Happy Birthday or Merry Christmas

Well how about both. Oh yes people my birthday is today and I am definately one lucky, blessed lady!  I get the question all the time do I enjoy my birthday being on Christmas? Oh yes I will admit I actually do enjoy this my parents always made sure I celebrated my birthday when I was younger on a different day most of the time Christmas Eve but it was always made special and I always remember it as my special day.  Now that I am older I still don't mind sharing my birthday with the biggest holiday on the calendar.

Christmas Eve night we spend at Shane's mom's house, it is always fun and we always have a good time. Dinner is usually a little late there is usually still present wrapping occuring but all of that adds to the memories we make while we are all together.  Dinner was delicious and dessert was Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Cake. I am not sure I loved it not sure I didn't what I loved was the fact that Shane's mom and brother spent time making it and were thinking of me. I always appreciate it when I am thought about with love. I love them too.

I was woke up this morning by two little girls yes it was 7:30 am but I loved it they brought me in birthday presents and wished me Happy Birthday and gave me hugs and kisses it was terrific. I got a new Sony camera and it is bright blue and I LOVE IT!! I also got flowers, from Hallmark of course because they last forever and are always beautiful. LOVE THEM!!

Then it was the Christmas mania, paper was flying toys, clothes, stocking stuffers, Santa is still magical in our house and I love that I love that they still believe. Believing it like dreaming I think so magical and there should always be a little magic in your life something bigger to believe in.  I love it, the girls loved their Air Hogs Helicopters and all the clothes they got, it was fabulous. Shane got new floor mats for his truck they are Weather Tech digital fit and are SA WEET!!  I got new Smith sunglasses and a bluetooth so I am hands free driving and keeping me and our girls safe.

Then it was off to my parents house for a little more magic and breakfast, YUMMY cinnamon rolls, bacon, sausage, and scrambled eggs. Double YUMMY!!

Then off to my Aunts house to see the whole family and have dinner another YUMMY. Okay so the theme of my Christmas is food. I love to eat, I don't make excuses for it I make time for the gym.

Tonight we are at Papa and Nana's house, Shane'e dad and Robin, always love being over here we don't eat dinner but this year Wes made a funfetti cake that was Christmas themed with Christmas tree sprinkles on it how fun.  It was moist and delicious.  And now everyone is in the living room playing Buck Hunter Pro and just the sounds of laughter and all of it is so wonderful. What a fabulous weekend to the start of the end of a fabulous year. There have been ups and downs but it has all been a journey and we wouldn't be where we are right now if it was for the bumpy road behind us.

Merry Christmas to all of you and I wish you many blessings in this New Year coming!!

Day 2 turned into Day 1, Time was Ticking

DAY 2: (DECEMBER 23)-- Purchase a gift card at a local grocery store (of any amount). Turn around in line, and hand it to the first person you see. Then walk away. No explanation is needed. I'm sure their expression will say it all.

Day 1: (DECEMBER 24)-- YOUR turn to choose a random act of kindness. I thought it would be fun to see the different ideas everybody comes up with for this last day before Christmas. Be creative. The sky is the limit. =)

Well it ended up I skipped a day essentially so Day 1 came and I was bound and determined I was going to purchase a gift card and do something random, I had to recruit help.  The gift card was random and totally unplanned the girls and I ended up in Walmart buying random household stuff the day before Christmas (yes I have lost my mind, it happened a long time ago though so no worries). While standing in line to pay for my toothpaste, batteries, and mouthwash a lady got in line behind us because of course it was Christmas Eve and Walmart was PACKED!!  She had a hand basket with groceries in it lettuce and such I remembered my Day 2 gift.  Standing there explaining to the girls that this was going to be our second to last Christmas Gift and as the cashier gave me the receipt and my change the girls grabbed our one grocery bag and I turned around and handed the lady the giftcard she just watched me purchase for $5 bucks, she hesitated taking it from me then her face lit up and she said you are so sweet thank you. The look on her face for enough for me and I just said Merry Christmas to you and the girls and I left.  As we walked out of Walmart I felt so thankful for all of my blessings and so happy I had just made some random person smile so warmly.  Yes I love this Gifting job.

Oh I wasn't done yet I had to still do one more random gift. Well Shane and the girls were going shopping for me like they do every Christmas Eve and I should tell everyone even though they are last minute shoppers I love everything I get and I mean everything, it is the thought that counts I love it that they spend the time to go think of me. So they were pulling out to leave and I handed the girls a $5 bill and told Shane they needed to give it to someone or buy a giftcard but it had to go to a good cause or a random person.  I did mention my husband's family serves the Salvation Army. Well on their way out the door at one of the stores there was still a bell ringing ringing their bell and that $5 went to a great cause I know it did, it went to someone who needed it, I don't need to see a specific face or know any details I am happy, calm, and joyful knowing that such an group of people are on this Earth helping others and expecting nothing in return.

Well that concludes my 12 Gifts of Christmas blogging I hope you had fun reading it, were encouraged to help others and maybe next year you can join us on our adventure because I am truly hoping this becomes one of our Christmas Traditions something my children will do and pass on to their children.  Until that time I am going to go and enjoy my kids and all the magic they bring to Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!!

Day 10 (December 15th) Nope I am not losing my mind ;)

Pay for the person's order in line behind you in either the coffee drive-thru, fast food, a tollbooth, train ticket, etc. (There are a LOT of options here...)


Well if you have been following my blog you know that I had to do a little day swapping so we are going back to Day 10 on Day 3 :)


Oh yes backtracking and it was well worth it. This morning there was a Starbucks run on my list, for two reasons one selfish, one not.  Selfish reason, I really wanted a Peppermint Mocha with whip cream and chocolate shavings YUMMY!!!! Unselfish reason, I needed to take care of my Day 10 gift. So off I went to Starbucks, I got my Peppermint Mocha although they only had Sugar free peppermint so it didn't taste as delicious oh well I will get over it.  I asked the lady at the window to please charge me for the car behind me she was a little miffed that I did this she asked all kinds of questions, Do you know her? Is she your boss, coworker, or friend? I just answered no to all and asked her to please tell the lady behind me Merry Christmas and I drove off.  I loved this it was so much fun!! I also hope that she feels compelled to pass on the same kindness in someway to a stranger today.


