Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Party Pack

2010-01-20T20:33:00.004-07:00

Can hardly get me head off the pillow Crap!

Hoping tomorrow is better than today and
yesterday. I need to be coherent when my girl
comes home.

~Where my Heart is~

2010-01-14T16:08:00.007-07:00

I have been to Haiti many times and each time
is an experience in itself. These photos are in
no order just wanted to remember today.
Please pray for this Country it is part
of who our family is and will forever be.

~this is the guesthouse where we stay
and we have word that this part of it has
collapsed~

~the guesthouse, this part we have heard
collapsed~one of my favorite people in the
whole world who takes such good care of us
when we are there~ They are safe~

~At the Orphanage~

~In these streets~

~The first time we met our little girl and promised
her we would be back for her~

~as the plane door opens and you step out the

heat will take your breath away~

~Leaving is always hard~

~she did not want to go back to the "O" thinking
I was leaving her there, we were just there to
visit~Look at that face!

~I wish she could be here sleeping like this~

~My mom made this pillow with our pictures~

~painting toenails~

~this picture was snapped when I had to leave
and take her back to the "O". It was gutwrenching

it took a couple men to get her off of me. It was

horrible~

Please pray and if you can give please do.

I am afraid to go to sleep!

2010-01-12T23:28:00.003-07:00

For fear of what is to come in the morning. The devastation for this country when the sun comes up is unimaginable. Haiti is a place I have come to love so very much. Heavenly Father please be with them all.

Please Pray for Haiti

2010-01-12T18:25:00.004-07:00

PLEASE PLEASE

PRAY FOR HAITI

So worried about everyone there and can't get ahold of anyone!!! The Orphanage is in Port au Prince and not sure if it is ok!

Merry Christmas- China babies

2009-12-02T14:43:00.004-07:00

***Don't forget to turn my music off at the bottom***

Made me laugh

2009-10-13T14:40:00.003-06:00

Changes

2009-08-31T14:10:00.004-06:00

Lots and lots of changes happening around here. Some of you have emailed me to see how we are doing Thank you so much! The quick answer to that would be "ok". I am working on an update to post soon. I can't believe it has been a month since I posted.

I suck at this kinda!

Holy crap! Turn my music off

2009-07-31T14:30:00.003-06:00

He is fantastic and makes me smile!
Loved it!

Thank you and I'm going private

2009-07-31T13:48:00.003-06:00

Hey everyone,

Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. I so very much appreciate them. As you know much has happened and I have so much I want to say. I feel best if I keep it some what safe. I have met many of you in person and some of you I have not met but feel like I know you. I am going to go private please please leave me an email if you want to and I will add you.

I have lots on my mind these days and want to keep it real.

Crystal

Struggling

2009-07-20T10:58:00.002-06:00

Yes me for many many different reasons. I don't know how much I want to share or should share so I am still working through things. If I get the guts to share I will. My faith is all over the place and I hate that I feel this way. My days are filled with so many ups and downs that my kids are feeling it most days and I feel guilty for that. Everyone says "this to shall pass" I sure hope so.

Chickenpox

2009-06-30T15:10:00.004-06:00

You have got to be kidding me!!! Yes he has them.

More later when I can catch my breath.

Thank you Haiti Ha!

We are home

2009-06-23T13:46:00.007-06:00

K that sounds good "Home" but the trip was totally exhausting really. I left on Wed flew to Fll, then on Thurs I flew into Haiti in the morning and out of Haiti that afternoon. I stayed in Fll then flew home on Fri.

For anyone traveling soon I don't know if I would recommend traveling in and out of Haiti in one day. I will write more on this later as I don't want to forget anything. I was by myself and it was just hard but so much had happened that day to add to all the emotions going through me. However, I don't know that I would of wanted to stay overnight either. So I am just glad its over and we are home.

More coming...

We have Visa!!!!!!!

2009-06-16T20:41:00.002-06:00

Traveling tomorrow be home Fri

THANK YOU all so much for your comments and well wishes they mean the world to me.

Please pray for safe travel and my friends that are just a couple days behind me. So wish I could be meeting them in person.

Maybe someday

See this face! I get to kiss it soon!!!

2009-06-04T10:17:00.003-06:00

My little boy is coming home!!! HOME did you hear that!!!
He looks so big in this picture

Love This! Way cute for his Daughter

2009-05-30T12:09:00.009-06:00

Make sure to turn my playlist off at the bottom and the whole thing is way cool!

