The Busy Blaine's

We call her Mommaw

2012-02-10T08:02:00.004-05:00

Wednesday Feb 8, 2012 we lost our beautiful Mommaw. Our loss here on this Earth was Heaven's gain for eternity. My cousin said it best, "A very sad day but we are 100% sure she is with Jesus." There is no need to talk about how sick she became and how much she was suffering because none of that matters now. What does matter is that she has a new body where there is no pain. She is walking on streets of gold without that silly walker and without that stupid oxygen tank. She is no longer struggling to stand and as she knelt before her savior she had no knee pain. She doesn't have to worry about what pretty earrings to wear because now she has a wardrobe full of beautiful crowns from her savior. She is no longer having to clean up a kitchen or mop a bathroom in her little house in the valley because she has a mansion that was built just for her. And she no longer has to be alone at night because she is now once again with her husband and this time they will never be apart.
Mommaw grew up as an only child. She was the daughter of a baptist preacher and when I close my eyes I can see her sitting on the front row of an old wooden church building in her pretty Sunday dress with her legs swinging from the pew because they were so short she couldn't reach the floor. She had a beautiful singing voice and could play the piano so sweetly. I have memories of walking toward their house and hearing her play the piano in her living room. Mommaw accepted Jesus into her heart when she was a little girl and she told me one time that she always thought she would become a missionary. When she was little, there was a missionary to China that came to one of her dad's churches and Mommaw said her heart was changed forever. China was where she wanted to go to tell people about Jesus. Her life took another path, a path that she never regretted but one that never sent her to China. She always tried to make a difference though by sending money to missionaries and helping in any way she could. She told me one time that years ago she would even send $5 to help ministries because $5 was all she had and $5 could make a difference.
Out of that only child came 3 children of her own. 2 daughters and 1 son (my daddy). And out of those 3 came 11 grandchildren. Then came 28 great grandchildren and then 8 great great grandchildren. What a legacy from one little girl has been left here on this earth. Mommaw knew that none of us are perfect and she never loved us any less because of it. But what she did know she wanted us to all learn for ourselves and that is what a savior we have in Jesus. She served Him and loved Him like no other person I have ever known and that is what she leaves us all. Her prayers were as powerful as any. I didn't ask her to pray about something unless it was something that I really wanted because I knew the power of a prayer from Mommaw's heart.
As our family goes through these next few days, we will grieve together and pray together and be there for one another. But we grieve for ourselves and for our loss because she is gone from here. We celebrate with each other too because we know where she is, who she is with and the peace that is upon her. Well done thy good and faithful servant, well done.

Starting a revolution!

2012-01-20T09:44:00.002-05:00

I have been blogging for several years now, not as faithfully as I would like, and I have enjoyed every moment of it. I am not a super blogger like so many of you and that's ok. Most of this blog is about our family, our home and our kids adventures. Things have changed alot in our lives and in my life over the last few years and I need a revolution!! So I have started a new blog...
www.tinierevolution.blogspot.com Won't you come join me and follow along?

Change is a good thing

2012-01-15T09:59:00.008-05:00

This is A#3's current room. When we purchased this house over 5 years ago she was still in a crib and so being the youngest child she got the smallest room. Well things are about to change.

A#1 is in his 4Th year of college and very rarely comes home. As A#3 was in her room one day with all her her Little People pulled out I walked in to join her and thought, "man I wish she had a bigger room." The next time A#1 came in for a quick visit I mentioned it to him and asked him what he thought about switching rooms with her. He was in agreement that it was a great idea and that he had given it some thought before. SO... it is in the process and she is THRILLED!!!

This is what her room looks like now, well not right now because it is being painted as I type and everything is in complete shambles. I will be sizing down some things that are in A#1's room and moving him into this one. A big project but one that is going to be a good change.

I do love this room and so does she. Now we have to decide what to do in the "new" room.

We'll be moving the chandi into the new room so that A#1 can have his awesome ceiling fan in here with him.

The white cabinet and the old iron bed are pieces that I bought for $20!!! FOR BOTH!!!!! Took the bed and had it sand blasted to get all of the rust off then just simply painted it and made new knobs. The cabinet was sanded down and painted. Then I added new knobs and some flower from and old wall paper border. These pieces actually were A#2's first furniture and then when we did her Paris room A#3 inherited these. The pink dresser I have told you about before. It was sitting outside one day waiting for the trash men to pick it up at our neighbor's house. I was about 8 months pregnant with A#3 when I asked A#1 to go outside and help me carry it inside and he about DIED!!! " Mom it's some one's trash!" Well look at it now son :) I painted and WB put some new feet on it and it is PRECIOUS!!! She will take this with her in years to come.

Now the hard part is going to be deciding on what to do in the new room. She can not make up her mind. We've talked about a New York theme, surfer girl and even cupcakes. Can't wait until we figure it out because change is good!!

P.S. If you click on the pictures they will enlarge.

Why not you?

2012-01-14T17:59:00.004-05:00

March 2011 I went back to work as a hairstylist and skin care tech after 7 years off. It has been a good change for me and the family but it has also been a tough change. Honestly, my kids have adjusted better than I have. Summer time was the most difficult for me because it was very hard not being home with them every day, lounging in the pool, going to the movies whenever we felt like it and just having that freedom. We were very blessed with a fantastic young lady that was able to keep them at our house. She came here, fixed breakfast, let them swim in their own pool, took them to the library and kept them very busy creatively.

As good as the change has been, there have been times when I have really questioned if this is what I truly want to do. Business is slow which in turn makes being motivated slow which in turn makes me wonder if I am truly doing and living my passion. I love the ladies I work with, I love my clients, the old and the new, and I love this business however I truly don't know that it is a passion. Am I making a difference in this world by doing some one's color? Am I making a difference in this world when I am in the facial room with a client for an hour. Am I making a difference in my own life?

I watch and listen to other people who truly love their jobs and talk about it with pride and joy. How and what did they do differently to get to that point. WB is one of those people. A girl I used to work with several years ago asked him if he liked his job to which he replied that he loves what he does. He loves watching the change in some one's home that he has created. He loves seeing the end result. I heard a quote one time, " Find what you love to do and make money doing it." That is what WB has done.

I keep asking myself why not you T? Why haven't you been able to say that?

Do you live and work your passion? Are you making a difference? Why not you?

Christmas Eve 2011- picture overload...again

2012-01-07T17:05:00.017-05:00

Yes I realize Christmas was over weeks ago however weeks is about how far behind I am on many projects. That handsome fella above is my nephew Cam. He is truly one of the coolest kids I know...love him!

One of my other cool nephews, Peyton... love him!

This sweet niece, Lily, was very impressed with her new cowgirl boots that we brought back from Texas. She opened them, declared a big yeehaw and insisted that she put them on. My sister informed me that she has to hide them if she doesn't want her to wear them because otherwise they are her shoes of choice. :)

I was thrilled that she was so in love with her boots!!

A#3

Grandma and G-Daddy

Lily reading a Christmas card....hehehe.

After Christmas eve at G-ma and G-Daddy's we took a ride to the valley for some lights. The kids were thrilled because it had been several years since we traveled to see this display.

The island of misfit toys.

Christmas eve tradition includes new pj's for everyone. As I was opening mine Senator Rockefeller jumped up and started checking out my gift.

A#1A#2

After the pj's are opened we read the book The Small One. A#3 was so excited this year that she could read some of the pages.

A#1 listening to the story.

My beautiful A#2 :)

My silly A#2 :)

Christmas 2011- total picture overload

2012-01-04T12:23:00.016-05:00

They started opening gifts from Santa before 6am!!

New snow tubes for everyone.

Santa even left a thank you.

Mmmm, new Philosophy for mommy.

Even Rockefeller loved his presents.

And then it was time for a Christmas morning nap.

Christmas day at Nena and Poppy's.

Uncle Steven.

Poppy.

A#1

A#2

Nena.

A#3 was a little excited over her new American girl doll.

Kanani, A#3 and mommy.

My tree.

New Years/Christmas with the rest of the family.

Me and 2 of my sweet nephews, Caden and Mason.

Sis in law and sweet Ellie Marie.

The girls got new riding blankets!! YAY!!

Ellie and her daddy :)

In the middle of it all Rockefeller needed a nap.

Sister, brother and 2 of their kiddos.

A#1

Mason and his new buddy.

W.B.

I didn't want to stop kissing her!! Those cheeks need to be kissed!!

