Thankful Thursday

Here's a sentence I never thought I'd say...I mean, what are the chances this situation could actually happen?

I am thankful that the Saunders family spent half the night with us! 

(They got in about midnight, through the humidity and fog.) 

Uugh.  didn't get me cropped out in time, but here we are!  Friends new and old.  Thank you, God!

As unreal as it may sound...and as much as Satan didn't want it to happen, Linny, Dw, Graham, Emma,
Liberty, Isaiah, Elizabeth, and Elijah spent the night at OUR house last night!  The poor things, after terrible RV trouble and driving for days on end, got stuck staying in our basement on air mattresses.  But seriously, who HAS that many beds???  Hahaha.

Here was a United Nations meeting in our living room.  All surrounding a Little People metropolis.

We had the best time, albeit short, with their family.  Every single one of them is so special. They have tender hearts, sweet smiles, and a passion for God.  I am so proud to call them friends.  (Even IF Dw thinks it's weird!)

I know this has an arm in the shot...but I HAD to show you Isaiah mid-throw.  This game resulted in four kids chucking 200 balls all over the basement!  FUN!  And I mean that!

Liberty is just darling with the little ones, and a chatterbox--MY kind of girl!  And Emma fits into her role as big sister like a perfect little Mama. Graham's quiet charm is endearing, while Isaiah's smile could melt any cold soul! Elijah and Elizabeth fit in so comfortably here that it would have been fine by me if they just stayed!!! And Linny and Dw...they make it all look easy.

Elizabeth rockin' out on the harmonica!  Yes, the same one that at least five kids shared! 

AND...Dw made it out alive!  No felons here!  AND, there were NO ducks on tables here, Graham.  Unless you count the little, yellow, rubber kind.  

Sarah came over w/ her kiddos and so a great time was had by all.  Loud yelling, laughing, tackling, and cooking was going on in the basement.  PRICELESS!

Chris, Sarah, Jaxson, and Paige

Sweet Elizabeth cuddling the twin dollies.

To end our morning, we circled up in prayer.  These sweet people prayed for US, and like goofy fools, we didn't even pray for THEIR trip or safety.  But trust me friends, we have been praying since they pulled out in their RV in Colorado, and will continue to do so until they make it back home.

Thank you, God, for connecting us.  Sweet people.  Sweet memories!

Elijah thinking, "Maybe if I lay low over here, they'll just leave me be!"

Wordless Wednesday

Flashback Friday

It has been a while, but I wanted to do a fun flashback Friday today!

Is it sad that I can remember the exact lyrics to this cartoon that I used to adore?

Is it sad that my cousin, nieces, and friends of our ours would sit around and practice said song and tape record ourselves?  This cartoon and doll set once boasted a contest where the best singing group could rerecord the song for the show and we thought for SURE we'd get to do it.

Is it sad that I wanted to dye my hair pink just like this main character?

Is it sad that I thought I'd grow up to be part crime fighter, part rock star?

Is it sad I wanted an alter ego like this main character?

Of course I'm talking about JEM and the Holograms!

Photo from:  antiquiet.com

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Now, just to prove how pathetic I am...the song...straight from my memory!

Jem!  Jem is excitement!
Ooooh, Jem!
Jem is adventure!
Ooooh, Jem!

Glamor and glitter,
Fashion and Fame...
JEM!

Go ahead, laugh.  I don't care.  I still want to be Jerrica Benton, owner of Starlight Music.  And, her alter ego, JEM!  And I want back-up singers like the Holograms!

Can anyone name the holographic computer chick who helped Jerrica out?  I can! 

Oh man, this trip down memory lane is fun!  I loved so many Saturday morning cartoons....those were the good ole days!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for these little girls. No, wait. EVERY DAY I'm thankful for these little girls. But today, I'll tell you about it. They just make me laugh.

I want to document some fun conversations that we have been having...

On the way to church last week, we heard the girls bickering in the back seat. Tony, at this point, tells Abby to ignore Laney (because every two seconds Abby was whining about what Laney was or wasn't doing). I further explained to Abby that ignoring meant not to listen to or pay attention to her. Two minutes later we hear this:

Abby: Baba, Laney is TOUCHING ME!
Laney: IGNORE ME!
Abby: OK!

