My Life, My Heart: January 2010

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Winter Homecoming

Forrest is a freshman in high school so here come the cool dances. Forrest was actually nominated to winter homecoming attendant. He with 4 others were on the voting ballot. When the results came in I so hoped Forrest would get it, but he did not. When I saw him after school I said oh babe I am so sorry. he was like mom its just a dance, its fine I don't care. I was like oookkk. Contrast this to a girl who would be coming home and throwing herself on her bed crying and talking bad about the girl who won. I was like...Forrest are you mad...He said Mom no I said I am fine, I like the guy who won he deserves it. WOOOOW. Ok so I am not used to this. Which brings me to pictures. I took Forrest to meet up with friends at BW3 to eat before the big dance and I wanted to come in and take pictures. I could tell he was hesitant but he did it for me. These two pictures are another contrast to my girls who want me to take tons of pics at their dances and events. When I dropped him off at the dance I said...Forrest should I come in and take pictures of you and some more people, or do you want to take my camera...he said...No way I am done with pictures, its fine mom I really do not want anymore...I'm like ok i guess. These boys are all great kids I am happy they are his friends. There is a great story behind all their friendships. So here are the 2 count them 2 shots I got of Forrest for winter formal..one more thing...Its a lot cheaper to send a boy to the dance then A girl. I spent $20 on Forrest and that included ticket, Red tie (which is all he wanted), and dinner. funny...

ok boys stand up and come stand under this big screen tv and get your picture taken...they all came somewhat unwillingly...hahhaha

Forrest and Trevor Clere, they made some songs together that are actually really good. Forrest is an excellent writer and poet. Their group name is Type 44. I support him all the way as long as he puts God first and keeps his music positive. So far so good. Really good in fact.

Friday, January 29, 2010

I was looking over my blog to add some cute elements. In the process I was listening to the first song on my play list and looking at my family picture and all the individual pics of my kids. I then became so overwhelmed with joy and warm feelings acknowledging just how blessed I really am. When I look at the faces of my sweet children I feel so good inside. Through some financial trials this year I learned a great deal about what is MOST important in this life. I have also learned to value things more and not be so wasteful. At first I saw no end to the struggle, no end to my fear and worry and then like the sweet light that God truly is, my path way became illuminated. I saw a glimpse of light than a flash and then the light dispelled the darkness. This year is full of hope and possibilities, it almost seems overwhelming to me to see what God has done for our little family. I see him at work all over really and have had the joy of seeing him bless my friends in ways they thought were impossible. Glory be to God. he is true and faithful. You get to see that when you struggle and you feel like the walls are closing in. If I was humble enough to just trust Him I knew he would help us and I am happy to say, HE HAS! I decided to list the blessings that have come to our family last year and the things I learned So I would never forget.

BLESSINGS and LESSONS
*Chad found more work
*God gave us inspiration to attend a financial class.
*God showed us how to pay off all our debt.
*We learned to spend wisely and to budget
*We have not used our credit cards in 2 years...and I NEVER want to again.
*I learned that things are not important!!!
*I lost my desire to please the world with fashionable names...I feel like now I can really be me and dress nice but how I truly want.
*Chad does not worry as much...we both have increased faith about God's blessings, however we know we must be obedient and do our part.
*Our marriage is stronger and we have fun just cuddling and watching a dollar movie.
*Believe it our not our kids are much happier and seem to have improved their relationships with each other.
*I am not afraid anymore...sure fear tries to slip in but I do not let it get hold of my heart anymore.
* I cherish what we have so much...i am not as wasteful, I use every drop of mayo.hahah. it seems funny but it is true I care about all the things I have now and take better care of them.
* I think about the future and want to say every penny. Plus I want to prepare for any disaster. I know how quickly it can all be lost.

I saw a commercial on TV and it made me cry. It was showing signs of the recession all over the country and then it showed the blessings that are coming from it. The last thing they said was. The recession will not destroy us it will make us a better people.!
THANK You...I agree wholeheartedly.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

We love the Larcades

The Larcade Family is a family in our ward who we really love. In truth they feel like a natural extension to our family. Ever since I met them at church I have felt drawn to them. They really are an amazing family who I feel eternally connected with. We try to get together with them as often as we can and it is always fun. These are just a glimpse of some pics of them. I will get more in here soon. The first pics are of the Christmas tree festival. WE go every year it is really neat to see all the cool trees. The last pics are of Emily and Joey just playing around with Mya and Harmony.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

NEW BLOG

Check out my newest blog for my Activity Day Girls at Church. I made a blog so we could keep a record of all the fun we have. I really love my girls and they are awesome.
http://www.massillonactivitydays.blogspot.com/

Friday, January 15, 2010

Harmony's 13th Birthday

Harmonys Birthday was a quiet night at home with friends...hahhahah yea right. Quiet it was not with these silly girls. We had bagel pizzas and a gingerbread house making contest that turned into a big mess. I took the girls to the store to pick out a movie and snacks and two of them went to the store with all the icing still on their face. They are sooooo funny. Anyway Every Birthday I let the kids got to the mall and pick out a birthday outfit. Harmony loves this and she puts together such a cute ensemble. Mya chose new jeans which by the way she must have at least 20 pairs of, jeans are Myas obsession she also bought an Owl City tee they are her fav band. HArmony had a ton of fun and they all slept about 1 hour so that makes it an official fun sleepover.

