Bonnie's Passion

My Dylan is Married!

2010-07-25T17:07:00.000-07:00

June 5, 2010 my Dylan was married to the love of his life Kylee! They had a beautiful wedding and our Pastor Jay Swanson performed the ceremony which was pretty neat as he also baptised Dylan! Pastor did a great job! Its such a wonderful feeling to know he has married a Christian Lady who I know loves him as much as he loves her. I was happy but sad, its hard to watch the children grow up so fast, its only a moment that they are home running around the house, Mom this and Mom that. I miss Dyl so much, but I am so happy that he has someone to go home to every night, someone who says "I love you" everyday! God Bless my Dylan and his new wife Kylee!

See Ya Later Fraiser Boy!

2010-04-14T15:13:00.000-07:00

APRIL 13, 2010

This day we buried a friend, a companion, a watchful, loyal, patient, always forgiving, loving gift from God. Fraiser, Sasha's dog died. To merely call him dog seems so "little" as Fraiser was more then that, he truly was Sasha's bestest of best buddies. Fraiser came to us as a wish, a dream, a prayer for a better life for our Sasha, and Fraiser fulfilled every bit of that. He not only brought joy, love, friendship to Sasha's life but HOPE. Hope that other's might see Sasha as a person and not a disability, They seen her, they were drawn to her through her Fraiser, and with each hand Fraiser so gently shook the "disability" disappeared. Hope that while others might be playing on the playground with their friends or hanging out at the mall, that Sasha wouldn't be left alone, she wasn't, she had Fraiser. Hope that at night when the house was dark that she felt warmth, she did as many years Fraiser kept her feet warm as he lay at the end of her bed. As Sasha grew and Fraiser was no longer able to sleep on her bed, he watched over her close from the floor beneath. Hope for a more Independent life, Fraiser was there. We often heard Sasha say "Fraiser get" as she had dropped something on the floor, Fraiser was Sasha's little bit of Independence. So faithfully he never left her side, that was just were he was happiest.

But the Gift wasn't just for Sasha, our family received every bit of the joy of having Fraiser in our lives. Shayliese was nearly two years old when Fraiser arrived. Strict orders were that all family members should have very little contact with Fraiser his first three months home so that his bond would be with Sasha only. Try as I might I could not for the life of me keep that little girl away from that dog. I would find her laying under the table with him, asleep with her head on his belly. Sitting behind Sasha's wheelchair with her arms wrapped around him. This continued no matter how I tried to keep her away from Fraiser, until one day I thought I had it figured out! A dog of her own, I told Cody, so we bought Shayliese her dear Maggie Moo , BUT that didn't even work, Shayliese just ended up with two doggies to love! But Any time Shayliese was in trouble, sad or tiered it was Fraiser she would go find , he always comforted her but never forgetting Sasha first and foremost.

All of the family enjoyed playing fetch with Fraiser, watching as we kept up on all him many commands. Oh we loved; but not as much as Fraiser loved when Cody sang the "hound dog" song just for Fraiser, he would go running to Cody, tail just a wagging and you knew he just had a big smile! Cody would sing his song in his deep voice and Fraiser knew it was his song.

We all loved Fraiser, we each hold special moments in our hearts where he touched us so sweetly that you just cant help but smile each time you think of him. He was a gift, a gift from God that we each unwrapped a little bit each day, each moment and enjoyed.

He was shared with Grandparents who loved him too, mostly Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Lyle and Fraiser knew it, he would go up to them his whole body wagging as he knew he would get lots of sweet pats and hugs from them, they greeted him as though he was one of the grandkids. He is already missed this moment.

I had stayed there on Sasha's bedroom floor next to Fraiser all night until 4 a.m. as Roston needed me. I asked God to please not let Fraiser die alone, He answered, and Fraiser waited for me to go back to him a little before 7 a.m. I held his front paws, one in each hand, I kissed his sweet lil forehead and told him " It's okay Fraiser Boy, you go now, we're okay." He gave out 3 deep howly barks as if to say "goodbye" and " hello" all at once. Then his final breath swept across my forehead and he was gone.

Fraiser born February 1998, died April 13, 2010. two months after his 12th birthday

He loved Sasha and she loved him for 10 1/2 years BUT they will meet again at the Gates of Heaven! Where HOPE will be fulfilled again

"One Day seems but a moment in time and with each moment a miracle of life."
bonnie lee nordell

Pray for our Fraiser boy

2010-04-05T20:58:00.000-07:00

I say Our Fraiser and yes that is true because we each love him in our own ways, but Fraiser is the best friend and Service dog to my Sash! Sasha got Fraiser when she was 11 years old. A long awaited dream of hers and Mine to have a dog by her side for friendship and help. Fraiser has far exceeded any dream we had as he has faithfully stayed right by Sasha's side every moment of the day, picking things up for her from the floor, but more then that being a constant companion and friend. Fraiser became ill over the weekend and the Vet believes he is in sudden Liver failure due to a medication he was on. He has been taken off that medicine and we are hoping that his liver will heal as it can. Our Vet wanted to keep him at the office to administer I.V. fluid's but I could NOT stand leaving him there through the night when there is no staff there. So our Vet allowed me to bring Fraiser home with an I.V. and me to do his fluids and medication myself! Our Vet is awesome! My lil ShayBug insisted to be the one who sits with him during his I.V. intakes, she has so loved Fraiser! So please pray that Fraiser's Liver will repair itself as God created our bodies to do. Fraiser turned 12 years old in February but I know he still has some happy years in him.

Food Bank Food NOT for the Hungery?

2010-01-27T22:36:00.000-08:00

This was brought to my attention when discussed with one of my Internet support groups! And it just made me so mad. So did you know that in order to get food from our State food bank, that you have to financially qualify???? Hum, yes, you have to take documentation on all family members and all income. So basically if a family is having a hard financial month and they are short on food, they can NOT get food for their family if they don't meet the financial qualification. So that means that all those who already receive help from the state by receiving food stamps each month are the only ones who can asses our food bank food. Now that just does not make any sense to me. I know that there are always some of "those" people who take advantage of our resources and may get food when they have money in their pocket, but I really don't think that consist of too many people. Any how upon finding this out, I will think very hard, and pray about giving to "our" food bank again. I always give each year and have even done a food bank drive one Christmas, but this was from my thinking that the food was for anyone who may NEED it to feed their family?? Wrong again!

the best APPLE PIE in all the land!

2010-01-26T16:19:00.000-08:00

So I've been asked for my apple pie recipe from a few people so I thought I would list it. It really is the best in all the land! YUMMERS!

For 2 pies cause you cant have just one!

I use Marie Calenders deep dish, they come in two, that's all you need

About 7-8 Gala apples

About 4-5 granny Smith this combination gives it a sweet but tart taste!

Peel the apples and slice them thin but not too thin

Place them in a large bowl then add the following

2 cups sugar

2/3 all purpose flour

2 teaspoon nutmeg

2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoon allspice

dash or two of salt

Mix this all together but not to much as it will make a juice and the pie will be runny

place the pie mixure in the two shells cover with the crumble topping

Crumble Topping

Mix 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 tsp. each of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, mix with 1 1/4 cups butter, mix until crumbly.

Bake on 425 degrees for 25-30 minutes to a golden brown

Let set for about 15-20 minutes then serve with Vanilla Ice Cream Topped with Carmel

You'll have to have seconds!! ENJOY!

Written on the wall in Mother Teresa's home for Children in Calcuta India

2010-01-07T16:14:00.000-08:00

People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered,

LOVE THEM ANYWAY

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives,

DO GOOD ANYWAY

If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies,

SUCCEED ANYWAY

The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow,

DO GOOD ANYWAY

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable,

BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight,

BUILD ANYWAY

People really need help but may attack you if you help them,

HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth,

GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU'VE GOT ANYWAY

Christmas Magic

2009-12-23T11:05:00.001-08:00

peek into the little rip

Ah, my finger fits in "I can feel it"

Oh just a little bigger rip, I can see more

Please Mommy, let me open it, "It's Mine"

Tears as he tapes it all back up to wait for Christmas Morning!

Grandpa and Grandma N left presents under our tree last Sunday. On Monday Ross decided it was too much he just had to take a peak after all there was already a little tiny rip in the wrap. He got right down there trying to look in and he put his little finger in saying, "I can feel it", Then the rip got bigger and bigger, Mommy made him tape over it and he sure wasn't happy after all like he told me, it was his present! Ah these are the precious times!!

Dyl's Home!

2009-12-23T10:53:00.000-08:00

Dylan's home on leave!!! And the boys are at it again Wrestling!! We always feel complete when Dyl's home! Remember to pray for him and all Our Troops!

The Snow is here

2009-12-23T10:49:00.000-08:00

I so much love the Snow! It is so beautiful, and always reminds me of the Lord cleansing the land with this snow to wash it clean. My kids and I love to play out in it and we even go to the park to slide down the slides and swing!

Even more wonderful times!

2009-12-23T10:43:00.000-08:00

My Uncle Glen stopped by for a visit!!! I love his visit's and look forward to them about every 6 weeks! He always brings the little ones a dollar bill and they think it's so cool. My Dyl has Glen's middle name, J. Uncle Glen is my Daddy's only brother and its always nice to see him as I miss my Daddy so much.

Wonderful Times continue!

2009-12-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

Our JC broke her wrist at basketball practice, she was running backwards and feel, she landed on her hand and just like that, BROKEN. The doctor gave her a choice of casting it or leaving it in a splint, she choose the splint as she can take it off to scratch!

Wonderful Times!

2009-12-23T10:06:00.000-08:00

Cody and family

Mickey and Family

Ryan and Family

We had Cody's Brothers and Parents over on Sunday for a Christmas get together! It was so much fun! We love to have family over and visit, and I love to cook for everyone!!

an update on my Marine

2009-11-21T01:34:00.000-08:00

My boy is doing great, yes he still misses home and all he knows but he is growing up though in Mums eyes its a tough way to grow up. He has finished all his first trainings and is now in his fleet to continue training on a daily bases. He has had some real fun days and is learning so much which will do him good once he is finished serving his Country. Please send prayers for my boy Dylan as he serves for each of us.

