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.

Seasons.....to everything there is a season..a time... Sometimes it seems as though the season will never end, sometimes it seems as though it only lasted a moment and you want with everything to get it back...to keep it from ending.  Sometimes it seems there are so many changes that it's hard (impossible?) to keep up.  Grasping for the fleeting moments..taking quick mental snapshots to try to remember the moments..the conversation..the laughs..the smiles..the hugs..the feelings..the sound of their voice, their laugh..things they've said. 

I have been known to make the statement often, "Don't leave me."  I find myself constantly anticipating the end of something.  Chris will ask me, "Can't you just enjoy it while it lasts?" And my answer is, "No, because with every moment we are closer to it being over."  Whatever "it" may be.  It just seems that those moments of quiet...of laughter with friends..dinner with my husband...giggles with my kids..it's all going too fast.  I've started the downward portion of the rollercoaster and I've only got 30 seconds left of the ride.  Instead of screaming and laughing and enjoying the ride, I'm terrified.  I don't want it to end.  I don't want the changes.  I don't want people to move on to new "seasons".  I want it all as it is.  I want to freeze the ride..if only for a moment.  ..a lifetime. 

I love my friends.  Absolutely adore them.  Probably more than one should.  And the same goes for my family.  I want to hold them all close to me and never let go.  I realize that this is selfish.  Totally.  Let's be clear.  This is not a head discussion..this is a matter of the heart.  My friend says that this may be how Jesus feels when He must let us go and grow.  When it's time for us to walk instead of crawl.  It hurts..but it's beautiful.  I want to see everyone grow and become all they are intended to be.  It's just hard to say goodbye..I want to not only see them grow, but I also want to be there to enjoy the growth with them.

It seems to be heading toward the end of one season and the start of a new season right now for many people in my life.  Many things are changing..lives are changing directions.  And although we grow together, we can't stay exactly the same.  We are all different parts of the tree, not one part of the body is alike.  And because of this we must branch off into different areas.  As Michael W. Smith sings, "I know the road He chose for me is not the road He chose for you.   So as we chase the dreams we're after, pray for me and I will pray for you.  And one day Love will bring us back around again."  Seems there have been many instances in my life where this songs has had great meaning.  And, most friends have found their way back to me, and I to them.  And it's a great reunion.  We've grown so much and now enjoy eachother even more than we did before.  But, the initial parting is bittersweet.

Me not having TV to drone off to as brought a lot of things to the surface.  Also, reading Redeeming Love has really made me aware of how abundant His love is for me.  No matter how people come and go, HE REMAINS.  So comforting.  But in my friends I see Him in human form.  Anyway, the book reminds me so much of my own life..and of how not only my husband has never given up on me, but my Heavenly Father hasn't given up, either.  I'm so abundantly blessed.

Val said to me tonight, "Everything (and everyone) that you need are right where they belong" .  That cuts DEEP.  Almost takes my breath away.  But it is also comforting.  Because it helped me to realize that God has each and every person in my life placed exactly where He wants them.  In order for me to grow, he must place people in different places in my life.  It's like a beautiful game of chess.  People ebb and flow from my immediate surroundings.  Some go away for good.  Some are called back.  But, no matter their placement, it is all for the ultimate good.  The "chessboard" of my life is complex and not always easy, but it's design is masterfully planned out.  Not one error.  Everything is meant for good, if I just submit.  And, submit I will.  I can't promise there won't be tears, but I can promise that I will continue to grow.  I will do my best to enjoy the ride, no matter how long it lasts.  Because, if I look at it in a positive light..if things never changed in life..I never would have met you.

I love you.  I hope you know just how much.  And I pray nothing but the best for you in whatever new ventures the Lord leads you into.  May you be richly blessed, and if God willing, you find your way back to me..there will be hugs waiting.  If not, I've truly enjoyed every moment.  You won't be forgotten.

I believe that one day, we will all be together again..dancing at our Father's house.  I can't wait for that day.

Here are a few of my newest pics.

Here are two of the drama's the youth kids did yesterday.  Ash is in the second one, Everything.

They were amazing!!!  The youth really gave us an awesome service.

