This and That

Christmas was wonderful, the kids got everything they wanted plus some. They have so many clothes (that I still have yet to put away.) I'm dreading it, if you must know. Putting away clothes is my least favorite chore. I plan to clean the kids room later today and put everything away. It's on my list.

The only thing Madison asked for this year was a doll house. So Leo put the house together in the basement and wrapped it down there so she would be surprised. She made it half way through her gifts and said in her sad voice. "I guess Santa didn't read my list." So i asked her what she mean't, and she said, "I love everything I got. but I really wanted a doll house, so I guess Santa didn't get my list." So of course we had to stop her and take her downstairs to open the house. She made me proud because she was still very appreciative even though she didn't get the one thing she wanted.

Leo bought me a beautiful white sapphire ring and a handmade hand stamped necklace with the kids birthstones and names printed on it. Overall it was a great day. We spent the day at my moms and the evening Leo's sister's house, then came home and went to bed at 8 and slept until 12 the next day! We definitely used the weekend to catch up on sleep!

Yesterday we went to PA to meet with the realitor, to talk about our moving options. Now Leo isn't 100% set on moving up there. I still want to move so bad, but who knows what will happen now. I'm still praying about it for God to have his will. So I'm not stressing too much. I'm just waiting on the email with a few houses to look at.


A few Christmas pics:

all of the grandkids

Moving On!

I took today to contact everyone I needed to get the ball rolling for our move. I called a half dozen lawyers to try and get some legal advice about custody, I spoke with 1 who didn't really help all that much. But then spoke with a friend who is a lawyer and he was a little more helpful. Basically I contacted Madison & Caden's dad and told him that we are moving to PA. His response was before he gave permission he wanted a written statement that stating that I will pick up the kids and drop them off every weekend, since he doesn't have a car. Frankly, I find that a bit unreasonable. I can't predict the future and I am not being bound by something like that. So basically the lawyer said I didn't have to do anything and that it shouldn't be an issue. So I did gave him notice that we are moving and now pretty much I am in the clear! Score!

 I also spoke with the Realtor today. We have an appointment with him on Monday, I couldn't be more excited. Everyday more of my anxieties are going away and being replaced with excitement! We saw a house we loved on their website but when I spoke with him he said he thinks it's a bit farther then we want, and since I don't know much about the area, I'll take his word for it lol. But the cool thing is he told me to tell him what kind of house I want and they will buy it and remodel it, we also can pick the counters, tile and colors, so it's almost like having our own house built. They are actually investors who flip houses. It's pretty awesome and I can not wait to get out of here. The rental office said that I have to let them know 90 days in advance that I am not renewing my lease, so that means January 2nd!! I know, Next week! Everything is happening so fast but I am more now then ever ready for the change. I will still be making the drive down here on Wednesdays and Thursdays for dance, since everything is paid for but I prepared for it. I can't wait, I feel like all of my dreams are coming true! A wonderful husband, 3 great kids, and now my dream house!

Weekend Woes

Someone asked on BlogFrog if you are careful about what you write for fear of judgement. I had to think about it and yes , I guess I do. I think because I share the posts on fb and I don't want to say anything to personal for fear of people making comments about sharing my "business" but I think I am going to start writing what I feel. Tastefully of course, but I don't know why I wouldn't share my own feelings and insecurities when it's my blog. That being said, my entry has nothing to do with that. haha.

The other morning I woke up in complete hysterics. I have never experienced a dream like this before and when I woke up and realized it was a dream I think a wave of relief overcame me as well as the heartache I still held from the dream. It was so strange. In my dream Leo had died right in front of me. And I went through the whole process of the funeral and I was sitting there talking to a friend crying and begging God for a "redo" asking him to let this not be real. The hurt i felt was real and I honestly had no idea I was dreaming. It scared me to death. When I woke up , my first thought was Leo isn't in bed with me, "Oh my God, this wasn't a dream." Then i heard the tv on downstairs and I started crying harder and ran downstairs. Of course he freaked out because I was crying so bad but I couldn't control myself. My heart ached at just the thought. It was my worst nightmare and I hope I NEVER ever have to have a dream or reality like that again. It was awful.

