IT WON'T BE LONG.......

In just about 6 weeks she'll be here. (not the best pic) I can't believe it is almost here. I can hardly wait to see her, to meet her, and to hold her. I wonder who she will look like? Will she have red hair like her mom or jet black like her dad? What will she be as she grows up? Will she play the piano and sing like her dad and pappa, or will she want to dance in His presence like her mom and nanna. Will she want to play t-ball, or would she rather go shoe shopping? What will her personality be like? HMMMM so many things to ponder. We love you Kinsley and can't wait to meet you. We pray for you every day that you will be safe on your way here to us. For now, stay warm inside momma and we'll see you soon.

Christmas Memories

It was an eventful Christmas. The grandkids were here. We went to Christmas eve service, sang christmas carols with friends and litened to the Christmas Story, had hot chocolate, cookies and cider and then went out for dinner afterward. A gift from my husband after being in the kitchen litterally all day baking and getting things ready for Christmas Day dinner.

When we came home Angela made Harvest french toast for breakfast the next morning (you have to make it the night before) and then her, I, and Ethen made cut out cookies for Santa. He fixed a plate for Santa with some questions to ask him, some food for the reindere and then it was off to bed. Angela and I wrapped the endless gifts for the stockings, stuffed the stockings and then about midnight went to bed.

We woke up the next morning to kids squealing and ready to open presents (yes it was early). What fun it was as we watched the boys open their gifts and get excited when the wrapping was off. We had the most wonderful french toast for breakfast (marme, I'll make you some soon) and just stayed in PJ's all day, ate cookies, ate lunch, ate apple pie, and more cookies.

They are gone now, as they had to go and spend Christmas with the other grandparents in San Antonio :( before going home to Corpus. It was a great time with them and we look forward to spending New Years with them in their new apartment.

Next year we hope to have Sam, Bri and Kinsley with us as well as Angela and the boys. I don't know where i will put everyone, but we will make a way some how. The best thing about Christmas is being with family, because being with family is what it is all about.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM

It's a happy birthday It's a happy day!!!!
Not only is it Christmas day, but it is also Sam's birthday.
He turned 26 years old today. We are so proud of
what you have done and accomplished in the last 26
years. You were a gift to us and what a great
Christmas present you were.
We pray that God will continue to guide and direct you
and that you will always stay sensitive to His Spirit
and His direction. We love you Sam, Happy Birthday.

ATTENTION REE

......OR ANYONE ELSE WITH THEIR ADRESS. THANK YOU :0)

MORE TRAVELING NOTES

I talked to Angela at about 1:00 today and they were in Virginia headed toward their destination of Tennessee. It is about 6:00 at the time of this post and I sure hope they are out of Virgnia by now as there is snow and Ice there. We are praying that they are ahead of the front that is bringing all of the yucky weather. Please be praying for a safe trip for them. More later......

EXCITEMENT IS IN THE AIR!!!!

Well they left Maine today. They are are probably in Pennsylvania where they plan to spend the night and then get up at 6 a.m. and travel somemore. I'm not sure where there destination is tomorrow, but I do know that it will be closer to us then it was the day before. More updates as they come!

THANKSGIVING MEMORIES

In two weeks they will be here! Is there anything more to be thankful for than this. Such sweetness. I can hardly wait.

I've been sitting here thinking about past Thanksgivings. They have always been busy times for me. I grew up in a very big family where this was the time family came together and celebrated the day. There was always a lot of us so a very big turkey was always cooking in the oven when we got up in the morning. My favorite memory was waking up to the smell of the turkey and Dad cooking breakfast for us. I carried on that tradition after I grew up and married and left home. Thanksgiving was always a big deal at my house. We didn't have family, just the four of us, but we extended it to our friends and can remember one time having to borrow church tables to fit everyone in the dining room. That was the year Ethen was born.

This year was a little different. It was a still a great day. A quiet day. Just the two of us. We put up the rest of the Christmas decor (inside and out) and then went to the base (chow hall) for dinner. It was, by far, the best dinner I ever had to this date. I guess because I didn't have to cook it or clean up afterward!!! My house is all decorated for Christmas and ready for the little ones to arrive. We missed being with friends, and missed our kids, but then it was kind of nice just being by ourselves for a change. Next year will bring many changes around holidays and we will go back to the traditions of when I grew up. I am excited and look forward to Christmas as part of my family will be here this year. Next year Sam promises that we will all be together for Christmas. Hmmmmmmmmmm, I may have to either add on a room or buy a bigger house!

HAPPY "9TH" BIRTHDAY

He turned 9 years old on Nov. 23. As I think back on that day, what a great day it was. I remember looking in the nursery window and thinking "you are the apple of my eye" and over the years you have become so much more than that. You are a joy to be around. You are inquisitive and always wanting to learn. You have a tender and sensitive heart toward others. Always stay close to Jesus and remember how much He loves you. You are the "apple of his eye" as well and you will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Father I pray that Ethen walk close to you all the days of his life, that you would hold him close to You and that when you call his name he will hear and answer. I pray that he would hunger and thirst after you and that you would surround him with your presence. I thank you, father, that you give your angels charge concerning him to guard him in all his ways. May he never stray from Your presence and may he always know how much You love him.

Happy Birthday Ethen. The angels rejoiced on this day as do we.

THEY ARE COMING HOME!!!!!!

Although they will miss MAINE (disneyland) and are returning to the desert....... HOW SWEET IT IS.....Mother/daughter banquets together, retreats together, holidays spent at Nanna's and lets not forget the SHOPPING....the boys spending entire summers at Nanna's.......Kids camp, and pine derbys with Pappa.....Vacations with friends instead of planning vacations to go and see kids. Yes they are coming home. He got his orders and they will be in Kingsville, for a while anyway....We are all excited and counting the days. Ethen is especially excited as when we were there in July, Pappa told him that soon he will live closer to us, so he prayed and God answered a little boys prayer. What a boost of faith for him. He'll be here for his birthday which is 3 days before Thanksgiving...another prayer answered for him. GOD IS EXTREMELY GOOD.....Now if we can just get Pastor Sam to move toward this way, we'll be doing good and I will be in Heaven......YEAH !!!!!! :0)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

She came into our lives officially on Aug 10, 2007. We have prayed for her and loved her way before that. She is the joy of our hearts and the love of our son's life. Today is her birthday and we CELEBRATE her today. We are so proud of you Bri....So proud to call you our daughter. God has taken you from where you were and brought you to where you are now because of your willingness to be all that he has created you to be. Your are the balance to Sam and the one that we prayed for daily. We are so blessed to be able to be a part of your life and wish you all the best in the years to come. Our prayer is that you keep seeking Him and trusting Him for everything and that you know that He holds your future in His hands. May you walk with Him and do what is pleasing in His sight. Know that He gives His angels charge concerning you and that nothing is to hard for Him concerning you. We love you and wish you many more years of joy and happiness.

MY GRANDS

Are the not the cutest boys you've ever seen. How I wish I was there playing in those leaves.

