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bring mouse over where it say comments with a number or 0, click it and leave me a comment with your name so I know who you are. Thanks!

Who are you?

Just wondering who if anyone is reading this blog. Please leave a comment if you are. Thanks so much! -Becky

Hello! I want to encourage you to go check out my friends blog and pray about donating anything. They are fundraising for an adoption. They are an awesome family. I went to high school with Courtney and we have remained in touch over the years. She has been a great friend and source of encouragement to me. Please consider donating to help bring Emmanuel home.



This is from there blog:

"UPDATE on Emmanuel
Very soon we will be getting Emmanuel's adoption decree. This will mean he is officially ours. Last we heard all that was needed was one more signature. We are very excited.

We are still $1000 short for adoption fees. We are asking for $10. If 100 people each give $10, we will reach our goal and be able to bring our sweet son home.

Can you spare $10 to help change a life forever?"



http://campgirdwood.blogspot.com
check them out. They have a week to raise another $1000. -Becky

so tired

I am so tired! I think going to bed at 12:00 and getting up at 6:00am is no good for me. I try to go to bed earlier, but it does not always work out. Although we do not have cable, which translates to almost no reception, I discovered I can watch ABC shows online for free. So I watch them all, even shows I think are inappropriate. I do not watch the bachelor or dancing with the stars or caveman or dirty sexy money, but watch Ugly Betty , Samantha Who? , Pushing Daises , Brothers & Sisters, private Practice, and sometimes even Desperate Housewives (if those ladies only knew how good they really had it-oh wait that's fake isn't it?)
I wish I was spending all that time with God, then I would at least be growing in Him, instead of my knowledge of tv characters. I don't think when I get to heaven that there will be a quiz on tv. I am not sure how I will explain to God that although He wanted to spend time with me, the tv was just more interesting. As a single mom I am supposed to be married to God, how do marriages work when you don't spend anytime together? I know what I need to work on. Why is everything else so more alluring than God who desperately wants to talk with me and loves me no matter what?

Dear Lord,
I pray that I would desire you over all other things and that I would give you the first and last part of my day. I pray for a hunger for your word and time with you. I pray for discipline over tv and food and to remove them as idols from my life.
In Jesus Name, Amen

crazy tree lady

last year we did not get our tree up until after Dec. 15th, so this year I wanted it up before then. Sat. night I went to get Jason half way from his dad's and I knew he would be tired but I still had to drag all the Christmas stuff from the attic. this was not easy, and because it was late I got cranky. Jason was so awesome, he was so helpful grabbing huge boxes from the attic. I hate to admit it but this made me miss my apartment with its storage room. I cringe every time I have to get up those rickety attic stairs and find something. Plus the light is out, not the light bulb the whole light does not work, it used too, but since using the microwave, computer, and toaster oven at the same time blew a circuit (again) the attic light will not work. Oh I will say it again, the joys of home ownership.

So we got our tree up with lights on, but no ornaments yet. this will wait till I am slightly less crazy. and this will be?

gotta go Josh is banging down bathroom door cause he has to go exactly the moment Jason got in there. go figure. -Becky

Do we ever really grow up?

Me with my siblings, Eric 31 (in back), Samantha age 18, Kevin age 26, & me age 28

Three generations

My sister, Samantha age 18, my grandma age 84, & my mom

My mom & I after laughing hysterically. My mom is so AWESOME!! I love her so much!!!

Thanksgiving

Hello! Thanksgiving was good. Joshua & I slept in (Jason was at his dad's) and then we watched the parade. We made mashed potatoes, then we went to my mom's. My mom, stepfather, sister, brothers, grandma, and aunts were there. It was a nice day. I am so thankful for so many things. WE ARE SO BLESSED IN AMERICA! I have my boys, our health, our home, food, clothes. We especially have the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ who died and rose again for all of us. It is too amazing that He loves us that much, not just everyone but you & me. That's personal. He gives us all we have and for that I am so thankful.

New addition to our family

We are pleased to announce the newest addition to our family. We believe our family is now complete. This beautiful piece of equipment joined our family last week. Maybe you can not understand our excitement, but it has been 4 years with no washer and dryer. Lugging clothes to mom's or laundry mat. Those days are gone! Yeah!

ps

I made my kids sleep in there own room, in there own beds last night. Yeah to having my bed all to myself!

