WE ACTUALLY GOT SOME SNOW!!!

Last night we actually got some snow.  We have almost 5" at my house.  It was so beautiful to wake up and see the snow.  With the bright snow & the light from the back porch light, it was absolutely gorgeous.

Kids couldn't wait to get outside.  They were so excited.

 I love this pic of Cuddles, he looks so peaceful.

 

Below are some pics of my boys & hubby, riding the go cart around.  I swear my DH acts just like a little kid.  But at least he does things with the kids.  :) Of course this was taking after he shoveled 3 drive ways.  He did ours, the elerly neighbors across the street & next door.  He is such a thoughtful man.  He is always taking care of our elerly neighbors.  God bless him.

I on the other hand cannot go and play with the kids.  They just left for sledding on the hills.  I have to stay home since I am having my gall bladder surgery Mon.  No fun for me.  Sniff, Sniff.  Well, hopefully this won't be our last snow fall so, I will have my chance to play in the snow with the kids.  After all, I am a kid at heart too.

Hope everyone has a blessed weekend and stay warm.

GOD BLESS!!!

LAURI

Company Girls 1-29-2010

It's that time again.  Grab your drink of choice & enjoy reading what all us Company Girls, have been up to this week.

This week has been a week, that I would love to forget ever happen. After all the trouble with my bladder, I find out I have numberous galllstones. I met with a surgeon yesterday, who tells me my gallbladder has quit fuctioning all together. I am having surgery to get it removed Mon. morning.  He said I will be off from work at least 7 to 10 days. 

The reason this has been a bad week, is because I have been in pain everyday.  It comes & goes all day long but, the evenings are really bad.  I have terrible pain in my back and I have been sleeping with a heating pad every night. 
I also feel so bad that I am not able to do fun things with my kids.  I was able to play Wii bowling with them last Sun. though.  At least I had one good evening out of all the bad ones.  My kids and DH are being very helpful.  They are helping around the house.  DH has been cooking & keeping dishes clean, and the kids have been hanging up their clothes and keeping their rooms clean, as well.

I have been able to do some things.  I save my energy for the Home Santuary's "small things."  I made it a New Year's goal, to try to do the assigned small thing, everyday.  And I did it.  I racked up on a lot of points.  Doing the Min. Maintenance, every evening with my kids has been my favorite, so far.  It has really helped me when I do my weekly cleaning.  What normally would take me 4 hours to do, now I finish up in 2 hrs, with the Min Maintenance being done nightly.  Thanks Rachel Ann.

I dread next week.  Not only will my family have to take care of things around here but, they will have to take care of me, as well.  The doc said I will be pretty sore for 3 or 4 days.  I can't lift anything over 5lbs for 2 weeks.  It will be a challenging week for us but, with God's grace, we will be okay.

Well, that is all I have for you Company Girls.  Have a wonderful weekend and please say a little prayer for me.  I am praying that I won't have to be opened up to have this removed.

God Bless Everyone.
Lauri

Lauri's daybook 1-25-10

FOR TODAY:  Jan. 25, 2010

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW:  Dark & 37 degrees.  The cold is coming back & bringing a little bit of snow with it.  Suppose to get about an inch tonight into tomorrow.  Maybe even a "winter storm" come Thurs.  Hopefully it shifts, because I don't want to use anymore vacation days at work, for snow days.  I need to save them for some fun in the sun days.  :)

I AM THINKING:  About a family member that lost her father to cancer a couple of months ago and now her mother just passed away of Ovarian Cancer this past Tues.  My heart is hearting for her.  I will pray for her & her family's healing, daily.

I AM THANKFUL FOR:  That my 8 yr old daughter J-Bird, made a promise to God, in front of our parish to prepare for her First Holy Communion.  Her dad & I also had to make a promise to help her & to take her to Mass, every week.  I will be spending the next 2-1/2 months, helping her learn, why this is an important step into her Catholic Faith.

I AM WEARING:  Nylon pants, "Greenwood Gator" long sleeve shirt (my girls school), fuzzy purple robe, socks & slippers.  I dislike the cold.  I am definetly a warmer climate type of girl.

