Such is Life

Moving again

2006-10-02T10:28:00.000-07:00

We are moving again!!! in 11 days no less..
Its in Laguna Hills, about 15 miles from where we live now.

Here is the floor plan.

Sniff sniff,,

2006-08-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

She is not already for school or anything is she??

Becca's 1st Day of Homeschooling. She insisted she wanted a picture with her backpack.

EEEK!!!

2006-08-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

I recently found out that the mother of the little boy I babysit, just lost her job. So more than likely I will be losing Sebo and his siblings as income.

I have already submitted an application to Home Depo for work as the loss of $900 for the month of August is going to greatly impact our finances. I really need to find something for evenings after hubby gets home..

I also ask for Prayer for the mother Lisa. She is a single mom to 3 children ages 12, 9, and 4. Please pray that she find a job in due time and that things dont get too crazy for her. Its hard enough being a single mom, let alone one without a job.

2006-06-23T21:33:00.000-07:00

Ok I have told yall that dh has been working with the Youth since December. But there really is more going on and I think we are at the point of breaking due to some background issues.

In March the Previous Youth Leader, Paul stepped down because he was overwhelmed and couldn't do it anymore so my dh (Robert) stepped up and picked up the slack which was fine, its what he wanted to do anyway. Well they now have a team of four adults for the youth group that ranges from 2 kids to 10 kids or more.. 3 men and 1 20 ish girl. Included in this team is the previous YL who "is only here for the summer". In other words, wants to go do the fun things we have planned. Dh and Paul are butting heads left and right. The Pastor tells dh that he is the "spiritual head" of the group and to "take the lead" "its Your ministry". Ok, well after several attempts to coordinate with Paul and was unsuccessful or outright ignored, on several issues. Robert went to the pastor and asked for clarity on leadership since Paul acts like he is still Lead and is shooting down and questioning Robert on everything from the nights they meet to why would I be involved (that's another issue I will get to). Anyway To Robert, Pastor says your the lead, work with your team , blah, blah blah... But the the team he doesn't say that so I can see where Paul may not have been told outright that Robert has the authority. I am frustrated with this because its stressing dh out to no end fighting with Paul, but since it has never been announced at the Church or anything said openly to Paul or the Team that Robert is now the lead, he doesn't feel comfortable pulling authority over Paul and causing rifts..

Anyway, Tomorrow is our trip to the water park, I am going as a Female Chaperone since there are girls intending to go, and only the guys in the team will be able to go Amanda headed out to the River for the weekend... Seems reasonable to me. I am going because there will be girls there, and this are young girls ages 11+... .

Robert and I agree that no matter what the age group or # of kids who show up, if there are girls present in the group, then its is only Right that a female be present. This is for the girls comfort (as we all know that there are things you just cant tell a male youth leader if your a 12 year old girl starting your first cycle etc..) and also the safety of the ministry. With a female lead there is less chance of any finger pointing and story telling going on Regardless of the fact that nothing inappropriate would happen. Still with me.. Anyway.. Ever since the beginning of Dh's stint in the Youth ministry here at O.D. there has been no secret that I am interested in being a part of the youth Ministry. To be there for the girls when they need someone to turn to.. Etc. Dh has told the Pastor this and was warned by him " well , just be careful, Alexis has a very strong personality and it could change the dynamics of the group" ?!?!?!?! What?? I am not asking to lead or separate the YM, I just want to be present in the event that I am needed.. To help where necessary. I have no intention of taking over. Whatever... I haven't really been involved until the last couple weeks because we have had no girls show up, Not suppressing since it was always only boys to show, they girls felt uncomfortable and left. We had a Beach bonfire last week, and come to find out 2 girls wanted to go but didn't want to be the only girls there, but didn't know the other was going to be there, or that I would be there. Now the old YL, is questioning dh as to Why I am there at all. He doesn't feel that I should have any part of it.

Well Dh is really feeling stabbed in the back by the SP, who doesn't seem to see power struggle going on. Dh is on the verge of submitting a resignation to the SP, and not sure what to do since this is a volunteer position, and the only on paper experience he has. He is really really feeling that its just best to leave and move on.. He has tried to talk to the SP about the issues again a couple weeks ago and was told to " Relax and just chill about it." Nothing has been resolved. Nothing has been worked on.. Its all Paul obviously..

Are we trying too hard to hold on to this? Should we just let it go and walk away. There is not shortage of churches we could attend that are much closer. We drive 20 miles one way to this one. Passing by hundreds on the way... We are definitely in a quandary. Not sure if this is all making sense or if we are blowing it out of proportion.. What do you think?

To exercise or not to exercise, that is the question...

2006-06-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have been riding my bike now for 5 wks, 5 miles 3x a week minimum. Have I seen any drop in wieght?? NOO!!! At least not after the first 2 wks..

Getting very frustrated....

Still have A LOT to lose...

I have since cut out soda to maybe 1 or 2 diet cokes a week. I have been drinking Ice Green tea and water. No juices..

Here's something to have fun with.

2006-06-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME (first pet and current street name): Wilbur Baker

2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME (grandfather/grandmother on your mom's side, your favorite candy): Nancy Almond Roca

3. YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME (first initial of first name, first two or three letters of your middle name): H Ale

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME (father's mother's name, street where you grew up): Margaret Palmwood

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME (best friend's name, city where you were born): Cheri Quincy

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME (first 3 letters of your last name, last 3 letters of mother's maiden name): Hud One (Ya know that works, Red One your going in.. Hud One, your going in.. yep..)

7. JEDI NAME (middle name spelled backwards, your mom's maiden name spelled backwards): Euqielegna Enots

8. SUPERHERO NAME ("The," your favorite color, favorite drink): The Purple Frap

Glasses....

2006-06-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

Well I took the kids with me to the eye doctor. Turns out Chris and Becca need glasses!! He is far sighted ( he cant see up close) plus he has some other things I dont know the name for but basically his eyes want to turn out which the glasses will help. He got to pick his frames - he wanted neon green and blue plastic ones but I had to veto that since he will have them for probably a year.. He did end up picking dark blue metal frames. He looks so cute..

Took Becca to the doctors because she failed the Kindergarten Eye test.. Turns out her Rx is worse than Chris' for farsightedness, plus she has an astigmatism..

