The Precious Hound of Heaven

Oh, it has been WAY too long since the last time I blogged! So much has happened! But we have to be organized or I will have a scatterbrained blog as much as my thinking is!

Thanksgiving:
This was our Thanksgiving spread. Mom and I started about 9 the eve before and baked, and baked and baked. Then I got up early the next morning to put the turkey on. Then the ham. Then the fixin's. It was quiet fun! Hadn't prepared Thanksgiving at my house in . . . yep, that many years! The girls were so small then!

This is our 'kiddy' table. Dink, B-bug, Bubs and Matthew sat here. Aren't they getting so precious?

When I was young, my mom and dad (the one that passed last month) adopted a girl. Matthew is her boy. She, her son and fiance joined us for Thanksgiving. So we had food out the whazoo! Where were you all? I could of fed each one of you and had some to spare!

This was our 'thankful heart'. If you wanted to eat, you had to write down two things you were thankful for. We found people added and added and added to it. I caught Dink adding to it still last night. I can't seem to find a reason to remove it when we keep finding things to thank God for! How blessed of a family we are!

When we opened the whipped topping for pies (and we had three), we found our lid with the 'fishers of men' sign on it. Ah! See, even God showed up to our table!

Then later that week an amazing and wonderful thing happened! We signed all the necessary papers on the house! Yeah for us! We can now put nails through the walls! (I'm getting a railroad spike!)

This is the house from the front. See that beautiful paved, blacktopped driveway? (and that little grey van that likes to run into fences?)

And here is where I have to start singing that song I was asked if I had made up: "It's a big, big house, with lots and lots of room. A big, big table, with lots and lots of food. A big, big yard, where we can play football. A big, big house, it's my Father's house!" See that chimney over to the top left, that's been repaired and ready for burning. See that hottub to the right, that's already been tested and let me tell you what.......hottubbing in the winter time is an experience that EVERY good person should have. Who has swimsuits?

I had a day recently where I was so down I just couldn't drag myself out of bed. Honestly. I lacked the physical strength to get out of bed. I was certain I was ill. Later that day I was in the back yard looking things over and praying. I looked up at the house in awe. "Dear Lord," I said out loud, "that's a big house. That's MY house! Oh, you are so good to me!" as tears streamed down my face in gratitude.

So many things in this house that I have wanted for a long time. Carpeted stairs, finished basement, (blacktopped driveway), neighbors but not too close, close to but out of town, beautiful views, birds, the girls all have friends thier own ages to play with - makes finding each one a bit time consuming, it's a big, beautiful house! I love it!

Dad and Bubby raking leaves. Now tell me how cute this is? I looked out the window and Bubs was studying the leaves. I couldn't understand what he was looking at till Dad came jumping up out of them! It was so adorable! The rake is so much bigger than he is!

This is the sunrise out of the window at dark-thirty. I do wish you could have seen it in person than throught he picture cause it just doesn't give justice.

This looked just like fire in the sky at this point. I was awe-struck with it's beauty.


What a beautiful beginning to a lovely day. Now, for what reason was I up this early? Oh yeah, I had a job interview this day.What a pretty smile. I normally get many of these to start my day off.

How precious. It's so quiet when he's sleeping. BTW, I made that blanket. We refer to it as "Big Blue".

Dad asked for his back to be massaged. Mom was using my PamperedChef roller for that till Bubby took over. Isn't it amuzing? So here is Bubby 'rolling' Dad's back.

So now we get to the Christmas. This week we've been making cookies, cakes and candies. Here is Bubby holding up his cookie. Yesterday we were decorating gingerbread cookies. Oh how much fun was this!!

Bubby's cookieThe cat's favorite sleeping place.

Our gingerbread cookie villiagers

B-Bug had to do a presentation on Finland (and Mom was invited to give a bit of information as well, with a powerpoint presentation). My mom and I put this together last night. Boy did we have fun!

Talking about fun! A little angel came along and dropped a bit of money off for me to go shopping for my kids. It was unexpected and emotions flooded over me. I cried and cried. Mom and I went to the mall and had the BEST time ever! Oh my goodness! I kept jumping around and sliding up to Mom, "I get to buy Christmas for my children!!!!" She and I would laugh and laugh. Oh, it was the best!

Then we went to this one store and were trying on dresses. Oh, this one golden dress with matching golden shoes looked so lovely on mom! It was so flattering. We took pictures with my phone. (I don't have the cord to put the pics on my computer) I tried on a green one. We had so much fun!

Lately my favorite song is one from SuperChic. Stand in the Rain. (in case anyone is looking for a Christmas gift, hint hint) My second is What If.

Stand in the Rain,
Stand your ground,
Stand up when it's all crashing down
Stand through the pain
You won't drown.
And one day you'll finally find
You can stand in the Rain.


Precious Hound of Heaven - the One that will chase you all your days till you either harden your heart against Him, or give in and turn to Him. With as good as He is, why continue to run from Him?

Squirrels and God

Today I was doing my devotions at the kitchen table. I didn't very much like what I was reading for it was a bit convicting. This is where what you do with conviction helps to mold you further into what God wants you to be or puts a wedge to further seperate you from God.

"For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-dged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joint s and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

Here is what the extra meat in my Bible had to say on this verse:

"The Word of God is not simply a collection of words from God, a vehicle for communicating ideas; it is living, life-changing, and dynamic as it works in us. With the incisiveness of a surgeon's knife, God's Word reveals who we are and what we are not. It penetrates to the core of our moral and spiritual life. It discerns what is within us, both good and evil. The demands of God's Word require decisions. We must not only listen to the Word; we must also let it shape our lives."

This week I got a call from a girlfriend, a very close girlfriend, who is going through a bit of a trial herself. She's also looking to move with three kids, is looking for a job and a place to live while she's trying to maintain employment for the next two months. Do some figuring - that means she'll be moving around Christmas. She's a bit scared. Which with being a mother of three, is completely understandable.

True friends are hard to find and should be valued as gold. This friend of mine is. God love her, she said reading my blog helped her. I began to cry. Oh God, could it be that through my trials you have shown yourself once again to someone else? That you have used the painful growing experience to show Yourself as the One to lean on to someone else? What if I had given up at the midnight hour? I was so utterly humbled once again. He is such a good, gracious God.

(pause as I get kleenex - elevator music here)

So I'm sitting at my kitchen table (it's actually a utility table that I used to pour candles on way back - but it works and the family is fed!) looking out my window at the view while thinking about what I had been studying. There was this squirrel out my window. Now if you look at my other blogs, there are trees but they are not in my yard. They are across the street or at the end of the yard.

Now we have many trees in our yard. The falling leaves have been a job to all of us. Mom has been reciting a poem about falling leaves, Dad has been trying to figure out how to move them, the neighbors have been wondering why we aren't mowing them and me? I've been pondering how I have enjoyed this fall more than any other. (life is good!)

So here is this squirrel crawling across these branches. Look closer. See those wispy little things? He's out there crawling out to the ends, eating the dried up leftovers the winds couldn't conqueor.

I sat amazed. This little critter that will probably raid my birdfeeders is daringly going out where I just wait for him to fall. Surely the branches can't hold his weight. What if.....and here is where God speaks to me with that kind, soft, gentle voice.

