chunky challenge

OOOH!! I am so excited my friend, Dana, is hosting a reading challenge. Big fat chunky books that I can get lost in. YAY!! This means I will need to finish my personal challenge by the end of January (well maybe not...but as you can refer back there was no time limit due to things like this) Come join me...follow the link above and sign up when it is ready.....you know you want to drink the koolaid.

The Chimes

The Chimes Please click for a synopsis. Oh, the lesson in this book...pre judging those around you. I am pretty guilty about this. I have a tendency to forget that we all put our pants on one leg at a time, we all eat, we all have feelings, and we all are searching for why we are here on this planet. No matter what, we are all people and all have a "sin nature" whether we want to admit or not. We all need a savior that can redeem us. There is only one, Jesus. Oh, thank goodness He pulled me out of where I was at in my searching for my purpose. One does not need to be taught to do wrong....observe your children or remember your children when they were young....Did I teach my child to lie to get out of being in trouble? Did I have to teach my two year old to claim every thing is "MINE Mine MINE " and protect my toys at all cost and not share them through means of biting, screaming,and hitting? (my children were not big biters at two but they sure knew how to claim what they thought was theirs!) Think about it...besides "ma ma" and "da da" a child's other first word is "NO" However, despite this I do believe in certain circumstances people can fall down any path of destruction...none are exempt. We need to esteem each other and let each other know we are here for a purpose...to please God. God puts us in the path of people everyday. You never know how you treating somebody could change their whole path in life. Quite a big responsibility, if you ask me. I would hate for the way that I think about certain people to cause them to go down a path of total destruction because of how I treat them, due to how I think about them. This is exactly what happens in this book through a dream. My five year old asked me today "Does God love kidnappers?" I told her yes, but He does not love what they do. He loves the person, not the sin. This really made me think...God loves everybody. He loves the the prostitutes on the street, He loves the people that use drugs, He loves the people that murder. But he despises the crimes they commit. This is what really gets me to think....We all need somebody to redeem us...whether "we are not so bad" to those that we judge as being "really bad." We are the ones who put the degree on sin....God sees it all the same whether you tell a little lie to murdering somebody...There is no degree to sin. Does this make sense....no. That is why I just remember God tells me to "not lean on my own understanding" and "my ways are higher than your ways" I am just going to believe that He is in control and has a pretty good handle on things...after all...He created this place...He must know what He is doing. I am just going to trust Him, pray for those that need to find Him, and tell others about Him when the opportunity arises, and encourage those believers to keep going on and lean on Him to "fight the good fight"

Look at the names I list below and think about your first thought:

Casey Anthony

Charles Manson

Bill Clinton

The CEO's of the 3 major car companies

Paris Hilton

Yes even typing I had to fight my first thought...However God's first thought

"I love them and I created them. I want them to repent and come to me." One purpose in being here...PRAY for them. It is really hard to think bad thoughts about somebody while praying for them. There is so much power in prayer. In the times it is hard to pray for somebody we don't think deserves it, I just think about what God saved me from and how I did not deserve it. Everyday, I thank Him for blessing me beyond what I deserve....That makes it easier to see everybody through Jesus' eyes and not my own.

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol.....This has become associated with Christmas as much as Christmas trees, dinner on Christmas day and mistletoe....There are movies and plays. "Bah Humbug" and "Don't be a Scrooge" can be in the everyday vocabulary. I have discovered I love Charles Dickens. I have never read him before and he is just fantastic. He also has a great sense of humor and can be funny through sarcasm at many times throughout his writings, which is so me.

There is just something about when you read a book, that a movie or play can not just give you. You may actually picture things differently than a movie would actually do so...because you are getting that person's personal take on it...That is the beauty of reading....you get to experience it in your own way and nobody has to tell it is wrong.

All of us are like Ebeneezer. We all have experiences that have made us the people we are today that have changed us. I love the fact that what he went through made him a better person. I really compare it to what God will do with us. He will do what he can to get our attention to bring us back to him. Sometimes, He will do whatever it takes to have us become obedient to Him. Some people don't need to have the extreme done to them personally but through it being done to somebody else they will repent and change. God knows what we can handle....so. if you have been through some tough horrendous times and made it through...God knew that you could handle and knew the glory would go to Him....That is overwhelming just thinking about it.

on a light note...my daughter Hannah likes to say now when somebody is full after eating that they are 'full of it" for example. She asked Daddy if he was done with his dinner. He says "yes" she asks, "Are you full of it?" (which of course makes me giggle and my sarcasm comes out and makes me say "he is full of something" Life is good here....just in the waiting game. I loathe moving....loathe it with every fiber in my being. Luckily for me, I am not a pack rat and will clean out the crap every few months so most of what I have does not need to gone through just packed into a box....This is not the case for my husband and middle daughter. Oh, the joy of going through her room(while she spent the night somewhere else) and cleaning out her drawers. The girl saves everything.....seriously...papers from 1st grade that she was saving for what? I don't know exactly....all I can say is it has been almost a week and she has not even noticed. However, this is not the case with my husband. He may not notice right away but two years from now he will ask where something is that I probably threw out...So I do not pack up his things because nothing makes me more insane than to pack things that I think should be thrown out...It is just better for him to do it and then put the box somewhere. I can handle lots of boxes I just don't like lots of things everywhere. (so if I die first, it will probably take two days to go through my things....if he goes, then it will take me the rest of my existence to go through his ;) )

i am dreaming.....

yes it is a second post....just some random thoughts:

does anybody else have to be reminded that it is only 5 days until Christmas, by looking at their Christmas tree, due to the weather being exceptionally wonderful outside? I normally love having my windows open, but seriously, it is December....I have dreams of a white Christmas and cold weather, hot cocoa, lots of blankets...snuggling with the sexy husband, sitting by our firepit. I am ready to start going to the beach and tanning for my trip to Mexico in May...yeah I said it.. It is December and am actually considering going to the beach.

My house is being put on the market and before I even mentiuoned what I wanted to sell it for the realtor said we should sell it for 133,000....God is so cool. Now I am praying we sell it for that much.

I have prayed for years that God would give me the gift to be able to sing and for some reason He has done so. It has only happened within the past year. I can actually sing harmony parts and melody. Which now is scary because I do not like to sing in front of people (yes,I am weird....get over it) Sonow He tells me to the choir for Christmas Eve service which I am doing. It is so weird, I can get up in front of complete strangers and talk to them, yet when it comes to singing I am absolutely petrified. SO due to being blessed with something I have prayed for , I am now going to use it.

