Jessicas Lil Corner

Breanns Project!

2012-01-26T17:48:00.000-05:00

Breann recently made a project at school to where she had to include a poem. I think its adorable!

Our Evening of Bowling

2012-01-19T10:55:00.004-05:00

This past weekend we took the kids bowling. They were SO super excited, as they have been asking to go for a few weekends now, and we decided to go ahead and take them for a fun, eventful evening. And...might I say...Justin is so much better at bowling than I am, but it was fun!! Plus, the kids had a great time!!

This post is also in the Members Area!

Bedroom Floor

2012-01-15T22:12:00.001-05:00

Before and after pics. The new bedroom floor is called Soft Plum.

This Year...

2012-01-06T19:49:00.007-05:00

Wow, another year has already gone by and this is our first week of 2012. As I sit and think about all that 2011 included and what my hopes are for 2012 I realize how blessed I am. In 2011 I had a lot of happy times, some sad times, and a lot of blessings. For 2012 there are plans for other great times with family and friends, and goals I am setting for myself, and hopefully 2012 will turn out to be a great year.

It is my hopes, my prayers and my motivation to help my kids to be the best they can be throughout this (and every other upcoming) year. I want to be the best mom to them I can be, while being their best friend, their guidance and their support all at the same time.

I also want to have as much time with my husband as I can possibly have...I will never take for granted the love that we share and the relationship that we have, I know that we are truly blessed...he is not just one in a million he is my one, and I love him dearly.

And...as for myself, I just want to be able to really live my life to the fullest. I don't ever want to take anything for granted. I want to schedule my time as effectively as possible, exceed in all that I do, and follow God's guidance with the plans He has for me.

Yep, while its probably going to be a year full of challenges, there are going to also be many blessings, much happiness and a lot to be thankful for!

Happy 2012!!

Our Little Corner, From the Beginning

2012-01-05T21:15:00.000-05:00

Our Little Corner, From the Beginning is nearly filled with photos from the years prior to 2006. There are not any stories, just photos, from the kids birthdays to other adventures, its great!

Our Little Corner 2011

2012-01-05T15:30:00.000-05:00

Our Little Corner, 2011 is now all ready for family and friends to view. The ebook is about all of our family's happenings in 2011, from my mom's lung transplant to my dad's passing, from the county fair to us taking the kids to Wonder Works. Yep! A lot of big moments as well as a lot of the smaller ones are in this ebook. 2011 was definitely an eventful year and I am happy to have it all (or a lot of it, anyhow) captured in this e-book!

My Year...

2011-12-28T13:50:00.000-05:00

This year has involved a mix of emotions, some happy, some sad, and a lot of blessings along the way. This year also has been one of the most difficult years for me, I lost my dad this year, he passed away unexpectedly in August. I miss him dearly, but I treasure the memories I have of him. On the other hand, we had been traveling back and forth to Charlottesville for a few years, as my mom was on a lung transplant list, and in May she got the call to have a right lung transplant and she is walking around today without being connected to an oxygen tank. Those were two huge events this year.

Other happenings in my life this year were me getting a new job working at home, and I am loving it, and I love being a work at home mom...one who can stay at home with her kids, its truly a blessing!

We did the Christmas drive again this year, to help needy kids in the area have gifts to open on Christmas...around 25 or 30 kids to be exact.

My niece started acting school nearly four hours away, and seems to really enjoy it.

We saw the Band Perry during a nearby fourth of July celebration.

There were simple and fun things too, like going to the zoo, taking the kids to Wonder Works, and just being together as a family, and sometimes the simplest things are the greatest of them all.

So, yes, my year has been filled with a lot of happiness, a lot of sadness, and a lot of blessings, indeed, but I am thankful for each every person in my life and for the life God has given me!

Christmas Gathering with Friends 2011

2011-12-22T15:34:00.001-05:00

Each year we try to get together with friends and have finger foods and exchange gifts. This year we decided to do what our friends called, a Chinese Christmas. The kids still drew names, but the adults each purchased one gift for a man and one gift for a woman then we placed the gifts in a pile and drew numbers. We went by the numbers drew in order to choose who got what gift and then who got to choose whether they wanted to exchange the gift they originally chose for one of the other friends gifts. It was pretty fun, if I do say so myself!!

Anyhow, I ended up with a scent warmer, very pretty!! Justin ended up with some aftershave set and a tool carrying case (2 of them). Breann ended up with a movie and Troy ended up with a shirt and a game for his PSP.

As for how the Chinese Christmas went, as for the rest of the adults, Barb got a giftcard, a candle, a pair of the fluffly socks (which I love), and some lotion and candy. Yolonda got a purse. Benjie, I think got a giftcard and Jeff got a giftcard.

It was a nice evening filled with friends, fun and laughter!

Photos and even a video area also in the Members Area!! :0)

Christmas Drive 2011

2011-12-18T11:16:00.011-05:00

Each year we try to give in some way during the Christmas season. Over the past few years, our family has hosted a Christmas gift drive to help needy kids in this and surrounding counties. This is where area churches and families in the area will step up and pitch in to help us out with providing and getting gifts to the kids that are in need. This year, we were able to deliver gifts for nearly thirty kids in need...from a bike to a guitar and other great gifts, there was plenty to give! YAY!!

Photos...

This is also posted in the Members Area!

Troy's Snowman Drawing!

2011-12-10T14:10:00.001-05:00

The other night, after putting up the Christmas tree, Troy asked what I would like for him to draw me, I told him I would like a snowman.

And...his drawing...

Isn't it adorable?!?

Christmas Decorations 2011!

2011-12-07T14:16:00.003-05:00

So the night after Thanksgiving Justin, the kids, and I put some holiday tunes on and began decorating our home for this Christmas. From wreaths to the Christmas tree we are all decorated. We brought out treats, turned on Christmas music, and had such a fun time!

More photos are in the Members Area!

Thanksgiving 2011 Gathering!

2011-12-02T13:50:00.003-05:00

This year was a Thanksgiving filled with happiness, blessings, and sorrow all at the same time. As I have posted about numerous times this year, my dad passed away in August, so it was our first Thanksgiving without him so there was a lot of sorrow that still filled this Thanksgiving. I missed his yearly tradition of saying the blessing at my parents table, his smiling face, and his voice and laughter. On the other hand, I felt incredibly blessed with the memories I have of him and the family I have as each and everyone is a blessing. My family brings me happiness and God has blessed me in so many ways.

On Thanksgiving Justin, me and the kids were all off from work and school, we began the day with watching the Thanksgiving parade on TV while having coffee and hot chocolate, then went to Cracker Barrel to spend the early part of the evening with my mom, brother and his wife and kids.

We then went over to my husband's mom's and spent the rest of the evening with his mom, sisters and their husbands and kids.

Where I got a video of all of the kids (minus Bryce, seeing as how he is only two months old) dancing. Its in the Members Area, so if you have access, be sure to take a look...very cute!

It was a great evening and a blessed Thanksgiving!

More photos and a video are in the Members Area!

Seasons Greetings from Our Family!

2011-11-25T10:26:00.001-05:00

Well, this year has holidays that are filled with blessings as well as sadness. This year is the first year we will be celebrating the holidays without my dad, a very sad time indeed, but I will always hold dear the memories of him in my heart and in my life. It also will be filled with many blessings, each family member, each friend, and the joy that each of them bring will bring happiness to this time as well.

Seasons Greetings (Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year) from our family to yours!

This photo is also in the Members Area

Breanns Forensics Competition

2011-11-17T21:28:00.000-05:00

Breann recently was in the school competition for a story she wrote and she won the competition and went on to county to compete. Well...she won first place for her grade in county too!! After the awards ceremony, Breann, Justin and I went to a nearby restaurant with the other students who went to the competition.

One of my best friends daughters also went to county and she won second place for her grade!

More photos are in the Members Area!

Halloween 2011!

2011-11-02T15:49:00.001-04:00

Well, even though I had to work on Halloween I was so happy to spend some of the evening trick or treating with the kids. Justin and I took them various places and they got all kinds of treats!

This photo is also in the Members Area!

Winner of Spot the Puppy!

2011-10-27T12:00:00.005-04:00

The winner of Spot the Puppy is Zookeeper. Please email me via the contact link in my linkbar within 72 hours to have the prize sent to you.

Congratulations! :0)

Crazy Hair Day

2011-10-18T12:25:00.002-04:00

The kids homecoming week at school is this week and each day they have a theme to dress up, today was Crazy Hair Day and they insisted I take a picture of their hairdos.

It was REALLY funny this morning because as I was dropping them off for school Breann insisted on Troy getting out of the vehicle first when she always gets out first. The conversation went something like this:

Breann: (leaning forward and standing up in the vehicle) Go Troy.
Me: Why are you not going? Go on and get out and get inside of the school.
Breann: (looking at Troy) Are you sure today is Crazy Hair Day?

LOL She wanted to be sure they dressed up for the right theme (which they did) so she was going to let her brother get out of the vehicle first!!

Photo is in the Members Area

A Good Read and a Giveaway

2011-10-14T12:16:00.002-04:00

Okay, I was contacted a week or so ago by the mom of a teenager who told me her daughter (yes, her teenager) had been writing children's books and wanted to see if I would possibly want to do a review of one of them and a giveaway. She told me the book was christian based and I jumped on the idea of being able to provide good reading material for my children that, although fiction, taught very real and valuable lessons.

This first book of Spot the Puppy by Emily Simmons (in a series that she will be doing) is about choices. Emily not only has written this book she also illustrated it. In this book Spot has choices to make and he has to stand up for what is right. I took this book as a way to help my children understand even more how important it is to make good choices and do the right thing. Even though the characters are fictional they still teach a good lesson in this book! You can also visit the author's website at http://www.spotthepuppy.net/

So...now for even better news? Mrs. Simmons (Emily's mother) has offered to also giveaway one book (which is the very same book that was sent to our family) to one winner here at Jessica's Lil Corner. Here is what you need to do to enter to win (all entries are worth one entry each but you also must post a comment each time you perform your entry choice, for example once you follow via GFC post a comment for that, once you follow via Twitter post a separate comment for that):

1. Mandatory entries: Follow Jessica's Lil Corner via GFC AND like Spot the Puppy on Facebook they can be found at http://www.facebook.com/SpotThePuppy

2. Extra entries: Follow JLC via Twitter at http://twitter.com/jesslilcorner

3. Tweet about this giveaway daily.

4. Grab a JLC button.

Don't forget to leave your comments!

Giveaway Details:

The giveaway will end 10/27/11 at 1AM ET and the winner will be announced by 12PM ET that day via a blog post here at Jessica's Lil Corner. Only one winner will be selected and you must contact me via the contact link here at Jessica's Lil Corner to claim your prize. Once you claim your prize, the author will be sending you the book via mail. I make no guarantees of whether or not any prizes are received and of the satisfaction of the prizes or the lack thereof. The prize winner will have 72 hours to claim their prize.

Have fun and let the giveaway begin!

A tooth is worth what?!?

2011-10-14T08:35:00.001-04:00

The kids have been losing a lot of teeth lately and Breann lost a tooth the other day and although she doesn't believe in the tooth fairy any longer (except on the days she loses a tooth) she felt it necessary to place her tooth inside of this bag with a note written on the front to let the tooth fairy know her tooth was worth $1.00.

Wow! I remember when I was a kid the price for a tooth was a quarter...how times change! :)

Happy Eleventh!

