Briannaisms

I wish I would have kept a book with all the funny things both my children have said since they first learned how to speak.  My son has said a lot of funny things but unfortunately most have been forgotten.  My daughter has now been coming up with some funny things and I jotted a few down on Facebook but I really should start a written journal.  She's quite a character.

A few months ago we were in the front yard playing and she walked away from me and then stopped, turned toward me and said, "You are ruining my life!"  I had no idea where she got that from or why she said it.  It left me shocked but I also couldn't help but laugh.

Last week she asked, "When is Daddy's birthday?"  I answered, "In 4 days."  Her response was, "Ugh!  That's like a million days away."

Another last week was during her big brother's baseball game.  We sat on top of the grassy hill next to the other parents and grandparents when she loudly asked me, "When I'm bigger will I be a mom?" and then she added, "and have boobs?"

I wish I can remember all that she's said in the last year or two.  It's never a dull moment with her. 

Will You Let HIM In?

Last Sunday at church we had a guest speaker.  She is a woman who regularly attends the church and hosts a bible study group there.  The pastor asked her to give the message for that day.  She did an excellent job.  It's definitely noticed that she is a woman of GOD and knows so much.  So much that I have yet to learn but hopefully will as I grow older.

In her message she talked about how GOD made this world perfect and HE intended for man to be perfect as well, but HE also gave us free will.  The will to choose to live how we desire without a certain way being forced upon us.  HE didn't create us to be puppets; moving and making us do what HE wants.  HE gives us the choice.  Isn't that amazing?  HE created this world and all that's in it for us.  For man.

"Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." -- Genesis 1:26 (NIV)

When GOD created the world HE created it to be perfect and wonderful.  When HE created man HE intended for man to be perfect just like HIM.  However, Satan came and created sin.  When GOD told Adam not to eat any fruit from the tree of good and evil Satan came and said it was okay to take fruit from that tree (Genesis 3).  Adam decided to listen to Satan instead of GOD and that is why sin was brought to man.  We are all born with sin.  Because Adam had the free will to choose which path to take he chose the path to sin.  And here we are.  Living in a world filled with sin created by man with sin.  Yet, whenever we find trouble and whenever we see disaster in the world we say, "Where are you GOD?" and we say, "If there is a GOD why does HE allow this to happen?"  

Yes GOD has allowed all of this to happen because of the free will HE has given us.  However, GOD also wants to take it away from us.  HE's just not going to automatically come into our lives and help us.  HE's not going to take away our burdens and frustrations without us coming to HIM first.  We can't expect GOD to take away our problems without us going to HIM in prayer.  

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears MY voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with ME." -- Revelation 3:20 (NIV).  

HE's there, waiting for us, but HE won't come to us unless we allow HIM to.  HE wants to hear from us and to help us.  HE wants to take away our burdens and sorrows.  HE wants to be included in every moment of our lives.  HE wants to deliver us from the sin and evil that lives inside us and around us.  

I hear people say, "If there is a GOD then why does HE allow cancer and other diseases?  Why does HE allow sadness and anger?"  Again, GOD created the world to be perfect.  It was Satan who came and convinced man to destroy that perfection.  Then the LORD said to follow HIM and HE will "deliver you from all your enemies" -- 2 Kings 17:39 (NIV).  

GOD gave us a choice and although man chose the way of sin HE still loves us and wants to deliver us from that evil.  It's so easy for anyone, even those completely devoted to their faith, to fall to sin.  I can't even say how many times I've done so and continue to do so.  I'm not perfect, yet GOD still loves me and HE still waits for me to let HIM in.  HE's also waiting for you to let HIM in.  Have you?  Will you?  

After hearing the message on Sunday I felt compelled to share it on my blog.  I can't take all the credit for everything I have written here today.  It just spoke deeply to my heart.  It seems GOD has a way of speaking to me through these messages from church, especially lately.  This one, however, HE felt it was necessary for me to share as well.

