that's my girl

This month Addie got the 'Terrific Kid' award. Every month has a value or characteristic that is looked for in the kids and 2 kids out of every class gets picked. When I grew up -- it was just called Student of the Month. Anyways - this months value was "The Golden Rule" -- so Addie was picked because she: does unto others as she would have them do to her. I am proud of this -- she is such a sweet girl and this award fits her perfectly. We tried to keep it a surprise from her but she had her suspicions (since her teacher told me right in front of her and just covered her ears) and then when she walked into the cafeteria for the assembly -- she got a much bigger hint when she saw all of us sitting there. :) But I am glad she had a heads up because last year (as you may remember) ... she wouldn't stand up and ended up crying because of all of the unexpected attention. She's so sensitive. :) This year went much smoother. She is so darn cute. Way to go Addie May!!

she spotted us before the assembly started.................

Grandma and Papa (my parents), Uncle Tony (my brother) and Gwen and Jackson all came to support our girl. Unfortunately Sam couldn't make it, but it was nice to have all of them...........

the cute girl. she even got to show off to the school her 'snow bunny' outfit since it was a dress up day. the principal even complimented her on her outfit :)..................
Proud family..............................

whatever gets us through

I was looking thru my phone at all my pictures on it. My kids love to take my phone and take tons and tons of pictures with it. I always find the most random pictures that they have taken. Recently I was looking thru and found a bunch of pictures that they had taken while we were at church.

It made me laugh because it is a perfect example of how our church adventures go every week. As long as they are quiet -- go for it.

These are only a small portion of the series -- but gives you an idea of what goes on in our row at church.

Also notice Jackson and I are not in any of the photos (Gwen either -- but she was the one behind the camera). I am sure I was out roaming the halls with Jackson since he is either yelling things, throwing things or crying.

Hope we are getting our blessing! ;)

some updates

A few months back we had a bit of a leak in our bathroom. So some repairs needed to take place. It was right before Christmas -- which was awesome timing ;) -- but I still was a little excited inside that we HAD to update the bathroom. It had been on my wish list since we moved in -- but we never really have "extra money" laying around. We did all the work ourselves -- it only took -- forever -- but I am very happy with the finished product and happy to have a door back on our bathroom. :)

demo of the bathroom:

bit of a leak ;P ..................
our handy work..........................
vanity before.....................
vanity after: new paint, new hardware and new granite top = big difference
TA DA!!!!!

Now onto our couches. We have NEVER had new couches. When we first got married we got some of my aunt and uncles used couches. From there, we bought some from Salvation Army. And then from there I found a set at a garage sale that was originally from Costco -- those were the nicest ones we had. Our sweet little dog Peazy loves our couches and loves to dig at them until she makes tons of little (and big) holes in them. She did this with the last 2 sets. With the last set -- I found some iron patches that matched my couches and patched away. But I was really getting fed up with it. So my wish was to get leather couches. That way - she wouldn't dig in them, they wouldn't hold in smells and they would look so much nicer. Well I kept checking Craigslist -- but never found any I wanted (at least not in my price range).

Well then I did my taxes and we got back a lot more than expected. And then I went to Costco and the set that I had been dreaming about owning was the last model and was on sale!! I took this as a sign and bought them.

And now I have my very own -- BRAND NEW, leather couches. They make my whole house look better. And they smell great!! And they are very comfortable and they seem like they get more and more comfy everyday. They make me happy. :)

Here is some before and after pics........

you can see some of my patches and some nice scratches in this pic of my old couches. We went from this.............................
To this!!!!.................................
Before...................................
After..........................................
Before....................................
After.......................................
*** notice the blurred effect around the after pics -- I DID NOT do this on purpose -- Jackson must have sucked on the lens or something - but I kind of like the effect it gives, like "ahhhhh"

a little behind

So I have not blogged in a while (which I will try to do better) -- but there is a reason. I have started a new series of books and I love them and they take up all my time. Any free time I have -- I have a book in my hand. It is a series of 6 books and I am on book 4 at the moment. If you are looking for a good read - - I'd recommend these.

Book Description: This thrilling series by national bestselling author Chris Stewart takes us from the beginning of time to the final hours of the last days. Filled with rumors of wars and political intrigues, deadly epidemics and economic disasters, uplifting twists and inspiring miracles, the volumes in the Great and the Terrible series reveal the greatest secret of all: The children of God can defeat the adversary, for we have fought him before.