departed Parisians who died when there was no room for them in the city's cemeteries. Many of the bones are arranged neatly, like carefully laid bricks, and visitors (on their walking tour of about 500 yards) shouldn't be alarmed if they encounter hundreds of human skulls - some with teeth missing, some bashed in, some with grinning jaw bones.

See also: 360-degree view of the Paris catacombs



Haunted Hollywood
Location: Hollywood*, California
What's Cool: A day trip to San Diego's haunted Hotel Del Coronado

Since the first Tinsel Town star walked the first red carpet, celebrities (dead and alive) have been fascinating creatures. Today, visitors in search of a supernatural celebrity sighting can venture into Hollywood at night and discover the places where the deceased rich and famous like to spend their time. Among the most notorious--the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel's room 928 (supposedly haunted by actor Montgomery Clift*), the Laugh Factory (and its nightly visits by late comedian Groucho Marx), and the old Hollywood Reporter building (rumored to house reporter William Wilkerson, who died in 1962). If a walking tour isn't your thing, catch a ride on Tour Land's Haunted Hearse, a guided tour that takes visitors to places around town supposedly haunted by celebrities.



Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast
Location: Fall River*, Massachusetts
What's Cool: Spend the night at the scene of the crime

In 1892, Andrew Borden and his wife, Abby, were brutally murdered by someone wielding an ax. Although ultimately acquitted of the crime, Borden's youngest daughter, Lizzie*, never regained her precrime innocence, and many folks in Fall River (and around the country) remained convinced that she got away with murder. Today, the house in which the Bordens lived and died is a city landmark, a museum, and a bed and breakfast. Anyone interested can visit the murder scene; peruse the collection of Fall River and Borden memorabilia; or shop for any number of souvenirs, including coffee mugs, sweatshirts, and even a brick from the Borden chimney (complete with a certificate of authenticity). For those who want an extra creepy experience, the B & B owners treat their overnight guests to a replica of the Bordens' last meal: a breakfast of bananas, johnnycakes, sugar cookies, and coffee.

What Type of Food

You Are Chinese Food

Exotic yet ordinary.People think they've had enough of you, but they're back for more in an hour.

What Kind of Food Are You?

Here is a Post

Ok I realize it has been several weeks sense I posted and I am trying, there are just some weeks that are busier than others, we have had 3 open houses to go to, 2 skate nights, church, pta functions, dinner with friends, visiting family, and this weekend a friend from out of town.... whew! Nic is doing awesome in school this year so far, Joe is strugling with his body growing and focussing problems, Josh thinks he know's it all and doesn't really need school but he is still plugging away at it. Charles hurt his back at work and is in light duty doing what he hates, standing behind the counter greeting customers and writing the service orders. I am just hanging out and eating bon bons! :)

Back into the swing of things

Well I can tell we are back to school, early nights, homework, a briskness in the air, fog in the early morning, changing leaves, coats, backpacks, what other words can I come up with for the fall. Everyone is doing well Josh and Nic are out the door at 6:40 every day to catch the bus 5 minutes later, Joseph on the other hand gets to sleep till 7:00 before Charles leaves and then he leaves at 8:30. I am so thankful that Joey can get himself off to school without any problems, but I am also sad that he has to do this. So far so good the boys like their teachers and it is going to be a great year. C'mon Chant with me "It's going to be a great year" "it's going to be....." Ok so you don't have to but I am sure you get the idea. Well I need to go so I can get to bed 5 hrs isn't a good amount of sleep but it seems to be my norm.

IT'S FRIDAY YEA!

Well its another week gone, and I am thinking as I just had to finish getting school supplies that I didn't get before, we are almost into the middle of September, and that I am starting to see Christmas Items everywhere and I am thinking "oh my gosh" I need to start thinking about Christmas. Question- Has everyone already started thinking about it? Am I behind again and now I need to catch up? It seems like every year I fall behind and then at the last minute I am playing the catch up game.