I AM REMEMBERING:  The reasons why we go to church.  I just wish the people that sit around me, talking & laughing through the whole service, would remember why.  Ugggg!!

I AM GOING:  To the store, bank, & postoffice, after I drop the girls off to school.  The rest of the week, will be spent at work & home.

I AM CURRENTLY READING:  Started reading Thomas Kindade's "Home Song" again.  I haven't touch this book, since before Christmas.  Hopefully I will get it finish this week.

I AM HOPING:  That I will have something interesting to write about in my blog, this week.  Nothing good last week so, I only did the Daybook.

ON MY MIND:  How I need to make use of my time better.  I have been on this computer, way too much lately.  Need to get some things, that have been put off, done in our home.

NOTICING THAT:  When I particpate in Simple Woman's Daybook &  The Home Santuary, it brings a sense of accomphishment to me.  I love reflecting on things in the past, as well as things that will be coming up, through the Daybook.  I love the feeling I get when I have completed a small task, everyday by working with the Home Santuary Blog.  Thanks to both of you.

PONDERING THESE WORDS:  "Mom, you are the coolest mom, ever."  This was from my 8 yr old Jellybean on Sat.  I can't remember why I was the "coolest mom" at that moment but, it made me smile anyway.

FROM THE KITCHEN:  Going to scan through my cookbooks & through some internet sites, to find something different for pork chops (dinner tonight).  Tired of the same ol' boring stuff.

AROUND THE HOUSE:  Cleaning, lots of cleaning.  I usually do a really good weekly cleaning every Sat or Mon.  I didn't get to it last week, with not feeling well but, I will be back at it today, after I drop the girls off to school.  Going to turn on some country music and light some good smelling candles, and dance while cleaning.  I also need to look throught the cookbooks for a different receipe for pork chops.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS:  Watching my kids sleep.  They look sooo peaceful.

FROM MY PICTURE JOURNAL:  The kids snoozing peacefully to the sound of nature.  This was taking at our 4th of July campout, with our friends, in 09.  Ready to go back.

FOR MORE DAYBOOK ENTRIES, PLEASE VISIT:  http://www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Lauri's daybook 1-18-10

FOR TODAY... Jan. 18th, 2010; 7:27a.m.

Outside my window... cold, but much warmer then last week.  We are already in the 30's at 7:30 in the morning.  :)  It is also real dark outside.  Not much traffic this morning since all of the schools are off today, in observance of MLK day.

I am thinking... how terrible it is over in Haiti, right now.  I couldn't even imagine what it is truely like over there.  We are only seeing what the media allows us to see, which is horrible.  My hearts go out to everyone over there.

I am thankful for... all the help that Haiti is recieving from the American people & other countries.  I am also thankful that we were able to help, by giving funds through our church yesterday, which is going through Catholic Charities.

I am wearing... nylon comfy pants, thermal knit shirt, and warm fuzzy slippers.  Ahhh I love warm clothes on a cold winter morning.  I am also wearing my blanket over top of me.

I am remembering... My New Year goals.  Some I am really trying hard to do (Spending time with the Word, Doing Home Santuary everyday, blogging more, & more family time).  Others I haven't even started (losing more weight, exercising, & taking time for myself).  I haven't been able to do those three because of doctors orders but, I plan on starting today.

I am going... no where today except to the store to pick up a few items that were left off the list from Sat.  The kids are off from school and I hope to play a game with them.  I also plan on finishing my laundry or I should say continuing the laundray.  And cleaning up around the house.  I need to mop my floors badly.

I am currently reading... trying to catch my on some of my favorite blogs out there.

I am hoping... that there are more missing people found alive under all the rubble in Haiti,
like the 3 month old baby they just found.

On my mind... and in my heart, are all the people that are suffering in Haiti right now, as I sit comfortable on the couch, typing on my laptop, drinking my coffee, while my kids are still sleeping, safely in there beds.  I know there is isn't anything physically that I can do, besides donated perishables & money, but it still hurts my heart to watch those people suffer and to listen to the people, here in the states, waiting for their loved ones to be found.  I know the best thing I can give right now is my prayers.  I will continue to pray for everyone that has been effected in this destruction.

