Birthday Wish Came true!

We all cringed with ouchy expression as Josh tried so hard to pull that last front tooth that just wouldn't let go. He was really miserable all weekend because of it. At one point he said his tooth hurting all week was the worst thing that has happened to him- poor thing, I know.... Well Sunday his birthday wish came true- he was able to pull that tooth out! We are all relieved- but I am sure there is no one more relieved than Josh!

Happy Birthday Josh!

This Birthday weekend was certainly Transformed into some fun once big brother showed up to for Josh's 7 birthday. Of course, it was a tough time for Joshy, he has a tooth hanging and it just won't come out! So he has been a good sport considering the pain he has been in since Thursday! Nope, I don' do teeth! Poor thing!

Its been a great weekend. Here are some pictures. They were up way too early as I tried to catch some of the silly string antics outside first thing. Yesterday we went to CEC's ( if I could count the times we have been there for a party=).

All over the world- Transformer cakes were sold out, fortunately we found one place in a town going the opposite direction that we were going in- but it was worth the trip- He really really wanted a Trans-cake and without an oven I am fresh out of baking for a while. His brothers got him Bumblebee and his sister- hotwheels motorcycles. Today has been a day of wrestling and rough housing! I am blogging then its naptime!

I still can remember when everyone was home and not even in school! So hard to believe Josh is now 7! No one can say enough on how time truly flies by in raising children!

Birthday Weekend Ahead!

Its a Birthday Weekend for Josh! Its so hard to believe that time is here again, and this time he is turning 7! Time truly flies!

He has really grown into a really neat little person. He now writes his name Joshua Dan. There may be something to that! He is excited for his birthday to get here- he wants a "Transformer" cake so, Transformer it is! Not having an oven I wasn't going to try to attempt a cake on my own!

Its a busy weekend, I will post pictures Monday!

When the first week of Fall really feels like Fall!

Fall is here!

This is the first time in a longtime that I can recall have 50's actually marking the first week of fall in Texas for us! Granted, that is early morning. Some of our friends in CO. are already experiencing snow and freezing temps. Not cool to me, they really skipped over Fall! I personally love hot weather. But the kids really enjoy the fall.

Last fall, I remember we were disappointed at the lack of Pumpkin patches to go to in Abilene- it was hot and never felt like fall. However we did find a place that sold pumpkins.. Josh has reminded us of the Windy Hill apple orchard, SC and how it was almost time for apples. Kori said " Shouldn't there be alot of fall stuff to do around here?" Already looking forward for whats in store. Is your head spinning yet?

It truly amazes me how we have physically experienced seasons, in doing so, has helped us to enjoy each of them and learn the differences about them. Sometimes we get so busy n life- simple goodness no longer matters. May this never be for us.

A quick funny. When we were talking about the season has changed to fall and discussing decorations and pumpkins etc.. One of the kids piped up and said " I can tell you right now, were not going to make it to winter!" We rolled over laughing! That was soo funny! On most days seems very true. However, it gave an awesome opportunity to discuss things and to explain about how blessed we are and how this is not a punishment phase, but a blessing phase- we were able to show them tons of instances where God moves people for various reasons & in doing so, uses other people to bless them. We got to recount so many blessings of our own.

If we are dependant on HIM- He will provide. How many truly know this by experience? How would you know He will provide, if you believe you are in control? Also, these very things that happen in our lives are not always about us. We all agreed it has boosted our level of desiring to help others. Who doesn't want to be used by God.

This time has really shown me what great kids we have. Just like most of us, I have doubted on a daily basis whether or not we had been doing the right thing or not. I know we are now. I am thankful for the confirmation. I am so proud of them.

HAPPY AUTUMNAL EQUINOX DAY!

I walked outside and took this pic, its a rainy dreary day- leaves have been changing for weeks now- just not too pretty yet. Today is the official first day of Autumn.