HAHAHHAHAHA! It was hysterical. We laughed and laughed and laughed!
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We've also had two funny prayer time situations. The other night when Laney was finished praying, she ended with, "BYE!" and then caught herself, giggled, then said, "Uh, Amen!" :)

The next night, Abby said she wanted to do the bedtime prayer and so we all closed our eyes and she started off, "A, B, C, D..." We all peeked at each other and started laughing! Just a bit tired and confused, I'd say!

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Goodness, God has spoiled us with these girls, and for that...I'm THANKFUL!!!!!

By the way, can you guess who is who in the picture?

Memorial Box Monday-The Chrysler

Most of you know my friend, Linny. She has inspired, encouraged, challenged, and changed me. You can check her site for weekly Memorial Box Monday posts. Below, you'll see what she says about them.

"The purpose of each Memorial Box Monday post is to remind myself and others of God's great faithfulness, His powerful provision and His Unexpected Gifts in each of our lives. It is not a sign of super spirituality to have a Memorial Box. It is something that anyone who has seen God work in their lives can do. There are no rules....just sharing the story of something recent or long ago about how God showed up in your family (or just to you if you are single) to meet a need, rescue, protect, heal, or even give a surprise you didn't expect!"

Well, this week, I'm killing two birds with one stone. Our senior pastor at church challenged us last week to find the person who had a big influence on our spiritual walk and thank them. He said to seek out the person who answered your questions, and maybe even helped you ask Jesus to be your Savior. What a challenge! AND, what a great MBM post too!

Over the course of my life, many people have been instrumental in helping me form a relationship with Jesus. When I was a child, my brother and sister-in-love had me go to church with them all the time. And I could always count on my grandmother to be at church (I can even remember EXACTLY where she sat in our old sanctuary). And my youth group leader (now mother-in-love), and friends, and my parents...many people were vital to my early learning about Jesus.

But when Pastor Dave asked us to find and thank this person...I immediately thought of someone else. My husband, Tony. Oh, how I love this man.

Many moons ago (um, 19 years for those who are curious) Tony and I started dating. I first met him at youth group (thanks to a friend who invited me) and thought he was cute. Little did I know, he was checking me out too! *GASP* an upperclassman! WHOO HOO!

Fast forward a few months and Tony and I started dating. (Met him in May, started dating in late August). One night stands out in my mind more than any though. We were cruising through town in his mom's burgundy Chrysler equipped with an 8-track and everything. (SWEET!) We were planning on going to the movies, I think. Anyway, I knew Tony was different, and I knew church had to do something with it. So I started asking questions while we were driving.

Let me back track a second. I was a freshman, and he a sophomore. He had been in church since toddler hood, and I had just started going regularly. I had him duped! He thought I was a Christian already. He later told me, had he known I wasn't a Christian, he would have never asked me out! HA! Thank you, Jesus for not shedding light on that!

Anyway, we had gotten closer and formed a friendship/relationship. So when I started asking questions about God, church, being "saved", etc. he was more than happy to answer me. I remember the conversation getting pretty deep. I also remember my heart thumping out of my chest. So the closer we got to my house, the more emotional I was. I knew I was a sinner, and I knew I wanted what Tony had. That peace. That joy.

We ended the night sitting in my driveway talking. I asked Tony what I had to do...how do I pray. And, bless his heart, he gave me the steps to salvation. He told me I needed to acknowledge who God was. I needed to admit I was a sinner and ask for forgiveness. And I needed to ask Him to come into my heart so that I could live for Him. (Rough high school version). So there, in that Chrysler, in my driveway, with my boyfriend (now husband) as a freshman in high school, I prayed and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. (I'm crying now, thinking about it!)

Friends, the feeling I had. Oh, the joy that BURST out of me. I was sobbing...but elated and scared all at the same time. The release was overwhelming. We hugged and cried (at least I think he did) and I felt simply amazing.

