Halloween

Halloween is tomorrow!  The kids are so excited for it.  It's one of my son's favorite holidays and he looks forward to it all year.  I know some people do not care to celebrate Halloween and that's okay.  You make the choices you feel are right for your family.  It was part of my childhood and I want it to be part of my kids' childhood as well -- along with Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy.  It's just fun little things that bring them joy.

After a trip to Walmart a few weeks ago we left with a Thor costume for my son and a Minnie Mouse costume for my daughter.  They both picked them out and luckily have been able to wear them multiple times.  Trunk or Treat night at Matthew's school, a benefit for our neighbor and the local amusement park during their "Happy Hauntings."  We'll be trick-or-treating around the neighborhood tomorrow and will attend a Trunk Or Treat In the Park event on Friday.  I'm glad they are making the most out of these costumes but ... sooooo much candy!  Oh my!  What are we going to do with all this candy?  They already have so much and will only be getting more tomorrow.  The worst part is every time I pass the buckets I'm tempted to take one ... and sometimes I do.  Shhh, don't tell them!

 

I've heard several parents make remarks about Halloween and why they choose not to expose their children to this holiday.  It certainly doesn't have to be about ghosts, monsters and everything spooky.  I make it all about kid-appropriate costumes, candy and fun decorations.  You won't find anything spooky and scary in my house.  All fun!  I enjoy these events for my children's happiness. 

Happy Halloween y'all! 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 10/28/13

I'm a little unorganized today so you'll have to excuse me.  Matthew has an "in service" day so there is no school.  We met my parents at Chuck E Cheese for lunch and spent a few hours playing games and winning lots and lots of tickets.  The kids redeemed some of the tickets for small, pathetic prizes and will save the rest for another time.  Now we're home.  Little one is napping and Matthew is playing games on my Mp3 player.  Trying to stay quite for the time being.

So here we go, teaming up with Sandra at Diary of A Stay At Home Mom again for Happy Homemaker Monday.  I did great last week with my meal planning ahead of time but as of now I'm clueless as to what to make for dinner so I'll have to save that for later.  Sandra changed things around, so I'll do it exactly as she did. 

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY - 10/28/2013

As I look outside my window ...

The sun is shining making the air warm.  There's a breeze but it's hardly cold, not as cold as it had been the last few days.  We left the house this afternoon with winter coats but suddenly didn't need them anymore.  The cold air seemed to have hit us pretty fast but luckily we have a little break today.  Until the sun goes down, of course, then it will be freezing again.  

Right now I am ...

Writing up this blog as quickly as I can go.  Hanging out with my son who sits on the couch playing video games.  If it's what it takes to keep him quite while little sister is napping then so be it.  We're also holding up a conversation too.  I love this boy!  He's getting over a cold but still has a terrible cough, especially once he's running around.  I'd love for him to rest but he just wants to run around today. 

Thinking and pondering ...

Of all the things that need done around the house.  It's so messy ... and yet here I am blogging.  ha!  Also trying to come up with a meal plan for the week.  I think I'm just going to skip it all and enjoy having my boy home today and worry about everything tomorrow.  I may bring the kids to the park if the warm weather stays for awhile. 

On my bedside table ...

Still reading In Pursuit of Peace by Joyce Meyer.  Actually, I haven't had much time to sit down and read.  I've been on my feet doing this and that for the last week and nothing seems to be getting done.  

On my tv tonight ...

There isn't a set show we watch on Monday nights right now so I'm sure we'll be skipping around between the World Series (though I don't care for either team) and maybe some other shows.  

Playing on the radio ...

My hubby bought me a speaker for my Mp3 player so while I'm in the kitchen cooking or whenever the kids decide they want a dance party I turn on Pandora and it's usually kids music.  For me, I've been listening to a lot of Contemporary Christian music lately.  If not that, then anything we can dance to.  

On the menu for the week ...

Like I said, I didn't prepare this yet.  I will get back to it once I have it done.  Last week I was able to get it all done ahead of time and I made some awesome meals! 

Monday - spaghetti and meatballs 

On my to do list ...

So much housework.  It just doesn't stop

Laundry, and lots of it!

One more baseball practice and one more game for Matthew and then we're done until spring.

Attend friend's wedding this weekend.  Her and I went to high school together and I haven't seen her for years.  Can't wait.  

What I'm sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating ...

I usually keep this one out because I don't sew, crochet or knit (although I wish I did).  I love being crafty, especially with the kids, but lately we haven't been doing anything.  I cut out some pumpkin shapes with construction paper so the kids could draw on them but they weren't interested.  I really have to work on updating both baby books.  Matthew's needs a few finishing touches (since it stops at age 5 and he's almost 6) and I hardly put anything into Brianna's.  

