Send me to my room... ALONE

NEW BLOG!!!!

2008-07-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

So I am sure you knew this was coming sooner or later, I am changing my BLOG to TypePad so I can more actively post on it. So please visit my personal BLOG here http://inmythoughts.typepad.com/family/

and if you want to check out my creative BLOG go to www.inmythoughts.net

Thanks and see you at my new BLOG!!!

Because he is cute!!!

2008-07-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

So what have I been doing??

2008-07-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

Well I have been very busy getting my life together before I start homeschooling and in my efforts to get organized I found this web site called Fly Lady. I have heard Gina talk about her just in passing but holy cow, she has transformed my life. She helps you clean and always have a clean house. Now with three kids my house isn't always clean but besides the toys it is really clean. She emails me like 100 times a day but I love them and it's helping me stay on track with my cleaning and it not taking a lot of time. Now I clean maybe an hour a day and my house is lookin good!! So that's the first thing that has consumed my life but we are also back involved in youth ministry so we have been doing that stuff also!! I know that I have been slacking on posting here but I have been trying to get my creative BLOG up and going and lookin good. So I will try to keep this one going I promise!!!

2008-06-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

CUTE KIDS!!! GOOD FRIENDS!!!!

Weigh in Wednesday

2008-06-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

I know it's not Wednesday but I forgot so I am doing my weigh in today!! I am down to 165!!! YAY!!! I am excited and I feel great!!

Tonight Mike and I are going to a Padre game in a private box and the kids are sleeping over night at the grandparents!! I am sooo excited. So hopefully I don't blow my diet!!

Weigh in Wednesday

2008-06-11T15:50:00.001-07:00

Ok so today is my weigh in and I am at 166.0 now why couldn't I be down one more ounce then it would look better. Oh well, at least I didn't gain!! I did get down to 165 this week though but then gained it back. I am on my journey to being set free from this weight!!

Tonight hubby and I are going out to dinner!! I can't wait!!

I Forgot...

2008-06-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

So my cute kids were in a wedding a few weeks ago and they were just the cutest so I just thought I would brag a bit!!

A little down today!!

2008-06-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

So I am a little down today. Why? Well.... I just know that we are supposed to home school Blake and I know that I know this is the right thing for him but it's soo hard to not let the people around you that are not so supportive get to you.

Blake is getting teased at school for the past 3 weeks because of his speech and one little boy actually made fun of him in front of me and was laughing at him. OMG!! Come here you little kid and let me show you how it feels when someone puts you down!! So as a mom being protective Blake didn't want to go to school today and I am OK with that. Tomorrow he will go but today he can stay home and be loved on by his family.

I know and understand that homeschooling isn't for everyone, I used to think no way could I ever do that until I discovered the Classical Academy. This place partners with you in homeschooling and Blake will attend a full day of regular school one day a week. So I know that some think how can I be qualified to teach my son when it takes teachers 4 years or longer of schooling to be qualified, well I don't have the answers for you all I know is that they obviously set you up for success since the school has one of the highest test scores in San Diego county. So I know that for this year for Blake I will home school and I really pray for a little acceptance. I am not oblivious to the fact that it will take a lot of work and time, that's OK with me I have all my life for me time after the kids are out of the house.

So all that to say I know that I am making the right decision and I don't think anything can make me change my mind at this point. Please be supportive. I fully think that this is an individual decision and that it's not right for everyone, I am not sure how long I will even do it for time will tell. I am excited about it and it's something that I would choose for my son even if something else opened up at this point, this isn't a second option anymore.

Please know that the tone of this post is not of harshness or ridicule towards anyone that may not agree, I am just feeling lonely and sad at the lack of support that I have been feeling this past week. I have amazing people in my life that support me 100% in any decision that I make and I know that I need to be leaning on them right now!! All this to say that I am sad at some of the mean things that are being said to my son and as a mom I will protect him in any way that I can and give him what is best for him. He won't always have this speech problem so why scar him for something that is temporary? OK I am done!!

Now for a lighter note today is my weigh in Wednesday and I am at 166.2 so that is the lowest I have been since my Reset!! I am excited and happy that Disneyland didn't screw me up too bad. Hopefully next week I can report a even lower weight loss!!

Family Picture

2008-06-02T15:15:00.001-07:00

As I posted before we went to Disneyland on Thurs and Fri and we had such a great time. We went for Kylee's birthday and she was in awe of everything her favorite ride was The Pirates of the Caribbean. Blake had a great time and his favorite ride was Finding Nemo. Luke just loved everything and was so cute. Our Sister and brother in law and their son came with us also. It was a great time that we were able to bond. Just a note to those that have year passes make sure you check block out dates before you go. That little mistake cost us an extra $180.00. Oops!!!

Reset total update

2008-05-30T21:44:00.000-07:00

Ok so the hubby has had ALL week off from work and we just spent the last two days at Disneyland, so I haven't posted the final update. Well I went down to 166.6 and I was very happy with that. I finished strong and weird enough my sugar cravings were gone. I have no desire for tons of sugar like I used to. So overall it was super hard and a total success. I think it would have been easier to do the reset during the week mon-fri and have the hubby do it with me would have helped A LOT. So did I gain the weight back, I did gain like 1.5 pounds back but so far everything else has stayed off. We will see what happens when I weigh myself in the morning after 2 days of Disneyland food. Ekkk. But I am still committed to changing my life style and hoping to get this weight off for good. So in order to help me in that I will continue to post my weigh in weight on Wednesdays and you can see how I do. Hope you all had a blessed week, I know I did. I LOVE spending time with the hubby!!!

