hello?

It's been a while.

Summer school is over. Vacation Bible School is over (both at BAC and ESC). The kids are out at the beach with the Bloom Event that is being held for the youth.

VBS. It was good. Both of them. Chaz and Breezy both helped lead the worship portion of the daily sessions. During the BAC VBS they also were crew leaders. It is so cool to know that God is working in them and has given them a heart to minister to children. I know it didn't come from me! LOL My portion of VBS is the registration and first aid.

Since May 3rd, I've attended 5 weddings and missed 2. I'm aware of at least 3 more engagements that have occured in that time frame as well. Two of the weddings are supposed to take place before the end of the year and one next summer.

For the last couple months I have been interested in a guy at the church. He has recently come back to the church. He and I became members at the same time in '02 and he left for a season. The smile is devastating. I finally got to spend more than 2 minutes talking to him on Sunday. It was a good conversation. The subject? The defunct over 30's singles group at church and what we need for a new one. A little personal stuff about work and kids. Although there seems to possibly be an attraction, I got the impression he's not interested in a relationship. So, I can toss that to the wind. Of course, I know, it's not my timing. It's God's timing. I'm ok with that. I've been single this long, what's a while longer? I'd rather have the one that God intended for me than to screw it up again. I am teachable. It only took 3 tries to learn though. *smile*

Things have been tight around the house. No real paychecks between now and the end of August, it's real tight. The rent and the car payment is paid from my retirement check. I have a small check that comes in from some part time work. It's the electric bill, water bill, and cell phone bill that I need to come up with. Oh yeah, food and gasoline for August. Nothing too big. People tend to think I'm overly optimistic. However, I know God has provided every single year since I've been working at the school I know He'll provide again... somehow some way.

My computer is still non-functioning as well. I did 2 customer service surveys for the Geek Squad. After the first one, the manager called me and said he'd order the recovery disks for my computer. After 4 weeks, I still have not recieved the disk. I sent the 2nd survey on the 17th of this month. No response. On the 24th I emailed Best Buy. I recieved the "canned" email response saying they'd contact me within 3 days but it's now 5 days later and no word. Now to figure out what to do. My thoughts have run from contacting the channel 5 consumer department for assistance or seeing if I could start a "urban legend" all by myself. Neither ring true at the moment so I'm being patient. Out of the last 100 or so days, 42 of the days, my computer was with the Geek Squad, 30 days, my computer was not working properly, and for the last 40 days, it doesn't work at all.

I am ready to go back to work. I go back on the 13th. Breezy and Chaz on the 18th. Breezy will be an 8th grader and Chaz will be a sophmore. It is good. At the wedding this past Saturday, I was looking at a pew full of teens and realized how much I love those kids. Makes me want to cry just thinking about it. If I decide to stay with the Health Department after this year, maybe I'll see if I can move up to high school from middle school. Ya never know.

My brother will be home from Iraq for a couple weeks in August. We get regular updates through the blog that his significant other set up for him. He is safe and we are still praying for him.

Prayer. Over Spring Break, I went to our Eastern Shore Campus for a Sunday service. It was suggested that I pray Psalm 91 over my brother for his safety while in Iraq. I missed a couple days that first week but have been faithfully praying it now for 3+ months. I added my other brother, Chaz, Breezy, and my names to it as well. There is something comfortable about reading it outloud with our names in it.

Movies. The base has free matinees on Wednesdays for the first showing. The kids have seen Kung Fu Panda and Speed Racer. I saw Prince Caspian twice. I really like the movie and the soundtrack is awesome. I decided the song "This is Home" by Switchfoot would make an awesome wedding song. Guess I'll file that away for future reference.

I've got my memories
They're always
Inside of me
But I can't go back
Back to how it was
I believe now
I've come too far
No I can't go back
Back to how it was
Created for a place
I've never known

Chorus:
This is home
Now I'm finally
Where I belong
Where I belong
Yeah, this is home
I've been searching
For a place of my own
Now I've found it
Maybe this is home
Yeah, this is home

Belief over misery
I've seen the enemy
And I won't go back

Back to how it was
And I got my heart
Set on
What happens next
I got my eyes wide
It's not over yet
We are miracles
And we're not alone

(Chorus)

And now after all
My searching
After all my questions
I'm gonna call it home
I got a brand new mindset
I can finally see
The sunset
I'm gonna call it home

(Chorus)

Now I know
Yeah, this is home

I've come too far
Now I won't go back
This is home

I am thankful for my children walking with God, a home, a working automobile, friends who love us, an amazing church family, a job, sunshine and rain.

That's all for now. later gators.

Another month gone...

School is out. First week of summer is over. Summer reading camp starts next week. Two weddings down. Several to go.

did I say it's the summer of the weddings? Two in May. Two in June (not counting the one I missed). Two in July. All friends or children of friends. Or in the case of the one yesterday, a nephew. It's crazy.

And lately, I pray that God will bring someone for the kids and I. I've been reading a book called "How to live well as a Single Mom." And today, I was wondering just how well-adjusted my children are. Are they tramatized by the divorce and I just don't realize it? Are they understanding of relationships? Do they have godly role models to follow? Am I missing something that they need?

So much turmoil lately as well. A friend whose 17 year old daughter is pregnant (and I've heard of one more who is pregnant). Another friend is in the midst of a bankruptcy that they never saw coming. The friends who are ill. I know that there are things going on in the heavenlies and on earth but so many prayers are needed.

back later.

Happy Mother's Day

Love you Mom. Love you Chaz and Breezy.

I am so proud of my children. I walked into children's church this morning and Breezy was helping to lead worship and Chaz was behind the sound board. The really amazing part is that Chaz who previously had not been all into the worship or leading of it, was standing behind the sound board making the motions to the songs the same as everyone on the stage was. No one could see him except those on the stage and a couple people behind him. I think he wasn't even aware I was watching. The tears came to my eyes so quickly it surprised me.

Chaz' taste in Christian music is even changing. Changing to more worshipful music. He's teaching himself to play the guitar. He's become a viable part of the band that Breezy is in.

Breezy is writing songs. The last one she wrote was put to music while she was in Atlanta. My friend Debi called me to share the song with me. She said her cousin could not believe that a 12 year old had written the song.

I'm so grateful to God for the changes in their lives and the call of God on their lives. A few weeks ago, they let me know they consider themselves to be "pastors kids." Wow.

many pictures...

It's been a couple weeks. We've been busy as usual. Missions Conference at church, Missions banquet, soccer, Breezy's trip to Atlanta, Chaz' trip to Panama City, my trip to Fairhope. It's been good though. Lots of pictures.

Roses left over from the missions conference. A little droopy but still beautiful.

After a little work, this is what those roses look like. When they are completely dry, I intend to tie a bow at the top and hang them on a wall. For the time being, they hang over my kitchen table where my light from the 70's would normally hang.

This lovely little bird is called a killdeer. She is guarding her eggs. Can you see them? This is on the soccer fields next to our church. Someone parked their vehicle within 4 feet of her. I felt so bad. Then on Thursday, he parked there again and kids were playing around the back side of the truck. Hopefully no one disturbed them.

One of the flower pots at church. I really like the blue color of the pot in contrast to the greenery.

I've never seen gerber daisies like these but they are gorgeous. I used one of these images as my desktop at work. Last night a friend asked for the file so she can have it enlarged and hang it on her wall at home.

These are pitcher plants. Scientific name: Sarracenia. They are beautiful plants. My friend "A" wants to make a bouquet with them. too bad they are endangered.

A close up of the flowers.

Both this picture and the one below were taken at an antique and relic shop in Fairhope. The pots were awesome. Just the shape and shadows were wonderful to see.

This one reminds me that we are all clay pots that God choses to use for His glory.

