tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166690102011-09-10T05:39:08.844-05:00one of my favorite sentence enders... and a way to humbly express my opinion, it seemed like the perfect title to express my feelings about the existence of daily life in my worldMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.comBlogger771100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-80753673852821667492010-12-12T20:09:00.003-06:002010-12-12T20:54:09.477-06:00

Ok so being a full time college student with 3 full time kids is crazy. Life has been so hectic, and with the semester finally winding down I have just a few weeks to breathe in life before we start all again in January.Updates on family are as follows:Chelsea is now officially a driver. Yep watch out world this girl got her permit. Makes me feel so old to have a child old enough to drive. Lucas

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-80478169559647422772010-08-19T17:02:00.002-05:002010-08-19T17:15:46.640-05:00

I just gotta say, it has been a good summer, but in all honesty I am glad for school to be starting...I like the smell of new school supplies, new shoes and peanut butter in lunchboxes.I like the routine of getting up and getting chores done before and after school again. I like homework in all its ups and downs and fall football just around the corner. Don't get me wrong, I miss the kids being

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-82114512870682628532010-04-27T16:02:00.005-05:002010-04-27T16:45:21.569-05:00

NINE MONTHS?! seriously folks, sorry i mean i could have grown a whole human in that amount of time... but I didn't HAlife is insane, busy, hectic, 3 kids going 3 directions, parents both working like crazy and time just flies by tooo fast! so as of last update, I joined the facebook wagon which is part of my non-blogging reason, I mean it is just so easy post a note and a picture and done... so

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1547230594337633642009-06-29T10:35:00.006-05:002009-06-29T11:17:52.738-05:00

So we are back, sunburned (actually peeling at this point) sand in all our luggage, and really tired, but so happy to be homeWe had a great time at Dauphin Island, Alabama! We camped in the pop-up for 5 days and enjoyed the sun, and surf and lots and lots of sand!The kids really loved it and can't wait to go back to the beach, they asked can we do this every summer... and Tom looked at me and i

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-71272190587920140202009-06-10T17:09:00.003-05:002009-06-10T17:21:47.056-05:00

We are in full home improvement mode, starting with cleaning out of every room, declutter and got rid of all the stuff we had accumulated over the years, had a HUGE yard sale a couple weekends ago, made enough money to buy the wood flooring for the kids bedrooms....next we moved on to Mia's room, where we scraped the popcorn ceilings, painted the walls, laid wood floors, and then put it all back

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-90924748076857647342009-04-29T19:36:00.003-05:002009-04-29T19:51:27.114-05:00

so now that all that disney stuff is journaled about... since then we have been just busy living lifeAs my friend, Rhonda says " I've been too busy living life to blog about it!" and that is so very true!Really life is just quiet and normal around here...January and February we had lots of yucky noses, coughs and the typical winter crud. Lots of family dinners by the fireplace, marshmallows and

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-56289545769799283942009-04-07T07:46:00.007-05:002009-04-23T08:12:05.082-05:00

and to leave all of my loyal (2) readers hanging about the remainder of our Disney trip was just unforgivable!ok so i know you have been waiting, refreshing, and waiting some more. so here you go! (haha)Days 3 and 4 Disney:Magic Kingdom. Well named, it is magical in every way, right down to the sidewalks. Every detail, every flower arrangement, music, people singing and dancing in the streets,

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-15309064574227058432009-01-27T11:14:00.007-06:002009-01-27T12:34:12.870-06:00

Monday we went to Hollywood Studios. We planned another long day, with stroller, snacks and autograph books in hand, we set out...Today was the day for autographs!We set our sites on the Big Sorcerer's Hat in the middle hub of the park, and headed there, where we were able to meet all the gang by tag teaming.We met Minnie, Donald & Daisy, Goofy & Pluto, all in quick succession. The most

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-71962372622115414122009-01-24T14:11:00.006-06:002009-01-24T15:19:44.594-06:00

Our first official day at Disney was Sunday, we went to Epcot. We started the day early... park opened at 8 am. So we loaded up lunches, stroller, people and headed in. Everyone was perky, slept well and very excited about the adventure ahead of us.We got into the park and headed to Spaceship Earth... the big silver ball that is so recognizable... but it was broken, so with much hoping that this

