A new year

Another year has come and gone and as I think of the goals we would like for 2010, I also wanted to reflect on 2009. It is amazing how much more quickly the years go when I am in the midst of child raising. The years make such a difference when it is 2 going on 3 and 4 going on 5 and baby going on 1 ect..... I know any parent would agree this precious time just goes by way too quickly.

As I sit here reflecting on 2009 I am so thankful for all that we have learned on this crazy journey called life. Some things were fun and others not so much but all are shaping me into who God would want for me to be.
Just last night while watching Beth Moore she was talking about God sifting us like wheat. Although we would never asked to be sifted, (it is painful), it is instrumental to our walk with the Lord and where and how He is going to use us. As I look back I do consider this year to be a big sifting year for us. We have walked a difficult path with our house and learning how to trust. As marriage partners Joel and I put unfair needs on one another that neither one of us could carry. We have learned to give what we can't do on our own to the Lord rather than pushing them onto one another. What a valuable lesson that has been. I am so thankful for my man and love him more than ever. He is very full of goodwill and he works so hard for us. He sacrifices a lot for me to mainly stay at home and raise our children and live out my dream and God's passion for me.

I really think 2009 was a growing and stretching year. I don't know yet what God is growing and stretching us for but just the fact that my husband is doing Bible Studies with me is evidence of this fact. God is blessing us with another baby (really soon), and we once again get to jump in to the joys and trials that raising our children in a Godly manner bring. Watching Abigail learn and understand more and more of God and who He is and what He plans is truly incredible as a parent. Joel and I are amazed that a child so deep could come from us! :-) God has a lot in store for her and our Emmy. And we just pray they live up to their calling and make the right choices in life. There is just nothing more rewarding than watching your children grow in the knowledge of God and choose Him and His ways. I am so proud of them!

So join in with me for 2010 in - taking every opportunity to trust more and believe We are who God says we are and we can do what God says we can do and He is who He says He is!

Oh yes I did

We decided to go sledding yesterday at a huge hill in a neighboring town.

Joel took Emmy down a huge hill first-- it is so big you can't even see the bottom and people told us there were random jumps throughout the hill. Emily loved it until Joel put his boots out to try to slow them down and filled her face with snow. She wouldn't have anything to do with it after that. Abby sat and cried the whole time and we forced her to go down thinking she would love it once she tried but she didn't.
I have to say I got the strangest looks when I went in the sled and went down. Come on people- haven't you seen a 9 month pregnant person sledding before?

Christmas

I am so grateful for my aunt Deb who invited us to join their family for Christmas. It was nice to be with family and made it feel more like Christmas.

Aunt Deb and Veronica playing games with the girls

They love to play games Veronica and the girls

Aunt Deb and Emily

Christmas has been a little bit hard this year. We spent it alone as a family. We've never done that before. With me being so big and close to my due date and with the big storm we decided we couldn't take the trip up north and no one was able to come down here so hence the aloneness. It was still fun and we made it what we had to but it definetely wasn't the same. I don't even know when we will get together with family to exchange gifts and the girls have said several times how much they want to be at Grandma's and seeing their cousins. They keep thinking we are going next week and that this wasn't Christmas. I know the reason for missing it all will be worth it once he gets here but it still really stinks missing out on something that only comes one time a year. The girls are at ages now where we have really been able to talk up Christmas and Jesus's birth and they have been so excited. Abby lastnight asked us, "mom was that it?" I would have loved for her to be with her grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins and have the full scheme of it. Next year......

For Auntie Leah

Leah has been asking for more video of her girls so here goes.... I don't know why the quality is so dark but you can still hear them Leah!

Happy Birthday Jesus

Christmas Eve

Joel sleeping on the couch

The girls sleeping under the lights of the tree

They all got new slippers tonight and are pretty proud of them.

Decorating a birthday cake for Jesus

Emily modeling with her present

Abby picked up two of her favorites to take a picture with

Emily loves hard animals so we went to Michaels and got a whole bunch for a 1.00 each. Best deal ever!!!!