Day 3 & 4 Update

2008-05-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been a busy week and today is MY LAST DAY!!!!!! YAY!!!!
So how did day 3 and 4 go?? Well day 3 went good, it was hard but my hubby was super supportive. We went to the mall since we had to get some stuff for a wedding that Kylee and Blake were in on Saturday and we ate at the mall (well they ate at the mall) and I didn't bring any stuff with me, not even water so that was hard but I made it. I knew that having such a large weight loss the first and second day wasn't going to keep up so I expected that I hadn't lost much weight since then, I am down to 167.2 this morning. So it's confession time, what happened on day 4? Well Mike and I had no kids the whole day and they spent the night at PaPa and grammies. Soooo our "thing" is going out to eat well I caved and we went to Elephant Bar and I had a salad, it was a good healthy salad not one of those ones with tons of dressing and cheese and stuff but that's what I did. But that's all that I had and I am going to finish strong today!! I feel really good and I am excited to continue making healthier choices. So at the end of Day 4 I have lost a total of 5.8 pounds which I think is great!!! I really wanted to be at 165 at the end so we will see what happens today!! I only have a baby shower, a birthday party and a BBQ to go to!! YIKES!! Be praying that I remain strong!! Since I blew it yesterday I probably will NOT cheat today. Anyway I love it and at another BBQ that we went to last night it was great to hear people asking me if I was losing weight!! What a great feeling!!

Day 2 update

2008-05-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

So day 2 is finally over. Thank God, it was a hard day. Everything was fine until about 11:30 when I started CRAVING carbs in a bad way. The hard part was that I wasn't at the littlest hungry I just wanted to eat crackers and bread, anything that was white. It was so bad that I would do something to keep my mind off it and I couldn't sit still I had to keep moving so I didn't get anything done yesterday but I started LOTS of things. So it was totaly worth it today when I got on the scale and I am down to 167.4 to that's 5.5 pounds in 2 days. So hopefully today will be a little easier since my body should start getting used to this about now. Today I am half way over and have 2 days left!! This better go by faster.

Day 1 update

2008-05-22T07:13:00.001-07:00

So here is my update after day one. Day one was easy all day till dinner time and that is when I wanted to eat, so that was when I had some carrots and grapes. I realized how much I snack when I make the kids their lunches and dinner, since it was really hard for me to not have some gold fish or a bit of their sandwich. But after all that I made it and I lost 3 pounds I am down to 169.8 so that really motivated me to keep going strong. The shakes are all good but the strawberry one is hard for me to swallow so I am going to try and blend a banana with it today but the chocolate and vanilla are actually really good, I am surprised. Today I am going to Jazzercise and I am going to take it slow they do say to exercise about 30 min a day so I am going to do low impact today in the back row. Check back tomorrow to see how it goes!!

New Lifestyle with Ussana RESET

2008-05-21T09:58:00.001-07:00

OK so here we go yesterday I got my RESET program and I am now on a journey to a new and healthy me. You start with the 5 day RESET and this is a cleanse that will jump start you to losing weight and helps you lose your cravings. So I will be drinking 3 shakes a day and having 2 bars as snacks. I can also have 2 servings of fruits and veggies and that is it for the next 5 days. Afterward you can still replace 1-2 meals a day with shakes and eat a low-glycemic diet.

So I am going to be super brave right now and post my weight today it is 173 EKKKK. I was down to 166 but I have been really bad the past 3 weeks hence the RESET. So I am going to post my weight lose journey and journal my progress. Please don't judge me for my weight. That is not something I share with anyone so keep kind thoughts about me!! I know I am paranoid but hey I am being real.

I know a lot of you are wanting me to do this first so you can see if it works but in the meantime if you want to know anymore about it you can either call or email me or check out the best independent sales person EVER at http://www.jenniferpalmer.usana.com/mystory_en.cfm
I love you Jen!!! She has been super supportive and non pushy so check it out and we can RESET together!!

Friends!!!

2008-05-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

This is my daily devotional that I get in my email and I just thought that I should share it. It's really good about being a friend. I actually had a similar instance happen that someone had come to me and in so many words said that I "sucked at being a friend" too. That was a couple years ago and still to this day I think of that daily. I thought this was really good and unlike this story I was able to save the relationship and she is now one of my closet friends ever. So I hope you get a little from this... I did.

That's What Friends are For
by Laura MacCorkle, Crosswalk.com Senior Entertainment Editor

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17, NIV

Remember the '80s ballad, "That's What Friends Are For"? Its chorus wasn't really profound, but more of a feel-good reminder about friendship:

Keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowin' you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

It would be nice if all friendships could be as "smilin'" and "shinin'" as the one described in this song. But that's not always the case, such as earlier this spring when one of my friends said to me, "You stink as a friend."

Nice. Well, in hindsight I believe that the Lord was showing me that I truly was not being a good friend at all. And it took the ending of this friendship to show me where I was lacking in all of my friendships across the board.

In this particular case, I apologized and tried to reconcile, but the friend wanted nothing more to do with me. So after crying and wiping away my tears, I decided that I would learn from this situation.

My quest took me to the book of Proverbs: a source of wonderful life lessons that are as simple to understand as they are deep in their layers of meaning. Let's take a look and see what it says that true friends are for. ...

Proverbs 16:28 ... "A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." When friends share their most private thoughts with us, we should file them away for safekeeping. Don't be a source of drama. Instead, protect your friends' personal business and be the tie that binds and builds trust.

