My Spot on His Shore...

newspaper

2011-03-09T10:24:00.001-08:00

newspaper
Originally uploaded by islandlorrie

so cute from last year....gotta repost this!

crabgrass and coming back!

2011-02-25T08:57:00.000-08:00

Well I'm slowly making my way back to this poor neglected blog.

Check this out...something I posted a while ago...

yeah, click here!

I'm off to read a former associate minister's blog...

something about being in the ministry

(not that I'd know anything about that!)

Blessings!

um..excuse me while I lose a week.....

2011-01-24T06:26:00.000-08:00

Pain!

From my back!

Can you believe it?

Somebody said I didn't get the memo I wasn't 20 anymore!

ok....

so how did I handle it?

Sulked. Wined. Gained 2 lbs eating red vines through the day...

and God was STILL faithful!

my back is getting better and my attitude is too.

It would have been much better to provide a great

witness to my children of being in pain and

totally relying on the Lord.

All that time to stop and commune with Him,

the God of the universe and I spent it...

watching a whole heap of HGTV!

Something is amiss here!

Blessings!

SNOW? Well no...but I'd like to see some!

2011-01-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

Last year after driving 2 hours to the snow

SNOW!

I think I like it!

We try to go each year...

so my kids can play in it!

Our city trucks it into the harbor during December

so children can throw balls of it

at each other...

but my confession is...

have

never

seen

actually

SNOW!

I know!

How crazy is that!

I've been to the snow!

I've been in airports and couldn't leave because of snow...

but I've never seen snow ...

fall!

I got close...but some Highway Patrol cop said I didn't have chains and

would have to leave the area! some people!

So all of you snowed in types...

don't feel so bad!

What you have in abundance....

I've never seen!

How crazy is that!

Blessings!

The Biblical Model of Mentoring

2011-01-10T10:22:00.000-08:00

The Biblical Model of Mentoring

what gifts shall I bring?

2011-01-06T07:26:00.000-08:00

epiph·a·ny noun \i-ˈpi-fə-nē\

plural epiph·a·nies

Definition of EPIPHANY

January 6 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or in the Eastern Church in commemoration of the baptism of Christ.

Yes so after all that huff about traditions...

My family celebrates Epiphany or

Three Kings day....depending on your location.

What do we do?

Well we finally gather around the nativity and

nearly dead tree...

thinking about what gifts we can bring to God this year.

We have a box that we put these statements in...

and then we open it next year!

I have to admit...I don't know where the box is right now...

so we might have have to start anew tonight.

Anyhoo...

What gifts do you need to bring to Jesus in your life today?

The gift of time? Spending more time reading God's book

and less time reading, surfing, channel watching?

What gifts do you need to bring to God?

Your family by being a blessing to them.

Do something special for a family member...

get your hubby his fav coffee, or your daughter a cute journal...

all in the name of...

well just because.

There are many gifts we can give the Lord...

since He gave us His perfect gift....

His SON!

With that said...here's a little excerpt from my

son giving his gift "music"

playing the sax Christmas eve...

He usually plays the piano...but he's been playing the sax a year now and has moved on.

That's another thing...sometimes our gift changes and we need to switch up what we give to other people and to God as well.

He also arranged the accompaniment

(funny to see him trying to direct our very talented music minister)

and it's aptly titled...

We Three Kings...

(Please excuse the tilted video (it's only a minute)..head in the way...and cutting off at the end...

that's all I can do with my phone... sorry folks)

Blessings!

Traditions...

2011-01-05T07:55:00.000-08:00

Traditions...

(for those who don' t know...the first day of the year our family eats...

black eyed peas, white rice, cornbread and greens)

Correction...Grandpa, myself and my middle son ate this...

the others...well...

Traditions?

Why do we do them?

I know the bible says it's good to keep some.

Ones that point us to God.

Traditions that put God in our children.

Traditions that put God in us.

What about the rest?

What traditions am I holding onto to that are...

useless...

wasters of my time...

will not bring myself and my family closer to God?

Jacob set up a pillar in the place where

He had spoken with him,

a pillar of stone, and he poured out a drink offering on it;

he also poured oil on it.

Genesis 35:14

Don't get me wrong...we need traditions...

but what should I keep...

and what should fall by the wasteside?

Taming the Tongue...Tuesday!

2010-11-30T05:06:00.000-08:00

A time NOT to talk...

Be careful what you say when your children do chores.

So I'm learning to hold my TONGUE...

and let them handle their business.

Genesis 2:24

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife,

and they shall become one flesh!

I pray my future daughter-in-laws will have husbands who

will wash dishes after they cook...

but that starts with

HOLDING MY TONGUE...

and letting them do their job...

even if it's not how I'd do it.

Lest they get discouraged...and not want to work!

Hold your tongues ladies...

as we build the next generation for God...

HOLD YOUR TONGUES!

(when I snapped this picture on my phone they said I couldn't post it on facebook...but they didn't say anything about my blog!)

Bill and Lorrie...circa 1996

2010-11-29T09:46:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Well it's been so long since I posted...

I'm still alive.

I found this picture...cleaning in a back closet and thought...

What happen to this little family?

Well first of all they grew...

from three to five.

Are we done God?

No answer.

This scares me.

Lord, you know my children are a bit...quirky.

Surely you know I'm done.

No answer.

While I wait in the desert of no answers...

I'm putting my time,

my energy,

my love,

and myself into this little family...

which now has five instead of three.

I'm putting my heart

into building memories...

and trying to pour Jesus into my kids.

Some days better than others.

Psalms 127:3

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.

Thank you Lord for my rewards.

happy birthday Bry

2010-11-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Bryson!

7 Years ago...I had the EASIEST birth I had ever experienced!

Little did I know you'd be a little boy of extremes!

In some ways you are EASY and flexible!

You already read very well and do classwork in a flash!

In some ways...well you're rigid and inflexible!

You're a little powder keg...and quite a challenge

But amazed God gave me a little Peter and Moses all rolled in one!

Bry, Billy and Ney circa 2004

Right now you enjoy...

Globes and Maps

Trains and cars

and ANYTHING Police, FBI, etc!

Your favorite books are Arthur and your

favorite show is National Geographics Tornadoes...

Your best friends are Angel and Eliza.

You told me you were going to marry Nicole! (but I told her not to wait!)

Bry 2010 and Nicole at her graduation

Love you Bry...you do keep me on my knees!

November is almost here!

2010-10-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

(Bill and I on bikes at the lake during our last Thanksgiving adventure)

Well November is almost on us...

and I'm already thinking about

Thanksgiving vacation!

This year...

hubby has agreed we need to

GET AWAY!

So with that said!

We're not doing a traditional thanksgiving dinner!

I don't know what's going to happen!

I'm bend on some adventure!

With a limited amount of income and

three boys in tow...

I just don't know where to go!

I'm leaning towards a camp ground/cabin

that houses youth pastors/ministers

GRATIS!

It's just something I've started thinking about!

We'll be over in 15 minutes...

2010-10-27T09:03:00.000-07:00

Ok so yesterday was an eye opener to me.

We had a dad and his girls over for dinner with 15 minutes notice.

(I was suppose to bring their dinner to them...but it turns out

they were staying 10 minutes from my house so they

said they could come over and eat with us. How can you say no

to someone who doesn't have a place to live because you

only have six matching napkins and the table isn't "set"?)

Did I panic?!

Well OF COURSE!

The house was....

ok except for the kitchen, (filled with dishes)

the family room, (filled with toys)

the boys room, (filled with dirty socks)

but

the bathroom was surprising clean...(thanks to a 6 year old and some mud the night before...)

but when you have people over for dinner...

let's be honest...

you want to show off.

a pristine home

a pristine dinner

a "pristine" family.

God work on my heart so when I am showing hospitality...

let it be in YOUR NAME...and not my own.

Who care if I had to use regular plates (that's another post all together)...

and who cares if the forks didn't match?

Who cares if every thing wasn't perfect...

It dawned on me...

While I was complaining about not being in the city I want to live in...

They don't even had a place to call their own.

Lord help me to be hospitable on YOUR terms and NOT MINE!

With that said...I'm heading to remove some toys from the family room...

'cause my boys have too many toys!

Blog you've become....gasp! My husband!

2010-10-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Blog...

I'm sorry I haven't attended to your needs as of late.

You know I love you.

We've been together a while now and

I know you're always there.

Steady

faithful!

But the fun is worn off!

You're not shiny and new anymore!

It takes more effort and will to post.

I have to work at finding photos!

I don't even have an excuse.

Things are easier now that my 12 year old has lost his ipod!

I've got video and camera at my disposal!

You'd think I would be posting up a storm...

but alas...I'm not....

you've turned into my.......

husband!

Last Saturday my hubby and I actually spent the ENTIRE day together.

One was with our neighbors...

one was at a band competition...

and one was hanging with his friend around our house.

And we found out...

we need to put time and energy into this thing called marriage!

Just like I need to put time and energy into this blog!

We'll I decided...today...I'll focus on marriage and home!

So I'm off to do something special for my hubby and maybe even a cobbler for him!

Well maybe NOT the cobbler...he'll think I'm pregnant!

Blessings!

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind,

regard one another as more important than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3

Love is a Battlefield!

2010-10-18T13:31:00.001-07:00

Remember the Pat Benatar song...

We are young...

heartache to heartache we stand...

no promises....no demands...

Homework's a bat-tle-field!

We are strong!....

no one can tell us we're wrooongggg

avoid-ing the alegbra toooo long...

both of us knowing....

Homework's the battlefield!

So as my weary bullet riddled body comes from the sidelines...

of being in the homework trenches and thinking of some strategic

battle plan...

I'm bringing out the big guns...

I'm taking the homework avoider (and his 6 year old brother in tote...)

TO THE LIBRARY!

Yep...

Praying there will be no distractions there!

Both of us knowing... Love is a Battlefield!

The big C

2010-10-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

I can't say cancer right now...but I can say the big C!

(I'll explain the photo at the end of this post)

OK what do you do when someone close to you

gets

the

big

If it was someone old...I guess I'd be ok with that.

