New School...

I just found out Monday night, that Grace's school that she's been at the last 3 years, will be closing next school year. *Due to privacy reasons, I'm not mentioning the name(s), so if you could do me a favor to not post that as well, I'd appreciate it* It had been something we knew might be happening over the last few months, but were just praying that it wouldn't happen. Initially, it was going to be that all the kids would transfer to the same school. Now it has been decided that the kids will be split between 2 different schools. Good news for us, the one she'll go to is a lot closer. The bad news is that she will lose most of her best friends to the other school, since they live on the other side of the main street we live off of. She will still have about 6 friends that are girls that will be going to the same school, but her 4 closest friends will be at the other school. So they will be apart for the next 4 yrs, and then together again in middle school. Hard to believe that's only 5 years away! Yikes... On the plus side, she does have an old best friend who she went to pre-school with for 2 years, that goes to her new school. So she'll have at least one good friend from her new school. She's handling it pretty well so far, even though she's really disappointed, since she loves her school.

I shared with her that I moved schools half way through 2nd grade when my parents moved to OP from MO. And Seavie shared with her that he moved schools when he was in 3rd grade, after they moved back from TX. Grace at least has the advantage of having friends transfer with her, as opposed to losing them all together. It was just one of those things as a parent, that you wish you could not have your child experience if they didn't have to. She's already lost 3 good friends that have moved away. In the area where we live I know it's not going to be avoidable.

So in the meantime, we're staying involved with the current school as much as possible. With family nights and book fairs etc. To have lots of good memories. It will also be the last year for her to have her G.G. pick her up from school once a week, since the new school will be .3 miles farther away, it will be too much of a walk for them. So that tradition will end 1 yr earlier than it would have. So she's kind of sad about that.

The True Meaning of Christmas

"What if your friends and family chose to buy gifts for themselves and spent time on YOUR birthday enjoying the gifts they had purchased? Would you feel left out? Forgotten? Unloved? I wonder if Jesus feels loved when His birthday is celebrated around the world. Does he feel appreciated for the purpose He was born or does He feel forgotten?" a quote from "One Million Moms"

I saw this posted on facebook today, and it really got me thinking. It's an issue that always pulls at my heart this time of year, and it is focusing on the real meaning of Christmas. For most of you who know me well, you know that excessive consumerism really bothers me. It's just the time of the year, with ads for absolutely everything imaginable for things that you might not need otherwise.

I'm amazed at all the commercials on qubo channel for kids items. The kids love watching them, but I always give them the disclaimer, that just because you see it on tv, does not mean that you're going to get it. The only exception to this, is that my sister got them both pillow pets, and they are thrilled to pieces with. I just think in general that kids are bombared with all these cool things, that they think, "I want this, and I want that." Although my kids generally aren't gimme gimme kind of kids, I do have them watch the same 2 movies every year. The first being, "The Toy that saved Christmas." It's a veggie tales movie, and the story is to teach kids what the true meaning of Christmas is, that it is Jesus's birthday, and not all about the presents. The second, is "Charlie Brown Christmas." I just watched that this morning with Braden, and I just love the timeless message of how we can get caught up in all the shopping and presents, and lose focus of the fact that we should be celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.

I've taken the simplistic approach to decorating for Christmas this year.We have our nativity set on top of the piano, with Happy Birthday Jesus cards, that the kids have made over the years, as well as a soft nativity set that the kids can play with on their level. We also have the tree in all it's glory, and our stockings, but I've pretty much put away all the Santa themed stuff away. The kids did go see Santa at Bass Pro the other day and loved it. I don't emphasize Santa a lot, just for the simple fact of keeping the focus on where it should be at Christmas, Jesus's Birthday. When I was in Kindergarten, I vividly remember riding home from school on the bus, and telling a little boy that Christmas was Jesus's Birthday, and there was no Santa, and he was in tears. I was trying to be a bold little witness I guess. I haven't been as blunt to tell the kids that there is no Santa (even though I wish I could), because there is some fun with it. -side note-I will tell them flat out that there is no Easter Bunny, because that's another holiday that has been overridden with consumerism. Gift Baskets, of disproportionate sizes, all the candy etc. For some kids it can be easy for them to get distracted by all the pretend stuff, and lose focus of what's really important, like celebrating Jesus dying for our sins, and rising again. We will do the Ressurection eggs.When I was growing up, we'd have gift baskets, that had a spiritual theme- worship tape/cd, worship piano book, cross necklace, devotional, and some candy. Which I think is a more appropriate thing that what you see at the stores in the pre-packaged easter baskets.

In keeping with simplicity this year, I already told the kids, to not expect what they got last year to be a standard thing by any means. We're keeping it with 3 gifts per child, which is symbolic of the 3 gifts given to Jesus when he was a baby, by the 3 wise men. Which this year, is clothes, books, and a toy (or video). They also got toy story 1,2,3 for FREE! from our debit card points :) which was a nice bonus.Things that they can use and need, but won't be thrown in the closet with their other things only to be forgotten about later. I'm also teaching them what it's like to give things to those less fortunate who don't have as much. By donating things to local charity, or helping a friend in need, to let them know that there are people out there who would be lucky to have those things that they can sometimes take forgranted.

That's one thing I really appreciate my parents doing when my sister and I were younger. They would give away toys/clothes we didn't use anymore and donate to the Salvation Army. My parents were also involved with Habitat for Humanity downtown, and every year around Christmas we would ride with Salvation Army-Meals on Wheels program, to go with them to deliver in person, meals to homeless people living in the city. I think that is a huge thing to teach children compassion at such an early age. I can't wait till Braden is just a little older that we can start doing things like that in our community. My sister and I grew up well off. We never wanted for anything. So to counter us living in affluent South JOCO, my dad, who worked in downtown KC at the time, thought that would be a good idea to expose us to what the rest of the world was like. Even when we would go on vacation, ex.NYC, or Washington DC, to point out the homeless and less fortunate, not in a form of ridicule, but to open our eyes to the reality of the world that we live in. The funny part of this story is that my sister and I were both exposed to these same things, but we have different hearts. We both took away from the same events, different things. My sister who now works in downtown KC, has become a little indifferent to people begging for money on the streets etc. Where as if I see someone out in the cold in makes me cry. It's just the heart and personality that God gave us, and how we use those experiences to serve him better. So I encourage my friends who have kids old enough to do the same to make sure your kids know about life outside of what I called our JOCO Bubble. That there is diversity, there are those less fortunate, to see things through God's eyes, not societies eyes.

My prayer is that we would not forget that Jesus is the Reason for the season. To read the bible story to our kids, do advent bible verses, as a time of prayer and reflection leading up to Christmas. That we would celebrate Christmas in a way that would glorify God, and not make Jesus feel unloved or forgotten.

Also check out this awesome organization, "Advent Conspiracy," www.adventconspiracy.org where their goal is to replace consumption with compassion!!! Their 4 main points are: Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, Love All.

Thrifty Christmas Shopper 2010

This marks the 3rd Christmas in a row that we have had debt free shopping expenses!!! ( See Nov.25,2009 post for more details...) We have 15 people total to shop for, and if we didn't have a budget, we would be in some serious trouble! This year our budget is $150, so it evens out to not more than $10 a person. Some have come in at less, some at a little more, but overall staying under that #. We have been able to do that the last 3 years thanks to some awesome sales and bargain shopping.

This year again, has been all about simplifying. I have been selling a ton of stuff, and donating a fairly equal amount to charity. Spending less on Christmas with more heartfelt gifts, opens up your heart to give to those who are truly in need this season. Whether it be a local food pantry, city union mission, samaritan's purse, etc. It leaves you with more money left to give to where it really counts. I've just started reading about the Advent Conspiracy Organization, and I love the concept- of keeping the focus on Christ, and keeping it simple.

I know that some of you might not be comfortable shopping at thrift stores-like my 2 favs- turnstyles and salvation army. I'll be the first to admit that when I was younger, I thought only poor, homeless people shopped there, and refused to ever visit. Seriously. So if some of you are thinking about where to do some of your holiday shopping, would you rather give money to giant corporations-who might not even recognize or celebrate "Merry Christmas", or would you rather buy things from someone on CL who has a true need for the extra $; or from a thrift store, where anywhere from 85-100% of the proceeds go direcly to help families that are in need and hurting during this season. Then you get the dual benefit on finding awesome deals, and helping someone in need at the same time.

Just for curiosity sake, I went through and added up how much had been spent at the 2 main thrift stores, plus about 4 other ones we don't frequent as much from the last 3 years. The results were shocking to me. It came in just over $1550.00 . I'm not putting this on here to brag, but merely to show an example of where you'd rather be spending your $. I have a hard time sometimes, when our budget can be tight, wanting to give more but there doesn't seem like enough to make a difference. By shopping at these stores, getting items that we needed anyways-generally clothes (for the kids and seavie), books, toys, household things. The proceeds are going to help people in dire need of assistance in our communities. Even choosing to donate things to your local thrift store, can bring in revenue to help those in our community. Even choosing to buy 2nd hand things from people on craigslist which a lot of times can be practically new, can be a great way to save money. Just in the last few weeks I've talked to several craigslisters that have lost jobs, or been laid off. And so they're trying to make ends meet. That can also be an indirect way to help people in need.

