Momma says........

Undercover party host!

2012-01-31T07:43:00.000-08:00

A teenager, a mother, a request, trying to come thru, one way thinking, and say it isn't so.....does any of that make sense to you? Well me either, and this is how my mind goes at times raising this teenager who keeps my mind reeling all of the time! Have you ever had a party but acting like you didn't DURING the party?

This weekend, we had a big bon fire so Layton invited a few friends to come share in the moment.Layton made it pretty clear he wanted me to stay out of it, this was HIS deal. I called sister before hand and ran it by her and she said, "I know what you are thinking, you want to make food,get it all teenage friendly in your basement, prepare some games, you know, make it all what you think would be fun!" I said, "YES. I. DO.!" Basically we decided I needed to back off and let him do his thing. Ok, ok.....

So, what did I do? I had to make dinner right? I just made enough to cover 15 or so people. I wasn't going to tell in a "DINNER IS READY" kind of way, but just kind of sneak that fact in. This is when texting comes in handy or a little brother that is eager to eat and tell. I informed Jordan to go announce he was going to go eat dinner and I texted Brayden to let him know too, and he could, 'if he wanted' to mention this to the others that there was enough if anyone was hungry.

I put paper plates out with forks, pop with plastic cups, and put all the food in the oven to stay warm, JUST IN CASE! I removed myself from the kitchen. Brayden, Corvan, and Jordan came up to eat and then as they were serving themselves up I told them to go ahead and take their plates down to the fire and eat it there! That would be fun! A little manipulation, I KNOW, I KNOW!!!

Ten minutes later here comes the troops. They scarfed it down and loved it. I tried to stay out of their way, they were all very kind and thanked me for the food.

The next morning, several of the kids stayed over. I didn't prepare beds or anything, I let them deal all on their own. I was doing my best to not get in the way AGAIN. I really wanted to get on that treadmill down stairs but they were sleeping in so I decided to make breakfast. Enough for everybody, put it in the oven, but again, didn't tell anybody, Layton made it clear to leave him alone, remember? (of course, I am so glad that they found it in themselves to not starve the night before over Layton not wanting me to be involved, just sayin'!)

They all got up, I had put breakfast in the oven, and as they sat there starring at the tv with their greasy heads and tired faces I smiled without words and ran down the stairs to get on the treadmill. I was into it about a mile, and Layton shows up, "MOM! They are all hungry and I thought you might make us some breakfast?" Now, this was with almost a TEAR about ready to be released from his eye....I said, "OH REALLY?" I jumped off that treadmill and ran up to the kitchen, pulled out the massive food I made, and WAHHHLAAAA, "Breakfast is ready!" (two minutes flat) They were all amazed and grateful!

Anyway, being undercover as the party host is a tough job!

I contemplated, oh I want to take a picture, should I or shouldn't I? Hey, I made them breakfast they can handle a picture, right?

Test Post

2012-01-27T22:43:00.000-08:00

getting back to normal!

2012-01-25T14:02:00.000-08:00

Kids went back to school on Monday. Reluctantly, after staying up late for a week. I put Jordan to bed Sunday night. Jordan said, (as I was turning out the lights) "just sayin'....I have a lot of energy here, just sayin." After a week of going to bed late and being able to get up late in the morning he was 'JUST SAYIN'! He did NOT want to get up the next morning, it was rough with lots of tear!

We got a contractor out here to give us a bid, got heaters on our carpets and walls, we patched up the hole outside but now have a big hole in our sheet rock so that they can get the wet off of the walls and floor.We can't do anything on the roof until it stops this crazy down pour and wind that we are having.

We have been busy, a good 10 hours worth of clean up work on our property and every time I drive into our drive I catch my breath, it looks like we haven't even begun to touch it. I know I keep whining about this but I loved our OLD oak trees. It sure makes me sad, this is what made our home unique to me. I know, I am grateful, it could have been worse, but I do mourn what is no longer.

A few more pictures so that husband can see!

enjoying friends in need!

2012-01-22T21:57:00.000-08:00

I am sooooooo excited! I think I have one of the most fun times I have had in such a long time. I shouldn't be smilin' when it comes to someone's distress and discomfort but it has been so much fun being with these people I care and love. To be able to HELP THEM OUT!! My dear friends and so many people around here are going on close to a week of no power in their homes. Having my friends stay with us, or drop by to shower and do some laundry, or get cabin fever and so maybe a haircut might make me feel better feeling. I am in my element. I get to cook, share my house, watch movies, talk, have tea, fold laundry together, just doing LIFE with friends. It's been an absolute blast. So, as I was cleaning up my downstairs PIT with all of this wet stuff, it's hard to keep up, but anyway, I was thinking all of this last week thru and thinking how there is always a blessing in the storm and I am feeling blessed, my girl friend calls and said, "husband is coming by your house in just a minute!" He's a LINEMAN and he's working on the lines right by our house. OK, OK, a dream of mine in times like this is to be able to feed one of these guys when they are on duty, being a major hero that they are and to be able to say thankyou by making their bellies happy, OH MY GOSH IT WAS OVER THE TOP FOR ME!. I was so excited I almost peed my pants, couldn't get girl friend off the phone fast enough, we hung up, I went and made him and the others some hot coffee and had just pulled hot cookies out of the oven so they were still warm!!!. I got to go out there and distribute it and put a smile on their face. SO MUCH FUNNNNNNNN I!!!!!! I mean it, I've been wanting to do that since this whole thing started! I got my chance.

School resumes in the morning, back to task. Lots of added things on the list of to do's with a hole in our roof and limbs that have taken over our place, it's a bit overwhelming, but I'm happy all is well. Signing off for the night.....sweet dreams!

It's a war zone around here!

2012-01-20T17:47:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, I say that with a big breath! Even in a storm the Lord brings blessings. And today? I mean this literally. We had our beautiful snow and it turned into raining ice which made our beautiful trees that I love so much around here break off and create an absolute WAR ZONE around here! The blessing? When so many millions of people around us have no electricity we have electricity. We have taken in a family whom we love and have no power in their home, and husband who is deployed, that has been lots of fun!

Yesterday morning, I went out to feed the horses and it sounded like thunder. The BOOM, CRACK, oh it was scary. The branches were just breaking off everywhere. We had a huge branch hit our house and put a big branch right thru the roof. It began leaking inside downstairs and upstairs. Jim (who is feeling a bit helpless being in sunny Palm Springs working) called our trusty go to friend to help us out. He was brave and put something over the hole on the roof so that it was protected until we can get it fixed correctly. So grateful for friend who help in time of need.

I go outside and feel so much sadness, I love our big madrona trees, our huge old oak tree, they are all standing but bear with no branches. Nobody is hurt the animals are ok. Our big beautiful tree by our barn blocked the entrance to the horses stalls so that was the first line of duty to get that cleaned up so the horses had a place to get out of the wet. It is going to take quite some time to clean our little farm up.

Again, thank you Jesus for the ELECTRICITY!

Our roof damage. A 20 inch in diameter branch went into our roof.

Our chicken coop....

Forry looking at me with bravery as he thinks about getting on that scary icy roof!

Our friends sharing our home right now!

Oh, look at the work this is going to create?

Friends!

me and the dryer!

2012-01-18T21:01:00.000-08:00

SNOW, WE HAVE SNOW!!!! I got up this morning to feed the horses in the stalls, sat on the hay stack and just enjoy the quiet sound that the snow brings and the chomping of the horses enjoying that grain.We got a good 16 inches here last night. To watch the dogs run, or should I say, hop thru the snow, the chickens are all huddled up together and way quieter than usual in the morning when they hear me coming. It was a different morning because of the snow but I always just LOVE it!

The boys have been outside with the four wheeler and the sleds NONSTOP! They are having a blast, or should I say most of them are having a blast. Jordan? He is still in that love/hate relationship with the snow. It is pretty and looks like fun but you get out there and it is cold and hard to move in because of having to plow yourself thru it to get anywhere, it's hard work! We would get him allllll bundled up with lots of excitement and bounciness that comes with being a five year old and it is exhausting on my part getting him out the door to have him come back in 15 minutes later. But, they all do it when they are little. So, we played alot of Uno today, him and I.

The dryer and me are best friends right now. The kids go out and come back in soaked, I throw their stuff in the dryer and while it's drying they have another set they are putting on for another round. While the dryer is drying their clothes once it's dried they come back in to trade it off for the wet stuff. This goes on alllllll day long. So, the dryer and I have a real close bond right now. I need it, and it needs me to keep it going.

We have not been to school all week because of 'snow days', and another one tomorrow.

I had all my clients show yesterday so was a very busy day, we'll see what it will look like tomorrow?

Otherwise, doing some baking and enjoying being a little cabin bound with the boys.

Oh, just a little update on Jim....last night we talked around 9, he was in the process of trying to figure out how to do his laundry, this made me smile as I put my head to the pillow last night!

This is the entrance to our house when the snow just started coming down!

Always love the horses in the snow.

Ruby doin' a little jig for me!

Happy chickens, but no eggs!

First day of all smiles!

being brave or being a baby.....

2012-01-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

Is anyone else besides me so scared of the dentist that the anticipation of knowing the appointment is coming sends you right into the bathroom because of the nerves? I ask my mom, "WHY AM I LIKE THIS?" She says it's genetic but I don't know about that, I think she is just making me feel like I'm not alone.

I went to a new dentist because of insurance on Friday. I have been going to the same dentist for 16 years now. I trust him and they have always made me to believe I was doing my job at home. I've had two cavities in my life and two wisdom teeth pulled. Each time? I get nauseated and have to stop on side of the road to get sick after the appointment out of nerves getting the best of me. I remember when my 1st baby had a cavity, I sent him in to the dentist while I went and sat on the toilet the whole appointment. Out of being so scared of what he was going to have to endure at four years old. He came out of there smilin' and had a blast! I floss and brush twice a day, yes, flossing every day, out of, RIGHT OUT FEAR of what could happen if I DON'T!

So, I go in on Friday and I left there feeling like I have not taken good care of my teeth because when I had gone into my dentist 6 months ago all was good and now they need a major overhaul. The two cavities? Needed replacing, I have a sensative spot that needed 'covered over' and while we are at it let's numb your whole mouth and give you a deep cleaning!!! I called my girl friend that is a dental assistant and shed many tears telling her what happened.

So, today was the day, I woke up crying, I went in crying, I am such a BABY! They did not know what to do with me. I'm a tough girl during the proceedure and really it isn't that bad once I'm into it, it's the before, I FREAK!

I sat there in that chair and my tongue got numb and felt like it was taking all the space in my mouth, I felt my lips were as big as the room, at one point I started to panic (when they left me for a few minutes to let the numbing stuff really take affect and as I sat there I started having an anxiety attack thinking my throat was numb, I couldn't swallow, I was going to DIE!! I was laying down and shot straight up, and trying to talk myself down, "you are ok, you are ok, breath, breath!, ok, I'm ok, I am ok" The doctor comes in, "are you ok?" Can't talk I have a numb tongue, "ugh huh" (hold back the tears, hold them back!!!) Pretty uneventful after that, feel pretty sick on the way home, and now I sit here and am still numb but I'm alive.

I woke up this morning telling myself to be a big girl, be BRAVE, YOU CAN DO IT! Blah on all of that self talk!!!
WIll I EVER learn that the dentist is not the one going to send me straight to the pearly gates?

winter season happenings

2012-01-09T06:47:00.000-08:00

A few pictures of the weekend. I did alot of watching and waiting while the kiddoes did their thing. Corvan is on to divisions after placing 2nd over all at subdivisions.

Brayden got to try his skies out with his buddy Christian. They had a blast, it was a beautiful day.

1st post of 2012!

2012-01-03T16:09:00.000-08:00

Kiddoes just got home from school, first day back and glad to be back on schedule again. I did feel a bit lonely today but no reason for that, I was way to busy for that. I think it's just the constant back ground noise.

We got Jim sent back on New Year's day. It was nice to have him home for the week. He took the two big boys skiing one day while I stayed home with the other two. We all got to go to a movie together. A gift from the kid's aunt gave the boys a gift card for a free movie. We saw 'War Horse'. It was good and fun to be there with Jim and the boys.

I've been really going back over my year the past several day of 2011. My word last year was obedience, I tell you this was the subject for me! Asking the Lord about my 2012,. I think of a sentence for this year and I think I have concluded it to be, "even in my obedience sometimes I have not a enough faith to believe He can do a miracle". So, I am going to work on this. It is not always what I 'see' for He is working on my behalf and I do trust that. So, I choose to continue being obedient and in that be thankful in the midst of it all. I find myself being able to believe or pray on someone else's behalf way more than on my own situations. I am aware of this like I have not been before,I found myself today starting to cry about a matter in my life and I go to pick up the phone to call a friend so that I don't have to DEAL with my own. I think it's a part of being scared that I will not see my prayers come to fruition and I don't want to be disappointed (again), especially if it is something that I've been on my knees about more times than I can count. But, He is faithful I know this to be true and I will continue to get down on my knees again because He is faithful, this I believe.

Oh, Happy New Year, and may the Lord bless and care for in 2012. He is a God of miracles!

good morning on Christmas Morning......

2011-12-25T07:52:00.000-08:00

Tradition, this girl likes tradition!!

Candlelight service was beautiful,but more than that I just LOVE having my family sitting there with me.

Family came over for clam chowder and yummies to compliment it.

We all sat at the table, 17 of us.

I missed my Grandma Margaret, it would have been her birthday today!

We opened gifts

We sang happy birthday to our Lord and ate a pie that I made.

Jim and I got up early to prepare gifts from Santa!

Jim went back to bed and I sit here and read my bible, listen to the quietness of this house, and thank my Lord for coming to this earth to be as one of us in perfection form.

Thinking about my Mom and Dad this morning, miss them!

Going to go out and feed horses as soon as there is sign of day light.

I think Brayden and I will ride today, it was sooooo beautiful yesterday.

Merry Christmas! What do you think this day looks like in heaven today?

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-22T07:37:00.000-08:00

A quiet morning, I woke up under my warm covers and thanking my Lord for another year. I was going back thru my mind of this year....

~Brayden having gone thru surgery on his ankle and healing wonderfully
~Corvan wrestling as the 4th top wrestler in the state
~Jim and I entering into 20 years of marriage
~Brayden graduating from confirmation
~going to a Beth Moore conference with my girl friends
~Having my sis Jenay's family and parents here celebrating Easter together in our home
~Layton having a hospital stay over a major concussion and doing well
~Corvan having an accident with his toe and nearly ripping it off, grateful it is healing
~My niece getting married this summer and getting to do her hair!
~Sending all the kids to school and being home for the first time by myself in 16 years....ADJUSTMENT!
~Spending Thanksgiving with family in Montana at La's home
~The Lord providing work for Jim and our family even when it's in another state....GRATEFUL!

The kids are growing up and I am so proud of each one of them. Layton, driving and becoming quite independent, Brayden back to school, riding horses with me, being a great brother, Corvan, always witty, playing football for the 1st time and wrestling season, Jordan is a kinder, and FULL of life at all times. Love these boys of mine!!!

He's always there in it all, faithful, always faithful.

Have a Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

the innkeeper

2011-12-12T18:10:00.000-08:00

This time of the year I am always mindful of the Christmas story and usually hone in on a specific area, usually Mary, just thinking about what it must have been like to be the Momma of the King of Kings gives me chills right now.

This season it seems I've had my thought process on the keeper of the inn. I keep thinking about that man whom was told by Joseph that his wife was about to have a child and he needed a place to stay and he offers up a 'barn'. I am sure of it, that Joseph didn't take the time to mention this was the Christ child, or maybe the innkeeper didn't believe him if he did. I don't know, it seems though that Christ child or not if a woman was about ready to give birth and ESPECIALLY if he knew it was the Christ child that he'd be willing to open his own house, give up his bed for a couple of days, move out to the barn himself! But as we know that is not what happened. I think about what maybe this innkeeper might of thought after the fact. When seeing these people flocking in to worship this baby. The shepherds, the wise men (we learned there were more wise men than just 3 probably a whole flock of them)He must have been kicking himself, KICKING HIMSELF!! To allow this baby, the King of Kings, to sleep in a feeder troph with animals....I kind of feel sorry for the guy (the innkeeper that is)......

What I get out of this though, is if someone in need came knockin' on my door would I take him in just. like. that? Or would I have to 'think' about it and then it be too late? Sometimes I think the opportunity is there to help someone out with whatever the case may be and because I hesitate it passes by. And I do, have regrets even as I am sure the inn keeper probably had. I want to be in tune to what He is calling me to do. To be there in time of need, no hesitating, just act.

Joseph was a strong leader, Mary, what a woman to be ok with giving birth in a barn, the inn keeper, regretful, Jesus? PERFECTION!

Happy birthday to our Lord!

Oh, tis the season!

2011-12-10T21:54:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season! What a fun time it is. It seems as though I have already started the season off with real celebration!

I have had a plethora of fun with my girl friends! I had a very special evening with my long time friend Leanne. We went to dinner and then went to a ceramic shop and made a little something while we got all caught up and just hung out together. We painted, relaxed and just had fun! Thanks Leanne for such a memorable evening, loved every minute of it!

this is the plate I made while there.....isn't it cute?

Also had my girl's over that we have had coffee on a regular basis for years and on special occasions get together for dinner or something fun too. So this year we were here at the house. (I don't have a picture darnit) They stayed until way late while eating and gabbing. I made two different kinds of homemade pizza. It was so much fun!

We got our tree up. We went to a tree farm to find 'the perfect tree!' Ok, so remember I have BOYS and that means the bigger the better, a challenge, YES we want a challenge. So, we found 'the tree' and as I looked around it was the biggest tree out there. I asked Brayden isn't this going to be alot of work to try and saw down? They all chimed in, "OH NO, this is perfect!" So, with much muscle and using my whole body to push that tree as Brayden sawed his little heart out, we got it down, dragged it to the long bed big diesel truck that we have, in which the tree hung over the edge of the tail gate but we got it in there and home. The tree had to be cut almost in half to fit in the house but it's up and beautiful. We also, on Jim's behalf decorated his elk. I have to put a picture up of it for husband. Do you see? It has reigns, a beard? Nice, don't you think?

Do you love my sign?
Jim is still in Palm Springs, we miss him, but again so grateful he is working.

I had my bible study girl's over for dinner. We had a great time! We ate and ate, did a little gift exchange, we had a good time. I really love these girls.

Off today to watch Corvan wrestle in his varsity spot on our team.Jordan too will be wrestling! Last week he did win his matches, we went again today and had a bit of an off day. Tough matches and loses for both of his matches. Today, one of the few he has lost this season and he developed quite the little attitude/crying fit. So, today we chalk the day up to character building and attitude adjustment. Guess when you are little it's important to learn it all, right?

Oh, guess what? I am a crocheter now. I sit at these matches for hours and for years tried to read, there is no reading to be done with the noise level in that gym so I took up crocheting, it is so much fun, I LOVE IT. I'm not real good at it, my mother inlaw who taught me corrects me often but I need the correcting that is for sure~ha! (Lashae and Chars, stop laughing at me!)

Jordon got the pin goin' on today!

Corv suffering from a loss and coach is consoling him.

