tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11891797493370184502024-03-13T11:43:35.961-07:00iheartchocolateiheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-34241215945210568542009-06-10T21:06:00.000-07:002009-06-10T21:26:24.880-07:00been a while...I know<div align="justify">I am so thankful I have recorded some of the things I have because to be able to look back and see the different places we have been in our lives, in our marriage..it's amazing!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I have to start by telling you just how very thankful I am for what God has shown me, us..in the last 6 months. He is so SO right here with us, you just don't KNOW. (as Dane Cook says) I wish I could share with you all of the amazing details, but there are far too many to even count. Every day, God shows me something new. Every day I am in awe. It never fails and it never ends. We have met some of the most amazing people out here, in our LahIVES! Seriously, it's not them, I know, it is totally God IN them. But amazing, nonetheless. I mean, some of the kindest, most gentle, humble, loving and selfless people you would ever hope to know. It just doesn't seem to end. One after another, I am blown away by the blessings that we see and know are taking place all around us. The opposition is there too, let me tell ya. So, that's how we know there's something really cool going on here. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">ANYWAY, a few cool things of note going on here soon are:</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">*Matt and I are being officially Baptized this weekend as we become members of our amazing church. I am terrified. I have been before as a child, but I am terrified to do this in front of all these people! Terrified. So much so, I ALMOST said no way. I actually asked my pastor in a really whiney voice, "Do we realllllllyyyy hhhhaaaaaaavvvvee tooooo?" He asked me what the bible told me about it. I said, "AlRIGHT.." defeated. Let me throw in as a disclaimer though, it is truly an HONOR to bare witness to what I believe in. Truly. I'm just skeeered. That's all.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">**At the end of this month, the kids (including Moriah!) will be going to the beach to spend a few days with my brother and my soon to be, SIL! I am excited to connect with her and develop a relationship, since you know-she's about to be my new sista! I don't have any real sisters, so it's kind of a really cool thing. I always wanted a sister...hmmm</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">***Matt is going on a men's retreat with some folks from our old church in NC. I know it is going to be a great time for him to really relax and have a good time. I am so glad he has decided to go, against much current opposition!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">****I had lunch with my daughter today, after not seeing her for over a month. We had only texted each other. God has done an amazing work within my heart. A verse, if you feel so inclined, please read this, it is for her: Psalm 106:4, 6-8! One day, I will share this with her. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">*****We are traveling to PA next month for a week to see Matt's family! We are so excited to see them. I can't wait to eat some peanut butter pie, I have only ever seen it on his grandmother's table! I must know where she gets it and can they ship it to me in bulk. Monthly. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">******After going on a crazy chocolate chip cookie binge that lasted about a month and gaining about 10 lbs, I am back on my stupid, awful diet and it is almost gone! Got self control? Me either. One literally leads to whatever two packages is, a night. Seriously, I have a problem. I am controlling it, but it is eating me ALIVE! I just want a cookie... or forty. :(</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">*******Our house sells at the end of JULY! I cannot tell you HOW thankful I am. You just don't KNOW. So, we are looking around. Knowing we will live her as long as we are able..we may go on and buy here. Small budget, but who cares?</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">That's about it, but it's all good stuff. I am so thankful to my God for loving me enough to let me know each day, just how much. He loves you that much too. </div>By the way. <br />I share. <br /><br />Also, may want to check out <a href="http://www.the52project.com/">http://www.the52project.com/</a><br /><br />It's pretty amazing.<br /><br />Taste and see...iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-83242388645034062312009-03-14T10:53:00.001-07:002009-03-14T10:55:43.525-07:00Kudos to our mailman!I just opened the door to check my mail (which is on my front porch). It is cold and rainy, sooo yucky and I see our mailman across the street, dutifully walking house to house in a thin raincoat. He must be freezing!