This is a flamingo that I spotted on our way back to the car. The contrast between the pink and lime green is great.

I also took pictures inside Serendepity. What an adorable little shop. Beautiful windchimes and an awesome series of angels I've never seen before. When we go back next time I may buy one. The owners were very nice and let me take pictures inside the shop.

All the downtown streets of Fairhope are lined with gorgeous flower boxes and beds on the street corners. A delight to walk on a beautiful day.

A yellow rose from Fairhope. The pier there is gorgeous. They were celebrating Earth Day. I have a lot of pictures of flowers. This would be an awesome place to hold a spring wedding with all the roses in bloom.

We were in Fairhope to help with the Eastern Shores campus outreach. We got to help give away ice cream. How hard can that be? LOL

A shot taken on NAS Pensacola at Lake Frederic. I love how you can stand on the beach and see the lighthouse, the boats coming into the marina and at the same time, see planes flying overhead preparing to land on the airfield.

Alice Limpert, missionary to Tanzania, and myself at the Missionaries Banquet at the New World Landing. Alice is such an awesome lady. She is teaching the widows and orphans skills to support themselves.

I guess that's enough for now. I have to get Breezy and one of Chaz's friends to a birthday party. Chaz is playing soccer. I'll have a couple hours free before I have to pick them all up. Later

Found via Cyn at Kaleidoscope. (Then I took some more of the test on that site.)

Your Thinking is Concrete and Random

You are naturally inquisitive and curious. You're excited by new ideas, and you are a true independent thinker. You are interested in what is possible. You like the process of discovery. You are often experimenting, challenging old ideas, and inventing new concepts. Rules, restrictions, and limit don't really work for you. You have to do things your own way, and you can't be bothered to explain yourself.

What Kind of Thinker Are You?

Amazingly accurate considering there are only 5 questions.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Your Heart is Blue and Purple

Your heart is enticing and enchanting. You are charismatic, larger than life, and fascinating. You bring fantasy and romance to relationships. You're good at making someone ordinary seem extraordinary.

What Are the Colors of Your Heart?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You Are a German Shepherd Puppy

Intelligent, quick witted, and a bit aggressive. You've got the jaw power to take a bite out of anyone you choose.

What Breed of Puppy Are You?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You Are a Good Friend Because You're Supportive

You are almost like a life coach for your best friends. You give them help when they need it... but you also know when to give them a push. People tend to rely on you for moral support and advice. You've probably always been mature for your age, so this is a role that's you're comfortable with. A friend like you is one of the rarest kinds. You are both a good mentor and companion. Your friends need you most when: They are confused or worried You really can't be friends with: Someone who only wants to complain Your friendship quote: "The only way to have a friend is to be one."

What Makes You a Good Friend?

oh yeah. If you ever see a really weird IP on your blog counter/stats, it may have been me. I'm reading blogs from my cell phone at home! LOL

stuffeth

It's been busy lately. Sometimes too busy.

Most of my family come into the area tomorrow. We are all getting together with aunts, cousins on Saturday to wish my brother the best. He's headed to Iraq in April to do counter IED stuff.

We got a new car last Monday. At least new to us. It's a 2005 Ford Focus that had 18,500 miles on it when I bought it. I filled it up for the first time on Friday. 27 mpg. Of course, 300 miles in a little over 4 days is crazy!!



I also picked up a camera. I have been wanting one with decent zoom to take better pictures with. I broke down and bought it on Wednesday. It takes gorgeous pictures. Check these ones out.

This was taken from across the water yesterday. It was WAY off in the distance. I was actually surprised when I realized it was the blue angels plane at the front gate of NAS!! LOL

This is Breezy and Chaz. They were sitting on a "couch" that was made out of sand. They had a blast for Easter playing in the sand.

And this is the fire on Perdido Key last night. If you click for the larger version, you can see the firefighter on the roof near the flames. Crazy I know.

Easter was fabulous. We spent it with friends. Breezy and Chaz spent the whole afternoon on the beach playing in the sand with some of their friends.

I've had several interesting conversations about marriage recently. The first was a few weeks ago. A friend and I were talking about someone getting married and I told her I already had the draft for my wedding invitations done. I dreamed about them in May 2005. A few days later, she called and asked if we could get together and talk. Eventually the conversation came around to the invitations. She said she had never thought of me as getting married. When I asked why, she said I seem so content. I told her I am. If God sends me a husband great. If he doesn't, we're still good. She asked what I was looking for in a man. I told her "nothing" and she looked at me like I was kidding. No, not kidding. I told her the only thing I really asked for was someone who knew I had a compulsive need to make stuff. After that, it's God's problem. (My spiritual Mom prophesized that God would send someone to us who loved me like Jesus loved the church and he would love my children like his own.) I figure God's got it under control.

Today, a different friend called me all excited. She said she had a dream last night that she was planning my wedding reception. She said we had the hardest time getting together to plan it because of all the stuff going on. Then she told me what he was wearing in the dream and that she didn't see his face. I laughed and told her it's ok.

Just makes me laugh. :o)

God, today I'm so thankful for my children and the friends you have brought into our lives.

Anyway, it's nearly time to pick up Chaz from soccer practice and head for the volleyball game.

Only 3 more workdays this week! Yah!

too much....

to remember it all.

Our tax refund came in. Both Chaz and Breezy got the money I owed them for various things over the last couple months. A and I placed a bead order. Those should come in on Monday. We all tithed on what we received.

I got a new phone, a Moto Q. It wasn't what I went in. I wanted a LG Scoop, but after looking at the things I can do with a Q, I decided to go route. I have to keep an eye on our any time minutes. Normally, we only use 350 of our 1000. Now we only have 500 any time a month. My poor cell phone service though, the battery wouldn't hold a charge... for anything. So they replaced the battery, then they replaced the phone and finally, they put the mother of all batteries (MOAB) on the back of it. It's keeping a charge now. The salesman kept asking if I had ever been struck by lightning. Nope. Been shocked but not by lightning. Guess getting shocked/electrocuted can affect how batteries & watches work around that person. heh.

Later today, I'm headed to Hobby Lobby to pick up the supplies for "Chick Night" at church. I'm going to help the ladies make a bracelet. "A" suggested getting about 10-16 inch strands of beads, 20 charms, and toggles to make 20 bracelets. She said if all the bead strands and charms weren't used, I'd be able to return them. Good idea. I may even look into ordering them from Fire Mountain. Never know.

I've gotten to catch up with a couple friends over the last week. One of them has a beau. I'm excited for her. She's such a sweet lady and so deserving of a wonderful godly man in her life. The other friend has recently suffered a disappointment in her ministry and needed encouragement. I believe that whatever God has for her is bigger than the disappointment. God's time, not ours. That's the hard part.

More later. I'm thinking.

Visit Mugs of Truth




Busy busy week again. Last week was FTE week. Don't ask me what it stands for. I have no idea. But in that week, we total all the medications we give, all the special procedures, tally all the allergies, adhd, etc numbers, and add in the number of students actually visted the clinic and turn them in. Final total: 348.

Saturday was WinterJam at the Mitchell Center in Mobile. Phenomenal!!! 10,500 people inside. The estimate for those turned away because there was no more room was 3,500-4,000!!!! The artists were amazing. I went mostly because I wanted to see MercyMe and NewSong. The worship was incredible. I have to admit that Skillet was probably my favorite. The pyrotechnics were WOW!! 15 foot columns of fire along with water mist and some sparkler type thingies. And I actually knew 4 of the 5 songs they did. Way cool. We went up with a group of 45 and another 40 or so from our church joined us there.

I managed to get my taxes filed finally. The free efile from Turbo Tax wasn't working for me this year due to a change in the way I had to file the bonus from the school so I used H&R Block as a friend recommended. Very good. We should have our refund back by the 21st. Yah! Part to the church, part to the kids, a bead order, and possibly a down payment on a car.

