Disney...we'll be there soon!!

All I can say after a LOOOOOOOOONG Wednesday is...

Disney World...we're coming...VERY soon!

DISNEY COUNTDOWN~31 Days!!!!

Warmer Weather on It's Way...

So, today we are inside...the girls were out on Sunday in the rain alot, so they both have runny noses and we have enough "stuff" inside to do anyway! They did "crafts" this morning...watching a little TV, and then lunch together...

This week we are going to the first screening for Kindergarten for Carissa!! I have written about this on Facebook, but not so much here. I am overwhelmed with feelings about Carissa starting school this next fall! I never thought I would feel this way, but I am really sad and excited for her all at the same time! I know she will to well, behave, and blossom--but I just can't believe she's ready for school (all day Kindergarten!!)

Well, this is the last time I want to think about it until August...I've got the whole summer with her and we will have fun doing everything!!! We are excited about planting flowers, trying our hand at a vegetable garden, and just "being" outside!!!

I have 3 more weeks of school, then graduation, dance recitals, zoo trip, and then vacation!!!!!!!

DISNEY COUNTDOWN~32 days!

Rough Draft of Portfolio--DONE!

So, it may have taken a lot of work pulling it together, but I have my rough (first) draft of my FINAL PORTFOLIO done!! Just saved it, have a meeting about it on Tuesday afternoon, and ready to finish up the rest of my work for the semester...it feels like just getting the portfolio done has lifted a huge weight off me!

We spent this morning outside, napped this afternoon, and then were outside again this evening. Cooked out on the grill, ate together, and just hung around the house today...

We have tried to take the "down" days and just spend them at home--not constantly running around trying to get as much done as we can!

I got to have an evening out with two friends last night--we ate together in Decatur, walked around Target, and then visited over a Starbucks frappucino (Strawberries and Creme--that makes it healthy,right? :) It was a nice evening, but I was happy to get home and see my girls!

We are off to Bloomington tomorrow afternoon to meet Joe's family--it's supposed to rain, but we will at least be able to visit for a little bit!

DISNEY COUNTDOWN~34 Days...right?!?!?!

Finally, two nice days in a row!

Whew!! I was starting to wonder if God had forgotten that it was almost the end of April?!?! I know He works in His time, but I will be one of the first people to say--THANK YOU...for letting us enjoy yesterday and today before Saturday/Sunday's rain. The girls had a playdate, picnic lunch, and LOTS of time outside yesterday. No naps, so they were asleep quite early last night.

I accomplished alot of paperwork yesterday...

-ordered VBS material

-got more than 1/2 way through my portfolio "stuff"

-scheduled a meeting to discuss my portfolio questions

-paid some bills...

-met with the "craft lady" for VBS and compiled our order for "Oriental Trading" supplies/craft kits!

-AND aside from paperwork, got all the laundry sorted and put away in the proper rooms...THAT is a HUGE accomplishment for me--usually I just reach into the basket and take what I need from all the clean, folded-yet not put away basket!

The girls got to help Dad with some yard work yesterday and doing the same for a little bit right now--but then they get a nap this afternoon! Grandma is coming to visit, eat supper with them, and stay while Mom (me) gets to meet some friends in Decatur for a belated Birthday dinner for one of them! Once we all became Moms, we have a difficult time coordinating a good time to meet--but its only 3 weeks after her birthday--that's not TOO bad, right?

Hope everyone's enjoying this BEAUTIFUL day...

DISNEY COUNTDOWN~36 DAYS!!!!!

WOW!

**Disclaimer: This is not my desk, but if I had one it may look like this!!

I just realized HOW MUCH work I have to get done in the next 4 weeks...

-4 reading reports (about 150 pages of reading--about Revelation!), read 10 entries of a website and write a summary of the entries, 7-10 reflection paper on "discipleship" in Revelation, and Old Testament readings!!!

-An independent study for Church studies (1 credit hour is missing in my grad requirements!!!) due May 1st

-My final portfolio for my college degree--1st draft due the end of next week and the final draft due before graduation (May 16th)

-Along with the everyday activities at home, church, and other areas of my life......

