The Seasons Of Our Life

Do you see the resemblance?

2015-12-05T16:20:00.001-05:00

So last week i downloaded a new app...it makes photos into cartoons...so much fun. This one i took of Syd reminds me of Kristen Stewart. ..so funny

My Starlight

2015-12-05T14:29:00.001-05:00

Sydney is in her first year of Starlights show chior. She is having a great time. She was picked to sing a solo in the song How To End Your Prayers and she totally rocked it. We are so very proud of her!!

My beautiful girl

2015-03-28T14:33:00.001-04:00

just wanted to post a picture of my beautiful girl.....can't believe she will be 15 this summer.....where does the time go?

ISSMA

2014-03-22T17:48:00.001-04:00

Today was Sydney's 8th grade chior ISSMA contest and they received Gold!!! So proud of all of the kids!!

I Love This Dog

2014-03-15T15:30:00.001-04:00

I really do love her, our Bella boo is the best dog, she knows just when I need a good cuddle. She has such a personality it cracks us up I really dont remember a time when we didnt have her. I love this boxer dog and I guess I will keep her :)

Back To The Gym

2014-03-15T15:18:00.001-04:00

Kory literally drug me out of the house this afternoon to the gym.....I really really didn't want to go. But okay I give...I am glad I went, really I am. I feel good. I was doing really good I was going every day and I lost 20 lbs but then I got sick.....and yep fell off the wagon!!! I am back now and I wont give up, I am starting this 24 day challenge and I am really excited about it. I will be starting next week so I will post the first day so I can keep a record of how I am doing....

My Beautiful Girl

2014-03-09T20:59:00.001-04:00

I love this girl! She is my world. She is smart, beautiful, kind, caring, funny. She has a beautiful voice, she is talented and have I said I love her?? I know a mother is supposed to feel this way about her daughter, but I not only feel this way I just am amazed by her everyday.....She is so much smarter than I was at her age and more beautiful, and way smarter.. I have done allot of things wrong in my life, and I have done somethings right, but I must say I am most proud of my daughter.

She is starting High School next fall, and I am kind of in shock over this. People tell mothers of newborns that take in every moment because it goes so fast, and with all the late nights and diaper changes you think "yeah right" but really it does go so fast!! We were sitting at registration and the first thing the consular said was okay parents these next four years of High School are going to fly by.....really......like I needed to hear that?? I was already on the verge of tears....But we got her registered and she wanted to go for her Honors Diploma. Being who I am, I was like, really Syd you want to take all those classes?? are you sure...but then I said to myself...shut up!!! She is smart...so smart, let her challenge herself!!! So we figured her schedule out and she is ready to be a Freshmen next year!!!

I am amazed at her talent with music she has taught herself to play the piano, and she has the most beautiful voice, I could listen to her all day and sometimes I get too.

Well, I could go on and on about my beautiful daughter, and I probably will...many times but for now I am done, and I am thanking God for giving me the most special gift....

First Day of the 8th Grade!!!

2013-08-17T09:34:00.000-04:00

Syd was styling!! She picked out this cute outfit. I can't believe that she is so grown up, my teenager is starting 8th grade!!! LOVE HER!!!

Day At The Park

2013-08-17T09:29:00.001-04:00

We had such a fun time at the park it was way too long since we have had a park day and I think Bella had the most fun!! Sydney did her archery and she is really good at it! I'm just glad she has a sport that she likes and its OUT SIDE!!!

Happy Fathers Day 2013

2013-06-18T09:25:00.001-04:00

We spent Fathers Day in our favorite city!! St. Joe Michigan!! We didn't hang at the beach , we decided to have lunch and walk around the town and shop. We also went on the carousel one of our favorite attractions!!!

Syd took this one!!

We had lunch at a new restaurant called The Buck it has awesome food!! and rooftop dinning!! FUN!! we shopped and had a great time!! It was a great Fathers Day!!!

New Furniture!!

2013-06-18T09:20:00.002-04:00

Here is our new love seat!!

Here is our new Sofa!!!

Its been a long long time since we have had new furniture, I am so excited!!! we decided on leather because of Bella, we thought it would be nice to have so we could just wipe it down and it would not smell because of the dog, but after we got it we decided NO Bella's on the furniture!!! She has adjusted pretty well, not that she's not mad at us, but that's just the way it is!! she has a nice comfy dog bed to sleep in!!