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-51429591100248790832009-01-18T15:16:00.005-06:002009-01-18T15:35:27.895-06:00

Our first day at Disney was actually Saturday night, we got to Orlando early and checked into our condo. (which by the way was SO amazing!) It was townhouse style but bigger, had 4 bedrooms, 3 up one down, 3 bathrooms, marble countertops, tile floors, nice NICE big beds and comfy bedlinens. It was just perfect, honestly! I wanted to move in permanently! It was located only about 10 minutes from

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-74762659894542430312009-01-15T19:39:00.011-06:002009-01-16T08:20:56.100-06:00

Haha we are only back for 2 weeks and ready to go back again!!well here's the story, or at least days 1-2...Day 1: Christmas morning... aren't they cute in their matching TCP pj's? They screamed and jumped up and down and did not believe us that we were leaving NOW til we took them and showed them the van... we were on the road by 8am! can u believe that? crazy... i videoed it and if i figure out

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-53967187027936918692008-12-31T06:12:00.002-06:002008-12-31T06:21:32.529-06:00

We are hoping you have had a blessed Christmas. We wish for you a very blessed 2009!!!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-83926011785634442132008-12-24T11:53:00.003-06:002008-12-24T12:00:09.231-06:00

So... tomorrow's Christmas!!! Can't believe it is already here! We can almost tell the big secret we've been keeping for MONTHS!!! only 20 hours or so to go... depends really on when the kids get up... but knowing them it will be early! so, here's a lil hint, just for you, but if you know me, you are already in on the secret, but if you don't... see if you can guess?! At any rate... MERRY

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-59405583213477051802008-12-01T09:25:00.002-06:002008-12-01T09:38:40.043-06:00

so many things to be thankful for, just waking up daily is a gift... but this year something more special than all the others...my son accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior... THANKSGIVING night!!! it all started at lunch time when we all went around the table telling what we were each thankful for, and lucas after 1 round said he wanted to just keep going around and around... so we did. all thru

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-38188020452704175152008-10-03T10:17:00.003-05:002008-10-17T20:07:48.411-05:00

Well as usual it is long since i have updated... so here goes:September 3-7 i joined April Leanne and Angie in Arizona for the Heidi Swapp Creative Escape. I had a GREAT time! all the classes save one were really good, i loved the projects! One thing was no crop nights... but honestly by the time we had done 4 classes all day, i was give out!! I don't think even Starbucks could have kept me up to

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-51320183650986553032008-08-18T08:53:00.012-05:002008-10-17T20:08:13.120-05:00

seems to me this business of letting go begins the moment they are birthed. we watch with anticipation their growth, we are neurotic about their eating and pooping habits, we santitize everything they could possibly come into contact with, and are there to catch them when they take those faltering first steps, that inevitably end with a big bruise on the knee or forehead. we cheer as they learn

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-57556791115846374472008-07-28T15:49:00.003-05:002008-10-17T20:09:09.366-05:00

Off to a hectic start, summer has finally arrived and it is HOT! we managed to finish out the school year without major noteworthy events. Silviya is home, doing well and is now officially a "driver". Kids both finished their ball seasons, it was fun lots of great times, and memories, but we are done!!! My job and Tom's job are both going well. Really it is life as normal, with one small niggling

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-4108550433881406362008-05-19T09:29:00.003-05:002008-05-19T09:49:06.172-05:00

we had one of those crazy busy weekends that did not stop from friday to sunday night late!!Friday we decided to go eat and go run some errands and shop with the kids... did not get home til late... then Saturday started with ball practice, had the all day airshow... SUNBURN, and then ended with an exchange student going away party at the church... again home late....then Sunday was church, then

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-72697643769217967062008-04-11T19:22:00.004-05:002008-04-11T20:05:21.858-05:00

Welcome to my crazy life!! We had a wonderful spring break trip to Colorado!! Ski-ed our legs off and enjoyed the beauty of the mountains and snow. I swear i could live there... and those that know me well know i HATE being cold.. so i bet that is a surprise to hear me type that! But i totally could live there! It is so beautiful and it is a different kind of cold, drier and less intense.. of

