tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63875950200053195102024-03-04T22:49:24.764-06:00These Are The DaysKrystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.comBlogger346125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-90428358501750811042013-06-06T20:14:00.001-05:002013-06-06T20:14:09.122-05:00A Day in the Life of Ady<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Ady loves “Me and You Days”. </font></p> <p align="center"> <font size="3">This is how she describes school days for us. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">She asks me at night when I tuck her into bed, “Is tomorrow going to be a Me and You Day, Mom?” </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">“Why yes it is Miss Ady. Just Me and You sister.” </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vWVawfnCg5Q/UbEzm7t3gUI/AAAAAAAAGng/ScKE0FvQ9m4/s1600-h/IMG_4433%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4433" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4433" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EIj3G76ucv4/UbEznYn0XaI/AAAAAAAAGno/lu-NtoCxBNU/IMG_4433_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="470"></a></p> <p align="center">(Photo taken with iphone)</p> <p align="center"><font size="3">I Instagramed these photos a little while back.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Our day started out normal. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Me - working around the house in the morning.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Ady - watching her favorite shows.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Then we typically get ready for the day, have lunch and move on to whatever activity we are doing that day</font> (this used to be naptime. Sometimes I really miss naptime).</p> <p align="center"><font size="3">We chose to make <a href="http://www.themoesfamilyintexas.blogspot.com/2011/10/catching-up-and-some-recipes.html">Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies</a> that day. Yummmmmy!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2dQCyZb_fTw/UbEzoIbmx2I/AAAAAAAAGnw/B3UKSvbLnts/s1600-h/IMG_4428%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4428" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_4428" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-syZ3z6cxwEM/UbEzo1l1bjI/AAAAAAAAGn4/AVYRNjPDvP0/IMG_4428_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center">(Photo taken with iPhone)</p> <p align="center"><font size="3">She is my helper in the kitchen and knows the routine.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Aprons and music and we are set!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Well, of course after a little while she lost interest and went in the backyard to play.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">In the sandbox.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">I have a love/hate relationship with the sandbox.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">I love that it is hours of entertainment.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">I hate that within minutes it can get to an out of control level of messy.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Kind of like <a href="http://www.themoesfamilyintexas.blogspot.com/2012/03/oh-my.html">this</a>.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Well, this time it wasn’t as bad as that</font> (she has learned) <font size="3">but it did involve sand and water and the trampoline.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">She decided to clean herself off from the sandbox by attaching the sprayer to the hose and then putting it on the trampoline. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">When I notice that all of this happened</font> (we are talking a couple of minutes) <font size="3">I find her on the trampoline jumping in muddy clothes.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Really Ady???</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">No photos of that. I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about the incident and if it was worth burning cookies over. :)</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">I decided I needed to side with my cookies for the moment. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">I did however, change her clothes and let her finish out the afternoon in her swimsuit on the trampoline.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R5Tnnyvwg8c/UbEzpQM3QGI/AAAAAAAAGoA/tNAxeAH_NIU/s1600-h/Ady%252527s%252520Day%252520-%2525202013-1%252520-%252520edit%252520cr%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="Ady's Day - 2013-1 - edit cr" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Ady's Day - 2013-1 - edit cr" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e65BbRLmCs0/UbEzqlI1bUI/AAAAAAAAGoI/X8am6uXHrhU/Ady%252527s%252520Day%252520-%2525202013-1%252520-%252520edit%252520cr_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="743"></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3">I was proud of her for knowing what she wanted and how to go about making it happen.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aNRuwschEIw/UbEzrT80veI/AAAAAAAAGoQ/7wdtkNHye9E/s1600-h/Ady%252527s%252520Day%252520-%2525202013-2%252520-%252520edit%252520cr%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="Ady's Day - 2013-2 - edit cr" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Ady's Day - 2013-2 - edit cr" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UqmbW8kW68Y/UbEzsE_Vk9I/AAAAAAAAGoY/LrGn1Gr4Mjk/Ady%252527s%252520Day%252520-%2525202013-2%252520-%252520edit%252520cr_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="744"></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3">She knew where to find the sprayer and how to attach it to the hose all by herself.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">She was not going to let me ruin her fun or give me the chance to say “No. Not now Ady.”</font> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Rlj41Y76Gjk/UbEzs82nwUI/AAAAAAAAGog/I_EEtOGH6jo/s1600-h/Untitled-2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Untitled-2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Untitled-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7j27vOC70xs/UbEzt2_ZYPI/AAAAAAAAGoo/9iOo-LwMiU8/Untitled-2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="802" height="416"></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">And I am glad she didn’t because I loved watching her have her own kind of fun.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nIi9933AcMY/UbEzuVqho_I/AAAAAAAAGow/vgiarDHJVXM/s1600-h/Ady%252527s%252520Day%252520-%2525202013-17%252520-%252520edit%252520cr%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="Ady's Day - 2013-17 - edit cr" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Ady's Day - 2013-17 - edit cr" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vK5qkIAC_uM/UbEzvYnP5HI/AAAAAAAAGo4/DIs9RKhUfu8/Ady%252527s%252520Day%252520-%2525202013-17%252520-%252520edit%252520cr_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="542" height="775"></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3">She keeps asking me when will she get to be 5 years old.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sWkKKqKPr5A/UbEzwS8SUgI/AAAAAAAAGpA/ibdM3QsTkns/s1600-h/Ady%252527s%252520Day%252520-%2525202013-22%252520-%252520edit%252520cr%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Ady's Day - 2013-22 - edit cr" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Ady's Day - 2013-22 - edit cr" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KGiZR9u4Iy4/UbEzxQWIqvI/AAAAAAAAGpI/GwFENIXvnjk/Ady%252527s%252520Day%252520-%2525202013-22%252520-%252520edit%252520cr_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="693" height="471"></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">I tell her she only gets to be 3 once and to love every minute of it.</font></p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3XYDrrs02ic/UbEzyXtjJKI/AAAAAAAAGpQ/583S6Z8XytA/s1600-h/Ady%252527s%252520Day%252520-%2525202013-28%252520-%252520edit%252520cr%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Ady's Day - 2013-28 - edit cr" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Ady's Day - 2013-28 - edit cr" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LBMmcc7kYM0/UbEzzeEcV5I/AAAAAAAAGpY/xJdRri8AMFk/Ady%252527s%252520Day%252520-%2525202013-28%252520-%252520edit%252520cr_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="700" height="473"></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Sometimes she takes me a little too literal.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4LMpbwhr568/UbEzz37FWpI/AAAAAAAAGpg/HlCDWMeXKhc/s1600-h/Ady%252527s%252520Day%252520-%2525202013-30%252520-%252520edit%252520cr%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="Ady's Day - 2013-30 - edit cr" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Ady's Day - 2013-30 - edit cr" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sxZCJoa2w4U/UbEz0nfI1mI/AAAAAAAAGpo/IFsTUmhm00s/Ady%252527s%252520Day%252520-%2525202013-30%252520-%252520edit%252520cr_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="750"></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3">She had waaaaaay too much fun in the bathtub after that.</font> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-479CRztiiIU/UbEz1Yg6K1I/AAAAAAAAGpw/IYbo570PK3Q/s1600-h/Untitled-3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Untitled-3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Untitled-3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BnLwPdnondI/UbEz2M9nJTI/AAAAAAAAGp4/JgfKy0wOd8I/Untitled-3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="723" height="543"></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3">See what I mean?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Water ALL OVER the floor. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">It was bad.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">The above photos are how I found it after she had tried to clean it up on her own.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">And this is how I found her.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T-IXtx9glUQ/UbEz2-xDuzI/AAAAAAAAGqA/giLv8Ob_yDI/s1600-h/Untitled-1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Untitled-1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Untitled-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pN8EzQrE4WM/UbEz3YFZ78I/AAAAAAAAGqI/bfTq6oWNBG0/Untitled-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="764" height="396"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">And that my friends is a day in the life of Ady.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">We live and learn together every. single. day.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Starting tomorrow I will be living and learning with all 4 of my kids every. single. day.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">It’s </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5">SUMMER TIME!!!</font></p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-21600185179181411282013-05-10T08:00:00.000-05:002013-05-10T08:10:06.466-05:00We LOVE Baseball!<p align="center"><font size="3">Our baseball season is coming to an end. :( </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"> Before that officially happens I thought I better blog about it…because dang it…I am going to be a better blogger!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Our family loves baseball. We enjoy going to any baseball game whenever we get the chance. I especially love being a baseball mom to my two boys. It is magic for me. Something about it calms me and I completely forget about my mile long to do list and any other thoughts floating around in my head. I am just happy to be in the moment with my boys; being their best cheerleader. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-muSqpEllHXo/UYyTeFGQ5lI/AAAAAAAAGio/ArbG6MzhM9E/s1600-h/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-90%252520-%252520edit%252520CR%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img title="Baseball - Spring 2013-90 - edit CR" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Baseball - Spring 2013-90 - edit CR" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3IJRMqjjFdw/UYyTfZxtKZI/AAAAAAAAGiw/p86gDtxPyc8/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-90%252520-%252520edit%252520CR_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="718"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">I love watching them on the field.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ve-1lI1FZVo/UYyTgaBQu4I/AAAAAAAAGi4/4c3LEioD9Hw/s1600-h/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-4%252520-%252520edit%252520CR%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img title="Baseball - Spring 2013-4 - edit CR" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Baseball - Spring 2013-4 - edit CR" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a9BXUvO23SE/UYyThji4SdI/AAAAAAAAGjA/4YPysj-ruYE/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-4%252520-%252520edit%252520CR_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="736" height="501"></font></a><font size="3"> </font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hnu9MLMvfMI/UYyTiooZ2FI/AAAAAAAAGjI/pKZKxfReRNo/s1600-h/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-41%252520-%252520edit%252520CR%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img title="Baseball - Spring 2013-41 - edit CR" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Baseball - Spring 2013-41 - edit CR" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_1QVwBrqBEE/UYyTkLok8bI/AAAAAAAAGjQ/jNchbkkpj5U/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-41%252520-%252520edit%252520CR_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="734" height="500"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">You can always find Casey behind the fence as one of the coaches.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OnA3iZXu3os/UYyTlFQVxTI/AAAAAAAAGjY/8M8SdwSXG0w/s1600-h/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-35%252520-%252520edit%252520CR%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img title="Baseball - Spring 2013-35 - edit CR" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Baseball - Spring 2013-35 - edit CR" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nlpjBVYHPiE/UYyTmY-ol2I/AAAAAAAAGjg/vrdo0fLZI3Q/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-35%252520-%252520edit%252520CR_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="726"></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Did you notice Kaylee’s striped hair? It was opening day and man was it a </font><font size="5">partaaay!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3YbQEl9yoXU/UYyTnB-MblI/AAAAAAAAGms/6FEVx3q_Xo4/s1600-h/Untitled-1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3YbQEl9yoXU/UYyTnB-MblI/AAAAAAAAGmw/vLYaEw_44BI/s1600-h/Untitled-1%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="Untitled-1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Untitled-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M3zIAXYc4fc/UYyTqkm81jI/AAAAAAAAGj0/jGd23d2oGIM/Untitled-1_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="731" height="551"></a></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-chii6gFIEyg/UYyTrSUt5DI/AAAAAAAAGm0/EUuhNh9qLfw/s1600-h/Untitled-3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-chii6gFIEyg/UYyTrSUt5DI/AAAAAAAAGm4/SlZWxy9jNEU/s1600-h/Untitled-3%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="Untitled-3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Untitled-3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9XpAcC4J8us/UYyTtkpmLjI/AAAAAAAAGkI/rh0D0Qc4Q4Q/Untitled-3_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="733" height="385"></a></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O-FDnS19k8Y/UYyTuEpcRAI/AAAAAAAAGkQ/MuR0u7Ps9KQ/s1600-h/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-86%252520-%252520edit%252520CR%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img title="Baseball - Spring 2013-86 - edit CR" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Baseball - Spring 2013-86 - edit CR" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FxGrwwMz5oQ/UYyTuwReDFI/AAAAAAAAGkY/l0McU6SBils/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-86%252520-%252520edit%252520CR_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" height="726"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">There was plenty of entertainment for the kids in between games this day.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Usually Ady spends the whole game digging in the dirt… </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZnKSQ4J55Ro/UYyTv9xKKHI/AAAAAAAAGkg/XYUQ14r_1Nc/s1600-h/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-52%252520-%252520edit%252520CR%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img title="Baseball - Spring 2013-52 - edit CR" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Baseball - Spring 2013-52 - edit CR" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1nC-t1v4xnI/UYyTxFJKjzI/AAAAAAAAGko/8uTxWaIy36U/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-52%252520-%252520edit%252520CR_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="722"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">but she makes sure to check in on the game every once in awhile.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Kaylee reads or does homework… </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dE5PC2XLjoU/UYyTxxb_9RI/AAAAAAAAGkw/bn5eisPBipQ/s1600-h/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-47%252520-%252520edit%252520CR%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img title="Baseball - Spring 2013-47 - edit CR" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Baseball - Spring 2013-47 - edit CR" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-62vCE4yJZwo/UYyTyVlT5bI/AAAAAAAAGk4/HPsdtS2s-hM/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-47%252520-%252520edit%252520CR_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="722"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">or something.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Did I mention that I am the best cheerleader???</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Yeah, I need to rub off on Kaylee a little. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p4qIqlSES7I/UYyTzIBd-4I/AAAAAAAAGlA/VIr5aLyWFF0/s1600-h/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-33%252520-%252520edit%252520CR%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img title="Baseball - Spring 2013-33 - edit CR" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Baseball - Spring 2013-33 - edit CR" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uNxf6uI0Wrw/UYyT0mvQRxI/AAAAAAAAGlI/GFH7j2rSSZw/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-33%252520-%252520edit%252520CR_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="727"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">However, she is very good at taking care of this little chick for me so I can watch the game and not miss a great play. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"> Because we all know that is the worst! How do you tell your super excited son that you missed his awesome play??? </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">I don’t know how you other sport mom’s do it, but I bring my camera to ONE game. I usually choose a day that both of the boys are playing but at different times <font size="2">(so I don’t miss a great play. :) Double duty is HARD!) </font>I focus on snapping pictures that day. I get what I can and then that is it. No more camera at the fields anymore. Even if I didn’t get the pictures I wanted or had in mind. For me, watching the game through my camera lens isn’t the same and I end up getting distracted. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3qs1zE4PFso/UYyT1V2aJAI/AAAAAAAAGm8/5s_55S142-8/s1600-h/Untitled-5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3qs1zE4PFso/UYyT1V2aJAI/AAAAAAAAGnA/bg56B3kixmo/s1600-h/Untitled-5%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="Untitled-5" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Untitled-5" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-e-mLOp5-_6Q/UYyT3TJK6JI/AAAAAAAAGlc/bkf9RjZzD3E/Untitled-5_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="724" height="386"></a></font></a><font size="3"> </font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1s1kqXNIVgk/UYyT4DEoG6I/AAAAAAAAGlk/tKUdZBqrFzY/s1600-h/Untitled-4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img title="Untitled-4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Untitled-4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M7JKx07qHA8/UYyT5B9akoI/AAAAAAAAGls/jfxiUxNvwV8/Untitled-4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="718" height="373"></font></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e1GfscDx70o/UYyT6HY5EmI/AAAAAAAAGl0/7dxjYJTMVRY/s1600-h/Untitled-2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img title="Untitled-2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Untitled-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pjTAgwKFSNg/UYyT7BcYo1I/AAAAAAAAGl8/ujcQk03f-6g/Untitled-2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="721" height="543"></font></a><font size="3"> </font><font color="#000000" size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tA-F1fDhVmM/UYyT73ivBOI/AAAAAAAAGmE/-9UsOEWOTJo/s1600-h/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-93%252520-%252520edit%252520CR%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img title="Baseball - Spring 2013-93 - edit CR" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Baseball - Spring 2013-93 - edit CR" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F7kyLs71g8Q/UYyT8mf5tTI/AAAAAAAAGmM/IAfOyq1hygA/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-93%252520-%252520edit%252520CR_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="735" height="496"></font></a><font color="#000000" size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mqMaOZx96JM/UYyT9bDJKBI/AAAAAAAAGmU/6TcQzDjlJBY/s1600-h/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-92%252520-%252520%252520CR%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img title="Baseball - Spring 2013-92 - CR" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Baseball - Spring 2013-92 - CR" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B-oC7XxQ_5c/UYyT-MGyXeI/AAAAAAAAGmc/2keFSeK5HcA/Baseball%252520-%252520Spring%2525202013-92%252520-%252520%252520CR_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="739" height="502"></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">I tell them to be baseball ready so I need to be cheerleader ready! </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">But for one game the distraction is worth it.