Happy Spring

2013-04-02T23:10:00.001-04:00

To say that I have been busy is an understatement, but I can't believe this is my first blog of the year! Its been and interesting one for sure, Kory and I have been busy running our business, Bell Cleaning, we are so busy it isn't funny, and that's a good thing. I really have not had two seconds to myself! Sydney is no longer home schooled, she is back in regular school, and she loves it! she has made some great friends and is adjusting well.

We just got back from a fun weekend trip from Chicago, Shaumburg to be exact, we had a great time, I will post pictures soon, we went to the big mall and Medieval Times, it was a really fun time.

Sydney has spring break this week and she is happy for the break, and so are we!! I can't believe she only has 2 months left of school. This year is flying by!!

I will be posting pictures soon, so check back to see them!!

Happy Birthday To My Beautiful Daughter!!

2012-08-05T14:24:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday Sydney Ann Bell, today you turn 12 and I can't believe it!! time is flying and no matter how hard I try to keep you little its just not working.

Yesterday we had a birthday party for you with friends and family, we had a cookout with hamburgers and hot dogs, and salads and a yummy triple chocolate cake that I made from scratch. You got some great gifts. We bought you an ipad, we gave it to you 3 weeks ago so you could enjoy it and that you have, I don't think you have put it down once :)

You are such a smart, kind, beautiful girl you dad and I are so very proud of you! We were looking through old pictures of you from when you were born thru the years and we can't believe how you have changed. We are so very very blessed that God chose us to be your parents. We hit the jackpot with you my baby!!

I have so many dreams for you, you will be starting 7th grade tomorrow WOW!! You are so smart, I really don't know where that came from :) You are starting a new Home school On line program called K-12 and you will learn on line with teachers its a virtual school. You are excited and so are we.

I pray for you everyday, and I know that you are growing into a smart, caring beautiful young lady that I love being around, I pray that you will continue to grow in the Lord and let Him be your guide thru life, He loves you and wants the best for you, as do we. I pray that you will reach everyone of your many goals, you are a very talented young girl and I know you will always do your best what ever that may be!

I love you so very much! Mommy <3 br="br">

10 Habits To Strengthen Your Relationship With Your Child

2012-07-12T15:36:00.000-04:00

I have not blogged in a while...(I'm blaming Pinterest) anyway that's where I found this great article, so much truth to it, I am happy to say that I already do 90% of this so that was cool!! But I just wanted to share :)

10 Habits to Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Child

"We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth." -- Virginia Satir

We all crave those close moments with our children that make our hearts melt. That's what makes parenting worth it. Connection is as essential to us as parents as it is to our children. When our relationship is strong, it's also sweet -- so we receive as much as we give.

That connection is also the only reason children willingly follow our rules. Kids who feel strongly connected to their parents WANT to cooperate. They trust us to know what's best for them, to be on their side. I hear regularly from parents that everything changes once they focus on connecting, not just correcting.
But we're only human. There are days when all we can do is meet our children's most basic needs: Feed them, bathe them, keep an encouraging tone, hug them, and get them to sleep at a reasonable hour so we can do it all over again tomorrow. Given that parenting is the toughest job on earth -- and we often do it in our spare time, after we work at another job all day -- the only way to keep a strong bond with our children is to build in daily habits of connection. What kinds of habits?

1. 12 hugs a day. Hug your child first thing in the morning, when you say goodbye, when you're re-united, at bedtime, and often in between. If your tween or teen rebuffs your advances when she first walks in the door, realize that with older kids you have to ease into the connection. Get her settled with a cool drink, and chat as you give a foot rub. (Seem like going above and beyond? It's a foolproof way to hear what happened in her life today, which should be high on your priority list.)
2. Connect before transitions. Kids have a hard time transitioning from one thing to another. If you look her in the eye, use her name, and play a bit to get her giggling, you'll fill her cup and make sure she has the inner resources to manage herself through a transition. Mornings go much easier when you start with a five minute snuggle upon awakening to help your child transition from sleep into the executive functions of dressing and teeth brushing.
3. Play. Laughter and rough-housing keep you connected with your child by stimulating endorphins and oxytocin in both of you. Making playfulness a daily habit also gives your child a chance to work through the anxieties and upsets that otherwise make him feel disconnected -- and more likely to act out. And play helps kids want to cooperate. Which is likely to work better, "Little Gorilla, it's time for breakfast, come eat your bugs and bananas!" and "Don't you think your steam shovel wants to get in the car now so he can see the construction site on the way to the store?" or "Eat your breakfast now!" and "Get in the car!"
4. Turn off technology when you interact with your child. Really. Your child will remember for the rest of his life that he was important enough to his parents that they turned off phones and music to listen to him. This is particularly important in the car, because the lack of eye contact in a car takes the pressure off, so kids (and adults) are more likely to open up and share.