I know I can make it, but I just want to do well at everything...I need 2 days to myself to get a BIG chunk of this done...

Anyone wanna babysit for two days????? And clean, cook, and take care of my house for me???????

DISNEY COUNTDOWN: 39 days!

Distractions or Only Short Delays...

I've been busy, but sometimes it doesn't even seem like I've gotten anything done...does anyone else feel like that? I want so badly to be done with so much stuff, I find my mind wandering off...being distracted by the internet...breaking up arguments between the girls...cleaning...laundry...cooking...bathing children...cleaning up after children...

I wouldn't exchange any of this for any amount of money, but I just want to be focused...any suggestions? Should I give up blogging? Facebook? Unfortunately, I use these outlets to take time away from schoolwork, but I end up spending too much time here or there...

Just so excited about Graduation, The Girls' Dance Recital, and MOST excited about DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's hoping the weather gets better this week...it's supposed to, but who knows anymore!


DISNEY COUNTDOWN: 40 days!!!!!!!!!

Easter Extravaganza Weekend

Every time I paint, I mean when Joe and I paint, I forget just how long it takes to clean, prep, and prime the walls! I just want to "jump right in" and get the color on the wall. Today, upon returning from Lincoln, I finished cleaning the wall in the dining room, sanded it, and put primer up. I won't be painting it until tomorrow...LIKE I said, a lot of prep work for painting!

We got to visit with my parents, my brother and sister-in-law last night and this morning--very nice visit--wish we could do it more often. We are ALL always so busy, but it is great to get together and spend time just talking...

Since getting home, we have discovered that our weekend is definitely going to be a BUSY Easter weekend...Joe had Good Friday service tonight, dress rehearsal for the play afterwards, the play tomorrow night/with a visiting time following, Sunrise service at 7:30 am, Easter Breakfast (coordinated by yours truly), and the second performance of the Easter play for church @ 10am, and then OUT to brunch--that's right, not cooking after this whirlwind!!!!!!

Hope everyone is enjoying time together with friends, family, and the meaning behind this season--Our Savior...

Color, color, color

Today and tonight, Joe and I painted the master bathroom and scrapped the wallpaper/glue off the dining room wall...a lot of work, but the bathroom is done and looks GREAT--even if I do say so myself. The dining room will be pretty too, once the painting is done! It always seems like such an easy task, but once it gets started it feels like it will never be done--you know what I mean?

I have started working on my Final Portfolio for Graduation...its a little harder than I thought because we got a new computer halfway through my schooling, so I will be searching through two different computers for my documents!!! ARGHHHHH

The girls got to go to an Easter egg hunt at a local nursing home--the residents just loved watching the kids look for the eggs!! Its so nice that we live in a community where we can be a part of so many peoples' lives on a daily basis.

Today I walked 2 miles on the treadmill--for those of you who know me, this is HUGE!!! I have now been able to work up my time and distance over the last few days and I'm very happy with myself. I haven't lost any weight recently, but I know I'm getting into better shape, physically, than I have been in quite awhile. I don't mean to "toot" my own horn, but I just want to be able to play with my kids and chase after them too!

Well, enjoy the weather if its nice where you are and remember the reason for "the season" this coming weekend...

Countdown to Disney: 44 days!!

Ahhhh...the Signs of Spring...really?!

So, yesterday it rained and then we had some thunderstorms. Last night it started to get cooler...and this morning there was a light dusting of snow on the ground (for the second Sunday in a row!) Then throughout the morning there were periods of snow flurries, sun, snow flurries, and now just a cloudy afternoon...

Spring is supposed to have rain showers: "April showers bring May flowers" No snow is in that statement! Oh well! Its been an interesting weather week, but I am definitely looking forward to the weather warming up by the weekend! Easter is always a tough one to figure out because you never know if its going to be cold or warm--and they don't make warm Easter dresses for little girls! So, I've purchased the little white sweaters to have on "standby" and we are awaiting a visit with Brian and Sarah on Thursday evening/Friday morning...time with family and friends during this amazing season of remembering God's love for us...

DISNEY COUNTDOWN: 47 days!!!!!

