SHopping excitement...Shooo FLY (I crackmyself Up) Dental Drama

One thing for sure is I cannot wait for Christmas!...1. so everything slows down a bit and I can relax...2. I can't wait to see the excitement on my kid's faces Christmas Morning!....ooohh!!!... Stuart will be so much fun this year!...Look at him on his 2nd birthday... look at that excited face over a buzz light year...I can't wait to see his face when he opens up Train toys... or his tractor toys... eeeekkk...Last year it wasn't very fun Christmas shopping for him...but man.. it has been this year... and rather Sondra has been my dilemma... 

Stuart :) 

My Dilemma with Sondra is she wants all this crappy plastic stuff... like we made her list...and I had to tell her no to a whole bunch of stuff... Monster High dolls... sorry but no..they look too much like Brat dolls..or she wants little plastic crap that costs way too much money than what it is worth... its crazy....I know when she opens her presents she will forget all about wanting the other stuff and then when she is allowed to go shopping with her Christmas money she will spend it on what she likes... as long as it is acceptable for her age... 

I do need to report I have about 2 more presents I need to buy for Christmas... trying to hold out for good deals! 

FLY

Something else.. We got another Dog...ya.. my thoughts exactly... lol ..her name is Fly and she is 8 months old... She is a Border Collie... After Yago died Jake talked about getting a "working dog" so that he wouldn't have to ask me to go help him move sheep.... Fly has just started being trained to herd sheep...I of course didn't want the dog b.c. she was older..I wanted a puppy and know the dog... after a few weeks after getting Jagger..Jake again said he really wanted this dog...we eventually agreed that the next time we got a chunk a change or saved enough money we would get him a working dog... Well- a chunk of money came up and decided to go for it... I had a lot of apprehension in getting this dog... even when we got there she came out of the house running a way from us... she was nervous... but the lady got her calmed down...Nothing aggressive..just scared... but then she took us out to the barn and showed us a couple dogs and took Jake through the commands... his next step in Fly's training...seeing these dogs herding the sheep and the lady/Jake didn't have to run around or I didn't have to get out there and eventually fall in sheep shit...it was all the dog..and better yet the dog loved it... We took Stu with us..and after about 20 minutes he peed through his pull up..so we sat in the truck till the lady was done showing each dog to Jake.... as I was sitting in the truck I was laughing b.c. this Lady had to be Jake's dream lady... and I wouldn't be one bit surprised if he never wanted to leave lol... ... But after seeing those dogs perform I understood Jake's motivation in investing in Fly.... Fly is  a very lovely dog... and glad to report she likes me better than Jake...she would be in my lap if I let her...She is crate trained which is so so so nice..we tell her to get in it and she goes in it and doesn't make a peep...Jagger hasn't taken her cue and still cries for a little bit at night...but we are finding ways to help that... the only down fall is..she isn't house broken... and we are finding it hard to do so...before she was in a kennel all day and was let out 3 times a day to exercise .. and also they crate trained her... so we take her outside on the leash to go the bathroom but she won't ever go!... when I get home I immediately take her out of her cage and take her outside... she never will go... as soon as I put her in the kennel outside she goes... someone please help me..I've even tried keeping her on the leash and standing in the kennel and still she won't go..... 

Anyways... the kids like Fly too.. Fly is still and stays away from Stu..he is a bit rough... I still won't leave Stu alone with Fly yet... I love the dog but I'd hate to have to kill this expensive dog if she hurt my son... But I don't believe she would... The lady told us she was a sensitive dog.. .lol okay>??... well she is... you can just give her mean eyes and she lays down and cowers... (which that is all me.. my dad could just give me a look and I would cry)..It seems so crazy....no dogs... to 2 dogs.. wow.. but its much more better...we were never home before... and a dog seemed crazy or not right to have b.c. we were always not home.. but now... its all good... I'm very happy...

on the shopping trip my wisdom tooth became infected...in the past 4plus years that I have had them they hurt a little off and on..nothing serious... well this pain... was unbearable... while my SILs were asleep in the hotel room unaware(b.c. I didn't want to bother them) I sat in the tub crying hoping this pain would go away...I had never in my life been in pain like this... I didn't sleep a wink that night.. I was thinking i had a ear infection b.c. my ear hurt so horrible too.. but turns out just my teeth... as soon as we got home from the shopping trip- I went in said hi to my kids & Jake while crying and left for doctor...I cried and cried some more on my way there and then got it together  to go into the doctor... while waiting for the doctor..I began to pace..I was in so much pain... when the doctor asked me what was going on..I said "Look... I have had to C sections and the post recovery pain was a paper cut compared to this! I need something the 800mg of ibprofen I took isn't touching this pain..and whatever you give it needs to knock me out i haven't slept in 2 days!"...well..I walked out of there with antibiotics, script for 800mg Motrin  and Vicodin .. I was surprised though to find Vicodin does nothing to me..it took away the pain but didn't make me tired or loopy...the doc said it would make me sleepy..which it didn't..grr... oh well no pain I'm happy..soo.. after my dental changes the 1st of the year..guess who is finally getting her wisdom teeth out... this girl..which I am not looking forward to...1... the cost... which we have dental insurance now so its not such a huge thing...and also..2.the pain... mouth pain is the worst...  don't even ask me why would I be so dumb and wait so long to do this... here it is... I never put me first...its not cheap.. I'll tough it out... that isn't happening anymore... after constant questioning of when I'm getting my them out from Jake...I'm going to do it! 

well I gotta go!!!>..

