singing praises.... and sayin' some prayers

As many of you know, Dustin has been out of a job since the 7th of February. I know we have had a lot of people praying for him, us, and our family! Dustin has applied for several jobs and has had a couple of interviews. Yesterday, D received a call offering him a part time job. He accepted the position as it is still work and has potential to moving into full time status in the future. While it doesn't meet our needs 100%, we are excited that Dustin has this job and opportunity.
I know, the next question on everyone's mind is, "what is he doing?" and "where is the job at?", "does it have insurance and benefits" ... I don't know, I don't know, and no! Like I said , this job isn't meeting 100% of our needs... a) it is only part time and will be making the same as his unemployment was/is, b) it is a contract position, c) no benefits or health insurance. So, while I am excited and counting my blessings that D has the employment, we still have a lot to pray for... so here is my list... more for me but you are welcome to join me too =)!

Job turns into full time/Dustin is happy with job choice
Private insurance quotes are affordable/good coverage for kids and dr. visits
Finances continue to be met (God has blessed us the last 2 months)
Dustin's choice to sell coffee at the farmers market
Kadyn on waiting lists for preschools
Daycare continues to thrive and stay full
Continued change in my attitude to see this situation more positivity vs negatively

Just laying it all out there. I know it is on my mind and I don't mind sharing it with everyone as I know Dustin and I have the greatest of support, friends, family, and prayer warriors that read my blog!
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

our busy morning!

Our morning started out playing with the kitchen center, this always ends up taking more time then I allow. The kids love getting the pots, pans, food, plates ect. out. The pretend play that happens during this time is hilarious. Some kids pretend they are the mom making dinner, others pretend they are on the Food Network and one even was saying he was a cook at McDonalds... oh where their minds go!
(Above lil A playing with kitchen toys)

(Below are my Smores treat jars)
I started making these while they were playing kitchen center. One by one I started having helpers. So, we washed up and had helpers at the m&m bowl, gram cracker bowl, and brown sugar bowl. They all were a big help and here are our end results.

For art we are making little chicks. We made yellow water, dyed cotton balls and made egg nests for our chicks to live. I hope these go home today but might need an extra day to dry. Here we are at the table working on our grass for the nest!

Here comes trouble... just kidding! Here are A, C, and J posing with the kitchen toys. They actually play very well together and made lots of interesting meals. They even had a recycling area for when they were done!

our attempt at Easter pictures....

While waiting to get our pictures taken at Lake Shawnee yesterday, we thought we could snap a few pictures of our own. It was like Christmas time all over again. Why is it impossible to get three children posed, smiling and looking at the camera. Despite what the pictures look like, it was cold and windy and Mia was tired! Here are some of our outtakes of the morning!

Gaby and K were more interested in watching Mia tip over and laughing at her.

Here is a good one of Kadyn but no Gaby or Mia. She can be a cutie pie when she wants to be!

Below, Gaby is doing what she was supposed to be doing but not Kadyn or Mia. I guess this is the story of my life for the next few years... good intentions but no results! Oh well, my girls are still stinkin' cute!

Dustin's big bite.... and a little more!

So... our family has had a busy week. Busy week = no blogging since Tuesday. Wow, I am a slacker. So, for your viewing pleasure, I have updated my blog with 3 new posts. Thank you for reading, commenting, and checking my ramblings out each day/week.
Moving on... Friday was our day to play. I had a day off from daycare, got Gaby out of school early, and we had a fun afternoon. My day started cooking meals for some people at church followed by Easter basket shopping for the girls. Then we had some appointments followed my lunch at Olive Garden.
This Spring the girls are both on softball teams. This is a new adventure for us parents since this is their first year on a league! After lunch we went to Dicks and finished up soft ball shopping for the girls such as balls, glove for Gaby, and helmet for Kadyn. Whew!
After the running around was over, it was a perfect night for grilling our...hence the pictures. Dustin makes the most awesome grilled hamburgers. While he was grilling, I was fixing up the works to complete this big burger. Above is what I call Dustin's pride and joy... even on a wheat bun. Is this subject matter really blog worthy? I think so... it makes me laugh to see my hubby enjoy the meal so much. And it made a great ending to a fun day off of running around as a family!
Below... as you can figure out is "Dustin's big bite"

Gaby's night at SHES...

Thursday night Gaby's first grade class had a portfolio party. At this party, Gaby led us around the school showcasing her work she had accomplished through out the school year! As a parent it was great to see the progress from fall to spring. Each 1st grader had stories they had written, illustrated, and published along with art and a tape of them reading stories.

The above picture is Gaby's "about the author" page.

Gaby is showing off one of her pages... this one was about going to the zoo.

Gaby and her 1st grade teacher

If you like it you better put a ring on it...

I am so excited to announce I am married again...
Okay, I have always been married but since month 3 of being preggers with Mia I haven't been able to get my diamond on my ring finger. Even with weight loss my gold band is the only thing I can wear... up until today, that is! I tried it on and it fits. I am complete again! Woot, woot!!!

mia starts to talk....