Revelation 5





Everything

Ash and I went to our friend Jen's bridal shower lastnight.  So fun!  Lots of buddies to chat with and yummy food to munch on.  Then she went to the last part of the Kuna football game with her friends and to 5th quarter at church after the game.  Busy girl she is.

Chris and J stayed home to watch the game and had a dudes night.  They love dudes night :)

I got home from the bridal shower and thought maybe we should go down to the pool for an hour.  The sign at the pool says: "Pool is now heated!!"  Thought it might help my back to be in the pool so came home, got Chris and J and off we went!  Got there, the water is just as cold as it always is.  Lame.  Back home we went.

I changed the sheets on the bed and put the "down" comforter on the bed, opened the window..turned the fan on and got into bed with my book (Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers).  J later came in and said, "Your room sounds so nice..I should sleep in here"  I think he meant cuz the fan was on and there were sprinklers going outside..he's cute. 

I'm doin really well without TV.  I was worried it would take me forever to fall asleep because I always have the TV on to lull me to sleep.  But, the Lord has really blessed me.  I'm falling asleep within about two seconds of closing my eyes :)  The fast goes until October 14th.  There are still moments I think ahh it would be nice to just relax and watch some tv..which shows me how often I really did watch tv.  I don't usually pay attention to it when it's on, but I like to have the noise.  Or just stare into the tv blankly and zone out.  It's reallllly nice not to have it yappin at me all the time though.  Chris chose to fast coffee..I'll let him blog about that.  Well, we all know he won't blog about it (prove me wrong babe?), but still.  He's doin great.

Today we have the Fall To Worship event out in Nampa.  The drama kids will be performing 2 different times throughout the day.  Pretty excited for that.  They also have live music and I guess a few pastors who come and speak.  But it's all outdoors in the big park in nampa that has the ummm what is it..fighter jets or something?  Well you know what I mean.  OH, and did I mention there is free food?

I originally had to work this morning but my boss told me yesterday that I no longer needed to.  They will now only be open on Saturdays if we have a big shipment coming in on Monday.  SWEET!  Doesn't help me save up for my dog, but it's still SWEET! 

Well, we are getting ready to have our big Saturday family breakfast, so I better go get stuff started.

Have a wonderful weekend guys!  Love you so much!  

Until next time...Take care of you, you're precious cargo!

Hello, my friend.

How are you?  Doin ok?  Have I told you how much I love you lately?  How much I admire you?  How much I treasure you?  Well, I think of you more often than you know, admire you more with each growing step you take and treasure your sweet spirit always.  You are so important.  You may not realize just how important.  It's sometimes hard for us to see ourselves as others see us.  But I see you as beautiful.  No, you're not perfect.  But you're not supposed to be.  Watching you grow from a tiny seed into a beautiful flower is a real treat.  And if I can ever be the water to encourage you to grow, or the sun to warm you, or the shade to cool you, the shelter to protect you..well you know where to find me.  I hope not a day goes by where you feel alone.  Because you aren't.  You're never, ever alone.  I just want to encourage you to keep fighting, keep growing, and to never give up.  You may not see the light at the end of the tunnel right now, but I promise, it's there.  If you will move your focus from that which is directly in front of you to that which lies ahead, you will see that His light is there.  He's just one step away.  Soon you will soar on wings of eagles.  Don't grow weary.  You will one day run!

He loves you.  He has not forgotten you.  He knows.  He knows even that which you keep hidden.  And He can help you.  He longs to hold you, if you'll only let Him. 

Until next time..((hugs))

Hi!


Here is the newest update from Jenn on Joshua. As you probably remember, Joshua is fighting Leukemia and doing a bang up job if I do say so myself!


Jenn writes:

Hey everyone, I promised an update on Joshua this week, so here goes!!!!


Gonna recap last week: Thursday he was really sick so we took him for lab work, round of antibiotics and blood cultures. Fever has gone away and has not returned. His counts last week were a little over 500 and his WBC was only at one......Fast forward to today! Took Joshua to rerun his counts this am.....his absolute nutrophil count is continuing to drop. It is now at 216 and his WBC is now at .6!!!! Yes, they are continuing to drop. After speaking with his nurse, we have pulled him off all chemo's for now. He will not receive any type of chemo until further notice. He is not due to be seen in Savannah until the 28th. Now, unless he starts running a fever we can stay right where we are. Otherwise its a race to Savannah. We speak regularly with his oncologist and trust their judgements wholeheartedly. They are not the type to sugarcoat ANYTHING!!! In the meantime, Mason, Owen and Emma have taken on fevers at out house as well and have taken over the beds 24/7 since Monday. My poor little babies!!! On a special note, Darrell and I are celebrating (or should I say remembering) our 8yr. Anniversary today!!!!! Hard to celebrate with sick children........

