CHRISTmas

I must admit I am having troubles with this Christmas season.

All I have heard is, "I don't have money for presents", Sales are down, Bad economy".

WHO CARES!!!!!

Who cares? Jesus cares! He cares that we are more into the presents then HIM.

Making, Shaking, Taking...

Go give some of your precious time that you are spending on making or buying GIFTS.

Go take the money your spending at the craft storeand by some food for a family in need.

Go take some Love to an old Folks home. Do you know how many of those people dont have anyone to visit them this Christmas?

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As christians we are supposed to be Helping and Loving eachother right?

Well, this is the Season of CHRIST...

Go and be a Light for someone who is truly in need.

Here it Comes....

ThanksGiving...

I love food way too much.

I love being with my extended family, which doesnt happen enough.

But this year is different.

I have to cook Dinner...Yuck.. But since my mom just had a heart attack, I said "I will do it" again Yuck...I am afraid it will turn out like Poor Mr. Beans Turkey....
**But, I know to take off my jewlery.**

My next Yuck* This will most likely be the last thanksgiving with my old Uncle Joe....

He is an amazing person, one whom I look up too and is right up there on my hero list.

I really have only seen him on Easter and Thanksgiving for my entire life, but a couple of years ago, my husband said we should see him more.

So I have made it a point to do that.

I say that this will most likely be the last time, because he is very sick, very old (88) and decided to live life to the fullest with Cancer instead of getting sick trying to fight it.

Its funny how we grow up, Look back on life, Ask questions and get answers we wernt ready for.

Last week I went and visited uncle Joe. We had a nice visit, looking at pictures, eating and just visiting.

Then I asked him a question. "Uncle Joe, I don't remember you being so full of it. You were always so quiet and reserved when you were at our house! What changed?

Uncle Joes answer "You, your Mom and sister were always so obnoxious that no one else could ever talk."

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So, lets learn a little from the old Uncle Joe..

Sit back, Listen, Enjoy, Dont fret!!!

Who cares if the Turkey Burns, or even gets stuck on your head. Enjoy your family, Make a Gingerbread House like her with your kids

Live, Laugh, Love..and Pray..

None of us know how many Thanks Givings we have left...

My Swappy Proudness

I have recieved my swappy goodness, but I didn't take any pictures. (my cards full at the moment)

I will say, it was awsome. So cool to get a crafty box of goodies.

I got the coolest ceramic napkin holder with colorful mums on it, a wonderful embroidered green apron and an amazing Collage. The collage was a wonderful shadow box, with a wonderful paper tree and little sign, words of encouragement and faith. (I will have to take a picture once I get all the cheer pictures off my camera)......

I have to admit that I lucked out on my Swap buddie. I entered after the deadline and got someone I knew ;) This made it really nice since it was my first swap.

I dont want this post to sound too proud, But man I really want to show you all my craftiness. I am so proud of myself. I actually sewed an apron, and it looks like an apron.

I think it even turned out nice. And My husband was nice enough to model it. (he said not to show anybody...Sorry honey)

But this is what I am most proud of.

How cool is this. I Junqued!!!

I took an old clock, and turned it into a picture frame.

I think I've been bitten by the junk bug. I see things in other peoples junk now... How cool is that....

The Colors of Fall

I love fall, and this year the colors around our neck of the woods are unusually bright. We always get alot of rain and wind, and the leaves don't last long.
But, this year is different. They are staying longer and getting brighter.

This barn is in our little town. Not smack dab in the middle but right off the road. I have always though it was cute. This morning while I was getting coffee (its right next to it) it was too beautiful to not take a picture. The colors were really bright and I was thinking of my friend in AZ. She would get coffee at the little coffee box too. So I jumped out of my car and took this picture just for her.

This is one of the trees that I grew up looking at. The school yard next door was rimmed with maple trees. The colors were amazing, and we loved to make huge piles of leaves and then jump in them.

This is my beautiful. She loves the leaves so much. Her favorite thing is when they blow off the trees and fall to the ground. Yesterday we were driving down the road, and the wind was blowing. She saw all these leaves flying around and wanted to play in them. So we did. I actually caught this picture with them flying in the air.

Happy Birthday Kiasa

My Girl is Sweet 16 today.. I can't believe it..

Swappy Swappy

Ok, So I have to put some swappy excitement out there.

I found the most awsome thing for my swappy swappy.

Its from 1942, From Maine, in the fall. I am so Excited...So So excited....I hope you are too...

Disclamer: This is not it..But a good example...

Ladies Retreat

So I went to my first ladies retreat with our church. It was AMAZING....

I have to confess that I have really never liked women very much, and have never tried.

I didnt have a good woman role model in my life so I never learned how to play nice.

I learned so much about my self and others. I learned how to be vulnerable and understanding of other peoples vulnerability.

I learned about teamwork, and not bucking at every suggestion.

I learned that when you leave your comfort zone and lean in a little, the lord will pick you up and get you through the uncomfortable spots.

