Life: Be In It!

Where Have I Been All Year?

2012-01-01T18:48:00.001-08:00

Well this is last February. My kids went to a Winter Ball at a church nearby. It was decorated in the Narnia theme and it was awesome. It's almost time for them to go again and I haven't even posted pictures from last year. I'll post a few for ya. Enjoy!

We found H's dress at a thrift store for $14.00. I thought it was pretty. She did have to wear a shrug because it was a haulter dress and she wasn't comfortable showing so much of her back.

Here they are ready to go to their very first Winter Dance.

H invited a friend. They had a lot of fun.

Two of J's friends. The one on the right is Nan's (Mom's The Word) youngest. Aren't they dapper? They are in front of the coat closet that leads to Narnia.

I went into Narnia for a few minutes to take pictures. This is the way back into the coat closet from the Narnia side. Clever, wasn't it!

A glimpse of Narnia and I had to let my kids have fun without me at their first dance.

I wish I could experience every first in their lives, but time is past for me to be at every single first in their lives. They are in high school now and I don't homeschool them anymore so that settles it. I'll take every opportunity to experience any firsts that I can though. Some day there may be grandkids to experience firsts with :)

Blessings In 2012

2011-12-27T11:12:00.000-08:00

Here we are after almost a year of not posting anything I thought I might drop you all a line and a picture.We've had a fun and difficult year, but the Lord has brought us to this day and we're stronger in it.

We visited Seattle with our friends one day in December as we have been doing for several years now. It's so fun to go there at Christmas time. This year it was a beautiful, sunny and even warm day. We were carrying our coats and scarves and hats most of the time instead of wearing them.

At the end of the day we saw this beautiful sunset on Commencement Bay

In closing I'll wish you all a Happy New Year and do enjoy God's blessings for you in 2012

My Testimony Part III

2011-02-21T15:55:00.000-08:00

Back in August of 2009 I started writing my salvation story. Some readers were asking about the rest of my story. The things that have happened since my salvation. This morning I finally remembered that I haven't posted that yet and it's been a long time.

In short review I was in the Navy & married when I became a Christian in September of 1988. My Husband left me in the Philippines and I had several months without my husband or my navy buddies I had made there before I left for the USA. I made it home to Washington for Christmas of 1989. I had a couple more weeks to finish with the Navy and then I was a civilian again.

I lived with my parents and my sister. Yes, the two of us now in our 30's were living with mom & pop again. It took me a while to find a permanent job and I had a few before I found the one I loved. I dove into helping lead the middle school youth group at the church I grew up in, I went to church and Sunday School and Bible studies. I took a two year course called the Bethel Bible Series.

My sister got married and her husband & her started a church. I started going to their Bible Study and church too. My job as an Activity Assistant at a local care facility for the elderly was going well. I finally moved into my own apartment.

I met a guy named Gary at the Bible Study. He was a long time friend of my BIL. I wasn't interested in him or his brother. He thought I had kids from a previous marriage because my sister and I talked about our nephews alot so he wasn't interested in me.

To shorten the story we started dating in March of 1993 and were married exactly a year later. I moved to the house he had lived in (30 miles from me) and we began going to a church right by our house. We were loved and cared for by this small congregation for 9 years.

We attended Bible Studies together and Gary ran the sound system for the church. We got pregnant right away because I was already 36 by this time. We had a bouncing baby boy on July 1, 1995. I quite my job and stayed home with baby. Twenty months later we had a bouncing baby girl.

The nest was complete. This was our dream. Two kids, first a boy then a girl. I began teaching toddler Sunday School. Gary worked a lot of overtime and changed jobs because he just wasn't getting much time with his family.

I still tried to get to Bible Studies as often as possible, but it was difficult to go out at night with two little ones (my husband worked swing shift). Having to go get the babysitter, pay the babysitter, take the babysitter home again was wearing me out.

We began homeschooling our son after one year of pre-school. We homeschooled for nine years. During those years I wanted a Bible Study to go to so bad. We were attending a Homeschool co-op at a church across town. I was looking at a bulletin board there and saw that they had a Thursday morning women's Bible Study with child care. I attended this Bible Study for 2 or 3 years and the homeschool co-op as well.

I believe the years spent in Bible Study kept me going with the family and homeschooling. I was somewhat stressed out and turning to God and studying His Word has kept me focused and able to help raise our kids to know Him.

One morning I was up early to pray and read the Bible. I felt strongly that I needed to lay prostrate before the Lord. This wasn't something I did. I usually would kneel and lean on a chair, but this day I layed down on my stomach and stretched my arms out to the sides and said, "What is it, Lord?" I waited and the only thing that entered my mind was, "Feed my sheep." I said, "Feed my sheep?"

I thought and prayed about it for a bit and realized it was a confirmation for me to continue Homeschooling and teaching Sunday School. I have been doing so ever since. We have also been a part of Awana for about 11 years now.

During the summer when my Bible Study group didn't meet I attended a Bible Study at the church where we attended Awana. I realized I needed to spend more time with the Lord and began getting up at 5:30am every day. I joined a prayer group on Sunday evenings and my prayer life took off from there. I began to really hear God giving me clear direction on things and made some difficult decisions about how I spent my spare time. I gave up something that took a lot of my time. It was hard to let God have control of all things in my life. It still is.

Our family realized that our sweet little church was getting smaller & smaller & there wasn't much future for our kids in the children's program there. We began attending the church where we attended Awana and transferred over in 2004. Gary joined the sound team there & I began helping in Children's Sunday School and we attended Adult Sunday School classes and Bible Studies.

The thread that weaves throughout my time as a Christian is staying accountable to others in Bible Study groups and Sunday School classes. This has encouraged me to stay in God's Word and be in prayer every day.

To be honest I have been struggling the past couple years. I've been finding it difficult to get up early and read the Bible & pray. I have been teaching Sunday School and leading an Awana group and not attending any Bible Study group or Sunday School. It is obvious that I am a sponge that is running dry and I need a good soaking in God's Word daily to get me back on track.

It is not right to be teaching and not filling myself. I know that my walk is going off the path and I need to find that time with God and get back on the path. I can't even believe I've gone so long without a serious daily quiet time with God. God hasn't moved, but I have and it's time for me to get movin' back to Him.

What's next? you might be asking. It has to be my move toward God. Could you pray for me to set aside the time for God. I know there's no excuse, I just have to step in the right direction.

My Testimony sounds like it ended in sudden death or something, but it hasn't ended. I am on a journey with God and sometimes we make wrong choices when we don't consult God and do what He has clearly told us to do.

I am not going to lose my salvation or faith. God isn't finished with me yet. I will pray and ask God for forgiveness and keep moving forward. God says in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I still have hope and faith and God's plan for my life. OH HAPPY DAY!!

Christmas Fun 2010

2010-12-24T20:26:00.000-08:00

We rode the carousel in Seattle. Weeeee!

We visited the Gingerbread house display. Such creativity & the CANDY!!

Horse and Buggie ride in the rain. Poor driver was out there in the rain. Poor horse was soooo wet. Thank you Mr. Horse & driver for pulling our buggie so nicely through the streets of Seattle in the rain.

Merry Christmas to all & God bless you in the New Year!!

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-19T21:58:00.001-08:00

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
Matthew 2:2

Northwest Trek July 2010

2010-10-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long it's been since I posted. I loaded these pics a long time ago and didn't finish. So here it is, our trip to Northwest Trek with my daughter's friend and his family.

My daughter is in blue and my son is to her left. H's friend from school is on her right with his sister and his mom is in front.

We stayed most of the day and rode the tram to see the range & forest animals and toured the rest on foot. There are some interesting wild animals, not like zoo animals. Many are injured and cannot fly or protect themselves in the wild so they live at NW Trek now. It is nice that we can visit them there.

Heading for the line to board the Tram.

These animals don't seem to mind getting close to the Tram at all so we got some good pictures.

Enjoying some lollipops!!

Our first attempt at a group photo. LOL!!

See Mr. Bear over there?

Mr. Centipede or whatever he was.

In the wolf's den spying on the wolves in their habitat.

The pelts are so soft.

This bird was so cool. It had a leash and was tethered to a long line. The guy set her in the tree and she flew to him for a snack.

Here's the same guy with a Beaver. He showed us how the Beaver washed his tummy and how he swam by giving signals. He said that these animals are not taught tricks. They only teach them signals to get them to do the things they would normally do in the wild. Like the guy rubbed his tummy to get the Beaver to clean his own tummy for us to see. It was so cute!

What a great time we had, walking and talking and seeing wildlife, the beauty of God's creation.

Have a good weekend. BYE!!

Lake Mowich August 2010

2010-09-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

In August the kids and I took a day trip to an area near Mt Rainier. We visited a river, a forest trail and a lake. I wanted to take the kids to a waterfall that I enjoyed as a child with my family, but the road washed out six years ago. I was surprised and disappointed. We decided to drive the sixteen miles up to the lake instead.

Enjoy some pictures of God's great country in the pacific northwest.
My son and I. He is now more than an inch taller than me. When did that happen?

My daughter is close behind in the growing department.

We crossed this old, very high bridge and took the pictures of us up there. I was a little scared to look over the edge.

The deck of the old bridge. Would you drive over this bridge? I know it's over 50 years old and that made me think twice, but we drove over it, cuz if we didn't we'd miss out on what was on the other side.

We continue on up the road.

To Carbon River. A glacier river that carves a new path through the riverbed every year. This is just a small arm of it. H and I were too chicken to cross it and walk to the main river. J crossed over on a log, but I got dizzy when I could see the river rushing under the log I was walking on. So I came back.

Bouncing on an old fallen tree.

Me.

Next we went to a trail in the forest. It was beautiful. So much green and boardwalks and bridges, tiny pools of cool, clear water. Even some berries and Skunk Cabbage. The bloom smells just like a skunk.

Walking through Skunk Cabbage. No blooms at this time. That's okay with me.

Crossing one of the bridges. I love these boardwalks and bridges.

Back on the road to Lake Mowich. Sixteen miles of unpaved road, but worth the trip.

I told ya it was worth it. It was so quiet up there. People were everywhere (the parking lot was full), but we didn't see or hear very many.

A small meadow full of wild flowers and buzzing bees.

We waded in here for a bit and started a short walk.

I call this Turtle Island. It's a fun place to play and take pictures from.

Wading some more at Turtle Island.

Mt. Rainier peaking over that hill.

I love how clear and aqua the water looks.

Just me sittin' on a big rock by the water.

Looks peaceful doesn't it? The beauty of God's earth.

Summer 2010 Was Great

2010-09-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

This is just one view that I'll be sharing with you as I play catch up on my blog. My blog is like my photo album. So if you like looking at scenery you'll like dropping by my blog.

I apologize again for not posting regularly. I think that since my routine changed when I returned to work I had way less time to spend on my blog. Then when summer came I just wanted to play and relax.

So what I'm saying is I'll probably be an occasional blogger just as I've been doing for about a year now. As for following, I'm pretty sure that isn't a high priority right now.

Thanks for following me when you can. I do appreciate it and I love your comments. You have been kind to drop in and visit.

Independence Day Celebrations 2010

2010-08-11T17:27:00.000-07:00

On July 4th some friends from our old church came over with their kids and a friend. They brought the fireworks which they won from the local Christian radio station.

We hadn't seen them since the first birthday of their youngest girl and that was three years ago. They brought a friend who is like their niece and she was expecting her first baby.

She had a baby boy last week. She is so happy. She is beaming through FaceBook with her love for her little baby boy. I haven't seen them in person yet, but the pictures are great.

Here's everyone. The new momma is standing.

It was a cold and windy 4th of July so we were trying to stay warm while we enjoyed the fireworks & Rice Krispie Treats in our front yard.

Here are some pictures of some of the fun fireworks. A little blurry with my camera.

This is what a toy light sabre looks like waving in the dark.

Here are all the kids. They had a great time even though there is an age difference. My daughter invited the girls into her room to play with some of her toys she has hung onto (Littlest Pet Shop, Mini Polly Pockets, etc.) My son had fun taking pictures.

And we can't forget the food. These are some of my summer favorites.

Dream Center May 2010

2010-08-08T20:14:00.000-07:00

We learned about the Dream Center when the youth group participated in the lunch making program during their Thirty Hour Famine (THF) weekend back in April. The organizer of the THF expressed her desire to have the youth and anyone else interested go once a month and help make lunches and pass them out. So we decided to go. This is our first month, but we've gone three times now.

