tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80790437268540933462012-01-21T11:57:05.337-05:00Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.comBlogger1671100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-78243117193059998012012-01-20T14:54:00.035-05:002012-01-20T17:04:40.169-05:00

My girls have been enjoying little tea parties with my mom...they get to use pretty tea cups and add their own milk and sugar. They snack on shortbread cookies or "crumpets." It's a wonderful memory I know they will always treasure. So when my younger daughter asked for a tea party-themed 6th birthday party, I was not surprised, and I was quite delighted! Right away, I began looking up ideas

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-24651402758398942192012-01-12T15:04:00.005-05:002012-01-12T15:23:46.306-05:00

I've been pondering and mulling over that "list" for over a week now and I've finally come up with my "resolutions" or "goals" or for me, more of a "To Do in 2012" list:1) Yell less. **2) Live the adage "if you don't have anything nice to say, say nothing at all." **3) Get back to my weight watchers lifetime goal weight. AND MAINTAIN IT. ALL YEAR LONG. Actually, maintain it FOREVER!4) Finish the

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-87329041871653624772012-01-04T21:39:00.002-05:002012-01-04T21:44:55.158-05:00

It feels strange not to be writing every day, after a month of thankfulness posts followed by a month of Christmas music posts. I had planned to list my "resolutions" or goals, but am still pondering them at the moment. I heard a statistic today that 50% of people who make New Year's Resolutions break them within THREE WEEKS! Yikes! I don't know...I'm a list person. I am very goal-oriented, so

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-25273186717959995302012-01-01T21:18:00.003-05:002012-01-01T21:39:20.714-05:00

I thought I'd post my "resolutions"/goal/plans for the year, but so many other thoughts have been swirling in my head all day, I think I'll save that list for another day.Today we had a new worship pastor start at church...worship was beautiful! Just two guys and two acoustic guitars...what a terrific way to start the year. We also took the Lord's Supper at the conclusion of the service. My

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-61998619012331921922011-12-31T12:37:00.003-05:002011-12-31T12:46:58.513-05:00

What a fun month it's been! All my favorite Christmas music playing 24/7! Here's the list of my faves from the past month of blogging:O Holy NightSarah McLachlan's Wintersong albumChristmas in KillarneyHark, The Herald Angels SingIn the Bleak MidwinterThe Birthday of a KingWhite Christmas/Whiter than SnowMary, Did You KnowDo You Hear What I HearBreath of HeavenI Wonder as I WanderThe Perfect

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-48224448349977304082011-12-30T13:13:00.003-05:002011-12-30T13:26:10.066-05:00

Today's song is a tough one to pick...you see, it's the last of my Christmas song selections! Tomorrow I plan to recap the songs as well as give a special treat...tune in tomorrow to see what I have in store.Although neither of these are "Christmas songs," both are on several Christmas albums, and both are dear to me."Sheep May Safely Graze" by J.S. Bach is SO beautiful! I loved it so much that I

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-42540426507477831502011-12-29T23:35:00.002-05:002011-12-29T23:44:02.108-05:00

I can't believe Christmas Music Season is almost over! I will certainly miss it...but what fun it will be to start again next November.Today's song is "Christmas Can't Be Very Far Away" by Amy Grant (actually written by Roger Cook and Wayne Jackson.) I haven't thought about this song much this year because the song starts out:"Little bits of heavenFloating gently by the windowSoon this dirty city

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-74830395535683878542011-12-28T18:31:00.003-05:002011-12-28T19:05:20.646-05:00

Ooops...did I fall off the face of the Earth? Nope, I traveled across NYS to visit my in-laws for Christmas. And the idea of blogging from my android phone was not very appealing.So here are my Christmas music selections for the past 6 days:23 - "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear"My favorite verse is below...I LOVE the imagery!Still through the cloven skies they come,With peaceful wings unfurled;And

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-66295994190788642522011-12-22T22:55:00.003-05:002011-12-22T22:59:36.242-05:00

Today's song takes me back to childhood...gathering around the piano at my grandparents' house with my grandmother sitting at the piano. "Away in a Manger" is a simple song, often sung by children, but it's beautiful and sincere...there are two different tunes the lyrics can be sung to, and I'm still not sure which is my favorite. Although I'm sure there are countless recordings of "Away in a

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-83184144966817514822011-12-21T12:42:00.002-05:002011-12-21T13:29:56.080-05:00

I wasn't a huge fan of this song when I was a child, but I really love it now. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is a traditional English carol from the 1800's. According to Wikipedia, "There is some confusion today about the meaning of the first line, which seems archaic to our ears. It is usually given today as "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen", with a comma after the word "merry", so does not refer

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-40065093562490820772011-12-20T14:30:00.004-05:002011-12-20T23:07:36.502-05:00

Although this isn't technically a "Christmas song," it appears on numerous Christmas albums by various artists. (It also appears on many baby/lullaby albums and wedding play lists.) "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by J.S. Bach is, musically, an incredibly intricate piece. I loved learning to play it on the piano when I was a child...actually, I still like to play it! Some of my favorite recordings

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-87600664718930154742011-12-19T10:47:00.002-05:002011-12-19T10:55:05.594-05:00

Today's post is really two posts, for days 18 & 19. OK, so it's one post, but two songs...or two versions of the same song.I love "Offering" as I first heard it by Paul Baloche singing with Tim Janis and friends. The lyrics are beautiful, the melody easy to learn. I definitely "feel" worshipful when I sing this song to God.Then I heard there was a "Christmas version" and I fell in love with the

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-12317426444751613272011-12-18T17:15:00.001-05:002011-12-18T17:17:19.642-05:00

