Brandi's Babblings

January 2012

2012-01-31T18:35:00.000-08:00

There has been so much going on these last few weeks, it is overwhelming my little brain.

Since Christmas, when Bugg and J got engaged time is going quickly. We originally decided that they would marry next summer. Peanut had her birthday, we ordered her a car, through a friend of ours...... a beautiful black 2003 Ford Mustang. It would be ready in a couple of weeks. Our friend got it at an auction in Reno, so we had to wait for it to arrive and then for him to do some finishing touches on it, before she could get it. We made the decision on her actual birthday, so the wait for her was incredible. We went to a wedding showcase in Eugene, two days after the kids decided to move up their wedding to this summer. After the wedding showcase, we went dress shopping at David's bridal.... she had to have this one! This one that she saw online and on sale! That's a bonus. Well, that wasn't the one she got, but it was close! Peanut took her driver's test and immediately was on the go. My girls; over a matter of a couple of weeks, both gained their independence and headed out. Very different scenarios, but the same nonetheless. I have had a bit of hard time dealing with things over these last few weeks. It has been quite the struggle. My friend's child is struggling with an eating disorder, my other friend's husband lost his job, my other friend's husband lost his mind and had to move to foster care, my other friend's child is living with his s.o. and not wanting to go back to college. Oh, the Lord is seeing how much I can handle. It was time to hit the floor, both knees and my head bowed low. I just laid it all out there for Him. He took my heavy heart and made it light. He gave me a peace that is indescribable. He set my feet on a firm foundation. He showed me that it's HIS to take care of, not mine. So that, my friends is the last few weeks in a nut shell. A crazy mind boggling nut shell. But, tomorrow is February, so start fresh and new. Til next time....

Sweet 16 Party

2012-01-09T18:17:00.000-08:00

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Chelsey's sweet 16 formal dinner party celebration at the church.

Happy 16th Birthday Chels

2012-01-05T22:25:00.000-08:00

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more to come this weekend....

The Christmas Proposal

2011-12-29T19:57:00.000-08:00

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Christmas with the Johnson's 2011

2011-12-29T18:57:00.001-08:00

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Christmas 2011 with the Luiz family

2011-12-24T11:21:00.000-08:00

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Christmas with the 4 of us

2011-12-24T11:19:00.001-08:00

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Tree Hunt 2011

2011-12-04T17:54:00.000-08:00

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varsity soccer 2011

2011-11-18T20:49:00.000-08:00

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The joys of watching your little girl play and improve....

things...

2011-09-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

Things have been happening so fast and I just don't seem to be keeping up with them.We have got Bugg moved to Eugene. She has a great little apartment, a new job at Sears in the Gateway Mall, Oriented to College at Lane Community and registered for her first term of College. WOW! All that in just a couple of months. The last three in the last two weeks. Such a girl. So proud of her. She is growing up so fast, becoming such a young lady, strong and independent. She got in a car wreck last week as well. Some fella rear ended her and she has dealt with the insurance and getting it fixed and all of that without me being there. It seems rather weird, but prideful at the same time. Cause you do this...raise them to be independent and strong and know what to do when something happens... but yet realize you aren't really needed like you were before. It is a little bit different.Peanut has taken soccer camp, done daily doubles, tried out for Varsity, made Varsity, sprained her ankle, didn't practice with Varsity for a week, started school, played her first Varsity Soccer game as a Sophmore, went to her first dance as a Sophmore, and is busy with leadership stuff. Team bonding today with the varsity soccer girls, they went to a game in Eugene, went shopping at Woodburn and then to a game in Portland. So busy that girl, but still such a good kid. Can't complain.Hubs is geared up for hunting, counting down the days to go. He is ecstatic, his time away. He was off work for nearly 3 months with his arm injury and surgery, diagnosed with Diabetes, saw the doctor more than he has in the first part of his 45 years, now....He is ready for his Hunting trip. Wishing he could find a job that made him truly happy. I love my work, I love taking care of people, making them feel better, more comfortable with what is happening in the midst of something that isn't necessarily in their control. I love working on the Foundation. We are raising awareness for the tumor bank across the state. Will be heading off the campaign in the Dalles here in a couple of weeks. Working hard on the Bosom Ball and getting it ready for a fabulous event. IT is exciting work, knowing you are doing something that can truly impact other people and the lives they live.

My 40th day

2011-08-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

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I had no idea what my husband had planned. I worked out a dinner date with my girlfriends on the evening of my birthday. Well, Hubs informed me that it was just rude to not be with him and the girls on my birthday. So, I tried to reschedule with my girlfriends for Friday night instead. Well, I ended up with only one! I was a little sad that it didn't work out, but I had a great time with Gretchen. She was so sweet and she pulled off the ultimate! On Saturday, I had ran into another friend that apologized for not coming to the "date" and that she would see me tomorrow at church, that we would get together another time, ya know, that sort of thing. So, my daddy finally mentions that the family dinner is a 6:30, Yeah, I say, because now I know what time I get to eat!! The family piles into the rig and we head out on the highway, to my favorite place, Carlos'. They are so good to us. They remember us from years ago. Hubs and I went there last month on our anniversary too! We pulled in and I said, it might be too busy for us, cause the parking lot was packed. Jeff and the girls lead me in to the back room filled with my friends and family! They pulled it off again! Those girls that had ditched me the night before were there in force! Love them for that. I said, Now it all makes sense!! :~) So here is a few pictures in the album. Enjoy.

Historical Marker for us...

2011-07-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

This weekend has proved to be a monumental weekend for us at the LUIZ house. We spent Saturday and Today taking things to Eugene to Bugg's very first apartment. She is getting ready to sign up for college classes at Lane Community to start her career path to Dental Hygiene. Such an exciting adventure for all of us, but such a bittersweet moment. We are having a little bit of withdrawals around here with her not being here so much. But, all is good. We had a great service at church together, all four of us. It was a good moment for each of us. I am looking forward to the next adventure. We had her fella's family there today to help us unload and that was awfully kind. Her future Mother in law helped her get her room organized and more ideas to make it more suitable for the next year (at least) of living. Her roommate came and checked out the place and was pleased with her choice. They will have some good times together. Look forward to many more adventures. :~)

Mini Family Reunion

2011-07-10T17:31:00.001-07:00

We were able to spend some time with Hubs side of the family for the 4th of July Weekend. It was a much needed break and a little bit of fun for this busy family.

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Freshman Softball

2011-07-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

Peanut played JV Softball this Spring and I tried to capture some of her moments. She played well, she was catcher most of the season and usually hit at least one nice hit per at bat. She was usually stealing some bases as well. She was able to swing up to the varsity team during the playoffs which was a nice compliment to her hard work. They lost to the team that won the title, so not bad for a beginning season!

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Graduation 2011

2011-07-10T17:10:00.001-07:00

Bugg was trying on her new cap and gown for us. Her graduation was set for Sunday, June the 5th. We had planned for this weekend for a long time. The party was an open house in the afternoon of Saturday, so that our out of towners could come and enjoy some time with us. The only little problem we had with this, was that Peanut was playing in a softball tournament in Portland. So my Sister and T, gladly stopped on their way from Curly's tournament and picked her up and brought her home for graduation. But, they were unable to enjoy the Open House.

We were glad they made it to Graduation though!

Finding her seat. We totally lucked out, she was on the end! She had told me where she would be sitting when they had their practice on Friday, so I had the inside scoop. I later found that I was one of the lucky Mom's because a few of my friends, were not told where their child was sitting! I knew my girl was a smart one!! ;~)

Heading up for the diploma. Look at those legs! She is so pretty! What a proud Mommy.

The family separated on the way out, half of us went one way and the other half went the other way, so we got scattered pictures with the graduate!

My uncle came all the way from Texas to be with us. He was intending it to be a surprise, but that wasn't exactly how it turned out!

We also were treated to another family from Texas...the Lion's Den. Jeff's aunt came from Kansas, his mom and brother from California and my Sister from Washington. We, of course, were blessed with our local family and friends as well, but had to put a ~shout out~ to those who traveled just for Bugg!

Today

2011-05-26T11:45:00.001-07:00

"Lord, you know my inadequacies. You know my weaknesses, not only in parenting, but in every area of my life. As you broke the fishes and the loaves to feed the five thousand, now take my meager effort and use it to bless my family.

Please make up for the things I did wrong. Satisfy the needs that I have not satisfied. Wrap your great arms around my family and draw them close to you.

And be there when they stand at the great crossroads between right and wrong. All I can give is my best, and I, today, choose to do that. Therefore, I submit to you my family and myself and the job I have done and will do as a wife and mother. The outcome belongs to you." (Author unknown)

Needed

2011-05-19T19:32:00.000-07:00

I am so struggling with this parent thing, that when I read this, I knew that God wanted me to see it. So I thought I would share it with you.

Today’s Truth
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary (Galatians 6:9 NASB).

Friend to Friend
For years I told people that I was in labor for 23 hours. However, the truth is more like 21 years. Being a mother has been the most fulfilling, frustrating, exciting, exhausting, mind-boggling, hair-raising thrilling tiring, stimulating, soul-stirring, delightful, difficult, consuming, laborious, uplifting, inspiring, challenging, captivating, and rewarding job I’ve ever had. Did I mention difficult? I should have gotten a clue when I was told that having a child begins with a word called “labor.”

I’ve had times when I felt like throwing up my hands in frustrations and saying, “I quit!” Is what I’m doing making any difference to anyone? I want results! Show me results! Then I think about the bamboo tree.

When the Chinese plant bamboo, first they plant the seeds, then water, and fertilize them. The first year, nothing happens. The second year they continue to water and fertilize the seeds, and still nothing happens. The farmer continues this process for a third and fourth year with no visual results. Then sometime during the fifth year, in a period of approximately six weeks, the Chinese bamboo grows ninety feet.

The question is, did it grow ninety feet in six weeks or did it grow ninety feet in five years? The obvious answer is that it grew ninety feet in five years. If the grower hadn’t applied water and fertilizer every year, there would be no bamboo.

It is the same way with raising children. We pour into their lives. We plant seeds of character, pull weeds with discipline, water with prayer, and fertilize with encouraging words. Then one day, if we are persistent and consistent, we will see beautiful results.

If you are in the midst of raising your children, or even a parent of grown children waiting to see the results, I want to encourage you to press on. Don’t give up! Keep praying! Keep encouraging! Keep loving! And one day, when you least expect it, your child will “rise up and call you blessed.”

Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, sometimes I get really tired and frustrated as a mom. When I grow discouraged, will You help me to keep the goal before me … to raise a child who is a man or woman after God’s own heart? Help me to remember that You, as my Heavenly Parent, never give up on me. Even when You don’t see the results that You desire, You continue to love, nurture and teach me. Thank You for being my example of persistent and consistent love.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

Just thinking....

2011-05-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

I have been having a bit of a time of late with all the preparations for Graduation. I have been working hard on finishing the scrapbook for Bugg's life. I do recommend that no one wait til the last 3 months before graduation to start one! Her new relationship that is "promised", her idea of moving to Eugene with a girlfriend and going to school there, the whole graduation thing....

It just has overwhelmed my thinking these last few days and weeks. We attended the Mother~Daughter Tea last night for Senior Girls. Mrs. Hall, the hostess, was funny and engaging of the audience, but she brought up a point about what graduation really means. It is that push/pull that we do to our girls at this age. We have prepared them for the world, go out and conquer it! BUT, don't leave me, stay right here by my side as you do it. She used the analogy of the Velveteen Rabbit, which most of us have read a time or two. It was so thought provoking...becoming real. To each other and to ourselves. I thought about what I want for my daughter as she prepares for this final "rite of passage" and I thought about what I didn't do for her. What things I should have done better or could have changed. What I wished would have been but wasn't. What I wanted for her and what she received.

Did I do my best? I did the best I knew how to do. The rest,I leave to God. Which from the beginning I thought I had promised Him that He could have her, but I wonder if I ever did let go, so that He could. Now, it's His turn. I have no other options, but to leave her in His arms and know that she will always have my love.

Today's Devotion

2011-04-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

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April 29, 2011

Praise The Perseveres

Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. (Acts 16:25, NIV)

Friend to Friend
Andrea lives in Lake Mary, Florida and is the proud momma to four beautiful girls. Two of her daughters are identical twins who have cerebral palsy and are severely disabled. Over the past 14 years, Andrea and her husband have been through the ringer. Her days are spent caring for the twins. And they are grueling days: filled with many tears, outbursts of frustration, and bouts of anger. There have been times that she has felt abandoned by God. Andrea admits that on many days, she has called out to God like the psalmist did: Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer (Psalm 4:1, NIV).

