Julie's Jewels

Hello! It's Been A While!!

2006-02-17T10:42:00.000-05:00

Can't believe it's been so long since I've posted! Things have been a bit crazy, plus my dh and ds have been playing a PC game that is totally addictive!! If Becky and I want on the PC that means we have to get the lap top out! Which is better than nothing but.....
Last night we got a snow blizzard! It really is a mess outside! Can't wait to head out to California March 2nd!! Whoo... Hooo..... good bye snow... at least for a few days... Got to go.. Gabe needs a haircut! Time to open the "barber shop" haha...

The Fuzzy Green Monster in the Fridge!!

2006-02-08T10:29:00.000-05:00

I did it! I finally cleaned out the refrigerator! What an ordeal that was! I'm ashamed to say it, but it's been a while! Let's just say I have a lot more dishes now! LOL! All my tupperware was in there holding stuff that took on a different form! Ewww!!! I didn't realize the girls were putting in every little leftover. I'm not really one for leftovers anyway. I've promised myself that it won't get that way again! (who am I fooling??? LOL) I'm going to buy groceries today, and I couldn't see putting in the new food with the likes of the other stuff! For those of you who are reading this who don't have the "fridge" problem, don't judge me! ;) With a large family it's hard enough to keep up with stuff!! Like the Laundry!! That's another blog!! LOL

Turning The Corner!

2006-02-06T15:50:00.000-05:00

No school today. All the schools in my area and then some are closed! The kids are thrilled to say the least! Things are looking up here as far as the sickness that has been in my house. My oldest is under the weather, but kids are doing great! PTL! I've heard from my other family members down state that they are going through the sickness. So much of it. I guess it's that time of the year!
Trying to think of what I could make for dinner. I did treat the kids and dh to McDonalds. I do that every now and again. They enjoy it, and were thrilled when I walked into the door with the bags of food! My little guy loves the fries. But then again, what 2 year old doesn't?? LOL! Wish me luck with dinner!!

Snow, Snow, Snow!!

2006-02-05T18:02:00.000-05:00

Can't believe all the snow that has dropped on us!! The wind alone will cut you!!! WE went from barely anything on the ground to 10 inches easy! Today I'm home from church with my 8 year old! It's her turn for the sickness. Maybe the cold will kill all the flu bugs going around! It's been a really crazy couple of weeks for sure!! I talked to my Dad on the phone today. He's sick with sinus thingy! He's had that on and off for weeks.. But will HE go to the doctor??!! Nope! He says he's getting better! LOL! I'm hoping tomorrow's blog will be more exciting.. Just not too much going on here! That's for sure!!

Working At the School Today!

2006-02-03T14:30:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am back, in full force! Still not 100% but, I can't complain! My kiddies are now getting a little cough and fever! We don't have it as bad as someone I was talking to today with a large family. In this gal's family they had 7 people with the chicken Pox!!!!!! The mother missed 6 weeks of church because of being nurse to her kids. Wow! Talk about needing a vacation!!!
School is almost over for the week. It wasn't too bad. There were some family's gone today because of sickness. Sure can't wait for the spring time to come!!! Well, time for clean up! Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Some Relief Please??!!

2006-01-31T09:11:00.000-05:00

For the past 4 days I've been sick, again! This winter has been a doozie for me!Today I'm trying to decide if I should call the doctor or not. I've been running a fever for 4 days. My two youngest kids started "the cough" but it doesn't seem to bother them. Plus they have a temp. Too. All I can do is let it run its course. But its hard when your sick and have little ones to care for too! I just want to lay down and sleep!! Yesterday was a snow day, so my dh was home. Which was very helpful to me! The kids were bummed when they had to return to school today! Poor things! LOL! I enjoy them being home at times. Becky and I played Yahtzee! It was fun! My dh even played a few games with me too! We did order pizza so I didnt' have to cook. That was so nice! All for now!

Hectic Day!

