Awww! A whole stable of cute animals...

Don't you just love her expression..."come on Mom, are we done yet or what?"
Loverbrains was Joseph...and he had his lines memorized and did a fabulous job. This is the only picture I could get...because I was sitting in the choir loft during his actual speaking part!

For the adorable videos...focused for the Grandparent viewership (meaning I zoomed in on my kid)...go to my other blog...MomE & Loving It!!

Evangelistic Opportunity...not just a fairy tale...

Here are my little trick or treaters. They were the Princess and the Frog Prince...hehehe! MomE sprung for Christmas bags...and the Princess lost her handles about halfway around the cul de sac. Fun times...how often to you get to wear your play clothes outside?
Once you're souped up on candy you have the strength to pull your sister around the house...hahaha! YEAH!

And yes, I'm going to answer the burning question I've been asked multiple times this weekend.

Your kids go trick or treating?

My kids do go trick or treating. After some prayer and consideration we decided that it would be effectively slamming the door on any evangelistic attempts with our neighbors to turn off our lights and pretend we aren't home. We pass out candy bags and tracks (cute ones)...and we get to know our neighbors.

We've even had some great conversations. Some were shocked we let the kids go, too...they said, "Aren't you religious?" That was a great opportunity to say that we aren't religious...we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ...and "please, let me tell you what that means."

We've built friendships...and they come to us with their prayer requests...cuz they know we pray...and that we believe in prayer. How neat is that? It makes me soooo happy that I open my mouth and ask how they are...and take the time to listen to their problems...and tell them about the power of prayer in my life because of my ALL POWERFUL GOD.

I do have opportunities to express my concerns with Halloween (evil, Satan, scary, etc.) but I have countless more opportunities to share about Jesus Christ. Remember, it's like I said last week...

When talking with sinners the issue is not their present sin but their need of a Savior!

To see my contribution to Chrysalis' Marriage Monday pop on over to my other blog...
MomE & Loving It

Word FILLED Wednesday: Look for help!

I elaborated a bit over where I'm MomE and Loving It!!!

Meme The Truth About Bobbi-ology!

The Truth About Bobbi-ology

I snagged this from Jennifer's blog at Through the Storms of Life. Get to know me better by reading down through here. Also, pay a visit to Jennifer's blog.