Birthday Happenings

Well I thought I would tell you my birthday was awesome,
I had a friend take me to breakfast which was very enjoyable then I came home and we went to a picnic that was being given by one of the families from church. We went and ate way to much as you only can do at church functions where everyone brings something to share. The hostess made me a birthday cake and everyone sang and made a fuss (which I secretly enjoyed). =)
My family gave me gifts, all in all it was a great day.
Thank you to everyone for the cards and phone calls it was very appreciated.

• Being "over the hill" is much better than being under it!
• Wrinkled Was Not One of the Things I Wanted to Be When I Grew up.

Top 100 Songs From When I Graduated

I snagged this from Sheri who posted it a couple of days ago, Thanks Sheri.

The Top 100 Songs from when I Graduated- 1981
1. Bette Davis Eyes, Kim Carnes
2. Endless Love, Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
3. Lady, Kenny Rogers
4. (Just Like) Starting Over, John Lennon
5. Jessie's Girl, Rick Springfield
6. Celebration, Kool and The Gang
7. Kiss On My List, Daryl Hall and John Oates
8. I Love A Rainy Night, Eddie Rabbitt
9. 9 To 5, Dolly Parton
10. Keep On Loving You, REO Speedwagon
11. Theme From "Greatest American Hero", Joey Scarbury
12. Morning Train (Nine To Five), Sheena Easton
13. Being With You, Smokey Robinson
14. Queen Of Hearts, Juice Newton
15. Rapture, Blondie
16. A Woman Needs Love, Ray Parker Jr. and Raydio
17. The Tide Is High, Blondie
18. Just The Two Of Us, Grover Washington Jr.
19. Slow Hand, Pointer Sisters
20. I Love You, Climax Blues Band
21. Woman, John Lennon
22. Sukiyaki, A Taste Of Honey
23. The Winner Takes It All, Abba
24. Medley, Stars On 45
25. Angel Of The Morning, Juice Newton
26. Love On The Rocks, Neil Diamond
27. Every Woman In The World, Air Supply
28. The One That You Love, Air Supply
29. Guilty, Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb
30. The Best Of Times, Styx
31. Elvira, Oak Ridge Boys
32. Take It On The Run, REO Speedwagon
33. No Gettin' Over Me, Ronnie Milsap
34. Living Outside Myself, Gino Vannelli
35. Woman In Love, Barbra Streisand
36. Boy From New York City, Manhattan Transfer
37. Urgent, Foreigner
38. Passion, Rod Stewart
39. Lady (You Bring Me Up), Commodores
40. Crying, Don Mclean
41. Hearts, Marty Balin
42. It's My Turn, Diana Ross
43. You Make My Dreams, Daryl Hall and John Oates
44. I Don't Need You, Kenny Rogers
45. How 'Bout Us, Champaign
46. Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Pat Benatar
47. The Breakup Song, Greg Kihn Band
48. Time, Alan Parsons Project
49. Hungry Heart, Bruce Springsteen
50. Sweetheart, Franke and The Knockouts
51. Someone's Knockin', Terri Gibbs
52. More Than I Can Say, Leo Sayer
53. Together, Tierra
54. Too Much Time On My Hands, Styx
55. What Are We Doin' In Love, Dottie West
56. Who's Crying Now, Journey
57. De Do Do Do, De Da Da, Police
58. This Little Girl, Gary U.S. Bonds
59. Stop Draggin' My Heart Around, Stevie Nicks With Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
60. Giving It Up For Your Love, Delbert McClinton
61. A Little In Love, Cliff Richard
62. America, Neil Diamond
63. Ain't Even Done With The Night, John Cougar
64. Arthur's Theme, Christopher Cross
65. Another One Bites The Dust, Queen
66. Games People Play, Alan Parsons Project
67. I Can't Stand It, Eric Clapton
68. While You See A Chance, Steve Winwood
69. Master Blaster, Stevie Wonder
70. Hello Again, Neil Diamond
71. Don't Stand So Close To Me, Police
72. Hey Nineteen, Steely Dan
73. I Ain't Gonna Stand For It, Stevie Wonder
74. All Those Years Ago, George Harrison
75. Step By Step, Eddie Rabbitt
76. The Stroke, Billy Squier
77. Feels So Right, Alabama
78. Sweet Baby, Stanley Clarke and George Duke
79. Same Old Lang Syne, Dan Fogelberg
80. Cool Love, Pablo Cruise
81. Hold On Tight, ELO
82. It's Now Or Never, John Schneider
83. Treat Me Right, Pat Benatar
84. Winning, Santana
85. What Kind Of Fool, Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb
86. Watching The Wheels, John Lennon
87. Tell It Like It Is, Heart
88. Smoky Mountain Rain, Ronnie Milsap
89. I Made It Through The Rain, Barry Manilow
90. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin', Daryl Hall and John Oates
91. Suddenly, Olivia Newton-John and Cliff Richard
92. For Your Eyes Only, Sheena Easton
93. The Beach Boys Medley, Beach Boys
94. Whip It, Devo
95. Modern Girl, Sheena Easton
96. Really Wanna Know You, Gary Wright
97. Seven Year Ache, Rosanne Cash
98. I'm Coming Out, Diana Ross
99. Miss Sun, Boz Scaggs
100. Time Is Time, Andy Gibb