Please pray for all of us, as we go over yet another hurdle of battles........

Will keep everyone posted.

Jennifer

Camping was great.  Best trip of the year.  Total relaxation.  Great company.  Little drama.  Beautiful surroundings.  And a side trip to Stanley. :)  We enjoyed ourselves soooo much.

Ash and I are feeling a bit cold-ish today.  Hmm We spent the weekend apart..how could this be?  Oh well.  I'm sure we'll be fine.

Dad came up with another name for the new puppy baby this weekend.  PUMPKIN!!!  We love it :)  So, now it's between Pumpkin and Taters.  He says it could be Pumpkin Pie and then if we're mad at her it could just be Pumpkin. haha

Work was lonnnng today.  But it went well, I didn't get yelled at by any customers and we got all of our work done!  Well, minus about 40 emails that I still have to check.  But I got through about 70 so I'm happy.

Had tuna casserole for dinner.  It was delish.  I put chunks of cheese in it so when you take a bite cheese erupts in your mouth.  Sweet Heaven.

Jaden is reading to Chris.  They are giggling a lot and having fun.  J's a really good reader.  Both kids have always really enjoyed books.

I need some chocolate.

Well, I guess I'll go for now.  Hope your weekend was wonderful and that your work week flies by.  Love you mucho and think of you often.  Give yourself a hug from me.  I think I'll go make myself a nice hot cup of tea. 

Until next time...don't forget, you're worth the effort!  ((hugs))

EEE!  My puppy is gonna be a Thanksgiving baby!  As in I get to bring her home on or around Turkey Day!  EARLY Christmas for me!  Ok, I know I said the puppy was for Sadie.  But, well...ok, it's for me. There, I said it!

We have 2 possible names since it's a Thanksgiving baby.  Here they are:

1.  Turkey
2.  Taters

Tell me which one you like.  Chris, of course, hates them both.  No matter.  He said we should name her Cranberry.  But I know if we do, my brother will just forever call her dingleberry.  Funny..but wrong.  LOL!

Life is ummm challenging.  Nothing new there.  Work is ummmm challenging.  Something new there.  Well, new-ish.  I'm too ____ (not sure of the word I'm looking for) to elaborate on it, so I won't.  I'll just say I'm thankful for my job.  And I'm thankful for the upcoming day when I won't need my job.

I'm enjoying the cooler days, when they choose to arrive.  And cherishing the hot days even though I've grown to hate them.  Cherishing them because soon it will be freezing and dark and damp and I will long for a hot sweaty day.  My friend Judy is helping me to enjoy the seasons of life.  I enjoy the seasons of life, but would enjoy them more if they were the seasons I picked and ones that ended and begun at my command.  I realize that has nothing to do with weather.  But, well, it sort of does.  Anyway, I'm not much into this seasons lesson, but growing is good and grow I shall! 

Do you ever just have that deep ache in your soul for Jesus?  I do.  I love my quiet time with Him.  And I long for it like a girl longs for her new boyfriend to call.  So thankful for Him and for the quiet moments we share. 

We leave for camp tomorrow.  And Ash leaves for her camp.  This is our last camp of the year.  Oddly, I'm ok with it.  This year has brought a few changes forth in me.  1. I no longer enjoy 100 degree days.  2.  I only sort of enjoy camping.   Eek, it hurts to even write that.  Maybe it's just a phase.  But, camping just seems like work now.  Why?  I dunno.  Maybe cuz I'm working full time..and that by the time the work week is done, the very last thing I want to do is pack up a portable home into the back of my car and drive 2 hours to a plot of dirt where I will then unload said portable home and proceed to be filthy..cook a lot of subpar meals, sweat a lot and bat off flesh sucking insects..undoubtedly trip in the dark..pee on my shoe and sneeze a lot.  Fun?  Where?  I'm old.