**********FOODOLOGY***************
What is your salad dressing of choice?
I'm loving my homemade Italian dressing...it's better than Olive Garden!
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
Yatz (Cajun/Creole Awesomeness)
What food could you eat everyday for two weeks and not get sick of?
Steak
What are your pizza toppings of choice?
Cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives and banana peppers.
What do you like to put on your toast?
Butter (well, maybe Nutella)
***********TECHNOLOGY***************
How many televisions are in your house?
Two--the one upstairs is only for playing the VHS of our wedding though! HA!
What color cell phone do you have?
Navy Blue
Do you have an Ipod?
Nope...but my Centro will do everything that an Ipod does and more!
***************BIOLOGY******************
Are you right-handed or left-handed?
Right, but I am becoming semi-ambidextrous as I teach my lefty daughter to do things.
Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
Two babies, three cysts, and my wisdom teeth!
What is the last heavy item you lifted?
I switched my dining room and my living room on a whim a while back. That was some heavy lifting/shoving!!
Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
Nope! Well, I don't remember it...hahaha! Wait...does anesthesia count?
************DUMBOLOGY******************
How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
Three...Aldi awesome flops! Seriously, they cost $4.99 and are totally awesome!
Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
Got a warning on the way to my parents on MLKJr. weekend. Don't speed in construction ya'll!
Last person you talked to?
My two and three year old as I put them down for naptime.
Last person you hugged?
My sweet Loverbrain
**************FAVORITOLOGY****************
Season?
Fall. It's beautiful and invigorating! Plus, I HEART SCHOOL SUPPLIES!!!
Holiday?
Advent and Christmas!
Day of the week?
Tuesdays...they are the days I plan playdates and bible studies, etc. My visiting days!!
Month?
October (it has Fall and my birthday)
***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************
Missing someone?
My Grandpa Sharp (passed away)...wish my hubs and kids could've met him.
Mood?
Introspective and a tiny bit hyped on caffeine. Finishing the pot since hubs isn't here to drink his coffee! HA...waste not, want not!
What are you listening to?
My own typing...and lawn mowers outside. Pretty peaceful around here at the moment.
Watching?
The computer screen...um, duh??
Worrying about?
Seeing as I try not to worry...and can only accomplish this through prayer....I prefer to answer what am I praying about...mostly the Koning Family and Stellan.
***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************
First place you went this morning?
To get my Sweet Boobah some milk and then back to snuggle him under the warm covers! Mmm!
What's the last movie you saw?
Fireproof. Yup, finally watched it. It was good. I can see how it would benefit both new and old marriages alike. It never hurts to get a new perspective on things.
Do you smile often?
Yup...sure do! I'm a very bubbly, yappity, happity sort of person. Ask anyone who knows me!
Sleeping Alone Tonight?
Nope...snuggling next to my Loverbrains...
***************OTHER-OLOGY*****************
1) Do you always answer your phone?
I'm trying to get better about just letting it go. I'm trying to view my kids as a full time job where I can't just answer the phone in the middle of work. I do always call people back. I HATE caller ID...so don't have it....so don't assume that I know it's you when you call. It bugs the "liver and snot" out of me when you call people who are obviously looking to see who it is before they pick up on the millionth ring...or don't pick up...making you wonder if they are avoiding you. TRULY IRRITATING. Okay, I'm done...for now!
2) It's four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?
It better be an emergency cuz I pay ALOT for texting...
3) If you could change your eye color what would it be?
I like my blue eyes...but maybe brown...cuz brown eyed blonds are cuter.
3b) If you could change your hair color, what color would you change it to?
RED...like a real redhead! I've thought about just doing it sometime. HA!
4) What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic?
Never been to one...sorry!
5) Do you own a digital camera?
Yes, and I use it alllllll the time!
6) Have you ever had a pet fish?
Yes. His name was Rhapsody. He was blue beta fish...get it...Rhapsody in Blue!
7) Favorite Christmas song(s)?
Silent Night, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, O Holy Night...and the little known, I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas...
8) What's on your wish list for your birthday?
Books or fabric...oh, just ask my Mom...she always gets me the best gifts!
9) Can you do a push up?
Absolutely...one!
10) Can you do a chin up?
HA! Doubt it!
11) Does the future make you more nervous or excited?
Excited! Jesus is coming back, ya'll, and I am going up!!! Are you??
12) Do you have any saved texts?
Like drafts? I have no idea what this is...a saved text? Sure, I have bookshelves full of saved texts! HA HA HA!
13) Ever been in a car wreck?
Was rear ended a few times...
14) Do you have an accent?
Not that anyone has ever pointed out...although I love languages and tend to pick up the accent of whoever I'm around...when in England...I sound British...etc. It's hard for me to stop myself. I can...but I sort of enjoy the feel of it on my tongue. Weird and fun...yes, I am!
15) What is the last song to make you cry?
He Knows My Name by Tommy Walker
16) Plans tonight?
Depends on when the hubs is coming home...hopefully, grill out and chill out!
17) Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?
God is always faithful to me!
18) Name 3 things you bought yesterday?
Thread, ribbon and a High Five magazine for the kids.
19) Have you ever been given roses?
Yes, for the births of my babies!
20) Current worry?
None...see above under Current-ology. Why worry when I can pray?
21) Current hate right now?
Squirrels...crazy, nasty rodents.
22) Met someone who changed your life?
Yes. Many people have had an impact on my life. None like my Savior, Jesus, though.
23) How did you bring in the New Year?
ZZZZZZZ! Give us a break...we have small children!
24) What song represents you?
He Is My Joy by Carter
26) Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?
Maybe...if I could be a Champagne Lady on the Lawrence Welk show!
27) Have you ever dated someone longer than a year?
Oh yes.
28) Do you have any tattoos/piercings?
Ears are double pierced but I let the second set grow closed.
29) Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now?
Um, in my Book marriage is for LIFE! So, unless one of us croaks off suddenly...yup, I'll be working on year number 6.
30) Does anyone love you?
I am well loved.
31) Would you be a pirate?
Maybe for a costume party...but only if I get to have a peg leg, patch and parrot!
32) What songs do you sing in the shower?
His Eye is On the Sparrow, O Happy Day, and Wake up and Pay attention!
33) Ever had someone sing to you?
Yes. It's kind of embarrassing!
34) When did you last cry?
Tuesday and Wednesday...
36) Do you like to cuddle?
Yes, but my babies are moving too fast these days. Unless they're sick I'm out of luck.
37) Have you held hands with anyone today?
Not today...yet!
38) Who was the last person you took a picture of?
My sweet kiddos.
39) What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school?
I loved playing my Mom's Carpenter's records...Ann Murray..Barry Manilow...Neil Diamond...etc.
40) Are most of the friends in your life new or old?
New-ish.
41) Do you like pulpy orange juice?
Semi pulpy. Ya know, some pulp but not enough to gag you! I have to be able to swallow my vitamins too.
42) What is something your friends make fun of you for?
Saying odd things. I'm a good one for making up hilarious words. I have a good vocabulary...but sometimes it just needs to expand to include my zany self!
43) If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
Sure...maybe it would motivate me to get my act together in all aspects and relationships.
44) If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
Nope...I like Bobbi...it fits me!
45) Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
Well, I have some intestinal issues...and it could literally kill me. But, I'd ask if my hubs could do it...cuz who couldn't use that kind of money...and he likes hot stuff!

