Ten on Icestorm Tuesday
1. Tonight we made the first ever fire in our fireplace since we have lived here…that is over a year and a half! It is beautiful!
2. Just got the call, another “snow” day tomorrow…oh what will I fill another day with when you can’t go outside…hmmm?
3. Tonight will be day two of the “Reasons why we love you” hearts on my kids doors…this is the first year I have done it and so far they think it is fun. Hannah loves stuff like that and she is excited to see more tomorrow.
4. Last week I had the flu. Not a fun week but I will say it is times like that in which you see how great your friends and family are! I was very blessed by meals, phone calls and help with the kids so I could get better. 
5. So here’s a funny kid saying for the week. Last week when my parents in law were here helping get Ryan off to school Ryan was showing Mamaw what he wanted for breakfast and he pointed at my bottle of wine in the refrigerator and said, “That is Mommy’s juice Mamaw, it makes her feel better!”. H.I.L.A.R.I.O.U.S. I am one to enjoy an occasional glass of wine but most of the time it is after the kids go to bed. Gave me a good laugh for sure.
6. Just saw a GE commercial with a whole bunch of people line dancing. Reminds me of the old days when Andrew and I would go with a group downtown to the Yellow Rose and line dance. That was so much fun. That said, I missed my exercise dance class tonight, got cancelled due to the ice storm. If you are looking for a really FUN workout that will kick your butt…check out Dance, Dance at Urban Active with Christine. Awesome! (Tuesdays at 7pm).
7. Hoping that Andrew’s office will close tomorrow too so we can all enjoy a quiet day at home together.
8. Sitting here in my nice warm house thinking about those who don’t have the luxury of a blanket, a fireplace or a home. I am so thankful for the basics especially today.
9. Oh and I just realized that the groundhog is supposed to tell us something tomorrow…if he can even climb out of that hole! I am thinking we already got the message that winter is here to stay for a while.
10. Now I would ask that as you sit warm in your home tonight that you remember the emergency personnel, power line workers and road crews working to keep us safe and warm. (taken from a friend’s facebook page)
- Ryan’s Door
Hannah's Door
1 comment February 2, 2011
Ten on Thursday
1. Today was a “sorta snow day”. I say that because Hannah had AM Kindergarten but the PM kids got the day off. So we cleaned, we played inside and out, we baked, we watched movies and of course there was hot chocolate.
2. I am working on a super cute craft project for my dear friend Christy’s youngest son. It is his first birthday next month…pictures to come after she sees it.
3. Parenting…sigh. Lord, please help me to navigate these critical years with my kids. I need A LOT of guidance, patience, discernment and grace. Nobody ever tells you about the hard stuff. Even at six, parenting is sometimes hard. And I am not talking about tantrums or cleaning up toys. Raising a responsible, respectful and God-fearing child is just hard.
4. I have 3 months and 8 days until the NYC Momcation. It. Cannot. Come. Fast. Enough.
The girls!
5. I have 7 months and 27 days until I attempt, no succeed, at my first half marathon…and it will come WAY too fast.
6. Small God moments are something I am challenging myself to stop and take in this year more than I have in years past. Today some of those were the special breakfast with my son Ryan, an unsolicited hug and compliment from my Hannah, Papaw coming over in a snowstorm just to play in the snow with my kids and Andrew coming home safely on slick roads.
7. Lately I have come to the realization that one of my dearest friends is my sister….to think we nearly killed each other as kids
8. Letting go is hard. Of things, people, wants and expectations of myself and others. But, God did not ask that I carry these things on my own, He said HE would do it if I will allow Him.
9. Two weeks of training…down just two pounds. Slow but sure I WILL get to my goal.
10. What are some of your valentine traditions with your kids? Last year we were away on a trip but I think this year I am going to do the “heart notes all over their bedroom doors” idea. Would love to hear some of your ideas.
Have an awesome night all! Krista
4 comments January 21, 2011
Ten on Tuesday
- Read a blog today that got me “reflecting” on the past year and its happenings. Made me ponder relationships lost, friends who passed, relationships that changed and the true value of friends and family.
- I decided that Santa gave me leftovers this year. Not really, but Christmas is over and what did I get??? A cold. Boo for winter colds.
- A friend of mine posted this on Facebook today, which I in turn re-posted, but I love what it says. Here it is in case you missed it. ”Your heart may be crowded with good things but they were never designed to take first place. In fact, you can be serving God and working for God and still miss God. As we enter this New Year ask what things have a greater priority than God in your life? The answer to that reveals who or what has first place in your heart.” This hit home for me because in the past year, maybe year and a half, I have been looking at my life and what things I am doing, what I am involved in, who I associate with and trying to decide which things, although good things, may not be God things. I haven’t got it all figured out, but I am working on it.
