No Way Almost Three Years Old

My Girl

Mommy's little sunshine , this little girl has brought so much joy to this home.

Little Miss Carly turns 3 years old a month from today.

I love you so much.

Love Mommy

Kindness & A Science Fair Experiment

Kindness ........ I try very hard as a parent to teach my children kindness. I had kind & loving parents growing up. They were always helping someone out or I can remember my Dad saying sometimes all you have to do is smile.

I have always liked this saying ..........

Well the school had a assembly on Bullying which is everywhere. I love our school & they gave out Kindness journals for the children to keep a record over the break of different kind acts they could do or say to someone. I really like this idea.

The last week school was in I went & had lunch with the kids. Jennifer was first & when I sat down at the table this little boy told me " Jennifer is so nice to me she is smart but she helps me with my work too. " I was so very proud of her & he went on to tell me how Jennifer is the best girl in our class.

I know that Ridge & Thaniqua are good kind students at school. I never hear anything bad from anyone which makes me always feel good. I know they have there moments at home but they are still kids.

This past quarter we had science fair projects to do. Ridge & Thaniqua each had there own to complete. Well we started working on them right after Christmas. I dislike rushing so we started early deciding what we wanted to do. Thaniqua has a friend at school that doesn't get a lot of help at home so they had asked the teacher if they could do it together. She agreed but I told Thaniqua I wanted each one of them to do there own board so it would help her friend for next yr. Well it came time that they were due which was Ridge's birthday we finished ours a week early. I had her friend come & stay overnight so she could get things typed up & such. The girls had done pretty much the same thing a few little things different. I told Thaniqua no matter who wins this was something to learn from being kind to someone.

Judging was March 1st & Thaniqua came out of school & said guess what Mom my friend got honorable mention. I could see in her face she was happy but sad too. Her friend wasn't far behind & I was talking to her Mom anyway. I was so excited & so was her friend lots of hugs for both the girls. Her friend's Mom was upset that Thaniqua didn't get anything & I said its ok.

Going home from school I told Thaniqua I know you worked hard to sweetie but you know how happy she was. Last yr Thaniqua got first place & went to state with her project. I told her I'm glad we did what we did , we gave someone the chance & look it all worked out. There were no names on the boards or papers turned in so I know the judges are not from the school , so it is not like someone knew. Thaniqua's teacher wanted to have them judge Thaniqua's first but I said no I want this to be a learning lesson for her. She agreed , it was so worth it to see her friend so very happy.

Happy 3rd Heavenly Birthday Carleigh

Today I'm sending birthday wishes all the way to Heaven. A very special little girl who is three years old.

I'm also praying for Holly & her family has they remember there precious Carleigh McKenna.

Hoping there day is a peaceful one.

Last evening we had Thaniqua's party & we put three extra on Thaniqua's cake & sang to Carleigh too. Thaniqua says I will always remember her at my birthday we almost share the same date.

Lots of Love to Holly & your family , from The Croley Gang

10 Years Old Already ? ?

Today is a special day at our home. It's Thaniqua's birthday !!! Happy Happy 10th Birthday !!! Wishing you the best day ever.

10 yrs ago on March 27 , 2012 I gave birth to a beautiful little girl. I wasn't feeling well earlier that evening. I ate some Fried Chicken which is Thaniqua's favorite today. I went to bed & woke up at 2am feeling really bad. Little did I know Thaniqua was well on her way & I didn't make it to the hospital I gave birth at home at 3am. The EMT's got there in time to cut the cord. I will never forget her birth. I just go very fast when I'm in labor. It was a scary ordeal but we both were just fine. Happy Birthday !!!!! 10 yrs sure passed by sooooooo quickly.

Saying & Some Feelings Lately

Today I was on Pinterest & found this saying.

Source: Uploaded by user via Caroline on Pinterest

It really seemed to fit me lately. It's been emotional kids are having birthdays , joyful times at school , friends missing there children that are in Heaven. I miss mine too. I always wonder if things had been different ????? I myself have a daily cry sometimes good sometimes sad but you know it always helps. My Mom used to tell me it's ok.

I don't understand Why some things happen in this life but I know God has the answers. He has a plan for all of us we just need to trust him & have faith. So I'm going to keep on walking this journey & just so glad I'm never alone. God is there always.

Third Quarter Awards & Spring Break

Friday was Third quarter awards at school.

It was so emotional too. It was the last time I would see Ridge get a award for grade school. The next time he will be graduating to Middle school. Thursday evening Ridge & I spent some time together he wanted to go with me on a my evening walk. It was awesome just Ridge & I we don't get a lot of one on one time together. I know he is growing up & some of the things he shared I'm so glad he can be open with me. I don't want that to ever change.