I only learned to LOVE fall once I moved out of TEXAS- though too short lived. I guess experiencing Real Seasons helped me. I have a feeling this year, we(TX)will have a real fall and certain to have a hefty winter! We are on the second week of rain. Love the thunder storms. However it gives more of a feel of spring with all the rain and not fall. I wanted to dig thru and get my beautiful fall shots from NC. but decided to just deal with it as is...

Today at 4:18 our time the sun will once again cross the equator and total balance will occur. hum.....

Story of the Fall Equinox
Fall Equinox: Can You Balance an Egg?


By LILY FU
(MYFOX NATIONAL) - Today marks the first day of fall, or the autumn equinox. And there will likely be many who will try to balance eggs.

For years people around the world have tried to balance eggs on the autumnal and vernal (spring) equinoxes. The autumnal equinox will officially take place at 5:18 p.m. EDT, which marks when the sun crosses the Earth's equator, when there are both 12 hours of daytime and 12 hours of nighttime. It is at this time when many say eggs cen be balanced on one end because of this is when gravity will be "balanced."

But is there any truth to the trick?

According to multiple Web sites including AstroSociety.org , with some time and patience, you can balance an egg on any day of the year. There isn't anything special about the autumnal or vernal equinoxes.

"At any day of the year, grab a carton of eggs and try to stand each one. Usually you cannot stand a raw egg because the inside of an egg is a very viscous (thick) liquid, and the yolk sits in this liquid. The yolk is usually a bit off-center and rides high in the egg, making it very difficult to balance. The egg falls over. However, with patience, you can usually make an egg stand up," writes Phil Plait

About Mondays!

Missing my flower beds, my plants and my own home, missing the light shining in.

MONDAYS

Long before now Mondays indicated "Madness". I used to blog Monday Madness and share all the crazy stuff that can start your week off bad. Our weekends were so great- we hated Monday coming. Now I don't have that problem.

Amazing how things change. Our Weekends used to be the delight of our family time. Now they are nearly unbearable. I can't wait for many things to happen, one thing is getting back to life- Yes! We are not being punished and it will come.. Another one of those things are Light filled fun weekends. Let me tell you, have a weekend in the Light carries you through a tough week. Regardless of what your doing.

Today I am starting a new Monday Blog " Insight Mondays" Who knows how long they will last. Here is the first one!

Todays Mondays Insight

Little Life equations to get you through..

"Measure & Weigh: Condemnation vs. Conviction"

Ever been in a bad situation or alot of negative atmosphere? Or a relentless person? I call those kind mood-vampires. Mood Vamps deliver darkness. They take the wind out of your sail if you let them. The suck all the goodness out in one visit. Know any?

Practical battle gear is a little equation.

Analyze what comes your way: If it brings light and its uplifting- you obviously wouldn't' be needing this. For the other it may get tricky.. How do you know if its correction from the Lord vs. a trick from the enemy disguising itself? Oh easy! Wrong.

Condemnation vs. Conviction

Weigh it! Does it bring condemnation to you or how you feel afterwards? If so, its the enemy. Yes, he puts all authority in our life and not all is bringing forth light.

Do you feel like you were wrong and should do better? Do you leave feeling like you get another chance? Conviction. The Lord convicts us so that we stay in relationship with HIM. So we grow and find nourishment in HIM. The opposite takes us away from HIM.

Next time you are finding your self confused, stop and take the test!

Does this bring Condemnation to the table or is it a Convicting spirit? You will find you will get quick and swift with noticing it. It will help you throw away trash that is cluttering your mind. And also help you to stay away from deceptive people.

I really believe we were receiving some heads up when He said "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Condemnation won't be coming from HIM!

If given the chance...... These are

"THE WORDS I WOULD SAY"
by Sidewalk Prophets
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9cYcMbmbzk

Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say


I wanted to post this song and lyrics to break up my ranting! Want a lift? Listen to this.

The Beauty of Free-Will

These 2 tried convincing me they had already taken a "shower" with the rain run-off from the house this Spring. They were adamant about how "clean" they were.