I was lucky enough to get contacts!! YEEEE HAAAWWW!!! LOL!!

I cant stand my glasses.. and now I can wear SUNGLASSES!!!

2006-05-27T00:24:00.000-07:00

I have had an opportunity come up today that I need help and prayer for. But I will need to tell a little background first. I graduated in 2002 with my BA in Liberal Studies (Elementary Ed everywhere else). I took several courses that would waive the state mandated Proficiency test, MSAT (Multiple Subject Aptitude Test) its a 5 hour written exam type thing.. Anyway, I took the courses and had to have B or better in them to demonstrate proficiency in those subjects. Just before graduation we found out our son (then almost 4) was hearing impaired and after much prayer decided that I would not continue on with school to get my teaching credential. Instead I became a SAHM. Anyway, since 2002, the state of CA has changed its education policy and has made my waiver classes null and void, and I would have to take the exam anyway.. OK I can live with that, but I have been out of school a while so it would be hard but doable. I have recently been feeling a little hopeless of ever being able to teach. I have considered the possibility of going back for a combo Masters in Education and Teaching Credential, but the cost makes it almost impossible. So I have been almost getting to the point of giving up on teaching until the kids are much older.

Well Chris will be starting Mainstream schooling even though he is hearing impaired starting next year.. Becca will be starting Kindergarten in the fall and so far I am planning on homeschooling. That leaves Thomas who will be 3 on Monday.

I ran into a friend today who I discovered teaches across the street from my apartments at a private Christian School. She told me of several openings for teachers for next fall. Included in that my kids would be allowed to attend FREE! for Elementary and preschool. She also told me I do not need the new State test, just biblical classes, ok that will be real hard (note the dripping sarcasm). It is almost literally caddy corner to my apartments, It would include a salary and tuition for the kids, its a way to get into teaching... I don't know if this is God telling me not to give up hope.. or to try it.. I am tempted..

Going to be praying for God's guidance for discernment of his will.. Please join me in prayer.. I greatly appreciate it..

2006-05-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

"IS ANY AMONG YOU AFFLICTED? LET HIM PRAY. IS ANY MERRY? LET HIM SING PSALMS. IS ANY SICK AMONG YOU? LET HIM CALL FOR THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH; AND LET THEM PRAY OVER HIM, ANOINTING HIM WITH OIL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. AND THE PRAYER OF FAITH SHALL SAVE THE SICK, AND THE LORD SHALL RAISE HIM UP; AND IF HE HATH COMMITTED SINS, THEY SHALL BE FORGIVEN HIM"

JAMES 5:13-15 :)

Christian Version of Myspace!!

2006-05-11T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hey friend,
Here is your special invite URL to join me right now! http://xianz.com/index.php?mode=join&ref_id=8782
I hope you'll try out this new service called Xianz. It's like a Christian MySpace but it's closed to the general public right now so only by an invite can you sign up to this amazing site!
This is an invite only Christian community website so only by this email can you join. You can connect with my friends, invite yours, post listings, and join groups. It's fun, it's easy, and it's addictive -- because it works. Let me know what you think.
http://xianz.com/index.php?mode=join&ref_id=8782
To check it out, click the Web link below. (If this link doesn't work, copy it into your browser.)
http://xianz.com/index.php?mode=join&ref_id=8782

2006-05-11T12:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3OpMs89D5k

Smile its Friday

2006-05-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

Looking for the pot of gold???

I think we found it.. who wants to go check??

5 yr portraits

2006-05-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the poor quality, but thats Walmart proofs for you..

My Baby is 5 now !!

2006-04-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

Becca's Birthday pictures...

YEAH!!!

2006-04-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

Chris started back to school today in a school for the hearing Impaired, there are 40 students in the program, he is still in 2nd grade, but is in a 3rd grade class due to his academic level and the 2nd Grade class was too low. They will be doing his IEP in May, and spending the next couple weeks with his Eval testing.

So he is happy and I am glad he is back in school for sanity purposes LOL!..

School, what school?

2006-04-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

Trading one saga for another...

Moved out of the Drama apartments into a much nicer neighborhood, only to find that the schools cant meet Chris' needs. I thought he was supposed to go to school X, only to find out when I get down there that the class of 2n and 3rd graders cant even READ!! They are just getting through the learning the letter V!... UUGGH!! I told her flat out.. you get him the services he needs or I will pull him out, contact C.H.E.P. (Community Home Education Program) and let them get the Tax $$ for his schooling, while you provide his Speech Therapy services. And I will educate him at home.

This is ridiculous School A Cant provide his Hearing support, School B Can but he is too advanced for thier Class, and they dont do 2nd Grade mainstream since the Mainstream school is 3-6th, but thier SDC class is K-6... School X is WAY to low academically..

ARRGGHH!!

So I just spent 2 hours down at the school today with 6 kids driving me nuts to fill out enrollment paperwork only to find that he wont be going there!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, feeling a bit better, thanks for letting me vent!! SO he is home for the next couple days and I will pull together some math worksheets for him and have him do a book report on the Narnia books he is reading.. hmmm maybe we will do a science thing with cooking LOL!

DONE!! But with hiccups..

2006-04-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

Checking in... This has been the move from %*$%$...

Movers quoted estimation of 3 hours, took 5!! So there went $850!! ($300 more than we expected).. Then our Fridge didnt fit in the space. (Apartments said the space was 36" - more like 34 1/2..) So our Fridge is in the Dining room, our kitchen table is on the back patio.. Then our Couch wouldnt fit in the front door not matter what we tried so its sitting on the Front porch.. So we have to buy a new couch... Then we wake up this morning to no van.. I forgot to put my parking sticker in the window and it was towed this morning... So there is another $250! ARRRGG!!!!!!!!!!

Good things did happen though.. We are almost completely unpacked.. and since I cant get cable here, dh ordered Satellite Dish Network, well while we were at Best buy getting the Narnia movie they had an offer for Direct TV, with $250 in rebates in addition they were offering a Free portable DVD with 5" screen that swivels 180*...

Moving

2006-04-06T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hi all, Just wanted to let you all know that I am tearing down the computer shortly. I should be back up sometime next week.
I will be going through withdrawls by tomorrow morning I am sure LOL!!
Talk to you all soon..
Alexis

Moving Countdown

2006-04-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

UGGGHH!! I hate moving!!!