We are praying about a car. New or used? I don't want a huge payment so it's really weighing on me. We have got to replace the van. It needs a transmission and there is something seriously wrong with the undercarriage/frame.

I've also been sort of agitated lately. The single life and singles ministry has been on my mind. I'm torn between if the agitation is that I'm still single after being alone with the kids for 8 years or just agitated because something is missing or I'm waiting for something to happen.

I also realized I'm starting to pick up on other's emotions/feelings again. For a while I believe God softened how strongly I reacted to others emotions/feelings. But it seems to be getting stronger again.

I've been reading my Bible in the mornings after I get to school. I usually have 20 minutes or so of quiet time before my day officially starts. It's been good.

There's a song out that I think is just the bomb-diggity and I can't find it to download from iTunes or Zune. Paul Alan's "To bring you back." Awesome song. Now if only I can find the lyrics or at least the download so I can type out the lyrics.

prayer and stuff....

Hostrocket is the bomb-diggity. I couldn't get into my heartrunes account over there and they did a great job of getting me hooked back up with it and it took very little time. So I'll be updating my about me page soon (about time).

Please be in prayer for my brother. He recieved orders to Iraq. He's supposed to leave on 31 March for training and then to Iraq. He's supposed to be gone for 311 days total. His significant other is not taking it well. She is talking possibly moving back to this area. If he picks up warrant officer in February he won't go. Otherwise, he'll be doing counter IED work. I don't understand this as he's a cryppie.

Thanks.

testing

new things. Just signed up for MyBlogLog. I'll see what that's all about.

Past time for me to update my about me page. I'm 4 years older than it says. Ooops! Just have to find somewhere to host it as I've forgotten my passwords for hostrocket.

Might add a couple links to other places I belong to but not sure yet. Requires more thought and time than I'm willing to put in tonight.

Later gators.

interesting....

week. Work was slower than usual. Thank goodness. FCATs are coming up in a few weeks and things will be slower then. While I'm not fond of FCATs, I do enjoy the quiet.

Breezy and I have had our go arounds this week. Hearing her tell me to "shut my mouth" was one of the highlights. It took a lot of restraint not to hit her. She ended up grounded. When she apologized she told me she understood that she still could not go to the birthday party that was being held on Sunday. However, when Sunday rolled around, it got ugly. From "I hate my life" to "you hate me" were things I heard. I tried to talk to her but she wouldn't listen to a lot and finally I gave up and walked out of her room. About an hour later, she came out of her room and apologized. She climbed in my lap and we talked for 20 minutes or so. I talked to her about punishment and how it isn't right for me to let her do everything she wants to. I talked to her about responsibilities and the differences in how I grew up and how she is being raised. The difference between being grounded and being beaten. The differences of growing up with alcoholism and carrying more responsibility than a child should have to carry. I think we made some headway. Time will tell.

Breezy has band practice today.

Chaz has a soccer game in Niceville. I can't say that I'm particularly happy about the soccer season. I've seen more poor sportsmanship and lack of respect than I've ever seen on a playing field. From the player who stood beside Chaz on the field and called him "fag" the entire game to the junior varsity players on a different team sitting in the bleachers yelling "wanker" at the referees. Players from our own team acting like jerks when they ate out while on the road and acting so badly that the school was called and a complaint filed. The results of the complaint is that the boys can no longer eat out when they are on the road. Then there was the player who put plastic in the tail pipe of the bus as he came off the bus. I saw 7 yellow cards fly at the last game. There were actually punches thrown on the field and yellow cards given. The players who were yellow carded played the second half of the game. Hello? What happened to accountability? I'm at a loss as how to handle what I've seen occur this season. Chaz on the other hand is optimistic of the things to come next season. My hope and prayer is for accountability for both the players and coaches, better coaching, and better refereeing.

Anyway, gotta go for now.

imagine my surprise...

when I turned on my computer and discovered someone around me has wireless that is accessible!!!! Yahoo! I'm not sure if I'll use it much but hey, for tonight it was a wonderful surprise.

I told my friend and her fiancee that I couldn't be a bridesmaid yesterday. They both took it well. They had decided to pay for the gown for me to be in it and she apologized about the tattoo thing. It made me feel better to know that they wanted me but I still know that I need to step back. I can do something perpherially, like make the invitations (which has been on her mind) and possibly necklaces/earrings for the wedding party. Am I crazy?

Tomorrow night is 80's night for the youth. Breezy is all excited. She's going to wear her skinny legged jeans with leg warmers and who knows what shirt. I got her some black eye liner and blue eye shadow to try as well. I told her not to get used to it because it would be a few and far between thing.

Chaz won't be there. He has a soccer game and I'll be at that as well. I think the season ends next week and I can't say that I'm sorry. It's been an interesting season. I hope and pray next year's season will be better.

Both the kids signed up for volleyball at church. Now whether or not they are on the same team is yet to be seen. I hope they are. It will make games/practices better.

Last week was another milestone for me. It's been 3 years since I had my last drink. A 1/2 glass of red wine. Red wine has never been my favorite so it was no loss. And before that it was a 1/4 beer in June 2004. Somedays I think, man, a beer looks good and then I think, shy on earth do I need alcohol at this point? I'll abstain. The kids and I do drink sparkling cider on special occasions though. :o)

Well, let's see if this thing will let me post. The connection is "very low."

evaluating...

This morning I woke up with a sick feeling in my stomach. As I sent a small prayer heavenward, I had to stop and think "what is my ulterior motive if I say no to being in my friend's wedding?"

I was surprised to have been asked to be in her wedding in the first place. I consider us friends but didn't realize that she considered me close enough to be a bridesmaid.

All this time, I've been listening to the wedding plans and trying to figure out where all the money I'll need will be coming from. The $170 for the dress and then I'll need the associated undergarments because nothing I own will work with the dress. The fittings. The dress I'll need for the rehearsal dinner/masquerade party the night before. The hotel for a couple days. And the expenses keep piling up. And then, where do I leave the kids? Is it right to bail on them the weekend school gets out? The tattoo thing is also bothering me.

So is the tattoo thing just finally putting it all into perspective? Was this just the last straw on the camels back of trying to figure out how I do this?

I'm not currently rolling in dough. I know I'm in the job God wants me in right now. I feel that was confirmed again last week.

And to add salt to the wound, my son last night asked me why I didn't get him both things he wanted for Christmas. He's not normally greedy about things so the question caught me off-guard. I asked him if he realized that I had spent "x" amount of money on both he and his sister? It got under my skin bad enough that I couldn't speak for a while. Finally I told him that he had money coming from his Dad and with that money he could buy the other gift he wanted. I told him I was sorry I used the money up front on bills and Christmas. He apologized later on but it made me feel about that big.

Ever feel like your failing left and right? Today and yesterday would be that day.

God I know you are there. I need the right words to say to my friend when I tell her I can't be in her wedding and that she will recieve them in the right way. And God, send the right person along to help the kids and I. I usually just laugh off this "man" thing. But God, we've been alone for 8 years now. Well, alone without a physical husband/father in the house. I know You are the Great I Am, the Great Physician, the Comforter, Healer, Provider. I know things are in Your timing. And for the most part, I'm pretty content. But this has been a rough week already and we're only a week into the new year. Is this a year of "no?" I've already said "no" to the job offer that while it was flattering, I knew wasn't to be. And now to say "no" to being in a friend's wedding. Sometimes I just want a little more light on the path... wherever it's going. Is there a light at the end of this tunnel?

27 Dresses

I am so going to see this movie. Next weekend. For fun. For laughs. So because I'm about to be a bridesmaid in May.

