Flashback December 2007

Would you just look at my baby boy!

Rudy- Our Elf-Letter from Santa

Rudy, our Elf on the Shelf, brought the following letter from the North Pole. Santa sent it to the kids.


.........

Dear Mr. Kullen Boy and Little Lady Reagan,

Ho! Ho! Ho! I hope you two are having a great Christmas season so far!

“Christmas” – gets very busy and kind of crazy.
Everyone just focuses on “want, want, want.” 

Have you been telling your Mommy and Adam what you want for Christmas? 
It’s ok to want a few things, but I’ve seen people – grown ups and kiddos –

very selfish with all the stuff they want.
They want so many things that they forget the whole reason we even have Christmas….
 

Jesus – God’s son who was born a long, long, long time ago…

The very first “Christmas present” ever given to the whole big world.

I don’t want you two to forget about Jesus as you prepare for Christmas. 

I want you to enjoy all the fun –
hot chocolate, singing Christmas songs, candy and presents –
but I don’t want you to forget the most important present: God’s love for us and His son, Jesus. 
I don’t want you to forget that it’s still important to love others …

to be nice to other people …
to help other people (even your Mommy, Adam, and each other) …

to show other people how wonderful Jesus is.

So, even though Rudy does alot of silly and crazy things he

is also around to help you kids (and your Mommy and Adam)
remember these important parts about Christmas: Jesus, God’s love

and our job of joyfully sharing that love
with others through our gifts, kind words and loving actions

 (the things we do for one another).

Remember: Rudy is at your house, watching everything that happens … as a reminder for you to:
 ■Love each other
 ■Speak nicely to one another
 ■Help each other
 ■Help your friends and neighbors too
 ■Give to people who don’t have all the stuff you have
 ■Remember that God loves you kiddos so, so, so much.

 

Keep smiling and being good! Keep your grades up too! Christmas will be here soon.

Santa Claus

Half of a year of no blog post

Between school starting and the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I managed once again to let the blog post slip....It wasn't intentional. I would always think, maybe I'll post later. Later came and passed and still no post. Life seems to have been a blur lately. I know you all can totally understand that. At what point do I slow down and take time to post. It is important because it is time I take for just myself. It also hold memories and stories that are precious. Now, we know that if I haven't made time to blog, I haven't written a thing down anywhere. Sure, I remember stuff about my life now, but in a year or two- or five..Will I remember? Not as well as I would if I took the time to post the highlights.

I have been taking a hard look at myself lately. Really soul searching and working on weaknesses. I have realized that some of our greatest strengths are are greatest weaknesses. It is hard. I mean, really hard to work on really bettering yourself. Nobody wants to admit thier weaknesses and flaws. In order to grow and be better it is something I must and am doing. It make take a whole lifetime, but I will get there.

We have been going to church. I was needing to get back in the groove of going, but an event, or series of events happened and it was the push that got me really needing church. Although, it was rough, I am so thankful the lord has been with me every step of the way and made everything and everyone align for support. It was ok for me to fall apart......and I did and I am slowing coming back together. Looking back, it is such a blessing. God molds and shapes us into who we are intended to be. He has been working on me and just in the last 4 months I have changed so much.

Kullen is growing so fast. He is about to be 10! When I started this blog he was 4 years old. He is in 4th grade and is doing so well in school. Sure, he struggles but he has managed to keep A/B Honor roll so far. I have all the faith in the world in him that he will succeed in whatever he puts his mind to. I am starting to see some pre-teenish behavior but I am trying to find ways to curve the attitude and teach him to be well rounded. We pray together every night and this has seemed to help him. He is sitting next to me- rolling with laughter watching t.v. This is just one of the many qualities I love about him. So fun loving! He has a big heart too. ;)

Reagan, ohhh, my sassy 30yr old stuck in a 4yr old body. She has been doing pretty well in school. I am pretty positive she is giving Mrs. Waldrop a run for her money. Her personality is very outgoing. Sometimes this is a great thing. She loves to sing and dance. She is the loudest little person I have ever witnessed. Her being so outgoing can something get her in to trouble as she doesnt listen. She loves everyone and I have to say she always has a smile on her face.

Adam & I have had some challenges lately with me being somewhat emotional, but I wouldn't say it was bad for our marriage. We both had God in our hearts but now we have got together and put GOD first in our lives. LETMETELLYOU, it makes a big difference. Adam is my best friend and I am so glad to have him to lean on.