Happy Birthday....

Aaron and I have our Birthdays together in September, his 0n the 3rd and mine on the 5th. For a lot of years we always shared our birthdays on the 4th of September so Aaron in recognition of your 40th birthday and my 40 something birthday I am making this day our birthday again.

I Love you little Brother.

What in the World

Ok I am sitting at the computer doing my normal thing, reading mail and such when Joseph comes in and goes "Mom I love the way your mint smells so much (I have spearmint growing in a pot on my back deck, it just keeps coming back every year) I could smell it all of the time "I go I know I love the way it smells too" then Joe goes no I shoved a leaf up my nose... Now I am thinking "Oh you did not"! Joe goes "yes I did" I am still at this point thinking he is joking with me, he says "I rolled it up really small and shoved it up there" I then say "well get it out of your nose" then he says "I can't" Now he has my full attention I go "lets see" I grab his head, start trying to see the leaf up his nose and exclaim shoot I can't see anything! Joe then says I can get it he then proceeds to stick his finger up his nose, I go "no don't you will shove it up further, go blow it out of your nose". So we go to the bathroom and he grabs some tissue and starts blowing. I go "let me see now, I will grab it with the tweezers if I have to" (I am thinking to myself now, how humiliating I am going to have to take my 10 year old to the ER to have a leaf removed from his nose when he should have known better) I cant see a thing I am pulling on his nostril to get a better view "grab me a flashlight" shoot I still cant see a thing " Joe keep blowing your nose. He blows some more, we repeat with the flashlight thing I am pulling on his nose he then says "Mom I will just sniff it in" I go "no you cant do that it will really get stuck then it will rot up your nose, then it will really stink" I am now starting to giggle but keeping my composure. Joe starts blowing again, I leave the room to find a better flashlight then he yells " Mom, I got it! It came out" I go in there and say "let me see" there is this leaf about an inch and a half long lying in the tissue. Now I ask, What in the world would make a 10 year old still stick something up his nose?

Nic's Day

Well I just wanted to let you know how the day was for Nicholas, The night before he got to stay with a friend and then go to a water park for the day fo his birthday. So there was Nic and Joe Justin (The friend) and another boy I dont know. They spent the day riding rides and then playing in the water siding the slides and playing in the wave pool. He came home then we had dinner then we went to Church where he had a little birthday party wityh his friends at church. He had a really great day then tonight he is having a friend come over to stay the night and we will have pizza and do the cake thing tonight hopefully. I knew I would be running behind so I asked charles to make the cake for me so it would be cool by tonight when I came home from work, He mixed the cake poored it into the cake pans and threw it into the oven, all of the correct steps, except I bought 2 cake mixes (1 for now, 1 for later) and he mixed up both boxes..... well you guessed it over flow into the oven so now here we are I get to go on my lunch hour and buy another cake mix come home clean my oven and then bake aother cake. whew!
If this wasn't for anything else I would scrap it. Ah now for the rest of the day and it is now only 8:00am....

