Gone ;(

Snow..gone. It has all melted. We have had it so long, it was weird to see actual grass. I can hardly believe it is almost 2009. Remember the worry in 99 when 2000 was about to hit. Regardless of the year, I want to live for Jesus and make it to heaven, whether I die or by the rapture...I just want to make it.

So, one of the things I got for Christmas is an Espresso Maker, so last night Emily and I tried it out. Once I get the hang out of it, it will be really nice. You can totally tell the difference between that and regular coffee pot coffee. Either is good to me, but this tastes more like the coffee shop. So hopefully I can just learn to make all my own coffee drinks. Also, Emily got me the movie Saving Sarah Cain. Good movie. Although, with the ending, there better be a sequel...grrr, the ending upset me. :( I also got the video game Cabelas Dangerous Hunts for my Wii. We get together every night nearly to play it. I could do without some parts to the game, and am going to try to figure out how to get rid of the commentary at the top. But for the most part, I really enjoy it. I got Emily to play, but then she quit because she said it made her mad...haha. And it's stressful. Seriously...it's called dangerous hunts for a reason, gets your blood pumpin.

My favorite part of Christmas this year, was actually Christmas Eve. Mom and I were out delivering gifts, and their was a blizzard going, sounds crazy...but it was just cozy and Christmasy. Then we went and looked at lights in between delivering gifts. I really enjoyed Christmas Eve this year. Worst part, me pouting because of melting snow on Christmas DAY, and the fact it seemed to fly by this year. To quickly. I felt very empty after this year, maybe more than ever. We never know when we will have our last Christmas (not to be down) and I wanted to really thoroughly savor it this year. It flew by so quickly. I got to take time on some parts, but most of it just went so so quick.

I hope everyone has a great day and that God will lead you into a deeper way with Him.

Creeper Inner

Feeling the loneliness creeping in. Making me sad. NOW, I have a choice to be down because of my situation in life as widow. OR, I can choose to look at all I am blessed with. Yes, I miss my husband. I always will, God understands that. But He also has given me so much, that I don't have a reason to STAY down and mope about. Sadness will come, loneliness will come, but I can't stay there. So please pray for me to feel the joy, and to praise Him in all things. The victory is in the praise. Thank You Jesus for Truth and YOU, Family, Friends, Jobs, Love, a Home...You are so good to me.

Failed

Emily and I tried to make a snowman yesterday with all the snow that was falling/fell (all in all about 3-4 inches of new). However, it was to dry. :( Bummer. Mom tied two tractor tire tubes together and pulled us around on the tubes with the four wheeler. We needed goggles for all the snow flying!!

After that we came back to my house and got ready and went shopping. We went to Old Navy, and of course they have their After Christmas sales going on. Well, I got two doggie jackets, matching. One for Honey and one for Abby. They are so cute, will have to post a picture. They were on a big sale too, 6.60 each, that was good. After Old Navy, we went home and I got the Abby and Honey and put their jackets on them. Abby had never worn one before, but did really good. Honey who has worn lots of clothes, and still hates them, wouldn't even move. I had to pick her up, and carry her. Finally by the end of the evening, she came into the house without me carrying her. But going back, we went and got a movie from red box (my second time). We rented Bella...it was a bit of a different movie, but I liked it. Thinking about buying it, I don't know if I even heard one single word of profanity. It's about saving a baby from abortion to some extent. Long story line, just watch it. It all comes together. I would recommend nearly all parts of it. Hard to explain. I looked up the main actor last night, he actually stands up for babies rights in real life. Is against abortion, for adoption, talks alot about of God. It was nice to see an actor, a fairly famous one in the Latino world, who could have everything at his hands, good looking, a singing career, all of that, and he still decides to stand up for what is right. Refreshing. Go rent Bella.

Shew!

Well, Emily is here safely. Praise the Lord! She had to wait a very long time for her luggage last night, which made a light night/early morning. I got up to go to work today, half day and she went with and walked around downtown while I worked. It was six degrees here this morning. BRRR...

Now, we need to start cooking for our Day After Christmas Dinner.

The meal:
Main:
Individual Cornish Game Hens

Sides:
Whipped Sweet Potatoes w/ Bananas and Honey
Green Bean Casserole
Mashed Potatoes/Gravy
Creamed Carrots (super excited about this recipe, from the Little House cookbook)
Corn Bread Stuffing/Dressing

Dessert:
White Christmas Pie

Not Dreaming

I won't have to dream of a white Christmas. Unless a heat wave comes in overnight, we are having a white Christmas here. I don't know how many times I wanted one as a kid, and when Damon was here, and it didn't snow. I think I have only had a white Christmas 5 times or less in life. So this is special. It was a mess out tonight. The wind was blowing the snow so hard it was at one point an almost white out, and then covering the roads so you could barely see the lines. We , mom and I, were delivering Christmas gifts, so it was fun (minus the bad road part) and got me into a bit more of a Christmas mood. :)

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas!! Make that CHRISTmas!! And, pray for Emily as she travels. No delays please!! :)

Check It Out

The recipe for the White Chocolate Cherrie Chunkies that I made, is on the recipe blog! Go
HERE!!

Snow+Cookies= CHRISTMAS!!

White Chocolate Cherry Chunkies
That is the snow shovel on my back porch sticking up in the snow. It is a bit more mounded there, because I have mainly been shoveling a small walkway just for the poochies to go out. Hence all the little foot prints. Abby really enjoys the snow.

Snow falling, YAY!

Me in my snowbootsm in the snow, the snow is covering the top of my feet.

Here's the new path I just shoveled, we have gotten about an inch more this evening.

My pretty tree, I think the snow makes it look better.

All in all I think right now we have 5-6 inches. Some of the drifts are up to about two feet. The deepest in my back yard is probably 6-7 inches. Looks like we will have a white Christmas. Thank the Lord for safe travel this morning. I just took it slow and kept it in four wheel drive and did fine. By this evening the roads were pretty good. Pray for Emily's trip out here, she is a bit nervous with the snow. But the Lord will take care of her. Also, I am havin sinus issues. My ears are really plugged, but my sinuses seem only slightly affected and my throat has the drainy feeling and is now slightly sore. That is what caused my head to feel like it was going to pop off last week. I want it gone by Christmas, I am praying for the Lord to touch me. Please pray to. love yall!

Great As It Is...

The wind is strong, and blowing the snow into pretty big drifts. It started snowing last night and didn't fully stop until sometime this afternoon-ish. We are supposed to get more tonight and I think snow nearly every day until Christmas. My only thing is, I have to drive quite a ways to work. So please pray for safety. I really like the snow and enjoy it, just need my roads to be fairly clear. :)

Also please pray for some unspoken requests of mine. love yall, and have a great night.

YAY YAY YAY

SNOW SNOW and MORE SNOW!!! Finally, REAL snow. Meaning more than a dusting or an inch. It is hard to tell because of the wind, it has blown it into quite the drifts. I have a drift on my back porch that is about 6-8 inches deep. I would imagine we got 3-4 inches if there wasn't any wind. WOOHOO!! I hope we get more.

Following Through

I am doing much better mind wise, thank the Lord and you for your prayers.

Now to the following through part- I am actually doing Christmas baking. Finally. I have been saying I was going to bake the last two Christmases, and haven't. So far I have done chocolate dipped pretzels, white chocolate dipped oreos, peanut butter cookies w/ the little kiss in the middle, and now I am baking white chocolate cherry chunkies. I dont know how much more I will do today. I was going to do some pinwheel cookies, but haven't gotten the recipe offline yet. I am just glad I got some actual holiday baking done. Woohoo.

