Painting 4 HIM

Merry Christmas--O Holy Night

2011-12-25T10:21:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! Christ was born to save us, praising God every day is a joy for this gift!

He is worthy of all praise!

2011-11-23T09:59:00.000-08:00

Since my last post, I have had a rough week, starting with progessively worse pain, until I had to go to the ER for help. I was not sure what the problem was, but ended up finding out it is scar tissue "healing" around a nerve-possibly entrapping it and thereby causing pain. I was given 3 shots of Lidocaine and walah--no more pain. That is til I was home and realised the insane pain was masking other "normal" pain. I think there may be one more spot that could have used a shot, but it isn't nearly as bad. I have been blessed by husby and friends to be able to really rest and take it easier than I was--so I am feeling relatively no pain. God is so very good!

I wanted to share that with all the wonderful friends that have come to be with me; we have had amazing conversations. Some are healing for me, others healing for them-all encouraging, edifying, and oh so enlightening. My friends are real, and have seen me in my "realest" place. They are so loving, non-judging, and kind. I am a very blessed woman and thank the Lord so much for true sisters in the Him. In every facet of this "cancer" process He has surpassed my hopes of His care for me. It has challenged me to not put His love in a box of my making...His love is way beyond imaginable--just enjoy it!

I found myself singing an old praise song taken from this verse and just had to share His goodness...

Psalm 86:12-13
I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.

For great is your love toward me;
you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.

Thank you, whomever is reading-I hope you are edified and challenged to see yourself loved...

My soul glorifies the Lord!!

2011-11-15T19:46:00.000-08:00

And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. Luke 1:46-49

I know this verse ultimately is Mary's Song and is speaking of her virgin pregnancy with Christ, but I have to just proclaim that this is also for us...in our day.

My soul is glorifying the Lord--today I received the wonderful news that I am cancer free. My heart rejoices in this news. I pray that as I have been walking through this battle, my words and actions have been encouraging, uplifting, glorifying to He who has done wonders in my life. I hope that others have been drawn closer to Him, have desired a relationship with Him, have witnessed the goodness and sovereign love for us that He has. I pray I have been a good witness, to anyone else that may be asked to walk through something like cancer. Knowing the Lord has many plans--I am looking forward to all He is going to work out in this.

Please be encouraged-God is for you, and if He is for you-who can be against you! In what may seem to be the worst times of your life-He has a plan, and it is for your good and His glory. You will be matured in Him-if you choose to let Him do so. You will grow closer to Him as you become weaker if you allow Him to be stronger. He longs for you dear one...let Him walk it out with you--you won't regret you dependence on Him!

Humility in a righteous soul

2011-11-12T17:33:00.000-08:00

God has been working on my heart alot about humility.

All through this time with cancer, walking through the times of fear, feeling His peace that passes all understanding, knowing that friends are on their knees all over the world praying for me--I have been humbled.

There have been times during this season that the Father has asked me to let others minister to me...for some, this wouldn't be hard, for me--it is a difficult place. I love to do for others, it isn't as easy for me to be vulnerable and receive. The Lord has been ministering to my heart that to not allow others to bless me/us, is a place of pride in my heart. I was so saddened by the thought, that I just had to share--lest anyone else have the same attitude. He gives us giftings, abilities, and talents to share with others to be sure--but He also allows us to be in times when we need our brothers and sisters in the faith to minister to our needs-physical, emotional and spiritual.

I don't want to be prideful, I don't pursue it--but when I think less of myself than what He created; then I am being as prideful as if I was out touting all my wonderful attributes.

Instead I desire to walk out righteousness-the Lord wants us to know that we are righteous in Him. I am righteous in Him, as I understand I John 2:29 "If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him." I know I am born in Christ, so it isn't prideful to say I am righteous. So knowing that--Psalm 97:11 says, "Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart." I have felt the Lord's joy even in these last weeks of waiting, it has been incredible how the Father has been faithful. People have commented on my countenance on many occasions. It isn't me, but He who is in me! Praise Him!

As He reminds me of the righteous state I am in, because I believe, I can relax and let people bless us, with their time, prayers, food, etc. I can enjoy and be a joy to those who love us. I don't need to feel self conscious that others are meeting my very personal needs as I recover--they are doing it out of love for me. I can know fully that Christ has placed such people into my life for such a time as this! I am so humbled, and so completely and thoroughly blessed by those He has placed in my life right now.

HEALTH UPDATE: I had surgery on November 4 they did a radical hysterectomy with lymph node removal. The Dr. said he saw nothing to indicate the cancer had spread beyond my uterus. The lab results would take 7-10 days to come back. I was in the hospital just overnight and came home on Saturday. It has been one week now and I have had good days and less than good days-I think mainly due to lack of sleep (can't get comfy). I am not in real pain, just uncomfortable. Tuesday the 15th I meet with the oncologist to see where we are at. I am believing for the best of reports and of course will share with you all my results as quickly as I am able.

I appreciate all who are reading this blog. Your comments bless me. I need to mention though, that if I don't know who you are (anonymous)-no matter how sweet your comment may be, I can't publish it. You may notice other anonymous comments, it is because I know who they are via other means. I am sorry if this may hurt your feelings in any way, it is not my desire to do so. I feel very personal about what is said on my blog, as I am sure anyone who has one does, and if I can not know whom you are then only I will be blessed by your sweetness. Thank you for your consideration in this.

A little treasure from the Lord.

2011-11-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

Psalm 71:14-24 -
Hope for Deliverance

14 But as for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise You more and more.
15 My mouth will tell of Your righteousness,
of Your salvation all day long,
though I know not its measure.
16 I will come and proclaim Your mighty acts,
O Sovereign Lord;
I will proclaim Your righteousness, Yours alone.
17 Since my youth, O God, You have taught me,
and to this day I declare Your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, O God,
Till I declare Your power to the next generation,
Your might to all who are to come.
19 Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God,
You who have done great things.
Who, O God, is like You?
20 Though You have made me see troubles,
many and bitter,
You will restore my life again;
From the depths of the earth
You will again bring me up.
21 You will increase my honor
and comfort me once again.
22 I will praise You with the harp
for Your faithfulness, O my God;
I will sing praise to You with the lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.
23 My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to You—
I, whom You have redeemed.
24 My tongue will tell of Your righteous acts all day long,
for those who wanted to harm me
have been put to shame and confusion.

2011-10-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

November 4th is surgery day...

I ask for your prayers, for myself and family-yes...but more prudently I really have been impressed by the Lord to ask for prayers for His purposes... What I am meaning by that is--there is a plan in all of this...it isn't just about me and the cancer.

I believe with my whole being that there is opportunity here for a profound move of God in the hospital where I will be. Would you join with me and pray for the surgeon, his staff, the anesthesiologist, nurses, cafeteria people, assistants, whomever may cart me from room to room, phlebotomists, etc... Please pray for wisdom as they work with me, but more importantly pray that as they work on/with me, they will feel and know the presence of God. I know the Lord is in me, and believe He will move through me to bless, love on, encourage everyone who comes within my reach. Pray that seeds will be planted, that we will see people saved, that folks will be astounded by God's peace. I have been praying that if I need to go through this, then let it be about something bigger, that God would be glorified through it all.

If you wouldn't mind leaving a comment to let me know you are praying that would be wonderful.

As a praise to the Lord, I would like to share with you all...Ever since the diagnosis and I asked that my friends would pray for me to have peace...wow has He ever come through! I meet people often who say they can see how at peace I am as I share with them what has been transpiring in our lives lately. It is all the Lord, seriously, all HIM! I have truly been living in the palm of His hand. I have moments-but I take those thoughts captive as He says I should, and then they are gone=Thank You LORD! You are worthy of all the glory!

Thank you so much friends for reading my lil blips...

Really fighting for my life

2011-10-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

They are worth fighting for...I am worth fighting for...2 weeks ago I found out I am literally in a fight for my life...I have Endometrial cancer. 2 weeks ago, alot changed in my life...my perspective, my breathing, my focus--but not my Lord, he is never changing, ever constant.

I know He loves me, I KNOW he has a plan in this...a plan for my good and His glory. I know in his love there is no fear-his perfect love casts out all fear. I know the joy of the Lord is my strength...I will have joy within this season--not waiting til I am through it, but right here in it!

I will praise Him all of my days--yes even these! Am I concerned-yup, but not struck with terror, nope. Have I thought about dying, yup--but I am taking thoughts like that captive, because I know they are not godly, I know they will cause me to think things that are not true...God is faithful, every minute of everyday.

So, some facts---endometrial cancer starts in the lining of the uterus. Funny story: 6 years ago we moved to NY where I got to go to this amazing gynecologist. Because of a condition I have- she would regularly (every 6 months) give me a biopsy, it had become part of the "regular" routine. Over the last 2 years, due to mum's illness and passing, I hadn't gotten to my appointments--so when I went to see her in the beginning of August-the routine biopsy-I think may have saved my life. IF it had not been already in the routine--she wouldn't have done it, you see, the pap didn't show it, the in/out ultrasound didn't show it--ONLY the biopsy showed it! Right there, God is sooo faithful! 6 years ago, he set me up with my dr. I am a very blessed woman! It tells me so clearly that God has this all under control--He is aware of my difficulty, he is not leaving me! I know some may ask, why didn't he stop the cancer then? I don't know, what I do know is: He has a plan in this...for my good and His glory! He gives us opportunities to grow in Him, draw closer to Him and share His love with others--Praise God!

Is every minute of every day happy go lucky? Nope, but every minute of every day is an opportunity to choose to be...I hope more of my minutes I am choosing to be.

Other facts: Planning laproscopic surgery (radical hysterectomy with lymph node removal) hopefully by the end of October, 5-6 weeks of recovery is to be expected. If the cancer is contained completely within the uterus then I am home free--if it is outside whatsoever, then radiation and chemo may be necessary.

Well, guess that is it for now...sorry to lay this all on you. Don't be sad...I trust God knows what He is doing! I will ask though, please pray! Thank you!

Joining a friend in a battle for my life

2011-06-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

A friend I have (Traci) http://scalingitback.blogspot.com/ that is getting healthy and has asked for others to join her in accountability and encouragement. I am joining her, and getting back on track with my physical well being. I am going to make reasonable but challenging goals for myself and I will revise them as I meet them to keep challenging myself. I will appreciate encouragement, but frankly don't do well with critics...unless you truly are loving me. Please join in if you would like--or just check in to see how we are doing. I will post probably only once a week, as you can see my past blogs--run infrequently.

My goals:
Short term:
Lose 10#
Drink 2 bottles of water a day, been drinking alot of coffee so adding this is necessary
Go to bed earlier and getting up earlier bed by 11, up by 8 (been going by 3 0r 4am up at 9-11am)
No caffeine after 4pm
Walk every day-no matter what
Start doing other exercising-weights, situps, etc (2 times a week)

Long term:
Summer goal lose 40#

Care Connection is coming together

2011-02-22T19:25:00.000-08:00

Wow, what fun we are having! Three weeks ago, I began working in the office with husby...he is giddy (slightly weird ;-) ), and he keeps threatening to chase me around the desk--ha ha! We got to go to the Open Door Mission 2 weeks ago where we served homeless gentlemen. This week we had the honor of helping to make a meal at the Ronald McDonald house in Rochester.

For some reason, unbeknownst to me, the Lord has seen fit to ask us to take on this amazing ministry. He is asking us to believe in him, rely on him, and use the gifts He has given us for His glory...won't you consider going out to share His love with others? Give a call or email if you would like to join in on one of the many opportunities to serve.

I think...

2011-01-29T07:03:00.000-08:00

But I am not sure...

I want to do alot of great things but I don't know if I should...

Quilting Bible study...fun-just started but the project frankly is overwhelming me. Not sure I love the pattern--totally feel released to just do a tablerunner or square for this one.

Beth Moore Bible Study--again just started--overwhelmed at the thought of all the work, but in submission to the Lord I am doing it...He has already met me and showed me-He is in this for me, and directed my steps to this place...how I needed that!

I wanna teach this darling young lady I have become acquainted with, how to do needlework of different types. My heart says YES!

Civil War type mini quilt club--wanna, really wanna--released by sweet husby to do it---trying to not talk myself out of it. See, it is something for me, just me...I don't do "just me" well. I always have to be making something or doing something that has a reason to bless someone else... TRYIN' to not talk myself out of it...

Doing office work for a dear woman of God-whom I love very much...in my mind I condemn myself that I am not there more, my heart knows I am there when I can. The two really need to meet more often and make the joy come back.

Dear husby has a new position at church as the Care Connection Director as well as his Facilities Manager Position...it includes me. I am a feeling a bit like I am in over my head on this one. I know that I know, that I know, God said, "You are to do this, I will be your strength." Frankly, I feel tired just thinking about it. Again, it is the whole mind and heart needing to get on the same page. I know I will get there, He isn't finished with me yet...

So, I think all things are good, but not all are good for me...Lord keep directing and I will keep stepping!

Crazy how time flies when you are having fun!

2011-01-24T18:53:00.000-08:00

Life has just been flying by like crazy. In list format this has been what I have been up to in the last few weeks.

Taking down Christmas decorations-3 full weekends after Christmas but only 4 weekends after I had put them up...