If it's someone random in your church...I'm ok with that too I guess.

I lift up a quick prayer and move on.

But what if it's someone whose woven in your life.

Someone who when your mother in law passed away...

went to your house, woke up your kids, bathed them and took them to their home.

Someone who likes the same shows you like...

the same music...

the same restaurants...

the same everything.

Someone who when I had to cut my hair...let me CRY...

and cry again. Told me it was going to grow back...

helped me put in extensions on the side that was broken off.

Someone who accepts my kids the way they are...

and still let's her near perfect kids play with them.

Someone who has the same stuffy husband as I...

and we don't mind...'cause a stuffy square hubby is a loyal hubby!

Someone who when you're bored you call...

for no reason and no agenda.

And you're not related..

I really can't be ok with that. I go from being stoic...

to mush...

in t - minus 2 seconds.

and can you tell today is not a stoic day

We use to pray on the phone...but right now I can't do that.

'cause I don't know what to pray.

When I'm in the same car as your child alone...there is a BIG

WHITE

ELEPHANT...

and I don't know what to say!

Lord give me the words to say and help me to be ok..

it's not really about me.

Dare I pray...

against the odds...

help her to be ok...

'cause it's the big C!

The photo above is when I FORCED my love, hope, faith teacups into my friend's

pink retro kitchen...She wanted to use her Spode...but I just had to have it my way.

Taming the Tongue!!!

2010-10-12T08:53:00.001-07:00

So this morning I knew it was back to

TAMING MY TONGUE!

Of course I was given a little test to

TAME MY TONGUE

with an audience in tow....

well my hubby and I

kind

failed!

Oh we were civil...

no cuss words are ever exchanged...

this time there wasn't even any yelling...

but we were both

arguing our points...

trying to put in the best defense for

our own side...

and

what were we fighting...

no correction debating about?

desktop folders on the computer and their placement!

That has to be the dumbest (ok that's a bad word round here...)

unsmartest....arguement!

Needless to say now that it's over...

WHY? WHY? WHY!

So Ladies...

Proverbs 13:3

He who guards his mouth preserves his life,

but one who

talks too much comes to ruin.!

Lord...let my mouth speak PRAISES TO YOU...

and my family too!

Let me not argue about

trite matters...

Life is so short! What we say will last a lifetime!

Oh.....Baby showers....

2010-10-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

BABY shopping!

Well I'm off to get some baby clothes for three different moms to be!

One was a total surprise...and she's having a girl...a young mom, a former youth I knew through the church. She's got a bit of an uphill...but if she sticks close to the Lord...she can make it!

The second was a total surprise and she's having a boy! An older mom!

Anything past 35 is old!

We are TOTALLY excited about this. It's funny how the same announcement

has different reactions when you do things in the order God intended....

but for her to wait soooooo long....

we're just EXCITED!

And then my cousin I posted about a while back! I'm still in shock.

is it wrong of me to be

TOTALLY DISAPPOINTED!

Wasn't she suppose to be our

STELLAR EXAMPLE of our family having a doctor in it!

Was it...is it...right for me, her parents, just about everyone...

to put our hopes and dreams into

ONE PERSON!

Obviously God has other plans...

but while those plans are being fleshed out...

I'm shopping for pink and blue....she's HAVING TWINS!

The thing is...now that she's pregnant...we can't condemn...we've got to help be her support base and she can still be a doctor...just not right now.

Well it seems to be a baby explosion all over the country...

and I'm hitting Amazon.com, Babies R Us...and around the town...

to see what bargains I can get this wonderful little additions!

Well I guess I'm sulking...

2010-10-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

Yep!

That's me!

Sulking 'cause I got no

well you know..

The thing that takes

PICTURES!

Ha!

In other family news....

My middle one is wrestling and that is consuming any spare time I THOUGHT I had.

Band season is in full swing and I'm exhausted already thinking about it...

and my little one is being dragged from place to place "supporting" his brothers!

I did pick up those cinnamon smelling pine cones so at least if it doesn't

FEEL like FALL

it smells like it!

Blessings y'all...

It's going to be a busy day!

So I'm spiraling....

2010-09-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

So I'm spiraling...

out

control!

It seems that in this family

one extra curricular activity per child is the maximum!

And if you count church activities for my kids...

well

it's

LOT!

With that said...

I've got

cupcakes to make,

a lunch counter to volunteer at,

a band booster snack stand to stand at,

and

I need to prep my Sparks stuff for church.

I feel like I'm the stay at home mom....

WHO IS NEVER AT HOME!

Taming the Tongue!!!

2010-09-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

So lately I've been having these

REALLY bad thought about certain people...

things like...

"She thinks she's all that?"

"She's stuck on herself?"

ETC...

and then it dawned on me...

that's the enemy

trying the

OLE

BATE

and

SWITCH!

Don't fall for it.

When we have thoughts that shouldn't pop in our heads...

just put them right out...

and think about

SOMETHING

good you know that person has in them.

I'm going to try that.

That way...

my thoughts don't become actions

and

my tongue doesn't get the best of me...

because you always THINK IT...

before YOU

SAY IT!

Blessings!

I'm a little tired....

2010-09-14T04:41:00.000-07:00

I turned on the radio to hear a program discussing autism.

On the Christian station!

You'd think I would have been excited...but I wasn't!

I'm a little tired of

Autism

Asperger's

Spectrum

whatever you want to call it.

Inflexible

ADHD

whatever label

you want to call it!

I'm tired of teachers starting with..

"He's really smart but seems withdrawn."

"All we can do is get him to draw during art."

"His test scores are through the roof but real work seems hard."

"He rushes through his work to write little stories."

"He only seems engaged in his math class."

Ummmmmmm

I KNOW!

Yes, they draw, play, Wii and sword fight more than the average.

But I like to draw and made money at doing just that.

My husband likes math and makes money doing just that.

When crisis strikes...we both have an ability to disconnect ourselves

to get whatever that needs to be done...done....

so some of those traits aren't all bad.

I'm a little tired of the word Autism, Aspergers, ADHD!

10:08

2010-09-13T10:10:00.001-07:00

Randonness at 10:07!

Yes...I'm still in what I wore to bed.

Yes...I haven't done my devotional...

spent too much time of facebook and twitter

and dinner isn't in the oven.

BUT

I've loved my family this morning...

lifting up prayers for them,

listening to music designed to point me to God.

cleaned up the breakfast onslaught and organized homework

area for the troops when they get back...

just random thoughts at 10:08!

An AHA moment....

2010-09-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

It finally dawned on me!

Last night while I was trying to convince my husband

that

he was

DEPRESSED about his mother...

that he was

SAD she was gone...

and

that he was feeling like an orphan...

I WAS TOO!

Don't get me wrong! I know my dad is still living and I praise God for that everyday.

But what WOMAN

do I know have that

has my back,

loves me unconditionally,

thinks my kids do no wrong,

and doesn't mind when my laundry is still in the dryer.

I don't have that anymore

and

doesn't either!

It's ok.

God one day will reunite us with our loved ones.

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,

with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and

with the trumpet call of God,

and the dead in Christ will rise first.

After that,

we who are still alive and are left will be

caught up together with them in the clouds

to meet the Lord in the air.

And so we will be with the Lord forever.

(parts of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

Hello Kitty Pink and My Van!

2010-09-07T06:47:00.000-07:00

You know how you look for your car in the parking lot and can't find it?

Well last night...that was me!

Walking up and down the aisles of the local

WalMart

looking for my maroon mini van!

Finally!

In the distant...I thought I saw it...

but as I walked towards the "van"

I noticed....

this one looks clean,

shiny,

pretty on the outside.

It can't be mine....

my was...no is...dirty,

dingy,

and years of boys slamming doors

have made the sides dinged out!

(an older photo...remember "me no camera"!)

No...

it WAS MINE!

The light at 7:15 in the evening was

waning...and the sky was as pink

as Hello Kitty clothes.

My van was reflecting that

and

APPEARED so clean...

so shiny!

so BEAUTIFUL!!

Well by the time I got to it...

there it was...

same old dirt...

same old dingy...

same old dint marks.

Lord!

Let the dirt in my life,

the dingyness of life not be seen.

Let the reflection of your Son cover my sin!

Let the reflection of your Love shin anew.

Let others see Jesus in me...and YOU!

I know...I'm behind...

2010-08-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

Please be patient...

I will be back...

promise!

PINKY SWEAR!

Outta here!

2010-08-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

On vacay.....

will be back

Friday

August 13, 2010....

Blessings!

Taming the Tongue Tuesday!

2010-08-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

I've finally figured out why

James says in the bible...

The tongue can not be tamed...

My son comes home early from his friend's house.

"Ney what's going on?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?" I press.

"Welllllll"

"What?!" Now I'm getting loud...I know...I'm working on that too...

I'm thinking....was he attacked, abused, hurt, maimed...WHAT!?

"Daniel's grandmother was cussing on the phone and I could hear her..."

"Sooooo I left. I'd tell you what she said...but then I'd be cussing too."

Now if you knew this kid...this would be shocking since he struggles with his own

MOUTH ISSUES!

So for a brief moment...I thought...way to go Ney...

you are really choosing the right attitude and actions for the Lord...then

OPENED

HIS

MOUTH...

"I guess grandmothers can be idiots too."

OK God's still working on his tongue.

And mine.

And yours too!

Let us all be so sensitive of cursing, gossiping and the like,

that when we hear it...

we got to get out.

and

YES I talked to him about using that word IDIOTS...

it's a recurring theme in our household as of late...

maybe we can make it a cuss word too!

James 3:8

But no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison

Ephesians 4:29

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,

but only what is helpful for building others up

according to their needs, that it may

benefit those who listen.

GO TAME THAT TONGUE!

Can you say yes to VBS!

2010-08-02T06:31:00.000-07:00

Glue...

paints...

brushes...

strips of leather...

foam and more foam...

We're doing crafts at

VBS!

Prayers would be appreciated!

That all goes smoothly and kids

feel

God's love!

Blessings!

The scale don't lie...

2010-07-31T07:31:00.002-07:00

Well here I am...

another year later...

and due to a myriad of things...

