New Year, New Goals!

Happy New Year!! I hope everyone has had a Merry Christmas and lots of time with friends and family. I know we did and still have one Christmas to go thanks to our snow from Santa! The boys, my niece and nephew had a great time playing in it and it was beautiful falling all day.

Lots of snowballs were thrown....

And we even built a snowman. (Funny I know!)

So some new goals and ideas are coming around at the New Year. Personal and blog, so check back!!

Happy New Year Ya'll!!!

~Lynn~

Happy Birthday Papa

December 2, 2010

Happy Birthday Papa!

I miss you so much! There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about you for different reasons. Christmas will be here soon and you always enjoyed this time with your family. Just the other day we were talking about when we were kids. You and Nanny would come see what Santa brought us and then we would all go to the Waffle House for breakfast. I love that!! The kids now want to go to the Waffle House for breakfast. It might just be our new tradition.

You always loved Christmas. Our large family crammed into your little house, the fireplace roaring, kids laughing, a huge lunch and finally gift time! Us grands couldn't wait to open our gifts. So many memories were made there and I will cherish them forever.

You were like a gentle giant but when you spoke we listened. Never heard you say a harsh word towards anyone. Oh but discipline was given when needed. (I know this, hard lesson learned.)

You loved your grand kids and great grands. I'm so grateful that I lived within walking distance of you and Nanny. Memories of sleepovers on the pull out couch watching Dallas, eating chocolate ice cream and drinking Pepsi then early wake ups when we would jump in the bed with you and nanny. I know you said I would kick the covers off every time :)

The summers we would work in the garden cleaning corn, pulling peanuts, green beans and tomatoes. You took such pride in your garden and oh the meals that were cooked. Always accompanied by homemade biscuits or cornbread! You loved your bread.

I hope you knew how much I loved you Papa and how much I miss you! Thank you for the many precious memories that I have. I think of them often and share them with the boys so that they will have a piece of you too. They know you in pictures and love to look at them. Oh how I wish they could have known you. Nealon was just a baby when you died. They love to visit with Nanny and she loves on them as much as they will let her.

Happy Birthday Papa!! I'll have a Pepsi and a bowl of chocolate ice cream just for you. You are missed greatly and I can't wait to see you again. Nanny sends her love.

I LOVE YOU!

Your little girl,

Lynn

SCENTSY!! A great giveaway!

I love giveaways don't you? Here's a great one that you will enjoy for a long time.

Scentsy....it smells so good. Right now I have my home smelling like Autumn and pumpkin pie!! I had never heard of Scentsy until friends of mine starting selling. I love stuff, so I had to buy some and I love it!

How does it work? The little scent blocks are made of wax. They melt with the help of a low watt light bulb. The wax doesn't get hot, so you don't have to worry about using this around your children. The blocks smell so good, but smell even better when you warm them. So there's no fire and no safety hazard if left unattended.

There are so many scents to choose from. Like 80!! I have 5 already and can't wait to try more. So if you'd like to win some of this great Scentsy stuff, then get busy!! Here's what you need to do. Click on the green Sweeps4Bloggers button on the right hand side of my blog. That will take you to the giveaway site. Have fun and good luck!!

Thanks Melissa Gartland for the Scentsy items!!

Until next time,

Lynn

Wordless Wednesday

Ahhh. The joys of preschool teachings.

~Lynn~

Me?? A SAHM??? No way!!!

Oh but yes I am and truthfully I'm liking it!! Some days are better than others but heck I dealt with those days at my job. I was a Social Worker for almost 12 years in the LTC business. Overall I loved my job, but soon after my 3rd son was born I got burnt out! The decision was made for me to stay home over 2 months ago. I never thought I'd be a SAHM, just didn't think I fit the criteria.

I've had time to spend 1:1 with my children and really "get to know them." That's sad isn't it? Each one is so very different in a lot of ways. My oldest, who has Asperger's, is totally a morning person unlike his mother. He's a junk food junkie, loves to swim on and off all day and hangs out pretty much by himself in his room. (I try to get him out but he likes it there) He's not into learning how to cook, or cleaning for that matter, doesn't like dogs, but loves cats and loves to go grocery shopping with is mom. He's a delight to have around when you can get him out of his shell. We've discussed signing him up for Martial Arts and he's excited about that. My oldest "baby" will be going into 4th grade this year...where oh where did the time go?

Oh my Ethan. He's our second born, full of life 3.5 y/o. He starts pre-school this September and is looking forward to it. I've noticed since I've been home that Ethan is somewhat of a bully. Ugh...I hate that word. I'm hoping its because his routine has changed from going to daycare to being home with brothers and mom all day. He's such a smart little boy. Loves to play, especially with his tractors and his guitar. He loves music, singing and dancing. And he's totally a daddy's boy!! Yes he is. His new favorite things to do with momma is cook. He loves to help in the kitchen..his favorite is mixing up hamburger.

