A Letter from Jesus

No, I didnt write it, but one of these days I will post a "real" Keri post again...until then, I'll just keep sharing the good stuff I read.
Lots of love -


A Letter from Jesus
Dear Children,
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. Because I love you; I will help you - but the ball is now in your court.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, JESUS

A Different Christmas Poem

I really try to wait until Dec. 1 to do anything Christmas related (except shopping) but well, this can't wait, and at least it is after Thanksgiving! Cindy, my brother's mother in law, shared this with me. I have read it before, but as with everything "military" it all takes on a new meaning this year. And it is my only regret that it took my brother's deployment to feel like I do. I will not again take our freedom, and our soldiers for granted.

Erin and Brandon, the night before he was deployed



The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,

"I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..

Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

PLEASE, Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S.service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30t h Naval Construc tion Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum , Iraq

I Completely Apologize

Jay Leno Commentary On America-Fiction!

Summary of the eRumor:
An article said to be written by comedian and Tonight Show host Jay Leno and reflecting his observation about America and Americans.

The Truth:
This was not written by Jay Leno, but does close with a quote from Leno that someone added and whoever forwarded this left out Craig Smith's name and thought Leno must have penned it.

The commentary was written by Craig R. Smith and published on WorldNetDaily.com at Thanksgiving, 2006.

At the end is the Leno quote, "With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding,
severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and
with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a
good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?" Leno said this on The Tonight Show 2005 after a lawsuit was filed to remove references to God from the Pledge of Allegiance.

An Interesting Forward

See my trend...posting other's writings?
I have just done a lot of reading and things have "struck" me and so, I want to share.
Oh! And - best Sat. ever - my brother called me this morning....man it was good. Have good weekend!

Subject: Jay Leno speaks out!
>>>
>>> Jay Leno wrote this; it's the Jay Leno we don't
>>> often see....

>>> "The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and
>>> came across some poll
>>> data I found rather hard to believe. It must be
>>> true given the source,
>>> right?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of
>>> Americans are unhappy with the
>>> direction the country is headed and 69 percent of
>>> the country is unhappy
>>> with the performance of the president. In essence
>>> 2/3s of the citizenry
>>> just ain't happy and want a change.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started
>>> thinking, ''What we are so
>>> unhappy about?''
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Is it that we have electricity and running water 24
>>> hours a day, 7 days a
>>> week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air
>>> conditioning in the
>>> summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that
>>> 95.4 percent of these
>>> unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to
>>> walk into a grocery
>>> store at any time and see more food in moments than
>>> Darfur has seen in the
>>> last year?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific
>>> Ocean to the Atlantic
>>> Ocean without having to present identification
>>> papers as we move through
>>> each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and
>>> safe motels we would
>>> find along the way that can provide temporary
>>> shelter?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying
>>> cuisine from around the
>>> world is just not good enough. Or could it be that
>>> when we wreck our car,
>>> emergency workers show up and provide services to
>>> help all and even send a
>>> helicopter to take you to the hospital.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans
>>> who own a home. You may
>>> be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case
>>> of a fire, a group of
>>> trained firefighters will appear in moments and use
>>> top notch equipment to
>>> extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family
>>> and your belongings.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat
>>> screen TVs, a burglar or
>>> prowler intrudes , an officer equipped with a gun
>>> and a bullet-proof vest
>>> will come to defend you and your family against
>>> attack or loss. This all in
>>> the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or
>>> militias raping and
>>> pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90
>>> percent of teenagers own
>>> cell phones and computers.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> How about the complete religious, social and
>>> political freedoms we enjoy
>>> that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe
>>> that is what has 67
>>> percent of you folks unhappy.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful,
>>> spoiled brats the world has
>>> ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. ,
>>> yet has a great disdain
>>> for its citizens. They see us for what we are.
>>> The most blessed people in
>>> the world who do nothing but complain about what we
>>> don't have , and what we
>>> hate about the country instead of thanking the good
>>> Lord we live here.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I know, I know. What about the president who took
>>> us into war and has no
>>> plan to get us out? The president who has a measly
>>> 31 percent approval
>>> rating? Is this the same president who guided the
>>> nation in the dark days
>>> after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring
>>> an economy out of
>>> recession? Could this be the same guy who has been
>>> called every name in the
>>> book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled u
>>> ungrateful brats safe from
>>> terrorist attacks?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that
>>> is out there defending
>>> you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on
>>> the news or talk show?
>>> Did this news affect you so much, make you so
>>> unhappy you couldn't take a
>>> look around for yourself and see all the good things
>>> and be glad?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Think about it.....are you upset at the President
>>> because he actually
>>> caused you personal pain OR is it because the
>>> "Media" told you he was
>>> failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every
>>> day.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and
>>> Afghanistan have
>>> volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have
>>> died for your freedom.
>>> There is currently no draft in this country. They
>>> didn't have to go.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> They are able to refuse to go and end up with either
>>> a ''general''
>>> discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or,
>>> worst case scenario, a
>>> ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the
>>> brig.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds
>>> of 69 percent of
>>> Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the
>>> media. If it bleeds it
>>> leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody
>>> will watch a car crash
>>> with blood and guts. How many will watch kids
>>> selling lemonade at the
>>> corner? The media knows this and media outlets are
>>> for-profit corporations.
>>> They offer what sells , and when criticized, try to
>>> defend their actions by
>>> "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask
>>> why they tried to allow a
>>> murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how
>>> he didn't kill his
>>> wife, but if he did he would have done it this
>>> way......Insane!
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by
>>> the media. Shut off the
>>> TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for
>>> the bottom of your bird
>>> cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as
>>> a country. There is
>>> exponentially more good than bad.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> We are among the most blessed people on Earth and
>>> should thank God several
>>> times a day, or at least be thankful and
>>> appreciative."
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> "With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control,
>>> mud slides, flooding,
>>> severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one
>>> end to another, and
>>> with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks,
>>> "Are we sure this is a
>>> good time to take God out of the Pledge of
>>> Allegiance?"
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Jay Leno

The Rat Speaks

An interesting thought from my friend Anthony - see links on the side of my blog "Rat Tales" for more on who "HE" is.

The older we get, the more we truly come to realize the people whom we can identify as our friends. Maturity in our personal interactions teaches us that our lives are too short to waste our time with people that don't make us happy by just spending time together.

Saint Theresa's Prayer

Saint Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilitie s that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

EMAIL CHANGE

Hey! We just changed our home email addresses. If you didn't get the mass email, and you want to stay in touch - send me an email to the cox address you have on file within the next 5 days and I will reply with our new addresses!!!

Thanks!

Am I there yet?

One week ago today, Drake and Christina lost their almost 3yr old son to Krabbe's disease. Today, she woke up singing this song. Don't get me wrong, she is very real, expressing real emotion that she has a long journey ahead of her. But as I have two healthy children and a seemingly peaceful life, I can't say that even now I wake up with this song in my heart. So, it is my prayer, that I will start - that HE will be all, He is ENOUGH in every circumstance.

You Can't Keep Up With Me!

I know, this is just nuts, every day and sometimes twice!
This is quick - just to let you know that God hears our prayers (in case there was a doubt).

I woked up to TWO emails from my brother, one a mass email and one a personal one, and then another email from Erin with a little more detail from the PHONE conversation she was able to have with him!!!

Yeah!!! I am so glad they got to talk. He is tired, but safe and busy. He says he feels like he is at the academy again with the regimine (minus the luxuries) - and I don't think he is far enough removed from the days at the academy to appreciate it, it sounded more like a bad nightmare. I think Jake can relate - in terms of football. He literally HATED everything football until he was about 5 years postgrad. Then he was obsessed - as is his current standind :) Had he been thrown back into two a days/ weights/ study hall etc. a mere 2 1/2 years after leaving I know it would not have been good on his head - so that is probably a prayer request, not that Jake and Brandon's situations are the same, but yet in that sense comparable and I can see where that could be rough.

