I think I'll share

some photos of the ever growing Will David with you all! Isn't he something? I know I'm biased, but still...you can't deny his cuteness!







After all I've been scrapping lately, I am thinking I reached a point of no mojo! Makes me mad! LOL! Maybe a few days of no inspiration will lead, once again, to a time of super uber inspiration. I'm hoping anyways...

Today my husband was off, and the boys and I all went to the Olive Garden, with a gift card, for lunch. Yummy. And, I picked up one of my favorite scrapbooking adhesives, Zots...glue dots. I LOVE those! We are having a nice evening at home. The kids went with daddy to get a few movies. We got a James Bond one, with Sean Connery.

This is the weekend Rich works. I never like those weekends.

I have to run, but I will leave you with something Buddy has been saying lately...

"I'm an expert that keeps doggies away from dinosaurs and monsters."

So,there you have it. If you have doggies, and also some dinosaurs and/or monsters...Philip's your man! ;)

I'm weary

I am quite fatigued today. Oh, and sore. It has been a tough fibromyalgia day for me. For starters, we had a catastrophe of sorts right before I had to take Ella to school. Enough of a catastrophe that I could not fix it, and my husband had to come home from work to fix it! Eeeekk!!!

In the late morning, I took the boys with me to do some grocery shopping. First up, WalMart. There, we had to switch carts a couple times, and then the final time, well, I should've switched AGAIN for goodness sakes! It veered constantly to the right, so I had Philip sit in it on the opposite corner to try to compensate for it, but that only worked a little bit. So, I think it was the cart pushing that has really added to my aches and pains tonight. It was one tough cookie to push. Plus, add the baby carrier in it....

But, I did get a book in the mail to read that is SO so so so good. About a father and his teenage daughter who climbed several mountains. It brings back a memory I have of hiking part of Chimney Rock Park with my dad. I can't wait to share the book...it will be a giveaway again.

A little more about Chimney Rock Park...It is in North Carolina, and was the setting for some scenes in Last of the Mohicans. Which, by the way, is at the top of my favorite movie list! Oh, that hike was brilliantly beautiful. I had my handy SLR with me and still enjoy my pictures from that trip. I should have other photographs in my posession to document that trip but, well, I just don't. During part of our hike, and during the most breathtaking parts mind you, I somehow did not load my film correctly, and didn't realize it until towards the end. Oh, my...I just sat down on this big rocky place and bawled. I remember feeling so so so despaired. It was just awful. My dad said let's go back some, and so we did. And I was able to re-photograph some of my shots. He was my hero..and still is. I couldn't even begin to tell you how many times my dad has come along side of me and helped or guided me...or even just gave me support. I am proud to say, even when I had to drive to the university on an awful wintry day, he took me and brought me back home. Now, that is a devotion to a child that I want to reflect upon my own children.

On to something of the week that was a bit of a downer....

I was to have several photographs published in the magazine called Life Images come April. I have had several photographs in a couple different issues already. It's a thrilling thing, to be published. Well, I received an email this week stating that there will not be an issue until January 2010, and there is no guarantee that any of my photographs will make it in. I am glad they will be having another issue, still...as I keep hearing of many magazines folding. One of my favorites is no longer...Home Companion. Also, Simple Scrapbooks, Cottage Living, Country Homes...oh...believe me there are more. It is so sad. I am adding the magazine industry to my prayer requests. I am, really. No joke. There are many jobs, livelihoods for people at stake, and I am amazed at how the economy goes around to affect different things. Amazed. Decreased house sales, then decreased buying and furnishing, then decreased advertising....how can a magazine stay afloat? When I go to a bookstore, the one thing I love LOVE to do is grab my favorite magazines and some tea and sit down to read. Oh, and buy one too of course! LOL! Looks like that won't be happening anymore.....

Here are a few photographs (OLD ONES) that I found on a CD recently, as I am trying to locate some photographs I have never printed out!!! These are three years old, probably a little more, and when I was just LEARNING my DSLR. So....these are ummm...not what I take today LOL!

I Love Faces entry post

I am entering this photo here:

can't wait to see everyone's faces!