2011-10-10T23:46:00.001-04:00

It is so hard to believe, my daughter is now 11 years old I remember the baby she used to be and the toddler I used to chase after. Now she is continuously asking me questions for History or something else just to try to make the point that a fifth grader can be smarter. I am doing a pretty good job of helping to prove her right too!

I do know one thing for certain though...from the age I first became a mom at 19 to right now...my children have taught me so much other than just the basics of having to learn about feeding, teething, and all of the rest that comes with being a mom. They did just that, they taught me how to be not only their mom but their friend. They helped me to understand what my mom has said for many years, there truly is nothing like a mother's love. I feel so blessed to be my kids mom!

Speaking of my mom, this birthday of Breann's was also very exciting as my mom got to attend the party with no oxygen tank.

I have photos posted up of the party in the Members Area

Our Gatlinburg Weekend

2011-10-07T13:39:00.011-04:00

Well with our busy lives it can be hard to find time for what matters the most, so...we decided to take a weekend and focus on some of the things that matter most...our family! This past weekend we decided to take a trip to Gatlinburg. We took the kids to Wonder Works and went shopping...it was a fun weekend getaway!

Wonder Works was very interesting. In the video you will see the kids and us doing a few different things such as some computer experiments, a hurricane simulator (love Troy's dance during the hurricane simulator), them rock climbing and them trying to find one purple bead/ball that was placed in a huge amount of beads/balls that were another color (we did not find the bead by the way). And...although it wasn't caught on video, Breann did not want to try to make it to the top with the rock climbing at first, but then she decided to try again and she did make it to the top!

In the photos you will see much of the same things plus Justin doing the walk in the space area were the planets were (me and the kids chickened out...there were tight ropes) and the kids are also at an astronaut suit.

Wonder Works was a pretty cool place! Justin and I also had to take a picture of Breann while she was in the car...she decided to stick stickers all over her mouth, silly girl...and I was joking with her saying how that was the first quiet moment we had since she had been born. LoL She is so adorable! I love my kids!!

More Photos and a Video are in the Members Area!

All Decorated!

2011-10-01T16:24:00.004-04:00

So...the autumn/fall season is upon us and our home is all decorated! I love to decorate for the holidays and as you will see in the photos below, we have decorations on the inside as well as the outside of our home.

We have matching scarecrows standing on each side of our doorway outside, a wreath hanging on our front door, a nice vase of fall colored leaves (and the vase is filled with rocks) for our kitchen table centerpience along with fall colored placemats on the kitchen table, a cute fall decoration in the corner of our kitchen cabinets and our home looks all colorful with the colors that autumn brings! I just love to decorate and autumn is my favorite season to decorate with the colors it brings. I love it!

Site Design Updates!

2011-09-30T16:12:00.000-04:00

So...the last design had a summer looking theme going on so I thought it was now time to update the design a bit to go more along with the autumn/fall season. So...ta-da! I love it!

What do you all think??

Fair 2011

2011-09-13T21:33:00.000-04:00

This past week was the fair and while it rained a huge part of the week, we were able to enjoy the fair on the weekend. My mom came over and spent the weekend so the weekend was filled with shopping, going out to eat, visiting a nearby overlook and going to the county fair.

At the fair we saw Craig Campbell in concert, and Saturday the kids got to ride unlimited rides!

Photos...

Login to see more photos

Still Remembering...

2011-08-24T10:16:00.000-04:00

Well it's been 2 weeks today since my dad passed away. It is still hard to believe I will never again hear his laughter, advice or even see his smile this side of heaven. I may never forget the terrible phone call I received from my mother two weeks ago to let me know we lost my dad, but I also will never forget the memories that we made.

While the pain is still in my heart and just as strong as two weeks ago, I am beginning to realize although the pain may never go away, I must continue to live. Life goes on, no matter how easy or how tough times may be. As I am in the process of filling out numerous thank you cards (and I do have so much to be thankful for), I realize no matter how tough my dad passing away is for me, I have to continue with life. I am thankful for family and friends who have been here for me, the kind gestures and flowers and prayers, and I am thankful to God for helping me through each day.

From my dad's passing, I think I have been taught a lot. It has reminded me that no matter how much we worry over something, God is in control of all things. My mom said before my dad went to bed his last night on this earth he said "what a beautiful picture" when there was not even a picture anywhere close to where he was looking, I can only hope that was a glimpse of heaven for my dad as God was calling him home.

Anyhow, while I will always remember and have such a great sadness in my heart, I realize that life does go on, the pain even helps remind me of that but so does my husband's hugs and my kids' laughter.

In Memory of My Dad...

2011-08-14T11:35:00.000-04:00

From teaching me to ride a bike to telling me to start out with the same foot as him as he walked me down the aisle at my wedding, I have a lot of great memories of my dad. Sure, there were a lot of trials that our family had, but there were many, many blessings that God blessed us with from the life of my Dad.

The hardest day of my life up to this point came on August 10, 2011 when I received a call from my mom at almost 7AM letting me know that my dad had passed away. As I sit here and think, feel, remember, I know that nothing will ever be the same again without him. There will never again be another "best" holiday because my dad will never again be a part of it here on this earth. I may have good holidays, but never again a "best" holiday. There will never again be a new photo with my dad's face in it, here on this earth. I will never again be able to make new memories with him or hear his daily "I Love Yous" whenever me, him, and mom would talk on the phone. He won't be the one to say the grace over holiday meals...someone else will need to do that. But...my dad, he will live forever in my memories, in my heart, and always be a part of my life in that way.

It was (and will always be) a blessing to call him dad.

Troy Turns Eight!

2011-08-06T16:18:00.000-04:00

Well it is hard to believe, my baby is already eight. We have been busy celebrating his birthday this weekend with a pizza party at a nearby restaurant. He got all kinds of neat gifts including a Playstation 3 and other neat things.

I am so blessed to have him as my son, and he is growing up so quickly! I love to see how kind he is while he still is so set in his ways...he is a determined individual and I think it will take him a long way in life.

Awww...my babies are growing up too quickly!!

Happy birthday my sweet baby boy, I love you dearly!!

There are more photos in the Members Area!

Kids Vacation Bible School 2011!

2011-07-31T22:54:00.000-04:00

The kids have been having such a great summer. Just a few weeks ago they attended Vacation Bible School at a church that some of our friends go to. They each really love Vacation Bible School and had such a great time!! Here is the certificate they received for going to the VBS...but just being able to have them to learn about God and have fun while doing so is reward enough!!

Work and Fun!

2011-07-24T11:13:00.000-04:00

Since I am currently working forty hours per week in training for my new job, I have been pretty busy, but I am loving this busy life!! I love being able to work at home, I love having a career, and most of all I am loving that I can be Mom first and foremost before I am a work at home mom!! There has been very little to change with our family's schedule (since I have evening hours), I make dinner before I start work and my husband warms it up for the kids when he gets home from his job and then he may eat a salad or something until my lunch break and we have dinner together. I also have two breaks (not including my lunch) so I have even more time to spend with the family...plus all of the hours before worktime. Scheduling can be very important, but I think we have worked it out to where the current schedule is working pretty well for us!!

With work...there is A LOT to learn, A LOT that is interesting, and A LOT that is so very neat! I feel very blessed!!

The kids are having a great summer, from going to the pool to things like Vacation Bible School. Last weekend we also took them to see Cars 2 and then a nearby theatre was putting on a play Beauty and the Beast (which is Breann's absolute favorite) so we went and saw the play. It was a pretty neat weekend! Last night we went out to eat at a local steakhouse and then went for coffee for me and my husband and ice cream for the kids. I love spending time with my family, they are such a blessing to me!!

It's all good!!

Today...

2011-07-11T12:27:00.001-04:00

WOW!! A lot is happening for me today. Some changes are taking place...another chapter of my life beginning while another one closes. While a HUGE part of my life concentrates on me being Mommy to my kids first, I have always tried to shape my career and most of my everyday tasks around my kids. I said from the time I first became a Mom that as long as I was able to do so, I would be the kids caregiver and not leave them in the care of someone else...I had these kids for me to raise, for me to enjoy their days with, and I am thankful I can do that. I realize that not every family situation can work that way, sometimes both parents have to work outside of the home and away from the kids, and it can be hard, and I feel very blessed that I am able to stay at home with the kids.

In the past, I have worked for an office as an Administrative Assistant in which I took the kids with me when they weren't in school, I have worked at home doing blog designs (and I am still not sure if I will continue with it at this point, but right now I am taking a break from that due to this new chapter I am about to begin), and now today, I am beginning a new work at home job. I begin my training for the company today and it is supposed to be forty hours per week so I am SUPER excited. I am mainly excited that not only can I have a career but I can have one while I am still Mom to my kids...they come before any job and I am blessed to be able to stay at home with them!! The schedule for this job is great, its going to be during the hours my husband can help with the kids and its not really going to conflict a whole lot with the family's schedule.

I feel blessed!! :0)

Bible in Ninety Days

2011-07-06T19:11:00.000-04:00

The Bible in Ninety Days challenge begins July 11th. I read during the last challenge and learned SO MUCH! This time I am a mentor and I hope I can help others to read through the entire Bible as well.

The Band Perry's Fourth of July Concert!!

2011-07-03T12:24:00.001-04:00

Well, yesterday was a busy day...we took the kids swimming then went to a birthday party and then decided to head over to see the Band Perry in concert for a fourth of July celebration at a nearby area. Well...it was VERY busy and LOTS of people were there, but they sang great and their performance was super, plus I got some super pics!! You will even see in one of the pics. that Kimberly (the lead singer) was also taking pictures of the crowd. LoL My overall thoughts...I am glad I got to see the band play as they are one of my favorites, but I don't think I would go back again because of the HUGE crowd!!

Here's to...

2011-06-27T21:15:00.002-04:00

Life! Yes...LIFE!!

In the past month to month and a half or so, there has been SO much to happen to our family...to my parents...some not-so-good things and even tremendous blessings! In the past nearly three years, there have been many challenges, but it all was worthwhile.

I guess I should start from the beginning...my mom has had emphysema for years...probably since I was in elementary school and I am now in my late twenties (yes, she was...and notice I say WAS a smoker) back in 2008 my mom landed in the hospital and on a ventilator for around nine days, she then left the hospital wearing oxygen all the time...24/7. It got to where she couldn't do anything for herself...not even something that some of us may take for granted (such as take a shower...she even had to be helped with that). She was then told in July (on my birthday to be exact) in 2009 that she was either to try to get on the list for a lung transplant and if she wasn't accepted on the list to go ahead and call hospice in. So...our Charlottesville journey began. My husband and I started taking my mom every 3 to 4 months or so for evaluations to see if she could make the list. Then my brother also started taking turns with us driving mom up to Charlottesville for her evaluations. The evaluations mainly worked by scores being determined from each test and then being put into a computer and the computer saying where mom was at on the list once she was put on the list. Around May of 2010 she was told that she made the list. Our trips and appointments were still going to continue, however, as she had to still be seen every 3-4 months just to make sure her health was good enough for her to go through an operation such as this. Her appointments were very hard on her...the trips were hard on her...everything was hard on her. It eventually got to where she was having a lot of panic attacks, she couldn't be in small spaces such as bathrooms for a long period of time as she thought there wasn't enough air, and she just really wasn't living...we was basically watching my mother slowly die...she was suffocating, and there was nothing we could do. There was even a point toward the end of last year that I had to take her to the hospital and they had to admit her just to kind of help her try to build her energy back up I guess in some form. Of course, nothing really worked longterm at that point.