I made him that way. He goes without fear because he trusts me.

This critter doesn't go timidly, he goes forth boldly! He does it with joy. And how much joy was I getting watching him do what he was made to do. I was humbled once again and blessed.

As for God, his way is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him." 2 Samuel 22:31

My dear friend, I have learned today that God's Word is alive! Hallelujah! If we step out in faith to be what he wants us to be, we are victorious! He is our shield if we choose to turn to him and his ways are flawless, without error. He loves us and wants the best for us. Take heart!

Onto the kids!

Two of my lovely children had birthdays within a week of each other. Dink turned 9 and Bubs turned 3. Guess that means I can use the 'terrible twos' for him any longer, eh?

Since Dink is my pumpkin child, born on the 31rst of October, we always have a Halloween/Birthday party for the kids. Everyone is normally allowed to invite 10 kids per child but since the girls had to change schools a week before the party (don't blame me entirely, they were begging and I was tired of driving) we allowed them to invite thier entire classes.

I have NEVER enjoyed thier yearly parties as much as I did this year. With help from another good friend (wink-wink) and mom, we had a blast. There was black punch with floating fingers (the full hand didn't freeze and the girls at the party fought over the fingers, we did good!), we had see-threw gloves with all sorts of stuff in them that looked like old hands, we had eyeballs (brownie balls covered in white chocolate), and spider cupcakes. It was a blast!

Since it was wet and cool, we had it in the garage instead of outside. This was a great idea. We had such a great time and it was nice to see the kids. Since the party was on Friday, Dink's birthday was actually on Tuesday so we went to the church. Oh what fun!

Bubby as a bumble bee. He was upset when he found out that jumping off the bed didn't result in him flying like "Peter Pan" yet he fell to the ground. He took it off immediately.

Dink did her own makeup as a kitty cat.

B-Bug was almost alarming at this. I kept taking double-takes in the rearview mirror.

The church did so good. They even had a petting zoo where Bubs was more courageous than I expected by sitting on the horse. . . 11 times. They had a donkey, ferret, bunny, and Bubs' favorite . . . the pigs.

B-Bug was chosen for Faith-Factor and made it all the way to the final round. Little did they know she loves goat cheese. However, that last round resulted in the contents to be eaten returning to thier original starting position, slightly marred.

Bubs playing 'swords' with his sissy. He loves this game. Every morning his first thought is his swords and often goes to sleep with them as well.

A week later Bubs had his birthday. The big 3! Guess that means I can't blame terrible two's for anything anymore, eh? That was a fun night. His dad came over and took all of us to Mr. Gatti's where we had pizza and he was very upset that we would put money in his games. He'd rather drive with his imagination. It was truly a good night.

I have to put this picture in cause Doog-Boog has been avoiding pictures and she looks good in here.


Here is his castle. This was a good buy cause the knights have swords! I'm not sure who has the most fun, he or us.

Since I started this blog, mom and dad surprised me with a dresser and kitchen table. Yeah for me! I have to say, life is good and only gonna get better.

Weeping May Endure a Night . . .

I don't know how to start this. I was already down for several days when the phone call came.

At first it was mistaken that my Uncle had passed, then I figured out, not my Uncle, my Dad. Thankfully not George, who I tend to refer to Dad now but the dad I grew up with. Apparently from complications of diabetes, he passed on. 69 years of age. Alone.

The last time I had seen him was within the last three months. He had gotten huge, to the point he couldn't walk, he waddled. I knew he was having trouble with his legs, I had no idea it was to do with his diabetes.

From talking with Mom, it sounds like he was asking for help. Not in a direct, I'm ill I need help, but beating around the bush. Mom said of course I didn't read it cause I didn't know him. I would have offered had I known. It was funny cause when I saw him last we went out with the kids to our favorite chinese resturaunt. It felt like he kept wanting to say something but never did.

Seems he called the other house and got my husband late last week, having forgotten I'm no longer there. He'd been talking alot to my husband lately yet it appeared he forgot many things.

I was already down from current events and this just knocked me off my rocker. So far I haven't slept since the night before, (but I had nice phone company at 3 this morning.) but I'm doing better today than I was yesterday.

After I shut everything down last night, took my Bible and prayed, I got a breakthrough. My prayer went something along the lines that I was standing on a rock with horrid waves crashing in the dark with danger all around. I refuse to move till I'm shown where to go next. The step behind me brought me a house, clear view of how greatly God has been caring for me and blessings beyond what I would have asked for. I refuse to move till He tells me to cause I know He has my best in mind.


Loneliness

Loneliness is a deep dark wound
Shining a rich purple against my soul.
It draws me into its forbidden dwelling
And removes my ability to be whole.

Sharp rocks it has to pierce me with,
Sharp edges to slash my skin.
But outside wounds don't hurt as much
As the gashes deep within.

The waves surround and drown me,
Engulf me in swirling mire.
I fight to stay afloat and be
Though weakened to entire.

I pray for strength and peace within,
I pray for God to keep.
Though weary am I and spent within,
As doubt and sorrow seep.

Find me Lord! See me here!
My sorrow is far too much!
Touch me Lord, renew me now
Let me stray not from your touch.

This test, this task, this Lesson Lord,
let me ne'er fail.
I want to be your servant Lord
Let satan not avail.

I'll do your will, your service be,
I want to be your own.
Keep me neaer and strenthened, King
Till the Day you bring me home.
Godivageekette 11/01/2006

I may trip and I may stumble, but I will always get back up. Weeping may endure a night,
but joy cometh in the morning. Always.

Jehovah with Attachments

I have this blog typed out in a Word document and pause because of the name. Jehovah with Attachements. Lemme explain.

Jehovah Jireh - The God that Provides. My provider. His grace is sufficent for me. And how well has he provided for me.

Jehovah Rophe - The God that heals. My healer. How deeply he goes into the wounds that no one sees and only you and feel. He never does a patch job. He cleans you out and grows you new from the inside out. It's real, it hurts and it's better than anything else you're using.

Jehovah Shalom - Prince of Peace. Ah, sweet peace. There's nothing like it and nothing that can substitute it. There's one place to get it from and it's sweeter than gold.

Some things I have learned as of recent:

"For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may endure a night, but (joy) rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 31:5

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21 SO speak life!!!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28These are the cubicles my daughters used in the cabin to put thier clothes and stuff in. I look at this picture and think to myself, how in the world did we do it?

Ah….space. Not just that great expanse above our heads dotted with little twinkle lights that we are told are great gases of age old stars that have exploded, will explode or are destined to become big black holes. (sounds like some people I’ve met)

May it never be said I wasn’t grateful for the way God has cared for the kids and I. So much more than I ever expected or ever would have felt I deserved. 4 kids, 3 rooms, 1 cabin. But…we had heat, food, shelter and protection. (the air conditioner worked great too!)