So there you go!

2009-11-21T01:27:00.001-08:00

I am all caught up on the last few months, yes its just a snig bit of whats happened around my life these days, the lil glimpses of my life, my family, my passion! This thing we called life is a tough one at times, but I would not give it up, I will fight to the end to enjoy what is mine, my family, friends, the moments that God shows me his beauty. It is all worth it and one day it will all be but memories, photos in a book, words wrote down, and passed from one family member to another. Enjoy what is yours, this Life God gave you!

2009-11-21T01:07:00.001-08:00

November 4 2009

The Chickenpox's hit our house

First with ShayBug

Then with JJ

Then with RC

2009-11-21T00:50:00.000-08:00

October 31 2009

We had a fun day as a family dressing up! I know a lot of "Christians" don't celebrate Halloween, but for us its a day to have fun and use our imaginations, no scariness allowed, only fun. I do believe the Lord wants us to have fun and enjoy our time spent here, and this day was a fun day. As every year we started out at Grandpa and Grandma Greats house for a root beer float!

2009-11-21T00:05:00.000-08:00

October 25 2009
My family all got together with Cody's two brothers, Ryan and Mickey and all their children! It was great to all be there, we had lots of fun visiting and eating some good food! My husband is the oldest of 3 boys, they are all wonderful men, husbands and dad's. All of our children were there except mine and Cody's oldest 3, ah its strange to have adult kids. Hope its not long before we gather again!

2009-11-21T00:04:00.000-08:00

October 14 2009
I Finally got to go visit my Daddy's grave, it is about a 4 hour drive one way. I took my two little girls as Cody had to stay home with the little boys who were still some sick. My Daddy was born October 22 1938 and finished his work here on earth October 4 1983. I don't think there is a day that I don't think of my Daddy, I remember how loved I felt in his care and miss that he is not here to be a part of my children's lives. Happy Heavenly Birthday Daddy!

2009-11-20T23:21:00.000-08:00

September to October 2009
My Niece Kae's two little boys, Kenyan and Kaedan and my Niece Kylie's little girl Faith spent a few weeks with us. It was great having them. So fun for my children and grandson all be able to spend so much time together! We had tons of fun despite the fact that we came down with the flu, and yes my little R.C ended up at home on oxygen. Look at all them cute little boys, it was some interesting days, but they are all such good little guys. My girls and I just loved having another little girl in the house, we had Faith's hair done up every day like the princes she is. I would kept them all forever if I could! Thanks girls (Kae and Kylie) for letting them come, I love you all! And I love that we are a close net!

2009-11-20T23:16:00.000-08:00

I HAVE A NEW HAIR CUT! Sept. 2009

2009-11-20T23:06:00.000-08:00

September 14 2009
The children and I hiked the Grand Canyon with the home school group! Sept. 14th

2009-11-18T01:16:00.000-08:00

My Uncle Glen came to visit!! The last time he was down was to see my Dylan off to boot camp in February. It was a nice little visit. He had come down to see my sister DeAnna as he never made it to her boy's funeral. She was thrilled to see him too.

2009-11-17T01:21:00.000-08:00

September 28 2009

Our lil RC had his first dentist visit, he did so good, his daddy came from work to help him through! He has many cavities and will go to the children's hospital to have them all fixed at once. We felt so bad, but they said it may be from being a preemie.

time gone by

2009-08-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't been so good about keeping up on my blog here. A lot has happened since my last update about my nephew Max's death. I am still so crushed about Max being gone. I am so proud of my sister DeAnna, her strength and courage through this has been a great example for our family. I still think, ah, Max is going to be home at his house when I go there, but each time there is a missing energy, a missing smile a missing Max. My heart sinks, but then leaps when I see my sister, my niece Jamie and her little ones!! Life has a way of keeping you moving forward.

My oldest daughter Sash, turned 21 on Aug. 10th. That being a miracle all in itself. She was born with Spina Bifida and I lost track of over 96 surgeries years ago. She has made it through many times when we thought she might not. Sasha here with my family to teach us each so much as she has through the years.

My son JJ turned 9 July 24th, you would never know he came home to us at the age of 2 1/2 years old all the way from India!! He is an inspiration to all who even catch a glimpse at him as he was born with 3 missing limbs, he uses a prosthetic and there is nothing he cant do with the short arms he does have!

My only grandson T.J. turned 2 July 22!! We all had a blast watching him open his gift's and explore each one. He is busy little boy always with a smile on his face. He is very physical and is going to make one great ball player!! Baseball, Football, Basketball, Soccer!!!! His dad can't wait!
And I love that he loves to be a MeMa's house!

My daughter in-law miscarried twins this last week and our hearts all sunk with sadness at the loss of those lil ones we never even got to hold him our arms, to kiss on the checks, to rock good night. But we know one day we will meet!

We have had a wonderful summer filled with many activities, 3 trips to California, a trip to Disneyland. A day trip to our states big ride park!, fishing, hiking, camping. It has been awesome! And we are so hoping to make another trip to Cali here soon to see our Marine Son!!

We have visited with family and friends, but each night as the day ends, it is US, our lil family, My husband, children (even the boy's not at home any more) and I that matter the most. We cling to each other through the good times and bad, we laugh and cry, hope and dream together. And each night we thank our Father in Heaven for each moment He gives us, here on this journey, called LIFE!

2009-07-20T12:57:00.001-07:00

Max, Forever in Peace

2009-07-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

OCTOBER 10, 1988 to JULY 12, 2009

On July 12 2009 my Nephew Max took his own life. He is my sister DeAnna's only son. Max was so sad for so long and the ugliness of this world was more then he could take. He was such a sweet kid, always loving, forgiving, non judgmental. He was a kid magnet and everywhere he was he was always surrounded by children. Max loved the outdoors, spending time with his family and many many friends. He helped raise his Nephew and Niece with so much love and care. Our hearts are so broke, we are so sad. But comfort comes in knowing that Max is with Jesus and is now and forever at Peace. Please pray for my sister DeAnna, Max's sister Jamie and all the family. Love those around you as though they won't be here tomorrow.

family bonding weekend!

2009-07-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

I was on cloud nine all weekend! It was a wonderful time spent with ALL my children. My son the U.S Marine was able to fly in for the weekend, my oldest son and his lil family was around and we spent the entire weekend hanging out and doing fun things! Friday we went to one of our local canyon's and did some rock climbing. We had to all work together to get us girls and the dog, yes my son's dog buddy was with us. The guys had to pull us girls and the dog up big rocks, use their backs as stepping stones for us, it was a great as we learned to trust each other and work through obstacles together. The canyon was beautiful but not as beautiful as the joy that radiated from each of my children, husband and I. Saturday we hung out at the local park together for the July events. Sunday my boys, husband and I went out shooting our guns, and YES! I came back a better shooter!! We also celebrated my Marine son's 18th birthday at home. It is the 10th and he won't be with us which breaks my heart, but all his grandparents came to the house and we had a good time. I had to drive my boy back to the airport early Monday, I cried for over an hour as I walked away from him. He had such a hard time too with going back, he misses his family and home so much. But know my son is a Marine, fighting to protect each of us as he loves his country. Thank you God for this wonderful time that will be etched in my heart forever!

first week of infantry school for my boy

2009-06-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

My son has completed his first week of infantry school with the Marines. He said they got very little sleep, did a lot of night shooting and started to throw some grenades. He said it is hot as they wear their cammies and full gear with an extra 60 lbs. on them. One week down kido, 7 to go!

I still have a hard time believing my son is a Marine, how time flew by so fast. Still at home I go about my day, thinking any moment now he will run through the door, returning from ball practice or out running around with his friends. The door never opens, his bedroom door remains shut, the house empty of the happy energy flow that is always around my Dyl.

I wonder how many of you know, know what my boy and others go through in order to serve our country. The homesickness, the physical and emotional hardship, what the family of those serving go through, the pain of them not present. The fear of war, after all this is what my boy is training for, war. Why, as he told me just last night, "because I love my Country and Family, this is why I am serving". Please always remember them, all them men and women serving our country, remember their families, waiting at home for their missions to be completed.

God Bless my boy, our family and all our Country!

my boy returning to Infantry School with the Marines

2009-06-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

Its been a while, sorry. My son graduated from Marine boot camp and came home for 4 weeks, during that time he walked with his High school class in full Marine blues. His Marine graduation was just amazing and very emotional. We are so very proud of him. His High school graduation was a wonderful time and made the fact that our son is leaving home seem real. We all had a wonderful time while he was home on leave, we cherished every moment spent together as a family. Time is so short and goes by so fast, every little moment counts. I thank God for this time, these moments. My son Dylan is now at infantry school, there he will be until July 28th. Then he will be assigned is first post. Please join us in praying for Dylan through infantry school that he is well and exceeds all expectations. Also pray for Austin and Dakota who are there with him. The photos show Dylan in his uniform before we dropped him off, the next photo is of him and me saying our good-byes, see my Shay bug in the back, she was so sad, we both cried all the way back to our hotel. the last photo is of Dyl and the boys walking away with all their gear, some other Marines helped them Carrie it all. It was a sad time to see my Dyl walk away. I miss him so much.

my Son is a U.S. Marine

2009-05-07T10:26:00.000-07:00

He did it!!! They did it!!! The crucible is over and at this time they should be enjoying their big warriors breakfast of all you can eat. It is a very large selection of all kinds of breakfast foods and they say most of the new Marines eat till they throw up.

I am sure they are so thrilled, so proud, so excited!!! so excited to see their families next week!!!

