Green Goat Giveaway

Green goat is having an awesome giveaway. Her stuff is so unique.


http://legreengoat.blogspot.com/2011/03/1000-facebook-fans-giveaway-part-3.html?showComment=1300902215697#c5498276208736835758

Midnight thoughts...

Tonight I am up late just a thinking.


Truth is, I've hit a lot of rough spots these last couple of years. Really frustrating to think about, because we always wish we could go back and change the stupids, and the wrongs but we can't. I'd like to hope that I'm not the only one who has fallen hard, and gotten angry and worked up over silliness that just goes on in life. But i like to believe now that I am changing and growing. A little at a time, I am learning about life, and relationships, about forgiveness (as Pastor preached tonight), about faith and love and so many other things. One thing I know I've learned, is to move forward. If I didn't know how to move forward, I would be stuck in some serious garbage. (most of which I've got myself into!) I am so thankful for a pastor and church that help me to do just that-move forward! I have been down so bad, I thought I could never get back up, and redeem my pathetic self! I thought, "Well Tiffany, you are an honest idiot, there is no way you are going to recover from the damage you just created." And with tears in my eyes now, I really believed that there was no way I could get back up. I got to a point, the LOWEST point, (not so long ago), that I was actually frightened becasue I didn't know how I would recover, and that I may just be stuck in that miserable, defeated state. But I didn't. Here I am restored, renewed by Gods grace and love, and with the help of a wonderful church that for whatever reason didn't give up on me. I'm more determined than ever to continue to move forward in my life and in every situation I have faced, and will face. I want to walk with God, and listen to the man of God every change I get. Soak in the word, really LISTEN to advice given, instead of nodding my head, and letting it in one ear, out the other. I pray that God helps me to do one simple thing. And that's to LISTEN. Listen to Gods voice, and listen to the wise. Create space for God to work first in my spirit and mind so I may be the best I can be, and so I can do that best I can. I pray God helps me to mend relationships, and build others. I know I NEED people in my life, and I also want to be a positive person in others lives.

So with these thoughts of my head, and out for all to see.. Maybe I can finally catch some sleep! :)

Week 6...ish?

This is kind of fun, right? These are letters on my refrigerator. I've had this little display up since Remi was born. If it wasn't edited so, you'd see all the dust rested on each letter. (I really hate dusting, and honestly don't even think we own any "dusting tools")

Everytime I look at this, It's just a reminder of how much life has changed since Remi was born. This is like a "duh" statement, why wouldn't our liveschange with a child? It's no longer about you or anyone else-your first thought and attention automatically goes to your child. This applies to all regular daily activities such as eating, bathing, bathroom breaks (whether in diaper or in toilet like normal people), playing, going out, etc etc. I always think of Remi first in everything. It's like programmed, there is nothing I can do about, even if I wanted to change it. Because you know, come to think of it... Even after I feed my child a full meal, and make sure she is all done, and ready to get down from her chair and go play... As SOON as I sit down to eat my nicely prepared meal of left overs, or Ramen noodles, my little girl is drooling at my feet. Instantly. Not gonna lie that it can be frustrating at times, but she's just so cute! So even though I wanna scream, "Go play, you just ate you annoying turd!", I say, "Here sweet baby, have some of Mommy's noodles." (this may or may not be completely true). Anyway, you get the point-having children is and should be a completely selfless decision. It's not longer about you, ya understand?!

So as Valentines Day is tomorrow. I realize that my husband and I are not going to have a nice romantic date out on our own. And we started thinking about it, and realized that we don't really want that. Our life has changed so much, and Remi has molded into our every day so nicely that we would enjoy a meal out with all three of us Hallmarks-Glen, Tiff, and REMI. (Please Note::This may change after child #2 or #3. Or when Remi hits that awkward/annoying stage... We shall see.) Not to mention, we went out for our "Valentines Date" on Sunday night after church to avoid the nonsense and crowds on VDAY night. Good luck, everyone! I will be at home sweet home. And I've also offered to watch anybodies kids who want that romantic/quiet night out.... Yes, I may have lost it after a crazy weekend of a stomach virus. That's a whole other story.. and we just won't go there. TMI.

