Hi, friend :)

I hope your week is going well. Mine has had ups and downs, but even in the downs there are blessings to be had, if we choose to look. And I am determined to CHOOSE to look.

Once you choose hope, anything is possible.

People are growing, changing directions, moving forward, moving backwards, staying stagnant, showing up, disappearing..some being faithful, some failing miserably. But in every instance there is an opportunity for growth.

Are you going to stare at your Goliath from afar, turn away and hide? Or will you choose to hold Daddy's hand and RUN towards that obstacle, trusting that He will be with you and help you conquer even the mightiest of giants? I hope you choose to RUN! Let the exhileration of running with your Father towards your mountain take over. Leave fear behind and strain ahead towards the blessings waiting for you on the other side.

I encourage you to really dive into the knowledge of how deeply He loves you. Not many people would truly run into bloody battle with you. But He will. And, He never loses.

Align yourself with His word, fill yourself with his truth.  Grab His hand, and when He says, "Ok sweetie, it's time to RUN with Daddy, we've got a war to win!"  Be READY to RUN!!

You are more than a conqueror and you can do ALL things in His name. So..what are you waiting for? 

I'm cheering for you and believing in you!  Be ready, my friend.  I love you!

It's super windy outside. My leaves are tryin their very best to hold onto the branches but they are failing. Soon I will be looking at empty trees. Anyhoo, looks like a storm's rolling in. I heard nasty rumors of snow this week. But I refuse to go there.

Deanna's baby shower was yesterday and it was so cute! We had a good time. She's such a sweetie. Can't wait to meet my new nephew! Monet (her 1 yr old, my niece!) was so entertaining! She had everyone laughing.

Saturday we had friends over. Chris made his famous tomtato soup (if you you think you'd hate it, you're wrong!). And Kathy brought over her jambalaya and Mississippi mud cakes. Georgiann brought pumpkin cake (which I finished off tonight!). Pastor Joe & Steph brought cheesecake! Needless to say, we ate very well :)

OK now the wind is blowing at Texas strength. I don't like that. MY TREES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They better not break in half! EEEK!!

I'm gonna make dark chocolate truffles tonight for the first time. We have a girls night at Pastor's house tomorrow night. It's a chocolate theme! So everyone has to bring something chocolate-y to share. YUMMM Anyway, I won't have time to make them tomorrow so I'm doing it tonight. I hope they turn out yummy!

It's raining now.

I'm probably gonna have to make some hot chocolate now.

I'm feeling like I'm a boring blogger today..and lately. Sorry!!

Hey, guess what, Monday is almost over!! It's one day closer to the weekend! Hip Hip HOORAY!

Love you much. Take care of you. You're important to me, so don't neglect yourself! xoxo

Isaiah 40:31

Howdy :)

Tomorrow starts the move at work..gonna be a lonnnnnng last week. But, the extra money will be good. Christmas money :)

Chris and I played Rockband with J for a bit tonight. He's so cute with his guitar. He has some pretty fancy moves! I had to sing tonight. EEK! For some reason I scored really well with it, but I have no idea how because I thought I sounded like a cat being tortured. haha Oh well, we had fun.

Then J and I were off to get Ash from her friends house. After that the kids and I went to Paul's. Daddy said we could take $5 bucks and get something sweet to eat! :) Love it when he says that.

Oh, after work today I headed out to Kristi's. We visited for awhile and then she took me out to Chapala's for tacos. They were soo yummy. Was great to have time with her. She gave me lots of great ideas for activities with homeschool. I'm so excited to dive in and get a schedule down.

Ash is having her shopping day with Grammie tomorrow and then spending the night. I'm sure they'll have lots of fun and tons of giggles.

J is gonna go out with Miss Tina for a bit tomorrow to watch a soccer game and hang out. They are good buds. He's pretty excited for that.

Well, I doubt I'll blog again until next week some time. The weekend will be jam packed, but fun. Can't wait for all of the activities!!

Love you guys so much!! Your assignment: Love yourself as much as I love you. OK, you probably won't succeed at doing that, but you can have a lot of fun trying! You're great. You're better than you think you are. You can do it. Really, you can! Mountains are climbed one step at a time.