Proverbs 17:9 ... "He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends." Have you ever "covered" for a friend before? This is one of those acts that really forces us to mature and put on some big boy (or girl) pants in a hurry. Even when you've been hurt, love doesn't broadcast. It forgives and gets over the wrong.

Proverbs 17:17 ... "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Whether the sun shines or the skies burst forth in torrential downpours, true friends and relatives stick with you through thick and thin and are not of the fair-weather variety. Are you a faithful friend who purposes to remain?

Proverbs 18:24 ..."A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." True, you have to be a friend to make friends. But are you supposed to be bosom buddies with everyone? You can be friendly to all, but it is better to be selective when determining your closest, most dependable inner circle of friends.

Proverbs 27:6 ... "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." The bottom line is this: a real friend will tell you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear. Sure, it hurts to hear the truth (even in love!). But afterward, you'll see how much better you feel and realize how much your friend truly cares about you.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Based on the above verses, how are your friendship skills measuring up? Is it time to do a little fine-tuning? Are there some friendships that should be added or subtracted from your life? Take time to assess and thank God for the friends he has placed in your life.

Friends

2008-05-13T10:06:00.001-07:00

So I was thinking last night at just how much I love my friends, new and old. I have made a lot of new friends this last year through random things like Jazzercise, Homemade Gourmet, and Super Play and through other people. It's just amazing how the Lord brings people into your life and they turn out to enrich your life. So I just wanted to say thank you to all my amazing friends...you know who you are!! My circle of friends has widened this past year to new areas and I think it's cool when you meet other people in random places and then they begin to influence your life for the better, I am just feeling grateful this morning so thanks!!!

BLOG and life funk...

2008-05-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

So I have been in a funk lately and it started with me losing a BIG client with my business then my Dad found out that he had a blockage in his heart that he had to have surgery to fix, so things have just been weird for me. So this week I am starting up my normal routines again and getting out of my funk. I am going to be back into my blogging habits and keeping in better touch. It's pretty crazy how someone close to you going through a difficult thing like heart issues can really make you look differently at life. I think I need to start taking better care of myself and cherishing the moments with family and friends.

So just to keep you up to date my dad is doing better and he had his procedure on Thursday last week. It was really hard for me to see my dad is a helpless state. I am daddy's little girl and it was odd for me to see him not invincible. But things are good now and hopefully will stay that way.

I am still in a bit of a funk with my business so hopefully things will turn around and I am not going to stress about it.

So thanks for everyone's help and support through this difficult time. Can't wait for things to be normal again!!

Disney Mode...

2008-04-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

We are still in Disney mode and Sissy (Kylee) wanted to wear her dress and put on make up and do her hair. She is such a girl and a total princess. You can tell by the pictures I took that she was in her own princess heaven. It was fun!! I love having a girl!!

"See Dad if you bought her a princess dress she would wear it at other times other than Disneyland!!"

Disneyland

2008-04-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

So we went to Disneyland this week on Mon. and Tues. We had such a blessed time. I went with the kids and My dad and Gloria. We had the best time!! I am sooo lucky to have such amazing family in my life. It was a little sad that the hubby wasn't there to have fun with us, but it was still a great time. The Grandparents got us a room that had bunk beds for the kids so they really liked that!! The kids were exhausted after the first day and crashed hard. We had a wonderful time and YES the chicken pox are finally gone!!! So here are some pics from our wonderful time!!

Gas Prices... Ouch!!

2008-04-13T20:58:00.000-07:00

So today after church we were on our way home to grab "baby" (Kylee's pink bear) then we were off for a youth meeting when the car dies on the freeway, well..... I guess cars need gas to run. So off to call Super Dad to save the day... again. My dad was actually two minutes away from us and runs home to get a gas can and we are on our way to the gas station within 15 minutes. It must have been the quickest break down in history. I guess we learned not to let our tank go down that low, but seriously these gas prices are outrageous!! Anyway just like my last post, Grandparents ROCK!! So thanks Dad and Gloria for saving us again. Seriously what would we do without them??

So tomorrow we are off the Disneyland with Super Grandparents for two days!! Woo Hoo!!!!!

Pictures coming soon.

I am sooo lucky...

2008-04-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky to have wonderful grandparents for my kiddo's. Yesterday the hubby and I were in DIRE NEED of a date night and they happily said that they would watch the kids. We were planning around 5 to go out but at 2 my Dad and Gloria show up at the house wanting to take them early. "what you actually want my kids early?" so I had a nice 2 hours to myself (well Luke stayed and took a nap) to get all of our crappy bills in order. So thank you Lord for blessing me with such wonderful Grandparents for my kids.

BTW Mike and I had a blessed time at the Brigintine (where we got married) and then went on saw 21, which rocked. TGFGC!! (Thank God for Gift Certificates)

Here is the update on the pox...

2008-04-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

The picture doesn't give those boogers any justice!!

Well it's been 7 days now, the longest 7 days in mommy history. The pox were getting better and then like 5 more showed up, how does that happen. At first we were not convinved that they were "the pox" but now we are convinced since he got some more. Thank God Luke hasn't gotten them yet. Kylee's are completely gone and she only had like 8 on her tummy and they went away pretty fast. So I guess I am just getting a taste of what it's going to be like home schooling Blake is going to do great I have been working with him while he's been gone from school and I have to pull him away from his work. It's so cute!! Anyway, my life has revolved around home lately and I am getting some things done but I miss the option to leave. I miss my friends and the park and playdates. Oh well it's only for a time.

I am VERY excited to go to the Pink Pineapple on Friday but these stupid chicken pox wont allow me to get out early so I will see everyone there at 6 (Mike is getting home a little early from work). I can't wait!!!!! Ok well that's all for now talk to you soon!!

