....just breathe....

sometimes it's just that easy...

2012-02-01T04:51:00.000-08:00

we are headed out of town this weekend for a little fun. i mentioned to the kids that we will be staying in a hotel and part of the weekend just hanging out there. they responded by asking if we could bring monopoly.....

do they know how long it takes to play this game??
do they know how i cannot sit and be focused that long??
DO I REALIZE THAT I SHOULD BE GRATEFUL THEY ARE STILL WANTING TO PLAY BOARD GAMES WITH THEIR PARENTS??

so i said YES!

these pictures are from this past Thanksgiving weekend at my brother Jeff's house.

my nephew alex, brooke, and brady always seem to play a couple games of monopoly throughout the weekend. i remember as a kid being able to sit and play a game that long but these days it drives me nuts.

however this weekend, for the kids, i will sit down with them to play.

no laundry, no schedule, no worries.
just ~~FOUR LONG HOURS OF GAME TIME.~~

(does it really last that long??)

we have a surprise on our trip for the kids as well.

brooke and brady have no idea what we are doing.

pictures when we return.

this weekend, i hope you have some time to sit and play with your kids too.

hello blog world....otis is one! or is he seven?

2012-01-28T12:29:00.000-08:00

i'm feeling really bad as i haven't been able to update my blog in like FOREVER!

sorry for that.

i've been busy with work, athome, brady's basketball games and everything else that comes along with motherhood. laundry. meals. sick kids. try to keep the house tidy and failing.

i'll do better.

otis did turn one while i was away.

we threw him a little tiny party to show him we care.

for the most part it went rather well except for the last picture of course.

see you.

brooke and otis on the way to brady's game thursday night.

him being a "big boy" sitting in seat by himself.

(or spoiled boy)

he makes a good headphone stand!

Jan 22nd a.k.a birthday day!

his party was wild!

~i'm making these-with brooke's help!

2012-01-16T07:18:00.000-08:00

brooke and i started making friendship bracelets to hand out for valentines day this year. what a cute idea and a neat little note. i think these are neat for any age girls to do. from little ones to teens, like my daughter. i showed her this idea and she was game right away. photo credit and idea found here.

it's a nice way to give to everyone in school. even kids you don't hang out with much but see everyday. i know in middle school/ high school bulling can get pretty bad, so what a neat way to give someone a little encouragement that they are needed!

"just play. have fun. enjoy the game." Michael Jordan

2012-01-11T16:55:00.000-08:00

i pointed brady out in the picture above....

he has changed so much. not as shy. funny. tall.

this is his team mixed with 7th and 8th graders.

brady is in 7th but just as tall as the "tall kids" in 8th.

which is good since his favorite sport is basketball.

i think he gets that from me.

when i was young, and in shape :), i played varsity basketball and played well.

i miss those days. but it brings back memories watching my boy play.

i think it's true what thee Michael Jordan had to say of the sport.

just play. have fun. enjoy the game.

to many times we don't stop and enjoy it. we are to focused on winning.

i'll be the first to admit....I HATE TO LOSE. i play to win.

but really looking back win or lose i enjoyed playing the game.

and had so much fun doing it...

my hope is for him to do the same..

~2012...it's a new year!

2012-01-01T17:30:00.000-08:00

we have been busy wrapping up 2011 with good food and good friends.

last night we had some friends from ogallala down and they ended up spending the night. it was fun we played games, laughed, shared stories and struggled to stay up for the new year.

and we made it. but was in our beds at 12:01 :) and fast asleep.

it's the pits getting old....

a couple days before, we had some more friends driving through town who asked if we could

meet them for supper, so we headed to ruby tuesdays and again had a fun time.

reuniting with old friends. we sat the kids at their own table so we could talk easier.

so ready to start the new year.

we've had a lot of changes this past year and in the new year i'd like to

find comfort in where we are at now.

we still haven't found a "church home" but hope to soon.

it's something we've been struggling with.

change is hard and not an easy thing to get use to for me.

but i hope to find my place here.

Happy New Year!

~Merry Christmas~

2011-12-25T05:26:00.000-08:00

whoopie pies delivered from Massachusetts

otis enjoying his new bone.

popcorn anyone??

brady trying to guess his gift.

lovin' his new bones

headphones are back in style.....oh yeah!!!

our Christmas tree.

brooke holding up nebraska hoodie....

Merry Christmas!

Hope yours was merry and bright...

~a recipe worth sharing...~

2011-12-23T05:44:00.000-08:00

again this year someone contacted me for this recipe

that's how good it is.

i had made it couple years ago for thanksgiving with the family

and now every year they are wanting it to be a tradition...

so i though i'd re post the recipe again.

it's really easy, so you'll love that part as well:)

it was found in my church cookbook many, many years ago when I attended Castle Rock, Colorado

Church of the Nazarene.

Recipe:

Fresh Strawberry Pie

1-1/2 c. water

1-1/2 c. sugar

1/4 c. cornstarch

1- 3 oz. box strawberry jello

3 to 4 c. fresh strawberries

Cook first three ingredients until clear. Add the Jello and stir well. Cool. Add the fresh strawberries halfed and quartered. Put in nine inch pie shell or graham cracker pie shell. Chill. Serve with whipped cream.

Hope you will try this.

and i hope your family enjoys as much as mine has.

Happy Friday!

~15 years~

2011-12-21T15:28:00.000-08:00

i saw this on pinterest and thought it was extra meaningful today....

chuck and i have been married for 15 years

and this fortune cookie made me laugh.

so true. but what a journey:)

engagement picture many years ago.

~chillin' right now~

2011-12-18T15:04:00.000-08:00

these, as we speak, are in my frig right now chillin'. if you have time to add this to you Christmas baking list i'd recommend them. they are delicious. my kids are not great fans, but i think it's because they heard the word molasses in them.

molasses crinkle cookies

3/4 c shortening

1 c. brown sugar

1 egg

1/2 c. molasses

2-1/4 c. flour

2 tsp. soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cloves

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. ginger.