Mind Me Mind

So, I have been having mind issues lately. I am a big big worrier, ponderer, whatever you want to call it. I have been a hypochondriac to some extent from my early teens. Well, it really hit after Damon passed away. To the point of almost crippeling me with fear. I know, it's not healthy for a person, let a lone a person who is serving God. I had a full physical done before I left Nashville and still had insurance, and the doctor said everything was fine. I know I need to lose weight...thats obvious, but other than that I am in good health. So since February I have been doing pretty good. Until these last two days. I have been feeling like my head is gonna pop off, like maybe I have high blood pressure, and it has sent me into panic attacks. Last night I had to just keep praying to fall asleep, AT my parents. So I say all that to say this, please pray for me. I have started taking the steps to get healthier by eating better (the scale is already showing it, woohoo) I started my morning walking routine today, and have taken my vitamins (those things are nasty, they make me nauseous). I know I can make my health much better for the now, and for the future by what I do this moment, but I do know God will honor my efforts and give me peace of mind, the farther I go along. It seems like a huge mountain in front of me, seeing what all I have to do to reach my goals, but I can only go one step at a time, and one day at a time. Just please pray for me.

Nine Days

Nine days to CHRISTmas. I remember as a child, this time didn't seem to go as fast. As an adult, it is flying by. So much to do, so little time. This year, I want to ENJOY Christmas. Slow down and really enjoy it. Yes do all the stuff that goes along with Christmas, baking, music, Christmas programs...but I want to savor each moment. Life is so quick. So so quick. God help me to breathe in YOU every day, and take each day for the blessing it is.

Just Down

I know it is natural...as we have lost pets before, but I am pretty sad right now. That kinda sinky feeling inside...I have that. I miss Blackie. She was such a good dog.

I will be finishing up my CHRISTmas shopping this week, and getting everything wrapped if it is staying here, or mailed if it's going fah fah away. Gotta fill out my Christmas cards. I am soo so sooo bad about keeping addresses. I have an address book, but then whenever I need it, I can't find it, so now I have no idea where it is. So to my friends that read, please send me your address via email. You should have it, if not, I can email it to you.

Sad Day

Today we said goodbye to Blackie. She has been a very very good dog. Raised three puppies...not of her own, but sort of a surrogate momma to them and taught them the ropes. We are not sure what all was wrong, but in people years she was 84, so she had lived a good long life. They think she may have had a stroke. I stayed with her until she was gone...I will miss her, she was a really sweet good and wonderful doggy. She was the best shake-er ever. I love you Hadley Blackie Leonard.

Upset Tummy

Part Two, I, thank the Lord, am feeling much much better. Thanks to the prayers of God's people and His Healing hand.

However, now I am asking you to pray for something else. My mom and dad's dog, blackie, is very sick. I don't know if she will make it. I brought her home a long time ago, when I was a Junior in high school I think. I found her eating out of my grandparents burn barrel. A barrel where you burn your trash in, instead of using a trash service. Anyway, both properties side with each other, so I brought her back to my parents house. And brought the waterworks on in front of my father. I made promises I am sure, but only one I can remember...sadly I didn't keep it. I told him I would clean up after her potty on the lawn...which I didn't do. :( Anyway, I called several vets asking if they were reporting a black lab missing. My thought is, here, hunting is big. Really big, and she is gun-shy. If you don't make a good bird dog, and you're a black lab, they don't need you. So I am assuming someone dropped her. Big assumption...anyway...back to yesterday. Mom came home and found that she had thrown up. Well, I brought her to my house, and kept her in my garage with lots of water and a blanket, she kept throwing up. To me it looks like it had blood in it. Mom came and picked her up, and is taking her to our vet on an emergency call. Yes, she is old. But I still don't want her to die, because aside she is old and has some arthritis in a hip socket she broke, she hasn't been to awful bad off as far as health goes. It's pretty sudden. I hope they can take care of whatever it is. I know God can. I know He cares.

Pray, and Oh BOY!!

First, please pray for me. Again, my stomach is hurting. I am missing my Christmas party at work tonight...I texted a girl I work with and she said the stomach flu is going around. ick.

Now, the oh boy part. It's SNOWING!! We were supposed to get snow last night, and didn't(it feel for a bit but thats it). I am so excited. Believe it or not, we don't get much snow where I live. I live in the valley, now you only have to drive about an hour to get to a ski resort, so mind you, real deep snow isn't far. But I like to have snow down here. Makes the cold worth while. And it is COLD.

A song came to mind this morning...I don't know all that much of it....but it say's. "I've won, I've won, the victory I've won" it is a Christian song, and well, what a blessing to hear that keep running through your mind.

This week is busy busy. Saturday night is my Christmas party for work, I hope it is fun. I still don't know a ton of people there. It's a free meal, and prizes. So we shall see. Happy Almost CHRISTmas. With Jesus though, every day is Christmas!

Countdown

can u believe...Christmas is in 15 days. goodness.

Lights

Lights, Lights, and More Lights.

First of all, a big big thank you to my neighbor, BEN!!! Thanks Ben, and thank you Becky for letting your husband climb up on someone else's roof to help a scaredy cat out! I borrowed their ladder to reach the peak of my house because Damon's wasn't tall enough. However, I was scared I was going to fall off or break it or whatever. Heights and I do not get along well. When I was a kid heights and small spaces didn't bother me. Now I am scared of both. I remember we went caving though at the time I don't think I called it that, and there was one point where we had to crawl through on our stomachs to get through. Now, NO WAY. Besides the fact I was a lot smaller than, there is no way you could get me to do that now. Panic city. Shew. Back to the point, Ben hung my lights on the last part I couldn't reach, then finished it around the corner. I owe them lots of cookies or something, I really appreciate my great neighbors. I should get a picture of what it looks like in the day too, because I think the garland is pretty as well. I will get a pic of it in the night and post that soon too, hopefully anyway.

Well, I need to get off here and get this house cleaned and ready for the party! Have a good day.

Missing Him

Please say a prayer if you would, I am really missing Damon. I always miss him, but there are times when it hits harder. I am such a control freak, so I really need prayer in letting go and letting the Lord take care of it all. I am having a hard time being the head of my household, even if it is just me. But I can't make it all work, I can only serve the Lord and let Him take care of the rest. Pray for me to let it go. To not worry about it all anymore. I hit moments where I am just tired, emotionally and physically. I miss Damon, and the security I felt with him. I have to realize though, all security is from God. Damons security for me was from Jesus, so I have to keep drawing on that. I really miss my sweet husband, he was and is still so dear to me. He completed me, I will forever be grateful for God's gift to me in Damon.

A Week

It has already been a week since Thanksgiving! Time is flying. I remember when I was a kid, things moved much much slower. I wish time machines were real, where you could take an occassional trip back in time. As a kid you wanna grow up, as an adult, its like "why was I in such a hurry?!"

Now, it's December 4th, and in three weeks Christmas and Emily will be here!! I need to do my Christmas shopping, and get my house ready for the party this Saturday. I work with a girl who sells The Body Shop, and I am having a party at my house this Sat Evening. Hopefully a lot of people will come, should be a fun evening.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Healing

I just want to thank the Lord. I woke up around 3 am feeling really bad again. I am not one to get sick a lot, and I had just been sick last week...nauesous and such. So when I woke up and had that achy feeling again in my tummy, I kinda though what was going on. I called my mom, she didn't answer of cours...but I left message for her to pray for me cus I didnt feel well. Then I started praying between my whining at my tummy, and asked the Lord to help me. I noticed fairly quickly it started to subside, about ten minutes maybe. Then I fell asleep, and woke up this morning feeling absolutely fine. Normally when my tummy is like that I will be in and out of sleep all night long or atleast for a good long while. But not last night, I asked the Lord to help me and He did. So I just want to say thank You. :)

Pictures of the Tree

Tigger enjoying hiding under the tree...
Abby tuckered out from decorating...or something.

