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!!!!

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???

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. 

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!

 

 

Here's my friend receiving her makeover check!

WINNER

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!

 

FB-not a place to share your REAL feelings!

On a side note, we made it to the Amarillo area.  sigh~  We don't even know if we ACTUALLY have a job here.  LONG story.  Time will tell. 

I left Facebook.  It was something I already had been planning to do, but after the other day, I decided I had enough.  I was really, really hurt by some of my friends.  I know we aren't suppose to live by our feelings, but I really just needed encouragement the other day, and instead I felt judged, misunderstood, and they were giving me advice on stuff they have NO (completely none) understanding about!

My family and I live in an RV.  We do it because we have to go where the work is, not to mention it's how we keep our family together. Our house is currently leased out.  We might not even get to move back in.  We could be facing foreclosure.  The bank said they would refinance the note, and then never did anything about it, even after we did everything we were suppose to do.  They said, wait and don't make anymore payments, after they decided we needed to pay over $5000 a month, for 6 months! That was several months ago.  That's just part of the story....

Then "friends" on FB say, "time for a change hun" and "set daily goals...."
SERIOUSLY????  SET DAILY GOALS????  Do YOU know what it's like to live in an RV and not know from day to day where you'll be and what you'll be doing?  some how I SERIOUSLY doubt it!!!  What can I change?  I have had a fairly great attitude about "my adventures" over the past 10+ years, but now I'm tired.  I'm stressed....and now I'm hurt!

The only daily goals I can set are spiritual goals, and physical goals of what I eat, time I get up, doing laundry, making dinner.  I can not plan anything....EVER!!!!

All I wanted was someone to say it's okay, it will get better.  I didn't need or want your advice on life...since you obviously don't get mine!!!  I was extremely hurt by that, so I left FB, and I don't plan on going back.  And I seriously doubt the person that said that will even see this.  And if she does, well then maybe that's a good thing.  I don't want to mention names, I don't want to be mean, but I am extremely hurt by this situation.  :( 

I know many people don't understand.  At this point it probably doesn't even matter.  :( 

For those of you that have been praying, I ask that you continue to do so.  I really appreciate not only your prayers, but your words of encouragement. 

I received one of the sweetest words of encouragement the other day from my friend, BK.  I surely hope she doesn't mind me sharing it.

Okay, my beautiful friend

You're sounding pretty frantic and I just wanted to let you know that I love you and am praying for you. I can't even imagine how deeply weary you must be of the constant change. I don't have any wise words for you but I DO want you to know that I think you're amazing, even when you're falling apart. And it's okay.

big hugs to you, Bobbi ((((((((((((((((((((((((Bobbi))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

love ya,

          bk

Dedicated to Beth

Dedicated to my friend, Beth!  You'll be missed, friend.  I love you even if we never met irl.  :D

Beth

My friend, Beth, is walking on streets of gold, worshipping the KING of KINGS and the LORD of LORDS today.  She moved to Heaven this morning from my understanding around 10 am EST.  Please keep her family and friends in your prayers as they mourn the loss of her smiling face and encouraging life dedicated to her SAVIOUR. 

Thank you and blessings!

Forgiveness

Matthew 18:21-22 (King James Version)

21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

I've often heard, "I can't ever forgive that person for what they've done!" 

Forgiveness is a choice.  It's not a feeling. I might still feel mad, but I have to choose everyday to forgive someone that has hurt me.  When that person is brought to my mind and that hurt, I say, No, I choose to forgive that person and what they've done to me.  The pain of what they have done lessens with time, and often times I can extend grace to them remembering perhaps they aren't saved, they were going through something at the time, etc.

Back when we were in Alaska, dh helped a "friend" get a job there.  This person and his wife turned out not to be "friends".   It was a very difficult situation.  We had spent time together previously in Disneyland on vacation together along with other gatherings, etc.  When we left Alaska, one of the many reasons we left was because of what took place with this "friend".  We hadn't heard from them since.

