My life....so far

Words

2012-01-28T04:38:00.000-08:00

Words….

I woke up this morning with that word on my mind.
How many times have I used my words to hurt and wound? I guess I don’t think about it much until it involves me. Isn’t that true about us as humans? Very rarely do we think about how something will affect another person, until we are affected. This is something that I strive for, to be more like Christ and to pick my words carefully. I know that words impact me more than they do some people. It is my primary love language. All
a person has to do is say one word, and it can make or break my day.

Words…..(they) have the power of life and death

Yesterday was one of those days. … I spent most of the day doing one of my favorite activities, looking at and buying books. I love books. They have words in them… I found
several that I thought would be good for the kids’ school and for my family…… and a few for myself. Then the devil used someone to hurt. What she said was said in jest, but it was the word that I feared would be used against me. The word I hate.. “quitter” I hate that word…… Why? Because, honestly, I feel like a quitter…. I “quit” homeschooling, I can’t even diet
long enough to see significant results. So, you see this word hit me hard. I laughed
it off but felt defeated.

But God has my back.

Another friend, unknowing what had just happened, walked up to me, gave me a hug (my secondary love language) and told me how much she loved me. A few other things were said that healed the wound. God is faithful. He knew what I needed.

The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. I love how
Jesus is the Word of God…. He knew what I needed…

He knows what you need.

R

Sacrifices and Blessings

2011-09-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

Living on a farm out in the middle of nowhere has it sacrifices and blessings. The sacrifices: Kroger is now 30 minutes away, our cell coverage is spotty and there is no unlimited high speed internet......Ok maybe they all fall under both catagories.. The blessings? Watching my kids come inside after a day of getting a full day's worth of vitamin D. The joy one their faces is wonderful. The adventures that they describe are worth more than being able to connect to the internet at a moments notice. So, I have to plan my shopping trips, big deal... I think I can live with that. Our family is in it's element. We are all doing the things that we love to do.

So here is a little update since my last post:

Meet Maximus Gabriel Quebedeaux. He is a Great Pyreneese and going from a little fluff ball to a big one in no time flat. I will give you Mac's story. We picked him up on Sunday July 24th. My daddy's birthday. When we got there they were giving him a bath and a good dosing of flea spray. We were happy to learn that Mac was born on June 12th... Zane's birthday. Since Zane was the one always begging for a dog, this seemed like a God thing! And boy it was. Well, Mac was going to be an indoor dog until we felt he knew us well enough and he was old enough for his shots. At his first home, he was with other dogs, so he was well protected. Well, Tuesday night we were all moved in and Mac started acting funny. He was wheezing and coughing and we didn't know what was wrong. We could tell he was distressed, so we were getting the number for the emergency clinic. Then, out of the blue he starte shaking foaming and his eyes rolled back in his head. He went limp. We thought we had lost him. The kids were all crying and so was I. That little pup had stolen our hearts. Zane wanted to know what to do, so I told him to pray. He held his little dog and started rubbing his belly and praying for him. I finally got the clinic on the phone (we didn't have a land line yet) and was telling them what happened. All of a sudden Zane yelled "he is ok" Little Mac had coughed and was breathing. So J and the boys rushed him to the clinic. It seems that his little body couldn't handle the adult flea spray that they had put on him and it was toxic to him. Our God is so faithful.. He kept our little pup safe. He went from 8 lbs on the day we got him to 15 the next Sunday.

Well, the pup isn't so little now and he is outside doing what he was bred to do... protecting our livestock...althought I wouldn't call these ladies "livestock" but he is doing his job. Meet Superchic(k)s Hey we had Toby and Mac...we had to go with the Christian Music theme!

I don't remember the exact date that we got them, but it is written down. They are Buff Orpingtons. J said they weren't very "buff" but kinda scrawny........ sigh...We kept them in the coop for a few weeks, and then let them out little by little. This we let them out daily and they have rewarded us with 2 eggs!! Let's just say we were all excited! Last weekend we added 4 pullets to the mix. They are still inside until J can get the back fence fixed up. It is a goat fence and they pullets can go right through it.

Well, that is all my "high speed dial up" can handle for the day and since the temps are in the 60's I am making a big pot of gumbo! Later I will update on all the cleaning up that took place the first week we were here. The property look so much better.

Have a wonderful day

It's Official

2011-07-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

We now own a 18 acre farm! It has a house with several outbuilding, including a barn and a chicken coop!!! YAY!! We closed this morning and we spend the day painting and cleaning up the place. There is a lot of cleaning up that needs to be done, but like James said, that's the fun part.. I am not too sure about that..LOL

House

Chicken coop and yard

2 stall horse barn

Tomorrow

2011-07-21T19:04:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the day!!!!!!!!

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12 More Days

2011-07-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

12 more days and something new and exciting will be happening!!

R

Kindred spirits

2011-07-01T19:22:00.000-07:00

We love Anne of Green Gables! Even the boys enjoyed watching it. Although I am sure A would adamantly deny it at this point in his life. Anyway,I love it when we can get together with people of a like mind and spirit. This happened Thursday. We had dinner at a friend's house with 3 other couples, and one single gentleman. It was so refreshing to be able to sit and talk and laugh and not have to be on edge about where the conversation might go. Our kids played wonderfully. We had a combined total of 20 kids! A few were away at camp. But what fun they all had. It was especially nice that there was one boy there the same age as A. He is usually the oldest and easily tires of kid games, one of the downfalls of only having 3 kids...lol...

I am grateful for the people that God has placed in my life. He is so good to me.

R

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A Challenge

2011-06-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

I started reading a book awhile back and after a friend introduced me to a challenge, I pulled it up on the iPad and stared reading it again. It is called Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst. While it isn't a "diet book", it does talk about putting our focus on Christ and not food. Turning to Him when we REALLY want to turn to food. Something that I don't do.

So, here I am once again trying to realize that food isn't my joy, or my comfort, or even my source of happiness.... Hopefully one day I will get it right...

So...

2011-06-05T16:15:00.000-07:00

How have things been? Our first year of "school" is over....and what a ride it has been!! The kids all want to go back, so I that is a good thing. They haven't even complained that I am having them do math during the summer!! WOW!!!

Anyway, this year marks a big birthday year for us kid wise. A turned 13. He is now one of those dreaded "teenagers" that he used to complain about... Z is going to be 11 and entering 6th grade. I will have 2 Jr Highers this fall... Well, official... their school had the 5,6 and 7th graders all labeled as Jr High because they shared teachers. And L, well L entered the Land of Double Digits by turning 10. Also this year A has passed me up in height. He is now a good 5'10" I thought he wouldn't hit 6 until his freshman year, but if this growing thing keeps up, he may hit it earlier. But he is still my boy...growing into a man....

I think I am busier now that the kids are all in school. There is just so much that I have to do "outside" of the home, that home stuff just gets shoved on the back burner.

Ok, try not to pass out that I am posting.... I may actually do this more now that I have a bit of free time!

It's been so long!!

2011-01-17T07:28:00.000-08:00

WOW.. It seems like it has been FOREVER! So much has happened since my last post. Let's see. The Dr has switched schools. It has been an awesome move and we love the new school that he is at. It is located inside our church and the focus is more on the Christian, than the academics. Don't get me wrong, the academics are there..just not the focus. The girl started at the start of the year, and then in October, after attending a field day, a field trip and visiting one day of classes, the boys decided that they wanted to go too. So I am no longer a homeschooling mommy.. It has taken me a bit of time to get used to it, but I volunteer at the school most days, so I still feel like I have a hand in what they are doing.

Well, that is my update.. I hope to get back into blogging, since I have "all this time" on my hands...LOL

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T17:26:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is bittersweet for me. Has been for many years. This year, for some reason, was hard. Pastor Steve had the mom's remain standing as he prayed for us. I lost it... I stood there remembering all the years that I couldn't stand, and I wondered how many women were at church that morning who wanted so bad to be able to stand. My heart still hurts for those women. The unforgotten women. There is a feeling of shame... of failure, of not really fitting in...of being left out.

Please pray for these women.. Pray that God gives them comfort tonight...

God, thank you for my children, and today I ask that you bless the 3 ladies that gave so that I could stand this morning...

R

Like I need another hobby

2010-03-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

My friend Robyn is showing me how to crochet. My mom had taught me years ago (like 30) and I tried again when I was in my 20's but being the impatient young'un that I was I never kept up with it. So, Robyn has offered to teach my. Well, since all my sewing stuff if packed up because we are trying to sell our house, then well, I need something to do.

Robyn suggested that we dye wool. Yes, I am blaming her..LOL I heard about dyeing wool with Kool-Aid years ago, but never really tried it since I didn't crochet or knit. We found a site that shows how to do it in a crock pot. So after a trip to Goodwill for a used pot and to Joann's for cheap wool, I headed to Robyn's for a morning of fun.