And lastly, my sweet little Weston. He's growing up way too fast!! Going on 2 years old, he is talking great and is into everything that his brothers are doing. His personality is just oh so big and he never meets a stranger. We are working on our colors, letters and saying our name. He knows his body parts and can say them. He got to enjoy a trip to the beach this summer and a short trip to TN to visit friends where he got to feed baby calves and ride a horse. Yes, I see horses and cows in our future. Slow down Weston, Mommy needs for you to stay her baby for a little while longer.

Our summer is almost up..school starts back in less than 2 weeks. Things will change again and new routines will be made. Oh Lord...HOMEWORK!!!! YUCK.

So until next time....

Lynn

Want to win a Kelly Moore bag????

I Do!!!! These bags are amazing and if you are a mom carrying around your camera in the diaper bag you need one of these. Gotta protect it!!!!

Go to www.thesavyphotographer.blogspot.com. You have 3 chances to win!!!!!

Love these bags and I hope I'm the lucky winner!!!!!



Lynn

Praying for my husband

I'm guilty! I pray, but I don't pray for my husband as much as I should. We don't pray together and that bothers me. Should it? Am I over thinking this praying with and for your spouse thing? Why am I blogging about this? Right here...this is why.



I was reading A Step At A Times blog this morning and her post really struck a nerve in me. Prayer. Yes I pray, I pray a lot and for lots of things, people etc. But I realized that I don't pray enough for my husband, my best friend, my lover, my children's father. Our relationship is strong, but oh how much stronger it could be if I prayed for him. Do you pray for your spouse?

So if your interested in this book and would like to win one, simply go to A Step At A Time's blog here http://stepsof-faith.blogspot.com/ and you can try to win won. I want this book BAD!!!!

Our relationship with our significant others should be #2 next to our relationship with God. If you put him first in your marriage, you want fail! I believe that. I hope that you all have a very blessed Easter and enjoy your family time and the time you can spend praying to God for what he's done in your life. Pray for your significant other, hold them up, be supportive and LOVE!!

Until next time,

Lynn

Wordless Wednesday

My






Three





Sons




Lynn

Momma, your needed in the bathroom.

Only my son. My sweet little 3 y/o Ethan found his way into my bathroom this evening while I was playing the Wii and his dad was in the shower. Of course he loves to play in the sink, overflow the water, use gobs and gobs of lotion, put mouse in his hair, all the fun stuff kids love to get into. But NEVER has he got into this.....

My brand new bottle of makeup!!!!!

I was called to the bathroom by my husband as he got out of the shower. I knew it was something good because he was laughing hysterically. And so was I as I said "hold on, be still, don't touch anything...I've got to get my camera!" And he was totally have the time of his life! It was all in his hair, a nice layer all over his face and of course half the bottle on his hands, floor and counter.

Oh what a sweet mess he is....

So after a long shower and lots of soap and shampoo he is nice and boyish again, ha ha! Oh Ethan, you are a mess, but Momma loves you very much! But please stay out of my makeup.

I Heart Publix $25 gift card giveaway!

If you love Publix like I do, then you will definetly want to jump on this sweet giveaway by iheartpublix.com. They have the best weekly sales and their employees are so very nice and always helpful. I just love Publix!!! Hope I win!

Snow you say??

Yep! SC has/had snow folks. First time in about 6 years. And can I say how excited I was. Kinda like a child seeing it for the first time. It was absolutely beautiful. By the time we got home it was sticking to the ground and I knew then we would be in for a good few inches. The snow was coming down!





While I was snapping pictures of the snow to show the boys, I got to thinking about our first snow in 2000. Yea, that winter sucked!! Nelson was with the county at the time and was called out. We spent over 50 hours away from each other that week. And I had a hurt shoulder. While taking Abby (our first canine baby) out early one morning I slipped going down the steps and messed up my shoulder pretty bad. But now he has a much better job and isn't taken away from his family. Can you see how much fun he's having?

A good ol' snowball fight!!

What about this little cutie? This was his first snow and he liked it overall.

Or Ethan who thought he was big stuff...

I can't believe its been this long since we had snow. Nealon was about 2 the last time we had a good snow. Ethan and Weston have never seen snow. Their faces were something to see. But once they got cold it was over!! So, 45 minutes to get everyone dressed for a play time of about 20 minutes max!! But it was oh so much fun.

And this fellow? Loves the snow!!

South Carolina, I hope you enjoyed the snow, it maybe another 10 years before we see it again.

And from the Riddle family....Happy Winter fun!!!

It's a Monday give away!!

Oh yea!! You know you want this give away. Nature's Paradise Organic Facial Products are up for grabs. Thats a prize worth $199.99!!!! So just head on over to Moms Wear Your Tees Blog and join in on the fun.

Go now....
http://momswearyourtees.blogspot.com/2010/02/natures-paradise-organic-facial.html


Lynn

New camera!!!

