Living in a world of blessings

2009-11-28T20:44:00.000-08:00

Once again not one, but two lives cut short. Not taken by God, but by man. Children without their earthly Daddy. Mothers without their sons. Wives without their husbands. Friends without their friends. This life is too precious too short to be taken too soon. Prayers go out to two families and two sets of children that are hurting so deeply that their are no words that can ever be spoken that will truly ease their pain.

I've already walked this path with friends this year and in the years past. My heart aches, but I know GOD is in control. I will continue to pray and lift these dear families up to him... the only true comforter.

Aussies shared...

2009-11-12T21:02:00.000-08:00

American packaging

Australia packaging

In 1993, I had the trip of a lifetime when Wade went to work for Air New Zealand for many weeks in the summer. Being a teacher and having free airline miles, I could jet set across the world with him. (Those were the days :-),but I love these days too) We stayed in New Zealand but took the opportunity to go to Sydney and surrounding areas as well. Fast forward to when Cara was 3 in 2001, Wade had the opportunity again to go to Australia for business. Cara and I went alongside him and had the time of our lives each day while Wade was working we went ALL over Sydney by foot, bus, train and taxi. The first time we were there we discovered something very unique about Australia.. TIM TAMS! They are an incredible chocolate cookie with chocolate filling covered in chocolate. When we went the second time, we brought as many boxes home as possible.

Over the years, every time a friend would go to Australia we would beg them to bring us back some Tim Tams.

One year, Santa Claus brought us some Tim Tams.

Last weekend, I was away at our Ladies Retreat. When I got home, Wade took me to the refrigerator and said you are not going to believe this... he opened the door and there in front of me were TIM TAMS. In a much different packaging than in Australia but they taste the SAME! Yum! However, they are 2 Weight Watcher points a piece!

Pepperidge Farm finally got the Aussies to share their infamous cookie! Even on the package it says.. Australia's favorite cookie! Well, it is the Kelley's favorite cookie too besides Thin Mints of course!

So next time you are at the store, look for some Tim Tams.. you will LOVE them!

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Thankful..

2009-11-10T17:12:00.000-08:00

This month is a month of thankfulness. In a few short days, we will celebrate Thanksgiving.
Here is the defintion of thanksgiving from dictionary.com

thanks⋅giv⋅ing /ˌθæŋksˈgɪvɪŋ/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [thangks-giv-ing] Show IPA
Use thanksgiving in a Sentence
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–noun 1. the act of giving thanks; grateful acknowledgment of benefits or favors, esp. to God.
2. an expression of thanks, esp. to God.
3. a public celebration in acknowledgment of divine favor or kindness.
4. a day set apart for giving thanks to God.

I find it interesting that all four of the definitions all give reference to GOD. It is God that we owe all thanks to.

In the Kelley household, we have a thankful tree each November. Every night, we take time to write one thing we are thankful to GOD for and write it on a leaf and place it on the tree. On the 2nd day of our tree this year, my daughter wrote she was thankful for "school". I was surprised but blessed. You see there are so many things in life even the simplicity of being able to go to school that we should be grateful for.

You might not have your own tree to place leaves on at your home.. but I do pray that you will think of at least 30 things for which you can give thanks to God for He is so good!

In Gratitude...

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God Hunt...

2009-11-08T18:03:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, I was able to get away from the hustle and bustle and go only 30 minutes away from my home to our Ladies Fall Retreat. Our speaker was Nancy Sebstain-Meyer. It was a great time of refreshment and renewal and recommitment.

One of the things that really spoke volumes to me this weekend was that in God's vocabulary there is no such thing as coincidence. God orchestrates all things for His Good. He is not controlling but controls all things.

Nancy requested that we think over the last 7 days and think about how God had worked in our lives. For those of us who know Christ, God is with us every day. You really don't have to look far to see his hand at work. But you do have to LOOK!!!

On Saturday, we divided up and went into breakout sessions on different topics. My breakout session was "Keeping Christ in Christmas" led by Kelli . As any Mom knows, it is hard to get away on a Saturday at anytime of the year because we are all so involved in our kids sports. As our session began, Kelli received a text she apologized but read it to us all. It said that her youngest daughter, Kelsi who is 8, had struck out when she went to bat. Kelsi had played softball all year long and had not hit the ball once. Kelli also shared that the coach had not been very encouraging. Kelli not only wanted Kelsi to hit the ball for the game, but more so for her confidence. As Moms we understood and shared our hearts with her. My friend, Sheri spoke up and said, "Let's pray for Kelsi and that she would hit that ball". Sheri prayed. We went on with our session and toward the end. Kelli received a text again that Kelsi had hit the ball and got a RBI. We immediately gave God the praise and honor that only He deserves. You see this was no coincidence. This was God!

God cares about everything that is important to us. This is not a new concept for me, but one which I needed to be reminded of. Nothing is too small to bring to the feet of Jesus.

This story of Kelsi is only one of many examples I could tell. Nancy, our speaker, had asked us to make a list of our God Hunt. As I truly looked over my past week, I was able to think of over 30 different times I had seen God in my life. I am now on a hunt. Each day it is my goal to truly look for God and where he is working.

May I encourage you to do your own God hunt? Where do you see God? He is at work in the lives of his children and in our world.

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Richer than we think...

2009-10-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

"when we've lost a friend, when a dream has failed, when we seem to have nothing left in the world to make life beautiful-that's when God says, You're richer than you think. "- Elizabeth Sherrill, The Hiding Place

Five years ago today, October 28, 2009 my life radically changed. My dear sweet Mother who I called Mommy at the age of 35, went to be with the Lord. My perspective on life changed and my viewpoint and anticipation of heaven changed dramatically as well. This life is truly just a blink of an eye and eternal life is everlasting!

Two weeks ago, my pastor spoke about the book the Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. I realized that I had never read that book although I truly love all nonfiction books about World War II.

The quote written above is the last sentence in the book. It was written by Elizabeth Sherrill who helped Corrie write her book. It really spoke volumes to me.

A week ago, I was a huge blubbery mess. Sad doesn't even begin to describe my sorrow and the ache in my soul. I was lamenting again the loss of my Mom and that she left me way to soon. She did not get the years that I thought she would have or deserved. During those days, I had just begun to read the Hiding Place. Most everyone knows that those who lived during World War II especially in Europe, had everything taken from them. As I read Corries account, I learned new things that I didn't realize before. When Germany occupied Holland, they had all their food rationed and a curfew set. They were questioned about everything and Corrie was not a Jew. She a law abiding citizen who also loved the Lord immensely. The book really made me begin to truly put life in perspective.

"when we've lost a friend, when a dream has failed, when we seem to have nothing left in the world to make life beautiful-that's when God says, You're richer than you think. "- Elizabeth Sherrill, The Hiding Place

You know I titled the name of this blog, "Living in a World of Blessings". If I learned one important lesson from my Mother, it was count your blessings. Look at the positive.

So today, although my Mother left me too early in life.. I know that I am RICH! I count my blessings here are a few...

I thank God

1. that life is eternal for those who know the Lord and that we will live forever in a place that is undescribable and that I will see Mommy again one day!

2. that I had a Godly mother who taught me so much and who I can still hear her voice playing in my head.

3. that my Mom showed me Jesus by being Jesus with skin on.

4. that my Mom showed me the power of prayer and how to pray.

5. for all the wonderful trips that we took just me and Mom as a young child after my parents divorced.

6. that my Mom showed me the power of forgiveness.

7. that my Mom shared with me the appreciation for the small things in life...

8. that my Mom knew how to laugh!

There is more.. but I will close with those.

Thank you God for loving me and for placing me in the family that you chose. Thank you for a Godly Mother who showed me you in every step of her daily walk.

Appreciation when the wait is long

2009-09-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

A new car... we've had new cars before, but never one of such importance. For those who don't know.. my husband is a Hot Wheel collector. He has all of his Hot Wheels from his childhood. In fact in the two houses we have lived in.. we have had air conditioned attic space added to help store the collection.

So for as long as I've known Wade, he has loved cars especially Hot Wheels. However, his dream car has been a 1967 Camaro. 1967 was the year he was born. About 3 years ago, we learned that Chevrolet would be releasing a new updated Camaro. Wade knew that he wanted one! So he drove his Chevrolet truck faithfully and waited patiently. Then, in April of this year his truck was stolen. Wade had ordered his Camaro in April and thus was not in a shopping mode for a car, but we did find a great Camry.

On Saturday afternoon, we were watching football and Wade received the phone call he had been waiting for 5 months! His Camaro had arrived in Grapevine. We went to look at it, but had to wait to possess it until the banks opened on Monday. While Wade had driven his truck faithfully for the last 8 years, he also had been saving.

Wade grew up on a farm without much luxuries of life. I on the other hand would have to say that although my life wasn't always easy.. I did have it a lot more easier than Wade. I am grateful to my parents who afforded me a lot of luxuries in life such as paying for my first car and paying for my college. Wade has worked hard for everything including his college education, but with all the hard work has come an appreciation that goes above and beyond.

So today as we drove Highway 114 together test driving the new camaro, Wade reached out and grabbed my hand like we were kids on a date.. tears filled my eyes because I knew that this was a dream that began when Wade was just a kid himself on a farm in Nash, Oklahoma.. a dream for a car of his own..a sports car.. a CAMARO!

So proud of my Man and that he now has his own Camaro!

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First days of school

2009-09-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

***This post was written but never published... **** so here it is now.. :-)

A lot of firsts the last two weeks..

Cara,my oldest started Middle School last Monday. The previous Thursday, she had school orientation. As she left that day, she had a lot of nerves but by the time she arrived back home she had her locker number and combination memorized, and her schedule memorized as well. On Friday, we went up to GMS and walked her schedule and dropped off all of her supplies and decorated her locker!

She completed her first week of classes with quite excitement. I am confident that she is going to have a great year.

This week, I sent my boy off to his first day of preschool. I purchased a Buzz and Woody backpack and lunch box for Caleb. He is so in love with Toy Story. Once he saw, his backpack and lunchbox he could not keep his hands off of them. He walked around the house all morning carrying both of them. When it was time to go, he carried them to car and was insistent that he hold them in his lap. He knows the word "backpack" and said it over and over until they were safe and secure in his little hands.

When he arrived, he walked in a little hesitantly and then grabbed my finger to go with him to play. Caleb then got engaged in a toy and I sneaked out the door to go to the "parent meeting". As I sat down at the "Mourning and Muffins Meeting", the lady next to me was clearly upset as tears fell down her cheeks. I had those same feelings with Cara, but must admit I was excited..five hours of "ME" time.

Caleb had a great first day and Cara has had two great weeks! Here's hoping that the weeks continue on the same path.

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See you later....

2009-08-15T13:34:00.001-07:00

As I write this post.. my heart is heavy. Heavier than it has been in a long, long time. A dear friend of mine went to be with the Lord...at a time that was untimely. A young man in the prime of his life with a beautiful wife and three precious children. A man I called my friend.

The details that surround his death are truly sad. When anyone dies, we are sad. But this grief is overwhelming for it didn't have to happen.

Honestly, we all wonder "Why, God? Why?" I have asked that question numerous times in the passing of my own family and I find myself asking it again.

I find comfort in God's word and peace as I kneel before my Maker and gratitude swelling in my heart as I know that if we know the Lord we never, ever have to say "goodbye but just SEE YOU LATER."

On my knees in prayer and counting it a blessing to have known and served with a faithul man of God.

I'll see you later, Steve

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Atypical...

2009-07-13T19:44:00.000-07:00

Growing up, I had dreams.. dreams of what my family would look like and how it would all play out .. for you see I am not only a dreamer, but a planner.

God's plan is always perfect and always best...but it has taken me 15 years to understand that and of course..if I am totally honest with you.. I am still learning that lesson.