I have recently been made aware of information I previously didn’t know. Yes, I am my mother’s daughter. My mother is so much different than and I we have worked out some pretty extreme differences, wrongs, misunderstandings and such through out the last 5 years that has brought us to where we are. We thoroughly enjoy each other’s company. She has such great compassion for people that I don’t possess. Where I have mere tolerance, she has true compassion and caring. Where I get aggravated and lose patience, she has this keen sense of understanding for where they are and how they got there. She will give and give and give for other people to a point that not only I, but many of you wouldn’t go to either. She is a great example of God’s love for others.

I am my mother’s daughter, but I’m not necessarily my ‘father’s’ daughter. For a man that has only gotten to know me recently, this man has sacrificed and given more than the father I grew up with.

My crazy son with the cereal box on his head, his 'hat'. See the stack of white behind him? That was he and my dresser. God love him, he looked at this picture tonight and laughed at himself. Wish I could have recorded that and put in on here.

Yes, I have spent the last three months with my parents. They have taken care of us, guided us, patiently endured my mental and emotional break downs. They have been there when I have ranted, raved, cried, given up, questioned God, cussed, screamed, jumped up and down, said stupid things, said hateful things, lost my mind and good sense, and every other irritating behaviors I express. I will personally vouch and confess that I’m sure many times I have been imbearable. I am my mother’s daughter, but my father has been the one to surprise me.

Mom and I are night owls, yet it was Dad that was in my room at 1 a.m. with comforting wisdom spooned out to me in easily swallowed doses. Who has told my mother to get me a brand new outfit for a job interview, advising we get me a wardrobe of the like when I land a job. Who suggested they get me the Bible I now devour with all the extra ‘meat’ in it. Who drives us from one yard sale to the next all day long on Saturdays so we can look over each and ever item laid out.

Recently I found something else out. See, I gather that he has looked carefully and thoughtfully into my future needs and my mother’s as well. The house, the house payments the I can afford, the patient guiding and teaching of me to be peaceful and calm in life without having to ‘run, run, run’ all the time. It has come to one’s attention that it was his idea all along to come up here and help me. In fact he planned it without a second thought. I believe the words were, “Don’t you think we ought to go up there and help Dawn out?” And if they hadn’t . . . where would I be? In what state would I be?

He came to me the other day and said to me, “I like to see you like this. Every once in a while I see you like this in spurts.” Such as? Like? “At peace with yourself. Total peace.” I smiled. He was right. I was at peace. It’s a wonderful feeling.

I remarked to my Divorce Care class joyfully that I had had 5 good days in a row. I haven’t had that in many years. It was then that I realized, this is normal. Having many good days in a row – is normal. I had always thought that the way I lived was normal. So many people remark that I look different, I look content and at peace. Oh if they only knew. (it’s not me, it’s God in me. He did this to me, for me.) Not by my own hands that I may boast……

Moving has added a few changes that brought about some concern. This means the girls had to change schools. Now the oldest welcomed it with open arms. She knew what bus she rode before I even knew a bus came into the subdivision. Little Miss Drama Queen was looking forward to it, but she took me by the arm and had me walk her to her class. She knew her teacher already because apparently the lady has a daughter that played volleyball with Doog Boog. Thus B-Bug had already met her. Everyone in the room lit up when we opened the door and this whisper was heard in the air.

Dink. Dink we were worried about and prayed for. She had never changed schools and waited for so long to get Ms. Moore. It broke her heart to be moving. She wanted to put it off for as long as she could. (personally, I think I had driven as long as I could) Dink surprised me. She took the secretary’s hand and went right off to where her class was without even a hug, kiss or last glance over her shoulder. Off she went. See, there goes my God again! Just, just, like my Jesus….>

A perfect flower. I'm such a fool for roses.

They have readily made new friends and come home excited to relate the new experiences of the day, normally all at once. It comes out something like this:

“…and then….told me . . .can I . . . we laughed alike . . . this boy in another class likes me . . . spends the night?” The oldest likes to come into my room at night and tell me her thoughts. I love it. I try to drink it all in knowing that one day she may not be so willing to open up to me. She’s such a wise young lady for her age.

B-Bug tried out for basketball and found out today she didn’t make it. Poor thing was heart broken. I drive up to the school to see her huddled in a ball in the grass crying. I knew instantly she hadn’t made it. God love her. I gave her a hug and let her cry on my shoulder. Life can sometimes be so hard. Know what she says, “I hope (Doog Boog) has better luck.” In her sorrow she wished better for her sister. What a commendable attitude!

So we went straight to the grocery and picked out pumpkins. I had to reward such a selfless attitude with a crème filled donut. We had quiet an enjoyable time shopping this eve. When we came back she was her old self, cracking jokes and laughing.

Dink takes the opportunity to sit with me during church services throughout the week. I enjoy having her next to me and she likes to hold my hand and wrap my arm around her. Her sisters have informed me that her birthday wish (which happens to be on Halloween) is to have time with just her Mommy. Dinner and shopping with no other siblings around. Awwww…..how did I my company ever become so valued! I don’t know which of us is more excited over it, she or I. These are the times she gets to talk without her older sisters or her brother interrupting, talking over, or interfering. And boy can that little girl talk! It’s like it’s been held back and the dam has broke. It’s cute to see her eyes light up as she tells events, stories, goals, feelings and the likes.

The move has led us to find another church. The church that offers the Divorce Care also offers a class for those who are looking at divorce and seperation, a class named Love and Respect (google this cause it’s got heaps of information for married couples) to strengthen relationships and teach us how to be the couple God wants you to be. It has a class for those who want to grow in their Spiritual walk and a class for each age of a child. I was truly impressed. Few churches look at the importance of strengthening a family and offering the opportunity of growth for Christians.

To hear the Preacher tell of the importance of stability in the family and that we need to be able to come against the Enemy that tries to destroy it….that was welcomed. Tis so true. Seems society today lays no real importance on vows, promises and commitments. So many look at marriage as: Until I find someone else, till I bore with you, till something/someone better comes along. No one seems to find their vow before God and Man to be serious. The Bible says it is better not to make a vow than to say your vow was a mistake.

Is this not a perfect bouquet of roses? I was so surprised when my husband brought these to me. They seemed to last forever. The girls mentioned several times that they looked fake because they looked so good. The aroma was wonderful.

In the current situation I am in, I still see marriage as sacred. To be reverend. Held with importance. That a person should be afeared to tarnish, meddle, contaminate, soil or wreck their own or another’s marriage. God said, that no man put asunder. God himself finds it sacred, who are we to find it any less?

Marriage is in no way easy. I do wish schools, churches and people themselves would express to those younger the importance and seriousness of marriage. How big of deal it truly is. To know how much work it is can only truly be known through the experience of one but if we would pass on to our children that marriage is supposed to be forever, till death do us part, then maybe people wouldn’t marry on such a whim. They would take the time to get to know a person to find if they truly fit what they want for the long haul. And it can be a horridly long haul when you aren’t rightfully matched. So many marry for the wrong reasons, do we even know what the right reasons are?

