FRIDAY PHOTO FLASHBACK

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Just sign in to Mr. Linky so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

After I saw Laura's prom picture last week, I knew I had to share mine, too! This is me and my other best friend, Susanna (on the right) at our Senior Ball in 1987! I can't believe this was 22 years ago!

10/52 PICTURES OF ME

I'm participating in a year long challenge, created by Carin at Forever In Blue Jeans. The goal is to be in one picture a week, for 52 weeks. Since us moms are always behind the camera, this gives us a chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. So, click here if you want to join in on the fun!

This was just this past Sunday after church. We were hangin' out in the cafe like we always do!

70,000 HITS SALE!

Have you seriously been considering a new blog makeover but don't have any idea where to start?

Well, look no further. My friend Danielle, from The Design Girl is having a sale in honor of her design blog site reaching 70,000 hits!

This week only (through Sunday), she will be taking $20 off of her Basic & Standard Blog makeovers . The basic blog makeover (which is normally $70) includes coordinating wallpaper and header, and the standard makeover (which is normally $90) offers the same as the basic, but also includes a custom post divider and signature!

I can't emphasize how great she is to work with! Plus, with over 100's of kits to choose from, there will be something you will love!

WORDLESS & WORDFUL WEDNESDAY

Do you remember how my oldest son got an Ipod Touch for an early birthday present?

Well, having such items require responsibility on his part. We don't ask for much, really. Just the basics, such as getting up when you're told, and not when you want to because you were up too late playing with your new toy, cleaning your room, doing school work, etc. Simple right? I think he's got it pretty good, if you ask me!

Unfortunately, by him not being obedient in those areas, he got his Ipod and cell phone taken away for a couple of days until he proved he was "mature" enough to have them back. Last Saturday, he was so bored, he started playing around with MY phone. I thought he was playing games on it, but then I noticed he sent a text to my husband.

This is what it said...

Be sure to visit 5 Minutes For Mom for more Wordless Wednesday, and 7 Clown Circus for Wordful Wednesday.

HE'S MORE THAN JUST...

A video gamer...

My son has also been blessed with the talent of playing a guitar!

We love hearing him play his guitar...and he plays for the Lord! It's only been 3 years since he started, and he's had no formal lessons. That's totally all God! He alternates worship for our home fellowship, and in June, he and my daughter will start to lead worship for the Jr. High group at our church. I love that he's so humble when he plays. He doesn't expect praise or admiration because he knows that this is all for Gods glory!

He's still shy about singing in front of certain people, so he didn't want to sing on video. But, he does have a beautiful voice too!

"Mighty To Save"

I KNOW..I CAN'T MAKE UP MY MIND...

But, it's finally made up now!! Oh, Danielle...I think she has to be the most patient person I know! She probably thinks I'm crazy by getting another makeover so soon, but I think deep down she understands! Now, just to be clear, it's not her, it's me! LOL! I think in the past, I just wanted a new look so quick that I wanted to choose the first kit I liked. This time around, I took my time and really looked at the 100+ designers she has access to! I absolutely love this new design and how she put it all together...again! Thanks for the new blog layout, my friend!! I LOVE IT!!

**Don't forget to grab my new blog button too!! :)

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day where we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home!! If you would like to be blessed, encouraged, or would even like to share how you are making your home sing, click here!

I get frustrated when I hear my kids complain or have an attitude about something. I'm quick to give them examples of being grateful or how things could be worst for them. What I fail to realize is that they could possibly be mirroring MY actions! Even just the slightest gesture can speak volumes of how I'm feeling.

I realize how much of an influence I have over my children. When someone makes me angry or offends me, do I get angry back or do I pray for my heart to be right toward them? When my feelings get hurt, do I blame and point fingers, or do I go straight to Jesus for comfort and understanding?

My kids see and hear everything I do! If they see me turning to Him for every situation (big or small), they will too. If they see me feeding my flesh, so will they.

Before I make my home sing in any area, I need to check my heart with God first. Because if my heart is right, my actions and my words will reflect that.

"For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." Matthew 12:34b

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE HOME FELLOWSHIP....

Stays at the home fellowship..LOL!

My boys love to dance...actually we all do...and so do our friends!

