How My Garden Grows

2009-12-07T06:46:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken when we all got together at mom's house for a party with our church family... mom promised the kids from church a picnic, we had a great time!

lol if you can see this picture, Joe posed for his shot hehehe

Kisses and Butterflies

2009-03-02T08:47:00.001-08:00

Ethan and I took a nap together Sunday. When he woke up he came around to my side of the bed and kissed my forehead twice he said "I love you, K?" before he left the room, it was so sweet. My adorable baby gives my tummy butterflies... lol

Snow Baby

2008-12-09T18:12:00.000-08:00

As I said today was our first snow day.... Ever since Ethan woke up this morning he's been looking out the windows saying "Snowman!" He was also trying to get me to get his shoes and jacket on him (and this was just out of bed in his pajamas)... Well, he finally got to go out in it today... after the last of our kidos left. He had a blast as you can see! He didn't have proper gloves so when his make-shift sock glove got to heavy for his little hand to hold onto, I had the hardest time getting my little snow angel inside.... he was pretty upset about it.

p.s. I have no idea where he learned to make snow angels.... he just plopped down and started at it.

Christmas Time Is Here....

2008-12-09T09:44:00.000-08:00

Here's our Christmas Tree! :-)

We were afraid it would be too tall for our ceiling in this house, but it fits... and I even got our beautiful angel on top by bending and pushing a little. lol

I love out tree every year. It is so beautiful to me. Doug loves it too. I've loved having parents and grandparents come into my home for their babies and comment how lovely it is. It'd like to add a little more to it this year... I need to make a trip to hobby lobby if anybody is going anytime soon ;-)....

We Added an E... for Ethan to the tree... Doug and I acctually like it better than our M and D. Just because it has black inlay on it. It's Beautiful....

New curtains....

2008-12-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

I am in love with them! They are made by Waverly, I bought them at Target. I only have one panel on each window in the living room, but I think it works out fine for now, sinse we have such narrow windows. They go well with my decor. So... I'm pretty excited about them. I love waking up to them every morning. It's funny how little changes like this make home a more pleasant place to be.

Christmas wreath

2008-12-09T09:30:00.000-08:00

My mom made me a wreath with things from our wedding on it... It has white heather and berries on it from our wedding. It's so pretty... I added some poiensettas to the bottom, my singing angels and my star in the center I think it looks really good.

2008-12-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

We had our first snow of the year today.... so when all my babies came this morning we made snowmen papers. They turned out SO adoreable I thought I'd share them...... my sweet little artists.... I love it. It looks so cute on my wall!

Christmas Pictures

2008-12-07T21:53:00.000-08:00

We had Christmas pictures done. Ethan was so good for them... he did everything the photographer told him to do, and held every pose... it was so fun! She was so good with him. She kept saying "Wow, I rarely get children this easy!" And of course that made Douglas and I so proud! He's such a ham for the camera. Yay lol... I think if it's gonna be this easy (with a nap of course) I'm going to get professional pictures done of Ethan more often. :)

Helping Papaw put the door in....

2008-12-07T20:40:00.000-08:00

......Ethan helping Papaw drill. He says "I gotta push."

I think he's got it all figured out... :)
(he looks like he's trying to tell us how it works)

Kaiser Ran Away

2008-12-07T19:02:00.000-08:00

Doug's been beside himself searching for Kaiser, he skipped church this morning, he was out practically all day yesterday and today. We're praying that hunters don't take him...and he comes home. He's so friendly, he'd walk up to anybody. When he escaped he tore his collar off w/his identification tags on it. So who knows at this point I guess.

We've got half the town keeping an eye out for him. So please keep us in your prayers.

Buddies

2008-11-02T06:36:00.000-08:00

Ethan and his best bud Branden.

Nap Time

2008-11-02T06:32:00.000-08:00

I thought this picture was too cute not to share. lol

Potty Training

2008-09-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

I have a funny potty training story. Ethan's been seeing that the little boys his age in my care are going potty. So he's been trying it out. Mostly at nap time when he doesn't wanna lay down.