Read the KSL story here huge hits on You Tube- http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=6629666

After reading the story I'm sure it will be on his next album.

You don't just quit!!!

2009-05-12T14:36:00.007-06:00

These are the words spoken to me so loud and clear by my 12 year old. I will admit I sometimes want to quit and run the other way as fast as I can BUT in our home we have taught our kids to never quit on anything they are doing. You might not be the best at what you are doing and you might find out that you don't love what you are doing but you at least finish it out and try.

If you choose to play a sport and you sign up, then you finish the season.

If you choose to take dance and you sign up, you have to go through recital.

If you want to play piano then you practice.

And the list goes on. I don't mind if they change their little minds which of course happens when you are trying to find what you love but you don't just quit.

So with that, how can I just quit "I CAN'T" I have to finish this season in my life.

Today is the day and I couldn't be more happy

2009-05-08T07:52:00.014-06:00

Isn't this a great picture? I think it says it all and maybe this is the reason for my journey.

Two years ago as I sat at Sarah's while she waxed my brows I was telling her that we were adopting again. She asked me about it and I showed her a picture I had with me. That was the extent of this conversation. Well a few weeks had gone by and she calls me and this is kindof what I remember- she says something like "so I have to tell you something, when you were here getting your brows done and told me you were adopting I thought it was great. Then you showed me the picture and I of course thought he was cute." But after you left that day I said to myself "how on earth can you really fall in love with a picture and I really had a good laugh about you" seriously she was like "I laughed when you told me you fell in love with a picture." Well then she saw something on a TV show during those few weeks since she saw me and really felt like it was something she was suppose to do. So she called me and started asking lots of questions and I shared where we were adopting from and told her they had a website she could look at. Well this is the next call I get "there is a little boy on the website and I know we are suppose to adopt him" I haven't told Russ yet but I was up all night and I couldn't sleep and she went on and on. I told her who to contact and the rest is history and TODAY is the day that my friend is bringing this sweet little boy home.

Today is the day she starts her journey to go get her little boy. I can't wait till Monday to see them home and will be praying for their safe return.

To Sarah and Family

I am so excited for your journey this weekend. It is the culmination of a very long wait and a lot of emotions. I know we have talked about the different things people have said to me and to you "I hope this wait is short for Sarah's sake" or "Sarah will have a nervous breakdown before this is over" but you know what, you have done it with Determination and with Grace. You are a great mother who knew this was your child and went for it with all your Heart. I am so proud of you and I hope and pray that you will enjoy this last leg of the journey, take it all in and be grateful for all that is to come. I pray that you will know that your Heavenly Father is by your side and is aware of all your needs. I love you and I am grateful that I could be a small part of this journey with you. All of your family is so excited and they will Love on him with all that they are. Thank you for all you do for me and our friendship. Remember that picture you fell in Love with, now I can laugh at you and smile that you fell in Love.

Love
Crystal

Going to Haiti

2009-04-16T09:39:00.002-06:00

Yes I am writing this post in haste. However apparently I need to go and take care of things myself or at least be in someones face. I will not wait weeks for the lawyer to come in again. So I am checking flights. We have discussed me going a couple different times and I feel like it is now. When I calm down I will try and get my thoughts together better. I have written very little about this journey and there have been many times I just want to scream , cry, pull out someones hair, cry and scream some more. I feel I am running low on strengh these days. We have been on three little Baseball trips in the last two months all of which my little guy was to be home for and now I am just a momma bear pissed.

Grant me patience to deal with my blessings

2009-03-17T10:54:00.004-06:00

For Sale

2009-02-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

Our home- I love our home very much and it was truly our dream home that when we built it we thought our grandkids would be spending the night here someday. I have learned so much about myself these last 2 years by living here.

More on this to come.

Chinese New Year Pics

2009-02-12T12:11:00.005-07:00

We had a great afternoon and it was a pleasure to meet some new families. We did have another dinner and I forgot my camera dang!