Ok so how does the layout look to you?  Can you see the outside border that shows a flower?  Or is it almost all white?

If I choose the 2 column layout, it is perfect on my desk pc, but strange on my laptop.  If I choose the 3 column layout it is perfect on my laptop, but funky on my desk pc to where I can't hardly see any of the border..it's almost completely white.

What do you see?  And what kind of computer are you using?

Playin with the blog.............ignore the funk.  I know my header needs a pic in it..but photoshop is downstairs and I'm upstairs..

Not sure how I feel about this new blog layout.  Might be a bit dark.  Well..a bit dark..it's black.  I don't think it gets much darker than black.  :)  I want something lighter.  I will look around :)  I'm gonna get a new font.  Laura has super cool fonts on her page and I covet them.  haha 

The weekend was awesome.  Had Jen and Eric's wedding, which was so beautiful!!!  Then later that night we got invited to go to dinner with the wedding party and some others that were in town.  It was super fun :)

Guess what happened on Sunday?  MY PUPPY WAS BORN!!!!  I came running into church and Pastor says, "Did you hear??  You're gonna be a Mom!!!" So exciting :)  I left quiz practice a little early and rushed off to their house..got to see 2 of the 6 being born.  It was truly amazing.  Was so happy to be able to be there.

I'm gonna pick up one, maybe 2 houses for cleaning. So if you or anyone you know is interested let me know.  I'm lookin at the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month.  Already have the 9am-11am slot filled.

We are getting our family pictures taken on the 31st by our friend Heather!  Her pictures are AMAZING.  We did a barter..she and her husband got a ton of our landscaping rocks and we get pictures!  I told her I think we got the better end of the deal :)  Anyway, we have no idea what we will wear, maybe jammies if all else fails :)  That would be SO US!  hmm  I'm sure one of the pics will make it onto the Christmas card, but I'll email you some once we get them.

This coming weekend on Saturday we have a get together planned and then on Sunday we have DeAnna's baby shower!  Can't wait to see her and Monet..and Gramma.  I haven't gotten to spend time with my Gramma in a long time.  Makes me sad.

Chris is down making fresh popcorn.  I'm not a big fan of the corn but I LOVE butter and salt..so I'm looking forward to it :) haha

I got another call for a job interview today..from a woman who sounded so miserable.  I thought hmmm..maybe I should go take that happy job instead of staying home!  haha yeah, right.  When I called her back to let her know I'm no longer pursuing employment the lady says all urrrgishly (new word), "Let me know if it doesn't work out."  OOh yes, I will.  Good Lord.  Why would anyone want to interview for a job with someone who sounds like they hate their job?????  Oh well..matters not.

I suppose I should take my resume off of the job sites. 

I ironed clothes last night.  I love ironing.  I quit doing it a long time ago.  But, oh my gosh I love to iron.  Glad I decided to do it.  It's such a relaxing way to pass the time.  I love the sound of the steam.

I found out that it wasn't too late to get J into the homeschool program we want (for this and next year at least).  So exciting!  And one of the things he will get to learn is sign language.  So fun!  I think we will wait and do this portion of his schooling when Ash gets home so we can all learn together.  Really excited for that.

Not sure I'm happy with the direction Amy and Matt are taking in Little People Big World.  What do you think of the season so far?

Looks like we will be co-opping the tamale making this year for Christmas with Chris' family.  And that it will be at Chris' cousin Renee's house instead of his Grandparents.  Will be different, but so fun!  I'm excited to get to be part of the preparation again this year.  Wasn't able to get the time off last year..which was sad.  Especially since it was probably the last year that Gramma would participate in making them.  But I'm sure she will let us know if we make them right or wrong this year! :)  She's so cute.

Well, I guess I better go for now.  But enjoy your evening.  Make the most out of even the littlest joys.  Because the the little joys add up quick, if you let them :)

We'll chat soon..

