wild ride

Busy Busy life

2011-11-09T18:44:00.003-07:00

Obviously it has been a while since I sat down with something to say! The girls and I had a great summer with my family in Washington State, travels home went smoothly, and school started back up with no trouble transitioning to a set schedule. C is a 5th grader now *cry*, and J turned 4 in October *cry some more*. Daddy returned home from his long deployment and we were able to enjoy a lot of family time together, though we didn't leave home much, we enjoyed it all the same!

We have been working on some minor pre-school learning things with J, and keeping C well rounded and learning how to balance after school activities with school work, and play. We had some struggles in that area, but we are working back up to it again.

It is nearly Thanksgiving again, and we are ready for all things holiday! I have been busy keeping the house tidy and decorated nicely to go along with the seasons, as well as knitting hats and mittens and lots of other fun things!

I am so thankful for all of the things in my life!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T14:10:00.002-06:00

It is a day to celebrate our country. It is a day I am bursting with pride for my husband who is serving our country overseas as I type this. I miss him with all of my heart, and I know my girls do too. We proudly wear our flag colors, and stand proud and silent with our hands over our hearts during the National Anthem this morning at the parade. This is an older photo of hubby while deployed, but always a good one!

Spring has sprung: a past due update!

2011-04-11T11:53:00.003-06:00

Grass is greening up, flowers and trees are blooming, and I feel all my energy coming back!

I have started working out with Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, and I love it!

My hubby is currently deployed, but we are plugging right on along with the daily stuff, missing him of course!

The girls are growing so fast. C will be 10 in a matter or weeks. J is learning things right and left, can spell her name for you out loud, and loves make believe play.

I have been knitting and crocheting lots of things through the winter, but now that spring is here, I know my projects will become more colorful and varied. I am also itching to get some sewing projects done for the girls, and even one for myself!

I hope you are all doing as well as we are around here!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T20:57:00.002-07:00

It has been a wild, and amazing year, I can't believe how fast it has gone!

I hope you have all had an amazing year as well.

Shutterfly

2010-11-30T07:25:00.005-07:00

As a mom I have taken many, many photo's of my lovely daughters over the years, and since coming into the digital age of photography, I have checked out the numerous websites to store and print my photos from. Shutterfly.com has been one of my favorites just because of its ease of use, and their prices are always awesome!

I would love to get a couple of these wall art prints at some point, they are super cute!

This year for Christmas I decided to do some photo calendars for all the grandparents and great grandparents! They are turning out amazing so far, if I do say so myself. I also have been thinking about doing photo Christmas cards to send out this year as well, there are just WAY too many to choose from, but after I had picked out a few layouts that I like, I saw a post on Facebook about Shutterfly doing a special for bloggers...http://bit.ly/sfly2010.

I always have regular prints in need of order too, and they come out so perfect. Family photos are always the perfect gift for any occasion for your extended family, Shutterfly even has an option to send something directly to the recipient!

You can't beat that now can you?!

Check out Shutterfly for all your photo needs too!

Sharing the knowledge...

2010-10-25T22:11:00.003-06:00

Elderberry syrup is something I have known about for a few years now, and I really love how it helps my family fight the winter crud. So when NatesGirl over at Give Peas a Chance posted on her blog last night, I just thought I would link to it here, with hopes that even more of you will get to see the great information she has shared!

http://pleasegivepeasachance.blogspot.com/2010/10/elderberry-syrup.html

Thanks again!

BOO

2010-10-19T21:12:00.005-06:00

So a few weeks ago I came across this adorable blog eighteen25, I was looking for some Halloween and Fall decorating idea's and BLAM, there it was. This was one of the first idea's I instantly fell in love with.

Frightfully Fun Frames.

Here is my version. I am happy with the way it came out, what do you think?

Next up...Spirit Jugs.

craftaholic?

2010-10-15T10:13:00.002-06:00

I love to craft. Over the years I have beaded, scrapped, sewn, crochet, stamped...You get the picture. I still do a lot of these things, but I sometimes get on craft overload. There are always sooooo many things out there giving me great ideas that I can't get them all done.