Choice, making a decision based on the information you have received, researched. Free-Will is doing this outside of slavery, on your own accord, your own will.

The Beauty of Free-Will is we deserve nothing. Who are we any how? When we start to think more of ourselves than we do others, we become enslaved. Kinda a catch 22 thingy huh.

As I watched Joyce Myer in her topic of "Boundaries" I realized that very thing or lack of brings much irritability to me. I assume most people use their Free-Will sensibly. When that is not the case- I get mad. Let me rephrase that, I get upset if it has anything to do with me or my family.

As I had posted the other day & placed it back in draft, this awesome insight I feel I was given to help with this free-will issue I have. I love to blame others when I do something on my own accord & it doesn't turn out the way I had imagined. I Somehow get amnesia & forget that I CHOSE whatever it is and this is the outcome. Regardless, of what prompted me to CHOOSE in the way I did.

So here's what I got:

I remember the minute we crossed over the LA-TX Line and both of us looked at each other as if we were in a horror film- we later admitted that at the same time it hit us- we knew at that specific moment what we had done, was wrong. We moved outside of His will.

I have had lots of grief from others since then. I have heard this Notorious statement: God directs your path and guides you, you were meant to be exactly where you are in exactly this moment. I listened, but knew it didn't line up in my spirit. Just like it didn't line up when Dewayne agree'd to take the job in TX. I put obedience before I put my own gut feeling. Wouldn't it be nice to have NO ACCOUNTABILITY for your own actions?

Recently, one night I awoke to realize- HE doesn't take you against your will, we have "free-will".

How many christians have Jesus in their heart and yet are disobedient? None of us are perfect. If so, why would we ever need forgiveness?

So the next morning, I searched that out. (Ps. 37:23-The steps of a good man are directed and established by the LORD-when he delights in His way-busying himself in HIM of every step.). If we do things in Our will, it is in our will. If it is His will not my will to be done, then how can it be both? Perhaps if my will was lined up with His will I would not be aware of something not right-humm....... I then realized, Ah ha! Our footsteps our ONLY led by Him- when we are in HIS Will. If we had read ahead in Ps. 37:5-6- we would figure out what it took to have our steps in Him and how to be in right standing. Meaning as the Word says " In right-standing with Him". In HIM. (It only takes a breath to get out of sync- the opposite of right standing.) Another words- Forgiven, close to Him, in relationship, asking Him to guide and direct our every step, conscientiously aware we are constantly choosing HIM. Sin Dealt with.

Look, I read the same version that said this: The steps of a man are established by the Lord, He delights in all his ways. My entire life I thought I could do anything and because I read the Bible and Prayed & because of that one line - I must be walking holy, whatever happens, then obviously, it was meant to be. I am always being led by Him. Nope, there is more to it- He said He will never Leave me, not lead me- if this is wrong it cancels out Free-will.. I can't do what I want, no matter how religious/pious it is and then called it by God, unless I am in Him that very moment. I believe there is great action on our behalf to get positioned to be "Lead". Instead I usually wanted to be lazy say- well, can't take that responsibility- that must be God wanting it to be that way. I believe when we are in HIM we have total peace and that we are not grieving the Spirit. Amazing how we think grieving the Holy Spirit wouldn't affect us physically at all.

Get this, sin separates us from Him.. Undealt with sin, secret sin, keeps you from HIM! Is this true or not? Can He look upon sin? Seems like a no brainer right? Well, think of all the things you have done before you asked for FORGIVENESS........................................................................... Some of those things just might have consequences that follow, long after you went back and asked for forgiveness and got in "right standing" with Him.


Think of how easy it is to get distracted? New job opportunities, stress of life, change, things happening fast, deception creeps in and you don't even recognize it- it comes in a Familiar form. Secrets. Hey they may be a secret to everyone else- but not to Him, they will keep you from HIM, if you can't get to Him. He can't order your dirty feet to go anywhere. GIVE IT UP.


