Saturday, July 31, 2010

Giveaway..

I did not want to leave anyone out. Over on my other blog scappin5littlecupcakes.blogspot.com I am doing a fun giveaway for reaching 100 followers and I wanted to make sure you all knew so you can go enter if you want. Click here to go check it out. I hope you are having a wonderful Saturday!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Wordless Wednesday.........


~My Boys~

I am linking up with Kristi and Alicia for this weeks wordless Wednesday.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Fav Photo Tuesday.....

This week I have been on a picture frenzy. I have realized that Autumn is grown up and changing so much and I wish so much I could take this time and bottle it! I just LOVE and enjoy this baby stage. I hope I don't bore you with all of these pictures of my kiddos or I should say of Autumn, lol.










I hope you enjoyed my photo overload! : )

Monday, July 26, 2010

Miscellany Monday.....

                                                              Miscellany Monday @ lowercase letters

{ONE} I am so missing my craft area This last week I have not been up to doing any crafting or anything at all. I am hoping in the next few days I can get back in there and get some fun things done!

{TWO} Why, I have not been in my craft area. I can not shake an Ear Infection. I have not felt right since last Tuesday or so. I am on meds but my ear still hurts and now my other ear hurts. I think today I will try going to the chiropractor, hopefully that will help. I am so thankful though my hubby came home from being gone a week for work and has taken very good care of me. He is the BEST!!!

{THREE} What do you all think??? Last week a friend told me about a Craft Fair and Boutique in late September. They are looking for vendors of home crafted items. Tables are $20 and $35 depending on your needs for booth size. So should I do it or not? I am afraid I might not have enough stuff to sell. What to do, what to do????

{FOUR} I am really having a hard time writing today, I can't keep my thoughts straight. Maybe it is because my kids keep talking to me and I keep having to get up. LOL

{FIVE} Speaking of kiddos, they are growing up way to fast. Autumn is 5 and 1/2 months now. I feel like it was just yesterday I brought her home from the hospital. It makes me a little sad to see my baby grow up but exciting at the same time to watch her learn new things. I love my kiddos so much, some day I wish I could freeze time!!!

{SIX} Why is it that I never want to leave the house? Lately I feel like it is torcher every time I have to go somewhere. I always used to love getting out and doing things, now not so much.......

{SEVEN} Bagels, why do you have to be so good? I love fresh bagels from the store. I found a couple months back they are way cheaper to buy them from the bakery at the store then in the packs and oh they are so yummy!! Not good for my waist line though :(

{EIGHT} Clothes and Shoes- Why are they such a dilemma in our house. Everytime we go somewhere it is like torcher to pick out the perfect outfit and then comes the shoes. Wow am I greatful my girls go to a school that they have to wear uniforms, no dilemmas for that.  

Friday, July 23, 2010

Marriage

I stumbled upon this story this morning on Facebook and had to share it with you all. It really opened my eyes and touched my heart.

MARRIAGE: By: Stephanie Hamilton Brown

When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.

Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.

She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?

I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.

She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.

The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.

When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.

In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.

This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.

She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.

I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.

My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside

the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.

On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.

On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.

She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.

Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.

Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.

But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.

I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.

She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.

Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.

At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.

That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.

My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband....

The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!

A CHRIST-CENTERED MARRIAGE IS A MARRIAGE THAT IS SURE TO LAST A LIFETIME.

So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. Matthew 19:6

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Trusting and Another Dreamin on Thursday..

Last night as I was feeding Autumn, worry started to creep in. That happens when I sit alone nursing the baby, just thinking....... So, I turn to my trusty computer for entertainment to keep my mind of things. I had just happened to clicked on one of my favorite blogs to read (I tend to catch up on my blog reading while nursing Autumn, not that I ever get behind, hee hee), Finding Joy. Her post really spoke to my heart! Click on HERE to read her post. She just reminded me that I just need to trust and rest in him and to thank him. Thank you so much Rachel for you blog post!!!

Yes, everyday is not an easy breezy day but when we learn to lean and trust God it is so much better. He will guide us and lead us in the right direction. These last two years have been a roller coaster of learning and trusting God. When money started to not flow like it was, I got scared. I did not know how we were going to pay for the girls school let alone even food. Now two school years later, some how God has provided beyond my wildest dreams! It is amazing what God can do and will do when you put everything in his hands. No everyday is not easy for me to trust him with everything. I struggle but something always brings be back to remembering to trust with my whole heart and leaving it all at his feet. Sometimes it is a phone call from a friend or maybe a sweet blog post ;-) or a smile from one of my sweet children. They are all gifts from him placed in our lives for a purpose. So enjoy every minute and rest at his feet.

