Friday, July 25, 2008
pretty fabric!
As some of you know I recovered my dining room chairs and ended up hating the fabric...who knows why I chose such an awful pattern?! Anyway I found this beautiful print (on the R) at Hancock's the other day, it was on sale for $5 a yard wow!! I spent $15 to recover the ugly fabric that cost more than twice that amount...yay! I originally bought it to recover my kitchen chairs but Calixto thought it a better idea to do the dining room...he is so right! I haven't started the project yet...maybe tomorrow.
Lord, High and Holy; meek and lowly, Thou has brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory.
Let me learn by paradox
that the way down is the way up
that to be low is to be high,
that the broken heart is the healed heart,
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
that to have nothing is to possess all,
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
that to give is to receive,
that the valley is the place of vision.
Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter thy stars shine;
Let me find thy light in my darkness,
thy life in my death,
thy joy in my sorrow,
thy grace in my sin,
thy riches in my poverty,
thy glory in my valley.
-from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions
Let me learn by paradox
that the way down is the way up
that to be low is to be high,
that the broken heart is the healed heart,
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
that to have nothing is to possess all,
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
that to give is to receive,
that the valley is the place of vision.
Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter thy stars shine;
Let me find thy light in my darkness,
thy life in my death,
thy joy in my sorrow,
thy grace in my sin,
thy riches in my poverty,
thy glory in my valley.
-from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Cheap Cheesecake!!
If you happen to be fortunate enough to live near a Cheesecake Factory...they will be offering a slice of cheesecake for $1.50 on July 30th! Amazing taste at an amazing price! Too bad there isn't one close to Longview
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Summer is almost over...
28 days until school starts! 21 until I go back to work!
I shopped all day yesterday for school clothes! whew-I sure was worn out by the evening. I was able to get most all of the clothes the kids needed. Christopher still needs khakis and khaki shorts-I didn't like how any them fit so I'm hoping to make a trip to the Gap sometime soon. It is very nice that they have a dress code-that makes shopping easier, unless of course you're in between sizes like my son!! I'll wait just a bit longer before buying shoes. Besides clothes I purchased all of their school supplies at Walmart-I'm reusing all of Christohper's white notebooks from last year...that is a big savings since they have to have 5 1 1/2 inch binders-they are pretty pricey!
I didn't look for clothes for me yet...that I will have to do...I'm dreading it already...and shoes, I have to think about my feet in shoes all day-not flip flops, that will take some getting used to!
I stopped by the school for a bit too and my room is not ready yet. The previous teacher is waiting until carpet is put down in her new room...hopefully that will happen and I can get some work done to my "small" room next week. There will be 22 students (at this point) entering Kind. so I'll have 11 in my class. The other teacher and I will meet next week as well get lesson plans together...she'll be a great help to me.
My house has never been more of a disaster...I have not been motivated to do anything! So now I must go and clean and put all my piles away-or at least put most of them away!!
I shopped all day yesterday for school clothes! whew-I sure was worn out by the evening. I was able to get most all of the clothes the kids needed. Christopher still needs khakis and khaki shorts-I didn't like how any them fit so I'm hoping to make a trip to the Gap sometime soon. It is very nice that they have a dress code-that makes shopping easier, unless of course you're in between sizes like my son!! I'll wait just a bit longer before buying shoes. Besides clothes I purchased all of their school supplies at Walmart-I'm reusing all of Christohper's white notebooks from last year...that is a big savings since they have to have 5 1 1/2 inch binders-they are pretty pricey!
I didn't look for clothes for me yet...that I will have to do...I'm dreading it already...and shoes, I have to think about my feet in shoes all day-not flip flops, that will take some getting used to!
I stopped by the school for a bit too and my room is not ready yet. The previous teacher is waiting until carpet is put down in her new room...hopefully that will happen and I can get some work done to my "small" room next week. There will be 22 students (at this point) entering Kind. so I'll have 11 in my class. The other teacher and I will meet next week as well get lesson plans together...she'll be a great help to me.
My house has never been more of a disaster...I have not been motivated to do anything! So now I must go and clean and put all my piles away-or at least put most of them away!!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
work, golf balls and money
For a couple of days last week Christopher went to work with Calixto. He worked hard and came home with several blisters to prove it. The amazing thing is work does wonders for him! His attitude was so good during the day and then when he came home he was such a delight! He loves to mow and does a great job at it. The time spent with Daddy sure was nice for him too! His allergies to a type of grass was pretty bad so they had to stop and buy some Zyrtec but, he continued on without complaint...what a trooper!