2006-01-26T09:14:00.000-05:00

My little girl thought she looked like a mouse with the rubber band around her face.. hahah... How funny! Yesterday was a busy day! I had doctors appointments, running around to do, and then church. It felt like the day was over, before it began! There is so much to be done in my house that it's overwhelming to me! I've been wanting to mop the kitchen floor for quite sometime now and can't seem to get it in! No MATTER what happends today, it WILL get done! Monday, I totally gutted out my girls room and my room! Scrubbed from top to bottom. This is what I want to do with my whole house, kind of spring cleaning early! ;) Do you all ever get in this kind of mood? Well, I think I'll go start on that kitchen floor!

Feeling Human Again!! Yippy!!

2006-01-21T10:44:00.000-05:00

I feel so great today! My headache is gone and I'm ready to take on my house! I got up early and made my family pancakes, which is a regular family ritual! And now I'm ready to exercise and get ready for my family to come back home from Church visitation. (I'm home with my little ones) Then it's time to make lunch. Maybe I'll warm up the chili we ate last night for dinner. It's nice to feel human again!!

This picture of my little guy is so sweet. (if I do say so!) Gabe handed me the camera and said "picture of Gabe Mama".... He was standing so close! How funny! So I've made this picture my background on my PC. It just makes me smile to see his precious little face. Hope you don't mind me going on like this.. My children are the most precious possessions I have! All praise to the Lord Jesus!
Have a wonderful Day!

Friday Is Finally Here!!

2006-01-20T11:09:00.000-05:00

So glad the weekend is here! This week seemed to drag a bit... Maybe its because I had the HUGE HEADACHE that wouldn't seem to go away! People around my church had the same symptoms, It seems to be a viral thingy! Glad to feel 'normal' again! (my kind of Normal! LOL) I'm secretly hoping that my dear, sweet, kind husband(hoping he reads this..hehhe)will take me out to dinner tonight! (I'm bad!)
Today I am working at the school! The school kids seem to be in good moods! PTL! Most likely because its FRIDAY! Nothing major going on thus far! THAT could change at any moment! LOL! Oh, my kids have piano lessons today too! They didn't practice that much this week! (shame on them) I guess it was just a down week. Matt's pretty good at praticing without reminding him. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! God Bless!

Kids Were Hoping for NO SCHOOL!

2006-01-18T08:51:00.000-05:00

As you can see, we are in the middle of ice city! The kids went to bed praying for no school! I on the other hand, I was praying FOR school! LOL! This pic was taken this morning.. It's still even a bit dark outside still.
I have a busy day a head of me... I'm staying home of course, with the weather like it is. I can't believe I drove in the mess yesterday! Good thing I have a 4X4 truck!
For the last 3 days I've had this horrible headache! Can't seem to shake it! Maybe it's viral! Pray that it goes away PLEASE! My eyes feel like they are going to pop out of my head! No kidding! Have a great day!

Send This Kid To The Corner!

2006-01-17T19:17:00.000-05:00

Just kidding! This is my Oldest Son Matt! He's always teasing us! I told him to put that megaphone on his head and go to the corner! LOL!
Today it's freezing rain! So slick to drive on! I went to my WW meeting and Lost another 1.2 pounds! So, I guess the slick drive was worth it! Hoping the have another great success this week!
I'm Planning on making popcorn tonight as a snack! As you all know I simply adore popcorn! It's a good treat if your watching you calories! Remember, NO BUTTER! LOL I know, Its so much better smothered in butter! But, it still can be good!;) Have a good night! Make some popcorn and think of me!!

Chilly Day Up North!!

2006-01-14T22:01:00.000-05:00

Sure is cold! Most of our snow is GONE! But the wind cuts you like a knife! Oh, what I wouldn't do to be in a warm, sunny climate right now! ;) Just a few months and the weather SHOULD be turning around! But then again, one never knows!
Saturday night is bath night plus getting prepared for church in the morning. This helps for mornings to go a bit smoother... That's the goal anyway! It seems like one of the girls is always needing tights, or one can't find a matching sock, or one shoe is missing! I'm sure you Mom's know what I'm talking about here! Boys aren't too bad.. Pretty easy I think. They are usually not to fussy about what they have to wear! ;) All for now.. Have a great Lord's day tomorrow!

It was a KOSMO Day!

2006-01-13T19:49:00.000-05:00

Today Kosmo, my much loved puppy dog went to get groomed! He doesn't like going to the groomer much. He looks so cute when he does go! He acts so happy when he gets home! Kosmo runs around the house like a crazed animal, wanting to play with the kids! It's so funny that Kosmo and my dd Kristen share the same birthday! No, Kosmo doesn't get a birthday cake, but a nice sized bone for a gift!