Laura and Maria are the two who went to the store this way.

YIKES

Harmony loves a good food fight. At any family event she is always trying to start one. I try not to get her started because she is crazy she gets too into it and before you know it you are covered in some kind of icky gooey mess. Her and my mom really get into it.

Before the big mess

What happened was they were trying to assemble the houses and they kept failing apart so they gave up and harmony started this.

Yes that is an upside down gingerbread man on her face

Harmony got a digital camera she was so excited. its purple.

Harmony posing in her new outfit

Harmony and friend Heaven. Happy big 13 Harmony you are an official teen now WOW!!!!

Mya's 14th Birthday Party

This Year for Mya we rented out a hall and she shared her party with a friend from school Name Chelsy Farriss. Forrest was the DJ and we had pizza and pop and lots of snacks. Just to forewarn anyone who us trying to through a teenage party, The teenagers do not eat anything. Maybe some boys eat the pizza. I had sooooo much leftover food and cake it was crazy. Myas was happy though and that is all that matters. She has a ton of wonderful friends and Mya is affectionate and super sweet so she attracts a lot of people with her winning smile.

Mya and Cj's little brother she thinks he is too cute and treats him like a really little boy. He loves Mya's attention and he is super sweet too. I forget his name right now.

Mya opening a gift, of course she mostly got money I think she got about $150 total from friends.

Blowing out the candles

Chad and I having fun

Myas sign in poster that all of her friends signed

Her really cool Zebra cake

Harmony and her friends, yes she invited Harmonys friends too because they are all really friends which I love. Forrest Mya and Harmony are in 7th, 8th, and 9th grade and all their friends all know eachother and they all hang out. I love it, its another reason I love them being cloase in age.

Grandma hanging out

grandma crashing Myas party. This was really great. She and a friend put in their fav song and danced. All the kids joined in. It was cute.

Mya and best buddy Nick

Devone (AKA little Obama) Forrest, Xave

Laura and Kirsten

Forrest doing the Jerk

Happy Birthday girls

Cali Lysee showing up fshionably late. I love this girl.

Mya and Vanessa

Mya and Jordan

Maggie and Emily

Mya and Evelyn

Jenna, Harmony, Laura

The DJ gang

Mya being spoiled by Emily

The most exciting thing about turning 14 according to Mya is going to Church dances yea!!!

Mya Carter

Singer, Poet, Friendly. Sensitive, Caring, good friend. She is the softness in our home. Mya is my little mother she helps so much with the babies. They love her like a second mom. I always call her my queen, and she reigns surpreme sometimes even with a little attitude. Her strength will carry through the temptations in this life. She is firm in her beliefs and I am so proud of her. I love her warm smile. She looks so much like her late Grandma Marsha, which is such a blessing. Now her dad can see his mom in his beautiful daughter.

Harmony Carter

Fashion designer, Trendsetter, Go getter. Loving, Huggable, smiley. She is the Light in our home. Harmony will go far in life she is determined and will work hard for her success. She is driven and studies hard in school. She likes things organized and neat. She is playful and sometimes has us laughing at her silliness. I am so grateful for her. I prayed for another girl when I was pregnant with her because I wanted Mya to have a sister. I hope she knows how special it is to be a sister and to be a good one. She radiates and we are blessed to have her.

Liam Carter

Artist, Writer, Comedian. Intelligent, thoughtful, cool. He is the truth in our home.Liam is starting at Canton Country Day School this year.We are so proud he was accepted in. He is a rare gem with great potential. He is our little einstein. When he was little he did not talk much he used to play thoughfully and examine things. he was always anxious to get bigger so he could do big things. I hope you never lose your fire to be big Liam. Liam collects build a bears. He also writes and illustrates hilarious comic books. As long as he keeps believing in Himself he will go far. He is ma-ma's heart.

Linnea Tsoufiou

Happy, loves books, Cautious, Girly, Passionate. She is our sweet angel.God bleesed Linnea with a twin now she will have alife long friend who will be so close to her heart. Linnea looks out for Larissa she tries to keep her out of trouble and leads her into trouble too. She moves non-stop when she is awake, and tires mommy out. She is going throught the taking off clothes and diaper phase. Does anyone know of any escape-proof clothes? I feel overwhelmed alot but alos overwhelmed with good feelings for my glorious blessings.

Summer News

The summer is here, and already going fast. Forrest, Mya, Harmony, and Liam are all in Reseda California (LA) Visiting with dad Travis, step mom Marika, and new baby brother Mattias. They are also spending time with cousins and uncles. They are having a great time. We all talk everyday. I miss them tons. I do not breathe the same because 4 pieces of my heart are missing. I am getting lots done here though and trying to use my extra time wisely.
My mom got us ALL a membership at the Massillon Recreation center. She is SO awesome. I honestly do not know how she keeps up with needs of all her children and grandchildren. THANKS MOM!! We have gone quite a bit. The babies are warming up to the water and starting to have lots of fun. I like summer but I do not love it. I prefer fall and winter but I plan to make this a great summer, I might even let myself get a tan. I usually hide from the sun…I don’t want any wrinkles!!!!