Day 17This is a little-known song, but when I sang it at Claverack Elementary School (many, many years ago), it spoke to me. “The Secret of Christmas” was written by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen for Bing Crosby.I could only find a few recordings, notably by Julie Andrews, Bing Crosby, SHeDAISY and a new-to-me and wonderful acapella arrangement by The Vocal Majority. The message of the song is

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-31402859661933867632011-12-16T14:13:00.002-05:002011-12-16T14:42:37.787-05:00

Oh my goodness this is getting tricky! Not because I can't think of Christmas songs I love, but because I don't know if I'll have enough days to talk about each one!! :)Today I'm picking a classic, one that I loved since childhood: "The Little Drummer Boy." I think the first time I heard this song was on a record (yeah, you know, a big black vinyl circle)...I think it was by the Harry Simeone

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-1887649767960854012011-12-15T12:40:00.002-05:002011-12-15T14:05:53.939-05:00

Ten days until Christmas? How can it be?! I am truly savoring every moment...what a wonderful time!!!Today's song is a less popular one, but when I heard it the other day (for the 1st time in about 20 years!), I was deeply stirred...it's called, "In The First Light." I first heard this song in the 1980's, the original acapella version by the group Glad. I always liked the song, but it took on new

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-76768729949263606862011-12-14T12:57:00.003-05:002011-12-14T13:29:01.981-05:00

I'm realizing I should have saved, "O Holy Night" for today...it was my Gram's all-time favorite, and today is her birthday. The last Christmas we celebrated with her was in 2002 and I am missing her a lot today.Another Christmas song she loved was "O Come, All Ye Faithful" and that will be today's song. Also known as "Adeste Fideles," this song has some mystery surrounding its authorship (the

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-91928877311458016162011-12-13T10:10:00.003-05:002011-12-13T10:20:24.312-05:00

"The Perfect Tree" by Ray Boltz was introduced to me about 10 years back. The entire CD, titled A Christmas Album, is chock full of greatness, both musically and lyrically. "The Perfect Tree" has stuck with me because it hits close to home...regarding that perfect Christmas tree: "mother wants a straight one, the children want it tall. Dad just hopes that somehow he can get it down the hall. Soon

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-72738774046299773532011-12-12T12:45:00.003-05:002011-12-12T13:11:14.371-05:00

Ooops, looks like I was a little busy and missed a few days of the Christmas music posts!So here's a quick list of a few more of my faves:day 9 - "Mary, Did You Know"I LOVE the whole song, but when it crescendos on the bridge, I get head to toe chills every time!!! Kenny Rogers version and Kathy Mattea's arrangements are my favorites.Mary, Did You Know - Originally written by Mark Lowry and Buddy

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-34094541324044282302011-12-08T12:54:00.002-05:002011-12-08T13:03:23.623-05:00

Well, it FINALLY snowed, so I can FINALLY write this post...today's song is White Christmas!!!Written by Irving Berlin and made unforgettable by Bing Crosby, this song just feels like Christmas! I have always loved it, and although it was been covered by a GAZILLION other people, the Bing Crosby version is definitely the one that "feels right."I did hear an arrangement by Twila Paris about 10

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-24276237581936803272011-12-07T13:41:00.002-05:002011-12-07T14:04:36.801-05:00

One of my favorite Christmas memories from childhood is of my mom's brother and their mother singing "The Birthday of a King" (actually, I think my grandmother played the piano and my uncle would sing.) The whole family would be gathered together at my grandparents' house in Connecticut. My dad's mom would join my family of five on our journey to CT and there we would celebrate with my mom's

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-25113863752063067122011-12-06T14:20:00.002-05:002011-12-06T14:58:08.179-05:00

In The Bleak Midwinter - Christina G. Rossetti/Gustav Holst1. In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago.2. Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign. In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-14426231553588995742011-12-05T13:31:00.003-05:002011-12-05T14:09:13.153-05:00

Yesterday was super busy so I never got the chance to share my pick of the day...today's post will count as days four and five:"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is definitely a long-time favorite of mine. I would listen to it over and over on the old Amy Grant's "A Christmas Album" from 1983. Actually, my uncle had the LP record and made me a cassette tape of that album!! I love the way Amy Grant

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-57747556275461598762011-12-03T15:48:00.003-05:002011-12-03T16:04:24.823-05:00

So yesterday's choice was quite melancholy, today is just the opposite: Christmas in Killarney!!!Go ahead, laugh. I know you're laughing.I just played every version of that song ever recorder, thanks to Spotify ;) and it DROVE MY HUSBAND CRAZY! It's a super happy song, quite Irish, and I love it!! Although I don't think I have any Irish blood in me,my hair is red and I have lots of freckles.My

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-48990575517050544202011-12-02T15:22:00.002-05:002011-12-02T16:02:58.127-05:00

I'm still working out how I'm going to post this month...last month, I just went off the top of my head with thankfulness ideas. This time, I did jot down a list of my favorite Christmas songs, just so I don't miss any, but I want to be a least a little spontaneous...so rather than just pick a song today, I'm going with my new favorite album...which (this week) is Sarah McLachlan's "Wintersong" (

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-53180801020080387692011-12-01T15:04:00.003-05:002011-12-01T15:23:44.074-05:00

It's hard to believe, but after posting my thankfulness updates last month, I've decided to (try to) continue another daily blog...only this time, it will be all about something I neglected to mention last month:MUSIC!!!!I love,LOVEL-O-V-Emusic of all kinds.I grew up with music...singing along while my grandmother played the piano,singing along while my dad played the guitar,playing the piano,