Then I also feel like I have a bit of craft ADD! Does anyone else feel this way sometimes?

I have probably 4-5 projects that are partially done, but yet I went and bought new yarn and knitting needles yesterday and am determined to teach myself how to knit now.

A nice quiet sunday.

2010-10-10T15:50:00.003-06:00

The girls and I are on our own this weekend as daddy had to work, so I have been trying to keep them entertained by myself. We made a table tent and they played dress up. After lunch I did their hair and put them in cute dresses and we went out to snap some fall photo's!

It was a bit windy, and I probably should have waited a couple hours for the sun to go down a bit further, but here they are.

Now we are working through a big bowl of popcorn, and watching a couple of movies.

What a great sunday we've had!

Toddlers...looks can be deceiving

2010-10-06T19:49:00.003-06:00

My newly turned 3 year old is a seriously frustrating breed of little girl. Don't get me wrong, I love both my girls with all my heart, but WOW, she can really put the terror into the terrible two/three's. J is funny, imaginative, silly, and snuggly, but put clips in her hair to keep it out of her face and WATCH OUT. She threw a mother of a tantrum this morning while I was getting her ready to get out of the house for some errands. I split her hair down the middle and put 2 braids to the back, then the clips to get part of her bangs that we are growing out, out of her eyes. She went on to scream bloody murder at me that she didn't want to be pretty...Yeah, I know, how dare I.

Randomness

2010-09-26T12:47:00.002-06:00

Children can be so random sometimes...

I just finished painting my girls' finger and toenails, they are happy as can be! Made them some lunch and they are sitting at the table eating, and C comes in and says..."Wouldn't it be cool if MLK Jr was still alive?" Where did that come from? She cracks me up, I of course reply yes of course it would be cool. He was a very inspiring person, and the world could of course benefit from his dream! She said, yup, turned around and went back to her lunch! WHAT A NUT.

Humor...says who?

2010-09-21T13:10:00.000-06:00

Being half a country away from my mom for the last 10 years means a lot of phone calls. Thank heavens we both have the same cell carrier, and we can talk to each other whenever we want, or whenever I have something from my day to day life that is driving me crazy, yet always seems to crack my mother up.

She insisted that I start blogging these hilarious things, because all you other mothers out there will love it, and more likely than not be able to relate.

So I guess I will be blogging more often...

Busy

2010-08-22T15:02:00.003-06:00

Things have been busy around here this summer. Different projects, crafts and keeping the kids entertained is busy work. We even took a 2 week vacation up to Colorado Springs.

C started 4th grade last week, I can't believe how time flies. J also started back to her Mom's Day Out program at the local church, which she really enjoys. Plus it gives me a little break to do something alone twice a week.

We are gearing up for our second season of soccer. I will be coaching again, as well as some duties on the of the Board of Directors. C wasn't sure if she was going to play again until after a fun week with Challenger Sports British soccer camp. Those guys are amazing with the kids and she had a lot of fun. I was even able to take a short coaches clinic. I learned a few new things to do during practices, which is a bonus for sure!

I recently decided I was ready to get back to college and get a degree finished. The hard part has been trying to figure out what I really want to do. I plan to start classes come spring, so I will keep you up to date on those activities!

The garden that wasn't...

2010-05-19T09:48:00.002-06:00

So I tried my hand at starting seeds for a veggie garden this year. I started some seeds in a mini greenhouse on my table in March. The little sprouts took off like crazy, and I was super excited to get some delicious home grown vegetables out in the yard. I was working on plans for a square foot garden even! My zucchini sprouts started pushing the lid off the greenhouse within a few weeks, so I repotted them, and put the lid back on the rest, praying it would be about time to get them outside pretty quick.

Sadly we had some crazy late winter weather and my poor little sprouts died off before I could get them outside.

With a few seeds left in my packets I bought new peat starter pods and replanted a few things....only to have them blown around the yard by a darn wind storm when I was out and about one evening.

