Pink and Green Polkadots

NEW Etsy Shop

2010-02-24T13:41:00.002-07:00

If anyone is still reading my blog - you should check out my friend's new etsy shop! She is making these adorable (because she is really talented) mini albums that all you need to do is add the pictures and the journaling! Check her out -

A Walk to Remember

2009-10-05T12:56:00.006-07:00

Hi - let me introduce myself for those of you who have forgotten me since it has been 9 months since my last post! My name is Pinky and I am a WIDOW. (That word used to send shivers up my spine.) I am a new person! I have become a different person out of neccessity - I used to be Brent's wife but am now a widow. I used to be a parent in the home where there was 2 parents - now I am a single mother of 3. There used to be 2 persons that made me who I am - NOW I am but one person. These things change you - there is no denying that! Oh, the old me is still there but there is a new layer that is deeper and hopefully more compassionate.

Over the last 2 years I have grown immensely in my walk with Christ. I have learned things that are so dear to me that I would NOT trade them for ANYTHING! I have learned what it means to TRUST the One, that no matter what happens in life, is worthy of ALL trust. I have learned that I belong to God and all that I have belongs to God and that is such a FREEING way of thinking. I have learned that my life is NOT what I expected and in fact it is more beautiful than I expected EVEN though it is painful. I have learned that when you walk so closely with God you can't help but to talk about Him to whoever will listen. I have also learned that God has given me such an amazing group of friends. So many of you seem more like family than friends. I cherish each of you - even though at times you might feel more neglected than cherished!

PERSPECTIVE - this has got to be one of the biggest things that God has been teaching me over the last 2 years. I know that I tend to look at my life from my own perspective - and from my perspective it just doesn't make sense why God would take a man with a family in the prime of his life. However; when you change your view to God's - then it seems an honor that God would use Brent to reach so many for Him in such a powerful way! AND it gives purpose to the suffering. I think we get tied up in what we feel we are owed (i.e what we want for our lives vs doing what God wants us to do)to see past OUR own desires. My pastor, just recently in a sermon, said that sometimes we determine our needs - when in fact, only God has the right to determine our needs. God alone knows our purpose and what we NEED to fulfill that purpose! He even said that if we are true believers that we don't ultimately need to breathe! Bold, huh?! Think about that for a while - let that set in! The only real reason we would NEED to be alive is if we didn't have Christ in our lives.

Last year we ran away to Pheonix with dear friends to somehow avoid this day of remembrance BUT this year we will be staring down its throat. The kids are all planning on going to school. "A" wanted to make shirts we could all wear on Wednesday in honor of her dad. There is even a soccer game after school. After the game we are going to go to the cemetery with Brent's parents and stand around a stone in the ground and hold hands a remember God and what He has done for us this year! We will pray and most likely there will be a tear or two - but this year I am not afraid of that. Matter of fact I cherish it and am looking forward to it!

I know have grossly neglected my blog. Please don't misinterpret this post as a new beginning for my blog. I don't know what is in store for this blog - but for now it is an avenue for me to remember!

Blessed beyond Measure!

2009-01-19T19:30:00.004-07:00

We have been blessed yet again! More Water and the Newnam's, from our church, outfitted the kids with snowboards, boots and binding for this upcoming snow season - which starts Saturday! I don't even know what to say - we thank you from the bottom of all our hearts! My kids are sure to be the coolest on the slopes!

Is is Saturday, yet?!!

I'll Be Home for Christmas - if only in my dreams!

2008-12-28T21:35:00.003-07:00

Since my daddy was stuck in Houston for Christmas and very sad he couldn't come home to be with his kids - his kids took the camera with them everywhere they went and made him a little video. Hopefully, he feels like he didn't miss out too much! We love you, Daddy and missed you and mom alot this Christmas!

Happy Birthday C-BUG!

2008-12-12T22:14:00.002-07:00

Today Cbug turned 11! I know it is so clichesque to say that time is really going so fast - BUT I IS! IT feels like just yesterday AND eons ago as well - that I was taking little tiny A to gymnastics on a December morning and timing contractions thinking that today could be the day! All of the sudden I realized that I had better get some Christmas shopping done after gymnastics because if this was the day then I was hosed - I knew that as soon as the sweet little CBUG made her appearance - I would NOT be thinking much about buying presents! So, off little A and I went to the mall - still timing mind you and calling Brent every few minutes to tell him they were still going strong! You see - there were still 5 days left before her due date! After I got most of what I wanted to get done at the mall - I made a final quick phone call to Brent and told him to meet me at home - where I wanted to clean for a while before we headed to see the doc!

Once we got to the drs - they made us wait in the waiting room for 2 hours!!!! You see, I didn't feel any pain JUST contractions! So the stinkin nurses didn't think I was in labor - Brent whispered in my ear to make faces like I was hurting so they would take me seriously! They finally got me back in a room about 4ish and as we were heading back the nurse looked at me and told me NO WAY was I in labor - sure enough CBug was born at 6:14PM - less than 2 1/2 hours later!

She has such a sweet heart for others and has brightened up my life! I am so thankful that God chose her to belong to our family! My prayer for her is that she will always have a strong connection with God and that He will use her mightily!

Happy Bday - SWEETIE!

(we had another dance party that involved the wave, balloon baseball, ice cream cake - thanks to Erin - lots of loud screaming, and of course DANCING!) I took lots of pictures but I am still in the same place with being able to upload them - I thought I had worked that out BUT not so much! maybe you can check here and here for pictures from tonight's festivities!

Another SECRET SANTA Post!

2008-12-11T19:08:00.001-07:00

Because you went to the back door this time (good thing it was dark when you were running off because we totally saw you! just couldnt tell who you were!) you totally missed the cupcakes and card we had at the FRONT door waiting for you!

Secret Santa - this one is for you!

2008-12-09T20:10:00.003-07:00

You (well three of you, anyway!) were almost caught tonight! You guys are super SNEAKY and are making this super fun for us! I actually found myself singing Christmas songs tonight coming home from the grocery store! So, thanks for that!

We can't put the picture of us in our reindeer headbands up because - well, if you read the post below you will see that we can't upload pictures because I can't find the wires I need! go figure!

Don't let the fact that we are trying to catch you keep you away! See ya soon! Oh - and if you find a bag already on our porch - it's yours!!!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-02T18:30:00.002-07:00

In defense of myself - I took a picture of my shopping outing to ABQ Uptown and I came home fully anticipating on uploading it - BUT can you believe - I can't find the cord that plugs my card reader into my computer to upload the STUPID picture! And since I was so defeated by this turn of events - I boycotted the whole picture taking process TODAY!

My daddy is back in Houston on his 2nd round of "24/hours a day for 5 days chemo drip". Pray for his strength and that God would have mercy on him and keep the side effects minimal. WHOAAAA - what am I saying? Pray that God is so gracious that He keeps the side effects completely AWAY! Thanks

2008-11-30T19:12:00.002-07:00

So, it has crossed my mind that I am totally neglecting my blog - anyone else feel that way about my blog? Well, I noticed that some of my bloggy friends are doing this challenge. Maybe I just need a challenge to revive my blog. So - tomorrow starts day 1! Check in on me and see if I can keep up!

Thank you, Chad!

2008-10-27T07:32:00.001-07:00

Check out Chad's super sweet post about Brent!

2008-10-25T14:44:00.002-07:00

Please join me in prayer for Grant's little brother Ryan, who died this morning. He was 17 years old and so full of life just like his older brothers, Grant and John. Ryan is united with Christ now and hopefully will find his way to get to hang out with Brent, too!

It seems like God is taking our group through some really deep trials - such a season of suffering for my group of friends. I think He is deepening each of our faiths in such huge ways. It makes me think so much of my own homecoming!

My Dad found out this week that his cancer is back and so he is heading back to Houston to get going on some major treatments (PLEASE KEEP HIM IN PRAYER!) He is doing very well and is heading into this fight with God on his side! I am so super proud of my dad and his walk with God.