So, when I was in Kauai (more about that on another post) God showed me again a beautiful picture. I was on board a rickety old van riding to the North Shore to take a tour of the Na Pali coastline. I was sitting next to an older couple ( I say they were in there late 50's) and behind us was three teenage/young adult kids. The two boys were very handsome and the girl was stunningly beautiful. As we got out of the van, I was walking alongside this Mom and I asked her if those were her children behind us in the van. She told me that it was her daughter, son in law and son. She then went on to tell me that her daughter and son were 9 years apart. Her daughter was 26 and her son was 17. Really? I asked.... I need to talk to you then.. for that is my story... My daughter is 9 years older than my son. She then confided in me that she also dealt with infertility before her son came along a miracle boy. I told her my story as well... We had great conversations on the boat.. she gave me vacation tips, words of wisdom from one Mom to another..

It was just so nice to see another family that looks like mine.

I told Wade that we also would have to tag along the son in law.. but hopefully not for at least 18 more years if not more..

The Napali Coast Tour is a must if you go to the island of Kauai.

Sing A New Song

2009-06-29T20:58:00.000-07:00

From Greg Laurie's blog:
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock, is dead.
James Brown, the King of Soul, is dead.
Kurt Cobain, the King of Grunge, is dead.
And now Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, is dead.
But Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, is alive forevermore. Let's tell people that, so they too can live forever.
Jesus said, "I am he who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death" (Revelation 1:18 NKJV).

(I got this from my friend, Bryan's blog ... it was way too good to pass up)http://www.bryanmcanally.com/blog/archives/003965.php

Whew! Three birthdays in seven days!

2009-06-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

We had three birthdays in the course of 7 days...

The first birthday was my own. It was a big one.... Wade invited some friends over and we enjoyed Pappasitos (my favorite meal) and then played Bunco (one of my favorite games)... but we didn't have prizes.. but the laughter was the best part of all!

The next birthday was Caleb's. He was born 7 days after my birthday and 2 days before Wade's. Talk about a gift. After yearning for 9 long years for a 2nd child, he truly is the best birthday gift we've ever have. We had a magical time celebrating with Mickey.

The last birthday was Wade's. Cara had received tickets at school for the Ranger's game on her Daddies birthday so we headed off to the Ball park to celebrate. A good time was had by all!

a

Here's to another year full of blessings!!!

My phone has more memory...

2009-06-05T12:07:00.000-07:00

than it took to put a man on the moon!

Think about that for a moment. In 1969, as Americans we put the first man on the moon with less memory than is on our cell phones that we carry around in our pocket daily.

Last weekend, I was a chaperone for the 5th grade End of School Trip to NASA in Houston. This has been a long awaited trip. After countless fundraisers, it was time to load the bus at 7 a.m. on Thursday, May 28th. We had three Dan Dipert buses- Bus A, Bus B and Bus C. I was fortunate to be placed on Bus B... which of course was the best bus. Our two school sponsors on our bus were Mr. Strang, our crazy music teacher and Mrs. Grose, the science teacher. Mr. Strang made the bus ride fun and broke up the time by having trivia time.... adults vs. kids/ left side of the bus vs. right side of the bus... We had a great time.

We stopped off at Sam Houston State Park in Huntsville and enjoyed a picnic lunch by the lake and some hiking through the trails and a short talk about the wildlife. We had our own experience with the wildlife when a more than friendly squirrel decided that he wanted some of our lunch. He got on the picnic table beside us and I truly thought he was going to lunge/fly on to our table.. I shooed him away and he went to bother the boys.

After lunch, we were back on the road to Houston and we arrived right on time. We unloaded our things into our hotel room which was very nice. Then, headed to NASA. We had a full schedule while there. The best parts of the trip were being the only people there after NASA closed on Friday evening, eating great food and the TRAM tour on Saturday. It was amazing to see the old Mission Control, rockets, space ships and the current Lunar Rover.

If I understood correctly in July will be the last shuttle to go into space. NASA will no longer be using the shuttle to enter space. They are going to go back to the Capsule. In 2015, it is the plan to go back to the Moon. We saw the Lunar Rover which is an enclosed car unlike the last lunar rover.

It is unbelievable to see what we have done and know that there is so much more to be done not only in Space but with technology.

The only downer of the whole trip was that I dropped my Nikon d80 camera.. but after a new lense it is back to work now..just a little less in the pocketbook.. ;-(

Here are some pictures from the trip- not in any order...

This is the Lunar Rover that they are working on looks more like a car than a jeep

Mission Control that put the man on the moon.

The 5th graders!

drinking a drink like they would do in space

the crazy squirrel

the rope course

our room

Blessings!

10 things I remember about my Mama

2009-05-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

The other night, I was helping Cara finish up the last chapter of her reading assignment, Because of Winn Dixie. We had read the book about three years earlier and we have both seen the movie. However, I did not recall the ending. If you have not read the book, I do not want to spoil it for you.. but as I sat there reading the book... I teared up and had to stop reading to gain my composure. Opal, the main character in the book, was remembering 10 things about her Mama.

My mama left this home for her eternal home in 2004. It is hard to believe that five years have passed this October. I miss her so much. I do not think that it will ever go away. It eases and definitely is not as intense.. but on special days and especially in May.. Mothers Day, her birthday and my birthday... it is difficult. As I see others with their Moms, it makes my heart miss my own Mom even more. I have great memories and that is what I can treasure until the day that she greets me in my eternal home... until then...

10 things I remember about my Mama...

1. She loved me unconditionally.

2. The notes she would leave for me on my mirror to tell me she loved me and was thinking of me.

3. Her infectious laugh

4. Her devotion and love for God

5. Her daily example of Christ...

6. How much she loved her ministry at FBC Arlington...

7. How she would take time to make her grandchildren feel so special.... and loved...

8. How she loved to eat fritos in her Broccoli Cheese Soup from Boo Boo's Sandwich Shop

9. How she cared and loved for her Mom, my sweet Ninny

10. How she never raised her voice at me...

Oh, Mom I long to see you and hold you again... I can't wait to do that.. you were a wonderful Mom.. the best Mom in the whole world. I miss you so!

Take time to love your Mom...

No Foolin...

2009-04-14T20:11:00.001-07:00

it really is gone!! I decided on April 1st, April Fool's Day, that it was time to take away Caleb's beloved PACI! You know the saying "This is harder for me than it will be for you." Well, it was hard. Caleb loved his Paci.. it really gave him comfort, calmed him down... However, as his parent I know the big picture and that he truly does not need his pacifier. This is the time that he needs to be learning new words and learning how to gain comfort without his pacifier.

You know I have heard people say... he won't go to Kindergarten with it so let him just have it. Interesting enough, I had a Kindergartener who did have a pacifier. So I knew for certain, that it was just time for him to let it go.

Caleb has done quite well going to sleep without it and after a few nights, he has slept great through the night. However, it has been when he wakes up that he continues to look for it..even 2 weeks later. This breaks my heart. He does not want to get out of bed because he knows that it was in his bed that his Paci always stayed. If you get him out of the bed, he goes back to the bed crying and trying to crawl in the bed to look for his Paci. I keep hoping and praying that he will forget about it.. find something else for comfort.

This experience has helped me remember once more how God loves us and knows the "big picture" as the song says.. He gives and takes away. Just as I know that Caleb does not need his paci.. it still breaks my heart to see him long for it.. as I am certain that God hates to see his children sad and yearning as well. It is truly only God who can be our comforter... our true comforter.

2009-04-10T21:26:00.000-07:00

Why do we call it ‘Good’ Friday?
Calling the day of the Crucifixion ‘Good’ Friday is a designation that is peculiar to the English language. In German, for example, it is called Karfreitag. The Kar part is an obsolete word, the ancestor of the English word care in the sense of cares and woes, and it meant mourning. So in German, it is Mourning Friday. And that is what the disciples did on that day—they mourned. They thought all was lost.
I’ve read that the word good used to have a secondary meaning of holy, but I can’t trace that back in my etymological dictionary. There are a number of cases in set phrases where the words God and good got switched around because of their similarity. One case was the phrase God be with you, which today is just good-bye. So perhaps Good Friday was originally God’s Friday. But I think we call it Good Friday because, in pious retrospect, all that tragedy brought about the greatest good there could be.
I can see virtue in either terminology. If we call it Mourning Friday, as in German, we are facing reality head on, taking up the cross if you will, fully conscious that the Christian walk is seldom a walk in the park. But if we call it Good Friday, as in English, we are confessing the Christian hope that no tragedy—not even death—can overwhelm God’s providence, love, and grace. Either way seems fine to me!

I got the above information from this website.. http://www.kencollins.com/question-11.htm

March Madness...

2009-04-07T20:32:00.000-07:00

But not basketball.. you will soon see why the blog was silent in March. Here is March Madness in pictures...

Cara was Principal of the Day at the beginning of March. We have the best principal I have ever known at Dove. She is very special to Cara.. She is not only her principal, but a friend of our family. Cara had a blast going to the Administration building and sorting mail and eating Chick Fil A. She even had her picture in the newspaper with the Superintendent of schools.

That afternoon, we went to the park at the Baseball fields in Grapevine. They have built a new playground area and Caleb and Cara had fun climbing together.

Then it was on to Open House... Cara composed her own music and placed it on a CD... we have not heard it yet..

Here she is showing her Dad all of her work on her desk in her Homeroom class.

Here was some of her work..

Then, the next day after Open House we headed to the Hill Country. I went to Johnson City with my Mom when I was about Cara's age.. and it was fun to go back..

Caleb riding contently in the car with his paci!

On this phone, many phone calls were made to world leaders and leaders of our own country such as MLK... this was the phone in LBJ's office at the White House of Texas. I took a lot more pictures, but decided this one would suffice for the blog.

Caleb's first Dairy Queen visit...

Enchanted Rock!

Caleb fell asleep on the climb up...

Mom and Cara...

Caleb woke up and was ready to go when we got to the top of the rock..

Caleb's favorite part of the trip was pushing the button for the elevator!

Cara by the pool!

>

The Sand Castle contest did not go so well.. everytime Cara and Wade would build something.. Caleb would knock it down.

At the end of March, Cara's art was exhibited in the GCISD art show. I thought her pumpkins were outstanding!

At the end of March, Wade left work one day to find his truck was no where to be found.. it had been stolen. It was found the next day in Carizzo Springs, Texas. The backseat was gone and the steering column gone and they took off the dashboard and replaced it with a tan one..

They enjoyed Bud Light, Coca Cola and Chicle gum while listening to their music.

It took over five days to get the vehicle back home. Needless to say, the truck went to truck heaven.. but this made for an interesting and sometimes maddening end of the month of March.

Here's hoping April is full of good surprises!

What an unexpected surprise!

2009-04-07T19:44:00.001-07:00

Last Tuesday evening, I got the opportunity to go and hear Beth Moore in person at Life Today studios in Euless, Texas. This was not my first time to go, but I had missed out on tickets the previous times. The tickets are free, but one must respond immediately upon receiving the email because they go fast. It was totally a GOD thing that I got the tickets to begin with.

Tuesday nights are busy in the Kelley household. Cara has choir until 4 p.m. and then she has piano from 5:15 till 5:45 p.m. and then Volleyball practice from 6 to 7 p.m. in which Wade is the assistant coach. So needless to say, it was no easy feat to even get to the taping besides the fact that I needed to find someone to watch Caleb.. but I did it.

I had told the girls going with me that there was really not a bad seat in the entire place. It is a very intimate setting. However, I did not want to be seated behind her because then you are on camera then entire time of the taping.. well wouldn't you guessed it.. we were right behind her. My group of eight girls were right smack dab behind her. The studio is freezing and I came prepared as I had my winter sweater. One of the girls in the front row requested that we hand her a Bible because here she was sitting in the front row and she didn't want to look unspiritual.

