Updating - Month of May

It is pretty sad that I have not updated in awhile...and every time I say that on here, I usually blame it on the time I don't have or I how busy I am...and well I will do it again. I have been busy but there have been plenty of times that I will think "I need to update the blog...I have time...but I will do it later" and then low and behold I put it off. Why do I do this to myself? Why do I procrastinate? This may explain why I feel so overwhelmed sometimes. Do you ever do this? I know I can't be the only one! Well onto the updating...

Lilly's Dance Recital

Papa John came into town to see Lilly dance in her second dance recital ever! Let's recap on her first dance recital...she was so scared that she just stood on the stage watching everybody and maybe did 3 of the moves! But this year was a different child...Lilly did the whole routine and loved every minute of it! She was so cute! We are so proud of her! It is amazing how much can change in a year! She is such a big 4 year old and her joyful spirit is so amazing! Wayne and I are blessed to see the little girl she is becoming!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day fell on the Sunday after Lilly's dance recital. So we got up...I had cards, flowers and coffee waiting for me! We got ready for church and then proceeded out the door with Papa John and headed to Golden Corral for breakfast! It was yummy! It was also nice that I didn't have to cook it or clean it up! After breakfast we went downtown and took some snapshots to document Mother's Day! After our family pic we loaded up the van and drove back home so we could say goodbye to Papa John! He had to head back to VA for work the next day. We said our goodbyes and loaded the van back up and headed to church! Church was very nice. At the end of the service they had a slide show of pictures of moms in our church and I enjoyed seeing a pic of me and the kids pop up on the screen. I almost cried. After church we came home and Wayne made me and the kids a light lunch and we all took a nap! Very relaxing! Then we got up and made our way to Outback for an early dinner. It was cute...Outback had a craft table set up for the kids to make cards for their mommy's while we waited for a table, so each of the kids made me a card with Daddy's help of course. Then we had a relaxing dinner and made our way back home. For desert I was given a heart shaped cake baked and decorated by my wonderful husband and 3 children. It was a yellow cake with chocolate frosting! My favorite! I am so blessed to have a caring and appreciative husband and 3 outstanding kids who make being a mommy worth every minute.

Women of Joy Conference in Charleston

I had the privilege of going to the Women of Joy conference with two very special ladies for two days! Brenda and Amanda and I are all in choir together at church! I love these ladies, they have been such a blessing in my life. There is nothing like having friends with such a similar spiritual mind set. They are definitely good at bringing joy in my life and lots of interesting moments. Last year the three us went to Atlanta Fest and endured some interesting challenges that God saw us through...so this year instead of going to Atlanta Fest again (mostly due to the fact that it was too close to my due date) we went to the Women of Joy Conference and we were slightly expecting some more "challenges". But God is Good...the weather was fairly cooperative, we got to meet Kirk Cameron, we had funny moments, good seats, Casting Crowns, and enjoyed some Dunkin Donuts! It was also nice to hear the spirit convicting me of some things that had been on my heart lately and so I came home from the conference refreshed in spirit and with a renewed joy.

MCAS Beaufort Airshow

Well we attempted to go to the airshow on Sunday. We enjoyed about an hour of it and then we were greeted but a thunderstorm which canceled the rest of the show. However, we made the most of it! We still had fun! The girls enjoyed it! Lilly did not enjoy the noise though! So I got some shots of her in her earmuffs! So funny!

Wayne & Softball

Wayne is playing softball with a group from the Naval Hospital. We have been going out to the fields to watch and support him! The kids love going! I love going because it gets us out the house and still spend some time together as a family. We really enjoy seeing Daddy do something that he enjoys doing.

Memorial Day Weekend

We had a good Memorial Day Weekend! Friday evening after Wayne got home from work, we went shopping for some new beach toys! The kids loved picking them out! We got up Saturday morning and had a hearty breakfast which Wayne cooked! We packed and loaded up for the beach! Once we got there we were surprised that there wasn't to many people there! I think most people stayed away because of the weather that was supposedly going to be bad. It really wasn't bad...it was a little overcast but still nice. It was fun watching the kids play in the tidal pools, look for shells and shark's teeth, and just enjoy being a family. While we were at the beach Wayne and the kids found a little crab. It was cute, Hannah got to hold it! We had our lunch out at the beach and even brought some old bread to feed the birds. It was a good time! On the way home we stopped by the Gay Fish Co and picked up 2 lbs of shrimp! Yum! Wayne and I ate all of it by ourselves! So good! Then we had some friends of ours from the neighborhood come over for some cards! Sunday, we went to church and then out to lunch at a Japanese Restaurant! Once we got home we hung out in the yard and played. Then we had some friends over to hang out by the fire and eat s'mores! Yum! Seems like all we ever do is eat, doesn't it? On Monday we all got up and ready for the Memorial Day Parade downtown! Wayne always marches in the parade with the Naval Hospital! After the parade we made our way to Southern Sweets (our favorite ice cream shop)! We sat and had some delicious ice cream! Afterwards we made our way home took a brief nap and then went to the pool! While at the pool we endured a quick storm followed by beautiful weather! Once we got home we got everyone cleaned up and cooked out on the grill! Hamburgers, Brats, & Italian Sausage on memorial day! There is no better way to end the weekend! We reflected on all the men and women who have served and died for our country's freedoms. I am forever grateful for the freedoms I have, especially the freedom to read the Bible and teach my kids about God and the relationship that each and everyone of us can have with Him. I loved the song we sang in church on Sunday - Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord.