Yes, its been a while. Birthdays, birthdays and more birthdays have been happenin' and life has been very busy. My camera was stolen so I've been on the search for another one. And this weekend my husband purchased me a Canon Rebel XSi.

I have never had such a nice camera before and feel a little intimidated by its size and abilities. But, I aim to get to know how to use it and to have some beautiful photos of my three most treasured gifts....my boys!

So hopefully soon I will have some new pictures to share. Until then goodnight!!!

Lynn

HIgh Maintenance? Maybe so....

My friend is having an awesome give away right now for items from Barefoot Bath and Body. Check them out @ Etsy. http://www.etsy.com/shop/BarefootBathandBody?page=1


I am so wanting to try the Sweet Seduction Grape Seed Oil Sugar Body Scrub. Doesn't that sound awesome???? What mom wouldn't like to be pampered with something called Sweet Seduction.

So if your interested in this awesome giveaway you can go to my friends blog here http://www.baptistness.com/2010/02/my-high-maintenance-giveaway.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+baptistness+%28Much+More+Than+Mommy%29

I so hope I win!!!

The makings of a coupon Mom

Can I just say that I am very excited about my trip to Kroger yesterday. Thanks to my friend Jen and to Southernsavers.com I think I'm addicted. I have been "playing" this coupon game for a couple of months now, but never seem to get a "good" deal. So I revamped my game and hit jackpot!!

This is just half of the items I got. My counter wasn't big enough to hold it all! Total $117.61 paid $50.99. Thats a savings of $66.62!!!! Love it and so did my hubby.

Taken to young

I have been working on a blog post since last night, but since receiving some sad news this morning, I have decided to dedicate my blog post today to Gaines Adams. Gaines , a defensive lineman for the Chicago Bears who was an all-American at Clemson, died Sunday in South Carolina, the Bears said. He was 26.

The first thing that I thought this morning was "he's taken so soon. He had his whole life ahead of him. He was a good guy." But God has other plans for Gaines Adams today. He had a reason for taking him.

All conscious beings have eternal life. It is the soul of a person that is their life force. The soul desires to have new experiences, or there are younger souls who made a choice of their own free will to enter into physical life for a short time, and their passing would be a catalyst for much needed change and transformation.
I want you to view death as a choice to live in another area or realm. For this is what the soul actually does; it lives in another realm as non-physical soul energy.
Society has created great misunderstandings over death. Far too many people are suffering, and they are suffering because they miss the person they love.

So today we mourn with the Adams family as they grieve for their son, brother, friend. God Bless Gaines Adams.

1 Corinthians 15:55Where, O death, is your victory?Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pneumonia..why oh why did you pick me?

I don't tend to get sick often, but lately I've caught it all. Stomach flu and now Pneumonia. And can I just say, I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy!! Its awful. I feel bad. I hurt. I have fever. I have a cough. And I have no appetite because the ABT is messing with my stomach. (well maybe this will work for my benefit in that I will loose some weight before our weigh in on Monday.)



My husband has stepped up and played the roll of mommy, caretaker, cook, bath giver and bedtime story reader. Thanks honey!! He really is amazing and I couldn't do it without him.



So hopefully with this long weekend, maybe I will recoup and kick this Pneumonia to the curb!! Please keep my in your prayers.



Lynn

Family time, playing games and reading!

Sundays...I love them!! Most Sundays are spent going to church, napping, cooking dinner, playing and hanging at home. Well today we drove to Joanna to see my parents and spend some good quality family time.

Lunch was great! Low country shrimp boil. If you've never had this you need to try it. Who doesn't like shrimp, potatoes, corn, onion, and sausage? Yummmmm

The kids wanted to play games while the little ones napped so they got out checkers, uno, connect 4 and memory. They had a ball and I think papa Charlie and uncle David did too!

After we stopped in Newberry for supper (like we almost always do) we got home and Ethan was crashed! I hated to wake him, but he hadn't had anything to eat and I knew he'd be hungry. But maybe we should have put him to bed. He was so grouchy!! Geeze.

After supper Nealon grabbed one of his favorite books and read for a little bit . He likes to read, but doesn't spend near enough time doing it. Notice what he's reading? Adventures of Captain Underpants. Only a boy!

I wish we could spend more Sundays like this. My kids love their Granny and Papa!! Happy Sunday everyone.

Check out my sister-in-laws blog to win something cool!!! If your a mom you need at least one of these.

http://lollis6.blogspot.com/

Blogging? You've got to be kidding me....

What in the world and I doing? Blogging. Well yes its blogging, but really what in the world am I doing blogging? About what? Me? No not really. But my family, my boys, my loves. I'm not the type of person to put myself out there. Never been one to be all that "social", but I thought it might be something fun and new to try. So here we go.

It's A Riddle's Life. Stay, read, enjoy!! I promise to try and keep this up. Who knows maybe I'll turn into a Blogger!!