Through it all, however, Andrea has determined that she will praise God in spite of the daily complications. “I have always prayed for healing for my girls,” she shares. “I believe that with the mere thought of our God that my girls could be restored. I know that if He heals them I will spend my life praising Him for that miracle and telling others of His goodness. Of course, although God can heal them, I’ve had to learn to spend my whole life praising Him simply because He is God – whether He heals the girls or not. I decided very early on that God is still God no matter what He allows in my life. I can trust Him even when I can't understand Him.” She thoughtfully finished with this statement: “It sounds easy, but it hasn't been.”

Oh, how I can relate to honestly like that! How I’m drawn to this type of God-courage. Her challenges are great, but she is determined to praise God anyway. When I hear stories like Andrea’s, my heart stretches toward trusting God. I hear and feel that the trials in her life have led her to a greater dependency on God and a deeper trust in His sovereignty. I’m reminded that in every situation, I come to a crossroad and have a choice: I can pout or I can praise. I can turn away from God because I don’t understand or I can turn toward God in full assurance that His understanding is enough for the both of us – even if it hurts – even if anger lingers – even if doubt looms.

Have you been to these crossroads?

God shows us a powerful example of praise that perseveres in chapter sixteen of the book of Acts. During the Apostle Paul’s second missionary journey, he and his ministry buddy Silas encountered a collision of faith and trouble while in Philippi. After Paul cast out a demon that was terrorizing a young slave girl, he and Silas were seized by disgruntled Roman citizens and dragged to the marketplace before the rulers. They were then wrongfully accused of public disruption. They were stripped, beaten, and unlawfully jailed without a trial. After the flogging, Paul and Silas were taken to the in the inner cell of the prison, normally reserved for the most dangerous offenders, and their feet were placed in stocks.

Though they had every reason to sit and stew because of the injustice of their situation, Paul and Silas chose to trust in God's plan and praise their Lord, Jesus Christ. Though they had open wounds and would have been in severe physical pain, Paul and Silas chose to glorify the name of God. “After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them,” (Acts 16: 23-25).

Then God shook the earth and the prison foundations and loosed the chains of the prisoners. In horror, knowing he would be held responsible for the escape of the prisoners, the jailer raised his sword to kill himself – but Paul stopped him. He and Silas hadn’t fled. They stood amidst their dark circumstances and spoke and sang with confidence in their God.

As a result, several people, including the jailer and his family, came to believe in Jesus Christ. “The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’”

“They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.’ Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household,” (Acts 16:29-34).

Though we won’t always rejoice in our circumstances, we are commanded to always rejoice in the Lord. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4:4, 6-7).

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance,” (James 1: 2-3). When we praise the Lord through, and in spite of what we face, our praise becomes our deliverance through the trial.

“We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us…,” (Romans 5:3-5a NCV).

No matter what difficult times we encounter, God is worthy of our praise. When we choose to praise, we choose to trust God. When we choose to trust God, the broken world around us lifts their eyebrows in wonder – just like the Roman jailer. Sometimes a sacrifice of praise is required. Offer it. We can and should choose to bless His name through the pain, which astonishingly can bring His joy into our hearts.

Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Thank You for being trustworthy and praiseworthy! I ask that You will nudge me to trust You each time I approach the crossroads of faith and trouble. In spite of the burdens on my heart and challenges in my path right now, I praise Your name and celebrate that Your hope will never disappoint. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Thinking...

2011-04-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

Just thinking about some things today. My heart is heavy for so many things. I have heard of a friends' diagnosis of invasive Melanoma, relationships at odds, not just one! I know that the ENEMY is alive and well and roaming in this world. I know that this is HOLY WEEK and we are to be surrounded by the thoughts of Christ and what he went through to save US from the eternal damnation. I just am saddened by the weight of the burdens that are being placed on people. People need to "lean not on their own understanding, but in all their ways acknowledge HIM!" (paraphrased) I just am claiming the Lord's victory over the life of my friends that are being afflicted with this heavy weight, that they may lay their burdens at the feet of the cross and KNOW that HE died for those things. Leave them there, let them go, give them to GOD.

2011-04-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

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This was a fabulous part of our trip that I didn't get to add to the first smilebox, so enjoy this one as well.

Spring Break

2011-03-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

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This is just a small sampling of the pictures we took on our little vacation to Driftwood Shores in Florence, Oregon. We had such a great time together. This is one of our last real family Spring Break trips, since Bugg will be heading off to college. So it was bittersweet. Extra special times. :~)

Here is the real story :~)

2011-03-20T16:04:00.001-07:00

The hubs and I don't lack for vehicles at our home. We have 4 rigs, two boats, a trailer, 3 bicycles and I am sure a few other things that could mobilize us. All of the rigs are paid for and so when considering getting something newer than 11 years old comes to the conversation, we slightly balk. You see, neither of us want to go back to payments. We have thankfully made it to the only "bill" being the house payment, besides utilities. So, Hubs truck is old! Like a 1991, before we were married year, right? It has a temperament and often decides to do what it feels it wants to do, not always what we think it should do, right. So he has been eyeing this rig down at the lot by our house, we are officially on vacation with the girls for Spring Break and we aren't going out of town yet...so let's look at this pickup. OK, that sounds reasonable. He gets this nice young kid to go with him for a test drive, on the way out he says to Peanut and I, "take a look around and see if there is anything you like!" Was he intentional? I am not sure, but Peanut and I went cruising about the lot. We found this one rig that was listed for less than $13,000 and it was a 2004, TAHOE! Had power everything and a built in DVD player. Must be a mistake. He comes back and he really, really likes the truck. I tell him that is great, get the truck. While you were out, we looked at this......

Peanut is with us as Hubs does all the negotiating. She is a quick learner and quite bright, if I might add. So she is going right along with her Dad on this one. They are wheeling and dealing and guess what? Long story short...we brought this one home and haven't got the pick up yet. But maybe before too long. Nice day out with the family for me :~).

Lynsey turns 18 :~)

2011-03-19T21:00:00.001-07:00

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Just when I think that life may slow down, my little girl turns 18! Crazy!

When God Seems Silent | Kyria

2011-03-18T22:39:00.000-07:00

When God Seems Silent | Kyria

Laugh it UP!

2011-03-08T07:38:00.000-08:00

March 8, 2011
Laugh it up!
Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10, NKJV).

Friend to Friend
Jesus lived and died so that we can experience abundant life. Jesus did not come so that we can merely survive life. Pagans can survive life. God’s plan is for us to experience joy and peace – no matter what life holds.

John 10:10 clearly states the promise of God, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” In this verse, “abundant” literally means “going beyond; full or exuberant.” In other words, an abundant life is a life filled with joy. Even in the midst of a joy-less world, we can live a joy-filled life for one simple reason – God is in control. And because He is in control, we are promised, “the cheerful heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15 NIV). Life should be an ongoing celebration.

Now, be honest for a moment. Is your life a continual feast, a daily celebration? Would those who know you best describe you as a woman of joy? Laughter and joy are treasures from God, valuable to us for many reasons.

1. Joy heals. Proverbs 17:22 “A happy heart is like good medicine, but a broken spirit drains your strength.”

....

In other words, God created us to illustrate the truth, that if we laugh more days, we will have more days to laugh. Joy heals.

2. Joy makes us strong. Nehemiah 8:10 “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Joy – humor – laughter – all cultivate inner strength that operates beyond our own human abilities. The joy of the Lord in us will produce His strength through us. A life without joy is like a car without shock absorbers. It will be jolted by every bump in the road. Laughter and joy are the shock-absorbers of life and can radically change our perspective of life and the tough times it holds.

...

C. Joy makes the ordinary special.

Someone said, “If you have to move ten inches from where you are now to be happy, then you will never be truly happy.” As we learn to celebrate the ordinary things in life, we build a life of joy because it is against the backdrop of the ordinary that God’s work becomes extraordinary. We don’t have trouble celebrating the big events in life. Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries – are celebrations we anticipate and execute with great planning and forethought. We tend to place unrealistic expectations on these celebrations because there is no daily celebration of life.

So celebrate, my friends! Celebrate Tuesdays, half birthdays, haircuts, new jeans and report cards. Celebrate the day braces go on – and especially the day they come off. Celebrate if Dad comes home early. Hey, just celebrate if Dad comes home. ...

I want it all. I want everything God has for me. I want to celebrate life, but I often get so wrapped up in the urgent things that I lose sight of the important things. A celebratory attitude is slowly siphoned from our souls by the countless “joy robbers” the enemy sends our way. Guard your heart and mind. Refuse to surrender your God-given joy to anyone or anything. Join me this week as we celebrate Jesus. Party on, girlfriends!

Thank you, Honey

2011-02-16T12:55:00.000-08:00

In honor of my husband, who for the last two weeks has held me up and kept me going when I wanted to curl up and give up. I hope that I am an example of this devotional. I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to say how grateful I am that he has been there for me. Thank you, Honey. I am honored to be your Wife.

Words Can Captivate Your Man

Sharon Jaynes

(In honor of Valentine's Day, Sharon's February devotions will focus on marriage.)

Today's Truth
"A good wife is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds" (Proverbs 31:10, The Message).

Friend To Friend
Today, I want you to use your imagination. I want you to imagine your husband sitting at his desk or at a quiet place at work. Imagine him lost in thought about how blessed he is to have you as his wife. He holds your framed picture in his hand and moisture begins to pool in his eyes. He is captivated.

All the riches in the world are not to be compared with the jewel I have in this woman, he muses. What did I ever do to deserve her? God has given me such a gift. All our married life, she has done nothing but love me, bring out the best in me, and look out for my best interest. All the guys at the office are envious of our relationship. I see the way their eyes soften when she comes by just to tell me hello, grabs my hand when we're at office functions, or pecks me on the cheek for no apparent reason. I notice that her loving words to me are in stark contrast to some of the cutting remarks of other wives...and so do my friends. I look around at the accomplishments of my life, but having this woman as my wife is my greatest. Oh sure, there are many women out there in the world who are accomplishing great feats, but my wife...well, she surpasses them all.

What a picture! That's the woman I want to be, don't you? And amazingly my words can be the determining factor as to whether this scenario is possible or not. Did you know that there are words your husband longs to hear? Did you know that there are words we should never say? Let me give you a few from my book, The Power of a Woman's Words.

Words to Never Say to Your Husband

1. I told you so.

2. You just don't think.

3. It's your fault.

4. What's wrong with you?

5. I can't do anything to please you.

6. All you care about is yourself.

7. You never listen to me.

8. I don't know why I put up with you.

9. What do you want now?

10. How many times do I have to tell you?

Words Your Husband Longs to Hear

I've been thinking about you all day.
What can I do for you today?
How can I pray for you today?
The best part of my day is when you come home.
You are one of God's most precious gifts to me.
You are so wonderful.
You look so handsome today.
I don't feel complete without you.
I will always love you.
I trust your decisions.

Today, be aware of the words you say to your husband. Do they build him up or tear him down? Do they make him glad he came home, or wish he hadn't?

Sitting at His feet

2011-02-15T06:14:00.000-08:00

I often wonder...what are You teaching me, Lord? In all of this, what is my lesson?

As I have struggled the last two weeks with injury and illness, I have tried to see what my lesson might be. I long to have plans, structure, to know what is on the schedule and be ready to take it all in stride.....as long as it goes according to plan. Well, the injury was not a planned thing, really neither was the surgery. It had been planned later, but not now! So I am finding that the Lord is teaching me, that it isn't about MY schedule but HIS. I am able to sit at his feet and learn from Him, right here, right now....in this unplanned stage of my life. May I honor Him in all I say and do. This is a portion of my devotion this morning, it really spoke to my heart. Maybe it will speak to yours.

He is Waiting for You

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"Now as they went on their way, He entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home" (Luke 10:38, NIV).

Seeking God begins with recognizing who He is and then inviting Him into our life as Lord and Savior. If He is not Lord of all, then He is not Lord at all. For some of us, the problem is not that we lack a personal relationship with God. Our problem is that we are not "making room" for that relationship. Balance comes when we yield to His plan in the everyday moments of life.

