Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Saying Good-Bye To Christmas 09'!


Ok, I LOVE Christmas and admittedly I am sad to see the season come to an end.  Don't get me wrong, I love the New Year and going into a new season, but my family knows Christmas is mom's favorite!  I also must confess that all through the year I am thinking about how to decorate, shop and plan a party for Christmas!  Don't judge me...blame it on a great childhood of wonderful holiday memories :-).  Hopefully when my kids are adults they will have the same love and not be scarred by my obsession.  Atleast I'm not making us all wear snowman sweaters...not yet anyway :-)!  LOL!



P.S.  We had a FABULOUS Christmas 09'.  The green tree with silver trimmings was our family tree upstairs and the white tree was our Child Care family tree downstairs.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Our Annual Dinner with Grandma & Grandpa Decker


For the past six years we have gotten together with our former neighbors for dinner at Applebee's in December.  It began as being a Christmas/ Birthday dinner for Jayson whom won the hearts of the Deckers' while playing outside and helping Grandma Mary Lou pull weeds in her garden.  He was seven years old and had such a strong love and attachment to Grandma Mary Lou.  Now we celebrate our friendship, both Jayson and Dad's birthday's and have even added a girls (mine and Bre's) birthday celebration at Dairy Queen every July, since moving apart from eachother.  Twice a year we look forward to seeing them and enjoy catching up, sharing stories and seeing how the kids have grown.  They are a blessing to us and we consider them our family.  They encourage Jason and I and truly love our kids.
  It doesn't get any better than that.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Jayson's Trip to Denver

Last week Jayson took a little four day vacation to visit his buddy Will, who moved to Denver at the end of the Summer!  After having a birthday, turning thirteen and making the honor roll first quarter, we thought what a great gift it would be to send him to have some fun with a fantastic family!  Fun, is an understatement!  He had a blast!  After flying for the first time by himself (many compliments from the Flight Attendants on what a great kid he is!), he was greeted by his buddy and off to play basketball they went.  Jayson was invited to play in Will's Tournament.  It was a neat experience for him to play with a group of kids and coach he had just met.  When they weren't playing hoops, they were playing Paintball, site seeing in the mountains and the one thing boys like to do, just hang!

He had a terrific time and has already asked when he can return.  We are very thankful to The Bower Family for opening their home and showing our boy a great time!  It's so good to know and have great friends!


Friday, December 4, 2009

It's Official, He's a TEENAGER!

Yesterday, we celebrated Jayson's 13th birthday!  What a great kid we have been blessed with!  He started his morning with toilet paper all over his room...compliments of his sister of course!  It was awesome and he was quite pleased being "TP'd" on his birthday until he had to clean it up before bedtime.  After all the pictures "mom" took before heading off to school, he went on to have a fun day!  Dad, took care of those size 11 feet with a pair of new basketball shoes and Bryana made sure to have him looking good in a shirt, hat and sunglasses!  Many gifts and birthday wishes! 

At the end of the day I asked Jayson what he liked most about his birthday and he said he cherished his new ring the most.  {We (mom & dad) gave him a silver "purity" ring that has God Is Love written on it.  The ring is to be a reminder to resist the temptations of this world and being a teen and to stay close to God in every circumstance.  To keep his mind, heart and body pure for God's purpose.} Besides the fact that dad told him he looked more like a man wearing it, he said it makes him feel like he is being responsible and able to make the right choices. WOW!  Needless to say, we are very proud of the young man Jayson has become and look forward to all He has for Jayson's future.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAYSON!



You are loved! 

Monday, November 30, 2009

So Very Thankful

Thanksgiving 2009 turned out to be a success!  I cooked the usual spread...still can't stand the looks of that naked bird!  Watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and of course the Dog Show!  After dinner at home we headed over to visit with family.  Good times!  Lots of pictures and it's always fun catching up with everyone and guessing how old the kids are (that are now in their twenties).  We ended our night by going to the movies with friends.  We seen the movie Blindside....what a GREAT story!  It was a fun filled day! 

We have SO much to be thankful for.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Meet My Designer


I would like to take a moment to thank my designer, Celeste at Lolatini Design Studio. She has worked very very hard to make my blog look the way it does! I am always more than pleased with her creativity, tech "know-how" and her professionalism. I have gottten countless compliments on my blog design and I must say...she makes me look good! Everyone knows you can have a great product, but if it's packaging isn't right, it's hard to sell.