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-88742208369992961872011-11-30T12:57:00.002-05:002011-11-30T13:23:30.429-05:00

Today is the final day of my 30-Days-Of-Thankfulness Attitude of Gratitude blog series! It was been truly eye-opening to focus on the many wonderful blessings in my life.Here is my list of blessings from the past month:hand-me-downs and givers of clothingyummy foodsnuggly bedhealthLOVE 146 and Danielle/Craft4Lovefamilytechnologywalks on a sunny November afternoon with my precious four-year-old

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-51610799270293186912011-11-29T11:36:00.002-05:002011-11-29T11:42:27.720-05:00

Today I am thankful for being able to spend an evening laughing with my sisters!!!! Last night, my middle sister, Amy, had a little Sing-Off Finale gathering...it was just Amy, our little sister, Kara, and me...and lots of yummy (naughty) food! We all love music, especially seriously great harmony that gives us HEAD TO TOE (why did we even bother to shave our legs?)GOOSEBUMPS! Last night did not

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-89189850070905994782011-11-28T13:55:00.002-05:002011-11-28T14:07:03.389-05:00

Today I am thankful for time with my five-year-old daughter. I love all of my children, of course, but one-on-one time with my children, since I had four kiddos in five and a half years, can be hard to come by. Today, I just ran a few errands with my five-year-old...we dropped little brother off to preschool and then headed to the library. She helped me find the last book in the Mitford series

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-12149284166410521612011-11-27T18:33:00.002-05:002011-11-27T18:40:29.247-05:00

Today I am thankful for family traditions. We are beginning to set up the Christmas trees tonight and everyone is very excited! The kids see decorations they remember from years past and eagerly ask to help with setting them out...candles, wreaths, the nativity set, a nesting snowman, the reindeer, cross-stitched towels, the J-O-Y hangers,the stockings.Although I can be *a tad* controlling, I am

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-16677477429453256042011-11-26T23:41:00.002-05:002011-11-26T23:43:48.983-05:00

Today I am thankful for family time, working in the yard together. As the children get older, it's getting easier and easier for us all to pitch in and work as a family to build things and take care of our home. It's a great feeling, and now we can look out back and see what we accomplished together.

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-50008862839126152862011-11-25T22:36:00.003-05:002011-11-25T22:43:14.049-05:00

Today I am thankful for unseasonably warm weather! It was a sunny and balmy day today, perfect for a run to CVS and back (had to print pictures for Christmas gifts and for my kindergartener's Star of the Week project.) It felt great to be wearing shorts and enjoying the sun on my face. After my run, I hooked up my phone to a set of speakers and cranked up the Christmas tunes while the girls

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-91546433656336908862011-11-24T22:23:00.002-05:002011-11-24T22:33:52.854-05:00

Today is Thanksgiving Day. I am feeling SO overwhelmed with love, joy and thankfulness. I was able to spend today with my husband, my four children, my parents, my mom's parents, my sisters, their husbands, and my niece. We all shared in cooking for the gathering, and enjoyed a bounty of delicious food. My daughters sat with my grandmother and made pom-poms for their dolls' slippers. We talked

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-90733723801231482892011-11-23T12:59:00.002-05:002011-11-23T13:04:13.249-05:00

Today, I am thankful for rainy days. Crazy? I know! But I just love staying in jammies, sipping a hot beverage (coffee, tea, cocoa...love it all!), cozying up to the fireplace, listening to some relaxing music, enjoying the aroma of a burning candle, with some chili or soup simmering on the stove. Sunny days are wonderful, but there is something special about a rainy day.

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-84098780378460330772011-11-22T15:51:00.002-05:002011-11-22T21:19:15.020-05:00

Today, as I stood at the kitchen sink with my younger two children, polishing silver in preparation for this Thursday's Thanksgiving gathering, I found myself incredibly thankful for several things:Tradition.Family.Beautiful wedding gifts given by dear friends and family.Special time spent teaching traditions to my children.Inspiring music to listen to as we carried on with our task.

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-18491765987815061442011-11-21T13:34:00.002-05:002011-11-21T13:45:28.479-05:00

Today I am thankful for handwork and crafts, specifically knitting. My grandmother learned to knit when she was four years old and has created thousands of amazing sweaters, hats, mittens, and the list goes on. She taught me to knit awhile back, and although I am not nearly the expert she is, I really enjoy knitting!!Today, while my girls were at school, I was able to try the doll clothes I've

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-64265899140869490782011-11-20T21:14:00.002-05:002011-11-20T21:20:32.952-05:00

Today I am thankful for something very simple - time with my hubby. There are weeks when we are very busy, chasing kiddos, hurrying to events or meetings, hubby taking a side job here and there, the usual busyness of life. But connecting on the couch for a few minutes...sitting down to watch a show together...sharing a snack...knowing that although we aren't able to gaze lovingly into one

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-27832221864476449322011-11-19T22:54:00.002-05:002011-11-19T22:58:50.931-05:00

If you read my updates on facebook, then you know that today, I am thankful for an AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL trip to NYC with my mom and my daughters!! Today we went to the American Girl doll store...from train to subway to a lovely walk and back home again. Everything about today was magical...my girls have been ooohing and aaaahing over the American Girl catalog for years, and today they brought home

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-62152768950126376182011-11-18T13:35:00.002-05:002011-11-18T13:57:31.998-05:00

Today I am thankful for my MOPS group at church. No, it's not a cleaning group. MOPS stands for Mother of Preschoolers and I began attending in October 2002, when my first baby was a six months old. I had first learned about MOPS from my post-part-um nurse. She strongly urged me to attend, explaining that MOPS is for moms of children ages birth to kindergarten. During a MOPS meeting, moms get to