Mix first 4 ingredients thoroughly. stir in remaining ingredients. when mixed together, chill dough two hours. roll into balls, roll in sugar, place on cookie sheet. sprinkle with a drop of water. bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

~getting ready...~

2011-12-18T14:47:00.000-08:00

we are getting ready for Christmas.

how about you?

i cannot believe how fast it has snuck up on us.

another year almost gone.

I love Christmas.

it's hard taking this guy shopping without him getting distracted and falling off course. :)

i mean one minutes he's shopping with you and then the next.....

it's like where did he go?

oh right, there he is. being weird...

following us around the store like this.

he keeps us smiling.

brooke and otis having bonding time.

how comfortable is too comfortable??

the words of the song "so this is Christmas" keep coming to mind.

but it isn't just about the cute kids, the dog, the presents(although blessed with these things)

it's about Christ!

and through the rest of this season and the next year coming i MUST focus on that!

I heard a song the other day after dropping the kids off at school.

Jesus Freak.

People say i'm strange, does it make me a stranger.

That my best friend was born in a manger.

wouldn't it be nice if we all became a freak like this!

~weekend plans~

2011-12-10T06:09:00.000-08:00

last night chuck and i had a date night with another couple.

they took us out for his birthday. (which is today)

i keep thinking if i can get through all the birthdays in my house i could concentrate more on Christmas.

man it's a busy time of year for us. not to mention our anniversary is December 21st too

who gets married that close to Christmas?

This am (a.k.a. birthday day) chuck had to head to guards for the weekend.

no rest for the birthday boy i tell ya!

so i decided i will try and stay home and get organized....

is it just me or does being organized make everyone happier and things run much smoother?

lately i've been stressed out of my mind

with everything. and that's not what Christmas season should be about.

so i'm going to work at making it better and more meaningful.

not to mention i was in a car accident two days ago and am feeling a little shock en up from that still...

but i'm going to rebut my mind and "just breathe" and get some things accomplished.

WITHOUT STRESS!

i read this today and it ~~was~~ is very comforting....

In anguish I cried to the Lord; he answered by setting me free. (Psalms118:5)

so this weekend i will work on my attitude and get back up and try again in a more organized fashion.

i ran across these blogs with organization ideas. i thought i'd share in case you are where i am.

31 days to an organized home.

31 days to {cheaply} organize your home.

~baby it's cold outside~

2011-12-06T06:32:00.000-08:00

~two teens~

2011-12-02T04:50:00.000-08:00

well today i am the mother of two teens.

my baby turns 13 today! (finally his age matches his shoe size. well for now)

next time you see me i may just have a few more grey in my hair.

tonight i'm lucky enough to have 8 boys over to spend the night.

i think they are headed to the gym to play hoops.

that is what brady loves these days.

all about basketball!

on another note since yesterday was Dec 1st the snow came out!

very fitting for this time of year even if it did not last long.

~as of lately~

2011-11-29T19:37:00.006-08:00

i've been entertaining my mom who was here from Maine. which made thanksgiving special.
made a trip to denver for few days to hang out with my brother and mom before she flew home.
learning how to use my iphone:)
trying to plan my son's birthday party coming up this weekend.
putting up our christmas tree (finally happened tonight)

here are a few photos from my iphone:

sneaking up on otis to take a picture of him napping!

me getting caught while sneaking up on him!

our Christmas tree this year!

Santa's elfs (a.k.a brooke, brady, chuck)

can hardly believe it's almost December....yikes!

it is also otis's 1st christmas.

hopefully he is good with the tree.

~if hunting is a sport....i'm a athlete!~

2011-11-20T18:27:00.000-08:00

~the day i skipped school to hunt with my dad~

2011-11-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

chuck took brady hunting friday! and he was really excited! we let him skip school for the day to travel with his dad to go get his deer. and that he did. i usually am not invited on these trips because ~~most the time~~ all the time i root for the deer. however i do get really excited when brady gets home and the first thing he does is run to get me to come outside and check his deer out! i say "nice job buddy" even though i was rooting for the deer.

next friday it's back to school to hit the books!

~talking spring & summer in november???

2011-11-18T04:14:00.000-08:00

http://media.athome.net/2012SpringandSummer/

i know it's crazy to be talking about spring and summer already.......unless you are talking about the new 2012 spring and summer at home america catalog preview:) that's right! it's out there now. and i was up until 10:30 last night previewing it. did you know they added some things for dog lovers? otis was happy to hear that last night.

love some of the things in there and can't wait to add them to ~~my home~~ YOUR HOME!

1st snow & otis these days...

2011-11-16T18:46:00.000-08:00

well you are looking at our first snow pictures this year.

i know it's november and this is normal, but i'm not sure i'm ready.

kids need new winter coats that we have yet to get.

might try and save it for a Christmas gift. if their light coats will keep the cold out for now.

i could eat food off the grill all year long! and we do.

but it looks a little chilly now to be grilling.

i'm glad chuck is the griller in our house.

and otis.

he's not sure about the snow.

he prefers our bed and warmth.

this morning i had to bribe him with an extra treat to get him to go outside.

poor guy!

he hasn't seen nothing yet.

~so proud of mr. ron brown~

2011-11-13T06:10:00.000-08:00

awhile ago, here, i posted on competitors for Christ and how my son was able to meet a few of these good men last year! he was so excited and ran to his room to get his football for them to sign! i was so excited for him. and yesterday as we played Penn State, Ron Brown did it again. i believe the reason my son was able to see these good christian athletes in his school gym that day is because they have a leader like Ron Brown. if only penn state had ~~a leader~~ leaders like Ron Brown! it's amazing how these young kids look up to coaches. and trust them. and for someone to take advantage of that makes me sick!

i pray for penn state and for the healing to begin! one things for sure....... there is someone who IS bigger than it all!

11-11-11 Happy Vetrans Day!

2011-11-11T07:11:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all the young and old vets out there!

and to my husband who has and continues to serve for the past 19 years

we love you!

chuck roberts with the 1074th outlaws!

~a little organized kitchen help~

2011-11-11T06:29:00.000-08:00

DEAR PINTEREST,

I LOVE YOU!

Source: simplebites.net via Julie on Pinterest

i want to do this!!!how many times do we have to dig and dig for the right lid! so simple. wish i could have thought of this idea. a. long. time. ago.