Happy Birthday Nicholas

You are a special child
Our middle child so sweet.
God made middle children special
And so wonderfully unique!
God gave you a special place
And dear child, so dear are you
For when God chose our middle child
He knew that only you would do.
He chose for us a first child
That he knew would be just right
And then he chose our second child
To fill us with delight.
Each child He sends is special
Each one hand chosen by God who can see
All our hopes and dreams
And just who each child should be.
He bestows special blessings
On each child He sends to earth
And it is no accident
The order of their birth.

Nicholas

Here is Nicholas my big 12 year old.
I love you Nicholas and I hope you have the most wonderful birthday.

The U in JesUs

The U in JesUs

Before U were thought of or time had begun,

God even stuck U in the name of His Son. And each time U pray,

you'll see it's true You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.

You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,

For U, He was born; that's why He came.

And His great love for U is the reason He died.

It even takes U to spell crUcified.

Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand He rose from the dead,

with U in His plan? The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,

and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.

When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,

He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.

"Go into the world and tell them it's true That I love them all - Just like I love U."

So many great people are spelled with a U,

Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?

It all depends now on what U will do,

He'd like them to know,

But it all starts with U.

What Scent are You?

Your Scent is Mango Sultry, sweet, and mellow You enjoy every moment of life! What Scent Are You? Take This Quiz :-) Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance.

Things are back finally

I can post again and in COLOR and I can spell check and I can add

• a Bullet
• or two
• or add a link to something fun.

I am just so excited I can't stand it.

I haven't been able to do this in a while. my whole tool bar has been gone.

Ok now on to bigger and better things......... hopefully!

20 years

Well Charles and I celebrated out 20th Wedding Anniversary a couple of days ago I can't believe it has been 20 years. Charles said "I've been married as long as I was ever single" So now on to the next part of our married lives the next 20. We had a strange day we both worked, then we helped our friends move into their new home, we grabbed broasted chicken from Albertsons on our way, met our friends at the new house and helped them un-pack the boxes from the U-haul. My God children now have a really big house to live in and a back yard to play in and explore, The house was built in 1904 and has some of the most beautiful things about it 12' ceilings and some leaded glass windows that are absoutely beautiful, it was truly a gift from God. We haven't done anything for our anniversary but we plan to go out to dinner or something I dont know it was just kind of another day. We will just have to find something different to do. I'll let you know.

Block Party

Well again it is that time of year again... I hosted our 6th annual block party, where everyone comes out to enjoy an evening of food and friends. This year was no exception, almost everyone came out to enjoy the bbq and as always more food than we could consume. We had some new additions this year to our shin-dig this year with 2 new families Micah & Kim a young couple who are wonderful and have a heart for God, Praise God! Then there is Vincent & Martha another wonderful young couple with 2 small children, he has an afinity for the cars and works where he can get parts for his cars cheap. We sat while the sun set eating steaks, ribs, chicken, burgers, hotdogs, pork, salads of all kinds and lots of desserts.
The kids played and rode bikes in a cirlce around us to our displeasure (we were set up in the middle of our culde-sac) we were worried someone would get hurt. We had a firepit in the middle of everything flaming away burning all of Doug's misfit creatures it was sad seeing and eagle and bear becoming dust. The kids when it got dark got to break out the marshmallows and then we had several torches of flaming, toasting, charring bites of goodness. Yum! We all sat around talking and laughing having a wonderful time, I can't wait till next year!

How Observant Are You?

Overall, Your Observation Skills Get: C+

You tend to notice the big things in life... But the details aren't exactly your forte

How Observant Are You?

Update!