Just thought I would share with you my dear Pet... Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, Wednesday!!

2006-01-11T21:26:00.000-05:00

Today was a pretty descent day! For starters the kids had a "snow day", so they were home....Managed to do some laundry and send out some boxes at the post office (long over due) and then my dd and I went to the local second hand store.. We love to go into there just to see what treasures we can find!! I bought a great looking coat, and Becky found a jean skirt! We walked out of there happy! LOL This evening service at church was great! We are now sitting at home enjoying popcorn!! I LOVE POPCORN! I could eat it every night of the week! All for now...

When it rains it pours!!

2006-01-10T19:08:00.000-05:00

Not only am I still not feeling 100%, My Meg had to go to the doctor! She has ear infection and bronchitis! Poor kid! Meg and I spent 1 hour waiting to first SEE the doctor and then 1 hour waiting for her RX to be filled! So it's been one of those days! LOL On the flip side, I attended my WW meeting and lost 1.8 pounds! Let me tell you, I was very good all week... Praying for another successful week ahead! I'm not really a person to "vent", hope you don't mind! Right now I have visions of Spring time ahead! Now I AM dreaming! Sure tired of the snow.. (I may as well get all my venting out! hahah...) Tomorrow should go a bit better! (famous last words) LOL!

Have a great night!

At Home Sick!!

2006-01-08T17:57:00.000-05:00

Didn't feel well enough to attend church tonight! I have this nasty soar throat and it goes into my chest! Runny and stuffy nose! The works! My dh has it too.. I have asthma and it always seems to be a bit worse when I'm sick because of that! With the Lords help, I should be better in a few day!!

We had a wonderful Lunch, ham and mashed potatoes etc. My kids went nuts over the ham! We have left over ham, we will most likely have sandwiches and I could also make ham and bean soup... Sounds yummy!

Please keep me in your prayers! As you know,it's hard for we mom's to be sick... ;)

We had a Birthday Girl January 2nd!

2006-01-03T22:14:00.000-05:00

Boy, Have we been busy! Yesterday our Meg had a birthday! She is now 8years old! We went bowling, had pizza and then came back home for a birthday party with cake and ice cream! We had a great time together as a family!
Tonight I'm preparing for school to start tomorrow! Our lives will get back to normal. (Normal for us anyway) I'm really looking forward to our normal schedule because my exercising hasn't been what it should and my eating hasn't... Thus, as of today at weight watchers I gained 3 pounds over Christmas Vacation. Needless to say, I'm pretty bummed out about it! I could just kick myself. I think the 3 pounds are from these cookies @ my SIL Starr's house... I ate one and one led to 2.. Well, you know the rest..... What shame ! LOL....Really, I'll be okay! Tomorrow is another day Miss Scarlet! Have a great night!

Happy New Year!

2006-01-01T15:40:00.000-05:00

Happy New year everyone! It's my prayer that 2006 will be even better than ever! Do you have any new goals for this year? I have a few... I don't really make New Years resolutions, Just good goals that I want to incorporate into my life... Like....Get up earlier in the morning to exercise and read my Bible. I've started reading my Bible in a year bible. It's a special Bible that has an old and new testaments and a psalm and proverbs you read each day. I really enjoy it! It helps you read a little bit of everything each day! The other goal I have is to deep clean my kitchen! Re-organize cupboards etc. Just to name a few things! How about you? Do you have any new goals for your life? christian life? What new decisions have you made concerning the Lord? May you have a happy, healthy, prosperous year!

Happy Anniversary! Woohoo.. 17 years!

2005-12-31T00:07:00.000-05:00

Hello! Just got back from a couple day holiday down state with my family! What a blast we had! My sister in laws and I played games! Just had a blast! We ate too much too! Wow! Today is my Hubby and my Anniversary! We went out to dinner and he also bought me some "Bling Bling"! He's so sweet! I'll write more tomorrow.. I'm so tired! Just wanted you all to know we made it home safe! Thanks for the prayers!

Recovering From Christmas!