This is the dress I'm supposed to be wearing. (and no I'm nowhere near that size.) It's very low cut in the back I've been told. AND I am supposed to use some sort of whatever to cover the tattoo on my left shoulder. I'm currently at a loss for words as how to answer.

more later.

Happy New Year 2008

A Year of New Beginnings!
Chaz and Breezy are at one party and I'm at another. I'll leave in a bit and go and join them.

Hmm… we get the feeling that Christmas isn't really your area of expertise, but that's not going to prevent you from celebrating. You love trying new things, and this year, you're ready to bring your own special touch to the holidays. If it doesn't work out (let's say, hypothetically, that you end up ruining everything), you might want to leave Santa in charge of future gift-giving. On the plus side, your unorthodox approach to the holidays might just win the heart of a secret admirer! Keep an eye out for sweet, sorrowful rag-doll types.

Found over at Candy's.

home again

We've made it home. The kids are at friends' house already. I'm sitting at Martelli's enjoying some time on the net and coffee.

Christmas was good. The kids made out like bandits this year. Their aunt and uncle (my sister and brother) got together and got them both a $100 gift card. Breezy's to Old Navy and Chaz to American Eagle. We converted Breezy's to an Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic card. Grandma and Grandpa gave them both a gift card to Best Buy. Another aunt gave Chaz an Itunes card to use with his Zune and Breezy a card to Claires. Last aunt gave Chaz some clothes and Breezy a couple snazzy little purses for Breezy. Last brother is taking them to the Senior Bowl on the 26th. This is the second year they get to go and they get to go to the meet and greet with the players before the game as well.

In February, they'll both get $150 each as well. Their dad sent money that we used on bills and Christmas so I give them the full amount when tax refund comes in. On top of that, I'll add another $50 so they'll get a little shopping done then. I'll send them with friends though. I'm not sure I can handle the mall any more!

I got a gift card to Martellis, Target, and Joanns. I gave the kids money to buy me gifts. They did well. Breezy picked out the awesome pottery I showed her at Cordova Mall and Chaz chose a set of plates in my favorite color from Target. They both visited the glass blower booth at the mall. One piece says Mom with a heart and rose and the other is a brightly colored rooster. What they didn't realize was I used to collected the little glass blown pieces and had given them all away several years ago when we didn't have room for them. So these are extra special. :o)

I played 313 against my sister yesterday and this morning. Final score? Me - 4 wins, Her - 10 wins. So to say the least, I've had my tail kicked at cards this week! LOL

And the funny part of Christmas was Sunday night. We've had our tree up for 2 weeks with just lights on it. Sunday night I went to the laundry room to get the decorations and found the bag of beads that has been missing for 7+ months!!! That bag of beads has been a running joke between Andrea and I for months. And now I find it!

I did make 2 bracelets, 1 anklet, 3 pairs of earrings and 3 necklaces in the last 2 days. The one I'm wearing is the boldest. It's got tiny seashells, orange, olive, and turquoise glass beads, wood beads, some coral, a few pewter beads, and some little tiny birds made from shell. I think it's the bomb-diggity. Andrea will laugh when she sees it. Those orange beads are another running joke between us.

The other two necklaces are 6 feet long. One in black and red using red coral, new picasso jasper, and black glass beads. The other is peace jade, amethyst, and glass beads. Both of these have little birds in them as well. I'm hoping to sell them both. My sister seems to think I need to charge $60 a piece for them. We'll see.

Last week was the 5 year anniversary of my divorce. February will mark the the end of 8th year I've been single parenting. It's been tough. Sometimes I get frustrated being alone. I feel majorily unappreciated. Other times, I'm very content to be a single parent. I don't have to deal with things other single parents have to deal with. You know, like the kids being at one parent's house one week and the other parent's house the next week. Two sets of rules. We have one set of rules. Mine.

I'm trying to raise my children to walk with God. He is the final authority on things in our house. If their dad was involved, then we'd have one house following God and one who's not. And in that house is an alcohol problem and a lack of respectfulness. I'm not sure I could deal with that. So I'm grateful for being alone in that way.

Still.... One day.

God, I am grateful for a year of new beginnings. A year of the new. A year of changes and things to come. I am grateful for my children, my family, my church family. I am grateful for a great job (even when I don't feel appreciated).

kids

Here's a pic of the kids from the youth Christmas party on the 16th. The pics aren't quite lined up as Chaz is almost 8 inches taller than Breezy. But good nonetheless. And Breezy actually had on a dress! yah!

Merry Christmas....

I'm sitting with a friend at Martelli's enjoying coffee, conversation, and a surf around the net.

The surfing part found this unique piece at Etsy. Absolutely fabulous. And pretty reasonably priced too for the uniqueness.

I have only 2 gifts left to purchase for Breezy. A pair of straight leg jeans and a hair straightener to go. My little girl is becoming a girly girl although she'll deny it! LOL

Chaz's gifts are done. I picked up the Zune two weeks ago.

It's been a good lead into Christmas though. I got several gift cards. Walmart, Target, Joann's and Martellis. The Walmart one went on gasoline (ugh) and food. Martellis was half used this morning. I didn't expect anything but got majorily blessed. I'm so grateful. :o)

My sister was supposed to come down today. Things have changed and now the kids and I will spend the weekend by ourselves which isn't necessarily a bad thing. We'll get a little shopping done. I'm going to take them to the mall and give them money to purchase gifts for each other. I'll probably give them money to spend for me. Who knows what delightful thing I might get? LOL

Christmas day, after gifts are open, we'll visit friends around the west side of town. Quiet and busy. Tis good.

Almost time to head out. Merry Christmas!

I forgot to post this last night so here are my thoughts/happenings for the last week. Imagine my surprise when I could get to Blogger from work. *thud* LOL

- - - - - (yesterday's post) - - - - -



Yeah, I know it sounds lame but am I inspired or what? My mind kicks into overdrive when I see some of the beautiful things made on etsy.

Thanksgiving was good. My mom and her husband, my brother and his SO, my sister and her 2 sons, and Breezy, Chaz, and myself. Everybody brought something (or several somethings) and nobody slaves over a stove for hours before dinner. What more can you ask for?

Friday, my sis wanted to go Christmas shopping so I joined her. It's going to be an Alabama Christmas around my house. Chaz wants a Zune and Breezy wanted "a shiny ring." I managed to get the ring but missed the special on Zunes at Radio Shack.

Saturday was Casting Crowns, John Waller, and Leeland. I had no idea that the song I've been singing for weeks was by Leeland. The concert was hemmed in prayer. Someone from Premier Productions came out before the concert started and prayed over the concert. John Waller led off with a song called "blessings and curses." It really gets you thinking whether you're speaking blessings or curses over your own life, the lives of your children, friends, family, etc. Leeland was great. Casting Crowns. They were phenomenal as always. This is the 5th time I've seen them. Music that worships God and makes you think at the same time about your walk and how you are affecting others. Their second set after the World Vision break was great. Before they ended, they prayed over the audience. Prayers for children, families, marriages, youth, pastors. It was awesome.

I got to go to dinner with PB and RF before the concert. The company was fabulous. The food delicious. Can't ask for much more than that. :o)

Chaz has been moved up to Varsity full time as of yesterday. He's been catching grief from some of the guys because he's been floating back and forth from JV to Varsity. He's getting huge amounts of play time as well. I told him that it took everything I had to keep from saying something to several young girls who were mouthing off about him during the first game. Breezy said the same thing about some of the JV boys who were complaining. We both decided we didn't want him to catch more grief over being a "momma's boy" or having his sis stick up from him. He told us last night that had that occured, he would have turned around and told them "at least my mom and sister care enough to stick up for me." How cool is that.

