Day 117 of 365

Never answer a critic, unless he's right.
Bernard M. Baruch

Day 116 of 365

Find something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.

5 question Friday and Fill-in the blank Friday

Fill-in the blank Friday is hosted by Lauren at http://thelittlethingswedo.blogspot.com/

1. When I'm nervous I stutter, turn red, and sometimes cup my chin with my hand.

2. My favorite item in my closet is my SHOES!!!

3. Watching trashy reality TV is funny sometimes.

4. My favorite childhood memory is riding bikes carefree down a dirt road with no helmet and no adult supervision.

5. Something you may not know about me is I have a few scars on my legs from childhood/early adolescence accidents.

6. A true friend will tell you when you are not being true to yourself and you purpose in life.

7. Something I hope people think of when they think of me is that I geuninely care about them.

5 question Friday is hosted by Mama M at www.fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com

1. Do you sing karaoke? I sang in college all the time with my roommates but you would not catch me dead doing that now!

2. What is your favorite coffee drink? One with ALOT of sugar and creamer to disquise the the coffee taste!

3. If you could choose your own name, what would it be? We have a friend that named their daughter Kennedy and I am very fond of that.......

4. Were you ever bullied? Unfortunately yes......I am proud of how I handled that situation as well. It was very christian like and that was before I really understood what it was to be christian like!

5. How often do you eat fast food? Oh gosh.....maybe 2-3 times a month. If we eat out it is normally a take-out from a "sit-down" resturant like we are going to do tonight!

Friday Fill-ins

And...here we go!

1. A cup of tea always makes me feel cozy.
2. Family makes a place feel like home.
3. Everything has its beauty in its own time.
4. Do you like the taste of strawberries in your cereal?
5. Art makes me happy and I wish I had the talent for it.
6. LOL I just noticed I forgot to take my turtleneck off before bed last night.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to small group and having my hubby home, tomorrow my plans include to help Kim load up the Uhaul truck, SNIFF Sniff and Sunday, I want to listen to another awesome sermon on staying in love then relax around the house!

Flashback Friday

This is 2005. 3 of us girls went to Raleigh for the night to see Kenny Chesney. We were all on our 1st deployment and had such a great time enjoying female comraide, great music, and each other.

Join Alicia and some other fun bloggers at

Day 115 of 365

Nothing is predestined: The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings.

Blog award

Thanks to Maria at www.personalizedsketchesandsentiments.blogspot.com/ for my newest award! Maria found my blog awhile back and her comments always make me smile. She is a phemonal artist and I bought Ben a sketch for our anniversary back in December. Go check out her blog and ETSY shop!

The rules are you must list 10 things about yourself. And of course pass along this award. I am leaving it out there for all of you who read my blog :-)

1. I am feeling tons better from my sinus infection....can you tell by the amount of blogs I posted today?! :-)
2. I have been missing getting a frog once a year from my hubby. (He started awhile back surprising me with some sort of frog gift every year but sadly forgot last year! Anything from a frog charm to singing frogs etc. And no frogs aren't my favorite animal but....)
3. We have been using a new discpline strategy on Kendall that I think is working very well. I am nervous that all our hard work will go out the window when my husband is gone on his detachment.
4. I LOVE jewelry......It's been very fun to see my collection (both real and costume) grow!
5. I am still trying my hardest to remember some signs and teach them to my children. My secret ambition is to eventually take a class and be able to translate like my mother in law.
6. I am from Western Pennsylvania but do not like snow!!! (Except on the small versions that we get here in the South)
7. I really miss my 1 day a week nursing job. I LOVE staying at home with the kids don't get me wrong but my patients are always such an inspiration to me.....I've been missing that.
8. My parents are coming to visit me over Easter to keep me company while Ben is gone! (And to go to the Easter egg hunts and help the kids grab the goods!)
9. I am hoping to complete my digital scrapbooking for the kids first year while Ben is gone. (I also want to work on Kendall's journal, their baby books, and their "time capsule" too!)
10. I recently rededicated my life to Christ by getting baptized again at our church.

Just today.....

Out side my window... it is a cool 39 degrees with a few snow flakes!! (Did I mention that my hubby was running around outside in shorts this morning?!)
The time is... 2:09 pm
Today I feel... much better now that my cold is finally letting up and I am getting the house back in order.
I am thinking... about the wonderful group discussion that we had in ladies bible study today. How refreshing to be with other Christian women and be able to share!
At the moment,I am thankful... for the awesome friends that I have and get to enjoy on a daily basis.
I am going...to Roni's tonight for our monthly ladies coffee. (Even if I have to take the kids because Ben has a night flight!)
I am wearing...jeans and a red sweater. (That Benny said was hideous but that I got SEVERAL female compliments on......)
I wish...that my friend Kim didn't have to move :-(
I am working on...laundry and getting the house back into order after my illness. I also have a few sewing projects up my sleeve!
I am hoping... that we will soon figure out what our orders are going to be so that I can plan or ask God what we are supposed to be doing!
I am hearing...ahhhhh silence. The kids are napping.
Around the house.....we have several projects to tackle before Ben leaves for his 4,8,9 however many week detachment.
I bet you didn't know...I am working on making a blog book. I am so excited to have a written copy to save for my children.
One of my favorite ...new things to do is my 10 minute date with my husband every day. We are completing the "10 Minute Marriage Principles" book. It has been so much fun to learn new things about each other every day!

