With All My Love, Mommy...

Tanya's Prego Pics- the Sixth Month

2009-01-27T13:08:00.000-08:00

Here are the latest prego pics of Tanya...I had to do it really fast cause she had other guests at the time...It was also at night so there was no natual lighting...so they are not the best ever but I wanted to at least get some snapshots taken to document her growth. But I am still planning on taking her somewhere nice to get some much better photos. Maybe Eden State Park!

The Cutest Kids in the World (but, of course, I'm a little biased)

2009-01-15T10:52:00.000-08:00

My Little Girl is Three!

2008-12-30T13:24:00.000-08:00

Tis' the Season to be Jolly...

2008-12-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

Thankgiving Pictures

2008-11-30T11:16:00.000-08:00

Bye! "sniff" (For A Few Days)

2008-11-18T08:53:00.000-08:00

Just a picture of the three of us at the airport yesterday. They will be back friday morning but I miss them already!

Love you guys so much, and have fun!

Another Weekend Visit

2008-11-07T10:36:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share this picture of my brother and I from this past weekend. And there are some pictures below of him messing around golfing...(of course he's really good just messing around).

This last picture below is one that Jeremy took...yup...looks like he's pretty good with a camra as well as a golf club. It reminds me of a golfing advertisement! Good Job Jeremy!

Happy Fall Everyone!

2008-10-31T08:25:00.000-07:00

My little Pumpkins...

My Little Man

2008-10-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some adorable pictures of Carson. What a little camra ham!

Bath Pics

2008-10-31T07:57:00.000-07:00

Cute!

2008-10-31T07:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo I was playing around with: Carson and Calista in a Raulph Lauren advertisement...I guess I thought of it because Carson's shirt is Raulph Lauren. Then there are two more of Carson below...

Tanya's Card

2008-10-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

Here is the card I made for Tanya congradulating her and letting her know I would be there for her. As you can see on the inside of the card there is a little note for her...below I have typed out what it says there on that little piece of paper...

I'll Be There For You…

When none of your clothes fit you but you don’t really look pregnant yet and you're afraid everyone just thinks you're fat…

When hormones overtake you and you can't even figure out what you are crying about…

When you have a craving for something weird and you need someone to get it for you…

When you have a question and you need to talk to someone who's been there, done that…

When it's 60 degrees out and you think, "Is it just me, or is it burning up out here?" (It's just you. LOL)…

When none of your shoes look right on you anymore due to your painfully swollen ankles (you might as well invest in flip flops)…

When you need someone to paint your toenails cause you can't reach then anymore…

When you need reassurance that you ARE indeed pretty and you do NOT look like a watermelon…

When it takes insane amounts of effort to get in and out of your bed and simple things like sitting down or picking something up off the floor become a great endeavor…

When you need someone to walk a few miles with because your only thought these days is "Get this thing out"…

When pregnancy is no longer fun and you need help counting down the days to delivery…

When you just need a friend to share every milestone with, to laugh and cry with through every unexpected emotion, to give you hugs and kisses, backrubs, homemade meals and sweet chocolatey things...

for the journey,
I'll be there!

Love your Friend: Alina

The Happy Couple...

2008-10-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

Well, most of you know that these dear friends of mine are EXPECTING their first baby now! Oooh! I'm excited! Tanya and I have joked about the pregnant dream ever since I've known her (which hasn't been long), but even still, when she told me I could barely contain my myself...I was so happy on her behalf! And I also felt so honored that (besides the doctors and Anthony) I was the first to know! That meant a lot to me...you made me feel really special Tanya! (Love you!)

So anyway, as her friend I just want to do all I can for her...give advice that might be needed, encourage her, find a bunch cute little baby things and "gift" her to death...LOL!

So here (above) are the happy couple...they are not sure exactly how far along she is yet...but probably somewhere in the second to third month area...and Tanya has asked me to take photos each month and keep up with the growth progress. So here is our first little "Photo Shoot"...nothing really fancy...but I have some really cute ideas saved up for when she really starts showing!

Sometimes "someday" comes sooner than you expected...

The Things That Matter

2008-10-29T07:23:00.000-07:00

So maybe some of you are wondering, "What in the world happened to Alina...she hasn't blogged in forever!"
Yeah, I know! It would be to personal to try to explain why...but I will just say that there have been issues way more important than blogging that required my attention...and then to be perfectly honest, I just couldn't find the motivation to put something up here. So to those very closest to me...to the very few who know what I'm referring to...Don, Mom and Dad, Tanya and Anthony, Jillian, Shauna...I want you all to know: first of all, thank you for being there for me...and that you continue to be...and just know that it is a very good sign that I am blogging again!
So, you may remember that I was previously ecstatic about my dear friend Tanya moving to a residence that is within walking distance of mine...and as you can see to the left here...They Have! I have blacked out the information on the Sold sign for discrepancy purposes...but you get the point. So I really couldn't be happier...I love Tanya...she such a sweet and giving friend, and Anthony ain't to bad either...LOL! Thank you two for being there for me...I could never ask for more. But you guys know how I feel: no secret there!

(You have a gift, you really do. You see people. -Rose)

Nuit De Filles Dehors!

2008-09-23T10:15:00.000-07:00

This past thursday night was "Girlz Night Out" honoring the special occasion of the birthdays of two of my close "girlfriends" Tanya (left) and Jillian (right). We went out for Sushi...something I love but I had never gone out to a resteraunt for it. I had only had my brother-in-law's and Jillian's...which were both delicous!

So anyway, we went in my sebring convertable...which made the night even more fun. Jillian doesn't think that she's ever been in a convertable before. It's hard for me to imagine never being in one, cause I love mine and whenever I'm driving...if I'm without the kids and it's not raining...you can pretty much bet that the top will be down. But I will say, I have not ever had the opportunity to ride in a convertable full of girlz...it was a blast! There was, of course, one spot empty. Our friend Shauna was supposed to come with us but was unable to make it...Missed you lots Girl! Hopefully next time you will be with us!

