Live From... (part I)

...the patio! I brought my camera out here to take picture...wouldn't ya know it. Its so dead it won't even turn on but to say, battery low. But, I did get my other pictures uploaded. All 380. Which for me is a lot. So I will post some today :)



This was a tree at my grandmas sister's house....i thot it was cool

same tree. :)

Here are the apricots I picked, they are in a grocery bag...and I just thought the lighting was cool.

Me and my momma...standing in front of an air conditioner. :)

Miss Perry and I at Emily's party...and that's Josh in the background.

The surprised birthday girl.

awwwwww......Morgan and Zach and Noah, all ready to go to the party.

Morgan and I at Palmas Verdes...she didn't mean to, but I think she touched my cheek with that tongue. YUCK lol

awww....mo and Yvonne

Somehow, I don't think he was a willing party for this peck on the cheek.

Him either...

My little Noah. I love my nephews.

Zacchaeus...he is so handsome. (I can't say cute anymore, or adorable...he's growing up you know ;)

Nada, Me, Noah..I will treasure these pictures.

Sore!!

Ouch! :) I got my Canopy set up tonight! All by myself. Well, me and Jesus. Cus' I was praying to get that final piece to work for me. I will have to take pictures tomorrow and post for everyone to see!! (altho, that may not happen, as I am HORRIBLE about that, and get lazy!) It looks sooooooooooooo cute. I am a bit sore from trying to maneuver it and put everything together, but am so pleased with the final outcome! God be with you all!

Flies

I got flies in my house. YUCK. I had a little BBQ last night and the sliding glass door kept getting opened to go in and out to the patio (which is fine, I wanted to leave it open) but now...I have FLIES.

The Details

So you all want job details...I will be working for a shipping company, I don't know if I can say the name because they have a lot of government dealings...so I don't want to get in trouble.

My hours are 9:30-6 PM with lots of over time if I want it. It's in the logistics field, which I have done for 6'ish years. Its in downtown Boise, the old part, which is kind of neat. Very historic and quant. I will like it, except the drive and parking garage stuff. My wage is the highest I have ever made. Which is great. Will help with the extra gas mileage. I start Monday! Right now I am a temp, but will be hired on in time if I do well with company. I have heard at that point that there benefits are amazing. If I am interested in 401 K they contribute 10% which I understand is very good.

In other news....I got some patio furniture today. I prayed before I left, because I wanted to find something I liked, but didn't break the bank. I found something at home depot that was soooo cute. I really liked it, but it BROKE the bank. I thought what would Damon think...and his answer woulda been it was to much. So I moved on. My very last stop of like 5 or 6 stops, I found furniture. They had their outdoor furniture at already clearance prices, then took an additional 50% off of that. I found a canopy thing...that was so cute and decorative!! I have wanted one of these for a long time...and really liked one at another store, but couldn't bring myself to spend the money they wanted for it. Though this one is different, its soooooo cute!! And I got a set of really good quality chairs for 1/3 of the regular price. They are in my favorite color family...blue...but more turquoise. OH MAN, praise the LORD! Now I just need to find a table and fire pit. In time...and when prices drop more!!

And He'll Do It Again!

Drum roll....I got a job!

The pay is grrrrrrrrrrrrreat. I interviewed today and was offered the job today! The HR person was super cool. I hope they will like me, and that I will like them. I start Monday!

A week or so...

So I have a temporary job for a week and a half'ish. I have an interview tomorrow for a permanent position...it's quite a commute. But the Lord knows. God knows about all of this...I am feeling very low right now. About several things, but things could be worse. Very worse as my dear friend says. I am trying to praise the Lord in all things...I know that sadness is an emotion the Lord gave us, we can use it to grow...or we can use it to wallow. I want to grow from it. There is a song that just came to mind, "through it all, I learned to trust in Him". I think those are the words...not sure.

Please pray for my interview tomorrow, and the one I had last week. I still haven't heard from them. THAT would be my ideal job, atleast I think...God knows the end from the beginning. But I still want it, Lord willing.

Seriously Great Quote

"Tact is the knack of winning a point without making an enemy."

Prayer

Hey everybody!

Thank the Lord for all He has done. My friend got married this weekend, I pray that she and her hubby find all that the Lord has for them and they are blessed as they bless HIM.

Tomorrow, I have a interview of sorts...its for a employment agency, so they are wanting to see if I could be a good fit for a position they have. I need a job soon, please keep prayin!

Shampooin/Cleanin/Applyin

Thats what I have done this morning. Shampooed my couch, cleaned it...whatever you call it. I used my little cleaner machine. I been vacuuming, and straightening the house. I started yesterday, need to finish today. In between all of that, I have been applying for jobs. There isn't as much out there as when I first moved here. I am trying to just be patient, but for a person like me, thats hard. I need to do my part by applying, God help me to do my part.

Tomorrow morning, I need to get up early and mow the lawn. Before it gets hot. It hasn't been to bad for August yet. August is usually 100-107 degrees...I think yesterday it was in the mid 90's, so it really has been mild. I can't believe its August already. Time is flying.

Well, I hope everyone has a good day.

Interivew Results

It went fairly well I thought...only a few bobbles. I don't feel I rambled nearly as much. They said this was the first step of interviews, that the top two or three would come back for a second interview. I was told, if I am selected for the 2 nd round, I will find out sometime next week. The job sounds interesting, and honestly..right up my allie. So, we shall see.

Thanks

Thanks for those who are praying, today at 10:30 Mountain Standard Time, which is 11:30 Nashville Time (central), I will be in my interview Lord willing. It's really close, about 10 minutes from my house, and in the edge of the country...heading out of town. Well, anyway...Just wanted to remind you all again, please pray. I know God will take care of me.

Remember...

tomorrow is my interview. So PLEASE pray.

Quote for Tuesday

Do you fear the gathering clouds of sorrow?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus;
Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?
Tell it to Jesus alone. —Rankin

Freezer Jam

I decided not to dry the apricots...and just make freezer Jam. Though I love the idea of being domestic, and like the finished product, the middle part gets to me. And, the apricots had gone way downhill, just from yesterday. So I blanched them then peeled the skins off and depitted them, then squished it all, strained the juice and added the freezer jam pectinc stuff and splenda. I think I might regret the splenda part. Real sugar just tastes better. All that work and one messy kitchen later, I got two 1.5 quart containers of apricot freezer jam. I think thats the measurement, not sure...Hopefully it will be good.

Guuuuuuuuuuuuess WHAT?!!

I have an interview WEDNESDAY!! I applied to this job such a long time ago, about a month I guess...before I ever got laid off. I thought they weren't interested. But, woo hoo. Larry called me this morning, so at 10:30 Wednesday morning...I will be in an interview. Pray I don't ramble...I am a rambler when I try to be myself, but impress. blech. I am SO excited. Not to mention...this is with a seed company, which means agriculture...farming, which fits with my college career test. SO, it might be something I could get a go in. Oh yes, I DID email BSU here, hopefully I can get something started soon.

Flattery

So, I noticed Erika's super cute blog...then Caetie's...so I hope you all don't mind, that the finest form of flattery has been bestowed upon you. In the form of copying...lol. Erika seems to find all of the coolest templates, they always hide from me, so thanks for having a cute blog!

Officially Official

I didn't get the job I interviewed for. I received an email today. Onto other things. God will not shut one door, without opening another. I just need to remember that, and TRUST.

Today, was spent with family...my Grandmother called me on Friday evening asking me if I wanted to come to her family's family reunion. Short notice, but I sort of thought I needed to go. SOOOO....its a long drive to where they live, about 2 and a half hours, so I was trying to find people to ride with me. Mom and I will be out of town next weekend too, because of a wedding that is far away, so she didn't want to be gone two weekends in a row. So I got a hold of my cousin from my other side of the family, and she went with me. Made the trip much more easy. I was blessed and thankful to spend the time with her. Though I didnt know 1/3 of the people there, I went to show my grandmother that I cared about her and loved her and wanted to be a support. So, now I am home...and today has been a lot of driving.

I picked a bunch of apricots while at the reunion, so I want to make some jam, and freeze some apricots to eat. Anything home grown, tastes so much better. Maybe its because its allowed to reach ripeness.

Pray for me, I am going to be applying to and calling more places tomorrow.

College??

So, I took a career test...to be honest some of the answers were not surprising at all...others were. MY LEAST liked profession...clerical?? Go figure...I didnt expect that, since thats what I do. So...now I need to talk to an advisor, and see what kind of positions there are in my top picks.