Mary's home revealed a world very different from mine and an uncommonly simplistic lifestyle I desperately longed to experience. The house was sparsely furnished with only the necessities but Mary described her life and daily routine with words like "calm, uncomplicated, peaceful and serene." When I asked why she had chosen such a lifestyle she sweetly responded with words of wisdom I will never forget, "I have discovered that when my life and my heart get too crowded there is not enough room for God." Exactly!

An unbalanced life is too crowded for God. It is so easy to relegate our spirituality to religious activity when all He really wants is to spend time with us. When the tears fall, He wants to wipe them away, collecting each one so that He can pour them back into our lives as a refreshing rain of restoration. God longs for us to forever run into His arms, sharing every hurt and rejoicing in every victory. The Father yearns to wrap His strong arms around us, bringing the peace and balance we so desperately need.

Instead, we often relinquish control of our life to unworthy demands dictated by a world that operates in "urgent" gear. We forget what is really important. The important rarely barges in while the urgent is always an offensive intruder. The important waits patiently while the urgent demands its own way, creating bedlam and imbalance. Certainly, there are times when the important is also urgent - but we must learn to discern between the two. We wrongly conclude that a busy life is automatically a productive life and think that a full schedule will surely produce a full heart.

I have great news! He loves who you are more than He loves what you do. Seek Him today. Make room for Him. He is waiting.

Another gift from GiG.....

2011-01-20T14:33:00.000-08:00

Today's devotion from Mary Southerland in my "GIRLFRIENDS IN GOD" email was truly touching to me. Sometimes I just don't ask. I don't take the time to ask GOD to bless me. I know I take my list of burdens to Him and wait for Him to take care of them all, but frankly, I don't ask for the blessing. So, this was meaningful to me today. I thought it might be meaningful for you, as well. Enjoy.

1 John 3:21-23 "Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us" (NIV).

When we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and seek to obey His commands, we can come before God in confidence, knowing that He wants to pour out His blessings on our life. He is waiting. We just need to ask.

Prayer
Father, thank You for loving me. Please help me walk in obedience to Your commands and live my life in a way that pleases You. I really do want to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Right now, I surrender all that I am to You and ask for Your blessings in my life.

In Jesus' name,

2011-01-17T16:23:00.000-08:00

If you have come to my blog and now noticed a picture of a lady that you may not recognize; her name is Joanne. She is the author of the blog "the simple wife". She is an author and mother and young woman of only 38 who suffered a massive stroke last week and her young daughter found her. She now struggles for her life. So I added her to my prayer list and I hope you will add her to yours.

http://thesimplewife.typepad.com/the_simple_wife/

Safe...

2011-01-13T15:31:00.000-08:00

Let's Pray
Father, I am so tired of playing it safe, of bowing to the wrong crowd and listening to the wrong voices. I lay down my pride and surrender to You and Your plan for my life in this New Year. Stretch my faith. Give me Your eyes to see those in need. Fill me with Your power and strength so that others will be drawn to You.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

This was in my daily devotion from "girlfriends in GOD" the author being Mary Southerland. I found that it rang true in my heart. I felt compelled to cry out that prayer as my own. I struggle to live a life that doesn't offend others, keeps everyone happy and most of all keeps me safe. But, I read in this little devotion that I need to let go of some of those "safe" things. This is what she said before the prayer....

People are desperately looking for ordinary women like you and me whose lives have been changed by an extraordinary God - the One who is calling us to be "God with skin on" to those who don't even believe He exists. I want to love every excuse and doubt right out of their minds. I want them to see a power in me that they cannot explain in human terms and a message that shouts of God's mercy and forgiveness. I want to be hungry and thirsty for God as never before. I want my normal life to be abnormally extraordinary because God is alive and well and at work in and around me.

I just felt like this was meant only for me, just for my heart today. I don't really know what else to say but that I want to be "abnormally extraordinary because God is alive" in me.

Ice Skating with Friends

2011-01-09T20:54:00.001-08:00

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Peanut took her girlfriends on a skating trip for her birthday.

Peanut's birthday celebration

2011-01-09T20:36:00.000-08:00

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Just a little momento of her family birthday party on Wednesday

New Year's Eve 2010

2011-01-03T19:16:00.001-08:00

Peanut decided to have a few friends over for New Year's Eve.

They started out playing with the wii.

The girls.......

then the boys....

and the girls again.....

and the boys.....

then mixin' it up a bit...

then.....the snow began falling and they were more interested in playing outside in the snow. Which I totally understand! We loaned all of them some warm coats and sent them on their way.

snowballs and snowmen to be made....

frozen fingers to be had....

Not just a little bit of snow either. I mean , we got ourselves doused with some white!

It was rather remarkable if you ask me! I don't ever recall a New Year's Eve with snow.

It was quite the memory. Good bunch of kids with some good times.

Happy New Year!!!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-03T18:58:00.001-08:00

Our Christmas 2010 was to be a nice quiet little family affair. The parents had decided to go to my sister's for the weekend. J and I had to work both days before and after, so we couldn't make the trip. Papa had gone to see the doctor for his post op visit prior to their departure the next day to Sister's. Well, the doctor advised Dad not to travel that far at this particular time. So, the plans changed. Now, Sister and her family were coming home for Christmas. They were going to pack up and head down on Christmas eve. They now have a lab puppy, who is 5 months old. She is a beautiful girl, Hershey, a little playful. Too playful to stay with Nana and Papa, so she stayed with us......so did Sister and her husband and the kids. My quaint little home got a whole lot more little over the next couple of days!

Christmas morning I found myself not able to sleep much. I woke at 3 am and cooked the ham, followed by the turkey. Sister's kids were up and at 'em at 7 ish. Our girls were not so quick to get themselves up and out of bed. So my niece and nephew had their Santa Stocking time well underway before our little ones sauntered in the room.

The children passed out the gifts, later to my dismay, I had forgotten to read the Christmas story. Every Christmas morning since the girls were born, we read the Christmas story and then open our gifts. I totally FORGOT! I was so sad about that, but I had to ask for forgiveness.

The gift exchange was huge, it always is when my sister is involved! *wink*

The girls were getting a special gift from their parents, we gave them one present with both their names written on it, the only gift under the tree for them for a couple of weeks.

They opened it and found a Norton Antivirus kit.....

Well, as they turned around their Dad was holding a box for each of them.

If you can see what is on Bugg's lap, it is the box for the lap top.

Both of the girls got one. They were so surprised. They had no idea!

They thought when they opened the anti virus, that maybe they would be getting one lap top to share, not realizing that they each got their own.

You can see them here.

I would like you to know that all that stuff in this small room is from my Sister, she is other wise known as Candy Claus!! :~)

Checking out their gifts and we are checking out the mess!

I nearly got an entire new kitchen from my sister, this is just one of the boxes of Pampered Chef items that she supplied me with!

We went on later in the day to have Mom and Dad over for dinner and My brother in law's father as well. We ended up presenting Mom and Dad with a Big Flat Screen TV for Christmas.

We highly anticipated my Dad being a little over reactive, but much to our confusion, our Mother screams......

"Oh, NO!"

at the top of her high pitched voice and then began to cry. We didn't quite know what to do with ourselves, but we know they enjoyed it!

That my friends, was our Christmas 2010.

Hope yours was extra special and you were as spoiled as we were!

Christmas Eve 2010

2011-01-03T18:38:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve is our traditional time with the Luiz side of the family. We look forward to dinner and presents because we never truly know what will happen during the evening.

One year, the power went out and that was probably the most memorable, if not the most fun!

We will start with the tree.

My sister in law decorates it a little different every year. This year was more of an elegant simple theme. None of the PEPSI ornaments on the tree, but always a ton of presents.
My Niece, she is getting so tall. She is second only to Bugg now, much to her sister's dismay!

My oldest niece, delving in to the package. She really wanted it!

Auntie B, playing Santa!

J's new tool.

Miss J and Auntie B unwrapping their loot.

My brother in law, E with the girls.

Crash~ exactly what I wanted to do ;~)

Contemplating their goods.

Getting in to one of her gifts...

Opening their gifts from us

K is checking out those moccasins

that's me and my sister in law :~)

Us girls with Auntie B and J needing in the picture!

Ok, now with just Auntie B.

We had a great time with them. My sister in law cooked us some great Ravioli, we had a great gab fest and wonderful gifts. Always, so look forward to our time with the other Luiz 4 :~)

My friend gets married....

2010-12-16T22:03:00.000-08:00

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Girls....Pals....Friends

2010-12-11T22:30:00.001-08:00

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Just a little collection of photos from today. These girls I love.

12/11/10

2010-12-11T22:13:00.001-08:00

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Today

2010-11-26T19:08:00.000-08:00

Today, as the morning was beginning, I was listening to the girls. They were getting ready for a road trip. Bugg says to Peanut that there is this one jacket that is in the dryer and that she needs to make sure to grab it cause it will get cold. Then, Peanut is asking if she can make some sandwiches for the trip. The way they helped each other and focused on the other one was such a treat. I sat and just grinned listening to these girls, whom have grown so much in the last few years. It is amazing how they grow and mature right before our eyes. Sometimes while we are watching and not seeing. I quietly said a Thank You to the Lord for His goodness and His grace for my girls. How they love and look after one another. It is such a delight to "watch" this all happen before my eyes. I am so proud of my girls and look forward to watching them for many more years to come.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T21:01:00.000-08:00

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Just a few pictures from out day :~) ENJOY!

Mom's Birthday

2010-11-25T20:38:00.000-08:00

Just a little bit of her birthday. We had a great time.

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Our LAST Volleyball Banquet 2010

2010-11-17T19:41:00.001-08:00

This is Lyns, she was co captain and co inspirational player

(OK, I accidentally removed this picture below and couldn't get it back to the right spot, forgive me.)

Lyns and Lyns

Tyler, Lyns and Lyns

I didn't know that I could ever be so thankful for a season of our life to be over, but I am.

Bugg has had the most difficult high school years of volleyball related to her coaching.

She has had her confidence and self esteem shattered and I for one am truly grateful that it is finally over. I am so, so, so very proud of her for who she is and how she continued to handle herself so well despite the changes. She exemplified true Dignity when she wasn't shown any respect. I am so impressed with her. I know that her skills improved immeasurably throughout the years. But one thing my husband said tonight was, "you can't show what you have, when you are never given the chance." I think that sums up her time completely. She is amazing and I am so delighted she is mine.

Bugg here is to you!

You deserve so much better.

Coach and Melissa~ she has dress rehearsal for a play.

Neva~she got the Kate Stone award and scholarship

Good Job Neva!!

My beautiful Bugg

The Seniors

He was telling a story about her. He said she was the one who never showed any emotion until a couple of weeks ago during a rock/paper/scissors game with Alyssa.

She never got excited for wins, but she got excited for rock/paper/scissors.

That was his story about her.

Ericka, the most improved player

Kabrissa~the quiet one

Ellie~

Bree~Player of the Year for our conference :~)

Also, co captain for the team and inspirational player with Lyns.

waiting for it to be over. Emotionless....

only on the outside.

Team Dinner and First Play off game

2010-11-03T19:38:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday Evening the 2nd of November, it was our turn for the Pasta Party. The team holds a Pasta Dinner the night before each home game. I had not been able to do it yet this season, so I got to do it for the Play off game. This was all good, until we heard that Peanut was going to be playing her first Play In game for the Play Offs for the girls varsity soccer team on the same night at roughly the same time. Well, I opted to stay with the girls, because I have so much fun with them, and the Hubs and my Parents went to the game. Here the girls are digging in.

Steph sitting, Bree standing and Vanessa standing, Ericka and Tyler seated facing the camera, and Cali sitting to the right.

Bree, Steph, and Ellie

Ericka, Tyler, Vanessa and Cali

Alyssa, Anna (behind Lyns), Lyns, Lyns, Neva and Kabrissa

The girls seemed to have a really good time, they stayed for a bit and some of them stayed for quite a while! It was fun to listen to them all chat together.

Game Time 6 pm Wednesday

Kabrissa, Ericka,Tyler,Bree, Melissa, Neva, Lyns,Vanessa,Lyns, Cali, Alyssa, Ellie, Anna

Got her game face on!! :~)

waiting for the ball to come back over

The girls took the match in 3 games. They played well and had some moments that were so incredible and then some that were a little ummm.......not so incredible.

We will play on Saturday.