5. Special time. Every day, 15 minutes with each child, separately. Alternate doing what your child wants and doing what you want. On her days, just pour your love into her and let her direct. On your days resist the urge to structure the time with activities. Instead, play therapeutic "games" to help your child with whatever issues are "up" for her. (For game ideas, click here.)
6. Welcome emotion. Sure, it's inconvenient. But your child needs to express his emotions or they'll drive his behavior. So accept the meltdowns, don't let the anger trigger you, and welcome the tears and fears that always hide behind the anger. Remember that you're the one he trusts enough to cry with, and breathe your way through it. Afterwards, he'll feel more relaxed, cooperative, and closer to you.

7. Listen, and Empathize. Connection starts with listening. Bite your tongue if you need to, except to say "Wow!....I see....Really?...How was that for you?" The habit of seeing things from your child's perspective will ensure that you treat her with respect and look for win/win solutions. It will help you see the reasons for behavior that would otherwise drive you crazy. And it will help you regulate your own emotions so when your buttons get pushed and you find yourself in "fight or flight," your child doesn't look so much like the enemy.
8. Slow down and savor the moment. Share the moment with your child: let him smell the strawberrries before you put them in the smoothie. Put your hands in the running water together and share the cool rush of the water. Smell his hair. Listen to his laughter. Look him in the eyes. Connect in the magnificence of the present moment. Which is really the only way we can connect.
9. Bedtime snuggle and chat. Set your child's bedtime a wee bit earlier with the assumption that you'll spend some time visiting and snuggling in the dark. Those companionable, safe moments of connection invite whatever your child is currently grappling with to the surface, whether it's something that happened at school, the way you snapped at her this morning, or her worries about tomorrow's field trip. Do you have to resolve her problem right then? No. Just listen. Acknowledge feelings. Reassure your child that you hear her concern, and that together you'll solve it, tomorrow. The next day, be sure to follow up. You'll be amazed how your relationship with your child deepens. And don't give this habit up as your child gets older. Late at night is often the only time teens will open up.
10. Show up. Most of us go through life half-present. But your child has only about 900 weeks of childhood with you before he leaves your home. He'll be gone before you know it. Try this as a practice: When you're engaged with your child, just be right here, right now. You won't be able to do it all the time. But if you do it every day for a bit, you'll find yourself doing it more and more. Because you'll find it creates those moments with your child that make your heart melt.

Prayer For My Friend!

2012-06-24T13:39:00.001-04:00

A few days ago I learned that one of my dearest friends Renee had a massive heart attack. I was so shocked she is only 49. about 3 years ago she moved to Oregon it was really hard for me to say good by to her, and now that she is fighting for her life I feel so far away! I am asking for prayer for my friend! she is on life support, her family is all gathered around her and so many are praying for her. She is a follower of Christ so I know He is with her.

I met Renee in 2005 when our daughters were starting kindergarten at Elkhart Christain Academy, I will never forget that day I first met her....she was talking to someone.....talking allot and I thought wow she is a talker!! I never imagined that we would become such good friends, but we did! she not only became a friend but a confidant and my prayer warrior! She always knew the right thing to say to me...ALWAYS!! she would give me a verse from the Bible or an experience she had from her own life. I always walked away feeling better by just talking to her!! We spent many many hours in the car line together, I would go 45 min early because I knew she would be first in line and I could jump in her car and talk to her about anything!!!

Our daughters celebrated their birthdays together and we had so many fun times! our husbands became friends and still are to this day, when my husband ended up in the hospital, he was the only friend to show up! I just love their family.

I loved those day's. And I miss them terribly, She took her daughter out of ECA after 3rd grade to home school her, and I went through with drawl! it was terrible!! I took my daughter out of ECA after 5th grade and home schooled her. Soon after that her husband got transferred to Oregon. I understand why but I did not like it!!!

So when I found out that she was in the hospital fighting for her life, my heart sank and I felt helpless....

This is my prayer, Dear God please heal my friend!! Her family and friends need her, we are not done with her yet! She needs to be a Wife to Don and a mother to her children and a grandmother to her grandson, and a friend to so many....I can't imagine a world without her sweet, caring, non judging personality! I love my friend and I pray for complete healing! In Jesus Name AMEN.

Mothers Day 2012

2012-05-16T15:13:00.002-04:00

I think it physically hurts my daughter to stand next to my and take a "nice" picture....really just one is all

I ask for, well...maybe 5 or 10 but come on, I need pictures in my life its just who I am!!! But noooooo.