Wayne's Birthday

Wayne's Birthday is usually around memorial day, and this year it was the day after. Daddy had to go to work unfortunately. But the kids and I made sure we had the house decorated for him. The kids picked out the cake. I made him is favorite dinner - meatloaf. So we had dinner and cake and let Daddy open his gifts! The kids handmade cards for him. Hannah even wrote a little book for him. We all wore green since it is Daddy's favorite color! We love him very much and wanted him to feel special on his 35th Birthday! Thank you God for giving us such a great husband and awesome daddy! Happy Birthday Luv Bug!

Well...now I believe we are all caught up! May is almost over and we have been busy making our June plans! Some of which include camping with Tara's side of the family, having another baby, and the kids have Vacation Bible School & Swim Lessons! There is never a dull moment in this household!

Colossians 3:14-16

"Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

32 weeks! 6-8 weeks Left to go!

Sorry I haven't updated in a while but things have been crazy around here! I am 32 weeks along in this pregnancy! Only 6-8 weeks left to go! I am so excited! My hospital bag is packed, the baby's bed is set up and ready to go, diaper bag is packed, clothes washed and waiting! Now here is what is left to do on my to do list...get the carseat out of storage, get the infant swing out of storage, and few other infant items out of storage...that will have to wait since we have family coming into town for Lilly's dance recital this weekend! Also, trying to finish up the last couple of weeks with Hannah's homeschooling! I can't believe my first baby, Hannah, is almost done with 1st grade! Where did the time go? Anyways, I think we have finally decided on a name for this little boy who continues to grow and stretch inside my tummy! But you will have to wait to find that out! In the mean time I want to thank my mom, my best friend Liz, and my brother's girlfriend Jamie for throwing me a great babyshower! It was very nice and I enjoyed getting to spend time with friends and family I do not get to see very often!

Me & Liz

Me & Mom

Jamie, Me & Liz

Hannah's 1st Grade School Picture

Easter & So on...

Easter has come and gone in which seems like in a blink of an eye! It makes me wonder...did we focus on the point of Easter or get caught up in the "commercialism" of it all? Easter - He is Risen! This is definitely something to get excited about! I really enjoyed this Easter with my family! It was nice to see how all the kids had grown and chit chat with adults about what was going on...I really do miss being home sometimes! However I really do miss the home that Wayne and I have made in SC as well. Our Easter sunday was spent with family, but then our monday following Easter was spent waiting in numerous lines with numerous people to be apart of the White House Easter Egg Roll of 2009. It was cold (which I am so not used to anymore) and long, but looking back I am glad my kids got to experience it. I do not think, however, we will be doing it again anytime soon. Apparently, since I have gotten pregnant I have developed a little bit of a fear of large crowds...trust me there were times when I felt clausterphobic! I am hoping this goes away after this pregnancy! I am not usually like that....anyways I am rambling...here are a couple of pics of our Easter! And on another note only 10-11 weeks until baby boy (we haven't decided a name yet! ahh better get on it) makes his arrival!

AWANAS

Well, last night was awards night for the kids in Awanas! It was such a blessing to see my little ones up on stage and to reflect all that they had learned for the year. I am so proud of each of them. Hannah received her Sparks Second Book Award! She just blows me away with her ability to memorize God's Word! It is inspiring to me how much she wants to know about God and to learn His Word! Lilly, is really coming out of her shell! She is learning God's Word too and is full of questions! She earned her first year Cubbies Book Award! Then there is Lucas...he did not mind in the least about being on stage! Today he keeps repeating the phrase "And God made me"! It is so cute especially how he points to himself when he says the me part! They have all learned so much from Awanas and Wayne and I are truly very thankful for all the people in our church who take the time to work with not just our kids but the rest of the kids in our church!

My Grandmother

Last week my last living grandparent passed away. My Grandmother was 84 years old. We affectionately referred to her as Grandma Helen. She was a special lady. It makes my heart glad to know that according to her Pastor she accepted Christ as her Savior about a year ago. This was the first funeral that my children had attended. Shockingly it was actually pretty easy to explain it to Hannah. Hannah was still a little emotional, which is understandable. However she spent the majority of the day comforting PawPaw. PawPaw is my dad and it was his mother that had passed. All in all it was a good trip to NC. I got to see family members I hadn't seen in years and spend some time with my immediate family. Everyone seemed to be at peace and grateful that Grandma Helen was no longer suffering. I just want to say thank you to all those who sent cards, words of encouragement, and condolences. It meant a lot to my family.