Our lives are journeys and it is what is on the road of our journey that counts - not just the final destination! It matters what we do with our journey. It matters that we TRUST our God to show us the way and let Him protect and guide us. In order to do this - we must completely empty ourselves of ourselves and let God work IN us. I am so glad that I am not alone - because this journey isn't EASY and sometimes it is a bit scary and a bit painful! BUT it is worth every STEP! I know I am rambling a bit and maybe not making much sense - but my heart is a bit heavy today!

AMAZING GRACE

2008-10-07T22:53:00.010-07:00

I woke up in the middle of the night with that hymn "Grace, grace, God's grace . . ." in my head and it made me contemplate grace. I can't even begin to imagine where I would be today without God's grace. It is by God's grace that He gave me His strength, His courage, His patient endurance, and His joy these last 12 months. I am eternally grateful for God's sweet provision in my life and I never want to be the person I was before - God has "grown" me in such an amazingly perfect way for ME. I want my life (ALL of my life) to be a testimony of who God is and the tender mercy He shows His children.

Our day was perfect (except that A's phone broke!) We played in the pool, floated down the lazy river numerous times, sat by the pool and napped by the pool. The resort is beautiful with tall palm trees and the sky was an amazing shade of blue today! The kids made a music video - but I can't upload any pictures until I get home tomorrow - so make sure you check back for pictures. I can't thank each of you enough for your faithfulness in lifting us up in prayer. We can really feel your prayers.

NOTE THAT I KEEP ADDING NEW BLOG POSTS BELOW!!!
Check out Megans post , Kelly's post , Haley's post, LivPurple post, and my sister-in-law's post regarding this one year mark!

2008-10-05T20:26:00.003-07:00

We are leaving in the morning for Pheonix where we will be met with WARM weather and a really really FUN water park! If you think of us - please pray for a sweet, fun, memorable day - I have no doubt that God will fill us each of us with His peace as He has done over and over this last YEAR! I treasure each and every one of your prayers and precious support over these last 12 months. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Edie Needs. . .

2008-10-02T15:20:00.002-07:00

Megan, Jasmine and Kelly have done this and maybe some of you that I haven't checked in on a while - but I thought that some of these were super funny so . . .

You just type in your name "needs" in the google search box and see what comes up. here are some of the ones that came up with my name

Edie needs. . .
a green frog outfit by Friday!
a friendly voice
someone to boss around!
a loving and permanent home
more friends
legs (seriously this was one!)
to get a life!

SO by far my 2 favorites are the green frog outfit and the legs! which are yours!

2008-09-25T17:28:00.002-07:00

I thought it might be about time (if anyone is still reading my blog!) to let you know how I am doing in the midst of this month that I thought might take my breath away! Anyone interested?

God has been absolutely AMAZING? Are you surprised? I am seeing a pattern here! I wish I had a nickel for everytime I have said "God has been absolutely AMAZING!" during this last year! He continues to be gracious to me. I was so totally dreading this last month and would you believe that is has been a beautiful month?! I was just thinking about how FAITHFUL God is - I can tell you, I am so not faithful to Him. BUT He continues to be to me! I am NOT dreading October 7th at all! I am actually looking forward to it! I am not sure I can explain it - except to say GOD IS AMAZING! (although, don't stop praying - your prayers are lifting me up - keep 'em coming!)

2008-09-11T06:55:00.002-07:00

My goal today is to keep my eyes open for blogworthiness! I am taking my camera with me and I intend of capturing something blogworthy! So check back to see if I actually did!!!

WELL - so nothing really blogworthy about the day BUT here is a picture from last weekend of my 3 sports animalS!!

NEW BLOG LOOK!

2008-09-08T20:49:00.003-07:00

Yay for the easy button! My girlfriend Erika changed her blog and posted about it and so I checked it out and the hardest part about it was deciding on the background! There are sooooo many to choose from and they are all FREE! Did you hear that? FREE!!!

The website is Cutest Blog on the Block and they are! They have very easy and simple instructions! So, let's see who gets a new blog look in the next few days!

2008-09-02T09:49:00.002-07:00

Here we are - already September. A mere 37 days left until we hit the 1 year mark. Can it already be so? My soul is heavy and I am on the edge of tears these days. I think that a year seems so long and at the same time seems so short. So much has happened within this year - I am learning how to be a person apart from my husband. I am having experiences and meeting new people that have never met my dearly beloved. IT is WEIRD and when I think about it in these terms it makes me want to SCREAM! Then God gently reminds me that this is ALL for His glory! Please lift us up - I am in desperate need of your prayers!

2008-08-20T19:27:00.002-07:00

Could you please keep my sweet friend in suffering in your prayers! Her husband died one year ago on August 20. She has been so faithful to God and through her blog she has shared some of her soul with the blogging world! I know this is a super hard time for her. Here is her link if you want to check in on her and come away feeling as if SHE has ministered to YOU!

10 Things I have Learned Walking with God on the Path of Grief

2008-08-10T20:51:00.004-07:00

A good friend of mine asked me to speak to some women in her town last Thursday. I was so excited to get to share some of what I have gleaned over the last 10 months about my God who has been so faithful, tender, compassionate and loving! It was soooo neat meeting some of the people who have been praying for me and my family and don't even KNOW us! I thank each and every one of you have that has been praying - we FEEL and KNOW your prayers.

The main focus of the talk was 10 things that I have learned this last year. There are obviously many more than just 10 BUT I am sure people wouldn't want to sit there and listen to me for so long - so, I kept it to just 10! I am just listing them without any explanation - maybe one day they will be chapters in a book!

1. God grants us the grace, the strength and energy needed for our circumstances.
2. God wants us to follow Him – trust Him – no matter our circumstances.
3. God showed me that I can soar on wings like eagles, that He would RENEW my strength, that I could run and not grow weary, that I could walk and not be faint EVEN and ESPECIALLY in circumstances such as these.
4. God makes us BOLD when we depend on Him.
5. That Brent's death is God’s PERFECT and Holy plan for my life and for my children’s life.
6. That trusting God does not equate to ease! But in the long run it does! It is easier to trust God NOW then to trust Him after the fact! The blessings are fuller and richer by trusting Him amid the storm.
7. I have learned that this year has been beautiful and fruitful and I am sad it is coming to an end! I have learned so much of God's grace, mercy, compassion and love through these hard months!
8. To look at life through His glasses and not my own! That it is out of His unfailing love and mercy that He does anything for us. He wants to shape me and mold me into the person He wants me to be – a daughter who reflects the glory of her Father!
9. That God grants peace and joy even amongst so much pain.
10. That I belong wholly to my God and that I am not my own.

New Contest!

2008-08-10T13:01:00.002-07:00

Guess how long the new addition to our family will live! Her name is Peanut!

2008-08-04T10:33:00.003-07:00

thought about applying for this one!!!!

(saw this hand painted sign hanging from a tree on the drive home from Rockport! anyone happen to know what "muy catalica" might mean? Jill? anyone?

Texas sized FUN

2008-07-25T17:37:00.005-07:00

Here are some pics from the last couple of days - I added a sweet girl who isn't a cousin BUT still had great cousin fun with us! Thanks, Megan for hanging out with us! Sure hope you get to come see us one day!

We are off to the Texas coast in the morning where Hurricane Dolly was so polite to hit shore BEFORE we got there! We are sure to have some great TEXAS fun on the coast!

TEXAS!

2008-07-24T08:10:00.003-07:00

Here we are in Texas! We just got here yesterday - we have big plans of hanging out with cousins, sailing with cousins, swimming with cousins, movie watching with cousins, playing tennis and volleyball with cousins, and more hanging out with cousins! This is our last fling before school starts. We get back the Friday before school starts - I will try to post during our trip -BUT I have made those promises before and they turned out to be empty promises. Who knows! I just might surprise you!