The good and best news is just to know and to hear that he feels safe in the "air" vs. on the ground. Makes me thankful and prayerful for the soldiers risking their lives on the ground. Our God knows each soldier out there though and His arms are big enough to hold them all.

I hope he continues (with the rest) to get good sleep, nutrition, their alotted 2 beers a day (for sanity) and to feel our support from way over here!

God speed ahead. Happy Veteran's day.

Love Your Guts

I mentioned in one previous post about my friend Connie's cousin, Sarah Beth who is battling cancer. This is not what is most remarkable about her - what is most remarkable about her, and her family is their faith in the ONE and ONLY true HEALER. So, Connie, hope you/they don't mind, I steal this from her blog...this was actually written by Sarah's aunt since Sarah is currently unable to write:

Praying for each other really does matter. and it really does make a difference, whether the circumstance we're praying about changes or not. prayer is conversation with God and draws us near to Him. when we draw near to Him, He promises to do the same for us. so even if the situation doesn't change, it's definitely made more bearable by the fact that He's right there in it with us.



And so, I, Keri, encourage you to pray - for anything, anyone - just draw close, I challenge you, I challenge me. If you can think of nothing else, think of Sarah Beth - her website is www.loveyourguts.com

if you need some inspiration check it out.

Here's praying for you Sarah...and Brandon, wherever you are tonight ( I am thinking of you, and missing you and trusting in our God that you are safe and comforted)....

Tired of Keeping it ALL in

I know - record postings this week. However, I guess I have a lot inside to say and I am not going to let some silly excuses keep me from writing, my greatest escape. Now what follows is not my writing and I didn't even ask for permission to post it. But, I know Erin and I know she won't care, I'll ask permission later. I couldn't have written something like this any better so read on people, read on - received from sister in law today, Nov. 10.

Hello Friends and Family,

This morning I received an e-mail from my mother in law about a song that was refused to be released to the Public. The song is titled "In God We Still Trust" and it is sung by the country group Diamond Rio. You can listen to the words at the link below, or as visual I have copied them for you. :-)
Again, I apologize for the lengthy e-mail, but I would just like to make a personal point. About a month ago I purchased a Venti Non-Fat White Chocolate Mocha Latte (I had to throw that in there!) from a local Starbucks store on my way to work. As many of you know, just because you get up early to add a little extra time to treat yourself to a nice, warm, flavorful cup of coffee doesn't mean you get to enjoy it when you actually get to work and work takes over the satisfaction of a Venti Non-Fat White Chocolate Mocha Latte. SO, I set my coffee on my desk, got busy, the bell rang, the kids came, the kids came, the kids came, and so on. I finally get to snack time, reheat my Friday morning luxury and as I am sitting in the very rare silence of my students eating donuts (don't worry, it was a "special" snack), I proceed to actually read what is on my coffee cup. Now, mind you, until this very moment I have kept my coffee cup sitting on the kitchen counter wondering just what action to take and this e-mail popped into my box this morning which gave me the motivation to actually send a political e-mail for once in my life.
I find it extremely disgusting and a little offensive that radio networks refuse to air the Diamond Rio song because it is, apparently, politically incorrect when on millions of coffee cups nationwide, the following can be printed without question:
My coffee cup read as follows:

"The Way I see It #247"
"Why in moments of crisis do we ask God for strength and help? As cognitive beings, why would we ask something that may well be a figment of our imaginations for guidance? Why not search inside ourselves for the power to overcome? After all, we are strong enough to cause most of the catastrophes we need to endure."
--Bill Scheel Starbucks customer from London, Ontario. He describes himself as a "modern day nobody."

Apparently, Starbucks is running a campaign where people can get on www.starbucks.com/wayiseeit and voice their opinions. Isn't that wonderful? You can actually speak your mind on a coffee cup, have it printed around the WORLD without question just because Starbucks has the following disclaimer printed on the bottom of the cup.
"Please note: The opinions put forth by contributors to “The Way I See It” do not necessarily reflect the views of Starbucks."

I'm sorry, but would it be too much to ask for record companies and radio stations to print a disclaimer that reads, "The following songs we play on the airwaves do not necessarily reflect the views of our listeners, singers, songwriters, and company workers."

That would be tough, wouldn't it? Now, I do not have anything against Starbucks. I, in fact, will not stop going there simply because an ignorant, nobody, neanderthal decides that he is going to voice his opinion where someone asked for it. I will, however, forward this message in the hopes that you all continue to say your prayers for people like Bill Scheel, record companies who are too afraid to air a song about the truth, and for Singers and songwriters to continue to write and sing about what they believe in. If I offended anyone - good. Maybe you can log onto www.starbucks.com/wayseeit and voice your opinion about a girl who is desperately missing her husband who is fighting for the right to defend his country and to protect the rights of all of the people like Bill Scheel.

Blessing to all and may all of you remember just what our country was founded on,
Erin Stock :-)


Click on the following link to hear the song or the lyrics follow.
http://www.windomnet.com/web/nls/InGodWeStillTrust.wmv

You place your hand on His bible, when you swear to tell the truth.
His name is on our greatest monuments an' all our money too.
An' when we pledge allegiance, there's no doubt where we stand:
There's no separation, we're one nation under Him.

In God, We Still Trust,
Here in America,
He's the one we turn to every time the going gets rough.
He is the source of all our strength,
The one who watches over us.
Here in America, in God, we still trust.

Instrumental break.

Now there are those among us,
Who wanna push Him out.
And erase his name from everything,
This country's all about.
From the schoolhouse to the courthouse,
They're silencing His word,
An' now it's time for all believers,
To make our voices heard.

In God, We Still Trust,
here in America,
He's the one we turn to every time the goin' gets rough.
He is the source of all our strength, the one who watches over us.
Here in America, in God, we still trust.
Here in America,
Here in America,
Here in America, in God, we still trust.
Here in America, in God, we still trust.
Here in America.

California, Home - Yep, I went Home

I do have pictures to post - but I haven't put them on the computer and fixed the red eyes and all that. Oh! But I could steal the ones Sarah took. I'll do that.

Sarah and Keri Outside of Wahoo's in Fullerton



Okay, first things first.
This week was a tad crazy - and in the midst of my roller coaster of emotions, I mentioned in passing my trip to CA last weekend, but I gave no details, or shouts out of thanks or what it meant to me, to see the people I saw. And trust me it was an amazing,short, but amazing trip. So, this is what this post is about. And trust me, for a lot of you this could be he longest most boring post EVER!