Here is the stash of Kool-Aid..oh yeah and my liquid motivation.. A Rt44 Diet Coke from Sonic.

Here is what we started with. Our story will continue with the yarn on the left because the one on the right was acrylic and didn't get along well with the Kool-Aid.

I didn't get a shot of it in the cooker but I do have one of the first yarn that we started with. It was more of a natural color where the one that I brought home is a natural/tan variegated yarn. The shot here is the one Robyn is working with. We used different "flavors" for each yarn.

But, here it is all dyed up and cooling off.

And here it is all balled up ready for something. I tried several scarf options, but settled on this pattern. I will post pics when it is finished.

Busy busy busy

2010-03-08T17:03:00.000-08:00

Life has been busy.
Now, don't get me wrong, I like being busy. I used to hate it, but I have come to embrace it.
We have finally found a church here that we feel like we can become involved in.

Before here we were at a church for 4 years and we just didn't seem to fit it, and before that we were at our home church in LA for...gosh.....almost 20 years (that makes me sound old..I guess I am)

But anyway, we love the new church. Our kids are involved and so are we. This weekend, I was in the nursery and A was a greeter. The youth had control of the whole service and I was sad to miss it. But the 3 to 3.5 year olds needed me. And so did their mommas.

J and I are both taking a great class on Tuesdays through the Koinonia Institute. I have learned so much already.

Then there is the business of homeschooling.. Still love it and I always will.

Well, J is at a men's thing at church and I have to get the house cleaned up a bit.

Have a wonderful day

R

Check out this giveaway

2010-02-04T10:16:00.001-08:00

If you sew, you may like this giveaway

School, School and more school

2010-01-20T15:39:00.000-08:00

I really LOVE homeschooling. I love being with my kids and watching them learn. It can be frustrating being with them ALL the time, but generally the pros outweigh the cons.

BUT...our church has a little school. I went to the info day and I was very impressed. L is going to go next year. I already knew that but this really confirmed that it would be a good fit for her. I love that their focus is a CHRISTIAN education vs a christian EDUCATION. There are a few "Christian" schools in this area that have lost the focus of creating disciples for Christ. This school doesn't plan on becoming a "evangelistic" school. And if you have attended a Christian school at any time in your life, then you know what that is.

Anyhoo.. I really think all of my kids would love it! I am actually considering sending them all to this school at some time. I never really thought I would because I have been very disappointed in many of the schools that I have come across.

Well, off to pray and seek God's will for our lives. I love that journey that He has us on.

Have a great day!!

R

I am a bad blogger

2010-01-06T09:01:00.001-08:00

It not as though my life has been boring, it has been anything but. Honestly, I just don't think it is exciting enough to blog about. We stayed home for Christmas like we normally do, and then the day after we left for LA. It was a short visit with our families. We had gone down for Thanksgiving, so we made this visit short.

This past year has been so amazing. Starting off 09 J and I celebrated 20 years of wedded bliss. 20 years. It still amazes me. How old was I when I got married?!?!?!?! I got a new sister in law and I became a great aunt...twice..once on my side and once on J's side..I feel old!!LOL.. I turned $)..another geee I am old..moment..And my oldest child started JrHigh. This year also marked 5 years that we have been in Tennessee.

So all in all 2009 was a wonderful year. I am ready to see what God has planned for this new year.

R

"Death" and the AfterLIFE

2009-11-24T21:25:00.001-08:00

Our pastor has been preaching on Heaven. J and I are in a class for the first service and it is too much to stay for the second, so I have been listening to the podcasts. The topic has been on my brain a lot and the kids and I have had some really good talks about it. Anyway, I was driving to LA to visit the family and I had the iPod on shuffle and the song A Briefing for the Ascent by Terry S Taylor came on. Now, if you have known me for any length of time, you know that by absolute favorite band is Daniel Amos. This is one of Terry's solo works. It was written when his grandmother was dying. After I heard this song, I went back and listened to the whole album. I am realize what a joy Heaven will be and that we need not fear it for us or our loved ones. We grieve our loss, those that know our Lord and Savior do not need our sorry.

Anyway, here are the lyrics. I am bolding the part that really hit me as I was listening to it. I need to go back and re-listen to Pastor Steve's messages. There is so much to absorb.

A Briefing for the Ascent

from the album "A Briefing for the Ascent"

Words by Terry Taylor, Music by Terry Taylor and Greg Flesch
©1987 Broken Songs

Take a burning spear
And the Savior's promise
Ride a horse of air
Through the burning forest

With our Father's faith
And a child's wonder
Down the halls of grace
By His mercy go under

It will seem so sudden
Yes, but through God's will
The season will dream and
Time will stand still (for)

Hearts in waiting
Ascending
Hearts in waiting

Beneath a crimson sea
Is a buried treasure
You will find the key
That unlocks forever

Does it seem so sudden
This sad sweet goodbye?
This is what you have lived for
Now for this you must die

Hearts in waiting
Ascending
Hearts in waiting

Close your eyes
And rest secure
Your soul is safe
Your body sure
He that loves you
Is He that keeps
The One that guards you
Never slumbers, never sleeps

Take the greatest care
To hold onto your vision
Climb the golden stair
To the courts of Heaven
It will seem so sudden
But you will laugh as you run
You will wash in the river
You will shine in the Son

Hearts in waiting
Ascending
Hearts in waiting
Ascending. . .

Called to Love

2009-11-04T07:51:00.000-08:00

So we are called to love. In love we are to lead those who don't know Christ to Him. We are called to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Why, as Christians, do we feel the need to criticize other Christians who do things different than us? Are we convicted by their behavior, ashamed by it, does it make us look silly to our non-Christian friends? Are we afraid the world is going to think that we are like "them".

So a Christian wants to start a "Christian" Facebook. (there is one btw), why do some people feel the need to mock it. To say that they are alienating themselves. Is it alienating to have "Christian" recording companies, or "Christian" publishing companies. Or even a church sponsored "Fall Festival" or Trunk or Treat??? We even have Christian Schools that we send our kids to. And some of us *gasp* homeschool our kids *gasp*

I am off to read 2 Corinthians 6.. and the Great Divorce.. and maybe actually get some schooling in with the kids.

See ya

R

Have we lost sight?

2009-11-03T20:34:00.000-08:00

I am going to ramble here so just bear with me.. This post is more a way for me to collect my thoughts on a subject. So here goes

Sometimes I think as Christians we have lost sight of what it means to be Christ-like. I grew up in a AoG church that for the most part was pretty legalistic. No dancing, no drinking, no swimming with the opposite sex, PG 13 movies were looked down upon, etc. I can even remember being rebuked by our youth pastor for drinking a virgin daiquiri. It "looked" too much like the world. We were called to be separate. Now, it seems that it is ok to listen to "secular" music, have a glass of wine, and even go dancing.

I am all for moderation. Granted there are some things that I choose not to do. I won't go into them here, but for me they are areas that are weak spots for me and I choose not to go there.

But what is our purpose? Why are we here? What is our calling as a body of Christ? Is it to live apart? Is it to blend in? The early Christians worked in the world, they lived in the world, but they did not participate in the world. There were things that they just did not do. Was that legalistic? How are we supposed to live? Have we become calloused? Have we become soft?

What about holiness? Are there standards for us to live by?

I don't have all the answers..but I am off to find them.

Thanks for hearing me ramble.. I will let you know what I find out

R

Conflicting Reports

2009-10-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

Today I got two emails. One for husbands about how to treat your wives and one for wives on how to treat your husbands. Now, I sub to a few newsletters and these were from different ministries, so it isn't like one sent out both.

Ok. Well, the email for husbands went something like this. Husbands, love your wives. When you get home, don't just plop on the sofa and watch TV. Ask her how her day went, help her if she needs help. Just because you are married doesn't mean that you should stop romancing her. Don't spend all your free time with your buddies. Don't stop "courting" her.. If you do, then she will feel deceived. Love her for who she is. After a few kids, don't expect her to have the same body that she did when she was 16. Love her body with all the wonderful changes that childbearing brings...

The one for wives. Wives, when you husband walks through the door at night, don't bother him with the days events and expect him to help you. He needs to sit in his chair and relax. He has been bothered all day by people needing him and the last thing he wants is to have to give even more when he gets home. Try to keep the kids quiet so that he can relax. Allow him time on the weekend to golf and spend time with his friends. Just because he is married, doesn't mean that he stops needing time with "the guys". You should always look your best. Spend time keeping your body fit, if you gain weight and stop wearing make up and fixing your hair like you did when you were courting, the he will feel deceived.

