New Year Wishes

After every dark night,

comes a bright new day.

Hope your new year dawns

with the promise of a better TOMORROW.



I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. We plan to stay at home with the kids and watch the ball drop together. It's one night I really don't like to be out on the road.
So wishing everyone all the best in 2010.
Take care and God Bless You !!!

Wordless Wednesday

CUTE ? ? ?

SMILE ! ! !

Eight Months

Wow remember this ??????

Hard to believe 1 day old.



Here I am today 8 months old !!!

Getting so Big.


And I love to play !!!!!



Happy 8 Months Little Miss Carly, We Love You !!!

My Life in the New Millennium - Last 10 Yrs

I was thinking Wow it's almost 2010. I can remember when it was going to be the year 2000 and all the crazy things people talked about happening. I would have to say the past decade has prolly been the most enjoyable times of my life. So I'm going to share a little bit of the good and the bad times in my life.

This post might be a little long so bear with me. :)

2000 - Out of the blue after wanting a child so much. I had the biggest and best surprise in my life. I had a baby boy and Yes I was one of those people who can say I didn't know I was pregnant ???? I could have been on that show. I had my sweet son Ridge Logan at 1:15 am weighing 8 lbs 1/2 oz. He was born on Feb 28. We both were fine and gave people so much to talk about. The rest of the year was spent working and raising my Ridge. I love you soooo much.

2001 - Went through alot this year some good and some bad, got laid off but found another job soon. My relationship w/ Ridge's Dad was bad and we lived in a Domestic Women's Sheltar for a while.

2002 - I was once again blessed with a child. I had a daughter Thaniqua Marie weighing 8 lbs 4 ozs. She was born March 27. I had a fun delivery I go very fast while in labor and I didn't make it to the hospital. I had her at home well at my friends house. They called the squad but Marie was out before they got there. They cut the cord and took us to the hospital and both of us were fine. My only problem with the whole thing was 7 men standing there looking at me. In Nov my Mom found out she had breast cancer and over Thanksgiving she had both breasts removed but the surgery went great.

2003 - I was working and supporting 2 children on my own. I had a great friend that watched my children so I could work. I had broke things off with there Father but I was strong and with God's help I knew I could raise these children. In Feb I met Paul my hubby today. I was his boss at work and we just had a lot of the same interests.

2004 - I was blessed with another Child a sweet little girl named Jennifer Lynn. She weighed 8 lbs and 8 ozs. She was born April 2. We both lost our jobs but once again God provided for us and we found work again.

2005 - Things were good for the most part. I found out that we expecting again in Nov and excited.

2006 - On Feb 10 I lost our baby boy at 12 wks. It was a very sad time for all of us. God carried us through and we were stronger than before. Paul got the flu very bad and had to be taken to the hospital but he got better. On Dec 14, we decided to get married as my hubby said he didn't have anything better to do that day. LOL.

2007 - This yr brought alot of change for us. I was working at night at the local newspaper. I loved that job cause I'm a real news freak. I love Headline News and CNN some people think I'm nuts, LOL. In July we decided jobs were hard to find and Dad was from California so we decided to take a BIG step and moved from Ohio to Nevada. He left in July and I left with the children in Sept. The day before I left my Uncle passed away and a good family friend was killed in a auto accident. It made leaving hard. On Dec 1 I lost another baby at 8 wks and this time was tougher than the last one. Once again the Lord carried us through it.

2008 - We finally got our own place in Nevada after staying w/ my hubby's sister in Feb. On June 7, 2008 my step-son graduated from High School it was a Big push to see it finally happen after the move and taking alot of State Tests over again to graduate. The ones in Ohio didn't count made it sorta trying. In August I took a pregnancy test and yes indeed we were expecting again. Scared and trying to be happy I didn't wanta lose this child. Lots of praying and then I got really scared last New Year's eve I started spotting. So nervous but I gave it all to God.

