Monday Mugs (purple)

Today over at Oswald Cuties is Monday Mugs. The theme is PURPLE today. I fortunately didn't have to look very far since Kendall wanted a PURPLE tutu for her birthday photo shots.

Day 240 of 365

You can tell more about a person by what he says about others than you can by what others say about him. ~Leo Aikman

Our week in photos (since I am so slacking on project 365!)

My sweet little man (probably dreaming about flying since he is surrounded by planes and helicopters!)

My second attempt at a sack dress!
New pink cowgirl boots.....

Sweet on each other

Potty training is FUN!!

Haircut!!

After the haircut

Monthly coffee with friends!

July Date Night

Ben and I have been trying to make a concerted effort to get at least 1 date night in a month. Seems easy right? Well with Friday night fellowship every week & church on Saturday nights, it is not always that easy.

We have been luck this month because we had two date nights. My parents watched the kids for us while we were home & we met 2 other couples out.

Our small group was canceled on Friday night this week so we decided to grab the opportunity and run with it.

We dropped the kiddos off at a local hourly drop-in (Kidz Bizz) and went to the shooting range. We have still not settled on a handgun for home defense so we rented a 9mm to play with. We both had fun and very good aim! If I could just get the slide back on this gun I would be pretty lethal!

We went out to dinner at a new Mexican resturant, Papi Chula's, and then rescued the kids to come with us for ice cream at Carousel Sweets.

What a great time! I am SO looking forward to next month!

Slight height difference with us :-)
Posing because the hubs asked so sweetly!

And so I returned the favor!

Scripture Sunday (strength)

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

—Philippians 4:13

Getting to know you

The Q's..

1. Thong or Granny Panties? Hee,hee....you can ask my mother-in-law since she likes to fold my undies when she is in town :-) Let's just put it this way they are definitely not granny panties!
2. If you see a guy with his fly down, do you tell him?Hmmmm....depends. There are a select few male friends (of both my husband and I) that I would tell. Of course I would tell my hubster or little man.
3. Spanx or no Spanx? Way back in the day I had to wear them for 2 or 3 of my activities for school! It would probably be in my best interest not to wear them now :-)
4. Do you sleep in your sheets?Ummm....yes. I have my sheets, comforter, and a in-between blanket. (I have to have heavy covers!)
5. What is your favorite Disney character? I can't pick!! Grumpy, Goofy, Ariel.....
6. Dream vacation spot?Tahiti....I may be dreaming but MAYBE for our 10 year anniversary? Babe?!?
7. What is your dream job? I love oncology nursing. I was able to set my hours a few years ago and it was a perfect mix between stay at home mommy & RN. Unfortunately with the economy so down, they really don't need another RN right now!
8. Who is your hero and why? My oncology patients (they rock!,) my parents, my in-laws, my grandparents, most military spouses, and last but not least Jesus!

Day 239 of 365

Key points to being happy:
-Be kind to yourself; take time out to appreciate your happy moments
-Attitude, make up your mind to be happy
-Relationships, focus on your loved ones
-Work, have a passion for what you do or find a job that you are passionate about
-Faith, believe in something bigger; those with strong faiths have a positive outlook on life
-Participate, don’t wait, just do it, be involved

Friday,friday!

Way back in 2005 during our first deployment. I was lucky enough to visit with Michelle (second from right) during the past trip to PA and Claire (second from left) on my trip to AZ. The Marine Corps may seperate us but it is so great to know that I have wonderful friends around the globe!

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And...here we go!

1. I feel wonderful after last night. It is always good to catch up with your girlfriends! Thanks Roni!!
2. I need to call several friends to catch up.
3. Do I really look that tired?
4. Each person is completely unique.
5. It's hard to know how much food to make for dinner parties.
6. Convince one friend and the others will follows suit.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to GASP, relaxing at home with my family (I will miss our Friday night fellowship but a break is certainly welcome every once in awhile!), tomorrow my plans include probably something with the house and Sunday, I want to get into trouble!
Actually, maybe we will take this opportunity to have a date night :-)
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1. What were your school colors?
kelly green and white!
2. What's the best compliment you ever received?
That my children were such a blessing and adorable
3. Do you buy cheap or expensive toilet paper?
midrange (did I just classify TP as midrange?!)
4. Have you ever had a surprise party thrown for you? Or have you had one for someone else?
I have thrown a few for Benny. (One really big one & one small one)
Becca threw 2 or 3 for me in Pensacola!
5. What is one material possession that you "can't live without"?Probably the tv or computer :-)

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Week 33 of 52

It's time to stop hiding behind that camera of yours. Your family is missing you in the picture. So it's time to post a picture of YOU (yes, you) every Thursday with your child, your spouse, your friend, your dog, or even by yourself. Just get in the picture, you'll be glad you did! And just jump in now with 1 of 52, you can do it!