Hmmm... so what then are we supposed to do?? Who is right? Well, both are. You see love is all about being aware of the needs of those you profess to love. Isn't that what our Father does? He isn't going to give us all the same things, He is going to meet the needs of the individual person. Contrary to popular belief, we don't all need the same things. We even don't all desire the same things.

I spent some time a few years ago learning the love languages of my family. I have everyone figured out except my dd. She is still in that "selfish" phase where it is all about pleasing her. So, she gets a little of everything until I have her figured out..LOL

My husband is very good at seeing what I need and meeting that need. Many times, it is done in his love language which is good. I recognize it and I accept it as love. His is acts of service. If I have dishes that need to be washed then he will do it. If he sees that I had a hard day then he will chip in to help and allow me a bit of rest. I tend to answer in his love language. Although I do "demand" hugs and words of affirmation! My middle child in much like me. If he sees me struggling with something he will come up to me and hug me and tell me he loves me. Oh that does wonders. My oldest is gifts. He will give me things. When he was younger he would spend time drawing for me. He will pick flowers for me and even suggest to J that he give me flowers for my birthday. My boy knows which gifts mom wants!!LOL

Love isn't selfish. Love isn't saying "I have had a hard day meet my needs" love says " You have had a hard day, let me meet your needs" and that is pretty much what both emails were saying. So, Find a need and meet it.

In closing, I went to Ladies Bible Study last night. The lady teaching (sorry, I don't remember your name!) said (and I paraphrase) Take it slow, do your job, do it well, and do it with grace. Grace...and Love... isn't that what we all need?

Love you guys!!

R

Quilt update

2009-09-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

I think I want to make this quilt in dark Amish solids with black sashing. Kind of a modern Amish quilt.

Thanks for all the help. But one word of advice......... don't hold your breath...LOL I will let you know if I ever get to ordering the fabrics. I am going to get these from here. They also have an Amish black which is a true black that won't fade to blue or purple or grey after a few washings. Hey Beth, it is in NH... maybe you could run down there and pick it up for me....LOL

Well, thanks for all the advise!!

R

A Quilt Post

2009-09-26T19:28:00.000-07:00

I want to make a king sized quilt. The last time I made a large quilt was 12 years ago when I made the queen size one that we are using now. I still love the look and feel of it but we fight over it at night. We need something bigger.

But I am at a loss as to which design I want to use. What colors? Should I make it a scrappy quilt? God knows I have enough scraps. Traditional? Edgy? Modern? I hate decisions.. Any ideas? I don't want it too girly, I mean half of the couple using it is a man, plus I don't really like girly things myself.

So, if you have any ideas, let me know....

Have a great day!

R

My Thoughts on Adoption

2009-09-25T07:15:00.001-07:00

Ok.. bear with me here.....

It seems to be the in thing to do here is to adopt orphans, and while I applaud this and I don't questions the motives of those doing it, I do have one little problem.... ME... yes, ME!

You see adoption for me was a way for us to be parents. The only way I was told. I love how God built our family and I wouldn't have it any other way! For 11+ years I have wanted to find a support group for parents of adopted children. Our church has one and to tell you the truth I am afraid to join it. Why? Because I can almost guarantee that the majority of people in the group are adopting not to become a parent but to add to their already existing family. And after talking to several of the other parents in the group who refer to their kids as "my natural kids" and "my adopted kids" well..... that just makes me ill... our kids are our kids, no titles, no description necessary, so labels, nothing... they are OUR KIDS!!

I want to find a group of people who wept for children, who waited for that one day to hold their first child in their arms. To be given a baby by a young girl who just couldn't be a mom at that point in her life. To know that one day your child may want to meet their birth-parents and to know that you have the information and you will give it to them.

I don't for an instant deny the love that these parents have for their children, no matter how they join their family. One of my dear friends is a foster mom and I know that she loves all 4 of her kids and hopes to one day add the 2 littles to her family forever!

I just want someone that I can share my feelings with. I guess in this day and age my situation is just different. It is hard to adopt an infant (although we were told that and here we adopted 3) and I do know that there are so many orphans in this world that need loving families.

So like I said, I know that my problem is ME, and how I will feel. Selfish I know...and I am working on it. Because maybe, just maybe there is another couple there that just wants to be parents, they just want ONE child..just ONE..and they think that nobody else feels their pain and hurt... and maybe, just maybe I can help.

Thank you God for my babies.... they mean so much to me!

R

And the angels were SHOCKED!!

2009-09-20T17:18:00.000-07:00

My husband has a BLOG Ok have you picked yourself up off the floor yet? I am sure you will find it interesting...... So go, read it and leave him nice comments.

R

A note to other ladies out there

2009-09-15T17:33:00.002-07:00

If you are going to wear a dress to church please make sure it has straps..... if it doesn't would you please wear a jacket over it. Also, please make sure your mid-driff isn't exposed... this is especially important when you have your hands raised in worship. And since we are on the topic... please pay attention to skirt length...see above worship comment.....

Thanks.....

R

2009-09-15T17:33:00.001-07:00

Bitterness and Hurt

2009-09-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot about those 2 words. God has been dealing with me about letting go of hurt. Not bitterness, because I believe that I gave that up a long time ago. But the hurt still lingers. There are times, when I cannot sleep, that I start thinking. And we all know where that can go. Last night I couldn't sleep (surprise!) and the thought crept in. It was simple, I wonder how so and so is doing? Do you remember what they said to you? And then the hurt. I can honestly see that person again and love them dearly. I really do, but the hurt, well, it hurts. So last night I made captive my thoughts. I said "NO! I will not go there!!" And I didn't. Instead, I captivated the good thoughts and I loved on that person in my mind. So much so that I was missing them.

My mind does wander a lot. And if you read this, you realize that so does my writing. So I will leave you with my pastor's facebook status from yesterday. As many of you may know, his son was killed tragically a few weeks ago. He was 19 and on his way to his first year of college. So, when you think of me, please pray for my pastor, Steve Berger, and his family. Here are his words:

I've been to rock bottom, and I want you to know, there is a firm foundation there in Christ! Our families love and thanks goes out to the entire Body of Christ. God bless you all!

Love you all!!

R

I feel blessed

2009-08-27T05:41:00.000-07:00

I take my oldest son to Jr high class every Wednesday. We only have service on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Anyway, I love my talks with him when I bring him home. It is such good mom/son time. Last night I asked him about going to school. Would he like to? This has been something that I have always considered for high school. His response amazed me. He said, " Mom, I like it when you help me. I don't think they could give me the one on one help that you give me" sniff.. when did my little boy grow up to think like that? And he likes being with me!!!LOL He did continue to say that he wanted to play football in high school and that is what bothers him. Well, I told him about the local 3 day program/homeschool covering that we could register with and they have a football team that he could play on. My boy was happy.

So, my boy made my day. I need to remember patience with him when he doesn't understand fractions right away (shoot I have to read the teachers book just to get it sometimes..LOL). He likes it when I help him and he wants to stay home with me.... I love that boy!!

Have an awesome day

R

I love my husband

2009-08-15T05:24:00.000-07:00

Absolutely LOVE him!! Today is his birthday and he is back to being a year older than me..LOL

We are so different. He thrives on order and simplicity.. I have to have a little clutter in my life. He is perfectly content walking 18 holes of golf and then going for a hike...Me, I could sit home and sew. Yet, with our differences we mesh well. We survived one of the most difficult times a married couple can go through because of one common thread holding us together. Jesus!! We have always leaned on Him during the tough times. He is truly our Rock and Fortress. Jeff, if you are reading this, Thank you for the grounding that you gave to us in the early years.

Thank you God for the most wonderful husband in the world. You are awesome to have given him to me!! I LOVE MY HUSBAND

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane

2009-07-21T06:22:00.000-07:00

Ok, not really... but I am picking up a friend from the airport Thursday and we are driving to Kentucky together. This is the same group of ladies that I met up with in October. We normally get together once a year, but since we were waiting a year an a half for the next trip, some of us decided to have an "in between" gathering. I love this group of ladies. I have been part of the group since 2000 and they are some of my dearest friends. Of course not all of us will be there and they will be missed dearly.

This time we are heading to a cabin and will be seeing a few sights, maybe freezer paper stencling a few shirts, and then the hot tub, and maybe even hiking. Of course we will be up late, laughing and having a great time.

Now, I need to pack, make sure the family has food, have my family clean my car, and remember to get up early to pick W up at the airport.

Have an awesome day
R

My mom gets carded......