Everyone enjoy your Valentines Day with your lovers!!

Week 5

A gun. A badge. That's all it took for me, ladies. Back in September of 2007, I first started talking to Officer Hallmark. Yes, I found his number so immaturely on "Everyones Connected", and called this strange man late at night while hanging out at a friends apartment one weekend. (does anyone even remeber Everyones Connnected?)  After messing around with him, I finally told him I was some girl from Indiana. "A really cool girl he had never met... yet" was my words. How awesome of me. *Rolls eyes* But hey, It worked, right?

After talking a bit and asking what this strange man does for a living, he replies "I'm a police officer". No lies, my 20 year old heart skipped a beat or two, and a very interested smile jumped right on my face. My friend "ooed" over his response a little bit too. Don't make fun. Over 3 years, marriage, a house, a dog, baby, and a lot of bills later I still am super intrigued when he walks out of the bathroom in full uniform, while the scent of Gap cologne/uniform smell (not sure how to exactly describe that one) FILLS the air. He's just so darn CUTE. And I am a bit cautious of flirtatious women, (after dealing with a couple CRAZY exes of his, so stay away. Thank you.

I love you, Officer Hallmark. Things aren't perfect on this journey of ours, but I have to say it just keeps getting better and better. :)

AWESOME GIVEAWAY!

Come check out this giveaway, and enter to win some incredible items!!

http://picsbynik.com/jasper/2011/02/its-a-giveaway-show-the-love

... WEEK 4

So this is considered my end of January post. I have been slacking big time. Busy life with 3-4 kids all week, shopping and cleaning on Saturdays, and church all day Sunday. Not to mention other activities, cooking, and maybe even catching a moment to sit for a minute here and there.. (like right now). I know I'm not the only one, and not complaining at all... I would rather be busy, then bored with nothing to do! But either, way.. Enough of the slacking, and I promise myself to at least blog once a week now. :)

So this picture is already on Facebook for those of you who have seen it, but I had to use it. I can't look at her precious face, with that silly little grin and not feel overwhelmed at the love I have for that little girl. I can say it all day long, and I know I am not the only mother who feels this way. But it's just exciting and such a blessing to have pure sweetness and innocence to wake up to every morning! Being a mother was always something I looked forward to even when I was really young. My mom and I loved going to garage sales, and she would let me pick up things for my baby dolls, and I remember that being so exciting as a kid. I had "REAL" car seats and bassinets for my babies. I would bring them to church, feed them, love them, and put them to bed just like they weren't made of plastic. Now I will admit, even with all the dreaming and "practicing" I did as a child, and even into my teen years with so much baby-sitting and nannying, I can't even remember!--There were still so many surprises as a new mother. It was challenging at times, but more than anything, it was rewarding. I can already look back now that my little girl is already about to go into her 16th month, and see how I have grown, and changed since Remi was born. Babies have a way of bringing about challenges now just in caring and nurturing, and parenting them, but in other relationships in our lives. And not just in my marriage! Speaking of my marriage, I couldn't express how much Remi has brought my husband and I so much closer. We have one thing in common now, and it's her! She is our every day joy, and happiness. No matter what we go through, or how tough times may get--You can't look at her wobbling all over the house, talking up a storm, (she is a TALKER), and not just feel... HAPPY. She is a precious, and pure GOD given little girl. I thank him every day for her.