I remember bounding in the house to announce my joy to my parents. I won't go into detail, but my news wasn't well-received. My parents thought I should have been older before I made this big decision. My spirit was crushed a little, but right then, I began to lean on Jesus. (If you ask my parents now (and maybe they'll respond here) I think they are proud that I made that decision and that I have since tried to live a life pleasing to God.)

So during that date night in August, a young man led this young woman to God. And I want to take this opportunity to thank him publicly.

Tony, love, you mean the world to me. Because of you, I am proud daughter of Christ. A child of God. Because you were not afraid or embarrassed to witness to me, even in high school, I became a Christian. I would not be the person I am today, spiritually or otherwise, if it weren't for you. Because you cared enough about me and my relationship with God, others in my family have come to Him as well. You are a man of integrity and passion. You are steady and hold fast to your convictions. You challenge me, inspire me, and make me joyful. You are a wonderful spiritual leader of our home, and for our children. A model of the type of person I would want them to marry. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I can never repay you for what you did. Just know, that I love Jesus. And I love you.

So the symbol I'm choosing for the Memorial Box in my mind, is a Hot Wheel. It's a little red Chrysler, with comfy leather seats, and an 8-track.

I am blessed and so thankful.

Transparent-again

Ok, maybe it's guilt. Maybe it's a need to share my life with the world. Maybe I need someone to say, "It's ok...just try harder next time." Whatever the reason, here it is:

Today, I have been praying CONSTANTLY for Josh, the young man from Linny's blog that is missing in the wilderness. I told Linny that I would be fasting along with praying today. She has great posts about fasting...check her side bar out. But today, I only fasted breakfast. I was starved by lunch and gave in, even though I was praying about NOT giving in.

Linny has challenged me to grow spiritually. This is one of the strongest women of God I know. She has explained how when we fast, we petition God to be favorable in our prayers. It draws us to Him and strengthens our spiritual discipline. You can fast for specific purposes, specific answers you are seeking. And I was doing just that. But I am weak. I am one chubby mama that is weak.

There. I said it. I feel so disappointed in myself. NO willpower.

Forgive me, Lord. Give me strength so that I will yearn for your heart and hold true to Your teachings. Help give me self-discipline so that I will not disappoint You. And Lord, please please return Josh to his family. Help the rescuers have fresh eyes, and sharp senses. Protect Josh, until they find him. Thank you, God. Thank you, Father.

Thankful Thursday

After yesterday's blah post...I need this.

Today, I'm thankful for freedom. I'm thankful I have a voice for that freedom. And I'm thankful that this Presidential term is one day closer to ending.

I'm also thankful for people willing to stand up and fight for what's right. I'm thankful I can call them friends.

I know I talk about Linny a lot. She's a bloggy friend I've never met (but will in TWO WEEKS--WHOOP WHOOP JESUS!) and have only spoken with on the phone, texts, and email. But friends, I value her.

This morning she posted on her blog about a serious issue affecting our country. Regardless of your political party, there are some freedoms that will soon be taken if we don't take action!

Take TWO minutes to read her post!
Then take TWO (or more) minutes to pray
Then take TWO minutes to take action.
Then take TWO (or more) minutes to pray about fasting.

We're talking about less than ten minutes here people. And our future could and will be impacted!

Read it and pray for our nation, our administration, and our freedoms!

Blah.

I've done my usual blog walk. I've checked out a couple of dozen blogs (I am on my lunch break!). I've even wandered from my regulars, to THEIR regulars. Everyone has so much to say. I've read about cancer, the first day of school, traveling to other countries, beans and rice, hair products, family birthdays, auctions, CDs, hair cuts, God's promises, the birds and the bees, prayer requests, and a variety of other topics.

Why is it I can't find a thing to talk about?

Why is it I feel so blah?

Why is it I feel so alone?

I have such a great life. I have a fantastic husband, wonderful daughters, a supportive family, fun friends, a comfy home church, a good job, more material junk than I should have, weekend plans for months on end, food in my belly, a beautiful home, and a God who lets me rant, cry, and praise all in the same breath. What more could I want? What more should I want? Why am I feeling this?