I also love selling unused stuff around our house on craigslist. My motto now is, if it's not being used, then it's either being donated, given to a friend in need, or sold. It is pretty much at bare essentials now. The kids closets seem practically empty, which I'm totally okay with. It reduces the clutter in the house-less to clean up after, all the way around. Selling old toys/games etc. of the kids, gives $ to use towards their Christmas presents this year. Selling random stuff around the house helps pay off unexpected bills, especially medical bills. Since I'm not working, it's really been a great source of income to help provide for our family. And the biggest bonus is, it helps us stay out of debt, and working towards paying off house debt.

On the flip side of selling/donating all this stuff around the house, it helps keep me from being materialistic. Not that I every really was (except in high school), but that if I had to walk away from everything, I would be totally okay with it. That I don't own anything that isn't worth parting with. Just give me the family pictures and memory boxes, and I'm totally okay with that. I know it's a crazy mentality to have in this culture today, but less is more for me. Just enjoying the simple things in life.

**If any of my friends reading this are blessed to have dual family incomes, or a hubby that makes a generous salary, then that's awesome. We've been pretty much living on a very modest income since we got married almost 9 years ago, and it has been rough at times, but I'm so thankful that I can look back at how our mindset has completely shifted in the last few years, especially when times have been tough, and seen God provide, and allow for me to find creative ways to give to my families and friends.**

Through Children's Eyes

This is a topic that has been on my heart a lot lately. Really it started back in early August when we stopped into a town so Grace could see her dear friend "A", who moved away last summer. This little girl was the sweetest little girl-bursting with life and energy, when we greeted her at the door of her new house, it was a different story. She was still happy, but her spirit had changed. I don't know if it's a home life issue or what, but a definite change. It made me a little sad for her that she had to grow up in this situation. She has a mom and dad who love her and 2 younger siblings.

Then in late September, Grace had her 8th B'day party for her friends of hers from school to come over. One of her friends had asked if her older sister could come with her, who is 9 or 9 1/2. I said that was fine, since Grace kind of knows her. This little girl was very sweet, but I could sense that something was different. She seemed a little reserved, even though she was totally content to talk away while all the other girls were playing. The stories she had to tell me all had a common theme, stories of how as a toddler, or young child she got hurt, at home, by some accident, that didn't seem to be the fault of the parents, but that she seemed to dwell on these things. I got the chance to talk to her a little about her home life, and what she thought about things.

Then just the other day there was a group of little kids that live down the street from us playing out at the intersection in front of our house. One little african american boy had a 2 liter sprite bottle that he was carrying around, and drinking, which may seem innocent enough to the passer by. But the very first image that popped into my head was that he was trying to drink it in the same mannerism as he had possibly seen someone close to him drink a 40 oz. It saddened me deeply. There is a large group of kids that live down the street from us, in that same area that I won't let the kids play. I've heard that a lot of that area is Section 8 housing, which may or may not be true. But there is a common theme, that a lot of them live in poverty, and many from single parent households, and more often than not, the parents are paying attention to these kiddos and are just letting them out on the street to do whatever. We've had issues before with groups of older kids from that area, with a bb gun incident as well as loitering. But these little kids down the street are probably pretty harmless. It made me think that they're no different than the families that I serve with all my heart at the crisis pregnancy center, that could be in similar life circumstances.

I guess I'm having a mentality shift of sorts. I'm torn between being a protective parents of my 2 kiddos, but also wanting to reach out to these kids who are need of desperate positive attention.
I'm sure a lot of you have heard me complain about some of these kids, who have no boundaries, and parents leave them home alone, etc. and how I feel so burdened having them as neighbors. I mentioned to a friend at church a while back about this situation, and she said, "Well maybe God is calling you to serve them as your ministry." and I really all but laughed at her, because I had just been so irritated with these kids. I know 100% for sure that I am living where I'm at for a reason. God has made that perfectly clear through many things. Now, it's just a continuation of what my complete purpose may be.

It must be the counselor part of me, wanting to reach out and help everyone in need. I've always been a good listener, and really good at reading people through verbal and non-verbal clues. Being a counselor the last 6 years, I've come to know a lot of different people and situations. These young children, Grace's friends reaching out to me, I feel like they need someone to help them as well. I don't think they're being abused, but I do think there is a huge difference in growing up in a family that loves and cares for their children vs. a dysfunctional family, or that maybe doesn't grow up in a Christian home. And I know I have friends and family who have grown up in all different types of backgrounds, and I'm not judging anyone's parents or upbringing, because I know we all have parts of our past that are hard to deal with.

So with all this said, what I'm trying to lead up to is that the topic of Foster Care and Adoption has been on my heart a lot lately. With different friends adopting babies from Ethiopia, to people at church doing foster care. This past Sunday morning it was mentioned at church, then that night on CSI, someone had grown up in foster care. So I prayed Sunday night for God to show me a sign, or to open my heart about this subject. Then Monday morning, I came across a fb update about how November is adoption awareness for churches. And then later that night another tv show, where the main person grew up in foster care. Tuesday morning, Braden says to me out of the blue, " Mommy, you're only Grace and I's mommy right?, You're not anyone else's mommy are you?" And I told him no, I'm only you and Grace's mommy. Lots of signs right?

Since we're not able to have anymore children, unless God decides otherwise, it makes me a little sad for our decision to not have anymore kids. We were in a financial mess then and under a tremendous amount of stress, and strain on our relationship. Throwing another child in the mix wouldn't have been the best thing. I don't know if it's more that Braden's 4 now, and Grace was 4 when I had him, that it seems like at that age, it's when I'm more mentally ready to even think about the idea. How fun it could be for them to have a brother and/or sister.
I've looked through many local adoption sites, that have children that are waiting to be adopted in foster care. Some are sibling sets. Earlier this year, a God thing happened. A woman from my church needed a new place to live, and the duplex across the street was available, and so she and her adopted son moved in. She's had a rough time with stuff going on since then, but she told me she knows God has a reason for her living there. She also used to be a foster parent. I've asked her to speak with me next week about the foster care process, from her point of view. I've heard some really negative things about one adoption agency, and I know that everyone has different experiences etc. I'm so glad that she's there as someone to talk to about this potential process.

The biggest thing for me is that if we were to go through with it, it would be a huge change for our family, adding another child or 2 in there, to live part time or permanently with our family. That just now when I'm gaining freedom with only 1.5 yrs til Braden starts Kindergarten, that I could potentially be sacrificing what we've been used to and having a whole new life experience. Most likely the children would be older, for a boy, not older than 6, and for a girl not older than 9 or 10, so they could be close in age to the kids. And really most of the kids in the foster care system are past the baby and toddler stage, and are in a state of limbo until they find a new home.

One of my best friends in HS was adopted, and I have 3 cousins who were adopted, and so I know that those situations can work. I just have to find out where God is calling me to in all of this, whether to do community outreach to those hurting in our own neighborhood, or whether it's potential foster care, or adoption. In the midst of that, I had thought of going back to get my Nursing degree in a few years, and now it's torn again with getting a Master's in Social Work. The same 2 things that I was torn between when I went off to college 11 years ago. Two fields of study, that my dad told wouldn't make any money, and that it wouldn't be a good idea. Being naive and stupid listened to him (since he was paying for my schooling) instead of listening to my heart. My heart has been telling me these last 6-7 years that that's where I need to be. Working with a non-profit, or helping people in need. My heart just aches for these people in our community, and the children that sometimes fall by the wayside that need love and affection.

Playing again

Not that I ever stopped playing the piano, but now I get to be a part time accompanist at c.b.s for my sweet friend Gina who is the worship leader there. She asked me yesterday if I'd play this morning, and I said yes. I used to get nervous playing in front of people, but my nerves were totally calmed and it was so great to be doing it again. Piano is one of three huge passions of mine, the others, photography, and singing are the ones I need to start doing again. Or at least on a more regular basis.

8 months...

Until my birthday silly! So I have a little less than 8 months until I turn the big 3-0! In the midst of that, doing a lot of self reflection. One of my biggest goals to accomplish, that may seem like a trivial thing is to lose 30 lbs by my 30th birthday.

For those of you who don't know I was around that weight through college, until a few years before Braden was born, I had gained maybe 50 lbs or so, then add prego weight, and it was up to 70 lbs heavier. So after B was born, the 70 lbs came off super fast, and I kept it all off till about 2 yrs ago. Which isn't too bad. Obviously I haven't gained it all back, but am working on getting it back down. I was down to a size 8, which for me was great, because I seemed to always be a 10. I'd love to be an 8 again. So I love jazzercise, and I'm mostly to blame because I was doing a great job with it, and then got super busy over the last few years, or didn't want to go, because Seavie was working, and so other things got in the way. One of my things to re-prioritize was to get myself back in shape, and going to work out starting at 3-4 times a week, and hopefully make it up to 5 days a week to workout. I have a free membership, since I do childcare, so there's no excuse for me why I shouldn't take full advantage of it. I'm trying to get Seavie to join in on the weight loss challenge too. I actually suggested that we both lose that weight by the time of our 10 yr wedding anniversary in 1.5 yrs, so we can both look good going on a cruise or whatever it may be to celebrate. So here's to goal #1....