Happiness at the tournament

See? I am a crocheter! People ask me if I am making a Christmas gift I say, "uh, no, I think I will keep this all to myself"....(maybe when I get a little better and it looks better, Chars and La, again, zip it)
And back to the 'ole treadmill. Not for any other reason than I was ready to change it up a little. The weather is super cold but clear the past few days and I LOVE IT!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-27T19:30:00.000-08:00

Do you know how you can just see the hand of God in something so strongly? I have seen this in the past couple of days and our Father is just so good.

A few days ago I was voicing to my friend that AGAIN my family was not going to be in the same place at the same time for Thanksgiving and I was really upset about it. This is, by far, my favorite holiday. We made a rule years ago that we would always be together for this one occasion and since then it hasn't happened. Someone was not in the mix for this reason or another. I love being with my parents, my sisters, the brother inlaw's and I think most of all watching ALL the cousins be together. I love eating together. This is one holiday that there is no set agenda and is so relaxing. But, as my friend pointed out to me, "I have been saying the same thing for years now and I need to accept that we aren't able to be together so this is the new norm and I need to stop looking back and look forward to what is yet to come." And she, in all her wisdom, was right.

This year my sis Jenay and my family were going to be together.We expected that Niece Lashae and husband were going to be able to be there. We got word on Monday that is was not going to be the case for her and husband Chaney for he could not get off of work. Ohhhhhh, Lashae was upset, her sis Chars was so upset they spent a day praying and fasting so that God would make sure they could be together. I didn't know that part when I was hearing all of this and decided to call Jim in Palm Springs where he is working and asked him if maybe instead of a 5 hour drive to Oregon to see Jenay we would all go on an adventure to Montana, 10 hour drive, to go right to Lashae's house!!! He agreed. This was a big deal, for he hadn't been home for a couple of weeks now.He was not only going to get to miss coming home, but go right from a plane to a 10 hour drive! He said he didn't like all the tears, it sounded to him like we had to go. I called Jenay and to her surprise and the by the next morning the plan was we were going to MONTANA!!!

It was a great trip. I hate long car rides, HATE it....but we did quite well and we did have fun. We ate, we played games, we played in the snow, the boys hunted, cousins that live there came by so we got to see them too. The best part again, is watching those kids play together, young and old. I love it all!

It wasn't the same but different was special and good all the same. I love that niece of mine and so glad we got to spend time with her.

LASHAE BOWEN, oops, eating a little snow!

Those girls....

Can I get enough of this? NO!

Jordan is all smiles!

Oh my goodness, look how we are cracking each other up! Maezie, she is so darling....

watching a movie together.....

Out feeding the cows....

COUSINS!

My big kid, isn't he handsome here?

This is what we saw, he was soooo close!

Off to the slope!

Lasher's

Fun!

Playing games with his favorite cuz of all, Chars....

Do you want to eat this face or what?

Crash?

Sister and me.....

I am one blessed girl.

I have family.
I have a husband who is willing
I have a car that can get us across the miles
I have food to cook and eat.
I have people who want to be around and near me and my family
I have a husband who works hard for our living
I have a home that I love
I have friendships that bless me
I miss those family members who wanted us to be together but because of circumstances couldn't
I have Jesus
I am loved....

on our own.....

2011-11-14T13:23:00.000-08:00

I've been a busy girl holding down the fort around here. My three biggest boys (one being husband) left for an entire week for the mountains to hunt. They didn't come back with anything but I think had a good time with their dad. I think the Lord orchestrated the whole thing because Jim is leaving indefinitely for a job in Southern California. This way the boys got to spend some real 'man' time with their dad before being home with Mom.

The two little ones, we had a great time. We went to a wrestling meet in Vashon Island, took Corvan out of school for a day just to have some one on one fun with him, and when Jim asked while he was gone if the boys missed him I had to hummm and haaaaaa because I told him they took over our bed and was loving sleeping with their mom. I told the kids, "ONLY THE FIRST DAY!" But, I like it so much we did it the whole week. (Back to their beds they go though, no bad habits we can't break here)

We went to a wrestling meet together Saturday, the boys did great. Corvan is really being challenged to some really tough competition so it's making him work hard for his wins. It is going to better him in the future. It was a little bitter sweet knowing this could be possibly Jim's last meet to actually be able to attend this season. This makes me sad. I think sometimes I like watching Jim watch his boys on that mat as much as I like watching the matches myself. I already have my mother inlaws video camera lined out to video each one so that I may send them via computer to Jim so that he can still watch the matches.

I have nothing but gratitude that his work, as sparse as it is here at home, they care enough to keep him working. I am also grateful that I have a man who will do what it takes to provide for his family and that is being a real man. So, I say, I am nothing but thankful, thankful, thankful!

And I will end on this note, Jordan, out of the blue the other morning says, "In the olden days Santa was a Cowboy" I asked how he thought this and he just looked at me like I was 'not so bright for asking such a dumb question'. So, there you have it, Santa is a Cowboy!

Here is a picture of the boys on their hunting trip. I asked them, "are you happy?" with much excitement they said, "YES!" Hello?, I don't understand......so I just slipped a little thought into my head as I look at their faces, that I choose to keep that says, "I MISS MY MOMMA!"

This is what their little hut that they built looks like. I thought it was pretty cool. And I love that Brayden is READING and there is a fire extinguisher in there!Layton being a teenager, SLEEP!

This is the sight they saw each day, isn't that a picture? Our Lord is such an artist.

October 31st

2011-11-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

This day, I never can get into it, I just don't like it. I know that in some ways it can be innocent enough but I still cannot get into it. So, as usual, very last minute, to the second I came up with a brilliant idea for my boys. My cheerleaders and football player. They were such men about this, I was so impressed, they didn't even mind a flower in their hair. My football player, he was lovin' every minute of it.

After calling my sis and gripping about how I just HATE this day I had to call her back with tears of laughing because they were so stinkin' cute!

more fun with the cuz's and more.....

2011-10-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

I have yet to write about meeting my new baby niece, Maezie. I waited for 5 weeks, five weeks to long, but she was just as delicious as ever. Sweet, sweet baby. The boys, especially Corvan was enthralled with her. I would ask if he wanted to hold her and he would shake his head no but his eyes said, "YES!" He enjoyed every minute of getting the pleasure of it.

Nephew Reese, I fell head over heals in love with this kid when visiting. He became 'my infant'. He came in very early in the morning cuddled his little self chest to chest with me and didn't move a muscle for a couple of hours. I loved every minute of it! Then, after church he came and sat in my lap, again, didn't move, we were savoring every minute, it was so stinkin' cute!

I also got the privilege of seeing my studly nephew play quarterback on the Crook County Cowboy High School team. Every time, I'm just inches away from pulling out the 'ole cheerleading outfit, but I spare everyone, I do! He is an awesome athlete and I can't wait to see what the Lord has for his future.

Cousins, of course, had a blast together.

I've been fighting a sinus infection this week. A little under the weather, I have been so healthy for years I guess it was my turn.

Went to the pumpkin patch with Jordan on a field trip this week. We had a good time!

These are Jor's 'best friends' as he would say. The little guy to Jor's left is his bestest. They are two peas in a pod. Solomon is his name.

being a big girl.....

2011-10-25T15:52:00.000-07:00

As a woman do you ever catch yourself doing something that you KNOW isn't what you are suppose to be doing? Maybe something like manipulating a situation that you KNOW that you should be going to the Lord about it because He can move mountains for goodness sake, but instead, for some reason us women find it harder to go to prayer about something than take care of the situation with our controlling or manipulative ways on our own. There are 'some things' that I just see it no other way, I'm RIGHT and that is just the way it is and when someone else doesn't see it my way it's just frustrating....is this just me? These are times I think I want to have a serious talk with Eve when I get to heaven. (smile)

I'm a bit in this spot right now. A situation where we all make a decision one way or another yet I see it being a decision that only should go ONE WAY, THE RIGHT WAY, MY WAY!! Inside I feel like this little girl kicking and screaming to try and get my way.On the outside, I am this grown woman who talks to someone about the same decision I 'get' to make and to me it is a no brainer yet I have to talk inside of my head and bite my tongue and say, "Lord it's your way!" Sometimes I find myself even trying to convince the Lord who IS God, all knowing, sovereign and THE ONE in control!

So, as I go about this, it is a CHOICE I am making to keep my mouth in check, my heart in check, and PRAY that the Lord's will will be done on earth as it is in heaven and be happy with a good attitude no matter what the outcome! Isn't that being a big girl of me? (smile again)

The throne.....

2011-10-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

As I was in church standing before the Lord in a posture of worship the Lord showed me a picture.

I was walking towards the throne of God, the Holy of Holies, in all of my smallness. I was picturing what the throne of God and what it must look like as John described it in The Revelation, Chapter 4, so powerful, so mighty, overwhelming, so BIG! As I was walking down this long pathway there were people standing on the sides of it. These people needed Jesus, they had needs, they were hurting. I would leave the path to comfort a person and as I was comforting I would take a quick peak up at the throne and it would become smaller. I would get back in the path, eyes towards the throne and the throne became mighty and bigger than life again. I would again, get off of the path to be about someones hurt, eyes on need to eyes on the throne and the throne would become small again. I would get back on the path, eyes on throne and it became so grand again. Distracted again by the people on the side I would go care for a person but learned as I was tending to a need, hugging someone, I kept my eyes, my face towards the throne at all times and it stayed being as amazing and BIG as our Father is. The second I turned away, He would become smaller in my eyes. I learned to stay on the path and encourage people to look up and see for themselves His mightiness! Eyes always fixed on the Throne of God.

So, I got out of this picture that if my face isn't turned towards Jesus, the Throne of God, at all times even in my or someone else's distress that it becomes about that 'thing' that is causing pain instead of the One who can do something about it. It is all about HIM, everything, and it's up to me to keep Him BIG on that Throne because He is God, never changing. In my eyes if my focus isn't towards Him then He becomes small in my mind.

I love when He gives us a little glimpse of Himself and how He is, Mighty and Never changing, and yet in my flesh what I can make Him to be in all my humanness. Thank you Lord!

homecoming hair and remembering.....

2011-10-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

My friend Linda brought in her daughter and friend to get hair done for homecoming. It always brings me back to when I was doing this in my head, the whole going back into time and remembering....

the fun of getting ready
being with friends
having a date
feeling awkward
feeling beautiful
intimidated
insecure
excited
hungry
too nervous to eat
cold
special
loved to dance
pretty

All of these things at the same time....
They should have homecoming for 30 and over, wouldn't that be a blast?

beautiful!

sweet!

had to work the feathers in....

Momma/daughter nice.....

check it out!!!!

2011-10-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

I am so excited I could just scream! Check it out! Check it out! C-H-E-C-K I-T O-U-T!!!

As I said, don't hold it against me that it looks like this. I was letting it go way beyond usual because I knew THIS DAY WAS COMING! So, for years, I have dreamed about having a person come in a put in a closet organizer in my closet but the hundreds of dollars to do it is just too much so in the 19 years of living here I have taken time to just keep things stacked the best I can in my closet and have some sort of rhyme and reason to it. So, I got on line doing my wishing thing again by looking and then got this 'idea' in my head and went for it and ended up spending ninety one dollars total and I feel so organized. I think after I finished it, I went back into the closet just to look at it and admire fifty times or more~ha!. LOVE IT! I even color coded the clothes, and everything has its spot!

BEFORE......

AFTER!........

A day in the life of Marlece these days....

2011-10-11T20:33:00.000-07:00

A day in the life of Marlece these days. It is all so different but not so much too. It seems the time just FLIES but it also seems more accomplished. I keep saying to myself, "where does the time go?" I have to say, there are things that have been on this list of mine for pretty much FOREVER and I am getting to put a big 'ole check mark right next to them. Things that linger and hang over your head? They are getting done!

My day still starts out in the dark with chocolate milk and vitamins, reading God's word with my bible study, to putting the ipod in my ears and going for a run. I thought that I would be able to get this done once the kids got off to school but it seemed like I was just too far into the day and it wasn't getting done as when I do it first thing! Come home and take a quick shower to getting the kids up and then driving their little selves to school. We have a thankful book that we write in on our way to school and this kind of sets the tone for the day for me and for them.

Once they are dropped off, I take care of the animals, and into the salon for a big part of the day on a few of the days. And then housely duties, you know laundry, making dinner, paying bills, and those extras that I've been talking about on the 'list'. So far, I redid Brayden's room which was also office/homeschool. Oh, that feels good! Also reorganizing my very small walk in closet. Maybe I'll take a before and after picture and post it. It's a bit scary right now because I know this REORGANIZING is around the corner!

My babes get home about 3:30 and run, run, run!!! We eat dinner right now at 4:30. We sit down and eat our meal. I like it, I wish this is how it always was. Make lunches for the next day and out we go to football practices and games.

Home at 8 o'clock to begin it all over again the next day.

Brayden playing with all his might!

Does he looked wiped out? This is a happy picture actually, I couldn't get him to smile even when they kicked hinnie!

This is Corv after teasing him over making a 45 yard run and made a touch down!

My life in a nutshell....

2011-10-03T13:28:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by my sweet friend Olga at 'My extraodinary Life' so here goes:

My life in a nut shell:

~I was born in 1969, that makes me 42 years old today.
~I lived in Central Oregon all my growing up years.
~Our family moved out to a ranch when I was in 5th grade.
~I have 3 sisters, me being the oldest
~I accepted Jesus when I was in 4th grade but truly began to live for Him when I was about 20 years old.
~I fell madly in love when I was in 6th grade, but Jesus knew better for me.
~I went to beauty school and began to work in a salon
~I was my sis's maid of honor and this is when I met their best man, my husband today
~I married Jim 20 years ago
~I was a flight attendant for 6 years
~I did lots of endurance riding with my horse
~My first child came along, my sis's and mom were all present!
~My second boy came along
~Husband built me a salon along side our home so that I could be a stay at home mom who worked (smile) so blessed by this!
~My third son came along
~My surprise #4 came along, IT'S A BOY TOO!
~I have always felt a little out of my element or maybe have learned alot with new adventures raising boys when I was raised with 3 sister's, I wouldn't trade it for the world.
~I ran a half marathon
~home schooled my kiddoes off and on
~I am a blessed girl who the Lord has seen fit to place people in my life who love me and I have the privilege of loving back.
~He is the reason for it all, thank you Lord!

Ok, now I tag all of my bloggie friends out there, so come on let's hear it!

50 and smilin'

2011-09-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

Soft spirit
Humble
Loves the outdoors
Gardener
Hard worker
Strong work ethic
Concerned
Wife
Mother
Daughter
Aunt
Strong convictions
Smart
Family oriented
Sister
Tender heart
Crocheter

A woman whom I call, my Sis in law, Debbie, she turned 50 yesterday and we celebrated with family and friends, with an (American) Mexican feast and a cake created by Daughter Amanda.I am excited to see Debbie go thru her next phase of life,I pray that the Lord will bless her, keep her healthy and happy.She sees herself as God sees her, and uses the talents and giftings that He made her to with.

cake made by Amanda and her talent....

23 guests to share Deb's life.

Deb, opening up her gifts and cards.

Deb's girl's!

happenings.....

2011-09-27T15:47:00.001-07:00

Happenings of this past week:

~Jordan got student of the week and he didn't even know it! After seeing him in the school news paper I asked him if anything special happened at school this past week. He said, "yes, my teacher gave me a pencil." I said, "why?" He said he didn't know but he also got sent to the office. I got BIG EYES and said, "Jordan, WHY?" He throws his hands up in the air and said, "all I know is the whole school heard that I was to come to the office and when I got there I had to get my picture taken." I said, "WHY?" He said, "I have no idea!" Well, the picture that was taken shows his confusion even in the picture, it cracks me up! When I told him why and that he has his picture on the front of the school paper he almost fell over dead right there he was soooooo shocked. I asked him, "aren't you getting special privileges like being the leader in the line, or getting to pass out papers, or get to do the 'weather board' every morning? He said, " yes, I did but had no idea why." The innocents of a babe, can you beat it?

~Brayden had a game and his team won 36-0. Brayden got to play the last half and he was AWESOME! It was so good to see his spirits raised with getting on that field.

~Brayden had a party of boys that ride bmx as he likes to do. I LOVED just sitting back listening to their conversations when scarfing down food (boys do this at 13) They are still innocent yet getting so BIG!

~Me, I am getting the hang of being 'home alone'.~tonight I prepared a Mexican feast for a sister in law that is turning 50 today. I've been busy in the kitchen, enjoying!

~I've had some not new but renewed outlooks of our Father and His BIGNESS.........He knows all, He is all, and He is in it all. As long as my eyes are centered upon Him and His throne then He takes care of the rest.

A week and my new 'teen'

2011-09-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

Notes coming from this Momma this past week.Well, I made it thru the first week of full on school with all in school all week long. How was it? I must say, it is and has been different and new but I really think I am going to enjoy it. The Lord has kept me sooooo busy, it's been one thing after another. I've noticed, I think the thing I like the very most is that when I begin a project whether it's making a meal or doing the laundry I am able to completely focus on the subject at hand. I didn't know that I could do a full on meal in 30 minutes, or get the laundry DONE from start to finish in one day! When those kids get dropped off from school I can't wait to see their face and hear about their day.

Layton's last day of hunting was this weekend and he didn't have any luck darnit anyway, I am needing some meat in that freezer. I kept teasing him and telling him, "he needed to provide for the family!"

Corvan had his second game this week into the rain we go! Of course as I was grumbling, Brayden was building Corvan up with, "there is nothing better than playing in the rain, you get muddy, it's messy and makes it FUN!" (grateful for his input, I don't think I could even muster up a tell like that if I wanted to!)

Brayden also had his first game this week. Brayden is a 7th grader so those 8th graders get first on that field, Brayden isn't use to being on the side lines so it challenges him in a whole new way.

The biggest thing in our world this week was that I now have two TEENAGERS in the household. Brayden turned the big 1-3! Can I just say again, I JUST LOVE THIS KID! He is going to have some friends over next weekend for a bmx jumping fun in our field, but I asked him what it was that he wanted to do on the day of his birthday and he said, "Well, first, Corvan has a game in the morning right?" So, there was no doubt that was first on the list. I asked him if he wanted to go out for lunch so where special, his pick, and I sware he picked the spot because it's MY FAVORITE! So, to Farrelli's we went.....then he wanted to try the mustangs of Poppa's out. We didn't go anywhere with them, we wanted to ride in the field and give them and us a chance to get to know one another first. We had a great time doing that! Then, he wanted to go mountain biking Sunday morning so he suggested we go to church on Saturday night. We surprised him after church and headed to Cold Stone, yu-um! I felt like it was my birthday. I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF THE DAY! Then we came home after church and watched 'Soul Surfer'. Had a great day, enjoyed every minute of it and thanked him for making MY day as much as he made it 13 years ago when he entered into this world.

So, this is the jist of the week, and look forward to more this next week. I am so grateful! I feel a little overwhelmed this morning with the Lord and how He sees fit to bless.

a weekend with the parents and Corv's first game.

2011-09-13T16:40:00.000-07:00

A weekend filled with fun with the parents, Corvan's first game, riding bikes and playing at the river, riding horses, going to church, and eating!