Source: picasaweb.google.com via Julie on Pinterest

Source: s26.photobucket.com via Julie on Pinterest

this one makes be smile too. I can do something like this. again makes it easier to find the right item for the job.

Source: s26.photobucket.com via Julie on Pinterest

we have a new pantry like this. (well, with more mess) i love this idea. i've been looking for wallpaper for the pantry. i'm really not a wallpaper person but i do love this.
starting to clean my pantry out TODAY!

Source: lehiwrights.blogspot.com via Julie on Pinterest

so cute. when you're not using your cake stand for cake, why not do this!

Source: amazon.com via Julie on Pinterest

i'm buying one or two or three of these. look how much drawer space you'd save if you store this way.

~YOU SNEAKY MOM`

2011-11-08T05:30:00.000-08:00

i have to admit i have watched this video over and over and over again. and every time i'm more and more in love! it is the cutest/funniest thing ever!

a talk show encouraged mothers to tell their children the day after halloween that she ate all their candy.

this mother did and video taped it. and how the kids responded is too, too funny!

~brooke panther VB season 11'~

2011-11-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

wow VB season seem to come and go rather quickly.

i'm ashamed to say i did not do well with pictures this year.

even though i was able to attend every game this year, i failed to bring the camera

i was just happy to be there!

i did however find these. of brooke.

pumping themselves up before the game.

going pink for breast cancer awareness month!

apparently we didn't get the memo that we were doing white knee pads.

oh well, atleast you can point my kid out easier.

i needed something like this in football to tell which kid was mine.

once they have all their gear on they all look like they could belong to me.

this day brooke started. at first she was struggling getting playing time

(being the "new kid" and all)

but this day she finally started and she was happy!

she said she was going to quit if she didn't play more. and i reminded her we don't quit!

WE TRY HARDER!

~happy halloween~

2011-10-31T15:44:00.000-07:00

kind of bittersweet that my kids are not dressing up this year.

ya know the teenage years where sometimes they do and sometimes they WON'T!

anywho saw these for kids and love the ideas...

found on parenting.com

ice cream! with sprinkles!

lobster! however this idea may get heavy from going door to door.

bee! found on amazon.com

and jelly beans.

not sure where they were found but love this simple idea.

i never would of thought of something so neat and easy.

hope everyone has a safe halloween!

places and other things....

2011-10-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

what a great idea for pumpkins

here.

and found these on pinterest. when you're ready to decorate that Christmas tree.

yes. that's right. i said Christmas tree.

can you believe that is coming up so fast.

i wish my kids toes were this little and cute again.

speaking of fast. there little feet grew fast. too fast.

but for those of you who have little ones. this is cute.

seriously if your bathroom looked like this would you ever leave.

more cute baths here.

~my momma and maine....(my home state.)

2011-10-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

my mom is buying a new place in maine with a great view.

i love fall.

i think i've mentioned that a time or two.:)

but fall in maine is even more beautiful. endless trees changing color.

and all the different shades of color.

so pretty.

and my mom taking it all in.

breathing in the fresh air and ocean scent.

how beautiful the waters.

God's art work.

my mom had a friend visit this past week.

she's been getting out more and enjoy life more.

this makes me so happy since my mom has had it hard these

past years. real hard. and i've wanted nothing more for her to wonder out.

breathe the fresh air and take life in for just a moment.

without the rush. without the worries.

to just breathe.

and recreate her. her new journey she's on.

she'll do fabulous!

photo credit to anita a.k.a my mom's friend.

what i've been up to as of lately....

2011-10-26T06:40:00.000-07:00

getting my athome america business going. (so if you are interesting in booking a party let me know)
still trying to make our new home feel homie. it's getting there. still need to make decisions on what to do with couple rooms. (like office, spare bedroom)
trying to sprain my ankle....last night (just walking) i turned my ankle. and this morning it's feeling weird.
still trying to get kids adjusted to the new school. they are doing pretty well. brooke better than brady but i've encouraged brady to get some numbers of his friends at school so we can meet them at the rec center gym to shoot hoops. he's my quite child. (well when he's away from home) and he's missing his old friends.
making plans in my head about the holidays...can you believe how close they are?
trying to stay focused on happiness. be more outgoing. read my bible more. spending more time with people and things that matter. with the move i've kind of got out of a schedule. haven't signed up for a bible study yet, nor been to the gym, or even a walk around my new neighborhood.
housework, laundry, laundry, laundry and more laundry. (brooke's had some sort of rash so i've been washing her bedding weekly and clothes, trying new detergents as the doctor says it's a allergy to something??? but what?
waiting for the snow they said we should have already!
being overwhelmed, and feeling sorry for myself.
pinning on pinterest.
drinking coffee like it's my new best friend.

i'm sure that is not all i've been up too, but you get the idea.

let just say i'm still trying to adjust.

i did find a good use for my magazine rack i rec'd for free from hosting my party

it is great in my kitchen for my cookbooks i use the most!

my kitchen walls are still white.

which my hubby likes, but i'm feeling like i want color.

on every wall!!!

if everything smelt and taste like pumpkin.....i wouldn't mind.

2011-10-21T05:08:00.000-07:00

recipe and photo credit found here.

photo and credit found here.

below found here.

found here.

go here.

and here.

fall recipes and goodness

i think that's why i love fall the most

an excuse to eat pumpkin every meal.

~almost done.....

2011-10-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

brooke's last two games are this week. and i'm kind of feeling it will be bittersweet.

i love watching her play but yet it takes up so much time.

practice every night until 6 then games 3 times a week.

it's hard to keep up with everything when running to and from all the time.

she did pretty good her first year playing with the panthers.

she did not play as much as she or i'd liked but for a new school

and being a freshmen she did very well.
last week we were pretty happy that she was able to start during that game.
not much bench time.

two more games this week and then we are done.

~last weekend~ (brady. me. and his room.)