FALL IS HERE........

Well in some places there is fall. It is 54 degrees in Maine today. Angela tells me that they have already hit the peak time. A storm is coming in and what ever is left on the trees will be gone. I think next year we will be planning a trip in the fall. Here is another picture of the pumpkin patch and apple orchard.

The Bedding for Our Princaphagia

Got a phone call from Sam today stating that Kinsley asked Santa for this for Christmas! I think she has great taste, dont' you? And i think Santa can provide for this....Not a problem.....Just got to figure out how to get it there.....:0) I'm thinking she has nanna wrapped around her little finger, just like her boys do. Oh well, what's a nanna for anyway :0)

NO CABLE

Okay so I'm a cable junky.....I havn't had cable television for 2 weeks now it stinks.....I am having a hard time getting used to not having anything to do. I guess you now know what took up all of my time, what little of it there was. Oh, i never really watched anything, because there really wasn't anything to watch, but just the thought of being able to sit and flip through channels was something to do....I'd settle for the weather channel right now.......

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Daughter might be moving to Kingsville, Texas. Yeah!!!! That means MOTHER/DAUGHTER TEAS together and not over the phone, holidays together, she can even go on retreats with me.....She will miss Maine I'm sure, who wouldn't. They said they saw a moose in the McDonald's parking lot the other day. Still waiting for picture of that one. Son-in-law just waiting to hear from HR if he got the job. They will probably live in Corpus Christi. Anyone know what it is like to live in that area? Would appreciate the comments, good or bad.

Still waiting to hear about Sam if he got the position in Nebraska. This is the church where he was dedicated in and went to preschool in. Another God thing!!!!
How cool would that be one not to far North and one not to far South. That means holidays together and when we have 4 day weekends we can take trips to see them. Ah yes, there is change in the air.....

Fall is coming.....well to some parts of the continental United States. I love Fall. It is my most very favorite time of the year. I'm not sure why,though, maybe it is because of the pretty colors and growing up where you can see them and smelling the crisp air, pumpkin pie, and apple pie, or maybe it is just the changing from summer to winter. don't really know, just know I like it....

Bought the CUTEST stuff for Kinsley today. Pink shirt with brown jumper with pink polkadots on it. Little black MaryJanes with black roses on the strap. Pink blanket with Pooh bear on it, and various other items that I couldn't resist buying. What's a Nanna for anyway....but to SPOIL, SPOIL AND SPOIL somemore. Oh forgot to mention as I was walking up to the checkout caught out of the corner of my eye this sign sticking out of a basket in the isle. It was just screaming "buy me for Kinsley". It says "THE PRINCESS SLEEPS HERE" and yes it is pink with crowns and jewell hearts in the center of each crown. I can't wait till she gets here......She definetly is our little princess and I'm sure will be very spoiled just like our boys are.

NANNA'S PRINCIPAGIA

IT'S OFFICIAL Kinsley Ella will be here February 20th and I can hardly wait.....Yes we are having a girl and yes they've changed her name. I am so excited I can hardly contain it. Sam & Bri are excited as well. This morning on my way to work I turned on the radio (which I never do because I only live a minute from work) and the song that they played was "Dancing with Cinderella" and I immediately thought of Sam dancing with his "little princess." She will be the "little princapagia" in our family. (thats little princess in italian in case you didn't know). Yes she will be spoiled, just like our boys are. I have pondered who she will look like. I'm hoping for long curly red hair and brown eyes...Only God knows. Funny but I can feel him smiling down on me as He can see the joy and anticipation of this little one in my heart. Dillard's,Penny's, Target, and Walmart here I come.....I guess I know what I'll be spending my next few paychecks on.....What's a Nanna for anyway?

BOY OR GIRL!

This is an update from the happy couple. We find out October 1st if we are having Zachariah John or Alexia Christine......It really doesn't matter to us. We are just excited we are having a baby. Nanna and Pappa wish they could be there to witness this happy day on Wednesday, but are hoping for a picture or two in the mail. We love you Sam and Bri and are looking forward to the call on Wednesday.

Maticulas to a fault

Talked with Angela the other day who told me she had a fingerpaint time with Seth. She said it was the neatest most maticulous paint time she has ever had. In case you don't know Seth is 4 almost 5 years old and very very maticulous, almost to a fault. He is the neatest 4 year old I know. Anyway she said he painted with just two fingers and every time he changed a color she had to wipe his hand. Oh, the teacher that has him next year in kindergarten is in for a treat!!!! He has followed in his mother's footsteps who more than likely followed in mine. I guess neatness to a fault is our family trait, because my mom was like that to.......At any rate he's a cutie and wouldn't trade him for the world.

Keeping your Joy

I don't take any credit for thinking of these things. I found this on WT online. Great source for women.....I thought it was worth posting. It is a long read but well worth it. Sometimes I wish I could be this smart and think of stuff like this.

If we don’t take time to appreciate the joys of life, we rush past them, noticing only the negative things around us. Here are some ways to rise above daily troubles and keep joy at the center of your life.

See God’s divine hand in everything. The simplest and most profound joy comes from knowing the God who created the heavens and earth and everything in them. Creation, in all its splendor, is enough to baffle the mind and flood the heart with unspeakable wonder and joy.

Don’t allow bitterness to stain your soul. As painful as it may be, deal with difficult situations and get on with the business of enjoying life.

Turn a deaf ear to self-doubt and pessimism. Don’t allow naysayers to stifle your dreams or dictate your lifestyle. When your goals are supported by prayer, constructive advice and genuine support, you should follow your heart.

Let go of unnecessary stress. Restore a sense of balance in your life to ensure a healthy, relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle.

Stop making excuses and do something spontaneous. Often, spending time with the people you love or helping someone in need proves to be the perfect antidote to counteract fatigue or negative feelings.

Create a personal oasis and develop personal rituals. Your oasis could be your bedroom, bathroom, porch, back yard or garden. Tranquil spaces and soothing music help create a serene environment. Infuse your home with the things that help promote a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. Surround yourself with colors, scents, sights and sounds you love.

Learn to enjoy silence. Unplug your television, computer and phone to create a peaceful change in your stressful routine. Free your mind from distractions and open your ears to God’s voice.

Laugh. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Despite the difficulties of life, try to maintain a light-hearted attitude.

Banish the mess. Clean and de-clutter your mind and surroundings to create a space for serenity and mental clarity.

Learn something new. Make a list of the things you want to experience in your life. Then begin to do them one by one.

Expand your perspective of the world. The news isn’t all bad. Read National Geographic or watch educational TV. Spend an evening at the library. Spend time traveling with like-minded people.

Talk to elderly people. They can offer wise, witty and informative first-hand accounts of history.

Be forgiving. Deliberately forgive, even when your heart would prefer to wallow in resentment. If forgiveness is difficult, at least pray for a transformation in the life of your offender. Give up grudges and let go of toxic memories. Reconcile with estranged friends and family members, offering the understanding and compassion you would like extended to you.