The Beauty of God's Creation

I love nothing more than seeing the beauty in God's creation. Fall is my favorite season. I love the leaves changing color, the strong winds, thunderstorms. Reminds me of God's power and might. Lately there have been the most amazing sunrises and sunsets. My camera phone is full of pictures of these. Taken while in the car, or out at the grocery store. They have the most amazing views. It's a reminder to me in the midst of all the daily craziness, that our God is an amazing Creator, and he's there with daily reminders of his love. I can't wait for that final day when Jesus comes back, and the clouds blazing in all their glory.

I have seen 3 rainbows in the last few months. More than I've ever seen in years. And every time we see a rainbow, Braden shouts out, "a rainbow is a promise from God, that he'll never flood the earth again." He's been learning that at his c.b.s. group. The first rainbow was actually the most beautiful full double rainbow. I made Seavie stop the car off the highway so I could get a picture. It was breathtaking! The second rainbow came as I was listening to my favorite station GenX radio, and they happened to be playing, "It's the end of the world as we know it...." I thought that was kind of an ironic thing, not that it's the end of the world yet, but the state our world is in, that God is always, and still in control. And he chose to comfort us with a rainbow, letting his presence be known that he cares for us.

I hope for my friends that in the midst of life's business that you take time and soak in all the moments of God's glory through his creation.

Thy Daily Bread

.....Give us this day, our daily bread.....

For those of you who know me well, you know that I absolutely love bread. If I had to choose anything to live on, it would be bread. I love nothing more than a freshly baked italian loaf of bread from the store.... yum!!! So every time I eat this bread, I always have the same revelation. It's not that mind blowing, but it always makes me think the same thing. That the word of God, is often compared to being our daily bread and sustenance. Something we crave and yearn for and can't get enough of. This is what I think of while eating bread-but I always feel convicted that I should be feeling that same passion and craving for the word of God, that it should fill me up spiritually.

September in Review

I didn't realize it had been so long since I wrote last, until my dear friend Katy reminded me :)
September has been a busy month!!!

*It started off with Braden starting pre-school 2 days a week for 2 1/2 hrs at at time. His cousin as well as a friend of his from church are also in his class. He attends a different pre-s than Grace did, which has been a good change. They have a bible based curriculum, which I was really excited about, and he's in a class with all older 3's and young 4's, so there's not a giant age difference.

*Grace went to her first skating party of this school year. She did a little bit better, but is still totally content to hang on to the side of the wall with the railing and go around that way. Where as Braden put the skates on and took off, very adventurous. So I know they will probably be polar opposites when sports are involved.

*Grace started her first all Ballet class this month. She had done combo classes of tap/ballet/tumbling the last 3 years, and is now old enough that she got to choose her favorite, and she chose ballet. She loves dance, and it's been really good for her.

*Grace got tested for her reading again this year in school, and tested on the 4th grade reading level as a 2nd grader. Last year as a 1st grader, she tested on 3rd/4th grade level. They want her to read up to several grade levels ahead to keep challenging her so she can increase her vocabulary etc. We are so thrilled for her!

*The kids also started back at awana's and are loving it. I did awana's growing up from 3rd-5th grade and had a blast. It's nice that they can be in the same activity and learn more bible stories and verses as well as have fun. The plus side of them both being there, is that it gives Seavie
and I, a date night every week for 1 1/2 hours. Something we haven't had the luxury of in a very long time. So for the next 5 years we have that to look forward to :)

*Braden celebrated his 4th B'day just 2 weeks ago. My little man is growing up too fast. He's all boy-can't resist digging in the dirt and making mud; stomping in puddles; you name it, he loves it. He loves to dress himself, and his outfits don't always match, but he's so proud of himself. He really only likes to eat the same thing every day for lunch-cheese quesadilla's with ranch dip and applesauce.

*We went to the local S.Festival in town a few weeks ago, which is our annual tradition. The kids got to do pony rides, crafts, ride the paddle boat with me, get free sno cones, and look at some fun crafts. We all had a blast, and it was great time together with just our family.

*Braden and I are back at cbs. And I'm currently studying the book of Revelations, which has been great so far. B has his own kids class where they learn a bible story and have a lesson every week. This is my 6th year there. For B, it's practically like an extra day of pre-school :)

*Last weekend our family had the fun time of riding with my father in law in their town parade, since he's a councilman. The kids got to toss candy as we were driving, and it was absolutely hilarious. My nephew would toss it out, and then say, "you're welcome", or toss it at their face. Lots of candy ended up in the car, so we had to help them toss it out. Seavie and I got to ride in the 3rd row seat, or as we jokingly called it, the "rumble seat". Don't worry we kept it PG :)
After the parade, the kids got to do carnival rides and decorate pumpkins. It was a fun day!

*I'm so excited for all the fall shows to be back. My absolute favorites are: Chuck (still a little sad he cut his hair), Castle, Parenthood, Big Bang Theory (which we just started last season, but it's hilarious), 30 Rock, Office, The Mentalist, and Amazing Race. We also like CSI:Miami and NY, but I can only watch them when it's not too graphic. Comedies are my favorite, but I like the shows that make you think as well.

That about wraps up the month of September for our family. Stay tuned for posts about Grace's 8th B'day coming this weekend, and our annual trip to the Apple Festival.

Back to School Week

It's been a busy first week around our house, as Grace started her 2nd Grade year on Monday. She met her teacher for the first time last Thursday. She was a little disappointed that she didn't get the teacher she wanted, but it was made up for by the fact that she has a lot of her good friends in her class, sits on the front row, and is right by all the chapter books.

Grace and Braden were getting used to being together, and now that they're apart, they had a rough day the other day getting used to each other again. We'd be out running errands and she would mention something to him, that she knew I wouldn't let him do, like ride the horse, or have gum, or share a toy etc. They would not stop arguing. Luckily it was a beautiful day outside and they spent a few hours playing in the backyard being nice to each other.

I also officially enrolled Grace in her first true Ballet class. She has done combo dance classes of tap/ballet/tumbling the last 3 years, but now that she's almost 8, she got to choose, and she wanted to be a ballerina. She is so thrilled to be big stuff.

They both went to the Dentist on Tuesday, and were so excited. I've never seen kids that love going to the Dentist more than they do. They were talking about which flavor of toothpaste they wanted-Braden got cherry, Grace got c.c. cookie dough. And then they each got a toy from the treasure chest. No cavities all the way around, so that was great news. Miss G is going to be in desperate need of braces in another year or two-but I'm holding out hope that she can wait until I'm working again and we don't have to go into debt over it.

Yesterday they got to spend the afternoon with their Great Grandma. Which has been at tradition the last 7 years. She will be starting radiation treatments next week to treat her breast cancer, so she won't be seeing the kids for about 6 weeks or so. They are always so happy to see her-they go on a walk when it's nice, and get a cookie and popcorn, and then play in the backyard.

Grace has had a great first week at school and has met new friends and is thrilled for school lunches-something I'm sure she won't love forever. She gets to play on the big kids playground for 2nd-6th graders, and thinks she's big stuff. She's still reading her chapter books, and will be continuing her accelerated reader program this year. With Seavie being home more in the mornings, he's helped me be a better mom, by getting me up by 7:15-7:30 each morning, so we can all eat breakfast together as a family, before she goes to school and he goes to work. I'm adjusting pretty well, and have been a nicer mom to be around. I don't feel as rushed, and she gets to school on time, actually early. (I say that now, but wait to talk to me on a day that I get stuck behind the train-that's a huge patience tester). It's been great for that extra family time. We all even rode together to drop Grace off for her first day of school. She's Miss Independent. No tears from this mom, she's a big girl now. But Mr.B starts pre-school in a few weeks, and I know that will be hard to let my little man go.

County Fair and Rodeo..... and Dakota

This weekend we headed back down to P-town to head to the local county fair and rodeo. It's become another one of our family traditions and the kids just love it. We left Friday night, thinking we'd be going to the carnival that night, but it was too hot and so we just hung out at the house.

We also brought with us 2 doggies to my parents farm, Dakota (see previous post) and my sister in law's dog Kacie-a yellow lab. Dakota had actually been doing much better not getting on my nerves, but lately she and Oreo just hadn't been getting along. Kacie had been with her owners for the last 6 years, and was the 2nd of two dogs, that were just needing some space. So now my parents have 4 dogs total. Dakota was pretty freaked out the first night, she ran down the road about 1/4 mile, and Seavie had to go get her. When she calmed down and realized this was her new home she did much better. She gets to eat like royalty, and can roam wherever she pleases. We also discovered that she is a super fast runner. We left the house a few times over the weekend, and she took of barking after the car, and we clocked her at 20 mph. Each time she would stop at the next farm over and head back home. Kacie is a water dog, and found my parents pool and jumped right in the first night, and was content finding her new spot to sleep under the front porch.