Happy Homemaker Monday - 5/11/15

Hello!  Hope all you ladies had a wonderful Mother's Day.  Mine was great.  It was spent with my mother, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, husband and kids.  My husband surprised me with a beautiful necklace and matching earrings and my kids had a ton of homemade gifts for me.  My husband made a delicious dinner for us.

So onto another edition of Happy Homemaker Monday, created by the wonderful Sandra at Diary of A Stay At Home Mom.

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Right now it's 74 degrees, hot and sunny.  It will be between the 70's and 80's all week, with a chance of showers here and there.  I love this weather!

Things that make me happy:
My husband and children.  Even though things get chaotic, the kids get loud and obnoxious and aren't always good listeners I feel so incredibly blessed to have them in my life.

Menu for the week:
Monday - leftover pasta from yesterday's delicious dinner
Tuesday - ham, mashed potatoes, veggies
Wednesday - fish sticks and fries.  Gotta eat quick before my son's 6pm baseball game.
Thursday - sloppy joes
Friday -
Saturday - Chicken barbeque event near my parents house.  Also, my mom's 70th birthday
Sunday - pizza

What's on my TV today:
Right now my daughter is watching The Thundermans.  It's a show on Nickelodeon about a super hero family that has to pretend to be a normal family.

Looking around the house:
I'm in my kitchen now.  Dishes are piled high in the sink waiting to be put into the dishwasher once the clean dishes are put away.

On my to do list:
Dishes
Laundry
Doctor appointment
Mow lawn
Stain wooden boxes for my raised flower beds (thanks hubby for making them for me)
Pull weeds

New recipe I tried or want to try soon:
One thing we never eat in this house is fish.  I grew up eating fish because my parents liked it but I never got into it much.  My husband isn't a fish person.  The other day my son said he wanted to try some fish.  I thought I'd start him off with some simple fish sticks this week.  I liked them as a kid and so did my husband.  If he likes it then I'll try another type of actual fish sometime.  Anyone have a good fish recipe?  What's your favorite fish to eat? Something that  doesn't have that extreme fishy taste if you know what I mean.

In the craft basket:
Still all those beads waiting to be turned into jewelry.  Can't wait to get started.

Looking forward to this week:
Getting my daughter's baby pool out so she can splash around on these hot days.
My son's baseball games this Wednesday evening and Saturday morning
Bowling Thursday evening
My mother's birthday on Saturday.  She turns 70!!!
Chicken barbecue near my parents house on Saturday.  It's a big event at a park every year.  The food is delicious!

No words needed (favorite photo or picture):

(weeds in my back yard)

On my mind:

Trying to sort through all these negative feelings in my mind so I can go back to appreciating all that is good.  It's not so easy to do.  

Devotionals, Scriptures:

"Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me," -- Revelation 3:20

We had a guest speaker at church yesterday who talked about how God gives us the free will to choose what direction we want to take in our lives.  He said he will stand at the door and knock but he won't come in unless we invite him in.  Sometimes we expect that he will just show up and enter but he isn't going to do that unless we invite him to. 

Thoughts For Mothers Day

We're just a few days away from celebrating Mother's Day.  I don't expect much on this day but I must brag my husband and kids spoil me.  I'm so grateful and so blessed.  Becoming a mother was the best thing that ever happened to me.  It's challenging most of the time and quite frustrating but it's also amazing and filled with a lot of heartfelt moments.  I can't believe I brought these two into the world and I'm always thankful to God for allowing me to be their mother.  I don't take it for granted.

 

Mothers Day 2013

Mothers Day 2014

I'm definitely one lucky lady but I never forget those who aren't so fortunate.  In previous years I've heard women complain because their husbands forgot to get them flowers, a gift or even a simple inexpensive card.  My husband has yet to forget; however, if he did it wouldn't bother me so much.  No gift can compare to those two little ones.  They made me a mother and that is enough for me. The cards and gifts are nice and very much appreciated, of course, but I just don't understand why so many women complain when they don't receive those materialistic things.  Just focus on how lucky we are that we are mothers.  