2009-07-19T16:12:00.001-07:00

My daddy turns 65 this week. My mom is 63... and they don't mind me telling you. I think they look great!! My mom was telling me that she gets carded every time that she asks for her senior discount. She even had one guy tell her "ok, well I will let you have it just this one time"..LOL I love my parents and I think they look wonderful for being grandparents of a 19, 16, 11, 10, 9 and 8 year old grandkids...

Things I have learned

2009-07-11T05:37:00.000-07:00

at Dollywood's Splash Country:

1) Just because they make a swimsuit in your size doesn't mean you should wear it.
2)Nair for men is a great thing
3)Nair for women is even better
4)Speedos and a long sleeve swim shirt do not go together
5)Some people have no shame....
6) J and I were the only 2 people there over 18 who did not have a tattoo
7) Just because you have a tattoo doesn't mean everyone needs to see it

We had a great time. The kids and I love the water (hate the beach though). I loved waterparks as a kid, but when I became an overweight middle aged woman I didn't like them much....but you know what.. I wasn't the only overweight middle age woman there..but I was one of the few who knew better than to wear a bikini.
But we had loads of fun, got burnt (except J who is obsessive about sunscreen..maybe that is a good thing). Z even enjoyed many of the things that he thought he would hate. Z is NOT my roller coaster rider. He hates them. It kinda makes sense though. He had reflux as a baby and the baby swing was even too much for him. We will go back and may even add the season pass to our Dollywood passes.

We had a great week in Gatlinburg.. As soon as I get the pics on the computer (must find the reader first) I will post them.

Have a great day

R

So I guess an update is in order

2009-07-01T19:01:00.001-07:00

Well, 2 days after The Cat took off, we decided the best thing for our kids was the go out and get a kitten..... seriously sometimes I don't think... But he is a cute little fur ball and full of energy. J is even smitten with him. Of course soon he won't be much of a he anymore...but here he is
He is much cuter in person and full of fluff, but if you have ever tried to hold a 9 week old kitten still...you know how hard it is to take a pic.. Now, I have to say the little boy loves the Macbook Pro. When he is ready for a nap, he climbs up in my lap and spread his little self across the keys. So, if you ever come across major typos from me you know why.

So we get this cute little frisky kitten and 2 days later who mozies on out from under the kids playhouse... yup, The Cat. Now this cat is, well, old and settled in her ways. She does not appreciate the fact that a) we replaced her so soon and b) that we did it with a MALE and c) that we did it with a kitten. It is so much fun to watch the two. He is the typical little brother. He follows her around everywhere and grabs hold of her tail when she isn't looking. Then when she hisses at him, he starts licking his paw like he did absoutly nothing wrong. The only time that she will tolerate him is when his is sprawled across the MacBook sleeping.

So we went from one cat, to none, to one, to two all in a weeks time. BTW, we named the little guy Toby. I am sure TobyMac appreciate having a cat named after him. But I have to say he is a Toby. J calls him Tobias and I call him Toby A...., because he reminds me of A when he was little. Always on the move.

We were thrilled when The Cat arrived and there was much hugging of her, much to her disdain. So for those of you who prayed that she would return... Thanks!!!

Have a wonderful day

R

Product rave

2009-06-19T15:04:00.001-07:00

Alba TerraGloss. I picked this up at Target the other day. It was a total impulse buy. I have to say I love it!! It is the only gloss that stay on for longer than 1 hour and still looks good. I love how it feels and since it has a slight vanilla scent it doesn't taste funky. It is a mineral gloss and that piqued my interest since I use mineral make-up on the rest of my face. I also use a mineral powder to tint my lips which can last pretty much all day. This is a perfect color pick me up mid day. So run to Tarjay and pick up a tube. I also picked up the clear but I keep this little beauty in my purse.

Have a colorful day

R

Grief

2009-06-16T17:20:00.000-07:00

Our cat is missing. She is an indoor cat and we think she may have left to die. Normally she doesn't go outside unless we leave the garage door open. Her litter box is in the garage so she goes there often. Many times we would find her just outside and she would run back in when she saw us. Last night we left the door open longer than usual and then we closed it after dark. We didn't notice. This morning we realized that she wasn't in the house and started to worry. Then we had to tell the kids that she may have left to die. There were tears....many tears... She was a good cat. We adopted her from the pound April 2006. She was already an adult and declawed. It took her awhile to get used to us but eventually she did and she actually started to like us.

This is the first time that my kids have had to deal with grief so close to home. I am praying for peace for them and me.

My boys want another cat. I don't know if I am ready to train another cat. Our house is lonely without her.

R

The Lord of the Rings

2009-06-08T06:17:00.000-07:00

We love this triology. The funny thing about this series is that every year, since I was a teen, my dad has bugged me to read the books, and I never did. Well, when the movies came out I still refused (sometimes I can be stubborn... I know it is hard to believe) and I didn't even see the movies, unless you count the Hobbit cartoon from the 70's. Anyway, 4 years ago I talked about how I needed to read the books, so J gave them to me as a gift (including the Hobbit) and I poured over them neglecting my family and home.... Then I made J buy the movies and we watched them all in a 3 night marathon. I was hooked.

The opening scene in the first movie has Galadriel speaking words that every time I hear them, "oh how true"

It starts off with the words

The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air. Much that once was is lost, for none now live who remember it

and then after talking about the history of the ring she says

History became legend. Legend became myth. And for two and a half thousand years, the ring passed out of all knowledge.

Oh how we have lost the things that we once held true as a nation, as a world. We have forgotten our God and Savior. We have forgotten what is evil and cling to those things like they are pure and holy.
Thats all for today

A little disappointed a lot of sad

2009-06-03T18:42:00.000-07:00

I found out yesterday that an old friend of ours was killed in a car wreck.... (this is beginning to sound like a broken record) I am so sad for his wife and daughter. This part that I am disappointed about is that it happened over a year ago and nobody thought to tell us. I also found out that his wife was pregnant with their second child when he was killed. They were told, like us, that they could never get pregnant and they had adopted a daughter. I believe that their daughter is less than a year older than my A. So this baby was a surprise!!

My heart hurts for her so much, knowing that her husband would never see his second child born. I don't know how to get in touch with her at all. She was really there for me when we considered an open adoption for Z. She calmed my fears and talked me through all the thought and doubts that I had.

My heart hurts..again

R

40 years

2009-05-29T20:07:00.001-07:00

On May 30, 1969 at 1:24 am I was born...yup...40 years ago..40... 4x10....4 decades...the big 4-0...I don't have a baby pic because I was the second child and not as spoiled as my brother..sniff sniff... But trust me.. I was cuter than him...still am...

Anyhoo.. I was born 6 weeks early. They actually induced my mom because her Rh was negative and well, G was born a few months before that shot thing... So I was 1/2 an ounce shy of 6 lbs 19.5 inches long. I was rushed to ICU where I was put in an incubator thingie. I had 3 blood transfusion the first 3 days of my life.. then after 11 days, I went home and met my big brother who thought I was the most wonderful thing ever!!!

I am thrilled that my parents came up here. James is going to grill and then Sunday my parents are taking us all to Red Lobster..yum...King Crab legs here I come!! I do wish my brother could be here. I miss him and his family so much!!

Ok I am tired... I guess getting old is catching up with me....

Have an awesome day!!!

R

Widows and Orphans

2009-05-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

James (gosh don't you just love that name) said:

James 1:27 (King James Version)

²⁷Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

I have always had a heart for orphans. Even as a teenager my heart went out to those who didn't have the love and support of parents like I did. I remember wanting to have a farm and 3 kids and then I wanted to take in orphans. Lately I have been really wanting to reach out to orphans in some way. My heart aches for those who have no hope of a family. Everytime I read about a family that has adopted an orphan my heart rejoices. I truly wish that we could adopt a child from another country. A little girl, so that L could have a playmate.

We began attending a new church and there is a ministry that reaches out to those that are adopting and they also support orphans. I need to get involved. Please pray that God will give me direction in where He would like me to be. And if you think about it... go here and help if you can.

And don't forget the widows.. the single parents. Just yesterday a good friend of ours was killed and left behind a wife and kids. I don't know how they will make it, and I am sure they will need help.

Pure religion.....

Love you guys

R

Stupid feelings

2009-05-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

9 years ago I was told that maybe the reason God didn't allow me to get pregnant was because He didn't want me to be a mom. At the time I was the mother to a 2 year old and a newborn. This was told to me in a group setting by several church "friends" who felt that I "spared the rod" too much. Basically they were telling me that I wasn't a good mom and that by adopting my kids I went against God's will. I went through a year a major depression during that time. I questioned everything I did and I didn't enjoy my kids like I should have. I missed out on what should have been the happiest time of my life.