On May 15th of this year, my mom's coordinator called us and told us she had a right lung ready for mom. the flight we had standing by for mom couldn't fly out as there was a storm, but they had not yet harvested the organs so we had time to drive up. I rode with my mother in an ambulance (as they thought the ambulance would get her there faster) up to the hospital and my husband and kids, my dad, my brother, his wife and son all followed. The organs weren't actually harvested until May 16th due them not being able to fly the organs in due to the fog. My Mom's sister came in with her daughter and son-in-law and their daughters for my mom's surgery on the 16th and we all stood around awaiting my mom's second chance at life. Once it was time to wheel my mom back to pre-op they allowed my brother, my dad, and I to stay with my mom until they actually wheeled her back (and as far as we know there were at least four surgeries going on from that one donor that day...a right lung...my mom's, a left lung, a heart, and a kidney/pancreas). The nurse that would be with her came around and asked if she was still shopping for a lung and mom told her she was and she told mom that she had one just her size. I also will always remember how some of the rest of their conversation went. Mom said she wasn't scared, that she was just anxioius to breathe and she looked at the nurse and she said that God was going to take care of her and the nurse told her that was right and that she was on God's team that day. They took mom back around 1 something and the nurse called my cellphone, as promised, at around 3 and told me they had made the first incision (it took them nearly two hours to prep her, but they were continously doing stuff to get her ready). The surgeon then called my cellphone and said he was ready to meet with us at around 6 something. My mom's coordinator came out (the one we have been working with since mom started her journey of trying to get a lung(s)) and it was a very emotional time...this was the end of her journey with mom as mom would have a new coordinator now that she had the lung transplant. The surgeon said everything went well. The next day mom was weaned off of the ventilator and put on oxygen and then a day or so later she got to say good-bye to the oxygen. Over the next several weeks she had to stay in an apartment nearby just to make sure everything was working out well with her new lung. She had a slight rejection the last of this past week but they seem hopeful they have that under control and she finally got to come home on Sunday, June 26th. All of us, my husband, kids, and I, my brother, his wife, and their son, and even my mother-in-law (who has helped us by staying a huge amount of time with mom in the apartment) has helped mom by traveling back and forth to help with her recovery. Mom now has to go for check-ups every week or two for the next eight weeks.

We also had another scare, over the beginning of last week as my dad's feet kept swelling. It turned out he had congestive heart failure. They kept him in the hospital a few nights and then released him and the swelling in his feet is gradually going down.

There are new routines my parents have to get used to, my mom has to take over 20 pills a day (if she don't take some of them she very well could die), my dad has to cut salt out of his diet, etc. But...on the up-and-up...my mom is now actually living...she is able to clean and cook and do everything she normally would do (some things with a mask on, especially if she goes out to places at this point, due to germs), but I feel so blessed to see each of my parents still sitting in their living room together...and my mom's lifeline as she used to call it is no longer the oxygen hose, but life itself.

FUN Summer Days

2011-06-16T15:27:00.000-04:00

Well the kids are out on summer break and I am trying to come up with fun (some inexpensive and some not so inexpensive) things to do while they are on their break. Today we made iceys which they happen to love. Its a nice cool treat and something that me and them can do together.

Question: What are some ideas to spend the days of summer break together with your kids? It can be at home or out on a trip (whether it be going to the local library or something else). Ideas??

And...now...we have blankets set up outside with the radio going...time to go to what the kids call the Beach Party of the Ages (only without the beach LoL).

Happy Thursday!! :0)

Troy's Awards Day

2011-06-09T17:28:00.001-04:00

Troy had his awards ceremony today and he got the Honor's award. His class also had t-shirts made that had their class theme this year (the "Wanted" theme and on the back it said "Class of 2021")...awww!!

Photos:

More Photos are in the Members Area

Troy's Book Signing

2011-06-09T17:15:00.001-04:00

Troy's class just recently wrote their own story about what they wanted to be when they grow up and they got to publish their own book. Troy wrote that he wanted to cut trees like his dad and the picture he drew was SO adorable!!

Well...they had their book signing this week!! :0)

Breann's Awards Day

2011-06-09T17:10:00.000-04:00

Breann got all kinds of awards for her fourth grade year. She got the Music award, the Principal's award, the Accelerated Reader award, and the SOL Achievement award. She received over 100 points in this year's Accelerated Reader program. She has did super-de-duper GREAT!

More photos are in the Members Area!

The Kids Day of Fishing...

2011-06-05T15:14:00.000-04:00

The kids went Saturday to a kids fishing day tournament. Neither of them caught anything, but they had a lot of fun!!

And...here is a crane that we saw...

This is also in the Members Area!

Smores Anyone?!?

2011-06-05T15:10:00.001-04:00

This is also in the Members Area!

Youth Group Field Day

2011-06-05T15:10:00.000-04:00

This is also in the Members Area!

Troy's Second Grade Field Trip

2011-06-05T14:57:00.000-04:00

Troy's second grade field trip was on Thursday and me and Breann went (along with a couple of friends of ours) and joined Troy on this fun day for him. We went to a nearby park where they have all sorts of wildlife from wolves to deer and more!

Here is a photo I took of the wolves and deer:

This is also in the Members Area!

The Kids Trip to the Zoo!

2011-06-05T14:37:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday, the kids had a field trip with their youth group. It was SO MUCH fun!! We went to a nearby zoo and then had a picnic at a nearby park.

My husband also caught some funny pictures...in two of the group pictures...you will see where the group is taking a photo near the monkey cage and a monkey is trying to get Troy's dollar. LOL

More photos are in the Members Area!

Moms Progress...After Surgery!

2011-05-24T11:07:00.001-04:00

Well it has been a little over a week since Mom's lung transplant surgery and this photo was taken a day or two before her one week mark, but here she is not on her oxygen anymore. My husband took this picture of me and her together when we went up to stay with her this past weekend.

Mom's progress now...she is now able to walk (even without oxygen) and she feels great except she was in quite a bit of pain when I called her this morning. She is in isolation at this point (they placed her in isolation yesterday) due to one of her cultures showing a bug of some kind...they say its nothing of real concern they just want to prolong the antibiotics (as she has been on them basically ever since she has been there) and they feel sure that what they are doing will take care of the issue. Other than the pain, Mom feels the same as she did the day before she was placed in isolation and she just feels relieved to be able to breathe.

This is also posted in the Members Area!

A Busy Weekend and an Update!

2011-05-19T14:57:00.001-04:00

My husband and I have a busy weekend planned. As I posted earlier this week, my Mom had her right lung transplant surgery on Sunday. She is doing VERY well. She is walking around and they even let her go without her oxygen for a bit today. It is just AMAZING. I mean from around two years ago..well over two years ago, actually, my Mom has been hooked to a hose...this is my lifeline she would say as she would pick up her oxygen hose. It broke my heart and I felt helpless, although we were trying to do everything we could to keep her here with us (even if it was only for a little while longer).

My brother and me and Justin would take turns driving her back and forth every few months to the doctor so she could remain on the list for a transplant and I rode with her in the ambulance to the hospital (as they couldn't fly the day she received the call due to bad weather). We all were scared and while her kids, her husband, her grandkids, and one of her sisters and her family were gathered around her encouraging her and even praying for her...she was not scared...she was excited to finally LIVE again!!

I remember the day that her surgery took place, Mom was not as scared as would be expected...I am just anxious to breathe, she said. And...breathe she is...I am just overcome with joy.

At the same time...I realize that the donor's family is probably somewhere grieving the loss of this very special person. The thought of this breaks my heart, but I am overcome with gratitude for what they have done. SO MANY people got transplants done the day my Mom did...there were several, but at least four we know of...the right lung, the left lung, the heart, and the kidney and pancreas. WOW...it is just truly amazing how God can guide these doctors to save people who would otherwise hopelessly die without something like this being done. Again, WOW!!

Anyhow, Justin and I were supposed to leave for Charlottesville to head back up and sit with my Mom this weekend...we were actually supposed to leave out this evening. But...Troy has ended up with poison ivy..and I mean in a bad kind of way. So...I am not going to leave my little boy here being that way. He has a follow-up doctors appointment in the morning and the plans are for us to leave out in the morning after his doctors appointment if he is all straightened out.

Shew, it's been an emotional week...a roller coaster ride of sorts for sure...from my Mom's transplant to my little boy's poison ivy...but I can honestly say that God works it all out and I thank Him for the many blessings He blesses us with!

A Blessed Weekend!

2011-05-17T18:23:00.000-04:00

Well we had some really bad storms this past week and Justin had to work quite a bit but my weekend was filled with lilies that the kids got for me from our lilypads in the pond:

To...the best part...my Mom getting the call for her lung transplant.

My Mom has had COPD for some time now...and has been on the transplant list for a lung transplant for over a year...nearly two years now I guess. We have been traveling back and forth to Charlottesville during this time so she could keep up with her check-ups and possibly one day get her transplant. I feel very happy to say that she finally got that call on Saturday, received the transplant on Sunday and it is now Tuesday and she is walking around and breathing better than she has in a long time!

This is a pic. I grabbed of "Moms Plan for the Day" sign in her room the day she was getting ready for surgery...she had a right lung transplant.

Here she is today:

This is also in the Members Area!

My Mother's Day Goodies 2011

2011-05-10T08:49:00.000-04:00

God gave us moms to love, to cherish and be fond of.

God gave us moms that are wise, to teach us, and make us have good lives.

God gave us moms to make us do right, and when we are sad to hold us tight.

God gave me you, you love me and I love you to!

Happy Mothers Day Mom!

This was the card Breann made for me ...the front had I {heart} U Mom and then this poem that she wrote inside of it. Awww...melts my heart!!

And...Troy made me his card at school...here it is:

On the inside he taped a pack of seeds and a little reading that says:

Here are some seeds for you to grow, to let you know I love you so!

Awww....my babies!!

Nearby Tornado

2011-05-09T14:18:00.002-04:00

If you read my post a few weeks or so ago you know there was a tornado that hit near where we live. My husband had to work storm damage during this time and he got some photos of what he saw (the photos have been made clickable so they can be enlarged for larger viewing):

People in the community (including churches, friends, neighbors and more) are pulling together and really helping everyone who was affected by this. Please continue to pray for everyone who has been hit by this awful storm!!

Our Little Corner 2010

2011-05-09T13:36:00.000-04:00

Like my other e-books, I am very excited about this one as well. This one has many things in it from Breann's softball games to Troy's hunting and fishing trips and even the kids attending Vacation Bible School is included in this e-book. There are over 170 pages in this e-book and its filled with a lot of our memories!!

Here is the table of contents (which has been made clickable for larger viewing) so you can see the many different things listed in this e-book.

And...here are a few snippets from the e-book itself.

If you are a family member or friend and want to request your copy, please contact me and let me know by filling out the form and be sure to specify which e-book you are requesting. This one is called Our Little Corner 2010. Please keep in mind that I do reserve the right to decline requests.

Pie Anyone?

2011-05-01T10:30:00.006-04:00

Well, Justin is still working late into the night from the storm that hit Wednesday and the kids and I went to the grocery store yesterday and picked up some groceries and I decided to make a Taco Pie. Yes, that's right...Taco Pie...that's how it really looks!