I am in the middle of doing the study of Esther which was written by Beth Moore. However, to see Beth in person is quite an experience. She is so genuine and so adorable and so full of the Holy Spirit.

She did four 25 minute tapings for a series that will air in June. After the first two tapings, we had a break where the crew came out to fix make up etc. Well, I am not shy at all as any of you who know me.. so I just jumped right up out of my seat and said, "Beth, I just heard you speak this morning." She was excited to hear that I was doing the Esther study and asked what week I was on and I told her 5. I then thanked her for her study and that the timing was so incredible with everything going on in our country. It has truly taught me that God is in control no matter who is our President or what is happening to our economy. God can work through any leader.

Being face to face with Beth was an unexpected surprise... her eyes are so hazel... I sure wish I could just sit while she drank coffee .. I would drink Dr. Pepper and chat.. however, I feel like I do that everyday when I pick up my book and study alongside Beth. She truly challenges me in how I think and how I see characters in the Bible. She is a true inspiration that is being used mightily as a servant of God.

I sure wish I could have taken her picture.. but I didn't feel quite right about it... In the past, they have had a photo time, but they did not offer it at this taping. So tune in the middle week of June and you will see my smiling face on camera and that is definitely an unexpected surprise!

Blessings!

A Chance of a Lifetime!

2009-03-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, February 21st, Cara saw Radio Disney at the Verizon store as she was driving with her Daddy. She asked her Daddy to stop which of course he did. She entered some contests and she won four tickets to the Jonas Brothers 3D Movie event on the following Saturday. Little did I realize that the event was actually a chance of a lifetime! Not only did she win tickets to the movie but to the Red Carpet event at Main Event. We arrived early at the movie theater and got our tickets, wrist bands, lanyards, backpacks, a coupon for free popcorn and drink and all you could play gamecard for Main Event. Once inside the theater, we also received cotton candy. Before the movie began, we had a special guest. Demi Lovato came in the theater to welcome all of us. After the movie was over, Verizon gave away some Blackberry Storms.

When the movie was over we loaded buses blaring with Jonas Brothers music. The buses took us to the red carpet at Main Event.

We walked the Red Carpet.. just like movie stars.
At Main Event, we met the "fake" Jonas Brothers from the movie. They were 3 fine Christian men.
Another huge highlight was we were able to meet Demi at Main Event. She was very gracious and kind.

There was all you can eat bars of food. Everything you could imagine!
Finally at 1 a.m. in the morning, the Jonas Brothers made their appearance. By this time, we had been standing for 2 and 1/2 hours. Needless to say, as a mother, I was getting frustrated.

The brothers thanked us for their support and talked for about 1 minute.

We then went outside where the Jonas Brothers were to walk the red carpet. It was freezing cold so I told the girls it was time to head home. We loaded the buses and received a journal with the Jonas Brothers on it and a movie poster. All in all it was a chance of a lifetime!

February 13, 2008- A Day of First and Lasts...

2009-02-13T19:38:00.000-08:00

Today, February 13,2008 is a day of firsts and lasts...

The day began early for me. I am fortunate that Wade takes Cara to school. So Caleb and I can be found many days still in the bed at 7:30 a.m. Caleb likes to snuggle so he comes to our bed when he wakes up. However, today I was up at 6:30 a.m. getting ready to go with Cara to school. This morning was Muffins for Moms sponsored by the Dad's club. Upon our arrival at school, it dawned on me that we had not purchased Valentines for the party nor had we prepared a box or bag to place the Valentines in. I quickly began thinking on how I could solve this problem. This is a first in our household. We have never forgotten to get Valentines Day cards for school. I did have a dream earlier in the week that we would forget. I made a point to discuss it with Cara. However, it happened. We forgot. I could go into an explanations about how busy we were, but it was forgotten. Cara had Safety Patrol duty so she had to leave Muffins for Mom early to be at her post. I hurriedly ran to Tom Thumb and purchased a sharpie marker,two bags of candy that had to and from on it, and a Valentine sack. I wrote Cara's name on each one of the candies and rushed back to school. Cara had just left her post and was returning to class where I caught her in the hall where she retrieved the goodies.

I returned to the school at 1:30 p.m. to set up for Cara's last Valentine party. I have been fortunate to be Cara's room mom every year (except for one when I was teaching.) The party was simple- pass out cards, eat goodies, play bingo, go home. However, it would be the last party for Cara. There will not be any parties in Middle School. At least not sponsored by Room Moms :-)....

Tonight, Caleb enjoyed his first Pajama Party at the church. He was very shy at first when we entered, but soon warmed up. Caleb had a great time with all of the activities except for coloring. He also enjoyed the story from Pastor Mike.

A day of firsts and lasts.... another reminder to me.. how grateful I am to God for Caleb.. because although it is sad that Cara will no longer have parties for her Mom to be in charge of at school.. I can know that I still have another turn with Caleb.

Ten years really does go quickly!

2009-02-08T16:44:00.000-08:00

The birthday celebrations continued throughout the whole month of January. Cara's cousin, Cole is eight days younger than Cara so they celebrated together with family.

As I looked for a picture of Cara and Caleb from when they were little, my heart was overwhelmed. I watched Cole as an infant so I was with him almost daily and I have always felt a special place in my heart. Cara used to call him "Dole"... He would sleep anywhere... He was very laid back as he is today... Cole also put up with a lot from Cara as she would steal his pacifier and his toys.

It is hard to believe that they are both 11 years old. Time really does fly by...
The next 10 years are going to bring about even more changes. It is my prayer that Cara and Cole will always be not only cousins, but friends.

2009-01-28T16:03:00.000-08:00

The Birthday Celebration continued throughout the month of January. Cara had received some gift cards to American Girl store which were burning in her pocket. She could not wait to go to the AG store. Cara also had saved quite a bit of her own money as well.

So after a dilemma of choosing which dolls should attend with us on our journey, we were off.

Cara had stayed up the night before pricing items in her catalog trying to make decisions.

There were some items she knew for certain that she wanted to purchase...others took a little contemplation.

We arrived for lunch and even the dolls had their own seat and menu. Cara went to the restroom and returned to exclaim "They have a place to hold your doll".. so after lunch we went to check out the restrooms. This was not our first visit to the AG store, but I guess the first to the ladies room.

Cara then had to decide if she wanted her dolls hair styled at the hair salon. She decided against that idea and to use her money elsewhere. She finally decided upon another AG doll- she chose a Just Like You doll.. Although this doll does not have red hair and fair complexion. She rather chose a Just like I'd rather be doll... tanned skin with dark hair. Cara also picked up some outfits.

It was a fun day, but I was glad to be home with three dolls (granddaughters) and their mother.

Great Wolf Lodge

2009-01-26T06:35:00.000-08:00

Now that we are in the last week of January, I have finally found a little time to blog about this month full of fun!

On January 2nd, Cara celebrated her 11th birthday at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine. Cara had been to birthday parties there before, but it was our first time to go as a family.. with her friends of course.

The first event was Magiquest. This will wear anyone out. You go through the hotel using your magic wand to unlock different quests. I finally began waiting in between floors as the girls went up and down the stairs for over 2 hours.

Everything was wonderful. The water park was a blast and Caleb had a ton of fun.

The girls all received a mongrammed towel as our party favor. Thanks to my friend Amy at

www.littlesewnsews.com

Can't believe that 11 years have already come and gone!

December Blessings

2009-01-05T07:58:00.000-08:00

Blessings in December 2008

Cara and I went one Saturday to work at Mission Arlington. We worked together to help those who are less fortunate shop. They could pick out 1 large toy/item and 2 small items per child.
This was definitely an eye opener for Cara. I hope that this will be the start of something bigger in our lives.

Each morning, Caleb could not wait for you to turn on the lights of the tree and to play the different ornaments that hung on the tree. It was so wonderful to see the excitement in his eyes each day. It was like we had just put the tree there. It was also a wonderful blessing that he did not bother any of the ornaments.

We went as a family to see The Journey to Bethlehem. This event is sponsored by Memorial Baptist church in Grapevine. I would encourage everyone to attend if they have not in the past.

Although, I have known the Christmas story all of my life. To be a part of it was truly an eye opener. I had not ever taken the time to realize how the Jews were treated during those days. The Roman Soldiers riding on horseback.. showed us how it must have felt. It was truly a blessing to be a part of this event.

My oldest and dearest friends gathered for our annual Christmas gathering. I am so grateful to God for placing these girls in my life many of them from the time I was in cradle roll at church..a few I met in Kindergarten and one came along in 7th grade. What a treasure! It is my prayer that my children will also have tried and true friends. Each of these girls are true blessings in my life!

Christmas wouldn't be the same without Cara's Christmas programs. This will be the last time for an Elementary school program for Cara. However, she shined and we were so proud of her!

The other wonderful blessing to me each day was the cards I received in the mail. I love getting mail, but at Christmas it is such a treat. One particular day, tears streamed down my face as I read the wonderful news of some dear friends. They lost their baby boy as an infant. There daughter is 10 just like our Cara... and God has blessed them with a miracle pregnancy. I am continually blown away at how God loves us and he wants to fulfill the deepest desires of our hearts....

God is soooo Good!

Blessings....

From baby to boy in 20 minutes...

2009-01-04T15:28:00.000-08:00

We took Caleb to get his first hair cut at the beginning of December. We took him to Cool Cuts.

The lady did a fabulous job. And Caleb did great as well! I was amazed to see how Caleb went from baby to little boy in just about 20 minutes. He is growing up way too fast for me!

2008-12-22T07:35:00.001-08:00

Check out
www.iamsecond.com

Blessings!

Catching up...

2008-12-13T20:57:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS without CHRIST is mas.

Do you know what mas stands for?

Missing A Savior!

Let's remember the Reason for the Season.. Jesus Christ!

I am making a point in telling everyone I come in contact with "Merry Christmas!"

On another note...

I have been so behind on my blog.. and I do have several things to post.. I will try and get to it this week. Life has been crazy.

An update on the Hall's adoption.. everything went great with the judge. They are now in a waiting period and are still in Ukraine and will be there through Christmas.

More to come soon.. the baby turns into a big boy in less than one hour...

2008-12-03T21:00:00.000-08:00

Please pray for my friends, Randy and Valerie Hall.
Randy was my Youth Minister at FBC Arlington. They are very special people.
Randy is the founder of Student Life Ministries.

They have 3 biological children and 2 children from Ukraine .. AND .. they are in Ukraine right now adopting 4 more children.

They have a court appointment at 7 a.m. CST on December 4th.
Read more here
http://www.hallfamilyadoption.com/

I bet you didn't know...

2008-11-23T21:57:00.000-08:00

that JINGLE BELLS was written for the Thanksgiving Holiday. I learned of this unknown fact in my local newspaper the Fort Worth Star Telegram. I enjoy reading it each day.

May you have a Happy Jingle Bell Thanksgiving day!

Our Thankful Tree

2008-11-21T09:16:00.000-08:00

Our Thankful Tree began as an annual tradition when Cara was 2 years old. Each year, I make a tree out of craft paper and place it on the door to the laundry room. Then, I use leaves diecut from a diecut machine. And each night, we each place a leaf on the tree saying something we are thankful for this year. It is something that I have grown to love.

My leaf today will be I am thankful that Wade asked me to marry him on this day 18 years ago.

Blessings!

Freeze Time

2008-11-07T06:06:00.000-08:00

I wish that we could freeze time.

The other night, Caleb who is normally a good sleeper was having difficulty getting to sleep.

My heart was pulled out of me as I heard him not crying but sobbing. I went and picked him up and I took him to my bed. It was still early before 10 p.m., but Wade was fast asleep. He can sleep through anything so nothing disturbs him.