Also, if you're going to complain about a gift you didn't receive just stop and think about the women in this world who are trying so desperately to conceive but can't.  Those women yearn to be parents but can't for one reason or another.  Think of those who had children but lost them suddenly because of a car accident, disease, whatever.  Think of the daughters whose mothers have passed away.  You may not receive a card or some flowers but why is that so important to anyone?  Of course, we mothers work hard and would like some recognition, I totally get that.  A gift is a nice way of saying, "THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO."  But is it really what's most important?  I don't think so.  I believe what's most important is the little ones who gave us the title of Mother.  Nothing in this world is more precious.  

I Married My Best Friend

One day during college in the student lounge I noticed a friend was reading a book titled I KISSED DATING GOODBYE by Joshua Harris.  I laughed at the silly thought of not dating. I asked her questions about the book and quickly grew curious.  I decided to buy a copy and read it myself.  To my surprise the book was fascinating.   Joshua Harris was only 21 when he wrote the book.  He was a Christian who was devoted to living his life for God.  At the time I was 19 and had already dated here and there.  Of course, any time I told anyone else about the book they gave me the same look I had given my friend.  Give up dating?  Why would I do that?  Why would anyone do that?  Dating is fun.  How are you going to get to know someone if you don't date them? 

This book doesn't imply that dating is sinful and shouldn't be done but Mr. Harris explains a better way to approach relationships - by being friends first.  Choosing to quit dating doesn't mean giving up on relationships and marriage.  It means putting friendship first and getting to know each other as friends before anything else. 

"Dating has a tendency to move a guy and girl beyond friendship and toward romance too quickly," Joshua Harris wrote in this book.  He also added, "Intimacy without commitment is defrauding.  Intimacy without friendship is superficial.  A relationship based only on physical attraction and romantic feelings will last only as long as the feeling last."

 Even though I read the book and found it very interesting I still wasn't sure if I was ready to give up dating quite yet.  However, even as young as I was, I was growing tired of dating.  Tired of getting to know someone only to find he wasn't the one.  Tired of rejection.  Tired of being hurt.  Just tired, tired, tired.  Then something happened.  I fell in love ... with someone who had been my friend for a few years. 

We met in college and slowly got to know each other as friends.  It was nice having a friend that was a guy.  For awhile we were both in relationships with other people and taking our friendship to the next level was nothing we considered at the time.  At least I never considered it.  He was a very sweet guy and also quite funny.  Definitely not like any other guy I have ever known.  He made me laugh and always put me in a better mood.  I always had a good time whenever he was around.  I was very comfortable around him too and knew I could be myself without any judgement or worry that he would think less of me.  Dating and getting to know someone on a romantic level can be quite intimidating and awkward.  Sometimes we shy away from showing them who we really are because of fear they will get turned off by us.  At least, that's how it was for me.  My personality with my boyfriends was very different from how I was with my friends.  With my friends I never had felt pressure to try and impress.  I was always just myself.  That's exactly how I was with Rob.  Myself.  Very comfortable, silly, outgoing and quite obnoxious too.  But no matter how I acted he always smiled at me and laughed with me.  We joked around and understood each others quirkiness.  It was nice having a friend like that; a male friend, I should say. 

As the months passed he and I grew closer and closer together.  We spent a lot of time together.  I looked forward to every day I was able to see him.  Then inch by inch those feelings I had for him grew stronger and deeper.  He had feelings for me a lot sooner than I did for him.  It took me some time.  But I knew I loved him.  At 21 years old I fell in love with a man who had already been such a good friend to me and two years after that we were husband and wife. 

