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!