2011-10-14T07:12:00.000-07:00

it could be his closet is so small so we just left the box of clothes by it??

this is one reason brady received "the big room" upstairs.

it has very little closet space.

brooke needs a big closet because she's like most girls lots of clothes and shoes

anyway brady and i picked out a color to color his room and tackled it last weekend.

it's starting to look more like a 12-1/2 year old boys room

we have a few more things to do but you get the idea.

he wants it sporty lookin'

~i've stole a couple of things~

2011-10-11T06:47:00.000-07:00

before you start to judge me

(and i know the post title sounds really bad)

i have stole a few "ideas" from pinterest.

how addicting is pinterest???

pretty addicting. my husbands jealous addicting.

recently we had a good friend turn 60 years old and

chuck took him this for his office desk.

yup, i stole the idea from pinterest.

here is a picture of what we did in less than 3 minutes!

i admit mine does not look as nice as the one on pinterest

but as always i was short on time.

also found this idea on pinterest and it was supper easy.

took a little longer than 3 minutes maybe 20 but it was fun and easy.

and i have received so many compliments from people one it.

you just put your address on the pumpkins for your entryway decor.

recently i had a party

and i cleaned out one huge pumpkin

filled it with ice and put my favorited drinks in it.

for a pumpkin cooler.

lots of talk about it too.

here is picture from pinterest where i again stole the idea.

i love it.

and thank pinterest for making me be more creative

and allowing me to get new ideas.

sometimes my mind is blank.

~otis as of lately~

2011-10-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

as you'll be able to see, otis is a big baby that sleeps A.LOT.

he plays hard though when awake.

he is 9 months old now

(which in human years means he is almost a teenager. yikes!)

sometimes we just fall asleep with the leash one!

he has gotten to be a real snuggle bug with my son.

drives with my when we drop the kids off at school and cries a little each time.

~girlfriends~

2011-10-06T06:26:00.000-07:00

tessa and brooke

what would we do without girlfriends?

when you're 14(her age) or 34 (my age)

they are something special!

they lift us up somedays

and other days let us fall down only to make us stronger.

but will fight with us our every battle.

reminds me of the words to a song.

"God gave me you for the ups and downs"

thank you God for girlfriends!

~kisses~

2011-10-04T06:52:00.000-07:00

can you believe at my old job no one wanted this jar that says "hershey's" all over it.

they were cleaning an office out and left some things for give away on the table in front of me

and it didn't take long for me to walk over and grab it.

it seems to fit in our home now considering the kids are going to school in hershey.

plus it gives me an excuse to have chocolate in the house.

and being a female with issues...i need me some chocolate.

however it is expensive to fill the thing. i believe $18.96 to be exact

since when did kisses start to cost so much?

and since we are on the topic of chocolate, i thought this below should be said....

~play it as it lies~

2011-10-02T07:04:00.000-07:00

well it's oct. (can you believe it?) i am loving the cooler weather though!

i've been so busy with the move, the new job, kids, and starting ATHOME business that

i've neglected this blog a little. it happens.

with the cooler weather it should also bring less of these......

which would not hurt my feelings one bit if they crawled in their little hole in the ground and never returned.

however God created these little creatures as well so they are here with us.

sometimes closer then we'd like.

i saw this on fb and had to share it.

our friend tom coviello from here in north platte posted this yesterday.

yikes!!!

under the post he wrote:

"play it as it lies"

i think when golfing this rule is good, except for some conditions!

this condition would be #1 on top of my list for not playing the ball where it lies!

are you with me???

~three, zero, two, zero....~

2011-09-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

because chuck's in huston on business

and i was bored with nothing to do(yeah right! volleyball game tonight. then grocery shopping)

i decided to do this.

it was kind of fun. my son actually help draw the numbers.

since i sucked at it!

i did the painting.

very cute idea i thought and it didn't take all that much time.

~on happiness~

2011-09-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be "happy." I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all, to matter and to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all.

- Leo C. Rosten

i heart fall....

2011-09-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

~changing and falling of leaves from the trees

~colorful

~cooler mornings and evenings

~warm vanilla lattes

~pumpkin spice everything (scones from starbucks are a must to try this fall. love them)

~holiday plans being made or dreamed up

~cozy warm nights spent on the couch in your favorite blanket, with your favorite movie, with your favorite people

~fall is my favorite time of year.~

~guilty~

2011-09-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

"yes mom, i'm on back of the couch again!"

~tonight in a high school gym......~

2011-09-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

we learned of a young lady who lost her life in the 1999 shooting at columbine high school. her sister was there to tell her story and what an amazing young lady she was. today they talk with schools all over the world about rachel's challenge. i was encouraged. my kids were encouraged. here is one of the many quotes shared tonight that i loved and that really meant something to me.

"Don't let your character change color with the environment. Find out who you are and let it stay its true color"

-Rachel Scott

are we? are you? changing with the environment or are you staying your true color. when everything around us seems to change with the environment, we should stay true to our beliefs. our true color.

~homecoming....freshman year.....~

2011-09-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

if you're not sure by now brooke is mine on the far left.

this was her first dance at the new school with new friends.

i think it went well for her (as much as she will tell me anyway.)

she's already talking about the next dance. :)

brooke again left top also during homecoming week.

i think they rock the boys jerseys

she's fitting in the new school just fine

(well as fine as a teenage girl can)

they all seem to have issues from time to time.

~pretty soon~

2011-09-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

pretty soon i'm going to start selling ATHOME AMERICA.

i figured since i'm trying to work only part time to be more available for my kids,

i'd try this on the side for some extra fun.

you can pretty much make your own schedule which is something i'm needing.

i'm having an Open House in my home on Sept. 30th (a friday night) at 7:00 p.m.

or 6:00 p.m for you mountain timers.

if you are interested in coming and have not yet been sent an invite, let me know.

it should be fun.

i hopefully will have my website up soon where you can go online and order from that if you'd rather.

~progress~

2011-09-14T16:42:00.000-07:00

well we are getting closer to having a fenced in back yard. it's been kind of a pain in the bottom not having one for otis. see here anyway they have started and we are beginning to see progress. as of this afternoon here is what we have.....

ignore the fact that we really, really, need to get some more grass seed down.

and we have a nice corner space in the back on the opposite side of the fence due to new laws in this town??

i've been thinking of some ways to created something magical out of that space. for instants a mean flower bed with lots of solar lights...(at least that seems to be the only idea i can come up with as of now.)

the other side. not as much done, but still seeing the beginning of something.