2005-12-26T20:50:00.002-05:00

Wow! We've had so much fun! The house was in such disarray from Christmas day fun and food...It was time for clean up! It took a little bit of time but it got done! The kids are so good! Tonight Matt drove me to get pizza. I really needed a break. My stomach still isn't so hot because of my flu... I had a piece of pizza but man! I feel so ill afterwards... Like miss scarlet says, "after all, tomorrow is another day..." Maybe I'll feel a bit more better!! Toodels!

Sick On Christmas Day! Boo Hoo!!

2005-12-25T17:10:00.000-05:00

Last night at our Christmas Eve service I started to feel, lets just say, not so well! I came home and took my temp, and it was 101.6! I simply was going down hill fast! It was a task to wrap presents! Me dear husband told me to go to bed and get some rest... I took some meds... Slept pretty good.. But I'm still not feeling myself. I can't complain. It could be worse. My youngest son is sick too!

We had a wonderful Christmas morning.. I didn't go to church, but we had and are having great fun being together. Just a minute ago, my daughter Kristen and I were playing her "memory" game! Remember that? I have remember playing that game in the 1st grade! Loved it! I got nice things...Slippers, jewelry box, roaster oven, DVD t.v. radio, CD player for the kitchen. It's a space savor very nice, my CD, radio, space savor I had broke.. So now I can watch my food channel and the news while I cook or when clean. Very nice thought from my hubby. The kids are having a ball on the snowmobile. We bought them a new sled to be pulled in... Very nice , it can fit 4 kids. Well, all for now.. Have a Happy, Merry Christmas!!

Crazy Day!

2005-12-20T10:56:00.000-05:00

Today is the kid's Christmas party for School, and then Christmas break. I'm really looking forward to spending time with my babies! We have a blast. I have some things planned for our little holiday! Games, Bowling, baking...It is important for my kids to have sweet memories of their childhood. At times I feel overwhelmed with trying to get everything done.. .But house work and chores can wait a bit....

On Sunday we had our Christmas program/play. It went over quite well I think. My son played the lead roll. He made his momma feel proud that's for sure! Matt sure is growing up. Kristen played a cute little sheep and my Meghan played a sweet little angel! I love to see my kids serve the Lord!

Christmas Is Coming!!

2005-12-14T14:43:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited about Christmas coming!!! This weekend will be our Christmas play... this week will be really busy with preparing for it. We still need some props... It will be great! My oldest son will have a lead part. My parents might be coming to it. As for Christmas, my brother and his wife and baby might be coming for dinner. They like my folks live about 4 hours away. It' s been a few years since they've been up this way!

There hasn't been too much going on thats exciting.... I AM reading a book titled "Created to be His helpmeet". It really steps on your toes... Ihaven't posted on my blog in a while.. I guess life has been a bit boring LOL!! I guess that could be good too...

For my Weight Watcher meetings.. They've been going good.. I've lost a bit of weight, I'm feeling good and stronger that I have in some time... I love working out! I just feel better all the way around! With God's help I hope to have lost 30 pounds by Summer.... Just trying to be logical...If I lose more I won't complain. hahaha.... Have a good one!!

Thanksgiving Is Over! Hello, Christmas!!

2005-11-25T19:19:00.000-05:00

We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving day!! The dinner was great(if I do say so myself LOL) It was a nice time to be with family! My parents were suppose to come up to visit..Dad was sick and couldn't come. They will be up soon... However, it was nice just the 7 of us. Matt, Becky and I played Scrabble! Matt beat us! I asked for a rematch!! We'll be playing again tonight. That's why I'm really looking forward to Christmas break coming up. I enjoy horsing around with the kids and playing games! The kids get to sleep in and Mom gets to enjoy her coffee in the morning in peace with my Bible.
We did get the tree up... It was hard getting a perfect picture.. Oh, well...It was fun but kind of chaotic too... It's importiant to make memories... no matter what! Right?? As long as they are fun.. LOL! Have a wonderful weekend!

The Life Of A Child...."How Sweet it is!"

2005-11-21T19:34:00.000-05:00

This is my youngest boy! He's such a funny kid! He's enjoying his cartoons!!Potty training is coming along nicely... Can't wait until It's finally over though... We had a nice Thanksgiving Service At our Church tonight... We had a good group!
Had a good weigh in at my WW meeting... I was so encouraged by it!! Well, all for now... Nothing to exciting going on.. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Ok, This is Crazy! Winter Is HERE!!