Two major doctor appointments...

Cafe ministry stuff...one dear team leaving, another new one joining--God is so faithful how he works everything out.

6 hour trip TO Nyack, NY to visit my bestie and her family...stayed for Wed night thru Fri afternoon

8 hour trip HOME from Nyack, NY--got lost coming home--OY is all I can say

Planned and prepared meals for Elim Fellowship's Youth Leader Summit--Pizza, and subs for 120 youth leaders and 1 catered meal for 16.

Quilt Bible Study

Trying to organize my crap room--err--studio...trying is the key word

Planning and working on two very special quilts for two very special friends.

My phone died so I had to reenter all the info===huge pain in the tushy

Watched many seasons of Law and Order SVU.

Now moved on to Bones season 3.

Had special time with Sen, then said bye as he headed back to school. Miss him soooo much!

Continuosly working through the loss of mum. Sometimes I am so at a loss of how I will get past her not being here. It is so weird how it hits me, and overwhelms me with sad feelings. I think I just keep wishing I had had more time with her. I know she knew I loved her deeply, just want to tell her again...

Baby shower for a friend, birthday party for another.

Spending time with a dear friend who is moving...coming to terms with her not being easily accessible to me...my heart is hurting with this one. BUT God is working on me to know He is here for me all the time and she is not moving too far away.

Reading Jennifer Chevearinni books...too many...really good, fun reads

Started a Beth Moore study on David today.

Shawn was given a new position at the church and last Friday the members were told. He is now the Care Connection director and I will be assisting him in the position. Care Connection is the outreach branch of EGC, whose purpose is to go out into the world to physically show God's love to the needy. It is an awesome responsibility, but is exactly where our hearts have been desiring to work for some time. It will be so exciting to see what God has planned for all of us as we move forward with this ministry. CC is such a great way to show love in real and meaningful ways.

Spending time with Shawn, he becomes dearer to me everyday. How God blesses me, teaches me and woos me-through this man--captures my heart.

That is mostly all--have to get up early tomorrow--helping a friend cater food for a conference this week. It will be a great time, busy but fun...see ya on the other side ;-)

To Know You - Casting Crowns

2011-01-05T20:06:00.000-08:00

Paying it forward

2011-01-05T07:38:00.000-08:00

I have been reading a blog recently called Laundry on the Line, http://laundryontheline.wordpress.com/ . She is doing a "pay it forward" so I have decided to participate. For the first 3 bloggie friends who make a comment on my post and decide to do it as well on theirs. I have wanted to do this for a while and so I am going to now!

How this works is: the first 3 people who comment on this post, that they want to participate AND blog on their blog that they are going to participate and give as well, those 3 people will be the happy (I hope) recipients of something handcrafted by me. It will be something quilted so please tell me what your fav color combo is and I will do my very best to make something special for you. I will be visiting your blogs to see how I can make something atuned to your liking.

So, let's start out our year with giving, may you be blessed with doing so!

Another project finished

2011-01-04T21:01:00.000-08:00

So I finished T's spiderman quilt. The blocks have a center piece taken from a "fabric book" sold by JoAnns. It was the only spidey fabric we could find other than flannel. I have to laugh, because although we didn't find what I had in mind--God had a plan. Shawn found the panel and then the other 3 colors came together so easily. The dark color framing the panels is actually navy but looks black, I think it makes it perfectly look like a film strip. Pretty appropriate in my thinking. The center block has T's name embroidered by Joyce Blowers and then I zigzagged around the outside to mimic the other blocks.

T seemed to like it, but at 7 I understand that the erector set had more appeal. I hope he will see it someday as the labor of love that it was.

I spent the last 2 days also finishing the tablerunners I was doing in the bible study. They are completely finished-but no pics yet. Also, a friend and I had started on some door hangers for Christmas, and the season got away from us, I just finished these and honestly I think they will be table runners too. I will post them later when I get pics of those too.

A day that surpasses most days!!

2010-12-29T19:18:00.000-08:00

Today is my dear son's birthday. It is hard to believe he is 22 years old. Not because he doesn't act it, but because it went soooo fast. He attends Roberts Wesleyan College and is in the music program as a guitar performance major. He has truly been gifted by the Lord. We are blessed to be called his parents.

Christmas doin's

2010-12-23T18:01:00.000-08:00

Well the season has been busy for sure...baking cookies, making candy, sewing 2 quilts, 2 table runners, painting, and making ornaments. I hosted a table at a ladies Christmas luncheon, as well as sold some items at a vending table I set up there. We delivered cookies to friends, have gone to 2 Christmas parties (still have one tomorrow night). Shawn has been working hard getting the church prepared for the Christmas Eve Service. He even built a new fence for the live nativity, making it extra sturdy to keep the animals in.

Daddy came for 3 days last week to shop for my siblings and their older children. We had a lot of fun together. I just simply love that man, I am so glad he came. I got to cook some good food up for him--mum's chicken and dumplings, and my riggies. He enjoyed his time here, then headed home to busy times with my younger brother Kevin. They are shopping for the little children of the family. Totally up Kevin's alley, he loves to bless the little ones.

Sen is home for the winter break, and we could not be happier. It is a joy to have him around. It is a bit of a challenge too; keeping food in the house, remembering to go potty before he gets in for his shower, keeping laundry going, keeping food in the house... oh did I say that already? Well, it deserves said twice!

Shawn and I had a great time shopping today, thinking of our loved ones and what they might love to receive. We took a break from shopping at Starbuck's and had a early supper at Sinbad's on Park Avenue. Nothing like great mediterranean food to sustain you through a long day of shopping!

May you all find yourselves blessed with the presence of your very real Savior as we remember his birth this Christmas. I am so thankful that my father God, loves me so much, he would send his one and only son to come to earth to save us. He truly is the reason for the season.

Meeting needs-the true meaning of Christmas

2010-12-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

Lindsey Pond is an amazing young woman from Texas whom I have gotten to know via her blog-- http://www.pleasantliving.org/

Two years ago I began a journey of getting to know a young woman who is so passionately in love with her Father God, one who is in a faith journey few have the courage to walk out.

Three short months after Lindsey married Brian, they discovered a lump in her breast. Since that time Lindsey has battled the enemy for her life while encouraging others through her blog.

In November 2010, the doctors found a brain tumor. Brian and Lindsey have since then sold their home, 2 cars, moved in with their brother and sister, and found a home for one of their dogs. All the while praising the Lord for His faithfulness!

Praying for them has been an honor, and I believe the Lord has laid it on my heart to donate 20% of my sales and to make available a way for others to get involved. The Ponds have never asked for money, only prayer. I know our Father can meet all of their needs regardless of our help.

I want to help- will you join me in
giving to meet a real need in their life?

I will have items available to sell at the ladies luncheon at EGC on Saturday December 11. You can find pictures of most of what I have to sell in the previous post. 20% of cost of all items sold this weekend and until I send out the money to Lindsey, (hoping to send it early next week-but if I get more orders I will wait to be able to send her more.) Also, as long as they last I have a bundle of 6 prim tags to everyone who gives a donation to Brian and Lindsey.

I am believing we are meeting a real physical need for these dear hearts.
Please check out her blog, bless her with your prayers and meet a real need while shopping for Christmas or just giving to them.

Items I have for sale

2010-12-08T07:28:00.000-08:00

Please reserve anything you see that you like, some items I only have one of.

Please read the above post as well, I am giving 20% of all sales to Lindsey Pond.

Apple pie filling $4.50

Mini Ornaments $1

Medium ornaments $2.50

Handpainted Snowman ornament $4.00

Birdhouse painting on Slate $18

Snowflakes are Angels Kisses $20

Count Your Blessings on Barn shingle $40

Double sided Primitive Christmas Hearts $25

Double Sided Primitive Seasonal Heart $25

(snowman on all, choice of spring)

A set of all three hearts (6 paintings) for $65

Simple Pleasures cupboard $125

10"X15"X33"

Date day

2010-10-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

Can you tell what the theme was of our date day? It was a flat out wonderful day!

Sugar Mountain Bake Shoppe- all I can really say is amazing

they have many different filled and iced cupcakes

these are turtle and sinfully chocolate

Umm, 2nd hand store with scary clowns-bad picture

Parkleigh, wow-totally going back, too much to see but so

worth the time amazing chocolate samples and coffee

Great Bread company, got a good loaf of a fruit and nut whole grain

Way swank record company, highly intense incense though

We also went to Stever's chocolates, got Christmas ideas plus

lots of chocolate. Chocolate blackberries, pomegranates, espresso bark

dark chocolate covered sponge candy, and a wonderful mix of nuts etc.

I can't seem to get away from the toasted chicken gyro

beyond yummage!

Husby had a gyro-huge portions as you can see

Falafel appetizer with hot sauce and tahini sauce

Lunch at Sinbad's-yummy Lebanese food

Templar Gallery-gentleman had traveled all over-neat jewelry and art

Templar Gallery's Cafe yummy apple bavarian cake

Way wacked Comic and Game store-some great Christmas gift ideas

So-they are backward, but I am too tired to change it-Park Ave

Husby and I had a wonderful date day last week on his first official day off at his new job. We decided to go to Park Ave in Rochester, NY which we have been wanting to check out for quite some time. So here are some pictures to tell ya what we did. Hopefully I can get them on in the right order. ;0)

Coffee could be my downfall...

2010-10-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

Okay I don't really mean that! That is just silly talk, coming from a place of lack of sleep from having 2 shots of espresso yesterday after 4pm. They didn't wear off until 4am this morning...oy! Husby didn't have time to make me espresso this morning, so I decided I had to overcome my fear of blowing up my kitchen and make it myself. I am no longer afraid, and it could be really bad for me. As if my coffee addiction wasn't bad enough...now I am adding 4 shots of espresso to my day. I got a tremendous amount of stuff done today though! Hee hee, so worth it I would say.

To update: Daddy is doing well, I talk with him everyday. He is pretty much in no pain anymore, and he isn't coughing too much either. He is back to driving, and has been making fairly regular trips to town. Today he met with the physical therapist who will see him 3 times a week for the next 30 weeks. I think he is really looking forward to going, and the regularity will be a good thing for him. He sounds a bit lonely, of which I feel horribly for. I know at this time I can't do anything about that, but I still hurt for him.

I have been trying to organize the house a bit. I feel like "stuff" has taken over and I really hate that. I packed away the summer clothes, and some of the peices of the clothes I brought home of mum's. I am not in that size yet, so they will stay packed til I am, hopefully it won't be too long. Husby and I consolidated some boxes in Sen's room to make his closet more useful. I think it looks much better and there is still space as we start to move things around a bit more.

My fabric stash is all washed and ironed, I even dared to let husby be in the room while I organized it...I say that in lieu of the fact that up til now, I don't think he paid much attention to how much fabric I had. He was laughing as I was so excited to put it all together. I put it in the clear plastic drawers according to color, so maybe it will be even easier to find what I want to use. As soon as I got that done...I decided I am going to paint for a while--fickle, that is me--can't stay with one creative thing for a long time ever. I am working on some snowmen right now.

I am looking for some quilting classes in the area. Saturdays are going to be hard for me to sit here at home alone. Husby has a wonderful new job, but has to work on Saturdays, so I need to find me sumptin' to do with my morning...Still looking...

Surreal Season

2010-09-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

This time in my life has been so stretching, to the point of being surreal. Sometimes I have felt like I was looking in from the outside and sometimes I begged to 'be' looking from the outside. All the while I know my Lord has been for me.

Mum passed away on August 10, 2010 and daddy had a mitral valve repair done on his heart on September 1, 2010. In between, I am not sure I really breathed. I was so concerned that daddy wouldn't be able to handle the surgery, or that because mum was gone-he might not feel like living anymore. I just don't know that I could cope with losing him right now too. Well, he did very well, his surgeon was thrilled by his progress. I spent a total of 3 weeks with him, taking care of him, helping him, and preparing his house for easier maintenance. I was genuinely scared that I might do something that would hurt him, feed him the wrong food, forget his medicine, hurt him while I was helping him up or putting his socks on... I couldn't get beyond the awesome responsibility of it all. Although, I felt so blessed that he would allow me to come care for him in such a precious way. I truly felt honored that he wanted me to help him. He has enough meals for about a month, ha ha. I hope he eats them...

I know I don't need to worry about him, I know who has my back and therefore cares about and for what I do. I'm not worried as much as concerned. That he won't be lonely, depressed, bored, hungry for yummy food, that he takes care of his health, that he remembers his medicine, that he remembers we love him.

With that said I am so glad to be home. It too is surreal, I honestly wasn't sure when I would get to come back home. I missed my home, husby, and kitty. I still miss my son. I miss myself. I don't feel she is here right now. I keep getting told it will get easier, I know it will, I have much hope. It just isn't better, today. Tomorrow is another day. I have peace that passes all understanding, I will stand with that for right now. Joy will come in the morning...

Words can't truly express...

2010-08-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

I know I need to write something, but words can not truly express how much my heart is hurting right now. I know as time goes on it will diminish some, but will never really stop. I know my mum is with her Savior right now, praising and worshipping him. I know I will see her again someday... all of this I know and yet the tears come.