Well, today something STUPID happened and it brought back all those bad feelings of how I wasn't a good mom. I have this dumb feeling that all the other mom's are going to judge me just like the other people did. That the friendships that I was finally starting to make were going to end before they had a chance to start. Why do we treat each other this way? Why do we feel the need to lift ourselves higher at the expense of those around us?

The situation ended great and no harm was done, but still, I know that tongues wag. Sometimes I want to move far away on 1000 acres of land and not have to deal with another soul except my nice small family. But I know that is not God's way and His plan for us.

So if you see a mom struggling.. lift her up and pray for her.. and if you think of me today, I could use some prayer myself.

To make things even worse and cause more emotional drain, we learned that a dear friend from Lafayette was killed in a car accident. He leaves behind a wife and 3 kids... my heart aches for them.

R

A little grumpy

2009-05-13T07:02:00.000-07:00

just a little.... I am doing phase 1 of South Beach... why? you ask... because I like to torture myself... Ok so I turn $) at the end of the month. I am sick of being fat..sick I tell you. I know good and well that I will not reach my goal by the time the big day hits, but I would like to see the scale move a bit. The best thing for me is a South Beach type diet because I already eat whole grains and low fat/good fat, I just need to ditch the sugar. Brown Sugar is NOT the same as Brown Wheat... Sugar is my weakness!!! So anyhow, I am on day 3... the scale is moving.. and now I need to get moving... So I am heading upstairs to get some walking done while watching HGTV.

So if you think about me at anytime, please say a prayer for me. I don't want to have high blood pressure like my parents. I want to be able to keep up with the kids. They are young... I am old....LOL

Ok gotta go.. I hear boy giggles and that is never a good thing.

Have an awesome day and I promise to blog a little more.. It may be dieting vents or kid vents or dieting victories or kid victories....but it will be something

R

Mother's Day

2009-05-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

I remember my first Mother's Day 11 years ago. It was a bittersweet day for me. Just the year before I avoided going to church and family gatherings. A few years before that I vowed to never attend a Mother's Day service until I was a mother.

Even today my heart goes out to the women who want so dearly to be a mother. Whose heart aches to hold a little one in her arms. To be given the honor to have to wake up ever 3 hours to feed a baby who relies on you for everything. I remember the first Mother's Day after we began trying to have a baby. We went out to eat and my parents had invited my ex-sil's mother to come along with us. My brother and his wife were expecting their first child and so were J's brother and his wife and dear friends of ours. The last two had announced it just the week before. Anyway, the waitress was handing out flower to the ladies at the table and when she handed me one Michelle's mom yelled out "Oh no!!! SHE isn't a mother!!!" I felt rotten. I endured 5 more years of bad jokes, stupid comments and having to sit while everyone else stood on Sunday morning. It was the worst day of the year.

But in 1998 God blessed us with the most wonderful gift. A son!! I was a momma at last. J and I had it figured out that he was "cooking" the previous Mother's Day. God heard my cry and answered my prayer.

Even today my heart goes out to the women who want so dearly to be a mother. Whose heart aches to hold a little one in her arms. To be given the honor to have to wake up ever 3 hours to feed a baby who relies on you for everything. My prayers go out to all the ladies who desire a child and to all the birth-mom's who have given their children to a couple who cannot have their own children. May God bless you and give you peace this Mother's Day.. If you know someone who desires a child do me a favor and hug them today and let them know that the the are loved. And whatever you don't don't say "happy mother's day....oh yeah... you aren't a mother"........Just love them....and if they aren't at church... don't question their decision...

R

New Church Bag

2009-05-05T07:54:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make this bag as a new purse but it ended up larger than I expected. When I showed it to J he said "oh that would be a good bag for church"...hmmmmm smart man. I originally made the little bag for makeup but now I am using it for my pens. The bag is perfect for my Bible, note book and pens and the side pocket is where I throw my cellphone. Kids church uses our cell#'s to contact us if they need us.

The instructions come from the book The New Handmade

The kids and I are hoping to finish school today.. they are such troopers and plugging along!!! We are just ready for the school year to end.
That's all folks!!!

Conversation With my 11 Year Old Boy

2009-04-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

Him: Mom did you break a nail?
Me: What?
Him: You have one nail that is shorter than the rest......
Me: Oh yeah, I broke it a few days ago..
silence......
Me: Why?
Him: It looks funny
James: You have having a conversation with your 11 year old son about your nails!!!!

His poor wife... I am going to have to start praying for her now.....

R

Sewing Machine Geekness

2009-04-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

I love vintage sewing machines. I don't have many because, well, we don't have the space for them all.... BUT.... the kids and I were at Goodwill to look for books and I noticed that green tag items were 1/2 off. After we looked at the books, I spotted this little thing. It was marked for $27.98 and the good part.... IT HAD A GREEN TAG!!!

And the very best part.. it came with a boatload of attachments!!

Many of them can be used on my machines that I have now and some cannot even be used on this machine, so why they were in the cabinet is beyond me. The machine is a Singer Fashion Mate 257 and even came with the instruction book that had the previous owners notes in it. I need to take it in to get it tuned up but it is a cute little machine if I do say so myself.

Have an awesome day!!

R

Things that bug me

2009-04-15T10:13:00.001-07:00

Ok... this is a "I have to get this off of my chest" post...LOL

1) Giraffe purses
Not gonna lie when I see a woman walking around with one of these it stresses me out..LOL When we were visiting family I saw 3 women together with THE SAME PURSE!! Are you going to Sam's or on vacation?

2) People who don't smile in pictures

I was looking at a few Sr pictures and for goodness sake.....YOU ARE NOT A GANGSTA...SMILE
And when a girl does it too.....ugh

I will refrain from posting a pic... I don't want to cause a family outrage!!!LOL

3) Churches that have ballroom dancing as a Wednesday night elective............seriously... do I need to elaborate?

There are many more things out there...... but I will no long subject you to my rant...

A few things

2009-03-30T06:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I finished that quilt!! I forgot how much I loved the whole quilt making process!! It is truly my joy!! It is a stacked coins quilt from this tute.
The back is a little off. It was my first time piecing the back and while I like the look of it, I was totally stressed about it being crooked. It was also my first time stippling or free motion quilting and I love the process. I used white on the white parts and blue on the blue parts but wished that I had used blue for the bobbin thread. Oh well live and learn. Excuse the goofy boy in the second pic. I needed a volunteer to hold the quilt up and my clown volunteered!!

I am now working on a quilt for J's niece's baby shower. (I say J's because I wanted to specify which side of the family she is on so that none of you think that G's oldest is having a baby). She is having a girl so it is PINK!!

I so want to make one of these!! I have a ton of loyalty cards and need a cute place to contain them all.

Well, that is it. The kids are winding down on their school work. The rule is that when they take a test in May then don't start a new section. But this summer the kids will be doing 1-2 pages a day in Math to keep their brains functioning. We shall see how that goes.

Have an awesome day!!

R

Sick

2009-03-12T07:07:00.000-07:00

My little family is sick. I had to take A to the Dr yesterday. When I woke up he told me that his head hurt and his throat burned and is was freezing.. well since our AC is broken I got a tad suspicious. I took his temp and it was 101. Usually this mean strep. So off we go to the Dr and get him checked out. No strep, although they kept it for the overnight test, but he had a touch of Pneumonia...my poor baby.

Well, like I said we have no AC..so with that little warm snap we had I had a warm house to sleep in.. that equals sick for me. I need a cold house!! I did have one relief and that is thisI love this stuff. It really does help me to sleep. 2 Benedryl and a hefty dose of Vicks and I sleep wonderfully!! While at the store picking up drugs for A I found this little numberWhat more could a Vicks addict want?? My kids were were laughing at me telling me that you are supposed to BLOW into the tissue NOT smell it. What do they know??

I put a big pot of soup in the crock pot and the kids and I vegged on the sofa all day watching Qubo. We had a nice little cold snaptoo, so I opened the windows upstairs and got our berooms good and COLD. We both feel much better, but we are still going to spend the day resting. Spring Break starts tomorrow for J, so I want to make sure we both feeling our best for whatever plans we may come up with.

Have an awesome day!!

R

11 years ago today

2009-03-09T06:46:00.001-07:00

I became a mom!!!! A was born on March 3rd, but we didn't get him until the 9th. Today was one of the happiest days of my life. J and I prayed for a baby for 9 years and when I first saw A I wanted to grab him and run..LOL. But his BM handed him to me and I became a mom!! I remembering not wanting to put him down. J let me hold him for a long time before taking his turn. When we left the attorney's office we put him in his seat and I sat in the back just staring at him. He was so perfect and big. he weighed 10.5lbs when he was born and weighed 10lbs 11oz when we got him. We called our parents and described every little bit of him. J stopped to get lunch but we just wanted to get home and hold him and make sure he was safe in our house. His room was waiting!
We got on the basin bridge and headed home. Then about halfway through.... we hear a banging noise coming from the front of the car. We pull over (not a safe thing to do on e the bridge..this was before the speedlimit restrictions) Our headlight on the jeep came loos. I grabbed the electrical tape out of the glove compartment (why it was there, I don't know) and we tapped it back and took off.
When we got home J left to buy formula, so I held A until he got home. We asked visitors to give us a few hours alone. honestly I wanted to give him a bottle without all the stares, and looks. I didn't want my firsts to be critiqued.

