Thursday, February 16, 2012
riding a two wheeler
Friday, January 13, 2012
I love you because.....
well hello my good friends. how have you been ? I know it has been awhile but give a momma a break she now has three kids! in reality it is just to hard to blog from my phone and ellie hogs the computer and if she is in bed then I am too busy winding down (aka too lazy!)
anyways I found an idea on pinterest (yes I am addicted) that shows a frame where you enclose a paper that say I love you because _____________________________ and after you frame it you can fill in the blank by writing on the glass. I love it and plan on making it soon! But the idea got me thinking. Do I tell the people around me I love them enough? But more importantly do I tell them why? I know when I hear I love you from anyone in my family it melts my heart but when they add why it brings tears to my eyes. It reminds me that I AM LOVED. what I do is appreciated. what I do matters to them. And God gave me this moment to find JOY in all he has given me. Im trying hard to not just stop with I love you but adding why. I dont want those words to get overused. i want my family to know why I love them.
Im going to share a few that I have been really feeling but without getting too wordy ;)
Jess I love you because you are my best friend. I may have some really great girlfriends but you are my true best friend. I know that no matter the obstacle you will be right by my side to hold my hand or help me up.
Ellie I love you because you make me laugh. You say the funniest things that have me laughing out loud months after they happened. You get this from your dad. I love that about him too. You are everything I ever hoped for and more.
Hadley I love you because you are most like me. You are so stubborn and although sometimes it has me so frustrated I know that you will grow to be a strong woman who will not let others change what you know is right. Stand strong my love (but please, PLEASE stop being so stubborn and just go poop on the potty!)
My dearest Kit Kat. I love you because you melted my heart today. A simple game of patty cake turned into loads of giggles from both of us. Making you smile and laugh is one of my favorite parts of the day, even if it is at 4 am :)
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Introducing Katelyn Ione Mickle
Thursday, September 8, 2011
changes
Anyway among all this Jess had made the decision to quit his job and start his own business. He leapt out of the starting gate very busy and was v ery successful. Then comes the big changes.
As we grow into adulthood we are faced with decisions that only we can make. You have to decide what is best for you, your spouse, and your children. Some decisions are hard to make and some are easy. On craigslist one day Jess found a job in LA that he decided to send his resume in on. we have always enjoyed CA. Well he was contacted back and asked to come in for an interview. So off he went and upon returning he was offered the job. We sat and talked and tossed around what was best for us. NOt our extended family, us. It was a very difficult decision but we decided that we had to do it. We could always return home if it didnt work out, if we hated living in CA or just to visit. Some paths you are only shown once and this just felt right (although very tough!).
Me being the chicken I am made Jess tell most of our family and friends. It was so difficult but we knew we were making the right choice when God kept having all the pieces just slide together. We have been here a few weeks now. it was not easy packing up our lives and moving 1600 miles away while being 35 weeks pregnant. I left my doctor whom I have the upmost respect for and had to pick a doctor out of the 1,000's listed in a ten mile radius. Upon coming I found out the baby is BIG, I have to follow a gestational diabetes diet (they say I have it I say I dont!), go to non stress test twice a week, weekly doctor appts, and the occasional diabetes training and ultrasounds. But we are here, I am going to deliver hopefully on my own at a beautiful and prestigious hospital that overlooks the ocean. The girls are happy and loving the beach and pool. Jess is liking his new job and all the opportunities this position will give him and soon we will have 3 great children that God has given us to raise and be good people.
