Grab a Tissue....

Thank you to all of the men and women who serve our country each and every day - may God continue to bless you each and every day.....

http://www.godtube.com/featured/video/part-2-soldiers-surprising-their-loved-ones


Miss and love you dad.

Much love to all!

My baby isn't a baby anymore :(

Logan has become my big boy over the weekend. Each day has been an adventure with him, he says something or does something that I just look at him and say my gosh where has the time gone - he can still be a baby yet a big boy at the same time. Yesterday we went to Kings Island and it has been a big year for the boys for Kings Island. Brayden has grown to wear he can ride the bigger rides and yesterday Logan measured at 36" - I know that isn't big but at an amusement park that opened up a whole new set of rides with him.

He rode his first mini roller coaster, his first swing, his first airplane and he did it all by himself, laughing and have a great time. It is bitter sweet watching them grow up - you want them to stay little forever - I guess I will have to try to have another one :)........ I will leave that in God's hands LOL....

It was another busy weekend - hot very hot - it looks like if we can make it through this week that we will be okay. Next weekend is suppose to be absolutely gorgeous - and Brayden has started his countdown to his vacation - he is super excited.

I hope everyone has a great week and stays cool - it will be over soon enough - where did the summer go???

Miss and love you dad,

Much love to all!

Sunrise

what a beautiful sunrise this morning - you know it is going to be a beautiful day. Cool mornings, the sun was rising big and beautiful - it is a wonderful day that God is blessing us with.

It is Friday - woo hoo and the end of August - seriously where does the time go - it is so crazy! Another weekend of fun with friends and family - Yeah!  Brayden has a soccer game tomorrow - hopefully he does as well as he did last week. We will see if it is a fluke or not.

Beautiful weekend to sit out on the deck with some beverages or even head down to the Levee for some. I love this kind of weather - it always makes you happy when the weather is cooperating :)....

Can you believe it has been five years since Katrina. I am not going on my opinions or some big tangent about what went wrong and what should have been done, just wanted to have everyone say a special prayer for those down there who are still in need and are still waiting to rebuild. What a devastating event that was.

I hope everyone is able to make it outside and enjoy this beautiful weather - it is suppose to get hot again next week, but it shouldn't be too bad because the evenings will be a bit cooler - take time to have a drink with a neighbor or someone you haven't seen in a while. Life is about friendships and love, the housework can wait (I know easier said than done)

Have a great weekend everyone - be safe. Hugs and kisses to all.

Miss and love you dad,

Much love to all!

Excuses.......

"There's a difference between interest and commitment.
When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstance permit.
When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results." Art Turock

We all have those people in our lives who do nothing but make excuses - it always seems the easy way out to make an excuse for something. Making tough decisions is hard but it builds character and strength - excuses are for the weak. If you are making excuses then you are truly not committed, and it was only an interest.
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Played some youngin's last night at volleyball - what a beautiful night it was - it was a perfect night to be outside, great company and the beverages were going down nicely :)......

Today is the type of day you want to play hooky, call in sick and go to the park, sit under a tree and read a good book. Today is a perfect day that God has blessed us with - I hope you are able to take time and enjoy some of the weather. It is headed back up into the nineties next week - yuck! But you can feel the air is turning and fall is almost here - I can't wait.

Miss and love you dad,

Much love to all!

Hump Day

it's Wednesday - yeah! Vball night - of course tonight we play a late game and it is going to be cold - okay colder than it normally is but not complaining - I am done with the heat, so ready for fall to here.

The Timmerding.ning website has been shut down. Not enough people were using it and they were starting to charge a monthly fee. Everyone seems to be on Facebook anyway, so besides this blog you can get your news from there :)

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When your world seems frustrating, keep in mind that the most important part of you exists beyond those frustrations. When life feels painful, never forget that the pain, however difficult it may be, is confined to just a small portion of who you truly are.
All around you are things you can see and touch and physically manipulate. They are part of life, but they are by no means all there is.
You cannot hold love in your hand, and yet you know for certain that it exists. You cannot capture joy in a box or an envelope and yet you have no doubt that it is real.
When the outward concerns of life seem to be overwhelming, remind yourself, there's more. There is so very much more to living and being than those things you can see and hear, taste and smell, touch and possess.
Even those losses and disappointments that feel big and burdensome, are small in comparison to all the beautiful, positive possibilities living within you. Look beyond the noisy, superficial distractions and remember the miracle of your existence.
Live your life around the values in your heart. And those everyday pains and nuisances will lose their power to bring you down.
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Miss and love you dad.

Much love to all,

It is going to be....