My nativity set-- well- the first part of it. It is going to take several years before I have it all but I am so excited to have a nice nativity! Yeah!!!!!

Joel and his girls

Me and my girls-- excuse the lack of make-up... it was a long night lastnight filled with painful contractions and then a long day today. I am just beat! Our family-- self snapshot...not the greatest

Joel reading the Christmas story to the girls

Our candelight dinner

Precious Abby

Today Emily told Abby that she was the best sister. To which Abby says, "ahhh, I love that you tell me that but you are going to make all the other sisters feel bad. There are lots of sisters in the world."
Abby never ceases to amaze me with her thoughtfulness. She is just a sweetheart!

MckMama's Christmas Gathering

Lastnight Joel and I went to a christmas party at Jennifer's aka MckMama's house. It was really a lot of fun. Not only did I get to visit with her more I also met some really neat people who follow her blog. I also met Jennifer's sister who was really nice and had a new baby there. I think we found a church we would like to check out too that several of these guys go to including Jennifer and her family. It sounds like they have a great children's program. I would like to try it. We have been church hopping for awhile and it is time (after this little one arrives), to just find one and stick with it and get involved again. A labor and delievery nurse and a pediatrician came up to me and told me that one would take care of me and one could take care of the baby if I wanted to start labor! :-) I wish! I seem to just like contracting for a few hours daily with this one and nothing else.
Joel talked to a lot of the husbands and had a good time too so we decided we need to do more of this stuff...leaving the kids, getting away, enjoying other couples. We are going to work on it! Now we need to meet some babysitters. We had my cousin Jackee watch them lastnight but we can't burden her everytime! The girls had a blast and didn't even want to leave to come home with us when we showed up.

I really am a big enough dork that I asked for a picture with her. They are very down to earth and real to what you read on her blog. It really was fun!

My 2 year old

I just got to spend a precious hour with my sweet 2 year old. I tried to take a nap with her. Tried is the main word. She kept whispering and grabbing my face. She was telling me how much she loves having me sleep with her. Then we started talking baby names and I was running a bunch of them by her and listening to the way she says them. She is just so sweet. She has told me that she doesn't want the baby to come and wants him to stay in my tummy. I think the adjustment is going to be hard for her. She has had almost 3 years of being my baby.

While laying in bed I rolled away from her and closed my eyes and a little later she sat up and looked at me and saw my eyes were closed and she took her blanket and covered me all up. I love how little girls just have it in them to be little mommies. They already know to protect and take care. I just enjoy them so much. I want to keep them little--

Which reminds me, one of the things Emily was telling me was that her name is Emily Faith Kopkie and she is a little Emily but someday she will be a big Emily. It just made me smile. What great blessings God has bestowed upon me. I am grateful!

Christmas cookie fun

Emily putting the stars on the cookies
Auntie Danie and the girls making a huge mess making gingerbread cookies. They had so much fun. Thank you Danie!!!
Emily eating the sprinkles. This has become a yearly habit. These are my favorite Christmas cookies of all time. It is Ritz Crackers spread with peanut butter- and dipped in almond bark. They are sooo great!

see the peanut residue all over Emmy's face. She eats more than she makes.

My pregnancy pictures

I made it!! I wanted to make it to Wed. so badly so my sister in law Danie could take some photos of me and my family during this time before we add our 3rd child. These turned out great and I wanted to share them.

For Auntie

The girls recieved a package yesterday from Auntie Leah and today I let them each open one of their joint gifts from her. Inside was clothes to dress their dollies in. They were so delighted. They also opened the present for baby boy Kopkie (I assumed it would be something I needed to wash so I let them ahead of time). Inside was a darling cap and mittens that look soo stylish and adorable. There was also a cute little pair of shoes. How fun. Thanks Auntie Leah!

I think baby boy will be here soon. I was up until two with painful contractions lastnight and nausea and this morning I lost more of my mucus plug. It shouldn't be long!