Here's my son in his hairnet wrapping a bagel.

This is my daughter in hairnet as well.

My hubs on the right. No hairnet needed, ha!

Nan's kid on the left. A great friend on the right.

The fearless leader on the left and her cohort.

Nan from momstheword. Check out her blog. My son again.

My hubs and daughter.

Eating the extra sandwiches.

Then we played a fun game which had everyone laughing. I can't remember the name, but you move one seat to the left if you answer Ms Jenny's question with a yes. It's clear to see you end up sitting on laps and Ms Jenny tries to get people stacked 6 or 7 high. Oh ya, it's called "Stack 'Em". Enjoy seeing Nan sitting on people and people sitting on me.

Some how my son managed to continue drinking his soda throughout the game.

After the game it was time to load up the lunches and seek the hungry and homeless. We went to a hotel each time. The people there either live there day to day or week to week or depend on someone to pay for their stay in hopes that they'll find a way to get a place of their own.

The Dream Center helps them with training, getting showers, clothing and other meals throughout the week. They are on my prayer list. Great people making a difference in the world and some of them were homeless at one time. God bless the volunteers and those they help.

Relatives Came To Town

2010-07-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Recently my SIL moved back here to stay with her mom. Her two sons and a girlfriend of one helped her to drive out here from Indiana. Long road trip, but they made it all in one piece. We got to spend three hours with them while they were all here & we had a good time eating, celebrating a graduation from college and playing Rock Band 2.

My MIL and my SIL from Indiana.

My oldest nephew and his girlfriend.

My youngest nephew connecting with his new home in Alaska.

My BIL who hosted this event. He BBQd Salmon and corn on the cob & they had a wonderful salad. It was delicious.

My hubs with his little sister.

My hub's older brother and his friend.

My kids and my nephew playing some Rock Band 2.

My SIL, who also hosted this event, singing with my daughter and my nephew.

My son.

The weather was so beautiful that one week in May. We were able to eat outside on their very nice deck and sit out there a while & visit.

Back in for some more Rock Band 2.

Here are some of the women in the family with me. Two SIL's & me standing and my nephew's girlfriend in front.

My SIL and my daughter singing together.

My oldest nephew and my son.

As you can see by the smiles on our faces we had a great time.

Good food + good company = good times!!

J's Birthday 2010

2010-07-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

My son turned 15 on July 1st!!!

J's birthday was during all of the floor refinishing and painting days so we just had a lunch with grandma and a little cake.

Later he took a couple of friends to some Pawn Shops as a day of fun. I never thought teens would think going to Pawn Shops was fun, but these guys sure like buying DVD's and video games.

J spent all of his money on DVD's and a Play Station 2. Before that he bought an XBOX 360. So Rock Band 2 is back in action at our house.

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, J!

The New Furniture Is In Place

2010-07-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my SIL we have newer furniture. She gave us her furniture when she moved and didn't have room for it. What a blessing. Of course this furniture is what started the whole refinishing process.

As you can see here there were two unmatching couches and an old dirty carpet. This was at my daughter's birthday party back in March.

Here's my son posing in the newly painted & refinished room with the furniture. We have been given a lot of furniture over the years and we are thankful, but we were definitely overdue for this refinishing project.

Thanks to a lot of people this project was possible. They helped in many ways to make it an easy tansition for us. My hubs, my son, my MIL & SIL did work hard to get things ready while I was at work still.

Thanking God for family and friends who gave of their time and money.

Someone's Been In My Bed... And He's Still There

2010-07-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

JAAAAAAACK!! What are you doing? Lazy boy. Happy Sunday everyone!

An Apple For The Teacher

2010-07-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

Check out this awesome cupcake! It was delicious!

The last week of school at my job site, one mom from the PTA made about 50 of these cupcakes. She placed them on what looked like a parade float in the teacher's lounge as a thank you to teachers for all of their hard work this year. These cupcakes are a work of art.

On the top of the cupcake secured with frosting is a small donut. The stem is a piece of Tootsie Roll rolled to be smaller and the leaf is a premade or purchased white chocolate candy leaf.

The whole top is rolled in red sparkly sprinkles. The crafter of these delicacies said her fingers were red for most of the day from the frosting dyeing process.

Many thanks to the PTA of Rainier View for being so organized and involved in the school that their kids attend.

My Mother's Day 2010

2010-07-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

Better late than not at all. Here's my pictures from Mother's Day back in May.

My kids bought a planter full of flowers at their school plant sale. They made me a card and gave them to me on Mother's Day. I was very pleased. I love plants & flowers.

After church we met my parents and sister and MIL for lunch.

My parents are seated and my sister is in the black & white checked jacket. My son is on the left and my daughter is on the right. That's me, Mocha Momma in the blue and white.

In this picture is my family with my MIL. My hubs is standing behind me.

We had a nice meal at a little restaurant and sat around talking for a bit, exchanged gifts and cards and that was about it.

We had a nice time and it was a beautiful day so we took my MIL with us for a ride through a local park with beautiful views of the water.

Finally, A Pedicure!

2010-07-09T21:14:00.000-07:00

I love a pedicure. Ahhhh!

The Floors and Painting Are Finished...Yay!

2010-07-08T17:05:00.000-07:00

Remember this?

Now it looks like this!! Isn't it just awesome? God makes some nice wood doesn't He? Ya baby!

While the floors were being refinished we ate a few meals in the back yard. I actually cooked two breakfasts. I don't do breakfasts very often so it was a special event when I cooked two days in a row. I have to say, it was good.

We also stayed in the back rooms or kitchen or out of the house while this process of floor refinishing was going on. Jack, our cat, basically lived in our bedroom. He was getting pretty fed up with it all. We let him out between coats of FloorFin whenever the floors were dry enough to walk on.

Now when the floor was finished & the painter showed up Jack was very curious. He kept an eye on that guy. Wondering what he was up to.

Jack watched for quite a while while A painted.

And he watched some more. Finally Jack was getting too close to the freshly painted walls & we had to put him back in our bedroom. Poor Jack. A really liked him too.

As well as many other things my hubs installed the base board. At first I was apprehensive because in the past, I'll just say, the work was less than what I had hoped for. Well he did a very good job this time and A followed him with caulking & sealed the top & covered nails. It looks very nice. I am smiling.

Nice eh!

A 52 year old floor uncovered after many years of abuse and carpet covering it.

For not really fixing any walls other than minor patching and covering up our old house turned out pretty nice.

It's me, Mocha Momma, very pleased and right before the 4th of July too. Now to bring in the old furniture and then the newer furniture.

We were anxious to bring the furniture in off of the deck and get everything back in order so we could relax and enjoy the Independence Day festivities.

But it had poured rain the entire day on July 2nd and when we pulled off the tarp there was our old furniture sitting in water on the tarp. Big oops! Shouldn't have put tarp under it or should have made sure the top tarp was tucked under the bottom one.

We spent a lot of time with a heat gun drying pieces so we could put the pads on the feet and set them in place.

The entertainment center, the piece we wanted to set up the most so we could get all the electronics back into it, was soaked about an inch and 1/2 to 2 inches.

This is the bottom of the back. Ugh!

And this is the oldest piece we have that came with the house. It has the most damage. It's a Secretary's Desk. It had some broken parts, but it had never been refinished so apparently it has more value that way. As it dried one of the claw feet cracked & part of it fell off.

This side is warped, cracking and the finish is gone now. We let it dry and then brought it in and put it back in service. Not much else to do unless we take the time and money to get her fixed. So much to do, so little money.

The whole project went very smoothly until the rain soaked things, but it's all okay. We're still very pleased and we even had some old friends over for the 4th. As always, God is good and shows us what's important.

I hope your Fourth of July was fun and festive. Hopefully I'll be back soon with more fun stuff we've been doing. God bless you all.

The Floor Project 2010

2010-06-25T17:22:00.000-07:00

Back in May, my SIL moved back home with her mom. She gave us her livingroom furniture. I thought out loud, "Well it won't look good with this old, nasty carpet. We're going to have to do something with the floor now."

I said that in front of my, "I'll fix it. I'll take care of that for ya" husband and out went the old couches before I got home from work one Monday & here sat parts of the new stuff in pieces all bagged up on our floor.

Next day, MIL, SIL, hubby & kids tore out carpet and tack strip. I was at work so no pix of the whole crew at work.

What a man!! Be careful what ya say in front of Gary or he'll take care of business. I do love that about him as long as it is my idea, LOL!

That carpet was installed while I was pregnant with my son who will be fifteen next week. The paint as well. We are overdue.

Well actually here he is, he was born on time fifteen years ago. The refinishing is overdue. Just thought I'd clear that up. He has worked hard alongside his dad pulling out nails & staples and you name it.

Eventually the stuff had to go outside and the sun finally came out the day we moved most of our stuff onto the deck. It's covered cuz we're sure it'll rain at least once during this project.

Scraping old, sticky doublesided carpet tape & sanding.

Still finding nails & staples to pull.

So today at 0630 this guy comes in with this machine and sands for hours. Actually he works where my hubs works and he used to be a contractor. His name is Steve.

Look at that beautiful Oak floor! We never knew how nice it looked until today. It has a lot of character and we like it that way. We're very pleased with how things are going.

Apparently we've only just begun. Tomorrow & Sunday, Steve will return for more sanding. The first & second & third coats of Daly's Floorfin. If all goes well, the painter will be here next Wednesday. I'm excited to see the transformation.

To old things that can be made almost new again. Thanks be to God for family, friends and hard workers.

Good News About My Job

2010-06-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

Remember my first day of work? Well I finished the school year and have been offered the job for next year with forty more minutes which gives me a four hour day instead of three hours and 20 minutes.

Now that doesn't sound like much, but that means I get medical insurance coverage as well. My schedule has also been changed to compact my day down to working four hours over a six hour period instead of working 3.33 hours over a seven and a half hour day.

One small step at a time and I'll be there with all the others working 6.5 hours with 30 minutes for lunch. It's a start.

I'm excited actually! I will also be working in the lunchroom for 55 minutes with my new schedule. To some of you that may sound horrible, but I think I'm going to like the opportunity to see the kids in a different setting. I enjoy helping them with all kinds of small tasks that they just have a hard time doing themselves. They appreciate your help so much and I just get a kick out of that.

So to the 2009-2010 school, year I say good bye. Hello summer!! See you soon 2010-2011 school year.

Have a GREAT SUMMER everyone!!

30 Hour Famine 2010

2010-06-20T15:40:00.000-07:00

This is the sign board in front of our church. It is calling attention to how many children die of starvation each hour around the world. Our youth to young adult group participated in the 30 Hour Famine April 23 to 24, 2010. This event is sponsored by World Vision.

The committee had a lot of things to prepare for this event to be successful and memorable for the participants.

They made 1208 little orange crosses and some big signs to bring attention to the fact of starvation. They placed them in the grass in front of our church. It was effective because people were coming into the church to donate money before the Famine event even began.

These little crosses are what got to me. When they took their stand in our church lawn I began to get a feeling for how many kids are starving to death and how much money it may take to help just part of that group.

Each link in the orange chain represents a $1.00 donation. It was hung on the wall of the sanctuary so the church members and attenders could see how much money was being donated.

There were about 30 kids & adults who participated. The participants were divided into tribes (teams). They played difficult games to compete for who would get to eat first after the 30 hour fast.

This poster represents the tribe my son was in. It shows the games and their scores. They wore facepaint and a scrap of material on their head, leg or around their neck to identify them.

During the games they had different afflictions and they had to participate with that affliction. Some wore a back pack with up to 28 pounds in it, some were blind, and some had broken limbs. I think my son had a backpack with about 20 pounds in it.

This is the poster describing everything about the real tribe in Africa.

This event not only helped these young people get a glimpse of the reality of hunger and people dieing of starvation, it also brought many of them so much closer as friends. I think they learned more about trust and true friendship while they raised money for starving kids.

The first tribe to be able to eat. These young people were seriously hungry. They hurt, they were feeling very weak, they missed their technology & their beds, they were very tired because the segment when they were suppose to get some sleep, was a mock earthquake and they lost everything they owned except the clothes on their backs. It was a cold night in the church & the floors were hard with no blankets or pillows.

Ms Jenny is giving back their technology and car keys as they come to her at the end of the table. Jenny was very hungry and tired too as you can see in this picture. She & her husband (the guy in the white shirt here) stayed with these kids and ran all of the activities for the entire event which was 24 hours. They all began their fast at noon on Friday & the event began at 6:00pm Friday and ended Saturday at 6:00pm.