The other night dh was on FB.  He found this "friend".  He sent him a message expressing some thoughts of what took place.  He got a reply back asking to call.  Dh contacted our "friend" last night.  He was truly repentive of what took place, and has been through some very difficult situations since. (without going into lots of details, divorce, drugs and prison are involved) Currently, he is going through many health issues, that could be life threating. 

I knew at that moment that dh told me about his health issues, that I had forgiven them.  All I wanted to do was pray for them and ask GOD to heal his body and to help the situations that they have gone through. I didn't remember the hurts of the past, I remembered the fun times we had.  I remembered sharing the LORD with them at breakfast in Disneyland. All I've been doing is thinking about them and praying for them since dh told me what's going on. 

I would ask that you would pray for them too.  GOD knows the details, so please pray as your heart leads.

Blessings until next time!

Will ya join me?

I have awesome news to share!

This is a very cool story! 

Dh got a call last week.  Someone was interested in leasing the house.  Maybe 3 years.  Cool.

Next day, dh gets a call, someone is interested in buying the house. Cool too.

But what to do?  what to do?  ever been there?  I asked  my friends for prayers that we would make a GODLY decision and that we would have peace that passes all understanding for our decision.

We spoke to a few friends in a short amount of time, trying to weigh the options too.

Ordinarily the idea of selling would be the way to go-right?  But not necessarily in our case.  The house was on a quick sale.  We would lose our equity in the house.  We would get a mark against dh's credit and have to file a 1099?(that might not be the right form, but some tax form) for tax purposes...not to mention the fact that why would the LORD allow the house to sit there for so long empty?  Did he want us to keep it?  We hadn't been able to make payments in a long time because of our finances.  We had been in touch with the bank all along and they were so gracious to us, and willing to work with us....but in actuality...that was GOD's supernatural favor on us.  :D For some reason in the back of my mind for quite sometime, I felt like we were suppose to keep it-so did the rest of the family....but we couldn't explain why. 

Leasing means we could keep the house, maybe sell it later and get more out of it, if the housing market goes up again.  We would be able to catch up on payments.  The bank is willing to tack on what is owed to  the end of the note and refinance according to dh's salary now. 

So we are praying and our friends are praying.  LORD show us what to do...give us peace and may our decision glorify YOU. 

Dh  finds out the leaser is a pastor.  He's married with a daughter.  They've been living in an RV for 4 years!  (how GOD is that?)  Dh calls their church to find out what kind of church...turns out they are like faith as us...HOLY GHOST FILLED!  WOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!!

This has been my prayer all along, LORD send someone that feels YOUR presence and peace in the house. I told dh, "I bet the reason they want to lease the house is because they feel the presence and peace of GOD in that house."

DH asked our realtor if he can talk with the possible leaser.  Sure.  Dh and the pastor hit it off.  Dh asks the pastor, "What made you decide on this house?"  The pastor said they had prayed all along and asked that they would know which house by the peace and presence of GOD and when they went into our house, they felt the unsurmountable peace of GOD there.  :D 

On top of that, the pastor said to dh, something like, "I know I don't know you, but the LORD has pressed on my heart to tell you this.  GOD is getting ready to bless you more than you can imagine!"

So I guess you can tell what our decision was?  The leasers moved in this weekend.  They hope to buy it down the road.  (not sure why they didn't now...maybe GOD has another plan.)

The bank is going to refinance still and tack on what we missed to the end of the loan.

Will you all join me in giving praise to GOD for HIS supernatural provision? 

Blessings until next time!

Support

As I sit and ponder what I should blog about, I went to stop by THL chat and asked the gals what I should blog about.  Anne said, "How encouraging it is to be up late and laugh with invisible people on line?"  I replied, "But you all are not invisible, so I can't blog about that. You all are incredible, you're my support during a difficult time." 

I haven't gone through many difficult times in my life.  I can probably count them all on one hand.  For that I am thankful for.  On the otherhand, maybe what I may think of as difficult, may not be to the next person. 
Losing my mom, that was difficult.
Moving to RI/MA and living in a tent and with folks without being able to cook or take care of my family properly, that was difficult.
Moving to Alaska, that was difficult...
Moving to North Dakota...yes, this has been difficult.