Again, thank you Lolatini Design Studio for your talent!  And if you are reading this and you are inspired to start a blog or need a fresh look for your current blog or website, please go to her site.


Sunday, November 15, 2009

Team Edwards' First Blog Award!



HOORAY!  I was just given my first blog award!! One hundred thank you's to Rule-Of-Thumb for giving me the One Lovely Blog Award. What a great honor it is to have an award for my family blog!
So here are the official rules:


*Accept the award and post it on your blog. Make sure to link back to the person who awarded you.
*Then pass it on to 15 other blogs you find worthy and make sure to let them know they have been awarded.

Here are my 15 fabulous blog finds that I think should get the One Lovely Blog Award!
1.Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy
2.Lolatini Design Studio
3.Jasmin Loves Coffee
4.The Untraditional Topiary
5.3 Kids and Us
6.Sann Diego Family
7.All Things Cupcake
8.Glamour This
9.Blonde Mom Blog
10. Go Team Go
11.If Only I Had Super Powers
12.The Baby In Between
13.Things I Want My Daughter To Know
14.11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven
15.Flipping Lids

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Honoring Veteran's Day

Our family would like to pay tribute to the men and women risking their lives for our safety.  Those currently fighting/serving and those who have served and passed on.  Truly, there is not a job on earth that takes such heart.  I think I've figured out the reason why I am in awe everytime I see a soldier or hear a story of one is because of the inner strength and unselfishness of their being that it moves me.  From and early age (4 or 5), Jayson has had a love for the military.  Some might say to steer him from that desire or that he will get over that, but he's 13 now and is still very passionate about the military.  I don't know the future, but I know the boy and recognize the heart.


God bless those who have been, those who are now, and those who will follow.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Happy Halloween??

It seems so bazzare saying that, "Happy Halloween".  After so many years of not celebrating it due to our religious beliefs and such.  Don't get me wrong, I still don't want to surrender to us "all out" celebrating Halloween, but as my kids have grown up to teenager hood, things are much different.  Both of the kids have such a firm foundation on Christ and what they believe that we feel comfortable allowing them to use their own wisdom with certain things.  One thing is for sure...we do not do scary!  That is something that will never change at The Edwards'.  Jayson could barely walk around Party City looking at costumes due to all of the devils, witches and gobblins hanging around as decorations. 

This year was the first year they both wanted to dress up and go to school.  Never thought Jayson would do it just out of plain being "too cool".  But he did and I was very impressed with what he wanted to be...SWAT.  Totally went with who he is as a person.  I must say the same thing for Bre.  Who else could be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz??  :-)  Looking back on my own childhood, some of my most favorite memories were of dressing up and being with friends on Halloween. 

As dad and I passed out candy to the little Spidermen, princesses, and even a few gobblins, our two both enjoyed the time that they had hanging out with friends.  This ride called parenting is an adventure for sure!
I guess we CAN say we had a Happy Halloween!

Oh...and Mocha too! :-)

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Cheered Her Last Football Game...




I truly believe if Graduation was today, Bryana would say she had the most amazing High School/Senior Year experience!  She is having a ball!  It has been so fun watching Bryana enjoy her last days of High School.  Big games, fun parties, great friends and even a nice class schedule.  Last week was the last official football game which ended with a great victory!  So exciting to see the fans, students and cheerleaders run onto the field to congratulate their team!  All I could think of was, what a great Senior year she is having! 

Monday, October 5, 2009

Never Too Busy, Never Too Old

Our school year has been off and running.  Cheerleading, Football Games, Homework, Band Practice, just to name a few.  Needless to say our schedules are tight as usual around the Edwards' Household.  After having some great family meetings and good communication with Jason, we both felt we needed to make time to spend with each of the kids seperately.  So this weekend was to be my night with Jayson.  I decided that Friday night while dad was away at the high school football game watching Bre cheer, I would enjoy an evening with my boy.  I told him that morning that we were going on a "date".  He gave me a little grin which let me know he was "ok" with hanging out with mom. 

We first went to shop...nothing will make a date go better with a 13 year old than first buying him something.  Then it was off to the bowling alley where we ate at the pizzeria.  Something about stuffing a boy full of pizza can really get them talking.  We had an amazing and ensightful conversation.  Of course the usual, "how's school talk", but the talk just kept getting deeper.  He shared his heart with mom and I shared some mom wisdom and then it was off to bowl. 