My mum wasn't perfect but she was perfect for me. God knew who I needed to draw me to Him, to rely on His strength, to bring me to my knees. We loved each other, encouraged each other, frustrated each other and hurt each other. We talked, made up, yelled, laughed...all the things mother's and daughter's do.

I got the opportunity to take my mum to the fair in our hometown on July 31. We had a blast playing bingo, eating all sorts of yummy food, people watching and checking out the quilts and handmade goods. I am so glad we got to go. I am so grateful to the Lord for giving me that time with her. I will never forget it.

On Monday August 9, I called Mum about 9:30 at night, just to talk to see how she was doing. I laughed with her as she told me how she had just talked with my younger brother Kevin who was on a ferris wheel at the beach. She told me about the excitement during the week with my sisters, shopping, eating out, going to see my neices new house. She was coughing a bit and sounded tired--but not abnormally so...I asked her if she was going to do a breathing treatment and she said "yeah, I probably should" knowing full well she probably wouldn't-haha. I told her, "I love you, mommy!" and she said, "oh, I love you too, honey." She said she was tired so I said goodnight and I would call again soon.

I got off the phone and told Shawn that I really felt it might not be very long for mum. Well, that night at around midnight my mommy passed away. I got the call about 12:30 from my brother to call Daddy and when I did he told me he had found her. I heard the pain in his voice...as if losing my mum wasn't heartrending enough...to feel that pain as well...

I have no idea what this season of my life will hold, I am sad, scared, hopeful, contemplative...I miss her already, I missed her before she was gone...God be my strength through this, please?

Things that have kept me busy this Spring/Summer

2010-07-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

First I started in late February working on this table and 2 others just like it for a friend Genevieve. They had to be sanded, then on the sides we used paint stripper, now finally after about 5 months, I am finally to the repainting stage. Not that it really took that long, there were just so many interuptions. Some pleasant, some not so pleasant.

Many many trips to see this woman, my mum, some in the hospital and some at their home. She is doing much better it seems, this time around. I hope to have her around for quite some time yet.

After finishing the Bible block quilt that I was working on with a small group in our church. I tackled a quilt for my mum. I wanted her to have a tangible way to know she is loved. On each side of her quilt there is a phrase to encourage her by.

In the meantime I worked on 4 of these little quilts(2 each)-wall hangings if you will, to give myself something to work on while I was sitting for weeks in the hospital with mum. They are works in progress still, all 4 in various stages of progress. I am hoping to sell these at some point.

Then somewhere in there I had this piece commissioned, a sweet friend wanted it for their son and daughter in law for their anniversary. It was something I had never done before, so it was alot of fun to do.

This sweet friend,

Sissy came to see me.

I got the opportunity in May to cater a rehearsal dinner for a dinner friend. She asked me to decorate and cook. I was very honored that she would entrust me with it all, and I believe she was quite pleased by how it turned out. We had chicken parmigiana, pasta marinara, and penne alfredo, salad, brushetta and breads. Dessert was hot fudge pudding cake with vanilla ice cream.

The table center pieces were; a square of mod black and white fabric on a white linen tablecloth, with a rectangular mirror tile offset. On top of the mirror tile was tulling in an S shape with funky black beads draped randomly on the tulle. In opposite corners were black and white photos in black frames of the bride and groom at different stages of their lives. For a pop of color their were Gerbera daisies in white vintage vases and one bloom nestled among the crystal candle cups. I think it turned out very well with the white dishes and black napkins. Black and white was not a theme of their wedding, I was just trying to go for something elegant and chic. As they are both photographers the set up seemed to work well.

Then our cutie patootie nephew, Trenton, came to play for a week in June...couldn't have asked for a better respit after the last time with my mum in the hospital. I love having him come and am hoping he will be able to one more time this summer.

Somewhere this Spring/Summer we finally got to use the Cheesecake Factory gift card we had gotten last Christmas from Shawn's supervisor. It was amazing. We actually had a date...outside-it felt so bistro ish-haha. We then went for a walk in Pittsford on the Erie Canal. I love being with my husby.

Most recently my bestie came to spend a week with me and husby. She brought her two younger boys with her. They were alot of fun to have-busy, busy, busy...wow does she have her hands full! God knows she can do it with His strength, what a good mama she is too! I laugh alot, thinking I could be where she is and thank God He gave us Sen, and changed my season! I am looking forward to grand bubbies now--not RIGHT now, slightly distant future...NOT NOW!! Ha ha!

Isn't she beautiful? She is actually older by a month and 11days, she looks like a teenager...It's in her genes-her mum looks amazing too!

I am sure there are many things I have forgotten like; taking care of Daddy while Mum is in the hospital, cafe stuff, cooking, baking, ordering out to Sinbad's, going to Longpoint Park with Sherri, a few trips to see Gram Neitz-and her blessing me with a bunch of her way cool vintage jewelry, sewing a skirt for share, 3 nursing covers for various chums, obsessively checking out blogs and trying to win fabric (as if I need anymore-later post), organizing my house-oh yeah there was a yard sale with friends in there too. So now I have to go, I posted while the paint was drying on the tables and now I am sure it is, so...off to do the checker boards...

Have a good one!

PS I tried to figure out how to change where the wording was in context to the pics and just couldn't do it--1/2 hour later I give up! Sorry for any confusion...

Oy---yet again a long time...

2010-07-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

I should put somewhere on my blog that if you expect consistancy and blogger loyalty...I am not the blogger for you. I try, I think about blogging and then I just don't do it.

My mom has been ill again, early May through most of June. She is on the mend again though.

Then I had our wonderful nephew Trenton come visit for a week. Oh my word, was that a blast and oh so tiring!! Worth it though, oh so worth it!

Then this last week my sweet childhood friend Sherri and her two youngest sons came to play for a week. Again, it was alot of fun, and tiring and fun, fun, fun. We had a few good talks, a slight accident causing lots of pain in my right ankle and then a pretty much miraculous healing--lots of swimming previous to said accident. Gave Sher a pedicure and hopefully some good laughs, and a bit of rest.

So the last 2 months have been super duper busy, and we are hoping to have some down time for a week. Of course down time will hopefully include: work on the tables I owe Gen, 2 skirts for Sherri, a tablerunner to be quilted with Nancy, blueberry picking, making a cheesecake for Daddy, and connecting with some friends that I have sorely missed.

God's Chisel - The Skit Guys

2010-05-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

The best husby evs!

2010-03-23T15:04:00.001-07:00

This past weekend my husby surprised me with a little mini vacation. After dealing for the last 6 months with my mums declining health and recently being in PA due to mum being in the ICU, my husby decided we needed to disappear for a couple of days.

We went to a hotel for a night and just spent time together talking about everything and nothing. It was so wonderful. He knows me so well, and knew I needed this...I didn't know how much until we were gone and in the hotel. Ah, it was heaven. What a blessing to just be anonymous and not have to answer the phone. We have never gone away like that before. I mean, not frivolously, for no reason but rest...

On our trip we stopped at a moving sale, and were blessed with a few really good finds. A foot massager for Shawn (has heat) in store for $38 we got for $5-hee hee. Also, in our "window shopping" we were trying on some colognes and I loved the Dolce Gabana Blue...got that at the ms for $15- it was $80 in Macy's--love how God blesses us with wants along with needs. Lastly, we got a huge bag of quilting fabric for a fraction of its worth. I am so excited, I have started to do some quilting and hate to spend the money for retail fabric. It is so nice to be able to pick from fabric I have and not have to spend much to make something beautiful. It will be many hours of fun and probably lots of gifts for my favorite peops.

Isn't God wonderful for blessing me with such an amazing husby? Now today he has done the dishes up and is making me soup---I am sickly and he is so sweet to take care of me.

I love him so very much...God please bless him abundantly beyond anything he could hope for or imagine.

Home Sweet Home

2010-03-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

Ah, it is so good to be home. Something about a purring kitty greeting us at the door, the smells of our home and the coziness of our bed---just puts me in a calmer mood. It is tranquil here, soothing, peaceful...Thank you Lord, for your presence.

I had a dr. appt today...I haven't been feeling very well lately. Kind of in a funk for the better part of the year. I would say I started out a bit depressed, then just stopped caring about some medical things that I really "shouldn't" let go. Anyway, me dr was ticked--'yelled' in his firm voice...and now having been appropriately poked and prodded, I should be on the mend. So excited to be feeling better.

Did get a scolding though that struck a nerve and a half...Dr. said I was following in my mum's footsteps as far as not taking care of myself the way I ought to. It definetly made me realise that I don't want to go down that path. I owe it to my family to work harder to care about myself and for myself. I owe it to myself...Here goes---to another year for Him!

Wrestling with thoughts

2010-03-13T17:43:00.000-08:00

She wants to die, mum WANTS to die. I hear it in what she says, how she talks, the looks she gives. She is so angry that daddy took her to the hospital. Mum keeps talking about when this happens again...she just wants daddy to sit on the couch and cuddle with her. Like she is dying from cancer and can't do anything about what is killing her. IF mum would choose to do her breathing treatments, IF mum would check her blood sugar, IF IF IF, she could live for some years yet. BUT her choice is to not do the breathing treatments when she is home. (right now mum is doing all she is told to do...cause of being in the ICU---but when she goes home...)

I am so frustrated. I can't even begin to understand this. How do you just decide to stop wanting to live? How do you just decide to leave your loved ones, just because you don't want to try anymore. Listen, I understand giving up the good fight...this seems more like depression to me. So how do you try to convince your parent to receive more help, as in psychiatric help?

Please Lord, remind her that you number our days and it is up to us to live them out the way you ask us to. Lord, you know my heart is not to judge my mum, help me to continue to express your grace to her. I know my expressions can reflect the pain in my heart, and I am definetly in pain right now.

I am not ready to lose my mum. My heart is so broken at the idea of not being able to call her, talk to her, to hug her, hold her hand. To never hear her voice again...God I need your strength, your peace, your comfort...I can't do this alone.

A look

2010-03-12T19:32:00.000-08:00

How can a look cut so deep? How can a look melt a heart? How can a look provoke tears to stream down my face? How do our eyes say so much?

They truly are the windows to our soul.

God please help my eyes reflect you. My love for you...Your love through me...Your compassion, grace, mercy... YOU and YOU ALONE, Lord.

Waiting

2010-03-11T08:21:00.000-08:00

As I sit here once again in the ICU waiting room, I wonder how the day will go.

God is faithful, and we are here to walk it out. I say that--sitting here...

What Lord, will you ask me to walk out. Patience with my siblings...graciously taking what I need to, in order for them to see you somehow? I need Your strength Lord, to do so. I can not do this on my own...I don't have it in me. ONLY IN YOU. Please Lord help me to exemplify you. Help me to have peace, to be peaceful, and to know that you are showing through me/us. Please help me to not blow it.

This post is more for me to write out what I am feeling...Sorry, if it doesn't connect with anyone else.

No apologies--it is just life.

2010-01-02T07:03:00.000-08:00

I know, I know it has been forever since I have blogged. Something got into me a while ago, that everyone was judging me and so I didn't need one more avenue where folks could judge me. But I have decided, this blog was for me. I am glad if my friends follow, but really it is for me.

This past year was awesome, amazing and painful all in one year.

I have lost 126 pounds-and there I have plateaued...frustrating but at the same time I know where I am at, and where I would like to be. Yes I have set a goal--no I am not sharing it here.

I have learned and stood up for myself, I am not a project, I am a person. I will get back on track with my weight, with the Lord's help-no one else.

I have gotten to paint a bunch this year, made jellies with the fruits around campus, learned to crochet, and did some cool projects for friends! Found some amazing recipes and got to cater a meal for Denver and the Mile High Orchestra.

Shawn and I took our first ever trip by ourselves together to Texas. It was wonderful and we could really see ourselves living down there with the Callahan's. (Shawn's Sis and her fam)

Had many great times going to Sen's concerts at school, had an awesome summer with him, getting to know him again-now as a young adult.

Had the most fabulous experience of going to NYSUM with the EBI Juniors in September. We did homeless ministry, clown ministry, ferry and subway ministry. It was all so interesting and provoking. I could do it everyday. Alas, my husby loves the country. But we both love, love, love, the juniors and ministering with them. We would so do it again in a minute!

On the way home from NYSUM I got the call that my mum had been taken to the emergency room. They (the hospital) were going to let her die, but my dad and two siblings said no-to do whatever was necessary to give her a chance. We got home, and left again within 10minutes, and were in PA at the hospital short of 2 hours later. My mom stayed in Sayre for just short of 3 weeks, and in Troy for rehab 5 days (should have been 2 more weeks). I was in PA for 21 days. It was a very difficult time. I hated seeing my mum like that. I am so very glad she recouped. I wish she would have more of a will to live. It is so hard to hear the depression in her voice, and how she refuses to do the things she needs to in order to extend her days. I desire so many things for her--most of all that she would understand the FATHER's love for her. She has held onto so much hurt from her life. It breaks my heart to think of all she has gone through. But I know that without God to be her strength and comfort--it is all she will dwell on. I choose to not live that way, I pray she will too...soon.

Our Christmas was very nice. The three of us together, a great friend, a great meal, a great time. We went shopping the next day and then headed to PA for overnight. It was a nice time.

I guess that is all for now, hopefully it won't be so long between blogs. Here's to the New Year, new choices, strength, and wisdom for the future. God bless us all!