Yesterday he had me take him to the bathroom and he has me hold onto him while he's sitting on his mini potty seat, ('cause he thinks he'll fall in) He kinda just sat there looking around. I told him "Go pee, ok?" He'd say "Pee? Yeah, Pee. Ok." I said "Yep, go pee, come on." So he said "Pee? Ok, Pee..." He acted like he was trying to push one out and in a sigh of release he said "Is Broken." I couldn't keep a strait face to get him to keep trying we just started to laugh. He cracks me up.

Mr. Indepenent

2008-09-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

I thought that was a cute shirt. "I Still Live with My Parents" He's a little ham for the camera sometimes.

2008-09-12T10:46:00.001-07:00

My best friend Sarah did her son's room over in dinosaurs. She had me paint this on his door in the hall. Looking at it I guess I messed up in a few places, I'm defiantly not a pro, but I think it turned out pretty cute. Kinda whimsical....

Daycare Toys

2008-09-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

Here's our yard. All our new toys for the kidos.

Happy Little Man

2008-09-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

This is right when we got home from Wichita.....

On our trip to Wichita for the live Veggie Tales concert we went to the mall and stopped by Build a Bear where Ethan got a guitar playin' monkey... He hasn't named it yet... he just calles it "my monkey." He loves it.

.....he thinks his Larry Boy hat is pretty cool too. :-)

Goofy Cutie Pie

2008-09-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

While we were moving into this house Ethan was playing at the bathtub and saw one of Liam's pacifier... and stuck it in his mouth to be silly.

Thank you God for giving us our sweet Ethan. I can't imagine feeling more blessed than this, I think my heart would burst.

Daycare

2008-09-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be my third week doing daycare. I really like it. I've got such great kids, and parents. Ethan is learning so much (good and bad) but that's just kidos for ya. I'm watching 7 besides Ethan... and 2 are potty training so that's got Ethan interested. It's pretty comical. It's nap time right now, which is important for both me and the kids. The parents too actually so I'm not sending home a bunch of grumpy pants. ;-)
I took a pic on my phone to share what my living room looks like at nap time but I need to have Doug show me how to get pics off my phone onto the computer. I usually have 3 girls, Anissa, Naomi, and Cadaince... and two boys Hayden, and Branden, in the morning. Ethan loves waking up to a bunch of kids in his house. He's so cheerful. Right before lunch my two pre-school girls Kayley and Kylie come and spend the rest of the day with us. I'm sharing their names 'cause I'll probably be telling some funny stories if I keep up my blog faithfully.... that is if anyone really reads it... you can follow along. lol
I'm taking my safety and cpr classes next week, and have another class Saturday in Elkart. But I am fixing to have my temp. license hopefully this month lol.... and that will qualify me to sign my children up for the food program. YAY!! lol... food is sooo expensive! I am happy to say since I've started daycare I have lost 10 pounds! No one can really tell I guess... but I can.... and I'm glad for it. :-)
Well, I'm gonna call my Grandma....

(Ok... last night Doug helped me figure out my usb port and I've got my picture to share with you now)

My living room at nap time:

Effective Prayer

2008-09-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

God has been showing me that I need to get my mind and mouth, what I speak, in line with His word. So I've been watching and reading ministry from Kenneth Copeland Ministries on their website.... http://www.kcm.org. God says that we need to pray His word, for effective prayer. I found this article that has and will be helping me... I thought I'd share it.

How to Get Answers to Your Prayers

The Bible tells us that God is Love. And in page after page, we see the countless demonstrations of His great love. We read of His compassion and promises, and we see His willingness to use awesome power on behalf of His people. God is faithful—to His people, and to His Word.
There are times, however, when we as the very chosen of God tend to rely on our five physical senses to decide whether He is really “out there” and whether He is hearing—and answering—our prayers. Once we pray our prayers, all too often it’s easy to look around for physical evidence and then believe for what we prayed.