Dig deep, realize you can't blame God if you didn't allow Him to be in your life the Moment you took that step. Reconciliate. Get right, be in Right standing with Him and THEN allow Him to order your footsteps. If you are constantly in Him, then you don't even think about whether your going the right way or not- its called Peace of mind. Sure after screw-ups, yep, you may take the long way around- but staying in Him will get your where He wants you to be and you won't have to Question .........

WHY.



I don't argue that GOD is in control.. Just be careful of that complacent unforgiven sin and thinking your still walking in HIS Will. You can still pray and read the bible and still have sin in your life. Turn Sin over quickly- nothing is too big.

As the Storm Swells

There is a ROAD under there somewhere............. Road and Bridge covered here also.

Still raining after a week, everything is flooding, the creeks are running over, its a mess.

What a coincidence, that sounds like my life! Ever had that feeling? It doesn't pay to turn on TV, News or pick up a paper these days does it? Negative, anger, spewing from as many spouts as possible. I was just saying today to someone, " Do you ever remember while we were growing up, seeing someone whom was constantly watching news or reading the newspaper or listening to talk radio ever being happy?" I was thinking of that today, growing up nearly every person that I ran across that did this, was notoriously un-happy. Back then we called them "Grumps".

Presently, whats so sad to me, is we seem to have no escapefrom anything. My children never knew race or color, we have raised them to try to see things the way Jesus see's them. Now everything has the word "black" in front of it. WHY? Wouldn't it be strange for us to say White- Governor or White President? Really, there is too much going on here. Its a double standard. Its so upsetting to me.

That reminds me of life. Lately, I have been working so intently on being Light, for its the only light my children get to see now. I feel as though I am sinking. We have officially become isolated. Yep, we seem to be all alone in this. Ironically, we flat out "chose" this last path and its maddening. I have a sneaky feeling one bad turn led to another and why I was so excited to share my Discovery on exactly when our footsteps are ordered by the Lord. Like myself, I really think so many times, we "blame" Him for where we have landed- where we took our feet. I know for a fact we listened to the wrong thing, we should have lined it up first, its our fault and it opened up one trap door into another. How I would give anything to go back and have a "do-over".

Flooding........

We are being over inundated with creeks swelling and water drenching us.. I wish it would be the cleansing kind, you know fresh and clean the kind you get in spring. This time we are drenched in anger, bitterness, hatred.

I have maintained a peaceful- positive environment for over 23 years. I can brag, its a huge accomplishment this day in time. I refuse any darkness to be let in, whether it be by TV, Video, people or decoration, computer, magazines or talk. Your home should be a reflection of your heart. More than likely it is. Look at it this way, whatever it is, it will engulf you.

I MISS THIS. I miss going months with out hearing a cuss word, I miss not allowing anyone to say anything negative about anyone, I miss never hearing race or color interjected into a sentence. I miss never being apart of rumours. I miss going to a church who worship the same way I do & actually believe what they are reading.. I miss the piece of heaven I was exp. when I was in a multi-cultural setting. I am so upset I can't see straight. I feel like my kids and I are sinking it hate & anger and its not even our own.! Doesn't anyone understand that spewing hate kills your own body? Yelling, screaming, cussing and ranting racial slurs is not making anything better! Dang, its not too late to change.

Hello Washington, its not about Color, its about right and wrong. Nobody thinks anything about it being a black issue, perhaps if he wasn't half white it would be different, but how can anyone call the race card on that?

Now Tell me this WHO IN THE WORLD CREATED Y.O.U- anyone one? Now what makes you any different than me? Exactly. Think about this, the next time you think of someones skin color before you think of them, ask yourself Why? What would make them any different than you, unless you are an unbeliever? I truly believe that is a huge sign of one. If you can't see God as being Creator of all, then how can you see Jesus as His Son, as our Deliverer- of All?

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........ just a minute!

Just a Minute! How many times I have said this to one of my kids coming up and asking me something!

