Favorite Sister's Thoughts

Which One Are You?

2006-08-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

The North Wind and the Sun had an argument one day. They disputed which of them was the stronger. A traveler came along the road at that time, and the Sun suggested a way to resolve the argument. Whoever was able to cause the traveler to remove his coat would be the stronger. The Wind accepted the challenge and the Sun hid himself behind a cloud. The Wind began to blow. Yet the harder he blew, the more the traveler clutched his coat about himself. The Wind sent rain, even hail. The traveler clung even more desperately to his coat. Finally, in despair, the Wind gave up. The Sun came out and began to shine all his glory upon the traveler. Quite soon the man had removed his coat. "How did you do that?", asked the Wind. "It was easy," said the Sun. "I lit the day." Through gentleness I got my way."

as i raise my girls, my desire for them is to be able to keep their gentle and soft spirits, yet keep a firm foundation as they travel though their awesome journey....choosing to do right, just becos it's right, not becos it's popular or easy, listening to God even when things are going perfect, learning that they only have the power to change themselves and to never attempt to dominate or control others.

in my experience it is only thru our choices and actions in our lives, that others may be able to look through us to see God's glory.

unfortunately, there will be many times in our lives that we will never see the full effect of just exactly how much we have been been a wind of change in so many lives. for my daughters, i challange you to walk in what may be one of the most difficult, but very much needed strengths...gentleness.

memos from your child

2006-08-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

1. don't spoil me. i know quite well that i ought not to have all i ask for. i'm testing you.

2. don't be afraid to be firm with me. i prefer it; it makes me feel more secure.

3. don't let me form bad habits. i have to rely on you to detect them in the early stages.

4. don't make me feel smaller than i am. it only makes me behave stupidly big.

5. don't correct me in front of people if you can help it. i'll take much more notice if you talk quietly with me in private.

6. don't protect me from consequences. i need to learn the painful way sometimes.

7. don't nag. if you do, i shall have to protect myself by appearing deaf.

8. don't make rash promises. remember that i feel badly let down when promises are broken.

9. don't be inconsistent. that completely confuses me and makes me lose faith in you.

10. don't tell me my fears are silly. they are terribly real and you can do much to reassure me if you try to understand.

11. don't put me off when i ask questions. if you do you will find that i stop asking and seek my information elsewhere.

12. don't ever suggest that you are perfect or infallible. it gives me too great a shock when i discover you are neither.

13. don't ever think it is beneath your dignity to apologize to me. an honest apology makes me feel surprisingly warm toward you.

14. don't forget how quickly i am growing up. it must be very difficult for you to keep pace with me, but please try.

*lists to live by; gray, stephens, diest

Good Times!

2006-08-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

the girls were invited to do their intepretive sign worship dance (praise in motion) this weekend at the "battle of the bands". the weather was beautiful, just a little on the hot side! the hosting church did a great job at providing a variety of things to do and keeping even the little kids entertained. got to meet some new and great people (hey "bill") and got to spend some much needed time with some very dear friends.

there were lots of bands there through out the day and one of them was "beggers promise" and another was called "33" something. they were very hard rock.

stacy, the girl that sings with the girls entered a contest they were having and she won the local american idol, so that was exciting, too.

then a group of us went to eat at chili's and that was great, as well.

The Baddest Boy in the Bible

2006-08-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

i've begin reading a book, sent to my by a very dear friend..."the sampson syndrome". in the last few months i've read lots of "guy" books, and just today i think it hit me as to to why. well actually, there are probably two reasons...i have been blessed with all girls and (1) thru the years we've read so many "girl" books, and (2) realizing that my girls are somewhat (ok VERY) interested in guys, i figure i better stay a step ahead of them. (grin) seriously, i do see my girls' personalities and hearts coming alive and see them looking to their future.

i'm not feeling stressed, yet i do feel it's my responsibility to have wisdom for them as they ask. not that i have all the perfect answers, but that at least they can have some options from someone they trust. i've covered everything in prayer and now i'm enjoying learning from others who are much wiser than me.

so, anyway the sampson syndrome talks about strong guys. my girls are definitley drawn to the strong type guy...i don't mean the macho, physically strong, but the inside strength that God created in them. the kind of strength that shows that God gave men everything they need to "make it happen", "succeed", "come thru". as john eldredge puts it "do guys really dream of being a nice guy, or do they dream of being dashing? and girls, are you looking for nice, or do you dream of the knight and shining armor....strong enough, brave enough to resque you from the villians." (paraphrased)

to me their are two types of guys...guys who aren't afriad to be leaders (even tho they may fail at times) and the ones that won't even consider leading (becos they already know they will fail).

of course as i study sampson, i see that he has no problem accepting the leadership role, however allows his strength to get in his way. men of strength have many great aspects...full of adventure, fun, excitment. at the same time there are many tendencies that can cause these mighty warriors to fall. some of these things may be, strong men tend to

1. break rules...sometimes they find it difficult to realize that most rules are good. take any rule you can think of and ask yourself what what happens if everybody disobeyed it. your imagination will tell you if it's a good rule.

2. disregard boundries...not that they wake up one day and suddenly decide to trash their bounderies. instead they generally slip gradually into a life of disobedience by making a series of small compromises....and all the time relying on their great strength to be the saftey net. "i can handle it" was probably sampson's motto.

3. ignore good advice...they often are bound and determined to do things their way, even at the risk of disaster. sampson is a perfect example of what can happen when strong, capable men close their ears to good advice. the book suggest that strong men tend to feel that asking for advice appears to make them seem weak. when actually, look at some of the most strong, successful men in history...they have surrounded themselves with great advisors. it's said that woodrow wilson once asked a member of his staff to identify the most intelligent, most informed, and most eloquent member of the opposing political party. "what for?" the staffer asked. "becos i want to hire him," wilson responded. "hire him , what in the world for?" "i want to keep me from going blind." wilson said. point is before you willingly blind yourself to all opposing points of view, stop and consider a simple but powerful truth that pres. wilson must have understood: the world is full of people who have achieved great success without doing things your way.

these are just 3 of the 12 negative tendancies that this study gives. and i must say that "strong" men have sooooo many great postive effects and purposes. and personally i hate focusing on negatives, but there's just wisdom in knowing some things.

The Crown of Creation

2006-07-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

God sets his own image on the earth. He creates a being like himself. He creates a son.

"The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." Gen. 2:7

It is nearing the end of the sixth day, the end of the Creator's great labor, as Adam steps forth, the image of God, the triumph of his work. He alone is prounouned the son of God. Nothing in creation even comes close. Picture Michelangelo's David. He is....magnificient. Truly, the masterpiece seems complete. And yet, the Master says that something is not good, not right. Something is missing...and that something is Eve.

"The Lord God cast a deep slumber on the human, and he slept, and He took one of his ribs and closed oved the flesh where it had been, and the Lord God built the rib He had taken from the human into a woman and He brought her to the human. Gen 2:21-23

She is the crescendo, the final, astonishing work of God. Woman. In one last flourish creation comes to a finish not with Adam, but with Eve. She is the Master's finishing touch. How we wish this were an illustrated book, and we could show you now some painting or sculpture that captures this, like the stunning Greek sculpture of the goddess Nike of Samothrace, the winged beauty, just alighting on the prow of a great ship, her beautiful form revealed through the thin veils that sweep around her. Eve is...breathtaking.

Given the way creation unfolds, how it builds to ever higher and higher works of art, can there be any doubt that Eve is the crown of creation? Not an afterthought. Not a nice addition like an ornament on a tree. She is God's final touch, his pie'ce de re'sistance. She fills a place in the world nothing and no one else can fill.

j. eldredge-captivating

The Story of Cinderalla Turns Upon An Invitation

2006-07-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

up until the moment that the courier from the palace arrives at her door, cinderella's life seems set in stone. she will always be a washerwoman, a cellar girl. her enemies will forever have the upper hand. she will live a life of enduring disappointments, though she will suffer them nobly. no other life seems ossible. this is her fate. then, word from the prince arrive--an invitation to a ball. it is at this point that everything breaks loose. her longings are awakened. her enemies becaome enreaged. and her life is never the same.

how gracious that it comes by invitation. as a woman, you don't need to strive or arrange; you don't need to make it happen. you only need to respond. granted, cinderalla's response took immense courage, courage that came only out of a deep desire to find the life her heart knew it was meant for. she WANTED to go. but it took courage not to abandon all hope even after she danced with the prince. (she ran back to the cellar, as we all do.) but she became the woman she was born to be, and the kingdom was never the same. it is a beautiful parable.

in much the same way, the invitations of God come to us in all sorts of ways. your heart itself, as a woman, is an invitation. an invitation delivered in the most intimate and personalized way. He has written something on your heart. a call to cultivate the beauty you hold inside, and to unveil your beauty on behalf of others. and it is a call to adventure, to become the ezer the world desperately needs you to be.

j. eldredge

Celebrate Your Differences!

2006-07-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

1. EXTROVERT OR INTROVERT: extroverts love crowds while introverts would rather spend time in solitude or with a close friend. Extroverts are energized by people and intoverts are worn out by people.

2. SPENDER OR SAVER: if spenders have extra money, they want to spen--on themselves, on others, on worthy causes, on anything. if savers have extra money, they want to put it away for a rainy day. they do not like to spend uless it's very important.

3. PLANNER OR FLEXER: planners love structure with everything organized and neatly packaged. they like schedules and deadlines. flexers ben with the flow of life and take things as they come. they tend to be spontaneous and laid back. loose ends dont bother them because they believe everything will work out.

4. THINKER OR FEELER: thinkers focus on facts and principles. they base decisions on objective data and ten to be task oriented. feelers focus on people and emotions. they base decisions on subjective data and tend to be relationship oriented.

5. DREAMER OR WORKER: dreamers are creative people who love to come up with ideas. they are optimistic and oriented toward the future. workers are practical. they like to take other people's ideas and make them happen. they tend to be realistic and focus on the present.

6. COLLECTOR OR TOSSER: collectors gather things. they hate to throw anything away because they know they just might need it sometime. tossers get rid of things. they hate clutter and they insist that if you haven't used something recently, you probably never will.

7. JUGGLER OR HOLDER: jugglers are multichannedled and can deal with many things simultaneously. holders are singlechanneled and can only deal with one, maybe two, things at a time. if they try to do more, they become stressed and overwhelmed.

8. LOOKER OR LEAPER: leapers take risks; when they see an opportunity they want to jump on it before it's too late. lookers are more cautious. they like to carefully check everything out before making a decision.

9. OUTLINER OR DETAILER: outliners have a general focus and look at the big picture. they think in terms of direction and getting things done. detailers loook at the nuts and bolts. their concern is how to get things done.

s. stephens

as i look at this list, even tho' i think my way is always the best way (grin), i'm actually thankful that God allowed us to be different. life would sure be boring if everyone was just like me. but there are definitely challanges to having relationships with people, especially if we aren't able to celebrate the differences! so, look around and find a reason to be thankful when someone you love has a different perspective.

blessed are parents who...

2006-07-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

1. blessed are the parents who listen to their children, for they in turn will be heard.

2. blessed are they who do not expect more of their chidren than is appropriate for their level of maturity, for they shall not be disappointed.

3. blessed are the parents who do not attempt to tackle the new math, for they shall not fail.

4. blessed are parents who can laugh at themselves, for their children will laugh with them and not at them.

5. blessed are the parents who may be called "old fashioned." they can be assured they are on the right track, for so have children persecuted parents for genereations, and their opinions will change by the time they are old enough to pay taxes.

6. blessed are they who teach their children to understand and love each other, for they shall not get caught in the crossfire of a sibling war.

7. blessed are the parents who let their children do for themselves what they are capable of doing, for they shall not be merely unpaid servants.

8. blessed are the parents who take their children with them often for they shall see the world with fresh eyes.

9. blessed are the parents who have found success-outlets for their own energies, for they will not need their children as status symbols or as justifications.

10. blessed are the parents sho do not pretend to be perfect, for their chidren will not be disillusioned.

*lists to live by

Blessings!

2006-07-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

... when i count all my BLESSINGS i get a smile on my face ...

Maegan's TWENTY!!!

2006-07-07T06:45:00.000-07:00

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance

I hope you dance
I hope you dance
Time is a real and constant motion always
I hope you dance
Rolling us along
I hope you dance
Tell me who
Wants to look back on their youth and wonder
I hope you dance
Where those years have gone

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance

Thank you, precious girl for who you are. I am so thankful that God put you in our family and that He allowed me to have the wonderful opportunity to call you my Daughter. As you know, many times I feel inadequate to be your mom, but God has filled in the blanks. May He continue to bless you with much love, joy, peace, grace and health! Dance, sweet princess!

I love you, girl!

choose your battles!

2006-07-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

everyone has battles to fight. the differences between people and the way we all see and interpret things--as well as some of the inherent facts of life (two people who disagree can't both get their way) make this a virtual certainty, an unavoidable and unpleasant part of life.

the question isn't whether you're going to have to fight battles in your life, you will! the more important question is, "which battles do you choose to fight?"

you've probably known people who rarely let things go, those who seem to battle over practically anything--correcting people, arguing, proving themselves, pointing out flaws, needing to be right all the time, validating their sense of worth, complaining and whining, etc. the tiniest dispute or disagreement becomes an automatic battle.

the problem with living this way is twofold. first, it's exhausting. when everything is seen as a big deal and worth fighting over, your whole life becomes a battleground. and who needs that? second, people will begin to push you away and/or avoid being around you. after all, who wants to be around someone s=who is argumentative and conflict-oriented...someone who can rarely just let things go? further, when you fight battles all the time, no one will take you very seriously, they will assume you're just letting off steam again.

i used to be the kind of person that spent too much of my life fighting battles. but lately, i have started something new. when a conflict comes up...potential arguement, disagreement, or whatever...i asked myself to rate the importance of the potential battle on a scale of 1 to 10 (low to hi). for example, if i feel myself "gearing up" for a battle over who forgot to load their dish, i might rate that a #1. or if i've asked faith to get her chores completed by 10am so the family can leave by 10:15, that might be a #2. the girls talking disrespectful to me (or anyone) would rate about an 8. cheating or lying would rate a #10 for me.

i've decided that anything i rate 5 or under, isn't worth a battle for me. i would rather find a way to simply let it go, or find a way to peacefullly resolve the issue with out needing to be "right". you can imagine the number of conflicts that has been dramatically reduced. but now i have more time to spend on things i enjoy.

is this easy? no way! becos, so often when i'm in the middle of a potential battle, everything can seem to rate a #10. i have to take a deep breath and ask myself, "is this battle truly worth fighting..am i fighting out of pride...if i win what does it change...is there any good going to come from this?"

i challenge you to explore this strategy. you may be surprised to find that also the battles that are worth fighting, are easier to win. i suppose it makes sense that when you battle less often, you are more focused on your positions...and other people take your positions far more seriously.

don't get me wrong. and for those of you that know me already know that i believe in standing up for things that are right and just. i especially dislike passive people who stand by and let any and everything happen. that's a disgrace, in my opinion. i suppose the word would be balance.