(please NOTE my HEALTHY dad!)

Also - check out what my friend, Denise, commented on the last post! It must've been something she read somewhere - CAUTION, it might - just might - move you to tears!

PSYCH!

2008-07-15T20:45:00.005-07:00

Turns out - Brent isn't really dead after all! He has been in San Jose vacationing! I recieved a PARKING TICKET that he got on June 16, 2008 for letting his parking meter run out!

Jan - at least it isn't a warrant for his arrest!

edited to say - ok! so he is still dead in body BUT quite alive with CHRIST!

ONE MORE EDIT: I called the ticet office in San Jose and the lady told me that it was a simple mistake of the ticket officer writing down the wrong liscense plate. That he must have messed up on one of the numbers. YEAH! Because even though I thought it was funny - I wasn't looking forward to the mess of dealing with it! Thank you, God for a little humor in my life!

What happened to RINGO?

2008-07-13T07:26:00.003-07:00

I am super slow these days - as evidenced by my blog! I just now noticed that I don't have a header anymore. Anyone else noticed?! I have seen that before but just thought my computer must be acting up or something like that - it turns out that my header photo was hosted on ringo and now they have decided to END the ringo website altogether! It doesn't really affected me too much - just my header BUT I think of all those people who had put their photos online at Ringo! WHat happened to their photos?! They simply vanished into thin air. BACKUP - I think is the word for the day! Remember to back up your photos. Have I backed up my photos you ask?!! NO! But this makes me think -

I will get around to making a new header BUT til then enjoy the grayish blueish plainish header thing going on!

6 weeks!

2008-06-30T12:29:00.004-07:00

Can you believe it has already been 6 weeks since my dad got his wonderful news that his cancer was ... well not growing and not cancer?! Remember how the drs told him to come back in 6 weeks because they were so flabbergasted and not sure what to make of this man who came in needing a bone marrow transplant and within 2 weeks of testing had made a remarkable turnaround! Well, today is the day that he goes in a finds out the results of the test he had done last Wednesday. Obviously, we are praying for complete restoration - maybe you could too?! I am so thankful for the network of prayer warriors God has graced me with. Prayer DOES make a difference. He is with the dr right now as I am typing this - I will update when I hear something!

(updated . . . )

****GOOD NEWS ****
I heard from my dad tonight and he said that the cancerish thing is still shrinking and that they want to see him back in Houston in 4 MONTHS! Thank you, God for your sweet mercy to my dad!

We are HOME

2008-06-22T22:07:00.003-07:00

We made it home late Friday night - after 2200 miles logged on the road! We were very glad to all sleep in our own beds - BUT we miss our friends already! Don't worry, sweet friends that live here - we will not be moving! We might spend one month a year on the west coast - but NOT 12!

We had a geat time and it is late now - so I will post more later. We have a quick trip to El Paso tomorrow to see the Newsboys in concert and then I will post some pictures and details - maybe even a movie from our trip!

Quick Update

2008-06-15T20:14:00.002-07:00

We are totally enjoying our California vacation and we are more than halfway done now! Each day has been filled with sooooo much fun - we are overloaded on fun but still hanging in there! I do not have easy access to the internet - that is why there has been no update! We will be home later this week and I will make a movie with all our pictures so keep checking! We miss everyone at home but have totally loved seeing all our family here in California! God has totally blessed us over the top with friends!

Broken In Revisited Part 3!

2008-06-07T20:48:00.003-07:00

We made it to California - boy was that a long drive! My NEW (make sure you read that right! NEW) car did great BUT while we were driving somewhere in the desert a rock must have hit my windshield because NOW there is a 12-16 inch CRACK (make sure you read that right! CRACK!) in my NEW car's WINDSHIELD! What is up with this car?! I have never ever - ok! wait just a minute - I am having a thought! Well, to be honest - the ford taurus that we had overheated quite a bit, the mazda overheated quite a bit, the headliner thingy on my plymouth sundance fell and we had to staple it back up - it looks like maybe I do have issues with cars!

New Coyote Blue

2008-05-29T09:10:00.004-07:00

Post from C girl!
Well as some of you know I was going to try out for Rio a club soccer team. Tryouts were yesterday and I was very nervous. I hadn't slept well for the past couple of nights,so it was kinda hard. When we got there it was very windy. It was the very first time I had gone to tryouts. It was also kinda crowded. There were 3 coaches to get on a team. 18 girls were at the tryouts for my age group. Only 11 would make it on the 3 teams. So I guess you want to know all I did at the tryouts right? Well the 3 coaches warmed you up then they put you on 4 teams to play a little game of soccer. They had to see who works well with each other. Well after tryouts one coach talked to the parents and said thank you for coming out. After that I was a little disappointed because they didn't tell us who made the team. We might had been at home not more than 10-15 minutes that the coach called us and said that I made it - now I was very excited to know that I made it.I am on the Coyote Blue team.

Broken In REVISiTED

2008-05-28T21:32:00.002-07:00

Well - yesterday, Brent's birthday, was a hard day for me. Not so much for the kids, but definitely for me. It just seems that some days the reality is a little much. Anyway - I had been on the edge of tears all day. We made our cake and picnic and headed down to the cemetery to meet up with Brent's parents. But before we got there - AND while we were stopped at a red light - some woman REAR ENDED us! OOOH did I forget to mention that we were in the NEW car! IT didn't really do any damage - and we heard it more than we felt it - BUT it was just what I needed to go ahead and push me off the edge and into the tear ZONE! I cried so hard that that poor lady didn't get the nice ME at all. She got to know all about how new my car was and just where we were heading! BUT the crying did feel good and I woke this morning alot lighter than I awoke yesterday!

Anyway - Megan thought that the last post titled Broken In was going to be about my NEW car in an accident instead of just getting stuck in the mud - SO, glad not to disappoint this time!

Happy Birthday My Love

2008-05-26T22:17:00.000-07:00

Jeff Probst

2008-05-25T13:55:00.004-07:00

"Dude! It's Jeff! Jeff Probst!! Right there - right in front of you!!!" said jumping up and down!

I absolutely heart God's sense of humor and his freshness! I stole this pic from Kandid Kiwi's blog - in order to get the wholeness of this you MUST go over there and READ her blog.

Of all celebreties for this particular group to see - this is the perfect one! Who would have ever thought. For those of you that simply don't get it - we have hosted Survivor parties for the last 8 years every Thursday night! Brent sent in 2 audition videos - we have decided that the reason he never got called in was because his job title was just too boring! AND these are some of the Survivor Gang! The ones that weren't there are quite JEALOUS!!!

They told Jeff all about Brent and he seemed genuinely saddened. They chatted Jeff up for quite a while AND then managed to get the group celebrity shot!

First Day of Summer Vacation

2008-05-23T20:37:00.004-07:00

So much for warmth and sunshine on the first day of summer vacation. At 2pm - PM mind you - it was 43 degrees. We had NorthWEST weather with lots of thick clouds that hung over the city and sometimes sleet with some thunder. However, this was God's hand and our land is in huge need of this kind of weather. BUT the proof is in the picture. On our way to our picnic tonight this is what we saw - a FULL rainbow. Full in form and color! It was absolutely AMAZING and I made A stick her head out the sunroof in the rain to get this picture. (I said, "do it for the blog!") It looked like you could find the pot of gold at the gas station at the end of the street! It was so beautiful and this made this weather day sooo worth it - not to mention the sunset it caused at the end of the day! Thank you, God for giving us little gems like this - help me to be more aware of these gems!

Word for the Day

2008-05-23T08:33:00.004-07:00

Has anyone noticed The Word for the Day in the side bar? I am really digging it - some days are sooo perfect. AND I am hoping that the days that aren't so perfect for me are sooo perfect for you! ENJOY my new little blogging toy!