I'm not even sure how to express why or how it's been difficult.  I think it's all the uncertaincy in it all.  I think it's because we thought for sure this is where GOD wanted us, and yet, we are struggling financially, the job my dh was brought in and up for has been dissolved and he's been put into a entry level designer making senior designer wages...we don't expect to be here much longer....many layoffs a few months ago, and the company is still in the red.  We thought if GOD wanted us here, our house would sell, our finances would be okay, that the company would be blessed....none of which took place.  Now we are at the point...did we miss GOD?  Are we really here for a purpose?  We've been obedient...what are we doing wrong? 

Emotionally, I miss my friends and family, but it's not something I can't handle.  I've met a few nice people here, but they aren't very social here.  Something I miss terribly.

Spiritually, I think GOD is stretching me (us) in a greater way. Is it fun?  NO, it never is...but I know down the road I will find it very rewarding and will be able to look back and see another piece of the great puzzle.

Physically, Praise GOD we are all healthy.  We like seeing the snow...but it gets quite chilly out.  We have been dealing with single or below zero temps for a week now.  We moved into the icky house.  I think GOD promises us food and shelter...we have food and shelter...the shelter is icky, and needs work.  It could be a very cute house if we had the finances.  We don't. 

Financially, We are confessing HIS word, but in the naturally, we are sinking and sinking fast.  Yes, GOD can supernaturally step in.  Will HE?  I don't know at this point. I know if HE does, it's in HIS timing and HIS timing is never late. 

There are worse things than where we are at.  I try to focus on those things when I get blue.  It's hard some days.  That's why I appreciate my support over at THL.  Many of those gals don't know what I'm going through, but they are there listening and supporting me, by encouraging me.  It reminds of my url and then became my irl friend, Dadia,  When I moved to Alaska she was there to help me through it.  She would always say something encouraging and say something like, "We'd love to see the TX bluebonnets and Indian paint brushes with you.  Hopefully you'll be home soon."  (Dadia's with the LORD now, but I still think of her.)

So I guess this post is to all my friends at THL and those encouraging me with your kind words and thoughts.  Thank you.  Thank you for taking the time to say something.  Thank you for the encouraging words and allowing JESUS work through you.  Thank you that you take the time to care. 

Blessings until next time!

The Invisible Woman

My girlfriend, and one of my dearest friends called me today and said, "You have to watch this!"  I didn't know why she thought so, but she did.  So I turned it on, and watched. My friend obviously knew I needed a boost today!  Do you have about 5 minutes to watch too? 

Have you voted yet

I asked my dear friend C~ to interview me for my campaign.  :)  Instead of just interviewing me, she has written this beautiful intoduction about me.  Words can't express how much I love C~ and her family.  She lives in TX and was ALWAYS there to help me and my family out!  I'm so grateful for our meeting. 




************************************************************************
WiredSafety.org says, "NEVER agree to meet someone you have only met online unless you have a mutual friend that could possibly vouch for them."






In 2004*, I broke that rule. I was innocently perusing an online homeschool support forum that I spent way too much time on. A lady wanted to know if there was anyone in the miniscule town next to us. I was so shocked, I answered in the affirmative. The next thing I knew I was inviting the lady and her family to a minor league baseball game. An event I will never forget as long as I live. If I end up with dementia at 98, I will be apologizing to Mrs. Bobbi for bringing the wrong tickets with me.






That fall, we joined a local homeschool co-op together. Over the years, I have grown to love this generous, funny lady and her family. She loves to cook and entertain and she is not shy with her opinions. Which brings me to the purpose of this post. She has been nominated in the "Best Current Events, Politics or Opinions" category of the annual Home School Blog Awards.

Wouldn't you like to get to know her? Now, you can. Here is my interview with her.

Tell us about yourself.


My name is Bobbi. I am a christian homeschooling mom and wife. I've been married to my giving husband for 23 years. We have 3 loving children. DD-22, DS-13, DD-12. Family is extremely important to me. We travel around a great deal with dh's job, together as a family, because it's that important to me to be together.