*these pictures were taken this weekend at a fast pitch softball tournament. this team, coaches and parents were just awesome! they all did a great job and placed third in the tournament.

this is the first time that the girls have been on a field together since last year. it brings back so many memories of passed summers on the softball field. tarah pitches, and plays outfield. she's a left handed slap hitter. as usual, they can be such opposites (while having so much in common)...maegan catches, plays anywhere infield, but absolutley loves first base. she bats right and is a power hitter.

there were several times that i was really concerned about maegan's cracked ribs, but it's been almost 6 weeks and even tho' she said she was sore, over all she did alright. she didn't even tell coach stan that she had cracked ribs. i finally mentioned it to him about the 3rd game. he looked at me in surprise and i just shrugged and said "she was probably afraid you wouldn't let her play!" we both smiled.

wake-up calls, softball and life

2006-06-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

as i look back on my teen years and on my whole life thus far, it's clear that i received a number of important wake-up calls. as i inquire into the lives of others, most people feel the same way. many will acknowledge that the wake-up calls are there for the taking, as long as we acknowledge and respect them.

wake-up calls can be anything from a fight with your sibling that gets a little out of hand or a little too rough, to being caught cheating on a test and thrown out of school. in both if these instances, and in so many others like them, the experience sends a shock, minor or major, through your mind, a feeling like, "oh, no, what have i done?" you might feel awkward or embarrassed--or you might feel uncomfortable or relieved. in any event, there is a message to be heard.

while you usually don't enjoy or appreciate wake-up calls while they are happening, often you may look back on these experiences as being turning points in your life; extremely important lessons that were learned. i heard a story of a teen who was caught stealing. it was humilitating, embarrassing and painful. yet that teen grew up to be a kind, generous, and loving person, someone who has really made a difference in the lives of others. when asked, he points to the awful experience as being among the most important in his entire life. it turned out not to be a tragedy after all because he learned so much from it.

two things can happen after a mess-up, mistake or mishap. you can pretend it didn't happen, deny your involvement, run away, or avoid the consequences the best you can. or you can say to yourself and others, "i'm going to learn from this experience and become a better person because of it." this decision is one of those really difficult things to make in life, but one that makes an enormous difference over the long run.

recently someone asked me what i believed were some of the keys to surviving the teen years. my answer was that was that it's tough to say, but that listening to the wake-up calls was certainly up near the top of the list. i believe this is true because every one of us makes mistakes. there isn't a person alive todaywho hasn't. so the only remaining question becomes, "what are you going to do with those mistakes?" will you listen to what they are trying to teach you--or not? i hope you'll take this one to heart and tuck it away for future reference.

most of these pictures were taken at the softball tournament last weekend. and there is no better example of "learning from your mistakes" than on that field. errors are just part of the game. i can't count the number of times that i've told my girls, "that play is over. realize what caused the error. mark an X in the dirt. now, erase that X and get ready for the next play." isn't that so much like our lives? we can't take away the error or the consequences, but we can learn from it and be ready for what's next.

so i challange you...live, learn, and be ready!

No Cookie Mold Children

2006-06-26T07:17:00.000-07:00

"Each child can be trained in the way he should go, but not every child can be trained to go in the same way. Each child can be trained to the highest and fullest exercise of his powers, but no child can be trained to the exercise of powers which are not his. Each child can be trained to his utmost possibilities, but not every child can be trained to the utmost possibilities of every other child. Child training has the fullest scope of the capacity of the particular child under treatment, and child training is limited in every case by the limitations of that child's capacity."

--H. Clay Trumbull

my oldest daughter sent me this email, and for me it has been so true. in raising three daughters, i have always found it interesting (and frustrating! at times) to see that there is no "cookie mold" for training children. from potty training, schooling, to guy issues, they are so unique and require a totally different set of ideas and wisdom, in training. yet it's always a blessing to see them grow in their own "one of a kind" and special selves.

i just pray that God will always give me wisdom to allow them to grow to be the most they can be.

Mid-Life Crisis? shhhh. girls only! hehe

2006-06-21T08:34:00.000-07:00

Well, it's not a mid life crisis for me, but here's how things worked out for a friend of mine.

Married 25 years, took a look at his wife one day and said, "Honey, 25 years ago, we had a cheap apartment, a cheap car, slept on a sofa bed and watched a 10 inch black and white TV, but I got to sleep every night with a hot 25 year old blonde. Now, we have a nice house, nice car, big bed and plasma screen TV, but I'm sleeping with a 50 year old woman. It seems to me that you are not holding up your side of things."

His wife is a very reasonable woman. She told him to go out and find a hot 25 year old blonde, and she would make sure that he would once again be living in a cheap apartment, driving a cheap car, sleeping on a sofa bed....

hillside baseball and what we need more of....

2006-06-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

these pictures are from our fun time at billy and stephanie's cookout. we had so much fun. the food was great, playing baseball on the side of a hill was fantastic fun, but the best part was the time that we got to spend with family and friends!

THE WORLD NEEDS PEOPLE WHO...

1. who cannot be bought

2. whose word is their bond

3. who put character above wealth

4. who possess opinions and a will

5. who are larger than their vocations

6. who do not hesitate to take chances

7. who will not lose their individuality in a crowd

8. who will be as honest in small things as in great things

9. who will make no compromise with wrong

10. whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires

11. who will not say they do it "because everybody else does it"

12. who are true to their friends through good report and evil report, in adversity as well as prosperity

13. who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning, and hardheadedness are the best qualities for winning success

14. who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular

15. who can say "no" with emphasis, although all the rest of the world is saying "yes"

thanks to all of you who are these kind of friends and examples!

My Daughters

2006-06-15T16:44:00.000-07:00

How can it be that when
I bent to kiss you good night,
My daughter,
A beautiful young woman
Lay where only yesterday
A little girl had been?

When did the barrettes and
Ponytail ribbons,
Of birthday party days, give way to the
Styling comb and make-up mirror
Of Saturday night dates?
Was it not only yesterday,
Crayons of all colors laid upon the table
Where now bottles of nail polish rest?

How can it be the buggy you filled
With so many dolls
Has been pushed aside and new suitcases
Are filled instead
Did you ever know the finger you
Wrapped yourself around was tied right to my heart?

It seems as though the ink has just dried
On the pages of your baby book
And here we are laughing over pages
In your year book.
How did the ballet slippers of a little girl
Become the high heels of a young woman on her way?
Such a little while ago you cried,
"Mommy, I'm scared", and now you whisper,
"Mom, don't worry I'll be fine."
How can it be the smell of baby powder
Turned instead to the scent of perfume,
The giggles of a little girl
Became the tears of a teen,
And the roses tiny fingers picked
Were treasured like the petals of a prom bouquet?

Wasn't it only yesterday ruffles and tea parties
Colored my world pink
How did it happen so quickly and
When I stop to realize all my golden tomorrows
Will bask in the memories of pink yesterdays.
Thank you Lord for pink yesterdays.

alice c.

thanks for sharing your lives!

2006-06-11T07:52:00.000-07:00

g'ness, i can't believe it's been so long since i've posted! i suppose the summer months are just more busy with all the outside activities going on. as a family, we enjoy being together and we also enjoy so much of the same things, so that when one of us says, "oh, i'd love to go watch the rome braves/chattanooga lookouts play today," "let's plan a two-week road trip", or something as simple as "let's go to wal-mart!", we're all ready to load up and go.

when the girls were younger, people would ask, " how do you stand to be at home with your kids all the time?" i never really figured out an answer for that question cos i was always so stunned. i mean it was just such a way of life for me, and we just enjoyed being together. plus we didn't stay "home" all the time. just becos we homeschooled, i guess some thought we were becoming hermits. actually we stayed on the go alot. and still do. all of you that homeschool know that every trip is a "field" trip and a learning experience. i remember just going to the grocery store could be a great adventure when i would tell the girls to imagine that they only had $20.00 to spend, and then ask them what they would buy. then to just watch their little minds go into action, adding up the numbers and thinking "do i really want/need that"?

come to think of it, i think all our trips are still "field" trips. even tho the older girls are 18 and (almost) 20, we're always learning something, it seems. many years ago a wise mom told me, " schooling is a lifelong event. you never stop learning. so use every day to grow." at the time, that took alot of pressure off of me becos when you're schooling your children and trying to pour EVERYTHING into their lives in just 12 years, it seems impossible. but when i realized that even after their 12 yrs of schooling, they would still continue to learn and grow, that was comforting to me. so whether we're at the karate studio, at a baseball game, or just sitting on the front porch, our journey continues. these days, every day is like Christmastime, for me!

to my girls, maegan, tarah and faith...thanks for making every day so special. and i really do just enjoy hanging out with you, it's always an adventure. thanks for sharing your lives with me.

these pictures were taken yesterday at the karate tournament. faith was 1st in fighting (those poor little boys just hate getting beat by a girl), 3rd in forms. Tarah was 1st in forms and 2nd in fighting. Maegan wasn't able to compete due to cracked ribs from a kick at practice, two weeks ago. ~tear~ but she was an awesome cheerleader for her sisters and friends. it was a fun day!

secrets to ageless living...tarah's turning 18

2006-06-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

it seems almost impossible, but tarah's turning 18. she and maegan are 23 months apart. this is significant to me because when maegan was 10 months old i had a miscarriage. and at that time it was so hard for david and i to understand the whys, (and not than i can explain all of that), but i can say that when the doctors told us we were expecting again (when maegan was 16 months old) we were so excited, yet almost scared becos we didn't want to go thru what we had just experience. God was gracious and blessed us with tarah.

she was born in a birth center vs. a hospital. it was the closest thing to a home birth because i wanted no meds, no needles and no doctors. (yea, crazy i know) i had 8 hours of labor with maegan and they always promise that the next one will be shorter time...don't buy into those statistics becos um, babies like tarah take their own time and show up when they're ready. it was 21 hours of active labor. yes, active labor, not just the pittling stuff. and to this day, everyone in our family will tell you that tarah still takes her time and shows up only when she's good and ready. ~smile~

tarah, i just wanna say thanks for who you are. i am thankful to call you my daughter. thanks for being my hair stylist for all these years. i know i'm the most tough and most picky customer you will ever have...you're a real trooper for putting up with me. ~grin~ you are such a blessing to our family. always look to your perfect parent God your Father, for guidance, wisdom, health, peace and love.

i love you, sweet princess!

1. never let age get in the way of life.

2. enjoy and cherish healthy relationships with loved ones, friends, and family.

3. count your blessings.

4. today, and every day, deliver more than you are getting paid to do.

5. whenever you make a mistake or get knocked down by life, don't look back too long.

6. build this day on a foundation of pleasant thoughts.

7. laugh at yourself and at life.

8. never neglect nor take for granted the little things.

9. cling to what is good.

10. do what is right, just because it's the right thing to do.

11. pray.

12. keep your word.

13. remember all the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of today.

14. avoid solutions that are worse than the problem.

15. let your actions speak louder than your words.

16. complain of nothing, not even the weather.

17. choose your battles...wisely

18. learn to maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.

19. remember your past mistakes only long enough to keep you from repeating them.

20. do more than exist...LIVE!

what is maturity?

2006-06-03T03:46:00.000-07:00

1. facing the truth honestly.

2. looking beyond personal comfort and gratification, to the greater good.

3. dealing with change without falling apart.

4. working hard and completing a job, whether supervised or not.

5. keeping the stresses and worries of life from taking control.

6. doing the right thing regardless of what others say and do.

7. finding more joy in giving than receiving.

8. relating to others in a consistently positive and helpful manner.

9. being a person of your word.

10. demonstrating respect.

11. showing love in both word and deed.

12. learning to be content based upon internal attitudes rather than external circumstances.

Hooray for you, Andrew!

2006-06-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

School seeks to get you ready for examination; Life gives the finals!

My nephew has graduated!

It's hard to believe you're really done! Seems like you should still be in middle school, playing baseball and helping with the 14 year old girls' league (remember that?!). But no, you're graduating!!! Thanks for who you are, Andrew. You're always ready to give advice, encourage, and help in any way you can.

Of course, I can't go without giving you some "advice" (it just goes along with being a great, responsible Aunt! lol

so here you go....

Be Yourself...Truthfully.

Accept Yourself...Gratefully.

Value Yourself...Joyfully.

Forgive Yourself...Completely.

Treat Yourself...Generously.

Balance Yourself...Harmoniously.

Bless Yourself...Abundantly.

Trust Yourself...Confidently.

Love Yourself...Wholeheartedly.

Empower Yourself...Prayerfully.

Give Yourself....Enthusiastically.

Express Yourself...Radiantly.

Andrew, thankfully you already implement these so well. Just want to remind you as you continue your journey! Love you!

a special hatred...

2006-05-31T15:58:00.000-07:00

the assault on femininity--its long history, is utter viciousness--cannot be understood apart from the spiritual forces of evil we are warned against in the Scriptures. this is not to say that men (and women, for they, too, assault women) have no accountability in their treatment of women. not at all. it is simply to say that no explanation for the assault upon eve and her daughters is sufficient unless it opens our eyes to the prince of darkness and his special hatred of femininity.

turn your attention again to the events that took place in the garden of eden. notice--who does the evil one go after? who does satean single out for his move against the human race? he could have chosen adam...but he didn't. satan went after eve, he set his sights on her. have you ever wondered why? it might have been that he, like any predator, chose what he believed to be the weaker of the two. there is some truth to that. he is utterly ruthless. but we believe there is more. why does satan make eve the focus of his assault on humanity?

because she is captivating, uniquely glorious, and he cannot be. she is the incarnation of the beauty of God. more than anything else in all creation, she embodies the glory of God. she allures the world to God. he hates it with a jealousy we can only imagine.

and there is more. the evil one also hates eve because she gives life. women give birth, not men. women nourish life. and they also bring life into the world soulfully, relationally, spiritually--in everything they touch. satan is a murderer from the beginning (john 8:44). he brings death. his is a kingdom of death. and thus eve is his greatest human threat, for she brings life. she is a lifesaver and a lifegiver. eve means "life" or "life-producer".

put those tho thing together-that eve incarnates the beauty of God and she gives life to the world. his bitter heart cannot bear it. he assualts her with a special atred. do you begin to see it?

eve is God's realtional specialist given to the world to keep relationship a priority.

men have a way of letting these things slip. they'll go months without checking in on the health of their relatioships. years, even. and the world simply uses people, then spits them out when they are worn out and no longer "on top of their game." our emeny despises relationship, hates love in any form, fears its redemptive power. the is why God sent eve. women are needed to protect relationships, bring them back to center stage where they belong. you might at times feel like the only one who cares. but as women we must hang on to this--that because of the Trinity, relationship is the most important thing in the universe. let us not give way or yield our intuitive sense of the importance of relationship for anything.

it is here, starting with our circles of intimacy, that we are first and foremost women. it is here that we must first turn our gaze to ask, "What does it look like to off my Beauty, my fierce devotion, my love? how do they need me to be their ezer?" you have an irreplaceable role in your relationships. no one can be to the people in your life who you can be to them. no one can offer what you can offer. there are many things God calls us to do, but loving well always comes first. and don't your relationships feel opposed? of course. they must be fought for.

satan knew that to take out adam, all he had to do was take out eve. it worked rather well, and he has not abandoned the basic plan ever since. your place in the world as God's heart for relationship is vital. all the enemy has to do to destroy people's lives is to get them isolated, a lamb separated from the flock. he makes a woman feel like "what do i have to offer, really? they're probably doing fine." don't you believe it for a moment. you have been sent by the Trinity on behalf of love, of relationships. fight for them.

j. eldredge

the greatest things

2006-05-21T23:10:00.000-07:00

1. the best day...today.

2. the greatest puzzle...life.

3. the cheapest, easiest, and most stupid thing to do...find fault.

4. the most expensive indulgence...hate.

5. the most disagreeable person...the complainer.

6. the best teacher...the one who makes you want to learn.

7. the greatest deceiver...the one who deceives himself.

8. the greatest thing in the world...LOVE---for God, family, home, friends and neighbors.

attributes to look for in a marriage partner

2006-05-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

1. positive attitude.