<br /><br />I feel for the person in that job anywhere! Thank you mail man, for delivering my mail so close I can reach it without my feet leaving our warm floor. Now, only if you would deliver my tax refund..but thanks just the same!iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-73110108023079147412009-03-10T06:17:00.001-07:002009-03-10T06:27:37.333-07:00Altered Plans and PoopI should say, Altered plans BY poop. We had a big day planned for us this beautiful Tuesday..however...<br /><br />Today was Madison's school day which begins at 9am and then I was to head over to the church for my very first bible study class with a bunch of really wonderful ladies. I was so excited to go and they even had child care for Drew! They knew I was going to be late and I had confirmed my attendance as late as last night. <br /><br /><ul><li>-Madison woke up this morning having cramps and "tummy issues" or "hiney issues," I should say. </li><li>-By some miracle, I woke up ON time to get showered and get the kids up with NO crying involved, by me or them-which is a huge plus! </li><li>-They ate their breakfast with minimum spillage.</li><li>-Got them both changed and their hair just so. </li><li>-Drew LOVES to taunt me by soiling his fresh diapers, and so he did.</li><li>-Poor Madison was victim of cramping and "stuff" at the precise time we would have had to leave to get to school on time. It took a while, and included squished faced looks of misery. </li><li>-I still considered taking her and loaded them up in the car, a little late-but hey we could still make it!</li><li>-Buckle Drew into his seat and he looks up at me with his precious eyes and says, "Poo Poo Mama. Poo Poo."</li><li>-I feel my entire countanance droop in that defeated way it does when nothing seems to go quite right. </li><li>-I unload the kids and all their stuff and come back inside.</li><li>-I blog about it, because somehow sharing it with you makes me feel better.</li></ul>iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-48833376064002976422009-03-04T09:28:00.000-08:002009-03-04T09:39:03.448-08:00no nameHere is a disjointed post, because I don't have the mental ability to create a more coherant post right now.<br /><br />*Spent all night in the ER with a croupy Drew night before last.<br /><br />*We are all sickies, poor Matt has to go to work that way.<br /><br />*I want to crawl back in bed under the covers. <br /><br />*As soon as I realized our tax refund was in, I made it dissappear just as quickly as it came, simply by paying some bills. <br /><br />*It is a relief to be able to pay those bills.<br /><br />*Credit is just a trap. Avoid it at all costs.<br /><br />*Our gas bill is GI-NORMOUS. <br /><br />*The back of the house off the kitchen is NOT insulated, causing much heat loss in the home. Our thermostat was set on 73 or 74 and it was still cold down stairs. <br /><br />*Problem remedied by simply hanging a thermal backed curtain in the doorway, the thermostat is set 3 degrees cooler and it is just as warm. I am hoping my gas bill reflects this change in a BIG way!<br /><br />*Drew just turned 2 and I feel like I missed it, even though I was there.<br /><br />*My head feels foggy, and it isn't because I am sick.<br /><br />*I have clean laundry in the basement that I really need to bring up and take care of. <br /><br />*Today is Wednesday and there aren't any good deals at food lion this week. <br /><br />*I am making hamburger helper for dinner. <br /><br />*I cheated on my diet for Drew's birthday. I ate pizza for the first time in a year. It wasn't worth it, but the chocolate chip cookies we made and ate that night sure were!<br /><br />*the end.iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-17188235316363775252009-03-02T10:08:00.000-08:002009-03-02T10:08:11.566-08:00<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BXYyxPuv-iI/SawgivIgnRI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/WPQkkDneRQo/s1600-h/snow09+003.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BXYyxPuv-iI/SawgivIgnRI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/WPQkkDneRQo/s320/snow09+003.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-64131230006843906482009-02-27T12:22:00.001-08:002009-02-27T12:34:44.170-08:00You know what's cool?<div align="justify">Getting to watch God work in your life or in the lives of others. There have been so many clear things that could only have BEEN God in our lives, here lately, cause we could have never done them ourselves! </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Last night we had dinner with some new friends who live on our street. Some of the most genuinely kind and humble people I have ever even had the privledge of getting to know. I am thankful for the connection and the chance to claim such wonderful people as friends. It all began with a delivery of chocolate chip cookies, so you know God was in it all the way! I jest, but it's truth. I just wanted to celebrate such a lovely thing with you, because I am simply thankful and truly overwhelmed that God would concern his mighty self with the small details of our little lives. But He does. He will. I promise. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">The more Matt and I focus on where we are and talk about things..it seems we really like it here. Though I am a bit leary of buying again, for fear of being cemented somewhere, I too fear having no tax deduction! Same year Moriah turns 18 and will be claiming herself, we will be selling our home (which is another-both actually-provision we prayed about). So, we are thinking and considering maybe the idea of purchasing here, even this home? We'll see what God does, I'll keep you posted. You know I will!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">In other news, Drew is about to turn 2 years old! Hard to believe time has passed so quickly. He's an angel of a boy and I adore him so so much. I am thankful. Simply. Thankful.</div><div align="justify">We'll be going down to NC to have a little party for him with Matt's fam. Mine came here to celebrate a week or so ago. Rather than have everyone try to mesh and drive all the way here, where I would stress and anxiety over cleaning and cooking..and entertaining, I'd rather have mine here and his there. Simple. None or little stressing. My parents still have to drive, but it's more relaxed having them here. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I will be putting a montage together soon for my Drew man, so be on the lookout for it. I am limited in the pictures I have easy access to, so it may not be quite as wonderful as I wish..but it'll make me cry and that's the point, right?</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Hope ya'll have a fab weekend! Heal quickly Kimmyk :)</div>iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-49766002790794151652009-02-25T18:05:00.000-08:002009-02-25T18:11:46.854-08:00ughSo, apparently-we have a new neighbor. It's a dog. A dog who barks. At night. A lot. <br /><br />Matt saw him tied out back today, said it's a chow. Oh How I love to know I live next to a chow with my two small children who love to play in the unfenced back yard. I'm so paranoid, I know, I can't help it. Come on, it comes with the territory. Whadaya want from me, people?<br /><br />Glad this is a rental.iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-71978683736005997082009-02-15T11:24:00.001-08:002009-02-15T11:28:01.335-08:00DUH!Yes, of COURSE I ate the entire box of chocolates yesterday! And YES, duh, I ate the cookies I made for Matt too. What did you think I'd do on V Day?<br /><br />And yes, it tasted great, and I felt terrible the rest of the day. Felt, literally terrible, not guilt terrible. Also, yes I am working out today to attempt to burn off 1/18th of what I ate yesterday. Carbs do NOT agree with me, although they taste mighty fine when I am consuming them. <br /><br />Today is my one year anniversary of low carbing. Truthfully, it's a year now that I have felt better than I have in years and years. Yesterday was a reminder of what I felt like most of my adult life, tired and sluggish. All. The. Time. Not anymore!iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-25110451101553902332009-02-14T07:37:00.001-08:002009-02-14T07:46:17.347-08:00V DayFirstly, Happy Valentine's day! I hope this day and every day is filled with love. <br /><br />This post isn't about Valentine's day. It's about treadmills! Something we'll all need after today, right? Or is it just me? I am secretly hoping for some chocolate, but I don't really know if I want it, since it is so hard to back track.<br /><br />Anyway, my point of this post is to share with you an excellent treadmill tip! I hate the monotonous activity, walking walking walking-getting no where, staring at the wall, as I was. I tried to read a magazine but it was just too tiny to see. The parts I did catch though, I didn't even realize I was walking as I was engrossed in the article. (which was about tinnitis, which is neither here nor there) So, I thought, if I could find a large print book that I like-that'd be awesome to walk to. I of course googled it, because I google everything. Aparently, this was not a new idea..lots of people were talking about walking to a book. So, I just had to find one. I was doubtful there were many large print books of any interest to me, but I was wrong! Went to the library and happened to pick out of the tiny, large print section, a book that I am loving! The trick is, I can only read it if I am on the treadmill. Last night was SO easy and I am actually looking forward to doing it again tonight! So there you go. Get a book. If you like to read. Which I do. <br /><br />I'll gladly share the titles that interest me if anyone is looking for ideas.