20 lbs heavier...

YES...I gained 20 lbs. from July 31, 2009 to July 31, 2010!

It wasn't the best year!

But that's o.k....

God is faithful and I'm focusing on weight loss and healthy living again!

So I'm back at square 1!

This week's emphasis...

water!

and

more water!

Moving my body for 30 minutes each day...somehow someway!

Next report...

Next Saturday! Hopefully there will be less of me!

Camp cousins!

2010-07-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

While my sister was in the hospital giving birth...

I played with the dynamic duo for a few days...

CAMP COUSINS!

and I'm happy to report...

Daylin was born

Thursday afternoon around 4 p.m.

so while she labored...we played!

We really did some whirlwind fun...

When my niece arrived Tuesday night...

tent set up in the living room...

Wednesday I told them we'd go to ANY PARK they thought of...

well they thought of

to be exact.

They scootered and biked until they dropped!

Thursday we went to the farmer's market

got our shaved ice and went to the

the harbor...

and

then

Thursday afternoon...

we were called with the exciting news...

the baby was here.

So we went home...cleaned up ourselves

and

snuck into the hospital.

Actually siblings are allowed on L&D for

new baby arrivals if mama permits.

After the baby and hospital visit.

We went back home and I finally let them play my facebook

Petville.

Trust me...this was the biggest hit.

Friday morning we saw

Cats and Dogs the Revenge of something....

and then we went back home to clean up

CAMP COUSINS!

While we were taking the tent down...

My brother in law sent me some baby video...

which got me so excited...

I started deleting pictures on my phone...

so the video would download.

I only ended up with three last pictures to my camp cousins!

If you know me...I'm still kicking myself.

I had visions of a two page spread in a scrapbook...

Nope...I'm not thinking that my sister made it through labor safe and sound with high blood pressure...

I'm still thinking of the deleted photos.... HA!

It was a exhausting and great week!

Friday Photo Flashback...

2010-07-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

Well it's my favorite meme and considering

it's the middle of the summer I'd go back to the summer of 2000.

Not to far back, but it was still without a digital camera.

We had gone to Legoland because

my two little boys loved legos

and they couldn't get enough of them.

I figured the day would be relaxing and fun...

Trying to keep them from getting at the actual structures

...well a 4 and 2 year old are quite fast when it comes to their passion!

For more Flashback fun...check out Alicia's!.

well I'm back on the wagon...weight loss that is...

2010-07-29T03:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday beneath the bluest skies on earth

I started back at something that started getting me back in shape last year.

The thing is...I stopped.

Yep...

cold turkey!

Just stopped.

But beneath a blanket of baby blue and gentle ocean breezes...I started again.

I couldn't have asked for a better day...my phone registered 74°...humidity 20%.

An activity that involves no additional money out of my pocket.

My children are welcomed and are involved.

It is right outside my doorstep.

It gets me out of the house.

Running behind my kids riding their bikes.

Last year I was doing it to make sure my 5 year old learned to ride.

Now I'm doing it so I'll be around when he's 25!

So I'm working on getting into shape.

Not dieting... that doesn't seem to work for me.

But getting back into shape.

I'm not sure where this is headed...

but I know I'll have to weigh in.

And this Saturday will be just as good as any.

See you with the dirt this Saturday!

Well Wednesday's a good day...

2010-07-28T08:32:00.001-07:00

Today my little sister is giving birth!

We're so excited.

Like Sarah in the bible...she had to wait a while for this one...

not decades...

just six years.

People consider her Sarah for having a baby at 40!

Well I'm waiting for the call that will welcome little

Daylin Brent

into the world.

Nope...they're not Irish...they just like that name.

Brent is the dad's middle name.

Status, size and updates to follow.

I'm going back to wrangling the 6 year olds

(my youngest and my niece...)

time for them to get dress and do SOMETHING!

Taming the Tongue Tuesday...

2010-07-27T06:34:00.000-07:00

It is better

not to vow

than to make a vow

and not fulfill it.

Ecclesiastes 5:5

'nuf said!

Blessings!

Do Women's event promote families...

2010-07-26T03:37:00.000-07:00

"Does your women's event promote families?"

That's the question my hubby slyly asked me yesterday.

He was half way joking. Half way.

I wanted to say...

Yes...

Of course...

You better believe it...

But do they?

Do church women's organization...

National woman's organizations...

and

women gathering in the sake of...

God and all things women...

support the primarily role women are to have...

a help meet to their husbands and raising of children.

What do you think?

Sunday school change...

2010-07-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

Well you might know there are two things I enjoy doing at church...

teaching Sunday School and teaching Awanas....

Well we had a change of the guard today and it was promotion Sunday!

I KNOW!

In the middle of summer?

Somtimes I wonder myself...who knows....but there it was...

Anyhow...

It was so cute to see the "old" kids greet the "new kids"...

go out of their way to make the newbies...

know what to do...

where to sit...

what to do...

what's coming next?

I wonder....

would that work with adults in church?

I wonder if we could follow "new" potential church members around...

showing them where everything is...

and help them get settled in.

Probably not...but some might like it?

I wonder.

Vacation all I ever wanted...

2010-07-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

Well it's Friday and time for Friday Photo Flashback...

taking our predigital photos and showcasing them.

Well the year was 1992...

you can tell....

by the colorful silk tank tops...

My sister and I decided we were too grown for the typical

spring break spots....

so that year it was just us sisters in Maui.

Amazing how you can drive on the sand in Hawaii!

Being from California...that still blows my mind.

Me in Old Lahaina...under a banyon tree.

Blessings.

For more flashback fun...check out Alicia's.

redeeming love...

2010-07-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

Just read this book and it was quite good.

A little slow in the middle but it was such a great version on the book of Hosea.

If you haven't read this....

please do!

Blessings!

Taming the tongue....

2010-07-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

OK so what do you do when someone is rude?

The sad thing is they don't even realize they were rude?

And to make sure I just wasn't over dramatizing I asked someone far from the situation so I wouldn't slander...

OK so maybe I asked like 3 people...

OK so maybe one was close to the situation and I slandered a little...

OK I slandered...but is it slander if it's with your husband!

OH yeah...back to the rude "talking to" I had dumped on me.

You have to wonder when people open their mouths (myself included...)

do we really think

that

what

they

say

sometimes

pure

well "poop"!

I'm beginning to wonder why people are rude to me...

and how many have I been rude too and

NOT

EVEN

AWARE OF IT!

Well I guess it's my turn!

Oh and Lord...you really like to give me things that test me...

I know it's a test...but sometimes I forget!

Going to get help and peace from the bible!

That's the best place!

THE BIBLE!

and I am getting OVER IT!

be blessed!

2010-07-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

teppan chef stir frying vegetables

Yesterday I declared to my hubby...

I don't want to cook dinner...

can we eat out!

And so to the Red Arrow (In and Out)

we went....

Food, fast, that my family can eat their fill

What a blessing!

Gotta go through old clothes in the closet.

No they aren't torn.

Some are too short,

too thin,

they don't fit just right....

So out perfect good clothes go...

gently used and giving them away.

That's a blessings.

What will be for breakfast...

or dinner for that matter.

The kids want Trix cereal,

I have Kashi if I can get takers.

One only wants Malt-o-meal...

I'll finally decide what to bring out

with bacon.

Choices for breakfast.

That's a blessing.

Trying to decide where our day will lead...

to the beach,

one wants to go to the pool...

one wants to hit the music store...

another playing wii with the neighbor...

Children playing.

That's a blessing.

We are so abundantly blessed with so many things, we don't even realize we're blessed anymore since it's so commonplace.....

LORD, Thank you for the blessings I forget I have!

Have a great day...

and enjoy

THOSE BLESSINGS!

Praying because that's all we can do...

2010-07-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

I know life is hard and has rocky valleys.

God is good and I need to accept that...

but Lord...

there is a mother,

who is battling cancer...

there is a father and husband,

who holds his family together with God's grace for his wife.

there are four children...

who have seen more oncology wards than any 10, 9, 3, and 1 year old should see.

Lord, technology has given us a ringside view I'm not sure I want right now...

I'm asking for you and will be posting on other blogs...

Lord, we are praying for Jules...

Not our will, but YOUR will!

Tears well in my eyes because I know

God's will is best.

Lord, don't you know... I have my own long distant agenda,

of everything working out like a sitcom

so I can glibly claim..."God did it."

(See I told you He was good.)

Agendas run amok when eternity is at the front porch.

I know this dear mother has her own agenda, let it in chorus with yours Lord.

I know this father and friend has his agenda, let it ring in harmony with yours Lord,

and these dear small children, let them see your greatness amongst confusion and turmoil.

Life is Hard...and whatever your will is Lord,

God is still good!

water view weddings and waiting....

2010-07-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

(taken with my phone...not bad huh?)

I packed up the kids and headed to a family wedding this past Monday,

Yep...Monday!

I know...who gets married on a Monday!

The thing is if you saw the venue....you'd know you'd get married there anyday!

But you know me....I'm waiting on my cousin to get back to get her pictures...

Why?

Cause don't you know...

my camera phone was overloaded with the first round I snapped and

she let me HOLD her camera! (silly cousin)

Mistake number 1!

I've got some great photos...

they're just in HER camera!

She only lives on the other side of the state!

Sheesh! So I'm waiting!

Note to self...stop obsessing over people's cameras!

Ha!

That's Lilly, her hubby Dale (my first cousin)...then Bry

Mary, his sister and my first cousin - is in the pink (looking like a movie star...)

Her nephew Dale Jr, my oldest Billy, my hubby Bill, Ney and

Key the groom (our cousin who plays for a living....)

(if you're curious...click here!)

Oh and Lilly (girl in brown dot dress...) "I'd like my photos please!"

stay the course...

2010-07-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

Sundrenched patio for my sister's baby shower...

provided opportunities for reflection. (I took this with my phone before anyone showed up.)

I successfully completed my first diaper cake.

Now if you know about making one of these.

It's a process.

A LOOONNGGGG process!

You have to organize, roll, roll, roll...and stay the course until it's completed.