In effect, when we do that, it’s like trying to see with our ears or hear with our noses. We must determine even before we pray that any physical evidence contrary to what we pray will not sway us into doubt and unbelief. We need to realize that the evidence—or the Word—upon which our faith rests is far more reliable than what we can see. Regardless of physical evidence, the Word is perfect!

That’s the truth of the matter, but sometimes it does help to have some practical guidelines to keep us within the bounds of truth. So, the following seven steps are suggested as guidelines to help you in your determined walk of faith when it comes to your prayers—and waiting for them to be answered.

The Word

1 John 3:22, 5:14-15; John 15:7; Romans 12:2

Prayer that brings results must be based on God’s Word. We should start with the answers to our prayers—the Word. Jesus said, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7). The Bible contains over 7,000 promises—promises which include wealth and wisdom, health and success. Finding the specific promises that apply to your situation may take some time, but it will be well worth the effort. We’ve listed several at the end of this article.

The Application of Faith

James 2:14-24, 3:11-17; Romans 3:4; Hebrews 4:11-16

Start your confession of faith before you see the manifestation of answers to your prayers. Believe you receive when you pray. Hold fast to your confession by acting as though it were already done. To be afraid to confess or act before you have it is to doubt God’s Word.

Refuse Doubt and Fear

2 Corinthians 10:5

Refuse to allow doubt and fear to enter your consciousness. Satan will tell you that your answers are not coming. But take those whispers of doubt captive. You have the right and power to demolish every argument that comes against the knowledge of God’s Word.
So control your mind with the Word and dwell on the answer instead of the problem.

Success, Not Failure

Proverbs 4:20-24; Matthew 6:22-12, 13:15-16; Romans 13:14

See yourself through the Word—as a success, not a failure.

Testify

Revelation 12:11
Testify of what you believe. Testify of the Word. Add your testimony to what you have received by the blood—your redemption. You have the rights to all that Jesus did.

Faith Works by Love

Galatians 5:6; 1 John 4:12
Faith works when we operate in the love of God. Get involved in helping someone. As you adhere to the message of God’s love, His love will flow from you to others.

Be a Giver

Luke 6:38; James 5:16; Mark 4:14-29; Acts 20:35
Get on the giving end. If you need healing, then give the message of healing to someone else. If you need money, give money. It’s God’s law—you will reap what you sow. The way you measure out is the way it will be measured back to you.

God’s Greatest Guarantees

Need some help finding scriptures that cover your need? Here are a few to get you started.

Promises for your unsaved loved ones:

Luke 5:32, 19:10; John 3:3, 17; Acts 11:14, 16:31; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 7:13-16; 1 Peter 3:1-2; 2 Peter 3:9

Promises for your children:

Psalm 8:2, 91:11-12, 127:3-5; Proverbs 3:4, 22:6; Isaiah 44:3, 49:25, 54:13; Colossians 3:20; 2 Timothy 3:15

Promises for prosperity:

Psalm 23:1, 34:10, 37:25; Matthew 6:31-33; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Philippians 4:19; 3 John 2

Promises for your marriage:

Genesis 2:18, 24; Psalm 101:2, Proverbs 3:5-6, 10:12; Joshua 24:15; Romans 13:10; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8; Ephesians 4:31-32, 5:21-33; 1 Peter 3:1-11; 1 John 4:15-21

Promises for healing:

Exodus 15:26; Psalm 103:3, 107:20; Proverbs 4:20-22; Isaiah 53:5; Jeremiah 17:14, 30:17; Malachi 4:2; Matthew 8:8, 9:35; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 6:19; Hebrews 13:8; James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:24; 3 John 2

Promises for peace of mind:

Psalm 37:11, 119:165; Isaiah 26:3, 12, 55:12; John 14:27; Romans 5:1, 8:6, 14:17-19, 15:13; Philippians 4:6-7

XOXO!

