HE PROMISED THE REST OF FOREVER!

In the Arms of God!

2009-12-03T22:08:00.003-06:00

Dear Ashley,

Four years ago today you entered this world my darling baby girl. I've never been as overcome with emotions as the day you were born. If I could of made time stand still and held you forever I would of never put you down. But God had other plans for you never to have to suffer in this world. I can not put into words the desperation I felt having to leave the hospital without you. I stood looking out the window crying to God...why? There below my window was the statue that has probably stood since the hospital was built but for me, it was put there JUST for me. Jesus standing with his arms stretched out. I gave you my little girl up before I got the chance to even know you. I know that you were laid directly into His arms and you have no pain! Just know, you will NEVER be forgotten and we all miss you! Love Mom

Christmas Traditions

2009-11-21T08:31:00.002-06:00

This year has been quite a challenging year in the Belyeu home! The housing industry has dropped and work for Mike has been quite scarce! So this year for Christmas we have decided to return to our roots. My mom always decorates her house from corner to corner with Christmas cheer and it is the one time of the year she bakes (she hates it, must be where I get that from). It has never been about endulging in presents it has been the family time. I am so blessed to have been given such a gift as my wonderful husband Mike. God really knew what he was doing! Mike and I have decided this year to minimize gift giving this year and concentrate more on what lasts, making mememories! We have noticed how much our kids from the oldest down just really want to be with us and value our time! So, the house is decorated as you will see in some pictures. We will start some baking together but, then it is on to entertaining! Natalie told me yesterday she doesn't know Christmas music (bless her heart) so that will be a job for Daddy and Mackenzie to get busy on so we can go caroling. Christmas is about so much more than gifting, take the time to spend loving your families and spending time with them. I would love for friends to share with me some of the traditions they do at Christmas!

Summer is fun....

2009-06-17T22:55:00.003-05:00

I love summer and just relaxing with the kids....they make me laugh when, I don't wanna kill them. LOL!

The many faces of my girls.....

2009-06-10T14:26:00.004-05:00

Just gotta love summer days! Nothing really is expected but oh the way kids find to entertain themselves! : ) Mackenzie and Natalie love playing school using their imagination with pretend pupils and field trips. So funny! While Jacob was home for Josh's graduation he taught Mackenzie the wonderful monkey lips face she is making! Ewww gross!

Josh's Graduation is over....

2009-05-18T20:24:00.003-05:00

I am exhausted, but I have my first high school graduate! Joshua is on to college in the Fall! It was a great week but crazy busy. There was so much family here I felt like a chicken with my head cut off. I was trying to see everyone and still get everything ready and done for Graduation and Josh's Party the next day! It was a great weekend with old friends and family!

He's Back.....

2009-05-09T00:13:00.002-05:00

My baby boy is back for Josh's graduation! Wow, what a hug I got from him. I miss cuddling with him and yes he likes to cuddle even at 6'4" and 225lbs! Don't laugh, you are just jealous! : ) I am hoping that this week is filled with great memories to last because it looks like Jacob won't be here to visit this summer he has a summer job lined up and lots of football! He is being sought after as a junior from Division One schools even though he lives in a small town in Ohio! I am a very proud momma but I mourn the fact that I can not watch him play football anymore!

Thanks Bubba....

2009-04-21T20:45:00.003-05:00

Thank goodness for Josh who loves his baby sister and was willing to assemble her new trike that is super cool but was a big turn off for mom when she opened the box with all those pieces! Nothing was together!!!! Natalie is ready to ride now she went to the park with daddy on her new bike and didn't want to come home! LOL!

My boy is what??? 18, you have got to be kidding me

2009-04-17T09:23:00.005-05:00

Oh my goodness, how can it be..... I think I am more than a little sentimental today. I am sitting here thinking back to all Josh's firsts! He has excelled at so much from; walking at 7 months, learning all his presidents at 4 (thanks Aunt Boochie), memorizing all the books of the Bible just driving to church and back, excelling at ANY sport he participated in (I have the huge case of trophies, plaques and certificates), school has always been a breeze, the drive he has to accomplish and reach his goals, competitiveness that drives him past what he may be capable of!!!!!! I am so proud of the man he has become! I have no idea how to "cut the apron strings" to let him be his own person. But, I know that I will have to start loosening the bow and letting him make decisions for himself and hopefully he will listen to the advice Mom has to offer....I love my boy!