Merry Christmas!!

Day 4 (December 21st)

Tape quarters to a vending machine. So simple, yet so convenient! I honestly cannot count how many times I have wanted a snack or a soda, but could not dig up that last quarter to satisfy my craving.

So 3 quarters in some tape and a vending machine so simple? Yeah well first I had to think about where in the world I was going to find a vending machine as I don't drink pop, and I don't normally buy stuff out of vending machines.  Think Brook Think, and of course ask your coworkers. You know for all the times I go into Walmart, Albertsons, Safeway I don't pay much attention because there are vending machines outside everyone of those doors. I know I am a genius you don't have to tell me :)
Mental note: look at your surroundings a little more.

So trip to Albertsons last night because the girls and I had 50 goody bags of Muddy Buddies to make and we ran out of the Chex, chocolate chips, peanut butter and powdered sugar. 50 is a lot when making Muddy Buddies, but oh it was so much fun clouds of powdered sugar floated in our kitchen and there was chocolate everywhere, oh well that is what sponges and water are for right. It was so much fun I wish I would have taken a picture, the girls enjoyed it all and I even enjoyed repeatedly telling them that no they didn't need to taste every batch. :)

Oh yeah the quarters, so the vending machine outside Albertsons has 3 quarters taped to it I hope they come into good use for someone but even if someone just takes them to take them I hope they really need them. Either way I felt good about leaving them there and the girls got a kick out of taping them up and seeing them still there when we came back out of the store.

Oh simple joys!!

Day 5 (December 20)

Do something kind for the elderly. This can be anything from helping them to their car with heavy groceries, holding the door open for them, volunteering at a retirement home, or even raking their leaves.

I was making this task harder than it had to be.  I was trying to figure out what elderly person to help, when I would have time to go to a retirement home and holding the door open for them, well that is something I do anyway, heck everyone should do that it is just common courtesy.

Well I had to stop at Albertson's last night to get fixins for Muddy Buddies and they had little poinsetta's so cute and I bought one I was going to bring some holiday cheer to some little old lady, God had other plans. I went and picked up the girls, and told my mom I was headed up to Rocky Mountain Care Center. My grandma was a resident there in her last years of Alzheimers and they were wonderful.  I knew there had to be someone there that didn't get many visitors and needed to know there were still people that cared, besides the employees.  Change of plans again my mom said why don't you just go out to the Masonic Home? Oh yeah we have a retirement home just down the road from my parents house, wonderful idea Mom.  The girls and I drove out there and walked in the front doors, there was a young lady writing out the dinner menu and I told her my plan I was looking for a resident that didn't receive many visitors that could use a little holiday cheer. She thought for a moment and said 2nd floor Mr Bob, but to be careful as his cat lives in the room with him and likes to escape :) Perfect! Up the tiny elevator we went with poinsetta in hand, now I had planned on delivering to a female not sure why, but the girl had told me in the 7 months she had been working there he had only had one visiter.  One, are you kidding me people I understand we all get busy but that is terrible and if he has kids they should be ashamed of themselves I mean it and I would tell them that. So I knocked on his door, noting the sign that stated Smoky lived there and he told us to come in. I should have thought out my plan better as he was in bed, lights out and Smoky was right there at the door to greet us. I told him we were just stopping by to wish him a very Merry Christmas and bring him a poinsetta. He said Oh Thank you and we snuck out with a reminder from him to please not let his cat out. I have every intention of going back to visit Mr. Bob as it broke my heart that he didn't have any visitors I think next time we shall drop off some kitty treats for Smoky.

I think I have said this before but this gift was my favorite, Mr. Bob gave us a gift in return that I don't think I was expecting. He was so thankful and it reminded me of how precious life is how we should always take care of each other especially our older generation, they have seen so many things and been through so many things they have so many stories and adventures to share with us.

If you don't want to participate in this whole 12 days, this one gift should be the one you take up the challenge to do. My girls left commenting on how the building smelled and what was that smell, I explained it was the smell of the memories from the elderly being dusted off so that they could be shared with a new generation.

Day 6 (December 19th)

DAY 6: (DECEMBER 19)-- Buy a $5 or $10 gift card for a grocery store, gas station, coffee place, etc. Leave the gift card on a random park bench or windshield of someone's car.


I won't lie I almost forgot this, I was on my way home and Florence Coffee was still open it seems to me that they are usually closed on my trek home but their sign flashed open and there was a barista inside. It triggered the memory and I stopped and bought a $5 coffee card. Then I drove around back and left it on a car in the parking lot of the gas station. I picked a car that was older and I hope that whoever received it enjoyed it and was surprised.


This was so much fun!!

Day 7 (December 18th)

Buy or bake something for a neighbor. You may know them well, you may have never even introduced yourself. So here's your chance!

Living where we do we don't really have next door neighbors it is farm country people and honestly that is why we moved out here. My kids can ride their bikes around and just play outside without me hovering making sure they aren't going to be abducted. We lived in McHugh Trailer Court for the first 2 years of their lives and they didn't have the luxory. Now they are farm/valley girls living more of the childhood their dad and I had, so wonderful!
Onto the challenge we don't have next door neighbors we have neighbors across the street they are wonderful we don't talk all the time but we wave, smile, and chat! More than that they are there I know that if I needed something I could run across the street and they would help me out. So the girls and I bought a fun little Santa tin and put some cookies we baked in it and hung it on their fence when they left for church this morning. I didn't get to see them get it when they got back but I am sure they were surprised, wonderful! We hope they enjoy their treats and that it brought a smile to their faces. Neighbors are wonderful even when they aren't right next door!

Day 8 (December 17th)

Write a letter of thanks to the armed forces. (Yes, even if you don't support the war. Remember that these people are risking their lives daily in order to ensure our safety and Freedom).

The challenge gives the address so this was really easy a simple handwritten note of thanks addressed to the man or woman reading it. We teach so many things in school these days believe we should be teaching some basic lessons in manners starting with writing thank you letters and this would be perfect because like it states even if you don't support the war that doesn't mean should condemn a person for doing their job.