Breezy has her first chorus performance coming up. She's not particularly pleased about the dress but she looks so good in it. This afternoon, a friend from church is taking Breezy out for the evening. They are going to visit the friend's beautician and have their nails done and maybe Breezy's hair cut/colored (normal colors). Breezy is so excited.

- - - - - (end yesterday's post) - - - - -

Well, it's Friday and I'm grateful. Chaz played soccer last night. He's seriously disheartened. He was on JV and got to play quite a few games with the Varsity and was playing the majority of those games. He was officially moved to Varsity on Wednesday and spent less than 22 minutes on the field. He wants to move back down to JV and feels as if he wasn't need.

Breezy had such a good time with our friend. Her nails are a lovely shade of dark blue. Her hair has been trimmed/cut and highlighted slightly. She looks like a million bucks. Oh wait, she always does! LOL. They also made a trip out to the mall and she got a pair of straight leg jeans. Boy is she excited about them. She says they are the most comfortable pair of jeans ever. She revised her Christmas list (did she have one?). She wants another pair or two (if on sale) of them. That may be doable.

I spoke to my two sisters who both live in this area. It looked like we weren't going to get together for Christmas at all due to conflicts in schedules and/or transportation. It's settled now and everyone will be coming to our house on the Sunday before Christmas. The kids and I will get to attend the first service at church and my Mom will work half the morning. Our hopes are my youngest sister will be able to get off work. We'll say a prayer for that.

Today was supervisor visit for work. She got here before I did (and I get to work around 7:30) and was already meeting with our nurse. I guess she did everything she needed to before I got here because I only spoke with her for a couple minutes. *shrug/head scratch*

Well, I'm outta here this time. We have soccer tonight and nothing to do tomorrow but clean house and put up the Christmas tree. Sleeping in is on the agenda. *s*

etsy and beads

I am surfing etsy again. When I found this necklace, it made me smile. Just fun. Something a little out of the ordinary.

And it reminded me that when I make someone something or make something to sale, I want the person to smile when they see the piece of jewelry and enjoy wearing it. Or enjoy giving it as a gift.

Last night and earlier today, I made an amazonite necklace, bracelet, and earrings. I wore the necklace to church and a lady offered to buy it. Then asked if I would make earrings and a bracelet to go with it. (I'll post a picture later.)

I can now say I've made my first pair of earrings and I'm thinking I need to make more. I've been wearing the same pair of post type earrings for months. Maybe it's time to switch to something different.

We are out of school this week. The kids will stay home tomorrow while I come clean up in the bookstore/tape store at church and train 2 new people to work in it. Yah! Volunteers! We needed someone new to help. :o)

We are also really looking forward to going to my sister's and Mom's over the break. Thanksgiving will be at Mom's and we'll spend two nights at my sister's.

Time to go. My son is starving again. Can't keep him fed. *sigh*

creativity

This is my first pottery piece ever. It's sitting on my desk at work. The top of it is actually a lime-ish green. Very cool.


This is the first thing I've made with my new beads. Driftwood, amazonite beads, african turquoise beads, a sterling fish bead and two sterling round beads. I'm wearing it today. My friend thinks I'm a nut but no biggie. She thinks that most of the time! LOL


I need to redo this one. I twisted the pendant portion of it too much and it is near breaking. Seashell, ocean jasper, and amazonite.

On to the next thing!

creativity!

My mind is spinning. Oh wait! That's nothing new.

Yah!

My friend's son has been located. He managed to find an apartment to rent and sent his mother and caseworker an email saying he found it. She still has not talked to him but is very happy he has been found. She and her significant other canceled their trip overseas during spring break so she could go look for him. Now she will go see him to help him set up instead. Thank you Lord!!!!

Chaz played soccer with the Varsity team tonight. They won. He played with the JV team Wednesday night and they won as well.

Today is BEAD DAY! Our bead order came in. I was rather surprised to see one of the strands I wanted the most I had not put on our order. Next time I guess. The amazonite is gorgeous. I'm excited to make stuff now.

I'm headed home from A's house soon. She's gone to pick up one of her kiddos.

See ya later. Maybe from the coffee shop tomorrow?

worship

If anyone reading is a praying person, please keep my friend KB's son in your prayers. He is an autistic adult who has been living up north for all of his life. He has recently become homeless and his caseworker cannot find him. His Mom is worried sick. The temperatures in their area has been in the 30's. Please pray that he is found quickly and in good health and for KB to have peace. Thank you.

I'm sitting at church listening to the youth band warm up for the worship service tonight. It blows me away every time how good they are and how they lead the youth (and grown-ups) into the presence of God. Gives me goosebumps thinking about it. I'm ready for tonight's worship.

Tomorrow night is night of worship for big church. All three campus worship leaders get together to lead worship for an hour and a half. Very good.

Report cards came out last week. Breezy made A/B honor roll (GPA: 3.71). Chaz had 3 A's, 3 B's and 1 C (GPA: 3/14). This is much better for both of them this year. I'm so proud of them. Yah!

Almost time for me to go pick Chaz up from his soccer practice. His first official game is tomorrow. He's going to be playing with jv. Later.

tired of...

The old layout. While this one isn't perfect, I like the different header image. I didn't like reading the text in the title. Ya know, needed a image. Corrected the Globe of Blogs link.

Maybe I'll play with it later. I've not figured out this css stuff and it's downright confusing. I may have to get a book to figure it out.

The kids and I, and a friend and two of her children are headed to the Old Farmhouse Craft show. Never know what you may find there.

It's a gorgeous weekend. I think we need to be outside since I do that so little.

whoa...

God is good all the time. Even in the middle of my stuff, He's good.

School is going well. Report cards come home this week. Chaz made the soccer team. He'll be alternating between the Varsity team and the Junior Varsity team. Breezy is singing with a youth band at church and they'll get to sing at the church's FunFest on Wednesday. They've been practicing hard.

I'm actually typing this entry from my laptop. Yes, once upon a time I said I'd never own a laptop and if given one, I'd sell it and buy a desktop. But over the last few months as I think about college and convenience, a laptop was looking more and more sound. 2 weeks ago today, I thought abut that vow (yes, that's what it was), I realized I needed to break the vow. So I prayed and asked God to forgive me for making the vow and broke it. A few days later, I was visiting a friend and the conversation turned to computers. I told her I was looking to buy a laptop with my tax refund check in February. She offered me a computer to use until then and pulled out a Sony Vaio laptop. As we were cleaning her stuff off the hard drive, she looked at me and asked if I would be offended if she offered me the laptop. She said she'd understand if I said no because I wanted to pick out my "own" laptop later. I accepted! This computer is so much more than anything I would have bought with my tax refund. The screen is huge! There is still warranty left on it and it's transferrable. (Already got a new battery for it) What a blessing! She's the bomb-diggity! She told me that since she uses an apple it's harder to transfer back and forth to the Windows platform. Yah! Thank you for my friend and thank you God!

Casting Crowns is coming in concert next month. A friend and I decided to go but had not purchased tickets yet. Today, I got a phone call from someone who said he had 3 tickets to the concert that were available. They had been given to him to bless someone else. Whoa! Yah! So, my friend and I and the friend who gave me the laptop are going to see Casting Crowns next month. My favorite group!

We are doing the Truth Project at the church. Last night we saw the "how great is our God" video done by Louie GiglioThis" is a great description of it by Kyle (google is your friend). WOW! God is so cool. And to think the stuff that holds us together is Laminin and it's shaped like a cross and the cross holds us to God. Dude. Way cool.

Work has been busy. But I discovered something last week that I didn't think about for the first two months of school. My computer was changed out over the summer from a full size (HUGE) monitor to a flat one. What a difference in the clutter on my desk. There is none! I moved my pampered chef pen/pencil holder to a side desk and when I come in the office, my desk is clean. It's a pleasure to come to work and see the desk empty. The days have been flying by. I'll look up at the clock and it'll be 12:20 p.m. and I wonder where the first 4 hours went! It is good!