78 this week - WOO HOO - but enjoy it while it last because it is going to get hot again. Crazy weather huh - you never know what the day will bring.

Isn't it amazing how people come and go in your life. Just sitting here pondering on all the friendships I have had and still have, but rather it is circumstance, switching careers or just too busy, or different phase of your life - some friendships don't last as long as you thought they would. Sad isn't it. But your true friends will always be there for you no matter what you are going through or what has been done - friends who are true will be there for you , they will find the time to say hi, to see how you are doing - no matter how busy they are.

I know you have different friends at different phases in your life - and that is to be expected - and hopefully if you are lucky you will have enduring friendships that last a lifetime. The best kind of friendship to have is one within your family. Because no matter what - they have to still love you because they are family :)

Logan is doing a bit better in school. He actually went up to the table today and sat down and then it was sand box time so he was happy. It is just convincing him that mommy is coming back for him. He is very clingy when I pick him up and those evenings, but you know I don't mind - he is my last baby and I want him to be my baby forever so I allow him to cling to me - I know mom, I shouldn't :) but he is so cute and loveable LOL....

I hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather for now - suppose to hit back up to the 90's this weekend. And enjoy your friendships you have today, you never know when that friend might leave your life.....

Miss and love you dad,

Much love to all!

It's a Monday

yuck! Monday's are the worst day of the week, I think. You can never sleep on Sunday's with the anticipation of what the week is going to bring, everything you have to do for the week, million thoughts going through your mind - I have never been one able to sleep soundly on Sundays.

Brayden was excited today because he gets to wear his gym uniform all day to school - little things in life you know. I wish adults could have that same excitement over little things.

It was nice being at mom's last night with everyone, it seems now that school has started and the kids are into their sports, it is getting harder for us to talk during the week with the exception of an email here and there - so it was good to catch up on what everyone has been doing.

I started working out this weekend - getting ready for our vacation and just to get in better shape. We have been doing great with our eating now just have to tone and firm up a bit :) It is hard though finding the time during the week because by the time you get homework done, dinner and baths done, it is bedtime for the boys and I wind up falling asleep with them - 5:30 comes awful early in the morning :)-

I hope everyone has a great Monday, hang in there, the cooler front is coming soon, but I know not soon enough.

Miss and love you dad,

Much love to all!

Already been

two years since Steve's dad passed away - it is hard to believe its been that long already. Losing him and then my dad and Uncle Wally- needless to say we have had a rough two years together. It just shows you how precious life really is. Here we had three men that were in good health, were enjoying life, living their day to day and once diagnosis from the doctor changed it all, changed our world too. We miss them all so dearly - each day, we think about them, have memories, talk to the boys about them, each day we continue to love them and remember them.

Today is Jeremy and Mindy's wedding anniversary - we lauged because we said two years, two babies and about 5 cars - they have the worst luck with their cars. But just wanted to say Congrats to them on making it two years.

here is a picture of Logan with his Godfather Casey. Busy weekend with saying goodbye to Casey - he is on his way back to Notre Dame. This year he ventured up there by himself, he is Mr. Independent now, didn't need mom or dad's help. Brayden had his first soccer game and it was probably just a fluke but he played outstanding. He had three goals and he ran hard and fast and didn't back down at all - other parents were cheering for him, Steve was so proud. The whole team played really well and we were proud of them all. But I am glad after playing soccer non stop for almost 4 years he is starting to enjoy it and get in there with those big kids. It helps to have older cousins :)......

Had a great dinner tonight at mom's and everyone was there except for Jeremy - but he was celebrating his anniversary - and the kids played well together - now it is time to get ready for another week, BUT at least the good news it is suppose to be cooler this week - Yeah!.... I can almost feel fall around the corner and it can not get here quick enough.

I hope everyone had a great weekend and enjoyed some family and friends time. Have a great week and live for today!

Miss and love you dad,

Much love to all!

Already a

crazy morning. Went out to start my car this morning to go to work and take Brayden to school and it wouldn't start - battery dead. Had to take Steve's car get Brayden to school, go back and wake up Steve,  wait for him - blah, blah, blah...... just craziness.

Thank goodness it is Friday - happy hour is calling my name, meeting up with some friends tomorrow night and mom's on Sunday - and it is going to be hot again. Poor Brayden's first soccer game is tomorrow right at 2:00 - right in the middle of the day - he is going to be miserable....