I would like to think I have a new relationship with my Dad. I got over some things, and we moved on and we eat together every Sunday. I cant tell you how complete this has made me. Although I always wanted to place the blame on him, I know that I played a part in the distance too. Its hard to just bite the bullet, but I did and it got me what I wanted anyways and that was to have a good relationship with him. ( not that we ever didn't get along, we just would go awhile without talking)
So this includes my Step mom, which I call Gigi. We've gotten closer and she is a pretty wise lady. She gave me some really good advice and well, I just love her.

My memaw is still my best friend ever, we talk everyday. I despise the distance between us, but that doesn't matter. That woman is the greatest. I miss my family down there too. Cousins and such. You wouldn't be able to pry me away from my cousin Jana if I lived there. ;) My Step dad, Tom, I miss too. Alot of people don't understand why I consider him a Step dad. Well, he has always been there. When someone cares about you, you can tell if it is from the heart. Well, I know he loves me no matter what. I love him too. I know that if my mom was still here they would be together, or I would like to think that anyways, and I can think what I want to. lol So just because she is no longer here doesn't mean that I cant still love him. ;)

I've got a special post coming in a few days...

love,
Mandi

Fish? No, its my kids!

We purchased an above ground pool and let me tell you, we have been swimming away! I haven't been blogging as much because I have been so busy! I have been taking pictures left and right. I am not complaining. I am very blessed. It feels so good to be actively pursueing a dream. A sweet and precious friend of mine had business cards made for me. They are presh! I know until Christmastime I will be super busy, but my wont that make for some great Christmas money? I tell you as I type this my eyes are welling up...I have been so blessed. To know where I was 5 years ago to where I am today?? WOWzers! Not only has the quality of life improved for me, I have grown as a person as well! The kids are doing well. I tell you what, I am calling tomorrow to get Reagan enrolled in Dance...I have been putting it off...well, I need to do this. TOMORROW! No ifs, ands buts about it! Kullen is excited for school to start. Starting this week, he will be reading more and doing Multiplication drills to help kick off the upcoming year. Adam & I have been doing well. Marriage is so much better than I ever imagined.

Hot fun in Summertime!

Me and the girls

My Kullen-cool cat! lol

Happy Fourth!

Summer Nights

Me, Heather, Erin & Jen

Zapata's with the girls from work.

Heather & I

My truly amazing Husband & I!!

Here we are again! I just got my hair done yesterday, and I love it!

I feel so blessed!!!

Father's Day 2012

I would like to wish all the Father's out there a very Happy Father's Day.

Happy Father's Day to:

My Dad, for setting such a good example and making me the responsible independent person I am today.

To my Step Dad, for making me feel so special and loving me even when you don't have to.

To my wonderful Husband, who sets a fine example for my Children and loves them to the moon and back.

Typical Summer Day

PARK TIME! :) Love Summertime days!

Memorial Day Weekend-Waller, Texas

I wanted to take more pictures of my family, but I got so caught up in visiting, that I didnt. It was an awesome weekend and felt so great getting back to my roots...I loved visiting with my Memaw. She cooked her famous fried chicken-mmm mmm good!!!

The kids played with my Cousin Jana's kids. I know they all had a blast!!!

The picture above, is my Step-Dad Tom..we went out to eat with him :)

Last day of School 2012

What a difference a year makes!

Last day of 3rd grade for Kullen and Reagan will be starting Pre-K

lately...

I have been searching high and low for weeks to find a responsible teenager to stay at my home, Monday through Thursday to keep my 9 & 4 year old for the summer. I have had no luck! Its like all the teens are too busy....teens are definitely different these days. If I would have had the chance to babysit kids who basically watch themselves for $100 bucks a week with Friday, Saturday and Sunday off. I would have so jumped on it. I am continuing to pray about this situation and just know that God's will be done. If it is meant for my kiddos to stay home, someone somewhere will be interested.

We have been so busy lately. End of the school year wrapped up, Baseball came to an end....basically on the weekends if I don't work I am taking pictures. I love it though! :)

My kids have been gone all this week to their Grandmothers, thank goodness because Adam came down with Viral Pneumonia and was sick as a dog. Fingers crossed I don't get sick!!!