Those who know me realize I am preaching to myself as well. I have not lead a correct example of the things I have written, yet I have had to learn them the hard way. Having rushed into a marriage the first time with false advice, I have divorced my first husband. Though I took a much longer time with the second, I still did not take near enough time to get to know him either. Experience has taught me this: You should not consider requesting the hand of another person in marriage for no shorter than 3 ½ years of knowing them. Let’s face it, some people are better at putting on a front than others. And all those little idiocyncracies often don’t show themselves till a long period of time has passed. (does he squeeze the toothpaste from the middle, does she snore? What about chin whiskers? You know, those important things)

An engagement should last no fewer than 7 months. You should know by the other person’s actions what their moral values are. What is important to them? Where do they find guidance from? What personal goals do they have for the future? Are they a coward or someone who will truly protect you when needed?

I take responsibilities for faults in both of my marriages going belly up. No marriage fails for the fault of one person alone. It takes two to make it, two to break it. I was far too young and niave the first time, I was a coward the second time. But still, God is good.

The same bouquet a full two weeks later. Still beautiful. Smelled oh so good.

Though there are many facts being left out, no paperwork has been filed on my second marriage. Through guidance I find rings correct within me, I have chosen to wait for a specific period of time to let God work. Personally, I thought the time was just to work on me. We all know I needed it and even with all that has been done, I am so far from perfect we all know He’s still got a lot left to do.

However, it appears I’m not the only one God wanted to work on. In the past month, my husband has gone to Promise Keepers and gotten saved. This in no way fixes what has been done in our marriage, but there is no doubt there is a change in him. As it has been said, “People how make that dramatic of a change in themselves don’t do it on their own. That’s God.” Very true. In fact, even his physical appearance has changed.

Healing takes time. Sorrow takes time. Rebuilding takes time. Currently God is doing all three on me. Slowly and gently. Peace that passes understanding. Joy. Strength. Wisdom. All of these are being grown inside of me.

There are things yet that need to be done and need to happen. I have learned a valuable lesson, many valuable lessons, in these past three months. There have been times I felt that my heart could just not take any more. That death would be a welcomed easy way out. I have been brought to the brink of my faith where I began to wonder if God was made aware of my existence or if he’d forgotten me. I have cried in heaping, sobbing cries till my head and eyes hurt. I have known the desire to curl up in a ball and hide someone where no one can find you.

And yet . . .

All along God was working in the background. I was too engaged in my own pity to hear the hammers. I was too focused on myself too spend the time on my knees. I had to borrow someone else’s faith, and sometimes we get there. How valuable are those friends of ours that will drag us to God on their coat tails? I have taken the chastising that was mine and humbled myself in repentance. I have not been denied. I have not been shamed. I have not been left forgotten. I have been made new. I have been bought with the blood of Christ and given what every child of a king is due.

A new life. Clean. Free of guilt and shame. A new ending to my story. Hope in things to come. A renewed and strengthened faith. Proof that God does care and is not absent in my life. Gifts that were not thought of to ask for. Surprises around the bends. More and more and more. . . and more to come.

Perfect. Not a chance. Forgiven. You betcha! I will still make mistakes and I will still trip and fall. But I know where to go to.

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.” Psalm 37: 4 – 6

*to ‘delight’ means to experience great pleasure and joy in his presence. This happens only when we know that person well.

“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23 & 24

If he said it, he meant it. If he promises it, he will make it come true. For the Lord cannot and will not lie.

11:59:59

Okay, so the last blog wasn't so cheerful and upbeat. Alot has happened since then. See, I have DivorceCare every Tuesday night at the church. There I went in with my pity party and vented all my boo-hoos followed up with 'I'm breaking and I'm not gonna make it', 'I can't take this'. They are shutting the water off on Thursday. My counsilors listened and then corrected me.

The power of life and death are in the words of our mouths. Do NOT say 'You can't make it, you can't take any more'. The devil dances on your shoulders when you say things like that. Speak life. You are going to make it because God promised to never let you down. He has good things for you. You know, kinda like Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lords, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and future."

So I cried one last time and decided to buck up. They are right. Either He is going to take care of me or He's just gonna let me fry. I decided to stay right where I was till the water shuts off. Mom was constantly saying, "If God promises to be there at 12 o'clock, He'll show up at 11:59:59."

I have to be honest, I went on everyone else's faith. They believed He would come through so I would see if God was going to make a fool of me or not. Here we go, bring it on!!

That very Tuesday (since we had till Thursday before the water shuts off) we had gone around looking at houses. Now I was in a panic. We have to find something NOW!! I was skeptical. How in the world are we going find a place sign paperwork, and get moved in, within two days?

We looked at one house. - Too close to the road, too noisy, too close to the fire department. Next house. - WAY too close to the road, too small of a yard, Bubs would be dead. Next house. - Loved it. But.....

Well, one of us wanted to live in one town, another wanted to be in another town. I gave up. Whatever you want God works with me. I'll stay in the cabin till the water is shut off. I prayed, went to DivorceCare.

Wednesday morning. Dark-thirty. I about lead out of my skin because something was pounding on the big picture window. It was Dad. I open the door, "Hello! Is this the family that wants to buy that house?" YES IT WAS! "I think we should do it. I think that's what God wants us to do."

YIPPPEEEEE! Drop kids off at school, look at house again, pick up kids, make offer. We signed papers that very night. I kid you not, we bought a house that very night. We started moving stuff in that night and stayed the night in our new house that same Wednesday night. YIPPEEE! And true to thier word, they shut the water off the very next day.

When we signed the papers, I just cried and cried and cried. I couldn't believe it! God came through for me! He gave me a house just as he promised. All week long the kids and I have been singing, "It's a big, big house, with lots and lots of room....." (I was actually asked if I was singing a real song - Yes, it is!)

THE HOUSE:
Location: Makes both Dad and I happy. We are 1 mile from town and still out in the country in a nice neighborhood. A VERY nice neighborhood. Stick around, cause my friends are going to be invited to my house warming party. If you don't get invited, ummm...well, you can figure it out.

Upstairs: Mom and Dad said the upstairs is ours to do as we please. GREAT! Three bedrooms, a full, indoor bathroom with a tub (A TUB!!!!!), laundry room, big dining and kitchen with a fridge that has ice/water in the door, dishwasher (not my children, hahahaha) and....and indoor oven and stove - that works!!! Yeah!!!! Two door garage. Hot tub. (I'm so excited)

Downstairs: 880 sq feet of living space, cause the downstairs is finished. They have a full bath, wood-furning stove, closets, heat (of course), bedroom and a whole other room for canning with the water softner.

Outside: Doog-boog loves this, there's a basketball court on concrete, outbuilding and lots of bird houses and feeders. Bea-utifully landscaped around the house with hanging baskets of flowers all around and hooks already installed for our hammock swings. TV antenna (which I'm sure my boy will have climbed before the end of the year) and satellite. Even and a storeage building for equiptment. A blacktopped drive leads to the house where we can park our vans in the garage and lights up the sidewalk to the door. I love it!!
sings: It's a big, big house. With lots and lots of room.... A big, big table. With lots and lots of food. A big, big yard. Where we can play (kids changed it) basketball. A big, big house. It's my Father's house.

So God came through for me again. I love my room. It has two closets with a sink in the middle. The girls love the intercom cause we play our music throughout the house. New berber carpeting throughout. We love it.

