A Life Worth Living...

Welcome back....

2011-10-16T13:54:00.001-04:00

Jonathan and Katie on their first day of school. September 2011

So excited to start school!

Not as excited as his sister.. lol...

Really Mom?

Well, goodNESS. It's been quite some time since I've been here. Well, I've actually been here a few times, but not on the inside here making a new post.

It's been like -- 2 years since I've made a post. My babies are still the most important thing in the world to me. They are now almost 11 (EEK!) and 6. Jonathan is in 5th grade and Katie Grace is in 1st grade.

It's been an interesting couple of years. We are no longer attending the Kenmore Alliance Church -- for reasons I do not wish to blog about :) We then started attending Whitehaven Road Baptist Church for about 1 1/2 years. Now we are attending Northgate Community Church with Brian's parents. I can't say that it will be our final landing place, but for now it's a place to heal and be with family.

The kids are also in a new school. For Jonathan, that means his 4th school. And he is only in 5th grade. For Katie, it is her 2nd school, and she's in 1st. But we believe they are where God wants them to be, and their education (both academic and spiritual) is much better at this new school.
Business First ranked St John Lutheran School of North Tonawanda 7th out of 280 schools in WNY. We have some friends who attend there and have loved it. We are into October -- about 6 weeks into the school year and we feel we have made the right decision. It's definitely more challenging academically, and the spiritual aspect beats the old school hands down. We are all working hard to adjust but by God's grace we are doing it! :)

I've added a few pictures from their first day of school last month....

I will backtrack to this past summer and show vacation pics and Katie's b-day pictures in the posts to come. I'm trying to get back into journaling our lives so my kids have something to look back on in the years to come -- and know how much their Momma loved them. Even if no one else ever reads this blog but me (and eventually, my children) -- I will be thankful I took the time to chronicle the events of their little lives.

Katie's Pre-K Graduation

2010-06-09T16:48:00.000-04:00

Randomness

2010-03-22T12:21:00.003-04:00

Jonathan had his very first "Academic Day" -- and he chose sharks to research. The final result was pretty impressive (we thought!) for a 3rd grader. We love you, Jonathan David!

the committee - fire, winter break and other ramblings...

2010-02-18T09:44:00.003-04:00

My little Katie Grace is growing up. I see it in little and big ways all the time! Just a couple of weeks ago she wrote her name for the first time! I have been wondering if she was going to go to Kindergarten this coming fall, but she's showing signs of getting ready.

One thing I have never done is to correct them if they say words incorrectly -- I KNOW the day comes when they learn the correct way to say the word and I will never again hear that sweet mispronunciation out of their little mouths. For instance -- Jonathan used to call the baby monitor the "mom-iter" -- which actually makes more sense, since it was more for MOM then anyone else ;)

Another cute thing Jonathan used to say was ba-dee-dee for banana -- how he got that was beyond me lol but it was adorable.

Katie calls the humidifier the "committee fire" and I LOVE THAT so much!!!! Every time one of my girlfriends comes over, I ask her what that is and she says, very seriously, "The committee fire, Momma" and I DIE every time!! LOL

This week has been winter break so they are both out of school and we have been B U S Y!!!! We have had playdates every day and we have more today and tomorrow! It's been fun (and necessary lol) to keep us from going a leedle crazy.. They have gotten outside as much as possible but it's cold and windy and snowy out there as well..

I'm in an organizing mode in my house --- Not working at the moment, so I have been spending pretty much every spare moment organizing and cleaning out drawers, etc. (wondering how long this energy will last, haha!)

So thankful for each moment with them -- they truly are growing up before my eyes.

A Very Special Day

2010-02-11T08:06:00.006-04:00

Katie Grace had her very first hair cut and experience at the salon today.

This feels really nice Momma!!!!

Look at that sweet profile....

Sweetie Girl

It got a little overwhelming at one point, so we're glad we had "Lovie" along...

Getting a Style

the final product -- perfection ♥

Miss Kelly even gave her hot cocoa -- Katie declared it "a GREAT day Momma!" ~ and it was.

Fun Meme

2010-01-27T00:12:00.005-04:00

Haven't done one of these in awhile. This one looked kinda fun.... (I know I did one similar to this before, but this one looks cute)

Directions:
1. Go to http://www.photobucket.com/
2. Type in your answer to the question in the “search” box
3. Use only the first page
4. Insert the picture into your Blog.

Here goes nothin'!!

1) What is your current relationship status?

2) What is your current mood?

3) What is your favorite band/singer?

4) What is your favorite movie?

5) Where do you live?

6) Where do you work?

7) What do you look like?

8) Favorite TV show?

9) What do you drive?

10) What is your name?

(except not the zeta jones part ;) )

11) What did you do last night?

This makes my heart so happy...

2010-01-24T12:52:00.002-04:00

Thoughts about Haiti....

2010-01-14T01:56:00.002-04:00

I'm so sad and heartsick for them. There was a horrifying photo on the news tonight of a man carrying what looked to be his dead baby. The anguish on his face was indescribable.

Kelly Stamps, a blog author that I follow, shows us a few different easy ways to donate to help out the people there. Check out her blog and see...

I texted the word "disaster" to 90999 tonight. It will charge my mobile phone $10 at the end of the month -- and it will help out Compassion int. to set up disaster relief. Easy and so do-able.

Praying and my heart is aching.

A Special Day...

2010-01-11T18:02:00.003-04:00

Katie got invited to her Pre-K teacher's wedding on New Years Day. She was in awe of the fact that her beloved Miss Rachel was going to be a bride... and the day came and she just stared at her -- it was a precious moment and I'm thankful for a sweet teacher who was thoughtful and gracious to invite her whole class to her special day. Here is Katie with Miss Rachel and her best friend Sydney...

A little bit of Christmas ....

2010-01-04T19:46:00.005-04:00

Jonathan's performance at school :)

Papa and Katie watching too

Singing at church

Jonathan really was happy doing this! LOL in mid - word here...

Playing with her scarf and singing ...

Christmas Morning -- Happy happy babies!

What did Santa leave us??

He ate up his cookies and drank his milk!

Happy with her Dora Hair Styling Station

...and her new princess dolls...

Jonathan is BEYOND happy about this game...

...He actually cried a little lol...

MOM!!I got it, I got it!!! I really got it!!

Merry Christmas, Nanny!

..and Aunt Becky!!

happy with my new books :)

The Awe and Wonder...

2009-12-26T01:56:00.001-04:00

Soccer Boy

2009-09-18T08:33:00.004-04:00

Here is a happy Jonathan showing his fabulous soccer trophy after the last game. He loves soccer so much! And also showing his very special soccer cookie that came right from his fabulous coach.

Here are a few of Katie and Jonathan ready for school today... both were in a good mood so I took the opportunity to snap a few photos! :)

Back to School Photos

2009-09-09T17:21:00.001-04:00

Jonathan Prell, 3rd Grader!
Katie Grace Prell, Pre-K :)

Outside his new school.

With his new teacher and his old buddy, Michael!

Outside her school.

Headed down the stairs ~ very excited.

With her beloved Miss Rachel.

Back to School...

2009-09-08T10:58:00.004-04:00

So tomorrow my boy starts 3rd grade. At a new school! And he is nervous, as am I, but we are both trusting God that He knows best, and that He led us to this perfect place for our boy. I read on one of my boards that I frequent that one of the girls who is a teacher had butterflies the day before she was to start her new school year... I know how she feels!! I have butterflies today too! And my butterflies are because I've got this feeling of nervousness, excitement, apprehension, and yet... trust. I know that my little boy will be safe, because this is where God wants him to be. But I haven't met his teacher ~ What if she doesn't "get" Jonathan? What if she doesn't understand his sense of humor? What if she doesn't appreciate him for the amazing and wonderful creation that God made him to be? Jonathan is an incredible human being ~ he is wise beyond his years ~ and thinks far too much. He has an unreal imagination. He wants to know what is going to happen with the world ~ He wants to know about Heaven, and hell, and He wants to know about the Trinity, and how exactly it works. He wants to understand about dinosaurs~ and he wants to know all about the earth's foundation and surface and core. He thinks so much ~ and he also has this creative side that is unquenchable. It comes out in his drawings and his songs that he makes up --- and it also comes out occasionally in nightmares....

So many times I look at his sweet face and feel so blessed that God chose ME to be his mom, and Brian to be his dad ~ and also feel so unworthy. He is just so special. But I know that God doesn't make mistakes, so I will do my best not to let him down, and be the best mom I know how to be to Jonathan, all the while asking God for wisdom and strength and patience... and trust that God will keep him safe as he starts tomorrow at yet another new school....

Photos to come tomorrow after his first day!!

PS: Katie starts Pre-K tomorrow too! Photos to come! :)

MOPS ~ IceBreaker Ideas

2009-09-02T20:45:00.002-04:00

1) MOPS Icebreaker -- Mom goes on vacation

To complete this activity, give every mom a crayon and a sheet of paper.
Instruct the women to place the sheet of paper in front of them horizontally.

Recite the following to the women:

The event you have all been waiting for has finally arrived! You're going on a much needed vacation. Unfortunately, this is only an imaginary vacation, but it will be lots of fun! When I say so, please close your eyes, keep them closed, and then follow my directions. I will tell you when you can open your eyes again. We are going on a vacation to a tropical island. Please pick up your crayon. Close your eyes now, keep them closed, and follow my directions.