My home is cozy.  I need to paint.

My home is very clean.  I can breathe.

My dog is gorgeous.  She sheds too much.

I've got so many things going on and juggling, although one of my strong suits..makes the arms a bit tired.  I tear up a lot.  And for no reason.  No really, for no reason.  Saying good morning at times can bring on tears.  Or, I'll be telling a story to someone and all the sudden begin to tear up.  Wow.  Jesus take the wheel! LOL

Well, I'm rambling.  But this is a diary of sorts, and it's meant for rambling.

My kids are adorable.  Absolutely adorable.  I love them.  Everyday.  Every way.  Sometimes I don't like them.  But I always, always love them.  Ok I always like them too.  I just don't always like what they do. 

My husband..oh my husband.  Could a husband be any more precious?  I don't think so.  How is it possible that after 14 years I still get butterflies just thinkin about him!  I always thought my Mom was silly when she'd say things like that about my Dad, but now I know..she's not silly.  She's just in love.  She loves him, and she allows him to love her.  That's big.  It's said that your relationship with your spouse (and others) directly reflect ur relationship with God.  OOh..that gives me a lot to work on ladies n gents.

Well, I better get goin.  Lots to do..

But, I love you.  Even if we don't talk as much as we did.  See eachother as much as we used to.  I love you.  I think of you.  I pray for you.  I believe in you.  Don't quit.  You're here for a reason, and the reason doesn't involve giving up.  Be strong, be faithful, and don't forget to take time to listen to His voice.  It's important, and so are you.  ((hugs))

Until next time...please remember that tomorrow isn't just "another day" 

Well, we are (queue Steven Tyler) back in the saddle again.  We've had both the TBQ and JBQ meetings and are all set to start class.  Drama has started back up.  But back to JBQ..we had 11 kids last year on the whole JBQ team..this year we have (drum roll please), TWENTY SEVEN!!!!  Wow, God is good.  I have 2 new kiddos in my class and, one of them is a boy!  Should make J very happy..not that he doesn't enjoy the ladies' company..that is as long as they like to do boy stuff.  Anyway, school started back up this week, too.  Both kids are enjoying it..well until homework time comes and then they remember that it's not so fun.  And neither of them are enjoying spanish class.  I told them they are disgracing their heritage by saying that and that they will learn every last blasted word, with a smile on their face.  And that's that.

So...I'm saving up for a dog :)  My Pastor and his wife breed dogs.  Yorkie's and Havashires (Yorkie Havanese mix).  I'm gonna get a Havashire.  They will be black and brown and I get pick of the litter!  They will be ready in the second week of December.  OH, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME! :)  Really, I'd be fine without another dog but Sadie really needs company.  And I do love me a lapdog that doesn't make me sneeze.  The new puppy will be only about 4 pounds full grown from what they've said.  This I can handle :)

I spent over 2 hours tonight separating out questions for my JBQ'ers.  We have 10, 20 an 30 point questions this year..and I have the kids separated into 3 teams.  Anyway, I was talking to one of the other coaches tonight and she said she likes to separate out questions in blocks..like all pertaining to Joshua, etc.  So I did that with all the different categories possible.  And then divvied up the rest.  Harder than one may think to make things fair and then decide which team would be best for which set of questions...And making up the teams of 2 was difficult, too.  Especially not knowing how the 2 new kids will do.  But,the good thing is that within a few weeks I should be able to tell who makes a good team and who doesn't...ok this is just me talking out loud and you're probably bored to tears.

Have a great week.  Love you!  Hey you know that person in our life who you love like crazy and would do anything for?  Treat yourself like you treat them.  xoxo



(P.S.  Where did spell check go?  Well just ignore my typos :)  )

Here are a few of my most recent Photoshop edits. Humans aren't my fave so far. But the flowers are fun. The kinda sucky thing is..after I'd saved them I figured out how to make my watermark way smaller. But I can't go back and fix it. I would have to go back and edit them all over again. So I have 3 pics that will forever have my huge name on them. You'll notice the daisy type flower I'm posting has a big watermark and the lilacs have the nice tiny one. Oh well..lessons learned! Maybe one day I'll get ambitious and edit them again..but not this week. I'm gonna make a different one that is just initials. Anyway, I'm trying to get enough flowers done in order to give Jess a set of cards for part of her bday present tomorrow. You'll see if you enlarge the pics that the first one has a line you can see where I did the cut to edit it..the second one doesn't..learning as I go!

