No more slippers for me!

Last Friday the hubs was home sick from work with the flu so that meant I was on duty for taking care of three kids and a sick bigger kid! My Noah came in as usual to snuggle with me in the morning but told me his belly hurt because it was hungry. I told him and his sister to go downstairs and give me 5 minutes to wake up.

After about ten minutes I crawled out of bed and put on my purple fuzzy slippers. I walked over to Kaiden's room to get him up but he was still sleeping (very unusual). So I preceded to head down the steps to make breakfast. The very first step I took I slipped and fell down the whole flight of steps. Before I realized it I was hopping on my rear end and my left arm down to the bottom. I was in so much pain and could barely breath but I looked up to find my hubby right beside me checking me out to find out if I was okay.

The wind was knocked out of me but once I could talk I told him I was sore but fine. He was persistent that I call the doctor so I did and they wanted me to come in to the hospital for observation. My wonderful Father in Love Bob took me in and I was hooked up for 4 hours.

Baby Levi was fine and there was no internal bleeding so after a relaxing 4 hours of being waited on I was sent home to be mom again. Upon my arrival my house was clean and the kids were fed and napping. My poor sick husband was exhausted but insisted on taking care of me! He rocks and I am so grateful for him!

Here is a picture of me relaxing in my beautiful hospital gown :)

New Hair Color POLL

Please help me decide which color to dye my hair this Friday.

Number 1 (Dark Auburn)

OR

Number 2 (Dark Golden Brown)

Oreo Brownies

Simple...just mix up brownies and add 1/2 - 1 cup of chopped oreos and bake!

Laney's School Snack

These little treats are sooooo easy to make. Literally only 3 ingredients, gotta love that!

mini pretzels, Hershey kisses and m&ms

Preheat oven to 275 and place your mini pretzels on a cookie sheet. Next put a Hershey kiss on each pretzel and pop in the oven for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes pull out of the oven and press an m&m on each one and refrigerate until you serve!

Love people where they are

I was reading to my kids the other night and they were not into it. I mean Laney was all over the place with random questions and Noah really wasn't even paying attention. I trudged through it and finished tucking them into bed and left frustrated.

The next day I was trying to show them letters on a paper because they asked me to write out their names for them so they could practice their names. But after barely getting it written on the paper for them they had moved onto something else. My day continued with similar situations of them not staying focused. I had had enough and put them in their rooms and jumped in the shower to pray and think. I do a lot of praying in the shower if you haven't noticed.

I was venting to God about the kids and the day and He showed a picture. It was a picture of Jesus surrounded by kids and He was telling them a story. And at first I saw it the "perfect way" because come on...it was Jesus! But then I saw it the way He wanted me to. The kids were fighting about who got to sit on His lap, who got to sit next to Him and in front of Him. And then I saw kids looking around and poking each other as Jesus was talking to them.

And at that very moment I realized that it wasn't about how the kids were acting but how He responded to them. He loved them where they were, not where they should have been. Oh MY...that truth hit me like a ton of bricks. I realized that I have been loving people conditionally. I tried to change them into what I thought they needed to be in order to love them fully. I was so humbled at that very moment...and still am. I asked God to give me His love for people...to love them where they are not where they should be to me. Really when you think about it we all fall short and struggle with something so why not in our pursuit to be more like Jesus, we love like Him!

Make sure your mode matches your task

I was showering the other day and yes I do shower...occasionally. I had asked God a simple question and God asked me a question...which mode were you in? WHAT? See I was having a bad mommy day where the kids weren't really bad or anything I was just annoyed and took it out on them. I was asking God why my day was so bad and why I was taking it out on the kids.

I thought about the question and then prayed. I felt like He downloaded tons of info and I was a sponge soaking it all in. See as women we are multitaskers and we wear a lot of different hats. Some might wear wife, mommy, boss, employee, housekeeper, financial planner, teacher, etc. And although they are your hats and you cannot take them off you can rearrange them so that your mommy hat becomes your mode when faced with taking care of the kids. Or your work hat is on when you have the time to be in work mode. See I was in mommy mode but tried to squeeze in housekeeper and financial planner in there as well and instead of devoting the time to my kids I was cutting them short.

Don't get me wrong I believe you can do multiple things at a time and not lose your cool but for me during that situation my time should have been for them and what they needed at that time. I was focused on emptying the dishwasher and cleaning the counters when their little questions and interruptions of "mommy, can you help me put this dress on my Polly pocket?" and "Mommy, can you help me get my foot out of this toy?" started to get to me and I lost control of my emotions. I'm not saying you can't do the dishes or pay bills online but when it interrupts you being a good mommy and the result is you hurting your kids with your words or attitude then it's time to get out of multi-modes and just be in mommy mode so that you can focus on the task and do it well.

I now regulate time for cleaning, paying the bills, work and being a good wife and taking time for me. I have learned to adjust my life accordingly and make my priorities the people in my life and not the things that need to be done. When God gave me these precious treasures, He entrusted me with their lives and how I model my life in front of them plays a huge part in their character and upbringing.

