C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S

C- Cookies, Candy, Cocoa, all the things I am afraid of eating too much of!

H- Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas? I celebrate Christmas & say Merry Christmas.

R- Relatives, lots and lots of relatives... Whether they come to visit or you go to see them... Could be good or could be...? For me it is a treat!

I- Itchy dry skin always hits me near Christmas. Tragic!

S- Songs. I love Christmas songs, but please not 24 hours a day from Thanksgiving Day! I especially love the children singing.

T- Tree, goes up the Saturday after Thanksgiving and comes down New Year's Day.

M- Money gets spent so easily this time of the year! In one hand and out the other. I am so glad for an "Allocated Spending Plan"!

A- Aromas. The smells of Christmas are amazing. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cider, pine, and my newest favorite, Snowberry from Scentsy, yum!

S- Savior. God came as a baby, to save me from my wretchedness. I love Christmas because even in the midst of all the C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A, there is an "S", a baby who grew to be a man, perfect without sin, God in the flesh who came to redeem, even me!

I hope you all had a Christmas that was memorable and meaningful, especially in regards to the joy and hope given to all of us in the person of Jesus Christ!

(My computer is being upgraded and I am using Scott's laptop, so no pics at this time, sorry!)

Black Friday

4:45 a.m., great sales, some money, and a few of my favorite women (my mom, sis, and 2 sis in laws). Need I say more?

The Loot - believe me the kids wish they knew what was in the bags!

Thanksgiving and a Birthday

We celebrated Thanksgiving with friends and family at our church's fellowship hall due to the size of our group. It was a very nice time together. We even celebrated Ethan's (my nephew) 2nd birthday! Here are some pics of our time together.

Yummy turkey! Scott carved it up for us all to enjoy.
Cutie pie, Jenna, really wanting some dessert.

Some of us enjoying our dinner.

Birthday boy in his turkey hat (Manda made it for him).

Looking at the sisters it is hard to believe that Manda was sick with the stomach flu about 6 hours later. Then her dad got it too before going to bed. Thankfully they were the last in our home to come down with it! Scott brags that he actually lost weight on Thanksgiving this year.

Stopped in Traffic for WAY TOO Long on an 8 Hour Drive!

BEWARE THIS MAY FRIGHTEN YOU! IT FRIGHTENS ME THAT I WOULD EVEN POST SOMETHING SO... well... UGLY!

Stress release at its ugliest.
Nathan (my bro-in-law) trying to freak us out!

My baby sister, Kerstin. Don't ask... must be a California thing;)

All I can say is, on our way to the funeral, we were stopped for an hour and a half about 45 minutes north of Reno, aghhhh!!! We were going stir crazy... Adults... No kids... Wait I guess we were the kids... After we started moving again we learned that a semi-truck had completely incinerated on the side of the freeway. It appeared from what we could tell that the driver had not been hurt... I hope that was really the case.

Quizzing Stars!

My oldest two girls are involved in Bible Quizzing. They are such smart kids. They work hard, studying each week, memorizing verses and learning about the book of Exodus. Each girl was rewarded well for their efforts at the years first Quiz Meet in November. Hannah was on the 2nd place team, won a gold medal for missing only one question and had perfect memory for her verses! Manda was on the 1st place team, had a perfect score and also had perfect memory. I love watching them learn God's word in such a terrific way!

Costume Fun! (a very belated post!)

We did our Halloween and Harvest Party fun with the Potter kids and the cousins. From left to right, Brendon, Katelyn, Paige "Nastia", Manda (biker girl), Hannah (50's lady), Jenna "Shawn Johnson" and in the front, Ethan "Elmo". Don't they look GREAT!
Uncle Scott I don't want a picture taken, I want my cupcake!

My 3 Ladies! Too cute!

Sometimes you just need more...