The Prince

2008-05-17T10:38:00.003-07:00

Tonight for our date night (A and me) we are going to see the long awaited Prince Caspian. We have both read ALL the Chronicles of Narnia Books and although this is not my favorite book (The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - which is the next book in the series after Prince Caspian) I am still excited to see this one!

(Edited to say - IT was fabulous and my friend's husband totally took his family and went to London for 6 months to work on it! You should check out her blog)

Broken In

2008-05-15T16:25:00.002-07:00

Well - today was a big day in the life of my new car. It got a chance to get on the highway and RUN in the RAIN! It performed fabulously and I loved it! Then when we got to Santa Fe to the El Rancho de las Golondrinas it WAS MUDDY muddy muDDy! I couldn't even get out of the car it was so muddy. So, when trying to leave my BRAND spanking NEW car got stuck in the mud (oh wait - did I tell you it was MUDDY!) So, some nice parking attendant fellow got the tractor and hooked my nice NEW car up to the tractor and pulled her out! She is officially broken in. She got messy and had a tow and now she has 300 miles. Maybe I will just trade her in! (hee hee not really!) Here is a picture of the mud - it is from my phone so it won't do it justice BUT it was realllllly SOGGY muddy. I ended up taking C and we went to the outlet mall and lunch instead.

Gilmore Girls MADNESS

2008-05-12T15:54:00.002-07:00

Mrs. J suckered me into Gilmore Girls and now I can't stop watching it! She loaned me season 1 and for some reason I am trying to make it through the season in record time. Although Lorelei and Rory try to make it through each episode with record amounts of words! Do you have any idea what I am talking about?! Go ahead and help me to feel better about myself and let me know if you ever had the GG bug!!!

And NOW...

2008-05-09T17:33:00.003-07:00

This is what I spent the day doing yesterday! It was sooo time for a new car. My old Mazda had seen its day for reliability! It had an affinity for overheating on long car trips. AND with our touring schedule for the summer - well, we needed something that was dependable and well, sporty! 2 claps for sunroofs!

Big Announcement

2008-05-09T06:25:00.002-07:00

Check back for a big announcement - hopefully later today! Just waiting on the picture!

Cancer - what cancer?!!!!

2008-05-05T17:27:00.002-07:00

There is just no other way to tell you - here is my parent's report from the doctor!

We have returned from the doctor’s office this afternoon rather in shock. The area that was biopsied last week shows to have no live cancer cells in it and has, in fact, over the course of the two weeks we have been here, gotten significantly smaller (although we have received no treatment). The doctor says that the area of concern is dead cancer cells. He indicated that he had no explanation other than we should trust Gary’s body is apparently healing itself. The doctor said (with a big smile) we should continue to trust and have faith. He wants us to return in six weeks for another scan. It looks like we may be returning to Houston on a regular basis for sometime for him to follow up and closely monitor Gary. But as he said, no treatment is needed for there is nothing to treat. Isn’t God good!?!?!?

We have been lifted up by you (all of our family and friends) and it is evident to us that the Lord has intervened at this time. Your prayers and love have been felt and are deeply appreciated. This battle is not being fought just by Gary but by you, his prayer warriors, as well. Thank you, thank you.

Gary and Toni

Prayer for MY DAD!

2008-05-04T21:17:00.003-07:00

Monday my dad goes in to see the doctor to find out the results of all the testing that he has just gone through these last 2 weeks in Houston. Please keep him in your prayers all day. I have KNOWN first hand the power of prayer and the peace and comfort God brings with it - please join me in praying unceasingly for my dear sweet DAD!

YUMstinkinEEEE

2008-04-29T20:54:00.008-07:00

Here's to you, Sixbit!

Guess what tomorrow April 30 is? Did you happen to guess 31cent night at Baskin Robbins! Whoo hoo can you believe all the cheap ice cream!

Guess STINKIN What!?!

2008-04-28T11:12:00.004-07:00

Tomorrow, April 29th is FREE CONE DAY at Ben and Jerrys! GO! GO! GO! - But don't get in line ahead of us!!!! We are going in honor of the man who introduced us to Free Cone Day - Sixbit, himself - who never EVER missed a Free Cone Day once he learned of its existence! So, here's to you "Never miss a Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry's" man! (doesn't that sound a little like those beer commercials?)

2008-04-26T21:25:00.002-07:00

God has such a beautiful way of showing Himself to us. He is in the Words on the pages of the Bible, He is in a well timed song on the radio, He is in the beauty of the sunset, He is in the unexpectedness of the day, He is everywhere and He wants you to look for Him. He says that those that earnestly seek Him will find Him. It used to be hard for me to recognize God in my day. I even tried exercises to help me see Him - like every night before bed I would write down my "God Stops" (for those of you that have never done Beth Moore's Believing God bible study - God Stops are moments in your day that you recognize God working in your life). I know that I am still missing much - BUT He is here and ALIVE and working powerfully in my life. I see Him everywhere and I see His hand in my life in virtually everything. I think that this is a glimpse of what Heaven is like -

(is anyone sick of my Maui pictures?)

Shout Out

2008-04-23T21:25:00.003-07:00

YAY for FRIENDS! A big FAT shout out to all my friends - I know without a doubt that I take advatage of each of you. You guys have helped me through these last few months in such a HUMONGOUS way. You have swept my floors, made us dinners and DESSERTS (yummy!!), cleaned our potties, cheered at soccer games, sent so many letters of encouragement, prayed for us, laughed with us, cried with us, brought us prizes, and many other things - to numerous to name. But it makes me want to jump right in to a "Friends are Friends Forever" chorus. Mrs. J where are you when I need you?

I love each and every one of you - and there are alot of yous. I appreciate all that you have done for my precious dear little family. I know that I haven't been great at sending thank yous BUT I do appreciate all the things you do both big and small.

Also, a whopping big shout out to my special family - all sides of my family. You are each so dear to me and I know that this circumstance has brought us all so close - funny how things like this can do that.

Cast! What Cast?

2008-04-22T06:52:00.002-07:00

B got his cast off - FINALLY. He has ONLY had it for 10 weeks. AND there is only one word for what we saw - DISGUSTING! The cast remover guy said that B definitely won the award for most sand inside a cast EVER! IT was amazing that there was any sand left on the playground and that his leg isn't completely exfolitated OFF! The dr said that he still must take it easy for another 3 weeks. Baseball season is pretty much a wash at this point. Oh well - he is still pretty happy to be a part of the team even if he has only warmed up with them ONCE! Isn't it great to be a kid.

My dad has started his week of testing at MD Anderson. It doesn't really sound all that fun - but I have been reassured lately that some of the most rewarding things spiritually AREN'T always FUN! Keep him in your prayers and I am still praying for "Cancer! What Cancer?"

Saturday, April 19

2008-04-19T08:13:00.003-07:00

WE are super duper excited to see our friends from There's Treasure blog. Her and her little boy are coming for a visit - they get here today. She is so fun and we all miss them very much. They moved away almost 2 years ago - wow! has it really been that long?!

C has her last soccer game of the season today and it is a beautiful day for a last soccer game. The weather here has been so weird - Thursday we woke to snow flurries when the day before we were all talking about being hot! And then on Friday it went back to short sleeve weather. If you know me at all - then you know that I would much rather it be warm than cold. So bring on the beautiful weather.

Please pray for a "no cancer" report from the drs on Monday for my dad. He is headed to Houston to MD Anderson to get started with this next phase of treatment. AND God is definitely able to make this prayer a reality.

Have a GREAT weekend! I know we will!

Object Lesson

2008-04-17T15:36:00.006-07:00

I was sitting out front playing with the kids the other day and God brought this lesson to mind. My garden has always brought me happiness and has been a source of growth but somehow it has never been exactly how I want it to look. I WANT loads and loads of color and blooms. Since we have moved in I have made minor changes and added plants here and there - but have never really done anything drastic.

The above picture is what Brent and I did to the garden this time last year. We stripped it bear (except for the bushes). We dug up all the bulbs and plants and I rearranged and replanted the plants where I wanted them. We also bought some new periennals and added them to the garden. The picture below is what the garden looks like this year - a mere one year later.

