It's my birthDAY!

It's my birthDAY!!!!  Happy birthDAY to me!  I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family to celebrate my birthDAY with!  Thank YOU LORD for all the blessings YOU bestow upon me, when I am so unworthy to receive them except and because of YOUR great love for me, for grace and mercy, I am SO blessed!!!!

Traveling Twosome's Book

Preorder your very own copy of my friends, Char and Louis' book, today!  All pre-order customers will save over $5.00 on the book plus will receive a special limited edition signed and numbered copyof the book as soon as it is released!  Mention that I sent you over there!  :)  and don't forget to vote for me as the contest winner!  :D

What would you have done?

I went to help "a friend" and her daughter for her wedding up in SC. (I've only known this person for 3 years.) I drove 1000 miles. I was told I could stay there at their home, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to go.

I bought and cooked all the food for me and my 2 children and also for her and her two daughters.


I went up to help do the food and decorate for the wedding. I got there on Sunday night. Her sister was arriving on Wednesday.


Monday, we went to Sam's and Costco and compared prices on items we were planning to use on the menu. The menu consisted of a fall theme, and I had spent many hours looking at recipes, etc. I tried to figure out how much we would need for 250 people. They were limited on funds, so I kept price in mind as well.


Tuesday, consisted of working on the wedding dress and other wedding stuff.


Wednesday, my "friend" went to work in the morning and then met up with her sister, who flew in from FL. Her sister's gift to the daughter was to purchase the food. We were going to all meet at Sams.


The sister is NOT a christian. She's the kind of person that needs the focus all on her. So as we are in Sam's she is drawing lots of attention to herself. My children, 14 & 15, stayed with me and behaved. I'm trying to figure out everything we need along with my "friend".


As we continue to shop, the sister was being nasty to my children and then her oldest daughter (the bride) started it too. The bride was rude and nasty to me as well.


I said to my "friend" that I was going to keep my children with me, because I didn't like what was going on. (My children both have voices and might say something and I didn't want to cause any issues, knowing everyone was getting stressed)


My "friend" obviously misunderstood and became offended. We went to the checkout and she realized there was too much money spent. She said she was going to "regroup".


I was left in the front with the carts, the bride, the sister, my children, and her anxiety filled (that's what she calls her) 11 year old.


Her sister said something about that's why I should have paid to cater the wedding. (Uh 250+ people and she was giving like $400-yeah, right?!)


Then the bride starts complaining to me. "We were here for 4 hours the other day, how come we didn't have this all figured out. Why didn't you plan this out better?"


We didn't have it figured out because the bride has continually waited til the last minute to let us know how much we could spend, as she waited for the last minute to do anything, even though her mother told her for a year to have it all planned by Sept 1st.


I became very upset (not to mention I was hormonial and on my monthly cycle) and went and told my friend, I'm going to get my kids something to eat. Let me know what you decide as a menu and I'll make it and then I'm leaving. (I knew her sister and I wouldn't be able to stay in the same room together)


I know it took her off guard, but then her daughter, the bride, starts screaming at me in Sams. Everyone in the store (so it seemed) was staring. She was screaming,Don't do this to my mother, don't stress her out....etc, and was very rude to me. I told her, "I didn't stress your mom out, you did, from your lack of planning."


I walked out to my van with my kids. Security was telling us (I couldn't even tell you what the guy looked like, because I was walking away) we would need to leave the store etc, if it continued....sigh~


When I got to my van, my "friend" called and chewed me out. She said, "You knew my sister wasn't a Christian, you knew bride was stressed, you knew my dd has anxiety issues!"


She chewed me out and blamed me for everything. I apologized, but she continued. Fianlly she said, "Go get your kids some food, and I'll call you later."


She called later and asked if I was at her house. "No, I'm going there now."


When I got there, her sister and the bride were there. I apologized to both of them and asked for their forgiveness. They both just looked at me dumbfounded and ignored me.


I put my purse in the room we were staying in, went to the kitchen got some food, and my "friend" walked in. She said, "We need to talk!"


We went into her room where she again began to chew me out. I apologized again. She continued to chew me out, again I apologized, but she didn't want to hear it.


I went into the room we were staying in, told my kids to pack up, we were leaving. "We're not staying where we're not welcomed."


As we were packing, "my friend" helped gather our stuff and handed it to us!


When we were done, I privately reminded my kids to thank "my friend" for her hospitality. I also thanked her and apologized again. I also said, I would stay and help, if she'd say something. She didn't reply at all....she just looked at me. I walked towards the door and she followed me, locking the door and turning out the light behind me!


I still can't believe it. If my kid had ever been disrespectful to one of my friends that came to help....oy!


Now what would you have done???

I could be on a TV show!

My friends, Char and Louis, have their own show!  But I need your vote and support! 
Please read the rules and follow Char and Louis, and of course get out and VOTE for me! 
http://thetravelingtwosome.com/?page_id=4253

Steve Jobs

Yes, it is sad that Steve Jobs, innovator, CEO of Apple and other companies has past away, but he was a buddist. (and perhaps, maybe this fact, is why so many are sad?)  A BUDDIST is NOT a CHRISTIAN.  A Buddist is one that worships Budda.  A Christian is one that worships the one and only true and living GOD and HIS SON, JESUS.  There is a HUGE difference. 