No one is safe...

2008-04-04T17:28:00.000-07:00

So I woke up this morning to a wonderful morning and told Blake to go get dressed and he says that he can't because he is "itchy". Well he raises his shirt to show me a wonderful surprise.

He's got chicken pox, just because you have had the vaccine doesn't mean anything.

So then Kylee lifts up her shirt and she only has 4 so not too bad and hers look like they are already healing, which makes us wonder if she had them first. So anyway, looks like I am home bound for the next week. So maybe I will be able to BLOG a lot!!

Ok so here is my new toy,

I am very excited because the Brown family is going "mobile". We are getting rid of our desktop computer (BTW we are selling it if interested) which is in perfect condition but thought it would be nice for my business if I can have business access anywhere. So I have been busy getting everything switched over to the laptop, so that's why my creative BLOG has taken a few days off. Anyway, it's been fun starting fresh.

And for the finally update............ we have decided to home school Blake, I know I know, this is a big deal and we are very excited about it!! He will start in the fall at Classical Academy which is a public school for home school kids. You just need to talk to me about it. He will still get to go to class and have friends but on most days we will have school from home. If interested check out the web site at www.classicalacademy.com

Ok I think that's about it for the updates, love ya all and be praying that the Chicken Pox don't get worse than they are, he has a super mild case!!

Mom Moment

2008-03-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

So this is one of those "Mom Moments" where you really should take care of your child and get them out of whatever trouble they are in instead of running to get the camera.

Well that is what happened this morning. I was trying to figure out why we didn't have cable and then I hear the kids telling me that I had to get Luke. Well I kinda ignore them because whatever he has done sure isn't that bad as not having Internet and mommy is BUSY (the story of their life). So I go about my business with the older kids tattling in the background. I get up to get my coffee since that is more important at this very moment and take a look over at the fireplace where all the tattling has come about and this is what I see...

Yep that's right he closed himself inside the fireplace. He was having a blast!!

Yep so being the scrapbooker that I am what do I say to myself? Quick grab the camera what a cute page this would make!!! I know my parents would be proud that I allowed my baby to play in the fireplace 4 minutes longer just to get that perfect picture for that perfect page. It better be good, since now Luke thinks it's fun and cute!! He has already been in the fireplace 2 other times this morning now that mom laughs and gets the camera, OOPS!!!
Oh well, at least his scrapbook page will be cute!!

Can't stand the cuteness!!

2008-03-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

Ok so I love my kids!! I mean how cute does it get?? Luke is starting to talk so much he probably has like 40 words, but yes he only says then for us and Kelsee has heard it once. He says Kelsee perfectly, go figure he wouldn't say mommy but he would say Kelsee. But the other day my wish came true and he was walking around the house saying "mommy" in the cutest high pitched voice ever!! I love it. He even said "Love you" on Sunday!! Oh my gosh, it's so crazy how your little babies can grow up so fast!!

Then of course there are the days that your kids get into your stuff, now luckily this wasn't one of my stamp pads but yes Luke did get into the kids red ink pad and boy did he make a mess!! Good thing it wasn't a Stampin Up one!! But even with all the messes that I have to clean up and the waking up in the night, it all doesn't matter when I hear these precious JOYS laugh or sing. Wow what a mommas joy!!

Ok that's all for the gushing over my kids that I will do for now!!

On to something different, so I am still waiting to hear back from the doctors about my second series of blood tests to find out what's been going on with my body and why I am so fatigued. I am anxiously waiting and hope that something comes up so they can stop telling me that I am "depressed and I need to talk about what's going on in my life that triggers these symptoms". Whatever, just tell me whats wrong with me!!

Anyway I hope that everyone has a WONDERFUL Easter if I don't write till then!! BLESSINGS!!!

It's been a while

2008-03-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

But I am so blessed to have wonderful friends in my life. Look at what Gina made for me, I love it, it's a memory book from my birthday night at the Pink Pineapple!! I don't get many handmade stuff so when I do I cherish it SOOO much. Thanks Gina you are an amazing friend, can't wait to get together with the families.

My favorite room got a makeover...

2008-03-03T10:39:00.001-08:00

Check it out my princess room (that's what Kylee calls it) it got a face lift thanks to IKEA, I got two more desks for my craft room for only $100.00!!! I love bargins!! Anyway I love my new room and my hubby was wonderful to spend ALL of Saturday helping me move desks and putting up my fan!!

You know where I am going to be during "quiet time" today!! Come and play with me!!

AHHHH... I hate these kind of moments

2008-02-27T15:17:00.000-08:00

I just had one of those mom moments that as a mom you hate... I just had a major freak out and of course it would be on the one person that I love the most and would never want to hurt. I would be irate if I ever saw someone act the same to my son. Yep I just flipped out on Blake my little treasure!! Something just came over me and it was like I couldn't control it anymore. Why you might be wondering... well it was all because he was crying because Bailey (the dog) was chewing and taking away his ball. Not a big deal for any day other than today. I have not had one of those rage moments in a LONG time. After sending him to his room, Kylee then starts crying because Blake left her OMG!! After a calm moment and a panicked prayer I called him out and how humbling and insightful this moment was, to see his little chest well up when I talked about how much mommy yelling must have hurt his heart, it just simply broke my heart. His little chin quivered every time that I said sorry. I have never loved him more. After I asked him to pray for me and he walked away, I pondered what the H*** happened? Well I realized that I have not prayed or relaxed or had a quite moment to myself (which I always start off my day with a simple prayer, at least). I just asked the Lord for strength and I felt relief and peace for once today!! And now they are ALL having "quite time" and what could be more glorious than that?