We get the privledge of wintering dad's mustangs for the winter. They are sweet and dad love them to death. I look forward to getting to know them. We'll do our best to take good care of them.

Corvan was did a great job today, look at him go!Corvan has the same number as his brother!

first day, new day!

2011-09-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

Oh gosh, what a day, what a day! This is how my first day of being in this house with my own self went today......Woke up about 3:30 praying that my baby would be fine on his first day as a kinder, but more than that, praying for my day. It's like, my role, or my job, is changed and I'm not sure where I fit in. So, a little scared of this whole thing! Got the kids up with a smile and a song, "Rise and Shine for the Glory of the Lord is upon you!" (they have heard it every day since they were born and hate it but love it, you know one of those things you just deal with as a kid that your Mom does annoyingly?) Made breakfast, and got the camera out and took a picture of my 3rd grader and my kinder on their first day of school. As I'm pointing the camera at Jordan I say, "What do you have to say to Momma on your first day of school?" He says, "I will miss you Mom".....ok, ok, doesn't this warrant a little break down, doesn't it? I can't see him anymore because of my blurry eyes so Brayden takes over. Ok, so SUCK IT UP, SUCK IT UP, that is what is going thru my head as I drive him to school. We meet out by the flag pole with his teacher (who is my dear friend, thank GOD!) We already had a deal, I wouldn't look her in the eye and she wouldn't look me in the eye. I did fine, we walked to my babes class room and the lump was beginning to form, I began to panic, and out the door I went. I got in my car and went for an 8 mile run, the whole time telling Him, "do what you want with me, I'm yours!" I got me a yummy ice tea, my sweet Amy called to make sure I was ok and remembered going thru this herself,headed home, took a shower, played with the pups, made some Mocha brownies, salmon fettuccine to put in the oven for dinner, biskets, and corn on the cob all ready to go. Did a little laundry, and oh my gosh, it was time to get them at the bus stop. WHERE DID THE TIME GO! It was a busy day and I am exhausted! Jordan, he had a super day as well. I think it's going to be an adjustment for this Momma, it was so quiet, so productive. I never stopped alllllll day for anything but the task at hand. That was a good feeling. Jim called me a couple of times and tenderly laughed at me as I dropped tears. It was sweet, he knew I was going to have it rough today. Tomorrow another day spent with Me and the Lord and quite a few appointments in the salon

Look at him, did you notice he got a new hair cut too?

Boys ready for a big new day!

Yah, in black and white, can't see the blotchy red face this way, hahahahaa!

Off the bus we go!

A day spent with Momma.....

2011-09-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

Oh, it was Labor day and this Momma felt like it was 'Mother's Day'. We went to the beach for the day. Great day playing in the sand, running thru the waves, reading, walking, playing with my boys.

Aren't they sweet?

Momma writing in the sand, boys running!

walkin' along.....

Jim fell asleep, we used his foot for a kite holder.

change brings change....

2011-09-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

I took a little hiatus from blogging for a while. I missed hearing and seeing what was going on out there with all!

So, oh my, yesterday was Brayden's first day, back into the school system he goes. On the way to taking him to school I was having a hard time not getting emotional. So in doing this, I squeeze my nose, fan my face with my hands, my eyes get all blood shot, it's ugly, really ugly. Why can't I be one of those that cries and it's just sweet? NOT ME! Ugly cry was coming on. Brayden was sitting next to me, looking straight ahead but eyes turned towards me, like, "if I ignore this she will not do this!" Corvan is watching me out the rear view mirror from the back and half way there he pipes up and says, "MOM, you have got to suck it up, you are going to look like Rudolph when you take Brayden into the school!" It kind of broke it up a little and we all started laughing and I got myself together enough to send him off with a smile.
The next stop, was a hair cut. When I got to Marda, my intuitive friend and hairdresser, I told her I wanted a new do and she said, "I KNEW IT! Every time you have a baby you get your hair cut off, and any major change, THERE GOES THE HAIR!" She's right.....Every time. But, I love it!

So, now my two little ones are home with me for the moment and taking it all in. I am having such a hard time with this change. I have not been in this house without a babe with me from the day since Layton was born and he is now 16 years old. It really has rocked my world, just trying to figure out where I fit in this picture. I won't be lacking of things to do, that is not my issue. I have many things on the to do list and excited about that part. But my kids, in all of their noisiness, issues, tears, and laughing I am scared of the loneliness I think. I also think the questioning of my 'worthiness' kicks in about now as well. It is bitter sweet, it is change.....
On another note, got pictures of the pups before they leave the house hold this weekend. I think Ruby has done an amazing job at being Momma but I think she is ready to be what we call, 'be normal dog again'. We let her in on the mat in the kitchen like we always have in the mornings so that she can feel like 'normal dog again'! But, this family sure has enjoyed these pups, they are P.R.E.C.I.O.U.S!!! They are going to their new homes this weekend.

5 question friday

2011-08-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

1. Do you close the bathroom door when you are home alone?
ugh, no, I am one open door girl....probably too much even when I'm not home alone.

2. You have to walk around with a word on your forehead. That word describes you. One word. What is it?
I would think that I would have 'friend' wrote on my forehead. The Lord has blessed me so strongly with the best friends ever and I would like to think that this makes me a good one too.

3. What store do you refuse to shop at and why?
I am picky where I spend my money, and it doesn't take much for me to make a judgement if I want to be there again or not.

4. If you participated in arranged marriages for your child(ren), who would you choose for your child(ren)?First, I must say, I have prayed on a daily basis for the girls in my sons life since the day my sons were born. I am a little frightened of this in all reality, so I pray HARD for her often. I love this question, and really as a mother BELIEVE in this! ha! My oldest, I just have never pictured him with a girl (of course he likes girls) but he is so independent and so into his OWN thing I just don't see it. But, I do know that once he does find her...he will want to be around her NONSTOP cuz he's that kind of guy. One who gets 'hooked' onto one thing and GOES FOR IT!My Brayden, this kid, yip, I know the girl for him. Friendship since toddlerhood, precious, precious, precious both these two. Her mother and I, let's just say, we are in total agreement on this. We have pictures ready for their 'wedding day'. (this is all held in private between me, her and the Lord) Corv, Mr. Cool Cat, this is what his preschool teacher has said about him, he just has that 'cool factor' so I pray for this girl....that she sees his true inner self, he is so funny and really quite deep.And then Jor....oh, adventurous girl, who is willing to go the extra mile to keep up with him. But all in all, I pray they know and love Jesus more than they do my darling boys.

5. If you could pick how and when you would die, would you? I think the Lord leaves this to his 'surprise' to give, but if I chose, of course I would want to have my babes raised and watch them raise their own, to be ALIVE until I die. Make sense?

summer coming to a close.....

2011-08-16T20:10:00.000-07:00

This summer is scootin' right by, and I'm trying not to panic but I think husband is feeling my, let's just say....PANIC!
On Saturday I began looking at the calendar and realized, THIS was the last weekend that we had not a heavy schedule. Have I played enough with the kids? Am I going to go into the fall regretting my 'lack of' because I needed to get the house clean, mow the lawn, build fence, clean the barn, do laundry, on and on it goes!
So, I wake up Sunday morning a wreck!I looked at the forecast and it was suppose to RAIN on Monday. So frustrating!I was back in the salon on Tuesday so THIS WAS IT! Jim, suggested (I'm not sure if it was to get me away from him because of my emotional state) but whatever the case was he suggested we go over the mountain where we are guaranteed some sun and go play for the day. So, in a matter of a couple of hours me in the kids headed out for and evening and day of fun in the sun!
The kids played in the pool at the motel, we walked around town and the next day I got up really early and went for a good 5 mile run. The kids got up and we went on a 16 mile bike ride on the Columbia River. It was awesome, the kids did great, we had a blast. We did have one mishap, in the beginning of our bike ride that scared me and the kids close to death. Jordan was going down a pretty strong downhill grade, going his usually speed, FAST, and as there was a corner he slammed on his breaks and his bike and him flew right into a very strong moving creek that was headed right for the river. Praise the Lord he was committed to staying on his bike so he was basically stuck under the bike in the water. Drenched and a little on the scared side, I took all of his clothes off as I was thanking our dear Lord that He put a stop to his going any further. I rung out his clothes real good, and placed his very wet helmet back on his head. Jordan said in his prayers last night, "thank you Jesus that my mom makes me wear my helmet!"
After that, a great ride, and it was warm enough by the time we got back Jordan was dry again minus his shoes.
Headed home after playing at the river for the day, had a great time.
I am feeling a little more settled and not quite so paniced.
Didn't even take a picture, not a one!

significance....

2011-08-08T06:49:00.000-07:00

Today the clouds rolled in, no complaining, for we have several days of gorgeous weather. But it has left me feeling a little blue. I fight this insignificant thing in my life that the enemy would just like to make me believe and bring sadness to me, shut me down! A disappointment in myself that leaves me feeling lonely and depressed. So, as I was going thru my day, the Lord reminded me of several things that brought my spirits up and made me think maybe I do matter after all.

First, I found this picture of my mom and the sisters that I love.

Then those sweet puppies, they are so much fun, they opened their eyes. That Momma, she is a good one, she keeps them fed so well, keeps them clean, it's a JOB!

Doesn't she look thrilled, and acting all private, cracks me up.

Oh, so tired!

Look at this little guy, Ruby went to get up and he is hangin' on for dear life. So stinkin' funny!

And then, I get this text from my sweet friend asking what my favorite verse was and I texted her back with it. This is what she brings me a couple of days later. I love my sign (I have them up in my house all over) this one is dear to my heart, first because it's my verse, second of all it is handmade by Leanne. Talent and love this girl gives to me. Thanks my dear...I love it!

And then, as I was bagging my groceries my sweet Corvan calls me on the phone to ask me, "are you on your way home?" I said I would be home in a little bit and asked if something was wrong. He said, "no, just miss you, so GET HOME!"

And then, what is it about watching your man 'play with your kids'? Doesn't it just make a Momma's heart swell? I love it when he gets tickled over something they say or do....this makes me just want to burst inside.

I was on facebook today and this quote from a very wise friend said, "loneliness comes when we forget the ONE who is always with us." Wow, this put thing right back into perspective.

Ok, these things do make a girl smile and realize I am blessed beyond measure.

five question friday!

2011-08-05T07:42:00.000-07:00

So, decided to join in again on the 5 question Friday so here goes:

1. Do you have siblings and are you close with them?
I have 3 sisters. Yes, I feel very close to them. We all live in different states, we may not call one another on a daily basis, we all have big lives, when I do get to spend time with one of them on the phone or in person my cup runneth over. They get me, right down to my DNA, probably because they have the same. I love my sis's!

2. Would you rather be slightly UNDER weight or slightly OVER weight?
Uh, what kind of question is this? Does a person want to feel uncomfortable in their jeans or comfortable?....don't get this question at all~ha!

3. What's your favorite State Fair food to splurge on?
Elephant ears....that dough with butter, cinnamon, sugar...yu-um!

4. What are your thoughts on your kid(s) going to school in a few weeks?
This question....brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it. I do not want to think about it right now. I am savoring every minute with them. This question never leaves my brain on a daily basis. I think the Lord and I have had way more discussions on this subject than any other at the moment!

5. Pool or Ocean?
Ocean, there is nothing like the ocean. This is a place where God's vastness shines thru and you can't ignore it when you are here.A place where big people and little people love it all the same..

I was scared.....

2011-07-31T11:41:00.000-07:00

I run this five mile loop four times a week. Same thing, I like to change it up at times for sure but this is my usual route.
This particular day....I didn't have to do much changing it up to get my legs moving a little faster and my blood pumping a little harder.
Part of the area I run in is very wooded and right now they are clearing it. As I was running this dog looking thing ran across the road about 10 feet in front of me. He stopped in the field, turned, and stared me down. He was pretty big, big long tail, a light brown color to him. He was mad, I could just feel it. He put up is big long nose and mouth and began this VERY loud bark howl thing. I was feeling very warned. I have never got scared on a run before but this was one time I felt scared. I ran two miles down the road faster than usual listening to him the WHOLE way do this yelling bark howl thing.
I knew it wasn't a coyote, I have seen them alot of times, a fox is way smaller and it wasn't a regular dog, this was wild with a bushy long tail and really long sharp shaped mouth.
I got home and explained to Jim what happened and he said it sounded like a wolf to him. I didn't want to say it but that is what I thought it was before he even said it!! My son thinks I'm full of it but then I got onto the Internet to see what a Northwest Wolf looked like and I promise, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind now....IT WAS A WOLF!After explaining to Layton what I saw and then seeing what I described on the Internet he doesn't think I'm being quite so dramatic after all.
Yes, I'm still running my usual route but Jim bought me some spray to protect myself and there are homes all thru that I could run to if need be.
I think the animals that lived in that wooded area that is now being logged are misplaced and aren't happy about it one bit.

wedding day!

2011-07-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

This day....a beautiful day from the beginning to the very end! Niece Lashae and Chaney tied the knot in front of 400 or so guests. Lashae was glowing! You know, one thing I think that made this union so beautiful was just the purity and innocence of it all. Everyone felt it, and everyone likes to feel unblemished. I think the other thing is, Lashae and Chaney really showed who they were throughout this whole process. From their love of Jesus right down to the cowboy boots on their feet. They were themselves and this was beautiful! It was a special day for this Auntie, I sure love this girl and to know that she is following the Lord's will in her life, puts a smile on my face.
Ok, picture time!(ready Amy?)

I love this picture!

hand in hand!

tears of happiness.....

Momma checking out dress!

Lashae getting in some smooches to that Sis of hers....

Ring bearer, did a great job!

Sis, Mom, and me!

Momma waiting for La to come down the isle.....

GORGEOUS!

Sister Charsie as Maide of Honor

A cross, this is really what it is all about!

Ok, now married, check out the pink cowboy boots!

"Come on Chaney, we got married!"

Ma and me!

My fam!

A little swingin' with dad!

Brayden with Cousin Ashton

Brayden and Chars

More dancin' with dad!

A dance for Chaney from his wife and the bridesmaids

My cousin Deb with her beautiful daughters. I love these girls as much as I love Deb, we had so much fun together!

Lilly wanting a dance with Uncle Jim, she is in her element!

"Swing me Uncle Jim, Swing ME!"

Poppa and La swingin' a little too!

Big smiles!

Nephew Dawson, look at those pink lips!

Esther, looking pretty for the day too!

Summer fun on the way to the BIG DAY!

2011-07-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

oh my, oh my, I can't wait to share my week with you! It was a bit nerve wracking leaving our Ruby with all of those babies but we set lots of eyes on her so that she would get lots of attention! They were well taken care of. Those babies are rolly polly ollies, so stinkin' cute. I will share a picture later.
The boys and I packed up the camper early in the week and headed towards Oregon for a little fun on the way to Niece Lashae and preparing and playing with her before her big wedding day!
But first we had fun in some sun!
We stayed at Kahneeta one night and played in their pools and slides. I practically grew up here in the summers, it always bring back lots of memories in my childhood. Mom and Luke came to spend the day with us, the cousins had a blast and Mom and I got some good time in too.

Kahneeta is famous for their hot springs so guess who swam alot! ME, ME, ME!! I love this place!

Mom and me enjoying the day together!

The boys having a blast with their cousin Luke!

GO JOR!

So happy to be together, we must hug!

Corv the swimmer boy!

Then we headed closer to Sister's house with a night at a lake to do some fishing, riding bikes, and some good reading.

Sitting on the dock with my babe.

This picture is a picture of what Layton desires to do most in life at this moment in time. He loves fishing!

Ok, so the next day we headed to Sister's house to wedding it up! Stay tuned!

midwife to octomom

2011-07-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

Oh my, our dear sweet Ruby had her pups last night. She birthed 9, one died, and there are 8 thriving little darlings that she is mothering so well. It was a long night but we are all doing good now!

I thought, you know, do I need to share her 'birthing story'? Well, yes, we all like our stories shared so I will be her mouth piece on the matter today.

Ruby's birthing story, on July 18, labored from midnight until 6 this morning.

Ruby sleeps in our kitchen on her mat. Our bedroom is very near by so I told Jim about midnight that I heard Ruby breathing awfully hard so I had better go put her in the kennel where we had her all primed to do her business. So, went and put her in her kennel and came back up to bed when not 10 minutes later Layton was down stairs sleeping and comes running into our room, "MOM, I THINK RUBY HAD HER BABIES? I HEAR ONE!!!!" (I feel bad now) but I told Layton it was impossible I just put her down there 10 minutes ago! Jim and I scrambled to get clothes on as fast as we could and sure enough there is this little pup sitting OUTSIDE OF THE KENNEL with Ruby inside of the kennel crying very loudly. We realized the door to the kennel that is made out of plywood Ruby scratched at it so hard, made a hole and threw that baby out as far as she could! Jim took the pup and placed it back in the kennel and she grabbed that thing and went to go throw it out AGAIN! Layton, in his underwear, is standing there having this tug of war with the baby and Ruby telling Ruby to be nice she is a MOM! She ignored it for a while and then decided to start licking it and acting like a mom 'kind of'. Jim, had to fix the door, so at one in the morning he has his saw out there with a drill, I'm sure the neighbors were thinking we were NUTSO! After he got the door on I gave him permission to go to bed so that he could work in the morning. Brayden, Layton, and I watched and waited until three came out and the boys hit the sack. I stayed out there and sat with her until number 6 was born and she was doing a fabulous job at this point so I went to bed around 4:30 while Jim got up to go to work and saw still only 6 out there. When I got up again at 6:30 she was done and had nine with 8 living. She was working hard at keeping them warm, fed, and stimulated.

Looking back that first one, she must of said, " THAT THING HURT ME AND I WANT IT OUT!" So, she did just that. Until she graciously took on her mothering role from there on out.

They are springer spaniel/Australian shepherd mix. We had no idea that Ruby could conceive. We thought the breeder that sold her to us had her fixed. NOT THE CASE, we had never seen her come into heat, ever once. So, surprise when one day she was running with me about 3 weeks ago and when usually she is in front of me was lagging behind just a bit and then when I got back from the run Corvan said, "OH MY GOSH RUBY HAS BOOBS!" This was our first indication.

Today, Jordan saw them after Ruby had them and they were being fed. Jordan wanted to know how she fed them inside of her. So, as I was explaining he stopped me in the middle, grabbed my face with his little hands, and says, "MOM, where did those babies come out of her?" Oh, so a little explaining got to be done. I explained it the same way I explained it to Corvan when I was having Jordan. "We have a poop hole, a pee hole, and when Jesus is ready for the babies to come out he opens another hole." Got it!

I love a good birthing story, and it is always miraculous even if it is a dog. Our Lord? He is in it ALL!

boot issues and being called out on it!

2011-07-13T08:04:00.000-07:00

I am writing in response to a comment from my sis on my last post. I thought it deserved a whole post of it's own.

So, here is the comment: So glad you and Brayden got this opportunity!!! I'm pretty sure you are wearing tennis shoes though...and if Charlie sees that he will have a full blown heart attack. Where are your boots sis????

