Friday Favorites..

Wow, these past couple of days have been a whirlwind!!  Between finishing up school with the kids, packing for our upcoming move, getting Rachel ready for her dance recital this weekend, and trying to get things ready for us to be settled in VA, we've barely had time to breathe!  But I'm super excited to know that within a month I'm going to be seeing our family and friends back East!!  We've all missed them alot!

Now for some of my recent favorite things :)

1. Strider Bikes

Michael trying out his bike..

Around Christmas last year, someone on a blog I was reading just raved about these bicycles.  She had 2 boys that were about the same age as our two youngest.  I was really amazed that after using these bikes for a couple of months that they both were able to ride a real bicycle without assistance. Ethan and Rachel were both around 7 before they could ride a bike.  Their main issue was balancing, so Josh and I thought we would get the boys each one for Christmas.  Well, Caleb loved it right from the start and would ride his everyday ( weather permitting).  He started out just using his feet, then eventually he got to where he could just coast on it.  We were noticing how well he could balance on it, so finally about two months ago, Josh asked him if he wanted to try to ride a real bike.  Caleb immediately said yes!  So we got on his helmet, Josh pushed him one time and off he went!!!  We couldn't believe our eyes....and every since that day he has ridden his bike.  He never went through the training wheel stage.  Now, that Michael has seen Caleb do that he has started picking up his Strider bike and riding it more.  So I'll let you know how things turn out with him in a couple of months, but I would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who has a child wanting to ride a bike.  AMAZING results!!!  We got ours at Target, but you can find them online too!

2. Stylin Binders

If you love to coupon and use them alot then I do believe you will love these!!  They are made to store your binder you use to keep your coupons, so if you carry with you in the store it looks like a pocketbook!  SUPER CUTE!!!  You should go to their website and check them out..they come in all different styles!

3. Motivated Mom 2011 app

I am in LOVE with this app for my iphone! I ran upon this website about 3 years ago, www.motivatedmoms.com.  They sell a calandar that is preset with chores for the day and a bible reading plan to  help you stay organized.  By following the calander, there is no need for spring cleaning because it is incorporated throughout the year. So I thought that was great!!  I have to admit- I don't always keep up with it, but I try too.

I was thrilled to pieces to find out that this year they have an app you can buy and put on your phone!!!!  One of my issues was printing out the planner and then sometimes misplacing the pages. With the planner as an app, I'll always know where it is and I don't have to waste any paper. It is great!!  It has all my cleaning chores, excerise plan and bible reading all right there. Plus, as I do each chore I just cross it off and it lest you customize it too! !! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one! For a planner like me this is great!

Until Next Time,
Michelle :)

Wordless Wednesday....

 Until Next Time,
Michelle :)

Saturday Morning Fun...

PTL, the sunshine is out and it feels AMAZING outside today!!!  Much better than the 48 degree weather we've been having the past couple of days.

Since the weather was nice this morning, Josh decided to go in the front yard and wash the van.  As I was cleaning inside I happen to look out the window and saw the cutest thing.  Ethan and Michael were inspired by their Daddy......they had gotten their bike and four wheeler out and started washing them....wheels and all.  It was SO cute!

Ethan working on his pocket rocket...

Michael trying to spray his four wheeler...

Josh showing Michael how to spray the hose..

Michael telling Rachel that he knows how to wash his four wheeler...

Rachel and Caleb thought it was cute to run around with goggles on...lol

Until Next Time,
Michelle

Lego Time...

I just love how all 3 of our boys play together now, especially with Legos!!  They can't get enough of them....on Friday Ethan & Michael decided to get theirs out and play.  It was so sweet seeing Ethan teach Michael how to build things.  I pray they will always love each other and be as close as they are now.....so precious!

Until Next Time,
Michelle

Wordless Wednesday....

Until Next Time,
Michelle :)

Memorial Day Tribute

A Memorial Day Prayer for Our Soldiers

My God who gave His only Son,

To shed His blood for all mankind.

Give strength to all the loving ones,

Who give their sons and daughters to keep our land free.

Your faithful men and women,

Venture near and far.

We call upon your mercy,

No matter where they are.

Keep them safe, one and all,

On land, in air, on sea.

An while we know some will not return,

Give us strength to accept their destiny.

And to the men that have fallen,

Give a special place of grace in eternity.

And help me Lord to never forget,

The price they paid for our great country.

-Author Unknown

On this day we remember those who have fought for our country and paid the ultimate sacrifice.....WE WILL NEVER FORGET !!!

Happy Memorial Day from The Craig Family

All in God's Timing...

So if you know me, you know I am a total planner ( inherited from my father..lol). These past couple of weeks have been kind of stressful for me.  For one, we are trying to have the kids finished with homeschool by the end of May so that we can focus on our upcoming move.  Thankfully, Rachel is complete...YIPEE and Ethan will be finished by the end of this week!!

Another thing that has been on our minds is finding a home to live in when we get there.  For those who are not in the military, it is really great to already have a house waiting on you at your next duty station so you can do a door to door move.  If you don't, then the moving company will take your things to a storage facility and it will stay there until you have a home.  By not having to do that you have a better chance of all your stuff arriving at your home and not being damaged. Plus, the planner in me likes to know where the kids are going to school, where our bills need to be sent, are their good churches near, etc.

We have been browsing houses for a while and had figured out the areas we wanted to live and at the time there were lots of houses open that fit our needs.  However, we couldn't put a deposit down until we had the money saved and we didn't want to have to start paying rent until July.  We had a house picked out that we thought was perfect...great school, great commute, right size, etc.  It was actually on the market for three months and we had set up a date for my parents to go take a look at it.  Well, the day we got our deposit money the house rented out.  We were so disappointed and the two weeks to follow were not good.  Every house we inquired about either was already rented, was too small, didn't accept pets, or was too far for Josh to commute.  I was really starting to get worried, but Josh kept reminding me that we had prayed about this and that God would open up the right home, at the right time for us. Well, this morning, I decided to go and check a website that had listings of houses available and there was one new post.  Just by reading the post it was everything we were looking for...right size, price, great schools ( a 9 on greatschools.org), great commute, accepted pets..I mean I could go on and on.  So I called the owner, who was SO nice, and asked about it....it was AVAILABLE!!!  She said the only stipulation was that they were leasing for a year....guess what, we are only going to be there a year!!!  She just laughed....I did too! Totally a God thing!! I really don't know why I ever doubt Him...He's never let us down in the past!  Anyway, it is such a relief knowing we have a home and that Ethan/Rachel are going to be at a great school.  Oh, another plus, their school hours are 9:05 -3:45..... How great is that!

So here it is....our new home starting in July!!

Thank you all who have been praying for us and our move....we truly appreciate it!!!

Until next time,
Michelle