I also have a coupon to make a free photobook on Shutterfly and have been wanting to create one.  Just need to find the time to sit at the computer and gather the photos I want.  

My simple pleasure ...

Lately, it's been chocolate.  The kids have gone trick-or-treating at Matthew's school and also at a local amusement park and will be going around the neighborhood on Halloween.  I've been randomly diving into their buckets for a piece of candy or they offer me one.  My weakness is Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.  Bad, I know.  

Lesson learned the past week ...

 I'm always learning something, even if it's just a reminder of something I've already known.  For instance, I've been struggling with not worrying about what certain people think of me.  I know it doesn't matter what they think.  It only matters what God thinks.  Still, I like certain people in my life to understand that I am doing my best and trying my hardest and doing a better job then what I get credit for.  If they don't spend all day with me then they do not know me and what I go through, therefore, I shouldn't worry what others think.  

Looking around my house ...

Yikes!  A mess of toys everywhere.  My son is on the couch playing video games.  I'm glad he's home today.  

From the camera ...

 

On my prayer list ...

Family and friends, as always

My husband and the physical pain he's been going through

Bible verse/Devotional ...

"Let all that you do be done in love" -- 1 Corinthians 16:14

Sibling Love

 I am the youngest of four children.  My siblings and I get along great when we're together.  The only thing that has kept us from being close is the distance between me and them.  They live in another state and it's been that way since I was 14.  We don't keep in touch on the phone or see each other in person as much as we probably could but when we get together we're able to laugh and hold a conversation as if we hadn't been apart at all.  At this point in our lives it's easy to say we all have so much in common with each other.  That wasn't always the case though.  My sister and I are seven years apart, then the other sister and I are fourteen years apart and my brother and I are sixteen years apart.  That's a big difference, isn't it?  When I was a baby they were teenagers and when I was a teenager they were all adults married and with children.  Now all four of us are in the same level of owning homes and raising families.  My brother, the oldest, has grandchildren now which is something none of us girls can relate to.  

Living in a different state hasn't always been easy for me.  I can't express how many times I wish I could have called one of my sisters and said, "hey, you want to come over and hang out?" or, "let's hang out at the mall together today."  I've missed out on so much being far away.  I not only miss out on the opportunity to hang out with them any time we want but I've also missed out on watching my nieces and nephews grow up.  I've missed so many birthdays and holidays with them.  It wasn't fair.  

I love my siblings very much but I wish we were closer.  Closer with distance and closer with age.  This is why seeing my two children get along with each other and remain close throughout their lives is so important to me.  My wish is that they continue to love each other, need each other, help each other and be each others best friend throughout their entire lives. 

 After having our first child we new our family wasn't complete.  We loved him so much and enjoyed every moment with him.  In my heart I felt the desire to give him a sibling.  We wanted two children but we didn't want them to be too close in age but also didn't want them too far apart either.  I wanted a few years with just us and Matthew.  

When Matthew was about two he kept saying, "I want a baby sissa!"  I want a baby sissa!"  I knew he was only saying this because his new friend across the street had a baby sister.  He didn't quite understand what he was asking for but something in my heart clicked and I knew it was time to give him what he wanted (although it could have been a brother).  No, no, he didn't want a brother.  He wanted a sister and kept letting me know that.  Well, after many talks with my husband and a lot of nights spent praying I did get pregnant and yes ... with a little sister for Matthew.  I made sure our son knew that he was included in this pregnancy and this child was not just mine or his daddy's but his as well.  He went with me to every doctor appointment and had the chance to hear the baby's heartbeat.  We took him to every ultrasound so he could see the baby that was growing inside of me. 

I knew he was going to be an incredible big brother.  I made sure I never left him out of anything and that he always understood that even with another little one in the house he was still going to be loved and a main priority in our lives.  

Then she came into the world and I got to witness first hand what kind of big brother Matthew was going to be.  

At only three and a half he had to be reminded not to be so rough with the baby.  He still needs that reminder every now and then.  Yet, he loves her.  I know he does. 

The moment we brought her home from the hospital we presented Matthew with a few gifts that were from her.  I had heard of people doing this before and thought it was a great idea.  He had something for her as well. 

I have enjoyed watching the two of them and the bond they have.  I've put together a collection of some of my favorite pictures of the both of them together. 

Trust me, they aren't always all over each other, hugging and kissing.  When Brianna was a baby I sounded like a broken record always telling Matthew to be gentle with her.  I still say that.  Although now that she is bigger the tables have turned.  I have to tell her to be gentle as well.  She finds it funny to hit, pinch and bite.  She also likes to take Matthew's things and then he gets mad at her and takes it out of her hand.  Then she cries and throws a fit.  Then I intervene and remind him that he shouldn't be rough with her and she's too little to understand.  It's a daily challenge, but we get through. 

