NOT ME! Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog at http://www.mycharmingkids.net/ to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. "I created Not Me! Monday for the purpose of confessing our shortcomings and imperfections to each other since, after all, we are all only human!" (MckMama's words) Every Monday, you can find more "Not Me! Monday" at her site.

I just realized how long it has been since I have posted a Not Me! Monday! I think about it all the time but have not had the chance to post on time.. It has been a long busy week and I'm exhausted but wanted to share a few things I did not do this week....

I did not leave for our trip packing everything but the kitchen sink! (or so it felt!) ... then 45 minutes down the road, realize that I forgot diapers! Why would I forget something so important?! I then didn't leave my darling daughter in a wet diaper till we got to my in-laws to get a dry diaper! Nope, not me!

While on vacation, I did not turn into a giddy silly teen when finding out that I had won the briar.clair hat giveaway on Mckmama's blog! My family did not think I was crazy for getting so excited. I am more sophisticated then to act silly like that! After all I did enter and leave a cute comment (practicing my new found love of alliteration!) so why would I be so suprised that she chose me?! I also did not insist on showing my MIL, SIL, and Husband the post where My name is shown as the winner! ... Nope! Not me!

Sunday, at Elliana's birthday celebration I certainly did not strip her down to a diaper and allow her to go crazy destroying eating cake by the fistfulls. I would never allow her to make such a mess in a restaurant! My little girl is a frilly princess! Nope, Not me!

After such a mess, I definately did not carry my filthy cake and chocolate icing covered daughter (at arms length!) into the bathroom and wash her off in the sink. That would just be gross and inconsiderate... Not me!

There's no place like...

There's no place like Home, There's no place like Home...

HOME SWEET HOME!!!!

After a very long day of traveling in (way to much) rain and dealing with traffic and 2 fussy, bored, crabby wonderful children... we are Home!

We had a great time visiting family and friends, eating tons of good food, and just relaxing! ...But it sure feels good to be back.

Van's unloaded, everyone settled, and kids finally asleep in bed

...back to the grind tomorrow!

Ten Things I am Thankful for...

Saw this on a friends blog and was inspired to do the same thing here. Even though the Thanksgiving Holiday is officially over, I am learning to be Thankful all the time. We are blessed with so many wonderful things and I want to work harder to focus on those and appriciate them, even in the midst of hard situations.

So... Here's my List:

1. My Heavenly Father
He gives me strength to make it through, loves me unconditionally, and promises me a Hope and a Future.

2. A wonderful supportive Husband
I know I don't appriciate Him enough... I am blessed for a mate who loves me and our family and works hard to provide for us. He has stood by me and walked with me through highs and lows over the last 12 years... I am thankful God Blessed me with him!

3. The opportunity to be called "Mommy"
There is nothing like Motherhood. It is the hardest, highest calling in my life; yet the most rewarding. I am thankful God entrusted me with three beautiful and precious children who bring me so much joy.

4. A place to live
I am thankful that we have a roof over our head... and a beautiful home we can call our own!

5. Jobs
Especially in these hard economic times, I am thankful that both Jake and I have great jobs that we enjoy.

6. A wonderful church Family and Friends
We are soo truly blessed and thankful that God brought us to Seacoast. We have been ministered to, encouraged, and blessed immensely by those God has put in our life and we are thankful for the lifetime friendships we have made through the years.

7. Our Small Group
We have made some incredible friends and are so thankful to be apart of our weekly small group. It is the highlight of our week and encourages us so much.

8. An Amazing Family
I am so thankful to have a supportive, loving and involved extended family. Jake and I both feel blessed to have wonderful parents who love us and want the best for us and are always there to help.

9. The opportunity to help others

More and more I am learning to be thankful for the things God has brought us through. Though the road has and continues to be rough, I believe in the promise that God will continue to make All things work together for the good. I know that He has plans for us and wants to use our lives to bless and encourage others.

10. God's Provision

Even in the rocky times... He Always makes a way. He wants to teach us to be completely dependant on Him but always proves Himself Trustworthy. I know that my God WILL supply ALL my needs... according to His riches and Glory...

We are so blessed.

Lord, Help me to always be Thankful for all that we have and never take things for granted.

Sketti-face!

I love my beautiful little girl.

Love to dress her up, and never go out without a bow!

We love pink, and frills, ribbons and of course jewelry.

She is my little princess.


While eating dinner the other night, Ellie, my little princess...

grabbed ahold of the bowl of spaghetti and went to town!

She tore up her food using both hands, and a fork.


so... my beautiful little girl turned into

little miss sketti-face!


It made for some laughs, and what is some classic pictures... what silly memories. Just had to share...

"All gone Mommy!"

Yes, I love my beautiful, Sketti-faced girl!

Busy Fingers

Nathaniel is my little creative boy. He loves to have his hands busy. Loves to be helping with just about anything. And loves to create things.

Life is so busy, days just seem to fly by. I feel bad that there never seems to be time for us to just have fun doing different projects. I have come to realize that the time is there... I just need to take the time and make the moments happen.

So, this past weekend I took advantage of the Holiday and planned out some fun things for Nathaniel. He did really well loved it!

First, we made some cookies...

Then, while they were cooking we started our craft projects...

Just before they were finished we pulled them out for some decorating fun!

Here are Nathaniel's frames he made (:



Yummmm..... Decorated Sugar cookies!

We had a fun day and I'm glad we had the chance to do fun things together... and keep those fingers busy!