1. Draw an island on the middle of your paper.
2. To the left of the island, draw a ship.
3. You are surrounded by water, so put some fish in the sea.
4. This is a tropical island, so put a palm tree on the island.
5. It's a nice day, so put some birds in the air.
6. That ship didn't get there by itself, so put a sailor in the ship.
7. The sailor might get hungry, so put some coconuts on the palm tree.
8. Sailors like to see where they're going, so put some portholes on the ship.
9. Sailors like to see entertainment, so draw a hula dancer on the island.
10. It is a sunny day, so put a sun in the sky.

Now open your eyes and take a look at your beautiful drawing. Let's score your artwork to see who will win today's prize. 200 points are possible.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

10 pts if your island is in the middle of the page
10 pts if your ship is to the left of the island, but not touching it
15 pts if you have more then one fish
20 pts if the base of your palm tree is on the island
15 pts if two or more birds are in the air
20 pts if the sailor is on the ship, and not swimming
15 pts if any coconuts are on the tree
25 pts if any porthole is on the ship
25 pts if the hula dancer is dancing on the island
20 pts if the sun is to the left
15 pts if the sun is to the right
10 pts if the sun is in the middle

2) Lengths of String Mixer
Everyone gets a length of string. Each string is the same length as one other person in the room. Students have to match up with their partner.

The Point: Discussion starter. Once matched, you can ask a pre-typed question for the partners to discuss.

This particular ice-breaker will work if there isn't a lot planned for the day i.e. no discussion groups, etc.

3) Speed Dating (Friendship) Questions..

Break into 2 (or 3 or 4) groups with women facing each other in chairs. Set a timer for 2 mins and keep a close watch on the time.

Here is a sample of questions that can be posted at each station:

SPEED FRIENDSHIP-FORMING QUESTIONNAIRE

HAVE YOU EVER:
Gone on a blind date?
Skipped school?
Been to Canada?
Been lost?
Swam in the ocean?
Been to Europe?
Been on the opposite side of the country?
Cried yourself to sleep?
Been to Mexico?
Played cops and Robbers or Cowboys and Indians?
Been to Africa?
Sang karaoke?
Been on a plane?
Paid for a meal with coins only?
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't?
Made prank phone calls?
Laughed until some sort of beverage came out of your nose?
Caught a snowflake on your tongue?
Baked a turkey?
Written a letter to Santa Claus?
Been kissed under the mistletoe?
Watched the sun rise on the East Coast?
Watched the sunset on the West Coast?
Been skinny dipping?
Sat outside in the rain?
Lived one of your dreams?
Eaten just cookies for dinner?
Been on TV?
Stolen traffic signs?

What is your:
Nickname?
Birthplace?
Birth order?
Dream home?

What is your favorite:
Beverage?
Vacation spot?
TV show?
Body wash?
Movie?
Holiday?
Dessert?
Food?
Toothpaste?
Smell?
Time of day?
Season?
Excuse?
Book?

How do you:
Relax?
See yourself in 10 years?
React to rude people?
Cook chicken most often?
Wash your tub?
Put your child(ren) to bed?
Make your child(ren) laugh?

Overheard at our house....

2009-09-02T19:00:00.005-04:00

On the morning of Katie's birthday ....

Katie appears at my bedside, clutching her "lovey"

"Momma, am I four?"

Me: "Yes, you are!"

K: "Are my legs longer?"

M: "I think they are!!"

K: "Am I taller??"

M: "Yes, you are definitely taller!"

Katie: BIG happy smile

Me: "Are you still my baby?"

K: "Yes, Momma. I have a lot of love for you."

Be still my heart.

My girl is growing up but she is still my baby.

I love you, Katie Grace.

Happy 4th birthday!

My Sister ~ Happy Birthday Becky!

2009-08-31T21:04:00.002-04:00

"A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost."

Marion C. Garretty

Beach/Vacation Pics (part one)

2009-07-20T16:01:00.005-04:00

Katie playing in the sand :)

In our hotel room with some friends that had just arrived..

all tuckered out...

Beautiful sky...

playing in the surf..

on the way to the beach..

getting ready..

me and my girl

two sillies..

Date Night ~ Need Ideas, Girls!!!

2009-06-23T17:32:00.002-04:00

So, each summer, my sister gives us one night a week of free babysitting (I know! How lucky am I?) and Brian and I get to have one night every week that we can go out and be together, just the two of us, and be kid free, and go out to dinner, catch a movie, go for a walk, get an ice cream cone, etc.. but I need some new, fresh ideas. Also, I want to plan fun, spontaneous date nights for us, that won't cost an arm an a leg.. I know, I know, I said plan and spontaneous in the same sentence. But sometimes, we have to plan for the spontaneity don't we, girls?

So, here's where you come in! Give me a few ideas so that I can work them into our weekly dates? Please? I'll be forever grateful!! (And so will he!)

Oh, date nights will be on Thursdays this summer. Starting this week!! :) Yay for my sister, aka Aunt Becky, who is letting us do this. She's the BEST!!!

Wordless Wednesday (my first one!)

2009-06-03T00:11:00.003-04:00

Visit 5 minutes for mom to see lots of other Wordless Wedndesday participants too :)

(Hoping I did this right!!)

Too sweet not to share...

2009-05-20T09:01:00.003-04:00

They are watching SpongeBob or something else just as mindless --

but they always snuggle up together and he plays with her hair...

This is how Brian and I sit too when we watch a movie

(only I don't get so lucky to get my hair played with lol)...

Nursery School Program ~ Katie Grace

2009-05-19T08:56:00.003-04:00

All ready for the moving up program!

Me with my friends!
"K is for Katie!!" (her big line) ;)

I love my brother!

My "graduation" present..

my very own Katie Grace doll.. Baby be blessed -- The Bible verse on her tummy reads:

"The Lord your GOD is with you,

He is mighty to save,

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with his Love,

He will rejoice over you with singing."

~Zephaniah 3:17

Staying Young

2009-05-16T22:27:00.002-04:00

Holy WOW -- 2 posts in one day?? What in the world? Well, my sister Susan sent this to me in an email and I thought it was a good one to put here, so here it is!

***************************************************************************************
***************************************************************************************

We all need to read this one over and over until it becomes part of who we are!

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Try everything twice.

On one woman's tombstone she said she wanted this epitaph:

"Tried everything twice.loved it both times!"

2. Keep only cheerful friends.

The grouches pull you down.

(Keep this in mind if YOU are one of those grouches!!!)

3. Keep learning:

Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.

Never let the brain get idle.

'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'

And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud.

Laugh until you gasp for breath.

And if you have a friend who makes you laugh,
spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.

6. The tears happen:

Endure, grieve, and move on.

The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves.

LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love:

Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.

Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health:

If it is good, preserve it..

If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9.. Don't take guilt trips.

Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county,

to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

11. Forgive now those who made you cry.

You might not get a second chance.

Remember!

Lost time can never be found.

Be kinder than necessary,

for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

All About Him...

2009-05-16T18:36:00.004-04:00

***The basic facts

Who is your significant other? Brian :)

How long have you been together? Let's see --since April '95

Dating/Engaged/Married? Married. Just celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary!

How old is your S.O.? 41

What’s his/her middle name? Timothy

*** You or him?

Who eats more? He does

Who says "I love you" first? usually me

Who sings better? hmm.. I think we both sing well :)

Who’s older? He is by 2.5 years

Who’s smarter? He is way better at math, and geography, and all that stuff... I'm better at spelling, grammar, writing, etc.

Whose temper is worse? Mine.

Who does the laundry? He does the boys' and I do the girls'.

Who does the dishes? Mostly I do.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? When you're facing the bed at the foot of the bed, he sleeps on the right.

Whose feet are bigger? His. Big man feet lol.

Whose hair is longer? Definitely mine.

Who’s better with the computer? Me

Who mows the lawn? He does -- I'm not allowed to touch the lawn tractor, that's his toy ;)

Who pays the bills? He does.

Who cooks dinner? I do, normally, but he does cook once or twice a week.

Who drives when you are together? He does :)

Who pays when you go out to dinner? He does. (ermm, but it's our money lol)

Who's the most stubborn? hmmm. Not sure. I don't think either one of us is stubborn.

Who is the first one to admit when they’re wrong? we can't stand arguing so usually one of us comes back and says "I don't like this" and it ends quickly.. Of course, I'm never wrong!! *wink*

Whose parents do you see more? Mine because they live way closer to us then his.

Who named your dog? umm... my niece named our *cat*

Who kisses who first? I usually kiss him first.

Who asked who out? He asked me out, but I was crushing on him awhile before it happened.

Who's more sensitive? Me

Who's taller? He is 6 ' and I'm 5'5''

Who has more friends? definitely me. I'm the more social of the 2 of us.

Who wears the pants in the relationship? He does, but if I protest loudly he will change his mind LOL

Tagging: Traci, Karianne, Carrie

A Beautiful Mothers Day!

2009-05-11T12:57:00.004-04:00

What a gorgeous day being reminded of my wonderful, beautiful mom and my beautiful babies. I love having a day that I can tell my mom how great she is... I know I don't tell her enough how amazing she is. I have one of the best moms on earth. God has blessed me so much with her. And what an amazing day to look at my babies and breathe an extra thank you to my Father in Heaven for giving them to me. They are so much my life -- and I'm so very thankful. Here are a few photos from our special day -- made extra special by those who love me!

My handsome husband who makes it possible for me to be a mother, thank you baby!

Me and my babes

My beautiful mom and my gorgeous girl ♥

My beautiful mom and my sister and my daughter ~ the girls ;)

All of us ~ a beautiful day

Sweet song

2009-04-22T16:03:00.003-04:00

I found this over on Kelly's blog and oh my goodness, both Brian and I watched it and it had us both sniffling. It's such a sweet song, and SOOO true. (And wow, is it really Hootie??? He still has such an amazing voice!!)