I have a nice mountain growing Have a ton of stuff packed but alot more to do still, mostly little stuff but uggh, I cant wait until Friday!! Moving Day!!

Sleep and sick kids..

2006-03-25T21:42:00.000-08:00

I guess those two subjects dont go together...

OK, my son and I were up all night. Ok, I was up he was sleeping on my chest.. We all know that scenario dont we??

Anyway, we were at the doctor's first thing this morning. Sure enough Raging ear infection, still has a lingering cough from the pneumonia, but that is understandable. No wheezing thankfully. So it looks like the nebulizer is working. They gave him another shot of antibiotic, and put him on a different antibiotic Augmentin. And sent us home.

He is like a totally different kid now. Happy, playing, still a little snot (oops snotty) but much better.

T Update.

2006-03-20T22:28:00.000-08:00

Thomas is doing better. Still coughing like crazy, breathing treatments every 4 hours, but he saw the ped this morning who sees some improvement, and wants him to come back Wednesday instead of Tuesday. His energy levels are coming back up which is good, his fever is finally coming down, but still wheezing and coughing up gunk... But its definately an improvement.

Sick baby...

2006-03-19T19:23:00.000-08:00

Well I spent a fun filled day at the Urgent Care center for Thomas... LOVELY!! He and I got there at 1pm, and didnt get put into a room until about 4pm! Turns out he has an ear infection, an eye infection, a sinus infection, and Pneumonia! His chest Xray didnt look good and having asthma etc myself I have seen quite a few of those, He has more black foggy areas than the supposed to be white. The Dr gave him 2 antibiotic shots and a breathing treatment. We have to go back tomorrow for another xray and more shots, if he doesnt show improvement by Tuesday then they will probably admit him to Children's Hospital (CHOC).

He goes back tomorrow at 3pm unless I can get him in earlier with another doc. But if I go in at 3, I have to take 6 kids with me.. FUN NOT!! I feel for you Denise..

Anyway please keep my sick little 2 year old in your thoughts and prayers...

Cutie...

2006-03-17T09:40:00.000-08:00

Even in his sleep he is cute.

My youngest at almost 3.

Pocket Taser

2006-03-11T20:49:00.000-08:00

A Friend sent this to me.. Dont pee you pants laughing Now...I know I almost did..

Pocket Taser Stun Gun, a great gift for the wife. This was submitted by a guy who purchased his lovely wife a "pocket Taser" for their anniversary.

Last weekend I saw something at Larry's Pistol & Pawn Shop that sparked my interest. The occasion was our 22nd anniversary and I was looking for a little something extra for my wife Toni. What I came across was a 100,000-volt, pocket/purse-sized taser. The effects of the taser were suppose to be short lived, with no long-term adverse affect on your assailant, allowing her adequate time to retreat to safety.... WAY TOO COOL!

Long story short, I bought the device and brought it home. I loaded two triple-a batteries in the darn thing and pushed the button. Nothing! I was disappointed. I learned, however, that if I pushed the button AND pressed it against a metal surface at the same time; I'd get the blue arch of electricity darting back and forth between the prongs. Awesome!!! Unfortunately, I have yet to explain to Toni what that burn spot is on the face of her microwave. Okay, so I was home alone with this new toy, thinking to myself that it couldn't be all that bad with only two triple-a batteries,. right?!!! There I sat in my recliner, my cat Gracie looking on intently (trusting little soul) while I was reading the directions and thinking that I really needed to try this thing out on a flesh & blood moving target. I must admit I thought about zapping Gracie (for a fraction of a second) and thought better of it. She is such a sweet cat. But, if I was going to give this thing to my wife to protect herself against a mugger, I did want some assurance that it would work as advertised. Am I wrong? So, there I sat in a pair of shorts and a tank top with my reading glasses perched delicately on the bridge of my nose, directions in one hand, taser in another. The directions said that a one-second burst would shock and disorient your assailant; a two-second burst was supposed to cause muscle spasms and a major loss of bodily control; a three-second burst would purportedly make your assailant flop on the ground like a fish out of water. Any burst longer than three seconds would be wasting the batteries. All the while I'm looking at this little device measuring about 5" long, less than 3/4 inch in circumference; pretty cute really and loaded with two itsy, bitsy triple-a batteries) thinking to myself, "no possible way!" What happened next is almost beyond description, but I'll do my best.....I'm sitting there alone, Gracie looking on with her head cocked to one side as to say, "don't do it master," reasoning that a one-second burst from such a tiny little ole thing couldn't hurt all that bad.. I decided to give myself a one-second burst just for the heck of it. I touched the prongs to my naked thigh, pushed the button, and HOLY MOTHER, WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION@!@$$!%!@*!!! I'm pretty sure Jessie Ventura ran in through the side door, picked me up in the recliner, then body slammed us both on the carpet, over and over and over again. I vaguely recall waking up on my side in the fetal position, with tears in my eyes, body soaking wet, both nipples on fire, testicles nowhere to be found, with my left arm tucked under my body in the oddest position, and tingling in my legs. The cat was standing over me making meowing sounds I had never heard before, licking my face, undoubtedly thinking to herself, "do it again, do it again!" Note: If you ever feel compelled to "mug" yourself with a taser, one note of caution: there is no such thing as a one-second burst when you zap yourself. You will not let go of that thing until it is dislodged from your hand by a violent thrashing about on the floor. A three second burst would be considered conservative. SON-OF-A-.. that hurt like hell!!! A minute or so later (I can't be sure, as time was a relative thing at that point), collected my wits (what little I had left), sat up and surveyed the landscape. My bent reading glasses were on the mantel of the fireplace. How did they up get there??? My triceps, right thigh and both nipples were still twitching. My face felt like it had been shot up with Novocain, and my bottom lip weighed 88 lbs. I'm still looking for my testicles? I'm offering a significant reward for their safe return.

Still in shock,

Picture from High School

2006-03-11T20:43:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder of what it was like to be young.....

Purging.... purging... more purging..

2006-03-11T16:48:00.000-08:00

I purged!! With the upcoming move I am getting rid of TONS of stuff...

I didnt just purge a few things I purged 19 boxes of stuff!!!! Those boxes are boxes of stuff that have been in the closet for 6 years!!! They are now empty boxes that are sitting waiting to be filled for moving...

