Yummy....
A couple of years ago I decided to plant some strawberry plants in my backyard. This is the first year that we have had enough berries in one picking for the whole family to enjoy. So far I have picked them about 3 times and we may of had more if it wasn't for all the rain that we have had in the last couple of weeks. I hope to get a few more pickings off of them before the end of the season.

Beautiful Roses......
I decided to bring them in from the backyard, so we could all enjoy them. The Lord has such wonderful creation for us to enjoy.

Psalm 34:17 & 18
"The rightous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."

Assurance in Jesus

May Jesus assure you that as you follow Him
you will never meet a fear He cannot conquer,
you will never face an enemy He cannot defeat,
you will never enter a battle He cannot win,
you will never have a need He cannot meet,
you will never face a temptation He cannot overcome,
you will never have a burden He cannot lift,
you will never face a problem He cannot solve,
you will never have a bondage He cannot break,
you will never have a moment when He does not care,
you will never have a time when He is not there.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 KJV

(The picture of the flowers are from my wonderful husband. They were delivered to me and were a nice surprise.)

New Swimming Pool......
The weather forecast for today is 90 degrees and sunny. So, early this morning we went to Target to see what kind of swimming pool we could find. We were just planning on getting a simple inflatable pool, but ended up bringing home this big thing. It holds a lot of water. The kids have had a blast in it today. It's even big enough for me to sit in. We had to keep some water out otherwise Noah would of have a hard time getting in & out, but next year we should be able to fill it all the way up.

Noah ended up falling asleep on the couch with Ruby after swimming. The sun and water sure can wear a child out.

New Leather Couch....

I have been wanting to get a new couch for a while because the old rust couches we had look bad and the cushions fell off all the time. This past week I happen to come across this tan leather couch for $150 on Craigslist, which is an awesome deal. The other great part about the couch was it was only 15 mins from our house and fit in the back of my hubbies truck. The other great part is we listed our old love seat & couch on Craigslist and someone picked them up by five O'clock. It's nice not having them sitting in the garage.

Before Pictures.......
Brandon's mom & dad were here to visit this past week and took on a tiling project and a few others as well. As you can see we had some lovely floors in our kitchen and bathroom area. We had to move out all the appliances, take off all the trim, take down a couple doors and then screw down cement board. It took a couple of days to get the floor ready for it's new tile.

Finished Result.....
Here are the lovely new floors that we have now in our kitchen and bathroom area. It makes everything look so much bigger and cleaner. Thanks Ray & Kara for all your hard work:)

Happy Birthday......

On May 16th Gabriel turned 4 years old. Wow how the times has gone by. I made him a double layered chocolate cake with butter-cream frosting, which was really yummy. We had a good time celebrating with his grandma & grandpa from Nebraska, which have been here for the last week. They got him this cool Radio Flyer Big Wheel.

Update on School.....

Brandon has been studying the last couple of days for his big Algebra final, which is tomorrow. After that he is all done and will be waiting for his final grades. After that he will be studying for his BIG test (the NCLEX) to get his nursing license and then he's off to look for a job. I can't believe the 3 years have gone by already and it is time to start paying back the money we owe. This is probably the part that I am really not looking forward to. At least we have 6 months after graduation before we have to start paying back student loans.

Monday: Tatar Tot Casserole, Rolls

Tuesday: Pirate Stew (Crock-pot Recipe)

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday: Zippy Turkey Tortilla Bake

Friday: Meat Loaf with Cream of Mushroom Sauce, Mash Potatoes, String Beans

Saturday: Grilled Brats, French Fries, Corn

Sunday: Waffles & Sausage

Happy Mother's Day.....

The hubby went out early this morning and brought me home some tulips and yummy donuts the for the kids and I. I'm not sure what else we will be up to today, but I hope it's relaxing. I know the kids want to get out for a walk. Thanks hubby for all your love & help.

