~ Wordless Wedesday ~

Just some random pictures of Our Gang.

~ 5 Months ~

Today this Little Miss Carly as we call her turns 5 months today. So hard to believe that time as went so fast. It just seems like we brought her home the other day. She is getting so Big and on the move. She isn't crawling yet but she knows how to get somewhere when she wants to. I thought I would share some pictures of her favorite thing to do nowadays. Well here goes have you guessed yet ???????


She just loves to look under the couch, so I told the older kids no more hiding things from MOM !!!

She also loves the girls silky outside of there sleeping bags, so I just unzip one and lay it out on the floor for her to roll around on. She even puts herself to sleep on it most of the time. She doesn't stay on it long but she still loves it. She has been sleeping all night since she was a month old to and that's nice too. So that's where we are at 5 months.

~ SHORT ANSWERS ~

It's time for SHORT ANSWERS. To join in just ask the kid(s) in your life these five questions below and write down there answers word for word. Post'em up on your blog and link up.

Just to let you know how old my kids are : Ridge 9 , Marie 7, Jennifer 5.


WHAT IS YOUR MOST CHERISHED MEMORY ?
Ridge - When my Mom had Carly and meeting my 2nd grade teacher Ms Adrian

Marie - When Carly my little sister first laughed

Jennifer - A Bunny

HOW OLD IS MOM ?
Ridge - 45

Marie - 45

Jennifer - Don't know


DO YOU LIKE THE SUN OR SNOW BETTER ?
Ridge - Snow, because the moon looks cool in the winter.

Marie - Snow , so we can have snow wars

Jennifer - The Sun, cause it's so shiny.


IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE ?
Ridge - Force Field

Marie - Fire & Ice

Jennifer - Water


WHERE DO NORWEGIANS LIVE ?
Ridge - Russia

Marie - House

Jennifer - Don't know

~ Spending Time With My Kiddos ~

It's been a busy time around the Croley home this past weekend. Saturday Dad had to work 12 hrs at work. It was good but there was so much to do. Saturday was Family Fun Day at the park we live beside. They had games and things to do and Subway was doing a free lunch. So we went and had a blast. After we got done there we stopped by the playground and the kids played for a bit.
Sunday was a big day too. Dad had to work again all day never got home until 9 pm. Jennifer had her 1st Birthday party to attend from a classmate at school. She was so excited and I was to. I had to take all the kids because Dad was at work. The birthday party was at Gold Dust West Bowling Center. They also have a casino there and the kids could see all the flashing & pretty lights. So while Jennifer was at the party Carly & I hung out between the arcade and the party. Ridge and Marie spent there time playing games and having fun. I had fun watching Jennifer try to bowl along with all the rest of the Kindergarden classmates that came. Ridge and Marie and I had some birthday cake too. It was really fun and I got to spend some time with the kiddos all weekend.

~ Week 9 - The Secret ~

To give so much time to improving myself that I have no time to criicize others.

To me this means to try to work on myself and not to bring another person down because of something they have done. I know when I got the role of a lead person at a warehouse I was working at, it was sometimes tough not to get upset w/ some people that were sent there to work. Most of them were only temps and they didn't really care about the job just makin some money. Whatever I usually put my all into it & just have to remember that not everyone does things the same way or else, like my Grandma once said it would sure make life boring if people were all the same. I know I don't like to be put down so I try to think before I say something.

~ Read With Us - Chapter 12 ~

Join us as we continue reading with Holly, In Faithfulness, He Afflicted Me, by Lynnette Kraft.

In this Chapter, Lynnette speaks of worrying & also trusting in God to help her. She had good reason to worry with all the things Anna was dealing with. She worried that if someday she was to pregnant again and Anna needed her. Putting your all into trusting God is alot of work. Sometimes it may not seem like it at the time but God will help you through prayer and he will never leave you.

What things do you worry about ?
I always have been a person to worry but just since the last 9 yrs. I do trust God but with some of the issues I have been through with my older children's father, I worry. To many times he used them to get at me and told me one day they won't want a mother like me. I know down deep it's not true but sometimes I have a fear that he will come and take them away. He followed me for yrs after we split up, would be at my work , one time he even picked the lock to my car and was hiding in the backseat.
The past 2 yrs have been tough on me, I never have been a homesick person. I moved out when I was 18 and always worked and didn't have my children til later in life. Now as most of you know I live in Nevada and I'm from Ohio. It is taking alot of adjusting for me and I try not to let it show. I worry that if my Mom or any family member gets ill or a accident I could never get home in time. It's just 2500 miles away is to far but I know that things are better for us here. It just is hard somedays.
Do you find it easy to give these worries to God ?
Yes I do but then I have to stop and remind myself that God is always there to take care of us and as long as I trust him, he won't let me down. I can remember getting ready to leave Ohio and I was alone taking 3 children on a greyhound bus to Reno, Nevada. It was a scary thing but I gave it all to God and the kids stayed with me and we made the 3 day trip. God always sees you through whatever even though at the time you may not see how.