Merry Christmas to all of our military and their families! Thank You!!

Day 9 (December 16th)

Put grocery carts away in a random parking lot for other shoppers or find carts that others have left behind. It will help the employees out by bringing them indoors where they belong.

I was not sure this one would work out but stopped by Shopko on my way home from work and put a couple carts inside that had been left on the sidewalk and then put a handful more way in the cart corrals that were left out. This made me happy but not because I was doing the challenge but because honestly the people of Helena really for the most part take their time to put their carts away and I'm proud to live in a town that cares about each other.

Keep caring Helena because honestly the little things we do are noticed and appreciated by someone!

Day 3 (December 22nd) oops I mean Day 10 (December 15th)

DAY 10: (DECEMBER 15)-- Pay for the person's order in line behind you in either the coffee drive-thru, fast food, a tollbooth, train ticket, etc. (There are a LOT of options here...)

Okay so there was a little snafu yesterday and I was never in a line to do Day 10 (December 15th), I thought about going to McDonalds being in line just to pay for the order behind me but that never panned out very well and there was stuff I had to get done like my children fed and drive to East Helena to watch my nephews First Christmas Program (all well worth not doing Day 10, trust me)
Well last night was also my monthly girls' night yes sadly this only happens once a month and sometimes we are bad and it doesn't even happen then but I was bound and determined that I was going to get some sanity this month before Holiday Happiness hit :) So Day 10 was randomly swapped with Day 3

DAY 3: (DECEMBER 22)-- Leave a generous tip for a server, barista, or bartender--along with a nice note. This will most likely make their night. Having been in all three of these positions, I know how easy it is to get discouraged when guests are difficult and do not tip. This could turn their entire day around!

I cannot say I accomplished all of this to a tee but I did leave a generous tip just forgot the note part. I think the almost 1/2 hour of conversation that me and my girlfriend provided listening to the waiter's story was maybe better than the note I could have left. I learned a lot about that waiter and he really learned nothing of us besides we were married and had kids because we kept mentioning that fact as he was chatting with us :)
He was nice, young and had made mistakes in life and I truly believe and hope he was sincere that he was trying to turn his life around. Hopefully my tip meant something to him and it is put to use but if not I had a great evening with a wonderful friend and listened to a gentleman that I believe just needed someone to talk to.

Switching days can't be that bad when the outcome was so wonderful!!

Day 11 (December 14th)

DAY 11: (DECEMBER 14)-- Write a kind, hand-written letter to someone that changed your life for the better. And no, I'm not talking about an email or a text...I'm talking about snail mail people. ;) (This can be to a childhood friend, a teacher from the past, or even an old baby-sitter that impacted your life for the better.)

I can tell you that I have known who I was going to write this letter to, the minute I read the challenge. She is a wonderful lady who made a very big impression.  I don't want to say who in case she reads this before the letter reaches her door, because like the challenge says SNAIL MAIL people ;)

This was fun I haven't written an actual letter in years I have typed many messages, sent many emails and texts and even typed some letters but to handwrite a letter it will definately be in my Gifts of Christmas next year.

Merry Christmas and onto today's challenge to pay for the order in line behind me, I haven't been anywhere or bought anything today but I have a plan stay tuned :)

Day 12 (December 13th)

Day 12 (December 13) – Buy food for a homeless person (or someone in need). This does not have to be expensive. $5 should cover lunch.




So this task was a little out of my comfort zone, I have heard of homeless people getting angry and being upset when someone buys them food instead of giving them money. I was judging before I had actually taken on my Gift of the day. I had seen a gentleman sitting outside the post office this morning when I went to get the mail for work and as I was leaving the parking lot I felt bad that I had not grabbed him breakfast, well God had another plan lunch. I did Adopt a Family shopping today for our office with a coworker and as we were leaving the parking lot of Walmart he was sitting outside Burger King. So I drove around the block and pulled into Burger King, as I was ordering my healthy side kicked in just a little I ordered him a Whopper Jr with Fries and a bottle of water because in my mind I was thinking who needs all that sugar. My coworker handed him the bag as we stopped next to him and the look on his face was of genuine thankfulness. He seemed very happy to get a bag of food that was hot and it warmed my heart yet made me sad, that the very thing that most of America takes for granted this gentleman was so happy to receive. I didn’t need a thank you or anything in exchange the look on his face brighten my whole day.

12 Gifts of Christmas Tradition

I have been inspired by a fellow blogger and I am hoping her post will inspire you too and you will join me on my 12 Gifts of Christmas Adventure.

Check out 12 Gifts of Christmas

I will be posting about this starting December 13th, as that is the start of the 12 Gifts of Christmas, what a wonderful tradition to start with my girls.  If you would like to join me you can comment under my posts every day and tell me about your random act of kindness for the day, remember that even the smallest things have a great impact.

Merry Christmas!!!

30 Days of Thankfulness

So November started this year again with the posts on Facebook, you are supposed to post every day what you are thankful for, for the whole month well I am not on there every day so I figured that was a fruitless promise but I can name stuff every day I am thankful for I am just going to do it all at once, so here we go...