**UPDATE:  I changed the blog to a new color..still not sure about it, but at least it's not so dark :)

I'm a ball of emotions tonight.  Part of me is so joyous I almost can't really fathom that this joy has really returned to me.  I think I had pretty much locked this part of me away because losing it was just so hard for me.  And the other part of me is hurt and violated and angry and raw.

We have had a horrible year with my sons teacher.  She refused to communicate with us.  Last night we finally met her for the first time.  We were so upset when we left there.  I couldn't even put a thought together.  OK, I had plenty of thoughts, but not many that I should have had.  And I felt so horrible for sending my son there, when he belongs here, with me.  And, I've always known this..about both children.  It took me awhile to get to sleep last night and when I did get to sleep it was restless.  I woke up with that still nagging rot in my stomach..kept my son home from school.  Thankfully their fall break starts tomorrow, so this is perfect timing for what's happening now. 

The whole drive to work I sobbed and cried and just talked to the Lord, asking for His help.  I knew that there was no way, but that HE could make a way.  I asked for a window, a door, a crack, a crevice..any way that I could get out.  I asked of Him that today would be the day..I've prayed those words so many times over the last umpteen years.  I can't even tell you how many times.  "Please Father, let today be the day.  I can't do this on my own, but I know that through You I can do all things.  You never forsake me.  You never leave me.  You know every hair on my head.  You know my every hurt and you feel it right here with me.  I am your servant.  Show me Your face Lord. You make a way where there is no way.  I know all things happen in your perfect timing Lord, but I'm having a really hard time grasping your reasoning for waiting.  Regardless, I trust you.  I know you are my Provider.  You care for me.  You give your angels charge over me. Please Father, let today be the day."  Anyway...I got to work, still barely holding it together..and throughout the day just kept praying, "Let today be the day Father."

For those of you who don't know really the ins and outs of my/our families past you are probably wondering why the heck I'm freaking out over a parent teacher conference.  Please know that the conference has little to do with it..and at the same time, it has everything to do with it.  To make a long story short, I've always wanted to be a stay at home Mom.  I hate being away from home and my kids' behavior shows how much they hate Mom being away from home.  I never planned on being a Mom or a wife, but I am.  And I have allowed myself to love it..there is truely nothing I have enjoyed more than being a wife and a mom.  I've known that my kids were never to be in public school.  That they were to be with me.  But that hasn't been the case.  We've had "sign" after sign that they need to be home..My husband and I have had very different views on this. But he has been slowly changing his position, which only encourages me to continue my prayer:
"Please Father, let today be the day."

As many of you probably don't know, because I've kept it quiet for many reasons, I have been looking for a new job.  Every job I find is not working with where I know the Lord wants me to be.  I needed something temporary because the kids are going to be home schooled next year and at that time I would need to stay home or find something with different hours. 

If you've read "back issue" blogs you know that I asked for prayer..that my goal was for me to stay home all together.  That there was no way, but that I knew God could make a way.

Today, He made a way.  A way where there was no way.  He let today be the day.  Today I saw my husband for the first time.  The husband I have longed for.  The husband the Lord promised for me.  The husband I thought I could never love more, I now love and appreciate so much more than I can even describe.  The Lord has truely answered my prayers today.  Once again, proving that His timing is perfect. 

As of November 1st I will be home, where I belong.  My son will not return to that school.  Ashley is doing wonderfully and will finish this school year where she is at, then start homeschool next year.  But, finally, our family will be whole again.  I will still be doing a few side jobs, but they will be on my terms and I can take my children with me. 

Jaden is over the moon ecstatic with the news of being able to start home school earlier than expected.  His eyes got all big and teary when I told him he wouldn't have to go back to that school again.  He's already got PE ideas for me :)  He didn't deserve the things his teacher did or didn't give him.  He is the sweetest most loving and caring boy I've ever met and I refuse to let anyone break his spirit.  Whether intentionally or not.

Anyway, I have such tremendous peace.  Peace like I haven't had in years.  A new peace.  I know that I can appreciate this gift so much better now than I would have even 6 months ago.  And in that comes His perfect timing.