- Christmas. Christmas was a lot of fun this year, kids at ages 6 and almost 3 make it even more magical. Here’s a few pics that I love from the Hunt Christmas 2010.
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Goals for 2011. I prefer not to call them resolutions, cause I think those are made to be broken, but my goals are these…grow in my relationship with Christ, train for and run the Air Force half marathon and to strengthen and grow the MOMs group.
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So…back to that whole “half-marathon” thing, I was inspired by two good friends, Susie and Kim. Both great runners and friends and both I am grateful for. (Let’s hope they will run it with me:) )
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The December hustle and bustle was much less this year for us which was great! I finished shopping and wrapping by the first week of the month so we had time to slow down, bake cookies, enjoy Christmas lights and just sit down and enjoy the magic. I plan to make THAT a new tradition for every year.
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NYC…In April I am going with a few other moms, to enjoy some kid-free girl time and I am SO excited. Never been there and can’t wait!
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I know I am not the only one, but I love Christmas, ADORE IT, but as soon as the day after hits I get this overwhelming urge to take down decor, clean, purge, organize, you know…all that type A stuff. (I admit it) This year I am TRYING to relax and slowly take things down and not rush to bring it all to an end. Trying…
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Grateful. I am very grateful for people who give unselfishly. We were the recipients of many blessings in the past year that continue to allow me to stay at home with my kids. God is good…
Add a comment December 29, 2010
Ten on a Rainy Tuesday
Mmmm...soup and grilled cheese:)
2. I got a creative surge today in thinking of fun things to do for our Christmas card…can’t wait to see how it turns out.
3. So, after much anticipation
, I finally got my very own “fancy pants camera”, AKA Canon Rebel. I still need to delve into the instruction manual a bit more to learn all the fun stuff but right now I am really enjoying playing and getting used to it. Taking pictures has always been a hobby of mine and now having small children, I am like the paparazzi…(sorry to my kids for any therapy they may require later in life due to the flash bulbs). I will share a few of my favorites taken recently here.
Strike a pose
Too cute!
Nana and her Hannah
5. November is a month full of birthdays here in our house, Hannah and I share my not so favorite birthstone of citrine. Is it wrong that I don’t want to get a Mother’s Ring because of the color of that stone? Anyway, it is fun that we share this month as we have little traditions that are just ours. Every year in between my birthday and hers we have a lunch date at China Cottage. This year Daddy also surprised her with a date on her actual birthday, he took the day off just for her. I just love birthdays, even though it means a year older it also means special memories and hopefully more things I learned each year.
6. Mission: Christmas – I remember the year Hannah was born. I was so on top of things (she was born the week of Thanksgiving) that year, Christmas cards done early, shopping, wrapping, decorating all done early so that I could focus on time with her. I remember how much weight that lifted off of me. So, this year, I got all my shopping and wrapping done early, short of a few homemade presents still in progress and decorated before Thanksgiving. I still have Christmas cards/letters to mail but I am thankful for pre-planning this year.
Hunt Family Christmas Tree 2010
7. Christmas cookies…one of the things I look forward to about this time of year. I can’t wait for that weekend baking spree that I embark on with my kids, my mom and friends. What is your favorite Christmas cookie?
8. I did the 30 days of thankfulness this November on facebook and I have to say that I am glad I did. I enjoyed reading those posts from others and it helped me to focus on what I have and not what I do not.
9. My friend Susie did another 30 days focus…shoes.:) She is a lover of them and it was really fun to see her sport a different pair of shoes everyday. I must say she has me beat by a mile with her “collection”, I still haven’t built up my choices since my feet grew a whole size during my pregnancies. If you wanna check out her blog go to… www.decorateyoursoul.com. You won’t be disappointed!
10. I am curious, how many of you out there write a Christmas letter each year in place of a card? I started one the year Hannah was born, or maybe the year before, and I just love doing it. The most fun is going back and reading them from year’s past and seeing how far God has taken us in life. This year, although a lot has happened, I have this mental block when I sit down to write. Here’s hoping I come up with something…in the meantime…those of you who write, send me some creative ideas!
Goodbye November, Hellloooooooo December!
1 comment November 30, 2010
Ten on Tuesday
1. I made a big decision this past week to eliminate some things on my calendar and I am already feeling a weight lifted. Although I feel like all the “stuff” I do is “good stuff”, God doesn’t want me so busy.
