Good n Plenty

Boutique For A Week

2009-07-17T14:42:00.004-05:00

We are underway for our next Boutique For A Week sale. With only 22 days left to make all the final preparations we are busy.

Boutique For A Week is a one week children's consignment sale specializing in gently used children's and baby items. Clothes, toys, highchairs, cribs, strollers, everything you can imagine for your baby and adolescent children.

Check us out on the website - www.boutiqueforaweek.net - you still have time to register to consign, volunteer, and shop.

Let me know if you have any questions!

SwagBucks.com

2009-06-02T09:44:00.003-05:00

This is something new that I'm trying out. It's called SwagBucks.com - basically it is a site where you search the internet and get rewarded with "SwagBucks" which you can then redeem for gift cards and various other "prizes". I have done this on another site and I'm ready to redeem my points there for a $50 Amazon.com gift card. I already have $5 Swagbucks and I haven't even purchased anything yet.

So check it out, especially if you purchase things online a lot, or do a lot of internet searching.

Check out the widget at the bottom of my blog for all the details!

Happy Shopping!

Strawberry Banana Coconut Smoothie

2009-05-29T15:28:00.005-05:00

Here's our current favorite smoothie to enjoy for breakfast each morning.

1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries

1/2 medium banana

2 tbsp coconut milk

1/4 cup pineapple

1/4 cup skim milk

1 cup ice

Blend in blender...

I don't currently have pineapple on hand, so I've omitted it and since I'm trying to eliminate milk I just increased the coconut milk a little. Also, David loves banana in his smoothie, so I used a whole banana in his. Also, my mom was here and wanted some almonds in hers so I threw a handful in, she loved it!

I'm working on a "Green" smoothie, but haven't found a recipe I like yet. I drank one the other day to take my vitamins and that was about all of it I could handle. I also made Honey Roasted Peanut Butter - there is just one word for that... YUMMY! I am going to attempt to make almond butter and hummus in the next few days.

So if you have any favorite smoothies, can you put the recipe in a comment? I would love that.

Get Healthy - Phase 2

2009-05-19T08:51:00.002-05:00

Monday started a new season of my life. A no sugar, dairy, processed food season. I am also attempting to be coffee free! I will also be taking supplements. I am attempting to eat RAW for Breakfast and Lunch and then only chicken or fish for dinner. David is joyfully joining me on this new journey. And I have found a ton of encouragement from my family and friends.

Breakfast consists of a fruit smoothie with protein powder and flaxseed oil (omega-3s). Snacks throughout the day include all types of fresh fruits and veggies - apples, oranges, radishes, coconut, celery, chickpeas, carrots, mangos. All super yummy things!

Lunch so far has been a smaller meal for me than usual because of the smoothie in the morning. I find that I am not hungry until like 1 or 2.

David also blessed me with allowing me to purchase a very expensive blender - its called a Vitamix and its the most awesome blender i've ever used. Mine has not arrived yet, but I've used a friends before. You include the whole fruit in the blender, seeds, skin and all. You can put a Avocado pit in it and it pulverizes it. There are so many nutrients found in the seeds and skin of a fruit.

I am praying that this journey is a successful one for me. With the possibility of my symptoms changing but also to eat a more healthy diet will give rewards for years to come!

No Soda - Day 7

2009-04-28T22:15:00.002-05:00

Today marks a new milestone. 7 days straight with no soda. My moments of biggest temptation are when we have to get fast food. Who wants a burger and fries with a bottled water? I believe the Lord has spared me from the typical lack of caffeine headaches. I am still drinking coffee in the morning, but only 1 cup. I've also added in having a fruit smoothie for breakfast. Primarily strawberry and blueberry because, from what I've read, blueberries are naturally anti-inflammatory. There will be many more changes to come, but I like baby steps the best :)

Central Florida Fair

2009-04-24T14:13:00.000-05:00

Day 2 - no soda but plenty of sugar...

2009-04-24T12:03:00.002-05:00

In my planning of cutting back on my sugar intake - I forgot that we had plans to go to the Central Florida Fair. So Day 2 was not so successful, but we had a great time and ate lots of yummy fair food. Hot dogs, corn dogs (the girls ate these, not me), funnel cake, cotton candy, sweet tea, gyros. It was so much fun - i'll post pictures later.

Day 1 - Good bye soda!

2009-04-22T18:12:00.002-05:00

Most of you probably wouldn't know this, but for the past 2 1/2 years I've had some health issues that have yet to be diagnosed. At the end of last year I went to a Rheumatologist and he diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. Without saying that either is a diagnosis, but rather a probable cause and something he could treat. So I began treatment for RA (with three prescriptions). At first there was immediate relief but after a few weeks - the meds stopped working. So in the midst of pain and confusion - a dear friend asked if she could help me try to treat my symptoms by changing my diet. I will officially begin May 1st. But the first step is to try to eliminate sugar from my diet. First to go - SODA! What a chore this will be... for the majority of my adult life and all of my teenage years soda has been a regular part of my daily life. So today began my first day with no soda...I think I've drank more than my daily recommendation of water intake. Eventually the goal will be to eliminate all sugar and then my coffee will go. That will be another whole battle that i'm not really interested in conquering. But I feel like this is where God is leading and this may be the only way i truly find relief. The future is promising...my hope is the God will give me strength to be diligent with myself and what I eat. But more importantly my greatest need has been met in Jesus dying for me on the cross. There my hope will rest and true comfort and strength will be found.

Pray for me as I endeavor on the journey to new health!

2009-03-18T21:08:00.004-05:00

My wonderful husband surprised me on Saturday by taking me to the spa for the day. You see, over a year ago we were given a gift certificate to a spa nearby and we have never used it. So, saturday went something like this...

We participated in a serving opportunity with some of the young adults in our church for a few hours. We went to a local Salvation Army Assisted Living Facility and cleaned apartments for a few of the residents. We took Alyssa and Meredith along with us (they didn't clean, but they did bring pictures and shells that they picked up at the beach). What a joy it was to serve them!

As we walked out of the facility David's mom pulled up to pick up the girls and David told me we were going to the spa for the rest of the day. We grabbed a bite to eat on the way to the spa and then enjoyed the rest of the day together. It was such a joy! We laid out by the pool, enjoyed the citrus water and fruit, David enjoyed the steam room and I enjoyed a massage! We ended the evening with dinner at Maggiano's (don't know if that is how its spelled). They have awesome Fried Zucchini and Chopped Salad.

We laughed a lot and decided we'd come up with a...

Top 5 things you shouldn't do at the Ritz-Carlton Spa...

5. Don't drink so much that your drunk (who wants to spend all that money to not remember it)

4. Don't swim like a whale or dolphin - splashing everyone else in the pool

3. Don't wear inappropriate bathing suits (ie.a speedo)

2. Don't bring floaties

1. Don't do hand stands in the pool

Honestly, these are all things that we observed while we were there!

Why I live in Florida

2009-03-07T22:11:00.003-05:00

Today was a beautiful day in Florida. With a high of 80 degrees, beautiful blue skies. It was a postcard worthy day. We packed up this morning and headed to the beach - yep that's right - we went to the beach in March. It was so much fun! The girls loved it and besides getting sand everywhere possible they dug and dug and dug some more. Brooklyn was afraid of the water (can't say that I blame her). The water was on the chilly side, but that didn't stop Meredith and David from going in.

There were sand castles built, sand fleas caught, shells collected and that warm Florida sun soaked in!

It was a joy to watch the girls enjoy the beach, laughing and skipping and chasing birds!

Then David took us out to dinner to a place where my mom and dad would take Kristen and me when we were living in Titusville. It's this pizza joint called Kelsey's. They have a great greek salad. So although we weren't in Titusville, it was a bit down memory lane today. Cocoa Beach and Kelsey's pizza...

It makes me want to go back again on Monday, but I'm thinking this beach bum has too many "projects" to be working on around the house to have another day so soon.

Sale completed!

2009-03-03T09:25:00.003-05:00

Well, this week is a week of resting. Nothing planned during the day, movies, staying in the pj's is all thats on the agenda.

Last week we had our second "Boutique for a Week" sale. It was a huge success! But exhausting to say the least. I commented to David last wednesday, that I am so blessed to not have to work a full time job. I was exhausted and it was so difficult to get all 5 of us ready to walk out the door by 9am every morning. It gives me a way to pray for those moms I know that work outside the home during the day and then have so much more to do once they get home.

Anyway, my mom, Kristen and I are living a dream which has become a reality! What a blessing to be partners with two people you love so much.