Some bowling fun...

2009-04-13T18:23:00.004-04:00

OK, so Brian and I discovered how lame we are, and we'd never taken them bowling! {Recently discovered when we started *bowling* together on the Wii. cough.} So over this spring break weekend, we took them on their first bowling trip! You can't imagine the excitement, LOL!

Daddy helping Katie bowl...

Katie watching it rollllll down the lane.. (it took forever)

Go Jonathan!!

Yeahhhhhhh!

Had some pretty good music going there, too.. when they weren't bowling, they were dancing!

she loved waiting for the balls to come back (almost as fun as bowling and dancing!)

Daddy's girl!

Momma's Girl too! :)

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-12T22:19:00.004-04:00

Katie with her handsome Daddy!

Our two Easter babies

Looking for Easter Eggs while Aunt Becky looks on...

Look at all my eggs, Momma!

A *red* car! (Red is her favorite)

Jonathan so happy, he found his basket!

Happy Easter, Aunt Becky!

A girl and her Bumpa love to snuggle :)

Dye-Fest

2009-04-09T23:12:00.003-04:00

Is this right, Momma?

I'm an old pro at this!

The Masterpiece!

Happy Easter!!!

Pray for Stellan

2009-04-01T13:11:00.000-04:00

I've been praying for this baby for some time now, and should have put this button up on my blog long before now. But I'm adding it today (over on the top right).His mom, Jennifer, needs our prayers in a big way. She's really getting tired and feeling more vulnerable the longer this sweet baby is sick. She is counting on the prayers of thousands across the country and even the world to sustain her.

Will you join me to pray for Baby Stellan and his family as they walk this road?

Thoughts To Live By

2009-03-14T22:37:00.002-04:00

I found these on a blog I stumbled across. (Actually someone else found them on a blog and posted it on Facebook, and then I posted them here)

Thoughts to live by:

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, My purpose is to__________ today. I am thankful for______________.

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: In five years,will this matter?

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.

Will they always love each other this much?

2009-02-19T17:56:00.003-04:00

Happy Valentines Day!!

2009-02-15T01:46:00.004-04:00

Katie so excited at school for her Valentines Day party!

♥♥♥

Jonathan with his teacher for their Valentines party

I got to spend some time with him at school that day too!

February Meme :)

2009-02-11T20:11:00.004-04:00

1. Were you named after anyone? Yes, I was, and I love that I was! I was named for both of my grandmothers. My paternal grandmother, Catherine, although she was called Kay, and my maternal grandmother, Sarah, and she was called Sadie. I love that I was named for them. I sadly never knew either of them.

2. When was the last time you cried? I had a very teary day yesterday

3. Do you like your own handwriting? I sometimes like it. Sometimes it looks nice, other times it looks sort of blah, lol.

4. What is your favorite lunch meat? My favorite is roast beef, but I usually get turkey (healthier)

5. Do you have kids? I have 2 beautiful blessings and a little one in Heaven.

6. If you were another person, would you be friends with you? You know, I'd like to think that I would.

7. Do you use sarcasm? I definitely do as part of humor

8. Do you still have your tonsils? No, they were yanked at 23. (can you say OUCH to me???? Good times. )

9. Would you bungee jump? I think I would for a million dollars, sure!

10. What is your favorite cereal? Not really a cereal fan, mostly, but I do like Life :)

11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? no

13. What is your favorite ice cream? Coffee heath bar crunch (Ben and Jerrys) YUMM-O

14. What is the first thing you notice about people? If they're smiling (friendly), and if they're looking me in the eye

15. Red or Pink...pink!!!!

16. What is the least favorite thing about yourself? That I *still* care what other people think, and I'm almost 39!! That's annoying me!

17. Who do you miss the most? relationships that have changed in my life and are no longer really there.

18. What color pants and shoes are you wearing? LOL! These ones always make me laugh (who cares? about what I'm wearing lol) I'm wearing black yoga pants and bare feet!

19. What are you listening to right now? My playlist -- at the moment it's "You're Not Alone" by Meredith Andrews -- love that song!

20. If you were a crayon what color would you be? Blue or pink, depending on my mood

21. Favorite smells? Grace by Philosophy, freshly washed baby! yummy!

22. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? friend Karen

23. Do you like the person who sent this to you? I love Samantha!!!!! I miss her!

24. Favorite sports to watch? eww.
.
25. Hair color ? dark blonde with blonder highlights

26. Eye color? brown eyed girl :)

27. Do you wear contacts? No -- lasik surgery baby!!

28. Favorite Food? Outback steak

29. Scary movies or happy endings? happy endings

30. Last movie watched? *cough* Madagascar 2 sad, I know.

31. What color shirt are you wearing? orange with sparklies on the chest

32. Summer or Winter? Summer!!!

33. Hugs or Kisses? Kisses from my man and from my babies -- hugs from everyone else -- and I mean everyone!! Show some love!! ♥

34. What book are you reading right now? A Debbie MacComber one I've already read (sad but true) and reading through the Bible in a year.

OK if anyone is still even READING this blog, lol, I'm tagging you :) Have fun! :)

Photos from Katie's 1st Day at PreSchool

2009-01-13T23:20:00.004-04:00

Me and Miss Rachel

A little unsure...

Looks like fun, Mommy!

All ready and pretty in pink!

"See my 'pack-pack' Momma?"

Christmas Photos 2008

2009-01-09T00:12:00.001-04:00

A Big Day!!!!

2009-01-05T19:36:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow Katie is starting pre-school!!! We are all very excited, VERY excited! She will be going on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45am until 11:15am. She can't wait!! She almost backed out of the deal when she found out she wasn't going to get to go on a bus like Jonathan does everyday, but after an explanation that bus time comes with Kindergarten (in 2 years), she was back to wanting to go again.

I will take lots of first day photos, and post them.. I have a crisis, I haven't posted any Christmas photos because I can't find my little cord thingy that I use to upload my pics. Sooo, as soon as I find it, I'll be able to post Christmas pics too!!! :)

Happy New Year :) And happy preschool day for my Katie Bug! ♥♥

Question Meme (from Melissa) ;)

2008-12-11T14:02:00.002-04:00

1. Who did you spend at least two hours with today? My parents ~ on Thursdays Katie goes over there to spend the morning with them and today I just stayed myself and visited too, it was a nice little visit :)

2. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks? Christmas, all of the holidays, having a break from the kids I watch, and having Jonathan home from school for 2 weeks.

3. Who was the last person you called? My sister Becky

4. What were you doing at 12am last night? I was on the phone with Traci!

5. What did you fear was going to get you as a child? My sister Becky used to tell me the "boogy man" was in our closet and would get me if she wasn't in the room with me when we were going to sleep (nice!!!)

6. When did you last see your mom? This morning.

7. What are you wearing right now? jeans and gray and teal shirt

8. Where is your favorite place to be? with family and friends

9. Where is your least favorite place to be? in stressful situations

10. Where would you go if you could go anywhere? Disney!!! :)

11. Where do you think you’ll be in 10 years? Let's see.. my kids will be eeeep!! 18 and 13!! ACK!! So we'll be in college mode and WOW.. that just made my tummy flip. I'm thinking I might be working outside the home by then. Hopefully just part time. Wow. Next???

12. What was the last thing that really made you laugh? Traci telling me about talking to the guy on the phone in the airport.. she did his Indian accent reallllllllllllly well.

13. What cities/towns/villages have you lived in? Grand Island, New York.

14. Are you a social person? Pretty much, YES :)

15. What do you like about winter? snow, CHRISTMAS!!! Christmas carols, hot chocolate for the kids, hot tea with friends, toasty fun socks, snuggling with my husband and the kids under the blankets and watching movies together. Did I mention Christmas? I love it!! :)

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-11T13:53:00.002-04:00

Holidays overwhelm me...

2008-11-26T20:07:00.003-04:00

What is it about getting ready for holidays that makes me want to go back to bed and hide under the covers? I mean... I love what leads UP to the holidays.... but today.. the day before the big day, all I've wanted to do is hide. This is decidedly a pattern for me, this is nothing new. If it weren't for my husband who comes in and saves the day (and I mean dusting, vacuuming, and putting away the laundry).. people would come to my house on Thanksgiving day and find me in my pajamas, my children still in their clothes from the day before, and breakfast dishes on the counter, nary a turkey in sight.

When I want to spend the moments of my life snuggling my babies on the couch sipping hot cocoa and watching Charlie Brown, I instead find myself yelling at them because their toy room isn't cleaned up the way it should be. Because all that matters is the company coming tomorrow and getting every inch of the house scrubbed... WHAT? Who have I become?? Sigh. I love the holidays. I do. I just wish I could learn how to enjoy them a little better. So that my loved ones could enjoy them along with me.

My ABC's of Thankfulness!!

2008-11-23T10:41:00.004-04:00

I was rummaging around in some archives of some other bloggers (Kelly, Natalie) ;) and found this! So I thought I'd do my own!!

A ~ America!

B ~ Brian (my handsome husband)

C ~ Chocolate

D ~ Diet Pepsi

E ~ Eternal Life

F ~ Flannel Sheets

G ~ Girlfriends

H ~ House

I ~ Ice Cream.. yummy

J ~ Jesus

K ~ Kristin (my cousin whom I love!)

L ~ Laughing lots!

M ~ My Mom

N ~ Nature

O ~ Obedient children!!!

P ~ Pretty Clothes

Q ~ Quirkiness

R ~ Reading

S ~ Sisters

T ~ Thanksgiving Day

U ~ Umbrellas on a rainy day

V ~ Vanilla Creamer

W ~ Warm Babies

X ~ X-Rated kisses with my husband ;-)

Y ~ Yellow sunny days

Z ~ Zippers as opposed to buttons when we're in a hurry!