The recipe:

1. I preheat my oven at 375 degrees and I begin by preparing my pie shell. I take about eight crescrent rolls and separate them into a round pan and make it to where half of each of their sides is covering the bottom of the pan (to where the bottom of the pan is covered with the crescent rolls...this is my pie shell)...the other half of each of the crescent roll's sides is hanging over the side of the pan.

2. Then I take and brown my ground beef and mix some taco seasoning in it and also in a separate pan I cook some taco rice.

3. Then I mix together the cooked ground beef, taco rice, and refried beans.

4. I add the mixture to my crescent roll pie shell, add shredded cheese to the top, fold the other half of the crescent rolls (that are hanging over the side of the pan) in to form what looks like the top of a pie shell. Bake for about 20-25 minutes and voila...a taco pie!

The kids loved it enough to ask for seconds and Justin even had it for dinner when he came home last night.

Here's photos of before and after it's baked.

The Tornado Hits Virginia

2011-04-29T14:17:00.005-04:00

April 27th consisted of a huge storm that came across our area. We were coming back from Youth Group when Justin, the kids and I heard on the radio that certain counties should seek shelter due to possible tornadoes. Even the TV had the local breaking weather coverage on it, advising certain counties in the area to seek shelther. My Mom called shortly after we walked through the door to make sure we all were okay. Of course, a lot of people were doing a lot of praying, and thankfully our family (and home) are fine, but a nearby county did have a tornado hit them and they have a lot of destruction because of it. I also have seen across the news that there have been several tornadoes in other states as well.

My husband helps in clearing the right of way for the electric company (he does tree work) and he has been on several storm damage trips to work on helping restore power. He told me yesterday that this is the worst he has ever seen as far as the destruction goes. My husband is working long hours to help in power restoration efforts for the area hit. The local news is covering the nearby county and so many people lost their homes and even a few lost their lives.

My husband said some tractor and trailers that were in a parking lot he passed looked like something our son would have did with his toy trucks when piling them all together. Others on the local news were saying how they were just praying that nothing would happen to their kids.

This brings me to think that the verse from Psalm 145:14 is very appropriate during this time. It reads The LORD upholdeth all that fall , and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

My daughter told me yesterday how hard she was praying the night of this storm as she was afraid we were going to be struck by this tornado...she was talking about how God listened to her prayers. I also believe that He listens to prayers...some people may have been praying just as hard as we were when this storm hit and they may have been greatly impacted...but know God knows the reason for all things!! Everyone affected by this terrible storm is in our prayers.

Picture by: Ian Britton - FreeFoto.com

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T09:19:00.004-04:00

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

John 11:25-26

The above verse means SO much for us and it means so much for what this holiday stands for. Easter-the day Jesus Christ rose from the grave and defeated death and gave us everlasting life (if we so choose it). May we never forget what this holiday is all about..sure the celebration is fun (Easter egg hunts, get togethers, dinners, etc.), but may the meaning of what this day is to represent never lose significance and may it always be on my mind throughout the whole day.

I chose this verse to go on a lot of the gift/treat bag tags that I made up for kids this Easter. I made around 61 bags and filled them with treats for my kids' class, friends, etc. It was a cool project that the kids and I enjoyed doing together and the bags turned out great.

Now, today I am putting turkey and ham in to bake and fixing up what is left to fix of the food for dinner and its off to Church too, of course. We plan to have quite a few people here today probably around 15-20 people and lots of food and a huge egg hunt with lots of eggs filled with lots of treats. Its gonna be a good day!

Happy Easter and may we always remember that Jesus is the reason for this day's celebration!

Say Hello to...

2011-04-20T16:41:00.001-04:00

Mr. Gallon. Troy made him at school and Breann even did this in an earlier grade as well. They both say that he helps them to remember gallons, quarts, etc. so much easier. Wow! Who woulda' thought?!?

Easter Treat Bags

2011-04-14T13:44:00.003-04:00

Well, Easter is right upon us and its the kids last week of school before Spring Break so we decided to make some treat bags up for their class at school as well as for their Youth Group and friends, etc.

This was a really great project and not only did it teach the kids even more how it can be a nice thing to give to others, but it can be fun as well. The kids was able to help make the bags...Troy hole punched the gift tags (which we printed out and each read "Happy Easter From: Breann and Troy" and some even had a Bible verse) and Breann helped with cutting the string to tie in the gift bags and she even helped shape the bags.

We ended up making 61 bags total for this Easter. And...the bags are filled with all kinds of neat little goodies. We have marshmallow candies, miniature chocolate bunnies, chocolate eggs, etc. And...for Youth Group we even added religious pencils to theirs.

The way we made the gift bags was we took an envelope (yes, an envelope) and made the treat bags...and it is fairly simple to do once you get the hang of it. I think there is all kinds of different ways to make these bags...you can use different size envelopes...some people may use ribbon or some other type of string, etc. To do this project the way we did it was you just mainly:
1. Seal the envelope.
2. Cut off one end of the shorter ends of the envelope...that is one of the sides...not the top...where you sealed it and not the bottom (which is opposite of where you sealed it), but the spot you want to cut is either the left or right side (to make the bag's opening)...so that becomes the top of the bag.
3. Hole punch the bag at the top of the bag...to place your handle/string through.
4. So...now that you have the top of the bag (which has become the spot that you cut) you then make a crease on the left side, the right side, and the bottom...folding each of those sides in just a bit (maybe an inch or so).
5. Then fold each of those sides back the other way (this seems to kinda' help get the sunken look in the sides of the bag, etc.).
6. You then undo the creases by sticking your hand through the top of the bag and pushing down on what would now be the bottom part of the bag. This will leave two corners on each side of the bottom of the bag. Fold those corners in toward the center and tape them. Shape your bag to make it look more like a bag and you have the bag made.
7. Print out or get some type of gift tags and I even used clothesline (believe it or not, yes, clothesline) for the string/handle on these bags...cut the strings and if you need to hole punch your gift tags do so at this time and insert the string through the gift tags and through the holes on the bags...first one string on one side and one string on the other side of the bag and you can either tie or tape (we taped ours).
8. You can then add your treats or a gift or whatever and then add your tissue gift paper to make them even more cute.

And...ta-da...your very own very crafty, very adorable homemade gift bag!!

My question to you...are you and/or your family doing any crafty projects for Easter this year? If so...please do tell!!

{This Project is Also in the Members Area!}

In Search For...

2011-04-06T10:28:00.000-04:00

A Church...yep that would be us!!

Let me explain...

Back in 2005 we joined a SUPER Church in another county and it was GREAT...we loved it there!!

Anyhow...shortly after, my husband was offered a position/promotion with his company and it was over a hour away from where we lived at the time. My husband, of course, accepted and we moved closer to his work in 2006. We still traveled to this Church (which was right at over a hour away) each Sunday but although we loved the Church didn't feel that our family was really growing there any longer (as we wasn't able to be as active in the Church as we wanted to be due to the distance and stuff). So...last year a very difficult decision was made to step down from that Church and start visiting other nearby Churches.

What we are looking for shouldn't be, (but sometimes is) difficult to find...a Church that doesn't go by a denomination or any man-made rules...just a Bible believing Church...that is what we are looking for!! Well we have been visiting various Non-Denominational Churches and we have narrowed our choice down to two Churches and one of them REALLY stands out to us as being the choice for our family.

One of the two Churches has a GREAT Sunday service and even offers a Christian school program which we can choose to enroll the kids in if we wish. The only thing with that Church is there isn't a Sunday Children's Church program which we REALLY like the idea of a Church having if possible as our kids love those type of programs and it really puts things on their level.

The other choice (the Church that really stands out to us) is a VERY active Church which I think you really have to be...you can't just sit back and expect God to do all the work in a Church...you have to pray, seek His guidance and follow Him and work as the body of the Church. They are a rather large Church, which is something we aren't used to (after all the Church we were members of had around 40 or 50 members at the most and maybe 30 people to attend a Sunday Service...our kids were most of the time the only ones to even attend Sunday School at the Church we used to go to). Anyhow...this Church that we are visiting that stands out to us has around 250 members...and they do have a children's program that the kids absolutely love and they have asked us a number of times if we can make that our Church, but of course, we may continue to visit but we aren't going to make any decision this fast as we only have been visiting this Church since around the first week of March. The Church has two services that are basically the same one at 9:30 and one at 11 that way no Member misses a service and its smaller groups of people that way...and what I REALLY like is while the Members can choose what service they attend...the service they don't attend is the one they choose to SERVE at...whether it be in the Welcome Center, Kids Church, whatever...

The Church also plays more of contemporary music and they have a Church band (which I REALLY like). The pastor doesn't preach the way we are used to...we are actually used to preachers at our old Church really raising their voices and getting into the sermon, but this pastor is more of a speaker in his ministering...which I still think is fine as long as he follows God's lead and delivers the sermons God gives to him. And...something else I REALLY like about this Church is that while I have been wanting to get the kids in a Youth Group program FOREVER (I mean...even at our old Church, but they didn't have enough kids attend to have a Youth Group)...this Church we are now visting has one. This will give the kids the opportunity to connect with people of the same faith midweek as well as on Sundays. Faith is something that is REALLY important to me...it is really a part of the foundation of one's life if you really think about it!!

Anyhow...Justin is out of town this week, but if everything goes well he will probably attend with us next week. Me and the kids (and our friend who has also been visiting this Church) are going to Youth Group tonight...this will be the kids first Youth Group ever so I am very, very excited for this! Not only do they do a Youth Program, but they even have dinner (kinda' a time for fellowship after a long day at work/school or whatever) before they get into their lesson.

I have been praying, praying, and praying for God to lead us to where He would have us to go for a Church...and I kinda' laugh at some of the things that I have been through while praying this prayer...because...well, this Church has their prayer circle through an e-mail list...where you get e-mails for the prayer circle prayer requests...anyhow...I was praying to God one morning to just continue to lead us and help us find where He would have us to be...and shortly after I received my first ever e-mail from their prayer circle. My daughter was trying to tell me that was a sign...but I was like we don't know that but maybe. Anyhow...I then had a dream that we continued to visit Churches and we thought we was visiting another Church but actually walked into a funeral (and I thought that might mean God was finished with me visiting Churches but I wasn't sure). Shortly...maybe a day or so later on that week (after I told my husband about my dream) we were going somewhere and I passed a billboard with that Church's sign upon it...my husband passes that billboard everyday when he is working and he said that he didn't see the sign before, but it all of a sudden was up when I was in the vehicle with him. I was like okay that is literally a SIGN. LOL Well then...I spoke with someone from this Church on the phone last night and she was talking about how they were really trying to grow their Youth Program...that they had 13 or 14 kids who attended, but they used to have 60 and she had the faith it would grow again and she told me that she feels that by me showing an interest in the Youth Group for my kids that this was a SIGN for them that they were on the right track as they really have been praying about it (and no, at this point I hadn't mentioned my signs to her, but I did afterward LOL).

Anyhow...is this Church the right one for us? I honestly don't know...at this point I feel that it is for the present time. I have a good feeling about it up to now...but like I said we only have been visiting since the first week of March or so and that isn't long enough for me to make any definite decisions. So, for the time being, I am going to be as active in this Church as I can, pray and seek God's guidance, and wait for His answer!

Ultimate Blog Party

2011-04-01T11:38:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Jessicas Lil Corner!