Noticing that... my kids have really been trying to play nicely with each other.  This makes me proud.

Pondering these words... "Hi! I just wanted to give you something to brag about regarding your daughter. She sits next to a child with special needs, (she's been there all year), and she has become her guardian, helper and friend.  She helps her stay on track, reminds her to do the right thing, and takes up for her when others are unkind.  I have been so touched and impressed with how thoughtful your daughter has been to her. She has a good heart, and you should be proud.
This was sent to me via email by my 8 yr. Jellybean's teacher.  Talk about one proud momma.  When I read it to my DH, I had tears in my eyes.  It does a mothers heart to hear wonderful things about your kids.

From the kitchen... coffee, and getting ready to get some breakfast for me & the kids.  Also thinking about which to make for dinner tonight, either potato soup or veggie soup.

Around the house... cleaning & continuing the laundry, stopping here & there to rest my back.  Back has been hurting ALL weekend.

One of my favorite things...music playing and candles burning, while cleaning.  Music puts me in the mood to move around (clean) & the candles smelling sooo good, make me smile.

From my picture journal...DH with Bubba & Big O, last weekend in our first snowfall of 2010.  Look how beautiful the snow looks coming down, in the woods.  So peaceful!!!

For more daybookers, please visit http://www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

God Bless you & your family & everyone over in Haiti!!!

Lauri

FAMILY TIME & A WONDERFUL LIFE.

I thought today I would finally post some pics of my family having fun during our 1st snow fall of 2010.  Here in my neck of the woods in KY, we do not get much snow.  We are mostly teased by it.  The weatherman will call for 4 or more inches and we only get a dusting.  The kids get so upset.  LOL. 
Last weekend, however, they were right on the money.  We actually got our 4".  My kids were so excited, which in turn may me one happy momma.

Here are some pics of our fun in the snow.  I was the picture taker, since I wasn't able to go (doc's orders).  But I so enjoyed watching my children (and DH) having so much fun. 

BMX kid

        

 DH, J-Bird & Big O, getting ready to hit the pole.

J-Bird & Bubba

DH & Big O (she was so scared)

The snow coming down, so beautiful.

DH & J-Bird (yes they crased in the woods

but they were ok.)

Yes, I am wearing my DH's coat & Bubba's

SpongeBob hat, it was cold out there.

BMX kid, crashed & burn (didn't faze my kids)

Last Sun, we also had ice cream cake for two of my kids Dec. b-days.  We were later this year because of Christmas/New Year's falling on the weekend.  People had too many commitments already plan.  Here are Bubba, now 12 & J-Bird, now 8, at their party.

Of all things a girl could ask for and she wants a racing BMX/Dirt Biking game for her DS.  I guess she wants to be like her older brother, who races BMX bikes.  Bubba if he gets anything Louisville Cardinals, then he is happy.  Oh and money/gift cards too.  :)

        Cake time with friends

    Love this pic of J-Bird with Bubba, she is so excited.

   DH had a b-day on Jan. 4th, he never smiles in pics

   and it drives me crazy.  LOL

 We also had silly time the other night.  The girls wanted me to braid their hair so they       can take "superstar pictures" as they called it.  LOL.

Big O

J-Bird's turn to shine.

Well this is all that I have for now of the family fun & b-day's.  Hope you enjoyed viewing my silly kids.  There is never a dull day in our house and I am grateful for that.

God Bless you & everyone over in Haiti.  Let us keep all that are over there, in our prayers daily.

Lauri

                                                                                    

My Caffeinated Randomness

Grace at http://www.undergraceovercoffee.com/ is hosting "Caffeinated Randomness."  Grab your caffeinated drink of choice & head over there to read others & Grace's randomness.  But, you have to read mine below first.  Hee Hee.

My randomness:  Friday, January 15, 2010.

Good morning all, it is Friday and I am so relieved.  Work has been hetic this week.  You wouldn't think working for a Non-profit Catholic Center could be so draining but, I am exhausted this week.  I am sure most of it is because I am still on my antiobotics and they are draining what energy I have left, out of me.  Or it could the uncalled for worring I was doing concerning the procedure that was done on Mon. to my bladder.