For this weeks Dreamin on Thursday:

1. Today I am dreaming of being in God's presents and worshiping at his feet. Here is a beautiful song I wanted to share with all of you........


2. Rachel is doing a giveaway for a super cute teething bling and I am dreaming of winning this super cute necklace. Autumn would love me and Rachel if I won!! So click here for the link to her giveaway, go and check it out and enter too.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Wordless Wednesday...An Oldie 22 weeks

Sorry I am a little early with my post but it is Wednesday in other parts of the world, right? :-)


I never new how many blogs there are to link up for wordless Wednesday. Click Here and Here for just a few....

Fav Photo Tuesday....

Last week I told you the girls had there first friend from school party and they had a blast. So, here are the pictures....... Grab a cup of Coffee and enjoy the picture over load...........

My cake decorator. She did and amazing job!!

Yum

Playing pin the castle.

Nikki's turn. Alyssa was the spinner.

Aubrey was a hoot to watch!!

Happy Birthday girls....

Can you see them through all the smoke?!?

Alyvia loved the pony Niellie got her.

Had to take a picture of us at the party too.

Now on to some pool fun. They love to spend hours in the little pool. Zander just got brave and on this day. We had our first Summer thunderstorm of the year, very rare in the desert.

They were having so much fun!

Zander loves to ride on Alyssa's back.

Was that thunder???

Looks of worry.

Such a sad face. He did not want anything to do with the pool after the thunder.

Sweet baby girl finally gave up.

I hope you enjoyed fav Photo Tuesday!!!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Miscellany Monday....



Miscellany Monday @ lowercase letters
 

{1} Thoughts - Why do I always have my whole blog post written in my head while I am laying in bed at night and then when I go to post it, I can not for the life of me remember what I was going to say. Does this ever happen to you?? I guess I should get up and write it.
{2} VBS - This week my girls are off to vacation bible school from 9 to 12. I hope they learn a lot and have a blast!! I don't think we have done VBS in years, I am excited for them but they were so scared before they left!!
{3} Hands - Have you ever had a baby that was so obsessed with there hands? Autumn just loves to look at her hands, she will lay and stare at her hands at every angle for 30 minutes or more. It really is so cute, it is amazing how much she learns everyday!
{4} Smiles - Baby smiles are the best. Autumns smile is just so sweet, all I have to do to get a sweet smile is smile at her. Love it!!!
Sorry this picture is not the best quality, I took it with my camera phone. But I just love this picture and had to share her sweet smile!
{5} Weekends - Oh how I hate don't like when you end. I love having my hubby home. I kind of check out from kitchen duty on the weekends. It gives me a little break and it really is wonderful but then Monday comes and reality hits that the dishes look like they have not been done in days. Though I did do them Saturday night but now they are overflowing from not doing them Sunday, that is the day I most boycott the kitchen!!! I just love having my hubby home, relaxing, watch a movie with him and his home made popcorn :)
{6} Cleaning - Why do I despise you so much?!?! I always used to love cleaning and getting everything sparkly but since I had Autumn I am horrible about keeping my house. If someone came to my house right now I would be so embarrassed. It is such a mess, dishes over flowing the sink, laundry over flowing on my laundry room floor, bathrooms need cleaned, vacuuming needs done, windows need washed, everything needs dusted, bedding needs washed, paper all over the floor from Zander dumping out my scrap bin yesterday, the kids toys are everywhere and there rooms are a disaster!!!!
{7Coffee - I need to go get another cup, I need to get some energy to get this cleaning done!!!

I just found Mingle Monday and decided to link up, how fun.....
Our Homeschool Home
Happy Monday my blogging friends!!!!



Thursday, July 15, 2010

Dreamin on Thursday...

I am dreaming this week of the little things in life.....

{1} That my computer power cord would work and stop acting up so I don't have to try to find a new one. For about a month now my computer cord has been not charging my computer and then charging when it wants to. So now it has to be turned a certain way for it to charge. Just a pain!!!!

{2} Dust would magically clean itself. Living in the desert there are endless amounts of dust. I can dust, turn around and there is dust again.

{3} A new pair of cute shoes!! Not sure why but I am, oh maybe a pedicure to go with them!!! My feet could use some good pampering.

{4} A big hug from my Mom!!!! I miss her this week so much. There is nothing like a hug from your mom!

My mom with Autumn

{5} Last but not least for this week, a little ENERGY or maybe a solid nights sleep!!!!! Now that is real dreamin.

Happy Thursday Blogging Friends.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Fav Photo Tuesday?

Again, I am late posting my favorite photos of the past week. This last week was a busy week for us with two Birthday party's and a milestone. It was a fun week!!!

So here are my fav photos, just to warn you, there are lots this week............

Happy Birthday you 3

My girls love SHOES!!! 