2009-04-17T09:23:00.001-05:00

My 3 girls! LOL!

2009-04-15T11:43:00.004-05:00

Of course when I planned to take Josh's Senior pictures it soon became a family affair! LOL! Someone might of missed out on something so here is who was in attendance other than my subject and photographer....nevermind we all froze but at least Josh didn't sweat!!!! And yes look at that picture of Natalie she IS getting some hair 2 1/2 yrs later!

Josh's Senior Pictures

2009-04-14T00:56:00.003-05:00

I attempted to take Josh's Senior Pictures today! These are just a few. Constructive critism is greatly appreciated!

Easter Day 2009

2009-04-12T13:58:00.002-05:00

Posing for Easter Pictures with Joshua Jay is a nightmare! He is such a pain in my butt can't stop haming it up! These were the best we could do!

City Wide Easter Egg Hunt!

2009-04-11T23:30:00.002-05:00

This has been a great outreach day to our Edmond community. Our church had the privelage of sponsoring the Egg Hunt for our town! 100,000 eggs! Insane hu! You should of seen the kids. Mackenzie got the opportunity to be on the Praise Team and she loves to sing and dance! This was officially Natalie's first hunt so when she picked up her first egg she squealed and jumped up and down then tried to go sit back down! Mackenzie & Dallas jumped right in telling her to keep going and pick up more! The kids had a blast and so did I! Josh got to perform his High School Human Video in front of all those people, it was AWESOME! Sometimes your kids really impress you and make you proud and this was one of those days! Our God is Alive!

Big brother....

2009-04-11T00:08:00.000-05:00

Natalie got such great joy wearing one of Josh's t-shirts to bed last night! When she heard how Mackenzie liked doing it she couldn't get to her Bubba's room fast enough! She is going to miss Josh playing with her at night to unwind, hanging out in his mess he calls a room (but none of the kids seem to mind), wrestling and performing for him. Weekends home from college are going to be priceless....

Bitter Sweet....

2009-04-08T19:17:00.001-05:00

I have spent so many years sitting through practices and watching soccer, wrestling, basketball and football as my boys have grown! This is a bitter sweet year for me. Josh is a Senior and is playing his last season of soccer. It seems like yesterday that the boys starting playing soccer on the same team "Big Blue"! Josh has managed to always keep the number "23". They were such a dynamic duo and hard to stop. Now as they have grown just a little (don't you think), I'm pretty sure they can stand their ground pretty well and may be just a little bit intimidating! So goodbye to Josh's last season of soccer, it has been a great ride! You've made me really proud especially when you just played the game and kept your mouth shut! LOL!

Sunday Family Dinner...

2009-03-22T13:43:00.000-05:00

I am almost embarrased to say this, but today we decided to have a family meal. We actually sat down at our table and the girls were so excited! Natalie kept saying "we are having a happy family". Mackenzie made the brownies all by herself (from a box of course, since I hate baking) and set the table for everyone. Josh was thrilled with the joy of making himself miserable eating too much! Mike and I enjoyed listening to our kids. How come we don't do this more? I cook most of the time we just don't sit at our table as a family! I am convinced that this is going to become a much more practiced routine in our home. I learned so much! What a great day. Now, I need a Sunday afternoon nap!

God has blessed me!

2009-03-16T22:32:00.000-05:00

How did I get so lucky to get two great girls? I am going to learn to be more thankful for the things God has blessed me with! I am going to trap those boys too so I can get pictures of them!

Capture that smile....