2. spiritual values.

3. sense of humor.

4. faithfullness.

5. honesty.

6. respect.

7. good communication skills.

8. hard working.

9. compassionate.

10. playful.

11. generous.

12. forgiving.

13. flexible.

14. confident

15. sensitive.

16. understanding.

17. common sense.

18. money-wise.

19. can they be my best friend?

i'm always expressing to my girls just how important it is to wait on God's best in a spouse. i'm sure they get tired of hearing me, but in my opinion, choosing a spouse is the second most important decision in life. of course the first being to give our lives to Jesus.

As I Look Back...

2006-05-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

As I look back on my life
I find myself wondering...
Did I remember to thank you
for all that you have done for me?

For all of the times you were by my side
to help me celebrate my successes
and accept my defeats?

Or for teaching me the value of hard work,
good judgement, courage, and honesty?

I wonder if I've ever thanked you
for the simple things...
The laughter, smiles, and quiet times we've shared?

If I have forgotten to express my gratitude
For any of these things,
I am thanking you now...
and I am hoping that you've known all along,
how very much you are loved and appreciated.

~Author Unknown~

Love,

Your Three Daughters

special thanks to eph2810 for the beautiful glitter tag

if you're going to fight....

2006-05-11T22:21:00.000-07:00

if you're going to fight...

1. fight for the relationship...not against it!

2. fight for reconciliation...not against it!

3. fight to save your marriage...not to cash it in!

4. fight to solve the problem...not to salve you ego!

5. if you're going to fight, fight to win....not to lose!

note: these pictures were taken last weekend at the karate tournament. maegan and tarah both placed 1st in fighting, 2nd in forms-faith placed 1st in fighting and forms.

but the most joy i receive from watching them is seeing them support each other, being the loudest cheerleader for the sister that's competing, and to see them giving 100% in what they do. i thank God for them and for blessing them with hearts to serve Him and others.

just this week, maegan and tarah tested
for their purple belt. up until now, i have been in the same class and rank with them. but because of some health issues, i've had to play hookie for awhile, so now they are going to jump ahead of me i suppose. but that's okay, i'll just have to work extra hard to catch up.

is it true?

2006-05-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

1. to lengthen thy life, lessen thy meals.

2. humility makes great men twice as honorable.

3. tis easy to see, hard to foresee.

4. creditors have better memories than debtors.

5. God heals, and the doctor takes the fees.

6. sell not virtue to purchase wealth, nor liberty to purchase power.

7. keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterward.

8. he that sows thorns should not go barefoot.

9. success has ruined many a man.

10. he that lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas.

11. better slip with foot than tongue.

12. wish not so much to live long as to live well.

wise things grandma said...

2006-05-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

1. you are special.

2. manners matter.

3. treat others the way you want to be treated.

4. always play fair.

5. take the days one day at a time.

6. count your blessings, name them one by one. (she sang this song at my house every thanksgiving!)

7. put things back where you found them.

8. decisions are too important to leave to chance.

9. clean up after yourself.

10. reach for the stars.

11. nothing wastes more energy than worrying.

12. the longer you carry a problem, the heavier it gets.

13. say "i'm sorry" when you hurt someone.

14. a little love goes a long way.

15. friendship is always a good investment.

87 years she lived this life. she faced the death of two husbands, one son and one grandson. she was a spunky and delightful woman. but if you crossed her, she would give you a piece of her mind, ask no questions and make no apologies. i guess the biggest disagreement we had was politics...for her there wasn't much greater than roosevelt and not much worse a man than bush. so over the years we just learned to steer clear of those topics. i came to realize that these issues were very emotional based for her, and you know, that's alright.

i will forever be greatful for her life and the legacy that she leaves.

the first picture is my mom and mamaw
the second picture is mamaw, mom, my three girls, my sister and her daughter
thrid picture is me and mamaw
fourth-mamaw and tarah
fifth and sixth-mamaw and maegan

i am outraged!!!!!

2006-05-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

ok, i'm having a really bad attitude, but i'm trying to get some right perspective here...maybe you can give me some help here. but after the death of my father-in-law, my step dad and my grandmother this just about puts me over the edge!

oldest daughter, maegan calls on her way back from running an errand for a polital friend. she says, "mom, i'm getting pulled over and i don't know why. i could hear the sirens blaring and i could hear the tremble in her voice. i said, "it's ok, just see what he says, but keep me on the phone if you want." then i hear this mans voice, "hang up the phone...hang up the cell phone now!' his tone was brutal and as maegan was saying "mom i'm pulled over at wendy's, the cell phone clicks, and she's gone.

yes, i'm an overprotective mom, but i think i have a pretty good perspective when it comes to authority...my dad was a state trooper and became post commander before he retired. so i've been around these type guys all my life and have much respect for them. however, the tone that this guy used on my daughter was very uncalled for.

i still had my pj's on but ran out the door, with no shoes. tarah jumped in the car with me. i got to the intersection and saw three, THREE police cars behind her car. my view wasn't clear but i saw the policeman and a girl and it looked like the girl was getting in the police car. i just about got out right there in the middle of the road. the way things were positioned i couldn't get my car behind everyone so i had to pull in front at anohter road and just sit and watch from a distance. finally, i saw that the girl wasn't maegan cos she was still in her car. that was a little relief.

so i'm just sitting there watching and finally the guy walks back to his car for a second. so maegan texts me and said, "he says my tag's expired." well, i'm fit to be tied. i know this tag isn't expired cos we just went down and changed everything over in january, from where we just purchased the car.

finally, after the guy left, maegan pulled over to where i was sitting. she was shaking and in tears. she said the guy threatened to arrest her twice. for those of you who are reading this and dont personally know maegan, she's a very polite, sweet, yes ma'm, yes sir girl. i have raised her to respect people and authority. she said he turned on his lights and that it took her less than a minute to pull over, and she was gong 30 mph looking for a public place to pull over (which is what she was taught in driving school) but that he said she was "fleeing". and he was threatening to arrest her for obstruction becos she hesitated in signing the ticket she was just asking questions trying to figure it out, becos she knows it's a new car and that we just got our whole licences plate and sticker in january.

i called david, he immediately came down and when he saw how upset maegan was and when i told him how the guy had talked to her, he went to the police station. they reviewed the tape, and did say that they have to basically treat people like that. so no wonder she was in tears, she's done nothing wrong and she gets treated like a criminal! the assumed she was fleeing becos it took 30 seconds (according to video) THRITY SECONDS!!!!! give me a break. i'm sorry, and maybe i'm all wrong but 30 seconds just isn't that long for a 19 yr old that's never been pulled over and is looking for a safe public place. oh and they finally did admit that the reason the guy was "brutal" (my description) was he was a little excited cos she was "fleeing".

anyway, come to find out basically they had issued us an expired tag becos when we applied for the tag the billing had already been done and they failed to send us a new bill. and when david went to the tag office the commissioner even wrote a letter saying that they had failed to send us the new bill.

i guess the really sad thing in this is that it makes me just want to teach my girls to be "tough" and harden themselves so that when jerks like him try to push their weight around like that, it won't affect them this way. i mean i have so tried to teach my girls respect and rules. and they just don't speed, cos they know they lose their keys. that was so instilled into me becos of my dad, and they have heard it since they were two years old. in fact people give them a hard time by saying how when they seem them they're driving like a grandma.

i'm sure there are plenty of things that they do that aren't right, but i would go to jail claiming their innocence if they got a ticket for speeding or knowingly disobeying the law. and some people may say, "you just trust your girls too much." well maybe so, but that's one thing that i take a little pride in...i do trust my girls and there are many reasons but there are times that they tell me they've done wrong, when they could have kept it to themselves and i (or no human) would have never known. but that's just how they are and i thank God for that.

well, i guess i've ranted enough. but i'm probably not done yet.

2006-04-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

1. it's not having everything go right...it's facing whaterver goes wrong.

2. it's not being without fear....it's having the determinations to go on in spite of it.

3. it is not where you stand...but the direction you're going.

4. it's more than never having bad moments...it's knowing you are always bigger than the moment.

5. it's not being able to rid the world of all its injustices...it's being able to rise above them.

it's about believing in your heart that there will always be more good than bad in this world. and believing you have already been given everything you need to handle life. live just this one day and not add tomorrow's troubles to today's load. every day ends and brings a new tomorrow full of exciting new things.

love what you do, do the best you can, and always remember how much you are loved.

the girls are loving martial arts. it's been especially good for them over the past 5 weeks. and thanks again, so much for all your thoughts and prayers on our behalf. God has truly given much peace and strength.

one step further

2006-04-28T05:33:00.000-07:00

do more than exist...LIVE

do more than touch...FEEL

do more than look...OBSERVE

do more than read...ABSORB

do more than hear...LISTEN

do more than listen...UNDERSTAND

do more than think...REFLECT

do more than just talk...SAY SOMETHING

the first picture is my youngest (faith) showing dad one of her prized catches for the day...an earth worm. she names each one of them, of course.

the second picture is the girls over at mimi's house learning to make one of the secret family receipes...oatmeal candy!

the next two pictues are my sister and her two grand babies. i always kid her about how jealous i am of her already having such a head start on me in being blessed with grand children...she's 7 years younger than me! and right now it's 2 - 0. but she is doing such a great job at being "nonna".

2006-04-27T05:20:00.000-07:00

It's what each of us sows, and how, that gives to us character and prestige. Seeds of kindness, goodwill, and human understanding, planted in fertile soil, spring up into deathless friendships, big deeds of worth, and a memory that will not soon fade.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

2006-04-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

I expect to pass throuh this world but

once. Any good thing, therefore, that I

can do or any kindess I can show to any

fellow human being, let me do it now.

Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I

shall not pass this way again.

-Etinne de Grellet

these pictures were taken when the girls' two grandfathers and mamaw were still with us. our time with them was precious, we're just selfish and wish we had more time.

2006-04-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

How often do we run out the door without saying good-bye--or say something less than kind or something critical under our breath as we go our seperate ways? How often do we take for granted those we love and count on the most, assuming we will always be together? Most of us seem to operate under the assumption that we can always be kind later, that there's always tomorrow.

Five weeks ago, my father-in-law lost a 6 month battle with lung cancer. He was such a great man of integrity. I'm so thankful for the things that he instilled in his son. As he lay there in his hospital bed, I wish I would have told him more how special he was and how dear he was to me. But for some reason, I felt I would cause him more pain. Looking back, I would do things differently.

Just three weeks ago, I saw my step-dad of 21 years, for the last time. Of course I didn't realize it would be the last time. Oh, how I wish I would have known. He drove himself to work at 6 am, and was pronounced dead at 6:37 am. I never had the chance to tell him thanks for the many things he had done for me, my family and my mother.

Only two weeks ago, I received a call that my 87 year old grandmother had been taken to the hospital. David and I were the first to arrive and can you guess the first things I began to tell her, as she lay there looking up at me? Yes, how special she was, how much I appreciated all she had done throughout the years and that I loved her so very much. At the time, her vital signs were good and we really thought she was going to be fine. But, suddenly she took a turn for the worse and within three hours she passed from this earthly life.

Our daily lives can be this precious. Perhaps, if you thought there was always the possibility that this were the last time you were going to see someone you love, you'd take an extra minute to give a loving hug and say good-bye. Or maybe you'd say something kind and gentle, an affirmation of your love, intead of your business-as-ususal "See you later." Rather than rushing away, you'd probably smile and tell the person how much you care. Your heart would be open.

I make this suggestion not to create a fearful environment but to encourage you to remember how precious your family is and how much you'd miss them if they (or you) weren't around to share your life. So I challange you to give more hugs than ever before and say the three precious words "I love you"! You won't be sorry.

Please continue to keep David's mom, my mom, and my three girls in your thoughts and prayers, as we go through our griefs in different ways, yet all pulling together and look to our Heavenly Father for strength, peace and joy.

in the eye of the storm...

2006-04-24T18:32:00.000-07:00

thanks so much to each and every one of you who have been so kind with your words and your prayers. as most of you know, my father-in-law died march 17, my step father died april 9, and my grandmother on april 15. and only by God's grace and mercy we are pulling together as a family. my 3 girls have been so awesome and strong during this valley of our lives. i am so thankful for them and their faith in God.

i encourage each of you to give more of yourselves to the precious people in your life.

1. love God more than you fear hell.

2. make major decisions in a cemetery.

3. when no one is watching, live as if someone is.

4. succeed at home first

5. don't spend tomorrow's money today.

6. listen twice as much as you speak.

7. only harbor a grudge when God does.

8. never outgrow your love of sunsets.

9. treat people like angels; you will meet some and help make some.

10. 'tis wiser to err on the side of generosity than on the side of scrutiny.

11. when you can't trace God's hand, trust His heart.

12. the book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number.

max lucado

my flesh is weak, but my spirit is strong

2006-04-16T06:01:00.000-07:00

these are the last pictures taken of mamaw. they were taken the day of papa hoyt's funeral. we had no idea she only had 4 days left.

i will do much more of a tribute to my strong and precious grandmother. but for now, i have to go help mom make arrangements.

i am doing fine. please pray for my husband, who just buried his dad 31/2 weeks ago, my mom who just buried her husband 5 days ago and now her mom will be buried tuesday. also, pray for my girls who have lost all these three special people in such a short period of time.

God's plan is perfect, even when we can't see it.

tell those you love often, and give hugs even more often!

Life is Hard...but God is Good

2006-04-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

If you would have told me that we would be losing the girls 2 grandfathers' in a time frame of 3 weeks, I would have told you there's no way we could make it through. But you know, God gives mercy and peace beyond our understanding.

I am learning more than ever, if you love someone...tell them, show them, shower them with your every thought and action.

David's dad left this life 3 weeks ago and Papa Hoyt (my step dad and has been in our lives for 21 yrs) left on Sunday morning. We had time to say our goodbyes to David's dad, but Papa Hoyt was in great health and even drove himself to work at 6am but told his co-worker he wasn't feeling well, said he was dizzy and laid his head back and they never found a pulse or saw him breathe again.

We had been with him late Sat. night. The girls had done their interpretive worship dance and they did a song called "Redeemer" by Nichole C. Mullen and during that song his hands raised to heaven and I heard him singing as they girls were doing their worship dance. He wasn't a charasmatic guy, so this was something very out of the ordianary for him. After the song he told the girl that was singing, "that part that says, I spoke to Him this morning...well that really gets to me!" We had no idea that the very next morning, that indeed he would be speaking to Him. What an awesome thought!

The girls bravely did the "Redeemer" song at the funeral service and it was a true celebration. I'm not sure how they were able to make it through, only by God's strength, I supppose.

I wish I would have told him more how special he was. But the only thing l am able to actually put into action now is learn my lesson and put into practice what lesson I have learned through much pain.

HE IS STONG... in our weakness.
HE IS COMFORT... when we're in pain.
HE IS LOVE... when we need acceptance.
HE IS PEACE...when we're haunted by fears.
HE IS PROTECTION...when we're in trouble.
HE HEALS OUR WOUNDS.... when someone or something has hurt us.
HE IS OUR JOY... when our hearts are grieved.
HE IS OUR FRIEND...when we've been rejected.
HE IS OUR POWER... when we need a miracle.

Really?

2006-04-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

Success in marriage is more than finding the right person. It's becoming the right person!

Choices...what's your answer?

2006-04-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

When Eve was tempted with the forbidden fruit, she should have: a) told Satan to talk to the man of the house, b) consulted Adam privately before making a decision, c) told Adam to "just say no", d) fled the scene, taking Adam with her.