Pre-schoolers.....

QUESTION For all you moms out there......

At age 3.5 to 5 years old what do you think your child should know? I am trying to make sure that Kendall is ready for her 5 day a week pre-school class this upcoming September and DOUBLE BIG GULP Kindergarten in 2011.

I know that every child learns differently but I am just kind of curious on what y'all see as basics.

Any and ALL comments appreciated!!

Week 16 of 52

That's right it's Thursday again....how did that happen already?! Although this was from Thanksgiving, I wanted to use it today because I am trying to stay motivated in my training. I am part of a relay triathlon team this year. 2 of my friends and I will be completing 1 sprint triathlon and 1 international distance this summer. In short, that means that I will run a little bit over 3 miles in one race and 6 miles for the other. And I am NOT Ready!! I am trying to stay accountable since it is not just myself that I will let down if I mess up!

Go on over to www.wyomingbarnetts.blogspot.com for more on 52 weeks and Just shoot me!

Day 114 of 365

Knowledge talks, wisdom listens.
Only the wisest and the stupidest of men never change.

Day 113 of 365

Failure is only a temporary change in direction to set you straight for your next success.
Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.

Day 112 of 365

Use your imagination not to scare yourself to death but to inspire yourself to life.
Adele Brookman

Friend Makin' Monday

This week, inquiring minds want to know: What did you do this weekend? Confess it.

Ok at www.amberfilkins.blogspot.com/ is friend making monday! Go check it out!

This weekend I......

-had fun with my small group friends on Friday night.

-we annoyed the guys with our Beth Moore talk on Friday and Sunday!

-had a HUGE breakfast at Cracker Barrel with some friends. It was supposed to be a pancake breakfast benefit for our USO but it was canceled!

-had a great time seeing some old friends at Stephanie's baby shower on Saturday afternoon.

-curled up on the couch and took a nap when I got home from the baby shower.

- got a horrible head cold/sinus infection.

-had a great time listening to part 2 of the new sermon series at church. (Staying in love.)

-took another Sunday afternoon nap trying to kick this cold.

-enjoyed the 62 degree weather by watching the kids ride around in the jeep.

-and last but not least completed some more exercises for our 10 minute marriage principle study. (It's been pretty fun!)

Day 111 of 365

If we cannot live so as to be happy, let us least live so as to deserve it.
Immanuel Hermann Fichte

Day 110 of 365

If we cannot live so as to be happy, let us least live so as to deserve it.
Immanuel Hermann Fichte

5 Question Friday ummmmm....Saturday

Yesterday was 5 question Friday over at www.fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/
1. Have you ever hit an animal with your vehicle? I had come to a complete stop and a deer ran into the side of my car does that count? I also had some big bird hit the windshield while I was in the drivers ed car!
2. When you see a string on your clothes do you pull it off or cut if off? I have learned my lesson! I cut it off.
3. Did you have your own room or share a room when you were young? I had my own room thank goodness or my sister and I might have killed each other!
4. Would you rather wear the same thing for the rest of your life or eat the same thing for the rest of your life? Oh that is a tough one because I love to try new food and I love me my clothes and accessories! Hmmmm.....I guess I would rather wear the same thing for the rest of my life. (As long as I can wash it!)
5. What was your favorite TV show as a child? Probably a toss up between Mr Rogers and Seasme Street!

Day 109 of 365

Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.
Eddie Cantor

Friday Fill-ins

1. Johnny Weir is who exactly?
2. I am not really into the 2010 Olympics. (I prefer the summer Olympics!)
3. And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud fades away when you grow out of your comfort zone! And I am speaking from experience.
4. You can finish cleaning my house and putting the laundry away if you get an urge.
5. Having sweet dreams is the best feeling!
6. What does it take to get me motivated and out of bed?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having small group at our house, tomorrow my plans include Stephanie's baby shower & being with the family and Sunday, I want to do nothing after church and SS!

Flashback Friday

This was our Volleyball senior night in 1995. Gosh is it really time for a 15 year reunion? I don't feel that old!
For more Friday Flachbacks check out Alicia at

Day 108 of 365

Sometimes it's hard to avoid the happiness of others.
David Assael

Valentine's Memories 2010

The two best & most handsome Valentines a girl could ever imagine! Our 7th Valentine's day together for my sweet hubby and my 2nd with my kissable little man.