I flew in to John Wayne late last Friday where my dear friend of 27 years met me, Sarah F. It was such a great experience. As silly as it sounds, apart from our phone calls, blogs and emails, it was our first "adult" adventure. All previos memories involve ALL other members of our immediate families. This time it was me and her - and her little family, Mark, Ben and Addison. I absolutely loved my stay at her house, in her element, her playing hostess, seeing her be the mommy, getting to know Mark. And yes Sarah, the clean sheets were awesome!!! Seriously, it was so fun. I could've used at leas another 2days or so, then my kids could've arrived and I could've stayed a week I think! She might not agree, but thank you Sarah for the insight into what makes you tick these days. It is a far cry from our double bed sharing days talking about jr. high boys and snotty girls. HA! PS I noticed your "house" shoes - straight out of Dan Prince's closet.
The next morning we went to meet the eler Prince's that would be Dan and Judy - and my parents - friends for life. Always a treat, never enough time, but yet we never ever have to take 20minutes getting comfortable at the beginning. It is hi, hug and we suddenly are back where we were the last time we saw each other - makes our time together, though limited, much more productive. Love you two VERY MUCH. Come to find out Dan is a Crown guru. So, I foresee Jake and I using him a lot in he future especially when we want to buy something we shouldn't and need a little SOUND advice!
The day goes on - litte rest for the weary - cruisin around Fullerton, checking out our old house and high school and it is home - you can't take away 18 yrs of "life" but at the same time I have very little left there, so it was very weird - good but weird. Some things have changed beyond recognition and others NEED a little face lift :)
430pm Wedding Time - well actualy 4pm is wedding time, arriving promptly at 4:15pm we realize that my parents apparently had the time wrong in their head....oops, thankfully no bride or groom had been down the aisle yet, so we were safe. How embarassing!
Refresher - Groom is best friend of mine since 7th grade, homecoming date 9th grade - we did not date, we were ski buddies, weekend buddies, did everything together but just friends. People assumed some day it would just happen and we would be in love - sorry folks - never did. Love him wit all my heart, but just in that friend kind of way :) Bride was in my brother's class - happened to be a family friend of the groom's from when they were like 3 years old -they are waaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy too cutetogether. Wedding was perfect!
So, I did not attend my high school reunion last year. And this my friends was, to me, 100x's better. Don't get me wrong I had "girl friends" but they fluctuated (except for Erica, and this is because she understands as she had her "boys" too).
Anyhow, I had a group of boys, all four years, that were, well my boys. Even when I dated, if I wasn't on a date, then was with my boys. I just liked them, they didn't judge me, they didn't get all emotional on me, they protected me and loved me for me. I look back and these guys, at thiswedding were present all four years and plus. These werethe ones I wanted to see. Mind you I think I liked being the only girl around too. I was a tad protective of them. If they did bring around a girl I might get jealous, not b/c I was interested but well, I had standards for these boys :)
So, Nash, Chris, Eric, Lance, Brendan - I got to hug them, chat with them, catch up with them, meet or seeagain the ladies they have picked and I do approve TOTALLY of all of their women. As catty as it sounds, I am so proud of all of them. Man we laughed and laughed and I just loved seeing where life has brought them. I think the best part, was the hugs. I felt like there it is - the real OLD TIME friendship hugs that mean something, each one boosted me, they were so glad to see me and I felt the same way. I will always care about these "boys" who are the most amazing men now. I wish them the best. And, yes again, the wedding was great.
Sunday - I got to see Erica! The only "girl" in my life that understands the boy thing. haha. I met her little girl and got two much needed hugs from her. It was a huggy weekend but some meant a lot more then others an man did her hugs mean a lot.
I will keep it short - but Erica you are a friend for life - I didn't want to ever doubt it and I won't ever. God will always see us through - I love you immensely. Thanks for the ride to the airport, I hope we can TRAVEL together since I don't think Tulsa is for you and CA isn'tfor Jake, we will just have to CRUISE or Ski. Deal?

So, I think that sums it up.
My thankful list in regards to this trip:
1. My most wonderful hubby keeping the kids without a thought
2. My inlaws, keeping my kids and my hubby without a thought :)
3. My parens helping to get me to CA so I wouldn't miss Brendan's wedding!!!
4. Sarah and Mark for their hospitality and conversation - COME TO TULSA IN FEB!!!!!
5. Erica keeping Sunday morning open for me
6. The opportunity to see my "boys"
7. Jake allowing me to call them my "boys"
8. Being reminded that my roots are my roots and they are good roots
9. Laurie Kennelly's FOOD - it is worth a trip to Fullerton just to taste it!
10. Coming home to the most precious family in the world.

You Got it - Another Post!

It is fair to say I am exhausted. I don't know if the fun and time changes of going from here to CA, then fall back and going forward of last weekend just didn't sit well with me, or the emotional stuff from this week or WHAT it is, but I am tired....like give me five minutes of horizontal silence and I think I could be out.

This week has been hard, emotionally...my friend Connie, her cousin had brain surgery yesterday on a tumor - she was in remission from breast cancer, but apparently the cancer is back, this time in her brain. Anna's friend Beatrice, at school, we found out yesterday, lost her mom on Tuesday to brain cancer...a friend of our friend Carrie Prince lost her 3yr old son on Wed. to Krabbe's disease, someone who was in perfect health as recently as May. I think it is fair to say that though I have not met any of these people personally I have followed their stories, spent time on my knees for them and fallen in love with them from afar. And when life doesn't take the path you think it should the emotions run a 'muck' - by the time I found out yesterday that little Beatrice had lost her mom I threw up my hands and just told God I didn't think it was fair and we could just talk about it later.

So yes, I cried again and upon hearing about little Jud the stud passing, I just broke into shambles. Mind you all of these people have an immense faith in the Lord. They all understand that God has bigger and better and HEALTHIER plans for them. What in the world to people do without a savior? Seriously! I have one and I still have some pretty pathetic pitty parties! But I do have hope.

I realize I am rambling - I am just exhausted and I just needed to post - to lift these families up - Sarah Beth and her healing and chemo/radiation treatment that will follow
The Levasheff family as they deal with the loss of little Judson
The Reinald-Pfau family as they deal with the loss of Petra and dear Beatrice - 3yrs old and the years to follow without her mother.

I continue to life my sister in law up and of course Brandon, that he and his fellow officers are safe and well rested and feel the arms of great protection around them.

In the midst of exhaustion, sadness and unexplainable illnesses and death, I am thankful...I am thankful that everyone I mentioned above knows our God.
I am thankful, that I have a personal Lord and Savior and if you don't and want to know Him, just let me know.
I am thankful for:
Seeing JD and Markie this week
Clean sheets to rest my weary head
A heater that worked when I turned it on (our neighbor's didn't and we had our first freeze this week)
Bo's kisses
Anna saying, "I love you too Mommy"
Jake telling me he needs time with me, we have been to busy - I like it, he still NEEDS me
Chocolate cookies
Gingerbread lattes
Our health - I complain about medical bills - but they are flu shots, well checks, bronchitis, a possible broken hand - they are not cancer, Krabbe's disease, or other things. we are HEALTHY.
I think that does it.
Oh - I am thankful for TU football too - Go TU beat Houston and we'll see ya at the conf. USA championship!

oh and...

then i cried.
and then yesterday i cried some more.
and then today i cried some more.

but, today i did learn that Brandon made the first leg of his trip, to England with no problem and was able to contact Erin (his wife), he was tired, and would leave "tonight" England time - which I am sure he is in the air as we speak to his final destination. we wait in angst to hear from him again.

may God bless and keep him and his fellow officers and calm his family here. worry is of satan, peace is of God. May the Peace of God surpass all of our understanding or in this case all that we DO NOT UNDERSTAND!

The Day My Little Brother Went To War

Seemingly surreal...just a normal Monday, 1:45pm CST. Bo needed to go to the Dr. for an xray on his hand. There was a possibilty he had broken it over the weekend on a treadmill. My nerves had been in my throat all day. I knew I wasn't to call too early, I might wake Brandon up, his last precious moments in his bed, near his wife. But, if I called too late, he might be gone. I also didn't really want to make the call, for it would be the last for at least 60 days.
Physical distance is hard but I went away to college. I have not returned "home" since. Brandon and I have been separated since 1996, the last two years really being the only time since that we have lived even within driving distance at 2 or 3 hrs. We can do physical distance. However, what keeps us close is our talks - at least once a week. I know, seems strange to some. We are close - I don't usually go more than 24-36 hrs without speaking to my mom and I never go a week without speaking to my brother, usually (and on no set or spoken schedule) talk to him several times a week. No, we don't usually have anything of any importance to say. No, we don't talk for hours. We just need 5 minutes of careless rambling and a few laughs. We just need to know the other is there.
This makes up for the birthdays, the holidays, the weeks, the months that pass when we don't see each other. We still feel close.