Our parents arrived and then my brother.. Then our dear friends who ad adopted their first just 4 months before. Then we were left alone to thank God for giving us this wonderful gift.

I am still amazed that He choose us to be the parents of 3. When we were told that adoption was our only option, we honestly thought that we would have one child. We never thought that He would bless us with 3!!

I have pictures..honestly.. but they are all in albums. We sat down wiht the kids and looked at all f them this weekend. It made me realize that I really need to finish a few of them and get back into putting our pics into albums.

Gotcha day is a special day for us. My kids have 2 special days, their birthdays and their Gotcha Days. So tomnight A gets to choose what is for dinner and what movie we are going to watch. We let him choose lunch yesterday and then took them out for ice cream. It was a special day.

Well, I am off to get the house clean and the kids educated. Have a wonderful day!!

R

Red Elephants, Wedding, New Babies and Old Friends

2009-03-02T09:06:00.000-08:00

What an eventful weekend. The kids and I left Wed to head down to LA for my brother's wedding. It was an awesome trip. My kids are great car riders and were well behaved. A rode in the front with me for the first 3 hours, but then I think he got very bored with me..... Of course he talked the whole time and subjected me to an all Toby Mac playlist....sigh.

We arrived and my parents treated us to dinner. The next day mom and I spent trying to find A's birthday present with him with us. We were unsuccessful. But we were able to get mom a nice outfit for the wedding.

Friday, Gene needed us to take M #3 shopping for wedding shoes. Of course my boys were thrilled with the idea of going girl shoe shopping. But we found the perfect pair at the first store. Mom took the boys to her house and L and I went to visit with my dear friend who was about to have a baby. Gene and his friend Josh showed up at her house so it was a nice visit. Gene had an "anniversary" present for me
Now if you know me, then you know that my favorite color is red and I LOVE elephants!! Gene's new wife is an Alabama fan so in honor of her I have named him Nick. I was so thrilled with him, you see Gene had a bear very similar to this that was green and white.

Friday, James joined us and I missed him so much. I would not do well if he had a job that required him to travel much. We went to J's mom's for dinner. She made shrimp stew and we were able to visit with his brothers and their families. Of course our kids were tuckered out by the end of the night and we had to drag A out of bed at 9am!!!

Sat was the wedding. Late Friday night I got a text that Kelly had her baby. So the boys and I headed to visit. I have a pic, but it is still in my phone and I am being lazy. I didn't take L because she had the sniffles. Got my baby fix for the next couple of years...LOL

Gene had asked me to take some pics of the wedding but we get there and I realize that I had an almost full memory card and no power cable to dump the pics. So I told him that I would take the pics of all of our "old" friends that were at the wedding. So here they are.
Roy and Karen and their girls.. They are so stinkin cute and so sweet... they get that from Karen.
Linda Dupuis Perkins and her Hubby Tim. I think the last time I talked to Linda in person was in jr high!! Way too long..
Brad Martin and his wife whose name escapes me and I feel really bad about that. I haven't seen Brad is at least 15 years... He hasn't changed a bit.
Shawn Hebert Phillips and her husband David. They are going to be grandparents in 6 months..eek

So I have no pics of the wedding, but I am hoping that G sends me a CD whenever he gets settled.

That night we went to eat boiled crawfish with my parents and G's friend Josh who was a visiting Yankee. I think we scared him while eating the crawfish..LOL My kids loved him though. I think they are expecting to see him at every family function from now on..LOL

We drove home Sunday to ground covered in snow right up until we reached our area... then NOTHING!!!LOL oh well..

That all for reading my novel.

Have an awesome day

R

I'm leaving.....

2009-02-24T09:12:00.000-08:00

in an Expedition with 3 kids driving to LA without my hubby...... The kids and I are heading out to my brother's wedding in LA tomorrow morning. J will be renting a car and meeting us Friday. Then we will rid back together. I sure hope I don't forget anything crucial. We have snacks at the ready and I am packing a lunch for me so that I don't eat fast food. They kids all have great metabolisms so they can eat all the junk they want... Me on the other hand... 40 is approaching quickly..

Tonight A has his final basketball practice, and although he is going to miss the last game, I told him that he has to practice with his team. I also have Bible study tonight and I don't want to miss it. We are doing Beth Moore's Esther and I am enjoying it. One day I will write about it here.

Ok I am off to pack!! Did I mention that this is the first time that I have made this trip without J driving??? Should be an adventure.

Sibling Battles, Family Love and Friendships

2009-02-19T06:57:00.001-08:00

My boys have been fighting a lot lately. And not just any fighting, but they ugly talk fighting. I absolutely HATE potty words. My oldest thinks it is funny to say that his younger brother eats poo then the younger brother gets angry and starts choking his brother. You could say "boys" but I will NOT tolerate it!! They have a friend that talks this way all the time and the parents do nothing about it and it drives me NUTS!! So I had a long talk with them about family. I told them about all my "best" friends I had growing up and how I haven't seen any of them in years!! YEARS!!! But I still have my brother. Sure we fought and bickered, but we still love each other and would be there for each other at a moments notice.

Then I got to thinking about my "friends". It is sad to say but I really have had friends for quite some time. Sure there were ladies that I did things with, but generally I was never part of "the group" They all had babies and I didn't, then they had school age children and I had a baby. I was left out of mom's night out because I wasn't a mom. Then I was left out because I couldn't participate in the 'birth stories" that always seemed to happen on any ladies' trip.

A few years before we moved here we had several "friends" turn on us. It was the most aweful experience and hurt beyond belief. I felt rejected and accused. Nothing I said was heard and I was interrupted before I had a chance to speak. The could that went there to "supervise" the lynching, said word none to my defence.

Then we moved, "you'll be back" was the one comment we heard the most. Not "we will miss you". Why would I want to go back?? Nobody will miss me!! And they didn't. The first 4 years we were here not a single "friend" called to see how we were doing. We called them a couple of times but it is tiring being in a one sided friendship. So we dropped it.

God has blessed me recently in several ways. First he has placed a really good friend in my life. I can call her anytime and say "let's do dinner" and she is there. We talk and laugh and it is the kind of friendship that I love. Second He has re-placed a dear friend (and her hubby) back into our lives. I have missed this lady for so long, but circumstances pulled us apart, and I missed her. We got together last time we were in LA and it was like old times.

God is a faithful friend. He will never leave us. During the time of "friendlesness" He has enabled J and I to grow close in such a way that it is amazing. I love spending time with him, he is my favorite person to be around and the love of my life! I couldn't ask for more. God has also showed me that sometimes "friends" can be our downfall. They can take us away from the things that are important. He wanted us here in TN and if we had really close friends then we would have never moved. It would have been too hard. I saw the removal of friends from our lives as a pruning. He wanted us to grow and these friendships were not allowing it. Pruning is painful, but it is necessary for growth.

Many of my old friends I have reconnected with and I love chatting with them and reading about what is going on in their lives. God has healed a lot of old wounds and I am glad that I went through the hurt. It was the only way for growth and for me to learn to fully trust in God.

He is Faithful!!

R

Another Dress for L

2009-02-13T07:53:00.001-08:00

I love this pattern from the Handmade Dress it is easy to make and very fulfilling. I made it for my brother's wedding at the end of the month. L asked me if she could bring one of her dolls to the wedding and I said yes, so of course I thought Chloe needed a new dress too. I love this fabric line. It is the Stonehill Collection and I picked it up at Joann's when it was 1/2 off. Of course I bought way too much so I will have to figure out something to make with the rest.

Excuse L's hair.... So, now I need to make a skirt for myself and if I have time a new top. Have a great day today. The kids and I have a bit of running around to do.

R

I Hate Math

2009-02-06T06:23:00.000-08:00

My hate for math began around the 5th grade. Fractions are evil and I hate them!!LOL

Well, my oldest is in 5th grade.... and he needs me to explain fractions...ME!! So I take his book and read it. Now I do have to say that I wish I had this math book when I was in the 5th grade. They really explained it well, and all that I learned came flooding back. So I was able to explain it to him.