This says it all. I think the whole group went through in 10 minutes or less.

My son dives into his meal. Don't get between him & that plate. I am so proud oh him for doing this. He is only 14, one of the younger ones of the group and I know his heart was changed. I am proud of all of them. They shared heart touching stories in church that Sunday and Jenny & Mike shared as well. This group of 30 or so kids who expected to raise maybe $300.00 raised (DRUM ROLL)
OVER $3000.00!!!! We were all so excited by the grace of God. Humbled by the dedication of these young people.

Changed Hearts! Changed Lives! Praise God!

Out With The Old...

2010-05-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

Yup, the old thrown has seen better days. My husband decided he was tired of fixing it so he found himself a new throne.

Jack approves of the new throne.

Looking good!!

Ta Da! This puppy flushes & refills quickly & quietly. Thank you, hubby for putting your talents to work in our house.

Next project coming soon.

Feeling Sad For Kids

2010-05-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

This week I've been working out on the soccer field at the school instead of near the Big Toy.

The kids are older and more competitive, but they are also more brutal. I am sad today because no matter how I try to encourage good sportsmanship and discourage cheating and just plain unfair practices it seems I am just met with bad attitudes.

The kids who want to be on the same team come out with the ball (the same boy everyday so far) and the same boy selects all the "good" players and starts the game. The other kids feel unfairly treated and for good reason.

The first time he did this I made them start over and pick teams one player at a time. They were furious & some kids wouldn't play. I couldn't believe what poor sports they were about it. I was disappointed.

I've just been observing them the last two days to get a feel for the group. I did cheer though when the underdogs stopped every goal attempt by the "good" players.

Please pray for me that I will share wise and useful advice and make statements that will be helpful and create an environment of good sportsman like behavior. I don't want to make everyone miserable, yet I do not want to tolerate "cheating" and poor sportsmanship.

Kids need advocates and other kids need a reminder of what is right and wrong.
God bless them all. I pray for them everyday. Some days it's just sad though.

I do know that God is in control and even this is important to Him.

H Gets A New Haircut

2010-05-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

H is doing a Wax Museum part as a book report. Her whole class is doing this. She wants to be Princess Dianna. So she got the idea to get her haircut as close to Lady Di's as possible for the part.

My friend who cuts our hair for us thought it was a brave move for a seventh grader. I agree. H is going out on a limb here.

A month ago you saw her at her Karaoke birthday party with long hair.

And last Wednesday she took the leap and got her haircut. She loves it and most people have made positive comments. She hasn't had short hair since she was little and she claimed she didn't like it then, but she likes it now.

Watch out Wax Museum, here comes "Lady Di". I wish I could be at her school that day.

Awana Awards Night 2010

2010-05-02T16:43:00.000-07:00

Our kids and I have been involved with Awana about ten years now. We just finished another year two weeks ago.

This year's theme was "Run the race". You know, "Pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philipians 3:14?

It's been a fun year and I'm looking forward to next year. I enjoy being the secretary for the T & T group, ages 8 to 11. I actually finished the first book this year. The book is full of scripture to memorize, sections to get a kid into the Bible, all of the books of the Bible are memorized during this book as well. This year I can say I really have the books of the Bible memorized. Before, I always had to stop and think before I could recite them. Now I feel confident I know them.

The background decorations on the stage are long sheets of paper that all of the kids and leaders footprints are on. Yes, we put paint on our feet and took 4 steps. It turned out pretty neat I thought. Also there are about 200 hundred balloons on the stage.I only blew up & tied about ten.

First up we have a picture of my son and his friend because they helped Ms Nan (in red on the left) from momstheword with the SPARKS group, ages five to seven.

These guys got together and sang acapella for the parents and others attending the ceremony. The two on the left are none other than Nan's sons. Boy do these guys sound good together for just starting to practice together earlier that day. God given talent at it's best. Thanks guys.

These are our middle schoolers called TREK. A lot of these clubbers will be going to camp this summer so we are raising funds for that now.

My daughter is in this group on the far right.

Here's H after receiving her certificate.

Well, farewell for now. I pray that all these kids and then some will return to Awana next September with hearts ready for God's Word to come in. Pray for kids everywhere to find their place in God's Kingdom. There's room for everyone!!

My Birthday April 12, 2010

2010-04-25T17:35:00.000-07:00

So, I had a birthday a few weeks ago. Boy am I behind with my blog. I celebrated three times. Once on Easter with my family, once with my good friend from high school, and once with my immediate family. Now don't I feel special? Yes, I am blessed.

Thanking God for another year of life and lessons in His training camp. This year has been interesting and you've seen most of it through my blog. One lesson I've learned...Be as compassionate as you can possibly be. I lose sight of this sometimes.

So here's my birthday in the only pictures I have.

This would be my cup of cocoa at Mitzel's where I met my friend for breakfast.

Here we are with our meal. We meet here every year to celebrate both of our birthdays. We stay about 2 hours every time because we only see each other about twice a year. We met in 10th grade and we've been friends ever since.

The week after my birthday my immediate family took me to lunch at The Olive Garden. I don't eat these peppers, but I did taste it.

Here's my favorite salad. And of course the breadsticks are awesome.

This was my meal. It was steak and noodles and cheese. I can't remember the name of it now, but it was good and brought most of it home. Since I ate so much salad and breadsticks I was almost full by the time my food came. I think they plan it that way. Next time I'm starting with dessert and bringing home the meal.

Here we all are in the lobby. Never mind the bathroom sign (oops!)

Our Baby Turns 13!!!!

2010-04-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

The happy party goers. Two friends from church and one from school. The two boys chickened out. Just kidding, I understand they had "previous commitments."

H loves to sing. She sings in her room all the time. Her friends weren't as excited about it, but most did join in. They were precious and not little girls anymore. Boo Hoo!

Can you guess what song they're singing? The lady on the right is Debbie, never mind her "C" is backwards, LOL! She was kind enough to provide us with the Karaoke. She's very organized and kept us singing for quite awhile. It was really fun.

H in her comfort zone. She can go far away in her music. She gets into it and doesn't even hear us when we summon her from her room. I guess that's typical of many teens.

Two mom's, and friends of mine via our daughters, stayed and sang and joined in the ice breaker games we did.

We had some food. Can you tell what my daughter's favorite color is? She wears it every day.

Time for gifts.

A sketch book. H also loves to draw characters. Her school friend knows this. H draws during every spare moment at school I understand. Thus a sketch pad was the gift her friend brought as well as pens and colored pencils.

A serious look at "13". I wonder if she changed her mind about wanting to be 13?

Good bye 12. It's official, the candles have been blown out. H is "13". Mama Mia, I have two teens now!!

Update on Mia

2010-04-17T20:05:00.000-07:00

Here's the update on baby Mia. She went home to Jesus on April 12th at 11:00pm.

I'm sorry I didn't keep everyone updated, I just haven't made it
into my blog for quite some time.

Thanks for your prayers. You may continue to pray for her family. I understand her dad isn't walking with the Lord and I don't know about her mom. Her auntie and grandma are very sad, but love the Lord and are praying for salvation for their family members.

My Daughter's 13th Birthday

2010-04-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy to get a little cake on the actual day of her birth.
We did fit 13 candles on there. Cute little Red Velvet cake. Thank you, WalMart.

She did blow them all out at once. Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you...

I guess she was surprised that she was able to blow them all out.

Eating the little white chocolate square that said Red Velvet. Mmmm Mmmm good!

Very cute cake and very good. She was happy because her birthday fell on a Tuesday and her dad works swing shift so there wasn't really a family party. Her big brother and I celebrated with her that day.

Oh yes, it was very good!

It was gone by the next day. Isn't it just so cute? I love it.

Her girlfriend party was two weeks later. I'll have pictures posted soon. We did Karaoke. What fun we had.

Our 16th Anniversary

2010-04-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

My husband had the day off and he made a Prime Rib and shrimp dinner for our anniversary. The table was set and there were cards and letters placed around the room and under the plastic table cover. Letters & cards we had written to each other back when we were courting. My hubs had saved them and he found the ones I had saved. It was a little walk down memory lane. A look back at how head over heels we were for each other. (Smile)

We enjoyed being served by our kids and we had some wine with our dinner. The kids ate too, just in another room. My daughter gave us a bell and said to ring it when we needed something. It was a lovely time and the food was excellent.

Here is my plate and as usual I ate it all. I was way full, but found room for a piece of chocolate afterward.

Happy Anniversary Mr. & Mrs. Johnson (that's us)!!

Prayer Request For Baby Mia

2010-03-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

I have a prayer request from a friend.

Her brother and his wife just had a baby girl two months ago.

Little Mia has been diagnosed with Leukemia. She has been in the hospital over two weeks and is in intensive care right now.

Please pray as you feel lead. God is in control and my friend understands this. I don't know if her brother is a believer.

Thanks so much for your prayers for little Mia.

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

2010-03-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

We've got some Awana clubbers that want to go to camp this summer, but you know how it is when there just isn't enough money to send them. Can you say "FUNDRAISER?" Well we took a night off of Awana and held a spaghetti dinner fundraiser.

Here are the youth servers. My daughter is kneeling on the right. All of these kids are in 6th & 7th grade. I believe we have some 5th graders, one 8th grader and some highschoolers going to camp too.

Since it was St. Patrick's Day we had some green spaghetti to commemorate the occasion. Mmm Mmm good.. or not. Depends on if how it looks will turn your stomach first.

Actually it was good. I had some. We may need to have a few more fundraisers to get enough money, but we got a good start and it was fun.

Green Eggs and Ham Dinner 2010

2010-03-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

There was a "Read Across America" event the first week of March. Naturally Dr. Seuss books were in the Library window of our school. And apparently this Green Eggs and Ham dinner has been a hit with the families in our school so I thought I'd take my kids and check it out.

Our welcoming committee. The coats on the floor are part of the lost & found. Whenever parents will be at the school for an event the lost and found is layed out all along the hallway in hopes that the items will be claimed.

Some teachers served us. The second one in is the All Day Kindergarten (ADK) teacher that I volunteer with in my down time.

More teachers serving. The first one is the para for the ADK class that I help in. She has been a tremendous help to me in my first year working as a para. The male teacher is another one that I help on occasion in his classroom.

And here it is "Green Eggs and Ham" just like Dr. Seuss taught us. Will you eat them Sam I Am? I did eat them in a school.

Two more teachers. We had dressed for a Western theme that day. Each day of the week had a theme.

The Principal. How do you like his western vest? His badge is a button that says "Read Across America" with The Cat In The Hat in the middle. The music teacher made them for us. Very cute.

The guest Eric Ode. Singer, poet, author, teacher and a great entertainer. He did a fantastic job with the kids. He isn't teaching presently, but he and our Principal had worked together several years ago.

It was a fun time and the Green Eggs and Ham were okay. I don't recommend them for guests at your house this Easter, however, LOL!

Have a Wonderful Resurrection Celebration. God be with you and all of your loved ones this special time of year!!!

My Hubs' 51st Birthday Celebration

2010-03-06T20:04:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY HUBBY!
My hubs turned 51 last week. He celebrated by going to an Ice Hockey game at our new arena in town. We gave him a few gifts and were planning to go out to eat after church last Sunday, but he was sick. We'll find a date to go out for lunch sometime soon I hope.

Jack is always helpful at opening the gifts (not). He just loves the paper and gift bags.

Relaxing after trashing paper.

The arena. Shiny, slick ice.

And of course the ZAMBONI!

My son & his friend (Nan's son) at the Hockey game with my hubs.

My hubs' little brother went too. His wife went too, but no one took her picture. Just can't trust the guys with the camera, geesh!

Happy Birthday, honey!!

A Beautiful Day To Be Out

2010-02-22T19:49:00.000-08:00

Sunday was absolutely gorgeous as was Saturday. But Sunday our family was together at the beach. Saturday our family was doing math together and cleaning house.

This beach is on the bay so it is very rocky which provides hiding places for lots of sea critters. So we went exploring. Join us on our fun beach walk.

It was so clear we could see the mountains in the distance. On most winter days we wouldn't be able to see anything but gray. Isn't it just breathtaking? I love where I live.

I don't know if you can see it very well, but this is an underground spring bubbling up on the beach. The tide was very low so we could see things that would normally be under water.

My son looking for critters under the rocks.