Caleb crawled on top of sleeping Wade, laid down his head and fell asleep. It was too precious.

2008-11-05T10:58:00.000-08:00

I could not communicate it better than this.. so if you have time.. please go visit this blog..
http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2008/11/united-house.html

Let us be in prayer for unity I know it is what would please our heavenly Father.

It takes time to grow fruit...

2008-11-04T06:16:00.000-08:00

It takes time to grow fruit. Well, yes that is common sense. However, I had really not thought about it in relation to fruit of the Spirit.

Yesterday, I was studying God's word and my Bible Study book that I was using said to choose a short verse and to meditate on it. The description used to mediate was to review, repeat, reflect, think, analyze, feel and even enjoy it.

So here was my verse,

"He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers." Psalms 1:2-3

As I truly meditated on this verse, I was struck with the fact that I have always just expected that the fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5:22)- Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness,Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control would just come immediately.

Instead God truly showed me, that just like fruit is yielded in a season. It takes time to grow the fruit. It just doesn't happen overnight. So it is with the fruit of the Spirit, it slowly develops and grows until it is ripe.

My lesson for November 3rd.

Tricks are over, but the Treats remain!

2008-11-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

The Tricks are all over, but the treats remain especially the sweetest treats of all, Cara and Caleb.

I had a fun filled and eventful day on Halloween! I got Cara's lunch made and shipped her off to school at 7:30 a.m. since she has Safety Patrol duty. Caleb awoke and we ate breakfast and watched some Mickey Mouse. I cleaned the house, before Debbie our house cleaner came! :-)

I worked on Cara's 4th grade scrapbook and got it almost finished. We then ran and got a cake for Cara's 5th grade class. Then, ate lunch with Shelley and Jace for Shelley's birthday. Then, the most important task of the whole day was I voted! I had Caleb with me and I was so afraid he was going to push the wrong button... he loves computers. We then picked Cara up at school.

We got ready for Halloween and took some pictures and then we were off to Trunk or Treat at church. Then a quick run by Sonic for dinner and more trick or treating in our neighborhood.

It was a great day!

Homesick

2008-10-27T12:49:00.001-07:00

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times

And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you

But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry

Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face

If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place

Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways

The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know

But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same

Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face

If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place

Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbye

And in Christ, there is no end

So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have

To see you again

To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face

If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place

Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

2008-10-24T06:41:00.000-07:00

Matthew 5: 3-11

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."

This was in my daily study one day recently. It reminded me again that all of us are blessed.. you know we wouldn't mourn if the life we had lost hadn't blessed us.

This is close to my heart as the anniversary of my Mother's death draws near.

God is good. He loves us and blesses us. Are you looking for the blessings He has given you here on earth?

Some of my family favorites...

2008-10-20T07:49:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I was visiting with a friend at church. She has recently returned to work and is juggling work and home life. I told her I would email her with some easy crockpot recipes....
which I did....
Here are some easy crock pot recipes..

1. Crock pot Barbeque chicken- chicken breasts (they do not have to be totally thawed) and a jar of bbq sauce

2. Pork Bbq sandwiches- Hormel Pork bbq flavor and a jar of bbq sauce cook all day... then use a big fork to shred the pork.. eat on hamburger buns and serve with your families favorite veggies or mac n' cheese, etc

3. Stupid Chicken ( I got this recipe out of the newspaper don't know why it is called that)
Diced chicken breast ( you do not have to thaw out the chicken breast totally to cut into pieces)
2 cans of Italian diced tomatoes
1 package of Savory Herb and Garlic mix ( this is like Onion Soup mix )
Cook all day in crockpot.. Then serve over Bow Tie pasta with salad and cheesy Texas Toast bread (found in the freezer section)

4. Crock Pot Roast
Roast
2 cans of sliced new potatoes (drain)
baby carrots
2 cans of Golden Mushroom Soup
2 cans of water
Season roast and then layer veggies around the roast .. cook all day

5. Chili Coke Roast
Roast or stew meat (already cut up into bites.. that is what I buy)
1 can of coke
1 jar of chili sauce (you can find it by the ketchup)
cook all day on low in crockpot.
Serve over rice

Enjoy!

Tag! I'm It!

2008-10-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Stephanie at Stephanies Spot for this fun little meme. To play, you have to go to your sixth photo folder and post the sixth photo.

I actually have several places I keep my photos. I download them once into Picture Project from Nikon. Then, I transfer them over to Memory Manager by Creative Memories. I also have some miscellaneous files in My Pictures. So I decided to go to Memory Manager by CM for my pic. If you do not have Memory Manager, let me recommend it to you. It is awesome and a great tool to organize all of your photos.

My Sixth folder was found in the year 2005 photo box. It is from June of 2005 when my nephew, Cole came over to swim with Cara at the neighbor's pool when we lived on Foxchase.

Cole and Cara have always had a special bond. They are eight days apart. The first child for both of us. I kept Cole when he was an infant several days a week. As they are growing older, my prayer is that their friendship continue as it is harder to find commonalities.... things to play and do together...

Now it is my turn, to tag five people to play along..

Bryan at Spare Change

Stephanie at AbundantJoy

Jennifer at AJournalsAddict

Tamara at ThisismystoryThisismysong

Brian at Grooverz

Enjoy!

Safe and Sound

2008-10-05T12:19:00.001-07:00

Can’t believe you’re here now
Tiny dream come true
The answer to a prayer now
I’m so in love with you
Couldn’t wait to meet you
Hope you like your name
I get the funny feeling
Life will never be the same

Safe and sound
You’re here with me now
Like I hoped you’d be
Safe and sound
You’re here with me now
And that’s all I’ll ever need

The world’s a scary place here
But baby it’s alright
I’ll make sure the coast is clear
So you can just sleep tight
But if you’re afraid of monsters
Like everybody is
I’ll be right beside you
Closer than a kiss

Safe and sound
I’m here with you now
And you will always be
Safe and sound
I’m here with you now
And that’s all you’ll ever need

Someday I’m gonna teach you
The reason why we pray
So that heaven’s love may reach you
Every single day
So, baby close your eyes now
And say a prayer with me
Lord, I lay me down to sleep now
But I know I will be

Safe and sound
You’re here with us now
And we will always be
Safe and sound You’re here with us now
And that’s all we’ll ever, all we’ll ever need
You’re all we’ll ever need

Matthew West artist
I wanted to put the song on my blog, but couldn't find it on playlist.. so I included the lyrics instead.

It was two years ago a day I will never forget .. October 5, 2006. My prayers were answered that I had conceived a child. My husband was in a foreign country doing Mission work. I couldn't share with anyone but my GOD who had answered my prayers. I sat in awe as I looked at a plus sign. As anyone who has experienced years of infertility knows.. we always have a stash of pregnancy tests... but never get to see a + sign. It was amazing that when I saw that + sign that God gave me a peace like no other. You see I had been pregnant four other times besides my Cara but everytime I never brought that child home. It was my prayer to not only conceive but to bring a baby home with me. God gave me a peace and a doctors appointment that day, October 5, 2006. Thank you God for knitting my Caleb in my womb and bringing him to this world. May he know you at a young age and follow you all of your days. May he serve you mightily. You are a FAITHFUL God.. I love you so...

2008-10-02T07:02:00.000-07:00

Squidoo (an online group that raises tons of money for charities) is giving $80,000 to the charities of your choice. Basically, anyone who wants to participate can vote for one charity (from a list of about 50...don't vote more than once or all your votes will be deleted)...Squidoo will donate $2/vote. You don't even have to sign up for anything! Just click here
http://www.squidoo.com/squidoo-charity-giveaway

There is a charity on there that I am very compassionate about The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society . As you know, my Mom passed away from Lymphoma. Vote for any charity you believe could use $2...OR, choose mine that I mentioned above! You have until October 15 to vote!

My soapbox..

2008-10-01T08:16:00.001-07:00

Why is it that we can not allow children to be children? Why do we have to think they are little adults? Why do we as adults expect so much of them? We push and push and push. It frustrates me to no end. Yes it is important to have high expectations, but there needs to be a balance.

There are numerous examples.. and some have to do with the change of our times.
When I entered Kindergarten, we learned letters, sang songs, cooked, played, had circle time for half of a day. My mom said I was so exhausted I came home everyday and took a nap. So I must have had a good time.

When I began teaching Kindergarten in 1991, we taught letters,their sounds and how to write them, sang songs, cooked, had centers, math, science, pe and library for half a day.

When I taught Kindergarten again in 2005, we taught children how to read, how to write a complete story,how to do addition and subtraction, science, math for all day. We sang some songs, but we never cooked. I was the rare teacher who had a home center in her classrrom and allowed time for her students to just PLAY!

If you can see the difference in expecations at Kindergarten.. think about 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade and 5th grade. My 5th grader is doing things that I did in Junior High when I was 11 and 12 and 13. However, at the age of 10, she is expected to do so much and remember so much. I think educators often forget that the kids they teach are children.

Children who like to run outside, tell a joke, get a hug, who still play with dolls and cars. Children who have feelings and emotions.

We must remember that they are not minature adults.

2008-09-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

High Heels or Flip Flops

2008-09-29T18:17:00.000-07:00

There is no one else in the whole wide world like you. I'm sure you have heard that before, but I wonder if you understand how true it is and how precious you are to God. We are not always treasured on this earth. Our relationships with our parents or friends or spouses can lead us to believe that we may be unique, but that it's not a good thing. So often we are encouraged to blend in, don't rock the boat, don't be different, but I say, rock that boat, and be who you are...

When you hold back who you really are, we all miss out. So whether you are a pet nut like me or a wordsmith like Patsy Clairmont, whether you like high heels or flip-flops, be who you really are. You have a voice and style that is all your own. It has been given to you by God so that through you, a unique picture of our Father is seen.

Shelia Walsh

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One moment

2008-09-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

It's amazing that in one moment your whole perspective can change. One of my dear LISA friends, who hooked me to blogs to begin with... sent me an email this morning telling me about another blog to follow.. and requesting prayer for her friend who is the author of the blog and leader of her Bible Study. I first lifted her in prayer as I headed to her blog where my eyes welled with tears and streamed down my face. This Sister in Christ, Molly lost a baby at 14 weeks last year and is now dealing with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma all before the age of 40 while she has four other children at home who need her.
Why is it that it takes something of this magnitude to rock my world? I know that I am blessed. I am grateful. But everything seems a little more precious and sweet and my heart wells in gratitude to God for the simplest things of all.. especially my health.

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Hopes and Dreams

2008-09-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

Never did I have such high hopes and dreams than with my own children.. but even so I also have high hopes and dreams for my nieces and nephews. With my Mom and Stepdad, now on the other side in heaven. I feel great responsibility to continue the prayers that they as Grandparents prayed for their grandchildren. So my heart is glad and full of hope as the oldest grandchild is now embarking on his own. He has landed a great job with the corporate office of Gamestop which is located in my town. I had made the suggestion to him that he look at their website. He has played games with excellence since he was three years old if not before.

I was so excited when he called me first to tell me that he got the job. I then later emailed him to just check in. My heart was glad and tears streamed down my cheeks as at the end of the email he wrote these words to me, "I can't thank you enough for finding me this opportunity and hope you realize how huge of an impact this could be on my future for taking me in a successful direction."

My prayers continue!

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what's so wrong with tradition?

2008-09-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

tradition

Main Entry: tra·di·tion
Pronunciation: \trə-ˈdi-shən\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English tradicioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French tradicion, from Latin tradition-, traditio action of handing over, tradition — more at treason
Date: 14th century
1 a: an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom) b: a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable
2: the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction
3: cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions
4: characteristic manner, method, or style
— tra·di·tion·al \-ˈdish-nəl, -ˈdi-shə-nəl\ adjective
— tra·di·tion·al·ly adverb
— tra·di·tion·less \-ˈdi-shən-ləs\ adjective

What is wrong with tradition? I know that we need to sometimes think outside the box.. but I personally like tradition. It brings me comfort. It reminds me of good times. It helps me remember all those who have gone before me.