Oh speaking of the procedure, everything came back good.  He said my bladder is looking better then back in March but, it is still not functioning propertly.  He is putting me on a permamant medication, until further notice.  It is basically suppose to stimulate my bladder and keep the infection away.  I was verrrrry sore from the procedure.  Oh it was painful afterward for about 2 days.  I went back to work on Tues. but, had to leave early because of the pain.  By Wed. I was 100% A ok.  :)  Thank God!!!
Hubby still hasn't heard anything about his labwork.  I told him "no news, is good news," and if something would have shown up on the scans, they would have called him.  He goes back for a check up at the end of next week.

Other news on the homefront, 3 out of 4 of the kids got all A's & B's on their term III report cards.  The other, my 12 yr old son (6th grader) got straight A's.  He has a 4.0 GPA.  I am so proud of all my kids.  They have worked so hard this year.  I am especially proud of my 6th grader.  Going into middle school is hard enough but, to keep your grades up in that kind of enviroment is even harder.  Let's face it people, middle school can be scary.  I am so blessed to have kids that actually care about getting good grades!!!

That is all the news I have for now.  Not much going on around the homefront.  Kind of relaxing, for once.  I am going to spend my weekend, doing some cleaning, catching up on reading some of my favorite blogs, spending some "family time" with hubby & kids.  (I think we may watch a movie, with some popcorn tonight), and doing some laundry, laundry, and more laundry.  Ughhh, it is never ending with the laundry.  What do I expect with 6 people in the house???

Well, everyone have a wonderful Friday and enjoy the weekend.  We are actually going to have a heat wave here in KY.  It is suppose to be in the high 40's.  Woo hoo.  I am going to spend some time outside.  Watch it rain.  LOL

God Bless!!!
Lauri

LAURI'S DAYBOOK

FOR TODAY:  JANUARY 11, 2010 1:36pm

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW:  Cold, 28 degress.  Just looked up & realized it started snowing again.  Our 4 inches just starting melting.  It is a beautiful site though.

I AM THINKING:  Of my list that I need to create for Home Santuary.

I AM THINKFUL FOR:  Getting back good results from my procedure this morning.  No tumors.  Yeah!!!

I AM REMEMBERING:  How much fun my kids had, sled riding this weekend.

I AM GOING:  No where for the rest of the day.  Already been to specialist appt, then hubby took me to lunch before he went back to work.  I am a little uncomfortable after my procedure this morning.  Going to rest here soon, before kids get home from school. 

I AM CURRENTLY READING:  Nothing but blogs & devotionals for the time being.  Need to get back to my books.  Miss reading.

I AM HOPING and PRAYING:  That my hubby also gets good results from his test he had taken on Sat.  Should have them back Tues. 

ON MY MIND:  All the things I need to work on this year.

NOTICING THAT:  It is so beautiful & peaceful outside right now with snow coming down.  So relaxed right now.  Cat asleep on the chair in front of the window and dog asleep on the floor in front of the heater.  All is peaceful right now!!!

PONDERING THESE WORDS:  "I love you baby."  What hubby said to me when I finished with my procedure this morning, while hugging me.  He was so relieved that nothing was found. 

AROUND THE HOUSE:  Lots of picking up and laundry.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS:  Peace & Quiet

FROM MY PICTURE JOURNAL:  My 78 yr. old mom, sister, & I (white jacket).  Christmas 2009.  Cherish being able to have my best friends in my life, daily.  Especially my mamma. 

FOR MORE DAYBOOK ENTRIES VISIT:  http://www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Update on illness around our house.

Well hubby & I are feeling much better after one day of antibotics. Hubby has to go this morning for an ultrasound on his abs & bladder. His doc thinks he has an enlarge prostate. He said this is caused by infection & is treated by the antiobtics he is taken. My med made me sick all day yesterday but I finally took anti nausea med and I am fine now. Thank you for your prayers and please continue sending them our way.