My daughter found lots of clam shells. The shellfish are not edible this time of year because of some kind of toxin so no one was digging for clams.

Look at this precious little creation. I hope he grows up to be a big crab. I don't eat the crab from here, but I know people who do. This one needs to be much bigger.

Now this one is so tiny you can hardly see it. Do you see the nice burn on my hubs' right palm? Yes, that happened at work a couple of weeks ago. He went to the emergency room at the end of his shift that night. It has healed very nicely. He only missed one day of work.

My daughter found this cute little star fish. He was alive. At first we thought he was dead, but he suctioned onto that clam shell for his little life.

My hubs walking along. Notice when people go to the beach they walk along looking down the whole time. Partly for safety so they don't trip or slip and partly to look for sea critters. I had to stop and make sure we had some pictures with our faces in them.

Looking, looking, always looking...

Looking at the camera & the sun was so bright and beautiful. No complaints here. Great day at the beach.

Finally a picture of me & my hubs together.

There were so many people with their dogs today it was fun to see them all out exploring & going in the water which I'm sure was very cold. There are four dogs with these people. Three little ones and a big one.

Some sea weed clinging to it's rock waiting for the tide to come back in. It's so delicate and cute.

Looking back at the beach access point.

Looking at the nice homes on the hill. Wew! Some of them are quite elaborate. The one on the right had three terraced areas going up to it. I'm sure it was to protect the land from erosion, but it provides some nice areas for planting or whatever one would want to put there. Lawn chairs would be nice there.

More little crabs. They're so cute.

Climbing on the seawall.

Another view across the water.

So clear we could see lots of airplanes and jet streams.

And here's my picture of the day.Mr. or Miss Bald Eagle with the moon up high. YES!!! I've tried for so long to get a good picture of an Eagle. I love this. This is so representative of this area and it's our school mascot where I work.

After the beach we took a short side trip over to the brand new school that just opened for students on February 17, 2010. The students moved to a temporary location about a year ago while the old building was torn down and this new one built. I was hoping to get a job here, but it hasn't happened yet. It's quite a bit closer to us than the current school I work at. I do really like where I'm working though and who knows, maybe something with more hours will open up there.

Near the main entrance.

The front that faces the street. I haven't seen the inside yet so I can't say what I think about it.

Well, it certainly was a very nice weekend. Back to work & school. Oh, on another note...my hubs and my daughter have this awful cough that has persisted for over two weeks so far. My daughter has missed four days of school this month. Last night they both coughed into the wee hours and of course I didn't get much sleep either. They went to the Dr. this morning and got cough medicine with Codeine for the nights.

Please pray for healing for them and protection for my son & I. I already had it back in November through January. The Dr. says it can last up to six weeks. I didn't have such a bad case of coughing, but it sure lasted 5 or 6 weeks. Thanks.

A Turkey Dinner in February

2010-02-20T13:38:00.000-08:00

No, this isn't our Thanksgiving dinner.

My hubs spent his President's Holiday vacation cooking a turkey dinner for us. I'd been wanting turkey for a month or so and he made my dream come true.

Here's the whole meal on the table. You like our turkey platter? HA!

I couldn't fit the mashed potatoes in the first shot. Gotta have those mashed potatoes in there.

Munching while waiting for dad to clean up a little in the kitchen.

Waiting patiently.

Oh Ya! I ate it all too. YUM-MIE!!

Friends Are A Gift From God

2010-02-16T20:24:00.000-08:00

"A Friend is one who knows all about you
and loves you just the same"

My sweet friend in the purple top & black vest
gave me a bookmark with that quote on it.

Thank you, God for friends who love me
even after they get to know me.

Check Out These Slippers

2010-02-15T20:21:00.000-08:00

Look at these goofy things! They have a purpose & it's not to keep your feet warm.

Such style and class. How do we find such awesome things as these? And my kiddo is ready for Valentine's Day too.

Since my daughter loves to slide on our wood floors, as little as we have, I thought I'd put her efforts to work with these handy cleaning slippers.

She's been wearng them every day and I have to say they are pretty dirty, but that's cuz our floor is so dirty. Thanks, H for cleaning while you slide. You're a peach!

On another note, this is how Jack helps with chores around here. Geesh!

Oh, we've disturbed the king's beauty sleep. So sorry, your highness.

Have a great week. I love having you drop by. I love visiting you all too.

Valentine's Celebrations 2010

2010-02-14T20:15:00.000-08:00

My husband had these delivered to me on Friday. He remembered that I love these and we had them in our wedding. They smell awesome too.

Our good friends at the Sweetheart's Dinner. Our sons met in preschool ten years ago. Our daughters became friends and share the same birthday month and year. We've been camping together and celebrating birthdays for years with these friends.

(My daughter was at home sick with an aweful cold. She's been home for five days. Poor kid.)

Who is this guy? I've never seen him. Oh, it's my son dressed up to serve at the Sweetheart's Dinner we all went to last night.

My son and his friend who moved here with his mom from Columbia just over a year ago. He's speaking English very well now and I love to tease him and make him laugh.

My son and his buddie since preschool. Aren't they handsome? They clean up nicely don't they, LOL!

These are my girlfriend's in-laws. They plan the camping trips we all go on together.

Another happy couple at the dinner.

Here's Nan from momstheword and our pastor (oh, yes he's her husband as well).

Here's Nan's mom with Nan's two sons. Cute! I missed the photo op when she kissed each of them on the cheek. Sweet!

My son and Nan's youngest. They've been buds since middle school I think.

Having some fun.

Okay, this young man rarely wears long pants. Whenever I see him he's wearing shorts, no matter how cold it is. I had to take a picture.

You may be wondering why there isn't a picture of my hubs and me. Well we had our picture taken there by the youth and when I got it at the end of the night we both just cracked up. It's not the best picture of us. Sorry, I won't be posting it and I didn't have anyone take a picture with our camera. I really need to work on that.

We've had a fun Valentine's weekend so far and we have two more days off, yippee!!

Remember that God loves us and sent us His Son. What better reason to celebrate love than that?

A Prayer Request

2010-02-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

I have a prayer
request
for my
younger
brother.

My mom
called
to let me
know that
he has been

diagnosed with heart disease, serosis of the
liver and tumors in his colon.

He had the tumors removed on Friday or Saturday and is
recovering at home. My mom said the tumors were
not cancerous which is good.

He has been estranged from our family for many years,
but calls my parents on holidays or if he needs money.
I don't even have a picture of him.

He clearly needs a lifestyle change and I'm praying
for him to evaluate his relationship with God.

I truly do not know if he has asked God to be his
Lord and Savior. He has been exposed to God through
church, family, Bible studies and people who have
loved him over the years and have tried to help
him.

God knows what Jon needs and I hope that our prayers will
lift him up and encourage him. Thank you all so much.

Spaghetti For J's Friends

2010-02-06T18:54:00.000-08:00

I make the sauce first and let it simmer while I cook the noodles and garlic bread.

Jack begs for an uncooked noodle. He loves them. If he's under the bed and won't come out,
we just shake the noodle canister & he comes running out.

He tries to pick it up with his teeth, but gives up and just plays with it.

Happy campers!

God Is Always Good

2010-02-04T17:26:00.000-08:00

God is good all the time.
God has certainly watched
over me and answered
prayers this year.

Right now I just want to share that when I started this job I wanted more hours and was hoping to find permanent work that gave me such. I had no responses to any applications I had sent in so I accepted this job when it opened.

The prayers have been answered with me being able to substitute in my own school that I work at in my down time. So far I have had quite a few hours that I have been able to substitute.

I am very happy with the way God has created these extra hours for me. When I took the job I didn't know this was an option. Isn't God so creative? No surprise! He always knows what's best for us.

Thank you, God! Have a great weekend everyone.

Listen & Look

2010-01-26T20:08:00.000-08:00

This is my hubs looking through the garbage last weekend. Why is he looking in the garbage? Did Nannette lose a diamond ear ring? Heck no, she doesn't even have diamond ear rings. Why would he look so desperately through the garbage?

Why has my son joined my hubs by the garbage can now? Why are there bags of garbage lined up on the neighbor's hedge? I bet our neighbor was wondering too.

What is my son doing, sniffing the recycle bin? No, he's listening, yes listening. You see, we kept hearing a beeping sound every time we went outside last Saturday. We went outside together to find out where the beeping was coming from. We narrowed it down to the garbage can or recycle bin.

So one by one my hubs pulled out the bags and searched for the thing that beeped. FYI: We have a garbage disposal so our garbage isn't too gooey or smelly and my hubs works in a meat production plant so he's used to gross, smelly stuff.

Guess what? We never found the thing that beeped. But when the guys headed inside I was standing by our winterized pop-up camper and I heard the beep.

It must have been something in the pop-up I thought. So my hubs listened and agreed. He went over to the cord he had unplugged back in December when he put the Christmas lights up, plugged it in and the beeping stopped.

Apparently the battery for a sensor inside the pop-up had gone dead while the camper was unplugged and the beeping was to let us know that it needs a new battery.
Mystery solved!LOL!

Have a great week everyone!

First Birthday Party With New Friends From School

2010-01-18T19:54:00.000-08:00

My Daughter went to her first birthday party with girlfriends she just met this year at school. The birthday girl turned fourteen. The girls all met at her house. They gave each other manicures and the dad cooked everyone burgers then they went to the skating rink. I met them at the rink to get a few pictures.

Here the girls are when I dropped H off at 3:00pm. H is on the right and the birthday girl is next to her sticking her tongue out. Sweet girls.

The skating rink was packed. I think because it was a holiday weekend and it was raining of course.

There is H and the birthday girl waving at me from the left middle of the picture. Blue top on one, blue pants on the other.

H posed for me.

Birthday girl on the left, her brother in the middle and H on the right. They're all in the same seventh grade class at school.

H and the birthday girl. I believe they had a good time. It's nice to know your kids have nice friends. It's a good feeling.

New Years Eve 2009-2010

2010-01-04T19:35:00.000-08:00

Each year at our church we have a worship time and then we play games and eat massive quantities of food for New Years Eve. We watch the local Tv programing and shout happy new year at midnight. It's lot's of fun and it's an opportunity for us to actually visit with each other.

Quite often we are so busy on Sundays helping and going to classes and all that we don't get to visit with a lot of the people that we go to church with. So here we are playing games, laughing, eating, visiting and the teens and pre-teens hang out and goof off.

Some teens, young adults and Jenny (the young at heart). My hubs is on the right at another table.

Playing a game and taking care of baby. Of course the babies go around & around from person to person until they're completely overwhelmed. I got to hold this little one about 3 or 4 times. He smelled like baby shampoo and he was sweet as honey.

Sweet sisters and one hubby.

Two of our worship team members. The singing and music was so wonderful this night. It was really nice because we sang for over an hour. On Sundays we don't get that much time, understandably. My throat was scratchy when we finished. But it was worth it.

I'll say it again...do ya think we had enough food? I've been saying that at every party and dinner I've been to.

You know Nan in the red hoodie from momstheword. If not, she is responsible for getting me into blogging. She's also my pastor's wife and my son's, friend's mom. If that makes any sense to you.

My daughter & her friend saying "Happy New Year".

Some of the teens and pre-teens. My daughter is in the blue and yellow T-shirt.

One more teen. Today is his birthday. This is Jenny's son.

Now, this is my hubs a couple days later after taking down and storing the Christmas decorations. Happy New Year hubby. You did a great job as usual.

Christmas Day 2009

2010-01-01T19:08:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas morning and we're about to begin the chaos and fun.

Everyone wants to get in on the fun

My daughter made this candle holder for me. It's tissue paper over a vase. It looks very nice today as the candle glows from inside.

I received a lot of nice gifts from friends and family.

My BIL and SIL. They left for Paris the next day. What a nice way to end the year.

My husband is cutting the prime rib and my SIL is making some awesome gravy for her garlic potatoes and the prime rib.

First time my husband has ever cooked prime rib. We may make it a Christmas tradition.

My MIL bringing some bread to the kitchen.

Here's everyone for Christmas dinner. We had an abundance of food and everything was so good. See the three guys at the end of the table? Do they resemble each other or what?

Now on to round three of gift opening. Gift cards are quite nice for teens. I like them too.

That is our Christmas. Now on to the New Year.

God has been good to us and we look forward to whatever He has in store for us. God bless you and yours in 2010.

Christmas Eve 2009

2009-12-31T17:10:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from my hubs and me. Happy New Year too!

