Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Day 25 ~ Your day, in great detail

A day where I work or a day off...? No two days are the same around here Haha

Days when I work are more interesting because of where I work :)

Usually....
Holly will wake me up sometime between 5am-7am cause she wants to nurse. Around 7:30 I pull myself and Holly out of bed and get dressed. I make sure that Faith and Megan are dressed. If they have school I make sure that Faith has had breakfast (Megan gets breakfast at school, but we usually let her have a little something) and then I let Steve put them on their perspective buses. Holly and I head to the daycare. The day there consists of interacting with the kids there, while dealing with and feeding Holly as well (she nurses twice while there). We have morning 'recess' and circle and craft time, then a bit of free play time while Miss Sara preps lunch. Everybody eats lunch, we read a few books and then nap time (too bad I don't get to take one, I usually need it by then). Putting multiple kids to sleep at the same time is interesting! Once everyone wakes up we have snack and head outside again. This is usually the point where I have to leave to get Faith off the bus. Once we are all home, it's about time for Holly to nurse again, then (ideally) I fix dinner and let Holly have some 'solid' food. After dinner Faith and Megan get ready for bed, I get Holly ready for bed and nurse her.... all three are (on a good night) in bed by 8-8:15 for the night. Steve leaves for work about 8:30-8:45 :( (Anyone have/know of a daytime job you want to give him?) and I try (don't always succeed) to get a bit of 'housework' done... dishes or a load of laundry, have a bit of computer/internet or TV time. I then hope to get a bit of sleep before Holly wants her 'midnight' feeding. Steve gets home around 5:45, gets a few hours of shuteye... and it all starts again...

tired...? ya me too!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Day 24 ~ Where I live

Ok... I've had a long day ...and I'm tired, ...so I am going to be lazy tonight :) You get a picture of our house! We live in the town of Duncansville in the state of Pennsylvania (for now anyway) in the United states of America!


It's a greyish purple (the house behind is no longer there)
and we are sporting an Arizona flag off the front porch for the time being.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Day 23 ~ A YouTube video

We have SO many various videos on our computer that we have gotten from YouTube, that it was hard to even decide where to go with today's topic. I got to thinking about what our favorites were... and when Steve is looking at videos the girls almost always ask for one in particular... The Pixar short "For the Birds" it is so cute... but due to copyright ...whatever... the original can't be put on YouTube (and I don't like what most people have done with it)... so you get the one that the girls ask for in conjunction with "For the Birds"

This is one of Faith and Megan's favorites!





....and this is the short that is before the new Toy Story 3. I think this is one of my new favorite Pixar shorts! (this sound is a bit off from the picture... and there are a few bits cut out, but it's still good!)





Sunday, August 22, 2010

Day 22 ~ A websight

Uummmmm.....

sights I frequent...

Facebook - yeah I'm addicted!

Yahoo - I check my email way too many times a day... a lot of the time I end up reading articles off of MyYahoo instead

Blogger - um yeah

Freecycle - We have gotten some amazing deals (as in free) from here - our couch (not the best looking thing)... They also have a sister sight SwapShop (have to be part of the local freecycle group first) where you can buy, sell or trade... I like being able to give/sell things that we really don't need anymore



Saturday, August 21, 2010

Day 21 ~ A recipe

Seriously!? Any recipe?! .... just one?!! Oh, the things that are going through my head....

There's the enchilada recipe that we use...

There's the Hot Cocoa Mix recipe that I make at least three times during the winter...

There's our favorite way to do salmon...

There's...

Well, I am being lazy and I don't want to get up and find one from the kitchen. So you get my favorite cocoa mix, cause I make it a lot and it's easy to remember without having to go look. It comes from my other mother (AKA Grams) :)

(If you think you might like one of the other recipes, just ask!)



Gram's Hot Cocoa Mix

(everything is proportional, if you want a lot use cups, if you want a little use your 1/4 cup measure - super easy!)

6 parts powdered milk
4 parts powdered sugar
1 part cocoa powder

sift all together and keep in an air tight container (the sifting is important)

when you want some hot cocoa put 3-4 heaping spoonfuls into a mug and add hot water. You can also add marshmallows and/or creamer to taste.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Day 20 ~ A hobby of yours

I have many hobbies, as I mentioned yesterday

My first real hobby was cross stitch... we have a few things I have done around the house. And I am proud to say that Steve does pretty well at cross stitch too.
This is what he designed and stitched for his mom last Christmas


Another hobby I have had since childhood has been sewing. Steve and I both have jackets, pants (that have been worn out), and shirts that I have made. Faith and Megan have a number of dresses that I have done. I have also outfitted the baby dolls.
Here are a few things I have done in the last few years

The gift I did for Steve's cousin last Christmas


dress for Megan's 4th birthday


shirt for me... though right now it doesn't fit in the chest


originally done for Christmas 2008, but also worn in Rachel's wedding last year


dress I did for Faith's 4th birthday (she can still wear it LOL)

I also like crocheting!
A couple of afghans I have done

Steve's and the Flag (done just cause :) )

My most recent learned hobby is knitting. These are a couple of hats that I did for the girls this last year





I also like miscellaneous crafting... that is when I have time... oh wait...