My son is a U.S. Marine

when he was little he played for hours

with his little army dudes

guns have always been his most joy

shooting with dad and grandpa Lyle

Grandpa Great his very Hero

Hiking in the mountains

back pack on

full of survival gear

he enlisted on his 17th birthday

he would have it no other way

finished high school 5 months early

off to boot camp Feb. 16

His life forever changed

the day he met his D.I's

away from all he knew

away from those he loves

Homesickness set in

fears he never knew

he has overcome many challenges

grown in skills and knowledge

made new friends he never would of

found a new appreciation

for all his family and home

and today he overcame

the last obstacle that stood in front of his dream

The Crucible , it is finished

he climbed the Reaper to the very top

along with his friends and brothers

in Charlie co. Platoon 1050

he stood atop the Reaper

tears filled his eyes as

he walked down the mountain

the Star Spangle Banner played

the path was lined with all the state flags

of each new Marine there

and at the end in his hand

his D.I gave to him

what he's worked so hard for

the globe, anchor and eagle pendant

and his back was patted as his D.I said

"Job well done Marine"

there my son stood tall and proud

straight face still, but tears in his eyes

he must of clinched that emblem so

as he thought to him self,

"I am a Marine"

OOH-RAH! My son is a U.S. Marine and I am so proud, it has been a hard difficult 3 months filled with such emotion for me, my family and Dyl. And now we soon put an end to this and start a new beginning. One that I would not of chose for my son or me, but one I am so proud of. Please continue to pray for Dylan, Austin and Dakota as they begin their journey as new Marines. Pray for all our service men and women who so unselfishly serve our country for me and you. Thank you for praying Dyl and the boys this far, God works mighty when many pray!

the Crucible down 46 1/2 hours

2009-05-06T23:29:00.000-07:00

46 1/2 hours is here, WOW! How do you think Dyl and the boys are feeling at this point? I know they are so so sore, tiered, hungry and so so wishing they were at the top of the Reaper!! The Reaper is the 4 mile hike up a mountain side that is very steep, when they get to the top and ascend down, they are finished! Please pray with me for these last 7 1/2 hours to hold our boys well, that Dylan, Austin, Dakota and all of our boys in Charlie Co. to do great, be strong and courages and safe.

Dylan's very favorite: Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name' sake. yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.

I wonder if Dyl has thought of this Psalm during his trials? But I do know this verse must be in his heart as I wrote it on nearly every letter I sent him; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13

I am going to have another hard time sleeping tonight even more then the last two nights, because in the morning my boy will be a Marine!

Our Country will have several more young men fighting for us, and they will have 3 of the finest young men there is, DYLAN, AUSTIN and DAKOTA! The flag is flying on our front porch all lit up, the candle is burning to light Dyl's way home (this is a tradition that families put a candle in their window during the crucible for their boy) The boys mom has her flag up and candles going too for Austin and Dakota!

My little Crucible

2009-05-06T23:11:00.001-07:00

So most of you know that son Dyl set me up with my own little boot camp to do while he was away doing his. He bought me P90X that my husband and I have done every day very faithfully. Then I have been running at nights a few times a week on top of that. I am down 26 lbs, eek! 14 1/2 inches of me, GONE!

And tonight I did my own lil Crucible, I ran the farthest I've ever ran, 8 miles!!!!!!!! Did you read that? Yes I said 8 miles!!! OOH-RAH!I ran from my house to Wal Mart in the next town and NO I did not stop at all, that would of been defeat. I did it in 1:40. All for my Dyl!

It was very easy until I was about 1/2 mile away from town, then it got hard, my legs hurt and my c-section scaring hurt so bad, but I kept going on knowing what Dylan and the boys are having to go through and I though "this must be how they feel at rest, what little they get" and it must be much worst when they are moving.

But I did it!!When I got to Wal Mart, my husband was waiting there for me and he had to help me stretch out, when I bent over to stretch right there where I looked down was a penny, Heads up, A Lucky penny! my husband said I just earned my Eagle, Globe and Anchor, that is what our boys get when they are announced Marines at the end of the Crucible.

My husband seemed more excited that I had just ran 8 miles then me, He said now he has to do it, so he may tomorrow! All I was thinking was, that's not too far, how far am I going to run next?

Now I will have to see what I continue to do while Dyl is in his Infantry training! My husband told the kids, they would have to watch me close for now on, when I say "I am running to Wal Mart"!

24 hours of the CRUCIBLE DOWN!

2009-05-06T02:00:00.000-07:00

Hoora! 24 hours is behind my boy and all of Charlie unit!! Only 30 more hours to go!!

I know it will get harder the farther in they get as they will become very sleep deprived and hungry and sore.

I can not even imagine what they are going through, what my Dyl is doing, oh I wish I could be there to encouraging them on, but I can only be here and send prayers and positive thoughts their way.

I thank you Father that Your Word prevails over our children.

They walk in the light as You are in the Light.

They can do all things through Christ who strengthens them

12 hours down!

2009-05-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

Well my Dyl now has 12 hours behind him, I wonder how many miles they are in, how many obstacles they have over come?

Please pray for Dylan, Austin and Dakota and ALL of Charlie Unit, that they all make it through this Crucible, safe, healthy and without any major problems.

Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified,do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

The Flags are flying for you boys!
The candles are burning for you!
The prayers are going up for you!
The positive thoughts are with you!

God speed to you!

The Crucible

2009-05-05T00:59:00.000-07:00

Right now my son and his Platoon are being woke up to begin the Crucible. What is the Crucible? It is what every recruit must go through in order to become a Marine. It is 54 hours of very little sleep, 6-8 if they are lucky. Only 2 MRE's (meals ready to eat) and about 52 miles of hiking that consist of lots of obstacles they have to overcome. They will be tiered, hungry, sore and have lots of blisters at the end of this, but they will Stand tall, Stand proud, they will be Marines! My son will be a Marine, oh where time has gone, I miss my little boy who for hours at a time played with his little army dudes. My boy who always kept us laughing. Father in Heaven, be with my Dyl, with all the boys in Charlie Unit. give them the strength of Christ, that they are alert, strong, healthy, safe and that they feel Jesus right there with them. Allow them to go through this time with ease, that they will learn, that they will grow close together as brothers, as one. Bring my Dyl to the end, bring them all through to the end. I ask you this in Jesus' name, Amen.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phill 4:13

We made this sign to hang up, we will fly the flag all of the 54 hours, night and day. I will have a candle burning each night. GOD BLESS MY BOY

my boy's platoon video!

2009-05-01T23:24:00.000-07:00

So here is my Dyl's Platoon video!! I cried before I even seen him. But we are all so happy we seen him and are even more excited to get to his graduation.

So, my boy is in the 2nd row, and at the end of the pass he is the 3rd recruit from the left, his best friend Austin is right next to him on the left, the right of Dyl. And Austin's big brother is on the top row, the 6th recruit over!

They all look so good, but different, makes me sad, but makes me happy. I am so very Proud of you Dyl!

Marines boot camp

2009-04-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

Go to this site and watch this video on what my boy and others go through in the Marine boot camp. Note it is Paris Island instead of MCRD where my boy is, but you get the the picture. Praising the Lord my boy is almost finished!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdtEn4nCWtg

Dyl's boot camp update

2009-04-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

Well some updates on my Dyl in boot camp with the Marines. First you know I missed a phone call, his first phone call. Well last Monday he called again and we were all home!!! It was a personal call and he got to be relaxed and talk. He sounded just like himself and sounded pretty good. When my lil JC answered the phone, Dyl said "hurry get mom", that is the same thing he would always say to the girls when he was home and called. It was a very short call, 3 minutes and of course was not long enough, but so so good to hear his voice to tell him We love him.

Then last night (Wednesday) he called again. This time a very business call and no personal talk at all. He got his first orders and he needed to call home so we could change some travel arrangements as he will be home longer. Now instead of being home 10 days it will be 25, but he will be working after the 10 days!!!! We are so thrilled.

This has been such a hard thing, and to tell you the truth I wish as a mom I didn't have to go through this, but we are so very proud of our boy. He is an awesome young man and will have a very bright future.

I am now waiting for his photo video of his Platoon to come up on the Internet, it should be up this week, and I just can hardly stand to wait to get a glimpse of my boy. I have never been away from him like this and never before this went a day without talking to him, except a few when he was with his grandparents.

Hey we leave to head his way in 11 days!!! We are all stoked!

phone call home from our dyl

2009-04-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

So our Dyl got to call home, apparently he did very well on a physical test and won a phone call home. He called Friday night at 8:11 p.m. we had walked out the door for a walk at 8:05 p.m. We were so upset that we missed his call. We have not spoke with him since the day he left for boot camp Feb. 16th. I think because of all the stress of him being away, not being able to talk with him only through letters, well I just broke completely down, I cried tell I was sick and still feel that I just let him down by not being here to receive his call. He knows that if I had any idea he would be calling I would never have left the house. I am sure it was a disappointment to him not to be able to talk to us. I miss my Dyl so very much, this is so hard. I know that people just do not understand what families who have loved ones in the military go through unless you are there yourself. This still just seems like a dream, I wish I would wake up from. But we are so very proud of our boy! He is such an amazing kid and he has taught us so much. Only 3 weeks Dyl, then I will wrap my arms around my son the Marine! I love you, always.

TURN MY MUSIC OFF BELOW AND YOU CAN HEAR THE PHONE CALL HOME FROM MY BOY! JUST CLICK THE ARROW ON THE VIDEO

remembering Tyler Baker Always!

2009-04-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

I have been following Tyler from Make A Child Smile for a long time, Even though I have never meet Tyler or any of his family, I just attached to Tyler. For some reason out of all the kids there at Make a child smile, it was Tyler that caught my heart. I have prayed for him since, and shared his ups and downs with my family as we prayed together for him. My heart is broke tonight as I hear news that Tyler lost the battle against bone cancer. You fought hard Tyler! I wanted to post Tyler's beautiful photo here that he may be known and remembered always. May Jesus hold Tyler's hand and walk him through Heaven! God bless all of Tyler's family that they may feel the peace of Tyler in Heaven. Love ya Tyler even though you never even knew it. What a handsome young man. What a wonderful family you have!