~freshman color war.....homecoming week!~

2011-09-13T04:47:00.000-07:00

brooke & britnee

yesterday at school the freshman had to dress up in green for a color war with the other grade levels. brooke and her friend britnee went looking like the picture above. they also could go without shoes which the girls were pretty excited about. i'd be excited too. i'd rather be shoeless some days.....

brooke with some scary guy named "i'm that dude"

she has started playing volleyball games so i will post some pictures of that later.

brady starts his first football game thursday and i will post them later as well.

well school is underway and going fast as usual.

9/11

2011-09-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

Today as I watch tv and looked around at all the flags hanging throughout our town, I can honestly say i'm proud to be an American! Thinking of all the people who have lost loved ones on this day 10 years ago!

We have not forgotten!

~our two and a 1/2 baths~

2011-09-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

i've already shared with you our 1/2 bath across from the laundry room here. it still being the only room that is newly painted and not white. it is great having a third bathroom since we currently have two teenagers and it never fails......THEY ALWAYS NEED TO GO WHEN WE ARE IN THERE. so we feel more then spoiled right now having a third toilet in the house!

speaking of spoiled. chuck and i have never had a master bath in our room until now. it's great. again we are so enjoying this space. it feels like forever since i've been able to pee alone. (i know TMI) but seriously if you have kids you know that these moments do not come often. we currently have no blinds or curtains picked out yet for this room (actually for any of the bathrooms) so you'll have to excuse the pillow-case-hand-made-ones in the photo.

this here is the upstairs bathroom in between the kids rooms. Hallelujah!

we'll let them fight over it.

they picked out the shower curtain at target(and the other supplies)

we really need some art work in here though or some photography to hang up.

i'm currently training them how to keep "their" bathroom clean.

i'll let you know how that works out!

so there you have our two and a 1/2 baths!

we are making progress...

~bargain chairs~

2011-09-09T07:25:00.000-07:00

thanks to a good friend named kerri (who knows how to shop bargain. something i'm bad at) i was able to get 5 stools for our new home for 50.00. which i think is a good deal since you can't find one chair in stores for under $50 and i have 5 for that cost. i'm learning things from her. like it's OK to buy used. and sometimes used is even better than new. better on the wallet for sure.

so here are my bargain chairs up to our counter in the kitchen. (which still has white walls and may for a long time) 4 chairs actually fit better at the counter, so i found another use for the extra chair purchased.......

:) at least for now.....

~part time=more time~

2011-09-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

i'm hoping since the move and since i picked up a part time job, i'll have more time for kids and their sports and more time for ME. i know as a mom that sometime sounds selfish that i want more "me time" but seriously i feel like i lost myself long ago and i am struggling to find my way back. i often ask myself "who am i?" and "where did i go?", when i look at myself in the mirror. i've spend so much of my time on my family, (which my family has been a blessing and i love spending my time with them, don't get me wrong)
i lost myself somewhere in between. and even though i posted pictures on healthy weight and how to burn calories i'm meaning this to be so much more then weight. it's about BODY and SPIRIT. i find when i walk or when i work out my mind is more clearer than ever! so i believe the two go hand in hand. i feel less stress and less short with my loved ones. (and since my hysterectomy, being short with people is something i'm struggling with)

any who, i thought this burn 100 calories right now poster was excellent to get you up and moving and clearing that stressed out mind. i figured it was worth sharing.

found here.

~the other dogs....~

2011-09-06T13:55:00.000-07:00

pretty soon we will have a fence. a privacy fence.

we are on a corner lot and have been worried about otis taking off

or getting hit.

plus we have other neighbor dogs that enjoy coming over into our yard to do their business.

i've been patient with them. with their owner.

but i am so ready for that to stop.

we have a alley behind us too

so that is another reason a privacy fence would be nice

otis has been patiently waiting as well

so he does not have to be tied up every time he has to use the restroom

and he has been very, very patient with the other two dogs that use his backyard!

~the 1/2 bath....

2011-09-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

i think i've mentioned before that everything in our new house is white. I MEAN EVERYTHING.

well, not now. i started small. with our 1/2 bath. it's blue. or blueberry muffin to be exact.

i'm not sure if it was the color that caught my attention or the name. i mean how can you go wrong with blueberry muffin.ex specially when it's all over the wall and everyone is OK with that.

before...

after....

another of before...

and after....

we still need some blinds or curtains for the window and maybe even some more decorations.

but for now i made do with what i had laying around. and it seems to work. for us.

~an interesting quote~

He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away. ~Raymond Hull

~quote~

2011-09-02T06:40:00.000-07:00

"to many takers---not enough givers"

belfast, irish cab driver

P.S. today's my last day!!!!!!!

~september brings changes~

2011-09-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

"any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts." arnold bennett

today is september and tomorrow my last day. it's bittersweet. but mainly sweet. i'm thinking about a part-time job in north platte so i can spend more time attending my kids sports games, activities, and just being there for them. hope it works out with me just having a part time job. i will miss my job and the people because

i have made amazing friendships over the years with some of them
they know me and get me when i'm playing around or being serious
they have been so supportive when life happens....like here.
they trust me and believe in me.
i hear them say they are going to miss me and i know they mean it.
we've shared major giggles....like cross-my-legs-pant-wetting-giggles.
they have been there to help me when i need help. as well as me there for them.

change is hard and exciting all at the same time. we moved about a month ago but i still have felt ogallala as home since i'm here 5 days a week working. but now that my work is changing and i have no reason to come here daily (other then visit old friends from time to time) i still have felt a connection here. but after tomorrow i feel this will change. it saddens me, but i believe i am ready!

~remember when.....

2011-08-31T13:34:00.000-07:00

kaylie & brooke

this equipment was a big hit on the play ground??

we'd tangle our legs through the bars and hang upside down for what seemed like forever.

(i wonder if i could still get in that position)

kendall and brooke

the bus rides to and from the activity was more fun than the actual sport itself?

would i be spoiling.....