Well I thought I would give and update sense I haven't done that lately. Everyone here is fine, very healthy and all doing well at this moment, (as you know anything can happen in the next moment) LOL
Two weeks ago I was released from my Job and told "I am sorry you just aren't a good fit for what we need" How frustrating is that? I did get a few bills payed off though. I did start a new job today however and am looking forward to something different until I can find a better paying job. This is telemarketing for the automotive industry (Something I know a little bit about). They don't pay a whole lot $3.00 less than what I was just making but hey it is more than what unemployment pays and I dont have any of that left either. So on to the next phase of my life.
I have given the children in my Sunday School class a summer challenge they are to learn the books of the bible and then help the others to learn them as well. We have been studing about families and what it means to be part of a family and helping each other, when they all learn the books they will get a pizza party and movie night. Nic and Joe were learning them today to get started although only Joseph is in my class Nicholas wants to learn also, I am so excited. Joshua's class is working on getting care packages to send to our troops in Iraq, one of our members has a son over there and has written that need the basic necessities because they run out and it is expensive to replace.
Joshua is working hard he just got his first paycheck on Friday and quickly learned some lessons He had over $400.00 and wanted to take us to the movies we had a wonderful time seeing "The Fantastic Four" but it cost $40.00 for all of us to see the movie. Then he bought a couple of games and Bam he is already down $100. LOL so here we go: 16 year old son gets first Job and has to get new clothing $45.00, 16 year old son has received 1st paycheck $400, 16 year old son learning about life and how much things actually cost? Priceless!! Heehee

80% American

You Are 80% American

You're as American as red meat and shooting ranges. Tough and independent, you think big. You love everything about the US, wrong or right. And anyone who criticizes your home better not do it in front of you!

How American Are You?

Which Napoleon Dynamite Character are You?

You are LaFawnduh. Why are you so sweaty?


Which Napoleon Dynamite character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

I thought I would send a picture of Shiloh isn't he cute! 

Crayon color

You are

Happy Fathers Day

I hope that every Father had a wonderful day, we celebrated four Father's here yesterday and had a wonderful time together, the weather couldn't have been better. We did the bbq thing and had burgers, hotdogs, sausages, potato salad, broccoli salad, and lots of fruit. Everyone pigged out and had a wonderful time then there was a trip to Cold Stone later. Charles got a new lounge chair he has been wanting one for a long time so he can take his naps in the back yard. :)
I hope everyone's Day was just as fun and enjoyable.
Dad, Mike, Kenny and Aaron I hope your day was great!

What Kind of Killer I am

You are a
protector.
Yes, you don't like to kill people. That goes
against everything you belive in. It's not that
you are a coward, but your ideals and morals
wouldn't allow it. You are the typical hero, do
the righteous things, get the bad guys and do
it all legally. But just because you don't kill
doesn't mean you can't kick ass. And that is
what you do. You use your brain and your
strenght to do honourable deeds and protect
people you know and love. If an evil guy is
going to take over the world soon, it's you who
will get involved. You hate watching innocents
suffer, and love seeing bad people getting what
they deserve. You are probably also happy and
optimistic and work pretty good in groups. And
the friends you usually make are true ones.

Main weapon: Anything at all
Quote: "You only live once, but if
you do it right, once is enough" -Joe
Lewis
Facial expression: Smile

What Type of Killer Are You? [cool pictures]
brought to you by Quizilla

Thanks Joshua~

Meet our new Children, Charles and I became "God parents" to these special little ones on Sunday. Tennae (6), Josiah (4) and Samarah (10mo) Cecil and Aathina are also the Sr. High youth leaders, they are a very busy family. We are so excited. Gavin you have black cousins! LOL 

To this........ Meet the newest Schwabie! 

From this........ 

Little Boys...

What are little boys made of?
Snips and snails and puppy dog tails,
That's what little boys are made of.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSHUA
~Sweet Sixteen~

~Why God Made Little Boys~

God made a world out of his dreams,
Of magic mountains, oceans and streams,
Praries and plains and wooded land.
Then paused and thought, "I need someone to stand,
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas,
Explore the plains and climb the treas.
Someone to start out small and grow,
Sturdy and strong like a tree" and so
he created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins.
And when he had completed the task He'd begun,
He surly said, "That's a job well done"

~AUTHOR UNKNOWN~

I love you Josh and I am so proud of you, I hope and pray that you will always be the man of God you are designed to be.