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">I love me some baseball playin’ boys!</font> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">P.S. I remembered an old post from Jake’s very first T-ball season at the Y. <a href="http://www.themoesfamilyintexas.blogspot.com/2008/07/t-ball.html">This</a> is how it all started. It was fun reading it and seeing how much we have all grown since then, especially my little man!</p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-4088002193480524192013-04-29T08:00:00.000-05:002013-04-29T08:00:16.233-05:00Looking Back on 2012 {Part Three} THE END!<p align="center">Let’s be honest… It is ridiculous how long it has taken me to get this blog post done. The motivation just hasn’t been there. It is no fun feeling behind on blogging all the time. That is a huge motivation zapper for me! I have all of these great current photos sitting on my computer that I would much rather be spending time sorting through and sharing but I can’t bear to leave gaps in my blog. It is my family history. Our timeline of events and bits and pieces of my journal. So bear with me for one more post while I fill in the gaps on my blog. It’s time to catch up! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x8_eCA7GPfc/UX32GSdPZ-I/AAAAAAAAGhQ/mf0P_6OtsEY/s1600-h/September%252520Collage%252520-%2525202012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="September Collage - 2012" border="0" alt="September Collage - 2012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-blLxi_f7gG0/UX32HvA-W6I/AAAAAAAAGhY/XZuj_6QD9Dg/September%252520Collage%252520-%2525202012_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="640"></a> </p> <p align="center">Ady enjoyed having the TV all to herself every morning after the kids left for school. This is how she starts every single day – Jammie’s, blankets, and show of her choice. Football season started. Everyone (except for me) was glued to the TV every Sunday. I made Casey a football cake for a contest at work. Kaylee had the opportunity to swim with the Olympians. We made a trip to the beach. Ady insisted on dressing up and having a tea party lunch. She makes my days fun!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HGpbahYt5V0/UX32IVPhPMI/AAAAAAAAGhg/40ixLn4I2ZU/s1600-h/October%252520Collage%252520-%2525202012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="October Collage - 2012" border="0" alt="October Collage - 2012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v0hLp6IE-A4/UX32JlUHIOI/AAAAAAAAGho/WmbZLKRhGvY/October%252520Collage%252520-%2525202012_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="637" height="637"></a> </p> <p align="center">The boys met Brooks Reed - a linebacker for the Texans. It is a tradition every Fall to make caramel apples. Ady turned 3. We had a lazy morning with breakfast at Shipley’s Donuts in our pajamas. We celebrated Halloween. Drew – Skeleton, Kaylee – Egyptian, Ady – Kitty Cat Pirate (her own made up costume) Jake – scary guy from Scream. We were home for maybe 5 min. from trick or treating when we lost power. It made for an interesting Halloween night. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NGuEyTccM8Q/UX32Kged43I/AAAAAAAAGhw/jbUfr2ojgWc/s1600-h/November%252520Collage%252520-%2525202012%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="November Collage - 2012" border="0" alt="November Collage - 2012" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eOzOv73JpIw/UX32MEXrcoI/AAAAAAAAGh4/A6qpHplEovs/November%252520Collage%252520-%2525202012_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="661"></a> </p> <p align="center">I went on a trip to Pennsylvania to visit Andrea. It was much needed time together. I enjoyed every second of it! My family surprised me with roses, just because. We took the kids to the movies. Family movies are the best! I joined the boys at school where they hosted a breakfast for mothers. Over Thanksgiving weekend Santa was welcomed to town with fireworks and the Christmas lights went on in Town Green. We went to Sea World for Thanksgiving with the Dickamore’s. We loved spending time with them!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tl1UjQADpGY/UX32N1cfHxI/AAAAAAAAGiA/26WRP2PVMX0/s1600-h/December%252520Collage%252520-%2525202012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="December Collage - 2012" border="0" alt="December Collage - 2012" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sVfOUifdCvk/UX32PEi_ZxI/AAAAAAAAGiI/61JDRekLY_E/December%252520Collage%252520-%2525202012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="655" height="655"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">We decorated for Christmas. My parents came to town to celebrate with us. Drew painted an awesome reindeer at school which I framed and displayed for the holiday. It is my favorite piece of child artwork yet. We celebrated Casey’s birthday. Ady enjoyed being creative with her Christmas gifts. We took a family picture and sent out Christmas cards. I loved the reflection of Christmas lights in the mirrors and windows all over my house. We made our traditional gingerbread houses. We had a beautiful Christmas morning breakfast (one of my favorite things). We made sugar cookies for Santa. </p> <p align="center">Well, that’s a rap! </p> <p align="center"><font size="5">THE END! </font></p> <p align="center">Just incase - Here is <a href="http://www.themoesfamilyintexas.blogspot.com/2013/03/just-because-looking-back-on-2012-part.html">Part One</a> and <a href="http://www.themoesfamilyintexas.blogspot.com/2013/03/looking-back-on-2012-part-two.html">Part Two</a></p> <p align="center">Feel free to follow me on Instagram (krystamoes) if you want to see the more current happenings! </p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-40251468447176789182013-03-19T07:52:00.000-05:002013-03-19T07:52:28.835-05:00Looking back on 2012 {Part Two}<p align="center">We have had two weeks worth of company and fun! March is a birthday month around here so there is a lot to celebrate. My Mother in law came first. We celebrated her 75th birthday! She also brought our niece with her. A cousin to play with is always a good thing. The day after they left, my sister and her two cute little boys came. We celebrated my 35th birthday while they were here. Casey and my sister actually pulled off a mini surprise party for me. It was the best birthday I have had in a long time!</p> <p align="center">Back to 2012 - If you missed my previous post, here is <a href="http://www.themoesfamilyintexas.blogspot.com/2013/03/just-because-looking-back-on-2012-part.html">Part One.</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i7lUBY84PJ4/UUfpjNZHXhI/AAAAAAAAGgI/khAD5dDMXLs/s1600-h/May%252520Collage%252520-%2525202012%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="May Collage - 2012" border="0" alt="May Collage - 2012" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_AdB-UoScAc/UUfpkOLhUvI/AAAAAAAAGgQ/VGaEgzX0eYI/May%252520Collage%252520-%2525202012_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="653" height="653"></a> </p> <p align="center">The kids and I cheered Casey on while he did the CB&I Triathlon. Drew was able to try on a firefighters uniform. He even got to put his hand into a fire. We made a trip to the beach with friends. I spent many days at school with my kids for field days and award ceremonies, lunches and many other things. Kaylee and Jake received many awards at school. Kaylee was awarded a trophy for Top Student in the entire 5th grade for Science. Then she won a rip stick in the school raffle. It was a perfect day for her! We enjoyed an outing to the Children's Museum. The last day of school and first day of Summer was a jump for joy.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nVFrF5TimPA/UUfplGuatdI/AAAAAAAAGgY/cGfCYzKotUk/s1600-h/June%252520Collage%2525202012%252520-%252520Pink%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="June Collage 2012 - Pink" border="0" alt="June Collage 2012 - Pink" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-inrSG0GAa6A/UUfpmCnvElI/AAAAAAAAGgg/t61RZG2ikX4/June%252520Collage%2525202012%252520-%252520Pink_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="650" height="650"></a> </p> <p align="center">We completely enjoyed our new relaxed summer bedtime routine. Kaylee would stay up late and read while the boys would play cards. We started our summer off with the library and bowling. We had a great Cuda season and finished our swim season off strong. Ady loves my makeup.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6pmEJp25PSo/UUfpm77kYLI/AAAAAAAAGgo/CBeCvrNKWPE/s1600-h/July%252520Collage%252520-%2525202012%252520-%2525201%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="July Collage - 2012 - 1" border="0" alt="July Collage - 2012 - 1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MTT98IngX7w/UUfpn1cRghI/AAAAAAAAGgw/CmJUo0ndZfs/July%252520Collage%252520-%2525202012%252520-%2525201_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="647" height="668"></a> </p> <p align="center">We were in Utah for most of July. We enjoyed spending our time with family, especially seeing the cousins play together. We visited Bingham Copper Mine, Thanksgiving Point and The Planetarium to name a few. We celebrated the 4th of July where the boys rode in Grandpa’s little red car in the Murray Parade. We enjoyed many movie nights in the Bancroft's home theater. We took a boat out to Utah Lake. I had my first motorcycle ride ever which was not just around the neighborhood – it involved going on freeways and through canyons riding to Park City at night during Sundance. We celebrated the life of Casey’s brother, Calvin Rupe, who passed away unexpectedly while we were there. It was a sad time but we were grateful and felt blessed to have been there with family and be a part of it. After getting back home and settled in again, we visited the Butterfly Museum in Houston. </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eh0UoU4unfo/UUfpox6WGGI/AAAAAAAAGg4/AOvfd4f_hLA/s1600-h/August%252520Collage%252520-%2525202012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="August Collage - 2012" border="0" alt="August Collage - 2012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C_7BOi7gKqs/UUfpqHkSFKI/AAAAAAAAGhA/n9DNvZsn5Zk/August%252520Collage%252520-%2525202012_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="652" height="652"></a> </p> <p align="center">We went to an Astros game with friends. Kaylee painted her siblings faces one morning. She did a great job and this was hours of entertainment. Ady went on a field trip to the fire station. Back to school for everyone – first day of school pictures.</p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Check back for Part 3 – THE END!</font></p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-1772605410190021942013-03-04T14:11:00.001-06:002013-03-04T14:17:47.554-06:00Just Because… Looking back on 2012 {Part One}<p align="center">This post is just because… </p> <p align="center">Just because…I have worked my tail off for the sake of getting ALL of my pictures organized and edited for 2012. I have no more RAW images floating around. Only JPegs. Getting a post done is my own personal reward for so much work!</p> <p align="center">Just because…I talk myself out of so many posts because I am later than I wanted to be in posting the event or idea. Too late to post Christmas, too late to post Ady’s birthday, too late to post my end of the year wrap up…the list goes on. </p> <p align="center">Just because…I want to share with you.</p> <p align="center">Just because… it’s never too late to count your blessings from the previous year. </p> <p align="center">Just because…I need to get into the habit of posting again. I miss it!</p> <p align="center">Just because…I want to feel productive and creative and record a few memories.</p> <p align="center">Just because…I started these collages at the beginning of last year and never finished. I want to finish something!</p> <p align="center">Just because…2012 was not my favorite year and I need closure! Enough said. </p> <p align="center">For those reasons I am dedicating this week on “These Are The Days” to 2012. </p> <p align="center">Enjoy January – April of 2012</p> <p align="center"><font size="1">(Photo collage templates from </font><a href="http://www.simpleasthatblog.com/2013/01/free-photo-collage-templates-from.html"><font size="1">Simple As That</font></a><font size="1">. Thank you Rebecca!)</font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HUaF5-X4g0I/UTT_3mxj_7I/AAAAAAAAGe8/TpFzJHojsbo/s1600-h/January%2525202012%252520Collage%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="January 2012 Collage" border="0" alt="January 2012 Collage" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o9abk3XYkLE/UTT_43wkNJI/AAAAAAAAGfE/z6aGKjbxXf4/January%2525202012%252520Collage_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="662" height="683"></a> </p> <p align="center">Pinewood Derby. Ady and Drew baking treats. Kaylee finding time to relax. Ady got her very first haircut. Kaylee swimming year round which means outside in the middle of Winter. Potty training Ady. Jake turned 9. The boys love to have boxing matches. Ady loves her bed. Jake loves to read all hours of the night. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X1ryC0ghIBM/UTT_54Yg0TI/AAAAAAAAGfM/Krj63aPXpJQ/s1600-h/February%252520Collage%252520-%2525203%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="February Collage - 3" border="0" alt="February Collage - 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mh7L_COlx2M/UTT_7F1BX5I/AAAAAAAAGfU/ralGsB-1u-w/February%252520Collage%252520-%2525203_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="661" height="661"></a> </p> <p align="center">Ady learned how to be self sufficient in the kitchen – peeling oranges by herself. We enjoyed spending time with friends celebrating the Super Bowl. We attended our annual ward campout. We celebrated Valentine's. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iNhmg5z594g/UTT_7lRXHSI/AAAAAAAAGfc/Zg2BGVPoXYg/s1600-h/March%252520Collage%252520-%2525202012%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="March Collage - 2012" border="0" alt="March Collage - 2012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1IAywdqT8hE/UTT_8qkjn1I/AAAAAAAAGfk/4_LtGCTlWNU/March%252520Collage%252520-%2525202012_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="665" height="686"></a> </p> <p align="center">Casey and I enjoyed our very first cruise with some amazing and dear friends. We spent our Spring Break at home slowing down and enjoying each others company. Ady is a true Texan and chews on grass while at the boys’ baseball games. Drew lost his two top teeth. Ady plays in the rain on a lazy afternoon. Time for me to cheer my boys on in our favorite sport – Baseball. Ady loves the mud.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sE_NoH6sDMg/UTT_9tUCcAI/AAAAAAAAGfs/FlYmbEhjB7g/s1600-h/April%252520Collage%252520-%2525202012%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="April Collage - 2012" border="0" alt="April Collage - 2012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mIjPMDX-uj0/UTT_-ldJ8RI/AAAAAAAAGf0/4S4x4QIOJKM/April%252520Collage%252520-%2525202012_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" height="669"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Easter, Easter and more Easter. Easter egg hunts. Easter baskets. Spring photos. My favorite Easter candy – Cadberry Eggs. I enjoyed lunch at school with Kaylee and her BFF. Drew loves helping in the kitchen. </p> <p align="center">Come back this week to see the rest of 2012!</p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-32902557722989221242013-01-21T14:18:00.001-06:002013-01-21T15:29:14.047-06:00First Guest Post on These are the Days {Valentine’s}<p>Hello all! I am going to try something new this year and see how it goes. OBVIOUSLY, I could use a little help on the blogging front these days. My lack of blogging is no secret to anyone who knows me or has been a blog reader of mine for awhile. I just can’t seem to get my act together! I have thought about letting it go all together but that doesn’t feel right. I really love to blog and enjoy the outlet when I can make it sync with the rest of my life. I would like to share all of the many things we are doing as a family and my feelings and thoughts on life but I find myself getting thrown into the next event before I can fully collect my thoughts (or pictures for that matter) from the previous event. Because of this, one thing I have finally learned as a mother is to totally live in the moment!! I believe that living in the moment is just as important as journaling! It is all about balance. Why does balance have to be such a hard thing??? I intend to work on balancing the two this year. </p> <p>I have had many e-mails in my inbox regarding guest posting or giveaways and other related things, but I have continually turned them away. It was never the right time for me or felt right. Recently, when Jen contacted me with the idea to guest post I felt inspired and excited! Like this was the push I needed to keep going. I think it will be fun to periodically share others ideas and knowledge on These are the Days. After all, we learn and get inspired from each other. </p> <p>Jen Lopez enjoys writing about all of the topics I love – photography, parenting, crafting etc. She is trying to get back into the habit of writing regularly and building up her portfolio. Jen is also working on starting her own blog! She had the idea to post about Valentine’s, which was perfect! It was already on my mind and she had some great thoughts and ideas to share… </p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong><u>Chocolate, Flowers and Dinner – Oh No! A Guide to Valentine’s Day Gift Giving</u></strong></font> <p>The holidays are over, the stress of shopping has waned and you are back to a regular routine schedule. You look at the calendar and there it is. Valentine’s Day has snuck up on you and is now tapping you on the shoulder. As a veteran of the marriage game you know that a heart shaped box of chocolates is not going to get the same reception it might have gotten a few years ago. Dinner out on that night is placing yourselves in a room with a stressed out wait staff and eye gazing younger couples. The savvy pair like you has survived the V Day invasion and learned that the best presents are not wrapped in red cellophane or come with a little envelope of Flora Life. Honesty and openness now prevail and the day can be planned and celebrated more creatively, in a fashion from which the two of you will benefit and enjoy. <p>Giving a gift to each other that says I know how you feel and what would do you well, is the best gift and is enjoyed by both of you. <ul> <li> <p>Great Indulgences – A spa day for couples will make you feel healthy, relaxed and restored as individuals and as a couple. A small box of four truffles from a world class chocolatier offers decadence for a perfect finish to a perfect day. You can purchase <u><a href="http://www.spafinder.com/Catalog/spagiftcertificates.jsp">gift cards on Spa Finder</a></u>, which also provides information and reviews on over 20,000 spas nationwide. Just remember, not all spas accept Spa Finder gift certificates, so do your research and find the perfect spa for you and your spouse.</p> <li> <p>Get Out of Town – There is always a romantic Bed and Breakfast a short drive from anywhere unless you live in the desert. Two nights away from the kids, the phone, the boss and anything else that kills your mood, will do you both a world of wonder. </p> <li> <p>Show and No Tell – A couple tickets to a play or concert that you have been wanting to see and a room at a fine hotel is a pleasant detour off mundane street. No need to drive home that night. </p> <li> <p>Twilight Cruise – Treat yourselves to a cruise on a nearby lake, river, bay or on the ocean. If there is a decent size body of water nearby, there is bound to be a twilight cruise that offers dinner and dancing. Cloud9Living offers many <u><a href="http://www.cloud9living.com/dinner-cruises">dinner cruises across the country</a></u>. They offer great discounts for exciting experiences. This is a great site to help get new ideas for other important holidays and events.