2005-11-17T13:10:00.000-05:00

WE woke up this morning and found THIS!! Yes, Winter is setting in! The kids are on their snowmobile having a blast! Maybe it's my older age (LOL) I don't like being cold! The snow could have stayed away longer! However, I must say, I do love looking at the beauty! My husband and I look out our sliding glass window at all the snow, as you can see we have many pines! The snow on the pines are gorgeous!!

We Are Making Cookies For Our Troops!

2005-11-15T18:16:00.000-05:00

Our church is making cookies to send to our troops in Iraq ! WE sure hope it will make their Thanksgiving more special! Tomorrow our church ladies will be packing and sending. Our Local Ace Hardware ships by UPS free for us!! Our Church has sent up to 260 Dozen cookies @ one time!! That was ALOT of baking!! My Church received lots of thank you cards in return! We gals even had our picture in the Paper! I love America...Thank you for all of those who serve or who have served in our armed Forces!! God Bless you!! Thank you for putting your lives on the line so we could be free!

Awww... To Be A Kid Again!

2005-11-14T22:26:00.000-05:00

Kris and Gabe are my two youngest! They are such buddies! They play all day long! My Husband took us out to lunch today at a place that has a "kiddy play area". The kids played, and played! Laughing, sliding down the slide! Boy! Were they ready for a nap when we got home! I'm so thankful for all of my kids! What a blessing they are to me! Most of all I'm so thankful that God made me a Momma! That's the best job anyone could ever have!

How Was Your Church Service Today?

2005-11-13T21:42:00.000-05:00

WE had a wonderful Service! I was personally able to lead a teen-age girl to the Lord this morning! Amen! 2 People were saved total! The evening service was good too!

Sunday evenings after church, my family starts what we call the "feeding frenzy"! WE all are in the kitchen getting a sandwich, warmed up leftovers, popcorn or what ever we want...And sit down and relax after our long day. In a Pastor's home, Sunday is definitely the busiest day of our week! Mondays are the day of "recovery" from Sunday.. hahah....

I feel so blessed to have my family in church serving together. My kids love going to church! I hope it always stays that way for them! The little kids get all excited about going to Sunday school... Their teachers always have something special going on, just for them! Thank you Dear Lord for my Blessed day!!

Sad News!

2005-11-12T19:45:00.000-05:00

This morning I received a call from my mom. Mom told me that my UncleJohn passed away. My Uncle has always lived in far away states. (along with my Aunt and cousin) So we never got to see much of them. I do have fond memories of Uncle John when I was little. I'm sad because he had been suffering with cancer and I had no idea he even had cancer! He didn't want the family to know...Uncle John was a saved man, and I'll be seeing him again one day. Please pray for my Aunt Pat and cousin John....my heart goes out to them.

There Was Snow On The Ground This Morning!!

2005-11-10T22:13:00.000-05:00

By the way the weather had been acting I knew snow was right around the corner!! The kids were thrilled to say the least... The kids are excited about riding the snowmobile already! LOL! To be honest, I can't wait either!! We've had the thing for 4 years, and I've never been on it!! Twice I was preggers and couldn't and then last year, I didn't feel like getting cold! Didn't sound like fun to me.. hahah...This year I've decided just to have fun with the kids!

Today was a great day. I accomplished much, did my Bible study, had dinner in the crock pot and things went pretty smooth!! PTL! If I'm more organized, I don't feel so overwhelmed. (Know what I'm talking about??) I want to enjoy my family, my life and not let the chores get me down. The chores will ALWAYS be there... My kids however won't always be little!! Love my babies!!!

Finally! I Get To Sit At My PC!!

2005-11-08T19:05:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, and the day before that, I couldn't get to my computer. Not even to check my e-mail. My Husband and Son were playing a PC game, they played for hours!! LOL! Any of you wives have this situation at your home?? Anyway...I had a wonderful day! My youngest daughter Kristen and I went out on a date!! Kris went to my Weight Watchers meeting with me (lost 1.5 pounds Yippy) and then to lunch, and then it was off to Wal-mart for food shopping! My Cart was loaded! Really got a workout! I think it's so important to spend time alone with each child. Once and a while it's good to go out to lunch, breakfast or just run errands around town. It's a good time to "get their heart". The more you have their hearts, the less likely they will let someone steal it from you!!