Anyway, that's enough for now. I am wonderfully made and wonderfully blessed. I have two healthy children (one of which turned 15 last week). I have a great job that I like almost all the time. I'm part of a beautiful church that preaches God's word and reaches out to others. We have a great home, a vehicle, amazing friends and family. God is good!

Busy week both at work and at home. A few new discoveries. A few lessons. Just what we all need. Right?

Pastor Josh preached the first part of "Welcome to the Family." God brings us into His family and calls us to love one another as we love Him. How we have a tendency to allow gossip to color our world and view of others.

Unfortunately, I have done that a couple times in the last year. I've been guilty let someone else's personal feelings color my view of people. People who while I didn't always agree with what they did, I knew they were good and godly people. And for a short time, I viewed them differently. Both times God pointed it out to me rather sharply. Ouch! I'm sorry for listening to the gossip, participating in it, and acting on it. Sorrier for not listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit this last time that it wasn't right and listening anyway.

Pastor B is preaching on "How to Ruin Your Life" today. It's part 3 of the series. How negativity can ruin your life. He talks of how Paul was in prison and didn't let being in prison ruin his life. How Paul could have been negative and angry over being in prison yet he chose to worship God. He wrote the letters to the Corinthians.

Three of the ladies from the choir sang "Anyway" by Martina McBride. What an amazing rendition. I'm glad it's going to be on today's recording of the service. So good, I can't wait to hear it again the second service!

You can spend your whole life building
Something from nothin'
One storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway

You can chase a dream
That seems so out of reach
And you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway

God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway

This world's gone crazy
It's hard to believe
That tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway

You can love someone with all your heart
For all the right reasons
In a moment they can choose to walk away
Love 'em anyway

God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
Yea - I do it anyway

You can pour your soul out singing
A song you believe in
That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway
Yea, sing it anyway
Yeah, yeah!

I sing
I dream
I love anyway

Last night we attended a get together at our friends' home to celebrate a birthday. The birthday girl turned 20 and is from Japan. The Japanese hold a big coming of age celebration when they turn 20. There were around 30 people ranging in age from 11 to 50 at the party. Good food, DDR, ping pong, air hockey, movies and mostly good company. I didn't think I was ever going to get my kids to leave. We finally made it out of the house on the 3rd try at 11:15!!! I'm pretty sure they'd stay there all the time if I gave them the chance. Heh.

I discovered a marvelous coffee shop on Navy Blvd about a mile out the front gate of NAS. It's called Martelli's. The atmosphere was wonderful. The music was Frank Sinatra and some other singers from that era. There was a warmth to the place that made you feel at home. The pictures on the walls were vintage black and white photos of the family. Old cameras and a phonograph were part of the decor. There was actually a decorative fountain in the middle of the room as well. Lovely chess boards on a couple tables so customers could play a game. A few other board games were available as well. Free wi-fi too! The pumpkin patch mocha latte was yummy! A friend of mine told me that he and his wife go there on Sunday after church every now and again for lunch. She told me this morning that the prices are excellent and her kids love the food too. Sounds like something I need to try with Chaz and Breezy.

Got a haircut (or two). Feels like a ton of weight has fallen off my head. Whew!

Work was busy too. One of our "clients" this week was a teacher with a pretty good size "boo-boo" on his leg. He had fallen off his bike a week or so ago and the pedal gouged his leg. Then he fell while playing basketball a couple days later and reopened it. By the time we saw it, it was red and angry looking and most likely infected. He had to have been in some pain. Friday he made a doctor's appointment to get it checked. We'll find out tomorrow how bad it was.

Well, the service is nearly over and this set of DVD's is nearly done. Hafa Adai and Sayonora!

Oh yeah, I realized two weeks ago that I've been divorced for nearly 5 years. For some reason, I thought it was only 3 years. duh.

I've been trying to head home for 2 hours and we're still here! LOL

I'll write more tomorrow!

do you ever wonder?

wonder if someone cares? You know they do but it's something so far in the distance that it doesn't feel like it? I feel that way.

what a month...

And that is has been... a month since I showed up here.

School is in full swing. We drop Chaz off at high school each morning and then Breezy and I continue on to our school. She doesn't get to sit in my clinic but sits in the room right outside the door. It still doesn't completely please me but at least we have some time before her day starts to talk.

I changed a few things in how I pray for them each morning. On our way to drop Chaz off, I pray for Chaz specifically. For wisdom, peace, discernment, teachable spirit and that people would see God in all that he says and does, and for protection. Then between there and Breezy and my school, I pray the same over Breezy. Slowly their are new changes in their countenances. Good changes.

We've had our first Take Stock in Children meeting. Chaz has a new mentor. We had wanted to stay with the one from last year but that wasn't to be. Maybe this is an opportunity to reach out to the old mentor as a family instead of just an hour a week with the mentor alone? Breezy hasn't met her mentor yet but should this week.

We had the opportunity to meet with some of the international students from UWF a couple weeks ago. Some friends of mine have been working with Friends of International out of Mobile. Friends of International ministers to the international students at USA in Mobile. These friends are looking to establish the same type of relationship with the international students of UWF here in Pensacola. The get together included approximately 15 students from Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Sweden, along with my friends, my children, and two other missionaries who are associated with our church. What an awesome time together. Time spent just talking, eatting pizza and ice cream, and playing games like pool, ping pong and sumo wrestling. You know, the blow up sumo suits? Well, that's an experience in itself. I'll have to find the pictures to share. It was hilarious.

The awesomest part of this is that Chaz who has always been against my idea of traveling back to Japan to live and work has decided he wants to learn to speak Japanese. YAH! Of course, he wants to learn Spanish as well. Breezy can't wait to go to one of the get togethers again. Which is a huge relief because I took both of them nearly kicking and screaming "I don't want to go!!!" LOL

Our pastor is celebrating his 15th year at our church. There will be a special concert tonight by Rita Springer. Yah.

Rita Springer and the rest of the Fragrant Oil team was here the end of August for a women's conference. Over 500 women came to be ministered to and refreshed with God's word.

A men's conference of not quite so many men was held a couple weeks ago. I suspect the majority of the men weren't aware I sat through the entire thing in the sound booth. God really spoke to me through the words the pastors preached. There are several things I need to deal with from my past that I thought I was over but realized I wasn't. It also reminded me that although it seems I am always with Chaz and Breezy that our time together isn't always quality time. Now to work quality time back into our schedule.

I am thinking of starting college. I'm 44 and have been fearful most of my life about college. Sounds strange but it's true. I once wanted to study art but feared that I would get there and be told what I do is crap.

The really sad part is that I can close my eyes and see a scene from 6th grade at the elementary school I attended and the word crap being used to describe somethings I had drawn. The exact person, the room, every detail so clear. Like it was yesterday. As I spoke to someone in our church about this last Sunday, she asked to pray over it with me. When she started praying, tears welled up in my eyes and I could feel the release from the fear beginning.

How often do we (me included) let the fears of the past haunt us in our living today? Way too much in my case. It's time to move on.

I skipped....

posting on my birthday. Yes, another year gone by. I turned 44 last week. It was good. A friend took us out to lunch. Hugs from my kids. Being sung happy birthday to by the VBS crew and sharing it with a gentleman whose birthday was also the 9th.

I went back to work today. Within a short time I was rather angry. Breezy cannot sit in the clinic with me any more in the mornings. The bad part of that is we are out of district and I have to provide transportation for her. It appears that she will be staying at a friend's house in the mornings and riding the bus with a friend of mine's daughter. It disappoints me alot and I know that it disappoints Breezy. Chaz got to sit in the clinic every morning before school and she can't for her last two years. I feel like she's being cheated of that time with me in the mornings.