I'm having a problem with Christians not recognizing that. 

I don't think I'll say anymore.  I sometimes think it's pointless....

"He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."  Matthew 11:15

Blessings until next time!

Wheat and the Chaff

Many of my close relationships with friends have been divided or separated this year.  It makes me very sad.  Some of my friends aren't Christians.  It does, however, remind me that one day the wheat will be separated from the chaff.  :( 

I haven't always been the best of friend.  I make many mistakes and hurt people.  I have allowed hurts to often times make me hurt, although I forgive people.  I am not one to stay angry. I express myself and move on. 

I've learned forgiveness is a choice.  I chose to forgive.  I chose to move on.  Apparently, some of my friends don't see that, or they don't want to forgive me.  I'm sorry I hurt you.  I'm sorry that you think we can no longer be friends.  I pray blessings over your life and only wish you the best.

Blessings until next time. 

SERIOUSLY!?!?

A person I went to highschool with posted this as her status on FB:

Finish the movie John Q at school, I asked students, "do you believe in universal health care?" all said "yes" "Do you think it is a federal or state issue?" "Federal!" they said. "Very good, for you are the next generation, and I am checking where you stand:)" If only our politicians could get it right....have no fear, our children will:)))

Seriously?  OMGOSH!!!!  All I can say is, I'm glad I homeschool my kids and they aren't brainwashed by your teaching or teaching like this in public school!!!!! 

The Mystery is Solved!

And that's what happened to dinosaurs!  LOL
Saw this on FB and thought I'd share it here too.  :)

House

Unless GOD performs a miracle, we won't be moving back into our house afterall.  The bank is pushing foreclosure and sent the note over to a lawyers office.  We have asked reinstatement,etc., but the bank isn't willing to help and the lawyers say there isn't anything they can do.  Our house is set for sale on November 1st.  I am in the process of writing complaints to the TX Attorney General, the FTC, Chase board of directors and a few other places to see if we can prevent this from happening.  I know nothing is impossible with GOD.  :)  We would appreciate your prayers. 



Blessings!

Again on Tattoos

I know I probably sound like a broken record about tattoos. LOL
I'm really bothered by Christians that get them, knowing that the WORD says not to.
Here's a very interesting and informative article:
To Tattoo or Not to Tattoo


Apparently, I offended a sister in the LORD by posting this article on my FB page. She unfriended me and then blocked me. I'm not judging her for her new designed tattoo on her arm. I do, however, think she is being convicted for her tattoo, and as always when people are convicted and don't like the source of irritation, they get rid of it. (which was me in this case)

The only thing I put on my FB page was....

Interesting article (then I posted the article) and two verses.

I Peter 2:9-10
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
10Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

I didn't say anything else. But since this is my blog and my opinion....LOL....
I would like to mention why I chose those two verses.
I Peter 2:9-10
We are a chosen generation....That in itself is an honor.
A royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people....we are set apart from the world, GOD chose us so why would we want to do what the world does to their bodies?
We should show the praises of HIM that called us out of darkness....GOD has called us out of darkness, and we should show him praises-to me that means in all things-with our words, with our actions, with our bodies, how we represent ourselves, etc.

Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above...My affection should be JESUS and HIS WORD.
not on the things on the earth....tattoos are just another earthly thing, but in this case much more permanent. :(


It amazes me how much money people will pay for tattoos. Another reason I find it wrong. WHY? Because think of a Christian spending money on a tattoo. There are a hundreds of things we could spend that money on that would be so much more beneficial to the body of CHRIST. There are so many hungry, hurting people. People that need jobs, food, clothing, housing, to get off drugs or other addictions, etc. People that need to know the TRUTH and to be set free! The money could be used for that! Hey just offering my opinion and thoughts here. I am one to look outside the box! Way outside the box in some cases....

Another thing that bugs me is when I hear people complaining they don't have enough money....and yet they have tattoos all over their bodies. Ummmm did ya think about buying food or clothes or paying bills before spending that money on tattoos?

I know, I'm just as guilty of spending money often times friviously too...so maybe that last one is a shot in my own foot.....but maybe instead, we should all ask GOD what we should spend our money on before we spend....that's another post for another day, isn't it?

Years ago, I went to a conference. I won't mention which or whose because I can only imagine the feedback on that! LOL I remember the speaker saying that we needed to accept who we were, because GOD was the creator, OUR CREATOR, and when we don't accept who we are, we are telling OUR CREATOR-GOD that we don't like HIS CREATION! I came to grips with my own personal struggles....my curly hair. I hated it. I never looked like the girls in school, with long, straight, shiny beautiful hair! Anyhow to get back on track here....That's kinda my thoughts on tattoos too. Why do people cover up their beautiful body that GOD-THEIR CREATOR made and created for them with tattoos? The speaker mention that if we had a character flaw that would distract people from hearing the TRUTH, that we should pray about it and if the LORD leads fix that flaw....for example a cleft palate, a extra large nose, etc. So again, I think tattoos turn out to be a distraction for those that might need to hear the TRUTH.