My husband is on hold for the army until he loses some weight. This is not a problem for him. So I decided to get on the wght losing train, because frankly. my husband weighing less than me would just be so wrong. So we have a little challenge going on to see who can lose faster...And if you know me I don't like to lose....I am slightly competitive. I am doing it the healthy way...Weight Watcher's points and excercise. (actually I don't care if I lose the challenge...I just want to be healthy ann not weigh more than my husband) He will probably win because he can lose weight really fast, without much of a problem....He is like the guys on those slimquick commercials. He can drink water instead of soda and lose 10 pounds....It makes me sick. But, it is just the way it is....Yes, I realize it is five days until the massive food fest....However, I can control what goes into my mouth, I just sometimes don't want to. (Yikes, that is a sin I need to repent of) I can have a cheat day...(I can save my 35 extra points for Christmas day woo hoo)

One last thing...our house is kid free tonight...oh yeah!!! FUN FUN!!!

The Autobiography of Santa Claus

I actually first saw this book at a library in North Carolina in browsing the titles on the shelves. One of my favorite smells is books in the library. I could just take a chair, close my eyes, and sit down in the middle of a section and smell to relax myself. It should be made a candle scent. I believe that the title alone gives the synopsis. Also, if you don't know who Santa Claus is living in this country then you must either be a Jehovah's witness or have been living in complete, utter hermit type living; without t.v., magazines, radio, CD player, computer ,or newspaper your entire existence.
Although, I have self proclaimed myself as a Grinch this year. I still have deep down in my heart the desire to celebrate this time of year. I was raised with the belief in Santa Claus. We set cookies out for him the night before. We woke up to stockings full of goodies and presents under the tree from Santa. It was always exciting. I came to the age of about 10 and figured it out on my own that my parents were actually "him" It was not devastating or sad...I just was getting older and it was just matter of fact.
My family has decided not to have Santa Claus be a part of our traditions. Not that I am dead set against it. My kids, on their own accord, like to pretend he exists. They will say he is not real to adults but never have spoiled that fun for any other kid. (this just happened to be sheer luck...because that was always my fear is that my children would just end up telling some other child all in innocence that he is not real causing conflict between that parent and myself.) This year they want to leave cookies out for Santa but know that Mommy is going to eat them. They like to go see him at the mall and sit on his lap. Yet, they know it is not really him. It was just a personal conviction for us...to us, as their parents, we did not want to lie to them and tell them that there is somebody who will leave them gifts for them only if they are really good. This really yanks my chain. I can not stand to hear anybody say to their children or mine "Have you been good this year?" or "Santa won't come to your house if you are bad" That is not why my children receive gifts. If it is for that reason, then that means our love for them as parents is based on what they do not who they are as a person. It can be very confusing and make them think they have to earn love from those that are closest to them. I will now step down from my soap box. I have explained to them that St. Nicholas was a real person and Santa Claus came from that. As a matter of fact, that is what our social studies lesson will be on in the month of January. Yet, despite our decision to do so, I deep down love the idea of Santa Claus. I love to have all my Santa Claus figurines out during this time. I love to read the Night before Christmas, I love the movie classics from when I was a kid about Santa Claus (speaking of which it is a little sad that I can not turn on Miracle of 34th street or It's a wonderful life and see it on at some point every day this season), even part of me still wants a present under the tree coming from him and the cookies not to be actually eaten by myself.
This is one of the things I loved about this book. It will make you go back to your childhood and believe in him. This book is written like an autobiography and there is a lot of historical truths in it about who he actually is. It goes through many centuries and is just a joy to read especially if you like historical reads. Yet, at the same time it is fiction...Let's face there is only one person that lives forever....Jesus!!!! This book is actually the first in a three part series and I WANT THEM ALL!!! You can actually get them in one book called "The Christmas Chronicles" (hint hint for a Christmas present) Even if I don't receive it, I am pretty sure it will be on clearance at Barnes and Noble the day after Christmas and I will buy it. I plan to read it every Christmas season. there is even a lot of reference to Jesus and what Christmas is really about. There are a couple references to a "higher power that Santa believes in" and some "tree hugging tambourine playing hippie ideology" but I chose not to dwell on that agenda. I just chose to let it bring me back to my childhood beliefs and allow my Grinchy heart to not be two sizes too small.

this year ain't over yet

so I am still determined to end this year on a good note. It still will. If you do not know, which most do. Doug got laid off from his job last week. Apparently, they were eliminating one salaried position from every Seacoast Supply and lucky him, his was the one to be eliminated. They did offer him an hourly position thinking that he would just take that. Did he surprise them by saying "No thanks." He took the incentive package instead. This has given Doug the opportunity to do something he has been wanting to do since we got married...join the military. It is all in God's time. Every other time he wanted to join I absolutely stomped and squashed that dream by saying "No way" I refuse to leave and live somewhere else where I know nobody. We also could not afford it at the time. However, this time I am very supportive and actually excited for him for this opportunity. Will it be easy? no...especially when he has to go away for basic training for 9 weeks. This will of course lead the girls and I to move in to the in laws (His parent's, not mine...had to clarify before my mom reads this and has a stroke thinking we are moving in with them.) Will this be the easiest situation...no,. However, sometimes sacrifices need to be made and it is only for a season. we will trudge through and hopefully have attitudes that glorify God through all this. I also do realize that there is that chance he could get called to Iraq for a year and a half or some other tour somewhere else we can't go. However, he could get stationed in some horrible place like Hawaii or Puerto Rico and man would I just hate living there (yeah right, if that happens we would do lots of homeschooling lessons on how beautiful the beach is) So I am thinking about all the positive aspects out of this:



one: this is absolutely a cake walk compared to any other obstacle I have dealt with this year. Trust me on that one.



two: I never have to worry about my girls adjusting to a new school....They always will have the same teacher no matter where they go. homeschooling rocks!!!



three: Doug and I are such a team now that we are in this together and no matter what I know that where ever we go I will always be with my best friend. I am pretty extroverted when I want to be ,so making new friends is never a problem. the times when I want to be a hermit, I have my eldest daughter who will make friends with anybody anywhere and will force me to make friends with the parents of those she wants to play with.



four: my job, Partylite can be done anywhere....even out of country on any military base. I will continue to do that until God says "stop'



five:living with the in laws will save us so much money. It is actually very foreseeable to be completely debt free within the next year. Yes, I mean completely. We are selling our house and paying off every debt we have. We have been on the verge of bankruptcy and have been praying for a way to not have to do so. It seems that God is answering that...in a way that I never would have planned. We have so learned a lesson in what is really important and living within our means, not beyond. We refuse to ever have a credit card again and car payment if we can avoid it.



I feel like Job. I can look back at this year and see God saying " Have you considered my servants Tory and Doug?" Of course we did not handle every situation exactly like Job, but I can see God allowing the enemy to do certain things knowing full well what the outcome would be...while Satan on the other end does not. Satan just tries to do things to get us to turn away from God and reject him. Well I have news for him I WILL NOT REJECT HIM. I can not imagine going through anything I have been through without Him. I would rather have the stuff of life keep happening and have be close to my almighty Lord than have things be smooth sailing and not be walking with Him. Besides Jesus even said hard times would happen...it just is a matter of when not if


James 1:2-3
consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything



Oh yeah....now I am encouraged. That is what I love about His word. I just tried to find a verse showing that hard times will happen to those that believe...and I find this one. How cool is our God? Yes, I do find joy and yes, I definitely am learning perseverance. Bring it on...Bring on the rain, because eventually the sun shines through.

