Last day of 2007

Hello! Today is the last day of 2007. A day to reflect and make resolutions. Mine are simple, lose weight and grow in my walk with the Lord. I have a step by step plan to do both as just saying a simple statement does not really work. For my weight I am starting a biblical approach to eating and filling our voids with food instead of God. Also I am in aerobics once a week and will be exercising 15 min in am and 15 mins in afternoon. Also I will be drinking 6 glasses water a day and writing down everything I eat. I think the greatest help will be more time with the Lord, and the accountability group. I think it all ties together. If we are struggling, a diet, or pill, or plan will not help if we are not growing closer to the Lord.
I will keep you all updated on my resolutions.
This weekend was a strange one for me, I did some out of the ordinary things. Saturday I worked and kids slept at my mom's. But Sunday was such a nice day we went down to Sandy Hook. It was fun for kids to run and play on beach (with winter coats, hats, and gloves on.) Jason even got some shells. Of course we had to leave when Joshua went in the water. He was not even cold. He could not understand why he could not go in the water like in summer. Didn't the coat and gloves tip him off? LOL!
Today we were going to go to New York but we are all just really tired. Jason has a friend over and they are outside riding his new bike that he got for Christmas. It is still nice out, a bit windy, but not that cold.
We are going to go to the movies to see The Water Horse and get some junk food for tonight, but I doubt I will make it up till 12:00, I guess I am getting old-lol (28 is so old.) I have been through this new year thing before, I don't need to see it happen, tomorrow will be 2008 whether I stay up or not, and the amount of sleep I get determines if I start the new year cranky or not.
Now that I have mentioned it I want to add one more resolution, to be cranky a lot less. We will see about that.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU! -Becky

Christmas is over

Hello! Well Christmas 2007 has come and gone. The presents are unwrapped and scattered all over the house. The family gatherings are through. We got so much we are so blessed. I am waiting for the new room to arrive to put all this stuff away-lol. I was off from work all week. I have lost track off the days from all the relaxing we have done. And I still have Sun., Mon., & Tues. off, it is so nice! Of course it is unpaid time off but well worth it. I could not imagine having to have put all this stuff away already for daycare to resume. Plus it will only be a three day work week next week, so that is nice. Tonight I am actually going to work at my part time babysitting job. I can make a little money anyway.
The kids are playing with new toys they got for Christmas. Jason wants to go outside and ride his new bike. It is nice enough, it is actually strangely warm weather outside. I like it though. Yesterday we got to play outside too. The less time I have to shovel snow and deice is fine with me.
Today we are going to straighten house, and clean car before I go to work. I will clean, kids will relax and play, I am sure. But they need some down time so that is OK.
I also tried to make some homemade bread today. I used a easy bread recipe and wheat flour but it is not so good. I will try it again as the idea of me making homemade bread is exciting. I want to see if it really is worth it to save money and if good homemade bread beats store bought. I will keep you updated on that.
Have a great weekend! Try and relax! -Becky

Joshua

Jason & Joshua

Jason at Christmas

Merry Christmas

Hello! Merry Christmas! What a blessing this Christmas has been to me and my family. We got some wonderful gifts and the kids are still really excited! We got to go to church on Christmas Eve with my family (minus Jason which of course makes us very sad, but he spends Christmas with his Dad.) The service was great. At the end we turn off all the lights, light candles (we all are holding one) and sing Silent Night. It is so beautiful! I pray your Christmas was blessed as well! -Becky

p.s.-Mom thanks for getting everything on my list especially my nativity which I LOVE! You are so great! I love you!

New Song

I love this song- check it out and watch the video

http://www.brandonheath.net/ -Becky

Christmas shopping

Hello! Although I started in Oct. I still am not done Christmas shopping, plus I have way over spent. Next year I am going to wait till I have all the money I need then put it in an envelope and then go shopping or to my computer. I have to get one more gift for my stepfather. I am not sure what to get him. I am sure I will think of something, but I hate the thought of going into another store. I did most of my shopping on ebay and Christian Book Distributors -totally go to there website they have such awesome stuff at great prices and shipping is so fast and cheap.