What does that mean? You know, you put the hand out as to say " Whoa! Wait! Not now! As you are preoccupied with someone else or doing something else. I feel like I have done this forever.

Well, I had a really neat "Just a Minute" moment the other day, it was sooooo sweet.

Josh came up to me needing to tell me something really important, you know the kind.
I was speaking to his sister, I said to him " in just a minute" and hold up my hand and finish listening to her.
When it is finally Josh's time, I ask, "Josh now what do you need to tell me?"
He said " Well, I have been thinking, and I have decided that since my birthday is coming up, you don't have to invite any friends or anything to my party, I just want family and thats it." Whoa...... As I sat there looking at him puzzled he then says " Well, I remembered when it was Matthews birthday he didn't have any friends to invite to his party- so I don't want to make him feel bad".

My goodness, that is one of the nicest things I have heard in a while. Matthews birthdays are in the summer, they always seem to be smack dab in the middle of a MOVE! So he Never has friends at his parties! How nice for Josh to recognize this and sacrifice-on his birthday! How sweet!

Meanwhile I have been looking at different blogs and idea for birthday cakes- check out Morgan over at Adventures in Diapering . I think she has about 4 kids under the age of 6 and does a fantastic job with original birthday cake idea! Her latest was a "SpiderDog" cake. Very Cute!

I am thinking maybe about trying this for Josh's cake- she has put instructions and everything on her blog on how to make it- too cool!

With Josh's birthday in a little over a week away and I feel like I am waiting for the wind to blow and raise my sail again. I just can't find the enthusiasm and originality right now for a Birthday party or a cake for him. So sad.

So I thought I would go back and look at some pics of some of the cakes the cakes they have had before, maybe that will trigger or spark something!

Push the button : Concrete Setting.

My roses did well this year. They smelled amazing. They were not planted in concrete.

RETURNED TO DRAFT................



I have as many posts in draft, as I do actually posted!!!!!

Sometimes, its only after I have posted something, that I realize- "That one should have stayed in Draft!" I usually try to evaluate my posts on whether they would be of help or if they would hurt. I was so intent on my "discovery" & wanted to share it with you, but I included things that could be offensive to others. I was only thinking of my own concrete/complacent attitude, how mad I am at where we are because of pivotal points and how much easier it is to just get used to things, than it is to change or make change happen. How I have learned from stepping out in the wrong direction. Thats all.
My fear is to just sit and gripe about my situation. When instead, I can be moving on it. I really wasn't trying to point that out in anyone else.

What Brings Light

I can still remember the bad news we had just recvd that day, walking outside to see how dark the sky was and this beam of light opened up and shined through, the wind, the rain, the storm.

First, I thank you for even caring enough to come by, that alone says " HI". I feel so selfish not getting to do the same, I have practically gotten to where I hate even turning on the computer,just that alone & loading to get online can take over 30 min.

I love my blog-followers, you guys are awesome!

LEAVING COMMENTS ON THIS OR ANY OTHER BLOGS YOU MAY VISIT
My friend you have a Great point about it not being as "easy" to leave comments on here anymore... Tell me about it! I have some friends who always tell me in person they can NEVER figure out how to leave a comment.
At the very end of the post using mine as a reference you will see this:

Posted by Journey on! by Kelleye at 9:45 AM Click HERE to COMMENT!

You would click the "click here" words to go to comments. You can click anonymous and still get to leave message.. Alot of people will just email if that can't find the comment section and thats cool too. WHO CARES? Well........... its not that big of deal, its just a blogedicate thing... and some people really do get bothered if they have taken the time to read the blog and then are unable to leave a comment- like ME, I finally get to a blog and then can't let a comment- drives me nuts!