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

When we were in Target on Tuesday night, the girls got to pick 5 things from the "Dollar Bins" at the entrance. This is partly due to bribing them to behave (each time they do something wrong, a thing goes back) but partly so they are able to learn to pick things that they want or will use!!!

Today, I opened two of their items--GLOW IN THE DARK STAR STICKERS! I've always wanted these and I was probably more excited about them than they were! Oh well...so I put them up today and now I just want it to be dark enough to see if they really work. We have textured ceilings, so they are on the wall, but I think it will look pretty cool!

Spring is still showing through today--not too cool, not too cloudy. Babysitting for little bit today and then another night at home--I could really get used to this! Volunteering at Carissa's school tomorrow and then SHOPPING on Saturday!!!!! WooHoo!!!!!!

I want to be "Super Mom"

I want to want to clean! Why can't I just like to clean? Is there anyone out there who really likes to clean? If there is anyone, please advise...

I want a clean house, laundry done/put away, carpets vacuumed, and dinner easy to do!!! What's it gonna take? WAIT--I've got it--I should hire a maid, but one that will work for free--or at least the same pay as me (hugs, kisses, smiles, and "I love you's") I just can't seem to find the website that has anyone that does the housework and cooking for FREE?

Sorry, selfish day...I want to be that "SUPER MOM" but I'm just not feeling it today. I want to be happy, excited to exercise, and enjoy the day but I know it won't happen! I am slowly accepting the fact that I probably won't be Super Mom, but I am happy with being MOM.

Anniversary and RAIN!!!

After becoming a Mom, I truly understand the following statement: "I am SO looking forward to summer--the kids can be outside and run!"

This weather has really dampered the true "spring" feeling we like to have, hasn't it? The kids can be outside in 60-degree weather one day and then its cold the next...

Yesterday was pretty nice--today its pouring down rain! The girls are pretty content to be inside and we are going to visit my Mom up in Springfield anyway. She had minor surgery, but will be in the hospital overnight...nothing major, but they just want to observe her for 24 hours.

So, today we spend time with family--today Joe and I celebrate 8 years of marriage...and we will spend it with our girls--enjoying our time together!!!!

Oh, these Midwest Weather Weekends...

So, today was the perfect example of "Midwest Weather" because starting yesterday we had rainstorms, thunderstorms, sleet, and then by morning we had a pretty decent dusting of snow! The girls thought they should be able to build a snowman, but by the time church was out there wasn't much of the white stuff left! Oh well, they'll be happier with the warmer weather tomorrow...hence the second part of the "Midwest Weather" because tomorrow it is supposed to be in the 60's...

Tonight the girls and I ordered a pizza, had some popcorn with the pizza and are relaxing at home tonight...well, they are--but I am still trying to finish up a paper for tomorrow night's class.

We did get to make a purchase for the parsonage this weekend...a new fridge!!! So exciting and it gets delivered on Wednesday!!!!!

Hope everything is going well for everyone! I hope to get a bit of cleaning done tomorrow and actually PUTTING the laundry away that I'm always doing....ugh!!

Graduation is right around the corner...

Okay, so this entry will sound selfish, but...I just gotta say it!

In exactly 51 days, I will be graduating from college...FINALLY. I can't believe its almost here, I can't believe it took me SO long to do it, and overall--I'M JUST PLAIN EXCITED!!!! I am working on my last paper for my second to last class and I am so not focused it is killing me! I want to do it, be done with it--but still do it right. I just can't focus. I have A LOT of paperwork to do before the actual week of graduation, but I just SOOOOO badly want to be done--NOW. I know its close, but I just can't believe its this close...

On to other things--I've been putting a lot of time into figuring out new and great things for our preschool program, working on Vacation plans (here and there), and basically just running a constant "countdown" in my mind...What will I have to countdown to after I'm done with college classes????

Well, the day is nice enough to be outside this afternoon, so that is what we will be doing when the girls wake up from their naps--until then...I WILL WRITE!

BTW...DISNEY countdown is 57 days!!!!!!!!!!!

When did I get old enough to be excited about...

Okay, I'm leading this post off with this disclaimer...