Just wanted to share with you my major flop today!!

A woman that is Thriving...

2008-02-25T15:43:00.000-08:00

So I went to an amazing womens retreat THRIVE the weekend before last and it changed my life. I went there searching for something and longing for my God to reveal himself to me and WOW did He come through. I have not been this fullfilled in a while, I am so grateful for serving a God that forgives and brings restoration. I went up to Murrieta Hot Springs with an emptiness that no matter what I seemed to do and no matter what self evaluation thing I was doing was not filling it. I needed something bigger than myself. I will never forget this expienece. I have also realized my true friends in my life and how deeply each one of them have touched my life. The Lord has brought some amazing women into my life, for that I am very grateful. I have come back a better person with a new joy in my life, thank you Lord for meeting me where I was. You are an amazing God!!

I am so glad to say that Luke is completely better now!! And it seems like I am getting better too (when I was on the retreat I got very sick)so today was the forst day that things seemed to be getting a little back to normal!!

I have so much JOY in my life right now and my kids are such amazing treasures in my life!! They fill my heart till it's overflowing!!

OK I am done now!!

Off to Murrieta Hot Springs : )

2008-02-15T11:13:00.000-08:00

So this weekend I am going to a retreat up in Murrieta Hot Springs with our church. I am SUPER excited and can't wait to get up there. Poor Mike will be home with the kids for 3 days and 2 nights all alone with 3 kids. I will be praying for him. So I can't wait to get away and hear some amazing speakers and Carisa and I are going to be bringing some of our scrap booking stuff so maybe we will get a chance to make some stuff!! Oh I would LOVE LOVE LOVE that!!!

Luke is feeling much better, thank God!! Poor baby, he is finally healthy!! But now it seems like I may be getting a bug!! Bummer!!!!!

My kids have been so amazing lately... or maybe I have just been more at peace and less stressed out lately, I am sure it's both combined. They are such a joy in my life and I am so blessed. My life has just been going really well lately and I am sure things are about to change, just because that's how things work and that's how life goes. But when things do change I know I will be at a better place and have much for grace in my life. I am doing this Beth Moore study and she is changing my life and opening my eyes to a different life. I am so excited to dive into it everyday!! I am sure that has a huge part to do with my peace.

Well I guess I better go do some laundry and get packing, 5 hours to go till I leave!!

PS the picture is just cuz the are cute, and I love the warm weather we are having, or were having : (

Poor Luke...

2008-02-04T10:45:00.000-08:00

So yesterday we take Luke into the doctors after a long day of odd symptoms including his feet and legs turning blue and a 104 temp, and lots of other weird things which almost made Kaiser take Luke to the hospital. So we go to the doctors later taht day and they check him out and he didn't have an ear infection and his throught looked clear, so they order a chest x-ray and he has pnemonia. Can you believe this little baby that has been sick so much has pnemonia!!! Anyway, so they gave him and antibiotic and he is doing a little better today.

On the brighter side this weekend I was able to go up to Anaheim for an amazing Stampin Up! conference, I got so many amazing ideas and I got some time to stamp. I went with the other demo's around our area and we just had the best time!! I really enjoyed it and the best part is we got to meet Shelli and all take our picture with her. For those of you who don't know who that is she is the founder of Stampin Up! she was soooo nice!! SU put on an amazing production!! I was so fortunate to be able to go. What a great weekend but it was so sad to come home to a sick baby.

I know I am working backwards but then on Tues and Wed Mike and I went up to Disneyland for our 9 year wedding anneversary, we had a great time but I ended up getting really sick with a UTI and was in soo much pain that we went back to the hotel the first night at 6. But I got something over the counter to help with the symptoms until I could get my antibiotic and that helped a little so we could enjoy the next day. We had a good time I just wish I would have felt better!!

So that is what has been going on here!! What a CRAZY week it's been!! But I have had some great times with my hubby and going to the SU convention.

What a Day...

2008-01-25T15:58:00.001-08:00

Day's like this make me want to crawl into a hole and hide for a long time till everything passes away. It seems like everything around me is falling apart. Wow I know that this is major spiritual warfare and I am trying my best to hold it together but a little breathing room would be nice right now. We are supposed to be going to camp for the day tomorrow (Saturday) to be youth camp counselors and this past week has been one battle after another, I get sick with something we still don't know what it was, my mom freaks out on me, my kids have been acting up, my marriage is less than perfect right now, let's see is there anywhere else that I could be attacked, oh the dog... if that dog gets into his house one more time today I will let it run free, she wreaks my house trying to kill our wonderful cats. I just wonder what Jesus would do, he would probably go on a mountain far away and ask the Lord to help and guide him and he would be all peaceful I can almost hear the music playing in the background, well he never had kids or nor was he a mom. Trust me I would kill for a little alone time on a mountain right now.... WAIT maybe that's what I will get tomorrow... it just dawned on me that I may get to be by myself and have alone time with just me and God tomorrow kinda like a date. Oh Lord please allow that to happen, I would SOOO enjoy that!! Anyway I guess everything happens for a reason and I love my kids so dearly right now, even though they are driving me crazy. They are the only thing that helps me get through the day. They make me laugh, cry, and most of all joyous. I wouldn't trade what I do for the life of me. Well maybe have everything that I have now but live in a simpler time like the 50's. Couldn't you all see me with my plate of cookies and my pretty dress on being president of the PTA. Times have changed and what I wouldn't give to have my life a little simpler. That's my goal and priority for 2008. Just thought I would share and ask for a little prayer!!

