It's the last day of the year.. Dec 31st, 2007. It's time to say good bye to 2007 forever.
It was a good year for us....we are all healthy, living life and trying to fit in some fun.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Forgiveness
Famous Quotes of Forgiveness:
The weak can never forgive - forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
by: Mahatma Gandhi
When you hold resentment toward another you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger then steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free.
By Catherine Ponders
You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who have hurt you and feel the power to wish them well.
By: Lewis B Smedes
F
O
R
G
I
V
E
N
E
S
S
How forgiving are you?
The weak can never forgive - forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
by: Mahatma Gandhi
When you hold resentment toward another you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger then steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free.
By Catherine Ponders
You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who have hurt you and feel the power to wish them well.
By: Lewis B Smedes
F
O
R
G
I
V
E
N
E
S
S
How forgiving are you?
Take this quiz on beliefnet
Just click on the link: http://129.33.230.60/section/quiz/index.asp?sectionID=&surveyID=61
Saturday, December 29, 2007
2008 What I'm Looking Forward to....
What could I possibly look forward to in 2008?
- All my kids in school, all day!! (Logan starts full day kindergarten in the fall of 08)
- More free time for me, during the day.
- Using my free time to work more and earn more.
- Travel more with kids
- Summer (pool, sunshine, lakes, swimming, boating, just being outside again)
- Maybe losing those darn 20 pounds!
- Being Healthy (getting rid of a bad habit and stop drinking diet Pepsi)
- Keeping only positive/good people in my life!!!!
- Forgiving and moving on with life...
-Living life, being happy, and being in the moment!
What are you looking forward to in 08?
- All my kids in school, all day!! (Logan starts full day kindergarten in the fall of 08)
- More free time for me, during the day.
- Using my free time to work more and earn more.
- Travel more with kids
- Summer (pool, sunshine, lakes, swimming, boating, just being outside again)
- Maybe losing those darn 20 pounds!
- Being Healthy (getting rid of a bad habit and stop drinking diet Pepsi)
- Keeping only positive/good people in my life!!!!
- Forgiving and moving on with life...
-Living life, being happy, and being in the moment!
What are you looking forward to in 08?
Family Party 2007/08
We are off to Laurie's house for a night of family fun. The last 2 years we have been getting together with all the Nelson's to celebrate the New Year. This year we are doing it a little early. (photos to follow).
Maybe just maybe I'll break down and pay to upload photos to my blog pages. It's just not the same having to upload them to another site for viewing. I'll have to think about it???
Maybe just maybe I'll break down and pay to upload photos to my blog pages. It's just not the same having to upload them to another site for viewing. I'll have to think about it???
Friday, December 28, 2007
Why Parents Secretly Favor One Child Over Another
Why Parents Secretly or not so Secretly Favor One Child Over Another
Parents began favoring one child over another the day when the not-so favored child decided to go against the rules not once, not twice, but as many times as they could to get what they wanted, make a statement, or show parents when their wrong in their judgments. Controlling adults who become parents don't take to kindly to this behavior and will punish the child, at times, severely. The hardheaded, stubborn, strong-willed, defiant and many other words used to describe this challenging child was why secretly, parents gave up on the battles with him or her and began to favor the easy-going, obedient, and respectful child. This is a sad truth! As much as parents say they love all their children the same, the reality is they don't. They love their children differently based on the personality that they have noticed within each of their children. John will receive tough love because he challenges authority and David will receive a gentler love because he doesn't put up a challenge. As both children become older, tasks are given to them and they are expected to follow instructions and make mom and dad proud. However, the child who prefers to question authority before he completes his task is met with a frown from defeated parents who have grown weary of John's "smart mouth, mess ups" etc. So he makes a decision not to even do the task - "Why bother, my parents don't expect me to do it right anyway?" However, the favored child completes the task and doesn't let the parents' attitude or his sibling's objections affect what needs to be done. Moments like these are repeated over time, with parents asking that the room be cleaned to taking out the trash and parents all the while are judging who is more responsible and ultimately who will win the prize once they are older whether it be college paid for, a trust fund, property left to them, their grandchildren (from the favored sibling) gifts and a host of other rewards. The favored child gets an increase of "brownie points," while the other child is labeled irresponsible and reminded about the past and all the times he or she failed at assigned tasks and didn't follow parent's orders. Could it have been the un-favored child just needed a little more instruction, attention or maybe a simple smile from mom or dad that said, "I have faith in you"?