Here we are on Friday night after our home fellowship (bible study).... and there were still a few people still over (mind you this was around 11pm'ish). Eli & Danny had to show off their "new moves" to our friends! They were also challenging each other to a "battle." Too cute!! Of course, I had to start video taping them! Get ready for some poppin' n' lockin'!!

I WON ANOTHER GIVEAWAY!

Not too long ago, I entered in Amanda's giveaway! I never really expect to win, but it's always fun to try! Well, I was soooo excited when I saw that I had won the lipgloss from Clinique!! Amanda is so sweet, and it's such a blessing getting to know more about her not only through her blog, but through personal emails as well!! Thank you so much Amanda, for the beautiful lip gloss and the sweet card! I hope you don't mind that I'm showing what you wrote!!! :)

Isn't she sweet? There was more on the back, but you get the idea!

Love it!!

Here I am wearing it! I know..how corny is that!

FRIDAY PHOTO FLASHBACK

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you! I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me too! It's nice to stroll down memory lane, so dig out the photo albums and let's put our scanners to good use! Just sign in to Mr. Linky so others can visit your blog too!

This is me (on the left) and one my best friends Ethel in 1994! We were visiting my sister in Hawaii, and it was one of the best vacations I've ever had! Here we are at a Luau, and as you can see, we had our plates full!! LOL! Ahh...good times!!!! Love you, Eth!!!

9/52 PICTURES OF ME

I'm participating in a year long challenge, created by Carin. The goal is to be in one picture a week, for 52 weeks. Since us moms are always behind the camera, this gives us a chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. Fun challenge, right? You can join too! Carin has added a Mr. Linky on Thursdays so that we can check out each others pictures.

I know this is an older picture, but I seriously did not have any pictures of the kids and I in the last couple of weeks! So..I looked through some old files and found this!

Here I go again with, "This is one of my favorite pictures!" Look how small my kids were! Wow! This was at my nephews birthday party in 2004! My kids were 8,7,4,2, & 1!!!

WORDLESS & WORDFUL WEDNESDAY

Ever since my oldest son was little, he was infatuated with about every video game console out there (I guess just like every other boy). We started with the first Playstation, then came Game Cube, then PS2, then XBOX 360, PsP, the Wii, and now and Ipod Touch!! If there is someone around and he is getting ready to play a game, he'll ask, "Do you want to watch me play such and such a game?" I always think to myself, "I'm sure..how boring for the other person!!!" My two younger sons will watch him play (sometimes), but then they finally come to their senses!

Well, now that we have our puppy Mocha, I think he's found someone willing to sit there and watch him play his games! What do you think?

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COME JOIN ME ON FRIDAYS FOR...

"FRIDAY PHOTO FLASHBACK"

Since I have tons of pictures from my PRE-digital camera days, I thought it would be a good idea to scan one each week and share about it on Friday! I have been having so much fun going through old photos and strolling down memory lane! I did not expect to turn this into a "meme", but a few of you suggested I should. So, for those of you who did, I expect you to join me on Friday's! LOL, I'm kidding! But, I promise, if you do, you will have so much fun! So, break out the old photo albums and put those scanners to good use!! Thanks to sweet Tara for my meme button (I love it), and don't forget to grab it too! The button code is on my sidebar! I will also have Mr. Linky up, so don't forget to sign in, too! I look forward to seeing your Friday Photo Flashback!!

ROCKIN' THE NEW DO!

We've had the same gal cut our kids hair for the last 11 years!! We're not even related to her, but our kids call her "Auntie Teresa." The first time she gave our oldest daughter a pixie cut at one year old, I knew she was going to be a keeper! She's a perfectionist, but can do a great haircut effortlessly, and in no time! And you know how a kid gets "a" lollipop after a haircut? Well, no joke, she empties the entire lollipop container in a plastic bag and gives it to our kids! No wonder they love her!

This was probably around 1998. Miranda was probably close to 2 years old at the time.


I had nothing better to do but to take pictures..lol! This was just last Saturday.

Stylin' and profilin'!

All done! She LOVES her new cut!
Ahhhh..my soon to be my tween #2!!! She'll be 12 in May, but she asked for Littlest Pet Shop toys for her birthday! Gotta love it!

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day where we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home!! If you would like to be blessed, encouraged, or would even like to share how you are making your home sing, click here!