My point here is that God can and often does take drastic measures with us so that our true colors will SHINE forth. The process can often be painful - but painful doesn't mean worthless. We all but destroyed the garden to get it to be a masterpiece - and next year it will be even prettie. God wants us to be the people He wants us to be - He is continually shaping and molding us (sanctification). I am not there, yet - but am striving and looking forward to the beauty that comes from drastic measures.

AMAZING GRACE

2008-04-16T10:09:00.002-07:00

I was all set to share a different post when I opened my email and the gal over at Fiveafamily had sent me this sweet story. It is too amazing and beautiful not to share. This 90 year old woman was in the process of being held up with a gun when she witnessed to him for 10 minutes. I tell you what - God is INCREDIBLE and if you don't know that by now - YOU SHOULD! It isn't enough to just believe that He exists - for even the devil knows God is real. You must walk hand in hand with
God knowing that He sent His Son who willingly gave His life for your sins so that you could walk hand in hand with Him. I tell you what - I don't know where I would be without Him. I am walking victoriously over my current situation because I am walking with Christ through my situation. Please watch this ladies sweet story -

IT is DONE

2008-04-14T15:27:00.004-07:00

I have finally finished Brent's marker for his grave. We found out that we could design it - and so that is the path we took. As I looked around at all the different stones the cemetary had to offer - well, none of them seemed to be special enough for my Sixbit. So, the kids and I designed one special for our special man.

I am attaching the picture here - just remember that it will be on a black granite stone so the black that you see will actually be white and the all the white you see will actually be black. The kids drew the pictures with the mullet man being drawn by none other than the boy in the family. I am so thankful that this is finally done - and for those of you who have gone out there looking for him - after this weekend you can finally find him! I also put a big black box to protect identity somewhat. (that is obviously NOT there on the actual stone.)

Daddy, This One is for YOU

2008-04-10T08:40:00.003-07:00

My Daddy had his first routine 3 month check up for the cancer and it is back and growing. He is now headed to MD Anderson in Houston for some really strong Chemo with a bone marrow transplant thrown in. Please pray for my daddy to walk by FAITH. I have been thinking alot lately about why things happen in our lives the way they do and my conclusion is just like Jeremy Camps - because the circumstances in our lives prepare us for our meeting with God.

This song is really awesome and Jeremy Camp gives his testimony about how and why he wrote it. It is a little lengthy - but so worth listening to. I added the lyrics to the end. I love ya, Daddy.

Will I believe you when you say
Your hand will guide my every way
Will I receive the words You say
Every moment of every day

Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me

Help me to RID my endless fears
You've been so faithful for all my years
With the one breath You make me new
Your grace covers all I do

yeah, yeah , yeah, yeah, ya

well i will walk by faith
even when i cannot see
because this broken road
prepares your will for me

Well I'm broken- but I still see Your face
Well You've spoken- pouring Your words of grace

Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
Well because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me
(Repeat)
Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
Well because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me

Hallelujah, hallelu

I will walk by faith, I will walk by faith,
I will walk by faith
I will walk by faith, I will walk by faith,
I will walk by faith
I will walk by faith, I will walk by faith,
I will walk by faith
I will walk by faith
I will walk,I will walk
Faith
I will walk, I will walk by faith

SIX MONTHS

2008-04-05T07:47:00.001-07:00

Here we are - the first REALLY big mile marker. There have been other mile markers and they are all big in their own way - BUT early on, the 6 month marker seemed to loom ahead of me. I remember telling my mom during that first week, that I couldn't even begin "to do" 6 months down the road - BUT I could "do" today and I knew that if I kept plugging away one day at a time that in 6 months I would be able to "do" it because it would finally be TODAY. AND here it is - I always remember the Saturdays because that was our last day together.

In some ways it feels like forever and in others it feels like ONLY yesterday. During this time God has used songs to comfort me - One of my favorites is Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns. Thank you, Leslie for sharing this song with me. It really seems to hit the nail right on the head with its words. I feel so steeped in my sorrow lately - but amongst all this pain I know that I am right where God wants me. He is refining me with His precious hand and I am grateful and I will praise Him EVEN when my soul is hurting. He is faithful. God has NOT promised me that my life would be pleasant and that it would be without painful trials. For it is IN these painful trials that my walk with Him grows so intimately. I would NOT trade this experience for anything -

I looked for a video version of this song - but did not like any of the ones that I saw. So, I took the liberties of making my own. Thanks for LaughterThoughts for supplying the photos from the funeral. BUT be warned - ***this might be hard to watch ***- there ARE pictures from the funeral mixed in. The lyrics are below the video.

I was sure by now
God you would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as You mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will life my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Just say THANKS

2008-04-01T11:35:00.002-07:00

This morning in my God time - I sat outside in the warm calm sun and read 1 Thessalonians 3. Paul was telling the Thessolonians how happy he was to hear from Timothy about their faith and love. These people were new christians that Paul never quit praying for and he was super overjoyed to hear that they hadn't fallen away. Paul didn't get to be with them for very long while he was establishing their church and I am not too sure he ever made it back to see them. But it brought great joy to Paul to see that they were maturing with his loving help from afar. This makes me think about Brent - most of you know the story that he is the reason that I am a firm believer. Brent is the reason that I decided to give my life to God. I knew he would only marry me if I was a believer - he would NOT be unequally yoked. So, I became a believer and he lovingly encouraged me on my journey. On Mother's day my cards (homemade ALWAYS) would say how proud he was with me spritually and what a godly example I was to the kids. He cheered me on and encouraged me and I think I took him for granted. I can't really ever remember telling him thanks for the BIGGEST thing in my life. Thanks for helping me see my need for my Saviour BUT not only that for helping to GROW. I say this - because if there is someone like this in your life who has helped you with your maturity in Christ - maybe you want to tell them THANKS. It might be just what they need to hear!

As for the picture - well, we all know that pictures make blog entries more exciting. I was perusing this old computer's photo library (since I dropped my laptop and it is in the shop getting a huge overhaul and I am relegated to the computer ROOM with a computer with a cord!!!) and I found this picture from last summer when Jenny came for a visit and we all went to Santa Fe. Brent and B were sitting in front of this mountain lion and they are supposed to be posing like they are about to be attacked. I think it is FUNNY.

FAITH

2008-03-29T14:37:00.002-07:00

God honors FAITH! This 3 little word sentence says lots and is filled with motivation. When it seems that FAITH is hard to come by - this sentence spurs me on. Sometimes, as weak little human sinners, we need some kind of motivator. The really sad thing for me is that FAITH isn't gained once - NO! it is something that you have to continually strive for. Wouldn't it be easy if once you obtained great FAITH it was yours at that same degree forever? Well, for some reason (maybe that God wants us to exercise our spiritual muscles) we get to wake up each day and deem in our hearts that today we are going to TRUST and have FAITH in our God. If we can't seem to do anything else - this should be our daily goal - and sometimes our every breath goal.

I did NOT think I was the endurance athlete in my family - but apparently, we were a little mixed up in our thinking. The triathlete got to be the sprinter in life and the couch potatoe got to be the ultra marathoner of the family. Endurance is gained by mere discipline. Disciplining your spirit is an all out war. Good thing that I have God (the victor) on my side. A big part of that discipline is waking each morning and declaring my TRUST and FAITH for the day. Don't think of it over the long haul - for this is very discouraging to an endurance athlete - a really good friend told my girls not so long ago, "we'll run from this light post to the next and then we will walk from that light post to the next." Taking our lives in this manner greatly reduces the overwhelmingness of life and has a tremendous advantage with our abilities to have FAITH. God is AMAZING in all circumstances - be they heart ripping or joy topping. Trust Him and He will honor you in ways that you can not even fathom. Live your lives for Him and Him alone. The rewards are so beautiful!