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Remember

2008-09-11T13:00:00.001-07:00

It hardly seems believable that seven years have passed since September 11, 2001.
I was going about my normal Mom duties on that day. Wade was at home after working all night at DFW airport. I had gotten up and dressed and taken Cara to Mothers Day Out. As I drove up, I saw my sister who also took my nephew to MDO at the same place. She mentioned to me what had happened. I was in disbelief. I had not listened to any news or even the radio as I drove that morning. I dropped Cara off and headed to my school in Irving to tutor. The television was on in the lounge and I watched. It seemed so surreal.
I immediately began getting phone calls about the whereabouts of Wade since at the time he was working in airports and traveling most of the time. I knew that Wade was safe at home. Praise God!

That evening, we all went to church to pray for all. All who were involved. All who lived in our country. Everyone! I was touched by President George Bush's words on that day.

I chose to commemorate that event with a scrapbook. A day in history, that we should never forget. May we truly remember and pray for those who lost loved ones on that day. And for all those who fight for our freedom.

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From my Inbox...

2008-09-10T07:52:00.001-07:00

I received this today in my Inbox and thought it was worth passing along... I wasn't able to add all the pictures.. there were 15 of them...

Just read

Don't dismiss the fact that Sarah Palin is Commander of the Alaska National Guard-- consider this.

Alaska is the first line of defense in our missile interceptor defense system. The 49th Missile Defense Battalion of the Alaska National Guard is the unit that protects the entire nation from ballistic missile attacks. Itʼs on permanent active duty, unlike other Guard units.

As governor of Alaska , Palin is briefed on highly classified military issues, homeland security, and counterterrorism. Her exposure to classified material may rival even Biden's and certainly by far exceeds Obama's.

She's also the commander in chief of the Alaska State Defense Force (ASDF), a federally recognized militia incorporated into Homeland Security's counterterrorism plans.

Palin is privy to military and intelligence secrets that are vital to the entire country's defense. Given Alaska 's proximity to Russia , she may have security clearances we don't even know about.

According to the Washington Post, she first met with McCain in February, but nobody ever found out. This is a woman used to keeping secrets.

She can be entrusted with our national security, because she already is.

=============================================================

Posted on Monday, September 01, 2008 1:22:41 PM by Jeff Head
HOW THE SARAH PALIN PICK TRUMPS OBAMA-BIDEN
On August 29, 2008, Republican Presidential nominee, John McCain, announced Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska as his VP running mate. That selection has trumped and checkmated the Obama-Biden ticket.
Coming the day after Obama's historic acceptance speech at the Democratic convention, which speech and Obama's earlier pick of Joe Biden as his own VP running mate, were expected to be the top news item leading into the Republican convention the following week, McCain's pick of Sarah Palin however completely eclipsed those events.
In less than 24 hours, Obama's day in the sun had been come under a cloud of shadow and was relegated to history being completely upstaged by the Palin choice. The news cycles have talked about nothing else since in terms of the presidential politics.
The choice by McCain has stunningly energized the conservative base of the Republican party, an important segment McCain had his own problems with. But by choosing Palin, a staunch conservative, he has revitalized his commitment and perception in that area. Many conservatives who had relegated themselves to simply voting against Obama, are now more than willing to for "for" Palin.
The choice also reached out directly to independents and disaffected Democratic voters, particularly women, who were so sorely disappointed by Hillary Clinton's narrow loss and the way they had been treated since Obama sealed the nomination. Particularly in overlooking Hillary Clinton, who won 18 million votes in the primaries, and actually had more votes than Obama, those disaffected women are also excited about Palin, and indicating by the tens of thousands on blogs and disaffected Hillary voter sites on the web that they intend to cross over and vote for her and McCain.
The Obama campaign and DNC, curiously, have already launched all out attacks against the choice and Palin herself, indicating that she does not have enough executive or national experience.
Excuse me? She does not have enough executive experience?
A simple analysis of the relative experience levels of Sarah Palin compared to either Democratic candidate puts this to rest. For over the past decade, Sarah Palin has been involved in executive decision making at increasing levels of elected positions of public trust. Obama has no executive experience, Biden has no executive experience. During that time, Palin left off running an actual private business in Alaska , a commercial fishing business and was elected to her city council and then, in quick order to be Mayor of her home town. She did so well there that she was ultimately elected to be Governor of the State of Alaska , managing 17,000 personnel and a 9 billion dollar budget. Obama and Biden have absolutely no comparable experience at all, neither of them.
Mayor Sarah Palin executing her duties as Mayor. Sarah Palin being sworn in as Governor Governor Sarah Palin executing her duties as Governor, signing legislation. Governor Sarah Palin acting in her capacity as the executive of the State.
In Alaska , as Governor, Sarah is also the Commander in Chief (CINC) for the Alaskan National Guard. This is a critical national assignment as Alaska sits on the border with Russia where Air National Guard aircraft intercept Russian Bear aircraft. Sarah Palin has taken her role as the Commander seriously, regularly visiting the units and coming to understand their duties and capabilities.
Governor Sarah Palin meeting in the field with Guard Units. Governor Sarah Palin, an avid shooter herself, learns the operation of equipment of guard units (She's manning the gun).
As Governor, Sarah has helped devise and push through a project for the largest natural gas line in the history of the US ...taking on entrenched politicians (on both sides of the aisle), lobby groups, and large corporations in the process. Her involvement with, and her understanding of, the Energy issue is unmatched by either Democratic candidate.
Outside of her direct role as Governor and speaking more to her personal values and commitment to them, Sarah walks the walk on the pro-life issue. Having found out well in advance of delivery that her youngest child would have downs syndrome, she and her husband thanked God for the blessing and brought the baby into a loving home. (By contrast, Obama has stated publically that he doesn't want his children "punished" with a baby).
As Governor, Palin actually visited the wounded soldiers in Germany , while Obama, when given the same opportunity in Europe , refused to comply with Defense Department guidelines regarding his entourage, and skipped that part of his schedule.
Beyond all of this, there is also a part of Sarah Palin that most hard working, patriotic, and committed Americans are coming to adore about her. She is real. She is authentic. Not only has she stood up to corrupt politics and the old networks that have produced so much waste, fraud, and "bridges to nowhere", she is also a regular person, and authentic all-American girl, wife, mother, and citizen.
She has actually walked the walk of reform and change instead of just talking about it.
She does not come from privilege, did not aspire to it, or become placed in it. She did not attend the Ivy League or prestigious schools. She has gotten to where she is by pure honesty, integrity, and strength of charachter and has been raising five kids and enjoying life while doing so.
Sarah Palin loves to Four-wheel and fly with her family in Alaska . Sarah Palin loves to fish in Alaska . Sarah Palin loves to hunt in Alaska . ..and, oh, did I mention? Sarah Palin loves to shoot.
All of this drives the leftist and anti-American crowd mad. Sarah Palin is the real deal. Young, refreshing, committed wife, mother, American citizen. She is the real deal when it comes to the change that is so much needed in American politics, particularly in Washington . John McCain must be congratulated for vetting her, seeing this, and putting her on the national stage.
She represents in fact, and in her own actions, what so many others (including Obama and the entrenched Biden) only talk about, and then go on with business as usual.
Obama, in his own actions and positions as a State Senator (voted merely present so many time in the State Senate, but voted no defending the Born Alive Abortion Protection Act there), in his own actions and positions as a US Senator (spent only 144 days on the job before beginning his campaign for the President, but in those short days was recognized as the Senator with the furthest left record), and particularly in his own willful associations of long standing with hateful, racists individuals like Jeremiah Wright (who preached "Not God bless American, No, No, No, God Damn America!) to Obama and his children, and with the likes of Bill Ayers, the unrepentant, arrogant, and militantly anti-American political connection where Obama kicked off his own political career, who bomber the US Pentagon, the US Capitol, and NY City Polic Headquarters and then claimed in an interview published on 911 that his only regreet was that he had not done enough...no with such actions and such associations (npot to mention TOni Rezco, Pleger, and others), Obama has proven that his change is precisely the type we do not want or need in Washington.
CHOOSING THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
NOBAMA MOVEMENT SPREADS ACROSS THE NATION

Journaling without hassels!

2008-09-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, I came across a wonderful little journal book called.. the GUILT-FREE journal

written by Jan Silvious. I used it almost all the way up ... and I was straightening the other day..I saw it and decided to buy another one through Amazon. You see, I have a wonderful, true desire to spend time with God each day. Devoted time.. you see.. I am good at talking to God..I talk to him all throughout the day, but I have a hard time sitting still, not cleaning, or playing with Caleb, or being on the computer to STOP and just spend time with him. This book helps you do that. It has scripture and then each day is a little different in what it asks for you to journal, but not just any journaling you are journaling your prayer to God. You know as I looked through that journal of past days.. I was reminded once again by how many prayers God had answered. I believe and know it is important to write these down. We seem to forget how much God answers. We just simply go to our next request. By keeping a journal, it helps us to stop and truly recognize where God has been at work.

Here is a glimpse of the inside of one of the pages...

Gotta go.. get to my guilt-free journal...

I think I will vote for...

2008-09-06T11:01:00.001-07:00

http://www.inews3.com/topstory.php?id=4a7564797c4b656c6c6579

Do you pray for protection?

2008-09-05T06:21:00.000-07:00

This past week, Wade returned home from a hiking trip to Colorado. The first night at dinner, we started asking about his trip and how everything went. Wade has his ACL license and drove a lot of the way in our church's People Mover.. (bigger than a van but smaller than a bus). He with our Recreation Minister, Bryan Anderson drove over 12 hours to Colorado. I asked Wade if everything went smoothly with the drive. He said yes, but we were coming through a tunnel and as we exited the tunnel an accident happened right beside us and right behind us. I immediately said to Cara, "Don't you remember we prayed for angels to protect Daddy as he drove?"

You know there is a lot of misinformation about what angels are and their purpose in our world.
About five years ago, I did a Bible Study that discussed angels. It was very interesting. Pat Routen was my teacher.

Here are some of my notes from my study written by Pat Routen: There are over 300 references to them in the Bible. We are not to pray to angels, nor worship them. Angels do not indwell people and are not to be confused with the Holy Spirit. Angels are mightier than people, but they are not gods and they do not possess the attributes of the Trinity.

God uses angels to work out the destinies of men and nations. They keep in close contact with all that is happening on earth. They are here among us whether we sense their presence or not.

I could write pages and pages of what I learned about angels. But God's word speaks louder than anything

"For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." Psalms 91:11

"Are not all angels minsitering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"
Hebrews 1:14

So I firmly believe that God did send his angels to protect Wade as he drove through that tunnel just as I had requested of God.

Isn't it a comfort that although we can not see angels around us, that they are there just as God promised?

You never realize...

2008-09-02T06:40:00.000-07:00

You never realize how very fortunate you are until you see or walk in other footsteps...

This past week, I have been parenting alone as my husband has been hiking the mountains of Colorado. My heart truly goes out to those who parent by themselves without a spouse to help them out...

Meanwhile, there is a sweet teacher at my daughter's school.. whose husband is in last days on this earth after a tough battle with cancer. I have been praying without ceasing for this family.

It makes you truly appreciate what you have when you realize there are so many without...
Let's be thankful for what God has given us...

Eternity is impacted...

2008-08-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

A teacher affects eternity;
he can never tell where his influence stops.
~ Henry Brooks Adams

I've been on all sides of teacherhood. I've been a student (and continue to be one), a teacher and now a Mother who watches her child interact with her teachers.

