The Chronicles Of Ree: Because I Said So!

I'm Backkkkk

2011-09-26T21:25:00.001-04:00

Sorry I haven't been around lately!!! Finding it hard to get to the computer these days...let alone post on my poor lonely blogs.

I do miss them!!

Now thanks to modern technology...
and my Android market...
I now have an app on my beloved phone...
without I wouldn't update my Facebook or Twitter statuses.

So now, hopefully, this will be the first of many more posts!!!

**Note to self----> Update backgrounds!!!

The 'WEIGHT' Is Over!!

2011-01-13T11:05:00.001-05:00

Follow this 'WEIGH'---->

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

I'm Ready...I'm Ready...I'm Ready!!

2011-01-04T10:16:00.002-05:00

I'm pushing myself to be be better for the New Year!!
Check it out HERE!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Tiny Pieces REPOST

2010-12-22T07:03:00.001-05:00

Original post: 12/7/08
"Long ago, a glittering star led the way to a Holy Child.

And today it is said that snowflakes are tiny pieces of that very star, sent to lead our hearts anew to Jesus, the Light of the World."

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

To my little Princess....

2010-12-21T10:28:00.003-05:00

My bloggy friend posted this on her blog recently, so I thought I'd share...

Part of me wishes you could stay this age forever,

while another part can't wait to see

the woman you grow up to be!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Christmas Crown REPOST

2010-12-21T06:57:00.000-05:00

Original Post: 12/6/08

A circular wreath is an emblem of Christmas, perfection, and unity. The holy wreath first symbolized Christ's suffering and ultimate triumph over death.

It's sharp pointed leaves resemble the crown of thorns worn by Jesus on the cross.

The red berries represent drops of his blood.

Wreaths were later formed using evergreen boughs, which remain colorful in winter,

to illustrate that Jesus has eternal life.

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

There's No Man Like A Snowman REPOST

2010-12-21T06:09:00.000-05:00

The Meaning of the Snowman
Original post: 12/5/08

The white snow stands for the purity of souls filled with Gods grace.
The circular snowballs represent Gods everlasting love.
The pieces of coal used to make the eyes, mouth and buttons symbolize Gods almighty power.
The carrot nose reminds us that God gives us everything we need to live and grow.
The scarf suggests the warmth of Gods tender care.
The top hat reminds us always to keep faith our top priority.
The twig arms are outstretched to us, as God's always are.
The broom made of straw and wood signifies that Jesus was born and died to cleanse us of sin.
May your heart be ever warmed by the good news of Gods great love for you!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Holy Christmas Treat REPOST

2010-12-20T07:47:00.000-05:00

Story of the Candy Cane:
Original post: 12/2/08

It's just a little Christmas treat, but also (did you know?) it represents our Savior born so long ago.

The shape is like a "J" to symbolize His name. The white is for His life, holy, without blame.

And the stripe of red is for His blood so pure and freely given that

we might spend eternity with our Lord in heaven!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Two Good Men

2010-11-22T07:06:00.002-05:00

In less than
one month
CANCER
took
2
GOOD
MEN!!

On October 25, 2010

Joesph Rhodes Sr. was taken by this terrible disease!!

RIP Joe
11/20/48 - 10/25/10

Then,

.... on Joe's
birthday....

this man was taken

Jeffrey Smith Sr.

RIP Jeff

10/15/61 - 11/20/10

I HATE CANCER!!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas.....Cards By Shutterfly That Is!!

2010-11-11T11:56:00.007-05:00

As most people do, especially those with small children, I love the holiday season!!

I love the decorating, putting up the tree and doing my Christmas cards!
Every year, since my daughter's been born, I've done photo cards.
I love them!! I love making them!! I love giving them!!
It's such an easy process. Anyone can do it! It's also a great time saver, as I don't have to fill out every one because it's all printed out for you!! With a full time job, a house and a 5 year old to take care of, I don't have much time to spare!!
This year I'm using Shutterfly!!
I've used them in the past and I love the finished product!
I've searched through their Holiday Photo Card selection
and found some really nice designs!!

Like this:
I love that it fits 4 photos, so I can have one of each kid and one of the 3 of them!
I also LOVE snowflakes!!

Going with the snowflake theme is this:
As well as snowmen, which I also love. One photo of the 3 of them would fit nicely!

I love the simpleness of this one:
Again, 4 spots: one of each, one group.
I do like 'Happy Holidays' b/c it covers all the winter holidays!!

I really like that this one is so simple!
Love the brown and again...4 spots.

They also have a nice selection of Folded cards!!

Here is my fav!!

4 spots and so fun & festive looking!!

And this one I also love!!!

It has a spot for your last name initial, plus the year!!
And the black and white photos are awesome!!

Wow, I've got some work ahead of me trying to figure out which one I want!!!
In the mean time, I'll have fun doing a photo shoot with my crew!
I can't wait to do take after take until I get the perfect shots!!
Then, I can try them in the different card styles and decide which card they look best in!!

OOOOO...can't wait!!!

Oh,
and you can even make
photo cards for the New Year!!

Enjoy your card making process....
I WILL!!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Where Does The Time Go?

2010-09-02T09:37:00.005-04:00

Where oh where does it go?

I can't believe that:

--> the summer is over!
--> school has started!!
--> Nick is a Senior!!
--> my baby is in Kindergarten already!!!

Check out her photos HERE!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Another ^ANGEL^ earns Her ^WINGS^....

2010-08-15T11:01:00.006-04:00

At 1:25 this morning,
Carmen Alesandra Coddington took her last breath.
She left this earth peacefully with her daddy by her side and flew straight into the arms of her Heavenly Father.

Please take a moment and say a prayer for her and her family;
mom & dad Lana and Dave, big sister Lauren and baby sister Hope.

Carmen was a 4 year old afflicted with Tay Sachs, AB Variant.

^j^^i^^j^^i^^j^^i^^j^^i^^j^

Check this out!

Bless yo sweet
^CARMEN^

You are
HOME
with
the
LORD

♥♥♥♥♥

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

5 Years of SUNSHINE!!....

2010-08-10T05:10:00.001-04:00

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

I can't believe it's been
5 years!!

♥♥♥♥♥♥

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

My beautiful princess,
you are growing
so fast
everyday!!

♥

You
light up
our lives
and
make us
laugh so hard!!

♥

You put smiles on our faces
everyday!!
Especially me!!

♥

You are
♥special♥
♥priceless♥
a true blessing!!
I am so
grateful that
the
LORD
chose

ME
to be
your
MOMMY!!!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

I
♥loved♥
you
before
you were born!I
♥♥loved♥♥
you
even more
the day you were born!AND
I
♥♥♥♥LOVE♥♥♥♥
YOU
MORE♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
&
MORE AS THE DAYS GO BY AND TIME GOES ON!!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY
TO
MY
♥♥♥HEART♥♥♥

I
♥♥LOVE♥♥
YOU
TO THE
MOON
AND
BACK!!

LOVE,
MOMMY

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

In The Moment!!

2010-05-18T11:19:00.004-04:00

So yesterday I asked Shea
to go get me something from
the kitchen.

Her reply...

"WAIT,
I'm having a moment here!"

Ummmm...ok?!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Which way do I go George? Which way do I go?

2010-05-11T12:46:00.004-04:00

I get so confused at times!
Not knowing
which path to take...
which direction to go...
HE doesn't always answer right away...
but HE does answer!!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Window Shopping...I WANT One!!

2010-05-07T11:54:00.003-04:00

Oh
how
I
♥
this car...

Just not sure what color I want.

But,
I'm sure
**snicker snicker**
by the time
I
get
one
I'll
decide
on
the color.
**hehe**

Wishful thinking...
I know.

Hey,
a girl
can
dream
can't she??
lol

Just for
kicks & giggles
you can go
HERE
and
design
your
very own!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Princess' Pre-K Performance

2010-05-07T11:38:00.001-04:00

Check THIS out!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

2010-04-25T14:22:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Baby Brother!!! =*

The Benefits Of...