The decorating MESS

The near finished product.

Lights off, tree lights on. :) I have added some more ornaments, but here you go!

Extension Cord Wonders

While Emily was here last May/June, I bought what I thought was a great extension cord to put up some lights for the Luau. However upon closer inspection, after I got home, I realized it wasn't that great of a deal after all, because it didn't give you any extra length to the outlet, rather you plugged everything into the cord AT the outlet (which didn't give you any extra length) and it has a flip switch to turn everything on and off. Being the kind of person I am, I didn't take it back. I just don't like the extra footwork in taking things back. And, more often than not, I won't take something back. However, now that the Christmas season is upon us, I have found a use for this little invention, so as I sit here typing, I can look at the lovely glow of my Christmas tree that I turned on with the the flip of a switch. :) Simple things amuse me. :)

Painful Decorating

I put up my tree tonight with the help of momma. It is still in the decorating process though. We made a trip to walmart and I got some more decorations. Then I came home after dropping her off, and started opening my boxes of Christmas things. My pretty clean living room, has been transformed to a VERY messy space. Due to moving, my Christmas stuff was packed with lots of paper, which is adding to this messiness. After this Christmas, next year, Lord willing...it won't be as messy. Now for the painful part. As I was opening a box, all the sudden my left pointer finger had a sharp pain and it got worse, all the sudden I was looking at my finger saying ow ow oww. (I am a wimp when it comes to pain). I noticed a spot sorta turning white, then my finger started swelling, then it was getting numb. I was sorta scared, because here we have black widows, and brown recluse so I was thinking it was a spider. I don't have insurance at the moment, so if I needed medical attention, I didn't have the coverage for it. I called my mom and asked her to come over because I was scared. I really am wimpy when it comes to being sick in any way. I kept poking around with a knife in the box trying to find the little creature that injured me. Then I called Emily to ask her to pray for me. As I was leaving a message for her I looked down and gave a small scream (sorry for that em) and noticed a wasp or bee...whatever it was, on my shirt right below my chin. Ugh! I swept it off me and put that thing in a glass. Then momma got here, told me I was okay, and was praising the Lord. It coulda been worse. The spider thing..ya know. So, she took that little mean insect home to my dad in a ziploc baggy, to see if it was a wasp or bee. As she was going home, she called me and told me to turn off my tv and praise the Lord. I was crying when she left cus I was still scared and then sad, missing Damon. Wishing he was here to take care of me right now, even though it was just a very minor sting, it again reminded me I was "alone". So when she called, I did what she said, and really thanked the Lord that it only was a sting, not a bite from something worse and again it makes me realize I am not "alone" because He is with me every step of the way. God sees the loneliness I feel over Damon, and it is normal, but He also fills the void so that I can keep going on in life. I am thankful for that. And, now I have a new Christmas memory...haha. I have been stung while decorating, can honestly say that's never happened. Happy Decorating!

Thankful, and Sad

How can you be both?? I am. I got to see my Cousin this week for a couple of days. I haven't seen him in almost four years. I hadn't realized how much I have missed him. I am so thankful to have had this time to see him, but now I am sad, because he is leaving again, tomorrow morning. So tonight was the last night for a long while, that we will get to hang out. We are only two years apart, me being the older one, so we grew up together for the time he lived in Idaho. Now he lives near DC. For the time he was here, again, I am so glad we got to spend time together. He helped me buy my very first Christmas tree as a home owner. Damon and I had a little one, that I will display as well, but now that I have a bit more room, I wanted a full size tree. I really enjoy real trees, but the cost of those add up year after year. So today Erik helped me pick out a nice full FAKE tree on a great day after Thanksgiving sale. When I left the pinnochle party tonight, I almost cried. I teared up.

1000

This is my 1000th post! And, I have decided that Pecan Pie is my enemy. I cannot get that pie right! I have attempted it THREE times now (maybe more) and not one single time has it turned out. The other times it wouldnt set up. Today, it is TOOOO set up. So,off to wal-mart I go. It won't be homemade, and someone will be glad for that! ha.

Not So Big

Okay, so my "big ol' pan of cheesecake" in honor of Damon, didn't turn out so big. :( Nada must have doubled the recipe or something. I am not using her recipe (because I don't have it) but found one I thought was similar. And, wouldn't ya know, it called for evaporated milk. Which I didn't have. Furthermore, wasn't going to get any. Hmph. I had two cans of evaporated milk, which also turns out can actually go bad. Hmph again. Who knew? Not me. I thought canned food stayed good for a REALLY long time. So what if the use by date was in 06'...I am embarassed to admit that to some degree. To think I kept things in my cupboard that are THAT old. Which means, they probably came with me from Tennesse, because I couldn't bear to keep throwing away food, so what I couldn't give away or throw away, I packed. Back to the cheesecake, it is not in the huge ole pan size that Nada made, its in a small I don't even know the size pan. I guess maybe a 9 X 9 or 10X10. And since I didn't have the evaporated milk, I emprovised. Tasted it, it tastes okay, so we shall see. My pecan pie is in the oven, and I put it in a deepdish pie pan, and the recipe only makes a regular pie, so I am a bit low. The mac n cheese is done, and just needs to be thrown in the oven to reheat and melt the top cheese. The turkey is in the fridge brining for in the morning, and that leaves the mashed potatoes and gravey, cook the turkey, and the green bean casserole. Everyone else is bringing the rest.

Beyond the food (and more importantly), I wish everyone a wonderful THANKSGIVING Day filled with memories, thankfulness, love, family, friends, and most importantly- JESUS. Thank You Lord for all You are, saving my soul, and blessing me with my family and friends, and the countless good things You have given me in this life.

Living Room!!

Introducing my newly painted living room.

I tried to get a picture of the brown with the living room color.

The original color, butternut, is in the insets here. You can see the difference between the butternut and compatible cream.

The other inset w/ Butternut

I really am starting to like it, I didn't know when I first saw it, but with all my stuff back in place I think it looks good.

Change!

Butternut is out. Compatible Cream is in. Its on the same color swatch as the butternut, but two shades lighter. Hopefully I like it, because it will be done when I get home, and Thanksgiving is in TWO days. Tell me how sane I am to do this right before a major holiday being observed at my house. Oh well, the brown was worth it!

Urgent Prayer Request

Please please please pray for my coworkers grandson. He has been having some difficulties since he was born about a month early (his momma had quite a rough time and was on bedrest for a long time before he was born). She hasn't shared what is going on, its been very tough on her. Today she let me know the seriousness of the situation. He has down syndrome, a hole in his heart, and now they found he has Leukemia. Unless God intervenes, it doesn't look like he will make it. HOWEVER, my prayer is Lord, for YOUR honor and glory touch his little body and make him whole. Should the Lord will it, I would LOVE to give her that testimony of how her little grand baby was prayed for by my friends all over the U.S.. His nic name is Mic. Pray for him please.

Part One...I just couldn't wait. :)

So Here is my kitchen (though not everything is back up and finished yet), and I LOVE the color!! It's so awesome. Tam, you would really like I think. The color is "french roast". I put up the butternut today, and I don't know if I like it. :( I am getting a third opinion tomorrow. Mom already gave me hers. haha, and it isn't for the positive. Without further adeiu, and again, my kitchen isn't all "put back together" yet, but it will give you an idea. I could hardly wait to post pictures. :)

Beginning painting my lovely brown french roast.