Here are a couple of pic of Gabriel! He's enjoying the car ride and getting into trouble playing with the light switch! Gabe climed on his coup car to reach! What a stinker!

Have a great day!

Happy Lord's Day!

2005-11-06T14:19:00.000-05:00

The weather is so cold that I believe the picture you see will be what happends here in days to come! This pic was taken last winter in my side yard. I remember how cold and how the snow was falling in such HUGE flakes! I'm getting cold just looking at this photo!! Last night it started to rain and it hasn't stopped yet!! That usually means winter is coming!!!

We had a wonderful morning service At church. I sang a special and my son played piano for me. It's nice serving the Lord together in that way with Matthew! We have so much fun too! Yes! Serving the Lord is Great fun! Then Matthew preached to our Jr. Church kids. Our youth pastor gives Matt the opportunity to preach to the children, and he so enjoys it! Tonight we go back for the evening service at 6 p.m . Oh, we do have choir pratice at 5pm. Our afternoons are cut short, my hubby trys to get a nap, I do from time to time hehhe...There's always something to do! Amen?! Have a wonderful day all!

I Love The Fall Weather!!

2005-11-04T18:17:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful fall day! It sure is chilly! But there is nothing like wearing the sweaters we've put a way for the summer! Tonight we ordered pizza and tonight is game night! We love to play Scrabble!! After the Scrabble game my plans are to curl up with the book I checked out at the library, get my red down comforter and RELAX!! hehehe.. I guess I better put the younger kids to bed if I really want relaxation!! LOL
Tonight our local High School is having an important game tonight.. It's the BUZZ around town. In every store I walked into today the football game was being talked about! I guess the team is pretty good... Shows you how much "town spirit" I have.. heheh... Have a wonderful weekend all!!

My Trip Back "Home"

2005-11-03T11:45:00.000-05:00

As you can see by my photos I had an enjoyable time visiting family and friends!! I saw my sweet Gramie! She's a wonderful Gal! Next was my Brother Don and his wife Jennifer. The best part about this visit was to see my sweet little nephew Alexander! What a cutie pie! He's not only sweet but good natured! I have never heard him cry! Not one time! Then it was off to see my friend Laura! Laura and her husband Tony are expecting their first child in December! What a sweet Christmas gift! Ive known Laura for 20 years! She and I worked together at Bugdet Rent a Car @ the airport! Laura is a great gal who has seen her way around the world! No kidding!! She has had many adventures and has MANY photos to prove it!! It was a great visit! Oh, I cannot forget her dog Mac! He's a sweet pooch!

I stayed at my Mother's house. I'm sorry to say I don't have a pic of my Mom on here. Mom and I went out to Breakfast with my Grandfather one day...Then another day Mom took me out to lunch. It was a great time of fellowship on this trip. My Dad was working quite a bit while I was there. But he is doing well. Dad likes to drive his Harley Davison in the summer and not to mention his Corvette. Matt thinks it looks like the "Bat Mobile". I must mention that my vistit would NOT have been possible if it wasn't for my dear Hubby Russ! He watched all 5 kids by himself. I don't know if there are too many men who would take that job on! Thank you Honey! Your the best!

My Oldest Son Turns 16!

2005-11-01T18:23:00.000-05:00

This young man is my oldest son Matthew! On his first day of k-5, the other pic is of Matt and his youngest brother Gabriel. And one pic of him on his birthday. October 8th. (I'm trying to catch up! LOL) Words cannot tell you how proud his father and I are of him. He's been called to preach! And is a wonderful Brother to his 4 youngest siblings. I recall the day I gave birth to my boy! It seems like yesterday! Just a note to mothers with younger children, "Cherish the moments"! Make everyday count!

The Joys Of Potty Training!

