The Elf on the Shelf...

Santa left a gift for the kids this morning. An Elf! He is going to watch over the kids and report back to Santa on how they behave. As this Advent season has progressed with the Lego Advent calendar being opened early, they are not waiting each day to open one door, and Emma is still refusing to be potty trained, mommy is very glad that Santa thought of this.

Our Elf, now named Scout, came with a book that explains his rules. One being that he cannot be touched or his magic will go away and he will not be able to fly back to Santa to report. This is very important because he goes back each night. Then the kids get to find him each morning in a different spot. Scout's favorite game is hide and seek. Next year mommy is hoping he comes with Advent verses from the bible as well!

We were told to register Scout with Santa at the North Pole. Santa has set up a really cool 3D web site with interactive pictures of the North Pole. http://www.theelfontheshelf.com/ It also shows how the Elves train all year long to get ready to watch the kids during the Christmas season. They are hard workers!

Santa also sent us a letter saying how he is pleased that we named our Elf! He loves the name Scout! He is praying that the kids are good this whole month!

Here he is "Scout". Mommy is praying for kids that begin to follow the rules and is also hoping

that her kids get a good report each day!



Thanks G Connie for having Mommy ask Santa for an Elf for our family!
www.barnesandnoble.com also helps Santa with his delivery's! Search for The Elf on the Shelf!

Two things on my mind and heart...

First, Emma...




FIY this will contain some TMI...sorry!




For the past year Emma and I have worked hard on potty training. It has not taken. Her will will not give in. Since the beginning she has decided that she will hold her poop in and not let it out. She does this when we are working on using the potty and when we are not. She has a fear of it. We have been to the Doctor and have medicine, but even with help she continues to be very stubborn. I could cry. It's one thing to have a child that will not use the potty and refuses to tell you when she has to go, it' another thing to have her hold in her poop and be fearful about it. I do not want to end up in the hospital. This is a mind problem. Everyone tells you not to discipline and be very understanding. But after this long, it can drive a person nuts. Give it up already, Emma. Sorry, I am tired of it. I see all the cute panties we could buy and it makes me sad. She is so smart! John tells me to pray and keep also praying with her, I am. But even that gets old. I know God will help us through, but I want results. And I feel for her when she is in pain. Please pray along with me. I just want her to wake up and go Mommy, I want to wear panties today. I have to go poop on the potty, Mommy. I want to hear these words more that I love ,Mommy, or you are beautiful, Mommy. I need help!









Second thing...




5 years ago when John told me I needed to go back to work, I almost lost it. It would be nice to get out of the house some and make extra money, but I could not think of a place that would hire a stay at home mom who could only work for a few hours a week. Well, God took me to Kohl's. It has worked out to be there and they have worked with me on my hours, what a blessing. Now, I want to be done. After working there for 5 years and having done retail off and on before that, I am coming on 7 years or so of it. I hate retail at Christmas. I could go on about all the things that I don't like, but those of you who have done it know. This past year has also been very different because I have had to learn how this store in San Antonio works. It is a busy store. It is in the heart of the city in between two others. This means we get returns from all the stores, we make calls to other stores to find different sizes and colors for customers. We are also right at the intersections of the two major highway systems. Very easy for people to get to. I just can't get over now people just seem to come out of the wood work, they just appear out of thin air. I. Am. Not. Kidding. And with issues of payroll and I am sure the economy, they only have one person in customer service all the time. Very hard to keep up.




This brings me to going back to school. I took one class in DSM and really liked college. But we moved and I had to put it off. I feel I am being called into the health care field. With good pay and I hope some flexible hours, I feel this would be a good fit for our family. Last week I had "phlebotomist" come to my mind. Getting blood samples from people in a doctors office or clinic sounds fun! I am praying about this. The course I am looking at would only involve going to class one day a week from 8 to 4:30pm for 16 weeks. Then a month of clinical working four days a week from 8 to 4:30pm. The month of clinical would be hard for our family but I think we could work it out.




Before I get to ahead of myself, I do want to list the blessing that Kohl's has been to me.