In other things, last night was the dry run of Crossover at church. Our youth program is moving to Tuesday nights from Wednesday nights. It was awesome. Crossover has a youth band that absolutely was phenomenal last night. The prayer was awesome. I'm going to work the Turn Life discipleship program, greeting and altar ministry. Chaz is working media and Breezy will work check-in.

Well, shoot, need to scoot for now. more later.

Another week....

It has been a good week.

A movie...

Lunch with a friend and an early birthday present...

A little time spent beading. This is a necklace, anklet, and bracelet made from golden jade, tiger eye, and aventurine. It's got an oriental feel.


We went to Johnson's Beach for a birthday party yesterday. First time I've been to the beach in a couple years. I'm not particularly fond of the sand or sun for that matter. LOL The party was good. The kids had a blast. The grownups played a few games of Mexican train.



This pic is the kids goofing around at home. They're quite the clowns when they want to be.



And the last pic is one of my favorite pics of the summer. It's a little off center but too cute. Not something I made but way too cute. LOL



I've decided to make bracelets for my sister's for Christmas. I'm working on the supply list so I can place an order in September with Fire Mountain Beads.

No clay class this week because the teacher had an emergency. I may make vases as well for everyone.

I'm sitting here watching the kids practice their new drama for youth. I'm wondering when they'll actually do this one. Our new youth night kicks off on the 21st of this month. One whole night dedicated to the 6th through 12th graders. It is good. Chaz will be working the cafe, Breezy with the registration, and I'll be working greeter and TurnLife/altar ministry. Keeping up with the youth will keep me on my toes and my knees.

My nephew is now in my favorite place.... that'd be Japan for those who don't know me. He climbed Mt. Fuji in his first month there. I can't even begin to imagine having climbed it without climatizing first. Whoa.

About time to scoot. Small group starts in less than an hour.

welcome home....

Chaz and Breezy have been home for two weeks now. I barely recognized them when they came off the plane. Both have grown at least an inch and in Breezy's case, I think it was two. All the changes were not good. Breezy came back with an attitude that needs adjusting. She also brought back two pairs of shorts that aren't fit to wear in public. She said her aunt told her they "covered everything." Not! Nothing modest at all about 1/2 the clothes she brought home and she brought home alot.

VBS finished. Over 450 kids visited for at least one day. The high day attendance was 381. Low day was 331. That's alot of kids!

This has been the summer of the movies. With a friend's help (she works at the Rave so gets free admission for herself and a friend), I've seen Ocean 13, Nancy Drew, Live Free or Die Hard, Evan Almighty. Also seen Shrek 3, Spiderman 3, and Surf's Up. All of them were good.

We're supposed to go see Harry Potter 5 this week. And I read book 7. Very good. It's going to make it hard to see the rest of the movies with some of the plot lines that tied up in the 7th book in the back of my head.

Well, I'm off. The kids have a CORE meeting at the church for youth and I have a School Advisory Committee meeting at the same time.

Whoa.... 328 kids at VBS today. 418 registered. It was busy! But man, was it good.

My sister is going to bring my nephew down to stay so he can go to VBS also. She'll be here in a couple hours to drop him off.

Breezy and Chaz will be home tomorrow. I love them dearly but have been amazed by the number of people who want to meet them at the airport. At least 15 kids have asked about going to the airport. One of them is working VBS and can't leave until noon so his mom is actually going to pick him up and drive him out instead of him riding with me since I have to leave early. I talked to his mom at lunch today about it and she and I both were sitting at the end of the table crying. It makes me cry just thinking about it and typing this out even now. God is so good and He definitely has His hands on my babies.

I'm headed home. Sis called and wants me to meet her at O'Charleys for dinner and then pick up her son. That works for me.

Mingle² - Blog Rating

That was the frivolous part of the morning.

VBS. Whew! It starts Monday. We didn't get out of the church until a little after 1 a.m. this morning and were back early for the kickoff meeting.

The copies are made. The Sanctuary is decorated already. Atrium is done. That leaves the individual rooms still need to be done.

There are over 200 kids registered already and we're expecting another 150 kids to register on Monday morning. Whoa. Kids!

Breezy and Chaz get back Tuesday afternoon. I talked to them on Thursday and they are having alot of fun and aren't ready to come home.

Outta here again. Time to go bck to work.

stuffeth...

We got notification Tuesday that Breezy recieved a TSIC scholarship! YAH God! It pays for two years tuition at any junior/community college and two years at any university in the state of Florida. This is the same type scholarship Chaz has already. What a blessing!

Spent Tuesday evening with my Mom and her husband, my sister and her sons. Then to my sister's house to spend the night and play cards on Wednesday. Drove home around 7 p.m. and had no desire to sit in the heat with 100's of people so I skipped the fireworks and watched the Boston Pops/fireworks on tv.

Today has been spent doing VBS stuff and having my eyes reexamined. I'm still having trouble with my vision. We'll see what happens with the corrected glasses. Say a prayer.

Tomorrow... more VBS. Saturday... VBS. Sunday... VBS. Monday.... Tuesday.... Wednesday.... Thursday.... Friday.... Yup, you got it, VBS.

Chaz and Breezy get home on Tuesday. I'll leave VBS early to go pick them up. Their dad flew back to England last Saturday. I know they had a good visit. He told me I did a "good job raising them."

More later. Time to get back to VBS. Of course. *s*

Happy Birthday Baby...

Breezy turns 12 today. She's visiting with her Dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in Washington/Oregon.

Her dad took her golfing (in Oregon) for her birthday since that was what she wanted to do. Her birthday party will be in Washington tonight.

Chaz played golf with his dad on Friday (Saturday?). They took 1st place in the tournament they were playing in.

Their aunt sent me a picture of all of them today. Their dad's hair is turning gray but he looks almost the same as he did when I saw him last in 2001.

Two more days of summer school and then the rest of the summer is off. Agenda is working in the library at church, Vacation Bible School, and a few movies possibly.

I have a friend who works at a movie theater. One of her perks is free movies with up to 3 people. Last week, she and I saw Ocean 13 and Nancy Drew. I liked them both and will most likely buy Nancy Drew when it comes out on video. We're going to see Evan Almighty tomorrow and planning on seeing Ratouille and Live Free or Die Hard next week.

Still need to upload pics of the last two clocks I made, the prayer window and possibly the "dead tree" I'm working on.

Time to scoot. VBS work to do.

so good...

While I have been freaked out over the rent payment and the kids being gone, God has had it in His hands all along. Thank you Lord!

gone....

Breezy and Chaz made it to Seattle intact. They didn't have a lot to say about the flight other than they were the last ones off the plane.

Their aunt says Chaz looks just like his dad and Breezy is nearly as tall as she is.

It was hard putting them on the plane. Strange to get up and know they weren't in the house this morning too.

kids and conference

Chaz and Breezy leave tomorrow to head northwest. I'll drive them to the airport in the morning and put them on a plane. It's been a rough last couple days. I'm nervy although I know they can handle. Can I?

We were planning on going home to finish getting packed and they asked to attend tonight's session of the conference at the church. Then told me that they wished they were flying out on Friday instead of Wednesday so they could participate in the whole thing. wow.

As the worship began, the clouds began to come in and it seemed as if they were the heaviest over the church. Then came the rain. God is so good. We need the rain in more ways than one. We need the rain to water this earth that's so dry from the drought we seem to be in. And we need the rain of God in our lives to refresh and awaken us.

sunsets, rainbows, trees, life

It has been a good week. Slowest week of work ever. I only saw 5 kids the entire week. Really. So instead of taking care of kids, I helped in the office by sorting supplies, answering phones and taking muster (or attendance for those non Navy folk). It was good.