(I am also posting this on the streams blog - so that my really dear friend will NOT be mad at me)

Spring Break

2008-03-27T21:42:00.003-07:00

My friend and her kids are here hanging out with us for Spring Break. The weather has been incredible and we have done lots of playing. We have ice skated, taken walks, played wheelchair tether/dodge ball (this is a sometimes very dangerous game!!), learned how to throw a football (wipe the windshield, elbow your brother and flick the booger - hey, this technique really works well!!), soccer and lots of Wii.

I have pictures - maybe I will get around to uploading them. So, keep checking back.

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T20:46:00.002-07:00

We spent the day with Brent's family. We went to church with them and saw some old friends that we haven't seen in a while - it was good to see you all. It was also nice to be in the fellowship of believers on this wonderful resurrection day. Then we headed back over to Brent's parents house where we enjoyed a scrumptious steak dinner in honor of my sweet Beloved. Of course, after the dishes were picked up we hid and hunted eggs. It was a beautiful day - the weather was PERFECT! The sun felt AWESOME - in fact we actually got a little hot sitting in the sun. We topped it off with some yummy chocolate pie!!! Then I brought the cousins home with me for a cousin sleepover. We got to pull out B's new trundle bed and put it to good use.

I pray that your day was sweet, relaxing and SCRUMPTIOUS!!

What Mrs. J said. . .

2008-03-22T08:04:00.003-07:00

I am like KandidKiwi and think that Mrs. J had such a beautiful post for this Easter season that I am directing you over there. Also, check out her comments on this because some random person who was searching for some research on global warming found her site and decided to make the long journey back to Christ because of what Mrs. J said - WOW!!! God is super AMAZING how he works.

MY LOVE

2008-03-18T20:34:00.003-07:00

I know that many of you have seen this video on my friend Sillybug's blog - but I want it on MY blog and I am ready to have it here.

I LOVE MY HUSBAND - He is truly an AMAZING person. Filled with so much love, tenderness, JOY, gentleness and kindness. He helped mold me into the person that I am today. HE is the very reason that I love God. I knew he would only marry me if I loved God - so I went out and LOVED God. I am missing him alot lately. It seems so strange that he just vanished out of our lives one day. That is really hard to grasp and some times I just have a really hard time with it. Please think of me often in your prayers. I am in need of being lifted up!

2008-03-16T19:41:00.002-07:00

I really stink when it comes to posting. I try - but my mind still isn't what it once was. I don't know if it will ever be the same again. Friday was a bit hard for me - it started off with hearing Wish you were Here by Mark Harris. They play it on KLOVE all the stinking time and as a matter of fact I had been singing parts of it all week. I don't think I have ever really listened to it though - that is until Friday morning. It just hit me as a love letter from Brent to me from Heaven. Here is the song from youtube -

I hope I didn't start your week off bad - it really is a sweet song. Our hearts should truly long for this. Heaven should live in each of our souls. If it doesn't maybe you should slow down and stop the worthless living AND START REALLY LIVING. As a lover of God, you are just a sojourner here with our hearts longing for HOME!

OUCH!!!

2008-03-10T07:56:00.003-07:00

Yesterday the kids and I hooked up with the crew over at Fiveafamily for a fun run in honor of Stacy Hirschman. It was a 3 mile fun run and none of us here at this house have been particularly active - except for the occasional walk to the bus stop on pretty days (which haven't been to often!). Needless to say - we are all feeling it today. C woke up and wanted to use B's crutches to get to the kitchen. Go ahead - I know you are just itching to call us all WIMPS. Well, we have proved that we are WIMPS. The girls and I made it in 42minutes while B, who was riding in the jogger stroller with his leg hanging over, finished with the fast familyofFive in ____, hmmmmm can't seem to remember - but it was at least 10 minutes faster than us. WE had a really fun time and there were so many people there to support the Hirschman family. The Carpenter mom and oldest son were also there with thier friends the Hagengrubers! The weather started out chilly and breezy and then when the run started the wind stopped. It was truely a gorgeous day.

Today's Verse

2008-03-07T07:37:00.002-07:00

I was thinking about trying to post a verse a day - well, it might turn into a verse every few days. I was listening to klove yesterday and the djs were talking about how they post a verse a day on their facebook sights to be an encouragement to others. AND I feel like that is one of my purposes right now in life. AND I also know there are quite a few people out there from all over the world reading my blog on a daily (if I posted daily) basis. The following verses is one that the kids and I are currently committing to memory. This one is a fighter verse. One to help remind us how to live and how to know God's will for our lives. So, without further adiou:

Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual gift of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of yor mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

2008-03-05T21:15:00.001-07:00

Well - it has snowed once since the previous post and it is slated to snow AGAIN tonight. At least we are getting some nice sunny warm days in the mix.

YAY for SPRING

2008-02-28T20:43:00.002-07:00

OK - I know that spring really isn't here YET!! BUT . . .we had a beautiful springlike day today. It was warm and sunny and the sky was so marvoulously BLUE. I really like this time of year. It just screams with renewal!!!

2008-02-25T09:48:00.002-07:00

WOW!! What a crazy week. My mom came and we reorganized and tossed out and redid our home! WE were MANIACS. Thanks to Jill, Chad, Marchelle, Kim, MOM and the kiddos. We ended with a garage sale which had GREAT potential but alas - was not meant to be. We woke up early and eager to sell, sell, sell... and were met with SNOW. We went ahead and had it but will have to have another one. Not many people showed up. So, when it warms up I will try again. I do love what we did in the house. Fresh beginnings are GREAT.

I am sitting right now in Mr. Stewart's 2nd grade class. Hanging out with B - this is his first day back to school since he broke his leg. He is doing great.

Thanks for all your prayers for us - DON'T STOP.... Stacy's funeral service was of course packed. She and her family are dearly loved by so many. Tom was amazing and stood up in front of everyone for almost 15 minutes talking about their life together. I was amazed that he could do that. His girls were so beautiful and had such sweet smiles. Please keep praying for them.

God's Perfect Plan

2008-02-20T15:06:00.004-07:00

God's perfect plan included taking my friend Stacy, who has been battling pancreatic cancer, home to be with Him early this morning. She leaves behind a sweet family who is leaning on God and begins a new phase of thier life. Please pray for their continued reliance on the Lord and for comfort and peace that passes all understanding.

Kings, Queens and Bees

2008-02-13T18:58:00.003-07:00

So, today was a bit of a GOOD day!! A was nominated for the 7th grade Queen of the Valentine's Dance and SHE MADE IT!! And her friend C (friends since 2nd grade!) was elected King - of course they were supposed to dance but thanks to the kids crowding out the dance floor - they weren't able!! Both I am sure were super glad for that fact! Who wants to dance with Boys in the 7th grade!! (okay - maybe girls want to dance with boys in the 7th grade - I am just hoping mine doesn't want to for a LONG time!!!!)

C won the spelling bee in her class and got to participate in the school wide Bee - she made it to the second round and then flubbed on "menu" - I am super proud of her.

B is coming along on his new crutches and is a bit of King himself.

Broken Anythings!!

2008-02-10T16:23:00.000-07:00

Well - within the first hour of B being on the slopes - he broke his leg! We had a good time but I am EXTREMELY tired. I am working on a video to post of our trip - STAY TUNED!!

Until then - here is a pic of my new snowboarders - don't they look like they were born for the board!! (thanks to Mrs. J for her pics)

SKI WEEKEND!!!

2008-02-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

This picture is not from this weekend - since this weekend hasn't really started YET!! We are getting ready to head to Angel Fire for some snowboarding and skiing! Pray for warmth and noooo broken anythings! Have a nice weekend -

Praying for LIFE

2008-02-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are praying for my friend Stacy who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer - here is her website. Her husband has been updating it and there are also pictures of her and her family. Maybe you want to drop them an encouragement through the guest book. Keep praying -

2008-02-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

Has anyone noticed that it has been 2 weeks since my last post? I am aware that alot you use my blog to check in on our sweet little family. So, let me update everyone who has been a tad bit worried or are missing hearing about us.