So...I'm gonna be an Auntie again :) Can't remember if I ever shared that news on here or not. But, I am. Deanna's preggers again..and we just found out on Thursday that it's a BOY!! So excited. Last I heard, the name shall be Cash. But we never know till it's on the birth certificate, right? :) At any rate, we know he will be a beautiful baby and I'm sure Monet will love being a big sissy to little brother. He is due towards the end of November..Deanna's having a c-section. So I think she said somewhere between the 16th and 21st. We'll have him here for Thanksgiving!

Did I mention that my friend, Kim, has moved back to Idaho?? AND better yet, is moving to KUNA!?!?! If you don't remember, Kim is the one who I plan & bake with for Thanksgiving every year. That quit when I moved to Texas for 2 years..started back up when I moved back and ended when SHE moved to Texas for 2 years (or was it one? I can't remember..felt like 20!). We tried to plan together via email..it just wasn't the same. BUT now she's back and my Thanksgiving baking love has also returned. I can't wait to start planning with her! We've been doing this together since Ash was just a wee little tiny, so it's not a tradition that's easy to let go of.

I've been at the pool almost every day for weeks. Cuz, I love it. And now the water has warmed up..thanks to the HOT temps outside! Unfortunately, this also means everyone else in the sub wants to swim. Oh well..I stay long enough to watch them all come and go..ending up alone again. Love it!

We've been really busy but enjoying pretty much every moment of it. :) Hope your summer is going well, too.

Both kids are doing well, enjoying their friends and we're enjoying their friends' parents! Nice to have a good church family to be close with.

Drama starts again this coming week, so Chris is gearing up for all of the fun that will hold..Bible Quiz starts not long after that and I think Chris might be my co-coach this year for that too, so we will again (still?) be busy little bee's!

We will have our vacation the first week of August..can't wait to get away and just be alone with our little fam. My brother has a LaCrosse tournament where we are going at some point that week so we will probably go to that, or at least part of it. Should be good times! I love watching him play. It's such an awesome sport. But, mostly, we just need this time away to be together and alone with our kidlets.

My left leg is asleep and it hurts to move it. Stupid, stupid leg. Thankful to have it, but it's stupid.

Well, I guess I'll be going. Love you, you're important and special and unique and made with purpose!

Until next time...

My first attempt at PhotoShop..kinda fun! I haven't had time to play with it much since this picture, but look forward to a day when I do have time. The first picture is the original and the second picture is the one I played with. Thanks Heather for helping me learn such a seemingly tough program!

Softball game tonight..it's a warm one out there folks! Hope you're all enjoying your week. Love you, love you. Be good to you, you're valuable property!

Ok..my friend Jen blogged today so I feel that I must follow suit. Truth is I've been thinkin about you guys a lot lately, just haven't had the energy to regurgitate my days onto cyber paper.

Our friend Lani is in town for the weekend, we got to spend time with her, her 2 kiddies and her Mom last night. Had a lot of fun. We can be apart for years but it's like no time has passed. I miss my friend :( It was sad to say goodbye last night. Heart was heavy. *sigh*

There is still no A/C at work. Was 93* in there yesterday. 'Nuff said. Really. You don't want me to go there. It's not safe. I'd have to duct tape my brain in place so it didn't explode all over you if I even dared elaborate any more on the A/C..or lack there of.

Today is the 4th of July and I can't help but think of how long and hard people fight for our freedom, and sometimes at a significant cost. Whether in uniform or just the average Joe making a difference in his state, city, town, neighborhood, family. I appreciate you!

We're all fighting for something whether we realize it or not. In every decision we make, we are fighting for a freedom. Which freedom are you fighting for at this moment? Is it something that truly deserves freedom? Or should there maybe be a re-evaluation? Do we really want to "free" all that we desire? And, more importantly, are our desires for certain freedoms aligned with His Word? Just thoughts I have...