Oh dear what a doll baby :)

Uncle W.B. having a picnic with Mason and Noah :)

A bit of 2011...in pictures

2011-12-30T22:29:00.018-05:00

My beautiful rider

2011-11-15T15:13:00.004-05:00

It was a beautiful fall Sunday morning as we prepared to go watch our girl ride in her second horse show. It got off to a crazy morning as 3 out of the 4 horses that our trainer took had never shown before so their nerves got the best of them. One little guy named Buzz got a good scare as a tack box was dropped on the ground beside him. He broke free of his cross tie and took off in the woods and had to be chased down. Another newby that was tied beside of him, Jewel, rared back and broke free as well and took off among all of the other riders. Well after that every one's nerves were shot!! Including A#2's. She rode in 5 classes and didn't place at all this year. The horses were just all out of whack and wouldn't behave at all! Needless to say my girl was disappointed but after a little pep talk she bounced back. We'll just chalk it up to experience and getting prepared for the next one. Either way, I am one proud momma :)

A#2 on Megan.

A#2 on Bam. They competed in the costume contest as Dorothy and the scarecrow and they were precious!!

Sweet girl Jewel.

A#2 on her best buddy Bam. These 2 rode in the show last year and placed in 2 of the 3 classes they competed in. He is a rescue horse and has the sweetest spirit.

We have a ton more pictures that are way better than these but for now this is what I have available so enjoy.

Way to go A#2!!! You did such a great job and your mommy LOVES watching you and the way you have with these beautiful animals!

This is A#2 out at the barn during one of her lessons. GORGEOUS!!

Hello...tap tap tap... is this thing on?

2011-10-07T11:31:00.006-04:00

Been a little busy, can ya tell? Been a little consumed, can ya tell? Been a little overwhelmed, can ya tell? Been a little mad, sad, confused and just plain fed up, can ya tell?

Lots of changes happening in the Blaine family but the one thing that remains the same is that I love my home and I love to make it pretty and a nice warm place for my family and friends.

With that in mind, we have been making some changes starting with the master bathroom.

Before...
Yellow walls, black and red accessories. Love it but have had it waay to long.

After... my new favorite blue with white accessories and a new shower curtain. I stinkin LOVE IT!!

LOVE IT!!

W.B. put some picture frame molding around the standard builders mirror.

Well that's a start. Next up, the master bedroom :)

Middle School here she comes :(

2011-08-03T14:39:00.013-04:00

A#2 finished up her elementary school career and is now heading to middle school...OH DEAR ME!!

Love this picture!

Just a few of her grandparents that were able to come to the graduation.

Family picture minus A#1.

Addie and Tori.

Addie and Maddi.

Addie and Hayley.

Addie and her 5th grade teacher Mrs Furman.

Addie and Laiken.

Addie and Blake.

Addie and her 1st grade teacher Ms Stuart.

W.B. and his baby girl.

Well my beautiful girl you are heading into a whole new chapter in your life and I know, as usual, you are going to shine. I remember the very day that I started 6th grade just like it was yesterday. It's so hard for me to believe that now you are heading into this part of your life. You are such an amazing young lady and I look so forward to watching you grow and become even more beautiful. Keep true to yourself, always be a good friend, stand up for those that can't stand up for themselves and NEVER be afraid to dream big!!

So long July

2011-08-01T10:51:00.019-04:00

July 2011, gone! Can you believe it?? We've been very busy and had a lot of changes going on around here. These are some mobile pictures of our July.

The girls have been fishing several times with their daddy but this trip turned out very productive.

We've spent a lot of time in the pool. This night in particular was a Friday after we had a crazy week. Getting in the pool after dinner is something these girls of mine LOVE to do.

And we've done a whole lot of this... sitting outside by the fire. And of course there is always some s'mores involved in this scene.

A beach trip every summer is a must but this one was very different that ever before. NO KIDS!

Very strange for this momma but it was a good trip. 4 days sitting on the beach all day long was just what we needed and we took complete advantage of it.

Our dinner view one evening.

Sun rise our first day at the beach.

Heading out to dinner.

Took a ride to see this amazing house that W.B. has been working on all summer. It was beautiful and his work was incredible!! This is the indoor lap pool. W.B. installed all of that tile.

A view of the house in the distance. 13,000 sq feet of an amazing home.

My girls went away for 2 weeks!! 2 weeks with their family having a great time. This picture was the day before they left me :(

And we now have a new member of the family. Meet Sir Rockefeller Blaine aka Rocket. Our new fur baby has been a member of the family for a little over 5 weeks now and he is just precious. We have become so attached so quickly. I'm pretty sure he likes us :)

Fresh cut hydrangeas always make summer better! I love walking outside and cutting these beauties and bringing them inside to enjoy. I'll miss them in just a month or so when summer comes to an end :(

So long July 2011. You've been a hot, interesting, fun and crazy month.

WIWW

2011-06-29T09:25:00.002-04:00

The most unflattering picure ever! I look like T the golly pink giant woman. Good grief!
On my way to Zumba-
Tank- Danskin
Pants- Danskin
Shoes- Nike (I have discovered that as much as I adore my new kicks for running/walking, they are NOT good Zumba shoes!)

Heading to work-
Shirt- TJ MAXX
Pants- TJ MAXX
Jewelry- Sabika

Church-
Maxi dress- Old Navy (2 years ago)
Jewelry- Sabika

WIWW

2011-06-15T16:03:00.005-04:00

Heading to work-
Shirt/Dress- Old Navy
Leggings- Target
Shoes- Shoe Carnival
Jewelry- Sabika & Charlotte Russe

Heading to work-
Dress- Old Navy
Sweater- Old Navy
Jewelry- can't remember but this is my fave summertime necklace

Heading to Zumba!!-
Tank- Danskin
Pants- Kohl's
Shoes- My new Nike's that I worship :)

A#2 + 7

2011-06-06T13:51:00.008-04:00

This was the scene at our house last weekend, a pool full of girls, lots of i-pods, cell phones, loud music, birthday cake and plenty of snacks.

A#2 turned 11 and wanted nothing but to have a sleep over with a house full of girls and that's just what she got.

They arrived around 5 that evening and hit the pool around 6. They were in the pool until 7:30 then jumped out to have pizza then jumped right back in. Got out around 8:30 for cake and presents then right back in. Got out around 10 for a fire and s'mores then right back in. Finally around midnight we insisted they start getting out. :(

I have no idea what time they finally went to sleep, if at all. The last time they were in the kitchen heating up pizza was 2:30 a.m and then they reappeared downstairs around 7 a.m. and from there broke out the doughnuts. Isn't that the best part of a slumber party, the junk food?

It was a good time had by all and we are still trying to make up for the lost sleep. 11 year olds are a lot of fun and have way too much energy :)

11! How did that happen?!

2011-06-01T10:29:00.006-04:00

11 years old!!! She is a little excited :)

So is her little sister!

Excited at the same time!

Me and my girls taking a birthday swim :)

Opening all of her cards that she got in the mail.

She got her wish!

And boy was she excited! She's telling me just how much she loves me at this point ;)

Her new I-pod Touch :)

And then she was sad again because there was no cake on her birthday plate.

But then she was happy again because the famous cheesecake made it's appearance :)

Happy Birthday sweet A#2. You are such an amazing young lady and I can not wait to see what God has in store for you. I am so proud to be your mommy!!!

WIWW

2011-05-11T08:31:00.004-04:00

Dress- Old Navy
Sweater- Old Navy
Leggings- ?
Shoes- Yellow Box

Dress- Old Navy (yes I bought 2, as a matter of fact I bought 4, 2 for me 2 for A#2)
Sweater- Old Navy
Leggings- ?
Shoes- Super Shoes (can't remember the brand)
Jewelry- Sabika

Up close of the Sabika necklace.

Shirt- TJ Maxx (love it)

Pants- Gap

Shoes- Belk (White Mountain)

Jewelry- Charlotte Russe

3 A's and their momma

2011-05-10T06:42:00.008-04:00

Mother's Day sure can make you sit back and reflect on several things. It can make you reflect back on your own mom and just what she means to you, especially the older you get. It can make you reflect back on the first time you got to celebrate this special day and what that first baby means to you.
This is my first baby, I like to call him A#1. I love him, he's my soul.

Then there's this beauty. I like to call her A#2. I love her, she's my soul.

And then there's my baby. I like to call her A#3. I love her, she's my soul.

Mother's day is a very special day and they are the reason why.