Tyler Baker May 12, 1993 to April 18, 2009

The web site to make a child smile, that your heart may lead you to a child there! http://www.makeachildsmile.org/faqs.shtml

lets color some eggs

2009-04-15T09:52:00.001-07:00

lets eat some egg

2009-04-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

look mom, messy fingers!

2009-04-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

boot camp update!

2009-04-15T09:29:00.000-07:00

A quick update on my Boot Camp,

My P90x Program!

I start week 8 on Friday!

I am still loving it!

I am down 24 lbs!

I am firming up!
I am finding muscles, I haven't seen for years!

I am feeling better!

My back don't hurt most the time!

I am better at the moves!

I had to move up to heavier weights!

My husband is looking good!

My Jogging

I am running 2 miles with no problem

I can run up to 4 1/2 miles

I am back to running everyday!!!!!

Check out the Photos above of my husband and I doing the X and showing off our P90X muscles!

Easter Blessings

2009-04-09T22:04:00.000-07:00

As I look forward to Easter day, when my family all gathers together to enjoy some good food and family fun, I stop to remember the reason. I wish that the feelings of Easter were so strong in me all through the year, and I commit to working on holding these feelings in my heart every single day. See I can not help but cry as I remember Jesus, the pain, the suffering, the shame he went through and all for me, all for you. Jesus is my Savior, my best friend, the one who is always there no matter the problem, the hour, no matter how I feel or behave, He is there. Sometimes I feel His very presents as though he walks each step along the way with me. Other times He seems so distant, those are the times I take my eyes off Him. I wonder if I had lived during the time of Jesus, would I have followed him, would I have betrayed him, would I have stayed by His side to the end. As I walk this journey through life here, I stride to follow Him, to be a good servant to Him, to keep my eyes focused on Him. I know at times I fail miserable, but He is always still right there, He even takes my hand and helps me back up, brushes me off and even gives me a tender, loving push forward. I love my Jesus, Your Jesus. Thank you Father in Heaven for loving me so much that you sent your only son to die so that I may live, so that You may live.

Celebrate this Easter, with Jesus as your guest of Honor! Praise Him, Worship Him, Open the door and let Him in!

CHECK OUT MY NEW PHOTO BELOW, I TOOK IT IN TEXAS, 2007

a blessed Sunday!

2009-04-05T21:41:00.000-07:00

I was so excited last Sunday when my son Josh and his lovely little family walked in join us for church service! That alone was a blessed day, but after church we came home, ate and all piled up in the truck to go out west. Josh wanted to take us to do some hiking, rock climbing and to show us an owl nest! We hiked up, climbed rocks, watched the owl fly around us, it was awesome. And to end the trip, I jogged just over 2 miles back in the snowy cold, but it was great! I thank our Lord for such a wonderful day!! Praying for many more.

my uncles

2009-03-31T21:50:00.000-07:00

I hadn't seen my only two uncles for years. I invited them both to Dyl's going away to boot camp party. Neither one could make it to the party but both of them dropped by to see Dyl before he left. Uncle Spike came by early one morning and wow was I surprised and so Happy to see him. He is my Mom's brother. Unfortunately Dyl was not home, but I loved the little visit we had catching up on each others lives. Uncle Spike was one of my hero's when I was a little girl. He served our country in the Army and he always made me feel so loved. Uncle Glen stooped by too surprising me at the door and I was so Happy to see him. He did get to see Dyl and wish him good luck and we had a nice visit with him. Uncle Glen is my Daddy's brother and I just always feel a bit closer to Daddy when he's around. I have such wonderful memories of both my Uncles, they made my childhood so much sweeter. I love you both always! Thanks for all your love.

its back

2009-03-23T13:51:00.000-07:00

We woke up this morning with the ground covered in light snow, I didn't think to get a photo of it to send to my son in boot camp tell it was way past melted. So in replace of that I snapped a photo of our beautiful mountains laced in snow. The boys are out and the coats are back on. Now that the kids have a taste of spring, nothing even a very cold day thrown our way. will stop them from exploring the great outdoors! Now if it just doesn't stop me from running tonight, we'll be good!

my baby girl turns 11 !

2009-03-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

Today my baby girl Shay Bug turned 11 years old. The passage of time seems to be moving faster and faster and my babies are slipping from my arms to this growing up stuff. My Shay Bug, I remember the moment she was born, curly dark hair, her daddy said, she has curly dark hair. I was so excited just what I asked for. Amazed once again that the Lord not only blessed me with yet another babe, but just what I asked for. A girl with curly dark hair!! That little baby was mommas girl always and for the most part sill is, But Daddy's girl she is too! She never kept that dark hair and as I like to think; she was born on a Winter day a dark beautiful baby and came home the first day of Spring, the sunshine kissed her sweet lil head and soon sunny blond hair grew to match the glow on her face. She is our little animal lover, our Cowgirl we call her. Animals and children are as much attracted to her as she to them. She is a sweet kind loving child and we are so blessed to have her be ours. She had a wonderful birthday, our tradition of birthday breakfast just her and I went and ate and talked. Then her Great grandpa and grandma, Aunt Carolyn, brother Josh and his family all came to celebrate with her. We had dinner and lemon cake, yummo! Then her Daddy took her to the movies to see Escape from Whitch Mountain. Now she is all tucked safely in bed, tuckered out from he exciting down and tomorrow when she wakes, yet another day older. I love you buggy boo, forever and always, Mom

bonnie's boot camp!

2009-03-12T14:15:00.000-07:00

The Photo shows my husband and I doing a P90X workout, I am getting ready to do Banana, and my husband is getting ready to do Superman. Ugh, these are the worst things, I do not like em.

My son set me up with my own lil boot camp to do while he is at his. He purchased the program P90X for me and wow is it an amazing program. Look it up on the net and check it out. Today was day 14 of P90X. I didn't get it until Dyl had been gone for 10 days. So those first 10 days I did a juice detox for 2 days and lost 10 lbs. Most of that I know was water weight as I was always so swollen. Then I ate very healthy, did some cardio each day with push ups and sit ups and such. On day 6 of Dyl being gone I started to run and ran my first 1 mile. I am now running 2 miles in 22 minutes. I am working on getting to 3 miles. I do my P90X every morning and run most every night. P90X comes with a life changing diet, so I am following that also. I am to eat 1,800 calories a day and boy is that being hard for me. I have never been a big eater and my not eating regularly has been part of my weight issue. The closest I have come to the 1,800 calories is 1,600. I am pushing on. I am now down 16 lbs. total!! And 5 inches in all. P90X is a very intense program, but is awesome. My husband started on day 2 with me after much pleading. He is also just loving it, he said he though he was in shape before P90X. My Dyl wrote home and told me that I best be working out. He is so cute, I know he is so proud of me and his dad for doing the program and sticking with it. All for you Dyl, Kick some!

mr. and mrs. walt and walt jr.

2009-03-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

Dylan is going to be so excited, his grandpa Lyle and Grandma Arlene will be attending his Marine Graduation in May! I am thrilled! Dylan is very close with his grandparents and him and his grandpa Lyle have a very strong bond. They are so cute together and Dylan is so blessed to have them in his life. Dylan call's them Mr. and Mrs. Walt so Dylan is Walt Jr. It's a family thing, you would just have to be part of the clan to understand.

Thank you Lyle and Arlene, your the best.

prayers for dylan, austin, dakota and keisha

2009-03-10T22:13:00.000-07:00

Dylan's lil sisters made a prayer chain for Dylan. It is a count down to his graduation and becoming a Marine. Each night at dinner we take off one piece of the chain and pray for Dylan and also Austin and Dakota who are in boot camp with him. We also pray for Keisha, my sweet nephews girlfriend who is in basic training for the National Guard. God bless them all. They are 4 of our BEST.

always a Marine

2009-03-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

From the time Dylan was just three years old all he talked about were Army Dudes. He played with the little Army guys all day. When he was five years old he was so animated with playing with these little Army dudes. By the time he was nine years old he was shooting the Army Dudes with his be be gun in his own little war. When he was fifteen he decided only the best, the toughest and strongest would do, it was then he chose the Marines. I really have no idea where this all came from. I never encouraged him in joining the service. I do believe with all my heart that he was just born to be a Marine and it comes right from God. And I do believe he has God on his side. God bless my son always, I love you. Mom

boot camp news week 4!

2009-03-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

We received letters home from Dylan last week. He is so very home sick and boot camp is being so hard. They go non stop all day. He had a respiratory infection and spent a couple days on bed rest. He also sprained his back. So we are waiting to hear that he is better from that. OH, He made Platoon Guide!! Praise the Lord one of his goals. Pray with me that he maintains the position and graduates with it or even higher!

This week is yet another tough week. He should of done the Confidence course already. He will run the first time in full uniform and boots, ugh. He will do Pugil sticks more. Have an inspection and a Drill. Sounds like a stressful week, so pray for Dylan and his platoon!

I miss you so much Dyl, the house is just not the same, I am just not the same

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me "
Philippians 4:13

Have a blessed day!

dylan's boot camp news

2009-03-01T22:00:00.000-08:00

Well My Dyl has been to boot camp two weeks now. I miss him so much already. His first week there was spent processing, doing medical, dental. Getting his equipment and such. He now has his Platoon! All three of the boys are in the same platoon!. His second week was his first week of training and I am thinking he liked it, they did some training with the guns, first aid, some marital arts, sprints and lots more. He will start this week out doing more martial arts and Pugil Sticks, he wasn't looking forward to that, he said it would be tough and painful. He will do his first obstacle course, it sounds fun to me, but please pray with me that Dylan stays safe, medically, physically and spiritually healthy. The photo is of Dylan and his dog Buddy the day he left. Hum, this kid leaving home stuff is tough. But I am so proud of him, and so excited that he is living his dream. Dyl set me up on a little boot camp of my own so that I could loose some weight and get in shape while he is in boot camp. I needed something to keep me busy and not think about him being gone so much. I will tell you all about how that is going soon. I have to get up early and take Dyl's dog to the vet to get his teeth cleaned. Dyl left us the money to do so. Until later, May you see the blessings God gives you each day!

off to boot camp

2009-02-16T20:24:00.000-08:00

what a cool ride!