Have you ever woke up to the buzz of your alarm clock, pushed snooze and had the distinct sense that today, more than most days, you would need to feel the closeness of your Savior. I had such a day. I woke this morning with just that feeling. I laid in bed and talked with Jesus. I praise God that the Holy Spirit had prompted me to take some extra moments with him. The day seemed average enough. Jenna who had gotten the stomach flu the day before awoke feeling well and she continued feel good for the rest of the day, thankfully. Then the phone rang about 8:45 a.m. I was late getting school started and was reluctant to answer, but it was my mom. You always answer the phone when it is mom. However, the voice I heard was hardly recognizable. My mother was sobbing. I managed to make out that it was her and that my grandmother, her mother, had died suddenly in the night. Whew. That was tough to hear. We had thought Grandma was doing well. Instead, she is now doing amazingly well, dancing with Jesus. Her health had been challenging in the last several years due to aging. No chronic illnesses, just aging. She was on pain medication for leg pain, but that was all. She was not very mobile and needed assistance to manage her walker. During the last week of her life she was doing so well her pain medications had been reduced, she got a perm, went to church (which she had not attended in over a year) and had lunch with her sister-in-law. Praise God. I had seen her this summer and she told me then that it was our last visit. My mom had seen her a month ago, Grandma told my dad that she knew it was her last visit with my mom. God's timing is good.

The challenge of the day was the waves of grief, holding your mother as she sobs, crying that she was not ready for her mother to die and realizing the raw emotions that death can bring. I needed that extra time with Jesus. He carried me today. Thank you Jesus.

I will be leaving Thursday for the funeral with my sister and her husband. Please pray for all that comes with my grandma's death.

I am so glad that my Grandma always prayed for me. She always shared Jesus with me. I knew that she loved Jesus. Grandma was wonderful, loving and a blessing. I now have no living grandparents. She was always the closest to me. I am sad for me, my sister and my mom. I rejoice for Grandma to be free of the pains of this life and to now be in eternity. God is good. All the time!

Little Miss Wiggly Tooth Girl

It finally happened. Coming home on Friday evening, Jenna commented her tooth was bothering her. As all mothers do, I thought, "ughhh, please not a cavity!" She then felt around her tooth and announced with glee, "I have a loose tooth!". Well, I was skeptical, having heard this announcement many times before. So, I told her that she would have to wait till we were home and I would check. Of course, she was ready before I had even put my keys and purse away. She waited, mouth in checking position with her lower teeth jutted out. I touched and yes, actually wiggled her little loose tooth. Granted it is at least a month or two from coming out, but it did move, even wiggled. I told her this good news and watched her skip off (remember Jenna does not walk anywhere) and tell her sisters the GREAT news! They were excited and everyone had to have their turn watching and yes, even wiggling the tooth. After all, we have been waiting for this day to come as both her big sisters got wiggly teeth at four and lost teeth early in their fifth years. Jenna is getting close to six. The ladies set about getting ready for bed. Their dad was not home when they tucked in for the night. When he eventually came home about forty-five minutes later, out pops Jenna from her room to show her Dad what great thing has happened. She was proud as ever when he confirmed the diagnosis. She ran (not walked) back to bed. Then a few minutes later she found an excuse to get up from her bed (you know that ritual "drink of water"). As she strutted (can't just walk) through the family room, she commented, "Dad, you know, it's okay if you call me "Little Miss Wiggly Tooth Girl"

Do you think she might be excited?

(Photo compliments of big sis, Manda)

This is new for me...

Ok. Well, in a nutshell I am stepping out in a new way, attempting a form of accountability as well as documenting the struggle I have had in my health. I know I am not alone in this. I have struggled throughout my life with the agony of weight. I have been overweight, obese, and morbidly obese. I have gone through phases of being obese, losing it, gaining it back more than double, losing most of it and then beginning the gradual climb back to what I consider to be "Never Again Land". I know this is a journey for me, not a "whew, I made it" deal. I have found this to be as much a behavioral issue as a spiritual one. I don't want to hide the realness of "it" for me. I believe whether our struggle is food, money, gossip, lust or whatever ill it may be, we can share our journey, encourage one another, gain accountability and change. That is what I intend to do. I am starting an invite only blog. I want to invite those who have shared this struggle or any other habit, hang-up or hurt that has led them to a path of destruction, whether large or small. If you want to be a reader, commenter, or follower of this new blog, please let me know and I will extend you an invitation. Even if I have no one join me, I will be doing this to document for myself the process and progression of deepen my relationship with Jesus and understanding how to have victory over destructive habits.

You can tell me in your comments or email me that you would like to join.

