1. Favorite website

My favorite website is http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/  I don't go there very often, but it is my fave for sure!  She's got recipes, photo advice and great photo art, blog, etc..very entertaining.



2. Favorite color

BLUE!  Every shade, love it love it love it.  There is no other color that can capture every emotion from depression to jubilee!


3. Facebook?

It's less and less fun every day.  And, it wasn't ever fun to begin with.  But, it's a great way to keep in touch with friends and that IS fun!



4. Favorite Christmas song?

I like Christmas music in extremely small doses.  As in it can start on Christmas Eve, and needs to be done by Christmas day.  The same song of any style over and over annoys.  But, Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire (The Christmas Song), Mary Did You Know and Silent Night are a few of my faves.



5. Christmas tree: Real or fake?

I love real trees but we have a fake one.  When we moved to Texas the real trees were INSANELY expensive so we HAD to get a fake tree.  We've never gone back.  Although next year we plan on going to chop down a Charlie Brown type tree.  Then again..that's a lot of work.  Might as well save a tree.



6. Hottest celebrity?

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson..about 5 years ago.  Kevin Costner, always.


7. Favorite restaurant?

In Idaho, El Gallo Giro



8. Favorite magazine?

Southern Living and the Paula Deen one



9. Favorite thing to drink around the holidays?

Water and coffee



10. Favorite Christmas movie.

Christmas Story!  And then all of the old ones.  Also, Elf and Polar Express.  Where I cannot hardly stand Christmas MUSIC, I LOVE Christmas MOVIES!!  I watch them non stop from the day they come on until the day they take them off again.  We've been watching since just after Halloween this year.

P.S. How do I get an active link for the Friend Makin Monday site?

Had a wonderful Thanksgiving mini vacation down at Mom n Dads.  Went down on Wednesday around noon and stayed till around noon on Friday!  Then we came out and picked up the new puppy, Greta. As soon as we got home, I took Greta upstairs for a nap with me!  It was great.  She's sleeping next to me as we speak.  She has major energy for about 15 min (sometimes we get 30 min out of her) and then she's out.  I'm sure this will change as she grows.  :) 

Yesterday my Mom n Dad brought out the last of the 3 family heirlooms I've been inheriting.  I have 2 desks and now one chest.  They were my Grandma Hartmann's (my maternal gmother).  So glad to have them all.  Also, this weekend, my Grandma Mundy gave me all of her recipes in her recipe tin.  Some of them are so old they are hard to read.  Really special to have them.

The sun is out today, not a dark cloud in the sky :) 

Well, I hope this day is going well for you!  I'm off to look at all of your blogs to see what I should be posting today :)  If memory serves, it's Friend Makin' Monday?? Could be totally off on that.

Love you!  You Matter!  Walk in Joy!!

Ok, next one..

This one is asking me to list these 10 things, here we go! :)


1. Turkey or Ham?
We always have turkey.  Most of my family is not into ham.  And, I almost always make it. Thanksgiving is "my" holiday :)

2. Favorite side dish:
Mom's mashed potatoes

3. Favorite dessert:
No matter how many desserts we make, the one I always look forward to most is the Chocolate Cream Pie

4. Black Friday: Are you going or not?
We haven't been in years.  Since before my son was born, which was almost 8 years ago!  But this year we have decided to go.  I won't lie, I'm only going because it means I get coffee and breakfast. :)

5. If so, what's on the top of your list?
Whatever Chris wants for Christmas and then we are hoping to find some good deals for birthdays that are quickly following Christmas. 

6. Going out of town or staying close to home?
Thanksgiving is my "non traveling" holiday.  So, we will be home..but not my home.  We will be at my parents.  It's easier for us to have it there, they have more room..plus Gramma won't make the drive out to Kuna. 

7. Hosting or helping?
Well, it's kinda tricky.  I sort of host but I sort of help.  It used to be that I did 99% of it but just hosted it at Mom n Dad's house.  With the change in the money situation over the years it has had to become more and more of a co-op situation.  Which is fine, too!  It's actually really fun that way.

8. Name one family tradition at Thanksgiving:
Umm eating till we almost vomit?

9. What do you do after dinner?
Wonder if the boys will clean up.  Realize they wont, and then we start cleaning up.

10. What are you most thankful for this year?
The opportunity to be able to really enjoy it and my family without having to worry about fitting it in with a work schedule.