Ill update more when I know more about baby number 3. We are hoping that the doctors are wrong and they wont be 10-12 lbs by delivery date and I can deliver without having a c section! Please keep the Mickles in your prayers as we live out of a few boxes til we can find a place to call home.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
thankful 23
Today I am thankful for Jess and the 11! years we have been together :) I look back and the good times have far wout weighed the bad. We have grown up, together and even more in love. With failing relationships all around it makes me even more thankful to be so in love with him. What started as a cheerleader wearing a jersey to the championship game has become one great life that I am forever greatful for. From all the trials and tribulations we have been through we have held hands and prayed for hope. Our daughters are proof we can make it through. Eleven years is great but I look forward to the next 111 by his side.Thankful 17
Ellie is so adorable and uses the best manners. She is kind and caring and loves to help do everything but clean :) She is a mommys girl and if I leave for two minutes when I walk in the door she tells me how much she missed me. She is as smart as she is cute. Right now we are working on reading. She knows all of her letters/ and sounds so we decided why not jump into reading. My aunt Kelly gave us some books that she has memorized but since as she reads she points to the word she is reading she is picking up on words like the, I , a, and etc. Ellie overall is more than I ever wanted in a daughter. I remember thinking right after she was born how no two people in this world could ever make another Ellie. I still look at her and think the same thing. Amazing!
And my Hadley. If I had to describe her in two words it would be Daddys Girl. She loves me too but when she sees her dad her eyes light up and she takes off for him. I actually love that about her because we have the same taste. im head over heels for her dad too :) She loves LOVES babies. Luckily we have a lot of them here so she gets her fill. She also is one smart cookie although she doesnt talk much (maybe because her sister never takes a breath). You can ask her to go get anything and she goes and grabs it and brigns it to you. She loves dogs (like me) and gives the best hugs in the world. Jess and I were so lucky to be twice blessed.
I chose to share this thankful on day 17 because that is their birthdate and I am not sure it could be any more special than that!
Thankful continued
16- I am thankful for my inlaws. No matter the differences we might have they love me as if I was their daughter and they raised the most wonderful husband. They love my girls and are patient when the girls dont warm up right away.
17- See next post
18- I am thankful for football. Once again, I know pathetic, but it is so much a part of our lives that I honestly dont know what we would do without it. (NO Blaze readers that does not mean Jess is playing next year! He can be a fan :) )
19- I am thankful for fall. The weather has been beautiful and watching the change of seasons is one of my favorite things. I welcome it each year and the jeans and hoodie weather is the best. And when I have to say goodbye and wear my winter coat and hats and mittens I know that it will be back next year :)
20-I am thankful for my education. I dont think you appreciate all the teachers you had until you grow up and are trying to teach your children. They put so much love into what they do and I am thankful that they cared enough to give me an education I am proud of.
21- I am thankful for my grandparents who are still alive. and I am thankful for each new day I get to spend with them. I know we do not see you enough and we need to make them a priority because you just cant get those days back!
22-I am thankful for choclate because some days it just makes me feel so much better :)
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Thoughts on raising kids
First ever since Ellie did the trike a thon I have been thinking that we need to find more ways to help others around us. I want her to grow up not only knowing it is our duty as Christians to help those in need but to actually have experience doing it. I want it to come naturally to her and not to ever feel like it is a chore to be done.
Secondly I want her to help on her own accord. I recently put together a lesson on Advent for our kids at church and found some great articles on having kids help those in need. Among the great ideas I read that it is important to teach kids that although it is great for parents to take their kids shopping to buy that toys for tots, it would mean even more if the kids had to use thier own money. Sacraficing for others is not always an easy accompl;ishment especially to kids but if you really think about it what a great lesson on teaching them to share with others what they themselves have.
So here is my plan for this holiday season:
Get Chris's address in Afghanistan and take Ellie shopping and use ten dollars of her money as well as some money of ours and buy goodies for his unit. Lesson I am hoping to teach that their are people (like uncle Chris) who are overseas who are helping to keep America free so we may do what we want here. Yes I know she is three but she will get it. she still talks about the helicopters we saw flying over our house as they were leaving for war.
Take her shopping to pick out a toy for toys for tots. Lesson- There are lots of little girls and boys who dont get Toys for christmas and we can help them so they can have something to open on Christmas too.