My prayer is that I learn from my mistakes and raise godly kids that seek Him and go after what is important to their Papa's heart!

A case of the BLAHS

I have the blahs today and I kind of feel bad for even posting this because seriously there are far more worst things in life then my pathetic mood.

I mean really...no one is sick or dying or even struggling with an severe illness in my family but yet I feel the need to complain. I'm a sad woman I know!

So here it goes....I am sick of whining kids that don't listen, houses that never stay clean, a van that has automatic door that I swear are possessed, husbands that eat the last of everything so when I wake up and want something, I am only left with heartache to find it eaten, a nose that is either clogged or dripping everywhere, a body that doesn't crave salads or healthy food, a face that has wrinkles and lines already, hair that mullets itself no matter how hard I try to style it otherwise, coffee that never stays warm long enough for me to enjoy a whole cup, and last but certainly high on the list...POOP. I am so sick of poop that even wiping my own butt annoys me. (TMI I know but I had to get it out there)

Okay so if you actually stuck around to read this then I am sorry! I am going to stop whining now and start being thankful! So stay tuned for that list :)

MIA

I know I have been MIA for awhile but life and kids have consumed me. So much has happened that I don't even know where to begin.

We sold our house, moved into my parents basement, found a townhouse and have settled in. There that's what has been going on!

Okay so there is more...lots more but hey I can't give away all my posts now. You will have to tune in for more!

Texas Caviar

Dressing: 3/4 c. of cider vinegar

1/2/ c. oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 c. sugar

1 Tbsp. water

1/2/ tsp. pepper

Boil and set aside

Drain: 2 cans shoepeg corn

1 can blackeye peas

1 can of pinto beans (cut beans in half)

Chop: 1 small can diced jalapenos (4 1/2 ozs.)

1 small jar diced pimientos

1 small red onion

1 c. of celery

1 c. green pepper

Combine and pour dressing over the above. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Drain (optional) and serve with Frito Scoops!

Happy Birthday Noah

I seriously can't believe he is 3 today! Where did the time go? I remember the pregnancy, birth and baby times with my sweet NoNo! The pregnancy was memorable because he had kidney problems and cysts on his brain in the womb and God healed him completely! His birth was scary because he flatlined and I thought they might have to do an emergency C-section but Dr. Daggs got him out and he was perfect! His baby times were tough because he would not sleep through the night until 10 months old and I was one tired mama!

So much has changed since then and I wouldn't take any of it back! He is my little miracle and I love spending time with him. He is the only one out of the three that always wants me and loves to cuddle with his mama!

Happy Birthday sweet Noah...mommy loves you this much(insert outstretched arms here)!

Transition

Ok I am going to be completely honest and open here! I pride myself on loving change, and I do! I love changing my hair, my furniture, my rooms, my clothes, my styles, etc. So when the Lord started laying on my heart that a big change was coming, I got excited.

Years have gone by and still no major change. I was stumped by this and thought many times that maybe I missed God. But then so many confirmations were coming in that I quickly believed with everything inside me that a change was a comin'!!!! I can't say what exactly that change is yet but God is starting to stir it up.

A few months ago Dan and I felt as though we were to sell our home. We assumed it was because God was giving us a bigger one, so we began to look at other homes. But then before we could list our home we felt to wait. We didn't understand at that moment but we were obedient.

Months went by and nothing! I mean NOTHING!

Then a few weeks ago God spoke to me to sell our home and rent for a year or two. UMMM Hello Lord...we own a home, why would we rent???? I still don't have an answer BUT I am no longer asking! See, He took my worry, doubt, stress and disbelief and gave me peace and joy for the upcoming unknown!

I'm not kidding when I say I was losing sleep over this in the beginning. I was up all night thinking and worrying about how a family of 5 that was used to running around wild and being loud would fit into renting? I had a chat with my wonderful mother in law, Zory about our transition and she said, "transition stretches us and when something or someone is stretched it hurts." Well, I was disillusioned by thinking this was going to be fun. lol

But now I feel as light as a feather and I am no longer trying to take the reigns...Lord they're all yours! We could use your prayers for the upcoming months. We need a buyer, we need a home in Mechanicsburg school district that's cheap but livable, we need help moving eventually and most importantly we need grace to make it through this season of transition.

We have excellent realtors...maybe you know them...Jason & Tiffany Ruda! If you would like to set up a time to view the house or if you need a realtor please contact them at 717-443-7488. They would love to work with you and make your home buying/selling a great experience!

For more pictures of the house please see...http://28walnutlane.blogspot.com/

Have I mentioned that I LOVE change?

This is my progress of going lighter! See when you have almost black hair, you need to get all the color out before you can even think of going lighter. I did it myself BUT made numerous call and texts to Tiffany Ruda for her expert advice! So here are some pictures of my journey of me going dark blonde!

Dark brown hair...the hair dye was actually called soft black

Me as a bleached blonde...ummm I will leave this to my girl Tiffany bc no one rocks it better than her!

And the final result....my beautiful new dark blonde hair for the summer...I am loving it!