I am ready to see them! I am getting Reagan back today and having lunch with my Kullen, but he will stay a little while longer.

I hope you all have a FAB FRIDAY!
-Mandi

New Camera=New Adventure

Aww, the Camera and I! Taken with my iphone :)

The hubs was giving me the stank eye like I was crazy.

hmmf, I AM! Crazy in love....

I have alot to learn.....learning more every day!

Here is the first picture taken with the "BAD boy" lol

Not too bad for straight off the camera with no edits, nonewhatsoever!!

For the first time in my life I feel spoiled. I am soooo thankful to have an incredible husband who supports my dreams and encourages me to chase them. I love you boo!!!

Have a great weekend,

Mandi

Lorianna Photography!

I finally...after all these years, started a Photography page! It is my passion...although I am no pro, I love doing it and I finally got up the nerve to do. There is so much Photography talent in my area that I thought that I wouldnt stand a chance. Then, I thought, hey, even if I dont grow big with this, I am still getting to partake in a hobby I love..with that being said, I know I dont have alot of followers, but if you read this please take a second to "LIKE" my page on Facebook. BTW, editing software is so pricey! My wallet is not liking all of this! My heart on the other hand, LOVES it!!!

https://www.facebook.com/LoriannaPhotography

Thank you!!!!

Mandi

Ode to Mom, my Mom that is!

For those of you who dont know, I lost my Mother when I was 13. She had Anaplastic Astrocytoma. Which in lamens terms is Brain Cancer. She died at the age of 29. She had me very young.....

I miss her everyday, some worse than others...usually I spend Mother's day weeping...I decided last night while laying in bed that I would not be sad today, but instead, rejoice and celebrate that I got to spend as long as I did with her. I mean, if it would have happened when I was two I would have never known who she was. She was my hero and my biggest fan. I dont know how it happened but I swear she taught me alot when she was on earth. Each day, I say or do things and I stop and say "Gosh, that sounds like my Mom."....

I love you Mommy, and I will see again one day.

Peace and Clean Clothes

So, I decided a while back to make my own detergent. I was spending a small fortune on detergent. Tide is like liquid gold. For reals! Anywho, I always bought my detergent from Sam's so that I didnt have to buy it that often....The last bought detergent was used all up yesterday...perfect timing. The kids are gone to thier Dad's so I figure what better time to whip up a batch and test 'er out!

Here goes ya'll(said with my southern, domesticated, Suzy homemaker voice, ha)

What you will need:

1 bar of soap (any kind you please, I went with Lever 2000, just because the Hub's likes)
1 cup of Borax
1 cup of washing soda
a big pot ( that holds more than 2 gallons)
a grater
a funnel ( I just made my own, see the pic in last step with the hacked off Smartwater, ha-nice)
a long spoon
2 empty gallon jugs/containers

To start off, grate your bar of soap into your pot.

Fill one gallon jug (I just used a milk jug) and pour water into pot with grated cheese soap. Cook until the grated soap dissolves.


Then add the Borax and Washing Soda.

Next, bring it to a boil. It will coagulate.

It made my house smell soooo great during this step.

After that, turn off the heat. Add 1 gallon of cold water. Stir well.

I let mine cool for a while. Also, I ended up using an old container to pour my batches in, but a milk jug works just fine.


Next up, the Hubs helped me pour my mixture....

Giving me the goofy, scary face. Gotta love him.

Please excuse Reagan's bath toys in the background. Oh and see I told you I had a bootleg funnel.

Better than no funnel at all if you ask me!

BTW- I used a 1/2 cup for a load.

And the verdict of the first wash................it was...........

wait for it......

A success!!!!

I haven't used it for long enough to actually tell you what the savings are, but the Blog I found this recipe on say's estimated cost is $6.00 for 576 loads (give and take, depending on soap used and amount used per load, One Box of Borax and Washing Soda)

Let me know if you try it and if you like it.

Peace and clean clothes-

Mandi

click here to see where I got recipe and some information

 

Easy peasy..art in the kitchen!

This one was via pinterest, I perked it up a little.

This one I designed. :)

Please excuse the overload of bread!

 

I have been printing something every season and placing it in these frames in my kitchen. I loveeeee them and the best part is they are el cheapo! I mean, I have changed these things a trillion times. I am working on a collage for the kids bathroom. Ill post pics after I get them up.

Baseball is in full swing!