Now that the children are adults, parents are observing each adult child's behavior closely, because they know the kind of adults their children have become will reflect on whether the parents enabled their successes or failures in life. The favored child has shown a consistent lifestyle with little, if any, fluctuation in it. He or she doesn't seem to waver too far from mom or dad (oftentimes they live in the same home), they seem to be around to help them in whatever way they can -sometimes without being asked. They aren't frivolous with their finances and seem to have stable relationships with everyone around them. Yet, the not so favored child is not coming around the parents often. In fact, they may have moved out of the state/home, against his or her parent's wishes. He or she may not have many stable relationships and enjoys spending money at times more than what the parents would have done when they were his or her age. The parents see their adult child as irresponsible in their eyes. Is the adult child really irresponsible or just different and the parents don't like it because they can't control them? The answer to this question lies with the person going through a similar experience. Even though the parents can remember times when they made similar mistakes, they usually won't admit them, because they want their children to do "as their told" and would like to appear in the best light possible. The favored child is sold on the parent's self-righteous behavior and will continue to make his or herself "look good" in their parents' eyes or face scrutiny (which they don't want to do, because they or their children's children might miss out on some promised reward for being "the good child." ) The least favored child, who has this history of going against parent's wishes, has added more reasons to their parents' list of why they can't be trusted or favored. Whatever the reason, the parents are attempting to justify their unfair practices. Parents believe that irresponsibility is the ultimate reason why the favored child gets what he or she receives and the others don't. When in reality, the parent chose to not like one child over the other, because they used every negative experience as a means not to grow closer together, but further apart. What happened to the concept of looking at the glass half full instead of empty when it comes to raising children?
Why don't parents, utilize the least favored child's defiance, disobedience, and other negative behaviors to understand what needs to be done to steer them in a positive direction and work to achieve the results that will make them productive members of society. Embrace the challenges--embrace the child! In the end, whether parenting is criticized or not by the children, at least parents will know that they really did do the best they could and now it is up to their child to continue to be the best they can. Parents need to remember to watch playing favorites, because they will never know when the favored child will ultimately be the one who lets you down, while the un-favored child maybe the one in your corner.
Parents began favoring one child over another the day when the not-so favored child decided to go against the rules not once, not twice, but as many times as they could to get what they wanted, make a statement, or show parents when their wrong in their judgments. Controlling adults who become parents don't take to kindly to this behavior and will punish the child, at times, severely. The hardheaded, stubborn, strong-willed, defiant and many other words used to describe this challenging child was why secretly, parents gave up on the battles with him or her and began to favor the easy-going, obedient, and respectful child. This is a sad truth! As much as parents say they love all their children the same, the reality is they don't. They love their children differently based on the personality that they have noticed within each of their children. John will receive tough love because he challenges authority and David will receive a gentler love because he doesn't put up a challenge. As both children become older, tasks are given to them and they are expected to follow instructions and make mom and dad proud. However, the child who prefers to question authority before he completes his task is met with a frown from defeated parents who have grown weary of John's "smart mouth, mess ups" etc. So he makes a decision not to even do the task - "Why bother, my parents don't expect me to do it right anyway?" However, the favored child completes the task and doesn't let the parents' attitude or his sibling's objections affect what needs to be done. Moments like these are repeated over time, with parents asking that the room be cleaned to taking out the trash and parents all the while are judging who is more responsible and ultimately who will win the prize once they are older whether it be college paid for, a trust fund, property left to them, their grandchildren (from the favored sibling) gifts and a host of other rewards. The favored child gets an increase of "brownie points," while the other child is labeled irresponsible and reminded about the past and all the times he or she failed at assigned tasks and didn't follow parent's orders. Could it have been the un-favored child just needed a little more instruction, attention or maybe a simple smile from mom or dad that said, "I have faith in you"?