We ended up finishing our Christmas shopping later on once I regained my composure and got ready, and I wrapped them all last night. it was horrid. It took me 4 1/2 hours to wrap everything. I was exhausted and sore to say the least. So my wonderful amazing husband got up with the kids this morning and let me sleep in. Did I mention he was wonderful? The only problem is I will be up all night now because I slept in. ugh, insomnia sucks!

Where my money tree, and the real meaning of Christmas?

I spent the entire evening shopping till I dropped. I'm exhausted. My back hurts, my feet hurts, and I spent too much money! I hate that Christmas has become so commercialized. We spend a fortune on toys and clothes, for what? So the kids can play with them for 2 days and then either destroy them or forget about them? Pretty much. And yet I still do it. I wish there was a way to cut back, to let my kids have a great Christmas and still know the reason for the season, as they say.

I was hanging up a window decal of a nativity scene on the door, when Madison pointed to one of them and asked if that was Mary. I told her it was and my niece, who was standing there watching, asked me who Mary was. I couldn't believe it. It made me really sad that she had no idea about the birth of Jesus. So I took it as an opportunity to go get the children's bible and read her the story of Jesus. Just one more reason that we need to get back to the real meaning of Christmas. I think this Christmas eve we are going to reread the story and maybe watch The Nativity Story just as a reminder of why we celebrate Christmas.

On another note, I called a Realtor today and we were pre approved for financing for PA! We have a great interest rate and we can even get 3k back toward our down payment! I am super excited and we are going to start house hunting. I am also very very nervous about moving so far away. My parents are already moving so it's not like we are leaving them, and Leo's mom is in PA already, but it's just scary. I will have to give up baby sitting and although I know quite a few people up there, I am still leaving behind my friends. Honestly, it scares me. Even thinking about it makes my stomach drop. But I feel this is a great step for us and I am in prayer about this move, and so far things seem to be working out. So please keep us in your prayers during this whole process, that God will have His will in everything that we do, and to give me peace and guidance about this huge decision for our family.

" For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and He shall take over the running of the world, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. " -Isaiah 9:6

On the 12th Day of Christmas....

I wont lie, some days being a mom is the hardest job in the whole world and I am ready to ship them to bed at 6pm. Between the fighting, screaming, crying and whining I get so overwhelmed that I just am ready for the silence of sleeping children. More often then not. But tonight was one of those nights that I look at my kids and realize just how lucky I am to be their mom. Tonight I watched them write their letters to Santa and make birthday cards for Jesus, and my heart just swelled because of how excited they were to make a simple birthday card.

(I wrote the Happy Birthday for Caden on the blue card)

At one point Madison asked me what color Jesus' eyes were, I told her I didn't know. But Caden jumped up excitedly and said I'm going to go get the book! So I asked him what book he was talking about, and he says very mater- of- factly " Uh the Bible mommy, that will tell us what color Jesus' eyes are?" My heart melted. To see my son at 3, reference the bible just amazes me. I caught Madison one time in the kitchen swaying with her hands in the air and her eyes closed, and when I asked what she was doing she told me she was praising God. Seeing my baby in all of her innocence praising our loving Father is just one of those moments that I hold in my heart. To have the Faith of a child is something I long for, and to see my children being instilled with this is amazing. These are the times thank I thank God for. 

Anyway, after we made our cards, I laid Alanna down for bed and made hot chocolate for the kids. We popped popcorn and sat with just the tree lit and watched The Santa Claus. Snuggling up on the couch with them, not crying, not fighting, not complaining, it was wonderful! Last night we baked a ton of cookies (for us at least) and aside from the fighting between Madison and Caden, the kids had a blast using the cookie cutters and mixing the batter. We made chocolate chip, snicker doodles, peanut butter, confetti , and sugar cookies. All the the containers were full to the top as of last night. I wont mention any names of who might have ate half of the container (ahem Leo) but like I said I wont mention any names . I am hoping to make this a new Christmas tradition to share with the kids and bake cookies every year. I think about growing up and all of our family traditions and I think it will be so much fun to start some of our own this year. I think we are going to read the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve and maybe sing happy birthday to him. I am trying make everyday Christmasy around here by watching movies, and playing Christmas music, I guess you could say I am pumping myself up for the holiday. We are finishing up all of the shopping this weekend and then hopefully I will be able to relax and enjoy the rest of the days leading up to Christmas. 