Dylan with his Recruiting Sgt. Sahagun

Dylan and all his family

Dylan, Dad and Mom

Dakota---Dylan---Austin

Today my son Dylan left for boot camp for the Marines. We are so very proud of him and so excited for the experiences he will encounter. But his daily presence in our home is going to be missed so very much. Dylan is one everyone loves to be around, he is such a tease and always has some great story to tell. He leaves with his best friend Austin and Austin's big brother Dakota. It does make me feel better knowing they will all be together. Let em have it boys!!!

I love you Dyl, forever and then some.

my baby is 3

2009-01-30T08:41:00.001-08:00

Today my baby turns three. We have been so blessed watching him grow to the sweet, funny, loving little boy he is today. I can't believe I am saying little boy instead of baby. It took us 5 years to get pregnant with R.C. I hemorrhaged when I was 5 weeks with him, and put on complete bed rest, I talked to my little baby that I nick named Taeter Tot, all through my pregnancy, telling lil Taeter to stay put. Well I hemorrhaged again at 31 weeks with him and he was born 9 weeks early at a big 4 lbs. 3 oz. We had decided to wait for the birth to find out what we were having, and it was my husband that said when they pulled my little one out, "It's a boy!" We were thrilled! He did very well and only spent one month in the NICU. To say the NICU staff and I didn't see things eye to eye is a bit mild. I didn't want my little guy immunized, and given all kinds of unnecessary drugs ended up with me having very little sleep as I had to stand guard at his plastic bassinet. The NICU is also not a big fan of you holding your baby much, and they finaly learned to just leave my alone in that area. I held my baby pretty much when I wanted as I listened to them tell all the younger moms around me how it wasn't good to hold them so much. I remember one day telling my little Taeter, that when I got him home I would hold him forever and never put him down. Boy did he hold me to that. The day he came home he refused to be down, he never cried in the hospital, but if I put him down once at home he would cry. I was sure he knew what I had promised. Cody and I never complained about holding him, he was held 95 % of the time his first year. He slept on my chest or right next to me snugged up. I carried him all day in a baby sling so that I could take care of house and the other children. Cody would come home from work and do a lot of the holding the rest of the night and we loved it. Now today our little guy still comes and wants to snuggle a lot but his world is down, running around, exploring the world. His most favorite thing in the world is to be in the Mounts as he calls them. He loves to hike up the tallest biggest hills. Ride his big 4-wheeler, play guns, cars and blocks. He is his Daddy's lil "buck aroo" and by his side most the time wanting to do every thing with daddy. But he loves to play with his brother J.J too. He has brought our family so much love and joy, his lil giggle and pitter patter feet running around the house make my heart leap with joy! I love you my lil Taeter forever and then.

birthday sleddin!

2009-01-26T16:43:00.000-08:00

So I took my 4 little ones and 1 lil grandson and we went sledding with some home school families. We had so much fun, but I am sure going to be sore tomorrow. Check out the hill we had to climb, and I did it hailing my lil 3 year old son and 18 month old grandson. But it was so worth it. Then I came home to more flowers from my son Josh and his wife Kaitlyn! They are so beautiful! Looks like we will go to the movies tonight, not sure which one though. Well gotta go make some egg roles, yum, yum!

snow for my birthday!!

2009-01-26T11:44:00.000-08:00

Yes today is my birthday! 41 wonderful years old. I know some dread getting older but I think I look at it different then some people do. For one I do know that with age comes wisdom, and with each birthday comes life, yes it means you are still alive on this wonderful planet that God created! I do love life, it is so full of beautiful things to see and do, and learn. I love to learn new things. There is still so much in life I want to experience, learn, see, feel, do! I woke to a birthday sigh my little ones had made for me, it is a family tradition at our house, everyone gets a birthday sigh on their birthday. I received beautiful roses from my sweet husband today, he is truly the best husband ever! Last night it even snowed! YES! Snow for my birthday, I love it. I told my two girls last night to go out and build a snow man, they looked at me at first like, "really", but then they realized it's their mom saying this, yes it was 9:00 at night, so what, it was the perfect snow. They know their mom is adventuress and spontaneous and the time of day is no excuse not to do something fun! So there they were building a snow man, our biggest ever, yes their daddy helped them. They named him Clell. My husband's dad seen the name Clell carved in a tree one time, and now it is a "family thing". I have my grandson T.J today, it's always so fun to have him over, see how cute him and my son R.C is in the photo! We are getting ready to go out west sledding with some other home school families! Then tonight I think I will make egg roles, fried rice and either have the boys over to play cards, or if they can't then go out to a movie. I heard a quote yesterday and so loved it. It is.......... "These are the best days of our lives, and we don't even know it"

new photo up

2009-01-24T22:14:00.000-08:00

Check out my photo of the week (below with the Bible vs. for the week), it is awesome. I took these photos in Texas. They have the worlds largest Cross. Here are a few other photos I took that day. It was such a neat place and neat experience, check out the website and see where it is and what it's all about! And listen to the song on my blog, it is so pretty!

http://crossministries.net/

Wonderful MLK Day!

2009-01-19T22:43:00.000-08:00

Today Cody and I took the girls and little R.C up the mounts to sled and explore. The three kidos took turns sledding and then we went for a little hike up a small mountain side, the snow was pretty deep going up and made it a harder hike, I loved it! We seen Elk tracks, Deer tracks, Rabbit tracks and even Cat tracks, as shown in the photos! When we got to the top, the other side was nice and warm and very little snow. Little R.C wanted to go up the very biggest mount, he cried when we told him no, that it would take us days to get there and back. I have been sad about my Dyl going off to the Marines next month and not having him to hike with this summer, but looks like I have me a new lil hiking partner! On our hike back down we went down a step area, Cody feel with R.C, then down the two girls went, of course they were a bet dramatic about it. It was so funny. The snow was powdery crystal. It was such a fun little trip!

2009-01-19T22:40:00.000-08:00

Look how far up we were, you can see our truck down below! R.C is crying here because he wanted to go up the BIG mount pictured in the photo above.

guns, guns and more guns

2009-01-02T23:49:00.001-08:00

Today Cody and I went out shooting with Dyl! There isn't much Dyl would rather do then shoot. We had so much fun. I shot Dyl's new gun and loved it. I shot a few clay pigeons with the shot gun, but I had the most fun just watching my guys and shooting with my camera! Dyl shot left handed, right on every shot. Cody, he best keep the gun in his right hand. But they are both great shooters. R.C went with us and just loved it, think its in his blood too. Oh boy!

so much fun

2009-01-01T23:42:00.000-08:00

This Christmas break has been so much fun! I have enjoyed all the time spent with my family, we have done lots of fun things. I will be sad to get back to the norm of living again. I wish we could just be this way all year long! We had a wonderful New Years Eve! All the kids were with us, except Dyl, he headed South to his grandparents, he loves spending time with them and I think will miss them more then us at home. Cody took all the kids sledding several times, I think my oldest Josh had the most fun of all, they said he just had perma grin the whole time. Live is good, God is good!

miracle photo!

2008-12-29T22:37:00.001-08:00

You just have to take a look at my photo of the week! This is a photo of my daughter last year!. She and my other daughter were playing out in the snow, they decided to do snow angel's. And my daughter Shay-bug decided to do one face down. She came and wanted me to go see it, but I was busy and sent the camera out for her to take a photo and show me. I was blown away when I seen this photo and headed right out side. When I looked at the snow angel face, it was just a dent in the snow, you could not see any details, but when you put the camera over the area, the face popped up, sorta like 3-d and you could see all this detail! I took lots and lots of photos and in the photos you can see the face turn to a new position, it was amazing, a miracle to me. It kind of freaked my husband out. Now this snow angel was done across the street from our house at the mortuary, I know, makes it even stranger. And just so you know, Nope we don't mind living across from there, they are our best neighbors, very quiet, He, he! So any way we and other family members have tried to do this again, but no one has been able to. So why don't you try it with your family, if you get this amazing snow angel face, let me know, I'd love to see a photo of it!! Now think about this, how it all happened, I was busy and didn't go out to see the snow angel, if I had, I would of just seen a dent in the snow and said, very cute! But I sent the camera out, why? it was the only way we were able to see the image pop up, a miracle to me, I just wish I knew the why behind it? Blessings always!

sleds, rocks, bumps and bums

2008-12-26T15:18:00.000-08:00

I just had to put this on here, makes me laugh every time I watch it, my poor husband and his sled injury, you just have to watch the video for yourself, and I don't even think my husband will mind if you laugh!! and watch the 2nd one of our little girl going down to save dad! Remember to TURN OFF my MUSIC at the bottom to hear the video!

our merry christmas

2008-12-26T14:45:00.000-08:00

We have had such a wonderful Christmas time. My girls got an early present from my mom, a piano! Mom had bought it in the spring and been working on it to refinish it, its so pretty. We've been sledding, building snowmen, baking cookies, doing crafts, playing games, at family get
together's. The little ones even slept in the living room Christmas eve to await the Christmas day! But the very best part was that ALL my family was together Christmas, all 7 of the children was here and our lil grandson, it was a Merry Christmas indeed!
Thank you Jesus, for your birth and death, and my family whom I love and cherish!

and the fun continues!

2008-12-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

from our critters!