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-23839429968114261132011-11-17T12:26:00.002-05:002011-11-17T12:38:13.331-05:00

Today, as I listen to my four-year-old ask (again), "How do you spell ____?" and my five year-old-daughter exclaim, "Look, Mama! I wrote in my diary!", I am thankful for words! And specifically, the written word.I have an avid reader (my nine-year-old),a chapter-book reader (my seven-year-old),a budding reader (my five-year-old),and a very letter-conscious four-year-old. All day long, I am

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-7297497577981159442011-11-16T12:38:00.002-05:002011-11-16T12:51:55.019-05:00

I can't believe we're halfway through November already...that means I'm halfway through with my thankfulness posts! Now I'm beginning to worry I won't have time to say all I want to say! Maybe I should have planned it all out ahead of time...made a list first. Oh well, I've been going off the top of my head so far, so I guess we'll continue in that manner...So today I am thankful for a healthy

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-19355554202054951932011-11-15T21:54:00.002-05:002011-11-15T22:01:31.517-05:00

Today (actually every day) I am thankful that I am a stay at home mom!!! If you asked me when I was a child what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have answered, "A mom." I am tremendously blessed to be doing what I always wanted to do...have children, nurse them, care for them, watch them take their first steps, teach them their first words, watch in amazement as they grow and explore. I

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-30148985794213481802011-11-14T18:34:00.002-05:002011-11-14T18:56:39.717-05:00

Yesterday got a little busy and I never got the chance to post my attitude of gratitude thought for day 13, so here's day 13 and day 14 all in one post:Day 13 - I am thankful for my church! But before that, I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!! When I was four years old, I "asked Jesus to come into my heart"...in simple terms, I admitted I was a sinner and that I needed Jesus in my

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-90638259346178513512011-11-12T20:11:00.003-05:002011-11-12T20:16:26.701-05:00

Today, my four-year-old son came running up to me,grabbed me around the legsand gleefully proclaimed,"I love you, Mama! Sooooo much!"He did this AT LEAST twenty times throughout the day.And I melted.Every time.Today I am thankful for my family, for my loving four-year-old, for the words "I love you" and for the way I feel when I hear them spoken to me.

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-39547403964526877022011-11-11T21:27:00.002-05:002011-11-11T21:44:06.973-05:00

Today is Veteran's Day and I am thankful for all who have served and who continue to serve. My father, both of my grandfathers, my husband's grandfathers, friends near and far, and brave people I have never met...thank you all for your courage and your dedication.Here are a few quotes I found fitting for today:"Freedom is never free." -Author Unknown"When our perils are past, shall our gratitude

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-66812325792555753962011-11-10T22:02:00.003-05:002011-11-10T22:09:29.953-05:00

Today I am thankful for laundry! Crazy? No! I love the people who wear all those clothes I get to wash, dry, fold, and put away every day. I am thankful that I don't have to wash laundry by hand!! I am thankful I don't have to haul the laundry to a laundromat! I am thankful that my washer and dryer are in my home, a few steps from my family room. When I think "I GET to do this laundry" rather

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-22203232002348813612011-11-09T15:03:00.003-05:002011-11-09T21:12:27.034-05:00

Today I am thankful that I can listen to my children pray! Here is what my four-year-old son said at bedtime tonight:"Dear Lord,Thank You for the great day we had. Thank You for preschool. Thank You for a lovely dinner. Thank You for playing with me outside. Thank You for church tonight. Thank You for Jesus and for trust and love. Thank You for our hearts. Thank You for my mom and dad and our

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-34601618076935596292011-11-08T21:56:00.003-05:002011-11-08T22:01:26.505-05:00

Today I am thankful for walks on a sunny November afternoon, crunching in the leaves, with my precious four-year-old son! I could go on and on about all I love about my little guy, but I took a mental picture of him today, one I will treasure for ever: he had on a brown and orange striped hooded shirt and brown corduroy pants. His blonde hair, cut in a "mushroom" style haircut, was gleaming in

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-36778118172879481492011-11-07T21:09:00.002-05:002011-11-07T21:18:08.684-05:00

Today I am thankful for modern technology. I know, I know, it seems silly, even a little petty and small, but I'm serious: being able to stay in touch with family and friends around the world is so easy and such a blessing thanks to technology. My grandfather sends a daily email to us and it is such a joy to read his thoughts and to share a piece of his day. Some people find facebook to be a

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-82967686132484739412011-11-06T21:20:00.003-05:002011-11-06T21:37:58.985-05:00

Oh today was a delightful day! I could list hundreds of things I'm thankful for, but I'm going to narrow it down to one thing: FAMILY! Family is usually thought of as the group into which you are born, but I think it can also be a close group of friends, or even your church. Today, I will talk about the blessings of my blood-family...the one into which I was born.I was blessed to be born into a

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-87328551005479048222011-11-05T22:05:00.002-04:002011-11-05T22:25:56.632-04:00

I have to say, I'm really enjoying counting my blessings! It certainly accents the positive and helps adjust the attitude.Today, day five, I am thankful for an amazing woman named Danielle, for her dedicated team of helpers, and for what they are doing to help the Love 146 campaign. Please go to www.love146.org to learn more about how to END child sex slavery and exploitation! Today, Danielle and

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-35971552389876742262011-11-04T21:39:00.002-04:002011-11-04T21:46:29.806-04:00

I waited until the end of the day to write this one...I've counted so many blessings all day, but today, it's my health. After praying at MOPS this morning for several young moms with cancer, another young lady with kidney failure, and a kind and giving woman recently diagnosed with cancer and then having a stroke, I can't help but be overwhelmed with sadness for them and for their families,

