We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.

~ C.S Lewis~

She works hard for the money...

Just a heads up on where I've been...

I'm back at work.

I started this past Monday.

With my husband soon to be layed off, there was no way around it. It's breaking my heart to be away from my kids, but this is where God wants me right now, even if I don't understand it. Hopefully this is just a short season.

I just want to glorify Him in this and do and learn what he wants me too.

I do desire your prayers because I am having a hard time adjusting and getting my attitude right.

I Am Now A Valentine's Day Lover

I have always hated Valentines Day.

As a kid, I was the girl who didn't get the 'special' cards. I was always a friend not a cutie or whatever.

As a teen, I was always single and hating it. Valentine's Day just seemed like a day to purposefully rub it in my face.

Newly married, I had illusions of dancing and candlelight and with a tiny budget and then a new baby, that just didn't happen.

Then 2 years ago, my husband was going to be out of town. "GREAT! Another Valentine's letdown. Once again, I am completely justified in my hatred towards this day." But husband redeemed it. He got my little pregnant butt a massage and a manicure. AHHHH. It was heaven for those swollen ankles and hands. I felt like princess.

Maybe Valentines isn't all bad.

Then last year, there was no date. Nothing special. I thought.

My sweet hubby comes home with this.
Just the sweetest gift ever. I'm beginning to like this holiday.

This year, with a re blossoming relationship, which is happening because of a lot of prayer, Valentine came around. I knew better than to have high expectations because money is tight. We made plans for a lunch at our favorite Japanese steakhouse and then we were going to the book store. Just time together.

We had THE best day. We laughed and talked and just enjoyed each other. Because it was the middle of the day, we didn't have to rush back for bedtimes. We stopped at the mall and bought cookies and a smoothie. We strolled through the bookstore. He got a book. I didn't. ( Can you believe Border's didn't have Beth Moore's "Esther"? anywhoo) We went to Target and I got a purse (Too cute AND, he picked it out) Then we went to get the kids.

He had rented a movie the day before so after the kids went to bed, we sat down with our movie and a pint of Ben and Jerry's ( The Love Guru and Phish Phood) and had a blast. I will not disclose the rest of the evening because it's none of your business but we had fun. I may or may not be blushing. The closeness carried over to Sunday and we had a blast. It was more of a Weekend than a Day.

This day has been redeemed.

I Love Valentine's Day.

How did you spend your Valentine's Day?

Works for Me Wednesday

This is the perfect snack for school parties, birthday parties, or just a fun snack that kids can make themselves.

Place marshmallows on sticks. I used a bamboo skewer. You just dip the marshmallows into melted chocolate flavored almond bark. Then while the marshmallows are still wet, dip them into sprinkles. I used multi- colored. You could use any color to match your party. I just placed the stick into a wire cooling rack to dry and then arranged them in a small bucket. My girls loved them.
For a grown-up party version, just leave off the sprinkles.

For more great ideas check out Works for Me Wednesday at Rocks in My Dryer.

Like I really talk to my computer...

I am completely loving my Firefox browser. Like Safari, except it doesn't shut down every 5 minutes. There is just one thing that bothers me.
That little bar on the bottom. Right now is just says done. But if I dare click something it starts to say things. Contacting places and downloading things. Places I've never even heard up. What is up with that?
I've caught myself arguing with it. "Why are you doing that? Things would be much faster if you would quit talking to people I don't know".
I might be going crazy.

Moving on.

I have noticed some people have a photo blog. Like her.

Well, since I like to fool myself into thinking I'm a photographer and since I can' t be left out, I know have a photo blog.
You're welcome to check it out here.

Birth Day

January 31, 2005 we got to the hospital at 7:00 to be induced. We were so excited. We had been married 18 months. I was 19.

I labored all day but it just wasn't progressing. Around 7 that night I was only dilated to 5, I think.

7 hours later... I head for my c-section. I refused to open my eyes. I was completely exhausted, I hadn't eaten since dinner 2 days ago and I was scared to death.

Then I heard that cry that changed my life.

Exactly 4 years ago, from the time this post goes up, I became a mommy.

2:35 am

My precious Koty,
You are amazing. You are smart. So smart. You surprise me everyday with the things you know.
You are so much like you're daddy, which is a good thing. Most of the time. You are the best big sister. You are sassy and sweet and everything a little girl is supposed to be. I can't wait to see the woman you grow up to be.
You made us a family. You are beyond special.
You are a beautiful little girl.
Thank you for making me a mommy.

Happy Birthday Dakota.

We've had a breakthrough

Today,while watching "The Wiggles", my 4 years- old -in- 2- days said the following statement,

"The way he says that over and over is annoying".


Hallelujah! I have been waiting on her to have that revelation for 4 years now.

My little girl is growing up.

One down, one to go.