Through our marriage we made the agreement that even though we were husband and wife we would always put our friendship first.  I know there are people who disagree with me but I do feel it's important to make your spouse your best friend.  How could he not be my best friend?  We sleep in the same bed.  We share the same house.  We're raising the same kids.  We go on vacations together and spend many hours together.  We live for the sake of each others happiness.  I do have other friends that I hang out with and talk to and consider to be very close with but the relationship I have with my husband is something totally different.  He truly is my best friend. 

Also the benefit of being friends first was that we had so much time to get to know each other without all the romance and trying to impress one another.  I knew so much about him before the intimacy between us started.  That made a huge difference once we did decide to become a couple.  It really made things better. 

This month my husband and I will be celebrating 13 years of marriage.  I'm sure there were plenty of people who had doubt that we would last this long.  Some tried to talk us out of it when we decided to get engaged.  Yet we didn't listen to the others and here we are 13 happy years and 2 kids later.  I wouldn't want it any other way. 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 5/4/15

Here we are!  Another week.  Sandra changed this up a bit this week, which is totally fine with me.  The only issue is I don't have a menu planned for this week.  Gotta work on that.  I also left a few out that I didn't have answers for.  I'll get better ... I promise.  Anyway ...

The weather in my neck of the woods::
It is BEAUTIFUL!  It's as if summer has arrived early.  I LOVE IT!  

  
Things that make me happy::
(See above)  The warm weather and sunshine.  Again I say, I LOVE IT!

Menu for this week::
Oh gosh, I don't have a clue.  I don't even know what I'm making today.  I'll decide soon enough though.  

What's on my TV today::
Right now it's The Care Bears.  As you can tell my 3 year old has possession of the television right now.  

Looking around the house::
What a mess!  It seems no matter how hard I try to keep things clean this house never gets clean.  Am I the only one experiencing this?  Ugh!  I feel like I'm on my feet from the time I wake up until the time I go to bed and all I do is pick up toys, sweep dirt, pick up more toys, etc., etc, ... and by the end of the night the house is still a mess.  Why?!  

On my to do list::
Laundry, dishes, clean, vacuum, PLAY WITH THE KIDS, and all that's usual in my day to day life. 

New recipe I tried or want to try soon::
This looks good.  Maybe I'll add it to the menu this week -- http://otasteandseeblog.com/parmesan-crusted-chicken-with-bacon/

In the craft basket::
I bought lots of supplies to make jewelry.  Now I need to find the time and patience to get started.  I've tried a few things but it hasn't worked out yet.  Gotta go with another plan.  I'll figure it out and make it work! Jewelry making is a lot harder than you may think. 

Looking forward to this week::
This seems to be a quiet week compared to the rest of the month.  I don't think there is much going on except on Friday my kids and I are going to the movies with my parents to see the new Avengers movie and on Saturday my son has his first official baseball game of the season.  We also can't forget MOTHERS DAY on Sunday.  

Favorite Photo or Picture::

This picture was taken on my phone yesterday during a cub scout picnic.  I took my son and his friend on a hike on the trail.  It was fun but I couldn't keep up with these 7 year olds.  

Lesson learned the passed few days::
The feelings, regrets, emotions and experiences I go through are normal and okay.  I'm not alone. 

On my mind::
Why is it so hard for my daughter to understand what is the right amount of toilet paper to pull off?  I just got finished rolling back up a ton that she pulled down.  I know she'd clog the toilet if I didn't go in the bathroom every time she had to go. 

Devotionals, Scripture Reading::
"You got to learn how to think right before you can live right.  God has got a good plan for your life, but if you don't believe it, God's not going to be able to do it." -- Joyce Meyer

"If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." -- John 15:7

Happy Homemaker Monday - 4/27/15

I haven't participated in Happy Homemaker Monday so far this year.  Wow!  I always enjoyed doing this but blogging has gotten away from me.  But I'm really excited to start back up and join Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom again. 

So here we go!