I'll write sooN! :)

Moves like Jagger.... :)

He seems to take a real liking to little miss

The boys (Sondra says we are out numbered now)

Being Playful

He is really adorable! :) 

Sondra sometimes has a hard time putting him down

One Blue eye and the other is half blue/black

SO this was our surprise for Saturday. Ever since the day we buried Yago we have said we wanted to get another dog...me I've said it ALOT of times. I'm telling you I missed Yago & still do...then I just really missed having a dog..I kept finding myself looking at classifieds for Aussies or Aussie mixes..and then on Friday I found one for the right price... right coloring :)... text Jake..he made it happen! :)... although he looks a lot like Yago..he is a "Miniature Australian Shepard". Which means..he is the same exact dog but just smaller size... which makes me happy b.c. that is one thing I have been leery of even when getting Yago...Big dogs tend to scare me...Which sounds funny to say b.c. I grew up with a Rottweiler ..but there wasn't a mean or aggressive bone in her body...but I ultimately if up to me I like a dog I can physically man handle.. lol...anyways...so Saturday we went to look at the pup...when I say "look" I mean buy :)... I'm very happy though..And the Name!!!..Jake wanted to name it Yago2..I said no!... we went back and forth on names..and finally Sondra said a name and Jake said Okay if you clean up its pee and poop...and she said okay... So The puppy's name is Jagger!...which she got off the song moves like Jagger I've heard her singing a long in car.. which Stuart calls him Yago.. lol.. Stu will catch on eventually but its funny...I hate the puppy stage!..I can't wait till he is house broke and he quits crying at night...I've had to wake early like 5am every morning b.c. he is crying..so I let him out to potty... I'm tired just thinking about it!... But hopefully it passes...He is a good pup already... not as smart on the whole house training like Yago...but he loves the kids and isn't calm unless he is sitting by one of them... and if they aren't sitting he is usually following them...so yes..now you can call me that crazy dog lady again... :)

ThankYou/BAD Mother/ScornedLady/Bliss/WeekendPlans/Triplet Treat

Hey All!...I am sorry it has been too long since I have last wrote! Its been close to a month since I last shared my testimony. I had 127 views. I'l just say I felt incredibly exposed. But as comments came..I felt a little better. I appreciated the positive comments...

I can't believe Thanksgiving was yesterday and before you know it it's going to be Christmas time...wow.. 

One Big Question: 

Would it make me a bad mother if I skipped Sondra's First Christmas Music Concert? 

Answer: 

Yes- am I going to?.... Yes... 

So- we scheduled our 2 day shopping trip a few weeks ago for DEC. 3 & 4th...We=My Mom Sister and sister in laws Aunts and a couple cousins...Not till this week when I was looking over the papers that come home in Sondra's bag about her Christmas concert that I realize its the fist night of her program...I will not even lie...I was so upset I was about about crying...okay...I was tearing up.. I was just so pissed...I look forward to the shopping trip..2 days of no worries except shopping and myself....Girl time...laughter...craziness... I text Jake..his reply..look at the bright side... we will go Christmas shopping for the first time ever together...lol..ya..my thoughts exactly...so at my 31 party someone said "Sondra is only in Kindergarten once"...My fast reply.."nuh huh she is in 2 yr kindergarten I'll see her music program next year"...lol... yes the pros of 2 year kindergarten... well you got me there...I wouldn't voluntarily skip out on either of my kid's functions...but I'm not going to skip out on something that I look forward to all year long...and I like to believe those 2 days Jake remembers why he keeps me around...lol... 

One of the greatest stories from Thanksgiving... So before we headed to Greenville Jake wanted to stop up at his work... said he had a surprise.... well he ended up ordering me for Christmas some Victoria secret bras... and he had them shipped to his work so I wouldn't know...but yet he couldn't wait any longer to give them too me...so he gives them to me in the truck...and Sondra says: Daddy what about me???...Jake tells her she had presents coming to her for Christmas...Sondra pouts for a little bit...and when I look back at her..maybe 20 minutes had passed and I seen where she wrote with crayon on the window in the car!!!!!!!.... OMG... Jake makes her scrub it...and tells her how he is disappointed in her and all she can say for herself as she is sobbing: I was jealous!.....I had to muffle my laughter... and said a silent prayer for her future boyfriends lol... ohh wee you don't want to do that girl wrong...lesson learned. 

I can tell you for the past month since moving in...its been a dream... wedded bliss.. lol..okay not all rainbows and butterflies..but a lot of stress is gone on my end... Jake gets stressed out b.c. of the task of being "mr. fixit"...but man am I happy... anybody that knows me can testify that the house in Lafayette beat me... no really beat me... it hadn't been spotless or semi clean in a long time... it just felt useless..we had no room for nothing... so with this house... double the size of our square footage..and you got one happy wife...things have homes... and if it can't find a home...it goes bye bye.....my 31 party really snuck up on me... and was frantic to get things just so... thanks to my lovely momma for putting up our pictures up and then more..well a whole lotta more...I learned that you can't just put up a picture..you have to have a shelf..or a sconce? beside it too..with flowers or little things too..and if I didn't have it...she just went back to her house and found it... lol..she also put curtains up in the kid's rooms and a valance over my kitchen window....also Rachel so kindly came over the Saturday before and Stuart's big tractor up on his wall....and the house does feel so much more like a home with pictures up....I'm so happy...I was a homebody before now its really hard to get me outta there...oh and another great thing.. before the party Austin came down and cleaned our back porch..it was amazing what he did in the short time he had..and then he came and cleaned out garage out..it looks spotless... he couldn't have done a better job!..I absolutely love it..I am so thankful for family coming and helping with the house..and doing things they know they can do...