2. Our church is doing a series on “The Story” which basically shows you how your life fits into the story of the Bible. This week the message really hit me about living more like Joseph. No matter what the circumstance he didn’t complain and had a good attitude in the face of tough situations. I was convicted that my attitude hasn’t been what it should be about some of the responsiblities on my plate. In serving we must do so with the right attitude or what we do does not have the same value.
3. Crunchy Fall leaves and pumpkin collections on my front porch make me happy. Have I mentioned that I LOVE Fall??
4. We have a superhero theme here for Halloween this year. Hannah is going as Supergirl and Ryan as Spiderman. Both love their costumes and feel pretty tough with them on…I think you can tell by this pic!
5. I have to say that the age my kids are at right now is definitely my favorite so far. Most of the time they are still very sweet and say such innocent things, I just love it.
6. Honeycrisp apples and fat free caramel dip is my favorite new snack…sweet, crisp Fall deliciousness
7. Friends. I have some super awesome friends. I have some big things happening this week and so many people have come alongside me to keep me sane, lend a hand and serve with me. I am grateful.
8. 5K Runs…I told myself I would have done more by now but this past Saturday I did my second one, this time with Andrew, and although my time wasn’t as good as my first one, the course was very hilly so I am proud of my finish…39:30. (My first one was “unofficially” about 33 minutes). Training for these would be MUCH more fun if my running buddy Susie was still here to run alongside me.
9. Ironically, and contrary to the “healthiness” of my last post, I am not sure why everytime I watch Biggest Loser I want ice cream. LOL, I mean…is there a subliminal message on this show?
10. And my silly photo of the day is that of me and Andrew as we headed out to a Halloween party over the weekend. It was fun to dress up and have an adult evening out with my husband!
1 comment October 27, 2010
Ten on Tuesday
1. This week I am challenging myself to learn the word no. I take on way too much, I really gotta not say yes to everything!
2. MOMcation…me, my sister, and two of my best girlfriends are taking a MOMcation in April to NYC…I have never been and am SUPER excited on so many levels
3. Had breakfast with a friend late last week and really enjoyed catching up. Isn’t it funny how with some people you pick up right where you left off?
4. Andrew camped out on the deck on the night before Columbus Day with the kids. They were SO excited that Daddy wanted to do this with them. Picture it, Ryan in a tent (not made for outdoors), Hannah sleeping on the mini-trampoline and Daddy on the air mattress. Mommy, (the girl who does not camp in any form), slept on the couch in the playroom which opens to the deck where they were sleeping. Hannah and Daddy made it all night, I was sorta shocked I gotta admit, but poor little Ryan rolled out of the tent at about 1:30AM so I gathered him up and brought him into the warm house with me 
5. I’ve got a small obsession with Bob Harper from Biggest Loser, just sayin’.
6. I had a “God moment” today with one of my cheerleaders…I can see her home environment isn’t ideal and she was upset about the death of her grandmother and really just needed to talk to someone. He allowed that moment so that she could share that her grandma was the Jesus influence in her life. This right before her aunt approached to tell her to dry her tears…oh it is so hard to see a little girl deal with that type of insensitivity. Lord I thank You for the opportunity to talk about You with this little 6 year old girl.
7. Miss Casey…Ryan’s playgroup teacher is seriously his hero. On Tuesdays he wakes up with the thought of her. He adores that girl. She is a sweetie. This morning, his eyes barely open, he says “Can I go see Miss Casey now?” I am so thankful for her and how she has instilled a love of school and learning in my precious two year old. 
8. I have come to the conclusion that no matter how hard I try, I will never get ahead at home. I swear I got more done when I worked and didn’t stay home. (that said I wouldn’t trade it)
9. True friends know no distance, I have learned this from a friend who moved across the country, I know she would be there no matter what, no matter how many miles. Love you Susie!
10. My brain has all things circus floating through it…I am in charge of planning our Fall outreach and the theme is circus days. I go to sleep and awake with thoughts of circus animals, clowns and cotton candy….Come on Oct 30th!!
1 comment October 13, 2010
Ten on Tuesday
1. While at cheerleading tonight I was again reminded (by my body) that I am not as young as I used to be.
2. I am surprised at how differently children behave than the norm dependent upon their surroundings. Hannah, my normally, VERY chatty, outgoing, social and silly 5 (and three quarters) year old is extremely quiet and not so social at cheerleading. It is one dynamic of her personality that rarely comes out. So interesting.