So, I am soaring on wings of eagles..and at the same time my Mommy heart is hurting over what was said yesterday in the meeting.  But you know what?  I have to let it go as Chris reminded me tonight.  What Jaden will remember from this is that Mommy and Daddy love him and keep him safe and value his needs.  And that is what's important. 

Well, I guess I just wanted to share with you what's been going on..so that's my story :)  The fast we've been on is over as of midnight tonight.  And I am so glad that Chris and I took part in it.  If not for the fast I would not have been able to see things in my life that seriously needed changing because I would have continued to block it out with the drone of the TV.  Its amazing the changes you go through in 30 days of fasting.  As Chris was saying on Sunday, our vision is so different when we take our sunglasses/blinders off.  It's so much clearer and we can see things for what they really are.

I'm thankful.  I'm humbled.  I'm loved.  I'm at peace.

Love you dearly.  Thank you so much to you who I've sent all of my "please pray" texts to over the past month.  You will never know how much they have meant to me.  Never give up on the desires of your heart.  If they line up with the Word of God, they will be yours.

We'll chat soon..

Isaiah 61:3
…To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…



I know a lot of you are struggling right now, and you are not alone.  I found this scripture today and then found the picture that fit it beautifuly!  I pray He will blanket you in His peace and love on you with the deep, healing love that only He can offer.

Love you!

We'll chat soon...

errrrrrrrrrgggggg  

Translation:  Can't sleep.

We were just getting to sleep last night when some _____ kids came and rang our doorbell a bunch of times, waking us up and alerting the whine machine in our dogs throat, because she thought she had a new visitor to play with.

Got to sleep after that....

Around 4:15ish I wake up feeling like I'm gonna throw up everywhere.  My stomach is actually churning, felt like a bread machine.  It was very strange.  I could feel whatever is in it swishing around and contracting.  Hmm..parasites?  Alien?  Gross.  So anyway, that began the "can't sleep process" again.  Then I started feeling a bit better, was able to roll over to my other side without the Alien exposing itself all over the bed.  Felt better for a minute...then my head started pounding. WHAT?  Throw me a bone here!  I just want to SLEEP!

Then I start thinking about all of the things I need to get done.  Boy howdy (that's for you babe), do I have a TON of stuff to do.  None of it requiring just a few minutes of time.  Everything requires a significant amount of time, and with undivided attention.  So my mind starts spewing off filthy ideas to me..."You should just get started on one of the projects now."   "You have a few hours before you have to be up..you could probably get even two of the tasks done."  "If you keep yourself busy maybe your head won't explode brain matter everywhere from the impending aneurysm."  "If you just get into the massive email you need to send, your body will forget alllll about wanting to spew food everywhere."

I'm trying to get all of the ideas out of my head, and almost accomplish this...then my bladder starts talking.  "Um, Sarah?  I kinda gotta go."  OF COURSE YOU DO!

My throat chimes in, "It's a parched and weary land in here...water please?"   NO!  Later!

Legs finish it off, "We sure are restless...maybe you should get up and take us downstairs."  FINE!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, up I go.  Put my jammie bottoms on, come downstairs, satisfy my bladder and my legs...ignore my throat..for fear of adding more fuel to the vomit stew currently simmering in my stomach.

Mind starts speaking again, "Wonder if you're pregnant..this has been goin on for awhile now."  SHUT UP brain..hubby is fixed..no babies.  "Yeah, but it's still possible..just go buy a test."  NO, it's not possible.  SHH..plus I've had monthly proof that your babbling is NOT a thought with merit.  Plus I have nowhere to put a baby.  And, in addition to that, I don't want anymore babies.   "Maybe God wants you to have another baby."   If God wanted me to have another baby I doubt you'd be nagging me.  It would just happen.  Zip it.