Some will say it's hormones. My surgery was two months and three days ago. Who knows...maybe it is. But the feeling is getting annoying. It's blah mixed with a dash of anticipation, and a smidge of irritation. That's one recipe for disaster.

I feel like I'm nearing a crossroad. Does that even make sense? Like something big is on the horizon (hence the dash of anticipation). It's not fear I feel...just interest and wonder. I remember feeling this exact same way RIGHT before we heard our news about the girls. No, no, we're not waiting on news about any pending children...at least I don't think we are. Now if someone calls us out of the blue and says, "Rett, I have a question for you..." and goes on to ask if we'd be willing to adopt again, I'll just flip. That would be the memo of all memos from God. (And although I'd be single parenting because Tony would just die, I'd do it!!! )

It's just I feel a stirring in the atmosphere. An uneasiness. Like pressure changes before a storm.

I need to lean in toward God. I need to crawl up in His lap. I have pretty much been at an arm's length from Him lately, and I need to run toward Him again. I want to feel His warmth. I want to refocus. I need to. Because this crossroad, time of change, anxiousness is the pits. I need Him.

Jesus, I need you. Draw me close to You. And prepare my heart. My family's heart for whatever You are going to call us to do. Whoever you are going to call us to be. Prepare us. Because for now, I feel so unprepared. And I don't even know how to prepare.

So there. My post about nothing, and about a ton. It's what's on my heart.

Foto Friday--On Thursday!

Original picture

Since I keep messing, er, shaking things up around this blog, I thought I'd do Foto Friday today!

I used the site Picnik to alter the pictures here. It is an awesome site that is easier to manipulate than Photosh*p. I found out about this site, from a fellow blogger Our Treasures From Afar. Neat blog...you should check it out!

Mind you, I only played around with it for a couple of minutes...but I still think they look neat!

So what do you think? Which one do YOU like?

Black and white and soft all over.

Just a touch of color.

Intense.

Picnik.com is such a neat site. I'll be jazzing up my pictures from now on! AND upgrading to get a variety of additional options!

Thankful Thursday, on Wednesday

Yes, I do know my days of the week, but it seems that I'm thankful on other days than Thursday...so I just have to post!

Today, my friends, I'm thankful I'm sick. Yes, you read that right. I have a raging sinus infection and double pink eye, but I'm thankful. I'm thankful I have a job that gives me sick days to take without penalty. I'm thankful that I have coworkers that will help pick up the slack when my sub plans are way below par due to the sickness. And I'm thankful I can pick back up where I left off tomorrow at work. I'm thankful for a specific coworker who shared her pink eye medicine...it seems to be working!

I'm thankful that God's timing is perfect with this sickness. I called my principal last night, to schedule today off. And then, in the middle of the night, Abby stumbled into our room not feeling well, and with a fever. YAY! Not yay that she's sick. But YAY that I had already planned on being home!

While I'm on a roll with this sickness, I'm thankful for my huband. He's currently at the doctor with Abby. I'm thankful he has a job and an employer that believes in family first. I'm thankful for the gift of healing that our doctor has. And I'm also thankful for my sister who was willing to come over and pick up Laney today. I decided to keep her here among the sickies (I know, probably bad idea) because Abby will perk up, she always does, and will want to play. Abby will be lost without her sister here. And I'm enjoying some bonus time with the girls today, even if I don't feel 100%.

Speaking of Abby, that girl's heart is just so sweet. She climbed in bed with us last night and immediately asked ME how I was feeling! She was concerned about ME. Even with a fever of 102, she was worried about me! Bless her heart. This morning, after Tony left for work, she ambled into the kitchen where I was making oatmeal. She had been dozing up until this point. The very first words out of her mouth this morning were, "How are you feeling, Mama?" She had asked ME before I could even ask HER! Her tenderness makes me want to cry!

So, today. I'm thankful for sickness. This sickness. Today, right now.

Sorry, no pictures though. NO ONE wants to see us sick. NOT PRETTY!

Row that Boat, Santa Kitty!

A child's perspective can be so clear, so innocent, so true. Here is the version of "Row, Row, Row, Your Boat" that the girls sing.