Casey is already leaving this weekend for school - crazy how fast the summer went - and now he is considered an "upperclassmen" - funny..... makes me way too old :)

I hope everyone has a great weekend, enjoy the HOT weather and stays cool. Enjoy your family and friends and your life - never know what tomorrow will bring. Thank God for everything you have in your life - you are truly blessed :)

Miss and love you dad,

Much love to all

Rough

drive in this morning - it was foggy - couldn't even see in front of you - it was crazy. Brayden is off to his second day of school - he said he loves it, of course it is only the second day :).... And why is it they make boys where white - do they really expect to keep it clean? Already on the first day he came home with ketchup stains - of course Brayden tends to use his shirt no matter what as a napkin, even if he has one sitting right in front of him - must be a boy thing.

Logan did really well at school yesterday - still cries in the morning, but we are working on potty training (fun!) and he went a couple times at school, they said he was starting to come out of his shell, I said you may want him to go back into it LOL.....

I received this in an email a while back and it was so helpful (thank you Aunt Rita)....As much as I want to have that journey as a missionary I know at this time I need to be home with the boys and be the best mom I can and living my ordinary life is okay - as long as I live it with God in my heart and his love around me and show that through my actions and thoughts.

In case you are not aware, Saint Theresa is known as the Saint of the Little Ways, meaning she believed in doing the little things in life well and with great love.... She is represented by roses.


Saint Theresa's Prayer


May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.


'Worry looks around,
Sorry looks back, Faith looks up.'

Fresh Start

the excitement was in the air this morning with the beginning of a new school year, new books, new teachers, new friends, new classes - a fresh start to the year. Almost like we can all take time and have a fresh new start - so many times in our lives we need that, to just have a fresh beginning, have the excitement to look forward each day - to have a new beginning. And it was a beautiful morning - cool and the sun and the clouds, just one of those beautiful almost fall mornings.

Logan is getting a little better at school. He hates it when he is dropped off and cries and screams and breaks your heart as you are leaving. With the way our schedules are, Steve has been taking Logan and I take Brayden to school - which is a good thing because I think Logan half the time would be coming with me to work - I can't stand to see him so upset. But the teachers have been saying that he calms down and he plays and colors and today he actually talked - so that is an improvement. I know it has to be hard for him, he is only 2 1/2 - being away from anyone you ever knew and thrown into a room with a bunch of strangers - no one likes that feeling - it is horrible.

Didn't make it to mass on Monday and I feel terrible about it. But it was our meet the new principle/teachers night and we had to go to see what the year was going to bring. I am sure it was a beautiful mass as it always is, just bad timing with school starting this week. It sounds like mommy is going to have a lot of homework this year. Good thing I liked school :)....

Here are some pictures of the boys are their respected first day. Logan looks happy doesn't he? - That only lasted until we actually got to school. He also for some reason loves to tilt his head - he is silly :)

Miss and love you dad,

 Much love to all!

It was tough :(

it was a tough morning this morning. I made pancakes for the boys (their favorite) and I got Logan up and I told him let's get ready for school, all morning he kept saying no mommy I don't want to go to school, I want to stay home - making me cry even before I left the house. Luckily I was able to get him dressed and get him excited about going to school - we talked about it in the car a little bit - I turned around to look at him and he had his sad puppy dog eyes and I asked him what was wrong - I wanna go home mommy.... Broke my heart.

He was good once we got there and he went in to his classroom but once he realized I was leaving he started to cling - no crying just clinging. I told him they were getting ready to go outside and play and he said okay - and I snuck out. I have called three times already - they are thinking I am one of those moms :)... She said he has been quiet and unsure about all of this all day, was sad for a while but she held him and talked to him and then he did eat a little bit of lunch and he is sleeping now. I forgot how hard it was to let go - been crying all day.

Days like this I would give up everything to be able to be with my kids at home - tough day......

Just a reminder that there is a memorial mass tonight for dad and Uncle Wally at 7:00 at Holy Cross for those who can attend.

Miss and love you dad,

Much love to all!

Memorial Mass

Tomorrow night there is a memorial mass for dad and Uncle Wally at 7:00 at Holy Cross - sorry for the short notice, I just haven't been home most of the weekend.

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It was a great weekend but a lot of being out in the sun and draft beer - not a good combo. We worked the festival Friday night and I believe my cup was never empty. It is funny how Tonya's pizza booth traded with everyone around, whether it be the beer booth, funnel cakes or even wings - we could always get something for a slice of pizza. But we had fun - Steve ran into a lot of his high school buddies and I saw some people I knew - but it was nice to hang out with Tonya and Brad - haven't done that in so long. Tonya's nephew and niece were there also: Tyler (Cindy's) and Taylor (Lisa's) kids. They make me feel old - both in college now and great kids. We had a great time.