"Bring The Rain" by Mercy Me

I can count a million times

People asking me how

I Can praise You with all that I've gone through

The question just amazes me

Can circumstances possibly

Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed

Long before these rainy days

It's never really ever crossed my mind

To turn my back on you, oh Lord

My only shelter from the storm

But instead I draw closer through these times

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything that brings You glory

And I know there'll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that's what it takes to praise You

Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of

The dark clouds that may loom above

Because You are much greater than my pain

You who made a way for me

By suffering Your destiny

So tell me what's a little rain

So I pray

Holy, holy, holy

Is the Lord God Almighty

The Christmas Shoes

This was a bittersweet read. It was sad and it was happy. It made me cry, so if you don't like to cry while reading....then don't read it. It makes you think of what is really important in life and how short life can be happy. It also shows that people are placed in our lives for a purpose and we may not realize why. We may find out and then again, we may not. We need to live our lives to the fullest and live each day as if it were going to be our last. After all, it could be and we just don't know it. I know I need to ask myself everyday "How do I want my day to be?" I know for me, that I want it to be pleaasing to God and He is the one I need to be concerned about pleasing. If I please Him then all else will fall into place. I also may be the only one that others get to see Jesus and I want to make sure I represent Him in a good way and not want to make others turn away from Him because of my attitude or actions. I never want any body to say "what do I need Jesus for when they act like that? What makes them so different?" I want to make a difference in others lives and know that God leads me down every path I am on and each person I meet and have a relationship with is not an accident. Every choice I have made has lead me to the person I am today. I hope to continue on the raod I am on and know that at the end of my life that God will say "well done, good and faithful servant."

so it is that time of year

Oh yes!! It is that time of year. the decorations are going up, people are shopping for presents, and the Christmas music is playing. Did I mention that the start of this post started happening the day after Halloween. UGH!!! What happened to Thanksgiving people? Are we starting to forget that holiday all together? Yes, I am ranting. I have officially decided that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. The point of it is family get together, eating all together as a family at the table, and remembering what to be thankful for. That is why I love it. I proudly admit that I have turned into my Dad on this point. He loves Thanksgiving but could not give a hoot on Christmas. Here is why:





It has turned into this greed fest. It is all about gimme gimme gimme....mine mine mine...shop shop shop.....stress stress stress....credit cards maxed....i have to buy for this person, that person...go go go until you are ready to pull your hair out.....kids screaming with every commercial "Mommy I want that" or "Daddy I have got to have that"....more stress stress stress....the day comes and the kids wake up at the ungodly hour of dawn....becoming bratty because they can't open their presents until mom and dad get up...make the coffee (while ready to add the Bailey's to it at 6:00 in the morning to take the edge off the stress of the rest of the day)....have breakfast....watch the kids set the Guinness book of world records in how fast they can open all their presents without even paying attention to what they got....being grateful for some....scowling at the ones they did not get......make dinner.....I now understand why eggnog has alcohol in it.





What happened to the one person this season is about? No, it is not Santa Claus...It is Jesus. Christmas used to be my favorite time of year. It was always tradition to set up the Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving. anticipating the radio station to start playing the 24 hour Christmas songs, making cookies and fudge for everybody, watch all the Christmas classics, lots of eggnog and hot cocoa, not caring about what I eat for the next month because it is the time of year of all my favorite foods, hoping that one day in this state of Florida there would be snow on Christmas day (hey when you dream, dream big) Taking my kids to the mall to sit on Santa's lap and ride the train, and drive around and look at Christmas lights, and most importantly instilling in my children why we celebrate CHRISTmas. We have a birthday cake for Jesus and sing happy birthday. I will still do all these things but the decorating will not be as much. It is more for my kids then me. We will decorate inside only nothing outside (this is more because we will be moving January....another blog on that to follow) I am not a complete cynic just tired of what it has turned into.





It seems to me it gets worse and worse every year. The Christmas music started playing in the stores Nov 1st... A certain radio station started playing it two weeks before Thanksgiving and what really set me off was when my sister told me that kids can register, yes register for everything they want at Toys R Us. I think my exact words were "SHUT UP" and "you have got to be kidding?" People also started decorating earlier...before Thanksgiving.





SO that is why I am grinchy. I also want to say that without Thanksgiving..there would not be all the Christmas traditions we have here in this wonderful country. The pilgrims thanked GOD that they were provided for during the cold hard months and had a harvest to celebrate it. SO to prevent me from being completely cynical..I will be reading happy holiday fun reads all this month. Anything from the classics to brand new stories. Your suggestions are appreciated in my comment box. I feel much better now....I think I will go read and decorate tomorrow.

snowman the kids made in North Carolina

Emma

Emma synopsis Yes, it is true I finally finished it. Normally I get through a book very fast. However, this book was written so long ago and the english language has evolved very much since then. It was just a fun happy read. I can actually identify myself with Emma and I am a lot like her. Some of our situations are very similar. Emma is full of life and humor. She,at times, does not realize how her actions will affect another person until she is told that it has done so. She also does not realize her romantic feelings for another until her friend expresses those same feelings for that person. There is no deep controversy in this book unlike the books I normally like to read. It is just fun and ends "happily ever after" Sometimes, you just need to read books like that. It is beautifully written. Language to me is beautiful and can be expressed in so many different ways and dialects. However, it does change over time. Words that mean one thing today will mean something completely different tomorrow. Also, words can be twisted and changed to mean something completely ugly and be considered what is now a "bad" word. There are words that are offensive to me that are not offensive to others. Likewise there are words that are no big deal to me but others find them to be offensive. My husband and I differ on words that our kids can say to express their displeasure on something. I have come to learn that words are just words and we are the ones who make them out to be something offensive. Yet, I digress. The reason it took me such a long time to finish is due to how the book was written. Not that it was hard to understand...I just had to take more time reading it to understand what Jane Austen was saying between the characters. This book i picked just for fun. It definitely excercised my brain. I believe that just like our bodies need excercise, The brain needs to be stimulated also. I do have one favorite quote out of this book. It is a conversation between Emma and her father about Emma going somewhere. Mr Wood house was not pleased. Here is Emma's plea to go :

"Oh! yes papa. I have no fears at all for myself and I should have no scruples of staying as late as Mrs. Weston, but on your account. I am only afraid of your suitting up for me. I am not afraid of your being exceedingly comfortable with Mrs Goodard. She loves piquet, you know but when she is gone home, I am afraid you will be sitting up by yourself, instead of going to bed at your usual time---and the idea of that would entirely destroy my comfort. you must promise me not to sit up."