3. Ryan set a new record this week….and not a good one. Longest and most embarrassing public tantrum of his life. Not a fun day folks, not a fun day.
4. I have said it before and I will say it again, I am SO thankful that we have family nearby. Having Nana come to cheerleading practice, having grandparents available in a last minute pinch to watch Ryan for me, getting a spontaneous playdate with the kids’ cousins and so many other reasons I am just so thankful.
5. Boys. Hannah “likes a boy”. Not that I really know what that even means to her, although she did say he was cute, is a bit unsettling for me. The name I will write in her baby book for “first crush” will be Devin. Sigh…Ok, Lord, ease me into this phase of life please
6. Fall…ok, so it isn’t officially here but I LOVE Fall!! The crisp feeling in the air, football weather, bonfires, crunching leaves u
nder your feet, hayrides and homemade apple pie are just a FEW of my favorite reasons why.
7. This past Saturday our MOMs group from church had our first family outing. We visited a Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard just in time to welcome this new season. Here is a shot of one of the many attempts to capture all the kids represented that day. I think it is pretty exciting that we just began our group less than 6 months ago and we had at least 7 families represented and over 13 children and many other families that are a part of the group but just couldn’t make it that day. It was su
ch a great time with our families.
8. As a bonus on our trip we took some photos in the sunflower field across the street and we got some great shots, here is my favorite of our family.
9. Tomorrow morning I have my first day of BSF, Bible Study Fellowship. I am excited to get involved in a more formal study outside of that at my own church but a bit intimidated as well. Please pray for me that my heart and mind are opened to what it is God has for me in this new venture of learning and growth.
10. It’s that time, time for bed. I love heading to bed in the fallish weather with the windows open, not sure why, but I would swear I sleep better this time of year.
Add a comment September 15, 2010
Ten on Tuesday
1. Kindergarten. Hannah is loving her new adventure called Kindergarten. She loves her teacher, all the arts and crafts and was super excited about music class and riding the big yellow school bus. I must say, however, that the bus coming at 7:10AM is not my favorite part. In honor of the first day I decorated a school bus cake for her and we celebrated with dinner with both sets of grandparents the night before with that for dessert!
2. As you can see I FINALLY figured out how to insert photos into my blog, I am a bit technically challenged I am so excited, I love photography and enjoy blogs so much more that include them.
3. Fall. I know, it isn’t quite here just yet but it is sooo close that I am getting excited. It’s my favorite season! Love the crisp sweatshirt weather perfect for a high school football game, warm comfort foods, leaves of all colors and the return of school and the routine that goes along with it. I can hardly wait to break out the pumpkins and scarecrow decorations for my house!
4. Kings Island. This was, according to Hannah, “the greatest day of her entire life”…all 5 and 3/4 years of it! Andrew took the day off work and we spent the day as a family exploring the park for the first time with the kids. They both loved every second. It was a beautiful day, perfect weather, no lines for rides and just enough sunshine for them to enjoy the water attractions as well. As you can see below…we won just a FEW prizes playing some games
5. Running. I have taken up running, not so much as a hobby but as a means to an end. I wish I could say I love it but it’s more like I am trying to love it. Recently my favorite running buddy moved to Cali which makes it a bit hard to do it together so I am working on motivation on my own. Might have to invest in an iPod to help me along.
6. S’mores. Another thing I associate with Fall and I just remembered. I heart S’mores.
7. MOMs group. This past Spring another mom from church and I started Moms of Munchkins, a MOMs group for those of us with children birth to Kindergarten. I am so excited to see it grow and change and have been blessed by the new people I have had the opportunity to meet through the group.
8. Daisies. They are my favorite, another thing I share with Meg Ryan’s character in You’ve Got Mail. There is something in the simplicity of a daisy that I find beautiful. 
9. What are you reading right now? I just finished all of the books by Nicholas Sparks. I began with The Lucky One and was addicted to his writing from the start. I saved the ones I knew the story for last and wrapped it up with The Notebook. I must say I enjoyed the movie version a bit more but both were wonderful. Thinking of trying Jodi Picoult next…any suggestions?
10. Lastly I wanted to share a few recent pics taken by my dear friend Susie @ www.catchlightphotography.com of my parents with my kids and my nephew and nieces. These are priceless photos and I cherish the memories they capture. 
1 comment August 31, 2010
Ten Thankful Things for Tuesday
As I write this my princess is fast asleep after a morning surgery to remove her tonsils and adenoids. She is doing remarkably well so far. Today my focus for the Top Ten list is Thankfulness. I have much to be thankful for, but I will just share the top ten on my heart today.