And so at 1:45pm CST on Monday, I picked up the phone and called Brandon, I told him we were on the way to the Dr. for Bo - he appreceiated that, with a chuckle. We are always going to the Dr. for Bo. Then, I was told he had been called, so it would be a short conversation. So, what do you say - I started with Happy Birthday, I was technically only 12hrs early, he followed with Happy Thanksgiving, then I said Merry Christmas and he ended with Happy New Year's. I said, I'm proud of you and I love you and I wish you the best. And for the third time in the year 2007, which could quite possible be more times then I have heard this in my LIFETIME from him, he said, "Thanks and I love you too". Tell the kids the same. I said you have a silly sunday school class here waiting to send you a boodle box, so send that APO and know we are praying. "OK, thanks". "I guess that is it" - "Yeah" - "Okay, well...um, Bye", "bye".

And my brother went off to fight for you and for me and to protect our freedom. 12 hours or so before he turned 26.........
My little brother went to war.

Big Blessings!

I didn't ask - He just gave.

I SAW my brother this past weekend - on a whim, Brando flew to Wichita, 2.5hrs away, and with no one around to watch the dog and Jake's family coming to watch the TU game I wasn't sure how it would work out, but it did! I totally believe it was a God thing. Brandon deploys in less than 1 week, and I truly believe God knew I needed and wanted to see him. I know he will be safe and he will come back. But even when he does, living in Spokane, I don't know when I will see him. So, this my friends was God's special surprise for me.

My loving husband gave up 1/2day vacation and we boarded Wilson for the first time as our neighbors were gone...and we took off shortly after noon on Friday. It was less then a 12 hr stay in Wichita. But it was pure fun - only the kind you have with Brandon. Where you really do nothing but you laugh the whole time.
Reminds me that I miss him, being so far away. Made me a tad scared to think he was going off to war - but proud - he is very excited about it. And I realized that I am truly out of control - only God can keep him safe and his family back here in the states "calm and collected".

Anyhow - I think our God is a good God, who knows just what we need when we need it and makes the most seemingly impossible things, possible. And as we follow "Crown" and our financial plans and had not "planned" for this trip. I knew we'd have to cut a little here and a little there this week to make up for it, all the while thankful that Jake went along with it. And then today, we get a check in the mail as a thank you for some referrals for our mortgage guy in ID. More then enough to cover our trip to Wichita. And you tell me there is no God? Try again - I don't believe you.

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Prayers for Brandon and Erin this week, as they spend the week with each other, just enjoying each other's company and preparing for his departure next week. May she know that we are all here for her and thinking of her and may he know that prayers of safety surround him as he leaves and thanks to those who serve to protect our freedom. I am the proudest sister in the world!

If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them!

Not completely, but almost...so, two families, two weeks, two TV's GONE. They are not going to be replaced. Not only did these two examples speak to my already convicted heart, but they also spoke to OUR Crown Financial STUDYING hearts. We are going on our 4th week of Crown. Wow, it is amazing - just learing all about God and His idea of finance. Did you know he is like the finance guru. Yep, in the Bible he answers all your questions, how to spend, save, give - everything. Hard to imagine you would learn how to invest there, not from your Edward D. Jones broker. But, this is exaclty where Jake and I are learning, and as of last night, I think we are feeling a little boost in our confidence as we had one dear friend, 5 Mondays from retirement tell us how proud she is of the changes we are making in just the last few weeks, our teachers/mentors said we are so transparent and that they love how we are honest. Well, guess what? God is convicting the you know what out of us, and giving us a swift kick and loving us all at the same time. And instead of feeling beaten down and dark and dreary, I feel hopeful, alive and I bear a lighter load - b/c I know if I ask, God is here, just like with everything else, he is here to bear the weight of debt too - is it good? No, but neither is watching porn, or lieing, or eating too much, or getting drunk. But he still loves us and if we ask for help for a problem bigger then us, he is right there!
So - back to the TV thing, this is TOTALLY GOD - Jake and I literally - today - emailed/called within minutes about the same thing. Now nothing is wrong with our tv...so we aren't ready to just give it away. But we just said, why do we have cable. We don't need it. And so, it is gone, like that. The box goes back tomorrow, and it isn't just the box, it is the DVR too. No big deal. It doesn't PAIN either of us. And I kid you not, just two months ago, money or not we were thinking of a 40" plasma as a Christmas gift for each other. RIDICULOUS! I can't even hardly say it now. I have NO DESIRE.
I have so many other BETTER things to do with my time.
So, Sarah F. and Carrie P. - we still have our TV's, but only the channels that filter through the antenna, and should we miss an episode of Grey's, we have the internet - YEAH! or, I have a dusty VCR and I can probably afford a brand new, blank tape!
We went from over 200 channels and a DVR to about 5 channels and a VCR and know what, I am happier today then I was last week.
I am saving over $70 a month that is going towards DEBT and that I think God will bless.

Fall Pictures

Well folks, that is all you get for now - blogspot is having issues and I don't have patience to wait for it. I will post the rest later.

As for my thankful list - I have a creative one - reasons why I am thankful to be married to a Kimberly Clark employee:

1. I have not purchased paper towels in over a year, but I use them like crazy.
2. I have not purchased toilet paper in over a year, but my bum is best friends with Cottonelle
3. I have purchased only 2 small bags of wipes in the last year
4. I have what seems to be an unlimited supply of travel pack wipes (like 10 or so in a pack) - didn't pay a penny, have had them at my disposal for over a year and have plenty left
5. Jake works out 5 times a week and we do not pay for his gym membership
6. Their customer service, if you need them, is really nice, employee or not and I have a free jumbo pack of diapers coupon waiting to be used and also had one given to me shortly after we had Bo - how thoughtful - his plant doesn't even make diapers!
7. I have so many paper towels stored up, select a size, flowers, disney characters etc. that we hand them out to make friends and it works great - how do you think we got Matt and Jennifer (new as of April next door neighbors to like us so well)
8. I have only purchased 3 of the small upright boxes of Kleenex in the past year and this plant doesn't even make kleenex!
9. Huggies KOREAN wipes are the same as the ones in the US, so if you aren't picky and they are free then stock up! And look how far it got us.
10. Jake has to wear a uniform and lets face it, I like men in uniform. aka - football uniform, work uniform, doesn't really matter...just the uniform :)

Just Try It

Okay, so I sent this email out to a few people, just a few. Here is a copy of it blank:
Where did we meet:

Take a stab at my middle name:

Do I smoke:

Color of my eyes:

Do I have any siblings:

What's one of my favorite things to do:

What's my favorite type of music:

Am I shy or outgoing:

Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules:

Any special talents:

How many children do I have:

If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing that I
would bring:

Okay - so now you fill in the blanks.
Within about 5 minutes, I got 4 replies. I seriously laughed, because all 4 of them are from totally different stages of life. I will tell you who I sent them too, then reveal the answers but not who said what. Sarah F. got one - I've known her all of HER life. Sarah Coffin, we met in college - sorority sister, Katie Jewett - we were neighbors in our first subdivision in Boise and are now friends for life (she lives in MN now and we live in OK, we moved out of Boise the same time, weird huh?) and then Connie, met her at our church here - first person I met..we'll call her my soul sister, so she has knowin me the LEAST amount of time.