A group of my sister's friends who all showed up a the same time,

distracted me from my final decorating touches.

But as soon as I realized other stuff belonged on the table.

I went back to fussing.

That's our Christian life sometimes.

Life has many distractions.

Family.

Work.

Our own folly!

But God is faithful to gently guide us back on course if we let him.

When we see His hand in guiding us. Let Him guide.

Let Him put you back on course.

My sister Moni, myself, with Ms. Howard!

Ms. Howard is still running the race and staying the course for Jesus!

My sister and I were in her kindergarten Sunday School class years ago.

After 35 years, she's still teaching the SAME SUNDAY SCHOOL class!

Staying the course indeed!

Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us.

Run the race...stay the course!

Blessings!

July fun...

2010-07-09T08:49:00.000-07:00

Well trying to get back into the "blog" of things. I'm joining in with the flashback Friday's...

It's where we showcase our pre-digital photos....

This week I decided that to show a photo that doesn't have me in it....

Although I'm starting to look more and more like my mom...

When I saw it....it remind me of July, my mom cooking and having friends over.

My dad grilling fish and ribs.

I have busied up my life so much, I don't have friends over unless it's a playdate.

My husband is so exhausted from two jobs we don't even own a grill.

Looks like we both need to slow down and enjoy some July fun

so we can get closer to friends and family!

Nice concept...don't know if it will happen.

But I LOVE this photo...it reminds me of July!

Blessings!

For more Flashback fun head to Alicia's.

Thursday fun!

2010-07-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

What's going on today 7.8.10

This video is a little old... over a year to be exact...

Well my big boys are off with grandpa fishing,

boating,

getting dirty in the mud,

and living off of pop tarts,

hot dogs,

fried fish and "pop" (as grandpa calls it!)

Have fun...

and when you get back tomorrow...to the showers...to the showers!

Oh...what am I doing while they're gone...

going through their clothes, toys, books

and hanging out with my youngest!

Blessings y'all!

My night in pictures...

2010-07-07T09:12:00.001-07:00

Last night a group of us moms at church took out one of our uber moms...

We had a great night!

Between the laughter, plates of foods, and fondue...

we got a chance to hang out without our dear little ones,

eat dinner without having to do dishes...

and wear clothes without fear of stains being put on them!

Fun was had by all...

but we'll still miss you Bethany!

Thank God for blogging, email and facebooking!

Check out my pictures that chronicle our silly evening...

If you don't know, You can click on any picture and it will fill the screen...

Well since we were honoring Bethany it's only proper that she should drive...

Sherry seemed quite content in the packed van.

Patches and Bobbi seemed to be pretty snug in the back and well...

Vicki and I got to ran and got the middle seats...woo hoo!

Once we got to our first stop...the weather outside was so nice we couldn't resist. Doesn't Bethany looks relaxed. (It's a calm before the storm, her movers are coming tomorrow!)

There were so many choices on the menus...The Aimee/Amy combination decided on some gourmet pizza.

Some moms decided that flowers were needed to make the event a little extra special.

So one of the commandments was broken and I'm not going to tell you who STOLE a flower out of the parking lot.

(You tell me...WHO looks guilty?)

After our dinner at California Pizza kitchen we went to the a fondue restaurant for dessert.

The Melting Pot was just right up the street. It was hushed tones and a quiet ambience.

Well until we showed up!

Renee (who organized our motley crew) and Peggy decided that

this crew would do best with

chocolate, chocolate

and some more chocolate!

Ying and Yang chocolate and Chocolate carmal turtle bowls were decided...

Our server was Carlos...and that's ALL I'm going to say about that!

He heated up the pots and then poured something in the bowls...

Blue and white fire shot up...it was so cool!

Carlos brought out the little plates of heaven for dipping...

the best marshmellows, pound cakes, brownies

rice krispy treats, strawberries, plantains and other goodies...

A good time was had by all!

There was just one more thing we needed to do...

(here on the blog anyway...)

Courtesy of Photoshop...I put a flower in everybody's hair!

Love these gals!

Bethany, you and your family will be missed!

Mom's night out!

2010-07-06T08:44:00.001-07:00

Saying goodbye to another great church mom....

old photo from December....

Time for mom's night out and

saying goodbye (tear....)

to a really sweet lady in our church.....

even an older photo from Spring 09

There she is....uber suburban mom on the left...minus the soccer (thank God)!

Yep...the one on the left.

She's leaving our little church klan...

and heading into domestic bliss somewhere outside of San Diego!

Did I mention her new house has an indoor pool!

OK I did mention that...but I'm happy for her family...

with 4 kids it's a great thing to have.

I'm praying that she finds the perfect church home,

her kids adjust well to their new school and find great friends...

and that they grow closer in the Lord as a family!

We'll miss them, but God always has great plans brewing!

Well I'll report on eating out at the upscale place we're going...

I'm wondering should I wear heels?

saying yes....to ADULT VBS!

2010-07-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

Ever heard of VBS for adults.

I have.

Our church is holding this for teachers, VBS adults, etc.

Now you know

I'm

excited.

I'm attending bible study

without my kids,

(you know I love you boys)

but with my husband!

(I get to bother my husband and learn about God's word at the same time!)

I can't remember the last time I did that!

I'm really excited!

I wonder if we'll get a lollipop if we memorize the memory verse.

Can you say YES....to V.B.S.!

JOY!

2010-06-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

OK so I think the key to truly having joy that comes from the Lord...

Focus on the Lord...

stay out of sin...

stay away from trifling folks...

Trifling...

for all you suburbanites...

It's a word my grandmother or mom would have used.

Someone who comes to you ready to spew gossip and slander,

pick into your business so they can gossip about what you said...

too worried about other people's business...can't leave yours alone...

So if you stay away from trifling folks...

focus on Christ...you can stay close enough to Him to stay out of sin...

(I mean you still going to sin...but not WILLING RUNNING into sin...)

(OK we still do that too...)

Maybe...just maybe...you can have a little joy!

JOY

that's what I'm working on today!

God's Joy!

Nehemiah 8: 1-11.

Do it ANYWAY!

2010-06-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

What happens when you find yourself doing the bulk of ...

(insert whatever you do you'd like someone else to do here...)

It could be anything.

From dishes at home to deadlines at work.

But you're the one doing the bulk...

the lion share of ...

whatever it is!

As Americans...we sulk.

We pout.

We keep score.

We one' up.

But as Christians we have to choose to

seek joy...

seek God...

and seek comfort...

after you do a great job.

Even if you do the lion's share of something and you think the work should be shared with others...God wants you to do this job...

the best you can do!

Whatever you do , whether in word or deed,

do it all the in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through him!

Colossians 3:17

Call on Him!

2010-06-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

God thank you for the gift of intercession...

for us to boldly ask for help...

for us...

for others.

Thank you for allowing

YOU

God of the universe,

a forum

for us,

dust of this earth,

to communicate with you!

With God all things are possible.

Prayer is such a beautiful gift.

A gift that needs to be open daily,

used, seen

time and time again.

I pray I seek you more, and seek less of me.

Thank you!

The Lord is near to all who call Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.

Psalm 145:18

My Daddy tribute!

2010-06-19T19:53:00.000-07:00

My tribute to my dad...

and it's an odd one...(good thing he doesn't read my blog)

In my mom's diary...

circa 1963...

were the words that spelled out...

she was planning to divorce my dad.

He was drinking up his paycheck...

and hers...

not helping with the baby (my brother)

and leaving the house a mess while she was

in nursing school and working on the side.

She didn't give up on him!

She put in for a job away from San Diego...

and he got it!

So they moved to a little coastal town...

and

something got a hold of my dad....

JESUS!

The dad I knew growing up...

never cussed,

never drank...

opened the doors of the church each Sunday,

and Sunday night,

and Wednesdays too...

was often seen exercising or reading his bible in the mornings before work...

always carried a heavy black lunch box...

and in the 80s a cell phone that looked like a purse.

Turns out once he started working...he didn't stop...

He was a hard worker in his small business

and put three of us through the university at the same time...

He helped out nieces and nephews,

uncles and aunts,

showed us how to swim,

fish,

play horse and tucked us in every night for 10 years

(while my mom worked the night shift as a nurse)

He never got upset when we would

jump off his small fishing boat in the lake...

and mess up his fishing plans!

When we were with our dad...

we felt we could do...

be....

anything!

Thanks Dad for living up to what Jesus saw in you...

before you saw it in yourself!

Praise God for Christ never giving up on us...

and for never giving up on my dad!

My dad gently telling my boys not to pick green lemons off my tree...

Looks like he's speaking softly but caring a "STICK"!

The case for a new camera...

2010-06-17T07:30:00.001-07:00

OK here is the case for a new camera...

cause my phone just can't capture what I want.

We'll use this weeks graduations as evidence.

Bry on the big screen...they showed the first day of school photos...

You can't see it well...but it's truly a "deer caught in the headlight" situation.

Bry and the antsy/pantsy four.... (Brian, Bryson, Jaeden and Seven)...

These boys will miss each other!

(Yes I said...Seven...doesn't seem weird anymore)

OK I needed more mileage out of his Easter suit...

I figured the teacher put her jumpiest kids in the front...and it worked...they sat the whole time!

Later in the day, at another school my 6th grader receives his "promotion" award.

Even though it's fuzzy...note he's wearing jeans...

the tie he left the house with was ditched in the audience

he un tucked his shirt and when he received his "graduation" certificate...

tore his shirt open to reveal this shirt...

needless to say...he's going to have to learn to sew

...there are five buttons on the other shirt missing.

Enough of clothes...

this is the best my phone does...

outside...in the sun...and being

VERY STILL!

So that's my case and I'm sticking too it!

I'm still looking for the money to buy a camera...

and I'm still trying to figure out what I want.

On a side note...

it was fun seeing the boys "promote".

They were so excited and we had a great time!

We'll they're onto 1st grade and 7th grade...

time is flying by at warp speeds...warp speeds I tell ya!

Taming the Tongue Tuesday

2010-06-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

Is it Tuesday again?

Must be time to tame that tongue!

Well it's the end of the school year for us and with that said...

it's the time

need

to thank

all the teachers involved in the lives of our children.