Lynnette also in this chapter spoke of how she kept a journal of things the children did. When I read this I wondered if she was related to my Mom. She seemed like she wrote down everything. I can remember my Mom writing down things in just notebooks after notebooks. When I got older I can remember reading them & thinking Wow at a lot of things she kept track of.

What memories of your childhood make you smile ?
I can remember just sitting around the supper table TOGETHER. I can remember that was one time that we all could get together & talk about things that happened that day or just to enjoy each other together.
Another was Christmas at our house, it is Jesus birthday so My Dad always read the christmas story out of the bible. As we got older we took turns reading different verses of it and then we prayed together and then opened gifts. It was a wonderful time and my parents never wanted to lose sight of what christmas was really all about.
I could probably go on forever I had lots of happy memories as a child but one thing I do treasure was having christian parents.

~ Six Word Saturday ~

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


Homesick for Ohio - missing Family, Friends

~ Hey Mom, There's A Lizard ~

Today I just had a feeling it was going to be somewhat of a not so normal day. Sometimes I can just tell when I get up in the morning and how the children seem. Well today Carly would not take a nap at all. Marie, Carly & I decided to go for a walk to Smith's to get a few things and stop by the library. We got home and I gave the girls a quick bath and started supper. Next thing I know Ridge came in the door yelling there is a lizard outside our apartment. I freaked out, I told him there can't be well guess what .......... there really was. My neighbor Kelly was outside too. I called Paul at work & told him of course he just laughed :) I had Ridge take some pictures for me to show Dad when he got here. He used my camera phone so there not to great. Anyway here goes.....


The lizard under the steps & look Ridge's Army man passed out, we think had to throw something funny in there.



The lizard kinda spread out. Prolly wondering where it could run.

We showed the pictures to Dad when he got home & he said it was a pretty good size one but my first encounter with one since we moved here. Anyway just had to share my excitment. I wonder sometimes if I still am that girl who liked Biology class, things bother me now that I wouldn't have thought of back then. I guess from now on when I hear Ridge yell Mom there's a lizard there is one. :)

~ Thankful Thursday ~

It's been a rough week so far at our home and I thought I might write something to make me smile.

I just wanted to list 5 things I'm Thankful for this Thursday :

1. I'm thankful that we are christians and we know the Lord, one day we will see those that we love dearly and our 2 angel babies who are waiting for us.

2. I'm thankful for my family's health.

3. I'm thankful that I'm married to my best friend in the whole world and he is a AWESOME Daddy.

4. I'm thankful that I am a Mother it's the best job & the most rewarding in the world. Sometimes stressful but worth it. :)

5. I'm thankful that my husband still has a job , even though yesterday they told them they would be shut down the wk of Thanksgiving & the wk of Christmas without pay. I know with God by our side we will make it.


Also Today my sister Colleen & her hubby Jeff, my brother Kevin and his girlfriend Sherry, Also Jeff's brother Brian are all losing there jobs today. The plant they work for is closing. I know that this is a on going problem everywhere & you never know if you are safe. If you could keep them in your prayers that they find something soon. We just know that God is with them and will watch over them always. 8 yrs ago they went through the same thing & God provided for them. I also thought this image I found last nite was so true. God is always there for all of us. He loves all of us so much.

~ Read With Us - Chapter 11 ~

Join us as we continue reading with Holly, In Faithfulness, He Afflicted Me, by Lynnette Kraft.

In this Chapter Lynnette speaks of being blessed with her life and a sweet relationship with Kyle, and the gift of four precious children, which she watched 2 of them die, and her little girl she watched barely hang on to life. She speaks of having to stay home in the fall/ winter months especially because of the fear of Anna getting sick. It was lonely at times for them. Only part of the family could go and which left Kyle to do alot of running for the family. I'm sure it was alot for all of them to take in at times. One thing that they couldn't do is always attend church together, something that they didn't want to split up doing as a family so they stayed home and wo. rshiped by singing songs and praising God.

Do you think that you can grow in faith without going to church ?