When did you start homeschooling?


I officially started homeschooling my oldest in 1992. She was in a Christian school, and I was her Kindergarten teacher. After she completed her first year, we began to homeschool.






Why did you decide to homeschool?


Dh and I knew we didn't want our dd in public school. We were going to a church that had a christian school. I asked the pastor about homeschooling. He was looking for a Kindergarten teacher, so I started there. At the end of the school year, through a series of events we decided homeschooling would be best.






Tell us about the name of your blog.


The name of my blog is Great Adventures II. It's named after Steven Curtis Chapman's song "Great Adventure". Life with JESUS is a greatest journey (adventure) the human heart can go through! In addition, we travel frequently with dh's job, moving from location to location. It fits perfect! I hope that I reflect JESUS in most of my posts and point the reader to HIM. :)






Why do you think you were nominated for the political/opinion category of the HSB Awards?


:) Honestly, I have no idea why, other than I like to express my convictions with others. I can think of other categories that I probably would have fit in better. Apparently, those that nominated me, thought I was deserving of the nomination. And well I can be quite opinionated...but I think almost anyone is!






And since you are being recognized as an opinionated homeschooler, what is your opinion on homeschooling?


My opinion on homeschooling is similar to my opinion of life! It's one of the greatest journeys that a family can adventure out on. I believe that the BIBLE is the infallable word of GOD, and because of that, I'm convinced that We are to "train our children in the way the should go" (Proverbs 22:6) and "And thou shalt teach them (God’s Statutes) diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." (Deut. 6:6-7, 11:19)






The best advice I can give to any homeschooler is some of the best advice that some of my dear sisters in the LORD and fellow homeschool moms gave me. That is...


1. When my children go to Heaven and stand before the LORD, HE isn't going to ask them, "What did you make in English, etc?" HE's going to ask them, "What did you do for ME?" I want to know that they can pass that test with flying colors! :)






2. If your child/ren can read they have the ability to learn anything.






In addition, remember "All things are possible with GOD" (Matthew 19:26) and "I (You) can do all things through CHRIST which strengthens me." (Philipians 4:13)






Some of my favorite homeschool resources are:


1. the internet of course!


2. http://www.pearables.com/truth_about.htm


3. www.moorefoundation.com/


4. Cynthia Tobias' site http://applest.com/


5. life :)






Any Accomplishments/Mistakes you'd like to share:


My greatest accomplishment so far, is my oldest daughter graduated from homeschooling. Although, I would say some mistakes, I feel have been trying to do traditional school. I think that many homeschoolers start out this way, because they were psed kids and haven't thought outside of the box yet. I made that mistake to some degree too. Over the past 17 years, I realize homeschooling isn't just about reading and writing. It's experiencing all kinds of things-traveling, field trips, cooking, daily chores, etc.






Any Likes/Dislikes you'd like to share:


I love spending time with my kids! My only dislike I have to admit is, scoring school work! :P






Blessings until next time!
*Actually it was May of 2003  :P

After Midnight...

Belle had her cousin spend Monday night. I was chatting with a friend into the wee hours. It was around 12:15 and she comes in and asks if she and K could make cupcakes. Oh YAH, sure, I'm thinking....UMM NO, I don't think so! 12:15....cupcakes? Right! Needless to say, "Sweetie it's 12:15, you girls need to get ready to go to sleep soon." I'm such an uncool mom...lol

Doodles and I went out shopping Monday for our traditional cornbeef and cabbage for St. Patrick's Day. While out at Walmart, I cracked up laughing, and said, "I think we should walk up to people that aren't wearing green, that we're going to pinch them!" Of course dd and I just laughed and laughed. I'll have you know we didn't pinch anyone, we had common sense and refrained, so we wouldn't end up in the pokey. LOL As my friend, M, said, "Yes, funny how common sense does that." I told her common sense takes the fun out of a lot of things! :P