I have a busy weekend ahead of me... tonight Jake is going to some football game so I am home tonight with kids... Saturday is the wrestling preview in spencerville..after that we have a special surprise hopefully it all works out and I'll update you on that...and Sunday is Kayla's Baby shower for the Trio.. sadly the babies won't be there to attend...BUT.. they will be home before you know it! then be prepared for your news feed to be blown up with many many pictures from me...aren't they just too cute!:: 

Mom&Kayla went to Columbus and was able to get some good pictures w/all three together

well.. I got stuff to do!..I'll make sure to write sooner..and I'm going to take pictures of the house soon and post! 

let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven

Matthew 5:14-16

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Introduction:

So after a few Sundays of great bible based preaching...I have had this laid heavy on my heart...  a few Sundays ago Gary preached about witnessing. He asked how many people have we shared our testimony too? How many tracts have we handed out to people?... when he asked those questions I was a bit.. embarrassed .. I can't actually name a number?... I have talked about my faith to people but to actually "share" my testimony... hmmm.. no... even worse... I have tracts in my purse to give out to people- but yet...I never have... how great of a Christian am I if I cannot even acknowledge when I should hand them out? Am I that out of tune with God? Gary brought up the point that being a Christian you should WANT to proclaim how much God has helped you! How FAR God has brought you... well.. I think my own "small country" living..I don't feel like my story really is something so great..but with further digging... and really putting it down... I hope that someone can relate to it. I decided to share it on my blog because I am better on "paper" when I think about my words. After looking at my stats for each post I see I have a 60-70 plus views each post and more on some..one even had 198...so if I can reach someone through this- I'm doing my job. Did Jesus imagine this is how I would share good news when he gave us the great commission?  :)

Please no critiques...this is sensitive..this is my heart...this is me...Here is my light.

Please feel free to read this again and again.. and share it with whoever you want on whatever you want... 

Your's Truly :) 

Sunday School Brat

on first thought as to why I am a Christian I believe is because I was dedicated as a child. It really meant nothing to me at the time like it means nothing to ALL babies at the time..who cares. BUT to my parents it was a BIG decision- they were making a commitment in front of their church family & God that they PROMISED not only to me BUT to God that they would raise me up to be a Christian. No- they wouldn't just make sure I attended Sunday school and church but that they themselves would try with all their might to set a example to me.  and just thinking about that chokes me up a bit. Just because I learned growing up not all families went to church and how much of a difference it does make (but more on that later).It chokes me up even greater being a mother. So yes growing up- Sunday mornings we were at Sunday School and then on to Church. I participated in Easter, Christmas, Bible School programs. I learnt a lot of the different bible stories in Sunday School Class. I was blessed to have several great Sunday School teachers. I think that is why I have volunteered to teach. I hope to impact kids like me. 

I had always considered myself Christian. When I got to middle school I learnt a new independence. I got to that point that I didn't always "want" to please my parents. I learnt to look one way and be another way. Then when I got to Jr. High there was a TFC program with 2 wonderful leaders: Jeff & Lori Hefner. I started going to TFC as soon as I could. I can't really remember if because my parents said you are going to go or maybe I wanted to go just to do "something" or really maybe I felt like I should. I really can't remember. But I watched that program grow from 7 to 10 kids to close to 40-50 a week. It was there in that TFC program I recited the sinner's prayer and accepted Jesus into my heart.  When I was there it was safe. But even then those 2 years in Jr. High being involved in a great TFC program I wasn't always acting like a Christian. That is where when I look back on my Christian walk that I feel embarrassed. On one hand I can tell you those 2 years my faith for Jesus really grew. I depended on him and asked him everything. That was the first time in my life I had actually felt truly close to God. BUT at that same time- I wasn't even truly fully committed. How is that? Was I just following along to what I seen. Going through the motions taking the next appropriate steps?  Only now I feel like I can answer that…

So after Jr. High I went on to high school. And it didn't get any better. Naturally I appear to be a good girl and I get more independence and I take advantage of it. I don’t need to go into detail of all my great short comings to my parents but I broke their hearts. And at those many times that I did break their heart’s I knew I had done wrong but I didn't realize the magnitude of hurt my actions caused my own parents. I just didn't get it. I felt like I was adult and I didn't need them. I was just not headed down the right path. I was still attending church every Sunday. No longer going to TFC. I met Jake through wrestling. Lol. My first thoughts when I seen him was…wow..he is hot…look at him he is a Mohawk man…he looks like he knows how to have fun. I was somewhat of a “partier”…so.. he looked like fun. …I laugh now- because after getting to know him- there wasn't one rebellious bone in his body. He was very good for me. We still had fun and party here and there- but he tamed me. I had always kept a journal and I love reading my words when we met. After the second or third time we talked on the phone- I wrote how I think he could be the one and how crazy it sounded but I felt like I could love him. I truly believe God brought Jake to me. So as most of you know I was that girl in high school that was engaged. I felt like my tummy was on baby bump watch! But no it wasn't a shot gun wedding. We just knew we wanted to be together and grow up together. Wasn't easy those couple years I can't say I was really being the "best" Christian but it was on my mind because even before we started getting serious one of my first questions was do you go to Church? What kind of Church? 

Married Bliss

After being married we were a bit in Limbo not really attending church because of a current pastor. I lost some faith during that time. I wondered how such a corrupt crazy man would pastor our church. He started out great and little by little he just got crazy. I do not even need to go into detail about this guy but one story and you will know this guy was crazy. My Grandma had ovarian cancer. While she was battling cancer this man said the reason why she had cancer was because she did something bad and was being punished. A normal person would just go to a different church but it was though. I missed my church. Oddly enough we would go to church every now and then I don’t know why out of entertainment or what but finally one Sunday this crazy man walked out mid-service and took half the congregation. Things got much better. We got pregnant and was blessed with a little girl.

Mother’s Love

Welcoming Sondra into the world absolutely renewed my faith. When we decided to dedicate Sondra- it was like wow I have such great responsibility to this child. I alone can determine how she views the world. So when she was old enough we started to take her down to Sunday school while we were in class she starting building her own building blocks of faith. Soon after her first birthday we decided to have another.   With Sondra it took three months to conceive. With our next it wasn't happening. And it wasn't the lack of effort!