Yes you can , I know personally you can. When I was younger my Dad worked at a job where Sunday work was never a issue. Then he changed jobs and worked for the Holmes Co Highway Dept, where he ran a high lift & in the winter time he plowed the roads. Well my Mom didn't drive she was in a bad accident when she was 7 months pregnant with me & got scared. So when bad weather came any day of the week, Dad wasn't there and if it was a Sunday we couldn't attend church. I was raised in a christian home and so we would sing songs and watch a preacher on T.V.My Mom was a Sunday School teacher to and so she always had something ready for all of us. Dad always kept a bible in his van & I know he used it. My Mom I can remember when I was young always wanted us to go to youth group but sometimes we couldn't attend & so we would listen to WCRF radio station and do follow along bible study with stuff she ordered from there. I remember liking it & I'm so thankful I had parents that cared about us & the Lord.My Grandma was a very strong christian lady and I remember her telling me that no matter what God is always there for you in church or not. I also remember a neighbor we had growing up and I know he didn't attend church but he knew what the bible said & lived it to.

~ Short Answers ~

It's time for SHORT ANSWERS. To join in just ask the kid(s) in your life these five questions below and write down there answers word for word. Post'em up on your blog and link up.

Just to let you know how old my kids are : Ridge 9 , Marie 7, Jennifer 5.


WHAT"S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE ?
Ridge - Just the clean yard

Marie - Run around

Jennifer - Playing with my tool set.


WHAT DO TRAINS CARRY ?
Ridge - Black coal

Marie - Don't know

Jennifer - Don't know


WHAT DOES A SHERRIFF DO ?
Ridge - Arrest people

Marie - Arrest people

Jennifer - Turn Red & Blue lights on.


WHERE DOES THE GAS STATION GET THE GAS ?
Ridge - Don't know

Marie - Don't know

Jennifer - at another gas station


IF YOU COULD DO WHATEVER YOU WANTED FOR A WHOLE DAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO ?
Ridge - Laying in my room playing video games and drinking root beer.

Marie - Bike riding

Jennifer - Playing a game with Ridge

~ Sunday Wedding ~

This past Sunday we traveled to Blue Lakes Middle Creek Expansion Campground in Hope Valley, California. It was about a hour & fifteen minutes from our place. We went there for a outdoor wedding. Roger & Dawn were married in the middle of the woods. I met Dawn last yr when our daughter's were in 1st grade together. Anyway while waiting for the kids to get out of school we usually talk about our days & she is a stay at home Mom to. One day she was telling me about the wedding & said we are getting married in the middle of the woods. Well we decided to go to the wedding & yes it was down a big hill & right in the middle. It was pretty there and so peaceful. I took some pictures with my camera phone but it looked even better than those. They really had a beautiful day and it was nice to actually see some green and smell some really clean air. It almost made me feel like I was in OHIO again, LOL. Anyway we had a really good time and so did the kids.


Roger and Dawn and there families.


What a beautiful cake !!


Saga and Epic - sister and brother


Epic looking so cute in his Little Tux Jacket.


Saga - Marie's best friend and Mini Bride for the Day !!!

~ Week 8 - The Secret ~

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature I meet.

Science suggests that when you smile, whether you feel happy or not, your mood will be elevated. Just doing something positive - sharing a smile - might do enough to help someone else out, regardless of response. It also means a smile is contagious.

I can remember when I had my first miscarriage and I was in the hospital after my D & C and I was getting ready to be discharged to go home. There was a little girl prolly about 5 yrs old was in the waiting room and on our way out she was smiling at Mickey Mouse on my t - shirt. I remember wanting to cry cause I had just lost my baby boy but at the same time, she was so cute and so I talked to her a brief moment. It helped me for a little bit to take my mind off my own problem. I know to when I went back to work I tried to be the happy, smiling person I was before. It was tough somedays and still is but I know that a smiling person can make you feel better.

~ Six Word Saturday ~

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


Smiles + Love + Laughter + Tickles + Tears = FAMILY

Have a AWESOME Saturday !!!!!

~ Special Reminders ~

Just some little things that remind me of my children, I have 4 children and 2 babies in heaven.
Ridge - is 9 yrs old and he loves seals. He has always had a love for sea life animals. Everytime I see a seal I think of him. He has a Webkin Seal named " Sealy " that he sleeps with every night.

Marie - is 7 yrs old and she loves kittens. She sleeps with her Webkin Kitten "Princess" every nite. She has to have it or she just can't sleep.

