dewn' the green thing...

OMGoodness :) Im sooo hooked on this drink right now, Can you guess what it is???  This is also my entry for the photo challenge week #4. GREEN.  Go Me..... LOL

Thanks for stopping by,
  Stephanie

Spring Break!!!

This past week was spring break here in our neck of the woods. Some people take this week off work and go out of town to enjoy time with family since the kids are out of school all week.. I consider myself blessed to be able to enjoy my family most every week as they are home with me. I remember times when spring break was just a week like any other for us. I would go to work, my kids would be dropped off at daycare and things were really no different for us. Now that Im home, we cant afford to take the vacation (that we never took anyway) but we did  have fun doing things around town.
This year really felt like a vacation. You know what I mean, when you go on vacation you run yourself ragged doing things and then come home needing a  vacation after vacation. I tried to plan something special for each day.  Monday, I cleaned house and did some grocery shopping to get that out of the way. This was not special but necessary. Tuesday, we took Autumn,Christian and Grandma with us to the McWayne Science Center to see the Backyardigans. We took sack lunchs and had a blast.

Wednesday, we were suppose to go Ice Skating but Chloe got sick and Grandma could not come so we decided to wait until Friday to do that.. We got haircuts instead on this day. Thursday, we went to the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center and to SciQuest. We left out at 9am, made a day out of it. The weather was gorgeous!! This time we invited Grandma, my 2 sisters, their families and another one of our cousins, Taylor. I think we had @ 12 people in our group. Taylor and Dez were off on a ride at the time of this picture.

We visited Sciquest first. The place is really neat. Then, we traveled to the nearest park for a picnic lunch. This particular park was really nice and had a pond with quite a few ducks. We decided to share our left over sandwich bread with them. That was just plain fun right there!! I remember doing this with my dad when I was little and it brought back some sweet memories. On to the Space Center from there. Every one enjoyed the Museum and all the rides. My favorite was the Spaceshot, which I just had to ride before we left. I love that adrenaline rush, it gets me every time!!
 
Friday.... I think Friday was the most fun of all the days. The pictures speak for themselves. Our Family, Grandma, Chloe and Taylor imparted on this adventure together. We started the day off by having pictures made. That was rather eventful and a whole other post in itself. LOL In some of the pictures you may notice that my baby has no shoes or socks on. Im not a bad mom, it's just in the rush of getting out the door for pictures I grabbed 2 different pairs of brown sandals. What? Dont act like its never happened at your house. So he was not only shoeless here but also for the pictures. Sometimes you just gotta go with it!

 

 

 

 

 

GOOD TIMES!!

Thanks for stopping by, 

   Stephanie

Driving me crazy....

As my daughter and I were hurriedly driving back home from a late appointment, this song came on the radio. She does not like it but I love it! Its called "This is the Stuff" by Francesca Battistelli. She is becoming one of my favorite contemporary Christian artist.



The reason I really like this song is because it is soooooo me. Im really driving myself crazy with all this forgetfulness. I know its because I'm always in a rush and have no patience. I need to learn to better manage my time and slow down a bit. God,"help me"!

                                                                 

Oh, come on.... We've all had days like this... LOL

Thanks for stopping by,
         Stephanie

could be the last of first.....

Sniff,  Sniff...... Grant got his first haircut!! Maybe im gettin old, or maybe the reality of this possibly being the last baby is sinking in. Don't get me wrong, Im ready, NOW, to add to the litter but sadly, circumstances are preventing this from happening. I did really well with the baby book on my first child and not so well with my second, keeping track of those first. With Grant, knowing this could be my last, Ive stepped back up. I have so many regrets over lost memories and photos and just savoring each moment with my lil ones in the past. Thank the Lord I'm able to enjoy these moments with all of them now. Seems like you blink and they are grown. Where does the time go????

                                       My O My, that look... hahaha (Before the haircut)

                                                     
                                                      "what are they doing to me?"

                                   " i cant believe my mom let me put this in my mouth"

                              
                                                  After the haircut!! "im a lil man now."

Gavin got his first real haircut as well. Up to this point, I think I had always given him 

a buzz cut. He was loving his stylish new do!