Here's my kiddos with their auntie at her house.

My sister and I. We posed for this picture several times. One or the other of us was having a problem or looking silly everytime we tried it. In a non-digital camera world we wouldn't know or care until we got the prints.

My lovely daughter.

My handsome and happy son. He got a gift card to Best Buy which helped him to purchase his new IPOD.

Silly Sally and my parents as they open their gift.

What did they get? Thet had never heard of Snuggies. It was kinda funny.

Here's mom & dad in their new Snuggies. They also got a gift card to a very nice restaurant.

This would be my sister's very fluffy cat. Would ya look at those eyes...wow!

My son with the cat. He kept trying to get a good picture of the cat. This one is for him.

My sister and BIL. My BIL was gone almost all day doing his police chaplain work. Unfortunately this time of year is rittled with deaths and homicides. He meets with families of those who have been killed or died in an accident usually soon after the incident has ocurred. Sometimes he has to deliver the sad news of the death. Christmas Eve was no exception. He was pretty tired as was my sister who had cooked and prepared all day for us to come to their house.

I have a wonderful family. All are servants of the Lord and work very hard to take care of family and serve God.

Award from Christie Rose November 2009

2009-12-31T16:03:00.000-08:00

I just found this in my drafts and I want to thank Christie Rose for giving it to me. So many of you add sunshine to my day and I thank you all for being a part of my blog world.

Feel free to grab this award for you. If you are reading and commenting you deserve it. Have a sunshiney kind of day.

A Visit to the Big City

2009-12-29T14:40:00.000-08:00

Every year for the last 5 or 6 years my family has joined my friend's family for a trip to the big city for the Christmas season. We love the sites and sounds and food that we experience when we go. In this picture you'll see my cookie decorating friend and her two girls and my kids (J in the way back) and my hubs waiting in the new transit station for the new light rail train. Some of my family were not aware that I was taking a picture, LOL!

Here's our ride. It was a neat experience. Parking was free and no one had to drive all that way and find parking which we would have had to pay an arm and a leg for.

My daughter and her friend sat together here.

My friend and my hubs sat across from me and my son. There were heaters by our feet and we could see out the large windows. There was a large digital reader board telling us what stop we were at and a lady's voice telling us where we were and which side of the train to exit.

Once we arrived we started going into the stores and taking pictures and window shopping. Aren't these hats funny?

We ate lunch and then we rode the carousel. I don't know the young man smiling at our camera, but he's a cutie isn't he!!

HI EVERYONE!

Next we walked to a hotel that hosts a Gingerbread display every year. This year the line was pretty long. My son looks so excited. He really isn't a depressed, boring child he just doesn't smile for pictures much.

This year the theme was Christmas movies. This picture is something to do with a Sesame Street Christmas. I forgot to observe the name.

This one is obvious.

Charlie Brown's mail box. There were two letters in it. One from Snoopy and one from Woodstock to Santa. Charlie Brown's Christmas tree is here too.

This shows the Who's down in Whoville from the Grinch. As you can see these displays are all candy, cookies and gingerbread. They are huge and take months to create.

The other half of the Grinch display.

The leg lamp and flagpole from A Christmas Story. I love this movie. It reminds me so much of the years I was a child.

More of the Christmas Story. Each display has so much detail it's hard to capture it all.

And lastly here is the Polar Express. Very cool! And then my camera batteries died and the ones I brought (brand new ones) wouldn't work.

So I do not have pictures of the horse and buggie ride, but it was fun. The kids went in one carriage and us adults went in another. We sang some carole's and looked at window displays. We ended our day with a trip to Border's Book store.

This was such a fun trip. If you ever consider coming to our big city you should come during Christmas. There is much more to do than we were able to fit into one day.

Annual Cookie Day 2009

2009-12-25T20:06:00.000-08:00

Before Christmas each year my daughter and I get together with some girrrrrllllfriends and decorate home baked sugar cookies. This year there were ten girls. We joined the group when there were four little girls about five years ago. Friends are added every year. This year the high school aged girls group expanded tremendously.

It was so much fun and the girls all got along well. They decorated, sang, ate, goofed around, got serious at times and got wild at other times.

A good friend of mine so graciously hosts this event each year at her house. It's a warm, inviting home with lots of room and great people live there.

We start with lunch. Each family brings something for the lunch. We start with sharing who we are and a prayer and some simple directions and rules.

This is the middle school aged and younger group. They have started decorating one of their first cookies. Great young ladies and great friends.

The highschool girls are definitely having a blast. Great teenagers to have around. God bless them.

Taking a break to pose for a picture.

A little silliness. Have you tried the decorating frosting in a bottle? Neat stuff. I'm not sure how much the girls consumed...

Here's the assortment about half way through. We bring prebaked favorite cookies and the sugar cookies. When all of the cookies are frosted the girls walk around the table taking 4 or 5 cookies each time they go through the line. At the end they have quite an assortment and a lot of cookies to take home.

Taking a break on the big cumfy couch.

Four moms stuck around to help. That's me on the left and my friend and the hostess is third from the left. The gal next to me is a friend from when our sons were in preschool about ten years ago.

After cookie decorating, we had devotions, sang Christmas caroles as the hostess' oldest daughter played her viola. She and her friend also sang Carole of the Bells and The Christmas Shoes. It was awesome!

We posed for a group picture.

Then a silly group picture.

Then we get ready for the flour fight. Yes, I said flour fight.

Each girl gets one baggie of flour, they get some type of covering on if they want to, they go outside and start throwing flour at each other. It's no worse than paint ball. It's over in five or ten minutes.

Some girls get pretty covered in flour, some manage to escape the worst of it. We strive for no face shots. Flour in the eyes hurts I'm told.

They're all still friends at the end and if you add some eggs you'll have some more sugar cookies to bake.

Have a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-24T11:36:00.000-08:00

There may be disagreements about how, when & where our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ came into the world, but there's no denying that He lived and walked on this earth.
Happy birthday, Jesus! I hope we are pleasing you with our celebrations.
"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.'" Luke 2: 10-11

Joy sa mundo, ang Panginoon ay dumating! Joy to the world, the Lord has come! in Tagalog (Filipino). My nativity from the Philippines. Good memories of my coming to Christ.

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." Isaiah 7: 14

Merry Christmas and God bless you all!!

A Different Way to Decorate For Christmas

2009-12-13T13:35:00.000-08:00

So we set up the tree as usual and someone was very curious. This would be the indication of things to come.

He looked around and all through it. He peeked from behind it. Oh, the things he would do to this green growth in his living room.

The family was jolly and filled with Christmas cheer as the four legged critter lurked in the rear.

Little Matt got in on the fun investigating the lighted house he thought could be home.

This ladder is mine too, said Jack as he glared.

I'll get you back for this he sneared.

Some more jolly folks posing in front of their tree while Jack was conspiring to wipe out that green debris.

A few days later this was the scene while Jack sat back looking so serene.

For the next several hours there it did lean. Jack thought,"You people aren't serious about this tree thing." If so I've got news for you, while you're not looking...

This is what I'll do.

Take that you grren monster in all your decor, if it's up to me you'll be out the door.

Dad came to the rescue and took the tree all apart and restrung the lights and re-decorated it...

While Jack looked on again. Now what are you thinking, Jack?

The tree is still standing this time. Jack has removed a few decorations, but has left the tree alone for the most part.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

An Uncomfortable Few Moments

2009-11-27T21:01:00.000-08:00

One day I was leaving work and a guy pulls up behind my pickup and asks me what is the current time (weird I thought). I told him the precise time I had on my watch. He then asks, "Why aren't there kids running around everywhere?"

I responded, "Because they're all gone." Then he asks, " What time does school get out?" Now my radar has gone up. "I'm not going to give you that information," I said.

He says, "Am I lost?" (weird again). I ask, "What are you looking for?" He asks again, "What time does school get out?" I give him the same answer I gave him before.

He calls me rude and starts grumbling at me about how rude I am. Then he says the dumbest thing he could say, "I pick my kids up here everyday. I can't believe you are so rude."

I suggested he go to the school office and they would help him with the answers he needed. He got even more angry and called me rude a few more times. He took off in a hurry. I wish I had gotten his license.

I went into the office and told them what happened. I went home and wrote down everything I could remember and I gave it to the principal the next day. The school district police have been in touch with me and I've told other crossing guards. We keep our eyes out for this character.

I despise this kind of thing. I do not want anyone messing with children if I can do anything about it.

God protect all the children out there who are so innocent and unaware of the dangers that lerk. Help them not to have to live in fear everyday. Help me to protect them at all cost. Help us all to be vigilant in protecting ourselves and others.

More Fall Colors and Yard Work

2009-11-24T13:56:00.000-08:00

This is how things looked on October 31st as we were out driving. Beautiful!

A few weeks earlier, while things were still green for the most part, my husband took advantage of the day without rain to cut some tree limbs. Our neighbor has a huge maple tree and the lower branch has hung over our fence for years. My husband cut it away. I hope that my shade garden can get a tiny bit of sun now.

I cut a lot of shrubs back and my son and I raked and burned and cleaned the yard a couple weeks later.

We lit this thing several times, but it just wouldn't start because some of the debris was too wet.

My son got the dry stuff on top to burn, but later my husband came out and added some kind of fuel and used his air compressor to keep that thing burning until almost everything was ashes. Don't worry my son had the water hose running the whole time and we probably ruined the grass with so much water. Oh wait, we live in a place that dumps gallons of water on our grass every winter. Not all at once thank goodness.

This is what the sun looked like as we were working out there. It wasn't actually dark yet as the picture portrays, but getting there.

It's time to let go of fall as much as I hate to. It's such a neat time of year. Thanksgiving is in two days and then we jump right into Christmas. Winter seems so long to me.

I'm sick today. I've been battling a morning cough for a couple weeks. It finally hit my nose and throat this past weekend and my chest got tight last night. Couldn't sleep much. Now my son reports chills and a headache. This is why winter seems so long to me.

With God we can do all that needs to be done and he'll help us with our priorities.

Thank you, God for leaves that change and seasons that change and for the strength to walk through each trial be it big or small.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

What's Recess Like?

2009-11-22T19:25:00.000-08:00

Working at an elementary school for the past twelve weeks has opened my eyes to the kinds of things that kids do and deal with on a regular basis. If you want to know what might be going on at your child's' school read on.

This is what the front of the school looked like two weeks ago. Now these trees are bare, the sky is almost always gray and things are getting mushy and muddy.

On another note, this long term substitute job has come to an end...I have just applied for the permanent position which finally opened up November 19, 2009. I hope to have a chat with the principal some time in the next week. Things look good for me to fill this position mostly because we don't think anyone else will apply. And hopefully because they like what I've been doing at their school for the past twelve weeks.

Now let's get started with RECESS! At first the kids run out of the school onto the playground screaming with joy. They head straight for the swings and the cart with balls and jump ropes.

The first complaints begin within five minutes, usually about "those kids who won't let me swing". Apparently five minutes is a very long time to wait, for the younger ones especially. So I look at my watch and tell "those kids" they have about two more minutes before they need to let some other kids swing.

Meanwhile two kids need a restroom pass and another needs her shoes tied. Little Suzie is tugging my vest to tattle on little Jenni who called her a name and Johnnie fell and skinned his knee. Time for the band aids or send Johnnie to the nurse.

There's a lot of running and screaming at the top of their lungs and quite often two kids collide and fall down crying and holding their hurting limbs or heads. Time to survey for injuries and decide if anyone needs to go to the nurse for an ice pack. More shoes to be tied.

In theory the kids aren't suppose to run on the black top or around the Big Toy area. It has taken about ten weeks to get that point across to about 75% of the students. When any known rule is broken by a student that student will spend time standing next to any wall outside. At this point there are no more warnings given. They should know the rules by now. They go straight to time out on the wall.

Some kids will look at you with the "What? You are so mean" look and sometimes they'll argue with you trying to get out of it because they've "Never heard that rule before."

Some even shout at you and some come to their friends' defense shouting at you. I find it quite disturbing that elementary kids have such disrespect for adults and think that it's okay to yell at them. Makes me wonder what it's like in their homes.

This behavior usually gets a student a free pass to see the dean in her office. Some even yell at her. This behavior usually earns a student a behavior report to take home with them and possibly a call to mom & dad.

Basketball is always interesting on the playground as well as Tether ball. I don't see the Soccer games as I keep an eye on the Big Toy and black top areas, but I'm sure it gets wild out there.