2009-03-14T23:51:00.000-05:00

Mackenzie was more than thrilled today to purchase her very first Vera Bradley purse with birthday money and the money she has made with her Spa nights! She was just so proud that she bought it herself (and Mom was so glad I didn't have to pay for it)! I just had to capture the smile because when she is a teenager whining about wanting something I can't afford I can bust out the archives and refer back to that SMILE! LOL! It was a great day in Mac's book of life! : )

Gotta love the 80's, temperature that is....

2009-03-07T20:01:00.000-06:00

Natalie is so hard to get in and out of the house. She is so stubborn she just loves the outdoors and never wants to go back inside. So everyday we have to have a standoff getting into the van to go anywhere because she wants to play outside! God is chuckling because she comes by stubborness quite honestly!!!! I'm blaming it on Mike! ;-)

Fell short this weekend...

2009-03-01T15:13:00.000-06:00

We love soccer why??? Mackenzie's 2000 Academy team played in a Midwest City tournament this weekend and were not able to overcome the cold! I think we may be crazy to play soccer when the wind chill is barely 20 degrees! She has asked her brother Josh to help her to learn how to hip check someone! I have a feeling that Mackenzie's game is about to switch course and it could get ugly for the other team if a 17 year old teaches my sweet little girl to be mean! Better luck next time girls!

Twice the fun!

2009-03-01T09:24:00.000-06:00

My sister came to visit this weekend. Natalie and Savannah were so cute chasing each other and sharing in the love of their beloved Barney! It just amazes me how busy their little minds are. They were perpetual motion the whole time until they drop and boy did they drop hard! If only they could stay this little!!!!

Missed my girls today!

2009-02-22T21:39:00.001-06:00

First, let me say yes that is a kitchen wisk in their hands. AKA microphone. My girls are born to be little rock stars, or so they think! Today they went to Shawnee with Mike to see his parents and spend the day. Unfortunately, I was home with a really sick Josh. I didn't want to leave him here by himself being as sick as he has been. So, I spent the day doing nothing in a very quiet house. Yes I should of gotten things done but it was nice the first few hours and then...I started missing my girls and my hubbie. It was just too quiet. I informed Mackenzie when she arrived back home that I would not let them leave like that again. It is totally different when I am the one that leaves for a afternoon with Leigh or out running. Of course, she said no that isn't fair. Apparently she doesn't like it when I leave her. Oh well, it is a no win situation! But, I got them all back safe and sound and they were Rockin' out like a Rock Star tonight for me! LOL

Still need lots of other stuff...

2009-02-17T18:27:00.000-06:00

This room is really starting to frustrate me. Every time I start a project I think oh, it will just take a couple days. What the heck, am I smokin'? I am done painting the walls, doors and trim and now I need a good day without the help of a two year old to spray all her furniture! My list for what I still need is getting longer instead of shorter! Help deliver me from myself.....

PROGRESS.....

2009-02-13T23:22:00.000-06:00

Mackenzie's room is coming along. I got the walls all painted with a color called Sea Breeze. She was so excited when she came home from school and saw it finally painted. Now I need to decide on what exactly I want to put on her walls. I hope to take everything but her clothes out of her room and only bring back what we want! It is time to reorganize her room once again!

What I love about Mike.....

2009-02-13T18:40:00.000-06:00

I love the way the Lord game me my Mikey!

I love that Mike has given me 3 girls!

I love that he has set a Christian example in our household!

I love that smile that is contagious!

I love that he is such a giver!

I love that he has a beautiful voice!

I love that he works with his hands and has manly hands!

I love that he will do anything I ask of him!

I love to see all the time he spends with his girls!

I love that he has let me be a stay at home mom for our kids!

I started a new job today!

2009-02-11T22:39:00.000-06:00

$100 gift

$50 gift

$25 gift

$25 gift

$50 gift

$50 gift
These are some of the baskets we purchased stuff for and made today. This was my first day working for a new company called Quality Time. The business offers many different services for people that are too busy and need things taken care of for them! At Quality Time, one of the titles I will hold is personal shopper. Today that is what I did! Robin Marsh from Channel 9 is running a segment on the news tomorrow beginning at 6:25am. We were asked to provide gift ideas for Valentines Day in price ranges under $25, $50 and $100. These are some of the ideas that we came up with and are taking to the news station with us! What a great job, to get to shop (something I am obsessed with) and make money doing it! And, did I mention my husband loves me spending someone elses money. LOL! I love my new job!