Soon Sondra’s 2^nd birthday passed and I was afraid and losing faith. Why was God putting me through this. The one thing that a woman was made for and this woman (me) wasn't at the time I seem I couldn't do it. Was I broken? I prayed and prayed some more. I prayed to God to open my womb and allow me to have a baby. At the same time as I was praying I was too losing faith. There were nights I would cry myself to sleep. There was a night that I was crying Jake woke up and asked what was wrong? And I brushed him off. I want to say there was a moment that I just had this awe awakening moment with God and then I was pregnant. But it wasn't like that. Just one month when I always knew when to test to see if I was pregnant like I did every month I took a test and finally I got a positive test. At that moment I just fell to my knees beside the tub and cried thanking God and my next thought was: “I have kids”.  I do not understand why  I had to "wait" that long to get pregnant. All I can say about it is...If I knew I was waiting on Stuart when we were trying- I would have waited any amount of years just for him... it is a privilege to be his Momma...

Welcoming Stuart in the world was pure joy. God fulfilled my desire and my prayers. We dedicated him and he is following in his sister’s footsteps of being a Sunday school brat.

So What Now? 

I do want to point out that if you are a parent the best place for you is getting involved at your church. You don't "officially" have to dedicate your children but it is a good idea because on that day its not only YOU guys promising but it is your Church Family promising to help make sure that your child will learn and know about God. And whether it is official or unofficial dedication don't take it lightly. You have one of his children in your care it is up to you to start them on the right path...Your child is near and dear to his heart... (read "Heaven is For real" Colton Burpo's book..he says several times about How much Jesus loves the Children)... 

Also throughout all my dark times I have had..through high school when I knew I was blatantly not doing what I was supposed I always had a tug at my heart..A familiar tug that kept telling me "this is not you".."you know better"... it was that connection with the Holy Spirit...and I don't think I would have had that if I hadn't been raised in church to know what it was... did I always listen..heck no..but it was there....and I can thank my parents, family, and church family for instilling in me...

Naturally- I want to say since then I've loved Jesus with all my heart and not one day goes by that I don't pray and am always a good Christian. It is just simply not true. I fail almost every day. Some days I don't even realize it. Other days I am stopped dead in my tracks and immediately ask Jesus to forgive me. I can even tell you this past year and a half  events and changes  have woke me. Like when my cousin Austin was in his car accident...that first night when I wasn't sure he would be alive in the morning I just prayed and prayed half the night pleading with God through tears that he needed more time..and throughout his recovery and still do I pray for him. Or my brother and SIL their journey to become parents...when they started going to a specialist and when I knew certain procedures were happening..I  can tell you their names were constantly on my lips sending prayers... or just everyday activities I had with my kids and I would think of my SIL and know she wished to be a mother and I'd pray more...or most recently when my Mom fell out of the hay mound. It was me her and the kids...I didn't know what to do..so after asking what I could do immediately I started praying... 

For Me- I have realized that it wasn't really hard accepting Jesus and believing in him. It's my everyday fight. I need to fight not to be lukewarm. I need to stay involved at my church. I need to be the best Christian everyday because my kids someday will probably not remember my words but my actions. They will remember me dragging their butts to Sunday school...they will remember us writing that tithe check and dropping it in the plate...they will remember me showing kindness by opening a door for a stranger..they will remember me lending a helping hand to family & whoever asks for it...they will remember me having a firm and steady hand when it comes to discipline...and they will remember me praying with them..and sadly they will remember me in my not so good moments....BUT  I am hoping they will remember more of my Good moments and not my bad. I have always remembered my Grandparents or parents or Aunts/Uncles actions.  I want to give them the best example so that one day they become Christians because heaven without them- wouldn't be my heaven....

So there it is.. that was my journey into my faith. It is by far not over but there it is thus far..  

Love, 

Me

The Great Migration

So a month or 2 ago I was telling a friend of ours about fixing things in the house and Jake was right there...and I made a comment like oh Jake you make me want to kill ya...(Just Disagreements about I have no clue what about but it was something) and our friend replied- oh ya whenever you remodel your house or fix something up it wants ya all to get divorced....its normal. lol.... we at the time laughed at it and thought no way... but man remodeling a house... moving... is very stressful...and makes you lose your mind sometimes...
I would be lying if I said I haven't once thought about killing my husband through out this all...but on another hand...seeing him do all this work..we have had lots of help but seeing him learning new things..and working at his job till 5ish then going to new house and work till at least till 9 ..most night this week have been 11pm.... pretty much makes my love for him grow even more...I very much lucked out in the husband department...

So tonight...will mark our first night in the house...well..Me & Jake's first night... The kids are staying with Jake's parents tonight and going trick or treating Saturday at Patty's work...so that we can move tonight without the kids!...We figured we will be able to get the majority of everything tonight and a few things Jake & Jordan can move tomorrow when Jordan & Brittany move into the Lafayette house... They are doing us a favor and renting from us...I don't think I'm ready to rent to strangers... but its a win win situation for all of us...

Man!...I cannot wait till we are all moved..I've been saying that the last few months... but seriously...I can not wait... I'll actually spend time at my own home..and when Sondra wants to play with her pony it won't be such a planned out event...probably save money in driving to and from the ranch.. then soon Jess/Mike will get the house around the corner...we have already planned our "exercise" where we will walk and what that really means our "gossip"... lol....but ultimately there are only a couple things I am going to miss about Town living... our Neighbors...and the Park...What I won't miss..the damn Train that wakes my son up...misc. walker byers that are loud and tap on your door..a $45 water/sewer bill....loud cars that drive really fast by...oh and last but certainly not least ...the village telling you your lawn needs mowed lol......we will still get that since still being the homeowners....but oh well..it will be bearable since we aren't still living there lol... I just find it absolutely crazy that they can charge you $100 to mow your lawn for you..or tell you  you have to do it...what if I was a naturalist that didn't believe in cutting the grass???...good point lol ... pssh..

So when you are all fast asleep in your warm comfy beds tonight say a prayer for me and Jake because we will probably still be moving :). I don't care how late it is... I am sleeping in my new bedroom tonight/maybe a few hour nap)...