Oh, and for the more exciting part. Since I wrecked my van I again, this time on a barwire fence. Unharmed $3 fence post did $1,700 worth of damage to my minivan. Dropped the van off at the repair place, picked up the rental car and in 1 hour I totaled it. This little baby-booty of a car. I haven't driven one of these things in like 12 yrs. It's always been vans and bigger cars. That little thing. I came up the hill and tapped my breaks to slow down because over that hill is a zig-zag. Over that hill, my car not slowing down, there is a VAN coming my way. (No kidding, they were the neighbors I had in my previous house.) I know slammed on my brakes, turned the wheel and that little car acknowledged nothing. It just kept going forward and slammed into this van.

There are a few things now I can cross of my curious list. I have always wondered what it was like to be in a head-on collision. Wondered what it was like to total a rental car (or any car for that particular matter) and I have always been curious what it was like to use an airbag. Now, I can cross all three of those things off at once.

Did you know that your seatbelt can not only save your life, but also can rip your shoulder into some unpleasant sensations? It can leave marks on your torso and hipbones. Also, I think I hit my head on something cause there's a bruise on my eyebrow.

Today, while we were driving to the same town, again to finish up the laundry, we all got ran off the road by a white van. Ran OFF the road. We just looked at each other. I laughed. Must be something very, very big in store for me just around the corner. Seems that's when big, bad things happen to me. My thought it: I think the devil hates me. That's alright. Cuase my God has always been bigger than him and my God still reigns. He got me a house at 11:59:59 and I'm sure He'll get me a job at about the same time.

Just a quick note:
As I was driving toward this hill (that I think God put the van there so I woudn't have slid right off the hill and into the trees) I was telling Him how thankful I was for all He has done for us. How I hoped the next trial I went through that I would hold tighter to my faith and not waver. To please help me forgive a number of people I hold grudges against and that I wanted to learn to love people like He does. Then....SLAM! You know, I didn't cuss through the whole thing. I wasn't angry and I didn't get depressed...woe is me.....I thought....'Wow! I bet God has a big financial blessing right around the corner for me. Bring it on!!!'

"For they that hope in the Lord shall renew thier strength. They shall fly on wings of eagles. They shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

What a World, What a World!!!!

I have joked we should have named this "resurrection kitty" instead of Love. But this is Bub's favorite toy.

So many things, so much to do, and so short of a time to do them in.

Yesterday I didn't know how to pray. I want a job. I NEED a job. I can't move forward with my life without a job. George says for me to wait till I get what I want. To be patient. Don't take some medeocre job and get stuck not doing what you want.

Can you believe this? This man is the one taking care of us. It's not his job. But he's not saying, "take the first one so I don't have to support your family anymore!" Nooooo.....he's saying, go and get what you want. We'll be alright. I cry. What a man. What a human being.

You know that verse on the window?

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

See, I told you I put it in majic marker on the window. You didn't believe me did you? This is what it looked like in the morning with the fog on the window. Pretty isn't it?

Well this verse if being put to the test in my life. So is this verse:

"That I have said, that I will bring about, what I have planned, that I will do." Isaiah 46:11

How hard is it to believe when you are on the Mountain Top? Not that hard. What about when the storm is blowing? Or when you feel like someone kicked your feet out from underneath you and you feel trampled, beaten, battered, bruised, unloved and unremembered? A little more difficult, eh? Yes sireee!

For those of you who have been wondering, here's our situation.

The kids and I live in a three room cabin that my grandfather built on church campgrounds. There was 7 of us in there but someone came to Mom and Dad and offered thier cabin up, so there's only the 5 of us now. (only, hahahahaha!) Oh, and one kitten named Love.

About a week after being in the cabin, the torliet quit working. So we have to walk outside in the cold dew, two rows behind us to use the communial torliets and showers. We actually kinda enjoy this (but not so much at dark-thirty in the morning) because we all take a stall and shower and gab together like females do.

Interjection: This makes me think of the comedy of Mike Warnke. The wife stands up from the table and asks, "Who's gotta go?" When she gets back her husband asks her: "What took you so long?" "There was a line." "I know, you took it with you."

Back to the scene at hand. A couple of days ago we replaced the microwave with one that had more 'umph'. Well. It died. I replaced with a smaller one of mine (that's older than my daughter), it died this morning. This morning when I'm feeling that beat up, dragged out, pityparty feeling.......yeah, this morning.

We were laughing the other day cause the cabin we live in has running water - and the water heater went out. So to heat up your coffee you have to go to Mom and Dad's cabin to use thier microwave. They don't have running water, but they have a flushable torliet. It's not closer to thier cabin than the communial torliets. (but it's a pretty walk)

To do laundry we take the clothes up to my Aunt and Uncle's. (also the pastor and wife of the church on the camp grounds) This is the only oven we have and internet connection. Currently we are using an electric skillet to fix meals. It works! (praise God and please let it keep working!)

Each morning the kids and I get in the van at 7am. We drive 40 min. to the Elementary School that they have attended the past 4 years. I see no reason to change schools till I have a job. Why should they have to leave all thier friends, sports and such cause one person was stupid? Not twice in a year they aren't. I'll get a job and THEN move them. They already know this and are prepared. One is currently begging for it.

Then I run my errands, go to my appts, do my interviews. I pick one daughter up at 3pm. I drive back to pick another one up at 4:30 for cheer pratice. Then I either drive to the Jr. High to pick one up at 5, drop her off at 4:20 for an away game or 5:20 for a home game. Somewhere in there we have to go to town to eat and drive back.

The driving is wearing me down. It's financially breaking me. (and I'm getting 'trucker gut') I am so ready to move forward with my life. We have about another month left before they shut off the water and power to the campgrounds. This just adds a little more pressure.

We are living off the money my ex-husband pays for child support. Do some math here:
Income: $800
Outgo: $130/wk for fuel
$250/mo in Dr. Bills
$12/game x 2 a week
+ meals before games and anything else the girls need

While this is the daily norm, here's a few other battles the devil is using to try to break me down:

My oldest daughter is in volley ball. The coach apparently doesn't like her. She knows where we are living and how far away we are. The last game was only 5 min from the cabin. She WOULDN'T let me take her home from the game. She made me drive the 30 min to the elementary school to take her 35 min. back home. Afterwards she makes a fool of my daughter at each practice. I went to the principal to see how to handle this. He said it was wrong what she's doing and he'll have a talk with her. As of yesterday, she's still picking on my daughter during practice. (and I'm NOT supposed to smack this bitter, hateful, pg woman smart. I keep telling myself this) So, we pray for her every day before school - the coach that is.

The (i hate to use 'woman' here because I don't see this person as this way) female that was flaunted, rubbed in my face, given my place and placed as more important than me, has been emailing me. Her first words where that I was jealous of what was just a 'friendship'. Uh-huh. Now it's that I refuse to see the truth and live in a fantasy world. (Well I am dreaming of a two story, 5 bedroom house, don't think that's the fantasy she's accusing me of) Really.....

When I ask if she would like to enlighten me, I get alot of backlash. This doesn't convince me of the 'friendship' I KNOW wasn't existing. However, it does spur me on that I do want bigger and much, much better things. Word to the 'female' that so many people are saying, "she thinks if (me) is out, she's in" the house is open. Go for it girlfriend. As I've said many times before, if you can catch him, you can keep him.