It's been a while...

2008-01-19T07:28:00.000-08:00

You can usually tell when I have a big order of cards or something to fill, I don't BLOG much since I don't usually have enough time in the day to take a shower so that is what I have been doing.

So as you can tell I wouldn't add a random picture of any dog unless it meant a new addition to our family. That is Bailey!! She is an AMAZING dog that our friends found on the side of the road, so now we are praying that no one contacts us about her (we put an ad on Craig's List) and that she doesn't have a "chip" we are taking her to check that out today!! So that is our new addition, she is the best dog we have ever came into contact with.

Mike has been working a lot but he is doing a great job and we are very proud of him in his new position.

I think that is about all for now, thanks for reading!!

The new me...

2008-01-03T09:31:00.003-08:00

Here is the new me, I got new glasses and here is a picture of my pierced nose. BTW for those who have your nose pierced be CAREFUL when drying off from the shower, a towel can come right up to your face and rip that ring right out of your nose and it WILL hurt. Just a little advice from this morning.

Here are some pictures of our New Years Eve party, we had a blast and we actually stayed up till 12. Love you guys who came and for those of you who ditched us poo on you.

It's official...

2008-01-03T09:31:00.002-08:00

they had the meeting today at Mike's work and he officially got promoted!!! They told everyone today that Mike will be leading the group! The corporate world is weird and we will not see a change in his pay till May but it's great knowing that come May things will change. So praise God for being faithful!!

We are very excited at the opportunities that this will open up for us! YEAH!!

Baby Luke...

2008-01-03T09:31:00.001-08:00

So here is an update on Luke's health, we finally took him to the doctors again and with tears in my eyes I asked the doctor for his help and just make him better (he has been sick none stop since before Thanksgiving). So they decided to start giving him his breathing treatments again 3-4 times a day, he had the same thing when he was a baby but he got better. So far it seems to have helped and for a 14 month old to sit still for 15 min. with an oxygen mask on his face is really remarkable and has to say something that it has to help him enough to keep him still for that long of a time. So thanks for all the prayers and hopefully this will help him and I am happy as long as we have some answers and something to do to help him. The picture above is when he was at his worst, that was the start of it. Just looking at him would make me cry!!

I FOUND IT!!!!! (read my other BLOG)

2007-12-28T09:42:00.000-08:00

Yea so i found my earlier post, Thank you Jesus!! So anyway, have fun reading my ramblings!!
Love ya All

It's not Christmas anymore : (

2007-12-28T09:39:00.000-08:00

This is the first year ever that i am actually sad that it's over. Whats wrong with me? This was the first year that things were chill and that we spent Christmas together as a full family (us and the kids) in our new house. I think that made it feel more real. I am sure that it helped that we had been trapped in the house for 4 days straight with barfing kids and a barfing mommy (that would be me). By the time Christmas day came around i was SOOO ready for some fresh air and to get out of the house. Again my hubby stepped up to the plate, he is some amazing guy!! He took care of us and the 3 kids as we got sooo sick. What a trooper, and he managed to not get sick also. WOW!! So we just had a super blessed Christmas and I still have a turkey and all the fixings in the fridge waiting to be eaten. We were supposed to have Christmas Eve dinner here and that got canceled. Anyone up for dinner?

Besides the holidays and the busyness of that, we went to the pink pineapple for my birthday (I know it's been a while since I wrote). Us girls had the BEST time. I think it was my favorite birthday for sure. We started the night by getting my nose pierced!! I finally talked Mike into letting me get it done... so I thought (long story). Then we went to Pat and Oscars then off to good old Starbucks. Then we started the best night of 6 hours of shopping, scrapping, card making and best Friends!! I think I am in love with the girls in my life!! Yes I think I am!! Thank you all who came you guys are the best. We had such a great time that we will be doing that at least once a month, maybe twice if we can talk the hubbies into it. The next date it set for Jan. 11Th!!! Can't wait, start planning those projects now girls!!

So that's about all here I guess, OH I guess I should share something that I have been wanting to write for such a long time and that is all about my favorite thing beside Stampin Up is Homemade Gourmet, I have the best demonstrator in the world and I just wanted to share with you how much easier my life is with these products. I always have dinner on the table on time... well close to being on time every night and I LOVE the meals. It's kinda like Super Suppers or Dream Dinners but SOOOOOO much cheaper. Our family of 5 eats the WHOLE month for only $300.00 worth of groceries. I am a HUGE fan and I signed up for the preferred membership and I get send to my house random meals, all I do is add the ingredients sick it in the oven or my favorite the crock pot, make a quick side and then dinner is ready. Now I LOVE LOVE LOVE to cook, but with 3 little kids I don't have much time for it so this makes my life so easy and with little effort and I still get to enjoy cooking too!! So if you wanna know more message me or comment me about it or check out her web site at www.familymealstogether.com or Gina's link (on the right side of my BLOG) to her BLOG with hundreds of helpful tips!! Gina will help you with all your meal planning needs and plus she is the best friend that you will make beside being a great person to help with your shopping needs. Check it out, OK that's all for my sales pitch, look back for more since I am going to start sharing with you all my "crafty" meals. BTW what spurred me to write this is I GOT A BRAND NEW CROCK POT for Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The little things in life that make me so freakin happy!!

Love ya all

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

2007-12-28T08:07:00.000-08:00

OK So I am SOOO F'n sad right now I just wrote the longest BLOG in history and it's gone so here is the gist of it....
Christmas was great
Birthday was SO fun
and I LOVE Homemade gourmet.