2011-08-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

him, if i bought him ~~a pair of~~ two pair of

these.... how cute for the cooler weather months ahead of us.
however my dachshund is a long haired and the one shown in this photo is short.

otis has hairly legs (no offense) we the kids and i sing this to him alot....

Boots with the fur [With the fur]

The whole club was lookin at ~~her~~ him

while we make him dance.....(i wonder what otis is thinking when we do this)

on another note: how true is this statement.....

irene (at my uncle dave & aunt rosie's in massachusetts)

2011-08-29T06:32:00.000-07:00

been thinking of the people who may be affected by irene. i have some family in the areas affected. but so far it's been trees down and no power. which is kind of a blessing when you look at some other areas that had major flooding.

~amazing spaces~

2011-08-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

i love the idea of counter tops made over the washer and dryers. i might have to look into that for our cherry red ones. we no longer have yellow walls in the laundry room but white in the new home. would have to find a good color to go with the cherry red???

the color of the walls in this room caught my attention.

i love it. i'm fighting with myself on what colors to add to our fully white home

i'm liking grey alot lately.

this kitchen is fabulous....love the bar stools....did i mention we are looking for some bar stools?

the coloring makes this kitchen so bright. i love it.

(all three photos found here.)

again counter tops!!

this laundry space is amazing.

came across this snack idea...yum!

~a quote for today...or tomorrow~

2011-08-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

"though no on can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start now and make a brand-new ending." carl bard

~new people~

2011-08-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

brooke is meeting some new people in our new little part of the world

i hoped it would be easy for my kids to fit in and meet new friends.

it's easier for this one for sure. she is very much a people person.

my boy however is alot like his mommy. sensitive, and very shy around new people.

i'm hoping he will meet some new people soon.

we just signed him up for hershey football last week and hope he will get talkative to boys there.

with the move this would be one of my main concerns......i want my children happy.

brady seems happy there but think with a few friends coming over he'd be overjoyed.

it will happen for him. but the sooner the better.

~water please~

2011-08-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

otis really does some weird things with his bowls. like carrying it in his mouth around the house. or pushing them across the floor like here. or just going over and tip them over to see if you notice it's empty.......OK, OK...i noticed but thought i'd take the time to get pictures first.

~gave notice..(after 14-1/2 years)~

2011-08-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

i started working for ASC 14-1/2 years ago. when my daughter was 9 months old and when i was carrying my son. (which at the time of being hired i didn't realize i was pregnant) boy was that a shock. today i am walking away proud of the job i've done. i'm ready for change. it has been too hard to drive 40 miles to work and have a time change to travel through too. i've enjoy (for the most part) the people at ASC. the relationships created, the laughs, the crys, the frustrations, the challenge. although a little scared for what comes next, i have to say it's time.

it's been real.............

~day one~

2011-08-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

well today was the day the kids start a new adventure. new school. new friends. new town. new surroundings. i'd say they are doing pretty well with the new things being thrown in their world.

brooke is officially a HIGH SCHOOLER....(i don't know how it happened so quick)

brady is in 7th grade. (which is crazy as well since he is my baby)

they both are so much alike but yet so different.

both have wonderful sense of humors.

this first picture was today as we were leaving. i say OK real quick (because i was running late already on the first day) let me get a picture. they both set down and do this pose

they think alike so much.

then i talked them into a normal one like this.:)

the day went really well for them.

P.S. we will ignore the fact that they both forgot the signed papers they were suppose to turn in today. it's going to be a long year.

~thought i'd share. these put a smile on my face~

2011-08-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

drunk octopus

i know the feeling.

worth it!

let it go (this is crazy i ran across today when i was thinking the same thing yesterday here on number 3

sounds right!

found here.

~things that make you go hmmmm?~

2011-08-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

why some people drive 50 in a 65 when i'm late for work. (i can't pass as the fog was really really thick on the highway.)
why my new diet plan does not have brownies or ANY sweets listed as possible snacks.
how some people hold on to a grudge way too long. (let it go my friend)
why people ask what you think about something, then argue with you when you state your feelings.
why i feel guilty about putting my kids and family above my work. (shouldn't it be that way)
why i haven't yet made it to the storage unit to get more boxes to unpack. (they won't unpack themselves)
why i feel anxiety about the kids starting a new school on thursday when they seem perfectly fine with the idea. (at least they seem to be doing fine. i may ask them again if they are fine with it)
find it ironic that an adult bullies another adult on a status about kids taking bullies under their wings this school year. do we not grow up, when we grow up!
what church to make our church home.
why everyone is so different but i know everyone has done this at some point at night.

(i feel the boogie man is under my bed and will touch my leg is my reasoning.)

~would you like fries with that?? cookie??

2011-08-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

cupcakes + brownies + cookies = one happy meal

they would be killer for a kid's birthday.

i have to do this for my kids before they grow another year out of the kid stage.

(and seriously they are growing out of the kid stage too fast!)

but thought i'd post for you mommies who still have kids that enjoy baking with you!

~otis likes to me in control of his walks~

2011-08-13T07:07:00.000-07:00

Untitled from Julie Roberts on Vimeo.

~can you go wrong with peanut butter??~

2011-08-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

from here

fun snack for ~~kids~~ or me (adults)

atleast i think my kids would be a fan.

~filling spaces..........~

2011-08-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

before

in the kitchen. were there was once no frig. stove. dishwasher. microwave there is now

which means i can grocery shop. cook. clean. and heat things up now.

after

it's amazing how different a place looks after you get in and unload things.
my weekends have pretty much been spent trying to get settled in. getting kids sign up in new school.
getting brooke started with volleyball conditioning. (ordered her her first hershey panther shirt)
(the kids went from being indians to panthers........ ROOOOOOOOOOOAR! ) or would that be a tiger....

i feel like i need to paint something.....
just not sure where to start.
maybe my son's room. he's easy to please. most days.

~a few supplies for the master bath~

2011-08-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

starting to decorate the new home. ordered this shower curtain today for the master bath @ west elm

also found these rugs for the bathroom. our bathroom floor in the master bath is the same as the one shown below in the photo. grayish. (i believe that is the color) also found these at west elm.

the upstairs bath (a.k.a the kids bath) we purchased some things at target. they help picked it out and did really well, i think. i will have to post pictures of their bath soon as well as ours when these things come in.