Saturday

Hello! Saturday was a very nice day for me. I had a baby shower to go to. The shower was 1:00-5:00. So my mom said she would take the kids early so I could get ready. I slept until 10:00am, then hung out with the kids a little. Then they left with my mom at 11:30am. Then I took a shower and got dressed with no one bothering me. It was so great. I even got dressed up and put make up on. The baby shower was very nice. My pregnant friend looked so awesome. She is having her first baby. I also got to see some old friends I have not seen in a few years. It was nice to have adult conversations, even though most went like this, "How are the kids?" "fine." "How old are they now?" "9 & 4." etc., etc. Apparantly I am pretty boring. I also felt bad cause I had no pictures of the kids on me. I had some on my cell, but it's so tiny, oh and the screen is cracked in half (thanks Joshua.) I guess I figure I see them all the time, why do I need photos in my wallet.
I really did have a nice time though. Not having to worry about anyone else for a little bit is really nice to me. Then after the shower I went home to change then I went to work. Sat. nights I babysit for an awesome set of 7 year old twins. They are well behaved, polite, so creative, and actually fun. They listen to me so that helps. They were in bed and asleep by 8:00 (a mother's dream) and I got more quiet alone time until 9:30 when parents came home. This was the best day. Plus my mom kept the kids over night so I slept in house all alone all night. Pure bliss!
It really is the simple things that make me happy. Thanks mom! I really needed all that me time. -Becky

new shoes

Hello! I had the pleasure of taking Jason shoe shopping last night. After wearing a size 1 shoe for years, he now is a 3. He did not tell me and his poor toes were scrunching up in his old shoes. Well, this was an experience. I had work until 5:00, then we had a doctor's appointment till about 7:00, then shoe shopping. Well, Jason decided that everything I picked he did not like. When did this happen? He liked the skull and cross bone sneakers, I said no based on conviction. He threw a fit. Then he decided to get back at me and pick $40 and up shoes. I said no to that too. Finally he calmed down and I explained his price limit. He picked a pair of ugly hiking boots and even uglier sneakers. I am so used to just picking stuff out for him in his size. I guess this is over. The whole shopping trip brought back memories of shopping with my mom. Sorry for being so obstinate mom. I remember her trying to take me shopping and me emerging with only a mini skirt. I remember crying cause nothing I liked fit right. Is it payback time?
Mom's have all the fun! Oh wait this is not fun at all! -Becky

My Christmas wish list

just in case anyone is wondering, my Christmas list includes:

KEEPING THE FOCUS ON JESUS
having friends and family over for a cookie swap ( I love time with other adults)
getting all my shopping done and wrapped
keeping my house clean
getting my holiday letter written and sent out
happy kids
me being calm
kids asleep by 9:30 every night
my closet being finished (I mean redone)
100 stamps (I like to send real letters)
new or used stackable washer and dryer

just felt the need to write this. thanks! -Becky

QUESTION?

What do you want for Christmas?

my blog was not on my time

I finally figured out why my blog was always wrong when I typed about the time. It was not set for my time zone. Now the time below reflects when I am actually typing. Yeah!

This could be your gift to Jesus this year

Hello! I have another plea on behalf of my friends Courtney & Brian in Florida. They are once again fundraising for an adoption. Please read there blog and prayfully consider supporting them. These are real people. I went to high school with Courtney. Your donation could help a little boy have a chance at a better life. They are asking everyone to just donate $1, this is something we all can do. Thanks!



http://campgirdwood.blogspot.com/

How God used my mistakes

Hello! God is the reason I get through each day. He gave me two awesome families, my family and my church. I have the best support system. It is not easy, somedays I think my kids don't deserve this. I get crazy and yell and say mean stuff. I give my best to others and take my stresses out on them. I am praying about this and I schedule fun time with them. I am real thankful for a fresh start each morning. I apologize to my kids when I sin, by yelling or say a bad word, etc. And God used this.
One day about a year and a half ago I had a good day with kids, but by 6:00 I still had so much more to do. After a while I lost it and yelled at my kids, well Jason asked me if it hurt when you died, and then I had to stop and talk with him, he said he wanted to give his life for Jesus he thought he actually had to die (and he was willing to do it!!!) and I said we don't die we just change our hearts, then he said he couldn't be perfect. But I was able to say Mommy is not perfect see I just yelled at you but God still wants me. How can God use my sin so that Jason would come to know Him? It was so awesome. And Jason gets it, he has a heart for the Lord. He has ADHD and his own issues, but he prays and reads his Bible and wants to give to others all the time. I am so proud of him, and again it's not me it's God. -Becky