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-59752097994553460392008-03-04T07:59:00.004-06:002008-03-04T08:15:45.666-06:00

you know its been a year since my surgery. its been a long year for me emotionally. before last year there was the hope of tiny newness, the hope of new beginnings. and suddenly, unexpectedly that door was closed forever. like i said this year has been a hard year emotionally. but i have come to realize that when you pray for something and God seems silent, and then speaks again and it is with

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-32633140744185991612008-01-27T14:38:00.001-06:002008-01-27T14:43:38.952-06:00

January 26, 2008. Daddy Daughter Dance. Cutest little girl. Beautiful dress. Melt his heart sweetness. Dancing on his feet. Smiling thru the tears. Cherishing this moment forever.

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-24380603040692824942008-01-12T20:03:00.000-06:002008-01-12T20:23:45.797-06:00

ok so i am a bit late, as usual, but still here! Happy New Year friends!! I look forward to each new year, all the first times with my kids, all the discoveries and adventures that await us... we have big plans for our family this year!first up is a ski trip on spring break in Colorado... hitting the slopes and enjoying the beautiful mountains. Next, we are planting an herb garden this spring as

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-91694745159864462112007-12-23T17:42:00.000-06:002007-12-23T18:07:07.524-06:00

Its the most wonderful season, my favorite next to Easter of course. I love everything about Christmas, the family celebrations, the wonderful worship services, the laughter, friendships, and joy that surrounds us. The star in the East, the Baby, our Lord in the manger, all of it. I believe, I BELIEVE in the wonder of Christmas. We see in our children the absolute awe of the Christmas story as

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-83458458158624875172007-11-05T17:25:00.000-06:002007-11-05T17:43:14.234-06:00

thanks juliekins for the tag... i really needed to blog, really but have not had a spare moment to sit and to this... so this will be a kick in the pants to get me going again...so 8 random things about me....1. i talk to myself ALOT, and sometimes i answer back2 i love to bake, cookies, cakes, bread... and i love to share!3. i have a serious container fetish, i love baskets, boxes, purses, those

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-24238425701984734702007-10-08T19:26:00.000-05:002007-10-08T19:50:19.772-05:00

i have taken my cue from my dear friend miss melody, and started recording my beautiful life, moments each day that make me stop and thank God above for the blessed life i have been given. here are a few of the most recent moments that make my life so beautiful...Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair this ride looked so cool... i am so glad the photo turned out just the way i wanted.. all blurry and in

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-90423957753717483662007-09-04T07:09:00.001-05:002007-09-04T07:15:53.829-05:00

Say HELLO to Silviya!!! She is my beautiful new daughter from Bulgaria!! We are hosting a forgien exchange student for the next 10 months... and she is settling in to our crazy hectic life! She is a quiet girl, beautiful and very affectionate. She loves the kids and they already love her too!! We are really excited to learn about her culture and language, and hope to teach her some things about

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-75329770228173074002007-08-09T17:02:00.000-05:002007-08-09T17:13:43.898-05:00

ok so those of you who read this blog and know me... know i have a serious paper fetish....i love it ok? i can't help it.. it calls to me and begs me to buy it.. what am i supposed to do? just leave it there? I think not!!!so i had a gift certificate i have been hoarding.. just waiting for the right time... and the stuff just jumped into my shopping cart!so i played today on my day off.. i

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-16857073377109110012007-07-19T09:57:00.001-05:002007-07-19T10:05:30.154-05:00

ok so this picture is a year old... and the layout is about who i am last year... but it fits me still, in so many ways. I am still the same person, a little heavier, a whole lot busier, but the same, still. It made me think.... if at this point i should try to change some things i don't really like...is it too late? nah... i think i can keep striving for better, wishing for more, and expecting

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-90452259513758152462007-06-02T16:23:00.000-05:002007-06-02T16:38:30.729-05:00

so school is out... and this beautiful girl brings me all the junk that is in her desk in a big ole walmart sack to sort thru. yeah me! and as i am sorting out the junk from the keep stuff i run across this treasure... spelling has been left as it was written..... My MomMy favorite person is my mom. she is there for me. Even when I'm not very good she is still there