and here is our Christmas tree for good measure :)

"Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his miracles." 1 Chronicles 16:8-9 

30 Day Blog Challenge- Day 9

Let me start by saying....I have FAILED this challenge. I haven't done it everyday but I am going to keep going just for the heck of it.

Day 9- Your Friends

I have a lot of great friends. Some of which I don't speak to as often as I'd like but I have a best friends who are always there. Of course Leo is my best friend. He is my love , my best friend and soul mate. I tell him everything and I am lucky enough to get to share forever with him.

This is my bestie Amy. She is the person I call for everything. We have been friends for about 5 1/2 years and although we have been through sooooo many ups and downs, it has just made our friendship that much stronger.

This is Rachel. We have been friends for almost 10 years. She was my matron of honor and I was her maid of honor in her wedding. Her daughter is my God child and we have been there for everything from the births of our kids to each others weddings weddings. 

Mae is my other best friend. We haven't been friends as long as Amy or Rachel and I but we have become close over the past 2 years. I met her when I started dating Leo. She is dating Leo's younger brother, so not only is she my friend, she is family too. I'm lucky enough to live less then a half of a block away from her so if I ever need anything it's really easy to get to her lol.

Aside from these 3 lovely ladies, I have many other amazing people in my life. Some have been there for many years, others for just a few years, but I am lucky to be surrounded by such great people!

Caden's First Christmas Concert

My baby boy had his first ever Christmas concert tonight. He was absolutely adorable up there. They sang a few songs and he stood front and center and sang his little heart out and waved at me the whole time. All I could think of is where did the time go?  They were all so cute. And yes, I was one of those moms who kneeled at the front, waving at their kid and taking a ton of pics. I couldn't help it. It was all I could do not to get all teary eyed. We ended the night with with a trip to Chick fila for ice cream and playtime in the play place.

30 Day Blog Challenge- Day 8

Day 8- Some place you traveled

My favorite place I've been , hands down is the Bahamas. It was paradise! Crystal Clear waters, hot sun, I loved every second of it. Here are a few of my favorite pics from there.

30 day Blog Challenge - Day 6 & 7

Day 6- A picture of something that makes you happy

This is so easy!

Day 7- Favorite Movies

These are my top 3! In this order.

Baby, It's Cold Outside.....

It is freeeezing outside now! The temperature has dropped dropped over the past 2 weeks. I'm ready to migrate. I feel like if it is going to be this cold, then we should at least get some snow flurries. Right? Here I am saying this now, until we are covered under 24 ft of snow like last year. I'm excited to see how Alanna and Molly react to the snow this year. Last year she was still so young and had no idea what was going on. I remember the hunt for snow boots and the lack there of. I couldn't even find them online. I told myself I was getting them early this year. Well , it's December and I still haven't got any. Ah well. We will see. I'm still hoping for a white Christmas. After that it can get hot again! Until then I guess I will have to break out my snuggie! haha.

All the kids have some kind of sniffle, runny nose or cough. Which means I have all of them minus the cough, add a sore throat! I drank some hot tea with honey, hoping it will help. No such luck. I can feel the sickness coming on. I hope this passes.

On another note, Leo and I are going to start house hunting. Please keep us in your prayers because we are looking in PA and it will be a big change for us. We will have a lot of transitions to make and I am nervous about it. However, it will be so much cheaper up there, not to mention it's more quiet, and the school are better. We are only looking at places right on the PA, MD line so it's not like we will be really far. Plus, I do have a few friends who live up there, so it's not like I wont know anyone. Also we had some issues with financing the last time we were house hunting so if you could just pray with us ask God to have his will with this situation that would be awesome!