Teachers don't always seem to realize how very valued and important they are in the life of a child. I can remember when I first started teaching, I would have parents who would tell me how very important I was in their child's life. Yes, I heard them, but I truly did not grasp the concept until my own child went to school.

The first thing my daughter said on Monday when I picked her up from school was "Ms. Yockey is like Ms. Morris."

Now none of you can know what that means.. but to her Mom and Dad we know it means everything. Ms. Morris was Cara's 4th grade teacher. She was kind, loving, and compassionate about her job. Cara had a great year in her class. So hearing this come out of Cara's mouth.. I breathed a sigh of relief knowing that this will be a great year.

On a total other note, a lot of my former Kindergarteners are in college. Last night on facebook, I was able to reconnect with some of them. It is incredible to see where they are in their life... I saw them as they were embarking on their school years and now I can glimpse at where they are as they are embarking on adulthood and college. So cool! Of course, two of my favorite kiddos were red heads and that is who I contacted first on Facebook. Several of my students are playing basketball at the college level. I feel like a proud mom. I only had them for one year, but they all hold a place in my heart.

Dirt, Nerds, Toilets,Dog Bowl, Stairs

2008-08-28T14:37:00.000-07:00

What do all of these things have in common? My son, Caleb.. I always knew that boys were different than girls.. but not till I had my own sweet little guy did I truly understand it.

In one day, he knocked over a plant, got into the cabinet with the doggie treats and started feeding them to the dog (thankfully, not to himself), climbed the stairs numerous times, got a box of Nerds out of the refrigerator.. shook them around like they were a rattle then figured out how to open them and then I had Nerds all over the floor, played in the dogs bowls, and played in the toilet. YUCK! I am certain there is more.. but that is all I can remember.

It is a choice

2008-08-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

Gratitude

Seems like such a simple thing

But yet it is so big

It is a choice that we make each day. I never realized how hard it was for others to be grateful.

It comes easily to me. I think it is how I grew up and the way I saw my Mother and Grandmother choose gratitude.

When I was little, my Mom had divorced. She had an old yellow Nova with vinyl, peeling, black seats and no air conditioner. But yet she was grateful that she had a running car.

That is just one example of thousands, I could share. It seems so easy to me to be grateful for even the small things. I truly learned this from my Mom.

My sweet Mom, who is now with Jesus, had a gratitude journal the last 9 months of her life.

I love to look at it on occasion.. to see her handwriting.. to see what she was grateful for on that day...

I am amazed at how she was grateful for the simpliest things...

a blue jay in her yard

a phone call

a visit

and I love how she would write down "my Judy"..

Let's choose to be grateful for what we have...

Seems like yesterday...

2008-08-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

First Day of Kindergarten, August 2003

It seems like yesterday that my little girl with a cute little dress and a bow in her hair was off to Kindergarten. This morning, my 10 year old young lady was off to 5th grade. I am amazed at how quickly time does go by.

I can still remember that first day of Kindergarten. Cara awoke very early out of excitement and joined Wade and I in bed. We prayed together and snuggled before we hurried off to get ready. This morning, five years later, I woke Cara up at 6:50 a.m. per her request. She set her alarm for 7:00 a.m. in case her Mother overslept. Caleb gave her some love and Cara jumped up and got ready and did her hair. Then, she was off to get her lunch ready.

She graciously allowed me to walk into school with her to her 5th grade classroom, Ms. Yockey so that I her shutterfly happy mom could take her picture. This will be the last time, I am able to walk her in on the first day of school. I can't believe that my little girl is now a little young lady.

On that day in 2003, I shed tears. This morning, I just smiled as I saw her sit down in her seat ready for what 5th grade has to hand her.

First day of 5th grade, August 2008

2008-08-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Jennisa at Once Upon a Blog for designing my blog! She is awesome and very patient. Click the link on the right to go to her site...
Blessings-

Surf and Sand and South Carolina

2008-08-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

We awoke early last Thursday morning... 4:30 A.M. to be exact.. to head to DFW airport to fly to Charlotte, North Carolina.. This was Caleb's first airplane ride and he did great.. sleeping a lot of the time on his Dad.

When we arrived in North Carolina.. we rented a car and headed South to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. almost 11 hours later... we arrived at our resort, Sea Mist. At first glance, it wasn't exactly what was pictured on the web .. but it turned out to be just fine. Our room was located directly by the beach which made it easy access to and from the ocean.

The resort.. takes your picture and then everywhere you go they just look you up on their computer for entry into their waterparks etc. I thought this was a great idea..

We immediately headed to the beach to play in the sand.

We enjoyed the aquarium, minature golf, pools, waterparks, eating out.. lots of Chick Fil A and Chili's... and the surf.

And part of my favorite time of the trip.. was taking our picture on the beach and Caleb looked at the camera :-)...

What a blessing to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of life to just enjoy God's beautiful creation and the gifts of my family...

2008-08-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

"Humans are like tea bags. They never realize their strength until they are put in hot water." - Author Unknown

What punctuation are you?

2008-08-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

You Are a Colon

You are very orderly and fact driven.

You aren't concerned much with theories or dreams... only what's true or untrue.

You are brilliant and incredibly learned. Anything you know is well researched.

You like to make lists and sort through things step by step. You aren't subject to whim or emotions.

Your friends see you as a constant source of knowledge and advice.

(But they are a little sick of you being right all of the time!)

You excel in: Leadership positions

You get along best with: The Semi-Colon

What Punctuation Mark Are You?

Seventeen Years and counting!!!

2008-08-11T15:11:00.001-07:00

August 10, 1991- August 10, 2008

Seventeen years ago, I walked down the aisle to my red headed man whom I had fell in love with two and half years earlier. I knew that he was the one for me, but it took him awhile to see that..

When I walked down that aisle, I had no idea where life would take us. We have had highs and lows. We have traveled the world together. We have enjoyed the joy of two beautiful children.

However, we have had heart aches that we never knew that we would endure. We have suffered loss beyond imagination. We have walked hard roads together. But we have persevered only with God's help. Thanks be to God for being there in our laughter and in our sorrow.

We enjoyed a night on the town at a favorite eating establishment, Trulucks...we thanked God for being with us and cried tears of joy for our years together and how God has brought us through and answered so many of our prayers.

100 Things I Love...

2008-08-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

1. God that he loves me despite my faults

2. His Son, Jesus and that he would die for me

3. My friend and husband, Wade

4. My first born, Cara Elizabeth

5. My MIRACLE baby, Caleb Wade

6. My dog, Boomer and that he follows his Mom around everywhere and sleeps outside Calebs door to protect him

7. My Bible

8. My Mom's Bible, I love reading what she underlined.

9. Mexican food especially Pappasitos

10. Seafood.. Mahi Mahi especially

11. Dr. Pepper

12. Sweet Tea

13. My lifelong friends who I've known my entire life

14. My new friends as of the last 10 years :-)

15. Baylor University

16. Talking with friends

17. Facebook and reconnecting with old friends

18. Mail

19. Email

20. Surfing the web

21. Finding bargains

22. My camera Nikon D80

23. Scrapbooking

24. Looking at pictures... they can be anyones pictures.. even people I don't know.. I love pictures and how they capture the moment and memory

25. Christmastime.. the whole month of December and all the events surrounding it

26. Birthdays

27. Giving gifts

28. A Happy Home.. when everyone is in a good mood

29. Traveling

30. Hawaii

31. Switzerland

32. TEXAS

33. Being with my brother and sister and all the kids

34. DVRS

35. Hugs

36. Hershey Chocolate Almond Bars

37. Dr. Pepper Ice Cream

38. Chocolate Almond Ice Cream

39. purses, purses and more purses

40.Snuggling with my baby

41.Girls Night Out

42. Church Camp

43. My Lap Top

44. American Idol and watching it with my family

45. massages

46. my cleaning lady, Debbie the best investment every month...

47. Marshalls and finding bargains

48. Craigslist you can find anything on there

49. Cordless phones

50. Invention of disposable diapers

51. Air conditioning

52. My YUKON Denali

53.Naps

54. Surprises! and giving them

55.Filling out my day planner

56. Willow Tree figurines

57. Remebering happier times when my Mom and Ninny were here

58.Sunsets

59. The Beach

60.. Hymns

61. Itunes

62. My husband in a suit and especially a tuxedo

63. Weddings

64. Mattress Warmers

65. Cell phones

66. Watching Caleb as he learns new things

67. Hearing I love you from Cara

68. Ninny Cookies

69. Ninny Pies

70. Grapevine

71. Humira, my new medicine

72. Walt Disney World -all of it

73. My hairdresser, Laurinda

74. Y and R

75. Shopping

76. Target

77. My church

78. My scrapbook room

79.Sitting by the fire

80. Solar Nails

81. Kindergarteners

82. Being a Stay at Home Mom

83. Pedicures

84. Fresh Flowers especially red roses

85. Hearing my kids laugh

86.to be able to pray at anytime and any place

87. that we live in a free country

88. Arlington, Texas

89. 2906 Norwood, my childhood home

90. Jet/Nash Oklahoma where Wade grew up

91. going on dates with Wade without kids

92.Blogs

93. Beth Moore Bible Studies

94. Contacs

95. Being called Jude by my friends and my hubby at times

96. Being called Pumpkin

97. cheese

98. my Mom's gratitude journal

99. comfy pajamas

100. Knowing that one day we will all be together in heaven and we will never have to say goodbye. Thank you, Jesus!

CAMP!!!

2008-08-05T06:29:00.000-07:00

Camp! I went to the Tarrant Baptist Encampment every year from 1977-1987. I spent every summer there and had some wonderful times with not only friends, my Mom, but most importantly the Lord Jesus there. It is now named Riverbend Retreat Center.

This past weekend, I went as a camp counselor to Riverbend. I was in charge of 7 fourth grade girls. Cara is a 4th grader as well, but she was in a different small group than mine. It was a wonderful experience... some things have changed, but a lot has stayed the same.

The cabins were the same as when I attended.. some had been updated but not the one I stayed in. It was still cabin 5! The Chapel was the same.. although it looked so much smaller than I remembered. We had crafts in the chapel. There is a new Activity Center where we had worship. It was huge! The food was a ton better! The pool was the same except they had added a pool to the side with slides. The river was the same. Archery was still there, but with a new improved awning. Added was the 40 foot Zip Line, The Lake with the Blob, Paddle Boats,and Ice Berg! Also, new to me was all the pranks the boys and girls tried to pull.

Girls still do each others hair! Girls still want to talk to all hours of the night! The view is still as beautiful! The canteen is still a cool place to hang out at.. and especially now that they have an ice cream shop! And God still spoke to lots of students about himself! One of my girls made a rededication. We had over 600 students total and at least 100 decisions. I never heard the final count.

"Daddy..."

2008-07-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at how a Mother's ear is so in tune to her children. This morning, I was dead asleep .. I had slept through an alarm ringing, my husband getting up out of bed, a noisy shower door, a shower running for thirty minutes.. and then it happened... Cara's whisper, "Daddy"... I woke straight up... she even whispered it so that I wouldn't awake..

How is that we can be dead asleep and out of it and our childrens cry or even whisper can wake us straight out of our sleep?

Even so then, our Father in Heaven waits to hear our voice.. and he is ever eager to answer us. He never slumbers or sleeps.

Psalm 121:3-5

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand

Vickie 6 of 365

2008-07-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

Vickie (6 of 365)

I can't even remember when I first met Vickie.. it must have been on the floor as we were crawling around in our Nursery class at church. When she was 1 month old.. I would have been 3 months old. Whenever it was, we have been friends forever. Not only friends, but sisters.
We started school together in Kindergarten went through elementary school, junior high, high school and college together. We not only went to class together, we went to church together ss well. We were Girl Scouts, roommates in college, sorority sisters, and most importantly we are sisters in Christ. I can't imagine my life without my friend, Vic. We have been through highs and lows and in between. One thing I know for sure..is that she is always here for me. She is what you call a true friend. Today is her birthday and I am so grateful to God for her life. She has been right by my side blessing me every step of the way.