Choices. We make them every day, often not fully recognizing the impact they have on us as individuals, and on the people around us. Some choices are made for us, but most we make ourselves; and these choices determine the course of our lives.

What choices are you making today? Will your children and children's children be able to stand securely on your shoulders? Will your life serve as a bridge as they seek richer ground in the journey of life?

Serious thoughts.

Update

2006-03-29T09:20:00.000-08:00

first of all i want to thank you all so much for all the encouragement, kind words and prayers. losing david's dad has taken its toll, but God has been so good and has given much peace during this time.

i suppose if i had to make any conclusions on what i have learned it would be..don't wait on bad news to appreciate your life. what possible value could there be in waiting to apprecite and enjoy the life God has given to you? instead of postponing your experience of gratitude until you are forced to do so by some form of bad news, why not instead begin to treasure your life and those around you, right now? Life itself is a miracle.

on saturday, the girls were in a martial arts tournament. it was alot of fun and they did very well. at age four, faith begged us to take karate. our older girls were playing fastpitch softball at that time, and i really wanted faith to consider ballet, jazz or something along those lines. we took those classes and she tried and did alright, but just didn't seem to have the desire that it would take to continue.

so finally, last fall, at age 7, we all decided to take martial arts. david and i had taken previously so we knew it was great for exercise and discipline. as you can imagine, faith was thrilled. she learned her forms, began sparring very quickly and has advanced by leaps and bounds. karate is something that she does from her heart. there's no other way to see it.

at her age, they integrate the girls and boys together. but she never bats an eye when she has to spar one of the boys. it's just another "fight" to win for her. this tournament she placed 1st in forms and 1st in fighting out of 19. that's her most competition so far.

maegan also placed 1st in forms and first in fighting. tarah placed 1st in fighting but botched the forms by forgetting her first kick.

the really funny thing is that my girls are "girlie-girls" and to see them you would never think about them "winning a fight". guess that goes along with what my dad taught me..."never judge a book by its cover"!

have a blessed day!

A Tribute

2006-03-21T14:06:00.000-08:00

Parenthood is a partnership with God...you are working with the Creator of the universe in shaping human character and determining destiny.

Columnist Abigail Van Buren published a Paren'ts Prayer in her "Dear Abby" column. It read, in part: "Oh, heavenly Father, make me a better parent. Teach me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say, and to answer all their questions kindly. Keep me from interrupting them or contradicting them. Make me as courteous to them as I would have them to be to me. Forbid that I should ever laugh at their mistakes, or resort to shame or ridicule when they displease me. May I never punish them for my own selfish satisfaction or to show my power."

"Let me not tempt my child to lie or steal. And guide me hour by hour that I may demonstrate by all I say and do that honesty produces happiness. Reduce, I pray, the meanness in me. And when I am out of sorts, help me, O Lord, to hold my tongue. May I ever be mindful that my children are children and I should not expect of them the judgement of adults."

"Let me not rob them of the opportunity to wait on themselves and to make decisions. Bless me with the bigness to give them all their reasonable requests, and the courage to deny them privileges I know will do them harm...And fit me, O Lord, to be loved and respected and imitated by my children. Amen."

As many of you already know, David's dad passed from this life, and entered eternal life on Friday. This prayer must have been his because only by the grace of God could anyone be so close to perfect, as he was.

I know when we lose those we love, we tend to only remember the good things, but honestly, in the 24 years that I've been his "daughter by love", I never heard him say a cross word to anyone or about anyone. He's probably the only person I can say that about. If ever there was a tense moment he would simply walk away.

I am so thankful for him and the wonderful life of honor that he leaves behind. And while his life ended on Friday, his life of courage and honor will live on through his children and grandchildren.

Thank you JL, for the legend you leave with us. May you rest in God's care until we see you again.

*note: these pictures were taken on JL's last fishing trip with David and the girls in July 05.

The Mom You Gave Me

2006-03-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

I Want To Thank You Lord

For The Mom You Gave To Me

I Know She's The One You Chose

That Would Be Just Right For Me

She Taught Me All About The Lord

And Showed Me Right From Wrong

She Was With Me Day By Day

And Helped My Faith Grow Strong

If Not For Her I Would Not Be

The Woman I Am Today

She Taught Me How To Humble Myself

And How To Kneel And Pray

I Want To Thank You Lord

For The Mom You Gave To Me

If Not For Her What I Am

I Would Never Be

We Love you Mom,

Your 3 "Turbos"
Maegan, Tarah, & Faith

Preparing for Success

2006-03-08T04:49:00.000-08:00

My mission was pretty simple: Emphasize the fundamentals. Teach them over and over again until the desire to achieve was flawless. Perfection. I knew I had to embed the notion into their minds so that it would stay forever. I didn't expect anything less than 100 percent effort and attitude with every breath. If they can't give that, they couldn't be successful.

This was my thoughts as I taught my girls about school, softball, and karate. As I reflect back over my "mission", it becomes more and more clear that really I was just teaching them about their journey of life. And even more their spiritual Life! Maybe I'm reaching here, but how much of this actually applies to our spiritual journeys?....

Perfection isn't achievable every time - not for anyone. Mistakes are part of the game/journey. They are what seperates the winners from losers. The winners are the ones who learn from the losing.

It's that easy.

Winning is about sacrifice, self-respect, courage, endurance and making adjustments. If your mind is not in the game/journey you cannot succeed. Winners will tell you that losing occurs when your mind fails to concentrate.

Trying to do well an trying to beat others are two different things. Excellence and victory are conceptually distant...and are experienced differently. Excellence doesn't mean good. It means all-out-superior. Having a postitive attitude is not for when things are good, it is for when times are challenging. This is where the true test of excellence lies.

As a parent, all you can do is help your children understand that success in in the effort. And while you may not always win, knowing that you gave it your all is how you will be measured.

Important to know:

1. I am a great team player.

2. I must understand the lessons from both winning and losing-everyone loses; it's what you learn from losing that make you better.

3. Being afraid of failure is a blessing because it is the only way we learn.

4. Surround yourself with successful people.

5. Courage-we may not be born with it, but we can achieve it.

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common that unsuccesful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world if full of educated derelicts. Perisistence and determination alone are omnipotent." -Calvin Coolidge

Is This True?

2006-03-02T09:27:00.000-08:00

*note: the girls are just now learning to work with the bow (stick) in their martial arts. these pictures were just taken in the front yard while they were practicing...anyway, now to my thoughts for today...

every man wants a battle to fight. it's the whole thing with boys and weapons.

and look at the movies men love--braveheart, gladiator, legends of the fall. men are made for battle. (and ladies, don't you love the heroes of those movies? you might not want to fight in a war, but don't you long for a man who will fight for you? to have daniel day lewis look you in the eyes adn say, "no matter how long it takes, no matter how far, i will find you"? women don't fear a man's strength if he is a good man.)

men also long for adventure. adventure is a deeply spiritual longing in the heart of every man. adventure requires something of us, puts us to the test. though we may fear the test, at the same time we yearn to be tested, to discover that we have what it takes.

finally, every man longs for a beauty to rescue. he really does. where would robin hood be without marian, or king arthur without guinevere? lonely men fighting lonely battles. you see, it's not just that a man needs a battle to fight. he needs someone to fight for. there is nothing that inspires a man to courage so much as the woman he loves. most of the daring (and okay, sometimes ridiculous) things young men do are to impress the girls. men go to war carrying photos of their sweethearts in their wallets--that is a metaphor of this deeper longing to fight for the beauty. this is not to say that a woman is a "helpless creature" who can't live her life without a man. i'm saying that men long to offer their strength on behalf of a woman.

now--can you see how the desires of a man's heart and the desires of a woman's heart were at least meant to fit beautifully together? a woman in the presence of a good man, a real man, loves being a woman. his strength allows her feminine heart to flourish. his pursuit draws our her beauty. and a man in the presence of a real woman loves being a man. her beauty arouses him to play the man; it draws out his strength. she inspires him to be a hero.

"the ransomed heart"-j. eldredge

More Thoughts, Anyone?

2006-02-28T10:11:00.000-08:00

in raising teen girls i feel that it's very important for them to make wise choices about who they will spend their future with. but in making those choices there are some pretty hard questions that must be asked. i've put together a few, but would love to hear other thoughts that you all have.

1. "be full of joy in the Lord always" (phil 4:4)
do you have fun? real fun? do you laugh together until your sdes hurt and you've got tears streaming down your face? do you play together-putt-putt, football, karate, board games, whatever? it's really important to have fun in order to make a relationship last. remember to be friends first; put the romance second. that way you know it will last longer than the come-and-go emotions.

2. "love your neighbor as you love yourself" (matt 19:19)
... does this guy respect you? not just opening doors for you, or paying for dinner. those are nice things to do, but you need to consider are things like: does he make jokes at your expense? does he try to protect your integrity? does he listen to what you say? does he care about your well being? guys are built to be agressive-just make sure he's being aggressive in defense of and respect for you, not against you.

3. "love is patient" (1 cor 13)
...does he get exasperated with you? what about with his friends? or does he take the time to wait until you learn how to throw a football, play the newest x-box game, or whatever? watch how he acts with those people he's really close to-mom, dad siblings, best friends. that's how he'll be to you when you guys have been together a while. and since we have alot of struggles in this life, you're gonna want a guy who love you enough to be patient with you. it's a sign of maturity, and it really helps as you work through life's problems.

4. "speaking the truth with love" (eph 4:15)
can you tell him anything? can you tell him when he does stuff you don't like without being afraid that he'll get all mad and dump you? or do you walk on pins and needles around him, making sure he's always happy? it's important to have honest lines of communications in a relationship. be honest with one another-if you don't feel comfortable with something. tell him! or if there's something you think is awesome about him, tell him that too!

5. "Christ loved the church and gave himself for it" (eph 5:25).
...does this guy do things for you, just so he can have you around and get stuff from you? it doesn't have to be just physical things, it can be just because you're beautiful and you make him look good around his friends. don't become some guy's play toy. make sure that he is treating you the way Christ treated the church. with respect, with dignity, selflessly. for your own good not his own.

9 Rules To Live By

2006-02-27T06:32:00.000-08:00

1. today, and every day, deliver more than you are getting paid to do.

2. whenever you make a mistake or get knocked down by life, look back only long enough to learn the lesson.

3. build this day on a foundation of pleasant thoughts.

4. laugh at yourself and at life.

5. never neglect the little things.

6. always reward your long hours of labor and toil in the very best way, surrounded by your family.

7. live this day as if it will be your last.

8. count your blessings.

9. always be yourself. there's no one like you and no one on earth that can accomplish your mission.

the story of our heart

2006-02-24T07:14:00.000-08:00

communion with God is replaced by activity for God. ther is little time in this outer world for deep questions. given the right plan, everything in life can be managed...except your heart.

the inner life, the story of our heart, is the life of the deep places within us, our passions and dreams, our fears and our deepest woulds. it is the unseen life, the mystery within-what buechner calls our "shimmering self." it cannot be managed like a corporation. the heart does not respond to principles and programs; it seeks not efficiency, but passion. art, poetry, beauty, mystery, ecstasy: these are what rouse the heart. indeed, they are the language that must be spoken if one wishes to communicate with the heart. it is why Jesus so often taught and related to people by telling stories and asking questions. His desire was not just to engage their intellects but to capture their hearts.

indeed, if we will listen, a sacred romance calls to us through our heart every moment of our lives. it whispers to us in the wind, invites us through the laughter of good friends, reaches out to us through the touch of someone we love. we've heard it in our favorite music, sensed it at the birth of our first child, been drawn to it while watching the shimmer of a sunset on the ocean. the romance is even present in times of great personal suffering: the illness of a child, the loss of a marriage, the death of a friend. something calls to us through experiences like these and rouses an inconsolable longing deep within our heart, wakening in us a yearning for intimacy, beauty, and adventure.

this longing is the most powerful part of any human personality. it fuels our search for meaning, for wholeness, for a sense of being truly alive. however, we may describe this deep desire, it is the most important thing about us, our heart of hearts, the passion of our life. and the voice that calls to us in this place is none other than the voice of God.

we cannot hear this voice if we have lost touch with our hearts.

"the ransomed heart"-j. eldredge

2006-02-22T22:28:00.000-08:00

1. what's one thing i could pray for you about this week?

2. if you could be anything when you grow up, what would you be?

3. what's one thing you really appreciate about your best friend?

4. if we could go anywhere on vacations where would we go and what would we do?

5. what's your favorite thing for us to do as a family that doesn't involve spending money?

6. what one thing could i work on that would make you feel even more loved?

tagged by the rabenstrange

2006-02-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

1)Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, and find line 4: "If we want him/her to feel the love we are tring to communicate, we must express it in his or her primary love language." The Five Love Languages

2)Stretch your left arm out as far as you can and see what you touch: computer printer

3) What is the last thing you watched on TV? fox news

4)Without looking, guess what time it is: 9pm

5) Now look at the clock. What is the actual time? 9:34

6) With the exception of the computer, what can you hear? my girls talking

7)When did you last step outside? today, going to karate class

8)Before you started this survey, what did you look at? rabenstrange blog.

9) What are you wearing? sweats and hoodie

10) Did you dream last night? no dreams

11) When did you last laugh? tonite at dinner at cracker barrel

12) What is on the walls of the room you are in? calender

13) Seen anything weird lately? Nothing comes to mind.

14) What do you think of this quiz? not having to think too much
15) What is the last movie you saw? mulan 2, didn't really watch just heard it playing

16) If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy? real estate, coffee shop, hair salon

17) Tell me something about you that I don't know: i'm really shy

18) If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do? I would allow people to live their lives without interference from governments. (stole that answer from you

the rabenstrange

!)

19) Do you like to dance? love it

20) George Bush? jury's still out for me, i reckon. but definitely better than the alternative!

21) Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her? she was a girl and i called her maegan

22) Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him? can't imagine cos she was a girl

23) Would you ever consider living abroad? don' think so

24) What do you want God to say to you when you reach the pearly gates? Well done good and faithful servant, come and share in your Master's happiness. (another great answer i'm stealing from

the rabenstrange

)

"Be"

2006-02-20T07:32:00.000-08:00

1. Be loyal to your friends.

2. Be strong enough to face the world each day.

3. Be weak enough to know you cannot do everything alone.

4. Be generous to those who need your help.

5. Be frugal with what you need yourself.

6. Be wise enough to know that you do not know everything.

7. Be foolish enough to believe in miracles.

8. Be willing to share your joys.

9. Be willng to share the sorrows of others.

10. Be a leader when you see a path others have missed.

11. Be the first to congratulate an opponent who succeeds.

12. Be the last to criticize a colleague who fails.

13. Be sure where your next step will fall, so that you will not tumble.

14. Be sure of your final destination, in case you are going the wrong way.

15. Be loving to those who do not love you, and they may change.

16. Above all, be yourself!

These pictures were taken at the martial arts tournament on Saturday, Feburary 18. Faith placed first in fighting and forms. Tarah placed first in fighting and third in forms. Nathan took first in fighting and fourth in forms. Maegan was the official cheerleader because on Thursday when she and Tarah were sparring, Tarah hit her with a side kick to her hip and ever since Maegan's back has been out.

Vital Questions!

2006-02-15T11:58:00.000-08:00

As we travel the journey of life we aren't always given easy paths. And many times we are faced with "which path shall I take?". I've always tried to teach my girls that generally the "easy" road isn't necessarily the best, even tho' it is often the most traveled. So, in choosing to take the more difficult road these are some questions worth asking.

Ask yourself:
What are the options?
What are my priorities?
How can I grow?