The house is a flippin disaster. Late at night, or I should say very early in the morning..I think, I need to get this place spiffed up! And I make all these plans in my head and get all excited. To the point where I almost decide sleep is overrated and jump out of bed to conquer! But I don't. And then by the time I wake up the next morning, the desire has turned into dread. I know..dread not. And, yep, I've read the book.

Miss my husband. He's down at the fireworks booth. He loves to be there. That's fine. I just miss him.

We tend to get very busy. It's always been this way. Every moment is filled with something..a commitment..something fun..something not so fun..etc. But there is always something. I'm at the point right now where I want to erase the whiteboard of commitments in my head and enjoy a day where I can blissfully enjoy peace and quiet. I know..I can enjoy that even when the storm rages around me. But I want a day where it's quiet and the birds sing and the iced tea is sitting near me..the sun is softly shining down as I leisurely read a book. My kids are laying in the grass looking at the clouds with the Dog and my husband is cuddled next to me in the hammock. This is the place I go to when everything overwhelms. I spend a lot of time there lately. (Oh and by the way in my "happy place" we are on a sprawling 400 acre piece of breathtaking land..and there are daisies growing randomly everywhere..I could go on.)

Life is good..always good. Even when it's sprinkled with dung, it's good. Things are challenging. But I remind myself often that Life is change, growth is optional. That God has me here in this very moment, in this very spot, for a reason. And it's a good reason. And instead of day dreaming of where I want to be, I should enjoy where He has me at this very instant..learn..absorb..grow. Chances are if we are in a spot where we don't want to be, there is a lesson to be learned. And until we submit to the refining, the work will never be finished. Before we know it we will be in the desert for 40 years. I don't want that.

Listening to Kari Jobe's version of The More I Seek You. It's my favorite version. I love her voice.

I have a goal..I know, go figure. Sometimes I think I'm the queen of goals. But, hey, how else can you reach a goal?? You can't make cookies if you refuse to make (or in some cases buy ;) ) the dough! Anyway. My goal..which is unreachable on my own (which is my favorite kind) is to be able to stay home full time with my family by the time the kids finish the next summer break. So by the time they finish this coming school year and then the summer vacation after that. What would that be..umm September 2010. This is approximately a full year BEFORE we will be debt free, according to the charts. This is impossible by the standards we are living in now. So, I'm just asking for your prayers and your agreement in this. We want to home school the kids and working makes that difficult. Not impossible by any means, but difficult. And not the best scenario. But, I know that with Him all things are possible.

My niece turns 1 tomorrow. Wow how time flies! I hope to have more time with her in the coming year. I've been all but cut out of my other niece and nephews' lives and I hate it. I don't want that for Monet. I want to be her favorite Auntie!!

Do I sound mopey today? I'm not. Not really. I feel pretty joyful actually! I just have a lot of sound bytes running through my head today. This is what happens when I have a quiet morning to think, and when I finally sit down to blog. Voila! NOVEL! :) I am PMS'ing..so really it's a roller coaster. But we've all been on this ride together before, so this should be no surprise to you ;)

I love you. I love the parts of you that you're scared to show. I love the growth potential in you that you fear to water. I love your smile. I love your hugs. I love your moments of inspiration and pray you let those moments multiply. Don't waste your life. You weren't created to go to waste. You were created to thrive! So show the beauty you're hiding..water the potential and drown out the fear. You are worth the effort! How do I know? I know, because I've met your Father..and in His book he speaks very, very highly of you ;) Rumor has it that His banner over you proclaims "LOVE!" to the world. Yep, you're pretty special.

Take care of yourself. We'll chat soon. ((hugs))