I mean look at the pain on her face.......

Okay...FINALLY...ONE nice picture...and I had to bribe her to take it!!

I did have a very nice Mothers Day with my daughter and hubby! I love Sydney and I love being her mom! Its the greatest gift I have ever gotten, she is a beautiful girl inside and out and I am truly blessed to be her mom!! I love you Sydney Ann...even if it takes a bunch of silliness to get one nice photo!!!

BRACES!!!!

2012-05-09T14:26:00.001-04:00

Yep my baby is getting braces!! This is definitely something I never thought we would have to worry about, Kory and I both have straight teeth, and it looked like she would to, until we went to the dentist she said she was missing two teeth, in the front, 2???? I was like what???? really???? apparently it runs in the family on my dad's side...the two teeth fell out and there is none to replace them so not only will she have to have braces but she will have implants too...so about 5 grand later we will have a daughter with a beautiful mouth....its worth it but it does sting a little!! We go in next month to have her spaces put in the a week after that the braces go on, so I will be sure to keep you updated on the process :)

Cleaning The Slate

2012-05-08T20:13:00.000-04:00

You know sometimes in life when you just want to wipe your "slate" clean and start over?? well I kind of want to do that.....let me explain......

First, last November we talked about moving to Colorado....then we realized that was a dream that was not going to come true just yet....so then we thought about moving south to South Carolina.....but then we came to the realization that that was not going to happen either....after MUCH prayer and conversations we decided to stay put....our life is much to complicated to make such a big move. But we will never say never...but for now Indiana is our home. I do wish we would not have shared these decisions with so many people...some still think we are moving to Colorado and some think we are moving to South Carolina....and some know we are staying put....I guess you live and learn... And we have learned that God is the decision maker!!

So for all of you reading this we are staying put until God moves us!! Not only has this been a big change in our life but we have many others....Kory closed his business and after 25 + years in the Packaging industry he is saying farewell!! its definitely a God thing, but now he is unemployed...we know God has a plan for our life and we are leaning on Him for the answers, but it is tough!!

Sydney is finished with 6th grade, and our first year of home school!!! and I have to say how very very proud of her we are!! She got all A's. It was a challenging year for her and I but we both had a great time and she loves home school. I learned so much! Next year we have made the decision to enroll her in K12 online virtual school. We are so excited for this program, Sydney can't wait!! I just can't believe my baby is going into 7th grade, time is going too fast!!!!

We have also made a decision to go back to Grace Comm Church, we have been back for a month now and we are so happy to be "HOME".

I am not sure what summer will bring this year, we are hoping to spend allot of time at the beach. And maybe have a few weekend get aways but we will see how that works out.

Well this is what has been happening in our life the past 6 months...(the short version) I am going to try and blog more frequently but I'm not making any promises :)

So Much Going On!!

2012-03-02T18:15:00.003-05:00

We are entering a new Season in our life's for sure!!! We just put our house up for sale a few day's ago and we are planning on moving to South Carolina! I know BIG changes for sure!! I am going to try and blog more I know I keep saying that, but I really will try this time.

Why the move south?? well for one the weather, we are tired of this cold dreary weather Indiana has to offer!! second, we love that area, its been our favorite vacation spot we have gone to, and we are ready for a change!! So we will see how things turn out and I will blog along the way to keep you updated!!

I Kind Of Fell Off The Blogging Wagon!!!

2012-01-24T23:51:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone, I really was doing well for a while, I was blogging everyday and I had everything planned out (just because I am that weird) I was on a roll.....then life got in the way and January came!! We pretty much took the month of December off, it was great!! Sydney really loved the break, we both needed it!! We had a fantastic Christmas and a great New Year!!! January has been a good month so far, but I have to say that it is hard to get back into the swing of Home School but we are doing our best. Sydney is doing amazing her grades are wonderful she is all straight A's and we are so very proud of her, and now her new thing is learning Italian! she is teaching herself, I really don't know where that child gets her smarts!!! lol

I have been working overtime on my health and fitness...I have been doing pretty well too! I had my three month doctors appt and she was impressed with my progress, I have lost 22lbs and 23 inches in the past 85 days. I have a long way to go...62lbs to be exact, but with the plan I am on I am certain I will reach my goals! I feel amazing and I am loving wearing smaller jeans!! that was fun shopping for them!!! Kory is also doing well he has lost 10lbs in two weeks!! I am so proud of him!!