What Does Bring Light?
Its Amazing to get flooded with thoughts & words of wisdom, to have a smile come to my face hearing those crystal clear words spoken... " Does it Bring Light?".... Only then to realize- wow she has died, she is now in Heaven. This person that always helped me to evaluate my core being and situations is now still speaking. HE is still speaking thru her. She was Light, she still is bringing forth Life and she is dead.
If I heard this ten times I heard it thousands: "Does this bring forth Light? Does this bring forth Darkness? Well, then if it brings Life- then its ok." I have repeated this to my children since they have been tots. If it doesn't bring forth Light, then Don't do it! Our tongue has the power of Life and Death- if to speak it means you are bringing forth Life then say it. We are to shine forth as light in a dark world.. What does that mean when your having a lot of fun- doesn't look dark to me............=) if you can't see this that is a big smile........

I am starting to really get that. After seeing the only teenager around baptised today, then listening to the post baptismal message on Baal Worship and how we are laidened in sexual sins and killing babies- I kinda felt a little down today. For humor, our congregations average age is well on the way to late 70's to 100. Imagine that water drenched sweet teen seated in that hard pew with her unsaved boyfriend seated next to her coming as moral support possibly( as the Casting Crowns song " Does Anybody Hear Her" plays in my head) To have witnesses last week- her accepting Christ and this week the Baptism. Then the message of promiscuity and abortion. Dang Grannies!

At any rate, I shouldn't point this stuff out, because I know everyone means well, after all, right?

There would be no reason to have insight to any personal info or any thing like that to pummel the congregation with right?

I thought at how bad I felt today after leaving church, no it was not conviction either. And I had to work really hard to press through into an area of thought that brought forth good thoughts. I thought about our Country, Our President, Serena Williams loosing her match because.........., I thought about how shocking it is to see people change w/out notice,I thought about Baal and Jezebel, I thought about how easy it is to wonder what kind of new tractor or 4 wheeler ya gonna buy next, I thought of just what happens.......... what happens when?

Exactly, a lot of thought triggering going on- then how much more so for the teens of our world.

I decided to think of ways that I could be a light in a time in my life where there doesn't seem to be very much.

We have really had a great week, great things have happened. I have had an incredible "Feel Good" boost, having the opportunity to see alot of friends that I have not seen some in over 20 plus years. It feels good. I am so glad to get the opportunity to catch up and to see how they have been through the years.

I see how easy it will be to just merge right in and in a moment it will be as though I never left. If I think too much about it, it confuses me. Easy vs. Challenge. However, what doesn't confuse me is how I want to be a light in this world, I want people to see Him through the confusion of all the happenings of this day in time.
I don't wish to be complacent and have nothing better to do than sit around discussing the demise of others, this.... I fear more than anything.

What Brings Light/Life into your personal world? What are some of the things you feel you do to be a light source for someone else to find their way out of the darkness they maybe experiencing?


You know what I say to my kids? " Use your Hands to Hug(help), not Hit! Are we heavy hitters for Christ? Or Heavy Huggers?

Love you!

In rememberance of 9/11

8 years later, we have NOT FORGOTTEN.


May HIS Peace go out to all the families and a Nation who suffered great loss on this day.

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Re-cap strategy to keep from disaster....

Your absolutely right, I left out Abilene in my last post! I did that ON PURPOSE!

Well, it was but a blip on the life-o-meter. We didn't even make it a year there.
However, I really loved our church and our friends. There were points this summer we nearly went back. Even though it was a tie for the worst town I had ever lived in.

To re-cap; after job loss we moved for another job opportunity. It was easy to stay here and get on our feet. After having moved a big move last summer from NC, then having to move this summer- it was a bit much. Who knew there would be no job once we got here. I do not believe we would have moved, if it hadn't been for the job opp. So with that falling through- it spelled Disaster. As any one of you know me, know my Love for a Peaceful home-regardless of what is made of or looks like..

Even with this happening, I somehow thought things would be different. I thought my children would be treated different, too. I think it has been a great experience for us and I cannot wait to get back on our feet again. I can say that I will not forget this time, it has made me want to be a better person. I realize human life is so valuable and sometimes we have but one chance to get it right.