Start and end the day with prayer, praise and thankfulness. If people and situations contribute to your feeling discouraged during the day, focus your mind on the good things in your life.

Manage anger. Think twice before responding to people and situations. Consciously replace boiling emotions with composed thoughts.

Find healthy ways to let off steam. Pray, exercise, play a musical instrument, listen to your favorite music, do some gardening, paint or write in your journal. Over time, by God’s grace, you can learn to face, deal with and walk away from potentially explosive situations.

Cultivate love in your home. Make “I love you” more than a sentimental greeting on a card. Say it often and show it in tangible ways.

Appreciation for the joys of life is contagious. It begins with you and me. While we must be aware of the troubles around us, we should keep our eyes on God, who provides countless joys in life that help us to hold on and move on.

"51" YEARS!!!!

On August 29th my parents celebrated their 51'st wedding anniversary....How cool is that......to be married to the same person for 51 years......they are awsome parents and have set an example for me to follow....a stick-to-itivness no matter what the circumstances.....thanks mom and dad for being an aswome example of what it means to be COMMITTED to the love of your life through good times and rough times....May you have many more years with each other and may they blessed. I love you both.

FIRST DAY

Today was Ethen's first day to enter the 3rd grade....He was so excited, but fearful at the same time. He called me at 7:30 this morning and asked me to pray for him. Later that morning Angela said that he was in tears on his way to school because he was afraid that they would walk him to class. He told his mom that kids his age don't have their parents walk them to class, and he didn't want to look like a baby :.( Angela understood this more than words could tell.....She convinced him that they would not walk him into the classroom and all was well.

I marvel at how big he is getting and how mature he is becoming. He is only 8 years old, innocent, but seems so grown up. He loves school and is excited about the challenges this year. I am so thankful that Angela allowed him to grow up a little today and walk to class on his own....even though I'm sure it pulled at her heart to want him to stay little and depend on her. Even though he was independent today, there will always be times when he will need to be dependent. She taught him a great truth, and I don't think she even realized it.



Then there is Seth.....it was a first for him also today. Momma homeschooled a little today. We are seeing more and more that he is the perfectionist. She gave him the letter A to trace, and when he started to trace it and messed up it wasn't "perfect" enough for him so he to do another one.....Yes with Seth everything has to be in proper order or it doesn't work.....I think we will need to start praying now for his school years......

....but I love both my grandsons and wouldn't trade their uniqueness for anything. How boring our family would be if they were made the same....they are true brothers that compliment each other....I wouldn't have it any other way. I wonder what our third granchild will be like....we will just have to wait and see......

TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS

Such a simple song, but the words are powerful.....Remember that when we go through tuff times in our life all we can do is trust in HIM and he takes care of us. I'm still learning to trust Him, I havn't arrived yet. Who would have thought there was more to trust him for besides Salvation. Call me nieve, but when I was saved a long time ago, no one ever told me that. I am grateful for the ones He has put in my life where I have seen them trusting God for EVERYTHING, and me realizing since then that it is a life long relationship of trusting and believing that He has my best interest at heart. Read the words and let them sink into your spirt.

‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word,
Just to rest upon His promise, just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.”

Chorus: Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!

O how sweet to trust in Jesus, just to trust His cleansing blood,
Just in simple faith to plunge me ‘neath the healing, cleansing flood.

Yes, ‘tis sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease,
Just from Jesus simply taking life and rest and joy and peace.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me, wilt be with me to the end.


For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, they are of good and not evil....

THE LASAGNE AND THE BREAD

God is so awsome......my favorite bible story is about the "fishes and the loaves"...We had an awsome night at the Chapter One Dinner.....tonight. I planned to feed 120 people, only had food for 120 people, but somehow God multiplied and we fed 170 people.....He is so faithful to show himself mighty on our behalf and take care of the small things in our lives. Not only did 170 of His kids get physical food, but they got spirtual food as well.

If you are reading this blog and are not helping with part of a meal and would like to please let me know.....Many hands make a light load and it is just once a month. We are looking for more students to attend next month. I am so excited. What a blessing this ministry is to the students at ASU. If you are reading this blog and you are a part of this ministry and you did help, thank you thank you thank you. The students loved it.......

RANDOM PONDERINGS

It has been a while since I blogged. Doesn't mean there hasn't been things going on in my life.....there has been quite a few things, just can't share them as of yet...I'm praying for God's plan to be worked out in my life....

Pastor's message today was awsome and very needed. He talked about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in such simple terms that made it so very to understand...even for this girl who has been baptized with the evidence for many many years....I plan to get a copy of the sermon and send it to my daughter who I know will listen to it with Ethen and be able to understand it perfectly.....While praying at the alter I kept getting a picture in my mind of a river at different levels and everyone who wanted to was in the river at different levels....some were at the shore just starting out, some were moving farther in as they trusted in Him to take them farther, and some were even going deeper as they wanted all God had for them.....this told me that we are all at different levels in the spirit....all at different levels in our walk with the Lord.

That's all for now.....Judging by the time, I need to go to bed as I have to work tomorrow.....Mondays are very busy as we have 3 days of typing to catch up on.....Doesn't seem like we will ever get caught up, but that's okay, it keeps me employed.....

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

August 10th will make one year they have been married...The time went by so fast....and now they are expecting their first child....It just doesn't seem that long ago as we watched you give your hearts to each other and commit your lives to each other....As you walk this journey called life, always share with each other your ups and downs, play together, and always make time for each other. We are so proud of you both and we pray that you have many many more years together and that they are happy ones....

A MOMEMENT IN TIME

This afternoon I received a phone call from Angela who asked me to talk with Ethen about the Holy Spirit. You see, he has been asking questions since attending "vacation bible school" today was the last day and they talked about the Holy Spirit. I called him when I got home from lunch and shared with him the best way I could so he would understand....He is so tender right now and impressionable. He told his mom that he doesn't want to go to "children's church" because it is babyish, but wants to sit in big church with her, so she allows this and I am so glad that she does. He loves God and loves to watch movies about God.

I am sad right now because I wish with all my heart that I could be there face to face with him, talking to him about god, inputing in his life. It is so hard to do it on the phone. I wish that they lived here or closer to here so we can be more a part of their life. It is so hard with the two boys being so far. I don't think I am going to do well when the new baby arrives.

I am praying, Jesus, that you will move them both closer to here or move us closer to them. We want so much to be a part of their growing up years and help our kids raise their kids. Until then, I will try to be content in knowing that for right now the farness is your will for them and that someday we will all be together soon.

SHARING LIFE

Know God, Share Life, Serve Others......This what "Life Group" is all about. We had our first one tonight in the Rijken home. We ate, fellowshiped, learned about God and His thoughts for our lives by studing his word, prayed for one another, and then fellowshiped somemore before we all went home. What a joy it was to get to know people I would not otherwise have the chance to get to know had I or they not been there. If you are reading this and are not in a life group yet, you should come to ours. We meet on Friday nights at 6:30 to know god, share life and serve each other.