Goes on dark, hard to tell what I will think. Viola! I loooove it!!

Again, I REALLY like this color, just can't say it enough. NO regrets whatsoever for this color choice! Hopefully I will like the butternut too!

Turns Out...

I get to have THREE Thanksgiving dinners this year. Whoa. We had an early dinner today because my Cousin (in whom I haven't seen in about five years) was coming into town and would be at his mom's on the actual Thanksgiving day. Well, his flight into Boise got cancelled because of HEAVY fog. So, best laid plans....we still had dinner, no cousin. He went straight to his mom's house. Well, we are having dinner on Thanksgiving Day at my house, dinner two, then on Friday night we are having a get together at my Grandmas, where left overs from dinner two will be served, making that dinner (although not the "formal" setting) number three.

Today's dinner was yummy. I love my family. It is nice to be here to share Thanksgiving with them. I miss my other family in Tennessee though, I would trade the time shared with them for anything. They are in my heart, forever and always. In fact, I am making a dish in honor of them for dinner on Thursday, cheesecake. Nada always made a big ol pan of cheesecake which Damon got a big piece of. So, in honor of Damon and our family in Tennessee, there will be a big ol pan of cheesecake present at this dinner. May sound silly, but I think it's a good memory to, remember and share. I love Damon. I wish he were here, just like Im sure he wishes all of us were THERE!

Guess I will get off here for now.

Whatever It Was...

...is now gone. Thank the Lord!! I had been noticing the past few days that I was feeling tired, more tired than normal. Then Thursday night I started feeling icky in the tummy. I really thought I was going to throw up on Friday(sorry guys) but never did. It went all day like that, then I had a fever last night, low grade, but a fever none the less. I woke up some time in the night all sweaty and knew I had sweated the fever out, which is a good sign. When I had my pneumonia and bronchitis last year it took me a few days of doing that, and it lasted a lot longer before coming to that point of getting better. So thank the Lord this was a short lived, 24hr or so bug. I feel lots better and we are fixin' to go grocery shopping for Thanksgiving, which is going to be at my house! :)

Sick edition II

I feel awful. Please pray for me. I came home early from work. :(

Ech

Please pray for me...I do NOT feel well. I will spare you the details, but I need prayer. ICK ICK ICK.

Thought...

I am sorta feeling blah concering blogging lately. Was going to take a break but changed my mind.

I got most of my stuff moved tonight, with the help of momma, for painting day (saturday). I have chosen "butternut" from Sherwin Williams for the Living Room and "French Roast" (I think thats the name...I don't have the swatch with me anymore)Sherwin Williams for the Kitchen. I hope it looks good. Tis' a pretty combo in my opinion.

Please pray for me...I have a unspoken need.

A GREAT Day!!

Guess what?!??!!!!

I bought....


A GUITAR!!!!!!! Woohoo! I have been wanting one for a very very long time, wanting to learn. I found one for a great price, and praise the Lord, I am ready and excited to learn how to play it!

Its an Acoustic Ibanez!

Anyway, wanted to share!

Painting

So, I am trying to decide what color to paint my living room/kitchen. It is all open, so I am trying to think of a color that would be good for both areas.

Today was a pretty good day. I woke up early and prayed, then went back to sleep until 11 something (waking up a few times in between) then hurried and got ready and headed over to mommas . Got to visit with a couple of friends, that was nice. Then I headed to Boise for a Body Shoppe Party that one of my friends was hosting. I got a cranberry reed difuser thing. Smells uber yummy. After that I came home (well, my parents house since they were dog sitting) and crocheted a hat for honey, but she didn't like it. :( Then momma and I went to get some groceries because dad wants these donut/roll things that mom makes. They are so good. Brown sugar, butterscotch pudding powder, butter, yum-o. I bought the turkey tonight too!! We are having Thanksgiving on dad's side, at my house. There will be two thanksgivings this year, because my Cousin is flying in from Virginia and he will be at his moms on Thursday, so we are having thanksgiving with him on Saturday I think. I think I am going to re-arrange my living room area so that I can put the table in here, for more room. My kitchen fits people, but barely. I love entertaining. I came up with a cute idea for centerpieces. For awhile Walmart had been selling all sorts of different squashes. So I had the idea to go get some of those, and drill some holes in the top and put flowers in. I found a picture that is sort of what I want
and it looks like this. cute right? I think so....:) I hadn't planned on the candle part, but its sorta nice. Anyway, I can't find the squash there now. So who knows what I am gonna do. Hopefully I can find them somewhere.

Please pray for a few situations going on right now. The Lord knows. PLease pray for a friend of mine. They REALLY need Jesus. :) We all do. Love ya'll

What It Must Be...

...tomorrow is my sweet husband's second birthday in Heaven. Time doesn't exist in Heaven. I doubt birthday's are celebrated up there, but who knows. Only God, and those there, know. Regardless, I am here, and tomorrow will be a day that naturally will carry some sadness. Yet, in that sadness is something way better. Damon is IN Heaven. Wow. My husband is there. I am sad he isn't here with me, sad he won't get to see the baby's I thought we'd have had. Sad, that I can't make him his favorite desserts, cheesecake or Key Lime Pie. Sad he isn't here to say "happy birthday babe!" to. But, then I think of all his goals, his life's aspirations, and my sadness though still remaining, is overwrought by the joy I have FOR him. Joy that he made his number one goal come true. He and Jesus everyday, lived THE life of a true Christian and it carried him through Heavens thresh hold. Joy that his memory, his legacy, continues on in me, in his family, in all those that had the priviledge of knowing him. Damon is still very much present where it matters most, our hearts. Joy that even though he is no longer present with me, that I had the wonderful amazing awesome priviledge to know real and true love. The love most people go a lifetime, and still don't find. That God would give me one of the greatest blessings I have known, in the form of Damon as my husband.

To every thing there is a season. I am sad OUR season as husband and wife is over, that he isn't here in his family, and my family's life anymore. But more than that, I am SO HAPPY that his ETERNAL season with Jesus, has only just begun.

Dear sweet Damon, I love you sweet heart. I am so proud of you. Happy Birthday in Heaven.

Before Midnight...

I have started a bad habit since Saturday night. I was up late, consequently "early" Saturday night/Sunday morning cleaning. Since then, I did the same thing only about a hour or so earlier on Sunday night. Last night I didn't get to sleep until 1'ish or right after. Now it is after midnight and I am here again. Grr. TLC on Monday nights has my favorite show, 17 kids and counting. That show is really good and CLEAN! I try to be pleasing to the Lord in what I watch, which is mainly food network and HGTV and TLC on Monday nights. I have failed, but I want to be upright in what is before my eyes. I guess I have the TV so it isn't silent. I miss Damon. That goes into today, which is now yesterday, at work. I had a rough day. I care more about what people think of me, than some may realize. I am a big people pleaser. I just want you to like me. My personality is not everyone's cup of tea. But Damon loved me as I was. I felt completed by him. God fit me perfectly for Damon and vice versa. Today was just one of those days, where I felt so out of place with everyone. Then I sort of aggrivated my boss at the end of the day, which I didn't mean to. I felt so disconnected tonight at service. I really would love to have my husband here. He made it all seem okay. But as I listen to the song playing on my itunes, "There Will Be A Day" by Jeremy Camp, I am reminded that my peace has to come from God and that at some point, if I keep living for Jesus, There WILL be a day...no more tears, no more pain, no more fears. There will be a day when the burdens of this place will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face. God help me, in all my failures, to learn, to grow, WHEREVER You lead, whatever may come my way. Until You wipe away my tears. But I have to KEEP living for Jesus. There are days I am such doof. Mistake after mistake. God help me to be all You would have me to be. Going along with that though, the Bible talks about (obviously not word for word) how the wise man, when he falls, gets back up. He doesn't stay down. So, in my failures, I don't want to wallow on how dumb I am, but rather let my heart be "God help me to learn in this, and not do it again". I want to make every day count for Jesus. I may be the only "Bible" someone might ever see.
This post has seemed sorta down, that leads me into my mom, I am proud of her. She is broken with the job situation, but she still praises the Lord. I need to work on that.