My kids are starting school again today after being on "Spring Break" all last week. It's "back to the grind" so to speak, and back to our normal routine. My husband gets home by 2 o'clock (isn't that a blessing), so, I will make sure the kids get their schoolwork done before he gets home. This way, they won't be distracted, and they'll be able to do whatever they want the rest of the day. Also, my husband and I decided to go back to the Sports Center (since the weather is so awesome right now) with the kids and start exercising again. My family will be blessed by being back on schedule and feeling great!!

TAG...I'M IT!

I was tagged by Danielle, and I thought this was fun to do because I've seen a few people do it on their blogs. I tell ya, this was not as easy as it seems!!

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To:
1. Being in the presence of the Lord for eternity!
2. Having a family reunion in Virginia.
3. Seeing my sister and her family this year.
3. Losing weight
4. Watching my children grown into godly men and women.
5. Seeing what the Lord has in store for me and my family.
6. Summer..which means no school!
7. The puppy being totally potty trained!
8. All my laundry being done!

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
1. Laundry
2. Dishes
3. Got my puppy his second round of shots
4. Had lunch at L&L Hawaiian BBQ...yummy!
5. Got my oldest daughter's haircut
6. Browsed this Etsy store for some dog collars
7. Redo my toenails
8. Went to the movies with my daughters

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:
1. Move to Hawaii
2. Travel with the family in a motor home
3. Be able to whip up a different meal each night
4. Be more arts crafty
5. Sew
6. Speak Tagalog fluently (Filipino)
7. Ride in an airplane without feeling nauseated.
8. Be able to find any verse in the bible at any given moment.

8 Shows I Watch:
I hardly ever watch TV, but there are some shows I may catch late at night when everyone is asleep...LOL. But, here are some of my all time faves!
1. King Of Queens
2. Everybody Loves Raymond
3. ER
4. Smallville
5. My Wife and Kids
6. George Lopez
7. Super Nanny (do they still have this show)?
8. Wife Swap

Tag 8 Friends:
I know how some people feel about being tagged, so I'll give you the choice of doing it or not. If you do, let me know so I can read yours!!

THAT'S ALL HE NEEDS...

Another gadget! My oldest son got his birthday gift a little early this year! He's been wanting the IPod Touch for about a month, so we decided he could get it now. He's been saving his money and he told my husband the other day that he had $106 to go toward it. That is basically half of what it costs, so, we told him, "Okay!" But, we surprised him by getting him the next model up which holds twice as much information on it. It's so cool because it is exactly like an IPhone minus the phone! It's literally like a mini lap top! Oh..and get this, my MAC needed to upgrade in order for his IPod to sync with it so I thought I had to buy new software (which is another $100), but I thought, "Hmm...I wonder if it will work on our other computer which runs Windows XP?" Sure enough it did. I just uploaded ITunes on that puter and it was good to go. My son was practically jumping up and down!

Isaiah with his new toy, the Ipod Touch 16GB!

FRIDAY PHOTO FLASHBACK

I love taking pictures of my family, and I have so many from my pre-digital camera days! So, every Friday, I plan on scanning an old photo and sharing about it! I'm having so much doing this, so if you would like to join me, let me know so I could see your Friday Photo Flashback!


Here's another oldie but goodie of me and Gabe! This was before we were married, and obviously it was his birthday. This was taken at my mom's old apartment around 1993!! He would be 22 & I was almost 24 years old!!! And, fyi..his hair wasn't as high as it looks in the picture! LOL!

8/52 PICTURES OF ME

I'm participating in a year long challenge, created by Carin. The goal is to be in one picture a week, for 52 weeks. Since us moms are always behind the camera, this gives us a chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. Fun challenge, right? You can join too! Carin has added a Mr. Linky on Thursdays so that we can check out each others pictures.

I feel like I'm cheating because this picture is from November 2008. I know there are no "rules" as far as the dates go, I guess I'm just used to posting a picture from within the week.

This is at our friends house (who I've known since high school). If you remember my post on the boat ride, this was that night!

Hubby, Me, & Miranda

WORDLESS & WORDFUL WEDNESDAY

This is my husband and my youngest daughter back in October 2006! I can't believe this is almost three years ago! My husband was practicing his Djembe (African drum) and Veronica wanted to "jam" with him!

For more Wordless Wednesday, click here.

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HUBBY'S BIRTHDAY!