Thankful.

2008-11-21T14:08:00.002-04:00

that is the word of the month. It is so evident in so many ways. Not only during this week/month of Thanksgiving, but all through the year.

I had a test that showed the possiblity of some abnormal cells earlier this month..

Today was the day I went for the re-test..

Today everything showed all was clear...

Today I am so thankful... I'd like to say and hope that no matter what the outcome would have been I'd have been typing this post. I want to say my God is bigger then any test, any outcome, and any trial. I pray that is the test of my faith. That when the rubber meets the road, I'm one of *those* Christians -- the ones who when faced with trials of any kind, they stand in grace and love knowing that He is giving grace sufficient to each day and moment. He is so very good.

I am so thankful. God is good, and He is mine. I love Him.

Thankful.

Tea Time

2008-11-18T09:17:00.003-04:00

I have been a die-hard coffee girl for .. well, since I was old enough to drink it. Earlier posts on this blog sang my praises to it.

Well. I must announce that I have unbelievably! I am stunned myself! Given. up. coffee.

So, the short of it.. I am now a tea girl. It only took about 3 weeks to become addicted to tea like I was to coffee.

Before I opened this post I was waiting on the kettle to boil, and my mouth was starting to water (please, I have it bad)..

My current favorite is Costant Comment's blend of orange spicey something or other.. it is heavenly. Truly.

If you would have told me a year ago... heck, 6 months ago.. let's be serious, 1 month ago, that I'd be sitting here enjoying a cup of tea as much as I am, I'd have rolled my eyes at you. And thought NEVER me. I couldn't understand how tea could ever BE anyone's coffee. It just didn't make any sense to me.

It does now!! And it makes me happy! Just like coffee used to! It makes my dad and all my other Welsh relations so proud!!! *grins*

Fun With Names!

2008-11-16T18:57:00.004-04:00

Over at Melissa's I found this fun little name game.. although she puts a lot more thought and depth into her post, so if you have a moment, take the time to read it.. she's a great author!!!

I thought I'd do this for fun too! :)

1. YOUR REAL NAME: Catherine

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first 3 letters of real name plus fizzle.) : Catfizzle

3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color and favorite animal) : Pink Cat

4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (your middle name and street you live on/or neighborhood if it's a number) : Sarah Long

5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name): Preca

6. YOUR SUPERHERO/CRIMINAL NAME: (Your 2nd favorite color and favorite drink): BlueTea

7. YOUR IRAQI NAME: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, 1st letter of your last name, 2nd letter of your moms maiden name, 3rd letter of your dads name, 1st letter of siblings first name, and last letter of your moms first name) : Aepivre

8. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (parents middle names): Arthur Williams

9. YOUR GOTH NAME: (black, and the name of one of your pets) : Black Sandie

Happy Birthday, Baby!!

2008-11-15T20:26:00.003-04:00

As we grow older together, As we continue to change with age, There is one thing that will never change. . . I will always keep falling in love with you ~ Karen Clodfelder

Happy birthday, my sweet husband! I love you so much! You are my soul-mate and best friend, my babies' daddy and my solace. Happy birthday.

a few more pics

2008-11-03T09:05:00.004-04:00

Jonathan's class had "Cowboy Day" a few weeks back, which resulted in some fun times here at home, with he and his friends have a big old western town play date in our backyard that whole day. It was pretty fun to watch their imaginitave play. Of course I took the opportunity to take photos!! :) Here are the results...

Lasso'in it up, Mom!

I gotcha, Mom!!!
Looking good there, buddy!

Of course, Katie Grace had to try on some of the garb...

And I couldn't resist getting a profile shot either, look at those curls after bathtime and that baby profile..yummy!!!

Scattergories

2008-11-02T19:31:00.002-04:00

SCATTERGORIES ~ Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following. They have to be real places, names, things.... nothing made up! You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

WHAT IS YOUR NAME: Catherine

4 LETTER WORD: Card

BOYS NAME: Christopther

GIRLS NAME: Christina

OCCUPATION: Chiropractor

COLOR: Cream

SOMETHING YOU WEAR: Clogs

FOOD: Crab cakes

SOMETHING FOUND IN A BATHROOM: Chapstick

PLACE: Connecticut

REASON FOR BEING LATE: Cramps

SOMETHING YOU SHOUT: Crap!!

Happy Halloween!!!! Photos

2008-11-01T11:20:00.004-04:00

Carving pumpkins and roasting pumpkin seeds with Aunt Becky

(Daddy looking a little skeery right here)

Getting all those seeds out!

Katie concentrating hard:

Aunt Becky with the kids working diligently while I take photos lol:

Halloween -- Minnie Mouse on the hayride

Batman!!!

So excited to get going!!

Trick or Treat!!!!

We hope everyone had a wonderful happy Halloween!! We sure did! The kids got a truckload of candy and have their costumes on again today, lol.

Jonathan's 8th Birthday Party!!

2008-10-31T11:11:00.001-04:00

Oh. My. Word. (not for the weak of stomach)

2008-10-27T09:33:00.002-04:00

Road Kill inside chinese restaurant
Updated:
Oct 25, 2008 10:48 AM EDT

HAMBURG, N.Y. (WIVB) - Is road kill on the menu at a popular Hamburg, NY restaurant? A disturbing discovery at the China King Restaurant has forced health officials to lock the doors.
Lisa Williams was going to eat in the restaurant when she got some upsetting news.
"Were you coming to eat here?"
"Yeah, we were coming to eat."
"Did you hear what happened?"
"No."
"Health inspectors closed it down because there was road kill out here, a deer."
"Oh no."

People who came to China King for their Friday dinner found it hard to believe. A dead deer had been butchered inside the kitchen in the restaurant they've been coming to for years.
Patron, Sue Bender said, "Our daughter just called us because she knows this is our take out Chinese, and told us, you're not going to believe what was just on Channel Four."

A witness tells us he saw an oriental man dragging the deer inside.
"I watched him drag it across the parking lot and he dragged it through the front door of the China King Restaurant. I said this is just not right, so I called Hamburg Police and reported it. Sure enough by the time they got there, they said that he had the deer almost all butchered inside the restaurant."

Another patron wonders, "How stupid could that man be? To let that go on."
Erie County Health Commissioner, Dr Anthony Billitier said, "I don't know what the intention was with the deer, but they can't do that in the restaurant even if they were going to use it for private consumption. It's not consistent with the sanitary code.

Its a story that's closed down the restaurant and caused patron to lose their appetite
Lisa Williams said, "That's disgusting, I'll never eat Chinese again. I'm sorry for all these people out there. That's gross."

When asked if Sue Bender will come here again? She replied, "never...never."
The Health Commissioner tells News4 a hearing with the owner is scheduled for next week.

Story by Tricia Cruz, WIVB

Find the story here

Happy Birthday, my boy Jonathan David

2008-10-26T14:34:00.005-04:00

Happy birthday to our big 8 year old!

We love you so much, Jonathan. And we're proud of the boy you're growing into.

You are so precious.. your personality and humor is larger then life. We can't imagine our lives without you. You add so much to all of us!

To me and dad, you are such a big help. You make us laugh. Your jokes are original and you get the delivery just right -- which makes us laugh even more.

You are a wonderful big brother. Always protecting your little sister with fierce loyalty and we love that! We know you get it that family is everything. You are so right.

More then anything, we are so thankful that you love Jesus. We have prayed and prayed that you would have a tender heart.. and it's so evident in all that you do and say. We know that you belong to Jesus, and we are so thankful --- so thankful -- that your heart is His.

As you begin another year, dear Jonathan, we will continue to pray that you will recognize more and more how important God is in your life, and that you will continue to give Him more and more of yourself.

We love you so much, Jonathan! You truly are our gift from God. Happy birthday, Guy!!

Stephanie and Christian ...

2008-10-22T09:05:00.002-04:00

Please take a few moments to read this story.. this is about a fellow blogger. Even though I'd never been to her site before the accident, it has become one of my regular stops. What an inspirational, Proverbs 31 type woman. Praying for you both...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2008-10-21T16:37:00.002-04:00

After reading over at Karianne's, I realized I'm not the only one thinking about the holidays! Kari asked about Thanksgiving, but honestly, that reminded me it's time for me to get my Christmas music going. I usually have it on way before now!

This weekend is Jonathan's 8th birthday. I can't believe he's that old! I'm just.. wow. I'm in shock. So this week I'm busy planning food and presents for his party..

But next week, baby! Next week I'm onto my Thanksgiving lists!! And Christmas!! Can't wait!

Stay tuned for birthday boy photos and party commentary. He's a very blessed boy indeed!!! And very, very loved!!!!

Cool Video!

2008-10-16T10:58:00.001-04:00

(be sure to scroll down to my playlist to pause my music so you can hear this video... it will be worth it! very cool! I love my church!)

there's that curl again!

2008-10-13T10:31:00.002-04:00

Marineland!

2008-10-07T22:42:00.001-04:00

Be still my heart!!!!

2008-09-20T10:56:00.002-04:00

Whose cutest babies are these???

Cathology (hey that actually sounds like a real word lol)

2008-09-19T09:37:00.004-04:00

Catherine-ology

Let others know a little more about yourself, re-post this as your name, followed by "ology"

**FOODOLOGY**

What is your salad dressing of choice? Ranch

What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Shimshacks

What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? hummus and pita chips

What are your pizza toppings of choice? Mushroom and Olive

What do you like to put on your toast? cream cheese

**TECHNOLOGY**

What is your wallpaper on your computer? cute pic of Jonathan and Katie

How many televisions are in your house? 4

What color cell phone do you have? the color of a Dr Pepper can

**BIOLOGY**

Are you right-handed or left-handed? right

Have you ever had anything removed from your body? tonsils, gallbladder, wisdom teeth, 2 babies.... I think that's all :)

What is the last heavy item you lifted? changing table (removed it from Katie's room!)