And while im on this topic. Destiny did not get a haircut but she did get

a new do. And she was loving it too.

Thanks for stopping by 

Thanks girls

Dezzy and Arianna awarded me second place in there photo contest for week 2. I was surprised. We are on week three. (YELLOW) I just so happen to have the perfect picture for this.  Dont know if its photo challange worthy but I think its cute :)

http://dezzysblogerificblog.blogspot.com/

http://ariannasphotography.blogspot.com/ 

Time sure does fly....

I swear it really just seems like yesterday that I was laying in the hospital all nervous about our newest lil blessing being born.  This year has certainly flown by.  Our lil Grant turned one today. I remember my daughter and I prayed for 3 years for God to bless us with another precious baby. My sweet hubby was not sure if he could handle another baby and was very hesitant. Now, he probably wont admit but he is crazy about this lil boy. How could he not be.. he is such a delight. How is it that babies can take your worst day and turn it into sheer joy?? I mean , just by smiling or laughing or laying their head on your shoulder. All of my children have a unique way of doing this but there is just something special about babies. Sometimes I wish they could stay little forever. Crazy huh??
                                                                         
                                    Here is the lil red wagon his daddy and I got him!

 Im not sure, but I probably could have just brought home the box and saved a ton of money. They all seemed to have just as much, if not more FUN with it.. Go Figure!
Happy Birthday Grant!

 

 

                               

Parents night out....

Okay, so Saturday night Jason, my hubby, and I arranged to have his parents watch all three of our lil ones. This like, Never happens, in fact, I cant remember the last time we went out without at least one in tow. I had been excited all week about the adventure. We were to meet our Sunday School class for dinner and then go bowling. Sounds fun right? It was but we hit a few speed bumps along the way. My hubby and I have never claimed to be the best communicators in the world and this evening proved it so. We are both very adamant on timers, by that I mean, we are hardly ever late and are easily aggravated by those that are. Perhaps the Lord used this night to teach us a lesson in grace to those who just cant be on time. 

Our dinner reservations were for 5 pm and I had forgotten to map quest the directions so I asked my sweet hubby to. The place was called Sol Aztec, neither of us had ever heard of it. I failed to communicate to him what part of town this restaurant was located. I just said it was near the bowling alley. Now, you guys dont know me so let me just tell you that I have ZERO sense of direction. I can tell you how to get to a few places across town but, I myself wont know what part of town that may be in. Trussville, Vestavia , its all a blur to me.  Well, he printed the wrong locations directions and lets just say for the sake of time, we were an hour late.  We laughed about it but we were both so aggravated with ourselves and one another. It was truly both of our faults. To top it off, it was pouring down raining. hahahhaha.

When we finally arrived we scarfed down our food and headed over to the bowling alley. Its still pouring down raining and by this time my hiar is all a mess... Oh well, what can ya do, sport a pony tail, that's exactly what I did. Bowling was fun, in spite of the fact that we had to wait 45 mins to get a lane. You would think with all the rain people would stay home, not so!  I suppose it made Jason's night after winning both games that we played. Hes pretty good for a lefty... Attached are a few pics. Hope you all had a fun weekend as well.

                                                               Chris and Christi

                                                                    Ken and Tammy

   Jason (My Hubby)

 

 

Sonya and Daniel

Hahahah dont bowl till the gate goes back up..... It wasn't me, this time.

                                                              Tammy , Kelley and Sonya.

     

Blessings,

 Stephanie

A Word....

I received this devotion by Charles Stanley and thought I'd pass it along.  Its good to be reminded of where our focus should be. Sometimes we get so caught up in life and the business of it that we totally miss the mark. We so need to be in the Word of God each and every day.

The Moments that Sustain Us
 
Psalm 145:1-5
When life falls apart, how do you cope? All of us face circumstances that challenge our peace—and some of these situations are very painful and prolonged. Unless we have purposeful focus, joy fades and hope seems unattainable.

King David experienced extreme hardships, including the profound grief of losing a child and a best friend. And King Saul, for selfish reasons, pursued him in an attempt to take his life. Later, David’s own son led a rebellion against him. As drastic as these trials are, they were just four of the many difficulties he endured. Yet even in times of deep suffering, David found hope and peace in God.