WIWW

2011-05-04T07:46:00.008-04:00

See that beauty, she wanted in on the WIWW time. That's A#2 and she is about to have a birthday in a couple of weeks.

A#2's outfit-
Shirt- Target
Tank Top- Old Navy
Jeans- TJ Maxx
Shoes- Yellow Box (and she wears the same size as me!!)

Jacket- Had it forever
Tank- Old Navy
Pants- Cato
Shoes- Cato
Jewelry- Sabika

These pictures are terrible but you can click on them to enlarge.
Shirt-Target
Pants- QVC
Shoes- White Mountain
Jewelry- Sabika

Same outfit just added a jacket from TJ Maxx.

Sweater- no idea, my mom gave it to me.

Tank top-Old Navy

Pants-Old Navy

Shoes-White Mountain

Jewelry-Sabika

WIWW

2011-04-27T14:12:00.004-04:00

Didn't do so well once again of tracking my wardrobe for the week. I have the best of intentions every week and then I get busy or I think to myself is the world really gonna stop if I don't do it? Of course I know the answer to that and believe me, my world is in such an uproar lately the last thing I should be concerned with is what I wear. But, I started this to keep myself accountable on several levels so even if it's only one day that I remember then that's what I'll do.

Going to work.
Shirt- Target
Pants- Gap
Shoes- Super Shoes (love them!!)
Jewelry- Sabika

Going to work.
Shirt- Old Navy (have 3 of them in other colors)
Pants- Not sure they are the one's my mom gave me
Shoes- same as above
Jewelry- Sabika

Easter 2011

2011-04-26T13:31:00.011-04:00

Easter Sunday 2011.

Momma and her girls.

Me and my A#1.

Silly A#2

A#3 starting to cave. She is over the picture taking.

Me and my babies!!

W.B. and his babies.

Me and the W.B.

Sweetness!!

She's so silly. Didn't want to smile so I just joined her :)

Grandbabies.

She likes her uncle W.B. :)

5th grade field trip- Yorktown

2011-04-25T21:01:00.004-04:00

The best way to start a field trip... Starbucks :)
Yorktown

5th grade field trip- Jamestown

2011-04-23T09:24:00.010-04:00

A#2 had her 5th grade field trip to Jamestown and Yorktown. We made a day out of it, took A#3 out of school also and drove behind the buses full of lots of kiddos. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

My silly girls!

A#2 with some of her classmates.

Being quizzed by George the tour guide.

George the tour guide had a lot of fun razzing A#2.

W.B. and A#3

Glorious Day (Living He loved me) ~Casting Crowns

2011-04-22T09:50:00.000-04:00

WIWW

2011-04-19T22:25:00.005-04:00

Another episode of WIWW! Didn't do so well this week with my pictures but here ya go!

Going to work!
Shirt- Target ( Liberty Label... love it!)
Pants- not sure, my mom gave them to me
Shoes- can't remember but I love them!
Jewelry- Sabika

Sweater- Old Navy
Tank- Old Navy
Pants- Gap
Jewelry- Premiere Designs

Sweater- Old Navy
Tank- Old Navy
Pants- Target
Shoes- Yellow Box (my new fave flip flops!!)

I know the pictures are not the best and a lot of times you can't even see my jewelry. Usually I am on my way out the door when I grab my phone or camera to take the picture. You can click on the pictures to enlarge for a closer look at colors and jewelry etc.

My new theme song!!

2011-04-14T21:24:00.001-04:00

WIWW

2011-04-13T08:00:00.010-04:00

Another addition of WIWW. It's been a VERY long week but that's a whole other post that I will be writing about soon. Let's just say it involves mammograms and doctors (insert eye roll here). I have had this jean jacket for awhile and have no idea where I got it but it's a fun addition on a cool spring day. Shirt- Target, Pants- Gap

Necklace- Sabika

And as you can see, I still have not convinced myself that I should not wear leggings!

Shirt- Old Navy, Leggings- Target, Belt- I have no clue, Shoes- Belk, Jewelry- Sabika

Shirt- TJ Maxx, Capris- Gap, Jewelry- Charlotte Russe

Shirt- Old Navy, Capris- Gap, Shoes- Belk, Jewelry- Sabika

T's new favorite things

2011-04-07T21:10:00.006-04:00

My three new favorite things that I am obsessing with these days... ZUMBA!!! If I wasn't so busy I swear I could go every day! So far because of my new work schedule I have only been able to go 2 times a week but I am hoping to change that soon or else I will be purchasing some DVDs. Sometimes it kicks my butt so much I think I am not gonna be able to walk out of the class but it is such a good feeling to sweat and have so much fun. If you have a chance to go... do it!! Listen, I dance like a white girl but if I can do it, anyone can and I promise you will LOVE IT!!! I am currently out of my Philosophy Falling in Love shower gel and moisturizer so for the moment this is filling in. Bath and Body Works Carried Away. I really like it!! I am using the shower gel, body butter and body spray. It's pretty yummy!

And my favorite obsession right now is my new Clairisonic!! Oh my stinkin heck do I love this machine! I have been wanting one FOREVER and finally bit the bullet and got the mac daddy of Clairisonics. Love mine even more than this one because it's green with flowers on it ;)

WIWW

2011-04-06T10:03:00.008-04:00

I did better this week at logging my wardrobe!! Being in the workforce again has been a challenge for me as far as getting up and putting a little more thought into cute, sassy clothes. Pic above- Shirt- TJ Maxx Pants- Gap Shoes- Belk (new comfy cute shoes for work!) Jewelry- Sam Moon in Texas (shopping with my BFF) Friday is a little more relaxed at the shop. Shirt- Old Navy Leggings- Target (seriously chunky girls like me should not wear leggings but I can't seem to convince myself of that yet) Headband- stolen from my daughter ;) Jewelry- Sabika...of course! Another thing chunky girls shouldn't wear, cargo pants with pockets right where you are the heaviest. As of this morning after looking at this picture, these pants are being passed on. Shirt- Old Navy Pants- Ross Scarf- Old Navy (stolen from my other daughter) Shoes- American Eagle Jewelry - Sam Moon Jean Jacket- Old Navy Sweater- Tj Maxx (years ago) Pants- Gap Shoes- can't remember but I love em! See, aren't they fun?!

This one is for the shoes!! I got these to wear when I went to see my boyfriend Prince ;) they are so stinkin comfy I can't believe it! Looking so forward to getting some cute maxi dresses to wear them with.

So I can't wait to see what all of you guys wore for the week. I love seeing all of your cute ideas and especially your fantastic shoes and jewelry :)

New routines, head shots and a little WIWW

2011-03-30T21:48:00.005-04:00

A totally new routine for this girl. After 7 years home with the kiddos I am back to work and I couldn't be more grateful! I have returned to life as a working mom/hair stylist/skin care tech. So far we have all adjusted very well, with the exception of some very sleepy evenings for me, which is a blessing after the past 2 years of not much sleep at all. That is the group shot of all of us at work as we moved into a new location and had a Grand Opening.

And this was my head shot for the local ad letting everyone know that I am back.

And a little WIWW.

Boyfriend jeans- Target

Top- Old Navy

Necklace- Sabika

Not a flattering shot but not many of them are. On a happier note I am down 13 pounds since Dec 27. YAY!!

Pants- Gap

Shirt- Old Navy

Necklace- Sabika!!

Let's go crazy!!!

2011-03-26T21:19:00.014-04:00

See that man in that picture? You might just recognize him, his name is PRINCE!!! And I got to go see him in concert!! OH YES I DID!!! It was a once in a lifetime chance and it was fantastic!! He is fantastic and if you ever have a chance to see him live, don't miss it!

He has not changed a bit and he can still move and sing like no other.

The coolest stage ever!!

There is no other man I would like to see in gold sequins except for him!! He wears it well!!

That's him at the beginning of the show (pictures are out of order). He came out in black and purple (of course) and had on his purple shoes!!!

Sitting at his piano on the stage!! OH MY!!!

And these two sweet girls were my partners in crime for the evening! Angie and Tracy, you girls rock and I can never tell you what a fantastic time I had with you two!! And Tracy a special hug for you for including me in the evening!! Free tickets are the very best but free SUITE tickets ROCK!!!!!

Dinner at Cosmos before the show was almost as fun as the concert! Love you Angie girl!!

Oh my gracious we had so much fun!!

What we didn't realize until we got there was that our FREE, yes I said FREE, tickets were tickets for a suite!! Yeah BABY!! They were some of the best seats in the house.

Incredible!!

I am pretty sure I did not sit still for one second!