1. For my mom, without her who knows who would be watching my kids after school or what kind of mischief they would be getting into, Thank you Mom I know I don’t say it enough
2. For my dad, he is silent strength, he really is a big teddy bear when it comes to me and my sister and even though some might say we are spoiled he has taught us great lessons too.
3. For Ms. Hanson (Burke), you were an amazing teacher who encouraged me, I pray that my girls are blessed with at least one teacher who is as amazing and engaging and driven as you were.  If every teacher loved teaching and children as much as you did the world would be a better place
4. God because even though things happen that I don’t understand and I get angry at him for not explaining the why He still loves me
5. My Maternal Grandparents for all the wonderful memories, growing gardens, climbing trees, sailing with Christopher Columbus.
6. My friend Jen because without her I wouldn’t have seen some of the things I have seen and I wouldn’t be who I am today
7. Family because even though they are crazy most of the time I love them all the time
8. For my forever friend Molly L – you are an amazing woman I am so glad God blessed me with you as a friend
9. For my sister – Although we don’t always see eye to eye, I know she has my back whenever I need it and that nothing would ever get between us. Love you Heather
10. For my forever friend Amanda – I have been praying for you and will continue to do so, you remind me of my blessings and that I shouldn’t take things for granted. Your prayers are going to be answered and I can’t wait to celebrate with you!
11. Veterans, thank you for serving your country and fighting for our freedom
12. For all my Rossiter Girls, we have been friends since elementary school and you are all so special to me, not many are blessed enough to meet their best friends in elementary school but I was and I am forever thankful.
13. My Paternal Grandparents for showing me hard work does pay off I have heard your stories I get it.
14. For Date Nights, they are still needed even though we are married they bring us closer and allow for some adult time! Whoever invented these Thank You!!
15. My husband, because today is our 11 year dating anniversary and I can’t imagine my life without him!!
16. For my oldest yet littlest girl Kaleigh, K Bug you have been a fighter from the beginning and are one amazing little girl.  Defenately my little tomboy you seem to take that term to a whole other level some days, I will probably argue with you about clothing for the at least the next 10 years but telling the truth you amaze me by how much self confidence you already possess.  I love you so much!
17. For my youngest and taller girl Lauryn, you are so independent and already show that you are not a follower you are ok with what you are doing in life, you have the biggest heart and I can already tell you wear it on your sleeve.  You will do great things with that spirit of yours, and I can’t wait to see what the world has in store for you. I Love you Lauryn!!
18. For fellow bloggers, you inspire, encourage and motivate me to write better and share openly
19. For my Auntie title, I had my two babies at once and sometimes feel like I missed out on the baby stage because I think I got through in a sleep deprived coma, but my niece and nephew provide lots of opportunities for cuddles and thankfully my sister doesn’t seem to mind sharing J
20. Hallmark Channel, this past weekend I did some shopping and lots of housework but I also got to spend some time sitting on the couch enjoying Christmas movies with my girls.
21. Thankful for work, there are so many people out there that are searching hard to find a job and I have a job, and a great one at that.
22. For an oven, I know sounds so simple but after going through a baking hiatus I have rediscovered my love of baking and I would be lost without my oven
23. Thankful for the extra couple of days I get to spend with my kids because of the holidays and no school and no work
24. Thankful for the memories my kids are capturing while we are gathered with family today
25. Black Friday sales because even if I don’t buy anything sometimes it is fun to go out and enjoy the craziness
26. Patience, as the plaque in my kitchen says “Grant me Patience to deal with my Blessings” AMEN
27. Great coworkers, I work in a relativily small office there are only 11 of us and my coworkers really are great
28. For my forever friend BreeAnn you are an inspiration to my creativity
29. To have a house, a roof over my head is something I believe I have always taken for granted but over the last couple of years with everything that has happened in the US I am really thankful to have a roof over my head someplace to call home and spend time with my family and make memories
30. The month of November, I love the month of November it is that month right before crazy hits that we get to slow down just a little and enjoy spending time together as a family.

What are you thankful for this month or this year?? Please share

Graysen Christopher Clark - 21 Weeks Old

I think I need to write this to get out the grief I feel, the pain that I cannot imagine as he is not my baby, but he is family and he was taken too soon.  Graysen is the first child for my cousin Alex and her husband Ashton; they are stationed in North Caroline currently as Ashton is a Marine.  Why this is important to my story I am not sure but I felt the need to share.  They are newlyweds, young and so in love and were so excited to welcome Graysen into this world and their lives.  God had another plan however and as I do not understand what the greater plan is I know it included Graysen going to live with Him, I am glad Graysen is with God as I know he is being taken care of and loved on and will be watching over us, but all of this doesn’t make it any easier to lose him.  I never got to meet Graysen but I can say I loved him, love him still.  I nicknamed him Three as he is my third cousin and I couldn’t wait for Alex to come back to Helena and celebrate with a baby shower and see her growing belly and when the inevitable deployment occurred I knew her plan was to come back to Helena so there was plenty of spoiling that was going to occur, now there is sadness and maybe even a little anger.  I know it is a stage of grief but really anger but I do definitely feel a little anger that he was taken so soon, taken from our family but mostly taken from his mommy and daddy.  And there is immense sadness, I can’t stop crying the question of why, why them, why him, why any baby.  I prayed so much last night and today, and although I know in my heart my prayers were answered they weren’t answered in the way that I wanted or hoped they would be answered and I am just heartbroken.  Graysen you will always be missed by your mommy and daddy and by us your extended family, you will be our angel in the sky.  Please watch over your parents as they take the first steps in the bumpy road ahead of them, remind them always that there is a greater plan and that the plan God has for you is way better than anything we here on earth could have dreamed up.  We love you .... now, forever and always!!

You Know What I Love About Right Now?

So yesterday I was reading the post by Kelle over at Enjoying the Small Things and it just made me happy.  I have been really busy lately with the girls and their multiple extras (homework, soccer, Halloween, birthdays) busy with life in general being a full time worker and wife can sometimes drown a person.  So this post as I was reading it made me smile and still does.  I am always reminding my kids to say thank you and appreciate what they have because there are tons of people out there that aren’t as fortunate might be the right word but the word that comes to mind is spoiled. I mean really when their birthday party looks like Christmas to others it is a sign for sure.  Plus I want them to be thankful for all things, having a roof over our heads, winter coats to keep them warm, getting new sneakers for school, getting to go to my mom’s house after school instead of a daycare, having cable, living with both of their parents, having extended family close and friends that are like family.  There are just so many things to be thankful for.  But I am with Kelle how do you explain to kids what being thankful is besides saying Thank You all the time?  Well her post gave me the great idea I love it so much I am vowing to ask my children every day “What did you love about today, what was your favorite thing today”.  I will be keeping you updated on their answers so stay tuned for those.