Anyway if I get up the energy to write for another 30 minites I will later, I am just MAD right now!!

THEY ARE DONE!!!!!

2007-12-13T08:51:00.000-08:00

I am so excited, they are finally done, the Lord is sooo good and faithful!! I only have to address and get postage for one of them and the other has been delivered, oh my gosh i am soooo excited!! Today is a day of rest... well sort of, I gotta clean my house and make dinner for the hubby. Poor guy through this whole thing he has been really supportive... well most of the time. Right now he deserves a clean house and home cooked meal!!

So through this whole thing I also had a meeting (which I almost canceled for being too busy, thank Jesus I didn't) with a dear woman of God that I respect dearly. We just had an open conversation of where I was with the Lord and layed it all out, wow that was a great place for me. Some of you know about my dreams lately also and I told her of my dreams and she really opened my eyes to what the Lord was telling me. It was truly powerful. So to wrap it up the Lord is calling me to a place of higher accountability and relation with him, without the rules and guilt and feelings of unworthiness. He wants me to have a deeper relationship and is begging me to know Him deeper and open up my life to have constant contact with him so that I can battle the spiritual warfare that is going on around me. I am contending for my son to get better and not get sick any longer (which by the way he has a yeast infection and ear infection right now... YIKES). So I just want to thank Cathy from the bottom of my heart and what an amazing woman of God she is and how she has opened my eyes and heart to the Lord. The Lord truly spoke through her that day and I can wait to see what the Lord has for me once I conquer this battle in front of me.

So a lot has been going on but it's this season for these things.

On a more personal note, most of you know also how much I dread the holiday's and this just proves another reason why, my sister is up to her stuff again. We planned on having Christmas Eve at our house with my mom and sister, well now she is doing her own thing and wont come and it's all because she doesn't like me, it's the holidays get over yourself for mom's sake. I love my mom dearly and she is caught in the middle of this stupid feud that I thought was over but will never be over because she doesn't want to let it go!! GET OVER IT!!! So it all is a long story but it just makes me mad when people wont let things go, grow up you are 7 years older than me!!

Anyway, I hope everyone is having a Merry Christmas season so far. I can't wait for my birthday and Friday!! SO FUN!!! A day when it's all about me!! I know that sounds bratty but when your a mom and everyday is about everyone else I love the thought of a day all about me!!

Love ya all

How can one mom be so excited??

2007-12-05T15:26:00.001-08:00

So it's time for my birthday and I am soooooo excited (which I am usually not that excited since Christmas overshadows my birthday) but I have planned a girls night out with my favorite girls, Kelsee, Gina and Carisa. I can't wait it will start with hopefully stopping off at the tattoo shop to get my nose pierced and then going out to dinner with Kelsee and then off to the Pink Pineapple for 6 hours of scrap booking fun!! I can't wait!!! We can even bring in wine coolers, how cool are they!! Anyway Kelsee and I are going to start packing up our stuff now we are so excited!! So anyway, life is god now I just have to convince my hubby to let me get the nose piercing... what to bribe him with.... hmmm a girl has control.

So besides the birthday things are going good here the Lord has really been faithful to me lately and changing my hardened heart and I am so grateful that we serve a God that is patient with us when we are throwing our fits of rage, He is the perfect model of a earthly Father. I have been trying my best to do my devotionals and get into the Word and the Lord has blessed me with patience and an ability to get things done faster and more efficiently. I love it!! He came to me at a helpless place in the shower just asking Him to come from behind the veil that he was behind just waiting and watching me throw my fits, He met me there at my desperate place in the shower. I actually at one point told the Lord I had given up on him and that i wasn't going to try to talk to him anymore, He must have laughed at how ridiculous that must have sounded and me throwing my fit well knowing that it is too natural to have him in my life daily to turn away so easily. So I am just so thankful that I am coming back to a place that seeks Him daily and is devoted to the God that has been waiting for me and never gave up on me.

The Night Before Christmas....

2007-12-05T15:26:00.000-08:00

This was sent to me by a friend and I thought how true is this!! Enjoy!!
*********

The Night Before Christmas For MOM's

'Twas was the night before Christmas, when all thru the abode,
only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode.
The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
while visions of Nintendo 64 and Barbie, flipped through their heads.

The dad was snoring in front of the TV,
with a half-constructed bicycle on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh, "Now what's the matter?"

With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
she descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug.
"Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."

"Ho-ho-ho!" cried Santa, "I'm glad you're awake."
"Your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is some time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled, "I've made you a clone."

"A clone?" she asked, "What good is that?
Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit-chat."

The mother's twin. Same hair, same eyes,
same double chin. "She'll cook, she'll dust, "
she'll mop every mess. You'll relax, take it easy,
watch The Young & the Restless." "Fantastic!" the mom cheered.
"My dream come true! "I'll shop. I'll read., I'll sleep a whole night
through! "

From the room above, the youngest began to fret.
"Mommy?! I scared... and I 'm wet."

The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled, "She knows her part."
The clone changed the small one, and hummed a tune,
as she bundled the child, in a blanket cocoon.

"You the best mommy ever. " I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed, "I love you, too."
The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal. "
That's my child's love she's getting to feel."

Smiling wisely Santa said, "To me it is clear, "
Only one loving mother, is needed here."

The mom kissed her child, and tucked her into bed.
"Thank you, Santa, " for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget, it won't be very long,
when they'll be too old, for my cradle & song."

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."
With the clone by his side Santa said, "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, Mom, You'll be all right.