Last point for today...Vanity. I think Tattoos make other people look, therefore people are drawing attention to themselves and that is vane.

K, done for today.
Blessings until next time!

Sunday Sing-Along

OY! Monday!

Yes, it's Monday, after another party weekend!  LOL 

Last weekend, (Labor Day)  we had a Debbie weekend.  LOL 
Debbie is one of my dearest friends.  We met in 7th grade. 
Friday, I played Bunco with Debbie and her sister Joann and their friends.
Saturday, we went to our high school alumni football game.  Debbie's dd is in the band.  Afterwards we went to Deb's and hung out. 
Sunday, our family went to Galveston and saw all the changes from Ike.  We hadn't been there in years.  (kinda hard when you don't live in TX.  LOL) Afterwards, Debbie called us for a impromptu birthday party for her cousin's daughter. 
Monday, we went to Debbie's for dinner to see her momma.  It was an early night....of course the rest of the week we had Debbie and family withdrawls.  LOL  ;)

This weekend was another Debbie weekend!  Fun! Fun! Fun!!! 
Friday, Dobie (highschool alma mater) was playing Dickinson High.  We have friends at Dickinson and of course Debbie's DD is in the band for Dobie.  So I asked DH if we could go to the game.  He said we couldn't make it, because his boss invited us out for dinner.  We were done by 7:30, so we drove to Dickinson for the game.  Got there at halftime.  (and still had to pay $8 a ticket!  $8 can you believe it?  OY!)  Sat with Debbie and family.  Then afterwards met up with our friends from Dickinson and went to Dairy Queen for ice cream.  Yum! 

Saturday, Joann (Debbie's sister)  invited us to her youngest DD's soccer game.  Debbie got us all Starbuck's!  YUM!  After a win, we came home and got ready for Debbie's party.  We were all going out to the Kemah Boardwalk for dinner, meeting a few friends down there.  We had dinner at Landry's, with our other friends from highschool-Sylvia, Christine, and Leti and families.  Then some of us went back to Debbie's for a movie and popcorn. 

Sunday, Debbie's actual birthday.  We invited her family over for steaks, baked potatoes, salad, grilled asparagus, sauteed mushrooms, and cheesecake. 

So today I'm recovering....and as I am reading my sidebar on FB, I thought I read:

"Become a Social Drinker" 

I'm thinking, ah, no, I'll pass.  I have too much fun without drinking.  I, of course, have to reread it.  It says....

"Become a Social Worker"

Well now you know why it's OY! Monday!  LOL
Blessings!

 

 

CASA

Went by our house yesterday while we were in the Austin area.  We went there to pick up a water softener system from my sister's house that she's selling.  It was a gorgeous day and fun to spend with hubby and kids!  Nice outting! 
Soon we will be back in our house!  We are pretty excited! Um okay, EXTREMELY EXCITED!!!!  Here's a quick shot I took with my phone:

We are probably going to remove the grass and bushes and redo the yard in a more desert like landscaping.  We never could get grass to grow, so why bother?  LOL  We also plan on replacing the carpet and see if the walls need paint.  I'm kinda sad, dh said a whole stack of fire wood was on the side of the house....that means the leasers burned wood in the fireplace....which means the beautiful brick will be stained on the outside.  I never burned wood, I used those log things to prevent discoloring on the outside.  Hopefully it won't be too bad and we can remove it somehow.  We haven't been inside, so we really don't know what needs to be cleaned, replaced, etc.  Time will tell.  The leasers are planning on being out by the end of October.  :) 

Blessings and hope you all have a fantastic weekend! 

A joke

Hopefully this won't offend any of my readers.  I apologize if it does.  I thought it was cute and becoming one of my favorite jokes.  :D

Father & son went hunting together for the first time. The father said "Stay here and be VERY QUIET. I'll be across the field."A few minutes later the father heard a blood curdling scream & ran back to his son asking "What's wrong? I told you to be quiet."The son answered "Look, I was quiet when the snake slithered across my feet. I was quiet when the bear breathed down my neck. But when the 2 chipmunks crawled up my pant legs & said 'Should we eat them here or take them with us?' I panicked!" 
Thanks to my friend, Geannie, for sharing it the other day on her FB.

TX Wildfires

Please pray for the fires in TX.  Several are near are house and many of our friends homes.  A friend's sil, lost her home over the weekend.  It's been so dry and very, very little rain.  According to the forecast there's no end in sight.  I know GOD can change that and I'm praying HE does.
Please pray for these needs if you have a few minutes:

• Those that have lost homes (so far about 500 homes have been destroyed)
• Those that are in the path of these devastating fires
• Those that are protecting and serving
• For the winds to die down completely
• For the much needed rain

Also, a few other requests:

• My friend Donna.  Her mom past away yesterday
• My friend M.  Her DIL miscarried. 
• For all those returning to school-safety and protection from transportation to while they are behind the 4 walls
• My friend Roger-gainful employment. 
• My friend Cammie's sister-complete peace of mind

Thanks and blessings until next time!