Collections

Collections. I really don't have a collection (unless you count dust bunnies and cobwebs that miss my eyes). Oh, I also, occasionally and unwillingly, collect dirty laundry. Sometimes too, I collect piles of folded clean clothes that need to be put away (albeit that rarely lasts for more than a day). Then there is also the collections of piles and piles of papers that seem to accumulate on my desk throughout the week. Papers from the kids school lessons, papers from work, papers for the home, etc.
But the collection I was beginning to write about were the collections of items left behind in the home by the rest of the family. Let's start with cups. Cups. and more cups. On nightstands. On end tables. On the desk. On the kitchen table. Sometimes on the counter. Nearly all contained water at one time or another. Now, they stand, posed and empty. They are collected by me or Scott and carried to the sink. Loaded in the dishwasher. Put away. Only to return to there poses a day or two later. Can I tell you a SHOCKER related to cups? Unbeknown to Scott and I, Amanda had successfully collected 17, yes SEVENTEEN, cups in her room! 17! How in the world!!! I had been throwing away some of our plastic "kid" cups and had thought that was why we didn't seem to have any left. Um. No. They were in her room! Unbelievable!
I also seem to collect with frequency hair barrettes, pony tail holders and clips for the girls hair. If I sweep, there are some on the floor. If I vacuum, there they are again. What is funny is that the girls don't wear them much. So how do they make their way to the floor? That is easy. Barbies. Barbie is always in need of a new do that gets left behind more often than not. So when I am done sweeping and vacuuming, I have a pocketful of hair do dads that need to find their way back to their home in the bathroom.
Somehow, I also collect pennies. How do pennies make their way consistently to the bottom of the washing machine? Is it me? or Scott? or the kids? I have yet to figure this one out but none the less, there they are in the washer.
So, what collections do you have? Am I alone in this world with my collections?

Frozen Fun

Winter temperatures came the day we planned to be outside. We headed to the pumpkin patch wearing our winter coats and gloves. We met our home school group there (yes, we weren't the only crazy souls there). It was cold. Really cold. But we still had fun.

Let's talk birthdays

Hannah is now 8. Wow. The days go fast. I love that child. A lot. She is sensitive, caring, kind, quiet, introverted, strong willed, hard working and a complete joy. My little Miss Boo is not so little anymore. Hannah loves books. A lot. She is an avid reader. She enjoys imaginative play. I will often see her in her own world, taking on a character (like a mom or princess) and playing it without any reservation, completely absorbed. She is completely what she is imagining. Now, often this is something her older sister finds quite embarrassing. "Mom, make her stop." she will say as Hannah plays the "Mom Game" as they call it in the store. We have had to set up guide lines as to when this sort of play is appropriate. I look at her though, and hope that her free spirit, not controlled by the opinions of others will continue throughout her life. She is her own person. From her style of dress to the way she faces situations with either determination or tears. I love Hannah. I pray for her heart to be always connected to Jesus. She loves him already. I pray it is always that way.

Now that I have paid tribute to my precious child, I want to talk birthdays. Now Hannah had for herself this year several celebrations of her birthday. Let's chronicle her birthday. It all began 12 months ago. The day after her last birthday. She began earnest discussion about what her next birthday would be. How she would party. Who she would invite. Where the festivities would be. And so on. Then the year continued on with ongoing reminders to me that her birthday was coming. That she wanted a party. That she wanted so and so to come. Etc. Well, as a mom, I don't know about you but I listen enough to take note of her interests so I can understand what she really enjoys, but I pretty much tune out the rest. I mean at this point the party would be about 10 months away!

So, the summer comes. I begin thinking about the party situation a little bit more as the time is getting closer. Then comes the real decision time. Do we or don't we party. Well, in our home we have started having friend parties about every other year. Other than that we have a family get together every year for each child (and adult for that matter).

Now, here is what I am wondering about. Yes, I decide on a party for her. Then we have Grandma and Grandpa who want to take her out to eat with the immediate family (presents, singing, like a party). Then Scott and I plan a special immediate family pancake breakfast party for Hannah on her birthday morning. Then we have our family get together at our house with all our extended family present (with presents of course) on the weekend after her birthday. And lastly we have the kid party (this was a couple weeks after her birthday as we did a combo party with her friend who also turned 8 in September). Whew. Her birthday is in the mid part of the month. It seemed her birthday lived for a long time as we got through all these parties. Now, can I ask? How many parties does a child need? What am I creating here by having so much attention given to a child for a birthday? Now, don't get me wrong. I love honoring her. Birthdays are about my favorite. I just wonder, is it too much? What do you think? I would love a conversation about birthdays. How much is too much? Can a child survive without so much? What do you think?