Highest of highs to the Lowest of lows

2009-02-11T15:15:00.003-07:00

All in the same day within an hour. I was really
feeling good this morning and then I received that
long awaited email I have been waiting for.
However, it was not at all the kind of email I wanted to open.
Please pray for us and our little one in Haiti. Please bless those
that need to get the mistake fixed that it will be figured out in the
morning. I am trying to stay positive but through the tears it
if so very hard. We have friends that could also use your prayers.
I keep telling myself this will all work out and I pray that
it does, tomorrow would be great.

80+

2009-02-11T12:17:00.006-07:00

This is a season that I love so much. It all starts this weekend and Gage will embark on another 80+ game season. We travel alot for baseball and the family loves it. The girls love to come because there are other little sisters that also travel and so they love to stay in different hotels, swim, eat out, and just plain run like crazy. Personally I could sit and watch Gage play all day and we do. On tap this year a couple places are Vegas, Omaha for the College World Series for a second year, and a whole lot more. The baseball lamp in the picture we got 2 years ago when we traveled to New York for a chance to play in Cooperstown. Yes I brought it on the plane home. Out of 96 teams we came in 3rd our boys rocked. That same year we played in the USSSA World Series in Kansas and came in 3rd also. Fun times and memories Thank you son I love you.

So if you need me in the next few months I will be at the ball park soaking up the sun, with my cooler dishing out sandwiches and gatorade and yelling at the girls to stay close where I can see them. I wish Sael was home to come with us this weekend maybe next tournament.

Yuck this weekend where we are headed is not suppose to be very warm. Bring out the sweatshirts, handwarmers and the portable heater.

Refresh

2009-02-10T14:21:00.002-07:00

How many times can one refresh their email in one day? I'm not sure but I think a gazillion. Please send me an email already. Yes I am waiting for an adoption related email that should be here any day, any second, should of come already type of email.

If you are the prayerful type will you please pray for all the little ones in Haiti waiting for their Moms and Dads for so long to come and get them. Please pray for files to move more smoothly and efficiently. Thank you so very much

Funny and some Truth to this

2009-02-09T17:18:00.003-07:00

A friend sent this to me and I ran it by my husband which has found this a little helpful. *Nine words women use.

1. Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to be quiet.

2. Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

3. Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments the begin with 'nothing' usually end in 'fine'.

4. Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. DON'T DO IT!

5. Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing)

6. That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. 'That's Okay' means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

7. Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question or faint. Just say 'you're welcome.' (I want to add a clause here - this is true unless she says 'thanks a lot' - that is pure sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome'. That will bring on a 'whatever')

8. Whatever: This is a woman's way of saying (insert your own thoughts).

9. Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something a woman has asked a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' - for the woman's response refer to #3.

I used one of these already this morning lol
Run them by your significant other and see if they find them helpful.
*edited a little

Gong Xi Fa Cai

2009-01-26T08:07:00.005-07:00

Free Myspace Graphics

We will be celebrating today and Friday with some very special guests of honor.

Free Myspace Graphics

From our family to yours

My mind is racing

2009-01-23T09:39:00.010-07:00

and really I don't even know where to begin. I haven't felt like blogging with so much on my mind, then I think maybe if I blog it will help with some of the things on my mind but I really don't want to and back and forth I go. sheesh get a grip girl!

So I am going to have fun with this today and finish a tag I received a while back from my friend L. However my blog has not been so fabulous lately.

You have to list 5 of your fabulous addictions in the post. Most are not fabulous or good for me and my mental well being.

Pepsi- sadly always have been and probably always will be addicted. Heaven forbid there is not any pepsi in my house. I feel unsafe and agitated if there is none in the house. No one wants to be around me then. The only way this will ever have a chance of getting better is if they simply quit making this crap. Please don't do that. I know it's crap and not good for me, empty calories, yada yada yada. Pathetic as it is I love the first sip and all that comes with it.
Purses and/or tots/bags- Yes I have entirely to many, who needs to many, certainly not me but I keep purchasing more. Some cheap, some um not so cheap. My husband cringes but loves me anyway. Sometimes I feel bad and sometimes I don't. I just love a great new bag any bag.
Computer- Ugh I don't even want to comment on this right now it's embarrassing.
Currently-the Bachelor-oh people I know but I truly get a kick out of these girls. I laugh alot. I sadly am not embarrassed by this. If you need a good laugh tune in and you will laugh to. Laughing is good for your well being right?
Sleep- OOOHHHH I love it so. I used to be able to fuction on very little sleep but I just can't anymore or maybe its that I don't want to anymore. Which ever it is I love it. We just bought a new king bed which I love but the jury is still out on the new mattress. It might have to be going back.

so there you have it a few addictions wow when you start thinking of this stuff you find out you have alot more. Sorry I think most of you have done this tag so I will just leave it at that. I have another one to do so I will tag you then.