Hey, I am Jessica! Head on over to my about page to find out more about me and even browse through some of my posts. Please be sure to follow my blog via GFC and even subscribe to receive e-mail updates if you wish.

I am so excited to have you here...welcome and thanks for following!! :0)

Is It REALLY Spring??

2011-03-28T20:40:00.002-04:00

Even though the trees are blooming (VERY pretty)...there is some kind of white stuff (other than blooms) on them...is that snow I see?!?

Our Gatlinburg Trip!!

2011-03-28T14:31:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I post about my husband and I planning our anniversary getaway...and...we ended up going to Gatlinburg this past week during our vacation. It was a very nice trip! We had a lot of fun and the kids had a nice time with their Nanny!

We went up in the Space Needle, went and played putt putt golf (where it was glow in the dark and was mostly an outerspace theme and was SUPER cool), went to the Titanic (which was very neat), did some shopping, and rode the go-carts. It was a nice, fun, and relaxing getaway!!

I also have to say that I absolutely LOVED the surprise hanging on our door when me and my husband returned...our kids made us a "Welcome Home" sign and hung it up on the door. Awww...my adorable babies!!

More Photos are in the Members Area

Troy's Pyramid

2011-03-28T13:22:00.000-04:00

Troy has been learning about different countries in his class and one of his assignments/projects was to make a pyramid. His dad helped him make a super looking pyramid!!

My Kids have Character!

2011-03-17T18:24:00.000-04:00

Well don't we all...right?!? We have some kind of character or another right?? Whether its good character or bad character...everyone has some character. My husband and I try really hard to instill good characteristics in our children. And just the other day Breann was selected out of her class for having good character (for responsibility). We try to teach them to be giving, hard working, kind, caring, and loving people. One of the most important things that we are trying to continuously teach our children is to put God first and everything else kinda' just falls into place from there. Although everything else falls into place from there it has to do with the choices that we make...we make good choices then there is a good outcome, we make bad choices then there is a negative outcome, but if we put God first then those choices are easier to make. Are our kids perfect, no...they make their share of mistakes, but that is something that I also think is helping them to become who they are (it is things they can learn from), but what counts is they do their best and are good people. Are me and my husband perfect, nope but we also try our best with what we do and our family believes everything comes with putting God first.

Some ways we try to teach good character is (like I mentioned earlier in this entry) through giving via various projects such as a Christmas drive we have did for a few years now. But...giving isn't just about at Christmas...we also do it at other times of the year such as with the St. Jude's Mathathon Breann was involved with and even more ways than that...like even giving to those people who stand outside a local shopping center collecting money for different fundraisers.

Something I have even did before is on the drive to school I will tell my kids no matter how large or small that at the end of the day I want them to be able to tell me one nice thing they did to help someone else that day.

The way we may show we care is through things such as having the kids help take care of our pets, etc.

The way we show love...well that can come pretty easily with such a great family, but God shows loves in so much of a better way than we ever thought we could and through Him we can show it even more than we normally would.

When it comes right down to it...I guess our faith helps us to develop our character. Faith is very important to our family. Breann has sang in church since she was in HeadStart or Pre-K and she still sings now. Both of our kids ask questions to help them when they aren't sure which direction to turn. I guess, it all comes down to faith and following God in developing our character.

What ways do you help your kids in being a good person (or have good character)...is there projects you do, is there something you do that is significant to helping them becoming and being good people??

Breanns Message

2011-03-14T12:20:00.000-04:00

The other day Breann made me this drawing and it had the words "I <3 (heart) U Mom!" on it. It is very colorful and each color stood for something and just showed me even more what a great person she is...what a great daughter I have!!

I love my kids!!

Bos Commands and Tricks

2011-03-03T17:46:00.001-05:00

Bo is a little over six and a half months old. He is an American Bulldog puppy that Troy (and my husband) just had to have. Although we have successfully always housebroke our dogs, I think we are pretty amazed at how well he has caught on. This video will show you how well he listens and is trained...he can sit, lay down, stay, and even does the "paw" trick. He is a super-de-duper puppy and we love him and our Shih Tzu, Maisy very much!! :0)

NOTE: Be sure if there is music playing to scroll down to where the player is and click the pause button on the music player before watching the video.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Breanns County Spelling Bee

2011-03-01T16:53:00.001-05:00

Breann won her school's Spelling Bee for her grade this year and she went to county. She studied really hard for her school Spelling Bee, but kinda' got discouraged with the bigger and foreign words for the county Spelling Bee. Her dad and I tried to encourage her to study, and she did study during the last few days before the county competition. Although she won county last year, she didn't this year...you win some you lose some, but what I keep telling her is what matters most is to be able to say that you tried your best...and as long as she studies and puts her best foot forward for things like this she should never be discouraged.

She won last year, and didn't win the year before that...I think that the competition is helping her to see that sometimes you win things in life and sometimes you don't...I hope she just sees that as long as she tries her best, that her putting her best in everything she does is what really counts the most.

But...even though she didn't win county this year, she made it to county for her school's grade...her dad and I are very happy with her accomplishments!! :0)

This is also posted in the Members Area!

The 100th Day of School Goodies...

2011-02-23T09:10:00.000-05:00

As I explained in a previous post, Troy had a 100th Day of School celebration the other day. During the day he got to make some neat little projects so I thought I would include those here.

This is also in the Members Area!

The 100th Day of School!

2011-02-15T10:18:00.000-05:00

The kids' school has a 100th Day of School celebration (usually mostly for the younger grades) whenever they reach the 100th day. Well Troy's second grade class decided that they were going to have a 100th day party and it also was optional for them to dress up like they were 100.

To start with my conversation with Troy went something like this:

Me: Troy, are you going to dress up for the 100th day?

Troy: No, I am seven years old, not 100!

Me: Okay, good point!

So...last night I ask him again...are you going to dress up and he tells me no. This morning I ask him again...are you going to dress up and he tells me no. So he got ready in his regular clothes with Breann telling him all the time that he should dress up while he has the chance in the younger grades (because her class wasn't doing it this year). Troy still decided up to the point when we were leaving the house to go to school that he was not dressing up.

We get in the vehicle and he is talking about it and asking if I thought one of his friends was going to dress up...I told him I had talked to his friend's mom the night before and she said he was going to dress up. So...I could tell on the way to school (as its only like three, no more than five minutes down the road) that Troy was acting REALLY bummed.

Me: Bub, do you want to dress up?

Troy: No, I don't know how I would dress up.

Me: Well, I am sure we can figure out something.

Troy (at this point his little lip is puckering): No, you don't have to take me back...its okay. I just don't want to be the only one not to dress up.

Me: Bub, I don't mind to take you back.

Then I proceed to tell Breann to get out of the car and go on inside of the school while I take Troy back to get him dressed up.

I had everything covered at this point...we knew about this weeks in advance, but Troy decides at the point of me dropping him off at school he wants to dress up...but...everything is covered once we got back. We got him a white shirt, a flannel shirt to go over that, green dress pants, and I drew him a mustache and a small beard (my drawing abilities aren't the greatest in the world...not on people at least LOL...but hey it would have to do and it would serve the purpose).

I then proceeded to take the clothes that he originally planned to wear (before he decided to dress up) and placed them in his backpack.

Me: Here, Bub, I'll put these in your backpack...just in case you decide to change...this way you will have either outfit you want. And...that stuff on your face is washable too.

Troy: Okay!

Then I took a photo and he bent over (without me telling him to) like an old man for me to take the photo.

Me: Okay, lets go!

I then got him back to school (with a limited but enough time) for breakfast.

His teacher was on bus duty and we stopped by to say hello, and I think he was extra happy when she made a comment on him looking like an old man.

Ahhh...they grow up SO fast!! :0)

This is also in the Members Area!

My Valentines Day Surprises...

2011-02-15T09:17:00.001-05:00

We went out and ate over the weekend at Texas Roadhouse for dinner and then he surprised me with this stuff yesterday morning!!

Isn't my husband the sweetest?!?

The Daze of Math

2011-02-10T10:36:00.002-05:00

Yes...its true...I can TOTALLY be confused by Math. I took Pre-Algebra in high school and Algebra I and II was even taken in college but geesh!! And...I noticed the other day Breann is starting (although not in the hard parts of it yet)...with variables...Whoa!! She is in FOURTH GRADE and they are starting this already?!? I didn't have Pre-Algebra until around...8th grade I think it was...my, oh my!

My New Project...

2011-02-08T10:24:00.002-05:00

I started a project awhile back...and I do mean awhile when I say "awhile back" on TRYING to teach myself to crochet a blanket, which I never really got that far on and it is still a work in progress (as now I THINK I know how to really crochet a blanket as I found out about a week or two ago that a friend that I have known since elementary school has known how to crochet for around five years and is showing me how).

Anyhow...since the first blanket I tried to teach myself to do is still a work in progress as it ~~was~~ HAS to be a complete do-over...LOL (and I've started on it...just not made a whole lot of progress with it since I am working on this one) and the blanket was originally going to be for my daughter. Breann has decided she wants different colors so I thought I would post my progress up with this one...updated favorite colors and all!

So here we go...my progress so far!

Vacation Thoughts

2011-01-27T09:14:00.002-05:00

Well it is almost that time of the year...we have two weeks of vacation to take before May. My husband has two weeks of vacation that he has to use up before May with his work and I need to schedule it into my work schedule as well. We know we are going to take one week during our eleventh anniversary which is in March, but not sure just yet when we are taking the other week. The only problem is we are not sure where we are going to go during either week that we take vacation. We have been to Gatlinburg numerous times (which is still not crossed off as an option...we may end up back there) and we enjoy it there and we went to Florida to Disney World (we even thought of going to Sarasota this time around) and we've been to Myrtle Beach. But...we still are not certain where we are going on vacation or for our anniversary getaway...we definitely need to get some ideas going here and try to come up with a plan as our anniversary is just a few months away...our only question is where are we going??

Ideas anyone?!? I would like to hear some of YOUR ideas...where in the USA do you like to visit and why? Family vacations and anniversary getaway ideas are both welcomed because we will be doing both in the next few months as we have two weeks to use up...some time for our anniversary and other times for our family vacation!!

My New Career Path!

2011-01-26T09:42:00.002-05:00

Well...something you may not know about me is that I work for myself and offer web design services. This past May (2010) I came up on a GREAT job as an Administrative Assistant, but I made the decision to resign. I still feel like I made the right decision.

Anyhow, I have known for a LONG time how to design websites, blogs, and various graphics, etc. It started awhile back when I started dabbling around with building my own websites and blogging about family life and then designing blogs for various projects. Once I spent so much time...and I do mean I was spending hours...and hours...and hours on my new hobby...and then my hobby caused me to REALLY become more experienced by being really able to "dive in" with experience in what I do. Then others saw what I could do and without me actually offering my services I was being asked if I would help them with this project or that project. It went from me helping out a few friends to building a site for a Church and a business, etc. And I was even being told by others I should offer my services to others. So I really thought I could open the door to something if I really tried and wanted to.