My Expression Number Is...

Your Expression Number is 7

Very intelligent, you are usually thinking, introspecting, or analyzing. You have a good mind, and you are especially good at finding out the truth. Very little ever escapes your observation and deep understanding. You tend to obsess over wisdom and hidden truths. You are likely to become a authority on any subject you undertake. Operating on a different wavelength, most people don't know you that well. Very logical and rational, at times you tend to lack emotion. So much so, that you often have times coping with emotional situations. You are not very adaptable - you may tend to be overly critical at times.

What's Your Expression Number?

Thanks Sheri and Kris

I Loved You Enough To...

You don't love me!
How many times have your kids laid that on you? And how many times have you, as a parent, resisted the urge to tell them how much?

Someday, when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a mother. I'll tell them:

I loved you enough to bug you about where you were going, with whom and what time you would get home.

I loved you enough to insist you buy a bike with your own money even though we could afford it.

I loved you enough to be silent and let you discover your friend was a creep.

I loved you enough to make you return a Milky Way bar with a bite out of it to the drug store and confess "I stole this."

I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your bedroom, a job that would have taken me 15 minutes.

I loved you enough to say, "Yes, you can go to Disney World on Mothers Day."

I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment, disgust and tears in my eyes.

I loved you enough to make excuses for your lack of respect or bad manners.

I loved you enough to admit that I was wrong and to ask for forgiveness.

I loved you enough to ignore what every other mother did or said.

I loved you enough to let you stumble, fall hurt and fail.

I loved you enough to let you assume the responsibility for your own actions at age 6,10, or 16.

I loved you enough to figure you would lie about the party being chaperoned but forgave you for it- after discovering I was right.

I loved you enough to accept you for what you are, not what I wanted you to be.

But most of all, I loved you enough to say no when you hated me for it. That was the hardest part of all.
~Erma Bombeck~

Get the Picture?

I have gotten several notes asking me to update my blog ok, ok I get the picture.

How's this for the picture LOL 

LOL I couldnt resist.
Things have been going well here I have been at my job a month now and I still feel like I am the mistake queen I just wish that I could stop making them. They are all in the small details that I sometimes have a hard time recogonizing. The boys are excited for school to be out in a month but I have a hunch that after being out for only a couple of weeks I will be hearing "Mom" I'm bored!
Josh is still having high hopes for a job at six flags (wild waves) I keep trying to get him to try other things but he has the stubborn factor running through his veins. Hum I wonder where that comes from!
I am still having hugh problems with my blog but I dont have the kind of time I would like to try and fix it or ask for help from the right people. Some day.....

Happy Mothers Day!

I didn't get to say that yesterday due to the fact that I was being treated like a queen.
I woke up to my favorite coffee and donuts (yesterday being Mothers Day we splurged)and that is about all the time I have on a Sunday morning. I went to church and had a wonderful time I taught my Sunday School class and helped them with mothers day gifts to give to their Moms. After church we went to Seattle and my Mom and Dad met us at the Cheesecake Factory, we had the most wonderful lunch and heavenly cheesecake. It was a wonderful day. I gave my mom a new comforter for her bed that was very beautiful. I know she had a good time.
On the way home we went to Home Depot my family wanted to give me a plant that I have been wanting, a lilac bush for my yard I can't wait to see it grow.
We came home and I got to watch one of my favorite funny movies "Overboard" (I dont normaly get to watch it when Charles is around he hates the movie)LOL
BUT I must say I didn't get to enjoy it very much either because I promptly fell asleep something I usually just don't do [I must have been tired]. Anyway I had a very nice day and I hope everyone else did as well.

Joshua's Inner Jedi Is.....

Joshua Just had to take the quiz to find out who he is.
:: how jedi are you? ::

How Jedi am I

:: how jedi are you? ::

Mothers!