Dr. Visit

I had a dr. appt. tonight and ended up sitting for an hour and a half waiting because he delievered two babies. I guess the hospital is packed right now so he told me I better not go tonight if I want a room. I'm glad I brought my book I am reading to review.

He checked me and I am a one and a half. That is the farthest I have ever gotten with a pregnancy yet. With Emily I was a tight one on a Wed. and I went into labor on Friday with my water breaking 5 days early. Abby I was nothing at all and just woke up to my water breaking, again 5 days early.
I am also 50% effaced. I am so glad my body is doing some of the work beforehand so hopefully my labor will go much quicker and smoother than my past two. So, we shall see when it happens. I could carry on like this for weeks or go into labor soon. Since he is so big the dr. won't be at all suprised if I were to have him soon. I'm so excited to meet him and finally have a name for him. I am guessing he will have lots of hair with all this heartburn I have been having. I'll keep you guys posted!

36 week belly

The girls and my tummy

Emily kissing him
Abby

Me 36 weeks

The girls love to touch my tummy


kissing him again

I am so anxious for this wed. when my sister in law Danie comes. She is great at taking pictuers and is going to photograph me and my family with my tummy. I am sure she will capture some great shots.

There's not much time left. I'm down to 28 days if I go full-term, which I won't. The baby is too large and the dr. won't let me. I lost part of my mucus plug last week and I have an appt. today so we will see how everything is. I am hoping I go this week so we can go up north to Christmas next week. I guess time will tell. I want him to come in God's perfect timing.

Girls will be Girls

I had a very successful weekend with a holiday boutique in a very affluent area of the cities this weekend. The house it was in was to die for. The different vendors were all so unique and talented. It was really fun.

Anyway, there was a knock-off purse vendor there- prada, kate spade, coach, D&G. She had tons of purses. Joel came to help me load up my boxes and the girls came in the house and right away went to the purses and each grabbed their own and both exclaimed- "ok mom, we have our purses, let's go." I just couldn't believe it. I am not into style/purses/shoes/anything really. I was surprised they liked it so much. The purses were really reasonable but I sure wasn't about to drop 80.00 to get them each one. They both went for pink ones too. Go figure. It was cute. Makes me a little scared for what could be coming up in our future though. :-) I want them to be frugal like me and not care what others think about what they wear.

Bittersweet

I have been feeling kind of torn lately. I love the feeling of knowing there is life in me and I am keeping him safe and healthy, I love the kicks and never feeling like I am alone, I love how my girls kiss and touch my belly all the time and talk to their brother whom they have never met. I love how they have named him already and love him so much. I love the anticipation and the excitement at the unknown.

Here is where the torn comes in... While I love all that, I am also feeling very ready to be myself again. To not carry around this huge extra weight around my middle, to quit having back pain, heartburn, pelvic pain, to not tire so easily and to not wake up every hour to pee. Those are all going to be great things. I am also finding myself giddy with excitement at the thought of meeting him. I can't wait. I just want to hold him and stare at his tiny features and know another miracle has taken place in our lives. And yet, I feel I do such a better job of taking care of him and keeping him safe while he is in me. I now have 3 wonderful blessings that I totally have to give to God and rely on him to keep safe.

I am really hoping he comes soon and yet a part of me wants to stay pregnant longer. I am just trying so hard to cherish every moment knowing this could be my last. The last time to ever feel a baby move inside me, the last time to have life in me. I just know how quickly time comes in and steals away all these moments. It goes by way too fast. So- torn I shall be, but I shall also cherish each and every moment of whatever stage I find myself to be in.

oh Abby....

Today I had to run to a friends to pick up her plates to borrow. I am working a holiday boutique with my Wildtree products at a really affluent client's house tom. and Sunday and my serving wear is so bad. I don't even have enough matching pieces to bring. :-( So, I called a good friend who was happy to help. I feel so relieved having that now. Now, if I can just somehow look and talk like I have a little money......