Remeniscing

2008-07-10T21:01:00.000-07:00

I was just browsing and found these sweet picures of Ethan when he was just born, he was two days old here and we were just coming home from the hospital, we stopped by my big brother, James' house before going on home. That is where these pictures were taken.

He has grown so much.... and is still just as perfect to me now as he was then.... looking at these pictures make me want another tiny baby.

.... Thought I'd share....

Fourth of July Parade

2008-06-26T16:26:00.024-07:00

The kids had an awesome time at the fourth of July parade! They made a little friend, Morgan... she and Hayley were the same age.

The kids made us laugh the way they would bound into the street to get thier candy.

Ethan would stand at the curb holding his hand out toward the cars and trucks that were passing saying "pleeese, candy." It was so adorable! When he'd see that they threw candy he would go out and get just one, run back to the curb, unwrap it and just stand there chewing it. He didn't go out to get any more than just his one, till he swallowed it.

I would call Ethan's name to look at the camera and he'd say "CHEEEESE," without looking at the camera once................

They loved the fire trucks... especially when they would show off their horns. When the band came marching by Ethan started dancing and clapping his hands... munching his tootsie rolls.

Brothers

2008-06-26T16:26:00.023-07:00

Sweet Faces

2008-06-26T16:26:00.022-07:00

Bobsi Twins

2008-06-26T16:26:00.021-07:00

CHEEEESE!!!!

Fun at the Park

2008-06-26T16:26:00.019-07:00

Tonight at the park we had a couple of posers.

Nice Evening

2008-06-26T16:26:00.018-07:00

Cousins

2008-06-26T16:26:00.017-07:00

TJ, Mike (Birthday Boy), and Little Mikie

PRO

2008-06-26T16:26:00.016-07:00

Best Times

2008-06-26T16:26:00.015-07:00

Brayden, Thomas, Skylar, Delaney, & Hayley

(East Coast Russell's)

Sweet Cousins

2008-06-26T16:26:00.014-07:00

Delaney and Hayley

Good Morning....

2008-06-26T16:26:00.013-07:00

....at Uncle Tom and Aunt Deneen's.

Just the kidos

2008-06-26T16:26:00.012-07:00

All Because Two People Fell in Love.....

2008-06-26T16:26:00.011-07:00

Ethan, my Grandma & Grandpa, Matthew, Brayden, Patrick, Katie, Hayley,

Hayley, Skylar and Paige....(only some of the great grandkids)

Lovely People

2008-06-26T16:26:00.010-07:00

TJ, Mikie, and Grandma

(Mikie is such a sweetheart!)

Amos Moses

2008-06-26T16:26:00.009-07:00

Here's a cool picture of Amos I found, it's last summer when Doug and I had him at James and Erin's house in Garden City. It was a pretty HOT day.... so he took over the kiddie pool.

Sun Bathing

2008-06-26T16:26:00.008-07:00

.....Chillin' at Uncle Tom and Aunt DeDe's neighborhood pool.....

Cutie Pies

2008-06-26T16:26:00.007-07:00

I thought this was an awfully attractive picture and thought I'd share.... lol

Hold You

2008-06-26T16:26:00.006-07:00

When Ethan wants me to hold him he has been putting his arms out and telling me "I hold you." I'm sure that's pretty normal for little guys but it breaks my heart when Ethan says it, it's so sweet.

He's been really enjoying his time with his cousins. I think he'll enjoy it when he's got siblings to play with.

Bath

2008-06-26T16:26:00.005-07:00

Classic bath time picture....

I've been wantimg to share this one for a while.

Buddies

2008-06-26T16:26:00.004-07:00

Brayden calls bugs "little buddies." So Ethan's running

around looking for "buddies," a new word for him.

Bugs are an obsession for Brayden, a good obsession for boys.

He's rubbing off onto Ethan. It's pretty cute to watch!

Ethan hasn't only been calling bugs 'buddy,' but also his cousins.