As you consider your opinions and comments about this, please enjoy a pictorial chronicle of Hannah's birthday celebrations:

Dinner at TGIF with Grandma and Grandpa

The family party. Hannah received a new Webkinz dolphin. Ethan (my wonderful nephew) loves Hannah's new boots.

Our family pancake breakfast party. Daddy took the early part of his work day off to be home with his birthday girl.

Tea party fun!

I finally heard!

Well, I finally heard after harassing the medical professionals. I was told that the last radiologist had delayed in faxing a report to my surgeon's office. WHATEVER!!! (oops, did I say that out loud?)

So, this is what the news is:

The MRI, mammogram, ultrasound has shown I have "3 lesions" that are a "category 3". Yeah, I don't know exactly what that means either. However, all the radiologists (three of them) who have reviewed the exams believe these are benign. I am glad about that, for sure! So, I will have another physical exam at the end of October to check for any changes. I will repeat my radiological tests in February to see if there are any changes. Whew, I am glad to have heard something.

Thank you for praying for me. It has been a blessing. I am nothing without Jesus.

Glow in the dark, large animals, funny glasses and the family was together...

On Labor Day we wanted to have some fun together. We decided to do something we had not either done in a while or had never done together. I suggested bowling. That would be fun. The kids thought it was good. I suggested Boondocks, we hadn't been in a while. Then I remembered another miniature golf place. This one was different. I had toured it a few months back and thought it was pretty neat. A little pricey, but was novel in its effects. So after some convincing the family decided it was a go.

We headed to a neighboring town, had some pizza at our favorite pizza joint (Pizza Hut). Then headed to "Shankz". This place is, well, let me explain. You walk in and are lit up by the black lights. You pay your fee and get your club, ball, optional 3-D glasses (yes, I said 3-D), score card and token pencil, and a tour from the high schooler running the counter. As you enter the course you are greeted by fabulous murals on the walls, life size animal statues and 3-D everywhere, even the carpet! The walls come alive. The course is fun. We had no hole in ones, but came close several times. The kids were entertained beyond the game with the art that created such a fun environment. There were other families there but the place did not feel crowded or rushed. We had a great time. Jenna worked hard and definitely improved her game. Amanda and Hannah showed they can do nearly as well as their mom (ok, that is not saying much!). As usual, Dad came in first, me second, and this kids placed in age order. Yes, we keep score. What is the point in playing if you can't try to get the bragging rights, come on! One of these days, the kids will beat us, until then, we love to win!

Manda is nearly glowing!

The flash on the camera shows up the details of the murals and statues.

Mom, can we get a new pet? He's house trained. Whatever!

Jenna made several attempts on this hole. Dad had to help get it up the hill.

Our goal was accomplished this day. We were together. We laughed, a lot. We played, a lot. We talked, a lot. I love my family. They are precious. I am blessed to share my life with an amazing set of people. A husband that is, well, amazing and children that I love to be with a lot.

Definition of patience

That is my life. The definition of patience. Waiting for something. Hate it. Want it now. Not here yet.

What I am specifically talking about are the results. I was told 48 hours. Now I am on to about 264 hours. Try that on for size. I am thinking about it as a jury in deliberations. The longer you wait, the more chance of a verdict in your favor.

I do know that the MRI results are currently being reviewed by the head radiologists at my local hospital. Another radiologist has already looked at them. What I figure is that they are not finding anything specific on it but because everyone is fearful of a malpractice lawsuit they want to make sure there is truly NOTHING to be concerned about.

So... I practice the definition of patience. I am waiting. I must tell you though, I am not experiencing duress as I wait. I hope nothing is wrong. I am not borrowing a day of worry over it though. Until I am told otherwise, I am going each day on the path I am already on. God is good. All the time.

Thanks for caring and wondering. Sorry for the long pause in posts. The last week has been an extremely busy blur. I will post about that later.

What every woman needs...

Every woman needs to have some alone time.
Every woman needs to have some relaxation.
Every woman needs to have nothing to do but rest (once in a while, that is).
Every woman needs a time or two when they are well cared for by others.
Ahh, I had all of that today. You may be surprised to know that all of this happened for me in a tube. Yes, a tube. I had an MRI today of my breasts to look closely at what is happening. I had taken a sedative. I was quite relaxed. My husband graciously cancelled a meeting to drive me there. I was prepared for the MRI by a great team of technicians. The IV for the contrast dye was nearly painless. They took the time to insure I was most comfortable, lying on my tummy with my "girls" (I am not talking about my children!) hanging down with the help of gravity for the imaging process. Sorry for the visual! My head rested on a great pillow. I even smudged my lip gloss on it and I didn't have to clean it up, someone else gets to. I was told to relax and not to move. Well, that was not too hard. I was very, very relaxed. It was a bit noisy, but that was reduced with the help of ear plugs. All I had to do was rest. Ahh, nice rest.