Company Girl Coffee 1-8-10

Today @ Home Santuary, we have been asked to tell, "what has been going on at our place."  Well, let me tell you, it has been crazy around our house this week.  The kids have gone back to school, on the 5th and they have been so hyper everyday, when they get home. 
Mondays, I don't work so, I got to spend one last day with the kids on our Holiday Break.  I talked them into staying around the house and just veggin out.  We stayed in our jammies, until 5:00pm.  We sat around and watch the boys play a new video game, the girls and I got on the webkinz website & adopted all of their new pets, they got for Christmas.  It was so nice to stay home for once & just act like kids.  I did act like an adult a little bit, by doing lots of laundry.  Later in the evening, the kids went to their dads & I took my husband out to dinner for his b-day.  He turned 37 Monday.  We had a wonderful and quite time.  Much needed!!!

Tues. started back the school and work routines, which meant homework later in the evening, blah!!!  I did find out that one of my boys got straight A's this term.  He is in the 6th grade.  I have been so proud of all my kids grades this school year.  They are really trying so hard.

Wed-school, work, dinner, then to religion class.  I have a first grade religion class and I taught about The Epihany (when the Wise Men, came to see Jesus).  I had completely forgotten that I had a teachers appreciation get together afterward, so I had to call the hubby to come pick the kids up & get them ready for bed.  I really enjoyed my adult time.  We talked, ate snacks, received gifts, and prayed together.  It was a nice & relaxing time.  I didn't end up getting home until 10:15. :)

Thurs. started off on the wrong foot.  While driving to work, it started snowing, and snowing, and snowing.  The roads got messy fast.  I went on to work but, ended up being 20 min. late.  The kids got out of school an hr. early so, there wouldn't be so much traffic during rush hr.  That caused me to find someone to pick them up because my mom refuses to drive in snowy weather, which is for the best.  My drive home was slow & hetic.  Why oh why must people use their cells while driving, especially in bad weather??  I left work at 3:00 and got home at 4:15.  I only work 20 min. away.  But, at least all of my family was home safe & sound.  Later in the evening, I developed a bladder infection.  What a way to end a hetic day!!!

Now we are onto Fri., the bladder infection is not any better so, I am waiting for my doc to call in my prescription.  My husband has just left for the doc because he has blood in his urine.  We are thinking he has kidney stones.  This will not be fun for us, if he does.  Talk about painful.  My bladder issues have been on going since Mar.  I am doing my final procedure next Mon, a cysto.  Basically my doc has told me that my bladder is functioning like a woman who is over 60 (I am only 38).  The procedure that is being done Mon, is a scope that looks for tumors.  I had 15 tumors removed 6 yrs ago in Jan.  Doc thinks they are back.  Let's pray for once he is wrong.

Kids are out of school today because of the weather but, with the wind chill it is 8 degrees so, that means they are stuck in the house with me & hubby.  We both feel too bad to play anything so, they are pretty much doing what they want today.  We were suppose to take our Christmas decorations down last night, but didn't feel up to it.  We keep them up until the feast day of the Epihiany.  Looks like they will be up until tomorrow or Sun.  Hopefully my hubby and I start feeling better, so we can at least played bowling on the Wii, with our kiddos. 

Oh how I wish I was back in the warm Virgin Islands.  Below is hubby & I getting ready to have Thanksgiving dinner at a beautiful place.

So, this is everything that has been going on in our place.  I know, it is long winded but hey, this is my journal, so it can be.  :)  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and please keep my hubby and I in your prayers.  Please pray we get good news. Thank you!!

Lauri

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S 2010!!!

Cheers to everyone in blogland.  I want to wish everyone a Happy & Healthy 2010.  Hope this year is everything & more of what you are wishing for.  Good luck in everything you try to do this year and most importantly may God guide you in everything you choose to do this upcoming year.

Now for the goals.  Mine this year are as follows:

• Spend time with the Word & other devontionals.
• To continue to lose weight.
• To start my exercising again.
• To do more family activities.
• To take some time for myself.
• To take part in the Home Sanctury activities, at least 3 times a week.   http://www.homesanctuary.typepad.com/rachelanne/
• To try to blog more.  At least twice a week.

So what are your New Year's Resolutions for 2010???

Have a Worderful New Year!!!

Lauri