So Saturday we hung out at the house, and my sister and her husband came down as well. We had lots of good conversation. Saturday morning we took the kids into town and went to the local Library to pick out some books. Then we stopped by my "dream home" (see previous post last summer) that actually tragically burned completely to the ground a few months ago. I was devistated. It was a beautiful 3000 sq.ft.+ Queen Anne Victorian, beautiful woodwork, stained glass, pressed tin ceiling- and was all destroyed from an electrical fire. Seavie, Mr. Practical said good thing we didn't buy that house, or we'd be out of a home. So after driving by where the beautiful home once stood, took the kids to the local park, which is in the town square, with gazebo and all. And while my mom and I were chatting on the gazebo, Grace decides to try out the monkey bars (which were about 7' in the air) all by herself, and she's never successfully made it across. She slipped and wiped out on the gravel/rock base that was below the playground. Who thought that was such a great and safe idea for a kids playground anyways? So it knocked the wind out of her, and she got some major gravel burn. We ended up taking her to the Dr. there to make sure she was okay, nothing broken, but still a little sore.

Saturday night we headed to the Fair. We had the most yummy dinner made by the local church ladies- Chicken and Noodles on Mashed Potatoes, baked beans, green beans and homemade apple pie. It was delicious! After that the kids were ready to go on the rides, and their nice grandparents got them arm bands, so they could go on unlimited rides. And go on unlimited rides they did. They both went on a mini-rollercoaster and loved it; carousel; carpet slide; fun house, this list goes on and on. Sweet Braden told me that he wished these rides could be in our backyard to play on whenever we wanted, and I told him I agreed that would be a lot of fun. The rodeo was fun to watch-cowboys wrangling cows and barrel racing. Even got to see a dancing horse. The kids did even more rides after the rodeo, and were out like a light as soon as they got in the car, they were so exhausted.

Sunday morning we went to church with my parents again, and got to have fun with small town worship. They had the youth band singing/playing, and they were in desperate need of some help to stay on pitch and couldn't sing harmony. My dad was less than thrilled, starting joking about it, which made me laugh. I really miss CRCC worship! I ran into a college friend that lives down in P-town and got a chance to catch up with her, so that was fun as well. We stayed for lunch and then headed back home, after another long weekend with the family.

Five Love Languages

We just finished up reading this book for our small group at church, and it was a lot of fun. I was amazed that when Seavie and I took the quiz we actually got 20/30 same answers. So our love languages are pretty similar, but I think it also helps that we've known each other almost 12 yrs. I don't know what we'd do if we weren't so compatible. We met a lot of other nice couples in our class that we didn't know previously, and it was a little entertaining to hear all their fun stories.

Through this study, it's also been interesting observing others relationships, mainly our parents. Spending a week with the in-laws and then 2 weekends in a row with the parents, can definitely be a test of patience for both of us. We love our parents dearly, but are also so glad for some space.

This year more than any other, I've come to notice those little quirks and temperments of our parents. Things I like, or can't stand. Take my parents-my mom is generally quiet, and rarely one to raise her voice. My dad gets upset when the house isn't clean, or lunch or dinner isn't ready on time. Growing up I butted heads with my dad-I'm very stubborn and strong willed, and wasn't about to be told what to do, when I disagreed. Basically I didn't back down about the things that I felt so strongly about. I'm still like that today :) So my dad's upset that dinner isn't ready and my mom starts getting all nervous. I tell my mom, "why don't you tell him to make it himself- you're not the only one who knows how to cook in the house," and I also made a point to tell her that if Seavie ever dared to talk to me like dad does to her, that he knows that I would probably smack him. My mom gave me the funniest look-like would I really treat my husband that way. My mom isn't a doormat, but I've never heard her make her opinion known. So I'm sharing this with my new small group, as well as how I can't stand controlling men(which my dad isn't-he just has a temper) and with clients who have boyfriends that way, and the leader said, "do you think that has something to do with how you were raised and your relationship with your dad?" and it totally made sense. My dad was never abusive-just a bad temper and lots of yelling-a little intense at times. I love my dad. I told my mom I can't wait to see them both together 24/7 after they retire, and see how much more loving they'll be too each other. Bold comments from me that day, I'd never said anything like that to her before. But it's the truth.

On the in-law side, I'm not a fan of critical attitudes. Or critical people in general. Having a critical spirit can totally steal your joy. Not that they are critical all the time, whether they mean to or not, it just happens. I'm not as patient with this criticalness as I used to be. I used to brush it off, but now it's a little irritating. I'm not a child at almost 30, so I don't need all these issues picked apart anymore. If they have something critical to say, it would be better to keep it to themselves.

Table Rock Lake Vacation

Our family recently returned from our annual family vacation at Table Rock Lake. We were there the first week of August, with our family, Seavie's parents, and his sister, her hubby and their 2 kiddos. This is our 6th year going on this family vacation together, and this year seemed to be a little different than the rest. Our families all love the water, and before kids we would be on the water all day, which was fun at the time, but not once you start adding kiddos. So this year we worked out a pretty good balance, that we'd be on the boat in the mornings, and then the kids would have nap time in the afternoon, and then go swimming or boating after naps.

We arrived Sunday late afternoon, after eating a yummy lunch at Braum's, and then relaxed for the evening. Monday we were out on the boat a lot, and by Tuesday morning, Seavie and I were in need of a break from the rest of the family, so we took off to downtown Branson to do some antiquing/flea market shopping. This is something that we love to do together, and we each have our things that we look out for. I'm not a fan of anything touristy, or the cheesy boutiques, so we steer clear of anything related to that. We had lunch at the always amazing, Farmhouse Restaurant, which I highly recommend if you're ever down there. They have great homestyle cooking. We both had pot roast with mashed potatoes, brown gravy, a biscuit, green beans, and my favorite of all-fried okra! And for dessert the most amazing blackberry cobbler. We even saw a t-shirt there that said vacation calories don't count, so that's good to know :) On the way back through town we stopped at Cooter's because they have the General Lee replica out front. For those of you who have no clue what I'm talking about, it's from the Duke's of Hazzard. Of course Seavie got some good pics with it. Then once inside they had a mini museum of sorts, so at my suggestion, because I knew he couldn't resist-took his pic with the Daisy Duke cardboard cut out, and then I had my pic with Bo and Luke-too cute. Of course all the pics of our vacation our on our cell phones, so we'll have to get them off eventually. I really wanted to go ride go carts, but it was over 100 degrees, so that was out of the question. That night we went back down to Branson Landing with the whole family to meet some of his parents friends who live down there for dinner. Then after dinner watched the fountain show and got some yummy ice cream. So Tuesday turned out to be a great day. Wednesday we went boating in the morning and found a quiet cove for all the kids to swim and play in for the afternoon- where they saw a turtle and a lot of large fish swimming all the way around the boat. Thursday was a rainy day which was fine with me, just taking it easy and relaxing.

By Friday morning Seavie and I were ready to go home. The kids had a full week of jet skis and tubing and they both even tried knee boarding. Then when we weren't in the lake, we were hanging out in the swimming pool, which they had a blast at. By the middle of the week both kids were running and jumping off the dock and loving every minute of it. So we packed up Friday morning, and stopped in Springfield and had lunch at Braum's of course! Then we headed back through Pittsburg, so we could stop by PSU to show the kids where daddy went to college. They got to run around the football field, and take pictures on giant concrete Gus Gorilla. Seavie showed Grace the library, and she thought that was so cool. We had to make one last stop at Braum's for ice cream on the way back home. We stopped through Ft.Scott so Grace could see one of her besties Aunika, who moved there last summer. So they got to chat for about 30 minutes, and were both so thrilled to see each other again. By late Friday afternoon we were in P-town where my parents live, and spent the weekend at the farm. Got to go to the Demolition Derby Saturday night, which I just absolutely love :) I found out that they had a raffle to actually drive a car, so next year I'm definitely buying some tickets-yee haw. Seavie and my dad always love people watching because it's quite interesting. Gotta love small towns though. We went to church with my parents Sunday morning, and then headed back home after lunch. We were all ready to get back home to our own house and some much needed peace and quiet after a week with all of our families.

The perfect princess movie for your daughters

I took Grace to see the premiere of "SweetPea Beauty" this morning at the local Christian book store. She got coloring sheets, balloons, a sticker and a sm.poster, and got to see the best veggie tales movie I think I've ever seen. We all have seen the classic Disney movies with the princesses -Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella (out of all of them Cinderella is my favorite, Snow White's voice annoys me to no end-I don't do well with super happy perky people, and Sleeping Beauty has too much sorcery). SweetPea Beauty amazed me at how they perfectly portrayed this message of real self worth and inner beauty comes from the heart. All the while being loved by the heavenly father who created you. It featured an adaptation of Cinderella- a girl who had glasses and braces and frizzy hair, who still after becoming beautiful said that she didn't feel loved or cherished, until she changed back and the king (God) told her how he made her perfect in his image and how he loved her the way she was. It was very touching. The rest of the story is an adaptation of mainly Snow White and a little Sleeping Beauty. Focusing on the vain stepmother who's inner heart is transformed to her outward appearance making her ugly, and how she realized it wasn't looks that counted. It portrayed a great message to girls that beauty comes from within the heart. Obviously I loved it so much that miss G will be getting it as a b'day present in 2 months.

Sadly, or not so sadly, however you view it, I'll be getting rid of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty from the house. I know they are classics but they don't get across these messages that every girl should know.Of course Belle, Ariel and Cinderella princess movies will be kept-they're magical, but not supernatural and I think that makes a big difference. I just love how veggie tales portray a wholesome biblical and moral message, and yet have fun with it. As some of you know I had also tossed out Pinnochio a while ago, because parts of it really creeped me out, so replaced it with the veggie tales version of the same story, that portrays a better message (which will be mr. B's b'day present along with another Minnesota Cuke dvd) Just trying to find the perfect balance of wholesome messages with fun and fantasy and imagination. Trying to re-prioritize what they should be filling their minds with, and learning great life lessons in the mean time.