Today though right now I am thankful for Fall, because it means Family Time and Together Time because by this time of the year I am usually feeling a little disconnected on the family and couple front and I need reconnection, this year is no exception.  I am longing for the reconnection that takes place.  Date nights, family game nights, family movie nights and more date nights.  It has been what seems like forever since we had a date night and I am especially excited because tomorrow we get a date night nothing over the top just going to a local spot to listen to one of our friends play, but it is time we get to spend together and I can’t wait.  This time of year also means, weekends as a family, trips to the ski hill, sledding with friends, hunting, and making a big breakfast Sunday morning to sit down at the table and enjoy. Sigh it makes me so happy to just think about all the adventures and family and couple time we will get to enjoy over the next months. Right now I love FALL!!

Are you Ready for Candletime?

I read about this on another blog I follow and I love the idea, however I issue the disclaimer that if any candles you light happen to cause a fire or burn anything that was not this blogs intention and we claim no responsibility :)

Are you Ready for Candletime?

Man this parenting thing is hard

I volunteer in my daughters’ classrooms on Wednesdays; it is only for an hour but definitely one of the best hours of the week.  I usually am helping the teacher with filing, stapling, whatever work they have for me I am not particular.  I have been volunteering at their school since Kindergarten and every year it is a new adventure, the time is meant to make sure my girls know that I think education is important and that I am there involved and always willing to help.  I get to do whatever task the teachers have for me all the while watching my girls interact in the classroom, with friends and just being whatever grade and age they that particular year.  This year happens to be 3^rd grade, now my 3^rd grade year may have been long ago to some but to me I remember it like yesterday.  That was the year I met the most amazing teacher.  Ms Hansen was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G, AMAZING!!!  She was so dedicated to her students her job, she truly loved it and she showed it in every lesson, thought and gesture.  This all leads up to me having high expectations for my daughter’s 3^rd grade year, which has been AMAZING so far, until yesterday.  I was volunteering and at the end of my time it is time for recess for my girls so I usually walk out on to the playground with one of them to find the other one of them to say goodbye and I will see you after work.  Well I walked out on to the playground to find my Kaleigh very upset, like crocodile tears ready to spill over really upset.  I was instantly heartbroken; she explained that her friend that she plays with every day had given her a note stating they were no longer friends.  Why was my first question, had they had an argument?  Nope Kaleigh couldn’t think of any reason for them to not be friends she just said that at the last recess she was being mean to me and then she had her other friend give Kaleigh the note.  Well I read the note it did very simply state in crayon on a corner of black construction paper “Were (I think meaning we’re) no longer friends”.  Ouch, mean and hurtful.  Well I had to go back in to sign out in the volunteer book so I decided to check with her teacher to see if he had witnessed anything that might explain this better to me.  The determination was Kaleigh had said something about her being mean but he didn’t know anything else but he would intervene because there was a note written and that is not a place we need to go.  I was thankful for his ear to listen and his calm approach, I didn’t want the little girl to get in trouble I just wanted to be able to better help Kaleigh work through this situation so she better understood and could learn to handle things like this and be a better person in the end.  I took Kaleigh home after I got off work and we talked some more about it, she started crying and that broke my heart because I knew she was hurt.  Kaleigh is my follower she isn’t as sure of herself as her sister and she goes along with the crowd a little more, but after last night I think, I at least relayed the message that I love her and there is no reason for her ever to put up with someone being mean to her she is a unique and wonderful kid and she should take a chance and try to play with other kids too.  Well I got an email from the teacher this morning stating they appeared to have made up with each other so I hope this is true but I am also hoping it isn’t because Kaleigh gave in and went along with the crowd.  Man this parenting thing is hard.

Check out a Few...

Here are some blog posts that have caught my eye over the last week I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did.

The Bloggess

The Mommy Blog

My Mommy's Place

Girly-Girl

What is your favorite girly-girl thing to do?

This was a question I had to answer to enter a giveaway.  It is a great question for any woman but I read it and immediately the mom in me came out and I was like oh I know I know like a kindergartener with their hand waving wildly in the air.  I have two little tomboys if you know my twins they are their daddy’s girls for sure.  While most of the time I am thankful that my husband has such a great relationship with his daughters I am other times jealous and feel a little left out of this specialness they share.  My girls would rather be outside on any given day and the task at hand can be anything as long as it isn’t sunbathing J.  They love to ride dirt bikes, play monkey in the middle, toss a football, bait a hook, or anything else that their daddy might be doing and I mean that they have been known to ditch a trip to town with me to stay home and help their dad with any task such as fencing in the dog kennel or moving sandbags.  I love them so much and I really do on most days love the relationship between them and their daddy but I am human and I have my days where nothing would please me more than them picking me and going shopping. J  What is even funnier about this that their daddy knows this and sometimes will help me out a little and tell them that he is leaving and that they had better go and help me, God Bless that man he truly loves me.  Well onto the question at hand, my favorite girly-girl thing to do with my girls is nail painting parties.  Oh yes even the most rugged tomboys like to have their fingernails and toenails painted and it turns into a party when you have more than one person!!  So into the master bath we trudge to sit on the cold linoleum and pull out the tub of paints, files, and decals and we make our nails all beautiful.  If you ever walk into my master bath and look at the floor you will know why there is linoleum in there because there is some gold, silver, pink and many other colors of drops of fingernail polish on the floor from a couple of oops and oh my gosh are their fingers under that color moments.  But even though I have made a couple of late night runs to the store for more polish remover and I have definitely freaked out a couple of times at the mixture of paints happening.  I love every memory we make sitting on that floor making rainbows on our fingers and laughing because daddy stays far far away from there for fear he will get trapped into some finger painting of his own J  

Kindsight

Had to share this today. Saw it on a friends Facebook wall and loved it.

Quoting

Nope I didn't forget to post just having a hard time finding inspiration. So here is a quote that I came across that I love.

    Never Mistake my Kindness for Weakness.

Understand my Ability to Overlook Things is not Ignorance.

Have no Doubt, Know that when I've had Enough!

I'm Done!

Forever Friends

We are missing a member, I know there is a picture with all 8 of us somewhere I will find it.

