The Big Eight!!!!

kristilea over at In The Lord's Path tagged me with the Big 8!!!! So here I go:)

Eight things I look forward to:
1.Vacation next month
2.Finishing my schooling
3.My kids ALL graduating from High school (2 down and 4 to go)
4.My first living grandchild (I have one in Heaven)
5.Finishing this house
6.Starting my photography business...can't wait:)
7.My new vehicle
8.My new books coming in...I'm an addicted reader..lol

Eight things I did yesterday:
1.I babysat some of the most precious kids in the world :)
2. I went and got Bailey for the weekend
3. I went baby shopping for two of my friend...Kristy(It's gonna be a girl!) and Stephanie (It's a baby boy!) I had a blast:)
4. I ate dinner with Samantha
5.I talked to Trin:) I'm going to get him and Amberly tomorrow:)
6.I took pictures of Bailey playing with her friends
7.I bought groceries
8.I had a great day!!!

Eight things I wish I could do well:
1. I wish I had better grammar skills... I'm really working on that. I often type like I talk...very southern.
2.Speak another language. I'm gonna learn that someday.
3.Manage my time
4. Stay better organized
5.Communicate my feelings
6. Sing
7.Draw/paint
8.Sew

Eight Shows I watch:
1.I seldom watch TV...maybe the news
2.Jon & Kate plus 8
3.Cops
4.Dora the explorer...lol
5.Curious George
6.Barney the dinosaur
7.cartoons
8.more cartoons...I live with kids:)

Now I'm suppose to tag 8 people, but I'm tagging all my friends:) So if you are reading this...
Tag, you're it!!!!! LOL

My new blog look

I hope you like it! It was time for a new look. I still had the same layout that I had from the start of this blog:)
However, I wanted to share where I got my layout, because they offer several more layouts on their site and they are free! They also give you easy directions on putting their layouts on your blog.

www.thecutestblogontheblock.com
I created my own header and buttons,using the background I chose from their site ,and I personalized them myself using photoexplosion!
If you have graphics that you would like personalized or resized, I can do that for you, if you can't...jst email me at mom2five@bellsouth.net
Next, I've finally got a signature for my blog!!!! I couldn't figure out how to get one of those with a clear background. But, I found a site that does that for you and it's free to have one silmilar to mine. So I wanted to share their site

www.mylivesignature.com
Next, All I had to do was change the text on my blog so that it wouldn't look strange with the layout I chose. You can do that (If you don't know how) By clicking on "layout"->then "Fonts & Colors"-> and play around until you find the color that looks best. Until yesterday, I had no clue how to change the color of my text,on this blog.
I know I'm way behind most of you. But just in case you are like me and don't know, I wanted to share with you what I have learned:) Go me!!!!

Friday Fill-in #120

Friday Fill-Ins

My answers are in green
And...here we go!

1. Join me in prayer for the missionaries over seas.

2. Put a little joy in your day!

3. Happiness is free for all.

4. Some are lost and confused.

5. I'm waiting for this evening to arrive.

6. A baby is hard to resist.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Girl's night out, tomorrow my plans include not sure yet and Sunday, I want to attend church!

Just Today

The time is... 2:44 pm

Today I feel... blahhhh...I see so much I need to do

The weather here... is sunny and warm

I am thinking... about all that I need to get done before the weekend

At the moment,I am thankful... to see the sun shining

I am going... to try to go see Trin & Amber today

I am wearing... a jogging suit

I wish... I could get the hang of this new program...grrrrr

I am reading... Beautiful In God's Eyes by Elizabeth George

I am working on... my blog layout

I am hoping... I can figure out how to layer and then merge with PS elements

I am hearing... The washer running

Around the house... I have sooooo much I need to do...grrr

I bet you didn't know... I'm not sure what to write ,because I'm kind of boring .. you probably know pretty much everything about me from my blog:)

One of my favorite ...writers is Elizabeth George. I've ordered most of her books and read several!!!! She is a huge inspiration to me.

Trying out a new layout

I'm trying out some new layouts. I am trying to find the one that best fits my personality:) I'm also trying to make new buttons to match,so please excuse my messy blog.

little Rascal

Sweet little baby in the tub
She loved the bubbles
I got her out of the tub and got her all dressed.