I had fun talking to an old, old, old friend and past neighbor I found on facebook. He and his family lived next door to us when I was 7 and he was 5. He has a brother that is my age and a younger brother. Over the years our families still kept in touch. His mom was like a second mom to me. :) While we were visiting last night, on the phone, he said his dd(19) after finding out I found him on FB and he explained who I and my family was, said, "Dad they should have an Old People's FB!" and then when he told his mom and dad I found him on FB,and what his dd said, his dad looked at his dd and said, "Well then they should have an Old, Old People's FB because your grandma and I just joined!" roflol! I wanna know who his dd is calling old? :P

I'm saddened to hear the news of Natasha Richardson's death. So very sad. I loved her in the remake of the Parent Trap. My heart just sang when dd told me she had passed away. It so sad thinking she probably didn't know the LORD. My prayers go out to her friends and loved ones. May GOD use this for HIS glory and may they that don't know HIM get saved through this sad tragic loss.

dealing with stuff...

Belle had the tummy bug since Friday. I got it early yesterday. Dh came home with it yesterday before noon. I came home because Doodles got it. Ick...

On the way home to see Doodles, I was thinking of all the junk that I've been dealing with...the spiritual stuff...

GOD showed me something...don't know why I hadn't seen it sooner...

I've been standing on GOD's promise about dh's job and our finances...it dawned on me that satan has been throwing all this other stuff at me to get me to take my focus off of GOD, and if he can get my focus off GOD in the small things, he thinks he can take my focus off the big stuff eventually. And probably he could...if I didn't realize and catch it first. Thank GOD for HIS everlasting wisdom and love. Thank GOD for HIS everlasting faithfulness and knowledge and passing it on to us!!!

Thank you to all of you for your prayers and words of encouragement! It's been greatly appreciated and deeply heart felt. I pray GOD will bless each one of you for your kindness you've all shown me and that HE will show you that the blessing is because of your blessing to me. :) Thank you again! I love you all!

Blessings!!!

PS . a special blessing and thanks to Ms. C~ for coming by and bringing Doodles some sprite and gatorade, when I wasn't here. You're an angel, Ms. C~ Thanks a million!!! (Doodles and dh says thanks too!)

the kind of saddness that doesn't just go away...

Saturday, I got a pm on my facebook. It was from an ex-wife of an old friend. I met my old friend in highschool. He and his best friend had pranked called my best friend...somehow we ended up chatting on the phone for a couple of years and then meeting and hanging out for a couple more years. (okay, this was before I was a Christian) Then life changed...I got married, he got married, he went off to college with his wife in another city and so on and so on...then we all saw each other after my ds was born. He, his wife, and three handsome little boys came over to my house. It was a short, sweet visit. Little did I know it would be the last visit ever.

A couple years later I had spoke with his wife on the phone. He left her and three boys shortly afterwards...he told his wife he married her only for her to put him through school. : :( She was devastated. So was I...I prayed for a long time.

I remember that he always had demons in his closet...he had problems with depression, self esteem, a bad family life...I think this was part of his problem.

Anyhow, yesterday his ex-wife reached me through Facebook. She had made contact with me through Classmates but I guess never get my reply.

After a couple of plesantries, she told me she had thought of me several times through the years and also to tell me unfortunate news, that her ex, my friend had committed suicide about 5 years ago. I was shocked, saddened, not so surprised....all kinds of emotions, feelings, thoughts raced through my head.

If only there was a way to have helped him. Why didn't I know then what I know now about demonic and spiritual warfare? Why couldn't he see the TRUTH? Why did he have to deal with demons? I've been going over and over in my head there were signs when we were friends...why didn't I pick up on them then? I'm so grieved.....so sad...

Why couldn't he have known the TRUTH? Why did he have to live by circumstances and feelings?

ACCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKkkk!!!! Why? why? why?

I don't have any answers...I only know someday I will stand before the LORD...and someday we will see the faces in the big crack beneath us and I'll probably see my friend's face...and that makes me very, very sad.