Nothing creative here. Just boring you all with the same ole same ole. And again, I do understand that about all of us mothers feel the same way! It's just nice to share sometimes. Hope I still have some readers out there, despite the temporary disappearance. :)

Day 8/365

So today has been a long, but nice, productive day! It started with my husband spending the morning with Remi while Mommy got to sleep in-which was wonderful because I had an awful headache. Pretty sure it was from caffiene/sugar detox. As I've mentioned before my husband and I are on the "Daniel Fast". It is a wonderful fast, and a big sacrifice. Anyways, got a lot done today. Grocery shopping, scrubbed down both bathrooms, vaccumed, mopped whole house, dishes, laundry... Just about did it all here...

 There is nothing fancy to say. Pictured above is Remi's butterfly hanging in her room. She loves it, and often points and ooo's over it. I love the green and pink in her room. Wonder how long she will love it though. You know, the hundreds of people who told me to "enjoy her, she will grown up fast!" were SO right. Time has flown on by since Remi has been in my world. I can't believe she made 15 months today! She is growing and growing, and changing, and learning every day. I need more energy to keep up with this TODDLER. Ugh. Somedays I sure miss my baby Remi. Baby Remi would be set in one place, and still be there 15 minutes later. Bittersweet. Love my baby girl. Everyone have a wonderful Sunday. :)

---Yes, this blog was EVERYWHERE. I think it's time to rest my mind and body.. GOOD NIGHT--

Day 7/365

I know.. A sky photo, so typical. Not to mention I am a day late for "day 7". My computer pooped out on me, and I haven't had time to even attempt to be "creative".  I suppose I will have days like this? :) Hope every has a great weekend...

Day 6/365

JOVI. We've had her for about 1 1/2 years now. Oh, I could not tell you how many times I've thought about putting her for sale on Craigslist, trying to get a refund, throwing her in the lake. (just kidding.) But you know, this ornery dog is a part of our family, and even though she can drive you nuts sometimes, I couldn't imagine her not being around. Dogs are so loyal. No matter what, they love you and just want some love in return. Jovi loses her mind when you even pet her, because she just loves any attention she will get. So be warned, if you are at our home, and pet Jovi, she will bug the mess out of you just for another stroke please!! LOL After every bath, Jovi can't WAIT for the bathroom door to be opened so she can spastically fly across the entire house for about 15 minutes. I dont' know if  it's her way of drying, or if she's just really excited to show everybody her clean, fresh self. Glen and I watched that movie "Marley & Me" just the other day, and like two dorks we were getting all emotional at the end of it. (It is very sad!) But it reminded us of Jovi. Ornery and obnoxious, making messes, being naughty when she knows better. But at the end of the day, despite all frustration-You just still love her, and there is no getting around it! :) Not to mention, Remi LOVES her too, and already has an appreciation for animals. So that's all dandy to me.
UNTIL TOMORROW.

Day 5/365

So, getting a late start on yesterdays post! Computer messed up, and I just went to bed.

My daughter was eating her lunch yesterday so quietly, and had her cute little feet crossed the whole time. I was sitting across from her eating my lunch, and had to snap a picture. How precious every little thing is that she does. Her life is so sweet in every little way. I sit around often and think of how blessed I am to have her in my life, and to be her mommy, and I admit sometimes it is overwhelming! This little girl relies on me for everything. She wouldn't know how to survive without someones help. There are times I go to get her in the morning... finding those big beautiful brown eyes looking up at me, sweet slobbery smile on her face, and chubby little hands reaching up so anxiously for me to pick her up and give her some morning sugars. No matter how tired I am, or how much I would have LOVED to have just 30 more minutes of sleep-I look forward to her every morning. Since Remi has been in my world, I have so much more understanding (although not all!) of how much God loves us as HIS children. There have been some lows in my life when I have needed God so bad. I would cry and lift my hands to him needing his touch and his comfort, and he is there faithfully for his child, picking me up and carrying me, surrounding me in love. I think of this so many times when holding my daughter, comforting her after a fall, rocking her and singing to her when she is sick. Thank you Lord for your many blessing in my life. Thank you for being the comforter in my life, for being my help, and for bringing me peace when I feel a MESS. Your love is more beautiful than words could describe. I'm proud to be yours. And help me to be a Godly example to my daughter and to those around. I know that I have failed in this, and pray for better direction this year.

