Home Improvements!

As promised I am posting the pictures of our spring cleaning/home improvements, although I am late as we finished about a week and a half ago but hey at least I'm actually putting them up.

Here are the before pics:

Here is our dining room ( I wasn't able to get a picture before they ripped the carpet up but it was just as bad).




Our stairs:

Our Hall:

Our front entrance:

And our Family Room:






Then here are the after pictures:

Here is our family room:







Here is a picture of the nice flooring we put down in the dining room and hall to replace this really old ugly carpet.

Here are the pics of the front entrance, stairs, and hall.




And last but not least our dining room.

Spring Cleaning!

This week our home is doing this big cleaning and fixing up project which is pretty exciting because were doing all these nice changes to make our house look better I'm going to post some before and after pictures so stay tuned.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter One and All!!!! I simple love this holiday because in most parts of the world it means spring is officially here and winter is out. But here in New York it was bitterly cold, so much for spring weather. But thankfully it was gorgeously sunny which was nice, we were able to go over to the other home and have some fellowship which was very nice as we hardly ever get to see them. We made a Easter egg hunt for the kids there and I was lamenting that as a kid i was never able to have a hunt because we weren't allowed to eat candy and besides it made the holiday to "commercial". Sob!!! Oh well ( by the way I am not bitter about this as some might accuse me, you know who you are) I had fun yesterday and today I'm going to make it a fun Easter day with the kids since they weren't able to have one yesterday. Love you all!!!

A post!

This post is fully and totally dedicated to my wonderful daddy, He truly is the greatest. As you know recently I posted about my need for a computer as my old one broke down and so when I brought this to my dad's attention he immediately told me he'd help me to get one and that he'd help me to get the money for it. He is so wonderful! That's not the only thing that makes him great but its one of the things, he's never been a really mushy gushy oh let me hold your hand kind of dad he tells it like it is and that makes me love him all the more. He also said he'd help me to get suitcases which is really big need if I am to be moving. He always makes sure us kids have what we need and if there's something that we do need he always goes out of his way to help us get it. Anyway that's just about all I have to say, and if you ever read this Daddy I love you!!!

Getting my learner's permit!

As you can tell by reading this title I am attempting to get my learners permit before I go to Mexico ( which by the way is if all goes smoothly happening next month). This is probable a scary prospect if you are one of the poor souls who is going to have to endure the scary and daunting prospect of teaching an accident prone individual such as myself to control the vehicle we all like to refer to as a car. It is probable also a scary prospect if you will be one the ones on the road when I take control of a vehicle, and for this I am sorry. But I have this all compelling urge to put myself and the lives of others at risk so that I may gain a skill that is very valuable, the ability to transport oneself long distances without the aid of another. I just had to tell you all about this so I won't end up backing out and not doing it, because truly driving is a very valuable and useful skill that I believe anyone with enough courage should try to acquire. Just pray I don't kill anyone in the process of trying to acquire it!

Rain!

I love the rain! That's probable something not all of you know, today it was raining all day and it was a good day. I love when you can be inside when its raining preferable in bed with a good book. Its so cozy and warm it makes you feel safe. Its such a beautiful the sound of rain hitting the roof and the soft patter it makes. Its so soothing, you want to know something else that is beautiful the sun rising after a rain storm it shines on all the little puddles making everything look shiny and clean. Any way here are some more pics of the beauties of rain.

The post to honor no posts!

Life has been rather normal, as such there has been a lack of posting. My life is really unexciting and very predictable every day I do the some thing every day at the same time every day. I have found I am a creature of action when everything is at a standstill and normal I get restless and want to rock the boat and stir up the water. Its funny though whether I am having a huge trial, and small battle, or everything is hunky dory the lord always has something for me to learn.
These past few months I've had very few battle's everything has been pretty smooth and it become so quiet I finally came to the lord and asked him what the heck was wrong why I wasn't getting hit anymore. ( it's so silly when I'm going through a battle I want it to stop and when they stop I wonder why they aren't starting.)
Anyway the lord showed me that this time even though it didn't have any major battle's could still be a learning time. He told me I could learn to be content to rest when things are calm and not be so jumpy and anxious.
It was so sweet so I am learning now to just take each day and relax to enjoy each little moment whether I'm with the kids, or taking a walk, or reading a book or word. I find I missed out on so much by being so jumpy and craving action, I have found that restful peaceful times can truly be enjoyable. ( I'm sure you all knew that already.)