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-10561613728956676062011-11-03T16:12:00.002-04:002011-11-03T16:26:39.414-04:00

Today I am incredibly thankful for my bed! I know, kind of silly, but really...I love my bed! I am thankful for my warm house, for my cozy bedroom and bed, which I share with my strong, snuggly husband. I am thankful for the beautiful comforter my parents gave us as a wedding gift. I am thankful for the cherry sleigh bed and matching pieces, which hubby and I shopped for and picked out together

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-87430268298844844042011-11-02T12:28:00.002-04:002011-11-02T17:20:59.741-04:00

Today I am thankful for food!!! We have so much more than we NEED and isn't it amazing to walk into the local grocery store and see all the color and variety in the produce section alone?!! I'm thankful for herbs and spices, for recipes, for the friends (real and cyber) who share delicious ideas. I'm thankful for the family members I have who (usually) happily eat whatever I set before them. I'm

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-19927384954202596922011-11-01T21:27:00.003-04:002011-11-01T21:38:49.321-04:00

It's November 1st and I've noticed many "I'm thankful for..." posts on facebook today. That's wonderful! I love reading about blessings! So I've decided to challenge myself to update my blog every day (gulp, every day?!) for the month of November. There is no maximum or minimum on post length, but I want to be conscious of the many blessings in my life.So here we go:day 1 - I am thankful for each

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-66199245546341070352011-10-30T20:00:00.002-04:002011-10-30T20:04:17.894-04:00

My little girl sat next to me in church today and completed her children's bulletin. When she was done, she opened a notebook and began to write...here's what she wrote:"Acrostik Powam" (acrostic poem)Cat Lover.A good friend.Supr star.Supr swimmer.A good socker player.Not a bad kid.Daring girl.Rely good at clening.Amarecan girl doll lover.Horse lover.Ittle girl.Loveing poneys.Loves everething.I

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-87330146154177410082011-09-08T20:55:00.002-04:002011-09-08T21:02:11.745-04:00

I spent my summer with Harry, Ron, Hermione, Percy, Annabeth, Father Tim, Cynthia, Katniss, Peeta, Gregor and Boots...I started the summer with a challenge from my 9 year old son: read all the Harry Potter books! So I did!! I spent about a month immensely enjoying all 7 books. We’re also making our way through the movies, with just 3 left to watch.I recently read The Hunger Games triology…LOVED

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-76148913940033038152011-09-08T09:10:00.001-04:002011-09-08T09:11:58.549-04:00

written on 8/28/11:We spent the last week at my parents’ house at the lake…what a great time! Plenty of boating (rowboat, motor boat, kayaks), fishing, tubing – I even waterskied for the first time ever!!! We took a day trip to Howe Caverns, had a lobster fest dinner, hubby and I got out for a date night, we did campfires with guitar sing-alongs and s’mores. Feeling tremendously blessed to have

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-71262569019908195612011-09-03T21:18:00.001-04:002011-09-03T21:20:55.631-04:00

here's what i was thinking about on 8/19/11: 100+ kids singing VBS songs = precious! Especially “How Great Thou Art”. Seeing my CAH standing next to a fellow 2nd grader with a terminal illness made me very weepy… Obscene bumper stickers are SO annoying, especially when I have two kids who read in the van with me! I’m also getting really tired of LOUD people walking on the road behind our house

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-85029794290611544122011-08-29T21:28:00.002-04:002011-08-29T21:31:23.831-04:00

rambling thoughts from 8/18/11: After watching the kids pretend to be dolphins in the pool today, we decided to have family movie night: Flipper! I put on Anne of Green Gables for the girls one day…next thing I knew, all 4 kids were sitting on the couch, enthralled by the verbose and loveable Anne Shirley!!! Totally overwhelmed by all the pictures on our camera…went to take pictures the other day

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-13448418842436847692011-08-18T18:52:00.002-04:002011-08-18T18:56:41.878-04:00

I have been SO terrible about updating my blog this summer! It's true, we've been busy enjoying our time together...swimming and playing outside, grilling, picnicking, etc. So I've come up with an idea: I'm going to jot down all my "blog thoughts" in a Word document. From time to time, I'll just paste it on the blog and you'll be able to read the crazy ramblings and jumble of thoughts from my

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-1587442060134444162011-07-24T22:53:00.004-04:002011-07-24T23:04:06.179-04:00

It's been a long time since I've posted anything, not because nothing is happening, not because I don't think about it, but because I am really in the middle of living (and loving living) this life!! I am so very thankful for where I am at, for who is in my life, and for what I'm doing right now. A typical day looks like this:hubby takes the older 3 to swim team practice, if I get up right away,

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-60385466392098029962011-06-22T12:21:00.002-04:002011-06-22T12:30:29.613-04:00

Are you ready for a good laugh??Ok, so I downloaded the piano music for Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" and sat down to play. It had great chords but would have sounded better with a cello playing along! Anyway, I decided to sing along and suddenly it hit me as I sat there looking at the correct lyrics - I had been singing nearly EVERY lyric completely wrong!Here are the correct lyrics to the first

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-59070257811766925332011-06-10T18:09:00.004-04:002011-06-10T18:26:40.286-04:00

I have been too busy to blog lately...absolutely loving the time with my kiddos. Here are a few words that come to mind when I think of summer in our backyard:poolsunscreenbug spraywet towels - everywhere!wet bathing suits - everywhere!kids scratching one another's bug biteshearing "watch me" and "look mom!" calls from the pool"let's race""how long can you stay under?""let's do flips, jumps,