Back to Peanut, her team scored 12 goals against the team they played. Peanut scored 2 of those!! Hubs was texting me all night and keeping me updated. She will play on Saturday as well. Will keep you updated :~)

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

Our annual Trunk or Treat Festival was held at the Church again this year. It was put on by the Children's ministry under the direction of my dear friend Jenn. There was a huge turnout, not just for the number of trunks, but the number of people. The tunnel provided by the youth was bigger and better than ever. We had drinks and popcorn and prizes were awarded. It was a big event. I think it is my favorite part of Halloween. I don't need to dress up as anything exciting, as you can see, but just seeing the little ones all dressed up in different garb is entertaining to me. Seeing the number of children in High School, thinking they can trick or treat is alarming, as well as the costumes they try to get by with. I just read an article about that, "keeping the costumes from being too sexy." It is sad we have to even read an article like that, but I guess that is what is prevalent in our times.

On Saturday Evening, Peanut and her friends were headed to a black light Halloween party, no costumes required, but you know her..... she loves to dress up crazy whenever she can! So here is a part of her costume, she was an 80's workout girl. :~)

I thought she did a pretty good job, her big hoop earrings and her off the shoulder t shirt. Not bad. We teased her hair, but it still looked cute in her pony. Her friend, the boy, didn't dress up, he just wore white :~).

I don't have any pictures of Bugg and Puddles, they did quite the job of face masks and wigs, some of you could see those pics on FB. They were cute. That was our Halloween.

Tuesday Pink Out

2010-10-14T12:07:00.000-07:00

The Roseburg High Volleyball team took to the court dressed in Pink Jersey's. It was the first annual Pink Out. The team members were asked to get sponsors to pledge money for each dig that the girls were able to get. By the end of the evening, it wasn't just digs that counted. Everyone participated in the event. Both teams wore the pink jersey's, the line judges and the referees wore their pink as well. The spectators wore pink too! It was a fun event. Hoping they do it again.

Women Of Faith

2010-10-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

On Friday, My girlfriend and I headed to Portland. We made plans months ago to be at the Women of Faith Conference and it was finally time. We had hardly had time together the last few months with the girls' schedule of games and school. She has found the love of her life and of course she is spending as much time with him, planning their upcoming wedding. So we were both excited to take 24 hours for ourselves. It didn't go without problems though, not for the two of us, but for what we left behind. The girls both had events on Saturday, Bugg was taking her SAT's, Peanut had a soccer game, later that evening was the HOMECOMING dance, the game was on Friday night as well. Plus, one of our huge fundraisers for The Treva Hoffman Foundation was scheduled for the same weekend. I was torn, because I wanted to be a part of all of it. I had made plans to be with my friend months before and I knew that it was where I needed to be. God put me right where I needed to be. He spoke to my heart in ways that only he could. He blessed us both spiritually. I missed out on some things, but I didn't miss out on the opportunity to be blessed by God. He used speakers such as Lisa Harper, Luci Swindoll, Sheila Walsh, Karen James, Michelle Aguilar, dramatist Nicole Johnson, singers Natalie Grant and Mary Mary. I will not forget the weekend events. Sometimes it is hard to make choices, but I knew I was where I belonged.

Saturday the 2nd of October

2010-10-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

I got up and got ready for my day. I went to pick up Peanut at a friends house and took her to the high school. She was meeting the soccer team and heading to Medford. I went and dropped off her friend Red and headed to meet Bugg. Bugg was getting her senior portraits taken with Dulce Phelps. She had a friend with her and Puddles was there as well. We tootled about the Downtown in different outfits and different poses to get the girl looking her best. It was fun to watch her and see her beauty. She is so sweet and she did such a great job. I cannot wait to see them. While we were doing the pictures I got a text from Peanut saying the game was delayed an hour and that varsity would play after. I knew that I probably could have made it down there now, but I had already decided I wasn't going. I took Bugg and Puddles to lunch. We had a good time and I headed home and the girls headed to Puddles house. I then got a message from Peanut that she was only playing a half for JV because she was going to "swing" for varsity.
I got so excited for her and called her dad. I said, I need to go! So I hopped in my car and headed down to Medford. While en route to the game, Bugg sent me a text asking if I saw her goal. I said, WHOSE? She told me Peanut's! I said, I am not there yet! How did you hear about it? Someone at the game posted it on Facebook! I got there moments later. She was warming up with Varsity and the parents were sharing with me how incredible her shot was! I asked if any one got a picture and they told me they each have one in their mind! I was so proud of her, but so bummed that I missed her first game goal. For all these years she has played a defender, so she didn't have the chance to score. Then her first one, I missed it! They varsity game was fun to watch. The girls are very skilled and good at what they do. Peanut got put in during the second half as a forward. She did well and played well with the older girls. They welcomed her in and gave her the opportunity to play. She did get a shot on goal, but didn't make it in. We had time at the mall afterward and just the two of us headed home together. It was pretty fun. I enjoyed seeing her. Still sorry I missed her first goal! But, I am sure there WILL be another. :~)

This is my life....right now

2010-09-29T16:03:00.001-07:00

I spend my Tuesdays and Thursdays and some Saturdays hanging out at a gym. I get to watch my beautiful daughter in her final season of volleyball. She is a treasure to watch. I love to see her play. She has grown so much over the last 7 years of playing.

On some Tuesdays and on some Saturdays, I also get to watch this sweet little Peanut throw her entire self into playing this game. She devotes everything she has the entire 90 minutes of play. She has saved some people from scoring goals and has ran faster than I can see her. I will look forward to watching her play the next few years of high school.

Labor Day Weekend Projects Galore....

2010-09-06T15:20:00.000-07:00

A few months back, Hubs says to me, "well, you are going to get railings after all."

Apparently the Insurance inspector came by and did a little inspection for Insurance purposes. That is a totally redundant sentence, but nonetheless, he said we needed railings.

So, instead of me just getting them because I asked for them, we get them because the Insurance guy says so. That project was started on Saturday.

Nearly complete

While the deck railing was being built, Peanut got her new bed. Well, it needed some bedding. So a shopping we did go!!

Her sheets are satin and zebra, the comforter is the nice color of blue.

Then, in the middle of that, we headed out for more lumber at Lowe's and there happened to be a really fabulous new refrigerator on sale. I had just said to Hubs that I would like to replace our appliances with black ones, and then here was one!! :~)

On really good sale, and no interest for 18 months :~)

Delivered today.

Ok, so he finished up the deck today as well, here is the finished project.

looking incredibly good, I might add

That was labor day weekend at our house.

Now off to ball practice for the girls. Happy Fall.

My 39th Birthday....

2010-08-09T20:28:00.001-07:00

We had a dinner celebration with my family at home. Bugg cooked dinner. Nana and Papa and Shane came to share dinner and cake with us. Fun times.

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Daddy's 70th Birthday

2010-08-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

On Saturday the 31st of July, we had a little Open House for Dad. He was having his 70th birthday. You see to me this is a huge milestone, because when he was 43, he underwent open heart surgery. Not that that is anything to sneeze at, but they made a mistake. He woke up a 4 year old little boy! He was not even going to make it to his next birthday. So, to be 70 and in his right mind is a Miracle! I wanted to share the day with Dad and his friends, so I sent out an invite and said to spread the word. A lot of well wishes came from folks who couldn't attend and he was touched. He even told me he was a little overwhelmed by the people who came to celebrate him. He is a good man and I am grateful that he is My Daddy!

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Camping Trip to Lost Creek Resevoir July 2010

2010-07-30T23:08:00.000-07:00

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We had such a good time for our family camping trip this year. We haven't had the boat out for a couple of years because it has been so busy with the girls' sports. So we hooked up the boat and the camp trailer and headed south east for a little adventure. An adventure it was. We had to stop mid way because Jeff's truck was overheating. The radiator hose had sprung a hole. So we detoured for a bit and sat on the side of the road until the truck cooled down. When we arrived at the camp, the site wasn't ready yet. So we headed out for the day use area to load the boat.
Busy day on the lake and we had to wait our turn for unloading. When we unloaded, I drove the truck to find a parking space and Bugg and I headed back to the boat dock.
When we made it down to the launch site, Jeff and Peanut were in the boat, feeling a little defeated and quickly told us that the boat wouldn't start. So we loaded it back up and headed to the beach. The girls were so sad, but I encouraged them to keep their spirits up for their dad. He had worked so hard to get the boat ready for our trip, he had even taken it out a couple days before to make sure it was behaving. We found some other things to do, there were bike trails and walking trails and hiking spots, card games. A presentation on rocks by a local Museum gal, Peanut and I were the only ones to go to that. All sorts of stuff for us to do instead. On Sunday morning, Jeff decided to head further east to Crater Lake. The girls were so excited. We had a great time there, Buddie traveled well and was excellent at the park. We stopped at Union Creek on the way home, the pictures do not do justice to the beauty of the waterfalls. We also found a little ice cream parlor in the town of Union Creek that sells their single cones as a foot high cone!
We walked down to the lake and swam and jumped off the rocks and just had some fun times. The next few days we were out on the boat. On Monday morning while the girls were sleeping in, Jeff decided to work on the boat. He got the thing running and proudly proclaimed, "I don't know what was wrong or what I did to fix it, but it is working!" The last full day there we toured the Fish Hatchery just up the road. On Thursday, Jeff and Peanut headed out to fish and Bugg and I took care of packing up camp. We had a little trouble with the awning, it had a glitch, but we worked it all out. So enjoy the pictures, we had a great time making them.

Tisha

2010-07-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

Sixteen years ago this summer, I went on an adventure that changed my life. I took my Mom to the animal shelter. What possessed me to go, I have no idea. But, at the end of the two rows of cages was a little tiny black and brown mutt. She had her nose sticking through the chain links and was the quietest one there. I fell in love!!! I drove straight to Safeway and began begging Jeff to let me bring her home. His words to me went something like this, "we don't need a dog".
I continued to turn on the charm, mentioned that she is just what our little one year old needed. We had just bought our first home a few months before and it is the perfect time to bring home a pet. I had trouble on this memory, but, Jeff said he drove out to see her with me and there was no turning back. She came home to us. We asked Bugg to name her. Well, what 18month old child would have much to say, but our little girl named her Tisha! That may have been just what we heard, but that became her name. She tore up our back yard, she was a digger. She dug hole after hole after hole. She went camping with us and boating with us, but she never got in the water. She HATED the water. Jeff used to fill those holes she dug, with water and put her nose in them to try and get her to stop digging. Which I believe led to her extreme distaste for the water. Jeff and his buddy had gone out driving around near Berry Creek, or Ben Irving Reservoir one year and had taken Tisha. He had to work the next day and I had been working the Evening shift at the hospital. So the next morning when I got up, I didn't see Tisha in the back. I called Jeff at work and asked if she was there when he had left for work. Jeff has never been real good at telling stories and he stumbled over some words. Finally, he told me that he and Ken had left her at Ben Irving!!! I said, "what!?" He went on to tell me that when they were done doing whatever it was they had been doing up there, that Tisha didn't come when they called her. So they left! Bugg and I hopped in the car and headed out to Ben Irving and we drove around there yelling for Tisha. We drove and had our windows down calling out her name. Bugg was just little, in the car seat trying to yell her name. We went home sad. When Jeff got home from work, he went searching. I think he would have been in the doghouse himself had he not have. He returned with my dog!! We went camping one summer and we all had swam to the other side of the little "creek" and she was so upset because she couldn't get to us. She yelped and hollered and paced back and forth across the bank and then she finally jumped in the water and swam over to us. This is the one and only time I can remember her getting in the water. A couple of years ago the girls and I were walking through Gaddis park, there was this little family handing out puppies. They were white and speckled, they told us they were Blue Healer/Chihuahua mix! What a combo, I know. The girls fell head over heels and thought for sure that Tisha needed a companion. We snuck one of the puppies in our rig and brought him home. Buddy did become a great companion to Tisha. One summer we found Tisha's leg to be bleeding. We couldn't figure out what was happening to her. Upon further inspection it was evident to Jeff that Tisha had been shot! We found out that one of the neighbors had done it. It was one of the kids of the neighbors, but none the less. Last year was when I ran over her leg. I think I wrote about that. That was horrible. That was the beginning of her slow decline. The last few months Tisha's tail began to sag and her legs were getting a little stiff. I began to worry, knowing how old she is. We always had someone look after her when we were away. Jeff and I would have talks about what to do, he continued to reassure me she was fine. She was getting around good and we were giving her Aleve and Ibuprofen pretty much every day. He promised me that if she were in pain we would know. A little before 3 this morning we heard a cry we had never heard before. Our bedroom is by the garage where the dogs sleep. I reached for Jeff and we both bolted upright. We ran to the garage to see Tisha stuck. She couldn't move her hind legs. She had to go to the bathroom and she couldn't move her feet to get there. When she would try to move she cried. We took her an aleve, we tried to lay back down. That was pointless. We cried and knew this must be the time. Jeff went ahead and got ready for work. I didn't til about 5. I would lay and listen for her to move. She cried a few more times before I needed to leave. I went out and tried to help her up, but it wasn't going to happen. I cried so hard. I went and tried to tell Peanut what was going on, that I needed to leave for work and that Tisha wasn't doing well. I told her through tear stained cheeks, that Daddy would be home soon to take her to the doctor. I headed to work. Later, I found out that Peanut didn't quite comprehend what I was telling her at first. When she did, she took her sleeping bag and pillow and headed out to lay with Tisha. She laid with her til her sister came home. Then their daddy came home and did what he had to do. Thank you Lord, for giving us such a wonderful companion all these years. She was such a part of our family and she will be missed. Jeff painted a stone for her and she is in the back yard. She will never be far from us.

a Birthday and a Graduation

2010-06-23T19:45:00.000-07:00

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My sister is blessed to have some great friends. These friends also call me friend. The girls and I decided to head up to Washington to partake in the celebration. The birthday party for a sweet 6 year old and the graduation of an awesome young man. We had a great time and some great memories were made. Enjoy the pictures.