Yesterday, he played so nicely with Catherine...maybe the time away from his little sister was of benefit too. In the afternoon we went to the library to hand in their forms to complete their reading requirements. They were able to get a few more little trinkety toys, which seemed a bit more skimpy this year...anyway, I decided to stop by the Bargain center on the way home. Once again they had some great furniture but it was not priced yet...I'm sure it will be priced very high. But that is not why we went, christopher has been wanting a golf club just to hit balls around (like our neighbor does daily). Both kids picked out their $2 clubs and I bought a lite brite for Cat. She absolutely loves it! I thought it may help with her vision stuff as well.
For a while after dinner the kids were way in the back (so they wouldn't break windows) hitting their golf balls. They had so much fun together! What a great purchase! Evidently Christopher had hit a ball somewhere far and asked Cat to retrieve it...she so kindly did. Christopher decided that when she fell asleep he would pay her $2 for doing that for him! I'm not sure why he wanted to wait till she was asleep but, he waited then slipped into her room and left the money on her doll bed. Isn't that too sweet?
this morning she woke up asking where the money came from and did she have a loose tooth? I guess she thought the tooth fairy came a little prematurely. I'll let her brother explain the money if he chooses.
ok, I'm off to Walmart and old navy for school supplies/clothes...in four weeks we'll be back to school...oh my!
Yesterday, he played so nicely with Catherine...maybe the time away from his little sister was of benefit too. In the afternoon we went to the library to hand in their forms to complete their reading requirements. They were able to get a few more little trinkety toys, which seemed a bit more skimpy this year...anyway, I decided to stop by the Bargain center on the way home. Once again they had some great furniture but it was not priced yet...I'm sure it will be priced very high. But that is not why we went, christopher has been wanting a golf club just to hit balls around (like our neighbor does daily). Both kids picked out their $2 clubs and I bought a lite brite for Cat. She absolutely loves it! I thought it may help with her vision stuff as well.
For a while after dinner the kids were way in the back (so they wouldn't break windows) hitting their golf balls. They had so much fun together! What a great purchase! Evidently Christopher had hit a ball somewhere far and asked Cat to retrieve it...she so kindly did. Christopher decided that when she fell asleep he would pay her $2 for doing that for him! I'm not sure why he wanted to wait till she was asleep but, he waited then slipped into her room and left the money on her doll bed. Isn't that too sweet?
this morning she woke up asking where the money came from and did she have a loose tooth? I guess she thought the tooth fairy came a little prematurely. I'll let her brother explain the money if he chooses.
ok, I'm off to Walmart and old navy for school supplies/clothes...in four weeks we'll be back to school...oh my!
What am I grateful for? Glad you asked...I'm grateful for...
31-Catherine's sweet, sweet personality first thing in the morning!
32-Catherine's great excitement and gratitude over a $4 used Lite Brite!
33-the new fax/scanner/printer that we were able to purchase for our ministry with donated monies
34-my husband's love for me!
31-Catherine's sweet, sweet personality first thing in the morning!
32-Catherine's great excitement and gratitude over a $4 used Lite Brite!
33-the new fax/scanner/printer that we were able to purchase for our ministry with donated monies
34-my husband's love for me!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Fear not, for I am with you,
be not dismayed, for I am your God,
I will strengthen you,
I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Is 41:10
He IS with me
He IS my God
He WILL strengthen me
He WILL help me
He WILL uphold me...that IS the truth! And I WILL stand on the truth of His Word!
be not dismayed, for I am your God,
I will strengthen you,
I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Is 41:10
He IS with me
He IS my God
He WILL strengthen me
He WILL help me
He WILL uphold me...that IS the truth! And I WILL stand on the truth of His Word!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Continuing my gratitude list...I'm grateful...
16-for 13 years of marriage!
17-for a husband who is always willing to apologize
18-for Christopher's amazing attitude after he has worked a "long" day with daddy
19-that Calixto takes Christopher to work with him and lets him work!
20-for short get-aways even when I'm yearning for a long vacation
21-that Calixto was able to pay off one of his trucks and his big mower this past week!
22-that Calixto consistently does a great job landscaping and his clients love his work
23-did I mention Air-conditioning already?!
16-for 13 years of marriage!
17-for a husband who is always willing to apologize
18-for Christopher's amazing attitude after he has worked a "long" day with daddy
19-that Calixto takes Christopher to work with him and lets him work!
20-for short get-aways even when I'm yearning for a long vacation
21-that Calixto was able to pay off one of his trucks and his big mower this past week!