This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up barf laced with Oscar Mayer wieners and cherry Kool-Aid saying, "It's okay honey, Mommy's here. "Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can't be comforted.
This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse. For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.
This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.
This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors. And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see me, Mom?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," and mean it. This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.
This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the (grand) mothers who wanted to, but just couldn't find the words.
This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat. For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And then read it again. "Just one more time "This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.
This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot. This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home -- or even away at college.
This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomachaches assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only toget calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away.
This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.
This is for all the step-mothers who raised another woman's child or children, and gave their time, attention, and love... sometimes totally unappreciated! For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14 year olds dye their hair green. For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting. For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home fromschool, safely.
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war. What makes a good Mother anyway?
Is it patience?
Compassion?
Broad hips?
The ability to nurse a baby,
cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?
Or is it in her heart?
Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time?
The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?
The panic, years later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in yourhome?
Or the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?
The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our thoughts are for
young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation...
And mature mothers learning to let go.
For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.
Single mothers and married mothers.
Mothers with money, mothers without. This is for you all.
Happy Mother's Day!

Gone!

I just want to start singing "Gone like a freight train, gone like yesterday, gone like a soldier in the civil war, Bang! Bang! Gone like a 59 Cadillac, like all of the good things that ain't never coming back"... Thanks Montgomery Gentry I love you guys and the fun song!
Well now back to my original thought, Gone is my weekend where did it go? I go back to work tomorrow morning and I haven't even had a day off yet or at least it feels like it. Yesterday we went to church and then had a day at home I went to Lowes and bought some plants (I guess they will be my "Mothers Day " present) but my yard and deck will be looking better I bought another hanging fuschia they are so beautiful, more Martha Washington geraniums(they are my favorite), some gerber daises and other things... now I just have to get the time and a sunny day to plant them. Sunday is now gone.
Today it started out with Charles and I going to the Social Security Admin. to replace some lost social security cards, we sit for an hour (Charles grumbling the whole time about what a waste of time this is) we get to the counter and I get my paperwork finished for my SSC and low and behold Charles finds MY SSC in his wallet, neither of us can remember or know why it was put into his wallet. Well I finished with Joshua's and couldn't get Nic or Joes because I didn't have the right documentation, they are really strict. We go visit some friends and have lunch with them play some cards head towards home go to Costco, come home and go to bible study. Day two is now GONE! Ah for the care free days when I didn't work! And I wanted a job right? LOL
I need to get some sleep.

Welcome Home

Well my dear friends just got back from vacation they went with family and enjoyed a wonderful week here I think that it would be an awesome time. The rented bikes and traveled all over the place and enjoyed different parts of the festival. Welcome home Joe and Tabatha you were missed.
Today was my 2nd day on the job I am getting better at remembering where everything is supposed to go and what I am to tell the patients when they come in (well sort of) I know I will get better it just takes time.
The boys for the last week have been taking the WASL that is being forced upon them I don't agree with the WASL and what it stands for and there is a group against it but as with all things changes take time. Do I have the strength for another fight? Only time will tell.

Our children are our only hope for the future,

but we are their only hope for their present and their future.

Dinner When?

Ok there is nothing more frustrating than walking in the door at 6:30 to drop your stuff, grab the mail, shuffle through the bills, sit down for a quick sec and hear MOM what's for dinner? I sometimes just want to scream hearing those 4 words. I love to cook and I love my children but sometimes the two just don't mix. I just want to have a Calgon moment, I get up go to the kitchen and fix dinner and we eat about 7:30. I know I am just getting started with the back to work phase but there are just some things that I have forgotten and this was one of them (Have Josh get dinner started). Charles and I have realized just how much we need this as we both are getting off of work at 6:00 and to prevent sleeping on dinner we have devised a plan. We are getting 12 dinners prepared in advance just for this reason so we can have a little bit of flexibility and Joshua doesn't go crazy thinking he has to do it all.
Today went really well I am feeling a little bit overwhelmed but I know it will pass quickly as I get accustomed to everything and get a routine down, I just feel bad at this moment when I am more of a hindrance than an asset.

Inner European

Your Inner European is Italian!

Passionate and colorful. You show the world what culture really is.

Who's" Your Inner European?

Thanks Sheri for this fun adventure.