Ok, yah, so this is the deal...I know I am suppose to wear boots, I KNOW THIS from the top of my head to the bottom of my boots! So, this is my boot issue, first I have to tell you a sweet story. When Jim asked me to marry him we didn't go out and get a ring right away the next day we went out and he bought me a pair of pink boots. I love them, and wore them for years! Ok, so back to the issue, I wore those pink boots until after I had Brayden and then my feet grew and I could no longer fit into those cute 'engagement boots' any longer. wahhhhhhhh!!!!!

So, then on to the next pair of boots which warrants another story. My dear friend Amy went to her home town in Texas, and not knowing I was having issues fitting into my pink engagement boots, just to be the sweet giving friend that she is brought me back a new pair of black roper boots, that I have cherished and loved so much! And they fit, (at the time)!!

So, then, when I had my last babe, oh my gosh, I went from starting at 8 1/2 size shoe to 9 1/2, TEN! If I kept having babies how big do you think my feet would get? So, the black ones no longer fit, so I grabbed Jim's whenever I was riding. Well, when I went to go get them for our ride guess who was wearing them? BRAYDEN!!!! The kid has monstrous feet! Yes, so here I am scrambling for what I was going to wear. So, I did put on my 'too short, hurt my feet boots' for the ride, and when we got back to the trailer I said, "I HAVE TO CHANGE MY SHOES!!!!" So, I put my trusty addidas on so that my feet could breath. And that is when I realized, we needed to take pictures. So I hopped on, and click, took some pictures.

Of course, Miss Jenay would call me out on this. And I am glad, and totally get it. Now, I am just praying that Jenay's feet won't become a size 12 feet when she is done with number six, I've got your back on this prayer sis, hahahaha!

Oh, and Leanne, yes boots are required when riding horses. Why you ask? Boots have a lip at the heal to where your feet can not slip thru the stirrup. Very dangerous if this were to happen. (learn something new every day don't you?)

Let the hair down a little today!

2011-07-11T18:57:00.000-07:00

I had a great day today with my Brayden. This kid works hard and he also plays hard and we worked hard to play today!

We dropped the kids off at Bona's house and took the horses out on the trail. We had so much fun....I am always paranoid we are going to get lost, Brayden brought his trusty compass 'just in case'. I have not a very good sense of direction and Brayden, it just comes natural. So, he told me at all times where we were but I, again, paranoid me, had him get that compass out (that I cannot read) and he was always right on.

For years now, since having babies I haven't gone OUT much. Riding here in the field and mostly giving the kids lessons and then by the time it was my turn it was short and sweet.

I had a bit of that, freedom thing today, like I use to ALL the time when Jim and I were first married. I would get on my horse after work with shorts, boots, helmet on and run up across the road by myself and ride for miles and miles. NO FEAR, just go, go, go.....then the kids came and of course it became about them and their needs, fear settled in a lot more, and just less time.Not a bad thing just different. Today, riding with Brayden, it was relaxing and free. We enjoyed each others company and loved just riding and spending time with the horses outside of the field.

I look forward to the next time for sure!

Fun in the sun!

2011-07-07T06:45:00.000-07:00

A weekend and the last few days of playing in the sun!

Look at my baby posing for me, he cracks me up!

Cool cats, do you see that? Corvan is looking at me like, "yah, and what?" Brayden and his shades.

Being pulled behind friends boat, isn't this sweet? They look so little and vulnerable out there in those waters!

Enjoy spending time with Friend Tami. I always love our time together.

Kids on the dock.

Brayden and best friend Christian, I love these two together!

Layton was busy on a tractor in a field somewhere working. This is hay season, no time for play, hee hee!

all is well now!

2011-07-03T06:46:00.000-07:00

Isn't this sweet, my big baby!

Jim, hangin' with Layton in the evening.
Hellllllooooooooo bloggie world! Oh how I have missed you, these darn computers, I have been down for almost two weeks now, I think I almost went crazy, and feel so behind on all my 'reading'!
Summer is in full swing, I just love it! Getting up first thing in the morning to water the flowers and the lawn, it is so refreshing, love it!
Since I have been here we have been thru a little crisis. All is well now, thank you Jesus.
Last weekend I and the kids went camping at a dirt bike track about and hour and half away from us. We were so excited, Jim was going to join us the next day for he had a salmon trip thru his company. I was a tad bit nervous, I had the camper on and our big bike trailer behind. I use to pull a horse trailer all of the time and thru the years just haven't done it as much. We got ourselves there and settled on Saturday early afternoon. It was a practice day and Brayden had been on the track once, Layton too. I was feeding the kids a the camper and Brayden brought to my attention that at the tower they were saying our name. I thought to myself, "I wonder what they want with Layton?" Kept going on with my business and Corvan came to me and said, "MOM, THEY JUST SAID MARLECE TO THE TOWER!" I knew then, and ran as fast as I could to the tower as it was dawning on me there were no other bikes running. Layton crashed. He was out for five minutes and was now sitting on a medics four wheeler in a daze. We got our stuff packed up much faster than we got it out and headed to the hospital. The whole way there Layton was doing really well. He was a little confused but the headache wasn't terrible and he was a little nauseated but not terrible. I took the truck and trailer home and we jumped into the van and got to the hospital. Layton walked right in feeling fairly good. After a CAT scan come to find out he did have a concussion but also a spot in the inner part of the brain that was bleeding. So, Layton and I had a night stay for observation in the hospital. Waking him up every hour on the hour to test him. They sent us home the following day after seeing that another CAT scan showed that it wasn't growing.
So, that was our drama for the weekend. Much different than what we had anticipated. Layton seems to be doing great except that he has not been able to do anything, go to work, or do anything for that matter but fish quite a bit. So, that has been a challenge. But we are grateful the Lord protected him and is healing him to 100 percent. We have a follow up on Wednesday for an MRI to make sure he is on the mend.
Thank you Jesus my babe is fine!

5 question Friday!

2011-06-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

I decided to join in on the 5 questions Friday this week. It looked like fun!

What is your favorite TV show?
My favorite TV show is, well actually, my on going TV show would be General Hospital. Yah, I know, bad girl, it gives me a moment to completely veg. And then, I love The 'Amazing Race'. I'd say that is pretty much all the TV this girl watches. Oh, I am liking 'So You Think You Can Dance' at the moment if I remember that it's on.I think my favorite thing about TV these days is you NEVER have to watch a commercial again in your life if you don't want to. DVR is the best thing out there. A one hour show in half the time!

What's the worst haircut you ever got?
I don't remember ever hating a hair cut but I know the one that was the ugliest.....the bilevel, oh yah, I sported that 'do' with pride. I wore that short, up and over the ears, short on top, to stopping at the ears to have long flowing hair in the back! Oh my, two hair styles in one, lovely!

What was something that you did as a child that you were so cool for doing?
One big thing that stands out in my mind was from the time I was just old enough to touch the foot to the gas pedal and see thru the windshield (barely see) I couldn't wait for Sunday to go to the dump with my dad so I could drive us there. It was probably 7 miles down the road. Oh yah, I did this until I actually was old enough to get my license....let's see about 7 years of training? hahaha!(small community, back roads, with not a lot of traffic, I must say)

Do you have any great frugal family fun tips?
I think the one my sis and I were just cracking up about is our 'recycling' method between all of us in this family. We are still swapping those new born clothes to wranglers, and what have you since the first niece was born and she is now 18 years old. I still will see a shirt that one of the cousins is wearing that I had originally bought for Layton and get all sentimental at the moment. And then the other funny recycling method we have is our exchange of maternity clothes and nursing bras. These poor things have been around the block too many times to count when you consider how many kids we have between us and the friends we have passed them to in between our pregnant selves. And the original set? Started out from a friend 18 years ago, thanks Marce we still have some of those treasures left in the pile! Ha!

Would you drive cross country if you had the money to fly?
Ok, anybody who knows me knows that this question deserves a great big NO! Not even a little thought behind it, just NO! This is something husband and I do not see eye to eye on. This is his FAVORITE thing to do. I say, "you drive, we fly!" And yes, we have done that before!

1st day of summer 2011

2011-06-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

I am loving that today is officially the first day of summer and the weather is even acting like it knows it! All neighbor kids are over riding bikes, making forts in the hay, playing on inner tube, eating outside, sleeping in this morning, of course some chores in there of: pulling weeds, start cleaning outside windows, brushing horses down, all outside, love that so much!

I am grateful summer is here!

another one of those weekends!

2011-06-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

Full, packed weekend, some fun, some unexpected, some happy, some scary, and some relaxing.....it was a fun filled time spent with Sister Jenay's family, Mom and dad, and friends.

The kids and I got to Sister's house on Friday late night. Got up early to go on a fabulous walk with Niece Lashae, Ma, and Jenay. Then we hussled back to the house to prepare for the wedding shower Charsie (maide of honor and sister to Lashae)was putting on! Just as we were in the heat of finishing breakfast for the troops and arranging furniture for the people, Jenay heard this terror scream, I didn't think too much of it, boys, they are noisy! Soon after, here comes Uncle Charlie bringing Corvan in, taking his shoe off to see that we needed to take a trip into the ER! Mother of the bride hops in the car with me....."Uhhhhh, don't you have a party to put on?" She says, "I have to go with you!" So, off we go to the hospital! My seat was as far back as I could get it so that Corvan could put his bloody black toe in the air as it sat on the top of my seat, Jenay was holding his hand up high because his finger is smashed also, along with holding Corvan's jacket in front for Corvan to throw up in because he was in so much pain! There was groans of tears and groans of prayer up to our Lord as Jenay and I went before Him the whole way there! There is nothing like the power of the name of Jesus is there? That is all we needed was His name!

Corvan was riding 4 wheelers with the kids and not familiar enough to his surroundings and no brakes smashed his toe and finger right into a post.

X-rays show no break, I will confirm that with my doc today....had 8 stitches put in, in the bottom of his middle toe (pretty much tore off the padding of the bottom of his toe) the worst of this is he was in SO MUCH PAIN for WAY TO LONG!!!Auntie and Momma Bear started to come out in us at that ER when they are hummmmhawwwwwin' around as to what to do with him. GIVE THE KID SOMETHING FOR THE PAIN!!! Finally after hours of hearing him moan and cry they gave him something to calm him down. I was a little frantic to say the least. Why do ER's move so slow isn't it a place of EMERGENCY?

Lashae came to pick Jenay up right before people began to arrive at the house for a PAR-TAY! I was SOOOOOOOOOOO glad she was there with me. 8th grade Charsie and Brayden prepared the WHOLE thing together and did a fabulous job, they are such a good team. Mom put my salad together, thank you Momma for that! Charles gets Uncle of the year for he took all my kids and his kids for a fabulous time while we had fun with Lashae at her shower. I got there an hour late, but rather late than never right? Corvan was wore out and took a good snooze as we were all busy doing our thing.

My dad is doing well, we will find out more today what they will do with him. But when I saw him he looked good and seemed good. The two attempts to put a stent in failed so they wanted him to go home to rest his heart after being probed and prodded on for such a long period of time while trying to put the stents in. They are monitoring him with meds to make sure he is safe with his heart right now. He's under good care and I am grateful. Dad's spirits were high.

The next day was church, and the kids trailing Corvan around to this and that, (so stinkin' cute) Chars and Brayden riding horses, the girl's putting on a little dance for MiMi, Auntie and the rest, Esther was getting her African groove on, showing those sisters of hers how to move that body!

And this is what we all felt like but the babies of the house looked like at the end of the day. They were "ZASTED" as Jordan would say when he is explaining how "exhausted" he is.

We left the house at 4 this morning to get Layton to school and heading off to take Corvan to our doc to make sure all is well with our doctors standards that I trust.

I am so thankful, peaceful, and happy, Jesus was in the midst of it all, all weekend!

so many thoughts this past week, can't keep them straight!

2011-06-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

What in the world? I can't seem to get a post together because my brain goes from one subject to another faster than my fingers can type and I might confuse even myself if I read how my brain is working right now.

Trying to wind up the school year, celebrating Layton's big 16th birthday, working in the salon, cleaning house, working on the outside, thinking about niece and her shower this weekend and preparing to go for that, meeting with girl friends to say goodbye to a friend who is moving away from us, visiting Grandma Margaret each spare minute,my dad going in to get a stent put into his heart today and it failed, trying again tomorrow, praying for that, I could go on.....

But all in all, in the busyness of it all, the important stuff is what really matters, and that is relationship.

Layton getting to a point where I have to let him spread his wings a bit without me hovering over him, quite frankly I am not doing very well at it. I keep reminding him "I'm not finished raising you so let me,"

Coming to an end with the kids and schooling them this year. I'd sum it up to a great year all in all. With Brayden's surgery it wasn't what we had planned but the time spent with them I will cherish. I took Jordan to 'kindergarden roundup' where they access the children and talk to the parents. At the end they were describing 'the day in the life of a kinder the first few days of school.' This is my baby, been thru this 3 other times, you would think I would be a pro but the tears started welling up, got the ugly face going on to hide the tears and one escaped as I was trying so hard to NOT DO THAT, when the principal picked me first to introduce myself and Jordan. Big lump in throat with tears explained that it doesn't get easier for me just harder then introduced myself. Ok, big breath........

My sweet visits with Grandma Margaret. I cherish them. Jim has met me several times to see her. Jim on one end running his fingers thru her pretty white hair and me rubbing lotion into her feet.

My precious friend Lisa is moving away from us. I am going to miss her so much. We had a sweet time saying good bye for now, we will meet up again soon. Great evening, bitter sweet because I will miss her and don't want her to leave even though I am excited for her new little world she is about to encounter. Times like these you realize how special someone is in your life and when I have taken her for granted knowing she was just miles down the road from me. Busyness should not get in the way of friendship.

My niece, and getting to be apart of her wedding shower. I love this girl, so looking forward to sharing this time with her.

And to mention my dad again....I love that man, he has a whole bunch more life to live and I don't want to see him down. Praying for him tomorrow!

This sums up somewhat of what is in this girl this past week.

My oldest baby turns 16 years old...

2011-06-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

SIXTEEN year old, Layton James, it's hard to believe my first baby is that old!I became a Momma and my life changed drastically. I will forever have a job, a title, a love that I never knew before I had a baby to care for.

I put this picture up of Layton because when he was just itty bitty he was all about equipment, tractors, he knew the names of them and what they did when he first learned to talk and to this day he loves sitting on a tractor.

Layton has always found something he is passionate about and goes all the way with it. Sometimes it's hard to keep up. I love his intensity and his drive for those things that he loves to do. This is anything from dirt bike racing, to bow hunting, to WHATEVER the case may be.

Layton does have a strong discerning spirit about him. He, again, since he was just a young tot could sense the Holy Spirit. I love this gifting the Lord has given him.

I was just talking to my Mom on the phone about that day he was born and got some great laughs. That whole birthing experience the first time is just that, ALL NEW.You have nothing to gauge it by and it's such an innocent time. I remember all the sisters and my Mom were here sitting on my couch timing my contractions as we were waiting for Jim to get home from work and they were getting closer and closer and they wanted to get me to the hospital and have Jim meet us there. I wasn't having it, NO WAY! I learned that this is a time when I NEED MY MAN and nothing or nobody will do. When we were rushing to the hospital with sisters and Mom following behind in car, we had a name picked out, Layton Ray (after his uncle, brother, and my sister), inbetween contractions I said, "Jim, I think we should change his name to Layton James." Jim said I had no sense in me to be making decisions like that at the moment and we dropped it. After Layton was born the doc asked, "What's his name?" I said, "LAYTON JAMES" and I look over at Jim with big 'ole alligator tears coming from his eyes. It was a sweet moment and one decision I am glad I made in the midst of it all.

At last but not least Layton is an official driver today. He couldn't be happier, in fact for his picture on his license he was trying sooooo hard to be serious but moving away from that camera that smile came on so big he couldn't help himself. Ok, enough said about this for now, I am a little anxious.

Happy birthday first born, I love you!

a new season, a first, and thankful!

2011-05-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

So many things going thru my mind this past week. It seemed as though the list completely changed, the season we are in is coming to a close and moving into the next one. One I am looking forward to, anxious to be with the kids without having in the back of my mind, "a math problem we are working on, the spelling test coming up, this project or that project." I will miss bible study but it also sets one more day without a standard obligation. (even though I so will miss the girls at my table, hope to see them this summer) I am grateful to be working outside more, playing outside more. New season, I'm looking forward to it, yes I am!

Today Jordan rode in his first poker ride on his dirt bike. He came away with two trophies. One because he had a good hand and the other was, (ok get ready for this, deep breath) the youngest rider of the day!! Isn't that sweet? I forgot my camera ( I know, I am kicking myself) but when they said, "the youngest rider, is there a four year old out there?" Silence in the crowd, and Jordan pipes up with his little loud voice and says, "hey, I'm FIVE and I rode today!" "WINNER, GET UP HERE!" Jordan made a dash to the podium and smiled this huge smile as he received his trophy. So stinkin' cute!!

I tell you, I love days like this. Watching Jim and the boys ride together, I just love it!!

Thankfulness, you know the more I am aware of this 'thankfulness' treasure that we should all seek out I look at these people around me who no matter what they are going thru or where they have been this is what makes them get thru whatever the case may be. It is such a revealing time for me to see this. It is so vital!

178. a change of season
179. a friend that calls for no good reason, yet we can talk about things, hash things out, edify the Lord, my friendship cup is full after this.
180. lush green grass
181. a son who is now a student at the college as of the fall!
182. trying new recipes (some fail some a hit)
183. having a life or death talk with grandma, Jesus was present!
184. a mom who shows me support
185. anticipating summer!
186. running and it felt so good before, during, and after!
187. remembering life is short, life is precious!
188. knowing my Jesus!

A Momma moment....

2011-05-23T18:37:00.000-07:00

Confirmation graduation
Isn't he handsome?

As a Momma, I am learning new things. This weekend, was a new experience and deep one at that. It was expressed to me like this, 'if there was a nest of little birdies there comes a time when they must leave the nest and learn to fly on their own. They may make a few nose dives, shake it off, and try again, but eventually they will fly.' I loved this illustration of what Brayden has been going thru this fall up to now. We had confirmation graduation and it was a beautiful moment for this Momma. Thru this process, he was thrown out of the spiritual nest and learning to walk his own spiritual walk, and I must say he was soaring this weekend.

He spent the weekend with his peers that have been going thru this same strenuous class as Brayden. The bible reading, the scripture memorization, the deep thought out questions that he had to read and answer each week was challenging, if I must say so myself. There were times when I thought, "are they setting up for failure?" It is a committment and one Brayden did not take lightly and he was driven. At the end, they had to write a 'faith journey paper'.

A little exert of his paper read like this, "I think it is hard to show yourself as a christian in public sometimes because some people just ignore you or think you are too small to know anything. This makes you afraid to give your opinion because you don't want to get made fun of. Now, I feel more confident in Him and I know that He gives me words to speak and He protects me. This I know because it says so in His word and I can stand on that with confidence"

Ok, wasn't that beautiful? He also took a test to find out what his 'spiritual gifts' may be and it was RIGHT on. Brayden is a gift giver and he's merciful. Ok, yes, yes, yes.... this is my son!!! I asked him what he was going to do with this information and he said, "do it more, because it's a gift from the Lord!" GOOD ANSWER SON!!!!