<br /><br />That is all. Get back to making your valentines. Or get to the store already to buy them. Procrastinator!iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-16935402706470717302009-02-08T19:17:00.000-08:002009-02-08T19:27:24.715-08:00Work it!So, Matt wants us to work out together. I don't know why he thinks he needs to lift, but if he feels better-good for him. He somehow was able to talk me into it and keep me accountable when the time comes and I am feeling lazy. He's good like that. We did it yesterday and today. I feel better after, but for some reason it is so hard to motivate myself to get to it. I seriously felt like a sulky child, whining I didn't wanna do ittttt...<br /><br />Last week I decided to take a few days off of the low carb thing. I endulged every single craving, ate lots of cookies and onion rings. I have been back on the wagon for 2 or more days and I still am not back in ketosis. The bottom line for me might be that it just isn't worth it. I have been totally strict with my carb counts, but still am not in the "zone". I thought that if I reached my goal, I would endulge every once in a while, but the truth is it is so hard to go back. Let me just tell you this, I love, LUV chocolate chip cookies! Love them. Get the picture? I do, and when my sweet neighbor brought some over, I ate them. All. That was my first cheating day anyway, so I didn't think anything of it...till they were gone and I couldn't stop thinking about them. So, the next day, I bought some and made some..and ate some..two nights in a row. Matt and I sat back and really enjoyed them just like we used to. It was greattt. The next day, I could hardly see how I could do without. So, a bad habit to get back into. I don't know if I will swear the bad stuff off all together, I am not really ready to commit to that. I have been doing this for a year and thought I could just jump off and get right back on. Not so much. <br /><br />Hopefully working out will help me see results faster than low carbing alone, then I will be super motivated to stay on the wagon. Ya think?iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-37573666289483767002009-02-01T18:13:00.000-08:002009-02-01T18:22:45.885-08:00yesterday...Yesterday, Matt and I had a date-night planned. We hired a sitter (someone Matt works with) and made plans to watch the UFC fight. Initially the plans were to include his friend, who was to be visiting-but he had canceled. We were excited to get out together anyway. Things didn't go as planned though.. apparently Saturday nights are busy places causing a pretty lengthy wait for food or drink. Who knew? (I probably shouldn't have waited to eat-trying to save up a calorie allowance for the meal I intended on comsuming) So, we missed the fight, but enjoyed the night listening to some local music venue. <br /><br />On our way out the door though, at 8:30, there was a knock at the door. Actually it was the doorbell, but the knock part sounded better. It was a neighbor, who learned we had visited her church. She brought cookies. Chocolate chip cookies that is..my ultimate weakness. Anyway, she was super sweet and I was super touched that she would come out that late on a chilly night to welcome us to the neighborhood and to the church. Her gesture was greatly appreciated and included those still warm, fresh baked, homemade cookies. They were gone before we hit the sack. By the way. In case you wondered. Which I thought you might.iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-72120921023062436912009-01-29T10:13:00.000-08:002009-01-29T19:34:26.680-08:00Please Pray<div align="justify">Updated to add: <a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/levisuhr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/levisuhr</a></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I need your support on something guys. We visited a lovely church this past Sunday and at the end of the service a family was brought up front to ask for the congregation's prayers in a matter concerning their toddler boy. This beautiful baby boy has a tumor in his eye and they were having it checked out this week. He and his family are down in NC at Duke. As it turns out, the tumor was cancer and they are having to remove the baby's eye! I am so so sad for this family and they are asking for prayer that the other eye remain cancer free. They are also checking to be sure there is no cancer in his spine. What this family is going through right now, and what this baby must endure in the next few weeks is incredible. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Please take a moment and pray with me about this. I just saw this baby on Sunday, he is a real little boy and this is a real suffering family. Although I do not know them personally, my heart is very heavy with this burden. Please, just pray for him. I don't even know his name but God knows. </div>iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-64577437415752872322009-01-20T16:01:00.000-08:002009-01-20T16:06:57.309-08:00Just sharing the wealth!Most avid sales hunters already know what I am about to tell you, but I wanted to be sure to pass it along!