**I'M OLD, AND GET EXCITED ABOUT SUCH "UNCOOL" STUFF**

Today, we purchased a new vacuum cleaner--A Dyson! We did not pay full price, we did not get he newest model, and we mulled over the decision for quite some time. We really needed a new one and I'm excited that it has a 5 year warranty and an excellent reputation. So, despite my explanation, I still can't believe I got one!

We had a great time visiting with friends in Champaign last night and today...got to swim, play cards, and visit after a good amount of time of not seeing each other for awhile. I feel like with friends that don't live within an hour's drive should have a "time together" at least once a year. Friendships grow stronger when time together is so great!

Well, I'm signing off...can't remember the last time I got enough sleep to feel rested...but between tonight's sleep and a possible Sunday afternoon nap, I should be good to go for the week ahead!

DISNEY COUNTDOWN--61 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesdays and the Craziness...

Today is another beautiful day...hope everyone gets to enjoy it! Hopefully the rain will hold off for a little while

The girls are resting now, outside to play before dance/ballet/tumbling, supper and the 2nd to last night of Wednesday night church...

I'm trying to work ahead on my homework, so I can have the weekend off to enjoy! So, this will be a short entry.

DISNEY COUNTDOWN: 64 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!

St. Patrick's Day...

Well, we all wore green, had something green at lunch (white grapes--but they're really green, right?), and we played outside and enjoyed the beautiful day we were blessed with...

I didn't have classroom class last night, but had to do some online stuff during the day. So, today I felt refreshed enough to start next week's homework already!!! That has to be crazy for me, right? Oh, well--now I only have two papers to do before next Monday (as well as the two articles for the writing!)

Oh...and I'm pest control "expert" this evening...I killed the biggest, ugliest spider I have ever seen (outside of those creepy ones in the zoo) I tried to figure out what kind it was...this is the only picture I could find that closely resembled the dead body I have in a baggie!!! Wanted to keep it just in case it was a "bad" spider!

Merry-Go-Round, Merry-Go-Jocelyn!!!!

Ahhhhhhhh....the warmer weather is here for at least a few days.

We took our picnic lunch to the park today....picked Carissa and Joe up from church and all four of us headed down to Kitchell Park. It was sunny enough to keep us warm, enough time to eat, and then off to play!

Carissa and Jocelyn did the "see-salt" (see saw--from Joce) and then we headed over to the merry-go-round. The girls always love this, but I always caution Joe on the speed that he gets it going to...and today, it was TOO fast. Jocelyn was securely holding on and suddenly slipped to the edge and off she went...BUT WAIT, she didn't let go! She held on, almost parrallel to the ground just long enough that Joe caught her on the first "free spin" of her life. She seemed fine enough to get down off the merry-go-round and head for the easier task of swinging. She stayed on the swing until we walked over by the water before heading home. She amazes me that she is so strong, yet so daring!!!! She's gonna give me a heart attack someday, I can just feel it!

Saturday...not really a day of rest around here...

I am bound and determined to make Spring start! I stripped the beds this morning, changed the girls' comforter from the flannel one to the Spring/Summer one, washed our comforter and hung it out to dry (actually sunny enough to do it!) and did alot of laundry. Everyone ALWAYS comments about my status on Facebook, because I always say I'm doing laundry and homework--BUT to be honest, that's what I do outside of taking care of the family!!!!! So close to being done with college and relaxing a little this summer...

The countdown to Disney World is...68 days! I am SUPER excited and I know the girls are too, because they keep looking through the Birnbaum book and finding new things they want to do this time around!

Joe was in a meeting this morning and the girls watched "A Bug's Life" this morning in their pj's until I finally had them get dressed about 10:30! It was a relaxing morning for them, that's for sure. Did a little reading and writing this morning and this afternoon. Still have some work to finish up for Monday, but ahead of schedule compared to most other weekends!

Off to bed for now! Carissa did't take a nap today, so she's wiped out and Jocelyn is still "chatting" away with Daddy in the living room...

Really looking forward to spending some time outside this week with the warmer weather we're supposed to get! The girls go a little stir crazy when they only get a short time outside on the colder days...only 5 days til the FIRST DAY OF SPRING!

Cupcake Party Friday!