I have perfect hours.




I am making good money for retail.




The coworkers are nice.




My supervisor is wonderful.









So, right now I will be sticking with Kohl's and continue to pray for a good attitude when I am there. With the hope that in the new year, Lord willing, maybe I can go back to school.









Please pray with me about these two things. Emma really needs it! Thanks for letting me vent. I don't know what God is doing, but I am praying for answers soon. Maybe we will win the lottery! Ha!







Also, I just read an update on my good friend in Iowa who is 32, and married with two beautiful girls. She has cancer...and I complain about my job. Wow, get a grip, Jayne! I love you Becca, you are in my prayers!

New look...

I have been seeing some really cool looking blogs over the past few months and decided it was time to update mine. I love www.shabbyblogs.com they have cute things!!! This is the one I liked for Fall it's called "autumn sunshine". I also may use "shabby brown" and "emma" in the future. And being the wiz at computers that I am...not...I can't remember how to change the background of my text and header. Wish I knew everything, but I don't. Oh well, I will keep trying to fix that. The colors don't go together any more.
I am also thinking about taking a "Nikon" use your camera class. John could teach me, but we all know how that goes. When to make the time. Plus I think a class would get you started from the beginning, and that's what I need. As I post pics from my little "Sony" I am not happy with the quality of the photos.
Just short and sweet update today. Have to head to work. I did get a rest in today, that was nice! After working out, school, Pumpkin Spice Latte and shopping! See ya!

School...

Well, I decided to get the office ready for Ean and Evan. I was going to do school on the dinning room table, but I never seem to have that clean. John told me a few days ago that it's a good idea to have the kids always study in the same place each day. It helps them to know that when they sit in that spot it's time to study. I had already got our shelf ready, so I got a card table out and decided to make that the desk. It fit right next to our shelf. Perfect!

I even put their names on the table! Just like I have seen in all of my friends pics on FB of their kids going to Kindergarten.

The shelf with all of our school stuff on it. It's organized right now! I still don't know how to turn pic in blogger. Ugh. Sorry!

Emma's "desk" complete with her name. She wanted to sit with me, but I cannot hold her and answer the boy's questions. Plus, after each problem, Evan has to tell me he is done. It was a busy day. Emma cried when I told her she needed to sit at her table. Hoping she gets the idea soon!

Ean's first day of 1st grade!

Evan's first day of Kindergarten!

Abeka has you record the kid's height three times a year. The kids are all 3 in apart! Very funny! This is Ean's page.

Here is Evan!

Emma at her desk before that melt down. She is 3ft tall today.

Working hard on math.

On Labor Day, I was really down about starting school. Being really tired from work and just feeling like I have to do everything for everyone. I did not even want to think about school. Am I even qualified to teach them? Satan really has a way of beating a person up. But, I got the table around and that helped a little. In August I had ordered books and organized the book shelf. I was very glad that was done early! Then, we all went to bible study this morning. At the end of our discussion groups we break up into prayer partners. I got a lady of wisdom, and she was very excited to pray for my request. My request was prayer for getting school started this week. Her prayer almost made me cry. What a blessing to have that encouragement on this day! She also told me how proud she was of John and I. That we were willing to take this task on. She was wonderful! After being home schooled myself and always feeling different, and now going back to that, I really needed her this morning! God is so good.

The boys did well. We are still getting used to working together. It is exciting to see them learn. Still praying for the rest of the week!

Boys and Girls...

I love the fact that I have been blessed with boys and a girl. Here are a few things that they did this past week.

Emma's "goin to Wal Mart" outfit. When she found out we needed to go out to the store, this is what she put on. Her purse is never far from her side! It's packed with little toys. She cries when I make her leave it in the van. She wants to be like me and take it everywhere.

I found this dress at Target for only $1.50. Can you believe it! These kind of finds give me a high. No, I am not addicted to shopping!

Ean wanted to put these new Toy Story 3 posters up in his and Evan's room. I said sure! Right now I will take TS3 any day. I wonder what the future holds in this area? Don't even want to go there.