Thank you L this was fun

Look what came today

2009-01-06T12:54:00.006-07:00

my very first order from Amazon. I was really excited to get my books. A few of them are books I have wanted to read for a while now so I can't wait to get reading. Some of them are about Haiti, one is for Gage he has to read it for Chinese and some are for Chloe so we can read them to her. A few I have wanted for Chinese New Year which will be here shortly. I love when the doorbell rings and I have a delivery. Sometimes I have even forgot that I ordered a specific thing. I love that surprise. What's crazy, at least to me is that I ordered 10 books in the same order, they where all in stock, they gave me one confirmation and one shipping price. Why are the coming in three different orders on three different days? Sounds like more work for them to me but whatever. My UPS guy probably thinks all I do is shop all day cause he is here so dang much. "Hey guy in the brown outfit it was really only one order. I promise." Six came today and two more shipments of two. Oh well!

SUGAR BOWL CHAMPIONS 13-0

2009-01-02T21:58:00.006-07:00

GO UTES!!!!!!!!!!!!! 31-17 over Alabama

BALLIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-01T10:28:00.007-07:00

Getting closer to coming home soon!!!!!!!!!!!!

Come on turn it up

2008-12-27T17:36:00.006-07:00

Ok so we put the decorations away today and quite frankly I am sick of waller'n (I know this isn't a word but I still say it) around about kids that are not home. I pray they will come home and I am just having faith that they will be here sometime in 2009.

So I want all of you to do me a favor. I dug deep into the oldies but goodies for some tunes to party to this New Years and they sound the best when the volume is turned way way up. So do it, turn your volume way up and if you want to get up and dance. I know you want to. Try it! It will bring a smile to your face. Come on, go ahead the first three songs will help you get your groove on and have a good time.

Remember volume way way up and smile, clap your hands, irritate your kid's or spouse that's what I've been doing with all my singing. They love me anyway and sad (or maybe not I love these cheesy songs) but true I know every word to these songs and I bet you do to. Don't lie! Sing it and sing it loud!

Christmas Hangover

2008-12-26T16:49:00.008-07:00

Does anyone else have the Christmas hangover or big downer that comes the next day? You know the one that doesn't even include alcohol. I always get it every year ugh why?

Love

2008-12-25T19:44:00.012-07:00

As all the hustle and bustle comes to a screeching halt. I am grateful for so many things. I am humbled by the blessings in my life. My prayer is simple on this Christmas night http://www.joytoeveryone.com/

The pictures and music are beautifully done. I hope everyone will feel and experience love in their life.

Father Christmas

2008-12-23T21:22:00.059-07:00

This is by far one of our favorite family traditions. When we visit Father Christmas every year. This was our 15th year and the kids always look forward to it. He knows my kids names and is so excited to see them each year. Our time with him is our own as it is by appt and so when the kids are with him they have all the time to ask him anything, or say anything, and he always has something special to say to them, which makes it very special.

When the kids walked in this year Gage was kindof in front and the first thing he said was "oh wow you have grown at least 6 inches this year". He was oh so right and it just doesn't get any better than that when he just knows so well.

I can't wait till the kids are home so they can experience the love of a Family tradition with us.

"2008"

"2007"

"2006"

"2004"

"2003" I'm still not quite sure
how I got him in pj's this year
it still makes me laugh and it
was even longjohn's from Hannah
Andersson. Ha!

"2002"

"2001"

"2000"

"1999" Bless him a little more
knee surgery with a table
over his knee

"1998"

"1997" Father Christmas had a little knee
surgery so needed a helper this year.

"1996"

"1995"

"1994"

*I have misplaced 2005 as soon as I find it I will add it. We were living with my parents while we built our house I think it might be there somewhere. You can click on the pics to see them larger.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS"

Still Waiting

2008-12-12T15:38:00.006-07:00

*pause my playlist at the bottom

"Merry Christmas" Third Day

A special song for all of you still waiting for your little ones (sons and daughters) from China. The wait is so very long and I know the Holidays seem to make the wait even harder and sometimes unbearable. That is how I felt when we were waiting so long ago. I pray for all of you that the time will go by quickly. The last six months of our wait are a complete blur even now. My poor kids at home I don't even remember doing anything with them. I became so obsessed with my computer and referrals that I shut almost everything else out. I do regret that time I lost with my awesome, forgiving kids at home.