Sunday school teachers

elementary school teachers

music teachers...

soccer coaches and baseball coaches...

anyone who deals with our families...

should be thanked.

The kids can get involved too...

Some more willingly then others...

but it's good for them to get involved.

It doesn't have to cost really...anything!

A homemade card will do...

if you want to be elaborate...that's fine...

but I think homemade cards are best if you can get

the child to decorate and make it.

Remember...I have boys...

who aren't into crafting...so this is an effort on their part!

Don't forget to thank the people around you...

and if that happens to be you since you homeschool....

they can still THANK YOU!

Thanksgiving...it's a wonderful thing!

Blessings!

Flashback Friday

2010-06-11T09:00:00.001-07:00

The day where we take our pre-digital photos and showcase them!

Well it's my first Friday Photo Flashback in a while...

and I figured...

with all of this end of the school year stuff....

I'd post a picture from 1997.....

When I took a group of kids from our church to

California Baptist University.

There were two others not from our church...

but they didn't have a youth group...so I grabbed them too!

This time of the year for grads always hold

such promise...

such nostaglia...

and my hair was holding...

such extensions!

Gotta love old photos... (if you want to see it bigger...click on the photo)

For more flashback fun...visit Alicia's here!

Graduates...

2010-06-10T09:59:00.000-07:00

What's the perfect gift for the

high school graduate....

How do you tell them without filling their heads

with frivolous ambitions

unreasonable expectations...

that life is great

and life is hard.

That life without Christ will be hell...

but life with Jesus will be fulfilling...

but not what

THEY

think it might be?

Oh poohy,

I'll just pick up a Hallmark,

filled with hope and sugary prose,

stick a Starbucks card in it...

and call it a day!

Wednesday's Word

2010-06-09T09:07:00.001-07:00

And we know all things work together for our good,

to those who love God

to those who are the called,

according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28

Do we really believe that?

When life has gone bad...

REALLY BAD...

can we say....

It is God who is making this happen so things will be better in the long run?

It is God who is allowing this to happen so things will be better in the long run?

I know I can quote it.

I know I can glibly say I believe it...

but do

REALLY

BELIEVE

IT?

My American mindset has problems with this verse.

I KNOW bad has to happen in the world...

but sometimes I think...

quietly when there is no one around...

Bad happens to bad people and good happens to good people!

You know, you do too..

Her husband wouldn't have left her if she had been cuter?

Her kids wouldn't be strung out on drugs if she had been more diligent?

Her parents would be healthier if she lived closer?

We judge.

We condemn.

Maybe, just maybe...the bad...

the seasons...

the storms are getting us ready like Joseph...

and All things do work together for GOOD

to those who LOVE the LORD!

Taming the Tongue Tuesday

2010-06-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

The thought you thought!

Yep THAT one.

The random "I don't like..."

"Did she really..."

"Why doesn't he..."

(you can fill in the blank...)

Was that a thought that requires you to speak...

or is it something that is better left alone.

We form judgement, words, actions...

based on our limited knowledge.

We form judgement, words, actions...

based on OUR preceived righteousness...

We're just being KNOW IT ALLS!

So before we talk...

let's follow John...

Judge not according to the apperance, but judge righteous judgment.

John 7:24

Whenever we judge...it should be unto righteous correction...

not because you don't like someone having a new car...

a new dress... a party you didn't get invited to...

Sometimes we judge because we feel out of control in one area of our lives...

so let's go over here and exact some CONTROL...

and LET THEM KNOW...

how

IT'S SUPPOSE TO GO!

Ummm that's Bullying....

God wants us to talk, think, speak...

like this...

Give therefore thy servant an

UNDERSTANDING heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad.

1 King 3:9...

That verse was for a king...a leader...someone in charge.

If we aren't in charge...we aren't suppose to be doing the judging...

If we ARE in charge...like a mom or boss...

we HAVE to judge...

with understanding and with mercy...

This is good to chew on when dealing with our kids, relatives, spouces...

anyone we encounter...

Let our voices speak understanding and mercy...

understanding and mercy!

Brought to you by the letter U

2010-06-07T08:16:00.001-07:00

I just heard on

Sesame Street...

"we're gonna drop it like it's HOT!"

Let's start with the letter U!

Umbrella, um...umm....

Let's kick a U for Underpants..."

OK...I want to stay relevant...

but please cookie monster should not be saying...

"Drop it like it's HOT!"

Thanks you...

and that's brought to you by the letter

Don't be green with envy...crabgrass is to blame.

2010-06-04T22:51:00.001-07:00

Originally uploaded by islandlorrie

so I heard the typical sound of my neighbor's gardner outside.

Clipping.
Snipping.
Lawn mowing
and
that loud blower!

Perfection!

His lawn.

But it's still not as dark as mine,
not as green...
not as desirable!

As I opened the door to look out at his lawn verses mine.
I noticed it...

that's why my lawn is dark...

it's something I've been overlooking...

too busy
COMPARING his yard with mine.

I thought I was on top...but it's
crabgrass!

Now I'll have to use some of this...

and some serious arm muscle...
to take it out.
My lawn will no longer
"Look"
green and pretty from the street.

It's necessary...
a little yellow...some brown patches...
and some ego lost.

If I don't take out the crabgrass now.

My yard might look good from afar...
but upclose...
it will be one big weed!

What weeds in your life need serious "taking out!"

God's got the answer....
Spray your life in prayer...
accept the brown patches and barren areas
and then wait and watch and see God restore you to
having a beautiful lawn...

Remember...
The grass only looks greener on the other side...'cause there might be crabgrass in it!

2010-06-04T14:21:00.000-07:00

I am no longer willing to be comfortable.

I'm not really sure what that means...

but it seems

that my

life

has

gotten

little too predictable.

I have to say...

after all the stunts pulled...

I have to admire Mr. "Let's skydive"

for one thing...

NOT LIVING IN TWILIGHT!

Now mind you...

that can be a problem but if we harness

this

energy

for good...

for God...

he'll be a success for God.

How do you harness the great qualities of your children for God?

Oh...twilight is from my favorite quote from Teddy Roosevelt...

at the Sorbonne in Paris circa 1910...

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.

well our vacation for the summer is on....

2010-06-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

No... we won't be spending $300 on a vacation for 5 people for 4 days.

That was last year!

We had free housing.

We had free food.

We took the red car.

This year it's a wedding.

Our hotel is moderately priced.

We're feeding our army.

We're taking the van.

I'm trying to get things ready so...

one...

I don't buy anything I don't have to...

and

I'm

STILL trying to squeeze in Legoland

Mexico...

I'm still undecided!

I know Bryson would LOVE legoland

but the bigger boys would get a kick out of Mexico.

The problem is Bill and I don't have passports...

and we'd have to get pass cards (at $25 for each of us...)

We'll have to see...

new mercies every morning....

2010-06-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

Quote of the day....

7:10 a.m., June 2, 2010

Bill, "Nathan you can't light a candle or anything flammable in your room."

(Which Nathan did this morning for some reason about 6 a.m.)

Nathan, "But there's nothing flammable in my room."

Bill and I at the same time,

"Everything in your room is flammable!"

Good morning to God's new mercies....

The LORD's kindness never fails!

If he has not been merciful, we would have been destroyed.

The LORD can always be trusted to show mercy each morning!

Lamentations 3:22-23

Deciding our summer vacay....

2010-05-28T06:25:00.000-07:00

Summer is around the corner...

and

the only really big thing family side...

is my professional ball playing 1st cousin's

wedding...

it's at

l'auberge

del mar.

I have to admit...I wish we were going to

Arizona again.

The salt river was fun!

But seeing all my dad's brothers...

will be great too!

Get ready Del Mar....the Dawsons are coming!

And to that end...

my boys are already wondering why we're eating

a lot of beans and rice,

chili

and soup for dinner....

it's called saving for the vacay!

And we're SO NOT STAYING at the wedding hotel.

Made my reservations at the Best Western down the street for one night...

I can already see this is adding up...

my husband isn't the happiest about going!

He doesn't like parties and weddings...

and here I am dragging him to a PARTY and WEDDING!

hilarious!

what happen to slowing down when school ended...

2010-05-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

End of the year...

I'm looking towards June 17!

Yep, that's the day!

The day of the freedom!

Freedom!

From potluck items and graduation "gatherings"

Water days, 6th grade dances and awards nights.

Freedom!

From checking homework from reluctant participants.

Freedom!

From cold lunches, hot lunch money, fun snacks, and

Bill calling for left overs to be run by his class.

Freedom! I tell ya....Freedom!

Good day...sunshine!

2010-05-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

Well they say it would happen...

but I didn't believe them...

having a pet has...

given Nay some personal responsibility!

Our indoor/mostly outdoor cat is finally feeling the groove...

of living around the family room/patio and garage.

Yes...that might seem like animal torture to some of you.

But I'm allergic to cats, not a big pet fan (although I'm softening)...

so to the elements she must stay!

I have been known...to heat the garage during the night...

I've got a feeling Nathan's not the only one....

who has a soft spot for the cat!

Wish I could post pictures....

but (insert whining here...)

YOU KNOW I DON'T HAVE MY CAMERA!

(Insert silent pause for camera...RIP)

I will get a picture of the cat soon...

she's so cute!

and end to a short era...

2010-05-24T15:25:00.001-07:00

Well the private thing is coming to an end.

Why?

Because I don't interact like I use too...

I will still have a sounding off board...

but it won't be this one.

So my other blog Rocky Peak will be more private

and this one will be public.

Plus I have facebook email for privacy with problems, etc...

and that has helped alot!

With that said...please excuse me while I go and

delete some post that shouldn't be PUBLIC!

So if you had some good points...

that got deleted...

(which would only be Bethany, Beth in NC and Alicia...

who held on...)

please excuse me.

Vicki....STOP commenting to email...

you're suppose to comment HERE!

Love you all...

and blessings!

wow...now you have to ask...

2010-05-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

Is your child graduating?

Just because they're in the 12th grade,

attended prom,

have been to homecoming and are ready to leave the house...

in today's society...

you have to ask...