So today, I got to do what I rarely get to do, relax without feeling a need to do something else. It was actually kinda nice. Oh, and when it was done, I came home and my parents who watched the kids took us to Wendy's for lunch (they were concerned about me on the sedative with the kids). After we where done with lunch my dad announced I was 99% myself and they even let me drive home.

Results will be a few days away. I will keep you posted.

School Days, School Day, Good Old Fashioned School Days

Remember that poem? Well, we are in the midst of those days. Reading and writing and arithmetic (and history, art, Latin, and Bible).

Being the daughter of a 34 year teaching veteran, I know how a teacher loves to tell you about her class. Let me tell you about mine:

Student A: She is the most experienced student in the class. Student A is smart, real smart. She can work well independently in most subject areas. Once in a while, however she finds herself at an impasse. During this time, she will sit. and stare. as though she has beams in her eyes that will somehow over power the problem before here and cause the work to finish itself for her.

Student H: This child has been above grade level since the start of school. As many experienced teachers will tell you, many of the above grade starters often level off at about second grade. I still would not say that is true of this student. She has slowed down her speed of learning in math but continues to push ahead in reading and writing. She would tell you though that she "hates writing things!". Since she watches Student A, Student H desires a lot of independence in her learning. This can be a challenge for the teacher at times to make sure she has mastered a subject area. But I welcome her independence.

Student J: This is her first formal year at school. She has schooled since infancy at one time or another by the default of proximity. Now, she is at the desk learning officially. Her enthusiasm is great. It lasts the perfect amount of time to complete her subjects. Then recess can't get here soon enough. She is learning to read and doing quite well. Her penmanship is perfectly kindergarten. Student J has great reading comprehension. What a joy it is to teach this age.

Student E: He is the least experienced student of all. He is only in class two days per week. This young student does not have a desk. I think he is jealous. He goes to the other students' desks and attempts to claim their property as his own. Fortunately for him, the other students find him quite handsome (they are always calling him cute) and seem to understand his limitations (age) and don't bat an eye at taking something away or moving it out of his reach. Student E usually ends up on the floor playing with manipulatives (toys). He loves recess time the best. That is when the other students join him in his class.

This is my class. They are the best class ever! I love each of the children and count it a privilege to be their teacher and mother (except Student E, I am his auntie!)

So Confused????

Well, today was the day. The day of the biopsy. I prepped (no food/water, shaved legs, painted toe nails "I'm so vain", wore no makeup, purchased jell-o and broth for clear liquids as instructed for after the operation, etc.). Oh, I left out the continual repetition of thoughts regarding the procedure, the wait, the pain, the wondering about what the results may be, whether good or bad. So after the wait and the process of it all I got to the hospital this morning ready for what lay ahead, or so I thought.

The nurse began to prep me for the localization and gave me my IV. After that we waited. And waited. And waited. Then an hour after the procedures were to have begun a doctor (radiologist) came to visit me. This is where I got confused. Real confused.

He began to tell me that he did not agree with the first radiologists approach for localization and biopsy. He suggested the biopsy be a needle biopsy of the cyst. What cyst I ask? I had not been told about a cyst. Only that I have dense tissue that needed to be biopsied to figure out why I have the symptoms I do. Then he suggested I could, instead of doing the needle biopsy, do an MRI. What??? He kept discussing my symptoms, telling me this and that and I was confused, my husband was getting frustrated. I didn't know what to do, so I talked to the surgeon. Remind me never to do that. That only got it more confusing. Surgeon's talk a strange type of English. So, we left the hospital, frustrated and mad (Scott) and completely confused and frustrated (me).

I determined to be my own advocate. I called my personal doctor. She has always communicated well with me and talks using the same English I do. So we talked today and she is on the hunt to determine what is really happening with whole mess. So, now, I wait. Still confused. But somewhat hopeful that I may learn, at some point, what is happening here.

Thank you for praying with me. God hears our prayers. I was spared today from a possibly unnecessary operation. I am relieved. However, I would like prayer for resolution of this matter and for the doctors as they decide what to do next. I do trust that God can remove all symptoms through his amazing intervention.

