tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75976588556724987192024-03-14T03:29:23.216-07:00The Roman HouseholdOur life on the farmChavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-84595320337588913882015-03-09T07:24:00.003-07:002015-03-09T07:24:57.514-07:00A Gift Card Drawing<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLNYYWZPS5PKNXh0mmutcU2x90eSap5uIhhHGcsYwuHh3FG0_6TpgIAOh4Rstyw4veO5bCzDNAcUD1xggo696dR3ntgYMm2ATsIVi_72flNvZo8a58MACcXn6Uu50cLcb_j3kgBewHJ9q/s1600/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLNYYWZPS5PKNXh0mmutcU2x90eSap5uIhhHGcsYwuHh3FG0_6TpgIAOh4Rstyw4veO5bCzDNAcUD1xggo696dR3ntgYMm2ATsIVi_72flNvZo8a58MACcXn6Uu50cLcb_j3kgBewHJ9q/s1600/Untitled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Who doesn't like to win gift cards? I mean you get a gift card to a
store, you get to go shopping, you don't have to spend your money...well
at least not $25 worth of your own money.<br />
<br />
I am going to give away $25 to either Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe's,
or Target. The winner will get to pick which store they want the gift
card at. So, do YOU want to be entered into the drawing?<br />
<br />
Here's what you need to do:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mamas-Road-to-Healthy/1508934369374348" target="_blank">Mama's Road to Healthy</a></li>
<li>Go to <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/en_US/tbbsignup/-/tbbsignup/free?referringRepId=524155" target="_blank">Team Beachbody</a> and fill out a FREE Beachbody Account</li>
<li>Share the picture so all your friends and family can do the same and be entered into the drawing</li>
</ol>
When Mama's Road to Healthy hits 200 likes the drawing will be done by Random.org.<br />
<br />
Have a healthy day!!!
Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-87157499749098359692015-02-14T09:24:00.001-08:002015-02-14T09:24:43.566-08:00They Are Driving!!!Okay...not technically...and one just goes around in circles, but they are getting the hang of it...may have them mow the lawn in another year if they get enough practice and can go in a straight line.<br />
<br />
So on our little farm we don't have garbage service. We and our neighbors have to drive down to the end of the block and use a huge dumpster set up. This was fine when Raul used his truck for work and would drop the garbage in the morning before going to work, well now we fill up the trailer through the week and take it down with the tractor to get rid of the trash. Last weekend, Raul took Joshua out to handle the trash duty. He drove down and back.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is Joshua </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fgpRtCfO8xw/VN9pg9YCojI/AAAAAAAAEdg/n0J6NsN0wxY/s1600/20150208_133308%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fgpRtCfO8xw/VN9pg9YCojI/AAAAAAAAEdg/n0J6NsN0wxY/s1600/20150208_133308%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Shhh6L9wOf4/VN9qPUBEV3I/AAAAAAAAEdo/WWD6v9dvMOg/s1600/20150208_133329%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Shhh6L9wOf4/VN9qPUBEV3I/AAAAAAAAEdo/WWD6v9dvMOg/s1600/20150208_133329%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzpgRDr5K7y-z9X2sBqYehAc7TDDa0LL0FNDHjcg1e3WuxifJ51dWKAfCSWnci8KXn2CrNJdD7jd7N0hGpHZQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Here is Matthew</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-SMzwpQ6Ac/VN9rjsuJJRI/AAAAAAAAEd0/h_s5XrdKM4o/s1600/20150208_141859%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-SMzwpQ6Ac/VN9rjsuJJRI/AAAAAAAAEd0/h_s5XrdKM4o/s1600/20150208_141859%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dysT8C-ge9ib8VFnTfwNOfgF9w_kunKXnZLwAwEbRuEdh6VATmHJF8FP_cIcP69S7PR70aC7v3ckS69fMLVnA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then the boys caught a ride back to the house from the field with Daddy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r5S7L7f79n4/VN9r4swPysI/AAAAAAAAEd8/_IgfmvCPwZ8/s1600/20150208_143103%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r5S7L7f79n4/VN9r4swPysI/AAAAAAAAEd8/_IgfmvCPwZ8/s1600/20150208_143103%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-39790764142971685762015-02-09T14:04:00.001-08:002015-02-09T14:05:22.676-08:00San Antonio Rodeo Kickoff ParadeSaturday, I took the boys to San Antonio to kickoff Rodeo time. We had a really great time and the drive was way faster than I had anticipated so we had time to do some things before the parade started, like see the "Castle" (The Alamo). It was quite the experience to go and spend time doing this with them by myself. The boys were exhausted by the end of the day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-744LR0QZleg/VNi_NZA0w1I/AAAAAAAAEbk/toqQoT2qzjU/s1600/20150207_092320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-744LR0QZleg/VNi_NZA0w1I/AAAAAAAAEbk/toqQoT2qzjU/s1600/20150207_092320.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The boys right after parking the car</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVMLa4DMC6g/VNi_lof0ABI/AAAAAAAAEbs/XayrK5TNKWY/s1600/20150207_093707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVMLa4DMC6g/VNi_lof0ABI/AAAAAAAAEbs/XayrK5TNKWY/s1600/20150207_093707.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At one of the vendors they played a game and received a balloon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2hLTTZ14_Jk/VNi_wE5GiwI/AAAAAAAAEb0/iqbA-mIojqs/s1600/20150207_094453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2hLTTZ14_Jk/VNi_wE5GiwI/AAAAAAAAEb0/iqbA-mIojqs/s1600/20150207_094453.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At the Alamo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ad6nrBouA4w" width="480"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We enjoyed watching these dancers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_O_4cxXJbM/VNjkHXIT7KI/AAAAAAAAEcE/K9HWnry_Hfk/s1600/20150207_100422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_O_4cxXJbM/VNjkHXIT7KI/AAAAAAAAEcE/K9HWnry_Hfk/s1600/20150207_100422.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
Then we walked around The Alamo grounds for a little bit<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hutkuG1aSeM/VNjkQ0FtiDI/AAAAAAAAEcM/RxKOXOkfPK4/s1600/20150207_100430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hutkuG1aSeM/VNjkQ0FtiDI/AAAAAAAAEcM/RxKOXOkfPK4/s1600/20150207_100430.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
Matthew was so excited for his Alamo Ranger Badge with his name on it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N782_zQNFK8/VNjkkicV2oI/AAAAAAAAEcU/Une4oOtNsyc/s1600/20150207_111448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N782_zQNFK8/VNjkkicV2oI/AAAAAAAAEcU/Une4oOtNsyc/s1600/20150207_111448.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2Nj4dDujbw/VNj522ZZm2I/AAAAAAAAEck/IgBIKjFfm20/s1600/20150207_111457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2Nj4dDujbw/VNj522ZZm2I/AAAAAAAAEck/IgBIKjFfm20/s1600/20150207_111457.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
This was probably my scariest "Mommy Moment".<br />
The longhorns got a little unruly and came right up at the fencing...the cowboys got them under control.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hIsSyqb3L5E/VNj6MGqJ_0I/AAAAAAAAEcs/WA2Xw7P1HXA/s1600/20150207_111653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hIsSyqb3L5E/VNj6MGqJ_0I/AAAAAAAAEcs/WA2Xw7P1HXA/s1600/20150207_111653.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
There were even people riding some...WHOA!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1BM1N7QNTYU/VNj6YAfhScI/AAAAAAAAEc0/0LHlwl_jtQQ/s1600/20150207_111857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1BM1N7QNTYU/VNj6YAfhScI/AAAAAAAAEc0/0LHlwl_jtQQ/s1600/20150207_111857.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
Shepherds and their sheep and puppies (Baa, Ram, Ewe...)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx9598Ddd_KRmX4Ppfw009dfRqJxpgzKUmkMyyaluon639mmgg97i11w07iCab57PM7GEyA7I8942zS9OBJZg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
A little video of them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw4-jjI8hy9pg41v1bSh3_UrAWGYc5aJLfKamfvQow9N_XkTjV0CbDhxPdyMPgEGIkBpLQo0tMkg_Q4xTr0iw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
The Charreadas....the boys loved this part.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyoOd9jHJ-ps13fMjyHzDKOTPsBJrOg8hiNlzX11-A4yUO01j5LzBtfFNYuDy2dMTm40BCqaKGIRIyQWvBVFQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Some of the parade.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9JtamYAgqBQ/VNkrglYbeYI/AAAAAAAAEdE/AvWz8nwhe-M/s1600/20150207_112350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9JtamYAgqBQ/VNkrglYbeYI/AAAAAAAAEdE/AvWz8nwhe-M/s1600/20150207_112350.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
Miss Rodeo Texas<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After the rodeo we walked down to the riverwalk and had lunch at Rainforest Cafe. That was a fun experience with the boys. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3x_ZQ-J9ac/VNkrytiUwkI/AAAAAAAAEdM/-LeNnhmEbJ8/s1600/20150207_120142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3x_ZQ-J9ac/VNkrytiUwkI/AAAAAAAAEdM/-LeNnhmEbJ8/s1600/20150207_120142.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My new favorite picture of them...they love each other so much.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxasKAYkDqMnvw2od94UxkarPODFUAveofiikDQToKPLgub87yzB-6AY-64jos48WLS9sKtyVThoCaA7S4xFg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is exactly where we sat...right at the big gorilla...fascinated the boys.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Needless to say we had a really great time and it got us even more excited for this coming Sunday when Joshua will be in the Mutton Bustin'. It will be an amazingly special experience for him. Then ten days later we make the trek back down so Matthew can take part in his Mutton Bustin' experience. </div>