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-19972890897461496452007-04-19T16:19:00.000-05:002007-04-19T16:36:19.744-05:00

yeah, i look fairly normal... but you get me around some chatterbox.. and i turn into a FREAK!! I LOVE THIS COMPANY and their products so much!!! I love the way the papers inspire me as an artist, how it compliments my photos and makes the pages i create so beautiful. I love the way it smells, the way it feels. i love how it crumples and sands and tears.. i have a SERIOUS love affair going on

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-3648400327917242462007-04-16T18:50:00.000-05:002007-04-16T19:04:53.842-05:00

ok so i am really horrible blogger. i cannot keep a diary, i mean i have one, but i can never remember 1. where it is at.. and 2 even if i keep it in a visible location, i can never remember to write in it. i like the idea of having a journal, but practically it just somehow never gets done. i don't know, it is just me, i have all these great intentions, but no follow thru. same with scrapping,

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-29510332478107580022007-03-12T15:07:00.000-06:002007-03-12T15:16:09.785-06:00

i know i know it has been a long time, but in my defense i have had so much going on... read on and you will see!!!first in February i got a call asking me to fill in for a few days at a friends office... a few days turned into him hiring me permanently... yes i am a working girl again! So i had to find daycare for mia, and arrange my working schedule and all that jazz... so getting used to

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1170686493697051412007-02-05T08:21:00.000-06:002007-02-05T08:41:33.986-06:00

thanks julie and leanne for making me "it" i now have to tell my secret weirdness to the world... i am gonna be brave... here goes.....1. I have a serious moisturizer fetish. I must have lotion and chapstick at all times, and i HAVE to put lotion on my feet before i go to bed at night... 2. My nickname(s) growing up were Miss Piggy (for the muppet) and Roscoe (from Dukes of Hazard) my mother used

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1170282849953802562007-01-31T16:29:00.000-06:002007-01-31T16:34:09.966-06:00

ok so when i see this PERFECT snowflake, i just had to stop a moment and have a mini worship session right there. I mean i have seen snow before, but never perfect snowflakes, ones that look like the kind we try to make out of paper. You know i just imagine God sitting up on His throne with a piece of cloud and scissors crafting each one to perfection. Just like He crafts us individual, different

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1170117305791860562007-01-29T18:30:00.000-06:002007-01-29T18:35:05.803-06:00

we have added 4 feet to our house... that is 4 paws... Sophie has joined our bunch, a pure princess lap dog, already spoiled and a mama's girl! we are so excited to have this little fur baby in our family and she will be carted around town and smuggled into where ever i can get away with!! hehehere's our lil princess!!! only 11 weeks old, a lil snuggle baby!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1167869261786635262007-01-03T17:57:00.000-06:002007-01-03T18:17:28.540-06:00

well since this is a new year and all i wanna reflect on last year's goals....1. oh nevermind i did not even meet any goals..... so forget it... i will just start over.oh wait... i did get published twice last year, more luck than anything, but that was one of my goals, so... i did manage to do one thing.so for 2007 i wanna focus on awareness...awareness of my spiritual walk and making it

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1167184096273637932006-12-26T19:20:00.000-06:002007-01-03T20:48:23.853-06:00

REALLY SCRAPBOOKING....in my personal taste and opinion you gotta break out paper and glue, but i got this insert in last month's CK and decided to see what all the fuss is about.... digital scrapbooking 101... including a free downloadable kit from the very talented Jessica Sprague. Well i tried it... and i must say a couple of things... 1. it was easier than i thought. 2. I really like how

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1166816047170874742006-12-22T13:31:00.000-06:002006-12-22T13:34:07.186-06:00

A very merry Christmas to all of you who read this... my friends and family i love you all so much and pray for you to have a CHRIST-filled Christmas and many blessings!!!SWAK!!!melanie