The weather outside is::::
54 degrees, a bit chilly and cloudy.  We had some warm weather for awhile but the cool temps and wind came back.  Spring where are you?  Calling for rain later.  

On the breakfast plate this morning::::
I made a choice of cinnamon raisin bagels, mini chocolate donuts, eggs and bacon.  I usually don't cook a big breakfast like that but once in awhile I like to give the boys something special before sending them off to work and school.  My daughter and I also enjoyed some too.  

As I look outside my window::::
The sky is completely covered with white, puffy clouds.  The trees are blowing in the breeze.  The grass is green and freshly mowed.  

Right now I am::::
Moving between writing this up, playing dolls with my daughter and getting housework and laundry done.  Whew!  I needed a moment to sit.  

As I look around the house::::
It's very cluttered around here.  Toys all over.  No matter how I try to keep things tidy and organized it just doesn't last long.  In the corner is a pile of tiles and stuff from the kitchen backsplash.  When my husband is finished the backsplash then our kitchen renovation will be complete ... FINALLY.  

On today's to do list::::
Finish laundry, make stuffed peppers for dinner, housework, clean bird cage, and whatever else needs cleaning, help my son with his homework and play with the kids in between it all.  

Currently reading::::
Nothing lately.  Haven't had the time.  

On the TV today::::
We now have Netflix and Hulu so the kids love watching shows and movies on there.  Right now my daughter has The Incredible Hulk on.  The old tv series with Bill Bixby.  Yes my three year old loves it!  Most of the time when the tv is on it's shows my kids like.  After they are in bed my husband and I usually find something for us to watch but I'm not sure what that will be yet.  A show or movie on Netflix or a baseball game on tv?  You just never know with us!  

On the menu this week::::
Monday - stuffed peppers
Tuesday - hot dogs, tater tots, chili
Wednesday - chicken alfredo and garlic bread
Thursday -
Friday - pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans
Saturday -
Sunday - pizza made by husband

Favorite photo from the camera::::
This is my picture on top now.  I took it a few weeks ago of my tree.  I just love how the picture came out.

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" -- Ephesians 2:8

In Bloom

I especially love this time of year.  The weather is getting warmer, the birds are chirping and flying everywhere, the flowers have bloomed.  Beautiful!  I have these two trees in my front yard that have these white flowers.  They bloom twice a year and unfortunately the flowers don't last long.  When I see these flowers appear I know it's a sign that the better months are near.  I'm so excited for it.  Warm weather, barbecues, picnics, visits to the playgrounds, trips to our favorite amusement park, swimming in the pool, etc. 

The windows in my house are open allowing the mild breeze to bring in some fresh air.  It feels good.  It smells good.  I love it!  I'm looking forward to what's to come ...

Easter Is ...

To me Easter is so much more than dying eggs, hunting eggs, seeing the Easter Bunny and getting a visit from him on that Sunday morning and spending time with family ... however; those are the things we do each year to make it fun and exciting.

To me Easter is about the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  It is when Jesus died for our sins.  He did it because he loved us that much.  "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13.  It's just so amazing to think about.  Jesus was beaten and hung on a cross for our transgressions.  He did all of this for me ... for you ... for everyone.  Yet, are we giving enough back to Him?  I often wonder if I'm doing enough to show my appreciation.  

So on to talking about our Easter.  It was a good one.  The day before my husband took the kids to an egg hunt at our local community center.  I had a doctor appointment and couldn't attend.  Then our neighbors invited the kids to a little egg hunt they set up in their own backyard.  We also dyed eggs that day too ... our tradition, of course.  The next day was Easter.  We went to my father-in-law's church.  We regularly attend a different church but my father-in-law invited us along to his service.  My kids are used to going to Sunday School during the service at our church where they can run around and play.  So having to sit still for the entire hour was a challenge, especially for the three year old.  Once she spotted where the toy room was it was all over for her.  That's where she wanted to be.  After the service they had an egg hunt set up.  The kids had fun.  Then we headed home for lunch and then went to my parents' house where my oldest sister and her family were visiting.  We all had a ham dinner prepared by my sister.  I brought along dessert.  It was a great day spent with loved ones.