22-that Calixto consistently does a great job landscaping and his clients love his work
23-did I mention Air-conditioning already?!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Hawks
Look at our resident Hawk sitting pool side...this is the 2nd time we've seen it here. Its mate was sitting nearby on the overhead wires. They have a nest in our back yard...we always see feathers from their meals by one of our gates and we hear their screeches and watch them soar high in the air. So far they haven't messed with our cat...maybe she is too big of prey for them or maybe they have their fill of birds in our "forest"
Wish I could have gotten a better shot but, I had to quickly take it from the screened porch
Oklahoma
Here are some pictures of our little get away to Oklahoma. The first album is of our trip to Mt. Scott which is near Wichita Falls and Lawton. The nature preserve was really neat, we hope to go back in the Fall to go on their walking tour to see the autumn foliage. My parents have a picture of them before they were married on top of Mt. Scott...every time they go back they get their picture taken at that same spot...this time we took ours there...I don't think we took one of them...oops
This album only has a few pictures from Turner Falls. It is a park where you can camp or spend the day swimming and hiking. It was very costly but we went anyway, it's a shame they charge so much and they don't keep the park as clean as you would think. We had a good time anyway...the kids were just dying to swim. Christopher went down the huge slide that sent you sailing through the air before hitting water at least 100 times!! No kidding!
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This album only has a few pictures from Turner Falls. It is a park where you can camp or spend the day swimming and hiking. It was very costly but we went anyway, it's a shame they charge so much and they don't keep the park as clean as you would think. We had a good time anyway...the kids were just dying to swim. Christopher went down the huge slide that sent you sailing through the air before hitting water at least 100 times!! No kidding!
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Cardboard Testimonies!
I found this youtube clip from my Aunt's site...I cried all the way through...how incredible the Father's love for us! Praise be to Jesus our Savior who transforms our lives in amazing ways!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
I'm grateful...
11-that Christopher always sticks up for me when Calixto and I play fight
12-for laughs with my children
13-that God shows me exactly what I need to hear/read/know at just the right time!
14-that God does not treat me as my sins deserve!
15-for the internet where I can keep up with friends/family
11-that Christopher always sticks up for me when Calixto and I play fight
12-for laughs with my children
13-that God shows me exactly what I need to hear/read/know at just the right time!
14-that God does not treat me as my sins deserve!
15-for the internet where I can keep up with friends/family
Puritan Morning Prayer
O God, the Author of all good,
I come to you for the grace another day will require
for its duties and events.
I step out into a wicked world,
I carry about with me an evil heart,
I know that without you I can do nothing,
that everything with which I shall be concerned,
however harmless in itself
may prove an occasion of sin or folly,
unless I am kept by your power.
Hold me up and I shall be safe.
Preserve my understanding from subtlety of error,
my affections from love of idols,
my character from stain of vice,
my profession from every form of evil.
May I engage in nothing in which I cannot implore your blessing,
and in which I cannot invite your inspection.
Prosper me in all lawful undertakings,
or prepare me for disappointments;
Teach me how to use the world, and not abuse it,
to improve my talents,
to redeem my time,
to walk in wisdom toward those without,
and in kindness to those within,
to do good to all men,
and especially to my fellow Christians.
And to you be all the glory. Amen.
I come to you for the grace another day will require
for its duties and events.
I step out into a wicked world,
I carry about with me an evil heart,
I know that without you I can do nothing,
that everything with which I shall be concerned,
however harmless in itself
may prove an occasion of sin or folly,
unless I am kept by your power.
Hold me up and I shall be safe.
Preserve my understanding from subtlety of error,
my affections from love of idols,
my character from stain of vice,
my profession from every form of evil.
May I engage in nothing in which I cannot implore your blessing,
and in which I cannot invite your inspection.
Prosper me in all lawful undertakings,
or prepare me for disappointments;
Teach me how to use the world, and not abuse it,
to improve my talents,
to redeem my time,
to walk in wisdom toward those without,
and in kindness to those within,
to do good to all men,
and especially to my fellow Christians.
And to you be all the glory. Amen.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Continuing on...I'm grateful for:
10-a diligent, hard-working husband who is willing to pick up his own dinner at 9:00 when I've not been able to make it or pick up something for him...without complaint!
11-a husband who is a loving father...willing to have a sleep over with his son and his sleep-over friend, Isaac.