I have now come to the conclusion that I am not a gardener...I can grow flowers, but vegetables are NOT my thing.

Happy 101 Award

2010-05-16T22:28:00.002-06:00

This is super cool, Give Peas a Chance sent this over to me, her last blog(before she posted this award) was Honey Bee Sweet Specialty Sugar...ummm HELLO, go check her stuff out, she makes fantastic tea, and some other amazing looking things I have yet to try! Not to mention an adorable felted wool mermaid that my J-bug ADORES!

Here are the rules:

1 Copy and paste the award on your blog.
2 List who gave the award to you and use a link to her blog (or hyperlink).
3 List 10 things that make you happy.
4 Pass the award on to other bloggers and visit their blog to let them know about the award. (I am going to pass this award on to Paging Jessica, and Memories and Mischief!

1- a wonderful husband who puts up with my never ending projects and adventures
2- my girls and their giggles, hugs and kisses

3- good food
4- friends to share things with
5- a roof over my head
6- fabric to play with
7- wonderful things to create rolling around in my brain
8- the ability/pleasure of seeing new places
9- a wonderful extended family
10- making others happy

Thanks so much for passing this on to me Give Peas a Chance!

Update

2010-05-16T22:22:00.002-06:00

I completely forgot to let you all know that there has been a change to my store location...but only in a minor way!
Two awesome congo's on Hyena Cart have joined forces, and I am a part of it. The new Congo name is Bliss, and I am still Homemade Love.

Thanks for checking us out!

A few changes!

2010-05-01T19:06:00.002-06:00

I have to say, of all the things in my life that have an impact in my life, the Internet has been a major factor for about the last 12 years of my life. The net gave me AOL and my husband (yes I met my husband inadvertently in a chat room when I was 19!), as much knowledge as I can plug into a search engine, more ideas than I know what to do with for crafty projects, and of course a whole slew of people who I only know online! I am a member of CafeMom, and LOVE one particular group of ladies I have come across in awhile. One of these said wonderful ladies designed my new layout, and I want to give her major kudos. If you need a fancy new blog layout, or just another fun blog to read, check her out at Paging Jessica!

Thanks again Jess <3

Not me Monday

2010-04-19T12:23:00.002-06:00

Yes folks, it's that time of the week again! I know I am not the only one who has a deep love/hate relationship with monday!

Today, I most certainly did not feed my sweet little J a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for BREAKFAST! PBnJ is lunch food, so why would I give her that in the morning?! Nope, i sure wouldn't do something so silly!

I most certainly have never gotten into bed at night and laid there for about 45 seconds before realizing I hadn't brushed my teeth, but since I was already comfy, stayed put and slept with dirty teeth...EWWWWW why would I do something like that?? Why would I even share something like that with ANYONE?! I wouldn't, I also never invite my neighbor in to let the kids play with a sink full of last nights dishes either!!! Nope, I am perfect and always go to bed with a perfectly spotless house! Not me.

So tell me, what are some terrible things you have/would NEVER ever do!!!

Happy monday to you all :D

A little bit of information!

2010-04-16T12:56:00.002-06:00

I have recently "gone into business" for myself :D I have become a HUGE lover of sewing, along with my other craftiness, and thought, what better way to enjoy my crafts, than to share them with others! I have been selling some adorable little skirts, headbands, eye masks, tutu's, and some yummy bath salts, sugar scrub, and even some lip balm!
If you want to check out my stuff and haven't already, go check out Homemade Love! Also check out the whole Sugar n Spice Congo, which is where my store is! These ladies make some gorgeous things, mostly geared toward cloth diapering, but also some pretty cool things all the way around!

A little background for those of you who aren't familiar with Hyena Cart. It is a collection of stores that are all child, earth and family friendly items! Every store there is privately owned, and there is such a diverse collection of items for you to browse through!

I have been thinking of changing the name of my "store", but haven't fully come up with something that sounds better. Any ideas?