Anyway the kids all did well. All honors grade wise. Ridge only missed 2 days this past quarter , the girls missed more because of sickness.

It's also Spring Break for three weeks. I'm hoping the weather is great & we can have some fun outside. I'm sure we will whatever as long as we are together.



We also have a few birthdays coming up so I know it will be fun times.

West Holmes Lady Knights

Division II ~ State Title Runner-up
Love you all



Just wait til next year we will be back ......... :)

All My Children Together

Last fall I won a giveaway from



It was a $ 50 dollar gift certificate from My Forever Child. I was excited but just about a month ago I decided I better check on getting something from there.

Well this is what I decided on a lovely necklace with ALL MY CHILDREN'S birthstones. Ridge , Thaniqua , Jennifer , ^ Riley ^ , ^ Little Muffin ^ , Carly , ^ Sweetpea ^ & ^ Rosebud ^. It is so awesome & I haven't taken it off since I got it. So nice to have them all around my neck. I have a necklace that is just baby loss but nothing that included everyone. I love it.

Thanks so much to Kelly for doing the giveaway I will treasure it forever.



If you would like just click on the button below to check out everything they have. It is a great store.

Catch Up Post

Lately ................

I seem to be so busy. I love writing and so many things have been going on around here. I will really be happy to see this week end. It's good and it is sorta sad. This is the children's last week of school then it is break time !!!!! I know we are all looking forward to it. The only reason it is sad is Ridge is almost finished with fifth grade....... Wow !!! I'm excited for him but at the same time where did 12 yrs go. A couple weeks ago he brought home his paperwork for middle school. He is excited but then again not sure of what it will be like. I know since the start of the school year he has really made some changes as for maturing. I'm so proud of him he is a really caring boy.

Ridge also had his first Band-O-Rama on Feb 23. There fifth grade band played with the middle school & high school. He really enjoys band & playing the trombone. He has decided to stick w/ band , really really likes it.

Thaniqua & Jennifer have been busy & they are having birthday's real soon. Thaniqua's is next week & Jennifer's the next week. So yesterday I spent all afternoon & evening making like 4 pans of brownies & 60 cookies for school. They are celebrating this week with there class since there birthdays fall during the school break. It was fun yesterday. I found some great recipes from Pinterest & they were yummy.

We had science fair in the middle of all of that but that is a another post I have started so be looking for that.

Our weather has been up and down got to go enjoy the park a little. This year the weather has been all over the place. I talked to my sister and it was really warm & still is in Ohio right now....... Wow !! We had snow here over the weekend not a lot but enough for me. The mountains look pretty but I'm ready for warmer weather. I'm hoping over the break it is nice so maybe we can get outside a bit. Carly loves it & she is getting so big. Hard to believe in a little over a month she will be three.

Carly right now is hooked on Minnie Mouse not sure how that happened but Minnie goes everywhere with her. Here is a picture of her using a pick trying to comb Minnie's hair....... Lol. My funny girl.



I took this one while she was eating and watching me finish baking. She said " Mommy take my picture please."



Well off and running time to go get my school kids.......... More later , take care

Basketball ?????? & Homesick ........

Well March Madness is going on but I'm not really into that ...........

I love High School basketball. Being really into sports like I am. I was a cheerleader in school but I really did like sports. My mom used to tell me she thought I enjoyed the short skirt more , Lol. It's funny now looking back at that.

Anyway .......

I come from a small school district where everyone almost knows everyone. A lot of kids grew up on farms so we just country kids. Our school was in the heart of Amish country too.

WEST HOLMES KNIGHTS , Millersburg , Ohio



Our school is best known for girls basketball. This a Huge reason why ......

In Van Reeth’s first season as head coach of the West Holmes girls in 1984, he won a state championship. The Knights finished 28-0 that season.

They wouldn’t lose for another two years.

From 1983 to 1986, Van Reeth guided West Holmes to three straight class AA state championships.

All three seasons, the Knights were 28-0.

Well it has been 17 yrs since the girls basketball team had been to Columbus , Ohio in the final four. I was so excited & yes I live in Nevada. A friend of mine from school gave me the link so I could listen to the game. Friday morning I faithfully listened just Carly & I ,so many memories & tears. They won to top it all , YES !!!!
I was so happy to listen almost 2500 miles away. Well this afternoon they played the final game but the outcome was different ...... they lost but no matter what they are state runner up in our Division II.