Shocked

The internet certainly can be a dangerous place. Jason and I were looking up Smurf's online and what we found, shocks me. You can learn about the sexcapades of the smurfs and even see some pictures (not that we did or wanted to.) I am sorry, are children not starving to death in this world and people have the time and money to write about smurf's and even draw some pictures. Do they not realize smurf's are cartoon characters. Seriously, what??????????
Just a reminder to not let your kids online alone at all. Anything innocent can and will pop up some dirty stuff. Our kids do not need those images in there heads nor do I or you for that matter.
The internet can be good, but also evil, so evil. -Becky

In need of charm school

Hello! If you know me, you know for the most part, I say it like it is. Well, this is not always the best way to go I guess, because I have offended someone, and I am not even really sure what I said. My intent is not to hurt someone's feelings, but I really need to think before I speak as I do offend more than I'd like. The thing is I am always so busy that my mind is already thinking about what is next, so if you talk to me about something else it may throw my mind for a loop. I try to find ways to relax and rest. I remove things from our schedule, but it's still all too much. And if I am not busy, I am tired and then I don't even make sense when I talk.

What is the answer, since I do not have time for charm school, maybe I should not talk at all. Not very practical and besides then people will get offended when I do not answer them. I can't win. I will just try to think and pray before I speak, so if I'm talking to you excuse the pause before I answer you.

Why does life have to be so hard???????? -Becky sad at 9:00am

Garage sale

Well, yesterday I was up at 6:30 getting stuff ready for and setting up yard sale. Weather looked questionable, but no rain. Well we had about 10 customers. My aunt made $22, I made $16. My mom & sister helped us as well. So 4 people working from 8:00am-2:00pm. 6 hours of work, not really worth so little money. But I got lots of stuff gone from my house. Plus I got lots of exercise lugging stuff to sell yesterday. And I have a baby shower to go to on Sat., so the $16 is for a gift (I bought a pack of diapers and wipes.) And I spent time with my aunt, mom, sister, and Grandmother (who made good chicken soup for lunch.)
I am not sure if I think garage sales are worth it. Last time we had one I made about $85 and my mom about $60. This was not too bad. But my friend does yard sales for an organization she fund raises for and at her last sale she made about $1400 after expenses. Now this was for selling Fri., & Sat. So two days of work plus all the prep work. Now that is worth it. But I never have that much to sell. I'd rather freecycle the stuff.
Now I need to come up with a new way to save for a dryer. I work Mon.-Fri. from 6:50am-5:30 pm, so a second job nights is out of the question (plus I have no sitter.) Most Saturdays I babysit at night, but this is now our food money. I am going to try and sell some stuff on eBay. I will let you know how it works.

LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY LEGIT & LEGAL WAYS I CAN EARN EXTRA MONEY FROM HOME! Thanks! -Becky

strange

Hello! I just had a dream that some guy tried to kill me so I called my friend and she came and got me and then we drove over a bridge that was out, so we landed in the water with all four of our kids in the car. We saved the kids then I saved our purses and cash. We landed in low tide so we walked out of water, but were stranded on an island. It turned out guy trying to kill me was only in love with me (stalker) and arranged for us to be stuck on that island so he could rescue us after he sent lobster. WEIRD!!!! -Becky

p.s. it's 7:00am on Saturday and I have already been up 1/2 an hour, even weirder!!!!!

This could be your gift to Jesus this year

Hello! I have another plea on behalf of my friends Courtney & Brian in Florida. They are once again fundraising for an adoption. Please read there blog and prayfully consider supporting them. These are real people. I went to high school with Courtney. Your donation could help a little boy have a chance at a better life.



http://campgirdwood.blogspot.com/



Thanks! -Becky

So I guess I am addicted to blogging too

Hi! I just had an experience that I thought, I need to go home and blog about that. I was taking Jason half way to meet his dad (my mom agreed to watch Joshua so he would not fall asleep in car and be up until midnight again.) Anyway, we went to McDonald's for dinner (forget that I can't afford to eat out or that McDonald's is so bad for us) but I ordered a $1.00 cheeseburger and asked for extra pickle. I love their pickles. Well, I checked and it had 1 pickle on it (Jason pointed out that it was a large pickle), so I asked the cashier how many pickles do they usually come with. She said she did not know and she was not nice. I am sorry I bothered her. I guess I feel if I am paying, even if it's only a dollar I should have it my way. Wait's that Burger King's slogan, but I've also not had it my way there as well. I feel like the stores and restaurants don't care about my business any more and are not accommodating or polite. What happened to customer service? Am I crazy (well, I know I am, but about this?)
Is this a reminder that I do not need to be spending my money on fast food or putting it into my or my kid's bodies? (I forget how sick I was 2 weeks ago on KFC.)
I think I will write a letter to McDonald's, I wonder how far that will get me.
I know it's just a pickle to two that was missing, but it's more than that to me. It's about kindness and decency, about customers rights and... OK it's really just about the pickle. I LOVE PICKLES. -Becky

new budget

Hello! Below is my new budget. It is very tight and leaves no room for spending, which as we all know is impossible. But God is still so good in that I can pay all bills, still tithe, save, and give a small offerring. We still are SO blessed! He will work out the small details.