</div>
Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-25293768870139466352015-01-22T08:34:00.001-08:002015-01-22T08:34:49.367-08:00Arendelle Royalty visit ElginEvery Wednesday afternoon at our local library we have Arts & Crafts night. Well, last night was a little bit different. We didn't do any arts or crafts. We sat in a bunch of blue chairs and waited. And waited. And waited. For what? For Royalty...Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, and Kristoff were coming to our library to read the kiddos a story and sing some songs. Since our house has been hit with the flu, sinus infections, and ear infections the boys were really looking forward to attending.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dtGsJnwiI_A/VMEcDBVOraI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/qcdyo6y3cCU/s1600/20150121_162616%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dtGsJnwiI_A/VMEcDBVOraI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/qcdyo6y3cCU/s1600/20150121_162616%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Waiting so patiently</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rAJNNQ4uFNk/VMEcYIFvnKI/AAAAAAAAEUY/NngoO5xKzKs/s1600/20150121_163935%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rAJNNQ4uFNk/VMEcYIFvnKI/AAAAAAAAEUY/NngoO5xKzKs/s1600/20150121_163935%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They arrived</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZYQxmg_yOo/VMEeKi27p4I/AAAAAAAAEUk/3xr47Hf3_X4/s1600/20150121_164006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZYQxmg_yOo/VMEeKi27p4I/AAAAAAAAEUk/3xr47Hf3_X4/s1600/20150121_164006.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There were so many little girls all dressed up like Elsa</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NXobNZVGdM4/VMEeabKqyFI/AAAAAAAAEUs/ZB733f797LM/s1600/20150121_171409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NXobNZVGdM4/VMEeabKqyFI/AAAAAAAAEUs/ZB733f797LM/s1600/20150121_171409.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The boys both said that they weren't a prince,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they were ice harvestors like Kristoff</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxTwTVafXuAAIiuL33G48BRZuP8hFXXXHU8dBgK6QW1gCht-fXLKDdX4fiqZhETRaKeruG-jEjfxxDMakYlZQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Do you wanna build a snowman?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MkW7DXhgyI4" width="480"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And of course..."Let It Go"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was super fun and in only an hour the boys had an amazingly fun time and talked about it the rest of the evening while I made dinner, bathed them, got them dressed for bed. Pretty sure they dreamed about it too. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-52041177464173185872014-12-18T09:09:00.000-08:002014-12-18T09:11:15.490-08:00New Recipe BookI'm a hoarder. I hoard recipes like it's nobody's business. I clip them from magazines, newspapers, websites, etc. Before I had a scanner I kept them all in a photo album. Once I got a scanner I started scanning them into the computer. Well, recently I have had to open up the computer, go to my recipe folder, and hunt for the recipe I was looking for. Especially when it came to our all time favorites. I'm slowly building up this recipe book with our favorites new and old. Some are recipes that my mom grew up on, that she gave to us kids, and now my boys are growing up on them...Banana Bread, Gingersnaps, etc.<br />
<br />
So, while running around Pinterest I found a recipe book made from a 5 x 7 binder (which I had on hand along with page protectors). This <a href="http://kimmccrary.blogspot.com/2010/03/project-accomplished.html#.VJMHIv9OcA" target="_blank">recipe book</a> was a wonderful idea, because I had a ton of scrapbook paper on hand to use up. I also knew that this book would only hold our tried and true recipes that were our absolute favorites or recipes handed down. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9cjXNH4Vws/VJMIABAJx4I/AAAAAAAAEQY/euPB048Urgg/s1600/20141218_104707-1%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9cjXNH4Vws/VJMIABAJx4I/AAAAAAAAEQY/euPB048Urgg/s1600/20141218_104707-1%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="260" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The cover</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zCw4rxmgCps/VJMITb1GDTI/AAAAAAAAEQg/YAzMZ_plnhw/s1600/20141218_104716%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zCw4rxmgCps/VJMITb1GDTI/AAAAAAAAEQg/YAzMZ_plnhw/s1600/20141218_104716%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The title page I just put a 1" circle of the scrapbook</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
paper so that it would be easy to find.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sD517MvaSow/VJMIayn79DI/AAAAAAAAEQo/ex_aKBqIRqA/s1600/20141218_104728%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sD517MvaSow/VJMIayn79DI/AAAAAAAAEQo/ex_aKBqIRqA/s1600/20141218_104728%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TjgNDhDIESA/VJMIuo_F0bI/AAAAAAAAEQw/jUxYBuOTFeY/s1600/20141218_104734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TjgNDhDIESA/VJMIuo_F0bI/AAAAAAAAEQw/jUxYBuOTFeY/s1600/20141218_104734.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pNTcSR9aDtg/VJMIw9gGhOI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/Q638jxvcjbQ/s1600/20141218_104739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pNTcSR9aDtg/VJMIw9gGhOI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/Q638jxvcjbQ/s1600/20141218_104739.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DEDSoYRSw2c/VJMIzL5YlHI/AAAAAAAAERA/r2Fs2kxZCAA/s1600/20141218_104743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DEDSoYRSw2c/VJMIzL5YlHI/AAAAAAAAERA/r2Fs2kxZCAA/s1600/20141218_104743.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wi3BSic-DgU/VJMI31yX_-I/AAAAAAAAERI/d7d43daBI4E/s1600/20141218_104752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wi3BSic-DgU/VJMI31yX_-I/AAAAAAAAERI/d7d43daBI4E/s1600/20141218_104752.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then a strip of the paper would be cut and pasted to the edge</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of the recipe so you know which section you are looking at</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ufOST-KNgM/VJMI72jL60I/AAAAAAAAERQ/b8Z1TTKu4eE/s1600/20141218_104801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ufOST-KNgM/VJMI72jL60I/AAAAAAAAERQ/b8Z1TTKu4eE/s1600/20141218_104801.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwvqvKhySdw/VJMJEVxniCI/AAAAAAAAERY/IpfKShVZ8fM/s1600/20141218_104807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwvqvKhySdw/VJMJEVxniCI/AAAAAAAAERY/IpfKShVZ8fM/s1600/20141218_104807.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DKTkxwhfCUA/VJMJI9m_BVI/AAAAAAAAERg/I4AOIfUfh_I/s1600/20141218_104813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DKTkxwhfCUA/VJMJI9m_BVI/AAAAAAAAERg/I4AOIfUfh_I/s1600/20141218_104813.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Un0bAZ39BjE/VJMJLEmwYVI/AAAAAAAAERo/mAOVSiifm6I/s1600/20141218_104819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Un0bAZ39BjE/VJMJLEmwYVI/AAAAAAAAERo/mAOVSiifm6I/s1600/20141218_104819.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will add pictures of the boys helping to make the recipe</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or just pictures of the process or after product.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yFQeebl_q8/VJMJMqVtGjI/AAAAAAAAERw/k2n5_yY4Ok8/s1600/20141218_104827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yFQeebl_q8/VJMJMqVtGjI/AAAAAAAAERw/k2n5_yY4Ok8/s1600/20141218_104827.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm really liking the book and I'm sure it will be around for a long while that the boys will get used to seeing and enjoy looking at for years or even their wives and children when they get older as they want a certain family recipe.</div>
Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-43782189047859135482014-11-14T11:12:00.001-08:002014-11-14T11:12:48.480-08:00Organizing BugI am not sure what happened other than maybe I've been bite by the organizing bug. I've been working on each room in the house and right now I am tackling the kitchen. It is a large, space wise, kitchen, but counter space is practically non existent, so I need to make sure things are very organized. That and it just makes life so much easier to deal with. I can grab things easier instead of them all being stacked on top of each other. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At the back of the kitchen is a wall of cupboards and a small bar. Inside the cupboards was a total mess...now it's all cleaned up. Goodwill is going to have so much fun because I've had some glasses stashed away for probably our entire marriage and finally just figured to let them go...we've never even used them. I can't wait to do some cooking and baking in my newly organized kitchen. I'd love to have Raul build me a new bookcase for my cookbooks and tupperware stuff. Right now it's in a really flimsy, blah looking cubby type of shelves.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtYi2Ng0gvo/VGYvaVuYgWI/AAAAAAAAEK8/CkmMrngACMg/s1600/20141114_081006%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtYi2Ng0gvo/VGYvaVuYgWI/AAAAAAAAEK8/CkmMrngACMg/s1600/20141114_081006%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-14gklhMCE2A/VGYwD5Kt9jI/AAAAAAAAELE/pDQVtVFYPdA/s1600/20141114_082151%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-14gklhMCE2A/VGYwD5Kt9jI/AAAAAAAAELE/pDQVtVFYPdA/s1600/20141114_082151%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JjP8GFhL5IY/VGYxdQbYz8I/AAAAAAAAELQ/uGXtvQFPs50/s1600/20141114_091316%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JjP8GFhL5IY/VGYxdQbYz8I/AAAAAAAAELQ/uGXtvQFPs50/s1600/20141114_091316%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H2-2yrriKiQ/VGYxz1kHJUI/AAAAAAAAELY/mc0RFfHS0Vc/s1600/20141114_091335%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H2-2yrriKiQ/VGYxz1kHJUI/AAAAAAAAELY/mc0RFfHS0Vc/s1600/20141114_091335%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Then the cupboard by the stove holds my pots and mixing bowls. This is my hard part because the bowls get all jumbled so I need to be more attentive to putting them away correctly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lyi7FmHVSxU/VGYzGop71pI/AAAAAAAAELk/niWJYDiiHXw/s1600/20141114_080513%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lyi7FmHVSxU/VGYzGop71pI/AAAAAAAAELk/niWJYDiiHXw/s1600/20141114_080513%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="180" /> </a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-brJNQ6RvWaI/VGYzj4yvg1I/AAAAAAAAELs/rV0_R4o4VVI/s1600/20141114_080933%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-brJNQ6RvWaI/VGYzj4yvg1I/AAAAAAAAELs/rV0_R4o4VVI/s1600/20141114_080933%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lyi7FmHVSxU/VGYzGop71pI/AAAAAAAAELk/niWJYDiiHXw/s1600/20141114_080513%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Before After </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The other side of the stove has another cupboard that holds the pans and baking dishes. This side wasn't too bad, but I like the change.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4-TB1MxVO8/VGY364tqwJI/AAAAAAAAEL4/GAGy6-Zyp6Q/s1600/20141114_092413%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4-TB1MxVO8/VGY364tqwJI/AAAAAAAAEL4/GAGy6-Zyp6Q/s1600/20141114_092413%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="180" /> </a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8TQakK6ilg/VGY4M0xJ7DI/AAAAAAAAEMA/TdwklWAYPpA/s1600/20141114_093019%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8TQakK6ilg/VGY4M0xJ7DI/AAAAAAAAEMA/TdwklWAYPpA/s1600/20141114_093019%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4-TB1MxVO8/VGY364tqwJI/AAAAAAAAEL4/GAGy6-Zyp6Q/s1600/20141114_092413%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8TQakK6ilg/VGY4M0xJ7DI/AAAAAAAAEMA/TdwklWAYPpA/s1600/20141114_093019%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Before After </a></div>
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4-TB1MxVO8/VGY364tqwJI/AAAAAAAAEL4/GAGy6-Zyp6Q/s1600/20141114_092413%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Above the stove is cake pans, pie pans, and the weight (which I use to measure out meat that we buy in bulk into one pound bunches).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LmSUYEP4BY/VGZFf3gJaYI/AAAAAAAAEMQ/sDhoYBOtBDg/s1600/20141114_093943%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LmSUYEP4BY/VGZFf3gJaYI/AAAAAAAAEMQ/sDhoYBOtBDg/s1600/20141114_093943%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Everything is coming together. I hope to get to paint some time this winter...maybe while it's winter break and we have nothing else going on. I would love to do something awesome in the boys room or their playroom, but those will have to wait until Auntie Sissy can come to visit since she is the artist...not me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-63773166811693984602014-09-09T05:12:00.001-07:002014-09-09T05:12:35.776-07:00Sunburn RemedyA few weeks back I went to a splash park with the boys. I sat under the sun canopy the entire time except for a couple excursions to see what they were doing in the sand or to splash my feet in the water. I wore shorts and a tank top. I didn't think anything of it. When I got back home that night I was horrible sunburned. Lobster red and whoa did it hurt.<br />
<br />
I had been raised on the usual Aloe Vera and White Vinegar to help with the sunburn. They never really worked much so I needed to find a new remedy. I started searching around for Essential Oil recipes that would help. Let me tell you something...I found one. Not only did I find it...it worked so amazingly that it will be all that I use on myself or my family from here on out.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Recipe</u></b>:<br />
1/2 cup Coconut Oil<br />
10 drops of Lavendar Oil<br />
5 drops of Peppermint Oil<br />
Store in a glass container (I used a 4oz canning jar) <br />
<br />
<u><b>Directions</b></u>:<br />
Apply to sunburned skin once a day (I applied mine at night before bed).<br />
<br />
<u><b>Results</b></u>:<br />
Within three days I had perfect brown tanned skin and I never peeled. AMAZING!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CV5vSSHsb60/VA7uZiuIocI/AAAAAAAADmE/GpaLp0lEkmw/s1600/03a4bf252af0f4ac7c47107155eaba9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CV5vSSHsb60/VA7uZiuIocI/AAAAAAAADmE/GpaLp0lEkmw/s1600/03a4bf252af0f4ac7c47107155eaba9a.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Picture is from Pinterest...there was not a website to link back to)</div>
<br />Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-66881919659246359972014-09-02T14:21:00.001-07:002014-09-02T14:21:22.426-07:00For Me (and my babies)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ao4j62gTm48/VAYghljjjhI/AAAAAAAADlg/GoF9wjOjj7Q/s1600/fd6c093b2b48064e2fb37b5ef3dece01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ao4j62gTm48/VAYghljjjhI/AAAAAAAADlg/GoF9wjOjj7Q/s1600/fd6c093b2b48064e2fb37b5ef3dece01.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
A month ago I quit my job. I tried very hard to stay upbeat, but it felt as if I were being crushed on all fronts. My boys weren't used to being home with me. I'd lost my desire to plan meals like I did before. When I wanted to leave the house my husband wanted to stay home. I lost contact with a very dear friend, maybe for the best, I haven't wrapped my head around that one yet. But I found myself crying more than I ever should have. I had no desire to do anything. The house was a mess, the yard work non-existent.<br />
All of the sudden the main question I was asked every single day was, "Mommy...Are you happy?" I am still asked that, but not nearly as often. I was on the brink of pretty horrible depression. I tried to find my way out, I tried getting together with other moms, I tried keeping the boys busy, I tried to just give myself one more day. Nothing helped. I didn't even want to talk to my family. I tried to get off the phone as fast as I could and still be polite. In all aspects I wasn't really prepared to be home with my children again. What was I to do?<br />
I laced up my shoes and said "Let's Go!!!" I walked three miles every single day to and from the closest park to our home. The boys would walk or ride the stroller along side. Once I hit the park the boys would take off like little crazy boys and play at the playground. This particular park has a crushed gravel trail surrounding it. I picked up one foot and put it in front of the other and kept going until I was running. I am now on average running nearly an 11 minute mile in only four weeks. My outlook is amazing. I feel happier. I don't cry anymore. My family is happier. My husband even suggested the Austin 1/2 Marathon next Spring as a goal to put in front of me.<br />
I realized I have to do this for me so that I can be the best wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend that I can be. I am currently running three days a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Tuesday and Thursday I still walk three miles and play at the park with my youngest son. I am also doing four 30 day challenges consecutively. I know it sounds like too much, but I am doing those at the park after my run or walk. The best part. Someone I hadn't seen in three weeks told me I look like I have lost weight. No not really, but everything is starting to fit looser, which says something.<br />
I refuse to go back to where I was a couple weeks ago. I refuse to cry my eyes out and feel sick to my stomach over things I can't control or change. I am going to focus on me so that I can focus on them. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mnaKlALKg1E/VAY0dqeYIfI/AAAAAAAADl0/hGU2P4F1hTE/s1600/cbd2691815156ffb1b2a4e76ce67b326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mnaKlALKg1E/VAY0dqeYIfI/AAAAAAAADl0/hGU2P4F1hTE/s1600/cbd2691815156ffb1b2a4e76ce67b326.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-34778325765887266062014-08-02T21:29:00.000-07:002014-08-02T21:35:40.358-07:00Am I "Just" A Mom?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R635LQ8l-5I/U92t9kkh2qI/AAAAAAAADlQ/KBO2EnO9mqI/s1600/10440623_10204098659047332_4232230312160378381_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R635LQ8l-5I/U92t9kkh2qI/AAAAAAAADlQ/KBO2EnO9mqI/s1600/10440623_10204098659047332_4232230312160378381_n.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I am writing this because someone asked me to explain how being a stay at home mom could be boring or fun...<br />