2010-04-12T08:50:00.006-04:00

...walking to/from school!

Weather/work schedule permitting, I walk Shea to school and then walk to go pick her up!

Here are some benefits to this activity:

~ exercise
~ time to myself
~ time with Shea
~ saves on gas
~ better for the environment
~ don't have to fight to find a parking spot
~ don't have to wait to leave parking spot
~ no dealing with school traffic
~ lots of SUNSHINE!!!
~ fresh air

Can you think of anymore benefits?
Let me know!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

1 Year Already...WOW!

2010-04-05T21:03:00.002-04:00

Today
is
^Mark^'s
1 year
^ANGEL^versary!

We
miss you
&
love you
so
much!!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Easter Candy

2010-04-04T09:48:00.005-04:00

This post isn't about the Easter candy you may be thinking of.

It's actually about something even sweeter...

the REAL Easter candy!!

You see Easter isn't really about all the commercialized
goodies

like this

or this

or even these

Just like Christmas,
we tend to get lost in all these
things and forget about
what the true meaning of the holiday is
REALLY about...

It is about
HIM

about what HE DID for us

and

the amazing gift

HE

gave us!!!

So as you bite into that
yummy chocolate bunny,
peel a colorful hard boiled egg
or
find that goodie filled plastic egg,

REMEMBER THIS

and how much

~SWEETER~

that gift is!

"In the bonds of Death He lay

Who for our offense was slain;
But the Lord is risen to-day,
Christ hath brought us life again,
Wherefore let us all rejoice,
Singing loud, with cheerful voice,
Hallelujah!"
-- Martin Luther

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Wo Wo Wonderful Weekend!!!

2010-03-30T12:02:00.002-04:00

I had a wonderful weekend!!!
Nothing better
than
spending
time
with
family!!

Check it out!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Meh Monday :(

2010-03-29T10:37:00.002-04:00

I
hate
'rainy'
MONDAYS!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Jazzed Up...

2010-03-29T10:34:00.001-04:00

foe EASTER!!

Finally got a minute to
switch my blogs
over
from
St. Patty's Day deco
to
Springy Easter deco!!
Yay!!

Now if only
I could
find time
to
write...

>>>>>>>STAY TUNED<<<<<<

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

It's gonna be a 'STEAMY' summer!!!

2010-03-15T12:23:00.004-04:00

Can't wait......

Grab your own:

06.30.10

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Ree's Ribbons

2010-02-24T05:22:00.001-05:00

~ Since being back to work, I have been having a hard time fitting in my internet time, especially my blogs. Well that and lack of ideas. I never claimed to be a good writer...haha.

~ My picture taking has suffered, as well. This is not only sad b/c it means less photos to share,
but that I am missing important ones!! For instance, CHRISTMAS!!! I do not have one image taken from the holidays, esp. Shea in her Christmas dress. Having to work on Christmas day was a true bummer!!

~ I do, however, vow to TRY putting a bit more attention to these 2 areas.
Just PLEASE bare w/me!!

~ And in case you are skeptical...HEY I am writing a post now, aren't I???

~ Ok, so a little about what's going on. Well, my latest obsession is this
...the Rice ones. Can't seem to get enough lately. A big bowl for breakfast [or lunch, dinner or snack;)] sprinkled w/some Splenda [or it's equivalent]...YUMMMM!!!

~ I really need to get back online and hit these sites that everyone is talking about!! I could really use a way to SAVE some of my hard earned $$$$!!! That is for sure!!
There are also a few others I need to go check to earn some cash, as well!!

~ I'm STILL trying to balance work & home....very slowwwwwwllllyyyy...heehee

~ I REALLY need to get back on the band wagon and start exercising more!!!
I am just so tired!! And have NO motivation, at all!! meh :(

~ I finally relinquished 'some' of my laundry duties over to the boys. They are now responsible for their own!! Less work for me, but a constant pile of clothes down in the basement!! ha oh well!!

~ Another addiction right now... THIS ...again, can't seem to get enough!!!

~ Just wanted to share my basic schedule:
Wed. [Split] 7am-9am & 2pm-9pm... Thurs. 12pm-9pm...Fri. 1pm-9pm [but I have a 7am-3pm once a month...like this Fri. YEA!!] & Sat. 7am-9pm...yes 14hrs. A VERY tiring day!! Then off for 3: Sun.-Tues.

~ I'm really procrastinating my next project....to organize & perge Shea's room!!! Well, that and finding the right storage I want!!

Oh well, that's it for now.

Until next time...

FIN

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

My Little Girl Is...

2010-02-23T09:06:00.005-05:00

...getting
so
BIG!

...in ♥LOVE♥

with KYLE!!
And according to his mom,
the feeling is quite mutual!!

So cute!!!

I've actually witnessed him watching her...
he is mesmerized!!!
Too funny!!

3.

...friends
with
these
2 cuties!!

This is Nick & Taylor.
They are a couple, too!!

FYI: Nick was actually Shea's first ♥ at the beginning of the school year.
I think mostly because his name was the same as her brother's.
But it didn't take her long to figure out that her true ♥
was
♥KYLE♥

They are way too cute at this age!!
Just think,
by 2nd-3rd grade
they'll dislike each other
and
have cooties!!

tee hee

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

2010-01-19T12:43:00.003-05:00

So yesterday
was my
birthday...

and now that I am older,
I'm not too much into celebrating it.

Not in a big hoohaha way,
anyway.

I did spend it
very
lowww
key,
however...

Spending
most of the day

HERE:

watching
this:

as well as,

napping...

I relaxed
and
ate
THIS:

Later,
hubby made dinner for the gang
[cheese steaks]

while I
baked a piece
of
Tilapia
for myself.
[And ate it with the leftover onions & mushrooms from the CSs.]

I did not
have
a
traditional
birthday cake...

Instead
I had
THESE:

[which, btw, I made myself!!]

So, you see...
nothing
spectacular
nothing
amazing

just
a
lazy
day!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

On this day in 1929....

2010-01-15T10:11:00.003-05:00

Martin Luther King Jr.

was born.

August 28, 1963:

Happy
81st
Birthday

MLK
Jr.!!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

The Blessings On Thee: A Job, Free School, Great Family...Needed Work & The Lord's Love For ME!!!!

2010-01-15T09:54:00.007-05:00

1.) A job!!!

2.) Free Pre-K!!!

3.) Great in-laws who watch Shea!!!

4.) Some work this week for hubby!!!

5.) The LORD's constant blessings & LOVE!!!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

COMING SOON!!!!!

2010-01-12T14:03:00.002-05:00

I PROMISE
I will
give
some
LOVIN'
attention
to this
poor
neglected blog...

...to be continued....

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Red & White Stripes...

2009-12-09T11:30:00.003-05:00

This holiday candy treat has a very special meaning!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Birthday Wishes!!

2009-11-06T08:20:00.003-05:00

Hope you

enjoy

your

44th!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Ree's Ribbons ~~~~~

2009-11-04T09:47:00.002-05:00

Ree...

~ is sipping Green Mountain Hazelnut Creme coffee.

~ is suffering* --along with her lil girl...who ♥s to do everything w/mom--from a cold!

~ feels bad that Princess is soooo congested, but happy she has NO fever!!

~ is soooooo happy for all her peeps who have given birth these past few months:
- Bloggy friend Michelle!
- Niece Diana!
- School friends: Joanne & Chantell!
- Bloggy friend Rebecca!
- Friend Donna!

~ is getting very nervous about her orientation/training coming up this Monday!!

~ is hoping she is feeling better before then!!

~ is stressing about the 2 week training schedule (8am-4:30pm) and who will pick up Princess & watch her!!

~ is also stressing about her work schedule** and again who will be able to watch Princess!!

~ is NOT looking forward to this work schedule**...esp. Saturdays**!!

~ is very happy for an old friend. I am so proud of them, getting their life back together!!

~ is---other than folding some clothes and changing my bed--doing nothing today, but laying down!!