Are they graduating?

Invitations use to flood my house during April and May...

but no longer...

now they come in May...

with a sigh of relief...

Or they come hand delivered in June...

with some sweat on the brow...

or they don't come at all...

and the person in question quietly slips into junior college...

I wonder why?

I think I got some insight talking to a guardian about a child in question.

I was told this 18 year old doesn't like her parents, grandparents or anyone

looking at their iparent account.

HA!

That's like not checking a kid's room!

Are you kidding me?

And the sad thing is...they aren't looking because it make this kid

feeeeeeeeeeeellllllllll like they're watching.

Well my 9th grader knows.....

I'm WATCHING!

And if an assignment isn't turned in for that week...

get ready for an electronic free...soda free...fun free

week-end!

Not because I'm nosey...but I'm helping him keep on top of things.

That way...come 2013...

no one will have to wonder...

"Is he graduating?".

I do have to give it to one girl from church...who I've know since forever...

we just ASSUMED she wasn't going to make it...

but this, her senior year...

she pulled it together...

started getting great grades, runs track, played in a dance troupe at school...

and all that

WITHOUT her grandmother using an iparent.

All she needed was to see her older brother and sister going nowhere fast...

and that was iparent enough!

Consider the ant, you hater of work, give thoughts to her ways and be wise!

Proverbs 6:6

moving from one state to another...

2010-05-24T09:16:00.001-07:00

tran·si·tion (trn-zshn, -ssh-)
n.
1. Passage from one form, state, style, or place to another.

the school year can be summed up with that one word...

I transitioned from homeschooling to putting my middle son in a quasi junior high/elementary.

That was a huge adjustment.

He has never gone to school with the kids in the neighborhood.

He left for GATE in the first grade...and bounced around from there.

He LOVES that school is across the street.

He's also started the big....P...yep...

he's changing into a man.

What a transition...that's driving me

straight to my knees and into God's prayer thrown!

Next year will be hilarious for him...

He has to have his dad for math...no getting around it!

Both my husband and I are a bit worried about that.

My oldest transitioned from junior high to high school...

and had been with the same kids since 1st grade.

They all had a groove going...

but alas...academics, abilities, sports and extra curricular

activities have parted them all...

taking their places in the cliques that will define them in high school.

He really didn't pick band...it picked him!

ROTC came out of left field. I should have know he'd love the structure.

We're grateful for a place he feels he belongs...

and more importantly...a place to hang out at LUNCH!

But really, someone should have told me it was a very expensive activity!

My youngest did the most transitioning of all.

He still a Peter/Moses when things don't go according to his plan.

But instead of hitting straightway...he is verbalizing more.

His buddy from school was over and he just couldn't get himself past something...

and he started screaming...

"I'm so angry at you and angry at me and just angry."

I worry about him and his little angry self the most.

The bright side is the school hasn't called in two months. His teacher is fierce!

A thin hispanic woman who doesn't allow the kids to even move without a signal.

I know...rigid but it works great with him. There are never any surprises.

He now has playdates 'cause his little friends know he isn't going to attack.

We can actually go to the park with the grandmothers and nannies after school...

and not cringe wondering what's going to happen.

He still doesn't play the "playing games" too many variables and he just gets so

confused. And of course...when confused...acting out is not far behind!

I wish someone would give him a diagnosis so I could afford some therapy...but I'm just doing what I can from books and the internet!

Church is another matter. I gave him and ME a hiatus.

He's so inflexible, there are too many variables.

I know when I'm whipped, and it took too much energy to always be on guard!

My friend Ivy had one like Bry...and he she really has been a wealth of information.

Bry's starting to really become a first grader...

so proud of his first book report.

I KNEW it was going to be about trains...but he choose the statue of liberty!

That was a big surprise.

WOW...transitions...

Since Bill's salary at the school is at it's base pay and all extra teaching, tutoring has been cut by the economy...

I see myself transitioning too.

The stress of not having the extra tutoring money has cause us to...

think about me subbing or getting a part time job.

When your husband says..."You could work while Bry's in school"...

that's a little hint.

I'm not opposed to working...but I know me.

I can get obsessed with it and it would become my focus and not the kids.

A little subbing wouldn't hurt...

and it would help with making ends meat.

Transitions...

are just a part of life.

but I'm excited summer is coming...

and even though there isn't extra money for a big vacation...

that's not going to stop me from making some memories.

VBS is coming! Pool and beach weather is coming!

My little nephew is coming and

my cousin is getting married in La Jolla!

I'm borrowing a camera, gussing up myself and the boys...

and getting ready to meet some NFL Colt players...

too bad Bill and I won't know who they are!

lusting after...

2010-05-17T07:29:00.001-07:00

Lord, I know my prayers are filled with I want...I need...

"can I have"

"gimme this"

"strike this person with coals and fire"...

you know Lord...the typical stuff...

but

today

I come

asking...

OK...

for the same thing...

Lord...

Can I have a new camera?

I'm lusting after one.

Can I have another few weeks of school...

like we've been having?

I didn't get called by any school...

last week...

and the week before.

So Can I make it to the end of the year....PPLLEEAASSEE..

Lord while you're at it...

make sure my brother-in-law is fine.

'cause he's my sister's husband and...

he's my nieces dad...

and I guess I love him too...

ummm in the Lord...

and Lord...I know I asked for the camera before praying for my brother in law.

But you know how shallow I can be.

So Lord...help me not to be so shallow.

oh and God bless everyone.

In your name.

Amen!

No...my 11 year old doesn't have a cell...

2010-05-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

A boy called for Nathan Saturday and was

struck that he called his HOUSE phone.

He wanted Nathan's cellular!

I had to tell this wet-behind-the-ear 11 year old...

my son

doesn't a cell...

and right now...

doesn't need one...

"Now, would you like to leave a message?".

"No, I'll call back later."

He did.

Problem solved.

Why do parents (myself included) adultize (my words) our children?

We think it's cute to give them things that adults should really only have.

I'm guilty.

My bigger boys have a facebook.

The older really needed it...but the younger didn't.

I just thought it was cute.

Our kids are getting bigger and bigger everytime we blink...

and one day they will be adults.

Let's keep them kids a little longer.

When your money goes out the....electronic window...

2010-05-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

My oldest had to take his lunch today!

That's really wouldn't be a big deal...but he's use to taking $2 or $3 bucks with him to school!

I had to tell him...

not today...

I'm using your lunch money for your brother.

You see Nathan's lunch at school is $1.75 each day...that doesn't include milk (which is 25¢)...

Wondering how we got in this lack of money situation...

well it's a long story...

but I've got time to tell...

We Milton's operate our finances on three accounts.

I have a checking account from 1983...yep..that far back!

That's my fun money. That's also tied to my debit card.

My husband or I will usually deposit $500 hundred at the beginning of the month in my grocery/extra fund for me to spend...and when that's gone...

it's gone!

Well last Tuesday I went to the dentist.

Instead of charging me $156 for my procedure...

she charged me $756!

Well I knew that was wrong...told her it was...

and instead of VOIDING...

she issued me a refund!

Problem #1...

my spending account would be frozen a few days. We'll just use the main account. So I told her...don't worry about it and if it was resolved I wouldn't be to upset.

So I switched to using the main account.

Wednesday...our mortgages goes through...

like it normally does...

except...it didn't go through once...

but twice!

(Now for non Southern Cali people...you can't understand how this wreck...

HAVOC on your finances...)

Needless to say...

my husband tried to straighten out this thousands of dollar error and the

State (who holds our mortgage...)

says they have to issue him a check...

all the while things are over drafting left and right!

So of course we can't use our savings...it's covering the overdrafts until they're fixed.

So I got an idea Friday...

I'm going down to the credit union.

Let me take money out of our savings we never touch...

and this was the kicker...

When I gave the teller my bank card...

some OTHER woman comes up and says...

"Are you with Oxnard Elementary?"

"Umm....yes?" I'm saying that really slow...

"Well sorry to tell you...but we're having a problem with all Oxnard Elementary accounts and you can't take anything out of the bank. Were you trying to make a withdrawal?.."

I just shook my head and thought...this is crazy.

And then I texted Bill with the problem.

We laughed and realized...

maybe we shouldn't be spending any money right now...

'cause someone is locking it all up!

So here we are...day 4 running off of borrowed allowance money and grade cash.

I'm using every gift card in sight...and am grateful...

but it's just still so odd..

Friday we had ALL THREE ACCOUNTS...unavailable at the same time.

Well it's now Tuesday and my account is fixed.

We're living on my grocery/kids money...

and we're waiting for our check from the state of California.

Maybe we shouldn't hold our breath!

And NO we didn't ask any family members for a loan...we're just too prideful for that!

The good thing is...last night we had a great time making whatever we found from the kitchen and I got a respite from my dear hubby trying to eat out with pizza. He can't afford pizza...that's a blessing right there!

Oh and the bigger lesson...folks we all really should have $500 in cash stashed around our houses like the old folks do. You never know!

Saturday and I'm losing steam....

2010-05-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

So I had this idea that all the projects I didn't finish during the week...

I'd do today!

I'm losing steam...

and it's time to put on dinner...

ugghhh!

Inklings of Mother's Day...

2010-05-05T07:37:00.000-07:00

My favorite part of Mother's Day...is

not the gifts...

it's what it forces my boys and hubby to do.

Stop...

pause...

think of others..

OK ...well...yeah, think of me...

but others too!

We're already starting to see signs.

And since I don't want to leave anyone out...

I have a quick snapshot of each.

Yesterday after leaving the doctor, of course I popped by Ross.

My youngest walks down the candle aisle and picks up a blue one.

"Mommy...this smells...beautiful!"

"Your right...it does!" Looking down on face that either happy or sad...no inbetween!

We kept walking.

When I got to the checkout with my unauthorized cup towels and bra purchases...

I noticed SOMEONE had put a candle next to my 42D yellow bra.

"Mom, don't look it's a surprise!"

I told the woman to wrap that one quick...I'm not suppose to see it and put it in another bag.

She did and I gave it to him!

Then we left...him with his surprise...

and me with my new Delta Burke!