Zander and his friend Paul eating cake.

The cake I made and decorated after the candles, lol. I forgot to take a picture before. I tried a new thing with putting wax paper behind the letters, I cut on my cricut not sure I like the look of it?!?

No something did not smell, lol. She was laughing at our horrible singing!!!

Alyvia was beyond excited for her new RED Camera....
  
Autumn had just rolled over for the first time, drool and all....

A picture Alyvia had taken with her new camera of Aubrey.

Miss Autumn in her bumbo.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Miscellany Monday.........

 Miscellany Monday @ lowercase letters

I just love Miscellany Monday over at Carissa's blog. It really gives me a chance to share everything we have been up to and what I have been thinking about. Click on the button above to head on over and checkout her blog.

So here we go.....
{1} Happy Happy Birthday to my sweet Hubby and my oldest daughter Alyssa. I can not believe you are 11 today, where has the time gone. I so remember bringing you home for the hospital, it was so scary bringing our first baby home. I love you my Sunshine's!!!

{2} What was I thinking throwing 2 party's in a few days. We had a family party Friday night and today I am having a birthday party for the girls with there friends from school, first time ever having a friend party!!! I hope it goes okay being alone with all 8 kids. Alyssa was such a big, help though!!! She loves to decorate and she made the cupcakes.

{3} I am exhausted, I can not handle getting only 4 or 5 hours at most of sleep a night. I guess I need to start going to bed when Autumn does. Autumn has been going through a growth spurt and she has been waking up every 3 hours to eat. It does not help with my emotions. Which brings me to #4.

{4} I have struggled my whole life with my emotions, depression and crying at the drop of a hat. After having a baby is the worst but not always right away. After Alyssa I was a basket case, I just have to thank God that he helped me through.

{5} Laundry, Landry it is seriously never ending. I went in to my closet today and there were 2 full baskets of dirty laundry, where did they come from, lol?!?!? That does not even count for the laundry that the girls have in there baskets in there rooms. WOW

{6} It is quite funny, both of my older girls now have better camera's then me. Alyvia got a new camera for her birthday and Alyssa got one a few years back. Some day I will get a new one. :)

{7} What do you do with a baby that won't poop by herself. The last few times Autumn has pooped it is only because I gave her a suppository. I have never had a baby that would not poop. She only nurses so far so not sure what is going on with her little body.

I have so much to do today so I guess I better get going. Enjoy your day, Happy Miscellany Monday!
 

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Happy Birthday Sweet Alyvia.......

I can not believe my sweet little girl is 8 today. I still remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. She is so loving and just so kind. I wanted to do a picture for almost every year but realized I did not have them on my computer anymore so this sweet one will have to do. I love you my Alyvia and I hope you have a wonderful day...............

Getting Back to Blogging.......

As I was posting a comment on a sweet friends blog today, I came to the realization I have been feeling like I have to meet certain expectations and try to edit things out to say things just right. I am struggling in life and blogging and I brought myself back to reality this week. That is why the lack of posts in my little corner. I realized, I did not start my blog for others or I started it so I could remember each detail. Life flies by so fast and I wanted a place to have it all written down or at least some of it. I feel I have gotten wrapped up in how can I sound good or fit in, what I have tried to do my whole life. I need to be more honest with myself and be who I am. Not try to fit that mold, who I think I should be. I started my blog as a journal for myself and I really have gotten away from that. So enough of my rambling, I am going to try to get back to my main purpose of blogging, our life as a family with 5 cupcakes and the sweet things God has in store for us.

I leave you with this sweet picture from yesterday, you would think going to a wedding with 5 kids would be torcher (that is what I was thinking) but it really was a wonderful and relaxing day........
Autumn is just so sweet and she loves her little tongue. We had just come home from a wedding and she fell over on the couch.This is how she ended up. 

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Fav Photo Tuesday, a Little Late.....

We have been busy, busy....... It was a wonderful 4th of July weekend. Sunday afternoon we had a cook out and then that evening we found a great place in town and watched the fireworks. It was lots of fun. Monday I went shopping with a friend and Craig hung out at home with the kids. He is such a great daddy!! Tuesday night we went bowling with family. It was he first time went bowling with the kids and we really had a blast!!! So on to my fav Photo Tuesday, a little late.
Zander, Autumn and I watching fireworks.
  
Autumn's sweet smile


Zander in his bowling shoes
  
Alyssa bowling

Alyvia turn

Aubrey turn

Zander was impossible to get a picture of. He moved so fast. But I did get a video, I will have to try to edit it later. He was so cute!

Aubrey and Autumn with Aunt Jenell

I decided I am not going to do "Dreamin on Thursday" this week. But I hope you enjoy the photos.....