Ask others:
Will you forgive me?
Will you help me?
What can I do for you?

Ask God:
Who am I?
What is Your will?
What is eternal?

Happy Valentines Day!

2006-02-14T06:49:00.000-08:00

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13

Seven Favorite Quotes of Zig!

2006-02-13T12:07:00.000-08:00

1. Happiness is not a when or a where, but a here and a now!

2. When you associate with winners, your chances of winning go up.

3. You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.

4. If you aren't on fire, then your wood is wet.

5. I'm not going to ease up, slow up, or give up until I'm taken up.

6. You don't drown by falling into water. You only drown if you stay there.

7. You can have everything you want if you help enough other people get what they want.

Twelve Lessons (not sayings) From Aesop's Fables

2006-02-10T05:57:00.000-08:00

i call them lessons because each one individually could give me a
whole days worth of preaching to give to my girls! hehe which ones
are your favorites? for today, my favs are 1, 2, 3,4, 6 and 10

1. avoid solutions that are worse than the problem.

2. it is great art to do the right thing at the right time.

3. example is more powerful than reproach.

4. honesty is the best policy.

5. he who is discontented in one place will seldom be happy in another.

6. do boldly what you do at all.

7. the worth of money is not in its possession, but in its use.

8. thoses who seek to please everybody, please no one.

9. the memory of a good deed lives on.

10. happy is the man wo learns from the misfortunes of others.

11. he who wishes evil for his neighbor bring a curse upon himself.

12. do not attempt too much at once.

i've been tagged by eph2810

2006-02-07T08:11:00.000-08:00

this one really made me do some thinking. but i enjoyed it because it helped me realize things that have been accomplished and things that i'm still working on during this wonderful journey of my life!

10 Years ago:
worked full time and took the girls to the office with me
God began to show me how spiritually sick i had become
enjoyed the girls being 7 and 9
the girls started playing softbal
were looking for a church home
5 Years ago:
gone almost every weekend playing softball
worked less-more time with the girls
God increased our family by one
oldest daughter still in high school
went into premature labor and lost our only son-we named him solomon
1 Year ago:
blogging world was unknown too me (yeah Iris - I had no clue about it either - lol)
learned that being best friends with your husband is vital for marriage
all 5 of us started taking martial arts
oldest daughter graduated high school from home (yea, home learned we call it-lol)
discovered that i don't have all the answers
Yesterday:
cooked breakfast for lunch
tried to answer difficult questions that girls ask about guys!-lol
read all my favorite blogs
wasn't able to do karate, but did go and watch eveyone else!
watched "legend of the fall"
5 Songs I know all the words to (well maybe not ALL but can definitely sing along)
amazing grace
i can only imagine
redeemer
do they see Jesus in me (joy williams)
everthing to me (avalon)
5 Things I'd do with a million dollars:
buy land for my girls
pay off the mortgage
buy a coffee shop
buy a hair salon
buy an '05 stage 3 roush mustang
5 Places I'd ran away to:
into the arms of my best friend (husband)
into the arms of my Savior, Jesus
coast of oregon
a ski lodge
pigeon forge, tn
5 Things I'd never wear:
a tatoo
un-natural hair color (like blue-purple etc)
shorty shorts
a tongue ring (or eyebrow or navel)
overalls
5 Favorite toys:
computer (blog world)
05 mustang roush
digital camera
self help books
puzzles
5 Favorite books or TV shows:
The Bible
wild at heart (eldredge)
journey of desire (eldredge)
five love languages
smallville
5 Greatest Joys:
Jesus Christ
my sweetheart, husband, best friend
our three girls
watching my girls during their interpretive worship dance
my girl friends-in person and of course my blog world
5 People I tag

the rabenstrange

no_average_girl

Joy Through The Journey

Kimber's Korner

Corbin for Christ

Worship Dance, Snow and Superbowl

2006-02-06T23:30:00.000-08:00

i don't have any pictures of the girls during their worship dance. they are very consciencious about keeping it to more worship as opposed to a performance. their goal is to simply encourage worship. but i did snap a few pictures as they were practicing at the cabin.

it was a great weekend with time to rest and relax. the girls had been invited to share their intrepretive worship dance at a church in tn, so we decided to go stay in a cabin and just drive there early on sunday morning.

we left after karate class on friday evening so we didn't arrive until the wee hours of sat morning. we slept in on sat, watched "a walk to remember", cooked breakfast for lunch and watched it snow.

we visited a martial arts store and ate some great food at the apple barn. got back to the cabin sometime around 9pm and just relaxed. some of us ended up staying up all nite, just talking and enjoying the time. at 5:30 am it was time to start getting ready and prepare to leave at 7:30. at 7 david went out to load the camper and realized it had iced over during the nite and we couldn't make it down the steep hill. he and faith poured salt water for 30 minutes just to make a path to try.

finally, at 8:30 we were able to get off that hill. we didn't have a phone number or contact for the church, so we were glad to make it down and be on our way to worship service. we actually made great timing, even spare time because we got lost and burned another 20 minutes.

the girls and josh did a wonderful job. they did eight songs and i was so blessed. it's amazing to think back and realize how much one week in our lives actually became a huge part of our lives. maegan had wanted to take a sign language class (she has always had a heart for the deaf) and after several months, i gave in and took both she and tarah to a one week class. they really didn't learn too much i didn't think but they kept practicing.

and one day about 2 weeks later, maegan came and asked me to buy her the american sign language book. i was very hesitant because the best price we could find was still over $60.00, and that seemed like alot for one book that i felt would soon become a "dust catcher". but something inside of me just wouldn't let me say no. we ordered the book and the rest is history. she taught herself all the signs needed to sign for our worship service. and not much longer the dance team asked her to incoporate the sign language and dance.

two years have passed and both she and tarah have continued to minister with what i call a beautiful gift that i labeled interpretive worship dance.

we got home in time to settle in and watch the superbowl with friends. great time. and it was a lovely weekend.

A Parent's Daily Prayer Guide...

2006-02-02T06:13:00.000-08:00

MONDAY:
ask God to place a protective, solid hedge around your children.

TUESDAY:
pray that your children would use Godly wisdom in selecting friends and peers who wil make a positve difference in their lives.

WEDNESDAY:
pray that your children would stay pure in their thoughts and deeds.

THURSDAY:
pray that they will be caught if they wander into cheating, lies, or mischief.

FRIDAY:
pray that they will be alert and thinking clearly as they attend school an extracurricular activities, and as they take exams.

SATURDAY:
pray for the spouse each child will marry someday.

SUNDAY:
ask God to help them live their lives for Him.

Words of Advice?

2006-02-01T08:27:00.000-08:00

ok, i could use some input here...as most of you know, i'm raising girls and i always tell people that God knew exactly what i needed cos since i didn't have brothers, i sure wouldn't know how to raise boys. of course, i really believe God would have equipped me with whatever i needed. but g'ness, girls just seem so much easier to me!

little history...i've always tried to teach my girls what i feel is just common modesty and being a lady...such things as:

1...allowing the guys to be the assertive one.

2...not wearing clothes JUST to call attention to their body. in later years (when they were 12-15) i tried to balance this by letting them know that it is perfectly acceptable to be beautiful becos God made them to be so, but inside first. and i really don't want myself (or them) to become legalistic about it, just considerate. as years have passed, i feel blessed that even tho they enjoy fashion and want to wear the most up to date styles, they are mindful, and many times that means layering or wearing an undershirt.

3. before spending lots of time with one guy, consider his character and goals.

4. staying physically pure and saving themselves for their knight and shining armor prince.

so, all of this sounds great and they have and are doing a wonderful job. they are far from perfect, and constantly work on attitudes, etc....but what do you say to them when then say things like, "mom, all the guys seem so passive and they just seem to wait on the girls to make the first move so that they don't have to deal with rejection?". "where are the real guys that parents are raising to be strong, masculine, and adventurous?" and so much of that seems true in that the girls are so agressive in our society, it has allowed guys to retreat.

in talking with them, they feel that if the guy isn't willing to step up and be assertive now, then that's a glimpse of the future in that he will always be passive, and never take the lead.

i've given all the pad answers, "don't give in, wait on God's best", "just wait, the right one will come along" , "he's out there, and it will be worth the wait"...but is there any other words of wisdom, encouragement or advice that you have. sometimes as a mom i get into only one train of thought, so please feel free to give me some different angles.

have a blessed day!

The World Needs People....

2006-01-26T08:54:00.000-08:00

*side note...these pictures were taken in vegas and lake meade (hoover dam).

THE WORLD NEEDS PEOPLE...

1. who cannot be bought.

2. whose word is their bond.

3. who put character above wealth.

4. who possess opinions and a will.

5. who are larger than their vocations.

6. who will not lose their individuality in a crowd.

7. who will be as honest in small things as in great things.

8. who will make no compromise with wrong.

9. whos ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires.

10. who will not say they do it "because everybody else does it."

11. who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for truth when it is unpopular.

12. who can say "no" with emphasis, although all the rest of the world says "yes".

Single, Lonesome & Looking!

2006-01-25T08:35:00.000-08:00

no, not me! here's the story....my grandmother was in the hospital over Christmas. so a few days after she was released, she came by our home and spent some time. while she was here, i decided to show her the blog world and some pictures of her that i had included in several of my post. all of a sudden, she got very excited, and i saw this sparkle in her eyes. she wasted no time in saying, "hey, will you put a story on there about me...be sure it says single, lonesome and looking...and make sure you put some really good pictures of me!".

you have to understand...she is 86, twice widowed and more boy crazy than any teen girl i know. in fact, the reason she probably ended up in the hospital is because her and her boyfriend (he's only 63, talk about robbing the cradle) broke up a few weeks before. she was so pitiful when she was telling me the story of their breakup. with tears in her eyes, "somehow our camara film got swapped and when i got my pictures back it was actually pictures of him and another woman". and the story and the heartbreak went on and on. i felt like i was dealing with two teen kids.

anyway, i promised i would put this post with "some really good pictures". oh and one other thing...she still drives herself to the senior dances, so when you're driving down the road, watchout for grandma!

A Busy Week It Was

2006-01-23T21:34:00.000-08:00

monday-
maegan & tarah had to work at the coffee shop
maegan & faith had two karate classes
josh & tarah went shopping (skipped karate)-mr. tim says you're in trouble haha
today was our 24th anniversary and both of us forgot until 8pm (sad)

tuesday-
we took david's dad to vanderbilt for his second radiation treatment
tarah worked
maegan & faith had karate class
maegan was almost k-0'd by mr. tim and a kick to the back of her head
(that scared me to death, especially since i was in nashville)
david still sick with the flu bug

wednesday-
my mom's b-day (i forgot until friday) not cool!
cleaned house
maegan's day at the coffee shop
maegan & faith went to two karate classes
josh & tarah only did one karate class
david still sick with the flu bug went to bed right after work

thursday-
tarah's day at the coffee shop
stacy & savannah come over-worked on some new intepretive dance stuff
stacy & josh sang avalon's "everything to me" they are doing so well on that song
maegan taught a karate class then stayed to work out with the blackbelts

friday-
david's b-day (i didn't forget) whew!!!!! i am trying to find him an 05 mustang model car but i can't find one-any ideas?
maegan's day at the coffee shop
the girls and josh went to karate
david and i went out to eat

saturday-
maegan taught early class at karate
faith was sick and not able to go
tarah & i went shopping
went to savannah's b-day party-that was so fun-played pictionary (first time ever), we played guitars, went down to the creek and just had a wonderful evening (even tho they do live in the boonies!)

sunday-
we over slept so instead of rushing and being in a rotton mood by the time we got to church, we chose to stay here and just have some quality family fellowship. it was great. david is wonderful at getting everyone to open up and really think about day to day life. we talked about how we so often spend our time and energy focusing on unimportant issues of life, and how easy it is to deny the "real" issues and not face the vital things. by keeping our focus on the mundane things, we think we can escape dealing with the core issues. anyway, it was an awesome reflection time!
then i took mom out to eat and we did some shopping
bought maegan some of her "pointed" shoes she's been wanting. can't wait to see her actually try to walk in those! hehe
bought tarah earrings
brought faith 1/2 of my steak from logan's-it's great, she's at the age that she still enjoys food more than clothes & shoes!
mom & hoyt stayed and we watched "monster in law"

3 Minute Survey Report

2006-01-22T22:44:00.000-08:00

from: www.rlmsurvey.com

so i took this survey, just for fun. but after it was done it gave a little more detail than i expected. so, for those of you that know me (alot or even a little) give me your take on this and let me know what you think.

Congratulations! Here is your personalized Summary Report from the Real Life Management 3 Minute Survey. What follows is an overview of your survey results. You'll find some very useful information here. But it's only a start. There is much more available to you from Real Life Management.

Summary Report

You are a very organized person who wants to work with facts and information in a stable and secure setting. You like to know that the things you work on will benefit society. You also prefer structure, but too much detail can be overwhelming at times.

You genuinely care about people, and you enjoy being involved in projects that are good for the people in your life. However, insensitive and illogical people are a turnoff for you. When you encounter them you tend to set boundaries and take control of the situation.

You are logical and focused. You expect things to be done in a timely manner and with a smile. Indeed, negative people cause you to hold off on developing any long-term relationship with them. Money is important to you, but not more than people.

You feel pressure when people try to sell or manipulate you, and when you encounter such folks you will quickly shut them down—in a nice way, of course. If someone wants to get you involved in something, they need to answer all your questions and convince you that it meets your passion for others.

Managing your finances is something you are very capable of doing—although not something you enjoy. You tend to be balanced in your spending, and if you do get carried away occasionally, it’s only because you’re spending on others.

As for your lifestyle choices, you strike a good balance between your head and your heart. You are usually good about your eating and health habits, even if you fall off the wagon occasionally. The thing that causes you the most stress is rejection from others, as well as people who lack structure or sensitivity.

Life is a Journey — Not a Destination!

A Real Man...

2006-01-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

1...is a leader by example

2...knows the difference between strength and just being strong

3...tells the truth

4...doesn't mistreat other people

5...sides with those who are right

6...keeps his commitments

7...acquires enough wisdom to be humble

8...confronts fear without running away

9...lives his faith with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength regardless of the cost.

10...is wild at heart!

david, thank you for being all of these! you have sacrificed so much over our 24 years together. you have given such an awesome example for our girls, and what they are is a reflection of what you've given to them by the time you've spent with them; rocking when they were just babies, coaching them on the softball field, crying with them over math problems/phonics/dying pets and broken hearts, playing tag in the house (knowing that i'm gonna be mad when someone gets hurt!), taking karate class with them after a hard days work and so many other things. i've always stressed to them that all they have to do is find someone as good as their dad and everything will be alright. but they are admitting they are having a little difficulty finding "a real man".

and finally, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the best husband in the world! and NO! you're not getting older, i would say you're like a bottle of wine...just better with age!