Jennifer - is 5 yrs old & she loves puppies. She has a Webkin Puppy named "Shy-Shy " that she sleeps & plays with. She is taking it to school for Share Day tomorrow. Also my Jennifer has a blanket that I made for my youngest just before she was born. It has I Love Mommy & Daddy on it & the other side has stars on it. Well Guess what Jennifer named her blanket ?????? Sparkle , I thought it was to cute and just had to share it. She comes up with the funniest things sometimes.

Carly - my four month old has a pink teddy bear that I got her just before she was born. She does alot of rolling around on the floor & it seems like everytime she goes to sleep her pink bear is always near.

I lost 2 babies to miscarriages in 2006 & 2007 my first one I knew was a boy & the second one we didn't know. I have two water fountains in my home that are relaxing to look at and just sorta give a calm feeling too. Those are my reminders of my babies that are waiting in heaven to see there Mom & Dad. It sorta reminds me of the Psalm 23 a favorite of mine.

~ What A Wonderful Teacher ~

My Ridge is in the 3rd grade & his teacher this year is wonderful. We met her at open house a few days after school had started. I did know her a little bit before hand since I had went to a few school board meetings when we thought they were going to close my children's school last yr. Well as it turned out things worked out. His teacher Mrs Browning is so neat, it wasn't just her job she was looking out for but for all the students, when she spoke at meetings last yr. I liked her then but after the past couple wks, she is so great. Yesterday " Tuesday" she asked me if Ridge could be at school before 8 am about 7:45 & I said sure. She wanted me to come to if I could, so I went too. The students in her class were having a Farmer's Market before school. The money collected was going to a girl by the name of Faith Ann that attends middle school and has cancer. The students at school plant a garden & since they go to school yr round they learn how to harvest there plants. They even take the children out to learn how to weed and such. Anyway the neat part of today was the children were learning how to make change for selling items, that's why she wanted some parents there to help out. Also they were learning different ways to price things like by the pound & such. The main thing she wanted to get across to them was by doing something good to help someone in need. I thought all the ways she tied so many lessons into one thing. Ridge also shared with me a couple weeks ago that every morning after school starts she has a little bit of quiet time for everyone to think about anything they choose. Ridge says it is sorta like prayer time but she doesn't say that. It lasts 5 minutes or someone can share something special that has happened. I think everything she is doing is great & yes she is a really nice christian lady. I'm so happy she is my son's teacher.

~ So We Don't Forget - Favorite Recipe - Main Dish ~

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Join us for " So We Don't Forget " it's an opportunity to document those precious moments .... sweet memories so that ..... You Don't Forget " :)


Today's Topic : Your Favorite Recipe , Main Dish, or Soups.

This is one I love to make after Thanksgiving or anytime of year. It's great when you have leftover turkey at Thanksgiving time. It's really easy and really good to. Hope you enjoy it. :)
.






Turkey Sandwiches


INGREDIENTS:
6 c. diced turkey
3 cups Velveeta cheese (American cheese), diced or shredded
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 onion, chopped
1/2 c. Miracle Whip
PREPARATION:
In slow cooker, mix together diced turkey, cheese, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, onion, and Miracle Whip. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Stir turkey mixture occasionally. Add a little water, if needed.
Serve with split buns.

~ Read With Us - Chapter 10 ~

Join us as we continue reading with Holly, In Faithfulness, He Afflicted Me, by Lynnette Kraft.

In this Chapter, Lynnette talked about Anna's much needed open-heart surgery & how much they dreaded that day. She also talked about her parents caring for the other children at home. She also spoke of them milking the goats & collecting milk.

Have you ever tried Goat's milk ?
No I can say that's one thing I haven't tried. I do know that when my Mom was a baby that's the only thing she could drink. I somehow don't think I would want to either.

Also in this chapter Lynnette speaks of Anna being hooked up to all those wires & tubes and how it reminded her of past times with Josiah. All she could think about was how much she wanted to take her home. Also she spoke that Jesus was there with her & so were Mommy & Daddy. I myself have never had to go through anything like that but when my sister had her son I did. I can remember such a little 3 day old baby being all hooked up to machines & tubes & wires. It was tough I know on my sister & her husband to watch him and not be able to touch him. It was a very trying time for all of us. I know to that my sister " Colleen" spoke of how even though she couldn't hold him that Jesus was there all the time.

Also Lynnette speaks of how well Anna did after having contact with Mommy & Daddy.

Do you think that contact like Anna had with her parents can have a healing effect ?
Yes I do, I remember when my sister's baby was in Akron Children's Hospital after 8 days of her not being able to hold Anthony and he was so brand new. You could see the differance it made in him in such a short time. It was so amazing and something I will never forget.
I know to that it's sorta like when your child falls down and gets hurt. One time my Ridge had got hurt at the sitter's nothing serious and when I got there to pick him up to get him checked out at the E.R. It seemed like once Mom was there things were fine. We still went but sometimes it's just the knowing Mom and Dad are there.