I have been tremendously blessed with some donations to me this year (thanks for them.) I used this money that we got as early Christmas gifts to finish my shopping and pay off a few bills. As of right now all our 2007 bills are paid up. I almost have all the money for the rest of bills and Jan. rent. God is so good to us.

I am so in awe this time of year of how kind people can be. It really makes me feel so blessed. Merry Christmas! -Becky

amazing blessing

Hello! Just yesterday I posted how I was going to not be embarrassed by my car and keep it clean despite its limitations. Well I am not sure if this is a result of that, but today a friend of mine called me. He co-owns a brick, gravel, etc. place. I wanted a price on a load of gravel as my driveway was turning into a swamp and it was not fun (especially on our cream carpet in living room.) Well, he called today and asked the size of my driveway. After I measured and told him he said he would be over in an hour. I asked about a price, he said I'll see you in a bit. He came and dropped the load, and would not take any payment. God is so good. No, great. What a blessing to me! The kids and I just spent 1 1/2 hours raking it level. We half succeeded. LOL!
How do you like our work?

our new driveway-yeah!

you are looking at our new gravel driveway that we raked ourselves (it's not crooked you must be looking sideways-lol!)

My car

Hello! I wanted to share a thought. I have been embarrassed by my car. It is a 1992 dodge shadow with rust spots all over it, and the cloth ceiling is down, after being stapled up once before. Also it has like 189,000 miles. But I recently read an article by Mary Hunt about keeping any car clean will make you feel better. And it hit me that if I can not care for this car, then God will not allow me to be responsible for a nicer car. Just like in anything, He gives us a little and then if we are faithful He increases. Well, while the kids rested I cleaned all the garbage out of my car and windexed all the windows and wait mom, hold on, cleaned out the trunk. It looks nice. It still needs to be vacuumed, but I will hopefully do that Sat. in am. I am so grateful to have a car, and it is a pretty color. Thank you God for allowing me to have a way to get around with NO car payment! God is so good! -Becky

Hello! Jason's grandparents (not Josh's) had Santa come to our house on the fire truck a few minutes ago. The thought was nice, but I don't actually do Santa. We say he was a man who loved God and wanted to give gifts so kids and people would know about God's love. We don't get gifts from him cause we know about God, but we still give gifts to share God's love. I do get my kids four gifts each, for a total of $40 each (give or take.) So I have never visited Santa or had pictures taken with him, but Jason's grandparents do the whole Santa thing and they thought it would be nice. I so appreciate that they are involved with Jason and even Josh (who they have no obligation to.) And actually Joshua loved it. He was so excited to see Santa in his living room. Santa even gave them a candy cane and gift (the gifts were given by the grandparents as well, and they paid to have Santa come here-it's a fundraiser for the fire house in town.) Joshua just had to call his best friend, Dylan & his grandma screaming that Santa came here. He is so happy. It is so cute. Since both my boys know of Jesus's birth I am not too worried that Santa excites them as well.
Merry Christmas!

Joshua and Jason with Santa

Really cool lego thing

Not sure about your house but my boys are obsessed with Lego's especially the mini figures. I found this cool product. I am not affiliated with them, just thought if it works it's seems awesome! Has anyone got this product? Any reviews?



http://www.box4blox.com/order.html
-Becky

WHO WANTS FREE STUFF?

I want to tell you about www.freecycle.org It was created to keep stuff out of landfills that is good but not wanted anymore. Example you have a washer and dryer matching set and the dryer goes, you decide that you want a new matching set, so do you throw away the good washer? No offer it on freecycle via a post on a local freecycle website and people who want it will email you. You make arrangements for person you choose to pick it up. It gets better, do you need a used washer, then you can post a wanted request and if someone has one they will email you. You can ask for or offer anything-good carpet, clothes, fish tanks, bowling balls. It all is free (do not ask for money for the stuff you offer!!!!.) Make sure the stuff you offer is in good used condition, not junk.

I have gotten new carpet that someone did not want, clothes, coats, toys, and more. I have offered sheets, toys, clothes, candle holders, and so much more.

Give it a try www.freecycle.org You will have to join a local chapter with a yahoo address all free to do. This is a good time to offer stuff as your kids and you will be getting more stuff for Christmas. Great way to declutter and help the environment!!!!