"OLD TIMES & HANGING OUT"

What a great evening I had. A few of the Chapter One girls came over just to hang with me.....We had choc. chip cookies and milk and just "fellowshiped". It reminded me of when John and I had a life group several years ago primarily made up of 20 somethings.....what fun we had sharing life, the word, and FOOD of course with them. I know you can't go back, but sometimes I wish I could. They were times in my life when the opportunity was there to disciple and share our hearts with young people who were and still are so hungry to see God move not only in their lives but the lives of those around them.

I remember the summer we took them on a "evangelistic tour" to different churches where they could get a taste of what it was like to minister.....They worshiped, preached, set up, tore down and never once did I hear them complain. Many of those young adults who sat in our dining room several years ago, are now serving the Lord in different places. How exciting.

Thanks girls for bringing back sweet memories and for the great time I had tonight. I enjoyed having you here and hope we can do it again soon and thank you Lord for the opportunity to be a part of their lives.

MAINE VACATION

Here is the long awaited slide show of our vacation. Enjoy. It was by far the best (aside from Vermont) vacation. These are just a few of the 347 pics we took. We plan to go back as we ran out of time....There is so much to do there. Maybe "youse guys" can come with us next time. ENJOY!!!

UNTITLED

Well we have been home for about two weeks and making plans to go again. Our next trip will be to see our "new" grandbaby in March of 09. Today we got to keep A for a few hours. What fun.....we can hardly wait until next Monday when we can keep her longer. She is such a sweet baby. She slept, woke up and ate, and then played a little and told me stories, and then went back to sleep just before momma came to pick her up. We were sad she had to leave, but look forward to next week when she we will visit with us again. Thanks L&C for allowing us to be a part of her life.

I'd Rather be in Maine!

We made it home, but our bags did not. And yes I'm upset because there is no reason for it. We had a 1 hour layover in Detroit and a 4 hour lay over in Dallas. In my book they had ample time to the bags from point A to point B.

It was a great 10 days and we did not want to come back here. If I did not have a job to go to we probably would have stayed a lot longer. There were lots of tears and lots of hugs leaving. I cried all day. Those of you who read this, please do not be offended, but please realize how blessed you are that you have family close enough that you could visit OFTEN and they can visit you OFTEN. Take every opportunity to travel and be with them. We have cried all day and so have they. I think Ethen called me at least 3 x to tell me he missed us.

I will always treasure the moments we had, the sayings that came from Seth. He would say stuff like "no not yet nanna" or "we have to wait", those were his way of saying no to a question you would ask. My favorite was when I told him that green beans were good for him and he replied, "No Nanna they are gross for me" and then proceeded to cover his mouth so you couldn't put any in. He would wake up in the morning and come down stairs and tickle me and say, "nanna the sky is up", which meant it was morning time and we needed to get up. He would also tell you that he "needed" to play his cartoon network on the computer. Funny thing though it sounded like he was having withdrawls if he couldn't play them.

We shopped, rode bikes, played at the beach, shopped some more, went on explores, went to the library, shopped some more, stayed in a hotel together in one room, ate at restuarants, shopped some more, watched movies, snuggled, cooked live lobstah, went for drives up and down route 1, which if you have never done you need to do, and just had a lot of fun.

We took over 300 pictures, so it may take a little bit to put a slide show together, but I will and will post it soon.

LIFE'S SIMPLE PLEASURES

Okay, so here we are eating supper.....the guys left the house to buy already cooked lobstah and returned with "uncooked lobstah"......trust me it stunk to high heaven in the kitchen when they were finished. They both said it was good and no I didn't try it as I like my lobstah looking pretty on my plate. We had pictures, but when John downloaded them something happened and they disappeared.....It definitely was an interesting evening in the kitchen. After supper we had "fresh" blueberry pie and Green Mountain coffee, which I will be bringing home with me to share with my friends.....

So now we are are playing the game of Life.....it seems that the game is more complicated than real life, how is that? and why does an artist make 80,000 when a doctor only makes 60,000 and the doctor went to college......geesh someone help me!!!!

LIGHTHOUSES

Yesterday, Thursday, we went to see the oldest lighthouse in Portland. As you can see by the picture it was breathtaking......It is just what the New England shore looks like. Waves crashing against the rock, breeze blowing. It was just perfect.

Today, Friday, we spent the day in downtown Brunswick. It was quite humid here today. No breeze. We had hot dogs in the park and looked in a few antique shops that were to expense to purchase anything in. Went to the base and the kids stayed at the rec center watching movies, etc, with Pappa and Dad and Angie and I went, SHOPPING and got our nails done. I don't believe I'm saying this, but I am SHOPPED OUT.

Tommorrow we will head back to New Hampshire to spend the night with the kids in the hotel before we head back to the South. There is still so much I want to see and do here, but time is running out......We have had so much fun just loving on the grandkids, playing games, making memories, watching movies, snuggling, making cookies, watching more movies, playing more games, playing in the sand, and just plain being nanna and pappa.

Building Sandcastles in the Sand

What fun we had today at the beach.....It was a beautiful day. Gentle breeze. Woke up at 5:30 and had some time to myself before anyone else got up. Had breakfast made and the few last things that needed to be done before we left for the trip by 7:00 before everyone got up. The ocean was just breath taking.....It was high tide, and the current was strong so the waves had huge white caps on them and crashed as they hit the rocks farther out. As the tide became low, we were able to walk out on the sand bar to "Fox Island". What a unique experience that was and how cool to see the other side of the ocean. There was a light house in the distance and at one point a sailing ship passed in front of it. Kind of like something you would see on a post card. We looked for sand dollars, but didn't find any. Found lots of other kind of treasures, though. A seal had washed up on one of the island and was flapping around on the rock.

We had lunch on the beach and just played in the sand all day, building castles and riding the waves and making memories. We buried poppa in the sand and then it was Seth's turn (pictures to come later). We took a change of clothes to change in the "bath house". The bath house was rather interesting as it was not like the ones you see at the water parks in Texas. I was rather shocked and wondered if I was in the USA. There was no roof at all, it had 3 sides and had stalls with curtians in front to change. What an experience changing out in the "open". For a few minutes I thought I was in a foreign country. Oh and they had "squatty Potties" well they were really low, and NO I did not try one as there were all kinds of bugs hovering on that side and there was no roof there either.

We had pizza for dinner at the base, the guys watched a movie and Angela and I went shopping......It has been a great day and tomorrow will be even better. We are going to Portland tomorrow to see more lighthouses and, yep, the MAINE MALL, which means more shopping...... I'm glad I brought an extra suitcase.

I'M BECOMING A MAINER (LOCAL)

The picture to the right is a bed and breakfast we passed on the way to "boothe bay harbor". It is just a sampling of the many type of homes that are around here. Now I've been in Maine for 72 hours and I am saying things like coffee "paught" (emphais on the paught, which is pronounced like lobsta), I almost bought crocks, which seems to be the shoe men and women wear here no matter if you have shorts or a dress on, oh and lets not forget the bobby socks.....QUAINT definetly is the word here and the main thing I have noticed is that there are no advertisment signs on the highways like you see in Texas, just gorgeous, big, beautiful pine and birch trees. Rt. 1 is just beautiful to drive on, not only are there trees, but every once and a while there will be homes. Not homes like you see in Texas, but older style homes.