FOREVER FRIENDS

By: Anonymous

We're joined in a friendship
That time cannot sever
With bonds we have built
We'll remain friends forever

We're welded in spirit
Attached by our hearts
And fused by the feelings
That friendship emparts

We're tied by emotions
Connected by dreams
Reinforced by our hopes
Unified by extremes

No longer a function
of time or of space
Our love is a substance
That life won't replace

No matter how distant
We'll always endeavor
To sense the full meaning
of Friendship Forever



We look so good for this year :)



9 Years

2 Weeks Old

My babies are 9 years old this year, YIKES, and double YIKES.  I can’t believe it has been 9 years, I want to cry (more like sob), smile, rejoice, I am just overcome with emotions at this thought it makes me so sad and so happy all at the same time.  How is it that the last 9 years have  escaped me, I feel like I missed it, I know I was there but I don’t feel like it has been 9 years and I want to go back and start over to do all the things I said I would and just savor it more.  I love my girls, I know I did my best at any given moment but I feel like because there were two of them I may have rushed things or maybe just survived some things instead of really enjoying them.  And as I watch my girls and how much they have grown I hope and pray I am doing a good job and they will survive middle school and high school and life in general.  That they won’t be teased and picked on and that they will stick up for others and not tease and pick on other kids.  That life won’t necessarily be easy but that it won’t be so hard that they forget to enjoy it.  I hope we have been teaching them right and wrong and independence and self reliance and all those other things that I wanted and want them to learn.  9 years gone already where did the time go and how do I get it back.  Because although I wished for them to walk and talk and grow and learn, I wish there was a reverse button so I could go back and enjoy the cuddling of two babies again. (Sigh)



3rd Graders!!



Like Mother, Like Father

So my prompt for today is who are you more like your mom or your dad?

I am not really sure I think I am a happy sprinkling of both. I am me that is for sure what that entails is a whole lot of different things. I am loud, talkative, yet quiet and reserved. I love doing stuff with my family but am nervous to try new things. I am a loyal friend and great supporter. I love unconditionally and trust the same way however if you break that it will be a fight for me to give those two things back. I am once broken forever cracked. I love reading, art projects, scrapbooking and working out. I love being outside and I even love mowing the lawn. I love that although it is taking time my yard that was once a field is starting to look like a yard beautiful with trees and grass and even a couple of apples. I love watching my girls enjoy the beauty that is outside the space that they get to call theirs. Riding their bikes, digging, building, swinging and all the rest they have plenty of room to roam and that is how it should be. I guess it is safe to say I am just me I try to find pleasure in all the small things and enjoy every day I try to not hold grudges and I try to treat every one the same because I don't know what others are going thru in their own lives.
To answer the question who am I more like I would say both of my parents because I think I got the best part of both I am independent yet love spending time with my family and living in another state let alone city would be terrible. I am me and that is a great feeling.

5 Moments in Time

So I learned it is National Blog Post Month, and I decided to sign up for the adventure. I normally have lots to say but today not so much so I am using the prompt for today.

If your life flashed before your eyes, what are 5 moments you know would be included?

My 5 Moments would be (in no particular order)...

1. The day my husband proposed. I never in a million years thought he would actually do it, so it was a total shock and very romantic for him. We dated for 8 years before he asked!!

2. The day my girls were born, I know if you have kids you probably said this too, but that was a profound moment in my life, the look on my husbands face I can still see as if the moment is happening all over in front of my eyes. I love that day.

3. The day I graduated high school. Not sure why this day but it came to mind it was a great day all around, so many friends and family, parties to go to, lots happening. I can still feel the excitement the anticipation.

4. The day my grandmother passed away.  Not a happy day at all, but it is definately a day that sticks in my mind. I still remember being in the Dairy Queen Drive thru with my mom and girls in the car, the lady on the phone stated that we needed to head up to the nursing home because it wasn't going to be much longer. Although this wasn't a happy day it was a day of relief.  My grandmother fought in the war, she was a strong stubborn woman and I loved her greatly, but she had Alzheimers and watching her deteriorate was devastating.  Knowing that she was no longer going to be suffering and would be back with my grandpa was a relief.

5. My girls first day of Kindergarten.  This still makes me cry, they are growing at such an alarming speed. Kaleigh won't kiss me good-bye anymore at school just a hug and a quick one at that. Lauryn still gives me a hug and a kiss, I think God knows I still need one of them to do that. I am not ready to let go and thankfully I don't have to just yet but every year they get so much more independent and it breaks my heart that they don't need me for things all the time.

All of these are great memories I hope I never forget.

Art for Wounded Warriors

I just read this on a fellow bloggers blog and had to share. What a wonderful idea!!

http://mymarineandme.blogspot.com/2011/10/art-for-wounded-warriors.html

We are so DONE (Late Post, Very Late)

Time to let out a sigh of relief, it is DONE!!!

Ok so when the race season starts up I am excited and when the race season ends I am excited, and usually I am equally excited for both, however this race season has seemed very long and this mama/wife needs a break.  A break from the list making, list following, packing of gear, packing of camper, packing of kids (because although they pack their own stuff I have to make them a list to work off of), and a break from all the work racing really is when you are a race mama.  There was a lot of fun had this summer, and great friends and memories made but I need the fall and winter months to come. The slower pace that the cooler weather brings, where I clean house on a Saturday and Sunday we (rather I) watch Lifetime Network movies and football and eat something delicious out of the Crockpot.  I long for sweaters, thick socks and warm blankets.  I love fall and winter even too, but mostly fall.  So a little recap on this weekend because not only was it the last race of the season but it also marked a great day in my history.