We played two games and the best part of it was that everytime I turned around from my turn, he was standing right there, smiling with both hands up to give me high 5's!  He was actually having fun!  So much so, that he wanted to go to a movie afterward.  Does it get any better than that??? 

I guess whatever needed to be accomplished that night was, and it just reminded me that I am never too busy to hang with my boy and he is never too old to go on a date with mom.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

SENIOR YEAR UPDATE:


Whew! The first month of school is almost over and already a lot of "lasts" have come and gone. Bryana has taken her Senior Portraits, she's participated in her last "See Ya at the Pole" event, she's cheered her last Homecoming Game and danced at her last Homecoming Dance. She is really having a great time being a Senior, although it is bitter sweet. For every event she says, "mom, this is the last time I will get to do this." Of course it has not been easy for me either. I am really watching my baby become an independent woman. I love it and I hate it. I'm just so grateful that her and I have a wonderful relationship.


To Be Continued...

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Weekend Warriors Have Done It Again!

We are very pleased to have completed putting in a kitchenette in our downstairs living area. We found these fabulous hickory cabinets and the rest was history! It's a wonderfully convenient addition as this is the place where our family hangs out. Not to mention, mom does daycare. This is not the first of our "weekend warrior adventures", and I'm sure it will not be the last.
  Pat yourself on the back hunny, you did a marvelous job!

Team Edwards Off to a Great Start

Well, school has finally arrived for these Minnesota kids. Bryana has entered into her last year of High School and Jayson is now a BIG 7th grader! We started out our school year right by having a family meeting. Our meeting consisted of sharing our personal goals for the year. Daddy always encourages the kids to have goals to reach for during the school year. Both of the kids have made making the Honor Roll one of their highest achievements this year. We then talked about what needed to be done in order to achieve these goals and then discussed some family goals this year as well. Like, taking an RV Road Trip during Spring Break to see Bryana's after High School destination in Texas. And of course there cannot be a family meeting without the discussion of new rules and expectations of the kids. After all of the family business we decided on a theme for the school year 09'-10'..."MAKE IT HAPPEN". We expressed to the kids that instead of talking a good talk about what we want to do this year, whether it be getting on the Honor Roll or going on a huge family vacation, we need to do what it takes to "MAKE IT HAPPEN". We ended our meeting with prayer as we always do, asking the Lord to order our steps.

For the last two weeks before the kids leave for school we say "MAKE IT HAPPEN". It's cool to know that we all know what that means and have something to propel us to victory!

Team Edwards is off to a great start! :)

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Puppy UPDATE: Meet Mochaccino Edwards

We'd like to introduce you to our newest family member! As you can see, it did not take very long for us to find our little "Mocha"! With the help of a girlfriend, I spotted him online. Truthfully, it was not him that first caught my eye. And actually, I giggled at his picture and commented that he looked like a "little drunk man". My mind was pretty made up that one of the brothers was our "Mocha". After looking online and speaking with the breeder, I had about a six hour wait to see all four male puppies and then make my final choice. When the time came Jason and I drove to meet the breeder. Why did I have butterflies?? I kept thinking, what if I choose the wrong one for us? Jason continued to reassure me. Maybe it was my commitment rebellion! I knew that once I picked him there was no going back. Well, I looked at all the brothers, trying to ignore the little curly head brown tipsy looking one, but I could not ignore him at all! Out of all four, I just kept going back to this one. As I was reluctantly holding him, the breeder said this one will have the teddy bear face and look. Now how could I refuse that! I was SOLD at that very moment.

Today is our first full day with him and he is watching basketball with Jayson as I write this. How much more perfect can you get than that! :)

Welcome home Mocha!


Thursday, August 6, 2009

Our New Family Member...Coming Soon!

Well, if you haven't heard by now...The Edwards are getting a puppy! Yes, 3 of us are just as shocked as you are that DAD finally gave us the go-ahead to get one! We are very excited, but must first purchase all the necessary items before we bring him home. We decided on a Yorki-Poo, which is a Yorkshire and Poodle mix. He will grow to be between 8-11lbs, hopefully! They are non shedding, great for any allergy issues and they are great with kids. I've done my research! Plus, little dog means "little poop"! :)



We will keep you updated as we start the search for our new puppy! As you can see we are already working on making him feel right at home when he gets here.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Bryana's Birthday Bonfire


"Hey mom and dad, can I have a few friends over for a bonfire and just chill?" "It is my 17th birthday!" Pleeeeaaassse...