Where did I get all this crap???

Happy Yet Sad

2006-02-25T18:38:00.000-08:00

I just got the call that my grandmother passed this morning. Suprisingly I am not upset about it really. Havent cried, not sure that is a good thing or if it just hasnt really hit me yet. But She knew the Lord so I know she is in a much better place.

The family has asked me to compile a photo slideshow to view at the memorial service on Wednesday. But I found the perfect song, If I dont use it for the show I will sing it.

WITH HOPE…
Steven Curtis Chapman

This is not at all
How we thought it was suppose to be
We had so many plans for you
We had so many dreams
But now you've gone away
And left us with the memories of your smile
And nothing we can say
And nothing we can do
Can take away the pain...
The pain of losing you

And we can cry with hope
We can say good-bye with hope
'Cause we know our good-bye is not the end

And we can grieve with hope
'Cause we believe with hope
There's a place where we'll see your face again.
We'll see your face again

And never have I known
Anything so hard to understand
And never have I questioned more
The wisdom of God's plan

But through the cloud of tears
I see the Father smile and say ' well done.'

And I imagine you
Where you wanted most to be
Seeing all your dreams come true
'Cause now you're home
And now you're free

And we can cry with hope
We can say good-bye with hope
'Cause we know our good-bye is not the end
And we can grieve with hope
'Cause we believe with hope
There's a place where we'll see your face again
We'll see your face again

We have this hope as an anchor
'Cause we believe that everything
God promises us is true

And we will cry with hope
We can say good-bye with hope
'Cause we know our good-bye is not the end

And we can grieve with hope
'Cause we believe with hope
There's a place By God’s grace
Where we'll see your face again.
We'll see your face again

We wait with hope
And we ache with hope
We hold on with hope
We let go with hope

Olympic Revelation

2006-02-23T09:10:00.000-08:00

I am related to an Olympic Silver Medalist!!!!

LOL this is my Step-father Colin (34)'s sister's husband!! I didnt at first make the connection, I knew he was previously part of the Jamacian Boblsed team but we call him King, so the name didnt click.. LOL!!

http://www.nbcolympics.com/bobsled_2man/5119462/detail.html

2006-02-22T19:06:00.000-08:00

Wow its been a very busy couple of days. Went to dinner last night for my birthday (31 GASP!!) at Claim Jumper. I ordered the Rib eye Steak, with Baked potato and Grilled Asparagus. As I planned I immediately put 1/2 in a to go container. Very good.

Got 2 dolphin figurines from my mother (I collect Dolphins). A homedics foot spa and pedicure station, a body pillow and a sweater from the dh and the kids.

By the time we go home I had a call from my aunt. My grandmother is not expected to live much longer. She has been in Hospice now for several months. I left to drive out there and see her. They said it could be hours or a few days. She ws not doing good. 1 year ago she was close to 250 lbs, now she might weight 90-100. She would breathe 4-5 breaths and then stop breathing for a bit over a minute. (we all of course stopped breathing at that same time until she breathed again) Got home about 1 am, had to be back up at 6am for daycare kids so its been a very hard day.

Good thing was that we got the call today that we GOT OUR APARTMENT!! We are moving April 7. YEAH!! now to finish purging and packing. We have 6 wks before we move. We have decided to hire a moving company and save our and our friends backs.. Let them do the work, especially since we are moving into an upstairs apartment.

Another good thing is that my Mother in Law sold her extra condo - 1brm rental property.. She offered us $10K to wipe out our debt to be paid back to her over 10 years with no interest.. We originally felt a little uncomfortable about this but she made over $100K on the sale, and is insisting. She is going to be getting VERY nice Birthday and Christmas gifts for quite a while.

Hope everyone is doing good. Gotta go give kids baths..

TTYL

2006-02-18T18:58:00.000-08:00

Ok, Here is the floorplan we went with.

We put our deposit down today, and move in April 7th. Its an upstairs apartment with trees blocking both the front and back patios from the sun. They will allow us to put lattice up around the patios and put screen up to create a screened in patio. Its only .8 of a mile from dh's new job that he starts on Tuesday. Yeah!!! He will be able to walk to work.

Interesting

2006-02-09T22:39:00.000-08:00

I always wonder with things like this, "Who has time to sit around thinking these things up?" Oh well, at least they're fun for those of us who don't!

If: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Then:
H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

and
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But,
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

AND, look how far the love of God will take you
L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:

While Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will
get you there, it's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

Fires..

2006-02-07T11:06:00.000-08:00

I am sure by now you have heard about the fires around here.. here is an update

Well so far we are ok, the middle school and high schools were evacuated this
morning about 10am, I think more to the ash and smoke than the actual fire.
Plus the HS is the evacuation point.

My AC died yesterday to so its about 80* inside my apartment and I am NOT
Opening my front door to let air in.. Matenence will be here this morning to
look at it.

It is begining to look like we had light dusting of snow outside. My
neighbor's Black truck now looks kind of light grey. LOL..

Here is a map that shows my area. See the Hwy 241, that is about 2 miles
from us. Irvine Lake is where the fires are. We are the Red Star.

This was apicture that was taken last night from a roof just down the
street..

2006-02-04T19:24:00.000-08:00

Here is the apartment we are looking at tomorrow... Rent range though is $1550-1700 with hardwood floors, washer dryer, and allows dogs..

Now if only they have one available for April 1st.

WINTER CLASSES

2006-02-03T13:26:00.000-08:00

WINTER CLASSES FOR MEN AT THE
LEARNING CENTER FOR ADULTS

REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED BY Jan. 31 ,2006

NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULTY LEVEL
OF THEIR CONTENTS, CLASS SIZES WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM.

Class 1
How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays --- Step by Step, with Slide
Presentation.
Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.

Class 2
The Toilet Paper Roll --- Does It Change Itself?
Round Table Discussion.
Meets 2 weeks, Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours.

Class 3
Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of Lifting The Seat and
Avoid ing The Floor, Walls and Nearby Bathtub? --- Group Practice.
Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 4
Fundamental Differences Between The Laundry Hamper and The Floor ---
Pictures and Explanatory Graphics.
Meets Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks.