Well as you can probably tell from the pics...we had a lot of fun! Lots of crazy, silly, giddy girl fun! I always enjoy when I have the opportunity to get a little more closely bonded with my Girlz. Jilian is the Sushi Queen (she has tried several varieties of sushi already) so we could ask her advice on what was good and what was delicious! I couldn't believe how good some of that stuff was! Now, up till that night I don't think I have ever had any raw meat of any kind....boy did I make up for it on thursday...I had yellow tail, salmon, tuna, and eel. I know! I know! Eel? But it was so good, and the eel sauce they top it with was really delicious!

So about the birthday stuff! We brought the gifts into the resteraunt...I got the girls some shirts from Aeropostale and some necklaces. Tanya got Jillian a Vera Bradley purse and wallet and Jillian got Tanya a one of a kind Monogramed necklace with monogramed T on one side and "Mon Ami" on the other...which is "My Friend" in French. You should visit the link to the necklace...I am friends with the lady who makes these and she does a scectacular job on them! Lots of creativity there!

So after dinner...the resteraunt staff and half the of resteraunt costumers sang "Happy Birthday" to the girls and gave them their birthday "ice cream" and everyone clapped and screamed and cheered....it was really hillarious and so much fun.

I can't wait for the next occasion shared with you girls...I love you all!

For Jillian's version of Girls Night Out go here

P.S. Nuit De Filles Dehors! in the blog title is Girls Night Out! in French!

This was in my email...it's so true!

2008-09-19T08:00:00.002-07:00

The Husband Store
A store that sells husbands has just opened in New York City , where a woman may go to choose a husband.
Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates. You may visit the store ONLY ONCE !
There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as the shopper ascends the flights. There is,however, a catch . . .. you may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go up a floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!

So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband...On the first floor the sign on the door reads:
Floor 1 - These men have jobs and love the Lord.

The second floor sign reads:
Floor 2 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, and love kids.

The third floor sign reads:
Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, and are extremely good looking.
"Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.

She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads:
Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are "drop dead gorgeous" and help with the housework.
"Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!"

Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads:

Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are "drop dead gorgeous", help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak.

She is so tempted to stay...

...but she goes to the sixth floor and the sign reads:
Floor 6 - You are visitor 4,363,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please.

Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store. Watch your step as you exit the building, and have a nice day!

Ok...Finally...here are the TN scenery pics!

2008-09-19T08:00:00.001-07:00

My Best Friend's Blog!

2008-09-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Wow! So I just got an email from my childhood best friend saying that she has just started a blog...I feel like I've started a revolution..LOL! Anyway, I love this girl sooo much and we have endured a lot together. She was the very first friend I ever remember having...and at this point it feels as if I've known her my entire life. While distance has tried hard to separate us we are still in contact. We grew up in Florida and I moved to Delaware when I was 14 ...when I came back at age 19...she had already married and moved to North Carolina. So it has been hard to keep tabs on each other...especially with her and her family on missionary depution.

So, anyway I am really looking forward to following her blog...I think it will help me feel a little closer to her!

Also...this girl is one spectacular up and coming photographer...I love her style...so check it out. I know you'll love it!

http://sykestermomof3.blogspot.com/

My Brother, Jeremy...

2008-09-17T12:06:00.003-07:00

Ok, so this is starting to seem a little like a family reunion! The same week my sister drove down to Alabama my brother also came down, only...he is just one hour from where I live in Florida. He made the move so that he could attend Bible School for the next three years. Ooooh...I am so excited! He'll be able too see us every two weeks! This past friday he drove over to my house and spent the night till Sunday and attended church with me and heand I got to sing together.
This is the same church we grew up in, so Sunday he was able to see people he has not seen in nine years.
I am so proud of him! He is 18 now, called to preach and he no longer seems like my "little brother". Yep, somewhere along the line he became a man and I wasn't there to see it...but I am so happy he is close now...I'm going to enjoy this!

Seeing her Uncle Jeremy for the first time in a year and a half!

Visiting My Sister

2008-09-17T12:06:00.002-07:00

Well, Goodness Gracious! I am finally done posting stuff from our trip. That was painful...not really just time consuming!

So...some of you know that my sister moved to Alabama to work with a Girls Home. Now she is only four to five hours away and not 1,100 miles (she was in Delaware). So on the way home from Tennessee we stopped in to see her. This was the first time I've seen her in about a year...here are the pictures!

Mousetail State Park Pictures in Tennessee

2008-09-17T12:06:00.001-07:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Miscellaneous Pictures From Our Trip

2008-09-15T12:22:00.001-07:00

Create a Free Slideshow

Can you feel the love?

2008-09-09T09:31:00.001-07:00

The Arrival

2008-09-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

Now I will sit here and try to explain to you how it felt to see them again...but I might as well tell you that I never could explain that feeling. There are no words. It just feels like another home in my heart...to be wherever they are...I remember Miss Vicki saying, " I can't believe you're here!" Neither could I.
I remember that first hug...Some things in life just amount to this: "sometimes words cannot explain".
Calista was just elated to be near them again. I sat there on the couch next to Miss Vicki with her holding Carson. Bro. Malcolm was talking to Don. It felt so peaceful to me...to finally be here...to just be around them and talk to them in person again. I remember thinking, "I don't want to ever forget they way I feel right now".
You know, sometimes I think: Three and a half years ago I didn't even know them, I had never seen them, I had never heard their names...and now they mean the world to me...to us. I am so thankful for this turn in my life. And not just for them, but for all the friends that I have made and reunited with over the past three years...it has blessed my life in so many ways. God always knows what we need...in every area...I needed close friends...I needed her. I always will. For as long as I live Miss Vicki and Bro. Malcolm will be in a very special place in my heart. We could never have asked for better friends than the friends that they have been to us!