~ Short Answers ~

It's time for SHORT ANSWERS. To join in just ask the kid(s) in your life these five questions below and write down there answers word for word. Post'em up on your blog and link up.

Just to let you know how old my kids are : Ridge 9 , Marie 7, Jennifer 5.


WHERE DOES ELECTRICITY COME FROM ?
Ridge - Cloud

Marie - Sky

Jennifer - Right now not sure.


WHERE DOES SALT COME FROM ?
Ridge - Rocks

Marie - Ocean

Jennifer - Salt Lake City, remember Mom


HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN ALIVE ?
Ridge - That's silly 9 yrs

Marie - 7 yrs

Jennifer - 5 yrs


HOW MUCH MONEY DOES DADDY MAKE ?
Ridge - $ 15.00 a hr

Marie - $ 13.00 a hr

Jennifer - Needs to make more for my toys.


WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE KIND OF CAR ?
Ridge - NASCAR

Marie - Punch Bug

Jennifer - Truck

~ Just A Update on Us ........ ~

Just a little update to all of you. Well we started moving last Wednesday to the downstairs apartment and finished on Friday afternoon. It worked out great my hubby Paul was off of work all wk due to slow time, I wasn't really happy about that. Anyway we got the move done and having him here he took the kiddos to school & went & got them. Even though we walk back & forth which gets me out of the apartment, I love to hear all there stories of the day while walking home & Carly loves the outside when it's not to HOT !!! Well I have for the most part everything where I want it at least for now, LOL. My hubby would be laughing I'm always changing things. :)

So I was a little behind on my blog but this week I should be back on track, I think. Also this is the kiddos last wk of school & then they go on there first 3 week break. I think we are already for it. That's one reason I like yr round school you get those breaks sometimes just when you need them. The kids of course love school & there friends and already I heard them saying I don't want Friday to come & be our last day....... I'm just glad they love going. Also just for a update on the college kids things are going well for both of them. Jessica really likes college alot better than high school. Well thanx 4 listening to me go on & on .............. Have a great Monday !!!

Oh Don't forget to check out my new button on my blog to help Danielle a new blog friend of mine. " Fight for Wyatt ". Thanx
Caroline

~ Week 7 - The Secret ~

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the great achievements of the future.

To me this means to forget about the past and what mistakes you might have made. To look toward the future and what greatness you can make out of it. I know from time to time I may have not always used my best judgement on whatever the case may be but those are the bumps in life's road. I know one bad mistake I made in life and that was my older 2 children's father. At the time I didn't know he was a drug addict and very controlling, when we first started seeing each other. Well I had 2 wonderful children out of a very hard mistake and went through alot of tough times in my life because of him. As I look back today at the great part of it all my children Ridge and Marie. Ridge is in a class at school for gifted children and Marie was recently picked as student of the month in her grade for being nice and always lending a hand to help someone. That makes me feel good in life that just because it was a mistake that I didn't see right in front of me and that I have something good to look at everyday out of it.
As I tell my children that's why there are erasers on pencils and such, it's ok to make mistakes that's how we learn & just try your best the next time.

~ Walking With You - Getting to meet Our Children ~

Walking With You was created to help support those who have lost a child. Together we share stories , helpful information , scriptures , encouraging words , prayer requests , and more. Thank-you to those of you who have joined us for the past few weeks ..... for courageously sharing your stories. If you haven't joined us yet , and would like to, you are more than welcome.

This week we are sharing what it will be like the day we meet our children in heaven ?

I have thought of this many times and I wonder what it will be like. I know I have a son waiting for me. I had 2 miscarriages but didn't know the sex of my last one. I have always heard that your child will know you . I have heard that heaven is a beautiful place where the streets are shining. I know one thing for sure I believe in God and I know one day we will be together. It is hard for me sometimes especially because I never held them or seen them before. I'm so excited and sometimes I don't like the waiting and I wish we could go tomorrow. Since we moved to Nevada it's really sunny here & the sky is sometimes so blue that I mean is a different bright blue. I do alot of walking and alot of times when I walk I think about things. On the brightest sunny day I think of how pretty the sky looks maybe some BIG white marshmallow clouds as my kids call them & wonder what it looks like for my children that are waiting for us. When it's so bright & beautiful here I think of heaven. Knowing God and being a christian make things somewhat easier for me.