My Sweet Boobah Boy is TWO!!!

How is it possible that he is two?? Isn't he the cutest!!!!?
Here's his truck cake....made by his amateur cake making MomE...who loves him very much!

Here's his big TONKA truck!!!

He got some really fun books too!!! He loves books!

Yummy cake!!! We shall call him green beard!

The happy party goers!

Grandma and Grandpa Wells like to take pictures and video...alot!!!

Playing with ALL of his trucks and cars!!! VROOM!

His sweet sister helped him unwrap! Awww!

For his cute birthday song go to MomE & Loving It!!!

Traditional Dinner Cookout

It is traditional to cookout on the lake while visiting Nana and Papa....
Hot...fire is HOT! My kids really don't get this concept...so we had them sit far off!

The natives were restless so they were pounding their table drums to signal their desire for nourishment! HA HA HA!

The kids had a blast. Check out the video at MomE & Loving It...

They were showing Papa something...squirmy probably...

We used the wood cart to get to and from the campsite...very handy!

This is a picture going back up to the house. Darren pulling gave the kids just the pull they needed to get back up the hill!

Farmer's Museum Funtimes

Aren't they the cutest?? Awwww! My little city kids loved looking at the animals at the Farmer's Museum. My childhood friend Sarah and her husband Nick met us for the day. We had a blast!
Emma milked the cow! Each person does three squirts...she did two and then the DaisyMae, the cow, swished her in the head with her tail. She decided she was done milking cows! He he he!

MomE milked the cow too! Boy, had it been a long time since I done that...and I'd used machines...

Even DadE milked a cow. As far as I know, he'd never done this before! Exciting times!!

The kids really really enjoyed the pan of beans in the farmhouse. They sorted and giggled while we looked at everything. Kids are so neat!

For more vacation fun go to my other blog....MomE & Loving It!!!

MMM- Still Blogging Along...

So, why was I motivated to become a blogger!?

I created MomE & Loving It on Sept. 20, 2007...with this post...

Hip MomE??
I've never considered myself technologically challenged and realized that maybe I was falling behind. I was lying in bed last night thinking about computers and what I didn't know. It occurred to me that I didn't know how to create a blog. I first noticed other moms had them when my MOPS buddies would say, "Hey check out my blog" or I'd be on forums and people would refer to them. However, when my Dad created one--and it was so awesome--and easy (according to him)I thought it was about time. I figure this is also a great opportunity to work on thinking about what I write before I post it out for the world. Might even help me with my big mouth--you never know. Maybe this blog will be one of God's great tools in my life to tame my tongue and impulsive sinful heart. Here's hoping.

Then I started Blogging Along on March 27, 2008 with the following post...

"Ramblings"
I decided to create a separate blog for my rambling thoughts. I got great feedback from the masses about seeing the kiddos via blog. It makes sense--it doesn't clog up their e-mails and all can see regardless of continent. However, I realized that not everyone may enjoy, or have the time for, my other blog. I don't want them to check and be disappointed so thought the simple solution was to create a separate blog--and since they're free--here we are! This way those interested in my deep (or not so deep thoughts) can read and comment and those more interested in my sweet boobahs (and really who wouldn't be interested) can be free from the extra comments! We'll see how this goes! Fun times!