Make ornaments for the priests in our life. for father Brian who married us and baptized Ellie, For Fr. Tim who baptized Hadley, and for our new Priest Fr Jim. Lesson- to be thankful for them in sharing our faith and to let them know we appreciate what they have done for our family
And an idea a parent from church gave me that I just love. she makes/buys small ornaments and wraps them and puts them in her purse. When they see a salvation army bell ringer not only do they drop change in the bucket she hands them a small ornament thanking them for the time they have given to help spread the Christmas message of love. Lesson- Both of us will learn to take the time to appreciate the little things people do that almost always get overlooked. LOVE IT!
Any other ideas you have? I would love to hear them :)
Thankful Part 2
4- I am thankful for my sister Sadie. On this day 15? or so years ago she was in a very bad car accident and I am very thankful to have her still here today. Although we fought and fought when we were younger she is one of my best friends today. I know she loves me unconditionally and that no matter what she would have my back.
5- I am thankful for my sister Maggie. After years of sharing a room together the age gap has lessened and she is another great friend. She has been through a lot in her life and she had rose above some really crappy things. Life isnt fair and although it is a hard pill to swallow she survived the unthinkable, losing a child, at just 17. Shes not only my sister and friend but a hero as well.
6- I am thankful for my brother Drew. Take my personality and flip it around and you have Drew. Although at times we are so different that is what I love the most about him. He can let those little things go and not think of every possible negative thing that could happen. This is a trait I long to have. And he also loves unconditionally. When he gives you a hug you can feel the love behind it. He will always be my Drew Boo
7-And to finish off my sibling I am thankful for Louie. I have always felt a bond with Louie from the time he was little. I am so proud of the person he has become. Even beyond the talent he posseses he ahs the truest kindest heart. He is a great role model for any young man and I am proud to share that he is my brother. He will make something big of himself. He cares deeply for others and puts his heart into everything he does. I hope my kids learn this from him, heck I hope I learn this from him!
8- I am thankful for my mom. I mean heck she raised five FIVE! outstanding citizens basically all on her own. She loved each one of us and found a way to connect with each one of us differently. Each one of us five are so different, but she found a way. You know she did a great job though when adult children come together and all get along, do stuff for each other, and talk on a regular basis. I have found that is not a trait very common in todays society.
9- I am thankful for my dad because without him I would not be here. I may not be as close to him as I am to my mom but I have never felt like he didnt love me. I never felt like he was not proud of who I have become.
10- I am thankful for a roof over my head and food to eat. Although i am ready to move and want a bigger house. We actually do fit in our house and wants arent always needs.
11- I am thankful for the nieces and nephews I have in my life. I can honestly say I love them as if they were my own children. As the years go by and the accomplishments they are starting to build up grow, I find myslef sharing stories of them with others as if they were mine. I love you Devin, Cayden, Jayce, Charlotte, Corbin, & Jaelyn!
12- I am thankful for my cousins. Who knew it would be so much fun growing up AND old with some of the best people in the world!
13- I am thankful for babyzone. Although I dont get on much now, I have made close friends with ladies all over the US. What started off with a common due date has grown into lifelong friendships. I have now in person met 2 of the ladies and I am hoping to meet many more! (one already scheduled in Feb!)
14- I am thankful for tv. I know I know lame, but besides books, it is my favorite way to chill out. and for a sick mommy who doesnt feel good and doesnt want to be a jungle gym it is the best :) ( I know I am pathetic)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Thankful in November!
Nov. 1- I am thankful for my God. With him all things are possible and he is good all the time. My faith is so much of who I am that I am very thankful that I hold a place in my life for him.
Nov. 2- On Nov 2 (my grandma Charlotte's Birthday) I am thankful for my loved ones who are now gone. I hold memories of each of them and love telling stories of the fun times we shared.
Nov. 3- I am thankful for my freedom and for the soldiers who fight to maintain that freedom!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Trike A Thon
I am so thankful that she has a kind and caring heart (even if she likes to pick on her sister). I am researching more ways Ellie can help St. Judes and other charities in our area. I would love to foster the art of giving in her so she loves it as much as I do.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Finally.....

And this to protect it in my black hole, I mean purse. Arent they pretty. I love the whimiscal patterns. And I cant wait to get it!