I am really thankful for these women, and the time we shared.

First Day

The First day of school is a big deal at our house.
You Must get your picture taken on the first day of school. In the Morning, in your new clothes, with a smile. Even if you start 2hours later than your sister. This has been a problem in years past. We have had fits, tears and refusals.

But this year was great. Colby got up, before anyone and got ready. Kiasa didnt cringe at the 50 shot photo shoot coming and the dog even stayed down. We even got Travis to smile. So me being a nice mommy, Only took 5 pictures and Said have a nice day kiddos. Here are my two favorites.

Happy Birthday Honey

Today was my sweet Hubbys Birthday..

Summer time is such a cool time for birthdays.

We had an Oyster cookout and great time with the Buckners.

A big Ol Shout out to the Huckleberry Mountain Biker Momma... Happy Birthday to you too!!!

My Friends

I spend a lot of my time hanging out with some really cool people in Sultan.
Alot of people dont care for them. I however love them.
These are really cool people. With big hearts and Big smiles.
They just have really big problems.

Walter. He is my Information Giver. He comes into the office everyday. My rule is, he has to teach me something I didnt know before. Sometimes its really good and Sometimes its not so good. The man is a geniuus.

This is Charlie. He is the quiet one. He doesnt say much. He justs drinks coffee and hangs out with his dog.

This is Lana.

We Call her Momma.

She is so funny, but watch her.

She just might wack you with her cane.

Meet Nalin:

She is the Loud one.

She has a big heart.

She hangs out with Charlie and her dog Heidi.

If you see these guys walking around, or out flying their signs.

Just remember, A few problems, A few missed steps, some bad decisions and this could be your family.

Dont pass by them with your nose turned up. They were just like you at one point.

They Grow so Fast

How do they Grow up so Fast?



When My friends moved to AZ there boy was, well Little.
Very Cute pudgy cheeks, cute little voice. You know the chipmunk kind that you just cant get enough of.


In November we had the pleasure of visiting them in AZ. I was surprised one Morning pretty early by said boy. He walked into the kitchen, said Good Morning and proceeded to make us both toast. I was kind of blown away by his Grown-up-ness. We sat and ate our toast while he told me about life in AZ.

Fast forward another a 6 or so months. Its their turn to visit us.

The next day after they visited, I found this picture on my camera (boys using Moms Camera, UGH..)

I am not sure what the context of the conversation was during this photo shoot. But wow, its such a grown up pose.

I miss this kid alot (and his family).

I just wonder what the next visit will bring?

Wow, How fast they grow up.

What do you do with your afternoon?

So what do you do with an afternoon?

Well, the other day. I went and got my hair cut.

I know "Boring".

Ya, I know. I am getting to it.

I went and got my hair cut so I could do something special. Something that I had been thinking about for a Long time. Something Just for me, Something with deep meaning.

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Brad is Taking the Pictures here.. He thinks he is really Cute.. He wants to show you a bunch of different angles. I am telling him to stop. He keeps telling me, "This is how I feel, when your taking alot of pictures of me" Sorry Honey....

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Ok, Ok...

Here it is....
The Back side of the Do...
I went and got my hair cut so I could get this.

I have wanted another tattoo for a long time.

But, I havent been able to pick something with meaning.

Or that I would want on my body forever.

Well I finally figured it out.

Ok, to answer the questions that you all have asked.. Some of you allready have seen it..

No its not as simple as look, I got baptized...Kinda but deeper.

Here are a few insights.

1. The meaning starts in the bible.

Turn your good book to John 4:10 and read along.

10....11...12...13...

14...But Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life............

Then Contine on untill Verse 18.

1..This is the only way to get through life for me.

2..I got this to remind me that its a one way street, no U turns, I have to keep going and not look back. The living water has washed that all away.

I got this to remind me of that, So I dont have to look back.

It started with a friend telling me.

"Your ship sank, stop diving down to see if you can pull it back up"

Wow.. That was profound....

And thats how it all came about...

THE END...

You gotta Love Camping

Ok, So we go Camping alot.

Many nights spent around the campfire, sleeping on the ground, having dirt under your fingernails, hair hidding under a hat.

No Big Deal, RIGHT?

Well The last 3 years or so we have been spoiled.

We have a motorhome, Bathroom, Kitchen with Fridge/Freezer, two queen size beds, Air conditioning, get out of the rain and play cards kind of Motorhome.

But, with gas prices as they are. We decided to go back to camping the old fashion way.

With a tent, a cooler and wild animals at your door. Or in th cooler in our case. Pesky raccoons.

It was great, I am glad we did it.

It made me appreciate what I have so much.

We went to the Ocean at our usual spot. We drove up the coast and did some exploring.

We saw lots of wild life this time, Deer, Bear, Beaver, Otter and tons of other creatures at the beach.

This little guy came running through our camp and got snagged up in our mosquito hut. Thank goodness we had a little sewing kit with us, to fix the hole in it.

