Cetera's Baptism

                                                    Cetera's dedication July 2005

                               Besides, you have known the Scriptures from childhood; they will give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Tim 3:15)

                                                                         Cetera's Baptism 4/8/2012
                                             Matthew 28:19, 20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

I cant believe that it was July 2005 that Chad and I stood in front of our church family and dedicated Cetera Marie to the Lord promising that we would raise her to know Him and to bring her up in a Christian loving home. For awhile now Cetera has been asking alot of questions about becoming saved and us talking about what it means and how we get to that point. After lots of talking and making sure she understood the basics we went and talked with one of the Asst Pastor's at church(with both my children when they came to the point that they were ready to receive Christ as savior we wanted to make sure and have confirmation for them that it was just us as parents thinking ya they are ready), I mean this is the MOST important choice they can ever make in life!!  Chad and I have not taken the task of making sure they were brought up in home knowing Christ lightly. We were so over joyed after talking to the Pastor that Cetera was indeed ready and understood. So on March 25 she came to accept Christ. Cetera decided that she wanted to get baptised on Easter Sunday at our evening service at church. It was such a blessing we had a total of 17 of our friends and kids come just to support her and be there for her special day.  It was such a special Easter and what a perfect day to be baptised!
" Now, children, listen to me. If you follow in my ways, You will be happy too. Listen to my teaching and be wise; don't ignore what I say. Proverbs 8:32-33

Getting Ready for Easter 2012

As we prepare to celebrate Easter this year a friend of mine and I have started taking basket weaving classes, its so relaxing and a very rewarding feeling when you look at what you have made with your hands. So I got the idea of taking the kids to make their own Easter baskets this year. I never would of guessed they would enjoy it so much, and boy did they pick up on it quickly. Everyone had a great time and to end the great evening I took them to get pizza at an amazing New York style pizza place that is right in the little beach town. I really enjoy living so close to the beach I cant explain it these little towns so many awesome mom and pop stores,one of our favorite places to go has homeade candles that smell amazing and are made by a local fishermen, I dont know why but it seems so neat that a fishermen makes candles I just love it !! So many wonderful things my kids get to experience and basket weaving is just one of the many ! 

Update

Gosh I guess its been almost 8 months since my last blog entry I just am not good and keep up these days on the blog thang! So lets see well a few things have changed. We have moved and I am loving our new location thus far, its alot different than "home", but the change is for the good and as long as the kids are good and they have adjusted so well then I am a happy girl! Here are some pictures from the end of summer visiting family we had a wonderful time getting to travel and visit some we have'nt seen in years and some that the kids got to meet of the first time. Im so thankful to have such a awesome family. I will try to get back on track w/ blogging. Well TTFN for now . Happy Fall Ya'll

Presidents Week off for the kids

So for the week of Feb 15th till 19th the kids get the whole week off from school, so since Chad was gone for the week for work I thought that I would take the kids out for some fun stuff since not all the school districts do the week off I got the bright idea to go to Disneyland on Monday and use the tickets Gammie got us well... not such a great idea the park was PACKED with people who had the same wonderful idea as us for the day, I totally didnt realize that when I was planning the date to go it was the day all the schools were out that Monday so total lesson learned! It was still a nice trip though Uncle Vance took off from work and had spent the whole weekend with us hanging out so it was nice to have a trip to Disneyland just brothers and sisters trip which was Chad's idea for us since we took the kids in May 09. I tell you its such a blessing that my husband and brother get along so well they enjoy hanging out and doing stuff together couldn't be a better fit. So from Monday till today (Thursday) we stayed at my mom's house aka Gammie and the kids had a wonderful time visiting her and Tuesday going over to visit my Dad (Papa) and my Grandpa, Wednesday my mom and I took the kids to Knotts for the day and they had a blast this week both of my babies went on there very first upside down rollercoaster and the LOVED it they couldn't get enough of them, they must get it from there Dad because I have found the older I have gotton now, I totally can't do them without getting sick so I always have to get the good ol motion sickness pills before I can hit the amusement parks these days. All in all it was a great week with the kids out and lots of wonderful family time which you can never get to much of I'm so thankful for my family !!

Trip to the pumpkin patch

We had a great time at the pumpkin patch .This video was taken on the way home from the pumpkin patch, the kids where singing along and I though it was a great moment to capture. Cetera looks alot taller than Randall and there friend Hannah but Cetera was in a booster seat.

first day of school

I'm late in posting these pictures of Randall and Cetera's first day of school. But better late than never I say! Our schedule is off and we are in full gear again. Randall started first grade and Cetera started preschool this year. Its amazing to me that I have a 1st grader this year the time sure goes fast. It has been a adjustment with Cetera starting school this year. I have been use to having her still at home and last year doing mommy and me class but I was with her. The first day I dropped them both off and came home it was different, I came in and the house was silent I came up stairs and I could hear the laundry tumbling in the dryer wow so not the norm for our house that took some getting use to.