After it was all said and done I paid 10.99 for everything. I joined swagbucks in Jan. 2010 and have been using it as my search engine to go to blogger, my emails, facebook, and any other site I deccide to visit daily and randomly I will win swagbucks. As I accumulate the swagbucks I have been redeeming them for Amazon Gift Cards because my heart has been wanting the Kindle so badly. Jess told me I should use them to get something I wanted so I decided to do something for me for once. Well this week I should be receiving my long awaited winnings in the mail! If you have not already you should try swagbucks out. There is no gimic there is no trick. You just use it as your search engine and win randomly. If you refer people you can win up to 1,000 swagbucks along with their winnings and that is how I built up my swagbucks so fast.
I have refered many family and friends who were very hesitant and did not see the point but after trying it out they love it too. My referral link is www.swagbucks.com/refer/sampooh If you are interested you should check it out. I am sure glad I did!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Trike A Thon
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Ellie's 1st day of Preschool

Jess took the day off work and we packed up the van and headed to Tiger Tots. she was more than eager to get there. She found her hook right away and hung up her bag and coat. went it an found her name and put her girl on the train. The picture is of Thomas but you can see Ellies name right next to Jayces. 
My big girl walked right to the circle time rug and never looked back. I did get a kiss in and a good luck but Jess did not. We didnt want to push it because she did so good so we just turned around and walked away. This is where I have to admit that although I did not cry I was very nervous. I have never left Ellie (or Hadley) with anyone besides family or very close family friends. We tried to have a baby for so long that I have been so over protective of them. And with a family as big as ours you dont have to rely on outsiders help as much!
I went to pick her up and I was glad to see they were out on the playground. Ellie has been wanting to play there since they put it in. The picture shows her class marching to the gate to go home. She is the 3rd one back. Right by Jayce once again. :)Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Oklahoma
We arrived in Tulsa about 8 pm and it was 100 degrees! We quickly checked into our hotel which was a very crappy hotel. Our air barely worked and one of our beds was leaning. But we were tired and the rest of the team had yet to arrive.
Although we were hoping for a great game, Jess unfortunately ended his semi pro career the same way he ended his high school career. They lost 52-10. We have met great friends through his days of playin g football and I am so glad he decided to do this but I must admit I am more than happy that this part of our life is over. it took so much time and we had NO time for any family time. He had practice 2-4 days a week and then the games pretty much took up most of the weekends.
I look forward to all the things we will be able to do next summer, including watching the team with him sitting next to me :)
Pictures to come
Shrine Bowl
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Happy Late Birthday!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
summer of swag!
well I signed up free of charge to a wonderful website called swagbucks.com and use theri search engine to go to my everyday sites that I visit frequently and also for anything I want to search. So my facebook, gmail, farmville, aol, blogger, etc. addiction has earned me swagbucks with winning on random searches. They also randomly offer codes that you search for and you can grab those to make your swagbucks jump even higher! As your sb (swagbucks) add up you can shop in the swagstore to redeem for great prizes, $5 amazon gift cards is my prize of choice. I really wanted a Kindle but it is just not attainable in our budget but swagbucks has made me almost enough to get one!
On Monday they are kicking off the Summer of Swag! They are going to have a five code day of extravaganza! What a fun way to make your sb jump super fast! Also they are going to offer a new high end bill ever day next week. Every 7th person will win that big bill so your chancves of winning big are increased!
Once you have an account you will love it so much you will get others to sign up using your referral code and you can earn from their searches as well. And because they are so very kind and want more people to sign up for swagbucks they have offered a code to new members through June 11. Just give the code SUMMEROFSWAG (case sensitive) when you sign up and you will get an extra 20sb!
Just click on the link and get started today! So many of my friends who have signed up wish they would have done it a lot sooner. We spend time on the internet anyways we might as well be earning something while we do it!
http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/sampooh
4 months My cousin made this for an invention contest. it is a mosquito net bassinet for babies. Katelyn got to model it :)