Help...

2007-12-03T00:26:00.000-08:00

It's 12:30 and Luke has been crying since 9:30 for no apparent reason. I am so tired!! I hate this part of being a mom!! It's so hard to see your baby crying because something is wrong and you don't know what it is. I am so tired!! Then in the morning I have Jazzercise and then I have to watch my neice till 3. Lord please help her be good tomorrow!!!!!!!

I only have 400 more Christmas and Milk bank cards to do!! I am not very busy and I don't need much sleep right? I have a sink FULL of dishes which I thought the hubby was going to do since he said he would help pick up this weekend so i could get some cards done. I am overwhelmed and I would have LOVED a little help with the house work since all I am doing lately is making cards (which I don't mind doing) and I am watching Shara which latley has been really difficult. I just dont know if I can do ALL these things anymore. A little help Lord just a little!! PLEASE. Today at church was a message on hope and the feeling of hopelessness and all I need right now is a little hope and some rest.

Looks like a break in the crying I better go and try and sleep!! Here's to hoping!! Thanks for letting me vent!!

We have 2 new additions to the Brown family

2007-11-25T14:15:00.000-08:00

I know we have done it again, the kids talked us into getting 2 kitty's, we got them from a family at church and so far they are really great with the kids and are super friendly. So just wanted to say hi and let you know of our new family friends. We are also watching my Dad's dog for him and in two days we have added 2 cats and a dog, we are crazy.
Today was a better day, I think the Lord is softening my heart (he needs to) so today with the youth was good. When you don't feel like doing somethign and the Lord opens a door it's ussualy a good thing. So keep praying it's not over yet. Love you all!!
PS the black cat is Belle and the tiger one is Rella

2007-11-24T17:13:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of Super Play, our favorite place to go!! So I am really excited to say that Kelsee has joined my obsession with Jazzercise and is training to be a class manager!! Yeah!! Also Deb has also came in for a comp class and loved it and will hopefully be joining soon!! I love all my friends loving the things that i love!!

Anyway, I have been in a funk lately and I NEED to get some major girl time in so I am thinking either girl night out or starting something a little more consistant and doing a every other week bible study or get together. So let me know what you all think, I am in some desperate need on "my girls". My walk with the Lord is nearly gone and tomorrow we have to teach the youth and I feel not able to lead in a way that would be Glorifying to the Lord. So all that to say I guess if you want to get together then let's do it and also please pray for me I have lost all desire to even seek out the Lord. Thanks and off to being a mom I go... gotta love life.

What a week...

2007-11-09T15:53:00.000-08:00

This week has flown by soooo fast!! Anyway, so we went to Palm Spring last weekend and it went by so fast!! No time to really relax, it was lots of fun but Kylee got really sick at my Dad's and the mom in me kicked in and wanted to mother her to get to her on Sunday and she was a lot better. So we had fun with our friends and here are some pictures of the weekend and our big boys 1st birthday!! Everyday I have the realization that we are not to have anymore kids, today at Super Play I was holding th owners baby and I LOVE babies but the thought of getting up at night and changing frequent diapers and all the feedings, no sleep, no dates, no freedom... I am done, a part of me would love to have another baby but i think I am too selfish at this point in my life and it may change but i hope not i want my life simple again and once Luke starts walking my life will be on it's way to being simple again, then I can put him down outside and we can play as a family. I am just over the "baby" part!! I want him to grow up but on the other hand he is my baby and i want to cherish this time for the last time! But wow what fun we have to look forward to later in life when our kids are old enough to take on trips and go places, oh the joy. So I can but can't wait. I am lucky I cherish every age!!

So enough of that rambling!! I am one lucky woman, i hve the best hubby ever to allow me to do all the things that I do, I do all these Jazzercise meetings and extra stuff and Stampin Up and my own business. He is so supportive and I appriciate all that he does for us!!

So I love this Super Play place!! If you ever want to come with me and check it out please let me know I will be there almost everyday!! I love it and I keep forgetting my camera when i go there, way fun and I love it when Kelsee goes with me our kids play well together and we can chat and stamp!! The two loves of my life!!

So I need to go and start making dinner or at least figure out what we can have!! I will write later!!

OMG this is great...

2007-10-30T11:40:00.001-07:00

Ok so i just got back from Super Play Inc. and this place is great!! The kids (including Luke) played for 2.5 hours. It was so great, next time I will take my camera and post some pics. Many of you have gone to Kidsville with me and that was amazing and well priced for what you got, but oh so far away. This is kinda like it but super close but it's a little pricey but for me worth it since I will go often... hopefully. So if you ever want a fun easy play date let me know it's $5.00 per kid since I am a member, I will be there often. It's located in the Round Table Pizza shopping center. Gotta go clean up my daughters pee on the floor, gotta love being a mom!!!!

So here it is...

2007-10-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

I was thinking that I need to keep a personal BLOG and then keep my creative BLOG seperate. So here it is!!! I am super excited about my new adventures of trying to get my life organized and on track. I feel that for the past 6 months I have been living in a tornado.

So I am WAY excited about going to Super Play today with Kelsee this (if it's cool) could be the start of getting my life organized and keeping me sane. My goal to go to this indoor playground a couple times a week and let the kids play while I get my "business" stuff done!! Here's to hopeing it's cool and worth the money!!! Please Lord!!

Another cool thing that we have been doing latley is taking this finacial class by Dave Ramsey (the Brown's new best friend). It has completely changed our household and our future. We are so excited to get to a place where life is a little easier!! So I will post more soon but gotta go pick up one of my kids from school!!