Percentile Profile
Scale
Percentile
Outdoors
99
Food Service
80
Writing
77
Administration
74
Industrial Art
66
Art
60
Teaching / Social Service
60
Science
32


Understanding Your Lowest Interest Scores

Scores below 30 are considered "low scores" and are just as important as high scores. Low scores do not necessarily mean you lack skill in these areas; rather they indicate a lack of interest or dislike for certain activities. You will be happier if you avoid professions that require you to perform tasks for which you have little interest. Understanding what jobs to avoid can save you time and prevent costly career or educational mistakes.
Percentile Profile
Scale
Percentile
Clerical
13
Assertive
20
Systematic
21
Sales
23
Health Service
28
Persuasive
31
Personal Service
31

Your lowest interest score was on Clerical. You're not likely to be fulfilled doing routine office work that involves filing, record-keeping, word processing, operating office machines, attending to details, and other repetitive office tasks. You also showed low interest in Assertive, so you wouldn't be fulfilled working in situations where you were frequently required to assert authority over others, and to direct and monitor their work. Your low score on Systematic means that you dislike routine assignments in which order and persistent, steady effort are required. Job security is not so important to you. Plus, you can tolerate frequent schedule changes and situations in which you must make quick decisions.

Pray NOW Please

I just got laid off. PLEASE pray for me to find a job. I HAVE to work. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pray for me.

ugh

I need to post pics from TN. I had such a wonderful, sad, amazing, ponder-ative-time. I guess its weird to compile those words in describing one thing/place/event, but its how I feel. I looove TN because its a part of my life with Damon. I have many wonderful memories of our life together. Yet, it also reminds me that he and I are no longer together. He is in Heaven, and I am here. So, it brings many feelings, but in the end I am so blessed and grateful (greatful?) that I was able to go. NOW, if I could get the motivation to go get the camera chord and post some pictures. :)

I rode my horse again last night. I was riding her bareback again, with just the halter and leadrope. Well, I was riding her back to the pasture on the pavement, mind you she was a bit more energetic this night, and I was carrying two
FLYMASKS (one very similar to this, and another which also had ear protectors, these keep the flies/insects out of the horses eyes, and it is made of a net material that you can see through) when I remember to pray that I would be safe...my horse is tall and the pavement is hard. So while trying to stay on and carry stuff aboard my uber fun, pretty, and extra energetic horse, I noticed she started to stare at a certain area. Meaning...she was a little bit anxious as to what it was...meaning, she could scare at it and dump me on the ground. Well, sure enough, her fears came to life and she sort jumped to the side from whatever she was trying to avoid. Thank the Lord, I held on and didnt fall off. I love being with her and taking care of her, its wonderful. Thank the Lord for my horsey.

Well, I haven't heard anything on the job :( so I guess it isn't good. Oh well, though I REALLY wanted it, it must not be God's will for me right now. I hope you all had a great day.

Thoughts for Today

When all the pictures of our life are laid on the table,
they will reveal our recurring words and actions.
What story will they tell?
It’s worth considering as we make our choices each day. — David C. McCasland


God has given life abundant—
Live it fully every day;
Though our time on earth is fleeting,
He goes with us all the way. —Hess

It’s not how long you live that counts, but how you live.

Look up Psalm 90

We all have things were are going through right now. Some may seem bigger than others, but to us each of our trials are of huge importance. God be with all of you right now.

Job Interview

I had my job interview today. It seems it went fairly well, the benefits and pay are wonderful, but God knows. Do you ever feel like you RAMBLE?!?! grrrrrrr It's in education, like what I did in Nashville, so thats cool, because I enjoyed it for the most part.

Pray for me, I need direction in a certain area of my life. The Lord knows, I just want to be in His will.

Still need to post pics...right now, I am headin to momma and daddy's.

Quick Trip

I was blessed to be able to return to Tennessee for a short weekend. It was Em's big birthday bash, so I decided to surprise her. Will post pics on that later, I am tired...and its 1 am and I have to be to work in 7 and a half hours. I am so so so thankful I got to go this weekend. I missed my nephews, I wish I could have seen Michael. But it was good to hug and kiss Zac and Noah. I got to see my lovely sister in law, and bound to make you smile brother in law, my wonderful Mom in law, and Dad in law....I got to see the people I used to work with. It was just a great short weekend. I visited my sweet Damon's grave. Being back there brought back so many memories...good, but hard memories. I truly miss my husband. I got to see my amazing church family. I love them, and was thankful to be back with them for a service. My and Mo hung out for a while, that child...young woman....she is so funny. I am just so happy I got to go to tennessee!!! It was bittersweet. They buried Lolo today, and I feel for Melvin and her son and the whole family. Just pray for them. I drove the old ways to different places, it's hard to believe Damon isn't right there with me, well, me there with him. I love him, always. I love you Tennesee, and all those in that state that hold a piece of my heart. God speed.

Laundry Queen!

I am SO proud of myself. HA! There are a few things, i.e chores, that are not my favorite. Laundry and dishes. I am thankful I have laundry to wash and dishes to eat off of, so I don't want to complain too much, but those are just two things that aren't my cup of tea. I don't mind cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, dusting...so on. But last night and today I have folded about 4 loads of laundry. GO ME. What is actually weirder, or would it be more weird?? Anyway, is it was almost relaxing. WHOA...I know something strange is going on now. Seriously.

Abby and I went on another bike ride tonight, she did really good. I am proud of how good she is becoming. She still gets a bit sidetracked over barking dogs, but for this only being her second biking trip I say she is doing pretty good. I realized the other night, I haven't taken a picture of my horse and put it on here. So after Annie gets a bath, everyone will get to see her. I love her a lot. Last night, I brought her from the pasture to mom and dad's and brushed her down, then got her tail and mane all combed out, picked her hooves out so they were clean. Yes I "picked" her hooves out. The tool you use is called a "hoof pick" and they look similar to THIS . After that I sprayed her down with fly spray so she wouldn't be bothered so much, then I hopped up on her bareback. Okay, so I didn't hop...I used the fence....but I got on her bareback and rode her around a little bit then rode her back to the pasture. I was so proud of her, because I haven't ridden regularly for so long, she is very heard bound with the other horses. If she is away from them, but can hear them whinneying (is that how you spell that) she acts silly and prances around, wanting to get back to them. But you could tell she was enjoying the time I was spending on her, and even behaved herself as we were walking towards her buddies. Thank the Lord for my horsey. I have a picture of Damon on her, I think its on her, or maybe its Butchy, our other horse. :)

My birthday is coming up soon, I will be closer to thirty than twenty...ugh...I am thinking 26 is going to be a hard age for me. Every day is a blessing from God, I guess its just a mental thing of feeling "old". I am wanting to go somewhere for my birthday, not sure where though.

Oh and please pray, I have a job interview on Monday in the education field, which is what I did in Nashville. It sounds like a great job, God knows my needs, just pray all goes well. I am thankful to have a job right now, but I am struggling with it, and God knows my heart. I want to be thankful for everything I have, not complaining.

Please pray for Lolo's family, especially Melvin and her children. God is able to keep them and hold them right now. There are many others suffering right now, Buster's family, Lance's Family, Megan and Ricky's Family, just pray for them all. Love you guys.

Tuesday Night

What to blog...what to blog...

Well, I got Damon's bike all fixed up. Not that it was messed up to begin with, but it hadn't been ridden in a long time and so mom found a guy on craigslist who does bike repair. He fixed the tires and basically tuned it up. So tonight, Abby and I had our first training session. I eventually want her to be one of those super cool dogs that runs beside their master on the bike, flawlessly, and gets a great work out and pays attention to the road ahead not getting sidetracked and stopping at everything. Tonight started out a bit rough, but by the end of the short ride (one time around a little loop in my neighborhood) she was doing GREAT!! I was super proud of her.

Mom gave me her bread oven, so tonight, if I have time, I may give her a try. I have made home made bread before and it was good, but Damon and I didn't eat bread quick enough so it molded. He didn't like bread that had been frozen, since I don't mind bread that has been frozen I can make a bunch up and freeze it. Thereby saving mula. Which Damon would be proud of me for doing. :) I am also going to attempt biscuits, because i had the grand idea, which I stole from Rachel I believe, to make breakfast sandwiches that I can freeze, then just pop in the microwave in the mornings.

thats it for now...goodnight. Jesus loves you and likes you!

Prayer

Please pray for me, if you read this.

Becky's Game

Though, not really a game, just a interesting thing to do...enjoy.

Memories:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that we had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot; anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses.If you leave a memory about me, I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. Have Fun!

Friday, YAHOO!