All but one new my middle name, everyone knows that I don't smoke and that my eyes are brown. All knew I had a brother and I think 3/4 threw his name in, which means I must talk about him a lot, how embarassing! Just kidding. There was a wide range of answers on favorite things to do ranging from scrapbooking, to hanging with my family, to playing on the computer - I admit that none ranks above the other - although "playing" on the computer makes me feel like a gamer and I am not...playing refers to me blogging etc. so, good job girls. Favorite music - okay no one missed this COUNTRY! Shy or outgoing and follow the rules or rebel. My favorte and most accurate answer is this: Follow the rules (I think you may have been a little rebel back at TU)
That was sooooo right on the money and that came from someone that DID not know me then :) see the stories follow you all over the world. ha!
And most said I start out shy then get to be outgoing, which is how I usually FEEL, so I guess it is how I portray myself too.
Special talents? I got being a mom, skiing (that is my favorite, thanks for the compliment), Did I just dis being a mom? Sorry it wasn't intended to sound like that - either way good answers.
Children answer is a GIMMEE.
And then the Island question. Oh my heavens.
I am so honored that everyone said they thought I would take my Bible. Wow - I am humbled. Then there was something funny added to each.
Something SOOOOOOOo appropriate - i.e. my "blankie", Starbucks complete with baristas (but then I wouldn't be alone), my Tivo - oh so true, and Family (as an entity)


On the blankie note, now it is quite possible that this person was kidding or that this person remembers that I do have a blankie and it might be much to her dismay that this blankie still exists and I still sleep with it. I do not travel with it any longer, but in my MASTER BED it lays. So, parents that tell themselves "he won't go to college with that paci, he won't go to college with the silky" watch out, he just might, and then he will get married and....before you know it that blanket is still in full action baby. My mom got that at a baby shower for me. I have cared for it like really only a girl can. Now my mom might be embarrased that it went to college with me, and frankly who is to blame that the thing never got taken away? However, as credit to her, she raised me with enough confidence that I am A. publishing this and admitting it to the world and B. I have no issues that I went to college, got married, had kids and C. was even asked by my husband to consider giving it to my daughter/using it as a blanket for her and selfishly said HECK NO, it is mine!

HAHAH!
So, there you go, some insight into me.

Thanks gals for your contribution to this blog.

Love ya.

Some Pictures

Bowman loves his bananas!


Mommy and Anna at the Taylor Family Reunion


Daddy Date Night






Link to Pictures from August
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AYs2zVw4btWy-


Link to Pictures from September
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AYs2zVw4btWzJ

Good Gravy!

This is not how it is SUPPOSED to be. I am suppose to blog more often - instead of blogging IN MY HEAD, I am to do it on the computer. However, it hasn't happened that way - I guess a lot like life - doesn't really go as you plan, right?
So, I have like 15 "blogs" in my head and about 5 min of spare time to get them all down here for you to read and out of my head so it can stop spinning. RIIIIIGGGHHHTTTT.
I'll just cut to the chase.
We are good, mostly healthy, no major illnesses to report. Anna is doing well in school, I am enjoying having no other "job" other than mothering, which seems to keep me far busier than EVER before. I am involved in 1 Bible study, MOPS, play dates when they arise, regular MOM stuff and then Jake and I just started a small group called CROWN - or Crown Financial that our church does. It is a 10week commitment, and when I say commitment, I mean commitment. This is where a lot of my "free" time is going - to reading, for one Bible study or the other. So much so that my DVR is filling up with TV shows I have missed. Hmmm, is there a lesson to be learned here? I think so. Perhaps I am spending my time .........................................................I began this post on Oct. 11, It is now Oct. 16.................

Let me see where was I??
Oh yes, perhaps I am now spending my time more wisely these days - even if it is kind of being "forced" - I don't want to fail or let my "peeps" down in these studies, I don't want to let God down, so I am doing my work. With the time that is left I am really trying to keep up and or at least GO to the gym which some weeks means 3 times, some two and at least ONCE. No less then once. We have MOPS every other Wed. which is an entire morning and then the afternoon Bo sleeps and Anna and I do projects around the house or play, depends on what is going on. Last week we spruced up the outside for fall. It looks quite nice if I do say so my self.

So, Anna - school 2 1/2 days a week, MOPS every other Wed. Bible study on Tues. Crown study on Sun. night. Church Sun mornings. Our Saturdays have been filled with TU football (they are away this weekend, thank goodness), but that just means we sit here like goons listening to them on the radio. ha!

Life is in full swing! It is an amazing life, it is just busy.

Since Oct. 11 - we have been struck with illness #1 of the season - Bo and Bronchitis. Diagnosed yesterday - breathing treatments and antibiotics. Now, I don't know if the child remembers last year or not, but he saw his inhaler coming at him and laid down, nice as could be and let me administer, no issues. Is that weird? The antibiotics, not so easy. Oh well.

I have a ton of cute pictures to share, but I am thinking I will just have to post them all to shutterfly or something and post the link - too many to catch up on. Sorry. I will be better. I have missed blogging TERRIBLY!

I have found out that three friends are pregnant with their 3rd babies since my last post so congrats Carrie P., Rachel M. and Melanie W.!!! And Amy, my dear Amy is days away from giving birth to #3!!! So, we can all say a prayer for her. Her other two are 3 1/2 and about 21 mos.

I get to go to California at the beg. of Nov. for a wedding of a dear friend from Jr. High, he was actually like my first boyfriend - we used to meet by the tennis courts after school to "hug" - seriously, we never kissed, we just hugged. Isn't that hilarious. We tried again in high school, went to a dance but it just wasn't there - best friends we would be. Funny. I am so excited cause I get to stay with Sarah F. yahooo! See the Prince clan and Erica and hopefully meet her little one. Just a short short trip but hopefully full of lots of hugs and fond memories of my "home".

What else....um, I am madly in love with this guy Jake. haha! He continues to bless me and my little ones each day. Probably one of the best things in a long time, okay the best thing since my bday present was last TH he took Anna on daddy date night. And I have pictures and it was just awesome. My bday you ask? No, I wasn't even here for it, but did I tell you he got me an Ipod? The new 4GB Nano? I am so obsessed with it, okay maybe that isn't healthy, but music, sermons, daily doses of scripture, and now, yes now folks, I have a dockig station in my car, so now I get to listen to all that hoo haw in my car. LOVE IT.

I am getting off the subject - I will close now. I am here, I am well and I apologize for not "blogging".
You can rest assured I am NOT watching TV unless it is Grey's Anatomy, the Bachelor or Desperate Housewives....folks I haven't even seen an episode of General Hospital in over 2 weeks. This is a soap I have watched since I was 17!
Oh I do religiously watch the making of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders haha!

Okay - so I leave you with this little list:

1. My friend Connie, for a million reasons that I neglect to tell her - so I am just putting this out there as number one so she knows I love her to pieces

2. My Ipod

3. The hint of fall in the air

4. God's ability to reveal himself to me in the quiet of the night, if I just sit still

5. Learning to be content - really I am learning and it feels good

6. A yearning to be a steward of worldly wealth so I may inherit the true riches

7. Conversations with my brother and then separate and girly conversations with my sister in law Erin

8. Anna telling me she loves me and that she just might need a hug

9. My next door neighbor Jen and our bachelor dates

10. Daddy date nights that I know Jake will do b/c he wants to not b/c preschool "makes" him :)

oh....

And Chelsea, for further clarification is in the red shirt, and our Church is called Cedar Ridge Christian Church
http://cedarridgecc.com/

I did say AGAIN and AGAIN

So...... I have our actual YOUTH's performance of the skit. And I am so proud and excited to have it here to post. The girl with the beer bottle is our babysitter, Chelsea. Wow - this is our youth - what an amazing job they did last Sunday.

Comment

In case you don't read the comments, this one is worth publishing -I like what Connie said (in regards to my last post...

What I think is cool about it, is that no matter how hard we "try" to get back to Christ...we can't on our own strength. It's Christ who finally breaks through and takes the hits...and covers us. We turn to Him...He does the rest....

Watch it Again and Again

I know some or most of you have seen this via Sarah F.'s blog, or Sarah C.'s (that linked to mine, that linked to the other Sarah's) or even Connie's. But in case you haven't, here it is. Turn up your speakers and watch.

When I watched this the first time, via Sarah F.'s blog I was moved. I admit, not to tears, not enough to post about it...but enough to think on it. Then, this past Sunday our church recreated the drama. The chills came, I choked up and I felt the REALITY of the battle. I felt the HUGENESS of what we face as Christians, every day. At the women's conference I attended a few weeks ago, one point that Beth Moore (I believe) made, was that we have to realize as wonderful and awesome as it is, that moment we accept Christ into our lives we have to be fully aware that at the same moment we are accepting the responsibilty of BATTLE. We are engaging in a life long war, we are going to be in opposition until the end of time. That is just life - where God is, so is the enemy. Wow - how true. God will not leave or forsake us, he will always protect us, but we will face trials and temptation, we will face SATAN and his power in all that we do, constantly trying to take the place of the Lord our God. We must steadfastly feed ourselves with scripture, we must tell Satan to GO - for where the Holy Spirit is living, Satan can not.