<br />
Let me tell you a little bit about my journey as such...when I found out I was pregnant in March of 2008 I wasn't even sure about staying home. I'd picked out a daycare even. We really needed both paychecks that we had coming in. When I was five months pregnant I made the decision to stay home with my baby boy when he arrived.<br />
<br />
I knew I'd made an amazing choice when he was born and as he began to grow and explore his small world. I <strong><u>NEVER</u></strong> missed a single milestone. We met with friends and went to story time weekly, sometimes twice a week. We lived five minutes from the park, which in turn had me buy a jogging stroller from a neighbor's sister. In that I found my love for running. Running brought me a sort of peace. Why would I need peace? you ask...well, things weren't easy...Raul worked long hours, most weekends, and my amazing little boy never slept for more than an hour. I was severely sleep deprived and it showed. At a year he should have been sleeping through the night...all my friends babies were sleeping and eating just fine. Mine, never slept unless I held him and eating could take forever. So, we decided to bring him to our bed. I never once thought co-sleeping would be an option, but I was desperate and that night and every night after that he slept for over eight hours straight.<br />
<br />
When he was 14 months old we closed on our land here in Elgin. We wanted to build a house and thought we could easily do that while living on the land, so when he was 16 months old we sold our home in Kyle and moved to the farm. Things didn't always go as planned. We found out we were pregnant again in May of 2010. We were thrilled, but now the building a house would have to wait. We ended up purchasing a manufactured home and it was set up on the land in September. A few short months later Matthew arrived.<br />
<br />
These two boys are my life and I always had so much pride in what I did for them from cooking to cleaning up after, and making sure they ate mostly home cooked meals. I spent every waking moment and most nights as well with them.<br />
<br />
While they were both still very young I was able to get them both down for a nap and then I would go outside and clean up the toys we'd played with, the balls, and any tools that had been left around. I'd jump onto the lawn mower and mow the lawn. I carried the monitor with me everywhere I went in the yard in case one should wake up. I kept the yard well maintained. I had to...this was where I played with the boys.<br />
<br />
We spent the past two summers hitting as many parks and splash pads as we could manage. We started Geocaching, which is an amazing way to get outdoors with the kids. We did art projects all of the time. I baked and cleaned. I read to them most of the day. I felt a great deal of joy in being home with them, but then there were the ones that would start to tear at that joy by saying I was just a mom who stayed home with her kids. I had no idea how hard it was to work full time and manage a home. All of the sudden the joy of being the best mom I could be was no longer good-enough...I was no longer good-enough. It didn't matter that my boys were both super healthy, my home was clean and well maintained, that I inspired my boys creativity, played doctor to their wounds, the chef that made green scrambled eggs, and tie dyed toast. No one noticed that I had to make sure we stayed on budget at all times. I was just a mom, not a working mom.<br />
<br />
I went out and found a daycare and a job. I now worked full-time and still ran my house. I liked my job...I really liked it...but something else was happening. My boys were sick more than ever, 104 degree fevers out of the blue, ear infections, sinus infections, pink eye, and strep throat. I started to miss work more often to care for them. I stopped doing crafts with them as often. I was tired and I was starting to get sick more often. My kids no longer had home cooked meals, it was fast food grabbed on my way home from work. Instead of reading all day to them, they had a story or two at night before rushing them to bed.<br />
<br />
Now, I didn't want to give up on my job. I was really good at it. I worked well with my co-worker and partner-in-crime, but my family needed my full attention. So, I turned in my resignation to be home with them again.<br />
<br />
Here I am back home with my boys. Am I just a mom? If you think that, maybe you should look at yourself in the mirror and ask what you do.<br />
<br />
My oldest will be starting Kindergarten in three weeks. I get to go on field trips, join the PTA, volunteer in his Kindergarten class. I get to make home cooked meals, teach Matthew all his stuff and work on his speech, work on getting my family back on track Spiritually, the crafts get to come back. In the Summer we will go and explore all the pools, museums, and nature trails we can find. I will once again focus on my running. I would like to build up to a marathon soon.<br />
<br />
So, you see, I'm not just a mom? I am a creative person that has to juggle so much and keep things balanced. I am the most important thing to my children and I can not get back any time lost by being away from them.<br />
<br />
For other moms that stay home...you truly have the hardest job out there. It's not a matter of whether or not you get a break...it's that you are putting your time and effort into the future. You didn't just have your children to claim the title of mom...you knew the work what that would go into it.<br />
<br />
For the moms working outside the home...YES...you have a hard job as well. I've been there. I've done both...I don't really favor either one, but I am sympathetic to the mom at home. Why? Because the moms that work and tend to beat down the ones that stay home aren't the single mothers, they are the ones that have the family support system or have never stayed home with their kids longer than a day or two when they were sick.<br />
<br />
We are all working moms...I don't believe that one works harder than the other. It all just has to do with what your family situation is. Mine is different than most. I tend to take on more than I should so that when my husband comes home from work he doesn't need to do much of anything with the farm and can focus what short time he has with the boys before they head off to bed. <br />
<br />
My goal this time around is to not let the "just a mom" comments bog down my happiness in being with my boys. I will find and hold onto every ounce of joy we create in our walks to the park, the story times, the crafts, the adventures in cooking. I will make this time the best time of my life. I will be the best mom to my two little boys and I will prove that I can be just as happy as anyone else. <br />
<br />
Because<strong> I AM MORE THAN JUST A MOM</strong>!!!<br />
<br />Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-6126108760039698892014-04-18T05:37:00.002-07:002014-04-18T05:37:35.625-07:00Family PicturesLast month we went and had pictures done. It had been two years since we've had any photos done as a family. To put it into perspective...Matthew couldn't even walk on his own yet. Darla with, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Photography-with-Darla/207815162569921" target="_blank">Photography with Darla</a>, did an amazing job and we will definitely be using her in the future.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tbody>
<tr><td></td></tr>
<tr><td></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tbody>
<tr align="center"><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/play/4e4441794e7a59784d7a453d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link&partner=msnee" target="_blank"><img alt="Click to play this Smilebox slideshow" src="http://www.smilebox.com/snap/4e4441794e7a59784d7a453d0d0a.jpg" height="330" style="border: medium none;" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-26433239071789501812014-03-15T11:46:00.001-07:002014-03-15T11:46:30.712-07:00MIAI'm sorry for being absent for so long...we've been having technical difficulties with connecting to the internet on the laptop. Hoping we will be up and running again next week. In the meantime I will try to stay up to date o our Facebook page of what is going on until I can get some things written up and pictures downloaded.Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-79819653710807600642013-11-28T00:00:00.000-08:002014-09-08T12:54:32.372-07:00A Decade of Love<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></u><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Ten years ago today we were married. We've been through so much in those ten years...we've moved, bought a home, had a baby boy, bought land, sold a home, bought another home, had another baby boy, and always tried to keep the balance up between love and money the entire time.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Ten years is a long time to some and yet such a short time to others. We can only hope to keep going as strongly as we have for the next forty-nine plus years. We want to thank all of our family and friends for being in our lives to make every day the best days there are.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Below is what ten years together has contained.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<b><u><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">10 YEARS</span></u></b></div>