It was my husband's birthday yesterday (he turned 38) and we weren't sure what we were going to do for dinner because of the situation that I posted about yesterday. Since the kids and I were totally fine to "go out" meaning no trace of anything..nada, we decided to go to dinner at his favorite Mexican restaurant. This is not a "fast food" Mexican place, it is totally authentic!! The food is yummy, and my kids love it there too! I didn't even have time to make him a cake, so he just went without one. Thank goodness he doesn't mind about stuff like that! I wanted to do more for him (like have a party), but with the crazy last few days we've had, everything pretty much got put on hold! Well, I can plan for a big "40" in a couple of years, right?

Veronica, Eli, & Daniel

Miranda & Isaiah

Daniel & Me. I look annoyed because my husband had the camera like five inches from our face at first..LOL.

Gabe & Miranda

Don't these nachos look slammin'? Both of my girls ordered their own!

Fajitas baby! I also had a plate of the rice & beans!

My husbands plate! LOL, it tasted better than it looks!

My oldest son and Daniel always order the cheese enchiladas except Daniel gets his "a la cart" without the beans and rice!

Then, you have Eli, who always orders just a plain hamburger!!! LOL!

There is drama behind this picture! Isaiah didn't know where to set our to go boxes down, and by this time, the kids were barely cooperating when I wanted to take their picture!

SPIRITUAL WARFARE......

Yup..that's what we've been having here at home! If you've noticed I haven't been commenting on some of your blogs like I normally do, this is why! Our spiritual warfare came in the form of LICE!!!! Yes..you read that right! My mom actually is the one who found it in my youngest daughter's hair on Thursday night! My husband immediately bought some RID & NIX and checked ALL our hair! The only place she could have got lice was from the mother daughter sleepover last Friday when they were doing all the girls' hair with the same brush & combs!!! I should've been more careful!! Anyway, long story short, my youngest daughter had the actual lice, myself and the rest of the kids had nits! GROSS!!!!! My husband came home early from work Friday so he could help me! I have a mountain of laundry because we stripped everything from all the rooms! We have spent hours going through the girls hair because you literally have to go through each strand to make sure the nits are out! I'm sure those of you that have experienced this know exactly what I'm talking about!!!

But, I'm still rejoicing in the Lord, because we will not let the enemy discourage us! Ever since my husband went on board with Children's Ministry, they all told him, "Watch out because you even have a bigger target on your back now." Of course, this happens right before Easter!! As it stands now, we're all rid of the nits and no no more lice, although we will continue to check all our hair for the next week. Praise the Lord that He has given us the wisdom and patience to deal with this!! I would never wish this on anybody!!! Lice does not go away with just a wash. You HAVE to be diligent in going through strands of hair to get rid of it! Don't just depend on those shampoos! We went over and beyond what needed to be done to get rid of it! I feel like I can write a book on how to delouse anyone! Here are steps we took, FYI!

1. Washed everyone's hair with RID or Nix.
2. Smothered all our hair (except the boys) with mayonnaise and covered with a shower cap for two hours. The oil smothers the lice and makes it easy to comb everything out. After, wash with Dawn to take the grease out, then shampoo with regular shampoo.
3. Bought Tea Tree Shampoo by Paul Mitchell. It is expensive, but lice do not like Tea Tree Oil and it will kill it too!
4. Every morning and night, check EVERY STRAND of hair to make sure the nits are GONE! This is a crucial step in getting rid of it all!
5. Do this for an entire week, and on the 7th day, rewash hair with RID or Nix, just to be sure!!!

Oh..and if you have boys, it's much easier to shave their head! My husband cut all my three boys hair, just in case! Everyone loved it! LOL!

We all wore shower caps on Friday to prevent our hair from touching anything..just in case!

Awww!! What a trooper!

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I hope you all had a great Resurrection Day yesterday!

I am linking up with my friend Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day where we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home!! If you would like to be blessed, encouraged, or would even like to share how you are making your home sing, click here!

My kids are on "Spring Break" this week, and the way I plan to make my home sing is by being spontaneous! We don't have anything scheduled, no schoolwork to be done, no places to be, so we're just going to go with the flow!! That's pretty much how my nature is anyway, so it won't be too hard! My kids will enjoy sleeping in and we will definitely be enjoying the beautiful weather outside!!

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!

Have a blessed Easter with your families! With all the fun of Easter egg hunting or picnics, let's remember that on this day, Jesus CONQUERED THE GRAVE!!