Now watch the video again, every aspect of opposition we face tearing us away from Christ, trying to block us, then remember he can and will break through to us, if we just push through to HIM.

Just in case...BRIAN.....

Just in case my dear Brian missed in, the University of Tulsa, beat BYU 55 to 47 tonight.

I will say no more, I am highly anticipating his "rhetoric" on this game on his blog. :)

Goodnight.

Hit the fast forward (stolen title)

Yes, second post, same night.
Gander to your right, down a bit - see my links - please see link "Tammy's Other Page", now hit that and find her entry for Hit the fast forward. Now, read and enjoy. I totally love it. I too have a myspace. And, unlike her I do not blog on it, but I update it, add pictures, communicate a bit and find myself getting "lost" on there. I am not even going to venture to face book.

Anyhow. I just loved her post and thought it all to relivent to me, at this stage in my life, then again there HAD to be a reason we were friends. hahaha - (I can think of at least twenty).

If this blogspot were as easy and fun to add music, change backgrounds etc. as Myspace, I would just use this. I really like my privacy here. I don't need all these jokers from high school finding me, or weirdos from college, or well, you get the point.

Okay that is it. Tammy just wrote something that I wish I could've/would've. :) Thanks Tam!

Please Forgive Me

Thank you Sarah F. - for being so literal, serious...as I RE-READ, the poem I posted last, I can see that though pieces of it are moving, I can also see that indeed I don't necessarily agree or take to heart all parts. Case in point -
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...

I feel led, thank you Sarah, to share publicly, that I don't have even a dime in my OWN control, nor do I want a dime in my own control - to move out on. I get the jist - but Jake and I share and God forbid (literally) that the need or the want arise, I trust that the means will be there. Anyone that knows me, even a little, knows that money is something I struggle with. Not the spending or saving (well, okay, who am I kidding), but on a more serious note, the ungodliness of it and what it does to people. I have cried more tears, shook my fists more time and thrown up my hands in more tantrums then I care to admit and all in the name or in the "curse" of money - so, my aunt gave me this verse this week I Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith, and pierced themselves with many griefs."
I think it fits perfectly with the first line of this poem, and stashing stuff away - who needs it. We can't take any of this garbage with us - to that I say AMEN!

So, what do you think Sarah - you got me thinking.

Now, for those that don't know, starting LAST Monday morning Bo began puking and continued until Anna and I picked up the torch on Tues. night and carried on well into Wed. We took a break and Bo picked up again Thursday, only to have it finally hit Jake last night. Yes, folks, for FIVE solid days the Lyon household has used every toilet, tub, carpet and other misc. things to catch our bodily fluids. We have attempted to keep pedialyte, water, vitamin c, sprite etc. down and I think we are on the triumphunt side. All that said. NOTHING has been done in or outside of this house (or this brain) in DAYS, so you were bound to get something intelligent out of me. Or at least insightful. HA!

I still have all my notes and things from my WONDERFUL conference last weekend that I wanted to study, meditate and look over, so it could re-sink in, but to no avail. I tell ya. I haven't been sick like this in ages. I was talking to my mom - the pukies we have decided between our two memories have gotten me a total of 3 times in my 29 years. Yep, that is IT! Oh 29 you say - yeah, I had a bday - last Sat. Those of you that have been East of the Mississippi, would be happy to know that by accident I ended up having my bday dinner at White Castle. (is that how I got sick?)

Oh and I need to go back to Nashville - so much to love about that place - country music heaven....and I wanted to stop in Memphis. Yeah, this CA girl likes the south.

TU is playing BYU - and I have a certain BLOG fan that is a BYU alum, and several that aren't alumni but are fans, so I will be eating crow if we loose. GO HURRICANE!

It is cool here, didn't even hit 70 I don't think today. You know what that means? Keri's favorite time of the year is here. I would also like to ADVERTISE, that since I got pregnant with Anna in 2003, we have officially passed the "longest" mark without being pregnant. And since I am feeling really public with information, if you recall my first blog of the year it wasn't a resolution but just a "fact" I said no pregnancies or babies in 2007. Well, with my head situation, and limited means of BC, I chose the Depo shot this time around per my neurologist and PC getting together and I am covered on that until 11/07 and Jake SWEARS he is done. So I don't want to get antsy, but in case you think I never follow through with anything, we are getting close folks, we definetly won't be having any babies in 07, the chances of being PG are growing slim, and I have even lost over 20lbs! Now if that isn't crazy.

Okay - you can tell I am rambling - this is because I have been stuck inside, stuck with my kids, to sick to even chat on the phone, email or blog.

Happy Saturday night and go TU!

"MAYA ANGELOU'S" BEST POEM EVER

"MAYA ANGELOU'S" BEST POEM EVER


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... ..

a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .

one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....

a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a feeling of control over her destiny.


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to fall in love without losing herself.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without; ruining the friendship..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that her childhood may not have been perfect...but its over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what s he wou ld and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..

whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...

Prayer

I am back, happy, restored etc. I will post more later. Right now, more importantly, I am asking that you join me and others in prayer.
In my links you will see a link to the Prince family blog, there Carrie Prince has written about a friend of hers, whose son has a terminal illness.

I ask that you pray for your heart to be open, read, pray some more, hug your babies and then keep Judson and his family at the top of your list. His only hope is a true miracle, but we all know that our God is fully capable!


Here is the information that Carrie posted.
Unbearable sadness
This is from an email I received:

"This is a call for prayer for the Levasheff Family. Christina Levasheff was my RD when I was a freshman at Biola and Judson her son needs prayer. Here's the information on Judson. About 2 months ago, Judson Levasheff (2 1/2 yr old little guy), was diagnosed with Krabbe (crab-bay) disease. It's a rare disease that doctors claim will quickly take the life of Jud. This disease started with him losing his balance (he can't walk now), slurring his speech, taking his vision, and now is starting to affect his swallowing. My understanding is that it will move through his body and eventually shut everything down causing him to be in a vegetative state and then ultimately death. Drake and Christina (his parents) have faith and belief that God can and will heal Judson and it is amazing. Christina has been journaling their daily journey and please take time to read it as it will endear you to this family and beseech you to pray for their precious boy. Christina posted a video clip of Jud before this vicious disease and then posted a video of him in his current state…take time to view them"

BEFORE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MueKg-bLp9w

CURRENT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvZEsPzTQQo

For updates on Judson and his family go to:
www.myspace.com/levasheff
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/judson

Jason and I read this email and watched these videos last night and wept. We went to bed sad as we thought about watching a child (we automatically imagine our own) go from a healthy, normal 2 1/2 year old to a child that can no longer use his arms or stand. This sadness weighs heavy on me and I know nothing else to do other than pray for him and his family. The Levasheff family strongly believes that God is going to heal Judson and prays for that specifically. Please pray for this little boy and his family.

In school, Off to TN in hopes of REJUVENATION

This is Anna Rae, she is almost 3 1/2 - she started preschool on Sept. 4 and she is a "big girl". She likes to carry her backpack and her lunch all by herself and is happy to tell her mommy that she does NOT need any help.

Sniff sniff - when did she get so big and independent? I count my blessings. She had a wonderful day yesterday and asked this morning if we were going to school - we weren't, but luckily baby Emily was coming over, so we did not have a breakdown. And now, we get to go to school tomorrow and Friday. Yeehaw!