This time around I am much better. I am living more in the moment and just dealing with the fact that they are not home for Christmas. I hope you to can stay in the moment (I know easier said than done).

Our family wishes you and your families and your babies in China a Merry Christmas

Date night

2008-12-09T09:41:00.006-07:00

So last week I pretty much just shut down all together. That is my way of getting through something. I know not the best option but when you feel like curling up in a ball it just is all I can do to get through each day. I am doing better however I don't have any good news to share.

Thank you to Russ and Sarah for taking us out on Sat. We went to dinner and then saw this and I laughed start to finish.

Something I totally needed and the company was great. Thank you

One of my favorites

2008-12-06T10:47:00.004-07:00

Please take a minute and pause my playlist at the bottom and listen to this song. I hope you love it like I do. This song is truly for the little ones all over the world. "Prayer of the Children"

I am in need of your prayers

2008-12-02T13:03:00.011-07:00

I have been brought to my knees and feel like I have been punched in the gut. For my kids and my husband I need to keep it together please pray that I can be held up.

The stockings are hung

2008-12-01T11:53:00.006-07:00

A little glimpse of our weekend. It is always fun getting out the decorations and watching the kids faces light up. My face was a little sad as my son was not around for much of the weekend to help us put up the tree. It is hard to have a teenager and watch them become little men and want to be social and with their friends. He is such a great kid and truth be told I think he missed being with us to when he saw the tree up and the stockings hung.

Oh and some reindeer stopped for a visit.

This is what I looked like by the end of the long weekend. Hookem Horns is all I could give. I wish I had my kids energy still. I'm still not done decorating.

Winner(s) of my 2nd SCENTSY giveaway!

2008-11-28T17:49:00.003-07:00

Ok so I decided to draw two names and we just did the drawing. Sorry it took me longer but you know after all that food I ate I could hardly move yesterday. Why do I do that to myself?

Hannah drew the names for me again and she pulled "L" and Barbie. Yeah I am so excited for you.

Please look at the catalog on my link and choose your plugin choice, scentsy bar, room spray scent and car candle scent. Then if you will email me I will be in touch with you soon.

I would love you to have it for the Holidays!!!

Final Curtain

2008-11-24T09:08:00.006-07:00

Nutcracker is that time of year that starts the Holiday Season for our family. When auditions come around in Sept the next few months seem to be a whirlwind. This week was full of all things Nutcracker and to have it come to an end is a little sad. I love to watch my girls dance and this year was no exception. They have the extreme pleasure to always dance with a live orchestra and it is magic. All the dancers did so well and Hannah loves it and by the end of the week is truly exhausted. She danced the part of Chinese and of course that was special as she can share that with her sister someday.

Sis we are so proud of you! Just think next year you will hopefully share the stage with your sister. You were awesome!

Love Mom and Dad

2nd Giveaway Yea!!!

2008-11-17T14:18:00.009-07:00

HAPPY FALL YA'LL

I am excited to host another fun giveaway! It will include one of the new plug-in warmers and a Scentsy bar, a room spray, and a car candle. You will be able to choose the plug-in warmer, the scent of the bar, car candle and room spray.

To enter the giveaway leave a comment and let me know you want to enter. Deadline to enter for this drawing is until midnight Nov 26th.

Good Luck!!!

Stinky (bad and good)

2008-11-14T09:10:00.004-07:00

Do your outlets have something like this? I gathered this stuff from drawers in my house. Ones that puff every 9min or something like that, ones with gel that starts to crack when they are used, ones with oil, big and little ones. None of them so great to me.

So this is what I did with them!
And this is what a candle does on the edges and everywhere else.

How stinkin (no pun intended) cute are these? This is in my daughters room and I have them in my bathrooms. Totally cute and they smell fantastic! Of course it's SCENTSY!

I'm headed to put one in my teenage sons room eww!