*Achy, cough & congestion, stuffy head, runny nose, headache, sore scratchy throat :(
** Wed. & Thurs. - 7am-9am & 2pm-9pm or 1pm-10pm
Fri. - 1pm-9pm
Sat. - 7am-9pm

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Please PRAY for STELLAN!!!

2009-10-28T09:33:00.001-04:00

Prayers

are

needed

for this

PRECIOUS

little

BOY!!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

♪ Lies Lies Lies Yea, They're Gonna Get You ♫

2009-10-28T08:32:00.005-04:00

This seems to be the tune playing in my head a lot lately!!
For good reason, as it seems that MANY people around me these days are full of them!!

Let me back up a tad...

I've noticed as I get older that I have less and less of this:

LORD knows I am leaning on HIM to improve it
-- HE is the BEST teacher, after all --
besides having a little one that I really need to practice it with.
So I am a work in training.

Anyway, this problem is aggravated by many things:

Ignorant people...

Rude drivers...

Fakers...

The list could go on and on...

But the WORST is
LIARS!!!!

I wrote this as my FB status yesterday, and it is SOOO true!!
"It's not the lying that bothers me. It's the fact that people think I'm stupid enough to believe them that does."

Do I have the word IDIOT

written

across

forehead???

I don't know what it is, or even why these people feel the NEED to do it!!

Whether it be a little white one

to make themselves

or their family members look better

a big one

just because

it makes them

feel better

about

themselves

...idk!!

Unfortunately, I have many -- TOO MANY-- people in my life that do this!!

I am talking FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!!

One in particular, is a close relative AND a pathological liar!!

Others are just friends & family that have to streeeeetch the truth to make themselves look better!

They

all

could easily

put this

on their

back

windshield!!

Seriously, are they that insecure that they need to do this to people

that ♥ love ♥ them no matter what??

I just don't get it!!

Now, I am by no means perfect or innocent in the lying department.

Let's face it, we ALL do it a one point or another.

But, it's usually small ones to protect ones feelings or devert a confrontation, etc.

Right or wrong, it's in GOOD meaning.

But these other people...well, there is just NO GOOD meaning in their lies...NONE!!

And it eerks me to no end!!!

Then to think that I am stupid enough to believe what they are telling me...ugh!!

Most of these people have been doing it for years...basically as long as I've known them.

And for the most part, I let it go

taking everything they say with a grain of salt.

But it seems that my patience for it has dwindled and they have actually gotten worse, as well!!

And it is so funny to me when you call a person on something, they do and say all they can to defend themselves, think that you just forgot about it and then try to play you some more...HELLO??!!!

Oh, I could go on and on about this, but I won't...I just needed to vent!!

What do you think about this subject?

Am I alone or do you feel the same??

Please...share!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

It's All About HOPE!!!

2009-10-12T17:22:00.005-04:00

Gasps as Obama awarded Nobel Peace Prize

By KARL RITTER and MATT MOORE, Associated Press Writers Karl Ritter And Matt Moore, Associated Press Writers – Fri Oct 9, 6:04 pm ET

OSLO – The announcement drew gasps of surprise and cries of too much, too soon. Yet President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday because the judges found his promise of disarmament and diplomacy too good to ignore.

The five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee — four of whom spoke to The Associated Press, said awarding Obama the peace prize could be seen as an early vote of confidence intended to build global support for the policies of his young administration.

They lauded the change in global mood wrought by Obama's calls for peace and cooperation, and praised his pledges to reduce the world stock of nuclear arms, ease U.S. conflicts with Muslim nations and strengthen its role in combating climate change.

"Some people say — and I understand it — 'Isn't it premature? Too early?' Well, I'd say then that it could be too late to respond three years from now," Thorbjoern Jagland, chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, told the AP. "It is now that we have the opportunity to respond — all of us."

Jagland said the committee whittled down a record pool of 205 nominations and had "several candidates until the last minute," but it became more obvious that "we couldn't get around these deep changes that are taking place" under Obama.

Obama said he was surprised and deeply humbled by the honor, and planned to travel to Oslo in December to accept the prize.

"Let me be clear: I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments, but rather as an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations," he said at the White House. "To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize."

Obama will donate the $1.4 million cash award that comes with the prize to charity.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, who won the prize in 1984, said the decision showed that great things are expected from Obama and "wonderful recognition" of his effort to reach out to the Arab world after years of hostility.

"It is an award that speaks to the promise of President Obama's message of hope," Tutu said.

Many were shocked by the unexpected choice so early in a presidency that began less than two weeks before the Feb. 1 nomination deadline for the prize and has yet to yield concrete achievements in peacemaking.

"So soon? Too early. He has no contribution so far. He is only beginning to act," said former Polish President Lech Walesa, who won the peace prize in 1983.

Some around the world objected to the choice of Obama, who still oversees wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has launched deadly counterterrorism strikes in Pakistan and Somalia.

Jagland told AP that while the war in Afghanistan was a concern, the Obama administration "immediately started to reassess the strategy."

"That itself is important, because when something goes wrong, then you need to ask yourself why is it going wrong," he said.

Obama said he was working to end the war in Iraq and "to confront a ruthless adversary that directly threatens the American people and our allies" in Afghanistan, where he is seriously considering increasing the number of U.S. troops on the ground and asking for help from others as the war enters its ninth year.

Taliban spokesman Qari Yousef Ahmadi in Afghanistan condemned the Nobel committee's decision, saying Obama had only escalated the war and had "the blood of the Afghan people on his hands."

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki called the Nobel decision "hasty."

"The appropriate time for awarding such a prize is when foreign military forces leave Iraq and Afghanistan and when one stands by the rights of the oppressed Palestinian people," he was quoted as saying by the Mehr news agency.

Aagot Valle, a lawmaker for the Socialist Left party who joined the Nobel committee this year, said she hoped the selection would be viewed as "support and a commitment for Obama."

"And I hope it will be an inspiration for all those that work with nuclear disarmament and disarmament," she told AP in a rare interview. Members of the committee usually speak only through its chairman.

The peace prize was created partly to encourage ongoing peace efforts, but Obama's efforts are at far earlier stages than those of past winners, and the committee acknowledged they may not bear fruit at all.

"If everything goes wrong, then one cannot say that this was because of Barack Obama," Jagland said. "It could be that it is because of us, all the others, that didn't respond. But I cannot exclude that Barack Obama also can contribute to the eventual failure."

In Europe and much of the world, Obama is praised for bringing the U.S. closer to mainstream global thinking on such issues as climate change and multilateralism. A 25-nation poll of 27,000 people released in July by the Pew Global Attitudes Project found double-digit boosts to the percentage of people viewing the U.S. favorably in countries around the world. That indicator had plunged across the world under President George W. Bush.

The award appeared to be at least partly a slap at Bush from a committee that harshly criticized Obama's predecessor for his largely unilateral military action in the wake of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

"Those who were in support of Bush in his belief in war solving problems, on rearmament, and that nuclear weapons play an important role ... probably won't be happy," said Valle.

At home, the picture is more complicated. Obama is often criticized by his political opponents as he attempts to carry out his agenda — from government spending to health care to Afghanistan.

Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele said Obama won because of his "star power" rather than meaningful accomplishments.

"The real question Americans are asking is, 'What has President Obama actually accomplished?'" Steele said.

Drawing criticism from some on the left, Obama has been slow to bring troops home from Iraq and the real end of the U.S. military presence there won't come until at least 2012.

The Nobel committee said it paid special attention to Obama's vision of a nuclear-free world, laid out in a speech in Prague and in April and at the United Nations last month.

Former Peace Prize winner Mohamed ElBaradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, said Obama has already provided outstanding leadership on nuclear non-proliferation.

"He has shown an unshakable commitment to diplomacy, mutual respect and dialogue as the best means of resolving conflicts," ElBaradei said.

In July talks in Moscow, Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev agreed that their negotiators would work out a new limit on delivery vehicles for nuclear warheads of between 500 and 1,100. They also agreed that warhead limits would be reduced from the current range of 1,700-2,200 to as low as 1,500. The U.S. now has about 2,200 such warheads, compared to about 2,800 for the Russians.