~this is home~

2011-08-09T07:40:00.000-07:00

(grass looks a little scorched in this picture. i guess while on the market they were wanting to save a little on water. can't blame them.)

finally can do more unpacking and painting and hanging things how we want them.

we closed. and it's starting to feel like home.

brooke's modeling at the mall this weekend....

2011-08-06T19:53:00.000-07:00

and yes she did talk me into buying the outfit she sported. since school is starting on the 18th, it is only fair to start school shopping for it. and this was one of the outfits she wanted.

i must say i do love her gray shoes. so cute on her.

~this weekend~

2011-08-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

i'm so ready for this weekend, even though we have not closed yet on our new home. it's getting closer. looks like monday we have a time and a place to sign all those papers. ALL THOSE PAPERS. this weekend i'm going to focus on that new home of ours and try to get things in order. oh my it's hard to live out of boxes. and i'm kind of sick of them laying everywhere.

we've only been in the new town a week and brooke is already signed up to do a little clothes modeling at the mall saturday. she's excited. she will be modeling clothes from the buckle.....she asked me if she can purchase the clothes she's modeling (frankly i think they should give them away to her for her service) i told her it depends on the cost. and being from the buckle i can vision doller signs.(i'll post pictures of her later)

hope everyone has a great weekend....i may try some recipes i've ran across.

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Breakfast Pizza

Blueberry Lime Cheesecake Bars

~i. am. addicted.~

2011-08-03T14:37:00.000-07:00

i've been pinning a. lot. here are some of the things that i am lovin'

fantastic wall decor

Favorite Places and Spaces

Products I Love

For the Home

~i can do this with my eyes closed~

2011-08-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

i find it frustrating that in a lot of pictures i have trouble keeping my eyes open.

i know this seems ~~kinda~~ really weird to post about but i feel something is wrong with me.

it should be easy. smile. say cheese. and wa-lah!

since the move i've run across family photos and have taken a few minutes to go over them.

in those minutes i've noticed

my kids are growing fast
my husband and i have both filled out a little
i need to spend more time taking photos (i mean really good family ones of the 4 of us plus 1 dog
we need more vacation photos. which means we need to take more trips
MY EYES ARE ALWAYS CLOSED.

(i'm going to start checking and making sure they are open before we say good enough

i feel sorry for the photographer who has to be patient with me)

in our defense the sun was in our eyes.

but in looking through photo after photo it didn't seem to matter either way.

with or without sun i have problems.

i'm going to start with my eyes closed than on the count of 3 i'm going to open

(hopefully that will help)

see. only the moon out this night and still issues.

must of been a full moon.

~this is not our home~

2011-08-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

well today we closed on this home. i believe God is blessing our move since our house sold so quickly. which is a blessing in today's housing market. we had just one showing so we thought the process was going to be drawn out, but these one-time-lookers made us an offer and today as of 10:00 a.m. this home became theirs. now hopefully the closing on the house we are buying goes just as smoothly. let's hope, pray and cross our fingers. it's been a really hard move with the humidity and the driving back and forth and the fact that we did this just over a year ago. so we are pooped out. achy. crabby. hot. but grateful.

~from misty and lance's wedding day~

2011-07-31T18:52:00.000-07:00

brooke and her dad. the groom and his men.

the groom and the husband. chuck and rodney almost getting fired for sneaking a beer.

b&b with their dad. dad giving attitude back to daughter.

the wedding party

b&b hanging out downtown before the wedding.

a few more of the wedding and decor....very beautiful wedding.

~he likes to look at himself. a. lot.~

2011-07-29T04:12:00.000-07:00

something otis has become quite fond of during the move

is the mirrors on the floor that i haven't hung up yet!

~hard to believe they are now them~

2011-07-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

here they are then......

how do they do it. how do they grow so fast.

here are B&B in maine a long summer ago on vacation.

here they are in front of our house at the time...tearing up the streets!

nap time some time ago.

i can't remember the last time the kids took a nap. it just don't happen anymore

unless they pull a very long night at a sleepover the night before.

them now......

them now is so different.

but they still do the the same to my heart.

they rock my world!

~a quote and a joke!~

2011-07-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose
jim elliott

nebraska weather!

~love this~

2011-07-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

found here.

whoever thought of this display has a great imagination.

how's the move?? it's going.....

2011-07-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

we still don't have washer and dryer in new home. going to work on this today. which will bring lots and lots of laundry to catch up on. (sigh)
otis is getting use to his new home and "space" but has been barking more. sometimes at absolutely nothing too.
i'm driving back and forth to work with a time change. which is interesting. i left north platte at 6:50 a.m. and arrive at work at 6:30 a.m. it was like a magic trick.
time change is confusing my son as he wanted to know why i didn't get home yesterday from work until 6:00 p.m. so i had to explain to my son where i'd been. (something wrong with that picture)usually its the kids explaining to the mom where they have been.
~~everything~~ is still in boxes. well not everything but most things.
WE HAVE A STARBUCKS.
i still get lost when trying to find my new home if coming from a new direction (if that makes sense)
our frig is still empty but clean:)
we have no stove to cook on yet but just rec'd a email saying it's in and ready for pickup.
can't hang up anything yet. which is making me antsy. our actual closing date is not until Aug. 2nd. so i just don't feel right poking holes in walls when it's not ours offically yet.

so it's going....and i can't wait for it to be done.

~this weekend's plans and something i am dreading~

2011-07-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

this weekend (well friday morning. starting the weekend a little early) we are headed to a wedding in hastings. actually the husband is in the wedding as one of the groomsmen. his buddy he went to iraq with is getting married and we are very excited for them. however..........

we are leaving this guy behind. he does not yet know our plans, but will soon find out.

i feel he will be so lost not only because this is our first time away for him but because we are moving too.

so he is noticing the empty house and the boxes being moved to the truck.

and then we are going to drop him off. i hope he realizes we are coming back for him.