The prayer board is finished. A friend gave me some chicken wire and let me use her staple gun to put it together. It looks good sitting on top of my bookcase. I'll take a pic later and post it. Monday, I made 112 tags that I can use to put prayer requests and pictures on. Decided the back of the tags can be used for addresses too. I'll make a little box to drop tags in that have answered prayers whether yes, no or you must be kidding!

Wednesday I stopped by an antique store off of Navy Blvd and found an old Womans Day magazine from March of 1967. The picture of Easter eggs decorated as butterflies caught my eye but when I read the first article listed I knew I needed it. Title? "what tv is doing to your children" Um, that's good. Also found a farmers almanac from 1971 and a book of 55 community songs. Both are aged well and will make nice additions to clocks, cards, and collages. Not decided yet if I'll make copies and age the copies or use the originals. What to do what to do.

Today scored big too. I've been driving to school all week up and down the same road and today, I saw the perfect tree to put in my bedroom (I know it sounds funny but that's ok). I've been wanting a branch to stand in the corner of my bedroom and hang birdhouses, pictures and a couple little mushroom birds on. This tree had been cut down earlier this week (last week?) but not well. The leaves were all dry and falling off but the trunk hadn't been cut well. So I phoned a friend who brought his chainsaw and finished cutting it for me and he trimmed off the top 2 feet of it. We got it in my van but couldn't close the back so I drove all the way home with it open. No broken windows fortunately.

On the way home, there was the most beautiful sunset ever over Perdido Key off Lillian Hwy. And then, there was a double rainbow. It's the first double rainbow I've seen in years. Only the left hand side of it was visible but it was gorgeous. Got pictures of both. I'll get them uploaded later and add them.

God is so good. He brought rain, a trip for my kids to see their dad, a dead tree for my bedroom, sunset and rainbow, a job for part of the summer. I am blessed coming and going. Friends who care, who pray with me, laugh and cry with me.

One pair of friends we had dinner with last night. The husband was a friend when I was in the Navy way back in 1982. The wife I have met since they started attending our north campus. The kids swam, watched movies, and played while they and I discussed music and God. It was good.

The kids leave Wednesday. It will be strange for them not to be around. I talked to their dad a few days ago. He still didn't have his ticket back to the states. I let him know that he needed to be sure he came home to see them. I'm not sure what their reaction will be if he doesn't make it there. Say a prayer for them and their Dad. It's going to be an adjustment for all three of them. Breezy and Chaz are pretty well grounded in God and pretty opinionated as well. They've not seen him in 6 years.

What will I do with all this free time? I signed up for Blockbuster Access online. Star Trek Voyager is the word of the day. My goal is to make it through at least 2 seasons of the show while they are gone.

Also thinking about attending The Call in Nashville on 07.07.07. Haven't made the final decision yet but it may be the breakthrough I'm needing with God.

Today I'm thankful for my children, friends, and rainbows.

it's been a week. Schools out. funeral. another death.

need some prayer. alot. alot.

Nan passed away on Monday. She was a wonderful woman with a huge heart. Devoted mother, children's pastor, teacher, and so much more. She will be greatly missed.

Her homegoing ceremony is tomorrow at noon.

Rest in Peace my friend.

catching up....

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Couple things I had forgotten to post.

1. I've been saved 5 years today. God chose me first. I didn't chose him first. I have been reminded of this in the last couple weeks and it's true. While I know I have grown in my walk with God, I still feel I am missing alot. There are things I could do to help grow more but I let time slip through my fingers way too often. Thank you God for your mercy and grace.

2. I paid off my van last Saturday. Yes, the van that was nearly repossessed in February. Got the title. Thank you Lord.

3. Breezy and Chaz will be flying to WA/OR to see their Dad and his side of the family in a couple weeks and will be gone for 27 days. In 2001, they saw their Dad in England for a month. In 2002, they stayed with my sister for two weeks. Since then, the longest I have gone without seeing them has 3 days for Night of Joy at Disney and 2 days for ATF. They spend the night with friends regularly but that's not the same. This is a major step for me. Letting them go this time is hard. They are older. They will have access to stuff I know they shouldn't be seeing or partaking of. Prayer. A lot of it. Breezy and Chaz have been praying about visiting with their Dad for years. I know because a friend of mine who works with children and youth ministry has heard their prayer requests.

4. School gets out on Thursday. I'll be out for the last week of May and go back to work on the 4th of June. I'll be running a clinic for summer school.

5. There is a teacher at the school who I think is flirting with me. You know it's been a while since I've been out or flirted that I don't realize it until I walk away and think about it for 10-15 minutes. Duh. Flirting used to be a huge part of my life before I met the kid's Dad. After we separated in 2000, it became part of my life again. In 2002, I stopped flirting. Every now and then I catch myself and think man, what are you doing?

6. I get my glasses this week! YAHOO! I'll be able to read without fighting to focus!

7. I went to the beach yesterday for the first time in years (other than church picnics). I'm not particularly fond of sand but it was nice out and the kids wanted to go. They were with the "other Deb" and she called to say she'd take them. I ended up meeting them at the base. I got some great pictures of Breezy, a few of Chaz, and some super pics of the base lighthouse. You know, the one that they no longer do tours of? I'm glad we climbed it years ago.

8. Last but not least, se are praying for a friend at our church. The prognosis is not good. We are believing for a miracle. She and her husband are children's pastors. She is a home-schooling mom. One of the sweetest people I have ever met. She is in hospice care as of this weekend. Prayer. A lot of it is needed. Her name is Nan.

Well I won't pretend to know what you're thinking
And I can't begin to know what you're going through
And I won't deny the pain that you're feeling
But I'm gonna try and give a little hope to you
Just remember what I told you
There's so much your living for

There's a light at the end of this tunnel
There's a light at the end of this tunnel for you
For you
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
Shining bright at the end of this tunnel for you
For you
So keep holding on

You got your disappointments and sorrows
You ought to share the weight of that load with me
Then you will find that the light of tomorrow
Well it brings new life for your eyes to see
So remember what i told you
There's so much your living for

There's a light at the end of this tunnel
There's a light at the end of this tunnel for you
For you
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
Shining bright at the end of this tunnel for you
For you
So keep holding on
Keep holding on

So remember what i told you
There's so much your living for

There's a light at the end of this tunnel
There's a light at the end of this tunnel for you
For you yeah
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
Shining bright at the end of this tunnel for you
For you yeah
There's a light at the end of this tunnel ooh
For you, for you yeah
Shinging bright at the end of this tunnel
For you, for you
So keep holding on
Keep holding on
Keep holding on now

You got your disappointments and sorrows
I'm gonna try and give a little hope to you

Artist: Third Day from the "Wherever You Are" album

How can I be so encouraging to others yet so hard on my children and myself?

Happy Mother's Day

to my mom, my sisters, and all the other wonderful mom's out there.

I'm in a strange mood still. I've been online but there's not alot of pleasure from it lately. Even NTWS, ASB and SCS aren't doing alot for me. I don't think I remember a time in the last 8 years that the internet has bored me.

I have managed to reread the last 3 HP books in preparation for the release of HP5 in movie and HP7 in book form this summer.

The ex-inlaws and I are working on the kids tickets to Washington/Oregon for the month of June. Amazing but that trip is only 3 weeks away. What a change it will be for them, their dad and for me. I've not been without Breezy and Chaz for longer than 3 days since 2002.

My new glasses will be ready in about a week. I took the old ones to the place where I got them and no one could explain the reason for the script that was in them. This assumption that I cannot use my left eye aggravates me. I just want to be able to see and when the new glasses come in, I will finally be able to read with both eyes. (strange but true)

Time to go. Second service is over and people are looking for stuff.