Marking his territory

Around 4 am Sunday morning, I kept hearing a funny noise, while I was half asleep.  Finally after several times, I realized it was the dog banging his bowl around to go out.  I got up and let him out.  I stood there waiting and watching.  He wasn't doing his business, so I figured he wanted his privacy, came inside, went to the bathroom, and went back out to get him, where in fact, he still hadn't gone!  Annoyed, I said to him, "GO!" 

He looks at me, and goes on his dogfood box!  I shout at him in a whispered shout, "SCOUT!"  He jumps up in the RV knowing I'm not happy with him!  Where I notice the dog food box lid is off.  I made sure he didn't get the food wet....gross!  and crawl back in the RV and into bed.

About 20 minutes later, I hear Scout scratching at the door.  UGH, I figure he didn't finish going, so I got up again and was going to let him out.  I got the door open, and instead of him running down the steps like he normally does, he took one giant leap out, where I see the dog food lid off and a critter running from Scout.  I assume it was a raccoon.  Crazy dog must of heard the coon, didn't like him over in his dog food!  That's why he kept waking me up and why he went on his dog food box.

What's hilarious is the whole time we lived at the State Park and Amarillo, we were more like the country and never had any coons come mess with his food, and now in the city here they all come.  LOL

Blessings til next time!

Another Joy of Homeschooling

The joys of homeschooling: We were driving by a local highschool Thursday, and Bella said, "Ha, you kids have to be in there doing Algebra and I get to go to Target right now." I said, "You have to do Algebra too." She replies, "Shhh, I'm enjoying the moment." ROFLOL

Whatever happens in Vegas...

Stays in Vegas-NOT!


DH took me to Vegas for a surprise 25th anniversary trip!  LOL  He was afraid I would be disappointed, but actually I thought it sounded kinda fun. 


After shopping for two day to get ready to go and getting a manicure and pedicure, I was ready.  DH let me know on Thursday morning where we were headed, so I could buy the proper attire.


I ended up staying up all night Friday, packing and we had to leave around 3am to catch our flight out of Houston Intercontinental.  We got to Vegas by 9am their time.  Most of the day we were half asleep.  We couldn't check into our room until 3pm and so we went to Walmart to pick up a few things, and I ended up falling asleep in the rental car for over an hour!  LOL


Vegas....hmmm...what can I say....too little clothes, too many tattooes, lots of smoke, and gambling.  There, that's it in a nut shell.  LOL 


But here's what we did:
Our first site seeing stop was here:
It doesn't look anything like on TV.  The actually Pawn Shop is rather small.  There were people lined up to go in.  No, the Pawn Stars weren't there or if they were, they weren't visible.  DH and I figure the way they do the show is, they prescreen who they want on, and they remove all the spectators, leaving just a few folks in there to make the store look much bigger. 

We stayed in the Stratosphere Hotel.  Saturday night we had $10.99 Prime rib, then went back to our room and went to bed.  We were totally drained from being up all the night before.
Here's a view from our window:

Sunday, we headed down to Lake Mead and Hoover Dam.  When we got down there, we decided to take a paddleboat cruise around the lake for 90 minutes.  Our cruise didn't start for awhile, so we drove around the park and stopped at the Marina.  There was a little girl feeding the fish popcorn and here's a picture of the fish all gathered together to enjoy their snack.  Most of them are carp, but there are a few striped bass in there as well:

The cruise was very relaxing and beautiful.  We got to see the back of Hoover Dam as well as the new bridge they built across the Colorado River. 

Here's my honey, enjoying the cruise:

I think that night we went to a different casino and had dinner. Buy one, get one free.  So we paid like $10 for dinner, plus tip, and it was a buffet.  :)

Monday, I think we went for lunch at the same casino from the night before and then went to the pool at our hotel.  Spent time reading a book, while DH enjoyed the pool.  Afterwards, we went hunting for a place our friend recommended for a cupcake.  LOL  It's called, "The Cupcakery".  Unfortunately, our friend sent us to the wrong place.  We had fun checking out some of the Vegas strip while looking for it though. 
Here's a pic of the Venetian, where they have gondola rides.  It's a little blurry.  I took it from my phone.

Finally, after hitting most of the Vegas strip, we found "The Cupcakery".  It was in the Monte Carlo and not in NY, NY.  I finally thought, hey why don't I just look online-duh! LOL

The sign:

The entrance:

We also got Ben and Jerry's ice cream!  LOL  Actually, I didn't eat my cupcake until Wednesday afternoon at the airport.  I got Mocha frosting with chocolate cupcake.  The icing was so rich and sweet it hurt my teeth!  My friend said they opened one in The Woodlands too....hmmm, that's all I need!  LOL

We ended up going to In and Out Burgers that night for dinner.  :) 
Afterwards we met up with a guy I went to highschool with.  He and his wife, daughter, and mom flew up on Sunday.  He and his wife now live in Saudi Arabia and were home in Houston for vacation.  They flew to Vegas for a few days and we went and saw them.  He told me about another gal we went to school with working in one of the casinos.  FUNNY, because it was the one we had eaten lunch that day and dinner the night before!  What's even funnier is, we ended up going there the next day, and almost ran smack dab into one another. 