ALSO- off topic..but Jake has been really complaining about the chalk being everywhere in Sondra's room b.c. for a while that is all the kids had to play with when  they had to stay in their rooms...but we planned on getting a basket to hang by it..but I found a even better solution... they are these markers that is like Chalk..its called ChalkInk.... although they are a bit expensive- but there isn't any dust... I bought some online..and should come soon..but I'm excited to try them...Her chalk board looks great framed!... Can't wait to show yoU!

I'll post pictures too next week..feel free to message me and stop over too :)...
I have another post I have been working on that is pretty important to share..I just don't want to rush writing it and it sound like crap.....I may finish it sometime this weekend...

I'll talk to everyone later :)

Mr. Yago... brace yourselfs....I'm a crazy dog lover these days lol

A Favorite of Yago at the house

the 1st night we got him...he crawled up and laid down on a picture frame

after we made his kennel bigger he laid like this lol

puppy yago

one of my favorite pictures of Pup

such a lazy guy

Mr. Yago!

I really don’t even know how to start this. I feel kinda silly actually. Our sweet Yago died Thursday. I’m beyond upset. Over a dog I know…the thought of him was kind of like my happy ever after. We got our “forever” home and now we had our dog that would grow up with our kids and they would have fond childhood memories with their dog. Stuart was already in bed when Jake called me. So after giving Sondra a bath I told her while I was brushing her hair. I was crying and she just put her arms around me rubbing my back. And after a minute I pulled her back trying not to laugh b.c. it was just so funny she was comforting me instead of the other way around and she says: “You help me Mom- I’m helping you now”..lol…so sweet…then a minute later she tells me: “Mom you shouldn’t left him there it's your fault”…lol…that is my Sondra. After a few days we had Yago I found myself talking about him a lot or laughing at the small things he did…I was inlove. It had been a long time since I had a dog- and it was a realization that I really missed having a little pup running around. It was just nice. When I got my camera out I found myself taking pictures of him. It was just funny I thought to myself. Even that week I was getting pictures printed off to hang in our new house and I already had a couple that I planned on framing. ( I know- I was a crazy dog lover (I think I even told a few people that seen that I in fact did print some pics off…well let me rephrase- I was a Yago lover. He was just too cute how couldn’t you?)..so I’m a little in limbo about what to do with each of my 8x10 and 5x7 pictures of him. Would that make me  crazy still hanging them in my house? Jake buried him in our back yard by a bush that I’m going to plant some flowers by and put a little fence around. Jake even commented on Saturday how he never wants to burry another dog that he actually liked. That says a lot..there has only been one other dog that Jake actually really liked... she was a smelly beagle named Babe..his childhood dog... I’m still pretty upset about Yago. I just miss that little turd. Next time around Jake already said we can get that same breed and coloring. Hopefully the next will be just as smart and perfect. Thursday night- I was certifiable Looney Tune crazy... over a dang dog.. hhmm... I made fun of crazy dog people...and now I'm one of them...ahh...well I guess I'll be ready for our next pup... but I'm gonna miss Mr. Yago... 

Bittersweet/Reffitt Triplets/HouseProgress News

Wow… a lot has been going on…one of the most exciting things:

Rick & Kayla had their babies! J

Saying that is somewhat of a bittersweet line…

Last Thursday I received a text from my Mom saying that Baby D(Trenna Faith) had died and that the doctors would keep close watch on the other three and Mom would let me know if they decide to deliver the other three.  As soon as I read it I shed a few tears. Why? Why after 29 weeks she wouldn’t make it. Having 2 nurses in my immediate family I have been told and reminded that Baby D might not make it. Or Baby D could have some health problems with the recent problems she was having. But still you don’t believe that. You believe everything will just work out. You do that- b.c. if you think about the “bad” stuff then…its actually true….But in this case it didn’t work. My second thought was: its probably for the best. There had to be reasons that God chose to take her early. Reasons I don’t know what they are but I know I necessarily don’t like them…BUT I don’t know God’s reasoning and I will never understand God’s reasoning. But it is HIS perfect will that is done and not mine. And when I get to heaven- I’ll surely know my Little Niece that left us before she even really got to be her and before I got to spoil her rotten.

One thing though- I’m really proud of Rick & Kayla. In the beginning it was suggested they eliminate baby D ….(BABY KILLIN’ ABORTION)…but they refused. And being a ProLife supporter I’m proud that they put Trenna in God’s hands and not man’s.

On Sunday I was FINALLY able to go see the Babies!...I was so excited…Jake had to keep telling me and Sondra to slow down when we were walking in. I just wanted to see them!!!...as we met Rick in the hallway he said Trenna was in the room… hmm.. My first response was that’s okay!...Not thinking about Sondra’s questions but just thought when she questions we will answer. I know she doesn’t absolutely comprehend death- maybe she could learn something. She wasn’t one bit shy. After I held her for a few minutes Sondra came over and wanted to hold her and she did… Sondra held her a lot. She asked me a few questions..some I could answer..Others I asked her to ask Kayla..Which Kayla answered when she came back from the nicu. I was very surprised at how open and accepting Sondra was to hold her. It was though very hard to explain the whole- this is just her body she is dead- Trenna is in Heaven. Which Thursday when I told Sondra Trenna had died her first response was: Grandma Sondra is probably holding Trenna right now! And burping her! So I know she gets the concept you go to heaven- but on Sunday holding her was a bit confusing but by the end of the day- I think she had a better understanding of it.

Sondra holding Miss. Trenna Faith Reffitt :) 

I’m honestly not sure how exactly I would handle losing a baby. Whether it breathed 1000 breaths or not a single one- I know it would hurt me. I meant I often cry or get teary eyed probably once a month over a horse that I never actually had a conversation with. Mystery was a stinking animal but I still get sad every now and then so I'm not really sure how I would take losing a child.....I think Trenna’s parents are doing fine and they are holding on to 3 precious little babies right now and I feel like they are helping them get through it.