After school....my middle one often brings a motley crew of people home.

Some girl from next door who got locked out.

His NEW best friend. His other NEW best friend...

but yesterday it was Josh. His NEWEST best friend.

"Mom!" he blasts in the door with his overweight toe-head twin behind!

"Mom! Can Josh hang out?!"

"Yeah, sure"...I in another room so I didn't really answer well."

Then I heard him say in a hushed tone...

"Lets pretend we're going in the garage to find the cat and WORK on our Mother's Day plan."

"MOM!" "We're going in the garage!" Nathan screams!

"OK!" I yell back...

and off they went...working on the plan!

I won't lie...I do worry about his hairbrained plans...but he was so cute!

My oldest, often shows no affection at all. He is a living Mr. Spook.

He's talking on his cell phone in the backyard, after dinner...

and I see him pacing through the window.

"Keep talking" I'm thinking...that way you'll stay out of your brother's hair!

He runs in and says,

"Can Shawn come over Saturday?"

(My oldest is speaking about the only real friend he has...I'm not complaining...I'm grateful!)

"You see his mom is a single mom and dad is talking us shopping Saturday and he has no dad to take him shopping so I thought he can come over so he can come with our dad and if he doesn't have money I have $38 dollars he can share with me."

I waved my hand and didn't answer.

That brought me to tears!

Sometimes we don't know if the effort we put into our children comes back.

I'm always telling them PLEASE THINK OF OTHERS!

I make so many mistakes as a mom, we all do...

but when you get something back...and you know God is letting you know you're doing something right!

That's better than any Mother's day gift that can be bought!

Whatever happens this weekend...

I'll be sitting back, feeling blessed in my Delta Burke...knowing

God has allowed my boys to think of others

AND that includes me too!

Blessings!

Bad news on all fronts...

2010-05-03T16:59:00.000-07:00

The last time I suspected someone was pregnant I was right.

I HATE having this icky feeling.

No!

Stop...it's not me!

I'm being faithful to my little white and blue pills.

which are to control the pain of my periods.

Ok they control other things too.

cause I'm not THAT conservative!

Back to the matter at hand.

This time...

I'm not saying NOTHING!

I'm not getting involved!

I'm not saying a word...

and I'm just going to forget it.

And when the poop hits the fan...

I'll be there...if needed...

(yes I know I'm missing a blessing)

but I've been down this road before...

and I'm not playing the preggo police to irresponsible young adults.

I'm getting tired of that game!

Proverbs 3:1-13...

should be standard fare for each parent in the church...

grandparents too.

'cause the mistakes our kids do out in the world...

reflects badly on our Lord.

I know this first hand.

And it's true...

but for now...

all I'm going to do is pray...

and wait!

I think I'm sulking....

2010-04-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 28:13 my

proverb for the day...

He who conceals his sins does not prosper,

but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy!

So basically...

if you mess up...

confess it...

then you will be successful, and prosper.

If you try to cover up and act like you never make

mistakes...then you won't prosper...

and the inverse is...

you won't find mercy.

I don't know about you...but I need all the mercy I can get!

So next mistake I make, which I'm sure will be soon...

I'm confessing, apologizing and moving on.

That's really the best way!

Also...people I know that never make mistakes...

I don't know about you...

but they scare me!

random sad church happenings...

2010-04-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

Phone calls.

Text.

Facebook.

Blogs.

Emails....

can all make my day.

But when an text comes in at 6:30 in the morning...

and it's not from my friend in Atlanta.

It can't be good.

It's not.

Church matters again!

We've purposed we're going to stay out of it...

some little verse in Proverbs says that...

if a matter isn't yours...

STAY OUT OF IT!

But I want to get in it Lord...

jump around and put in my two cents.

But I can't.

But I won't take a side.

That's the hardest part. Not taking sides when people you love in Christ are fighting.

Yep...that's what I said.

Fighting...just like my kids.

And just like my kids...they use dirty tactics to get their point across.

Umm.... tattling (of course it's wrapped up in "be advised" staff emails)

there's the infamous... "God thinks I'm right"...

and then down right pouting...sulking and

plotting for revenge.

Of course adults won't say their doing this...but they are. So I've got to stay out of the way!

Lest I join the ranks and get wrapped up in the fight too.

Sad. While we're throwing each other under the bus...the devil sits back and laughs

'cause we're not focused on the lost!

Boy...if I had a belt big enough...

some folks need a whippin! and then hug and make up!

I don't want to answer my phone anymore...but I will...

'cause if it wasn't for God's grace...I could/would be fighting too!

Blessings.

My Hawaiian I wants...

2010-04-23T05:29:00.000-07:00

What I learned in Hawaii...

I want my oldest son to initiate... (that might not happen)

I want my middle son not to be such a follower (he's so desperate to stand out)

I want my youngest son to play (he's more of an orchestrator)

I want to really lose weight (snorkling overweight is exhausting)

I want to take my family back to Hawaii (to swim in a really warm ocean with fish around them)

I want adults to stop playing head games ( you don't have to push others down to look big yourself)

I want church folks to read the bible and apply that to church people (they know the words but don't put it into practice...scary!)

I want kids to stop laughing at the underdog (there is always a pecking order)

I think I want a girl (but she'll need a sister...so that's a scary thought)

I want my husband to have a real vacation (he never gets to get away, oh but I want to come too)

I want to go back to Hawaii (it only takes two movies and a grip of money, and probably Maui...it's much nicer...)

I want to live with more fresh flowers in the house (there is no excuse I live in a fresh flower capital)

I want to eat more fresh fruit (and the cost shouldn't stop me)

I want to blog more even thought I don't have a camera (I'm in such a pouting mode)

I want to facebook less (I've even given up the tv)

I want to tweet more (I just can't text well)

I want this to end...and it shall now!

Rash guards and realities...

2010-04-22T04:57:00.001-07:00

Perspective is everything!

Last Sunday I taught in a class that was filled with children, that is for our church's program. As I sat there with 11 eyes on me, I went through the lesson, sang songs and started feeling pretty full of myself.

I had arrived on time, no early.

I had successfully delivered flowers without spilling water.

My youngest had made it through Sunday school.

Yep...I was feeling pretty full of myself.

As I walked out of the building from Sunday School and into a cold spring sunshine.

I scanned the green quad where the bigger kids play

and...well you see the rashguard above...

it was on

my child!

Not the one with a little meat on his bones...

not the skinny one with a chubby tummy....

but the skinny one.

The REALLY skinny one!

Every lack of fat and every toned muscle...

stuck slick to the black rashguard.

The kicker was...

it wasn't HIS rashguard.

It belong to the 6 year old...

so on an 11 year old the shirt was tight...as a glove.

Oh speaking of gloves...

He had a glove on too!

See this is why its hard to blog. I'm cameraless. My first thought was I need a picture.

I was cracking up and trying to think of HOW I was going to solve this problem.

Of course embarrasement waves over me...

but I was hungry so I just went into the church.

Ignoring it didn't work...

I couldn't stand what I THOUGHT other people were thinking...

so I went BACK outside and took the glove.

When he finally strolled into church...

his thin body glistening from wearing a rashguard two sizes two small...

I noticed the thing that really upset me...

dirty jeans, with holes and his favorite "holed" shoes...

You see I left early...to get to church on time...

and left him in the shower...

but a printer malfunction left my husband feeling totally overwhelmed...

so he figured if the child was dressed he was fine!

He didn't even check to see if those were the clothes laid out.

The reality was he was dressed...but NOT for church.

God humbled me in that moment...

letting me know that regardless of how ready you think you are...

you might be neglecting something else. Here I was teaching Sunday school thinking everything was "fine" but in reality...my son was inappropriate for church.

Let's be careful thinking the ACT of going to church will save our kids.

God wants us to prepare them with his word, he is the one who saves.

God wants us to pour Him into them.

He wants them covered with prayer...

just as close as a rashguard is on a child's body.

James says...

Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.

The postscript to this is in church I asked my husband to go and change Mr. Rashguards' clothes.

He did come back with a conference t-shirt my husband had hanging in his room...

the only thing is...

the shirt was on backwards.

That's when I knew I was whipped.

I just opened up my hymnal and continued to sing.

Just praising God He shows me some of His reality...

so I don't get caught up caring about the rashguards of life.

I'm not doing too well here...but God is faithful!

2010-04-11T21:35:00.000-07:00

All I have to say about today is the devil is busy at work...

Please pray! It seems that he's not only out for my family...

but my friend's as well.

Prayers are needed...

I PROMISE...to get better at my blogging real quick...

PLEASE be patient with me.

Avoidance...sometimes it's good! and Hawaii post...a 2fer

2010-04-08T20:22:00.000-07:00

ok after the first night...us adults had our team meeting

eating at famous Dukes of Waikiki...I was so tired...but

I wasn't going to miss it....

Getting off the plane these are girls that stayed in my room.

I also had another adjoining room with other girls...

The one of the right was a believer...we had a great time.

the view from my room...trying to take a break...

my oldest and I. I've already started saving my pennies

'cause I really want my other two to experience warm

waters!

Paradise...

If I didn't go...I would have been

jealous of myself.

I made my first $100 payment yesterday so now the reality has set in...

I have to pay the other 180 by the end of the school year.

One of the other moms who was offered to go at the last minute ended paying

NOTHING...'cause she said she had a hardship.

Wow...I should have said something.

Originally my hubby was going to go. Then we decided we couldn't afford it...

so no one was going to go with my son...

then they offered us women HELP to go...

so that's how I went...

Next year they're going somewhere local...I hope it's LA!

Now on to my rant of the week!
It ceases to amaze me that the same people who make snide comments, place judgments on folks and attempt to force people into boxes...

usually have more than one front to fight on.

If the same person...keeps coming up in conflict,

if you've had encounters with the same person, say at work, church or home...

and then you're co-worker had a bad encounter...

and then another co-worker had ANOTHER bad encounter...

then even if you have to deal with that person...

make

your

time

with

dealing

with

them

minimal!

That way you don't get sucked into their drama.

At my husband's job there is this one teacher.

