I HATE JUNE BUGS!!!

Normally I think HATE is such a strong word. Not today. I HATE june bugs!! I hate the buzzing. I hate how unpredictable they are. I hate that they fly. I hate that they interrupt my beautiful evenings outside. This will definitely be one of those things God and I talk about when I get there.

Anyone up for some horseback riding?

God is good!!

Got new news about Miss Andi Marie this morning. Things are looking up for sweet baby girl. Surgery went well and she is on the road to recovery. Thank you God.

As Brent and I were discussing this we become very aware of the blessings God has given us over the past few years. We started out with a rough first year of marriage. In 2004 we bought a house, had a horrible pregnancy, premature baby girl, sold the house, piles and piles of bills that we couldn't pay. Not something we ever anticipated going through. But our prayers were answered. God is good.
Then, in 2007, Brent's mom was diagnosed with cancer. It was a touch and go couple of months. But yet again, our prayers were answered. God is good.
In 2007 we were also blessed with baby #2. He is an absolute blessing. God is good.
In 2007 we moved to a different city to "start over". I think deep down we both hated it here. Things were not what we were promised and it was beginning to be a long look down a dark tunnel. Our prayers were again answered. God is good.
Now, here we are, 2009. God is amazing!! Things have fallen into place. Not by our doing, but by His. We are undoubtedly blessed.
Take a look around you. Thank God for what you have. He is the reason you are who you are. He is the reason you are where you are.
I wish everyone a blessed Easter. God is good!

Prayin' for a miracle...Join me, won't you?

This morning was a sad morning. I was greeted with news that my cousin had been diagnosed with a Wilms' Tumor. (kidney cancer) She's only 4. After googling this, I have reassurred myself that all will be okaybut she still needs your prayers. She is in good health, they caught it early, and they are getting ready to "kick some butt!!" These are direct words from the 4 year old.
Over the next few days as you spend your quiet time talking with God, please remember Miss Andi Marie in your prayers. She needs all she can get. Thursday is the big surgery day. Please pray for peace for Andi and strength and courage for her mom and dad. I love them all dearly and would claim this little girl as my own if given the chance.

I'm Tired, I'm Frustration, and I GIVE UP

I don't know where to start with this, other than to say that I'm frusterated on the inside. I'm not exactly sure what I'm frustrated with, but I know I'm harboring things I shouldn't. I have gripes with people that shouldn't be gripes. I've always been a person to "tell it like it is" but for some reason I just can't bring myself to do that this time. I have things that have been bugging me for several months now, but don't have the energy or the time to bring them up. I feel it's all better left unsaid. Is it worth the time, the trouble, the hurt feelings? Nah

The Invisible Bridge

The Invisible Bridge
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.—Hebrews 11:1

In the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Indy Jones takes a journey to find the Holy Grail – the cup Jesus drank from at the Last Supper. Along his quest, he uses his father’s journal as a resource to guide and show him how to overcome the obstacles present in order to find his treasure. The last test he comes up against is a test of faith. He must step onto the “invisible bridge” in order to cross a cavern. Everything he read in his father’s journal told him it would work, but it is hard to put your life on the line for something you cannot see. It was not until he had put his full weight on the bridge and had taken a step that he discovered with certainty that the bridge was real.

Faith comes first in believing that God is who He says He is. John 3:16 says that whoever believes that God gave His son as a sacrifice for our sins shall have eternal life. The first step in being a Christian is to move forward in faith and believe. The second step comes in believing God will do what He says He will. It is about believing in God’s promises even when it doesn’t feel like they are promises. It is trusting in Him, even when those around you think you are crazy.

Hebrews’ chapter 11 is known as the Hall of Faith. It documents amazing people of the Old Testament who lived out their faith. It was by faith Noah built an ark; it was by faith Abraham left his home and his inheritance; it was by faith Sarah had a child in her old age; it was by faith Moses’ parents hid him from the Egyptians when he was born; and it was by faith the people of Israel walked through the Red Sea on dry land. There are many stories of people relying on their faith in God, even when it didn’t make sense.

Sometimes, taking those steps of faith is difficult. It is hard to step forward into the things unseen and to rest in faith. The great news is that we have a letter from our Lord. A letter that tells us that we are loved children of God. A letter that confirms that our faith is based on truth, a letter that tells of the blessings the Lord has for us when we are willing to take a step of faith. This letter is the Bible. No matter what part of the journey you are on right now, God is with you and He is for you. Take a step of faith in Him; put your full weight onto His promises. He will not let you down.

Enjoy!!

I believe

I Believe*...

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born. A Death Certificate shows that we died. Pictures show that we lived! Have a seat . . . Relax . . . And read this slowly.