This young lady was sitting in front of me in the suite. The whole time we were sitting there I kept telling Tracy to check out her muscles. I am not kidding, you could see every muscle in her back and then she would raise up her arms and make me jealous. After the show Tracy headed down her way to tell her we had been admiring her arms and Tracy, being as silly as she is, asked her if she uses the Shake Weight to look like that :D So from that moment on she became known as the Shake Weight girl and we all wanted our picture with her.

She was so sweet and let us be silly and take pictures. I think it's because I asked her how old she is and when she said 25 I about died right there. Then I told her I have a 21 year old son and she felt sorry for me ;)

We had such a great time and it was a night I will remember forever!! Thanks girls and most of all, thank you Prince! You will forever make me go crazy!!!

Guess where I'm going?!!!

2011-03-23T08:49:00.001-04:00

A girls day at the lake

2011-03-20T20:46:00.023-04:00

HaPpY BiRtHdAy!!

2011-02-23T21:53:00.002-05:00

This is A#1, you've met him before on this blog right? Well today he is 21 years old!!! That's right I have a son that is now 21 years old!! Seriously?!! I traveled to L U today to spend a couple of hours with him and to deliver his birthday cheesecake that has now become a tradition. We had the best 3 hours together. We went and had a late breakfast of some yummy omelets and then just hung out around the campus. Took a lot of pictures of buildings on campus and then hung out and had a slice of cheesecake together. Had a few good laughs, watched several cars get towed and laughed some more about the fact that he has been towed twice already this school year. Laughed some more because I was afraid to park ANYWHERE after witnessing that. What an incredible 3 hours it was just to be with my son.
A#1, I love you more than I ever thought possible to love anyone. You and your sisters are my heart and soul and I could never tell you how thankful I am that I was picked to be your mom. I look so forward to what is in store for you in this part of your life. You are an amazing young man, a great witness, and incredible son, a very loving big brother, a leading student in your studies, a soldier with the such integrity. You truly are your own man and never a follower.
I love you so much and can not believe how quickly the last 21 years have passed. I will ALWAYS be here for you and I will ALWAYS love you as far as the East is from the West!

WIWW Week 2

2011-01-26T10:47:00.005-05:00

Week 2 of WIWW!!

Off to run errands and have coffee with a very dear friend on this day.
Flannel shirt- Black Friday Deal from Target $8
Purple tank- Old Navy
Old Comfy Jeans- Old Navy ( I think)
Clark's Clogs- Christmas gift from my mom several years ago (typically I am not a Clark's kind of girl but I have loved these and wear them all the time)

Same kind of day, running errands and going to church later.

Target sweater that I wear lots of different ways... LOVE IT!!

White t-shirt- Target

Jeggings- Target!!!! these pants are GREAT!!!

Boots- Texas Target!!! When I went to Texas in September these are one of three boots that I bought at Target and crammed in my suitcase and brought home. Ladies they were... $8!!

And this would be what you would find me in if you dropped by my house on about 3 days a week. A pair of yoga pants and a t-shirt. I invested in several Under Armor shirts at Christmas and let me tell yo they are well worth it!! I wear them around the house, I wear them to work out in, I wear them under shirts or sweaters. They wash great and feel so comfortable.
Under Armor- Dick's Sporting Goods $19

Black T-shirt- Target

Black Fleece workout pants- TJ Maxx- $12

Adidas walking shoes- Dick's on clearance for $25 about 3 years ago. I love these they are so great for my treadmill time.

2011 so far

2011-01-24T14:21:00.015-05:00

Brought in the new year by watching the pineapple drop.

Got locked in a cemetery with my sis in law. A VERY old cemetery.

Been watching A#2 be a ball girl for the high school girls bball team and watching her be mentored by some of the players.

Been to a birthday party at the aquatic center.

Bubblecake cupcake shop. Nuff said!

Full swing basketball schedule for not one but two little girls!!

Love the hand on the shoulder from her team mate.

Lady Stingrays!

A#3 so excited that she gets to play this year!

Look at those pigtails flying as she works her way down the court.

And by the way, this girl can dribble a ball like none other. She amazes me how naturally she picks these things up.

What I wore Wednesday Episode 1

2011-01-19T08:20:00.006-05:00

I'm jumping on the WIWW band wagon!! I've been keeping up with so many ladies that link to The Pleated Poppy on Wednesday's for a while now because I LOVE clothes and I love to see how everyone styles themselves. My thinking is it really is a good way to get some new ideas but for me it is an accountablilty to myself too. There are days I live in yoga pants and under armor shirts, a lot of days actually. Given my life that's really not a bad thing but sometimes you can let that get you in a slump and I am trying to move away from any type of slump what so ever! Plus I need accountability for my weight! Losing is not really the hard part for me, it's the maintaining that I struggle with. I am a very emotional eater and this past year putting some weight back on is an indication of what the year has been like for me. So, here's to being accountable. Here's to maintaining. And, here's to cute clothes, shoes and jewelry!!!

Friday-
Jeggings- Target... I LOVE THESE PANTS!!! The do not give you bubble knees because they never lose their shape.
Boots- Target
Sweater- TJ Maxx
Brown thermal shirt- Old Navy
Jewelry- Charlotte Russe

Sunday-

Dress- Ross-- $9 on clearance!!
Boots- Target several years ago
Jewelry- Sabika!! My all time favoraite line of jewelry. You must check it out!!

Monday-

Sweater- Target- it's the coolest sweater ever! I wear it about 6 differebt ways.
Black T- Target
Boyfriend Jeans- Target (can you see where I shop 90% of the time?)
Flats- YEP!! Target
Jewelry- Sabika

The back view of the sweater is shorter. It's just too fun!!

Do you think back?

2011-01-09T20:33:00.003-05:00

Ever heard of that saying if "I knew then what I know now"? Of course you have. What is it that you know now that would you would tell yourself back then? Think back to elementary school or middle school and especially high school. Would you do things differently or do you have no regrets what so ever? Sure in elementary school you are so young but looking back, especially if you have small children, are there decisions that you wish your parents would have made for you that would be different? How about in middle school when so many things are changing for you and you really start to be aware of how different you think your life is. Would you play more sports, read more, realize that it does not matter how cool your clothes are. Would you realize that some day all of these people you meet in middle school will still be in your memory? How about high school? Good ole high school!! Where you think that you own the world or that you will own the world one day. Where you really start to worry about how you dress, what shoes you wear, what haircut you sport, what kind of car you drive, who you date, what time is curfew, how late can you stay out past curfew, university or community college, military or full time job. You think about how fast you can get out of town after high school because there is no way you are spending another year in this small town. Do you think back to that one that got away? The one that just slipped away and you always wanted to know what happened to them and has life been good to them. Do you ever wonder if you were the one that got away? Do you struggle with mistakes you made way back then and think what was I thinking? Why didn't I know these things, why didn't I step up for myself? Do you ever think back?

If you were my BFF you would know

2011-01-08T09:29:00.004-05:00

I could almost bet money that my BFF knows me better than anyone in my life, probably even better than my own mom. My BFF loves me so unconditionally and never places judgement on my heart and I feel the exact same way towards her. Fate has made it so that we live pretty far away from each other but even that has not kept our friendship from growing over the years. I know that if I need anything she is just a phone call away and if I needed her here she would come no matter the sacrifice. How can two people that did not grow up anywhere near each other and didn't meet until we were 22 years old have such an amazing connection? Neither one of us can understand it. When we do get to see each other we have soooo much fun!! We laugh until we pee, we cry until we make the ugly face. We talk until the sun comes up. We even sleep together (inside joke)!! And we have kicked our husbands out of bed so we can ;) I love her babies as if they were my very own. She loves my babies as if they were her very own. We both have the same taste in fashion, decorating and even food. We both have the same struggles with ourselves, the exact same! If you know me, you'll know her!

If you were my BFF these are some things you would know about me (or you could ask Leslie because she could probably tell you everyone of these things)---

1. I love Jesus!! I know that I am not deserving of His love and sacrifice and especially His mercy.

2. My kids are EVERYTHING to me!!!

3. I worry way to much about what other people think about me. So much so that it holds me back from my own happiness a lot of the time.

4. I struggle daily with my self image.

5. I want to take more mission trips to try in some small way to make a difference in God's kingdom and to make a difference in my own heart.