Have you ever been knocked unconscious? yes.. car accident

*BULLCRAPOLOGY*

If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No

If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Sarah

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? Sure!

*DUMOLOGY*

How many pairs of flip flops do you own? oh my word.... 8? 9? I'm not positive.. that's how many I can count in my head without going to look ;)

Last time you had a run-in with the cops? ehh, about a month or so

What did you want to be when you grew up? a mommy and a teacher :)

Last person you talked to? Elizabeth

Last person you hugged? Jonathan and Katie

*FAVORITOLOGY*

Season? Autumn

Holiday? Christmas

Day of the week? Thursday---the anticipation of the weekend is ahead (agreed, Meliss!)

*CURRENTOLOGY*

Missing someone? yes

Mood? content

Listening to? Dora

Watching? trying not to watch Dora lol

Worrying about? parenting stuff

*RANDOMOLOGY*

First place you went this morning? the kitchen to make coffee... haven't left the house just yet today

What can you not wait to do? We're taking the kids to Marineland tomorrow.. looking forward to that, but I can't WAIT to go to Dallas with my girlfriends in a couple weeks for the MOPS convention!

What's the last movie you saw? Sex and the City

Do you smile often? Yes I do.

A Little Photo Shoot

2008-09-16T21:20:00.002-04:00

Photobucket Album

Tea anyone?

2008-09-11T22:05:00.002-04:00

Time for tea.....

"Here, Guy, I'll pour!!"

Mini-Update :)

2008-09-03T18:40:00.004-04:00

Well hello!

How can it be September? For all intents and purposes, September is one of my favorite months.... the days are still warm, yet the nights are cool, and there is a hint of fall in the air. Autumn is no doubt my favorite time of the year... mostly because it's not as HOT out, but more importantly, because Christmas is coming!!! :) :) :) YAY!

I have a new job! I'm sitting for a little baby named Asher. Oh.My.Word. He is the most beautiful baby I have ever met. He is 11 mos. old and GORGEOUS for one thing, but he's also laid back and just WOW. So sweet and cuddly and perfect. (Did I mention he's perfect?) The money is phenomenal and my schedule is just great.

Secondly, Jonathan started 2nd grade (as you saw from the previous post) and he has come home now for 2 days with a big smile on his face. He just looks so happy and content. We are so thankful! God is great!

Katie and I are doing well.. My big 3 year old! She has a little bit of adjusting to do with the baby .. "Momma, I'm your baby!" but other then that, she's doing great. Tomorrow I'm registering her for the library preschool hour which will meet on Mondays at 10am. I know she's so ready for something like that (plus it's free). Asher and I will go and look at books during that time. It will be a great opportunity to get her involved in a setting like that, since I don't have her in a 3 year old pre-school this year.

MOPS is starting up next week Tuesday!! I'm so excited! This year's theme is Adventures In Mothering.. It's going to be so fun! Each year on the first day the committee each buys gifts for all the moms that come. This year our gifts have to be "adventure" themed.. as in .. what would you *have* to have with you if you were on an adventure.. so we're all giving them something that we couldn't do without in our adventure backpack. My give-away is makeup :) I'm getting mascara and lipgloss for my girls.. I'll tie them together with some raffia or something to make it look a little bit like we're roughing it ;)

That's about it.. our update! (oops it didn't end up being mini.. I'm far too wordy for my own good) I'm happy about my new job (although man! I'm tired! Need to adjust!) And I hope you're all well!!

God bless :)

Jonathan David, 2nd Grader! :)

2008-09-02T19:23:00.004-04:00

After all the anticipation of the new school, the day came and went and it was good!! God is great. Jonathan started his first day at his new school and it seemed to go really well! He likes his new teacher, he likes his new friends, and he left with a smile and came home with a smile! *whew* Life is good!! ;)

Am I Cute?

2008-08-27T14:36:00.002-04:00

To My Sisters and my Girlfriends :

2008-08-20T12:33:00.001-04:00

THIS SAYS IT ALL:

Time passes.

Life happens.

Distance separates.

Children grow up.

Jobs come and go.

Love waxes and wanes.

Men don't do what they're supposed to do.

Hearts break.

Parents die.

Colleagues forget favors.

Careers end.

BUT.........

Sisters are there,

no matter how much time and how

many miles are between you.

A girl friend is never farther away

than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you

have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life

will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on,

praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on

your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the

valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk

beside you...Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters,

daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers,

Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended

family, all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and

neither would I. When we began this adventure called

womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or

sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we

would need each other.

Every day, we need each other still.

just a few more pics from the b-day party

2008-08-19T02:41:00.005-04:00

tracy, hannah, and jonathan looking on during presents

The back of her pretty dress (Aunt Becky looking on)

Nanny and Aunt Susan

Silly Girl

Waiting for everyone to come

my niece Betsy being adorable as usual

Beautiful Eyes

All the grandpas at the party...

...and the grandmas..

Nanny and Papa (my parents)

Birthday Girl Pics

2008-08-19T02:07:00.004-04:00

Here are just a bunch of pics from the weekend.. we had her party on Friday night and then we went sailing with them on Saturday, then on Sunday Jonathan had his drama production Praise Rocks.. it was a full and fabulous weekend!! Here they all are.. enjoy!! :)

Morning Cuteness.

2008-08-09T09:28:00.003-04:00

At this moment, Jonathan and Kate are sitting on a chair together listening to classical music hahhaa, ok, seriously, they're watching Spectacular Spiderman (rolling eyes).. but being so darn cute together I had to journal it.

He is playing with her hair. So sweetly. She just turned to him and sweetly (oh so sweetly! I wish I'd been videoing this moment to share with them later!)

K:"Oh Guy I love you! That stickles a little but that's OK" yes she said stickles

J: "I love you too Katie

Be still my heart. These are the moments that reward us soooo very much aren't they?

PS: that moment is over, but together they've moved to coloring together at the table. This is the start of a good day! Here's to hoping!!! *thumbs up*

What Flavor Popsicle Are You?

2008-08-02T16:43:00.003-04:00

You Are a Cherry Flavored Popsicle

You are sweet and friendly. For you, summer is all about doing your favorite things.

You are a nostalgic person. You love old fashioned things like ice cream trucks.

You savor everything. Every taste of summer, the feeling of the sun, the smell of the beach...

Of all the types, you love summer the most.

What Flavor Popsicle Are You?

Surgery Update.

2008-08-01T15:07:00.002-04:00

Well. This is not the update i expected to be updating this afternoon.

There was no surgery :( When I got to the hospital, and got prepping for it... all seemed to be well.

Then the nurse came in to tell me there was an emergency and the doctor wasn't able to perform my surgery today and there wasn't anything they could do about it. I'd have to reschedule. It was completely out of my hands.

Well, let me tell you. At first, I was pretty ticked off. I let them know it, too. Here i was, sitting in this hospital bed, in my lovely gown, with the pretty footies on and watching Little House on the Prairie while awaiting the anethesiologist to come in and tell him about a) b) and c), blah blah blah, and x) y) and z) (they all seem so unimportant now)... and bam. It's over. "You may get dressed, now, Mrs. Prell, I'm assuming your husband is on his way, right?"

Me: Are you kidding me right now?

Nope. It wasn't a joke. And here I am, whole as I was this morning, no surgery...

But guess what?

I am overwhelmed with a peace at this moment that is beyond anything I can express in mere words. All I can say is... This wasn't God's plan for me. Not today. Not right now. I have a doctor's visit on Tuesday.. and we're going to go ahead with the surgery.. in a few weeks. But at this moment it doesn't feel as urgent. I'm asking myself.. Did I go ahead of God on this one? Is there a reason for this? I know there is a reason. I may not know it on this earth. However, for today, I'm resting in the knowledge that this one crossed His heavenly desk and he said.. "No" -- not for today anyway. And I'm trusting Him. Because I know He loves me. And I belong to Him.

The night before the night before

2008-07-30T21:22:00.003-04:00

I don't have anywhere to put this... and I'm not sure it belongs here. But I don't journal anywhere else. So it's going here.

I've been very emotional and teary this week. I've not felt like myself. It could be because the reason I'm having this surgery has been causing a problem of bleeding and I'm just tired, physically tired-- because of the low iron caused by all the bleeding.

I've not been a good mom lately, because I'm just. tired. Getting my everyday chores done is a major feat in and of itself.

And then there's my little tornado. She flies through the house and seems to be bent on undoing every single thing that I do. Is it always this way or am I just noticing this right now because I'm so tired and not able to keep up with her like normal?

At first glance, the house doesn't look that bad. I have a dishwasher. So the dirty dishes are hidden. And I have a laundry room. So I've just been keeping the clean laundry in the baskets in there. There are just things I can't keep up with at the moment. I just can't.

I'm hoping that after this surgery on Friday, and after the (prayerfully short) recovery, I'm going to feel much better. God willing. If you read this, please pray for me on Friday, and the few days to follow it.

I just wanted to get this out. Thanks for reading.

a katie funny

2008-07-27T20:41:00.003-04:00

Jonathan did something (or didn't do something she wanted)... either way, it wasn't to her liking. So Katie just came in here and said to me...