Way too Long

2009-07-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

Wow it has been a long time since I posted. I can't even begin to remember all that has happened. Lots of conferences at the school, camp meeting...days filled with painting, cooking and baking. I have been trying to spend time in the sun when we have some. My deck has been a fun place to be. Tepi enjoys it too, she is such a nice companion.

Sen went to Ireland and England and had a great time. He really enjoyed it. He is now back at work for Deckman. He is having a good summer, and we are enjoying having him around.

Shawn has been real busy working for EBI. He has been having fun putting campfires together for relaxation time for us and the summer crew. I love seeing him interact with the youth and young adults. He connects so well with them, and I just see Jesus coming through him as he talks with them and encourages them.

Cafe has been really busy too. I am really needing to find some other teams to join, and so I have been working on that lately. Anyone interested? You have to be members of EGC, and want to serve, other than that I can train you...Just let me know you have a desire!

Well, I am off to paint some more... Here are some pics of recent projects, I am working toward having an openhouse at the beginning of November for friends and family to come see if I have something you would like to purchase for holiday gift giving. Keep this in mind--won't you?

Did Ya Miss Me?

2009-05-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

So, I can't really say why I haven't blogged in so long...I kept thinking I should, I just didn't take the time, or make the time. Well, here I am again, hopefully you can forgive my lack of writing and get happy to see me again.

Life has generally been busy. Taking care of Husby and looking forward to the next time I would see Sen. Happy for the most part. By the way, Sen is in Ireland right now on a missions trip through his school. He is having a blast from all indications on fb.

I have been hard at work painting. I am thinking I may do some craft shows in the fall, or have a "home" show near Christmas. My dear Pastor Jerry is still waiting me to write some stuff up for my website to finish it. Anyone gifted at writing up descriptions for product? I would be blessed with your gifting if you would so choose to bless me with it. I could barter your time for artwork...hmm just a thought...

The past 2 weeks I have been hoeing out the house...getting ready for a yard sale on Friday and Saturday. I baked all week so far for it. Now tomorrow I have to do the setting up of my stuff. The sale is at a dear friend's house. It will be so great to spend these days with her. I am blessed with her friendship. Come out and get some cookies and bread and browse my great junk, you may just find something useful.

Shawn has been especially enjoying his campus work the last 2 weeks. He has been doing alot of outdoor work, and spending time with the summer crew kids. He really enjoys the time with them.

PS--If you really don't want to read my heart issue you can stop reading here. Following is something I am just needing to get off my chest. It may not bless you, it is my growth...maybe someone else has gone through something like it...I need to express myself.

God has been really working on me to focus on what He has for me. There are so many opportunities out there for me to give of my time, or busy myself with. So many good things I could/should (in some minds) be doing. I have been dwelling alot on what others think of me, and what others think I should be doing...I can't anymore. I battled really hard over the last month-and I believe won, a fight against depression. I have struggled other times too, but praise God it has been shorter each time, and I hear Him so much louder and quicker.

He loves me, He is happy with me, I am His daughter, created in His image. I can't stand up against the weight of it-except by His strength. He is at my right hand, ready to hold me to Himself. He knows it is what I need so much. He gave Shawn such a sweet heart to bear with me in such times, how he does, the Father only knows.

I am sorry for those in my life who look at me still as I was--sorry that it is all you can see. Sorry that you are so busy judging the slivers in my eye(cuz I am sure there are still many) that you can't see what is in your own.

I don't care that I may never be a size 6. I am not finished by a long shot, but I am not obsessing, and just cuz I am not obsessing doesn't mean I will be horribly obese all my life. But what if I am? Am I less a daughter of the King? Am I less lovable?

I didn't start this journey to become a certain size, to be able to do a marathon (nothing wrong with runners), I did this to get healthy. Healthy that God wants-not other peoples perspective. I need to have the freedom to do it the way God is working on me. It is MY journey.

I'm sorry too, that I reflect so much longer on what my peers think of me, than on what my Father does. How can I ever live up to their wants? I can't, and yet I try so hard, that I drive myself to the brink with such guilt and condemnation that I don't meet every expectation. I am sure that it grieves the heart of God that I do so. I want His Joy and Peace.

I believe I am where God has me, physically, geographically, spiritually and emotionally. Does He desire change in me? Absolutely, and I feel confident that I am giving myself wholeheartedly to the process. I love the Lord with all my heart-the rest will come in His timing.

I have said all of this because I have judged, and I have tasted judgement. I don't want it anymore either direction in my life. For me this is the line in the sand==I will go no farther!

Can't we all just try to see each other through God's eyes?

This Girl's Pilgrimage.: I Mentioned Something About a Giveaway...

2009-01-17T19:05:00.000-08:00

This is a sweet doll of girlfriend's page. Gina and her family are precious servant's of the Christ. Check out her blog, you will be blessed.

This Girl's Pilgrimage.: I Mentioned Something About a Giveaway...

New pics of shrinking me

2009-01-02T13:39:00.000-08:00

So we took new pictures, I wasn't even planning to do it but a sweet friend reminded me. Thank you for caring--you are sweet.

July 2007

January 2009

I have now lost 108 pounds and 89.5 inches. I am excited when I see the numbers. It floors me when I added it all together. I know the last few months have slowed down a bit, but I am still losing and of that I am satisfied. I knew it would eventually become harder, but now I am capable of working harder. God gave me the tools and His strength and now I will dig in even more!

Some other things in our life here "on the hill"--Sen has been home, I love my boy. There have been some great opportunities to hear his heart. His heart is for the Lord...that is all I need to know for sure.

My hubby is having a couple of vacation days, of which he has much needed. He was weary to the bone--I think he is being rejuvenated bit by bit. God is so good.

I have been getting to spend some precious time with a dear sister in the faith. It has been amazing and I am honored God would make this opportunity available to me.

May your new year be blessed, and may you keep your eyes on him- come what may.

Christmas part deux

2008-12-23T20:33:00.000-08:00

Meant to show this picture of the Tree, snow babies and special globe--but couldn't figure ut how to load it. Ugh, still need lessons in blogland. Anyway love ya and blessings!!

Merry Christmas one and all

2008-12-23T19:56:00.000-08:00

I finally have my house decorated for Christmas. Normally, I would have it done by the first week of December because it always has to be down by Sen's birthday...it is not coming down this year before his birthday-since I "JUST" got it up. He is 20 now so I think maybe he knows his and Christ's birthday aren't the same?

Anyway, I wanted to show everyone how we decorate. Since we have been here at Elim, in our itty bitty but very cozy apartment, we have had a little tree. Ok, 'little' is giving it more tallness than it really is. Our tree is no more than 2 feet tall if that. But it is very cute, in its primitive way. Last year I decided to snaz her up a bit and took away her primitive look. This year she is still dressed in her silver, gold, and metallic blue and green. I like her this way.

I decided this year to place my snow babies under the tree along with an angel musical globe which was a special gift from Gramma Neitz. Shawn and I think of Gram when ever we look at this globe. She is so dear to our hearts. We are praying we have her around for many years yet. She is the only grandparent left for either of us, and we love her to pieces.

I think my favorite of my decorations is the nativity that a special friend, Lori Ayres, painted for me. She lives in the Canton area and blessed me one year with this nativity. We bartered a bit for it, and now I have this to remind me of her and our friendship. It is so beautifully painted. Every year when I bring it out, I feel my mouth turning up in a smile. It is not hard to imagine Jesus as this happy little babe.

Lastly, I want to show you how a friend blessed my socks off when we first moved here. She and her daughter and neice came to help me decorate back in 2005 the week following our move. I had always wanted to decorate above my cupboards but never had the gumption or ideas on how to do it. Well, she knew just how to, and went about it. 3 years later it is pretty much the same, (although this week I got up there and cleaned and put it all back again). At Christmas we add the Christmas decorations, then take them down later, leaving the lights and everything else there as decoration. I have had many compliments over the years on how nicely my house is decorated. It is mainly due to Robin and the girlies...they are awesome.

One last thing keeping our household busy--We are in the Christmas Eve production at Elim Gospel Church. If you are going to be in the area or would like something to do--it is at 6pm and 8pm with a beautiful play and candlelighting service. Sleigh/wagon rides, a live nativity, and hot cocoa for all. It would be wonderful to see you here.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas from our home to yours. May Christ be the true reason for the season in your heart.

The Everything Goes Blog

2008-12-05T10:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it has been so long since I have blogged, I have to make this a catch up blog and hopefully it will be entertaining as well, not just a boring list of all that I have done since I blogged last.

So last when I was talking with you I shared that I had gone on a hike (first in for as long as I can remember), trekking to find my beloved's surprise for me. What I found was a beautiful carving of my name, so as a surprise for him I carved a heart and his initials underneath.

Sorry that I never finished the story. Chalk it up to blond? or age, whichever makes me look better...

I have been quite busy keeping up with the cafe at church. Scheduling and making sure things are running smoothly from week to week is fun. Mostly the cafe ministry runs itself, because the host teams are so fabulous. They all know just what to do. There has also been some additions to our team, a new host team and a new assistant. That has been fun training and it is such a blessing to have these people on the ministry team. I thoroughly enjoy heading this ministry and getting to interact with so many people in the church. God has really been stretching me in incredible ways through this.

Shawn and I have been taking a Financial Peace University class this fall. It has been an eye opener for us. We try to live very frugally, but we realised that if we are ever going to have an emergency fund or any savings, things have to be different. We are praying that God would show us what we need to do. We both feel I am to still be concentrating on painting. My job is to not keep letting other "little" things distract me. FOCUS is the key word, but it is very hard for me to 'let' myself paint-because for so many years I viewed it from others eyes--as a hobby. But that was never how I felt in my heart about it. I have always wanted to do it full time. I have felt released by God and Shawn to do it full time, now maybe if I could release myself to do it. I have a wonderful pastor friend named Jerry who is putting a web site together for me to sell and promote my artwork. It seems a shame that he do all that work and I have nothing to sell right now.

Thanksgiving holiday was wonderful. We spent most ofthe time with Shawn's family, but squeezed in some other friends and my family at the tail. A highlight of the trip was getting to see Don and Laurie Frey; friends from way back. They are a wonderful couple, with an awesome testimony. Don was a childhood friend of Shawn's. We met Laurie when they began dating and realised right from the beginning she was going to be a tremendous match for him. Laurie recently went through a battle with breast cancer and wrote a book about her journey, it is called Unbeatable [the whole story]. A very good read, Laurie comes through the book as witty, bright, and a fighter. She shares how the Lord moved her heart to focus solely on Him and the fight for her life. Laurie also has co-created a musical from the book, which has been in a few cities. Quite the amazing woman and awesome witness of God in her life. You can purchase the book through Amazon and Barnes and Noble bookstores. It is very inspiring and worth the read. I am so glad we got to talk with them, it gave me a new love for this couple and their son Andrew.

We also went visiting with our friends the Weibley's who are UM pastor's in the Jersey Shore area. That was fun to catch up. Cathy and I got a chance to share our journey's of letting go of our precious boys and how we are praying for them, as they are away at college and making choices of their own. It is really difficult to just let them choose--ugh! At 40 I see some things so differently than I did at 20... God is there with him though, and he has been taught and encouraged to walk with his Lord. Our prayer is that he will keep his eyes on the prize-which isn't heaven, but a relationship right now with the God he loves.

Super Duper highlight of the time was TRENTON, also known as Squirt. He is so darn cute, I could not keep my hands from hugging him and squishing his cheekers. He spent the night with Shawn and I for Wed and Thurs. and we got to play Twister, and Trouble and cars and all sorts of stuff. He colors so well...a budding artist? No way, he can't sit still for 10 minutes straight--which neither can I really, so well, maybe! Anyway, we went to the playground to walk off some of the good food we ate, and I played on the playground equipment and in and around and with Squirt. It was so much fun! We went down the slide and I actually went fast til Shawn tried to take the picture--I had to hold myself there. In the past I could have easily been wedged in there-tee hee. We had a blast.

I had a checkup with my Endocrinologist who takes care of the pituitary tumor I have, and also the diabetes stuff, and thyroid. Well, all the reports were phenomenal but one and it was my fault. First the bad--7 weeks ago I stopped taking my tumor med by accident for a week and thought-well I am going to see him next week, so I won't bother and we'll just see where my levels are. Well, they were bad-124 from 26. Basically what that means is the tumor started to grow again, and I have to take my meds again for it to stop. Bad thing is that they make me really sick when I start them-and I don't have time to hurl with all that I am trying to do. Grace, Grace God's grace... Good news--at this point my thyroid is working without meds, so he is going to let me go a month and test again to see where I am at for a whole month without medication.YAY! Also...drum roll please...it is officially official (do to the proper A1C test being done) I absolutely positively no longer have Type 2 diabetes. Can we hear a collective Wahoo!! I know I share before that I no longer had it, but he kept testing me to see if the numbers were right, and this particular test, tests over the course of 3 months so it is very accurate. Happy Dance!! Also, my blood pressure was again very much in a normal range. So that is 6 appointments in normal ranges, hopefully soon I can get off that one last pill.