Friday and Saturday are my two favorite days of the week. Tonight we had dinner with family friends, they grilled ribs, and had beans, salad, and oriental salad (momma made)and juice water. I am a new fan of juice water. Instead of drinking straight juice, which I love love love juice. Okay like...you mix it with a 1/4 water or half water, less calories but still juice. YUM

Tomorrow I need to mow my lawn, and want to go swimming at mom and dad's. I got my new book off ebay today, or was it yesterday, yea yesterday. I am excited to start it. Ebay books are way cheaper. I am into the whole amish story line. Have even looked into going to Lancaster County, wouldn't that be awesome. Damon would shake his head and smile at me...hehe. I miss him, shew he was so loveable huggable kissable, unbelievable. Okay so I stole a line from a song. If you read this Tammy Hart...you're so vain...the first movie Damon and I watched together when we first met, at the Branscum home, was How to Lose a Guy in 10 days...ha, not the greatest movie, but that song stuck with us.

Guess that is it, goodnight everyone.

Feels Different

I am feeling weird lately, emotionally. I really just need prayer. I know time makes things better, never easier, but the pain is less frequent. I MISS Damon, naturally. My life feels sort of empty? Is that okay? I want God to be my all in all, so am I failing? Or is the part He created when He said it wasn't good for Adam to dwell alone, is that the part that feels empty?? I don't understand my emotions. I miss Damon so much. Life is good, I have many blessings, family near, a new home, health, I am deeply blessed. God has saw fit to reveal so many things to me, and I am a child of the KING, PRAISE THE LORD. So is the emptiness normal? I don't want to be lacking Him or failing in anything. I miss life with Damon, everyday life, everything about him. I need prayer, understanding, and kind advice.

Encouraging Thought Today

"When I consider all the wonderful things that God does silently on my behalf each day, I realize that my list of praises should be much longer than my list of petitions."

Isaiah 25: 8-9

8He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.
9And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Naptime

Yesterday after morning service, I came home and took a nap. A BIG nap. I slept for about four hours I guess. So much so, that I thought 7 was 6 and my mom came looking for me saying they had been in service for an hour and she was worried about me. I said, its 6 o'clock, she said no it isn't. Sure enough, I don't know what I did...but I guess I slept to long and got confused. So last night, I went to bed around 11:45, and laid there until after midnight. Then I woke back up shortly after 1 am, I know sometime ater 3 am, I think I woke up 3-4 times. I didn't think my big nap would affect my sleep THAT much, so I have learned a lesson. I will try to avoid that long of a nap in the future.

It's supposed to be hot today, 95. Not as hot as it has been, but then a cold turn came on for a few days, where it was in the mid 80's (SO NICE in July). So it will take an adjustment to get back to the heat.

Mom and I went and looked at the stock (the bucking horses and bulls) last night, at the rodeo grounds. They had slack going on, the over flow from the regular rodeo performance, it's free and not nearly as commercial. Rodeo at its basics, but we didn't get to stop. Maybe next year. The bulls are so cute, but huge. Tough looking. They kinda just stare at you, like you stare at them. Daring you to admire them, lol...I really don't think they get all that indepth in their thought patter, but its fun to imagine. As mom and I were driving through last night, I was thinking that the rodeo world needs Jesus. I think I prayed the Lord would make a way.

Weird, Different, Sad, Good

That title describes my day. Not necessarily in that order though...

This morning, I got up early and met up with mom. She was judgeing the Snake River Stampede parade (not the whlle parade, just certain age/theme groups). You can google the rodeo name if you want, Snake River Stampede. Its been a staple of Nampa history for who knows how long. Anyway, I was the "judges helper", but got to wear an official judge badge. I felt important...lol. I saw a lot of old faces, it was nice. A girl got bucked off her horse in the parking lot, just as she was stepping into her saddle a car horn went off and startled the horse. So I walked over and took him from someone who caught him and stood there holding this BEAUTIFUL tall grey handsome horse. Man, he was a beautiful creature. Poor guy, it was sweet how he came back to check on her, he just got startled. She hit the pavement pretty hard and took a while to get back up and moving around. But I saw her getting back on her horse about 10 minutes before the parade started. While I was there waiting for the parade to start, a familiar face (though i am horrible with names) came up and hugged me. There was recently a VERY sad story on the news, of a little boy that was only 10 years old, who wondered off from his uncle who was working on a broken down atv, and was found dead. The coroner ruled it death as a result of heat exhaustion. Well the woman who came up and hugged me, told me that little boy was the son of a girl I used to queen with in the rodeo world. She is understandably not doing well. I ask you to pray for her, I was told she doesn't know the Lord, and they are having to keep her pretty drugged just to keep her sain. I know when Damon died, if it hadn't been for Jesus, I would have went nuts, so I cannot even begin (nor do I want to) to imagine what it would be to go through this without the Lord as the center of your life.

After the parade (we just watched it at its start so it moved pretty fast) we went to breakfast. Then I came back to mom and dads and went swimming. Though I didn't swim much, more just read my book on the little floaty. That floaty take some talent to get onto, its not that little and likes to move. You kinda have to hop on from the ladder and hope you make it. Anyway, I put LOTS O LOTS O LOTS of sunscreen on. But I STILL got burnt. grr at the sunscreen company :) I was probably out there total today, 4ish hours. Then we had dinner, yuuuuum. Country potatoes, pancakes, and eggs from the neighbors chickens. Not so healthy, but it was yummy. Its amazing how much fresh eggs look sooo much prettier than store bought. The yokes are super golden yellow, and the whites are like STARK SNOW white. I dont know but store bought eggs look different when cooked.


Now I am at home...getting sleepy. I need to go to bed.

Yes, He Cares, About Little Things!

Guess what?! Last year for my bday, I bought myself a new digital camera, a casio something. It was cute, and blue (my favorite color), was so excited. Well, then the battery stopped working. I called Casio, they were supposed to send me a new battery because there had been lots of trouble with that battery model. Wait, wait, wait somemore...no battery. Found receipt to take camera back, but never made the shipping up to send it back to Casio. Lost receipt. Went to Idaho Camera to get new battery. NO battery. *sigh* Went to Wal-Mart today to get some photos that I had ordered, see a battery stand, would you know it??? There is my battery! Problem: where or where did I put that charger?? *Prayer* Get home, look in one room, not there. Start pulling boxes out of the other closet, about half way through, TA DA!! Battery Charger!! Status: new battery currently charging, camera, ready and waiting to be used soon! THANK YOU JESUS! I prayed to find the charger, and I found it. That is a answered prayer! WOOHOO.

A Thought for Today

"Hope can be ignited by a spark of encouragement."

Philippians 2:1-11

1If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

You Know Your Domestic If...

...new vacuum excites you! I finally put together my new vacuum last night, and used it for the first time, wowza! It was so nice! Praise the Lord for helping me find the vacuum. I have such a hard time making decisions, trying to find quality without breaking the bank, and after I prayed this one nearly jumped in my lap. Okay not literally, but I know God helped me with the decision, small as it was!

I just wanted to share my excitedness over my new vacuum.

Sun, Water, and Vacuums

Got another sun burn, though not nearly as bad. Mom and Dad set up the pool they got last year, so that explains the sun and water part of the title. I didn't swim for to long, but opted to lay on the floaty and get warm under the sun. Its nice where the pool is set up, because its fairly private. It was just me and the floaty, I tried to convince mom to come swim with me, but she couldn't be won over. I wonder if its because I always try to get her hair wet whenever she swims with me. I seem to be a bit mischievious. ;)

Now to the vacuum part, while cleaning at the church the other night, my vacuum just quit. :( I thought maybe I had blown a fuse or something, but other when I brought the vacuum home it still didn't work. I am a bit sad...Damon and I bought it together (our money, I don't think he was present for the occasion), but it has already been repaired (on the chord) twice. So I went to Wal-Mart tonight and got another one. Not the same kind, this one is a bit nicer and has a better dirt removal rating, as well as longer warranty, and it is bagless. To top it off, it was on sale. I know this may sound different to some, but I prayed for the Lord to help me find the right vacuum. I didn't want to spend a lot lot lot of money, but I did want a better warranty, and better quality. This one has a better warranty than some of the other more expensive vacuums, and has a 2 point higher dirt removal rating than the one we had. So praise the Lord for a vacuum.

I am so sleepy, so good night. Remember, don't tie God's Hands by worrying, worrying is doubt...and why doubt when you serve the Creator of the Universe. :) SMILE.