Miss. Braylee Layne Reffitt

Mr. Cohyn Edward Reffitt

Miss. Mataya Kathleen Reffitt

It was so fun going back to the Nicu and seeing the triplets. Touching each one and almost feeling important having Kayla saying you want to touch such and such or take a few pictures first. Hearing each one’s progress and what is going on with them….I just can’t till we get to hold them..and pose them to take pictures lol...    Please keep Rick & Kayla and the babies on your prayer list...this will be a long journey of getting them home!

On too more exciting news but not as exciting as the Reffitt Triplets....the house 

Jake and I are to be blessed with generous jobs... Jake was able to take off Tuesday through Friday off. When he came up to work on Tuesday he said you should think about taking a few days off this week to help get work done at house...So I asked my boss and was able to use 3 days of my vacation. and Let me tell you what...man!...we got a lot done!... I got the Kitchen wood paneling painted..decided upon wallpaper for top part (I am not ripping and chipping of the layers of wallpaper that I tried to paint over and failed b.c. it bubbled up really bad)..Living room- got painted..new windows framed & Stained..I STILL need to paint the trim in the room & carpet still needs to be installed...I'm really putting it off I hate to paint trim... Our bedroom: was painted the closet slash lookey out to living room hole has been covered with paneling..the new window framed and stained..and the second window repainted..I STILL need to paint the trim in that room too and new carpet installed... Upstairs: Stuart's room is painted..I still need to paint his ceiling and his window will need trimed and stained and new carpet installed... Sondra's room- got the painting done plus ceiling too.. Got her chalkboard wall done too..I'm thinking it will need a 3rd coat..and her  window and chalkboard will need stained and trimmed..carpet needs installed also.. The bathroom has the most work to be done it in..they are replumbing everything and replacing everything..that is really our biggest hold up as of right now!... Please pray this moves faster..I'm ready to live there..

welp I have a lot to do!..I must get going! Until next time! 

Love, 

Me.. 

HelloSTranger,HouseNews,LearningTree,SCHOOL,HairStress

Hey How are you? Thank you for stopping by and reading my blog. My Name is Joie and I write about the story of my life..what moves me..pisses me off...all kinds of stuff.......(I'm re-introducing myself)...It feels like it has been that long!... I should go read my last post so I know what I left you guys with...take Five

Prayer Request!..Please pray for my Brother Rick and Sister In Law Kayla and their Babies..she is on bed rest in Columbus...Carrying Quads is a high risk pregnancy so they could use all the prayers you got! :)

okay okay!... last blog was filled with house news... welp... we have been working.....Let me rephrase that... we all have been working on it!.. Parents..friends...cousins aunts uncles... and somethings are changing!!!...First Change: my kitchen cabinets

Before: a salmon & Aqua 

Here are the cabinets primed to paint :) 

After: Cinnamon Sugar on frames and "Down Comforter" Beige/Cream for the doors

So this.. was a lot of work!?..... I thought ya..I'll redo the cabinets... that all entailed taking off all the doors..scrub/clean every surface...prime everything...we primed the inside of the cabinets and drawers just so we had a "fresh/clean" surface...Then we painted the frames... then the doors...then I got a idea from p interest to use chalk board paint on the inside of the top doors..which I did a few on the bottom..and now my after thought is I'm going to do all bottoms... we got all the doors back up..and now have to do touch ups on the cabinets...which I promise I'll get done this weekend..and will post photos...

So I took off the wallpaper too..it all came down very easily ..except the border above cabinets..still gotta do something with that

Jake in the meantime has been working on the bathroom with much help from his Dad...when we seen the condition of the bathroom I said straight up...Tub needs replace... toilet, and vanity and sink... it just did!.. I almost always take a bath..so do my kids.... there is no way..I was going to sit in a tub that left a house looking the way it did before the cleaning came in and cleaned up before we got it... So the whole bathroom is Gutted!!!!! so when you come over to see the house...the bathroom will be the finale room lol... 

The Windows... instead of going with a company to replace all our windows we are having our neighbor in Lafayette do it! Much cheaper!!!! this helps with the house budget.... :) I'm so excited for windows. I think it will do a world of difference. 

Tuesday Night we went to menards and did some shopping..we wanted to get some of our big expenses out of the way.. we bought: Tub & the sides that go on the wall..which I'm exited..b.c. the sides have two shelves...We bought a new sink and Vanity for bathroom :  

I went with white oh and we got that same mirror/medicine cabinet too :) 

We got a new Sink for the kitchen! 2 bowls and its a biscuit color...  which after pricing stuff out yesterday we are going to get some new counter tops too :)... talked about those kits for redoing them..but the type of counters we have..quality... it wouldn't be very cost effective... so I'm excited about that!... oh and a garbage disposal...one of those too... and all the fixtures that go with Sinks and tubs...that was pretty easy for me..I wasn't too picky there... As long as finish matched..I was good.....hmm..oh and a new Toilet....hmm..is that it?? ...i think so!... which the next purchases I"m most excited for are counters..and getting a quote for carpet for Living room, our bedroom, and upstairs..and stairs probably too! :)
Things are really shaping up!... I can't believe how fast this is going... once windows are in then comes the painting!... then... move in... wow~!!!! I'm so excited...I really am...dreams are coming true! 