The kids have both started gymnastics this year and they totally love it, Cetera is also taking tap and ballet still, its amazing to look back when she first started at 2 1/2 to see how much she has progressed and how much she is learning, this year especially will be big she got moved up into the 4 to 7 yr old class. Thursday nights at church doing bible study for the kids starts in a few weeks so we have a busy but fun and exciting time each week.

I feel so very blessed to have such a great husband that is supportive of me staying home with the kids and that I'm able to be there for everything that the kids are involved in. Thank you Chad for all you do for the kids and I and for just being YOU !!

Its been a crazy week

To start with Chad left Monday and wasnt going to be back home till Friday because of work. My Nana last weekend kept having dizzy spells so I told her that I wanted her to go to the doctor to check on it before we would be leaving for our trip to Texas to visit Chad's family and to take our neice back who has been visiting since July 16th. So she goes to the doctor monday and they find that her heart rate if very very low so he puts in a referral to see the heart dr. So wednesday they call and she goes in for her appt with the heart dr, she gets there and within 5 min of her being there and them seeing how low her heart rate was and how high her blood pressure was he says I am admitting you to the hospital and we will be putting a pace maker in tonight!! So I had just gotton back with the kids from the pool thinking she is just at her appt and I get a call from her telling what is going to happen. I have NEVER been so SCARED in my whole life. I had 3 kids at home with me and I needed to get to the hospital to be with her. I got a grip and was able to get ahold of 2 of my wonderful friends to watch the kids so that I could meet my brother at the hospital to be with her thats one of the hard things with Chad's job I cant just call him at work like normal jobs and say hey this happen, I didnt have a way to get ahold of him till he was home Friday to fill him in . Thankfully everything went good and she is doing great now recovering but its scary to think what could of been the doctor said if they didnt put the pace maker in it would just be a matter of time till her heart would stop. None of us were expecting that she has always been in great shape and the doc said that is why she didnt pay attention to little things over time she is so active. A normal persons heart rate per min is between 60 to 100 and hers was down to 33 bpm. Our trip to Texas will not be happening now and I will be staying here with her, im not comfertable going off so far with her recovering. But it just goes to show you how sometimes things happen for certain reasons to uncover a much more serious need that needs to be made. Im have nothing but praises for her being okay and this be taken care of . GOD IS GOOD !!

Cetera's 4 yrs old

I have to stop and think sometimes where has the time gone? My babygirl is 4 yrs old and she just amazes me. The kids are growing up so fast she begins prek next month and Randall will be in 1st grade. Cetera had a great birthday we did a hawiian luau theme to celebrate her hawaiian heritage from Chad's side she was so excited with all the decor. She is very into Hannah Montana so it was a big hit with all the H.M stuff she got from everyone. The best part for her was having her friends there to celebrate with her and of course Daddy being home for it, she is such a Daddy's Girl its precious. I also included a few shots of her in the outfit she will wear for her tap performance im so excited about that her first recital. Im so thankful to God for my two wonderful kids he blessed Chad and I with.

belated pic from April

April was a busy month that Thurs before Easter Randall fell into a chain link fence at school and a wire was sticking out and cut his head so we had to go into the ER and have liquid stitches put on it I added a picture of the brave little guy after we got home, im so thankful the wire didnt go in really fare it so could of been lots worse Praise the Lord for protecting my baby. Easter went great the whole family camedown to our house and I cooked we had a great time to fellowship with everyone. It was so nice that we got to all be together this year and Chad be home!! Sorry so long w/ the updates im trying to get back on track.

My Grandpa just celebrated his 81st birthday March 1st. For his birthday I wanted to do something special so I made him a shawdow box with all of his Navy things from when he served in World War II . Im so very proud of him and I love to hear him tell stories from his days in the military and im so thankful that I have a hero as a grandfather who fought for this country.

Im also getting ready for my next project to do another shadow box in memory of my Poppy. He served as an Arkansas State Trooper and Im in the processes of getting my things in order for making it so I will post a picture when his is complete as well. Im very lucky to have such amazing grandparents who have all played such an important role in my life and Im so thankful my kids have the chance to know the 2 grandparents I have living, but they will never forget the 2 who have passed and I will always make sure they know how much they meant to me and how speical they are !! Grandparents are a blessing to have!

Fire Proof

I just had to take a moment and give a VERY big kudos for the movie "Fire Proof" starring Kirk Cameron. It is a christian movie that really touches your heart its about a married couple and some of the trials they go through.Chad and I really enjoyed watching it together and found it to be very encouraging. I would really recommend this movie to anyone but especially if you married there are so many movies that arent about sticking with marriage and what a marriage really means and the vow you make and this totally touches on it !!!