Can you imagine our kids pleading today like that? This made me laugh. Today kids are more likely to say "That is so unfair! You are ruining my life. Why can't you trust me and not wait up for me on the couch? I can't go out there and have any fun thinking of you waiting there for me wondering what I am doing? (ugh....I will now stomp to my room in utter disgust and slam my door. )

I will now be reading holiday fun stuff. The next book is The Christmas Shoes. I have a whole other blog I will be doing on my thoughts of the holiday season soon.

(leave comments...I love the email responses but would love comments on my blog better ;)

my very thoughtful 2 cents

The election is over. There were lots of prayers because I was really trusting that God would have mercy on us as a country for not being 100% devoted to him. I was supporting John McCain. There were many things that I do not agree with him on, however, there are many important issues to me such as pro- life, marriage, immigration, my choice to home school, taxes, and support of Israel that Obama does not support. I did my civil duty and voted. What is done is done and now, my duty, as a christian is to pray for the new president. Whether I like it or not, he is the president and that is a position that is to be respected. It is not a time to call names and disrespect him as a person.

Daniel 2:21 says He changes the times and the seasons; he removes kings, and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding; "

This verse gives me comfort knowing He is in control. What amazes me is when is comes down to it, is the president is put there by God. Yes, we have the duty to vote but at the same time He is in control. He is sovereign. Believe me, it is hard for me to totally grasp it either. I just trust in him even when I don't understand it. He does not need to explain himself. Think about it, how many times as a parent do we do things that make no sense to our children but our reasoning is because of our love for them. I think it is like when the Israelites were not living the way they should have. I completely believe that God is trying to show us our need to depend on him and also believe that if we, that belong to Him, cry out to him that he will have mercy on us and give us a leader that loves and serves the Lord.

Judges 3:7 The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD; they forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. 8 The anger of the LORD burned against Israel so that he sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, [b] to whom the Israelites were subject for eight years. 9 But when they cried out to the LORD, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, who saved them. 10 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, so that he became Israel's judge [c] and went to war. The LORD gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him. 11 So the land had peace for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died.
Ehud 12 Once again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and because they did this evil the LORD gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel. 13 Getting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join him, Eglon came and attacked Israel, and they took possession of the City of Palms. [d] 14 The Israelites were subject to Eglon king of Moab for eighteen years.
15 Again the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and he gave them a deliverer—Ehud, a left-handed man, the son of Gera the Benjamite.

I do not agree with his views and I personally have nothing against him . I am sure he is a pretty nice guy. However, there are two main issues that really are on my heart to pray for. well actually three:

1st that he would above all else seek God's face and repent and realize his need for him as his savior. Yes, he says he is a "christian" but there are many issues that he believes in that go completely against God. Just because you go to church does not make you a "christian" christian means "little Christ" There is only one thing that makes you a christian and that is by God's grace, realizing that you are a sinner and that there is nothing that you can do or not to do to make God love you. You need to know and believe that Jesus died for you on the cross not only for your sins but the entire worlds. That you will make him your Lord and live for him. (In case you don't agree..the issue is not with me...it is with God. He created this world, He wrote the bible and he can make the decisions of how people come to him and get to heaven. Don't shoot the messenger.) I just know that when I look at who I am without Jesus and it is not pretty. Sure, to those around me I am a pretty good person. But seriously, that is what you see on the outside. I know me on the inside. Being a pretty good person and doing lots of good things does not please God. It is what I do through Him that does.

2ND I pray for his stance on life. He is the most liberal when it comes to abortions. He is very supportive of partial birth abortion. Which is the most disgusting cruel thing ever put into practice. Let me tell you what that is, in case you don't know. The technician uses a sonogram to find the baby's leg, pulls it out and delivers everything but the head. Then a pair of scissors is jammed in to the skull where it followed by having the baby's brains sucked out until the head collapses. this can be done up until a woman goes into labor. Can somebody please explain how you can honestly support this and call it a choice? How would it feel to be pulled out of your nice warm bed in the morning, held down while a pair of scissors was jammed into your head and then have your brains sucked out. Don't dare tell me that baby does not feel pain when this is happening. I also don't want to be told "what if the mother's life is in danger? " doing this procedure is not going to save a woman's life. That is a lie straight from the depths of hell.

3rd I pray that he will support Israel and not go the other way. Israel is the country of God's chosen people. I completely believe that God has blessed this country since it began not only because of the beliefs this country was founded on (which by the way are christian principles) but also because of our support of Israel. If we stop doing that , I can see our hedge of protection going "bye bye." You can see it in the bible all over what happened to countries that tried to destroy Israel. God was, let's just say, not too happy and showed it. Just because we don't go in to Israel and try to destroy it does not mean that we are not accomplices to that by taking our support away. Yes, we serve a loving God but also a just God. Like I said he created this world. He can do what he wants with it. It is like a quote from the Cosby show. Cliff says to Theo " I brought you into this world and I can take you out."

Yes, I am very passionate about my beliefs. However, I will pray for him. I serve an amazing God that does amazing things. He can change people's lives and change people. He does it all the time. He does it even with people we believe will never change. That is what I love about God. He never gives up on us even when we mess up over and over again. even when we do things that are just downright evil and most people would never forgive somebody for ever. I believe Obama can lead this country the way God wants it to be . The question is: Is he willing?

trying something new

so after my husband's counseling session the other night (on a side note I start Monday afternoon with my own counseling) he suggested that we read together. The book is Journey Into Fullness by James Mahoney...(no links for synopsis -sorry...the book is as old as me...seriously) I thought this meant we read the same book and then talk about it....boy, was I wrong. The idea is he reads a chapter to me and then I read a chapter to him. Being the type A personality that I am this was not met with the most positive reaction. As a matter of fact, I believe my exact words were 'Are you kidding me? HE is not actually serious. (I was also thinking....."what next? matching t shirts whenever we go out and dancing around with our tambourines singing kum ba ya.) I don't need to be read to" Which of course, my husband lovingly said "well, what we have done before has not worked. Let's just give it a try." which I then said (not to joyfully) Fine, but let's just see how it works...and if we don't like it...we will just tell him this is not our thing. so needless to say,once again I am proven wrong...I actually enjoy it. It makes me feel closer to him to be sharing in that way. the book is kind of hard to get through, the subject matter is good, it is just kind of slow. SO I am now adding it to the list of books I am reading.