Today after church we went and meet Brayden's teachers and the new principle. It is hard to believe that school is to begin in three days. I am excited for them but also sad that the summer is already over. Then took the kids up to the festival today and walked around with Tonya and her kids - it was so HOT, it was miserable, absolutely miserable. But it was the cheap day for the rides so we stuck it out for about three hours - too long though, I am beat. Didn't make it to mom's tonight - Jeremy said he was the only one there. Trying to get laundry done and the house cleaned since I wasn't here all weekend and I have to get Logan's things ready for school tomorrow :(    I so do not want him to go, but I didn't win the lottery this weekend so off he goes. I am sure he will be fine, it will be mommy that isn't so fine. Kali starts tomorrow too - I wish Jeremy and Mindy good luck tomorrow also, it is going to be harder than they think :)

Here are some pictures of the kids birthdays we celebrated last weekend - little late I know, but they are our crazy boys and girls at mom's house. I hope everyone had a great weekend and was able to stay cool - it doesn't look like we are getting a break any time soon.

Miss and love you dad.

Much love to all,

Friday the 13th!

yuck. I have always had bad luck on Friday the 13th - but today hopefully it changes. I am taking the boys to Kings Island and then Steve and I are working a festival tonight with Tonya and Brad. It has been so long since I have worked a festival and the last one I worked was in the beer booth. Normally I am the partaker not the giver outer - but it should be fun. It has been a long time since Tonya and I have been able to get together. It is going to be a HOT one though - I hope we have shade :)

The rest of the weekend just brings some gatherings, school open house is on Sunday and just finish school shopping. I love the beginning of school year - the excitement of meeting new friends and teachers, new books - luckily we wear a uniform so that is taking care of.

Wanted to say Happy Birthday to Nick (Amy's youngest), his birthday was yesterday. Woo Hoo. I hope he had a great day.

Have to run off and get the boys ready to go ride some rides - hopefully with it being a Friday it will not be too crowded - wishful thinking I know.

Here is to hoping nothing bad happens to anyone today - and stay cool. Happy Friday!

Miss and love you dad.

Much love to all.

Hot, hot, hot

it is miserable outside. last night we had an early vball game and poor Brayden had his first soccer practice last night - it was miserable. I hope it ends soon. Steve and Brayden had a great time at the Red's game Tuesday night (thanks Toby), they had seats in a box next to Joe Morgan and Brayden said there was ice cream and cookies and Rosie came in and visit. But he said the best part was the fight that broke out and he made me watch it last night - he said mom, that was so cool. Typical boy :)

Mom survived the summer of babysitting all of the kids. Her babysitting days are numbered, well unless you count her job LOL. But THANK YOU mom for bailing us out this summer, it helped alot and the boys had so much fun.

I hope everyone is staying cool or trying to - you know it's hot when even the ac isn't cooling you down anymore - it has been a hot summer.
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"What is impossible with men is possible with God." Luke 18:27

Miss and love you dad.

Much love to all,

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

It's God's Plan

The plans of the heart belong to man,But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight,But the LORD weighs the motives.
Commit your works to the LORD,And your plans will be established.
The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil."
Proverbs 16:1-4

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Another hot day today - it is crazy. Brayden is going to his first Reds game tonight - he has been asking all summer to go and time just got away. One of our friends called last night and had extra tickets, so he is super excited to go down there. He just likes to go to eat. He eats something every inning it seems like - crazy :).....

Logan starts school on Monday :(. As much as I know he will do well, it is the idea of letting go of my baby. He is growing up so fast - and becoming such a little boy. I am sure I will be a mess come Monday and he will just walk in and say "Bye". He says he is excited but we'll see when he realizes it is all new to him. These times are when I wish I was a stay at home mom. But I know he will have God with him and he will take care of him and make sure he is guided in the right direction.

The guilt of a working mom :(...........................

Miss and love you dad,

Much love to all!

This is it

the last week for the kids before back to school next week. Where did the summer go? That is one bad thing about being a working mom in that I feel like I have not spent that much time with the kids. I know both Grandmas have and I am grateful that they helped us this summer - but it should be me with them.

Nothing exciting this week for their last week, we already have a vacation planned in September and can't afford to take them anywhere else - so just swimming and hanging around the house, and soak up the AC - it is going to be a miserable week weather wise.

Celebrated three birthdays last night at mom's: Cary's, Brayden's and Nick's. It was fun to have everyone there but we missed Jeremy - Kali was sick - so they didn't come up. I will post up pictures later - it was a great time for everyone.