For the most part these two have already developed a special bond.  They truly are best friends and I hope as the years go by they will remain that way.  Being one is a boy and the other is a girl they do have different interests and likes but they still find common ground.  There is still many things those two can do together.  Now that Brianna is older Matthew enjoys her more.  He has a buddy to play with all the time.  He likes that. 

I love seeing these two together.  I'm trying so hard to do the best I can in teaching them to have a love for each other.  I'm always telling them and will always remind them how lucky they are to have each other.  The bond between siblings is one no one else can understand.  It's an amazing thing.  Of course, they will fight and they will want to separate from each other now and again -- but the bond will always be there.  As they grow up they will see how friends come and go in their lives but the two of them will always have each other.  Even if they don't agree on things. 

So what do I want for my children when it comes to the relationship they have as siblings?  Love each other, give hugs often, fight for each other not with each other, stay friends, protect each other, put the other first and never give up on each other. 

These two are my world.  I'm so proud of them both!

Happy Homemaker Monday - 10/21/13

Hello readers!  Here we are, Monday!  The start of another week.  The weekend, as usual, flew by.

I've been busy all morning getting housework done while keeping up with a very active two year old.  Somehow I managed to get a little weight lifting done in the midst of all the other stuff.  Now as Brianna naps and the last load of laundry finishes in the dryer I'm going to take a quick break to write this up.

Teaming up with Sandra.

Happy Homemaker Monday - 10/21/13

The Weather ...

COLD!  And only going to get colder.  I guess we can officially say goodby to the warm summer weather.  Fall is here and winter is on it's way.  We were freezing at the bus stop this morning.  I do not like the cold weather ... but it is a good excuse to snuggle under a blanket with a cup of hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate.  

Right now I am ...

Typing up this blog as I wait for the last load of clothes to finish in the dyer.  Then I'll put them away and start washing the bedding.  Taking a moment to relax before continuing with the housework.  I was on my feet doing so much this weekend and this morning.  I deserve a few minutes of rest, don't I?

Thinking ...

Of different issues I've been facing and how to deal with them.  Trying to do it all the godly way.  

Of all the things I need to get done before the end of the week.

On my reading pile ...

Bible

In Pursuit of Peace by Joyce Meyer - This is a book I've already had for many years.  It's been sitting on my book shelf along with many other Joyce Meyer books.  I decided to open it up and read it again.  This particular book is filled with ideas and advice I really need right now.

I finished reading This Side of Heaven by Karen Kingsbury.  I love every book I have read from this author and this book was just as great.  A total tearjerker.  

On my TV ...

7th Heaven on the UP channel.  This episode was originally aired in 2002.  Rob and I used to watch the show every Monday when it was on.  What a wonderful fiance/husband he was for sitting through my shows.  

On the menu for this week ...

Monday - tacos

Tuesday - chicken alfredo rollups.  I saw this on Pinterest and have been dying to try it.  I love chicken alredo.

Wednesday - Hamburger helper beef stroganoff

Thursday - Slow cooker Italian chicken with carrots and mashed potatoes

Friday - pizza (made by hubby)  In-laws are joining us

Saturday - 

Sunday - 

On the to do list for this week...

-Clean bird cage

-Usual housework

-Clean bath toys

-Buy baseball cleats for Matthew.  Saw a pair on sale.

-Trunk or Treat night and book fair at Matthew's school

-Get house cleaned and presentable for the in-laws visit on Friday

-Son's baseball game on Saturday

-Friends coming here on Saturday to hang out with us and join in on the benefit our neighbors are having for their three year old son with special needs.  They are blocking part of our road and having face painting, animals and lots of fun stuff to raise money for The Leg Up Farm which helps children like this little boy get the therapy they need. 

Looking around the house...

Bright sunshine peaking through the windows, tv on, most of the toys put away, house smells of the candle burning in the kitchen.  Little fall decorations around the house.  

From the camera...

 

On my prayer list ...

My children

My husband

My family & friends

That I can learn how to give my heart completely and fully to God

Letting go of fears and past experiences that seem to haunt me

Bible verse/Devotional

" And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." - Colossians 3:15 (NKJ)

Chocolate!

Yesterday was Columbus Day and Matthew had the day off from school.  My oldest sister and her family were also visiting from another state.  They wanted to take a trip to Chocolate World in Hershey and asked us to come along.  They had never been there before.  I'm certainly not around the corner from Hershey but it's close enough to be a day trip.  We love going but don't go often enough.  I love chocolate and living near the chocolate capital of the world is pretty awesome. 