Thursday Thirteen

2006-01-18T06:56:00.000-08:00

Thirteen Things about Me (and a very special person)

1…my dad was a state trooper, which made life a little difficult, cos anytime i tried to think about misbehaving either he or one of his "friends" were close by. and if i didn't end up telling on myself, he was sure to find out! but it was probably God's way of keeping me outta big trouble. dad was strict, but now i'm thankful for how much he truly cared!
2...dad coached our softball team for five years. we were called the tomboys and we made it to nationals, in cincinnatti oh in 1979. i think this is where we built our great relationship. he always expected me to give my best, never gave me slack for being the coaches daughter and i played my heart out for him.
2...dad bought me an original '67 mustang for my 16th birthday. later in life i found out that he had searched 6 months to find one that was all original (remember this part, it comes up two times later in life).
3...one time, when david and i were dating, we got caught going to watch a drag race. the trooper leaned into the car, glazed his eyes on me and said, "lisa, is that you?"! i said mr. keller, please don't call my dad. most everyone got their licenses pulled, the racers taken to jail, while david and i was just pulled over watching everything. then to my dismay...i see my dad's state car slowly pulling up. not a good nite for me! but i never went to another drag race.
3...graduated high school in may '81, married in jan '82 (dad made it clear that he thought i was too young, but after stating how he felt, he never said another word about it or had any negative actions).
4...my wonderful newlywed husband traded my original '67 mustang in less than 4 months after our wedding day, for an ugly (i'm serious UGLY!) long bed truck. i cried for 3 days and he tried to buy it back but the guy was too smart and kept my car. i can't believe my dad didn't give david a piece of his mind. he never even said a word. i think my dad thought it best if he allowed us to learn our own lessons, but now that i have children, oh my, how hard that must have been!
5...dad and mom seperated 4 months after david and i married. that was so hard. i never even knew anything was wrong. they never said a cross word to one another and to me it looked as though they had the perfect marriage. i was devastated.
6...hardley spoke to dad over the next two years cos he had a girlfriend and i blamed him for everything. he still took care of mom financially...house, car, my younger sister..everything...except life was just so far from how i knew it was supposed to be.
7...mom married around 2 yrs after the divorce, then dad married. the little girl inside of me somewhat died.
8...david encouraged me to restore my relationship with dad. after many months, i was able to begin that journey. wrote him a letter. then invited him over. as i asked question after question, he quietly and thoughtfully answered everything i asked. this was another huge lesson in my life...never make your mind up before hearing both sides of the story. he didn't try to give me answers until i was ready to hear what he had to say. he never said a harsh word about my mother, but he did share with me that everything wasn't his fault, as it had appeared. but he did admit he had done wrong and was willing to accept whatever consequences came.
9...dad decided to retired early from the State Patrol. he had put in his 30 yrs and wanted to take some time to travel while he was still young and in great health. he had worked his way to Post Commander.
10...90 days later he was out target practicing getting ready to go on a hunting trip. according to his dear friend and fellow trooper, chuck, dad had just shot his rifle and fell over. chuck revived him, got him to the hospital, called me and my sister and we were able to talk with dad. he looked fine and they had no idea what had happened. i spent about 30 minutes with him and then they had to run more tests. i went outside the hospital to pray. a few minutes later they had to rush him to a bigger hospital. he left in the ambulance, we tried to follow. we waited for what seemed like hours. more and more troopers were arriving. i was so scared. the doctors came out. he had an aortic aneuyrsm and by the time he arrived at the second hospital, it was too late. it was oct 29, 1994. he was 51.
11...the rest of the little girl inside of me died too.
12...it was during the next 2 yrs that i realized what a strong anchor my dad had been to me. and now i felt i had no anchor. my life had changed, never to be the same again.
13...when the retro mustang body style came out last year, david bought me my own car. i told him i had forgiven him, but that this would definitley redeem him. (smile). he liked my car so well, he decided to trade our suburban for a mustang for him as well. of course his is much more of a "muscle car" cos its a roush and a 5 speed. i'm sure dad smiled about that.

Links to my Thursday Thirteen...

1. Adam's Blog
2. Wendy's Whimsies

Thanks for stopping by!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things.

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Your Future Depends On...

2006-01-16T06:38:00.000-08:00

Who you will be in the next five years depends on three things:

the books you read

the people you meet

the choices you make

Choose today to live a transformed life!

A few days ago, rabenstranger's post was talking about how life is changing so quickly and several comments about how unknown "growing up" can be. yes, it's such an exciting time but sometimes can be stressful. but i challenge you to to make it the very best it can be. smile often, laugh aloud at yourself and others. and remember, there's no one else like you, no not one that can accomplish what you will if only you choose to live an authentic life based on your values and beliefs.

2006-01-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

Thirteen Things That Being a Mom Has Taught Me

1…. Ask questions before handing down the judgement...yea, I actually disciplined the wrong child and after all the ranting and raving was done, the child that had actully commited the offense said, "Mom, I was the one that deserved the spanking, not my sister." We just all cried together and learned a huge lesson.
2.... That our children listen to what we do much more than what we say. Actions speak louder than words.
3....Admitting mistakes, wrongs, etc and asking forgiveness from my children is one of the most humbling moments. But for me it's one of the most important things to do if I want them to be real. Afterall, they usually already know our downfalls, and when we deny them, what does that teach them?
4...Training siblings to work through their own disagreements saves me from having to always be the referee and bad guy. When our girls were seven and nine, we would send them to the bathroom and tell them to work out their problem and not to come out until they were able to come to some kind of resolution. Everyone always asks, "Why the bathroom?" to which they will say, "There was absolutely nothing to do in there!". Now that they are 17 and 19 I'm amazed at how they automatically go to the other one if there's a problem that needs to be resolved. Also, when David and I start arguing, they don't hesitate to say, "Do you two need to go to the bathroom and work this out?". That usually ends our argument with bursts of laughter!
5...Expect the best from your child....they usually live up to our expectations.
6...One on one time is one of the best investments. It may not be an immediate return, but when the teen years come it will give back more than you could ever imagine!
7...Being a servant (to them and others) is the only way to teach them to have a servant's heart and mind.
8...Children are great encouragers. They are the first to offer a hug or a kiss when they know you're hurt.
9...Children are great psychologist...they always have a simple answer to your problem and it will probably make you laugh.
10...Who they consider to date does matter because one day they may part of the family.
11...I have been taught that I have alot more to learn.
12...Having character is better than having knowledge.
13...I can't do it alone...Praying and seeking Godly counsel is vital! Because once the day is gone, I have to live with what I've done and trust God to bless it.

Girlie-Girls and Karate?

2006-01-10T14:59:00.000-08:00

The family is gone to karate class. I miss being with them, but I just haven't been quite up to it lately. It's that lovely middle age "junk", and everyone keeps saying, "but you're too young!". But nope, I ain't!

David and I started martial arts 12 years ago and several months ago our whole fam has decided to jump in. Faith, the youngest, has begged me since she was four to let her take karate. I really had hoped she'd be interested in ballet or jazz. But we took those classes for about 8 weeks and she would practice but it just wasn't from the heart.

So when the older girls decided they'd like to start karate, Faith knew this was her chance too. And omg'ness!!! She takes about 6 classes a week and begs to take more. It's definitley a desire, straight from her heart.

Maegan and Tarah also love karate. It's amazing to see such "girlie-girls" transform to this serious" karate kid" mentalitiy. In their first tournament they all placed...Tarah was first in fighting and Maegan was third in her age bracket.

I've been out of karate for about 4 weeks now, but I'm praying that I will be back on track next week. If not, I will simply be thankful for this time of rest and continue to be their cheerleader!

I've been tagged...

2006-01-09T07:15:00.000-08:00

so i've been tagged by

No Average Girl

and poked by servantoflove. my instructions are to list five things that i do that are considered weird. this is a little hard becos to me what i do feels normal. but hey, let's give it a shot...

1. i will build a fire in the fireplace even when it's 60 outside.

2. i eat the seeds of an apple.

3. recently, i've learned to drive a straight shift and now (almost always) choose to drive it instead of and automatic (but um its an 05 Roush Mustang, so i doubt that's too wierd).

4. many nights i prefer to sleep on the couch (verses a king size bed), but only if my hubby stays with me!

5. our girls have always had their own rooms, but we allowed them to sleep with us from day one and to this day they can sleep with us anytime they want! and our youngest was born at home!

Welcome, New Arrival

2006-01-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

Just a few days ago, my niece had her 2nd baby....another beautiful girl, Macy Bell. Just wanted to dedicate a post to her for being such an excellent mom. I am so proud of her for the time that she devotes to Emma and Macy. She is doing such a wonderful job. It was

a pleasure to be there for the labor and delivery. And I will get some pictures of Macy soon!

Hello world I've just arrived
Cuddly friends are by my side
Making all my dreams come true
Feel so very special too

Trip not easy I confess
My poor Mama needs some rest
Daddy he was by her side
Face was glowing filled with pride

All the family made a fuss
In fact they were quite boisterous
Now I'm home and glad to be
Around my loving family

I'll just smile and bat these eyes
Giggle coo and hypnotize
Then when they are fast asleep
I'll quickly get them on their feet

They'll pick me up with gentle care
Quite down while they are there
What a life it's going to be
Filled with sweetest memories

Well I guess I better go
Have to catch the late late show
See you then and it's a bet
My diaper will be nice and wet

What a big day this has been
My arrival rated ten
Better get some sleep and then
Be calling out for them again.

And It's True!

2006-01-08T07:57:00.000-08:00

"An abstract noun," the teacher said, "is something you can think of, but you can't touch it. Can you give me an example of one?"

"Sure," a teenage girl replied. "My father's new car."

And this really is David's new car and the girls really can't drive it because it's a straight shift!

Finding A Husband

2006-01-07T09:09:00.000-08:00

At a local coffee bar, a young woman was expounding on her idea of the perfect mate to some of her friends. "The man I marry must be a shining light amongst company. He must be musical. Tell jokes. Sing. And stay home at night!"
An old granny overheard and spoke up, "Honey, if that's all you want, get a TV!"

DON'T MESS WITH MOM

2006-01-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

My son came home from school one day,
with a smirk upon his face.
He decided he was smart enough,
to put me in my place.

"Guess what I learned in Civics Two,
that's taught by Mr. Wright?
It's all about the laws today,
The 'Children's Bill of Rights.'

It says I need not clean my room,
don't have to cut my hair
No one can tell me what to think,
or speak, or what to wear.

I have freedom from religion,
and regardless what you say,
I don't have to bow my head,
and I sure don't have to pray.

I can wear earrings if I want,
and pierce my tongue & nose.
I can read & watch just what I like,
get tattoos from head to toe.

And if you ever spank me,
I'll charge you with a crime.
I'll back up all my charges,
with the marks on my behind.

Don't you ever touch me,
my body's only for my use,
not for your hugs and kisses,
that's just more child abuse.

Don't preach about your morals,
like your Mama did to you.
That's nothing more than mind control,
And it's illegal too!

Mom, I have these children's rights,
so you can't influence me,
or I'll call Children's Services Division,
better known as C.S.D."

Of course my first instinct ! was!
to toss him out the door.
But the chance to teach him a lesson
made me think a little more.

I mulled it over carefully,
I couldn't let this go.
A smile crept upon my face,
he's messing with a pro.

Next day I took him shopping
at the local Goodwill Store.
I told him, "Pick out all you want,
there's shirts & pants galore.

I've called and checked with C.S.D.
who said they didn't care
if I bought you K-Mart shoes
instead of those Nike Airs.

I've canceled that appointment
to take your driver's test.
The C.S.D. is unconcerned
so I'll decide what's best."

I said "No time to stop and eat,
or pick up stuff to munch.
And tomorrow you can start to learn
to make your own sack lunch.

Just save the raging appetite,
and wait till dinner time.
We're having liver and onions,
a favorite dish of mine."

He asked "Can I please rent a movie,
to watch on my VCR?"
"Sorry, but I sold your TV,
for new tires on my car.

I also rented out your room,
you'll take the couch instead.
The C.S.D. requires just a roof over your head.

Your clothing won't be trendy now,
I'll choose what we eat.
That allowance that you used to get,
will buy me something neat.

I'm selling off your jet ski,
dirt-bike & roller blades.
Check out the 'Parents Bill of Rights',
It's in effect today!

Hey hot shot, are you crying,
Why are you on your knees?
Are you asking God to help you out,
instead of C.S.D..?"

Installing Love-Tech Support, Please!

2005-12-31T13:25:00.000-08:00

Tech Support: Yes, .. how can I help you?

Customer: Well, after much consideration, I've decided to install Love. Can you guide me though the process?

Tech Support: Yes. I can help you. Are you ready to proceed?

Customer: Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready. What do I do first?

Tech Support: The first step is to open your Heart. Have you located your Heart?

Customer: Yes, but there are several other programs running now. Is it okay to install Love while they are running?

Tech Support: What programs are running ?

Customer: Let's see, I have Past Hurt, Low Self-Esteem, Grudge and Resentment running right now.

Tech Support: No problem, Love will gradually erase Past Hurt from your current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory but it will no longer disrupt other programs. Love will eventually override Low Self-Esteem with a module of its own called High Self-Esteem. However, you have to completely turn off Grudge and Resentment. Those programs prevent Love from being properly installed. Can you turn those off ?

Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?

Tech Support: With pleasure. Go to your start menu and invoke Forgiveness. Do this as many times as necessary until Grudge and Resentment have been completely erased.

Customer: Okay, done! Love has started installing itself. Is that normal?

Tech Support: Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need to begin connecting to other Hearts in order to get the upgrades.

Customer: Oops! I have an error message already. It says, "Error - Program not run on external components " What should I do?

Tech Support: Don't worry. It means that the Love program is set up to run on Internal Hearts, but has not yet been run on your Heart. In non-technical terms, it simply means you have to Love yourself before you can Love others.

Customer: So, what should I do?

Tech Support: Pull down Self-Acceptance; then click on the following files: Forgive-Self; Realize Your Worth; and Acknowledge your Limitations.

Customer: Okay, done.

Tech Support: Now, copy them to the "My Heart" directory. The system will overwrite any conflicting files and begin patching faulty programming. Also, you need to delete Verbose Self-Criticism from all directories and empty your Recycle Bin to make sure it is completely gone and never comes back.

Customer: Got it. Hey! My heart is filling up with new files. Smile is playing on my monitor and Peace and Contentment are copying themselves all over My Heart. Is this normal?

Tech Support: Sometimes. For others it takes awhile, but eventually everything gets it at the proper time. So Love is installed and running. One more thing before we hang up. Love is Freeware. Be sure to give it and its various modules to everyone you meet. They will in turn share it with others and return some cool modules back to you.

Customer: Thank you, God.

The Guy's Rules

2005-12-29T09:46:00.000-08:00

At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down. Finally, the guys' side of the story. (I must admit, it's pretty good.)

We always hear "the rules" from the female point of view...

Now here are the rules from the male side.
These are our rules!
Please note... these are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!

1. Men ARE NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.
We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.

1. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it that way.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want.
Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly Acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only If you want help solving it. That's what we do.
Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.
In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls, don't Expect us to act like soap opera guys.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.

1. You can either ask us to do something Or tell us how you want it done. Not both.
If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials.

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.
Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will Be scratched. We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like nothing's wrong.
We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear Is fine...Really.