Brad and I on the Beach.

There was a big chain saw carving /sand castle building carnival going on in Ocean shores. The boys loved it. Anything with tools and getting dirty makes them smile.

This was the topper of the weekend. We always play cards with Brads parents. The Game? May I. I never win, not even close. This time I not only Won. I went out and got all of them with all their cards in thier hands.. VICTORY...

So!! GO!! Get outside.. Get Dirty.. HAVE FUN...

Victory Gardens

During World War I and World War II, the United States government asked its citizens to plant gardens in order to support the war effort. Millions of people planted gardens.

Ok, So its not WWII. And the Government is not asking us to have a victory garden.

But, WHY NOT DO IT ANYWAY.

Planting a Victory Garden to fight global warming would reduce the amount of pollution your food contributes to global warming. Instead of traveling many miles from farm to table, your food would travel from your own garden to your table.

Just a little bit in a small container can make a difference.

One 5 gallon bucket can house a tomato plant.

Last month my 80 year old Neighbor asked me if I could help in his garden. He said I could use the green house for my use, and have half of the produce from his garden. Just as long as I did all the weeding. With prices of food so high, how could I say NO?

So here is the first of the Victory Garden....

We had Salad.

The best tasting salad ever.

Was it the best Lettuce? Who Knows.
I can say, that It made me so happy to know that I created it (helped it along) .

It was the best ever.. I am so happy that I am doing this for me and my family.

My husband is so happy,

he is drawing up plans for our own Greenhouse.

The tomatoes are next......

The Greatest Dads

FATHERS DAY WAS GREAT...

We sat around in the Sun, Talking and Visiting and Had a Bar-B-Que.

Let me tell you a little about The Two most wonderful Dads..

First is my Dear Father. I love him more than any other Dad in the World.

He has been the best provider, Friend and Protector that you could ever ask for.

He worked his fingers to the bone, so us kids could have all the good things in life.

I LOVE YOU DADDY....

The Second Greatest Dad.

But the Greatest to My Children is my Dear Hubby.

He is the Best in So many ways.

My dear Hubby makes my Coffee in the Morning.

Takes our 15 year old Daughter to her job on the weekends.

Helps with the Dishes, Laundry And Fixes the Car.

He was teaching our Son to Cut down Trees.

And Teaching him how to drive the truck.

Did I mention He is 9.

I love my Dads They are the greatest..

Rain Rain Go Away

So, As you all know.

It has been raining for weeks here.


Maybe its been months. I really can't tell anymore.


Its sad, Our neighbor was gone for two weeks in Wisconsin. (at my dream farm. Future post)
When he came home last night; I told him "It stopped raining for a couple of hours on Sunday Night"..Woo Hoo...

I dont want to sound to deppressed, but its really hard not too.

• I ve been trying to work on my crafty stuff..Blah..

• Blog, No. They all sounded more deppressing than this.. But I figured I better keep going. (thansks Amber)
  
• I ve tried exercising...See Line 2.
  
• Ebay, You can have no more of my Money this Month. Oh, But wait till you see what I got :)
  

So I do believe I will go tanning today. Right after I get out of my P-jammies (its 10:00am)

I dont like the Cancer Causing affects, BUT I may lay down and die if I dont get some LIGHT.

So please, Send me good thoughts and Prayers before I wash down the drain....

The Shoe...

Sometimes you just have to Wait..

Sometimes it takes Months, Even 6 months.

Sometimes it makes you wonder "When will it happen" ?.

Well I must say, this is the true test of patience.

The story is long, the journey is far. It all started with a hike and some friends, Some Giant Leaps and Some baby steps.

Some long pauses, Even some Ice.

But I must say, Here is a kiss for my friend.

I am sure she was wondering, where it would be.

When will it would happen.

Now she knows..

And now I will sit and wonder!!

When will it happen again?

Love Ya

Me

So I found this cute little Avatar site.
This is as close to me as it gets in the Computer world.
For those of you who know me, its always jeans and a brown sweat shirt.
I love it...

First Time

So Here I go.....

So I think that "First Times" are always hardest for me.
I am always too hard on myself. Telling myself "I cant do it" or "Its going to be too hard".
I think the worst is "I am not smart enough".
I have this friend who does the blog thing religiously. Did I mention that she is really smart, and makes me feel really uneducated.
Well, The other day someone Said "You only learn if you Try". Here are some recent firsts....

1. I made Jam and Jelly. My mother-in-Law said It was time I learned. Wow..I am not sure if its good or it just tastes great because I made it...

2. I testified to someone I used to party with..I didnt even have to think about it. No planning. It just came out..The amazing Power of Our Lord...

3. I had a moment with my Teen age daughter (one that is special just for us).

4. I learned that I can be a Cool parent, without being too Cool..

5. One of my pictures is going to be published in a Kitchen and Bathroom Magazine..

And just while writing this, Ive learned that Maybe blogging could be good for me..