One thing that comes to my mind is, I'm a fun kind of Mom. I always get the kids clothes ready for school the nite before and they get ready for school in my room. Dad is usually drinking coffee and on the computer so it's my fun time with the kids before school. I can picture all of us just having some Mommy/Kid time to start the day. We always have some play time before we go eat breakfast and just to hear that laughter to start the day. I'm excited to find out what makes them laugh and have fun. Again I'm just so excited to see them .

~ Moving Day and My Giveaway Winners ~

Sorry this post is late, I wanted to do it on Wednesday and it turned out to be our moving day. I still had Jennifer my five yr old at home sick. Her little tummy was still upset. We only moved downstairs but still alot to do. My husband's work is shut down for a wk due to slow time, so he was home to help. We got alot done and today's part won't be so bad. I'm still glad we done it and to not have to climb those stairs all the time.

Well now for the giveaway ................ The winner of the Monkey Throw is Holly Haas.

Basket 1 : Franchesca Cox

Basket 2 : Trennia

My daughter Jennifer drew the names, I wanted to take her picture but she didn't want me to. Thanx to everyone that left a comment and entered. To the winners please e-mail your information to me so I can get your gift out to you. My e-mail is croleyc69@yahoo.com. This was my first one so look for another coming soon.

~ So We Don't Forrget - Our First Home ~

Join us for " So We Don't Forget " it's an opportunity to document those precious moments .... sweet memories so that ..... You Don't Forget " :)


Today's Topic : Tell us about your first home after you were married ?
If your not married - tell us about a home you've lived in and that you had special memories of.

Well our first home was just a rental but it was still so AWESOME. I loved it so much, it was right in town, which really isn't my thing. I love the country but for right now we were close to work and close to his children from another marriage. It was a four bedroom home which was really nice. Lots of room something we really needed. I had 3 children at the time and my step-son lived with us. His other 2 children came every Wednesday and every other weekend. Had a really roomy kitchen which I loved so much. I love to cook. The dining room was good sized. It even had a playroom that was also good sized & the kids could keep most of there toys in. A nice porch out front to sit on, even though it was in town. It was on what you would call a not so busy street, I liked that. I really loved that house and wished we weren't moving when we decided to. Also it was close to downtown so when we needed anything we didn't have to go far. Sometimes I wish I could have brought it with me to Nevada. It will always hold some very special memories for me.

Also just to add one thing that was funny or very interesting was everytime the power decided to go out in town, it always seemed to get our home. One time we had a bad winter storm & lost power for 9 days. The next yr was in the summer for 7 days. Even though it always got our home I still loved it our home.

~ McKLinky Blog Hop - Remembering September 11, 2001

Remembering September 11 , 2001 :

That is a date I will never forget. My day started out pretty much like any other normal day. I wasn't working at the time so my son Ridge had just got up at 7:30 am or so. I was staying with my friend Cindy, she was at work. I had just got Ridge's breakfast & he was watching PBS channel. Well while he wasn't paying attention I turned the channel hoping to catch the weather report for the last time before the morning news went off. Right when I turned it the plane had crashed the first tower. I couldn't believe it so heartbreaking. I think we stayed glued to the TV for the rest of the day. I remember needing to run to the store for pull-ups for my son he was 19 months but didn't wanta go anywhere. I ended up going but being scared. There was such a fear and still today there is. It's a day I will never forget. My thoughts and prayers to all that have lost someone on that terrible day in September 11, 2001.




Start here with your content. Replace this paragraph, and everything down to AND INCLUDING the word: STOP. DO NOT REMOVE OR CHANGE THE CODE BEYOND THE WORD STOP BELOW! This week's Blog Hop theme is "REMEMBERING 9/11". Though many would like us to forget, there is still an enemy who wants nothing less than our total destruction. Lets honor those who lost their lives on that day, and since then, because of 9/11 by posting our thoughts (where were you that day, what do you recall about it), memories, pics or videos. See my example here: http://mcklinky.blogspot.com/2009/09/blog-hop-remembering-911-972009-begins.html ...STOP

~ Read With Us - Chapter 9 ~

Join us as we continue reading with Holly, In Faithfulness, He Afflicted Me, by Lynnette Kraft.

In this Chapter, Lynnette talked about being glad that Anna started off with those extra reserves that God had allowed since she had carried her a little longer. It was good that God had taken good care of her. I also can relate to wanting to keep her germ free. My cousin Steve who was 35 when they found out he only had one kidney. I can remember after his surgery him not being able to just go anywhere in case he would get a germ & he could not afford to be sick. He did go to work but sometimes in the winter time when colds were bad he would take a leave for a while. It was nice that they let him do that.