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or golf.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this.
Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight;

But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

Washable, But Not Plastic

2005-12-27T07:03:00.000-08:00

By the time the Lord made woman,
He was into his sixth day of working overtime..
An angel appeared and said,
"Why are you spending so much time on this one?"
And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her?
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,
have a lap that can hold four children at one time,
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything with only two hands."
The angel was astounded at the requirements.
"Only two hands!? No way!
And that's just on the standard model?
That's too much work for one day.
Wait until tomorrow to finish."
But I won't," the Lord protested.
"I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart.
She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days."
The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
"But you have made her so soft, Lord."
"She is soft," the Lord agreed,
"but I have also made her tough.
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."
"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel.
The Lord replied,
"Not only will she be able to think,
she will be able to reason and negotiate."
The angel then noticed something,
and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.
"Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."
"That's not a leak,"
the Lord corrected,
"that's a tear!"
"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.
The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy,
her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love,
her loneliness, her grief and her pride."
The angel was impressed.
"You are a genius, Lord.
You thought of everything!
Woman is truly amazing."
And she is!
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Christmas Pictures

2005-12-26T07:17:00.000-08:00

Christmas Quiz

2005-12-22T18:29:00.002-08:00

Hot Chocolate or Egg Nog?
Hot Chocolate
Does Santa wrap the presents or just set them under the tree?
Just sets them under the tree
Colored or white lights on the tree/house?
White...but the hubby and kids have over ruled me for next year
Do you hang mistletoe?
No, but it's definitley worth considering
When do you decorate?
Thanksgiving weekend, of course!
What is your favorite holiday dish/goodie?
Stuffed mushrooms
Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
Being at aunt Loretta's and uncle Dee's house on Christmas eve, playing cards, etc
How and when did you learn the truth about Santa?
6-7
Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve?
Just one to get us warmed up!
Snow! Love it or hate it?
Love it
Can you ice skate?
Nope....but I can ski (down the bunny slope)
Do you remember your favorite gift?
I remember places not really any gift
What is the most important thing about the holidays for you?
Time with my family and the gift of giving, and of course the birth of our Savior
What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
Having time with family
What type of tree? Live or Artificial?
Artificial
Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?
Giving!
What is your favorite Christmas Carol?
Hark the Herald Angels

How 'bout you? Wanna play?

Evening Classes For Men!

2005-12-22T05:18:00.000-08:00

ALL ARE WELCOME
OPEN TO MEN ONLY

Note: due to the complexity and level of difficulty, each course will accept a maximum of eight participants

The course covers two days, and topics covered in this course include:

DAY ONE

HOW TO FILL ICE CUBE TRAYS
Step by step guide with slide presentation

TOILET ROLLS- DO THEY GROW ON THE HOLDERS?
Roundtable discussion

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LAUNDRY BASKET & FLOOR
Practicing with hamper (Pictures and graphics)

DISHES & SILVERWARE; DO THEY LEVITATE/FLY TO KITCHEN SINK OR DISHWASHER BY THEMSELVES?
Debate among a panel of experts.

LOSS OF VIRILITY
Losing the remote control to your significant other - Help line and support groups

LEARNING HOW TO FIND THINGS
Starting with looking in the right place instead of turning the house upside down while screaming - Open forum

DAY TWO

EMPTY MILK CARTONS; DO THEY BELONG IN THE FRIDGE OR THE BIN?
Group discussion and role play

HEALTH WATCH; BRINGING HER FLOWERS IS NOT HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH
PowerPoint presentation

REAL MEN ASK FOR DIRECTIONS WHEN LOST
Real life testimonial from the one man who did

IS IT GENETICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SIT QUIETLY AS SHE PARALLEL PARKS?
Driving simulation

LIVING WITH ADULTS; BASIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOUR MOTHER AND YOUR PARTNER
Online class and role playing

HOW TO BE THE IDEAL SHOPPING COMPANION
Relaxation exercises, meditation and breathing techniques

REMEMBERING IMPORTANT DATES & CALLING WHEN YOU'RE GOING TO BE LATE
Bring your calendar or PDA to class

GETTING OVER IT; LEARNING HOW TO LIVE WITH BEING WRONG ALL THE TIME
Individual counsellors available

Seven Degrees of Blondes

2005-12-19T07:12:00.000-08:00

FIRST DEGREE

A married couple was asleep when the phone rang at 2 in the morning.
The wife (undoubtedly blonde), picked up the phone, listened a moment
and said, "How should I know, that's 200 miles from here!" and hung up.

The husband said, "Who was that?"
The wife said, "I don't know, some woman wanting to know if the coast
is clear."

`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,....-:*´`´*:-.,_,-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:
*´`´*: -,_ ,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*

SECOND DEGREE

Two blondes are walking down the street. One notices a compact on the
sidewalk and leans down to pick it up. She opens it, looks in the
mirror and says, "Hmm, this person looks familiar."

The second blonde says, "Here, let me see!"

So the first blonde hands her the compact.

The second one looks in the mirror and says, "You dummy, it's me!"

`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-,_,-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´
*:- , _,-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*

THIRD DEGREE

A blonde suspects her boyfriend of cheating on her, so she goes out
and buys a gun. She goes to his apartment unexpectedly and when she
opens the door she finds him in the arms of a redhead. Well, the
blonde is really angry. She opens her purse to take out the gun, and
as she does so, she is overcome with grief. She takes the gun and puts
it to her head.

The boyfriend yells, "No, honey, don't do it!!!"
The blonde replies, "Shut up, you're next!"

`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´
*: -., _,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,-:*

FOURTH DEGREE

A blonde was bragging about her knowledge of state capitals.
She proudly says, "Go ahead, ask me, I know all of them."

A friend says, "OK, what's the capital of Wisconsin?"

The blonde replies, "Oh, that's easy: W."

`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-....,_,-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:
*´`´*: -., _,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,-:*

FIFTH DEGREE

What did the blonde ask her doctor when he told her she was pregnant?

"Is it mine?"
`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´
*: -., _,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-,_,.-:*

SIXTH DEGREE

Bambi, a blonde in her fourth year as a UCLA freshman, sat in her US
government class. The professor asked Bambi if she knew what Roe vs. Wade
was about.

Bambi pondered the question then finally said, "That was the decision
George Washington had to make before he crossed the Delaware."

`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`
´*: -., _,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,...-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*

SEVENTH DEGREE

Returning home from work, a blonde was shocked to find her house
ransacked and burglarized. She telephoned the police at once and
reported the crime.

The police dispatcher broadcast the call on the radio, and a K-9 unit,
patrolling nearby was the first to respond. As the K-9 officer
approached the house with his dog on a leash, the blonde ran out on
the
porch, shuddered at the sight of the cop and his dog, then sat
down on the steps.

Putting her face in her hands, she moaned, "I come home to find all my
possessions stolen. I call the police for help, and what do they do?

They send me a BLIND policeman."

`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*´`
´*: -., _,.-:*´`´*:-.,_,....-:*´`´*:-.,_,.-:*

Funny, but Sadly True...

2005-12-16T09:01:00.000-08:00

Having to write letters of recommendation for people with
very dubious qualifications can cause serious legal troubles
in a time when laws have eroded the confidentiality of
business letters. In most states, job applicants have the
right to read the letters of recommendations and can even
file suit against the writer if the contents are negative.

Here is an arsenal of statements that may solve this problem:

1. To describe a person who is extremely lazy:
"In my opinion," you say as sincerely as you can manage,
"you will be very fortunate to get this person to work for
you."

2. To describe a person who is totally inept:
"I most enthusiastically recommend this candidate with no
qualifications whatsoever."

3. To describe an ex-employee who had problems getting along
with fellow workers:
"I am pleased to say that this candidate is a former
colleague of mine."

4. To describe a candidate who is so unproductive that the
job would be better left unfilled:
"I can assure you that no person would be better for the
job."

5. To describe a job applicant who is not worth further
consideration:
"I would urge you to waste no time in making this candidate
an offer of employment."

2005-12-12T06:58:00.000-08:00

As my oldest two girls (17-19) are growing up and seriously looking at their futures....what they want to accomplish, careers, and who they want to spend the rest of their lives with....they often say, "How can I find someone as good Dad"? Throughout their lives we've prayed for them concerning these things and of course you always want the best for your children. And I must admit that having a Dad like David would give some very hard standards to measure against.

He has always been such a great leader and example for us. Many that don't know him, other than casually, may not even see the strength, because he has such a gentle strength. And putting it in words sounds almost like an oxy moron, but in life it's so true that he is gentle yet very strong.

And God knew that I needed that gentle strength. As a little girl, my Dad was very dominant and even tho I knew he loved me very much, there was very little about him that seemed gentle to me. But now, as I'm older I can look back and recall that there were ways in which he was gentle, but not really in ways that a child could have seen, I guess. I mean when every day you see your dad leave with this police uniform, gun, black-jack stick, etc, it does make it difficult to see any form of gentleness in that. I also don't remember him laughing very often until the later years (and we lost him to an aeorta anerusm when he was only 51, so they're weren't many "later" years).

G'ness, I'm rambling here, but I'm saying all this to say that since I had been raised with such a dominant father, God knew that I needed that strength, but He also blessed me with the gentleness that David gives. And I don't know if most girls/women are this way or not, but if my husband didn't have the "strength" (and I'm not talking abuse here) to stand up to me, I just don't see how I would respect him.

So, girls I will always pray for you as you make your journey. I know your soul-mates are out there, you just must be patient and wait on God's best.

And David, thank you for always being the perfect mix of stength and gentle. Your passion, zeal and steadiness are always exactly what I need. Thanks for being patient. Most of all thanks for being who you are!

load of fun

2005-12-10T07:12:00.000-08:00

Mommy, What's Abortion

2005-12-06T14:40:00.000-08:00

Day 1
Mommy, I am only 8 inches long, but I have all my organs. I love the sound of your voice. Every time I hear it, I wave my arms and legs. The sound of your heart beat is my favorite lullaby.

Day 2
Mommy, today I learned how to suck my thumb. If you could see me, you could definitely tell that I am a baby. I'm not big enough to survive outside my home though. It is so nice and warm in here.

Day 3
You know what Mommy, I'm a girl!! I hope that makes you happy. I always want you to be happy. I don't like it when you cry. You sound so sad. It makes me sad too, and I cry with you even though you can't hear me.

Day 4
Mommy, my hair is starting to grow. It is very short and fine, but I will have a lot of it. I spend a lot of my time exercising. I can turn my head and curl my fingers and toes, and stretch my arms and legs. I am becoming quite good at it too.

Day 5
You went to the doctor today. Mommy, he lied to you. He said that I'm not a baby. I am a baby Mommy, your baby. I think and feel. Mommy, what's abortion?

Day 6
I can hear that doctor again. I don't like him. He seems cold and heartless. Something is intruding my home. The doctor called it a needle. Mommy what is it? It burns! Please make him stop! I can't get away from it! Mommy!! HELP me!! No . . .

Day 7
Mommy, I am okay. I am in Jesus's arms. he is holding me. He told me about abortion. Why didn't you want me Mommy?

One more heart that was stopped. Two more eyes that will never see. Two more hands that will never touch. Two more legs that will never run. One more mouth that will never speak.

How Are They So Smart?

2005-12-06T07:25:00.000-08:00

Your Eyes Should Be Green

Your eyes reflect: Striking attractiveness and danger

What's hidden behind your eyes: A vivid inner world

What Color Should Your Eyes Be?

Updating...

2005-11-28T17:47:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was great. I did eat too much so now it's back to normal (whatever normal is).

The shopping from 3am to 3 pm was loads of fun too. The excitment of the big sales at WalMart wasn't quite as much this year. The only 2 big items they had were the lap tops and the digital camaras. Maybe if I had wanted to buy one of them it would have been a little more exciting.

I played hookie from Karate today, but the girls went. They just got home when Nathan called and asked if he and Jesse could stop by. What a great surprise! It was sure wonderful to see them after then being away in Iraq for so long. They both looked awesome and a foot taller (well that's an exaggeration but they really did look taller).

I'm still reading Journey of Desire. Great book! It's refreshing to hear others put into words things that you're feeling.

Right now I can hear the rain and see the lightning, it's a calming storm. But if it gets any closer, it will not seem so calm.

Well, the family is starting a movie so I'm gonna run!

Blessings!

Is It True?

2005-11-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

Men Are Happier People

This is not original to me.

Men Are Just Happier People-- What do you expect from such simple creatures? Your last name stays put. The garage is all yours. Wedding plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack.

You can be President. You can never be pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park. Car mechanics tell you the truth.

The world is your urinal. You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky. You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay.

Wrinkles add character. Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100. People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them. The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.

New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet. One mood all the time. Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. You know stuff about tanks. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. You can open all your own jars. You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.

Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack. Three pairs of shoes are more than enough. You almost never have strap problems in public. You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.

Everything on your face stays its original color. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. You only have to shave your face and neck.

You can play with toys all your life. Your belly usually hides your big hips. One wallet and one pair of shoes one color for all seasons. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.

You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife. You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache. You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier.

Thanks!

2005-11-24T17:01:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful and blessed day it has been. Every day is truly a gift, but I must admit I absolutely love this day of the year. There's lots of work and prep that goes into the Thanksgiving meal, but the rewards bypass the work.

It's so special having our whole family together eating, praying, just loving each other....from Baby Emma to Mamaw there's always interesting conversations from "pens" to "whoa, I left in there cos Mamaw's giving out lectures". And it's always on this day that we decide exactly what we're to do for Christmas gifts...draw names, Chinese game or buy for everyone. But somehow it always ends up the same...buy for everyone. It's just funny, cos we always think we're gonna come up with something different.

Thanks to my three sweet girls for all your help with baking, cleaning and whatever I need. I'm so thankful for the relationship that I have will each of you. You are always there in every way. So often I look around and see that so many moms aren't blessed with the friendship that I have with you. Yes, at times we have different ways that we may view things, but the beauty is that we each know that we have the best interest for the other one and we know that we can always depend on the other to really listen, and really care. I pray this will always be the case.

And to David, my best friend, my soul mate. You are such a true leader. By example, by words, just your life! Thanks for being a great husband, dad, and most of all friend. I can't believe it's already been 23 years, and it just gets better. When we first got married I thought that I could never love you more. But at 11 yrs I did love you more but thought there was no way I had any more love to give. But again now at 23 yrs. I love you more than just yesterday. And I understand when people think there's no way that we have the kind of relationship that it looks like, but if only they knew! And sometimes it does seem like a dream. I know you are in so much pain with your dad's health. It hurts me so much to see you in pain, but not be able to help. Just know I am praying.

So often I don't feel good enough to be the mom to such wonderful girls or a wife to such a great husband. I mean how can you all be so patient to put up with all my inferior ways. So thanks for all you are!

May God continue to bless you with much love, joy, peace, grace and health!

Thanksgiving Eve!

2005-11-23T05:06:00.000-08:00

May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey be plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious,

May your pies take the prize.

And may your Thanksgiving Dinner

Stay off your thighs!

HAPPY EATING TO ALL!

Karate pics

2005-11-10T13:37:00.000-08:00

Maegan's fight

Maegan fighting

Faith with her trophy

Faith and Maegan

Tim and Faith

Faith fighting

Faith after she finished fighting

Faith doing forms

Faith places 3rd in forms!!

The Journey of Desire

2005-11-08T04:11:00.000-08:00

It's so true that things never stay the same. Maegan just left for her job that she applied for a few weeks ago. For the past several months she has thought that she would like to one day open a Coffee/Sandwich Shop. She decided that the best way to see if she really liked that sort of business, was to work in the atmosphere. Smart thinking on her part. She is also considering Dalton State.

Honestly, I'm perfectly content with her staying right here, but Maegan is a doer and she will accomplish much. I will be looking forward to a report on her first day!

Over the weekend, the girls, Josh, Sonya and Andrew were in a Karate tournament. They did so well. It was a huge tournament. Maegan took 3rd in fighting. Faith took 3rd in forms. Tarah took 1st in forms and 1st in fighting. Sonya to 2nd in forms and 2nd in fighting. Andrew to 2nd in fighting. Josh took first in fighting. As I said they all did so good. I think Karate is beginning to take over the softball that they have loved for so long.

I will be testing for my stripe for yellow belt rank, probably tonite. I don't enjoy it as the girls do, but it is a great sport to help stay in shape and learn defensive skills.

Over the past week or so, everyone except me has had the flu bug. David's been the last to get it, and it hit him pretty hard. I think he's finally starting to recover.