Now that the children are adults, parents are observing each adult child's behavior closely, because they know the kind of adults their children have become will reflect on whether the parents enabled their successes or failures in life. The favored child has shown a consistent lifestyle with little, if any, fluctuation in it. He or she doesn't seem to waver too far from mom or dad (oftentimes they live in the same home), they seem to be around to help them in whatever way they can -sometimes without being asked. They aren't frivolous with their finances and seem to have stable relationships with everyone around them. Yet, the not so favored child is not coming around the parents often. In fact, they may have moved out of the state/home, against his or her parent's wishes. He or she may not have many stable relationships and enjoys spending money at times more than what the parents would have done when they were his or her age. The parents see their adult child as irresponsible in their eyes. Is the adult child really irresponsible or just different and the parents don't like it because they can't control them? The answer to this question lies with the person going through a similar experience. Even though the parents can remember times when they made similar mistakes, they usually won't admit them, because they want their children to do "as their told" and would like to appear in the best light possible. The favored child is sold on the parent's self-righteous behavior and will continue to make his or herself "look good" in their parents' eyes or face scrutiny (which they don't want to do, because they or their children's children might miss out on some promised reward for being "the good child." ) The least favored child, who has this history of going against parent's wishes, has added more reasons to their parents' list of why they can't be trusted or favored. Whatever the reason, the parents are attempting to justify their unfair practices. Parents believe that irresponsibility is the ultimate reason why the favored child gets what he or she receives and the others don't. When in reality, the parent chose to not like one child over the other, because they used every negative experience as a means not to grow closer together, but further apart. What happened to the concept of looking at the glass half full instead of empty when it comes to raising children?
Why don't parents, utilize the least favored child's defiance, disobedience, and other negative behaviors to understand what needs to be done to steer them in a positive direction and work to achieve the results that will make them productive members of society. Embrace the challenges--embrace the child! In the end, whether parenting is criticized or not by the children, at least parents will know that they really did do the best they could and now it is up to their child to continue to be the best they can. Parents need to remember to watch playing favorites, because they will never know when the favored child will ultimately be the one who lets you down, while the un-favored child maybe the one in your corner.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Happy Birthday Tim
December 26th, Tim (Steve's little brother) is celebrating his 31st birthday.
A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIM!!!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas 2007
Santa was here!!!
We all woke up early around 7am. The kids were up first and ran downstairs to find their stockings. We let them open the gifts and then saved the rest of the presents for our company (Steve's parents and brother). Kendra and Paul will be joining us later for more gift opening.
I made a quiche, cinnamon rolls, raspberry coffee cake and Steve made bacon, sausage and fried potatoes for brunch. Next year I'll have to try making something different for more variety.
The kids are busy playing with all their new toys and soon we will be off to Steve's parents house to open more gifts today then back to our house for Christmas dinner.
Have a happy holiday...From the Nelson Family
To View click here: http://lorrainerain.shutterfly.com/action/?a=0AYtG7VqzbOWL0Y¬ag=1
We all woke up early around 7am. The kids were up first and ran downstairs to find their stockings. We let them open the gifts and then saved the rest of the presents for our company (Steve's parents and brother). Kendra and Paul will be joining us later for more gift opening.
I made a quiche, cinnamon rolls, raspberry coffee cake and Steve made bacon, sausage and fried potatoes for brunch. Next year I'll have to try making something different for more variety.
The kids are busy playing with all their new toys and soon we will be off to Steve's parents house to open more gifts today then back to our house for Christmas dinner.
Have a happy holiday...From the Nelson Family
To View click here: http://lorrainerain.shutterfly.com/action/?a=0AYtG7VqzbOWL0Y¬ag=1
Monday, December 24, 2007
Personality Disorder Quiz
Here's the link to this fun personality disorder quiz I found on the web. I took it and scored low in all areas. Bummer... I was really hoping I'd have some type of fun personality disorder...