On The Road...

2008-09-07T14:39:00.000-07:00

So last tuesday night, around 9:00 pm, after a blurr of packing and getting things organized, our family of four loaded as comfortably as we could into a minivan...(the children in their night gowns) and began the 8 hour trip to Parsons Tennessee, which actually ended up being 10 hours. Don drove the first three hour stretch till we got to a good long stretch on the interstate for me to drive. So pinging on a small coffee buzz, I climbed behind the wheel of the van at midnight while Don caught some Zzzz's. With him and both the children sound asleep and my buzz starting to wear off...it started getting harder to keep my eyes open. Listening to music wasn't helping, it was only making things worse. I needed some talking...like preaching or something. But in the rush to get out the door, we had forgotten to bring some preaching...so I started browsing radio stations trying to find some news or something....but notta! I ended up settling for Sports Talk Radio (uggh!)...which is really way off the spectrum of things that interest me...but the quick banter between the sports commentaters was helping my eyes stay open. Not to mention all the semi-trucks swerving into my lane...that's a major shot in the arm! Then about five coffee's later, at about 3:00 am...I could go on no longer. So Don took over till we got into Parsons then one more bathroom break...and I drove the final ten minute stretch to their house. I'll never forget the way my heart caught in my throught when I saw their house number 154...it seemed like I had waited so long for this....and now....I was finally here!

I know, I know...I'm getting to it!

2008-09-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

Well, everyone I talk to is really anxious to see a blog post about our trip to Tennessee last week, and believe me, I am anxious as well to get it posted...but...to those of you who blog, you know the time it takes to put up a post, and to be honest, I have not had the time yet. I have, however, been able to sort through some of the pictures and see what I want to post....and I have a ton of pictures to sort through. I've also been pondering what to say and how to put it up there. I'm hoping to get some done this evening, given that I am not too tired after cleaning at the church this afternoon. I'd also like to get some done tomorrow afternoon while the rest of "the fam" naps...and then hopefully I can complete the blogging monday and hit that "publish" button so you all can hear about the trip and see the gazillion pictures I have taken. So I'm sorry it has taken this long, but you know how it is when you get back from vacation...there is laundry, laundry, laundry...and trying to gat back into the groove of things...we got back late, late on monday night...tuesday I unpacked through this heavy fatigue ...wednesday cleaned at the church and then of course "church" in the evening...thursday I had an apointment in town...friday more laundry and cleaning...this morning a Pampered Chef party...and now I shall head over to the church to clean...AS you can see...blogging has not been an option! But I will have it done ASAP for you guys that i love so much,...so hang on...and until then, lots of LOVE to you! I hope God blesses each of you today! (These are some pics that do not half explain the breathtaking beauty of those Tennessee roads!) It's all God's country up there!

By the way...you won't believe it, but I went to that Pampered Chef party today and my husband started a blog...I know! It floored me too! Here is the address: http://kingjamesbiblestudy.blogspot.com/

Carson's Surgery

2008-09-03T06:47:00.000-07:00

As you all may remember, several months ago I told you that carson would be having surgery at Sacred Heart, (a procedure that is linked with his circumcision). Well, the surgery has come and gone so I figured I should post some pics from that day. They are just too cute!

My cute "before" picture

Getting ready for that unflattering hospital garb!

They're going to do WHAT to me?

Maybe if I bite this ear it will help...

Getting my temp. checked...

Me and my teddy gettin' all ready!

Look at the cute little blood pressure thingy!

I know! I look just pitiful...don't I?

My litte IV...can I get a little sympathy?

This is what drugs will do to you, kids!

Yeah....this is wierd!

You won't believe the things I've seen....pink elephants...and all that stuff........duuude!

Six Months Old!

2008-08-19T10:24:00.001-07:00

Two Foxes...

2008-08-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of two foxes that I took the other day. It's a little dark, but when they go under the street light you can see them pretty good...

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

VBS

2008-08-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of Calista from vacation Bible School at our church. I know it was a couple weeks ago but I forgot to post the pic...and it's a cute picture! She had fun that week. Every day she would say, "I'm gonna go to Vacation Bible School tonight". It kind of surprised me to hear her say "Vacation Bible School" but I guess it shouldn't surprise me cause she says all kinds of big words now. When she refers to that movie "Monsters Inc." she doesn't just say Monsters Inc...she says Monsters Incorperated! She cracks me up daily!

Our Special Daddy...

2008-08-11T15:21:00.000-07:00

My Little Models...Boy, was I blessed with some cute ones!

2008-08-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

Some I forgot...

2008-08-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

Here's a cute one from several weeks ago...

Here is the classic "mad face" Calista has going on these days!

She also uses this face for "Eeeww! Thats yuccky!"

Some Pics of the kids...

2008-08-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

Beautiful...

2008-08-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

The peace of God is not a peace born of knowledge of future days but born of faith that He will do as he has promised and supply our every need. We need not the entirety of our path illuminated, but rather each feeble step we take, that we may trust the Master more.

And we know that all things work together for good...

2008-08-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take a moment in blog world and introduce to you my newest friend Tanya...AKA Tinkerbell! She and her husband (Anthony) just got stationed here (they are military) and now she lives within 15 minutes of my house. A couple weeks ago her husband took a trip to Ohio....but she and I have been kept pretty busy doing stuff together several times a week, but she still misses her hubbie a lot. Anyway, I just wanted to say she's a really sweet girl and I wanted her to know it's been really nice spending time together. She has also been helping me keep my mind off of something...missing the Harrisons. I know that meeting her was orchastrated by the Lord...he sent her exactly when he knew I would need a friend who I could spend a lot of time with. So thank you, Lord! This pic above is me and her at the airport. She went to see her hubbie this weekend in Ohio and will be here on Sunday....Miss u grl! We'll do something fun when you get back!

Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting.- Elizabeth Bibesco

Singing Happy Birthday

2008-07-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Don's Birthday

2008-07-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

Today (July 15th) is my husband's birthday. He is 30 years old...Smile! But we celebrated it on saturday so the family could be together (it's hard to get us all in the same room). So as a surprise to him, his parents, his younger brother and the kids and I all took him to Olive Garden for lunch. He opened a few gifts from the kids and I, at the table before we ate. The meal was delicious and his his parents, who had never been there before, loved it. I brought a small cake to eat there, but we ended up being so stuffed from the meal that we couldn't even think about desert! That's ok though, because now I can lite the candles on it tonight in honor of his actual birthday.

Also, as an extra special something, his parents took the kids for the remainder of the afternoon so that Don and I could to spend some quality time together just doing a little fun shopping here and there. We went to four stores and a coffee shop called Maas. I had origonally planned for us to catch the sunset on the beach in the evening, but it was raining all day so those plans didn't happen. But when you have kids, it's just fun to be alone together...you don't even need to go somewhere "special". Even Walmart ends up being pretty fun when you're not holding a grocery list and a calculater! Of course the coffee shop was special. For one, we wouldn't have even fit in that place with two kids! Just kidding...but it was pretty small. And then there was this pretty little garden spot, with benches, a brick path, and a white archway behind the shopping strip where the Maas shop was. You will see it in the pictures. I never knew it was back there. I'll probably take calista there some day and get some old-timey pictures. It would be so perfect for that!

So anyway, thank you Mom and Dad for taking the kids for a little while. It was nice to have that time together and we had a lot of fun! It reminded me of when we were dating.

Well here are the pics of the day....in the montage below! All my love to everyone far away...you are missed and loved. Enjoy the pictures...

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

More pictures with the Harrison's

2008-07-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

Here is a montage I put together in honor of the Harrisons. Just click the green arrow play button to view it. Enjoy!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

mood: sad

2008-07-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

This week we have to say goodbye to some dear friends of ours, of three years, from our church: Bro. Malcolm and Mrs. Vikki.

Back in October of 2003 Bro. Malcolm surrendered to the call to preach. Then for three and a half years he attended Bible School through correspondence and was ordained by our Pastor in January of 2007. Since then he has visited four Baptist churches in America, and spoken to many more in search of the one the Lord would have him to pastor. Then about two weeks ago, he let us know that the Lord had led him to a church in Tennessee. So on saturday they will be loading up their final belongings and begining the eight hour drive to their new home. I have to tell you that these two weeks have not been easy for me at all. To put it lightly: I will miss them tremendously! Yes, that is putting it lightly! Both of them have become very special to our family, and Mrs. Vikki is like a second mother to me. I guess I can take comfort in the fact that TN is close enough for vacation and my husband and I love that area anyway: now I love it even more (smile)! So tonight (wednesday) will be the last time we see them at our church (until they visit). And then after church they will come over for coffee: something they have done dozens of times, but tonight is the last time. Well, needless to say, I am not looking forward to any final goodbyes. This is going to be so hard! I'm going to need prayer!

A friend is the one who knows all about you, and still likes you.

Just a poem I wrote for all you mommys

2008-06-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

A little encouragement to mommys of young children...

The Mommy Thought Bubble:

They wake up at 6:00 crying
there's a spill on the floor
by 10:00 in the morning

(you think) you can't take anymore

Every plead that they make

is made in a whine

you heat up your coffee

for the 20th time

There are dishes from breakfast

and some from last night

you step in the playroom

to break up a fight

There's a diaper to change

and laundry to do

there won't be a moment

in the day left for you

But you take a deep breath

turn and see one child smile

and then in that moment

it is all made worthwhile

So you pull out the vaccum

put in a CD

and know that there's nowhere

you could be more happy

There've been so many moments

and so many times

that bring peace and joy

and laughter to your life

There are crayon colored drawings

you can't buy at the store

and tiny little shoes

lined up by the door

There might be handprints

on the mirrors
and legos on the floor

but these children of yours

you couldn't love more!

So open a window

to let in some fresh air

and watch them play in the yard

with the sun in their hair

cause their shoes will get bigger

the Legos disapear

But these moments and memories

to your heart will be dear!

Mommy and Me Day

2008-06-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

After Carson was born I started something with my daughter: Mommy and Me Day! It's just a day out with mommy alone ...for one on one quality time (Granny watches Carson). I've only done this with Calista so far because Carson is still a little young to enjoy it (lol). I take her out shopping, buy her a few things, get a treat: like ice cream, and share some special fun together. This past thursday was our second Mommy and Me Day. The first one was back in March, but I never posted pics of it...so the second slideshow below is from our first Mommy and Me Day. She still remembers our first one and still talks about what we did...especially the ice cream part and the train ride!

Mommy and Me Day June 2008:

Mommy and Me Day back in March 2008:

P.S. Today is my Sissy's Birthday! Happy 21st Kayla!

Getting So Big!

2008-06-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

Well I pulled out his little 0-3 month tuxedo again to get a few more pictures before he gets any bigger...and they probably will be the last pictures, because he is growing out of it. Sob, sob! He's growing up so fast! He is three and a half months now. Anyway I could not believe just how cute this one turned out! What a little charmer!

So I think I should update everyone on Carson. He's holding his head up like a pro and can sit up for like two seconds. He's making all kinds of cute little cooing sounds and baby babbling. If you talk to him he will respond and he has been all smiles lately. He is grabbing and reaching for toys and stuff and he's got that hand-to-mouth thing down. Not to mention he has become very observant: checking out all the stuff around him.

Below here are two pictures taken back in April...on the same day as the picture of Calista and the ponies at our friends' house in the county.