Stuff

2010-04-02T13:25:00.000-06:00

You know I believe I am a really easy person to get along with. I don't push my beliefs/view on people, I am non-confrontational, go with the flow kind of girl. When people get on my nerves for whatever reason, though, I just want to scream. Women are fickle by nature. We can't expect to be friends with everyone, so when you run across a person that is nice, and you get along for the most part, awesome! Sometimes though, there are things about a person you just cannot overlook, and so instead of telling them they are a big lame idiot, you just pull away gently, but act polite if greeted by said person in public, or via public forums/chat area's.

Now that it has been brought to drama, I remember why I hated high school so much....

I wish people would just grow up sometimes.

PS: I know this is a bit all over the place...just kind of getting my thoughts out of my head.

Updates on our move

2010-01-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

Nothing terribly exciting going on in our household. I did figure it was time for a small update though while I was perusing other blogs and while the little one is napping and her big sister lays on the couch here in our hotel room huffing and puffing at me because she "doesn't like naps".
We have made our move across the state, and even have a house to our name. We are (im)patiently awaiting the delivery of our household goods in a 1 bed, 1 pull out couch hotel room on the base, and let me tell ya folks, thursday isn't coming fast enough!

I have sooooooooo many things I want to do to our new home its insane, especially considering I was not thoughtful enough to keep out pieces of each girls' room to get paint chosen with. I have a strong desire to go to Goodwill, and any other local consignment type stores to see if I can stock up on glass jars, a new(to us) microwave (the old one fritzed out a year ago), and anything else that might be made into a fun project to keep me entertained for awhile! I am supremely missing my sewing machine right now! I keep thinking of new things to craft up, for our use and maybe the possible future for selling my wares for some extra play money :)

Well thats about it for now I suppose. Just wanted to let anyone who cares/reads my blog to know what's up!

Christmas is coming

2009-12-11T15:53:00.000-07:00

So many things to be thankful for!

2009-11-26T21:22:00.000-07:00

This is pretty much how my day began! After we ate our breakfast of Orange Cranberry muffins, turkey sausage, and scrambled eggs, I got to work! The pie and cranberry sauce made last night, to make my day even easier, I began shopping vegi's and assembling the stuffing. The bird had been brined, and we all looked forward to out meal later in the day:)

I am thankful for...

and...

We had a great day, with yummy food, and lots of snuggles and hanging out! What more could a momma ask for?

Nope, I didn't do that I promise!

2009-10-26T12:22:00.000-06:00

In light of my favorite blog to read, MckMama. , I am going to post a little blurb she refers to as
Today I most certainly did not go back to bed afer dropping Chloe off at the bus stop, even after 2 cups of coffee, and wake up at 1030 am to find my J-Bug still sleeping as well :) Nope, that doesn't ever happen. I also did NOT let her sleep until 11am just for the pure fact that she was still sleeping! Nope, never would I let a sleeping child sleep late just so I could have a few moments of peace and quiet.

OOPS...

2009-10-23T08:25:00.001-06:00

So I guess its been almost 2 months since I blogged here...OOPS :) Life has been happening of course whether I blog about it or not! It's now fall here in the high desert of ABQ and brrrrrrrr it is chilly in the mornings!
C is doing really well in 3rd grade, reading well above her grade level, and now MULTIPLYING!!!! J turned 2 at the begining of the month and I can hardly believe where time went...I just had a newborn about half a minute ago, I'm sure of it!
The only really new thing in our life is the news that Jeremy's orders came through as changed. We were supposed to head to FL as well as a few of our other friends, but the Air Force decided that FL was not ready for us, and so we are staying in NM, moving 4 hours east from here.
Also J and I started going to the local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Group, something we did in Abilene as well. I am so glad to have met some other local momma's I just hate that I didn't do it sooner!
Oh I just remembered I re-joined Weightwatchers yesterday! I love the program, and I know how well it works, and since I am still not to my goal weight thats what I am going to do about it! So wish me luck and strength in avoiding the naughty things!

Another first day of school

2009-08-20T09:37:00.001-06:00

Isn't this a gorgeous way to wake up!

My 3rd grader!