12-slow summer days
13-the fact that my cat's swollen head returned to normal after some benedryl! (she looked like Will Smith in the movie "Hitch")
10-a diligent, hard-working husband who is willing to pick up his own dinner at 9:00 when I've not been able to make it or pick up something for him...without complaint!
11-a husband who is a loving father...willing to have a sleep over with his son and his sleep-over friend, Isaac.
12-slow summer days
13-the fact that my cat's swollen head returned to normal after some benedryl! (she looked like Will Smith in the movie "Hitch")
The way up is down...
A few weeks ago I heard a Pastor speaking about being brought low by God in order for him then to bring us to the high places and have abundant life...that's paraphrased-he said it much better! Anyway, in reading a devotional book this morning that theme re-emerged, here is a snippet of it...
"...Our culture is obsessed with being whole and feeling good. That drive affects even the way we view the Christian life. We want a "painless Pentecost"; we want a "laughing" revival. We want the resurrection without going through the grave; we want life without experiencing death. But in God's economy, the way up is down.
You and I will never meet God in revival until we first meet Him in brokenness. James 4:8-10 is a message today's men and women are not eager to hear. We want to know how to be happy and whole, how to feel better about ourselves and our lives. We think we need someone to make us happy. But God's Word says, 'No, before you can get close to God, you have to find the highway of lowliness.' We want to lift ourselves up. But He says, 'No, humble yourself and I will lift you up.'
Lord, forgive me for seeking an easy life. Help me understand that without your mercy and grace, I have no chance of surviving spiritually. Teach me to humble myself before you and learn what it means to be desperate for you." (Nancy Leigh DeMoss)
"...Our culture is obsessed with being whole and feeling good. That drive affects even the way we view the Christian life. We want a "painless Pentecost"; we want a "laughing" revival. We want the resurrection without going through the grave; we want life without experiencing death. But in God's economy, the way up is down.
You and I will never meet God in revival until we first meet Him in brokenness. James 4:8-10 is a message today's men and women are not eager to hear. We want to know how to be happy and whole, how to feel better about ourselves and our lives. We think we need someone to make us happy. But God's Word says, 'No, before you can get close to God, you have to find the highway of lowliness.' We want to lift ourselves up. But He says, 'No, humble yourself and I will lift you up.'
Lord, forgive me for seeking an easy life. Help me understand that without your mercy and grace, I have no chance of surviving spiritually. Teach me to humble myself before you and learn what it means to be desperate for you." (Nancy Leigh DeMoss)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Continuing my daily gratitude list (from yesterday)...
2- that for two nights in a row we had dinner together as a family...(granted we ate at 7:30 or later but it beats Calixto eating alone at 9:30)
3-for cheap books from Goodwill...and my children's excitement over them!
4-for a daughter's sweet words at bed-time
5-for a 10 yr old son's desire to have a sleep over with his mom or dad as often as we'll agree to one
2- that for two nights in a row we had dinner together as a family...(granted we ate at 7:30 or later but it beats Calixto eating alone at 9:30)
3-for cheap books from Goodwill...and my children's excitement over them!
4-for a daughter's sweet words at bed-time
5-for a 10 yr old son's desire to have a sleep over with his mom or dad as often as we'll agree to one
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
I am blessed...
My sweet children!
The other day I was having a huge melt-down! Lots of stresses adding up, I didn't feel well, the kids were bickering and I had finally reached my melting point. I was on the phone with my husband and just started bawling! Catherine came over hugged me and rubbed my back all the while saying..."It's OK mommy...I'll take care of you...it's OK!"
Christopher just kind of watched and kept his distance but later he came out to the living room where I was laying on the couch and spelled out "Get Well Soon" with his K'nex!
I was really touched by both of their actions! What a blessing they are to me!
I was about to post this but realized how sweet my husband is and thought I'd share what he did the other day. I'm usually the one who stays home while he travels, well last week (or was it the week before) I was the one who went away and he stayed home. Upon my arrival not only did I come home to a very clean house, I found my favorite premium ice cream in the freezer! He had bought a few other grocery items too but the ice cream was a very special treat-just for me! That may seem like an insignificant thing but, it meant a lot to me...thanks honey!!
I'm going to start a gratitude list...either here or in my journal...b/c I need to "...forget not all his benefits..."
I'm grateful for...
1-A husband and children who love me more than I deserve!
The other day I was having a huge melt-down! Lots of stresses adding up, I didn't feel well, the kids were bickering and I had finally reached my melting point. I was on the phone with my husband and just started bawling! Catherine came over hugged me and rubbed my back all the while saying..."It's OK mommy...I'll take care of you...it's OK!"