Then Sunday morning the graduation ceremony earned him a brand new beautiful bible with his name on it, he was an usher and took the offering, he did fabulous, and then we ended the service with parents and leadership of the church laying hands upon them in prayer as they kneel at the altar.

I haven't been able to stop the misty eyes, thinking about it brings me to this.

I love seeing the man of God Brayden is growing into, it is such an honor.

to make me feel special....

2011-05-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

Grandma shares a birthday with Jesus, she's opening a birthday card here!

I am a little panicked this morning. Our 92 year old 'surrogate' grandmother went into the hospital.Not sure what is going on or how serious it is but it has sent me into panic mode. I think about Grandma Margaret and she has lived a full life. She IS living a full life. Still very much apart of the living, very active. I know I probably am not special because she has real grand kids and a daughter and family that love her so much and the community that she is apart of I would say call her their own as well....as in their 'grandmother' too. She came into my life and has never NOT been there. She has gone to many of my kids sports events, and hasn't missed a birthday party that we have had. Grandma Margaret is a straight shooter and I love that about her. If she feels she needs to give a spanking she gives one. There are a few times she has gotten after my husband for things whether it was getting to an event late or whatever and she reprimands him and he listens to her as we all do. Then, if there is edifying she does this well too. She has always told me what a wonderful mother I am, homemaker, and LOVES my cooking! We are always exchanging recipes! She always makes me feel so special. She gets tickled and laughs, it's contagious! I don't think I have heard a negative thing come out of her mouth about someones situation. She will say she doesn't understand it but always sees good in everyone.

I think the thing about Grandma Margaret that I love is that when I lost my own grandma a few years back she cried with me and asked me about her and really loved me as I was going thru a tough time. I told her then, "I don't have a grandma anymore so will you adopt me and make me officially yours?" And she said,"yes, of course, that she loved me (and my cooking~hahaha!, with her contagious laugh)"

So, the panic comes in because I am scared it is something bad and that I may loose her. I don't want to spend any events without her. She makes me feel special and I need her.

Also, I would say the lesson here today as I was thinking about her and how she makes me feel is this.....to make someone feel special and loved, this is what I want to do well.

I will visit her today with some goodies to cheer her up.

being content!

2011-05-17T06:17:00.000-07:00

Does this otter look content? Sunbathing on his back, kicking back, cracked us up!

No real big happenings the past few weeks. One of those times when everything seems to be fairly ok. No big anything. Sometimes when things aren't really up or really down I tend to start thinking, "Am I growing in the Lord?, Am I where I am suppose to be?" So what? Now I am creating something that isn't there, getting all nerved up about nothing. So silly! Contentment, we should be content in Him. Thankful in everything!

Ecclesiastes 1:8
Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content

1 Timothy 6:6
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

Sometimes I read these blogs, most of them are inspiring and good and sometimes I think, "how does one find this much drama in every day living? How does one make everything about a lesson learned? EVERYDAY there is something to say about something!"

There is this woman that I know, a mother of many, and she is one of those women that if you are near her you feel blessed. I call her a woman of few words who says so much! She may not speak much, but when she does, you listen. The wisdom that oozes out of her you just want to be near. When she speaks to her children she speaks with authority but when they look at her across the room she smiles a smile of approval and you can just see that child swell up with confidence. When there is a crisis, I have heard her go before the Lord in strength and power because she KNOWS Him so well. This is an example of a 'woman of contentment'.

This, I want to be!

Now I must show some pictures of the kids and I when we went to the zoo! I love going to the zoo with little ones because they don't remember from year to year going so it is always a 'new' experience and it makes things look fresh even in my eyes to see it thru their's.

being a mother....Mother's Day!

2011-05-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

A picture of my Ma and Me..."Happy Mother's Day Momma!"

Mother's Day is kind of a strange day for a mother according to me. It's confusing to me. It's a day to honor your own mother. It's a day to be honored as a mother as well. Husband is to honor his mother and rightfully so, but I am the mother of his children so he feels pulled a bit, and then it's the question of what does 'Mother's Day' mean for me? Is it a day to take the day off? Selfishly this sounds good. To get up, go for a long run, take a shower, get a book, read without interruption, eat something someone else made, (some ideas that just happen to roll out of my head just that quick)...or is this the day to be the best mom a mom could be in that day. Go on a bike ride with the kids, plant some flowers with them, make their favorite meal,relish in the fact that you are the most blessed woman in the world to have this opportunity to be with them. God given job to be a mother.

But, no matter what the 'circumstances' are for that particular day, I feel honored because I am one. It is a gift the Lord gives a woman that is beyond words. Isn't it such a compliment from Him that He entrusted to me a life to nurture and care for as my own, teach them His ways?

It gives joy, laughter, anger, confusion, teaching, being taught, a purpose, a drive, a moment, a longing for them to know Jesus, praying on knees, praising, disappointment, excitement, disciplining, fixing, crying, smiling, hugging, kissing, frustrating, communicating, caring and loving, and this list goes on and on....a woman who mother's is a woman who feels deeply to the bone.

Happy Mother's Day!

weekends and thankfulness

2011-05-02T06:33:00.000-07:00

Thank the Lord for sun this weekend for it made all the difference when this girl could have been on the verge of a little break down when I am not getting my endorphine high, or my mind playing terrible tricks on me, or my body getting all out of shape! I just keep thinking, "this is just a season, relax, cool it, it's not forever...." but it feels that way right now. I haven't been able to run for almost two weeks now! I have planter faciatis in my foot and it has caused havoic! I have come to grips that I won't get to do the race that I have signed up for, all this training, ugh, so frustrating! I having been looking at races further down the road so that I can give my foot time to heal and I can be strong in my running again. Patience, being held back, not my forte, but I will work on these things so that I may get back to doing what I enjoy! I know it is not the end of the world, I know that...a runner brain, mentally? Not so good! Ok, whinning, yes, I'm done with it!

Had a good weekend here at home. The big boys and me went to a rodeo this weekend. Slipping on those boots and that belt buckle felt good. Rode horses with the kids, went to church with the family, and then came home, made a big lunch. I was in the middle of fertalizing the yard when that sun was beating down on me and I stopped and had to take it in for a few minutes. The kids were off playing so I grabbed the big intertube and crashed, face to sun and thought, "I don't have much sunscreen on," but didn't even budge, didn't even care! The kids caught on and they invaded me with their own delight over the sun!

You know in this thankfulness journey, I do find myself looking, seeking for that that I am thankful for. It does make a difference....I just read in Ann's book....'you can only feel one feeling at a time so if that feeling is of anger, or what have you, replace it with a thought of thankfulness and it changes your thought process'. I do find myself more cheerful, He is a transforming God isn't He?

I am grateful today:

167.a healing body
168.watching the kids show their delight when we are doing something new
169.a son who doesn't say much but when he is ready he comes in, sits next to me, and stares....this is my chance, thankful for this chance
170.making a meal for a friend who needed a good meal
171.my tulips, so beautiful
172.a God who left the gift of the Holy Spirit for us
173.warmth
174.a dream
175.a son's giggle, contagious!
176.husband off to work
177.encouraging a friend who is troubled

Looking forward to a great week in HIM!

actions and words....

2011-04-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

I always am telling my kids, "actions speak bigger than words, it's not what you say it's what you do, show Jesus thru your actions by doing something for someone else." It seems I am always saying this and hopefully showing it to them to be an example that these are true statements.

We have had a friend for years who has come to stay with us on many occasions. Being around us, he sees how we function around here. Kissing him good bye as we all head for the door on Sunday morning to go to church....he has been apart of this scene for many years.

Recently, his life has been turned upside down and he finds himself seeking...he asks Jim if he can call me and when he calls I am excited because I hear from him that there is a christian man whom has taken him under his wing and has been counseling him, loving him, advising him and when he asks me what I think, I tell him, I think we should pray. And we pray!

Two weeks later...more bad news for friend...texts me, "I'm looking above to the Lord."

I text back..."He loves you unconditionally and this is where you will find comfort."

He texts back..."I told Jim, I should start going to church."

With NO words said for 20 years of action without words, in time of need He sees something that is solid and consistent and does not change in this household and that is JESUS, so he calls HERE for support and love...and now, after no words just action, I get to open my mouth, speak truth, and pray with him, invite him to church where before they were just words!

You never know who is watching and you never know when the LOrd will place you in a position of speaking TRUTH and LIFE into someone so that they may be saved!!

I am praising the Lord today, He is so wonderfully faithful and good, and He SAVES, thank you Jesus!!!

A week with family

2011-04-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

Cooking with Esther
Chars getting beautified!

My Momma and me!
The Brewers
Soaking some rays up....
Poppa
Reece
The two love birds!
Sister and me!

What a week, what a week! I am content and thankful today. It is a wonderful celebration to get to thank Jesus for making me one of His own. Dying on the cross and raising again so that I may have life in Him. I am so grateful for what He has done for me.

This week my ma and pa were here. We enjoyed their stay. It was good to have them in my home for a week. Jenay and gang showed up on Friday night and we enjoyed them as well! The Lord gave us two gorgeous days right in a row. Friday was nice and then Saturday...the family spent the whole day outside. At one point we were like a bunch of fish laid out on our lawn drying out, soaking up that sun, ahhhhh, it was so nice!I got to do Charsie's hair, she is such a dear, I love that girl. She is an organizer with the biggest heart. Lashae brought her fiancee and we got to take their engagement pictures with moms camera. That was a blast! It is fun to see Lashae so peacefully in love. It's fun to watch! Esther and I became fast friends in the kitchen we were able to open the doors and let the smoke fly in the kitchen. She loves to cook and so we had a very quick liking to one another. The kids played until they were exhausted, EXHAUSTED!! The boys played on the dirt bikes and hung around the fire pit.

After church, sitting around the table yesterday for dinner, and then all leaving at one time, I straightened the house up a bit and then sat down and thought about how grateful I am to have had them all here in our home. I loved every waking minute of it. I love everyone of them so much. I am so blessed.

Then I sat and finished the day with 'The Amazing Race' to see my cowboys get kicked off... called friend who shares in my sadness over that one and then went to bed!

156. That song keeps rolling thru my head...Thank you Lord for saving my soul, thank you Lord for making me whole, thank you Lord for giving to me, thy great salvation so rich and free...
157.family eating around our table together
158.cousins playing together
159.being an auntie
160.Jesus dying so that I might have life
161.sitting in church together as a family
162.worshipping together as a family
163.slipping candy to nephew in church
164.a barbecue
165.getting back to routine
166.saying goodbye in hopes they come back soon

It's a Good Friday!

2011-04-22T07:29:00.001-07:00

Ok, so this is my dad today....I couldn't help but share this....I tell you what, sometimes he never seizes to amaze me. So, we are busying around the house preparing to go to the Good Friday service and I look out my window and see THIS! My dad is out there by our fire pit, shirt off, suspenders on (we wouldn't want our pants to fall down) mirror on bench and he is shaving. Remind you it is only 50 degrees outside....I went and snagged him up and marched him right into the salon and gave him a good shaping up. "Why?" I ask him...."oh didn't want you to fuss," (roll of eyes, grab him by the suspenders and sit his butt down in the chair)

We have been spending some great time with the folks. Great evening stories and fun little outings here and there. I watch the kids hang on Poppa's every word, they think he is funny and this fuels the fire for another 'funny from Poppa'. Layton wants to bring his friends home to meet Poppa the cowboy. They have been sitting around the fire, just hangin'. Meme and I have been busy doing hair, we got pedicures, did a little Easter shopping, cookin', cleanin' and playin' with the kids, some good times spent with Mom, it's been awhile.

I woke up on the day of their arrival, Wednesday, went for my normal run, all seemed normal and the same. I went to make my bed and threw my back out. OHHHHHHHH, so painful...I will tell you that slowed me down a few notches. So, not only that but I am having a major foot issue. I go to the doctor today. I feel like I am walking on a golf ball on the bottom of my foot. THis all happened in one day!!!! So, I will go to the foot doc and then chiropractor and see if they can't put me back together. A little discouraged knowing I have a race coming up and have been training so diligently for it. So, I have been calling on our Healer!

Today? Sister and her gang show up! SO excited!

I was reading today in Luke 22 when Jesus and his disciples went to the Mount of Olives. This is what struck me:

He told the disciples to pray so that they would not fall into temptation.

Even in Jesus distress over what was to come he was thinking of the disciples and their 'humanness' and was giving them warning. Prayer keeps us walking the straight and narrow.

After Jesus prayed it gave him strength to go on.

I was always kind of rough on the fact that the disciples fell asleep in the garden when they should have been praying for what was to come for Jesus. It explained they fell asleep because they were exhausted with sorrow. It gave me a little more compassion for them that I never saw before.

Jesus told them to get up and pray to stay out of temptation. Again, not thinking about what to come for himself he was concerned of their consequences to their lack of action.... PRAYER!

I thought this was some good food for a day such as today as we remember Jesus dying on the cross...

Thank you Lord!

ANTICIPATION!

2011-04-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

Have you ever experienced a stirring that you could not ignore? It goes deep, way down in your spirit. You don't know what it means or what it is about you can't pray it away, you can't think it away, you can't do anything about it but PRAY! That is where I am right now. I've had it for awhile thinking 'it's just a phase' I'll get over it but it keeps getting stronger and stronger. About what you say? "I DON'T KNOW!!" I know in times like these the Lord is doing a work on what subject? "I don't know!" It's an uneasy feeling yet it is a feeling of anticipation. These are times I know to stay in the word, pray, pray, pray....be sensitive, repent, and listen to His voice.

On a lighter note....

Parents are a comin' to town! Parents are coming to town! PARENTS ARE COMING TO TOWN!! There is not much Mary going on right now, alot of Martha, Martha, Martha. Prepare prepare, prepare......I will tell you what, the anticipation is high in this house for everyone. I figure it this way, I will be a Martha until they get here and then I will bask in the fact that they are here and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!! One thing about it, for me anyway, having an event gets me a movin'! Things that I would have done a little here and there are getting done all at once and now!So, Sister Jenay and gang will be here for the weekend as well. Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!!!We are going to be together for Easter and am looking forward to it immensely. I am looking forward to serving and enjoying.

eight is great!

2011-04-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

handsome boy!
riding his bike, big jump!
family and neighbors..
the BIG EIGHT!

Yesterday my Corvan turned eight years old. Last night I sat down with him and his album of when he came into this world and I got to tell him how in love I am with him. Corvan is a thinker. There are times when you are talking to him and with a very long pause answers. As his teachers always have told me in school, "Corvan just has this 'cool' factor about him," and that is the truth. There is something about Corvan's giggle that is contagious, you hear it and you begin to giggle yourself. He loves his brothers and anything they are doing he wants to be apart of.

We celebrated with family.It was so cute right before 'the party' Corvan disappeared and when he entered the room...vavavooooom!! He had a button down handsome shirt on and had his hair slicked down. Yawza!It was so cute! He picked his dinner of sweet and sour chicken with rice and I threw in some steamed vegetables with bread. Oh, it was yummy!!!! Then we had an ice cream cake. Corvan isn't super fond of cake more pie (like his Momma) but he loves ice cream cake, so that is what he wanted.

We went skating, that is always such a hoot. I must say, Corv is doing much better in the skating department, he has it down. Jordan on the other hand, if I wasn't picking him up, I was on the ground laughing myself silly. Oh, he finally got it down pretty good as long as he was running with short steps as fast as he could. The kid got a real beating that night all on his own.

A real celebration that Corvan is, I'm so blessed! I am grateful:
145. my darling growing up another year healthy and strong
146. Corvan's happy heart
147.Corvan's giggle
148. a methodical mind
149. working outside in the sun
150.first mow of the season in the yard
151.tulips and rhodies beginning to show their color
152.boys getting up in the morning to find them in the same bed cuddling
153.anticipation of a big weekend coming up to celebrate Jesus raising from the dead
154.a clean barn
155.fresh eggs from the coop

salon talk....

2011-04-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

I love my clients in my salon. I love to get to use my artistic abilities, I really am the most blessed girl in the world. I mean, who really gets to work from their home and yet have your children right next door in the house? And most of all, I LOVE to (as I say to my clients) get to run my fingers thru their hair (heehee), give a massage where their is tension in the shoulders or headache, touch them, and love them as I create so that they can have a smile on their face and walk out my door feeling a little more confident in who they are, feel better, and maybe had a conversation that they might have not had had they not sat in my chair. I have all kinds of clients and enjoy each one (well mostly :) )Sometimes it's just girl talk, sometimes, it's a male so many times edifying his wife or telling me about his work, or a child I cannot not eat their ear because they are so cute, just a good laughing session, or time for them to just relax without words and be able to rest, or tears that might bring me to pray for them, alot of times it's someone finally being able to be the center of attention and needing an ear.

This client today, bless her heart, I have been doing her hair for many years. Walked thru loosing both her parents in the last few years and she is pretty much alone. She is part of a cult that is dominant in this area. I don't bash her in her beliefs I just try to love her in a way she might not know. With no judgement, no being put on the spot or preaching to just doing my job and hearing her without condemnation. Today she walked in, DISTRAUGHT....I could see it in her the minute she walked in. Her brain was full. I asked her what was up and she explained she has been overridden with fear since the tsunami in Japan. I, in my mind said I understood what she was talking about to think of what those people are going thru...she looked at me with a look like I was the 'crazy' one.In her eyes, a time to think of herself, this is an alarm for her! She said, I am thinking of how it is that I would survive in a situation like that. I have been preparing and researching (she is very intellectual) as to how something like this would effect her and what she was going to do about it. I mean she was a NERVOUS NINNIE!! She has even performed drills to see how long it would take her to get her 'stuff' together, to go where? I don't know.

I just listened, showed compassion, and didn't advice, she has so much 'advice' that she has researched she doesn't need me telling her what to do too.

Maybe I should open my mouth a little more about our SAVING Father but I just felt in my spirit she doesn't need to be told she needs someone to show her LOVE!

It did sadden me, I don't think she is alone in this 'feeling'. I think it is the norm probably for non believing people.

We, as Jesus loving people take for granted the SAVIOR that we have, the protector, the provider,comforter,giver of peace, trusting, caring, the One who is, the One who was, and the One yet to come. Just by loving Him and knowing He loves me, assures me that I walk on solid ground even when it's shaky. He gives me grace and mercy, directs and leads, and these things I can COUNT on. A woman such as my client is trying to walk this out with a belief that cannot do these things for her and look where she is. SO scared and fearful, so sad....I do pray for her. I am so grateful for my precious Father who saves.

Off to the desert and SUN!

2011-04-11T17:22:00.000-07:00

celebrating after Layton completed his race! Gettin' ready to hit the desert with the boys! Corvan just finished his race! Momma was sneakin' some lovin' in after his race, isn't he cute with that dirt on his nose?

Ready for bed!