Our next sale will be in September, so we have some time to regroup and get ready for the next one!

Sickness all around

2009-01-28T22:12:00.003-05:00

This Tuesday started week number 3 of sickness in our family.

First David caught a cold which turned into a sinus infection, then I caught a cold and thankfully, although it is not gone, due to some home remedies and over the counter medicine I think I'm nearing the end.

The girls were all free from the cold, but then a stomach virus attacked. It started about 1 in the morning on Monday night. We had a break on during the day on Tuesday and through the night on Tuesday, except that Dustin came home from school throwing up. Then this morning Brooklyn had it - not throwing up, but nasty non-the-less and about 5pm tonight Alyssa started the throwing up. So far, David and I have been spared, but I kind of expect it to hit us tonight or tomorrow.

Tomorrow is David's 29th Birthday, so it wouldn't be all that fun of a way to celebrate him.

I've been attached to my bottle of Purell, my can of Lysol and my Emergen-C. David and Dustin tease me that I am spraying them with it, but I haven't - only beds and couches - without any one near by and light switches and door handles and anything else little fingers can touch.

If you think about it, pray for us!

Boutique For A Week is back!

2009-01-26T22:41:00.002-05:00

We are busily trying to get ready for our upcoming sale. Its right around the corner, February 22-27 in Winter Garden, FL.

Kristen and I have been out this weekend hitting the garage sales to increase our personal sale items. Now its time to hit the ground with printing our tags, pricing our items and getting our own stuff organized and ready to go!

Our last sale was so much fun, we are having the time of our lives.

You want to know how you can help us out? Tell all your friends about us... Visit our website at www.BoutiqueForAWeek.net, blog about us on your blog, join our Facebook Group called - I Shop Boutique For A Week, and view and rate our video on YouTube.

We hope to see you at our upcoming sale!

UPDATE January 2009

2009-01-08T15:59:00.002-05:00

It's been a while...

What's new with us...

1. Some of you may not know, but back in September, David's brother Dustin moved in with us and we are loving having him here. He is dual enrolling at the local community college and getting to spend extra time with David. David moved out when Dustin was 7 years old, so they are enjoying spending brother time together - wrestling, scaring one another, locking one another out of the house, you know - the typical brother things. It is a joy to have him living with us!

2. Brooklyn just turned 2 at the beginning of December. We just moved her to a toddler bed because she was climbing out of her crib. She is adapting well. It has been only about a week. She is waking up earlier than we'd like but we are sure once the newness wears off - she will be back to her normal self.

3. I am in the midst of getting ready for another "Boutique For A Week" sale. It will be February 22-28. So I am working hard to get everything ready for that. Website stuff, program things. A bunch of things that I never thought I would have to or want to learn. We are having so much fun! Check out our website - www.Boutiqueforaweek.net.

4. Alyssa is almost 6 (coming in May) - learning how to spell and write, although we haven't started homeschooling yet.

5. Meredith turned 4 (in August) and is getting so tall. She enjoys being outside and her most recent activity is to play "PetsMart". She loves anything and everything related to animals.

6. David is still busy with Grace Church, preaching a lot (approx 2x per month). You can download his messages from our Grace Church website - www.gracechurchorlando.org! David will be 29 at the end of this month.

So there is a brief update on us! I have a ton of pictures from Christmas, but I got a new computer (a MAC) and can't quite figure out how to get all my pictures loaded on.

I was Tagged...

2008-12-02T22:50:00.003-05:00

So I took some time tonight to catch up on all my blogging friends and noticed a theme - TAGS. As I went through, I rejoiced each time I read whom they had tag and it wasn't me. Well, then I get to Praise's blog - no joke its the last one on my list with new posts and there you have it - she tagged me. Don't know how long ago it was or better yet who else is left of my blogging friends to tag, but here is my 5th picture from the 5th folder in my pictures.

This is Kristen and me trying to help our children dye Easter Eggs - reminding ourselves all the hard work will be remembered in the future :) And trying not to let the dye get on every possible item of clothing or surface that can be stained!

Oh and the people I tag are... Kristen, Dena, Linde Carmichael, Susan Wilcox and Joy Zarate. None of them have blogs, but I don't know who else to choose :)

Vacation Starts Today!

2008-11-16T23:22:00.004-05:00

Our fall vacation officially began today at about 12:30! After church, we ran home, loaded the car and hit the road for the 6 hour drive to Niceville, FL. For those who don't know, David and I lived here for 3 1/2 years before moving to Winter Garden to be apart of the Grace Church plant. We made some dear friends while we lived here, so this vacation is in part reunion! And we are so excited.

The drive went by, okay. Anyone with three kids (5,4,2), or I guess anyone with toddlers would understand that it went OKAY. Poor Brooklyn wanted to get out of her car seat after about 1/2 an hour. We tried movies, we tried naps, we tried snacks... with only momentary success. But we did arrive safely, had dinner and put the girlies all to bed by 7:30. Its an hour earlier here (Central Time).

Vacation started for us with a movie! And after David preaching and driving 6+ hours we decided to rest up for our fun filled week.

Tomorrow, my dear friend Joy is giving birth to her 6th child (2nd Boy). So i'll be anxiously awaiting the call so that I can go see her in the hospital. We will also be able to spend some time with some of our other friends from here as well!

We are also going to be able to go to all our favorite restaurants while we are here - we have to make a list though, because we made a lot of favorites in the years that we lived here.

Here's a tidbit of our day in the form of quotes -

Meredith - she asked us tonight as we had dinner, "so mom, are we allowed to do ANYTHING we want on vacation?" - I was wise enough to see where this was leading... and quickly followed with "well, we get to do things that we don't normally get to do, but it doesn't mean that you don't have to obey". She said, "okay"!

Alyssa - she informed us, "I would like to share a room with my sister because I'd be more comfortable than if I sleep in a room by myself". Wow! A very dignified way of saying, "I want to share a room so that I won't be scared".

Brooklyn - recently learned how to "meow" like a cat or maybe it is "moo" like a cow - anyhow, the last 1/2 hour of our drive she was "meowing" or "mooing". And thought she was hysterical.

They are keeping us laughing!!

So, I'll post pictures as I'm able and update as well!

The count down has begun!!!

2008-10-31T21:22:00.002-05:00

Well, the countdown has begun for our very first Boutique For A Week sale. All the craziness starts Sunday at 1:30pm and shopping starts Monday morning at 10am. Please pray for us (my mom,sister,and friend Gail) as we embark on this new adventure together.

It seems as though we were just sitting down to see if it could work and here we are at the brink of something...huge...we hope, but we are all trusting God and so thankful for the blessings he has lavished upon this endeavor so far.

Back to real life - Sunday, November 9th. And hopefully a cleaner home, more nutricious meals, more quality family time, more time with friends and many other things that haven't had the time they deserve.

If you live in the area, come visit us! And tell all your friends about us too!

Celebration 2008 Pictures

2008-10-23T14:08:00.000-05:00

Celebration North Florida!!!!

2008-10-15T10:57:00.003-05:00

Well, tomorrow starts our annual Celebration conference in High Springs, FL at Camp Kalaqua. It is always a joy to be there worshipping and fellowshipping and a feast of God's word. This years conference theme is Freedom (Romans 6). We are so eager for the conference to start. We will head there tomorrow morning and come home Sunday afternoon. We are taking Brooklyn is my sister's house tonight. We traded off this year (I kept McKenzie while they went to Celebration South Florida and she will keep Brooklyn for ours). I've been doing laundry and baking and cooking meals and doing more laundry all week long.

So we'll be back on Sunday and I'll post pictures once we are settled down again.

New Products...

2008-10-14T09:22:00.005-05:00

So I often wonder who tests some products that come out as the latest and greatest.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you gave one of these egg shaped markers to a 22 month old?

Here is proof that 22 month olds are not mature enough to use markers. I am just glad that Crayola is at least non toxic and washable.

Alyssa and Meredith did much better, but they are 4 and 5 and still had it every where - all over the table, not to mention how paint doesn't normally absorb into a sticker, so it was just liquid in blue, red or yellow.

They sure did have a great time though! It was right into the tub after they finished painting! Some of the joys of childhood, getting dirty is no big deal, cause you just wash it right off.

I Shop Boutique For A Week, do you?

2008-10-09T14:06:00.005-05:00

Are you ready to consign with Boutique For A Week? Ready to make 2/3 of your selling price? Registration is now open! But space is limited, so visit www.BoutiqueForAWeek.net and register today! Early shopping for consignors, volunteers, first time and pregnant moms. Have questions? Let me know!