Let's have a little tribute today...and some life lessons.

Are you ready? I am! I have been thinking a lot about my grandfather, who passed away this year. He was a special man. Hard working, intelligent, faithful, humorous, and towards the later years...he had become something through the wonderful grace of God- gentle. I don't ever remember him being a complete "rough" sort, but after he went into cardiac arrest (I was in high school at that time), and came back, he was even more so a changed man. At that time, there were several nurses who began to care deeply for my grandpa, as a friend. He then had the opportunity to talk about his salvation, and he would always have a smile for them, or visit them, talk to them, when he would have to return to the hospital for one reason or another. One of the nurses that played a vital role in sustaining his life lived just a couple houses down where we (my parents and I) lived. She and her husband had a couple of young sons. A wonderful family. A few years ago, and I can't believe it's been that long, her and her husband came home one night, and as she got out of the car, she fell. She had bumped her head, but went to bed, and only after that it was discovered there was a problem. Later that night she was taken to the hospital, where she passed away. It was a hard, hard time for that family. I remember my grandfather had prayed with her some time before this incident, and his tears fell freely. My husband worked with this woman, as she was a nurse, and his job as a dietitian directed him to the department, and felt the pain as well. She was just ONE of the many, many, many my grandpa befriended. It was hard for my grandpa to see this young, vibrant woman depart from this world. After that, I think he was even more intent on befriending others....making sure that really, about everyone he met, heard the gospel. It was important to him, and I am thankful that he held on to that legacy.

I have a personal belonging of his that portrays a bit more of his legacy...it's a journal. A journal I had actually given to him, way back in 1998. I have read through it, and each entry generally begins and ends the same. A verse to start with. Daily events....what Grandma had prepared for him to eat...the latter was a very important thing for him. I guess you would call it "old school." I remember when we would chat on the phone, he would always ask me what I had for dinner...and go on to state what he had. Tonight, I was thinking upon this fact, knowing that in my mind, it was quite funny of a thing to be so into the food of the day, my grandpa, but trying to figure out WHY it was such a big thing for him. I think I got it....

He stated what he ate because he KNEW that it was his wife that prepared it for him. Talking with great affection about his meals showed that he CARED DEEPLY for my grandma, and did NOT take her for granted. He was thankful. Very thankful.

I have learned so much from my grandfather in the 28 years I had with him. I am finding that even now, after his passing, I am learning even more.

I want to leave you with an entry from his journal. I don't think he'd mind at all, or "a'tall" as he would sometimes say hehe...

February 19, 1999

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock."

Up at 6:30 am. Got fire going in "Hersehoogel" (Amy typing in here...whatever that means! LOL). Fixed grapefruit and coffee, Helen fixed good hot oatmeal and raisin and bagel and jelly. Betty called, wanted to meet for coffee in town, so Helen and I went in for coffee.

Amy called and suggested we have lunch at Pizza Hut- so good to be with Grandaughter.

I had coffee at Burger King (Amy typing here- one of his hangouts...), while Helen done some grocery shopping and also Pamida to look around.

Came back home, took antibiotic for cough, real strong stuff....Tried taking a short nap-not successful. "E"mail from Amy- Helen "E"mailed a note to Dave. Good nite- Oh yes, called Clarkie (Amy typing here- his best buddy who has also passed away quite some time ago now). good to talk to him.

26 degrees.
WGS (Amy typing here....William George Snyder)

Another entry, for the 20th of February, ends with this...

Helen brought one back (coffee) for me. She also brought in several loads of firewood, bless her heart. She certainly has been exceptionaly good and patient with me since surgery.

Helen baked banana nut bread and gingerbread today, also she made "wedding soup"...mmm good! Done a few crosswrod puzzles and read some in my library book.

Grandpa has definitely passed on his love of reading to me, as well as an intrigue with crossword puzzles..oh, and scrabble. Neither he nor I like(d) to lose at that game. :)

My husband just asked me what was I writing..a tribute? HAHA...I suppose that means I should quit now!