I leave you with the Lyrics to the song I mentioned.
There Will Be A Day, by Jeremy Camp

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that trys to grab The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth, that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings That there will be a place with no more suffering

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face But until that day, we’ll hold on to you always

I know the journey seems so long You feel your walking on your own But there has never been a step Where you’ve walked out all alone

Troubled soul don’t lose your heart Cause joy and peace he brings And the beauty that’s in store Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting

I can’t wait until that day where the very one I’ve lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing….

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face

There will be a day, He’ll wipe away the stains, He’ll wipe away the tears, He’ll wipe away the tears…..there will be a day.

A Good Thing

I really like this song. I don't listen to much country music anymore, but this song...is just a good song.

For all my family and friends, if you don't know Jesus yet, that is my first wish, after that....

I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow, And each road leads you where you wanna go, And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose, I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.And if one door opens to another door closed, I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window, If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile.But more than anything, more than anything...

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to, Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small, You never need to carry more than you can hold, And while you're out there getting where you're getting to, I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too, Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but you never forget, All the ones who love you, in the place you left, I hope you always forgive, and you never regret, And you help somebody every chance you get, Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake, And always give more than you take.But more than anything, yeah, more than anything...

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to, Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small, You never need to carry more than you can hold, And while you're out there getting where you're getting to, I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too, Yeah, this, is my wish. Yeah, yeah.

Yeah, this, is my wish (my wish, for you).This is my wish (my wish, for you)I hope you know somebody loves you (my wish, for you).May all your dreams stay big (my wish, for you).

Pit-chas

I found this old picture of honey...I like it.
Whoa...one of my senior pictures. I look soo soo young, and way skinnier.

My dad took this pic in Alaska this past summer. He was fishing somewhere around here.


Josie Lynn. she so cute.

Late

I am up late...decided to organize my "office" this evening. I had intended to clean the house in general, but sometimes you just need to organize. Tonight I accomplished that. I still have lots of boxes from moving. Things that for whatever reason I am keeping all in those little boxes. So, I went through a lot and grouped things together, some stuff like old magazines I am getting rid of. My closet looks so much better. I even decorated a bit in there, hung a few pictures, it looks so much more homey. Now it is really late, and I need to go beddy by. I didn't do a devotion today. That bugs me. And, it should. I prayed off and on at different times, but I didn't actually have a prayer and reading time. I would think, what if Jesus came back today. Ugh, I don't want to miss it. We have to be living right, and be ready every day. We means me. Today is a new day, a new chance to make it right by Jesus today. Well, (I have noticed I say "well" at the end of nearly every blog) good night!

ha.ha.ha.

I don't even know what to blog...but I need to do something or momma will be on to me. :)

It is 11:24 at night, and I am still awake. My house smells like Bacon. Yes, Bacon. I am making soup for a friend's daughter...and it requires...are you ready?? TWO pounds of bacon. ugh..I don't even wanna think about that fat and calorie count. Sho nuff is good though. It's my dad's recipe. He makes it with Salmon. I am not a salmon fan at all, but I will eat this soup. So good. He got it in Alaska from where he went fishing. And...I am glad he doesn't read the blogs (momma don't you show him) so that he would see me admitting to the fact that it really is good. haha. I am not a fish fan, and he is always saying its "chicken" so I will eat it. Though now I know it really is fish, not chicken. I wuv my dad...all he needs is Jesus, then he'd be perfect.

My feeties hurt. I am so glad tomorrow is Friday. I want to cherish each day, life is a gift, but the weekends are nice for relaxing too sometimes. :)

I am making my puppies a doggy bed for outside...dad built them a huge insulated dog house so now i need something cushy for the floor. To buy a dog house is soo expensive. So, I am making my own. Fleece was on sale at wally world, and I got some stiffer fabric to actually hold the cedar shavings, the fleece will cover that. The shape will be basically a huge pillow.

Well, I am tired. Guess what...no matter who is president, JESUS IS IN CONTROL!!

Tis the Season for Holiday Catalogs

Tis the season to receive catalogs in the mail. Every trip to the mailbox ends with an armload of slick holiday catalogs. Each one claims to offer me something I need—immediately. “Don’t wait!” “Limited offer!” “Order now!”

The lure works. I open the pages to discover what I didn’t know I needed. Sure enough, I see things that suddenly seem essential, even though a few minutes earlier I didn’t know they existed. Manufacturers use catalog illustrations to create desire for their products.
In a way, Christians are God’s catalogs. We are His illustration to the world of what He has to offer. His work in our lives makes us a picture of qualities that people may not know they need or want until they see them at work in us.

Jesus prayed that His followers would be unified so the world would know that God sent Him and loved them as God loved Him (John 17:23). When Christ is alive in us, we become examples of God’s love. We can’t manufacture love. God is the manufacturer, and we are His workmanship.

As you browse holiday catalogs, consider what the “catalog” of your life says about God. Do people see qualities in you that make them long for God? — Julie Ackerman

What does the world see in usThat they can’t live without?Do they see winsome qualitiesAnd love that reaches out? —Sper

As a Christian, you are “God’s advertisement.” Do people want what they see in you?

Goals

Tonight, I accomplished one of my super short term goals. I cleaned up my kitchen. I didn't get to the floors or anything, but I did organize some of my pantry, unloaded and loaded the dishwasher, and cleaned the counter tops.

I also went grocery shopping tonight. And, told someone God bless you. That's sort of a goal, I want to get better about bringing God into my daily conversation. I talked with the cashier tonight about church service and so on. I am not boasting...I hope it doesn't sound that way. But the Lord's return is so near, I need to be sharing more. And I don't need to make it hard either. I watched the video on Jessa's blog the Nicole C Mullen song I think is called "One Touch". Shew that song. I heard it a long time ago, but the message is still the same and so real, so true, so touching. Of course it would be, it's based off of one of the famous Bible accounts of the woman with the issue of blood. Back to goals right, tell more people about Jesus.

Third goal, to make a uplifting soul searching CD for a friend of mine who again, needs Jesus. I may say that a lot, but its my life. Without God I am nothing, I would probably be plumb crazy. That may be blunt, but it's true. To have lost my husband and not have had God, I believe I would be out of it this very moment. I have to be real, He is my all in all. I am absolutely nothing without God. Truly every day I need Him like I need air, food, water....God help me to go deeper. Anyway, back to the CD. I have a friend struggeling with some things that only God can deliver them from. I have been thinking of making them a CD of songs I have heard over a period of time that I felt would be a encouragement and light to their path to the Lord. Which, I believe they will find. I have faith in the prayers more than one of my friends have prayed for this person. So, I have been looking into songs, and hopefully will get the CD done this week.

Four...blogging. I have been slacking. So here I am. Not big goals, but goals none the less. Good night, love yall.

Been Awhile...

My mom asked me this evening, why I don't blog anymore. I said I do, she said soemthing to the effect of, well it's been awhile. So, here I am. Blogging.