I can't believe my baby is a 3rd grader today! She is growing up so fast, and amazes me everyday. This morning she was up and dressed by 7 when I came out of the bedroom to see what she wanted to eat for breakfast! I drove her and all her supplies down the road to the brand new school...walked her to her room and waited with her until the teacher came in. She was happy to see there was one girl from her class from her 4 weeks at the other school here in Albuquerque. Starting off a new year in another new school with at least one familiar face makes a kids day!

I hope she has the best first day ever!

Jocey and I made it home!

2009-08-14T12:55:00.000-06:00

Wednesday morning, my little toot and I boarded SW airlines to get ourselves back to Albuquerque! We had a nice flight, and she even had a bit of a nap for me, tucked into the Moby! When we headed down to claim our baggage, we were surprised to see daddy waiting for us(he had said he wasn't going to be able to be there due to being scheduled in the SIM)!!! So rather than hauling all the stuff myself(2 suitcases, car seat, stroller, carry-on, purse/diaper bag, 22 month old) and trying to hail a taxi(which for obvious reasons I was not looking forward to) daddy got to help!!
Since then, we have been readjusting our schedules! Getting used to being around each other again has been nice! Yesterday we went out shopping for a new mattress set for mommy and daddy, and found a great deal, and then of course needed a new comforter set(since we upgraded from queen to king!). I will post a pic as soon as the delivery guys make it(they have less than an hour....) and I get it all made up :)
Last night I went through the girl closets(they grew AGAIN, SHEESH) and got a nice laundry basket pile of things to take to the consignment store later, or tomorrow, and made room for fall clothes/school clothes!
It's nice to be home :)

a few of our last pics from vacay

looking pretty at Great Aunt Jo's wedding :)

enjoying the summer afternoon

Sisterly Lovin'!

Pretty Princess

Our Summer...

2009-08-06T15:12:00.000-06:00

Since Jeremy has been in school and working so hard to learn his new aircraft, I decided to take the girls to nana and papa's for the summer!
We have been here since June 8, and now only have 5 days left to our trip.....WOW time flies!
We have been keeping busy with swimming lessons, hanging out with friends and family, and just plain enjoying the weather!
School starts for Chloe on the 20th, she is going to a brand new school that will opening up to new students in Albuquerque for this year, so that is pretty exciting! She has grown so much this summer, I can hardly keep up with her! Jocelyn is growing each and every day right before my very eyes too! She probably says at least one new word every day since we have been here....

playing in the mud at Aunt Karyn's, Lebanon

Swimming at Splash Waterpark, Springfield

Vogt Family Reunion, Corvallis area

Mt St Helen's camping trip July 4th!

New Mexico finally

2009-04-23T14:10:00.000-06:00

SO yes we have made it to Albuquerque safe and sound! We arrived in town saturday late afternoon after a LONG day of driving from TX. We have been staying in a nice furnished 3 bd townhouse (paid for by the AF) while we have been looking for a rental. its nice here, but we are ready to be living with our own stuff again! We got the call last evening saying we were approved for the rental house which is exciting, now we hope the movers can deliver our stuff to us tomorrow so we can get settled in this weekend.
Being in such a temporary place, and not knowing what area we were going to be living in, I haven't been able to get Chloe enrolled in school yet, so we have been doing a sort of homeschooling thing all week. Thats been going fairly well, but when she's done with work she is bored so I am excited for her to go back to school next week!
Jocelyn has been doing fairly well with all this moving business, other than we have no highchair, so she eats on the fly.....major PITA :) sometimes she will sit on my lap at the table long enough to get a few bites in, but usually she is dragging food from one end of the living area to the other!
Yesterday was Earth day, and instead of sitting in the house cooped up wasting electricity i looked up so local things to do, and gave Chloe the choice between the Aquarium/Botanical Gardens, or the Zoo, and she chose the Zoo. So off we went! The Rio Grande Zoo was very nice, very big compared to Abilene's zoo. We spent around 3 hours there and didnt see everything, but Jocelyn was tired and so were my feet! Jocey did really enjoy the animals. She growled at all the *cats* really liked the seals and polar bears too!