2009 - We were blessed with another daughter and she was born April 29. Her name is Carly Lorraine and weighed 8 lbs 12 ozs. My husband escaped layoffs twice at his job. We have been praying so hard about that. A BIG STEP for Jennifer this year she started school. She loves kindergarden and has a lot of little friends. All of the children are doing well in school. My Mom is still cancer free and living life to the fullest.

Well here we are almost to 2010 and wonder what the New Year holds for us but I know we will just have to wait and see. With this gang it's so hard to tell but putting our faith and trust in the Lord I know what ever it is he will see us through. I know that one thing for sure I hope one day very soon that the Lord comes back to take his children home, oh what a glorious day that will be.

Wow quite a bit happened and most of all I'm thankful for my online friends. The move was alot for me and this blog has helped alot get some feelings out that I just kept inside. Thanx for always listening to me. Love ya all !!!

Fingerpainting On A Sunday Afternoon

Today my girls Jennifer and Marie wanted to try out there Fingerpaints that they got for Christmas. They had a blast. I get a kick out of Jennifer my 5 yr old. She doesn't like to get messy so she wanted to use the sponges that came with the paints. It was just to cute and Dad and me had fun watching them.



Marie working hard



Jennifer trying her BEST Not to be MESSY !!



Marie's Pictures



Can you guess who done this ??????
Of course JENNIFER :)

Christmas 2009

Wow the last couple days have been busy. We had a great Christmas. Just being together was terrific. Paul has been working alot and so we haven't seen much of Dad, so we all just hung out together on Christmas. I was really happy this Christmas for one I have been done since Nov w/shopping. I got everything wrapped early for prolly the first time ever. I only had a few last minute ones to wrap but it always seems like I stay up forever and wrap Christmas Eve. It prolly helped having Jennifer in Kindergarden cause I could wrap in the afternoon.

Anyway we got up and I got up a little earlier cause I made homemade cinnamon rolls. Everyone ate and then we read the Christmas Story out of the Bible. We opened up gifts which went pretty good. Carly decided the paper was more fun than the gifts but that was ok too. Kids got some nice toys and some nice clothes too. I try not to go overboard but since Grandma doesn't see the kids since our move she buys a little more than if we were back in Ohio. Thanx Grandma we loved it all.

For supper I made Ham and sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and green beans. Oh can't forget my homemade dinner rolls. Kids just loved those and of course we had cookies and cake Happy Birthday Jesus.

I almost forgot to call my family back in Ohio. We decided this year we would wait til later to call each other. I almost waited to late it was 6pm here which meant it was 9pm there. They do things and with the time differance it sometimes is tough to always connect.

But all in all we had a great Christmas together and just being home.

We did have a little surprise Teresa a lady I met when I first moved here called and said she had some gifts for the kids. I sometimes watch her niece once in a while or she comes over to play. Destiny is Ridge's age and a sweetheart. I haven't talked to her prolly since Sept or so. She got Ridge a skateboard and Jennifer a really cute doll baby and all it does is laugh. She got Marie some Winnie Pooh clothes and she got Carly a little Santa. So sweet of her.

Christmas Story and Excitement at Our House

Today I'm sharing the Christmas Story with you. I grew up reading this every Christmas morning before any packages were opened and tomorrow morning at our house we will do the same.




The Christmas Story

St. Luke 2: 1 – 14

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them at the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace,
good will toward men.

Well of course with young children in our home, the excitement is building. I think our five year old Jennifer is more excited than I can remember. All week she has been talking and talking and asking me Mommy do you think I have been good ??? I said Yes I think you have.

So with all the excitement I thought I would share this tag. The kids just love it.



And I love snowman and this is my newest addition I just got it yesterday.



Once again from The Croley Gang we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !!! Stay safe and remember Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

My Quiet Moment

Last Night in some of the quiet moments of our home, I was sorta organizing some of the gifts for everyone. I had opened the boxes that my family from Ohio sent the children. I don't put anything under the tree because at this house these kids would never make it to Dec 25, LOL.