Class 5
After Dinner Dishes --- Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Kitchen Sink?
Examples on Video.
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning
at 7:00 PM

Class 6
Loss Of Identity --- Losing The Remote To Your Significant Other.
Help Line Support and Support Groups.
Meets 4 Weeks, Friday and Sunday 7:00 PM

Class 7
Learning How To Find Things --- Starting With Looking In The Right Places
And Not Turning The House Upside Down While Screaming.
Open Forum .
Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours.

Class 8
Health Watch --- Bringing Her Flowers Is Not Harmful To Your Health.
Graphics and Audio Tapes.
Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 9
Real Men Ask For Directions When Lost --- Real Life Testimonials.
Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Location to be determined.

Class 10
Is It Genetically Impossible To Sit Quietly While She Parallel Parks?
Driving Simulations.
4 weeks, Saturday's noon, 2 hours.

Class 11
Learning to Live --- Basic Differences Between Mother and Wife.
Online Classes and role-playing .
Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, location to be determined

Class 12
How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion
Relaxation Exercises, Meditation and Breathing Techniques.
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.

Class 13
How to Fight Cerebral Atrophy --- Remembering Birthdays, Anniversaries
and Other Important Dates and Calling When You're Going To Be Late.
Cerebral Shock Therapy Sessions and Full Lobotomies Offered.
Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 14
The Stove/Oven --- What It Is and How It Is Used.
Live Demonstration.
Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, location to be determined.

Upon completion of any of the above courses, diplomas will be issued to
the survivors.

The Job

2006-02-02T23:04:00.000-08:00

They just came in with an offer for the job. $61K 2 wks vacation, Benefits start day 1, 100% Fully vested in 401K day one, 3.5% Matching contributions up to 5%, Paid off from Christmas to New Years in addition to 2 wks off Vac.

He is going to see if they will negotiate for closer to 65K, or more vacation etc. But at 61 it will get us out of this apartment...

He is countering and trying to negotiate to the $65k.

We will see what happens. At this point he will accept the job, and we will be moving April 1st. Anyone want to help me pack??

Yawn,,, so relaxed...

2006-01-27T00:17:00.000-08:00

Ok the nieghbor decided to watch my 3 kids for a couple hours
tonight and I used the time to head upstairs and clean the bathroom.

When I was done I lit tons of vanilla scented candles and took a
very NICE bubble bath and just relaxed and read a book.

My bath was great. Ended up just cuddling with the kids afterwards
and watched Monsters Inc.

We are camping out in the living room tonight. None of the kids
wanted to go to bed tonight without daddy. This is only his 3rd
business trip ever. He should be home tomorrow night ! YEAH!!

Oh about that new job offer. He has an interview with the HR manager
on Wednesday morning. The lady who used to be Robert's boss,
basically said regardless of what HR says, if Robert wants the job
its his. She is free to offer without checking higher up $65K which
is more than he makes now by about $15K...

I am looking at some apartments now since his new salary would
require that we move out as of April 1, I found one apartment that
is about the same size as we have now, and its all on one floor
instead of 2, plus they allow DOGS!! Not that I will tell the kids
that one until the time comes that we can get one. Plus its right
around the corner (walking distance) to church.

OK, time to wind down and go to bed.

meanest mom

2006-01-22T21:12:00.000-08:00

Well, I felt like the meanest mom in the world this morning.

Chris woke up at the crack of dawn (5am) and then tried to get Thomas to wake up so he could go upstairs and play, but then lied to his dad saying he just had to go potty. Anyway, dh decided that he needed to be punished for the lying which has increased lately.. We both feel that any lying is unacceptable and so dh assigned him bathroom duty.

Well I just had to make him scrub the bathroom on his knees. Well he is the one who keeps missing the toilet anyway so that doesnt sound so unfair.. but the whining and wailing that was coming from the bathroom made one think that we were asking him to clean it with his favorite stuffed dog or something..

Womanly Advice

2006-01-20T21:36:00.000-08:00

A
WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

A
set of screwdrivers,

a cordless drill, and

a black lace bra..

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

One friend who

Always makes her Laugh...

And one

Who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

A good piece of furniture

not previously owned by

Anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE

Eight matching plates,

Wine glasses with stems,

And a recipe for a meal that will

Make her guests feel honored.

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

A feeling of control over

Her destiny...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

How to fall in love

Without losing herself...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

HOW TO QUIT A JOB

BREAK UP WITH A LOVER

AND CONFRONT A FRIEND WITHOUT RUINING THE FRIENDSHIP...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

When to try harder... and

WHEN TO WALK AWAY..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

That she can't change

The length of her calves,

The width of her hips, or

The nature of her parents...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

That her childhood

May not have been

Perfect..but;

Its over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

What she would and

Wouldn't

Do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

How to live alone...

even if

She doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..

Whom she can trust,

Whom she can't,

And why she shouldn't

Take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

Where to go...

Be it to her best friend's kitchen table..

Or a charming inn in the woods...

When her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

What she can and can't accomplish

In a day...

A month..

And a year...

Daniel and the Lions Den

2006-01-19T07:49:00.000-08:00

(got this picture from a friend)

Oh to have such peace and security. Dh is really struggling with the fact that we are stuck in this horrible apartment while the neighborhood is quickly declining. We live in HUD regulated low income housing here in OC meaning that we pay MUCH Less than going rate for the apartment. We have a 2brm 1200 sq ft. Townhome, for roughly $1000 a month. This same apartment elsewhere would run closer to $1500-1800.. So you can see why we stay here. However, as the neighborhood goes downhill we are feeling less and less secure here. I am almost positive that the neighbor directly across from me is dealing, He just got out of jail not 3 months ago. Plus he is totally into gangs. It wasnt like this 6 years ago when we moved in.

We want out, but cant afford to move elsewhere. So we are stuck here. I told dh that the only way I can see us getting out of here is to move out of state where Cost of Living is less, but then we face the fact that while cost of living is less income is less as well, and we have x amount of money that wont change - student loans, credit cards, car payment etc.. It really sucks when you make $50K a year and can barely make ends meat.. Heck that would be no problem for just Dh and I, but with 3 kids, its nearly impossible. Arrg...

Oh well I guess I will just take a cue from the above picture, and turn my eyes towards God, trust in Him, and be secure where I am, until He provides the opportunity to change our circumstances.

Ok thanks for listening to this vent.. Had to get it out before it started festering inside..