Ean is doing the "Mario" pose. See the difference between boys and girl? Emma in her dress with purse and high heels. And Ean ready to take on the next bad guy that comes along. This just makes me smile!

Words...

Ok, every family has them. Those words that only your family says and knows what they mean. Let me give you some examples...



Paci...aka pacifier

B...Ean's burp rags

Burp...Evan's burp rags

Guck...anything that has fallen on the floor or is yucky

Spit...vomit or throw up

Blunanas...bananas

Buggies...any bug, bee or wasp we might see

Getting thrown...see pics below.

This could freak a Mom out, but I have gone with it. Evan asks John every night if he can "get thrown". I think Evan lives for this. I love that the kids will have these memories of their Dad when they are grown up. I love my family!

John's project...

Every time we have moved, about 5 times now. We have to, I mean John, has to pack up all of his books. He has over 1000. I am thankful that he now owns a "nook"! At a home schooling conference a few years back, John saw these book shelves. They are made of pine, and that makes them light and they can be moved with a dolly! No more packing up and unloading ever again! Here are some pics of John working on them. I am so thankful for all the work he did on these. I love them!







All made before paint.

Painting!

All painted.

Getting full!

posting from my phone.

just trying this out.

Kids...

As I was getting ready for our big trip to Iowa at the beginning of the week, this is what happened...

Emma today slept with her feet in the bed and her head on the floor. Her diaper did not hold because she was upside down, so she got wet. Yep, this is how she slept. When I asked her how she took a nap, she said "I was stuck, I got wet on my shirt, my eyes, my hair." Ugh, so gross. She will love this story when she is 15!



Evan was wanting to help me pack all day. He is such servant!!! When he asked if he could carry the big suit case with all our clothes in it, I said, well it is really heavy. He said "well I am 5 now." Ok, I guess age does make a difference. The whole night he was right beside me saying, "here let me put that in". At dinner this evening he asked me, "mom, why are you so mad?" Getting 5 people ready to drive to Iowa for 10 days did not make me have the greatest attitude. Kids will always remind you and make you take a self check. My voice did raise a few octaves a couple of times today.



Ean on the other hand was always ready with his "Mario" pose. Right handed fist up in the air with right leg hopping up. This is what Mario does at the end of every level in video games. He was also ready to help out today with the packing. I am glad they love to go see family! He is also reading this blog out loud to me as I am writing it. Homeschooling is always going on in our house. Not! He is reading and that was my goal for this year!!!



I have been very frustrated with Emma over the past month. We started potty training in June. She did well and learned how to have control, but I have to watch her. This past week I have been really angry with her. (Yes, I know, just want you want when potty training!) But, she knows what to do. She is choosing not to tell me. That just gets to me. She wants to hide and sneak away. Well, today I was packing, and six little words came out of her mouth for the first time, "mom, I have to go potty." I was elated!!! It was such blessing to get that today!!! And, then true to her real nature, she did not tell me she had to go later and, so I was back to changing her diaper again. Gotta love 2 year olds. Maybe by the first of the year the Stark family will be diaper free. I am not holding my breath!

These kids are a blessing and a challenge at the same time! I love them.!

11 years...

I had no idea where we should go eat for our 11th Anniversary, so John went to work. He came up with, California Pizza Kitchen. I was really excited! It's a woman thing, I guess. Excited, you may think, about CPK? Well, it brought back memories! The next picture shows why...

On our honeymoon, in Honolulu, we ate at this CPK about 4 or 5 times while we were there. It was right across from our hotel. We loved it! I tried a different kind of pizza every time we went. John, I am pretty sure, got pepperoni EVERY time. Yes, that's my husband!

While looking for the CPK photo, I also found these. We will never forget our time at Pearl Harbor. We did not speak to each other the whole time we were on the tour. The memorial is beautiful and done so well. The men and women that lost their lives will never be forgotten. Please spend time here if you are ever in Hawaii.

21 and tan. Wow, I love this pic and no, I am not vain, it was just snapped by John and the light is perfect. Running marathons will have to start taking place to get this look back.