Work is still slow, but God is giving as we need.

JL is still going thru testing. Now Velma is questioning the last doctor in Chatt about whether or not it's really asbestos. He was able to go to Church on Sunday and he hasn't done that in several weeks, so I'm glad to hear that. We haven't seen him lately becos we've had this flu bug and don't want to dare give that to him.

David has been teaching me to drive his Roush. I can pretty much handle everything as long as I don't get on a hill and have to start. It really is fun to drive.

I am reading "The Journey of Desire" by John Eldredge. Great book so far. Just one tiny part says...
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

Do we form no friendships because our friends might be taken from us? Do we refuse to love because we may be hurt? Do we forsake our dreams because hope has been deferred? To desire is to open our hearts to the possibility of pain; to shut down our hearts is to die altogether.

Well, so much more happening but I really must get up from here and get this day going.

Blessings!

2005-10-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

Goodness, so much happening, I haven't had time to post. But I'm making time today 'cos the whole reason I started this is so that a year from now I can have somewhat of a journal of our lives.

About 3 weeks ago, JL was diagnosed with lung cancer. He had been having difficulty breathing and they kept treating him for pnemonia. After he had no positve response to antibiotics they sent him to a lung specialist. He told him it was possibly some sort of fungus and scheduled some tests. But the tests weren't gonna be for another 2-3 weeks. Velma called late on a Sat nite and asked if we would take them to a hospital in Chatt. We did and the emergency room doctor was very blunt in telling us it was cancer and to go back to the lung doctor for what to do.

When they went back to the lung doctor, he still said he wasn't sure it was cancer, needed to do more testing. Set him up for a stress test for his heart, a CT scan, and a biopsy. It was just all discouraging that it takes so long to get anything done these days. His heart test was great. But his biopsy did show cancer. He goes to the doctor about 3 times a week (a couple times to the lung doctor, then other specialist like Ear, Nose and Throat, Heart,) but they still haven't given him any news about what their plans are.

In all this I get more and more skeptical with the medical field. It just seems all most doctors are interested in, is getting all these appointment made so that they can get their money from the government for all these "visits". Maybe I'm all wrong. If this wasn't "free" government care, who in the world could afford to go to all the doctors 3 and 4 times a week, plus the 2 times he's been in the hospital already.

Ok, enough complaining!

We went to a Karate tournament in Villa Rica. Sonya took home the 2nd place trophy in sparring and Andrew took home 1st place. It was alot of fun to watch, but especially when you have someone to cheer for.

The girls have been doing great in Karate. They were asked to compete in the November tournament. So they've been working very hard training for that. Also, Ben asked Josh to spar in his division, so that was great too. I'm sure Sonya and Andrew will do well in this tournament too.

We have been doing some research on vitamin B17 and apricot seeds. Some say B17 is very good for building the immune system and helping your system fight, so we have implemented that into our diet. Plus we're just trying to clean up our overall diets as well.

Maegan applied for a position at "The Perfect Cup". For some time now she has said that she would be interested in having a small coffee and bread shop. I tried to get David to let us start one a few months ago but he said he just doesn't have the time to put into it right now, which I completely understand. But I suggested to Maegan that if she wants to get a real taste of what it's like to see if she's really interested, then work at one. She also got all the info she needs to get enrolled at Dalton State College. So lots of things happening along those lines right now. I'm just trying to savor the moments right now.

Work has been slow and I've taken some time off. I haven't been "sick" just not feeling "well". I'm sure it's all emotional, just trying to be a support for David during this time.

And, I almost forgot too that David got an 05 Roush Mustang. We were sitting in the hospital with his dad one day and we were discussing what we were going to replace the Suburban with. He had been looking at a Honda CRV. I'm not sure what made me asked the question, but I asked, "What would you WANT to drive?" His response was, "That blue Roush in Athens." So we talked about it, and both cars were in the same price range, same gas milage, etc so I told him that I would get what I would want to drive. He's sure sacrificed so much for me and the girls, over the past 20 years. So anyway, that's how all that came about. It really is a nice ride, but very masculine. Needless to say, we're all having to learn to drive a stick. Fun, fun!

Well, there's much more, but I really have to go.

My Prayer

2005-10-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

Heavenly Father,

Make me a better parent. Teach me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say, and to answer all their questions kindly. Keep me from interrupting them or contradicting them. Make me as courteous to them as I would have them be to me. Forbid that I should ever laugh at their mistakes, or resort to shame or ridicule. May I never punish them for my own selfish satisfaction or to show my power.

Let me not tempt my child to lie or steal. And guide me hour by hour that I may demonstrate by all I say and do that honesty produces happiness. Reduce, I pray, the meanness in me. And when I am out of sorts, help me, O Lord, to hold my tongue. May I ever be mindful that my children are children and I should not expect of them the judgements of adults.

Let me not rob them of the opportunity to wait on themselves and to make decisions. Bless me with the bigness to give them all their reasonable requests, and the courage to deny them privileges I know will do them harm...And fit me, O Lord, to be loved and imitated by my girls.

And please forgive me for spanking Maegan when it was Tarah that deserved the consequence.

I've Been Tagged...

2005-10-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

I've been hearing stuff about this "tagging" on blog, but wasn't exactly sure how it worked. Well, when I got tagged by Peaceful Selah I had to figure it out...and quick! This is what I have to do...

1. Go into your archives.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Post the fifth sentence (or closest to it).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
5. Tag five other people to do the same thing.

Here's the results of my research. The post was titled "Karate, Cars and Perfect Sisters"

and the sentence is...... ~drum roll please~

I must admit Wild At Heart was much more intriguing, which was surprising.

Now I must tag 5 others... ~big grin~

DayDreamer T
J Money
WildCard
FillMeWithU
My Perfect Sister

Interruptions or Divine Encounters?

2005-10-12T06:04:00.000-07:00

No matter how you plan and prepare, each day brings its own unexpected encounters. No matter how predictable and mundane your life may feel, surprises always wait around the corner. I am learning to look at these little surprises in a little different light. It's a slow go, but I'm trying to see them as divine appointments rather than hinderance. A divine appointment may be a wonderful contact with a long-lost friend or an unexpected emergency that takes you to a hospital waiting room. You may meet a new person or lose a loved one. There will always be many detours, disasters, and unexpected delights scattered along your path.

Sometimes divine encounters can be dramatic and surprising. When the angel came to Mary she was afraid, but she said yes to God. Jesus confronted Paul on a road, and Paul's entire life changed with that encounter. But not all divine appointments take place in unusual circumstances. God often brings people together in the course of their daily routine. Paul met Lydia when he went down to the river to where a regular prayer meeting was being held. Peter and John were on their way to afternoon prayer in the temple in Jerusalem when they met and healed a man crippled from birth. A casual encounter can have life-changing effects when God is at work thru His people.

Keep in mind that though you may be unable to change a situation, you still have control over how you will respond. When your plan are interrupted, take a deep breath and give yourself time to think before you react. Take care of the need that is confronting you at the moment. Look at each person that needs something from you as if he or she is sent from God. Say a quick prayer and ask God to guide you and give you patience and wisdom. Trust the process and be open to God's leading thru the unexpected.

Can you look back in time and see where what you thought was an interruption was actually a divine encounter, that has now changed your life for a better purpose?

When a difficult situation arises, will you choose to rest in Him. When a desired outcome is delayed, are you willing to listen for the lesson in the detour? Are you willing to receive the unexpected gifts a day brings and be open to divine appointments?

"Don't just live life, love life"

Thanks!

2005-10-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

Josephine and Buck came last nite. It was a great time for me.

What started out as an evening with just Jo, Buck and the five of us ended up with 30-40 others. I'm thankful that we all had the opportunity to share the evening.

Thanks to Maegan for baking some of the best bread and cookies. Thanks to T for organizing and getting everyone one presentable. Thanks to Josh for the moral support and help. And thanks to David for just putting up with all of us during these times. As Jo put it, "He's a keeper!"

And a special thanks to my sweet (and yes perfect) sister for being there. Sometimes (most always to think about it), just having her around is comforting to me. I'm so proud to call her my sister... she's so beautiful, inside and out. She probably gets tired of me asking her, "Now, what color is that color you're using on your hair?". But I reckon I'm hoping that somehow it will make me look like her! LOL

Well, lots more to tell but I gotta run!

Oh, but Faith I am so glad you're feeling better. Sorry if I made you sick! I sorries!

They Don't Just Do What We Say?

2005-09-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

If you want your child to accept your values when he reaches his teen years, then you must be worthy of his respect during his younger days.

Benjamin Franklin came to a personal conclusion that the lighting of streets would not only add gentility to his city, but also make his city safer. In seeking to interest the people of his native Philadelphia in street lighting, however, he didn't try to persuade them by talking about street lighting. Instead, he hung a beautiful lantern on a long bracket before his own door. Then he kept the glass brightly polished, and carefully and diligently lit the wick every evening just as dusk approached.

People wandering down the dark street saw Franklin's light a long way off. They found its glow not only friendly and beautiful, but a point of helpful guidance. Before long, other neighbors began placing lights on long brackets befor their own homes. Soon, the entire city awoke to the value of street lighting. The matter was taken up with interest and enthusiasm as a citywide, city-sponsored endeavor.

Just as Franklin lit a lantern for his city, soo too, our actions as parents are like beacons to our children. What they see, they copy. And when what they see is good, what they copy is also good!

2005-09-29T13:23:00.000-07:00

For those of you who've watched Smallville, then hopefully this will make a little sense. If not, it'll probably sound like strange. But hey, what's new...sometimes life is just a mystery!

Lately, the people that I once trusted and thought of as great friends are going off the deep end. It really is like they have been bitten by a bug or smelled the fumes off of a plant and are all of a sudden not the person I once knew. It's kinda sad in some ways but as I've gotten older I guess I've observed that people do change. Or maybe it's not that they change, maybe it's that I just didn't really know them.

Other than that, things have been so good. I went back to Karate for the first time yesterday, so I'm paying for that. I keep telling everyone I'm too old for Karate, but they won't listen....they just make me go. LOL But the girls are doing so good in Karate. I always knew they would but they were so involved in softball in previous years that there's no way we had time for both. I think Tarah is more interested in competing in forms while Maegan and Faith lean to the sparring more. It's exciting!

Well, I'll write more later. But gotta run for now.

Gettin' Back to Normal

2005-09-26T17:17:00.002-07:00

Whatever normal is!!!

I can't figure out why driving, sight seeing, eating and sleeping makes you so tired. But it does. So I'm resting up now.

I did go into work today. My favorite sister made me some coffee. She and Maegan make the best coffee! Sonya and I usually drink our afternoon coffee together and I love that. But while I was away on vacation, she said she went back to her old ways of getting her coffee from Waffle House. But thankfully she made me some today. It was really good.

Well, it's time to watch Smallville with the fam. Better run before they start without me!

Sun City AZ to Louisville KY to HOME

2005-09-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

Well, we left Jo & Buck's home, in Sun City, AZ at 12 midnite GA time.

It was a great visit, as always. With all they had going on (her son had surgery the day before we got there, and was having another surgery the day after we were leaving, and plus they were also leaving on Friday for a journey south to Buck's family reunion) they took time share half a day with us, and prepare a home cooked meal.

We had planned to spend the nite, but after hearing all that they had happening, I insisted that we just stop in for the afternoon and head out before bedtime.

After such a wonderful evening, it was very hard to leave. But they promised to stop by our house and visit on their Nashville trip. I am looking forward to that.

David's been looking for an 05 Mustang for a couple of months and for some reason while we were on our trip, he and Maegan decided to scan the internet for the states that we would be going back thru on our way back south. They found a car in Kentucky that sounded like what we were looking for. So when we left AZ, or destination was Louisville KY, to take a look at that car.

We drove a straight 29 hours to get to Louisville at 5 am, stayed at a camp ground and got up right after daylight to meet the Mustang owner.

To make a long story short, we bought the car! I really didn't think I would be so excited about a car. Most of you that know me, know that generally things like cars are just not things that I get excited about very often. I guess I wasn't really expecting to find the car just yet.

So, we left Louisville around 2 pm...destination HOME! Got home at 10:30. It's great to be home. The trip was awesome, and it's so special to have 2 weeks of time to spend with the fam. But still, home is truly home, sweet home.

Oh yea, one other thing I want to remember is on the drive from Louisville, I drove the Mustang most of the time with Maegan and Tarah switching out keeping me company. One time Faith wanted to ride with us. She was in the back seat, starting to look bored. So I told her that she didn't have to feel like she had to stay with us, to feel free to go back to the camper. I knew she had lots more to do in the camper (smallville, games, toys etc) but for some reason she felt that she needed to ride with me some. She has this thing about being fair. Anyway as soon as I said that she said, "Oh, well how would you work that out?" I explained that we would just stop and she could go back to the camper. She looked pleased with that. Then she said, "Yeah, well it's been 2 hours or 3 so I guess I'll go to the camper." It was so cute cos she had been with us for maybe 15 minutes.

From Montanta to Yellow Stone to Vegas to Sun City AZ

2005-09-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

Just arrived in Sun City, AZ to visit my sweet Great Aunt Josephine and Uncle Buck. I'm so excited to get to see her again. She is the Poster Lady for joy! You'd never know the heart aches that she has endured, by the love and peace that pours from her heart.

She found out at 15 that she had TB. Had to leave her "sweet heart" in GA to be quarenteened in the AZ desert. Her father then contracted the TB and died in a short time. She says she used this time to bring as many to Jesus as she could. She prayed most often for others. She was pretty sure that should would simply die in this "desert place" as she calls it. But God wasn't done with her. She was healed, eventually got married and was blessed with two children.

Years later, I mean YEARS, like over 30-40...she was again single and she begin writing a book. In the process, she had wanted to include the "sweetheart" that she had left in GA, to get his permission to use their info in her book. A short time later, his wife was killed in a car accident and somehow by the help of both of their children, Josephine and her high school sweet heart was able to see each other again. Newspapers and radio stations were there covering the story.

Within about a year, they were married. And to see them today, you would think they would have been together their whole lives.

I won't go into all the detail of the sadness and rough times that Aunt Jo has endured. Because I will honor her in attempting to share joy, as she does. She chooses to deal with the sorrow, then focus on the good. I sure need to take some lessons from her.

We are almost to their home, now. So I will catch up more later.

Badlands SD to Billings MT

2005-09-14T22:59:00.000-07:00

Tuesday nite we stayed at the Badlands in S. Dakota. It was beautiful. Reminded me of a small version of the Grand Canyon. We stayed at a KOA right outside of Badlands. We left Wednesday morning for Mt. Rushmore. That reminded me of Stone Mtn, GA. Our friends from Chatty town that we meet back at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, found us again at Mt. Rushmore. That was kinda neat. They want to try and catch us again in Vegas if not before. We at dinner with them at the Mt. Rushmore cafeteria and left there at 8:00 eastern time headed for Red Lodge, MT. We talked to Ben Kiker and he highly recommended that we stay there.

Our phones and internet service has been very limited today and that's been a little difficult tryin to help problem solve with everyone at the office. When we're away on a trip like this it becomes even more clear to me how much problem solving David does on a daily basis. He is so patient and so good at working thru things. I need to learn more from him, he is such a good leader by example. I thank God for him.

And we owe a special thanks to Sonya, Anne and Josh for making this possible too. Also, thanks to Josh M. and Sonya for getting addresses, checking the house, taking care of Miss Daisy and General and all the other good stuff.

Well, pretty much all for now. We are planning an all nites drive tonite to make it to MT. I will post more later.