We are in the process of obtaining a mortgage and we need to provide our year to date earnings and expenses... my question is... is there a particular way this must be done?. is this something we can do ourselves or do we need to have an accountant do this?

Show your tax returns for the last year... They all had to be sent off already so its clear that what you reported... and people don't report MORE to the IRS than they actually made... but it used to be common on Mortgage applications. And why it's a LOT harder now to get a mortgage.

We have to show our tax returns for the last 2 years but they also want this yrs year to date income and our expenses... I can figure this out myself since I do pay the bills but was just wondering if there is a specific format that must be used. I would get our accountant to do it but that entails going to another city and was trying to not make the drive.

2013, from Jan 1.
Nothing complicated at all.
Just a piece of paper showing income. If you do large jobs, list each payment to you and the date and maybe who paid you. If you sell small items, just a total for each month plus half of April.
Expenses, use the same line items you use on Sch C on your taxes.

You most recent pay stubs should show year to date income. The expenses are looking for major expenses, rent, loan pymts, utilities, etc.