Tagged

2008-11-05T10:29:00.025-07:00

I've never been tagged and I don't know if you really want to hear 7 weird or random things but here goes and I will keep it clean just kidding. I was tagged by D and Shealin over at http://shealinsworld.blogspot.com/

1- J and I got married, in Vegas, at midnight. I don't recommend this to the baby of the family or any daughter for that matter. My mom locked herself in her room for two days. She was heartbroken and I don't blame her at the time I was a total doof I guess. I just was not thinking of the consequence. I will hurt my kids if they ever do this haha! My mom and me are close and yes she loves my husband lots.

2- I love to do laundry but I hate I mean do not love to put it away. Which means ya its kindof everywhere. Ugh!!!

3- Meat well this is so hard for me. I am that crazy lady at the store in the meat section that is pulling all the paper towel off the rack to wrap around the meat 15 times. I do not cook it I cannot touch it. I can eat it if its cooked but the blood ewwww. I am also the mom in the kitchen who is holding the garbage so when J is cooking it he can immediately throw the package away. Then I stand there with the cleaning supplies to make sure that he gets everything totally clean.
He still loves me. I have always been like this eww it just creeps me to think about it.

4- When I am eating potato chips from the bag I only eat the ones that are looped over touching. I feel it gives me a better crunch. I know whatever that means weird.

5- I like so many LLLLLooooovvvvveeeee Disney. I think it is such a great vacation takes me away from all the worries in life for just that little while. My kids love it just as much. I would be a princess even for a day. Can you imagine looking at the faces of all those little girls all day and the way they can't wait to see them. What a great job I think.

6- I was a dancer growing up ballet was my favorite and I loved to dance on point. However I took everything and did dance at a Rams/Cowboys football game once.

7- I want to go on the Amazing Race so bad. I did do a tape with a friend and literally was getting ready to send it in and was going down the checklist to make sure we had everything. I get to the part that says both have to be US citizens and her sister sitting there goes "she's not a US citizen". I laughed, thought she was joking but she wasn't. Our video was so great as she is Black and I'm white it was flippen funny. I am convinced we would of gotten on. Does anyone want to go with me? We can pretend to know each other and just think our video would be totally funny.

I tag Sarah N, and anyone who hasn't done this that reads my blog. I just don't know who has done these before and who hasn't. Please play I want to read about you.

Halloween

2008-11-04T08:59:00.013-07:00

We had the best time this year. All the kids are at such a fun age. The weather was fantastic we were just able to hang outside and visit. Candy well I ate way to much of that and don't tell anyone but secretly I throw it away little by little. I hope they think they are just eating it quickly or maybe they know oh well. I didn't get a pic of my daughters face makeup I am waiting for a friend who did to give it to me.
Grace wants to make sure I post a pic of that so coming soon.

"Faith"

Her choice of transportation for trick or treating

"Mickey Mouse" looks awesome nice job Dad!

This is were my son wants to go to college if you ask him "he will be going there". I think it's great!

Just her size ya

For all you moms

2008-10-22T09:54:00.013-06:00

that are wanting or needing to fund raise to bring your little ones home, that stay at home, work outside the home, that would like to get with girlfriends a few times a month to laugh and have adult conversation, that want or need to make new friends where you live, that have married daughters or daughter-in-laws who need or would like to bring home some extra money for the home front, that have kids in college and they need extra, that love fantastic things and you wish you had just a little extra cash to buy the things you need or want. The earning potential with SCENTSY is almost unbelievable. You will love it, your family will love it, and your friends will love it. Scentsy is huge (no other way to put it).

How cute is this warmer it is the warmer of the month for November? Very fun for the holidays!

I would love to answer any questions for you. You can contact me at - quest4chloe@yahoo.com or visit my Scentsy link to the right of the page or you can call me I would love to meet you.

Happy earning!!!

I am missing my kids

2008-10-21T17:22:00.004-06:00

Family memories

2008-10-19T10:59:00.004-06:00

This picture had me in stitches. We had left the older kids back at Space Mountain while we went to pick up a stroller. On the way J wouldn't let me help with any of the bags and then of course Chloe wasn't about to walk. All the way to the stroller rentals J kept making the sound of a donkey carrying all that stuff. He had me laughing so hard I almost peed my pants. I guess you had to be there.

The lucky winner is

2008-10-15T21:36:00.002-06:00

So I am in the hotel room and the kids helped me get all the names together. They were dying to draw the name. Thank you to all those that played it has been fun. I look forward to the next one.

