Here I Am!!

Hey Everyone. It is so nice to read messages that I am missed! Sometimes I wonder if anyone would really miss my blog. Glad to see that some would :). Makes me feel that much more loved.

Anyway, we have been pretty busy around here. Of course there was Christmas. We had a wonderful Christmas! We were very blessed that another family helped us for making the boys Christmas good. Not that it wouldn't have been good if they didn't help but it's so wonderful that there really are Godly people wanting to help a family that is going through a rough time like ours. To me it made it more to do with the actual Christmas Spirit than materialism. I don't know who it was that let us have this wonderful Christmas but I and my family are very grateful!! I pray they are doubly as blessed!!

Someone else from our church had put in our name for a Christmas Dinner. So we got a ham, corn, stuffing, Scalloped Potato's and some little toys for the boys. I totally believe our family is truly blessed through these trying times. God has really been with us! We would have never asked for either of these things yet God provided!!

We also had Christmas at my mom's and then again at Harlow's sisters house later in the week. I love just spending time with family and if I do say so myself I think we have a wonderful family :) !!

Right after Christmas is of course the New Year. So we went to a friends house and celebrated there. It was a good time with friends. The boys had a great time too playing some video games LOL.

After all the Holidays on January 3rd we celebrated two birthdays! Harlow's and my baby boy! Can you believe he is already seven years old? I just don't know where the time goes. Even with me being a Stay-at-home-mom and a homeschool mom time still flies by! Hubby I can now call my old man till my birthday in June LOL. Not that I really would but I could LOL. When my birthday comes around though we will be the same age again LOL.

On Jan. 8th hubby started his classes. He's been a little overwhelmed and nervous but he went to lunch with one of our Pastors and another member of our church and talked with them the other day. He is feeling much more confident and better about things now. Please keep him in your prayers. I know this is something totally different for him and yes it will be hard but I believe (I know) he will get through this. I know he would appreciate all the prayers he can get.

So that is what we have been up to since I last posted. I hope everyone is doing well and had a wonderful Christmas and New Year!!!!! Here are some pics of Christmas and Birthdays!

Pics of Christmas at home

Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's

Gifts from Grandparents and Uncle and Aunt

They were very excited about this that Grandma and Grandpa got this for them (my mom in the background)

Christmas at Harlow's Sister and her Hubby's house.

I do have more pics but a lot of them have family members in them so I don't know if they want their picture online. But it was a great time!

We didn't have a big birthday party or anything. It was just celebrated at home with some cake. Jarod had gotten his birthday presents early and later he got a gift from his grandma :). He got some Wii Attachments (for baseball, tennis and golf from her. From us he got some Batman figures he's been wanting plus a Batmobile.

(Please pay no attention to the mess in the kitchen LOL)

Here are a couple of just the boys being them LOL.

Don't know if I can totally catch-up but I will try and go to some blogs today :). I hope everyone enjoyed my pics!!!

Boy's Singing and Cold Weather

Yesterday, at Church the boys got to sing with the adult choir for four songs!!  Dummy me forgot my camera though ugh.  We were over 1/2 way there when I realized it!  Ugh sometimes I don't know where my head is.

They did really well too!!  Jarod was on the bottom row on the left hand side and he was the second one in that line.  Then Chord being as tall as he is was in the top row (there was only 2 rows) on he was the first one all the way to the right.  They sang Silent Night, Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel, and What I want for Christmas.  I was so proud for them :)!  Now if only I had pictures *sigh*.

It's been really cold here the last few days so other than going to Church yesterday we haven't done much at all.  The roads are pretty yucky too.  The road commission I guess (just like most of Michigan) is cutting down on things like only salting and scrapping main roads and no over time.  So the roads are awful!  Thankfully we have the jeep which is a part time 4x4. 

It's been so bad that Harlow has even had to get one of our neighbors cars unstuck in our own driveway (we share the same driveway) a few times.  Thankfully they have our number they  ever need to get pulled out!

Tomorrow I have to go to the Laundromat to do laundry so hubby said he would drive me (the boys too of course LOL) there.  Which I am glad because I really don't like driving in this mess.  I have driven in snow before but this is a lot of snow and ice!  Anyone out there need any ice or snow? LOL.  I would be too happy to ship those out along with the cold LOL.  I am so not a winter person!  How about you?

Random Things and Snow!

Well, I am not going to Church tonight because I am not feeling so well.  Not really sick but feeling a little run down.  The boys and hubby went though.  The boys have to go though because they have dress rehearsal because Sunday they are singing with the Adult Choir on stage.  The boys love being on stage.  I was in choir in high school but it wasn't my favorite thing to do LOL.  So I don't know where the boys get their love of doing it LOL.