I just can't believe all the support we are getting from friends and family. People asking how it is coming a long and feeling like they really care.. even my church family... which it doesn't surprise me..but it was so nice  to get a call saying there was a present at the church for me and to pick it up anytime or at church...(sadly I had to be called b.c. I had not been there due to fair and such) but summer usually gets me...but me and my cousin Tate stopped by there last Sunday...and I couldn't contain my  excitement... I can't remember the last time we/I had gotten a gift that I didn't know what it was...and boy was I surpised what it was!!!!: 

MY BELOVED KEURIG COFFEE MAKER! If you are a avid reader you guys know my love for this type of coffee maker...I am a religious coffee drinker...and have plotted how I was going to get my coffee maker... lol... but this is not what I was expected when I opened my gift that was signed "Your Church Family".... wow.. I pretty much showed Tatey how uncool I was b.c. this was like big news...like a high light of my year big.. lol :) which it is... but to a High schooler...a coffee maker? Ok? ... lol... but Thank you! This will be put to good use..and even Jake the Non coffee drinker will be able to use it with the raspberry ice tea we got..that his is favorite tea...I think he is just thankful he doesn't have to listen to me talk about how I really want one and how perfect the single cup one would be perfect... and how now that we have enough counter space "we" should think about buying one! lol...

Also just friends and family stopping and helping for a few hours..I didn't have to ask them..they showed up when they knew we were there and just started...I'm thankful... oh really thankful to my Mom and Mom In Law for watching the kids while I worked... its not that I can't work..but its hard to work when You are worrying about what you 2 year old is doing or where he is going!... Sondra not so much but Stu...he is Stu to begin with..but man oh man.. he is all boy and can really get himself in trouble... Also.. a friend of the family that has a good furnace that they no longer need...instead of putting in our one furnace that has been underwater and would do but not sure the longevity...we will have one that is reliable...so we don't have to worry if and when we will have to replace it...  I'm not writing all this to brag about good fortune..but really without everyone else...we wouldn't be able to do what we are doing..and I'm so thankful for everybody!  

Next Topic of Discussion: The Learning Tree (Sondra & Stu's Daycare) 

Wow... a lot of anxitety about them starting...but wow...I am so happy now... Sondra the first day was very timid and didn't want me to leave... She wasn't crying but she held on to my arm...I left her standing my a empty chair by her friend Jack from church...my last look of her lost little face...poor little thing new daycare and starting school all on the same day...  Stuart the first day didn't cry..I told him bye...and as I was walking out I hear: "Mommy???"... Second Day: Sondra no anxiety of me leaving her.... she was A OK... Stuart not so much. As I told him Bye he tried holding on and his teacher thankfully quickly picked him up and as I was walking out after dropping off Sondra was holding his blanket sitting on his teacher's lap... Now day 3 (today)... we are walking in...and approach his classroom... he cries... I don't know what else to do?...I know it is a adjustment..which there were days he would cry being dropped off to Aunt Mel & uncle Jonas house..he almost always wails when his Daddy leaves..even being left with me...So I know it will calm down... and eventually maybe he won't cry at all :) ... 

Stuart's teacher said his first day he cried off and on some..took a nap but mostly a cheerful day... the second day she said he did even better no off and on crying... so that is nice!..I like I get a piece of paper each day..telling me how he acted each day...and a personal note from his teacher... they almost always bring something home they made colored scribbled over...and seeing the calendar of events..they are always doing something...he is going to flourish and I suspect start talking more and more and BETTER... 

Lets See... after her first day.. she acted too cool.... I ask so how was school???... No fun she says! lol...I was a little indifferent about her responses....I almost think she felt indifferent or something... I asked if she sat by Jack on the Bus..and she said no I sat a lone... lol..aw...  my little loner... but yesterday when we were walking out of the learning tree she says : Mom someone actually sat with me on the bus... lol awww.. my heart melts...I ask who.."a Boy named TJ"... lol.. a boy???... she talked about how all the kids were laughing b.c. TJ was writing in her princess tablet she takes a long with her... and she had to tell them all "get a hold of yourself" b.c. of all the laughing... lol... so today when I dropped her off..I ask her so is TJ here??? as We look in the room  a little boy turns around a looks at Sondra and smiles and waves..Her reply to me.. that's him in the orange shirt....Sondra made her first friend all by herself... wow... its so funny though...I mean I shouldn't expect anything less from her..she is a tomboy....her friends will probably be boys... 

Also... You know those agenda books...ya I forgot to sign hers the first night lol..what a bad mom..I even looked at it to make sure there was nothing I had to do... lol.. so lastnight I remembered the whole signing thing...left a the teacher a note saying I'm still learning lol..and realized...Damn it ..I signed and wrote a note on Thursday not Wednesday lol.... dang... I have lots to learn... and I think once we move I won't feel so frazzled... I mean..it gets taxing working every night after you get off work..this week though I have been pretty lax... I have to abide by the kid's bedtimes especially since school starting.... 

a funny...the first day after Sondra's school..she is looking in the fridge..and I say hey what are you doing???... "Mom I'm packing my lunch tomorrow that stuff is disgusting" lol... get use to it kid..its school food! lol... for once I was already prepared and bought lunch containers for when she would want to pack her lunch. So I think we will look at the menu and decide day by day... she is all excited for chicken nuggets tomorrow... but honestly looking at the menu..its not the menu we had...every friday was school pizza..and usually chicken nuggets once a week too...I don't know what it looks like but they have "wheat pizza"..yuck...all too much for me...Feel bad for the kids...so to ensure a good mood I"m going to let her pack here and there.... 

Pinterest crazy!... Lastnight I got a little crazy and did some recipes from that addicting site! 