</p></li></ul> <p>No Valentines Day is complete without a card. They are so much a part of the holiday that they are simply called Valentines. There is no longer a need to stand at the card rack and read the words of strangers to decide who wrote what you felt. Treat is an online personal greeting card company where you can personally portray what you feel in a <u><a href="http://www.treat.com/shop/valentines-greeting-cards.htm">beautiful, well designed Valentine’s Day card</a></u>. They will even mail it for you. This service is available for less than what you would spend at the card store for a mass produced version. Give a personalized card and plan a romantic time by thinking out of the box. The heart shaped box that is. You can also never rule out the little blue box with white ribbon however. Sorry guys, but Tiffany’s never becomes passé. <p> <p>Thank you Jen!! I love your ideas and how the focus was on you and your hubby. Sometimes Valentine’s can get lost in finding the perfect gift for our children. It is a holiday for you and the love of your life and doesn’t need to be another holiday to stress over. It is a good excuse to spend some quality time with your man and enjoy each other's company. It doesn’t even need to be on that exact day, since we all know how crowded restaurants are that night. Maybe a nice candle light dinner and movie at home (take out dinner from your favorite restaurant if you don’t feel like cooking) and then wait for your hot date the following weekend or even the weekend before Valentine’s. Either way it can be something to be excited about and look forward to! <p>As for the kids…I am keeping it very simple this year. I will make them an easy dinner of their choice, even if it’s pizza, hot dogs or mac & cheese, but make it special by letting them have their own candle light dinner. A basket similar to this will be on their table for dessert (they LOVE rootbeer floats). <p><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/43487952623688412_OHznxlng_c.jpg"> <p>Link: <a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2013/01/valentines_gift_idea/">Thirty Handmade Days</a> <p>Lastly, I will have a balloon tied to each one of their chairs with with slips of paper inside. They will have to pop their balloons to find out what their dad and I love about them. Then it is off to bed so mom and dad can have our “in house” date night until the weekend rolls around! Easy peasy! <p><font size="5"><em>Happy early Valentine’s everyone!</em></font> <p>If you are interested in guest posting please e-mail me. <a href="mailto:krysta_casey@yahoo.com">krysta_casey@yahoo.com</a> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-27507544651340488502012-11-21T22:18:00.001-06:002012-11-21T22:18:52.223-06:00My weekend away in Instagram photos {York, PA. 2012}<p align="center">I really wanted to have Ady’s birthday posted by now or even Halloween, but sadly I haven’t gotten to those pictures yet. I am actually sitting in the car right now while we travel to San Antonio for Thanksgiving. We are having a non traditional holiday and spending it at Sea World. So I get to sit here and enjoy the drive and spend time on my computer. Which is the ONLY reason I like road trips. My husband loves them while I feel suffocated. Somehow we make it work. :) </p> <p align="center">My new favorite thing these days is Instagram. The quality of the images are not the best, but the picture is done and a short story about our day is shared so quickly. Right now that is working for me. So those of you that follow me on Instagram have probably already seen these photos. Sorry y’all. I’ll make up for it later.</p> <p align="center">A few weeks ago I hopped on a plane all by myself and headed to Pennsylvania to visit my dearest friend. I couldn’t wait! We hadn’t seen each other in 10 months. Both of us could not believe it had been that long. We are used to seeing each other at least every 6 months. Sometimes life gets too busy and time gets away from us. Thank goodness for free air mileage and a husband who is more than willing to party it up with the kids while I am away. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UxzMrF_4ro4/UK2mefu_CuI/AAAAAAAAGc8/GfRkyTBrJWA/s1600-h/IMG_1703%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1703" border="0" alt="IMG_1703" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuhJQRJoJ1RzVHB57cwXjHmmTLS1F5aOqWrccutc2UgsBXtvSAKXQenMi17V2CcYMRxBNHM4t00SyvigUpXtIap2wecl3JmtVYiwjdvu_TEUpFUxbRmsAFRxLMHlA8V6aP7c2T1RdDg/?imgmax=800" width="540" height="540"></a> </p> <p align="center">Even the airport with out kids is a vacation. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wJ545GA4aVs/UK2mn3OWo0I/AAAAAAAAGdM/tmxiFrnhTg0/s1600-h/IMG_1768%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1768" border="0" alt="IMG_1768" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qbnkaGQw26M/UK2mtv8nQCI/AAAAAAAAGdU/LR1RVwi74JU/IMG_1768_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="538" height="538"></a></p> <p align="center">Usually when you visit a place you have never been before you want to go out and explore everything you possibly can. This time all I really wanted to do was hang out at home with Andrea and just be us. Andrea’s home is my home away from home. I feel like I am in the comfort of my own home with out all of the hustle and bustle of my real life. It was the perfect vacation. That is when you know you have found a very best friend. When you travel across the country and what makes you the happiest is spending time together at home. Staying up late catching up, watching our favorite shows, sitting on the computer or playing with our phones side by side. Yep, the simple things make us happy! </p> <p align="center">We did get out and go to the Eastern Market where they buy most of their produce. Some produce that I haven’t even seen before. And to the farm to buy fresh milk. It was a really fun and different experience to see how parts of life in Pennsylvania are so different. In a good way. I saw the Amish working the market. We stayed for lunch and had the best chicken pot pie. It was a good day.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yhl-UWU_hOA/UK2myQqBKbI/AAAAAAAAGdc/7JfhTIqY4AA/s1600-h/IMG_1722%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1722" border="0" alt="IMG_1722" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XHw1io62oWc/UK2m6P8B_9I/AAAAAAAAGdk/w6g24HQGTkg/IMG_1722_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="545" height="545"></a> </p> <p align="center">I was spoiled at home with yummy treats like homemade funnel cake. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q0vU78YfzM0/UK2m_eN1vfI/AAAAAAAAGds/ISTH6RtEnnU/s1600-h/IMG_1731%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1731" border="0" alt="IMG_1731" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RdvoZ1xoQu8/UK2nFfIUwRI/AAAAAAAAGd0/k5YH1bYIkPs/IMG_1731_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="491"></a> </p> <p align="center">I had my own personal hair dresser. Sweet Tessa!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cmqnSHei7j4/UK2nLd1-18I/AAAAAAAAGd8/jBVkXSGRtcg/s1600-h/IMG_1738%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1738" border="0" alt="IMG_1738" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IUkQVxKCqcU/UK2nRRJMidI/AAAAAAAAGeE/rcLEzUKSkFM/IMG_1738_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="543" height="543"></a> </p> <p align="center">My kids would call me to say goodnight. They can’t get enough of face time! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4vbbT4lpi4M/UK2nYDBD5oI/AAAAAAAAGeM/Aw9jmuk1ymU/s1600-h/IMG_1740%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1740" border="0" alt="IMG_1740" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4wU-sgTypdk/UK2nemW9pQI/AAAAAAAAGeU/MD6HYpBHp8g/IMG_1740_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="418" height="611"></a> </p> <p align="center">I loved every second I spent with one of my favorite families. We are blessed to be able to share in each others lives. </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iWt1WV7_4PA/UK2njIfb-iI/AAAAAAAAGec/oxREK1_1lng/s1600-h/IMG_1762%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1762" border="0" alt="IMG_1762" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A_LLclnRwA4/UK2nok-4SlI/AAAAAAAAGek/VIfyabQfamI/IMG_1762_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="544"></a> </p> <p align="center">Thank you for having me and thank you to my hubby for letting me go! </p> <p align="center">Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!</p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-72958744935067947892012-10-25T09:36:00.001-05:002012-10-25T18:15:11.073-05:00Swimming with the Olymipian’s and the Ruby Giveaway Winner<p>First off, the winner of the giveaway is <font size="5"><strong>Naomi Beachy</strong>!</font> Congratulations Naomi. I will e-mail you with details. Thank you for all who entered. I loved reading your acts of service and holiday traditions. Every one of them made me smile! Thank you for sharing and being a part of <font color="#ff0000"><font size="5">Ruby</font>.</font> </p> <p>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p> <p>This summer we were glued to the T.V every evening during the Olympics, especially to watch the swimming events. It was common for the entire family (even Ady) to be up until 11:30, then the late night shows started and it was time for bed. The kids didn’t want to miss a thing! Neither did we. These are really fun summer memories for us and great time spent as a family. </p> <p>Swimming has been such a huge part of our life since we moved to Texas. The kids have been in summer league for 4 years now and Kaylee has swam year round for half of that time. It is a big commitment but such a wonderful sport to be involved in. In the middle of September we had the opportunity to be a part of something really exciting! Kaylee’s year round swim team, Swim Streamline, brought two Olympian swimmers to us! Josh Davis and Misty Hyman came and taught a swim clinic for our team at our pool. They are amazing people and had so much to share with the kids. Not only did they offer great advice and tips about swimming, but they had just as much wonderful advice about life and being the best person you can be. I was inspired listening to them and their amazing life stories. Doesn’t it seem like every Olympian has a special story to share? An experience that kept them going and made them such strong people? They had their own stories to share and I loved hearing them. It’s nice because when Kaylee is exhausted from doing hard things, whether it is at swim or at school we can talk about what we remember Josh and Misty saying. They taught these kids life skills and gave me extra tools to use as a parent. The other day I told Kaylee “Practice makes perfect.” She said, “No. Josh said practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.” Oh. Yeah your right. Thanks Kaylee!</p> <p>The morning started by meeting Josh and Misty. Each swimmer got their autograph and took a picture with them while wearing their gold medals. So inspiring! </p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=SSAN_0101CR.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/SSAN_0101CR.jpg" width="755" height="508"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=SSAN_0103CR.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/SSAN_0103CR.jpg" width="755" height="506"></a></p> <p>They even had the kids sign their own shirts.</p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Untitled-1-8.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Untitled-1-8.jpg" width="762" height="570"></a></p> <p>Then it was time to learn. After Josh and Misty gave their speeches it was time for hands on teaching in and out of the pool.</p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=SSAN-10CR.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/SSAN-10CR.jpg" width="545" height="814"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=SSAN-34CR.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/SSAN-34CR.jpg" width="723" height="482"></a></p> <p>They got the kids pumped up and were so much fun to interact with.</p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=SSAN-23CR.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/SSAN-23CR.jpg" width="722" height="481"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=SSAN-32CR.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/SSAN-32CR.jpg" width="720" height="480"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=SSAN-31CR.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/SSAN-31CR.jpg" width="726" height="484"></a></p> <p>Coach Ross, who is still a strong swimmer and swims for the Masters Swim Team, raced Josh Davis. The kids absolutely LOVED this!</p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=SSAN-39CR.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/SSAN-39CR.jpg" width="723" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=SSAN_0110CR.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/SSAN_0110CR.jpg" width="548" height="822"></a></p> <p>We are so lucky to have the opportunities we have and be surrounded by so many amazing people every day. Our coaches and team rock! We are proud to be Northampton Cuda’s and to be a part of Swim Streamline through out the year.</p> <p>Aaaaaaaannnnnnddd…</p> <p>We had a birthday in the house!!! </p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=DSC_0340edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/DSC_0340edit.jpg" width="545" height="810"></a></p> <p>Ady turned 3.</p> <p>More to come soon. </p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-49364483411250781902012-10-20T09:57:00.001-05:002012-10-25T18:17:19.821-05:00A Giveaway! {Giveaway Closed}<p align="center">Yes, you heard that right. Welcome to the first ever giveaway on These are the Days. This is a special giveaway and I am honored to dedicate this to<font size="4"> </font><font size="5"><font color="#ff0000">Ruby</font> June Warburton.</font> </p> <p align="center">Meet <font color="#ff0000" size="5">Ruby.</font> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-laWCi2q0x_E/TqufuM2kxuI/AAAAAAAAMYA/cYiis45jI58/Ruby%2525202_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img border="0" alt="Ruby 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-laWCi2q0x_E/TqufuM2kxuI/AAAAAAAAMYA/cYiis45jI58/Ruby%2525202_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="698"></a></p> <p align="center">I love this picture. I remember when I saw it for the first time one year ago. I just stared in awe at that beautiful little girl. I am still staring in awe. I could feel her strong spirit through these images. I love the way she is staring at her mama. It is the sweetest connection there is and my heart just broke for them. I know that <font color="#ff0000" size="5">Ruby</font> is an extremely special little angel baby and one that will touch so many hearts. <font color="#ff0000" size="5">Ruby</font> was here on the earth for 15 cherished days. It is her one year birthday! </p> <p align="center">Meet Kristin. </p> <p align="center"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyMY2eJrD69cIM9FRC_zp9bBgXTTmmMXiPVD_wqcayPIQjU3WRWsBNIbHQYEGILN7r01T1XwyxbRTyeLB1crsZqM6wlfzk2FF-uyOVTs6YxEZwXEGNpZJwYbX7i-0JE0mLDRRVeg-5ZI/s320/Ruby+%2526+Kristin+2.jpg" width="306" height="445"></p> <p align="center">She is the mother of <font color="#ff0000" size="5">Ruby</font>. She amazes me. She is such an example of strength and grace through adversity. She is a wonderful mother to <font color="#ff0000" size="5">Ruby </font>and has honored her and kept her spirit alive by sharing <font color="#ff0000" size="5">Ruby’s</font> love and giving to others. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yEoZZBr4bHQ/TqCZwPq2WAI/AAAAAAAAMT0/e1rLI1pyaQg/s1600-h/Ruby%252520bw-15%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Ruby bw-15" border="0" alt="Ruby bw-15" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dZvgIKwEOOc/TqCZxGeVglI/AAAAAAAAMT8/pM-PdaRToAs/Ruby%252520bw-15_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="426"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LaZrzCYcUGM/TqCZowcl7JI/AAAAAAAAMSk/M5OYmiUrnzE/s1600-h/Ruby%2525203%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="Ruby 3" border="0" alt="Ruby 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ehzgc7qjhHU/TqCZpr6PSII/AAAAAAAAMSs/UB1LDDx8dg0/Ruby%2525203_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="679" height="464"></a></p> <p align="center">To celebrate <font color="#ff0000" size="5">Ruby’s</font> first birthday, Kristin has put together 15 days of blog giveaways and invited family and friends to join her. I am day 10 and so happy to be a part of this. Each giveaway involves the color <font color="#ff0000" size="5">red</font>. It is <font color="#ff0000" size="5">Ruby’s</font> signature color. :) To read more about <font color="#ff0000" size="5">Ruby</font> on Kristin’s blog go <a href="http://warburtonblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/perfect.html">here</a>. <p align="center">This is what I am giving away. <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-52PRqFY6c5k/UIK71g_6asI/AAAAAAAAGcA/pcttbzm_8nQ/s1600-h/Giveaway-1%252520edit%252520cr%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Giveaway-1 edit cr" border="0" alt="Giveaway-1 edit cr" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-leq8XY0xN1A/UIK722TdXkI/AAAAAAAAGcI/jFkPl1snCrU/Giveaway-1%252520edit%252520cr_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="475"></a> </p> <p align="center">Three little red birds which are Christmas ornaments but you can use them anyway you like. They have clips on the bottom so you can easily attach them to something or just let them sit alone and make something extra pretty. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N7iRwC4w2Zw/UIK73m4cmiI/AAAAAAAAGcQ/MZ-hE1v2Yjw/s1600-h/Giveaway-3%252520edit%252520cr%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Giveaway-3 edit cr" border="0" alt="Giveaway-3 edit cr" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MA_D7zNxuko/UIK74YU0QVI/AAAAAAAAGcY/qWRRFUKiyIM/Giveaway-3%252520edit%252520cr_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="713" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center">Also this pack of 24 Zig Zag cupcake liners and toppers. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kkXahmOhP74/UIK75LmTgiI/AAAAAAAAGcg/-GbHWK9hlGs/s1600-h/Giveaway-4%252520edit%252520cr%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Giveaway-4 edit cr" border="0" alt="Giveaway-4 edit cr" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-focrmh1YrHk/UIK75366UFI/AAAAAAAAGco/p6nAyDisFg0/Giveaway-4%252520edit%252520cr_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="478"></a></p> <p align="center">Whether you are taking a treat to a party, surprising a neighbor or just baking for your kids at home they will make the whole process of baking and giving much more fun! </p> <p align="center">The birthday gift Kristin and Jared wanted for Ruby was acts of service. Big or small. It doesn’t matter. Just a way to think of others and show someone you care. For <font size="5">one</font> <font size="5">entry</font> leave me a comment sharing an act of service you have done. It can even be a mundane daily task. Sometimes as mothers we don’t think much about those tasks but if you look at it from a different perspective you will probably see it is often related to service. Go do an act of service in honor of <font color="#ff0000" size="5">Ruby</font> and come back to share with me! <p align="center">And since my giveaway has to do with the Christmas holiday, for <font size="5">two entries</font> share with me a way you are going to make the holiday season extra special for your family. Do you have a special tradition? Are you going to try something new? Let me know! I would love to hear. <p align="center">Don’t forget to leave me your e-mail address so I have a way to contact you. <p align="center"><font size="5">Giveaway closes on Wednesday the 24th at 11:00 p.m.</font> ‘cause that’s my bedtime! I’ll close it before I go to bed and post the winner on Thursday morning! <p align="center"><font size="5">Have a wonderful weekend. </font></p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-2738983245965445462012-10-05T23:25:00.001-05:002012-10-05T23:25:10.873-05:00Back to School {2012} and Back to Blogging<p>Oh goodness. I don’t even know where to begin. I feel like I am relearning a foreign language sitting here at my computer putting my thoughts into words right now. </p> <p><strong><em><font size="3">How do I do this again???</font></em></strong> </p> <p>I’m sure it will come back to me. Kind of like riding a bike again, I guess. I hope so!