I tell you, I seen the light for a few minutes, a special few hours, it was wonderful! I am talking about that round ball in the sky called SUN! It really has been a couple of hard weeks for me. As I am always stating, those rays of light or not make a difference to this girl. Before we left for Eastern Washington my mom called and I actually dropped tears telling her how I couldn't take the rain anymore I needed a break. This weekend we got a day on Friday, it was chilly but that sun hit me on the face the whole way to our destination I was putting my face to that sun bathing in it, and then on Saturday all bundled up because of the cold but basking in that sun, this is what this girl was doing.On the way home we came back over that mountain and the rain began and I try to hold the whining to a minimum, shoot husband can't help it, this is where he works so hard for us and I appreciate it so much. I couldn't take it, I burst into tears and said, "I CAN'T COME BACK TO THIS!!!!" He didn't say anything (I am sure he thought I was being a little mellow dramatic and I was 'I suppose') So, I choose to think about the things I am grateful for to override my feelings on the rain subject. Ok, I am done with this subject, I know, so boring....

The boys had a great time on the desert racing. Jim rode the poker ride with the boys, did alot of miles, he was still kickin' it in, no doubt about it, but is very sore today,heehee! Layton did the 50 mile race and ended up 4 seconds faster than last year on his time. 8th place out of 121 fifteen year old competitors. Brayden and Corvan rode the 'mini-race' and had fun with that too. Me? I did the cookin', cleanin' and followin' them all around and loved every minute of it all!

I am grateful for: 133. those sunny days 134.my competitive boys 135.chili on a cool day 136.a camper 137.being well prepared 138.coat 139.a hot shower 140.knowing I'm needed 141.husband getting tickled at one of the kids 142. a husband who drives well 143.grateful for innocence of a babe 144.laundry

young at heart

2011-04-04T07:41:00.000-07:00

A different place for me today. I have always been one to think that you basically are as old as you think you are. I am here in my 40's and don't feel any different than my 20's inside my head or my body. I feel a little wiser about things but then always still learning new things too. I really have not even been a big fan of the word 'lady', sounds so old to me, I'm a 'girl'. In the past few years I have changed thing up a little because of my age. I am a vitamin nut, I color my hair not just for affect but because I have gray, I dress more classy rather than trendy, I think more before I speak, I know that I can't go a day without being in the Lord's Word whether a minute or an hour, I run more, etc....

This weekend though a few thing made me feel 'old'. I went to church and pulled out the 'ole magnifying glasses so I could read the bible. My son said something to me and I looked up out the top of the glasses at him (you know that look). I was getting into the shower and turned to get something off of the counter got a glimpse of myself in the mirror and saw this saggy butt, I took a double take and did a little scream, like, "that is not my butt!" I was cleaning husband's truck, a person from Jim's job dropped by and after he left I got a reflection of myself in the mirror and thought to myself, "it is time to start wearing makeup even to do the chores around this house I am not that 'natural' beauty anymore, this Momma needs help! I had bought candles for Corvan's cake and could not, for the life of me, find the darn things! Things like this drive me crazy, like obsessive crazy. I have to take dumb little things like this and remind myself, "they are CANDLES, big deal!"(the neighbors saved me and even had an 8 candle), thank goodness! Or waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to sleep over mulling things over and over in my head that I can't do anything about at 2:30 in the morning anyway!It has been like one thing after another!

This is when, after a big day of starting the day off with a long run, working on spring cleaning outside, having early birthday for son, and finally crashing on the couch for a few minutes before hitting the bed and grabbing that BABY of mine curling him up real close to me, and remembering I am still young at heart, I have a healthy body, and I am wearing my age well, I am GRATEFUL!
122.a sleeping house
123.His mercies are new every morning
124.His grace is sufficient for me
125.His covenant love
126.spring break
127.hard working husband
128.understanding friends
129.a son sharing with me what he got out of a sermon at church, it was so enlightening
130.worshiping
131.curling up in a blanket with my baby
132.Corvan's laugh
I look forward to sharing Corvan's birthday!

IHOP

2011-03-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

Brock with Grandma Margaret... Isaiah's first visit with us, playing with the cousins....

It has been 3 years now that I was sitting in a class when a lady I don't know very well came to me and said, "I look at you and I see this picture...it's a picture of a billboard with all the names of your family members on it, like fame, it is at IHOP, does this mean anything to you?" I sort of giggled and let it go because quite honestly if I had a pick of places to 'eat' it wouldn't be at IHOP for sure.

A couple of days ago I was telling a friend of mine, as I was doing her hair in the salon, of all the constant going on's in this family of mine. One miracle after another. A year in a half ago Sister Sha adopted Isaiah from Uganda. My Sis, Tawnya, is pregnant with a baby boy after knowing that there was absolutely NO CHANCE of having another child with Rick again. Shoot, the twins that they had was a miracle!Then, Sister Sha, adopts again, Baby Daniel from the US, and then Niece Esther from Uganda is adopted by Sister Jenay, we just got her here as of Tuesday! Oh, and then on the other side of my family my mother inlaw adopts out of foster care within this last year, his name is Brock. So Lori comments, "WOW, it's like IHOP INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PEOPLE!" We began to laugh, I even wrote it down so I could tell Jenay about it.

As I was telling Jenay, I remembered this picture being spoke over me 3 years ago about IHOP and knew that the Lord was confirming to me He has been in this all, He is made famous for it, and to Him we give the glory! He is in the business of miracles, He loves to do the impossible, He takes care of the orphan,He loves, He doesn't stop! This whole thing, as I watch and pray for these situations...it's all about our obedience so that if we walk in that He will bless abundantly!

Aren't I the most blessed Auntie around?

Brother inlaw Charlie with his daughter Esther in Uganda. Sha kissing that new baby of hers, Daniel....

(oh, Mom, I think this should be the title of your Christmas picture this year~ha!)

thankfulness on Monday

2011-03-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

I think I will get right to my continuing list of thankfulness:

108.rain? We are having so much right now I feel like maybe being thankful for it, well, I don't want to manipulate, so RAIN, yes rain!
109.part of a day all too myself here at home. Oh, was that nice!
110.grandmother who wanted me to bring my darlings over for the day.
111.boys who love to eat. The Lord knew I loved to cook, so he gave me four growing boys to feed!
112.brushing my baby's teeth, and him showing me afterwards how clean they are
113.a look by a sweet girl to my son (a thought of what could be perhaps?)
114.a confirming word from the Lord
115.IHOP (not what you think!)
116.color to get rid of my gray
117.makeup
118.toothpaste and toothbrush
119.fixing an owie on my son
120.hair on my son's back, love it!
121.a productive day

home happenings....

2011-03-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

look at these darlings! A little fashion show from my upside down bedroom! Doesn't this crack you up? Corvan found a red bra of mine and put it on so in order to feel alright about me taking a picture of him with a 'bra' on he had to go get his play gun and cowboy hat to look 'manly' (or something like that~ha!)
Jordan is wearing my camisole (with his sweats) that I wore under my wedding dress, it was all sooooo intriguing! Brayden is wearing one of my brides maid dresses that was in my wedding. Grandma wanted me to have one as well.
nice get up here, huh? I asked him if he was cold so that's why the ski hat!

Another good weekend at home. Not alot of running around, alot of being what felt like family this weekend. We played, worked, laughed, fought, ate, and slept.

I've been working on painting my bedroom and bathroom. This meant moving all stuff out of bedroom. Oh, did the kids have a blast with this. They discovered, tried on, made fun of all kinds of things that they found. Jordan found a pacifier, in which he has not had for 2 years, and put it in his mouth like a long lost friend. We got some great laughs!

Ruby has a swollen foot. Oh, my poor running partner. I went to go get in the car and as she hobbled to the car with paw in air acted as if she was going to get in and go running with me. I really hurt her feelings. Took her to the vet and now we have her on antibiotics to get her back to her happy self.

Speaking of running, I went on a 10.8 mile run this weekend. Not really meaning to go quite that far, but conquered it and felt accomplished when done. It couldn't have been more beautiful. The sun came out, and oh how I needed that so much. Was a little nervous about the next day and what my body was going to feel like, but really, it wasn't too bad. That was good too.

Racked more leaves! Will they ever get picked up? Getting closer!

And went to church and saw Katie inspire us with a little 'hope'.

I am thankful:
95.sun, I saw a glimpse of it this weekend!
96.first day of spring
97.seeing my tulips trying to push their way up out of hiding
98.Brayden's hugs, this kid, he knows how to make me melt!
99.Hope we have in Christ
100.praying for a friend in great need
101.a son who made a great decision about schooling after keeping my MOUTH shut(this was hard)
102.taxes done and sent
103.the hymn in my head, 'It is well with my soul'
104.coffee with girls at 6 in morning (I know, I don't like coffee, but friends I do)
105.sit down dinner with the family. Sit back and listen to everyone's input,all so important and validated
106.chips and fresh salsa (stuck on this right now)
107.fresh asparagus steamed, olive oil and garlic salt, I could eat this all day!

Ben and Katie

2011-03-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been following Katie's journey, you should! She is back in her hometown and church with us sharing her story this weekend. She has some amazing insight and wisdom, so want to share with you. I got to see her speak on Wednesday and walked away so blessed, You can watch the service this weekend from her blog! Do it, you'll be as blessed as I was!

girl friends, Beth Moore, what more?

2011-03-14T05:53:00.000-07:00

Friends, Rachel and Leanne with me at Living Proof conference

There she is, cute as ever, strong in her message!

A fun time with dear friends this weekend. We spent time together in Tacoma to go hear my BFF Beth Moore speak in person! It was a fabulous time of dinner with the girls, great worship, and a good word.

On Saturday night after getting back from Beth Moore, Layton, Brayden, Amanda, and I went to 'Repossess' to be apart of a 'teen movement' for Jesus! Going from one extreme of older ladies singing the same songs then to ROCKIN' out with the teens, major extreme from one to another but the lovely thing is...... young and old, we're all raising our hands and worshiping the same precious God of ours!

A full weekend indeed!

I am so thankful for:
76. girl talk
77. my van ( us girl's all had vans and we were discussing how we LOVE our van!)
78. dark chocolate!

79.my camera (even though someday a fancy one :))

80.watching kids get excited when worshipping Jesus

81.my vacuum

82.a conversation with husband that makes him tear up

83.clean sheets

84.the smell of coffee (even though I don't like the taste)

85.playing racquetball

86.a bunch of women praising the Lord together, so empowering

87.getting to know a friend better

88.watching a sweet darling...be newly excited about her salvation

89.kids big enough to leave without any prearranged anything just GO, so that I may go have lunch with husband

90.getting a dream from the Lord

91.getting to do young teen girl's hair, they keep me on my artistic train!

92.blog friendships, man, I wish so many times I could sit face to face with these girl's

93.the Lord's grace

94.His mercy

called to be a cheerleader

2011-03-08T05:57:00.000-08:00

aren't I cute? It doesn't show, but I was a turquise queen as well. Just about every finger. hahahahahaaha!

I was in the shower this morning talking to our Lord and He revealed something to me. I was asking Him (AGAIN!), "am I doing what you want me to be doing? do You want something more out of me than I am giving right now?" A picture of me in my high school years as a cheerleader flashed before me, then a picture of our senior paper of getting the senior award for being the 'biggest cheerleader'. I also was brought back to a moment when, after a game, and the boys got smeared, my fellow cheerleaders were all about laughing and having a good time in the locker room afterwards, and I had my hand on my hip and said, "how is it that you can be laughing and having a good time when our boys just got killed and now they are feeling sooooo bad!" I walked away in disgust. I was always driven by how the 'game was being played'.
I've grown up a little since then, but I think there is an element of 'cheerleader' in me that is ingrained in me. But I realize that I have been questioning the Lord's calling on my life because so many times standing on the side lines cheering is not playing the game. I'm not important, not needed! But, every great player needs a good cheerleader right? Cheerleaders are as important as the player.
I watch my family and all that has taken place, friends, and it seems I sit here on a stump and watch this all go on....
But, I realized, for all these people, I am their BIGGEST FAN, BIGGEST CHEERLEADER, I PRAY when I say I am going to pray!
I realize after having this little conversation AGAIN with the Lord that I am not not doing. I think as a wife and a mother this is one of the biggest assets we have to have from the time they try to take that first step, to being on the ball field and screaming (for the team of course), to guiding them in the way they should go. I tell my kids alllllll of the time, "I AM YOUR BIGGEST FAN!"
1 Samuel 23:16
Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.
Job 4:3
“In the past you have encouraged many people;you have strengthened those who were weak
Job 4:4
Your words have supported those who were falling;you encouraged those with shaky knees
As soon as I pray, you answer me;you encourage me by giving me strength.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing
Proverbs 12:25
Worry weighs a person down;an encouraging word cheers a person up

So, I look at this and think, the Lord does take an encouraging word or cheering another one on to be a big deal in His book.

Linking up with friend Jen and friends today!

gratitude!

2011-03-07T07:27:00.000-08:00

oh, lots of leaf clean up this time of the year!
Taking leaves to compost pile! This is a huge motivation to actually do the leaves...drive!
A little dirt bike riding in between!
taking a little break!
Brayden's best girl friend!
Letting chicken out today to do a little free ranging!

A big few days here at home, yet, most of it was 'right here at home'. I am grateful!

Started off with a day of dad going into hospital.
63. Thank you Jesus dad is healing and doing better!
Sister and husband met their new adopted baby boy! He is so beautiful
64. a new nephew!
65. a phone so that I may communicate so closely to situations I want to be apart of
66. Corvan being so sweet to spend a day making me happy with his sweetness
67. a day spent at home doing chores with my babes!
68. a day at the races, without rain!
69. watching Brayden get back to his 'ole self with his ankle, makes me soooo happy!
70. a baby so tired with the days events that he is limp when you pick him up to put him to bed
71. a good nights rest
72. being able to bring a loved one to the Lord
73. a good long challenging run this weekend
74. a family who recognizes a special day on my behalf
75. Friends wishing me good wishes

All in all, I had a great ending of a week. It has had it's up's and down's but all in all Jesus was in it all!

surprise, it's Jordan!

2011-02-27T11:20:00.000-08:00

My darling new born 5 years ago.

Jordan turns 5 years old, worth celebrating!

Today is my baby's birthday!!!

When one of my kid's turn a year older I always look back to that day and then tell them the story of this day. My mom did that to us girl's (still does). I don't know if they like it or not but it still brings you back to THAT DAY!

For Jordan what stands out is that he came as a complete surprise. Didn't even have it on the radar screen. I had it so out of my mind that when a girl friend called me thinking she might be pregnant I told her I would do the same (not because I thought I was) just to make her feel like she had someone in her boat. Her report? Not-a! Me on the other hand....took the test and after reading several of these things and understanding them well all of the sudden knew this one was WRONG. I even called the company to make sure I did it right. I called my midwife and she waited for me to come screeching in when they were already closed to have her REALLY confirm. I called girl friend and we both laughed in SHOCK! Also had to call Sister who I was to run a relay race with on a team the following weekend,so that she could replace me!

When I told Jim, we had just had a entry made up to our home, of the (three) boys on horses, Jim had JUST gotten it up the weekend before. When he and I were looking at it I told him that we were going to have to 'add' another horse and kid to it. Jim, with his few words, said, "nope it looks good to me!" We still haven't changed it up, but we DO have another boy!

The last thing, Jordan came on a day that I was headed to a concert with a girl friend to go see Bon Jovi. Yes! Bon Jovi. I was already to be decked out in my 80's attire. My friend asked if I felt comfortable going in my state. No question, HECK yah!!! I called her the morning of the concert and told her I would have to be a no show for I was in the hospital and just had Jordan! A little bitter sweet, ha, ha! I do think I got the better end of the deal though. (giggle)

So, all the way around, I would say this kid has been a surprise from the very beginning. Not to our Lord who put him with us, but to us, he never stops surprising us! And what a delight this kid is. He is exuberant, full of life all of the time! Even as an infant the Lord gave me a word for him about his character and it was 'Zealous nature' and that is the truth!

Thinking he is 5 years old today....gives me goose bumps! You always are grateful that your babes are growing up healthy and strong but he is my BABY and five doesn't sound quite so baby like anymore....wahhhhhhhhh!

Happy birthday to my baby boy!

This is my day of continuing my list of gratefulness:

52. surprises
53. Jordan's 'zealous nature'
54.Jordan's skinny tall body
55.Jordan's blond hair
56.Jordan's sweet spirit
57.little hands
58.a baby who still likes to crawl into Momma's lap with his blanket
59.eager to learn
60.Jordan always starting his prayers with "Jesus, please Jesus.....
61.the way Jordan crawls into bed with me before his own, prays, and throw his leg over me and rubs my back
62.Jordan and his 'no fear' factor!

snow day!

2011-02-24T20:10:00.000-08:00

Ruby enjoying it too!

Happy snow from our home to yours!

What a day, what a beautiful day! As we hustle thru schooling this morning we watched the snow fall. There is something about the snow that calms, insulates the world, brings a peace. One of my favorite things to do is to go out and feed the horses in the snow. Early in the morning when there is no tracks, yet just a solid layer of glistening white. The horses are breathing and you can see their breath as they breath. And then sit there and the only thing you can hear is their chomping on that hay. The silence, the stillness, aughhhhhhh, beautiful!

This is the second day of this, the sun is shining, and it is going to be a fabulous day......FABULOUS!

I could burst!!! with gratefulness...

2011-02-21T17:47:00.000-08:00

I am feeling so much gratitude right now I could burst!

A week ago today my kids were playing with their light savors and 'BOOM' one hit Jordan right in the mouth. A baby tooth, but that is not suppose to come out until he is around SEVEN years old, is discolored and loose. I told Jordan, "DON'T TOUCH IT!" (thinking augh, it will tighten back up and be finnnnnneeeeee, right?) Saturday it falls out! I was sad but didn't think to much of it, called a very wise friend, and half nonchanlant told her about it and she said, "mmmmm....you better get him in for an x-ray and make sure that root came with the tooth." This is number four so I don't get too excited about much when it comes to this sort of thing, but it worked out to go see doctor on Monday at 1:30, sure no problem. Told Jor, "we'll be fast as lightning, a picture and out the door we go for some ice cream for being soooooo good and sitting still for that picture."

TWO HOURS LATER....3:30 we walk out with three stitches, a doctor sweating trying to extract this root from my baby, me trying to hold back tears, as I'm trying to distract a son who....is my HEROOOOOOOO! He was the toughest thing I ever did see, I am so stinkin' proud of him I can hardly stand it! Oh, he not only is getting ice cream when he isn't numb anymore but he is going to get ice cream, mashed potatoes, yogurt, whatever he wants soft whenever he wants for the next week!

I went into this day fasting and praying over a very sick bro inlaw, and I am so grateful it happened on a day where I was already feeling quite vulnerably close to my Jesus. There was a point when the doc wanted to take a break, I should say, give my baby a break, and I just wanted every one to LEAVE him and me alone for a moment so that I could get down to business with our Lord...Jor said he had to go potty, YES! I took that kid in there and I prayed up a storm for him....it felt so good to get it out and aloud!!! At the end when that root finally came out I couldn't help it, it was just right out, "THANK YOU JESUS, THANK YOU, no holding back!!!"