Budget battles

2006-01-12T11:08:00.000-08:00

I have definately decided that Blowing our Budget by spending $300 is much nicer than not earning it in the first place... LOL. Right now I am really thankful that we won that Drawing from my complex that knocked $100 off our rent for Feb. But it still doesnt cut it..

Money is extremely tight.. I have lost 2 wks worth of childcare due to illnesses. First Thomas' HFM caused me to lose $200, and now another kid is puking so That is another $100. I can do most colds, fever, virus etc, but puking I DONT do.

Penguin Ball anyone???

2006-01-11T15:54:00.000-08:00

Smack the Penguin

Click on the snow guy to release the penguin, click again to hit the penguin..

Longest score wins....

2006-01-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

just got my butt kicked by Belly dance!! That Exercise TV is great!! I did 2 begining Belly dance workouts each 10-15 minutes.. OH BOY!! The first was a basic warm up and cardio then a concentrated ab workout.. UUUGGH

But I did it.. its done and I feel GREAT, tired but Great!

HHHHAAAAPPPYYYY NEEEEWWW YEEEEAAARR

2005-12-31T22:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, heading off to bed.. Gotta get up at 6am to see if I feel well enough to sing tomorrow. Its only 10 but i need the rest.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

Ok that is enough partying for me..

See ya next year!! he he he..

BIGGEST LOSER 2006.

2005-12-31T11:22:00.000-08:00

Dh and I are working on a competition... Whichever of us
loses the greatest percentage towards our goal gets to decide how we will
spend $500 towards a weekend together at the end of the year.

I have probably 100lbs to lose dh has 75lbs. So it wont be who loses the
most weight it will be based on percentage.. we are going to work out more
of the details later..

We just upgraded our cable to Digital and I discovered last night that we
have a Free Exercise channel (In Demand channel so I can start it whenever I
want) I can choose different workouts, abs, bottom, arms, legs, cardio, Tai
Chi, Pilates, yoga.. etc.. Some are 10 min workouts, some are 50-60 min
workouts.

YEAH YEAH!!!

2005-12-30T19:06:00.000-08:00

We just got notified that we won a prize from our apartment complex...

Every month they have an Early Bird Drawing for those who pay rent before the 1st, (considering that you owe an additional penalty of $100 if you pay after close of business on the 3rd its totally worth it). Anyway, We were the winners of the Early Bird drawing so the month of February we get $100 off our rent!!! Woo HOO!!

I think that is so much better than just winning $100 that we would blow on something that we dont need.

Just thought I would share. (more on christmas later...)

Alexis

EGO

2005-12-20T14:27:00.000-08:00

As I was praying early one morning God spoke this:

"Ego has a voracious appetite,
the more you feed it,
the hungrier it gets.

~Pastor Nathaniel Bronner Jr.~

All Dressed up

2005-12-16T08:04:00.000-08:00

Well we got all dressed up for Robert's work Christmas party..

They had the mock Casino tables.. each couple got $2000 after about 2 hours playing Craps we won $3200! Darn too bad it wasn't real money huh? LOL But it did serve its purpose. We realized how ADDICTING winning can be. I was getting quite bold there at the end... Winning like crazy, but losing too.

Dinner was so so, a bit dry, but hey it was free right.

I am so tired today, I am almost positive it will be a Ceasar's pizza for lunch.. I have like NO energy..

Hectic Holiday

2005-12-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

I dont know about you all but I am going to be very BUSY.. i am already overwhelmed..
It all starts tonight..

Dh's Christmas party is tonight. From 6-11pm.

Friday Busy day watching kids and making cookies - after dh gets home its a Costco run. Followed by making more cookies, and making Angel Costumes for Sunday's Program

Saturday is our Church Snowfest (we are importing 20 tons of snow) Followed by our Christmas program rehearsal.

Sunday morning 10am is our Christmas Program (all three kids are in it as am I). Immediately following we need to drive 40 miles to my mother's for the family Christmas party.

Next Saturday Christmas eve, we have service at 5pm, then we as a family are going to outback Steakhouse for Prime Rib dinner, Kids will get to open one present (PJ's)

Sunday is Church at 10am, (may or may not open presents before Church) then we will have my mother in law over for dinner (mozerella spinach ravioli and Garlic Bread).

As if I am not busy enough having a housefull of 7-9 kids ages 11yrs to 8 months each day.

Merry CHRISTMAS

Christmas Program

2005-12-07T09:29:00.000-08:00

All 3 kids and I are in the Christmas Play at church. Thomas is singing Jesus loves me to Baby Jesus.. Becca is singing Twinkle Twinkle Christmas Star.. While Chris is Joseph and has 3 pretty long lines.. Here they are

JOSEPH: Come on Mary, you must sit down. You just had a baby and you need the rest.

Mary: Joseph, I know what to do with a baby. I cannot beleive he was born while we were still in Bethlehem. Ijust want to be home in Nazareth with my mother and sisters to help me. Put that blanket on him for me. That's it. Now he is warm.

JOSEPH: Put him in the manger. The cows have already eaten and the straw is fresh. It looks like a baby's bed. He'll be able to sleep through the night.

Mary: Joseph look at those little children (modern day sunday school kids) They are dressed so strangely. They seem to want to look at Jesus. Should we let them come close?

JOSEPH: They look harmless. Yes, let's let them look at our baby. They look like they want to sing a lullaby.

OK. Chris read through the part during rehearsal Sunday and then once on the way home from Church on Sunday. Then again 2x tonight. The third time we went to go over it he had it MEMORIZED Word for word!! I am soo proud of him!

Deck The Halls!!

2005-12-04T22:24:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!

2005-12-03T21:22:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone has a beautiful, wonderful, and blessed Christmas.

God Bless

To Clean or not to Clean....

2005-11-29T06:11:00.000-08:00

"Cleaning your house while your children are growing is like shoveling snow while it's still snowing."

Vision....

2005-11-27T19:22:00.000-08:00

Ok. This seems a little weird for me but its an excited filled with
anticipation, hold on to your hats rollercoaster weird...

Dh has been approached by a friend who he graduated with in May about
planting a church. Dh has a vision to reach out to the college/young adult
crowd by opening a sanctuary for them that is Wholesome, safe, and inviting
while fun at the same time.