Anyhoo..I came and woke my computer up from it's slumber..looked for the program I was just sure I had on this pc (used to stand for personal computer..but in this case it stands for piece.crap.) only to find that I did NOT have it on this pc.  Maybe it's on hubby's pc.  Don't feel like moving over 3 feet to find out.  Alright..so project #1, done..denied rather.  To the back burner it goes.   Onto project #2.  I go online trying to find templates for my next project..something to get my creativity flowing.  Nope, ghetto.  Nada.  Horrible examples.  Project #2, on the back burner next to project #1.  This leaves my information overload email that I need to get out (like 2 days ago).  It requires opening Word.  It requires going to get the spreadsheet thing so that I can tsfr it to my pc for my files...but it's in the kitchen.  And I'm in the office.  Throat thinks this would be a good idea to go out there and get the info sheet..because then, likely, I'd give into it's demands for hydration.  Nah.  Not goin in there.  Project #3..sort of on back burner.   Moving along to Project #4...lesson plan for Sunday kids church.  REALLY need to get on that.  But, the materials are in the back of the car...which is an equal distance from the office as is the kitchen.  Much too far of a walk.  And, my legs have decided they are no longer restless..but rather lazy.  Of course they have..they do this everytime I give up on sleeping.  I frequently daydream of sawing them off..with a butter knife.  Just to teach them a lesson.

Is that lavender I smell?  Why is there still lavender in my office from the Christmas presents I made LAST YEAR..or wait, was that even the year BEFORE last year?  I hate the smell of lavender.  It makes me sneeze.  It makes my nasal passages close up for winter.  I should throw it out.  Nearest trashcan is in the hall bathroom..sorta next to the garage (work).  Or in the kitchen..sorta close to the fridge which holds the water (vomit).  Nope.  Lavender stays where it is for now.

It's now 6:30.  I've been up for over 2 hours now.  Ash just woke up and is in the shower.  This means it is officially too late to go back up and try to sleep again.  My day has officially begun.  Soon my tiny son will wake up and come give me hugs and look at me with his big blue eyes.  Ash will come down and ask me how I slept and why I am up so early (even though it won't be any earlier than I normally get up).  And then after that my hubby will come in and ask me why I left so early?  How long I've been up? Am I ok?  Then he'll tell me he's sorry I had a hard time sleeping.  He'll ask me why I'm wearing his head scarf thingy and probably give my forehead some kisses.  My pup will at some point during all of this come in and love on me..acting as if she hasn't seen me in 40 years.  I just love the way she is always so excited to see me.  Dogs are lovely creatures, don't know what I'd do without her.

Well, I'm rambling.  I realize this.  I found this quote last night:

“One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised.”

Just thought I'd share that with you.  I loved it!!

Have a beautiful Saturday..find something to do that brings your heart joy..even if it's just pushing all of your projects to the back burner and enjoying some quiet time to yourself.  Love you.

We'll chat soon..

*Sarah*

Well..it's been a week.  I'm so glad it's over.  There were good moments and bad.  But God is good and He's still on the throne.  And I just know beyond all knowing that He blesses those who follow His leading..even when it's not easy.  The blessings far outweigh any of the cursings.

My life is changing directions and I have to say I have total peace about it.  I'll talk about it more later..but let's just say things are going well..even though the storm rages around me.  Sometimes getting out of the boat and walking out on the water is a hard thing to do..but as long as we keep our eyes firmly focused on the Savior, we will not sink.

TBQ quiz is tomorrow, if you're in the area come by and support our quizzers!  They will be dressed in crazy attire.  Starts at 9am I think..goes on for the better part of the day.  Drop in for a match or stay for the day!  Kuna Life Church..across from the High School, on Deer Flat.

Went to the Fall Festival at the kids' school tonight.  It was fun.  COLD.  But, fun-ish.  The fireworks at the end were awesome.  Thought maybe we'd meet Jaden's teacher finally tonight..nah.  She wasn't there.  Bless her heart.

Got to go visit with my Mom (and later my Dad) today after work.  It was so fun.  Mom and I had some brainstorming for my life..she read me a great thing she wrote about our family history..it was so beautiful.  We were both crying in the end.  She's an amazing writer.  Then Dad came home with the doggies and I got to play with Nezka.  She's gotten super tubby and adorable.  Love that little snorter.  Mom n I chatted about different things in the Bible.  And also chatted about Redeeming Love.  She loved it too..read it over the weekend :)  Then it was time for me to go, but not before Dad insisted on giving me dinner to go.  I love him.  So Mom warmed me up some mac n cheese and gave me a water to go..I swear.  I have the best parents on the planet.  Honestly.  They love me so good.