There has been no word on whether either side has started to act on the reductions.

Obama also has tried to restart stalled Mideast talks with no progress yet reported.

In the Gaza Strip, leaders of the radical Hamas movement said they had heard Obama's speeches on better relations with the Islamic world but had not been moved.

"We are in need of actions, not sayings," Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said. "If there is no fundamental and true change in American policies toward the acknowledgment of the rights of the Palestinian people, I think this prize won't move us forward or backward."

Obama has said that battling climate change is a priority. Yet the U.S. seems likely to head into crucial international negotiations set for Copenhagen in December with Obama-backed legislation still stalled in Congress.

Unlike the other Nobel Prizes, which are awarded by Swedish institutions, the peace prize is given out by the five-member committee elected by the Norwegian Parliament. Like the Parliament, the panel has a leftist slant, with three members elected by left-of-center parties and two right-of-center members. Jagland said the decision to honor Obama was unanimous.

The secretive committee declined to say who nominated Obama. In Nobel tradition, nominations are kept secret for 50 years, unless those making the submissions go public about their picks. This year's nominations included Colombian activist Piedad Cordoba, Afghan woman's rights activist Simi Samar and Denis Mukwege, a physician in war-torn Congo who opened a clinic to help rape victims.

Nominators for the prize are broad and include former laureates; current and former members of the committee and their staff; members of national governments and legislatures; university professors of law, theology, social sciences, history and philosophy; leaders of peace research and foreign affairs institutes; and members of international courts of law.

Obama is the third sitting U.S. president to win the award: President Theodore Roosevelt won in 1906 and President Woodrow Wilson was awarded the prize in 1919.

In his 1895 will, Alfred Nobel stipulated that the peace prize should go "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations and the abolition or reduction of standing armies and the formation and spreading of peace congresses."

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Ree Is.....

2009-09-29T09:59:00.002-04:00

counting down the hours...nervously...until my interview @ 2pm here!!

Wish
me
luck!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Ree's Ribbons

2009-09-26T10:54:00.004-04:00

Ree...

--> hopefully found a job--I have an interview @ Bancroft on Tuesday,
and it should go well!

--> is very happy w/my decision to put Shea in our local school's Pre-K program!!

I'm extremely happy with her teacher--and assistant!!
But still a little worried as to who is going to watch her if I do get this job. --It will only be for a few hours in the afternoon, until Nick gets home from school, on Wed. -Fri.

--> still HATES mosquitos, but they aren't much of a nuisance right now with the cooler weather.

--> has been watching what she eats and getting some exercise!

Been walking Shea either to school or from school.
Hoping to do both this week--Shea & weather permitting!!
Has lost 4 lbs. this week!!

--> is still excited--and nervous and scared and happy-- about going back to work!!

--> would still LOVE to go back to my old job and hopes to go back one day!!

--> is very happy to have her driveway back after months!!

--> is thankful that this past week has brought good news and good things even in the midst of the not so good things!!

--> is still suffering from these dangit sinus headaches!!

--> is looking forward to earning some $$$ and getting caught up on all our bills!

--> is NOT looking forward to the hours I'll have to work, but glad they aren't overnight!!

--> is still ALWAYS and everyday putting it all into the LORD'S hands and praising Him for what He has given us!

--> is humbled by HIS grace!!

--> is wishing everyone a great weekend!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Today Would Have Been...

2009-09-05T05:12:00.002-04:00

our nephew

Mark's

22nd

Birthday!!

We plan to take some birthday balloons

and visit his grave,

the 5 of us,

together

as a family.

It will certainly be a very hard

day for us.

Remembering

his smile,

his laugh,

the way he made us smile!!

This year

there will be

no cake

no candles

no presents

but

there will be

plenty of

memories

celebration

♪ Happy Birthday To Yous ♫

as well as

tears

smiles

as we remember the bad times

the good times

know that

is in

good place!!

Big Guy!!

We ♥ you

Miss you

terribly!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

True Blessings: Great Weather ~ GOD's Creations ~ The Time To Enjoy It ~ The LORD Above ~ The Kids I Love >> These Keep My ♥ Lit!!!

2009-09-04T09:43:00.005-04:00

Beautiful weather ♥!!
God's creations-esp. the Haddon Lake!!
Time to just chill!!
My dear children!
The Lord's unending LOVE!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Please Pray For Molly Grace!!

2009-09-03T14:18:00.003-04:00

Molly has been in the hospital

due to fluid in her lungs.

While the fluid has cleared up,

her lung is now partially collapsed.

There really isn't anything they can do for it, for her.

Molly was released today and taken home.

Her final diagnosis is atelectasis,

which means her lungs are not fully inflated.

She is at the end stages of

Tay Sachs

with declining pulminary function.

The doctor told the family she could be here

for months. It depends on how hard

Miss Molly wants to fight.

Molly has had these health issues before,

but she wasn't as advanced in the disease as she is now,

so it's just getting harder and harder for her

little body to fight it.

Please pray that she will be comfortable,

as well as, for her family when the

time comes for her to

earn her wings.

You can send Molly Grace some well wishes Here!!

For more information on Tay Sachs Disease

please visit these sites:

Cure Tay Sachs Foundation

NTSAD

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

New Look!!

2009-09-03T09:27:00.003-04:00

I decided to change up the look of the blog
in honor of
~ Nick's new school year as a JUNIOR--he started yesterday--
and
~ Shea's first days of school in Pre-K--starting next week...Tuesday!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Weekend To Par-Tey!!!!

2009-08-30T21:40:00.004-04:00

So this weekend

we had

not one,

but two

birthday parties!!

Both kiddies

- celebrated their parties

on their actual day of birth

and

- turned the big

On Saturday,

we --the whole family--

headed to a swim party for

this handsome little guy,

our nephew

Joe Joe.

He had a pirate/underwater theme.

There was dress up like a pirate time

and a real pirate

[Grandpop Douglas]

came for a visit, too!

His cake was a shark

along with some shark & beach themed

cupcakes!

YUM!!

The tots pulled strings to release the treats in a

pirate skull piñata

and

played a game of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey

for some cool prizes

--everyone won--!!

It turned out to be a great day

despite the earlier showers

and

everyone had a fun time!!

----------------------------------------

On Sunday,

we--Shea & I--

headed over to our pals'

--me-Donna & Shea-Laurel--

for a pizza party

for this little lovely

Laurel.

She had a Strawberry Shortcake theme

and a

BIG cake, too!!

The kiddos took turns pulling ribbons

on a piñata for some goodies

and

each got a goody bag, as well!

We had a nice time

meeting their family and

getting to spend time with them!

I even got to hold this little guy

for a bit!!!

Laurel's

baby brother

Michael

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Blessings Friday: Rainy Edition - More Work ~ A Nice Day To Chill ~ Gelatis To My Fill ~ A Work Opportunity & More ~ Another Opened Door!!

2009-08-28T15:50:00.006-04:00

Another week of work for hubby!
An opening @ my old job [even though I couldn't go back]
A gorgeous day yesterday to just chill!
Gelatis [vanilla soft serve & choco-chip water ice]...yum!
A second chance interview!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Veggie Tales Tears

2009-08-27T20:29:00.004-04:00

I heard Shea whining in another room this afternoon,

so I asked her what was wrong.

Her reply,

"I'm cutting onions and crying."

lol

too cute!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Gonna Need A Job For These...

2009-08-27T05:58:00.005-04:00

OMG...

Have ypu seen the new stuff

GYMBOREE

yet???

CAN

YOU

SAY

SUPER

C.U.T.E.

????

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

IMPORTANT Message for all Drivers--Especially Teens!!!

2009-08-26T09:01:00.001-04:00

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Guess Who I Saw....

2009-08-25T07:46:00.004-04:00

in this week's issue of

PEOPLE

????

????????

As I was browsing thru,

I came across this page of

celebrity babes

and

their Baby Blog reader

look-a-likes.