I can not advertise for a new daycare child as I have no room in the car for anymore kids. I can fit J*** properly in seat in back, D*** properly in seat in back, and Joshua in his booster seat. Jason fits up front. I have been putting Joshua in front seat with 3 daycare kid's in the back and I just don't feel good about this, as this is the most dangerous seat in the car. So I either need a mini van or someone to take and pick up Joshua Tues., Wed., Thur., & Fri. to preschool, which is not likely. As long as I do not lose anymore daycare kids or child support we should be ok until end of June. We actually are still better than ok, we have our health, a nice house, a nice yard, plenty of food, toys, books, a wash machine, a car, a microwave, two tv's, a vcr, 2 half broken dvd players (don't ask-lol), arts and crafts stuff, warm clothes, heat, running water, hot water, a fridge, ice. SO MUCH! THANK YOU GOD!!!! I am reminded of a missionary I met who told me of a little boy that all he wanted was a ride in a car, and another child who wanted to taste ice. How spoiled are we?
GOD IS SO GOOD!
What are your blessings? -Becky

please answer this question

Does seeing my budget drive you crazy? Is it helpful to anyone. I have to make a new budget to adjust to losing one daycare child. Wondering if I should post it here. -Becky
ps-pray as I do create a new budget. thanks!

sad

Hello! I am so sad. One of my daycare kids is leaving in 2 weeks. He has been in my daycare over 2 years. I love him like family. He is leaving cause since I moved he lives 30 min away and mom is finding it is just too far away from her. I understand, but will the new daycare love this boy like I do? I have such a heart for kids. This is not just a job to me.
I also can not afford to lose the $560 a month I will be losing. This is 25% of my income. This stinks. Every time I think my money is ok, something changes. I trust God and am so blessed, but still this is stress. I want to save and give an offering every month. Now I do not think I will be able to do this. I am not getting child support from Jason's dad either. Every time he changes jobs we don't see money for months. I know God already has it all worked out, but it's still hard and sad. I will see this family as they now go to the same church as I do, so this makes me fel better. My job is strange this way as it is emotional and personal. These are kids and this little boy has become part of my family. Just wanted to share. Thanks! -Becky

This could be your gift to Jesus this year

Hello! I have another plea on behalf of my friends Courtney & Brian in Florida. They are once again fundraising for an adoption. Please read there blog and prayfully consider supporting them. These are real people. I went to high school with Courtney. Your donation could help a little boy have a chance at a better life.



http://campgirdwood.blogspot.com/



Thanks! -Becky

Christmas craziness

Hello! It is really hard not to get sucked into all this buy Buy BUY !!! hype for Christmas. I only get my boys a few small gifts, but I like to buy gifts for others. My Christmas budget of still left to buy is $460, plus the $300 I already spent.
I like to send out cards with a nice holiday letter and photo; cards and photos are bought. Still need to get stamps. I send out about 100 cards. I send to my family, some of Jason's family, some of Josh's family, and my church family. This is a me thing, I really enjoy doing it.
I also like to get little gifts for daycare kids, postal woman, teachers (my kids have six total teachers, Jason has three, Josh has three-how can I say one is more valuable than the other?) I spend about $10 on each teacher.
Then I get my aunts, and my grandmother something little (already bought.) I get my friends a little something, like for $5. I buy for my mom, stepfather, sisters, and brother (I can not leave them out.) Plus we buy for Jason's dad, stepmom, and sisters (already have there gifts.) I also buy for Josh's cousins on his dad side and his aunt, but small $10 gifts. I also like to buy for my niece & nephew. And I like to have a cookie swap each year (so much fun.)
No one in my family, except my boys gets a gift more than $25, yet I still seem to be spending so much. And it is hard not to add this and that at each store. I like to make gifts, but even these have costs of supplies and time (plus space needed to store.) Time & space I do not have alot of.
I can't believe I will spend about $800 when Christmas is said and done. That seems like so much, but I am so thankful for everyone in my life and want them to know it. This amount includes all cards, decorations, and holiday food, so I know many spend much more. I have heard of parents spending $500-$1000 per kid, this is like WHAT???? I spend no more than $100 per child. Still, I feel sucked in and want to buy them the IPod (Jason) and Digital Camera (Josh) they want. I will not buy, as they have no need for these grown up items. I actually got Jason a DVD set of these awesome Christian cartoons he likes. This at least helps us to remember Jesus.
We also are making boxes for kids through Samaritan's Purse to be delivered to poor kids as Christmas gifts. I want my kids to think about others more.
I think the more we think about others, the less we think about ourselves.