Family Reunion

2008-05-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday the 24th (four days ago) we packed up for the day and trucked an hour away from where we live to attend a family reunion on my husband's side of the family. Granny and Pa (Don's parents who live within walking distance of us) went to the reunion as well. Don's family rented a cabin at a state park here, and we all gathered there for the day. It was a beautiful area right on the water. It was hot, but a pretty nice day. Calista enjoyed it for sure. I really wanted to share some of the pictures from that day...So here they are! (I may add a few more later from granny's camra)

I also forgot to mention that Don's older brother, wife and son Connor came down to visit last Wednesday and stayed till Monday. So they were here for the Reunion also. Here are some pics we took while they were here:
I posted a 3 month old pic of Connor in the blog entry: Additions to the Family back on September 5, 2007

Outside Work Day

2008-05-26T18:50:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday (the 17th) was our outside work day. We just decided to get some yard work done...picked up sticks, raked, and mowed the little grass we have...mostly just weeds! We did spread out some grass seed though.
Anyway here is an adorable pic of Calista blowing a Dandilion...and some others of her helping in the yard.

Special Birthday Evening

2008-05-19T07:22:00.000-07:00
Well, as some of you may know: friday was my 23rd birthday, and this sweet man of mine planned with his mom and dad to have them watch the children so he could take me out for the evening. And he really could not have picked a better place to take me: Olive Garden. I love that place! I just absolutely love Italy so eating there was like a little passport to one of my favorite countries. I really enjoyed myself, and the food could not have tasted better- it was so delicious, the service was impecable, and I can't explain how relaxing it was to just sit and have a nice meal with my hubby...no diaper bags, no spit up, no messes. Just grown up conversation with my favorite person in the whole world: my husband! So Thank you Sweetie! I really loved everything!

A slightly younger us...

2008-05-15T06:04:00.000-07:00

Since I'm on the subject: Just thought I would show everyone this picture that was taken of us right after I came down to Florida in January of 2005. So I was 19 in the picture and he was 26, and we were not yet married. It is a picture of a picture so the quality is kinda bad, but anyway here it is...I totally forgot about it when I was blogging about us the other day.

Three happy years!

2008-05-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

Today marks the end of the third year that I have been married to my best friend, and the first day of the rest of our life together! Since it is our anniversary today, I thought I would take a few minutes to praise my wonderful husband, and give everyone a little history. Some of you might not know this, but I've known Don since I was 9 years old and at the time he was 16. Yes we are seven years apart. Of course, at the age of nine I was not planning to marry him yet, but he has always been like an older brother to me. Growing up, I was the oldest of eight children (seen in the montage below), and he was always around: playing with us on our farm and spending time with my family. Almost every memory I have as a child, he is somewhere in it. Around thirteen I developed a little crush for him, of course it was one way: he was too old for me at that time in life. Then, at fourteen, my family moved to Delaware and I lived there for five years, missing him, and our time spent together, dearly. Then at nineteen, feeling very nostalgic for everything I had left in my childhood: my Pastor, church, and friends- I came back to Florida to visit. Seeing him (Don) again for the first time after five years...nothing had changed. I still felt the same way about him after all that time and distance. Well, one thing had changed....we were older, and this time the feelings were mutual. I didn't go back to Delaware, except to visit. Then on May 13, 2005 I married, literally, The Man of My Dreams! I'm really serious about that. He is honestly the only one I have ever wanted to marry, and if by some chance I had married someone else, I would have spent the rest of my life wondering: what if?
Now, three years later, I feel the same! I love him now more than ever, and I'm so proud of the man he is and the wonderful husband and father he has become! Love you, Sweetie!

This Montage below are some pictures of my seven siblings several years ago.
Kayla is 21 now! How time flies...miss you guys!

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!

2008-05-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

My Husband took us out to a Japanese Hibachi resteraunt for lunch this Mother's Day.
Here's Calista checking out another table before they did our table.

Trying to master the art of chopsticks. Cute!

"Never mind...I'm gonna starve! I'll just use my fingers."
YIKES! FIRE!

Yaaay! Good Show!

"Whew! I'm stuffed!"

Calista's fortune cookie said: You always bring others happines. Couldn't be more true!

Towel Head

2008-05-08T15:29:00.000-07:00
A couple days ago I put this towel on her head and took this picture. I told her let me take a picture of that....she was just so cute in it! Then today, after my shower, I put a towel on my head like I normally do. When she saw me she said, "Mommy, can I take a picture of that"

I also wanted to tell you that we were watching a movie the other night and a house caught on fire in the movie, and Calista said, "Look! There's fire! That's why we don't play with candles." Really, insightful there, dear!
On a different note, I wanted to say: you all may have noticed a little scar above her left eye that's been there for quite some time now. She got the injury on a coffee table about five months ago. Worried that it will never go away, I broke down and bought some Kids Mederma (a topical scar med). Well I've only been applying it for about a week now and it seems to me that it's fading. In fact I went to put it on her last night and for a second, couldn't find the scar! Normally it's the first thing I notice when I look at her. It's supposed to take like three months for old scars to smooth out and I can already see a difference. Whew! Maybe she won't have to live with such a prominate scar forever! Just pray y'all. I know it's not a really important thing, but it matters to me. I don't want my little baby scarred.

Some pictures of the children together:

2008-05-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some cute pictures of the children together...

Ponies

2008-05-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

Some of our friends have ponies. Here is Calista at their place, with the ponies. She was a little scared of them. She said they were going to eat her...funny! That's why she's sitting like that. But it turned out to be a really cute picture. My adorable little Cowgirl!