We got a chance to do a quick catchup, said our goodbyes and then we met some friends of my parents at our hotel after a quick trip to Walmart.  One of my dad's oldest friends and his wife.  I hadn't seen them since I was probably 12 or 13.  This was probably one of the highlights of the trip, because over the years they have become Holy Ghost filled Christians and we got to share the goodness of GOD for several hours.  They were so sweet to come meet us at our hotel and then we all went to the diner and had the $10.99 prime rib and they wanted to bless us for our anniversary by paying! 

After they left, we headed towards Hoover Dam again, to see if it was lighted at night.  We ended up driving over the bridge, barely seeing the dam, and headed back to our hotel. 

Wednesday our trip came to an end.  Got up and ready to turn the rental in.  Lost my earring, somewhere between the hotel and returning the car.  :(  Paid $150 to get an earlier flight.  It was a direct flight from Vegas to Houston....but wouldn't you know just before we are to land in Houston, Houston has severe thunderstorms, we have to divert to Austin, fuel up and wait for the storms to pass.  So we got in almost at the same time that we would have originally landed.  Hopefully we will get a refund.  We filed for one.

Now it's back to the grindstone.  :D    Not that I mind, great getting back and seeing my babies! 

Blessings until next time!

This is the stuff that drives me crazy!!!!

I heard this song for the first time yesterday while driving.  I actually teared up, because I can SO relate!  I love Francesca Battistelli.  She is such an inspiring, young (as in literal age), energetic Christian!  She is real and I LOVE THAT!  Please take a moment or few to listen to this tune! 
Blessings!!!!

Catch up post

We are leaving for our surprise 25th anniversary getaway on Saturday.  I still don't know where we're going.  I've been trying to figure it out, but dh won't reveal. 

My sister is going to stay with my kids for the weekend.  I'm relieved.  DH wanted to leave them with some friends, but I wasn't keen on that idea.  Not only do they have 4 boys, but one of the boys is very mean to my youngest and the boys have friends in and out all night.  I don't think DH remembered that when he asked them.  I don't want to expose my 14yr old dd around that or have my 15 yr old ds around it either.  I know DH was trying to plan something nice, and make all the arrangements to surprise me, but he's so busy, I don't think he thought that one through. 

Prayers for DH and work would be appreciated.  We might not be staying in Houston afterall.  Long story, will let you know if we are leaving asap. 

My oldest was extremely blessed.  She asked me not to give out details, but it was a huge blessing and answer to prayer! 

Saw Captain America over the weekend.  Not my genre of movie, but it was decent.  My guys sure did love it!

Can't think of anything else for now.

Blessings until next time! 

OY! August already!

My apologies for not posting sooner.  Life.....ya know?!

Got Doodles in an apartment-old, but appears safe.  Found her a nice stainless steel pots and pans set with some utensils, etc on clearance.  They were like $120 and I got them for $55. Also, found a cute bistro table with saddle back stools on clearance for $90. 

Made it back safely to TX, and been busy with all kinds of things since. 

Doodles found out the day after I left, that school was almost completely paid for.  She got $1000 scholarship at the beginning of the year and had paid in almost $1000.   She thought she was going to have a student loan.  When she went to turn her scholarship check and financial aid papers in, Ms. Elaine, the school's financial person, told her she was eligible for a Pell Grant, and she would only owe $311!  PTL!  Doodles had been praying and trusting the LORD would provide.  She has some great friends that were in agreement with her.  She is elated.  (so is mom)

Last week I found out DH is taking us on a 25 year anniversary surprise get away.  I'm not suppose to know where we are going, but I have my suspicions.  ;)  We leave on the 19th and get back on the 24th.  I have to leave my kids.  sigh~  LOL....I know they will be in good hands with our friends.  (I do hate leaving them still)

I got a few new dresses and had my hair....well it was suppose to be highlighted, but I think the gal went crazy with the coloring!  That's what I get for not going to my favorite person in Austin.  (she's booked til after I get back from the surprise getaway)   I still have some more shopping to do though.  Have to find some shoes, and maybe some cute tops.  :)

That's the latest and greatest....oh DH got offered his old position in KC.  DH and I think we are suppose to stay here in TX for now.  (the kids are happy about that too)   It is good to be back home. 

Can't think of anything else too exciting.
Blessings!

Whole....

So apparently, when DH and I thought all the big dishes dropped and busted all over the floor, it turned out it was only a couple.  The large bowl was shattered and some of the small and middle plates.  I really never used the small ones. Boy!  did they ever leave a mess though. 
I was so happy when DS looked in the cabinent and saw the big plates and said, "Mom, there's a bunch of big plates in here!"  I made him count them.  LOL  There was like 6 or 8.  I was elated!  :)


In other news, on our way to Freeport Sunday, dh got a call from a friend offering him a better job in Houston.  After praying and weighing the options, we decided to take that job.  The pay is a little less, but there were more pluses.