Look closely...

One of our bloggy friend's baby boy is

among these lil' darlings...

Did ya spot him???

↓

Here's a close-up....

It's our very own

MIRACLE BLOGGY BABE

HIMSELF!!!

CONGRATS STELLAN!!!

♥♥♥♥

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Ree's Ribbons

2009-08-23T19:02:00.007-04:00

Ree...

--> is still looking for a job!!

--> is getting nervous about how Shea & preschool are going to work out:

Should I just enroll her in the local elementary school's FREE program--which is only ½ day and then take her out and put her in the paid preschool if & when I do get a full time job? or
Use this program and see if that paid preschool has a take/pick up and just send her there for the other part of the day?

--> is hating mosquitos!!

--> is still trying to watch what she eats & exercise as much as possible!!

--> is still unmotivated and has lack of energy!!

--> is headed to the doctor's this Wednesday for a number of things--don't worry...nothing serious!!

--> is ADDICTED to Wyler's Light Cool Raspberry **And is happy to say that I get them for $1 @ Walgreens & Dollar General!!

--> is excited--and nervous and scared and happy...--at the prospect of going back to work!!

--> is confessing that I REALLY would like to go back to my old job b/c I am familiar and comfortable there!!

--> is extremely irritated that I still cannot use my driveway--after 3 weeks--while the borough is making upgrades on the side street [unfortunately where my driveway is] next to our house!!!
--> is REALLY REALLY HATING mosquitos!!

--> is hoping that this coming week brings good news and good things!!

--> is always and everyday putting it ALL into the LORD's hands and praising Him for EVERYTHING He has bestowed upon us!!

--> is wishing everyone a lovely week!!

PS...Thanks her bloggy friend Shelly for her idea of random factoids!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Blessings...Small Jobs Help Us Thru ~ A Nice Landlord ~ Family, too. ~ Time With My Girl ~ The Lord's Grace ~ These Things Keep Me In A Humble Place!

2009-08-21T18:32:00.006-04:00

A couple small jobs for hubby
A co-operating landlord
A fun day spent with our Princess
My (in-law) family
The Lord's Grace

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Wordless Wednesday: Half Cheese

2009-08-19T10:01:00.001-04:00

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Wordless Wednesday: My '4' Year Old

2009-08-12T14:54:00.003-04:00

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

To My Precious Princess...

2009-08-10T05:42:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th Birthday

BEAUTIFUL

Baby Girl!!

You came into our life

4 years ago

and

brightened

our

days...

We are so

blessed

happy

to have you

our

lives!!!

Check out how she has grown

through the years!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Bright Mornings To Start Anew ~ My Kids & Family Too ~ Shelter ~ Food ~ The Lord's Love: These Things Are All From Above!!

2009-08-07T10:23:00.009-04:00

Ok, I thought I'd get back to showing my thankfulness!!

I am always thankful for the Lord's blessings.

I just don't always show it so it's back to my weekly series...

To refresh the memory--you know b/c it's been oh soooo long--
I'm listing the top 5 things that I have been blessed w/this past week.

To wake up every morning and start new.
My dear children and great family!!
A roof over my head.
Food on my table.
The Lord's unending LOVE!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Because It's Been Ages... [See update!!]

2009-07-21T09:43:00.013-04:00

I thought it was time for an update, beings I don't give my poor abandoned blogs the attention they once had and still deserve!!

2009 has been quite a year, thus far!!

We've had our share of loses, as well as, many new arrivals and good news, too!!

TOMM:
Tomm celebrated his 20th birthday in April. Still not decided on his direction in life he justs wants to work and save some money to attend CCC. He has been in and out of work this past year. He was working at Green Lea, but was laid off. He searched and searched and after a lot of hem and haw, paper work and what not, he finally started a new job yesterday @ Bancroft. It is a period of training, but it is paid - so bring it on!! Time will tell what this postion brings. Tomm has a habit of leaving jobs that he doesn't like. So his father and I both warned him that THIS job was sticking. If he didn't like it then he had to fins another before quitting!!!

NICK:

Nick celebrated his 16th birthday in February. He will be starting his Junior year @ Sterling High School in September.

He currently is a bustboy @ Chilis and enjoys his job. My nephew Reggie also works there, which is nice b/c he takes and brings him home often :)

He is eagerly anticipating getting his driver's permit and then license!!

SHEA:

Our little princess will be celebrating her 4th birthday in less than 3 weeks!! I can't believe how fast she is growing and how big she is getting!! She amazes us every day!!

Shea is going through a whiny--or should I say whinier-stage right now. She cries over everything and anything!!! I have been trying to tell her that all she has to do is ask rather than cry, but it hasn't helped much.

She will be attending preschool in September, although at this time I haven't decided which one. I am leaning towards Tender Hearts, though. She was excited about going to school and actually couldn't wait! However, for some reason, she now doesn't want to...hmmmm.

TERRY:
The father continues to try to find work in this terrible economy, and it has been extremely slowwww!!! He works when he can and is up to anything if it will bring in some money.

Summer is his favorite time b/c he ♥s to sit outside or hang w/his buddies and drink beer or Twisted Teas.

He worries way too much what people say and is very paticular with his work!! He is, however, working on these things!!

MOI:
Oh, me. What can I say? A work in progress! Still not happy w/my weight! Still trying to get myself together!! Will I ever get there? We shall see!!

Anyway, I hope to be working come September!! I have reapplied at my old job - Archway and hope to get back in there!! I am looking forward to being back w/ my old peeps [or what is left of them anyway--so much has changed!!]. Say a prayer and keep your fingers crossed for me PLEASE!!

As far as the family as a whole, we have had our share of ♥aches and happiness:

MARK:

On this past 4/6, we lost our nephew/cousin at the tender age of 21.

Mark had many demons which unfortunately included drugs! Sadly, he couldn't conquer them :(
We miss him terribly and I still have a hard time believing he is gone!!

We ♥♥♥♥ you, MARK!!

This is my fav photo---

Shea misses him terribly!!

In June we lost a number of pets [between family and friends].

HOOCH:

My BIL's dog HOOCH was put down after having problems with seizures.

We miss him!! ♥♥♥

DIANA:
Our niece/cousin Diana brought both sad and happy news!!

As you can see from this picture, she is expecting---a baby boy in October!!!

He will be welcomed by Diana, her hubby Michael and big brother Joey...along with the rest of the family!!!

ROSCOE:

Diana's little Chihuahua, ROSCOE had to be put to sleep in June, as well. Sadly he was found to have cancer during an operation to remove an abcess in his belly :( He was only 5!!

He is missed, too!! :(

SHARKEY:

This past week, Diana and her crew welcomed a new addition--

Sharkey.

He is a cute little chihuahua who is already loved!!!

WELCOME SHARKEY!!!!

DONNA [& LAUREL]:

My friend Donna & her daughter Laurel, had their share of ♥ache & ♥warming events!

MURPHY:

Yet another June loss-- Donna had to say goodbye to her beloved Murphy!! He had cancer and was about 12 years old.

RIP ole buddy

MICHAEL JOHN:

Happily, Donna & Laurel also

welcomed new arrival Michael John on 7/2!!

What a cutie!! We are soo happy for them!!

WELOME MICHAEL!!

TEAGAN [REBECCA]:

On July 15th, my bloggy friend Rebecca welcomed her 4th child

--yes you heard me & God Bless Her!!!

A baby girl Teagan Jayne...how precious!!

Super happy for the Kelley clan!!!

WELCOME TEAGAN!!!!

Along with those two births, a few more of my friends welcomed little bundles since January:

Devin Robert on January 28th welcomed by Sherri, Brian, Brady & ^ANGEL DYLAN^!!
Robert on March 17th welcomed by Lauren & Robert Baker!!!
Jackson on March 16th welcomed by Cara, John & Sophia!!

There are also many babies on the way...

A baby boy for my bloggy friend Michelle in October!!
My bloggy friend Amy is having a baby, as well!
Old school mates - Chantell is having twin boys & Joanne is having a boy, too!
A pal that I used to work with-Brie is having her own bundle of joy!