<div align="center">
<i><b>3, 653</b> days</i></div>
<div align="center">
<i><b>87, 672</b> hours</i></div>
<div align="center">
<i><b>2</b> Kids</i></div>
<div align="center">
<i><b>100</b>'s of fights and makeups</i></div>
<div align="center">
<i><b>3 </b>Cities/<b>2</b> Homes</i></div>
<div align="center">
<i><b>1</b> Farm</i></div>
<div align="center">
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">49+</span></i></b> <i>the number of Anniversaries </i></div>
<div align="center">
<i>I still want to spend with <u><b>you</b></u></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/vsoGbyoq0wE" width="480"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url("data:image/png; border: medium none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-54181878749144213212013-10-14T11:10:00.000-07:002013-10-14T11:10:30.442-07:00New FloorsOver the past two weeks we've been removing the carpet, padding, and millions of staples in our home to lay down Solid Bamboo flooring. It has been quite a bit of work, but has been so worth it. Everything looks and smells cleaner. The space looks larger and brighter as well.<br />
<div align="center">
The Living Room</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g16VJDXffo0/UlwynB36LpI/AAAAAAAADfs/Wvy6CDPmLi4/s1600/photo+Living+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g16VJDXffo0/UlwynB36LpI/AAAAAAAADfs/Wvy6CDPmLi4/s400/photo+Living+room.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Hallway</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MxQoO4rWMXE/UlwxFDjF4lI/AAAAAAAADfQ/EJviRzUhpmc/s1600/photo+Hallway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MxQoO4rWMXE/UlwxFDjF4lI/AAAAAAAADfQ/EJviRzUhpmc/s400/photo+Hallway.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Boys' Bedroom</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0IFbdW4_1OU/UlwxSdPXa8I/AAAAAAAADfY/u9VvALkRf1c/s1600/photo+Boys+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0IFbdW4_1OU/UlwxSdPXa8I/AAAAAAAADfY/u9VvALkRf1c/s400/photo+Boys+room.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Boys' Playroom</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4y12daFgM9k/UlwxjIUX_DI/AAAAAAAADfg/-XgBjrPl26Y/s1600/photo+Playroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4y12daFgM9k/UlwxjIUX_DI/AAAAAAAADfg/-XgBjrPl26Y/s400/photo+Playroom.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We will be doing the master bedroom before too long. It turns out we over calculated and ended up with five extra boxes of flooring. We only need about two more boxes and baseboards to do the master. I am so excited for the boys to see the flooring when they return home. They will be able to drive their trucks and cars anywhere now.</div>
Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-70066206730950136372013-09-26T11:22:00.001-07:002013-09-26T11:22:17.712-07:00Paper Plate and Rock TurtlesSunday night I set the boys up at the kitchen table and we painted some turtles. It all started with a huge ziploc baggie I have full of little pea rocks that Joshua has brought home from school in his pockets for me. They are his little treasures, his little gifts to mommy, something that makes me nearly cry when he gives them to me, because I know that during the day he is thinking about me.<br />
We took two little paper plates and painted them brown/tan. then I put a bunch of glue on them and the boys picked out rocks and put them onto the glue. I then took some green paper and cut out heads, legs, and tails. The boys had a blast. It was fun to watch them with their crafts.<br />
<div align="center">
Getting their turtle shells painted</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z53wXl4wi9E/UkR3O0rgr9I/AAAAAAAADdk/PMJx4cfeR2w/s1600/photo+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z53wXl4wi9E/UkR3O0rgr9I/AAAAAAAADdk/PMJx4cfeR2w/s320/photo+8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Joshua painting away</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YkzxpCk--n0/UkR3zz05jOI/AAAAAAAADds/XL9ZcShvj-4/s1600/photo+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YkzxpCk--n0/UkR3zz05jOI/AAAAAAAADds/XL9ZcShvj-4/s320/photo+9.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Matthew painting away</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V8uUu5t3l08/UkR4f9KhCwI/AAAAAAAADd0/DzKNyLugJRI/s1600/photo+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V8uUu5t3l08/UkR4f9KhCwI/AAAAAAAADd0/DzKNyLugJRI/s320/photo+10.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Putting on the rocks</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pd7ROkoKKe0/UkR4rE5fDJI/AAAAAAAADd8/PS1TNcAfypk/s1600/photo+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pd7ROkoKKe0/UkR4rE5fDJI/AAAAAAAADd8/PS1TNcAfypk/s320/photo+11.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1i6vIFePYE/UkR41eqHORI/AAAAAAAADeE/2x-pjw2gKCk/s1600/photo+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1i6vIFePYE/UkR41eqHORI/AAAAAAAADeE/2x-pjw2gKCk/s320/photo+12.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Matthew with his finished turtle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-Rgu2HlWv8/UkR49323bFI/AAAAAAAADeM/EHDL8SMyITU/s320/photo+13.JPG" width="240" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Joshua with his finished turtle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-502nfX3qzNM/UkR5L-li2QI/AAAAAAAADeU/VKDdtRU9ssk/s1600/photo+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-502nfX3qzNM/UkR5L-li2QI/AAAAAAAADeU/VKDdtRU9ssk/s320/photo+14.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The turtles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXbv6w-l_cE/UkR5cA2L11I/AAAAAAAADec/gW9hUjE9r1k/s1600/photo+15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXbv6w-l_cE/UkR5cA2L11I/AAAAAAAADec/gW9hUjE9r1k/s320/photo+15.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTXb0bNAwhc/UkR6TsUct8I/AAAAAAAADeo/uSPwb37vb9Y/s1600/photo+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTXb0bNAwhc/UkR6TsUct8I/AAAAAAAADeo/uSPwb37vb9Y/s320/photo+16.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was one of the easiest projects and they enjoyed every minute of it. I loved that I didn't have to do a whole lot of direction. I think what helped was putting paper down on the table...a bit less stress about where the paint was going to end up. Notice they started with shirts...I had them stop and take them off...didn't want to get paint on their nice school shirts.</div>
Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-20220469616329327762013-08-22T07:50:00.001-07:002013-08-22T07:50:34.019-07:00Taco Pizzahttp://theromanhousehold.blogspot.com/Here is another keeper recipe. The boys ate it up and Daddy went back for seconds if that means anything at all. It was super quick to make and had quite a bit of flavor and yumminess to it. A definite quick meal on those weekdays when you get home a little later than usual or you just are unsure what to make.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wVQf4LIXgeE/UhYj0-Gc73I/AAAAAAAADbs/aIm72OHBnZs/s1600/1230002_476692529093519_668741344_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wVQf4LIXgeE/UhYj0-Gc73I/AAAAAAAADbs/aIm72OHBnZs/s320/1230002_476692529093519_668741344_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wVQf4LIXgeE/UhYj0-Gc73I/AAAAAAAADbs/aIm72OHBnZs/s1600/1230002_476692529093519_668741344_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Taco Pizza</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u>Ingredients</u>:</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 can pizza dough (can be found near the biscuits section at the store)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 can refried beans</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 lb ground beef/turkey</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 cups shredded cheese - Mexican blend</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 can sliced olives</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 roma tomato</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
shredded lettuce</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 onion, chopped</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><u>Directions</u>:</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. Preheat oven to 400F</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. Open pizza dough and spread over greased cookie sheet. Cook for about 3-5 minutes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. Brown ground beef/turkey and onions, drain.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. Heat up refried beans and spread over warm pizza dough.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. Add ground beef/turkey, onions ontop. Then sprinkle with cheese, olives, tomato, lettuce and more cheese.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6. Bake again for about 2-3 minutes or until cheese has melted.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
7. Remove from oven and cut and serve. We cut ours into 8 squares.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8. Add sour cream and guacamole if desired.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Enjoy!!!</div>
Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-32289732942585133102013-08-21T14:13:00.001-07:002013-08-21T14:13:37.169-07:00My OfficeHere is a glimpse of my office spot. It got a bit of a remake today from one of my co-workers. I'm a little OCD about things and the cords running all over my desk has been eating at me for a while now, but there wasn't a solution and believe me I'd tried to find one. Then I walked by another co-workers desk and had to turn around to do a double take...I wanted that set up. The computers where out on the side and the cords were all tied up and hidden away. <br />
Now I think I just need a plant or two to adorn the desk or flowers...yeah, flowers would be good. I'd take a delivery of flowers anyday. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TwlPVkmirQg/UhUsOL1DzrI/AAAAAAAADaQ/K0e6AtFhhAQ/s1600/1019775_10201163833718533_674786638_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TwlPVkmirQg/UhUsOL1DzrI/AAAAAAAADaQ/K0e6AtFhhAQ/s320/1019775_10201163833718533_674786638_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
After<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uOgw7Ng2_3w/UhUshOOqGaI/AAAAAAAADaY/lnyD1GEYJ0k/s1600/1081163_10201638214617759_1787707262_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uOgw7Ng2_3w/UhUshOOqGaI/AAAAAAAADaY/lnyD1GEYJ0k/s320/1081163_10201638214617759_1787707262_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Whole Space (I sit on the right side)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBjIIgGVtWY/UhUtW8c5qEI/AAAAAAAADak/gGNQu8QuLms/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBjIIgGVtWY/UhUtW8c5qEI/AAAAAAAADak/gGNQu8QuLms/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-78575380481369948612013-08-18T20:30:00.000-07:002013-08-22T07:41:05.983-07:00"God's Word is Truth" District Convention - Day ThreeWe finished up the Convention a week later than planned since both boys got sick on the second day. Matthew still wasn't quite completely well by Sunday so Joshua and I went. Let me tell you...he did amazing. He practically slept the whole first half of the convention so he could watch the Drama and hear about the new release just for little ones. <br />
<div align="center">
Before heading out...my big boy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WTreVnMIjo/UhYf1eyPQ3I/AAAAAAAADa0/qnuKya4LxdU/s1600/IMG_6783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WTreVnMIjo/UhYf1eyPQ3I/AAAAAAAADa0/qnuKya4LxdU/s320/IMG_6783.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mommy and Joshua</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ovQ_OekjUi0/UhYgjpkl6uI/AAAAAAAADa8/OaxoptkGjHY/s1600/IMG_6784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ovQ_OekjUi0/UhYgjpkl6uI/AAAAAAAADa8/OaxoptkGjHY/s320/IMG_6784.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Having a snack before sessions start</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PLn2vqU8Kpk/UhYho7orSMI/AAAAAAAADbI/Ni54DkMybrM/s1600/IMG_6788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PLn2vqU8Kpk/UhYho7orSMI/AAAAAAAADbI/Ni54DkMybrM/s320/IMG_6788.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At lunch we got pictures with his buddy, Javen</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FQ0WBkcq7Ig/UhYhxjHPq8I/AAAAAAAADbQ/iO9Bg6_xQ2U/s1600/IMG_6792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FQ0WBkcq7Ig/UhYhxjHPq8I/AAAAAAAADbQ/iO9Bg6_xQ2U/s320/IMG_6792.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another picture with Mommy at the Convention</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ty9tqlX_JU/UhYiNG7JolI/AAAAAAAADbg/S7YBiDhQmJU/s1600/IMG_6791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ty9tqlX_JU/UhYiNG7JolI/AAAAAAAADbg/S7YBiDhQmJU/s320/IMG_6791.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He was so excited about his new brochure...we studied the first three articles already</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-payGHCqmi2Y/UhYiFZWyIbI/AAAAAAAADbY/4I-T17kN-js/s1600/IMG_6796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-payGHCqmi2Y/UhYiFZWyIbI/AAAAAAAADbY/4I-T17kN-js/s320/IMG_6796.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, the Convention was amazing as always each year. We had a blast and got some much needed spiritual food. Quite a bit of advice to apply in our daily lives and with raising our boys to be brought up in Jehovah's organization and to be wonderful brothers.</div>
Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-58412035776949066792013-08-10T20:30:00.000-07:002013-08-15T10:32:57.963-07:00"God's Word is Truth" District Convention - Day TwoDay two of the Convention was just as great as the first. Joshua wanted to sit up in the higher seats so we sat up in the green seat section and it was perfect. He was very specific that he sit in #4 because that is how old he is. <br />
I was able to catch a lot of the talks and can't wait to start applying many of the points in our lives. I look forward to day three.<br />
<div align="center">
The boys before we headed out</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8Hpx_VXfSg/Ug0NP1OCSOI/AAAAAAAADYo/zpfZyjWGR9Q/s1600/IMG_6702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8Hpx_VXfSg/Ug0NP1OCSOI/AAAAAAAADYo/zpfZyjWGR9Q/s320/IMG_6702.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
Joshua has been given the task of wheeling in the lunch...which he takes very seriously</div>
<div align="center">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ijz8RkCRMV4/Ug0OsKJWOHI/AAAAAAAADY4/MGPLSrjHuE4/s1600/IMG_6703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ijz8RkCRMV4/Ug0OsKJWOHI/AAAAAAAADY4/MGPLSrjHuE4/s320/IMG_6703.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Matthew asked Daddy to sit down by him</div>
<div align="center">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MfwOkKQkn3k/Ug0O5c0FBcI/AAAAAAAADZA/a0_9QtZOcJI/s1600/IMG_6705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MfwOkKQkn3k/Ug0O5c0FBcI/AAAAAAAADZA/a0_9QtZOcJI/s320/IMG_6705.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We had 33 baptized today</div>
<div align="center">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5rnZONu-XW0/Ug0PGR74RLI/AAAAAAAADZI/B9awAgIse9I/s1600/IMG_6708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5rnZONu-XW0/Ug0PGR74RLI/AAAAAAAADZI/B9awAgIse9I/s320/IMG_6708.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My friend Jazmine...we met over two years ago in the nursing room at the Special Assembly in Rosenberg. Her little boy Noah is 3. I finally nailed down contact info so we could get together.</div>
<div align="center">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TiP06ohjiHU/Ug0PQpnc85I/AAAAAAAADZQ/Ie4g2US3MKs/s1600/IMG_6711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TiP06ohjiHU/Ug0PQpnc85I/AAAAAAAADZQ/Ie4g2US3MKs/s320/IMG_6711.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Joshua, Noah, and Matthew playing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZhrhtfZUsY/Ug0PdWT5QNI/AAAAAAAADZY/e2tPVcfSax0/s1600/IMG_6713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZhrhtfZUsY/Ug0PdWT5QNI/AAAAAAAADZY/e2tPVcfSax0/s320/IMG_6713.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
Sitting on the stairs having a drink before sessions</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7Kkk7zvg2w/Ug0Poh4qDyI/AAAAAAAADZg/jqMECB-BJ-E/s1600/IMG_6715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7Kkk7zvg2w/Ug0Poh4qDyI/AAAAAAAADZg/jqMECB-BJ-E/s320/IMG_6715.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
Matthew did not want Mommy to be away from him</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qUdJilw3rpw/Ug0P4NUmOoI/AAAAAAAADZo/LIinb03IB60/s1600/IMG_6716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qUdJilw3rpw/Ug0P4NUmOoI/AAAAAAAADZo/LIinb03IB60/s320/IMG_6716.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
Big Smiles</div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_wX0yus8GGE/Ug0QBwAophI/AAAAAAAADZw/4bHNj3em8Ho/s1600/IMG_6719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_wX0yus8GGE/Ug0QBwAophI/AAAAAAAADZw/4bHNj3em8Ho/s320/IMG_6719.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxBeKqaUYyI/Ug0QKEfrgQI/AAAAAAAADZ4/GRsS9xWM6zE/s1600/IMG_6720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxBeKqaUYyI/Ug0QKEfrgQI/AAAAAAAADZ4/GRsS9xWM6zE/s320/IMG_6720.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
Joshua hugging his new book close</div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KEyTsgJ2d1Y/Ug0QWGsA7LI/AAAAAAAADaA/Iug2C2UldeU/s1600/IMG_6724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KEyTsgJ2d1Y/Ug0QWGsA7LI/AAAAAAAADaA/Iug2C2UldeU/s320/IMG_6724.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Day two ended with the boys sleeping through nearly the entire second half. We went home with Matthew not feeling good and later that night developed a huge fever. We will have to go to the following weeks Convention to finish ours with Day Three.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-17394062654094695632013-08-09T20:30:00.000-07:002013-08-12T08:42:01.088-07:00"God's Word is Truth" District Convention - Day OneOur District Convention is here. <br />
Today we got up, had breakfast, got dressed and gathered our bags...this year not as much as previously...each boy had a small backpack containing their coloring book, crayons, notebook, blanket and in Matthew's diapers and wipes. I had just my purse and the cooler. Let me tell you this was the way to do it. The boys were excited about their bags and having their own backpacks made them responsible for their own items. <br />