Okay, so that is much of my life but here are a couple of fun things I have been doing too. The sign for Mt. Zion took me 99.5 hours to do. It is double sided with reflective beads on the letters. I enjoyed doing this, but it was alot of work. Please, before you get any sweet ideas of asking me to do this for you---I will charge you lots of money to do it. So you probably don't want to ask. Sorry, it just isn't in the range of "I loved doing" it. But the other picture, is for a sweet couple and their baby boy, that used to live under us, but moved to the other side of the building. This kind of thing--"I loved" doing it.

I am looking forward to the holidays. Cooking and baking for ourselves and friends is one of my favorite things to do. Keep an eye out on my blog for recipes--I have taken pics I just need to put the recipes up too. That part takes time.

Blessings to all who read my blog, please leave a comment so I know you have been here.

Stonybrookand two goals met

2008-11-10T15:45:00.000-08:00

Back in June I had gone to Australia to see my sister, and Shawn climbed a hill in Stonybrook Park, NY. He said sometime when I felt up to it, he would like to see me climb it. Well, I set a goal to go there before the fall trees were done. The weekend came for us to do the climb and unfortunately Shawn got sick. I decided I was going to do it anyway, and called a couple of friends. I am so glad I did, we had such fun!

The hill was quite steep and the views were beautiful. Shawn drew me a map of where I needed to go, he had left a surprise for me at the top of the hill. The treasure hunt was on. Ellie, Sally and I laughed all the way up the hill, that is inbetween pants and puffs. We took some great pictures.

We made it all the way up to the top...It was awesome.

Second Goal

So that was one goal--my other goal? Two weekends ago-I hit my 100 pound goal. I have lost 100 pounds!!! Wahoo, Yippee, Holy Cow! I feel so good, and have been working really hard. I have more to go, but I know that God will help me lose the rest. Thank you to my friends and family for encouraging me, and for especially Monica and Cindy my workout buddies--who keep egging me on and who are amazing friends. May God bless you both, for all the blessings you give me each day we are together.

I have been tagged--way fun random things about me

2008-10-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

So Michelle, tagged me and wow I feel so honored. How fun, and even though I just did the 31 thing--these are fun random things about me that many wouldn't know-especially those living here in NY...in our ELIM days.

So here goes...you are all atither with excitement aren't you? Aren't you?

1. As a child I wanted to dance ballet for all my life. I had posters etc. all over my room of dancers, Mikhail Barishnykov, especially. Finally in 8th grade I had worn my dad down enough, that he started taking me to lessons once a week. Before the end of that year I was in pointe and dancing as many hours in a day as I could. I loved it. Not only did I love the dance classes--but the time I got to spend with Daddy in the truck on the way to class. It was very special that he would work all day, then come home and take me to class. In 10th grade I broke one of my toes while on pointe-and my dance instructor said to me in a very British accent-"If you want to be a danseur you will dance on it anyway!" So I did and now 20 something years later I have arthritis in that toe. Ah, war wounds from the teenage battlefield!

2. My favorite all time weird food is Nutella on wheat or whole grain toast.

3. The best job I ever had was working at Vinnies in Troy, PA. Joe Mignano was the best boss ever. A little tough, but kept the atmosphere light with joking around. It was never a chore or really even work to go in and do a good job. It was very rewarding and a pleasure to do my best for him. Besides a great employer--he is now a good friend. Visit Vinnies if you ever go to Troy, PA. Say I sent ya, and see if he doesn't tell you a funny story or two.

4. Back in the 90's I was highly influence by Martha Stewart. I loved her style and how it seemed like she could do it all. (Little did I know about all the minions in the back scenes.) I too wanted to learn to "do it all". I knew how to do faux finishing, sewing, cake decorating, etc. I also loved teaching what I knew. God worked on my heart about how to take those two desires and pass on to others that being a creative homemaker could be a pleasant job. Sometimes I had felt like it was all about the doing of the daily stuff, and not enough about making my home a welcoming place to live and come to. I wanted this to be different in my own life and knew others did as well.

So, I began a ministry called Martha's Stewards. Learning different skills to make your home a ministry-while learning God's heart of stewardship in the home. Using what you have or know or can learn, to beautify and bless your family and friends. It was alot of fun, different ladies taught the skills they knew-like quilting, cake decorating, sewing, home decorating, etc. The group consisted of ladies in the church as well as in the community. It was a very satisfying ministry to be a part of.

5. I am thoroughly addicted to Mocha Mint Coffee-and I will take that with an extra shot of espresso please. I do not need a support group, but if you ever want to go get one-I am with ya!

6. I am super afraid of spiders...especially ones in Australia.

7. My husband's favorite hairstyle on me was the hot roller doo...oy, I am so not going there again--I don't think. Gen said that they are back in. Here is a little glimpse of his fav pic of me, and the hair.

I would like to tag 3 people but I am not sure how to put there http's in so I will just put there names as they are in my list
Sally at Walking in the Sonshine
Katie at Learning and Growing
Deanna at On Eagle's Wings
hope the links work and hope they do it, I would love to get to know more about these gals. If you want to do it too, consider yourself tagged and leave a comment to let me know you did. Love ya guys

31 Things you might be curious to know--or not...

2008-10-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

1. Where is your cell phone? on the table
2. Where is your significant other? up at the school-finishing a job
3. Your hair color? different shades of blonde
4. Your mother? Nancy
5. Your father? Roy
6. Your favorite thing?
7. Your dream last night? can't remember
8. Your dream/goal? to be wholly usable by God
9. The room you're in? Studio
10. Your hobby? painting, knitting, cross stitching, and cooking
11. Your fear? a healthy fear of the Lord
12. Where do you want to be in six years? Wherever God wants us, hopefully painting there
13. Where were you last night? home watching NCIS and painting
14. What you’re not? lost
15. One of your wish list items? clothing that fits my shrinking body
16. Where you grew up? Pennsylvania
17. The last thing you did? eat leftover stew
18. What are you wearing? OY-I dressed cuz no one would see me--blue plaid flannel jummy pants and a pink t-shirt
19. Your TV? 19" Orion--the perfect size for our tv cabinet so it hides
20. Your pet? Tepi our grey tiger kitty
21. Your computer? PC
22. Your mood? joy filled
23. Missing someone? Sen-don't even get me started...
24. Your car? Very old-- no payments Dodge Grand Caravan--YAY for no payments
25. Something you’re not wearing? socks-i wish I were
26. Favorite store? AC Moore
27. Your summer? Too short, spent some of it in Australia
28. Love someone? My hubby, and my bubby
29. Your favorite color? to wear-deep red, to decorate-browns
30. When is the last time you laughed? this morning doing aerobics-I am so not coordinated right now
31. Last time you cried? Sister Sylvia's class-God moved me

Anyone that feels like joining in....post a comment here with the link to your post....=)

Letchworth- a little State Park-but a huge slice of Heaven

2008-10-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

Have you ever spent the perfect day out--and just kept saying to yourself-I am having so much fun? It was incredible-the weather, the place, the crafts, and especially the company. God gifted us today, with such beauty. I truly couldn't have asked for any better day.

We spent the day with our friends, John and Cindy at Letchworth State Park, in NY.

We had all been to the park before lots of times, but we were specifically there for the Arts and Crafts Show at the North end of the park. There were over 300 crafters...it was in a word amazing! So many people there that were gifted by God (whether they know it or not), and so many were there appreciating their giftings.

One woman, Margaret Truxes Hixson, had the most incredibly beautiful paintings. I left her stall after expressing to her how beautiful I felt her paintings were. I could not hold back the tears any longer. I felt kind of silly, but the beauty that God has expressed through her hands...wow. She is located in Hamburg, NY. Look up her webpage-http://www.redhouseartstudio.com/ you will not be disappointed.

The colors of the trees were pretty wild too. It was so much fun to see the reds with Cindy, each one caught her eye, like a kid in a candy store. It seemed like God had turned them red just for her to be enthralled.

We stayed at the craft show for hours, which I think was very gracious of the guys to take such interest in what us girls were lovin'. You know your hubby loves you when he goes willingly to a craft show, to just spend time with you. I love my guy so much!

We then took a very slow (leisurely--due to all the traffic) ride down to the south end of the park where thewater falls are. As we parked we saw that they were going to be launching 2 hot air balloons. How sweet of the Father to put us there at that time. We quickly got out and went over to the site. Cindy got us right up close...unbelievable! The heat of the ignitors was intense and the sound was so scary. But more so it was exhilirating. I would love to do that for real someday, today we just dreamed. It was wonderful to watch them go.

We then walked up to the the Upper Falls-of which I ran (literally RAN) part of it to show Shawn I could--he was mocking me... really just reminding me that the last time we were there I had hardly been able to walk up to the Upper Falls. I think he was genuinly impressed that I ran a little ways. I am too!

We went down to the Middle Falls then, and we were surprised by one of my very favorite people in the whole world. He came with a couple of his friends. I was so happy to see him. I wonder if he will ever know how much he means to us. I just love him to pieces!!

John showed me how to take landscape pictures on my camera, so hopefully the pictures will look better. Thanks John.

And John--Thank you for this-I think it is just absolutely amazing. You are truly a gifted photographer.

Aperfect ending to a most perfect day!

We went to Pennsylvania and what did we see?

2008-10-08T08:59:00.000-07:00

A much skinnier version of Vic, tee hee!

We went to the Apple and Cheese festival and visited with so many friends. We had a great time. Thank you to all who opened there homes to us to visit and put aside their schedules for us. You all are amazing friends. We love you.

6 Month Renewed Life

2008-10-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

Well, today marks 6 months that I have been out of the hospital after the gastric bypass surgery. The actual surgery date was March 31, 2008, but I took my first picture on April 2, 2008. So today we took a picture-- in the shirt I started with. Wow. I have lost 92lbs. total, since July 2007-when I started this process.

I don't honestly know how I slogged around with that extra weight--God's strength...that's the only way. It has given me such compassion for other people who, like myself, were trapped in that body. I remember the judgement and condemnation that was thrown my way with looks of reproof or disgust. I feel sad that people do things like that. Did it make losing weight any easier? No, sadly it just made me wish all the more that those people could see the person inside. She was fearfully and wonderfully made-by a Creator who has a plan- a very good plan. Not to be too bold--no, I am going to be bold...My Lord made me for the same plan He is working out in me now-I just might get to do it for longer and with a bit more spring in my step. Does it mean I am more in His will than I was when I was heavier-not at all! I loved the Lord then with all my heart, just like I do now.

Some of the weight was medical reasons, some emotional, some my poor choices...whatever the cause--Please Lord God, never let me go there again. Help me to seek you for all I need.

I hope you enjoy seeing the renewing of my body--and sometimes check in on the renewing of my mind. May God bless you, everyone!

July 2007

May 2008

June 2008

August 2008

October 2008

I am learning

2008-09-08T17:50:00.000-07:00

I am learning that life doesn't end when your child walks out the door for a semi permanent new residence.

I am learning that God will bless you with other things He wants you to do.

I am learning that He gives you sweet wonderful friends and a hubby that will keep your mind off the nagging feeling that you are missing important stuff...

I am learning that I will still laugh, and really sob, but laugh again--because He made me that way.

I am learning that He will wake me at unimaginably early hours to pray for my loved one.

What a great and compassionate, patient teacher I have.

Cool giveaway

2008-09-08T17:47:00.000-07:00

You just have to check out the giveaway on http://glamlifehousewife.blogspot.com/2008/09/fall-tastic-giveaway.html

very exciting stuff happenin' over there.

How do you mother-when the birdie has done flown away?

2008-08-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that the day has finally come-Sen went to Roberts Wesleyan College today. Since about day 4 of Sen's life Shawn has teased me about relishing every moment with him, that one day we will wake up and it will be the day we take him to college. He even woke me up one morning when Sen was about 3 months-saying Vic, Vic hurry up we have to take (Shaw) to college today. I woke up panicked-thinking I had missed his whole life.

Well, today was that day...My heart is so full of excitement and pride for him. He worked so hard to be able to go, he received so much money in scholarships and grants that we knew God was directing every footstep. Praise God!

My heart also feels broken in two. I can't help but sob, I miss him--or the anticipation of missing him. What a great time we have had; good and bad it has all been part of God maturing us.

I went into his empty room--I could see the floor. I would rather not be able to see the floor. I miss his guitars and sound equipment, his books and clothes, his desk open with his laptop as if he were coming back to work on something.

The kitty has been meowing non-stop- she misses him too. She verbalizes in the volume that my heart can't.

I know the ache will diminish some, God says he will only give me what I can handle. I am so glad He is with me, I couldn't do it alone.

Has anyone else gone through this season in their life? Anyone that can give me encouragement?

Funny something-from last night. Shawn was saying to me we should be pleased with how well he has turned out, how smart he is and all. I said "Well, I would like to go in there and slap him silly, so he can't think straight--then he won't be able to go to college and he will just stay home here with us." With wisdom, Shawn told me I may not do that--so here we are today. Maybe I shoulda let him eat paste when he was little...

I took a test on my personality--OY!

2008-08-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

You Are An ENTJ

The Executive

You are a natural leader - with confidence and strength that inspires others.
Driven to succeed, you are always looking for ways to gain, power, knowledge, and expertise.
Sometimes you aren't the most considerate person, especially to those who are a bit slow.
You are not easily intimidated - and you have a commanding, awe-inspiring presence.