In other things it started snowing a lot last night and has been snowing lightly all day today.  There was enough snow to settle on the ground so there was quite a bit!  So we stopped school a little early today so the boys could go outside and play in the snow.  Here are some pics of the boys in action LOL.  Both Harlow and I took some pics of them :) enjoy!

 
This is Chord and Jarod pretending that Jarod was injured and Chord is taking him to the medic (I forget what exactly he said but something Star Warzy (I realize that's not a real word but hey it fits LOL)!

Pic of Jarod wearing my hat LOL.  It's big on my head so it's really big on him LOL.

Chord in my hat.

 

Hehe hubby in my hat!!! My goofy man :P!

A goofy pic of me.  I always look goofy in pics LOL.  See how big the hat is on me?

Holiday Meme

I was tagged over at Ami. Mental...

"No one tagged me for this. But I'm tagging a bunch of people. You're probably
on the list.Yeah, you.So blog this. You know, if you have a blog and
all...Because sometimes it's hard to know what to write about.Holidaze are
busy.Some days I sit down to write something for my blog and draw a blank. If
that happens to you in the next month or so, use this handy meme. You can do the
whole thing at once, like I did, or use one question a day and have something to
write about for 25 days in a row! "

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping Paper. Thought it would probably be much easier on hubby and I if we did gift bags LOL.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial. This year we actually have a full size one. We didn't have any room till this year to have a full sized one. My SIL was supposed to give us one of hers but her being the sweetheart she is actually just bought us one. Isn't she awesome?!
3. When do you put up the tree? The day after Thanksgiving. Yeah we start early LOL.
4. Do you like eggnog? Yes, but can't drink too much off it.
5. Favorite gift received as a child? I loved all my gifts so I think they were all my favorites!
6. Hardest person to buy for? Hubby because he always guess what I got him way before Christmas ugh LOL.
7. Easiest person to buy for? The boys because they like anything related to Star Wars or Lego's.
8. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but I want to get one some day.
9. Mail or email Christmas cards? I am just terrible at this. I mean well and even buy cards but very rarely do they end up being sent *Sigh* I am awful I know.
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? You know I can't think of any. I have loved whatever someone has given me. I just love that they even thought of me.
11. Favorite Christmas Movie? Good ol' It's A Wonderful Life . I remember watching this and the old black and white version of A Christmas Carol growing up. I still love watching them to this day!
12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? When ever we can afford it. Usually in Oct. or Nov.
13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No
14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? MMM Everything LOL. I love to raid the boys chocolate too hehe.
15. What decorations are on your tree? Well since we just got a full size tree we don't really have anything but multi color (came with lights on it) lights on it. All though Jarod got excited about having a full size tree and decided to decorate it with some of their Star Wars figures LOL. I should get a pic and post it sometime LOL.
16. Favorite Christmas song? Actually I love most of the Christmas Carols. I just really love Christmas and everything about it!!
17. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? Well we don't leave Michigan but we do go to my moms and later to my Sister-in-law and Brother-in-laws home but neither is too far from where we live. I love spending time with our families!
18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Hmm probably not LOL. I could probably name a lot of them but not all of them LOL.
19. Angel on top of tree or star? I like either really.
20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Growing up I got to open one present on Christmas Eve but with the boys young now we just do it all on Christmas Morning and then off to my moms to open more :).
21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? I have to agree with Ami. Mental in that people almost being afraid to say Merry Christmas or any other holiday at stores and other places. I know I wouldn't bite any one's head off if they wished me a Happy Hanukkah or whatever. I think people should use the greeting they are most comfortable with even if it's not what I celebrate. I just think it's sad it has gotten so you can't wish someone good will. Another think that is annoying is how commercialized everything has gotten. I think people have forgotten the true spirit of Christmas. It's not really about the gifts but of good cheer and being loving towards one another. It makes me a little sad.
22 What theme or color are you using when you decorate? Don't really have a theme. It's just about fun!!
23. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Turkey or Ham. Mostly the deserts whatever they maybe LOL.
24. What do you want for Christmas this year? I only want (I pray) for my hubby to go through this schooling and get a decent job so we don't have to worry about food on our table or a roof over our heads. Doesn't have to be a lot of money but enough for us to live on :). Other than that I have everything I could ever wish for! I have a pretty good life and that is all I want :)!!

I Tag the following people:

Amy
Carla
Kel
Madame Rousseau
The Woman
Thoughts From a Homeschooling Mom
The Weber Saga

And anyone else who would like to do it! Here are the questions without answers. This might be easier for you to copy and paste then having to go back and delete all my answers. Have fun and let me know if you did it :)...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
2. Real tree or Artificial?
3. When do you put up the tree?
4. Do you like eggnog?
5. Favorite gift received as a child?
6. Hardest person to buy for?
7. Easiest person to buy for?
8. Do you have a nativity scene?
9. Mail or email Christmas cards?
11. Favorite Christmas Movie?
12. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
15. What decorations are on your tree?
16. Favorite Christmas song?
17. Travel at Christmas or stay at home?
18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
19. Angel on top of tree or star?
20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
22 What theme or color are you using when you decorate?
23. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
24. What do you want for Christmas this year?