The Job

For the last eleven months almost to the day I have been unemployed, my unemployment ran out three months ago and high stress levels, I am again an employed member of society. Yeeha! {Dancing for joy} I went in for and interview on Friday and Saturday they called and offered me the job. Yes Kristina Friday was a great day! We also on Friday had a family game night with our church we played Bunco it is such a fun game we have played it for years and I was the biggest winner so I won the grand prize. Wahoo! The kids played lots of other games the teens were in charge of playing games with them and letting the adults have some fun so it was a fun night for everyone (well except for the teens who might not have wanted to be in charge of the kids) LOL
Oh I guess I need to tell you where I will be working, I am working for an independent Dr. Inside of Lens Crafters. I will be getting $2.00 more an hour than my previous job and I will be driving 1/2 the distance, another perk! I start tomorrow at 9:00am and will be working Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 to 6:00. Praise God!

Out of difficulties

grow miracles.

It's Just Another Manic Monday

It is Monday, the day where I venture out with my best friend and we forage ahead through the crowds of people to see what kind of deals we can find at Value Village our local thrift store. Todays finds include a new purse, new shoes, several funny t-shirts for Joshua, a book to complete the partial set I have going and a new shower curtain. It was a fun day and a day that my friend and I can get together and not spend a whole lot of money, well we do lunch also!
It has been so nice to be able to do these things as today was our last time, Tab finally got a job and she will be working on Mondays from now on. Now for me to just finally latch onto the brass ring and get a job too.

What makes a man? Would shaving be one of them?

And The Winner Is....

Well we just came back from our weigh-in and dinner out with Joe and Tabatha and the outcome was just as I suspected, there was a surprise twist ending. Charles and I won! I couldn't believe it. Joe and Tabatha were already at the gym when we had gotten there and they had already weighed in, so I stepped up on the scale and slid the bar, and slid the bar, and slid the bar.. I was so surprised. Then Charles got up on the scale and slid the bar also. Charles and I have lost 30 lbs together. Charles and Joe both lost 20 lbs each, I lost 10 and Tabatha lost 7 so {drums beating, horns blowing, cymbals crashing} We now have our next weigh in and it is October 15th so we will have to see who wins this go round. Our teams at this point both weigh the same so for the next 6 months now we are going to help each other to keep motivated and try and beat the other team.
GO TEAM!!

Character gets you out of bed; commitment moves you

to action. Faith, hope and discipline enable you

to follow through to completion.

~Zig Ziglar~

Check In

Well after months of trying to watch what we are eating and cutting back, today is check in day to see which couple won the bet. We have been in a weigh off with our friends sense the last part of January and we said we would use Tax day as the cut off, well tax day has come and gone and today is the day. The couples were virtually 2lb's off from each other, Tabatha and I have both been having a hard time sticking to our diet but we have been cutting back the Guys on the other hand have been going like gang busters (Well Joe has that is) now in the midst of all of this dieting we started a diet plan called The Six Week Body Makeover . We are meeting tonight to see which couple won... it is "Joe and Tabatha" I just know it. Well we are planning on a new date and time for our next weigh in and hopefully this time it will be Charles and I who win the dinner (The winner gets to pick the place). Charles, Joshua and I are all sticking to the program really well it is a really good eating program which is what you should eat normally we have had a few obstacles which were 1. No coffee with milk 2. No salt 3. No sugar and 4. No Breads.... Ok I can do all of the first 3 but PLEASE don't make me give up bread. Now it hasn't really been to bad I have been getting my carbs in other ways Like rice and potatoes etc...
Well time to go wish me luck. We are meeting at 5:00 of course I will put the results here later and the dinner choice (Yes we are cheating tonight) but it is ok I just re-start tomorrow morning.

Friends

True happiness consists
not in the multitude of friends,
but in their worth and choice.
Friends are the spice of Life.

I am truly blessed with the circle of friends that we have, they bring us much laughter and joy and a source of strength when the times are rough.

Another one of Misty. 

Misty eating her weight in Easter candy? That wouldnt be very much. LOL 

Misty & Angie come for a visit.