2005-09-13T22:09:00.000-04:00

My Little guy Gabe just turned 2 this month. I introduced his potty chair to him a few months ago, to "plant" the idea in his head. Well, it worked, too good infact! He goes into the bathroom by himself BUT he also likes to dump his"water" in the big toilet. Gabe has seen me rinse his potty chair with water from the tub to rinse it , then in the big toilet it goes... Well, today he did this himself and dumped the container from the potty seat all over the floor in the bathroom!!! YUCK! (While I was on the phone) So, that was a nice mess to clean up. Its hard to be upset with the the little guy.... Gabriel is just at the stage where he likes to dabble with just about EVERYTHING!! He is the baby out of 5 children. And will always be my baby I might add...LOL.

Sure Was a HOT one today!!

2005-09-12T23:25:00.000-04:00

The weather was unseasonably HOT today!! Went for a nice bike ride to the library...And back home again. We have family in town. My husband's sister Althea and her family (picture of her on the right hahah...) are visiting!! She lives in Brazil as a Missionary... It's so wonderful to sit and laugh with her! Her children have grown so much since the last time they were "home".
After a long week with our Missions Conf. Today I had our first Missionary Circle meeting since summer started. (we stop meetings when summers starts because of VBS, teen camp, tent meeting etc.) I was racking my brains trying to think of new ideas on what to do for our missionary's. An idea that was mentioned was to send a gift or gifts to a missionary wife with special things only for her. So she knows she is loved, and appreciated for her service to the Lord. We will try to do this once a month and to each of our Missionary. Doing that should keep us busy for quite sometime. Our church supports 29 family's and More to come. (Amen!)
Tomorrow is my WW meeting. I sure hope the scales are good to me!! YIKES!!! I guess if losing weight was easy, Everyone would be doing it.. LOL There are moments when I want to cave it... I just think of all the hard work that has been done thus far...No turning back here.. No way!! Esp. With my "Well" Friends to support me!! YEAH! Love you gals!!

What A Wonderful Day!

2005-09-09T22:40:00.000-04:00

This morning my hubby and I took our youngest kids to the park! Then we drove to a lookout spot in our town! Russ, the kids and I walked up (and down) 450 steep steps! Wow! The two youngest kids didn't even breath heavy! LOL It was a beautiful site! (as you can see) What fun!
Tomorrow night ends our missions Conf. Its been a good week, but I'm sure pooped out! Time to turn in!!

It's sure been a busy week!

2005-09-08T09:56:00.000-04:00

This week has been our Missionary Conf. It's been wonderful! We've had some really great Missionaries with us so far this week. Their "slide show" of their field trips really break your heart.

Yesterday I descovered my dog had a flee on him. So, if there is one there has got to be more. We drove to the vets to get some Frontline. That stuff works great! Kosmo's a happy boy again. It shocks me how much it cost to keep a healthy pet. WOW! It's like having a 6th child!

It's amazing how much cleaning can get done when the older kids are in school! Even with the M. C. going on this week! I can even get my walking in for the day! Today will be mostly laundry! My dear hubby put in a new hot water heater. So now Everyone can take shower, do dishes, laundry all at the same time! WOW! Yes, little things make me happy. When it makes my life easier, I'm happy. Our old hot water heater was so old! 1960's model. We were only getting 20 gallons of hot water...YIKES!! The third person to take a shower got a COLD one!

School started an hour later today because of the Conference. I'm well rested and ready to get on with my day!

Ok, Here it goes......

2005-09-07T00:50:00.000-04:00

Ok, I feel the pressure to start a BLOG!! I'm a wife and mother to 5 children ages 16 down to 2 years of age! Not to mention a pastors wife! Russ and I have been married 17 years in December. My how time flys....We have 2 sons and 3 daughters. We are very blessed! My hubby has pastored our church here in Northern Michigan for 7 years. WE love it here!

This week we are in the throws of a Missions Conference. I pray we can take more missionary's on this year! What a blessing it would be! We also started school today! It was crazy today! Wow! If I could title my day, it would be called, "The longest day"! I got up early, got the kids off to school, went on visitation and off to my Weight Watchers Meeting. Church started @ 7 p.m. and then after church Russ and I had to take care of our missionary guests. We showed them were they were staying plus we ran to the store to buy them milk etc. We didn't get home until 9:30,and with the 5 kids at home the house was still standing!! LOL Off to bed!