Its down to the wire now

2009-04-01T16:13:00.000-06:00

Well folks we have a date for the movers and a tentative date (less than 3 weeks now) for getting the heck out of Abilene....there's just one problem....the house is still not sold. So as of today we are in contact with a leasing agent, and with any luck by Monday all will be said and done so that we can get renters in here as soon as we are out.
We have been doing everything possible to get this house moved including dropping our price by over $3000. It hurts to do that, but i think this economy is just really not helping these matters. I have been so frustrated and stressed out, I have been taking it out on everyone I think, and I am sorry for that.
On another note, my baby girl is nearly 8 and we are throwing her a party at the skating rink before we leave here. Baby sister on the other hand is 18 months old tomorrow and I just cant figure out where time has gone. They grew up too fast(I know they aren't grown completely, but still).
That's really all for now, I will post new pictures sometime soon!

Jocey's new leg warmers!!

2009-02-27T13:48:00.001-07:00

Yeah I said leg warmers! They are all the rage right now, and look super cute with a shirt and her little cloth bootie!

yeah I know it's been awhile....

2009-02-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

Okay so since its been like 4 months since I last posted anything, I guess here it goes!

We are approximately 8 weeks from leaving Abilene, TX and I can't wait!!! I am going to miss a lot of people here, but I am definitely ready for some change! We still dont have the house sold, but it is getting seen, so I know its only a matter of time! We are looking at renting a house in Albuquerque, just looking for the right place in the right neighborhood! Our friends the Joiner's who are also going through this school that Jeremy is doing are leaving next week, and it makes me all the more anxious!!!

Joceyln is nearly 17 months old now and is becoming quite a little character! She is running around all over the place, and learning new words all the time! Chloe is growing like a weed as well....7 going on 15 somedays, reading chapter books at her level and a bit beyond! She is sad to leave her friends here in Texas, but knows that its part of life as a military kid! We have told her to think of how many cool places she will get to see with daddy in the Air Force, and how many penpals she will have!

Here are a couple of recent pics!

Jocelyn at a Birthday party at the Gymnastics Sports Center, jumping on the trampoline with daddy!
Chloe getting ready to flip!

The girls at Nana and Papa's making sugar cookies for Santa with our friend Amanda in the background!

We made a trip to the OR coast while we were visiting Jeremy's side of the family! We had to see the sea lions whil we were in Newport!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

Well its that time of year again, when we all find ways to get together and eat:) Jeremy's dad is in town as usual for Turkey Day and we are all happy to have him here, especially the girls! We went to a potluck lunch at the Squadron today, tried some yummy food and felt like a pig when i was done, but hey, that's what this time of year is all about right?! I have been slacking off the last couple of weeks at WW and the gym, but for better or worse I am in a size pants and tops that i haven't been in in I don't know how long! Here and now I vow to get back on the wagon ;) starting friday, because i know how much my body needs it!
On another note, Chloe recently got her second report card of the year, and brought 3 of her B's to A's, giving her 5 A's and 1 B this time around! We are so proud of her:) She is reading very well, already loving chapter books, and just this week earned her bronze medal for Accelerated Reading.
Jocelyn is trying really hard to run, but is still tripping over her own feet for now. She is saying more and more words, and expressing her personality daily and even hourly!

First

2008-11-03T12:24:00.000-07:00

Here's the first Fraser Family blog!

Jeremy arrived safely home from his deployment around 530am on the 20th the girls were so very happy to see their daddy! Jocelyn took right back to him like he'd only been gone a few days rather than months!

Halloween 2008 has come and gone, and the girls were mermaids. I had a fun time sewing up their costumes by hand this year, with a bit of help from my friend Virginia!

We have just found out that we will be moving to Albuquerque, NM next spring, followed by Ft. Walton Beach, Fl in Jan. 2010. We are very excited for the change of scenery, though we will miss some very important friends here in Abilene.

Jeremy and I have been making some minor changes around the house in order to make it more apt to sell quickly when the time comes!

That's about all for now.
E