Kitchen Re-design!

The kitchen table before.....

The kitchen table after....

This was my source of inspiration. A real set for sale on CL for $1600. It looks like a set out of a designer magazine. I have always wanted a farmhouse table, and thought this would be an elegant way of going about it. Since we don't have a formal dining room I wanted to really dress up the kitchen and make it formal instead. It has a dual function as front entry and kitchen/dining area, so there is a degree of formality to it.

I know that I'm supposed to be focusing all my re-design efforts to the master bedroom, but have now focused some energy on a little facelift of the kitchen. As most of you know, I repainted the kitchen 2 months ago, to the Toffee crunch, and am loving it. As you also may know is that I have the most hideous upside down ceiling fan in that room that I despise. So to remedy the 70's table and upside down fan, I've been doing some shopping CL style. I tend to have expensive taste, but could never afford it full price, so that's my shopping outlet for now :) See the light pictured above, only $15 on CL, but retails brand new for $100-and the same light- higher end brand retails for $300.

So what do I do, but find a similar pine plank table with six parsons chairs for $125!!!
Which I calculated evens out to: $80 for the table, and around $7 a piece for the chairs.

BEFORE-Green faux painted legs and pine top in need of some tlc

AFTER-Painted black legs with sanded top in walnut stain, and 2 layers of clear coat


BEFORE


AFTER



Add some elegant chocolate brown chair covers (at $15 a chair) all while staying within a very modest budget.

And in the meantime, I sold our old kitchen table set for $50, an antique library table for $65, and still trying to sell an antique kitchen table to use that $ towards our kitchen re-design project.It took a lot of convincing to Seavie, who was still very fond of our first purchase as newlyweds-the 70's maple table. But he's been won over :)

I love this new table set because it can easily fit 8 people, so that means I need to find 2 more parsons chairs :) but really, I would love to entertain more and having extra seating allows for that. The table also doubles as my kitchen island per say. A cook/prep area that can easily be used for pretty much anything. And the bonus of the chairs being more formal and totally comfy, is that they can be used in the living room for extra seating, and would coordinate well with the living room decor.

Happy Forth of July!

We started off the 4th of July weekend, by going to the annual parade Sat. morning that just so happens to be 2 blocks W of our house. It's been our tradition the last 8 summers we've been here. The first year we found it, it was by accident. We didn't know about it, but saw lots of people parking and walking over that way, and ta-dah a tradition is born. They have marching bands, and floats, classic cars, tractors, and all that fun stuff. The kids got their share of candy, and we got front row seats in the shade, so we couldn't have asked for a better morning. (though we narrowly escaped having wild kid on a leash, and the 2 obnoxious jazzercise kids sit by us) thank goodness for my new sunglasses, which block a good portion of my face :)

Sunday, we went to church, and then headed down to see my parents on their farm. We had a great day of yummy food, and great conversation. I got the chance to have a long talk with my mom about my rollercoaster of emotions lately-in regards to being a stay at home mom, etc-and she gave me a lot of good advice. I think she'd be a great counselor :) but then again she is an amazing school teacher. So since then I've been in better spirits. Monday, Seavie had off work, and so we had the whole day together with the family. I got my butt in gear, and finally organized Grace's room. Her closet was a disaster area! We were up there for several hours, organizing, throwing things away, or in the donate pile. We brought back a desk from my parents that my Grandma Billie had given her, and she was thrilled to get it in her room and all set up. I even angled it in the corner, so she could have a secret hiding spot to read books in. I think that's part of my problem lately, that I've been so wrapped up in doing what I want to do, and not making the effort to spend as much quality time with the kids. So it was great to have that time with Grace, and see how excited she was.

As one of my mom's suggestions, she had said it might help my attitude, if I was to actually wake up before the kids, and have quiet time before they come downstairs. Suprise, suprise, I'm not a morning person, and Seavie usually gets them their breakfast. But I've really felt motivated, by myself, and the rays of sunshine coming through my window at 6-6:30am (since I took down the drapes awhile ago-since it made me too sleepy in the mornings). Seavie and I had a nice quiet breakfast, and then the kids came downstairs. So that was a good step for me in the right direction.

Now I'm working on priorities. Putting God first, then family, then house, and myself. As some of you may know, my computer crashed almost a month ago, and hasn't fully recovered. It's back to IE 6, and as of about a week ago, stopped letting me get onto facebook. GASP! I know I was having major withdrawl, for this is probably the longest time I've gone without it in the last few years. Not that God caused my computer to crash, but it's served as kind of a wake up call to me, to see where my priorities lie. I generally am only on the computer, when the kids have their nap time during the afternoon. And the mornings and evenings are spent with family. But it was the time on the computer that I could have been doing more productive things, like bible study, or organizing the closet (which I'm almost done with). Putting the computer first over pretty much any type of housework. So at church this weekend, they were talking about the tower of babel, and idols in our lives. Yes, I would say the computer has been an idol of sorts in my life, especially the fb part of it as of late. Not that I would spend more than 20 min. at a time on it, but just the daily routine of it, just like checking my e-mail.

Another thing I've realized is that I need to get back into doing more things that I loved to do. Things that make me happy, and make me, me. Like writing-as you can tell I've been writing a lot more in the last week, since I've been kicked of fb. And playing the piano more. I got to play on my mom's grand piano, and that was so soothing- ironically the page was turned to "His eye is on the sparrow" which is just what I needed right now. I used to be an avid photographer, and still love it. I've gotten so far behind on printing and organizing pics, that I need to catch up on all that as well. My mom gave me back my old volleyball from HS, and my rollerblades, which I haven't used in 12 yrs, but I loved. In fact in almost made me cry. I have no idea why, but probably because they were things I loved so much, and they've been pushed aside all these years. So look out, next time Grace has a school skating party, you can find me out there in my rollerblades :)

Then I need to start working on more focused activities with the kids. We have a daily structure, but generally they play by themselves for a few hrs every day, while I read, or check stuff on the computer etc. Going on more walks, playing outdoors, soaking up sunshine. Putting the joy back in our lives. I'm so thankful for the long talk with my mom-she's probably worried sick about me now, but I'm such a different parent than she is. She was amazing, and as a teacher, had all these fun learning things planned and activities all the time, and great meal planning etc. What I'd like to be someday, but am working on. She freaked out a few yrs ago when she found out I wasn't making my kids homemade breakfasts every morning. They do just fine on cereal and breakfast bars. But I know at least this week I'm going to use up some frozen banana's and make some banana bread for breakfasts.

So here's to a new happier me. One that is content and joyful and at peace with her life. Please pray for me that I continue to make this a focus in my life!

The joys of summer

The kids just finished up 2 weeks of swimming lessons today, and they had a blast. It was nice to get into a routine of the same thing every morning. They both passed-Braden completed Level 1, and Grace, Level 3. She'll start Level 4 in a few weeks. Since today was the last day of class, they all got to do fun stuff with their classes. The pool turned on all the water works and fountains and water slides, and the kids just had a fun day. Grace went down the big slide in the deep end, and gained some new confidence. They both went down the curly slide, and loved it. But the thing that brought them, and me, the most joy, was watching them run around in the fountains for about 25 minutes. The joyful screams, and smiles as wide as can be. Pure bliss. It made me wish I could be running around through the fountains too :) It was nice to see them so happy and carefree-not that they aren't every day, but something about being in the water makes them even happier. We still don't have a pool pass this year, but will definitely be getting one next year. It's hard to believe my babies are growing up so fast!

The jaded stay at home mom

So I was out the other day and met with some new friends, who also happened to be stay at home moms. They had kids who were younger, ages 1 and 3, and 1 1/2 with a baby on they way. One of the moms was talking about playgroups and playdates, to both of us, and the other mom was so excited because that's just what she had been looking for (and it very well could be exactly what they need in this time of their life right now) but me, the jaded mom is thinking, "yeah how exciting" in my sarcastic inner voice. Not that I don't love getting together with friends and their kiddos, because I do. I think that's the difference of being a long time stay at home mom vs. the new mom. It's almost like a certain naieveness of how cheerful and happy the life of a stay at home mom is. I am just not that perky, super happy, mini-van driving mom. I have no inclination to spend every weekend or weeknight at kids sporting events. I don't think I ever will be. I love my kids and my life, but I'm just not that person. I am the independent, sometimes free spirited, SUV driving mom. And I like driving my sporty 4 door car around-it makes me feel young again. I'm not super hands on, but still love to play games and crafts and not afraid to have fun. I'm totally okay with my kids not being in sports yet. I'm cool with just dance and awana's. Like any mom, I need my break everyday, to relax and have me-time. No one's life is perfect, and neither is the life of a stay at home mom. Everyone has their moments, and their stressed out time with kids, but all in all at the end of they day, the kids know they are loved and everyone is happy.