Good ears!

2009-02-10T22:12:00.000-06:00

I know, you are probably thinking what kind of title is that but it is sufficient. I think that God has given me a gift to listen. It has taken me a long time to learn that listening doesn't always involve talking. I find myself absorbing what people have to say and their struggles and I have come to realize that everyday life is just hard for everyone! It isn't just me! I wish that I could help everyone! I do know that it helps to talk to someone and you don't necessarily have to give any advice. I can honestly say that I feel their pain and I don't even really have to know the details. Sometimes it is just written all over their faces and God gives me my friends burdens to carry. I'm ok with that because the Bible says in Numbers 11:17 "they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not bear it yourself alone."

Spa Night....

2009-02-07T21:49:00.000-06:00

Mackenzie decided to open her own Spa today, and as you can see from her pricing it was too good to pass up! She offers free services on Friday and I missed out on that because I was to busy painting in her room. My girl has got some serious strength in those arms and hands of hers! She is gonna make a great wife someday with how she loves to service people. She has a true servants heart and we are reaping the benefits! : )

Slowly Progressing...

2009-02-06T23:55:00.001-06:00

Mackenzie's room has turned into a huge project! I have painted both her doors, wooden valance, window sill, and all the wainscotting in her room a bright white. I have sense discovered that now I will have to paint every piece of furniture in her room because it looks dingy or slighty off white. How do I get myself into these things. The things that we do for the people we love! I am still waiting on her quilt I ordered to pick her blue color for her walls. Hopefully tomorrow I can get her new 2" blinds installed. So now I guess it is a waiting game and I am not a very patient person I like to make things happen. Everyone that truly knows me knows that when I decide something it is full steam ahead once it is started. So, I won't be backing out now, IT'S TOO LATE!

Natalie's Masterpiece!

2009-02-05T20:54:00.000-06:00

This is what happens when you leave a very mischievious Natalie to fend for herself while you try to paint in Mackenzie's room. She was just so proud of herself and she was calling them her bandaids! Needless to say she did not like it when Momma cleaned up her mess. LOL! Just another day in paradise! To spite Natalie destroying the rest of my house I did get Mackenzie's doors painted and her window valance and sill and half of the wainscotting has it's first coat of paint. I had enough for one day! If you get a chance go to our church website: cathedralofthehills.com and check out the kids Christmas Program. If you click on the demand button it is on the second playlist!

Starting a New Project!

2009-02-04T20:17:00.000-06:00

Mackenzie's room is my new project! I am hoping that posting it in my blog will hurry me along. I thought it would be fun to do before and after pictures. She has decided that she wants to change her room to be "more grown up" and pink is out the window for blue. So, the process is starting and I hope to have it done by her Birthday the 28th of this month! I am not sure I am ready for this tween stuff with girls yet but I am guessing I don't have much choice! : )

Calgon, take me away!

2009-02-02T23:15:00.000-06:00

This is has been one of those Calgon days. From the moment Natalie woke up, I knew that I wanted something to take me away. Sleep depreviation has not done either of us any good. My poor girl was sick through the weekend and hasn't been sleeping well so of course, neither has Mom! That makes for a very short wicked Momma to one 2 year old. So this is going to be my shortest blog yet because I really have nothing good to say except, tomorrow WILL be better!

That is what you call a catch!

2009-02-01T23:12:00.001-06:00

I almost let a day get by me without doing my blog! Sorry, I was side tracked with my Steelers playing in the Super Bowl. Wow, what a game that was. I really wanted it to be a good game but that was almost fatal to my heart! I have loved the Steelers for probably almost 15 years. I just like the program and the incredible defense they play. I know if God hadn't made a little boo boo and made me a girl then that is the kind of football I would of been playing. Something inside me is just green with envy to people that get to play football for a career. I LOVE FOOTBALL!