"Momma! Guy said no! Go lell at him!!"

disclaimer: there is no "lelling" at this house. There isn't any yelling anytime, ever. We are a perfect family. :) Just so you know ;)

I thought it was such a funny report! and wanted to share, haha

A little nugget...

2008-07-27T10:58:00.003-04:00

that i took from my devotions today...

from 1 Thessalonians chapter 5:16-18. It was just what I needed! (isn't God good?)

16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

I just wanted to share it with you all! :)

Have a great day!

Oh my Word!!!

2008-07-19T19:32:00.002-04:00

Please take a minute to watch this video. My sister Becky had this video on her Facebook and she and I just watched it and now we're both crying!! Sooo cute!

I couldn't figure out how to embed this video (who is surprised at that? eyes rolling at myself) so here is the link.. You will love this!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adYbFQFXG0U

xoxo
Cath

Happy Birthday Papa!!

2008-07-13T18:58:00.002-04:00

Today is my dad's 72nd birthday! We had him and my mom over along with my sister Becky and her friend for lunch and cake and ice cream...

It was a fun birthday party and we love you Papa!!

Endometrial Ablation

2008-07-10T10:42:00.003-04:00

Yep, this is what I'm facing.. any of you ever experience this? I have been having *issues* (to put it delicately) for awhile now... and since Brian and I are finished with fertility treatments, we have decided that I most likely will never be pregnant again.

But, really, it's ok. We both know that we are blessed beyond what we could hope or imagine. Unbelievably blessed. To know the hand of God... you look at our 2 precious children, and know that nothing short of miracles occurred to result in these two. He has been so good to us!!!

And I'm 38. Yep, 38.. and given some difficulties I've had this past year.. I think another pregnancy would put me over the edge emotionally.. Well, not the pregnancy itself... but the PPD, which we know, it gets worse each time (or so we're told)... A risk I'm not willing to take, knowing how it could all end up this time. (If it gets worse... wow... can't even imagine WORSE, so we won't go there!)

All of this to say, I have a surgery scheduled for Friday, August 1st. At 12 noon EST. I'm happy about it... at least happy and hopeful that the said surgery will help my current medical condition.

Making the possibility of me never being pregnant again... making it *final*... wow, it feels a little ... emotional! Even though I know it's the right next step.

Thanks for reading, if you've made it this far!! Have a happy day!!! :)

PS: for those of you who don't want to google it, here's what it is:

Endometrial ablation is a method to destroy the lining of the uterus in order to stop or drastically decrease bleeding. This may be accomplished by putting a hot balloon placed in the endometrial cavity to burn the lining, or by a procedure to burn or cut out the endometrium with other instruments. About 50-75% of patients may stop having periods after endometrial ablation, at least initially, and 20-30% of patients note an acceptable decrease in the amount of bleeding. Unfortunately, 10% of patients see no improvement in their symptoms. Endometrial ablation should only be considered by women who don’t want to have more children, and who have had a biopsy to make sure that endometrial hyperplasia and cancer are not the causes of the bleeding.

A Request to my Readers.

2008-07-10T10:33:00.002-04:00

Hello family and friends! If you wouldn't mind, leave a comment here when you come to visit me.. every once in awhile.

There is a blogging term called "DeLurk" -- basically it means, come out of hiding!! :) hehe.. Just let me know that you're here. Just a simple "hello" will do..

And for those of you who don't know how to sign in with a Google account... (coughs -- Aunt Becky)... all you have to do as post as "Anonymous"... just be sure to sign your name so I know who you are...

Thanks everyone for this courtesy...

Hugs,
Cath

Summertime Fun :-)

2008-07-08T09:29:00.006-04:00

The kids were having some fun with their bikes.

Then Jonathan got an idea..

he wanted to pull Katie around like a motorcycle with a side car!! lol

After a long day of playing together, it's bathtime!!

Katie loves to wash Jonathan's hair for him!

Rinse Cycle! hehe

Happy Fourth of JULY!!

2008-07-05T11:49:00.007-04:00

I hope everyone is having a wonderful 4th of July weekend with their families!! Brian has been off this entire past week and for the next 2 weeks, so we have been busy do all sorts of things! Yesterday we went to our annual BBQ at our good friends house Karen and Rob.. they are always gracious and host this huge party year after year. It's always so much fun, lots of sun and pool time, and way too much food! This year didn't disappoint ;)

After we left the party we met up with our other best friends, the Weisses and went to the fireworks, which were so much fun! A perfect ending to a perfect day. Katie was in total awe of the fireworks this year. It was so fun to watch her watch them (last year we didn't go because they were rained out and the year before that she was too little to remember anything!)

I have lots more pics to share but I'll save them for the next post.. and they're not from the 4th of July anyway, and i have to keep it themed haha..Enjoy! :)

Two Patriotic Cuties!! (and their handsome Daddy)

Exploring with Josiah!

Silly Girl Bathing Beauty! (Don't get the water on me, Anyone)
More fun with Josiah!
Big Brave Jonathan!!!!
Snuggling up to a grandpa that was there (not hers!)

Meeting up with the Weisses for Fireworks!!!!

Ahhh! A very fun and full day!! Good night and God bless America!

Little Katie Grace Story

2008-06-26T13:05:00.002-04:00

Today Katie and I were hanging out on the floor playing and our bare feet were touching... she giggled everytime our toes touched, so I started doing it on purpose, loving that sweet giggle of hers.

I said.. "Are we playing 'toes Katie??"

Katie: "yesssss! .. Mommy! that Stickles!!!!"

hehee

JOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-24T11:57:00.004-04:00

I think we found our new school!!!!!! We went for an interview yesterday and Brian and I both felt a peace while we were there talking to the principal. The truths he spoke to us from God's word settled over us like cascades of water in a river... it was truly that obvious.

We left the school and just looked at each other, smiled. God has answered our prayers. We didn't feel the need to go visit the 3rd school on the list. This is The One.

A wise friend of mine told me it would be this way.. when we were in the right place, having had prayed about it and given this to God, who loves Jonathan even more then we do... then we would know. And you know what? We knew.

Thank you, Lord, for once again, taking care of us. We are excited again, about the future. God is so good!

Let the summer begin!!!!!!!!!!

a sad week

2008-06-19T18:00:00.003-04:00

Jonathan finished 1st grade yesterday. He did so well... Made high honor roll all year, all straight A's.. we are so proud of him. We love his school so much. We have been sending him to a Christian school for the past 2 years and haven't once regretted the extra money for tuition. We have been blessed more then we can ask or imagine with the teachers he's had the past 2 years, for Kindergarten and 1st grade.

We found out 2 weeks ago that his school is closing. :( We're so heartbroken. We trust that God knows the future. We know that He is the author of our lives. And we believe that He loves Jonathan more then even we do. We are uncertain about what to do, and right now our immediate future is unsettled for our little guy.

Yesterday was a hard day, saying goodbye to friends and teachers and people we've come to love. Sometimes life really stinks. But we're trying to remember that He is in control. And He loves us. And it's all going to be ok. I will update when we find a school for Jonathan. In the meantime I'd appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

OK.. grrrr.. but Carrie saves the day!

2008-06-08T17:33:00.002-04:00

anyone out there know a quick fix to what I just did to the posting of that last one?? ughhhh...

Sigh... I sucketh at photo posting. there always seems to be a problem!!

If I can't find a solution quick.. I'm sorry to everyone who has to click on each pic to see the whole thing. Yes, I'm rolling my eyes at my stupid blonde self!

ETA: Thank you, Carrie! My smart (un)blonde friend came to save the day!!! So my photos are fixed without too much ado!!! xoxo Carebear!! love you!

Memorial Day Fun !!!!

2008-06-08T16:23:00.004-04:00

Lauren, Katie, Hannah, Zach, and Jonathan

Katie Grace enjoying time on the trampoline :)

Zach and Katie on the horsey ("Gunka Don")

Me and Tracy -- ahhh not sure why we look wasted because we WEREn't! (Grandma Donna and Papa Jack, along with Nanny and Papa were there, so we really weren't!!!)

No party is ever complete of course without Aunt Becky!!!!!!!

And the fun daddies... and yes, Gunka Don was playing with Katie's bitty baby. I didn't ask questions.. just grabbed my camera!! ;)

God bless the USA!!!!!!!

Unspeakable...

2008-05-30T19:02:00.002-04:00

Several posts ago I asked you to pray for Todd and Angie Smith... her updates were on Angie's blog at http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/

Todd is the lead singer for Selah. For those following their story, you know that Baby Audrey was born and lived for 2 hours, 7 weeks ago before she went to be with our Father in Heaven. To say it's been a hard road for Todd and Angie, their 3 girls, and all of those that love them is an incredible understatement.

Last night i was reading on her blog and found out that Todd's sister Nicol, who was an original singer on Selah (and the reason we fell in love with them in the first place), lost her baby boy Luke to SIDS. We are just overwhelmed and so saddened to hear this news, right on the heels of the Steven Curtis Chapman family tragedy... we can only cry out to God and remind ourselves that our ways are not His ways, and that He is the author and finisher of life, and that we are comforted in knowing His hand is on each one of us, especially our children whom we hold so dear.

I am reminded of the wise words of my dear pastor Paul Hazlett whom has since gone on to be with the Lord, after we had Jonathan dedicated to Jesus as a baby. As he passed him back to our arms, he said gently to us,

"Hold him lightly now, for he belongs to Jesus."

Our prayers are with the Sponbergs tonight as they make arrangement for their littlest one, and they give him back to God.

Find updates on Angie's blog: http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/

Happy Anniversary to us! :)

2008-05-03T11:50:00.003-04:00

12 years and counting! Loving my man more today then ever. He has stuck by me through what could have been the hardest year yet... whew... He is truly one of the good ones..I am so blessed.