Do you like these irises? They are bold and proud at the zoo...and I thought they deserved a picture! Gorgeous!!

He is Risen!!!

Good (wow, this is an early sunrise service) Morning!!!

Here's MomE in her natural state...mouth WIDE open...hehehe!
Here are the lovely ladies....

Here are the handsome gentlemen....

Here are the haloed handsome gentlemen...

If you'd like to see the Resurrection Cookies 2009...you need to jot on over to my other blog...MomE & Loving It...

Why do you blog??

Authenticity has come up as an issue for me. I don't want to be superficial and fake. I hope I come across as honest. But at the same time, I may choose to leave out certain details because I want to protect people's confidentiality and I don't want to be a downer. One of the things I like about blogging is that it helps me focus on the positive aspects of my life. When I look back through my posts, I feel so blessed because I chose to write about the good things in my life instead of focusing on the negatives (and there are certainly things in my life that are negative...as in everyone's life!) I have tackled some deeper issues in a few posts, but a lot of the struggles I face are often relationship oriented (with certain people in my life). I don't feel comfortable blogging much about that.

Written words are very powerful. Once they're out there, you can't take them back.
So, you won't find me blogging about issues I might have with my extended family, for example, unless it's sharing a valuable lesson that I learned in retrospect. You're more likely to see a poem, or a video, during my times of trial. Know when you see those things...that I DO struggle...and pray for me.

There is a floating complaint that some blogs aren't authentic...that people put a happy, christian face on everything. There is also the floating issue of bloggers needing to be authenticated at every turn about everything (good, bad, sad, etc.) in their lives. Look at my track feed, where are my comments, tell me I'm wonderful...yada yada yada...

I have chosen two verses for the headers of my blogs. I do not promise to never change them...but I do realize and hope that they stand as a sort of purpose statement for those blogs.

My MomE and Loving It blog is for me to write about the good and wonderful...and the hard and horrible aspects of mothering. Psalm 127:3, "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward," is a good verse to help me remember that no matter my grumps of the day...my trials or joys...the bottom line is God's Word...and my children are a reward!!!

My Blogging Along blog...is just me...happy, sad, corny, crafty...etc. 2 Corinthians 5:9, "Therefore we also have as our ambition.... to be pleasing to the Lord," is a good verse to help me remember this isn't a competition with fellow bloggers, I'm not out to please men...but God, and whatever I post, the bottom line (again) should be God's Word...and remembering my real ambitions of life.

I love reading all types of blogs! Some are transparent, some are more "how to", some are on home decor, some on cooking/recipes, some on being a christian Mommy, some are on marriage. I find that some blogs I connect with and some I don't. I think we all have different purposes in blogging. Some people want community and friendship. Some people just want "creative ideas". Some people want a laugh! Some read blogs for their godly insights and some write about their faith! I guess blogs vary as deeply as we each do individually!

All that said, I totally understand that some people use their blogs to brag and toot their own horns! They use their blogs to make them feel better about their own lives and draw attention to themselves or become popular and well liked. But, I guess that happens in real life and in the blog realm! We are complicated, selfish and prideful people! Writing this blog...even today when I'm deciding to post it...I find that I must reexamine my motives. In a flash you can find yourself back in Jr. High with hurt feelings cuz the popular bloggers aren't including you in their group. It hurts to know that you weren't responded to by a "big name blogger" and your friend was...You wonder why they are more interesting to befriend them than yourself....

but then again...

Why do I blog?...

If it is only about popularity and pats on the back I might as well quit now...

If it's something that helps me move forward in my quest to further God's kingdom...and it makes me happy...well, then there...that...is a really good reason to write!

Day by Day

God brought this song to my mind today. It's amazing how many hymns I have tucked up in my brain...that He brings out at the appropriate times. We have been struggling with an awful intestinal virus. With young kiddos that can be really difficult. Then, this morning, our hot water heater kicked the bucket...and is currently being replaced. That means $$$ and all the chores I planned to do (wash laundry, bathrooms, etc.) are on hold. So, pray for us...and see if these words speak to your heart too.

Day by Day
by Carolina Sandell Berg (text); Oscar Ahnfelt (music)

Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here.
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counselor and Pow'r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid
"As your days, your strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Your promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation
Offered me within Your holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting
E'er to take, as from a Father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the Promised Land.