I've been a naughty blogger.  But, I am determined to catch up!  So..let's start with the 7 interesting facts about myself thingymajig.  I know I'm not doing it totally right, but if I have to go find the graphics for the blogger nominations and then nominate lots of dudes, well, I just won't do it.  So we modify. :)

7 Interesting things about interesting ol' me:

1. It's pretty hard to feel any better than I do when my home is clean and full of the scent of some yummy candle.  Today's candle is: Feliz Navidad by Yankee Candles.

2. If I'm having a rotten day, there are a couple things that can cheer me up.  One of them is tacos at El Gallo Giro.  Another is a Tall iced Americano with cream and vanilla with whipped cream from Starbucks (if it's cold outside I want the hot one without whip).  Keep that in mind next time you, or someone else, ticks me off.  haha

3. A hug can make all the difference.  Sometimes bringing laughter, sometimes bringing tears.  But all the same, it brings difference.  I'm not always sure what it will bring..so it's a surprise for both of us! haha Anyway, thank you for the hugs :)

4. I hate shoes.  I only wear them when absolutely necessary.  Because of this, my car is usually full of shoes.  I take them off immediately when I get in the car.  And then when I get home I leave them in there.  This drives my husband crazy.  Now, in my defense, I usually wear flip flops so it's not like they take up a lot of room.  But, still.  I even admit, it's annoying.  But, it's my car and I'm the one who drives it 99% of the time so I think I have final say on what I leave in there.

5. Static cling.  Its origin is straight from the deepest depths of hell.  And that's that.

6. I could eat my Mom's mashed potatoes with every meal for the rest of my life and be a happy camper.  They're so yummy and buttery and perfectly salty.  And they bring me right back to that place I never want to be away from.  Home.

7.  I'm always on the hunt for a softer, cuddlier, snugglier, more enveloping blanket.  Doesn't matter how many I have, I'm always convinced that there is one out there that is just a smidgen better.

Ok, I'm feeling wild so I'll go ahead and nominate uhh 9 people?  I can't remember what it said.  So let's go with 9.  Will the following 9 people please sit on down and write out 7 interesting facts about themselves for our viewing pleasure (on their blogs, not mine)?

Chris Mendiola
Ashley Mendiola
Barbara Mendiola-Janzen
Heather Hillman
Tierney Gillihan
Georgiann Gillihan
Aunt Judy
Jen Clover

OH, and fact #8.  I detest the fact that they have removed spell check from the blogger stuff.  WHY would they do that???

Here are a couple pics from our recent family pics.  Our friend Heather took them!  I think I gave you the link to her blog awhile back.  Anyway, I'll post more later.  But it's been forever since I blogged, I thought I better at least do something!  Later tonight I plan on doing the "7 Things" blog from Tiffany.  About time, right? haha  Love you guys

I just LOVE chocolate chip cookies.  Well, any cookie really :)  But since I just polished off the rest of the chocolate chip cookies that's where my brain is at.  Yummy.

Just wanted to share.

But, I also feel like I'm supposed to say to someone out there reading this that it's going to be ok.  Don't worry.  He's got it all under control.  Let Him fix it all.  In this world you may be experiencing many troubles and heartache, but take heart, He has overcome the world.  And He is bigger than any mountain you are facing.  Take it one step at a time.  With Him, all things are made new.

Love you guys!  Hope you are having a wonderful week.  Take time to bless someone..when you bless someone, you also bless yourself.  xoxo

Facebook is quite possibly the most annoying social network on the planet. It never works right, it's ugly. It's boring looking. It's got no flair. I just can't stand it. The word DETEST comes to mind. But I must stay there because everyone has deserted the beautifully designed and fully flaired Myspace. *sigh*

I just needed to get that out.

Well we are in the middle of week 3 of homeschooling. I'm not tired of it yet. In fact I'm growing to love it more everyday. We just have so much fun together. Thursday we have a field trip to a movie theater to find out the inner workings of a theater. Kind of fun.

Went to my friends Pampered Chef party tonight. It was so nice and relaxed and fun. And the food was great! Love it when parties go like that. The ones filled with awkward silent moments are always, well, awkward. Not the case tonight. ahhh refreshing :)

I'm working on editing pics from this last weekends JBQ meet and Shoshone Falls visit. But it's slow going. I just don't have a whole lot of energy or desire left over at the end of the day to sit and edit pictures for hours.