Thursday, August 19, 2010

Day 19 ~ A talent of yours

So not feeling very talented in very much these days, save for sleeping and baby feeding, I asked my family...

My daughter Faith says I am talented at being good (haha thanks!) and dancing... I guess coming from a 6 year old who hasn't really seen me try to dance (I cannot!), that is a complement.

My daughter Megan was quiet.

Steve, on the heals of Faith's dancing comment, said that I am a good bottle washer... Haha that only makes sense if you had seen the production of "Oliver!" that we were in 7 years ago :) I had one part where a small group of us were bottle washing and 'swishing' our booties. LOL

He was serious when he said that I have a talent for being able to help him to calm down or chill out if he is stressed or worked up about something.

I used to be talented at singing, but that was mostly in High School and that was a long time ago...

I would like to think I am talented at some of the hobbies I enjoy... sewing, crochet, cross stitch... but that is tomorrow's post.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Day 18 ~ My wedding


Our Bridal Shower (Steve's ma- Susan, Steve, me, Steve's Aunt Karen and his Grandma)


A small part of the rehearsal dinner (Beck, Rachel, me my bro- Michael)

Our Wedding was Aug 4, 2000 (that was a Friday). It was a bit drizzly (I've heard that's good) and yet a bit sunny too.

My day started with my cousin, and maid of honor, waking me up so that we could go get hair and make-up done. We then went to get a bit of food, which I later found out that Steve had gone to the same restaurant at some point (earlier or later, I can't remember). Then we went to the church to get dressed.


my parents!
I think there was some mad rushing to finish a dress or two...


ready and waiting in the hall

The ceremony was at 1pm

Mike and mom


my lovely girl, Ariella


Cousin, and maid of honor Rachel


as a side note my nice poofy slip didn't make it to my wedding- so my dress is a bit deflated :(



Flower girl- Jessica and ring bearer- Thomas

Post Ceremony pictures





My girls


Wedding party


The parents


The cake- made by my 'other mother'
(a Beth Moore term for the mommy in my life that didn't birth me)

Steve and I have never really been ones for big extravagant things. For our wedding ~ my mom sewed the dress, Aunt Marge worked on it too ~Nancy (Grams) made the awesome cake ~My Grandfather (remember the pictures from yesterday...) did the pictures ~Steve's Aunt Cathy and I did the flowers ~Mom also did Ariella's dress ~Rachel's dress was her own sewing and was first her prom gown :)



We had dinner at the Olive Garden, stayed the night in a hotel about 30 min outside of town, then on Saturday headed to California! We spent 4 fabulous days going to Disneyland and Knott's Berry farm.

I l♥ve this man more now then I ever did then. We have had our share of up's and downs and I wouldn't trade any of it... it has brought us closer together.


Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Day 17 ~ An art piece

I was really having a hard time figuring out what to put on here for today, but realized that pictures are art too... SO...

My grandfather made his living from photographs, like from a very young age. He takes beautiful photos. Photos full of emotion. I (actually the girls) have a couple of beautiful photos of butterflies that Grandpa shot

I think I will be sad to see these go when Faith and Meg move out of the house

and then my Grandpa found the world of digital imaging... and there is one photo in my house that is... well interesting, to say the least


(click on it to get the full effect)

LOL I am (I believe Steve is too) under the opinion that Grandpa should stick to just taking photos and not playing with them too much Haha

Oh and for the record... we DO NOT own a dog! (bottom right corner)

Monday, August 16, 2010

Day 16 ~ A song that makes you cry

*Warning: this is lengthy and emotionally heavy... read at your own risk!*


There are a couple of songs that bring me to... or nearly to, tears.

The first one I referenced the first day as one of my favorites. Yes a fav song can still move me so much. It's Glory Baby by Watermark. I clung to this song after our 15week miscarriage (and subsequent 6 week one too). The whole song is just exactly what anyone who has lost a little one to infant death or miscarriage can relate to... every word! I think, though, that the line that first caught my attention (read - instant tears) was "But baby let sweet Jesus hold you ‘till mom and dad can hold you…"

Glory Baby

Glory baby you slipped away as fast as we could say baby…baby..
You were growing, what happened dear?
You disappeared on us baby…baby..
Heaven will hold you before we do
Heaven will keep you safe until we’re home with you…
Until we’re home with you…

Miss you everyday
Miss you in every way
But we know there’s a
day when we will hold you
We will hold you
You’ll kiss our tears away
When we’re home to stay
Can’t wait for the day when we will see you
We will see you
But baby let sweet Jesus hold you
‘till mom and dad can hold you…
You’ll just have heaven before we do
You’ll just have heaven before we do