2008-12-20T22:44:00.001-08:00

naughty or nice

2008-12-19T23:17:00.000-08:00

Ok, now isn't it sad that sometimes a person just has to be naughty to get things done. Ugh, makes me mad. Well, if you read my post "Broken down chair" about my daughters wheel chair being broke down, you'll understand more. So Monday I call back up the business that is to fix the broken chair part. I ask for the gal that I have been working on this with for over 2 weeks. I ask her how things are going and that I never heard back from her Friday as she said she would call me back that day. She tells me she still knows nothing. So at this point I have had it, my daughter is so depressed as she is spending all her days in bed. Out of frustration, not so sure where the thought came from?? I say to her, ""name" are you in a wheel chair?" she tells me "no", I then say " then how about I come and duct tape your two legs together, put you in a wheelchair, and oh by the way, it is a broken down chair and now guess what, you can not get anywhere, you are now disabled". She tells me, "if that is what you want, sure, I'll do that", I then say, "fine, I WILL call the news stations, as I am sure they would love to come out and do a story on you being duct tape and sitting in a broke down chair.", she then tells me hold on and transfers my call. A lady gets on the call, and I ask her if she happens to be "name's" supervisor, she tells me yes and I tell her how the news stations are going to be out to do a story on them. Will to put the rest short, Today, my daughter got the part to make her chair go!!!! She was so excited and got out of bed into her chair and had a whole new outlook on life. Funny, how sometimes one has to be naughty.

honkin big burger

2008-12-17T22:20:00.000-08:00

Mine and Cody's anniversary day out together was great! We left the kids with my mom and we went to the big city. We really did have so much fun, can't even remember the last time we did something just the two of us. We were at the mall, shopping around and passed this furniture store, I see this big chair, it's like a love seat only round and I just had to go see it. We both plopped down on it, and ah it was so comfy. We just sat there and visited for a long time, I about feel asleep. We decided to sit and visit and if we seen a store person come our way, we would just get up and hurry off. I would love to have one of these chairs. We went to eat later and you just have to see what my dear husband ate, ugh, I just couldn't watch him eat the big ol thing. We eat little meat so when we go out that is what he gets. I can not remember the name of this thing but Big Mouth was part of it, no, really. I just laughed and had to take a picture of it. Ah, another year gone, and a brand new one right in front of us, to make all kinds of wonderful new memories, I love you even more Cody! Your Life

13 years in love

2008-12-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

Today 13 years ago in a little Yogi Bear building, surrounded by our closest family and friends, I held my best friends hand, Well he said I had him in a wrist lock. There we stood hand in hand, we looked in each others eyes and listened to what the Pastor read from the Bible, we made our promises to each other, through good and bad, rich and poor, good health, poor health, to remain faithful through it all. It was magical, when we said our "I do's" it started to snow out side, it was so beautiful. I love the snow. (And to think about it now, it snowed when JC was born, when SBug was born and there was lots of snow on the ground when RC was born.) So there we celebrated our brand new marriage with the snow falling as though to set a brand new, clean slate for us to begin our lives together. We have had all the above, good and bad, but have remained faithful through it all, which today is quite the accomplishment. There is no other man in the world that I would want to spend my days with, grow old with and share all the not so fun things in life with. We started our lives together as a family of 5, gave birth to 3 more and adopted 1 from far away. And through all that time, here 13 years later, Cody and I are still best friends. I love you Cody, I love you always, I love your blue eyes, your smile, your silly laugh, your kind, loving heart, the daddy in you and the husband you are.
forever and then some, your life

why i fell in love with him

2008-12-15T20:19:00.000-08:00

listen to my husband do a little old rock, You'll have to turn my music off at the bottom of my page to be able to hear him sing, i love it when he gets out the guitar, and watch my RC smash his nose at the end. LOL

look who's opening the presents

2008-12-15T17:49:00.000-08:00

Open the presents Mrs. Kitty, hurry, open them up!!! Every Christmas for the past 13 years our cat Mrs. Kitty has loved to play under the tree and try to unwrap all the gifts. She takes the bows off, plays with them all over the house, pulls the strings and my favorite, tears the paper, he, he. My daughter JC got these shots of her tonight, so darn cute!

santa vs. Jesus

2008-12-14T22:53:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking a lot this Dec. about how strange this Santa stuff is. I was taught Santa when I grew up and so taught my older children the same. What a strange concept that is, we lie to our children about this magical man named Santa, who lives at the North Pole, can come into our home on Christmas eve, eat our cookies, drink our milk, leave us toys then flies off in the sky in a sled pulled by reindeer. How strange is that of us parents? I know, some say, it's good for children to have an imagination. Trust me, we do not need to teach our children how to have an imagination. Just watch your child play, they come up with all kinds of imaginative things all on their own, even the monsters under the bed, sure hope you parents aren't teaching them that one too. And just think about it. An advertisement on T.V for the Angel Tree, goes on to say................."Johnny wants a new pair of shoes, his are to little", great, BUT why can't someone buy Johnny a pair of shoes when he needs them, not when this Santa comes around once a year. And what about all the little children who have been taught this Santa thing, who wake up Christmas morning to nothing, yes nothing, What? You think that doesn't happen? You think that the Angel tree, Sub for Santa, Toys for tots, all those "wonderful" organizations have purchased toys for every needy child? Well, you are wrong, many children wake up Christmas morning to nothing, and may not even get 3 good meals that day. I wonder what they tell their friends at school after Christmas break, " No, Santa didn't come to my house this year, I was naughty". Perhaps they make up some story of what Santa left for them, just so they don't feel ashamed, oh and the lies go on. Then there are the families that fall right in the middle. They make too much money to qualify for Sub for Santa or what not, but mom and dad still doesn't have the money for gifts, they go without too. No wait, they are the ones that go rack up the credit cards, don't pay their regular bills cause they have to buy Santa stuff, then they suffer for months after, ah, stress, and you call this Santa a Saint? And you want this for your child? See the gifts that Santa will leave under the tree, you, your self have to purchase, they will most likely fall apart at some point, get old, get boring, stop working, or just sit in back of a closet or in a toy box for who knows how long. But, Jesus, the gift that he brings is free, you do not have to purchase it, Jesus purchased it himself with his own blood, free. It will never brake, grow old, get boring, or be left somewhere, Jesus brings the only gift you will take with you after your time on earth is finished. Santa bring lies, Jesus brings the truth. Santa brings stress and worry, Jesus brings comfort and rest. Santa comes but once a year, leaving us to go without the rest of the time. Jesus is with us every moment and never leaves us. So what do you choose? Santa or Jesus? As for me and my house we choose Jesus! I challenge you, go get your Bible, sit down with your children and teach them the real meaning of Christmas, teach them the true Saint, his name is Jesus!

mascara held hostage

2008-12-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

Well today big brother came to the house, seen JC was wearing her new mascara, he went in her room ans swiped it. The only way he would give it back to her is by making her sign a contract. The contract states when she can date, when she can wear other make up, that she can not have a steady boyfriend before this date, Oh my, she was having a fit and did not want to sign it, but did to get the mascara back. When big brother left, dad told JC that at her age of 12, she legally would not be held to any contract she signed, BUT (like Pastor J always tells us love the word "but") she was held to daddy's contracts. Oh boy, my poor girls.

the hands that hold my heart

2008-12-12T13:02:00.001-08:00

For several years I have had the idea of doing this project, I just never made the time to do it as I wanted to sand down the trunk and all. Well last night I went and pulled the lid off my trunk and decided right now I am doing this. I was given a trunk years ago that my grandpa had made a long time ago. I had each of my children and grandbaby put their hand prints on it, and I wrote on it, "These are the hands that hold my heart". I decided with both my boys moving away soon, I best get it done, no telling when we will all be together again, Now I'm going to go, before I get all emotional.

22

2008-12-12T00:30:00.000-08:00

My son is 22 today, I hardly believe that he is so grown, married and a daddy. It seems just yesterday that I was holding his hand in the stores, reading books to him and tucking him in at night. He is becoming such a fine man, he is a great husband to a wonderful gal and I am just at ah to see him care for his baby boy, who is for sure a daddy's boy. JR is one of my heroes as he seems to have had to go through a lot of tuff stuff in life, and through it he always gets back up, brushes himself off and grows to be more wiser. I am so very proud of him as is the whole family. JR amazes me with his art talent, he has a sweet caring personality and likes to tease all his family. We love you JR, Go forth in this life and make wonderful memories, grow, learn, laugh, but most of all know that always no matter what you are loved, you JR are a part of my heart that makes it beat each and every day. I love you my son forever and always, Mom

broken down chair

2008-12-11T20:21:00.000-08:00

I'm sure most of us know what it's like to walk around in old worn out shoes, or even what it feels like when your car is broke down, I've got that one covered right now. But imagine being sentenced for life to a chair, yes for someone like my sash born unable to walk, it is all she knows. But she has had the blessing of a wheelchair since age 3, ah mobility. To one with no ability to walk a chair becomes their legs, their ability to "walk". Well Sash's chair has been broke down now for over 3 weeks, her life prisoned to the house, unable to go to school or the job she so loves. I so wish I could take those in charge of helping her get her chair fixed and sentence them to a wheelchair, just one day, ah, it would be a broken down chair too. Let them see how they like it, then I bet they wouldn't take their time getting things going. Never take your ability to walk for granite, enjoy it, Praise God for it. Praying Sash is "abled" very soon, see these people who have "disabilities" are really not too disabled until you take their equipment, like a wheelchair away. Enjoy your walk this day.