6. I LOVE MUSIC!! It soothes my soul in a powerful way. My all time fave female voice is Eva Cassidy. LOVE HER!!!

7. I cry.... a lot!

8. I pee... a lot!!

9. I love shoes!!! Especially BOOTS!!

10. I have 4 major fears-

-that someone I love will not make it to heaven,

-that something terrible would happen to one of my babies,

-Fire!! I hate fire! Not just a camp fire but a major burn your house down fire. The very

thought of it chills me to the bone,

- that I will not have made a difference.

11. I'm kind of a dare devil, on a girly level that is. I want to jump out of a plane. I LOVE roller coasters. I like to go fast enough that my hair is a mess. OK maybe that's not so girly but you get what I mean.

12. I love to dance! I might not be the best but I think it's soooo fun. Maybe that goes with my love of music.

13.I love makeup and can not go without my lip gloss. Seriously if I have nothing else I have to have my lip gloss.

14. I love jewelry!! Cheap or expensive makes no difference to me. It's girly and prissy and I like it!

15. I have a lot of dreams and my bucket list is getting bigger as I get older. I'm pretty sure that it's supposed to get smaller as you age but why? As I grow older I see so much more that I want to be a part of. One thing on my bucket list is the Great Barrier Reef. I want to see what my son witnessed when he was only 16 and I can almost guarantee that I would feel like I was 16 when I do see it.

There you have it, just a few things you would know about me if you were my BFF.

Leslie, I love you and thank god for putting you in my path everyday!! You are truly what every girl should have for a BFF. I feel sorry for those that never have the friendship in their lives like we do!!

Shine the Light (Lyrics) - Sugarland

2011-01-07T16:45:00.000-05:00

Decisions, Decisions

2011-01-05T22:27:00.010-05:00

**** Edited- The new do for now!!

With so many decisions going on around here for us you would think that I would have more important things to worry about than my hair. Well I do but for now this is what I am going to concentrate on and possibly enlist your opinion on. I'm a hairdresser in the truest meaning of the word because I just simply can't wear the same hair style over and over. Sometimes it's not even the same 2 days in a row. I have gotten in a rut with my hair and have been trying to decide on a change (nothing major because I don't like major). I have been letting my bangs grow for a couple of months and let me just say right now... hardest thing ever!! When A#2 decided she wanted to let hers grow out I agreed but I told her it was gonna be hard on our relationship because Momma knows how much fun that can be. But here's the reason I'm letting mine grow, so I can cut them. I know, I know sounds crazy but I had gotten to that point that I just had too many, know what I mean? So in order to fix this, you kinda have to start over. Dumb concept but it works. Here's another dilema... blond or brunette? I was a Blondie when I was little and still believe I should be sometimes but I also know sometimes it's just not great on me. But...now that I am over 4o (yes I said it!) there seems to be a lot of that shiny grey making it's appearance which means if I go brunette, it lasts about 2 weeks!! Even a hairdresser doesn't want to color her hair every 2 weeks! If it's more blond, you see less grey but then you have roots!! It really is a vicious cycle!!! OK so here are some pictures so you can see what I am talking about.

A medium blond curled under with a bang.

A medium brown with hi-lites flipped up with a long bang.

All over brown with bangs, closer to my natural color.

Medium blond curly with no bangs.

Medium brown with a lot of hi-lites, long with no bangs.

Short and blond!! This is the most blond I have had in a long time. A lot of up keep but I kinda liked it. And I loved the cut.

Like I said, decisions, decisions. Now if all the other decisions I had to make could be this simple ;)

Little Miss by Sugarland lyrics + download link HQ/HD

2011-01-03T16:27:00.000-05:00

Here's to 2011!!

This little blog

2010-12-28T08:47:00.004-05:00

This little blog of mine has been around for 3 years now!! Granted I am not a supa blogger like the Nester and I might not ever be, but I have really enjoyed sharing my heart. My next post will be the 300th!! A lot of you bloggers post that many in 6 months but for me it has taken a little longer. Some of the things I have shared with you have been fun, some not so much. Some posts have been long a drawn out, some as simple as a video or a song. With 2010 coming rapidly to an end I have been reflecting back on this little blog and I have realized a couple of things. Some times I have opened my heart more than I thought Iwould and some times I have hid my heart for fear of rejection (something I do way too often in the real world too). I've shared the many changes my kids have gone through and the major decisions we have had to stand back and watch unfold. Some of them that a mom never wants to watch, some of them that would make a stranger proud. I've shared marriage issues, my faith, my ideas and my love of my home. Looking back the one thing I do know is that I love this little blog of mine.

My REAL wish list

2010-12-19T10:33:00.003-05:00

A few days ago I posted a wish list of "things" that I like but today is my REAL wish list for Christmas. I am a very blessed girl and there is truly not one thing in this world that I need. I have a wonderful savior, a husband that loves me, 3 fantastic kids that are healthy and more family than most, best friends that are there through thick and thin and a wonderful church family that stands in the gap. We have a beautiful roof over our heads, food on our table and shoes on our feet. God has truly blessed us! But my wish involves those that are not as fortunate as we are. My wish involves those that don't know Jesus and the hope and peace that only He can give. I pray that God directs someone to them that can share just what it means to have a savior. My wish involves those whose marriage is in shambles right now and families that are being torn apart. I pray for peace in the hearts of those couples and their children. There is ALWAYS hope, trust me! My wish involves children that are fighting horrible diseases right now. There are many that will not be home for Christmas because they are in a hospital somewhere or they are already rejoicing in heaven. I pray that not one more child will have to endure such a thing as cancer. My wish involves those have been hurt by a friend. I pray that hearts will be forgiven and fences will be mended. My wish involves those that have problems within their church families. I pray that we will all realize one thing, churches are filled with humans! Non-perfect, sinful humans that need to realize there was only one perfect one.

My wish involves those that do not have a roof over their heads, food on their table or even shoes on their feet. These are tough times for most but even worse times for some. I pray that you will find a warm place to call home and the ability to receive everything that you need to live. The biggest "thing" on my wish list is that all of our troops will make it back home safe and sound. Praise God for those that have made the ultimate sacrifice and will not be with their family this Christmas. To ALL of our service men and women, the Blaine family would like you to know that we appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for this wonderful country we call home.

So there you have it, my real wish list for Christmas 2010. Merry Christmas from our family to yours and may God bless you!

The Blaine's 2010

2010-12-17T08:19:00.008-05:00

The Blaine's 2010

2010-12-16T10:58:00.004-05:00

The Blaine's 2010

2010-12-14T10:43:00.004-05:00

The Blaine's 2010

2010-12-14T08:03:00.006-05:00

The Blaine's 2010

2010-12-13T15:57:00.004-05:00

The Blaine's 2010

2010-12-13T09:09:00.003-05:00

The Blaine's 2010

2010-12-12T14:32:00.004-05:00

The Blaine's 2010

2010-12-11T21:55:00.001-05:00

Lots more pics to come!

Excuse me while I make my wish list!

2010-12-08T20:45:00.007-05:00

I'll start off with this insulated frap cup please!!

Next I'd like a clarisonic because my face really needs a deep cleansing!

And to use with that I am wishing for a whole new set of Philosophy.

And for after I cleanse I'd like to bake some cute cupcakes with this super cute cupcake kit.

And then after I make those animal print cupcakes I'd like to put on my to die for animal print UGG boots!!

Like I said, excuse me while I wish!!

November News

2010-11-30T10:48:00.005-05:00

A#3 finally got her cast off!!! It was a very loooonnnnnggggg event and we are so glad that part is over with.

A#2 killing a little time while we waited for A#3 to be finished at the doctor office.

Being silly as usual!

Been putting a few Christmas trees up!! This is the tree in the living room.

The tree in the family room.

A#1 came home for a week over Thanksgiving. We FINALLY got to spend some great time with him.

For some reason Thanksgiving is a time that I always forget to take pictures :( Every year I think I am going to get it right and then I forget my camera or put it in my purse and forget to take it out. What a shame because we always have such a great time with family.

I am thankful!!

2010-11-24T21:13:00.001-05:00

From our family to yours we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

My Grand Opening

2010-11-21T18:08:00.003-05:00

After much prayer and thought I have stepped out on faith and decided to become a demonstrator with Uppercase Living. I am so stinking excited about this company and their products!!! Please be in much prayer for me as I hold my Grand Opening Open House this next week. Go to www.uppercaseliving.com to check out some fantastic ideas for your home and some great Christmas gifts.

Posey's made just how you want them

2010-11-15T12:54:00.004-05:00

I've been making these posey's for awhile now and I still think they are just too stinkin cute. We live in Va Tech Hokie country so the colors I seem to use a lot are orange and maroon but they can be made in your school colors. Our local high school colors are blue and gold so I've been making plenty of those.