Row, row row your boat,

Gently down the streaaaam!

Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,

Life is ABOUT a dream!!!!

No, not "Life is BUT a dream..." But ABOUT a dream. And you know what? They're SO right. Life is about a dream. A dream to do and be the best person for God we can be. At least, that's the way I see it. So precious!

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Tonight, before the girls went to bed, I asked them what they wanted to be when they grow up.

Abby's answer: Santa Claus

My thoughts: Totally possible! Abby is the epitome of Santa. She has a heart that is so big. She is extremely giving, and will often put others needs before hers. And she loves children. Let's just pray she ditches the white beard!

Laney's answer: A kitty cat

My thoughts: She is already channeling the spirit of cats. She's extremely fickle. She loves to groom herself. (She recently said, "When you're done with my hair, will I be stylish?" And when she gets her way, she nearly purrs!

Just some three year old joys I wanted to share!

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OH--and yesterday, I took Cooper the Wonderpuppy to the vet (doggie doctor in twinoddler terms) for his second round of shots. (MUCH better this time-except for pooping in the waiting room...um, Cooper, not the girls) While we were there, I spotted the big pad scale they use to weigh the dogs. So, like any good Mama, I told the girls to hop on up there to see what they weighed. (Didn't get caught either!) heeh...the stats are below, if you were curious!

Cooper

Age: 4 months old

Weight: 7 pounds

Abby

Age: 3 years (turns 4 in Jan.)

Weight: 30 pounds

Laney

Age: 3 years (turns 4 in Jan.)

Weight: 29 pounds

Have a great week! Enjoy some fun pictures from our summer!
Our first "camp out" on our living room floor!

We are WAY too cool for this firetruck you posed us in front of!

Our cousin Jarrett is WAY fun. He comes up with silly games all the time!

Thankful Thursday...on Friday

Ok, so today's post is late. And it's unimportant in light of world hunger, the orphan crisis, adoption issues, and so on. But it's important to be thankful for all things, at all times, right?

After my hysto, I had a swelly belly. (My incision was about eight to nine inches, vertically) Now, I'm a big mama, so it might have just looked like I gained even MORE weight than I was already carrying. But, I wasn't...my belly has just been uuber swollen and tender. During these times, I have thanked God that I was able to afford to buy a few items that would accommodate the swollen belly and it's soreness.

But today, my friends, is a super special day. I am wearing jeans! NO elastic waist! Not a size bigger than usual. And the icing on the cake...THEY ARE BUTTONED!

I still have some tenderness, especially around my incision, but the swelly belly is GONE! Now, I just need to lose the existing belly that I have! But, alas, that conversation is for another time!

Celebrate with me by doing a belly dance!!! Um, with your clothes on and belly covered! :)

Have a great weekend, family!

PLEASE PRAY

Ok, so I visit many blogs and I am amazed at the adoption community. There are people fundraising to bring home sweet children, asking for prayers, donating items to be auctioned, or fundraising on behalf of others. People are so generous when it comes to saving a child. This time should be no different.

Our dear bloggy friend Linny, and her family, are amazing God-centered people. They have a blended family of both biological and adoptive children. They are currently SO close to bringing home their seven year old daughter, sweet Jubilee from Ch*na. They are doing this even though Satan has attacked them repeatedly. They have experienced a fire that destroyed their home, many serious illnesses, a death of a pet, and many other tragedies. This has not deterred them. It has only fueled the fire in their hearts. Obedience to God is key.

Today, however, they received information from Ch*na that their paperwork was being withdrawn because it has taken so long. This means that Ch*na has withdrawn their approval for Linny and her family to adopt Jubilee. As you can imagine, this is devastating!

PLEASE PLEASE pray and fast with us (fasting as a body of Christ tomorrow) for Ch*na to change their minds. I would say this is one gargantuan mountain for Ch*na to change their minds, but for the Saunders, it has happened before!!! They needed a HUGE mountain moved years ago for another adoption and God said "MOVE" and it did! Now they and we need God to speak it again!

GOD says pure religion is that in which one cares for the orphan and widow, and oh, baby...the Saunders do just that.