******BABY UPDATE:

Chantell gave birth to her boys Tuesday 7/21 @ 6:20pm ~ Joseph Richard is 5lbs. 3.5oz & 18.25in long & Michael Phillip is 4lbs. 11oz & 17in. long!! At just shy of 34 weeks, mommy had some big boys!!! Mom & babies are doing well!!! CONGRATS Chantell, Joe & family!!!

So, that's it for now. I will try to post more often, but can't promise I will.

Ta for now!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

It's 'BERRY' Good...

2009-07-05T13:40:00.001-04:00

Check out Shea's

latest artwork!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

In Memory Of: 3 of Man's Best Friend!!!

2009-06-27T22:30:00.006-04:00

This past month has been
quite difficult
for some of my family
and friends.

------------------------------

A couple weeks ago,
my brother-in-law Joe
had to have his dog
HOOCH

put to sleep after a problem with seizures
and ultimately a massive one
that left him pretty bad off.
He was around 11 years old.

------------------------------

This past Tuesday
6/23,

my niece Diana
--Joe's daughter--
had to have her Chihuahua
ROSCOE

put down after surgery to remove
a mass/abscess
--that caused an abdominal infection--
showed cancer.
He was 5 years old.

------------------------------

And then,

just this morning,
my friend Donna
had to have her beloved
MURPHY

relieved of his pain and suffering
due to cancer all through him.
He was in his teens. 13 or 14, I believe.

So so sad to see these boys go!!

Rest In Peace fellas...
you will be missed dearly
and
you are
LOVED
more than you know!!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

E.N.O.U.G.H

2009-06-18T10:57:00.001-04:00

of this:

want...

NEED...

gotta have...

THIS:

SOON PLEASE!!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Me & my Baby!

2009-06-16T05:32:00.000-04:00

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Lawn Matters

2009-06-15T09:54:00.003-04:00

After much of this, this past week...

our lawn seems to have been overrun with these:

Quite interesting looking...
don't ya think?

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Stay Off The Roads...Nick's Coming Soon...

2009-06-14T06:53:00.000-04:00

Guess what

Nick has

this

Marking Period???

Watch out!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

My Favorite Place...

2009-06-13T10:46:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite places

to relax

is here:This sofa is located in our dining room which

was converted into a sitting room.

I like to sit or lay on the sofa

and gaze out this window:It's just a calming restful place to

re-energize when I am having a tough day.

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

My Blessings...

2009-05-12T13:46:00.002-04:00

are never more evident than when I watch my beautiful daughter run & play on a gorgeous spring day!

Oh...It's A Real Pain In The Butt Foot

2009-05-07T12:23:00.005-04:00

For the last 3½ weeks my feet have been killing me. The pain is on the bottom of my feet. It starts in my heels then fans out down my foot to my toes and up into my achilles tendon and the sides of my feet.

I've researched foot pain and came up with this Plantar Fasciitis...

Apparently, my walking and workouts, along with my old sneakers and my being overweight have caused considerable stress on my poor tootsies.

Seems I need to:

- rest them

- cut back on activities that make my feet hurt

- try not to walk or run on hard survices

- ice my heels for swelling

and

- take ibuprofen or naproxen

As well as:

- do some of these and these

- get some new sneakers

and

- get these

Now, the pain comes and goes no matter if I'm standing or sitting. It gets pretty extreme at times!! It is in both feet but much more prevalent and painful in my right foot.

So, yesterday, I drove over to Rite-Aid and purchased these. I wore them for the rest of the day. Come last night the pain got pretty bad. So I took some ibuprofen, which seemed to help some.

I woke up this morning and they do feel much better. I still have pain, but not nearly as bad as before. They are a little sore now, but I have been on my feet a lot today.

The resting part is darn near impossible!! Ha ha

But I hope they heal qickly so I can go back to my walking and work-outs.
Especially,the walking with the warm weather here!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

WOW...You Got To See This!!

2009-05-06T08:24:00.002-04:00

I heard about this incredible story on WMMR this morning while driving home from taking Nick to school.

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Are You Kidding Me??

2009-04-25T22:05:00.002-04:00

Now we have to worry about

Swine Flu?

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

All Better...Well, Kind Of!!

2009-04-25T19:28:00.005-04:00

So, lately

my computer

has been like this:

Not quite running right

and

getting worse with each passing day!!

Thankfully,

my dear brother

Tom

--this dude right here!--

fixed it and now

my computer is as good as new!

And I mean that quite literally!! Just like when you get a new computer with nothing on it but a clean slate!!

Unfortunately,

the ONLY way he could

FIX it

was to totally

reprogram it.

Which, sadly wiped out

EVERYTHING

that I had saved...

EVERYTHING!!

UGHHHHH!!

But,

at least it now works

and

we do not have to purchase a new one!

(Like that was going to happen anytime soon...ha!!)

I am just sad that I lost MANY pictures!!!

Good thing I take alot

and

that I have some on my blogs!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Movie Date

2009-04-19T18:34:00.003-04:00

Went to see THIS today...
with our handsome

nephew

Mikey!!

Enjoyed it and the company!!

Thanks Michael!!

But next time I'm treating!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Things To Think About Thursday!!

2009-04-16T09:24:00.003-04:00

From tonyrobbins on Twitter:

"The only thing keeping you from getting what you want is the story you keep telling yourself about why you can't have it. Break free!" T.R.

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Farewell Sweet Prince

2009-04-08T08:42:00.004-04:00

Mark C. Case
CASE, Mark C. Died suddenly at age 21, on April 5, 2009. Dearly beloved son of Pat and David of Blackwood and loving brother of Shannon of VA. and dear grandson of Patricia and Joseph Kelley of Chews Landing. Mark was a graduate of Highland HS Class of 2006, and played for the Gloucester Twp. Hockey and Highland Ice Hockey teams. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Christian Burial Service, 11:00 am Thursday, April 9 at THE FUNERAL MANOR, 1585 Hider Lane, Gloucester Twp. The viewing will be after 9:30 am Thursday at the Funeral Manor. Contrib-utions may be made in Mark's memory to The Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 N. 3rd St., Phila., PA. 19123, (610) 543-6391. Checks are payable to the "Transplant Foundation". Arrangements are under the direction of ADDISON G. BRADLEY.

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

He's A Working Man...FINALLY!!!

2009-04-04T13:50:00.004-04:00

My son Tomm went last week to a day and a half of a 'working interview' for a mortgage company. It was for a telemarketing position and by the middle of his second day he had had enough and left.

On his way home he stopped by a place that he saw in the paper that was hiring.

He went in and filled out an application.

He handed the application to a man at the counter.

The man looked it over and asked, " Can you start Saturday?"

To which Tomm happily replied, "YES!"

The man handed Tomm a company shirt and

Tomm smiled as he left!!

He was happy b/c he has been looking diligently for months for a job!!

So, as off this morning, Tomm is now an employee of here:

Please keep your fingers crossed that it sticks!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

2009 Baby Boom!!!!

2009-04-04T13:04:00.008-04:00

WOW!!!

It seems that

2009

is a popular year

have

baby!!

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

A few of my friends have already delivered:

My friend Sherri gave birth

Devin Robert

January 28.

He wasn't due until March.

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

My friend Cara gave birth

Jackson

March 16.

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

And a girl we know from our bank

also gave birth the same week

to a son: Robert!!

All boys!!

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

Now to the upcoming births...

My bloggy friend Rebecca is due to have a baby girl this summer.
Come mid-July, Teagan Jayne Kelley will be joining the tribe :)

#4 for Bec!!

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

Last week I found out

my friend/fellow blogger

Michelle

was also expecting!!

Her 3rd child is due

towards the end of October.

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

Then today,

I was completely surprised

to find out

that

our niece

Diana

and her hubby

Michael

are expecting their second bundle-o-joy

in October

as well!!

This burst of bab-o-licious madness

almost

makes me want to join in!!

ALMOST!!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

When I Grow Up...