Try it, you might like it....
http://www.4degreez.com/misc/personality_disorder_test.mv
Try it, you might like it....
http://www.4degreez.com/misc/personality_disorder_test.mv
Princess
Hum... I've never been called "Princess" before by my mother. Not sure if it fits? Doesn't even sound like Lorraine and princess go together?
Lets see:
Definition of PRINCESS: A female member of a royal family other than the queen. (nope, that can't be me unless my mother didn't tell me I was royalty. LOL....)
Princess diseasen: Said of a woman, one or more characteristics ascribed to a princess, such as having a high opinion of one’s self, imperious or haughty behavior, eating disorders, or, in South Korea, a desire for wealth, material goods, or a financially secure marriage.
A high opinion of one's self: (nope..no high opinion of myself).
No eating disorder here: (I'm healthy, I could only wish to have a little eating disorder so I could lose a few pounds).
Haughty behavior: is the onset of narcissism is in infancy, childhood and early adolescence. It is commonly attributed to childhood abuse and trauma inflicted by parents & authority figures, or even peers / siblings) Well, that could be my case in how I was raised. I'll have to think about that one???
My desire for food, shelter and a great marriage: (Well yeah, of course, like everyone else in this world would want!!)
I don't feel like much like a princess while I'm cleaning other peoples houses; ...hand scrubbing their floors, dusting their chandlers and cleaning the toilets. Then again....Maybe it's my hard earned money from working that makes me a princess?
Here's your chance to post comments and weigh in on my princess status or not? I really need all my friends to weigh in on this one.
Thanks..
Lets see:
Definition of PRINCESS: A female member of a royal family other than the queen. (nope, that can't be me unless my mother didn't tell me I was royalty. LOL....)
Princess diseasen: Said of a woman, one or more characteristics ascribed to a princess, such as having a high opinion of one’s self, imperious or haughty behavior, eating disorders, or, in South Korea, a desire for wealth, material goods, or a financially secure marriage.
A high opinion of one's self: (nope..no high opinion of myself).
No eating disorder here: (I'm healthy, I could only wish to have a little eating disorder so I could lose a few pounds).
Haughty behavior: is the onset of narcissism is in infancy, childhood and early adolescence. It is commonly attributed to childhood abuse and trauma inflicted by parents & authority figures, or even peers / siblings) Well, that could be my case in how I was raised. I'll have to think about that one???
My desire for food, shelter and a great marriage: (Well yeah, of course, like everyone else in this world would want!!)
I don't feel like much like a princess while I'm cleaning other peoples houses; ...hand scrubbing their floors, dusting their chandlers and cleaning the toilets. Then again....Maybe it's my hard earned money from working that makes me a princess?
Here's your chance to post comments and weigh in on my princess status or not? I really need all my friends to weigh in on this one.
Thanks..
Christmas Eve
I am so looking forward to having a wonderful Christmas eve with my family; Steve, Kendra, Celina and Logan along with Steve's extended family.
Thank you Tim for inviting us over to your house. We had a wonderful time.
Merry Christmas...photos to follow at:
http://lorrainerain.shutterfly.com/action/?a=0AYtG7VqzbOWLwI¬ag=1
Thank you Tim for inviting us over to your house. We had a wonderful time.
Merry Christmas...photos to follow at:
http://lorrainerain.shutterfly.com/action/?a=0AYtG7VqzbOWLwI¬ag=1
Thursday, December 20, 2007
It's Been A little While..
Yes, yes...it's been a little while since I last posted. I've been busy doing all the holiday stuff. I've tried to do too many Homemade gifts & projects this year. I still have more baking and candy making, crocheting and wrapping paper making etc... The clock is ticking closer to Dec 25th! Time is running out!! Then what will we do with ourselves all winter long????
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Par - Tay
We had a Par -Tay last night of friends/neighbors. Steve made wings & brochetta.
The kids all watched movies late into the night.
Click on the link to see a few photos of the kids...
http://lorrainerain.shutterfly.com/action/?a=0AYtG7VqzbOWLvw¬ag=1
The kids all watched movies late into the night.
Click on the link to see a few photos of the kids...
http://lorrainerain.shutterfly.com/action/?a=0AYtG7VqzbOWLvw¬ag=1
S L E D D I N G
S L E D D I N G FUN!!