The girls (Carissa, Jocelyn and Kylie--the little girl I babysit for) have talked all week about having a "party" together. So, today while the older two were at school, I baked cupcakes and this afternoon I iced them the colors that they all like...

After their naps, they will get to decorate them with sprinkles and partake in the "party cupcakes" they have been promised...

I hope everyone has a great Friday!

Spring has Sprung...

So, I am going to try harder to update my blog instead of always going directly to Facebook for awhile...I think.

Life is pretty crazy right now, but I am loving just about every minute of it. I've been wrapping up classes in time for my college graduation (actually 10 years after when it "should" have been), babysitting more than I had in the beginning, watching my girls become more and more like "little ladies", running them around everywhere, and really looking foward to having the summer free of homework. I am excited to focus my energy on organizing, purging, and an overall "OVERHAUL" of the house. I need to get rid of so much, have a great BIG garage sale, and my new goal for this summer (or maybe a start at least) is to learn more about gardening. I never thought that I would want to do it--but I am REALLY looking forward to it. I want one of those yards that everyone drives past and says, "Wow! That's beautiful!" I don't know if it will be like that this summer, but I'm willing to start the learning process this spring/summer. I want something that I can walk out and look at and say, "I did that" and feel proud of it all. I know I have plenty to be proud of, but I just want something that I can really "dig" into and work on over the next few years. Do you know what I mean? Granted, I don't have a huge yard (heck, its not even mine--its the parsonage) but I want to try and make it something nice to sit out in and enjoy the view and smells of the beautiful flowers.

If anyone has ANY advice, let me know! I am truly looking forward to the next few months and hope everyone is as excited for Spring as I am!!!!!

Enjoy the nice weather we shoudl be getting in the next few days here in the midwest!

Mickey, Minnie, and all the Princesses in Disney World...we're coming back!!

Yep, we are going back to Disney World in May! I'm so excited, the girls are excited, and we will love it all over again...

Don't know when we'll take a vacation like this again, but my parents are going with us too! I think it will be alot of fun, less driving (because we're flying), and more time to take in the stuff we didn't do last time.

I won't start the countdown until a little later...but just know, its a week after I graduate and that is something I'm also looking forward to!!!!

Our Little Solution For This FREEZING day...

The girls love to lay on the inflatable bed we have, so since its such a cold day...we will play!!

Hope everyone is staying warm today...its actually above 0 right now!!! It only took until 10:30

...And after the Holidays, you have...

I'm not a big fan of "resolutions" but I'd like to think I can make commitments. Over a year ago, I embarked on the "weight-loss train" but it quickly derailed--somewhere around July 2008. Fortunately, there are trains to "get back on" and I'm getting on one tomorrow. We have registered to be a part of a "Biggest Losers" competition sponsored by the local hospital. We named our team Hungry, Hungry Hippos. How funny is that?!?!

So, the Mollet Family is taking a BIG step tomorrow...we are changing our diet and somewhat our "way" of life. Our life will be better, stronger, and HEALTHIER. The girls are getting so active and I sometimes feel that I can't keep up. I have not always struggled with weight and being in shape--but, I just don't know where it went wrong?! Our goal is to lose at least 20 pounds by May--but my plan is to lose more than that! We purchased a treadmill and I'm using--even if it wears me out!! I started tonight, butthen I ate--way too much! So, I will need to use all the willpower I can muster to get started and stay on the path--to BETTER health.

In other news, I am so close to being done with my undergraduate degree--I can almost feel it! January and February are going to be tough, but we'll get through it and celebrate in May...

Christmas is done, decorations are down, and we are cleaning house this winter. We are working on our utility room and extra room (turning it into a playroom for the girls). Now that I have one garage sale under my belt, I am ready to do another one this Spring. We will be getting rid of stuff we haven't used, don't need anymore, and the things we keep trying to say "oh, we'll use this or that sometime" because we're not doing it. I am putting my foot down and getting rid of a lot of stuff and getting organized!!! Please feel free to leave suggestions--if you're an "organizedy" kind of person!

Happy New Year!