<br /><br />End of Season clearance is going on everywhere-this we know! Specifically though, you may be interested to know:<br /><br />The Children's Place has fantastic deals going right now-3.50 a shirt for the coolest little man clothes! 4.50-5.00 for girl's sweaters too! <br /><br />The Disney Store has winter items marked way down-Sleeping Beauty Scarf for 2.99! Fleece and warm, and just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">princessy</span> enough for our little toddler girls..<br /><br />Macy's-Casual lounge pants in cream, gray and black for 4.99! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Junior's</span> dept, but they are cool and they fit! <br /><br />It's a good time to stock up on next year's winter <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">apparel</span>, that's for sure! Those prices beat any <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">wal</span>-mart, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tj</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">maxx</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">marshall's</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ross</span> deals for sure! <br /><br />Let me know what deals you are finding!iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-71007906308599388762009-01-18T20:49:00.000-08:002009-01-18T21:09:03.590-08:00drum roll please...Yes, he wants it. Unbelievable. Unsolicited, and unbelievable. We are thrilled and relieved. There is a lot to do and wait for, for the formal offer and all that stuff..but overall he fully intends to buy the house and it will perfectly suit his needs. Also, his son just went off to Iraq yesterday, so say a prayer for him (I don't know his name) as you read this if you would please. <br /><br />I hope you know, what is so apparent to me..only God could arrange these circumstances. I don't believe in coincidence. I believe in a Big, Personal, God, who cares about all the insignificant details of our little lives. Mostly I believe that He has a plan for us, for our family and we have to be in a certain position to be free from debt so we can do certain things..whatever they may be. We have open hearts where this is concerned, but I couldn't refrain from mentioning such an important factor in this. You see, where we were just 6 months ago, compared to where we will be in 6 more months is astounding. We went from just living, and drowning in our financial obligations and creating debt in order to survive and buy food for our family, to being nearly completely free from all debt. At some point just over a year ago, Matt and I really began seeking God and His will for our lives. Not knowing for sure what it could be, we really stepped out in faith in moving here. It could have been disastrous, if our renters left us high and dry, we may have had to move back without jobs, to try to hang onto the house and not end in ruin. We just didn't know. Who knew? We'll see how things turn out, but I am confident that none of this (positive circumstance) is any result of any single thing I did or ever did in effort to save us financially. And to me, that is astounding. It was such a fluke, that he even found us..such a fluke. I also believe that evil is out there. I truly believe that when God has a plan and you are heading in that direction, you will face opposition. To me, it is inevitable..and I see every little thing that comes up that could deter the course or screw with it in any way as opposition. Realizing this, I have to keep myself in check, being ready and prepared to deal with these things in a much better way than I am usually accustomed. Which is, total freak out. Seriously. I just have to see it for what it is. <br /><br />This is just stuff pouring out of my brain, you may not agree on all of these things, but I have to say it. It's truth to me. <br /><br />So, great news. I hope you are having just as lovely a weekend. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers throughout this, I appreciate every single one!<br /><br />The kids got to see two sets of grandparents today (Matt's parents are divorced and remarried and live within a few miles from our old house). We told Madison she would see her grandparents, but as we drove home, she was quick to mention that she didn't get to see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">allll</span> her grandparents, cause she didn't get to see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">grammy</span> and papa (my parents). I thought that was sweet. Hopefully soon, we will.<br /><br />By the way, we were recently introduced to Dave Ramsey's book, it's a christian perpective and guide on finance and fantastic. The point is simply, acquire no debt. If you can't afford it in cash, don't buy it until you can. This generation is far from adjusted to the notion of waiting, for anything. We were in that boat. We see things differently and are in agreement to follow these principals. Once we are free from our debts, we will work on paying off car loans as quickly as we can. Be slave to no creditor. That is what it is about...so, pick up a copy-or let me share mine..and we can send it all around.iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-90595594468093803702009-01-16T10:15:00.000-08:002009-01-16T10:21:44.872-08:00You won't believe it!I don't know if you remember, but we were desperately trying to sell our house for about 2 years. We had showing after showing, to no avail. We finally found a renter, so we could get out from under that ginormous monthly payment.