Went shopping today with Angela. Found some great bargins. We shopped all day. Had lunch at a quaint little restuarant where you can sit outside. Did I mention the weather was a beautiful 75 degrees with a gentle breeze. You couldn't ask for better whether. When we got home, we fixed supper while the kids played outside with the guys. Just the way life is supposed to be.

Tomorrow we are off to the beach.....Yeah!!!! And then to a movie on base and while the guys take the kids to see Iron Man, yep, we are off to TJ Max.

SWEAT SHIRT IN JULY?

It has been a great 2 days so far. The picture you see is not a post card but the real thing......The weather has been great, like in the low 80's high 70's with a brisk breeze. We sleep with the windows open, which is a new experience for me. When we arrived at the airport the boys had made a sign to welcome us and the favorite saying so far is from Seth....He just looks up at me and says "Nanna, I like you" or "Nanna I Love you" He keeps saying "stay at my house" and will get jealous when Ethen tries to snuggle or hold my hand and he will say "MY NANNA". He will say he doesn't like his mother or father today just his nanna. We are cheerishin the moments.

We took a ride up route 1 yesterday and visited several beaches.....The oceans and light houses are beautiful. Seth would not leave my side and was very concerned that I might fall on a rock or something. We ate a place that serves "lobster rolls" Yum, Yum....It is kind of like chicken salad only it is lobster in a hot dog bun that I forgot we used to have when I was a kid. It is not the typical hot dog bun you see in Texas.....looks very different. It was delicious. Today, Sunday, we went to church (not impressed) and then just lounged around all afternoon. In the late afternoon we went to the river and walked and then came home and ate at "Fat Boys".....great hamburgers and yummy lobster rolls. We are ready for bed and will attempt a game at Monopoly with Ethen. I will post pictures when I figure out how to get them from one place to the blog site. (They are in a different software program) Tomorrow the boys are going fishing and Angela and I and my new friend Seth are going "shopping".......

EXCITEMENT IN THE AIR

To those of you who havn't heard.......Sam & Bri are having a BABY!!!! Sam is going to be a daddy and what a GREAT daddy he will make. He is so gentle and caring and I can see him twirling with (Alexa Christine) Lexi and treating her like a princess just like he does with Bri. I can see him taking long explores with (Zachariah John) Zachary and talking about life. I can see him protecting and gurading them,and leading them to THE ONE who created them. I can see Bri having tea parties and taking Lexi shopping and teaching her what it means to be a lady and loving her and letting her know how special she is just like a mamma should. I can see her running to Zachary when he falls and skins his knee and telling him it will be alright, and I can see her holding both of her children and nurturing them and wiping away their tears, and healing their hurts just like a momma should. They are going to be great parents, not perfpect ones, but great ones who will love their children with everything in them, and they will teach them the ways of the Lord and pray that they follow in HIS footsteps....... We are so excited for them. The due date is February 20....(again another holiday, President's day). (In our family we only have birthdays on holidays. The only one in our family that was not born on a holiday is John.....I guess we will have to make one up.....0 We are so proud of you both and look forward to that awsome day.......

WE ARE ON OUR WAY!

Well it's countdown time again......In less than 8 hours we will be on our way to see our grandkids......Ethen and I have been counting down the weeks and days and now we are counting the hours. I gather from Ethen that we are going to be spending most of our time at the beach, which is totally cool with me. I love the ocean and If I could, would probably live by it......They have some friends that own a boat, and according to him we will be taking a day and will be going out on the boat. I can't wait. Two of my most favorite things to do.....I can hardly contain myself. I'm sure Angela and I will probably squeeze a day or two of shopping.....At any rate, at 7:20 tomorrow morning we will be on our way to Maine.......More later.

A New Adventure

Well, today is the last day of my "extended" vacation. I have a new job. I am so excited as it is less than a mile from my house and I probably would go 3 days on 1 gallon of gas......:0) I will be doing Medical Transcription, something I havn't done in 8 years, but I'm excited about getting back into it. I will always be challenging and will be more than pushing paper back and forth like my previous job. It's going to be great.

On another note....I was totally bored today so decided to go out in the back yard and "pick weeds". Interesting thing about weeds, when you get the "entire" root it really is pretty ugly, and if you don't get the "entire" root, they just grow back. Another interesting thing was that the wetter the soil, the easier the weed came out root and all. Kind of made think about sin in our life. If we don't get rid of the root that is causing it, it just keeps coming back. And if we let it stay there a while and grow it is harder to come out root and all. At any rate, I went out there early this morning, for a few hours and then again in the late afternoon. As I am sitting here typing this, my lower back (really low) is burning and itching. Apparently I got a sunburn there (ouch) Never new that my back was exposed as I had on a rather long t-shirt. Oh well, don't think I will be going out there in the heat of the day again. As a matter of fact, I think we need WEED BE GONE.......

IT'S HER BIRTHDAY

Sunday, June 15th, will be 29 years she graced our lives. I can remember after she was born just wanting to hold her and cuddle her, counting all of her fingers and toes and wondering what the future would hold for her. She was our precious and beautiful little girl then and still is and always will be our precious and beautiful little girl. She could wrap her finger around your heart and still can today. We are so proud of her and what she has become. She is a wonderful mother and wife and loves God with all her heart.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGELA. We love you with all of hearts and wish we could be with you today to celebrate the milestones in your life. When you think about your life today, look on it with joy and see how far you have come and how far God has brought you. You put your family first and think of them before yourself. You are creative in ways that only God could have gifted you with. You are kind and see people differently than others see them, and you encourage others and bring out the best in them. We are so thankful to God for who you are and what you have become.

Father thank you for bringing us this little girl that we prayed for. Thank you for all of her gifts and talents. Thank you that what she is today is a result of who you are in her life. You have blessed her and us beyond measure. Thank you for the joy she is in our lives and for the joy she is in other peoples lives. I pray that she will continue to walk uprightly before you and seek you with all of her heart, and that as she delights herself in you, that you will grant her the desires of her heart. Thank you that you will continue to direct her paths and that you are with her wherever she goes. Walk with her and continue to make yourself known to her and may she always remember that you are on her side and that you love her more than we do.

Be blessed today and enjoy your special day. We love you!

CREATING A PLAYLIST

Can someone help me with creating a playlist. I want to add a song on my blog and can't figure out where to put the playlist. thanks. I have already created one, just not sure where to copy and paste.

"YOU OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES"

Just wanted to share a portrait of the happy couple. They are doing well. He is so handsome and she is beautiful, can't wait to see what my grand-daughter will look like. (No we are not pregnant yet)

RANDOM THOUGHTS

So sorry for the lapse in time between posts. Not much to say really. Here are a few bullet points though.....