If you are on FaceBook, join my group - "I Shop Boutique For A Week".

Have friends that you think would benefit from our consignment sale? Are you apart of a local egroup? Tell them all about our sale! You are our best form of advertisement!

I look forward to meeting you at our sale!

November 3-7, 2008
260 N Woodland Street
Winter Garden, FL

Are you an Invisible Mom?

2008-09-30T15:37:00.001-05:00

catapillers to butterflies and the mysteries of metemorphous

2008-09-09T12:56:00.003-05:00

Our Nonni (David's mom) caught two catapillers in a jar for us. Dustin killed one of them and we have been patiently waiting for the butterfly to emerge. So while i was giving the girls there medicine I walked over to the sink and noticied "we have a butterfly". Wish we could have seen it through the whole process. We have been watching its cacoon change a little each night. Honestly I thought Dustin killed this one too. So we hurried out to our butterfly garden to let him go. We watched for a few minutes and he just sat there on the flowers. Then a slight crakling of the mulch and what do I see, a baby snake or maybe an adult snake that was just small. I screamed like a girl and danced around the yard. It was so close to touching my feet. I don't know what i would have done if it had gone across my feet. I am so glad my neighbors aren't home and that no one saw that besides my girls.

Hope you enjoy a laugh on my behalf as you imagine my terror.

Its been a while...

2008-09-02T16:05:00.003-05:00

It really has been a while since I've had time to post. Last week, i was out of the home, running errands and numerous other things I can not remember now. Today was filled with a doctors appointment for Brooklyn. How come one little appointment seems to take the entire day? Is it because getting 4 of us ready takes a while and loading up in the car takes a while and then getting there takes a while and getting out of the car takes a while and on and on it goes.

So pretty much everything in my life takes a while to do. Apparently even posting to my blog takes a while. :) One day it won't take as long, but I'm sure that I will wish that the girls were little again.

My mom and dad are vacationing in Alasksa right now, so david has been particularly busy the past two weeks.

Love you all!

Ignite 2008

2008-08-14T13:47:00.002-05:00

Here are some photos from our youth retreat a few weeks back. I have more pictures to show, but i can't find them on my computer right now. When i do, i will blog them because they are great "after" pictures from the food fight. Hope you enjoy these in the meantime.

80% off at Restaurant.com - TODAY ONLY

2008-08-08T09:18:00.004-05:00

If you all like to eat out as much as I do you'll want to stock up with this deal.

Today only at www.Restaurant.com you can get 80% off of your total using the code FIRST at checkout.

I did it for us and we bought $150 worth of gift certificates for $12. We stock up when they offer 70-80% off. Its a great way to try new restaurants in the area.

Happy Eating!

Our little Meredith turns 4 Today!

2008-08-06T15:21:00.000-05:00

It is really hard for me to believe that Meredith is already 4. Today is the day 4 years ago, the story goes something like this...

Little Meredith decided to join us a little earlier than most babies. Her initial attempts began at 30 weeks just like her big (15 month old -at the time) sister, Alyssa. After 5 weeks on bedrest, I was still progressing too much so my doctor decided I needed to stay in the hospital. If I recall it was a Monday morning. We went in for a normal weekly visit and the doctor said "you have to go straight to the hospital. I will call them and tell them you are coming". So i got there and got shots and IV fluids. It helped, but they wanted me to stay in the hospital to keep monitoring me. So then i called my mom and dad and sister...told them the story. They waited a few days and then after talking to my doctor we all decided it was time for them to come if they wanted to be there in time. So 6 hours they drove (I think they had to leave a pastors retreat to come). And about that long that sat and waited. Then the doctor said I'm not going to do anything to make you progress so we will just wait and see. At that point, Dad and Kristen decide to make the 5 hour drive home - and wouldn't you believe it that our little Meredith decided to make her debut pretty much right after they got back to Orlando. So we called and said, you should come back now. I had progressed enough to prove i was in active labor so we got ball officially rolling and broke my water. A few hours later... our little Meredith joined our family.

(nice hair cut right :), they didn't tell us before they did it. The nurses were having a hard time finding a vein, so they thought they would have to do it in her head. They cut her hair and decided to try one more time and they found a vein in her arm after they cut her hair. My poor little girl, good thing hair grows back quickly on little babies.)

When I was pregnant, people told me - just wait until they are 3 and 4 and things will get easier. I don't know if that was the case, but now they are 4 and 5 and things are easier in some ways, harder in others but I wouldn't trade them for anything.

What a joy she brings to our family! She is hyper to say the least, but she brings excitement and joy wherever she goes. We couldn't imagine our life without her.

Ignite 2008

2008-08-04T16:00:00.003-05:00

Well we had a full weekend! It was because we were over in Brooksville at the Lakeside Retreat Center for Grace Church's first youth retreat. It was for our middle school and high school groups. So much like back in my days of Extreme. We loaded up early with a few minor attacks from the enemy, but we overcame them and only left 1/2 hour late, we hit the road to set up and transform a woodsy camp into a beautiful meeting room where we trusted we would all encounter God this weekend!

God was so faithful! First of all, David did a fantastic job. I wish you all could have been there. He preached three of the four messages and lead all the meetings. I think Wayne was seeing what his capacity is and he passed with flying colors. The focus of the meetings was the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit showed up! Secondly, Chris Jessee was able to come and lead worship for us! That was such a blessing. He did a great job as always, it was such a joy to hear him lead. When I closed my eyes I felt like I was having flashbacks to Metro's firt youth retreat at the Woodlands.

So what were the highlights...

#1 - a young women seeing her need for a Savior and responding to Him.
#2 - a 10 year old girl, being filled with the Spirit praying for all her friends, young and old alike, this girl had no fear! It was so cute!
#3 - ministry time at the meetings,
#4 - prophetic words brought,
and
#5 - the nastiest "Nasty War" (food fight) I've ever seen.

I'll post pictures in the next few days!

Organizing 101...

2008-07-28T11:52:00.003-05:00

If any of you know me well, you know I have to try really hard to get and stay organized. Well, with all this CVS, grocery game coupons stuff I've just kept all my extra supplies in a rubbermaid tote. Well my bathroom has been overrun with disorganization. This morning, I asked David if i could take some time to organize our closet and bathroom. 2 hours later this is the result. I also switched our sides of the vanity in our bathroom.

No more rubbermaid tote and an inventory list. This list is brand new, unopened products...

4 mouthwash

11 toothbrushes

6 tubes of toothpaste

7 razors

8 Mascara

5 Lipsticks/Lipglosses

4 Foundations

6 Eyeshadows

2 Pressed Powders

7 Shampoos

8 Conditioners

5 Sunscreen

6 Body Wash

13 Deoderant

2 Air Fresheners

3 Air Wick Plug ins

I wish I had written down the retail prices of all these products and how much I actually paid for them. What a blessing it is to buy these things for so cheap.

A Harsh Word Stirs Up Anger

2008-07-23T15:09:00.003-05:00

This morning David and I were talking about how we are both so often tempted to speak harshly to our little girls when they are not doing as they should. In effect we are trying to motivate them by fear instead of by grace. Then I did my devotions... I am reading through Matthew right now, in my attempt to read through the Bible in a year. So today I read in Matthew 12:34 and 36-37, it says...

"For out of the abundance of your heart the mouth speaks", "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned."

By grace the Holy Spirit has shown me a few times today when I was tempted to speak harshly to the girls and as a result I was able to speak with grace and peace to them. There were also a few times that the Holy Spirit showed me afterwards as well.

I am a great sinner, in need of a great savior! And I want to raise my girls, motivating them by grace and not fear.

Through the Years...

2008-07-22T08:18:00.002-05:00

An anniversary is a good time to look back on how we have changed through the years. We went out for dinner last night and to Barnes and Noble and then we watched our wedding video. We cracked up!!! I thought you all may like to see some pictures of David and I from the last 7 years...

7 years ago today...

2008-07-21T11:49:00.003-05:00

So its almost 1pm and 7 years ago today at 1pm I was seeing the man of my dreams (for the first time that day) who in a few short hours would be my husband. These have been the best 7 years of my life. My what a journey we have had. We have lived in 6 homes/apartments, had 3 children, 3 vehicles and countless memories made that we will cherish the rest of our lives. I am thankful for David. How he loves me, cares for me, provides for me and our family, how he loves our Savior and loves the people God has entrusted to his care.

I love you David! And I look forward with much anticipation about the years ahead that we will spend together. God willing that will be a really long time!