Thursday

We have church on Wed. night, so every Thur. I so wish it was Friday. I am tired. Last night at church we had our Christmas potluck. It is always nice to fellowship with members of my church. Plus my mom & grandma came as well. After the dinner we went to a concert at my niece's school. She is in 7th grade and in the chorus. I was glad to go and support her. She got to be a swan swimming in the 12 days of Christmas song. It was cute. Jason & Joshua were good. They wanted to leave after the first song but overall did well.
I am so blessed as I have received two gifts from wonderful people for Christmas. I so appreciate getting them and before Christmas so I can finish my shopping and such. I also was able to pay something off that I needed to. God is so good. It is only God when someone gives you money no strings attached. It is only God that those people love me so much! It is amazing. I know I have mentioned how tight money is but more so I want to convey how blessed I am. We have SO much! TOO MUCH! We have our health, our home (without a mortgage for 7 years), so many toys and arts and craft supplies and books, we have food, we have a nice yard to play in, a running car, all our bills paid as of Dec. 1st. This is all so amazing and all only because of God. And God has blessed us with a wonderful support system in our friends, church family, and family. God knows I need them, too.
WHAT ARE YOUR BLESSINGS? -Becky in NJ

Happy 10th Birthday Jason!

Today is Jason's 10th birthday. I can not believe it. I remember being pregnant with him, the anticipation, and expectations. I can recall my labor, where I decided that I could not do it and wanted to stop, but since I could not somehow I got through. Jason came out screaming. He was so loud his grandparents heard him in the lobby. And I recall the first moment he was laid on my chest. He was so skinny and small, and mine. I was afraid to change him in the hospital into his going home outfit, I thought I'd break him or something. The nurse changed him for me so quickly and effortlessly. I told her I was scared to take him home and she asked me why. I said I did not know what I was doing and she said you'll learn. She was confident I could care for this little boy. Me I am still not too sure.

This morning I made Jason his favorite breakfast (except I forgot to buy orange juice) and gave him his gift. As I hugged him and said my little boy, he said I am not little anymore, I am double digits. This hurts as it seems only yesterday he was so small in my arms, yet it also feels worlds away at times, too. The mistakes I've made and the good things too, are all shaping this little man to who he will be. As his mom I feel personal responsible for it all, but I know in reality it is God. God knew of Jason and loved him long before I even existed. God knew that by my mistakes in life Jason & I would come to know HIM. God turned something not so smart, into something amazing. Jason is amazing. He has a heart for those less fortunate, and cares so deeply for his brother. He loves to talk and laugh, and play games. He enjoys reading, which blesses my heart. He is a hard worker when he needs to be and is really funny. He can make me laugh, but he especially cracks up his brother.
Through all the heartache and mistakes I have made, I am so blessed to have two wonderful boys. I would not trade a day of my past if it meant not having them.
Have a great day! -Becky

Good morning

My new goal is bed by 11:00 and up by 6:00. Currently I have been getting to bed by 11:40 and up at 6:40. It is still the same amount of sleep (7 hours) but would give me more alone time in am. I want to start adding a few exercises in am, afternoon, & pm. I want to do 10 min. at a time to make the 30 I need a day. We will see. I know God wants me to exercise more, I just HATE to. I have started going to a free aerobics class at my church Tues. night. The teacher is a member of our church who is a personal trainer, so I am really glad she is doing the class. But ouch, I am out of shape. Actually not in shape because out of implies I was once in shape. LOL! I ask for prayer as I want to change my lifestyle and make exercise part of my daily routine.
How do you all get your exercise in with your children, and husbands, and jobs and stuff (homeschooling, volunteering, etc)? How much do you do? -Becky