Christmas

Christmas is my FAVORITE time of the year! I love the reason for this season, the lights, the decorations, the giving spirit, and watching the joy on peoples' faces.

I know that this time of year does not come without its negative side too. Like the ads that basically try to make people think that there is no God, or the fighting that goes on while shopping for the "perfect" gift. But now is the time where we must show others the love of God--not the anger we may have that only lasts for a fleeting moment! It's always easier said than done, but times call for us to be the Christians that God wants us to be--ALL THE TIME!

We celebrated our two girls' birthdays this last month and I absolutely love to see them growing up, BUT I don't want it too happen too fast. I feel selfish saying that, but its true! Carissa is already to the age that she talks about "when I'm __ next year, I want..." I remember always saying things like that and my Mom would always say "Don't wish your life away" but I still tried to anyway. I know I have to let her grow up and I am trying to embrace her life as becoming her own--not what I may want for her to do or not do, but allow her to learn from mistakes as well as the good experiences. She is already showing a maturity because of her willingness to give some of her money (that she earns for raking leaves, no less!) to offering on Wednesday night church. Wow!!! I don't think I was that way at this age, but it's just great to see her growing up in so many ways.

Jocelyn, is an emotional roller coaster these days. She is so happy when she's happy and REALLY mad when she is unhappy. She is loving dance/tumbling/tap and is really good at it--she had such motivation to go (being potty trained first) to class, she loves going to see "Miss Jodi" every week in her dance outfits and all! Life is usually pretty good for Jocelyn--as long as its going her way! She is definitely the entertainer of the family--loves to sing, dance, tell "jokes" and enjoys the attention!!

Christmas is upon us and life is going full-speed ahead and all I want to do is just slow down and enjoy it! Enjoy the time you have with family, friends, and others in your lives...the time flies by too quickly!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

So, its Thanksgiving time again...

So, this is only the second year I will be making, serving, and recovering from a Thanksgiving dinner. We are staying home this Thanksgiving...it feels good to stay put for a holiday! Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with friends and family but I also like being at home, relaxing, and enjoying my own surroundings.

I'm always a little more sentimental around this time of the year because both of my girls were born after Thanksgiving--almost exactly two years apart. Life gets pretty crazy from this point on through New Year's, but it crazy FUN! Carissa and Jocelyn are really excited about their birthdays this year and equally as excited about Christmas.

I've got some of my Christmas shopping done already and already spent some of my own birthday money, but all around we are trying to save money to cover all the different people we buy for and cover traveling expenses too! I've been babysitting for about a month now and its been good so far. Carissa and Jocelyn have someone to play with besides each other and the little baby (whose 4 months old) is fun right now with his smiling and generally likes to be held--which is fine by me!

Well, that about sums up our lives right now. I have 5 classes left and will still hopefully graduate in May 2009--Lord willing (as my Grandma used to say!) and then I will be a little (just a little) less crazy.

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving holiday!

Blogs or Facebook?

That seems to be my big question right now! I check facebook all the time, but kinda forgot about my blog!!

Life in general is the same...we get up at the beginning of the week and start with Carissa's school, my classes, Joe's classes, and the girls' dance class!! They love it all and enjoying seeing Grandma and Papa every week.

Our goal over the next few weeks is to clear out the 2nd car part of our 2 car garage so we can actually use it for our second car...it is AMAZING how much stuff you accumulate over time. I want to have another garage sale in the next two weeks, but I just have to get it all organized again!

Hope everyone's enjoying this wonderful hot, cold, warm, cold, warm, and then cold again...ugh sinus infection!!!

It's September Already...

Well...school has started for Carissa. She is in her second year of preschool (late birthday) so she is at the same school with the same teacher. It was difficult for us to explain that she would have a new group of kids in her class. She seems to be adjusting well--but she's only had two days thus far.

Jocelyn and Carissa are taking dance classes this year!! Jocelyn had to be potty-trained before she could go and she waited until the week before--but she did it! They are in the same class and they are really both enjoying it all.

I have gotten back into the swing of things with classes and am really looking forward to finishing my degree--hopefully by May:) I will be very busy this year, but I am so excited about finally finishing college...