In love, you hold high standards... for yourself, for your relationship, and for your significant other.
While it's easy for you to impress others, it's hard for you to find someone who impresses you.

At work, you are organized and good at delegating. You understand how to achieve goals.
You would make a great CEO, entrepreneur, or consultant.

How you see yourself: Rational, calm, and objective

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Inflexible, controlling, and overbearing

What's" Your Personality Type?

20th Anniversary

2008-08-07T05:38:00.000-07:00

So Shawn surprised me with what we were going to do on our special day--we went over to Skaneatles-one of the Finger Lakes. It was such a gorgeous day partly sunny and great big puffy clouds, not too hot and a nice breeze.

It took us a couple of hours to get there-because we started out going towards Buffalo on the thruway--you know your marriage is good still, when your conversation is still distracting enough to have all your husband's attention and he misses the turn. ;0) The ride was so nice out, then we were afraid we had gone too far on the thruway so we got off (what ended up being 2 exits too early) and went east on 5/20. It was quite pretty and we loved the scenery and towns we went through.

By the time we got there it was lunchtime, so we took our picnic to a bench by the lake. We just enjoyed being together, watching boats go by, people laughing and walking past us.

We spent much of the day walking around the town of Skaneatles. It is such a quaint town filled with some very beautiful buildings and lots of specialty shops. Shawn bought me a beautiful opal ring. It is an Australian opal-which is funny because I don't think I saw any that were quite this amazing over there. I just love it, and I will always remember it for our 20th.

My eyes look a bit funky here because I was trying to keep them open into the sun. But oh well, we had a fabulous time! I love my husband, and am so glad we got to spend such a great day together.

20 Years of Growing Together in Christ

2008-08-05T17:05:00.000-07:00

20 years ago on August 6th--

Shawn became the lawfully wedded husband of Vic--and he also became the "proud owner of a beautiful 1975 blue volkswagon bug" . Which was the better deal you might ask--well, I have lasted longer and I didn't use cases of oil to keep me running. Shawn is also reminding me--I have never had to be push started...

Not many believed we would stay married for long--circumstances as they were (I was 5 months pregnant with Sen), but God had bigger ideas and plans. ( Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Life was not always easy, but then nothing worth having ever is. We were both worth fighting for, and we both determined in our hearts what was good and right-and stuck to it. Thank the Lord we kept running to Him-when we struggled-it looked so easy to give up sometimes, but with Him we toughed it all out. Because we did He has given us so many times of joy and such blessings it is hard to believe it sometimes.

We are celebrating 20 years of living life together, 20 years of laughter, 20 years of tears, 20 years of building the foundation of Christ into our marriage and child. We are so excited to see what the next 20 years will bring for us. As young as we are still-God has so much time to use us for His purposes--we are up for the ride of our lives!

One more month of pounds

2008-08-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

July 2007

May 2, 2008

June 2, 2008

August 2, 2008

Okay so as most of you know the 2nd of every month is picture day so here goes. first the starting ones and then today's pic. Can you tell that 75 pounds are off this body? Boy I can sure feel it!

Some things I can do now that I couldn't before.

Run

walk 3 miles in 45 minutes

run up stairs

do the stairs at EF-not just once but 15+ times in one day!!!

fit in the back seat seatbelt

sit in movie theatre seats-and not have to squish myself in (I don't even touch the sides)

Be hugged by Shawn with his arms all the way around me

I love being me--who God made me-just in a shrinking body that is getting healthier.

Recap of the Last Month in Australia

2008-07-22T17:01:00.000-07:00

I realise it has been a month since my last blog, but the internet was really slow over there, so I waited til I got back to blog. Our internet has been out due to our modem getting hit by the electrical storm--so no more excuses--here I am.

So, My sister and her family are amazing people. I had a great time being with them and am so glad I got to go. With that said- there is no place like home. I am happy to be home, sleeping in my own bed, living my own life.

Sunrise out the kitchen window at Wendy's

There was a lot to do in Aus. Loving on my sister was my top priority. Lavishing her with affection, being a servant any way I could, and being an ear to listen. Some days were super easy-cleaning and hanging out with the kids. There were days however that I knew Wendy was having an especially difficult time dealing with the grief she is feeling over the loss of Jodi. The stress of trying to make Neil not overdo it, also weighed heavily on her. There is alot to do in her life-from milking to tending t the farm, hauling kids around to their activities, doing errands for them and the farm. Plus all the clubs and activities she is involved in. She is such a Proverbs 31 woman and doesn't even know it.

I had taken a bunch of my painted stuff over thinking to use it as gifts, but my sister convinced me I should sell it. So I took it into town and the bakery/gift shop bought it all. I walked out of there with cash in hand and very happy. The shop keeper seemed very happy herself. The tray I had taken over (pictured on my sidebar) was gone by the time I cam back to see the display 2 days later. That made me feel good. Pictured below is the display in the bakery.

I surprised my sister with a totally girly day out, and took her to get her nails done. We had acrylics done which she had never had done before. I think she really enjoyed the experience, and I know she really enjoyed how nice they looked while we were on vacation the following week.

As I said we went on vacation the following day. We were in the Northern Territory for 5 days. Mostly we spent the time in Darwin, but we also went to Katherine Gorge and Kakadu National Park. All of which was amazing.

The first park we went to was called Crocodylus park where you can imagine what we saw there. Well you would be right, there were many crocodiles and other reptiles. Here are some highlights.

Here I am-bowwing to peer pressure and doing something totally cool and completely out of character for me. I am not a reptile lover- give me a furry kitty anytime. I will say that this was very cool, and a bit exhilarating. I really wish the guys had been there. They would've thought this place was the coolest.

My sister and her hubby Neil. Feeling much better, recouping very well.

We visited a museum that told about how Darwin was leveled by hurricane Tracy. I believe it was in the 70's. They are just now doing alot of rebuilding, of which they are trying to build some skyscrapers. The one in the picture below has a tree on the the top of it.

Neil out on the fishing boat

My goldie, wow did she tast good.

high velocity hair.

We got to go deep sea fishing (in the bay) I caught a 'Goldie' and Keith, Neil and Wendy caught some other kinds of fish. We had enough for breakfast. We had a great time, it was pretty relaxing. I am sure we all wished we would've caught more--but it was a great time anyway.

We enjoyed lots of great food, and many laughs.

Saw termite mounds that were twice as tall as me.

We enjoyed a funny movie in an outdoor theatre under the stars. It was a great experience. I honked all the way through the movie. My sister hasn't heard me do that since I was a kid. She said it was great to hear me laugh again. Yeah, it was great to laugh like that again.

I am done for now. This is alot of work. I am going to catch up some more another day, so keep watching. Love ya

In Aussie land

2008-06-20T22:44:00.001-07:00

What an amazing opportunity I have been given to be able to be here, helping my sister and her family any way that I can. I have really been enjoying my talks with her.

The kiddos have really grown in 6 years when we were here last. They are all young ladies and a very handsome young man. My sister has 3 girls and the youngest is a boy. Pretty awesome family if I do say so myself.

We went golfing today with Kim and Poppy (Sister in law, Father in law). It was fun, but I have deduced-I am not a gifted golfer. Not at all. But we had a good time. Tonight, Neil is cooking on a camp stove. There will be lamb and pork. Looked amazing when they put it in-I can hardly wait to taste it.

It is a bit chilly here, about high 50's to 60. A bit colder because there isn't any central heating, but they do have space heaters that are movable so in here where the pc is, is warm.

I have been getting up pretty early because of jet lag. But it is ok, I have plenty of time to get a cup of coffee and to work at my devotions in the quiet. I rarely get up this early at home, so it has been quite nice. I am reading "A Woman's High Calling" by Elizabeth George. I am also working through the study guide. It has really been challenging me to be pursuing the high calling of the Titus woman, to control her tongue and be an example. I am memorizing the verse-May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you. Oh Lord, my redeemer... (I can't remember where it is from or the last few words--my bible is in the other room-where it is cold, please forgive me)

Yesterday, I killed my first huntmen spider (huge tarantula looking spiders) Today, there was one on the car right where I was about to put my hand and Wendy said to watch where I was putting my hand. I nearly jumped out of my skin. She shooed it away, and let it go on its merry way. They kill the mosquitos and such. The thing is, they look just like the wolf spider that is highly venomous. The only difference is the wolf has 2 more eyes--sorry I am not counting eyes... Not on 3" big spiders.

Hopefully I will get pictures to post, and be able to post them. Please stay tuned for more adventures down under.

Bit of a catch up--And SHOCKER news

2008-06-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

So, Shawn had this amazing garden party for me and a few of my dearest friends on Saturday. We had it on the front porch of EBI. It was fantabulous. We had Sally's famous french onion soup for the first course. Chicken salad and egg salad sandwiches, little spiral sandwiches, quiche, veggies with dill dip, and fruit with chocolate sauce. It was finished off with personal size 5 layer chocolate cheesecakes. Shawn served everything with a smile, it was a truly beautiful thing. My dear friends ended the party with some very special prayers over me. It was such an awe filled day.

We left the party stuff off at the house and dashed to Syracuse for a party for Rebecah Tadros. She is graduating very soon, and is also leaving for NYC to go to The American Music and Drama Academy. She is so excited, and we are too, for her.

So the shocker news.

Wait for it...

Building the suspense...

Ready?

You just think you are...

I

am

headed

to

Australia

on

Tuesday. Yes, this Tuesday!! I am very excited, a little nervous--but blessed.

My sister's husband had a heart attack while taking a stress test and was life flighted to Melbourne. He then was taken to surgery, and a stint was put in to clear an artery that was 90% blocked. I love my sister and her husband and am so happy that he is doing well. When I mentioned I would be happy to come and be with her--she said she would very much appreciate that. See, 2 months ago, her best friend for 18 years, was murdered by an acquaintance, and life has been very difficult. I am so glad God has opened the doors for me to go. I am hoping that maybe even Shawn could go too. My ticket is paid for and I already have my passport. God will have to do some quick moving for the finances for Shawn and he still needs his passport. I know if it is God's will for him to go too, he will provide it all, and at the right time.

My sister on left and Jody on right.

Please pray that all will go according to God's plans. I know he has some doozies up His sleeve on this one. What an awesome God we serve, eh?

I hope to write as I am there...Hopefully I can.

You don't look a day over 40

2008-06-13T06:02:00.000-07:00

Well I am-a day over 40 that is!!

I had the most fabulous birthday ever!! My father God, poured his love on me via all my friends, and family wishing me a happy day, sending flowers, cards, encouraging me and just generally loving on me. I experienced so much joy and happiness, I thought I would explode.

My mom and dad sent me a beautiful gerber daisy flower arrangement the day before my birthday, so I could enjoy them all day. I left them at EF so I could look at them all day.

A sweet friend Donna brought flowers to surprise me that night.

Then Shawn surprised me with a bouquet of lilies and snap dragons and daisies. All in a beautiful vase. He brought them to EF for me to enjoy there. There is nothing quite like receiving flowers somewhere other than home. It was very nice.

When I got home the guys had gotten dinner prepared and we had amazing steaks on the grill, baked sweet potatoes and peas. YUMMY!! The steak was perfectly marinated and very tender, Shawn did such a great job! Then, we got a phone call from James who asked if we were busy tonight, that they had tickets to a play up at Geva theatre. It was Pride and Prejudice--oh happy day!! How sweet the father is. What an amazing ending to an amazing day.

I know a few to many amazings but it is hard to articulate how happy I am.

I will share a difficult few hours though in the midst of the day, and yet God sustained my joy. My sister's husband (they live in Australia) had what appeared to be a heart attack while taking a stress test. All is well today (due to many prayers for them), he had surgery overnight, and they placed a stint in his artery that had been over 90% blocked. The doctors said he was very lucky, we know God intervened. Please pray they will recognize and begin to know God for the intimate love He gives.

Here are some pics of the flowers, etc.

Birthday!!!

2008-06-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

Today is my Birthday, bah buhdah buh bum
And it's gonna be a great day, bah buhdah buh bum

That's all the blues I have in me--it is such a great dayyy-how could I sing any blues?

My mom and Dad sent me flowers, and a sweet friend Donna did too. What a happy day. I hope everyone of my blog friends has an amazing day. Praise HIM!!!

In 2 days--It's my birthday

2008-06-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

In 2 days it is my 40th birthday, the excitement is at a near fever pitch!! I am so excited I can hardly stand it. Truly, I am--I am not being sarcastic. I never thought I would be so happy-but after all that has happened in the last few years--I feel so blessed to be able to say "I am 40 and so happy to be so." I realise quite a few people look at being 40 as the end or old...I struggled with 30, but 40 seems like a new lease on life. I am so loving life right now, just living and praising God for all the good things he has done.

Praise report-got the word from my doctor finally, my CT scans came back clear. Yahoo!! Doin' the happy dance!!

Working at EF has been fun, I came home early today cuz of an energy disturbance in the force field around Lima. No really there was a storm, we lost electricity at EF, when I got home we had electricity. I could spit across the parking lot--that is how far apart our 2 buildings are-doesn't that seem weird to you? It's ok, I got a couple more episodes of Gilmore Girls in. (Won't even begin to talk about that new obsession.)