I Believe*... That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do love each other.
I Believe*... That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I Believe*... That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe*... That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I Believe*... That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I Believe*... That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I Believe*... That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe*... That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I Believe*... That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe*... That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I Believe*... That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I Believe*... That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I Believe*... That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing and have the best time.
I Believe*... That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe*... That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe*... That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I Believe*... That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe*... That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I Believe *... That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but, we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe*... That you shouldn't be so eager to find Out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I Believe*... Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I Believe*... That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I Believe*... That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - You will find the strength to help.
I Believe*... That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe*... That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
I Believe*... 'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; They just make the most of everything.

Fat Like Me

I was watching a show on Lifetime last night called "Fat Like Me". I know what your thinking. Lifetime? Really? Yes, Lifetime. But in this movie this skinny, pretty, petite girl, Allison does a documentary on what it's like to be fat in today's society. She rents the 'fat' suit, gets someone to make a 'fat' mask, buys the 'fat' clothes, and makes 'fat' friends. Just so she can get the inside scoop on what it's like to be looked at differently.

In this movie, Allison's mom is overweight as well. Allison finally musters up the courage to talk with her mom about her concerns. First, she apologizes for all the years of making fun and ignoring her. She tells her how she has been made fun of for having a fat mom. How her mom never could run on the soccer field with her or wanted to take her swimming. She tells her that she never thought to think how she (the mom) felt. Then, she goes on to tell her how she feels that her mom has been selffish. How she has picked food over her health. How she has picked food over her kids. Umm...this has pulled some strings with me. Is that what I've been doing? Picking food over my kids? Why would I do that? I'm a good mom. But then I was thinking...that IS what I'm doing. Everytime I put something in my mouth, I'm picking that over my health and my kids. I'm slowing killing myself with Dr. Peppers, thin mint Girl Scout cookies, and chicken fried steak.

I've decided I'm going to try to do better for myself and my kids. I may still have my one Dr. Pepper a day, but that's it. Only one.

I know people say you shouldn't tell everyone you're dieting because then people will look at you everytime you put something in your mouth. But, people already look me. Why not have some accountablity? We'll see how it goes.

Happy eating!!

TGIF

Here I sit in my last 2 hours of Friday wondering where the week went. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled it's finally Friday, but to be honest with you, I only worked 2 days this week anyway. Between the kids being sick and the slick roads, we haven't gone much. I don't quite know if I'm ready for another 2 days in the house with them yet.
I have had the 17 month old up here at the office with me the past 2 days because I couldn't stand our 4 walls anymore and I needed something different. Brent is home with him today. He told me as I left that I "owed" him one. I think I'm way ahead in that game and this is just a smidge of the payback he "owes" me.
Happy Friday...I can't wait for Monday

A Mother's Love

My dear friends, R & K welcomed their wonderful baby boy into this world last night at 7:13 pm. As I watched them with their new bundle, I couldn't help but go back to the day that each one of my bundles were welcomed. I knew from that day on, my life would never be the same.
A mother's love is like no other. Everyone has a mother. My kids have me. I have my kids. I always knew that I wanted children of my own, but I never understood what my mom meant when she would say "Someday when you have kids, you'll understand"...boy was she right. I have this amazing love and admiration for my kids. They are my reason for breathing. Everything I do affects them in some shape or form. I think about everything now. Before I did what I wanted, when I wanted. Now, I do what they want, when they want. I can't wait for my daughter to grow up and have children of her own and know the love that I have for her.
As I watch my friend with her new baby, I will see her learn the mother's love. I believe no one gets it until you hold that precious baby that God has intrusted you to take care of. I believe God is loaning me the most amazing kids ever!!

The Letter Game

Letter assignment game:

The basic idea: leave a comment on this post for a letter assignment and I'll assign you one. Then you write about 10 things you love that begin with your assigned letter. Post it on your blog and when people comment on your list, you give them a letter, and the chain continues on. Go.

My letter is "S"....here goes.

Sid's Diner...what's not to love. Onion fried burgers, Dr. Pepper that tastes just like the burgers smell, chili cheese coney with slaw, and fries with mayo. YUM

Sweet tea...especially on a hot summer day. The more the sweet, the better.

Sandals...I love feet. Show them off.

Sundays...means church with great friends and a great pastor. Also, means naps. I love lazy Sunday afternoons. Nothing to do, but be with the ones I love most.

Summer...HOT. I hate being cold, so what's more to love than summer. Summer was made for me.

Snap-shots...My favorites are old ones of when we were little. I love re-living the memories of growing up.

Salt...who doesn't keep salt on the dinner table? Everything tastes better when you doctor it up with salt.

Shopping...more for others than myself. Sure I can always find something for myself, but more often than not, I find something that I'm sure one of my friends/family would love.

Soda...especially when my bff, Liz, says the word. She's lived up North and adds just the perfect twang to it. My favorite "soda" is Dr. Pepper. I would give my right arm for a syrupy (is that a word) Dr. Pepper.

Sparky...Brent. When I met him, he was and still is obsessed with National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. It is a ritual that from Thanksgiving night until Christmas night we watch that movie. Also his goal in life is to have "Christmas Vacation" Christmas lights, so therefore he has earned the name, "Sparky"