My Christmas Letter

2007

Dear Family & Friends,

Hello! This is the earliest I am writing my Christmas letter as it is not even Dec. yet (we’ll see if I am as good mailing them out.) I am writing this in our new house, our new address is:
NJ
Yes, we moved again, and back to where I grew up. We are renting my grandmother’s house as she has moved to AZ. We miss her, but are so grateful she is entrusting us with her house. We just moved in mid Aug. and immediately felt at home. Joshua loves sharing a room with his big brother, and Jason really enjoys riding his bike to school and playing with his new friend who lives right behind us. I love our yard, even mowing the grass and raking the leaves, things that I never had to do in any of my apartments.
Joshua has started preschool, he goes 2 ½ hours every weekday. He really enjoys it; he has a few friends there. His teacher tells me he gets along well with other kids, listens, and shares very nicely. Josh loves our new yard and wants to play out there all the time. He enjoys riding his police car and putting his friends in jail or writing very expensive tickets to me. In May, Joshua turned 4.
Jason is in the 4th grade. He already has made a few friends at his new school. In addition to riding his bike, he still likes to skateboard, and his new favorite is to heeley (sneakers with built in wheels.) He also still likes to read. Jason played fall soccer and did well. Jason bought his own Wii game system this year and enjoys playing the interactive games. Next week Jason will turn 10.
As for me, I cannot believe that I have been a mom for almost 10 years. I feel I have matured so much over the past ten years, yet still have so much to learn (and according to Jason I don’t know ANYTHING-LOL.) I love being a mom to Jason & Josh, they still amaze me everyday. I can’t believe the things I say as a mom (get the underwear off the ceiling fan tops it all this year.)
Personally, it was a tough winter for me as I slipped on some ice in Feb. and broke my ankle. It was tough, painful, and humbling, I had to ask for so much help. But you all helped me get through it.
And that brings me to my many blessings. We have a wonderful support system in all of you, a nice house, good food to eat, my in home daycare (now going into it’s 3rd year), and so much more, but what I am so grateful for is Jesus Christ who came to this earth 2000 plus years ago. He is the reason I am writing this letter and the reason for this upcoming season. His birth was amazing, but even more so is his death. He died so that you & I could have a way to know God personally. It is all so amazing. God loves you that much (and me too.) So I pray that your Christmas season is a blessed one and that you would take some time to learn more about why we celebrate the birth of a babe born in a manager.
I’d like to invite you to join us Christmas Eve at 6:00pm at Calvary Baptist Church on the corner of Lloyd Rd. and Church St. in Aberdeen, NJ or any Sunday at 10:30am. Hope to see you there!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

-Becky, Jason, & Joshua
XOXO

Jason age 9 / Joshua age 4

back from ladies retreat

Hello! Fri. & Sat. I was away on a ladies retreat with my church. 49 ladies attended. It was amazing. The theme was Loving Well, it was about how God is love as oppossed to the love we know as an emotion. And how He wants to love us and all we need to do is accept is and make time to get replenished in Him. It was a very emotional and fun weekend. I am so glad I went. I also am so grateful my mom watched my kids. It was so nice to have a break from them. I got to spend some time with old friends and some new. Fri. night we had a huge pj party in the lobby (we had this wing of retreat center just for our group.) We played games, chatted, laughed, and cried together. It was great. Some of those ladies had some cute pj's (THANKS APRIL FOR BUYING NEW ONES JUST FOR THE RETREAT-LOL.)
This upcoming month is a very busy one (as I am sure it is for all of you.) I realize I have something scheduled every day this month. It is crazy. Mon.'s Jason has a standing doctors appointment. Tues. I have aerobics (and tomorrow after aerobics I have a daycare interview.) Wed. night we have church. Thur. night I schedule as family night and we play board games, except next Thur. I have a required daycare class. Next Mon(10th) is Jason's 10th birthday. This Fri. I am having a cookie swap after I drive Jason half way to meet his dad. Next Fri. is Jason's sleep over birthday party. Fri. 21st I am having daycare parents over for a small party. This Sat. I am face painting at a foster kids Christmas party, Sat. night I have my part time Christmas party. And every other Sat. I also babysit at night. Sun. we have church and relax.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

But I did take Christmas Eve-Jan 2nd off as a holiday from work and we have no plans (except Christmas-lol!) But that week no work or school, no doctors or aerobics, no daycare classes, nothing work!!! (except being a mom-lol.) YEAH!!!!!!!

I pray you get to be calm and spend family time at least every Sunday this month.

At least my tree is up and my Christmas cards are out already. Now we will work on decorating the tree and making cookies. Yum!

-Becky (still crazy)