All of my sweet valentines in one picture....
We made our traditional Valentine's Day stepping stone. This year the theme was sea shells. The stone is actually our favorite since we started this in 2006. The kids really had a great time and helped out pretty well.
I wanted to make the kids some little cuddle bug blankets so I picked some Steeler and cowboy fabric. Kendall loves hers and Isaac is slowly getting used to having his but still won't reliquish his lovey!

Sweet treats for my Valentine's

I made some treats for my special Valentine's. We had chocolate chip muffins, chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter fudge cookies, and Ben's Aunt Shellie's trail mix to choose from. I was in a baking mood and only stopped for lack of time. I got Benny some of his favorite brew to wash all of that sweetness down with too!

Week 16 of 52

Today is 52 weeks/Shoot me at www.wyomingbarnetts.blogspot.com/
Hop on over for more!
Here I am with my wee Valentine's.
Also, a picture of us with our traditional Valentine's stepping stone. Happy Thursday!

Day 107 of 365

Cherish all your happy moments: they make a fine cushion for old age.
Christopher Morley

Day 106 of 365

Content makes poor men rich; discontentment makes rich men poor.
Benjamin Franklin

Valentine's Day Party at St. Anne's

I had such a fun time watching Kendall's class decorate their cookies. Kendall did a great job sharing with her little brother! Oh to be young again!

Snow in North Carolina

We finally got hit with some snow this past weekend!

Please ignore the weird expression on my face!
Kendall saying, "We have a lot of snow here!!"

Isaac before he started crying....not a big snow fan!

Snow Angels

The doggers

Mid action!

6.5 inches which is crazy for NC!

Our back porch

Mandi's Baby Shower

We had a baby shower for our friend Mandi this weekend. Cutting it close since her due date was Monday the 15th. Concidentally she actually had Caleb on her due date! Congratulations guys! We can't wait to meet him!

1st row: Mandi, her mom, and me

2nd row: Roni, Beth, Maya, and Kelly

3rd row: Kim, karen, Melissa, and Linda

Mandi's diaper cake

This and that (Fun with Daddy over the long weekend)

Ben got off at noon on Friday and will be going back to work tomorrow. Sniff, Sniff.

The kids have been loving having Daddy to horse around with!

And make pancakes with!

Day 105 of 365

Albert Schweitzer:
I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.

Friend Makin' Monday

It's friend making Monday over at Amber's http://amberfilkins.blogspot.com/ Hope you have a great Monday!
How did you spend your Valentine's Day? We woke up and greeted each other like usual lots of hugs and kisses. We exchanged our Valentine's cards then went to church. We completed our traditional Valentine's day stepping stone later in the afternoon. We basically spent our day together!

What did you get? Love

What did you do?See above :-) We also watched "Couples Retreat" yesterday evening!

Day 104 of 365

Albert Einstein:
Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value.

Valentine's Day Extravaganza (10 things you love about your spouse)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today at www.fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/ is 10 things that you love about your spouse.

1. I love to wake up with you by my side.....it makes the day worthwhile.

2. I love that you are a man of faith and a strong leader of our family.

3. I love your need to take care of our family.

4. I love that you take your job so seriously & provide counsel to those that ask.

5. I love your willingness to help others in need.

6. I love you for loving my family like your own.

7. I love you for letting me be myself. (Even though I know it drives you crazy sometimes.)

8. I love your outlook on life.

9. I love the husband you are to me and the father to our children.

10. I love you for having the strength to be away from us, to carry on, and do it with such a positive attitude. (although you are not separated from us by choice but out of duty.)

Day 103 of 365

Are we not like two volumes of one book? ~Marceline Desbordes-Valmore

I've fallen in love many times... always with you. ~Author Unknown

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach. ~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

True love stories never have endings. ~Richard Bach

Love is missing someone whenever you're apart, but somehow feeling warm inside because you're close in heart. ~Kay Knudsen

Love would never be a promise of a rose garden unless it is showered with light of faith, water of sincerity and air of passion. ~Author Unknown

Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired. ~Robert Frost

Love is being stupid together. ~Paul Valery

Happy Valentine's Day Benny!

Valentine's Day extravaganza (Favorite photo)

Today's theme at www.fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com is Favorite photo. I know that you guys can tell this is right up my alley!

I do love lots of our pictures together but I have to say that the favorites still are the ones that my friend Dana took for us. We were so (COUGH) young and so freshly in love. I strive to be like that every day. Some days are better than others but that's what love and marriage are all about right?!

Ben doesn't like this one because he is naked from the waist up. I say, "why have all of those muscles if you don't show them every once in awhile!"