A lil of this & that...

Just stopping by to say, "Hi!".

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours was  bitter sweet. I missed my nanny & lil brother being there. Our holidays haven't felt the same since I lost my first brother in 2005 and then loosing my nanny and my little brother this year was really hard. It was so hard for my mom. I looked over at her several times and saw her in tears...which gets to me every time. I can't even imagine how hard it is to loose your kid ,but to loose two is even more unimaginable. Trying to get use to the new normal without them has been tough. The holidays don't feel the same anymore. You get use to someone being there and then they are gone. I miss the way it use to be...bad. I miss my brothers and my nanny. I still catch myself asking "why?". "Why did this have to happen?" but we just have to accept that it's God's will and try to move forward. One day we will all be back together again. Don't take your family or friends for granted ,because they may not be there tomorrow.

Other than that,we enjoyed family time together and the sharing of all the wonderful memories of the past. The kids kept us extra busy and they had lots of fun laughing & playing together, and I think that helped my parents get through the day.
On Friday, I spent the day with my Mom. We went shopping together. I think I do better online shopping ,but I went because I wanted to get mom out of her house. We had a good day.

On Saturday, Hub's and I got a sitter for the babies and then headed out to the mall. We took Jacob, JJ, and Bailey to shop, eat, and to watch Arthur Christmas. The movie is cute and the special effects are amazing, but I think this movie is better for older kids 8+. Jacob loved it. JJ & Bailey loved being at the theatre, but they couldn't really understand the movie. I didn't really like that the movie made Santa out to be uncaring in some parts. It also had a part where the sleigh landed in Africa and lions tried to attack Arthur & the grand dad. That part scared Bailey so bad that she wanted uncle Brent to hold her and she hid her face and didn't want to watch anymore of the movie.

Making gingerbread Christmas trees.

No face pics allowed of JJ.

more Thanksgiving pics coming soon!

Our weekend was wonderful.

I hope yours was too:)

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him,and he will direct thy paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6 We Are On The Fence!

From our family to yours...

Dear Family & Friends,

I just wanted to take a moment to wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving. I hope you have a wonderful day filled with the family & friends that mean the most to you.

I hope during the hustle & bustle of the day that you will take a little time to reflect on all that you have to be thankful for this year and then remember to thank God above for all his blessings both great & small. I hope you have not only a happy Thanksgiving but also a safe one. God bless you everyone.

~The Howell Family

On The Menu
Turkey

dressing & gravy

corn

potato salad

green beans

red potatoes

veggies & dip

deviled eggs

rolls

pecan pie

chocolate delight

banana pudding

Count Your Blessings...

We are counting our blessings.

Are you?

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

 

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you alre called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others, with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold;

Count your many blessings, money cannot buy

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discourage, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your blessings, see what God hath done;

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

By Johnson Oatman, Jr.

Look what I found !!!!

Yes, I'm just a little excited:) okay, maybe a whole lot excited!!! I have been wanting to complete my DVD collection of the Christmas classic cartoons for the kids and I was only lacking "Charlie Brown's Christmas". Well, today I found it!!! I actually found the Charlie Brown's holidays set for just $20.00. Which made me even more excited. So guess what we are watching tonight????... "Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving".

Tonight, hubby is suppose to arrive back in town from his hunting trip. We've got some really excited kids. They really need some daddy time. Z has missed his Uncle Daddy Brent so so bad.  So tonight is going to be another family night for us. I could get use to this every night:) We are going to be watching the movie, finishing up the baking/cooking, and reading a story on the first Thanksgiving (Thanks Katie for the book).

Oh, and look what else I found.

I found this neat book for my Mother-in-law. I so hope she likes it and uses some of the ideas in it. She has grand children in another state that she really wishes she could be close to, but distance makes it hard. I feel so sorry for her ,especially since I'm a MeMe now. I can't imagine only seeing my grands a couple of times a year. I know it really bothers her deeply and it breaks my heart for her. So maybe this book will be a blessing to her and those children.

Well, I'm out of here. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Eve.
((hugs))

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him,and he will direct thy paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6
We Are On The Fence!
 

Handprint Turkey Craft

(Click to enlarge)

Another simple & cute craft for the kids.

We made these for their

 grandparents & their G-grandparents.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him,and he will direct thy paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6

30 Days of Thankful...Day #19

Day #19-Today I am thankful for some family time.

Today was sweet! We enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with Hubby's side of the family. Our family has grew so much ,that we nolonger can fit all of the dinners in on one day, so my MIL had her family Thanksgiving dinner today. It's amazing how much our family has changed and grew in just one year. God has really blessed us ,that's for sure. I LOVED having all of my kids together under one roof and watching my grands and foster children run & play just blessed my heart. It was just a really sweet day. Thank you Lord for the time you have allowed me to be with the ones I love the most.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him,and he will direct thy paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Our wee little turkey...

Our tiny little turkey (Kelan) is doing soooo good! He is growing like a weed and has outgrew all his preemie & newborn clothes. He wears 0-3 months. He is smiling and cooing a lot now. He knows my voice and he is VERY attached to me (I'm just as attached to him). He is starting to eat three ozs of milk each bottle and he eats about every 3 hours. He is sleeping through the night now...yay!!!! It took forever for Z to sleep all night and he still wakes up most nights. So we are very proud of K for this. It's been forever since I had a whole night of sleep because we had Shelbi for 7 months and then we got Z and then we added K, so I've had a new baby for the last two years. I've had many sleepless nights but I'm not complaining. I love my sweet babies.