Here is her obituary and her picture...

Name:
Helen Solley Crutchfield
Date:
December 15th, 1924 - March 19th, 2009
Obituary:
Mrs. Helen Solley Crutchfield of Winston-Salem passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. She was born December 15, 1924 in Sylacauga, AL to the late Corrie Ray and E. M. Solley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph L. Crutchfield and a sister, Corrine McClure. She retired from the Veterans Administration in 1989. She enjoyed playing Bridge and was proud of being a member of the American Business Women’s Association for over 30 years. She was a member of College Park Baptist Church. She is survived by three sons; William W. (Gloria) Lucas of Adel, GA., Dr. Jimmy R. (Edie) Lucas of Lewisville, NC., Louis H. (Georganne) Lucas of Dale City, VA.; seven grandchildren. Jowjie and Felma Lucas, Jennifer Thoburn and Matthew Lucas, Tara Gonsorcik, Jesse and Scott Lucas, seven great grandchildren; two sisters; Marie (Daniel) Boone and Berta Sharp. The Funeral Service will be conducted 3:00 pm Sunday, March 22 at the Forsyth Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel officiated by the Rev. Ramon Smith. The Family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 pm prior to the service in the Mausoleum Chapel. Memorials may be made to Hospice of W-S/Forsyth County, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 or to College Baptist Chruch, 1701 Polo Road, Winston-Salem, 27106. Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the Crutchfield Family.
Memorials:
Memorials may be made to Hospice of W-S/Forsyth County, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 or to College Baptist Chruch, 1701 Polo Road, Winston-Salem, 27106.

First Sunburn of the Year...

Well Ladies and Gents on Monday I was so excited that the weather was in the upper 70s and the sun was out! It was a nice welcome to our little family. I decided there was no need to be couped up in the house to do our homeschooling math work. So I drug the kids outside and had Hannah grab the chalk and we did math problems on the driveway. Then I let the kids play. We were only out there for about an hour...when we came back in for nap time I noticed that my skin was starting to hurt! Could this be? Did I get a sunburn? Oh you bet ya I did! As the day continued on I was going from white, to pink, to lobster red! From my shoulders to the tops of my hands, the v-shape on my neck, my forehead and nose, and from my knees to my ankles I was burnt! Moral of the story....It is Thursday and I still hurt! No matter how long you are going to be in the sun please put on sunblock! I learned the hard way according to my 7 and 4 year old who done nothing but remind me of this all week! But at least I can say I got the first sunburn of the year out of the way! ....I am trying to be positive! =) I would love to post some pics of my sunburn but I just haven't gotten around to documenting in photos my humiliation!

Christmas is Finally Over...For Me That Is....

I have finally finished Christmas of 2008! But you say...Tara isn't March 5th, 2009? Shouldn't you have been done as of December of 2008?


Well, the past 5 months have been kinda hectic for me! In October my best friend Sara got married! (Also the same day...magical moment...)! We raced home after the wedding and it was back to life...Homeschooling, Church, extracurricular activities. At the end of October we found out that magical moment we had resulted in Baby#4 which explained my lack of energy and constant nausea! At this point we move into November of 2008 which Hannah's progress report was due, getting ready for the Christmas Musical with the Choir, and Thanksgiving! So much to do, so little time and thanks to my first trimester so little energy! The first part of December was race back to Va for my brother's wedding which I was the photographer for. Once that was over it was race back home and get caught up on the days of homeschooling we missed. By now the morning sickness is at its worst! Also when we got home we discovered that our computer was acting funny! So we took it in and come to find out we had tons of trojans and viruses! So needless to say we were without our computer for 3 weeks! SO by the time I had a chance to breathe it was Christmas! Papa John and Uncle Dwayne were in town! I literally shopped for them and the kids on Dec 23rd! Christmas came and went and then New Years came and went. Then it was time for Hannah's B-day, then Lilly's B-day, then Lucas' B-day! Now we are already into February! So now its time to work on brother's pictures of his wedding. Finish that and send to printer! In the mean time my husband has given me some projects to do for the Naval Hospital! Did I mention this is all going on amongst the daily task of homeschooling and extracurricular activities? Oh and then I started watching the neighbor's kid on Tuesday nights! Then it was time to work on the kids Awana Derby Cars! That race took place this past weekend! Which was March 1st! So today is March 5th and I have finally mailed off the rest of the family Xmas presents and the wedding pictures and the 100 Xmas newsletters/Xmas cards! Christmas is now over...YEAH!



Guess I better start working on Christmas 2009 if I continue to go at this rate...Oh wait did I mention that I have for the most part finished my Christmas Card for 2009...Hey maybe I am getting back to my old self again! We will see how long that lasts especially when that "magical moment" arrives in June!



Here enjoy some pics from Christmas....

Lucas Xmas Morning

Lucas & Hannah Xmas Morning

Our Christmas Card (Below in another post you will find our newsletter)


Lilly, Hannah, & Lucas Xmas Morning!