Precious Jesus

Who is thankful for the Lord?? Seriously, I take Him for granted. He has rescued me from so much. I am EVER indebted to God. This world is full of people who are hurting, and lost, and truly just need Him as their savior. Every good and perfect give is from the Father, if someone treats you awful or does something to you or someone else, or something it is a result of a need for Jesus in their life. Remember to pray for all that need the Lord. Something happened today, that I saw take place near my home...that has triggered this post. I have been quite troubled since, but the reason for what I saw, sadly is sin. So I need to pray for the person involved. God help me to be a encouragement.

Supa Hot

Man it is hot here!! :) No humidity though, woohoo! I wondered why it felt so hot yesterday but thought it was only in the 90's, newp 105. No wonder :) Regional Convention started last night, and the youth did the same skit that Antioch did back when I still lived there. With the girl who is tempted by all the different things in life. I am telling you, whoever listened to the Lord to get that skit, really let themselves be used by Him. It touches anyone, I don't care where or who you are, it is real. The altars were filled and I know of one youth praying next to me, that was crying and praying before the Lord, its a beautiful site. I am sure there were more, but when you are praying yourself, you don't notice alot. While the skit was going on, two boys behind me were crying just watching, boys who "aren't supposed'" to cry. Praise the Lord, it was just as touching as when we did it in Antioch. BTW Antioch, I miss you guys!! LOVE YOU! My prayer is "Lord help us to keep this" keep this closeness, this realization that God You care for us and will help us through any situation if we will but let You! That YOU are more important, seriously, than anything this life will try to offer. Life and the world will SHOVE things in your face, try to shove them down your throat, but by the power of Jesus, we don't have to take it! WOOT

Have a good day, my cold is a little better, thank the Lord!

I hear you

You are whispering to me right now..."come get in" "oh don't those sheets feel snuggly soft and relaxing". yes, my bed is talking to me right now. I am ready for sleepy night night.

**side note** I have noticed i am not good at capitalization anymore. *sigh*

PLEASE pray for me. I am sick, just a little cold, but I would desire your prayers.

drawing a blank, so, good night. God be with you.

At The Cross

I was eating my cereal this morning and because I am out of my Dole Juice (sad tear), I got a glass of ice water. I just looked over and the ice is formed in the shape of a cross. Is that not cool! Thank You Jesus for a little ray of SONshine for today! I thought that was cool!

So Good To Be Home

Today was a long day. I am so glad to be home!! Work was hectic and stressful today, but thank the Lord for a job right! I have to register Damon's truck soon, it was due today, but I didn't have all the info I needed (thought I did) so had to get a temporary registration. I started having a moment at the license bureau, it's hard taking that TN license plate and putting something else in its place (I haven't done it yet though) it really reminds you again, that Damon's really gone. I am glad for him though, he's made his goal. I had leftover breadsticks for dinner. I have found that since Damon made Heaven, I don't have much of a desire to cook like I used to. So I eat left overs, or frozen dinners, or go out. Mom and I had Papa Murphys pizza last night, so today I had pizza for lunch and breadsticks for dinner. So healthy, right? I digress. lol. Oh and guess what!! I found out my super cool, super cute neighbors (they are the cutest family!) have a blog!! Yay. One more blog friend. I am glad for good neighbors, praise the Lord! Thats a huge blessing and relief to trust who lives next to you, to keep an eye on things if you ever need it. Although, I wonder if they will ever want any cake from me (inside joke) eh Becky?! Well, that is all! Reporting from: my couch....ahhhh *relaxation*

Worry Vs. Prayer

Why is it so simple for me to worry before praying?? Yet I find it odd to stop, drop, and pray before worrying?? Ha, I like that, stop, drop, and pray. Amen Lord, help me to do so! We all have sooo many situations in each of our lives. Some are huge, some are small, but in our lives everything matters to us. Big or small. I am by nature a thinker, a ponderer, a figure everything out person. I think that before the Lord, a balance of this nature is a good thing, but when I let it get the best of me and get extreme its dangerous. As I was thinking about things today, the thought came to be that God has it ALL under control. If I am following Him, He has everything in His hands. I am so a "now" girl, if my prayer doesn't come true instantly I wonder what is wrong, why me, why this or that?! I know we are human, so we have moments of weakness, but I want to press toward the mark of the high calling of Christ, so I want to be better about this, perfect practice makes perfect.

Today was a busy day at work, when I got home momma and I visited for awhile, then I got dinner and took it to her and dad's house. Mom and Dad's neighbor then called me over (He was outside cooking at his grill) and asked me if I wanted a burger. I told him I had just eaten, but he kept asking...so I took it home. Mom says his way of loving is feeding you. He's a funny guy. His son and his son's friend were outside eating, so I talked to them for a bit too. Went back to moms and watched TV with her for a while. Thats about all to my day.

Prayer request, my neighbors decided not to keep the kitten, but they will foster it until they or I can find a home for him. So please say a little prayer for him to find a home. He has had such a rough start, he needs a family.

Oh and I am starting to get sick, please pray for me. I took three echinacea tonight, hopefully that will help the immune system.

Month End

Today is month end at work, I hope we get done at a good hour. I am so sleepy. It would be better for me to go to bed earlier, worked on that a bit last week, need to keep itup.

My neighbors are doing a test run on the kitten. My OTHER neighbors. Got him from the ones on the left of me, the ones on the right would make him a great home. They have kids, and want to see how there girls would do, among other things. So hopefully he husband will say yes, I know he would have a good home there.

Praise the Lord for another day, have a good one.

FRUSTRATED!

OoooooooooooH!!!!!!!!!!!! I am TIRED TIRED TIRED of my self. Seriously....I wish I could for once react right to things. I am ready to cry, again.

Me neighbors found a kitten a some fishing ponds, it had a hook in its mouth, nose was bleeding, was near death as they described it. So, I took it up on myself to find him a home. Lady at work said she would take him, pick him up today, so he has been at my house since Friday I think, maybe Thursday waiting for his new mommy. A, he is soooo cute, and I felt sorry for him. But, I do NOT want another cat. So I was super excited to find him a home. She calls me today, she can't take the cat. I have turned down another person because I told this lady yes. So now, I am trying frantically to get ahold of the other person to see if they still want him. I know she can't help it, and she really wanted him, but I am ready for him to go. I feel so sorry for him and how his life has started, and he is doing so much better now. So if I cant get ahold of the other person by tomorrow and they dont want him, I am going to have to take him to pet haven, its a no kill adoption place. Please pray for him to find a home.

I sang at a wedding yesterday, God blessed the broken road, by Rascall Flatts. The wedding was pretty, and the bride beautiful. Pray for the new couple. They needs the fullness of the Lord. After the wedding I headed up to Cascade for the tail end of camp. The Lord really moved, and it was a blessing to be there. I was sad to come home. Then the news of the cat pushed me over the edge. I wish I would respond to things better. God help me to be a better person for You.

Date Night

I had a date with my Daddy tonight! Momma is out of town and she told me to take care of dad while she was gone, so I called him while I was at work today to see if he would like to go to dinner tonight! He said yes. So we went to this new pizza place by my house. I am glad for tonight, it kinda was a new door to our relationship. My dad and I have a good relationship, but its weird...I still feel little around him. Tonight it was like I was a grown up, talking about grown up things. He even dressed up and combed his hair, like when he goes out somewhere nice. My dad is a total t shirt and jeans guy, most times he is at work, or outside working in the garden or doing something. It was cool to see him get all spiffy for our little night out. Praise the Lord.

Oui Vei

I got a sunburn!!! :( OUCH. In hopes of getting a tan, I put tanning oil on, but it had sunscreen in it. Enough so that I THOUGHT I was protected. I am so burnt. Last night I woke up and started crying cus it hurt so bad to lay down. I almost called my momma. I feel so dumb and do not plan on doing that again!

I keep looking at Damons picture at my desk at work, I really really really miss him. *sigh* He is in heaven and so happy, so I need to try to be happy as well. God has been so good to me, I have nothing to complain about. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord.

I guess that is all...I am hungry so I need to cook something. Pizza sounds so much better though.

Headache

Well...where to begin. I had some freakout moments on Thursday. But, that was due to me not relyin on the Lord fully. When I let Him help me, it is so much easier, when I wallow in self pity...thats when things get hairy. Since then, I closed on my house. Want to hear something weird??? Because I moved to Idaho before finding a job, I did a lease purchase option on my home, that way I could find a position then work on financing. I stepped into my house for the very first time, on February 19th, the 8 month anniversary of Damon's promotion. I CLOSED on my house June 19th, the one year anniversary of his promotion. I think that is so weird, in a good way. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, Damon would like this house. The only thing that would make it better would be to have him here. I have had many ups and downs since Damon moved to Heaven, but through it all, the Lord has guided me and carried me. From sobbing mess, to even some joyous times. I love you Damon, I always will. I am so glad to be done with the house buying process. Thank the Lord.