It's been another crazy quick week. Currently I am sitting in my bedroom, and have a bit of a headache, but relishing the time to just relax. Work has been really busy this week, and my co worker has had a rough week. Her daughter has been in premature labor for awhile, and they keep giving her those shots to keep the labor from coming. She has been on complete bed rest for probably over a month. Well, she finally had the baby about a month early this past week. He was doing great, but then she got a call wednesday and took off shortly there after. I haven't seen her since wednesday, please pray for the little boy and the family. I am sure she would appreciate it. Friday was a big day at work. Everyone seems to really get into halloween there. I am not a big halloween fan, I guess its up to everyones own convictions. I did participate in my groups costume thing we were the 101 dalmations, so I wore ears and a collar. We did win best group. Then there was a big picnic at lunch time. I am fairly sure I consumed atleast 5000 calories that day...ugh. Okay, so I'm not really sure, but it definitely wasn't a calorie countin' day. Friday night we had a hallelujah fall festival at church. There was food and then games for the kids, it was nice to see some different ones from the public coming in. Those manning the stations were encouraged to dress up as a character in the Bible. My dad even came, praise the Lord. He and momma were Adam and Eve. They wore all black outfits, with the names adam and even on their tops. He dressed up, can you believe that. Whoa, I was surprised. I was queen esther. Reusing my juliette costume I had gotten for VBS at Antioch about three years back. It was a fun and long day. Today, we went to a baby shower for some friends of ours, and this girl is so cool. She is so put together, when I say that, I mean she is methodic in her actions and reactions. I am such a quick responder, sometimes not thinking things through. She is so just her, take her or leave her. She just such a joy to watch as a person. It is hard to explain, but I really feel such a sincere heart in her. It is such a blessing to see.
Tonight the BSU football game is on, 35-0 currently. So far they are undefeated!! Go Broncos! I really need to get this house cleaned. But currently lack motivation. Well, have a good night everyone. Jesus loves YOU!

Vote.

A week from now, we will be a short time away from finding out who the next President of the United States of America will be. I know the Lord's will, will be accomplished. This world is coming to an end in short order, and what's meant to be will be. I will be voting for McCain-Palin. Though I have seen quite a bit of fun being poked at Palin, to me she seems a fresh face who just needs some more PR experience. All of this is sort of over my head, but I really want McCain to win. I feel safer with him. Plus, they support the "big" issues I am for. I hope and pray they win, but know whatever is meant to be in this late hour before the Lord's return, will happen. So, go VOTE!

First things first

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Nephew, Michael Stephens. I love you and hope you have an amazing birthday!!!

Secondly, Happy Birthday to my awesome Cousin, Troy!!! I love you and hope today is one of the best birthdays ever!!!

Lastly....I got a new hair cut last night. I got a lot more layers added, but i like them. They aren't heavy layers, but fairly light and flowy. And my bangs are finally growing out, as is the zit on my nose, finally going away!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

I have two loaves a mini bowl baking in the oven. I am giving the two loaves away to neighbors, and the mini bowl (I didn't find a tiny loaf pan) is for me to make sure its okay first, without ruining the loaves. I didn't have enough banana's...:(...I thought that two would be okay, but they turned out to be TOOOOO ripe. So I only have 4 bananas, the recipe called for 6. And, I used a different kind of flower. I think its stone ground whole wheat or something. I don't know.

Also, I got my front and back yard mowed. WOOHOO! Thank the Lord!! I didn't know if I would have enough time, because it starts to get dusk around 7:15. I still need to trim the back yard, and prune the trees and bushes. But its a start.

Well, have a good night!

Pictures!!

My door! and...that cat isn't mine...it's the neighbors.

Red,Red,Red!!

I am painting my front door red! Woohoo! Pictures will follow when it is completed. As it is outdoors, it is oil based, thus taking a bit longer to dry.But, so far I am pleased with the color. I didnt want something too burgandy-ish, nor something to orangey. I guess if you have seen my couches in person, which most haven't it is fairly close to that. Kind of a ruby red, bright but not orange and definiately not burgandy. I only haveone coat on it at this point, so we will see if i like the finished product. :)

October 15th

Is the day my friend will give birth to her very first child. Please be in prayer for my friend Erin tomorrow as she goes into a C section around 8am MST. They have waited to find out the sex of the baby until the birth, which I think is so neat. I rodeoed with this girl, well we were rodeo queens at the same time, and since then she is one of the few I have remained in contact with. She has been a great friend, and I am so happy for her and her hubby. I have known him a long time as well. His grandparents lived next door to mine. Anyway, Happy Soon to be Birthday little baby!!

Today was much more autumn-ish,and much less winter-esque. YAY. I hope tomorrow is the same way. Tomorrow is CORN MAZE DAY!!! woohoooooo.

At work today, I had a good day. The Lord has been helping me with my frantic-ness, and I am thankful. It was just a pretty good day at work!

God is so good, and His mercy endures forever. I thank the Lord for His deliverance from all the things we let weigh us down.

I hope everyone has a good night.

brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

It is so windy and cold here!! The snow didn't stick in the valley, but the foot hills and mountains are covered. That is so cool to look out the window and see. Especially where I work, which is close to the foothills and a closer up view of the mountains, it was really pretty this morning driving back home.

I just got on one of the local news stations and it is 46 degrees right now, but the wind chill brings it down to 38 degrees. It is supposed to warm up by next weekend though, high is 70 for Friday. That is good. I just hope it is nice on Wednesday, I am going to the corn maze, and it would be nice if it was nice and fally, just not so wintery yet. :)

Have a good day, I am ready to watch a movie or something.

December??

We got our first snow today. Shew it was falling big and fast, but didn't start to stick right away because it was to warm outside. It was really slushy and just cold. I don't know if I have ever seen it snow in October. BRRRR.

Hi

This week has flown by again. Seems like that is all that happens anymore.

It is finally cold cold here in Idaho. We have been hearing the word "snow" in the weather forecasts for tonight. That would be pretty cool. Although, I do not relish the long commute in snow. I don't like bad roads. Fresh snow is fine, its not toooo bad, but at high speeds, eck.

Hoping to get my shed in place Sunday afternoon or Monday. It has been waiting at my parents until I get my space ready. I was going to put it at the back of my fence, but I think I have changed my mind.

I am painting my front door too, bright red. Not quite fire engine red, but not to far from it. I can't remember the name of the color, but I hope it turns out pretty. I need to do it soon before it turns rainy or to cold to dry. I am thinking this weekend.

Work is so so so busy. I sit down nearly all day, but come home physically tired. I am thankful for a job, just pray for me to keep my wits about me and work my hardest, and stay happy and joyful. Its possible with God. All things are possible with Him.

Good night, Jesus loves YOU!

Rain Rain Rain

Okay, so rain is good, and a blessing for the land, but I am ready for some sunshine! I am gettinga shed for my back yard and I am ready for my yard to dry up a bit so I can get it in here without tearing things up to much.

Today was a good day. Although I guess I should start with yesterday first. We (my family)celebrated my grandpa's 76th birthday and went out to a new restaurant in the area. My grandma also turns 70 today, their birthdays are very close. So we kind of celebrated both at the same time. It was fun. I got chicken curry, it was okay, but I wish I had gotten something else. Was fun to go somewhere new and be with the family though. Now to today. I got to see lots more family. We celebrated my Cousin Aubries first birthday. She got a doll that giggles when you squeeze it, and she would laugh back at it. SO cute. I hope she had a really good day. I got to see my cousin's Troy, Jennifer, Marissa, and Josh by marriage...and Aubrie...who is my cousin technically, but it feels weird beings she is so much younger, so I call myself Aunt Kasey. Josh (her daddy) told me to do it too, so its all good. She is so cute. I wish I had brought my camera so I could show some pictures. She really liked getting to eat her cake, which was all over her little hands, and surprisingly not to much was on her face!