Friday it is a sweet day

2008-06-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

Ok now that I have worked a week outside of the home (which I don't usually do) at a place I love to be-EF, I am so happy to say "IT IS FRIDAY." You should see me doing the happy dance right now. I don't feel like I have accomplished anything at home that needed to be done, except cook and laundry. I think it is a huge confirmation to me that working out in the world everyday is just not for me. I am good with it for a here and there experience, but oy--I have too much to do. How do all you women do it every day?

I am getting to work there for the next 3 weeks so that will be great monetary wise. but my house is getting pretty bad. I think tommorrow is going to be a cleaning day. I would much rather be yard saling--just let me state that.

I have to finis a couple of projects this weekend, maybe I will show some pics when I am done. Have a great weekend, all!

Another Dr's appointment

2008-06-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

So I had another doctor appointment today, this one was a monthly checkup with the surgeon (actually his physicians assistant) It went well, blood pressure was great, no new meds and I have officially lost 35lbs since the surgery date of March 31st. Wahoo! That makes 53lbs since July when I started this whole process. I feel so much better. I have been walking, and I just ordered off ebay, some old aerobics videos. No laughing people, but I have always enjoyed Richard Simmons in small doses. A half hour doesn't seem too long to groove to the oldies. Anyway, everything else I looked at were high impact aerobics or tae bo. This body ain't ready for tae bo yet, no way no how.

Now I can eat anything I want to try. So tonight I celebrated with a 2" piece of a blue cheesesteak sub, and a 1" X 2" piece of buff chick pizza. Both from Quida's and well worth every morsel. I did have an incredible fit of hiccups afterward, and ridicule from Shawn for them. But no feeling sick or anything afterward. Now lest you think I will make a habit of eating greasy food, think otherwise please. I had a desire to eat something celebratory, so we did. I have had some wise people say to me that if I deny everything, all I will do is crave it. So, we went.

I will also say, I have been having a great time learning to cook differently with no fat or certainly low fat ingredients. I like when Shawn says he can't tell a taste difference, even if it has no added fat. There are a lot of ingredients out there that we typically don't even realize how much fat is added- thankfully there are low fat options too. Maybe I will start to put some recipes on.

I will say, it is fun being a shrinking woman. I put a work shirt on yesterday-expecting it to be tight as usual, and it didn't even touch my sides. I had a good 4" of extra space in there. I know it may seem silly to some, but it was a "yahoo Lord", kind of moment for me. I just have so much to thank him for.

Here are some pictures to show my progression. The first is in July 2007 just as I was starting, Second is May 2008 1 month after surgery, the last is June 2, 2008, 2 months after surgery. Maybe my doing this will be an encouragement to someone else. Bless you guys for reading.

My new favorite place

2008-05-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

My new favorite place is right out my back door, literally. What a sweet little sanctuary.

I am not a gardener by nature- actually up until 2 years ago-to grow flowers was in my thoughts, a waste of time and money. Until a dear friend gave me a huge pot of "mystery" flowers (to me not her), and a basil plant. All summer different flowers kept coming up and surprising me with their beauty. Some brought butterflies and hummingbirds. It was so neat. The basil was delicious all summer and I loved using it in new ways (to me anyway).

The first year we would go out in our soccer chairs (brought to many soccer games of Sen's) on the deck, and watch the planes go by at night. It was so hot to sit out there during the day, cuz the sun just beat down on the deck. I watered the flowers and looked at them from inside and in the evenings. We also planted morning glories which I had at the lake house in PA. The are very resilient to being forgotten, and grow as long as you don't forget to water them for too long.

Last year, I got brave and tried planting a geranium a friend had given me, and used the huge pot from the year before to plant some interesting looking plants. And of course a basil plant, and the morning glories.

This year, well, I believe I have gone way overboard... But to justify it I added tomatoe, peppers, and basil (so it isn't all pretty floofy stuff). I absolutely love the way it is starting to look. Shawn and I had a wonderful day shopping for the plants at the Public Market. I really enjoy going there, pretty much anytime of the year. Now everything is planted and taking root, I have taken some pictures to share with all my blogging friends.

The many facets o Vic

2008-05-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

I saw some time ago, someone had a list of jobs they have worked. I thought it would give my fellow bloggers an interesting view into how diverse or eclectic my life has been thus far. So here goes, not necessarily in order cuz that might be too hard:

babysitter
elderly caregiver
housecleaner
nanny
housekeeping in college
waitress at a pizza shop
waitress at a donut shop
tupperware consultant
cake decorator
seamstress
bridal consultant
machine operator at Shop Vac Corp.
teacher's aide
district manager for pennysaver
fundraising committee chairperson for a small Christian school
census worker-then supervisor
substitute receptionist at Elim Fellowship
artist/painter
faux finisher/painter
caterer
youth leader
jewelry repair

AND for 11 years I was a homeschool mom--the best job ever-hands down!

I have had alot of fun throughout my life, and my husband has encouraged me to try whatever I wanted to try. I'm so thankful that he found what I liked to do worthy of encouragement. He didn't always understand the why around what I was doing, but he was very encouraging. I was always looking for ways to earn some money to help out yet still be able to homeschool.

I believe God has gifted my hands to do many creative things--not just for money making but for passing on of skills. So if ever you feel the desire to learn to do any of these things-I would be happy to teach you what I know. I don't claim to be an expert, but will pass on whatever knowledge I do have. I know there are lots of would be creative people out there, just needing a gentle push of encouragement. Maybe God would use me to be that push (ever so gently).

I think the one thing that is an expression of my passion right now, is to paint. I am working on several projects right now and when they are done I will post some pics. I do have some pieces down at the Pharmacy in town, if anyone is interested in what I do. Painting really gives me joy and satisfaction to express what is inside me. I love to make an old piece of furniture look like a well worn piece of art. Barn board and slate are two other favorite surfaces as well.

Something else I am enjoying doing now is making jewelry. It really came out of the fact that I can never find what I like, in the colors I like. Also, alot of times if I do find something I like, it doesn't fit. But that will not be part of the problem for long-tee hee!

Hey I have a couple of questions for anyone reading my blog. First-anyone know of any good, low impact Christian aerobic videos? I can start working out now, so I am wanting something I can do here at home. I am more interested in an all around toning type of aerobic.

Second-this year in August we will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. Do you know of any places around, not too far from here-that would make a good get away destination, to celebrate? We are kindof going for inexpensive (but not cheap and cheesy), romantic, water (beach) even on a lake, go away for a weekend. If you have any ideas-all would be welcome for us to think about.

Ok-this is it for now. Hope it was fun and uplifting.

Seriously a rough day

2008-05-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

Okay so seriously, today was a rough day.

To give you the short version, I saw my PCP on Tuesday and she shared with me that a year ago during an ER visit they had found spots all through my lungs, which until Tuesday I didn't know about. So she sent me today for a chest cat scan and a stomach cat scan.

Since Tuesday, my anxiety level has been building. I'm being real here. I kept giving it to the Lord, and it kept coming back. Finally today, I had some words with the Lord. Some a little more passionate than others. Please God, are you serious, one more thing? How much more can I take... I am not the only one who thinks such things right?

Anticipating drinking lots of very horrible stuff, I totally forgot about having to get an IV. Well, as a gb patient, right now I am in a perpetual state of near dehydration, I just can't seem to get enough fluids in. I had my blood drawn this morning and it was less than fun, let me share with you. So, I had some righteous anxiety about the IV. Five incredibly painful sticks, pokes and jabs later, I had an iv in. I cried so hardthe one nurse gave up and called in his supervisor.
The horrible stuff (dye) wasn't so bad to drink, although she gave me a quart size, I could only get down about a cup. Thank you all for praying that it wouldn't be too bad, it wasn't.
I won't get the results probably for a couple of weeks. Thank you for continued prayer. Can't tell you what it means to me.

So When...

2008-05-21T20:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, so when do you finally stop being concerned about your child, when they don't show up on time? Tonight, Sen had a meeting after work, but forgot to call or tell us about it and so Shawn and I were pretty worried 1 1/2 hours later when all our messages went unanswered and none of his friends had heard from him. We finally decided to go looking for him, and he called when we were just about to HF. Relief then frustration washed over me and I had to hold back the tears of both.
I had just read a devotional this morning too, about not worrying. I fear I failed this test, this time. I have to learn to rely on the Lord more. Does anyone else ever worry about their kiddos? You would think 19 years into it, I would just learn to let go. But I just love his guts so much... Wow, when does this parenting thing get any easier?

So on a much happier topic, I got to paint today!! YAY!! Til I ran out of paint, but that's ok, I had to start dinner anyway, so it was time to quit. I am working on a little cabinet with 3 drop down doors. Two of the doors will have black wire mesh, and the other will have a picture painted on it. I am still thinking of what I want to paint on it. I am thinking a sheep, candle and rusty stars. I am going to crackle the whole of the cabinet except the door I am painting. I will post a picture when I finish it. I feel so thrilled to be painting again. It's the first project since 2 weeks before my surgery so that is 10 weeks of itchy fingers.

My little deck garden is coming along pretty well too. Even though we got hail over the weekend, everything seems to be doing well. Shawn took me to the public market on Saturday and we picked up a whole bunch of stuff. We had already started our morning glories, and now we are adding: red gerber daisies, coral and pink geraniums, an ever bearing strawberry, roma tomatoes, and green/yellow bell peppers and basil. I still have 2 large planters to plant and in those there are a bunch of flowers to go in them. Sorry, I picked them out cuz of how pretty they are and have no ideas of the names, unless I read the tags. I will be sure to take pics as soon as I get everything planted. I never used to be one to plant flowers, but I really like having pretty things on the deck, so when I get time to relax it is such a nice place to go.

I am turning 40 in a couple of weeks, does anyone have any ideas of special things to do to celebrate? I am so excited about this birthday, and really would like to celebrate it big. God is so good to have numbered my days this long, can't wait to see what He has for me in the next 40. How did you celebrate your big birthdays?

"Getting" to be a mom

2008-05-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

Some would look at the timing of my becoming a mom as wrong--I made a poor choice but God made good out of it. Doesn't He say He will?
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
More than 19 years later, I can with all honesty say I know God knew what He was doing and am so thankful Sen is who He made him to be.
I was looking at pictures today of when Sen was a tow head little guy with the most impish grin on his face. He always knew just how to pull my heart strings. He still does. What a great son God has given me.
I got to nurse him.
I got to change him.
I got to bathe him.
I got to get up multiple times at night and comfort him.
I got to give him fun birthday parties.
I got to homeschool him.
I got to discipline him.
I got to forgive him.
I got to drive him around to piano lessons, soccer games, to friends houses.
I got to help teach him to ride a bike.
I got to have snow ball fights with him.
I got to go for walks with him.
I got to see him give his heart to Jesus at age 5.
I got to know that he really gave it to the father at 14.
I got to watch him play soccer and cheer for him.
I got to see him receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit at a youth retreat.
I got to hear him learning to play trumpet, piano, and guitar.
I got to hear him worship the Lord at the top of his lungs when he thought no one could hear.
I got to hear him write his own music.
I got to be his Youth Leader for a while.
I got to go camping with him.
I got to take him to music festivals (Creation and Kingdom Bound).
I got to see him laugh so hard he would cry.
I got to see him cry so hard he would finally laugh.
I got to feel his arms around me consoling me.
I got to feel his arms around me when I consoled him.
I got to feel so many precious hugs for no reason at all--just to say he loved me with no words.

Many will say, "Oh, you had to do all that- your his mother." I chose to be used by God to be his mom. I didn't have to do any of it...God gave me the pleasure and awesome responsibility to do for Sen. I was thrilled to do it, and look forward to the next phase of what God will ask me to do for him.

My wish for you my friends, is that you will ask God to keep your eyes on the prize and that being your children living for Him. The rest will fall into place. That includes the piles of unending laundry, dishes, and dust. Love them well, they are only yours for a short time.

Burger of the Beef Kind

2008-05-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, so for 6 + weeks I have not eaten any beef, none... I din't think it would bother me at all, but today when my Dr. said I could eat 90% or higher ground beef, I was on that like stink on skunk. I made 2 burgers and cooked them with onions then put them in a glass dish with cream of mushroom soup and cooked them some more, til really tender. I also had some mashed potatoes (made with skim milk and no butter--but butter buds actually taste pretty good) It took me an hour to eat a 1/2 cup size burger, and a tablespoon of mashed potatoes but man they were good. I have been mainly eating fish and chicken so it is nice to have a change.

My doctor says I am doing well, and agreed that the diabetes is gone. She gave me a new medicine for my gall bladder. She said that many people who have rapid weight loss often form gall bladder problems. Hopefully this will not happen to me. Right now my meds consist of 2 meals for me. It is ridiculous, some are vitamins though, but I am hoping to get off of a couple of them soon.

I have lost another 12lbs so that is a total of 26lbs since surgery date. Since starting the whole process I have lost a total of 44lbs. I have not ever lost that much and kept it off. So this is a very huge thing for me. To see weight go off and know it isn't coming back. I am walking about 1 1/2-2 miles a day most days. I hope to be able to start swimming and/or the gym soon. I want to start some kind of work out to help build muscle. My body feels very mushy as I lose the weight. I know that as I build muscle my metabolism will start to speed up too. I love the idea of that domino effect. Don't get me wrong--I have no desire to be a workout junky--I still hate exercise... but it is for my own good. Ugh, I sound like a responsible grown up... Ok, it had to happen some day.