Chloe getting in on the action.

Please my mouth oh gosh I hope I was in mid-sentence. Not gonna lie not lovin it.

"L" from A Blessed Life Congratulations!!!

I will be in contact with you as soon as I get home.

Disneyland

2008-10-15T09:32:00.002-06:00

Hi

I have all the names of those who entered the drawing. We did make an impromptu trip to Disney and will be home tomorrow. I will post the winner then. I am really excited to draw my first winner. My kids are also excited to get in on the action. Please check back sorry.

Up next

2008-10-08T15:16:00.001-06:00

All about our little family!

GIVEAWAY

2008-10-07T08:52:00.003-06:00

I am having a giveaway!!!!!!!!!

Why? because I can and because I want to let everyone know about my new favorite thing SCENTSY.

The lucky winner may choose a SCENTSY warmer and two different scents for there new warmer. Anyone may enter but you need to leave a comment and let me know you want to participate. You have until Tuesday Oct 14th at midnight to get in on this giveway. Also, if you link my giveaway on your blog and let me know I will throw your name in twice. Thank you!

Who doesn't love free stuff?

I will be having a giveway twice a month through the holidays. You can also visit my SCENTSY link on my blog to start looking.

I just want to SCREAM

2008-10-06T08:58:00.006-06:00

well I did alot of yelling ugh!!!! ok so my camera battery died and I couldn't find the battery charger. After I busted my butt yesterday and I finally find it I charge it last night. So excited with pics to share and I wanted to take a pic this morning of my announcement to share. I sit down by my computer, proceed to try and get the card from the camera, and it would not pop out when I pushed the little button. I find out my 11 yr old had taken the card out and when she couldn't get it back in she just kept cramming and then tried another cf card. (but of course she didn't tell me any of this last night however I did see a few memory cards sitting on the desk)When I finally get the card out now the little prongy things some of them down in there are bent. Her school teacher and I went to High school together and now I need to call and interupt class because I sent her out the door and I was still yelling "why on earth would you even need to be touching it for". I need to tell her I love her but yes I am still mad as !

Any suggestions on a good camera? Mine was a Canon rebel XT. (like it but I know there is other great stuff out there) I have to have one by sat.

Seriously

2008-10-01T08:37:00.003-06:00

have you ever woke up to this? Unbelievable! I'm sure my kids just thought "oh, mom will pick it up." Get dressed for school in your room for pete sake.

GRATITUDE

2008-09-30T14:38:00.007-06:00

I have been thinking about this post for a few days and it is untitled for a reason. I just cannot seem to find the right words but, I will.

Have you ever had someone or someone's come into your life in a way that is so crazy it is just hard to explain? Have you ever had someone make such an impact on your life and they really have no idea? Have you ever wondered how on earth you were blessed so much to have this someone or someone's in your life?

Well I have or I guess in this case I should say we have. A couple years ago we had friends that came into our life and we met them all the way in China. However, they live in Florida and we met because of two little six month old baby girls. I remember seeing them across the way in the terminal at Lax before we boarded our flight for Beijing. I, of course had no idea that we would fly to Beijing on the same flight and both be waiting for the same guide to meet us when we arrived. We spent two weeks with our new friends and bonded over things we will never forget. We have stayed in touch with our friends over the last two years but it seems like sometimes we go a little to long in between. We have spent time with our friends in Florida and loved every minute of it. We knew nothing about our friends and they knew nothing about us but we just seemed to have a connection. I know our friends care about our happiness and our dreams just like we do them. Our friends have done things for us that I can only hope and pray that we can do in return for others someday. My heart is full and sometimes it is hard for me to even wrap my mind around it. We talk about our friends often in our home and have for the last two years and will forever. Our kids love these friends just as much as we do and none of us can wait to see them again.

* BIG ANNOUNCEMENT *

2008-09-29T12:45:00.004-06:00

I have a big announcement coming soon in a couple days.

I am also feeling better and am working on a new post but right now
my husband just brought home Cafe rio and I can't wait to eat my salad.

Nyquil

2008-09-25T07:36:00.003-06:00

My best friend the last few days!

This is my favorite stuff when I'm sick can't live

without it. I'll be back a little later today.