I need to get off here now, but thank the Lord for a day surrounded by family. My dear family, I love you. May God lead and guide you and bless you as you bless Him. I LOVE YOU!!!

Missing Him

I miss Damon. A lot. I don't talk about it a lot because I don't want to come off as complaining or ungrateful or whatever. I am so blessed to have had him as my husband. I can't ever thank the Lord enough for giving me Damon. I know it was time for Damon to go home, and I am happy for him. I miss him though, a lot. I love my husband, and miss him. Say a prayer for me please. God has kept me, sustained me, and held me this far. He won't let go now.

Happy Friday

It's Friday, goodness, again! The weeks seem to fly by anymore.

I kinda had a rough day. Work is sooo so busy. And, to be honest, I didn't handle the stress very well. I would think from time to time, that I needed to check my attitude because my coworkers areseing my reaction, essentially my witness. Please just say a prayer for me, that I can better know how to handle the situations. I am so thankful for my job, the Lord has continued to provide for me and I don't want to grumble like I did today.

This weekend will be really busy, so I need to get to bed. We are celebrating my Grandpas birthday tomorrow evening, and my little cutie Cousin Aubrie's very first first first birthday on Sunday afternoon.

Watched Facing the Giants tonight, that movie is so great. Good night.

Time?

Has escaped me!! Seems like time flies anymore! I work sort of an odd shift and it puts me getting home a bit later, just seems to make my days fly by.

If you haven't read emily's LJ I actually got her hooked on a song. I am so "jazzed" about that as she would say. I am really impressed with the "new" old artist, Brandon Heath. I guess he is new to singing but from what I have read, has been writing songs for awhile. There is another group I am liking, Addison Road, and...the song Innocent by Stellar Kart. That song is so good. I have been listening to a new radio station, can you tell?? In Nashville I listened to the Southern Gospel station a lot, and the Fish, but here I haven't found a Southern Gospel station, and so I found this station and for the most part really like the songs. I sound repetitive. Next...

It was in the 80's today, to warm for almost October. I can hardly believe tomorrow begins October. Again, time flys...flies?? whichever.

Good night for now.

Pray On...

I really enjoy that song. It speaks to my soul. Sometimes you just want to flat give up on situations, people...etc...but you can't. If you quit praying, then what? What if someone gave up on you, where would you be today? God help me to pray on, even when I don't see my prayers being answered. God is always always always, on time.

Hmmm...I was thinking of typing something else, but it has left me. I guess I am drawing a blank on blogging lately. Not much has been going here. Just working a LOT. Which is a big blessing. I am enjoying my job, although Friday was sort of hectic. I felt like I made a lot of mistakes, which in reality there was only a few...but you still want to do your best ya know? It is getting darker earlier here. It's dark or pretty close by around 7:30 now. I miss the summer because it was light until around 9:30 or maybe a bit later. That was nice. But the autumn air is here, and oh so nice!! There is a corn maze not that far away, and I really want to go!! Something about corn husks, pumpkins, apple cider...all things fallish.

Well, time to clean the house!! Night yall.

Prayer

Please pray for me. I have something going on in my life that I need the Lord's help with.

I Don't Know About You..

...but yesterday was just one of those weird days. I struggled with just plain down-ness, but not like ultra depressive, just lightly melancholy I guess. Then when I got home, it seemed I had no patience. I was thinking later on that evening, how we are encouraged in the Advice to Members, not to act differently at home than we would in public. Would I want my co workers or neighbors to see the impatience I had last night?? The answer is no. As I was reading this morning's devotion, I wanted to share part of it with you all. I share it as a human being realizing I need all the help from the Lord I can get, because I am truly in need of His guidance and help. More of Him, less of me.

"Patience gives us the privilege of sharing the refreshing fruit of God with others." — Joe Stowell

"Our wrath uncurbed will not fulfillGod’s perfect plan for us;We must be patient and refuseTo fret, to fume, to fuss." —Sper

"Be patient. Show your world what God is really like."

Heat

I turned the heat on this morning...the house was down to 68. Someone said night before last that it got down to 31 degrees. It doesnt feel that cold to me...but I like fall.

Please pray for me to get up earlier in the morning....because I go to work late, I get up around 7:15 to7:30. I ultimately would like to get up by 6:30. Which means going to bed earlier...and, if you would...I would like yall to pray I could get hired on in a different position to the earlier shift. It starts at 7:00 and gets off at 3:30. Thats the one, I would really like.

I still haven't made my pie, maybe tonight. Tonight I have lots to do. I need to mow my lawn, clean the kitchen..so on. I wish my house had a fire place. Wouldn't that be cool! Ultimale fall ambiance.

Well everyone have a good day! Love Jesus!

Randomness

This is the view I woke up to this morning...ahh...I am so thankful for this.
I thought this was cute, Abby and Tigger sleeping (sort of)

Bathroom pic with new paint...can't really tell the wall color to well.

This is the color scheme though.

Here's another bathroom pic, a little bit better for seeing wall color.

This is my beautiful buffalo chicken pizza. Damon was huge buffalo chicken fan, so that was one thing I learned how to make pretty quickly. This is a variation of it.

Store bought dough, use ranch dressing for the sauce, sautee diced onions in olive oil and butter, then add chicken and hot sauce to same pan as onions...cook until chicken is done. Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder. Put the chicken mixture on top of the sauce, and top with mozzarella cheese (as much as you want). YUM.

Rise and Shine

And give God the glory, glory. Today is the first official day of Fall! Happy Fall Y'all....

Feel it in the Air?

The season of baking is on!!! Woohoo! I think I am going to attempt a cranberry apple pie. I was grocery shopping today and saw canned apple cranberry pie filling, I thought I could do that on my own...so I will attempt it soon. :)

I like my bathroom more and more...its kind of hard to get a good shot though...Its a light tealish/blue color, with chocolate brown accents. If that helps.

Thats it for now!

Yay!!

I have my outdoor fall decorations up!!! :) My interior colors are sort of fall'ish to begin with, so that is nice.

Tomorrow I am painting my bathroom....I had a color idea in mind...and I went and got some paint, and put a test up on the wall, I am not really enthused about it but maybe it will look different to have the whole bathroom painted. If I like it and get it all finished, I may post pics.

Well, thats it for now...have a great night.

Appreciate

Appreciate what you have, when you have it, try not to complain. I have been feeling that so much more these past couple of years, or atleast year and a half...we have really, nothing to complain about. I know life is hard...I know, but really our worst day is still a day to praise the Lord because each breath is a gift from Him. I know I have been saying this a lot lately, I guess it's just on my mind/heart. There were things I would ask Damon to let me be in charge of concerning our marriage...but in reality...I am so thankful now for the example he led in how he took care of everything. He was upright and saught the Lord for so much. I appreciate him.

The zuchini bread turned out grrrreat!!! Yumola.

I'm tired..honestly I think I was going to write something else, but I don't remember now...so, good night and I pray that each one of you that read my blog are blessed, comforted, and led by the Lord tonight.

Fruit of the Garden

Someone elses...but a blessing none the same. My co worker gave me zuchini...so I am making zuchini bread! YUM It's in the oven now...hopefully it turns out well!

Thank the Lord

I feel lots better. Shew...Sunday and Yesterday were rough. But today has been better!

I would blog, but I am feeling lack of motivation right now.

Tonight's service was a really heavy service, the topic was Hell. It was done in a way to show the love of God, Him not wanting us to go there and how Hell wasn't created for us. But how we make the decision whether we make Heaven or not. By our actions, living for Him. I know one thing, I want to GO TO HEAVEN. That means obeying the Lord in all that I know to do. I know the Lord will help me to do just that.