MY PICASSO DOES IT AGAIN!

My son finished this painting the other day. I never know what he's working on till he's done and gets to take it home. We're so blessed by his teacher, Heather! She told me one day that Eli should continue to take art even when he's older because he has potential to go further. Who knows, he may support us one day..LOL!

If you would like to see his other painting that I posted, you can click here.

FRIDAY PHOTO FLASHBACK

I love taking pictures of my family, and I have so many from my pre-digital camera days! So, every Friday, I plan on scanning an old photo and sharing about it! I'm having so much doing this, so if you would like to join me, let me know so I could see your Friday Photo Flashback!

Now, I'm taking this WAY BACK! Back to when watching home videos consisted of a reel to reel and a pop up screen! Yup, that's how we did it back then! I have to say that my dad was way into technology because he was taping us since my sister was a baby...back in 1967!!! In the early 80's (when VCR's came out), we converted all those reel to reel tapes onto VHS! Those movies are PRICELESS to me! I don't know how many of my friends have video footage from the time there were babies, back in 1969!! Anyway, this picture is probably around 1972'ish. Can you tell we were at Marine World??!! That is my dad with me on his left..you know, by his cigarette..LOL..total 70's, right? My sister on his right, my aunt behind my sister, and my mom behind me with the cool shades and headband!! For those of you who may remember, this was around the Sonny & Cher era!!

GOOD TIMES!

AND THE WINNER IS....

TOLLESONS4HIM

Congratulations, my friend!! Now go and visit Sara's Etsy Store!

I'm certain you will find something to your liking!

And just so you know, the shipping is already paid for, so you have the entire $20 to spend on goodies!

Thank you all for participating in this fun giveaway! But, just one more thing! Sara decided that if any of you still wanted to buy something from her store, she will give you 15% off!! Just tell her that you are a reader of mine! Isn't she great?!

7/52 PICTURES OF ME

I'm participating in a year long challenge, created by Carin. The goal is to be in one picture a week, for 52 weeks. Since us moms are always behind the camera, this gives us a chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. Fun challenge, right? You can join too! Carin has added a Mr. Linky on Thursdays so that we can check out each others pictures.

Okay..let me apologize in advance for another boring picture!!!! Somebody had mentioned that with so many kids, you would think that one of them could take a picture of me instead of me taking them myself!! I think this was taken with my cell phone. LOL at the flash on my glasses and the glare on my face. No, my face is not oily!!

WORDLESS & WORDFUL WEDNESDAY

This is my version of Where's Waldo!

Where's Mocha?


For more Wordless Wednesday, click here.

For more Wordful Wednesday, click here.

TAKIN' IT BACK TO THE OLD SKOOL...

If you grew up in the 80's, and was into the whole break dancing rave, you should remember this movie that came out in 1984!

My two youngest boys LOVE break dancing and have learned some moves from my friends husband..LOL! It's so much fun getting together with them and having good, clean fun! Since buying this movie for them, they have learned even more moves! This past Saturday, we went to a birthday party at their house and they could not wait to show off what they've been practicing! But, they had to "look the part" first, right?

My two B-Boys! "Yahhh...boy!!"

MAKE YOUR HOME SING MONDAY!

I am linking up with my friend Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day where we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home!! If you would like to be blessed, encouraged, or would even like to share how you are making your home sing, click here!

Being that I homeschool my children, and that I'm with them practically 24/7, one could assume I have alot of "quality time" with them. Since I am being honest here, I would say that I have more quantity than quality time with them. Yes, there are times I have my "mommy and son/daughter" time, but that is hardly enough.

It feels like I'm trying to do so much in so little time that I forget what really counts. I don't want my kids to be 18 and then me regret not doing certain things with them. My two older kids are tweens and are already starting to be involved in extra curricular activities away from home.

Yes, we do many things as a family, but what about my time with them when hubby is at work, and it's just "us?" What I'm going to do is give them my undivided attention each day to play whatever game they choose, watch them ride their bikes, cook with them...whatever "they" want to do. I won't be distracted with my blog or my cell phone, and I'm not going to worry about the laundry because it will still be there when I'm done!

I'm blessed to be a stay at home mom, and I want my kids to have fond memories of their childhood when they're older. I want them to know that I treasured our time together!!!