House Burning.....
This past weekend they had all the firetrucks down by the park and were running drills as they burned this house down. They are getting rid of the house because they have plans in the works for a new park area. The kids had fun seeing all the firetrucks, fire fighters and the house burning. It will be fun to see what they plan on doing next. I know the boys will have a good time seeing all the construction equipment.

Always something new.......
Life has been pretty crazy this past week and weekend. Noah's has been enjoying the open space in the living room for the last couple of days by riding his tractor. We had to clear out the couch's, rugs and blankets. Brandon had a patient a couple of weeks ago, which they found out had scabies. It's kind of like lice, but they are mites, which can get all over your body. We soon found out last Thursday evening that the kids had it and Brandon had a few spots as well.

The last several days have kept me busy with more laundry then I wish to do. We all have been treated, but we have to have another treatment in a week. I hope this is gone by the end of this week. I am ready to get my house back together. I guess on the plus side I have gotten some spring cleaning done, unfortunately with kids things don't stay clean for very long.

Hat Day.....

The kids did a easy little projects today, which they loved. I think they look so cute in there little hats. We also went exploring trying to find some new parks close by, but found out one of the best in our town is just down the street from our house. There are also two other great parks in town that the kids love to go too. The weather has been so great here this past week, but this weekend it will be raining.

I have started to feel better with my mouth infection and the morning sickness is gone. Now I just have to deal with tiredness, which I feel by afternoon and evening. I just have to make sure I get my naps each day and go to bed as early as I can.

Mouth Pain.....

Last Thursday morning I called the dentist with mouth pain. I went in and they started a root canal, and sent me home with antibiotics and pain relievers. Then by Friday evening the pain was getting worst. I was able to get some sleep that night, but by Saturday evening I was going crazy with pain. It was bad if not worse then labor pains and so we called a friend and had him come over to stay with the sleeping kids. Brandon then took me into the ER and we waited for about an hour and then we got to see a doctor. He gave me a nerve block, which helped for about 4 hours and then a prescription for stronger antibiotics and pain relievers. I got good sleep that evening, but by morning I was having really bad pain again. We then went back into the ER and they did another nerve block, but said there really is not much else that they can do. I just have to wait for the antibiotic to work enough, so then the pain relievers will work. I was thinking to myself how much longer can I take this. Thank the Lord we had some friends who watch the kids for us on Sunday, so I was able to come home and sleep and Brandon was able to get some homework done. Then by Sunday evening the pain meds were working and the pain was bearable. What a weekend it was and not one I would like to revisit anytime soon.

Faithful One......

I learned a new song this past weekend and wanted to share it with you. It is called "Faithful One" by Brian Doerksen and you can listen to it here. Enjoy!

Looking for Easter Eggs......

The kids had a egg hunt with there cousins on Easter weekend. They had fun and it was a beautiful day out too. Anna also slept over at her cousins house for the first time. She had a blast and it will probably be the beginning of many sleepovers.

Enjoying the Treasures.....
Noah was so happy with his finds. He found himself a spot to sit down and started to dig in.

The kids with there cousins Makenzi and Tanner and Ruby even made it in the picture.

First Appointment.....

On Friday I had my first OB appointment. The kids all came with me and did a great job. I had some informational paperwork to fill out, a physical examination and the most exciting part was hearing the babies heart beat. It was tough to find, but we did hear it for a bit, which the kids thought was neat. I am due on October 17th and so I am 13 weeks along so far.

After the appointment I treated the kids to McDonald's. They love to go there because of the play land and mommy loves it because they can play forever without fighting. Then after McDonald's we met daddy at Borders. The kids love to do there and look at books at least the older ones.

Pregnancy Update......
I have been feeling better these days. I am now 12 weeks and am about past the morning sickness. I still have some not so great days, but mainly it's because I am tired. I'm not sure what I can do to get my energy up a bit. I have been trying to eat healthy and keep up on snacks so that I don't feel hungry. Also in the last couple of days I have like this pinched nerve in my upper leg area. I can still get around, but it's a bit uncomfortable at times. I am looking forward to this going away. Lastly I am showing, but have not had to break out any maternity clothes yet.