Crazy dog

So for those of you who don't know, we have 2 dogs. Oreo and Dakota. Oreo used to be 2nd in command (we've had her since Feb.2007) when we had Princess, who passed away after having a stroke in Dec.2008. So thinking that Oreo needed a companion, we searched and found a free playmate for her on CL in Feb.2009. She was a lab/shepard mix. Well it's been almost a year and a half that we've had her, and I'm at about my wits end. For those of you who know, I've always been a real animal lover. I worked at a vet clinic from age 14-18, and then worked at PetSmart for a few summers during college. I've loved my dogs I grew up with and babied them. I loved Dakota for the first 6 months or so we had her, she was quiet and shy and needed love. She was sweet and snuggily. Well, all that changed a long time ago. She's still sweet, and is great with the kids, not agressive at all. But she has been getting on my last nerve lately. She has the appetite of a horse, she has the bark of a large german shepard. But it's the barking thing that is driving me crazy. She barks at 6am right outside our bedroom window, and then almost on a daily basis, she gets a stupid squirrel stuck in the tree and barks at it all day. Being spanked with a shoe doesn't even phase her anymore, and she's even had some water dumped on her. But then the next day, it's like groundhog day all over again. I know, you're saying well why don't we take her to training classes. She's good on basic behaviors, it's the barking issue. And did I mention when we first had her she destroyed our backyard digging up everything that I had planted! I don't even feel like it's worth the $35 dollars for a bark collar.

So it's come to the point that I am seriously thinking of taking her with us this 4th of July weekend and giving her to my parents at the farm. They take in dogs from friends, and have even taken a dog from us before that didn't work out before we had Oreo. They go through so many dogs out in the country. Some will wander off, others have gotten taken by people driving by. One even was just re-united with it's owner. And some have "bought the farm" due to whatever circumstances, sickness, old age etc. My parents treat the dogs like royalty. Giving them large amounts of food to eat, and 160 acres to roam around on. Who wouldn't like that life? I'm thinking that Dakota sure wouldn't mind. She's made my great grandma afraid of her, because she's a relentless jumper, and she just doesn't mind. Oreo, who is a border collie, is a smart, bright, intelligent dog, and trained easily, even though she didn't have formal training per say. Dakota chases her around and nips at her backside and roams around the perimeter of the yard eating bugs. She's a shepard/chow/lab/terrier mix of craziness, and I have really had enough. I feel no affection, or attention whatsoever to her. I have never felt like this to a dog that I've owned in my life, and I honestly love dogs. And it's like at this point I don't even care what happens to her. I think it's just time for us to be a one-dog family for a while.

If these walls....

I'm reading a great book right now that I picked up from Turnstyles for $1, and I'm loving it. It has been too long since I've taken the time to read, and especially a good read. The book is called, "If these walls had ears: The biography of a house." He details the previous 7 families who lived in his house, and how their lives all changed through the eras and how it affected their sense of home etc. In the process, it has gotten me thinking again about my old 123 yr old farmhouse and all the history these walls hold.

About 7 years ago, when I was back finishing up my degree, I did an Independent Study on Historic Preservation, and it mainly detailed researching my house and documenting all the history involved in it.

In the summarized version, this is the story of our house.....

*In 1854, G. Daugherty, a Shawnee Indian, purchased a large parcel of land from the US Government as part of their land giveaway.

*In 1874, 40 acres of that land was purchased by Mr. Brickley, and he owned those 40 acres until 1887, when he sold them to his son in law, Dr. Bower.

*Dr. Bower was the owner that built the house in 1887 on the 40 acres of land.

*In 1899, he sold 18 acres to his neighbor to the East.

*So he was left with 22 acres from 1899-1906, when he sold off 6 acres in 1906 that was platted as our subdivision.

*Owner #2- 1909-1910 purchased for $250, and sold it for $700.
*Owner #3 - 1910-1914, and sold it for $1600.
*Owner #4 - 1914-1923, and sold it for $4100.
*Owner #5 - 1923-1961, and sold it for $5000.
*Owners #6,7,8- 1961-Dec.1963. At a time when you bought and sold a house, you would assume the other person's mortgage and in the process the house became repossessed and all 3 owners during that time went to court and lost to the bank. The house was auctioned off at the local courthouse in Jan. 1964, for a purchase price of $5895.95, which was a few hundred over what was owed on the loan.

*Owners #9,10 lived there from 1964-2001. And it sat empty from 2001-early 2003. So it was owned by the same family for almost 40 yrs.

*We've owned our house since May 2003.

It amazes us that out of the 123 yrs of homeowners, that almost 80 of those yrs were lived in just by 2 owners. Our neighbor behind us has lived in her house for 62 yrs, and raised her 6 kids in a 1000 sq. ft, 3 bedroom bungalow. Our neighbor to the E has lived in his house for 40+ yrs, and the neighbor across from him for 30+yrs. We're just a bunch of youngins' relatively speaking. Buying the house at 22, and 23 yrs old, we hope to grow old here together and watch our kids grow up, and have grandkids over to visit someday. Who knows maybe we can be here at least 60+ yrs. Writing that it seems like an eternity away. It's crazy to think at the end of that time that our house would be 183+ yrs old. Almost a 200 yr old house. Yikes!

So on to more info on the previous owners....

Mr.Brickley (who owned the 40 acres of land the house was built on) was born in 1812. He was a business entrepreneur, and a VIP in early town history. He along with his son in law, Dr.Bower, bought most of the town lots N of the railroad tracks in our town. There are brief accounts that the town even used to be called Brickley, in honor of him. He passed away in 1894, at the age of 82.

Dr.Bower (who had the house built in 1887) was born in 1831. He was married in 1865, and he and his wife had 6 children together (3 of whom passed away as infants). He located to our town in 1869. He was a State Senator in 1871 and 1872. He was our town's first physician and lawyer. He also was involved in a court case in 1895 that went to the State Supreme court, over an issue involving the fencing off of an alley way. I just found the hilarious. The judge dismissed the case. He passed away in 1919, at 88 yrs old.

I haven't been able to find much information on the next 3 owners.

The couple that lived here from 1923-1961, were 45, and 54 yrs old respectively when they moved in to our house. The husband was born in 1869, and the wife in 1878. They both passed away within a year of each other in 1960 (@90) and 1961 (@83). Our neighbor behind us was friends with the couple, and has given us a wealth of information on them....
She told us about how the kitchen used to have a hand pump next to the sink for the cistern water; how the house was laid out; that they canned there own food from the 1940's on, from their large garden; that they had a cherry orchard and had several cows on their 2 acres adjoining the house. They used the front parlor, as their bedroom from the entire time they lived here. That they used the well and cistern. And most importantly, that they hardly ever used the upstairs, which accounts for how well preserved it was.

The next 3 couples that lived here right in a row, were the ones I've been told that were responsible for the trashing of the house. I guess that seems to be a common thing in general that people trash a house when it's in the process of getting repossessed for whatever crazy reason. They punched holes in the plaster walls down stairs and did who knows what else. All I know is they are the reason that the downstairs lost the original trim and plaster, because it was all replaced with drywall and cheap builder grade trim when the next owners moved in. These couples also had the kitchen painted turquoise, and the trim upstairs was painted lime green and burnt orange. Totally psychadelic...

The next owners for almost 40 yrs, were the grandparents of the man who sold us our house. I don't know much about his grandparents, but have been told by all the neighbors that their son, was a painter, and when he got bored he painted, or replaced woodwork-which we have come to learn that he wasn't very good at. He's the one that is responsible for tearing down the porch on the E side of the house, and tearing out the beautiful gingerbread trim off the front porch, and replacing it with some ugly 2x4's slapped together. He's the one who poorly re-built the window seat and did a half-a job on the bathroom when it was last remodeled in the 1980's. We've just come to realize going into a project, that we'll run into something crazy un-expected because he didn't do it right the first time. This coming from my hubby the woodworker. We still keep in contact with the couple that sold us the house, since it was a fsbo. I kind of like it that way. I think it would be harder for me not knowing the past of the house, and not hearing all these fun stories about living here. They haven't been back for a few years, but are due to come over soon to see the new bathroom remodel.

It's a hard line sometimes, because you love the house, and you know that they loved the house they way it was, and that acceptance of new things. It was the same way when I went back the house I grew up in, and the owner was complaining about this and that, where I was grasping to some glimpse of how it used to be. The only thing left was the kitchen wallpaper was still the same and the cabinets. It's funny how we, or at least I, hold on to those things from the past. Of eras gone by, and how we grew up during those times. I tend to get easily attached to places- mainly being my home. I think I would have the worst time of it, if we ever had to leave, and someone came and destroyed everything we had worked so hard for. Luckily, we can't forsee that ever happening, and we happened to be lucky enough to find our dream house the first time.

Granted it has a long way to go, it's still a long ways from where I can envision it perfectly in my head. There is a back patio, with flowing landscaped walk way. A restored porch on the E side of the house, or possibly a master suite addition? Removing all the shingles, and restoring the original siding. Replacing the roof, re-painting. Tearing up the hallway for my loft/attic project. A beautiful kitchen, a playroom in the basement. A 2-car garage.The list goes on and on. For now I'm being patient, which can be hard at times with all these pictures and ideas in my head. I know it's all with time and with money. If we're going to do it, we're going to do it right, and wait till we have the funds to do it the way I am envisioning it. Until then we're enjoying our 1/2 renovated house, and can't wait for the new things we learn about it everyday.