The Invisible Woman

I recently came upon a blog that had posted this video. I vaguely recall hearing this or reading something like this some time ago. I think God had his hand in bringing this analogy to my attention today. This season of life I am in right now- two small children with a new baby- creates a rewarding but difficult life bubble. I personally DO feel invisible- not to my husband or parents....but to even close friends, yes. To people I know through boards, forums, yes. Sometimes the invisible feeling becomes a left out feeling.

This year I've felt invisible in church. Granted we have been struggling finding the right spot for us, and being a new person is hard. Thankfully, God has brought us to another place of of worship for us that seems to be the place for us to attend now. I don't feel as invisible anymore as far as that goes. And I know WHY we feel Invisible most of the time...it is an important piece in knowing who God is. As a broken person, we heal best. And the Healer is one who counts.

I SHOULD forget about these insecure feelings and focus on the secure. But, that is tough. Very hard sometimes. Sometimes, I've had to just cry about it. I long for an ultimate visibility with friendships...but that has NEVER seemed to have happened in my life. Coming to terms with that is hard....finding contentment in where I am with relationships is hard. It has made me focus on my children's emotional and social well being, though. And I am sure that is more of a positive thing to occur than my own desires at this time. I never feel invisible as a wife...God has blessed me with a caring and dear husband.

I have those occassional moments of being an invisible mom...you know how it goes...the kids are in their own world sometimes....and you enter in to be either the strict rule enforcer in times of discipline and then maybe in more occassional times, the pleasant playmate. It is all good. Knowing that God has created me to be a mom, wife, and daughter of the King is such a gift. I am glad to share this short video with you. May it reinforce your positive thoughts about your own life, wherever you may be in your journey. God Bless.

Look who lost her first tooth! She had a hard time with it, though. Wednesday after school she was eating an apple and poof! It came out! She's getting used to the feeling of it gone I think, finally!

Here are a few pages I've been working on. Have a wonderful weekend!

don't forget--

to post here or comment in the book giveaway post from Tuesday!!

Lazy Foggy Day

Well, actually, it's a tired rainy day, but I feel lazy and in one of those fibro-fogs. The latter is NOT fun. I am unable to accomplish ANYTHING today and it is frustrating. I

should put some folded clothes away, sweep the floor in the kitchen, put some dishes away, find a couple recipes, exercise...sigh. I feel like doing NOTHING. I suppose I should just embrace the day as it is, and try to not count it as a failure.

Above are a few pages I did recently. I love the photograph of Rich and I...a favorite of mine!

Tonight is AWANA and choir practice- I need to pray I have the energy to pursue these! Also, I need to get things at the store by tomorrow, so we can have Ella's scones made for the Thinking Day program tomorrow night, for Girl Scouts. Aiyiyi....my head is spinning. Rich and I have to come up with a song for Sunday night, too!

Oh, please don't forget to leave a comment on the post below if you want to enter the giveaway!

Good afternoon with a novel giveaway!

It has been a fairly busy day already.....post office, phone calls, and picking up our tax paperwork. I am READY for spring, and this sunshine is really making it hard not to think of it! I am working on putting scrapbook pages in albums...did you know, haha, that I had completed 50 some scrapbook pages from just this past December until the beginning of February- FIFTY! I don't think I usually have that many done in a single year! I think it must have been that my mojo came back after having Will David. Anyways, with that project, it has caused me to realize I need more albums already! I have been doing great at demolishing the Studio Calico kits I have, too. I created 6 pages yesterday...mostly of all new photographs. Days like these make me want to pull my camera out again, so I probably should, I guess!


Last night Ella had Girl Scouts, and she came home telling me she needs scones to take for Thinking Day on Thursday. I can't at the moment remember what that is all about. LOL! I only made scones once before...they were walnut and pepper ones. I used a Victoria magazine recipe, I think. No, wait....it was a tea book from Victoria magazine. Speaking of which, I really miss my subscription to it...

Sunday we attended First Friends again. I really enjoy the services there. It is SO SUPER CLOSE to our house. When it's a bit warmer out, could actually WALK there! I took the kids to AWANA on Wednesday, and they had fun. I joined choir already, since the practice is during the AWANA program, too. The Easter Cantata is really amazing...can't wait!