</p> <p>All of my family, friends, blog readers and myself will be very glad to get past the Easter post that has been sitting here for the past 5 months. <strong>MOVING ON ALREADY</strong>! Sheesh…</p> <p>I don’t feel like being very wordy right now and spilling my guts and all of the feelings I have been sorting through for awhile now, but I will say that I desperately needed a break and now I desperately need the therapy that comes along with blogging. There is something special and refreshing about working on a post and then pushing the publish button. It makes <strong><em><font size="3">ME</font></em></strong> feel alive again and that is what I have missed. I have missed celebrating my life with others. Taking pictures, putting words to them and documenting my family’s life story makes me feel like my life is real. I have proof of this wonderful life and all of the many things we do each day. Sometimes it doesn’t feel so wonderful. It feels a little overwhelming actually, but sharing my life with others helps me search more diligently for the good in each and every day. The good from the great big milestones to the little quiet moments in a day that could easily get overlooked if I wasn’t paying attention. I want to appreciate all of the blessings I have! </p> <p>OK. So maybe I will back up for a minute after all and make this just slightly wordy. I am in my own little therapy session right now. My blogging therapy. :) Here we go…</p> <p>Life can get so busy and I have to make decisions on how I spend my time every day. Each Spring I struggle with keeping up on everything. It is my family’s busiest time of year. Last May I made the hard decision to put the computer behind me. COMPLETELY BEHIND ME. I was starting to resent all of the time I spent on the computer and how it seemed like everything had to be done <em>through</em> the computer. I needed to focus on the voice inside my own head and not pay attention to the voices of others from all over the entire world. Sometimes in the Internet-world things are at our fingertips too easily. I felt good about the decision. I knew I needed to get back to the basics of my life. I wanted the undivided time with my family and to completely live in the moment with them. I truly enjoyed our time together and always putting them first – no matter what. </p> <p>But then (<font size="1">there is always a <em>but</em></font>) I realized how much time had passed and all of the things I let go. I honestly couldn’t remember why I loved my hobbies before. I was fully aware of how much time they took and how I was always busy doing something, but I couldn’t remember the <strong><em><font size="3">why’s.</font></em></strong> <strong><em>Why</em></strong> were they important to me? <strong><em>Why</em></strong> did I do the things I did? I sat on that thought for a long time, waiting for an answer to come. I knew something was missing, something that completed me. That sounds funny and slightly dramatic because really my faith, family and friends complete me and I have those things, but there was a piece of me that was empty. I realized the ache that I couldn’t push away <font size="1">(and trust me, I tried really hard to push that feeling away</font>) was my hobbies. They made <strong><font size="3">ME <em>… </em></font></strong><strong><font size="5"><em>ME</em></font></strong>. They made me as a person, interesting and an individual. I have something to offer others when I am an individual. I also realized that my well was completely dry. For the first time in my life I fully understood the importance of having water in my well. I needed to give water to others and I needed water reserves for myself so I could get through the periods of drought. </p> <p>The light bulb went on. Ohhhhh…so that’s what they mean by that. I get it! Lesson learned. We as mothers need to provide for ourselves. For our <em>individual</em> selves. We are worth it! Our families and others around us will benefit. I know this is true. Life is a game of balance and I need to remember to continually put myself back in the game. </p> <p>Anyway, I felt slightly overwhelmed wondering where to start with this blog of mine but then I realized it really didn’t matter. I just needed to get the first post done. After a long break from anything the first is always the hardest but it gets easier and the juices start flowing again. So here it is…</p> <p><font size="5">Back to School {2012}</font> This is a special request from Nana Moes. Thank you for not giving up on me! I love you. This is a great way to stay in touch and I will not forget that. :) </p> <p>The kids started the school year towards the end of August. They just finished up their 6th week of school. 6 weeks already?! </p> <p><font size="5">Drew is in First Grade.</font> </p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=DrewFirstGradeCR.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/DrewFirstGradeCR.jpg" width="877" height="442"></a></p> <p>He is still the same ol’ Drew – loveable, cuddly, sweet and sensitive with the role of “annoying little brother” perfected at times. His big brother is still his #1 idle and best friend. He has become quit the reader and is doing great with Math. He has discovered a new sport – Soccer. This is his first season playing soccer. He enjoys every minute and is so much fun to watch on the field. He keeps telling me he loves soccer more than baseball. I tell him he is breaking my heart and I just can’t part with those cute little bum hugging baseball pants. He thinks that is hilarious and laughs like crazy!</p> <p><font size="5">Jake is in Fourth Grade.</font></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=JakeFourthGradeCR.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/JakeFourthGradeCR.jpg" width="881" height="459"></a></p> <p>Jake is still our boy full of knowledge and facts. He enjoys reading advanced books of all kinds and remembers everything. He gives me a play by play of his day the second he walks through the door. He loves to talk and share everything! He has the best sense of humor and can take a joke like no other. His laugh is the best! He is passionate about football and gathers a group of neighborhood friends together every single day to play football in our side yard. I hope he remembers these days!</p> <p><font size="5">Kaylee is in Sixth Grade.</font></p> <p><font size="5"></font></p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=KayleeSixthGradeCR.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/KayleeSixthGradeCR.jpg" width="879" height="443"></a> <p></p> <p></p> <p>This is a mile stone year for Kaylee. It is her first year of Jr. High. Yikes! She has grown up so much. Almost over night it feels like. She is having a very positive experience so far and I am so proud of her for all the things she is doing and accomplishing. She is taking all Pre-AP classes which means a lot more homework. She is also enrolled in the off-campus P.E. program with our swim team, which is great because instead of taking P.E. at school, she gets to take one more elective, but it also means she has to attend swim practice everyday after school. She moved up a level at swim this year so she is spending 1 hour and 30 min to 1 hour and 45 min a day at swim practice. This girl was exhausted during the first couple weeks of school! I thought maybe we would need to switch something around because I wasn’t sure how she was going to do it all. We had a nice long chat about time-management and being able to push through hard things and feel proud about yourself at the end of it. A couple weeks ago it all fell into place for her and clicked. She was like a new girl! This also is a milestone year for her because she is getting braces. She is in the process of it right now and will probably have them on in the next month or so. She thought the spacers were going to kill her. I am dreading what the actual braces are going to be like. :( </p> <p>Here is Kaylee and one of her BFF’s, Victoria, on the first day of school. No more walking them in ever again. Curb side check only! I was pleasantly surprised they paused long enough for us to snap a few pictures. This friendship is extra special because her mom and I had the same friendship growing up. It is so fun for Sara and I to live the dream of raising our children together and watch them form strong friendships. We have benefited so much from living by one another. I only wish it could be forever! </p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=FirstDayofSchool-50PSCR.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/FirstDayofSchool-50PSCR.jpg" width="467" height="700"></a></p> <p>Ady’s 3rd birthday is right around the corner so she will get highlighted soon enough!</p> <p>Thank you for coming back to read my blog and to support my family in all that we do. It feels good to be back!</p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-86823212880600652082012-04-18T16:47:00.001-05:002012-04-18T16:47:21.179-05:00Easter 2012<p align="center">Easter weekend was a crazy one for us and a little out of the norm. Casey and I were asked to attend Youth Conference for our church. We would be gone from Thursday evening until Saturday evening of Easter weekend. We decided that if we could line up somewhere for the kids to go then we would say yes. We knew it would be an awesome experience to be a part of Youth Conference if we could make it work. We also knew that it was a lot to ask of someone over Easter Weekend. Luckily, we really do have amazing friends who truly love our kids. Ady went with the Dickamore’s and the other 3 went with the Terry’s. Kaylee actually spent half of her time at the Terry’s and the other half at the Dickamore’s. By day 2 Tami and I were thinking Ady might be wondering where in the heck her entire family went, so Kaylee went to stay the night. It was a win, win for Kaylee because she has a best friend at each house. The kids had such a fun weekend and we had an amazing, insightful experience. As for the Dickamore’s and Terry’s…we love you guys and we owe you big time! :) </p> <p align="center">Casey was out of town that week. He got home just in time to pack us up for Youth Conference. Sadly, we were so busy that my kids didn’t get to dye eggs or any other fun crafty thing I had intended on doing with them. They survived and didn’t complain at all. We did our usual Easter egg hunt the weekend before. We usually do it at my house but we simplified things this year and had everyone meet at the park. There were so many kids and the big kids were so fast! The only pictures I got were of Ady, but fun was had by all. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=LightroomEdits-PSready2cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/LightroomEdits-PSready2cr.jpg" width="858" height="542"></a></p> <p align="center">Easter morning was a blur. We have church at 9:00 in the morning which makes for a big rush anyway and then you throw Easter in the mix and I am ready to pull my hair out. We managed to make it work. :) </p> <p align="center">We did our traditional bunny trail. The Easter Bunny delivers the baskets for the kids and then leaves a trail of candy from the bottom of the stairs to their basket. They have to figure out which trail is theirs and then follow it to find their goodies.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Easter-4cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Easter-4cr.jpg" width="856" height="573"></a></p> <p align="center">They look forward to this each year.</p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Easter-6cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Easter-6cr.jpg" width="544" height="812"></a></p> <p align="center">We start with the youngest going first and then work our way to the oldest. They have learned to be so patient!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Easter-2cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Easter-2cr.jpg" width="850" height="570"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Untitled-3-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Untitled-3-3.jpg" width="852" height="429"></a></p> <p align="center">Ady was fun this year because she actually took the time to look at each item in her basket. Last year all she cared about was gathering her bunny trail candy and eating it. Then she started eating everyone else's. This year I think one of the other kids gathered her candy for her. She is growing up!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Easter-8cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Easter-8cr.jpg" width="846" height="564"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Easter-1cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Easter-1cr.jpg" width="846" height="564"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Untitled-4-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Untitled-4-2.jpg" width="859" height="640"></a></p> <p align="center">Next was Drew’s turn.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Easter-21cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Easter-21cr.jpg" width="846" height="564"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Untitled-1-7.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Untitled-1-7.jpg" width="858" height="436"></a></p> <p align="center">Then Jake.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Easter-15cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Easter-15cr.jpg" width="554" height="831"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Easter-14cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Easter-14cr.jpg" width="826" height="551"></a></p> <p align="center">And last was Kaylee. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Untitled-2-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Untitled-2-3.jpg" width="834" height="420"></a></p> <p align="center">They each got a new outfit, a chocolate bunny, glow sticks, pencils, a cereal bowl (my kids are obsessed with cereal bowls) water balloons, and one toy or craft activity each along with a couple of eggs full of candy and a few with money. Pretty easy and they were happy. </p> <p align="center">Then it was a mad dash to church. Once we got home and all the hub bub of the weekend was over I crashed hard. When we were at Youth Conference we had very late nights and very early mornings. It was non stop activities and lessons. I took a VERY long nap. Probably the longest one I have ever taken. Ady did too. When I woke up it was time to throw a simplified Easter dinner together. Not much as far as celebrations go but there are always other years. </p> <p align="center">I did manage to persuade my kiddos to get back into their Easter best and run around the corner for some quick photos. They are so sweet to me and didn’t put up a fight at all. I sure love them! Visit me <a href="http://krystamoesphotography.blogspot.com/">here</a> to see more. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Easter-35cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Easter-35cr.jpg" width="823" height="551"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">I hope you all had a wonderful Easter and are enjoying your Spring! Are you getting ready for summer??? Summer is definitely on my mind. I have to get myself psyched up a little bit. :)</p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-84113215236556626252012-04-14T23:07:00.001-05:002012-04-15T19:06:39.210-05:00Cruisin’ {Part Three} The End<p align="center">Hi Y’all! So, I am a little bit bugged tonight. Not only was this post supposed to be done a week ago and I somehow let it fall through the cracks, but then I got it all ready to go today, after getting interrupted 101 times (can anyone relate?) I walked away from my computer to attend Casey’s work picnic and when I came back to finish ONE sentence before I pushed the publish button, I found that my computer had completely shut down! Grrrrrrrr…dang update. Why did I NOT think to save the post before I walked away? I swear, everything that has to do with computers these days takes twice as long for me lately. My computer is so incredibly slow it is KILLING me. That is part of the reason I haven’t posted lately. That and Casey and I went out of town last weekend and I can’t get my groove back. Another grrrrrr….</p> <p align="center">Moving on to Jamaica! This was my favorite stop. The four of us rented a Taxi for the day. Meet our Taxi driver Mr. Kingsley.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-136cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-136cr.jpg" width="816" height="544"></a></p> <p align="center">Nice shot right? I was entertaining myself in the car. Our destination was Dunn’s River Falls, but we also got to sight see a little bit too, which I loved. Not only that, but we had some really funny and interesting conversations with Kingsley while we were driving. He was also listening to a bizarre talk show part of the time. I am laughing right now thinking about it. :)</p> <p align="center">One view of the Jamaican Island. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-138cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-138cr.jpg" width="817" height="550"></a></p> <p align="center">Jamaica currency.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-78cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-78cr.jpg" width="821" height="550"></a></p> <p align="center">The Banana Truck! Kingsley all of the sudden pulled off to the side of the road and said he wanted bananas. He gets out of the taxi calling in his Jamaican accent, “Hey, Banana Man! I want some bananas!” I love the way they talk. I can still hear his accent. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-80cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-80cr.jpg" width="522" height="778"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-83cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-83cr.jpg" width="530" height="790"></a></p> <p align="center">After driving past so many other things that made me want to jump out of the car and take pictures, I was ready to forget about Dunn’s River Falls and just drive around with Kingsley all day. </p> <p align="center">But we didn’t do that and of course Dunn’s River Falls was awesome. Since I was behind the camera the whole time, I don’t have any photos of me and Casey so here is one I love of Tami and Tony. We love you guys!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-93cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-93cr.jpg" width="820" height="547"></a></p> <p align="center">This was taken right before hiking up the waterfall that is known as Dunn’s River Falls.</p> <p align="center">There were so many different levels like this to hike up. This doesn’t do justice to what it was really like at all. We would hit a plateau and I would think we were at the top and then I would look up and see that there was more to climb. That happened over and over again. It was a lot of fun! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-109cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-109cr.jpg" width="534" height="792"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-118cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-118cr.jpg" width="821" height="550"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-97cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-97cr.jpg" width="821" height="549"></a></p> <p align="center">The four of us hiked the whole thing twice and then everyone but me hiked it a third time while I walked along the outside edge and took pictures. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Jamaca.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Jamaca.jpg" width="841" height="628"></a></p> <p align="center">Some Jamaican shopping that we passed through.</p> <p align="center">Then it was back to the taxi. Everyone was tired after that and enjoyed reading on the way back to the ship while my eyes were still glued out the window. It is fun that we can each do what we enjoy while we are together and not feel like we have to keep the others entertained. That is when you know you have a true friend. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-137cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-137cr.jpg" width="540" height="805"></a></p> <p align="center">Tony asked Kingsley if he wouldn’t mind stopping for a Diet Coke on the drive back. A detour? Yes, thank you very much. You know I loved that! We even got to do it twice because the first time Kingsley went into the store and came out saying they didn’t have Diet Coke. We started driving down the road a ways until we realized he was going to a different city to get Tony a Diet Coke. Come to find out they had Pepsi at the previous store just not Coke. It was funny! So back to the store we went. </p> <p align="center">We were in downtown Jamaica I guess and the kids had just gotten out of school. They probably thought I was crazy for taking pictures of them, but I couldn’t resist their blue uniforms.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-139cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-139cr.jpg" width="849" height="569"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Jamaca-1cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Jamaca-1cr.jpg" width="852" height="429"></a></p> <p align="center">We only drove through for such a short time, but I loved seeing how other people live. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Jamaca-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Jamaca-2.jpg" width="855" height="637"></a></p> <p align="center">That’s it folks! It was a great trip that Casey and I enjoyed for so many reasons. I would do it again in a heartbeat if it wasn’t for leaving the kids and the $ factor. Maybe once a year??? I wish, but I don’t know. We are so thankful Casey’s mom was able to come and spend time with the kids while we enjoyed a big getaway. They enjoyed her company and are still talking about their time with grandma, which is priceless!