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1165429697321627332006-12-06T12:25:00.000-06:002006-12-06T12:28:17.336-06:00

all done!!! finished shopping!! getting my goodies made... finishing them up this week!! get ready... you might get run over my my reindeer!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1164911702120064352006-11-30T12:26:00.000-06:002006-11-30T12:36:07.656-06:00

christmas is coming!!! i am getting my shopping almost done...i just have a few things to pick up... and then AHHHH done!!hopefully we are gonna get our tree this weekend and get our christmas card photos taken this weekend too! so... sooonnnn lalalalala!then the real fun starts... we are doing our baby jesus basket again this year, our kids are already asking about it, and i reassured them that

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1162955231802597762006-11-07T20:56:00.000-06:002006-11-07T21:07:11.813-06:00

well i was not going to vote. Really i was just going to let this day pass like any other and let other people make the decisions... i prefer it that way.. blissful ignorance. Until i talked to my friend Rhonda, who asked me if i had voted yet... i said no and she looked at me like "WHY?!" She really did not say much except "You need to go vote today", and i just planned to you know in one ear

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1162227636005001322006-10-30T10:47:00.000-06:002006-10-30T11:00:36.016-06:00

oh it is FALL!! i love the cool crisp air, the smell of fallen leaves, the beautiful colors!! OH how i love fall!!we went to the pumpkin patch this past weekend, and the kids had such a good time picking out their pumpkins and riding the hay ride, it was such a beautiful day! Here's my lil punkins having fun!!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1161035528090952232006-10-16T16:06:00.000-05:002006-10-17T21:23:16.720-05:00

Me and LeAnne came up with a con-spiracy to surprise our girls and take them to tulsa for the weekend to go see Raven at the fair...we did not tell them anything until we got there and they were soooo excited when they finally figured it all out!! we stood there for like 4.5 hours and watched a bunch of ugliness set in when they only had 250 chairs for like oh i don't know 2000+ people, and some

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1160759894850973962006-10-13T11:09:00.000-05:002006-10-13T12:18:15.146-05:00

ok so first of all i need to say a big THANK YOU to my sweet friend for sharing her photographic secret locations.... and then i need to share these fantastic photos of my girls i took yesterday!OH MAN this was so much fun, and it went fast cuz it was cold outside (think marathon snapping in abot 10 minutes)and the location was just too cool for words! I love love love how these photos turned out

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1159881273272250552006-10-03T08:06:00.000-05:002006-10-03T08:14:33.286-05:00

Seven years ago today, i married my best friend. I cannot tell you how blessed i am to have this wonderful loving man in my life. He loves God so much, loves his children in such a beautiful way it makes me fall in love with him all over again each time i see him with them. He loves me... really loves me, knows me inside and out, my flaws, my weaknesses and strengths. He completes me (corny, but

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1158719316917471162006-09-19T21:14:00.000-05:002006-09-19T21:28:36.933-05:00

well it has been a few weeks... update, after many dr's visits, lab tests and all that jazz, i am on 2 medications and i am daring to hope again... i am beginning to see glimpses of the girl i am inside screaming to get out... i am waking up smiling, with more energy... i am not nearly as MOOODDYY and i think just maybe my hubby is remembering the girl he married so long ago. I feel like me again

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1156539378610056872006-08-25T15:50:00.000-05:002006-08-25T15:56:18.636-05:00

YAY something to blog about FINALLY!!!! I know you guys prolly thought i dropped off the planet of this blog thing, but since i talk to everyone who reads my blog almost every day...i really did not have any NEW news to report.....UNTil NOW!!!Paperdillieshttp://www.paperdillies.com/ asked me to join their design team!!!! I am so excited and they make the CUTEST monthly album kits out there!!!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1153335614731202602006-07-19T13:50:00.000-05:002006-07-19T15:22:41.286-05:00

Today i am 32 years old!! I cannot believe it! I remember when i was little how 32 seemed so old, but now that i am here, it doesn't feel that old at all! I have so many reasons to be happy and thankful. I have had a blessed life that is sure. So here' a little self portrait of being me at 32 :1. I am a Child of the KING! I mean it really doesn't get any better than this does it?2. I get to be