Today, we had a yard sale. I got some sun, my feet have a great flip flop tan line. Been building that line on my feeties for a couple of months now. I figure if I keep working on it, I can go into a store with the no shoes policy, not wearing shoes, and no one will notice. I will just look like I am wearing white flip flops. HA, that would be funny. No, doesn't take much to amuse me. Well, I am sleepy and want to be off of here.

Thanks

Thank you for all of your support this day. For the cards, texts, voicemails, comments. God bless you for your care. I have done okay today, but I was looking at the pictures on Rachel's blogs...I busted out. I miss him. I really really miss him. His laugh, it made everyone laugh. I miss him, all of him. Goodness...

To all of Damon's and My family. I love you and pray for your hearts this day.

My Heart is in His Hands

The Riddell Family sent me a poem in my care package last week. I wanted to share it today, being the day that one year ago, the wife side of me had to let my husband go, yet the spiritual side of me realized where my brother in Christ now resided.

I don't know who wrote the poem, if Rachel did, or she found it...its based off of Proverbs 3:5,6

I held my heart so close to me
Bidding no one interfere
With the plans I laid so carefully
And the dreamsI held so near

But my fragile fingers couldn't hold
THe things so dear to me
They slipped right through
Before I knew
The pieces were at my feeet

Through my tears I heard a Voice
So gentle and so sweet
He did not scold, He simply said,
"Give the pieces to me."

I gave to Himmy shattered heart
He tookd it, and with a smile
Fashioend the pieces into something
A little more worthwhile

All the dreams I once had loved
Seemed small compared to this.
My plans were all so commonplace
When compared to His

Now I'm resting peacefully
Now I understand
I know my life is in His control
And my heart is in His hands.

Aside from my experiences with the Lord, Damon is the single greatest thing to EVER happen to and in my life. He took me and loved me, just as I was. He saw beautiful in me. All of my quirks, all of my little insanities, he still loved me and cared for me. He was my very best friend, the best friend I have ever had. We could talk about our fears, dreams, worries, inspirations...anything. It is still so hard for me to realize Damon is gone. He isn't dead, he is alive and well in Heaven. He made it to my goal destination. I know God didn't take Damon to leave me, or all of our family desolate. That, truly, somewhere there is a big plan that is greater than we all could have imagined. Until I see that plan, or even if I never see it, I want to live my life in a way that God is pleased and Damon would be proud of me. I have never stopped missing him, nor loving him. As his wife, I wish with all of my heart, he was here. But I am so glad he made it, that was his number one goal in life, to make it to Heaven and to be a light to this world while he was here. He accomplished all he set out to do, all the Lord had for him.

To my Heart's True Love,

I love you. I miss you. I will see you again. You are beautiful to me, in every way. You are my best friend, and I will always be grateful to you and the Lord. The Lord used you to affect my heart for all of eternity, and I am indebted to His goodness for this. Thank you for loving me. I was truly the most blessed woman in all of the world, to have been your wife.

I love you always and forever,
Your Bride- Kasey

Ugh

I don't even know what to feel. I am plumb wore out emotionally. I just need prayer..please. please please.

Bedtime

It was so easy, to be young and have a bed time. Now that I am an adult, I TRY to be in bed by 10...doesn't happen. I need to be my own mommy and make myself go to bed at night. I mowed my yard tonight, and fertilized it, well only half of it. I REALLy need to clean the house...just lacking motivation. I need to do laundry too. So much to do, so little time.

Thank the Lord, these past few days have been much better. I was pretty depressed/down last week. Pray for me these next few days though, especially Thursday. God can make that day okay for me and for Damon and me's family. Should that be Damon and I or Damon and me??I don't know.

Check out the desolate recipe blog, Rachel posted a recipe, that sounds uber yummy. I want to try it.

My subdivision is having a yard sale this weekend, I need to get some stuff out there. It would be good to get rid of some things. I almost got hit tonight! Ugh! This big van came across the line and I didn't even see him, mom was with me and she made that noise, the noise that scares the fire out of you. You don't know what is wrong, but you know SOMETHING is wrong. He was within 6 inches of me. I looked in the mirror right after the van passed and he was still on my side of the road. Thank the Lord, He kept us safe.

Please pray for a family friend, I mentioned them last week, well the just lost a family member at a very young age. My friend is taking it pretty hard. Please pray for him, and the whole family.

Grrrrr, that camera chord!

I left it, again!!!! I left it at my aunt's house. *sigh*. Today was family day. We had a picnic/bbq/outdoor party thing in honor of my Uncle Mark, who is in from Virginia. He is in the Army and isn't in Idaho much, they came up for a week. So Grandma had a party. I have been dubbed the family photographer. I left the camera bad, which has my chord, at my Aunt's though, and I neeeed it so I can send some photos to some second cousins. I got some sun today, shew. You know that "hot" feeling after getting to much sun. I got it.

We went to the zoo this morning too...it wasn't as cool as I remembered. It seemed so big when I was little, and now it seems so tiny. It was nice to take my young cousin's though.

I am thinking of having a fourth of July picnic/bbq for the family at my house. I love to entertain, so hopefully it will all work out.

I have three apple trees in my back yard, and I went to Joanns today to get some fabric to reapholster my outdoor chairs, and they had their summer stuff on sale 50 % off. So I got this cuuuute little sign that says, u pick apples, 5 cents. I am going to hang it buy the trees, and put out a little bucket, get my five cents worth ;).

I got a care package from my Antioch family today, I LOOVED it. I cried. I miss you guys so much. You truly have a huge place in my heart. I miss you!! Hi Morgan Taylor Fox!

My Cousin

Here is a picture of one of my Cousins, Troy. He and I grew up together, and out of all my cousins (we were the closest in age), spent the most time together. He is a really big encourager, and one of the sweetest people I know. I am so thankful he has been here to help me in the new transition of my life, back in Idaho. I love you Troy!!

Melancholy

I been feeling very melancholy lately. I think about others, who have it much worse than I. Who have lost their husband, have children, and were kicked out of their home. I know I am a very blessed woman. I am near family again, I have a home of my own, I am not wanting for anything. But I have realized more than ever, since Damon's death, that all these "things" I have (with the exception of the family part I just mentioned...I am talking material wise) don't make me happy. Yes, they are nice, but they are not my happiness. God is my first happiness, but that part of humans He created, the part that he filled with Eve for Adam...feels so empty. I realized I have had many blessed moments, and times of happiness since Damon went Home, but my happiness that I had when I was his wife and helpmeet, I miss it. I don't ever want to complain. The Bible says to be content in what so ever state I am in, I want to be that way. Please pray for me to be pleasing to the Lord in this area. Pray for my work situation. I am having to deal with some people, that truly need the Lord. They are outright rude to me. I want to shine the Lord to them, not respond. I don't want to come off as ungrateful or whining, but I am at a point right now, where I really need the Lord to intervene, and in that process, I need to do my best to please Him in my actions and efforts.

In Need of Prayer

I am requesting prayer for some family friends, they just lost their neice/daughter/sister/cousin to cancer. She was in her early twenties. Please pray for this young woman's husband right now as well.

One Year

Please pray for me...the closer next thursday gets, the more sad I become. Next thursday, June 19th will be one year since Damon passed. I have never liked to use the word "died" because he isn't dead. He is alive and well, in Heaven. On my calendar, I have it marked as his one year promotion anniversary. As happy as I am for him with the spiritual side of me, the wife side of me...my heart beat feels nearly gone. I loved him so much, and love him to this day. I will never forget how he let the Lord use him to affect my heart for eternity. I love my dear husband, and I miss him. I know there was a bigger plan. But as that day nears, please please pray for me. I love you Damon Broyles, forever and always. I will always be your Kissy.

Quiet Quiet

This house is so quiet again. Not that you're loud Em...just was nice having someone else here. I miss her a lot. I wasn't sad yesterday, or really even this morning...but when I woke up this morning after getting back from the airport and going back to sleep...I was sad. I forgot my phone charger at the cabin, and went up to get it, Emily wasn't there, and it felt empty sort of. I just miss you Emily! :'(

Time seemed to fly so fast while she was here. There wasn't enough of it to get everything accomplished. I am just glad she is making it home to her momma in one piece!!! haha

Tomorrow I have something to do, but cant seem to remember. I know one thing, I need to go to bed earlier than later tonight. I miss you Emily.