Then just out of the blue no one was up but ME. My mind started thinking and I thought about how there should be two more children at our home. I think about them alot and wonder and wonder sometimes what things would be like........... Also my husband as really opened up and talks more about our children in heaven. I think since we had Carly it makes him wonder just what life would be like and oh the joy. We both love kids sooooo much.

Well....

Then after I sat there and cried for about 10 minutes, I felt better, well somewhat. My Mom always told me a good cry can do wonders. Sometimes it really does.

Then I thought about how God gave his son so that one day we could all go to Heaven that believe in Him. Somedays well most days I just can't wait, I wanta go to right now. Happy Birthday Jesus.

Mother / Son Afternoon

Yesterday I was feeling better and still had some last minute things to mail. My son Ridge has been stuck inside cause he has had a little cold. He was better and so I told him after lunch just him & I were going to take a little walk to the Post Office. It had been a while since Ridge and me just caught a few moments alone. He is my oldest and will be turning 10 soon.

Wow where did the time go .....

So off to the Post Office we went. Had a good time and enjoyed just chatting about whatever. I try so hard to just spend time with each one of them once a week but since Ridge is older he sorta just keeps to himself reading books or playing video games / computer. It was just nice to spend some quality time with my son. We had some pretty good conversations. Even before we stopped by the gas station on the way home to get a little junk food to take home for the rest. Ridge said to me I'm soooo glad your my Mom , that's better than any Gift in the World.

What a AwEsOmE Afternoon !!!!!

Santa Pics Blog Hop !!! Add your Pic !!!

I got this idea from a blog I follow Praise Him In the Storm. So I thought I would join in. You can go to her blog and link up if you want to join in. Post any Christmas Picture w/ Santa any year or whatever you wanta do.

I posted these before on my blog but thought I would share them again. There's sort of a funny story to the day I took the kids to see Santa.

It all started that we went to the High School Craft Show to get pictures of Santa taken. Well my oldest daughter Marie is 7, Jennifer is 5 , and Carly is 7 months. Well my son Ridge went along but informed me he wasn't getting his picture taken. He is to grown up for it. He is only 9. After we got done and were back home I found out that Ridge knew his little girlfriend from school would be there. Oh my goodness what a Boy already !!!

Later that night we went out to dinner and stopped by Smith's to pick up a couple things and then when we walked in the store they had a Pop display set up w/ Santa. Santa was just a stuffed one but still cute. Ridge said Mom can you take my picture w/ your phone ? I said I thought you were to BIG for this. I did anyway I guess he was only worried about someone seeing him. It sure made for a good laugh. :)

Kids are the best and especially at CHRISTMAS !!!!!!
Merry Christmas !!!!!

Little Under the Weather and a Couple Updates

Well I'm a little under the weather but trying not to let it bother me. Last Thursday I woke up and I felt like a train ran me over. I really didn't want Paul to go to work but I didn't say much just thought the kids are here and they can help with Carly. Well I tried to rest but NO LUCK there. The kids did there best but with Carly only wanting Mom it was hard. Dad called at lunch and I tried to play it off but a couple hrs later, he called and said they were out of work. I thought Thank God, cause I could really use him here. He came home and I went to bed. It was only 2:30 in the afternoon. Well I later I got up and then went back to bed. Friday I felt better just a little sore throat but then Saturday afternoon my throat hurt so bad. Sunday morning I got up and went to Urgent Care first thing...... Well I have Strep throat but have meds and I am getting better. Can't be sick for Christmas !!! Today I feel great.

Kids are doing good excited for Christmas and gifts but also because they get to help me make Jesus Birthday Cake. I'm going to let them decorate it. This should be interesting. :)

Carly is starting to really walk around furniture soooooo this will prolly be the next thing, that she is walking. She has been letting go of things but just not realizing it.