<br /><br />We made the choice to move to VA knowing that our renter could skip out at any point, or just not renew their lease and we'd have to figure out what to do at that point. Well, we had a gentleman contact us out of the clear blue sky who was interested in buying the house. Very interested. We agreed on the price and spoke with our tenant about the possibility of them terminating their lease early for us and giving up their right to purchase. At first, they were completely resistant. The prospective "buyer" was persistant and asked us to offer different scenarios to the tenant. I was very skeptical of his accepting any of the terms, since none were in his best interest. I will tell you, I was floored when I read his response this morning, as he was gracisouly accepting some of the terms and willing to work with us, while giving up his right to purchase at a crazy reduced price. So, we are driving this weekend to show the home to the prospective dude. I am hopeful and overwhelmed that all of this happened so suddenly and unexpectedly. We have no agent and no agent fees! So, we were able to offer a very nice price and still be able to pay off the loans on the house. Keeping my fingers crossed from this point forward. Say a prayer for us.iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-89800707134740125032009-01-14T05:45:00.000-08:002009-01-14T06:07:53.797-08:00Madison and DrewMadison, what a girl she is. I don't think you could possibly cram any more princessy, pink, girlie-ness into one tiny body. This girl is not happy unless she is wearing a princess dress, princess shoes and a tiara of some sort. She carries one of her various wands with her throughout the house about 90% of every day. As soon as we get in the house from an outting, she begins removing every article of clothing only to be replaced with a dress and jewels of some sort. Similarly, as soon as we venture down the stairs in the morning she does the same thing. She loves sleeping beauty and recently has developed a new fascination with barbie princess stories. I can totally see her as a ballerina in a year or so, she loves anything feminine. <br /><br />Drew on the other hand, is all boy. Apart from trying on tiaras or playing with Madison's beauty salon items, he is all boy. He is fascinated by balls. At night, he doesn't go to sleep in his crib with a stuffed animal, he has in arm a small football or a basketball, or even a full sized basketball! He sleeps with a ball every night! How funny is that? Tucked under his little arm is usually a football, night or day. Football and basketball, but baseball will do. He gets excited to see them on his jammies, or clothing. When he hears football on tv, he whips around and declares in a loud, deep, tot-voice "BA BALLLL!" He throws his hands up and yells, "TOUCH DOWWWNN!" He received a little tikes basketball goal for Christmas and every day he drags it into the living room while insisting, "Hoops, hoops" so he can play a little b-ball. He's got an arm too, let me tell ya. He isn't even 2 yet, but he can sink every basket he throws wherever he may be in proximity to the net. He tries to do it sitting and laying down too. Don't get me wrong, he's not just a little toughie. He is very sensitive too. He holds stuffed animals and sings rock-a-bye-baby to them. He kisses and hugs them. He often responds quickly when I feign tears in effort to win his kisses. He's a sweet boy, for sure. But he loves any kind of ball and something in me swells with pride when I see him enjoying these things, I don't know why. I don't particularly care for sports, but if he were playing, I would be at every game. <br /><br />Raised in the same household, with the same adoring parents...how can kids be so different? It's like they were pre-programmed to gravitate towards these gender-specific identities. I have no doubt, our subtle prodding along the way has encouraged the roles to develop. Matt always putts Madison in bed with a kiss, and calls her his little princess. So, from day one, she has had this whispered to her every day. Drew, I don't know where the ball thing happened. I think we encouraged his interest with proud clapping and praise, and it just grew. Even very small, he was interested in balls like this. Matt thinks it is because he watched and spoke of sports often, even before Drew's birth. Could be. Who knows. All I know is that I adore the precious monkeys more than anything.iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-82431618708855576692009-01-10T06:58:00.000-08:002009-01-10T07:07:34.347-08:00Better.Today