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1153153107966677102006-07-17T10:59:00.000-05:002006-07-17T11:18:27.996-05:00

k so it is like 9000 degrees outside right now... ok ok maybe not quite that hot, but it is triple digits anyhow... and as far as i am concerned HOT ENOUGH!!! Well i am trying to get an appointment with an internist... like a specialist, but not so much, to do something about my health issues, and hopefully soon i will be feelin better. My kid's dr gave me an rx for my thyroid meds to help me

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1151501227078994422006-06-28T08:22:00.000-05:002006-06-28T08:27:07.096-05:00

ok so now that i have had my moment of reflection... i take it all back.. i mean i can't very well leave my friends larolin and MELODY in a lurch when they NEED me so much! what kind of friend would i be?? So i would like to revise my previous statement just a little... only for MV.com... PAPERDILLIES (hint hint), and if by some WILDCRAZY INSANELY impossibility that MElody Ross actually WANTS me.

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1151419791836594702006-06-27T09:35:00.000-05:002006-06-27T09:49:51.850-05:00

it has come to my heart's attention that there are some things that i must put aside for a while... nothing major, at least not in the big scope of things, but something that has taken up a big part of my attention and effort over the past year(s) or so.I have decided to forgo any new DT opportunities, contests and "TRYING" to go out for publication in the scrapbooking world. It has been a hard

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1150402996144843162006-06-15T15:12:00.000-05:002006-06-15T15:23:16.170-05:00

i will be doing great if i could just feel normal again... i need to go to the dr and get some bloodwork done for my thyroid condition... i am soooooo very tired all the time and just cannot get motivated to DO anything....but on a happier note i have some great updates to hand out to blogland...I am an AUNTIE>>> for the first time officially that is.... My brother Scott and his wife Vicki just

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1149201697748697482006-06-01T17:28:00.000-05:002006-06-01T17:41:37.763-05:00

well seeing that HOF did NOT call me and the H*** place did not freeze over , i guess that means i am free to submit my FANTASTIC layouts elsewhere! SOOO i bit the bullet and entered some of them for the My Mind's Eye DT contest... makers of WILD ASPARAGUS that i LOVE (not as much as chatterbox OF COURSE, but still) i am sure they will be flooded with entries, but i gave it a shot anyhow.so

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1149026083274864082006-05-30T16:42:00.000-05:002006-05-30T16:54:43.286-05:00

my kids mark the beginning of summertime with the pool opening.... and it opened this weekend, so i guess at our house it is officially summer! i too ke the kids to the pool Sunday after church and they had such a good time splashing in the "baby" pool while i relaxed under the canopy and read a book...CHelsea's gills have shown up, and she is a little fish, and wants to go everyday! I guess this

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1148659138026998452006-05-26T10:52:00.000-05:002006-05-26T11:30:10.030-05:00

WOW twice in one week? i must be doing ok....now that i have my digi i thought i would share a few pics that i took with it this week... lucas preschool graduation was last night, and i must tell you that i bawled like a baby! THey had a photo slideshow to music that song that says" you were mine for a while to hold, ... i pray that god will fill your heart with dreams, and that he will give you

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1148436960376400702006-05-23T21:07:00.000-05:002006-05-23T21:16:00.386-05:00

I am soooo very excited my sweet husband finally gave me the go ahead to get my dream camera!! I did not waste any time shopping for the best deal before he had a chance to change his mind! hahaI bought a Nikon D70s package on ebay for a GREAT price and lots of extra accessories with 2 lenses, batteries, bag, tripod and all kinds of stuff!! I am so excited that i finally got it, and i already

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1146835881842651982006-05-05T08:16:00.000-05:002006-05-05T08:31:21.853-05:00

at this whole blog thing i mean... i can't seem to keep up with it. i mean it has been since MARCH!! and really the only valid excuse i have has been in the last few weeks we have had the floors redone in every room of the house, and i did not have a computer for almost 2 weeks!! but other than that... nothin... i think i am in some kind of funk lately. I am tired all the time, i don't wanna do

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1142377556449691452006-03-14T16:37:00.000-06:002006-03-14T17:05:56.480-06:00

aHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!this insanity MUST end soon!!! ok in case you are wondering.. i am referring to the HOF calls STILL not made yet!i know i don't have a chance and a really HOT place(see photo) will have to freeze before my phone rings, but ENOUGH already. I have broken the world record for eating the most THIN MINTS in the least amount of time (side note** WHY do they call them thin mints..