Success

I had a Luau in honor of Emily tonight. It was a success, and the food was fabulous. A friend of mine recommended a hawaiian bbq place she found. YUM. I didnt even know a place existed. But I am so thankful I found it, praise the Lord. The Bible says every good gift is from God, and that was a good gift. I had part of moms side of the family, and part of dads, some church friends, and some neighbors. It was quite a gathering and lots of fun! I don't think it has hit me yet that em leaves soon. My dogs are howlin, aka feet hurting. Good night. Pray for me, feeling down. I seem to make a certain mistake over and over. I don't want to choose anything before my God.

All Night

No interuptions from the smoke alarm, allllll night!!! WOOHOO! Praise the Lord!

Today we get a pizza party at work, double woohoo!

Tonight is busy with riding horses, and planning for tomorrow.

Have a good day

Positively Confused

Stopped by the fire station...the fireman dudes came here and installed new batteries in all my smoke detectors. 30 minutes later, it went off again. I must just have a bad one. :(

Midnight Cry

The smoke alarms just started going off in my house. Around 2:45 am. I don't smell smoke. I don't know why they would go off. They have stopped now, but that is really bugging me that they even started for what seems to be no reason. I saw that the alarm in the hall way, it's green light wasn't coming on at all, where as the others flash on and off. But they aren't battery operated, battery back up, but not operated solely. I am freaking out. I want Damon, I want my Mommy. I HAVE to remember to lean on the Lord. Sometimes being an adult is so scary.

Them going off like that, really reminded me of the rapture. It will happen in the blink of an eye. In the twinkling of a moment. Dear Lord let me not be found spiritually asleep, let me be ready and waiting. I don't want to be found sleeping and wake up like I did tonight, surprised and wondering what and why was that alarm going off.

Four Wheeling Adventures

I called my cousin Troy, before Emily even got here, to see if he could take us four wheeling. He knows trails, directions, etc. ...that I would be incompetent by myself. So today was the day. We headed to an area I think is called Willow Creek and rode trail 300, 540, and 500. Emily was a trooper and did really well for her first time at serious riding. She was un accustomed to a lot that riding entails, but by the end of the day was smiling and I believe having a good time as she was way more comfortable. I know I kept praying for her to have a good time. It started out rocky, as the trail, though rated beginner, had some pretty sharp turns to deal with. She ended up with the four wheeler on its side, but no worries...wasn't hurt. I think that scared her for some of the other stuff that came later on. It was all in all a fairly good trail. A few areas got pretty uneven, so it made you feel like you were gonna flip over. That is the part I don't like. YUCK. It rained all day, more heavily at the end, and we were soaked by the time we got back. I really had fun today. I only wish it wouldn't have rained so much. I am glad Emily ended up having a good time.

Blessing for today, safety, and my cousin Troy.

Pik-chas

Round Valley Area, close to Cascade Idaho. I think it a beautiful peace of earth.

Picteresque Round Valley

Truck and trailer at cabin

Emily, early morning, far right.

I thought this to be another neato picture.

This is right outside my grand parents cabin, it stays foggy until about 8:45...thought it was a neat pic.

Kayker on the Payette River....one word: CRAZY. No way is this my cup of tea...

Emily gazing out. :) Trying to look nonchalant

I thought this was a cool shot of the train.

Scenic Train Ride, front of the train.

Abby with a muddy nose, after trying to dig something up. Note the scarf she is wearing. :)

View from my back yard...thats the flag above the Middle School

Abby giving me loves...love that face eh?

Home

We are home. Emily and I headed up Saturday morning to my grandparents cabin. Its in a little town about an 1 1/2 hours away, the cabin is fairly close to the river too, makes for some gorgeous views. I will start off by thanking the Lord for His protection. Issue number one: While unloading the second four wheeler (ATV) the ramp slipped and fell, thus leaving the four wheeler hanging about 4-5 inches off the ground. Tried and tried to lift it back up on the trailer. It was resting right at the base of the axel and the guard plate, not good for trying to move something. Finally went down the mountain to another cabin and got some help. Issue one: fixed. Issue two: hot brakes. *sigh* lol. Emily had never really been on a four wheeler, so she didn't know to release the brake I had set. Its something that if you didn't know much about the four wheeler, you would miss very easily. I had set it because that area it very hilly, and I didn't want to play "chase the fourwheeler." However I forgot to RELEASE the brake when we actually started to ride. We got down to where the road curves to head up to Packer John (thats a camp) and I sorta smelled hot brakes but not to strong. We turned back as it was getting sorta late and I didnt want to be riding in the dark. I stopped again cus I kept smelling hot brakes... I looked at my four wheeler and it was fine, then look at em's and saw that it was still set. Then looked back to see the rear brake smoking. Lovely. I was freaking, here I am borrowing Dad's four wheelers and I am already messing them up on the first day. After releasing the brakes, we rode back up to the river and then the temp light came on. I started freaking out more, thinking of cracked blocks, messed up heads, so on...rode my four wheeler back to the cabin, left em at the other one, got the truck and trailer and came down to load up what we thought was the hot four wheeler. Only to realize...*total duh moment* that when you turn the key to on position, and before you actually start the four wheeler that the temp oil light automatically comes on. By this point, I was ready to go home. It was very daunting for me...I have always had my dad, then Damon to take care of me when we went and did things like this. Not that I am a wimp, or not used to country life or living...but I have had someone there to reassure me and help when things went wrong. Emily was in a new element and I was the one put in the position to take care of things. She did really well, and got pretty comfy on the four wheeler after day one. Back to being scared, it was hard being the one in charge, and actually made miss Damon even more. I missed feeling protected, but then I had to remember, I have God. He's all seeing, and more powerful than Damon or my Dad could ever be, I had to keep reminding myself that. That was Issue two, and thank the Lord it got taken care of too! Sunday started out waaaaaaaaaaay better. We went to the little mountain church at the base of the mountain, they were very sincere, and it was nice to meet new people. After that we went into cascade and got some groceries that we had forgotten after buying the day before we left. We had to REBUY ...grr Kasey...lol. We got pizza for lunch, YUM. It was sooo good. Then we came back to the cabin and rode the four wheelers for a bit longer, and it started to RAIN RAIN RAIN. We were riding back and it started to rain fairly hard, brrr. It even hailed at one point. Needless to say we went through about 5 movies that night. Oh and we had a fire each night, so relaxing. I love the smoke smell when you go outside. Something about mountain air and smoke. They should make candle if they could ever make it smell real. I would buy that baby up! Now to Monday, today...we got up and had waffles, again...had them for breakfast the Sunday too. I made fried eggs, YUM. We started cleaning the cabin up, then rode for another couple of hours I think. Maybe less. Came back, had sandwiches, finished cleaning. Loaded the four wheelers, without any ramp issues. Made our way for home about two o clock and here we are. It was a good long weekend. I am glad to be home, though them there mountains, sho nuff is purty! ;) like that english of mine!?!

OOOOOOOOh!!!!!!

I REALLY need ssom prayer right now. I am trying to close on my house, and am having a LOT of trouble with the loan. It being a first time buyer thing, they are requiring so much paperwork. I have had my closing pushed back twice now. Please pray for me. I dont want to complain, but I am overwhelmed by all of this! Please please please, pray for it to be done soon.

Oh Boy!

Today Aaron T. graduates from high school, and from my alma matta. If you can call a high school that. Gotta leave by 7 to get there halfway on time. Its about 15minutes away, but who knows the traffic I will be dealing with. I cannot believe that kid is graduating! I was his sunday school teacher long long ago. Man, that makes me feel so old. I know, 25, and I feel old...most of you will tell me to hush. But seriously, it is weird when you start referring to young people as kids and what you did back then, and even...how cheap gas was when you were young. I wish him all the best in this new phase of life though!

I have been physically laboring in my yard for the past four days, and I tell ya, a body goes to sleep much easier at night when you are dog tired. We, my parents and I, hand dug my parking area for Damon's trailer, its about 11 foot wide by 15 feet long, and we dug it about four inches down. Thats tough stuff. Thank the Lord He gave us the strength needed and we got it done. Thanks mom and dad! Tonight, before the graduation, I am supposed to be trying to get another part of my landscaping done. I wanted it done for when Emily gets here, but I don't see that happening.

Speaking of Emily, she gets here tonight. I am excited!! Well, I better get off here. Have a blessed day in the Lord!