We will be heading out to visit my parents for the weekend. Brandon's on spring break and it looks like it's going to be a nice weekend. We are looking forward to spending lots of time outside with the kids. I am hoping to get lots of great pictures this weekend to share with you next week. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend:)

Little Friend....

My parents were here last week and had this black cocker spaniel with them. We had a couple of people stop by and we thought they might be interested, but it's about a week later and we still have the puppy. We have had a few others who have stop to look, but still no buyers. We will be heading to visit my family in a couple of days and my be taking the little guy back to them. The kids have had fun, but I'm ready to be done with cleaning up after a little puppy.

Awana Car Racing....

The kids had there car race last Wednesday. They had a good time watching all the cars, but in the end Anna had a hard time because she did not get a trophy. They did receive a blue ribbon, but it was not good enough. She just has a hard time losing when it comes to most games. Gabe had no trouble at all and had a fun time making his firetruck.

Anna & A Friend.....

A few Changes....
Well it's that time of year when it's time to change things up a bit. The picture at the top of my blog is a picture of some of our first flowers that Anna found in the backyard this afternoon. She was pretty excited and then later asked about watering my strawberry plants. I had to say it's a little to earlier for that. I think it is about time I get some potting soil, so the kids and I can plant some seed to watch and grow. I am planning on keeping the garden simple this year. We still have a lot of canned tomatoes from last year and plenty of frozen vegetables in the freezer. I am pretty thankful for that because by the end of the summer I am going to be pretty pregnant and getting around will not be very easy. Well that's all for now, but I do have some nice pictures that I will be sharing over the next week.

Spring is in the Air......

Yesterday we pulled all of the the backyard toys out because it was so beautiful. The kids played outside most of the day and enjoyed it so much. They even got to play with there friend Avery who lives right next door. I believe it's going to be a pretty regular occurrence this summer, which will be great.

Then today it got to a high of 65 degrees. We had some friends over for lunch and the kids played outside some more. We even headed to the park for a while and I got a bit over heated sitting in the sun. It's been a good day and it's just so nice to hear the kids playing and enjoying the outdoors.

For me I am still feeling sick especially in the morning and am just trying to keep up with the things I need to get done. I'm a little over my head in laundry right now, since last night we forgot to put a diaper on Gabe and two sets of sheets got dirty. The boys can't seem to sleep through the night without waking up and ending up in our bed. It's a good thing we have a king size bed. I am hoping that will change with the nice weather and the kids playing outside. Hopefully they will get a bit more worn out.

Brandon's been staying busy with school and especially math homework. He only has about two months left and then he graduates. Wow how the time has gone by. He has been doing a home health clinical this semester, which he loves.

Well that's about all for now. One of these days soon I hope to be back to myself and be able to share more pictures and projects that I am working on, but until then hope your all having a great week.

Playing with friends......

The kids have been enjoying there time with friends. The kids have a blast, which is so nice to see.

A Weeks Gone By.....

It's hard to believe a week has gone by. I have been lacking energy to do much, but keep up with the kids and the things that need to be done around the house. I have been dealing with morning sickness or all day sickness for the last couple of weeks. I am looking forward to getting back to my normal self.

The kids have been staying busy. We have been going to the library on Mondays and then getting together with friends a couple other day of the week. The kids have also been playing outside for a good hour or so each day. They really have spring fever and are so ready to ride there bikes. I am looking forward to not having to get they all dress up nice and warm in order for them to go out.

Well I hope to be back with some more exciting post sometime or pictures of something.

Painting....
This is another thing that has been keeping the kids busy this winter. We have several different kinds of painting tools, which the kids love to use.

Clowning Around......
Grandma Joyce was here last week and the kids had lots of fun playing with play-dough when she was here. Grandma helped the kids with there clown noses.

Snow fun.....
Here's my sweet little Noah. He just wanted outside to walk around in the snow and play with a few toys. Ruby just kept trying to get his gloves.

Expecting #4......