How was his soul sustained when others in similar situations would have drowned in despair? David knew how to meditate. He focused his mind and spirit on God—His character, ways, and will—in order to know the Lord better and to obey Him.

We should be following David’s example. Our role during difficulty is to set our eyes on our heavenly Father and meditate on His Word. The Psalms document the depth and passion for which the shepherd and soon-to-be king delighted himself in God. By continually pondering the attributes and ways of the Lord, he found solace in the midst of turmoil.

What subjects consume your thoughts during the day? Do you have time set aside to dwell solely on the Lord? Perhaps you can remind yourself periodically to bring your attention back to your Creator—one way is to read several of the Psalms and notice how the author refocuses on the almighty God.

Thanks for reading and have a blessed day. 
 Stephanie

Orange delight and a blog party!

Destiny, my wonderful daughter is having a photo challenge. I missed the first week, but better late than never. Im starting with week two's challenge. The theme this week is ORANGE.

I'm also doing this Thoughts of Spring {blog party} that's hosted by Lynnette over at Dancing Barefoot!





  

How would people describe your personality? (If they could only use ONE word.) Are they right?

Moody, sadly so!

Who is your favorite blogger? Why? 

Duh, Destiny!

What is your comfort food/drink?

Mt. Dew and Chocolate

Be brave – tell us something very random and weird about yourself.

Im  horribly indecisive 

Do you have a strong desire to do something you’ve never done? What is it?

Sure, who doesn't! 
I would love to sky dive or bungee jump some day.  

Movies: Action, Drama, Romantic Comedy, Documentary, Comedy? What are your favorite genres?

Rom Com

Books: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Romance, Biographies, True Stories, Self-Help, Devotional/Study? 

What are your favorite types of reading material?

 Self Help, Devotional/ Study

Music: Funk, Rock, Country, Jazz, Classical, Film Score, Blues, Classic Rock, Crooner, Alternative, Heavy Metal, Techno? What are your favorite types? 

Contemporary Christian, Country, Alternative

If you inherited a million dollars, what is the first thing you would do with your money?

Tithe

Name one weakness of yours (confession is good for the soul).

Always needing to feel like Im in control and Im somewhat of a perfectionist

If you could live anywhere at all (and take all your loved ones with you), where would you go?

Id simply travel in an RV all over the united States.

Strange Talent? Can you juggle basketballs, put your legs behind your head or perform some other strange feat?
Popping my ears, weird right!

What’s something you consider yourself to be good at? (Don’t worry, it’s not bragging, it’s acknowledging a God given gift).

I have compassion and am very forgiving. 

What is one of your favorite things to catch a whiff of?

Mmmmmm fresh baked cookies!!

When you leave a social gathering, do you wish: You would have talked more or You would have talked less?
just depends.. Ive been in both situations before!

If money wasn’t a factor, what stores would you shop in?

Hobby Lobby

What is your greatest fear or strange phobia?

Not leaving a good legacy.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Seeing my children accept Christ as there Lord and Savior....

What is your favorite animal?

Dolphin

Are you a hopeless romantic?

I soooo am!

Whoo hooo, all done! That was...... fun! 

Blessing, 

 Stephanie

Night Owls...

Im so not one of these. Id much rather wake up early than go to bed late. Problem is I usually wake up early and go to bed late. Yet still... there are not enough hours in the day.

6 am - I hear the baby rousing from his sleep and my dh's alarm going off. I try to sneak out of the room to get  coffee and bottle going before the baby sees me. ( MISSION ACCOMPLISHED, today anyway )

6:30 - I give Grant his bottle and bake muffins for the rest of the crew.

7 am - I make my rounds singing "Rise and Shine" (No one else in the house is a morning person but me)

7:15 - I put my Mt. Dew in the freezer and enjoy muffins and milk with Gavin and Grant. Kiss the dh goodbye. Dez is in the shower.

7:45 - Take Gavin to School / Dez is eating and watching the baby

8 am - Im rocking Grant to sleep, Dez is reading her bible and my sweet mom comes over to dye my hair.