WE WILL BE BACK FOR HIM!

he is such a good dog and we feel like he's always been a part of us. it's crazy how well he has fit in. especially since we've had dogs that haven't been as lucky with fitting in.

he brings us laughter, smiles, cuddles, love.

and for the next three days i'll be missing him. a...lot.

~i've been thinking....

2011-07-19T06:46:00.000-07:00

moving is no fun! especially since the last move was a year ago!
dogs need a lot of attention! i think these days otis is feeling neglected. been forever it seems that i've walked him because of the move.
teenage girls i will never understand. i know i use to be one but i still don't understand how they think, nor do i want to try and understand.
spiced chai tea is so good.
teenage boys need reminded to shower often.
THIS HUMIDITY! it's like a heat wave. which makes for unhappy movers.
worrying does absolutely no good, but i spend so much time doing it.
my workplace has changed so much and not for the better. i'm thinking i'm unhappy there.
stress does weird things to the body.
sometimes i feel some people are not good for you. that we should just wish them well and move on. its hard to keep trying with people that never see their own faults, wrongs, or hang ups, but seem to always point out yours.
i need to focus on God more than i am!

~i need to save a spot.....~

2011-07-15T11:17:00.000-07:00

for one of these, on one of my walls in the new place.

i'm thinking for the office.

i love it. for pictures. notes. letters from teachers. reminder post-it. maybe mail.

saw the idea here.

~a few of the girls this summer~

2011-07-15T05:09:00.000-07:00

~yes it does~

2011-07-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

i do this far to often. however i'm usually tripping forward.

like a lot........at my workplace. can't help but giggle at myself

and others when they do it too.

good thing i'm not alone when it comes to this.

~worth sharing~

2011-07-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

grilled guacamole recipe -the hubby does most the grilling. i will have to pass this on to him.

root beer float ice-cream cake -will have to try this one.

grilled peanut butter chicken - again for the husband......

cottage cheese pancakes - yes please!!!!

skinny chicken enchiladas - (from the blog eat yourself skinny) love her thinking!

bacon-wrapped tex-mex hot dogs - we've been having a lot of dogs lately with friend and family since BBQ season. what a way to spice it up a little!

~Need directions? ~

2011-07-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

it's exciting to be on a trip and see signs like these.

this was taking from someone at our church but i must say i've ran across billboards with reminders of God's position on the road as well

(half the time when we see them i can't grab the camera quick enough to get the photo before we pass)

but it still puts a smile on my face.

especially in today's world.

~humor & a recipe~

2011-07-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

cute t-shirts

not sure if i'd wear this around but i do love it.

and this! this seems too good to be true

found here.

~i'm feeling this quote right now~

2011-07-11T12:39:00.000-07:00

"if you pick up a starving dog and feed him and make him warm and safe, he will not bite you. and that's the principal difference between a dog and a man." mark twain

those eyes. they get me EVERY TIME!

~line 2 is good if you live where i live~

2011-07-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

thought this was neat and nifty. found picture here at dancing creek designs along with the idea. print out for frame here. love crafty people who help us non-crafty people out.

~just over five months old~

2011-07-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

he's not a fan of bath time.
toys keeping him busy. he is finally getting the point these are the things that are okay to chew.
falling asleep on my purse....maybe waiting for a call.
sunbathing....he loves to sunbath
looking all over for him the other day. found him sleeping in the closet.
he loves walks. he knows the word when it is spoken. he will go get his leash and carry it to the door.
instead of lying on his bed he drags it everywhere???
still wrestling with the bed.
spoiled.

~our kitchen to be~

2011-07-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

just a sneak peak into our kitchen to be.

we close on our home on August 1st.

then august 2nd we close on the new home in north platte.

every things new, every things white, every things plain.

i plan to get busy with painting and fixing this place up so it feels like home(as time permits)

we need to shop for appliances as you can see but plan to get that done soon too.

we will have to update you with photos when we are in.

but for now this is the kitchen. we thank everyone who has prayed for the quick sell of ours

and a less stressful move. we realize God is blessing this move since our home sold so quick.

others are sitting for years and we thought this would be the case with ours as well.

so appreciate the prayers. and our move is perfect timing for the kids starting in their new schools, which is huge blessing.

~for your fourth~

2011-07-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

found here

these look so pretty for this time of year.

so easy to do too. which is big to me.

~i'm no photographer, but love the idea~

2011-07-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

was thinking it would be fun to do this challenge even if i'm no photographer. :)

found it here on ashley's blog.

(it's sounds even funner for those of you that are)

~july 1st & grandma okie's birthday today~

2011-07-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

grandma okie and brooke (a couple years ago)

happy birthday!

happy weekend too!

and an almost happy 4th of july!

~i think this is the cutest fight i've ever seen~(i mean not that fights are cute but...)

2011-06-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

(i love how the moms are in the other room just talking like nothings going on) :)

~letter from my japanese friend at work stating he's going to be on vacation~

2011-06-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

thought this was the cutest i'm-going-on-vacation-email ever!

"Hello all,

We are going to leave on the 25th afternoon from Ogallala for our summer vacation. \ (^o^) /　Wow!

We will return to Ogallala July 11th.

Japanese young people write this in their e-mails, when they are happy!

You have a nice summer vacation, too! \ (^o^) /　Wow!

See you next month!"

they left a little early since traveling back to japan. my vacation starts in a day and a half.

WOW!
(even though i still have lots with moving going on so i'll still be working. if you know what i mean.)

~the kids and i are hooked~

2011-06-29T04:42:00.000-07:00

on america's got talent show. some are good. some scary. some hilarious like this guy. he had me laughing the whole time. Howie was right that they'd be doing this dance everywhere and selling shirts. my kids were doing the dance over and over last night and requesting shirts.

~as for me and my house we will serve the Lord!~

2011-06-28T06:34:00.000-07:00

otis spending time with God!

~a wonderful read~

2011-06-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

just finishing a wonderful book. i love it. and think you will too. Sophie's heart is a book that is hard to put down. (at least it was for me) this is my first book i've read written by lori wick but it makes me wonder what other good books she has written that i'm missing. on a mission to find something new to read now. (if i can fit it into my packing the house schedule)