I took Celina & Logan with their 2 friends Erin & Erica to the local Elementary School to go sledding. We were pretty much the only ones there.
Click here to see the new photos.
http://lorrainerain.shutterfly.com/action/?a=0AYtG7VqzbOWLt4¬ag=1
I took Celina & Logan with their 2 friends Erin & Erica to the local Elementary School to go sledding. We were pretty much the only ones there.
Click here to see the new photos.
http://lorrainerain.shutterfly.com/action/?a=0AYtG7VqzbOWLt4¬ag=1
Friday, December 14, 2007
Where there's a Will...there is a way!!
Okay.. my new Trick to post photos and not have to pay money to Blogger. Just click on the links and they will take you to my photo album at Shutterfly.com. Not quite as easy as uploading directly to Blogger but free!!!
Preschool Musical Program
Click on the link below to see photos of Logan's preschool musical program.
http://lorrainerain.shutterfly.com/action/?a=0AYtG7VqzbOWLlY¬ag=1
Logan does like to sing!! I could hear him from where we sat. Unfortunately, there was a tall girl in front of Logan blocking my view for most of the program.
http://lorrainerain.shutterfly.com/action/?a=0AYtG7VqzbOWLlY¬ag=1
Logan does like to sing!! I could hear him from where we sat. Unfortunately, there was a tall girl in front of Logan blocking my view for most of the program.
Brownies Holiday Party
Check out the Brownie Holiday Party...click below:
http://brownies2610.shutterfly.com/action/?a=0AYtG7VqzbOWLnQ¬ag=1
http://brownies2610.shutterfly.com/action/?a=0AYtG7VqzbOWLnQ¬ag=1
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Sleepy Santa , Celina & Logan
Checkout photos of Santa and the kids at this website below... Just a click away!!
Tricks
I'm trying to figure out how to still post photos without having to "pay" for it. Seems I've filled up my photo space on blogger and now I must pay to post more photos. I've figured out a way to "cheat" the system for now but can only post one photo at a time. Ugh!!!!
Making things complicated!!
Making things complicated!!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
All I want for Christmas is....
Celina was busy telling Santa all the things she wants for Christmas
Monday, December 10, 2007
I'm A Little Handy Myself!!
Can you see the difference?? 
The grout is done, the grout is done!!!
Yes, this messy stuff is grout, It's dirty, falls all over and it's just plain messy and a royal pain to work with. I have a new appreciation for all of what Steve does to make our home nice. I helped with this "grout" project and hated every moment.
Now for the fun part....Clean up... I really can't wait!!
The grout is done, the grout is done!!!
Yes, this messy stuff is grout, It's dirty, falls all over and it's just plain messy and a royal pain to work with. I have a new appreciation for all of what Steve does to make our home nice. I helped with this "grout" project and hated every moment.
Now for the fun part....Clean up... I really can't wait!!
What no one could use for Christmas... oh so true!!
Top 12 list :
#12 Giving hurtful gifts just to mock
#11 Asking on December 21st. ...Are we exchanging gifts this year?, after I already gave gifts.
#10 A 5 pound bag of black dirt (I'm waiting for my bag of charCOAL I was promised)
#9 A re-gifted gift....That is clearly re-gifted!! Busted!!
#8 Something purchased for themselves, never opened or had no use for at this time.
#7 Being told...I'll get you something on my trip to Mexico in March. (March??)
#6 Clothes, bought by someone else but they didn't like it either so they gave it to you.
#5 nonreturnable items (clearance, discontinued..)
#4 Something bought years ago but just found in the trunk of the car.
#3 On the 24th of December, asking what you want for Christmas (Clearly they were not intending to get you anything or did think of you at all by this point).
#2 Nothing...Nothing...nothing.... (Getting nothing, is sometimes more appropriate then giving someone # 12)
#1 A newly deceased persons purse, socks, gloves, shoes or any other items they no longer could use. (obviously they are dead and your not so it has to go to someone).
If you should get one of these gifts on the top 12 list, just be thankful you have a sense of humor. It's just Christmas after all......It's the time to give thoughtfully and be thankful for what you have...not what you get and forgive.