This includes opening a Coffee café (think Starbucks welcoming, leasure,sit
around and visit). But also allowing room for Bible studies, College study
areas, pool tables, Christian Bands would be welcome to play in the
afteroons/evenings/weekends. But Would also be where the church met on
Sundays.

This is something that has been bubbling up excitement in both of us for
about a year. But there were always questions/hurdles that we weren't sure
about. Licensing, Denom, Support, Plant teammates, etc. One of the
biggest things we questioned was Location. We wanted it to be in a place
that was College Town environment, big enough that dh and/or I could work to
support us, but be small enough to be Not big Metro area. Also very Family
Friendly would be a big PLUS!

Well dh's friend, mentioned a town recently that fits almost all of our
ideals. Plus Jeff would be willing to go in on the plant with us, he could
lead the worship/outreach side (his strengths and experience) and dh could
do the business/Teaching/Pastoral care (his strengths). I am strong in
Children's Ministry with my Degree being Elementary Education.

Dh already has been approved for Licensing with the CMA and would possibly
have the support of the CMA Denom, just need to see what requirements are
for the planting side. Also to see what the business side of things
required.

At this time we are praying about it and I ask for your prayers for God's
guidance.

Excitedly Dreaming..

Alexis

Redneck Values

2005-11-26T19:21:00.000-08:00

We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years. It's time to take a
reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home,
family, country and God. If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up. Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit -- that's what rednecks are made of. I hope I am one of those. If you feel the same, pass this on to your redneck friends. Ya'll know who ya' are...

You might be a redneck if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, "One nation, under God."

You might be a redneck if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.

You might be a redneck if: You still say " Christmas" instead of "Winter Festival."

You might be a redneck if: You bow your head when someone prays.

You might be a redneck if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.

You might be a redneck if: You treat Viet Nam vets with great respect, and always have.

You might be a redneck if: You've never burned an American flag.

You might be a redneck if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.

You might be a redneck if: You respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same.

You might be a redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend.

God Bless the USA!

I am in a funk.

2005-11-25T10:21:00.000-08:00

Today is our 10 year anniversary, and we were supposed to go to Six Flags amusment park to celebrate. I have the $58 tickets sitting right here.

Well we are not going because dh is sick. Slept 9 hours last night and is now crashed out on the couch feeling sick. We made arrangements for all 3 kids (7yrs, 4 yrs, and 2 yrs) to be gone until Saturday evening, but might as well go get them, no need for them to be gone. We definately are not celebrating.

I would love to go shopping but there is no money to buy anything (we all know that story). SO I am off to do laundry and clean house.

AAAHHHH!!!! !

2005-11-22T16:13:00.000-08:00

This 16 month old girl I watch Marissa is driving me up the WALL!! I cant even keep the door open while Chris' playing because she hurdles it!!! She is refusing to nap at all. Plus everytime I turn around she is trying to hurt Sophia the 7 month old, or Climb the wall unit, or the gate...

ARRGGG! I don't think any of our kids have ever been that wild. Even Chris was never this bad.. Believe me I might have to just tell her mom that I cant watch her after the Holidays..

I don't know if I can keep this up.. Not with her. She is too much to handle with all the others.. Maybe by herself, but Eye III Eye...

My husband tells me to hold off until January, Maybe by then she will get used to the rules. But Hello!! she has already been here since September. I dont think he gets it.. Its easy for him to say , he isnt dealing with her!!

UGGH>> Sorry for the vent, had to get that off my chest.

Your Age By Chocolate Math..

2005-11-19T18:44:00.000-08:00

DON'T CHEAT BY SCROLLING DOWN FIRST!!!
It takes less than a minute. Work this out as you read. Be sure
you don't read the bottom until you've worked it out! This is not one of
those waste of time things, it's fun!

1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to
have chocolate. (more than once but less than 10)...

2. Multiply this number by 2 (Just to be bold)...

3. Add 5. (for Sunday)...

4. Multiply it by 50 I'll wait while you get the calculator...

5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1755...

If you haven't, add 1754..

6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born...

You should have a three digit number.

The first digit of this was your original number (i.e., how
many times you want to have chocolate each week).

The next two numbers are..

This is so cool you will like this.

YOUR AGE!!! (OH YES, IT IS!!!)

THIS IS THE ONLY YEAR (2005) IT WILL EVER WORK, SO SPREAD IT
AROUND WHILE IT LASTS.. :-)

Sweet Innocence

2005-11-18T14:41:00.000-08:00

I am trying hard to decide whether or not I will be sending my daughter to Kindergarden next year, or if I will homeschool her. I would love tokeep her home because I cant stand what the schools have turned into. Plus I want her to keep her sweet innocence that she has for as long as possible.

But will it really be a benefit to her??? still trying to decide. We have until May to decide when registration begins.

Anniversary or just a normal day?

2005-11-18T07:48:00.000-08:00

Our 10 year anniversary is Next Friday the 25th. I made arrangements to send all three kids
to my mothers after dinner on Thursday, and we will pick them up on Sunday afternoon. This will be the first time away from all 3 kids.

We were going to go out of town and do something fun etc... well now he tells me "how about we do a Movie Day?"

WHAT!!!!???!!! Sorry yes we dont get out to the movies alone much, but that is not how I want to remember my 10 year.. Know what I mean??

UGGH!! Must be something male I guess...

Thank God for your Thorns

2005-11-17T12:43:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Special

Sandra felt as low as the heels of her Birkenstocks as she pushed against a November gust and the florist shop door. Her life had been easy, like a spring breeze.

Then in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a minor
automobile accident stole her ease. During this Thanksgiving week she would have delivered a son. She grieved over her loss. As if that weren't enough her husband's company threatened a transfer. Then her sister, whose holiday visit she coveted, called saying she could not come.

What's worse, Sandra's friend infuriated her by suggesting her grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer.

"Had she lost a child? --No--she has no idea what I'm feeling," Sandra shuddered. Thanksgiving? "Thankful for what?" she wondered.

For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when
he rear-ended her?

For an airbag that saved her life but took that of her child?

"Good afternoon, I'm Jenny, how can I help you?" The flower shop clerk's approach startled Sandra.

"I'm sorry," said Jenny, "I just didn't want you to think
I was ignoring you."

"I . . . I need an arrangement."

"For Thanksgiving?"

Sandra nodded.