This year was a huge improvement over last year where I was up and down most of the time and to the point of having one of the attendants come and tell me he asked his younger sister to come sit with me to help out. This year...not a peep and even had so many of those sitting around us come and tell me that the boys were so well behaved and it was a pleasure to see them being so quiet and attentive. I can only imagine next year being even better, especially as Joshua starts to recognize words and we can do the tally marks in the notebooks for the key words to the Convention/Assemby/specific talks.<br />
<div align="center">
Here we are all ready to head out</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5b1MwDZre0/Ugj8_b9OFuI/AAAAAAAADXg/DHLXTupq6-M/s1600/IMG_6725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5b1MwDZre0/Ugj8_b9OFuI/AAAAAAAADXg/DHLXTupq6-M/s320/IMG_6725.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
This is my new favorite picture...my little boys all dressed up</div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yuCVnfoHH9M/Ugj9eTzAs4I/AAAAAAAADXo/d2C6ejKLbM8/s1600/IMG_6682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yuCVnfoHH9M/Ugj9eTzAs4I/AAAAAAAADXo/d2C6ejKLbM8/s320/IMG_6682.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
Matthew sitting in his seat...just as happy as could be</div>
<div align="center">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-roOKcGxZIfI/UgkA6QYTZWI/AAAAAAAADX4/pTB5JOh9n1s/s1600/IMG_6688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-roOKcGxZIfI/UgkA6QYTZWI/AAAAAAAADX4/pTB5JOh9n1s/s320/IMG_6688.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
The boys walking back to the auditorium after putting the cooler in the car</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WEq3eoXHdnY/UgkBP390SYI/AAAAAAAADYA/8UUYlogzVfU/s1600/IMG_6693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WEq3eoXHdnY/UgkBP390SYI/AAAAAAAADYA/8UUYlogzVfU/s320/IMG_6693.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="left">
Then after sessions we found out that after this lovely picture I had dropped my car key and Joshua was so worried that we would have to walk home. As always, we walked back in and went to Lost and Found...sure enough there was my key. Joshua was so happy and I was elated, especially unsure of where I dropped it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My beautiful big boy, Joshua, posing with the stage behind.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCzEE0slNSE/UgkBaaObfuI/AAAAAAAADYI/60WVgNwsfQY/s1600/IMG_6695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCzEE0slNSE/UgkBaaObfuI/AAAAAAAADYI/60WVgNwsfQY/s320/IMG_6695.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Joshua stood in the aisle to watch the drama...which had me crying.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlKuSuFDllM/UgkBkRENThI/AAAAAAAADYQ/54POb31jYdk/s1600/IMG_6697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlKuSuFDllM/UgkBkRENThI/AAAAAAAADYQ/54POb31jYdk/s320/IMG_6697.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then the drive home...after an hour to get out of the parking lot and another hour to get home the boys were tired.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UqlnEn0PFsI/UgkBvlW1B8I/AAAAAAAADYY/zOFq6zQmAGM/s1600/IMG_6698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UqlnEn0PFsI/UgkBvlW1B8I/AAAAAAAADYY/zOFq6zQmAGM/s320/IMG_6698.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am so proud of how wonderful the day went. Tomorrow is Day Two and I pray it will be just as wonderful as today.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-69326668439345440472013-08-05T11:51:00.002-07:002013-08-05T11:51:18.323-07:00Preparing for SchoolworkI really want to keep things organized in our new home. I'm learning little by little what we can live without and what we can't. Everything is still an adjustment having moved from a two thousand square foot home into a twelve hundred square foot home and trying to shove everything in. We don't have a garage or attic to store things so it has to all fit somehow. Needless to say this is one idea that I found on Pinterest from <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2010/11/school-paperwork-storage.html" target="_blank">I Heart Organizing</a>, that I really loved. I would love to have my report cards and class pictures to this day, but the only one I have is the first half of Kindergarten. So, I want to organize all the important papers for them to have and do with when they get older. I don't really scrapbook much, even though I would love to, but everythime I pull things out they get messed with because the boys want to know what I'm doing so I get lost with the ideas that I wanted. Anyway, this is perfect and I have it all organized up so that when Joshua starts pre-school in two weeks his box will all be set up and ready for papers. I do keep a couple scrapbooks around to collect their more precious art projects that can't be scanned.<br />
<br />
To start I purchased the bins (I had one already), I had the hanging folders and manilla folders on hand, as well as the labels, and I printed up the form to go into the folder to hold their pictures and yearly information.<br />
<br />
I took some scrapbook paper that fit each boys personality and then used some cardstock letters I had to spell out their names, laminated them, and then zip tied them to the bins. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yal3UDdbYOs/Uf_vvO2nctI/AAAAAAAADWU/VsnWLMSO5Y4/s1600/photo+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yal3UDdbYOs/Uf_vvO2nctI/AAAAAAAADWU/VsnWLMSO5Y4/s320/photo+6.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSwGP-uiyds/Uf_wi9o4xYI/AAAAAAAADWg/no3c7K5TKww/s1600/photo+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSwGP-uiyds/Uf_wi9o4xYI/AAAAAAAADWg/no3c7K5TKww/s320/photo+7.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4XhUYxDD4w/Uf_yA_mnmkI/AAAAAAAADWw/7NCownPZ_zk/s1600/photo+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4XhUYxDD4w/Uf_yA_mnmkI/AAAAAAAADWw/7NCownPZ_zk/s320/photo+8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the labels I just used a little diploma and then wrote out each grade and then placed the printout into the folders.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v11xXKtzqlo/Uf_y3lgyoQI/AAAAAAAADXA/4PfTc8DfL5A/s1600/photo+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v11xXKtzqlo/Uf_y3lgyoQI/AAAAAAAADXA/4PfTc8DfL5A/s320/photo+9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FYNDRqGDRXE/Uf_zKBNYQSI/AAAAAAAADXI/J1VTpDfHmyk/s1600/photo+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FYNDRqGDRXE/Uf_zKBNYQSI/AAAAAAAADXI/J1VTpDfHmyk/s320/photo+10.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I placed them in the playroom closet on the shelf so I could access them easily. The years will only get busier so I want to stay as on top of it from the start as I can. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lgNRd9wD850/Uf_zfof1xnI/AAAAAAAADXQ/B1j5zGD7594/s1600/photo+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lgNRd9wD850/Uf_zfof1xnI/AAAAAAAADXQ/B1j5zGD7594/s320/photo+11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The next project will be a station to hang their backpacks and a spot to post important papers/schedules for school. That is going to take some thought since again it's a small home and I will need to find the perfect wall for it to go onto. <br />Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-8846316712296994712013-07-18T08:38:00.006-07:002013-07-18T08:38:55.266-07:00Growing So FastMost people know that I always have pictures of my two boys together. They are literally two peas in a pod. They are growing up so fast as well. Joshua is looking more and more like a little man and we love to hear his conversations. Matthew is becoming a little boy as opposed to a baby. <br />
<div align="center">
Here are two pictures from when they were younger...Matthew was brand new</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy6GcRGFWtc/UegLma_NkoI/AAAAAAAADVM/JDA80eFMfHk/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy6GcRGFWtc/UegLma_NkoI/AAAAAAAADVM/JDA80eFMfHk/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zcq0jq-4q4U/UegLp04No5I/AAAAAAAADVU/DE21FwFo6F4/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zcq0jq-4q4U/UegLp04No5I/AAAAAAAADVU/DE21FwFo6F4/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And here they are now...at 4.5yrs and 2.5yrs of age.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nOFij7_id2Q/UegL1WGMhnI/AAAAAAAADVc/0JnNw8RrvZY/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nOFij7_id2Q/UegL1WGMhnI/AAAAAAAADVc/0JnNw8RrvZY/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-znDbMiPTwd8/UegL6VQ7DKI/AAAAAAAADVk/GY1KzIpvpeE/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-znDbMiPTwd8/UegL6VQ7DKI/AAAAAAAADVk/GY1KzIpvpeE/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-71187383083641254102013-07-17T14:27:00.000-07:002013-07-17T14:27:01.160-07:00Elgin's Western Days FestivalEvery year Elgin hosts a Western Days Festival. It is a week long event and we go, because well, it's been fun. There is a parade that goes down the street (which we missed this year). <br />
<div align="center">
Joshua petting the Camel</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_NDhICWdEo/UecKWnbPg1I/AAAAAAAADUE/E9WSN7x61S8/s1600/photo+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_NDhICWdEo/UecKWnbPg1I/AAAAAAAADUE/E9WSN7x61S8/s320/photo+7.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