Lapel pins are how I started out but I now have adorable hair clips as well.

My girls LOVE these!!!

Leave me a message if you are interested or Facebook me. These make the cutest Christmas gifts!!

What We Remember: A Tribute to Soldiers Everywhere

2010-11-11T08:48:00.000-05:00

Her first show

2010-10-28T14:35:00.014-04:00

Isn't she gorgeous up on that horse? Heck she is gorgeous off that horse :) A#2 rode in her first show last Sunday and she did INCREDIBLE!!! Blogger has been a real pain recently getting pictures on here and these are all out of order but I was not going to try to reload them because it would have taken another week. That is her on her buddy Bam. Bam gave her such a great time for her first show, I think it's because he knows how much she loves him.

After the show we gave her a dozen pink roses and lots of hugs.

This is her riding trainer. These 2 have developed a very special bond over the last 2 years and I appreciate how protective she has become over A#2. She walked the fence the whole time A#2 was riding and had her daughter on the other side looking out for her as well.

After the show A#3 was so excited when they asked her if she wanted to walk Bam back to the truck. She followed directions, took him by the reins and took off, no intimidation what so ever. We might just have another rider on our hands ;)

Waiting for the judges to announce the winners. Ignore the date on the picture, I used A#2's camera and didn't realize she had the date set. The next picture is a very exciting one for us. A#2 was asked if she wanted to ride in the English class even though she has NEVER rode English before, ever. She took them up on the offer and placed 5Th!!!!!!!! She rode against a group that only ride English and had been trained for a long time and she placed 5Th!!! Oh my goodness we were all so excited for her and Bam.

Look at her go!!!!

Before she rode English she competed in a Western class and placed 6Th!!! This was the very first time she has ever been in a show, did I mention that, and placed twice!!!!

Her 6Th place ribbon.

Taking a little break in between classes trying to calm her nerves and Bam's.

I could have watched her for days!!

A#2's fan club!

Trying to figure out what classes to ride in.

It was such a great day! A#1 drove down for a bit and got to watch her ride in her first class (she didn't place in that one) and so did some grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins. This has become such a love of hers and it was such a joy to watch her and Bam. She has a way with these creatures and I have a feeling this will not be the last show we watch her in.

Glamasaurus Rex

2010-10-22T09:40:00.003-04:00

The day A#3 got her purple cast, Uncle Steven came over with his tool box full of brushes and paints. She had already informed him she wanted a dinosaur so he knew what he was in for.

He sat down and started to sketch out the Dino including the tail that wraps all the way around.

And then he broke out the paint.

The picture does not do it justice. She even has a bow on her head and painted toes. It is the best cast you have ever seen!!!

And as you can see, she LOVES IT!!!

Thank you Uncle Steven!!!! You ROCK!!! A#3 loves you and so do we!!!

Let's give this a shot, shall we?

2010-10-20T09:10:00.006-04:00

Due to the piece if poo computer that we have, due to broken bones, due to soccer for two girls, due to traveling and lots of football games, the Busy Blaine blog has been on the back burner for some time now. But oh how I have missed it :( So I'm not so sure if I will play catch up and overload you with lots of pictures or if I will just start fresh. I will tell you that little girl up there with the purple cast had a birthday yesterday and turned 6!!! My sweet A#3 broke her arm almost 4 weeks ago and has been such a trooper. She broke both bones pretty badly, while I was out of town, and has had a splint for 2 weeks and then her new cast was put on a week ago. Lucky for her she has an amazing artist for an uncle and he came right over the day she got her cast. I'll share pictures later. Oh and, it's good to be back!!!

Another beach trip without A#1

2010-09-08T09:55:00.010-04:00

Without going into details because most of you already know, we were unable to go to Ft Benning to see A#1 graduate from his basic training and his AIT training because he had to say a little longer so we all headed to the beach for a few days to ease our hearts. It was a good time but a sad time because we would have much rather been in Georgia but we know that everything happens for reasons we don't understand. So here are a few pictures that we took while we were there. Excuse the no makeup and the bad hairdos on my part but... we were at the beach so who cares :)

I'm not sure but this was possibly taken right before we were all just about eaten by two SHARKS!!! Not kidding!

Honor Hill

2010-08-06T17:32:00.001-04:00

In honor of our son and all of Echo company, please watch this video and say a very special prayer for them all this weekend as they finish up their time at Fort Benning. Oh my this was a tear jerker for this momma. Their 12 mile road march includes carrying a 70 pound ruck sack! Echo Company, keep up the fantastic job and keep pushing forward! By the time this weekend is over you will be at Honor Hill and you will be soldiers!!!

Soldier boy

2010-07-20T14:23:00.001-04:00

Sorry they are such small pics but they were sent from A#1 via his cell and this was the best I could get. This first one was taken while he was still in reception waiting to start basic back in May.

And the next 2 were sent this past Sunday. He has completed his basic training and started his AIT training. It has been so great to hear his voice after not being able to speak to him for 7 weeks. It seems as if his platoon would earn a phone call and then turn right around and lose it so that's why it took so long. He sounds great but I ask that you keep him in your prayers as he finishes up. My goodness it is hard for a mom to see her son holding a weapon like that!!!

I can't wait to hug that young man!!!

GO GUARD!!!! HOOAH!

July 2010

2010-07-14T09:21:00.010-04:00

W.B. and I had something happen that we have not dealt with for 20 years. We were childless for 9 days!!! The girls went to spend time with hubby's family and had a blast while we tried to figure out what to do with ourselves. We went to see 3 movies, ate out every night but 2, went to a fair, watched fireworks and went to Starbucks more than I care to mention. We missed them so much but somehow we survived.

This one is for Leslie and Jason. Remember this ride?!!! PUKE!
I just think this was a cool picture :)
Watching the fireworks was very memorable for several reasons. It was the first time ever with no kids and we got a phone call from A#1, the first one in 7 weeks!!
I had a birthday and W.B learned how to make the famous cheesecake.
Thank goodness we didn't have enough candles.
He even surprised me with some new Sabika jewelry!!! I love it!
We got to witness the marriage of these 2 precious young people last weekend. What a blessing and I won't even tell you about the tears that W.B. shed when he seen Philip walk out in his dress greens. I imagine in August there will be plenty more when we see A#1 in his for the first time.
Then we came home and took some fun pictures.

That's our July... so far.

June was a blur

2010-07-12T08:34:00.016-04:00

WOW!! May 30 seems so far away and for some reason it seems like just yesterday. Since then.... this little girl turned 10!!!! My beautiful A#2 is 10 years old and I can't believe it. For her birthday dinner, Olive Garden was her choice.
Since May 30, we went to visit this little guy and I got more snuggles than ever before!! We sat in this spot for over an hour.
That same weekend I got to see some of our other kiddos that we love so much. I miss these boys.
And then we got to go for a celebration of this sweet girls graduation. Way to go Christina!! We love you bunches and are so proud of you!!!!
I have the very best MIL in the world and this is her with 2 of her grand babies. Can you tell they like her ;)

And the very best BIL in the world as well. His nephews think he's pretty cool too. OH yeah and he's gonna be a Daddy again!!! YAY!!!!
We've spent plenty of time looking at these beauties.

And watching this beauty ride them. She is a GORGEOUS rider and is so in love with these animals!!
We've been to see plenty of movies and on this night it was Karate Kid. It was great and if you haven't seen it, you should go soon!

We celebrated this dear friends 40Th birthday with him and his family.
Chuck and his buddy Conner.

These 3 went off to church camp together. She was so excited to go and especially to go with them.

We have done an awful lot of this.

And way too much of this.
Burnt, just the way I like them.

And me and my girls doing one of my very fave things.

We celebrated this little guys 6Th Birthday. Love him!!!

And this precious little thing turned 1!!!! Oh Sweet Lily girl Aunt Tinie loves you so much!!!

Lots more news on the home front that I will get to soon. I do ask that you keep A#1 in your prayers as he wraps things up in basic training and moves into his AIT. We won't see him until August 19 :(

"When You Get Home" gb leighton

2010-05-30T11:31:00.000-04:00

In honor of all our military including our son!! Please watch this video and thank a soldier!!