I urge you to pray for your lost, unsaved family and friends. It's so disheartening to know there is nothing I can do now...NOTHING!!!

Sunday Sing-Along

I asked dh to help me pick a song this week. I said gived me a christian artist we don't hear anymore...so he picked Roby Duke. I picked the song...one of my favorite Roby songs. We got to see Roby a few times in the 80's. Dh probably heard in a lot before we met too. :P

Also, please keep our friend, Charles, in your prayers. He had a heart attack the other night while at work. He's 49, has 4 boys, ranging from ages 10-21. Marian, Charles' wife is one of my dearest friends. We are here with Marian and the boys, as I write this. The doctors put some stints in Charles' heart yesterday, and he's doing better, but prayer would be appreciated. :D

True Friend Award

My url friend, Rosemary, has blessed me again with an award....She is such a sweetie...I look forward to meeting someday irl...if not here, there. :D Thank you again, Rosemary. I am so blessed to know you via internet. I'm glad that I'm good for something. ;P



And this award couldn't have come on a better day...I would like to pass it on tom my irl friend that I met url first...Ms. Christy. Ms. Christy and I use to post on the same home school board and when I thought we were moving to our town, I asked on the board if anyone lived there. Ms. Christy raised her url hand. :P We've been friends ever since...the first time we talked she was so kind...she took time out from her day to listen to my long story of how we ended up there and all kinds of things...then she and her dh invited us to a ball game...What a blessing! If you know how much our family loves baseball, you'd understand how much of a blessing it was!

Ms. Christy and her family have been so helpful to our family since we moved here. She and her boys take care of our Scoutie boy often when we travel. Today, unexpectedly, she came by again...I was out of town, but didn't even call her to bug her and ask...I figured I was only going to gone about 30 hours...Scoutie will be fine. Ms. Christy knew I was gone, and though I didn't ask, she and her ds came by and took care of Scoutie anyhow. When I read her comment to me below, I started crying. She indeed is a true friend. I love you, Ms. Christy and family. Thank you so much for everything always!!! My family is truly blessed by you in more ways than you could ever imagine! Thank you again and again!!!

Weekend Recap

We had a fun weekend. First dh and ds went to finish roof up at dh's parent's house. The girls and I just hung out until they got back, then we ran some errands and went out for dinner with our friends. Yesterday, we went to a surprise party for our friend, James. Originally the party was suppose to be the weekend of Ike...but well...that didn't work out well...who wants to be on a party boat, out on the lake, during a hurricane ?(oh pick me, pick me-NOT!!! lol) Jame's wife, Trish, had to keep a secret for another month...bless her heart, she felt like she was lying! (I don't blame her, I've felt the same, when trying to surprise dh) We had a nice, relaxing cruise of seeing the devastation of IKE on Clear Lake, Kemah and Kemah Boardwalk, Seabrook, etc. The damage is hard to imagine yet alone see...so sad...but being on the water with friends was fun and relaxing despite the devastation. (kinda makes you more humbled and appreciative of all the blessings GOD gives us on a daily basis) Afterwards, we went over to Marian and Charles' house and Marian and I, and the girls, headed over to Target and then when we got back headed to Cheddar's with the boys for dinner.

In other news...have you heard about this? Scary!!! (and you can't tell me it just sounds like that...right! They know it says that!)

And how about this??? A friend forwarded this email. This is incredible:

(and after some more investigating...I've found this kid repaints this rock every year. Check these out here)

I can't believe this was done by a teenager! There is a huge rock near a gravel pit on Hwy.25 in rural Iowa. For generations, kids have painted slogans, names, and obscenities on this rock, changing its character many times. A few months back, the rock received its latest paint job, and since then it has been left completely undisturbed. It's quite an impressive sight. Be sure to scroll down and check out the multiple photos. (all angles) of the rock. I thought the flag was draped over the rock, but it's not. It's actually painted on the rock too.

Here's the artist: Ray "Bubba" Sorensen:



AWESOME Work, RAY ... Thank you! " God Bless America " and "OUR SOLDIERS AND VETS"

Pass it on.

You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.