Looking forward to renewing our vows one year soon... I definitely don't deserve this man God gave to me. He is a gift.

Love you, Baby.

xoxoxo

Oh Happy Day!!

2008-04-24T14:43:00.002-04:00

2 things...

1) Brian is painting the kitchen!! I can't wait to show photos! We're doing a coffee theme and the walls will look like coffee with cream in it. (yay!)

2) Grey's Anatomy comes back tonight!! Whoohoo!!

that's all.

A Praise! (and a little toddler rant)

2008-04-12T11:15:00.002-04:00

Firstly... I am so excited... I got a job!!!! I am just... wow.. so happy about this, and about the way God provided this, I have to share. God is amazing!

OK.. this is how it happened...

Finances around here.. welllllllll, they've been tight. Squeaky tight. We've been on a strict budget for what seems like forever, but lately with only Brian working and having Jonathan in Christian school and with life expenses (barest of them)... it was becoming increasingly clearer for us that I needed to do something. However, there were a few things I was committed to. I am committed to being a mom, first. We are committed to keeping Jonathan in Christian school. And I am committed to staying with MOPS (I am on the committee. Soooo with all that in mind.. I set out on a quest to find the job that would fulfill those (very strict) requirements. It would, of course, also have to be worth it at all.. meaning, it would need to pay me well, so that I could help make a difference at all in our lives.

My friend Tracy and I are in the same boat, financially, except they are looking to put their house on the market so that they can move to a bigger house to accomodate their family.. and she has been a SAHM since the birth of her last child, Zach, who is the same age as Katie.

Tracy and I are now working girls for a friend of ours from church, Frank, who owns a very well established landscaping and drainage business... He is paying us great, letting us work from home or his office, and basically we are making telephone calls, helping Frank drum up business for the plumbing/drainage end of his business. The fun part is that we are doing this toGETHER.. (we are both opting to do it from his office.. we are going to go a couple of hours in the evening, hello?? get out of the house AND make money??) and on Saturday mornings. We have potential of making 30/hour (very easily I might add)... it's going to be fabulous.. and when our babies go to school, I see us both still working for him in a greater capacity!! Thank you, Lord! He is good all the time!!!

My little toddler rant (and I'll keep this short)... Katie said "I hate you!" to me this morning.... what???????????????????????????? No one says that to each other in this house. She says "Shut up!!!" when she's mad too. We don't talk to each other like that here... so unless Jonathan is saying these things to her when they're alone... I have no idea where she's getting this stuff from. But omgosh!!!
:( Very sad! What in the world??????? This mother/daughter thing is scaring me a bit.

Google Images Meme

2008-04-01T16:38:00.018-04:00

Type your answers in Google Images and pick an image off the first page:

The age you will be on your next birthday:

A place to which you’d like to travel:

(Australia)

One of your favorite places:

(it's where my heart is, always)

One of your favorite objects:

One of your favorite foods:

(this has to count. it's one of the food groups!)

Your favorite animal:

Your favorite color:

The first name of a past love:

(think American Idol a couple of years ago. Yes, I did love him. Despite the teeth)

The first name of your current love:

Your best friend’s nickname/screen name:

and, of course, my seester:

Your First Name:

(wish I looked like her)

Your Middle Name:

Your Last Name:

And TAG to whomever wants to do it! It took me forever though.. there has to be a better way, lol.. have fun!!!

Classic Katie

2008-04-01T16:30:00.003-04:00

Apparently Katie has decided she is no longer my little girl. Amid her curly ponytail and her pink t-strap Keds and her all of her "pretties" [that would be all of her shiny, sparkly jewels]... she has come to a conclusion that she voices with clear determination on a daily (well, an hourly) basis to us all.

"I'm a BOY!"

That says it all.

Unconscious Mutterings

2008-03-31T17:20:00.002-04:00

Free association--a psychoanalytic procedure in which a person is encouraged to give free rein to his or her thoughts and feelings, verbalizing whatever comes into the mind without monitoring its content--is what this post is all about...

1. You've got a friend :: for life!

2. Immigration :: Statue of Liberty

3. Waitress :: Tips

4. Snickers :: Candy Bar

5. Recognize :: Familiar

6. Concept :: New

7. Birthday :: Party!!

8. Told you so :: Rude

9. Unlikely :: Rare

10. Extension :: Hair

Tag: I tag whomever wants to do this... I love memes and whoever else likes them too, can do this with me! :) Cath

My little girl.

2008-03-17T17:52:00.005-04:00

She is an angel. I mean it! At least she looks like an angel. She has huge, black fringed gray eyes. She has a cute, pert little nose, and rosebud lips. She has dark ringlets, Shirley Temple style. She has the sweetest voice I've ever heard a baby have. It must be those curls, because I swear that poem has some truth to it...

There Was a Little Girl

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

There was a little girl

Who had a little curl

Right in the middle of her forehead.

When she was good

She was very good indeed,

But when she was bad she was horrid.

5 years!

2008-03-09T16:12:00.005-04:00

5 years ago this weekend I said hello and goodbye to Keelan Lark Prell, our miracle baby...the shortened story goes like this:

I was at my birthday party, having just turned 33, and all my girlfriends were over helping me celebrate with drinks and appetizers. I was 10 weeks pregnant with my 2nd, although I didn't know that I was still pregnant. You see, a few weeks earlier, I had found out I was pregnant, by some miracle, without any drugs or doctors help. Sadly, we quickly found out the baby wasn't implanted inside the womb, so the doctor had to give me a shot of Methotrexate, which would in essence attack any rapidly growing cells, i.e. my baby. :( and basically terminate the pregnancy. Knowing there was no other option, because medical science has no way of transporting this little tiny baby from the fallopian tube to the uterus at this point in medical history, we tearfully agreed to the shot. Brian held me as the nurse gave me the shot that would end the life that had against all odds begun and made us wonder and shake our heads at the whys and the hows of the ways of life.

Fast forward to my birthday party, 5 weeks later. We are all sipping wine, having a wonderful time, I'm actually relaxing and enjoying my friends and my birthday despite the heartbreak of "losing" my little one a few weeks earlier. All is well. I'm convincing myself it's ok to enjoy life a little bit, friends make things a bit better.

The next thing I know, I don't feel well. I mean, I really don't feel well. I look at my sister, who quickly takes my glass of wine and says.. Okkayy, maybe that's not a good idea. Then she says.."Cath, maybe just go upstairs and change into something a bit more comfy.. a pair of sweats or leggings or something..it's just us girls"... So I stand up to do that...and promptly pass out... The next thing I remember is sitting on the bottom of my stairs while all the girls are huddled around me .. someone is cleaning up.. someone has called my husband.. someone has called the ambulance... I can't stand up without passing out.. internal bleeding...

Long story short... The shot they gave me 5 weeks earlier didn't work. They checked my HCG levels every other day for 2 weeks after the shots and I even bled a normal-(ish) cycle after the shot.. but, all it did was bleed out my lining and all my levels went down. My little Keelan was still in there, growing at a normal rate .... talk about a strong baby!!! That was one strong boy for you!!! Little honey! They rushed me to the hospital and by then I was passing out on the table, couldn't keep conscious for anything by then, the bleeding had gotten so bad. Emergency surgery. My OB/GYNs were stunned to say the least, but for whatever reason, Keelan stayed with us longer then we all planned. He just wasn't ready to go to Heaven just yet, and he almost took me with him.

Why talk about him here? Because each year on my birthday I remember him. I will of course, never forget my baby. Each year I'm the only one who remembers, even my girlfriends who were here with me that night 5 years ago have forgotten. But I will never, ever forget. Even though his name isn't written anywhere here on earth, an official "Keelan was here, he existed, he was, and is, in Heaven"... His name is indelibly printed on my heart. And I, his Momma, will never, ever, EVER forget my baby. I will hold him someday in Heaven. And my heart still aches when I think about in my minds eye about a little 4 year old boy who should be running around with Jonathan and Katie now. But I am at peace. And I know he is with Jesus. And I am ok with that for now. Until we meet, my little one...Mommy loves you. Hugs and Kisses, xoxoxox

Keelan Lark means ~ Little slender bird that sang a beautiful song and then flew away

Speaking of Selah....

2008-03-09T12:24:00.003-04:00

Todd Smith of Selah and his wife Angie are parents of 3 beautiful little girls and expecting their 4th little girl, Audrey Caroline. Angie is having a difficult pregnancy to say the least. Little Audrey has a number of problems that make it medically impossible for her to survive, barring a miracle of God. You can read about their amazing faith journey http://www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com and join the thousands of people who are praying for Audrey and for Angie and Todd as they walk this road.

Selah's music has helped so many people through so many dark times.. my prayer is that the prayers of others will hold them up during this difficult time for them.

We're praying for you, Todd and Angie, and little Audrey Caroline.

Starstruck!!!

2008-02-24T19:02:00.005-04:00

Last night we went to see our F-A-V-O-R-I-T-E group of all time. Selah ...ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, they are ahhh- mazing. They are our all time favorite-take your breath away-incredible,-send chills up your spine Christian singers. They are truly amazing. The group consists of 3 singers, Todd Smith, Amy Perry, and Allan Hall. When Brian and I were first introduced to them, in 2003, it was right after we had lost our 2nd baby, Keelan Lark, and I was desperate to find some peace in the wake of what I thought was the worst thing to ever happen to me in my life. I looked up my favorite hymn "It Is Well With My Soul" online, and found a version sung by this group I had never heard of, and when I first listened to it, I sobbed and clung to the haunting vocals of these 3, and let the grace and peace of the lyrics just wash over me. Brian and I were just taken completely with the vocals on the song, and immediately ordered every CD of theirs we could get ahold of. When they arrived we listened to each one and just fell in love with the music of this amazing and talented group of musicians. At the time, Todd's sister, Nicole was a part of the group, but has since gotten married and left Selah (how dare she! *wink*) thus paving the way for Amy to join.