Read Hosea last night. There is a scripture in there that I LOVED. It is:

Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, break up your unplowed ground. For it's time to seek Him until He comes & showers righteousness on you. Hosea 10:12

In the next chaper it talks about how many things God did for Isreal..all of the provision, the grace, the help, etc..and then here in this first line in 11:7 (Hosea) that says: "My people are determined to turn from me." 

As a Mom who had had moments of insanity the past few days, and as a wife who had moments of hurt feelings yesterday (PMSing doesn't help)..and chose to dwell on them instead of let them go, this verse hit me hard.  My family didn't turn away from me..but I was nursing my hurt feelings.  And in that sentence I realized how the Father feels when I choose something over him.  When, essentially, I turn from Him to another.  No matter what amazing things He has done for me, and no matter how much I love Him for it, I turn.  I turn.  I turn.  And I'm not the only one.  The passage doesn't say "Sarah is determined to turn away from me."  It says MY PEOPLE.  

Explaining...

Every morning I have devotional time with Jaden before we start school.  Then most every night Chris and I read a Psalm together.  But I've been feeling the Lord tugging at my heart that I need more.  More time with Him.  Alone time.  Admittedly, much like the editing of my pictures..by the time I have "time" to sit down and do "nothing", I have little energy and/or desire to dive into a personal Bible study.  

This last week as soon as I go in to lay in bed I hear Him say, "Please spend time with Me."  I know He means in the Word.  But, instead I pray and drift of to sleep..as if to pacify Him.  Well, He's not pacified.  He's not entertained.  He's not had the wool pulled over His eyes.  He's hurt.  Because, again, He has blessed me beyond measure..and again, I turn.  So, last night I decided to turn AROUND.  To REturn.  And as I prayed that He would reveal Himself to me in His Word, He did just that.  He is always faithful.  When I found that first verse (10:12) it just popped off the page like a neon light.  It's not time for me to be tired or to sleep.  It's time for me to SEEK, and to break up my unplowed ground.  It's time to grow. It's time for me to gain understanding, and wisdom.  And there is only one place I can find that.  Anyway, I wasn't going to share that but it came out..so there you have it. :) 

Don't turn away from Him.  He loves you.  He so wants to spend time with you and love on you.  When you've had a day of hurt and confusion and frustration, don't turn to something else to soothe you.   Turn to Him.  He longs to soothe every pain you have.  Don't wiggle in His arms, instead rest.  Just rest.  You don't have to explain.  You don't have to even say a word.  He already knows.  Just let Him love you through it.  There is no better salve for your wounds than the love of Jesus Christ.  So let Him heal you.  You don't have to beg.  You just have to allow.  In His arms there is safety beyond compare.  Just let go.

And on the good days, He is the best dancing partner around!  He's so excited to hear your joys, your triumphs.  He adores every hair on your head.  His banner over you proclaims LOVE!!  You are the apple of His eye.

Howdy!

Hope you've all been enjoying your week :)

Home school is in full swing, and we're having a blast!  I won't lie and say it isn't tiring.  It totally is!!  But, it's sooo rewarding.  I love it when the lightbulb goes on and he gets something.  His little face lights right up!  We've done quite a few different things already this week and it's only Tuesday!  I won't bore you with the details, but we are still both very excited when it's time for school in the morning :)

Chris got J up early this morning, they took Ash to the bus stop and then went on to buy their new movie, G.I. Joe!  They are up watching it now. 

We've been enjoying awesome weather the past few days.  Sunny, breezy, cool.  Perfect!  I'm enjoying all of these days while they last.  Snow is on the way, I'm afraid!  I will enjoy it this year, I'm determined to!  I think it will be easier to enjoy because I won't have to drive in it.

Saturday, our friend Heather ( http://heatherhillmanphotography.blogspot.com/ ) took our family pictures!  We had soo much fun and can't wait to see the results from all of our hard work smiling! :)  Jaden, I'm afraid, will have his fake smile in most of them..but I think Ash did pretty good.  It's hard to tell when I'm not behind the camera!  I need to work on sprouting those eyeballs on the sides and back of my head. 


Well, I'm off to take Ash to quiz practice. But here are some new pics of the puppies!  I haven't picked mine out yet...and I'm only showing you the girls b/c I'm not getting a boy. :)

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..