On a funnier note, I had to get a filling today. Oh yea! So my face is still numb. David is cracking up laughing at me and he has refused to kiss me. Well, we took care of the later, but he is still laughing at me. I told him he hurt my feelings cause what if something happened and I had a half smile all the time (Pouring on the guilt is a specialty of mine). He told me he was going to post a picture of me. I don't think that will happen. I'm sure any of you who have had a filling know just what I am talking about.

the animals of Animal Kingdom

2008-07-18T09:20:00.001-05:00

Animal Kingdom

2008-07-18T09:04:00.001-05:00

Family Vacation Day 4

2008-07-17T07:31:00.002-05:00

We started out Thursday by heading to the lake. We rented a paddleboat and thought the girls would love it. Well about half way through the 30 minute ride Alyssa said, "can we just go back now". We laughed and made a game out of touching the bouyies (I don't know how to spell that word).

After the lake we went to the Fountain Pool. It was the girls favorite of all the pools at the resort. The girls had naps and we had an early dinner and then went back to the pool until bedtime.

One of our family vacation traditions, is that at least once we eat dessert first instead of last. Now this does mean that the girls won't eat as well. But we figure they can handle it once in a while. And they love it and that is what is most important.

We also worked in time for craft time with mommy.

One of the major highlights was that one of our regular babysitters went with us for a few days. It was so nice to have an extra hand in the pool and at Animal Kingdom, which I'll post tomorrow.

Family Vacation Day 2-3

2008-07-16T09:34:00.001-05:00

Vacation Highlights

2008-07-12T14:02:00.002-05:00

We returned last night from our family vacation. David and I had a few days (Sunday afternoon through Tuesday morning) by ourselves to celebrate our 7th Anniversary and then the girls came Tuesday morning through Friday. We had a great time, swam a lot, David and I went to Typhoon Lagoon and all of us went to Animal Kingdom on Friday. We even were able to take Amanda our regular babysitter to help us and hang out iwth us. These are highlights from Day 1 at the water park at the place we stayed. Kristen brought Katy, Hallye and McKenzie down for a few hours Tuesday morning to swim.

Our 4th of July Festivites...

2008-07-05T10:20:00.000-05:00

Do you believe in Unicorns?

2008-07-02T19:39:00.004-05:00

Do you believe in Unicorns? I never thought I did, but I think I do now. Especially ones with drool running down their chin. This is so adorable. Brooklyn always brings this to me to put on her when Alyssa and Meredith are playing dress-up. I crack up every time and I've even taken photos before to post, but I haven't ever actually gotten them up on the blog. She looks a little druged, but I promise she isn't. She is just never still enough for the camera.

Singles Party

2008-07-02T19:31:00.003-05:00

A week or so ago we had the Singles from church over for an Old School Nintendo Party. We had pizza and drinks, played nintendo(the orignial), and played cards too. It was a lot of fun. I played Dr. Mario and I have to say I was the champion!!!! I've been challengened to a rematch, but I think I will win that one too :) I LOVE DR MARIO!!!! That's just a litte secret about me. It is already downloaded on my Wii.

Our New Toy

2008-07-02T08:40:00.004-05:00

A new toy arrived at our home last night in the form of a gift. We had a meeting so David set it up after we got home and as I type the girls are bowling. We have been talking for a long time about getting one, but hadn't actually gone out and bought it. Now we are on the hunt for the Wii Fit, but we can not find one anywhere. I'll post pictures when I actually take some.

Sickness...

2008-06-25T14:11:00.003-05:00

Well a few days ago sickness decided to join our family. I felt bad all weekend, but thought I just ate something that upset my tummy. On sunday night the stomach bug kicked into high gear with Alyssa and David. We all just layed around on Monday and by Tuesday no on else was sick so I rejoiced that the rest of us had not been attacked by the bug. Well, I type this blog as I lay in bed with as little movement as possible. Yep, the bug got me. I am hopeful that tomorrow will be a more healthy day. Hopefully we will get to go outside and get some fresh air. I wish it were spring or fall so that I could open my windows and get rid of all the remaining germs. But I guess I'll just have to wipe everything down with a Clorox wipe instead. This is one product that I think could be considered a mom's bestfriend!

Battling UnBelief by John Piper

2008-06-19T08:37:00.002-05:00

I am reading this really great book by John Piper, called "Battling UnBelief". I think I honestly thought that I didn't struggle with unbelief, but I'm beginning to realize how much of my sin has unbelief at its root.

Yesterday, I read the chapter on Battling Impatience. It is wonderful! I reread some portions of it this morning during my devotions and meditated on the scriptures he referenced.

This is one of the quotes that he had in the book that I really enjoyed.

"Infinite wisdom has arranged the whole with infinite love; and infinite power enables me - to rest upon that love. I am in a dear Father's hands - all is secure. When I look to Him, I see nothing by faithfulness - and immutability - and truth; and I have the sweetest peace - I cannot have more peace."

He then continues, "by faith in future grace he (the man who wrote the above)had learned to wait with God in the unplanned place of obedience, and to walk with God at the unplanned pace of obedience. With the psalmist he said, "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope" (Psalm 130:5). "The Lord is good to those who wait for him" (Lam 3:25).

Hope this encourages you in whatever you are facing right now.

Meet Kim...

2008-06-17T12:44:00.004-05:00

Here is the long awaited introduction to our new friend Kim who moved in with us at the beginning of June.

I've asked her a few questions so that all of you could get to know her as well!

Enjoy!

I am currently 25, but will be 26 years old July 23. I'm from Boone, NC, which is in the very northwest corner of the state, in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains. I have one older brother and one younger sister.

I am a photographer; I studied photojournalism at UNC (go Tar Heels!) and graduated with a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication in May 2004. I worked as a photo intern at a newspaper in Hays, KS for three months that summer, then that December I found a full-time photojournalist position at a small newspaper near Hilton Head Island, SC, where I worked for two and a half years. In August 2007, I had been looking for a new newspaper job for a while, but then decided I would like to focus on portrait photography for a time. So, I moved to Raleigh, NC, and worked at a portrait studio for about 8 months. Things weren't working out like I'd hoped--I had to work two jobs and it left me no time to meet any people or build a life outside work. So I began looking for another job, again.�

I had had the thought of working at Disney World in the back of my head for several years, and thought I might someday do it just for fun for a while. But, I already had an aunt and uncle, Gail and Charlie Walker, living in the Orlando area, and when I heard that a cousin of mine, Samantha, went to a job fair and was hired on the spot to work for the summer, I decided to go ahead and pursue a job as a Disney PhotoPass Photographer. I was hired to work full-time, put in my two weeks notices at my jobs in Raleigh, and moved down!

When I came down for an interview during a week long Disney job fair in early May, my Aunt Gail mentioned a couple in her church that may be looking for a renter. She put me in touch with Kelly Traugott, and after some communication and prayer, she and David graciously opened up their home to me for the summer! I had emailed Kelly and spoken to her on the phone only a few times before I actually met them when I drove up with my car full of stuff �=)

Aside from photography, I absolutely love to travel. I really enjoy experiencing new cultures, observing and interacting with the people in places I go. I have studied abroad in Italy, and have been to several other European countries as a result--Austria, England, Scotland, Holland, France. I have also been to Chile, which was wonderful. I love camping and hiking, and recently fell in love with "paddling"--I took a week long canoeing trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota. I also enjoy reading, watching movies and just spending time with friends.

I hope to eventually get back into more documentary-style photography. I would like to work for an organization like the UN, or an humanitarian aid organization, to help show the need of people suffering in places all over the world. I pray that the Lord gives me the opportunity to serve Him with my visual talents--to show the more fortunate of the world the needs of individuals struggling with poverty, hunger, natural disaster, etc, and how they can be helped.

Fishin' on Lake Toho in Kissimmee

2008-06-16T19:55:00.004-05:00

Here are the pictures from our Father's Day with my dad. We had a blast. We woke up at 5:45am and hit the road at 6:15am. It was an early morning, but beautiful on the lake. Enjoy the pictures!

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T16:05:00.002-05:00

We have a three day celebtration of Father's Day this weekend.

It started out with a day with David, the best daddy. We took Daddy to Disney's Fantasia Golf and played putt-putt. It was extremely hot...The girls stopped playing after like 7 holes because they were so hot. We were hot and sweaty, but at least we were together. Then from there we picked up lunch and came home to each and take naps. Once we woke up, we all got ready and took our daddy out to dinner to Chili's. It was a fun filled day. (I remembered to take my camera, but I forgot to charge the battery - not a good combination!)

Today, we spent the afternoon with David's dad. He came to church with us, then we went out to lunch and back home for the girls to nap and the guys to watch golf.