Blessings.....

2008-07-22T05:48:00.001-07:00

clock clock clocking on heaven's door
Originally uploaded by mivella

I left with my life changed this past Sunday. You see I have always gone to church and I do expect to be changed.. but this Sunday I didn't really know if I would get anything from the sermon or not. Our Pastor had invited his good friend and a fellow pastor to preach. His name is Pastor Eduardo and he is from Brazil and speaks Portugese.

I have always had a heart for Brazil because my Aunt Margaret served as a missionary to Rio De Janerio for 39 years. She left the year I was born and just returned to the states to finish her last year before she retires.

As Pastor Eduardo began to speak in Portugese, a young lady from our church, Carly interpreted for him. He started with this story.. In Brazil, there is a lot of Spiritism practiced. Spirticim is a mixture of Catholicism, Indian and Slavery Spiritual teachings. It involves witchcraft, magic and satanism. There were two young children. A boy, age 6 and a girl age 8. Their family held these rituals every weekend and their Aunt came to their home and would perform sacrifices on the children,magic and lots of other type of things. The services would begin about 10 p.m. at night and last until the wee hours of the morning. The family believed so much in this spiritual teachings that they would leave a cup of coffee up on a ledge for the evil spirits each morning in their home. And every morning the cup would be empty.

One week a Christian lady came around the neighborhood and invited children to a class at her home for children. At the time on Wednesday evening, the eight year old girl accepted Jesus. That following Friday, the Aunt came to do her weekly ritual to the Evil Gods. The two children were in their bedroom. As the Aunt entered the room the mother of the two children with her,she began her sacrifices and other rituals on the small six year old boy. When she finished she went to the eight year old girl, and she stopped and exclaimed, "I can't touch her the man in white is with her." That next week, the little boy accepted Jesus as well. Now, through the obedience of one small girl... a whole family was changed and now thousands if not millions have been changed.. for you see the small boy in this story is Pastor Eduardo who preached at our church on Sunday.

The lessons that he taught were profound and numerous. The one that stuck with me is one that I already knew, but always need reminding... that no matter your age God wants to bless you and no matter your age whether you are six or sixty six or ninety six.. God wants to use you to bless others. God gives us 168 hours a week. How many hours do you give to God?

My ears are still ringing!

2008-07-11T19:02:00.001-07:00

Cara had a great fourth grade year. So as a reward for her hard work, I treated her to the Jonas Brothers concert. The difficult part for me was that I purchased the tickets in March and kept it a secret until June.

On Wednesday evening, Cara and her friend, Madison and myself and Madison's Mom, Paula loaded up the car and headed to Dallas to see the Jonas Brothers. The opening act was a girl, Demi Lovato from Colleyville who has hit it big in the last month as she starred in the movie, Camp Rock. She was great, but we were all waiting for the moment when Nick, Joe and Kevin would appear on the stage. And they did.
The concert was awesome! However, I have never heard so many screaming girls in all my life.

The concert had fire, fireworks, stunts, and incredible talent. The thing that I have most admired about these young men is that from everything I know about them.. they know the Lord. On a Disney show that shadowed them, it showed how they pray before every concert. And if you are interested, I found this awesome site about them and their faith.

http://jonasbrothersangels.com/

Here are some pictures from our night in Dallas with the JB boys!

Rockets Red Glare, The Bombs Bursting in Air

2008-07-06T19:53:00.000-07:00

July 4th, 2008.
We are privileged beyond measure to live in a free country, where we only sing of Rockets Red Glare and Bombs Bursting in Air.

Every July 4th, it is a tradition that the Kelleys gather in Oklahoma. For the last 3years, we have met at Wade's brothers house in Edmond.

We shoot Rockets.

The bombs burst in air.. but only the ones we shoot off.

Fireworks. Growing up,we would load the car up with our blanket,chairs and bug spray and head down to Vandergriff Park to see the show.

Fireworks for Wade... on the other hand, was going to the local fireworks stand and purchasing fireworks and setting them off..in your front yard. We have our own fireworks show.

So if any of you were venturing North of the Border, yes it was our show you saw as you drove up Highway 44.

Siblings!

2008-07-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

For nine years, I listened as Cara would ask me why God had not answered our prayer for a brother or sister. I listened as she would ask, "Why does God keep giving them babies? They already have three children in their family and we only have one.

I watched as others took for granted the ease at which they conceived. I watched as out of frustration they would get on to their children as they bickered. I watched as bonds developed.

I waited. I hoped. I dreamed. I prayed.

God answered.

Although there is quite a difference in age, I still love to see Cara and Caleb play. I love to see Caleb smile in anticipation to see his sister smile back. I love to be able to call them brother and sister. I love to hear their laughter and squeals.

Recently,

Cara said, "I am so glad I have a brother .. I want my children to have an Uncle and cousins." Looking already into the future...

Siblings.. something I wished, dreamed and hoped for and now I see it in front of me. God is good!

Too much...

2008-06-30T14:28:00.000-07:00

I recently was listening to a conversation between two of my girlfriends. No, I wasn't being nosy. We were at the Rangers game and one friend was sitting on one side of me and the other friend was sitting on the other side of me.

These two girlfriends and their families live in Flower Mound which is a city right north of Grapevine. Flower Mound recently added a new aquatics area to their Community Activites Center. Here is a definition from their website..

http://www.flower-mound.com/cac/aquatics.php
The Community Activity Center features several aquatic elements designed to serve a variety of residents of all ages. The indoor natatorium features a competition sized pool, splash pad, 150 foot slide, and one meter diving board.

The outdoor aquatics area features a zero-depth entry pool, large shallow area, and play structures for small children. For older and more adventurous guests, the pool also includes lap lanes, a lazy river, and two water slides.

I haven't been there, but it sounds awesome! Which leads me back to their conversation as one friend said to the other, "Well, I don't know if it has enough. I heard that if their older than 10 years old they'd be bored easily."

I've never been there myself.. but I thought, Bored.. who could be bored.

Our children have WAY too much stuff (as do their parents, myself included). When I was a child, my friend Cheryl and I would PAY to go up and down ONE slide all day long. Water parks had not been invented... we would either go to one pool with two diving boards or to the lone slide which we would go up and down. I never recall us even getting bored going up and down the same slide all afternoon long. We are privileged beyond measure!

Stuff!

2008-06-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

How do two people accumulate so much stuff?
I am in the process of organizing a garage sale.. which is a real job in itself. So on Saturday, Wade and I worked all day in the garage. Cleaning, Sorting, Organzing.
Wade is now a mobile employee so he no longer has an office. Therefore, all of his memorabilia,papers, files that he has used for the past 17 years are in our garage.
I am no longer teaching elementary school so my files and boxes of teaching are also piled in the garage along with sports equipment, lawn equipment, tools, painting supplies, coolers, trash cans and numerous other miscellaneous items.
Wade and I made a lot of progress as you can see by the picture above. The trash men will love us on Monday.

Vacation Bible School

2008-06-28T16:51:00.001-07:00

Vacation- a relaxing get away
Bible- God's Holy Word
School-a place where you learn.

VBS- A relaxing place where you learn about God's word.

Well, I don't know if VBS was relaxing this year, but it was definitely a blast! At my church,First Baptist Grapevine, we had over 700 children each day. We actually had 842 different children. Our theme this year was Outrigger Island.

Each day begins with an assembly time of worship and a competition between girls and boys of who can bring the most offering and who can bring the most shoes. Shoes?? Well, we brought shoes for the organization Shoes for Orphan Souls. Click here to read more http://www.shoesfororphansouls.org/

Then it was back to our classrooms for Centers, Crafts, Bible Story, Recreation, Music, and Snack. It is a fun filled three hours. Here's Cara and her friend, Madeline learning about The Good Samaritan.

The best part of the whole week though was that forty children made a decision for Christ! Praise God!

It was at Vacation Bible School in 1977 that I made a decision to follow Christ.
It is so easy.. just like learning the ABC's.
A- Admit that you are a sinner
B- Believe in Jesus Christ as God's son and receive Jesus' gift of forgiveness from sin
C-Confess your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Even Caleb attended VBS, he had a great time.

However, today (Saturday) he took a 3 and 1/2 hour nap... you could say that VBS wore him out!!!

Cheryl 5 of 365 (40 x 365)

2008-06-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

BEST FRIEND. If you looked up this word in the dictionary you could place my friend, Cheryl's picture right beside it. Cheryl is 9 days older than me and grew up across the street from me. She has been faithful, loyal, a listener, and a sister to me for all of my life. I can't remember a time before Cheryl. She has always been in my life as long as I can remember although I think it was in Kindergarten that we actually became close. As you can see in this picture, she has carried me through difficult times. This picture was actually taken on Choir Tour in 1986 in Vancouver, British Columbia. We have both walked some hard roads, but we've done it together.
Thank you, CC for being there for me and as long as I am here on this earth.. I will be here for you.

Let's Swim!!

2008-06-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

Last week, we all hit the pool for swim time. Caleb and I enjoyed a Mommy and Me class of fun water play. Caleb loves the water. He enjoyed just playing and splashing!

Cara made her own splash herself. She has taken some kind of lesson each summer since she took the Mommy and Me class ten years ago! The past three or four years, I have put her in private classes. The lessons only last one week and she gets individualized attention. Cara is an incredible swimmer so she is just perfecting her strokes and diving technique. This was her first year in private lessons to have a male instructor. She didn't quite know what to think of him at first. His name is Shawn. She quickly warmed up to him. Cara informed me that he was the Assistant Manager of the pool so that he might be able to cut us a deal to come swimming! As you can see by the smile on her face, she enjoyed her week as well!

Things to come....

2008-06-24T05:45:00.000-07:00

Monday was our first day of Outrigger Island Vacation Bible School. It is always extremely hectic the first day. I am the director of kids entering Kindergarten.
One of our many activities of the day was playing and experimenting with water in the water table. Our first group of 20 entered the room, five children quickly went to the water table. The teacher for that activity turned her back to get more seashells. KABOOM! Water was flowing everywhere. One of the children experimented a little too much and pulled the plug on the table. Water was flowing everywhere.

Fast forward about five hours....

I was giving Caleb a bath. The night before Wade had told me that he really didn't think Caleb needed the seat as he loves to splash in the water. So I thought I'd see for myself, I plopped Caleb in the tub and kept my eye on him. The first thing he went for was not the 50 bath toys, but the plug! The water quickly draining from the tub.

Made me wonder... will he pull the plug on the water table in the future?

No more Chips and Salsa! (for now)

2008-06-22T22:22:00.000-07:00

It happened this Spring.. when Cara's cousin, Cole came to lunch with us. You see he is a picky eater, but he loves Panda Express. I have never been a big fan of any kind of oriental food. Give me Chips and Salsa any day, but I always passed on anything Chinese, Japanese etc. (You can ask my roomies from college because they loved it.)
Anyway, so Cole requested to eat at Panda Express. So I thought, let's venture out of our comfort zone so we did. Two days later, Cara asked to eat there so we did.. soon she was addicted. She began asking to go there weekly. Twice she ate Panda Express and later became quite ill. (no details necessary) However, she kept wanting to go back.so we reached out of our comfort zone of chips and salsa! I think I need to get out of my comfort zone more often.. I might find out a lot more about the world that way!

How long could you survive?

2008-06-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

OnePlusYou Quizzes and Widgets

Totally blessed beyond measure!