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-42867996561824846102011-05-02T19:35:00.002-04:002011-05-02T19:56:45.101-04:00

I have such inner conflict going on right now.A huge part of me absolutely loved the royal wedding and all of its splendor last week. Seeing pictures of Buckingham Palace triggered special memories of a trip I took to England with my "Gram" back in 1982. A small part of me thought that the money spent on the grand wedding could have gone to help many hurting people in need.I was

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-58808341513650664672011-04-24T17:48:00.004-04:002011-04-24T21:05:34.191-04:00

Let me start by saying I had WAY too much coffee a little while ago. We had enjoyed turkey dinner here, complete with wild mushroom rice pilaf and a green bean/carrot medley. I served up the pink cake (with lots of sprinkles, thanks to my helpers) and then began to sip coffee...I offered my parents and sister more, and helped myself to another cup, and another...yikes! Now my company has gone,

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-83726508815555164692011-04-15T13:36:00.004-04:002011-04-15T13:43:33.246-04:00

So I know some of you are SOOOO sick of hearing me say, “Bring it, people!” and “Nothin’ to it” and “I hate it, but I love it” and others would like it if I NEVER said “P90X” again the rest of my life. But others of you are very curious to know – did it work? Did 90 days of pressing play on DVDs and working out to Tony Horton’s encouragement pay off? What kind of results did I get? Here’s the

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-31054140408803925812011-04-07T09:23:00.002-04:002011-04-07T09:33:20.770-04:00

Are you singing it already? That catchy little Francesca Battistelli song that starts, "I lost my keys in the great unknown" and later in the song,"This is the stuff that drives me crazyThis is the stuff that's getting to me latelyIn the middle of my little messI forget how big I'm blessedThis is the stuff that gets under my skinBut I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doingIt might not be

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-64366730762215824552011-04-06T13:49:00.002-04:002011-04-06T14:29:23.337-04:00

This post has nothing to do with basketball and everything to do with the fact that I didn't post one tiny single blog update in the month of March! Shame, shame, what a slacker!! I will admit that it has been a tad busy around here...I'm trying to figure out the best way to give a summary of events but keep things fun and interesting...we'll see how it goes, I guess! I think what I'll do is name

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-11841226989689334682011-02-28T18:54:00.002-05:002011-02-28T19:19:39.467-05:00

OK, peeps. It's time to lay it all out there. I've been bustin' my buns doing all kinds of exercising...you know I loved Jillian Michaels' Thirty Day Shred. Now I'm on Day 47 of P90X (Tony Horton/Beachbody.) I was super-impressed with the before/after pictures of other clients. The results are truly inspiring!! I decided to borrow the DVDs from a friend and gave it a try. The program is

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-87927779170490163832011-02-21T19:48:00.003-05:002011-02-21T22:32:03.807-05:00

Sometimes I worry about getting old. I study my face in the mirror, searching for lines and wrinkles. I scowl at my hair as I discover gray (and white!) hair. I fret when the scale tips and my clothes feel tight. And today I turned 38, just two years from the Big 4-0!But today was amazing...I awoke to my girls hugging me and wishing me a happy birthday. Soon afterwards, my three-year-old son,

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-65997347850180310182011-02-16T15:54:00.004-05:002011-02-16T16:12:23.693-05:00

1) As I was driving all four kids home after piano lessons yesterday, I noticed the van wasn't slowing down when I stepped on the brake, and the pedal was all the way to the floor. I pumped the brake and all was fine. This happened again and again on the ten minute drive, so as soon as I got home, I asked hubby to come check it out. Sure enough, a brake line was broken and nearly all the brake

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-80274143726432887472011-02-14T11:11:00.002-05:002011-02-14T11:19:07.738-05:00

Does anyone else out there have issues with tights/nylons/pantyhose? When I was little, my sisters both HATED wearing tights. I didn't love them, but I really didn't think too much about what I was wearing. My youngest sister, in particular, really really couldn't stand to wear them. To this day, she loathes them and will do all she can to avoid wearing them.I have two daughters and from time to

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-9709410193889248882011-02-10T19:40:00.003-05:002011-02-10T19:56:23.851-05:00

I decided to be a "fun mom" and got NCH (age 8 1/2) his first Silly Putty for his stocking this Christmas. From childhood, I remember putting it on the funny pages and then stretching out the faces...fun stuff! Anyway, he was surprised to get it and it kept him amused for awhile. I had forgotten all about it...until this morning. CAH (known for being rather messy, a tad disheveled and rather

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-65946332083004085182011-02-07T18:52:00.002-05:002011-02-07T19:06:04.328-05:00

I am wiped out! I don't believe I've ever had the flu before, and I sure I hope I never get it again. Last Sunday afternoon, I went for a fabulous 5K run through my neighborhood. It felt terrific!! Monday morning I awoke feeling icky...achy, runny nose. But I took some meds and proceeded with my day, mind over matter. I mustered the strength to complete P90X Core Synergistics workout and actually

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-57434903467550845532011-01-24T15:10:00.010-05:002011-01-25T10:13:43.246-05:00

I was delighted to stumble upon the movie "Mamma Mia!" being shown on TBS last night! Oh, I LOVE this movie!! I must have seen it 5 times (or more) by now. I do believe I've blogged about it before, but I grew up listening to my dad's ABBA 8-track. "Dancing Queen" and "Take a Chance on Me" will be forever favorites. But the song, "Slipping Through My Fingers" is not a snappy little dance around

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-79631810059620277362011-01-15T11:13:00.005-05:002011-01-15T11:42:42.162-05:00