Basketball is basically make up the rules as they go and the stronger willed kids always win. This is when I step in. I played a little basketball in junior high and most of the rules are the same. Most kids will listen and play by the rules for a couple of minutes.

Quite often they return to "Street Basketball" and someone ends up hurt or mad. At this point the ball is taken away and the game is called off. Tether ball is the same. Stronger willed kids make up the rules as they go and feelings get hurt or there's a fight. Kids just have to move on or play by the rules. More shoes to be tied.

Most days there aren't any major problems in which the dean has to be called upon. However, one day at lunch recess, about ten boys, kindergartners included, were fighting or playing very rough in a big mob. There were three playground monitors and none of us saw this happen.

After it was all over, one kindergartner came and told me that a boy broke another boys' glasses. It was time to go back to classes so it took me a while to follow up. I found the boy with the broken (very bent) glasses. The para in that class asked some questions and she found out who did it.The boy was found and sent to the dean. By the next day it was discovered that ten boys had been fighting.

The principal was notified and he took it from there. The boy (a kindergartner) with the bent glasses was a part of it by choice. He thought it was fun to be in a big brawl. His mom wasn't upset about the glasses and had them bent back into shape before the next day.

Another day a bee stung a boy right near his eye. I was concerned and took him to the nurse myself. He was okay and back out to play before recess was over. More shoes to tie (my aching back).

The next incident bothered me. Two boys were playing "Wall Ball" or "Power Ball". One boy came to me saying the other boy kicked, punched and slapped him. His face was red on one side. We confronted the suspected angry boy and he denied it. I had to call for the dean because I believed that the angry boy had at least slapped the other boy.

When the dean came out the angry boy got very angry saying he hated the school. She took them in and got to the bottom of the story. It's hard to get to the bottom of things on the playground because kids are usually shouting and other kids are standing around giving their two bits. It's best to get a third party and remove the kids involved.

This school is a very nice school with a great principal and dean, great teachers, and all other staff. The things I have mentioned are not daily occurrences except tattling and tieing shoes. I never imagined what it would be like on the playground.

With the people to back you up with discipline and great teachers to give us incite into why some kids act the way they do it has been a good experience and I'm willing to continue as recess lady and crossing guard to get my foot in the door and we'll see what God has in store for me next.

I Was Blessed Today

2009-11-10T19:48:00.001-08:00

I went to work today and there was an assembly to honor veterans.

I had the next two hours free so I entered the school gym to attend this event.

Being a veteran I am just a little patriotic so I love these kinds of things.

Seated at the front with the school choir were men (I assumed to be veterans) and their children who attended our school. I call it our school because I've been subbing there for about eight weeks now.

I found a seat in the back with the parents. After the posting of the colors and a very sweet rendition of the Star Spangled Banner (I almost cried) by all of us (the school choir helped tremendously) we were seated and the principal began his greetings.

He asked if there were any veterans in the audience. I jumped to my feet thinking there would be several others. Nope...just me. The principal said, "Mrs. Johnson, come on up here." So I joyously walked to the front thinking he was going to ask me a few quick questions and I'd be back in my seat soon. Nope again...he said," "Can someone bring a chair up here for Mrs. Johnson?" I was thrilled and embarrassed at the same time. I had no idea this would happen.

No one knew I had been in the Navy so there were a lot of surprised and smiling faces. The principal was quite surprised. Who would have thought that a few years in the Navy, almost twenty years ago, would have me being honored with others who have served our country in an elementary school today?

I appreciated it so much and I felt so honored even though I served in peace time. Some of the other veterans served during wars and gave our country many years. One soldier was still serving and has two sweet little girls at our school. He plans to retire soon.

The principal had each of us share what service we were in and how long and where we served. Some shared more which was nice. The kids seemed to be very interested. We were each given a handmade card by some of the students and a red rose with the American Flag attached. It was so nice.

The school choir sang two more songs and one Army veteran, currently Boy Scout leader, gave a fun speech full of audience participation. It was a pleasant and much appreciated assembly.

One Army veteran was a Filipino who came to the U.S. to get an education. He joined the army so he could go to college on the GI Bill. He loves his country, the USA, and served for many years. He shook my hand as did others as they thanked me for my service.

I have mentioned in earlier posts that I spent three years in the Philippines and I became a Christian and was baptized there. The Philippines and the people there have a place in my heart forever.

At the recesses throughout the day several students came to me and asked me about my military service. Some thanked me and others were just plain surprised. Teachers and office workers thanked me and shared their stories of being dependents of someone in the military or working on a base. It was quite a day for me at Rainier View Elementary School.

I love America and all that it has stood for over the years. I pray that our country will maintain it's freedom and liberty for all.

HAPPY VETERANS' DAY !!

ANCHOR'S AWAY!!

I Feel Like a Scarecrow

2009-11-08T21:24:00.000-08:00

Lately it seems I'm just existing, you know, busy schedule and trying to make time for family and friends. It certainly takes more effort these days.

I feel kinda rag dollish, scarecrowish, wanna stay homish. God certainly has a purpose for every season of our lives. Nan at momstheword explained that she respected my priorities and she understands that I'm in a different season now than I was a couple of months ago. Thanks Nan!

I sure miss blogging and following you all. I miss Mocha Mondays, Bible study, having spare time to complete some of my volunteer tasks. God knows what's best for me and I'm hanging in there with Him.

Share your Scarecrowish moments with us. God bless you all and may you be in a season of peace, joy and God's grace.

Snoqualmie Falls, October 2009

2009-10-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

I had been wanting to go for a ride to the mountain area of our state. I love seeing the vast array of color that God spreads across our state every year at this time. Seeing and experiencing God's beauty gives me great joy and relaxation. To God be the glory. He has created such a wonderful place for us to live.

So last Saturday, October 24th, the kids and I set out for a ride. My hubs had a previous commitment. I had been hoping that sometime in October we could all go, but every weekend seemed to be full. Good thing we went because the storms have pretty much blown all the leaves off the trees and flooding has started in many areas.

Off we go to Snoqualmie Falls just about 45 minutes from here. I've been there several times, but I don't remember going in fall. The views were spectacular and a misty fog hung over certain areas.
We ate pizza first and found this river access area behind the local bowling alley. Looking upstream.

Looking downstream. It rained significantly in this area the following day and the main street flooded because of leaves clogging the drains. The river didn't actually flood.

J and H enjoying the view and posing for mom.

Me posing by a big tree stump in the Snoqualmie River.

We walked over to the train station. We were seeing kids in costumes so we followed the crowd and found out there were train rides. We bought tickets for later that day.

A little fall decor.

The must have Gazebo picture. I'm sure I have a few of these in my stacks of pictures from days gone by.

Signs that this was a flourishing logging community in past years. This tree is huge. Can you imagine it standing tall in the forest somewhere? It would be a mammoth of trees. We left here and drove to the falls about a mile away.

Look what I found near the gift shop. Beautiful!

Can you tell I love this tree? Its gorgeous!

SNOQUALMIE FALLS!

It gets misty as we get closer to the observation deck.

This is Salish Lodge. What a view they must have. I've never stayed there, but I think Nan over at Momstheword has. Do share, Nan.

The very misty observation deck. It was like rain and I was afraid my camera was going to get too wet.

The beautiful trees as we head back to the parking lot.

The bridge back to the parking lot. Those would be my kids again.

Me and my gift shop purchases. Even the vines on the fence were beautiful. Thanks, God.

Back near the train station we see the train going by.

Wave everybody.

Some local fungi growing in the train yard. Cool looking mushrooms aren't they?

Looking at some of the old trains in the yard.

There was hot cider, coffee and crafts for kids in this old train car.

This is the train station from across the street. It is the coolest building. I love how it curves around the front. The gift shop is in there.

Another view of the curve of this cool building.

Waiting for the train.

All aboard!

Are we excited or what? I believe I was the most excited, but I know they enjoyed it.

This train is so old. It was decorated with fall decor. I just enjoyed everything about this day. I kept looking at the water stained ceiling and wondering what each little door or window was for. I think it might need a heating system for the Christmas train rides.

From the top of the falls. Salish Lodge across the way.

Spilling over.

The Snoqualmie River headed for the valley.

Mt. Si from Fall City. Cool city clock there too.

The train we rode on. Pretty cool,huh?

Bye, train. What a fun day and the weather was perfect! Thank God for each day and live it to the full.

HAPPY FALL! BLESSINGS TO ALL!

Guess What We Did?

2009-10-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

We went for a ride last Saturday and guess what we did? I'll be posting in a couple days. I've missed you all. Thanks for dropping in. Happy Fall!!!

A Night At The Fair

2009-10-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

I love going to the fair and students and school employees get free passes to go to the fair every year. I didn't care how tired I was, I wanted to go to the fair. I took some pictures, but I'm not good with my camera and all of it's options yet so some aren't so good.

The first thing we did was visit the World Vision walk through, hands on display. My daughter is holding a water can on her head to see waht it might be like to carry water every day for a distance. The can was only about 1/8 full and she didn't walk with it at all. I think she got the point.

Grinding corn into meal. She thought it was fun. My son said no thanks.

My son did try the drums though. My daughter loves music and singing.

There was a large table at the end where kids could grind corn into meal again. My son said no thanks again. But when the man asked if he wanted to...

he jumped right in and seemed to enjoy it too.

There was a lot to see and read. Here are some handmade dolls from Africa.

This is a First Aid kit that we can purchase to be delivered to any country displayed with some carved items.

Back out to the fair. Headed to the barns we see cows getting bathed probably to be shown in the arena.

Here's one in the arena. It's fun to watch the handlers trying to get these huge animals to move just the way they must go. They are beautiful animals.

Ooops! What's a country fair without some cow pies? Sorry, I'm not a country girl so I don't see cowpies everyday and I think they're funny.

These little piggies were born the first week of the fair. They were so cute. My daughter got to pet one, but I missed the photo op.

Here's one being held for petting.

Here's some with mom.

On to the Hobby Hall for collections and handmade crafts. Legos are a hit with kids so there are a lot of Lego displays. This was a really long one with a lot of detail.

This is the other end of the display. Freighthouse Square is an actual place about a half an hour from here.

A Betty Boop ollection.

A frog collection. I have a few frogs around my house mostly because my "Friend Frog" sends them to me. I send some to her too. My "Friend Frog" is one of my besties from the Navy. We were roomates and we were in each other's wedding's. Our kids are the same age, you know, a "Friend Frog"? There is more to the story, but I won't bore you right now.

I love fair scones so we stood in line to get a dozen. I freeze most of them for breakfasts. They weren't made very well this year. Hard to find good help I guess. My mom & her friend made scones at the fair for six years in a row. Not anymore though.

Here they are those lovely, flakey, jam filled goodies.

My son having a refreshing drink.

My daughter eating her sour Gummie worms in the huge food court building.

The lighted fountain as we were leaving. We only went on the shy ride. We hadn't saved money for the rides which was fine. My kids would rather ride with their friends anyway. I'm not much of a rider anymore. Most people go to the fair for the rides, at least I used to, but now it's all the other stuff.

Me and H.

Me and J.

A Walk Down Memory Lane, September 29, 2009

2009-09-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

Come for a walk with me down Memory Lane!
And if you have a "Memory Lane" post, head on over to Scottsville to join in on the fun!

I am five years old here and my mom made this dress. I like this dress alot, still. We wore dresses to school every day. If it was cold, we wore pants underneath just until we got to school. Then we had take the pants off so we were just wearing our dresses.

There's that Toni perm again and look at my bangs. Mom used to cut them. I must have wiggled too much and she had to keep evening them out until there wasn't much left.

Well look at me here! I'm one year older and I look the same. I do have some new teeth though.

Mom didn't make this dress, but I loved it. I loved it so much that after we bought it (late summer) I couldn't wait to wear it. I came down early one Sunday morning with it on and my mom & dad were in the kitchen. Mom asked why I had the dress on. I answered, "Cuz it's Sunday." Both mom & dad responded that it wasn't Sunday it was a weekday and we had to go berry picking. I was so disappointed.

Mom took us berry picking in the berry farm fields to earn extra money. We would go pick for the whole berry season. Raspberries, blackberries and strawberries. That was a long season for a kid my age. I do not like picking berries to this day. I like eating them though. I appreciated what the money could help us buy, my new dress.

Terrific Tuesday!

2009-09-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

What made today terrific? The 24 hour ache and sore throat are gone. That makes any day terrific.