25+ friends later.....

THANKS MOM & DAD!! :)

Sunday, July 12, 2009

What An Awesome Ride

I'm definitely NOT talking about the "ride" to and from Indiana. Boy was that long and boring. I'm talking about Jayson's first basketball experience this year. He started in the Fall 08' trying out for the Armstrong 6th Grade Boys Traveling Team. We didn't know a thing about traveling basketball, parents, coaches....nothing. But Jayson was determined to be on the "A" Team. Thanks to him, he made great friends in 5th Grade and most of them played for the Armstrong Youth Program. One of the boys' dad was even the head coach of the "A" Team (It took me a while to even figure that out).



He made the "A" Team!! After meeting some really fun families, we quickly learned that traveling basketball was more than just that...it was gas mileage and plenty of Gatorade. Tournaments almost every weekend in places that living here for 13 years we had never even heard of. It was ALL good though. We enjoyed every minute of watching Jayson play! He's quite the entertainer!

Of course, after the Winter Season ended he hadn't had enough of playing, and of course I hadn't had enough of yelling out on the court, so we signed him up for Spring AAU Ball! Intense competition, more gas mileage, and more Gatorade...right up Jayson's alley. We were hooked.
We have seen Jayson grow by leaps and bounds, literally. He has grown physically as well as mentally. From the first tournament of stepping over the line while taking in the ball and running so fast with the ball that we thought he would go through the wall....to the last tournament of guarding the Nation's #5 Point Guard with skill and showing us some incredible reversed lay-ups. Our Fort Wayne, IN Tournament was a great ending to Jayson's first year of organized basketball!

Needless to say, we are very proud of him. We have met some great people along this "ride" and Jayson has learned a lot. We cannot wait to see what the future has for him.

To Be Continued...

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Getting Ready for Indiana

Today was the second of our car wash fundraisers for Fort Wayne Indiana this weekend. My son's first AAU Team is going to the famous Speice Fieldhouse to play in a 6th grade tournament. We are excited and have turned this into a "family vacation". This is also the end of what has been a FABULOUS basketball season for not only Jayson, but us as well. We have thoroughly enjoyed traveling basketball and Spring AAU!

Look out Indiana....here we come!

Monday, June 8, 2009

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

June 7th marked 12 years of marriage for us. We celebrated by going to the Cheesecake Factory. The food was great, but the time together was amazing! Who would have known that a 17 & 18 yr old could make things work for almost 18 years? I am blessed to have such a wonderful marriage, but it takes a lot of hard work for sure. We are constantly learning about each other and finding new ways to let each other know how much we care.

Last night at dinner we talked about how over time it is so easy to neglect one another. We decided to go to the store and try to pick something out for us as a couple...not for the house, nor the kids, not even for us individually. It had to be something for the two of us....boy was that difficult. Which proved that doing things for "US" has not come very naturally. Although it has been 12 great years of marriage and almost 18 years of being together, we have committed to putting our marriage first and being creative in how we display our love for one another.

We had the kids pray for our marriage, that we would remain faithful to eachother and put the others needs first. They did an excellent job and who better to keep us accountable.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Ready, Set, Here We Go


Well, today marks the official ending of 11th grade and the beginning of Bre's Senior Year. So far, we've already scheduled Senior Pics for Summer, purchased a Senior Girls T-shirt and yes, we are already planning the BIG Grad Party. As Bre goes to the 2009 Graduation this evening to see friends, I can only imagine the emotions and excitement she will have.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

WHAT HAPPENED TO MY BABY???

OMGosh! I just scheduled my daughter's Senior Portrait Session! Is this real? What happened to my little ponytail wearing girl who once only answered to being called Pocahontas? Last night her daddy and I were semi-planning and discussing her Graduation Party. Will we be the parents of a soon to be adult sooner than we think? It's only a year away, but making the preparations is right at our door step. This is all very exciting and yet sad at the same time. The little girl we used to call Bre-Bre, is almost a woman. YIKES!
 

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