Merry Christmas!!!
Top 12 list :
#12 Giving hurtful gifts just to mock
#11 Asking on December 21st. ...Are we exchanging gifts this year?, after I already gave gifts.
#10 A 5 pound bag of black dirt (I'm waiting for my bag of charCOAL I was promised)
#9 A re-gifted gift....That is clearly re-gifted!! Busted!!
#8 Something purchased for themselves, never opened or had no use for at this time.
#7 Being told...I'll get you something on my trip to Mexico in March. (March??)
#6 Clothes, bought by someone else but they didn't like it either so they gave it to you.
#5 nonreturnable items (clearance, discontinued..)
#4 Something bought years ago but just found in the trunk of the car.
#3 On the 24th of December, asking what you want for Christmas (Clearly they were not intending to get you anything or did think of you at all by this point).
#2 Nothing...Nothing...nothing.... (Getting nothing, is sometimes more appropriate then giving someone # 12)
#1 A newly deceased persons purse, socks, gloves, shoes or any other items they no longer could use. (obviously they are dead and your not so it has to go to someone).
If you should get one of these gifts on the top 12 list, just be thankful you have a sense of humor. It's just Christmas after all......It's the time to give thoughtfully and be thankful for what you have...not what you get and forgive.
Merry Christmas!!!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Decorating...
It was time to take out the decorations and put up the tree. 
Putting the star up on top!!
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How I Spend My Day??
Logan is a "Social Butterfly" (Especially with the girls). He is very verbal & articulate with a lot of information to share. He is a great helper!! Logan is a pleasure to have in class.
I had to share this cute report from Mrs. Pam, Logan's preschool teacher. Oh are we in trouble when he gets older...he does love the girls!!
I had to share this cute report from Mrs. Pam, Logan's preschool teacher. Oh are we in trouble when he gets older...he does love the girls!!
Monday, December 3, 2007
What I love About Winter
Hot Chocolate & Lots of Whipped Cream
Warm Blankets to Pile on at Night
Sitting by the Fire
Crisp Nights with Fresh Air
Rosy Cheeks
Skiing (cross country & Downhill)
Sledding
Ice Skating
Snow Ball Fights
Building a Snowman
Shoveling Snow
Snow Falling from the sky in Big Chunks
Looking Forward to Summer!
Warm Blankets to Pile on at Night
Sitting by the Fire
Crisp Nights with Fresh Air
Rosy Cheeks
Skiing (cross country & Downhill)
Sledding
Ice Skating
Snow Ball Fights
Building a Snowman
Shoveling Snow
Snow Falling from the sky in Big Chunks
Looking Forward to Summer!
Christmas Carols
Cross Country Skiing
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Sunday Snow Fun
Ethan and Logan playing in the snow mounds.
Logan happy to be playing outside. 
Ethan
Climbing up a big snow mound.
Spaghetti Dinner
Colleen and Jamie (Our neighbors) invited us over for a spaghetti dinner last night. It was yummy!! 
The kids (Celina, Ben Sam and Jack) minus Logan all eating. Logan is my picky eater.... He did sneak some brownies later on. 
Celina and Ben the first ones to sit down and start eating.
After dinner around 8:30pm Colleen and I went to Dana's house (another neighbor) to have wine and cheese until the wee house.
After dinner around 8:30pm Colleen and I went to Dana's house (another neighbor) to have wine and cheese until the wee house.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Sledding
It is a cold, snowy day but the kids couldn't wait to get out and play. Logan tried to sled down the driveway.
Logan's got his new sled, jacket and hat. Orange his favorite color!!
Sledding at the park in our neighborhood. There goes Logan...
Celina climbing up the hill.
Erica racing down the sledding hill.
Celina and Logan coming up the hill.
Celina and Erica
Logan, Danielle and Erin
Erica and Celina making a sled train.
Give us a push... wait I can't see!!
Celina... 
Danielle & Celina
Erin
E
Erin
E Erin
Celina
Danielle
Logan
Logan
Logan sitting at the bottom of the hill
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