Just keepin' it real

Don't be scared...It's just me first thing in the morning...in all my fabulous!!!!

The early bird DOES get the worm!

Due to some financial set backs...we are down to one vehicle until Dan's car gets fixed. With that said, preschool days are a little tricky. If no one can pick Dan up then I must get up early and get all 3 kids up and out the door to take him. Today was one of those days. I am not complaining because I haven't had to do this very often. What makes today different is that I have learned a few things I never knew and saw some pretty funny things this morning!

1. I can survive without coffee...BARELY but it can be done!

2. Noah wakes up VERY early because at 5:50am this morning he was wide awake and scared the sleepiness right out of me!

3. I have really good "second day hair"

4. people drive fast in PA when they are late for work...not complaining I actually like this!

5. McDonald's makes a mean breakfast for kids who eat like grown men

6. It's only 10am and i have 2 loads of laundry done, floors cleaned, dishes done, and beds made!

7. I saw 2 ground hogs mating this morning and had to explain to Laney that they were snuggling because they were cold...I'm sorry but 6:15am is too early to explain animal mating to a 4 year old.

8. A sign at a church read: My sins are washed away by the ultimate blood donor!

Alright enough blogging...I must get back to being super mom ;)

So Proud!!!!

I am so proud of my little Laney Bug. Today she decided to donate 11" to Locks of Love.

UGH...NOT AGAIN

So a few days ago our washer flooded again and ruined out beautiful funky floor. It was a mess! I was in the middle of cooking dinner and Dan was working. I ran downstairs to get something out of the laundry room and I heard water dripping. I went right over tot he washer and turned it off. The floor was soaking wet and water was squishing out between the floor boards. I got right to work cleaning it up...we have done this before.

We have a GE washer and dryer and they are great...when they work! We have had zero problems with the dryer...But numerous problems with the washer. The boot or rubber seal comes undone and so when the washer rinses, it ends up rinsing our floors. The first time this happened we were told to not load it so much and use the correct detergent. So we began to put less clothes in and that seemed to help for 8 months and then it came off again. So we called the same company to come back since they "fixed" it the first time. Again they told us to load it with less clothes.

OK...so like 2 shirts, a pair of pants and some socks??? Because we might as well start washing by hand if that's the case. Being obedient and not really wanting to replace the floor again...we put less laundry in each load.

Fast forward to a year and a half later and now we are replacing the floor AGAIN. This time we have a different insurance company and THEY ROCK!!!! Erie sent over a "clean up team" and they were great! Professional, clean, friendly and thorough! They even helped clear out the storage under the steps and neatly piled it out in our garage for us.

So here are some pics of the floor and of the kids playing while the floor was being ripped apart, they had to evacuate their play area.

I actually did it!

Ok don't laugh but my dad bought me a sewing machine for my 24th birthday. I know...it's a weird gift for someone who has never shown any interest in sewing or anything domestic. So I said thank you and stored it in my basement for the past 7 years neatly tucked away in it's box.

Another true story...I asked my wonderful hubby for an apron from Pier One for my birthday but he forgot. It's not any apron...it's funky and colorful and cool and I love it. So I decided since he forgot and I couldn't justify spending $25 for it, that I would sew one. Yep sew one...the girl who never took her sewing machine out of the box and didn't even know how to thread a sewing machine.

Thanks to T-Rizzle (my moms new nickname) I have learned how to thread my machine and also how to somewhat use it. I am now the proud owner of my own funky cool apron...and I didn't even use a pattern...what? Sorry I got a little carried away there and my fabulousity came out!

So now that I can rock a sewing machine...guess what everyone's getting for Christmas this year????

really???? Cardboard?

It amazes me how something so simple can amuse my kids for hours...yes hours people! But yet the toys that we spent loads of money on are sitting in their toy box, maybe played with for a few minutes a week.

Cardboard seems to have captured my kid's hearts and they love the stuff.

some of the art work around my house

Downstairs bathroom pic

Master bedroom picture above my bed

A very unusual piece...this is actually a picture developed on a

piece of metal, done by Jason Thompson!

I love this piece bc it reminds me of Dan.

This piece is my absolute favorite, it was done by my cousin who is a very talented abstract artist. It it done on a piece of wood and it has many dimensions to it. I LOVE this one!

This one is from POPS and it was in my living room but now lives with

my cousin Charity in her dining room!

I ordered this one for my upstairs bathroom from Lithuania.

This one was done by a friend of my moms. She took a picture of the boy's

bedding and painted all the animals on the canvas.

Time 4 Change

BEFORE

AFTER

GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!

Homemade Hospitality - Giveaway!!!!

Head on over to Enjoy the Journey and enter to win a fantastic book on hospitality!!! I have to be honest hospitality is something I struggle with big time! I have many other gifts that I excel at but hospitality is not one of them and I would love to change that!!!

Getting Crafty

You can turn an empty formula can into something pretty!

Using some wrapping paper, scissors and tape or glue

Your formula can transforms into a pretty container!

That can hold markers, knitting needles, silverware or

anything you have that needs displayed in a pretty way!