It was a busy weekend but also a reflective soul searching weekend. Lot of praying, still have no answers :).......I know God is there listening it is just having the patience to wait for the answer. It is funny how I have been talking to a friend about having patience. The sermon this weekend was on patience and I have seemed to have run out of it - at least this weekend.

I know if we live Christ like and live God's way he will reward us in more ways than we could ever imagine - it is just being able to hand everything over to him, being able to let go and say here take my life, lead me in the direction I need to go, it is the letting go and trusting that is the hard part.

Everyone stay cool - it is going to be a scorcher.

Miss and love you dad.

Much love to all,

It's the weekend

yeah!. It's Friday - been a tough week, tougher for others I know. Two more weeks and the kids will be in school, so I have been spoiling them on the weekends by not doing any housework and just playing and taking them places. The house is started to look like it - ugh. The weekend is another busy one with happy hours, yard sales, birthday parties, family time - typical weekend. We are doing the Taylor Mill Flea Market Sale tomorrow with Steve's sister - trying to sale a lot of baby stuff. In cleaning the basement last night it is amazing all the "junk" saying it politely that you gather over the years. Just some things you just can't let go.

I read this verse this morning and I think it sums up the week on praying and supporting my friends in need. It shows that with God - all things are possible. and he is there for you - always.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me

I hope everyone has a great weekend. It is suppose to be a tad cooler, not much, but a tad. Enjoy the family time and spoil the kids before you know it, it is homework time and you know for parents that means you too :).

Miss and love you dad.

Much love to all!

Oh my goodness

it was so HOT out last night, it was miserable. I had a vball game last night and it was probably the worse weather to play in. Needless to say sand was sticking everywhere and the sweat, it just wouldn't stop - it was horrible. I hope we have a break in this weather soon - I am losing weight just by walking outside :)

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My continued prayers for my friends in need. May you feel God's love and strength on this journey and know that he is there with you. He has his arms wrapped around you, saying give me all of your worries, hand them over to me, I will take care of you - you have to trust and have faith in me.

Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.~ Matthew 6:32-34
 
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.~ 1 Peter 5:7

Miss and love you dad,

Much love to all!

There is nothing

more annoying than dealing with selfish people. People who think it is always about them, people who will do whatever to make them happy while watching others being taken down or destroyed. Instead of being a follower of Christ and follow in his shoes all they do is talk the talk and somehow always make it about them.

Philippians 2:3-4
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
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Anyway, it is going to be a HOT one today, heat index at 103!  Stay inside. The kids are to the point where they are like it is too hot to play outside - and it doesn't bother me a bit going inside to play :).... It is miserable. I hope everyone has a way to stay cool, I pray for those who don't, that they may find comfort in some way.

Continuing my prayers today for my friends in need. I feel helpless in I do not know what I can do for you, if anything, all I can give you is love, support and encouragement that God will pull you through these tough times. He only gives us what we can handle.

1 John 5:14
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Miss and love you dad.

Much love to all!

For my friends

that are in need of prayer today and feel like the world is crashing around them.

(Philippians 4:6-7)  In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.


Matthew 11:28-30) “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”"

(Isaiah 41:10) Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

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We have all been there - had those days where the world is just crashing down, nothing goes right, selfishness shows its ugly face, you find out who your true friends are when you are at the lowest point in your life and who is just your friend to be your friend for their own motives. The only person you can count on is God - and no one else. If we had all of our worries and anxiety over to God, he will take care of us. He will show us our path, he will love us and put his arms around us and tell us everything will be okay, for I am here with you.

Miss and love you dad,

Much love to all,

Another....

weekend down, it's Monday again. It was a nice weekend. It started with a work party and ended with a family party. Saturday took the kids and Olivia to Kings Island which was fun, but also very crowded. So we watched a show towards the end of the day - it was actually pretty good. Didn't know we had such good local talent :)....

Yesterday was the annual Timmerding Pool Party at Uncle Dave's. It is always so much fun. With the family being so big it is hard to see everyone all of the time. But I did enjoy talking to those who I haven't seen in a while. Each year the shallow end gets fuller and fuller of little ones. So many babies in our family - it is amazing we can keep them all straight of who is who. It has been a bitter sweet day when we go there since dad passed away. He always enjoyed the pool party or any family gatherings for that matter. It is funny, I think I have become the kissy/hugging niece/cousin - I am sure people are annoyed by that. But it is important to make sure you tell people before you leave them that you love them, you never know what tomorrow will bring -

I am thankful for that pool because it wiped my kids out, it was an early night for all of us :).... I should take them there more often LOL.....

Happy Monday everyone, try to stay cool - it is another hot week.

Miss and love you dad,

Much love to all!