I am tired - and thus have had a very SAD week. It is just the nature of grief - to come in waves and THANK you GOD for that!! I liken it to labor pains (ok - is everyone tired of hearing me use that analogy?) you get a break between the contractions so you can rest and get ready for the next contraction. There is much to be learned during the contraction period - this is the time when many tears are shed. I saw somewhere that someone (how is that for informational?) did a study on tears and that emotional tears have a different chemical makeup than tears that you shed while peeling onions. Haven't you just felt better after a good cry - they say it is because you are expelling toxins in your tears. So, who really knows the validity of this somewhere/someone study - but it seems to make alot of sense. Don't worry about me though and don't feel like you want to take my pain away - because I WANT the pain. There is a BIG purpose for the pain - in that pain I cling to God with my every breath and draw closer to Him and I love that!

We are going to go skiing this coming weekend - so maybe I will have some fun video to post. So stay tuned. . .

Poem

2008-01-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

I know that I should be putting this post on the Streams blog since I found it in my Streams by the Desert devotional last night - but I feel compelled to post it here. There is no reference in my book on who wrote this poem -

God is in every tomorrow,
Therefore I live for today,
Certain of finding at sunrise,
Guidance and strength for the way;
Power for each moment of weakness,
Hope for each moment of pain,
Comfort for every sorrow,
Sunshine and joy after the rain.

Call for PRAYER

2008-01-14T08:31:00.000-07:00

I have a dear friend who was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She is my age and has 3 sweet daughters. Please, petition the Lord on her behalf. She is a very godly woman and knows this is God's will for her life BUT this is so hard! I can't even begin to imagine what she is going through. She needs us all to pray for her. Our God is so much bigger than any of us can ever fathom and can heal her if He pleases. It is very obvious this is for Kingdom GLORY! Her husband shared that a boy came to saving faith in God because of this family. Pray for her healing, faith, courage, her family and for comfort and peace.

Here's to "It's NOT Fair"

2008-01-06T13:41:00.001-07:00

A neighbor of mine recently commented to me that it's just not fair that Brent had to die and for me to be left to take care of the kids by myself. I am very ashamed of my answer - I just shrugged and nodded and wanted to scream so much more. I have been contemplating this statement for a few weeks now and here is what I have come up with -

No, it is NOT fair - not fair at all. And I am glad that we are NOT getting what is fair - what we deserve. We are such sinners and God is so perfect and Holy and we cannot stand in His presence because of our sin. The only thing that God owes us is DEATH - eternal separation from Him. We have no other rights before God - what He does give us flows from His infinite LOVE, GRACE and MERCY. I am thankful that God loves me so much to see that this event needed to happen in order for His GLORY to shine forth in me and countless others that have been touched by Brent's death. If you don't have a clue or are completely bumfuzzled by this statement, I urge you to comment and maybe through the comments of others and myself we can help you see the complete and utter JOY that comes from living a life of Joy in Christ in ANY and ALL circumstances.

2008-01-03T16:34:00.000-07:00

Great News!!! It was God's good pleasure to take the cancer away!! Dad just called and said his cancer is GONE!! And that he only has to have one more chemo! Thank you to all who have been praying for my dad. I know there are so many who have petitioned God on behalf of my dad. I humbly thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Thank you, God for healing my dad and holding him close during these last few months. You are so faithful and so REAL. We fall to our knees in complete praise and utter dependance on YOU. Amen

Tribute to Brent from May 2003

2007-12-31T23:22:00.000-07:00

OK - my friend Sillybug and her family came to visit in 2003 and we went to the zoo. She took some video from that trip and turned it into a sweet tribute. Notice how SB is wearing his hat - one of my all time favorite looks of his. AND notice how sweet little (and I mean little) C is looking at my dear friend while she is filming. She truly loves Sillybug - no denying. You have to hit here to link to her blog and check it out -

CALL to ALL

2007-12-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

I was wondering if any of you have any video footage of Sixbit in any fashion doing whatEVER! I want to put something together and can you believe that I don't really have much footage. There is a site that I have that you can upload your footage to -if it is digital or you can simply mail me a cd. I would be so GRATEFUL.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T21:50:00.001-07:00

We are in the presence of family - just like so many tonight! We went to the candle light service at my parent's church and surprisingly enough - I just couldn't hardly make it through the service. I am missing my sweet soulmate so much - but at the same time am clinging tightly to my Saviour. I think and pray for you all and that you have a very Christlike Christmas - remembering that without Christ coming to live as a man we would have NO hope. I long for the world that I was made for and can't wait til I am able to worship in perfection at the feet of my Savior and Father.

GingerBREAD Houses!!!

2007-12-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday the Newnams from church organized a day for the kids to get together and make gingerbread houses. We invaded their shop and made BIG messes BUT had a wonderful time - Big SHOUT out to the Newnams for their BRAVERY at opening their house to us!!!

Happy Birthday C!

2007-12-13T01:59:00.000-07:00

Meet the NEW Crew

2007-12-10T22:38:00.000-07:00

Give a big WARM welcome to our newest additions - Sixbit and Romo (Romo is the one with the blue collar and SB is the other)

Thanks to Smile for the new kitties!

2007-12-09T20:43:00.000-07:00

I loved those pictures of SB and the kids so much that I just couldn't bring myself to post - thus the long delay between postings.

We put up our Christmas tree this weekend and the kids are starting to get excited about Christmas. I am so thankful for little mercies like that - and for the kids. Not sure that without them getting excited could I be excited. I know this will not be the holiday season that I had planned BUT it is the one God had planned for our family. I will set my focus this season on my SAVIOR and beginning of His life in the form of man - knowing that withOUT Him and His SACRIFICE for me on the cross I would NOT get to spend eternity with GOD, Christ and my man.

I pray while the hustle and bustle of the season is upon you and me - that we would not lose the reason we celebrate this time of year.

A Few of my Faves!

2007-12-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

"He (God) has sent me (Jesus) to bind up the brokenhearted...to comfort all who mourn...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor." Isaiah 61:1-3

Elf Holiday Cheer!

2007-11-30T17:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Kandid Kiwi we are copying her elf fun - click here to see the 4 of us in a cheery holiday elfish type dance. Hope it brings as big a smile to your face as it does to ours - btw check out me and my amazing ability to keep up!!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1123591263

Colossians 3:9-11

2007-11-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

"Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self which is being renewed in the knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, scythian, slave or free but Christ is all, and is in all."

I see two things in the first part of these verses - it is an action of taking off and putting on. You can't merely take off the old self and be done - there MUST be a putting on of a NEW self. This NEW self is the ability to be like the Creator. In our old selves we do NOT have the ability to choose GOD or His ways. We desperately need Christ and need to be renewed in the knowledge in the image of GOD. The other thing that I see in these verses is that Christ does not play favorites - He is available to all - regardless of race, gender, social class. I am so thankful for MY God. He is not like us (THANK GOODNESS - we tend to play favorites even though we try our hardest NOT to!) I long to be like Christ in the very depths of my soul. I am really enjoying memorizing Colossians 3. Thanks to Wrestling Mat for spearheading this challenge and for the pep talk this morning!

2007-11-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mrs. J for her willingness to teach my girls the piano - they are having their lesson right now and they are sure starting to sound like they know what they are doing. I hope they will stick with this.

I have decided that I have been running away from being still before God - I have a hard time staying home during the day. I think partly - ok, probably MOSTLY - that it is because I am afraid of the lonliness. I try to keep busy so that I don't have to be still and have the overwhelmingness of the situation sink in. I am so thankful for the kids. I have told myself - "Self, you NEED to stay home a little and lay at the feet of Jesus. Don't run from Him. He will heal you!" So, my new goal is to spend more time at home and at the feet of Jesus!