Please pray right now...and fast tomorrow (Thursday) that God would move this mountain. Otherwise, sweet Jubilee will have to endure waiting on her forever family even longer, if she is even given another chance. (And the Saunders and we will be heartbroken.)

Go and storm Heaven!

Two Years Ago Today

For some...it was a pregnancy test.
For some...it was an ultrasound.
For some...it was when they placed the baby on your chest.
For some...it was through a nursery window.
For us...it was a phone call and an email.

Exactly two years ago today Tony and I received the best call in the world. We were told we were the parents of twin girls from China! And just a few short minutes later, we received the email that held valuable medical information, but more importantly, the first glimpses of our daughters.

It was a day ordained by God, for sure. Only He could have orchestrated the events of the day. Everything fell into place from Lauren (co-teacher) covering my class while I gushed and made calls, to Tony feeling under-the-weather enough to have scheduled a doctor's appointment. He was able to bring their file right to the doctor that day and get his blessing!

Telling family and friends (even if we jumped the gun a bit) was so much fun. The tears, the joy, the emotions were so strong that day. God not only blessed us with one, but two gorgeous children. He gave us two of His own to look after. Oh, the JOY!

Today's scripture on the blog to the left is SO fitting! "How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you." 2 Samuel 7:22 GOD IS GOOD!

Can you recall how/when you found out we were expecting twins? What was your first reaction? Thoughts? Prayers? Hopes? Leave a comment for the girls. What a treasured memory!

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Sweet Abby and Laney,

It was two years ago that we got the call that would change our lives forever. We had anticipated one beautiful soul to care for, but when God gave us two, we were DOUBLY blessed! We were excited to meet you, learn your personalities, and become Mama and Baba to you.


When we saw your precious faces for the first time, we were amazed. We looked into your little eyes and knew you were supposed to be our daughters. Over the next couple of months, we memorized every detail of your faces. Every expression. And tried to guess the thoughts running through your minds. We wanted to put smiles on those sad faces. We wanted to see joy creep into your eyes. Our arms literally ached to hold you. Abby, we longed to pick you up, as you were reaching up in one of your pictures. We wanted to hold you close so you would feel loved. And, Laney, we looked into your eyes, those eyes that could see straight into our souls. We knew you were a little more wary and we longed to prove to you that we were safe and could be trusted. We prayed our love for you was strong enough that it could bridge the oceans and you would feel it.




We could have never dreamed up a better life, girls. You were created for our family, and I hope you feel we were designed for you. We have loved every second of our lives with you, and we're looking forward to experiencing the future together.

We love you up to the starts and back again.

Love,

Mama and Baba


This was the updated picture we received right before we traveled to unite as a family. Our hearts broke. We wanted to scoop you up and love on you!

1st Day of Preschool

The summer flew by and it is back to school time.

The girls are attending preschool for the first time. They have been looking forward to this day for a long time. Abby has talked about it non-stop, especially since she has new N*kes that are for school (although she did not get to wear them the first day) and has been looking forward to wearing them.

The day went well. We got them up early. They got dressed and ate a very healthy breakfast, Fr*sted Flakes (They're Grrrrrreat!). After that they grabbed back packs (or pack packs as they girls call them) and we headed for the Jeep. We took a few pictures in the front yard (below) to document the trek to school.

Once we arrived at school, we took another photo, this one in the parking lot.

Once we arrived inside the school, we took a few more pictures. This photo was taken with the girls sitting on the "time out" bench. We hope they are not frequent visitors.

When I arrived to pick them up they were playing on the playground. The teacher came up to me and told me they were very good today. They painted pictures of Jesus and his sheep and had a good time. They both confirmed that the "potties" were small for little girls. That was something they were concerned about on the way to school. They wanted to know how they would get on the potties.

I think this photo sums up the day...

I am sure there will be many more posts to come. It's been a long day and we're off to bed. Gotta start over again in less than 8 hours...yuck!

Thanks for checking in with us. Have a good week!

All You Never Wanted to Know About Us....