Christopher just kind of watched and kept his distance but later he came out to the living room where I was laying on the couch and spelled out "Get Well Soon" with his K'nex!
I was really touched by both of their actions! What a blessing they are to me!
I was about to post this but realized how sweet my husband is and thought I'd share what he did the other day. I'm usually the one who stays home while he travels, well last week (or was it the week before) I was the one who went away and he stayed home. Upon my arrival not only did I come home to a very clean house, I found my favorite premium ice cream in the freezer! He had bought a few other grocery items too but the ice cream was a very special treat-just for me! That may seem like an insignificant thing but, it meant a lot to me...thanks honey!!
I'm going to start a gratitude list...either here or in my journal...b/c I need to "...forget not all his benefits..."
I'm grateful for...
1-A husband and children who love me more than I deserve!
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Thursday, July 03, 2008
I finished reading Adam this past week...I really liked it! No far out other wordly stuff like some of his other novels. I'm always cautious to recommend Ted Dekker's books...he is a bit extreme and graphic in many of his works. He is a good author that pulls me into the story so that I can't put his books down. Now to find another good "summer read"!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Yesterday
Here is Cat working on some vision therapy homework. She needs to balance on the board while covering one eye and using one hand to bounce a red ball and catch it. She has to do it 25 times with each hand and corresponding eye then both hands and eyes. Notice the chewed board, thanks to Chessie.
Christopher loves to mow the lawn. Here he is preparing the back yard before we set up the the pool. It was a difficult job b/c the grass was wet from the dew and very long.
The weekend
We had a great time in Granbury this weekend. My parents met us there with the kids! Sunday we attended Grace Community to hear our friend Brent preach his last sermon as Pastor at that church. We then had our traditional bbq lunch with he and his family and several other families joined us as well. We had such a good time we didn't want that time to come to an end. In fact, they started closing down the restaurant forcing us to leave! We said good-bye to Kristi and Brent although we know we will see them again-as they will be partnering with us (in Mexico) once their church is established in Phoenix.
On Monday we enjoyed a little bit of time at the newly re-vamped beach on the lake just down from the condo. Here are pix of the kids at the new splash park-they had a blast!
On Monday we enjoyed a little bit of time at the newly re-vamped beach on the lake just down from the condo. Here are pix of the kids at the new splash park-they had a blast!
Psalm 103:1-5
"Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
and all that is within me bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
Summer colds...the worst!
I feel awful! My nose is stuffy, my throat is sore, my eyes are burning and my skin-all of it-is extremely sensitive and I have no enegy what so ever!
Even though I felt miserable I, with the help of the kids, set up the pool in our back yard last night. I'm so worried that Chessie is going to chew it up! I really thought she had stopped chewing but, the other night she chewed on Cat's balance board and a few weeks earlier chewed on her balance beam. I decided at night I'll put her in her crate...which she loves anyway...that should keep her away from temptation at night! I am pumping gallons of water into the pool right now-oh how high our water bill is going to be!
Before I left for Austin I dropped the car off at the mechanics b/c the engine light was on. Unfortunately there is a lot wrong with it...a lot of expensive stuff!!! Just what we did not need right now. I still don't have the car back, but will hopefully by today...not that I want to go anywhere although I do need to go grocery shopping badly!
The AC man came yesterday and praise the Lord there was nothing wrong with our unit! rarely does a service man come to our old house and find no problems, so I am extremely grateful. I will now change the filters every 3 months...I promise!
It is amazing how my physical state dictates my emotional, mental and spiritual state-oh virus go away!!
Even though I felt miserable I, with the help of the kids, set up the pool in our back yard last night. I'm so worried that Chessie is going to chew it up! I really thought she had stopped chewing but, the other night she chewed on Cat's balance board and a few weeks earlier chewed on her balance beam. I decided at night I'll put her in her crate...which she loves anyway...that should keep her away from temptation at night! I am pumping gallons of water into the pool right now-oh how high our water bill is going to be!
Before I left for Austin I dropped the car off at the mechanics b/c the engine light was on. Unfortunately there is a lot wrong with it...a lot of expensive stuff!!! Just what we did not need right now. I still don't have the car back, but will hopefully by today...not that I want to go anywhere although I do need to go grocery shopping badly!
The AC man came yesterday and praise the Lord there was nothing wrong with our unit! rarely does a service man come to our old house and find no problems, so I am extremely grateful. I will now change the filters every 3 months...I promise!
It is amazing how my physical state dictates my emotional, mental and spiritual state-oh virus go away!!
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