I am enjoying the new house. I hung the last of the pictures today. Made the last "hole in the wall" for a while anyway. We finally got our furniture and I must say it is nicer to sit in a comfortable chair than the floor and it is better sleeping "up off the floor". Oh did I mention we got dressers......so nice to not be living out of suitcases, but then on the other hand everything in your suitcase did make it easier to just pick up and go if I wanted to. We have grass growing in the front yard, but not the back yard. Not sure what is going on there.

I am counting down the days until I travel to Maine. Only 28 more days :0) I plan on going to the beach, taking a light house tour, going antique shopping with my daughter and spending lots of time with the kids. Did I mention the beach!!!! I can imagine it now, waves crashing on the shore. Building sand castles with the
kids, walking along the shore with my sweetie. Having a picnic right on the beach. Can't wait.......Eating fresh lobster that is not frozen. Did I mention I can't wait. Am I making you jealous?

Still job hunting. I have been offered several positions, but I have turned them down as the hours were really bad or there weren't any benefits other than a paycheck. By benefits I mean vacation pay, etc. I know that there is a job out there that is the right hours, right place, and good benefits. I just want to be happy and feel like I am accomplishing something while I am there. I want to do more than just push paper from one place to the next. I just need to be patient and keep trusting that He will lead me to where I need to be. For now, I am enjoying being at home and piddeling around. I even manage to get a walk or two in throughout the day.

We had our pictures taken by Esther Dickson....You can view them on her "Studio D" blog. Just a side note if you would like to have pictures taken, she does a "great" job....and is not expensive at all. Check it out.

Well I just "thought" I didn't have anything to say......Will try to be better at this and try to post daily......Until next time.......:0)

More Art

Read post below and I should add to this post that he was the only one in his class that had 9 pieces of art entered in the art show. How cool is that!!!!

Check out the Artitst

Just thought I would share some of the "fantastic" art work Ehten has done over the last year of school. He absolutely loves school which we are excited about as he hated it before this year. We have found out that he is the "artsy fartsy" child in our family and not the "sports" person his daddy hoped he would be. Ethen would rather draw or to art projects than play in a sport. It's just the way he is. Who knows maybe he will grow up to be a famous archetict or a famous painter. At any rate enjoy them. I have dibs on the Van Goughs though. I will be bringing them back in my suitcase in July when I go to visit.

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!!!!!

It's been a while since I posted last. We have been busy. Not only with moving, but we didn't have internet or cable for a while. We finally closed on the house on Friday. Words cannot describe how I feel. I am so happy to be out of the small space and into a LARGE PLACE. It was exciting opening all my boxes and finding all my plates and cups and "teapots" and pretty things. It was like Christmas. The house feels like a home now. I did manage to get rid of some stuff while unpacking. Living in a small space for so long I learned to do with out some stuff. I mean really how much tupperware does one need.

The neatest thing about the house so far is our bedroom window faces the east....how exciting is that. I wake up every morning to the sun rising over the rooftops. Not as good as the mountains, but it will do. I love to watch the sunrise. I eat breakfast on my back porch and enjoy the morning and the quite. There is nothing like it.....Did I say I absolutlely love it. My new furniture should arrive in a few weeks. So when you come to visit you will have a place to sit.

I had a job interview Monday in a MD office. Sounds really good, however, I'm really uncomfortable with the hours. 8:30-6:00. This is because of the times he sees patients. He only sees them from 9:00-12:00 and then from 1:30-6:00. So there is an hour and half for lunch. I don't think I want to work such long days 5 days a week. He asked me to come back for a second interview, which he called a "working" interview. I'm leaning toward not going because I really don't think 9 hour days fits with my lifestyle. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind working from 8-5 but not 8:30-6:00.

I read Pastor's outline on "Personality Plus" today. I have always had problems with this as at times I don't think I know myself very well and always try to answer the way I think people want me to answer. I will admit I had to look up some of the words as I never heard them before. But this was interesting. If I did this correctly, my personality is a Perfect Melancholy-Choloric, these are the ones who desire to have perfection and like to have control. Could this mean that I am stubborn and strong-willed? Gee go figure, does this sound like "me." Feel free to comment. I welcome your thoughts on this. Oh and if you haven't done one in a while, it might not be a bad thing to try.

MOTHER'S DAY WISH

What a great day I had today. Not only was it an awsome day in church with a wonderful word from the Lord, but I was able to spend the whole day with my husband and two very special friends. We had lunch together after church and then spent the afternoon playing "frizbee golf". If you have never played, I highly suggest it. then we came home and I opened my "myspace" e-mail and found this waiting for me from Briana. When I read it, it brought tears to my eyes as it touched my heart so much. I love this girl more than words could say (you might say like she was my own) and look forward to the day when we can "always" be together and I can have tea with "both my girls". Thank you, John, for wonderful day and for teaching our children what it means to "honor their mother"





Happy Mother's Day! I tried to wear brown and pink yesterday, but it didn't work out so much. But I did wear pink! I hope you had fun drinking tea. Someday I hope all three of us can have fun together on your special tea day. I'm so thankful I married a man with such an amazing mom. I hope you feel honored today and everyday. Much love!

IT WON'T BE LONG NOW!!!!

YEAH!!!! It won't be long until we will be out of hibranation and into our new home. The apartment has felt more like a cave than a home. We close on Friday the 16th......Anyone wanting to help, let me know.....We close at 9:00 in the morning and will be moving all day on Friday and Saturday. It will be so nice to park my car in the garage and take my groceries right to the kitchen instead of walking across the parking lot and up a flight of stairs. What is more exciting is a microwave that actually cooks the food and a refrigerator that I can fit food in. Windows I can see the outside world and the sun can shine. yeah......It's the little things that get me exicted.

HE HOLDS ME TOGETHER

Check out the God Tube on Bacamama's blog This is so worth checking out.......When I saw this my first thought was when everything feels like it is falling apart and I feel like I can't hold on I can know that HE is holding me together literally and will never let go. I am held together by a tiny molecule. How awsome is our God to think of every detail........This is why I love Him so much. Read Colossions 1

SMILE

Smile, you are on candid camera......Here they are.....They are finally off after 2 years. They are not the best pics, but at least you can see my straight teeth yeah!!!!!

HOME SWEET HOME

Here they are..The long awaited pics of the house. Not very many, but at least you have an idea. the one shows the living room and kitchen. I will probably have an open house when it is all done.....You may have to bring a chair though, as furniture will be very sparse for a while.

I walked into the garage tonight to the tune of WRONG APPLIANCES. I just don't get it. They were supposed to put in black with stainless front. My refegerator is all stainless. Can't have all black everything else. Everything has to match. (disorder I have) My real estate agent said he would take care of this. Every since the wrong countertops got put in it has been all downhill from there. It is a good thing we did not go on vacation the last month or everything and I do mean everything would have been torn out and gutted and redone. I never dreamed that building a house would be this much trouble.