is a better day. Actually the last few have been better. I have a problem of being completely over-emotional about anything negative. Sadly, I don't have the same reaction to positives. I wish I did. I'd love to feel overjoyed or over-excited over something to the same degree I feel negative emotions. I just don't and never have. <br /><br />I feel like I am still recovering from such an emotional storm. It has completely wiped me out physically. I have been more bloblike than I usually am. I don't like that. I want my zest back. I want to do exciting and fun things with the kids, I just don't have it in me right now. The blob-part takes over. <br /><br />Work has been better and less, which is better too. I was going in so often, I couldn't catch my breath. Couldn't get anything done at home, which always puts a cloud over me. Now, things have settled and we have nothing going on at all and I find myself almost underwhelmed instead. <br /><br />Matt and I have made amends, and I am thankful. I am thankful he can (after several days and much chocolate) break through my wall of anger the way he does. He's probably the only one who could, or who would bother to try.iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-25408025763394411842008-12-24T21:22:00.000-08:002008-12-24T21:31:17.543-08:00Merry Christmas Everyone!<div align="center">I do hope you all have a lovely and SAFE Christmas! </div><div align="center">Try to relax and enjoy the moments with your family. </div><div align="center">Don't forget to charge your camera or the video camera,</div><div align="center">especially before you drive to grandma's house! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Remember though, who it was that began this blessed tradition..Jesus. </strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Also, remember what His purpose was, to save us all. </strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>He did that. </strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>For you. For me.</strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Tomorrow, after the kids have ripped into their new treasures </strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>and you have picked up allll the paper and bows...</strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>and boxes....</strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong> and those little wirey things that hold the toys into their packaging</strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong> (which I hate),</strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Don't forget to whisper: Happy Birthday to Jesus!</strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong></strong></span></em> </div><div align="center"> </div>iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-58149664081195616252008-12-12T10:34:00.001-08:002008-12-12T10:40:50.783-08:00settlingSo, we're all moved in, and have been for several weeks. I love this area so far. We have met some really nice people randomely and interestingly. We *tried out* a church last week and although it was really cool and contemporary, the pastor lacked the warmth we had grown accustomed to with our last pastor. So, we will continue seeking and following the subtle clues God seems to direct our way. <br /><br />I have been looking for an evening job for like 2 years or something..finally I found one. Not that I particularly want to work after working at home all day, but I know our family needs me to. I'll be working in the mall=cool for me. With panties and things..so you can guess where it will be. The only problem is the pay, I haven't made so little since I was 16 and it hurts. It really hurts. I am desperate, both for the fundage and to get out of the house a bit. Anyway, this is a very good thing overall and I start TOnight. It's been 2 years since I worked outside the home, so it'll be a transition. Yeesh.iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-11623756042172078182008-12-10T07:55:00.000-08:002008-12-10T07:55:19.842-08:00<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BXYyxPuv-iI/ST_mZvuzjGI/AAAAAAAAAZE/E5BbF9QEX4k/s1600-h/weightlosscont.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BXYyxPuv-iI/ST_mZvuzjGI/AAAAAAAAAZE/E5BbF9QEX4k/s320/weightlosscont.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-33933548139862299042008-12-03T17:06:00.000-08:002008-12-03T17:07:35.922-08:00ours<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BXYyxPuv-iI/STctPzsSh4I/AAAAAAAAAY8/HN4kcixMpjg/s1600-h/IMG_9614.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275735238085085058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BXYyxPuv-iI/STctPzsSh4I/AAAAAAAAAY8/HN4kcixMpjg/s320/IMG_9614.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-88708723051522495242008-12-03T14:31:00.000-08:002008-12-03T14:44:27.702-08:00My lil secret...shhh, I am about to let you in on something. Keep in mind, that I am in a very vulnerable state just now-so don't judge!