• Dh wouldn't have to work in the office and the field (in a chemical plant)
• We would be even closer to family and friends
• We aren't on the immediate gulf coast (always a plus during hurricane season)
• Lots of overtime
• Direct hire with benefits
• Long term
• Gets to work with a group of Christian men!!!

GOD is SO good!  When our economy is the way it is, DH had a job in Amarillo, got another offer which we were going to take in Freeport, and still got a better job in Houston!  I think that's proof of serving a GOOD GOD, and a testimony of if you abide in HIM.  ;)

We drove to League City on Sunday instead of Freeport, so DH could go in and talk to his friend on Monday.  After he for sure got the job, we stayed there until yesterday, visiting some of our favorite friends.  Yesterday, we moved the RV to a super nice RV Resort.  We have all kinds of nifty amendities.

• exercise room
• wifi
• cable
• our dog can be outside during the day, as long as we are here at the RV
• swimming pool
• spa
• dog runs
• dog wash
• trash pick up
• propane refills-yeah, they come over and pick up your bottle!
• store
• next door to a park with a fishing pond
• full hook ups
• level concrete pad with picnic table
• Nice, clean laundry facilities
• Clean restrooms and showers (not that we would use them often)

Might not be a big deal to some people, but after you live in an RV for a long time, you appreciate some parks more than others.  Just ask the boy!  LOL

Still need an apartment for Doodles by Friday morning.  That's a little stressful, but I know GOD will figure it out.  (wish I would let it go, and not worry about it)
Have to go up to KS and help her move and be a hand model for her on Saturday.  I'm leaving tonight, driving as far as I can before I get tired, and finish up tomorrow. 
Prayers would very much be appreciated.

Blessings!

Broken....

While driving on Friday, we had a minor setback.  We stopped to replace the other two tires in Amarillo.  After we went to get lunch.  When we got into the RV, there were broken dishes everywhere. :(  Apparently, someone left the cabinent open and they slid out hitting the stove grate and smashing into pieces all over the place.  I used to pack them, and then one time we forgot, and found out they were fine.  Well until the other day.  No more fancy Corelle Sunflower large plates.  :(  Sad, I liked those dishes.  Not much I can do about it, other than get some new dishes. 

So Many Answered Prayers!!!

For quite sometime I really was beginning to think GOD wasn't listening to me anymore.  :(  I thought my prayers were bouncing off the ceiling.  I'm sure most people can relate.  Even when we really know that isn't true, but we get frustrated because there hasn't been an answer, any kind of response, ya feel like GOD's not listening.  In my case, I felt I was so far away from GOD, HE was ignoring me.  sigh~

This week GOD proved me wrong again!  (thank GOD!) I have had several answered prayers.
My friend C~
*won the makeover that I prayed she would win.

An old neighbor had a prayer request for her baby, he was diagnosed with craniosynostosis (premature fusing of the skull sutures, causing a build-up of intracranial pressure among other things).
I prayed and believed GOD for healing and peace for momma and daddy.  (I know many people were also praying)
*"CT scan  showed that the plates of his skull are NOT fusing together - he is perfectly healthy and will not need surgery. "

Prayer for a former classmate's niece to have a safe and healthy delivery.
*After 2 days of labor, "Baby has arrived!! He is healthy and happy. Mom is doing good."

Thursday, Doodles had been practicing on her pink and white nails on dowel rods, and she was getting frustrated.  I said a little prayer and asked GOD to help her because I knew she was tired and wanted to succeed. 
* She sent me a picture later of her first attempt on her own finger.  Her instructors were amazed at her first attempted.  They said it's the best first try they every seen! (btw that hangnail was already there)

Another friend is looking for a job and had a job interview. 
*she has a follow up next week!

A friend is planning her daughter's wedding and needed a comforting word. I knew before she called. 
 *I prayed beforehand and when she called not only did she feel better, but she got some good news about the church offering to not charge her for the wedding!  (we prayed for help in the wedding finance dept too!)

I asked my friends to pray about dh and the job situation on Wednesday, and before the interview at 6, *dh had already interviewed early and had the job!

I am overwhelmed by so many answered prayers!  I am feeling so blessed and relieved!  So grateful! So very grateful, that GOD didn't forget about me. HE isn't ignoring me, and most importantly, HE STILL AND ALWAYS HAS loved me!  Thank YOU LORD!

There are several request on my prayer list that I'm praying for.  My friend on FB started poke and pray day.  I think it is perfect!  You poke someone to let them know you're praying for them.  She uses a specific day, I thought it was Wednesday, so that was the day I prayed all the above requests, but then I decided from now on,when I say a prayer for someone, I'm gonna poke them (well as long as I can remember.  LOL)

Blessings and I hope you're encouraged!  :D

Okay, so slight change of plans...