At dinner on our last night in Hawaii. This trip was just wonderful. Hawaii's weather is so perfect, it really is paradise. I want, no need to go back some day!

This got me also thinking about how far we have come. We have moved a total of 4 times together. I have had 4 different jobs, John only 2. We have 3 kids. Just remembered we have bought 2 mowers, 2 TVs, 2 toasters, 4 computers and also have owned 5 different cars. Wait, one more, 4 or 5 cell phones each! Wow, now I feel old. And the money, ugh.

Well, lets get to the real important stuff. John. (yes, the Lord is #1) But, John has helped me get even closer to the Lord. The first year of marriage I learned A LOT about myself. Of course John, too. It matured me as well as all the other years after and I am still learning. I would not be the person I am today if I had not gotten married. This past year has really pushed me even more. Trust is a word that comes to mind about this past year. In the Lord, will this move be what our family needs? Will the Lord be in San Antonio? Will we meet new friends? Can I survive without family around? Will John be able to be my only friend and support for a while, and can I trust that he will be good enough? This is what has been on my mind. See, this whole process started on our 10 anniversary. How much change a year can bring, and really how short it feels also!

I will say, on the friend and trusting John part, well, tears come to my eyes. John has been loving, kind, patient, helpful and understanding. Just a tower of strength. Some of the emotions I have put him through, oh my. I lost count of all the tears. I would have driven myself nuts, no , I am still driving myself nuts! I am thankful for him. Glad that he listens and just lets me be myself. Still being blessed by saying "yes, John , I will marry you". And, we are still learning and growing. That is the part that I am excited about. What will this next year bring? I already see new friendships forming in San Antonio, two young boys in school, piano lessons, and no more diapers, just to name a few. And, I also am praying for an even deeper friendship with John, that I hope will bring our relationship to a new level.

Yes, the Lord is good, great and merciful. How I don't deserve any of it. It brings me to my knees. He has blessed me.

11 years...and ready for more!!!

Strawberry Shortcake...

Right after my birthday, I got this craving. Strawberry Shortcake. It would not go away. I love food, can you tell? Well, I decided to take pics like the http://www.pioneerwoman.com/ The recipe my mother uses is from the Betty Crocker Cookbook. "Pat In The Pan Shortcakes" check out www.bettycrocker.com for more info.


This was the first attempt. Helping John paint and baking do NOT go together.
Emma wanted to be in a pic.

Second attempt, just right!

My serving. Yum.

Half way through. I took my time. Yum, again! Perfect with a glass of milk, does a body good!

This really reminded me of home. Mom always makes this in the Spring when strawberries are in season. Wish she was here to share it with me. I may have to have her make it in July when we go back to visit Iowa.

I will be posting about sweet corn soon. I can't wait to have some of that! Hope it's ready in July!

My 32nd Birthday...

It started in Iowa with both the Stark's and Leinen's getting breakfast on Monday the 24th. Gifts were given and opened! And food was eaten, yummy!

Some of the gift I got! Yes, rain boots. I really need them. San Antonio has no gutters in the streets. Water just flows every where and streets flood when it rains.

On Wednesday the 26th, my birthday, we went to the Kiddie Park http://www.kiddiepark.com/ near downtown San Antonio. Our Sunday School class had a play date planned. We had fun with friends and the kids really enjoyed riding on all the rides. It was perfect for them!

I got myself lunch on the way home. I have enjoyed Bill Millers "Poor Boy" sandwich a few times since moving. They are good!

That same night we went to the Olive Garden. We tried to take three different pictures and this was the best one if you can believe it!

Emma enjoys pasta just like her parents!

On Friday John and I got a sitter and we went out to again, yes I milk my birthday for all it's worth! The restaurant I picked was Milanos http://www.milanos.com/ they have this garlic butter sauce that comes with their bread sticks that is SO good! Yummy, again!

John was glad that now my birthday celebrating was over. Got three dinners out of it! I love my birthday!!! I am also very thankful for my family and friends, they make it special!