Anyway- I left the kids in the van and ran into grab the stuff and I talked with my friend for a few minutes and when I got back out to the van Abby says, "What took so long mom, did you have to make all the plates." I couldn't believe it. She is only 4. That was for sure something that would come out of her daddy's mouth. They just pick up so much!

brand new computer

MckMama and 4 other bloggers are giving away a brand new hp touchsmart computer today to one lucky individual. It is awesome! I so want it! Emily used a magnetized my little pony to mine last week and made my screen turn a whole bunch of colors. Plus, mine is really old and outdated and won't be working a whole lot longer. It would be so great to have one and to win it would be such a blessing.

Here are the links: http://mckgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/hp-touchsmart-giveaway.html?success
http://kellyskornerreviews.blogspot.com/2009/12/hey-who-wants-to-win-free-computer.html
http://totallytogetherreviews.blogspot.com/2009/12/hp-touchsmart-computer-review-and-give.html
http://nienie-reviews.blogspot.com/2009/12/hp-touchsmart-giveaway_09.html
http://boomama.net/hp-touchsmart-600-giveaway/

more aprons

When I posted the aprons I had made I never expected to make them for others for money but I have a friend who asked me to make these for her two girls and I have another person who just asked for some too. I am by no means professional-- I am still just trying to figure out my machine. I do think these turned out pretty good though. They are my favorite yet.

Gingerbread making Party

Here is Abby with her gingerbread house.

And Emily with hers

This is Abby's friend Elizabeth whose house we did this at. The girls have such a blast there. Both of them wanted me to leave them!

Sayings

My sister called me from Sweden today and as I was telling her things the girls have been coming up with she insisted that I put them on my blog. So- here's to Leah! :-)

We were asking Emily what we should name the baby and in all seriousness she said Monster's Inc. A few hours later, she then changes her mind and says we should name him Curious George. If only it could be that simple!

Yesterday we made gingerbread houses with a good friend and after I had a stop to make at Costco and while we were walking around the store Emily grabs my face inbetween her chubby hands and tells me, "Mom- you are a really handsome woman." Thanks Emily! That is what I have always aspired to be....a handsome woman.

I was thinking Abby had one too but I can't remember what it was. They are just too precious. It sure will be sad when there are no little ones in the house anymore. I adore these stages!

Food for thought

A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their almost nearly-missed boarding.

ALL BUT ONE!!!

He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.

He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.

He was glad he did. The 16-year-old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her; no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.

The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket. When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, 'Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?'

She nodded through her tears.. He continued on with, 'I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly.'

As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, 'Mister.....'

He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, 'Are you Jesus?'

He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered..

Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: 'Are you Jesus?' Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.

If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It is actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.

You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked up you and me on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.

Letter from Jesus

I got this off a blog I follow and thought it was good-


Letter from Jesus about Christmas --



It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa’s and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of
them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one,
look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember :

I LOVE YOU,
JESUS

Very short, important movie to watch about Christmas

I don't know what the deal is this year with me and Christmas. Not that I am feeling like a scrooge or a bah humbug (my husband has that position covered). I am just feeling really, really sick and tired of all the commercialism and expecations for gifts. When did Christmas become about that? I don't want it to be about that. Don't get me wrong- I don't think there is anything wrong with exchanging gifts. In fact, I have a few things for my girls and I am very excited to give them. I just feel like Jesus is getting lost in all this mess. When I am out and about I have only heard Jesus mentioned once, ONCE. This is supposed to be about him. I hear and see Santa everywhere and hardly anything about Jesus. It is enough to make me want to boycott. Instead, I will talk about Jesus, and never Santa. Our kids know he isn't real and that people made him up to take the focus off Jesus. They also know that Christmas is Jesus's birthday and he is sharing presents with them. I can't wait to sit down on Christmas and tell them about all he did. How he gave his life for them and that was the ultimate gift.

I also hope to make Christmas be about doing special things and spending time with those we love with no strings attached. We are going to use it to celebrate Christ!

Lots going on

Ok...Ok... I know I have been neglecting my blog quite a bit but life is just too busy to do it all. I have so many projects to accomplish and such little time before this big boy decides to come. I have had several predictions that I only have two more weeks. I hope not... I'm not feeling ready. I need 3 weeks!