I can't believe January is almost over this month has just flown by!! I am ready for summer for sure!! Syd loves the snow and we have spent a ton of time sledding and snowboarding but I need some flowers and sunshine!!!!

I can't promise that I will blog everyday, but I will try to do it more than once a month!!

Christmas Day Fun!!

2012-01-04T04:30:00.000-05:00

Christmas Day is always a great day at our house, sometimes is just Kory, Syd and I but this year my mom joined us. Then on Christmas eve we found out that Jason and Anette were not doing anything, so they came too! And we got a special surprise and my nephew Thomas (Jason's oldest) came to dinner too!! This year I decided to get out the China (my mom gave it to me several years ago and I rarely us it, and if I do only on Christmas or Thanksgiving,) Its allot of work getting it out, because I keep it packed away in bubble wrap, I don't have a china cabinet, (YET) Anyway my table was beautiful!!!

Here are some pic's of Syd opening her presents, she got some fun stuff this year, as she gets older the things she gets are really changing!! She is getting more grown up things! Like a beautiful hot pink coat, and cute grey boots, and a make up case filled with make up ( she does plays and sometimes needs to put on makeup!!)

She got some books, and games, and PJ's, a movie and a few Wii games, she did get a Webkin, it was a cute leamer!

Oh and she got a sock monkey hat!! Soo cute, she got a fluffy pink robe too!

And one of the games was Quelf!! its a really fun game!! We played it after dinner and we laughed till we all about peed our pants and if you know my mom it really does not take much!! lol but we really had fun!!! I highly suggest buying it if your family loves games and loves to laugh!!!

Bella (our boxer dog) gets presents too! she got two this year one was a stuffed duck and one was this purple and yellow thing she loved it!!!

here is our naked tree with the presents gone!! And the day after Christmas the tree was gone too!!

Here is Syd with her jammies and rob, and hat and pink slippers !! with Grammy in the background cooking!!

and here is my beautiful table!!

Christmas Eve Pic's

2012-01-03T04:00:00.000-05:00

Every year we go to my brother's and celebrate Christmas Eve, we have ton's of food and we play Dirty Bingo, or something similar, and we let the kids open presents and we all give mom her presents. Each year we all try to see who can make mom cry the most!! It sounds cruel but its really all in good fun and usually I win!!!!! This year, I did make her cry, but my sister Emily WON!!! (with a little help from me, since she is in Utah!!) Here is my daughter (right) Sydney with her cousin Abigail!

Here is Kory (my hubby) and my brother Jason, the two Santa's I don't know what Kory is laughing so hard at, but I'm guessing Jason is pinching his but!! lol

Here is mom crying after opening Emily and Ira's gift, its a copy of her Marriage Certificate (she thought she lost it)

This is my brother Jason with his fiance Anette, aren't they a cute couple!!

Jason's son Chandler!! What a cute Santa!!

Me and Syd

Jason and Anette's Tree

Syd and Abigail opening up their gifts!

Lisa posing for a pic, with her daughter, Isabella to the right...

We had a great time!! I should have taken more pic's Anette's kids were there too, but I didn't have my camera out when we were playing our games....oh well it was a great Christmas!!

New "Life" Resolutions

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

Every year I make my list of Resolutions, usually its about the same list every year anything from Loosing weight to reading my bible more, and everything in between!! And this year is no different I am still going to make a list, BUT I am calling it a New LIFE Resolution because the changes I want to make are Life changes not just for the year!! So here is my list;

1. Keep loosing weight ( I've lost 17 lbs so far)
2. Eat healthier things ( I am doing this already)
3. Exercise every day ( I am doing this already)
4. Read my Bible everyday
5. Finish projects around the house
6. Plan a family vacation
7. Get to know some of my neighbors better
8. Blog everyday
9. Keep making and achieving my goals every month!
10. Read at least 12 books this year
11. Continue to learn along with my daughter as I home school her
12. Drink 8-12 glasses of water a day (already doing this)
13. Run in a 5K by the fall
14. Add to this list and keep checking back to make sure I achieve my goals!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T04:00:00.000-05:00

I pray this year is a blessed one for all of you!!!

New Years Eve

2011-12-31T04:30:00.000-05:00

What do you and your family do on New Years Eve??

We usually have friends over, or go to a friends house, we play games eat food and just have fun!! Then we go to sleep at 12:01AM!! LOL The one year that I went to sleep before the New Year came was 1999 I was pregnant with Sydney and my sister in law Lisa was pregnant with Abigail and we were both SICK!!! so we layed on the couch and slept!! then new years came and we woke up and went to bed!!!