Oh I had such great intentions of updating this poor blog at least weekly, but it's been rather busy around here!Christmas has come and gone.A new year has arrived.So what are we up to?Here's the picture we used for our Christmas cards this year...the Herd is on my parents' sailboat, late August 2010...ages almost 3, 4 1/2, 6 and 8:* NCH - school, Saturday basketball, piano, HizKidz (musical is

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-28451939819050645972010-12-19T15:03:00.002-05:002010-12-19T15:22:47.930-05:00

What else can I say? My heart is full! I have not taken the time to write down all that's been happening because I am enjoying being in the moment with my family, preparing for Christmas, seeing the excitement and wonder in my children's little eyes. What am I loving? The scent of candles - Home for the Holidays, Holiday Bayberry, Christmas Tree. The music - Handel's Messiah, Sara Groves, Enya,

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-87073391526891881662010-11-26T14:48:00.002-05:002010-11-26T15:09:24.551-05:00

This year, it was my side of the family's turn to be scattered...my parents went to my mom's parents' in CT, one sister went to her hubby's parents' in DE, and my other sister went to her hubby's parents' south of Albany. We stayed at our home and my mother and father-in-law arrived on Wednesday late afternoon. I ran my first Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning...over 6400 runners participated

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-54902629181067344252010-11-24T15:20:00.002-05:002010-11-24T16:07:25.165-05:00

I'm normally the tough one, the one who keeps order, with the stiff upper lip. At funerals, I "stay strong" for everyone else and then cry in my pillow at night. But the older I get, the sappier I'm getting!!Today, I went to CAH's First Grade Fall Festival at school. I arrived in time to participate in Morning Program, a half-hour of singing and sharing for 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders. They usually

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-33867066080474641542010-11-20T15:59:00.003-05:002010-11-20T16:40:34.010-05:00

I know, I haven't added the pictures to my last blog update, but that will have to wait...I've been thinking of all of these wonderful things to share and before I forget them, here they are:I have been loving life lately. Our trip to Florida was wonderful, and now we're getting back into our day to day routine. It has been a pleasure helping NCH and CAH catch on on school work. Really, I loved

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-66201163808173415022010-11-15T23:04:00.000-05:002010-11-15T23:05:01.543-05:00

Oh, this blog update has been buzzing around my busy brain for days now! It all started last Friday morning, 11/5. Hubby and I got up around 5am and got ourselves ready for the big journey. We waited until the last possible second to wake the kiddos and help them dress...we had to meet my parents at the airport around 6:15am. All went without a hitch...our gazillion suitcases (as well as car seat

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-15601678827109696512010-11-04T15:41:00.003-04:002010-11-04T15:46:02.476-04:00

Last night was such a nice evening...we ate a delicious "comfort food" dinner of oven stroganoff over egg noodles with green beans and applesauce. The older two kids quickly did their homework and practiced piano. They gave themselves baths while I went for a run (don't worry - hubby was home and supervised the herd!) When I returned from my run, the older two were playing "Battleship." NCH was

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-27611289945178756002010-10-23T13:25:00.002-04:002010-10-23T13:33:25.949-04:00

Ok, so he's really not a baby anymore, he's three! (But NJH will ALWAYS be my baby.) So the kids just finished lunch and I went over to NJH to wipe his hands and face with a washcloth...he squealed and then frowned and stated, "Ah, that was NOT cool!!!" Hilarious!!! Of course I laughed, to which he replied, "And it's not funny either!"

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-12691329338093620112010-10-21T13:14:00.002-04:002010-10-21T13:31:02.184-04:00

I've always intended to write a blog update about music and what my "life soundtrack" would be. For now, I'll just do quick updates here and there, listing the current CD playing in the van, as well as songs that are speaking to me at that moment.Whenever I hear, "It's Raining Like Magic," I think of driving my now 6-year-old daughter to preschool. She was (and still is) such a joyful, smiling

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-21638489848551143952010-10-07T14:29:00.012-04:002010-10-07T14:56:51.812-04:00

Here's the story of NCH ("Big N") - Newborn: mama couldn't put him down.Age one: he screamed through MOPS, but stopped crying as soon as mama held him.Age two: the nursery workers at church had to come get us, he cried so much!Age three: he cried when I dropped him off to preschool two mornings a week.Age four: he cried at VBS when I wasn't the first mom there at pickup time.Age five: tentatively

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-60968520480586233052010-10-03T21:18:00.003-04:002010-10-03T21:51:05.021-04:00

Today was really a near-perfect day. I try not to use the word "perfect" as I have a few hangups about perfection...but anyway, today -- hubby got up with the kids, gave them breakfast and got them all ready for church (I had taken allergy medicine and Nyquil and didn't even stir until 9:30am!) I hustled myself to get dressed and out the door for church in five minutes, and we made it!- all four

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-66707938902412400682010-09-15T21:21:00.002-04:002010-09-15T21:31:05.775-04:00

Oh yes, it's that time of year! Apple picking leads to applesauce, apple pie, apple crisp, and our family favorite: APPLE CRUNCH!!Apple Crunch (supposedly serves 9-12; our family of 6 would scarf down the whole thing!)1 pkg JIFFY Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix3 lbs apples peeled and sliced (about 8 cups...I used 8 apples tonight)1/2 cup white sugar (I use 1/4 to 1/3 cup; very sweet otherwise)1 tsp

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-63592524640527374702010-09-13T22:50:00.003-04:002010-09-13T23:06:45.327-04:00