I finally finished my aprons. The 3rd one I made I am going to exchange with a friend. She is knitting my girls purses in exhange for this apron. Such a neat idea. I made this apron shorter than the ones for my girls. The child size measurements must have been for more like a 6-8 year old. They are huge on my girls. I also figured out to do the pocket smaller and better. I really like this apron. Now, I am going to make a few more just to have on hand for different birthday's the girls are invited to.
I am still needing to make the girls the baby doll slings I want to but that will have to wait until Friday. I'm too tired to start another project tonight. I am going to pick up fabric and make a baby boy blanket next week too.
Today when I was sewing Abby came down and asked me when her booby hider would be done. I told her I wasn't making her one of those and she then told me how she really needs one because she doesn't want people to see her breasts when she is nursing her baby dolls. Seriously, this child cracks me up. I better make one before that baby comes because I can totally see her sitting on the couch next to me with a doll "nursing", when I am nursing him. We can't have her without a cover-up you know ;-). I also have 400 pictures to write on the backs and put in albums from our last year of life and I need to wash the carseat and baby blankets and burp rags and get everything ready for him. All this while having two expo's to do for Wildtree and a gingerbread making house party and several different playdates coming up. Whew....I'm tired! :-)

I wanted to write about a book I highly recommend too. It isn't one from my book review (I need to get started on that one, I have had it sitting here for weeks- it is the 2nd love and respect book all about communication--so stay tuned for that.) I know, I know-- I don't know how I find time to read. Basically they come with me to the dr.'s office since I have so many of those visits lately, and I love to take leisurely baths-- I allow myself that once or twice a week- otherwise I try to read a chapter during the girls quiet time and maybe another before bed. I love to read and absorb whatever I can so I just make time to squeeze it in but each book takes me at least a month usually.

This specific book is called Sheperding a Child's heart by Tedd Tripp. It is such a contrast to the Well-Behaved Child. This book is about not just changing the behavior but changing the heart from a Biblical perspective. Every act the child committs gets brought back to the cross and how only God can help them with whatever particular thing they are struggling with. It really was great. As soon as Joel and I are done with our believing God study we are going to do this one together. It is a must read for parents whose goals are to raise children in the likeness of God. I will be reading it over and over I am sure.



Here is the 3rd apron I made. Sorry- no child model!

This is the one I made for Emily. See how big it is on her. One of our crafts this week was to make the 25 chain links leading to Christmas. I really like the whole advent idea and wanted to do something like that but have just not had the time to make all the symbols/boxes ect... so I decided to put verses on the links and each day we take one off we then read a verse. All the verses lead up to Christ being born.

We also do have an advent calendar- it has 25 things to put up leading to Christmas. It is from when I was little and some of the items are losing their stickiness-- I guess I need to sew on some velcro.

Here is my Kombucha Tea. I have been doing lots of research into the benifits of this wierd mushroom and it is phenomenal. If any of you want a mother my mushroom will keep producing them so you can then start your own. You can read below on the benefits of Kombucha.

LACTIC ACID: Found in Kombucha in its most potent form L-lactic(+). Lactic acid is essential for the digestive system.ACETIC ACID: Its main function is to inhibit harmful bacteria. Acetic acid is used as a preservative because of this action. It is also what gives Kombucha that 'kick' to its smell and taste.MALIC ACID: Is also used in the body's detoxification process.OXALIC ACID: Encourages the cellular production of energy and is a natural preservative.GLUCONIC ACID: Is effective against many yeast infections such as candidiasis and thrush.BUTYRIC ACID: Is produced by the yeasts and when working with gluconic acid. Might help combat yeast infections such as candida.NUCLEIC ACID: Work with the body aiding healthy cell regeneration.AMINO ACID: A group of acids which are the building blocks of protein. Your muscular system is made of proteins.ENZYMES: Are proteins that act as catalysts, speeding the rate at which biochemical reactions proceed.Kombucha also contains Vitamin Groups B and C, Beneficial Yeasts and LIVING Bacteria.