Then she took off as fast as her two little feet could

run and jumped back in...clothes and all.

She was so tickled:)

I love this kid!!!

What a face:)

Weekend Pictures!

Flash show of (38) pictures from Easter weekend!


pictures of...

The egg hunt

Coloring eggs

Easter bunny pics

Easter morning pics

fun,fun,fun

Update from Howellville

It's been a bitter sweet Easter weekend. It was actually a very trying weekend for me.
Friday started off well,but ended rough.
I went and got Bailey and took her, Jada, and Jacob to get pictures made with the Easter bunny (I'll post them later). Bailey wasn't that crazy about the Easter bunny ,but she did set in his lap for a picture. Jacob loved him but Jada screamed and wanted no part of it,so we didn't get to get her pictures done.
Then we came in, changed clothes and left for our Girl's night out. I had to go get Easter stuff for the kids ,so I went shopping while the girls went to the movies with friends.
The boys also had their night out:)
However, while we were all away a horrible storm came through. I don't know what happened ,but some how it done something to our floor downstairs and it caused the two bedrooms downstairs to be completely flooded. Never has both rooms ever flooded. We have had a leak before after days and days of rain (about a cup full) in our bedroom floor ,but nothing like this and never has the boys room ever flooded. We came in around 11 pm, to find our bedroom suits setting in about 2 inches of water. I was so frustrated. We ended up setting up half the night vacuuming it up and we had to put our beds up on bricks. However, we still slept surrounded by water, because it just kept coming in all night long. It was a horrible feeling waking up Saturday morning and stepping down in ice cold water...grrrrr So Saturday morning wasn't looking much better than Friday night did.
On Saturday, I ended up having to take Bailey home and we ended up spending all day long cleaning up those rooms.
I ended up not getting to stay for the Easter egg hunt/dinner and I was sad about that, but I did take the kids and food. I knew I had to get home and help Brent and Jon with the rooms.
While all of that was going on, we were also taken care of our sick family pet. Our husky had taken off sick and went down quickly in a three day period. She hasn't been in the best health in the last two years ,but by the end of the week and weekend she had stopped walking and was just not looking good at all. She wouldn't let us pick her up without snapping at us and that was just not like her. She never bites people and we knew that there was no way we could pick her up and take her to the vet. So we called our daughter who works for a vet and asked could she ask the doctor if he could possibly make a house call on Saturday. Normally he doesn't do that except for large animals like emus and lamas, but because my daughter works for him and because he knows me ( we grew up together in Bremen),he agreed to come out. He diagnosed her with cancer and we had to put her to sleep. It was so hard. She had been such a sweet dog and she loved my kids so much but we knew it was what was best for her and she was already really old and had lived longer than most do of her breed. So as you can imagine I spent Saturday having a pity party, as my pastor calls it.
It was also hard trying to talk to Jacob about it. He didn't understand that the doctor didn't make her well. He just knew that the doctor came and then she died. So that was tough trying to explain to a seven year old that being put to sleep was what was best for her. In his mind he just thought the doctor killed his dog.
By Saturday evening, we did go back and get our little ray of sunshine "Bailey" and she stayed the night and went to church with us Sunday. She helped to kinda take our mind off of things. Corey and Anna came over and colored eggs with the kids. Bailey loved that, even though she looked like a smurf painted blue and so did Jacob when we got done.
On Sunday, I had all my kids here (including the ones I claim are mine, but really aren't). I cooked dinner for them and we ate. Then I went to Nanny's and spent the whole evening with her. I enjoyed being with her...I always do. She was in a really good mood. However, she is really worried ,because she starts dialysis in 8 days and naturally she is scared.
Overall the weekend wasn't great ,but it did have some good moments, and I did get some sweet pictures.
As for today(Monday), another storm hit last night and once more our floors got flooded. I'm not sure what we are going to do. We do know that somehow a little crack must have formed in the floor between the two rooms and that is where the water is coming from. Now how we are going to fix it? I haven't a clue. My hubby is talking to a man about that today so I'm hoping we go a few days before we get anymore rain, at least until the problem is fixed because waking up in water is not fun.
I hope your Easter weekend was much better than mine.