So...before I ever became an Administrative Assistant (which was in May 2010), in January of 2010 I began So Stylilized as an effort to offer my design services to others. I have MANY years of experience in designs and I LOVE design stuff plus a lot of people have told me MANY times that I should offer my services for others. I feel that God gives us each a talent or a purpose (sometimes even more than one talent and purpose) and I don't think it is right for those talents and purposes to go to waste, and I felt before I started So Stylilized (seeing as how I had so much experience with design and I REALLY enjoy design) that God had gave me this talent and it was going to waste as I wasn't using it to help others. So...So Stylilized was born. It has been over a year since I started So Stylilized and I have did more with So Stylilized than I could ever, and I do mean EVER imagine. Am I getting rich off of my services? No! But...my husband is the primary breadwinner and I am his wife and our kids mom first and fore-most and then I am a (website and some graphics) designer next and at this point I don't even put a price tag on my designs...I don't set an amount to charge...people can tip me in whatever amount they wish and I still am able to help people (who may or may not ordinarily be able to order a custom design while keeping it affordable for them with them just paying a tip and keeping it fair for me to get something for my time) AND I am able to still say I do my part in working at home while doing what I was put here to do first...which is my TRUE purpose...to serve God and be wife and mom to the best people that God could have ever put in my life!!

Breanns Mathathon Certificate

2011-01-19T10:11:00.001-05:00

Remember a few months or so back when I posted about Breann's grade helping out the kids at St. Judes by raising money in the Mathathon. Well sixteen kids (and yes one of those sixteen was Breann) out of her grade raised over $1,000. They each got a certificate and a shirt. How great is it that these kids stepped up to help others?!?

This story and photos are also in the Members Area!

Meet Frosty and His Little Baby Frostella!

2011-01-15T16:08:00.002-05:00

Well...we have been getting quite a bit of snow this Winter and the kids have SO wanted to go outside and play in it...so it warmed up just a little bit today (well...not really warm...but compared to what it has been) and Justin and I went outside to have some fun with the kids! Between snowball fights and building snowmen...we all had a blast...even our two dogs had fun!! LOL I think some of us are even tired, because as I type this, Breann is in there on the couch asleep and the dogs are in their beds napping as well. LOL

Anyhow...meet Frosty

And...meet Frosty and Frostella (which Breann says is our snowman Frosty's baby)...

Originally, there was just Frosty and then Breann decided to make him a little baby and name her Frostella. LOL

Here is the creation of the snowman and snowgirl!!

Then...among our other adventures...you will notice Breann trying to hug the snowman (which we named Frosty) and Justin behind him trying to throw a snowball at me...but Frosty blocked it with his left hand and Justin ended up breaking Frosty's arm so Justin had to make him another arm. :p

Then...Bo (our American Bulldog) kept trying to get my gloves (which I put on Frosty). LOL

Then...Troy got mad because Frosty's mouth (which was made out of gravels) kept falling off....

But he quickly cheered up and started playing snowball fights with his dad again! And...we all had fun with other things as well...snowball fights...Troy's bike ride, our dogs Maisy and Bo playing in the snow, etc.

Then...we all came inside and the kids had some hot chocolate.

Oh...and look...

The kids footprints...

My snow covered boot...

And even more unusual (than my footprint) is what my husband says is a rabbit's footprint...there are rabbits all over hopping around in the woods, I know, but I just thought it was great I got a picture of this in the snow!! Pretty cool, eh?!?

It was a good, snowy day!

More Photos are in the Members Area

Like Mother Like Daughter

2011-01-12T08:32:00.001-05:00

Breann made this drawing for me yesterday...she titled it Like Mother, Like Daughter.

Awww....

Congrats to my Husband!

2011-01-11T14:03:00.000-05:00

My husband was recently recognized for his performance with something (although I was asked not to say what...so I'll just say "something" to honor the request...but I assure you it was "something" good). I am SO VERY proud of him. He has accomplished so much and me and the kid are both very proud of him!!

To celebrate we went out to eat at Red Lobster...yummy!! And...the kids made him cards...he loves to hunt so the kids made him cards in relation to his favorite passtime!! They even told him he was the best at this certain thing he accomplished but even better he was the best dad...to sum up what the both of them wrote on the insides of their cards. Awww...my babies!! :0)

Breann's front of card:

Troy's front of card:

Breann's inside of card:

Troy's inside of card:

And...yes, it started snowing EVEN MORE while we were out eating...so Breann posed for a photo! :0)

This is also posted in the Members Area!

Our Snowy Day Walk

2011-01-04T11:36:00.001-05:00

Well it warmed up a bit the other day...as it has been really...REALLY cold lately (I mean like in the teens and twenties)...and since it got into the forties and probably around fiftyish we decided to get outdoors and cure our cabin fever. Justin and I took the kids and our American Bulldog puppy Bo for a walk around the lake. It is one mile around the lake and its beautiful scenery (bridges, a gazebo, ducks, etc.)...we walk here often.

The kids (as well as Justin and I) loved having the opportunity to have a day outdoors...at least for a little while outdoors!!

[There is a video of our walk in the Members Area!]

Happy 2011!

2011-01-04T11:30:00.001-05:00

We celebrated New Years Eve at home playing cards with friends. And, yes we watched the ball drop when it was time. Breann fell asleep on the couch but woke up when the ball was dropping and Troy...well...he slept through it all. :0)

[This photo is also in the Members Area!]

Christmas Gathering 2010

2011-01-04T11:18:00.001-05:00

Justin's sister from Illinois, Krista and her daughter Grace and Justin's brother and his wife and stepson, Clinton, Becky, and Luke and Justin's Mom, Linda all came over and had Christmas with us on the 30th of December this year as Krista got in a few days after Christmas and it just worked out better for a lot of the family's schedule to do it this way.

Oh! And...if you remember I said in an earlier post Troy got the Real Construction woodworking kit...well...with some help from his Dad...he made...this car!!

[More photos and a video are in the Members Area!]

2011 Already?!?

2010-12-31T12:42:00.009-05:00

WOW...I can not believe I am saying this but it is nearly 2011!

As it is New Years Eve and New Years Day is approaching I thought that I would share a bit of what has happened the past year in one post!

1. Okay, first lets cover 2010...did you make any New Years Resolutions and did you succeed at accomplishing your goals? I was REALLY motivated to get my Associates Degree in Education and I DID IT!!

I also said I was going to make a book of some sort for my blog posts and photos and I did it...its in ebook form and can be placed on a CD and printed. It will be made available to family and friends will also have the option of getting an ebook.

2. Any firsts for 2010 (something you had never did prior to this year)? I was REALLY motivated to get my Associates Degree in Education and I DID IT!! I am the first one in my immediate family to graduate from college so I really am happy with this achievement!! My family has did a lot of things and we've each succeeded at different things and I am happy to say I have my degree!!

3. Did you learn anything that you can really use throughout life in 2010? I guess my degree can always be used on my resume.

4. Do you believe you helped someone else in some way (no matter how great or small) this year? I hope that I helped forty-seven kids through the Christmas drive.

5. Plans for New Year's Eve/New Year's Day? I'll be spending New Year's Eve with my husband and our kids, at home and we will be having snacks and relaxing I guess.

6. Did you lose anyone in 2010? I am blessed to say we have not really attended any funerals this year.

7. What would you like to accomplish in 2011 that you haven't thusfar? I would like to record more videos of the kids and make them available in my site's Members Area for family and friends and for us to watch as we wish later on down the road.

8. What is something from 2010 you will always remember? Breann was in her first beauty pageant (and she got second place), Troy and his dad going hunting together so many times this year and the joy it brought them, our trips to Charlottesville with my Mom, more of our house projects being worked on, me getting my degree.

9. What was the greatest (funnest) thing you did all year? We went to the beach with friends. We also got week long passes to the fair which was nice...busy, but nice.

10. The worst? My mom feeling bad and her being hospitalized once this year.

11. What was something great that you succeeded at in 2010? My degree and helping forty-seven kids to have gifts on Christmas.

12. What was your biggest failure this year (2010)? In a way, it would have to be me having to resign from a job I had outside of the home as an Administrative Assistant...but then again I did this for the right reasons and therefore I think this failure actually turned into a success.

13. Were you sick any this year? I had a HUGE cough a couple of weeks ago, but I am better now.

14. What was the best thing you bought? My husband bought me a new laptop and he got me some jewelry.

15. Where did most of your budget go? Bills.

16. What was your favourite TV show? Hmmm....I don't know...my husband and I have been watching re-runs of Sanford and Son a lot lately. I remember watching that show when I was a kid!!

17. Have you made any new friends in 2010? We've met new people, but no new friends. We do have new neighbors though, they seem like nice people, but I don't know them that well yet.

18. What was the best book you've read all year? I have read a lot this year. Probably Between Sundays by Karen Kingsbury.

19. What was your favorite movie that you watched this year? I liked Dear John.

20. How did you spend your birthday? My family and friends threw a cookout for me.

21. How did you spend New Years Eve last year? Justin had to work a big part of it, but we got to sit around and have snacks some too.

22. How did you spend Memorial Day? We took and placed flowers on relatives graves.

23. How did you spend the 4th of July? We went to the local fireworks show.

24. How did you spend Halloween? We went to a Halloween party one of our friends threw and also went to a celebration at a Church with some other friends.

25. How did you spend Thanksgiving? I made dinner and we had Thanksgiving here. Me, Justin, the kids, Justin's sister Gina and her family and Justin's Dad and his girlfriend came.

26. How did you spend Christmas? We visited my family on Christmas morning. Christmas Eve, Justin's mom came over. Christmas Day afternoon/evening Justin's Dad and his girlfriend and my husband's sister and her family came over. We also had another celebration with Justin's Mom and his brother and sisters and their families later after Christmas as Justin's sister came in after Christmas as she lives out of state and that is what worked best for everybody.

A week or two before Christmas we had a get together here for friends as well and had finger foods and exchanged gifts...it was nice!

27. What was your favorite passtimes? Reading, blogging, web desiging, watching movies, and of course serving God and spending time with family and friends!!

28. Who did you miss this year? I always miss my Granny!

29. Who was the best new person you met? I really don't know.

30. Any advice from experiences you learned from in 2010? Figure out what you want in life and go after it with God leading you along the way...and live your life to the fullest, just make sure you have God in it!!

Happy New Year!!

And...Here's to Thirteen!!

2010-12-30T10:08:00.002-05:00

My husband and I have been together thirteen years today. As I have said before...we met at a vocational school we both attended.

The more I think about it the more I am thankful...we are not just talking about our teenage experiences with each other...we actually shared a lot of them together...don't get me wrong...he was fifteen and I was sixteen when we met so we haven't known each other all of our lives, but we have been able to share SO MUCH together by us meeting when we were so young. From high school football games to proms, from happy times to sad times and all of the rest of the things that life has handed us...through tears and laughter, through frowns and smiles...we have shared a lot and I am happy to share my life with this man!!

[ This is also in the Members Area ]

My E-books!

2010-12-28T17:25:00.002-05:00

I am SO super, SUPER excited!! I have been wanting to make my blog posts into book form for awhile...so I decided to make an e-book. While it is a work in progress for the previous years I do have A LOT accomplished!! I am happy to say two of those e-books are now complete!

I present to you Our Little Corner 2006-2008 and Our Little Corner 2009. These e-books have all of my blog posts in e-book form!! I don't have them available on the website at the time of this posting (as they are super-de-duper HUGE files) but if you are a friend or family member you can make a request for one as described over in the sidebar!!

YAY!! I am SUPER excited!!