Wade 4 of 365 (40 x 365)

2008-06-17T17:18:00.000-07:00

I first met Wade when his car was parked behind my car at a College Bible Study. I had to go in and see whose car it was so I could ask them to move it so I could leave. I truly believe that God ordained our meeting. Later, I would ask him out to a sorority funtion. (If one thing.. sororities are good excuses to ask boys out on dates). He asked me out for the next night for a Wayne Watson concert at our church. That was 1989 and here we are 19 years later. Our journey together has not always been easy. However, no matter what turn we took.. God brought us through and together. I thank God for Wade and for walking with us on our journey. Wade has definitely shown unconditional love to me and is always so patient. I thank God for bringing him into my life.

Ninny 3 of 365 (40x 365)

2008-06-17T17:16:00.001-07:00

I would have to say that the person right after my Mother with the most impact on my life was my Grandma who we called Ninny. She lived with me from the time I was born till my Mother remarried when I was 12.

Ninny was an amazing sister and friend, a devoted and loving mother, the best Grandma that ever lived, She had never ending love, her lips rarely uttered a complaint, she had a forgiving heart, ears that truly listened, She could cook anything and quilt and sew and mend. She could chase away bullies by the creek. She had an incredible smile and a wonderful laugh or should I say giggle. An incredible attitude toward life and a heart of Gold.

She joined my Mother walking streets of Gold on May 12th of this year. She was 95 years old! What an incredible example of Jesus she was to all who knew her! I miss her but I am so glad that she is with Mom in heaven.

We're all on the journey to our final destination!

2008-06-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

I recently went to a taping of Beth Moore at the studios of James and Betty Robinson in Euless. While there, James Robinson mentioned this book, Same Kind of different as Me by Denver Moore and Ron Hall. I decided to get it one day from Amazon. I like to read, but it is not my passion. However, this book comes highly recommended. It is a true story of a millionaire and a homeless man who cross paths and their lives are changed. I believe my life is different from reading this book and hearing their story. The best line of the whole book is at the end .. " We all homeless working our way home." Denver Hall.

Read it!

Celebrating Caleb!

2008-06-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Caleb's 1st birthday today! We had a great time! We ate lunch and opened presents. Then, it was time for the cake! Here is a picture of the cake that the adults ate.

Caleb had his own individual smash cake with a gigantic 1 on top in red icing an inch thick. Caleb was more interested in the huge Elmo balloon tied on his high chair than the cake itself. He did smush his hands around in the icing and with his Moms help he ate a few bites. Then, the icing that was all over his hands started getting in his eyes so it was off to the tub for Caleb. He loves water so he thought this was a treat especially since Uncle Steve gave him a fun new bath toy boat. We had a great time celebrating Caleb. He is such a joy!

FACEBOOK

2008-06-12T19:54:00.001-07:00

facebook
Originally uploaded by Slider22

So, I have a friend from church who is actually our Minister of Education, Bryan McAnally. He is very savvy when it comes to anything to do with the internet. He had sent me an invite to facebook a long time ago.. and I had no idea what it was all about so I just deleted the email and went on my merry way.

This last Sunday, I was chatting with him at the ministries table along with another fellow member of my church, FBC Grapevine. Bryan asked us both to join facebook. So, Sunday night I got my new handy dandy laptop and checked out facebook. "At least, it's free." I thought. Well, it is free but also very addicting.

I see it as MY SPACE for adults. You can search for friends. I immediately looked for people that I grew up with..I found an old fling from high school and passed on him...but then I found a ton of people from my church youth group most of which I had lost contact with. So, it is neat to see where they are and what they are up to.. interesting .. a lot of them are in ministry.

So I suggest that all of you (if there is anyone reading my blog) go and check out facebook. It is free.. but remember very addicting. My new addiction on facebook is the game scramble. I am trying to beat my friend Amy R.

Hope to see you there and I will confirm you as my friend

Mom- 2 of 365 (40 x 365)

2008-06-11T21:13:00.001-07:00

Mom and Cara
Originally uploaded by j_kelley1

Mom

How can I sum up in 40 words what my Mom meant to me? Impossible! I don't even think I can begin to write ample words to describe her...but I will try
Loving example of Christ, Prayer Warrior, Incredible Grandma, Loving Wife, Ordained Minister to Preschoolers, Spectacular Mom... how did she do it? I never recall her raising her voice to me. (maybe I was a good little girl :-)) I strived to obey for my Mom .. knowing she loved me unconditionally, but yet I never wanted her to be disappointed in me.
She had an infectious laugh and a smile that would lighten up a room and beautiful blue eyes in which she always saw the world half full and never half empty. She was always finding a blessing in the midst of turmoil.
She is now walking on streets of gold, rocking her grandchildren that went before her, and now walking with her Mother who left us a month ago tomorrow. I miss you so much Mom. Not a day goes by that I don't wish that you were here so I could hug you and tell you one more time, how very much I love you!

40 X 365 (1 of 365)

2008-06-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

I got this idea from another friends blog. Here it is
40 x 365

The goal: write forty words (more or less), every day for a year, about a different person with whom my life has intersected.

All the cool kids are doing it. will you? If so, let me know because I want to read about it.

Here it goes..
Jesus
I first felt his love through my loving parents and family and my Sunday School teachers even when I was only 6 weeks old. Then, when I was 8 years old my Vacation Bible School teacher, Mrs. McCaskill helped lead me to understand that I was a sinner and I needed Jesus to be Lord of my life. That is when I truly met him and he has walked with me through all of my days. He is the greatest blessing I will ever have!

Eighteen years goes by quickly!

2008-06-08T20:08:00.001-07:00

It seems like yesterday that I was standing outside the door at Baylor Hospital as my brother held my brand new nephew up for me to see.

Now, he has officially graduated from high school. He no longer is that little boy who I took to Chuck E. Cheese and McDonalds and the park. He is "officially" an adult who can vote and be recruited for the armed services. He is still CODY to me. He has always been so loving. I am so proud that he graduated. It wasn't always an easy road for him, but he persevered.

These moments are difficult at times because both my mom and stepdad have gone to be with the Lord. These are the moments that we all wish that they could be here with us. I know that they both would have been so proud. I could hear my Mothers voice as she would have told my brother, "Well, son, you got him graduated! Congratulations!"

Eighteen years.. seems like a long time.. but really it isn't. In 8 more years, my own daughter will graduate from high school. Each day is such a blessing, but we tend to rush through the days and weeks to the next event, next holiday, next vacation. We have to find the blessings in each day. I felt blessed to be a part of this family event..not only with my overactive camera shuttering away, but with my heart hoping and praying that my nephew will continue to achieve great things!

My Miracle!

2008-06-07T20:22:00.000-07:00

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen Ephesians 3:20-21

I dealt with infertility for eight years. During that time, I asked God continually for a second child. Everytime I would conceive, I would lose the baby. My heart ached and my life felt incomplete. As many young couples do, we had planned how we wanted our family to look like. We had decided that we wanted to be married for at least five years before we would try to have a baby. Although we lost our first child, we conceived soon after and that is our Cara who is so loving, sweet and smart, but can also be sassy! When she was 1 we decided to add an addition to our family as we wanted to have four children and have them spaced about 2 years apart.

Well, life is not always how we have it planned. However, God does have a plan and he does work things for his purposes. So we prayed. I think the hardest part of dealing with infertility is that you feel at times that your body is letting down others.. including your spouse and your child. For you see, when Cara was 2 she began asking for a brother or sister. She prayed continually as well.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

So my heart ached everytime she would ask in her sweet innocence..."Mommy, when will God give us a baby?" Especially as I knew that God had given us several babies, but that they had gone to live with him instead of us.

I continued to pray. We sought medicial intervention, but we were not successful. Finally, it was made clear to us that it would be a miracle of God if we were to conceive.

In October of 2006, God let me in on his plan as I learned that I indeed was pregnant again without any medical help. At the time, my husband was across the world on a mission trip. I would have to contain my excitement, joy, concern, delight, worry, happiness for over a week. God knew that I would need assurance so he planned it that I would find out that day that I was already scheduled for an annual checkup at my ob/gyn. So it was that I learned of my miracle.

I had a fairly easy pregnancy and delivery and a year ago today, I delivered a healthy baby boy, Caleb Wade. He is my miracle.

I can not believe that my baby is now one years old and becoming very independent. I can't imagine my life without him. Although my wait was long, I feel blessed beyond measure to have my boy.

One of the greatest blessings I learned throughout it all is to enjoy your child(ren). They grow up way too soon. For this very reason, I am a stay at home mom and I truly stayed home this last year with him. I tried to soak up and soak in every minute with my baby. I will volunteer in a few more activities now that he is one but I still want to just be with my son. I waited too long for him to leave him with a babysitter or not truly be with him.

Thank you God for answering my prayer. You answered it far better than I could have ever imagined.

"You don't look like my Mom!"

2008-06-06T05:06:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday of this week, I went to get my hair cut. I did the typical Mom thing.. I lined up a babysitter, went to get Sonic during happy hour, rushed to get my kids there, dropped them off, rushed to the hairdresser. Then sat down in the chair, like I had all the time in the world. My salon (Avatar) had recently moved to a new sleek location. They were in a old strip shopping center and now they are in a nice,clean, sleek, brand new house with granite countertops and the latest and greatest wall coverings *have you heard of using Saran Wrap to paint your walls*.

My hairdresser, Laurinda not only cuts my hair, but is a friend. She is a wonderful Christian and so sweet! So when she came to the front to get me, she had to give me a tour of the new place. It is beautiful!

We then sat in the chair and she said "What do you want to do today?" I said, I think I am ready to cut it off... she then got a big grin on her face and she said let's do! It will look so cute! So we went to the new shampoo bowls and then off to the chair to cut.

(We also had a long discussion about my gray hair, but that will be for another post.)

So she cut and talked to me about how to style it and then I was off running again.

As soon as I walked into my girlfriend's house (Paula) she said, "I love it!" Caleb was just happy to see Mom new hair or not. I then got Cara and it took her about 20 minutes to truly look at me and she said, "You got your hair cut!" Well, yes I did! As we were driving home, she leaned over from the passenger seat and said "You don't look like my Mom!"

Is that a compliment? I took it as one! Maybe I had a new sleek hairdo and not a floppy mess!

Wade's opinion of my hair was rather interesting.. he said "When did you decide to cut your hair?" I said, I told you a week ago I was going to do it! So I replied, "Do you like it?" His reply was "I am still thinking about it." So... that is yet to be determined! However, my lawn guy said " Nice haircut!"

Something that got me thinking though... is when we get to heaven? What hairstyle do you think we will have? The one from childhood, junior high, high school, college, 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's , senior years?

Let me know your thoughts.

The World of Blogging!

2008-06-05T06:54:00.001-07:00

A college friend and sorority sister, Lisa truly introduced me to the world of blogging! I had looked at a few blogs but never continual watched any of them. Until last year when Lisa sent me a blog that she felt I needed to read. This girl truly has a way with words. Check it out here

http://conorbootheandgirls.blogspot.com/ Well from that blog, I started reading another blog. This is the blog that got me hooked. http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/ This family has beat all odds. I read it faithfully at least once a week and sometimes everyday. Now that both the Mom and daughter are out of the hospital. I don't read it as often. I even found myself praying for them.

Read it to see all the details, but in a nutshell. This young mother has Cystic Fibrosis and against all odds conceived a child. Meanwhile, the mother was hospitalized and put on a ventilator. The baby was delivered very very early. The mother had to be put into a coma. Then she had to wait for a double lung transplant which she got. The night she was in surgery, I prayed continually for them. Well, that leads me to here. I finally decided to try my hand at this blogging. I see it more as a daily/weekly diary. In a world that is very busy, it seems that we do not stop enough and truly count our blessings. God has given so many to each of us and I think we forget to stop and realize all of them. Just the fact that we woke up today is a blessing!