mascara

2008-12-10T22:58:00.000-08:00

The clock just struck midnight and my birthday girl is sound to sleep all snug in her bed. She had a wonderful day. We went up town for breakfast, it was delicious and fun to just spend time will my JC. After, her and I went to a few local stores to look around before heading home. I wish I would of had all day for her and I to just hang out. I made her a bow tie pasta salad, one of her favorites, with a fresh fruit salad. Her request for desert, banana splits. I did get a cake for her and JR to share for their birthday wishes. Atop the cake were 34 candles, 12 for JC, 22 for JR. You should of seen my JC's face when she opened this one lil gift, just from mom. Her daddy had it and looked at me, "it better not be what I think it is" he said, I reassured him it was okay. Oh boy I thought hope her 2 big brothers don't pay attention to her opening this one. Well if they didn't they sure would of once she unwrapped the special gift from mom, in her hand, my "little" girl held a tube of mascara, yes mascara, she had been asking so nicely all year, "Please mom, just mascara" she would say to me. Then right there in her hand she held it, flashes of her childhood swooped by as I looked at her and could see the young lady within her wanting to emerge. As I looked at her daddy standing there watching her, I could see tears wheal up in his eyes, yes his little girl is growing up. Then like a loud roar it broke out, two big, very protective brothers letting their sister know how they felt about the mascara, the mascara lead to "no boys, no dating" tell your 2o something, yes this went on and on. But they couldn't steal my birthday girls moment, her bright eyes lit up as she looked at me and said, "thanks mom". I knew the thanks was for more then just the mascara, it was for letting her grow. We continued through the night, laughing, eating and as anyone who knows me, knows, it gets a bit crazy at my house, and I love every bit of it. Yes the water fight, the chasing, loud rowdy kids. At one point I just sat there looking around, wow I thought, I am so blessed, right here, this very moment, I am so blessed. Al l 7 of my children, healthy, happy, running around my house, making messes, noises and best of all memories that will last forever. For that moment I forgot all the cares of tomorrow, my son's and grandbaby leaving, for that moment,I had them all, right there wrapped all around me. I will remember today for always. Thank you my babies, my husband, my Lord. I am blessed because of YOU!

my jc turns 12

2008-12-10T00:18:00.000-08:00

Today is our JC's 12th birthday, I can hardly believe our little girl is so grown up. JC is child #4. She is my lil mother hen. She has a lot of her daddy's traits, she likes to be organized, have a schedule, she is an awesome speller, I am always asking her how to spell. But she has her mom's compassion. She is our lil prayer warrior, always thinking of others and praying for them. She talks about Jesus a lot because she wants to make sure everyone knows Him. She is becoming an awesome pianist and cook and is beginning to learn to sew. She brightens our every day with her warm sweet personality. We will start her birthday out with a breakfast outing, this year it is my turn. I will wake her early and her and I will go eat, talk and be silly I am sure. She will come home to a big birthday sign the rest of the family will have put up. Her grandparents, brothers and sisters will all be here tonight for a dinner and desert. We will be celebrating hers and her biggest brothers birthday together. I will tell you more about him on his day, this Friday. She loves that they celebrate their birthdays together. She is so excited, she will wake to a new day, her day, the day the world became brighter, sweeter and more blessed, we love you our JC, forever and then some.

and I thought Monday was bad

2008-12-09T22:39:00.000-08:00

Today I found out my broken down van, the one I really like, well the transmission is out, to rebuild it will cost us $2,300. To replace it with a junk yard one around $1,600. So I am thinking it will be sitting in our yard making a nice yard ornament.

Then I am told that my oldest son most likely will be moving his family and yes that includes my grandbaby, back out of state, might as well, okay wont go there. But I kind of like well, yes LOVE my son and his family and I am kind of in love with my grandbaby, who by the way is in love with us. He loves it at Mema's house and cries every time he has to go.

Anyhow look at the photos of my grandson T.J, his funny faces will brighten your day, as they so did mine today.

how does monday fit with my alarm clock, my van and my toothbrush?

2008-12-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to tell you about my crazy day Monday. There I lay in my cozy warm bed that I had gone back to after being up for awhile, the baby was still sleeping so I thought I could get in another dream. At some point I look at my clock, "Oh no" I thought and jumped out of bed hurrying to DJ's room, "get up DJ you have 10 minutes, don't shower, wash your face and throw on some clothes you can't be late (for school)". I am surprised as he was ready to go in about 7 minutes, normally everyone is waiting on him, bet the Marines will fix that. So there we are, me driving him to school, a block up he looks at the clock, then at me and said "that the right time" with much concern in his voice, I look at the clock and start laughing, "turn AROUND" he says with a firm voice, trying not to laugh himself. Well it was 5 till 8 and he doesn't need to be to school till 10 till 9. "No wonder I'm so tired he tells me", I'm still laughing and say at least you won't be late this day. An hour later, me driving him to school, hum Dayjavou, I say.

Then my son JR calls me and asks me if I would mind bringing him some medicine, he is at work. He works graveyard shift. I tell him sure in about an hour, we were just on our way out the door to drive around to see Christmas lights. My daughter Sas had this idea after our big India feast, she never wants to do things with the family, so I wasn't going to take that moment from her.
So after the lights drive my son DJ and I head to the next town to deliver JR's meds. At about the cow farm I seem to be slowing down, against my will that is. I wonder if it is because the roads are slick. It snowed today! So I decide yes I best slow down. But I am going slower and slower, push on the gas and my engine roars, but doesn't move forward. Oh great DJ ''something is wrong with my van, and I really like my van''. Well DJ starts telling me what to do, ''put your flashers on mom'', Oh ya I thought, ''don't pull over till its a safe spot'', Ah found one and pull over. Put it in every gear, engine just roars, van stays still. I begin to laugh, ''great'' I say and ''I really like my van''. I sit there for a few with my son, ''I really don't want to call dad" I say, he sure wont laugh, but I call him. Yep he arrives with a scale on his forehead, a given sign, he ain't happy. Now the fact that his chain was in DJ's truck and DJ washed his truck that day and the chain was frozen to DJ's truck and all to itself, well that didn't help. I still laugh and DJ sits next to me in my broke down van, "bet dad ain't happy about that" DJ says, I laugh as I sit and watch my husband bang the chain and try to unwrap it from the frozen mess it is in. On our way at last, DJ wanted to drive, dad said no, mom can, Oh I was going to trade DJ places, but there we were moving, my husband takes us right into the middle of the road and a car is coming, I yell, my heart goes many more beats then God intended it to beat. DJ is a bit concerned too. Then my husband races off to hurry on his way, "Oh I am never doing this again" I tell DJ, "You should of drove". I am no longer laughing. My son calls dad and they stay on the phone the drive, dad is now gotten over his not so happy mood and saying "what an adventure", ya like he tried to kill us all. I bet he's in a good mood now, so I wont get mad at him for the flash of death he put upon us, yep, bet that is it. We deliver my van to our local shop, and I tell DJ "guess that's what I get for Christmas". We arrive home, DJ and I get in the truck head to the next town, Dayjaou, I say.

Well to end the night, I go in to brush my teeth before I'm off to bed. As I am standing at the sink, brush in mouth, I begin to have a horrible taste, ugh, I pick up my toothpaste, all while still brushing, and make sure that is what I put on my brush, yep, got the right stuff in my mouth. By then I stop brushing, I have the taste of the smell of my husbands cologne in my mouth, it really does taste just like the smell, how strange, I look to see if any cologne is spilled where my brush was, nope, open the cupboard take out my husbands cologne, smell it, yep, that's the taste for sure. Hum wonder how his cologne got on MY brush. I couldn't rinse my mouth enough to get the tasty smell out, "You trying to tell me something Lord?" I say. Hum, I just need to sleep this day away, what a wonderful God we have that takes away our yesterdays and gives a new Today!

our India feast!

2008-12-09T00:02:00.000-08:00

So here is our India feast we enjoyed to celebrate our JJ's gotcha day! It was so good and you should of smelled my house, yummy!
Getting started with the recipe
In a large fry pan add about 1/4 cup of olive oil, then add
2 medium onions diced
a Large chunk of ginger grated
4 large garlic cloves
saute this for about 10 minutes then add
2 sliced carrots
3 medium potato's diced
1 medium jalapeno chopped very fine, (more or less to your taste)
saute till almost tender then add
3 cans of coconut milk
8 oz. frozen peas, rinse first
3 lg. tsp. curry
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. turmeric
saute this till very tender, it will thicken up also, then add
large bunch chopped cilantro
Juice from one lime
simmer for another 5 minutes, then serve over Rice!

Serve with India Flat Bread, a wonderful recipe is at
http://vegindianrecipes.com/index.php/2006/0/indian_roti_chapati_recipe_unleavened_in

We also made fresh Pineapple, Mango Juice and drank from our Fancy goblets!

and the feast continues

2008-12-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

I also made cheesy shrimp wraps, not so sure how India this is, but I had been wanting to make it and I did serve it with some yummy green India sauce. Here is the recipe

about 2 1/2 pounds of Imitation crab

8 oz. cream cheese

blend them together and put in Azumaya square wraps, follow the directions on how to wrap

then fry in olive oil in a pan or deep fryer till golden brown

serve with this India sauce given to me by a friend from India

4 Anaheim peppers

about 8 tomatillos

2 bunches of cilantro

juice of 1 whole lime

salt to taste

blend very well in food processor

And you have to have some plain yogurt to eat with your meal. They do so with just about every meal, it adds the good bacteria to your intestines and protects you from any bad bacteria you may ingest.

And as you can see from the photo of JJ eating, the meal was a grand success!