Yay! I had my final doctor's visit today (except for check-ups) and everything looks good! My surgery was five weeks ago yesterday. I am cancer free and feeling great!! God is good!

Since it was a great day, I wanted to do a fun post. I stole this idea from Jaime and filled in my own answers. (Um, except, some of her answers are great, so I left them the same!)

I AM … blessed a thousand percent!

I WANT… every child to have a safe and loving family.

I HAVE … too much fat.

I KEEP … biting my nails! HELP!

I WISH I COULD … be a stay-at-home mommy.

I FEAR … not seeing some of my family in Heaven.

I HEAR … the girls practicing their letters with Tony.

I DON'T THINK … the healthcare plan is the best idea, matter of fact, I think it's horrible

I REGRET … some things, but if presented the opportunity to go back, i don't think i would change them since it would alter the course of life. AMEN Jaime!! Couldn't have said it better myself!

I LOVE … my family intensely.

I AM NOT … sure what God wants Tony and me to do when we grow up.

I DANCE … with the girls.

I SING …in the car with Tony. He usually rolls his eyes. Especially when I hold out a fake microphone for him to sing into.

I NEVER … want to look back and say, "I wish I would've/could've".

I CRY WHEN I WATCH … pretty much anything. HELLO people...I just had a hysterectomy!

I AM NOT ALWAYS … certain.

I HATE THAT … there are kids out there who have never had a mommy or daddy kiss a boo boo, tuck them in, or whisper that Jesus loves them.

I'M CONFUSED ABOUT … where Tony and I should be, and what we should be doing for God.

I NEED … to lose weight. Maybe that's what I should be doing for God!

I SHOULD … clean more often, be nicer to my husband, be nicer to people, be more approachable, be more involved, be more steadfast, be better…ME TOO Jaime! Except, add, laundry, read my Bible more, give love more freely, not be judgemental.



Ok, now I'm forcing Tony to do this. Let's see what he puts!



I AM … going to try to lose weight (and am going to complete this for my lovely wife)

I WANT… to lose weight

I HAVE … to finish sorting laundry and put it away at some point

I KEEP … pondering life...what should I do when I grow up

I WISH I COULD … make an impact

I FEAR … many things

I HEAR … Cooper (our new puppy) passing gas (WOW - how could something so small release such toxic odors????)

I DON'T THINK … I'm ready to go back to work tomorrow (I had two lovely days off)

I REGRET … stuff

I LOVE … my wife, kids and family

I AM NOT … pleased with the direction PBO is taking this country

I DANCE … (nope, I am a Wesleyan :) )

I SING … with the girls in the car - usually "5 little monkeys jumping on the bed" - their favorite.

I NEVER … have been to Europe and several other places...

I CRY WHEN I WATCH … coverage of the cash for clunkers...what a waste of perfectly good vehicles

I AM NOT ALWAYS … on time

I HATE THAT … life is not always fair

I'M CONFUSED ABOUT … what's next

I NEED … to do many things...exercise, eat better, read Bible more, etc...

I SHOULD … do everthing I just mentioned in the I NEED...

Thankful Thursday

SO thankful for them...

Ok, settle in, I'm thankful for a LOT!

*I'm thankful for doctors who are given their gifts from God.

*I'm SO thankful for a husband who took care of me and the girls like no other. I couldn't have asked for a better, more loving man.

*I'm thankful for both sets of parents who took days off to help, drive, feed, play, love, entertain, and care for us during and after the surgery.

*I'm thankful for family who checked in often and offered any help they could.

*I'm thankful for friends who cooked meals for us for two weeks. You will never know how valuable that was!

*I'm thankful for the flowers, cards, balloons, well wishes and prayers! They were needed and felt!

*I'm thankful for feeling more like myself now.

*I'm thankful for God's provisions so that we were able to have a vacation together as a family and make wonderful memories before the surgery.

*I'm thankful for the sunshine.

*I'm thankful for puppy kisses that make my girls squeal.

*I'm thankful that I have a job that I love, and I promise to give 100% effort in it. (at least most of the time...eheh, everyone has an off day!)

*I'm thankful I live in a place where I am free to worship God, the Creator.