I am thankful today:

32. friendship and advice
33. Jesus the Great Physician
34. holding back of tears from a Momma who is concerned
35. family in unity over prayer
36. answers to prayer
37. hope in prayer
38. relief when praying
39. urgency to pray
40. a doc who cares
41. a strong baby
42. a full day of unexpectedness
43. brothers who are concerned for their brother
44. a dad who feels pride with concern over his baby's toughness
45. a brother inlaw who is a great husband and daddy
46. a pregnant sister who is 'tougher than nails' as dad would say
47. A God who listens
48. A God who sees the tears
49. a messy house, I suppose it will be this way until I do something about it?
50. a friend and her wisdom
51. a call to Jor from a cousin who Jordan thinks is IT! To build him up and be so sweet.

I

a servants heart

2011-02-15T05:52:00.000-08:00

I have to share my kid's heart! These are things that make a Momma sigh and give thanks. Our neighbors went on a vacation for two weeks to Hawaii! When they left the day after we had a beautiful day outside and their two horses went out to lay down and sun themselves a bit. Enjoy a little vitamin D. I think we were all feeling like we wanted to do the same thing! The only thing is, the neighbors older horse, Lilly, was having some arthritic issues and could not get up. After a good day of trying to get her up with meds, pulling and prodding, she tried, we tried but could not get her up! We called the vet and he gave her a good dose of some anti-inflammatory. We prayed that was the key to her GETTING UP! And she did and we rejoiced.We wanted to make sure she would stay up until neighbors got home and then they could decide what to do for her.
This is where my son came in....he diligently got up early every morning to help me doctor Lilly with meds and before we went to bed at night. Brayden brushed her down to make her 'feel better' and he cleaned the barn immaculately! I asked him why and he said, "because he knew they were going to have to make some hard decisions when they got home and he wanted them to not have to think about anything but that. And a clean barn always makes you feel better." I teared up thinking this is EXACTLY what I want my kids to learn...to serve when you see a need, with nothing in return, just love, this is a servants heart.
Our neighbors did come home and were grateful.They did have to allow Lilly to have relief from pain. It was a sad day and we mourned with our friends over their loss.
Linking up with Jen and friends today.

thankfulness and joy go hand 'n hand

2011-02-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

A gift on Valentine's day!

Jammies sent to me by my dad for valentine's day!

I am feeling a bit gitty right now. Not for any reason at all except that I have changed a way of thinking a bit. Still in the process, but am dealing with some real heart stuff with Miss Marlece. I started Ann Voskamp (a favorite blog...holy Experience) first book that she published called 'One Thousand Gifts'. I haven't even finished it but am going to begin today to link up and begin her 'Monday Multitude of thanks'. I've been reading this blog for years and thought it was nice that people number the things they are thankful for. I am genuinely a very thankful person but never got the whole numbering them, it has always been the general and the big that I could name. She speaks about finding lost joy thru your thankfulness. Just a small quote that hit me so strongly was, 'Thanksgiving is inherent to a true salvation experience; thanksgiving is necessary to live the well, whole, fullest life.' I think she is right. I have lost my joy lately, maybe a little misplaced perhaps... and Ann has brought it to my minds eye that being aware of the things I am thankful for brings joy to ones life. So, I have been very aware of this, even the littlest things, and I must say, I catch myself feeling more joy than I have felt for a long time. I have been walking around with a pad and paper just writing a one liner sentence of what I am thankful for at that moment. So, I am going to begin my 1000 gifts of thanksgiving TODAY! And, in the process finding a bit more joy....I AM GRATEFUL!

1.loving my Lord
2.so grateful He shows me where I lack
3.for my salvation
4.my kiddoes
5.kissing Corvan's chin
6.when my kid's come out dressed all by themselves and not matching
7.my quiet mornings
8.time away
9.a good book
10.my slippers
11.the smell of a barn
12.cleaning the stalls
13.the voice of my little ones on the phone

14.a hug

15. a quote from husband that completely threw me off and encouraged me

16.my van, I love my van

17.a visit from my niece to just 'talk' today

18.seeing the starts of my tulips coming up....spring is around the corner perhaps?

19.heat

20.clothes that feel good
21.clothes that look good
22.hair on Corvan's back, lick, lick, yum, yum!

23.waking up with bedhead...kids that is!

And on top of all that it is Valentine's day! So, there are a few things I do look forward to traditionally on this day. First one being....I always get a little something in the mail special from my dad. He has always, since I was just a little girl, has seen to it that each of us girl's feel like a Valentine. On top of that, he sends me a heart felt card. Isn't that sweet? I am his sweetheart!

The second one being, our family candle light dinner. It is always quite an event. Why, do you say? I have four (5 counting the biggest one of all) who LOVE fire. So, I am constantly, every year, fighting the battle of, "leave the candle alone, must you BREATH so hard right there?, yes, that is wax....LEAVE IT ALONE!, who's going to light the candles? who's going to blow them out?, how many do we need.... REALLY?" I could go on and on and on....trying to teach boys what a little romance is, is a tough job, but I figure a Momma's gotta do it!!

24.candlelight dinner with the family

25.curiosity

26.adventure

27.candles

28.a day set a side to show love

Then, this weekend I was presented with this box from the boys. Oh, what girl doesn't like to see a little box with a bow around it? I opened it with a beautiful heart pendant in it. Very sweet and thoughtful.

29.thoughtfulness

30little box with a bow

31.gifts

Happpy Valentine's day to you, I hope you feel as special as I am feeling this day.

slumber party!

2011-02-12T20:48:00.000-08:00

I had a date night with the my two babes. The big ones were gone for the night so we had our first slumber party. Slumber party as far as 10:00 and lights out, that's still slumber party isn't it? We made the hide a bed up downstairs turned on a good movie, got some pop, and popped some pop corn and had us a parteeee! I really enjoy these two. Their enthusiasm is contagious!

He is the focus

2011-02-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

I had a dream a few nights ago...I dreamed I was in the kitchen with a bowl I always use. It is glass and has a pour spout on it. I dropped it on the ground and it shattered. I fell, passed out, but was conscious enough to know that someone needed to come help me....no one did. I think the Lord was showing me that as much as I think I am pouring into someone, serving, loving, and even if I am getting hurt in the process the only person I can look to in my time of need is Jesus. He is the One to save me.
I've been dealing with this subject of 'rejection' the past few weeks. It seems everywhere I turn I am being rejected. Whether that is situations as close as even in my home, kids, friends, clientes, even blog followers (ha!) Rejection happens when we risk enough of ourselves to love. This past couple of weeks it seems like everything just seems not quite right. Like I look at everything with a negative spin. Rejection, it colors everything we see. I have a friend who has been nothing but gracious and loving to me and with my tainted eyes right now I have been backing away because I have so much fear that I am not wanted.
I look at the rejection the Lord had upon Him, from strangers to His best friends. In the garden when they couldn't even stay awake long enough to pray for Him while the Lord was sweating blood as He was going to His Father in prayer. Such rejection from even those He loves. I think the Lord uses rejection at times to show who He is. Our perspective is not His perspective. I think in that garden the Lord knew the Father was the only true one He needed to focus on to get thru what He was about to do for US!
Or, how about Mary...loving her baby KNOWING He was the Son of God and being rejected right and left all thru his growing up years. Can you imagine how many times she wanted to come out a swingin' with that Momma bear instinct to protect and stick up for Him. I think, once Mary focused on WHO she knew Jesus was and kept that in the forefront of her brain then she could continue.
I am learning to keep my focus on the Lord first and then others. That is what matters right?People will always disappoint, I will always disappoint someone else. I want to be sensative to this and remember He is the focus. with Jen and friends today..

sister longing....

2011-02-03T19:35:00.000-08:00

I am going thru my day and it hits me, "I cannot talk to two of my sisters for a little over a week." I started to choke up and the tears started welling up. I realized that even though we all live in a different states that we still talk daily. When they are in Africa they are cut off from me COMPLETELY, I already miss them. Sha has been gone for a week now and Jenay just left today. I am so glad they are there. Sha is loving on babies who need loved and Jenay to the courts to get an approval from a judge to bring Esther home. These things are all good things and I know it's not about me....but I miss them. I speak to one of the 3 sisters on a daily basis. Withdrawal, withdrawal, or Tanz is going to get an ear full more often than she would care to~ha!

star struck and Sister love

2011-01-29T12:34:00.000-08:00

Do I look a little star struck?
Sister Sha headed out on a very long day! Have a good flight Sister!
Sha's team

Ok, so, Sister Shauna had a 5 hour lay over in Seattle this morning. She and a team of 6 girls are headed to Uganda to serve in orphanages for 13 days. I got the privilege of being able to get a piece of Sister and meet her girls as they waited for their next 10 hour flight to Amsterdam and then on to Uganda from there. Ok, see that outfit Sha is wearing? I sent that to her, her first visit to Africa and here she is in it again, yah!!!!
So, as I am loading the back of the car with the girl's bags they are all bringing them to me and meeting them as we are loading......... until, I dropped the bags in my hands, felt myself getting all hot, flustered, couldn't speak, I turned and grabbed my sister and said, "OH MY GOSH, YOU BROUGHT OUR BFF WITH YOU?" I know that humble Beth Moore would be disappointed in me the way I was reacting over another human being especially herself but it was involuntary, it just happened! Then, Sha started laughing and said, "I know, I couldn't wait to see your reaction!" This here is Jenny, and I must say, she is as sweet and dear as what I imagine Beth being in real life. (writing this I get all jittery~ha!) So, Jenny, not just because you are a replica of my dear Beth Moore but you are a beautiful woman and a heart that is precious!
The girl's are in for an amazing ride with Jesus and those babies that they get to go minister to are going to be sooooo blessed!
I am so blessed to have been able to be apart in a small way today!And Sha, love you, come home safe, well, and will be praying for you the whole time you are there. Smooches!

I can do it!

2011-01-24T13:12:00.000-08:00

Layton racing today!

I don't know why I like this picture, but I do. First of all, Jim is running (ha!) but look at my babes behind him, isn't that cute? Jim needed a part for Layton's bike before he hit the track, hurry, hurry.........

Getting ready to go out! Layton trophied today. It was a little boost of confidence.

Corvan on those tippy toes!

Corvan finished in the finals as the 8 years and under at 56 lbs, 4th on the podium. It was an exciting year for Corvan! He made it to the finals!

A few tears and Coach Brew consoling him after a match. It was a precious moment.......
Got beat up a little, a bandaid (green at that) and a little lovin' from Daddy always makes a baby feel better!
We liked seeing this!
We bought Corvan a sweatshirt at the finals. We wouldn't get him anything until the end of the year and he was so excited. He has his name on the back as a finalist too!

What a weekend! I think I held my breath more than I let out this weekend. It was from one big event to another. This family had a blast cheering one another on.

It's times like these that you can look at your world and say, "I can do it!"

A Hart For Esther - Share her story

2011-01-20T07:37:00.000-08:00

This is a story of my "to be niece" who is going to come home. It is so exciting to be apart of watching the hand of God in all of His amazingness and glory.
Because of this trip, my brother inlaw became a transformed man, a man who fell in love. Deep in love with his Savior and with a daughter that he never knew existed until he layed eyes on her, and a family who is trying desperately to bring her home to care for her and love her.
Our Father is amazing and good to all of those who love Him.

Prayer

2011-01-18T06:38:00.000-08:00

Have you ever prayed for something with fear of how the Lord would go about it to accomplish it? Kind of like one eye open and one eye shut, with a big squeeze of the eyes, to toes curling, to tight fists. But, resting in the fact that God is God and He knows the big picture and He is ultimately the one in charge and nothing will change that?
But as one walks this out I know that our precious Lord comforts and loves even though it is beyond understanding. So, I have to go on the fact that I do trust Him. I know that He will go to any link to accomplish His will to be done. Sometimes it hurts in the process.
It's kind of like beginning a run. You know you need to do it, you want to do it, but at times it's painful before you hit the finish line. Once you do, it's all worth it. You have to go thru pain sometimes to get the results.
Today I have to remember:

Joy of the Lord is my strength
He leads me
He guides me
He protects me
Holy Spirit intercedes for me
He knows what is best
He is there
He gives me power
He gives me discernment
He won't tire or get weary of me
He leads the mother sheep with her young
He sees my tears
He speaks to me
He knows my heart
These are a few things I am thinking of today.
I'm linking up with my Jen and friends today.

Oh Lordy, she's 40!

2011-01-13T10:22:00.000-08:00

Oh Lordy, she's 40 today! Happy Birthday Sister! 40 years old, oh my, oh me! I'd say to you as the older wiser sister....keep doing what you are doing you are on a constant path to glorifying our Savior. Always making a difference with your words and actions. On a path of right out sold out radical. I'd say you are doing the right 'stuff'! Keep it up Sister!I love being apart of the journey.

It's only Tuesday!

2011-01-11T07:07:00.000-08:00

Cool Ruby and the rest of the Lasher gang want to say: "Happy Birthday Sister Tawnya. Hope you have a fantastic day today!"

This is a picture Jordan drew of me yesterday. He even wrote 'mom' at the top. So I say to Jordan, "I love my high heals" (thinking that was so neat that he thought of that) and he says back to me, "no, those are your toes!" O.Kkkkkk.......Do you love my hair? He said he wanted to put it up in the picture.

Corvan is on his way to leagues. He got first place in his weight class at divisions. We are so excited for him!

"Lay back Corv, get on your toes, squeeze!!!"These are the things being yelled at him on the side lines! P.I.N.

Great week so far and looking forward to the rest.

I am thankful today for being apart of family and all of the happenings that I get to participate in with them.

one of those days....

2011-01-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

Have you ever just had 'one of those days?' One of those days that seems so out of control, so beyond what you think you can manage, everything makes you cry? I know, I am sounding so hormonal. I wish that I could blame it all on that. But I know this is a day that I feel like crying, hormones or not, doesn't change this fact.

My son, bless his heart, he is feeling out of place, feeling there is no place for him, acquaird, resistant, trying to fit, not even knowing what that looks like to him. He is struggling. This frustrates this Momma, makes me want to fix it, protect, cover, be mad, love on him and strangle him all at the same. I am feeling frustrated, helpless, and it hurts.

My son, he is one who always resists, always fights an issue, but in the end always makes the right choice. I trust this about him. He is such a good kid! I just told him (whether he would like to believe it or not) has so much of me in himself, personality wise. I do this exact thing. I get to the place of, almost right out, rebellion before I will surrender and give it UP.But, I do and that is what matters, but this way makes one hurt....my Mom use to tell me I would always take the hard route...I am now telling my son this.I know even to this day, it hurts to get to that place of doing right. Is this what it feels like when dying to flesh? I think possibly.

For a Momma watching this, again, it hurts. I am sure it feels the same way to our Heavenly Father when we are going thru 'stuff' that we need to work out and thru. I know he drops tears for the pain we endure too.

Monday is on the rise!

2011-01-02T19:59:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning about 3 AM with head FULL of the things ahead. Nothing surprising or that I didn't already know was coming. It is actually the 'usual'. But, the past couple of weeks it hasn't been the usual. The holidays and all of the 'norm' of this and that's was not there. I really found myself thinking a full thought, drinking a cup of tea while sitting, without putting a load of laundry in, starting the dishwasher, and getting a home school task worked out before finishing the cup. At that moment when I should be snoozin, I could feel myself gearing up! I got up, because I know myself, and if I don't address it all on paper I will keep mulling it over in my head over and over and get more and more anxious. So, I got up and listed it all out, and went to bed and was able to go back to sleep. These past couple of weeks, I think I liked myself and I was liked a bit better when I wasn't multi-tasking so much. I think I am going to be a little more purposeful AGAIN about 'living in the moment'. It is an adjustment for sure and one I keep having to try again, I slip right back into old habits.

Yesterday, New Year's Day, I went for a run in new territory, that always makes for a fun run, made a late breakfast, sat down with the whole family and we ate together. Went out to mess with the horses a bit, came back in and sat to play a game of rummy with the boys (including Jim) He kept calling me a cheater....only because I was winning BIG! But when I looked up at the clock for the first time this day it was 2:30! I nearly died, I didn't even take a shower yet!

So, again today, after a great day at the dirt bike races with the boys, on the way home again, I could feel the anxiety building! Monday is coming, school, lunches, sports,bible study, more in the salon,schedules, schedules, schedules, it's all good and I do love every thing. Task, time, task, time... I am a task person, a scheduled person, I thrive in this environment, but at the same time it was a nice break that really refreshed and rejuvenated me.

My prayer this season is that I be in the moment, be still and know He is God, take time to listen. I do love this time in my life with my kids and I want to savor each stage, each moment, I don't want to miss it because I need to get to the next thing. Life places many things on our plate, that's life...but, I plan to be more purposeful of what is on it, more prayerful about what takes up my time and energy.

All in all it has been a restful good break and am looking forward to getting back to the norm. Jordan just came in and told me, "school is tomorrow, it is 9:00 and it was my bedtime!"

So, good night!

Happy New year!

2010-12-31T11:49:00.000-08:00

I had to look twice before getting warmed up to see if I still had the tips of my fingers attached to my hand when running this morning. Don't get me wrong, I love this weather. These cool crisp SUNNY days....I just love this weather!My run, beings I washed Brayden's ipod in the wash machine (I used it ALL the time on my runs, felt sooooo bad and will replace when I feel I can afford to)but I just had my thoughts, a little conversation between me and the Lord, the scenery, and Ruby to run with. At first, I didn't want to, kept telling myself..."are you crazy it's 15 degrees out here, turn around!" But, kept plugging along and did 6 miles. Always glad when I finish and so grateful I did it.

That started off the New Year's Eve. This time of the year always makes me look back and look forward to what is to come.

looking back on this last year:

Great summer playing with the kids
ran my first 1/2 marathon
Moved parents to Arizona
Homeschooling

looking forward:

I want to show my gratitude to my husband and kids by serving them with a happy heart. Be in the moment. See a need and jump on the opportunity. Have a year of growing in the Lord. Take time to love on friends and my family.Listen and do!

It's a renewing, a goal setting, an anticipation of seeing what the Lord has for 2011!

Happy New Year!

reflecting the day after....

2010-12-26T07:57:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!
Christmas morn....opening gifts, eating apple struedel, hot chocolate, (tea for Momma, Jim bought me a new tea, chocolate mint...isn't that sweet?) It was really good! Loungin' around in our pajamas all day and being lazy, playing games, doing nothing really. I think this is the only day of the year I give myself permission to do this. I actually got up at 8 o'clock in the morning (I know mom don't faint.)
Grandma Margaret, she is a birthday girl on our Lord's birthday isn't that sweet? 94 years old today.
16 people at our table for chowder. It was so much fun to have all at one table.
Brayden even decorated his cast for the day!
Happy boy!

Day after Christmas and reflecting...

It was a fantastic time of celebrating our Lord's birthday!

A few of my favorite things....

2010-12-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

This is cold baby Jesus Layton decided to warm up.

Peanut butter divinity arrived TODAY! It is soooooo good, good job Ma!

Chocolate silk pie yum, yum!

There are some things at this time of the year that just are and you think you can't do without. Some are memories, some are things, some are traditions.