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1140749191762506402006-02-23T20:18:00.000-06:002006-02-23T20:46:31.783-06:00

I have been tagged by Julsie!! ok so here goes...What scrapbook lines/products, etc. do you dislike? honestly... CREATIVE MEMORIES makes me GAG!!What is the hardest thing you have ever had to scrap? hmmm i made 5 albums for a man who lost his wife.. they had 4 children together and wanted 4 albums for them to remember their mother by... and i made one for him to have too. It was hard because i

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1139507759362781332006-02-09T11:47:00.000-06:002006-02-09T11:55:59.376-06:00

ok so if you ever wonder what a trillion of something looks like... well just ask me, cuz i know! It is my sweet little daughter's fault... she started it all with a baking session in the kitchen of chef Mia... usomg BABY POWDER...yep a whole jug of it... dumped into her kitchen center, dishes, table and chairs, bed, herself, you name it the room was COVERED in it... but it sure smells nice...

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1137518447003763662006-01-17T10:28:00.000-06:002006-01-17T11:20:47.043-06:00

Well it was bound to happen... i mean we have virtually no health insurance aside from this little policy with a killer deductible until dh's insurance kicks in 90 days from now... so now is the PERFECT time for a major illness or accident... so i really should not have been surprised...We went to the park Saturday, played had a wonderful time with no indication of anything bad about to happen...

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1137515295951543512006-01-17T10:12:00.000-06:002006-01-17T10:28:15.960-06:00

4 jobs you have had in your life? carhop at sonic, teller at a credit union, receptionist at a dr's office, mom 4 movies you could watch over and over? you've got mail, Lord of the Rings trilogy, Star Wars trilogy, and Gone with the Wind 4 places you have lived?Fort Smith, Mulberry, AR, Lawton, OK, Fort Smith 4 tv shows you love to watch? ER, CSI Las Vegas, Friends reruns, Little House on the

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1136387551371858662006-01-04T09:10:00.000-06:002006-01-04T09:12:31.373-06:00

Has it really been 3 years? It seems like only a breath since I brought this sweet angel home from the hospital. Time flies by so quickly and her baby days are over. We are in the midst of potty training, preschool, and lots of drama from this little girl. She is such a joy to us and we cannot imagine life without her. Little December's Child, we hope you never feel like you r birthday is an

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1136220853803768402006-01-02T10:46:00.000-06:002006-01-02T10:54:13.806-06:00

I have a dream... and a few goals too....a dream to be more financially stable in 2006. to take control and not just let things happen and wonder how come we are always so broke....a dream to finally FLY like the flylady says... i got off to a great start in 2005 but i wanna step it up a notch this year and really go for it!a goal to spend more meaningful moments with my family, playing with the

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1136220278234567142006-01-02T10:43:00.000-06:002006-01-02T10:44:38.246-06:00

I am trying to catch my breath from the holidays, all in all it was pretty nice with the exception of my 2 youngest waking up on Christmas morning sick, we had a great time.We started a new family tradition this year... starting early in December, i bought a basket, and some "hay". Each night we would sit at the tree and talk about how we were getting the basket ready for Jesus' birthday, and we

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1133938010178047452005-12-07T00:37:00.000-06:002005-12-07T00:46:50.186-06:00

Well we made it thru Thanksgiving, and boy am I thankful it is over! Actually it was rather nice, I cooked this year and the family lived thru it, then we travelled all weekend (the stressful part). Now mind you i love to go visit my family out of town... It is wonderful and we do not get to see them but a couple of times a year, so it is a treat, but seems to me like it used to be easier... that

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1132168801558950462005-11-16T12:54:00.001-06:002005-11-16T13:20:01.580-06:00

Ok, so I thought this blogging thing was going to be something i could manage and keep up with, but apparently i am not doing very good with it, because it has been a month since i updated!In my defense i have been very busy lately with lots of things... the kids starting fall sports, family photos, a women's conference at our church that i taught at, and other things, but i guess that is no