30 Day Blog Challenge -Day 5

Day 5- Your Siblings

This is an old pic of my brother Ivan and me from my graduation

Let me hurry and post while it is still December 7th. Today is about my siblings. I'm not really sure what to say about them. My brother and I are 35 years apart. When I tell people everyone looks at me like I'm crazy. Obviously we didn't grow up together, but it was cool having a big brother who is so much older because I was spoiled by him. His name is Ivan , after my dad.

My sister Amber and Maddie , getting ready for my wedding

My sister's name is Amber. She is 5 years younger then me. Yes , I know. It's so weird. My dad being 87 and having kids with such an age difference. I guess it keeps him young. Anyway, Amber and I obviously were raised together and argued pretty much our entire childhood. But I guess that's normal. She has 2 little boys. Devin and Darron, and right now they are both 2 years old :) Nope, they're not twins, they're 11 months apart. Devin will be 3 on December 28th and Darron just turned 2 on Sunday. Let's just say they give Amber a run for her money!

This is all 5 grandkids from Easter, Thats Devin & Darron on the left.

30 Day Blog Challenge- Day 4

Day 4- Your Parents

My Parents & Alanna

My parents names are Ivan and Mary, they have been happily married for  30  years.  My dad is 30 years older then my mom so growing up i was often asked if he was my grandfather. I never minded though because my parents are great people. My parents would do anything for anyone. My dad is the smartest man I know, and he is completely self taught. He's the cook in the family, I think I can only remember a hand full of times that my mom ever cooked.

I was pretty lucky to have both of my parents home when I was little. My dad retired when I was born and my mom only worked part time for a while on and off. My mom was always very involved with everything. She went to every school event and every field trip. My parents are great and I am really lucky to have them!

30 Day Blog Challenge- Day 3

Day 3- Your First Love

OK I know that I am suppose to write about my first love. However, my first love was Wesley (my ex husband) and I don't feel it appropriate to even bring him up in my blog. Other then my 2 beautiful children, and the friendships with his family, not much good came from that mess.

SO I will tell you about my amazing husband and how we met! :) Leo and I met when we were 16 and 17 at our church. We were both involved in our church youth group, back then it was awesome! My first real memory of him was during a skit we did for Halloween and he was my "boyfriend." I believe that was the first time I ever really noticed him. I wont lie, when we pretended to kiss, I could feel the chemistry. But I was in a relationship and so was he so we just started our friendship. 

A few years later when I was 18, Wes and I had broken up, and Leo and I started talking on the phone, then began dating for a few months. It was a lot of fun but it didn't last long and we both ended up back in our previous relationships. I continued to go to church but he stopped coming, and time went on. 

I got married, had Madison, and Caden and hadn't spoke to him in at least 3-4 years. Well in the midst of my marriage falling apart, he just happened to walk back into the church during a coffee house that we had there. From there, we started talking and catching up on life. We talked pretty regularly on the phone and through text and started becoming friends again. I could definitely feel the attraction between us but even though my marriage was over, I wanted to wait until he was gone before anything happened. 

I was nervous about going right into a relationship but after a few weeks I decided what the heck and jumped on in. And it was the best decision I have ever made! Once my divorce was final in Dec 2008, Leo proposed. He sent the kids in the bedroom with signs that said "Will" and "You" except they mixed it up and came in and Said "You Will" and he came in with a sign that said "Marry Me." So I guess I didn't have a choice :) and we were married September 12, 2009. And I can honestly say it was the happiest day of my life. I feel so blessed and I have never ever been so happy in my life! 

I believe God sent him back to me to help me heal and show me how to be loved. And I am so grateful. I have now entered a new chapter in my life and I just can't help but think how lucky I am to have a chance at real love and a healthy marriage!

Progress

Today has been a quite successful day! This afternoon Leo and I went Christmas shopping and we finished Caden. We will do the girls in 2 weeks with his next pay, but I already feel some what of a relief. I also ordered my necklace "from Leo." even though I picked it out and i ordered it. But It's cute and I love it! Here it is Necklace . I hope it come before Christmas.