Playing at Jumpin' Jungle in Idlewild with the kiddos

Taken by Benny per Kendall's request!

Wednesday already!

Wordless Wednesday (Last fish of the evening)

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Wordful Wednesday at

Kendall Autumn

4th birthday portraits
36 lbs and 39.5 inches tall

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Kendall crawled into bed with me this morning. She does that every so often when she wakes up early. One of my favorite quiet times with the kids is my own individual cuddle time with them. I was reflecting on that and wanted to share. I think that this is the only picture that I have of either kids and me cuddling. This picture was taken September of 2008 in the hospital after Isaac was born.

day 238 of 365

Three things in life that once gone never come back.
1. Time 2. Words 3. Opportunity
Three things in life that can destroy a person.
1. Anger 2. Pride 3. Unforgiveness
Three things in life that you should never lose.
1. Hope 2. Peace 3. Honesty
Three things in life that are most valuable.
1. Love 2. Family & Friends 3. Kindness
Three things in life that are never certain.
1. Fortune 2. Success 3. Dreams

Rodeo (Part 1)

One of the many fun memories that we made this past trip to PA was going to the rodeo. It was a first for the kids and I. We had a great time & the kiddos even came away with new cowboy hats!

Day 237 of 365

Even if there is nothing to laugh about, laugh on credit. ~Author Unknown

Monday Mugs (Swinter)

I think Isaac's face says it all! I am not ready for winter yet either! Let's enjoy some more summer then we will ease into winter. For more "cooling off" visit Heather at www.oswaldcuties.blogspot.com/

Cooking up some love (Completing him Challenge)

Cooking Up Some Love In the Kitchen!

We are to week #6 of the "Completing Him" Marriage Challenge and this week's challenge is: Make your husband a priority. Ask him what his favorite dinner, dessert and drink are. Be sure to serve him all three one night this week. Bonus: cook his favorite dishes all week long!

Why would I make such a challenge and how is it significant? Here's a couple reasons:

1. Often times, meal plans can end up catering to what the children like. This is one time that we are going to take our husband's preferences above everyone else's preferences - including our own!

2. On special occasions like Father's Day and our husband's birthday, our husband becomes the center of attention. This is our chance to make him a priority for no reason other than we love him. Wouldn't we appreciate it if they did this for us? Let's go first, and make a special day just for our husband's. Get into it - maybe make it a surprise and get the children involved. Take just one evening and shower him with kisses, hugs, and all his favorites. It's not good to spoil your children - but it's okay to spoil (and I do mean bless!) your husband!

3. Take this opportunity to display our love. Titus 2:3-4 says the older women are to teach the younger women to "love their husbands". Selfishness hinders love. Take the time to give thoughtful care to how you can exhibit love to your husband.

I am reminded of the 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. In his book, the premise is that we all experience love differently. Some need words of affirmation, others need quality time, gifts, acts of service or physical touch.

As we go through these challenges, we will hit on each one of these love languages. There are some husbands who this challenge is going to speak volumes of love to. So let's get busy in the kitchen ladies.

For more visit

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He's so worth it because I love him more now than the day that I said "I do."

The father of my beautiful children

And he's my comedic relief.......

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Marriage Mondays

I remember the scene as if it were yesterday. My boyfriend, down on one knee, asking the life-changing question, "Will you marry me?" I didn't hesitate to give him my response, "Yes!" In the space of just a few moments, my status changed. I was transformed from a young lady who was single, to one pledged to marry the man of her dreams. Not something I took lightly.

Sparkling in the sunlight, my beautiful engagement ring indicated that I was spoken for and would soon share my life with the one who had placed it on my finger. How romantic! But along with the romance came the reality. Life is difficult. A successful marriage would require hard work.

Marriage. Instituted by God Himself. A husband and wife working together as a team, to bring more honor and glory to God than they could as individuals. Look to the Bible and allow God to make your marriage a success!

For more check out

Day 236 of 365

Mirth is God's medicine. Everybody ought to bathe in it. ~Henry Ward Beecher

Scripture Sunday

Visting with my Grammy and Pappy

Psalms 34:11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Visit with Grandma