I also will be starting another blog on my bible studies...this not only will help me be accountable to myself but I have so much I am studying that excites me that I want to share it. I will have a link from this one once I get it going....

i have now seen it all

the stupidest thing I have ever heard of : so you have a frivolous lawsuit to prove a point of frivolous lawsuits. thank you, thank you, thank you, for putting my tax dollars to hard work. this was such a needed and valid point (in case you were wondering, that is my extreme sarcasm) Unbelieveable...and of all the people to sue you are going to sue God...one must be careful...GOd made this world and brought you in...He can also take you out.


on a side note my husband and I have decided to sue the easter bunny, tooth fairy, and Santa Clause and Disney for extreme emotional distress in for making us believe in fantasies that just are not true. I am also including every parent,which now includes myself, in keeping this up for hundreds of years, in this multi million dollar class action lawsuit...I expect it to win on behalf of all humanity and will gladly enjoy the nickel I will get from the winnings.

back from the storm

It has been a long long timesince Ihave truly blogged. I have not even had the will to read and that is just plain wrong. I will share without getting into every nitty gritty detail. (I swear, I could charge admission to my crazy world) I have been going through some very tough personal struggles this past year This year has been one complete challenge from the start. A seperation in January...getting back together...getting pregnant while thinking I am so happy to not have to ever have to deal with babies again...getting excited about having another baby, to only have that dream ripped right from you with a miscarriage....getting on anti depressants (what I like to call happy pills... to almost completely ending my marriage...and to now reconciling. My husband is becoming the man I have longed him to be. A leader and my best friend. He makes me feel safe and protected. I have the confidence in him that we will get through whatever comes our way together. However, I claiming it now. I BELIEVE THAT THE REST OF THIS YEAR IS GOING TO BE GREAT. I do not even know how I would have gotten through this year without my relationship with Jesus and my wonderful sisters in Christ who encouraged me to keep going when I was ready to give up completely. This has been a big time of testing and strength building. I believe that God has used these tough times I have had to help me to know him in ways I never would have otherwise. It is like the song says:

And I know

There’ll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that’s what it takes to praise You

Jesus Bring the Rain

Some of you may think "that is the dumbest thing I have ever heard of. why would you want to be in misery and pain just to be close to GOd?" Let me clarify I DON"T!!!!. However, if what I go through makes me turn to Him and depend on him completely than, so be it. Let me just tell you a little bit about me. I am a first born, typical type A personality. I also can be very, very, very indepedent. This can be good especially if something were to happen to my darling and wonderful husband that I would have no fear of taking care of myself and three children. However, this can be bad, expecially when I start thinking the way I want to do things is the best way...especailly when I think I can do it better than what God has planned (I believe Lucifer had this same problem and look what happened to him...) I also tend to be stubborn and have a lot of pride that tends to make me take a long, long, time to realize that the way I do things may not be right. I will admit...I do not like to be wrong and I like to think that nothing is ever my fault, especalliy in my marriage. God has really shown me that what has gone wrong is not 100% my husband's fault. oh come on? are you serious? no! no! no! I argued with GOd, (which we all know always works...yeah right) this can not be possibly be any fault of mine. I then did something which one should never do unless you are fully prepared for what you are asking. I prayed for my eyes to be open and to be shown where I have messed up and been wrong...Let's just say...not a pretty sight when God shows you who you really are....which led me to complete brokeness, repentance, and forgiveness...just the place I needed to be. I have learned and I am still learning. God is in control, even when things look dismal and impossible. I am learning to put myself in the place to allow my husband to lead (no I am not a doormat, I am just not trying to take control of everything) and to also allow God to lead me and listen to his voice even if I can not see what the outcome is at the moment...especially in the area of finances. My husband and I have made very stupid choices over the years and finally I have just thrown up my hands and said forget it. God will take care of us. Are there consequences to the stupid choices ? YES...such as my car getting taken away and probably claiming bankruptcy...but for the first time I don't care. It is just stuff. I am blessed beyond what I deserved and have not given respect to the One who gave it to us. Besides , none of it is mine...It is all God's, He just allows me to enjoy it. He created this world and all that is in it therefore, it belongs to Him. I do not want to hold on so tightly to what we have here....last time I checked you can't take your car and house to heaven. By the way..I have a "new to me" car that is much more affordable and will be paid off in a year. I am just choosing to live for today and not worry about how things will get paid. As long as we are wise with the money that God blesses us with then all will get taken care of. I am so much more at peace and happy now then I have been in my entire life. I finally realize for the first what it means to live Free and be under the authority of God at the same time....and there no place I would rather be.

Animal Farm

Animal Farm This is always a book I enjoy reading. It is the third time I have read it. The first time I read it was in freshman year of high school. It was a required reading in my freshman year american government class. I did enjoy it, however, I did not get the real true meaning behind it as I do now. Come on, I was 14...all I cared about then was which boy was the cutest, the clothes I wore, the amount of hairspray I put in my hair to make it as big as possible (does aqua net bring back any memories to you folks? ) I believe , in my personal opinion that this book should be read by every voting American when we have a major election coming up. But, of course, that won't happen because I believe a lot of people like to stay in the ignorant bliss they like to be in and just be want to believe what they are told by others instead of researching facts themselves. Hence, why what happens in this book does and has happened around the world. I also believe it could happen here if we get to the point of the majority of people not getting educated on the issues and think it is the government's job to take care of us. I shudder to think...I am so enraged in them buying stocks in the banks.... They have slowly for years gotten their hands in every area possible. IT IS NOT THEIR JOB TO TAKE CARE OF US>>>IT IS TO LEAD US. I like to hear all points from every side and I am very thankful for certain news stations and radio talk shows that will offer a more conservative view that the main stream media will not tell us. I always say "Can I please buy my own island and live on it?" I am so tired of political correctness because God forbid the minority view points get offended. Hey..what about half the crap that goes on that offends me as a bible believing, JESUS follower that I can't talk about. Most of my viewpoints are considered to be offensive, bigoted and wrong. I am intolerant in my beliefs. Can I ask something? How is it that it is o.k. to be tolerant of everything but what this country is built on, the bible and christian beliefs? This makes no sense. It is o.k. to talk about God but mention Jesus in public , and watch out... somebody might get offended. Well here are my thoughts ...too bad...I am offended that I can't talk about my Lord and Savior...the one who sacrificed His life for me, suffered for something he did not deserve so that I would not get what I do deserve, did something that other religion's "god" has ever done (come back to life)so that I can spend eternity ( which is a whole lot longer than the 70 years I may get to spend here) in a place where there is no sadness and tears. I will now be reading something that will not get me so fired up,although I do believe in these times we are in it is good to get a little fired up...that is when I believe changes in this country will happen. I also think that come Nov 4Th....there will be a change and I believe that it will not be what everybody says and thinks it is going to be. I will just sit back and smile quietly knowing that God is in complete control of the entire situation.

hidden talents

It has been such a long time since I have posted and I have many deep thoughts to post about but that will come later. Ihave not even been reading and that is just sad and shameful. (tsk tsk slap hand) Ivow to start reading again this evening and will post on such later. I found this video off my sis n law -Barb's blog . Abby loves to dance, loves to sing, loves to make people laugh, however, does not want the focus to be on her in a group of people she does not know very well. This makes it very difficult to get her to use the talents that God has blessed her with at church. I am hoping in time that will change, but for now she can perform through this video. By the way, tell her it is a video camera and she is pretty much willing to do whatever. It was just to cute not to post.