It will be coming out on video this Tuesday, so look for it in the video store or Walmart and stores like that should carry it. We will be purchasing it, we liked it so much. They also have a great website you can checkout and has helpful quiz's and info to stregthen your marriage.
www.fireproofmymarriage.com

Family Time

This weekend has been great we have gotton some great family time to just hangout we had family will bowling and the kids really enjoyed that and Chad and I do also, its the new favorite family thing to do.

Today was a great day we all had the day off from work and school. We took the kids to Legoland for the day and they had a great time. We went by and got lunch and then when we got to the park we had a picnic in the back of the expedition the kids really liked the picnic in the truck who knew picnic's in the car could be so fun. Then we headed in the park for some rides and shows. I think one of the kids favorite things is the fireman show they have and they have a great song that they do about fire safety and Randall and Cetera ran around saying " you put the wet stuff on the hot stuff and put that fire out". I just laugh at them trying to do the dance the performers do its precious.We had a great time helping the kids make lego cars for them to race Chad is such a kid when it comes to that stuff he was all into helping them build there cars it was cute. Once we got back home this evening it was time for dinner and baths and the kids were so tired and ready for bed which is always a nice thing when they actually say there tired and want to sleep those times are so far and between. But im so glad we had the time to all go today and just hangout as a family. Thats what its all about is being together!!!

Looking back the time has gone by so fast to think that it was 7 years ago today that Chad and I were married. Im so thankful for God giving me such an amazing husband and for God blessing us with our children Randall and Cetera. We have been through so much together and we have spent anniversarys and time apart due to the military but im so thankful we get to spend this year together and every moment we do get together is worth every minute. We got the chance to renew our wedding vows between God and one another. Chad isnt just my husband he is my best friend, soulmate, father of my children and he is everything to me. I look forward to growing old with him and having many, many more years together God willing.

Happy New Years!!

I hope that everyones New Year is off to a great start. I am so excited about the New Year and seeing were it will take us. We had a great New Years Eve we went over to a friends house and had a big pot luck dinner and her husbands band played it was great. Then after everyone left Chad and I stayed for awhile and we all played the Wii bowling it was so much fun. I must tell you Chad and I are hooked on that and want one now, we have tried and tried to get one but all the stores are out for now but we are keeping our eye out and have friends all on operation " find us a Wii". Wishing you and yours all a healthy and happp new year in 2009.

P.S. A great big THANK YOU to my cousin Alli for telling me how to add pictures! Love ya

Christmas 08

Christmas was great this year and the kids and I agree the best part was that Chad was home with us this year and we all got to be together for the special day. The kids had a great time opening all of there gifts and seeing what Santa had brought, but we are always very careful to make sure the kids remember why we celebrate Christmas and what it represents. I got an awesome nativity book that came with the nativity setting so that the kids were able to get a better idea of that wonderful night and how that BABY changed everything for us.

Im so thankful for all the blessings in my life for my family, friends that God has given me.
I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas with there family.

Please take time to remember those serving in the military this time of year!!

If you havent read this poem I encourage you to take time to read it over. I have always liked this poem and for so many it will ring true this year, I look back to last Christmas having to spend it away from my husband while he was in Iraq and im so thankful he will be home this year. My heart does go out to those who have a loved one away this holiday season. God Bless Our Military and there families !!! Thank you for all you do and the sacrifice you pay with time apart from your families and some who have given the ultimate sacrifice of losing a loved one. May God give you strength and peace.

A Soldier's Silent Night
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT CAME THROUGH MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDN'T HELP WONDER HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY;
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY, THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.
I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA, IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."

Happy 6th Birthday Randall

Today my little boy turned 6, gosh were has the time gone? it seems like just yesterday he was still just a little baby. But he is growing up so fast he is over 4ft tall now has lost 2 teeth and is almost through his first half of kindergarten. I could not be prouder of him he is doing an amazing job in school with his work and he also does so well at church with learning is bible verses each week and he loves to be at church and learn about God's word. He is a very smart kid !!

Im so thankful to God for blessing us with Randall and I pray that God continues to watch over him and protect him and that his love for the Lord will continue to grow and grow.

Happy Birthday baby we LOVE YOU so much !!!!

Setting up my blogspot

So my cousins and a few of my friends all have blog spots, and I have finally come to the decision that I to want one. So please bare with me as I try to figure this all out and how to make my page look really good. If anyone has any wisdom on how to do all this please pass it on to the beginner I can always use help lol.

I hope that this will be a easier way to keep everyone updated on what our family is doing and I will post pictures often of the kids.

I look forward to getting this up and running and sharing it will everyone.