Rich and I are playing for our old church, in New Springfield, on Sunday night. It's their music night, and we were asked to play something. Not sure what yet! LOL! We really should get that figured out! I am really excited to be seeing those people that we really miss. It should be a good, good evening.

Anyone else still eating too much chocolate after Valentine's Day? I am! I need to stop...and really try to get rid of this post baby weight. Grrrrr...... I did walk on the treadmill yesterday, and if you know who would take a nap already I'd do it again before picking Ella up at school. I LOVE using the exercise ball for stomach crunches. Will have to get back into that again. I think getting my thyroid checked will help with this goal, too. I HOPE, at least!

My mom gave her grandchildren just delightful goodies for Valentine's Day...including the 101 Dalmations movie to Ella. That is the theme of Ella's upcoming 6th birthday party in 2 and a half months, hehe! Philip was given some Cars cars he does not have. He is TOTALLY into cars these days!

Sunday Rich and I went on a date, and it was a short date, but a good one. We went in the opposite direction that we usually would go, to eat. It was a lot quicker and not as busy..which was a nice break from the usual concentrated traffic. It is SO special these days to get times apart like that....far and few between!


Well, here is the giveaway I have for you all. Leave a comment either way- if you want to be in the giveaway or not. If you DO want to be entered, comment about that. HA! I really enjoyed this book- I am all about historical fiction. It says in this review it is fast paced, but it is not exhausting-fast-paced. I will draw a name Friday night. If you don't win, but would like a copy, you can purchase this book here!

Outlaw Martial
by Al and JoAnna Lacy

A good deed grants outlaw Whipley Langford early release from prison and a friendship with Chief U.S. Marshal John Brockman. Another good deed gets Whip framed for murder and looking at life through a hangman’s noose. John arrives just in time to reveal the true murderers and lead Whip to Christ.

A new man and a fast draw, Whip becomes Brockman’s deputy. Life is still fast and dangerous, and there’s a pretty lady Whip would like to get to know better too. Before he admits his love, Whip is shot in a bank robbery. Survival looks slim until he awakens to hear his lady confess her love. Weeks later, they are married.

Readers who are familiar with the Journeys of the Stranger and Angel of Mercy series reunite with well-loved characters John and Breanna Brockman. Western history buffs will enjoy a wholesome, fast-paced story where the Gospel is presented clearly.

About The Authors:
Al Lacy is an evangelist and author of more than one hundred historical and western novels, including the Journeys of the Stranger, Angel of Mercy, and Mail Order Bride series, with more than three million books in print. JoAnna Lacy, Al’s wife and longtime collaborator, is a retired nurse. The Lacys have been married over forty years and live in the Colorado Rockies.

special moment....

here is a photo that i sure hope my sister in law doesn't mind me sharing...it super sweet. abigail, reading the kitty story, sitting on her mommy's lap.

and here is a photo of Buddy "reading" another book. teehee!

And the winners are....

I had Ella pick names out of Buddy's Cars lunchbox...hehe....Drumroll please...

First up, and this was NOT rigged mind you, my DAD! He gets first dibs, and I know he wanted the devotional...

Next, Kristii! And then Lindsay! Okay, girls! I will see which one you'd each prefer....I Do Again or For Couples Only. Thank you for participating! I have lots of fun doing this.

Tomorrow is yet another day for my children to eat more sugar. We are going to my grandma's house for cookies and meeting the rest of the family there.

Yesterday was Ella's preschool party.....she brought home lots of treats. She was so nice to her little brother. Philip was the recipient of some candy and the "boy" cards from Ella's class. Today, we were invited to my friend, Beth's, house for a special Valentine's Day Party. What a sweet time. I am addicted to Beth's cupcakes. That icing....mmhhmmm.

I wish I could write more, but a little baby just woke up. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Book Reviews And Giveaway!

Here are a few books that I have recently read. I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed them, and am able to share a copy of each with three of my blog readers. Please leave a comment, and I will draw names Friday evening. Enjoy!