...They say it's your birthday... Happy Birthday to ya!

Well it's so hard to believe that a year has come and gone. It seems like just yesterday I was turning 28, and that was an emotional time, which I really don't know why looking back on it.But just a time of change in my life I guess.

Today I turned 29 :) I get to do fun stuff like renew my driver's license-whoo hooo. My hubbie had to go in to work early this morning, but not before getting me some yummy chocolate longjohn donuts from QT (i'm obsessed) and leaving a hilarious b'day card on my pillow. Letting me sleep in a little bit. Took the kids to swimming lessons this morning and then went out to the local theatre to buy tickets to see Toy Story 3, tonight! We are all so excited to go see it, since the kids have been watching 1 & 2 non-stop at home lately. We had lunch at Red Robin, where I enjoyed my free b'day burger-which we split because I was still full from the donuts. Right now the kids are supposed to be resting, but I can hear mr. b running around upstairs. The kids have been in a pretty good mood most of the day, which helps. It's nice when they actually behave on my birthday. So pretty much a day of celebrating with my family, which I'm so looking forward to. It's also nice to feel all the love from my fb friends posts :) nothing like a fb birthday to lift your spirits!

Troop Beverly Hills

*written on 5/21/10*

This is the name, I've started to affectionately call G's scout troop. Don't get me wrong, she's had an amazing year there, the program is solid, she's learned a lot and the parent volunteers are amazing! I just recently thought of this name for them, after I learned that their summer camping trip would be to non other than a ritzy South Joco park-that adjoins the neighborhood golfcourse. *I have absolutely nothing against nice neighborhoods, but when planning a true camping experience for scouts, it's not my first thought of roughing it to say the very least.* So that's when I started thinking of Troop Beverly Hills. I'm sure most of you have seen the '80's movie with Shelly Long as the troop leader of the California girls who are totally clueless to most things of the real world. I grew up in GS's from K-5th grade, and had a few high maintenance girls in the group, but not a whole troop go camping next a golf course for goodness sakes. Of course I get to join in this fun and exciting day (note sarcasm here), and get to help plan the badge activities with fire safety and campfire songs. It will be interesting to see if they will get pre-packaged firewood all nice and neat, or if they will actually have to go through the "forest" and pick up kindling, and other types of wood used to make a fire. They are staying in brand new cabins with a nice bath house next door, so that's really roughing it.

I've always been a super outdoorsy girl. On our HS Mexico Missions trip, we had to sleep in 115 degree dusty tents, the outhouses were maybe a 5 minute walk and we had buckets for showers. On HS float trip, I think my freshman year, we got the worst torrential rain storm, and flooded a lot of things, including our tents, clothes and long road to the bathrooms. My friends Erin, Rachael and I were the only girls out of the whole group who roughed it in the wet tents, and could survive the weekend without hiding in the cabin with the girls who couldn't survive without their curling irons and make-up. So I've really been through the worst of it, but have never gotten to experience the fun world of joco scout camping :)

Stay tuned next month to hear how the wonderful adventure concludes.... will we survive a day on the golfcourse park??? will the girls be able to survive without texting each other all day??? will they cook true campfire food, or will it be gourmet???

*update on 6/12/10*

The girls were all excited, and we had just started working on our hiking and photography badge, and then we had a crazy storm with rain, wind, lightning and possibly a tornado warning come through shortly after camp started. Which led us to be stuck inside the clubhouse, ahem "nature center" for 5 hours. That's right I said 5 hours. I initially thought I was going to lose my mind, and possibly go a little stir crazy being inside a confined space with 30 girls and 15-20 adults? The poor park rangers were probably wishing they weren't working that day. We toughed it out, and I had hoped at times, they would just cancel the day, but no, the storm cleared and it was back outside to a hot and humid day. We went on a mile walk, got to see a flooded trail, which luckily no one got swept away in. The girls finished their badgework, made sit-upons and tie dye t-shirts and learned all about campfire safety. I was on the verge of losing my voice from my allergies/cold so got out of leading the campfire songs. The meals were great. We had tortilla wraps with fixings for lunch and roasted our own hotdogs for dinner. G had her first smores and loved them. I actually had a good time getting to know some of the moms a little better, and talk about our different backgrounds, and school choices, public vs. private etc. And it was actually very interesting. We even talked about how they liked camping roughing it in tents better than cabins. Which really took me by suprise. It was just nice to realize that my perceptions aren't always true. We finally made it home around 9pm that night after a very long 12 hrs, but we had a great time, and a time neither of us will forget.

Surreal moments

On May 18th, I had the amazing opportunity to be able to perform with a lot of my old classmates and suprise our old chorale teacher, who is retiring this year. G had an awards ceremony that night at the same time, and my dear sweet hubby, suffered though it all by himself. I know I'm such a bad parent :) So anyways, I pretty much dropped everything to be able to go and sing again with my friends. We got to rehearse at my old elementary school that I hadn't been back to in nearly 20 yrs! It was so surreal being there in the old choir room and seeing old friends.... Then the real trip began, back to my old high school, which I hadn't been back to since graduation 11 yrs ago...The anticipation of being on stage and performing again was so thrilling! It almost made me cry.

For those of you who might not know, I have always loved music-especially piano and voice since a very young age. I started taking piano when I was 5, and around the same age I would make casette tape recordings of myself reading books outloud, or singing songs. I did choir from 5th grade-all the way through high school. Our choir class was where some of the best memories were made, with friends that you get to be so close to. Singing was something that made me feel so happy and alive. This is always why I just love, love, love musicals (well most of them).

I found myself really processing the fact that it had really been 11 yrs since graduation. I don't necessarily feel that much older. But walking through the commons, and the locker area and atrium, it all seemed so surreal. A whole lifetime ago, a time of innocence, and a little ignorance and a time to be carefree. A time that I really embraced life and had fun, whether it be singing, time out with friends, shopping.... then driving home with the windows down in the cold air, blasting the music, enjoying time by myself... then home to life as a grown up.

I go through these phases, where I'll have a special event to attend, or we'll go on a weekend out, or do fun things like we used to before we had kids. We have the best time and are happy as can be, and then for me the next day, reality sets in, and sometimes in a depressing kind of way. Not that I don't love my life and my kids, because I do. But it makes me miss the way things used to be. In a way, a mourning of my old life. Doing things I was so passionate about, being a bit of a free spirit. For me it's keeping my individuality, and the things that make me feel alive, because without that, I think I'd be ever more depressed (So I've started playing the piano more, something that I love. Music is so soothing to the soul... and I've even thought about finding a chorale group to sing in again). It's been up and down for me the last almost 8 yrs that I've been a stay at home mom. Going straight from being a fairly wild college student-to newlywed-to mom all in a short period of time. Then learning the process of being a stay at home mom, and then working part time, and then going back to home, baby....and then work, and then home again. And I still have about 2+ yrs till B goes to Kindergarten. I cherish my time with him, and he starts pre-s this fall. It's just up and down with the emotions at times, by the time it's all over with it will be 10 yrs that I've stayed home. Something I told my mom that would never happen, because that's how long she stayed home with my sis and I (Of course I'm writing this on a rainy, gloomy day, and that never seems to help with my mood). I know I appreciate cherishing the time with them while they are little, because you can never get those years back. In the mean time, I'm trying to add more things back in my life that make me happy-music, piano, photgraphy, creative writing, reading. So hopefully this summer I will be my more cheerful self again :) with an equal balance of kid time/me time.

Rethinking Disney....

This is my totally random tangent of the day, so I apologize.....
So the kids have a pretty good collection of classic disney movies, ones I watched growing up and some fairly recent ones. The vast majority of the ones I have I'm totally fine with, but have found myself really questioning others lately.

Take Dumbo for example-love the movie, pretty harmless. I remember being scared by the dancing pink elephants after he drinks the "water". So watching it as an adult is so much more disturbing I have to say. I've come to the conclusion that those poor clowns must have been drinking absinthe (think Moulin Rouge movie-the green alcoholic drink with opium). And then they end up in a tree with the southern crows.

Then the one that has bugged me the most recently-Peter Pan. I absolutely loved this movie when I was little, in fact I think it was the 1st movie my parents took me to see when I was just a few yrs old. So here's my issue, Peter's chauvinist attitude towards women. First, Wendy. Telling her she talks to much, and to get on with it.... Then he has tinkerbell who loves him, and hates Wendy. Then you have the mermaids who try and "drown" Wendy and the indian princess who also has his affections. He has all these women vying for his affections but just brushes them off like they are insignificant. The boy who never grows up. And when they are singing the song about the indians, I feel ashamed watching it, because it's so not pc. I know it's all a matter of what era the movie was produced and the sentiments of the time, but it's just very interesting to see it through a different set of eyes.

Then we have Pinocchio. Another childhood favorite of mine, which the kids only watched a few times before I donated it. I do fine with the movie until P gets taken off with all the boys to the amusement park world, and they start smoking and drinking beer and then start turning into donkeys, and shipping them off in boats. I remember this as a child, but really disturbed me as an adult.

A while back, I was singing the "Zipidee doo dah" song to the kids, and thought it would be fun for them to watch the Briar Rabbit video on youtube with the tarbaby. Because I loved it as a kid. WOW! Once again, I realize it was made in a different era, but wow was it offensive. I have a new realization of what the tarbaby was.