Where would you desire to live ?

I love the country & I grew up in a very small town. We lived near a lake & it was so nice anytime just to have the peace and quietness. We lived near a lot of Amish and they are such nice people. I love to ride 3 - wheelers and things like that, can't do that in town. I love to take walks in the woods just to see the animals and such. I can remember when I was young, my Mom going out on the deck & drinking her morning coffee in the spring & summer. Country life is just the greatest. I now live in the desert in Nevada which is a big change for me. I'm still adjusting but would take the country life over it anyday.

~ Short Answers ~

It's time for SHORT ANSWERS. To join in just ask the kid(s) in your life these five questions below and write down there answers word for word. Post'em up on your blog and link up.

Just to let you know how old my kids are : Ridge 9 , Marie 7, Jennifer 5.


How tall are you ?
Ridge - 60 inches

Marie - Don't Know

Jennifer - Don't Know


What are Mom & Dad doing when they pay bills ?
Ridge - Help the goverment

Marie - Don't Know

Jennifer - Don't Know


What's the fanciest restaurant you've ever been to ?
Ridge - Applebees

Marie - Applebees

Jennifer - Applebees


Do you think you look more like your Mom or Dad ?
Ridge - Mom

Marie - Mom

Jennifer - Mom


If you could change your name what would you change it to ?
Ridge - Joey

Marie - Gabby

Jennifer - Olivia

~ Week 6 - The Secret ~

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.

This means to me to happy about something good that happens to others, just as I would be about myself. I can remember when we had a new project line at a company I was working for. My best friend Maria got the job as line leader, I feel that it was because I was pregnant at the time & would need to be off work. I did alot work that people couldn't see but even though we were friends I was still happy for her.

One other time I can recall was when I had my first miscarriage, My sitter's daughter just found out she was pregnant. It was just 5 days after I lost my baby boy. I tried to be happy as much as I could but it was rough. In the end when she got ready to deliver, I ended up taking her to the hospital. It all worked out sorta neat & the way I acted at first all went away in the end.

~ Six Word Saturday ~

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

Summer's End and colorful, beautiful, Fall.

~ My First Giveaway & Some News ~

Last Friday , I made my 100th post. Wow so hard to believe since I just started blogging. I have really had alot of fun doing this and have met alot of neat people on here. So to celebrate I'm having a giveaway with somethings I made. I love to make things but being a Mom even though I stay at home I still don't have that extra time. I made a Throw that of course has Monkey's on it just like our blog. I just thought that was so neat. The other day when I went to pick out the material for it, I only had my youngest daughter , she is only 4 months Carly w / me so I just loved the way she smiled at the monkeys so we went with it. :)
Also I found a couple cute baskets & so I decided to decorate a couple for Fall & give those away too. This is my first giveaway so what I would like is to know is what is your favorite time of year ? Just leave a comment & you will be entered in the drawing. The drawing will end Tuesday at midnight. So everyone has 3 chances to win something. I'm excited & to all of you thanx for following me and the awesome comments. I will announce the winner on Wednesday.

Now for the news: We are moving, no not back to Ohio. That was my wish but we are moving to the downstairs apartment right below us. The steps here are terrible and with my gang I'm so scared someone will fall & get hurt. we have been here for 2 yrs and the bottom apartment became empty. I jumped at the chance to move. It will just be easier for lots of reasons.Not sure what day next wk looks like Thursday so we have to get things switched around like cable & internet so I may not be around for a couple days. Hoping not to long I will miss my computer friends.

Well I also wanta wish everyone a Happy Labor Day Weekend & stay safe, Take care {{HUGS}} :)



Basket one


Basket two


Monkey Throw


Our Killer Steps as I call them.

~ Walking With You - Memories ~

Walking With You was created to help support those who have lost a child. Together we share stories , helpful information , scriptures , encouraging words , prayer requests , and more. Thank-you to those of you who have joined us for the past few weeks ..... for courageously sharing your stories. If you haven't joined us yet , and would like to, you are more than welcome.

This week, we are sharing ways that we incorporate the memories of our children into our lives and family. We can also share any ministries, outreachs, or just beautiful ways that our children's lives have impacted the lives of others.

I had 2 miscarriages one on Feb 10, 2006 & one on Dec 1. 2007. So on the anniversary dates of our loss, we usually have some kind of special dessert. We also sing Jesus Loves Me & it's just a special time for all of us to talk & share feelings. Also since the dates our close to holidays I usually have a bowl of Hershey Kisses & Hugs sitting around to also remember our children by.