We are going to drop the RV off in Brenham today at DH's parents, make our way back to KS, get dd an apartment, get some stuff out of storage in Arkansas, bring the boat down and settle somewhere in the Freeport area this week.  I'll try to post sometime on the road.  PLEASE pray for a smooth and safe trip...I'm not in the mood for the "adventures" that we had on the way here.  OY!

Thanks and blessings!

"Rolling, rolling, rolling"..."keep them doggies rolling"

"On the road again, just can't wait to get on the road again"

Do you sense the theme?  LOL

We are headed to Freeport, TX. Dh is leaving this job and headed down to start another one on 8-1. Things here have been interesting to say the least. The company has made promises, not followed through, etc. So it's a good time to move on, since the opportunity arose. We will be closer to family and friends, even if it's for a short period of time (3-6 months).

We are headed to KC this weekend to pick up some things and also find Doodles a new place to live. She needs to move closer to school, and get a job near there. Currently, it's an hour away. Oy to the gas prices! She has a interview on Friday at 3pm. Prayers would be appreciated, not only for favor and a job, but the hours she needs to pay for her new place....where ever that may be.

Blessings!

Here's my friend receiving her makeover check!

WINNER

Funny!

A friend on FB had this posted. Awesome!

Movie Review, etc.

So Bella and I went to see the "New" Pooh movie on Saturday, while DH and DS went to see Transformers 3: Blah blah blah-whatever it's called.  LOL

Must say, I was a bit disappointed.  I was under the impression this was going to be a NEW storyline.  It wasn't.  :(  Same old story.  But for us that love Pooh, it was entertaining, light, and fun.  Short and sweet, maybe an hour and 15 minutes long?!  There were several kids around 3 in the theater and it held their attention with the songs and music.  So, if you wonder if it will hold a youngester's attention, likely it will!

After the movie, there was a Putt-Putt place next door.  Bella and I went there, because the boys still had quite sometime for their movie to be over.  I can't imagine sitting in the car or theater waiting for their movie to end~sigh.  So we hit the putt-putt place and had a wonderful time.  Cheap entertainment at it's finest!  and the BEST  PART is I got to spend quality time with my Bella!!!!

Monday blessings!  :D

Sunday Sing-Along

I don't really have anything to add.  Just getting back to the place where I need to be. :)  Woke up and thought what would be a good Sunday Sing-Along.  This was  really the first song I thought of.

This weekend's plans

Today's plan...to go see Winnie the Pooh with my Bella, while her brother sees Transformers 3 (ick).

Yesterday we got the boy 2 pairs of Converse for $62.50!  So exciting to get such a deal!  He got these:

And I got these cute tops on sale:

Hope you all have a blessed Saturday!  :D

LOVE IT!

This is a great little video on homeschooling!  I loved it!

Ewww Gross!

Warning:  This is a gross, yet kinda funny story.  Read at your own discretion.

A few weeks ago while we were still in KS, we had to go pick up some auto parts.  It was close to dinner time, and we were far from the RV.  DH and I decided we'd eat out.  I said something about going to Red Lobster, remembering they had a special. 

As we were driving Bella asked DH,  "Daddy, are you going to get oysters?"  (ewww, yuck!  they remind me of snot on a shell)  DH replied, "I didn't think of it until you mentioned it, but yeah, I think I will, Bella." 

I said, "Aren't you suppose to avoid oysters in months without an R?"  DH replied, "I don't know, I've always heard you're suppose to avoid rabbit in months without an R." "What? I've never heard of that!" 

So of course, the curious person that I am, got on my handy little Android phone (have I mentioned here, how much I absolutely love it?) and Googled something like, "Eating oysters in the months with no R".

This is what I found:  Oysters

So then of course I had to look up the rabbit thing.  oy, that's where this really gets gross!
I found this:  Rabbits

So after reading that outloud to everyone, my DS and DD are totally grossed out and kinda lost their appetites.  LOL 

We got to Red Lobster, which might I add, neither of my kids are seafood lovers.  Well for that matter, neither am I.  I like shrimp, scallops, lobster, and a little bit of certain kinds of fish.  The wait was about 15-20 minutes.  The kids saw a Red Robin across the street and asked if we could go there.  That's where we ended up.  That's another story in itself!  LOL

Every once in awhile, I'll kid my kids and ask if they would like to try rabbit now.  ;)

Blessings until next time!

And the nomination goes to....

A week or so ago, I saw on FB that my credit union was giving away a $3000 home makeover.  I didn't do anything about it.  When I went to the website, I saw it again, and thought I'll check it out.  I went back to FB and it said to click and nominate someone and why. It took me over to the credit union's FB page.  I didn't need to think about who I wanted to nominate.  I knew right away who it would be.  This is what I said:

 I want to nominate my friend Christy and her husband who is a police officer for the city of Austin.  They are awesome and bless me in so many ways.  They both work hard for their community, church, family and friends.  I know they would really appreciate a makeover.
Their FB reply was:
Thank you!  We love those that serve our city!