2009-04-03T17:23:00.004-04:00

Shea and I were sitting and talking the other day when she turned to me and said,

"Mommy, when I grow up I'm gonna be a woman!"

Yes you are my dear, yes you are :)

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Securing Our Most Precious Cargo!!!

2009-04-01T10:29:00.004-04:00

Last April I wrote a post about this subject.
Now that the weather is becoming warmer,

we will definitely be seeing more travel.

This is due to the warm weather

resulting in day trips to parks, the zoo and the shore.

This will probably be even more the case

because of the economy

being that day trips are cheaper than more extensive far away trips

-thus saving consumers money-

which we all know is a BIG thing today!!

That being said,

this is a great segway for me...

this is an area that you

DO NOT

want to be cheap in---

YOUR CHILD/CHILDREN"S SAFETY!!!

The importance of 5 point harness carseats is soooo IMPORTANT!!!

I hope you will take the time to check out

all the info links in this post,

as they are so important to this cause!!

In Memory of

Kyle Miller

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Protect Yourself...

2009-04-01T10:18:00.003-04:00

...from the Conficker computer worm!!

visit Microsoft's website for more info!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Random Picture Challenge

2009-03-31T06:14:00.002-04:00

This challenge originally comes from

an awesome blog,

but my bloggy friend

Shelly also did her version,

as well.

The Challenge:

Go to either the

27th folder

December 2007

27th picture

Here's mine:

This photo is of Shea on Christmas Day 2007

looking at the new computer

her Uncle Joe gifted her.

I <3

Hooch

--Uncle Joe's Golden Retriever--

is sitting next to her

and

looking on

as if he is interested!!

TOO CUTE!!

Ironically,

my photo falls in both categories :)

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Man's Girl's Best Friend

2009-03-30T19:01:00.002-04:00

THIS

has been Shea's

total

center of attention

since

renting it

Saturday evening

from

Red Box!!

That is until I had to take it back today!!

(I even kept it an extra day b/c she <3>

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Many Prayers Needed For MckMuffin

2009-03-23T16:12:00.003-04:00

Baby Stellan

has been hospitalized for the same condition

that he suffered from in his

mommy's womb.

Please please join me

and

our other blogger buddies

as we pray

for this

precious

little

boy!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

A Day With Daddy

2009-03-23T15:54:00.003-04:00

Today hubby was home. Sadly with no work. So we decided to take advantage of him being home. We took Shea to the place she has been begging, bugging to go to: Chuck E. Cheese.

Here is a pic from our visit:

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

My Blessings Thus Far: My Sons & Their Sister ~ My Very Own Mister ~ Family & Friends ~ The Lords Love That Never Ends!

2009-03-20T05:30:00.000-04:00

1. My precious little girl!!

2. My dear 2 sons!

3. My handsome hubby!

4. My loving family & friends!

5. The Grace & Love of The LORD!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Happy First Day Of Spring!!

2009-03-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

Now if Mother Nature

would just take the clue

and send us that warm weather!!

----------------------------------

FYI:

Rita's Water Ice

is giving out

a free regular size water ice

to celebrate

the first day

Spring!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

'GREEN' Photo Shoot Then Some

2009-03-18T16:56:00.005-04:00

Tuesday March 17, 2009

St. Patrick's Day!!

Cutest Lil' Leprechaun EVER!!

Posing with her 'GREEN' dinosaur...

She looks like she's 'selling' a product...

I'd buy it!!

KISS...

ME...

I'M...

CUTE!!!

-----------------------------------------------

Along with my shirt

(which you can' t see),

I wore my 'SHAMROCK' earrings!!

------------------------------------------

I guess it was a long day...

because...

as you can see...

these two...

conked out...

while watching...

'LEPRECHAUN'!!!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Happy St. Patty's Day!!

2009-03-17T09:15:00.002-04:00

Just a reminder:

1 in 50

Irish-Americans are carriers of the Tay-Sachs' gene.

Please get tested!!

For more information visit: http://www.curetay-sachs.org/

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Don't You Just Hate...

2009-03-13T17:03:00.007-04:00

when you go into the store for just a few things

and

come out with way more than you intended??

Well, this was exactly the case when I went to

TARGET

today!!

I only went in for a couple things and

one of these:

for some yummy Appletinis later.

But I made the huge mistake of

walking thru the little girls department!!

BIG mistake!!!

Sort of...

I did find some really cute clearance items for Shea!!

Afterall, this my ultimate fav place for clothes for her!!

I found these:

A cute lil skirt w/

a nice shirt to match!!

I got this particular tee

in a bright yellow

and

a light green...

(they didn't have these colors pictured)

along with this one...

(in this white)

to mix and match with this skirt:

and this skirt:

I also found this cute little

tye-dye number in her size!!I did get a white tee w/different

blue colored butterflies on it to go with it,

(but it wasn't pictured online for me to show :( )

I simply LOVE these skirts!!

I would love to get myself some!!!

My little darling is going to look

oh so cute

in these

this Spring!!!

Don't ya think??

Good deals

but not so great for

the ole' Target card!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

When Irish Eyes Dogs Are Smiling Laying

2009-03-12T20:50:00.004-04:00

Shea has 2 Irish headband hats.

A girl one she was gifted by her aunt

and

a boy one that her grandmom gave her.

Here are the pups

trying them out:

Lacey

Chance

CLOSE...

UPS!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Outside { & Inside} The Box

2009-03-11T22:41:00.003-04:00

This box has been sitting in my livingroom

for over a month now.

It seems that when we got the new dishwasher

(that our landlord finally purchased!!)

the Little Princess

decided it was perfect

for

fort!!

Even though it had a hole in the top,

she improvised

and

used one of her blankets

'roof'.

Then

she moved right in.

Everytime I asked her if we could finally get rid of it

she said

NO!

Now being that she has started to loose interest in it,

I took it upon myself to remove it today,

while she was preoccupied.

So far so good!!

She hasn't complained!!

And now we have some room in

our

living room!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

If You Think About It, We're Really Taking A 'Time-Out'!!

2009-03-07T08:10:00.005-05:00

I have been following

Kathy Ireland

Twitter.

What I found inspiring was this tweet she received:

Remember Recess is the root word in recession. http://twitter.com/MachenMacDonald

And her response:

Never looked @ recession from that POV. Thank U for the view from 30 thousand feet! Recess...time out...re charge..rethink http://twitter.com/kathyIreland

I'm always looking for a POSITIVE spin on things
and this definitely
caught my attention!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

2009-03-05T16:40:00.002-05:00

Today I took Nick to the doctor's to have his

working papers

filled out.

Then back to his school to have the final part completed.

Now

he'll be working

CHILI'S

Man is he making me feel old!!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Sledding Tarpping!!

2009-03-03T11:12:00.010-05:00

What do you do when

- you don't have a hill?

- you don't have a sled?

Why...you use a

TARP

of course!!!

Daddy & Tomm pull Shea around in the snow in a tarp!!

Check out some photos!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Yummy Dinner Done By Dad!!

2009-03-03T10:56:00.002-05:00

On Saturday 2/28

my dad came over

and cooked

a yumm-o-licious dinner!!

He made homemade spaghetti sauce.Some breaded fried tomatoes.

I made some spaghetti and

this is what we feasted on:Porkchops Parm, the tomatoes,

along with the spaghetti

and

some sour cream cucumbers!!

DE-LISH!!

Aunt Joan came, too and dined with Shea & I.

Here is Shea watching TV as she eats!!

For dessert I made this: We all enjoyed the visit and the dinner!!

I was

STUFFED!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Just Another Year Older

2009-03-02T10:42:00.001-05:00

Happy 47th Birthday to my fav Rocker JBJ!!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Creepy Google 'Likes To' Meme

2009-02-23T14:46:00.003-05:00

This is creepy but here's how you do it

1. Go to Google and Type your name and likes to in quotes.
2. Write the first ten things you see after hitting enter....

1. Marie likes to think of people in the year 3000 studying their past history and saying, "Well, look at the difference... this is what they were doing with ...