Both boys petting the little kangaroo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m43XcAgexy8/UecKnGeUGXI/AAAAAAAADUM/cyscuTFPZ1Y/s1600/photo+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m43XcAgexy8/UecKnGeUGXI/AAAAAAAADUM/cyscuTFPZ1Y/s320/photo+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went to the Carnival section and they were both large enough to ride the rides this year, which is a huge plus since Matthew wasn't able to last year and he wanted to join Joshua so badly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Joshua in a Mustang, because it was orange.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GIpbM7fvVo4/UecK75qcn6I/AAAAAAAADUU/-yFMrxp9llc/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GIpbM7fvVo4/UecK75qcn6I/AAAAAAAADUU/-yFMrxp9llc/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Matthew's is my favorite because he is sitting in the back seat with his arm up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aNrFffiPMZ8/UecLOCW9MDI/AAAAAAAADUc/wgZxhDLSh1k/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aNrFffiPMZ8/UecLOCW9MDI/AAAAAAAADUc/wgZxhDLSh1k/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then they rode a motorcycle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uj1N2-EpMwc/UecLgMh0u6I/AAAAAAAADUk/Ov2gMgUEUrQ/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uj1N2-EpMwc/UecLgMh0u6I/AAAAAAAADUk/Ov2gMgUEUrQ/s320/photo+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-anV6J2CPBPg/UecLlvFqk5I/AAAAAAAADUs/3Rh3j9sOfkw/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-anV6J2CPBPg/UecLlvFqk5I/AAAAAAAADUs/3Rh3j9sOfkw/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then was the roller coaster. I love how Matthew is smiling and Joshua is holding on for dear life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xr95mujd7D4/UecL10CKc6I/AAAAAAAADU8/L921EmUi7vk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xr95mujd7D4/UecL10CKc6I/AAAAAAAADU8/L921EmUi7vk/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As we were leaving they had a balloon snake made.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btbwILXOTEI/UecLtzgiJII/AAAAAAAADU0/DZAWsha6080/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btbwILXOTEI/UecLtzgiJII/AAAAAAAADU0/DZAWsha6080/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a blast even though it was extremely hot...it always is every year...and we keep coming back. </div>
Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-70650332997691992442013-07-05T05:54:00.000-07:002013-07-05T05:54:15.865-07:00Round Rock Express GameOne awesome detail about my job is that they are a huge sponsor for our local Minor League Baseball team here...Round Rock Express, which in turn means regularly getting free tickets and the company renting out the pool area at the baseball park so families can come and have fun, watch the game, have some food, and just plan have some good clean fun.<br />
<br />
So a few weeks ago I was able to snag some tickets to a game in which the pool area was being rented. It is hot here and it was an awesome idea to spend some time in the pool while watching the game. The boys had an amazing time. I think they turned into little fish while in the water nearly the whole evening. Matthew surprised us with how calmly he would just float away from the ledge with his swimmies on and just float out towards the center of the pool. He loved when I helped him onto his stomach and would try to swim. He will do wonderfully in swim classes...Joshua on the other hand is terrified of letting go of the side even with swimmies.<br />
<br />
So, without much further ado...here are some pictures of last nights game.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gPwbS-Hi-Eg/Uda_0P9Yj3I/AAAAAAAADTU/twCiMRkRres/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gPwbS-Hi-Eg/Uda_0P9Yj3I/AAAAAAAADTU/twCiMRkRres/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8SfmiB6M2hY/UdbAbQ7_0VI/AAAAAAAADTc/MVvf-u2RpMc/s1600/photo+2(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KBSXSWXngI/UdbAjZD6rzI/AAAAAAAADTo/Z0L4XPUn_y4/s1600/photo+1%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KBSXSWXngI/UdbAjZD6rzI/AAAAAAAADTo/Z0L4XPUn_y4/s320/photo+1%25282%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KBSXSWXngI/UdbAjZD6rzI/AAAAAAAADTk/RE0iWhnEGaY/s1600/photo+1(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8SfmiB6M2hY/UdbAbQ7_0VI/AAAAAAAADTg/jLAIj56RUfw/s320/photo+2%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uble8Aac128/UdbA6UMuiCI/AAAAAAAADTw/oi7dCgp5j9Q/s1600/1059966_10201318231978393_1772286321_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uble8Aac128/UdbA6UMuiCI/AAAAAAAADTw/oi7dCgp5j9Q/s320/1059966_10201318231978393_1772286321_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--A09wcyU2XM/UdbA_2yEq6I/AAAAAAAADT0/oMvMzU8CNSg/s640/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--A09wcyU2XM/UdbA_2yEq6I/AAAAAAAADT0/oMvMzU8CNSg/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
We definitely look forward to another game before the season ends. It was so much fun, especially since we hadn't been since before Matthew was born so this was his first game.</div>
<br />Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-38296220536444789592013-06-28T10:07:00.005-07:002013-07-05T05:35:27.204-07:00Becoming a Working MomWhile being a stay-at-home mom was still work...I have now ventured out to work outside of the home. I have just finished my third week of working and while I enjoy it I still miss my boys dearly. One joyful aspect is hearing them tell me about what they did that day...the slip-n-slide, the story time, the different stations, what they ate, which usually ends up being a tale from Joshua about another PB&J sandwich, which I know isn't the case. <br />
<br />
I love the drawings and paintings that get brought home from school. It is amazing to get something from them that you weren't involved in creating. Joshua loves to surprise me with little rocks. He empties at least a dozen out of his pocked each night for me. I think I may make a coaster out of them to put my tea pot onto. Speaking of tea pot...I should bring one to work so I can drink my loose leaf tea in the morning. <br />
<br />
My days are so much more relaxing...in a different way. I don't have to leave the house until almost seven in the morning so I have time to do some dishes and light pick up before getting the boys ready to go. I'm usually back home around five fourty-five in the evening. I make up dinner and then it's bath time for the boys and then story time or play time with their little toys in the playroom, but it's all about settle down, calm down, quiet time at the end of the day. They are adjusting so well. I love that I can sit down and spend quality time with them as opposed to the quantity of time I spend with them, which was starting to be a big factor for me. I spent a great deal of time with them, but had started to feel like the quality of it was lacking. I ran out of things to keep them entertained for hours on end. Now I can spend quality time coloring with them, reading their bible stories after bath time and just plain old talking time since I can just devote time to them alone.<br />
<br />
Although, last week I needed to stay home with them a couple of days because Joshua was sick and realized that being a stay at home mom is by far harder than going to work all day from my experiences of having done both now. This may not be the case for some moms, but it has been in my little family. While I am still the sole housekeeper and food cooker I have found a way to do it all and work that isn't stressful for me or anyone else in the family. <br />
<br />
Well, there is an update of what is going on at The Roman Household.Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597658855672498719.post-25729484772221467592013-06-03T15:05:00.002-07:002013-06-03T15:05:21.389-07:00First PartyThe boys were invited to their first party ever and let me tell you...I have never seen the boys so excited. Javen and Jude had a dinosaur party and Joshua was so excited that he picked out a dinosaur shirt to wear to the party.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Joshua when he got his party invitation </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33cvzyMi-QE/Ua0RxE-2cBI/AAAAAAAADTA/0FgpTgOekY0/s1600/899251_10200884964746983_63956829_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33cvzyMi-QE/Ua0RxE-2cBI/AAAAAAAADTA/0FgpTgOekY0/s320/899251_10200884964746983_63956829_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Silina (Javen and Jude's mom) outdid her self on this party. It was well put together and the kids were having so much fun. Mine particularly loved the egg hunt. Joshua asked the next day if we were going to Javen's party again...silly boy. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are more pictures of the party<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d7a59344e5459304d54453d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link&partner=smileboxb" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Click to play this Smilebox scrapbook" height="330" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d7a59344e5459304d54453d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none;" width="420" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tbody>
<tr align="center"><td></td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=smileboxb&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><br /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Chavon Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783776189551895641noreply@blogger.com0