Big Day Tomorrow

Tomorrow I have some more house stuff going on. I will be TRYING to finish the landscaping. I tell you, it has been a long, tiring, and sore process. :) Sore and tired on the body, and a long time comin' on completion! Anyway, my cousin and her hubby are coming to help again, and another family friend of mine. HOPEFULLY, we shall get it done! I feel like a grown up sort of. Not that I didn't before, but truly I could NEVER be where I am at this point in my life without God's wonderful grace and mercy. It is simply amazing to me. Not only has He saw me through the time of losing Damon, and the continual healing of my heart (which I have learned the pain never goes away or is easier, it is just less frequent, as Brother Steve would say), but I am a woman, a child of the King, who owns her own house. An only child, who didn't like ever being alone, and here I am, in this house, all by myself. You cannot tell me that isn't God. Miracle Worker, He is! Now, it's not my ideal situation, but God has blessed me on this new path. In a heartbeat, well less than a heart beat, I would have my sweet husband back and live in a shack in timbucktwo, just to be with Damon. But that is obviously not God's will at this point. For a time, a season, I was Damon's wife and helpmeet, it was completely wonderful and joyous, yes there were hard times, but they taught us about life and the Lord. Now, this time, is the time to plant I feel...I am with the Lord's guiding Hand, planting or He is planting me, in a new garden of life. I want to be able to grow wherever He chooses to put me.

Well, I need to vacuum, so good night.

Memories

I want to start some type of new tradition. I read Crystals blog tonight and it brought back a great memory from her and em's apt.. We had made a donut run I believe, healthy I know...I think it was emily, megan, and I. Or maybe Crystal, Em and I. I don't know...anyway whoever it was, we were walking from the apartment to get into the car and all the sudden, outa nowhere this cat starts meowing really loud and coming after us, pretty fast. It was kinda freaky! Not like a normal hi kitty kitty, but either I am really hungry please feed me cat, or a cat with rabies. So, when I went to leave that night to head home, I had crystal walk me to my car because I was scared to go out into the dark with "that cat" around. Poor kitty, I hope it was okay, and simply was friendly. Not hungry or sick. Anyway, that was just a funny memory I wanted to share. I thought it might be cool (back to the new tradition part) to start posting random memories on my blog.

Today was really busy. I am totally tired and ready for bed. Momma spent the night last night, and got up early to help me with my yard and finish the landscaping. The last three days have been working on my yard for some amount of time and in some way. My body is sore, and i am sunburned, but thankful to have a place to call my own. It's slowly coming together. I am hoping to have it done before Thursday, we shall see.

Had a Memorial Day BBQ today. The chicken was sooo yummy. I marinated it all morning, and that charcoal adds a grrrreat flavor. I even cooked some onions in foil over the grill. YUM YUM. My cousin and I made a flag cake. The frosting on that thing, man, or should I say, SHEW. Good stuff.

I am missing my husband right now. He, besides the Lord, was my everything. God, Damon and my Family. I won't complain, God saw fit to give Damon his reward sooner than I had planned, and I know God makes special provision for me, so I am truly thankful. He saw before I ever was born that I would have the PRIVILEGE to marry that wonderful man, and also to be his widow. For som reason He saw fit for me to go through this, and He PROMISES us He will NEVER give us more than we can take, so I know I will make it, and God has been super gracious through this time. I also know, God understands that this is natural to miss my sweet Damon. So, I do, I miss him with all of my heart and soul. I miss his love and all that he was, all that we were as one. I gave Damon my heart, actually...he stole it, the little booger. Man that boy, I love him. Mushy, yes. But still, I LOVE LOVE LOVE him. I wish he was here. Though, I think he might smack me if I prayed him back from Heaven. :)

Sore Feet, Sore Doggies, One in the Same

Sore Feet: got tired feet today from hauling the rock to put down in my flower bed areas. Man, that stuff was heavy. I used my old truck, the one Damon and I drove back to TN from Idaho when we got married. It is a 3/4 ton heavy duty diesel pickup. Another words, its a tough cookie. I got two cubic yards of river rock, and by the time I was loaded, the truck was squatted down quite a bit. Thank the Lord, my cousins Marissa and Josh, I guess Josh is a cousin-in-law, he's her husband...anyway they came over and helped me get some of it done. We had to quit because it started to rain, but wouldn't you know, two hours later it was all sunny again. I put a little more rock out, I stress the word "little". I was up until 3:30 last night, or should I say this morning....cleaning house, reading...so on. I am a total night person, I do better to get things done and stay up late then aim to get up early and try to accomplish anything. So by the time we had done laid the amount of rock we did, I was pretty tired and slept for about two and a half hours. So when I got up I laid about 5 more shovel fulls of rock and quit for the night. Its a long process. Back to the title, my feet started hurting from stooping and moving a lot, well you know how feet can also be called "doggies" that leads me to the next topic. My real doggy, Abby. She is home from the vet. They gave me instructions to keep her from running, out of water, restrict amounts of water and food to small amounts at a time. That has been a challenge, all of the above has been a challenge with this energizer bunny a.k.a. Abby. No running, yeah right, no water...leash at my parents place for now, as they have a ditch she LOVES to jump and play in. As for the food and water part, she is convinced shes starving, or atleast crazy hungry. She laps and laps water. Poor doggy. I have to tell her no this, no that. No playing Abby, No running Abby, No jumping Abby. No thats enough food Abby, Abby come here that's enough water. She must be thinking, MOM, can I do anything??? Poor baby girl. She forgets (course' I guess she can't really forget since she doesn't know I am giving her any medicine) that had I not given her the pain meds, she would be feeling everything she does. I am thankful to the Lord that she seems to be fairing well and for the most part her normal self.

Abby

Please pray for Abby today, she is getting spayed. I know it is necessary...but it breaks my heart to see them in pain. I remember when Honey came home from being fixed...ugh. It was awful. She was fine, with the exception of beeing loopey, but I didn't like seeing her like that. With the three day weekend, and Abby being a puppy, I thought this would be the best time to get this done. I get to pick her up tomorrow morning and spend the long weekend making sure she is okay.

Oh, and by the way, learned something new. If and when you melt white chocolate and try to color it, make sure you use oil based food coloring, or food coloring in powder form. I kept trying to dye mine last night and it kept seezing up. I asked Sybil and she told me to make sure it wasn't water based. I never knew that. Thought it might be useful to someone else.

Red, White, and Blue

I made chocolate covered strawberries tonight. Dipped in milk chocolate, then I put red (more like pinkish) , white, and blue drizzles over the top. I used the ghiradelli chocolate, man that stuff is rich. A lady I work with saw the strawberries a friend of mine made for me to take to the work party, and wanted to buy some for a party she is having this holiday weekend. Memorial day being a day to honor our vets, american heritage, I thought red, white, and blue would be good. Mine don't look as good as Sybils, but they are sort of pretty. Hopefully she likes them.

I REALLY need to clean my house too. I have so much to do this weekend. Whoever originally had this house did some beautiful landscaping. Then renters who didn't take care of it really let things slip. The inside of the house was amazing, and the landscaping not horrible, but trying to get it back to how good it once was is my goal. So I have lots of weed killing, raking, rock laying, etc to do on this long weekend. I am having a party in two weeks and want the place to be completely ready. I want to paint my front door red, and the inside of the house...I never realized how much fun painting was with Damon. He made it look so easy, he was so good at it, he loved it. Now it seems like more of a chore. I miss you babe.

I need to leave now, gots to be somewhere in 14 minutes. Love to all. And, just a hint...lol...you could comment if you want. :)

Time Management

Okay...I have a prayer request...I really need better time management. I don't know what it is about me, but I am horrible about this. GRRRR. I go to bed waaaay late, then get up fairly early, then don't hardly ever do a morning devotion. I did today, thank the Lord, though half asleep. I hit snooze about 5 times every morning. I just need to get myself together and manage things better. Damon and I shared the responsibilties, he took such good care of me. The Lord saw fit to relieve Damon of his earthly labors, and I know He will bless my efforts in trying to please Him even with my time. So please just pray for me in this.

Emily gets here soon! I am soo thankful she is coming. Oh, last night I looked at plane tickets about a month from now, to fly to TN for the weekend. 500-600 dollars for a plane ticket! Can you believe that?!?! I know they will be higher because of fuel, but not THAT much higher. Waah. They need to come down. Please pray they come down. I want to get to see TN and Damon's grave as soon as I can. But I need to be able to afford the ticket.

Ciao. I gotta hurry off to work.