"Do you want beautiful but ordinary, or would you like to challenge the day with a customer favorite I call the Thanksgiving Special."

Jenny saw Sandra's curiosity and continued. "I'm convinced that flowers tell stories, that each arrangement insinuates a particular feeling. Are you looking for something that conveys gratitude this Thanksgiving?"

"Not exactly!" Sandra blurted. "Sorry, but in the last five
months, everything that could go wrong has."

Sandra regretted her outburst but was surprised when Jenny said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."

The door's small bell suddenly rang.

"Barbara! Hi," Jenny said. She politely excused herself from Sandra and walked toward a small workroom. She quickly reappeared carrying a massive arrangement of greenery, bows, and long-stemmed thorny roses. Only, the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped, no flowers.

"Want this in a box?" Jenny asked.

Sandra watched for Barbara's response. Was this a joke? Who would want rose stems and no flowers! She waited for laughter, for someone to notice the absence of flowers atop the thorny stems, but neither woman did.

"Yes, please. It's exquisite," said Barbara. "You'd think after
three years of getting the special, I'd not be so moved by its
significance, but it's happening again. My family will love this one.
Thanks."

Sandra stared and wondered. Why so normal a conversation about so
strange an arrangement?

"Ah, umm..." said Sandra, pointing. "That lady just left with, ah . . . "

"Yes?"

"Well, she had no flowers!"

"That's right, I cut off the flowers."

"You cut off the flowers? On purpose?"

"Yep. That's the Special. I call it the 'Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet.' "

"But, why do people pay for that?" In spite of herself, Sandra chuckled.

"Do you really want to know?"

"I couldn't leave this shop without knowing. I'd think about nothing else!"

"That might be good," murmured Jenny. "Well," she continued,
"Barbara came into the shop three years ago feeling very much like you feel today. She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had lost her father to cancer; the family business was failing; her son was into drugs; and she faced major surgery."

"Ouch!" said Sandra.

"That same year, I lost my husband. I assumed complete
responsibility for the shop and for the first time, spent the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too great a debt to allow any travel."

"What did you do?"

"I learned to be thankful for thorns."

Sandra's eyebrows lifted. "Thorns?"

"I'm a Christian, Sandra. I've always thanked God for good things
in life and I never thought to ask Him why good things happened to
me? But, when bad stuff hit, did I ever ask! It took time to learn
that dark times are important. I always enjoyed the 'flowers' of life but it took thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort. You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."

Sandra gasped. "A friend read that passage to me and I was furious! I guess the truth is I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God." She started to ask Jenny to "go on" when the door's bell diverted their attention.

"Hey, Phil!" shouted Jenny as a balding, rotund man entered the
shop. She softly touched Sandra's arm and moved to welcome him. He
tucked her under his side for a warm hug.

"I'm here for twelve thorny long-stemmed stems!" Phil laughed, heartily.

"I figured as much," said Jenny. "I've got them ready." She lifted
a tissue-wrapped arrangement from the refrigerated cabinet.

"Beautiful," said Phil. "My wife will love them."

Sandra could not resist asking. "These are for your wife?"

Phil saw that Sandra's curiosity matched his own back when he had first heard of the Thorn Bouquet.

"Do you mind me asking, 'Why thorns?'" asked Sandra.

"Not at all. In fact, I'm glad you asked," he said. "Four years ago my wife and I nearly divorced. After forty years, we were in a real mess, but we slogged through, problem by rotten problem. We rescued our marriage-our love, really. Last year at Thanksgiving I stopped in here for flowers. I must have mentioned surviving a tough process because Jenny told me that for a long time she kept a vase of rose stems--stems, mind you!--as a reminder of what she learned from "thorny" times. That was good enough for me. I took home stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific thorny situation and give thanks for what the problem taught us. I'm pretty sure this stem review is becoming a tradition."

Phil paid Jenny, thanked her again and as he left, said to
Sandra, "Young lady, I highly recommend the Special!"

"I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life."
Sandra said to Jenny.

"Well, my experience says that thorns make roses more precious.
We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at
any other time. Remember, Sandra, Jesus wore a crown of thorns so
that we might know His love. Do not resent thorns."

Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the
accident she loosened her grip on resentment. "I'll take twelve
long-stemmed thorns, please."

"I hoped you would," Jenny said. "I'll have them ready in a minute. And from now on, every time you see them, re-member to appreciate both good and hard times. We grow through both."

"Thank you. What do I owe you?"

"Nothing. Nothing but a pledge to work toward healing your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me." Jenny handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach a card like this to your arrangement but maybe you'd like to read it first. Go ahead, read it."

" My God, I have never thanked Thee for my thorn! I have thanked Thee a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorn. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear, teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed to Thee by the path of pain. Show me that my tears have made my rainbow."--George Matheson"

Jenny said, "Happy Thanksgiving, Sandra," handing her the Special."

"I look forward to our knowing each other better."

Sandra smiled. She turned, opened the door and walked toward hope.

-- Unknown

More Faith

2005-11-16T14:42:00.000-08:00

God has more faith in you than you do in yourself.

You know what's ON you.
He knows what's IN you.

You know the weight you carry.
He knows your strength.

You know your pain.
He knows where your healing is.

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD.
"They are plans for good and not for disaster,
to give you a future and a hope." (Jer 29:11 NLT)

www.mountainwings.com/past/today.htm

Money Money Money

2005-11-16T14:34:00.000-08:00

I think I finally found something I can sell!! I tried the Partylite candles and that didnt work, I am not really into Scrapbooking so CM was out, well I am looking at being a Pampered Chef Consultant... I realized that I love to cook/bake and prepare nice meal (nice looking and tasting) So why not try selling something I KNOW about, and can demonstrate too!

So I am starting out by hosting a Catalog Party through my mother. And then once that closes I am going to become a consultant after the first of the year. So If anyone is interested in a catalog or ordering something let me know.

2005-11-16T06:22:00.000-08:00

Well we had our Licensing Interview yesterday and.........

We passed!!!!!

We now are approved for Licensing with the C&MA! We have a few things
to wrap up and then we can begin candidating churches Nationwide!!

Once we have a church we will recieve our Ministry License.

One thing we noticed this morning was that it was 3 years to the week
since Dh recieved his call to ministry. Isn't that cool!!