So tonight I'm so proud to be from such a awesome school & it was thrilling to listen. It did make me homesick but they played with everything they had and they did it together. Just one more awesome deal the coach today Lisa Patterson was a part of the team that won those three state titles back to back.

A Huge Congratulations Lady Knights , you will forever be Awesome to me.

Five Minute Friday ~ Brave

I found this blog hop & thought I would join in. Sometimes it seems like all I have is Five minutes.

Five minutes to just write, and not worry if it’s just right or not. Kind of like how the rest of my life is at the moment.

Want to join me?

1. Write for only five minutes.
2. Link up by clicking on the button.
3. Go leave some comment love for the five minutes
who linked up before you.

It’s great , give it a try and see. Here is the topic ~

BRAVE

GO ......

Having courage to go on.

A few things being brave means to me ....

Getting up to face a new day

going to school & facing the people who choose to bully

Pregnancy after loss of a child , also being brave to hold a baby after loss especially if you have no living children.

being a Christian

trying something new

so many things I could go on brave isn't easy but I'm so glad that I try my best & know that every step of this life God is with me helping me be brave.


STOP

My five minutes for today.
OK, your turn – show me what you’ve got.

Wordless Wednesday

So .......... My Life

Source: Uploaded by user via Caroline on Pinterest

Spring Forward

Can't believe it is time for this but it makes me Happy !! I love the more daylight in the evening.

Don't forget to change those batteries in the smoke detectors too.

Five Minute Friday ~ Empty

I found this blog hop & thought I would join in. Sometimes it seems like all I have is Five minutes.

Five minutes to just write, and not worry if it’s just right or not. Kind of like how the rest of my life is at the moment.

Want to join me?

1. Write for only five minutes.
2. Link up by clicking on the button.
3. Go leave some comment love for the five minutes
who linked up before you.

It’s great , give it a try and see. Here is the topic ~

EMPTY

GO .......

Holding or containing nothing , I try to never let the gas tank run empty.

Sometimes I get a empty feeling missing my children that live in Heaven.

Sometimes my toostie roll jar runs empty , my children know how to do it well. :)

But .....................

with all the ups & downs this life has even though I may not have everything at times I'm never completely empty. I have God and with him & trusting him I can never be empty. God has given me life , a husband , children in Heaven & on earth but through it all I'm blessed so blessed & I will never be empty. I have my moments but I just have to stop & remember everything I have been given.

STOP

My five minutes for today.
OK, your turn – show me what you’ve got.

Wordless Wednesday

Winter ??????

Winter ????????

We have been pretty lucky this winter. Well at least me , I always grew up in the snow in Ohio. It snowed & it stayed all winter. Well now I really only like snow at Christmas. I guess some might say I'm getting old , Lol

Well this winter here there hasn't been much snow. The mountains haven't had that pretty look to them. It also means that not to many people have been able to ski. Thaniqua's teacher loves to go & she has been praying hard for snow. It also is the way they get there water for summer since it hardly ever rains here.

Well this morning I woke up to this pretty snow. We didn't get much.

The only thing was yesterday it was 70 degrees out all weekend it was nice.

Well the good thing is it is March & I know we will still have snow it is just on the up side & all this should be ending before long. Time change is this coming weekend & that totally makes me smile. :)

Two Cute Girls

This morning Thaniqua went to church , Paul had to work & Ridge had a overnight guest for his birthday since it fell during the week.

Last night when I was almost ready to go to bed Jennifer got sick. I know being a Mom you never know when your going to have to do this or that. Well I did a load of laundry then off to bed I went. This morning I gave the girls a bath & then Jennifer was feeling better she wanted a pop tart. I had gave her toast & 7-up . I think she ate some snacks to fast then went to bed.

Anyway I just random took there picture & I love it Getting so big both of them.

Praying

This past week has been hard so much sad news. I have always enjoyed watching the news , reading the newspaper but anymore it just almost is too hard. So many things happening in the world.

Last Monday there was a shooting at a high school in Ohio. I'm from Ohio but not near there it's a couple hrs from where I grew up. Three students died & parents left to feel that empty spot of losing a child. It really makes you stop & think about just how precious life really is. I know that my children are young but I worry always when I send them out the door to go to school but then I know God is watching over them. So I'm praying for those families that have loss & there friends.

This week the terrible tornadoes that have been going through the different states is hard to look at. My heart goes out to all those that have lost family & homes. Keeping so many in my prayers.

Just so much sadness this week in the news.

Also I would like to keep a special blogger friend of mine in my prayers. Praying that the rest of this pregnancy will go great & baby will grow & grow.