He has problems with students,

he told my friend (who had an Asperger's son)...

that if "she was a better parent...he'd comb his hair and turn in his homework."

Now this boy did look like an AC/DC reject...but he was turning in his homework...just in a different part of the room.

My husband and other teacher would shudder

when this man took the podium at teacher meetings.

They knew he'd change, say or do something...

crazy!

He wasn't a team player.

He was a lonely man.

And he played out his lonely life in the halls of the

science department...day in and day out.

Without the diversion of a family or wife...

HIS life was HIS WORK...

a junior high science teacher...and outside of work...

he had no friends.

This man was eventually avoided...

and after a while

they stopped talking to him

altogether.

He switched schools...

and now torments another school.

I've said all that to say this...

there are several folks in my life that fall under the

"mad science teacher" catagory...

and with prayer and humbleness...

I need to avoid them!

2010-03-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

This picture is pretty small...

but as most of you know...

I'm going to Hawaii next week with the band.

I'm going to miss the other boys terribly...

and I guess Bill as well.

But I'm hoping...

to be a Christian influence while I go.

That's going to be hard to do.

The last 3 times I've gone to Hawaii...

was to

PARTAY!

going now as a believer committed to

living a righteous life...

will be hard.

Can someone say Phil 4:8!

Hello!

I think I'll be focusing on reading Colossians.

I'm not against drinking...

but I don't think it would be wise to be drunk

with non-Christians.

I'll be careful what I wear...

and HOPE anyone sees God's love through me...

Blessings y'all.

Pictures coming.

Not with my camera...but with a loner.

My camera is no longer with us.

Please be patient with me...I promise to make my blog a bit better...

but it will take time.

Also got some snotty remarks about me using money to go to Hawaii.

But I can't please all of the people...all of the time.

Bill just told me to let it wash right off...but I'm more concerned about

how things are seen then he is...

wish I could do that.

Praying you guys have a good week...

and I'll see ya once I get back from paradise.

So cool..for church I'm going to the First Chinese Baptist outside Waimea...(I think...)

I LOVE visiting churches on vacay!

Today I got the dreaded call....

2010-03-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

My child....

acting out in class.

It's so embarrassing...

I guess for me.

How can you call yourself a stay at home mom and not have kids who behave appropriately for most of the time? I know that's the devil trying to get at me...but really...

that's what I use to think?

That's what I use to feel...

until it happened to me...

not once...

not twice...

but now we're on kid three.

With number 1...it was mostly he was the one bullying...etc.

With number 2...he was acting out towards the teacher...

but this number 3... I can't get a handle on it...

He JUST doesn't have the fear of God in him...

I'm always joking that he is a "Moses" child.

But it's not that funny anymore. I'm sick of him...

actually ACTING like Moses!

Questioning authority, flashes of anger...

blah, blah, blah!

OK so not eating breakfast might have something to do with it.

(I was doing laundry and didn't notice he ate NOTHING!)

But he still didn't have to tell the principal she's fat!

Yeah...when you're sent to the office to talk...you don't insult the judge!

UGHHH!!!

The sad thing is the only reason he's still at that school is he's scoring advanced on the kindergarten assessments and I know they just want him for his test scores in two years...

been there done that!

LORD HELP!

If he's on restriction...I am too!

pull over...

2010-03-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

Friday evening heading to church...

Bry saw the "cool" Cam police car go by.

Well they KNOW him at the police department...

but in a good way.

We pulled them over and the officer had business...

but all the cadets, etc. know Bry from our numerous

"field trips there"

and was happy to take his picture with Bryson.

Funny...he ALWAYS has a police shirt on too!

Hilarious.

Many things this weekend went on.

I passed out flyers...

lost my keys and accidently took Bill's.

Finish ALL my laundry (went to a laundry mat Friday...ok that was fun!)

Finished packing for Hawaii (roughly).

Church was o.k....

ummmmm....Bethany...Bill and I could have sung that song....WE ARE AMY GRANT FANS.

We had leftovers Sunday afternoon.

I know...cop out but I was tired.

Oh well.

As I write this I need to go to the Fallas and get Billy underwear for the trip, Nathan some new socks and look for a black pair of pants.

I can't believe that my kids (well two others) were the only ones not dressed for the banquet.

THEY GREW OUT OF THEIR CLOTHES and I had them washed and ready to go...

but they didn't fit!

OK...maybe I can't make this private all the time...

'cause I'm just rambling.

I have to admit...I had some stinky attitudes this weekend so I really don't want to do my devotional. I feel like I'm going to the principals office.

ok so I'm not going to put my head in the sand...

2010-03-20T23:28:00.000-07:00

OK ...

So I was just venting...

and I guess I'll talk to adults too..

seeing the kids did such a great time tonight!

Except for one of mine...

BILLY!

WOW...he was horrible.

Upset because he didn't get a 4.0

Don't take it out on us...study more,

ASK some ole' questions in class.

He knows he doesn't fit in and wants too but doesn't try!

At least Nathan doesn't care about fitting in....

ha ha!

Bryson survived the evening and kept his hands to himself...

so I'm happy about that.

The swiping all legos/trains/paper/anything that looks like a toy works...

That reminds me...I still have toys in toy jail I need to take out!

The program went well and the Karayans did a fabulous job.

Some many people did such fabulous jobs...

but I was most impressed with DJ.

His life hasn't been the easiest...and

his personality is just sooooooooooo big...

boy he's really starting to mature...

just in time...

'cause his mini-him (Nathan) is

coming down the pike!

YIKES!

The only difference is Nathan homelife isn't going to

allow him to play Halo and have drunk friends over!

But they are so similar...I'm so scared for that.

Need to be praying instead of just yapping...

Good night all...Good night!

Well what's going on....

2010-03-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

(disclaimer...these kids all have moms...)

How my weekend looked...

Saturday morning...

quite hectic...

carpooled for the school band

neighbor hit my dad's boat on the street...

inherited Awana supplies from neighborhood church...

Yep.

Another Awana club.

gone...

Why we received all this new stuff, old stuff,

good stuff, bad stuff...

another church isn't encouraging kids to

memorize God's word.

My mind is still trying to comprehend that.

On an upnote....

in the middle of Awana's yesterday...

I had to ask the boy at my table...

3 things he wanted to thank God for...

"Jesus dying on the cross." OK...typical Sunday School answer...

I like it!

and then the bomb...

"I want to thank God for giving me a good mom now!"

A foster kid!

Sweet!

Typical boy!

Can't keep hands off stuff and loves food!

Skinny 'cause he runs off said food playing and running!

WOW!

I want to thank God for giving me a good mom?

Folks...most of us had good moms

Although we don't want to admit it...

most of us ARE good moms...

You shouldn't be 6 and having to think if where you're at is going to last.

Just a thought!

Friday photo flashback

2010-03-12T07:05:00.000-08:00

Well it's Friday Photo Flashback!

That's where we showcase our

pre-digital photos.

I've been struggling with my blog

as of late...

and I thought I'd just start from

my marital beginnings and move forward...

that way I don't overthink

which photo I'm going to use.

Well you've seen pre-wedding, wedding...

and now it's time for the honeymoon...

This is from my honeymoon scrapbook...

Does anyone still scrap? I do!

My hubby took me to Mexico...

and I didn't know where I was going...

but obviously had a great time!

(Click on the photo to make it bigger)

Wow! The early 90s. My painted on stretch pants

matched my bathingsuit...and my hubby had guns...

which aren't in flex mode here!

For more flashback fun...

Head over to Alicia's at More than Words!

Taming the Tongue Tuesday

2010-03-09T07:05:00.000-08:00

Luke 17:5-6

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"

He replied,

"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed,

you can say to this mulberry tree,

'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,'

and it will obey you!"

Faith.

Faith!

You mean we have to

speak

faith into being!

It's hard enough to just THINK faith in existance...

but God wants us to put our

MOUTHS into practice!

"Oh be careful little mouths what you say!"

Oh be careful little mouths what you say,

'cause the Father up above, is looking down in love...

Oh be careful little mouths what you say!

Be careful what you say!

Sand and stone...

2010-03-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

Write your sorrows in sand

and your blessings in stone.

Saw this and had to reprint this.

Be blessed.

Friday photo flashback

2010-03-05T05:51:00.000-08:00

Well I finally remembered my fav meme....

and since it's been a while..

I thought I'd use one of the last 35mm photos I have.

Someone was nice enough to take our picture

at church

way back in 2004.

My boys sure were smaller...

and I was 20 lbs heavier than I am now...

(yeah, I've got a way to go...)

My hubby had more hair

and wore his glasses...

Boy times sure have changed!

For more flashback fun...visit Alicia's.

Taming the Tongue Tuesday

2010-03-02T09:41:00.000-08:00

The other day I walked into the family room and saw a sight

I HATE seeing.

My little one...

on full aggression mode.

He was pounding on my middle son's back!

"Nathan, give it back!"

"I'm gonna tell."

So here I am...without even thinking about what

MIGHT have happened...

"Nathan...give it back!"

"Mom...I don't have it!" Nathan whines.

"Just give it back!" I say...this time louder.

"Mom...really I don't have it."

so I pull the little one off the big and sit them both on the couch!

OUCH!

Turns out! Nathan didn't have

ANYTHING....

Bry was just attacking his brother and saw me coming...

and YOU KNOW how kids can put in information...

where there isn't any!

Proverbs 18:17

The first to present his case seems right, till another

comes forward and questions him.

Let's remember.

When someone comes and gives you information...

about a situation...

a person...

whatever...

it SEEMS right...

but in reality...

the truth might still be uncovered!

Just because you hear information first...doesn't mean it's always right!

Really..I haven't gone away...

2010-03-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

Things have been a little hectic with science fair this and spring band trip that...

spring cleaning this and birthday party (for my niece) that...

I have neglected my quirkly little blog...

but I'll be back..

soon...

and I hope you're hear when I get my act together.

Blessings!

Taming the Tongue Tuesday

2010-02-23T09:34:00.000-08:00

A word aptly spoken is like

apples of gold

settings of silver.

Proverbs 25:11

I love that verse! Let's go and do likewise today.