No Worm For Me

Early birds get the worm...I am not a bird, and I didn't wake up early. Plus, I am not a fan of worms. I got to sleep in, and it felt nice. Went to bed late last night, reading my book. Woke up really early and couldnt sleep so then I read my book some more. When I did go back to sleep, I slept for a while longer. After waking up and cleaning on the kitchen a little, I headed over to Mom and Dad's and rode her horse Bobby. He really hasn't been riden seriously in about four years (since I got married), but praise the Lord, he did really well today. I prayed to be safe, for the Lord to help me, and God really did. This horse is huge, I am a tall girl, but his back is still above my eye level. If you fall from him, you fall a longggg ways. After all my nervousness, I was just thankful to God and proud of Bobby. It felt good to ride.

Tonight we went to Boise for my cousin's birthday party. Then after the festivities we went to dinner at Good wood BBQ. I will say, Idaho has nothin' on southern BBQ.

That was it for the day. I feel heavy hearted, I feel like I messed up before the Lord today. I HATE doing that. Please pray for me. I really want to please God in all I do, that is my desire. I failed today, and I need prayer to get back up and keep trying my best before Him. If I do not have God, I have nothing. If I have Him, I have everything. I have a headache and can't think of anything else to write about, so good night.

Testimony Time

I don't know who reads and doesn't read Emily's blog (live journal) but she posted about what happened to Honey last night. Mom and I were heading home from a friends house and were turning the corner pretty slowly, as I had the dogs in the bed of the truck with the camper shell on and the one side window open. I was only going about 10 miles an hour when I heard honey make the noise she usually makes when getting after Abby to leave her alone. Except it lasted longer than normal. I looked in my rear view mirror and Honey was in the road. I imediately stopped the truck and got out, I called her and she started to come to me but very slowly (understandable). She started going into shock. I freaked out, my poor baby girl fell out of the truck and I all I could think about is her going into shock, and dying on me. She then had three seizures. I had already called the vet, he asked if she was breathing normally, yes, was she bleeding, no, was she able to move, yes. He said just to watch her. She has had seizures before, she has three of them in a matter of 15 minutes, then none for another month to three months. But, because of the height of the fall, and this being my BABY...that dog is a gift from my husband, a piece of what he left me...ugh...she is part of my heart, I called him back. He was concerned whenI mentioned seizures...so he tested her eyes, and her pupils were responding a little to slowly, which meant a slight concussion. He wanted to keep her over night to monitor her. He gave her some sort of shot, I think steroids to keep the swelling on her brain (from the concussion) down, and two doses of valium to make her sleep and not try to chew on the iv. I felt so horrible, I shouldn't have had that window open. They have ridden with it open before, no problem. I just praise the Lord it wasn't on a busy street, I wasnt going any faster, and that she is okay. She is pretty much her old self right now. I love my doggy. Thank You Lord for keeping her safe. I realize that He alone kept her.

Hmmm

Don't really know what to title this, as usual. I got two new tiki torches for my back yard, except they aren't the normal tiki's, they are the polynesian style that have the huge flames. I want my back yard to feel sorta tropical-ish. Yes, in the middle of Idaho, I want hawaii. I am going to try. lol. I also watered my strawberry plants again and put up some more fencing around my garden. I got two different kinds of cucumber seeds so that I will be able to can some pickles. Never made pickles before, but sounds interesting. I feel sort of news-less. My life is blessed, I am by God's grace making it and thriving, I miss my Damon. Each day is a blessing, so praise the Lord for another day, even if it is news-less :)

Hi

Couldn't think of a better title I guess...or "hi" sounded okay.

NOT trying to be a downer, or a depresso...but I REALLY miss Damon. I have dreams about him and though I get to see him in the dreams, most of them are dealing with his asthma, and how he either knows he is going to pass on, or I am telling him that he is sick and is going to die. That was not the case in our real life, I had no idea that day would come. No idea at all. But these dreams plague me. PLEASE pray for me to have happy dreams. I know that God is the author of anything beautiful and lovely to think on, so these dreams are exactly the opposite and come from the enemy. I so wish I could see my darling husband again, I don't mean to sound sappy, but I gave him my heart. Now my heart feels almost gone. I in no way question God in that it was Damon's time to go, but that doesn't mean He doesn't understand my pain. God saw, when I was a baby growing in my mothers womb, that I would marry my sweet husband, he also saw that three years two months, and thirty days later I would be a widow and Damon would reach his ultimate goal. So I know that means there is provision made by Him for me and my heart. Part of that provision is prayer, so please just pray when you think about it. I just hurt and ache for the man of my heart.

Countdown!

Emily comes here in less than three weeks. I am so (in her word) "jazzed!" I need to get everything ready!!! Though I am 90% unpacked I still have boxes in the guest room closet, and my office closet. The only boxes in mine are things I want left packed (I think anyway). Anyway, I am just so super super excited to have here, but I guess I mentioned that already.

My house needs some cleanin' done! With starting this new job, I haven't kept it up as much as I would normally like to. Plus with getting the outside all spiffy, the inside needs a good scrubbing!! I think I shall do that here in a bit.

I planted more flowers today, still have some waiting to be planted. And, I now, officially...have a garden. I planted six strawberry plants. It's not a very big space, but I have some more room to plant a few other things, I hope to do that soon as well!

My baby girl turned 5 months old on the 8th of May. Abby is the baby girl. She is going to be sooo big. It is funny how honey puts her in her place even though Honey weighs a 1/5 of what she weighs, or less.

I got my momma some hanging baskets for her porch for Mother's Day, and a strawberry bouquet. They were covered in chocolate. SOO yummy. This morning we met my grandparents and Aunt for a Mother's Day treat as well. That was fun.

Well, I guess that is it for now. Have a great day.

A Good Devotion

WE SHOULD RECOGNIZE LIFE AS A PRECIOUS RESOURCE

Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
ECCLESIASTES 12:6,7

The silver cord, golden bowl, water jar, and pulley symbolize life's fragility. How easily death comes to us; how swiftly and unexpectedly we may return to the dust from which we came. Therefore, we should recognize life as a precious resource to be used wisely and not squandered frivolously.

I thought that was something good to think on today. I haven't had much to write about I guess. Just everday things happening lately, and I am blessed in life. I still miss my dear husband. God is good, and has done much for me, so though at times I would like to, what right do I have to grumble and complain. No right at all. I hope everyone has a great thursday, and may the Lord keep you today.

Nostalgic

Experience is a teacher, that you don't realize the lesson until many miles down lifes road.

Tonight I was reading my old blogs from 2006 and it is odd to see what a different person I am now. On some points I feel its a good change, on other points not as good. We as human beings, or maybe just me, don't realize how good we have things, until the situation changes. I appreciate all the Lord has done for me. I am thankful that I experienced truly deep, wonderful, life changing, amazing love, that Damon and I shared. I truly could not have asked for more, when it comes to my husband. He fulfilled everything my heart could have hoped more, and so much more I didn't even realize I desired. It still seems soooo odd that he is not here, but in heaven. Maybe that will never seem normal, until I myself make it. Every day in life is precious and counts. Counts for daily happiness, for daily light to this dark world, counts for your life, counts for eternity. So cherish, love deeply, live for Jesus, the rest will take care of itself.

Busy Sun Filled Day

Let my hands perform His bidding,
Let my feet run in His ways,
Let my eyes see Jesus only,
Let my lips speak forth His praise. —James

Is that not a GREAT quote!? I found that today on Our Daily Bread's website.

Today was a day, where I just plain felt like I could have done better as a human being. God help me to be and live as You would have me to. I desire this, and He sees that.

Mom and I got up early and headed out to visit my cousin at the hospital. Please pray for him, he broke his leg very severely in a motor cycle riding accident. It is nasty break, and the Lords touch would definitely be a wonderful blessing.

From there mom went to a few stores, then we went to a landscaping place and I got some flowers/grasses/bark. The rest of the day (for the most part, minus breaks) was spent fixing up the front yard with some new bushes and flowers, and bark. It looks really nice. I am so thankful to the Lord for my house, its a huge blessing and I am in awe of all He has done for me. How He has taken care of me. I am wore out, and ready for a good nights rest.

I been thinking a lot lately, or atleast more so. About Damon. Just pray for me, I really miss him.

Oh yeah...mom and I went to a scrapbooking party last night. Me the non crafter/stamper/scrapper, created 6 pages. Woo hoo. Only took me about 3 hours, but it was productive and pretty fun. I guess that is it...I hope you all have many blessings tomorrow. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Overtime

I only had to stay about 2 1/2 hours over time last night. Not to bad, but let me tell ya, I was ready to go home. For sure and for certain!

Well, its Thursday...what's that mean...another day to praise the Lord, and tomorrow is FRIDAY!!!