Have a Blessed Easter!

Hugs, Sandy

Just Today

Out side my window...it is cloudy and lightly raining

The time is...9:44 am
Today I feel...happy!!!! I'm going to get Bailey and taking her & Jacob to get pics made with the Easter bunny!
I am thinking...about leaving shortly to meet Bay's mom:)
At the moment,I am thankful...that we get to keep Bailey all weekend
I am going...shopping for Girl's night out tonight
I am wearing...a brown track suit...my favorite around the house outfit:)
I wish...the rain would stay away for the weekend
I am reading...Just like Jesus by Max Lucado and Proverbs(kjv)
I am working on...a school assignment
I am hearing...Jada playing
One of my favorite ...Holidays is Easter. Thank you Jesus for what you've done for me!!!
Today I am...going to get Bailey and taking Jacob for a haircut and to see the Easter bunny for pics:)
Tonight I'm looking forward to...Girl's night out
Tomorrow my plans include...getting together with friends for an Easter egg hunt:)

And Sunday, I want to....go to church with my family:)

Picture of the day...

Everything I need to know...

Everything I Need To Know

I Learned From The Easter Bunny

~ Don't put all your eggs in one basket
~ Walk softly and carry a big carrot
~ Everyone needs a friend who is all ears
~ There's no such thing as too much candy
~ All work and no play can make you a basket case
~ A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention
~ Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day
~ Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits
~ Some body parts should be floppy
~ Keep your paws off other people's jelly beans
~ Good things come in small sugarcoated packages
~ The grass is always greener in someone else's basket
~ An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare
~ To show your true colors you have to come out of your shell
~ The best things in life are still sweet and gooey

And even more pics!!!!

Yes, I take too many pictures:)
These are all friends of ours
Pics from 04/09/09


My friend Felicia's lil girl Kylee
She is beautiful!!!!!!

Sweet Kylee girl



My friend Amy's lil girl Jada
playing dress up:)
Lil princess


Can't you tell I love pictures!

My friend Tara's lil girl Emma

Sweet Emma Kate

I claim them all as my BABIES:)

I've been getting tons of practice
with my new camera!!!
Thank you,
Christy,Felicia, Tara, and Amy
for letting me borrow your precious kids!!!!

Easter Babies

My little Easter babies:)
Yep, I'm playing with my camera again:)
***Jada

Emma Kate

Lil Jake

Jake's 1st Easter eggs


My friend Christy's lil boy Jake



Thank God For Kids!!!!!!

Jellybean Poems

The Jellybean Prayer

Red is for the blood He gave
Green is for the grass He made
Yellow is for the sun so bright
Orange is for the edge of night
Black is for the sins we made
White is for the grace He gave
Purple is for the house of sorrow
Pink is for the new tomorrow

A bag of jellybeans
colorful and sweet
In this prayer is a promise
And a small delicious treat.

********

JELLY BEAN POEM

Little jelly beans
tell a story true.
A tale of the Father's love
Just for me and you.

GREEN is for the waving palms.
YELLOW is for the sun above.
BROWN is for the soft earth where
People sat hearing of HIS love.

A SPECKLED bean for fish and sand.
RED for precious wine and
BLACK is for the sin
He washed from your soul and mine.

PURPLE'S for the sadness of
HIS family and His friends,
WHITE is for the glory of
The Day HE rose again.

Now that you've heard the story
You know what each color means.
The story of our Father's love
Told by some jelly beans.
So every morning take a bean
They're really very yummy.
Something for the soul, you see
And something for the tummy.*******
When I use to teach Sunday school at our church, we always did the jelly bean poem project around Easter time. We would take little jellybeans (in the colors above) and put them in a little baggy and tie the baggy with ribbon. Then we would attach the poem above. The kids loved it!
Hugs,Sandy

Pictures from today!

This is how I spent my day today:)

I spent it with 2 of my favorite BABIES:)

Lil Jake
Emma Kate

Finally it warmed up enough to go out:)

The sun is finally shining!