As follows: 

Not Sure of Name if have one..It had one line of potatoes, a row of chicken breasts, and supposed to have a row of green beans...and then a dry packet of Italian seasoning and a cup of melted butter ..out comes goodness :) http://pinterest.com/pin/32088216065884295/

 This.... It looked so easy...It was good...Sondra was too cracked up on the all seasoning..but I paid 1 something on the packet so I was going to use it all! lol... but it was good with or without the seasoning..b.c. I had to wipe off every piece of Sondra's...Stu like the chicken and potatoes..I wasn't able to make it with green beans b.c. my kids drove me crazy at Walmart and it slipped my mind to get any when they were clearly on my list...rrrrrr... but!.. anyways.. throw 2 or 3 ingredients with some seasoning and butter and cover and let it cook and you get a supper with sides...why not try?? lol... Jake's first rating was its good..but then this morning..he swears it made him feel sick... grr.. there isn't nothing I can cook without getting comments from the peanut gallery...rrrrrrrr...I tell him a lot.to thank God you have a wife that DOES cook! I don't ever blame a girl that says she don't have time to cook...or...never have had to cook...but to hear a wife say I hate to cook... makes my heart shrink a few sizes lol.... as you all know..I'm not a chef by any means...but man...there is never more pure satisfaction than sitting down to a meal you prepared with your hands... I think that is why I like canning so much..I get to see the process from the beginning...its just pureness.

Breakfast Burritos http://pinterest.com/pin/32088216064858655/ 

I hate to brag but one of these this morning was so excellent..>I was pretty proud of myself..2 minutes in the microwave a wha la....I'm betty freaking homemaker! :) ...I put in them Potatoes (leftover from supper, eggs, cheese, bacon, & sausage)..the possibilities are endless..Jake even liked it this morning and very filling!!!

Rollo Turtles  http://pinterest.com/pin/32088216065793808/ I used chopped pecans in stead of whole...much cheaper

I blame my mother for these... she loves turtle Sundays...so whenever I got to ice cream places if I'm unsure..I always go with a turtle sundae...well then I started on Turtle Cyclones/blasters/shloppie/avalance whatever!...and have made it a mission this summer to find the best one around (which I still say the delphos creamery but dairy barn is a close 2nd)...but so I have been craving a turtle blaster....and these little bites of goodness help deter it.... I hope they do...lol....

Sondra's Haircut! 

So like I have been saying a long about Sondra needing a haircut...Jake & Sondra finally relented...after a wake up call of MR Mom you will doing her hair every morning not me....they came to the light... My wonderfully expecting beautiful cousin Meg cut it...She loves it I love it...took me 2 minutes to comb it & put it half way up this morning- hair always grows...I'm glad she could let it go more easily than I did... 

 BEFORE

AFTER

GROWN UP! :) 

And I'll leave you with this! :) ...Yago I think enjoyed his cage getting bigger... I sometimes find him sleeping on his back just like this frequently>..He can't wait to move too.. more freedom..he usually stays a few night a week at ranch!

Hopefully Next week I'll show you the finished cabients and the progress of the bathroom! :) Untill next time 

BLISS

Much Better Mood than last update! :) I'm almost Blissful

Holy Crap its fair time!!! Jake & Sondra will be staying at fair all week and me & Stu will go home at night..so he can sleep in his own bed...and me too lol... I'd rather much have it that way....oh and to take care of the dog...

so... I AM SO HAPPY TO TELL YOU we closed on the house  last Tuesday. SO so happy... I'm glad to really start seeing ideas and getting stuff fixed. Last night  we met with a window company to quote us to replace windows... this Tuesday we will meet with 2 more.  I've already got ideas and colors for each room. Jake & I's bedroom: Brown & Turquoise/ Kitchen: Pumpkin Fall Bathroom:..Hmmmm/ Sondra's Bedroom: Purple & Beach Sparkle (extra paint from work from my cubby) /Stuart's Bedroom- On the fence still (Sports or Farm/Tractors) Living Room: Something Neutral... My most excited room...the Kitchen! I always thought it was nutty when I seen people have their whole kitchen decorated in Apples...but it dawned on me why!>..I love pumpkins lol... Forealz... lol... and even you look on my pinterest boards..I got all kinds of different pumpkin stuff...I love fall..and all the colors..the leaves...so..there we go..I get why people decorate their kitchens in Apples...I just have that same affection but towards pumpkins lol... :) ... I'm excited to find stuff here and there...and piece it together.. the only room I'm not sure on color is the living room.... I'll think though...I'm really excited about getting a china cabinet from a friend...I'm very elated to see how much support my family has... so many people have messaged me saying how happy they are or excited to see what we do..and offer help or furniture they were getting rid of and thought of us....I'm just thankful they are thinking of us!....I can't wait till we move..but one thing is... I'm a little clueless on how to move...I'm seriously thinking where is Lacey...she knows this stuff...I remember before or right after  I got married we went shopping to get my kitchen in order and fill my cabinets..I was a little bit flabbergasted or lost and she took control...we got back to the house.....and she rearranged my kitchen lol.... :).... surely though I'm a big girl..and I can learn to move and set up house by myself... just a very daunting task...I've packed 2 boxes and they are still sitting out...man I need to get some motivation...its just what do you start with first? lol...

Also another exciting thing!... I took Rick & Kayla's Maternity Pictures...all a long we have been taking progression photos...but we actually had pictures with Rick too... I think they turned out really cute...there were a few poses that I really wanted to try...and they turned out lovely...My all time favorite:

Love it! 

on Wednesday when I was printing off pictures of poses that I had to do..b.c. there are certain set of poses picture peeps always do or customers want and I somehow came across this one..and thought well that is different... I love it... Definitely a keeper.. which also.. my sister came along and she commented you really need to start a binder with all your photos... which...why yes that is a good Idear! ....I'm going to work on that too...

This next week will be so nice! I'm off work all week! :)... Its much needed time away..hopefully we enjoy the fair and get stuff done at the house! :).....So many great things ahead!

Once school starts and things get into a schedule..I want to take pictures for more people..so hopefully I can bank a little money and buy extra things..like my dream coffee maker: A keurig...I don't even care what kind it is..I just want one... b.c. it all would make sense for me...When I first thought about this house... the first thing popped into my mind... Coffee Dates...not with my husband..but my gals..sitting around enjoying coffee and gossiping(fact sharing)...First order of business once we get  moved in and settled... A 31 Party!..you let me know if you want invited! :) ... 

Well I must be going! :) I Shall Return :) 

Love, 

Me