At any rate those are the few pics that we took. You will all have to come to the open house once we are in there (supposed to be May 30) but who knows now?

A New Smile :0) and a New Beginning

Well it has been 3 days since I have had braces........I can't believe what a few years and some hardware can do. The tooth that was crooked is perfectly straight. Not only did they change the course of the teeth but they reshaped my mouth and face. Now I get to wear retainers, which I am trying to get used to. They are hard to put in and just as hard to take out. I'm still on the "ortho" diet as I have to wear them all the time except to eat and brush my teeth, so I dont take them out just to have a snack if you know what I mean. Just to much trouble. They make my head hurt and my teeth, so I have been taking Ibuprofen a lot. Hopefully I will get used to them soon. They say it takes about a month.

It will be about a month and we will close on our house. May 30 is the date. Ran into some snags with the stone we picked out for the fireplace. When they delivered the boxes we started looking through them and not only were they the wrong color they were all different colors. If they were put on the wall it would have looked like a 3 year old colored on my wall. So we were given the option to pick granite, Yeah......at the builders expense.......how is that for a blessing. The colors are coming together so nice. I was worried at first because you just never know when your just looking at one piece of tile as opposed to a whole room of it. It is blendingwell and I am looking forward to getting in there and decorating.

RANDOM THOUGHTS

It seems like forever since I posted last......Not much too say really.

Our house should be ready by the end of May......It really is coming along. the colors are blending really well together.

My braces come off in 4 days.......It will be so nice to eat and not feel like I have food packed in my teet all of the time.

Went to a Ladies event in Temple. It was fun to be with friends and just be girls. Dressing up and feeling special. Staying up late and talking until 2:00 a.m. then shopping the next day and finding great bargains. What fun. I found my self laughing and just being me.....funny though as soon as I got home my mood changed and I seem sad......I really need to figure this out. Why is that when I'm away from home I feel different and seem happy, but when I get back i slip back into the sad mode......?

Ladies Tea........My daughter and I are decorating a table over the phone. It's not the same as here being here, but it will have to suffice for now. She has given me ideas and I'm going to check out some rental places to see what I can find. I will definitely have Chocolate Truffels at my table in honor of her. It really stinks...really stinks.....not being able to share these special times with her. I miss her so much. One reason why I'm sad I guess. She checked into tickets to come visit for month.....to the tune of 1700 dollars. Yes I said 1700 dollars. Don't think that will happen unless by some small miracle this appears in our budget or theirs.

Receipts....Why is it that when men buy something and you ask for a receipt they mysteriously have lost it!!!!! How do they expect us to keep the books acurately when they can't do a simple task like KEEP THE RECEIPT. :0(

My brain hurts right now....I'm tired and want to go to bed. Sorry if this doesn't sound interesting. Just random thoughts from my heart.

Because I'm Bored

If you're bored and have nothing better to do, try this:
1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME (first pet, current car): Cocco Bravada.
2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME (fave ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe): Vanilla flats
3. YOUR NATIVE AMERICAN NAME (favorite color, favorite animal): Pink Dog
4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME (middle name, city where you were born): Lynn Bridgeport
5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 of your first name):Reyma
6. SUPERHERO NAME (2nd favorite color, favorite drink): Black Water
7. NASCAR NAME (the first names of your grandfathers): Louis Urban
8. STRIPPER NAME ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent,favorite candy):Possibilities M&M'S
9. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter): Mahakien Milwalkee
10. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower): Fall Rose
11. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing rightnow): Strawberry shorts
12. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree): Special K Oak

HAPPY DANCE

I get my braces off in 3 weeks
I get my braces off in 3 weeks
I get my braces off in 3 weeks
Hallelujiah they are straight
I get them off in 3 weeks
(typed to the tune of the Farmer in the dell)

April 22 is the big day at 2:10. Anybod want to come?

GOING PRIVATE

I have noticed that there are several people that have been commenting on some of my "treasured places" blogs.....this is kind of scarry as I clicked on one of them and it started doing some funny things......so I have decided to go private. And I also want to protect the "treasured links" so they can't get to yours so easy. If you want access to my blog please e-mail me your
e-mail address at nannamag1@hotmail.com and I will invite you to read my blogs. Again this is just a precaution to those people that may be randomly reading that we don't know and don't want to know.

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS

Okay, call me silly, but her I sit reading blogs and just realized that my very most favorite movie is on......THE 10 COMMANDMENSTS........It wa the first movie, excuse me, the ONLY movie my mom took me to see....I think in my memory it was the only thing we ever did together untill I got considerably older, like after I was married and moved away, so it has a sort of sentamental value? Sorry girls, I will blog later.

AN ENLIGHTING EXPERIENCE

Well, we have made it home. The trip was definitely an eye opening experience for me. From the momement we took off to the time we landed in Dallas. It has been a relaxful time and I'm definitely sure I would never want to live in N.O. I'm not real sure I would want to visit it again. there was some things I liked about it, like the boats floating down the river and being able to watch that at any time of the day or night, being able to get up and not have to be rushed to do my bible study and actually get something out of it, but then there were some scary things like all the people that live under the bridge in pup tents about 3 blocks from the hotel we stayed in, and "Bourbon Street" and the "French Quarter", the filth that seem to just linger around everwhere, unfriendly people, my what a different place. When we landed in Dallas, John and I both looked at each other and noticed right away that we felt much lighter. No oppressive spirit lingering. Yuch.......I never thought I would say this, but it is good to be back in SAFE San Angelo.

"Dorothy We Are Not in TEXAS"

What happened to the SKY!!!!! Just like the title says we are not in Texas. We are in NEW ORLEANS. As we were driving to the hotel and got into the city of New Orleans I was totally AMAZED at the size of the buildings. They are HUGE to say the least. Kind of sad as I couldn't see the sky like you can in Texas. I am however sitting in my bedroom on the 11th floor overlooking the Mississippi (had to sing the song to spell it right, you teachers would understand that) River, watching the barges go by. What fun. Right now at this very moment a tug boat is passing by. I have concluded that I love the water and wish I lived by the water.

We had lunch with someone John works with who we met at the airport who also happens to be here for the conference. Very interesting as he ordered his beer and we ordered our tea and diet coke. He was rather entertained by my amazement of things. The windows in this reaustarnt were, i'm not kidding, like a garage door. You can sit in the courtyard and order from the other side as well as in the reaustarant. Food was really good.... costly, but good. He commented "You don't get out much do you". To which I commented, have you ever been to San Angelo? His response was no. But that got me to thinking. I don't travel much and wish I could. I want to see different things and experience different cultures. My dream when John retires is to have a travel trailer and travel. We will see. At the price of gas these days who knows.

Today, I think I will venture out on my own and check out the shops at Canal Place. Right across the street from where I am. They have a Saks Fifth Avenue. I wonder what I could afford to buy there? Hmmm

I might add that this hotel I have to pay for internet. How crazy is that. 10.95 a day. They do have wireless downstairs, but sometimes you just don't want to get dressed to go down 11 floors with the laptop. Besides I wouldn't get to watch the boats as i blog.