We've been bustin tail in the yard the past few days. Last weekend Chris mowed (takes a lonnnnng time, our yard is deceivingly large). The kids and I worked in the back yard raking up all the bark and chucking it into the trashcan. Chris and I had started this the week before but had to stop once we'd filled the huge trashcan. The kids and I filled it again this last weekend. SO MUCH CRAPPIN BARK. Anyhoo..a few sunburns and blisters later the yard was ready for the curbing, which went in today! The curbing guy told us today that we shouldn't touch it for two days..we're like "Oh, yeah, ok! No prob!" As soon as he left we pulled out the weed barrier and went to work. ;) I figure I paid for the stinkin curbing,I can screw it up if I feel like it! Anyhoo we got it all laid out and staked down AND without even one scratch to the tender curbing! Woohoo! Tomorrow my new tree will arrive and be planted, and my huge pile of permabark will be piled up in my driveway. Tomorrow night we will spread the permabark out over the flower beds. It will be beautious! Painful but beautious! My bro and Laura came out tonight and brought us the wheel barrow (or wheel barrel as Chris calls it..also may be called wheel burrow..whatever, I think it's barrow) and measured for our trellis thing he's gonna put up..and for my garden thingy! (refusing paragraph usage so far..just don't want to) Anyhoo..by the end of the week I should have a beautious back yard, finally :) Then I will just need to get a few big pots for flowers and then some climbing things for the trellis so it will eventually be covered in beautious foliage and flowers! Oh and I'll need to go get some horse crap from the farm so I can get my garden going..there's always more to do, but at least the big stuff will be done. I don't think I'll be able to get a fountain this year for the back yard but who knows. As usual, donations are welcome! ;)

Ok I made a paragraph. Proud? Anyhoo..we're all itching super bad to get out camping..so far we can't find a free weekend which fries me. But, never fear, we will find a weekend! We will find plenty of them! I claim it! :)

Please pray for my friend Judy, she had her gallbladder out last week and is healing well but slowly. There was quite a bit of scarring around the gallbladder so the recovery has been painful. Please just pray that everything functions as it should and that she back to 100% soon! She's too amazing of a person to be stuck in bed. Somehow even though she's not around she still finds a way to bless everyone. I just adore her.

Mom's bday is on Monday, I get off early from work that day too! Anyway, we're doin her bday party on Sunday. Should be fun! Hope the weather is nice. Saturday Chris is goin out with his buddy Jason all day for movies and lunch and stuff. Then he's gonna come home and test his first batch of wings with some of our buddies. Will be a busy weekend but a good one. I think while he's gone on Sat I will spiff up the house all nice, Lord knows it needs it! And, maybe I'll go down to The Wild Ivy and see if I can spend my gift certificate..haha..of course I can! And, I should be able to find something for my Mom's bday there, too.

Kids are well, Dog is well, we've still got one bird as of now, and Chris and I are well too!

Take care ((hugs))

Words for today: Beautious and Anyhoo

So I haven't blogged in about 30 years..sorry!

Things have been hectic, but that's always the case! I find that by the end of the night I'm to exhausted too put two words together much less a blog!

J got accepted into the charter school for next year so we are really excited about that. Both kids will go there next year and then they will start homeschool the year after that..A's 9th grade year and J's 3rd grade year.

Ash had her last TBQ match for this "year" and did great. She came in 5th overall and 2nd in something else, and then their team came in 2nd as well I believe. We were/are so proud of her and the team. They did an awesome job, and the awards ceremony was great! We had teams in from Idaho, Washington, Montana and I think Oregon. Can't remember if they were there or not to be truthful.

I'm laying here with a fever..feel fine from the below the lungs down, have a sinus infection from the lungs up! Stupid post nasal drip kills me every spring and my lungs always take the brunt of it. Not sure why the fever has popped up. But it ticks me off cuz now I can't go to work tomorrow. Maybe I'll go to a doc in the box or something.

We are getting some landscaping done..they are finishing our fence and doing some curbing around the flower beds. Then we will lay down weed barrier and get perma bark. My brother is gonna build us a wooden awning for the patio. Can't wait till it's all done.

The school year is almost over and I'm so happy. The kids are, too..for now. Of course one week in they will be saying they're bored and miss all of their friends. Hey, that's what kids do!

Chris is out with his church buds tonight. They went to Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner and then to see the new Star Trek movie. They're pretty excited. I'm excited to catch it on BluRay when it comes out..in the comfort of my own home and without the crowds and Trekkies!

Well, I'm gonna go. Sorry this blog isn't more exciting. I'll try to be better with this.

Love you mucho!

Just a quick hello to you guys! It's another busy weekend. I'll post some pics for you soon, I promise! This weekend I'm going on a death hike with my friend Val. I'll be sure to blog about that adventure. Maybe I'll even have pics to post..if my noodle arms r strong enough to take a picture. Just pray for me. LOL We're hiking up some "hill" by Lucky Peak. owww

Love you!!