Our Little Corner 2009

2010-12-28T10:37:00.027-05:00

So...now we have yet another e-book (in which I am very happy about) being now up for grabs (for family and friends). This is my second e-book that I have did for the purpose of capturing the moments of our busy lives as individuals as well as a family and yet again putting them into book form. The purpose of this blog/website is for updating family and friends of the many happenings in our lives and also with the purpose of "documenting" life as it happens so that we (me, my husband, and our kids) can look back and see all that we have did in our lives...each as our own person as well as together as a family. Its kinda' like a scrapbook in electronic form as well as a journal of my thoughts and our lives in electronic form. I can honestly say my posts on my site does exactly what I need for them to do...they update who needs to be updated and "document" what needs to be as well. I feel a sense of accomplishment, once again, as I have the second e-book now ready to share with family and friends!! It feels SO super to be able to gather the story of our lives and put them into book form and not only share with others what has been happening with us, but also to be able to look back at everything through the years. It's GREAT!! :0)

This is the second e-book I have finished and it is Our Little Corner 2009. I finished it at about the same time as the first e-book, but the first one, Our Little Corner 2006-2008, was really the one that was finished first, but I was working on both of them at the same time. Readers will find a bunch of different topics and photos related to these topics in this e-book as well. From vacations to softball games to just having fun outdoors. There are even holidays, birthdays, and even Troy's Kindergarten Graduation in this one.

Here is the table of contents (which has been made clickable for larger viewing) so you can see the many different things listed in this e-book.

And...here are a few snippets from the e-book itself.

If you are a family member or friend and want to request your copy, please contact me and let me know by filling out the form and be sure to specify which e-book you are requesting. This one is called Our Little Corner 2009. Please keep in mind that I do reserve the right to decline requests.

Our Little Corner 2006-2008

2010-12-28T09:07:00.037-05:00

So...this e-book being now up for grabs (for family and friends) is very, VERY exciting for me. This is the very first e-book that I have did for the purpose of capturing the moments of our busy lives as individuals as well as a family and putting them into book form. I started my blog/website a few years ago with the purpose of updating family and friends of the many happenings in our lives and also with the purpose of "documenting" life as it happens so that we (me, my husband, and our kids) can look back and see all that we have did in our lives...each as our own person as well as together as a family. I can honestly say my posts on my site does exactly what I need for them to do...they update who needs to be updated and "document" what needs to be as well. It has been a HUGE project to work on to get all of my blog posts into e-book form, but I feel such a sense of accomplishment with this, the first one, being done.

This is the first e-book I have finished and it is Our Little Corner 2006-2008. Readers will find a bunch of different topics and photos related to these topics in there. From the kids very first vacation to Breann's talent show and Troy spending a day fishing. There are even holidays, birthdays, and even Breann's Kindergarten Graduation in this one.

Here is the table of contents (which has been made clickable for larger viewing) so you can see the many different things listed in this e-book.

And...here are a few snippets from the e-book itself.

If you are a family member or friend and want to request your copy, please contact me and let me know by filling out the form and be sure to specify which e-book you are requesting. This one is called Our Little Corner 2006-2008. Please keep in mind that I do reserve the right to decline requests.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T19:32:00.004-05:00

It seems just like it was yesterday that Christmas 2009 was upon us...WOW...where does time go?!?

This year we had a great time spending time with family during the Christmas holiday. My husband's mom came over on Christmas Eve and I made finger foods for everyone and we exchanged gifts. We also had Christmas at my parents on Christmas morning and then Christmas evening was spent at our home. The kids opened gifts and afterward my husband's dad and his spouse and my husband's sister Gina and her family came over for dinner and we exchanged gifts with them.

We are still planning on getting together with my husband's sister from Illinois and her daughter and also my husband's brother and his family later in the week.

Anyhow...here are a few photos of the kids opening their gifts...they each got quite a few gifts (Troy got things like a remote control car, trucks, the Real Construction woodworking kit, etc. and Breann got things like Beauty and the Beast dolls, blankets, a lava lamp, jewelry, etc.) They each got really nice gifts and our whole family had a nice Christmas!!

And...I took this photo of our four month old American Bulldog puppy, Bo while he was in front of the Christmas tree.

More photos are in the Members Area!

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T09:32:00.004-05:00

As you celebrate this day I hope it is filled with family, fun, laughter and friends. Most importantly I hope the true reason for this Season is remembered! Jesus Christ came long ago to save us and His birth is what our family will celebrate today. We will open gifts and enjoy time together, while remembering Him and His Birth!

Jesus is the true Reason for the Season!

Twas the Night Before Christmas At Our House...

2010-12-24T19:55:00.002-05:00

And the decorations have been up (for awhile), the presents are wrapped, and the letters to Santa are written.

Troy's letter he wrote for Santa:

It says:

Dear Santa,
I like Rudophs nose it is so cute. I wold love a dirt bike or a wii game a hunting a hunting adventure play kit! Or a grate big truck! Mostly a big real construction kit!

Troy's other letter to Santa (a project that his class did) made the newspaper!!

Troy's letter to Santa that made the newspaper says:

Dear Santa I wold love a dirt bike, 10000000 legos and real construkton. Why does roodof have a red nose? I want a art kit, hunting and fishing for a Wii, computer, pony pupy, remot control car, The end

Love,

Troy

Breann's

This year, Breann's is like a card...

The front of the letter/card:

The front of Breann's card says:

To: Santa Clause
From: Breann
Open Up with and arrow pointed to Rudolph and it says Rudolph.

The inside of the letter...

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas is for my mammaw to be better. Maybe you only can bring us toys but...You can also pray for her. I hope you do pray for her cause God can answer peoples prayers and he can make her better because he is God and he can do anything. God Bless and Merry Christmas.

From,

Breann

The bottom half of the inside:

It says:

P.S. I hope you enjoy your milk and cookies!

It has a Christmas tree and cookies and milk on the table with an arrow and labels pointing to each.

Rediscovering Christmas Bible Challenge: Overall Thoughts

2010-12-24T08:48:00.002-05:00

While this was a Bible Reading activity for the participants to read a chapter a night in Luke for Dec 1-24...we ended up reading Luke 1-24. It was a GREAT thing for me to be able to read this during this Christmas season. While I always make it a point to remember what the season is about, it helped me to keep things into perspective even more. I REALLY enjoyed the part of being able to read these chapters with my family...all four of us sat down and read every single chapter together. We didn't just read, we talked about it and REALLY discussed what we read. I think this really helped all of us to spend quality time together doing what matters most this season...keeping things in perspective in regards to what the true meaning of this season is.

And...to see the purpose of why Jesus came here from His Birth to His Resurrection during the month that we celebrate the birth of Him was an AWESOME thing!

Rediscovering Christmas: Day 24: Luke Chapter 24

2010-12-24T08:12:00.001-05:00

Chapter 24 is about the Resurrection.

7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

On the road to Emmaus Jesus walked with those who found the empty tomb and they were discussing what happened. They didn't recognize Jesus at this point and He asked them what they were discussing. They at first wondered if He was a visitor as they thought He didn't know what had happened over the past few days. They then tried to explain these things to Him and they then recognized Him. They then returned to Jerusalem and shared the news with others.

Jesus also appeared to the Disciples. At first they thought they saw a ghost. He explained to them that it wasn't a ghost as He had flesh and bones and encouraged them to touch Him. They then gave Him broiled fish when He asked for something to eat. He then explained to them what had been written. He explained that repentance and forgiveness must be preached to all nations beginning at Jerusalem.

He later lifted His hands and blessed them and then was taken into Heaven. They they worshiped and praised Him.

Rediscovering Christmas: Day 23: Luke Chapter 23

2010-12-23T20:12:00.002-05:00

Chapter 23 is where Jesus continues to admit to being the king of Jews and it speaks of the Crucifixion of Jesus and His Death and burial.

Jews were Israelites and they were some chosen people of God.

Just to think of how Jesus came to earth...was born for the purpose of dying, but as the next Chapter explains to be risen again to save a world full of sin...its amazing!! It would have been hopeless without Him!!

Rediscovering Christmas: Days 21-22: Luke Chapters 21-22

2010-12-22T08:28:00.000-05:00

Chapter 21 talks of the Widow's Offering and how Jesus noticed a poor widow offering all she had to live on.

The Signs of the End of the Age are also spoken of in Chapter 21.

Even in Chapter 21 Jesus took the time to teach at the temple and had people coming (even early in the morning) to hear Him.

Chapter 22 is where Judas is in agreement to betray Jesus.

The Last Supper is also something written about in Chapter 22.
Chapter 22 verse 16 says: 16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives in this Chapter as well. This is where Jesus asked if it be the Father's will for Him to take the cup from Him, yet He prayed for God's will to be done.

39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

Chapter 22 is also where Jesus was arrested and Peter disowns Jesus. Jesus also had the guards to mock Him and Jesus admitted to being the Son of God before Pilate and Herod.

Rediscovering Christmas: Days 15-20: Luke Chapters 15-20

2010-12-22T08:09:00.000-05:00

Luke Chapter 15 talks about how finding the lost is SO important...even just one lost one is important, just as it is described through various examples in this chapter.

Luke 15: 4-7 says: 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Luke 15: 8-9 says: 8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

There are many ways that the lost are spoken of in this chapter, but it is for us to see everyone who is lost is very important and needs to be found!!

Chapter 16 speaks of the Parable of the Shrewd Manager...this is where Jesus explained that nobody can serve two masters...you can not devote yourself to both God and money.

Chapter 16 also speaks of additional teachings and speaks of divorces and adultery and even goes on to speak of The Rich Man and Lazarus. The rich man had a beggar, Lazarus who laid at his gate waiting for something to eat...anything that would happen to fall from the rich man's table. The message goes onto say that Lazarus and the rich man end up dying and the rich man doesn't make it to heaven and Lazarus ends up being by Abraham's side. The rich man was able to look up and see Lazarus by Abraham. It goes on to say the rich man asked Abraham to send Lazarus to give him a drip of water to cool his tongue. Abraham reminded the rich man how he never helped Lazarus so each of them had rewards equal to how they treated others and according to their actions. The rich man asked that his five brothers be warned of how they treated others so they didn't end up in the same place. Abraham declined and said they had Moses and the Prophets to listen to and said if they wouldn't listen to them they wouldn't even be convinced with someone being risen from the dead.

Chapter 17 talks about sin, faith, and duties.

I think Chapter 17 verses 3 and 4 are really something to keep in mind.

3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

Chapter 17 also speaks of the ten being healed from leprosy (Jesus had instructed them to go to the priests to be cleansed) and only one of the ten came back to praise God after the healing.

I think it is SO important to always remember to praise God for all of our blessings!!

Chapter 17 also explains that the kingdom of God will come without careful observation.

Chapter 18 explains of the Parable of the Persistent Widow...who kept coming to a judge asking for justice.

Chapter 18 also speaks of the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Pharisees were those who really went by God's laws as well as their own rules regarding the laws of God. God shows through this parable how a person must be humbled (just as the tax collector was when he asked for God to have mercy on him as a sinner).

The chapter goes on to speak of how everyone must receive the kingdom of God as a little child would...I think that means FULLY believing...no doubts whatsoever...etc.

Chapter 18 also speaks of the rich ruler who asks how to get to Heaven...Jesus tells him a bit of the Ten Commandments...do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, etc.

Chapter 18 verse 27 is such a great response: 27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Jesus also predicts his death in Chapter 18 as well. The disciples did not understand any of this at this point.

And...a blind beggar begins to see in Chapter 18.

Chapter 19 is about Zaccheus and I sang to my children the song that I remember singing in Sunday School class as a child as we read this:

Zaccheus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see. And as the Saviour passed that way He looked up in the tree and He said Zaccheus you come down for I'm going to your house today, for I'm going to your house today.