I am off to TN tomorrow, Nashville to be exact. This is a big deal to me, okay, partially b/c it is Nashville and I have NEVER been there and have been a die hard country music lover since 10th grade...but really it is a big deal b/c more than once satan has tried his darndest to get me to back out. You see, I am going with a group of ladies from my church to the Deeper Still conference with Beth Moore, Priscilla (can't remember her last name), Kay Arthur - and I am a huge Beth Moore and Kay Arthur fan.
I signed up back in Feb. or March WITH two friends.
They backed out sometime in May. I stayed signed up, then found out that we wouldn't be in the audotorium, but live fed across the street. Hmmmm, kind of like watching a DVD??? I tried again to back out and kept getting talked into staying. Mind you at this point I know two names on the list, know their faces but have not spoken to them. As far as I can tell, I am the youngest by about, oh at least 15 yrs. I kind of forgot about it. Figured I could just count my $47 a loss if Sept. 6 came and I decided not to go.
By Monday I was having panic attacks of sorts - or yesterday I guess that was. I am in a room with 1 person I kind of know, there will be a totlal of 4 of us. I am riding in a van with the same 1 person I KIND OF know....going to Nashville...with one day free, I sent an email with ideas of outings to my unknown group of friends, no one responded. AGHHHHHHH. I showed up at Bible study yesterday and said, I don't want to go. I don't . What started out as this awesome trip to see Beth Moore, in Nashville, with friends, on my birthday is turning into a stomach wrenching, anxiety ridden, don't want to do it trip. And they all said, "GO".
Some were honest saying they admitted they couldn't do it themselves but that they knew I should. That it was evident Satan was stepping all over this thing. So, here I sit, procrastinating in packing or anything related to this trip because I am scared out of my mind. I am scared to go "alone"....
But I know I am going. I know I need rejuvenated. I know I need QUIET time with God. I know I have a broken heart that only God can piece back together, and I will not let satan have his way.

So, I am off to TN and I will talk to you when I get back.

(Bo is good, just ornary):) and my mom in law and dad in law are coming to do day time baby sitting TH/Fri while Jake works, and yes I will be 29 on Sat. while in Nashville with my stranger friends! Pray for some peace on my heart please :)

Much love

A good read

"Friends are God's way of taking care of us."
This was written by a of Metro Denver Hospice Physician:
I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die - I barely managed to coast, cursing, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the "quickie mart" building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a Gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay.

When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel.

At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95.

I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying " don't want my kids to see me crying," so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked, "And you were praying?" That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, "He heard you, and He sent me."

I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling, walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the
car, who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little.

She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan 1, and finally in desperation had finally called her parents, with whom she had not spoken in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there.

So she packed up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there.

I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, "So, are you like an angel or something?"

This definitely made me cry. I said, "Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people."

It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.

Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings...

Psalms 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved"

Just a Simple Thursday

Fall must be close, right? Granted it is still in the mid 90's outside - College football started tonight! TU is playing as we speak and for me, it always means that fall is just right there...despite the temperature. And fall is my favorite time of year.

I like on MYSPACE, where they ask you your mood...if they did that here, I would tell you today I feel nostalgic. Maybe it is the football thing, maybe it is taking Anna to her open house at "school". Life happens so fast. You know, I remember pre-school?! Am I really there? Old enough to have a preschooler?

When Jake got home today, I told him I did NOTHING this afternoon...he looked at me like, "who cares". I never said anything, but I thought about it, you know what I did? I watched Mary Poppins with Anna and then when Bo woke up I spent almost an hour throwing him in the air, playing with his shape sorter, saying "vroom" with his trucks, helping Anna with her computer game. Who am I to even begin to classify that as nothing? I will NEVER get that back, NEVER. The moments when they want to do those things with me will only get fewer and fewer. And I want to feel blessed that I get to do those things instead of guilty, like I should be doing something else. (no one makes me feel guilty except the devil).

Anyhow - just some insight into what is currently occupying my brain. My children, their ages, their life moments and how I just can't seem to capture it all into my mind and that scares me!

Whew, TU just scored a field goal - 21-17. Come on Golden Hurricane!

Anna told me today that she is big and that next week daddy and Bo and mommy could NOT come to school with her like we did today. She needed to go by herself. She told me she like Miss Nancy (which she was worried about b/c her other teacher from last year Miss Debbie actually moved up to this class, and at first Anna wanted Miss Juanita too and it was a big deal that Miss Juanita didn't follow. So we have been talking about getting to know people before we say we don't like them. So, she met miss Nancy and has decided she will be fine. Oh that girl.

Bo said "cheese" again today along with "go" and "bal" and his latest routine is taking his own diaper to the trash, you just have to open the garage door and he drops it right in.

I love them, I love them to the ends of the earth and back again - with every fiber of my being. Thank you God for choosing me to be their mother. I promise to do the very best I can to raise them in your light and in your word.

My Last Tuesday with Two

Yep, you got it - next Tuesday, Anna will be in school! She is so excited, I am so excited. I think however, when Bo realizes his playmate is not around he will be sad. He is old enough and has gotten used to "playing" with sister this summer, that having her gone 2 1/2 days a week might just be a little rough. However, I hope to use that time as more special time for just me and him. On Tues. morning we will still have Bible study and he has his friends there, the rest of the time, I will do my best to put other distractions aside and get to really know my son!

So, what has been happening, you ask....?
Well, I found out last week that Sept. is my last month with Emily, and even at that, this is my last full week with her, in Sept. I will have her every Monday, a couple of Wed. and no more Fridays. Her mom has decided to stay home. Can't blame her, but I can be selfish and say I will miss the pretty princess. She is so fun, even though she isn't awake much, when she is, her smile is just precious and her coos and such. I think it is really fun too, to listen to Anna and watch her dote on her, making sure Emily has everything she needs. Let me tell ya, Anna has all the maternal instinct she needs! It comes so naturally.

Bo has learned to be gentle, most of the time, and he says "BAY" for Baby...it is cute. He gives her toys now and then they are even appropriate for her size! We have moved him to a booster chair and I noticed in Anna's photo album that if we follow her timeline, he has two months left in a crib. Can I just say I am so not ready for that. I am NOT NOT NOT ready for him NOT to be in a crib. You can blame this baby stuff on his mommy, he is allowed to keep his paci at nap and bed time until he is 2, and he can sleep in that crib until he is climbing out of it or turns 2. That is just the way it is. My baby is moving into boyhood a little too fast for me.

I am so anxious for life to start - I say that, life never stops and our summer has been full of fun and spontanious things, but for me, miss type A, there is a certain sigh of relief that comes with a schedule of school, regular church programming, etc. etc. If you have known me for any length of time, you know I like life and I like my house and pretty much anything around me to be like that - in order. The good news is, I have learned to not hyperventilate when it is unscheduled, a little messy or out of whack. I roll with the punches a tad better. I don't have to like it, but know one would ever know. I really think, if nothing else, that might be one thing I improved on this summer, with two at home and no real scheduled activities. I didn't have either of them signed up for anything. We managed between play dates, and babysitters and mall play grounds and such....And I think I did okay? Now that it is over, I can admit, I am soooooo excited for a schedule!

That said, back to spin class, which yes, I love, but b/t June, July and most of August I got all anxiety ridden about (no pun intended) and am now taking this laxy butt back, without a partner. As far as my personal weight loss journey before my brother's wedding I weighed less then I had since I got preggers with Anna, I then proceeded to have the TIME of my life at the wedding and following three weeks in July as I vacationed and gained a total of almost 10lbs. I am now 3.8lbs away from pre-Brando wedding and then I will start working on that next 20 that I desperately want to see GONE by the year 2008. I am hoping riding helps kick that into gear a little faster. Like all my puns?

My headaches are under control. I visited my neurologist again last week and we are on the same regimen - still just Topomax and Tylenol for the little pains, no more then 6 per week and Imitrex for migraines. I have had NO Imitrex in probably a month and not even enough Tylenol that I can count, so the Topomax seems to be working. He did put me on a Potassium supplement to help with the tingles I get as a side effect of the drug. Other than that, I wait and see how this all works and go back in Nov.