Abby dancing

life

I have not felt like blogging much lately. I am concentrating on prayer and bible study at the moment. I don't feel very creative in my thoughts at the moment since I am consumedwith one thing in my life right and after just righting that I need to stop doing that and just live life to the fullest despite the circumstances. Just pray for the situation. Pray for God's will, peace , wisdom, and comfort, especially for my children. It is not something I am ready to blog about just yet. I am about to have some big life changes and that is all I will say at the moment.

simple woman's daybook 9/8

The simple woman

From the learning rooms......not today. I chose to take today off instead of Friday. I felt like sleeping in, so I did. We will go full force tomorrow, with all the basics and continue learning about space during science. Working on 3's multiplication facts with Janessa. posibly will be moving Hannah up to first grade in the next month or so, continue getting Abby acclimated to the whole homeschool routine and realizing that she is not going back to public school.

I am thankful for....tonight off (sort of...I will be doing phone calls later for my job. I am doing a show every other night, except the weekend. I will be going fishing later with the family.

I am wearing.... a blue shirt and blue sweat shorts..comfy comfy





I am reading...As I lay Dying by William Faulkner...more to blog on that later





I am hoping...that I make lots of money from my shows this week and at least one person gets started in PArtylite this week. trip points for me to Punta Cana and seeing her change her life with her own business is a joy for me.





I am creating...this blog at the moment, will soon be making my lunch





I am hearing...The Suite Life of Zack and Cody on T.V





one of my favorite things...tomatoes and avocadoes





a few plans the rest of the week....Partylite shows, fishing, reading, homeschooling, remebering to breathe in between the craziness





here is a picture thought I am sharing with you....


she is the cutest,toothless girl I know!!!

Memory Keeper's Daughter

The Memory Keeper's Daughter Click to see synopsis. I absolutely loved, loved, loved this book. It was absolutely just a joy to read. I can not go into any great detail because I will just give to much away. You can get the gist from the synopsis. It can be hard to get past the beginning because it is quite sad and will make you wonder how anybody could do such a thing. I, still, however had no ill will towards the main character. This book just shows that if you think that a big life altering secret that you keep will not affect everyone around you, you are mistaken. It shows how just one decision can alter the path of everyone around you. We must be careful and think of every consequence in every choice we make. Even when we think nobody will find out, we must remeber we are not in control even when we think we are. God is...and what needs to be made known will be made known, no matter how hard we try to keep things hidden.

So it has been awhile since I have blogged. so sorry...busy, busy, busy. Not much new, except the flashbacks I am having to 2004 around this time. First, we have Faye...not much here in this area but go 30-40 miles to the next city and they are flooded. Then Gustav, who headed our way but then turned to New Orleans. Now, we wait for Hanna, who was supposed to be very close to us here but then stayed out in the ocean and is heading North as we speak. Now we are bracing for Ike. I am sending out the vibes to do the same thing as Hanna or just turn around now back the direction it came from. Then we need to wonder what Josephine will do. Every storm keeps us holding our breath wondering which way. After 2004. we no longer even have a thought of it being impossible for Daytona to have a direct hit of a hurricane. I just am taking it day by day because there is no point in worrying. I have no control over it anyway. By the way peak of hurricane season does not start until Sept 10th. It is only the fifth. blech!!!

Must go now...new book to read and updates of hurricanes to keep up on.

From The Simple Woman click to see what this is all about. I will hopefully be doing this every Monday ;)

From the learning rooms......copies daily lessons from our curriculum, which is eclectic. There is no set standard...whatever I get from donation, whatever I have bought cheap, whatever I find for free on the internet. multiplication for Janessa, word problems for Abby, ordinal #s for Hannah, lots of handwriting practice, spelling, learning to read for Hannah, improving reading for Abby and Janessa, and attempting to stay on schedule.

I am thankful for....Doug taking two girls fishing.

from the kitchen...hotdog for the sick one...avocadoes and tomato wraps for me...probably spaghetti for the rest when they come home

I am wearing.... black tank top and jean shorts...you are lucky I got dressed today


I am reading...Memory Keepers Daughter yay yay love love


I am hoping...that we get no more hurricanes/tropical storms


I am creating...an evil plan to conquer the world..no seriously....balance in my life


I am hearing...sponge bob square pants


around the house....all is clean...a little laundry to be put away and washed..peace and quiet


one of my favorite things...peace and quiet around my house


a few plans the rest of the week....Partylite shows, homeschool, co op, visit with friends, read read, read, and beach, beach, beach


here is a picture thought I am sharing with you....

another celebration

So I celebrate today my husband who turns the big 32 today. We met 13 years ago at Applebee's where we both worked at the time. We started out as friends and a common interest of partying (way before out christian days) We then realized we were more than friends a yeaar later, got engaged after three months of dating and got married 11 months later on Nov 14 1998. We are going on ten years. It has been an adventure for sure and would not change any of it because it has brought us both to where we are today. there are times when we did not think we would make it and still be married but we are and are commited until "death do us part" We are complete opposites, which can be challenging...yet at the same time we complement each other. He is a wonderful lover. He is a great friend. He is the best Daddy there ever was and is. There are times when we fight but it is part of who we are.

I will quote from "the Notebook" Well that's what we do, we fight... You tell me when I am being an arrogant son of a bitch and I tell you when you are a pain in the ass. Which you are, 99% of the time. I'm not afraid to hurt your feelings. You have like a 2 second rebound rate, then you're back doing the next pain-in-the-ass thing. So what? So it's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, for ever, you and me, every day. Will you do something for me, please? Just picture your life for me? 30 years from now, 40 years from now? What's it look like?

This is us. I can't picture my life without him. Hopefully we will have another 32 years together. God brought us together. Our marriage has helped me to grow in areas I never thought I needed to. I am so grateful for everyday I have with you. I love you Doug!!!!

Friday Felicities

I am going to start doing these on Fridays. Please click on the pic above to get the details of how this got started. It is a list of things that make you happy

*God's grace and forgiveness everyday with a fresh start
*10-3-2 Partylite shows
*Fay leaving this state
*fresh hot coffee
*laundry all caught up
*not having to take days off from school for hurricanes
*children getting along
*clothes that are fitting looser
*books to read
*homeschooling in my jammies

All THe King's Men

Please Click for a synopsis :All the King's Men Robert Penn Warren This book actually turned into something I really enjoyed reading. It was a really slow start for me. I actually had to renew it. This is unusual for me because once I start reading a book, I am usually done with it in about a week. I am not sure why, but it was very hard for me to get into. There were times when the author went off on tangents that had nothing to do with the story line and in my opinion it took awhile to build up to the excitement of what the book is about. I thought while reading it was about politics and the corruption, bribery, selfishness, and cover up that goes along with all of that. It ended up being, in my opinion, about the journey of the main character Jack Burden (who is so aptly named correctly)and his growth as a human being and finding out who he is and what he wants from life. I am so glad I did not give up on this book and was very determined to finish since I said, in my first blog that I would read every book on that list. There were twists that I never saw coming. This was definitely worth reading.