I went to the doctor and got medicine for my weeping eye. I also got some shots to catch me up to the school kids. Some would say that's not terrific, but I'd like to avoid as many illnesses as possible and that would be terrific.

My husband got the stitches out of his hand and the wound looks fine and his blood pressure is down.

I went back to my job for a half of a day. People were greeting me and saying how they missed me. Kids were asking me if I was okay. It was strange. Being appreciated does feel good. I do know that my reward is in heaven though.

I got to help 2nd and 3rd graders with reading and it was fun.

A boy in another class who suffered with encephalitis visited his class today and the kids greeted him with joy. He still has some things to overcome, but he's improving daily. He's the cutest kid!

The kindergarten class I volunteer in is so well behaved compared to the 2/3 split class I help with. That's good for the kindergartners. The 2/3 graders earned more class points today than they did last Friday. That's an improvement!

My kids are finished with their homework and it's only 5:30pm. I really like that one.

Hope your Tuesday was terrific. Let me know.

Not Me Monday, September 28, 2009

2009-09-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

This hardworking fella is the focus of my Not Me Monday post hosted by Mckmama over at My Charming Kids

Join me and many others by writing your Not Me Monday post and linking with Mckmama. She has directions on how to bring her button over. You can see it on my side bar. For some reason I couldn't bring the button over today. Maybe next time.

My husband did not go to the doctor one Friday because he had a foggy spot in his right eye. The doctor did not draw blood for several tests and he did not discipline my diabetic husband who is not in denial for not visiting the office more often.

My husband was not sent to an eye specialist later that day. He did not have his eyes dilated and looked at and tested. He did not miss work because he couldn't see very well. He did not drive home from the eye doctor without the very cool humongous black sunglasses, practically blinded by the sun. No, he did not do that.

He did not go to work on Saturday with one eye still sensitive to light. He did not go to the grocery store after working eight hours and buy stuff for his lunches for the next week.

He did not come home wanting to BBQ some pork and some chicken for our lunches the next week. He did not slice part of his palm just below the thumb, very deep with a very sharp knife while slicing some meat. We did not clean and pack and bandage his hand and clean up the blood all in the sink so he could not finish all the things he wanted to finish that night.

He did not work the next day, Sunday, with this badly cut hand. He did not go to the doctor again on Monday and have the doctor look at his hand. The doctor did not say, "You did the right thing. You'd still be in the emergency room waiting if you'd gone on Saturday night." The doctor did not put five stitches in my husband's hand.

The doctor did not check my husband's prostate and he did not set up a colonoscopy appointment for my husband.

The doctor did not diagnose my husband with high blood pressure and high cholesterol in addition to the diabetes he'd been diagnosed with years ago. He did not prescribe three medications for these diagnosese.He did not tell my husband to come and see him every three months. He did not tell my husband to check his blood sugar every day.

Since I wasn't there, I don't know what else the doctor did not say. I just do not know about men. They are a mystery when it comes to going to the doctor when they have warning signs for illnesses. They also do not tell their wives about any changes in their health or well being.

This is not the end of my Not Me Monday Post. Do not have a very nice day.

My Favorite Things

2009-09-27T19:32:00.001-07:00

These are a few of my favorite things.

My favorite Bible verse. It's hard to just select one, but I'll go with Jeremiah 29:11 because it's been sticking with me for a couple years, "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

My favorite pet. We found a Collie in our church parking lot one very cold Sunday when I was in about tenth grade. He just climbed in the car when we opened the door. We took him home. He was pretty old. We named him King. He would greet us with this quivering, howling sound whenever we came home. He was sweet.

I can't leave out my current favorite, Jack, our one year old cat.

My favorite food. CHOCOLATE! Oh is that considered food? If not, I'll go with chicken.

My favorite holiday. Christmas. I just love the way the city decorates and the cookies and candies and cards. I love hearing the story of Jesus' birth. It's an exciting time.

My favorite color. I like color in general, but pink has been a longstanding favorite of mine. Blue and purple too.

My favorite beverage. MOCHA! or Diet Coke or ice tea. I can be so indecisive. Just a quirk in my personality.

My favorite time of day. Late morning.

My favorite sport. Basketball.

My favorite jewel. Diamond.

I think I'll leave it at that. I'm tired and I think I'm getting a cold or something. I'm feeling lousy tonight. Have a blessed Monday.

It's my "I'm A..." Poem

2009-09-25T21:38:00.000-07:00

I was helping in a second/third grade class today and they were doing some writing projects. Just before I had to leave they were writing their "I'm a..." poems. I didn't get to hear them, but I'd like to read some on Monday if I can. I was very impressed with their free writing they had done earlier in the day.

I'm going to try my own "I'm a...poem" tonight. Here we go.

I'm a Mocha drinking,
student educating,
kid loving,
Bible reading,
homework tackling,
car driving,
job hunting,
weather watching,
blog posting,
picture taking,
working,
wife and mom.

That's how it goes. Try your own "I'm a poems". They're fun.
Have a fantastic weekend. I love you all, my friends.

The First Day of School, 2009

2009-09-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

These have been dusted off and actually used this week. This is good news. The teachers and the school board came to a happy compromise and school started Tuesday, September 15th, 2009.

These two kids got to go to school after eleven days of waiting. They were very happy. My son looks a little tired here. I think that he thought he could maintain a summer routine of staying up late. I think morning came early for him on this day.

My daughter was up early and ready to go. She had layed her outfit out the night before and asked my advice. Something she rarely does. I think she looked rather cute. The black hat she's wearing is sequined. Gotta have some bling.

I'm so happy they are in school and that I'm working steady for now. I call them every day after school to see how their day went. It feels strange, but I think it's gonna be okay. God has carried us every step of the way and I am so thankful for that.

The New Life of This Working Mom

2009-09-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

Oh to be back on this day again. Drinking a mocha, standing in a cool water spray at the park near the street fair.

Some of you may know that I'm a substitute para educator. The first job I picked up is a long term situation with no defined ending date. So I'll just keep working this job until I pick up a permanent position. The school and all of the people I have come in contact with are very nice and complimentary. I know I'm appreciated and needed because the hours really stink.

I'm not complaining because I'm so glad to be working, but I have the strangest shift. I only work two hours and forty minutes a day, but it's strung out over seven hours. I have four breaks that all range from one hour to an hour and 40 minutes.

I pretty much stay at the school because if I go home it uses so much gas. I may run an errand or two, but I stay in the teacher's lounge and read or go for a walk for the most part.

Yesterday I started volunteering in the all day kindergarten class. This helps make the time go faster. I'm learning so much about how they teach. I can use this in Sunday School. Modifying behavior is going to be a good tool and some of the songs are going to be helpful too.

I have applied for the same type of job, permanent position, at a school closer to my home which pays $1.00 more per hour and it is a four hour a day position. I'm hoping that the Lord is opening this door to me. If not, He's got something even better.

Since I come home very tired every day (I haven't worked out of the home in 14 years)
I've been neglecting my blog and my following. Thank you to those of you who still stop by even when I don't visit you. God bless you all. I hope to get used to working and I hope to not be so tired every night. Have a very nice weekend.

Puggles R' Us

2009-09-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

Guess what my daughter and I did this morning? It had a lot to do with preschoolers.

I decided I needed something to encourage the little kiddos to behave and follow directions. Most do, but some have a harder time of it. I found these sunglasses my friend made for me back in the late 80's. I've never worn them, but I thought one day I'd need them for some fun activity. Today was that day.

Puggles is our Sunday morning class for preschoolers. When a child exhibited good behavior by following directions, they were given the right to wear the sunglasses. H and I were good so we got to wear them. LOL!

It took this little guy a while, but he got to wear them about 2/3 of the way through class. So cute!

This is his older sister and she was the very first to get to wear them, but she said no thank you at first. Later she let us take her picture in them.

Whatever it takes to get some good behavior. I'm not real experienced with preschoolers so I could use a lot of ideas to motivate these little ones this year.
Feel free to leave ideas for me in the comments section.

Thanks!

The Crossing Guard's Day

2009-09-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have been substituting for a crossing guard/ playground helper at an elementary school. Each morning & each afternoon I stand at a corner and wait to cross the two or three kids that cross that street.

I have to stay there for a half an hour each time even though the kids cross the street at the beginning of the half hour. So I stand there for the next 20 to 25 minutes with nothing to do.

By the third day I decided to start memorizing some of the Awana T & T scriptures. Since I work with that group on Wednesday nights, I am trying to complete a handbook. I started book one last year and I made it to Discovery Zone four. That's about half of the book. I'll finish it this year. Now I understand better when the kids don't finish their book in one year.

Anyway, This is an excellent time to recite to myself what I've memorized. I write the verses on paper in case I forget. I don't want to stand out there with the book. It might look like I'm reading to the parents driving by.

This is me in my vest trying to smile as I take a picture of myself. I tried three times, but I never caught myself while I was smiling.

This is my flag that I hold up two times a day for thirty seconds.

This is my crosswalk. Not much to look at over there. I walked over and looked in the bushes and walked up the street a little ways. Nothing exciting to see.

Looking to my right up the road. Wow! Still not much. Nothing much to the left either.

This is the eye sore house. Weeds, rotting wood and roof and several old cars & trucks in the driveway. I walked over there and looked around. There was a black cat sleeping in one of the window sills. At least I hope it was sleeping and not dead. Ooh, not a good thought.

This crow kept me company for a few minutes while he picked at something in the road and sat on the wire above me. I kept an eye on him. I hate being pooped on.

Now this is a science experiment. One afternoon I noticed this chocolate chip cookie near my post. Guess how long it takes ants to finish a chocolate chip cookie?

About 24 hours. Guess what else I learned? They don't like the chocolate chips.
This is just the grease and chocolate chips the next day. So I learned something that might come in handy someday. Hmm...

Here is what is behind me. Very exciting (not).

And I can stand and look down in here for ~~hours~~ about a half a second.

I understand why the principal keeps asking how I'm doing and thanking me for subbing. The secretary thanks me too. They know that this is a boring job with a lot of down time in between jobs.

The recess part is full of action and things to watch out for. Kids need band aids or restroom passes. They get knocked over by some other kid running and not watching where they are going. They step in unmentionables that are left on the play field from the night before. There's an argument now and then that needs to be defused.

But my favorite question of the week is, "Do you know where my friend is?" There are only 100+ students out there and I don't know any of them by name. Bless their little, innocent hearts. Most kids are so sweet and just want to play and learn.

All in all I've had a good experience. But I want you to wave at the crossing guard as you go by and thank them if you get a chance cuz they are devoted to the safety of the kids, whether there's two or 100. Smile!

Kids Still Not In School

2009-09-10T20:08:00.000-07:00

These are collecting dust as are the brains of my children.

Just a quick note to those who know that our school district's teachers have been on strike since August 27th.

My kids have missed ten days of school so far. A judge has ordered the teachers to go back to work. They have refused. Today the judge said that if they don't go back by the 14th the union will be fined $1,500 a day and each teacher will be fined $200 a day.

It's a sad situation for everyone. It would be nice if they could get the things they're asking for. I'm just praying that they can find a compromise that will work for the teachers and the students and the school district.

I'm anxious for my kids to get started. I'm not looking forward to an extended school year and shorter breaks during the year, but that is what will have to happen.

Keep us in your prayers as we continue on in this new journey of our lives.

Something Broke

2009-09-10T18:49:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday my husband was driving home on the freeway and his 1979 Toyota pick up just stopped running. He drove it for about nine years to and from work. It is rusty and the seats and floorboards are severely damaged, but it kept running with little maintenance for those years.

All good things must come to an end. This baby is no longer in service. ;(

We had no idea what to do. We didn't want another loan to pay off. My hubs told his mom what was going on and she graciously offered us a certain amount of money.

We still didn't know what to do until we found a replacement vehicle. We were hoping to borrow a car. No luck. We looked at renting. Too much even for a clunker.

On Sunday we still had no idea what we were going to do. I was starting my job on the following Tuesday. Banks were closed for the holiday. My hubs was feverishly looking on the Internet for a vehicle. He went to see a couple and was getting excited about the thought of a newer truck.

He found this one at a nearby city dealership. They made arrangements for him to borrow the money on Labor Day and the next day he and his mom got the cash from her bank and payed off the loan.

We brought the 1990 Toyota home on Labor Day and sold the non-running 1979 truck for $10.00 on Tuesday.