</p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-30274128676074876802012-04-06T19:12:00.001-05:002012-04-06T19:12:54.440-05:00Cruisin’ {Part Two}<p align="center">I am back to share more about our cruise. :) I am making head way on all of these photos. I’ve enjoyed sorting through them and seeing how much fun we had. Our second excursion was Grand Cayman. I realized I hardly took any pictures there. We planned on going to Stingray City where we would have swam with the Stingrays, but it got cancelled. It was so incredibly windy for the first part of the day. We ended up making it a beach day. Darn it! :)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-28cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-28cr.jpg" width="756" height="509"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-27bwcr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-27bwcr.jpg" width="492" height="726"></a></p> <p align="center">And that’s it for Grand Cayman! We were with Tony and Tami and just enjoyed the day together lounging on the beach, reading, eating lunch and getting in the water for a little bit. It started sprinkling while we were there! Then it started pouring so we made a run for it. It stopped shortly after it started and then we were back to the beach. It made for an interesting day.</p> <p align="center">The rest of this post is all about our days at sea. It is a bunch of random photos.</p> <p align="center">These are some pictures I took while getting back on the ship after an excursion day.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-39cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-39cr.jpg" width="777" height="518"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-38cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-38cr.jpg" width="775" height="519"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-37cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-37cr.jpg" width="774" height="516"></a></p> <p align="center">One of the activities the men enjoyed on the ship was a dodge ball game. Casey and Tony had a ton of fun. It was pretty competitive. The game director warned them that if one ball went overboard the game was over. They weren’t going to bring more balls out. Needless to say the game didn’t last very long. My husband just happened to be the one who threw the ball over board. Whoops! Game over. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Untitled-1-6.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Untitled-1-6.jpg" width="786" height="587"></a></p> <p align="center">We spent plenty of time enjoying the sun.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-44cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-44cr.jpg" width="476" height="707"></a></p> <p align="center">We would go back and rest before dinner and get ready for the night. Casey always laid on the bed and read the Cruise Compass while I was getting ready. He loved planning our days out.</p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-35bw-cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-35bw-cr.jpg" width="472" height="705"></a></p> <p align="center">All dressed up for dinner.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-41bwcr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-41bwcr.jpg" width="752" height="503"></a></p> <p align="center">One night sunset was at 7:15. It must have been our last night there because of the time change. People gathered around to watch the sunset one last time.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-69cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-69cr.jpg" width="753" height="504"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-63cr-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-63cr-1.jpg" width="507" height="758"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-65cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-65cr.jpg" width="784" height="525"></a></p> <p align="center">We had Johnny Rockets on the ship. We enjoyed a yummy lunch there one day. So good! I went back to take these pictures one night.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Untitled-6-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Untitled-6-2.jpg" width="790" height="402"></a></p> <p align="center">Some more random pictures of the ship.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=LightroomEdits-PSready1cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/LightroomEdits-PSready1cr.jpg" width="783" height="608"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">I so wish I was there again! Definitely fun times.</p> <p align="center">Next up is Jamaica, which happened to be my favorite. :)</p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-53395791478391959192012-04-03T00:18:00.000-05:002012-04-04T00:21:22.145-05:00March Happenings<p align="center">March was a busy one. There was a lot of running around and adjusting to new practice schedules, but with our new routine we still found time to relax and enjoy the small day to day things. That is something I have learned this month. No matter how busy I am, if I can take the time to notice every day things around me and make an effort to document them, I am much happier. I can go to bed tired at night knowing that these little things and the extra effort are worth it. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CgA8O0aI0hA/T3vZdVHZxRI/AAAAAAAAGWM/bhkwjmtAQj4/s1600-h/March%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="March" border="0" alt="March" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YkiC88-4350/T3vZem4Jh4I/AAAAAAAAGWU/7ZbmtBZLgL8/March_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="709" height="709"></a> </p> <p align="center"><u><font size="4">Happenings in March</font></u></p> <p align="center">We had a lot of rain this month. Ady enjoyed playing in the rain water.</p> <p align="center">Drew has been missing his top two front teeth for quite awhile. I finally documented the cute little hole in his mouth.</p> <p align="center">Kaylee went with me to Barnes and Noble one day. (Ady was there too) She enjoyed reading while I worked on my computer and Ady played with the trains and books. It was a good day.</p> <p align="center">I painted Ady’s little piggies pink.</p> <p align="center">Baseball season started. Two boys playing ball and one girl swimming makes for craziness. 3 sports at once is hard!</p> <p align="center">We started having a “Treat Friday”. Somewhere along the way I stopped making treats. We decided it was missed, so now every Friday the kids come home from school to a treat. </p> <p align="center">Well, that’s it! I am off to bed. It was a long day of Easter shopping and baseball games and lots of other things. It was a good day, but I am exhausted!</p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-68397625054537784922012-04-02T00:42:00.000-05:002012-04-03T17:00:03.992-05:00Cruisin’ {Part One}<p align="center">I am dedicating this week to Cruise photos and March Happenings. Lots of posts to come. I am getting all caught up before Easter! Before I know it Summer will be here. I am feeling the pressure to get some things accomplished. I have been waiting for this burst of motivation. Hopefully it stays awhile…</p> <p align="center">A couple of weeks ago we had the opportunity to go on a Caribbean cruise with another fabulous couple whom we love. We left out of Galveston one Sunday morning. We were away from the kiddos for 8 days and 7 nights. I was nervous about that at first. It was the first time we had ever been away for that long. We missed them, BUT we thoroughly enjoyed our time away and just being a couple again! It was an awesome vacation. We had 3 excursion days so I thought I would break the cruise photos up into 3 posts by excursions. I will throw random photos of our days on the ship in there too. </p> <p align="center">Let’s get started!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-1cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-1cr.jpg" width="496" height="736"></a></p> <p align="center">This is proof I was a new cruiser. Casey and I wore the little stickers they passed out for awhile and then decided they were nerd dots, but of course I had to get a pic before we threw them away. </p> <p align="center">We enjoyed our days on the ship just as much as the excursions. There was so much to do! The first activity we did was rock climbing. Well, Casey and Tony rock climbed. Tami and I cheered them on below while reading our books. We were on vacation!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Untitled-1-5.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Untitled-1-5.jpg" width="820" height="617"></a></p> <p align="center">Our first excursion was Cozumel. Casey and I rented a scooter for the day and did our own little tour. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-15cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-15cr.jpg" width="507" height="757"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-16cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-16cr.jpg" width="789" height="543"></a></p> <p align="center">We had fun driving around like we knew what we were doing. Casey knew what he was doing. I was just along for the ride. He was nice enough to indulge me in some shopping.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Untitled-3-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Untitled-3-2.jpg" width="799" height="601"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-14cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-14cr.jpg" width="790" height="538"></a></p> <p align="center">He did his fair share of shopping too. He is so funny! He served a Spanish speaking mission in Mexico, so a piece of his heart is there. He loves to be with the people and can talk to them forever. Every single shop we would go in he would get into a detailed conversation with them. Well, I guess I don’t really know how detailed it was since I couldn’t understand. I just know that their faces would light up once they found out he spoke Spanish. He was my lucky charm to shop with. They REALLY wanted us to buy things once they discovered they could carry on a real conversation with him. Then they would tease him and ask why he never taught me Spanish. ‘Cause I’m a little set in my ways I suppose.</p> <p align="center">Here they are wrapping up a couple of shark tooth necklaces (for the boys) with great care. It was serious business. They even made us one extra because they only had one and we needed two. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Cruise-9cr.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Cruise-9cr.jpg" width="503" height="742"></a></p> <p align="center">Next up was the beach. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Untitled-2-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Untitled-2-2.jpg" width="794" height="601"></a></p> <p align="center">Give me the beach and a book and I am one happy girl.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=LightroomEdits-PSreadycruise.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/LightroomEdits-PSreadycruise.jpg" width="783" height="783"></a></p> <p align="center">You know those questions, “Do you prefer a cozy cabin or a sunny beach?” </p> <p align="center">I prefer a sunny beach all the way. I am definitely more of a summer girl than a winter girl. </p> <p align="center">The (top) book was a little juvenile for me, but an easy beach read. </p> <p align="center">That’s it for now. Back to the ship we went.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Untitled-4-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Untitled-4-1.jpg" width="789" height="594"></a></p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-39012744828505949622012-03-26T15:09:00.001-05:002012-03-26T21:45:51.024-05:00Oh My…<p align="center"><font size="3">I don’t really know what else to say.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">We had a little something unexpected happen towards the end of Spring Break. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Ady-1cr.jpg" target="_blank"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Ady-1cr.jpg" width="542" height="809"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Ady didn’t really know what to say either. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Although, the look on her face says it all. I think she was waiting for me to flip out. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">It had been raining off and on all week. The sand box turned into a mud box. The boys would go out and make army forts with their little $store army men. This was hours of entertainment for them. They knew not to get into the sandbox, but to stay on the edge. I trust them. Plus, for the most part they understand the definition of trouble and respect boundaries. MOST of the time. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">On the other hand, this little lady is still learning.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Ady-4cr.jpg" target="_blank"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Ady-4cr.jpg" width="540" height="810"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">She realized that momma wasn’t going to flip out after all. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Really, the harm was already done. I might as well let her live it up for a few minutes. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Ady-2cr.jpg" target="_blank"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Ady-2cr.jpg" width="809" height="544"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Right before this happened she was playing at her little (boy) friend Kai’s house. She came home in these clothes because she and Kai had pulled this same trick with Tami. Not anything to this extent but it did have to do with water.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">I guess she wasn’t done yet. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Ady-13cr.jpg" target="_blank"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Ady-13cr.jpg" width="542" height="809"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Ady-5cr.jpg" target="_blank"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Ady-5cr.jpg" width="541" height="808"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">This was her peace offering. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Ady-6cr.jpg" target="_blank"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Ady-6cr.jpg" width="539" height="808"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">How sweet Ady. Thanks. :)</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Ady-7cr.jpg" target="_blank"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Ady-7cr.jpg" width="539" height="804"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Casey asked me if I was ready to admit that she’s a tomboy. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Ady-8cr.jpg" width="540" height="810"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Ummmm…no. She is still my pretty little princess. Even if she can keep up with the best of the boys. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Ady-9cr.jpg" target="_blank"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Ady-9cr.jpg" width="540" height="810"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Girlie girls are allowed to play in the mud!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Sometimes.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Ady-10cr.jpg" target="_blank"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Ady-10cr.jpg" width="537" height="806"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">I hope it was worth it Ady.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Ady-11cr.jpg" target="_blank"><font color="#000000" size="3"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Ady-11cr.jpg" width="537" height="806"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">I love you Little Miss! You definitely keep life exciting.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Live it up while you can!!</font></p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-4257090903909791012012-03-21T22:27:00.001-05:002012-03-21T22:43:08.455-05:00Back to Reality<p align="center">We have been spoiled with 2 weeks of vacation. It is always so hard to get back in the groove again after that. It’s Wednesday today, so that means we are halfway through the first “normal” week we have had in awhile. Not that I am complaining. Vacation is always a treat!! I just feel like I am in a funk now and I can’t snap out of it. Does anyone else feel the blues after a good long vacation? I am laughing at myself after re-reading that! It sounds ridiculous. Maybe it’s just the mood I’m in right now, I don’t know. I am hoping to find a remedy for all of these thoughts swirling around in my head, I just can’t figure it out yet. I'm workin' on it.</p> <p align="center">Anyway, I have a lot to share! I am trying to find the time and motivation to tackle all of my photos and put words to them. Casey and I were lucky enough to have the opportunity to go on our first cruise! </p> <p align="center">Maybe I wish I was back on the cruise ship…that to me was the definition of relaxation, especially since it was just the two of us. Well, the 4 of us. We tagged along with our friends who we tease are professional cruisers. They taught us the ropes and were the best company. I will get a post up about our cruise soon. Promise. Just don’t hold your breath. I seem to be in turtle mode these days. :)</p> <p align="center">The cruise was our first week of vacation. When we got home we headed straight into the kids Spring Break. That actually worked out really good. It was nice to get home and not have to rush right into a crazy routine. Casey was working on call at home that week so we were a little spoiled having the entire family home together. </p> <p align="center">Plus, we were lucky to have a few extra days with Casey’s mom and our nephew. Carmen flew out to take care of the kids while we were gone. She did so good and had the routine down like a champ! The kids had so much fun with their Grandma and their cousin. Me, my mother in law and Cameron (my nephew) all have birthdays in March. We try to find excuses to celebrate together. Sadly, I do not have any photos. I think I was pictured out by the time we got home from our cruise. I put the camera away and just enjoyed being in the moment. </p> <p align="center">I do have a few photos of our last day of Spring Break, which just happened to be our last relaxing, lazy Saturday we will enjoy until summer is here. Actually, that was the thought that made me want to pull my camera out. I was looking around at us enjoying the day and I realized how peaceful it was and how lucky we were to be taking full of advantage of having absolutely no schedule. </p> <p align="center">We were caught doing a few of our favorite things:</p> <p align="center">Ady has been glued to my side since I got back. It was a really nice day so we took our electronics outside and got some fresh air while surfing around. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z9sOn6Gafx8/T2qeCP42n-I/AAAAAAAAGTQ/2tgnRJbPzC4/s1600-h/1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WXrcuhF86Ig/T2qeDXPqpyI/AAAAAAAAGTY/mX8NfPpENCQ/1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="749" height="508"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8x0md7wt-fo/T2qeEAx3uGI/AAAAAAAAGTg/wgdha7pUR68/s1600-h/3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EsXVuckWyZg/T2qeFF7Q5eI/AAAAAAAAGTo/LfpkKI2VVcE/3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="751" height="507"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AeaGK3CzBwU/T2qeF6kdrFI/AAAAAAAAGTw/N7rhe4sZiKs/s1600-h/5%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YzvNOzAwFGI/T2qeHlTD2xI/AAAAAAAAGT4/Db1yQmKXYu4/5_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="751" height="510"></a> </p> <p align="center">Casey and Kaylee rode around the neighborhood on the boys’ rip sticks.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oZwe4HMI-l4/T2qeIUc2lPI/AAAAAAAAGUA/SOEMicXloOE/s1600-h/12%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="12" border="0" alt="12" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qVMjDB1ho6E/T2qeJEgvtfI/AAAAAAAAGUI/CUotvKmRMq8/12_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="717"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rIxd8mb8n54/T2qeJt4kF5I/AAAAAAAAGUQ/pFfzNcHpj1A/s1600-h/11%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="11" border="0" alt="11" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J49JmoNZaXQ/T2qeKQwgdXI/AAAAAAAAGUY/BVwi2NDtsmI/11_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="714"></a> </p> <p align="center">The boys played Monopoly all. day. long. </p> <p align="center">They played again on Sunday. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6Y4-j8e0dN4/T2qeK5eBQjI/AAAAAAAAGUg/hKt4gSrXCsw/s1600-h/16%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="16" border="0" alt="16" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VGYFtifag5E/T2qeMJxLhhI/AAAAAAAAGUo/io-zV30w9xw/16_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="787" height="534"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xgKv-aZV6yE/T2qeMwVhbxI/AAAAAAAAGUw/pYuGQLR1iIQ/s1600-h/17%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="17" border="0" alt="17" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kNbx4wI3gGo/T2qeN1jjQgI/AAAAAAAAGU4/2R204ysc28E/17_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="697"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X7m-h0YOwCY/T2qeOS0xfkI/AAAAAAAAGVA/LbsTThK4HRQ/s1600-h/22%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="22" border="0" alt="22" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Zo077FhpFCwtghliehVxoj77UpY4ciEYxYZ30n1emElNqZDf0r0Q9CELWn3k9M1KDWuosmGatmFwMz7p-S7sXH4ae5xlto-P4ZTAB_oEcHpz8SBxfnMOFXxs4CFDLUMLNB6XjOoz1w/?imgmax=800" width="785" height="530"></a> </p> <p align="center">I spied the girls coloring together. I love coming across moments like these. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iY6hYBkkNok/T2qeQPI5x1I/AAAAAAAAGVQ/Y9ZHPudPUlY/s1600-h/30%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="30" border="0" alt="30" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mWe76UV_7LQ/T2qeRr6n_sI/AAAAAAAAGVY/zd88jP8f5zo/30_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="498" height="732"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZYAhiq5Hcvs/T2qeSEc8BxI/AAAAAAAAGVg/4GRt3GJB_xw/s1600-h/33%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="33" border="0" alt="33" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4MZUo4O_o0s/T2qeTZ-xpLI/AAAAAAAAGVo/837BSrNWmXo/33_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="732"></a> </p> <p align="center">I should have gotten a picture of how Ady colored all over her table in her “quiet” time. Sometimes quiet time is a dangerous thing. I don’t know what I would do with out my Mr. Clean Eraser. </p> <p align="center">Lastly, we enjoyed our favorite Easter candy.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tt2NWd-Gr1Q/T2qeT7IWE0I/AAAAAAAAGWA/LK8OZ1GyTJI/s1600-h/14%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="14" border="0" alt="14" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XbixBxgxGeg/T2qeU4rFL3I/AAAAAAAAGWE/mwucvWHi204/14_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="799" height="546"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Cadbury Eggs. </p> <p align="center">That is what we consider a perfect Saturday.</p> <p align="center">Stay tuned for more. I really will be back soon. :)</p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-79984002618861833722012-03-04T12:37:00.001-06:002012-03-16T17:58:48.405-05:00Ward Camp Out {2012}<p>This in an event that is looked forward to each year by my family. Casey is always in charge of it. In fact, he wasn’t supposed to be in charge this year, but he loves it so much and doesn’t mind planning it, so it is still his baby. Our ward <a href="http://www.mormon.org">(The Church Jesus Christ of Latter - Day Saints)</a> gets together each February at Huntsville State Park for a night of fun. It is fun to mingle with each other in a different, way more relaxed environment. We headed up early to set up and make a day of it. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dukssVXq_cY/T1O18A0cmNI/AAAAAAAAGOs/DYrKLsf3lJo/s1600-h/Ward%252520Campout%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ward Campout" border="0" alt="Ward Campout" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5bfEPjqKboA/T1O19o2rr1I/AAAAAAAAGO0/pU0jOc-UfvA/Ward%252520Campout_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="748" height="511"></a> </p> <p>Ady spent a lot of time exploring.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pfrz8dStRy8/T1O1-AzXNvI/AAAAAAAAGO8/-4jYOVQ7vVg/s1600-h/Ward%252520Campout-2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ward Campout-2" border="0" alt="Ward Campout-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1xrCjk3BVV0/T1O1_MZMF2I/AAAAAAAAGPE/A9LvuDE3zjU/Ward%252520Campout-2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="721"></a> </p> <p>I love this picture of Drew. He is such a little man.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c57pCqU7wNQ/T1O2ARlU3zI/AAAAAAAAGPM/NGFWtxj3Uyc/s1600-h/Ward%252520Campout-3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ward Campout-3" border="0" alt="Ward Campout-3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N8TNT9PeVmI/T1O2BXMvT3I/AAAAAAAAGPU/dQQ6KmX3uK0/Ward%252520Campout-3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="727"></a> </p> <p>The girls enjoyed hanging out on the hammock. This hammock brought back memories for me! When I saw Christian pull it out, I recognized it right away. Darn it! Now that I think about it, I have a picture of me and Sara and Jen in this hammock. I should have scanned it and posted it. Too late now. :( Christian brought it home from his mission. We all spent some fun nights chillin on this thing in good ol’ Provo… back in the day. </p> <p>Here are Kaylee and Sara’s two girls. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ixgpgfO3BuU/T1O2CBIfijI/AAAAAAAAGPc/OtRsGbQe94U/s1600-h/Ward%252520Campout-7%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ward Campout-7" border="0" alt="Ward Campout-7" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mhmHL18Z_DE/T1O2DiPqFDI/AAAAAAAAGPk/RQHW-zmxjV0/Ward%252520Campout-7_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="730" height="496"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-riAtkJ5_9u8/T1O2EXz479I/AAAAAAAAGPs/wIqEUn5MZXE/s1600-h/Ward%252520Campout-8%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ward Campout-8" border="0" alt="Ward Campout-8" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tq6KiguZFS8/T1O2Fl4SmFI/AAAAAAAAGP0/5jmZB6iT3zI/Ward%252520Campout-8_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="730"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DQhZmIraT9Y/T1O2Gr68AeI/AAAAAAAAGP8/lvMU-_0JdEM/s1600-h/Ward%252520Campout-9%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ward Campout-9" border="0" alt="Ward Campout-9" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-n3zdDq8TyyU/T1O2IF-cebI/AAAAAAAAGQE/-A9agHcs5xA/Ward%252520Campout-9_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="765" height="516"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4gAE3Y6yEy4/T1O2I2UOQgI/AAAAAAAAGQM/Dr-ZohllrO0/s1600-h/Ward%252520Campout-10%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ward Campout-10" border="0" alt="Ward Campout-10" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aF85lQL3ses/T1O2JllbYuI/AAAAAAAAGQU/izsgwNDd0Kc/Ward%252520Campout-10_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="767" height="523"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5pMgmJ-cJ8E/T1O2KAQPaJI/AAAAAAAAGQc/sPB52diK1n4/s1600-h/Ward%252520Campout-11%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ward Campout-11" border="0" alt="Ward Campout-11" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kpaMa2WFupE/T1O2KyVCGnI/AAAAAAAAGQk/WTj22sIwEpE/Ward%252520Campout-11_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="766" height="522"></a></p> <p>As for the boys…What can I say? My boys are pyros.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aDN2yjutYe8/T1O2L6RUi5I/AAAAAAAAGQs/Res-MejyVxI/s1600-h/Untitled-1%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Untitled-1" border="0" alt="Untitled-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NHg-ZHdjbns/T1O2NKOx72I/AAAAAAAAGQ0/JPFmI52-0OE/Untitled-1_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="768" height="582"></a></p> <p>They were obsessed with the fire. As soon as they dropped their sleeping bags off in the tent they headed straight to the fire pit. They didn’t leave it the entire time!! Especially Drew. </p> <p>With help from the manly men in our group, they got a fire going for our tinfoil dinners. </p> <p>Three hungry families tin foil dinners.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0GgmpIViyfQ/T1O2N8LyeNI/AAAAAAAAGQ8/fbOcs7Ri4FM/s1600-h/Ward%252520Campout-12%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ward Campout-12" border="0" alt="Ward Campout-12" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dflxxJtUZ-8/T1O2PDxMTWI/AAAAAAAAGRE/kYmTv9mVz3c/Ward%252520Campout-12_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="717"></a> </p> <p>After dinner everyone gathers together for a short program; campfire songs, a skit and s’mores. </p> <p>The boys waited anxiously listening to the skit while guarding the goods. The s’mores is what they were really after.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cNxnflYqOP4/T1O2PvsF2gI/AAAAAAAAGRM/3EavJNDz_cU/s1600-h/Ward%252520Campout-13%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ward Campout-13" border="0" alt="Ward Campout-13" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7nWXKvRV3Wc/T1O2QUUieeI/AAAAAAAAGRU/N3aVNBx59XU/Ward%252520Campout-13_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="764" height="518"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eY2th7jgdEM/T1O2Q8wKXvI/AAAAAAAAGRc/a78Kk8NBx68/s1600-h/Ward%252520Campout-14%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ward Campout-14" border="0" alt="Ward Campout-14" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kWAv5-1GC-c/T1O2R6YMAqI/AAAAAAAAGRk/AMZmSkXHAwo/Ward%252520Campout-14_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="501" height="735"></a> </p> <p>These boys make me smile. As a mother I absolutely love the fact that I can most always find them together. At home I expect to see them together, but when we are out with friends in a situation other than home and I see them together, I know that they are friends. Best friends at that. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eoDVa18u5Ds/T1O2Sd29puI/AAAAAAAAGRs/STmXnHEe3lk/s1600-h/Ward%252520Campout-15%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ward Campout-15" border="0" alt="Ward Campout-15" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-22iXFsTUYvc/T1O2TVtNf6I/AAAAAAAAGR0/YNd5WfD-AS8/Ward%252520Campout-15_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="761" height="517"></a> </p> <p>After s’mores the kids played for a little bit more and then it was off to bed. The adults stayed up by the campfire for a looooooong time chatting and having some late night snacks. Fun times! The kids slept great. The “tween” girls had a tent all to themselves. Of course they enjoyed that. </p> <p>Good morning sunshine!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5dx_KF2XWOY/T1O2UNKZfEI/AAAAAAAAGR8/pIarKR5NnWo/s1600-h/Ward%252520Campout-16%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ward Campout-16" border="0" alt="Ward Campout-16" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QIuxumgtQD0/T1O2VBLePnI/AAAAAAAAGSE/Q2Zaqg2e3Jo/Ward%252520Campout-16_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="499" height="733"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g91YodRTOBw/T1O2WQTrmyI/AAAAAAAAGSM/05grNpMp3KU/s1600-h/Ward%252520Campout-17%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ward Campout-17" border="0" alt="Ward Campout-17" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q-fZpkpwlB0/T1O2XViCm-I/AAAAAAAAGSU/pUfRNiKQRso/Ward%252520Campout-17_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="750" height="509"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o0RSgvwxbBY/T1O2X-Zxk5I/AAAAAAAAGSc/iycs7OuVUUg/s1600-h/Ward%252520Campout-18%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ward Campout-18" border="0" alt="Ward Campout-18" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-90V3QvmtZXk/T1O2YjBPDAI/AAAAAAAAGSk/THjKa4tccl8/Ward%252520Campout-18_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="749" height="508"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bUarBMvb7kM/T1O2ZX7MvbI/AAAAAAAAGSs/CbPJJMVenuo/s1600-h/Ward%252520Campout-19%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ward Campout-19" border="0" alt="Ward Campout-19" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c_ph7r37UOM/T1O2aLEX_WI/AAAAAAAAGS0/OZY8dkL6K3k/Ward%252520Campout-19_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="746" height="506"></a> </p> <p>Time for breakfast!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-74LBxpetEgE/T1O2amdKhZI/AAAAAAAAGS8/kbJte8aI4fs/s1600-h/Ward%252520Campout-20%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ward Campout-20" border="0" alt="Ward Campout-20" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wgOyBiedPeU/T1O2cPyqjSI/AAAAAAAAGTE/RS4_mFH4hz4/Ward%252520Campout-20_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="739"></a> </p> <p>After that it was a quick clean up and we were outta there! Back to reality…baseball games, errands, cleaning and getting ready for church the next day. It was fun while it lasted. :)</p> <p>As for other news…I was <a href="http://www.ucreateparties.com/2012/02/movie-theme-party.html">featured</a> on the <a href="http://www.ucreateparties.com/">U Create Party Blog</a> last weekend! Thank you U Create. What an honor. It was for <a href="http://www.themoesfamilyintexas.blogspot.com/2011/02/8-is-great-part-2-party.html">Jake’s Movie Themed birthday party</a>. </p> <p>Have a great week everyone! </p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-29938059447928165082012-02-27T22:31:00.001-06:002012-02-27T22:44:34.012-06:00Family Theme 2012 {and family pics}<p>I am rolling out our Family Theme for 2012. I have had this printed and hanging on my wall for awhile now. I ran across this quote somewhere and knew RIGHT away that it was made for us. This is what I want our family to focus on in 2012. </p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=FamilyTheme-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/FamilyTheme-1.jpg" width="814" height="550"></a></p> <p>I would have to agree.</p> <p>What better place is there to be than home? </p> <p>I am a home-body. What can I say? I love being at home puttering around. I feel most content at home. I feel most productive on the days that I am able to stay home. Running errands and spending the majority of my day away makes me grumpy. I feel much calmer when I am at home. I feel like I am able to take care of myself and my family more when I am at home preparing for whatever it is that needs to get done. </p> <p>I want my family to feel the same way. I want them to love spending time at home. I want them to know that we value our time at home and feel like it is one of the most important things. I am going to work extra hard to make our home a place of comfort and peace and warmth. </p> <p>Some days it is not an easy thing to do! </p> <p>I am going to continue teaching my kids that we all play a part in that. We are a team at home. There are days, or moments in our day I should say, when someone or all of us might not want to be here for some reason or another. That is to be expected. We all have bad days or bad moments, but I want my children to know that home is a place of acceptance and unconditional love. When we have a tiff, we make up and laugh again. When we have a busy, crazy day that takes us away from home, we meet up at the end of the day and share our experiences with each other. </p> <p>I want my family to continually work on slowing down a little so we can enjoy more time at home together. Because our family is worth it. Sometimes it is hard to say no to extra things. The “extra’s” help us learn and grow and figure out who we are and what we enjoy doing, but when it interferes with our life at home and starts to replace time as a family then it isn’t beneficial for us. I learned that last year (school year) and promised myself I would do better this year. I am proud to say that as a family we have done so much better! It has made a huge difference. We are able to focus more on our families needs and do the things that are right for US. Every family is different and needs different things at different times. That is why it is so important to work together to figure it out. </p> <p>Just a little something I have learned along the way. :)</p> <p>I realized the other day that I never shared our family pictures. How did I let that one get past me? </p> <p>I have no idea, but I am sharing them now!</p> <p>When we went to Arizona for Thanksgiving my sil <a href="http://bethandbrandoncurtis.blogspot.com/">Beth</a> took our family pictures. She is an awesome <a href="http://bethcurtisphotography.blogspot.com/">photographer.</a> I love and admire her work so much. She rocked our photo session. She captured it exactly how I envisioned. Love when that happens!</p> <p><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/FamilyPictures-32.jpg" width="817" height="550"></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=FamilyPictures-44.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/FamilyPictures-44.jpg" width="507" height="743"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=FamilyPictures-41.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/FamilyPictures-41.jpg" width="504" height="749"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=FamilyPictures-40.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/FamilyPictures-40.jpg" width="502" height="747"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=FamilyPictures-24.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/FamilyPictures-24.jpg" width="754" height="510"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=FamilyPictures-25.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/FamilyPictures-25.jpg" width="746" height="502"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=FamilyPictures-10.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/FamilyPictures-10.jpg" width="508" height="755"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=FamilyPictures-11.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/FamilyPictures-11.jpg" width="509" height="756"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=FamilyPictures-18.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/FamilyPictures-18.jpg" width="510" height="758"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=FamilyPictures-17.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/FamilyPictures-17.jpg" width="510" height="758"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=FamilyPictures-15.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/FamilyPictures-15.jpg" width="509" height="756"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=FamilyPictures-8.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/FamilyPictures-8.jpg" width="511" height="757"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=FamilyPictures-19.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/FamilyPictures-19.jpg" width="508" height="759"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=FamilyPictures-23.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/FamilyPictures-23.jpg" width="504" height="749"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=FamilyPictures-38.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/FamilyPictures-38.jpg" width="765" height="515"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=FamilyPictures-30.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/FamilyPictures-30.jpg" width="554" height="687"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>If you live in the Phoenix area and are looking for a photographer, check out <a href="http://bethcurtisphotography.com/#">Beth Curtis Photography.</a> You will be glad you did!</p> <p>Thanks for following us and sharing our journey!</p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-66753972674541576302012-02-24T16:18:00.001-06:002012-02-24T16:18:44.934-06:00Friendship<p align="center">Friendship has been on my mind so much the last couple of months. I have been thinking about how blessed I have been through out my life by my friends. I can remember growing up feeling like friends were everything to me. To a tween/teenager… they kind of are! That is where my blessings come in. I have always had the very best of friends. Friends that looked out for me and had my best interests at heart. Friends that I could look up to and who were always there for me to offer advise and words of encouragement. When I would be tempted to make the wrong decisions, my friends were there to talk me out of it. Sometimes we would make the wrong decisions together, but mostly we were really great kids! That is a huge blessing! Especially now that I can see things through a parents perspective first hand. I know how important friends are. I especially know how important GOOD friendships are. I hope and pray for my kids to choose wisely who their friends are and always remember to BE a good friend. </p> <p align="center">Friends can be your second family. Of course my family has had a huge impact on who I have become and the ways I have grown through out my life, but my friends have been there to teach me new things and to give me a different perspective on life at times. Just like my family, they have helped me become the person I am today. Everywhere I have moved and at every stage in life, I have been blessed with meaningful friendships that have made me stronger and taught me something new about myself. I think that is a wonderful blessing! </p> <p align="center">I spend a lot of time with the young girls at church from the ages of 12-18. I see how they struggle with friendships at times. Everybody does. I even remember having hard times, but mostly I remember all of the good. And then I wonder why I was so blessed. I have always wondered that. What did I do to deserve such great friends? I don’t think I necessarily did anything to <em>deserve</em> such great friends. I just know that it was and has always been a blessing in my life. Mostly, I am just grateful for my experiences and all of the things I have learned; most importantly being able to recognize the Lord’s hand in my life. </p> <p align="center">Speaking of friends…I thought I would share some pictures. Yes, I am STILL working on cleaning out the millions (<font size="1">maybe not millions, but it feels like it</font>) of pictures on my computer. Some of this is old news by now, but I am giving my pictures and thoughts a home and that makes me happy. </p> <p align="center">Here are a few of the recent things we have done with our friends.</p> <p align="center">The Swenson family came to visit us for New Years. This is a friendship that I could not do with out. Gosh, I can’t even imagine honestly. My heart breaks just thinking about it. Andrea and I have been BFF’s since our newly married days in Logan. We have been learning, and growing and sharing and having fun together ever since then. We hit it off right away. We have pretty much been doing and thinking the same things ever since. Our brains think so much alike and we can relate to each other in every way. Sometimes it is weird how much alike we are. Like both of us having baby #4 just 9 days apart. Both being beautiful little girls. We are too lucky! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=NewYears-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/NewYears-2.jpg" width="486" height="729"></a></p> <p align="center">Here are some snap shots of our weekend. Our kids have so much fun together and consider themselves cousins. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Edits-Readyforprint2.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Edits-Readyforprint2.jpg" width="830" height="473"></a></p> <p align="center">I am also lucky in the fact that I get to live by one of my very best friends I grew up with. Sara and I were inseparable. Except when we had to share each other with our boyfriends. :) Sara married her high school sweetheart who also happened to be an awesome friend of mine. They move around every two years for Christian’s job and this last move they ended up in Texas. Texas is huge and so is Houston. We were so excited when we found out they were going to be able to live right by us. We live in the same neighborhood, attend the same ward at church and our kids go to the same school. Talk about a dream come true. When you were little girls or making college plans with your friends, who didn’t dream of living by their childhood best friend?! We know it is short lived and won’t last for that much longer, but we are definitely enjoying the time together. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=SuperBowl-17.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/SuperBowl-17.jpg" width="494" height="731"></a></p> <p align="center">We went to their house for the annual Super Bowl party. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Edits-Readyforprint1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Edits-Readyforprint1.jpg" width="843" height="487"></a></p> <p align="center">These are Kaylee’s two best friends. I love watching her with her friends. It reminds me of myself growing up. I am so glad that she has made real connections. This is the start to friendships she will remember forever. It is especially fun for me because they are daughters of some of my own BFF’s. One of them is Sara’s daughter and the other is Tami’s daughter, my Texas BFF. It makes getting together that much more fun for all of the families. </p> <p align="center">Here are some snapshots of our night.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Edits-Readyforprint.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Edits-Readyforprint.jpg" width="829" height="472"></a></p> <p align="center">Our next little (actually BIG) outing with our friends is a cruise with Tami and Tony!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=SuperBowl-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/SuperBowl-2.jpg" width="494" height="737"></a></p> <p align="center">We can hardly wait!! This will be me and Casey’s very first cruise. The four of us are leaving the kiddos with grandparents and making a run for it. Almost a week from now, actually. The count down is on! The count down started over 6 weeks ago. I can’t believe the time is already here.</p> <p align="center">We were so glad when the Dickamore’s moved here. We invited them over one day for family night and everybody hit it off. We have SO much fun with them and hang out any chance we get! Tami and I occasionally do lunch dates during the week and swap Kai and Ady around between the two of us. We are both their mommas. The nursery leader at church a couple of weeks ago told me she actually wasn’t sure which one of us was who’s mom. I laughed at that. Kai and Ady have such a cute friendship. They are getting married when they grow up. We have already decided. Tami and I were pregnant together so Kai and Ady have a special bond! They were born for each other. :) Let’s not forget that <a href="http://thesearethedaysproject365.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-260.html">Drew’s first crush</a> was on Aliya, their cute little girl and of course Taeya is Kaylee’s BFF. Our Houston experience would definitely not be the same with out the Dickamore family! </p> <p align="center">We love our friends. We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends near and far and love and appreciate each of you. Each one of you have made an impact in our lives one way or another. Even those of you we aren’t able to see often or talk to as much as we would like are thought of often. Friendship is a gift from God.</p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-66455299736874480822012-02-14T18:08:00.001-06:002012-02-14T18:11:15.702-06:00A {LOVE} note for you…<p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Valentines-8happy.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Valentines-8happy.jpg" width="831" height="564"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Valentines-6.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Valentines-6.jpg" width="830" height="564"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Valentines-7day.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Valentines-7day.jpg" width="832" height="564"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Valentines-5hugs.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Valentines-5hugs.jpg" width="829" height="560"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Valentines-4and.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Valentines-4and.jpg" width="829" height="557"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Valentines-2kisses.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Valentines-2kisses.jpg" width="834" height="561"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Valentines-9.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Valentines-9.jpg" width="839" height="564"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Valentines-1Family.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Valentines-1Family.jpg" width="844" height="567"></a></p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-55585877902557579442012-02-11T10:45:00.001-06:002012-02-11T21:28:02.011-06:00January Happenings<p align="center">I am playing catch up. It’s like a never ending story around here. I have been spending a lot of time sorting through thousands of pictures and cleaning off my computer. It is taking waaaaaaaay too long and I am still not even close. I need to set a finish date for this project so I don’t drag it out forever. Something needs to motivate me, I just haven’t found it yet! I also don’t have a huge chunk of time to sit in front of the computer and get it done. Little spaces of time here and there make it take much longer. :( </p> <p align="center">During this process, I realized that so many of my pictures don’t have a home. I didn’t do a post about them, they have not been scrapbooked or printed. They are just chillin’ on my computer. I don’t like that! For me, it kind of defeats the whole purpose of taking pictures. I love the actual process of being behind the camera capturing moments in my families life. That is fun for me and it always feels right. But having all of these pictures floating around all over the place drives me nuts! It seriously makes me anxious. I have made a goal to start scrapbooking again this year. I couldn’t find any time to do it last year. It is important to me to be the “historian” for my family. I take pride in that job. I always have. It is one of the things about being a mom that I really love. But I can’t start until this dang computer of mine is all cleaned out, organized from top to bottom and running faster than it is now. </p> <p align="center">For now, and for the rest of the year (maybe every year after that) I am going to make a <a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/2012/01/month-in-photos-2012.html">collage</a> of pictures each month and post it. These are random pictures for the month that tell a little bit of our story. Pictures that I would have loved to do a post and really write about, but I can’t find the time for it. It gives some of my pictures a home and that makes me feel better. Some of them I might go back and do a post on, we’ll see. For now I am catching up and moving forward. </p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Here are some <strong>January Happenings</strong> in the Moes home.</font></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/January2012.jpg" width="796" height="796"></p> <p align="center"><font size="1">(Collage downloaded from </font><a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/"><font size="1">Simple as That</font></a>)</p> <p align="center">Left to right, top to bottom:</p> <p align="center">1. Kaylee is officially a tween. She got an ipod for Christmas and is hooked. She loves everything about it and is enjoying keeping in touch with her friends this way. She chills on her bed like this pretty much everyday for a good 15 min. (It would be longer if I wasn’t hounding her) Then it’s homework and swim.</p> <p align="center">2. Jake had his second Pine Wood Derby. His car resembled Bumble Bee. His car came in 2nd place and he received an award for “Most Transformer Like”. Last year he came in 1st place, this year 2nd. We teased him that next year it would be 3rd. He didn’t like that. :)</p> <p align="center">3. Kaylee started back up on the swim team. We took the fall off. It was a nice break but we are glad to be back. She is a great swimmer and I love that she is getting exercise each day. </p> <p align="center">4. I mentioned in Jake’s birthday post that he loves to read each and every night. He could read all night long. I love this picture of him. </p> <p align="center">5. Ady got her first real haircut. I have trimmed her bangs (when she had them) but that was about it. She actually really enjoyed getting her hair cut and was so good!</p> <p align="center">6. Nap time is still a great time of day around here. Ady loves her big girl bed, her blanket and taking naps. </p> <p align="center">7. Drew had a sick day, although you would never be able to tell by this picture that it was a sick day. Ady and I were making a treat. He couldn’t resist the beaters when we were all done. </p> <p align="center"><font size="4">As for some other random happenings, <strong>This week: </strong></font></p> <p align="center">1. I edited a <a href="http://krystamoesphotography.blogspot.com/">photo shoot.</a></p> <p align="center">2. I ate lunch at school with Jake. I actually surprised him and the look on his face almost made me cry. It’s so easy for me to forget how much little things like that mean to my children. It was definitely worth the time and I am going to make it happen more often. </p> <p align="center">3. I did not vacuum once this entire week. For those of you that really know me, you know that this is a big deal around here!! :) I actually didn’t do much with the house this week. That doesn’t make me happy but it is what it is. </p> <p align="center">4. I ordered this <a href="http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/Furniture/tabid/981/CategoryId/157/ProductId/29521/ProductName/Rosalie-Armchair/language/en-US/Default.aspx">chair.</a> I have been eyeing it for my family room for months now. It is finally on its way! It goes perfect with this <a href="http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Espana_Area_Rug/210/">rug</a> (the green one) I bought a couple of months ago.</p> <p align="center">5. I am enjoying a dinner swap with my friend Sara that we set up for our families. I will share about this soon. It is awesome and we both LOVE it!</p> <p align="center">6. I am looking forward to an early Valentine date with my hubby tonight. </p> <p align="center"><font size="4">That’s it for us. I hope you all have a great weekend!</font></p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-7753648523663459342012-02-06T16:28:00.001-06:002012-02-06T16:36:03.277-06:00We had a birthday…<p align="center"><font size="4">The Birthday Boy was Jake! </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=JakesB-Day-27.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/JakesB-Day-27.jpg" width="532" height="797"></a></p> <p align="center">He turned 9 in the middle of January. I can’t believe how late I am with this post! I am going to get some catching up done this week on the blog. </p> <p align="center">His birthday was on a Sunday. Which made our breakfast in bed tradition a little tricky considering we have church at 9:00 a.m. The kids had the next day (Monday) off from school so I told him we could do breakfast in bed then. I tried to get him all excited about it by saying we could do Cold Stone on Saturday, birthday dinner, cake and presents on Sunday and then breakfast in bed on Monday. Doesn’t that sound like so much fun to celebrate a little each day? </p> <p align="center">He didn’t think so. </p> <p align="center">There was no way he was going to let me get away with serving him breakfast in bed on a different day. Well, ok then. :) It’s nice to know that the birthday traditions we have created mean something. That is the whole point! </p> <p align="center">So it was a quick breakfast of Egg McMuffins and OJ. His request.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Untitled-1-4.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Untitled-1-4.jpg" width="815" height="423"></a></p> <p align="center">Later that night we had a little family birthday party for him. We do a family party each year and it always consists of a birthday dinner (his choice) presents, cake and then just spending time together. Usually playing with whatever it is he got that year. Every other year we have a friend party also, always on a different weekend. They like to celebrate with friends too and I understand that. I have to admit that it was nice this time to have it be an off year. I didn’t have to worry about planning a different party and spending the extra money. </p> <p align="center">So we partied at home as a family.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Untitled-2-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Untitled-2-1.jpg" width="819" height="618"></a> Here is a confession – I care about lighting for parties. Gasp! I know I’m not the only one. :) I kind of plan the party around the light. It makes the pictures more fun and easier to take. Well that didn’t work out for me this time. There was something called a football game (or 2) going on and I couldn’t get my boys away from the T.V. Since it was his birthday and all I let it slide. I know, that is so thoughtful of me! :) It kind of set a theme for our party that I wasn’t aware of. Instead of eating in the dining room we should have been eating at the bar in the kitchen or taken it to an actual sports bar or something. All manners were thrown out the window this night. I am giggling right now thinking about it. </p> <p align="center">Before I get into the details here was his tablescape. I kept it super simple and grabbed some things from Jake’s room that represent him right now.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=JakesB-Day-30.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/JakesB-Day-30.jpg" width="524" height="781"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=JakesB-Day-29.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/JakesB-Day-29.jpg" width="796" height="534"></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">About Jake:</font></p> <p align="center">He is very handsome if I do say so myself. I love that picture of him. </p> <p align="center">He just turned 9.</p> <p align="center">He absolutely LOVES football.</p> <p align="center">He still plays a lot with his Hot Wheels and Legos. </p> <p align="center">He is currently spending A LOT of time reading and I mean A LOT! He will read late into the night (with out me knowing about it) and then tell me he has a headache the next morning. Now I know why! He LOVES the Harry Potter series and is currently on #4.</p> <p align="center"><font size="4">On the dinner menu: </font></p> <p align="center">wings</p> <p align="center">cheese fries</p> <p align="center">blue cheese and ranch to dip</p> <p align="center"> lots of Coke. </p> <p align="center">Are you seeing a theme here? So far we have football and your typical sports watching food. The food btw, was gone before I even had the chance to take pictures. I guess you can tell how much they loved it!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=JakesB-Day-34.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/JakesB-Day-34.jpg" width="803" height="544"></a><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=JakesB-Day-33.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/JakesB-Day-33.jpg" width="530" height="794"></a><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Untitled-3-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Untitled-3-1.jpg" width="836" height="433"></a></p> <p align="center">They were eaten to the bone! This is where things got a little crazy and our manners were long gone. There was a lot of finger licking that included the slobbery smacking sound, even though we had napkins. (yuck!) There was an intense burping contest and lots of laughing. Definitely not my proudest mom moment but it is always fun to hang out with the family and have some laid back fun. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Untitled-4.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Untitled-4.jpg" width="836" height="433"></a></p> <p align="center">After dinner was done, Jake moved on to his presents. I love how Ady has to be involved. You can tell in the first picture he is trying to be patient. He is such a good brother and of course let her be a part of it. <a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Untitled-5-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Untitled-5-1.jpg" width="828" height="425"></a></p> <p align="center">Then candles and cake.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Untitled-6-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Untitled-6-1.jpg" width="829" height="813"></a></p> <p align="center">Did you notice in the series of pictures that Drew snuck up on Jake and “helped” him blow out the candles? Typical little brother. Jake wasn’t too happy about that. </p> <p align="center">When I asked Jake what kind of cake he wanted he said his very own little one. That was easy enough. I just bought one from the store. The rest of us had to have something too so I made these <a href="http://annies-eats.com/2010/06/02/cookies-and-cream-cupcakes/">Homemade Oreo Cupcakes.</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=JakesB-Day-19.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/JakesB-Day-19.jpg" width="514" height="770"></a></p> <p align="center">They are delish! You MUST try them! </p> <p align="center">One of the things Jake got for his birthday was boxing gloves. Drew got a pair for his birthday and Jake has been wanting some ever since. Of course they had to try them out. Which raps up our little sporting theme party that I had no idea was going to be a sporting themed party. Hahaha…</p> <p align="center">We used our <a href="http://www.themoesfamilyintexas.blogspot.com/2011/11/to-kitchen-that-is.html">dinner bell</a> to start the boxing round. How convenient, right? They put on the appropriate attire which consisted of boxing gloves and stripping off their shirts. A little lesson from dad (which they didn’t need) and the boxing began. Casey got some of it on video which we all got a good long laugh about. It is one we will keep forever!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Lightroomedits-readyforprint.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Lightroomedits-readyforprint.jpg" width="804" height="804"></a></p> <p align="center">It was the perfect way to end our night and Jake’s birthday. I think he got to do exactly what he wanted to. </p> <p align="center"><font size="5"><em>Happy 9th Birthday Jake! We love everything about you!</em></font></p> <p align="center">P.S. This would actually make a fun themed friend party. Plan your child's party around a game they are looking forward to. Invite friends over to watch the game and serve sporting related food. You could set the kitchen up like a “Sports Bar”. (I hate using that phrase for children, but you know what I mean) Finish it up by playing whatever sport they were watching out side. They can have a game of their own. Doesn’t that sound like fun? I know my boys would love it. I am going to save this one for sure!