I had hoped my children would not experience the generational repeat that I had gone through. but they are. I know because I am there walking it out with them, guiding them through, so they can have a healthy view & great memories of their grandmother, unlike what I have of mine. I remember as a teen getting in trouble because I viewed my GM as horrible. She tormented me and no one took up for me. I was alone in it. I was always shocked at how I was treated- I never got used to it. Thank God. She could get away with it because we moved in with her, because my mom had no choice, she was indebted to her, she had to let her do and say whatever she wanted- my grandmother was always in control, because it was Her House.. My mom obviously remembers how she felt, she cuts us alot more slack that what she was given.

I will never forget moving to TX to live next to my GM's sister(this showed me that there were more of them!) amazed, great Aunt Mary actually up and moved without ever saying goodbye w/ in a short time of us moving next to her... Knowing my grandmother, I never questioned why. Ironically, I now see that without my GM, life then, would have been very different- oh how I wanted it to be... Its like, I had to go thru that to get where I am today. So, right here and right now is only possible due to my Grandmother(humanly & geographically speaking- we all know WHO really planned it). If it hadn't been for her bringing my mom and her two kids here to "set her up" per say, this would not be happening- we would never have moved to Texas- good, bad or indifferent..

Now, after all this time, I finally have a "good thought" of my grandmother! I would never have had a single one, had we not needed to move in the very same house triggering the ironic memory of how my mom lived with her mom and how I live with my mom. Its safe to say, I can expect as much from my kids. I am ecstatic to get to prepare and expect ahead of time and know how I want to be seen as a grandmommy- if anything can be changed, I truly believe its just that.... ME!

I can practice Love in the mean-time. My greatest desire is for my kids to say that I always loved them on their each individual level of Love-Meter and that we protected them and gave them a sense of value/worth as the precious gifts they are. I guess adversity has to come for them to see the difference..
I want them to always be able to come to us as an earthly refuge, I want them to always know that we "Get" so we can "GIVE". What a perfect way for them to see it first hand. What a cool opportunity to change perspective.

Sorry, its no prodigal son story- remember, he squandered his inheritance & then had to return home.......... I want to leave here this time, better than I left the first time- with her blessing.. And I want my mom Blessed for enabling us to do so. She has done well with what she has been given. I know she only hopes for the best for me as well.

I say all this because we all have tendencies to be encourager's, as well as have the tendencies to be doom-sayers. The power of life and death with in our tongue. I am not here to "Devour" this hard working responsible woman- and will leave as soon as possible and together as a family. I am not here to steal my brothers inheritance out from under him. I am most thankful for my mom helping us, its a huge thing for her to extend herself and her home like that to us. I am also most thankful for the help of my in laws, by their help is what enabled us to live here through the summer as well. There are no words to express how much it has meant to us. It has been a group effort, an outpouring of love.

So...... with that said, I have re-read YOUR BEST LIFE NOW for the umpteenth time. Here are 7 steps to Living at Your Full Potential.

ENLARGE YOUR VISION.
DEVELOP A HEALTHY SELF-IMAGE.
DISCOVER THE POWER OF YOUR THOUGHTS AND WORDS.
LET GO OF THE PAST.
FIND STRENGTH THROUGH ADVERSITY.
LIVE TO GIVE.
CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY.

Oh, Just READ the BOOK!
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Until the Last Leaf falls......

Ever feel like the Princess Alla on Bug's Life receiving the ultimatum?

I wake up feeling like that everyday now. I think I am warping my mind with too much HLN or FoxNews or something. All day I have refrained from a single smidgen of anything wondering what someone was going to make out of the 9-9-9 day which happens to look alot like 6's from a different perspective.

I had alot of Last leaf falling things I wanted to accomplish by now, only to see it will not happen. So, then what? The next season still will come..............Thats what.

Cooler weather always make me want to re-decorate( Its been months Kirklands!) and move furniture, and make neat recipes that are from another culture. I now find myself lost and without purpose, totally something I did not expect to happen. Had I known this would happen, I would have prepared better for when the children all were in school. I had plans and now the last leaf has fallen. Time to do a new story board.