The sun is finally shining and it is slowly warming up!!!! These last couple of days have not felt like spring here in Ga. I don't like being cold,actually I can't stand being cold. I've always loved spring and summer best and I looked forward to them all fall and winter:) Today it will start warming up and by weekend we should be in the 70's again...yay!!!!!!!!!
I'm really excited about this weekend. I love Easter!!! It has such a precious meaning to me. It is a reminder of what Jesus did for me. Easter is one of my favorite holidays that we celebrate:)
I'm also really excited because we get to go get Bailey and keep her all weekend!!!!! Brent had asked her mom if we could pick her up Friday if we had her back home Saturday . She said we could keep her all weekend if we wanted and we are thrilled!! We plan to take her and Jacob to get pics made with the Easter bunny. We also have an Easter egg hunt Saturday and then Easter service Sunday. So I'm really excited about the up-coming weekend.
This week has been spring break for us. So we haven't focused much on the kid's school work this week. It's been nice having these days off ,but I wish the weather could have been better so that we could have gotten out and done more out doors.
However, I've had a lot more time to work on things in my house and I've had more time to read and study. So it hasn't been all that bad being stuck inside.
All the kids are doing great! They all have so much going on in their lives right now. I can see God working in each of their lives and it just amazes me how much their lives(and mine) have changed. Monday,I ran into a lady that I use to go to church with and we started talking about our kids. She ask all about mine and she told me how her daughter was showing her pictures of my kids the other day on the internet and she said how she was just amazed at how they've grown. Then it hit me, they really are almost grown(except Jacob ,but he thinks he is). Life passes by so fast. I now have two that drive and two more with learners. Two that live on their own and two more that can't wait to. But as for the boys, well they are in no hurry and that's okay. They will probably live with us forever..lol:)
Well, I've babbled long enough:) It's about time for lunch so I need to go feed baby Jake & Emma Kate:) I hope you are all having a wonderful week!

It's a boy!!!!

Just a few minutes ago my little foster son Trin called to let me know his mommy had her baby:) He and Amber have a new baby brother:) I'm so excited for them!!!! He was so excited when he found out his mom was having a boy. So I know he will be a great big brother and Amber will be a great (lil) big sister:) Now, I can't wait until I can go shopping for him and take them gifts. It's always so exciting when a new baby arrives. I love babies!!!!!

Congratulations to the whole family!!!!!!! We are so happy for ya'll!!!!!

10 on Tuesday

***updated @ 3:39 pm****
List 10 things on your To-Do List

1.Make an apt for the kids to get a dental check/cleaning
2.Fill out a report for the BOE********complete!
3.Submit Katie's test to PF*******complete!
4.Mail Kristy's surprise package ****complete!
5.Renew my recycle bin subscription
6.Write a letter to my friend Sheila and mail it off
7.Get more info on the mother/Daughter banquet*****complete!
8.Go get copies of my pictures for Nicole, Stephanie, Uncle Lynn, and Brent's grandmother in Alabama.
9.Check on the status of my order******complete!
10.Get my house in order***started!!!

Just Today

Out side my window...it is cold and it is snowing (lightly).

The time is... 8:06 am
Today I feel... ready for what ever life throws my way.
I am thinking... about all I have on my "To-Do" list that I need to get done today.
At the moment,I am thankful... that the rain washed away some of the pollen that seems to be bothering everyone.
I am going... no plans to leave home today. I got most of my errands done yesterday.
I am wearing... an orange track suit.
I wish... the weather would get better atleast while we are out on spring break. I also would like to go walk the track ,but it is just to cold and to messy...grrr
I am reading... "Just Like Jesus "by max lucado and I'm reading through proverbs right now.
I am working on... laundry...it never ends
I am hoping... the weather is atleast better before the Easter egg hunt Saturday
I am hearing... Blue's clues on TV and Emma playing in the exercauser
Around the house... I am looking for items to go in a yard sale. I haven't decided when or where but I hope within the next few weeks to have a yard sale.
I bet you didn't know... that it is snowing right now.

What are your passions?