I have no problem admitting to my kids that I don't really know something. I want them to know that learning is something we do our whole lives. J was in school almost our whole marriage!!LOL But I do see a time when A's math will have to be done with dad in the evenings. I am thinking that, until then, I will need to read his math book first so that I can know what to expect when the questions come.

I love teaching my kids and in the process I have learned so much. I have learned a lot about my kids and how they learn, and that helps me help them with their work. I have learned that I love homeschooling. I never doubted that I would, but I am glad that I do. I love spending the day with my kids. I waited so long for them, that I cannot imagine someone else spending all day with them and I only get nights and weekends... I would miss them too much.

Have a great day!! The kids and I are heading out for our weekly fun day. I have no idea what we are doing, but it will be fun!!!

R

Bread and random stuff

2009-02-02T06:30:00.000-08:00

Sorry no pictures so you will have to use your imagination...LOL

This so far is the best loaf bread recipe that I have made. It came out nice and full. I used whole wheat spelt flour so it didn't rise as high as I would have liked but it was still yummy!!! I also used 1/2 the honey so it wasn't as sweet. I don't care for sweet bread unless it is a breakfast bread. I also didn't use the lecithin or gluten... that may help with the rise too.

Oh well, I am sure this thrilled you all beyond belief.

I do have to say that the Lord has answered a long time prayer request and I am so happy. Thrilled really, and no we are not adding onto our family...LOL

Well, we are looking at a few more days of cold, and we only have one more day of wood left. Not too sure what we are going to do about it. It has been a fairly cold winter this year. We seemed to skip fall. Maybe spring will come early. I am ready to get the veggie plants in the ground. J wants to make the garden a tad bigger this year but because our back yard is very shady we don't have much room. Oh for more land!! I would gladly take a smaller house on more land!!!!

I am waiting on a few patterns to come in from Canada. I want to make the girl and I a few shirts and skirts for the spring and summer. I have a few skirts for her planned I just need to cut them out and sew them up.

Well, I guess that is enough. The kids needs to get their chores going and then start schoolwork.

Have a wonderful day everyone

R

I am an Hourglasss

2009-01-22T06:06:00.000-08:00

I only did this because Bayou Belle forced me to....... I have always been an hourglass shape. Only now I hold about 10 years worth of sand......
www.shabbyapple.com has a survey to determine your shape. 3 whole questions. Here is what they say about me

Hourglass

Beautifully curvy. You have broad shoulders and/or a voluptuous chest (LOL), a smaller waist and gorgeous (who said...Dr dh says they are babymaking hips, but they didn't work) full hips.

Style icon: Marilyn Monroe

Style tips: Look for pieces that accentuate your curves and have a fitted waist. Fitted clothing, strait skirts and belted waists are best for you.

You hear that ladies!! I am built like Marilyn Monroe!!!!LOL I'll spare you the pictures because none of the ladies modeling them are built like me or even like Marilyn was. That woman was curvey, the ladies modeling the dresses look like my 10 year old son was wearing a padded bra.

That is all I have to say. I need to make something for my brother's wedding.. I guess I should go with a straight skirt.......

R

A Dress for The Girl

2009-01-14T11:05:00.000-08:00

In my effort to dress my daughter in modest, yet stylish dress, I have to come the conclusion that I must make the majority of her dresses or else she will look like a skank. The Girl is tall and lanky, so if I get a dress to fit her non existent butt then it is too short, and if I buy for length then it is too baggy...... Good thing I can sew. So this is her first dress, or anything for that matter, for the spring.
I really like the pattern, and since it was designed by a fellow homeschooler, I didn't mind paying for it. She writes very clear directions with lots of pictures, although they weren't necessary with the way she writes.. It can be found here. I want to make one for my brothers wedding in Feb. The colors that the girls will be wearing is dark blue, so I am thinking along those lines since I want to take a big family pic then. My boys will be in blue too..I think I will also make it long sleeves since for some strange reason it is cold in LA.... Maybe I will just make her a shawl...

BTW In my effort to purge my sewing stuff I was able to us up 3 pieces of fabric from the stash. Yay!!!!

Have an awesome day

R

20 years ago today.......

2009-01-07T05:41:00.000-08:00

I married the most wonderful man. We were young. I was 19 and James was 20. We started dating in June of '88 and were married 7 months later. People said it wouldn't work... Well, after 9 years of fertility treatments, 3 adoptions, 1 college degree and 2 advanced degrees, a moved to TN and countless other things.. we made it!!LOL I love my husband and thank God every day that this is the man he chose for me. I couldn't ask for a more perfect man. Thank you God putting him in my life.

Merry Christmas to Me

2009-01-06T07:52:00.001-08:00

My parents learned long ago how to make us happy...Money. Ok not really they love us and taught us to love Jesus!! But... they give us cash for Christmas.. Now my dad is a gadget freak. If QVC had been around while I was growing up I can just about imagine the stuff we would have had. My mom is a techno freak. Put those two together and you have 2 techno gadget freaks....

Now growing up my parents were the first on our block to have a VCR. I think I was 7 at the time so this was in 1976ish.. I remember telling my friends that it could record TV and they said that I was lying and there was no such thing. Good friends are always hard to find...LOL

Ok so back to my post. I have wanted a serger since my mom got one 20 or so years ago. But back then there were way out of my price range. Well this year my parents were the proud givers of a serger to me. It has been in the box for a few days. I took it out last night. I had watched the DVD the same day I got it and thought.. yeah I got that... well after nearly chucking it out of the window last night, I went to bed. This morning I brought the macbook downstairs and popped the dvd in while piddling with the serger. I think I got it!! I am working on a bag to carry my B and Bible study gear. I just have a few things left to do and it is complete. My parents also got a sidewinder for me. It loads the bobbins for you so much better than my sewing maching.

Ok here are pictures for those of you who have no idea what I am talking about.
First the sidewinder then then serger... aren't you just thrilled beyone belief?????

Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

2008-12-25T11:04:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful day today was. The kids let us sleep until 6:59 and we were greeted with signs leading the way to the presents. A has started this tradition and does it every year. The kids are playing and J is sitting by the fire surfing. I am trying to get a few hand sewing projects ready for the ride down and I have Ted Dekker's Saint in the car ready to be read. Now I need to motivate everyone to get things packed. We leave for LA tomorrow. Packing isn't too bad, we have made this trip loads of times and we have a nice system of what we need and where everything is put.

I am looking forward to this trip. Winter started early this year and we haven't had much warmth since October. Z said that he is packing shorts. I am also looking forward to meeting my brother's fiancee' . I haven't met her yet and given my approval..LOL I love my brother and I am glad that she makes him happy.

Looking at this picture, I realize that I have a motley looking brood...I love them all so much and they are such blessings to me and J. Too many years I spent praying for them to arrive. I am one joyful mother. God had blessed us beyond measure. Thank you Jesus!!!

I hope everyone has a great Christmas!!

I am such a bad blogger

2008-12-23T14:04:00.000-08:00

With the holidays and all, I feel like I just don't have the time to get my thoughts in order. J and I celebrated our 20th anniversary this weekend. Our actual anniversary is Jan 7. I really don't feel old enough to have been married this long. It is amazing to me that I have now officially spent more time living with J than I did with my parents.

We had a wonderful night away, doing the things we did pre-kids. It was lovely.

I am trying to get back into sewing. There are loads of projects that I want to do and that I have the stuff for. It is part of my purge and organize theme for the new year. Get rid of the clutter by using it and not hording it.

Ok I just rememberd that the groceries weren't put up and I guess I need to do that. Maybe I will show you what I make....maybe.....

If I don't chat with any of you soon, have a wonderful MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

Ummmm OK

2008-12-21T12:57:00.000-08:00

Watch this commercial and listen to the lady talking while looking closely to her family. What do you notice

Perspective

2008-11-14T19:53:00.000-08:00

I used to think that I was an old mom with young kids. Jan 7th will be our 20th anniversary. Many of our friends from LA who were married around the same time as us have older kids. I mean kids in high school or even college. My oldest is 11. Now granted we did try for 9 years to have a baby. But it is still strange to think that I could have a 19 year old (if I had taken after my mom...LOL) Anyway, after we moved to TN we learned that many of the people here were our age and had kids the same age as ours. We weren't so old after all. Then in the past few months I have reconnected with a few of my good friends from high school. Both of them married "late" and they have VERY young kids. They both have a 3 year old and a baby.

Sometimes I think about what it would have been like if we did have teens. But then again I shudder and thank God that my kids are still little. I don't know if I am ready to handle teenagers yet... although I don't have much time to get ready.

God knew what was best in my life. He had a plan that He wanted to see accomplished. I praise Him everyday for my kids. They are what I hoped and prayed for. J and I have years together that those same friends tell me they wish they had. We had so much time to establish our relationship and I am grateful for that.