I will be reading something now not even on the list...."The Memory Keeper's Daughter" It was very highly recommended by my friends at WAH (women at home...great board...go check it out) I also have four other books from the list checked out but will keep you in suspense, because I can.

I also am reading "Little House in the Big Woods" to the kids. they are not that thrilled but I know they are listening. they are not thrilled because, it is not a picture book...oh the horror!!! It actually is not that bad...it just amuses me. There is some great history in there that I did not realize (well, don't remember anyway) So, they are getting homeschooling lessons at bedtime and don't even realize it...hehehe. We just started it, so I am sure they will get more interested as we go. They are shocked that "back then" they could not just go to the grocery store to buy food. They are learning what life is like out west in the 1800's. The other book I am reading is The Spiderwick Chronicle series to Janessa. We love it!!! We blow through each book in about a week. The books are way better than the movie. The movie was good but you know how it is...they change things with a movie and add stuff or take stuff out. I will have more to come later, as for now..I must go to bed.

Celebration

I have lots to celebrate but will blog on those later. I am celebrating my middle baby's birthday. She turned 7 today. I told her she was staying 6 but apparently she didn't listen and keeps getting bigger. It goes by so fast. Abigail Lee was given her name because of Abigail in the bible and reminds me of the wife I strive to be. Her middle name is after my mother n law's Linda. She was born on her due date 10 days before we moved into our house. I packed up our apartment in between contractions. She came out after 45 minutes of hard labor (about 8 hours of light labor) and gave me no time for an epidural. She came out screaming and did not stop for about 45 minutes. We knew we were in for a ride with her. All babies come out crying but she was irate. She also has those "abby eyes" and those that know her know what I am talking about. She can give you a look that shows exactly what she is thinking. I knew the moment she came out that this one would be a strong willed one. Abby is my spunky one. She always makes me laugh. It is one of her joys to be silly and make her Daddy and I laugh, yet, at the same time does not like any main focus on her. She has a shy side and it takes her a while to warm up. She has one of the most caring hearts of anybody I know. She always wants to make sure that everybody is having a good time wherever she is at. She loves babies and they love her. She has the "mommy hip" down perfectly. She is very sporty and loves lizards and grasshoppers and toads. (We are always having "pets" we have to let go the next day) In spite of this tomboy side, she is also very girlie and loves to wear skirts and lip gloss. She is very determined in what she wants and will do. Don't dare tell her she can't do something because she will prove you wrong. this is my favorite quality about her even though it is frustrating as a parent at times. She loves to do cartwheels and dance. She also loves to sing. She is tough yet sensitive. She is my "abisnail" and I am thankful for everyday I am blessed that God allows me to have her. Happy Birthday Abby!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday on Thursday

This topic is stolen form my friend Dana . No words to the blog...except these that I just typed.

the balancing act

This week we started our normal routine of homeschooling and me keeping myself from being committed into the mental hospital. I keep myself on a very routine, mostly non negotiable schedule to keep me on track and sane. Here it is I get up at 7:00 (I set the alarm for 6:45 because I enjoy the snooze) I start the coffee, and the laundry. Totally off the subject, but why oh why, can I never keep it from having to do a load every day? seriously..I believe I have laundry fairies that add clothes unnecessarily to the laundry baskets. So after my breakfast and daily devotion (Yes be proud people I have been in the word for two days straight.) I start the yoga, (well after I feed my kids) I also must say the Denise Austin is way too happy for that early in the morning and she made my arms hurt today after yesterday so she is not my favorite right now. Then again, that is why she looks the way she does and gets paid big bucks to have all the exercise videos she has. The great thing is, is that once I have the routine down I can turn her annoying peppy voice off and do it all to just the music. The good thing is I am already down 2 lbs and resisted the evil delicious cake that was at our leader meeting last night and today, as Jess says, "the best banana bread she has ever made." But I digress, We then home school starting around 8:30 - 12:00, eat lunch,and I then have my office hours from 12-4. It is then time to start dinner, eat dinner, play with kids, get them ready for bed, clean up after cleaning all day and either go to a show or make some calls to get shows, then kiss hubby goodnight, and sit down and have me time reading or watching TV. This is why this schedule is only MON -THU. I take Fridays off and do nothing but read and keep my house from looking like tornado alley. If I did not take Fridays off I would get burnt out since I work 7 days a week, 24 hours a day (I am on call while I am sleeping in case a child gets sick or has a bad dream) I rarely get days off and lets face it people a family "vacation" while enjoyable is still "work" for me. Yet, I love it and would never change a thing that I do for any amount of money in the world.



I also, have the incredible job of raising a "strong willed" child. Thank goodness I only have one. Oh my Abby, how I love her sweet loving self and the way she makes me laugh even when I am trying to discipline her sometimes. But let me tell you, she has a very "determined, don't tell me I can't, do what I want when I want spirit" This can be a battle especially when it comes to homeschooling. We are both adjusting and I am having to be very firm with the rules of what gets done when and that me"helping" her in her work does not mean "do it for her" Let me just basically say the child has no toys or dolls to sleep with for 5 months. Yes, literally for 5 months. Neither one of us was backing down. She felt it was o.k. to argue, roll her eyes, stomp her feet, smack the table, and basically doing what she could for me to give in to her not wanting to do her word search, of which she kept saying "I can't find the words" This went on for 20 minutes until she realized "She is serious, so I guess I better just do it" and about 5-10 minutes later she did it all by herself. I know that God is going to use her for his kingdom best suited for her. She already witnesses to others about God and church. These battles that we have are only temporary and worth it to see her become the woman God wants her to be.

As for the book I am reading, I am so determined to finish it this week. It has been a long,slow read. I will post more on that later.

determination

so to say the least I have been eating whatever I want (I need to remember I am not 15 anymore) and not really caring about being healthy, which then leads to me wondering why I am so tired all the time. It is not a problem for me to nap in the afternoon and sleep 12 hours. there are so many factors that contribute.