How are your holiday plans going? Did you remember to schedule some activities to focus on Jesus? The gifts will long be forgotten,but Jesus will last an eternity. -Becky

my blog is really confused about the time change. I wrote last blog about 7:00 at night, not 2:30. Weird.
It's now 9:30. Josh is asleep. Jason is not. He is in bed though. We just watched the movie Wild Hogs. It was funny and stupid. A few too many bad words. But Jason liked it. I am glad we got to relax together without Joshua. I feel I spend way too little time with Jason. And when I do spend time with him I am so busy and stressed I yell at him or don't really listen to him. I try to not do this. I am so thankful that God gives us a fresh start each morning (just wish morning was at about 10:00 am-lol.) Goodnight -Becky

Hello! It is Sunday and we turned our clocks back last night. I worked late and then could not fall asleep so I just wasted that extra hour. I think it was around 2:30 am when I finally was able to go to sleep, or was it 1:30 with the time change. Then in morning I had no idea what time it was. I thought I turned all my clocks before bed, I guess I thought about it but did not actually do it. So we were still late for church. I want to be on time, but it rarely happens.
We did not have our garage sale yesturday as it was bad weather. Hopefully we can have this upcoming Saturday. I need to make some money to buy a stackable washer and dryer. I also will be putting some stuff on ebay. I can't believe how much stuff I have gotten rid of since July and how much stuff we still have. God blesses us so.
My aunt is also trying to make some money as she wants to use it to visit her granddaughter in Oklahoma. So pray for nice weather on Saturday and lots of customers!!!

Today my cousin came over with her two kids after church for lunch, this was nice. We looked at some houses online as my cousin is trying to buy her first house. It is so exciting.
Jason and Josh have been playing with legos and a train set (independently not together) for about an hour, I really like down time, we get so little of it. I am heating up some chicken for dinner. Even though I am still full of lunch and candy (today all the left over candy is gone though, not that much as we ate alot. AHHHHHHHHH!!!!)

I hope to have both boys in bed by 9:00, so I can talk to my friend on the phone. I have a new friend that I met on eharmony on Aug. 3rd. He lives in Nebraska, but is very nice to talk to. We talk via email, phone, and written letters, but we have never actually met. This is weird cause it is hard to see what a person is really like in real world circumstances, but I think it is nice to talk about God and stuff that has nothing to do with kids (he has none.) I like to act like a grown up now and again. Hanging out with 4 year olds all day really doesn't foster that.

I am glad this weekend I got to relax a little each day. It's good since we have an activity every night this week. Mon. is doctor's, Tues. I am going to an aerobics class, Wed. is church, Thur. we will stay home and have family night, and Fri. I am driving Jason half way to his dad's. Saturday will be garage sale. I do not have to work this Sat. though so that will be nice. Saturday will also be food shopping. I am trying to make Sundays about just relaxing and quick straighten of house for next day.

Well, my boys are fighting, quiet never lasts too long at my house. -Becky

Mr. Incredible

Still coming off the sugar high

We made it through halloween. Joshua was Mr. Incredible. Jason was a skateboarder. Joshua did not want to go trick or treating. Jason went with his friends. He came home hyped up, then was cranky, guessing from all the empty candy wrappers in his bag he was coming down from a sugar rush. I guess I forgot to tell him not to eat any candy till I check it (aka- eat my favorites first-lol.)
Joshua stayed on the porch in regular clothes and handed out candy. He went to two houses, his friends and my grandmothers house. He likes to play in his costume so no big deal. We had over one hundred trick or treaters. We handed out one hundred tracks attached to candy or cheese doodles. I pray someone reads and are interested in learning more about God. Last year I had only two trick or treaters. What a diference to have so many this year. Around 4:30 I had to go to the store and get more, yikes. Next year hopefully I will be more prepared. But then I'll probably get like ten kids.
I did not get a picture of Jason as he got home after dark.
I am going to get rid of all the left over candy this weekend or eat it all, have not decided yet. My kids can have 5 pieces each, now that's setting a good example (I get 25, they get 5- that's fair, right?) -Becky