I guess I sort of just blogged...

Pray Please

I am sick. Sinuses...headache. I need prayer.

Yard Work

I mowed my front yard today...first time in about three weeks. With it cooling down here it hasn't grown nearly as fast, but definitely needed it. I even weeded for awhile. I also need to mow the back yard. It's funny, or lazy..one of the two, but I think I have mowed both the back and the front of my lawn at the same time, maybe only 2-3 times. I seem to always mow them seperately.

Been fighting a sinus/cold issue lately, but feels sorta like I am on the upside of it now. Hopefully and prayerfully so.

I went to work today for some over time, so I was up pretty early for a saturday morning. Ready for a nap! But I am glad that I have a job where going in extra is a pleasant experience. I am very very thankful!! Another blessing, I got my oil changed and tires rotated...and I DIDN'T need an alignment. I thought I probably would because the place where I got my tires said I did. But the Chevrolet dealership said it was fine. YAY!

You can tell fall is coming here in Idaho. The air has a bit fo a colder snap to it, I really enjoy this time of year. I just need to put up a fall decoration on my front door and do my porch rails. I have my centerpiece on my coffee table all done up. It is sooo cute. I have pics, just haven't uploaded them onto here. I got these cute little decorative balls for my birthday, they are covered in little pieces of wood, or shells, and then I entertwined some old leaf garland and cinnamon sticks and its just cute. And cheap, thats always helpful.

Well, momma just called and my cousin and her hubby, and their uber cute baby is on the way, so I shall go.

No Words

This subject has been talked about quite a bit recently, at least I have noticed. I am talking about Thankfulness. This world is LITERALLY full of people who are lost and undone without God. Even as a Christian we sometimes tend to make it harder on ourselves by worrying, fretting, etc..but can you imagine living life without God?? I don't want to. Each human being in this world can reach out to God at some point, He is waiting with arms wide open. I pray that my friend and family, will accept Him soon. I am no better than anyone...seems like I fail more than I succeed sometimes...a lot of times. If you are reading this, God loves you...whether you are serving Him or not. He loves you and wants to be your All in All. Serving God doesn't mean your world will be perfect or easy, it just means God will be there through it all carrying you, instead of you carrying the world on your shoulders. I have lost my husband, I am a young widow, I am telling you I would be crazy if it HADN'T been for JESUS! God is real enough to feel, to breath in His presence...the night Damon passed away and I came home and everyone was waiting there at our house...there was a glow to that room. There was peace. No, everything wasn't peachy, everything wasn't great, in fact, it was horrible...BUT GOD WAS THERE TO HOLD ME IN THE PAIN. To hold Damon's family, and mine. I could almost see Him. I wish that I could make you see that Jesus is real. I wish I could bottle His presence and give you a sample so you could feel Him. I can't do that, all I can do is tell you what HE has done for me. I don't really know why I have went into all this...I guess it started because I have seen some things today to remind me of how much this world needs God to give them peace, to set them free from sin. God didn't have to show His love to me, but He did, and I am so grateful. He is trying to show it to everyone else too.

Today

Trying to go in early. I am so NOT a morning person!!

Thanks

Thanks for all the birthday well wishes! Yesterday was a pretty good day.

Even though I have only been working with the company I am at for about three weeks, they got a birthday card and had the department sign it and sent out an email about my birthday. They also had one girl bake something and bring for everyone to share in honor of my birthday. Isn't that sweet? I think so. Another girl in the office actually shares my birthday, except she turned 33. When I got back from lunch, which my Aunt Molly took me out to an asian restaurant, therewas a big bouquet of flowers on my desk from my mom and dad. It had Sunflowers, one of my favorite, gerbera daisies, little cream colored carnations, day lilies, and some other flower that I can't remember the name of.

When I got home from work last night, mom called me and said dinner was ready. So I even got dinner made for me. All in all, it was a pretty good day. I got lots of texts, my space comments, facebook wall posts, blog posts and comments, so thank you.

I hope everyone has a good day. Please pray, I have a special request for a friend of mine, they need the Lord to intervene for their soul. Thanks.

Twenty Six

So, the things that have happened in my twenty six years, and the things I have learned.

1. I was born and blessed with two amazing parents. Both have taught and influenced me in two completely opposite, but mostly awesome ways.

2. Rodeo and my horse Salty were my childhood. I feel that I learned a lot of responsibilty from this, taking care of my horses, cleaning my equipment, practicing, etc.. I am glad that this was a part of my childhood.

3. I still remember the summers spent riding bikes with my cousin's, going down to the creek and watching them spear succer fish with the end of a broken fishing pole, and waking the neighbor up to bring her her newspaper.

4. Life doesn't always turn out the way you planned, but you have to roll with the punches and praise God in all things, because ALL THINGS work together to the good of them that love God.

5. My Deendee made (and it will never change in my mind, I HIGHLY doubt it will anyway) the BEST pancakes on the face of the planet. She even got real Mrs Butterworths syrup.

6. Walking in a warm evening rain...is one of the most calming things to do.

7. I sang a beach boys song for my Senior English class assignment, in front of the class. SO embarassing.

8. Time does NOT make pain go away, it only makes it less frequent and more bearable.

9. I got my drivers licenst at age 15, but "back then" Idaho law said you had to be 16 to drive at night...so, I drove to a friends house only to be picked up by my not so enthused mom that evening, because I didn't think ahead and realize I wouldn't be back before dark.


10. People come in and out of your lives, they affect you in different ways. You determine whether they affect your life to the good or the bad, and you also determine how you affect THEIR life, to the good or the bad. So live honestly, and wisely, and completely.

11. To the best of your ability, live your life with no regrets. Tomorrow is not guaranteed and each day is A GIFT from God. Whether you recognize it or not.

12. My dad was and is the "great white hunter" and I enjoyed being his side kick on hunting trips. I shot and killed my first and only elk at age 14 on a tag hunt in the month of December. I would really enjoy going hunting again.

13. I now like hot sauce, and buffalo chicken because of my husbands love of nearly all things spicy.

14. I cherish the memories of the boys coming down to the house, all three of them, spending the night and crashing on the floor and couch ending up in all different ways and directions by morning.

15. I loathed the chores mom made me do growing up, BUT now as an adult I understand why she had me to them. AND, further more I now appreciate it.

16. Jesus is and will always be the Answer to everything. At age 16 He became the keeper of my heart. Thank the Lord!!

17. Marriage centered around Jesus, is one of the greatest gifts you can ever recieve in life.

18. Heaven WILL be worth it all.

19. I remember riding my moms horse Leo up the pasture hill at a lope then falling off on purpose once I reached our dry lot...I thought it was fun.

20. I am so glad for good friends. Thank the Lord for them.

21. The south holds a special place in my heart.

22. I am thankful for Damon's family, I have learned a lot from them. I LOVE them.

23. Never give up on prayer, even if you don't see results immediately. Someone's situation or soul could depend on you, GOD IS ALWAYS ON TIME!

24. Time passes so quickly, years go by in the blink of an eye. Cherish each second as much as you can. It's hard to remember that somtimes though.

25. Damon took me and Honey on a paint job with him, I think to goodlettsville, well the house had an abundance of frogs outside. Honey wanted to eat them...lol. Or chase them, whatever the case, apparently frogs have an acid on their skin that does not permanently harm, but made honey literally foam at the mouth, in mass proportions. It freaked me out, but eventually she was all better. I loved those times, going on painting jobs with him.

26. As I turn 26, I want to bless the Lord, live FOR Him, grow IN Him, and face each new day with thankfulness in my heart.