But we never fail to teach our kids the reason why we celebrate Easter.

Matthew 28:1-10
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

Friday Favorites - "My Redeemer Lives"

In an effort to keep this blog going I decided to come up with some random things to write about each week/month.  I've been pondering some ideas and here is one of them.  It's called Friday Favorites.  Every Friday I will post a topic about something I like; whether it be a recipe for a favorite meal, a special keepsake, and well, anything I'd consider a "favorite."

Since it's Good Friday and Easter is in a few days I thought it would be perfect to start with a song that is perfect for this holiday. 

My Redeemer Lives

                by Nicole C Mullens

Who taught the sun
Where to stand in the morning
And who taught the ocean
You can only come this far
And who showed the moon
Where to hide till evening
Whose words alone can
Catch a falling star

Well I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
All of creation testifies
This life within me cries
I know my Redeemer lives
Yeah

The very same God
That spins things in orbit
Runs to the weary
The worn and the weak
And the same gentle hands
That hold me when I'm broken
They conquer death to bring me victory

Now I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I know my Redeemer

He lives to take away my shame
And He lives forever I'll proclaim
That the payment for my sin
Was the precious life He gave
But now He's alive and there's an empty grave

And I know my Redeemer, He lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry

I know my Redeemer
I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
I know that, I know that, I know that, I know that, I know
I know my Redeemer lives
(Because He lives I can face tomorrow)
He lives, I know, I know, I know.
He lives
(I spoke with Him this morning.)

He lives.
(The tomb is empty)
He lives.
(I'm gotta tell everybody)

It's April!

That's it, I'm quitting this blog!  Ha.  APRIL FOOL'S!  Although, I'm not sure if many people even read this ... but I don't care ... I enjoy writing.  Always have.  So no, I'm not quitting.  And yes, today is April Fool's Day and while others are playing pranks on each other I'm remembering a very special lady.  My grandmother.  Today would have been her birthday.  She's been gone for six years.  I was always very close to my grandma and I miss her so much.  I want so badly to hear her voice again.  Pain doesn't go away with time, but it gets easier.  Just a tad bit easier. 

Now that we're in a new month I thought I'd do something new.  I may do this once a week or just once a month.  Not sure yet.  I'll start by making it up as I go along.  If you'd like to join in go ahead but let me know so I can read yours too. 

Currently ... Sitting on the couch with the laptop on my lap as I type this up.  My daughter is napping, my son is in school and my husband is at work.  The house is so quiet. 

The weather ... is a beautiful sunny 51 degrees.  Love it!

Looking Forward To ... Celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior in a few days.  Getting new countertop in the kitchen tomorrow.  Possibly taking the kids to Disney on Ice in a few weeks. 

Excited ... That spring weather has finally arrived. 

On the to-do list ... finish laundry, fold, put it away. 

Bible Verse ... "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" -- Philippians 4:13

Favorite Picture ...

Catching Up

Has it really been 8 weeks since I've written here?  Wow!  I've always loved blogging but it just got away from me for awhile.  It's been quite a winter.  A dreadful, tiring, I'm-so-glad-it's-over winter.  Yes -- we have now entered spring and even though it's still quite cold outside the sun has been shining, the birds have been chirping and the green grass is finally showing (all that snow we had is GONE.  Finally GONE). 

I have been receiving help for my anxiety and I'm happy to say it's improved a lot.  I still have moments when I feel on edge when I'm out somewhere but it's gotten so much better.  I feel like I can live and be normal again.  Whew!

Because of the anxiety I unfortunately didn't go very many places through the winter.  It's been rough.  My husband has been busy with working 2 jobs, being a cub scout leader and now has started helping his dad with church tax stuff.  Baseball is starting soon and he's going to help coach again.  Yes he's quite busy ... but me, not so much.  Now that the warmer weather is coming I'm hoping to do more things with the kids. 