- My family. As a Mom it is so hard to watch your kids go through pain, even some that might be necessary for a better end result. I am so thankful for my precious little girl Hannah, my little Ryan and my husband Andrew who adores his family as much as I do.
- Grandparents. Where to begin…I remember so many fond memories with my grandparents as a child and would give anything for them to know my kids now. I am so very grateful that my children have 4 wonderful, generous, loving, and prayerful grandparents who are just a wee bit crazy about my kids. One of the nurses came into the room today at the hospital where we had 5-6 people in the room with her and she said “Boy it sure is a shame no one cares about this little girl,” of course said in sarcasm. It fills my heart up to know how much my babies are loved.
- Friends. We had so many friends and family who joined us today in praying for Hannah and for our nerves as parents. Although it is a routine surgery you always have anxieties and concerns and I am so appreciative for those who lifted up our family today.
- Church. (who are also family/friends) One of our awesome pastors came to the hospital today to pray with us before Hannah’s surgery. Someone, who has his own family, got up early and drove to the hospital to show what Jesus would have done. Thank you Pastor Brad.
- Hospital Gift Shops. As we got to the hospital today Hannah saw a sparkly and bright butterfly balloon in the window of the gift shop. I could hardly wait until I got the chance to run downstairs to buy it for her and have it waiting when she came out of surgery. Her face was worth the cost times a million.
- Nurses (and Dr.s too). The kindness, skill and love of children displayed in the nursing staff at Children’s hospital was touching and so appreciated, I think so often the dr is the focus and the nurse is the one your child sees and knows and trusts.
- Smoke Alarms. This may sound strange but today, it is appropriate. While trying to be the “good mommy” I bought Hannah’s favorite flavor of jello and was going to make it for her to eat while she recovers and is on a restricted diet. “Going to” being the operative phrase…I got a little bit distracted and it boiled over and set off the smoke alarms. Jello attempt = FAIL. Smoke Alarms=Full Working Order
- Hannah’s friends. We have had several people let us know their kids were praying for Hannah. They drew her hand made cards. They brought her sweet little gifts. Those children have parents who are raising those children to care for others and I am thankful Hannah was remembered by them.
- Cappucino. Let’s face it people, it was an early morning to be at the hospital at seven. It got me through, just sayin’.
- Prayer and Peace. As most Moms do I had a swell of anxiety in the days leading up to today. I worried about this and that and tried not to let on to Hannah that this was the case. But in the end through prayer a peace came to me and the worry faded away knowing it was in His hands and all I had to do was be the Mommy (and provide lots of popsicles and ice cream).
Be thankful my friends!
Add a comment August 3, 2010
Gracie
This week my daughter Hannah attended VBS at her local preschool’s church and enjoyed each and every moment of it. She lives for the crafts and music and silliness and of course the snacks. And each year she comes home with more and more knowledge of the bible and Jesus. She (all five days) couldn’t wait until we got outside to tell me her memory verse and what kind of special treat they got that day. Her fave was the cheddar popcorn, in case you were wondering. What I also found sweet is how she came home telling me about this new little friend she met there. Her name was Gracie. That first day all I knew about Gracie was that Hannah sat with her at each station and talked to her. I could tell already that I would be hearing a lot about this little girl.
The second day as she climbed into the car she started to tell me about Gracie’s legs. She told me that “Gracie has to wear special covers (braces) on her legs and that she has trouble with her talking”. She told me that her grandma stayed with her through VBS and that she learned the face she made when she was happy. My heart just melted. Of all the fun things she did that day her heart was fixed on this little girl.
Throughout the week she continued to tell me more she learned about Gracie like she has three brothers and the snacks she liked and didn’t like. On the last day of VBS they had their closing program. Afterwards I went to pick Hannah up with her class and there she sat, next to Gracie. Her grandma pulled me aside and said what a sweet little girl Hannah was and that all week she had gone out of her way to play with Gracie, include her and wait for her in line for the next station. These are the moments as a mom that make you smile and fill your heart up. As much as I wanted her to learn new things about the bible this week and be excited to tell other kids about Jesus, what she taught me was that knowing the words in the Bible meant very little if you didn’t do as Jesus did. She loved little Gracie just like Jesus does and saw her sweet spirit and not the braces on her legs.
I tell you this not because I want a pat on the back, because it isn’t because of me she is this way, Jesus gifted her with the gift of hospitality, compassion and a love for other people. I am just thankful beyond measure that He chose me to care for this precious little girl.
1 comment June 26, 2010