Monday, as I was getting ready to leave KS, I got a FB pm.  It said,  

Hi, I work for Amplify Credit Union and would like to talk to you about your nomination. Can you please email me at **********or ******@*******.com

I responded by email explaining I would be on the road all day.  Got another email that said to call on Tuesday.  To make a long story short,  I emailed them Tuesday, explaining more about my friend and that my phone service stinks where I am at, but they could try to call me or ask me more questions via email.   I got this reply:

Bobbi - thank you! Can you provide me with their contact info? Phone and or email? We want to notify them that they won :)     

My response:

 OH MY GOD!!!!! oh yes!!!! Thank you!!!!!!! OH YES!!!!

Christy's number is 512-***-****

OH MY GOD!!! THANK YOU SO VERY, VERY MUCH!!!!

To say I was EXCITED was a MAJOR  UNDERSTATEMENT!!!!  LOL

WHAT A BLESSING to be a BLESSING with a very SMALL act. 

Thank YOU LORD for blessing my friends.  They have blessed me in SO MANY ways and I am so thankful YOU are faithful to hear and answer and bless those that are a blessing.  YOU have blessed me again by blessing them.  I am so thankful, and I know they are too. 

Blessings to all of you today!

PS  I really hate to leave this on a somewhat sad note, but could you all please lift up my friend, Rosemary and her family, today and the next few days?  She lost her mom unexpectedly yesterday. This is what she posted on her FB page:

My mom passed away unexpectedly this afternoon. She was talking with family, then took a few deep breathes, then just stopped breathing. A nice, quiet way to go. Now she is in heaven with my dad and the angels.

Sounds very bittersweet.
Thanks friends and blessings to you all!

 

Church Billboard

I was so blessed to get to go back to KS and see my Birthday girl afterall.  I was especially blessed by friends on FB when I asked for a favor.  I had them PM me and I asked them to send her a bday card, since I couldn't/wouldn't be there.  Really I wasn't going to be.  DH told me the night before to go!  We had a grand time.  We took her out for dinner when we got there.  (just the kids and I went, dh stayed behind to work)  The next day she had school, so we went to the state park and said hello to the people we knew there.  Saturday, Doodles had tickets to the Double A team game in Springfield.  So after school,  (yes, she attends on Saturday)  we drove out there and watched the ballgame.  We drove back and apartment shopped on Sunday. 

All that to say, on our way back yesterday, I saw a Church Billboard that read (wish I had taken a picture to insert here)

Happiness is an inside job.

It is, isn't it? 

Have a blessed one!

A Reminder to Self....

How often I need reminders of things, when I'm feeling down. I have a friend feeling down and while I was trying to encourage her, (notice I said trying, encouragement is definitely not my gift) this came to me:

Satan tries to take our focus off God, it's up to us to put it back on God.

 

Okay, so NOT a new concept or something I didn't know!  But, I needed the reminder probably more than my friend does.  It's easy to become discouraged when things aren't going right, our way, whatever.  Our natural tendency is to focus on fixing the problem, focusing on the problem, worrying about the problem, etc.  When we do that we are focusing on EXACTLY what Satan wants us to focus on!  EVERYTHING OTHER THAN GOD!!!! 

How do we begin to focus back on GOD?  hmmm....
Good question.  I tried to think of all the things GOD has done for me.  How HE's got me out of this or that, carried me through, made me victorious!  (Actually it was HIM being Victorious, I was just the receiver) 

I tried to pray for others  more that are going through similar circumstances .  Somehow taking the focus off me and my problem. 

I find verses in the Bible reminding me of GOD's promises for the situation and I try to memorize them or at least read them. 


Yep, so sometimes I just need to remind myself stuff. 

Blessings until next time!

Happy 24th Birthday beautiful girl of mine!

At 1:38pm, 24 years ago today, it was a cloudy, rainy day and the only thing on tv to watch was the Oliver North trial, but I was blessed with this beauty!  :)  I love you precious one!  Happy Birthday!!!!

The Final Judge

I don't know enough about the Casey Anthony case to think/know what I think about her innocence or whether she's guilty.  This is what I do know, GOD will be the final judge!  Whether she is guilty or innocent.  Does she know HIM?  That will be all that matters in the end.  She will be punished justly.  Maybe we don't understand, but it's GOD's choice, decision. 

I'll pray that if she doesn't know the LORD, she will. 

Blessings!

Book Review

Last August, I gave a review of my favorite new book series, "Weddings by Bella."  Janice Thompson has produced another entertaining book, "Stars Collide", Back Stage Pass Series #1.

Kat and Scott are tv show stars on a show called "Stars Collide". Kat's grandmother, a famous star from the glory days of Hollywood, also plays on the show. Grandma appears to have the early onset of Alzheimer's disease. She mixes reality with fantasy of the show, and talks to the paparazzi. OY!

Although I enjoyed this book, characters lacked the depth that the characters had in the Bella series. There were funny moments and teary moments, like in Bella, but the characters seemed a bit shallow and "too good", with the exception of one child.

Hopefully if this becomes a series, the characters will be more real and we will get to know them better.