This blog is boring today, huh.  I'm sorry.  There's so much I want to say.  But I just don't have the energy right now.  I hope you all have a beautiful weekend!

Remember...you can't do it on your own.  But that's ok!  You weren't meant to.  With HIS strength, we can do ALL things!  We will mount up on wings of eagles!  The Lord is with you mighty warrior, so RISE!

We'll chat soon...

*Sarah*

I got this from Laura's blog: Life Happens, who first got it from Tiff at My Journey in Motherhood!

The logistics:

1. 
   
   Say thanks and give a link to the one who gave you the award.
   
   
   
2. Share 10 honest things about yourself.
3. Present this award to 9 other fantastically brilliant blogs of content or design, or peeps that have encouraged you.
4. Tell those 9 people they've been awarded and make sure they're informed of these guidelines.

Alrighty...here goes.

1. Although I very rarely swear anymore (Thank you Jesus, this is truly a miracle), I do still swear on the inside quite a bit.  This is something I am working on.  Getting better daily.  But it's a work in process.

2. I don't like hair on sinks.  I really hate hair all together, anywhere but on the person/animal it belongs to.  Unfortunately, I'm a girl with long(ish) hair and I "shed".  AND, I have a Golden Retriever..so yeah, my house is flooded with hair.  Refer back to #1 for further clarification on this problem with hair.

3. I love mexican food.  I could (and pretty much do) eat it every day and be totally content.

4. Being in the country soothes my soul.  I long to be in a field of daisies..looking at my farm house off in the distance.

5. I've decided I would like to go to Ireland to rent a little cottage (or whatever they would be called there) on the countryside..do nothing but read books, watch old movies, burn candles, eat cozy food and drink hot chocolate.  No work.  No site seeing.  Just me and the countryside.  There will be random sheep on the countryside.

6. I love prophetic worship.  Jason Upton being my favorite so far.  I love the way he allows the Holy Spirit to move through him. I listen to his music probably more than anything else.  Also enjoy Don Potter and am getting into Rick Pino, too.  Turn off the lights and let the Spirit move.  ahhh

7. I don't like to sweat.  At all.  Ever.

8. Screaming ill mannered children grate on my nerves.  Again, refer back to #1.

9. I'm somewhat of a hermit.  I love being home.  Probably because I'm not here much.  But having a day at home where all I have to do is relax and nap at my leisure..divine.

10.  My main goal is to grow into all He wants me to be...both as His daughter as well as my family's wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend.....it's a daily struggle.  But with growth comes growing pains.  The pains show me that I am indeed growing, so for this I am thankful :)

This was at the end of my devotional this morning.  It was perfect.  Thought I'd share it with you.  Because sometimes that little dash can involve changes that we aren't necessarily going to enjoy but ones that are necessary in order to grow into all He wants/requires us to be.  Have a beautiful day guys.  Love you so much.  You can do it..whatever "it" may be for you today.  You may not be strong enough on your own, but with the guidance and help of your Father..you can do ALL things!

Here's the quote:

You may live much longer, or you may not. Only God knows. You don't decide when your life starts or ends, but you decide what to do with that little dash in the middle. What are you doing with yours? *Greg Laurie*

 

We'll chat soon..

What a great day it's been :)  Our JBQ practice was decent this morning.  I think we were all pretty sleepy.  But the kids have such a good attitude and just love the Word.  That's a good feeling.  Love to see their sweet smling faces.  They make my heart swell with joy.  Then we went into church and the last song of worship was none other than the song I posted on here this last week, With All I Am!!  Awesome.  The Lord is such a great comforter.  Love my Jesus.  Then after church we were chatting with buds and Kathy mentioned she made chicken noodle soup.  Oh YUM.  We decided we would have to make chicken pot pie for dinner tonight.  Then a bit later after she'd left her daughter came up and said "Mom says get your butts to the house for some chicken noodle soup!"  YES!!!  So excited.  It was delish.  The company was great, her house is so precious.  It's just home.  I love houses that feel like home.  Then it was off to the airport to pick up Judy & Randy!  YAHOO!!  So glad they are home.  Sad they had to leave their beautiful beach vacation, but glad they are back with us. 