So many things are happening all at once...I know I should take the time to write down my thoughts and feelings, post pictures, document this chapter in our lives, but...I'm too busy enjoying the moment!!!!It's back to school time and I have a third-grader, a first-grader, a M/W/F preschooler and a T/TH preschooler! The older two start piano lessons tomorrow. All four start AWANA on Friday. Life

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-29737808823617543572010-08-18T23:30:00.004-04:002010-08-19T00:22:30.390-04:00

My little girl turned six last week...she will start first grade in a few weeks. Kindergarten was only half-days last year, so we will be apart for most of the day this year. When I ask her if she is excited about first grade, she tells me, "Yes. Kind of. I don't want a yelling teacher. And I want to have lunch at home with you, Mama." (Yes, I melt!)Well, she's been enjoying a 4-evening

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-15837831320340311302010-08-06T22:17:00.007-04:002010-08-06T22:47:12.670-04:00

Today was full of fun!Here's how it all went down -8:57 dropped off CAH at Cheerleading Camp9:04 dropped off NCH at Town Campheaded back home to empty dishwasher, vacuum, etc.10:15 last day of swim lessons for KBH (today was "Fun Friday", during which the kids get to play/go off diving boards, etc.) KBH was all excited to be going off the high dive, but (surprisingly) changed her mind halfway up

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-37573985971136701502010-08-02T18:17:00.002-04:002010-08-02T18:20:56.369-04:00

I just caught my kiddos having fun...NCH made his own "sign in" sheets, and he had his younger siblings up in his room playing "Summer Camp." He went out to the van and got a CD for sing-along music time. They traced their hands and feet for craft time. I'm not sure what other activities they did, but I heard them giggling away up there...I love times like this!!!

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-61978756722685147902010-07-28T16:53:00.003-04:002010-07-28T17:20:35.125-04:00

Warning: this post will contain whining and complaining, as well as way, way TMI!!!!!Monday evening, I had a lovely girls-night-out/farewell dinner for a friend. We sipped yummy beverages in a coffee shop until it was closing time. Unfortunately, my decaf hazelnut latte was likely NOT decaf, I discovered at 2am, still WIDE awake!So when Tuesday morning rolled around and I headed out on my daily

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-64922910340207940532010-07-24T10:16:00.003-04:002010-07-24T10:21:00.121-04:00

We were on our way to musical camp the other morning... CAH suddenly exclaimed, "Those people must be CRAZY!!!!!!" She paused and I looked around to see what she was talking about. She pointed to the school bus traveling near us and continued, "Sending their children to SCHOOL in the S U M M E R?!!!!!!!!!!"

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-40891592078877726112010-07-20T13:27:00.002-04:002010-07-20T13:33:17.980-04:00

Two kids dropped off to musical camp,Two kids quietly playing,It was my moment...I slowly poured the tantalizing raspberries into the strainer and rinsed them gently.I placed a berry on my tongue and savored the tangy sweetness...Bam! A blond little boy bumped into my thigh!My two-year-old son...And then another Bump! And there was my four-year-old daughter...Both children stood there looking up

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-56202732416303580462010-07-16T15:19:00.003-04:002010-07-16T15:24:41.181-04:00

I have been terrible about updating my poor blog!! But I have some good reasons...it's summer!we're super busy...having fun!three weeks of swim lessons for the older 3 kiddos!swim team practice for the older 2 kiddos!a week of afternoon art camp for CAH!swim meets!gymnastics class for KBH!new summer school class at church for the older 2!musical practice for the older 2!lots of swimming and

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-56364840519816560442010-06-24T15:54:00.002-04:002010-06-24T16:06:13.670-04:00

First, I have to thank a friend of a friend on facebook for sharing the original idea for this! Here is a list of jobs for my 8-year-old to do this summer. We are starting out having him earn video game time, but we will modify soon to include all "screen time." He really enjoys earning something for his efforts, and he NEEDS some structure in his day. He does have swim practice followed by swim

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-90240326243332055952010-06-22T12:29:00.003-04:002010-06-22T12:46:08.587-04:00

I promised I would get back to you upon completion of The 30 Day Shred, and here I am with a final comment or two:I finished Day 30 last night and I am SO pleased with the results. Remember, I didn't lose weight and I didn't do a food log, nor did I eat according to a certain plan. I simply did the daily workout every day and found great improvement in my endurance and especially in my strength.

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-69649936931094906212010-06-16T15:20:00.002-04:002010-06-16T15:48:11.484-04:00

Many friends have been asking me about my latest fitness "kick." If you read my blog, you know I'm into fads and kicks, but I also have a true desire to be fit, in shape, trim, and healthy. Almost a month ago, I borrowed from my local library a DVD called "Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred." For those who may not know, Jillian Michaels is a trainer from the TV show "The Biggest Loser." Her Shred DVD

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-16191864602124608212010-06-09T11:59:00.002-04:002010-06-09T12:08:06.000-04:00

Yes, my older two children brought home their school supply lists for the fall, (already!) My immediate feeling was, "No! I'm not ready for 1st grade and 3rd grade!" My stomach started to churn and an anxious feeling overwhelmed me for a moment. My personality type LOVES lists and getting things organized, but a more tender (and rare) side felt so sad to know that my babies are doing something so

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079043726854093346.post-60729842412505265862010-05-31T01:03:00.002-04:002010-05-31T01:10:45.892-04:00

While listening to Pastor Matt preach a wonderful and challenging message* at church this morning, I was reminded of the song "Legacy" by Nichole Nordeman:"I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about meAnd I enjoy an accolade like the restAnd you can take my picture and hang it in a galleryOf all the "who's who's" and so-and-so'sThat used to be the best at such and suchIt wouldn't

Kristina H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436239509826018456noreply@blogger.com1