The weather has been great here in Illinois. The girls got a little bit of a cold, but it doesn't seem to slow them down. They have the energy that I dream of!! We are getting ready to take our annual trip to Brown County this coming weekend--I live for that weekend. It's just so great to get away, relax, and do a little bit of shopping~

Well, I will post some pictures after our weekend trip. We always have some good ones!

Tradition is Tradition, Right? Circa 1985

Brian, this is for you...

Carissa found a one dollar bill on the ground going into their favorite restaurant this past Tuesday...

If memory serves me, tradition is that the two girls have to share it, right...

Remember back to Anaheim, California, week of the NACC. We were walking down the steet by the convention center and I look down and find a twenty dollar bill on the ground. The excitement overcomes me, only to have my parents explain to me that I would have to split it with my brother!!! What?!?!?! I don't know how many times I got in trouble because I walked around looking at the ground and I finally have luck in doing it! And then I had to share it?!?!

Memories, memories...shouldn't they share it too?

Disney

Disney was Wonderful...

Here are some pictures

The girls did awesome and had so much fun with everything. They did great with the traveling, hot weather, and busy week of trying to see as much as their little eyes could take in!!

The countdown continues...

Well, we've come to the time where we will be leaving in less than two weeks!! I never thought it would get here and now it is almost time...

*Right now, we're preparing for our weekend garage sale!! I've never down one, but I definitely am hoping to get rid of a lot of clothes and other items...

*I've bought some clothes for the girls and just washed them and packed them right away--unfortunately the weather has been cooler so I haven't even had to take any of the "warm weather" clothes back out and put them to use.

*We are now only 12 days away from Florida and all it has to offer--and I don't know if you can tell, but I am pretty darn EXCITED!!!!!!!!

*We will be graduating our little Carissa from her first year of Pre-school and having the honor of watching her first tumbling, tap, and ballet shows next weekend. I can't believe that the school year is already coming to an end...She'll still have another year of pre-school since she's still too young for starting kindergarten next fall. We're happy she's made good friends and enjoying the whole learning process...

*Hope you all enjoy a little bit of a warmer week this week than last!!

What Do You Think?

I have never been formally trained in CHILD SAFETY, but I went ahead and determined that this would probably not be safe for the girls!!! We had ordered a new bed, but didn't realize that the box spring for their mattress set wouldn't fit too!!

It doesn't take much, but we can usually figure out that something will or will not be safe for the kids!

*Disclaimer: We did NOT keep the bed like this! We opted to have the bedside guards higher than the mattress. Now, what to do with a box spring?!?!

37 Days and Counting...

DISNEY is only 36 1/2 days away (now that I finally got the little picture to post!!)


So, I have tried to start working on GARAGE SALE stuff--and I never really understood just HOW difficult it is to find everything I need to purge, actually decide to get rid of my stuff, and getting it ORGANIZED in some kind of manner.

MOM--I've never had more respect for you in the time you put into each garage sale we had. I'm pretty much on my own doing it, so Joe can entertain the girls so they won't freak out when they see stuff that I am getting rid of. So many clothes don't fit, but I always hung out to it all!! What, did I think they would magically fit back into the clothes?!?!

I'm getting more and more excited about DISNEY (like anyone couldn't tell). I've bought some new clothes for the girls and just washed them and packed them into their respective suitcases. Maybe this will make the time fly by before we leave!

I have 3 more class sessions for the class I'm in now, and then I have a 9 week break--and I am READY!!! Its been great to get so many classes out of the way with LincUp, but I'm not going to lie--I'm ready for a break. I won't have to start back up until mid-July. I'll stay busy with VBS, church, outside play, bike riding, and lots of evening walks with the family...

I've done a lot of reflecting the past few months and I really feel like I'm adjusting to small town living. (I always thought Lincoln was small, but Pana is definitely smaller) It's nice to know a lot of the people, be able to let the girls play on the back deck, and be able to go for walks without a lot of traffic around. We're within about a mile of a great park and we've already been a few times--at least on the dry days!

I got to mow on Tuesday and I know it doesn't seem like a fun time--but I actually enjoy the time to just ride and think...We've stayed pretty busy, so when we do get some down time, we've been trying to keep up on yard work and cleaning up outside the parsonage.