It's a rainy, cold, dreary day outside.  And it's very cold inside as well!  As many of you know, I am cheap.  I don't like to run the heater or the AC anymore than absolutely necessary.  Now with not having AC at work this summer I have totally changed my view on the AC portion of my cheapness.  I want it cool.  I don't want to sweat A N Y M O R E!  But, in my home right now it is 65*.  Hey, if you're cold go put some socks on.  Grab a blanket.  Cuddle with a loved one, or your puppy. :)It would be a great day to cuddle up and watch a movie with some hot cocoa.  But, I am still thick into the 30 day fast.  So no TV for me! 

Today I decided to search out some bloggers around the world.  I've never done this.  My blog has been private since day 1, but last night I opened it up.  No more locks.  And today I figured out how to search for people with common interests!  How fun!!  Excited to get to know the new people in my life.

My hubby is on the couch across the room, reading by the soft light of the lamp.  He sure is a good looking guy.  He has the sweetest profile..which my son also has.  They are just sooo cute.  Anyway, I've got him reading Redeeming Love now.  He loves it :)  He was sceptical at first, I may have told you that.  Because the front of it looks like a trashy romance novel.  But now he's sucked into the story.  Gosh, I just cant say enough about this book.  I know, it's bordering on obsession, right?  But I have to tell you, it is literally the most beautiful book I have EVER read, next to the Bible.  Ok..I'll stop.  I won't say anything else about the book until at least a few paragraphs from now.

Ash is down at TBQ practice.  They are memorizing 1st and 2nd Corinthians this year.  She's doin great!  They are in the middle of their flocking fundraiser, she's loving doing that.  I think it's her most favorite part of the TBQ activities.  For those of you who don't know, flocking is when they go out at night and decorate peoples' lawns with lawn art...flamingo's, ladybugs, etc.  And then they leave an envelope on your door. You can donate money and/or pay insurance to not have the flockers return.  There's more to it, but to be honest, I'm not really schooled on it.  Anyway, she loves being sneeky in the cover of dark.  We haven't gotten flocked yet this year, but I'm sure it's comin!

I get to go feel my new puppy in her mommys tummy on Tuesday!!  Can't wait!  We've decided to name her Pumpkin.  Although, Taters is still my personal fave.  I will probably end up calling her punkin taters a lot. :)  Can't wait to have her in our family!!  Thanksgiving can't come soon enough.  My friend, Val, is going to get one too.  YAY!

Well, I guess I don't have much more to share today.  I'm feelin sleepy today and working on not dreading tomorrow.  To everything there is a season..and this one I will enjoy.  His mercies are new every morning, and I am so very thankful for that!  Just as today, tomorrow is also the day the Lord hath made.  And I WILL rejoice and be glad in it! 

Love you guys.  Take care of yourselves.  And, don't give up.  It's always darkest before the dawn.  But your dawn is coming!  You're never alone.

We'll chat again soon..

I can't say I'm a big rain lover.  But, today I've enjoyed it.   We've needed rain.  And it's just cozy. :)  Today is a day I wish I wasn't fasting TV.  I could really go for a cup of cocoa, an old Doris Day movie and some popcorn (also not a big fan of the corn).  Oh well.  There will be more rainy days to come after the fast is over, I'm sure!

We've all gotten our costumes for the upcoming JBQ costume day meet in November..except Chris.  We will have to post pics for you.  They are pretty cool.

We made waffles this morning, they were super yummtastic.

Chris is out with his buddy..going to see some zombie movie.  Men. 

I'm thinkin mashed potatoes sound good.  Maybe I should make some.  Either that or beans and chips.  Hard to decide!!!