I'm sorry for complaining, but I have to let it out. Today has been a Chocolate Pity-Party. Last night I hit a breaking point and literally ran from the cabin. (down the sidewalk to the last cabin on the hill) Where I cried, literally bawled before God. Please. Please. I don't think I can take much more. Knowing full well that I can take all He gives because He never gives us more than we can handle. Because it's this testing and trials that will make me as pure as gold. It's this battle that makes me stronger.

Today I'm learning that I WILL go as far as He tells me to go - even if I have to die to get there. When I get to the end I will discover one of two things:

Either God will come through for me or He never existed to begin with. I already know where I stand. And as one Pastor's wife told me, "His Word is true, or He's a big, fat liar."

Cashing in My Blessings

" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plns to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you You will seek me and find me when you see me with all your heart. I will be found by you ' declares the Lord, 'and will bring you back from captivity." Jeremiah 29: 11 - 14

I started this blog a week ago and didn't feel it was being written correctly. For that reason I shut down my computer and waited. Now I know why.

Today in the Bible study the girls and I were doing on the way to school, we read where Saul would not destroy everything as God had commanded, but yet kept the animals for sacrifices to God. The age-old, well rehersed verse, "Obedience is better than sacrifice" - I had the girls repeat it a few times. (Now is the time to build thier foundation on God and give them something to fall back on when they are adults.)

See, I have this dear friend of mine. Miss M. I love Miss M. She offered us her pears this year. As much as I tried to get over there, something always came up. One day I called her at dark-thirty and asked if she cared for me to glean her tree. To my delight, she was taking a day off. Yeah!

I came over and wouldn't you know, we had an impromptu Bible study right there. She had her Bible opened to Romans where she had been studying. I love Romans. Especially Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." I love that verse so much I wrote it in majic marker all across the living room window. How we need to remember that.

This verse comes out of the love section of that chapter. It continues with "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute (or curse) you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn. " You really need to just read the whole chapter, it's got so much good advice in there.

Be joyful in Hope: How often do we hold back on being joyful because we fear an upcoming event. We are afraid others will find us odd. We don't want to have the wind taken out of our sails. How sad! We should be joyful! "Rejoice in the Lord always!" "The Joy of the Lord is our strength" And we let the enemy take our joy? Our strength? Let's not mistake joy for happiness. Happiness is based on the situation at hand, joy is much, much more permanent and stronger. It's a healing tool. "Rejoice in the Lord always .... and again.... I say REJOICE!"

Patient in Affliction: Sometimes it seems it will never end. The rut. The day. The month. The issue at hand is bigger than Goliath (who was over 9 feet tall by the way). The circumstance...oh when is God going to move! Patient in affliction - know why? Cause that's how me makes us stronger. That's the barbells of our spiritual body. This is how me flexes our spiritual muscels.

You know all that 'extra stuff' I said was in my Bible? Here is some of my favorite extra stuff. "God doesn't promise to eliminate challenges; instead, he promises to give us strength to meet those challenges. If he gave us no rough roads to walk, no mountains to clim, and no battles to fight, we would not grow. He does not leave us alone with our challenges, however. Instead he stands beside us, teaches us, and strengthens us to face them." (based on Psalm 18:32 - 34)

Faithful in Prayer: Don't we all do better when we talk to our friends? I know God is aware of what goes on in our day-to-day life, but even he said he 'longs to hear from us'. It's not that we do Him a service, but think about it, aren't you more in tune with the friend you talk to on a day to day basis than a once-in-a-while basis? And let's all keep in mind, 'we do not have, because we do not ask'. We like to hear from our children. How would we feel if they kept to themselves? And...it makes us stronger. You want to be close to God, talk to him. He's willing, he's waiting and he's ready.

Back to the pears:

So we had our Bible study and went out to pick pears. I have never picked pears before. So we have a ladder, climb up between hornets the length of my middle finger, grab this tree and shake the dog dooty out of it. I mean pears are flying off in all directions. It was the funnies thing I've experienced in a while. (other than the time my son fell out of his seat and landed head first in a bucket, that was pretty funny too. Legs all up in the air.....)

Pears are flying through the air, bouncing off our heads, some are going SPLAT! on the ground. It was a blast! We had a HUGE box of them. I've made pear butter and pear jam. Looking forward to partaking of that crop!

We're having lunch and enjoying the day when she says to me, "I have something for you." She hands me $100 bill. GUYS! I started to cry. "You can't do this, you need this." "Listen, God told me to give this to you. And it's 10% of what he gave me to help me out. I want you to have this." I'm now bawling. (right there in the resturaunt) I was laughing and crying, I went to the bank to make a withdrawal and made a deposit instead!!!

See, just that week I went to a cheerleading meeting where shoes are $40, sweat outfits - $40, and then there's other stuff. I sat there in the chair trying not to cry, reminding myself, God will provide. He knows your situation. He is faithful. He still sits on a golden throne. Have faith. I said nothing to anyone. In fact that very day I didn't say much for fear I'd spill over. And here he goes to prove once again, "I love you and I will take care of you."

OHHHHHHH and that's not all!

Yesterday the cheer coach tells me that since her daughter is in volleyball as well (got one in that sport too) that she'll take my cheerleader to practice and save me the running. (thank you God again)

I was so grateful. Now I had a day with my youngest daughter. Poor Dink often feels she gets pushed to the side because her older sisters are more aggressive than her and Bubs takes up lots of time and attention. Here we had sometime together, I was so happy!

We went to Wally World (that's walmart for those of you who aren't - or rather won't admit that you are - rednecks) We were going to look at shoes. I get there and find out she already has shoes. We look anyhow.

Here we are in the isle having a good time. She's trying on one shoe after another. She puts on this boy shoe. I tease her, 'you aren't a boy dink, you are too pretty'. The lady in the isle tells me how her granddaughter says she's a boy - actually insists she's a boy. We got to talking. Dink asked for the shoes.

I had to tell her, you need to look at shoes for winter. I can't afford to buy shoes cause they are pretty. This woman and I continue talking. She asked why I couldn't buy them. Listen, I'm not proud, I don't mind not having much. I explained the situation very briefly and said, "she's one of four children and I can only afford to get what we need. But you know what, things will change. Right now every need is supplied, we are happy and it won't always be this way." She tells me I have a good attitude and that my daughter is beautiful. Enjoy her. Oh, I do! She goes down the isle.

Dink and I are dancing in the isle, I'm petting her head like a cat and making 'meow' sounds when the lady comes back around. Dink and I are laughing at being 'caught'. She comes up and whispers, "I like your daughter, get her the shoes." Shoves a $20 in my hands. I tear up. God does it again! "Listen, you don't have to do this," handing it back to her "we're okay" She says, "just pass it on one day." I bawled. I bawled all over that woman trying not to get mascara on her. I didn't expect it, I didn't have to have it.

What? God isn't just meeting our needs, but our wants also? How good is He?

She said, "is that enough to get a little something for the others as well?" Like if it weren't I would ask for more. This lady drove a long way to come to a funeral, and she does this? I cried and cried. (I'm crying now)

There were things I was needing to get each child. One needs this item of clothing, another needs this and that. I even got Bubs something.