Seeing a Specialist

2008-05-08T05:37:00.000-07:00

Not to long ago we took a little trip to a town about 60 miles from where we live so our little baby Carson could see a specialist out there. Not to worry! Nothing really serious...just out of the realm of his pediatrition. He (the pediatrition) ran into a little complication when he was trying to circumcise him, and they said he needs a little reconstructive surgery before they can do the circ. So we had to take him for a checkup, and then in August he'll have the surgery at Sacred Heart. It sounds much worse than it is...but they are gonna have to put him completely under: which of course, I don't like; but what mother would? Above are two pictures from the occation. The first one is Calista getting us an elevater, and the second is Carson enjoying a sticker on the wall while he was laying on the examination table waiting to be seen by the doctor.

Anyway, on the way home we decided to stop at a Dairy Queen. Don stayed in the truck with Casron, while Calista and I went inside to see what we wanted. I told Calista that we could put her ice cream in her little purple tumbler cup for the ride home. Then the cutest thing happened: when we got up to the counter one of the ladies that worked there was cleaning a machine or something and said she'd be with us in a minute to take our order. Then Calista put her cup on the counter and said, "Miss ma'am, could you get us some ice cream, please? Could you put it in my cup, please?" It was so adorable and so polite! I was really proud of her.
I would like to conclude by telling y'all some cute things she says...without going into much explanation. Here are some of her little phrases:
I can't. I'm busy.
I made a messy, mommy. Could you clean it up? I'm being very careful.
I better watch my noggin.
I'm gonna break my neck!
Whoa, baby!
I'm upside down, like an acrabat.
This is an emergency! (from the SAVE-UMS cartoon)
Are you gonna save it to later? (instead of "save it for later")
It's too loud. (Then she turns down the radio or tv....)
I'm just like a duck. (as she waddles like a duck)
I'm just like a frog. (as she hops like a frog)
I'm just like an elephant. (with her arm in front of her like a trunk)
Hold on a second.
How did that happen?
That was excellent, Carson!
Plus she's been using the word "also" in her sentences and the other day she said, "possibly"

You have to watch this...

2008-05-08T05:21:00.000-07:00
Turn up your volume to hear the narraration...

My Man and Little Man

2008-04-16T15:20:00.000-07:00
I just wanted to take a moment to show you all this picture of my Man and my Little Man...because I just love it! What an adorable pose! And dont you just love the little Tuxedo that Don bought for Carson. Several hours before I was discharged from the hospital with Carson, Don went on a hunt looking for something like it. It took a little searching but he finally found this adorable little outfit...shoes and all in the 0 to 3 month size at Dillards. This picture here was taken the Sunday we had Carson dedicated to the LORD. We also had him wear it on Easter Sunday. Everybody just loved him in it!

I told you she can sing...

2008-04-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

More Milestones

2008-03-29T13:21:00.000-07:00
It has been a while since I've said anything about what calista is doing now. To be frank, I've just been putting it off because she doing and saying so many new things now it would take hours to think of everthing and post it all, and I don't have "hours". So I'll do my best to tell you how she's been, and what she's up to lately, and all that. One really major high note of the past two months is that or little baby girl is POTTY-TRAINED! Yaaaay! So we're sliding one child into diapers, and one out. We are still putting a pullup on her at night to avoid unnecessary accidents...although I have been letting her nap in panties and she always wakes up dry! One more major milestone down: hundreds more to go!
Speaking of milestones, now that she is potty trained she can go to Sunday School! She started going on March 2nd.
Her memorization skills have been shocking my socks off....I mean flip flops..LOL. In Sunday School she gets a bible verse to memorize every week and she has memorized every one! She still remembers the first one from five weeks ago, reference to the verse and all: Isaiah 41:10 "I am with thee" was the portion of the verse they asked the kids to memorize. Two weeks ago, though, they asked them memorize "...he careth for you..." from 1 Peter 5:7, but we wanted to teach her the whole thing...and she learned it....."Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you". Plus she has been singing whole songs and can even get the right tune down. I'm going to post a little clip of her singing "The wiggly little caterpiller" (an adorable little song she learned from her Granny). She also knows The B-I-B-L-E, Twinkle, twinkle little star, You are my sunshine, He's got the whole world in his hands, I have decided to follow Jesus, Deep and wide, Monkeys jumping on the bed, Monkeys teasing Mr. Alligator, Mr. Sun sun Mr. Golden Sun, and a TON more nursery/kiddie songs and sunday school songs...Plus she now knows her A, B, C's !
She is able to have an intelligent conversation with an adult and she's saying things like probably, I'm finished, angry, I remember, and I forgot. They sound so cute from a two year old!
Well I must go for now but I'll try to post some more videos a little later on.

GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philipians 4:8

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

My Little Valentine!

2008-03-20T11:35:00.000-07:00
I know Valentines Day is way-over, but with being busy I never got a chance to post it before...but I still want to Share! (:

Brand New Baby Boy!

2008-03-05T06:11:00.001-08:00
I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY THIS...

Hello family and friends! I know it it has been way to long, and you have been left hanging about our brand new baby. For those of you who don't know, little Carson was born on Valentines Day! Sorry about the incredible wait, but I have been working on a project for all of you to see, and I wanted it to be right before I published. I have been working on it since his birth....and we won't even mention all the doctor's visits, sickness, and the rigors of post-birth chaos. Things are on their way back to normal now, and I finally finished this Montage of our new little blessing.

Sending all our Love and prayers.....

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Old Fashioned Beauty

2008-02-05T10:51:00.001-08:00

End of the Journey

2008-01-28T07:23:00.000-08:00
Please click the link below that reads End of the Journey to view this photobook of calista and I celebrating the end of Carson's journey to birth. These pictures mark the end of the end of the eighth month. Hope you enjoy them!

End of the Journey

Here is the 3D Sonogram...