Class of 2010

2010-05-21T13:40:00.004-04:00

A#3 has graduated and moved on... from preschool.
My 2 girls.
Mommy and the grad.
"Five little monkeys" was the first song her group sang. Very appropriate :)
Receiving her diploma.
She was honored for being the best story teller. Not so sure that's a good thing.
Daddy and the grad with her flowers that he bought for her.
She was more happy about the flowers than anything.
Except for when we went to her favorite place in town, Gardner's ice cream.
Strawberry Cheesecake.
A#2.
A#2 and her Mommy.

Her flowers had to be put in a "base" as soon as we got home.
I kid you not this is how I found her this morning. She was worn out . Don't you love the eye cover? It is her new necessity when she goes to bed.

Bonjour!

2010-05-17T16:18:00.006-04:00

A tour of A#2's newly redecorated room. Welcome to Paris!
Here is the before picture of the cabinet that my sis and bro gave her.

And the after! Adorable.
Her reading corner.
Her cabinet with her snow globes that she has collected from all over the world.
Pictures that I made her out of artist canvases, a couple of pictures printed from the computer and a little bit of modpodge.
Her window "mistreatments".
Up close.
Her fave part of the whole room.

An ugly $5 mirror with a cute boa attached. Much better!!!
Her "new" desk and chair that I found waiting for the trash truck. A little paint and tender loving care made them all better. One of my fave things in her room is the lamp on her desk. Target clearance for $6. Love it!!!

What do you think?

This time it's just different

2010-05-12T08:45:00.005-04:00

May 3 A#1 headed out for basic training for the Army National Guard. Something about this journey with him is just different. I can't put my finger on it and there is no way to describe it other than it is something I have never felt before. When he was only 16 he left on a 4 week adventure to Australia and it was no where near as difficult as this has been. Then he graduated high school and that was not as hard as this. He left for another adventure, this time to the U.K., and still not as hard. We got him home from that journey only to turn around and send him off to his first year of college. Difficult, but not like this. Leading up to May 3 I have had so many emotions going on. Emotions that unless you have been there you might not understand. I sent a message to my Pastor one day and asked him if his wife had shed as many tears as I had been before their son left in October for basic training and he said they both had. You are so full of pride but so full of fear all at the same time. I think that's why it is so confusing. I know in my heart that he prayed about this and sought counsel and took time to make this decision, and it was his decision to make, but at times there is just no peace in a mommy's heart when she knows her son is about to become a soldier. My family has a very rich history with the military, every branch, so for the family it is nothing new for one of our men to serve our country. My heart overflows with pride for my son for being the man that he is but as his mom I will always see that little boy somewhere in that man.
After we spent Saturday on campus with A#1 we headed back to our room and a tickle fight broke out. This next picture CRACKS ME UP!!! The pure joy that was in that room was amazing.

I tried to hide because I was so afraid I was next!!
But, it didn't work! And A#1 knows I can't stand for someone to tickle my feet but that didn't stop him.
This one cracks me up too because I didn't see it until I loaded the picture but A#2 was trying her best to defend her Mommy by going for the wedgie!!! That's my girl!
Sunday after we all went to campus church we headed back to his room to get him all packed up. Not something any of us enjoyed but a job that had to be done.
After we went to lunch we headed back to say our goodbye's. It was an awful long ride home if that gives you a clue as to how it went. A#1 had to be at the Armory at 9 the next morning but he didn't want us to go with him and I think it was best.

We are attached to our phones and will be for the next 3 months until he is finished and headed back home to go back to school. I have never been so anxious to get a phone call in my whole life. He will finish up with basic and AIT training in August and we will go watch him graduate with probably many more tears.
A#1, you are a godly man, a man of honor, a man with a heart of service, a man ready to sacrifice, a man with the most tender heart and a man whose family supports you 110%. We could never explain to you the joy you are to your mom and dad. GO GUARD!!!!!

The weekend he becomes a citizen soldier

2010-04-30T07:54:00.001-04:00

21 years, 21 roses and 1 big brownie

2010-04-28T09:53:00.006-04:00

21 Beautiful red roses from my man on our 21st wedding anniversary!! We had a great evening out to dinner and then I got to have a fantastic massage by a new massage therapist we will be using from now on. It was FANTASTIC!!

Our tradition on our anniversary is that we order dessert. Something we never do unless we are with our BFF's. Is this not the biggest brownie you have ever seen? We laughed so hard when they brought it out to us.
I love this man so much!! Sometimes it's hard to believe we have survived marriage for 21 years but I am so thankful to God that we have. I would not change a thing!!

Thank you for loving me W.B. I love you and thank you for your heart!!

Glorious Day (Living He loved me) ~Casting Crowns

2010-04-23T09:38:00.000-04:00

21 years!!

2010-04-15T09:03:00.002-04:00

Happy Anniversary to you W.B.!!! 21 years is a long time for 2 people to be in love. We have so many fantastic memories together and I can't wait to make many, many more. I love you and thank God for you!!

Let the season begin

2010-04-12T16:23:00.005-04:00

The soccer season that is!! Spring is here and we are excited to be back on the fields again. A#3 plays every Friday evening and she is ready to go by early in the morning. She wears the shin guards all day long. Daddy is coaching both girls this year so it's a bit of a hectic schedule on the weekends but we love it.

Along with the new soccer season comes new soccer pictures. A#3 always wants lots taken with me, as you can tell.

What a sweet girl!!
Daddy loves, loves, loves to coach these kiddos and it shows. He has had several kids request him as their coach. This year our nephew is even playing with him!!
And then there is this rock star!! A#2 and her team are being coached by hubby as well. Last year he was their assistant but this year he is at it all alone. And he loves, loves, loves it!
Seriously within the next year or so she is going to be taller than me!
We all wear our lime green shirts on game day to show our support, even A#3.
The best Daddy in the whole wide world = the best coach in the whole wide world!!
This year since both girls are on a green team there will be a lot of screaming, "GO GREEN!!"

3.2 for 32

2010-03-24T09:29:00.003-04:00

Well I did it!! I signed up yesterday for the 3.2 mile run in remembrance of the 32 victims of the tragedy at Va Tech. I am sooooo excited to be a part of this event. Now granted I have not ran 3 miles in a very long time so that is why I signed up for the jog/brisk walk section. I know I can do that and even if it's a struggle, it will be very worth it. Keep me in your prayers. Now, I gotta go get on that treadmill of mine, after I clean the dust off ;)

The reason I have not blogged

2010-03-22T12:21:00.002-04:00

I have been asking for a lot of prayer for A#1 and this is why. For the past 2 months W.B. and I have known that this was on his mind and this was a decision he has been wrestling with. Well, his mind is made up and there is no more wrestling. The Blaine family is now a part of a whole new family, The National Guard. A#1 will continue with his education at LU but is now a proud member of the US military. He has changed his focus from commercial aviation to military aviation and is pressing forward with whatever God has in store for his life. Please continue to pray for him and for us.
This could be him one day!!

Getting started and getting simplified!!

2010-03-08T10:20:00.002-05:00

I have been working on some purging in this house for about 2 months now but it is taking me FOREVER as I have just lost my motivation. Well not anymore! I am going to participate in this time of organizing and simplifying with several other bloggers out there. This week the choice is either a bedroom or living room. My choice is our living room/family room. We have a formal living room but it is currently full of the things I have decided to get rid of so far which are in tubs and boxes and the family room is really where we "live" and what needs to be done first. I will try to remember to take some pictures as I go mainly because that helps me to see the progress I am making. It's a perfect day to begin because the weather is fantastic and the sun is shining and that is motivation in it's self!!

There has been a lot of changes going on for the Blaine family and I am anxious to share with you but need to wait just a couple of more days until things are finalized but I will ask that you just pray for us as we settle in with some decisions being made.

20 years ago

2010-02-23T12:32:00.002-05:00

20 years ago today I became a mommy for the first time to this awesome young man. I think you all know by now if you have read at least one post on this blog about just how proud I am of him. He is a young man following what the Lord has planned for him and living his dream all at the same time. He is so blessed and such a blessing to all that know him. There is sooooo much more I want to write but I can't see thru the tears so I'll stop for now.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY A#1!!! You are the best son in the world and I thank God for you being in our lives!!!

Stir crazy part 2

2010-02-11T09:32:00.001-05:00

Take a couple of picture frames left over from black Friday, some scrapbook paper, chipboard letters and some ribbon and you will have another project to occupy yourself while trapped/snowed in the house.

Adorable!!!

Trying not to go stir crazy

2010-02-10T14:04:00.004-05:00

What do you get when you take some clearance Christmas chargers,
and a cricut machine?