First things first, I have to wipe the slate clean. I will start it by cooking "Low Country Shrimp and Grits". Yum, is that not a great start or what! I miss the Carolina's, for its been over a year now. I am posting a "Happy Pic" of me remembering how I felt walking outside and living, it was on a cool beautiful day in Charlotte. A Silly Day. So now, I will not re-decorate or move furniture, since all mine is in storage buildings. Instead, I will look forward to the time when I can. I now regret refusing the help of my friends, somehow I wanted to preserve our friendships and felt this was the right direction to go. I was wrong.

My all time motto: "Theres always room for more". Now I know why.

I will call this picture, bye..... "Too Happy in North Carolina" gone are the days.

Labor Day Week End 09'

Just when you think your out of the woods, you find yourself lost again.

I continue to believe. I continue to find that small voice and be so extremely thankful when I do. I am so thankful to seek & find positive to be saturated in. I am really thankful that Hillsong and Joel Osteen can be found on TV. Why do so many people think they can show the love of Christ by constantly preaching condemnation over sin and going to hell? Oh well, good luck with that. I especially like it when obese preachers holler out your going to hell for drinking and smoking- thats got to be my favorite! I am glad to find a peep hole in the surface and take a breath for the rest of the week when flipping the channel and getting to hear the Word and Life poured into me, as well as reading it myself. Can you imagine how many followers Jesus would have had had he dumped the woman into the well and drowned the beggar in the pond? To Hell with you, you sinner! Its very sad to think that some people will never feel clean enough to come to Christ- very sad to me. That kinda just cancels out what HE came to do doesn't it! ANYWAY...........

DUCK!

Speaking of that, I have another funny! This past Sunday at a little country church so beautifully laid out in the deep woods landscape. A country spread of food awaited us "out back" after the 2 plus hour service-plus pickin' & grinnin=(. The Pastor wraps-up the service with "You must be Prepared" - so he was quick on his feet ran back into the kitchen grabbed a luscious pie came back and held it up before the congregation ( 6 plus pews) and as he raised it up over his shoulder w/ one hand for everyone to see, he closed his message with being prepared for Christ to come/ ask Jesus into your heart. My son Josh hollers out " Duck!" and jumps under the pew looking up at me and says " He's....gonna....thro.... thah.....PIE!" with his teeth gritting in a very distressed lowered tone. We were laughing so hard and trying to not be distractive, who knows what happened next! We took up the entire back pew, our bunch plus a cousin, Afterwards, we received many compliments on how well-behaved our children were and no one ever wondered what happened at the end. I explained to the Preacher and he laughed- he had never had anyone holler out "duck" at one of his services.

Outside of that funny, it was a tough weekend. Eston came in, had to return early for football practice. He caught up on hugs and asked a million questions- it only made me sad to realize his misses home and family and probably wishes things could be different. Only I could wish that more.

As we start the rest of the week off with one up all night with a stomach virus, & attitudes fiery in the furnace- I can only believe that change is coming. I actually can't wait. Huge lesson learned on this one.


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Its All About Cows!

PHASES!

Kori and I get away! Yes, can you believe during this time of woe that we would be able to justify girl time? Well, we did!

We live by one of the most adorable Historic towns. Absolutely beautiful homes, quaint desirable shoppes, antiques! I could go on right?

So when I asked Kori, "What do you want to do tonight?" I thought of many neats things to do, but she answered " Cows! I want to go see Cows!" What thah...... your kidding, right? Nope, she wanted to go and take pictures of cows, she wanted to try to pet a "wild" one. Well ok, then.

Sooo, we went down the road with the intent of finding a wild cow, with the intent of taking pictures with cows. Yes a night out- just us girls.........

My heart is so glad she is such a sweet girl- and that she requires time spent with her- how awesome! It couldn't have been better during this time.





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