For Promise!

(This post is made by the kids I take care of for their mom who is in Cali for some meetings so be prepared it may be boring for some.)

Ryan: We made this video for you and last night we watched Barbie and the diamond castle with Tiffany, Bradyn and Eryn. I miss you, I heard we were going to play basketball at Cade's home so we're going to practice at home. I love you, bye bye!

Bradyn: Mommy we watched Barbie and the diamond castle, mommy I miss you....a lot. I love you mommy, bye.

Eryn: ma ma, caaaa, found you, found you mama, ma ma, I love you , oh la! ( Actually words of hers.)

High School!

I watched one of those high school movies a couple weeks back you know those ones where the star is this perfect dork totally unpopular and in the end turns out to be this gorgeous babe who everyone likes except for the popular ditsy little girls. Anyway I was thinking about it and I was wondering if I ever went to high school which would I be the dork, the geek, the cheerleader, the weird totally out there person who's not a geek or a dork but is just plain weird. I couldn't decide in my family I've always pretty much been the dork ( at least I think so) my sisters were always older pretty and just all around hot stuff. I've never been miss popular with a bunch of friends and totally the life of the party. I've always been pretty much a loner with a friend or two here and there but mostly I just stuck to myself and did my own thing, I've never cared enough about what people think to try to get popular. So I guess if I ever went to school, I can imagine myself being the prefect mix between the dork and the weird totally out there person. What would you be?

Pirates!

The other day I was with the kids, again, and I was really bored of the same old same old so I decided to dress them up as pirates and set up a treasure hunt for them it was really fun and they super enjoyed it and ended up asking to stay in their costumes all day. Here are some pics from that wondrous event.

Me!

Well due to me not having a camera I rarely if ever have pics of myself so last night I took some self portraits. So excuse the close proximity and the dim lighting it was late at night.

Changes!

There are a lot of changes going on in my life right now, most good. Most are changes I've wanted for so long, changes I dreamed would happen but never ever thought they would come true. So much is happening that wasn't happening three months ago, its like it was on pause and all of a sudden someone hit the play button and everything started moving. But even though I want these changes, I'm scared sometimes I'm so scared I wish I could just hit the rewind button and go back to being a kid. I'm excited and happy and anticipating everything that is happening but at the same time I hate it, it freaks me out and I want to run in the opposite direction. But I know that when I take those first steps and take my first flight from the nest I will be so happy I did. I just hope that in soaring I don't end up crashing, I hope that in leaving I won't be changing what I don't want changed. But you never know till you try and you don't crash unless you soar first so here I go. I'm going to fly!

My poor old computer!

My computer is getting old its had much use and its nearing its five year mark and well its just not working as well anymore. But unfortunately the life of a pioneer missionary leaves me with not a whole lot of money and certainly not enough to get a new computer. So I ask you all to pray that a miracle will happen and I will be able to get the money I need before I move.

( Here's a picture of something I'd like to get just so you can aim your prayers on target.)

Kids Kids Kids!!!

I kind of feel bad that I don't post more of my other nieces and nephews that I don't live with there's twelve of them all together and sometimes because I don't live with the others I forget to post on their birthdays and other special events. But I still love them all and I really can't say I have a favorite because they are all special in their own way.




This is Jarrel he is such a cutie he left when he was about a month old but who can not love such an adorable face.



This is Odin he is also a cutie, his eyes are so big but so adorable. I miss him, he was just getting into the cute toddling stage when he left.



The one in the back is Katie she is the one niece I don't really know as I only met her for about an hour last year. But still I love her!




This is Kay-lee and Jazmin there are both going to be gorgeous gals when the grow up, I miss them both a lot.


This is Shawn he is the cutest most charming boy you could ever meet, He came to visit the year before last and when I came in to see him he grabbed my face and looked right into my eyes and said " Your my Tiffany." Ha! I love you Shawn!!!