We planned to go swimming after our naps, but it is raining.

Tomorrow, we will celebrate with my dad. We leave early in the morning to drive to Kissimmee where we rented a boat. We will be fishing, eating, or catching some rays :) We are really looking forward to that. Once we are home, we will swim and have a cook out.

I'll post pictures of that when I can.

But to David, Wayne and Mark...

We love you! Thank you for being a wonderful dad!

Love, Us

Anniversary Gift Ideas

2008-06-11T13:28:00.002-05:00

Okay, so my 7th wedding anniversary is just around the corner (July). We are celebrating early because of a youth retreat at the end of the month. But we are also thinking that we will take the girls with us and try to have a babysitter a few nights so that we can go out to dinner by ourselves. Not really sure if that is practical or not but that is what we are leaning towards.

So here's the question... got any really good, but inexpensive gifts to give a husband? He's into golf, but i feel like that is all i ever give him. I'm sure if you read this you know at least a little bit about my dear husband - so give me a "shout out" (ha, that is so old school) with some ideas.

Alpha, Beta...

2008-06-04T17:26:00.003-05:00

Well some of you know some of the letters of the Greek Alphabet. I think I only know them because Kristen had to learn them in High School and they taught her this song that makes you remember them better. Well that certainly worked then, but now I can only remember the first few. Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta...

I'm sure you are thinking, "why is Kelly talking about the Greek Alphabet"? Well, because Jasmine is a Beta Fish. I know, I know the connections couldn't be further apart, but it's my blog afterall, isn't it :)

So here are pictures of Jasmine. Our first pet. The girls wanted to name her Katelyn, then Hallye, then Kenzie (are girl cousins names). So after we told them that they could not name our fish after their cousins they settled on Jasmine. "Why", you ask? Beacause she looks like the Disney character "Jasmine". At least to a 5 and 3 year old it does.

We have some people to introduce you to...

2008-06-02T14:17:00.003-05:00

Well I know it has been a while since I last posted. We have been super busy.

We went to New Attitude (which was AWESOME) last weekend and right after that hit the ground running with home projects and a garage sale. By the way, you can log on to the NA website to listen to messages. They are pretty much worth listening to about a bazillion times. I think the site is www.newattitude.org (pretty good guess, right!)

Who are the people to introduce you to? Well one is a person, one is well - not a person but she deserves a post all to herself.

I will be posting in the days to come about a new friend who is living with us. Her name is Kim and she is a niece of a family in our church. She moved in Sunday night and will be living with us for the summer, approximately 2 1/2 months. The other girl we need to introduce you to is Jasmine, but we will leave all the details about her a secret for now. You can certainly guess if you'd like, but I will try to post about her soon too. I think she is feeling a little left out.

The girls meet the boys...

2008-05-20T09:00:00.001-05:00

A few weeks after the twins were born we were finally able to take the girls to meet Caleb and Tyler for the first time. The girls got colds right after they were born, so we patiently waited. We celebrated Mother's Day with Nonni too, so it was a fun-filled evening. Alyssa seems to be a natural little mommy and although Meredith had a rough start she finally quieted him down. Now me on the other hand, I'd have to say I am grateful that God gives me one baby at a time!

Alyssa's 5th Birthday Party

2008-05-19T19:46:00.001-05:00

Kristen's 30th Birthday Party

2008-05-19T18:10:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Alyssa!

2008-05-09T20:32:00.004-05:00

My baby girl turned 5 today!!! Well, acutally not until 10:01pm, but we celebrated already. We had a normal day, but then went to watch her ballet teachers recital then out to dinner at a place of her choice (Olive Garden) and to GolfSmith to get her birthday present. Yep, thats right, GOLF CLUBS...

So now off to bed, to get a good nights sleep so that i can get ready for a birthday party tomorrow. We have about 10 little girls coming over!!! I'll post about that in the next few days.

These 5 years have gone by so fast, I don't even feel old enough to have a 5 year old - but obviously I am. We are so blessed by God with Alyssa, she is growing in serving around the house, by empting the dishwasher, setting the table, putting away all the girl clothes, she even helped me clean my bathroom this week.

Happy Birthday Alyssa! We love you!

Central Florida Fair

2008-04-23T11:26:00.004-05:00

This past Monday we celebrated our 10th or 11th year of going to the Cenrtal Florida Fair with the Brooks' and Jones' families. The Davis' joined us this year and Kathy too. There were a total of 10 kids. It was so much fun! I think we all had some sort of stomach ache afterwards from all the yummy food we ate. The kids just went from ride to ride one right after the other. We got there at 4:30 and left at 10:30. It was a late night, but we sure did have a great time!

5 days old...

2008-04-23T11:07:00.003-05:00

Caleb David and Tyler Andrew made their debut last Friday, April 18th. Here are a few pictures. More of Caleb than of Tyler only because Tyler was being hogged by other family members. Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Caleb weighed 6 lbs 6 oz and was 17 3/4 inches. Tyler weighed 8 lb 8 oz and was 18 inches long.

Pictures of our trip to Arizona

2008-04-23T10:48:00.001-05:00

We are home...

2008-04-10T13:28:00.002-05:00

We arrived home about 1:30am last night (Wednesday) from a long day of traveling from Arizona to Salt Lake City and then a tremendously long flight to Orlando. We all took some medicine to help us sleep and we all woke up at 10am this morning. We were greated by a joyful smile and an unknowing tilt of the head as we opened the door to dear little Brooklyn. But what a joy it is to be with her again. It was a long week of wonderings about how she was doing, what she was getting into, what she would be like (attitude) when we got home, if she would look like she grew up at all, etc. The musings of a mom, i'm sure you all know what i'm talking about. Today has been full of unpacking, checking email, going through the regular mail and a few loads of laundry. I'll update a blow by blow account of our wonderful trip to Arizona as I can.

3rd Annual Strawberry Picking Day

2008-04-01T08:56:00.003-05:00

Last friday, the girls and me and a lot of friends from church went strawberry picking. We had a lot of fun. The girls gave up early this year, as you will see in the pictures. We had only been there about an hour and they thought it would be more fun to have snacks and play in the van. Brooklyn got completely filthy and I don't even want to think about how much dirt she ate. She would walk down the rows and squish the strawberries in her hand and then shovel it in her mouth. I could only handle that for so long. The thought of the dirt and possible bugs she was eating was too much for me. So she went in the car too, and her mommy prayed, Lord protect my little girl from anything harmful she ate today. We had a great time. And we came home with 20 quarts of strawberries for $10. They sure are yummy!

Easter

2008-03-27T15:54:00.002-05:00

Easter came really quick for us this year. But we managed to pull it off. I thought you'd enjoy the pictures from two days of festivities. We did Easter as a family on Saturday and then Sunday after church we went to a picnic. We had a great time!

Countdown to Arizona

2008-03-26T11:00:00.004-05:00

We are leaving next Wednesday, April 2nd to fly to Arizona to visit our dear friends the Nam's. We are taking the older girls and leaving Brooklyn for a whole week. In effort to help the girls understand when we are leaving we made a calendar. Please excuse the art, I am not a very good artist.

Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk...

2008-02-28T21:44:00.004-05:00

So I don't normally cry, but today I almost did. Have you ever had one of these days...

The floor was mopped and carpets vacuumed before noon (thanks to a lovely friend of mine) anyway. Lunch time came and guess what - PB & J sandwich crumbs all over the rug. Then at dinner, milk was spilled again mostly on my rug, but splattered on my newly mopped floor.

"Oh no", I said, "not on my clean floor". And although not a biblical approach to my immediate temptation. I thought to myself, "don't cry over spilled milk". And the reality is, it doesn't change much. Yesterday my floor was dirty, today my floor is dirty. Yesterday my girls has sippie cups, today they got to use "big girl" cups. Today they are 4,3,1 and in the fall I'll start homeschooling and in the blink of an eye my girls won't spill milk all over my floor, they'll have milk spilled all over their floor.

Mean Friends...

2008-02-13T22:43:00.003-05:00

Just so all my sister and her mean friends know. I deleted the picture that you were apparently giving her a hard time about. What I want to know is why "friends" would give her a hard time?

And just so you know, I unknowingly included that picture - in an effort to update my blog as quickly as possible, I just posted them with out editing them. I guess I'll always have to edit them if Kristen is in them so that her friends don't give her trouble.