I think I'm excited for Fall and Winter.  There, I said it.  I will probably change my mind.  But for now, I'm trying to embrace them and the cozy joys they bring.  Trying not to focus on the inevitable drama, etc.  And, I'm downright refusing to acknowledge that there will be icy snowy roads.

I'm doin better now than I was a few posts back.  Still emotional and junk but hey growing up is serious business!  Just ask a baby!  I'm sure they have many growing pains.  Just of a different variety.

Everyone we know (ok that's a slight exaggeration) has been sick.  We haven't gotten sick yet, thank the Lord.  Ash and J have had the sniffles but that's it.  Hopefully we all stay well.

I've officially taken over this blog as my own.  It was a family blog but no one ever wrote in it except for me anyway, for the most part.  So, now it's mine.  Who knows, maybe it will encourage Chris to start his own.  Doubtful, but we can hope!

Well, I don't really have much to say tonight so I'll be on my way.  You know I love you.

Don't be afraid.  Even in the darkest hour, He is with you.  Let him Love you.

We will chat soon..

Well, good Thursday evening to you. :)

It's been a long week..much of it has been spent in tears.  Not necessarily bad tears.  Just self realization tears.  Time with the Father tears.  Tired tears.  Worn out tears.  Salsa is too hot tears.  heehee

Anyway, so glad tomorrow is Friday.  SO happy for the weekend.  Time with my little family.  Although we are always more busy on the weekends than we are during the week..at least we are (usually) together.  Ash has a friend coming over to spend the night tomorrow night.  We're taking them out for a bit to pick out costumes for the bible quiz match that's theme is "costume day".  They are forcing me to get something too since I'm coach.  errrrg  Ok.  J says I should be an angel.  Aww isn't that nice ;)  Then Saturday I'm gonna go out with my buddy Jen for awhile and enjoy some girl time.  Then after that Chris is goin out with Jen's other half to a movie.  Sunday...well Sunday is just Sunday.  Busy as always.  But Pastor Judy and Randy are comin home after a week enjoying the coast on Sunday.  Yay!  I'm gonna go get them at the airport, but before I do that I think I might go down and visit my brothers/Gramma for a bit.  I haven't been down there in ages.  Mom n dad are camping this weekend.  Are you bored with this yet.

Found a new song the other day that I fell in love with.  Well, I don't know if it's new.  But I don't think I'd ever heard it before.  I wonder if I can get it into this blog...lemme check.





And then this is the other one I've been listening to pretty much non stop..one of my all time faves.  I just looovvvvvve it.  The video kills me.




Anyhoo..the fast is over on the 14th.  I think Chris will be filling the bathtub with coffee and drowning himself in it.  I'm excited to watch a movie with my family.  Have missed that.  Other than that the only thing I've really missed is my Flipping Out show.  Sad but true.  Although, there are still multiple times throughout the evening that I would love to flip the tv on.  It has been more of a struggle than I thought it would be in some ways and in others it has really been a blessing.

Had dreams all night lastnight that my Gramma had died.  That was joyous. (not)

Bought my lemon ginger tea at the store today.  YUM.  I could go for a cup right now.  I've only had it iced.  What if I have it hot and it sucks?  I don't want to ruin something that is so heavenly.  Hmm.  Well, no risk, no reward.  Too bad I'm too lazy to go make it.

I've been pretty queezy for a few weeks now (not pregnant, thank you).  Feel as though I could vomit at any moment, but don't.

I'm still in the thick of my books on tape..  They are by Francine Rivers....about "Five women, whom God chose, destined to play a key role in the lineage of Jesus Christ."  Rahab, Mary, Bathsheba, Tamar and Ruth.  I've made it through Tamar, Ruth and now am in the middle of Bathsheba.  They are amazing.  The way she tells the stories just really brings them alive.  I love them.

Have you read Redeeming Love yet?  Well, what are you waiting for?

Well, I should quit rambling.  Hope you have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend.  I pray you are well.  Sending virtual hugs your way!  Remember..you're worth the effort.  He loves you, and so do I.