THANKS and Daisies

2007-11-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving turned out to be GREAT fun - thanks to all who came (Missing Mississippi, Blue Bicycle, More Water, Bergan Herd and The Sailers). We ate, fired up SPARKLERS and watched Survivor! We truly had a houseFULL and for that I was extremely THANKFUL.

I had someone comment on my new profile picture - my very good friend, Missing Mississippi, brought GERBER daisies over while her, Blue Bike and Mrs. J cleaned my house before Thanksgiving - THANK YOU FOR THAT YOU GALS! Those are my favorites and so I took pictures of these flowers while they sat on my table and voila - new avatar! It is cheery - don't you think?

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T22:14:00.000-07:00

Lyric Tag

2007-11-19T21:13:00.000-07:00

I am starting a new "tag your it"! Here is what you are to do - when you are tagged, you simply write out the lyrics to a song that is currently meaningful in your life. I got this idea from LAughter Thoughts Amazing Grace video and Great Adventures blog - I just noticed her post with the lyrics of a Caedman's Call song (good choice!!) I will start first and then I tag Blue Bicycle, Mrs. J, Kandid Kiwi and Smile.

My song is very important to me because of the trials in my life now and my theme is to continually praise God through it all. So without further adou I give you Mercy Me's Bring on the Rain (thanks for Florianne for directing me to this song!!)

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty

Pie and Praise

2007-11-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

We had our annual Pie and Praise at our church tonight. Of course, I felt compelled to be there - how could I NOT? For those that don't know about Pie and Praise it is our annual official corporate time to come together and PRAISE God for all He has done in our lives over the last year! Of course, it was a very emotional time for me as well as others!! Luckily, Tim foresaw that it would be difficult for me and Susie who just happened to sit together, so he provided the two of us with our own tissue BOX! Thanks, Tim.

So, for those that couldn't understand me (through my tears) or who just couldn't be there for whatever reason - here is my list of PRAISES
I THANK MY GOD for my husband
I THANK MY GOD for my marriage
I THANK MY GOD for the 17 years I have had with Brent
I THANK MY GOD for my children
I THANK MY GOD for His faithfulness
I THANK MY GOD for all that He will do through this experience
I THANK MY GOD for His comfort
I THANK MY GOD for my church family
I THANK MY GOD for my family and friends
I THANK MY GOD for the ability to THANK my God

OK, so I added a few that I didn't say at the pie and praise BUT I just wasn't able to say everything I had on my heart.

~The picture is of Aloha Pie from our trip to Maui in August. It was not readily available here in the desert so that is why I just brought my famous double stuffed oreo pie!! hee hee

Devotional Blog

2007-11-16T22:02:00.000-07:00

Marchelle gave me a daily devotional called Streams in the Desert at the beginning of my new life. It has been such a source of comfort. L.B. Cowman wrote it when her husband was dying. She wrote this in 1925 and is a collection of her prayful meditations, christian writings and God's written promises. We haven't been very faithful at keeping up with the meditations on each day - but we are trying. Feel free to check out our new blog. StreamsToday

YEAH for friends - near and far

2007-11-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

What would we do without our friends? God has been so GOOD with the people that he has placed in our lives over the last -well, 37 years! I love you all and hold each one of you close to my heart. God knows what He is doing when you each came across my path! You have each helped me in one way or another during these cloudy days of late. You have prayed for me, laughed with, cried with and for me, watched tv with me, hugged me, travelled GREAT distances to be with me in my time of need, brought me chocolate and LOTS of flowers, listened to my rants, made me and my kids hats for the cold, supported us with LOTS of your hard earned dollars, cried with me some more, went on walks with me, cleaned my house - numerous times, took out my trash, changed my lightbulbs, prayed for me some more, sent me cards upon cards and the list goes on and on. You guys ROCK! What would a girl do without her friends.

Please don't be sad if you don't see your picture listed here - you know who you are and I love each and every one of you!! From California to the East Coast!!!!

Colossians 3:1-4 Meditation

2007-11-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

YEAH!!! People are reading my blog!!

There are a few of us in blogworld that are taking Wrestling Mat's challenge of memorizing Colossians 3 (Mr and Mrs Wrestling Mat, Mr J, Great Adventures and Blue Bicycle). This is our first week and we are memorizing the first 4 verses, which are

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on heavenly things where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above and not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears then you will also appear with him in Glory.

I am NOT having a hard time setting my heart on heavenly things, since half of me is in heaven! It should not be that way, though. I should've always felt this way even when the other half of me was with me - because the One living in me is also in Heaven and that should've been enough of a draw for me to set my heart on heavenly things. BUT we are just poor sinners who could never worship God wholeheartedly -which is the very reason we need a SAVIOR! He bridges that gap for us and takes our puny imperfect worship and makes it perfect and takes it to our HOLY God! I, for one, cannot even wait to appear with Christ in Glory. God has so much He wants to do and show us in this lifetime and unless we are setting our sites on Him - we will MISS it! My goal in this life is to not miss ANYTHING He has in store for me. I want to fully be the person He wants me to be.

Praise GOD

2007-11-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

I am sure NO one is reading my blog anymore - but I am eager to have a new post! I have been keeping up with all my friend's blogs and there is so much life going on these days! Count me in - well, count us all in! We are living and have joy beyond measure! It is so amazing to me how God grants us each enough grace for the day and then by the end of the day we run low and go to sleep and wake up and lo and behold He has granted us MORE - just enough for the next day! God is so AWESOME and worthy to be praised even amid the most painful experiences of our lives. I encourage anyone (if anyone is even reading this blog!) to give a great BIG shout out to GOD who sustains and is in control of all things! He loves us so deeply and even when really bad things happen in our lives HE is there and when HE seems to NOT grant our prayers it is BECAUSE He loves us and has OUR best in mind. SO get out there and PRAISE God TODAY!!!!

Magic Kingdom

2007-10-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

We woke up and had a FREE breakfast at our hotel and you will never guess what was playing on the tv in the lounge - well, some of you might guess - Saved by the Bell. Needless to say, we learned a very important lesson at breakfast - Zach and Screech ought to love things while you got them (that was courtesy of C!! - don't even ask - just breeze over that unless you are laughing hysterically and know what i am talking about!!) Then we headed to the Kingdom! We got there at 9am and left at 9:20PM!!! We are wiped and plan on NOT being at Epcot first thing. The pictures of some of our favorite rides -

Arrival Day

2007-10-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

We got in to Orlando yesterday and had time to swim and have dinner with a long time Guess friend - We went to this quaint little town that Disney founded called Celebration. Everything there is PERFECT! Reminded me of Wisteria Lane (for those of you that doesn't ring a bell - that comes from Desperate House Wives)! Here are some pics from the swimming before dinner in Celebration!

Baby Kate

2007-09-09T07:29:00.000-07:00

In honor of Yo Mama, who is sick of looking at the daisy bag, I want to say hey to BABY KATE!!! Who finally decided it might be better in the world then tucked inside her mommy's tummy! She is completely adorable and we are soooo glad she is here!!

Daisy Bag

2007-08-28T06:12:00.000-07:00

This is new Daisy Bag - it is reversible and has 6 pockets which can be on the outside or inside! check it out here

Maui on my Mind

2007-08-24T21:20:00.000-07:00

Everywhere I turn Maui is calling to me! I can't quite seem to get her off my mind! I am trying - but that vacation was one of the most relaxing and fun vacations EVER! I am seeing palm trees and tropical pictures all over the place - HELP! Maybe it has something to do with my messy house. Flylady seems to have gone on vacation also, only she hasn't come back yet. HELP!! It is the weekend and we have been back officially one week now. This will be my last post on her (well, until my next last post! hee hee). We picked up our pictures today and just sighed. Here are some pictures from the shark dive!

This is us with Betty, the spotted eagle ray - we hand fed her clams!

More to come ...but my battery is dying and it is late. look for more tomorrow!