<br /><br />I totally may have told you this before, but here it goes again: I am scared of the dark. Seriously, I am and I can't help it! <br /><br />So, you know we moved, and we like our home, and it's old and yada yada...well the fact that we are in a new place, and it's old, add those both together and they equal an even scarier darkness! Seriously people. <br /><br />Matt left me here, all alone. Sure, it's work and he couldn't tell his boss, "I can't go, sorry-my wife is scared of the dark and will have a heart attack before bed each night if I'm not there.." So, not only am I wrangling kids all day with no relief to greet me at 4:30 or so each evening...I am alone! Like, scared-allbymyself-crouched-in-a-corner-with-my-eyes-darting-wildly-back-and-forth-to-be-sure-there-are-no-boogie-men-about-to-suck-my-blood! THAT kind of alone. I don't know what it is, but morning comes and I am totally fine, like every other day. My kids keep me company, mostly. I do what I need to do and get everything ready for the evening. THEN they go to bed, and fall asleep, and it's so so quiet. Like, I hear things creaking and don't like it, kind of quiet. Creepy. Matt would kill me if he knew how many lights I am leaving on in his absense, but come on-I have no CHOICE! As soon as it gets dark and the house is quiet, I start feeling extremely paranoid. Paranoid that things, don't ask what kinds of things though, are lurking behind every shower curtain, or window. I NEVER look out the window at night, cause I don't want to KNOW if something is looking back! I have always, always had these *paranoias* and thought I found a solution: my life companion, ie my husband..but I never thought he would ever leave me alone. But he does. Cause he's a big meanY! <br /><br />Moriah had to finish her semester in NC, so she isn't here to hold me.<br /><br />Are you scared of anything?iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-13631821505507579102008-12-01T18:32:00.000-08:002008-12-01T18:36:16.829-08:00I have to encourage you to go over <a href="http://www.righterpublications.com/index.htm">HERE</a> and read this magazine. It is really fantstic and I just wanted to share it. If you go to that link and read through each article, I think you will really get a lot out of it, like I did!<br /><br />You know how sometimes you just want to pass on a good bit of advice, or information you pick up along the way? That's what I'd like to pass on to you. Consider it a gift. You're welcome.<br /><br />Now, some advice that I would love to hear from YOU is this: WHERE on EARTH can you find replacement tent poles for children's toy tents?? HALP!iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-6239406593271074332008-11-29T14:15:00.000-08:002008-11-29T14:16:03.464-08:00Pictures for YOUHere is the link to the pictures of the house to satisfy all the ladies' requests..:) : <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mandyg6931/House1108?authkey=qk5YKcCIjFA">http://picasaweb.google.com/mandyg6931/House1108?authkey=qk5YKcCIjFA</a># The draperies were already here, but we really like them. One think I find hilarious and perfectly lazy is the fact that the blinds are controlled by remote control! Har. I love the old door knobs and the keyholes in every door. One skeleton key fits all, but they aren't very functional since all the layers of paint makes things stick.<br /><br />I thought because there were so many businesses near me, finding a job would be a snap. I was wrong! I am prayerfully seeking something that fits our needs, but haven't heard a peep yet.<br /><br />Madison is so excited about decorating and every time she sees something Christmassy, she says it's for Jesus' Birthday Party! I think that's about as precious as an almost 3 year old can get!<br /><br /> Hope you all have a great weekend!iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189179749337018450.post-61457213976632269962008-11-24T19:28:00.000-08:002008-11-24T19:32:40.600-08:00We're hereWe are all settled in VA and it wasn't that bad! The move, the everything, it wasn't that bad. Or, it was worth it, I think that is how I feel. It was so, totally worth it all. I love it here already. There is SO much to do around here, after being so deprived of options I am in a prime position to appreciate the little things. We are renting a lovely little place and are very happy with our choice. I have high speed internet again, thank goodness. <br /><br />So, the task of the day has been acquiring job applications and fill them all out. It's tedious, but necessary. I am looking at retail work for the hours I am available. Wish me luck.<br /><br />My mom came by to see us yesterday and check out the city, the kids were terrible, but it was still nice to visit. Tomorrow we have to go back to NC, Moriah has a class she cannot miss. It'll be an all-day affair, unfortunately...<br /><br />Have a lovely week all.iheartchocolatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506809401305000430noreply@blogger.com4