Kissimmee Park Day

2008-02-12T11:55:00.001-05:00

Last week, Kristen and I and our girlies all went to Kissimmee to spend some time at my Aunt Caroyln's house. We had a ton of fun, they have lots of fun things to do at their house. One of the most special things we did, was to take our girls to a park that my mom took Kristen and I to about 25 years ago. We have pictures of Kristen and I on the same play equipment. It was a lot of fun. Granted the play ground wasn't all that exciting to the girls, but they did have a tetertoter (sp?). I don't think my girls have ever played on one, so that was the most fun.

Chick-fil-A Grand Opening!!!

2008-01-17T10:57:00.000-05:00

Some close friends of ours told us about this thing that all Chick-fil-A's do for their grand opening. So when we learned that we were getting a Chick-fil-A right around the corner from our house, we watched as it was built and found out it was opening today! The thing is, you have to be one of the first 100 people in line and if you are you get 52 coupons for free value meals. So we called some friends and the adventure began. We arrived at the new Chick-fil-A at 10:30 yesterday morning and set up camp. The store hired a DJ, so once it got dark there was a dance party. Oh yea baby! No, David didn't dance! Anyway, you have to stay in the parking lot until they open at 6am this morning. You can't leave for any reason, so we sat around the parking lot of Chick-fil-A from 10:30 am yesterday and left this morning at about 6:45am. But we left with 104 coupons for free chick-fil-a food. Was it worth it? YES!!!

More details...

It was a nice partly cloudy day (68 degrees was the high for the day and 58 was the low - although because of the wind and rain it felt much colder) for most of yesterday except for being really windy. But about 9pm it started storming. I mean really windy and it rained until early this morning. Our tent got flooded, and all our stuff is wet but we stayed dry on our air mattress, and even got some sleep. They fed us lunch, dinner, milkshakes in the afternoon, chicken nuggets at like 10:30 and ice cream sundae's at midnight. All for free!!! It was such an adventure - we had a ton of fun hanging out with friends from church and building memories. There were retired couples who travel around to the grand openings just for the fun of it. A few of the couples drove from Illinois and Virginia. There were also a ton of UF students some of whom had done this like 20 times.

I thought you may like to see the pictures of the activities of the past 24 hours.

Oh and for all you moms, i took my kids, but they did not spend the night.

Oh and a word to the Nam's, we look forward to doing this again with you guys. What fun that would be! Let's find one where we can vacation together and do.

Who's up for the next go round? I think its in Jacksonville in a few weeks :)

Alyssa's Ballet Recital

2007-12-21T14:43:00.000-05:00

On November 10th, Alyssa danced in her first ballet recital. She was so cute! Her class danced at a festival at a nursing home in Winter Garden. We didn't know if she would dance or not because it was on an outdoor stage with a lot of people watching. So we told her she was dancing for the old people that were sick and that it would make them smile if she danced for them. She danced her heart out. Afterwards, we went out for ice cream to celebrate!

We are alive!

2007-12-19T22:23:00.000-05:00

I didn't realize I had such a following in the blog world! I am so excited! So for all of you who do follow the Traugott family here is a family update!!!

Well, since my last post a lot of things have been going on in our family. Well, first there was Thanksgiving, then a big birthday party for the newest 1 year olds (Brooklyn and McKenzie), then I got a year old as well, spent the day at the spa and dinner with friends and family, a few christmas parties, David and I went away for 2 nights and while away realized our family starts our Christmas celebrations this Sunday. Oh my!!!! We have 2 more christmas parties, all of our presents to wrap and 2 more gifts to purchase.

So there isn't much of an update, except we are super busy! I'm sure just like all of you are as well.

We had some pictures taken in Novemeber of our family, so I'll post those for your viewing pleasure. After christmas, I'll post pictures of the holidays, and birthday parties.

Alyssa - 4 1/2

Meredith - 3
Brooklyn - 1!!!!

The Traugott girls!!!

(I'll post more photos of our session at a later time)

Playground Friends

2007-11-01T14:03:00.002-05:00

Girls will be girls, right?

We got a playground when we moved into this house, but the girls won't play on it much. They used to do just fine until we had some friends over. Our friends little boy caught a lizard and made it bite his finger - you know he did what boys do. Well, i can not convince my girls that the lizards are not going to bite them. They are terrified. I thought you might like to meet the scary lizards that call our playground home.

Oh and in case you are wondering, the slide is not connected because David is working on treating the wood so he had to disconnect it.

Maybe if I named the lizards they would think they were their friends?

Fun! Fun! Fun!

2007-11-01T13:11:00.000-05:00

Here is a long update on our family and some of the fun things we've gotten to do recently.

First off - a month or so ago we took the girls bowling for the first time. We went with some friends from church - it was so cute. The girls each picked out their own bowling ball! We got a ramp and the bummer sides to help out. They had a blast. They have kept asking when we can go bowling again. The night we went, they had Cosmic Bowling. Thats where they turn out the lights and turn on black lights so that everything glows in the dark. I thought the girls may be scared, but when they noticed the carpet glowing and their socks and the stripes on their shirts they loved it. Even Brooklyn had a great time watching. We have a video of her dancing to the really loud music. It was a lot of fun!

The next fun thing that we did was a family movie day. One Sunday afternoon David and I were really tired. So we created Family Movie Day. We blew up the air mattress, borrowed a ton of movies from a friend of our and I think we watched 6 hours of movies. Now they were mostly kid movies, but the girls loved it. We ordered pizza and ate while we watched a movie. David took a break to wrestle with the girls which helped get out some energy before the last movie of the night. It was a memorable day!

Yesterday afternoon during our outside time I decided to see what Brooklyn would do if I put her down in the grass. I figured she's almost 1, she needs a new experience right? So I put her down and she crawled around on the porch for a few minutes not going near the grass. So I had to coax her didn't I. Being the nice mommy that I am, I threw a toy just beyond her reach to see if she would crawl out in the grass. She was so cute! I love this age when everything they do is a new experience.

Our last update was the fun we had last night! We allowed the girls to dress up and went to a local church that was hosting a fall festival. They had free food, bounce houses, a hay ride, fun games. A lot of our friends went with us too. My camera battery died, so my pictures of Meredith are on a friends camera. I'll upate the slideshow once I get those.

Videos of the girls...

2007-10-05T10:35:00.000-05:00

New Family Addition

2007-09-21T09:38:00.000-05:00

Some of you may not of heard but...

Did you panic for me? No I am not pregnant and no we didn't get a dog. But next April or May our family will have a new addition to our family.

We found out about 2 weeks ago that Crystal and Aaron, (David's sister) were having a baby. They have one little boy, Joshua who just turned 1. They told us they were pregnant at his one year birthday party.

We just got a call this morning that during their ultrasound they saw 2 heartbeats!!!!! TWINS are the newest upcoming family additions.

Pray for Crystal if you think about her, she has not been feeling well. And pray that she will not worry about what things may be like once they arrive.

A little Invitation

2007-09-17T14:04:00.000-05:00

My dear friend Jennifer is whining for not being invited to my new house. Now i think good friends don't have to be invited, but to make her feel extra special....

Jennifer,

You are invited to my new house.

How about this weekend? You can come for dinner if you want!

Please RSVP to my blog!!!

I love you Jennifer, and can't wait for you to come over!

To all my other friends, you are all invited too - just call me for directions when you are on your way!

Our Chicken Coop

2007-09-15T19:40:00.000-05:00

We know a family who has a plaque in their home that in Italian or something like that says "Chicken Coop". They used it to remind themselves that altought we might have a nice home now it is just a chicken coop compared to what we will recieve in our eternal home.

Without further delay...here are pictures of our chicken coop!

This is our Dining Room, right as you walk in from the front door.

Next comes the Kitchen with a walk-in pantry!

Our eat in kitchen

Master Bedroom

(and all my furniture fits nicely)

Master Bath -

has double vanity, soaking tub, nice big shower,

seperate toilet room and walk in closet (are not pictured)

I couldn't take pictures of the girls rooms or the front of the house because the girls are in bed and its dark outside. You'll just have to come visit some time to see the rest of the tour.

No Excuse...

2007-09-13T21:55:00.000-05:00

I think I forgot I have a blog.

I realized I still haven't uploaded pictures of my new house or mentioned any of the activities that we've been doing lately.

So sorry! I'll try to be more diligent for all of you faithful blog readers.

Stuff, stuff and more stuff...

2007-08-19T21:09:00.000-05:00

I never realized how much stuff I had. I think it may be a little out of hand. Anyway, we are in the house, our garage is still packed with boxes and other stuff that was already marked for a garage sale which is scheduled for two weekends from now.