As they all call him "little buddy" too.
I love it!

Cutie Boy

2008-06-26T16:26:00.003-07:00

Ethan has been plugging his ears with his

fingers and making noises just to hear himself.

.....Just a new thing he's been doing. 'Cause he saw his cousin

Skylar doin' it. :-) Kids crack me up!

Havin' Fun.....

2008-06-26T16:26:00.001-07:00

.....at a park not far from James' new house.

They are having a blast!!

Welton Park

2008-06-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

Playing at Welton Park here in Petersburg, WV

We're in WV

2008-06-26T15:46:00.000-07:00

Ethan and I have been in West Virginia for about a week now. The mountains are so beautiful! Like giant rolling hills. I'm in love, I'm in love and I don't care who knows it!!! lol

Here are some pics I took on our drive to Harrisonburg, VA. :-)

Wow

2008-06-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

I must be the worst blogger, ever. I haven't blogged for like a month... and even sitting here now I need to get cleaning. I have been packing up the house/trying to find a place for us to move into... .... Douglas got a puppy, a German short hair pointer. He's adorable, but 2 big hand fulls at times :-).... Ethan is fascinated with him. Now it's like having 2 little puppies running' around my legs all day. lol I would be taking pictures right and left if my camera were working and I had a usb port to upload my card onto the computer... but both are unavailable to me for the time being. Oh well, we'll have our house back in order soon enough.
I have been working toward getting my High School Diploma... almost there. I have had so much going on that it gets pretty hectic around here.... I feel like I have way to much weighing on my heart and SO many things on my mind lately that everything gets a bit overwhelming. But I've noticed something about myself lately, that I hate. Its that when something pops up unexpectedly, it seems what plays into my mind is 'worst case scenario.' And like I were some, pessimist, I let it upset me. I've always been pretty laid back... I know we're all thrown curve balls in our lives... I've got to stop taking them so hard.
Douglas got Ethan and I a Trek jogger/trailer. I'm pretty excited to use it to get back into shape this summer, I've taken it everywhere with us so far, even to the pool. Ethan and I have free pass to the pool, with Dougs work. We're loving that right now too. Gosh I don't know what all to say... there's so much going on. I'll just save some for later. ;-)

2008-05-08T22:08:00.000-07:00

......Just thought this was way too cute not to share.

"Fly Mommy!"

2008-05-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

My dad took me to Garden City this morning. Ethan was getting kinda fussy about having to sit so long and so daddy opened Ethan's window. We were talking about stuff and at some point Dad looked back and said "Where are Ethan's socks?" I said, "Oh he probably took them off." Dad was like, "No, I don't see his socks." LOL I searched a little bit all the while Ethan smiled at me real big, thrusting his finger toward the window laughing said, "Fly, Mommy, fly! Fly, Mommy!" I couldn't stop laughing!!

My son woke me up this morning....

2008-04-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

LOL

No, really it's a funny story... Ethan crawled into my bed to wake me up this morning. He started to pull the covers off of me while he said "Mommy, det UP det UP!" I said, "Get up?" He said "Ya, Play." So I got up and walked into the living room with him and he pointed to a high shelf, where his Dad's little remote toy helecopter sits. I thought it was pretty funny.

Babies

2008-04-20T21:51:00.000-07:00

Remembering our two angels.... waiting for us in heaven.

March 14th

2008-04-19T21:34:00.001-07:00

Obviously, celebrating Ethan's 2nd birthday. He turned 2, March 14. He is getting so big, so fast!

He was so fun that night! We would sing "Happy Birthday," he would sing along and when we sang, "... Happy Birthday to you," he would sing, "Happy Birthday 2... 1..." He's been counting. But the only numbers he'll say are 1... 2... 1... 2... 1. It's pretty cute. We lit that '2' candle about 15 times. He loved it!!

the three of us....

2008-04-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

My boys and I, in Colorado Springs last weekend. We met our new baby nephew, Micah. We had fun visiting our family!