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1132167286790292492005-11-16T12:54:00.000-06:002005-11-16T12:54:46.800-06:00

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1129153319935103242005-10-12T16:31:00.000-05:002005-10-12T16:51:25.513-05:00

So everyone around me is having babies lately. My cousin is pregnant, two of my dearest friends just had babies and I am surrounded by all these pregnant women at church... I think i am coming down with a fever... Baby fever...We have 3 wonderful children, they keep me so busy and the bigger they get the busier we get as a family, but sometimes I wonder what it would be like to add just one more.

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1129152586056478782005-10-12T16:18:00.000-05:002005-10-12T16:29:46.076-05:00

Well I'm back... I have been Flybaby-ing it now for weeks, and am LOVING how it not only makes my housework so much more manageable, and YES even dare I say fun, but also how it makes me feel so much more competant as a wife and mother to provide the organized and less stressful life my family deserves. I am feeling very confident, and actually have MORE free time to do the other things that I

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1128043360677260762005-09-29T20:17:00.000-05:002005-09-29T20:22:40.683-05:00

Well i finally did it! I joined up with Flylady.net to help me get my house in order. The clutter and disorganization is just too much for me to take anymore! So, a friend of mine Rhonda, introduced me to her friend the Flylady. She gives you all these fun and easy little tasks to keep your house all in order which for an organizational type person such as myself (not from looking at my home

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1127356988278992262005-09-21T21:35:00.000-05:002005-09-21T21:43:08.283-05:00

Ok so we have been "remodeling" around our house, basically just cosmetic painting and stuff, but finally get to my DD's room. Painted, moved back in, bedding DONE... now I have been searching for the perfect piece of furniture to use as a dresser/closet all in one jobbie thing. Her bedroom is what used to be a formal living room, and has no closet. So I have been searching for this perfect piece

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1127226139422992872005-09-20T09:17:00.000-05:002005-09-20T09:22:19.423-05:00

Well this is the week, after all the hard work and waiting, the new Making Memories Masters for 2006 will be contacted. Now mind you I have no illusions about me actually getting a call, I mean I have seen the competition, and I believe there are far more talented people who entered, but i would love am HM or even one or two of my humble little layouts to be picked up for publication. I am

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1127225802971443572005-09-20T09:12:00.000-05:002005-09-20T09:16:42.976-05:00

Ok so my sweet DH after his peaceful weekend of gaming bliss, returns home to find me in the throes (no pun intended) of a raging stomach virus. He was so sweet taking over the childcare duties, and even going to Walmart (a place he detests) to buy me gatorade and soup. I am now on the path to healing, but lemme just tell you that was not fun, nor do I wish to repeat it anytime in the future.

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1126885689676145952005-09-16T10:38:00.000-05:002005-09-16T11:11:08.340-05:00

ok so the DH has gone for a guy weekend with a buddy to St Louis to hook up with some other guy friends to play computer games (his equality to scrapbooking) and left me at home with the 3 kiddos (not a problem) and no vehicle (that is a problem), but i truly hope he has a great time and comes home relaxed and ready to get back into the groove of daily life. So I plan on letting the kids go to

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1126581226853679002005-09-12T22:00:00.000-05:002005-09-16T11:26:48.333-05:00

Well it has come to it at last, I must go jean shopping. But first I must get something off my chest. I know I don't have a right to complain, I mean I have been the same size since High School, and graduated more years ago than I can count on both hands. And yes I know I have inherited great genetics for a youthful and pretty slender body type, and yes, I know that I am hated by many for this...

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16669010.post-1126580279020270102005-09-12T21:36:00.000-05:002005-09-12T21:57:59.026-05:00

For what it is worth, at the urging of a good friend, I have jumped on the blog bandwagon. I seriously cannot imagine what if anything in my humble little life would be of any interest to anyone besides those who know me and love all my little blondisms and personality quirks. But here goes...A few things i need to clear up right off the bat... 1. I love to use (...) and it is something i cannot

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16794562297355053575noreply@blogger.com0