To start our weekend adventure Billings Montana was our destination and with two little girls who are impatient and want to see their friends and get out of the truck already it was a long four plus hours, as there were potty breaks.  But we got there Saturday night around a quarter to five and as a surprise for the girls dropped them off with Papa who was staying at the Bighorn Hotel.  He had planned this drop off and took the girls to The Reef for a couple of hours and then to dinner at Burger King.  Oh yeah you could easily say Papa and Nana rock!!  While the girls were soaking up the water and fun Shane and I set up the camper, unloaded dirt bikes, walked the track, got everyone signed up to race the next day with check cards taped on to helmets and then I did a quick change and it was off to dinner for us.  Because the other important part of this weekend was that Sunday was our 2 year anniversary.  Oh yes people we made it 2 years, and we are a month shy of being together for 11 years!!!  We tried to get into a little Italian place we keep seeing but the line was out the door so far there were people sitting in the grass lounging and I was starving here so that was not happening.  Next stop Outback, I know some of you are thinking that is not a romantic dinner, but I didn’t need romance at that moment I needed food, and my only conditions were good food, and some place we don’t have in Helena, Outback fit the bill perfectly.  We got a buzzer thing because the wait was 20-25 minutes and headed to the bar to have a drink.  Oh yeah we are romantic I know, while sitting there the very nice bartender asks us if we are eating or waiting for a table, I almost attacked him at the thought of food, and told Shane we could eat at the bar that was fine with me.  It was delicious food, great company and I couldn’t have asked for a better anniversary dinner.  I will mention before we left Helena my hubby surprised me with roses so I was already in dreamland as he doesn’t get me flowers very often and when he does they are gorgeous and well thought and planned out flowers.  Also he gave me a card Sunday morning that still melts my heart when I think about it.  After dinner back to the track to get two little munchkins and ourselves off to bed as it was race time in the morning. 

Race number one was the girls, and they did pretty well on a hard track, 7^th for Kaleigh and 9^th for Lauryn, the track had been groomed and was well soft and wonderful for big bikes but was swallowing the little bikes, oh well they had so much fun and there were no major injuries.  Lauryn had to finish in front of one little girl and was looking like she was going to do just that when she wrecked and the little girl got by her.  They got to the finish line and the mom of the other little girl looked at Lauryn and said that was a terrible way for her to beat you and Lauryn looked at her put her hands in the air and said That’s ok we all had fun.  I have been a beaming proud mom before but I am pretty sure my chest filled with pride at how big Lauryn was at that moment.  She was so confident and sure of herself and there were no underlying hard feelings she truly was ok with losing that one and was just happy to have raced and had a good time and she was sure her fellow competitors felt the same way it was amazing.  Next up was daddy, and he got the tough course, but he had a great time, he ran over a snake and took a couple of spills but no major injuries and he ended up in 7^th.  Another race completed and the end to a season.  The end of the year awards ceremony was after the races so we decided to stay the night and save ourselves the long drive home tired and worn out.  Kaleigh took 3^rd in the 50cc class the top ranking girl, Lauryn took 5^th in the 50cc class and that made 3 girls in the top 5, I couldn’t be more proud.  Shane took 5^th in the Open A and was very happy about that finish.  We had a nice dinner at the track a potluck and got to hang out with our friends for the last time for the race season.  It is always bitter sweet saying goodbye after you have seen each other at least once a month, and your kids have been hanging out staying at each other’s campers and getting into mischief together.  So while I am glad some the traveling is done I hope that we can get together over the winter maybe for some skiing and catch up. 

Bring on the sweaters and slower pace, this race mama is ready!!

Friday Chain Mail

Some bloggers have Friday Military Wife Fill in's, some have Friday Photo Dump, I am going to have Friday Chain Mail this week.  If you send me a chain email it will probably be deleted, not forwarded not kept and honestly sometimes not even read, but every now and then one of them captures my intrigue and this did just that and I am sharing.

MOM'S EMPTY CHAIR

A woman's daughter had asked the local minister to come and pray with her mother. When the minister arrived, he found the woman lying in bed with her head propped up on two pillows..

An empty chair sat beside her bed. The minister assumed that the woman had been informed

Of his visit... I guess you were expecting me, he said.

'No, who are you?' said the mother. The minister told her his name and then remarked, 'I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew I was going to show up...' 'Oh yeah, the chair,' said the bedridden woman 'Would you mind closing the door?' Puzzled, the minister shut the door.

'I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter,' said the woman.

'But all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head...'

I abandoned any attempt at prayer,' the old woman continued, until one day four years ago, my best friend said to me, ' Prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus.

Here is what I suggest..

'Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair.

It's not spooky because he promised, 'I will be with you always'..

'Then just speak to him in the same way you're doing with me right now.'

'So, I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day.

I'm careful though . If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm.'

The minister was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old woman to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with her, anointed her with oil, and returned to the church.

Two nights later the daughter called to tell the minister that her mama had died that afternoon.

'Did she die in peace?' he asked.

Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock, she called me over to her bedside, told me she loved me and kissed me on the cheek.

When I got back from the store an hour later, I found her .

But there was something strange about her death.

Apparently, just before mom died, she leaned over and rested her head on the chair beside the bed. What do you make of that?'

The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said, 'I wish we could all go like that.'

Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive.

I asked God for water, He gave me an ocean.* I asked God for a flower, He gave me a garden.* I asked God for a friend, He gave me YOU.* If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.*

Happy moments, praise God.*

Difficult moments, seek God.*

Quiet moments, worship God.*

Painful moments, trust God.*

Every moment, thank God.*

The title of this chain mail caught my attention and it's message captured my heart.  If you ever sneak up on me while I think I am alone you will more than likely catch me talking to myself, most of the time outloud.  I don't know why but I have done this for as long as I can remember, and yes my prayers are usually done outloud also as if I am having a conversation because I am that person who never got the whole prayer thing but having a conversation with someone is really pretty easy, even if I can't see Him I know He is there and always listening to me.

The 5 Things You Should Say to Your Spouse Each Day

So I have been following this blog and podcast called Stay Happily Married, I can't remember who recommended it but I love it. And although this episode is old I just listened to it today while at the gym and had to share.  The link is below to the transcript but if you go on itunes you can download it for free.

To make life easier though here are the 5 things...

1. Say I love you
2. I’m so lucky (telling your spouse you are so lucky to be with them or have them in your life)
3. You look beautiful/handsome
4. I value your wisdom/opinions, I respect you
5. Compliment them on a strength

Transcript Link http://stayhappilymarried.com/files/2010/07/07062010-The-Five-Things-You-Should-Say-to-Your-Spouse-Each-Day.pdf

Such good advice.

Hedges, Big Sky, & 3rd Grade!!