People from all walks of life throughout the world claim that taking Kombucha Tea on a regular basis provides relief from many ailments. While it may or may not be the cure to all ailments, it is a traditional fermented beverage used in many cultures to promote well-being. Some of the reported benefits from testimonials are it:
Acts as a gentle laxative, helping avoid constipation.
Aids in the relief of arthritis.
Cleanses the colon and gall bladder.
Aids in healthy digestion
Relieves colitis and stomach cramps.
Returns gray hair to it's natural color.
Helps stop non-infectious diarrhea.
Relieves bronchitis and asthma.
Clears up Candida yeast infections.
Regulates the appetite and reduces fat.
Aids with stress and insomnia.
Improves eyesight, cataracts and floaters.
Relieves headaches including migraines.
Puts Lupus into remission.
Helps reduces the alcoholic's craving for alcohol.
Eliminates menopausal hot flashes.
Clears acne, psoriasis and other skin problems.
Thickens hair and strengthens fingernails.
Enhances the sense of smell.
Vitalizes the physical body and adds energy-including sexual energy!The strongest endorsement of the power of Kombucha tea is that cultures throughout the world have been using it for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years in different parts of the world. This in itself lends testimony to the fact the tea has long been beneficial to many for a variety of physical ailments.

Another Freebie

Update****** They made their 20,000 quota so it is now over for the day. Sorry! I hope some of you got something made.


I made mine already this morning. It is another totally free deal only for the first 20,000 today Dec. 1st.


PhotoWorks is giving away a code for a free clutch photo book, a 25-count pack of holiday cards, or an 11″x 8″ calendar (your choice) to the first 20,000. Shipping is also free!
Here's how to redeem your code:
::Visit the American Greetings website and click on the "Today Only Free Gift" graphic on the home page
::Select your gift and save the code you are given.
::Create your gift and enter the coupon code during checkout on the Photoworks website and you should get the photo gift completely free with free shipping!
If you are not interested in any of those three products a $25 coupon will be issued that can be used toward the purchase of another PhotoWorks photo book, card, calendar, or photo gift. The $25 coupon may not be used to purchase prints or gift certificates and does include free shipping.

Decorating for Christmas

Our Christmas tree

The girls playing with a nativity scene I had as a little girl Putting the star on the top

Baby Boy's room who still doesn't have a name!!!!

The changing table hutch with his going home outfit all laid out already

The window coverings and bedding. What a blessing they were. I traded hilites, lowlites and cute for them. Here is his crib all clean and ready for him!

34 weeks

34 weeks-- he is so high~ I am very ready to get him out.

a few photos

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. As I try to think of a thing I am thankful for too much comes to mind. I can't name just a thing or even several different things. I am thankful for so much. I am thankful for a savior who died for me and who loves me. I'm thankful for my husband who works so hard to provide and lets me stay home with our children, the best job in the whole world!!! Obviously, I am so thankful for each of the children God has blessed me with. Just thinking we have another one on the way sometimes makes me feel like God has knocked my socks off with blessings. I am so thankful that I am able to be Abby and Emily and ?'s mother. I feel like it is what I was born to do. I'm thankful for our families and that we actually enjoy spending time with them. (so many families don't have that). I'm thankful for my friends, some close and some not so close and yet I know I have lots of people I can trust and count on. There are so many more things but I think I covered the most important. I have been blessed beyond measure!

~~~ I had the girls all dressed up in beautiful dresses yesterday and their hair all up and I realized I didn't take a single photo. Can you believe it? I am hoping someone else got some of them but I am not sure. I was just too busy holding my nephew and cousins baby.~~~


I made the girls each aprons for Christmas. I had Emily try one on knowing she wouldn't remember or even know what it is for.

The child pattern is a little big for her but at least she is almost fully covered from getting food all over her and it will last her for years. Success!! I am liking my finished projects. Getting started on them is tough though.

Our 100 free Christmas cards that I posted how to get in my last post. They turned out great adn were 100% free. I didn't even pay shipping. Gotta love deals!

The girls making turkeys