We have seen Selah in concert twice now, and last night was one of those times... OH. MY. GOODNESS. We went with our great friends Tracy and Don Weiss and their daughter, Lauren, to the concert. We had a BLAST. Yes, that was us, sitting in the front row, and yes, that was me waving frantically to Todd every time he came over to our side of the stage. *insert red face icon here* What a huge huge blessing to be a part of this night. We were thrilled to listen and to be surrounded by and to let this God filled music wash over us... and you can bet we sang along! Erm, well... whatever you want to call it. ;) We had fun anyway!

OK, to be fair, that photo up top is -- ahem-- edited, and it wasn't just the two of us (although in our hearts it was, right Todd????)

Here are the rest of the photos ;) Enjoy!

From left to right : Allan Hall, Lauren (my friend Tracy's awesome daughter, whom I not so graciously pushed out of the way so I could stand next to Todd and Amy.. ahem --love you, Laur!), my fabulous friend Tracy, Amy Perry, me, and my new boyfriend Todd, errr, I mean, Todd Smith of Selah (whom is happily married to Angie, of course) ;)

Here I am, unashamedly gushing over them. Think they've alerted security quite yet?

An Amazing Skit.. Please take a moment to watch this..

2008-02-21T01:31:00.002-04:00

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5

Jonathan and Katie dancing!!

2008-02-17T15:10:00.001-04:00

Time for a fun Question Meme Again!! :)

2008-02-07T21:36:00.000-04:00

Love these, girls!

1. What is your occupation? At the moment, I am a stay at home mommy to Katie Grace and Jonathan David. I used to be a teacher, however.

2. What color are your socks right now? No socks, but red slippers to match my red jammies.

3. What are you listening to right now? the hum of the computer.. both kids sleeping and Brian is at school tonight :)

4. What was the last thing you ate? I made an egg strada thing for dinner.

5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes, I can! Learned in the driveway with my Dad. :)

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? I think I'd be a glittery color like silver or gold. I like shiny things! :)

7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? my sister Becky

8. How old are you today? I am *gasp* 37

9. Favorite drink? Coffee, followed closely by iced tea and water :)

10. What is your favorite sport to watch? ice skating

11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Ahem. No! I naturally have the perfect dark blonde hair with these gorgeous highlights without any help at all! *cough*

12. Favorite reality TV show? American Idol

13. What was the last movie you watched? High School Musical 2 (so cute!)

14. Favorite day of the year? Christmas Eve

15. What do you do to vent anger? Definitely need to talk it out to a close friend, sometimes (ok, mostly) have a little cry while doing so. Always feels tons better after that and not angry anymore.

16. What was your favorite toy as a child? My purple Donny and Marie guitar!!!!!!

17. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Fall!! Christmas is coming soon that means!

18. Hugs or kisses? Absolutely hugs.

19. Cherries or blueberries? Cherries for me

20. Do you want your friends to email you back? Yes! (but i'm not always the best at emailing back... I kinda sucketh, so... ) eep.

21. Favorite dessert? Homemade brownies, YUMMY

22. Living arrangement? With my husband, my 2 kids, one cat, and several fish.

23. When was the last time you cried? Erm, tonight.

24. What is on the floor of your closet? oh my. shoes, pillows, dustbunnies, gift bags, more dustbunnies (they need friends!)

25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are going to tag? Carrie Beth ;) But I'm also tagging Karianne :)

26. What did you do last night? Went to my parents for dinner, watched American Idol.

27. Favorite smells? freshly bathed baby! dinner cooking! Candles burning..freshly laundered sheets... I can go on and on.. I'm very connected to my olfactory system, LOL!

28. What inspires you? men and women who walk closely with Jesus and keep their eyes on Him no matter the cost.

29. What are you afraid of? Losing my loved ones...

30. Plain, cheese, or spicy burgers? Plain, but with other stuff on there (mushrooms, avocado, YUM)

31. Favorite breed of dog? Collie.

32. How many years at your current job? 7 years and 4 mos.

33. Favorite day of the week? At the moment I think I love Mondays.. time to regroup again and it's quiet!! :)

34. How many states have you lived in? Just one, New York :)

35. Celebrity crush? I think deep down it's Simon from American Idol. I love that bossyness a little. (i'm embarrassed for admitting that here)

36. Ever driven a motorcycle or heavy machinery? Ahh, no.

37. Who is your favorite NFL team? The Bills!

38. Do you have a house phone that is not cordless? Yes, I have one in the kitchen -- just in case.

39. 10 inches of snow or 100 degree weather? 10 inches of snow.. hands down! I'm a Buffalo gal! 10 inches? Pshhaw! That's nothin!

2008-02-06T15:39:00.001-04:00

Jonathan and Katie stories....

2008-02-05T12:13:00.000-04:00

These 2 are funny...well, at least I think they're funny! And I'm enjoying so much being the one God chose to be their Mom... I'm praising Him that He thought me worthy enough to be theirs!! Thank you, Jesus!! You are amazing!

This will be a bit of a brag post if you can stand it. I'm bursting with love for my babies right now, so this will be all about them. *smile*

Jonathan is 7 and is usually happy and joyful... I say usually because he caught the "complainy-Janey" bug from his little sister, but he's got such a great sense of humor, that we can usually make him laugh and his complaints go away.... USUALLY ;)

His latest adventures include settting up "battlefields" in the living room made up of Lego guys, army guys, little Star Wars action figures, and whatever else he can use that will become a "good guy" or "bad guy"... he has and always has had a very active imagination, and sometimes needs a bit of help keeping focused on the tasks at hand... ahem. But for the most part does really well... needs a bit of prompting when it's time to clean up his toys/books/crafts/or whatever needs tidying, but will eventually do it. He also loves to draw out the battle on paper before it's taken place "in real life"... he's very meticulous about his drawing. Academically, he's doing great, too.. just made high honor roll again, and we're very happy with that, although he did tell me this morning that he'd much rather school was only "5 minutes long, Mom.. That makes so much more sense to me!" haha... Still a boy, and still, very much Jonathan. We love him so much.

Now, Katie Grace. Her vocabulary is astounding to us.. not that I really have anyone to compare her with... I'm just so thrilled that I can talk to her and actually communicate!!! Umm.. Aunt Becky, can, too, and so can Nanny, but Daddy? Not so much. She asked him for her music the other night at bedtime...I could hear them talking over the monitor...it went something like this...

Katie: "Daddy, sucis?"

Brian: "Ehh, circus?"

Katie: "ehh?"

Me, from downstairs, yelling: "Music! She's asking for her music!"

Brian: "ohhh you want your music, Baby?"

Katie: "Yes! Sucis, Daddy!! YES!"

So, lol.. not really a fair example to Daddy, because most words she does say pretty clearly, but that was too funny not to put in here...

Another example of my bright and beautiful one:

As we both peer into the pantry (hey, I was having a hungry day! And Katie loves looking into the pantry, it's one of her favorite places!)

"Mommy, I eat kocklat?"

"Mommy doesn't have any chocolate, sweetie" (with a big sigh, because secretly, that's what i was hoping for)

"Yes, Mommy, ight der! a-hind the ceree-o"

She could see a chocolate chip on the granola bar box, and it was peeking right behind the Cheerios! so guess what she got as a snack? Mmhmm... I couldn't help it, after finding that little bit of kocklat in the pantry, we both sat down and shared a chocolate chip granola bar!! :)

Also, she has informed me that her favorite color at the moment is "purpo"... and her favorite, favorite person in the whole wide world is still "Guy" aka Jonathan David Prell, her big bruvvo. She loves him more then anyone or anything else in her whole life (including me I think) and is overjoyed when she sees the school bus come and drop him off in the afternoons. Her first questions in the morning... "Is Guy donsteers? Is Guy a'skoo?"

The biggest news for Katie Grace is that I have registered her for 3 year old preschool in the fall... That doesn't mean she's going, by the way. I just had to reserve a spot, so I had to put down a deposit. I am not sure she will benefit anymore from going to the preschool then she will benefit from spending those 2 mornings with her Nanny and her Papa which she does right now, and I'm telling you what, she learns a whole bunch of stuff from the time she spends with them, not to mention that time is priceless she gets with my parents. But, because Brian and I were undecided, and we needed to save a spot, we put down the $50 and have registered her for Tuesday and Thursday mornings for September... Like I said, I'm not sure I'm ready for my last baby to be in school just yet. We shall see. :)

I think that's about it for updates from us.. I don't really have many photos to share, I might have one or two of them ... they love each other and are precious an amazing to us.. we are blessed more then we could ever ask or imagine with these two!!! God is amazing!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year from the Prells :)

2007-12-30T12:54:00.001-04:00

Some of these are from my mom's 70th birthday party brunch on the 23rd, and some are from Christmas day...

Brian, Great Grandma, Brian's mom, Katie, Me, and Jonathan

Betsy (my beautiful niece, at my mom's b-day party)

Brian and Jeff (my brother in law)

Betsy and Jonathan

Katie (nice face LOL)

Christmas morning!

More Christmas Day-- my mom and dad

My Dad, Katie and Nick's mom

The 4 of us:

My sister Susan, my Aunt Carolee, and my cousin Kristin

Aunt Becky and her boy

Happy 70th Birthday Mom!!!!!!

Mom and her 3 girls!!!!