For those who may not know we are expecting baby #4 sometime in October. We are really hoping and praying for a little girl. Anna keeps telling me over and over that she would like a little sister. I guess we will have to wait and see. We have a few girls names, but still need to figure out a couple of boy names. If anyone has any ideas let me know. I am feeling good so far and have not been sick at all, so we will have to see how much longer that last. I have also started working out on the treadmill and doing Pilates. I really need to get in better shape then I am.

This past week my parents were here for a few days. We had a nice time just hanging out and spending time playing with the kids. The kids have been playing with play-dough a lot lately. My mom made a lot of different animals out of play-dough with the kids. They really enjoyed having grandma & grandpa here.

Also my dad put in a new toilet in the downstairs bathroom. It has not been working real well and dad said that a new one would be good since the one in the bathroom was about 30 years old. Now we just need to get a new toilet in the upstairs bathroom.

Well that's what has been going on around here this week. I have a few pictures to post, which I will do sometime here. I just haven't had much motivation with spending time on the computer.

Valentines Gifts.......

The kids were very excited this past weekend when they got a gift in the mail from there Grandma & Grandpa Kostman. They got these nice jean jackets and super yummy marshmallow suckers. The suckers didn't last long and even mommy got a few bits. To watch the video go here.

Running Circles......

Wow how the week has gone by. On Monday I took the kids to the library, so they could hand in there winter reading sheets and pick out a prize. We then stayed for the craft/story hour, which the kids loved. They made Valentines cards, which I was hoping to make with them this week, which I have not gotten to yet. I really don't know were the time goes. If I didn't have dishes & laundry I would have so much time. Then after library time we went grocery shopping and had lunch at Culver's.

Then on Wednesday the Bible study that I go to was canceled, but some friends came over to play and have lunch. The kids had a blast playing. Then later in the afternoon the kids went outside and played in the snow for a good hour & half and then that evening the kids headed to Awana's. They have a good time and are making new friends. By the time we got home that evening they were really tired and ready for bed.

Thursday was just a crazy day, which felt like I didn't get much done. I'm sure many of you can relate. Anyway I hope to have some pictures to share sometime. I am starting to really have spring fever. Have a wonderful weekend:)

Friends.....

Here's a good picture of some friends of ours Chris & Kari. The kids love to see them.

Knitted Hats....
These are the hats that I made on our trip to Nebraska this past Christmas. Knitting is such a nice way to past the time while driving on the road. The question I kept getting from my daughter was, "who are they for?." I said, "I don't know yet", so they will just go in my gift container and be given to someone as a present sometime.

Free Schedule Printables......

I have been thinking about trying to make up some type of schedule with the kids. So I went on line today to see what kind of pages I could find. I found this site with some nice printouts. Thought I would post it if anyone else is interested. I really am not a schedule type of person, but I think that with 3 kids I need to set one up to keep my sanity.

New Song.....

This last weekend we sang a song at our fellowship meeting, which I just loved. So I found it on You Tube and thought I would share it with you. It's called, "Give Me Jesus" by Fernando Ortega

My Mom & Dad Wedding Pictures.....
My mom's brother got a machine that take pictures off of there slides, so she now has all of her wedding pictures. I had to share these because these are so neat. I am hoping to see more pictures. I dad was in the Navy, so he has lots of pictures of that time of his life.

My mom made her bridesmaids dresses. She is a wonderful seamstress and wish I knew as much as she does.

One of those days.....

Noah was into making messes today. I found him this morning up stairs in the bathroom with the door closed and the drawer pulled out on the vanity. This is how the boys lock the door when they don't want anyone to come in. Anyway he was into the toothpaste and had it on the floor, the door, the dog & himself. Then later on in the day I found him in the downstairs bathroom with the door closed poring soap all over. Lastly, while I was visiting with company Anna yelled down saying Noah was in trouble. He was in the bathtub pumping hair conditioner out of the bottle. It's amazing how a little one can find so many exciting messy things to get into. So did anyone else have some exciting things happen to them today??