Passion-is a strong feeling, emotion, belief, fondness,enthusiasm, or strong desire. If you read my blog entry just below you will understand this post.
Epiphany tagged me with this question "What are your passions?".
After much thought, this is what I came up with...
1. My God is #1. I love Him and I think He is the greatest thing that ever happened to me. He has been the ONLY thing that has brought me complete joy. He has satisfied that longing I had for love. He loved me when I didn't even love myself. He saw something in me that noone else saw. He changed me from the inside out. I don't know why He loves me and cares about me, because I don't deserve it, but I'm forever grateful that He does.

2.My family. I thank God for my family. No we haven't been the perfect family. We've had our fair share of ups and downs, good days and bad. We've faced many trials and we've been down some tough roads, but each time we've looked back God has been with us every step of the way. He has brought us through and taught us so much. He has blessed us in so many ways and still is blessing us as I write this. It's true that a marriage takes 3...God,man,and woman. Without the first you might as well give it up. Yes, my family is precious to me and I have God to thank for blessing me with them. My family although hasn't been a perfect one, it has brought me some of the greatest joy I've known.

3.God's word. I have a passion for the word of God. My hubby says I'm addicted to reading and he is some what right. I just can't seem to get enough. I want to learn and know all I can about God. I love Him so much and when I read His word it's just like I am talking one on one with Him. I can't tell you exactly how I feel, but it's kinda like a high. I get a high out of learning about Him. I just want to be as close to Him and know all I can about Him.

4. Photography. It's my passion. I love pictures. I look around at all the beauty God has blessed us with and I want to capture every moment I can. As I've told you, I'm going to school to be a photographer,so I can't seem to take enough pictures lately. Once my hubby told me that I take to many pictures. I told him that pictures make me happy, so I take as many as I can. When my brother passed away in 2005, I realized how few pictures we had of him in his adult years and the ones we had were because I had taken them. Had I not taken the time, we wouldn't have had any. Since then my hubby has never opened his mouth about my picture addiction and it was actually him who encouraged me to go back to school to be a photographer and yes he even paid for my schooling and bought my camera:)

5.Kids!!!!! The one thing that everybody (that knows me) can say about me is that I love kids! Do you know why I love kids??? Because they love you back.
I love my kids and I have loved being a mother to them. I wouldn't trade my kids for nothing in this world. I love them dearly, but I also love my other kids (everybody Else's kids). I'd rather spend my day with a dozen kids then I would a half a dozen adults ,because kids are the real deal. They aren't like adults. Yes, they disagree and fuss ,but then they make up and can actually forgive and forget and move on. They go right back to playing together the same day as if it never happened...adults on the other hand carry grudges, and are always comparing and trying to out do every other adult,they struggle with the forgive and forget part, and can be so hard hearted. The bible tells us in Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. That is a powerful verse. Maybe we adults need to take a few lessons from the kids.

6.I love learning. I love learning new things. If I find something interesting,I will spend hours at a time trying to learn all about it. I am not scared to try something new or to learn something that I don't know.

7.Flower gardening. I love it! I love how I can plant a little seed and God can take that little seed and make it into a beautiful flower. However, I am not the best gardener, but I sure enjoy trying my green thumb:)

Well, that is all I can think of at this very minute. If something else comes to mind I'll add it.
Now it's your turn. Tell me about your passions:)

I've been tagged and so have you!!!!!!!!

I've been tagged by Epiphany over at My Road As I Travel it. Click on her name to visit her blog. She has a wonderful blog!!!!!
She tagged me to learn more about me and the question is
"What Are Your Passions?"
This is a neat tag and I want to take a little time to think it over before I answer it. But first off I looked up the word Passion and it had several definitions but basically they all read the same. Passion- is a strong feeling,emotion,belief, fondness,enthusiasm,or desire for anything.
So I plan to think on this for a little while and I'll try to come back later this evening and answer this question.
If you read my blog, I'm tagging you with the same question. I'd love to hear about the things/people that you have a passion for.If you decide to accept my tag then leave me a comment so that I can visit your site.
Hugs, Sandy

Today's Verse

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.
----------------------------
This verse tells me that I should not worry about anything that comes my way because everything that comes my way is going to be used for my good ,because I am a child of God.
The good things in life are wonderful and are blessings from God.
However, it's hard to see how bad things,tough times, and troubles can be good,but they can be. God uses everything... even the bad times to strengthen us.
Through the bad times in my life I was taught patience, endurance, trust, faith, and compassion. It was during those times that I found myself drawing closest to God. It was during those times that I grew the most as a person/Christian.
If we look at it like this,we can praise God in the good times as well as the bad.