Book: Love as a Way of Life Devotional
Author: Dr. Gary Chapman

You can purchase here

In his book Love As a Way of Life, best-selling author Gary Chapman shows readers how to cultivate a new lifestyle built around the seven characteristics of authentic love. Now in a companion devotional, he provides ninety inspirational readings to help Christians consistently live out the characteristics of love in every relationship.
Each devotional entry showcases biblical truths that guide a life of love, offering fresh insight and practical guidance in how to make love a lasting habit. Over the course of three months, readers will learn to follow God’s lead as they practice the characteristics of a loving person: kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty.
The Love As a Way of Life Devotional makes an ideal gift for the holidays or for any special occasion. Couples, parents, new graduates, and anyone celebrating a milestone in life will welcome this inspiring daily guide to richer, more satisfying relationships.

Book: I Do Again
Author: Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs

You can purchase here

With their professional success and adorable twin daughters, Jeff and Cheryl Scruggs looked like the perfect couple. But their polished facade concealed a widening chasm between two people unable to connect on an intimate, soul-deep level.

After years of frustration, Cheryl’s desire for emotional fulfillment led to an affair and, finally, divorce. Yet, incredibly, seven years later, Jeff and Cheryl once again stood at the altar, promising to “love, honor, and cherish” one another. A new and vibrant love had risen out of the ashes of this family’s pain.

I Do Again details the fascinating real-life story of a couple whose relationship seemed shattered beyond all hope until a spiritual awakening led them to reconsider their definitions of “happily ever after.” A riveting account of the power of prayer and redemption, this remarkable book offers renewed hope for even the most troubled marriages—and reveals why the rewards of restoration are well worth the wait.

Book: For Couples Only Set
Author: Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn

You can purchase here

Since their debut, these revolutionary guides have sold well over a million copies, been translated into fifteen languages, and sparked much fascinating water-cooler conversation around the country. Now together in the For Couples Only boxed set, these books provide the perfect resource to help you understand what you never knew about the woman or man in your life.
Each volume is based on input from more than a thousand members of the opposite sex—including an unprecedented nationwide survey and hundreds of personal interviews. This innovative approach yields candid and surprising answers about everything you don’t “get” about your significant other—even what that person deeply wishes you knew. It also produces simple but groundbreaking awareness of how you can best love and support the one who is most important to you. [Part of me wanted to make this paragraph past tense—yielded and produced—because of the first paragraph, but that took away some of the immediacy of what the books offer. I’ll leave that up to you.]
So whether you are newly dating or have been married fifty years, get ready to know each other in a whole new way. The adventure is just beginning!

only two more days!

there are only two more days until i have a few books to giveaway! don't forget to come back! okay, enough of the PSA!

i was tagged recently, well, fairly recently, LOL, by my friend, Diana. here is my 6th photograph of my 6th folder on my desktop. i have to admit, i converted it to black and white, though. i hope it still counts!

now, i tag beth, elizabeth, kimmy, tammy, and tiffany. give us your 6th photograph in your 6th folder! :)

guess what i did today everybody? i actually played the piano for a good half hour. all music for ME, by the way, not for any little people in the house. sometimes, the songs i have to play include i'm a little teapot or jesus love me...things like that. i love to play those songs, but i missed my Mozart!

one thing that many don't know about me is that i really like to play blues on the piano. or ragtime. really i do! i especially like Gershwin. so, i had some good stuff like that going on today in between preludes and sonatas! LOL!

i also put on classical music, because my dad mentioned listening to it the other day. i really don't put music on much during the day anymore. i have no idea why. wait, i do know why, but it may not be much of an excuse for other people to understand. since having kids, i don't do a lot of normal things i used to do, such as actually listening to music! or taking the time to write, for heaven's sakes. for a journalism minor, i do a lousy job of it, i think. that really discourages me. someday i hope to be able to do what i used to do.

i have to close, now, but i'll leave you with this. here is a pic of buddy and his two puppies. one is named firetruck. the other black ivy. yeah...don't ask me! i didn't name them! cute aren't they?!

an end to Thursday

I am honestly glad for the evening to be at a close. I am physically and mentally exhausted. Hope to be renewed by the morning....

Will David has an ear infection, actually. Didn't expect, but it explains how fussy he was. I am sure we'll see a change for the best here within another day or so, as the doc gave him some medicine.