Well I better go as I have a few packages to go to the post office and my little man is going with Mom. I don't get much time to spend with each of them alone on break but I try sooooooooo TODAY is Ridge's Day, well sorta :)

Have a great DAY and only 4 more days til CHRISTMAS and Jesus Birthday.

Six Word Saturday

Here is how it works using six words , describe your life ( or something ) in a phrase.


Wishing Everyone A Very Merry Christmas !!!!!!!!

If you would like to join in all you have to do is link up to Show My Face

Christmas Greetings

I recieved this email this morning and thought I would share it w/ all of you.



CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO YOU and YOUR FAMILY
With 1 week before Christmas REMEMBER:
Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole.

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh

JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited

JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"

JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO

JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry"

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa's little helpers make toys

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree

JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in Christmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.


May the Lord Bless and Watch over you and your loved ones this Christmas 2009

And may He prosper and bless the work of your hands in the New Year.

Tough Day

Wow today turned out to be a Tough Day.

I haven't blogged about the past couple weeks cause I was hoping things would go by easy. Well with all the snow I can't go for a walk much. We live right beside Walgreens and sometimes I don't buy anything at all, just look for a good deal they always have things marked down. It gets me out of the house.

Well I just had a feeling today would turn out like this. I get up every morning w/ Paul before work. He is going in early since he isn't taking the kids to school. So we get up at five. It's nice to get up early since my family and friends live on the east coast I can call them cause it's only eight or so. Paul wanted something to eat so I made his lunch and fixed eggs. Well when he got out of the shower he brought Carly w/ him. This little girl doesn't take a nap if I'm lucky sometimes she will sleep 20 min. It doesn't bother me she is a good baby. So I fed her and then when Dad left Jennifer and Marie got up. Jared and Ridge got up at 9am and then the trouble started.

Jared has been so moody and he is really bad when all the kids are home. He doesn't wanta share and is rude to the kids. Today Carly fell asleep and usually I don't make them be quiet but she was up so early. Well he woke her up. Jared had to go to work at 1pm, I couldn't wait. I'm not usually like this. With all the problems he has been giving us Paul told him that if he couldn't abide by the rules then he would have to move by the end of Dec. I have been trying not to think about it w/ the holidays but after the way he was today, I almost wished he was gone. Part of me feels bad because he has been here for 2 yrs and his real Mom doesn't call or write or anything. He really isn't a bad kid he just isn't doing things the right way and Dad was nice when he told him. Dad really doesn't want him to go but Jared isn't making it easy for any of us. So tonight I'm praying that God helps all of us get through this trying time. It's hard on the kids and we really didn't tell them til after Thanksgiving cause Jared was telling them how he doesn't like us plus a little more. It's just tough for me, I'm always in the middle. Thanx for listening, hoping tomorrow will be better.

Afternoon Fun with A Box

Well yesterday I was getting trash ready to go out and Carly spotted a BOX. She is at that age where boxes or just anything make her sooooooo happy. Marie and Jennifer wanted to put her it and push her. Well they played for a good couple hours with that box. I joked with them and told them Wow maybe you should see if Santa could bring a couple more of those. They were all having so much FUN !!!

Totally RaNdOm Tuesday - Snowmen

I thought I would do this today since my favorite thing at Christmas is snowmen. I have a lot of different ones at home. So I belong to a tag group on Cafe Mom and I stsrted collecting different snowmen tags.

So here are a few that I have.


Here is one with Hot Chocolate - I don't do the coffee thing.



This is my favorite one, well I think, LOL




My Kiddos love this one.




This is my newest addition, I just got it last week.

When I was little I loved playing in the snow and I loved building snowmen. I also remember crying everytime I would watch Frosty the Snowman.