Knock on wood we are all healthy!

For those of you that are golf fans, we did make it to the PGA Championship - I went with Jake to a practice round, where you can take pictures, get autographs etc. Then Jake was able to spend his millions and go with his dad to Saturday's Championship round. It was so stinkin hot that week here in Tulsa. Unbelievable! But it was the experience of a lifetime and even I had a total blast. For some it might seem scary, but you can't take cell phones in, so our kids were here with our 13yr old bbsitter and we had no cell phone. Her mom was home and was the back up. However, for us it was just plain freeing! No one could bother us! It was great!
I have lots of pictures, if you want to see them, just ask, not everyone is a "fan" so I didn't want to send them out.....

I guess that is it.

I think it is time for a little thankful list and a list of a few things that I have thought about that are my FAVORITE things.
First things first.

Thankful for:

1. My coffee night tonight - reminds me of going out for coffee in high school - to relieve our stress. HAHA! What was I thinking. Now I can call this real stress relief

2. Sunday school class - a true life line

3. The Perry family - good "new" friends

4. My amazing husband, who at the news of losing my job said, "just promise me you will take this new free time and concentrate on you". HUH? Me? Me who? Yep, he said, hobbies, working out - whatever it is that allows me to find myself. Okay God, thank you, I don't deserve him.

5. My brother's guardian angels that took him overseas and back on his first mission and landed safely, as well as bringing our troops home.

6. My relationship with my family, mom/gma/dad/brother/Erin - I have been talking to them, and usually do at least once a week, if not more. I am realizing that is really rare. I always thought it was normal. Guess not - Guess I am lucky - I wouldn't want it any other way.

7. My new couch - it doesn't hurt my back.

8. Bo has learned to give night night kisses and they are too slobbery and cute for words

9. My husband's ice cream scoops

10. The way Anna tells me she left her kisses at home and so I can't have any until we get there. HA!

Favorite things:

1. Hair product: DIRT by Jonathan - it is by far my longest running hair product ever. I have been using it for over a year, short hair, longer hair. I can't live without it.

2. Chi hair straightener - totally worth the money (and yes I have straight hair, but this takes out the random kinks)

3. The Blueberry Cobbler Creamer - I know it sounds nasty but it is soooo good - ask Connie, she'll tell ya.

4. Regulator (it is a brand) clock - favorite b/c my gma always had one (or 10) seems like they have always been everywhere, they all sound hte same. Now I have one and so I feel like I am at gma's house. it is weird I know - but very comfy feeling!

5. Venus (brand) razor - their new disposable ones. You must try them, come in packs of three in bright colors - so fun!

Whew - That is the top of my list for now.
oh Bath and Body works Sugar scrubs (aromatherapy line) - Holy Moly - you must try. Be prepared for an oily tub afterwards but they just make your skin feel awesome and smell good tod.

Ta ta!

Video

Okay when I preview the post below, it shows my video, when I publish it, I get an x - go figure.
GRRRRRRRR.
I give up!
It is a cute little video of Bo hammering some shapes into their holes and grunting all at the same time.

I am here

I am here, and I will post - and I do not want you to stop checking...but I am going to enjoy a little TV time, no children, on our NEW, yes NEW couch, with my hubby. So to ensure that you will keep coming back, I will post some pictures :)

NEW COUCH!!!
No more high chairs in this house!
My Pretty "borrowed" princess, Emily Ha
All Three of my kiddos....
Okay, that should keep you coming back for more, right?? For all you die hard golfers, I have PGA pictures, I have heart warming tales of my husband's undying commitment to this family, Anna's anxious anticipation of starting school (i.e. "do we go to school today?", "no, Anna, two more weeks to go")....
Much love!

Happy 16mo bday little Bowman

July 30

Okay, so this is messed up. I started a draft on July 30 and just finished it, I figured since I finished it now, it would put it on Aug. 3, but it still puts it on July 30. So, some of the stuff I wrote sounds silly if you read it like it was July 30, You need to read everything from Aug 3 first, then read July 30, and it will make sense.

Now I call it quits.
Bye Bye

Whew

So that Speech thing has only been hanging over my head for a month now....glad I got it down somewhere other then my notebook paper....
I suppose you want to know how Idaho was? Or do you want to see more wedding pictures? I have 869 of them!!! I have taken collaborations of all wedding photos on shutterfly and now have 869. That is a lot folks. I also have a DVD put together by my uncle and a CD soon to be coming from the bride and groom themselves.

I have had so many "blogging" thoughts and moments that I can't even begin to jot it all down.
The way my kids have made me laugh and scream, the new experiences they had in both places, the exhaustion of the wedding, the sentimental feelings I had walking "down" the aisle wit Jake as a bridesmaid etc. Haven't done that in awhile and it was fun. I had a lot of sentimental stuff that I will keep tight in my heart (that happened with my brother that just floored me), I had a week of missing my husband, I had a week of feeling like I was 12 again being at "grandma's" house and I loved it.

I have seen old friends, I have reconnected, I have come home and felt like I was home and seen friends that I haven't seen in three weeks and realized I missed just as much as the ones I hadn't seen in 10yrs. I have had moments in the last two weeks where I have seen and felt where my lifelines are and a couple moments of pure euphoria and July 27 came and went and we have now not only lived in Tulsa for over a year but lived in our house....Can I get an amen.

I sat in a closet (Bo's) getting out some scrap book stuff for my neighbor Jen and found myself, literally, getting all antsy like a kid in the candy store. So, apparently I need to work something out and get back to my hobby. I have so much stuff it is ridiculous, not just silly, RIDICULOUS!

We got a picture of Anna's teachers in the mail today, school doesn't start until Sept. 4 but it is around the corner - so crazy to think! We talked to GG about it and although she could go into the public school system next year for their pre-K we will keep her in Private/Christian school until Kindergarten. Basically AS LONG as possible, so she has this year and then one more here at STBC.

This week is our first week watching little Emily Ha....she is 11 weeks old and is just a joy. I have enjoyed every moment of her presence and so far so have my kids. Wilson (the dog) totally ignores her, so far. I think in another week or so he will probably get "used" to her and start being protective of her just like he was of Bo at this age. Anna thinks she is Emily's mom and is ready to change her diaper, feed her, wake her up etc. every 5 min. Bo has no idea WHAT she is or why she is here. He occasionally attempts to poke at her and only once has had a jealous moment. It has not stressed me out once. (which surprised me), it has kept me busy and made me felt like I have a schedule. I think Jake likes it too b/c he is guaranteed an air conditioned RIDE to work MWF, as we stay home.

As for my head...I saw the neurologist in b/t CO and ID and I am done with steroid treatments and currently just on Topomax. I am allowed 6 Tylenol or Advil type pain relievers every 7 days, should I get a "normal" headache and need relief, but no more than that, and I still have Imitrex for migraines. I have had relatively no head problems in the past three weeks, maybe three headaches that were controlled with 2 Tylenol - which I say AMEN! That is how it is supposed to work. Which, is exactly what the neurologist was trying to get to, a point where my "pain receptors" responded to medicine like "normal" people, and normal doses. However, I have had two migraines this week, which I have sought help from my chiropractor on - and we believe them to be socially related - which I won't go into but a sort of social anxiety, which creates tension in my shoulders and shoots straight up neck into my head. However, 1 Imitrex and they were gone, a month ago migraines like that would have been 2 -3 or totally unresponsive. My only continuing problem is hair loss, which I am going on Tues to have my Thyroid and hormone levels tested. Despite how it may or may not sound, I really feel very good. So thank you for all the prayers.

So, that is that. I will now just post some pictures, self explanatory really, you have the kids first boat ride on Payette in McCall, ID on Uncle Rey's boat. You have Anna on a big person golf course, you have some random wedding shots. You know just all the things that consumed us in July! Here's to August and some regular posting.