Teacher Appreciation Week

This week, its teacher appreciation week and I always look forward to this week. I love how each day is themed and you bring in a little something special! :)
I have to admit, I really try to go above and beyond and think "out side the box" for the little gifts. I want them to know that I took time to really think about their gifts and it comes with much gratitude.
I am grateful for their love and commitment to teach my girls. They are with them 7 hours throughout the day so I am thankful for their time and efforts. I am blessed this year to have some amazing women pouring into my girls hearts and minds. They have had a fantastic year and have grown so much!
So this is written today for two amazing teachers and to one I adore and call friend.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week...You are Awesome!

"I thank my God every time I remember you..." Ephesians 1:3

Canton Fun!

This past weekend, my sister and I made plans to surprise our mom with a trip to a hotel and a day of shopping in Canton for an early Mother's Day. It was a perfect way to just get away and spend some with my sister and mom and do what we do best...SHOP! It was a blast. We found some steals like leopard shoes for $10 bucks and some really cute burn out t-shirts. Most of all, we made memories, laughed, and shopped until our feet hurt and the huge bag of kettle popcorn was in our hands! :)
Thanks Mis and mom for a wonderful, fun day! Love you both...

My girls are growing like weeds but I'm soaking up every milestone we meet!
I LOVE my Triple A TEAM!

(soccer Spring 08)

(Addie in Kindergarten)

(Avery-(4)-fun at Chuck-E-Cheese)

(my devilish angel)

(Fun in the playroom)

(Addie graduates Pre-K)

(Annalise age 2)

(Triple A Team)

37 Years!!

Its way past due but never to late to tell my wonderful parents a very Happy 37th Anniversary! After spending another fun weekend full of precious time with them, I am reminded how grateful I am for such loving, caring parents who pour so much life into my girls! We are all blessed by their lives.
Happy Anniversary to an amazing mom and dad! aka....grammy and granpa. :)
We love you~

Financial Resources

Staying home the past 8 years have been a HUGE sacrifice at least in the financial world that is! It seems that after 12 years in our marriage now, we finally are breathing and it feels good! :) Not good, like I can just go blow money, or now money is an idol in my life, etc... but a good sigh of relief that we actually have a decent amount of money after each pay period!
This semester I decided to keep a precious baby girl who now I'll claim as my own, but keeping her has been a blessing financially to our family. I get paid weekly and we have used it for some stuff around the house, for the girls, a trip to Sea World, and well, just life like paying for pre-K for Annalise. I am thankful for the financial resources that have come our way lately. Ryan spoke at a parent/D-Now weekend and received a big pay check, plus, we found out we are getting some money back from taxes! That's always nice! :)
So once again,I find myself thanking God for speaking engagements, my availability to work, and a new start to save!
I decided to start working 2 days a week starting next school year because there is still so much I want to do and daily life needs that need to be met. For example...
WANTS
Disney Vacation
House stuff (wood floors, tile)
Put the girls in activities(dance, basketball)
NEEDS
Savings (moving, or planting a church)
Dentist visits
Car
College Funds

I could list many more but at least you understand that as my girls are growing up super fast, many things are shifting and taking place within our house. I am actually ready to work a little. I have stayed home for 8 years now and its been amazing and I am grateful for this time. I have wonderful memories that flood my heart with joy!
So, this is a random post of my financial journey and this new season of life I find myself in. Its exciting, adventurous, helpful, and I am thanking my God for allowing these financial resources to help our family.

2010 Easter Fun!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter Everyone! The greatest gift of salvation and the greatest victory won known to man kind! He conquered the grave-He is no longer dead, HE is ALIVE!

Matthew 28:5-7

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him.

He is Risen, He is Risen indeed!