Also I just love inside water fountains. I found a neat one at Wal-Mart that had a candle in the middle. I bought one at the time cause that's all they had & a couple weeks later my husband came home from work and had got me another one just like it. So we decided that since watching them just gives us that peaceful feeling. That both of them are for our children we lost. I have one in our dining room and one in the living room where we are most of the time. The other children love the idea since we don't have a gravesite to visit. The other day our Jennifer who is 5 is always picking dandelions & there was one in each of the fountains. I asked her what is this, she said Mommy they are for the babies. I just broke into tears so cute.

At christmas we usually pick a girl & boy off a angel tree & buy a gift for Christmas. At our children's school right before Thanksgiving they make Thanksgiving baskets for families in need. The children usually take food but we also donate some packs of diapers, wipes & some cans of formula. We always think about those little ones that might need at the holiday season & it is a way for us to remember our little ones we never got to meet.

~ So We Don't Forget - Favorite Vacation or Getaway ~

Join us for " So We Don't Forget " it's an opportunity to document those precious moments .... sweet memories so that ..... You Don't Forget " :)


Today's Topic : Favorite Vacation or Getaway.

Well my favorite vacation or getaway was before I was married. It was taking off for Cedar Point, Sandusky Ohio. It is a great amusement park. I think one of the best in the world. My sister Colleen & I would just take off & go spend the weekend there. We even loved it so much we would buy a season pass & go prolly 6 or 7 times a summer. It only took us a couple hrs to get there. The season pass was actually cheaper if you planned on going alot & that was us. We loved roller coasters & at the time we both didn't care if we stood in line 2 - 3 hrs to wait for a 5 min ride or less. Plus Lake Erie was a beautiful Lake & so much to do around that area. They also added a AWESOME waterpark there Soak City & with us loving water like we do, we would take one day to just spend there. My sister was 5yrs younger than me & we just had such a blast together. I miss those times & especially since I live out of state. That's just one of the great things I miss about living in Ohio. I haven't been there for about 6 yrs but Cedar Point at one time used to be my second home in the summertime. So if you ever visit the Awesome state of Ohio Cedar Point is worth checking out. www.cedarpoint.com

~ Read With Us - Chapter 8 ~

Join us as we continue reading with Holly, In Faithfulness, He Afflicted Me, by Lynnette Kraft.



I was glad to see that God gave Lynnette a longer pregnancy. Praying that it would help the child. I was also glad that God had gave her a easy delivery. With any child I know that the easy delivery the better for everyone but especially one that is already having complications. I can relate so much to the idea of eating healthy during pregnancy. This past pregnancy I was 44 & my doctor of course did the great sugar test which I failed both times. So she put me on a diet & a daily pill. I had to check my sugar all the time. I remember being so upset but at the same time I knew it was only to help the child. After 2 weeks of following the diet & the pill, I was getting the shakes so bad & she took me off the pill. I finished the rest of my pregnancy w/ only following the diet. I had lost 2 children before so I wanted to do everything I could to keep this one healthy.



Have you incorporated any healthier living into your family ?



Yes , I'm a big health nut as my hubby would say. I don't buy alot of junk food. My kids drink Kool-Aid but sugar free. I buy Sun chips & Baked Chips. They eat alot of crackers & Granola Bars & etc..... Yes my kids eat candy but not lots. We eat alot of Turkey Breast & my kids love salad well my older 2. Jennifer is 5 & still picky. I fix healthy foods to now since I'm home all the time I make alot better meals not all that fast stuff. I still like fast stuff but not like I used to. That's why when I was put on the diet from the Dr it didn't change things much for me. But as far as drinking green juice I don't think I could do that.



The Dr that was so rude to Lynnette brought back alot of unpleasant memories for me. I do not understand how someone so rude could work in a hospital where your job is to care for people.



Have you encountered any Doctors like this ?



As much as I dislike saying this but yes I have. When I went to the E.R. not knowing I was pregnant with my son. The Dr on call that nite in O.B. was so rude to me. Of course I got him up at midnight but that's what on call is. After I delievered my son & so much I was trying to soak in not knowing myself I was pregnant & had just gave birth. He came back & gave me the third degree for as he called it putting on a show & risking a child's life. As soon as he left the room I cried , I just wanted to runaway & take my son & not look back. The nurse that held my hand while I delivered stayed with me & told me he is like that & just doesn't understand. It wasn't right, if I had known things would have been done so different for one thing I would have seen a Dr. I'm not like that. He made me feel terrible & I couldn't wait to get out of the hospital. I never wanted to see him again.