Obviously, our list of projects grows by the moment. Tomorrows project is painting the entertainment center. This project is one we have wanted to do since the entertainment center was given to us 2 years ago, but we never did it because then we would have had to take out all the entertainment equipment (we have a lot of that too). So David is going early in the morning to get the paint so that we can paint it and it will dry and hopefully get all set up by tomorrow night.

We are loving this house, the girls are so excited too. Alyssa and Meredith are sharing a room, Brooklyn has her own room and we have a guest bedroom/office too.

I'll post pictures later this week! Thanks for all your prayers.

Moving Fun

2007-08-16T20:25:00.000-05:00

TODAY IS MOVING DAY!!!!!

We're having our closing at 10am and then the fun begins!! We get the moving truck around 3 and the guys that are helping will all meet at our Clermont house at 5pm. So if you think about us, please pray for us! We are tired and everyone but me is still sick and there is a lot to do ahead of us this weekend.

We are so grateful to the Lord for blessing us with another home! We can't wait for you all to come and visit us!

Love,
Kelly

Our new address is...

727 Shadowmoss Drive
Winter Garden, FL 34787

Phone numbers will all stay the same, but here they are again just in case...

H - 407.378.4081
D cell - 352.223.3621
K cell - 352.989.2722

Packing and Sickness

2007-08-14T11:35:00.000-05:00

Well, the Traugott household is never boring! Saturday Brooklyn got sick, so the girls and I stayed home from church on Sunday. I ended up taking her to a walk in clinic and she has an upper respiratory infection. Also on Saturday, Meredith started this weird drainage from her eyes. Of course I thought, oh no - pink eye. So i've been watching her very closely. Then this morning, Alyssa and Meredith both woke up with coughs and congestion. So I called the doctor right away. So Alyssa is at the beginning stages of an ear infection in both ears and tonsilitis (sp). I am so glad I decided to take them this morning. And Meredith doesn't have pink eye, just congestion coming out of her eyes, i've never heard of that before. But the doctor gave me some drops and said to give her benadryl! So I'm secretly hoping that the benadryl will make them really tired, so that i can get some more packing done. But of course, I know the packing will get done and I am praying that the girls will get better very quickly as a result of their medicine. Please pray with us!

Oh, todays countdown...3 days!

Countdowns

2007-08-12T09:21:00.001-05:00

Does everyone else use countdowns? I find I do it for all shorts of things. Like how many days to your due date, to your wedding, to a vacation. Normally its is something you are excited for and have lots of things to do until the 'day'.

With so much to do and only a certain number of days to get it all completed, it sure is helpful to reminder ourselves that only God gets everything done. I certainly have had to push tasks to the next day that I've not been able to complete.

We are just so excited to be moving! God has certainly blessed us! We have renters for our house in Clermont already and we close on our new house in Winter Garden on Friday morning! This week we are down to packing all the last minute things like the kitchen, the entertainment center, our clothes (later in the week of course), and all the electronic equipment that we just can't live without for a few days.

It is all coming together well! I am already ready to be settled, since the house has been in disorder since we started packing 2 weeks ago.

So today's countdown...5 days!!!!

Meredith turned 3!

2007-08-09T07:38:00.000-05:00

On Monday, Meredith turned 3! We had a wonderful day together. We woke up and went out for donuts, then the girls played outside in the sand and water (from where our above ground pool used to be), then a short nap time for the girls and David took Meredith and Alyssa to My Kids Gym (which is a warehouse full of bounce houses). I met them there about an hour later where we played some more and then went to Chick-fil-a for dinner and then Twistee Treat for ice cream! What a fun yet busy day!

When we were putting Meredith to sleep we took time to thank God for her life and for putting her in our family! We are so grateful for her and are looking forward to seeing how she grows to be a godly woman.

12 days till our move!

2007-08-05T15:20:00.000-05:00

Today marks only 12 days left until we move into our new house. The house in in disarray amidst boxes and a mess of wrapping, bubble wrap and things waiting for the right sized box. The house is looking bare now so we are anxious to settle in to our new home.

We will be signing a lease to rent this house tomorrow, so things have been coming together here in the Traugott house. We are super busy, as normal. I'm trying not to use that as an excuse for things. You know, I found myself saying, "When life slows down I'll ..." And then realized the ... never happens because as much as I can tell life doesn't slow down much. I'm sure a lot of you can relate to that!

Anniversary Update

2007-07-23T11:02:00.000-05:00

So we had a wonderful time together celebrating our 6 years together. It was our first anniversary that fell on the actual day of our wedding (Saturday). David took me to dinner at the restaurant where we had our wedding reception. After dinner we walked around the hotel. Walked in the ballroom and by the room where we stayed the first night. The hotel didn't have that room available so we went out for ice cream instead! Today would have been our full day of travel to Acapulco, Mexico. We were recounting God's faithfulnes through these past 6 years and seeing God's grace at work in us in how much we have both changed since then. We had a great time together!

Oh and thanks for all the ideas. I ended up finding the card that I gave him the morning of our wedding so I gave it to him again to recount that day!

6 Years Ago

2007-07-20T18:48:00.000-05:00

Well, 6 years ago tonight. David and I were at our Rehearsal Dinner, spending our last nights as singles and so thrilled for our marriage to begin the next day. Little did we know how much we would really enjoy it.

I'm trying to think of something to do for David at the last minute. We had planned to go away just the two of us, but with the purchase of a new home we decided a new house was a present for both of us. So now we are down to the wire and I don't have a clue what to do. I have an idea or two but that is it. Any tips?

I've been thinking about all that we've done together in these past 6 years. Here are some of the highlights.
+ We've had three beautiful little girls during the last four 4 years.
+ We've lived in 3 different cities, next month will be the fourth.
+ We've lived in 5 different houses/apartments, next month will be the sixth.
and
+ We've purchased 2 new cars.

So, I am more in love with David then I ever thought possible. And I have such anticipation for the years to come.

Our New House, not our furnishings :)

2007-07-18T15:22:00.001-05:00

Here are photos of our new home. Our closing got moved forward to August 17th. We are so excited! We can't wait to have you in our new home!

Brooklyn's on the MOVE too!

2007-07-13T09:18:00.000-05:00

Okay, so when you know your last baby is doing "baby" things for the first or last time you get excited but kind of sad as well. Brooklyn has officially started the army crawl and even sat up all by herself yesterday! She is getting up on her knees and doing that really cute rocking back and forth. I'll try to get it on video. She is growing and changing so fast. I continue to pray that I will enjoy every minute of this season!

The Traugott's are on the MOVE...

2007-07-13T08:52:00.000-05:00

Well, this past weekend David and I put a contract on a new home in Winter Garden!!!!! Grace Church has offices in Winter Garden and has just gotten a piece of property in Winter Garden as well! The plan right now is to keep our house in Clermont as an investment and rent it out. But the best part is that our new house is in the same neighborhood as my mom and dad. Just around the corner, and you technically only pass 8 houses! It is right down the street from the play ground and a short walk to the lake. If everything continues as planned we will close on August 22nd! I'll post pictures next week, after the home inspection. Pray for us that everything will work out smoothly and for packing up and for securing tenants. If you know of anyone who needs a house to rent, let us know!

Girls will be girls

2007-07-11T17:51:00.000-05:00

Well, I suppose some girly things start early, but I would have never anticipated my girls enjoying going to a salon to get their hair cut. They had so much fun! Got their hair washed, cut, and blown dry. They sat still for the whole thing!

Meredith coming down the slide

2007-06-29T16:02:00.000-05:00

Meredith is our adventurous child. She did the slide by herself over and over and over again! And loved every minute of it.

David and Alyssa coming down the slide

2007-06-29T16:01:00.000-05:00

White Girls Really Can't Dance

2007-06-29T15:29:00.000-05:00

This video was taken yesterday at Kristen's house. They all took turns dancing and well, Hallye is the only one with any sort of dance moves. The rest of the girls just made us laugh out loud! Enjoy laughing at my girls!

Boys will be boys

2007-06-29T15:27:00.001-05:00

Family Vacation Pictures

2007-06-29T14:05:00.001-05:00

Home

2007-06-27T13:17:00.000-05:00

Don't you love the feeling of sleeping in your own bed? As much as I loved our family vacation, I was so looking forward to sleeping in my own bed!

Anyway, we got home late monday night. I'm trying to find time to upload pictures and video, just haven't been able to fit that in yet. I'll post them when I can. Cheryl took some really precious photos of the girls.

We had a fun, relaxing time!

