Budgeting..

Any tips out there on how to do better about budgeting and saving money?!?! I'm feeling rather depressed when I look at the bills verses the money in the bank (or lack there of)

Hospital Stay

As usual, Katrin asthma has flared up this fall. Two nights ago it got really bad. She was up sick 3 or 4 times. She started out in her bed and ended up in the guest room. I have tons of laundry now!! Anyway, Yesterday morning, she was really struggling to breath. I closed all the windows in the house to try to make the house a 'safe' place for her to breath and kept her in all day. She had multiple breath treatments but wasn't getting any better. She complained that her stomach, throat, and head hurt. She didn't leave the couch at all, so that was a sure sign something was really wrong. I finally took her temp around 1 and it was 102.5. So I made a dr. appointment. FUN!! It was nap time for both girls but I knew I had to take the first available appointment. So off we went to the doctors. They gave her another breathing treatment and said that she needed to be in the hospital. I really didn't think she was THAT bad. Anyway, they sent us over to the ER and then on to stay the night. The night went fairly well. She wouldn't keep her oxygen tube on very well but she wasn't coughing nearly as much and I think she got some much needed rest. Her oxygen level wasn't really great during the night but the doctors said is would probably be better by today when she was up and around. This morning, she seems to be feeling better and more her 'normal' self. We still haven't seen the doctor so time will tell if we get to go home today. Paul had to take the day off so someone could watch Kallie and no work means no pay! Please pray that she can go home today so Paul can go to work tomorrow!! But more importantly, pray that Katrin gets better and doesn't have to come back to the hospital!

Labor Day

We usually try to go to a state park for a picnic on Memorial Day and Labor Day. But this Labor Day was a little different... We went shopping in Hagerstown and had a great day out as a family! We then, came home, took naps and headed out to Cowans Gap really late. We only got to eat and splash in the water a little before the park closed. Paul did get to do a little fishing too. We had a great day! I love being together as a family!!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Kallie!!

 

Wow! It's amazing how time flies! It seems like yesterday Kallie was born. Kallie keeps things very lively around here. I call her my boy dressed in pink. If there's dirt, rocks or sticks...she'll find them. She loves being outside and swinging and playing with her 'Sissy'. She is my cuddle bug and loves to be kissed and loved on. She has a very tender heart but is as subborn as the day is long!! I've always said off the bottle by one and potty trained by two. She did not want to give up her bottle til around 14 months and I tried more than once to potty train her. Well she wanted to do it on her on timing, which was about a week ago. So she's potty trained!! A VERY happy day in my world!

We love you Kallie!! You are the best little girl a Mama, Daddy and Sissy could ever ask for!

Fishing on Memorial Day

 

HOT!!

It's so HOT!! My girls have been enjoying their pool so much this week. And I've been trying to get some little projects done. I'm on this cleaning/organizing frenzy...don't really know why but it feels good to get it done. This morning, I've dusted the upstairs cleaned everything, organized the two hall closets. Now I need clean the upstairs bathroom and vacuum up there. Ahha the wonderful feeling of a clean house (well til the girls go up there again)

This past week, we got a kitten. His name is Tiny. Katrin named him and I couldn't convince her to name him anything else. He's a good cat for the most part. A very social cat, at that.

I can't think of anything else that has been of real interest lately.

Katrin's 4 year pictures!

Drop Box

Katrin's 4th Birthday

Katrin turned 4 the day after IHC. I can't believe how fast time flies.We were able to celebrate her birthday with my family in Cincinnati. Part of her present from my mom was taking her to Butterfly Show. It was so much fun! She loved it, of course! Kallie thought it was pretty neat too.

A week later, she had a 'Fancy Nancy' Birthday Tea Party. It was a lot of work for me but a lot of fun! I think I was just as excited as she was. All the girls got butterfly wings and the boys got swords as party favors. It was fun and the kids loved it!

Katrin's 4th Birthday

My Mama & Me

 

Spring '10

Life has been busy. The girls basically live outside so I don't get much done inside. We're trying to get some much needed yard work done in the evenings when Paul is home. Nothing too exciting has happened. In March, the Sams were here and Paul had his birthday. I hosted a baby shower the same weekend. It was a crazy but fun weekend.

A few weeks ago, Kallie cut her finger pretty bad. The cut it self wasn't bad but I couldn't get a band aid or anything on it before she would pull it off and blood would be going everywhere.

Kallie has learned how to pedal her tricycle and wants to do everything Katrin does.

Easter was a quiet weekend, it was just us. My camera batteries died that morning so I didn't get any family pictures. Oh well. I'll try again at IHC. We shall see.

The church voted on us yesterday, we are here for another three years. We really love it here!!

Spring 2010

January/ February Fun

January/February Fun '10

The month of January flew by and here it is the middle of February! Wow! The end of January was our first full revival in the pastorate. It was a wonderful experience! Mike & Evie Shiery were the evangelists and the Lord's presences were felt in every service. The Shierys are a great family and we made lots of wonderful memories!! Thank you for coming!! We love you guys!

Shortly after revival we got together with some preacher friends and had a great time. I didn't take any picture though. I'm not sure why.

Then came all the the crazy snow. I think we have over 40" of snow. It's beautiful and I've enjoyed it some with the girls, but I'm very much ready for spring!

Life is busy, as is most everyone's, but we're loving every minute of it and cherishing lots of happy times.

Kallie is now 18 months and I'm starting to potty train. Pray for me!! LOL!! Today was the first day (only three accidents).

Bible Methodist Ministers' Dinner '10

We had a great time at the Ministers' Dinner this year. We left the girls with my parents and didn't regret a minute of it! I don't think they even knew we were gone. The meal was absolutely wonderful and seeing all the other ministers was fun. We had some great laughs and wonderful memories were made. I wish I would have taken more pictures but here's what I do have....

Minister's Dinner '10

PA Farm Show '10

Last year was my first time to attend the PA Farm Show... I'm not a farm girl at all!! I had so much fun and couldn't wait to go this year. We had a blast. The girls loved all the animals and Paul and I enjoyed all the yummy food.

Farm Show '10

Christmas 09

This year we celebrated Christmas with my family in Cincinnati! It was a fun time with lots of memories made!

Christmas 09

English Muffins

Last night after dinner, I was cleaning up Kallie (she makes a huge mess when she eats) when I told her she looked like a rag muffin. Katrin heard me and then told Kallie she looked like an english muffin =) hee hee

Recovering

Last Wednesday I had surgery, nothing major. It was an outpatient procedure. Since then I've been home recovering and taking it easy. Our wonderful church ladies have been here helping me everyday! It's been so great! I'll miss the company next week!! I can pretty much do everything for myself except lift Kallie and my laundry, which are MAJOR parts of my life. The help has been very much appreciated and I've so enjoyed all the cards, calls, and meals that everyone has made. I'm going to make myself comfy on the couch for a movie and snack then off to bed.

It's official!!

Kallie is walking!! She took her first steps back in July but hasn't wanted to try since. She would walk anywhere and everywhere holding onto my finger or skirt but refused to let go. Well Monday, she started walking, taking 5 and 6 steps at a time before falling. That night she walked the whole way around our house. Since then she has accomplished standing up in the middle of the room and walking without being prompted. My baby is growing up!! Sniff sniff!!

Today she was a very big girl and used the potty!! No, I'm not starting to potty train yet, but I thought I would give it a try since it's so easy to tell when she trying to do her 'business'. It was successful, so after my surgery, I might try to start potty training...we'll see. =)

Kallie's Party

...get on my facebook to see pictures of the party. Her party was August 14th at Cowan's Gap, a local state park.

Kallie's One Year Pictures