The kids loved Sleeping Beauty as well, and I did to, but I just couldn't handle Malificent and her little demon crew running around. I've taken it away for a while, and think when they're much older it might be better, but I have just had a much more sensitive spirit lately about all these things.

I let G watch Alice in Wonderland once when she was maybe 4 or so, thinking it would be fun. But as an adult, knowing that the story is about an acid trip, also made it much more disturbing, where as she thought it was fun and games.

And they also have Snow White. A young, 16 yr old girl living with a bunch of little men. I know it's all sweet and innocent.

I usually don't go off about random tangents like kids movies, and I know that most of the little stuff goes over their heads at a certain point. I grew up watching all these movies and turned out fine. It's amazing what culture and world experience etc can influence your change in perspective from child-adult. I just feel this need to protect their little spirits and to not just assume because it's a disney movie etc. that it can be trusted. To watch it first and make sure there is nothing questionable. At our house, pretty much the kids can only watch G movies, with the exception of a few PG ones, depending on content. My mom used to freak out about 80's cartoons and movies when I was growing up, and I never understood it until the last few years. Being a mom and wanting to be protective over their little minds-which are little sponges, repeating things etc. Then it becomes an issue of what do I really want them exposed to, however innocent it may seem. I'm sure I could go into a lot more here, but those are my thoughts for now :)

3.21.10- our 8 year anniversary

"This day you will marry your friend, the one you laugh with, live for, dream with, love......."

Seavie and I made it a point when we got married, that we would try and get away every year on our wedding anniversary to have time together as a couple, time to reconnect and have time away from the kiddos. Our 1 yr anniversary we spent at a cute B&B in Liberty, and then the 2nd year at a historic hotel in Lawrence. Then from our 3rd-6th anniversaries we took the Dinner Theatre approach as a nice date night, since we were unable to get away. Last year for our 7 yr anniversary we spent an amazing weekend in Weston at the best B&B ever. We had a 3 day, kid-free weekend. Enjoyed amazing food, and wine tasting, found a new love of Irish/Rock music, and most of all had a great time as a couple. It was really hard for me to go back to reality after that point, because it was just too perfect, our time together the way it used to be.

Just last weekend we celebrated our 8 year wedding anniversary. I was so excited to get away again. This time we had a kid free weekend, but took a day trip back to Weston again. I have to admit that the crazy snow that we got that day almost ruined our plans, but it ended up making it even more memorable. We practically had the whole town to ourselves, with many of the shops closed. The downtown was quiet and quaint, and just the way I remember it growing up as a child. It was so serence and peaceful, that it was too perfect to not steal a kiss walking in the snow. We enjoyed the always amazing, Beef and Guiness, at the Irish pub restaurant, yum! wine tasting, shopping, and even visited the local museum which I hadn't been to in about 20 yrs.

After that we headed back home to get ready for our evening out at the Power and Light District. We found it okay, but got more than confused when trying to find a close parking garage, so that was quite the experience. Once again, the snow made for a perfect evening. It was less crowded and the snow covered everything, making it so picture perfect and romantic.

We had made dinner reservations at The Bristol at Power and Light, and it was amazing :) Seavie actually designed all most all of the casework (woodworking) there, including the bar area, greeter desk, paneling, soffits etc. I had made a reservation there, one because it's yummy and we hadn't been since my 21st b'day, and two, because I knew it would mean a lot for him to be able to see something he designed in person. He was more than thrilled! They gave us a complimentary dessert since it was our anniversary,and we got the carrot cake, and I just have to say that "it is to die for." It was so amazing!

We had about an hour or so of extra time till we had to go hear our favorite Irish Rock band play, so we headed over to the Live at Power and Light area, which is like an open air atrium space between all the bars there. Luckily for us the K-state basketball game was on the jumbo screen tv, and so we got to cheer them on to their victory!!!Just relaxing on the Heated Patio area watching the snow fall. We also got lots of fun people watching time in, which is always a great pastime, especially when it involves young intoxicated people. It made me wonder what people thought of me in my crazy college days :)

So we headed to Raglan Road to hear Flannigan's Right Hook perform. We got seated next to the funniest kids, well not kids, but we thought for sure they were all 21, but they ended up celebrating this girls 25th b'day. It was quite amusing to say the least! The band was great, and we got to hear all of our favorites from last year. I guess we're groupies now of sorts :) We stayed there until about midnight, way past our bedtime at the ripe old age of almost 30 and 29.

It was so nice to wake up the next morning to silence, and no arguing and yelling of the kiddos fighing over toys or tv, or wanting to eat. Just getting to sleep in, in silence was perfect. I made my hubby his favorite, biscuits and gravy, and he was thrilled. We just hung out at home for the day, and watched Nascar (which I'm actually a huge fan of) and enjoyed the peace and quiet in our time together.

That evening it was back to reality with kids in tow, bedtime routines and regular meals. It was so nice to get away and have that time together. To remember life pre-kids and to cherish those moments together that we don't get so often. To have fun and splurge a little and not have to worry about bills and the mortgage etc. To have the time to reconnect as a couple and celebrate 8 wonderful years of marriage! Here's to the best year of our marriage yet :)

Home Sweet Home

It was 3 years ago today, that we decided to step out in faith and leave the church home that I had grown up in since 3rd grade. It was a decision that had been 6 months in the making.

It was through a long series of events, that we felt it was time to make a move away from the place that we had so dearly loved.

I left behind 17 yrs of memories to make a fresh start and to go where God was calling us. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life. To say goodbye to friends and the place you called home. To break away from my husbands family and finally be on our own.

It is the best thing that has happened to us in the almost 8 yrs we've been married. We met there in HS youth group and started dating when we were 16 going on 17, and 17 going on 18.

We came to the point in our adult life that we needed to be independent and on our own and have a fresh start to things. That's when we found CRCC :)

I'll never forget the first time I went up there during the week to find out more info about the church. I met Brian and Dave, but had absolutely no idea that they were pastor/ and music pastor. Just talking to them getting to know them, and then Brian says, "I'll see you next week at church." And I'm thinking that he's just someone who goes to church there. I was shocked

(in a good way) when I saw he was the pastor, and also glad I didn't say anything stupid a few days before. At first when they mentioned that church was in the gym, I was taken back by it. Thinking, well that's an interesting place for church-coming from just leaving a super traditional Evangelical Covenant church. Up to that point, I had never been to such an impactful worship service at a church- besides CHIC '97 and Christian Challenge in college. Music moves my soul in ways that nothing else can, and to me that was a huge thing. I loved that everyone was so friendly- (people at our old church were starting to be a little snotty). I love that the word of God is preached with such a passion. Most of all I love the church's vision for Missions. I've always loved doing Missions work, and it was very important to go to a church that was rooted in Missions and especially community outreach. I loved the small church feel, coming from a church that had 1200 people or so. Most of all I loved that God was calling us here and made us feel at home here.

God has been working on my heart in so many ways during the last 3 years. The biggest one, was being re-baptised. I was baptised by sprinkling at 9 yrs old, and had accepted Jesus into my heart when I was 3 yrs old. That was one of the things I fought against the most, was the thought of being baptised again. I had never felt the inclination to do that at my old church in the slightest bit. I even talked to Brian about it, but just kept fighting it. Finally I felt the Holy Spirit convicting me that it was something that I needed to do. My life went through some crazy times from the time I was 9-25. I had struggled with drinking heavily in college, and going a bit wild, and then with my suprise "grace" . Alot had happened since I first accepted Christ. I was baptised on Dec.23,2007, and I have never felt such overwhelming peace as I have that day. I remember coming home and laying down and it felt like I was physically surrounded in peace and contentment and just crying because this must be what it will be like in heaven some day. Peace and no sorrows.

The Holy Spirit was at work on my heart, and for the first year or so that we went there, it seemed like I would cry or be touched by how moving the service was. My heart ached for God.

It was also the first time I truly saw my husband really happy to go to church. His personality fits so well with that of our leadership team, and even hearing him sing, was music to my ears!

God has blessed me with some amazing friends, and I am so very glad that I know them, that my life wouldn't be complete without them :) God has even opened my eyes up to what life is like with bigger families-our old church had maybe 2 kids each, where here is 3-5, and to more people who homeschool. My perspectives have been changed for the better. Part of me wishes we hadn't made the choice to not have any more kids right after Braden was born, and before we could see how awesome big families are, and the fun dynamics between siblings. I am thankful for all of our friends we've met through our 2 different small groups-sharing in joys and struggles together. Before we came to crcc, we had honestly never met so many people that we could relate to at church. Everyone was so down to earth, and real. It was extremely hard for us to relate to most people our age at our old church, they had different outlooks on life (and there was a big problem with them being too clicquey(sp?). I was glad to see that people at our church leadership lived modestly just like everyone else.

God has worked on my heart the last 3 years, moving me to be more outgoing and to speak up for those things that I feel passionate about. I was thrilled that our church supported the Walk for Life the last 2 yrs, because my old church didn't and that really hurt! My passion is for helping young women who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. I am so glad that I have so many friends at church who are supportive of this as well :)

I am so thankful for my friends from crcc that I've had the opportunity to share my life with. Thank you for being real, and honest and steadfast!