Since the last time I wrote we've had Valentines Day and St. Patrick's Day.  I try my best to make each holiday as great as I can for the kids.  I get candy and treats for my husband and the kids on Valentines Day.  On St. Patrick's Day a leprechaun sneaks into the house and destroys the place and leaves candy for the kids.  The kids love it!  It's so much fun.  We also have a pair of big green shamrock glasses my mom gave me husband years ago.  Every year the kids put it on and I take their picture.  Last year I bought a leprechaun hat too. 

Because it's been so cold outside the kids were excited when it was finally warm enough to play.  They love going up and down the driveway with their bikes and scooters or simply just coloring with sidewalk chalk. 

We've also been slowly working on renovating the kitchen.  It's a small kitchen but it's taking a lot of time and patience.  The contractor that my husband does bookkeeping for came and laid the tile for the floor.  He did an excellent job.  Even came up with his own diamond shape pattern in the middle and small glass tiles along the edge.  I love it! 

So far I'm very happy with how the kitchen is coming along.  Next week the counter top will be installed and we'll be almost done. 

My kids discovered the movie The Phantom of the Opera and have been glued to the television watching it constantly.  I don't mind.  I saw the Broadway play twice and LOVE it!  The movie from 2004 was excellently done.  This is my favorite play.  I'm so glad my kids enjoy it as well.  They were excited when they found masks at the craft store. 

I've started to becoming interested in jewelry making.  I've been looking up a ton of tutorials on Pinterest and Youtube.  I'd love to turn it into a way to make some money.  We'll see.  I bought some material but haven't really gotten too much done yet.  I know it's not going to be easy but it will be fun.  It's worth a shot.  I'm always finding ways to make money while staying at home.  If it doesn't work out at least I'll have some nice jewelry pieces to give as gifts ... hopefully. 

Now we prepare to celebrate Easter very soon.  School is more than halfway done for my son.  He's doing well academically.  He continues to enjoy cub scouts and will be starting baseball soon.  I recently registered my daughter for preschool that will start in September.  She's really interested in doing ballet.  Hopefully it will be affordable for us.  That's about it.  Not much else to say.  I will try to update more often.  I miss writing. 

Quiet Time

 I'm the type of person who enjoys needs quiet time every day.  Even if it's just for a few minutes.  I need this time to sit, relax, reflect and take a pause from life.  I've always been this way but since becoming a mother I find I need this time even more than ever. 

So here I lay on the couch with my feet up as I watch the snow fall outside.  My husband is at work, my son is in school after having a 2 hour delay and my daughter is napping.  I spent most of the morning playing dolls with her in between laundry and dishes.  Now it's time to take this moment and relax while the house is quiet. 

I haven't been the best at keeping up with this blog.  Lately I feel like I've been in quite a funk.  I spend so much time at home which drives me crazy but in the last few months anytime I go out I feel like I could pass out.  Still.  I'm in the process of getting treated to figure out why I am becoming this way.  It clearly is no fun at all.  On top of that I'm feeling the usual winter blues.  I'm trying to stay positive but I'm ready for sunshine and spring.  2015 isn't starting out so well. 

Goodbye 2014. Hello 2015.

Wait ... what?  It's 2015 already?  How did that happen.  It feels like I was just here typing a post about the start of 2014.  Why did the year go by so fast.  Unbelievable.

Well, I don't make New Year's resolutions but I do want to make it a point to work on my mental health this year.  I hadn't been feeling well most of December and I've had some anxiety issues.  I've experienced some pretty bad chest pains.  My emotional issues were becoming physical and that's not good.  I've been feeling okay lately but I know how I had felt last month was a definite wake up call.  It's time to put some issues aside and focus on forgiveness.  Forgiving myself.  Forgiving others. 