As you pray please also pray for a wonderful friend who reads my blog and was being proactive in her breast health, doing a self check. She found a lump. She went to the doctor and has a biopsy scheduled. Remember ladies, check yours. It should not be ignored.

Step by step

*I am writing this post to encourage you to be vigilant with your breast health. I also write it because I believe in prayer. I am asking you to join me in prayer regarding my "steps".

Step 1: Notice something strange. Is that normal? Really, that can't be okay.
Step 2: Get on the Internet, check http://www.webmd.com/. Nope, not really normal.
Step 3: Think about it every time you change, shower, etc. Think that you are crazy.
Step 4: Show husband, "What do you think?" His response, "Better ask the doctor."
Step 5: Check http://www.webmd.com/ again, yep, it said it was not normal. Ughhhh...
Step 6: Finally call doctor's nurse. Yep, doctor will need to examine it. Set appointment.
Step 7: Wait a week and a half.
Step 8: Go to doctor. Get exam. Yep, doctor doesn't like it. Set up three tests.
Step 9: Go to mammogram and get breasts squished and squashed. Radiologists reviews, wants more pictures. More squishing and squashing.
Step 10: Go to ultra sound. Find that your neighbor (female) is your ultra sound technician, too weird but okay.
Step 11: Told they aren't finding anything specific to explain my breast situation.
Step 12: Next day, meet with a surgeon. Review findings: tissues to dense to tell what is happening, need to remove tissue to get a closer look. That means biopsy.
Step 13: Schedule surgery (9/2/08).
Step 14: Pre-op appointment.
Step 15: Hear in detail about surgery. Ugh. Not excited at all! I can expect pain. They will insert wire with guidance of another mammogram and the radiologist, then I will go to surgery where the wire will mark the spot for the surgeon to remove.
Step 16: Set up child care, tell family/friends.
Step 17: Wait. Pray. Go on with the day to days. Biopsy results will be in about 5 days after surgery.

I appreciate your prayers. I dread the pain (after all I am a wimp). I really want to know what is going on and feel this is not an area of health to put of till later. Ladies, remember to pay attention to your breasts and any changes, no matter your age.

I will let you know how it turns out.

Kids Say the Funniest Things...

Manda, age 10 (with her sisters yakking in her ears)

Manda: "Mom, why do teenagers have cell phones?"

Mom: "Because they are apart from their parents a lot. Also, they like to talk with friends."

Manda: "When I am a teenager, I won't have a phone."

Mom: "Well, we may want you to have one. It depends on the situation and the budget."

Manda: "When I am a teenager, I won't talk with friends, only you and Dad."

Mom: "You will probably want to talk with friends, honey."

Manda (after a moment): "I will ask you first before I call a friend. Isn't that a good idea?"

Mom (chuckling, wanting to record this for the years to come): "Sure, hon, that would be a good idea."

Jenna, age 5

Next conversation:


Jenna: "I want five kids."

Manda: "Not me I want only two, boy and girl."

Hannah: "I will have three, okay mom?"

Mom: "Sounds good to me. Then I will have 10 grandkids! I like this plan."

Jenna: "I will name my first kid Zachmess."

Mom: "Zach what?"

Jenna (with emphasis on the last syllable): "Zach-MESS"

Mom: "Oh, that is a new name."

Jenna: "That is so that when he is bad and makes a mess I can call him "ZACHMESS!!!"

Mom: "Hahahahahahahaha!!!"

Jenna (energized by my laughter): "The next one is a girl. Her name will be "Kayla Messy Girl"

Mom: "Oh, so why that name."

Jenna: "In case she is bad."

Mom: "Do you know the other names?"

Jenna: "Ummm, the next one is a boy, "Tom-mess".

Mom: "Hahahaha! You are silly, Jenn."

Jenna: "The last one will be Bessy. You know, remember my lost book? Then I can call her "Messy Bessy" when she is bad!"

Mom: "Hahahahahahaha! You are a silly kid Jenn, I love you!"

Ponderings...

Really, I have not fallen off the face of the earth.

I am hooked on the Olympics, like the rest of America. (Can a nation fall due to a lack of sleep?)

I am preparing for school starting on Monday.

I hope I can be a good teacher this year. (All 3 are in school now. I will not answer the phone much and I will be saying "no" to things a lot!)