Please, don't read this thinking "Oh, poor thing, she needs money. She's on hard times." That's not it. God takes care of me. It's just these times when He sneaks in and lets you know he loves you that moves me.

Reminder: God said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So, if God seems far away - who moved?

Come back.

Mighty Miracles

This is going to be a very vague blog but just know, there is an explaination for everything. Some of you should just break down, email me and ask!!

Things have changed so much in the past month. For one, my feet are healing fairly quickly. They went from OUCH to oooooooo to black and crusty to now they are peeled apart and a nice healthy purple. Smooth as a babies' butt. (I know, I have a baby)

It just seems that as things come up that are obsticles, God comes back with an answer just as fast. Sometimes, the answer comes before the obsticle. Isn't He great?

I have learned to wait. I hate waiting. Well, I used to hate waiting, now I just am not so fond of it. There are things that will come in time that are needed for forward motion in my life. There are things that need to happen to better other areas of life and there are things that are happening I didn't feel would happen. Isn't life so exciting?

I have learned so much in the past month. I have grown so much. I have become so much and I have to say this: I LIKE ME!! I like being me. I like who I am. If you were me, I would like you. I would want to spend time with you. (not too much cause I would probably get on my nerves - insert laugh)

Change is not always bad. Standing on ones' own two feet is good. Never sell your morals, never sell yourself and give up who you are for another person's happiness. You are not responsible for another person's happiness.

Pain may come in the night, but joy comes in the morning. How true. I enjoy each new day. I like watching the sunrise. I look forward to what each new day has in stall for me. I wake refreshed, feeling alive and remarkably - full of hunger.

I have delved into my new Bible the size large enough to choke a mule but full of so much extra stuff that it satisfies me. I learn. I grow. I become.

Since I made the serious changes in my life I have found these gifts so far returned:
1rst came Peace
2nd came Joy
3rd came Hope
then Strength
and now Faith

Peace - no matter what my circumstances, I have peace. It's uncomprehensible. Doesn't matter what I'm going through, who's in my face saying what, what obsticle I have to face. I am no longer a nervous wreck. I am no longer worring. I sleep at night. Something I haven't done in well over a year. I eat now, for I have an appetite. (it's beginng to show as well) I know all is well and taken care of.

Joy - this is much stroner than happiness. This is when you can be in the storm and still be happy. You can be sad about something but still have joy. It puts a smile on your face in the midst of adversity.

Hope - Oh dispair is gone! GONE I SAY! There is hope. Hope for tomorrow. Hope for another day. Hope for things longed for. Things money just can't buy.

Strength - How nice to have this returned. It came along with wisdom and direction. I'm not afraid anymore. I'm not so self-consciencous. I'm not unsure of myself, of if I can handle things. I don't doubt. I feel 10 feet tall and able!

Faith - Here was evidence of a change in me. I believe. I hold onto what I believe with all my strength. If I could wrap my arms and legs around it, I would. Faith is the evidence of things unseen and hope for things longed for. Oh the promises I'm holding onto. Let it rain!!!

If I could bottle what I feel, if I could pass on what I know and experience, the line that would be at my door. Just know, there are mighy miracles happening in my life. I'm drinking from my saucer cause my cup is running over.

Scars are Signs of Healing

I normally think of myself as an intelligent woman but recently I proceeded in a course of action that leads me to believe different. Even my girls said it was stupid. It was.

I have been very blessed with a very abundant garden. Mind you, I have worked for it. I have sweated for it and I’m so pleased to see that my work is rewarded. In one day I can harvest enough blackberries from the bush to make two batches of blackberry jam. This is my first year to make blackberry jam. I have to say that it has turned out quiet delicious!

The tomatoes. Oh the tomatoes. The cherries came on at the same time the romas did and man oh man have they come on the vine. I made two batches of spagetti sauce before the bigger tomatoes even came on. The girls will eat half a plate of them in one days setting.

The bigger tomatoes have come on with an onslaught. Dad and I picked the tomatoes and had a laundry basket full with just the big tomatoes. Together we got everything ready and we peeled, seeded and prepped a slew of tomatoes for spagetti sauce. Unfortunately none of the nearby stores had the packets we needed for the spices so I had to wait a couple days for it.

I found my mix and was ready to cook. I have so enjoyed the canning process this year. Not only is it fun, but the product tastes pretty good as well. So I measured out my pulp, mixed and cooked. Filled my jars, tightened my lids and set them in the canner for the long period of time they needed to be in there. While they were in there I made some more blackberry jam. I was doing good. We were on a roll!

Then. Oh then. I pulled my last jar from the canner and I’m looking at the porch. I need to wash off this tomato goo before it dries. So I shut off the fire, turn off the gas and take the canner to the porch. Too heavy to heave so I tilt it to wash off the goo. The same porch I might add I was standing barefoot on.

Oh it didn’t take long before my flesh alerted me of my wrong doing. I had splashed on my ankle, toes and arm. Oh my oh my! I slowly sat the canner on it’s bottom and quickly ran to the kitchen. I was standing in two pots of water thinking to myself. ‘How can I be so stupid? What was I thinking?’

After a few phone calls Dad came out with a bag of ice and some medicine. Needless to say, I didn’t get much sleep that night. I sat in the recliner with both feet in a big pot of water. Dad did his best to make me comfortable and even told me if I needed something throughout the night to wake him. (he slept on the couch)

That next morning I hurt so much. I couldn’t believe feet could swell so greatly. I thought for sure my little toes were going to shoot right off the ends of my feet! Now I have to tell you, here’s Dad throwing me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes to put me in the truck (we had to pick up the girls) and I’m thinking to myself – ‘you know, under any other circumstances, this would be so romantic’.

My feet were so tender that day that I couldn’t even stand for the air to brush past them. The past week I haven’t worn shoes once (which isn’t THAT unusual) and I’ve acquired the nickname “Hop-along”.

Through this horridly painful event, I have to say this. God has used it for good. As my good friend Missy said, “There are no conciquences. It was meant to happen.” And I would reckon He knew what He was doing because if He would have said, “I want you to . . ,” I have to admit I would have needed to seen some ‘scars in the hands’ proof. Good things have come from it and I keep in mind what the evangelist said, “Scars are Signs of Healing.”

Bubs vs Torliet

I once had a friend of mine tell me that her 18 month old boy had attempted to flush her cell phone down the torliet. She was lucky.

Bubs has a habit of going to the bathroom on his own. You can't encourage him to, it has to be his idea. I'm happy. He's getting the idea on a regular basis. However.....

The girls came and told me that for some reason the torliet won't flush. Hmmmm? Wonder why....Fiddle around with it, use the pludger....nothing. Okay, we'll wait till Dad comes home.

Dad takes a look at it and tells me to get what ever else in in there. (else....is in there?) So we girls go in to fix the torliet. (superman music inserted here)

We are giggling and carrying on. Pull out on of the boys socks. A sock. That could stop up a torliet. We flush. We rush to shut off the rising water to the torliet.