These are just my thoughts.

R

Stories in Hand

2008-11-11T17:38:00.000-08:00

So my online journaling class started Monday. Monday was spend making my album to put the pages in. This was a lot of fun. Generally I buy an album to put my scrapbook pages in, but this time I decided not to buy a thing and use what I had. The album that I had was too small, so I cut the front and back off and made new ones. I do like how it turned out.

Today was spend printing off the pages that had the journaling prompts. There are sections for Roots, Family and Self. So after printing and printing and printing I finally was able to cut the pages and hole punch, and cut and hole punch, and on and one......... So far I enjoy the class and it has inspired me to journal more. I may do some here. There is so much that I want my kids to know. I tell them lots, but I want it written down.

On another note. Aaron has strep AGAIN... so if you can keep him and the rest of our family in prayer, I would appreciate it. J and the other 2 have a nasty virus and I am praying a hedge of protection over myself!!! Mom cannot get sick!!

Have an awesome day!!

R

Journaling Class

2008-11-08T16:41:00.000-08:00

I am excited about this class. I have only taken one other "online" class, so this should be fun. A few of my friends are doing it and so is my mom. Unfortunately they all live far away.

I have been tearing my room apart looking for supplies for this class. You would think with all the stuff that I have I would be able to find it. Oh well, I guess I will make due.

Off to clean up the mess I made while looking for everything that I need for tomorrow. After church we are taking the kids to see Madagascar 2.. should be fun.

Have a great weekend

R

Our Day Off

2008-11-07T07:11:00.000-08:00

Today is Friday, this is the day that the kids and I take off. No school work, no learning, just fun. Ok so that is what A says about Friday. Usually I take them to a nature center or the Nashville Zoo or the Adventure Science Center and we they learn a little bit... But today it is raining and although the ASC is indoor I just don't feel like going. So today we are going to laze around and do nothing. I am thinking of taking them to the grand opening of Trader Joe's in Nashville but that will be later today. I don't feel like fighting the people that wanted to be there the moment the doors open. There loads of granola types in this area and many of them are also homeschoolers. I guess I am a granola type...LOL

So here I am at 9 am just now getting my coffee. I do love the age that my kids are at. The boys usually come downstairs when they wake up and watch tv. L stays in her room, I cannot allow all 3 unsupervised in the same room. That is just asking for trouble. Anyway, today I came downstairs to find A on the computer and Z organizing the dvds.

Well, I am off to take a late morning shower. The kids are watching Charlottes Web.

Have a great day

R

Free Chocolate!!!!

2008-11-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.haydeechocolatier.com/gourmet_chocolate.php

That is all I have to say today...for now

R

The new President

2008-11-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

God is in Control!! He always has been He always will be. I am really kinda numb about the whole thing. Not sad not upset, just numb. In fact I asked the Dr to turn the tv off last night before he spoke. That is not something that I wanted to hear. He isn't someone that I can listen too. I just wonder if he is truly the "Messiah" that everyone is looking for. If so then Come Quickly Lord Jesus!!! AMEN

Election Day

2008-11-04T07:59:00.001-08:00

Aaron's history book was talking about King Nebbie K Nezzer (sorry reverting to Veggie Tales) Anyway, they had Daniel 2:21 to teach that God is in control. Here it is

Daniel 2:21 (King James Version)

21And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

So Aaron and I got to talking about the election and I had to remind him that God is in control. Yes, we have a voice, yes, we need to vote, but that no matter what happens God knew what is going to happen, long before the reporters and election officials. Now this book doesn't know that today is election day but I really think that God was reminding me that HE is in control. Then just now I was reading my little devotion book and they had Romans 13:1

1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

So today as our country waits to hear what the "majority" (don't get me started on the electoral college) says, I am reminded that God is in control...Hallelujah!!

Just my thoughts.

On a lighter note.. Trader Joes is opening up in Nashville!!! We have 2 Whole Foods which I like but Trader Joes is AWESOME!!!! So the kids and I are going to take a little field trip. Should be fun!!

A Great Weekend

2008-10-30T06:48:00.000-07:00

I have a group of internet (I call them my imaginary) friends. I love these ladies and I truly wish we didn't live all over the world. Anyway, those of us who are in the US (and one Canadian) get together once a year. This year it was this past weekend in Atlanta so it was driving distance for me Yea! I have missed the past two years because of distance. I have to say that I had the best time. We missed those that weren't there and I enjoyed meeting those ladies who I hadn't met yet. It made me realize how much this group means to me. We scrapbooked, shopped, ate, talked about our families, our friends and most importantly our Lord. It was awesome!!

I live within 4 hours of several of the ladies and I think we don't meet up enough.

On anther not I killed the microwave... It was ready to go I think because it didn't put up much of a fight. I was not looking forward to buy a new one. We only use it for 3 things, water, popcorn, and mac and cheese..... It is an over the range model so it isn't like I could just fork out 50 bucks and get a new one. And since J had to replace the alternator in my car while I was gone, the money trees are bare. So we went shopping and Voila' found one on clearance for $111 and it was the last one so we got it for $70!!! Whoo Hoo.. Thank you Jesus!!!

Now it needs to climb up on the stove and get in place and do it's job!!

Well, I need to get off and get the kids educated..A is unloading the dishwasher, Z is feeding the cat and cleaning her "bathroom" and L is bringing the dirty clothes down..So I guess I should be productive too.

Have a great day!!

R

Fall

2008-10-20T07:45:00.001-07:00

I love fall. I love the open windows, the cooler temps, the falling leaves and the coffee. J is off for fall break and we are getting some cleaning done. We took a one day trip to Gatlinburg Saturday. Rested from that trip on Sunday and then today is a cleaning day. Tomorrow is up in the air, but hopefully it will be something fun. The kids and I are off all week. I leave on Thursday for a yearly trip with some dear make believe (Internet) friends of mine. We meet yearly for a little get together and I have missed the past 2. This one is in Atlanta so it is driving distance away. So we just took the whole week off. Ok.. I need to get up and get moving!

Healthy Eating

2008-09-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

So in my quest to eat healthy, I have decided to try to not eat as much meat as possible. Now don't get me wrong, I will eat my steak and lobster.. when someone else is paying for it. So I decided to try veggie burgers and such. Last week I ate this I must say that it was very good. I could not tell that it wasn't beef. Now granted it doesn't taste like the awesome burgers that J makes on the grill but it was yummy. I added cheese and everything else I normally add. Oh and it was real milk cheese.. I haven't ventured into fake cheese yet.
So this week I tried this This was also really good. I even ate a few naked cheetos to go with it and I felt like I was actually eating lunch. Next I will throw a few veggie crumbles in our spaghetti or chili and see if anyone notices.
So am I going? I don't know. How's that for an answer. But I do know that I think we eat too much meat. Now I honestly don't think anyone can make veggie seafood and get away with it...So all the lobsters of the world are not safe!!!

My life....so far

Words

Sacrifices and Blessings

It's Official

Tomorrow

12 More Days

Kindred spirits

A Challenge

So...

It's been so long!!

Mother's Day

Like I need another hobby

Busy busy busy

Check out this giveaway

School, School and more school

I am a bad blogger

"Death" and the AfterLIFE

A Briefing for the Ascent

from the album "A Briefing for the Ascent"

Words by Terry Taylor, Music by Terry Taylor and Greg Flesch©1987 Broken Songs

Called to Love

Have we lost sight?

Conflicting Reports

Quilt update

A Quilt Post

My Thoughts on Adoption

And the angels were SHOCKED!!

A note to other ladies out there

Bitterness and Hurt

I feel blessed

I love my husband

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane

My mom gets carded......

Things I have learned

So I guess an update is in order

Product rave

Grief

The Lord of the Rings

A little disappointed a lot of sad

40 years

Widows and Orphans

James 1:27 (King James Version)

Stupid feelings

A little grumpy

Mother's Day

New Church Bag

Conversation With my 11 Year Old Boy

Sewing Machine Geekness

Things that bug me

A few things

Sick

11 years ago today

Red Elephants, Wedding, New Babies and Old Friends

I'm leaving.....

Sibling Battles, Family Love and Friendships

Another Dress for L

I Hate Math

Bread and random stuff

I am an Hourglasss

Hourglass

A Dress for The Girl

20 years ago today.......

Merry Christmas to Me

Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

I am such a bad blogger

Ummmm OK

Perspective

Stories in Hand

Journaling Class

Our Day Off

Free Chocolate!!!!

The new President

Election Day

Daniel 2:21 (King James Version)

A Great Weekend

Fall

Healthy Eating

Words by Terry Taylor, Music by Terry Taylor and Greg Flesch
©1987 Broken Songs