These are some of my favorite things:

My grandmother had always made a candy that is unique and delicate (as my mom would say). It's called peanut butter divinity. For years my grandma and mom would get together and make lots for us during the Christmas season. When grandma passed away this is one of the scares, that this too would go away. Mom has come thru wonderfully and she now makes it for us. (so thankful) The other day, it was like, all of the sudden, I could just smell it in the air. I texted Mom and said, "I am having a peanut butter divinity attack, I think I can smell it!" She wrote back and said I had a strong smeller because she just sent some and I should be looking for it to come soon! I KNEW IT, I KNEW IT!!! It should be showing up at my door step today. Thanks Mom!

Another favorite, that I have had to learn to make, is chocolate silk pie. Mom made one for each of us and then another to 'share' for the rest. Don't think that I can't eat ONE (pie) all by myself.....Love this pie, and am making it this year myself since Mom wasn't with us at thanksgiving and now Christmas. It is so smooth, looks like a cloud sitting on a pie shell, rich and fluffy! YUM!!!

I love candlelight service! There is something magical about it, and can't wait each year. I don't think I have ever left one without tears.

One of my favorite memories that I think about every year is when my oldest, Layton, who at the time was 3 years old was playing with the nativity scene. A bit later I was setting it back up and Baby Jesus was missing....I said to Layton, "oh no, where did baby Jesus go?" He looked at me like he knew but didn't want to tell." I said, "Layton, where is he?" He takes his little hand out of the pocket of his jacket and said, "Jesus was cold!" I loved that sooooooo much!

I love dinner here at my home on Christmas Eve. Mom started the tradition of clam chowder and I have now carried it over to this family. It's a great gathering and we sing happy birthday to Jesus before eating dessert and opening gifts. I also LOVE Christmas morning....so low key, hang out and do nothing or whatever, just being together. No agenda, no pressure, just being.

I love the song, "Mary did you know?" and "O Holy Night!" (The part, 'fall on your knees'....la,la, la,! SO POWERFUL!!)

These are a few of my favorite things this time of the year.

get up and go...

2010-12-21T05:58:00.000-08:00

Usually this time of the year I am obsessing over what it must of been like to be Mary. What a woman, so many times I just stop in my tracks thinking of what it must of been like for her to carry the Christ child, to raising Him, to watching your son being tortured to death. Unfathomable really!

But this year,it seems my focus has been more on Joseph and the righteous man that he was, as the word says he was. He was protective of Mary, thinking of what this 'news' would do to her, so he was willing to put himself aside and bow out quietly even though he believed and loved her.

The other thing that strikes me about Joseph, an angel came to him in a dream on three different occasions and every time, no questions asked, no delay, he instantly did as told. He led his wife and was a foster father who cared for and guided them as the Lord instructed. I am sure the weight of responsibility on his shoulders must have been overwhelming, yet, the Lord gave him what he needed to get thru it.

Aren't these all traits we want to have? Righteousness, obedience, protective of the things the Lord has intrusted to us? I want to know that when I am asked, no matter what the circumstances around me look like, I will 'get up and go', for this is Joseph the earthly father to our Saviour.

Linking up with Jen and friends today.....

Merry Christmas to you!

this and that's of the week!

2010-12-19T19:43:00.000-08:00

Corv lighting the first candle....
Just had to put this in, thought it was so cute! Poppa, he's enjoying your chair.
Making cookies tonight!
PIN!

Aren't the holidays just a whirlwind? List, list, list!!!! It seems it never ends!I stopped and looked at my list today and decided, "what is the point?" I decided that it's all worth it, it really is.

The past week in a nutshell:

Hair lots of hair! Oh, lots of great hair! Had so much fun in the salon, it just seemed like it all turned out so well. I got to do some updo's for some parties. Always fun!

Finishing up school with the kids. I am ready for a break and I know they are too!I found myself saying, "JUST GET IT DONE SO WE DON'T HAVE TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN FOR AWHILE!"

Running, but my knees are acting weird. It's like, when I start out they are all stiff and ouchy feeling, I do not know what is going on with them. It was just one and now both of them. I hope they get out of this phase, whatever it is. I start out hobble, hobble, walk, ouchy, into a slow run....and then once warmed up I can act myself again and go my normal pace. But, seriously driving me NUTS!

Last wrestling match until beginning of the year! Corvan and Jordan both wrestled and did great! Corvan nearly gave us a heart attack each match. 5 matches, lost 2, won 3....but the clincher was that he either won by one or lost by one with all matches....I felt sorry for him at one point. He had a different coach along with Jim and I on each corner of the mat YELLING at him to do this or that! We finally told him to focus ONLY on the head coach because you could see the panic in his eyes!

Amanda and Chad are postponing wedding for he is getting deployed beginning of January. A little sadness but looking forward to his return with a real celebration when he gets home.

Corvan and Jordan were candle lighters for an advent celebration... they did so good!

I must mention...Jim helped me wrap gifts Friday night! It is soooooo HELPFUL! Of course, I coaxed him with alot of 'I will do this, or I will do that!' Kept him focused on helping me, thinking he was going to get something out of it~ha!

Made cookies with the boys tonight!

Corvan has been a HUGE help without having Brayden helping in the barn. This has really been an opportunity to be Mom's right hand man!

Speaking of, I had better get to that chore before bed!

A little run down of the happening the past week, with alot of this and that's in between.

recipe today! black and blue pizzas

2010-12-14T17:24:00.000-08:00

I was dreading giving this new recipe to my picky eater Brayden, I was ready to put up a fight, because first of all, it is pizza a kids favorite food right? Second of all,it's homemade. And again, it's PIZZA! So, as I was bracing myself, as he ate that first bite, he says, "hey this is really good mom!" Ok, Ok!! So, thought I would share it with you. I had intended to make this for a group of friends this week but we ended up canceling with all the other happenings with 'stuff' this time of the year. I will save it for another gathering for sure!

black and blue pizza

2 loaves frozen bread dough, thawed
8 bacon strips, chopped
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into pieces
5 tsp. blackened seasoning
3 shallots, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (15 oz.) alfredo sauce
2 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 can sliced ripe olives, drained
1/2 cup finely chopped sun dried tomatoes
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
12 slices provolone cheese
3 oz parmesan cheese, shaved into strips or 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

roll dough into two 16 in x 10 in rectangles; transfer to ungreased baking sheets and build up edges slightly.

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to papter towels to drain, reserve two tsp. of drippings. Sprinkle chicken with blackened seasoning; cook chicken in the drippings until no longer pink. Add shallots and garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Set aside.

Spread sauce over crusts; top with chicken mixture, bacon, mushrooms, olives, and tomatoes.Sprinkle with blue cheese, top with provolone and parmesan cheeses

Bake at 450 degrees for 14-18 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted

Serve with yummy green salad......yum, yum, yum!

Momma wants to fix it!

2010-12-09T05:46:00.000-08:00

Brayden's cast
right before heading into surgery, he's smilin'!
After surgery, in the recovery room, he's trying to wake up....so vulnerable, I couldn't STOP kissing him all over, to see him like this I think the kissing him kept the tears from being out of control.
Ready to go home!

Yesterday Brayden had surgery on some tendons near his ankle. When he had his football injury it never healed so surgery is what it came down to, to FIX the problem. He is doing well. We came home and I was thinking (and he was) this is going to be easy sailing until about 2 o'clock this morning when he comes barreling into my room with so much pain!I gave him some meds, rubbed his back, and prayed over him. All he kept saying was, "I have to move it, I have to get it out of this position!" He was even trying to convince me that it was bleeding enough to tear the cast right off. In all honesty, that mother bear was coming out and I was even trying to convince Jim that we had to do something! I was manipulating Jim. He was talking it out and telling me how that was not a good idea but trying to make things better (bless his heart, he was trying to make it better for both of us!). I KNEW better, but I couldn't stop and look at the situation without my emotions getting involved. I hated seeing him like that, and after getting him situated in our bed with us, the meds began taking effect, he began to relax and so did I.
So, this morn I got up to get on my treadmill and was thinking about how desperate a Momma gets over the needs of her children. We will do ANYTHING to make it better, anything, whether it's rational or not. But, in the end we use the wisdom and knowledge to do the right thing even when we have to see our babes hurting. I was crying, I was hurting watching him be in pain, but I knew in the end that cast was for his own good, his protection, a tool in his healing process. Jim kept telling me it will pass, give it time...
I began to thank the Lord because I know that at times in our every day walk with the Lord He sees us hurting, wants to miraculously FIX it yet sometimes he knows to hold off for there are things in us that he needs to work through and in us in our healing process so that we have a full successful recovery so that we may not hurt again.I am glad that we have a Lord who knows really what we need because he sees the whole picture when at times in desperation we want it fixed NOW because of the pain it is causing us, yet our Lord, sees it all and works with us according to his wisdom, knowledge, and perfection. I am soooooo grateful!

Have a little FAITH!!!

2010-12-07T12:24:00.000-08:00

A WINNER!
Working his move for that pin!
Getting ready for that shoot!

You know how the Lord uses your kids to teach you a little something about life? This was one of those moments He did this!
Last week Corvan, at the ripe age of 7 years old, wrestled off with 5 other wrestlers at his weight for a jv or varsity spot on the team. Corvan beat all of them and was our varsity wrestlers this last weekend. Me, being all protective, was telling myself, "I am excited he is on varsity, but is he going to have a chance being so young an all?" I truthfully was ready for him to get killed. And of course, I didn't want him to get discouraged so I didn't say anything to him just told him how proud I was of his hard work.
He had two matches. The first one he lost by one point at the very last 5 seconds of the match. It was disappointing but he did sooooooo well. The next one, is where we learned our lesson. He was wrestling a kid whom he had wrestled with at a past meet and got beat pretty bad. Jim and I, again, weren't saying anything to Corv but knew there wasn't much chance ( WHAT LITTLE FAITH DON'T YOU THINK?) So, Brayden goes to Corvan and says, "you know this kid kicked your butt last time," Corvan's response so matter of fact, like duh....." Yah, so it's my turn this time to win right?" Again, I, with little faith say in my head, "I hope he isn't disappointed!" (what little faith!!!)
He got out there, listened to his coach the whole way thru and pinned his opponent. Corvan had the whole gym up watching, it was so exciting and I was so proud of him. I would have been even if it wasn't a win BUT I did learn that the circumstances that surround me is what I go by instead of the faith that what I don't see could happen.
It was a great day, and I have faith the next match will be great too!

It is official!

2010-12-02T11:46:00.000-08:00

"It's official!" This is what my baby said to me in the car two days ago and ever since I have been joyfully praising my Lord.

I took Jordan with me to do some errands. On our way we were having conversation and he pipes up and says, "when is this earth going to end?" (big question for a four year old don't you think?) I said, "only Jesus knows this answer." He says,"when that happens where am I going?" I said, "you have a choice heaven or hell" Jordan says, "I pick heaven!" I said "good, how do you do that?" He says, "love Jesus." I say, "yes, you have to ask him into your heart to live there forever and ever, have you done that Jordan?" He says, "yah, I think so." I said, "ok, so do you want to make sure?" He says, "yip, I do!" So, I pulled over into a parking lot, told him to come sit on my lap and hold his heart, (this was so cute!) I said ok, I am listening and so is Jesus....
Jordan says, "Jesus, please Jesus (this is how he ALWAYS begins his prayers)I want you to come live with me in my heart forever so I can go to heaven! Amen"
I said a little prayer over Jordan and he gets back into his seat and says to me,

"IT IS OFFICIAL!" I said, "YES IT IS!" (with a tear)

seasons and change...

2010-11-30T05:24:00.000-08:00

Playing in the snow with neighbor friend Reed!
This isn't the dress, but look at what kind of fun I had being there!
Cousin Luke, Corvan, and Jordan (look at Jordan, does he look like a boy in love or what?
Cousin Reese fell in love with Corvan and landed a BIG ONE on him and didn't want to stop!
A little trap shooting for the boys!
My precious Niece Lashae....I love this girl!
Jim watching a little football with the boys!

Sisters!

Seasons that we go thru, it always brings change,I think changes us in a way too. It makes us more understanding more compassionate, sometimes hardens us if we don't watch it. We always have to be aware of how the circumstances around us are affecting our heart and relationship with our Lord. He is the one we are seeking approval from. "If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galations 1:10 What does one have to do with another? Approval and servanthood are connected because we become immediate slaves to the person from whom we seek approval. There is really only ONE who can look out for our best interest. So, as I thought about this it makes for a much better attitude with the tasks we do in life or the changes that come our way when I know I'm out to please my Father and that is all the approval I need.
So, this season has brought many changes. The Lord has been in all of it, had His hand all over it, for that I am grateful.
This past week, what a whirlwind! We started off with snow and apparently when there is snow in this house that means no schooling it is automatic VACATION TIME! It was out in the snow, get soaked, come back in to have Momma dry the clothes, to back out to get soaked again, to back in to get dry clothes on.....over and over and over again! My dryer got a work out! Jordan, poor baby, he wanted to play in it sooooo bad but every time came in after taking 10 minutes to get ready to go out, back in 10 minutes later crying and upset. Can't walk in the stuff, get cold, wet, hungry, and tired all in about 10 minutes!
I also got to go with Amanda dress shopping! Yes, yes, yes!!! The girl? She has a bod on her so EVERYTHING looked AMAZING it was more of a matter of taste not what looked good. She asked me to be a brides maid. Isn't that sweet? I think I will be the oldest brides maid that ever was, but hey, it's an honor. Oh, and Layton will be a groomsmen so I told Layton, "well, well, this will work out perfect you can walk with your Momma and not have to worry about walking with any of those GIRLS!" I thought it was hilarious! Him? Not so much!
Then on to Thanksgiving....spent with sisters and their families. That change and seasons thing played a big part. Mom and dad weren't with us this year.I missed them so much! We did enjoy each other and of course the cousins were loving life! They love to be together. We have so much to be grateful for. I little plug for Sister, she did an AMAZING job at the turkey and dressing, A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.! We invaded their space for several days just hangin' and had a super time.

I am so grateful to our Lord who we can count on to be the same yesterday, today, and forever, He is steadfast and never changing in all the seasons we face.

A BIG EVENT!

2010-11-22T08:22:00.000-08:00

Amanda and Chad
Jim and Sister Debbie (Momma of the bride) getting served!
Chad and Layton with their smiles!

A celebration this weekend! Congratulations to Niece Amanda and her Army Ranger Chad for they are engaged!!!

We went to a Japanese Steakhouse with family to celebrate. Amanda is going to be a beautiful bride, she is just a natural beauty but even more than that will be a great support to Chad. She will stand by his side, and be there for him. I asked the Lord to give her someone who cherished Amanda for who she is as a person and He heard me. Chad is a very strong person, he just graduated from Ranger school, very focused, and he really has this genuine care and love for Amanda even as he looks at her with his gorgeous smile, you can just see it.

This Auntie is excited to see these two as they spend their life together!
(Oh, and guess who she asked to go along to look at dresses? OH YES, that would be MEEEE!)

making time for relationship

2010-11-13T19:37:00.000-08:00

Oh the trials and triumphs we face as we parent.

A feeling of total disconnection

Why? Not taking time to relate

Going down the road asking the Lord, "please help me find a way to connect!"

Communicating turns into two crying

Hashing it out

It hurts

Not taking that 'time' for relationship

Misunderstanding between us

Getting to the bottom of the 'issue'

We must not look back but move forward.....let's solve it!

Son needs to be more open

Momma uses more negative than positive to try and motivate

Only telling the things he 'needs to be doing' without anything in front or behind

A habit that must be broken

Again, not taking that time for relationship

Makes son shut down

Momma is frustrated

I apologize,he apologizes

I commit to every negative, I first put two positives

He commits to being more open

We hug and tell each other we love one another

A new start?

I believe so......

I am grateful for a Lord who guides me to places I don't know I am going
I am grateful for forgiveness
I am grateful for fresh starts.........

WHAT A DAY!

2010-11-13T18:21:00.000-08:00

Do they look tough?
WINNER! (check out the 'ole ref, he looks more excited than Corv~ha!)
PIN!
Jordan going for it!

WHAT A DAY! Up bright and early to prepare for the day at 5 this Saturday morn to head out the door at 6 am for a weigh in at 7am, with the babes for a day of W.R.E.S.T.L.I.N.G!!!! And what a day it was!
Corvan wrestled, well let's just say 'kind of wrestled' because within 20 seconds on the mat each one "BOOM~pin!", second one, "BOOM~pin! The third, he won with points 13-6. He had a great day...his dad is hunting and I hope he comes home with something otherwise he is going to be sorry he missed it!
Jordan, he had a great day as well. He is four years old and wrestled 6 year olds and held his OWN! His first match was an automatic PIN, "whooooohoooo!" The other two, he put up a HUGE fight both times and lost both by a couple of points.
I was soooooo proud of my boys. Brayden is still out because of his ankle but I don't know what I would do without him sitting by the mat cheering them on, advising, I miss him not being on the mat himself. Layton got to be there to cheer them on as well. Layton's season begins on Monday so he knew he better get here to support his brothers.
Great day, long day, blessed day!

Grateful for these four boys I am raising, I am soooo blessed!
Grateful for the little athletes they were today!
Grateful for being a Momma!

putting it out there!

2010-11-09T18:13:00.000-08:00

I had a conversation today that confirmed what the Lord has been speaking to me about. I think He is revealing something that I didn't even realize has crept into my life and has become a stronghold. There was a time when I could write in my journal and go and and on and on...a writer. Just thru my writing I could read back over it and see where the Lord was revealing Himself to me in a profound way. Even speaking to a friend, I have always been able to 'put it out there'. I don't think I have lacked in allowing a friend to speak what is in her heart and world but I see thru time that on my side of things I just 'don't have much to say' on my end. I always feel like what I have to say is insignificant, not worthy of telling, too much and where to begin, a since of unworthiness of even opening my mouth about anything that might be floating around in this head of mine. I am a very deep person but thru time am showing a very shallow exterior. This I realize is even towards my own husband. Even more than that, my very own Lord. I realize He wants intimacy with me and if all I am giving Him, in which is exactly what I have began doing for sometime now is, "oh, you know Lord" and I leave it at that. Ok, what kind of conversation is that? He knows me better than I know myself but if I don't share my heart with Him how is it that He can reveal Himself to me and in return shine thru me to others? I do these bible studies and it comes to the 'how do you feel' part, completely dismiss it or give a one liner and move on to the next thing. If someone asks me what they can pray for me about I instantly feel a tear coming to the surface and ask for prayer about my kid, husband, a friend,...in all of this, a tear because I truly am not sure I even know how to articulate a need for prayer. It's not about my feelings right? Jesus cares, otherwise He would not have given us feelings. I have so been in the frame of mind that it is not about my feelings that I forgot I have them~ha!
Usually when I go to write a blog post I can't think of ONE thing anyone would want to hear...so, I go to other strong amazing posts and share a little of my heart with a comment here and there to others.
I don't want to be shallow and I don't want the enemy thinking He won by completely shutting me down so much so that the Lord and I can't have intimacy, or a husband who I blame for being closed down when maybe it would take me opening up, or a friend who shares a struggle and I can share mine so that we can pray for one another.
I think this will take some time because it has taken time to get in this place.

Grateful for intimacy with my Lord
Grateful for feelings
Grateful for a praying friend
Grateful for a mouth that can reveal truth
Grateful.....