2008-01-16T05:39:00.000-08:00
Well, with a about month left to go, I'll soon be be packing up that cute bag I just bought, throwing it in the back of my trunk and awaiting the day when we can hold a brand new little precious boy. And "that day" is going to be way sooner than later. I am due the 25th of next month...so any thing could happen between now and then. So exciting! Isn't he cute, by the way? Amazing that one could even tell that from a sonogram...but those 3D Sonos are just awesome! So there he is: sleeping. As you can imagine I'm experiencing some real nesting now, and so has calista...LOL. Lately, a day rarely goes by without her making some comment about "Carson coming out!" Sometimes, with no warning, she will just approach my growing belly with a big hug and a pat...and then with a cute little sigh say, "I luv u so much , Carson!" I think she's getting the "big sister fever" (if there is such a thing) and I think there is. Smile. You should see her putting together little outfits for him and hear her say, "Carson wear this".

In October Calista started counting to ten, and the other day we heard her rattling off 8-10 consecutive letters of the alphabet. She's not saying the whole 26 letter bunch yet, but that's not far off.

The last time I wrote about any of her developements she was only saying 2 or 3 word sentences. Not only is she now speaking in full understandable sentences, but she is holding full conversations and relaying back information from days or weeks ago. For instance, she came home from Granny's one day with a boo boo on her knee and told me, "I fall down at granny's house, outside, playing bubbles. it hurts...kiss it, mommy." And for two weeks everytime she would see that little scrape on her knee it would remind her, and she would tell me the whole story again. Including the part: "it hurts...kiss it, mommy." which she would say with a "fake sad face". You know the one with the little smirk included...till I would kiss it...again, and then a huge smile would spread acrossed her face, like, "I got mommy to kiss it again. giggle!" She's been displaying some real drama queen tendancies lately.

On that subject, I love to hear her playing...she has some imagination! Sometimes I'll walk by her room and hear her talking to her baby doll in a"fake crying voice" saying , "Don't cry, Emma. Don't worry. It's ok. Lay down right here." Or she will be telling her animals, "Sit down, animals. Don't talk in church. Be quiet." Sometimes she will pause for a long momment, look at them again, and again command them, "Be quiet!" like she heard them talking. Funny.

The other day she was playing with my metal eyelash curler and I saw her sliding it acrossed the floor saying, "zoom, zoom! a going to da hospital on a bicycle. zoom, zoom!"

Sometimes she will pick up a phone or calculater and hold imaginary phone conversations with daddy or an alligator...lol!

She really cracks me up when she is really talking on the phone to Granny (or someone), and she holds one of her toys up close to the phone and says, "look Granny." She thinks you can see through the phone as well as hear through it.

Anyway, I guess I will conclude with this: We have revival this week so we were in church last night, and when we started the invitation hymn Calista walked to the alter, knelt down in the praying position for a second or two, and then got up and came back to our pew. We sit on the front row, so it wasn't a far walk. It was so adorable!

Greetings...

2007-12-14T07:23:00.001-08:00

MERRY CHRISMAS Everyone!

Hello Again!

2007-12-03T05:00:00.000-08:00
Well it has been a very long time since I posted, and I'm sure you all are wondering "what happened?" Two things: First our camra's motor decided to just quit on us....and it's about as much to fix as it would be just to buy a new camra....and our computer was displaying some problems as well, so I have only been on to check my mail...and I've been doing that at my in-laws house. In fact, the pics I will post today are ones I took with their camra. Anyway, so sorry about the incredible wait....I hated it too. Well, Calista is just growing by leaps and bounds. And she has a birthday this month as well....on the 30th! Our baby will be two, can you believe it? Here are some adorable beach pics for you all to enjoy!

Poem

2007-09-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

My Blessing...
A blessing fell from heaven
and rested in my womb
Then God reached down his finger
and caused this flower to bloom.
In growing and in forming
He moved his hand there still,
shaping His creation
according to His will.
To me it isn't evident,
No, I'm not yet aware,
but somewhere deep inside me
my firstborn child is there.
I'm not conscious of this miracle,
but very soon I'll be.
I'll know that God has blessed my life,
To lend this life to me.

Written by: Alina C. R.

The poem above is one I wrote for a lady in our church for her baby shower memory book...but it's written out of experience seeing that I am pregnant with my second child.
Also above is a Victorian era painting by Bessie Pease Gutmann called "My Darling". I absolutely love the beautiful collection of artwork she produced.
Victorian art itself has a georgeous feel to it anyway. I will be finding more beautiful illustrations and photos to post and share with you.

Here is a Victorian era recipe for you to try...

SHORTBREAD TARTS
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch

In the bowl of your mixer cream the butter and sugar together. Add the flour and cornstarch and mix until incorporated. Refrigerate dough for about one hour. Divide dough into 24 pieces (20 grams) and using tiny muffin tins (approximately 1 l/2 " diameter) that have been very lightly sprayed with Pam, pat dough into tins using your fingers to form shells. Prick the bottoms with a fork and chill in freezer for 10 minutes.

Bake for approximately 18 minutes at 325 degrees or until light brown in color. During baking time, prick bottoms again if the shells puff up. Cool tarts in pan on racks. When cool remove tarts from pan by using a sharp knife. These are quite fragile so be careful when removing. (These may be made in large quantities and frozen.)

CREAM CHEESE FILLING
1 8-oz. package cream cheese - softened
1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
In food processor or electric mixer beat cream cheese until fluffly. Add milk, then lemon juice and vanilla. Process until smooth. Fill tart shells with cream cheese filling and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend. Just before serving top with fresh cut up strawberries, kiwis, etc. Makes 24 mini tarts. The tart shells can be made ahead and frozen.

The cream filling can be refrigerated for 4-5 days.
http://www.bessiepease.com/feature.html

New Devopements

2007-09-26T08:36:00.000-07:00
Here I am at five months pregnant with my second baby. I am really looking forward to all of this. Having one child is wonderful, but adding a sibling to the equation gives more meaning to the word "family", don't you think? I can't wait to see the two of them play together....and then there's the inevitable "sibling rivalry". But I suppose the fact that I am the oldest of eight children, would never allow me to have only one child! No. Now, I may not have eight children...but I think I'd like at least five.