Just My Blathering's LOL.

The last couple days we have been busy.  We got some gift cards from a family that wanted to help a family have a nice Christmas and our Pastor and his wife thought of us and we were very blessed.  We got them yesterday and I have to say I am in awe.  It was a lot more than I had thought it would be.  So we dropped the boys off at my moms and went Christmas shopping. 

We didn't know what all to get the boys so today hubby took them to Toy's R Us so they could pick out some thing for now.  Kind of like early Christmas presents.  Hubby and I also got some new shoes and a couple other things we were needing.  The boys just got new Shoes from Grandma not too long ago so they weren't in need of new shoes.

I am just so thankful that this other family wanted to help us out so the boys could have a good Christmas.  I know the boys would have been happy with the little we had for them and what their Grandma is giving them but it's so nice to give them a little more.  The boys are so loving.  They love their toys and stuff sure but they also love giving and helping others. I so want to be just like them when I grow-up! :).  So to be able to get them some things they wanted makes me so happy!

I remember Chord at three years old helping me go through his toys to give to another family that was having a hard time.  We went through his toys and he gladly gave some  that he didn't play with.  (I remember when I was young I was so not like that.  I was the complete opposite and very selfish if I do say so myself LOL.) then at the age of five he demanded that he use his own birthday money to buy his brother a bike. Even though we had told him we would do that.  So he bought his brother a bike.

Jarod loves to share his toys with others.  He too has gone through his toys to give to another child.  He also give the gift of himself :).  If he see's another child crying he feels their sadness and will do what ever silly thing he can do to make that child feel better!  He has this energy about him that you just have to pay attention to him.  Not in a selfish look at me kind of way but a hey look at me so I can make you smile kind of way.  He seems to have away of commanding peoples attention but at the same time making it about making other's happy and not about himself.  He can sure make people forget about whatever they are worrying about and make them smile if even for just a moment!

Both boys are very compassionate.  I have seen them both cry for someone that was hurt.  I have seen them go to prayer when they know someone is struggling or hurting.  They will defend the little guy if they seem him/her getting picked on.  They will open doors for people and they will comfort the sad. 

I can't say that they are that way because of the way hubby and I have raised them.  Sure that might be part of it but it really is who they are.  Of course they have days where they misbehave or fight.  They are human you know LOL.  But I am continually amazed on who they have become and who they are becoming. 

All that just to say I feel so blessed to be able to give them a few good presents for Christmas because they truly have it down what Christmas is all about and not just a once a year thing!!  I am a blessed mom to have the boys I do.  They help me grow up a little more and show me what I need to be like :).  So to whoever it was that let us give he boys this I really do want to say Thank You for such a blessing.  I know the boys will be thankful too.  Not just for the  toys but of the thought behind it all. 

Sorry if this is incoherent and hard to follow LOL.  I am tired and maybe a little (or a lot) emotional :).  Please forgive me :D.  God Bless everyone and if I don't get on to blog before then I wanted to say HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL!!!!

Christmas Stuff and Birthday

It has been a busy few day's with Christmas and all. The boy's had a good Christmas as did hubby and I. For Christmas we went to my moms for dinner and some presents. My mom got me a Cappuccino/Espresso machine which I wasn't expecting but love LOL. I had told her she didn't need to get me anything and that I didn't really need anything but she did anyway. I do love it though. One of those things you really don't think about wanting till you get it I guess.

The boy's were so cute on Christmas. The boy's got up around 6:30 a.m. I could hear then in their room. Then all of a sudden I hear Jarod say Santa Clause. Then I heard Chord explaining to Jarod what Christmas was about. It was so cute listening to them whisper among themselves about what Christmas is truly about. Chord was saying to Jarod, today is Jesus birthday! He also went on to say that God was so happy that he made the world LOL. It was just too cute. I and hubby just laid there waiting for them to come in to wake us up but they just stayed in their room whispering among themselves. Then hubby said, "Are you going to come wake us up?" LOL to which Chord replied, "We were going to wait till 7o'clock but now is good." LOL. So we all got up and the boy's sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and commenced to opening up their presents. They were very much pleased and thankful for the things they got. Afterwards we had breakfast and afterwards they went to play with their toy's till it was time to go to Grandma's.

They got more presents at Grandma's and they were very happy about that too. Later at dinner time Jarod made sure everyone prayed before they ate LOL. If anyone ever forgets to pray before eating Jarod will remind everyone LOL. I love seeing how much the Lord really means in their lives. It is so natural for them to love the Lord that much. I love the Lord too but it's something totally different when a child loves the Lord. I want that love. I am so much reminded of how much the Lord has done for us when I look at our boy's! I want them to keep this love with them forever.