Just Today

Out side my window...the sun is finally shining

The time is...9:11 am
Today I feel...great! It's very quiet and calm here. I have it all to myself. The girls had plans with friends and Brent & the boys have gone to Alabama to help Brent's dad.
I am thinking...about going Easter shopping or going to get flowers to plant.
At the moment,I am thankful...oh my, where should I start?!? God is just so good!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am going...not sure yet. I may go somewhere or I may just stay home to clean house and then read.
I am wearing...PJ's
I wish...the weather would stay like this all spring break.
I am reading...Just like Jesus
I am working on...my spring cleaning plan
I am hearing...just the radio playing back in the bathroom.
Around the house...I see so much I want to change/rearrange
I bet you didn't know...that next week is spring break for my kids(and me)!
Today I am...enjoying myself!
Tonight I'm looking forward to...hmmm...not sure yet. I may go out to eat with Ashley at Longhorns,or I may just stay in and eat wings from Penny's.
Tomorrow my plans include...church!

Beginning Today

I will no longer worry about yesterday. It is in the past and the past will never change. Only I can change by choosing to do so.

I will no longer worry about tomorrow. If tomorrow comes, I'll be there, waiting to make the most of it. But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first making the most of today.

I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy of my respect and admiration. This capable person looking back at me is someone I enjoy spending time with and someone I would like to get to know better.

I will cherish each moment of my life. I value this gift bestowed upon me in this world and I will unselfishly share this gift with others. I will use this gift to enhance the lives of others.

I will take a moment to step off the beaten path and to revel in the mysteries I encounter. I will face challenges with courage and determination. I will overcome what barriers there may be which hinder my quest for growth and self-improvement.

I will take life one day at a time, one step at a time. Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive self-image, my desire to succeed or my capacity to love.

I walk with renewed faith in human kindness. Regardless of what has gone before, I believe there is hope for a brighter and better future.

I will open my mind and my heart. I will welcome new experiences. I will meet new people. I will not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else: perfection does not exist in an imperfect world. But I will applaud the attempt to overcome human foibles.

I am responsible for my own happiness and I will do things that make me happy . . . take time to enjoy nature, listen to my favorite music, read good books, soak in a bubble bath, play with my kids. . .pleasure can be found in the most simple of gestures.

I will learn something new; I will try something different; I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer. I will change what I can and the rest I will let go. I will strive to become the best me I can possibly be.
..... every day.

--------------------

Author unknown

I just happened to find this and thought it went along with my devotion today:)

Today's Bible Verse

Psalm 118:24
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

----
If only we could comprehend exactly what this verse is telling us. This is the day which the Lord hath made. Regardless of what this day holds, it is still *HIS* day and He is using it for our good (even if the day is not good from our point of view). Every day can be a good day if we just look at it as God's day,not ours.
The Bible tells us to forget yesterday and to not even think about it. It is gone. It is the past. It no longer matters. Learn from it but don't dwell on it.
God also wants us not to worry about tomorrow, because we are not even promised tomorrow. He wants us to stop and live today... completely live today. Not just wish that it would fly by because it's Friday or fill it up so that it goes quickly. He wants us to take time and slow down long enough to realize that this is *His* day. Today is like a clean white sheet of paper... It is up to us what we put on it/in it. So rip up the papers of yesterday and start with your brand new sheet(brand new day).
How are we using this day? What would we change if we knew this was the only day we had left and that tomorrow we would be gone. Did you know that today will be the very last day for thousands of people? Some won't make it into tomorrow.
So let us slow down and live this day to it's fullest and realize that this is the day that the Lord has made(given us) and let us use it for His Glory.
------------
Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.