I hope everyone else has been enjoying this nice weather we've had this week. I love opening the windows and enjoying the outside air coming in allowing that nice "clean" smell in the house.

Carissa's Doing Her Part...

Tonight, Carissa has her hair cut. I know some will not like my choice to let her do this, but she has said she wanted to do it.

Jamie (Carissa's "best friend") cut her hair tonight. She is donating her hair to allow someone else to have hair--who can't because of cancer treatment. We have very strong feelings about this cause, and felt like this is something that the girls can really learn from. They get to help someone else with something that they can give of themselves.

Here are few pictures...And she LOVES her haircut!!

Easter Eve, Easter Dresses, and Easter Searching

New Easter Dresses

Coloring Easter Eggs


Ready, Set, Go...

Searching For Easter Eggs...

Easter

Disney World Countdown: 64 days!!

Legos retrieved by the "Search and Rescue Troopers" a.k.a. Mom and Dad: 0

The first question out of Jocelyn's mouth when she wanted to play on Saturday--"Can I play with Legos?": PRICELESS

Well, Joce has yet to "show" us that she really did eat a lego...What can I say? She keeps us on our toes!! She has made a full recovery and is trying to get into trouble again with anything she can get her hands on!

Carissa is just ecstatic that her dance show is coming up at the end of May. She knows that we leave for Disney World after school and dance are over. She is still ever learning at Preschool and continues to be amazed by all the great things that Mrs. Ethridge teaches her!

The girls have learned about Jesus' death and I'm excited to hear them re-tell the resurrection story after church this Sunday...They learn and recite some of their lessons each week. I'm always listening when one of them tries to tell Papa about something they've learned and jumble it all up, but still make it a great story to listen to.

Enjoy this amazing season that we have to remind us of what our Heavenly Father has given us!

Legos, the Emergency Room, and Reflux?!?!

So, today Jocelyn told me that she "ate a ego" or translated--she ate a lego!! Now, needless to say this was not one of my shining great mother moments!!! Her voice had suddenly sounded different, so I tried to get her to cough--no change/drink water--no change...so I resorted to questioning her and she was adement that she swallowed a lego--a blue lego at that.

We spent a few hours here in Pana followed by an ambulance trip to Springfield. They did xrays and determined that they didn't want it to move and cause more problems. So, they put her under and "scoped" her and found--no lego. They did find that her throat was very irritated and they were pretty sure that she has reflux. We'll have her on medicine for awhile and see a doctor again and go from there. She did SO well after the procedure and made it home only getting sick once in the van. She's sleeping and should be back to normal in the next day or so. It's amazing how quickly kids recover...

"The Diaper Dance"

I know, I know--I should be posting a picture of Jocelyn trying to use the potty, but she is learning when to try and when to test me. Anyway, she thinks its funny when she has a wet diaper--she has a specific walk when she's too wet and now she has something we call

THE DIAPER DANCE!!!!!!!

Disney World Countdown: 92 days

Disney World Countdown

Days Remaining Until We Leave for Disney World: 103

Days Carissa and Jocelyn think it is time for Disney World:0

Hearing their excitement about the rides, pools, and meeting Princesses: Priceless...

I am so excited to hear the girls be so excited about going to Disney. I know I've blogged about it before, but their excitement is also my excitement!!

Carissa is ever learning--more and more each day. She is always going and going and trying to learn more every day. She is learning to write different words and drawing pictures of her family. Preschool has helped with everything--she gets along with pretty much everyone and learns about so many different things each week.

Jocelyn is the discoverer in our house. She builds things with blocks, Lincoln Logs, and trying to climb to the top of anything and everything--and then jump!! I hope riding the Peter Pan ride won't give her too many ideas :)

As we count down our days until vacation, we have many celebrations to take part in between now and then. I hope everyone remembers the reason for this season that we are in this very moment...

Snow Fun!!!

Well, I love snow and I have a feeling my kids will love it just as much!! We had about a foot of snow Thursday and Friday--so the girls and their puppy got to go out and have some fun.

I sacrificed and stayed inside to snap the photos!! Enjoy...