I am more thankful than I can express that the charter school we are hoping to send our children to has had its charter approved (today!).

I miss my honey.

I am glad all the slots filled for nursery this Sunday (for now).

I am thankful for a secret sis who spoils me. (Whoever you are, you are good!)

I am thankful for people who give generously to God's work.

I am thankful the NNU retreat went well.

I am thankful that my doctor's appointment today was at 1:45 p.m and I was out by 2:10 p.m. (granted I have two more appointments next week! Maybe those can be as quick! Oh wait, that was a once in a lifetime thing.)

I am thankful that Amy watched my kiddos all day while I was at a meeting and doctor.

I am grateful for friends and family.

I am tired and thankful for my comfy bed.

I love crushed ice.

I am sad our old van we were trying to sell was vandalized. (Three of the side windows were busted completely out).

I am glad I can blog.

I love being a mom.

I love watching a fun movie with my kids and eating a bowl of ice cream with them. (We watched Nim's Island tonight.)

I love how the kids want me to tuck them in and pray with them.

I am thankful for prayer.

I like the cooler weather.

I am glad my Internet is working again (it took a couple day break for whatever reason).

I am glad you read my ponderings.

Since you read this, please say a prayer for me today. I have a need/request and would appreciate your prayers.

The Return

What I have been without this last week.

Without:
3 extra bodies to clean up after
About 100 decibels of noise
4 or 5 blow ups between siblings
About 21 meals to have prepared
5 additional loads of laundry

What has returned home:
3 additional bodies to hug and kiss
100 decibels of noise filled with laughter, play and conversation
0 sibling blow up (at least for this morning)
The return of real meals to prepare
0 loads of laundry (yes, I did say zero, they came home with suit cases of clean clothes. Thank you, Scott!!! Now you know one of the reasons why I call him Mr. Wonderful)
And a daughter that just came to me and said "I am glad I am home."

It was an interesting week without Scott, Amanda and Hannah. They were in Colorado visiting my in laws. I was home alone with only my youngest daughter, Jenna. We had fun. We swam a couple times, saw two movies (Wall-E and American Girl), played horses, lite-brite, read books, had pillow fights and she slept in my bed all week. I loved the precious time with just Jenna. She being the youngest hasn't had mommy to herself. It was wonderful and a gift I will treasure.

Now, my big girls and husband are home. Having the family altogether is beyond wonderful. The noise, commotion, hustle and bustle, and all that is normal is back home. PRICELESS.

A New Favorite Thing

I got it today.
It is one of my most favorite things in life.
I use it everyday, I mean, EVERY day.
Sometimes it seems to be only thing that keeps my head attached.
Other times, I leave it on the shelf, glad to leave it at home for the day.
Sometimes I schedule or attend meetings to discuss it.
Once in awhile, it makes me cry.
Then other times, I look at it and grin from ear to ear.
What item in a persons life can bring such a range of emotion?

My new calendar!
(Yes, I got a new calendar in July, I carry a school year one as that is the year I really operate on.)

Let me tell you about my new little friend. She is blue pleather. She fits nicely in my purse. She is a monthly and daily calendar, with tabs and a pen holder. It has a closure strap. And best of all, I actually found it at Wal-Mart for only $8! I am so happy! If you ever want to meet my new gal pal, she will be in my purse, waiting for the next entry. I would recommend her to anyone.

Happy Scheduling!