It's kind of strange, because for a tourist place there are no tourist here. I would have expected the place to be filled with people, like in Baltimore, but there is hardly anyone on the streets walking. Maybe it is the time of the year.

Signing off from New Orleans, have a great day.

DON'T EAT THE CAKE

Okay, sorry about the previous post. I didn't realize I didn't put the link for you to go to. Check it out though it is hilarious....:0)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLYfjM_jh04

DON'T EAT THE CAKE

Check it out. I warn you though, go potty first!!!!

PRAYER CHAIN

Check this out. This is really funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYCCgBAMVRc

THE MOM SONG

We have all either said these words or heard them at some time in our life. Check out the link below and enjoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anSpBUxsgAU

GETTING ORGANIZED

Nothing to exciting happend today. It has been kind of a quiet day. I did manage to get all of my spring and summer clothes out of the storage bins and put away almost all of the winter clothes. I was able to organize my closet and John's closet. No more "wire hangers". Hate those things. Everything is color coded and hung neatly on "plastic hangers". It looks great and I feel like I have accomplished something. I know you all probably think I am crazy, but it is just one of those querky things about me. Besides it makes it easier to find something to wear. You should try it. It really does work and you might like it. We did manage to get out and spend some time together talking about the future and some things to be praying about. The weather was beautiful and it has been an enjoyable day.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

It is finally over, I think. We have spent the last week picking out carpet, tile, paint, cabinets, light fixtures, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, appliances, whew the list goes on. I think our builder was a little upset though because we changed a lot of stuff and he does not do well with change as he informed us today he is not a "custom builder". To which i thought this explains why all of his houses look like cookie cutter houses. Ours will not look like a cookie cutter house as everything we have picked is totally different. It did cost a little extra, okay a LOT extra to make the changes, but then it will be ours and it is what WE want. We do have to continually go every day and check on things to make sure they are doing things right. And yes we have found some things that are not right and oh well he will just have to fix it. The builder will probably be upset, but that is the way the cookie crumbles.
o
I will post some pictures of our "new home" as soon as we can get some. Will post again later, our favorite movie is on "gone with the wind". What a perfect way to end our little holiday. This was the first movie he took me to when we dated.

Valentines Day

It really has been a Valentine weekend. The day started out with me going to the car to go to work and to my surprise I found a single longstem rose on my seat with a card that said "everday I look at you I love you more" Yes I'm such a baby i cried all the way to work. You see on this day 32 years ago we were married. I guess you could call us valentine sweethearts. We went out for dinner, but to many people and the line to get in was rather ridiculous, so we just grabbed some pizza and came home with a movie and snuggled and watched it on my laptop. Oh I should tell you that before dinner he gave me another gift......tickets to Maine to visit our daughter in July. I am so excited as i miss her terribly and well Maine is about the most beautiful place to visit in the US in the summer.

Thank you honney, It has been a grand weekend, just spending time with each other. It has been a great 32 years and I couldn't think of being with anyone else. You are the love of my life and the best thing that has happened to me. You will forever be my "true valentine"

ARE WE LOOKING THE OTHER WAY?

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=5a2e075a1a4a6e1b9770

I watched this video and wondered how many times do we just ignore what is going on around us because we get so caught up in our own lives and our own hurts. I think that life is more than just attending church two days a week, but a it is getting involved in those that He puts across our path. It is getting involved in others lives and helping them as much as we can. I am so excited for life groups to begin. This will be a place where we can invite others to be a part of a family of believers that cares for them. What a great way to show the love of Christ not only to those who know him and are struggling but to those who don't know him and need to.

Lord forgive me for the times that I just let life pass me by because I was to busy and caught up in my own hurts and problems. Make me more aware of those around me and more sensitive to what they are needing. Bring people my way that need to know that YOU are all they need.

Won't You Consider?

Hi

My name is Bengie. I am a male corgie and I'm about 4 years old. I am a small dog and I am looking for a home to go to for just a week while my temporary parents are out of town. My previous owner lives in Maine and couldn't take me with him so his grandparents are keeping me for the time being. They are going out of town in March and I will need a place to stay. I am an inside dog, so I stay indoors most of the day and only go out when I am taking a walk or have to do my business. I like to cuddle and sit at your feet. I am very obedient and love children and I like to play. I am potty trained and I don't chew things, so I won't mess up your house. My temporary owners do not want to put me in a kennel and quite frankly I don't want to go to the kennel as I have no place to run and be free, but I will if I have to as I can't stay by myself in the apartment. If you don't have a fenced in yard (although that would be the best) I am trained to go potty outside on a leash as we live in an apartment right now. I will tell you when I have to go out, so you won't have to guess. I like to go for walks, but I'm okay just laying around. I do bark, but not excessively, only when someone comes around that I do not know. I will bring my own food and my own bed so you won't have to worry about that. I can't eat table scraps as they make me sick and neither you or I would like that very much. If you think you might be interesed, please talk to my owner, nanna, and let her know or you can talk to papa if you can't find her. They can fill you in on all the details of what I left out. Oh, and thank you.

THEY MAKE LIFE GRAND

Here are a few pics of the boys that make our life grand.......Oh how I miss them. I just might have to take a trip up there sooner than I think.....They must have grown 10 inches since we saw them last. It just doesn't seem fair for them to be so far away.....Please God move them home......

CONTINUING THE JOURNEY

Here we are in our "humble" apartment for a week now.......and I am beginning to like it......I like living with just what I need......NO CLUTTER.....it doesn't take long to clean, (about 20 minutes) which gives time to do other things......The kitchen is compact, so everything is like RIGHT THERE......it really is pretty convenient. Maybe I'll just have a storage unit sale. I mean I have my laptop and cabel and a chair to sit on, and a bed to sleep in....what else do I need :0) The only thing I don't like is carting groceries from a parking lot up the stairs. This takes at least 3 trips if you are doing it by yourself, but I think i have come up with a plan so i don't have to. The other thing is the dog. We have to take him on a leash when he needs to go out.....(bummer) but thankfully (the plan) John takes care of this.:0) All and all it really is a cozy little place. You'se guys (that is yankee talk for ya'll) will just have to come and visit. We can have a "tea"party in the living room. Of course you might have to bring your own chair and coffee cup if you come. :0)

By the way, I so want to change the background. I found one that I really like, but am afraid to change it. Anyone want to help?

Happy New Year

So here we are at the begining of the new year.......I love new beginnings. It's a chance to start over to do something new. 2007 was a good year. Even though it brought changes to us, it still was all good. That is because God is good.

I am excited about 2008. I am excited about the adventures that will await us.....I am praying for new avenues to share His love to others, new avenues to be an encouragement to those He puts in my path.... New opportunities for growth.


Yes, I choose to believe that 2008 will be great and that God will prove himself to be faithful and real in my life, just as he has in the past years. For I know in whom I have believed......He is my hope, He is my Joy.