The day after Christmas we went to my SIL's house for another Christmas dinner and presents for the kids. The boy's were very much spoiled this year but they didn't act it. They were very thankful for the things they got and they knew what the real meaning of Christmas was and it kept them humble. They loved playing with their younger cousins as well. It was a little rambunctious but it was a joy to see them all play together and enjoy each other's company. It really was a wonderful Christmas and not because of the presents either.

Yesterday and today I did some shopping with some money I got for Christmas. My husband and my mom told me I had to spend it on me LOL. They know me too well. It may be odd but I don't really enjoy buying stuff for myself (unless it's something I really need like clothing wise or something). I did manage to buy me a few things though and then today I took hubby and the boy's out to eat.

In six day's it will be Jarod's and my hubby's birthday! My baby boy will be six years old! (when did this happen? LOL). So today we bought him an early birthday present while we were out. He was very happy with it. I just can't get over that he is already going to be six when it seems like only yesterday I was bringing him home from the hospital!

The reason hubby and Jarod have the same birthday is because I had a planned C-section with him. I could have choose Jan. 2, 3, or 4th. I chose the 3rd hubby's birthday. The reason for my planned C-section is because with my oldest, Chord, I had to have an emergency C-section because he was a big baby ( 10 lbs 7 oz and 23" long) and with Ultra Sounds it looked as if Jarod was going to be a big baby too so they suggested I have a C-section with him as well. His actual due date was Jan. 9th so they took him on the 3rd instead. He was a big baby but not nearly as big as Chord was LOL. Jarod was 8 lbs 12 oz and 21" long. To me I remember thinking he was small and I had even said so when a nurse was in the room with me LOL. She just looked at me and said no he's not! I just laughed and told her how big Chord had been and then she had said well then I guess he would look small to you LOL.

Jarod was a cranky baby. I remember feeling so tired when he was a little baby. I loved him dearly. He was just different from his older baby. Boy has he changed from that cranky baby though! When he was a baby he really didn't like being held all that much and nothing seemed to please him. Now he is so different LOL. He is the most loving kid I have ever known. He loves to give out hugs and kisses to anyone. He loves to cuddle and to make people laugh! He will do anything to get someone to laugh. If he sees someone who isn't happy (especially kids younger than he is) he will do whatever it takes to make them smile. He will make him self fall all over or even slap himself around just to get them to smile LOL. He can make a room brighter just by walking in (ok so I am a little bit biased LOL). He is also very social. He will talk to anyone that will listen to him.

Jarod just after he was born (my mom is holding him)

Jarod Now (taken at my SIL's for Christmas)

Today was a busy but not too busy day. Just had to go to the Laundromat and school the kids there and then come home and get stuff done like getting things ready for tomorrow's lessons and getting the house some what clean LOL.

Tomorrow will prove to be a lot more busier. First take the boy's to the Library since we have some books due and I need to get a few more. Then come home take hubby to work (since we only have the one car) and come home and make sure everything is around so at seven tomorrow night we can be at church so the boy's can practice their lines for the skit they are going to be in on the 16Th. It will be their first time ever on stage so hopefully they don't stage fright LOL. I know I probably would but I won't put that on the boy's LOL. I have been helping them rehearse their lines. They are doing really well with remembering them. They will also get to sing some songs too.

I am so excited about seeing them in the skits. I know they will do well. Especially Jarod because he loves to entertain LOL. I have always jokingly said that Jarod would be an actor and Chord would be his manager LOL. Just because Jarod loves to be center stage but not really to take all the spot light but he truly loves to make people happy and smile! If he can get someone to smile or laugh at him he is at his happiest. Chord is a thinker and loves to figure things out. He is almost always thinking. Of course I know things will change as they get older and I don't really think they will be actor and manager LOL but if something like that were to happen similar to that I wouldn't be surprised LOL.

Anyway I kind of got off track LOL. After going to church we then have to go pick hubby up from work (he is leaving two hours early so the boy's won't have to be up so late). at 9:30 p.m. and drive home and then of course getting the boy's ready for bed. So I will be on the go most of the day tomorrow LOL. How will your Wednesday go?

Spirit of Christmas Award

Julie has awarded me the Spirit of Christmas Award

This award is for those who talk about and show the spirit of Christmas in their blogs… What is the Spirit of Christmas you ask? … Quite simply it is those that have a generous and giving nature. Those who care about others. Those who have a kind word to say or a broad shoulder to lean on in the times that others need that. Those who display the “Spirit of Christmas”… I am giving it to five and you should too. Those that have touched your heart with their kind and giving and caring nature.

Thank you so much Julie for the honor. Now for my 5 people would be.

Julie since she was so giving to me.

Anne

Kelli

Sarah

Cheryl