Well we get to start from scratch, darn it. I had started to write a new post last week but I guess I didn’t save my ramblings so now it is back to the drawing board.  Oh well new random thoughts here I come…

So where do I start well how about Hedges, if you lived in Helena Montana you have probably seen this mountain maybe even driven to the top in a vehicle of some sort.  It has special sentimental memories for me it is where the love of my life took me to give me the biggest surprise/shock of our together history, oh yes this is where he proposed down on one knee in the dark with the city of Helena twinkling in the background it was AMAZING!!  But that is not what this story is about Shane wanted to take the girls riding in some rocky stuff for practice for their Big Sky race and Hedges is perfect.  So we set out on a family adventure to conquer this large mountain.  And we did just that the girls made it up and back down on their 50’s and to say it loud THEY ROCKED IT!! They did amazing two or maybe three little tip over’s nothing major they got right back up and we even got a friend to take a family picture at the top.  It is always beautiful up there it doesn’t matter what time of year it is or whether it is day or night it is gorgeous.

On to Big Sky, yes the ski hill where there are double black diamond runs and warning signs at every turn!  This was round 6 of our Montana XC series racing and it is always a good time.  The race is at the base of the mountains for the kids and the big kids ride up the mountain quite a ways.  Shane decided to work this race this year, he has never worked a race before so why not one where the scenery is great and the riding is once in a lifetime for some.  I will note I think it might be the last time he works a race unless he is injured he was itching to go race, it was actually kind of funny.  But at the end of the weekend he was glad he helped out and he got to ride and enjoy the riding more because he was going at a slower pace, so overall I think it was good.  The girls had a extraordinary weekend at Big Sky because Lauryn had a first, nope not a first place but she finished in front of her sister and that is a first for her this race series, it was great so cute to see the smile on her face she beat her big sister.  Kaleigh was a good sport about being beat although I will admit she is definitely a competitor.  She has already told Lauryn she will get her back at Billings.

Wow this post is a little long but that is what happens when I am playing catch up. I really need to steal the hubby’s computer more often!  Well the last part of my post is 3^rd grade!!  Oh my I remember when I was in 3^rd grade, definitely one of the best years of elementary school; great memories and even greater friends were made that year.  So as I was getting supplies, clothes, shoes and backpacks ready for my little girls to go back to school.  I almost had a mommy meltdown.  I know you are supposed to have those for Kindergarten, 6^th grade, freshman year and of course graduation, but something in my eyes triggered tears and I just felt so sad.  Writing this right now I feel the same way it is like they aren’t so little anymore they are definitely getting bigger because 3^rd grade is bigger kids and they just rub it in by splitting up the playground and now my little girls play on the big kid side. SIGH, GULP, more TEARS! They were so excited for school though that I had no choice but be excited on the first day with them, they are again in separate classrooms this year and now that we have it that way I think they prefer it they get to have their own time they get to be individuals, separate people with separate thoughts, they get their very own teacher and schedule and they get along so well on the weekends and seem excited to talk about their individual days, homework and of course compete a little to see who had the better day.  Yes they still have some WWF moments where I am sure they should be wearing helmets and boxing gloves but they seem to appreciate being twins more.

Well that is a recap of the past couple of weeks I am sure I missed some stuff and I will have more hopefully later as I have been following some great blogs that I hope to share some links to in the near future.  If you have any blogs you follow that you love please share in the comments section I love reading other people’s writings it inspires me.

"I Guess We'll Find Out"

This is the response I would love to give and I do give over and over in my head to the adults, who so rudely ask if my daughter is contagious all the while looking at me like “how could you expose my kids to that”.  Well the, that I am talking about is Vitiligo.  Vitiligo: is a skin condition in which there is a loss of brown color (pigment) from areas of skin, resulting in irregular white patches that feel and look like normal skin.  It is not contagious you can’t catch it from touching her, it is an autoimmune disorder in most cases. It occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, die or are unable to function.  Kaleigh started getting white patches on her skin when she was around three years old if you see her in a bathing suit you would notice it is mostly on her knees, shins, elbows and forearms the reason being that she is a rough and tumble tom boy and she wrecks on her bike and whenever she scratches herself up the healing skin has lost its pigment.  If you ask her about it she will tell you what it is, Vitiligo and she will walk off as that is that and there is nothing else to the story. She has lived with it now for almost 6 years and as it doesn’t concern her she doesn’t think it should concern you either.  Man kids are great.

This post comes from summer, the time when more people notice Kaleigh’s white patches.  There is the obvious reason she is wearing shorts and tshirts and you can see them easier but also Kaleigh and Lauryn both got blessed with their daddy’s skin.  Shane tans unbelievably dark, it is skin I wish I had we always laugh because even when I am dark for me if I put my arm or leg next to him I look flourescent white almost glow in the dark.  So Kaleigh’s white skin really stands out aginiast her other very dark tanned skin.  Now my kids don’t burn I mean it just doesn’t happen I can count on one hand in the almost 9 years how many times they have burned they just always turn dark.  But because Kaleigh has no pigment in those white patches her chances of skin cancer are increased ten fold, so she is always bathing in sunscreen nothing less than SPF 50.  Now that brings me to treatment.  When we first found out about Kaleigh vitiligo the dermatologist gave me two things that day, one was to always be thankful because yes she has this but she isn’t dying, and two was a tube of steriod cream to rub on the white spots to see if we could get them to repigment.  This treatment works on some and not on others.  Well whether it was going to work on Kaleigh or not we never found out because my three old started to think there was something wrong with her and wanted to wear long sleeves and pants all the time I just couldn’t do it any longer.  With that we went back to the dermatologist and she said words I will never forget “then just stop using it, it is about her not you and I”.

I haven’t brought up treatment since we stopped using that although I have gone and looked online to see what treatments are available as I know one day she will ask about it.  And I am hoping I have some ideas of treatments we can use.  The other day while I was out looking I found a natural treatment a cream that you rub on that is all natural ingreidents and then you spend so much time in the sun and it encourages your skin to repigment itself, it has a 100% money back guarantee and will last forever once the skin is repigmented.  I am thinking about actually trying this on Kaleigh legs next summer to see if it works as I am a believer that the earlier the treatment the better I just dn’t want her to become self conscious of her spots.  As I think/contemplate this and the other treatment options I hope I have educated a few parents about this and that you will share.

Thanks for reading!!