</p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-12513251739595596682012-02-01T22:50:00.001-06:002012-02-01T23:10:31.729-06:00Valentine’s for School {the Pinterest version}<p align="center">I have Valentine’s on the brain. I haven’t decorated my house and I’m not sure I will be getting to that this year, but I have been thinking ahead and planning my kids Valentine’s for school. Actually, Confession - I have given my brain a rest and let <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> plan my kids Valentine’s. Hahaha! I love what a resource Pinterest can be! My kids aren’t allowed to pass out candy with their school Valentines. School rules, not mine! This makes it a little interesting since the LOVE day seems to be all about candy. Monday night before Family Home Evening while we were all gathered together and I had listening ears, I clicked on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/krystamoes/valentines/">Valentine Board</a> and showed the kids their options for school Valentine’s. I was actually surprised at how many pins I had that didn’t involve candy. I think they were a little overwhelmed! </p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Here were their choices:</font></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/37295503134027649_wQ9djD0Y_c.jpg" width="547" height="413"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/272327108687379248/">{Source}</a></p> <p align="center"><img src="http://www.supermommoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DroppingDownPrintableValentine.jpg" width="494" height="725"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.supermommoments.com/2012/01/dropping-down/">{Source}</a></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/81275968244976321_PjKkthjA_c.jpg" width="495" height="615"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/274841/valentines-day-crafts-for-kids/@center/276967/valentines-day#/269573">{Source}</a></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/2251868533443794_Vo55bfJ5_c.jpg" width="621" height="350"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.armommy.com/holidays/d-i-y-printable-valentines/">{Source}</a></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/272327108687353693_LzougKYB_c.jpg" width="624" height="407"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://vixenmade.blogspot.com/2012/01/bookmark-valentines-free-printable.html">{Source}</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1GJ-QFp9cCjXdINtJ-CNR2Kd1OR8YHjNhE89LaqmmO57a5GMo79tP1xI_mkEVfn1ZZkmt5xNivWLjeWm-Asbg1J-uXZf0w6LDgHArFuyHJqUodQQ29wu_MkXLdEvfODr0BZtg_Z7hC6Q/s1600-h/IMG_1001.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1GJ-QFp9cCjXdINtJ-CNR2Kd1OR8YHjNhE89LaqmmO57a5GMo79tP1xI_mkEVfn1ZZkmt5xNivWLjeWm-Asbg1J-uXZf0w6LDgHArFuyHJqUodQQ29wu_MkXLdEvfODr0BZtg_Z7hC6Q/s640/IMG_1001.JPG" width="491" height="723"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.dandee-designs.com/2012/01/friendship-bracelet-valentines-update.html">{Source}</a></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/272327108687050100_bbyA8whO_c.jpg" width="491" height="729"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://thecraftingchicks.com/2011/02/one-more-simple-homemade-valentine-card-free-printable.html">{Source}</a></p> <p align="center">Aren’t they so cute? They loved all of them. It was a really hard decision. I was kind of starting to regret the fact that I even asked them. Why didn’t I just decide on my own? Sheesh! I had to simplify things and tell them we could only choose ONE. They finally pulled it together and worked like a team. It was really funny hearing them talk it through with each other. Hahaha! The way kids think crack me up. :) This is what it came down to: </p> <p align="center">“Boys have cooties!” </p> <p align="center">“There is no way I am going to give a Valentine that says the word HEART or LOVE on it!” </p> <p align="center">“I do NOT want anybody to think I LIKE them!” </p> <p align="center">“But mom, you can’t give that one to a boy <em>and</em> a girl!” </p> <p align="center">All of those comments came from Jake and Kaylee. Drew could care less. Girls are still his friends and do not have cooties in his eyes and he loves everybody. At least for now. Kindergartners are so sweet that way. </p> <p align="center">The winner was…</p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1GJ-QFp9cCjXdINtJ-CNR2Kd1OR8YHjNhE89LaqmmO57a5GMo79tP1xI_mkEVfn1ZZkmt5xNivWLjeWm-Asbg1J-uXZf0w6LDgHArFuyHJqUodQQ29wu_MkXLdEvfODr0BZtg_Z7hC6Q/s1600-h/IMG_1001.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1GJ-QFp9cCjXdINtJ-CNR2Kd1OR8YHjNhE89LaqmmO57a5GMo79tP1xI_mkEVfn1ZZkmt5xNivWLjeWm-Asbg1J-uXZf0w6LDgHArFuyHJqUodQQ29wu_MkXLdEvfODr0BZtg_Z7hC6Q/s640/IMG_1001.JPG" width="486" height="719"></a></p> <p align="center">This one was perfect for everyone. Plus we will have fun making the friendship bracelets together. I am so glad that is solved!</p> <p align="center">Did I mention how much I love Pinterest??? </p> <p align="center">Sure it can be a waste of time (time that I love wasting) and my head can start spinning with all of the possibilities out there that I may not have even thought of and things keep getting added to my project and organization list, but it is well worth it!</p> <p align="center">Today Ady had this for lunch.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/120682464984301162_uR0hgoGL_c.jpg" width="504" height="708"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/272327108687388842/">{Source}</a></p> <p align="center">No, that is not Ady or my idea. I pinned this the other night on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/krystamoes/food-for-children/">Food For Children Board</a>. She was struggling today with lunch and then I remembered seeing this. I put lunch meat (rolled up and then cut to fit in the little spaces) string cheese (also cut up) grapes, Fishies and Teddy Grahams in our little ice cube tray. She ate all of it and thought it was the coolest thing ever!</p> <p align="center">Thanks Pinterest and all of you lovely pinners out there! It’s so nice that we can share the things we find with each other. </p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387595020005319510.post-22835915853688947862012-01-26T01:17:00.001-06:002012-10-05T15:04:15.139-05:00Potty Training Part 2<h3><font color="#000000" size="2"><a href="http://www.themoesfamilyintexas.blogspot.com/2012/01/our-latest-newspotty-training-part-1.html">Click here for Potty Training Part 1</a></font><font color="#000000" size="3">Hi! I am back to share how I have potty trained all 4 of my children. </font><font color="#000000" size="3"> </font><font color="#000000" size="3">I was lucky enough to have a neighbor and good friend in Utah share this method with me just before I started potty training Kaylee. That was over 8 years ago. I will be forever grateful to her for that. As a new mother who didn’t have a clue where to start and really hadn’t given it much thought; she gave me the tools I needed to be successful. I was sold when she told me her own mother potty trained all of her children this way. She happened to have<font size="6">10</font> children. She also potty trained her own (4 at the time) children the same way her mother did. Double sold. I thought it was definitely worth a try. Maybe this will help you too. Because of that, I share this info. with everyone. </font></h3> <p><font size="6"><strong><u>Potty Training in one day</u></strong></font></p> <h4><u>Supplies to get</u></h4> <p><font size="4">-A lot of candy, snacks, kool aid, juice, sweet and salty things </font> <p><font size="4">-Underwear <font size="2">(heavy ones for first couple of days and normal ones)</font> </font> <p><font size="4">-Plastic cover pants to go over the underwear for naps and night </font> <p><font size="4">-An apron for you to wear with pockets to put treats in <font size="2">(instant rewards for going in potty)</font> </font> <p><font size="4">-Potty seat for toilet, stool and portable potty chair <font size="2">(so they can decide which to use)</font> </font> <p><font size="4">-Poster board</font> (you need to make a calling chart. Something where they can see to choose who to call when they go potty, photos helpful) * I have used scrapbook pages before just to save on prep time. Confession - I didn’t do that this time. I did not have time. Instead I made a list for myself of who to call and then Ady decided by the names I said. If she wasn’t my fourth one, I would have gone all out. That’s my excuse anyway. :) <p><font size="4">-Baby wet doll – </font><font size="3">*I had a hard time finding one of these. I had one with the first two, but with Drew and Ady I just used one of the dolls we had around the house. The point is to have the doll go pee pee in the potty to get your child excited. I just sneaked a medicine dropper full of water behind the doll and pretended she peed. It worked fine. It’s up to you. </font> <p><font size="4">-Something to clean the “oopsies” with.</font> * There is probably a better way, but I use an ammonia and water mixture in a squirt bottle and Febreeze when it is on my rugs <font size="1">(that can’t be washed)</font> or carpet. Or you could just hang out on the tile for the majority of the day. That is a safe place! You will need something to clean up the carpet anyway. It’s bound to happen. </p> <p><font size="4">-Don’t forget about treats for you. This is important. You are going to NEED them!</font> Coke, chocolate and potato chips are always on my list. </p> <p><font size="4"><u>Very </u><u><b>IMPORTANT </b></u><u>rules not to break </u></font> <p><font size="4">-It should be just you and the child you are potty training ALL day - <u><b>no interruptions</b></u></font> *I understand when you have multiple children it can sometimes be hard to find a place for them go, especially when they are not school age. See if a family member or good friend can take them. Maybe your husband can take the day off work or plan it for when he has the day off. I have done all of those. I can not tell you enough how important it is to have it be <font size="4"><strong>JUST</strong></font> the two of you all day. And when I say all day, I mean until dinner time or later. Plan on pizza for dinner! <font size="1">(My friend Sara brought us dinner. I was very lucky). </font>Not only is it easier to teach your child when you are one on one with out interruptions, but they feel so important when they have you all to themselves. Especially on a day like this. Ok, I’m off my soap box. Moving on. <p><font size="4">-Do not answer the phone or the door. This is not the day to chat on the phone or text. </font><font size="3">I always tell the people I communicate with regularly that I will be unreachable. There will be moments of boredom, but I promise you, the second you get into a conversation or get lost in texting you will have a pee or poop mess to clean up for sure. It’s all about staying focused and not being interrupted. </font> <h5><font size="4"><u>How it Works</u></font></h5> <p><font size="3">Start your day like normal. Feed him/her a good breakfast since it will pretty much be junk the rest of the day. <font size="2">(I will explain why in a bit)</font> After breakfast, as soon as everyone is out of the house <font size="2">(and maybe after you have at least showered.</font> <font size="2">You will be glad you did because once you start there will be no time for you.)</font> start by playing with the baby wet doll. Say “Look! She has big girl (big boy) underwear on! You can wear big boy underwear too! Let’s go put yours on! When he puts his on, have him wear just his underwear and a shirt all day. No shorts or pants. It’s just easier that way and one less thing for you to wash. Then go back to playing with the doll again. All of the sudden the doll goes pee pee on the potty! “Oh my gosh! Did you hear that!? We are so proud of her! She gets to have a special treat!” Make sure that you have your apron on with “special” treats. Ones that are only for when he goes in the potty. Not for snack time. Give the doll a treat and say, “You can have a special treat if you go pee pee in the potty too.” Have him sit on the potty and try right then. If he goes potty then get SO EXCITED!! He gets a special treat and then gets to choose someone’s picture from the calling chart to call and tell about going potty on the big boy potty. </font> <p><font size="3"><strong>This is pretty much what your day consists of: </strong></font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>1.</strong></font> <font size="3">Go to the kitchen, start pumping him/her full of snacks (sweet and salty) and juice and water. Lots of liquid and food to keep him/her drinking. This step is very important. You want them to be drinking constantly, at first anyway. The sweet and salty snacks will make them want to drink, which is going to make them have to pee and that is what you want. Then you will have plenty of opportunities to teach them to use the potty. Remember this is potty training in ONE day, so it’s a good thing to be running to the bathroom every 15 min.</font></p> <p><font size="3">My friend Tami, who has the same love for Coke as I do, dropped me by my daily drink. It never tasted so good! I usually don’t ever share my drink. It’s MY thing. Hands off kiddos…or you just might die. ;) Today was a little different. Ady always begs for sips of my soda. Today I shared a little bit with her. I happily let her sip through my straw knowing it would go straight through her and come out the other end in no time. </font></p> <p><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/PottyTrain-print-41PS.jpg" width="576" height="864"></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>2.</strong></font> <font size="3"> Set the timer for 15 minutes. In that first 15 minutes, start to play with the doll again and this time make the doll have an accident. When she has an accident run with her from the spot of the accident to the potty saying “No pee pee on the floor pee pee on the potty!”, really fast 10 times back and forth. Each time saying that and pulling her underwear down and setting her on the potty. Do that same thing with your child when they have an accident. They might start to laugh and think it’s a joke, but don’t give up. Before you know it they’ll be saying it too. Make sure and do that every time there is an accident, even if you really don’t feel like it anymore. It’s a very important step in the teaching process. </font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>3.</strong></font> <font size="3">When he/she isn’t eating, or running back and forth to the potty, stick to reading books or playing cars, Legos or some other toy or game. No T.V. or movies. They get too involved in that and lose interest in the day. Stick to activities that can be easily interrupted. Don’t let him/her go outside. They’ll lose all interest!</font> </p> <p><font size="3">We stuck to Legos most of the day. I think she stuck to one thing because she loved that I was doing it with her.</font></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=PottyTrain-print-46PS.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/PottyTrain-print-46PS.jpg" width="581" height="868"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>4.</strong></font> <font size="3">Eat a normal lunch and put your child down for a nap at a normal time. </font></p> <p><font size="5">*</font><font size="3">As far as your day goes, the main things are eating lots of things to make them drink. Going potty every 15 minutes. <font size="2">(Don’t forget to set the timer).</font> Reward them instantly when they are successful. </font></p> <p><font size="3">Ady loved pulling treats out of my apron.</font></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=PottyTrain-print-28PS.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/PottyTrain-print-28PS.jpg" width="840" height="560"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=PottyTrain-print-27PS.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/PottyTrain-print-27PS.jpg" width="840" height="560"></a></p> <p><font size="3">She also loved talking on the phone.</font></p> <p><a href="http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/?action=view&current=Untitled5.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k529/krystamoes/Untitled5.jpg" width="846" height="636"></a></p> <p><font size="3">*Don’t forget to run back and forth 10 times when there is an accident. I really think this is a vital part of the learning process. I have seen the lightbulb go on during this step with every single one of my children. </font></p> <p><font color="#000000"><font size="4"><strong><u>Tips and Suggestions</u></strong></font></p> <h3></font><font color="#000000" size="3">-Stay overly excited!</font></h3> <h3><font color="#000000" size="3">-Try not to get frustrated… you can do anything for a day and it’s completely worth it!</font></h3> <p><font size="3">-As far as the timer goes, sometimes it seems like they have an accident a couple of minutes before the timer goes off. It is the worst when you miss it like that! It makes me want to pull my hair out. If that happens adjust your time and remember to follow your instincts! If the timer goes off after 15 min and they still don’t need to go potty <font size="2">(even after they tried sitting on the potty)</font> then it is pretty safe to say that if you set the timer for another 15 min. they are going to pee on the floor. Instead, set the timer for 5 min. intervals until you catch them being successful on the potty. Then start it over at 15 min. again. </font> <p><font size="3">-I find that we end up sitting on the potty for awhile waiting for something to happen. If it’s been 15 min. I want them to sit on the potty and wait. I can’t stand missing it and then having to deal with an accident because we weren’t patient enough. I will sit in front of them and sing songs or play some kind of hand game to keep them entertained. </font><font size="2">(like itsy bitsy spider, this little piggy, pat a cake, pat a cake or whatever else you can think of).</font> <p><font size="3">-It seems like after lunch or nap time they lose interest a little. Save some tricks for when that happens. Make up a potty game or song. Instead of a timer on a microwave use one that rings or sounds different. If he/she gets tired of the real potty put out the portable one. Brainstorm about some things like that. </font> <p><font size="3">-This is pretty much common sense, but when your child has an accident make sure and say “EWWW! Pee pee is so stinky! We don’t like to clean up accidents!” <strong><font size="4">not</font></strong> “You stink!, Your pee smells so bad! Or Your Gross!”</font> <p><font size="3">-Make sure and have some kind of plastic cover over the mattress under the bottom sheet in case there is an accident at night. You could buy a water proof mattress cover.</font> <p><font size="3">-Don’t go back to diapers. Not even pull- ups at night. Once you start just keep going. No matter how hard it is! They’ll get the hang of it. They need to know that he/she is a big boy/girl and they don’t use diapers anymore. This is up to you and all children are a little different when it comes to night time. I personally feel like they have to learn some time and I am all about diving in and not looking back. Plus Pull-Ups pull the moisture away from them so they aren’t as aware of an accident. </font> <p><font size="3"><font size="5">-Consistency, consistency, consistency!!!!</font> There is really nothing else that needs to be said about that one.</font> <p><font size="3">*So you train in a day and then you have to reinforce for about a week. I’m not going to sugar coat it and tell you that after ONE day they are fully potty trained. There will still be accidents here and there. They are going to get distracted or lazy. It happens. Don’t expect them to all of a sudden go potty all by themselves every single time. You are still going to have to do some reminding. Did I already mention being consistent? I will assure you that the majority of the teaching happens on the first day. You will see it click sometime during that day. However, do not expect to go back to your normal routine the next day. The second day was worse for us then the first day. I always forget that until I am experiencing the second day, but it has been that way for us each time. It’s not quite as exciting for them on the second day and you are ready to have a “normal” day. The third day is better. It clicks for them again and you are back on track. You probably won’t want to leave the house for the first week, unless it’s a very quick errand and you take a change of clothes.<font size="2"> (Keep the change of clothes with you for longer than that)</font> Always have them go potty right before you leave the house. You will probably have to ask every 30 minutes or so for the next couple of days if they need to go potty. If the answer is no, you might need to be a little persistent and just get them to “try” every so often. It’s a busy, tiring week<font size="2"> (you might even wish for diapers again),</font> but it’s all worth it when you can tell it has finally clicked! Don’t forget to have them stop drinking at least an hour before bed and don’t let them go to bed with a sippy cup until there are no more accidents at night. We always wake our kids up to try before we go to bed. </font> <p><font size="3">That’s a rap for the big potty training post. Phew! Thanks for hanging in there with me.</font> <p><b><font size="3">GOOD LUCK!!!!!!! You can do it! </font></b> <p><strong><font size="5">* Questions answered in the comments. Please look through the comments for answers to your questions first. I can not answer every question, especially if I already have. I hope you understand. Thank you for your interest in this post. I am thrilled that I can share something that is helping so many of you.</font></strong> <p><strong><font size="4">The #1 most asked question is </font><font size="5">“What age is best to potty train?”</font></strong> <p><strong><font size="4">My answer is <font size="5">2 – 2 1/2.</font> I usually start shortly after they have their second birthday. I do not go past 2 1/2. The closer they are to 3, the harder it is. They tend to get more stubborn and set in their ways and they care less about losing the diapers. Around their second birthday they are so excited to grow up and be big like “so and so” is. You are able to feed off of their own excitement and encourage them to take the next big step. </font></strong></p> Krystahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09448915809059076240noreply@blogger.com269