We took the tour of how their famous candy bars are made and then we had a chance to make our own chocolate bars.  We have taken the tour plenty of times but I never knew they allowed us to make our own.  This was new to me.  Brianna didn't know what to make of it but Matthew loved the experience. 

Unfortunately hubby had to work so he missed out.  We'll definitely have to go back with him.  Matthew wants to do it again for his upcoming birthday. 

Oh, and the chocolate we made ... oh so good! 

Rain, Rain, Go Away ...

Seriously!

For the last two days it's been raining buckets of water with no breaks.  The roads are flooding and some are closed.  Schools are letting out early so I have to get my son off the bus soon.  I didn't think it was going to be this bad or else I would have not sent him at all.  I've been sitting here praying that the bus drivers and all the kids make it home safely.  I won't rest until my boy is home.  Also my hubby too, who just called to say he's leaving early as well.  Hoping he can find his way home with all the closed roads. 

This is the corner of our front flower bed.  

 

The driveway and part of the road

 Our lawn

It's terrible.  I'm watching some of the flooding that's taken place in the area on the news.  Officials are giving everyone warnings to stay off the roads.  It seems in the last few years October has brought us some treacherous weather. 

The worst thing of all is the basement is starting to flood.  We thought the problem was fixed and we hadn't had a problem for a few years but it's getting pretty bad.  Ugh!  I moved some furniture, made sure all electrical wires were off the floor and covered as much as I could with towels.  I hear sirens outside.  Oh Lord, please keep everyone safe and please give us a break from the rain.  

If you're in my area stay safe. 

What Blogging Means To Me

I thought I would write a post explaining why I got started with blogging.  Maybe you don't even care but I'll share it anyway. 

It all started shortly after I was married.  We lived in a two bedroom apartment in a town that was new and unfamiliar to me.  I had a seasonal job at a pharmaceutical company and only worked about five months in the year.  We were married in May and I didn't return to work until July.  While my husband was working his day job I was home alone.  The apartment was small and didn't take very long to clean.  In that time of being laid off a friend introduced me to the world of blogging.  She along with her other friends blogged on Xanga.  Xanga seemed to be pretty popular back then.  I had always loved writing and decided to give it a try.  Just for fun.  I didn't expect much and after I signed up I had considered shutting my page down.  Back then Xanga was a very simple site to create and use.  They also had a community which made it easy to see what others were blogging.  With every post I wrote there would be several comments from other users on there.  I didn't know these people.  They were from other parts of the country.  At first it scared me to know strangers were reading my personal thoughts but that's the price you pay when you put your information on the world wide web.  I knew to be cautious because you just don't know who is reading. 

I found so many people who had similar interests and it was fun.  I enjoyed it.  It helped pass the time while I was alone.  Eventually Xanga added a lot of privacy features so being able to read other pages weren't always accessible unless they had it open to the public or if they added you as a friend.  I joined groups on Xanga which allowed others to add me.  Once I became a mother I used Xanga as a way to document every experience of my pregnancy and raising the children.  I met other moms just like me who were experiencing the same things.  It was so great to have a place I could use to share my stories or to vent any frustrations I had and to get advice from others ... and to be able to read what others were writing.  These people became my friends, even though we had never met face to face.  I became comfortable.  Hey, maybe too comfortable.  I have plenty of real life friends who I see face to face but my blogging friends are just as great. 

In the recent months Xanga decided to make drastic changes.  It is now called Xanga 2.0 and is set up like Wordpress.  So many became mad at these changes, mainly because Xanga was threatening to charge it's users.  I may like blogging but I'm not going to pay to blog.  So far I haven't been charged and I can get on there and write freely.  However, all the bloggers that I had been "friends" with are now gone.  Everyone gave up.  Also, I hate the changes.  It's horrible.  Luckily Xanga allowed it's users to archive all the posts we created so I have that on my desktop.  I have too many memories I am not willing to get rid of.  When I go back and read my old posts it's amazing to see just how much I've forgotten.  I'm so glad I took the time to write so many of my experiences down. 

I signed up here over a year ago, before I knew Xanga would make said changes.  I also created an account on Wordpress.  Neither has impressed me as much as the old Xanga did but I'm getting the hang of it. 

Like I said, blogging has been a way for me to jot down experiences I've been facing in life.  It's a great thing to have something like this to look back on.  As a stay-at-home mom it also works as a great outlet.  It seems blogging has lost it's flare with a lot of people but I plan on sticking with it for as long as I can.  It's fun!  Even when I'm busy I try to find a few minutes of each day to dedicate to blogging (reading others or typing on my own).