I'm so excited to be a part of K's first Thanksgiving & Christmas. I can't wait to dress him up in all his cute little "Baby's First" sleepers & outfits and take lots of sweet pics. One day I hope to be able to share his precious pictures with you,but for now I can't because he's a foster. Please keep our precious baby K in your prayers and our other 2 fosters too.

((hugs))From me and my little turkey.

In Your Hands...

If it takes some time, then take the time. If it requires some effort, then make the effort. When you don’t know how, you can learn. When you require some assistance, ask for it.
If one path is blocked, start looking for another way. When something knocks you off track, get up quickly and point yourself back in the right direction.
Decide that you will not tolerate any excuses, not from yourself or from anyone else. Do what it takes to deal with life as it comes, and firmly take control of your own destiny.
Be kind, be polite, be respectful and understanding, all while being your own person. Spend less time complaining and judging, and more time making a real, positive difference.
Your life is in your hands. So keep those hands working in a thankful, loving and effective way.

— Ralph Marston


Read more: Here

What I am thankful for...

I am so thankful for...

The little things.

The things we to often take for granted,

like Hugs & kisses.

I am thankful for...

Long walks, sweet talks

and smiles on little faces.

I am thankful for...

Close friends that feel more like family

and hands to hold.

Friends are the family

you choose for yourself.

I am thankful for...

Beautiful fall days.

and someone to share

them with.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him,and he will direct thy paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Just full...

Do you ever have a moment when your heart is just full? Where you feel like you are busting at the seams because Gods been so good? Well, that's me tonight and I just wanted to share it. God sure has been good.
Why wait until Thanksgiving to give thanks? Everyday should be thanksgiving. Thank you Lord for what you've done in my life and for what you are going to do.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him,and he will direct thy paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6

My daughter & her family...

I love taking pictures. I especially love taking pictures of my kids. This is my oldest daughter Anna and her family (Corey & Brookelyn Shae). We've been trying to plan a day, for weeks ,to do some new family pictures of them. I'm glad that we finally did. The hardest part was trying to figure out which ones to post because the whole session went well.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him,and he will direct thy paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6

30 Days Of Thankful...(Catching up)

What I am Thankful for...

I've fallen behind on this so I'm going to try to catch up in one post:)

Day #8- I am thankful for my foster kids.

I'm not sure I can even put it in words. I don't even think there is enough time to tell you all I could share. These children have made a huge impact in my life. They have taught me so much that I never knew. I've learned so much about unconditional love. They've taught me it's not about blood. It really is all about LOVE. They've taught me compassion. Compassion for those who don't have it as good or as easy as me. They've taught me it really is possible to love someone's child as your own, because I have/do. These kids are special people. They've been through more than most adults ever will. They are tough. They are soft. They are strong ,but yet sensitive. They have so much to give and they long for someone to give it to. They have lived through all kinds of things and they are survivors. You hear me often refer to them as my nieces and nephews, well by blood they are not ,but they love me like their aunt ,and I love them like they are mine...with all my heart...all 25 of them. It's not about blood at all. It's about caring and showing it. It's about giving and taking. It's about putting others before yourself. It really is about Love...all about love. Fostering is a work of HEART. It's one of the hardest things I've ever done ,but one of the sweetest and most rewarding.

Day #9-I'm thankful for my friends.

I have lots of people that I know and I call many of them friends, but I have only a couple of very close friends. Friends that know me and know me well. The kind of friend that can finish your sentence off, because they know what you are going to say ,before you even say it. I thank God he placed them in my life. They are a blessing. Thank you Lord for blessing my life with friends.

Day #10-I am thankful for health.

I am so thankful for a healthy body & mind. Some are not so fortunate. In 2002, I was very sick. I had been diagnosed with meningitis, toxoplasmosis, and bell palsy.  It was one of the hardest things our family had to go through. I learned to never take life for granted. I had been healthy my whole life and in one day I went from healthy to very sick. I made a full recovery and I've been healthy ever since. Thank you Lord for healing me and restoring my health.

Day #11- I am thankful for our family dog.

She was a little stray that adopted us. She showed up in our yard one day( we think some one put her out here) and we decided to keep her. She has been here now for about 3 years, She is a shy dog,but very protective and she LOVES our family, especially the kids. She has been a best friend to my youngest son Jacob and follows him everywhere he goes when he is outside.  She is the most loving dog ever and will sometimes drive you nuts trying to love on you. She is a member of our family and we love her.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him,and he will direct thy paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6 We Are On The Fence!

I made it...

Well, I made it through my second speech this week, but this time was sooooo much easier. Maybe because I had the support of two of our other  moms and 3 of the Casas that I know very well,because they are taking care of my boys right now. Instead of focusing on all the people I didn't know, I spoke as if it was just us 6 in the room and then answered questions at the end(which is not nearly as hard). Thank you for the prayers SailorMoon they worked. ((hugs)) Speaking before a crowd is one of my greatest fears ,it may even be a phobia. It causes my heart to race, my knees to knock, my hands to shake and sometimes it even makes me stutter(which is sooooo embarrassing). However, I'm going to try to start doing this more often and I hope that it will get easier each time. As I said before, if I can say or do anything to help someone else ,then that's what I want to do.

I believe we were put here on earth for more than just existing and living for ourselves. I truly believe that God placed us each here with something to do. He has something for everyone. I truly believe serving & helping others is my calling and I want to do my best for my Lord.


  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him,and he will direct thy paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6
We Are On The Fence!