But I do think this is cute since I moved out West but of course this year we have so much snow I could build alot of snowmen. LOL

The Legend of the Candy Cane

I recieved this from my sister-in-law yesterday and thought I would share it. It's so very AwEsOmE.

This is a legend of the candy cane.


As you watch do not click on anything (except "Start") as it will automatically flip for you.




http://www.angelrays.com/fla/legend.html

Happy Anniversary - 3 Years

Happy Anniversary, only 3 years seems alot longer. We have been together since 2003 but someone sorta didn't wanta do that Marriage thing even though I knew that's what I really wanted down deep. It was me !!!!!

Anyway on December 14,2006 We did it got married !!!!!!

I wouldn't have it any other way now. We have been through alot together having 2 beautiful girls together Miss Jennifer and Carly. Also losing a son at 12 wks and another baby at 8 wks. A very tough part of our relationship but God seen us through and still does today. A Big Move for our Family to Carson City, Nevada from Wooster, Ohio. Just the daily trials Good or Bad. Our love is still strong as ever.

We don't do alot for our Anniversary for one it is so close to Christmas. Usually go out to eat close to the day whatever works out. Well I feel I gotta share this with you. Saturday nite Paul decided we would go to Denny's for supper after he got off work. We all piled in the van and it was snowing pretty good out. We already have about 15 inches of snow. I didn't think it snowed in Nevada. This is the most I have seen since I have been here.

Well we had a flat tire about a mile from our house. He stopped and tried to change it but ended up calling Scott a Nephew of his that lives here in town. They couldn't get the rim off but finally did. It was snowing so bad and he was cold and wet. I decided to just come home and fix supper. Everything worked out ok I made Taco's and of course he felt bad but I told him it was ok You can just owe me. So we prolly will go out this coming Saturday.

Happy Anniversary Honey !!!!!!! I LOVE YOU !!!

Six Word Saturday

Here is how it works using six words , describe your life ( or something ) in a phrase.

A Mom's Job Is Never Done.

This a new tag a friend of mine made me. I just had to show it off. It is soooooooo very true. I can remember when I was younger and still at home by Mom saying the same thing. I love being a Mom it just seems like there is always something to do, LOL.

Hoping everyone has a Happy 6 Word Saturday !!!!

If you would like to join in all you have to do is link up to Cate's Blog

School Is Out

Today is a Big Day at The Croley House !!!

The kiddos that live here are all excited because .....

WHY ???????

Today is the last day of school until Jan 4, 2010.

Alot of mixed feelings , but for the most part they are happy that it's break time. They enjoy school and I know they will miss it. I'm also happy cause we all get a break and get to enjoy each other over the holidays. Even though there will be those moments when it will be noisy and siblings will clash but I just love having them home.

So today is party day as my older 2 said and Jennifer is learning and tasting ways other countries share in Christmas which is exciting.

So no more having to do this or that at a special time we can all be a little lax. One thing we are doing is still reading 20 minutes a day.

To those of you that don't know our children go to a Yr round school and they get a 3 week break after every quarter. Hard to believe the school year is half over.

Feelings

I have been having alot of different feelings lately. I think sometimes they are getting the best of me. I'm happy and sad. Doing my share of crying and being joyful during this special time of year.

But yesterday really got me, I have a Facebook acct. A friend that I had on there ended up to be a fake. She was a real person but the story she was telling others was not. I haven't spent alot of time thinking about it but today in our quiet house except for the sound of Dora's Christmas on Nick Jr. Carly and I were the only 2 at home today. I was thinking ....................

Why would someone want to tell a story of what so many Mommy friends on here have gone through and I have too.

It's not a fun thing because it never goes away and it is nothing to joke about.

So while it does upset me to no end. I think of what God would want me to do. So I'm praying for this young lady and I know that God can forgive. I'm praying to for God to give me a kind of peace about the whole ordeal. I realize things like this happen alot but it just blows my mind. I hope that she never has to walk the road that so many of my blog friends and I have had to.