TIL "Day 6"...... :)

Day 4/365

The "noonie". The one thing that makes bed time a piece of cake! My little girl is the easiest kid to put to sleep as long as she has it. Because I have learned, in very unlucky and frustrating moments that this "noonie" is THE key to putting her to sleep. Every night after supper and when she is finished playing she gets her bath, clean jammies, brushes her teeth, read her bedtime book, pop that noonie in, cuddle for a minute, and off to sleep she goes. And I have decided - (after one very sad attempt to put my child to bed without the plug)- that she can have it if it's what she needs, and I need, for a good peaceful night's sleep. Thank you, noonie.

Day 3/365

I keep my wedding ring off while at home, and usually keep it in a basket on my dresser with other odds and ends. (probably not the most organzied place) But today I found this little pin, no idea where it came from. "I am loved" So very true.

I have been sick through the weekend and since today was Glens off day, he woke up this morning and got Remi up, changed and fed before my care kids arrived, while I rested just a few more minutes. He made lunch today, and put Remi's new toy box together. These little things are so appreciated. Just having a nice day at home with the ones I love, and love me in return. We kept the tv OFF, (something I wanna do much more often), therefore the house was filled with the noises of little ones playing, laughing, and the dog barking at the ducks in the lake out back.Good day. I'm going to be mindful of quality time, and not let the tv/phone/computer take up too much of me. So with that being said, I will be back tomorrow. :)

Day 2/365

Well look here! It's a bottle of purified "Ozarka" water, and a bunch of bananas. Or as Remi would say EVERY morning after her milk, "nana"! Yes, I do try to feed my daughter healthy foods. But I must say, the way I have treated my body this last year, maybe even two years has been quite.. well, abusive.

About 3 years ago I had successfully lost 60 lbs after a mad war between myself and the scale for a long time. What an accomplishment! It wasn't easy to say the LEAST, but the reward of feeling good about myself, and looking good in just about anything was worth the hard work. But now here I am, 1 year, and 3 months after giving birth, and at least 60 lbs overweight... again. I couldn't tell you how many times this last year I have told myself, "I'm gonna do this! I'm gonna wake up and just eat healthy and drink a bunch of water, then not think about the Klondike bars in the freezer!" HA! I have failed tremendously at any effort to lose weight in 2010. But like so many others, my number one resolution in 2011, is to be healthier, thinner, and overall happier. It's not an easy thing to even talk about. Quite embarrassing and depressing actually. But I know that I can succeed in this, and I will. I appreciate any support, and help along the way. To kick off this year, my husband and I are doing the Daniel Fast. Not only will it be good for our bodies, but good for our spirit. So I predict there will be lots of Ozarka water bottles, and banana peels in our trash can these next couple of weeks. Anybody want some Klondike bars, or honey buns?

Day 1/365

What better way to start my 365 Photography Project? I will be honest, I thought long and hard about this one, and couldn't get away from that sweet little face pictured above. It being the first day of the year, I find myself still reflecting on this last year. Although 2010 had it's ups and downs (as most years do-Life is not completely full of ups, right?), I have to say this was by far the best year I have yet to live. Watching this little girl grow and learn, and change has been such a blessing. She has taught me so much about life and love, and all she does is wreck my house, poop her pants, and her new thing-throw little tantrums about the silliest of things. And although that can bring about frusteration, I still have to scoop her up, give her loves, and let her on her way again. (she will usually go right back to wrecking, pooping, and "tantrumming") So here is to another year full of changing, growing, loving, hugging, and hopefully much much more. I will get to my personal resolutions later, but for now I start with my Remi. Are you surprised? Probably not. Happy New Year to you all. Pray for your blessings this year.

Much Love.