The silver medal

2008-09-19T10:33:00.014-06:00

So a couple weeks ago three of the US Olympic softball team members were here doing a camp, Cat Osterman, Laura Berg and Crystl Bustus. The weather was awesome until day 2 of the camp so they needed to go indoors. Our facility was available and they came in there for day 2 and 3. Of course I took full advantage to having them there. They had their medals with them and they were just on the heels of returning from China. Laura was so gracious and I went to go pick up Chloe so she could have her picture taken. Laura walked right up and put that beautiful medal around her neck and all I wanted to do was cry(baby). Who knows what this picture might hold years down the road. I just know that seeing my baby girl, from China, with a Beijing 2008 Olympic Silver Medal around her neck was magical somehow. I know I want what is best for her always and I pray she finds in life what makes her happy. Who knows maybe the Olympics in the future. All of them said Beijing was fantastic and they had the best time.

Look at her eyeing that medal

Not sure about Laura and me talking of course

Me, Chloe and Laura Berg and the Silver Medal

Maybe a medal in their future.

Cat Osterman how cute is she?

Need to protect them medals

Opening exercises

2008-09-18T10:42:00.003-06:00

As a family we try to set aside one night a week to spend extra time as a family, have a lesson and forget about the hustle and bustle of the week ahead. So the other night my daughter puts together a lesson and her little sister wanted to help her with "opening exercises". Opening exercises is usually something we do at church or youth activity were everyone gathers together and it will include something like a prayer, scripture, song, thought, announcements etc. Anyway were all sitting down and she gets up and says "please stand" so we all get up and she says "now follow me" and the next thing I know we are all moving our arms, doing squats, some sort of twisted arm thing (I'm pretty sure she learned at school) and some knee lifting stuff. We looked at each other and when we sat down I have never laughed so hard in my life. I, of course was trying to laugh so she wouldn't see me. Later I thought "oh no, does the older one understand about opening exercises, she is to old not to know" of course I had to ask her and she informed me that "yes mom, I do but that is what her little sister wanted to do". I thought it was sweet she let her help with "opening exercises" and it was the best I have ever attended. Now I need to make sure the little one knows what opening exercises is. Maybe later.

Welcome to opening exercises

MY WISH

2008-09-17T10:29:00.007-06:00

for this blog is just simply to put down my thoughts as a mom. I had no idea until recent that if I blog that at the end of the year I could have it printed into some sort of book. So for me this is my journal and my scrapbook. Some things I will choose not to share of course but the joy in my life is abundant, as are the trials and I need to write it down for my family.

One more wish is for the orphans around the world which I love and we pray for every single day. I want to share our journey of adoption with others in hopes that maybe hearts will be open to loving one of these beautiful gifts.

Many often ask me about what my kids think of us adopting and the answer is simple-They will tell you themselves they love them too. Their hearts are as wide open and possibly bigger than ours. I will share more later about my kids thoughts.

About the pics in last post

2008-09-16T10:39:00.003-06:00

Just a few of the things we've been up to in Sept-

Nutcracker Auditions - CONGRATULATIONS "Sis" WE LOVE YOU

Football is in full swing-

Back to School- Yeah for mom! Ok and the kids all that learning they get to do.

And just her all around cuteness!!!

Hello pics out of order

2008-09-16T09:24:00.003-06:00

Pictures

2008-09-15T08:32:00.002-06:00

Ok I'm trying to figure out how to post pics with a post. Maybe by 12:30 or 1:00 pm I'll figure it out. Is it really this hard or am I being a dork.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY HUSBAND!!!!!

2008-09-11T15:39:00.004-06:00

Who by the way has been totally awesome cause the dishes aren't done and the wash is piling up since I started this blog craziness.

"I won't sugar coat"

2008-09-10T12:24:00.001-06:00

Am I joking NO I am not joking!!! It took me friggin all morning it is now 12:25pm just to set up this lame* looking blog. However, mark my words my blog will be fabulous just give me some time. I really am a computertard! I might need to get help BUT it will be fabulous. Just wait an see. Oh great nothing like putting the pressure on myself in my very first post.

P.S. it took me 10 min. just to write this post ok really 15 min. and I also had to make sure I spelled pressure right.

I hope someone will congratulate me on my first posting.

*Ok, so after a couple days, finding new stuff and a few posts not looking so lame, ya!