My hubs loves the newer pick-up. It gets great mileage and drives smooth (not like the tank feeling of the older one). It's just been a blessing to see how this all turned out and in time for both of us to go to work.

With God all things are possible. Thank you my Lord and Savior!

My First Day of Work 2009

2009-09-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

After fourteen years of being a SAHM and homeschooler I went to work today for the first time. It felt good. I feel like a teenager who just got her first job. Thus ends my homeschooling days (I need to change my profile now). I hope I don't lose followers cuz I'm a traitor.

I did my best with the knowledge and skills I had and now I'm entrusting others to teach my kids. They are still in God's hands and that is the best it can ever get.

So guess who I'm working for? The schools!! Yes, you heard me right. I figure I have my most experience working with kids so I applied to be a substitute paraeducator for two school districts and I got hired by both.

Today I was a crossing guard and playground helper. I will have that same job for nine days at the same school. I figure I did pretty good getting a two week job as soon as school started. God knows our every need.

So here I am with my school badge and lanyard. It says Guest Teacher. I'm not a teacher. I'm a para. I guess that's the badge everyone gets.

Here I go. I'm nervous, but excited and happy.

Off I go. The day went very well. I was really early which is fine with me. I looked around a little at the school grounds and crosswalk I'd be at.

I went in & got my vest and flag and went to my post. It was a quiet 30 minutes. Only two kids crossed the street in 30 minutes both times of the day. Boredom was my only complaint about today and only the crossing guard part of it.

I had fun. The kids seemed sweet and well behaved. Of course it's only the third day of school. The Principal was very nice and talked to me throughout the day to see how I was doing. He knew it was my first day of work in fourteen years.

I need to get to bed early tonight. I stayed up too late last night and then woke up at 4:30am and stayed awake. I am draggin' right now. My lunch is made and I'm ready for another fine day of work. It's good to be happy about it now, cuz I'm guessing there's a honeymoon period and then I'll hate going to work.

So to all of you hard working bloggers out there, be encouraged in whatever you are doing and do your best for the glory of God.

A Church Project We Love

2009-09-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

Every year, beginning in early August, our church starts the Operation Back Pack Project. I've been coordinating it for a couple of years.

We put out the request for people to donate full back packs in early August. We collect them over a three or four week period. At the end they are set on the steps to the stage area and we pray that the back packs will bring much blessing to those who receive them.

Sometimes people prefer to donate money and some donate supplies. It's my job to use the money to buy what is needed to make as close to full back packs as I can. I bring everything home and it looks like this picture.

I set everything out in assembly fashion and fill backpacks until I run out of supplies. It's nice when people fill the back packs and bring them ready to go.

This year we donated seventeen back packs and took them to a local middle school before school started. The secretary and principal and vice principal get pretty excited when we bring them in each year.

It's a good feeling knowing that we're helping our community. It is getting a little more difficult with so many of our church members being out of work or being ill or having surgery. So I'm proud that we were still able to carry out this neat sharing project this year.

Thanks be to God for He is good. His love is for all and it endures forever.

Loyal Friend And Visitor Award

2009-09-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

My very sweet friend, Hope over at My Hope Is In The Lord has passed this award along to me. I found Hope through Nan or Erica (I can't remember) when I first started blogging. Maybe Hope found me. Either way she's loyal.

Hope has visited me regularly for the three months I've been blogging. She always leaves encouraging words for me and she laughs at my humor. What more could I ask for?

She has a really fun blog with a variety of interesting stuff on it, like old photo's and magazine pictures from Life, her personal cartoons (very cute), her drawings and how she has learned to draw, stories and scripture and encouragement. It's a fun blog to follow. Thanks, Hope for being a Loyal Friend and Visitor to me.

I enjoy seeing comments on my blog when I open it each day. There are a few friends who are loyal and come by almost every day. I know that some of you have many followers and you try to visit your followers as often as possible and that is why I call you Loyal Friends and Visitors.

There are also new bloggers looking for new bloggie friends and some of you have become my Loyal Friends and Visitors. You always lift me up and encourage me with your words.

I also found out that there are some who "lurk" and don't leave comments. If they had a blog I would give them this award too. It's fun knowing that friends are reading even if they don't leave a comment. They will tell me in person or send me an e-mail and that makes this blogging thing even more interesting.

I sure appreciate each and every one of you. You have made blogging fun for me. I like knowing there are people with similar interests reading my blog. I like meeting new christian women and reading about their lives.

Here are the rules: (1) Post the award on your blog. (2) Acknowledge the giver. (3) Pass the award on to who you think who is/are deserving to as many as you want. (4) Leave a message telling them.

Since you give me a lift each day or at least once a week I want to pass the award along to these friends in blog land:

Mimi at He & Me + 3

Nan at Momstheword

Andrea at Arise 2 Write

Kat at Art's Chili

Laura at Goose Hill Farm

Amy at In Search of Normal

Stacey at McCrakensX4

Mich at "Mich"

Erica at Scottsville

Christy Rose at The Secret Life of an American Wife & Mom

Christine at Vista Woman

Renee at GLOW Academy

I'm Feeling Great!

2009-09-05T21:04:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling sooooo gooood!!! God is awesome! It's amazing how He works things out for us. I went to the dentist three times in two days and they were so compassionate every time I came in.

The dentist consulted with specialists and did each procedure with care and concern. He almost always gives me a break on the dental bill. I've been going to him for about five years and before him I went to his father's practice for about 10 years.

I do not like having dental work done and I've had to learn to calm down as I lay in that chair getting work done, but I'm glad I have a dentist to do what needs to be done.

I have a lot more work to be completed and I'm sure some of it will be more root canal work, but I'm praying that I won't have an infection like the one I had with this tooth.

I am taking Prednizone and two antibiotics. Unfortunately that creates a lot of yeast in the system and so you may know what I have now. Is there anything else? I didn't ask that did I?

As long as I have the Lord I will be able to live with whatever else there might be, but I'd rather stay positive now. Every morning is new with the Lord and I'm renewed every morning. Great is His faithfulness. I think I just read those verses over at Fly Away Birdie. Martha had some great scripture referenced there.

Thank you all for continuing to drop by my blog and check on me and leave me words of encouragement. God bless you all.

There's Been Better Days!

2009-09-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

I can honestly say I've had better days this summer, like this day when I went to an island with my kids and my sis.

I'm still having tooth problems. I thank you all for dropping by and for your kind words and thoughts. I don't need to go on & on, but it seems to be going on & on. I have a warm chair waiting for me 2 to 3 times a week at the dentist's office these days. Gotta find some humor in this somewhere.

I will be enjoying blogging again soon, I'm sure. I miss you all. Take care.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and
tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth
with good things, so that your youth is
renewed like the eagle's."
Psalm 103:2 through 5 NKJV

Now That's A Bright Idea

2009-09-01T16:21:00.001-07:00

There are a lot of bright ideas that people have come up with over the years that have made life easier for us like the light bulb, the microwave, the computer, and the hot water heater.

So let's have a little fun thinking of other bright ideas that make us happy or make our lives easier or are just great ideas for whatever reason.

Here are some bright ideas that I came up with:

The projector so we can lift up our eyes when we sing. It frees up our hands to be lifted as we praise God.

Media shout so all of the songs can be projected onto the screen for us to sing.

Homeschooling.

Self cleaning appliances.

WII Fitness. Wish I had one.

Cruise control.

Seat warmers.

Hand Sanitizer.

Invisible dog fences.

Pitching machines.

Now I realize there are many obvious items that are bright ideas, but try to think of some that aren't so obvious unless you just absolutely love them and want to mention them.

Have fun with this and leave a comment full of your ideas.

Neno's Award (Sorry it took so long)

2009-08-31T18:58:00.000-07:00

Andrea over at Arise 2 Write included me in this award. She said she fizzled out before she was able to give the award to all the bloggers she wanted to. So I'll accept it and gladly pass it along.

Thank you sweet, Andrea. You are the neatest lady. You love your Lord. You love your family and you love to share that love with others.

I love that you are a pet therapy lady. Your dogs are a blessing to many and that's because you heard the call to take part in the pet therapy ministry and you accepted it.

You also pray for many and pass prayer requests along through your blog. What an awesome way to use your blog for the Lord's work. God bless you as you continue serving Him in many ways.

I love blogging. I enjoy writing and getting to know others through blogging.
I've read that many of the bloggers out there started their blog as a way to journal and share with their families. It also is a scrapbook for many.

I use it as a way to let off steam, express feelings, encourage others, help people get a laugh, share my past, share my present, share the Lord, and much more. I also find so much encouragement and joy by reading other blogs. It's FUN!!

Neno's award is given to those who love blogging, love to encourage friendships through blogging, and who help others seek the reasons why we all love blogging. I have met so many wonderful people through blogging and I am so excited to pass this along. I want to pass it on to:

Nan at Momstheword

Erica at Scottsville

Christy Rose at The Secret Life of an American Wife and Mom

Mikki at The View from my Beach Chair

Alicia the snowflake at Confessions of a Snowflake

Mimi at He and Me + 3

Stacey at McCrakensX4

Mich at "Mich"

Pilar at The Stark Family

Amy at In Search of Normal

Alicia at More Than Words

Hope at My Hope Is In The Lord

Mckmama at My Charming Kids

Jill at Jill Boyd's Place

Amber at Raising Rascals

Mummy at Samster.com

Lauren at Walking By Faith

There are so many more. If you do not find your name on this list, Please pick this award up. Each person who visits my blog is an encouragement. You are precious to me. GOD BLESS you "all."

Just Stuff

2009-08-29T16:31:00.001-07:00

Today is going well and I actually left the house to do a little ordering of supplies at the church for Awana.

So many things are starting up and here I am waiting on a tooth.

My kids are suppose to start school on August 31st. However, there is a strike going on and we won't know if school starts Monday until we get an automated phone call Sunday sometime. My kids were so looking forward to going to school for the first time. They may be on delayed excitement for a bit.

My jobs will probably not start until after school gets well underway when substitutes start getting sick and making appointments and the like. I may have some time to get this tooth situation squared away before I get called to work. I really don't want to start my jobs by saying I can't work cuz my tooth hurts.

Awana starts on September 9th and I want to get ready for that.
I like to be as prepared as possible for when the kids come
all excited and ready to hear God's Word. I want to make sure
we have their shirts and books and other supplies ready for
when they earn the right to wear them. I love Awana!!!!

Unfortunately, the first night for Leaders is September 2nd, the evening after my root canal. Hopefully I'll feel just fine and get to go. Otherwise, I'll be starting cold turkey on the 9th. Thank goodness I have a few years of experience. Hopefully I'll be all prepared.

I also run background checks and make sure all of the children's ministry workers have filled out all of their paperwork for the year. This takes some time. For some reason most folks need to be asked several times to finish the paperwork. This makes it frustrating and time consuming for me, but it needs to be done and I'm the one that has the job.

I am thankful for all the folks who volunteer because without them there would be no ministry for children. I try to be very sweet in trying to get the paperwork done because I don't want to lose any volunteers. We do want to be compliant with insurance requirements and protecting ourselves and the kids. So I will remain diligent and get prepared as best I can. God willing, all will go well. It will certainly be His plan, I know that.

Hanging In There

2009-08-28T17:07:00.001-07:00

Today was pretty good. I've taken less pain meds and I slept real good and I did some laundry.

I'm starting to have increased pain now and will be taking some pain meds soon. I will be hanging in there until next Wednesday when I get a root canal. I hope that is the answer for this tooth.

Thank you everyone for your prayers. I'm going to eat some scrambled eggs.
Mmm Mmm! I do miss crunchy food and sturdy meat I'll tell ya that.

God is good. Everything in His time. Pray for patience and strength.

Tooth Problems Again

2009-08-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

I am taking a few days off to work through another infected tooth problem. Back in June I had a problem with a tooth and it had to be pulled. I'm praying that I can keep this one. It's been causing a lot of pain and it requires more pain medication than the last one did.

Therefore I'm not quite myself these days. Thank God for my husband and kids. They've been so helpful. My husband has been on vacation (some vacation) so he's been able to take me to the dentist, cook, go to the store and do all kinds of things. He usually does do a lot around the house, but he's doing even more this week.

Next week I'll have a root canal and crown work done, but I'll be on my own cuz he'll be back at work. Since the school district went on strike today, I may have my kids home next week. God knows and will take care of all things.

I'm asking for your prayers again and thanking you in advance. God bless you all. I'll be following again soon. Take care, Mocha Momma.