Final Choir Concert 6.3.10

2010-06-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

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Peanut had a great final Choir performance for her years at JoLane Middle School. She has had some great learning and development while there. A huge thanks to Mrs. G for guiding and instructing her. The slide show goes in reverse order. But, you get the idea. Fun times for her. Enjoy the show.

Talking to the School Board

2010-05-26T19:42:00.001-07:00

Tonight, the JoLane Student Council presented their going green cafeteria presentation to the Roseburg School Board. There goal was to inform them of what they have done, how they have succeeded and their hope to make it District wide. The boys, were there in support, but they didn't get to say anything. *wink*

"T" and "C"

Miss "R", Peanut, Miss "E", and Miss "J" on the computer.

They did a really nice job. Their presentation is smooth and clearly defined. They were not as encouraging as Peanut thought that they should be, but I told her I thought it was well received.

Very proud of them!! :~)

PIE night 2010

2010-05-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

Each year the JoLane Teachers and Staff present the students with awards for Excellence and Citizenship. They are awarded for their grades, no truancy, no tardy, good behavior, etc. The choir sang a couple of songs at the beginning and then the award portion of the show. So I snapped a few pictures for you to enjoy.

Peanut looks evil in this shot, but she really is not, it is the way my camera captured her eyes.

Peanut went home from softball practice and got ready because she had to sing, but our friend, "C" did not get to go home first :~).

This is a bunch of the girls that Peanut is friends with and one of the mom's was getting them all together for a picture. What a great idea!! :~)

Peanut and "C", we have her in so many of our shots, she is in the plays with Peanut as well.

Miss "K" with Peanut

Mr. "A" and Peanut. They are so sweet together. He is the sweetest boy :~)

Double Date....

2010-05-23T13:51:00.000-07:00

This month has been Healthcare Worker appreciation and Nurse's day and such like that. So, I had been given a gift card for $20 to our local bowling center and another employee gave me theirs because he said he would never use it. So I gave them to the girls. They grabbed their fellas and headed off to Ten Down for an afternoon of bowling. Their dad and I went to Real Deals and driving around the county and to dinner. When we got home from dinner, the 4 of them were watching "Avatar" on the sofa. So I snapped a few pictures, just for fun. Here they are, my sweet girls and their fellas.

A and Peanut
Bugg and Dribbler, couldn't get him to smile and keep his eyes open!
Oh well.

Prom Pictures from Dulce...

2010-05-19T15:45:00.001-07:00

On Saturday May 15th Bugg and Dribbler, headed out to the Prom. It was their first one. We had the hair done and the nails done and the make up done, we did it all. I thought it was so much fun! I know it wasn't even me! But, they headed to the park, Stewart Park, where a friend was taking pictures. This is the gal that has asked Bugg to be a Senior Rep for her, we were interviewing for that on Monday following, so Bugg had to introduce herself to Dulce. She did and these are the photos that Dulce did. Enjoy! Cause I think they are fabulous, but I might be a little prejudice. :~)

Prom 2010

2010-05-15T21:09:00.000-07:00

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Without the braces....

2010-05-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

here is a before....taken last August on her way to Costa Rica
after...taken 5.13.10

Had a splendid day. I was able to have the day off, our schedule is pretty light some days, so I spent the day with Hubs, getting bark mulch and hauling a lawn mower for a friend. I then headed to Jo Lane to pick up Peanut. Today was the much anticipated day of brace removal, if she had been good and used her rubber bands like she was supposed to. She so desperately did NOT want to get her hopes up, but he had a hard time not being excited. When she walked in, the receptionist greeted her with , "hey, it's your big day!" Hard not to get too excited now! Then, the assistant called her back and said, "hey, it's your big day!". Well, they need to check in with the Doctor to see if she really can get them off. He says, Do you think they need to come off? Of course she says YES!! So he says, OK. You can have them off. After getting the brackets off, she got the glue drilled off and her teeth smoothed out. She got up to brush and she says, "are these really my teeth?" One of the girls thought that was the funniest thing she had ever heard!! Then she was getting her permanent wire placed and I was trying to take pictures with her new phone. That wasn't quite so smooth. I had brought the camera, all charged up and ready, til I turned it on and it had a blaring message, "no memory card". I couldn't believe it. So my best option was trying to take pictures with her new phone. Well, there is one or two on her phone. As she was nearing completion, they took a mold of her upper teeth for her retainer, in walks Bugg and two of Bugg's friends. So Peanut is sitting in the chair, drooling all over her napkin and closing her eyes so as not to cry or throw up and in walks an audience!! She was a trooper. She kept a stiff upper lip and charged on. We were visiting and having so much fun, Dr. Varner comes in the room and says, "hey, she's done! You can go now!! " Guess the party was over. Good job Peanut.

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-14T19:56:00.000-07:00

Me and my girls.
They started out the morning by coming to my room and bringing me the bouquet of flowers, the card and the CD. I have this new liking to John Mayer, I know mushy love songs! So they filled me up and loved on me. They were so great. They told me they had more, but it would have to wait. So I headed out to my car after we got ready for Church. In the car were newly placed seat covers, pink butterflies. You know what butterflies mean to me, and that they are pink! There was a steering wheel cover and CD holder to match. It was pretty special. It told me that my girls really do listen to what I say.

Here is my sweet baby girls. We all met at church, Mom and Sis and Bro in law and the niece and nephew. Papa came after church and we all headed to Breakfast. We exchanged presents there, Mom got both Sis and I a present and Sis got me one! I did give her a picture of Mom and I :~) So we took pictures out side before we all took it easy the rest of the day.

I am truly thankful for my mother. She is a friend to me as well as my Mom. She has taught me so much and helped me be a better person. I am thankful for my mom.

3rd Annual Strike Out Breast Cancer

2010-05-14T19:46:00.000-07:00

Our 3rd Annual Strike Out Breast Cancer event on Saturday May 8th was a huge success.

I am so proud of our Board for putting together such a great "party". I have heard nothing but positive comments from all in attendance. Bowling and prizes and raffles and food, there is nothing better than that. Mile Post 8 was the band that played in the Splitz Bar and Grill after bowling was over and everyone was completely happy with their sound.

The Foundation is doing so well right now. We raised money which was what we really wanted to do, but behind the scenes work is taking off. We are finalizing agreements between the Legacy Health Team and the Foundation so that we can begin with the first Co-operative Tumor Bank of the Northwest. We have purchased a freezer through donations from the Lion's Clubs of Douglas County and ORegon Surgery Center. We have the support of the local surgeons and most any community member we can talk to supports the idea. It just makes sense. Let's not throw precious tissue away, let's send it to a Research Facility to CURE the Cancer!!

I will keep you all updated as we move along. But for more info on how we are doing, check out the website, www.thethf.com for more info.

For my interview with KPIC, go to KPIC.com and click on Spotlight on Douglas County and the Breast cancer link. The interview was a little crazy, I was excited, and I messed up our name, but you get the idea.

Into the Woods

2010-05-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

Peanut has been working for months on a play for school. This is the third year she has participated in the school play and she loves it. Each year, she gets a little bigger part.

Her voice has developed so well and I love to hear her sing. She has become quite the actress and I am so proud of her. Her role in this years play is the Baker's Wife. Her goal is to have a baby. She must do what the evil witch asks of her and her husband to acquire this baby.

A cow that is milky white, a cape as red as blood, hair as yellow as corn, and a gold slipper.

So here are SEVERAL pictures from the production. Enjoy.

The step Mother, Cinderella, the step sisters

Little Red Riding hood.

Jack and The White Cow

The evil witch

Cinderella's Mother as a tree....(she had passed away)

The wolf and Little Red Riding Hood

Our friends, the trees, hiding the Baker

listening in on the Baker's instructions from the Witch while in the woods

Rapunzel....

at Grandmother's house, after cutting Grandmother and Little Red Riding hood from the wolf's tummy.

Asking for the slipper

lost the white cow.....

got the hair!! :~)

just finished fighting

The baby....

The finale

I do believe the time that I laughed the hardest was when Peanut came out with her belly and Jeff leans over to me and says, "I didn't need to see that!"

They did a great job. Very proud of them.

I will not be able to attend tonight though, because I am heading to the Strike Out Breast Cancer event at Ten Down.

post play....

friends after the play....

Just some thoughts....

2010-05-04T17:36:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, we were in church and we have this time after our singing that we can go and pray, the people still sing and you can kneel down at the altar and just talk to God. Well, Peanut asked me to go with her. "Of course I will", and I followed her there. As I listened to my little grown up girl, ask God to help her with her class and not let the teacher feel like it is all her fault that it is messed up, I thought to myself. How nice is this? How nice that my little girl knows that she can tell GOD anything and He will listen and He cares! He cares about a bunch of teenage girls who each think there group is better than the other group. He cares about how this makes this teacher feel, like she is failing these students. Peanut just let it all out. As she went on, she began to cry and she prayed for a friend of hers that is a little jealous of her time with a new "friend". (this would be a boyfriend). She prayed that her friend would know how important she is to her and how much their friendship has meant over time. A tear began to fall down my cheek, and another. I began thinking and reflecting on the things that seem so big to someone so little. She is surrounded by people all the time but, she knows this one isn't happy with her. She wants that one to be happy again. Like the story of the sheep, 99 are here and 1 runs away, you go for the one. She is going for the one. I prayed for her and thanked the Lord that she had such a sweet spirit and such trust in a God who will take care of all things. It was a treasured moment for me.

That same little girl, goes with me tonight for her High School Orientation. She is my baby and to think of her going to high school just blows my mind. There is only a few weeks left of school and she will no longer be a middle schooler. I think where has the time gone? Have I done a good job? Are they ready for this world? Could I have done something differently? Bugg prepares for her last year in high school. She just took her SAT's on Saturday. She has applied for a senior representative for a local photographer, she is going to work at the Day Care at the High School next year and be paid for it. Where oh where has time gone? I am missing something aren't I? How can all this be happening? I just think I will pinch myself and wake up and they will be those little toddler girls that I loved to walk and ride bikes with. Don't let me miss a thing, Lord. Help me to cherish every moment that I have with them, because before I know it......they are all grown up.

Jeff's birthday

2010-04-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we celebrated Jeff's birthday. He turned 44, he kept telling the girls he was older than dirt. They kept telling him he wasn't quite that bad, Papa still had a few years on him. He then would comment on the fact that he is in his mid 40's and I still am in my 30's. I said I liked that :~). He worked on Saturday, but we started the evening with some celebrating. I couldn't wrap his main present, cause it was too big, so he had to have it on Saturday. It was a Craftsman tool chest, grey in color, not the infamous red. He says to me, "wow, I can really use this present!" I guess the other ones I have gotten him in the past haven't been so useful. ;~)

We were listening to some music from Peanut and they decided to have some dance time. So, I thought I would share a few pictures of the activities.