*I'm thankful for nap times, that give me chances to recharge and blog! (Which it's almost over...I better go!)

What are YOU thankful for?????

Enjoy a few pics from our vacation!

Baba is so patient when he is teaching them!

I'm thankful for these two gorgous princesses who were taking a break from kingdom duties, by resting on our cabin swing.

The girls are thankful for new friends...this cute little statue bear in our cabin. Not sure if they'd like the real deal...RIGHT LINNY?

Just some pretty flowers outside our cabin.

MY man!

One view from our cabin...

...and another.

You can take my uterus, but you can't...

...stop me from having babies!!! HA! I use the term, "having" loosely. I mean, we have added to our family. We now have a new furbaby. We went into a store to buy dogfood, and came out with a dog.


Tony thought he was cute, so I asked to see him. He and the girls played and after some discussion (all of five minutes) we decided we'd make the leap.

When we were walking down the aisle, one of the salesladies came up and said, "Ohhh, are you going home?" (directing her conversation at the dog) And then she turned to us and said, "We call him our ADHD dog." Yeah. Well. Listen, lady, we hadn't paid for him yet!


We got him home and he has settled way down. It's like he just knew he was home. Make no mistake, he is Tony's dog. He follows Tony around like his shadow and cries when he can't be near him. He's Tony's dog clear down to his name...Cooper. As in, Mini-Cooper. He's mini (small) and Tony has always wanted a Mini-Cooper. So it just fit. Cooper. Yeah.

For those of you concerned about our other dog, Kyler, well, hmmm. She just barely tolerates him. He's like that little dog on Tom and Jerry, jumping all around and wanting to play with Spike. She does NOT care for his energy level at all. However, if she doesn't see us watching, we have spotted her playing with him and playing tag. At least we THINK she's playing with him! heehheh.

So, without further ado...here he is. Cooper.

Here, Kyler is like, "WHAT in the world have you done to me? I trusted you!"

No name blog post

This is our dog, Kyler. She's displaying for you how I have felt the past few weeks.

Blog, I must. Write, I must. I must. I just must.

I am feeling human again. I am even starting to feel good, if you can believe it. It's time I crawl out of this hole I've been living in, and start writing again. (Besides, if I don't, my mom might take this blog hostage just to see something new posted!)

So, I'm among the living and checking out other people's blogs. I LOVE doing blog walks. I have been SOOO busy catching up with everyone else, I've simply had NO time to blog on my own blog! Or, at least that's what I keep telling myself! But I'm back. I have no deep thoughts. Nothing that will make you laugh, cry, or cringe. But it feels good to type. To feel normal. Or, my kind of normal, anyway.

School starts in just over two weeks. TWO weeks. I was robbed of July, you know. So I think that I should get an extra three weeks off. Can't my principal just shuffle my kids to other classrooms for a few weeks? That'd be lovely.

Alas, not reality. I must muster up the strength and courage to return. But worse than that, we're sending our girls to preschool! WAAAH! Mind you, it's only two half days a week, but it's school nonetheless! What cemented this reality into place was that when we picked up our school packet, we found that the girls have a SUPPLY LIST!?!?! In preschool? A supply list? It's not that I mind getting folders and glue and such, it's the fact that they have a SUPPLY LIST! My babies! They are growing up! Two weeks from now starts the next however many years of lunch boxes, folders, pencils, paper, etc. that encompasses school. I already warned Tony that he'll be in charge of parent/teacher conferences. I'll be there, but the thought of those conferences...some teacher evaluating and talking about MY children! Hehe...makes my stomach hurt!!!

*Sigh* ok, ok, enough. I'll go into panic mode. Better wrap this up. My fingers are cramping! Hehe, they've been dormant for too long! I'll add some pictures to pacify!

We call this art, "Trees". I can see them, can you?
And here, self portraits.

We're helping Baba add a playhouse to our playset!

We LOVE practicing for preschool in our workbooks!

Fast...

This is way bigger than my surgery. Mine is a blip on the screen. This is bigger.

Now go. Read. Do. NOW! Click the link below.

Fast.