Sweet little babies, it’s hard to
understand it ‘cause we’re hurting
We are hurting
But there is healing
And we know we’re stronger people through the growing
And in knowing-
That all things work together for our good
And God works His purposes just like He said He would…
Just like He said He would…

BRIDGE:
I can’t imagine heaven’s lullabies
and what they must sound like
But I will rest in knowing, heaven is your home
And it’s all you’ll ever know…all you’ll ever know…

The other song that will get me now also stems from that miscarriage experience. I was one that I thought of while Steve and I were in the ER that night. We were just sitting there (well I was lying there), I am bleeding profusely and I've got an IV of fluid and potassium, and this song title just pops into my head (how awesome that God will do that!). So I ask Steve if he remembers the words to the song "It is well with my Soul" ... though a bit of stumbling and calling his mom (who has hymnals and a computer...) we get the words and have our own little hymn sing there in the ER

It Is Well with My Soul

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.


I had probably heard it a bit growing up, but didn't remember much, so I was surprised (and yet...) that it came to mind. It was only afterwords that I learned what the author of the song, Horatio Spafford, went through. Loss of his son, his business, his three daughters, all in a matter of a couple of years.

We knew Corine had a problem, but that didn't lessen our desire for that child; and yet there was a peace I felt about her passing that is conveyed in this song. Horatio did go on to have more children and founded a mission group serving the poor in Jerusalem. ...and yes we now have Holly :)


Sunday, August 15, 2010

Day 15 ~ your dream house

I think I may have to ask Steve about this one too :)

I know that our dream home...

...has a fireplace (or two)
...has enough rooms for all three girls, a play room and some extra rooms for guests and/or a child/ren to adopt (dream big, right!?)
...has a sit in bay window (or two)
... is probably more than one story
...is in Arizona (another big dream!)
the following are from Steve:
...has a three car car garage
...has a dumb-waiter/ laundry shoot
...has a green house
...is as self efficient as possible... (the green house and fireplace included) and windmill/ solar panels, maybe a well

I have to say that I like this one, though

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Day 14 ~ A non-fiction book

It's been a L..O..N..G time since I've read a non-fiction book that had more than 20 pages (Bible not included!)! But last year after we were in my cousin's wedding, we received a package form my Aunt Nancy with a couple of books and a fishing net. The book (two of the same one) was written by a lady that owns a lobstering boat and works it by herself half the year, she is called ( and the book is titled) "Lobster Lady."

OK so if that weren't cool enough... Aunt Nancy sent a note in with the box that says that she met the Lobster Lady! The LL also signed each of the books, one to Faith and one to Megan (spelled wrong...), and Nancy was able to make a bit of fishing net while there. Pretty cool and it makes me wish we'd had more time last year to spend in Mystic, CT... but school and work and our own beds called, oh well.



it's a neat tale if you ever get a chance to read it!

Friday, August 13, 2010

Day 13 ~ A fictional book

So the first fictional book/s that comes to mind is/are a/couple of family favorites




and




both great books!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Day 12 ~ something you are OCD about

I actually had to ask Steve about this one... I think it has to do with I don't really notice what I obsess about, but he came up with two of these right off the bat. Love him!

Haha, we have a little joke between the hubby and I that it isn't OCD ...it's CDO... you know everything in alphabetical order... well actually I have relaxed some about it since having kids, but I used to alphabetize EVERYTHING. It sure does make it easier to find some things though :)

I thought that was about the only thing that I am really bad about...

I was reminded, though, that I have to have my (hot) food HOT. To me, I just want my dinner at the temp it was supposed to be at, not the temp it has cooled down to after I got the ranch out for the carrots and nursed the baby and changed the baby's diaper and... and... and... The old adage of "mom hasn't had a hot meal since ____" is SO true. By golly I want my dinner the way it was intended!

I was also reminded that I insist on the girls' clothing matching (not each other, but their shirt has to match [or at least not clash] with their pants). Yes, I let them pick out what they are going to wear... to an extent... but there have been days where poor Megan has changed a few times because the pair of pants she just has to wear only match two shirts... but she has worn them the last two days and they are in the laundry... but she wants to wear these pants... sigh, I just want my children to look nice.

as a side note... I remember being told a number of times that there was an 'outfit' that I wanted to wear SO badly once that clashed with itself (if I recall, it was a pair of RED socks with a PURPLE skirt LOL)... I think I was stubborn enough to wear what I wanted, but looked perty funny. Maybe this is where I get this obsession, I don't want my kids embarrassed like I was...

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Day 11 ~ A recient photo

Well, being as how I love being the one behind the camera taking pictures of the cute kids, it is a rare thing to get me into a picture... I really like the one at the top of my blog with everyone on Easter.


But... Steve was sneaky this week and took a picture of what Holly might see at times... hahaha

(we were being silly)

and we wonder why she gets this look...