2. Marie likes to read Danielle Steele & romance.

3. Marie likes to spend time in her mountain house on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, tapping away at three ...

4. Marie likes to say, "Let's put ICHF on the map in new ways." ...

5. Marie likes to take time out from her VCE studies by making music and attending art exhibitions and concerts. ...

6. Marie likes to spend time in the kitchen, developing and testing out new recipes.

7. Marie likes to socialize and will use any excuse to celebrate with friends.

8. Marie likes to play poupe (dolls).

9. Marie likes to look up to him, or whether he likes it, as he can't hear her so far below.

10. Marie likes to wear her hat around on the farm.

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Me & My Little ♥ Valentine ♥!!

2009-02-19T17:50:00.005-05:00

Valentine's Day

2009

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

What A Difference A Week Makes!!

2009-02-15T07:29:00.000-05:00

Last week:
Wednesday

February 4, 2009

Temp: mid 30s

This week:

Wednesday

February 11, 2009

Temp: 65 degrees

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Happy 18 th Birthday...

2009-02-15T06:03:00.001-05:00

to my nephew

Reggie!!

I can't believe you are 18 already!!

Seems like just yesterday

you were this little toddler

@ age one!

You still have that same smile!!

Happy Birthday Bud!!

Love,
Aunt

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Ree Heard...

2009-02-14T10:22:00.003-05:00

Yesterday as I was standing in the bathroom applying some make-up,

I could her Go Diego Go in the background.

As I listened, I heard an interesting fact:

Did you know that

- although they are extremely slow on land -

sloths are great and fast swimmers?

Huh, you learn something new everyday!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

Happy Valentine's Day...It's More Than Saying I Love You

2009-02-14T09:31:00.003-05:00

It's More Than Saying I Love You

We give on this day candy and flowers,

But we never stop to say thank you for the many hours.

You have stood by my side and gave a smile,

As if to tell our hearts it's been worth every mile.

No need to buy a teddy bear or even a card,

It's pretty simple and not at all hard.

Just put your arms around me and hold me tight,

And say without words that in your heart all is right.

You may say I Love You throughout the year,

But on this day you need to make sure.

The words so sweet and straight from your heart,

That your life would be lonely without my part.

So put forth the effort and take the time,

Look me in the eye and say I'm glad you're mine.

JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

[SUNNY] - Days Like These

2009-02-12T10:12:00.009-05:00

Days Like These
by Natalie Grant

Rolled out of bed on the right side
Looking up at the big blue sky

Oh yeah-oh yeah

Who I am is what I am

A piece in a part of a bigger plan

Oh yeah-oh yeah

Breathe deep

Taste the moment

Few and far between

[Chorus:]

Days like these-they don't get any better

Let this be for always and forever

Every minute is so perfectly

Just the way that it was meant to be

Days like these-so graceful that I'm falling

On my knees and thanking God for all the

Little things that make me wanna say

How I wish I had a million days like these

Life is running like a dream
I know I can do anything

Oh yeah-oh yeah

Days like this I could believe

The sun is shining just for me

Oh yeah-oh yeah

Eyes closed
Touch the freedom

Never let it go

[Repeat Chorus]

It's as if I never knew that clouds existed

If there ever was a day to take a chance I'll risk it

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

~CASUAL~ Incounter

2009-02-08T12:14:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, I ran to the store to pick up a few things.

While standing in the check-out line I glanced over at a woman

who was standing in the line, next register over.

Now, I know that there are people who run out in their slippers.

Some kids at my son's school actually wear them as shoes,

although some do look like shoes.

I've seen people wear these out and about,

which I can't understand why!

BUT...

You could imagine my surprise to glance over and see

this particular woman wearing a pair of these!!

Yup...

Complete with the legs stuffed into a pair of these:

with these on her feet.

Over top she was wearing a

short waisted zip up hooded off-white sweater.

Now, don't get me wrong-

there is absolutely nothing wrong with any of this

apparel/footwear.

My thing is to actually wear the pjs outside the house.

That being to a store.

I myself have worn my pjs outside the house,

but ONLY in the car

--where no one sees me--

to drop my son off at school in the morning.

I myself, would never, ever go out to the store

wearing my pajamas.

And the worst part about this woman is

that she actually did her make-up and hair.

Now if you have the time to do those, for crying out loud-

GET DRESSED!!!

^JUST ^j^ BELIEVE^

The Chronicles Of Ree: Because I Said So!

I'm Backkkkk

The 'WEIGHT' Is Over!!

I'm Ready...I'm Ready...I'm Ready!!

Tiny Pieces **REPOST**

To my little Princess....

Christmas Crown **REPOST**

There's No Man Like A Snowman *REPOST*

Holy Christmas Treat **REPOST**

Two Good Men

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas.....Cards By Shutterfly That Is!!

Where Does The Time Go?

Another ^ANGEL^ earns Her ^WINGS^....

5 Years of SUNSHINE!!....

In The Moment!!

Which way do I go George? Which way do I go?

Window Shopping...I WANT One!!

Princess' Pre-K Performance

The Benefits Of...

1 Year Already...WOW!

Easter Candy

Wo Wo Wonderful Weekend!!!

Meh Monday :(

Jazzed Up...

It's gonna be a 'STEAMY' summer!!!

Ree's Ribbons

My Little Girl Is...

On this day in 1929....

The Blessings On Thee: A Job, Free School, Great Family...Needed Work & The Lord's Love For ME!!!!

COMING SOON!!!!!

Red & White Stripes...

Birthday Wishes!!

Ree's Ribbons ~~~~~

Please PRAY for STELLAN!!!

♪ Lies Lies Lies Yea, They're Gonna Get You ♫

It's All About HOPE!!!

Ree Is.....

Ree's Ribbons

Today Would Have Been...

True Blessings: Great Weather ~ GOD's Creations ~ The Time To Enjoy It ~ The LORD Above ~ The Kids I Love >> These Keep My ♥ Lit!!!

Please Pray For Molly Grace!!

New Look!!

Weekend To Par-Tey!!!!

Blessings Friday: Rainy Edition - More Work ~ A Nice Day To Chill ~ Gelatis To My Fill ~ A Work Opportunity & More ~ Another Opened Door!!

Veggie Tales Tears

Gonna Need A Job For These...

IMPORTANT Message for all Drivers--Especially Teens!!!

Guess Who I Saw....

Ree's Ribbons

Blessings...Small Jobs Help Us Thru ~ A Nice Landlord ~ Family, too. ~ Time With My Girl ~ The Lord's Grace ~ These Things Keep Me In A Humble Place!

Wordless Wednesday: Half Cheese

Wordless Wednesday: My '4' Year Old

To My Precious Princess...

Bright Mornings To Start Anew ~ My Kids & Family Too ~ Shelter ~ Food ~ The Lord's Love: These Things Are All From Above!!

Because It's Been Ages... [See update!!]

It's 'BERRY' Good...

In Memory Of: 3 of Man's Best Friend!!!

E.N.O.U.G.H

Me & my Baby!

Lawn Matters

Stay Off The Roads...Nick's Coming Soon...

My Favorite Place...

My Blessings...

Oh...It's A Real Pain In The Butt Foot

WOW...You Got To See This!!

Are You Kidding Me??

All Better...Well, Kind Of!!

Movie Date

Things To Think About Thursday!!

Farewell Sweet Prince

He's A Working Man...FINALLY!!!

2009 Baby Boom!!!!

When I Grow Up...

Securing Our Most Precious Cargo!!!

Protect Yourself...

Random Picture Challenge

Man's Girl's Best Friend

Many Prayers Needed For MckMuffin

A Day With Daddy

My Blessings Thus Far: My Sons & Their Sister ~ My Very Own Mister ~ Family & Friends ~ The Lords Love That Never Ends!

Tiny Pieces REPOST

Christmas Crown REPOST

There's No Man Like A Snowman REPOST

Holy Christmas Treat REPOST

Creepy Google 'Likes To' Meme

~CASUAL~ Incounter