This is rowen, again he is cute and I love him!




And last but not least Brandon and Jordan, they are the oldest of the bunch and plenty mischievous but they have their own special place in my heart.

To my Brady Boy!!!!

It is my nephews birthday today I've lived with him since he was born and taught him since he was two and today he turned four. He is such a little cutie, he has the cutest little smile and the most adorable laugh. But what I love most about him is the way he picks a toy and then carries it around with him everywhere it never leaves his side for about a week and then the next week he picks a new toy. He's always laughing and smiling and he has this way of melting your heart right as your about to blow your top. Anyway I love him to pieces!

To my little man,
I love you, have a good year and keep on smiling. Don't grow up to soon, stay your small cute little self. Happy Birthday!!!!!

Happy Birthday Promise!!!!

Happy Birthday Promise!!!! I know I'm really late in wishing you this but better late than never i always say. I'm so happy to have been able to work with you so closely with you this past years. I think your a really great person so happy and cheerful, your a great wife for my brother always keeping him inline and your a great shepherd keeping the rest of us in line. I love you, have a good year and hopefully many more. Happy happy birthday!!!!

Vacationing!

For the past few day's or should I say for the past two day's I have been taking some vacation the rest of my home had it earliar but due to circumstances I had to wait till later. Anyway its been really relaxing and wonderful, I'm very Happy!

Birthdays!

I have the hardest time remembering birthday's, It's probable because most of the time I don't even know what the date is. Anyway I can't even remember my own family's birthday let alone all my friends birthday's, all that to say is if I missed your birthday I am sorry its not for a lack of love for you its just I'm terrible with dates. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I Love You!

What I Love About You



I love the way you look at me,
Your eyes so bright and blue.
I love the way you kiss me,
Your lips so soft and smooth.






I love the way you make me so happy,
And the ways you show you care.
I love the way you say, "I Love You,"
And the way you're always there.





I love the way you touch me,
Always sending chills down my spine.
I love that you are with me,
And glad that you are mine.


- Crystal Jansen



Happy valentines everyone, Spread the love!

" If "

( I've always loved this poem:)

IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

---

Winds of change

Well the winds of change have decided to blow and now its my turn to follow their leading. Its kind of scary because although I've been waiting to move for almost a year and a half its still stepping into the unknown. I'm breaking out of my protective cocoon and getting ready to spread my wings, yep it's freaking me out.

The flu has struck.

Well my home has just caught the flu and everyone is falling like flies. I was the first to get sick so I guess you could say I'm the culprit of spreading the dreaded winter disease. I'm all better now but everyone else is coming down with it, the saddest is the kids they look so pitiful and sad with their sick eyes and runny noses. Anyway, please keep us in your prayers.

The Grand Reopening!

So I promised I'd reopen this blog on the dawning of a new year and I have this is my first post of the brand new year. Today is my free day and I was reading over my old blog posts sort of to pass the time and sort of cause I was interested in what kind of crazy things I had written over the months and years that I have had this blog. I must say I've had a pretty interesting life so far, the places I've gone the people I've seen and lived with I could never have done any of that if i had not been in the family. The day before yesterday our home was all watching the Superbowl together and I looked around and I realized wow there's not that many of us left. Oh man that took me down bummer lane, I started remembering back to our first year here in NY, when we were ( and when I say we I'm talking about my family just so you know) all together 20 0r of us all eating canned stew and salmon everyday sitting on the floor cause we had no couches playing games in our basement and playing capture the flag in the forest, yeah those were the days. Anyway yeah so I started missing everyone, and really getting down about it. But then the lord kinda made me count my blessings and look back at those years and see all that I had and all that I got to experience since then and it really was a lot. There are so many things that happend in my life since then so many diffrent people i've lived and worked with that were all truly wonderful people. Anyways the lord really turned my trip down bummer lane into a cruise down praise river. I was able to look at my life now and praise him for all that I have experienced and all I will experience, when I look at the future i'm excited cause I can't wait for what's coming next. Life truly is beautiful!