Cute huh? Prop one up on a plate easel and there you have an instant Valentine decoration.

I think they turned out adorable. Now I have to decide what to do with them because I've made 4 so far. Can you tell I'm trying not to go stir crazy?

Happy Birthday Momma

2010-02-10T10:59:00.003-05:00

Today is my mom's 60Th birthday!!! Unfortunately she will probably not see this because she is in Hawaii!!!! and who would go all the way to Hawaii and take time to read a silly blog? Have a great birthday Mom and have a blast on your trip. We love you and are sooooo thankful for you!!

Warning: It looks like every post this winter will be about...

2010-02-08T15:14:00.010-05:00

SNOW!! And more SNOW!! It started again Friday morning and kept going all day. A#2 was wanting to go outside so badly she was willing to shovel so we let her. She went out for about an hour by herself until she finally realized we let her sweep and shovel while it was still snowing so she wasn't making much progress.
And there's the face she made when I told her to just give up and come inside. They are going so stir crazy around here because there was school only one day last week and that was on Thursday with a 2 hour delay and then Friday was cancelled before the snow even began.

I have decided that our yard is starting to resemble a parking lot with one of those big, gross piles of snow that will be around until April.

This is just a hint of what me and hubby shoveled Saturday morning.

We were able to get out for a while on Saturday and went for a few visits and made it to Starbucks. We came home to play in the snow and had some company in the evening.

My sister and her family made it over and we had a blast. This is hubby with our nephew Foster. Hubby and the B I L made a path for our snow tube and put a wall/ramp at the end of it so there were no wrecks. It was PERFECT!!!

Hubby with A#3.

Dee tried out the sled at first.

This is the path, looking from the bottom to the top. PERFECT!!

Dee decided to give the tube a try.

A#3 on the tube.

The best part of the whole day was when my mom made her way over and took a few turns on the tube. We laughed so hard and she had a blast.

She took the kids on a few rides with her until we had to cut her off for fear of someone getting hurt. ;)

Me and the girls will probably be in the house most of the week again, we are expecting more snow on Tuesday but we will not complain. My in laws are among the No Va folks and Maryland folks that got over 2 feet!! They have lost all power and are expecting more as well this week. Hang in there everyone!

Snow and lots of pj's

2010-02-01T15:48:00.007-05:00

Snow, snow, glorious snow!! We got it again and there are lots of people that were not happy about it, hubby included, but there were lots of us that don't mind it for a second.The first go around in December we got about 18 inches but this time it was right around 11 and it was beautiful. There is just something about looking outside and seeing the freshness of it all, before all the kiddos start plowing thru it and all the adults start shoveling it for hours at a time.

The 2 girlie's were bundled up and headed out for their first round of frolicking.

Silly faces.

This was later on when they were on round 2. Oh that smile gets me every time!!

Blurry pic of A#2 and Daddy coming down the hill. Soooo much fun!!

For some reason A#2 looks a little frightened.

All the neighborhood kids wanted their turn.

This was around 7:30 in the evening when it started snowing again.

Hubby waiting for his turn.

Mommy's snow baby.

Mommy's snow man! :)

When we weren't in our snow clothes we spent the rest of the weekend in our pj's. So much so that this morning I did a load of laundry that consisted of nothing but.... pj's. I'd say it was a GREAT weekend!!

Praying for Haiti!!

2010-01-29T12:00:00.000-05:00

Wonderful and uplifting!! Are you listening?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKARlyqfa2Y

So much for that goal

2010-01-14T16:22:00.006-05:00

Well one of my goals for the new year was to give this blog a little more attention. Yea, not happening. But we are early into the year so I am gonna start all over on that one OK? I never finished posting about Christmas so I'm gonna just throw up several pictures to finish it up. No captions, just pictures so if you want to know more just ask me.

Christmas Eve night

2010-01-05T15:33:00.006-05:00

Yes I realize that I am probably the only one still posting on Christmas but as usual it's busy around here and I get it done when I get it done. After I put these pictures on here I also realized just how tired we all look. It was a long, fun day and those kind tend to wear us out.
W.B. and his new Superman pj's. For some reason he really liked them and kept telling everyone about them. Next year I'll have to look for Batman or Spider man ;)

A#1 and his new pj's. He has told me that he would rather have shorts instead of pj pants so that's what I got him, with a really cool gingerbread man shirt. Well wouldn't you know it, he wished he would've gotten pants. He told me that!!! Can you believe it? He really is a man now ;)

The girls got matching polar bear pj's.

I think they liked them.

And me, I got some really cute snowflake pj's. They are soooo cozy!

A#1,2 & 3 all snug in their jammies ready for our story and Santa!!

This year was so great because A#2 asked if she could read the whole entire story herself. She did a fantastic job!!

Wow are we ready for bedtime!!!

Of course we left cookies and milk and carrots for the reindeer. The kids also went outside and sprinkled the sparkly reindeer food so they could surely find their way.

FANTASTIC giveaway!!

2010-01-04T10:02:00.004-05:00

Have you seen Lisa Leonards jewelry? I LOVE IT!!!!

Go to http://www.beneathmyheart.blogspot.com/ and enter for a chance to win $75 from Lisa's line. The heartstring necklace is my fave!!

Out with the old.... In with the new

2010-01-03T15:46:00.005-05:00

I can't even believe it's 2010!! Can you? It's crazy just how fast time passes by! We have lots of goals for the new year. Personally, I'm not crazy about the word resolution, it just sounds old. One of my goals for this new year is to continue to be healthier. Watching what I put in my body, watching how I exercise my body and concentrating on what I surround myself with, especially people. What and who I surround myself with has a great deal of impact on my health and my stress. A lesson I have come to learn over these past couple of years.

2009 was not a bad year but at times it was a hard year. A year full of milestones for our whole family. A year of answered prayers. A year full of health scares. A year full of reflection over the last 20 years of marriage. A year full of financial difficulties. A year full of realizing who actually supports and doesn't tear down. A year full of people that are truly happy when you have success. A year full of new opportunities. A year full of old friends becoming new again. A year full of knowing that thru it all... God is good and He is good ALL THE TIME!!

2009 you were very interesting for the Blaine's but we say goodbye. Out with the old.... in with the new!

Christmas Eve Day

2009-12-31T10:35:00.006-05:00

We head over to my parents house around noon every year for Christmas eve to have lunch and to exchange gifts. This year felt very strange to me because A#1 was working and only came long enough to eat really fast and open his gifts and then head back to work. He even said when he got home that it didn't even feel like Christmas ti him. It's very sad when you realize you are growing up and things change more than you thought they would. And to me it's hard to see him realize that.

This little girl realized it was Christmas though and she was so excited about it all.

And so did these kiddos.

Polly Pocket was very popular this year for both of my girls.

Cam-rod, another one that's growing up way too fast :(

A#2 was so excited with her new Bop-it game. She's setting a new record every day.

Somewhere in one of these pictures you can see the top of Miss Lily's head. She is doing so great and getting so big so fast. She is an answered prayer and something we are all very thankful for this year.Just the beginning of our family Christmas together.

Snow storm of 2009

2009-12-19T10:33:00.004-05:00

This is what it looks like at our house this morning. 19 inches of snow fell in the blizard and now we are just waiting for the good times to begin.

Looking out our front door.

Beautiful!

When I opened the back door it was all the way up the door.

No grilling today.

No swimming today.

Not sure if we can get to the garage.

Half way up the fence.

It's beautiful outside!! Hope you are all safe and warm!

My very first swap!!

2009-12-08T09:10:00.005-05:00

I participated in my very first Swap and look at what I received in the mail. My swap partner was Summer all the way in Oregon. How cool is it to know that I now have a new friend on the other side of the USA. You can visit her at www.summerduffield.blogspot.com

We opened the box and were so excited to see what was inside.

How cool are these? She made them and they are just perfect for our tree!!

Oh my this girl has some mad skillz! These are made from Popsicle sticks and scrabble tiles. LOVE THEM!!! We put these on our "fun" tree.

Love it!!! A#3 thinks this one is just for her since it's her middle name.

My fave of them all. I would love to have a tree full of this one!!

Thank you soooo much Summer. I hope you enjoyed yours as much as we did ours. I pray you will have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

FINALLY!!!!

2009-12-07T16:03:00.003-05:00

Something I have been wanting to do all year and have finally got a round to posting the first recipe!! Please visit and sign up to follow. If you try a recipe, please let me know what you think!!
http://www.busyblainesrecipes.blogspot.com