We work at it some more. We flush. We shut off water again. Dink brings in the 'plunger book'. "Mom we can do this." She opens the book to see no pictures, "Mom, we can't do this." I laugh. "Sure we can. We are women, we have intelligence, we have a plunger, all we need is hard work." (I was WAY wrong.)

Dink reaches in (she's the thinnest and she offered). Nothing. Keep at it. I'm seeing that movie Rob Sneider here plunging out the fish from the torliet when I hear something rattle. Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner! It was a sea shell.

By the end of our session, we still didn't have it flushing, but we did have three more shells.

The next day I tried again and pulled out a wooden dow. I gave up.

Dad comes home and the whole family pitches in. He's under the house tearing out the septic line, Dink is the running man back and forth, Doog-boog is sitting guard at the hole under the house to relay messages and keep the cat out and I'm up draining what water is left with a cresent wrench for the bolts in the floor when the culprit comes in. "Hi Mommy, fix torliet?" (monster.....)

Dad yells up from the floor, "BUBS!" He goes into a fit. "Daddy! Daddy, I fix torliet Daddy." (fix?)

We tear the thing out and carry out into the yard. (I asked if he wanted me to put flowers in it, hahahha!) Now picture this. Here's some redneck stuff for ya....

Dad has it angled, shaking it. I am holding the end of it up and the lid away. Dink is up to her elbow pulling stuff out and a hanger is being shoved in the back end. Someone call Blue Comedy Tour.

In the end, here is the treasure we had in our commode. One sock of Bubs. One sock of Dinks (brand new she would like to add), 4-5 sea shells, a colored rock, a one inch wooden dow, a Brat doll shoe, a toy top, and a roll of scotch tape. (the tape is what got me)

If only I had a picture.

There Is Good in My Life

As the sun was setting on July 4rth this year. The sky was lovely.

Ah, the dog days of summer. Now I remember why Spring is my favorite time of year. Does anyone know where I can move that it's Spring year round? Then of course, without a change of season, it is possible that I wouldn't appreciate it so much. Maybe a place where it's Spring 1/2 of the year?

The front plant is the lettus. Never grown lettus before. But you need something to compare to see how tall they really are...

This year's garden is the best we've ever had. I never knew that tomato plants could grow so tall. Doog-boog and I spent two whole days driving in stakes to stand them up. They were already canges but it was like putting a childs sock on a hippo. Really didn't do much good.

Forgive the blurry picture. B-bug took it and I think she had trouble keeping her hands still. Should see it close up, it's comical.

Each day the girls and I go out and gather in the garden, it has become twice a day now. The smaller tomatoes, Romas and Cherries are keeping our fridge well stocked and teh bigger tomatoes are just now coming on. How busy will we be here in a couple of weeks? I am SO looking forward to it. I already plan for spagetti sauce and we are canning green tomatoes as well. Of course there will be salsa, that goes unsaid.

We are growing peppers to be proud of. They are the length of my hand already and have a bit of a bite to them. The potatoes are about ready to be dug up, some will be harvested today for potato soup. The corn is going to keep us busy, busy, busy on freezing. I figure by the end of it, I will be happy to see it tilled under.

We didn't plant bird gourds with year, but they came back. I would make houses out of them but I was told they would run off the blue birds we enjoy so much. So far we've raised four of them.

The hummingbirds are my favorite. We keep feeders full the best we can. One day instead of the four we normally have, we had 20 of them. They must have stopped on for two days on their way elsewhere. They drained the bird feeders twice a day. It was marvelous. They are so beautiful. It was funny hearing them crash into each other. One even bounced off Doog-boog's cheek!

I had to stand really still on the side of the house to get a picture that the screen didn't interfere with. This doesn't show the 10 that were sitting on the barb wire.

The same day the bird feeder on the fence was full of company as well. We have a gorgeous yellow finch that has stopped in from time to time as well. I may need to do some research on how to encourage more to stop in.

Bubby crashed at the resturaunt so we wrapped him in a tablecloth the waitress gave us. Isn't he just so cute?

Today we will make a blackberry cobbler. I'm so excited. They are just now coming on so next week I will be very busy. Never had the privelege of making blackberry jam, but we are going to try it this year. Last year was my first attempt at salsa and it was a bit hit. The green tomato salsa was a hit as well. Yum!

The girls at our favorite resturaunt, The Siame House.

We're enjoying the outside even though it is HUMID! Wow! The past two days it's been so humid that the moisture just sits in the air, leaving it hazy. Yesterday morning there was clouds sitting in the trees. It was beautiful.

We went down the road a piece to hike down the paths. The boy absolutely loves walking down creek beds. He was in the lead and away he went with a stick twice as long as he was, jabbering away at his sisters non stop. It's fun to see his reaction to crawdads in the creek, and with the fish, he just loses his mind. His much like his mother in that neither of us like to wear shoes.

The kid is a monkey. I keep waiting for him to fall and break something. He does love being outside.

This was after our mudding trip. He loves to see this picture. He says, "Bubby dirty?"

It's nice becuase these are the times the girls talk and tell me what's on thier mind. At one point we saw a very long black snake slithering up the side of the hill in front of us. That was kinda neat because you first saw the vegetation moving before you saw the creature.

Bubs is getting better at potty training but he has to do it his way. That means he doesn't want undies on and he doesn't want you to prompt him. Just out of the blue he starts yelling, "I pee-pee, I pee-pee!!!" and then goes tearing down the hallway. It was so funny. He does this while ripping off his diaper and goes to the bathroom. He stands on the torliet and you could hear the 'tinkle' noise. Then he yells "I poo-poo!" he didn't get sat down very well because I saw both feet went up in the air. I had to laugh. Sure enough, he earned his candy. Now he is learning to put his own diaper on. Hmmm....maybe we should look into pull ups?

Dink is my blackberry picking fool. That girl gets inbetween the tomato plants that I planted WAY too close together and under the branches of the blackberries to glean what I have missed. That beautiful long hair of hers just flows over her shoulders and her eyes light up when we talk. She likes to pierce tomatoes with a fork and suck the juices out. She tells me she's a mama's girl. Awww......

B-Bug has such a personality. Of all the girls, she's the only one that opted to join my ex in Florida. Not that she wanted to be with him, she says, but that she wants to go to Florida. Could I possibly call my 1/2 sister in Florida and she stay with her? Sure. Now, how are you planning on getting down there. She also likes to mother her brother. We've noticed that she teaches him more than anyone else in the house. A...ah....apple. See Bubby? B...bah....balloon. Then she teaches him how to count.

Doog-boog harassess her mercilessly. She's becoming her own person quiet readily and it's fun to watch. She playfully picks on her mother and I'm not so sure it's as playful with B-bug. I think maybe it's cause they are so close in age. Thank goodness she's taller than me because I needed her help with the tomato plants.

It was pouring down rain while we were picking up the tomatoes that were blown over in the storm. Here were all these branches pouring out of the cages and down across the ground. As were standing in the mud we were sinking and laughing. We'd get done with one plant and couldn't pull our feet back out to get to the next one. It was fun!

Fireworks from fourth of July. I took these with just my little camera. Can't believe how good they came out.

Bubby now keeps yelling out in the dark that he wants his "booms".