Now give it a try, and let me know how yours turned out!!!

gotcha day

2008-12-08T23:52:00.000-08:00

Today is "gotcha day" for our son JJ. Today 6 years ago our JJ came home. He was just 2 1/2 then. My mom, son DJ and I traveled all the way to the other side of the world, to India to get my son. It had always been in my heart so I was so excited for this day. JJ was only 3 months in the first photo we seen of him, but it was that photo that I knew, he was ours. I so naively called the adoption agency and said, "we want JJ". I could see he had darker skin, but it was a shock to me when she told me he was in India, and he was now over 7 months old. I said "that's okay, we want him". That began a 20 month long process to bring him home. JJ was born with only one full limb. His arms both end around the elbow area and he has no hands, just lil nubs that he uses to pick up little things. His right leg ends just below the knee cap and he wears a prosthetic for that. Today JJ can do just about anything any other 8 year old can do, yes he is a bit slower but he does it. I refused from the very beginning to do for him, we decided that if JJ was ever going to do for him self, it meant tough love, do it yourself son. Through many tears he did learn, he was just 3 when he could put his socks on and off, that was only 6 months after being home. You should of seen him learning to walk at 3 years old. My husband put two pulls on some chairs and we put JJ in between and had him walk back and forth, he wasn't to excited about it at first, but you should of seen his face, and ours when he finally got it. Our 3 year old was walking. Today he takes complete care of his personal hygiene with a few modifications in the bathroom. Praise the Lord for badays! He puts his prosthetic on and off, dresses him self, just everything. And grandpa Dick taught him how to play checkers and today he is pretty hard to beat. He is also very good with electronics. He can beat the teens on PS2. He is an awesome speller, and good at math. He is a sweet, caring little boy that is growing so fast, and he is ours! We are going to make India food for dinner, yum, it is so good. I only wish I could cook like they can. I will post our dinner and the recipe for you to try. I am not sure what it will be right yet, I am kind of a wait tell the last minute person. But you will definitely want to try it. India holds a special place in my heart. I loved it there, the people were so sweet, and yes most of them Christian. JJ is from Bangalore, so it is in the southern area of India. Besides, India and the parents that loved him so much, gave me and my husband a son to pick up loving where they left off.

prayer chain

2008-12-07T22:08:00.000-08:00

Here is our prayer chain. My husband and the kids finally got it up. We make this chain every Dec. and on the inside write peoples names to pray for, then each night at dinner we take one off and pray for that person. The kids and I decided to do one for every month all year long. Want to be added to our chain, let me know! Or maybe you can start your own prayer chain!! One of the families on our chain is.................................... Okay, I'll tell you, Obama and his family. Oh we have the chain up high this year to keep out of the grandbaby's reach, cause if he got it, he would eat it, put it up his nose, feed it to the dog or bring it to me, Mema with a big smile on his face and a big wet slobbery chain in his lil hand. Then I suppose I would have to pick him up and give him a big hug.

Religion = Man / Jesus = God

2008-12-07T17:51:00.000-08:00

I know that a few might not like what I have to say, but here it goes. My "personal" view is that ALL religion is corrupt in some form and may take us away from a relationship with God. Did God send Jesus to teach us a religion, the answer is absolutely NOT. He sent Jesus for several reasons. The main of course is that we may have eternal life. John 17:3 reads, And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. In John 3:16 it tells us For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,but have everlasting life. So God sent Jesus that we might have everlasting life. But Jesus also set an example for us on how to live our lives. Step by step through the Bible we learn from Jesus how to treat people, how to pray, how to have faith, how to praise God. Matthew 11:29 tells us, Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Isn't that a beautiful verse! Jesus taught us so much, but I can not find anywhere in the Bible where He teaches us about religion. Now I am not in anyway saying not to go to church. Jesus himself tells us to fellowship with like mined believers. And I believe that church "can" be a good thing, it should just Always come second to Jesus! Now I have to tell you I love going to my church, my family has been with the same pastor (whom, we love) for around 12 years now, I think its been that long, gee time goes by. And Pastor J, teaches Jesus. Now if I had to choose, man's religion, or God's Jesus, I CHOOSE JESUS!

a wonderful friday

2008-12-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

Friday the kids and I traveled a ways to go see my son wrestle. It was a wonderful trip, the drive was so beautiful through the mountain lands. We passed through several very small towns each with its own distinct personality. Old houses, falling down barns and sheds, mixed with a new home here and there. Each town the kids and I imagined what it would be like to live in that town? What do people do in such small areas? We picked out our house, yes of course we put claim on land with horses, cattle and added a few animals of our own. We passed by Big Rock Candy Mountain, the photo doesn't do Justice to the beautiful colors. The kids said it looked yummy enough to eat, like you could just poke your finger in it and take a lick. We traveled through a small town that even had a Baptist church right there on main street. Check out the photo of the sign I snapped. We arrived at the point of destination in plenty of time to see my son win his first match! Watch the video of him, he is in red. Every time I tape a wrestling match, starting way back with my oldest son, I tell my self, "okay, don't holler, just watch." It never works, I can not resist shouting and cheering. I love wrestling and both my boys have done very well in it. This time my son's last match for the championship he got slammed right on his shoulder, the coach called it even though my son wanted to continue, I was glad his coach didn't let him. My 11 yr. old dd cried and her entire body shook. She said she will never go to another wrestling event again, ya she said that last year too. It wasn't until 9: 30 that we headed back home to arrive at our welcoming home very late. Yes it was a wonderful Friday!

candy cane story

2008-12-05T11:15:00.001-08:00

So here is a link that tells you about the candy cane story! You will never look at a candy cane the same again. Enjoy!

http://www.reasonfortheseason.com/candycanestory.html

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2008-12-05T00:08:00.000-08:00

Our tree is up and yes we picked the perfect one it even has a perfect branch shaped just like a cross at the very top, right up there by my angel. The angel was my grandparents, she is falling apart but I have put her on top of our tree ever since my grandpa passed away 8 years ago. My husband put extra lights on this year just for me, well I did have to ask and he had to do it twice to get it right, but he just worked away. We put on Christmas music and all our lil ones, our grandson and his mommy hung all the ornaments. My two oldest sons were busy, the lil stinks. The tree is covered in ornaments from the years past. The 6 oldest kids all have photos that they made with their grandma Arlene, that was 7 years ago, wow have they grown, kind of made me sad, they grow way too fast. My mom had gathered acorns this last deer hunt and her and my 2 little girls made all kinds of little ornaments for our tree. There is an old light bulb that my grandpa had put a wire around years ago and hung on his tree, it now hangs on mine! We added ribbon in red white and blue as our 17 year old son D.J goes off to boot camp for the Marines Feb. 17. And of course we put lots of candy canes all over for the kids to eat as they want, I just replace them as they go. Have you heard the candy cane legend? I'll tell you that another time. We had the nativity set out on the floor and my baby who is 2 now was sitting on the floor playing with it. He had two of the wise men and said " who are you (one to the other) I am Jesus". Is that so sweet, just melted my heart. My dh was sad as he dropped and broke my nephew Willy's glass photo ornament, there on the floor in the shattered pieces lay Willy's photo with his sweet smile looking up at us. Will went to Heaven 7 years ago, just a few weeks before he would of turned 17, we miss you Willy. I will have to make a new one for him to hang upon our tree, and one for my baby. Hey I think I will make new ones for all the kids, yes that is what I'll do. I did think that I was going to keep the decorating simple this year, not put as much out. But when I was busy my dh worked away hanging lights all through the house, he even put the very top of the tree that had been cut off, in a jar of water, strung lights on it and placed in on the kitchen bar. How sweet, I love you hon. Yes, it's going to be a wonderful Christmas! Now if it would only snow!!

In search of the perfect Christmas Tree!

2008-12-03T22:11:00.000-08:00

Today my family went in search for the perfect Christmas tree that we will decorate with lights and ornaments, but more then that with love and memories. I know that some may not do tree's for Christmas and still others may not celebrate Christmas but to my family it is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, though I do not believe He was born in Dec. It is also a time to do fun activities and come together as family and friends. What child doesn't love Christmas? Any how for the last few years our oldest son D.J has stood in line the day after Thanksgiving to get a tree tag from the forest service, well this year he got there a bit late and was unable to get a tag. We normally cut our tree down from our beautiful mountains. Well that wasn't going to stop us from having as much fun. So we went to one of our local gentlemen that has been cutting trees for 30 years, he had around 15. We adored each and every one and this kind gentleman was able to tell us about each tree, where he cut it, how far he had to hike for it. It really was a neat time. The children picked the one they knew would be just perfect and we headed home. I decided that we should roast marshmallows and make smores. We have a wonderful fire pit in our garden area. So that is just what we did. We sat around a beautiful fire out in the crisp cold air, drank hot coco and ate rich, gooey, messy smores. We sang Christmas songs to end the time. Hum, maybe we started a new family tradition!

All In God's Hands? Or is it?

2008-12-03T12:27:00.000-08:00

I was told by someone before election day that they wasn't going to worry, after all "it is in God's hands" she said. I thought about that a lot and how wrong she is. Yes God is ultimately in charge of everything right. But God did not put us on this earth to be in charge of us. If it was in God's hands then the world would not be so messed up. There would not be one thing here on earth wrong if God was in charge. There would be no sickness, no sadness, no disabilities, no one would ever go hungry, the poor would not be poor. No war, no need for prisons after all if God was in charge there would be NO sin.
Why then do we suffer so much here on earth, well because man is in charge, that is why. Because man has turned from God and decided he can do things better, turned from God and decided to do it his way. We leave God out of our lives, out of our daily decisions. Out of the decision on who we as "Christians" should vote for. We throw up our hands and say "It is in God's hands" only when we feel defeat. Therefor we unknowingly (?) blame God for what is wrong in our world, after all He is in charge right?
I refuse to blame God for what I myself have done to contribute to the fallen world, my sins, my bad decisions, my turning from God. So many people don't even pray or praise God until they are in great need, then we expect Him to fix everything right now, to put it in His hands, then we turn from Him once again when things don't go our way.
America is falling apart because man is in charge and has turned from God.
Our founding fathers who trusted in God and laid our foundation based on God would be in such shame of our America today.

I just wanted to add that by believing the statement "It is in God’s hands" it strips "YOU" of all and any responsibility. You would not need to wear your seat belt, eat healthy, go to the doctor, take any medication or even pray, after all it is all in His hands, right? So I would think many people that make bad choices, have bad situations in their lives use this false statement a lot and therefore they put all blame on God. Some may find this comforting as it takes the blame away from self. But what it also does is take you away form a wonderful relationship with God, and stipes you from your "abundant" life God promises us all. We are here on earth to make free choices for ourselves and those choices we make pave our path. So it is up to us, and with God’s guidance, love and support we can achieve great things!

Getting Started

2008-12-02T17:18:00.000-08:00

This is a blog about all my Passions in life. It is my hope that together we will grow and learn to be better in what ever it is we each do. That we might together achieve our hopes and dreams. That we will learn from each other and grow as friends in this thing we call "life". My goals are to grow to have a stronger closer relationship with God. To have a better relationship with my husband and children. To organize my life in a more productive way. To achieve my hopes and dreams! So join me in my passion and share yours along the way!