Yes, 2015 is going to be about forgiveness.  It's something I've struggled with but I need to work on it.  I've been holding a lot in and it's killing me ... well, at least it felt like it was killing me.  So onward we go into this new year with some major mental changes. 

Now let's rewind to the past year.  It was mainly low key but we did have some challenges as well as some good times.  I wanted to break this up month by month but that will take a long time for me so I'm just going to jumble it all up as best as I can.

We experienced some snow in the first few months.  Lots of snow.  The kids had so much fun. 

We took a trip to Hagerstown, MD and visited our favorite park there. 

In March my husband had hip replacement surgery and then returned in April to have the other hip done.  That was the most challenging for us but we made it through.  He learned to walk again with the help of physical therapy and aside from muscle soreness he seems to be doing quite well. 

Because we are season pass holders we were able to visit the nearby amusement park several times.  We also enjoyed quite a few minor league baseball games.  Both my husband and son enjoyed a few monster truck shows too.  That seems to be their thing. 

We took a trip to Hershey and visited Chocolate World.  That's always fun (and free).  

My son finished kindergarten and then started first grade in the fall.  He seems to be doing very well academically but needs a little help with spelling and handwriting.  He can read like a pro and is advanced in math.  Last month he celebrated his 7th birthday.  In the spring he played teeball and in the fall he joined cub scouts for the first time.  He seems to enjoy it and my husband became one of the leader's.  It wasn't something he planned to do but they were desperate for extra leaders.  Oh and he also lost his first tooth, finally.  He also enjoyed his first year of Vacation Bible School during a week in the summer. 

Brianna moved from a crib to a big girl bed.  I'm also happy to say she is potty trained.  We're still working on the night time training but during the day she does well.  She turned 3 during the summer. 

The kids participated and completed the library's Summer Reading Club.  They read all the minutes required and did some of the activities. 

My dad had shoulder and hand surgery so I had to stay at his house and help take care of my mom for a few days.  The kids were with me.  That was another challenge that I'm glad is over. 

In the spring we celebrated 12 years of marriage and in the summer we were able to go on a date all thanks to friends of ours who babysat while we enjoyed dinner at a nice restaurant.  Since having kids going out on dates where it's just the two of us rarely happens.  Dates happen for us once in a blue moon. 

I redid the front flower bed and we completed the back deck renovation.  We also started the kitchen renovation.  It's almost complete.  My husband and father in law opened up a wall and then added a buffet window to the other wall.  It looks so much better.

We had to say goodbye to our favorite neighbors across the street since they sold their house and moved to another town.  We see them from time to time but it's not the same. 

As for me, I started training to be a bus driver.  I'm still in the process of training.  I have to take 4 written tests.  I already passed 1 but have 3 more to do and there are more hours of training I need to complete.  It seems to be taking forever because I just don't have a lot of free time to train.  Which is why I'm thinking of putting the whole idea of becoming a bus driver on hold until my daughter starts school.  That way I'll have a lot of time to train.  I really wanted the job NOW but it just doesn't seem possible. 

I also reconnected with an old friend.  It had been over a decade since I had seen her.  She had just lost interest in being my friend, it seemed.  I had been hurt.  Really hurt.  I had also been confused.  Her husband got in contact with me a few weeks ago and said he wanted us to see if we could make the friendship work again.  This all came out of nowhere and at first I was hesitant but I decided to walk by faith and see where this would lead.  I didn't run to her with arms wide open and I definitely have my guard up but since this opportunity presented itself the way it did I decided why not give it a try and see what happens.  People grow up and change, right?  I was willing to give it a shot.  So far, so good I guess.  I'm not sure what the future has in store for us as far as the friendship goes but it's going to take a lot of time and ... forgiveness.  Yes, there goes that forgiveness thing again.  I'll start with her. 

So that's it, I guess.  At least it's what I can remember right now. 

Here's hoping 2015 is a good one.