ABC's

A. Attached or single? Happily attached
B. Best friend? Scott, my husband and my great sis in laws
C. Cake or pie? For being a cake decorator, I don’t really like cake. As for pies, I like some (ice cream ones), my favorite though is my warm apple crisp, yummm!
D. Day of choice? Nothing particular, just the day of the week when I can be with my husband.
E. Essential items? Bible, computer, Bigelow lip gloss and gum
F. Favorite color(s)? Royal purple
G. Gummy bears or worms? Ughh, neither, they are gross.
H. Hometown? Nampa, Idaho
I. Favorite indulgence? Onion rings (I’ve wanted them lately), ice cream with hot fudge and nuts, and dark chocolate
J. January or July? That is tough. Love the July time with the family. January is nice with the snow but cold!
K. Kids? 3 darling daughters
L. Life isn’t complete without? Jesus.
M. Marriage date? June 6, 1992
N. Number of brothers or sisters? 1 wonderful sister! She is awesome!
O. Oranges or apples? Oranges are about the best food God made (next to peanut butter)
P. Phobias? Heights! My palms sweat and heart races even watching someone doing something that involves heights.
Q. Quotes? "God is good. All the time." "It is all about Jesus." “The cake isn’t done until the kitchen is clean.”
R. Reasons to smile? Jesus, marriage, children, my great job!
S. Season of choice? Fall – the crispness in the air and the change in the light of the sun. Spring – the tulips!, the newness of everything.
T. Tag 5 people: The first 5 to read this…. that means you!!!
U. Unknown fact about me. I love Neil Diamond concerts. – I’ve been to three as an adult and saw him once as a child.
V. Vacation of choice? Our someday (hopefully in the reasonably near future) “WE’RE DEBT FREE” vacation to Disneyland/Disneyworld.
W. Worst habit? Procrastinating and complaining
X. Xray or ultrasound? Ughh, both mean the doctor suspects something is wrong. I will pick xray, because that will probably be easier to treat?????
Y. Your favorite food? Peanut butter
Z. Zodiac sign? Sagittarius but who really cares!

Summer Photo Diary

As summer is winding down, (yes I know it is only the end of July but school is beginning in a couple of weeks for us) I am tempted to think we did not do anything much but be "busy". I looked back at photos and noticed that we had lots of fun in the midst of our "busy" days.

Get-away to a friend's cabin with some lady friends. This is me and Amy (my sis-in-law).

Our day at the zoo. These are the monkeys that weren't in their cages!

My daughter Amanda was baptized. (This is a copy of her testimony, the pictures include other people's children and I don't want to post without permission.)

Genesis Camp with Hannah

VBS -Power Lab

Four generations together. I spent time with my grandma who visited in July. Her visit previous to this was in 2001.

Watch out, Scott enjoys this too much!

However, Jenna really wishes this could stop. The Fourth of July- family fun!

Kid's Camp with Amanda (is that an eye roll? or is she just tired?)

PICTURE IN CAMERA, CAMERA IN COLORADO!

The County Fair - we won ribbons! Amanda received 3rd for a watercolor and 1st for a photo. I received 2nd for a photo.

Things that didn't get pictures taken:

• Swimming with the whole family.
• Bike rides with dad.
• Planting and raising our salsa garden.
• Softball games.
• Aunt Becky's birthday.
• Other family get togethers.

Summer is not over and I know we have many more great things planned for great times together. I am amazed as I look back and notice how many opportunities we were involved in to share Jesus or grow in our faith. I praise God for these opportunities. I desire that everything our family does would somehow have an eternal purpose in directing us and/or others to the cross of Jesus. This can happen even in the mundane or the routine and even at a family BBQ. God is what this life is all about. It is a gift. May I not fall into the trap that this life is about me. May I live a life that pleases my Creator and points others to the cross where Jesus died for our salvation.

Tagged, ughh

This new form of cruel and unusual punishment was unleashed on me by Jackie. She tagged me (and all Bethel Babe Bloggers). I could refuse to participate, but then the Bethel Babes may ask, "What does she have to hide?" So to prove that I can wear my mess as well as the next one, I joined in. Will you?:

"This is a photo tag. You have to take photos of these 10 photos as they are right now. (not cleaned, scrubbed Do not PIMP your house!)" - direct quote from Jackie.

1. The kitchen sink - hmmm, I rinsed them but the dishwasher was full (hate it when I forget to run it at night.)

2. The fridge - I am sure something is growing somewhere in there. I was at camp last week and have not cleaned it out since getting back.

3. Laundry Room - (not a room - just a closet)

4. Kids - Barbies are the game of the week for these ladies. My oldest child was where I couldn't take a picture - getting dressed, you'll see her in a bit.

5. Favorite room - Oh, there's the other kid. She followed me through all the rest of the pictures, wondering what on earth I was doing. I love the living room. We visit there, we relax (occassionally), we play games there and generally hang out there.

4. Favorite Shoes - They just spent a week with me at camp and need a bath.

7. Closet - Small, very small and a tight squeeze.

8. Dream Vacation - Not the ultimate, but I really want to go there soon for a Scott and me vacation.

9. Self portrait - I am not an artist so I opted to let the camera do the work.

10. The toilet - Need I say more.

So, I challenge you to join in the, uhh, fun? No, torture. Well, it's not that bad. It just feels so personal, maybe invasive. Well, you let me know what you think.