Then we went to playing some dice. We have become addicted to our dice game 10,000. We play it all the time together. Which I guess is a good thing. We need something to do together when the rain is coming down!! So Bugg and her daddy had a few moments together.

Then we played NERTZ. All of us, including Jeff and Ken! Now that is some entertainment. Ken is competitive, Jeff likes to cheat, and the girls are for real, so dang it! It was a competition.

But, definitely a fun one.

look at the seriousness on Ken's face and the slyness on Jeff's

So Sunday morning, we went to church and out for lunch at Applebee's. We came home to open the remainder of Jeff's presents.

We got him a couple of pairs of jeans, the girls are working on getting him "up to date".

Our two older ones. We have Amanda about half time, when she isn't with her grandparents.

I got him "chrome" to smell good :~) and he is sniffing the box, the girls were cracking up, reminding him that he really can't smell through the box.

Then Ken and Mom and Dad came over for cake and ice cream. It was fun. We had a great celebration.

Happy Birthday Jeff!

Easter 2010

2010-04-04T21:23:00.001-07:00

I will post more later, but here is a brief synopsis :~)

A digital scrapbook by Smilebox

Concert

2010-03-28T18:59:00.000-07:00

The kids and I headed for Portland, The Rose Garden for an amazing evening of Christian Bands. Seven bands in all and the ticket price was only $10. Couldn't beat that. We had so much fun. Enjoy the pictures.

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Our hiking adventures....

2010-03-20T16:29:00.001-07:00

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Choir Concert

2010-03-17T14:08:00.001-07:00

Last night was the Winter concert for Peanut's choir. They get to wear the red robes, but they are asked to wear black on the bottom and white on the top. So she had just finished getting ready and I said, "I need pictures". It is so difficult to take pictures inside the auditorium. I just took them ahead of time :~)
funny face

serious now

with Dad in her robe

with Mom and her robe!!

Fun times. Her group sings last. It is a little disconcerting because when the 6th grade choir finishes, all those families leave. Then the Mixed choir sings and those families leave. So when the concert choir sings, it is a smaller crowd, but it is a delightful performance!! :~)

It is fun to watch the kids develop into better musicians as the time goes on.

Solo Ensemble and turning 1

2010-03-06T19:52:00.001-08:00

This morning was the Solo Ensemble at First Presbyterian Church downtown. Peanut has done this for the last 3 years now. Each year it just gets better. I was trying to upload the video, but for some reason that didn't work out so well. I also have this underline thing going on, so sorry.

Peanut looked beautiful and sang beautifully as well. Her song was in Italian, which is even more difficult to sing because it is hard to understand. We always end up getting the same adjudicator and he is a different fella. The first year, he was incredibly hard on her about her appearance. Since then, he has not commented on any one else's attire. But, he was rather engaging today and she relaxed a lot with him. Gramma Willy, Nana, Papa, Bugg and I all got to watch. We were so very proud!!

After the performance, we headed home to get Peanut changed and to drop off Bugg. Bugg was invited to go to the High School Basketball playoff game at Lincoln high school by Dribbler's parents. So she was in a hurry to get ready and head out with them. Peanut and I, headed out to celebrate a couple of precious little princesses having their first birthday.

One of the perks of being a nurse at a Surgery Center is all these young doctors having babies. My girls get the opportunity to babysit for them and I get to see the babies all the time, which I LOVE!!! So, two of my doctor friends have little girls that were born two days apart! They had had their previous two girls one month apart! They are keeping the place populated :~).
Anyway, Caia was one on Tuesday and Ariana was one on Thursday.
They are two very different little ones. Caia just started crawling well and Ariana is trying to walk. Taking a few steps at a time, not more than 3, but trying.

Here is the joint singing of Happy Birthday to the girls. Caia is on the left and Ariana is on the right, with big sister Sophia peeking at the cake :~).

Having some cake and eating it too!!

She wasn't having the cake :~).

Iggy and her Poppa

(that is funny!)

Caia and her Momma talking to Me.

I guess I did get it loaded, this is only 15 seconds cause that is all I can get at one time! Enjoy.

Bugg turns 17 :~)

2010-02-28T21:09:00.000-08:00

On Friday night, we started our party. We got an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen, chocolate chip cookie dough. Her friends were coming over for the evening.
They were playing Phase 10!

"C" on the left, had quit, because he got frustrated by not passing the phases. So, he teamed up with "L" his girlfriend.

"G" taught us how to play the game "signs" and it was a huge hit, even Hubs did well.

watching the presents being opened.....

"L" looking like she was getting sleepy and she was!

Bugg looking fabulous on her first night of birthday party.

Day 2~ Sunday with the family

with Uncle Kenny~

presents from Aunt Candi~

funstuff

2010-02-20T19:24:00.000-08:00

Today I started working on the transformation to Bugg's grown up room. She has fallen in love with the black and white theme. For Christmas she got the bedroom set and now we work on the walls. I got this grey primer, because her walls are so dark! I began slowly just around the trim, because the bed and the desk were in my way and I couldn't move them without Hubs. He was busy working on water leaks and so he was under the house. He told me he was turning the water on for a certain amount of time and so Peanut and I needed to get our showers done then.
We did them and went on our errands for this afternoons birthday party's that we both were attending. Then she had softball practice while I went to a birthday party. When I picked her up from practice, so she could run home and shower and change, we came home to Hubs and Bugg putting the finishing touches on the remainder of the room!!! SO the entire room is primed and all I had to do was a little trim. She has picked her colors, so in the next few days we will have an entirely new look to her room. Pretty exciting! There are days that she definitely wants to be a grown up, but, when we talk about moving out to go to college, she adamantly states, "I am NOT moving out!" We'll see what happens :~)

Father/Daughter Dance 2010

2010-02-15T17:15:00.001-08:00

On Friday the 12th, the girls had a date with the dad. They have been doing this since they were little. Daddy would get them dressed up and bring them to the hospital to show them off to me before the dance way back when. Now, they need NO help from anyone but each other.

They get dinner and corsages from Daddy and a special night with him. What a treasure. Here are a few photos from their evening.

helping getting the dresses on
fixing the hair

Sister helping sister

Daddy and his oldest

Daddy and his baby

A daddy and his girls

the girls!! :~)

Oh yea!! :~)

the girls...

2010-02-15T17:09:00.000-08:00

The other day the girls were getting along really well and they decided to do a "project" for each other. So they turned some old t shirts inside out and colored them. They created a shirt for each other and didn't want the other to see, although, they were sitting in the kitchen together.

So, here is a couple of shots I took while they were creating...

Bugg taking a texting break while working on Peanut's
Peanut analyzing her creation to see what needed to be done

idea!!

This wasn't the finished product, but you get the idea of what they were doing. This is Peanut's from Bugg! Can't wait for them to wear these :~)

Carley turns 10!

2010-02-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

On Friday afternoon, Nana, Papa, Puddles, Bugg, Peanut and I headed up to Washington. Sister knew that Nana and Papa were coming, but not the rest of us. So we had to be pretty sneaky about not calling or texting what we were doing.

We arrived around 9 pm. They were surprised and delighted of course. We gave Curly her presents and let her open them. She is really into making her own jewelry right now, so we got her things to help her in her creativity.

There were tools for jewelry making, beads and accessories. She and Bugg went to crafting right away.

Nana and Papa gave her a card filled with the green stuff and that made her VERY happy.

Bugg and Puddles put her blanket together on the trip up. They are so good. She is into Penguins, so the other side of the blue is penguins.

On Saturday, we headed to Charlie Safari for the party. One of Sis's friends, whom happens to be her neighbor, made Curly's cake. She actually wants to do a cake business, but happens to be a civilian employee at the base.

The party room featured a LION on the wall. Each party room had a different theme and name.

This is one of Sis's neighbor's (and Friend) as well. Her little guy was just a tiny infant at the birthday party last year.

This one is enjoying the cake her mother made :~)

Blowing out the candles.....

A wave to the camera from the corner.

Seminar, Meeting, Volleyball

2010-01-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

On Saturday Hubs, Bugg and Puddles headed to Eugene, early in the am for a day of volleyball. Bugg was playing and I was not able to go. We weren't sure what time she would be done and I had big plans for the evening. I received texts through out the day to tell me how they were doing. Peanut was with friends. I cleaned the house up and decided to do some shopping for a little girl who has a birthday coming up. I headed home and got myself ready for the big night. I have been planning this evening for months! We were having a seminar at Melrose Vineyards with the Medical Community and the Lion's club for the Foundation. We were having Dr. Kate come from Portland for some sharing of what we are trying to do with Tumor Banking. We got there around 5 ish and everything was in great order. The Vineyard was in charge of all the decorations and the food and we just needed a projector and a screen. The people were to start coming at 6 and the dinner was to be served at 6:30. Dr. Kate would speak and she had brought along one of her researchers to speak as well. Well, to our surprise Treva's doctor came to be with Dr. Kate as well. So we were able to hear from Dr. Webster as well. Currently, Dr Webster is in a wheelchair. She is dealing with a flare up of her MS. She has also battled two kinds of breast cancer herself. The evening was a HUGE success if I say so myself. We had all kinds of positive feedback. After finishing up at the Vineyard, Tina, Kelly, Deb and I headed to Applebees to celebrate our good week.

On Sunday, Nana and Papa came to the house to meet Hubs and Bugg and head back to Eugene for another day of volleyball. I took Peanut to church and went to pick up Kelly. We were meeting with Dr. Kate and her staff before they headed back to Portland. After the meeting, I headed home and Peanut had already arrived. She was sleeping. She was supposed to have softball practice at 1:30. So I dropped her off and headed to the grocery store for my weekly shopping. While on the way, Peanut called to tell me that I had taken her an hour late to practice. *OOPS* So I picked her up after only one hour (as opposed to the two she was supposed to be there) and headed home. Hubs and Bugg were on their way as well, because they had won the first two matches and lost the last one. We all enjoyed an evening at home, watching movies and being together.

This morning Nana and Papa arrived and we headed out of the house around 6 to go back to Eugene for more Volleyball. They won their first match, we watched the 16 team play and then we lost our second match. We were done then, but had to ref the following match. The family headed out to Gateway. We went to the Roadhouse Steak house or something like that, where you throw your peanuts on the ground. I have a problem with that, so I was piling up my shells on the table and then into a little plate and Nana takes my plate and throws my shells on the ground! I said, "hey, I didn't want to do that!" She promptly tells me that I am supposed to do this! So, there went my shells. We then walked over to Kohl's, Peanut had a sweater from Christmas to exchange, and we did our business and home we headed. That was our 3 day weekend.

Hope that each of you had a splendid weekend, I will keep you updated on the Tumor Banking!

Birthday Party :::::::

2010-01-09T06:28:00.000-08:00

Peanut is quite the ham. She had a group of friends over last night to celebrate her birthday. She had so much fun. They played games, ate, they watched a movie, ate, opened presents, ate, played outside, ate!! Overall theme....they ate :~)

The group....She said it had to be in the kitchen because it was the brightest room!

Austin, the lone male, a strong one at that :~)

Chelsey~ 14~

2010-01-05T08:06:00.000-08:00

January 4th, Peanut is 14!

Holy Smokes, I cannot believe my baby girl is that old. What happened to all this time?

I am certain that I am not getting any older, so how can my kids?

Bugg promised her little sister that she could open her present first thing in the morning. So, before I went to work and before they headed back to school from the break, Peanut got up to open her present. Now, mind you, if I looked like this when I first got up in the morning I could go any where :~).

Puddles and Bugg went shopping for these fine specimens the other day. Puddles was questioning Bugg's sanity, but Bugg was certain that this is exactly what Peanut wanted.
Here they are! These shoes....I said, "how fun". Then I, in my quiet little way said, "they are hideous!" I sadly burst her little bubble. I did not mean to! I am so glad that they are exactly what she wanted and that her big siSTARS got them for her. *eye roll here*

The meal plan was Spaghetti, that is Peanut's favorite. Just before snapping this picture all 3 of them were busily doing something, and then they look like they are just talking. But even Bugg was helping with dinner :~).

The cake all aglow!

The wish and the blowout

After singing, they quickly headed back to see what they missed of the Fiesta Bowl.

Mom cutting the cake

Dad holding the ice cream....

One of the presents from us, under armor and

sweat pants... can you tell she is an athlete?

and a sports bag.....

a special look for her sister...

while opening the first gift from the Johnson's

package number 2 from the Johnson's

An entire outfit was in this box! I tell you, those Johnson's spoil these girls ;~).