I have started to stitch the top stitching on my quilt. I had to get a thimble, my middle finger was beginning to get really sore. How do real quilter's do all this stitching? Although I have to say on the back it looks neat, maybe that will be how I hang it.

We planted the morning glories yesterday. Can't wait to see them start coming up. I just love their flowers. This year hopefully they will wind around the railings of the deck. Usually we have lattice, but this year Shawn wanted to try to see if they will train around the rails. It will be really neat if it works.

Big trip tommorrow

2008-04-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

Shawn and I are going down to PA tommorrow. I used to call it down home-but I really feel like here is home. If you are in PA, it isn't that we think less of there, I just love it here, and ya gotta be happy where God has ya, right?

Anyway, Shawn's Gramma Owen passed away, so we are going down to a bittersweet celebration of her life. We are sad she is gone, but so glad she is in Heaven waiting for us, and praising our Lord.

We plan to visit some friends and my parents as well as Shawn's parents of course.

It has the potential to be a great trip. Lots of time to talk for Shawn and I in the car. I love car trips for that reason. Used to love it better before cell phones. Hopefully we can turn them off and go back to the olden days, when the car was one place we couldn't be interrupted. Back when we were ministering to youth, I just begged sometimes to take a drive to get away from the phone. Not that I didn't love the kids--please never think that. I just needed a few minutes with my beloved, focused on us. If you are married you will understand what I mean. Youth mean you have that many children, some more vocal than others. I miss working with the kids...but I digress. God has us in a different season and place now, and it is amazing all on its own.

Since I last blogged, I have been walking about 2 miles a day. Sometimes all at once and sometimes at 2 different times during the day. My pedometer is off so I was so sure I had done 3 miles (boy did it feel like it) but alas no, we clocked it with the car and it was closer to 2 miles. So I am guesstimating, by looking at the actual and subtracting. What does it matter anyway, I am 3 weeks out of surgery and walking, Praise God, and I am happy with that.

My quilt has turned out quite dreadfully, I have decided to quilt it still, sign it with a childs name, age and date it for 1834 or some such date. Then tea stain it and say it is really primitive... Ok, I know that sounds horrible, but if you saw it you would know what I mean... I will never say, "I am a quilter." I am an artist that paints not quilts. And that is OK, golly gee whiz! It was fun and that was what I was going for.

Ok, gotta jet to bed. Blessings All

There is no high like the Most High

2008-04-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, so today flat out had to be the highest I have flown in quite some time with my Lord. I just kept seeing over and over how He is holding onto me with no reservations! It is an intoxicating feeling to be in His arms that way. To feel His absolute love and pleasure over you. He is so wonderful!!

Today I went to my first week followup appointment after the gastric bypass surgery. I have lost 14lbs. and am so thrilled to have done so. I haven't lost that much weight in one week since the "Healthy Heart" diet in 1989... Oy, there are no creative ways to eat cabbage soup...I can still taste it.

God also showed me His impecable timing with the surgery date and how He was going to cover the bills--we lose our insurance as of April 30. But He already had my other appointments taken care of --it is amazing.

I had all sorts of energy after my appointment today and went shopping with a dear friend, then went for a beautiful sunset walk with my hubby. What a great ending to a wonderful day.

God is so good to us--praise Him in the little and big... Look for ways-He is so worth it!

Most Worthy Lord

2008-03-28T17:58:00.000-07:00

We got a family pic taken a couple of nights ago. I think it turned out pretty good. It is for the EBI yearbook.

Beth Moore is one of my favorite speakers. In one of her studies she had this written:

Most Worthy Lord, make me a drink offering,
and take me not home until the cup is overturned,
the glass broken, and every drop loosed for your glory.

All I have ever wanted is for my life to glorify my Lord. I know that it isn't always so, but I think that is what grace is all about. When I haven't measured up He gives me another chance and loves on me some more. Keep me here Lord, til every drop of you is brought out of me, and been a living testimony of your grace and mercy.

The time of my surgery is 8:45am on Monday, so if you are praying for me, you can be specifically praying then. I so appreciate all of you praying for me.

Being Transparent

2008-03-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

So in the attempt to be completely transparent here goes. I sent out an email to many of my friends this morning telling of my upcoming surgery on the 31st of March. As I clicked the send button, I had such trepidation that some will not understand and "judge" me for my decision to have gastric bypass surgery.

I soon realized I can't live in fear of man, afraid someone might judge me. Of course people will judge, it is our fleshly nature. Until we get that under the blood, that is. I have thought it was necessary most of my life, to do what everyone thought was best for me... Much was good, but it gave me a heart to serve man not God. Shame on me...I want God's will, more than other's.

This surgery is a tool God is using to cause me to be dependent on Him. It is a tool He is going to use to make me healthier, so I can fulfill those things He has for me to do. My life has been pretty full til now, I can only guess the amazing things He will have me do in the future.
Please pray for me if you will. Thank you!

We've Got a KITTY!!!!!!!

2008-03-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

I haven't written about her yet but I just have to. We got a kitty about 3 weeks ago, and I couldn't be happier! She is so sweet, funny, playful. We all have a great time with her. She is about 13 weeks old now. As you can see from the picture in the side bar she is a gray tiger kitty. I just love her.

When my mom came this last weekend she absolutely spoiled her with toys, etc. It is fun to shop for her. We got her a pink, pretty princess collar. She hates having to wear it, but for her safety, so I don't step on her- she has to wear it.

Tepi is short for Temperance--who is a favorite character on the tv show Bones. I just thought the name was cute. It works for Tepi.

She loves to play with her toys and gets them out of the basket herself. Sometimes she daintily takes them out, and sometimes she just dumps the basket out and has a field day. Whatever she does, she brings us joy.

Ode to the weekend

2008-03-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

This weekend was great, my parents were here and it was a really pleasant time. They have to go to so much work to be able to get away, I am thrilled they made the effort to come.

Tepi got spoiled by Nana, with lots of toys and a laser. I am not sure if that was for Tepi or for Shawn. Both guys are having alot of fun with her and the laser. She seems to just love running all over chasing it.

I got a bit of painting done today. I enjoy it so much, it makes me so thankful for the gifts God has given me. How wonderful of Him to give me the ability to do something I love. Wouldn't it be dreadful to live life never liking what you do? Maybe then I would have to choose to like what I was doing anyway. I have to admit, in this case God has made life easy on me.

I have a great side dish or main dish recipe for ya. It is called Garlic and Leek Ditalini

Gotten of of All recipes.com

Garlic and Leek Ditalini
Ingredients:
8 0z ditalini pasta or mezze penne 1/2 cp heavy cream
2 TBSP butter 1 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cp chopped leek black pepper
1 clove garlic minced

Cook pasta til al dente, drain. Melt butter in a large skillet over low heat. Saute leeks and garlic until tender and translucent. Stir in cream, and simmer until thickened. Toss with pasta and cheese until evenly coated and cheese is melted. Season with pepper.

This is quite tasty and by the way if you haven't checked out allrecipes.com yet it is a wonderful site to look up recipes.

Have a great day!!

Getting over myself

2008-03-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, it has been ages and for the last 2 weeks I have been wanting to blog, but listening to that ugly inner person that tells me I have nothing worth saying. Now don't be all--awe Vic...I am sure it was more pride than lack of self confidence and there is nothing --awe-- about that.

So I decided to blog. A few things have been going through my mind lately and journaling with my fingers may help. My sister Wendy (in Australia), called me last Wednesday, and sobbed into the phone as she let me know her best mate had been mu*dered by a man who was "in love" with her. Satan is such a twisted deceiver of what love is. This beautiful sweet mother of 3 darling girls, had just gotten her life "back on track" after her husband of 13 years had left her for another woman. She had just begun to see herself able to trust and move on... Some questions in my mind were--was she saved- would she go to heaven. It was really ki*ling me, cuz I didn't know for sure and I couldn't get past the thought of never seeing Jodie again. I think I was holding a burden that I couldn't bear. It isn't my say where she is, but God's. I don't need to worry about it, I need to love and pray my sister through it, and encourage her to look to the Lord. I grew up believing that if someone doesn't live like "we" think they ought to, then they are going to hell. I want to be free of that judgemental attitude toward people, I want to have grace and love for people. I want to plant seeds and let God take it from there.

My parents are coming to visit this weekend. I am so very excited to have them come to our home. They will be here Saturday to Sunday and will hopefully go to church with us. They are not church people, although they do believe in Christ. ( No real relationship there, but I believe they are seeing a difference in our lives and maybe...) I am planning the menu and time so we get lots of visiting time and my mom doesn't get too tired out. She has conjestive heart failure, so we have to be careful. We are going to go to Moe's for lunch and then to the Christmas Tree Shoppe, Dad and Shawn are going to check out Gander Mountain. My parents live in Hickville, PA... so those two stores will be fun. Then we will come back and relax and snack on fresh Bruschetta while I cook up Riggies. Riggies is a recipe from Sen's friend's family. It is a chicken and pasta dish. Maybe I will leave the recipe if anyone is interested in it. For dessert we are going to have cheesecake from Sam's. Sorry I don't make cheesecake when Sam's is 15 min. away.

Sunday I am planning to make omelets for breakfast, then a Pork Roast in this yummy marinade of balsamic vinegar and garlic, smashed red skin potatoes and garlic, and baby asparagus for lunch. Hopefully they will stay that long and go to church with us. The way to my daddy's heart is through his tummy soo... Fill the belly, go to church fill the spirit...hope is a beautiful thing.

Thanks for listening, I am truly blessed to have my friends. Keep praying for me, as I do you.

It's been way too long!

2008-02-01T22:05:00.000-08:00

Wow, it has been way too long since I blogged the last time. Life has been crazy busy but not so much that I shouldn't have blogged...Prioritization...

So Saturate happened and it was way too awesome. Those kids are just so great. Oh, to have a job that works with kiddos full time.

Then this January was the Youth Leader's Summit, again, way cool. We used to work with youth for seven years as part time (with full time passion) workers. It was the best, and the hardest volunteer work we have ever done. Talk about ripping your heart out, but so worth every minute. Anyway, it was so great to bless the leaders and just give them little extras to tell them how appreciated and special they are. They have such an amazing job. Hug a youth leader today!! (Within appropriate boundaries of course...;0))

I have also been painting up a storm. Trying to finish some projects up before March. God has really been giving me supernatural grace and expansion of time I feel. It is amazing all I am getting done. I finished my knit blanket too!! Wahoo!!

We are going to pick up our kitty tommorrow. I have been longing for one since we moved here and had to give all our pets away. Finally, now that Shawn is on staff, we are allowed to have one. We are very excited, and I do mean we. Shawn has said that he looks forward to having her too. (with soy and duck sauce ;0)) Her name is Tempi--taken from Temperance the character on the tv show Bones. One of my ultimate favorites. Anyway, she is a dark short haired tiger, with such a pretty face. She is coming from the Another Chance Pet Rescue. They are giving us 2 weeks to try her out...I can't imagine giving her up, but it helped us to decide to take her now. We look forward to loving on her and treating her special.

Do you ever notice how God just loves on ya? I realise that everytime I do a new Beth Moore study (other times too of course). Just how He won't ever let you stay in your rut. We were talking about Psalm 121 I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from.My help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth. He's watching over me, he made me, he doesn't sleep--evah!!! What a wonderful thought...He is for me not against me. How can we possibly go wrong knowing all that? Well we are not perfect, but He is molding me, let me always be moldable Lord. It is great to keep falling in love with Him more and more everyday.
Oh---shameless plug---do a Beth Moore study if you get a chance, look her up online, you can listen on her site, or take a class at church. Your life will never be the same.

2007-11-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I am finally getting into this whole blog thing. I have been loving so much all the great pages I see of other friends, so here I am.

I had so much fun tonight I just have to share. We had a cadre meeting here at our home for a few girls that are young teen age. I was helping out a friend, it was so much fun. I have to say with some tears in my eyes, I really miss working with youth. Thank you Lord, for this small taste of what my heart longs for. We got to paint and talk, and I feel that they shared pretty freely. What a great bunch of girls. They are planning to go to Saturate so I am praying God really moves on them there.

I had been sick late last week and into this week and a sweet friend suggested I take zinc. I never realised what it could do. I feel so much better!! I have also been taking B12 and my moods feel so much more even keel. God is so good, to give me friends who have used these things, and they could encourage me to try it.

I have gotten alot of work done this week. Painting, planning for this cadre time, and Saturate. The Father is really bringing my part of Saturate together. I am truly feeling a peace about everything. So many sweet people have filled in the volunteer spots for the snack bar, I am looking forward to the time we will spend together blessing those kiddos that come. We get to have Guido's pizza, what a great topper to the amazing ministry God will be giving us in the sessions. Come see us in the Children's wing if you are going to Saturate at EGC. If you don't know about it check out www.elimfellowship.org in the youth part of their site. It will be a great time you will love it if you come.

I guess this is it for now, bless ya for reading.