I am sitting here listening to my sweetie on his banjo and trying to get a baby asleep. He's been sleeping all night long these days, even with this stuff he is dealing with. Approximately 11 pm until 7 am. How about that?

Philip fell asleep kinda early tonight, at 7. VERY strange for him to do that. I think Grandma wore him out today! ;) It's been difficult for him not to kiss the baby. I've been making him stay away, with hs cough and all. Sometimes, why do I bother with that though? I mean, with kids, they'll be kids, and the germs are always shared with the family! LOL!

I have to say, it's so nice to hear so many neat things happening to my scrapbooking friends. Some land DT spots, others at a magazine, and so on. There is AMAZING talent out there....

(oh, I heard that a new "ahem" Harry Conick, Jr. movie really makes fun of scrapbookers so I DO NOT like that! LOL!)

This weekend Rich is going to take part in some music thing in the evening. I hope we can go see him play, not sure, but hopefully!

Thursday came

I am so glad Thursday is here! That means one more day of the "week"! That makes me very, very happy! I am anxious for the weekend, when Rich is off. I really don't care for the weekends that he works....

I am taking Will David to the doctor's soon. He has this cough that is getting worse. He coughs, and chokes, and cries, and spits up. He is sooooooooooooooooo congested, too. We set the vaporizer up last night and it did seem to help some, so he could breathe better. But that cough...I really do think he must have a sore throat as well. He just got what the other two are dealing with, of course!

I have not much to say today. I don't have time to be sitting here either! Both kids are "needy" right now.

Philip will be watched by my Grandma, my dear sweet Grandma!, while I take the baby to the doctors. That will help IMMENSELY! I am so thankful she is well enough to do that. She is strong, my Grandma! I am looking forward to seeing her too!

Come on, Sunshine!

i am loving this sun! now, only if it would stop snowing! this snow is deterring me from many, many things.



we still have a fairly sick child..Philip.



he had a fever through the night, and is still coughing and has a runny nose. ella has a cough, too, but she's fair. the baby's cough was bad this morning. he spit up A LOT! right after he had his breakfast. he would cough cough, then cry....cough cough, then cry. now, he's okay as far as that goes. he has some congestion, too, so that contributed to the problem. i am almost certain we shall be visiting the doctor soon.



tomorrow, rich is off work, since he worked the weekend. i have a doctor's appointment with a NEW doctor..it's for my thyroid, and i hope to see how i am doing as far as my adrenal exhaustion issues. my previous doctor had said we'd get back on track after i had the baby, so i hope that i can get back on track with that stuff. rich's mom's birthday is tomorrow, too, and he wants to do something special. any ideas, folks? :0

i have been scrapbooking here and there lately! yeah! trying to use some older stuff so i can use my newer supplies without the guilt! hehe!

last night, i met with my friend, Katie, at Panera's for two hours. it was sooo nice to get out. i took Will David, though, as he would "need" me later. he did great- just fussy at the very end. i was starting to feel as if i were blending in to the house...disappearing..haha...it was nice to get refreshed with soup, part of a lemon poppyseed bundt cake (i didn't eat it all, as it was a bit hardened on the outside- ick), and hot cocoa with whipped cream and syrup dabbled on top of it..yummmmmmmmyyyyyy!

Some great friends of ours have very blessed news---they are now parents to a beautiful little girl named Jameka! they have been her foster parents for some time now...i do believe she is a year and a half now. or maybe two. anyways, their names are Amy and Matt. they have two other foster children. Please pray for the adoption for these two boys...they've had one since he was 7 months old...and he is nearing 4 years now. i love these people to pieces. they are so wonderful. some heartache, since they had been unable to get pregnant, but God has truly blessed them always....and what a day today is for them! Jameka is officially in their family! PRAISE GOD PRAISE GOD PRAISE GOD!!!!

I have some photos of this sweet little girl. If I get permission, I'll show them. I did photos for my friend Amy and her children here and there, the past few years...since they are foster children, i've been unable to share them publicly.

I have tears in my eyes and goosebumps!

the other day pics- *smile*