Zaccheus even was willing to give half of his possessions to the poor and pay back four times the amount to anyone he cheated.

Chapter 19 also speaks of the Parable of the Ten Minas (a mina was about three months' worth of wages). This parable shows which servants were able to be trusted and which were not as well.

The Triumphal Entry is also spoken of in Chapter 19. This speaks of Jesus riding the colt and the people spreading their cloaks on the road for Him.

Chapter 19 goes on to speak of Jesus at the temple once again and it goes on to speak of how some leaders among the people wanted to kill Jesus but couldn't find anyway to do it.

Chapter 20 is where the Authority of Jesus is questioned. Jesus was asked about his authority from various people.

The Parable of the Tenants is also spoken of in Chapter 20. This is where a man plants a vineyard and has farmers and servants. At harvest time he sent a servant to the vineyard to get some fruit but he was beaten and sent away. The man kept sending servants and each one was wounded. So after the third was beaten, he sent his son and they killed him.

At this point, the teachers of the law as well as the chief priests wanted to make an arrest right then as they knew the parable was against them but they were afraid to make the arrest as they were scared of the people.

In Chapter 20 Jesus also directs that whatever was owed to Caesar (when paying taxes) be given to Caesar and what is Gods give it to Him.

The Resurrection and Marriage is also written about in Chapter 20. The Sadduccees asked a question regarding marriage in this section. The Sadduccees were Jewish leaders (a lot of them were even priests). The Sadduccees didn't believe in the resurrection of the dead, but the Pharisees had a hatred for Jesus and they agreed. In the section of the Resurrection and Marriage, Jesus speaks of the resurrection of the dead and it says that some of the teachers of the law responded that what He said was well said.

The last part of Chapter 20 is talking about Whose Son is the Christ.

Christmas Drive 2010

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With this year's Christmas Drive we were able to help nearly fifty children (around forty-seven to be exact) who may not of had any gifts to open on Christmas morning to have something to unwrap!! Again...we realize we couldn't have did this without help from our God, our community, and our friends! Everyone has really pulled together once again this year (just as they did last year) and did their part. May God Bless everyone and may everyone have a VERY Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

And...here are some photos (from Breann and Troy helping us load the stuff to Justin tying the stuff into the back of his truck). Breann and Troy even got a treat bag from a Church and Troy even had to have a piece of candy while he was hard at work (as you will see from the photos in the Members Area). Breann also had a piece or two of candy along the way. :0)

There are more photos in the Members Area!

Christmas Home Tour 2010

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Short Description: This home is my dream home...for one my husband built it from the ground up...it was just under roof when we purchased it. It is a work in progress, but everything about it is a part of my dream home...from a large downstairs porch, to a balcony outside mine and my husband's upstairs bedroom.
Onto the decorations, As you can see we have wreaths (on the front door and above the kitchen sink), candles galore, lights galore, a tree, even a snoman holding a birdhouse, and garland and lights on our steps (which I LOVE)!! Click here for a more detailed description.

Merry Christmas!!

Look Who Lost a Tooth

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This morning Troy was sitting down to eat a bowl of cereal...and he came in the living room and said I just lost my tooth. And...sure enough he had lost a top tooth.

This photo is also posted in the Members Area!

A Christmas Get Together with Friends!

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Sunday was nice! We had our holiday get together with our friends this past Sunday and it was super! We all got together at our home, had finger foods, and exchanged gifts. I got some pajamas, warm and fuzzy socks, a photo wallet, a candle, and some Christmas snowmen lights. Justin got a shirt and a gift certificate to one of our favorite restaurants. Breann got some CDs and Troy got a racetrack. Everyone had such a GREAT time and Justin made his famous punch that everyone of us loves!! And...Sunday was when we began to get this round of snow that is still laying on the ground!!

Rediscovering Christmas Challenge: Days 5-14: Luke Chapters 5-14

2010-12-15T08:51:00.001-05:00

Luke Chapters 5-14 is mainly about how Jesus can heal, there are many parables, and Jesus telling others of what is expected of them in their service for others, their actions, etc.

In one of these chapters, they have already said how Jesus was wanted dead.

During our study of these chapters, there was a part in one of the chapters where it describes the Kingdom of Heaven and it uses a mustard seed to begin the description.

Luke 13:18-19 reads:
Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?

It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.

My son asked what a mustard seed was, and I had some up in the cabinets so we got to actually show the kids this from a visible point of view as well. They could actually see the resemblance of what was being talked about in this chapter.

We are definitely enjoying our study!!

Rediscovering Christmas Challenge: Days 2-4: Luke Chapters 2-4

2010-12-11T12:41:00.000-05:00

In Luke Chapters 2-4, we read of :

How the Shepherds were notified of the birth of Jesus.
Jesus went to the temple to do the work of the Father.
How Jesus was tempted.
We also read in these chapters how a tree needs to bear good fruit and we sat and explained to the kids that the tree is a resemblance of ourselves in some ways...the fruit has to do with our choices and our actions.

From Blogging to Bible Study!

2010-12-02T12:07:00.012-05:00

Welcome to Our Wonderland and Jessica's Lil Corner have decided to begin a Bible Study in the blogging world in order to keep our noses where they belong (in our Bibles) and to even possibly increase followers to our blogs (while we study). Here is how it will work. Beginning the first week of January (Monday, January 3rd to be exact)....

Each week on Monday by 12Noon EST there will be a Bible Study Challenge posted up for all who are interested to study the same scriptures, lessons, etc. You will have one week each week (from Monday to the following Sunday) to study whatever is posted up on the challenge, so you busy people out there have a bit of time during the week to sit and really dive in and study at your convenience. Once you feel like you have did your part for the weekly challenge head over to your blog and post up in regards to that weeks study material (we may have questions or we may just simply ask your thoughts) then head back over to Welcome to Our Wonderland or Jessica's Lil Corner and post your link in the linky area letting others know you are participating. Be sure to include the button in your blog posts linking it to this blogging Bible Study challenge and that way others can know they are invited as well and be sure to post your link in the linky so that others will know you are participating for that week...you will need to do this each week!!

Although not required we do ask that you also visit others who have posted their links up in the linky as well so that we all can comment on each others thoughts, etc. And...while you are at it, why not follow your new Bible Buddies as you visit their blogs and read their posts for that weeks Bible Challenge.

We also will choose one person per week to highlight their study material.

This is a great way to study the Bible and increase our followers!

Remember to keep it clean and don't post naughty comments. We are going to be studying from The Bible and while all of our goals are the same, please respect that some peoples beliefs, thoughts, and points of view may be different from yours...if anyone is caught posting naughty posts or comments or being disrespectful of others your link will be removed and you will not be allowed to participate in this hop.

So...basically to keep things simple:

1. Head over to Welcome to Our Wonderland or Jessica's Lil Corner sometime during the week (beginning January 3rd) and get that Bible Study challenge for the week.

2. Study then post your thoughts, questions, etc. on your blog (be sure to include the button for the Bible Study challenge inviting others).

3. Head back over to Welcome to Our Wonderland or Jessica's Lil Corner and post your link in the linky EACH week you participate to let others know you are participating in that weeks challenge.

4. Visit whatever blogs you choose that are participating and post nice and respectful comments to the posts that interest you. And...if you are interested support your blogging Bible Buddies with a follow!

5. Come back the next week for a new challenge!

Thanks SO MUCH and have a blessed week!

Want to go ahead and start letting your friends know about this challenge? Grab any of the graphics that we have posted here below! A post would even be appreciated for those interested!! :0)

And a smaller version...

Plan to join us in our studies? Let us know!

Rediscovering Christmas Bible Challenge: Day 1: Luke Chapter 1

2010-12-01T12:18:00.002-05:00

The first chapter of Luke tells SO MUCH...not just about how Jesus and John were conceived, but also about a person's character and their faith.

For instance, Zacharias didn't believe Gabriel at first when he was told about Elisabeth being with child as she was old and it seemed nearly impossible for such a thing to happen. As a result, Zacharias was not able to speak until after the child (John) was born due to his lack of faith/not believing the words the angel told him. Once the baby was born and Zacharias agreed with Elisabeth that the child should be named John (as they were told to do) he then was able to speak again.

On the other hand, Mary never doubted what the angel told her in regards to her carrying the Son of God. When you think of a woman being told that she is going to give birth to a baby who is the Son of God...that woman may naturally think no way...this would never happen to me...but Mary didn't think that way. Mary only asked the angel how she could be pregnant since she had never been with someone and the angel explained to her that she was going to be giving birth to the Son of God. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38

This shows obedience to God. Mary never questioned whether she would be able to raise the Son of God or how she would do it. She had faith and she showed it through her character and her actions.

Then I sit and I think...by the time of the writing of Luke chapter 1...a lot of life has happened...obviously there are a lot of lives that have been brought into the world...but true Life was just beginning in this chapter...the possibility for Eternal Life was about to be born!

Rediscovering Christmas Bible Challenge: The Kickoff!

2010-12-01T11:46:00.002-05:00

This year I am doing the Rediscovering Christmas Bible Challenge. I thought I'd post my reasons for doing this.

For one, my blog is about SO MUCH in regards to my life, family, etc. but I also try to make it a point to be about my faith as well. I think its important that I study The Word and also jot down what I learn to share with others (as well as my kids).

And...

My kids and I both will be doing this challenge. Everyday we will sit down to read a chapter together. This is SO important to me...the kids, of course, already know the true meaning for Christmas but I want them to REALLY REALLY study this with me.

Awww...

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The other day Troy decided he was going to give me a note. Sometimes he gives me notes in different ways...he will make them into paper airplanes and fly them to me...he may even lay them outside of mine and his dad's bedroom door before he goes to bed at night so that we will find his note as we go to bed.

Such as one night as we were going to bed we found a note laying in the floor outside of our bedroom door.

To Mom or Dad, it read. Please no waffles in the morning. Then below what he wrote he had marked a X beside of waffles and made checkmarks next to eggs and bacon.

Oh...our little guy, yes, he does have a way of getting his point across, and I especially liked how he gave me this note the other day telling me he loves me. What a great point to make to ones mother, right? Sometimes we can learn so much from a child...like you can never say I love you enough...whether it be with words or actions or even a simple note...it sure made my day and I love him dearly!!

Christmas Season 2010

2010-11-27T10:09:00.001-05:00

We have MANY things planned for the Christmas season...and I LOVE the holidays!!

This year we have...

Friends coming over for a get-together on the 12th where we will have some finger foods and exchange gifts.
Christmas Eve will be spent with family (which quite possibly will be here this year with some family members).
Christmas Day will be in the morning and early afternoon at my parents and then here for later afternoon and evening.

And...the decorations are up and most of the gifts are bought!

The decorations...

We have a HUGE porch on the downstairs outside and we have blue lights around the railing downstairs on that porch...then we have blue lights around the railing on the balcony upstairs outside of mine and my husbands room. Then...we have a wreath on our front door in the living room...as you can see here!

Then in the living room we have the Christmas tree, the Santa lamp candle holder, and the snowman with lights.

Then in the stairway and closet area we have lights and garland on the steps.

Then in the kitchen we have a tealight snowman on the counter, another in the center of the kitchen table, a wreath above the sink, and Christmas placemats. We also have Christmas towels and a rug.

YAY....I love the holidays!! :0)