And I think Calista is also looking forward to the arrival of her sister or brother. She is always rubbing my belly and kissing it saying, "baby" and "belly". When I ask her about wanting the baby to come out, she gets really excited. Plus whenever she's around a new little baby...all she wants to do is hug and kiss and hold the baby. And I haven't seen any jealousy spring up yet, when I hold another baby....Good, I'm glad!

As for Calista's development: she's no baby anymore....(a little sad, but mostly exciting). She used to do this babbling thing where she'd let out a whole string of non-existing words. I'm sure she knew what she was saying..LOL. Anyway, I noticed that she hasn't done that in a long time....everything that comes out of her mouth is an actual word, and she knows a lot of them! She can repeat just about any word you ask her to, including two, and some three syllable words! She remembers things from a while ago and can put several thoughts together. She's doing those wooden puzzles with no problem, she unscrews and screws lids, puts her sandals on by herself. She says 1, 2, 3 and a, b, c consecutively by herself. She remembers some words and actions to songs...and knows or can copy sign some language (whatever she has learned from her Baby Einstein Signing video). That's all I can remember at this present time, so I guess I'll conclude here. God Bless y'all!
P.S. we will know the baby's gender on October 9th...I'll keep you posted.
Picture Above: Calista at Johny Rockets
with mommy....

Additions to the Family

2007-09-05T10:52:00.000-07:00
Here is the sonogram of our new little one! We don't know the gender yet but we will very soon....so check back in.
Well, all is good here....We have a revival at our church this week so we've been a little more busy. Calista has been growing by leaps and bounds...and not just physically...She's forming small sentences all on her own..letting us know exactly what she wants or sees. I am having less and less problems knowing what she's thinking because of how verbal she is. Her hair is really starting to grow too...which makes me very happy. I can't wait to see long blonde locks on my little girl. All you mommys understand!
We have other news....Calista was blessed with a new cousin. Her Daddy's brother and his wife had a little boy: Connor William. Here is a picture of the little cutie: I believe he's nearing 3 months now.

Well, before I go I would like to show y'all a couple of my favorite pics of me and my princess.

Organize or Die!

2007-08-07T05:52:00.000-07:00
Well I'm back...I know it's been a few days since I checked in, a week actually! Yesterday they started a Vacation Bible School at my Church that will last till Friday. Then comes the weekend (which takes a toll). Yesterday I tried to take back controll of my house...Explaination? Well I have a long list comprised of: of scrubbing bathrooms, mopping floors, vaccuming, laundry, dishes, cleaning the stove, organizing.....you know the routine~~And I am trying to cross them all off before I have to start all over again if you know what I mean! There is something about me you should know: I am a Neat Freak! The lack of orginazation and order, mostly in my own home, just about depresses me. Whereas a freshly cleaned house is like a shot in the arm. So when I get behind and things start piling up on me I have to do something....and QUICK! LOL!! So all of yesterday was spent on trying to bite a huge chunk out of my list of duties. Plus I clean our church, which is a good 9-10 hours out of the week....Thank God for Grandma....She practically begs me to watch Calista. Which She doesn't have to, of coarse, But I love that she's willing, cause it's really helped me out a lot. And while some days, I am almost brought to tears by the sight of my daughter leaving me...I know how must faster I can work without her there. It's funny, you know, it doesn't matter how tough a day I've had with my blooming toddler, I'm still a little sad to see her go, even though I might need the break.
So I just wanted to say it may be a little bit before I write or it could be tomorrow- Never know....just check in on us.

Love and prayers to all our family and friends.....and an "I miss you!" to all our long-distance loved ones!
"Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bear thee shall rejoice." Proverbs 23:25 KJV Bible

Hello Family!

2007-07-31T09:20:00.000-07:00
I recently sent out an email introducing the Blog to some of you. Hi everyone: happy BLOG browsing!
I wanted to tell you all to feel free to leave comments on the Blog. To leave a comment click the "comment" link that apears at the end of each of my entries next to the little pencil. Type your comment in the text box and then click "PUBLISH YOUR COMMENT". Thank you all for stopping by!

Love and prayers for you all!

Cutie Pie

2007-07-31T08:20:00.001-07:00

New Stuff...

2007-07-30T06:36:00.000-07:00
This morning Calista was watching a commercial for BOZ (a christian cartoon) and at the end of the commercial BOZ laughed and Calista said,"Funny!" It was cute!

http://www.bozthebear.com/home.asp

Little Pride and Joy

2007-07-25T14:16:00.000-07:00
So, yes here is my little pride and joy...number one in the nest...eventually to be accompanied by number two...in February. I am excited...and very curious at this point to know the gender...I will be happy either way...but my hope lies with a boy. Not that I don't want another girl...we just have limited room at this time, and I would like the experience of mothering a boy before I have to let my uterus rest for a while. LOL!

Right now my girl, Calista, is nearing 19 months. For those of you without children: that is one year and 7 months....the reason I say this is because, for some reason, in my experience, telling some inquiring non-parent your child's age in x number of months leads them to automatically think "little crawling baby". The other day in the grocery store a sweet old lady asked how old Calista was..."18 and a half months", I responded. Her jaw dropped and she proclaimed...."Oh my, she is walking so good for her age!" I didn't have the heart to tell her that she has been walking for over 6 months now! She may have passed out...giggle!

So anyway, when our second comes Calista will be 2 yrs. and 2months. Great spacing I believe. Calista seems to understand about the baby...One lady in our church asked if she was going to be a Big Sister, and Calista pointed to my belly....I thought that was extraordinary, but I am partial!
She does surprise me everyday, though. Her ever-expanding vocabulary is begining to morph into tiny sentences like..."I see dat", "I like dat", I got it", "car outside", and "I sorry". I am always excited to see what will come next!