I believe she had a very nice birthday. She seemed to be very happy.

She also got some cards and some money, which of course makes any teenage girl happy.

Happy Birthday my Peanut, here is to many more.

In Reflection...

2010-01-01T09:45:00.000-08:00

I have thought about what I wanted to write as a close to 2009, but for some reason all the words elude me. The year was not easy, emotionally mostly. God is still trying to show me things.

The year started with much pain and struggles as I watched my girl emerge from her dark pit. I lost friendships over her choices and my ignorance, I lost faith in myself and my ability to protect the most precious gift given to me. I dealt with police more than I ever wanted to and learned lessons on being a "good" parent. I felt the pain of loneliness, clinging only to my family because I didn't feel I could trust any one else. The experience is one I hope to never have to repeat. I don't want to be a "stupid" mom, who thinks her daughter couldn't or wouldn't be doing those things, I want to be the mom that knows my child is just as capable of making wrong choices as I am. We are not perfect, we love the God who is.

Our other little one grew so much in her summer trip to Costa Rica, she went away a little girl and came home a young lady. Her experiences were never to be repeated and some stay hidden in her heart, but she is a great little girl who has so much left to give.

My husband and I have isolated ourselves from nearly everyone and that is not easy for me. I am such a social being that not "being" with people has been extremely daunting for me. But I feel that I am in a place that I am supposed to be right now and God will bring us out in HIS time.

The girls have been our everything, maybe that is part of our problem too. We need to remember our Creator and serve Him with everything we have. Then everything else will fall into place.

This last few months have seen great strides in our Foundations efforts to bring the first cooperative tumor bank to Oregon. We are so close to making it happen. I look forward to the next several months as we help change the face of cancer research.

May you be blessed by the God of the Universe, may you see HIS face in the midst of your pain and know that through out all things, HE is the one we must answer to.

I am looking forward to 2010 with my eyes lifted high and my heart filled with JOY.

Christmas Day 2009

2009-12-27T13:39:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Christmas Eve with the Luiz's

2009-12-27T13:24:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Christmas eve with Tammy

2009-12-27T13:22:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Christmas with Candi

2009-12-24T12:01:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Saying Goodbye to Grandpa

2009-12-21T21:04:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, the weather man had called for a huge storm. We woke to beautiful sunshine and warm temperatures. The Sun was shining and it was Divine.

We had a huge gathering at Grandpa and Grandma's house, good thing the sun was shining, there wasn't enough room for all of us to fit. At close to two we all caravan up the road to the cemetery for Grandpa's services.

This was the view from the top. It was absolutely beautiful. The sun shining and the valley in view with the mountains as a back drop. It was so lovely.

This is Grandpa...He was put into the ground after the services.

This is Grandma and Uncle Joe. This is right after the services. They hadn't gotten anyone to speak for the services. Aunt Irene asked Jeffie if he would, but he just didn't feel right about it. So they invited any one who wanted to share to share a story about Grandpa. So after a few minutes of sharing, the family and friends were invited back to the Grange for a potluck get together.

The girls~Kaylee, Lynsey, Michelle and Chelsey

Grandma and her dear friend Lois. Aunt Malita told me this lady was the only female that Grandpa ever hugged that wasn't his wife or daughter!! :~)

It was a good visit. Jeff was able to see all of his family and they were able to talk and share and have good memories together. It was a nice time, a sad time, but a nice time.

Thank you Grandpa Joe for the memories....and for loving my husband.

Toby Mac, Relient K, B.Rieth and Stephany Smith

2009-12-14T14:43:00.001-08:00

On Sunday, after church we planned to go to Salem for a concert. My sister and I had heard about this concert at the Jeremy Camp one we had gone to last month. Toby Mac is a Christian musician, I had gone to see him before with my sister, but I was incredibly ill and missed most of the concert. So, this was going to be a make up concert for me. This time, Sis and I talked about bringing the kids along with us. You see, Toby Mac doesn't sing nice, quiet, stay in your seat, songs....he plays like he means it. With passion! This concert series was entitled Winter Wonder slam. Well, you know how I love Christmas music and we had gone as a family last year to see Natalie Grant's Christmas concert and really enjoyed it. So sister and I planned a great trip to enjoy this concert. Sister, Bugg, Peanut, Puddles, T-Rex, Curly and Honey Bunches of Oats and I all piled into the suburban and headed north to the Salem Fairgrounds. Some of the peoples in the car were afraid I was taking them to an outdoor concert. Especially after record setting low temps this week, they were a little nervous *evil grin*. The concert was in the new Pavilion at the State Fairgrounds and it was great. I had ordered tickets on line and had to pick them up there. The doors weren't open yet and the line was 8 people wide through the parking lot and into the road! But, after picking up my tickets we found out we had to get in that line. It was just a little chilly as we wound our way into the Pavilion. We were general admission seating because I didn't pay the extra money to sit on the floor *mean lady*. So we grabbed coat tails and rapidly headed up the stair well. We actually found relatively close seats pretty quickly. It was really cool. Sister then went out to find merchandise and the rest of us played around taking pictures and waiting for the show to start.

Curly, me and Puddles
Sis and I

Honey Bunches of Oats and Peanut

Curly and Bugg

Puddles, T-Rex, Bugg, Honey Bunches, Peanut, and Curly

This young man is named B. Rieth, not pronounced like wreath. He has a very nice voice and should be making a wave in the Contemporary Christian music scene here really soon.

This young lady is Stephany Smith. Her music was very rock and roll and very loud and very hard to understand. She was just a moving on the stage and Curly says, "WOW" (not in a good way). Bugg says, 'she's starting to scare me', so I guess we won't be looking for her albums.

This fine bunch of lads is RELIENT K. They are a great group that have been around the teen scene for a while. They were very good, wishing they would have been able to do more. They did the most Christmas music. One of their band mates was unable to continue in the tour, so they were having to change things up a bit. But, they were a pleasure.

This, my friends, is TOBY MAC. He is so good.

I really don't know what I can say about him, but he really got the crowd going. The best thing is.....he loves JESUS!

He is in the middle of the crowd here singing. He just jumped right on down there and sang from the audience. Later he jumped off the stage and into the audience, thankfully they caught him and he body surfed back to the stage!

Trying to get out of the parking lot took longer than driving back to the freeway. We stopped for gas, and hot chocolate for the kiddos, coffee for the adults, a potty stop and home ward bound we were. We got in a little late. Thankfully I didn't have to work today. I took a "mental health" day. I need to take those more often. ;~)

Christmas Program

2009-12-14T14:35:00.001-08:00

My hubs loves to sing. It is one of his favorite things to do. He also likes to make up songs, about the girls and their activities, but for this, he sang real songs. He joined the Christmas choir production, they have been practicing for quite some time. Along with the music this year, there was a play. A journey to the manger was this year's title. Here are some pictures of the story....

The choir singing...hubs in the back row there....

The people of Renaissance....

Our lovely friends... grandmother and granddaughter sharing a duet

Mary singing her lullaby to baby JESUS...

The children joined in at the end of the program for a song all together. It was a great production. I understand it was standing room only on Sunday afternoon. Job well done, actors and singers.

Grandpa Joe

2009-12-11T12:36:00.001-08:00

Rest in peace Grandpa Joe....

Today I got a call from Jeff's aunt Irene to let us know that Grandpa passed away this morning. She said he was peaceful and everyone was with him. Grandma is doing ok right now.

Grandpa Joe, forever the teaser, always a grinnin' and forever the cheater at cards! :~)

WE love you Grandpa

Tree getting....

2009-12-06T20:36:00.001-08:00

Our tree hunting day was a busy day...We headed out this morning for church. The children's program was today during Sunday School hour. That was fun. Kids are always a joy to watch.

After church we ran home and ate and changed our clothes. The girls were so cute. Our high today was like 33 so it was cold! I had to take their picture before we even went out to the farm!

We went to Oakland Tree Farm. We love that place. We have gone out there several times before and we always have a good time. The hunters....

The littlest one trying to saw some tree....

The bigger one thought she could saw some, too. So she "sawed" off a branch from the bottom of the tree.

Here is her branch....

the girls on the tire swing....it was actually hitting the ground this year, so they couldn't swing.

crazy pose

rockin' the swing

At home, we got a little picture of the two of us! :~)

The tree with the lights.....

Hubs said, he liked this year because the girls were putting up the lights and decorating and he got to sit and watch!

A little while after the lights were on the tree we left the house, just us girls and headed to pick up Nana. We then went to Canyonville for the Festival of Trees. The trees were just as beautiful as ever. I bought a centerpiece that was lovely and we visited with lots of people we saw there that we knew.

After the Festival we headed back to drop off Nana. Bugg finished putting up her ornaments and headed out the door, she had a fella to visit.

I fixed dinner. Peanut and I then got ready and went to Bethlehem Boulevard. It is a portrayal of the events leading to the birth of Christ put on by one of the local churches. We had gone last year, but they improved the decorations and costumes and set designs so much. It was so amazing and beautifully done. I was so impressed.

Back home to finish the tree. It looks beautiful.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Thanksgiving 09

2009-12-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving started out with Hubs heading into work early. We thought we were going to go to my sister's for the holiday, but at the last minute, the store told Hubs that the Manager's had to work the holiday. So, while he was at work and the girls were sleeping, I got the turkey cooking in the oven. Sat in the quietness of the morning reading. A little while later, Aunt M. woke up. She was making a pit stop on the way to her sister's from Cali to Portland. We had some coffee together and a some conversation and she headed up I-5. By 8:30 or 9 I was ready for a nap. Just kidding! I made the dressing and cleaned up the house. The girls got up and got ready. Hubs got off early and we headed to Nana and Papa's house. Here is the fam ready to head to Nana and Papa's.
The girls went in and sat on the sofa, while I helped mom get ready for supper.

Papa, doing his thing before dinner. He was checking the ads and snacking! :~)

The beautifully decorated table...

After supper and clean up, we all (minus Papa) sat down for a game of dominoes.

Uncle K joined us for dinner and dominoes....

Bugg was done!

Funny faces after game time.

We packed up our things and headed to Hubs' brothers house. His mom and little brother had come up from California, so we headed over for some visiting.

We were greeted by this precious thing...this is Autumn. My sister in law's new niece that came this year! She is precious and a joy to be around.

The girls and Uncle Joey veggin'

Aunt Cay lovin' on her little niece...

The boys visiting in the kitchen......

Picture time with Mom....

a proud mom and her boys!

After this picture, Joey headed off to some friends' house, Eric went to bed, Cay's brother and his little family left. So the girls and Cay and Jeff and Grandma and I played "apples to apples" til time to go home. That was our thanksgiving.

On Friday, I didn't go out. I am not a 'black Friday' shopper. I did take Peanut to the movie, but that was about it.

On Saturday, we got ready and Bugg and I headed over to Gramma Willy's and put together 28 blankets for the cancer patients. Kelly, Tina, Molly, Bugg, me and Gramma Willy were quite the little assembly machine. We are putting together Christmas baskets for the Cancer patients from the Treva Hoffman Foundation.

That was our holiday weekend.

Hope you enjoyed yours.

Nana's birthday

2009-11-25T18:49:00.000-08:00

(pictures added after the post, be sure to read why they are dressed this way)

Mom celebrated her 66th year yesterday. I had an incredibly busy day at work and thankfully Peanut's basketball game was cancelled. I ran to pick up her wreath order from the ESD for her softball fundraiser. Went to Safeway to get a little "something" for Nana. Went to Jo lane to pick up Peanut, who was watching wrestling. Then, headed home to get the rest of the family. I was so excited to give Mom her present. I have been thinking about it for a really long time and finally finalized it last week. So I was a little eager to get to Mom's. I wrapped up a little gift to go along with her card and we headed out to Mom's. Mom was reading the directions to her new sewing machine that Dad had gotten her. We all loved on her and gave her the card. You see, Candi and I went together to get her a "spa retreat" at 7 Feathers. She will go down on Saturday afternoon for a Swedish massage, followed by a facial. They have a hot tub and a wet and dry sauna for her to use as well. I think I was more excited for her to open it. She yelled a little and got a bit excited. She then took the gift bag we gave her and opened it up. We had put in a bright yellow and a bright orange swimsuit for her to take with her to the spa. She quickly said she had one of her own to wear and the girls went and found it in her room. The girls then put on the swimsuits over their clothes and had Nana hang hers around her neck to take pictures. Papa has the pictures on his camera. Can't wait to share those with you!!! That was hilarious!