They Just Might Be The Real Thing...

2009-01-31T20:17:00.000-06:00

Josh is in his Senior Year of high school at Edmond North. He has maintained a very high GPA and has dreams of becoming a Orthopedic Surgeon. Yes, that makes Mom extremly proud and sad that my boy is growning up. Carly is the love of his life and it just might be the real thing. Only time will tell as they grow together. Oh the ups and downs of young love, I NEVER want to go back. Being a teenager is hard enough especially these days. I hope and pray that my sons will make great husbands and fathers. They both have proven to be very romantic and that is a huge plus! It seems so strange to me that every girl my boys date from now on may become my daughter in law. OMG, I am getting so old! :(

What a day...

2009-01-30T19:43:00.000-06:00

The kids finally went back to school after 3 snow days and I wake up to a poor sick baby sleeping in puke (gross I know and not the best way to start a day for mom). Natalie spent almost the whole day laying on her hard floor or on the couch beside me. She couldn't hold anything down until after 11. My friend Alison had picked up a few things for me at the store and when she dropped them off her little boy Ryan who is just a couple weeks older than Natalie had a surprise for her. He brought her purple tulips and "Be My Valentine" Barney DVD. How sweet is that? He was so proud to bring his girl flowers. I wish I had caught him handing her the flowers it was precious! Things seem to be calming down around here thank goodness!

The Dog Everyone Loves, BUT ME!

2009-01-29T20:10:00.000-06:00

I have established that I am just not a dog lover! Boo has been a member of our family since my sister got him for Mackenzie when she was 3. To me, I guess he is just one more thing to take care of but to Mackenzie she seems to think her life would be just awful without her sleep partner! Did I fail to mention that tongue licks everything. Ewww....

Double Trouble...

2009-01-28T23:02:00.000-06:00

These two girls have changed our lives! Mike and I never planned on having kids when we got married. I mean after all he already had two boys 15 & 19 and I had two 6 & 7. But, God had other plans! Mackenzie came into our world 9 months to the day from the day we were married. After we got over the shock, it was just simply amazing to think this little girl just naturally blended our two families together! We suffered a great loss when our little baby Ashley was stillborn at 21 weeks but, God saw fit to send us little Natalie to help heal our hearts because my God is good! So our nights are full of stories, make believe, pony rides, performances, high pitched screams and giggles. And I wouldn't want it any other way!

Finally, a snow day!

2009-01-27T21:06:00.000-06:00

We have waited way too long for a snow day from school. It was really nice to spend the day just hanging out with the girls. Mackenzie and I broke out our scrapbook stuff and Natalie well, she was just in the middle of everything! When we couldn't take it any longer, we bundled up and went outside to enjoy freezing our bums off! Natalie loved licking the snow and trying to catch the big beautiful snowflakes falling. It was a great day!

That was the promise....

2009-01-26T19:16:00.001-06:00

We weren't even looking but the Lord had other plans for us. I met Mike almost ten years ago at Camp Meeting. Neither of us were looking for a relationship but, we had so much in common we developed a friendship that soon changed course. He had a killer smile and such a huge heart how could I not fall in love. I remember when he called me on the phone to see if it was ok for him to come visit and of course I said yes. When he arrived he handed me a CD. I asked him what it was and he told me he had written "ME" a song. I was overwhelmed, "ME"! The title of the song was The Rest of Forever! I was so proud to go to work the next day and share my song with my friends. As my friends listened to the song, they asked me "well, what did you say?" I was like say about what. I told him I loved it and couldn't believe he had written and produced a song just for me. They started laughing, he was asking me to marry him and I was CLUELESS! Well needless to say I was so embarrased that I didn't even bring it up when I saw him. He eventually asked me in person sitting by the pond at Haefer Park and I believe my answer was "YOU BET". I know, I am such a loser but I won that day!