We also cleaned and organized our back room in the basement. When we moved in everyone just kind of threw it all in the back and we haven't bothered to touch it since. But since we had to get to our Christmas decorations, we decided it would be a good idea to go through it. So we got rid of a ton of stuff, then we moved into the kids play room. I wish I would have taken a before and after pic because you would not believe how disgusting it was. We got rid of 3 1/2 bags of toys to donate and 8 bags of trash from the basement. The kids also colored my walls with permanent maker, which I am so mad about. Let's just say I will be breaking the child labor laws on Monday because they will be scrubbing it off with magic erasers. I just hope it comes off, otherwise we will have to repaint. But the place looks nice now. I just hope they can keep it that way....at least until after Christmas. *insert eye roll* 

Leo brought all of the Christmas decorations up and decorated too. I helped very little lol. I hate decorating, it's a pain. So our tree is up , the stockings are hung and the nativity scene is in the window, and I can finally breathe. We are just waiting for the kids to come home tomorrow to decorate the tree. I am starting to feel a little more in the Christmas spirit at last. I will post pics of the tree tomorrow (or today rather) when it's finished. Until then I am finally going to sleep. It has been a long , yet very productive day!

30 Day Blog Challenge- Day 2

Day 2- The meaning behind your blog name.

Originally I was calling my blog The Schriefer Family but I thought that was blah and I needed something different. So I thought of the phrase Live. Laugh. Love and decided to change it to Faith. Love & Insanity. I chose those 3 because they most represent me and what my blog is about. My faith in God and my relationship with him, the love of my family and friends and the everyday insanities that I face as a mom and a wife.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 1.....again

I saw something about a 30 blog challenge and thought...oh this would be fun. I even started the 1 st entry and then realized what I was getting into and deleted it. As the days went on it was asking some very personal things, that I do not wish to share so I found a different one...something fun and upbeat! :)

So here goes:

Day 1: Share a recent photo and fifteen facts

Fifteen Facts About Me That You Don't Already Know

1. I hate wearing jeans and I change into sweat pants of pj's as soon as I come home.

2. I am scared of heights and tight spaces

3. I don't really like chocolate unless it's dark chocolate and even then I can only eat a little bit.

4. My favorite food in the whole world is Pizza.

5. The one place I would love to go is to Italy.

6. When I was young I had a serious obsession with pigs.

7. My passion is dancing and I danced for 21 years and gave it up after I had Caden, but now I just started again.

8. I have a hard time listing things about myself.

9. I hate mess, even though my house is always a mess!

10. I love Glee and crime shows like Law & Order SVU & Blue bloods.

11. I love to eat bake cookies

12. I love to write, even if my grammar isn't perfect.

13. I love to read but I can't name my favorite book because I have so many

14. My favorite movie of all time is Dirty Dancing. I love love love it. Especially the end where the ever so handsome Patrick Swazye wrinkles up his nose. *sigh*

15. I am madly in love with my husband and I consider myself lucky every single day! 

This Is The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year?

Christmas is fast approaching and the stress is coming on! We still have to decorate, finish shopping, and bake cookies and I haven't even started on one yet. I did, however, make an advent tree. Which I will say, was so hard. I though it looked easy enough when I started but after I got half way into it I was over it. My back and my finger tips were killing me. The good news is it turned out really cute, and the kids are loving it!

This is it with all of the ornaments added. An every day reminder that I still have so much to do before Christmas. I did get the kids pictures back from Sears. They look good. We got Christmas and Birthday pics (even though Caden's birthday was 9 mths ago and Alanna's was 6) ooops!

I think we are going to start Christmas shopping tomorrow and we are going to clean and organize the basement. Then pull out all of the Christmas decorations. I'm hoping once we are decorated, I will feel more in the Christmas spirit. I am also nervous about Alanna and Molly pulling things off of the tree. So we shall see. I hope we can get something done this weekend. I know this post was a whole lot of nothing ...sorry. There's not a whole lot of exciting things going on right now. More of a lack there of! Here's to a hopefully productive weekend! Wish me luck!

Here are the kids Christmas and Birthday pics:

Birthday Pics