We all sat down to Papa's famous stew and Nana's favorite "rodeo" rolls and had a great "family" dinner. It is fun with the girls being old enough for conversation and good times. We then cleared the table and played a few rounds of Dominoes before heading home. It was a nice time.

Basketball game/ Volleyball Banquet

2009-11-25T18:31:00.000-08:00

Monday afternoon was a busy one...

Peanut had a basketball game. It was scheduled to start at 4:30. Bugg had a volleyball banquet that was to start at 6:00. I fixed spaghetti and turkey meatballs and a salad to take to the banquet. It was warming in the oven when we headed to the basketball game.

The 7th graders play before her, so they went into overtime. By the time Peanut started it was after 5. Bugg and I had planned to leave by 5:30 to run home and get the food and head to the banquet. We only saw Peanut play for a little bit before we had to leave. Thankfully, Nana and Papa and Uncle Kenny had come to watch her.

Before I left, I got some shots of her playing.

stealing the ball
going in for a shot

On a fast break....

she eyes the basket....

and she scores :~).

Just in time for me to leave.

So we went to the High School for the Banquet. Just Bugg and I. We sat by our friend Jamie and Dribbler's Mom. We also sat with Cassie and her family.

They let us eat and then Bruce said a few (a lot) words. Then the Freshman team was introduced and given their certificates and letters from their coach.

Here is John. He is one of our Favorite Coaches. He has been so good to Bugg and helpful in teaching her more about volleyball.

The JV team lined up. Doesn't she look enthusiastic??

Here she is with the Varsity girls....

The girls she will probably be playing with next year.

So that was our Monday evening.

Crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

What will I do when these girls aren't here to occupy my time??

Girls' Night Out~Washington style

2009-11-22T21:24:00.000-08:00

Friday afternoon I headed up to Washington to hang out with my sister.

She and her friends had invited me to a concert for Jeremy Camp, featuring Natalie Grant and Bebo Norman. The concert was Saturday, they had invited me a while ago and I was so looking forward to going. I had intended to take the girls, Bugg had Club tryouts and Peanut had a Birthday Party and The Nutcracker to go to, so I went alone.

I was able to get out of work relatively early and started up I-5 before one. The trip was uneventful, a couple of stops and lots of rain, but uneventful.

My sister had dinner ready, she had made Spaghetti (with whole wheat noodles). A nice salad and some garlic bread. We packed ourselves up and headed up the street to the neighbors. I chose to walk because I had just been in the car for 5 hours, Curly Sue walked with me. Sister drove :~).

We hung out for a while, then headed to the other neighbors. I watched those girls do the "sing star" on the x box system. It is pretty entertaining to witness the gift of a bunch of crazy girls having a time of their lives together. I so envied those group of girls. They probably had 5 or 6 of the neighbor gals there throughout the evening. What fun!

We didn't get home til late probably close to Midnight thirty.

I walked, Sister drove :~)

The next day, we lounged around til time to get ready for the concert. The concert was a little way from sis's house. It was about an hour. So we all piled in to the minivan, every seat full and headed to the concert venue. The girls Son and Krys, had won tickets from their local radio station, so we waited til the doors opened to get their tickets, then headed out to find someplace to eat. We saw so many places but the traffic was heavy and it was difficult to maneuver. So, we found a "Black Bear Diner". We were seated after several minutes and our waitress was from another country. She wasn't real speedy. So after the girls were getting a little concerned about time, I spoke up and said, We really need to be someplace in 30 minutes, do you think we have time to order, get the food and eat it?

Oh, we could try she says in broken English.

The girls say no, it won't work. We pay for our sodas and head out the door to find a quick eats.

We found a KFC and quickly grabbed our food and headed out to the concert. Some of the gals had back stage meet and greet passes, they were to be back at 6. The concert was to start at 7.

So we had hurried back and they told them that the meet and greet was changed to after the concert. So we had hurried and then it was all for not. I had to giggle.

So we had some time to browse the items for sale and mingle. The church was absolutely huge. It had a bookstore in the lobby, a coffee shop (full size) in the lobby, and a ladies restroom the size of one from an Event Center! WOW!

Good times.

~sisters~
Krys~Bran~Can~Son~Me

Gabe~ the amazing accompanist for Bebo Norman

~Bebo Norman~

~Natalie Grant~

~sweet Natalie~

~Jeremy Camp~

~singing and playing~

So, we were told "no flash" that is why these pictures aren't really that great. But, it was an absolutely wonderful concert. They all have such hearts for God and His will in this world.

So cool.

Being with the girls was a treasure. I am envious of their time together, wishing I had a little of that myself. But, one day, maybe I will. They are a great bunch of gals and I am thankful they have welcomed my sister and her little sister into their fun circle.

Today, we got up and headed to church, said my goodbyes to the gals and packed up the car. Took a little respite with my sister and then drove home.

I had a great time. Thanks so much.

Play~in' Bas Ket Balllllll......

2009-11-17T20:06:00.000-08:00

We traveled to Winston to play another basketball game. I remembered my camera, so we get a little glimpse of the game. Peanut is taking the free throw shot here....

SWISH!!!

nice pass.....

Nice form

Sister watching and cheering her on, with her new haircut!

We won by two points. The referree's made some, let's rephrase that, didn't make some calls and so it was a violent game. I thought maybe we were playing soccer again! Oh well, I guess I am learning all the time.

Last Soccer Sunday for RSA

2009-11-16T17:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we traveled to Eugene for what was probably going to be our last soccer game of the RSA season. The Revolution had lost on Saturday by a goal to the team in Phoenix. We hadn't really played our hardest, so it is not that terrible that we lost. What was so terrible was that Peanut was in the goal box when the goal was scored. She tripped in some mud and the ball got past her. It was incredibly sad because she is so very hard on herself that it is painful to watch.

We had to win this game and the Phoenix team needed to get beat. We went out like champs!

Well, after we lined up for a potty break.....

There was one and only one out house for the girls to use. They had traveled for an hour from home, so you know that means it is bathroom time! :~)

E~just a little bundled!!

Papa~ready for the game to start!

Peanut started out in the goal. We were playing on turf and the weather was dry. She was dressed in layers, for protection from the turf and the cold.

Another stop....I think Nana counted Nine stops in the first half.

In the first part of the game, Peanut makes a comment about her shoe laces being untied. She wears these gloves (they look like Mickey Mouse gloves) and she isn't able to tie them without taking them off. So....

she gets a little help from a teammate. While they are substituting some players, she runs back to Peanut and ties her cleat, quickly!

The game ended in a tie. No score. So we went to shoot out. Peanut really wanted to be Goalie for the shoot out. The girl is ready....

The first ball went to her right and she dove without making the stop.

The second ball went over the goal post.

The third ball went straight for her and hit her gloved hands and flipped over them into the goal.

The next one missed, and so did the last.

Meanwhile, we made 3, so we won the tie break. :~)

Here was Peanut's teammates letting her know how happy they were with her!!

The love of teammates. She has a bruise on her chin from one of the girls hitting her on the way into the pile. Several of us headed to Red Robin by Valley River and had a great lunch. We laughed and enjoyed being together in a celebratory mood.

Great job Roseburg Revolution~U14's. I was proud to watch your undefeated season.

A cut and color

2009-11-13T18:21:00.001-08:00

Do you know how much it makes a girl feel good when she gets her hair done???

So ignore the background, but anyhow, after the week I have had, it felt good to get the hair done!! :~)

2009-11-09T13:38:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, was another busy one. But, I know that we expect nothing less :~).

On Friday night I had agreed to participate in the weekend retreat at our church for our youth group. The focus was on Sexual purity. The lessons weren't just about God said and so it should be, which should be good enough, but, they shared on the fact that there is over 30 sexually transmitted diseases now! The number has increased from 5 in the 50's and 60's to 30! Some of these can lead to cancer and even death. So pregnancy and emotional issues were clearly NOT the only thing we talked about. The speaker, Pam Stenzel, was a video taped message. Her message was given to us on Saturday morning after being up nearly all night. She was passionate and an excellent speaker, so we had no trouble staying awake for that one. It is pretty intense stuff. Praying that my girls will see the importance of sexual purity for themselves until they can give the gift to their future husbands. What a blessing that would be.

I went home in time to say goodbye to Bugg, she was heading out with the volleyball team to Jesuit for the play off game. Took a brief siesta with Peanut and then showered and off to her soccer game. She played great! Muddy, wet, messy, but great. They won that game. After the soccer game, we headed up north. Nana, Puddles, Hubs and I to the Jesuit game to watch Bugg's volleyball team. The team we played was unbeaten. They were still unbeaten when we left! We stopped for some food and headed home.

Sunday, I got to be with the kiddo's for children's church. I am so praying that that ministry gets an overhaul! Another story! So we headed to Peanut's soccer game at the high school.
The team scored against us back to back in the first half. We scored and then scored our tying goal in the final minutes of the second half. The games are part of a tournament, so we can't end in a tie. Shoot out time. Thankfully, Peanut was not the goalie. Our first girl went up and made the shot, theirs did too. Our second girl made the shot, theirs didn't. Our third girl (peanut) hit the goal post and it ricocheted off, their girl made the shot. Our next two girls didn't make their shots, their next one didn't and the last one did. So they beat us by one. It was so sad. The girls' haven't lost all season. It was a sad day. There were some tears and some heartache, some serious depression from my little peanut, she even made her Nana cry. It was heartbreaking. Anyway, we recovered and we are better people today. Right! Isn't that what they always say?? Enjoy, til next time.

Brandi

Trunk or Treat

2009-11-01T17:43:00.000-08:00

Our church does this "trunk or treat" event on Halloween each year. It is very well attended and is usually a hit. This year, I decorated the back of the burban and took some pictures of some of the other "trunks" as well as, a few of my favorite little people. :~)

This is the Morrow "natural" trunk

The feast of the Lost Son

Our Pianist

Tractor Treat

The Spider lady...my "neighbor" trunk

Thomas

Daniel

My other "neighbor" trunk

My Favorite Prom Queens

Little Fi-Fi

One of Peanut's friends

The Nerd, the Pirate and the Super Hero

The Beaver Fans

We had some that were happy that we were there,

but we had quite a few stop at the "trunk" that was watching the Duck/USC game.

It was a fun night, even though it rained :~)

Thursday....

2009-10-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

We got up to the sounds of people getting ready. We had stayed another night at Hubs Aunt's house and the girls were getting ready for school. Up we got for coffee and showers. We packed our bags and headed to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Grandpa spends his time in bed. He is weak and tired and hangs out in the bed. He isn't able to get up because he is so weak. There is a chair that sits by his bed so anyone can sit a spell and visit with him while he is awake. He will call out for something to eat like ice cream or pudding. He still has an incredibly funny sense of humor and to see him giggle is priceless. He was visiting with Hubs and I asked if I could kiss his forehead, he pauses and says, "No, I have poison oak"

Hubs is cracking up and nearly falls off the chair!

Grandpa likes to tease me.

Hubs had good times with grandpa over the last few days. Saying goodbye was incredibly difficult. Hubs kept telling grandpa he loved him and he just wouldn't say it back.

The uncertainty of his future is incredibly tough for us, we know not where his heart is.

But, we know that Hubs gave him all he needs to know to be certain.

As we left, tears fell from our eyes. I was rather surprised at my emotional state, but as I looked at my husband and saw the pain in his face, it tore my heart. What an incredibly difficult time as we drove away.

Our trip together was good. Hubs and I spent a lot of time talking and getting reacquainted as we have been so busy with the girls we could forget who we are.

We stopped at Cave Junction at Taylor's. It is hubs favorite place to stop. I think it is a Luiz family tradition, because any time any of the family goes through, they stop there. It is the Portuguese in them I guess.

We came home to Bugg waiting on the porch, headed out to her volleyball game. Papa on his way with Peanut, from basketball practice.

We got Peanut ready and headed to the high school, for volleyball and for a choir concert!

Thankfully, they were both at the same place.

Here are just two pictures from the evening. But, the girls are great. I am so proud!

Bugg~the Junior Varsity team won the conference.

She played in the varsity game as well and they are in 2nd place. A play off game will be on Wednesday.

Peanut in advanced choir. They sang some original songs by a local musical composer about dust bunnies and socks, but oh well.

It was entertaining.