9:15 - Just remembered my Mt. Dew was in the freezer. Mmmmm nice and cold.  

10 am - All my gray is gone. Quiz Dez, Print out a test. Get Shower.

11 am - Print out directions from mapquest and head across town to look at some furniture for sell on Craigslist.

Noon - Headed to Royal cup coffee to pick up expresso for dh, stop for lunch, made haircut appointment for Dez @ 1:4O, Bank and then Walmart.

2 pm - We were a lil late for the Hair appointment. (oops)

3 pm - Pick up Gavin from school (He had a bad day), Grant is passed out in his car seat

3.15 - Back Home - Making chicken salad for some friends experiencing a loss in there family.

4:30 - Daddy comes home, Get a call for a Mary Kay order and the baby wakes up screaming

5 pm - Feed the baby then have Dez watch him while I finish up the chicken salad.

5:30 - Dad and Gavin off to ball practice

6pm - Grant is still not happy to be awake so I rock him till 6.45

6:45 - Met dad at ballpark #1 , hand off Grant and head to ball park #2 with Dez.

7:00 - Arrive at destination and realize my gas tank is on empty. (makes mental note to get gas on way home)


9:15 - Im frozen and on my way home. Stop at the store to get drinks but forgot to get gas. LOL

9:45 - Home sweet home, Gavin hollers "Mom, Mom" as soon as I walk in. I give him good night kisses. Grant is already asleep. Dad, Dez and I chit chat over a bowl of lucky charms and some chocolate.

10:15 - Dez goes to bed, daddy to basement, I blog.

10:50 - Daddy comes back up, I wrap up this post and off to bed we go!

11.00pm -  Goodnight!!!

Blessing,
 Stephanie

Tag- ur it...

My daughter, Destiny , tagged me! I have to tell 7 random things about myself then tag 7 other people!

1. I hate Salad.
2. Im addicted to Mt. Dew and chocolate bars
3. I am a sinner saved by God's amazing grace.
4. Im knee deep in a study on Revelation by Beth Moore
5. I would really like to sleep past 7am just once.
6. Im a lil spoiled
7. My life is.... complicated.

So, I tag anyone that reads this... 

Nite yall :P
 Stephanie

Home Improvements.....

So... We have been sorta busy this past week... Well, mostly my dh has... LOL   We have a list a mile long of things that need to be done around here and are blessed to finally have the financial means to do a lil bit of that.
 Here is our list:
1. My car needs some work (oil change/ brakes/ tune up) (done)

2. His car needs (wipers/ oil change)(purchased)

3. Entertainment center

(need to hide all them pesky wires Grant keeps getting into)  

                                                      ( I have my eye on a new one)

4. Children need Ball equipment (Bags, Bats, gloves, cleats) (Done)

5. John Deere has been broke since the end of last summer
                                                         (ordered replacement parts)

6. Garage door broke
                                                                    (ordered parts)

7. Screens for all the windows
                                                                             (1/2 done)

8. Screen door for the front of our home (done)

9. Stain front and back porches
                                                                 (purchased paint)

10. Ladder / extension ladder (done)
11. Clean out gutters (done)
12. Computer repairs
13. Plant a Salsa Garden
14. Work boots for the dh
15. Books/ Educational needs/ Membership renewals (in savings)
16. In home wiring/ light fixtures (1/2 done)

17. Mulch
                                                                     (purchased)

18. Bird feeders
                                                                        (done)

19. Paint indoors

There is a few other things on the list but who am I kidding. I think we will be doing good to complete 1/2 of what I have listed here.

So, we made a trip to Lowes and purchased a few things to get us started. Its been alot of fun. The Lord has so graciously blessed us with this house and we want to be good stewards. We do consider it a privilege to even have a home as many across America don't. Thank you Lord. May we always look for ways to bless others with the blessing you give to us and may we never forget that every good and perfect gift is from above. You give and you take away. For what ever my lot, help me to always be content.

I also got my car back out of the shop yesterday and its running like new again... Any volunteers on giving it a good wash? LOL I wont include a picture of it for I am too ashamed of all the dirt. I will include as a bonus another cute picture of my baby though. ENJOY!!

Blessings,