Family Vacation...part 3

2007-06-21T22:26:00.001-05:00

So today was another fun filled day! We all took it easy this morning, had a big breakfast and just sat around and played. It was kind of overcast all morning so we were afraid of packing up to go to the pool. We finally did, we were able to use the indoor pool until the storm past and then out to the wonderful pool. I think we made about a million laps around the lazy river, went down the slide a dozen or so times and played until we were so hungry we had to come home. I made dinner while the girls and everyone else watched Cars. And after dinner it was bath time and bed time for Alyssa and Meredith - the joys of vacation and kids going to bed early (7 pm). It made for a fun filled, relaxing adult night! We played games, had ice cream (I had oreo's and milk), and laughed.

I'll post pictures as soon as I can find time to get them off my computer.

We are even enjoying helping the girls choose their "favorite" thing of the day. Meredith's was the water slide and Alyssa's was the lazy river. Very fitting of both of them. Oh and they both loved that they got to play with Katy and Hallye today. They are staying at the same resort, so they found us at the pool this afternoon.

The guys are leaving early in the morning to go golfing, who knows what us girls will do. Poor Joshua will be way out-numbered!

Family Vacation...part 2

2007-06-20T23:39:00.000-05:00

What a fun day today was. The morning started off with pancakes and then we hit the bike trails, well we started off on bike trails then ended up on the sidewalk because it was too hard for Alyssa to petal. She did so good. I think it was our first family bike ride. And yes, my face does get really red, but there were no hills, so it was enjoyable unlike the time David took me on a bike ride while we were at Pastor's College. Then we hit the pool!

Tonight we ran out to Walmart to get a few things, had dinner with Aaron and Crystal and then watched Planet Earth. Sandy, Cheryl and Dustin got here around 10pm. So the fun continues!

Family Vacation

2007-06-19T13:27:00.000-05:00

It's nap time on family vacation!!!! We spent all morning at the pool, it has a lazy river, water slides and zero entry part of the kids pool. But now its nice and quiet! Our window over looks a canal and doesn't have any curtains on it - people can't see in, but the sun sure does get bright early! I'll try to upload a video of the girls of the water slide later.

We are staying at Hammock Beach in Palm Coast, FL. It is beautiful here and a great place for kids. We got here Monday afternoon and will come home next Monday. On Thursday Sandy, Cheryl, Dustin and Crytal, Aaron and Joshua will join us. This is the first Traugott family vacation and our first vacation just the five of us. We are having a blast. Planning on going on a bike ride later this afternoon if it doesn't rain.

Morning and Evening by Spurgeon

2007-06-13T08:05:00.000-05:00

Here is this mornings entry in CH Spurgeon's Morning and Evening. May it encourage us all to run to the cross to be FREE!

“Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

Revelation 22:17
Jesus says, “take freely.” He wants no payment or preparation. He seeks no recommendation from our virtuous emotions. If you have no good feelings, if you be but willing, you are invited; therefore come! You have no belief and no repentance,—come to him, and he will give them to you. Come just as you are, and take “Freely,” without money and without price. He gives himself to needy ones. The drinking fountains at the corners of our streets are valuable institutions; and we can hardly imagine any one so foolish as to feel for his purse, when he stands before one of them, and to cry, “I cannot drink because I have not five pounds in my pocket.” However poor the man is, there is the fountain, and just as he is he may drink of it. Thirsty passengers, as they go by, whether they are dressed in fustian or in broadcloth, do not look for any warrant for drinking; its being there is their warrant for taking its water freely. The liberality of some good friends has put the refreshing crystal there and we take it, and ask no questions. Perhaps the only persons who need go thirsty through the street where there is a drinking fountain, are the fine ladies and gentlemen who are in their carriages. They are very thirsty, but cannot think of being so vulgar as to get out to drink. It would demean them, they think, to drink at a common drinking fountain: so they ride by with parched lips. Oh, how many there are who are rich in their own good works and cannot therefore come to Christ! “I will not be saved,” they say, “in the same way as the harlot or the swearer.” What! go to heaven in the same way as a chimney sweep. Is there no pathway to glory but the path which led the thief there? I will not be saved that way. Such proud boasters must remain without the living water; but, “Whosoever will, let him TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY.”

Haiti...Day Eight

2007-06-11T12:15:00.000-05:00

Today's traveling day!!!! David and the team in Haiti left for a long 4 hour drive to Port au Prince at 6:30am. I just checked and there flight leaving Haiti has been delayed, only about 20 minutes at this point. I am surprising David and taking him to a hotel tonight. I think he knows though, all this week I've been telling him that the girls and I were picking him up from the airport and yesterday he asked me, "so will you be picking me up alone or are the girls still coming with you?". I'm realizing he is the hardest person ever to surprise. Oh well, we will still have a good time even if he does know.

Thanks for praying for us while he has been gone! We have all felt God's grace upon us each and every day!

Less than 7 hours till David/daddy is home...

Haiti...Day Six

2007-06-09T21:25:00.001-05:00

The girls and I were able to talk to David today for about 10 minutes. He said he had to wait in line for the phone and when we started talking the phone battery started to beep - whats with us and dying phones, ours at home do it all the time. Anyway, we didn't really talk about what they were doing today, but I got an email tonight saying that he and Chris Dunlop just found out they were preaching tomorrow. So its like 9pm and they don't have computers or anything other than their bibles. They are excited! I can't wait to hear how it goes.

The girls and I went back to the house for a little while today, really just to get a jump start on getting the house back in order so there wouldn't be so much to do on Monday. Then after nap time, we went swimming - thank God for Mimi and her pool, they have been having so much fun. Meredith even swam to me from the steps all by herself. I was so excited. She is beginning to love the water!!! Her daddy is going to be so proud. As for Alyssa, she just stays on the steps and pretends she is swimming. I guess she can't stay afraid of the water forever, right?

2 days left till David/daddy gets home...

Haiti...Day Five

2007-06-08T21:30:00.000-05:00

No real update tonight.

David called, but the hotel phone was beeping because its battery was dying. Then he called on his cell, which cost $1.50 per minute, to say I love you, but I have to go. Needless to say I was pretty bummed, I carry around my cell phone like its an oxygen tank just in case he calls. Apparently the team leaders and the pastor from Haiti were supposed to have a meeting earlier this evening and he had just arrived several hours after the agreed upon time. No big deal, though. I was nice just to hear his voice. The girls and I miss him terribly, but we are glad we are in the home stretch.

We swam all day today. The girls are getting more and more brave each time we swim. Alyssa is the most cautious and although Meredith is more daring I think she picks up some of Alyssa's fear and carries it as her own. But she did great today, she would even jump in from the side of the pool in her little inner tube and was just fine. That's a really big accomplishment for us! Kristen's girls are like fish and my girls are scaredy cats when it comes to the water. Oh well, we all got worn out, but had a fun day.

3 days till David/daddy comes home...

Haiti...Day Four

2007-06-07T21:18:00.000-05:00

Just got an update from David. The government is still holding all the medications so the medical team is basically only able to help with minor things. They are staying over night in the mountains and doing the modified clinic tomorrow. The rest of the team is at the orphanage. I only had about 15 minutes to talk to David because they only have a limited number of calling cards and won't be getting more in until sometime tomorrow. Today was his first opportunity to call while the girls were awake, so they enjoyed talking to their daddy. Alyssa asked if she could talk to the girls there because leading up to the trip we took them with us shopping to buy his supplies but everything fun we bought we kept telling them was for the kids and we found the names of the girls their ages and tried to explain to a 4 and 2 1/2 year old that the kids there didn't have parents or toys and all that, so Alyssa wanted to talk to the girls that we had been talking to her about.

The girls and I are holding up. We are at my mom's house now until Monday(when David gets home). We had a play date today with friends from church and tomorrow is an all day swim-a-thon. They begged from the moment they woke up from their naps to go swimming, but is was raining. I am tired, but I really feel God's grace. He is my strength and my only true source of help. I was encouraged by this verse today, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”

The trip is half way over, so the count down begins... only 4 days left!

Haiti...Day One...Prayer Request

2007-06-04T21:16:00.000-05:00

I got a very brief call from David tonight about a minute and 22 seconds. Jeremy was able to call Kristen and gave her the following update. They have all arrived safely, but all of their medical supplies were confiscated at the customs department in Port-au-Prince. Two of the guys stayed behind today to try and get them but as far as we know they were not able to. They plan on returning tomorrow to try again. Please pray for the workers in the customs department that they would allow the team there to have the medical supplies. If not, they will not be able to set up the medical clinic at all. Other than that they said they were tired. And other than the hotel being warm it is nice with a beautiful view of the ocean.