1. I am a night owl. I will stay up until 12:00-1:00 with no problem and then attempt to get up at 7:00. This is just too late and I need to make sure I go to bed by 10:30. I will be starting that tonight. Plus, it will cut out the late night ice cream eating fests.
   I have been skipping meals. This is not a conscious effort. It is a bad a..habit I just got into by doing housework instead and the next thing I know it is 3:00 in the afternoon and I eat the rest of the day and night. not a good combination. I am determined to eat things "God made" either out of the ground or chicken and fish. I will mostly be vegetarian (I am not joining Peta and going to start wearing long skirts beating a tambourine. There is also not a shortage on chickens or fish) I am going to be reading the "blood type diet" and red meat is a big "no no" for my blood type. (which is difficult because being Irish I am a meat and potatoes girl) I am mostly going to be vegetarian for health reasons and I am tired of feeling like a slug. SO needless to say I am going to be very cranky, agitated, and not fun to live with for a week or so. Sugar is as addictive as any drug and when you get off of it, it is not pretty. Pray for strength..I am very very weak when it comes to this. (Pray for my husband to not want to move in with Orlando our roommate outback in the apartment for the next two weeks while I have horns and a pitchfork acting like I am from the abyss and thinking that he should go through what I go through he he he)
   I am overweight. according to the new government guidelines (which if you know me know how I feel about that) I am borderline obese. please people stop saying "no you are not"
2. I am not blind and I am a size 16. The next size of clothing is "plus size". For those of you that know my kids. I am actually shaped like my oldest daughter. (I should show you pictures when I was kid..scary how much she looks like me) Actually I was much tinier than her. I scared my parents and my mom thought I was anorexic at 7. Actually, I wasn't I just was not hungry seriously, I ate when I was hungry. (Friends were way more important than food) I really should go back to that. Although I don't want to look like when I was 7. People thought I needed to be on a postcard for "FEED THE HUNGRY" I have just hid it well. Now before you start commenting: I REALIZE THAT I HAVE HAD THREE CHILDREN AND WILL NOT EVER GET TO LOOK LIKE I DID BEFORE I HAD THEM However, I know what my "natural" shape is and I have let "stress" and "depression" affect the way I look. Food has become my comfort and I don't want to do that anymore. I will not be obsessed with getting down to pre -baby weight (which by the way was still 20 pounds overweight) but I am setting little goals at a time. my first goal is to lose 10% of my body weight which right now 18.5 pounds (and now the whole world knows what I weigh) I also believe that 10 %is in my chest area and I am very happy to lose it there..."BIG BOOBIES ARE NOT ALL THEY ARE CRACKED UP TO BE SO DON"T BELIEVE THE HYPE" (I hate you if you can wear a shirt without a bra or the shirts that have the bra in them)
   
3. The most important thing is God wants me to be healthy. I am supposed to live for him and my body is his temple. (Last time I checked, his temple was not made from ice cream, cookies and candy bars) I believe I am quenching His spirit when I don't take care of myself. That is really why I want to be healthier. All will fall into place when I focus on Him.

sending out some love

So I just have to say that I have the best sister n law in the entire world. She is more of a real sister to me. She will take my kids anytime and even offers to have them all the spend the night sometimes. As A matter of fact tonight is one of those nights!! Woo HOO! I get a big date night with my husband!!! We are going to a wedding. I don't have to rush to get home or pick them up. She and her husband will rearrange plans just to help us out anytime I ask. She has also been there for me through some rough times and has always had great words of wisdom. There I have said it. Now the whole world knows how wonderful Barb is (as if those who don't read this don't already know that!) I love her I love her! I love her. You are beautiful inside and out!! Don't ever forget it!!! XOXOXOXOXO

So, I am sitting here at my desk after going on a show observation. (For those that don't speak "Partylite" it is where I as a consultant go and observe anothere consultant's show to get some extra training and fresh ideas) I decided to blog before I start to get lots of comments on my profile update. I got some tragic news today about a friend of mine whose eight year old daughter died today in a tragic 4 wheeler accident. Being that I have an eight year old, my heart just aches and aches for her and can not even imagine what she is going through. I just begin to think to myself how would I handle this if it were me? She seems so strong to me. It happened this morning and she just held her for hours and finally had the strength to leave and let what needed to be done get done. I believe I would need to be sedated and be pryed from my daughter's body. I do know that my daughter would be in a much better place and be having the best time ever in heaven and it would be just her body. I would just be feeling and thinking with every fibre in my being: "This is the last time I get to hold her. This is the last time I get to smell her. This is the last time I get to cuddle her. This is the last time I get to rock her. This is the last time I get to kiss her sweet , beauiful face. This is the last time I get stroke her hair." However, this is because I am thinking on this earthly, human level. If I actually really truly think about it...."I get to spend eternity being held in Jesus' arms with her, I will get to spend forever taking in the sweet aroma of Jesus with her, I get to spend forever dancing in the streets of heaven with her, I get to spend eternity forever with her sweet, beautiful face. When I think on that level, I have so much hope in knowing that any pain I suffer here, no matter how much I think it will be unbearable, He will get me through it to the other side where there is no pain.

Mercy Me Lyrics

P.S. I love you

I loved this book. I am a hopeless romantic and love, love, love romance novels. I mean, real romance, not trashy- explain every detail -pornographic-harlequin- types. If I wanted that, I would get a subscription to the Playboy channel (which if you know me, you know that I don't.) This was just a fun book to read. There is not any real deep, thought provoking, controversies for me to talk about. It is your typical "chic book" However, the ending was surprising and not what I expected. I can usually predict how these kind of books will end and I was pleasantly surprised. If you are looking for a fun book to read and like romance, this is a good one. I may or may not watch the movie.

I am back from my PartyLite conference. I am on a mission to re-vamp and re-build my business to where it was a while ago. It was the best decision I made. I am now more organized with my time with my office hours and homeschooling. I am pretty much unavailable Mon-Thu all day but Fridays are my free days and I need it or I would lose the little bit of sanity I still have. There is no rule that says children have to be in school 5 days a week and with homeschooling I have the freedom to take every Friday off. I also get the joy of sleeping at the time most parents are getting their children up and ready for school. I can truly say I do not miss the battle of pulling three children out of bed at a time that is not natural for them to get up. This family is not a family of morning people and we would all sleep until past 8:00 most days. (I paid my dues with breast feeding three children at all hours of the night and I am enjoying this time of not having to get up thank you very much) I do not miss the threats of "IF you do not get up now, I am going to..." or having to run out the door, in my jammies, hair all disheveled, throwing cheerios into a sandwich bag for breakfast because my alarm did not go off at the horrible hour of 6:30 a.m. I also save money on hot lunches and groceries because I don't have to pack a lunch for them. I also enjoy not having to spend the hundreds of dollars on school supplies for my child, but alas, they are for the whole class to use. (I home school for about a 100.00 the entire year for all three children) I also don't have to drive to pickup my children from the bus stop in the middle of the afternoon. In August, we will start around 8:30 and be done by 12:00. I just want you to think of me (while you are doing all the things I used to)in my bed and slowly getting up at 7:00, taking my time to get coffee and read my bible (he he he) In case you are wondering, my children are very well socialized and not sheltered little robots. They have lots of friends that are not home schooled and will be doing various activities in the fall(provided the funds are available) Most likely Janessa will do soccer, Abby will do gymnastics, and Hannah, well, she is five and changes her mind every other day of what she wants to do.

I do not want to say that homeschooling is for everybody and I don't feel that everybody should or can do it. I was one of those who said,"I could never do that" I believe that a lot of people could, but fear of the unknown stops them. That was my fear. I had no idea where to start. But, with help from friends and the Internet we had a pretty good first year. It is a commitment and sometimes a struggle with the battle of the wills but I enjoy every minute of it.

I am currently reading All the King's Men. I will blog on that when I am finished. It is a tough read. It goes a little slow for my taste.