Memory Lane

I found this on facebook and walked down memory land...this is our Pastor while we were in St. Pete and our Mark.  Pastor John and Renee' really took care of their flock...for which we are truly grateful!  Our kids are doing great here in Texas, but to our surprise, our youngest asks from time to time to go back to visit everyone in Russia.  He tears up thinking of them.  He probably had the hardest time there, so, who'd a thunk it?!  We are grateful that they all look on our time there with good memories!

The place where we live...

John dug out this pond and the one pictured above this summer and he built head walls in front of the drain holes...you can see one on the right of this bottom picture.  This raises the water level in each pond.  There are four ponds in our subdivision, 3 of which John dug.  Someone might see our ponds and say...that's not a pond, it's more of a puddle...in comparison to lakes--they are quite small.  John is working on designing an extension to this subdivision that would add another 18 lots where people can build their own house.  .

My son and his twin cousin!

 They were playing outside and I just had to capture the moments!

 He finally realizes that I have the camera right after this.

My son and my hubby's brother's son love to hang out and play very nicely together...this is nice, since we are next door neighbors!  My son is Anakin and his cousin is Spiderman!

Free Replacements!!! Good companies!

My mother in law has had a few items break in the last few months.  One of them being a Keurig system, that was a gift a little over a year ago, and the other being a Bona mop.  Both of them she loves to use.  So, I called both companies and was met with a great response..."We'll just send you a replacement system."  No questions asked, no problems.  Point of this post---if something breaks, don't throw it out before you call the producing company and ask if there are any trouble shooting things you can do.  I was so please with the response  The Keurig company sent us a brand new machine with some samples and the   Bona company sent us a new mop within two days of the call!!

Happy Valentines!

John and I went on a date last night for our Valentines' Day!!  Red Lobster--yum!

Snow Day

 retaining wall that John's parents had built for one of the lots.

 These little birds only come down when it snows or it's freezing!

 See the beautiful red bird...hard to focus...the birds would fly away if they saw me at the window.

 Russian boots!

 Texas fun on four wheelers...donuts!

 Uncle Marty and some of the kids on their four wheeler.

My Job!

So, I have two part time jobs...one is part time secretary for my in laws' business...about 3 hours a week on a busy week-told you it was part time!  The other is helping John out with Bull Consulting-even more part time than the first job! My latest project for him was--- I got to color this drawing for him.  It's his layout for a community that he is designing.  I'm not a big stay in the lines kind of gal, but I tried really hard to do it for this layout.  No, this is not a paying job yet.  BUT, I did tell John that if he lands this project than I will get paid---hehe!!  I love my little job for his mom because I have some fun spending money!!  I've found a favorite store here that is nicely priced called Dressin' Gaudy...what a name...but I loved it...went to it for the first time yesterday. 

Cute Kids Meals

I have really good eaters for the most part, but I have really struggled with Matthew lately with so many meals!!  We had a good success with something last night that he doesn't care for, but when having to eat it for lunch today(we do believe in left overs!) he took 35 minutes to eat what took the rest of us about 10!!    I only cook one meal...I don't cook per child...but finding things that the kids like to eat is fun!!  Love this octopus hot dog...you can use turkey dogs too to be a bit healthier. 

My Blog Book...for all you bloggers out there that are curious!

I am a former scrapbooker!  I have even scrapped for a store with a friend and they paid us.  It was fun, but for me, it got old fast.  I like new and changes...for the most part, I don't like to do the same ole' thing I've always done.  I didn't like to teach the same curriculum when I taught in public school or when I've taught my own kids--all my kids have done different kindergartens, 1st, 2nd--through 5th grade.  I have been blogging for a few years now and even before I knew about turning my blog into a real coffee table book, I copied it in a word file...it was too big.  So, when I found out I could actually print it with Cutest Blog on the Block doing all the real work for me, my hubby and I decided it was well worth it.  I now have two blog books...each one holding my blog that I've written for about a year or so.  Before you watch it, you can pause the music on the sidebar.

I had a couple of missionary blogging friends that I've told about this recently, so I thought I'd share a video so you could see my book!!

Dream a Dream...or Help a Dream!

My friend is going to India as a missionary photographer...See how you can help!  I would like to help with a her trip.  Would you consider giving a denomination of $5 to help her raise some money to go?  Even $5 from a lot of people adds up!!  If you want to give more, go for it!  Click on the link above and you can donate through paypal or for a tax receipt--you can use snail mail. 
Some of you might say, well, I just don't have anything set aside that I can give---  When money is tight, we call that life giving us lemons...so, LET's make some good ole' fashioned LEMONADE!!!  Here are some ideas:
A hot chocolate or lemonade stand in your neighborhood
Sell some things you aren't using on craigslist or ebay
Make some valentine's crafts to sell
Eat beans and rice for a couple of meals & save a few bucks of grocery money to send.

Here's my plan: I'm going to see if I can sell a few things on ebay to raise some money to send-I'll keep you posted.
Let's see what we can all do to help!!

Another Giveaway!!!

Giveaway by Jen   Lovely Notecard carrier!

I have a blogger friend that is here in the states but she hasn't always been here.  She and her family have lived in Africa for years doing missions there.  They are on a sabbatical here until the Lord shows them their next step.  She is doing a giveaway over at her blog.  Jen is very talented with sewing, crafts, photos...etc!  I love the web that has allowed us to connect as friends online!  Click on the link above the picture to go to the giveaway!