HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 01/01/11

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Lake

We spent a little time at the lake this weekend. Mackenzie and her Dad met us there. The dog had a blast running around. We let him off the leash a few times and he really enjoyed that!

Sometimes...

Sometimes you just have to feel the wind in your hair and sand in your- paws.

Happy Birthday, Honey!

Saturday is a big day . Two of the most special men in my life are celebrating big things!  (See the post below this one). Tomorrow is my husband 63rd bithday. We hope to go out to dinner tonight and tomorrow he and Brandon have a special daddy/son 'date' planned.


Free Glitter Graphics, Happy Birthday Glitter Graphics


Proverbs 16:31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousnes


Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.

Happy Second Retirement, Daddy

Saturday marks the second retirement for my daddy. Daddy was in the army as an MP and later hired on with the police dept.  Daddy retired as a Sgt, after a 30 year career in the King County Sheriff's Dept in WA. During that time, he did more than just patrol. He was a detective and other vital positions within the the dept. To me, however, he was just daddy. I hired on later on the same dept.  We were able to work together for a few years of those years. I was at one end of the radio while he was at the other. I wish I had a picture available of him in  his police uniform. To me he was and is the most handsome man, especially in his uniform.  My daddy moved to Leavenworth, a Bavarian theme village in the Cascade mountains. In 1994 he took a job as school bus driver. He says it is because the CIA was not hiring at the time. LOL. He has driven a shuttle bus around for tourists during the many village festivals .  He even drove the bus for the fire fighters during a major fire not far from their town. He's done odd jobs around town too, made friends and been active in his church.. He's also been in 11 parades around the state wearing-- See him here----> Liederhosen and playing the alphorn. Finally, now he gets to really retire. He will have time to do more wood working projects, visit with friends at the local Starbucks and train his new puppy. This is a well deserved retirement for a man who has been working hard since his early teens. Enjoy yourself Daddy. I love you!

Mr. (or Mrs) Swoop & Poop

Remember my BATTY (click on Batty)  post a few weeks ago? He's still 'hanging' around at night. We left the porch light on in hopes he would avoid the area. It helped to keep him away, temporarily. But soon as that light was off, he would find his way back. It's kinda creepy to think he was lurking out there while we were outside with the dog, just waiting for his opportunity to go to bed in our back porch. LOL.  The evidence of his returning is in the increasing levels of bat guano on my walls. Ick! This is a screened in back porch that we use for storage. It has a arch way where a door should be. It's not as simple as putting up a door. And it's not as simple as using a garden hose to clean off the mess either. Bat guano is not solid .  Yes, he eats bugs.  I agree that is a good thing. However, I would prefer he eat the bugs and poop the remains somewhere other than my back porch!! I don't mind the bats in the area. I see them at twilight and hear them fly over head and protest my being outside with the dog. It is MY back porch for pity sake, not his! I do not like opening the door and having him swoop at me trying to escape. I don't want him flying in my garage either. Or worse yet, getting in my house.  I also don't want them 'painting' my white walls with green guano. My husband has been sick so he has not felt like searching for netting or screening and he has not felt like dealing with it. I totally understand. I could have done it myself but leaving the light on was a quick fix. This morning I woke to more guano on my bathroom window. It was such a lovely (NOT) sight. LOL.  My hubby is off to the hardware store today to get what we need to cover up our open doorway.

A friend suggested I get a bat box. A bat box is like a bird house. I kinda like that idea. I don't really want to hurt the bat. I just want it to move on. We laughed at the bat box idea. It's such a metaphor for my life. While others have pretty bird houses or a hummingbird feeder. Only I would be in the minority and own a bat box!!

Has It Been Only A Week Since Thanksgiving?

The month of November was not a healthy one for us. Brandon has battled a cold that sent him into allergies. We are running through the list of OTC's (and two trips to the Dr's)  to try to find something that works to relieve him of his congestion. Dec is not starting out well either.  Mike came down with a chest cold, yesterday (Dec 1st) . But the highlight of Nov, was Julia's visit. Her stay was too short but we enjoyed it none the less. Here are a few pictures from that day.

Just Hanging Around

This is on our back porch, tonight! GROSS!!

You can click on the picture to make it bigger.

Thanks For Explaining it. I get it now--NOT

Back From the Doctor's Office

I gave in. I cried "UNCLE!" After another late night of croupy like coughing I called our local walk in clinc and  we walked in.. Brandon's lungs are clear (yeah!) but he has a nasty sinus infection caused from the original virus.  She could hear the rattling from his nose and throat while she was listening to his chest. She checked his ears and throat (his tonsils are enlarged too) only to discover what a real mess he is. It's strange, Brandon is very goopy but has not had a sinus headache or headache for 11 days. But she said he is a 'goopy mess'. So two hours later and a trip to Safeway to fill the three prescriptions and a quick lunch at Burger King. We are home. Now we start 10 days on the antibiotics, cough syrup and an anti- inflamatory medication, with prayer we should be seeing some results soon. The medications are supposed to help him sleep too *wink*. Which in turn will help daddy & I sleep . We have not had a lot of sleep in the last 11 days. It does not help that the cotton is being harvested in our area, or that the crop duster is active too. And the wind has been blowing from the North for 3 days.  We are being assulted from all sides. Sigh.. Oh well, this too shall pass..

P.S. The clinic gave me a note so that Brandon could return to school tomorrow. I said "I'll give it to his teacher". LOL. For some reason Brandon threw the note way! *wink*

After a long week with late nights filled with coughing. We were able to venture out today. Last night was a rough night for Brandon too. He got into a coughing fit so bad he threw up (at 1 am of all times). Sigh. We had planned to go to an outside event in town but it was too windy. So we went to our old standby, Lowe's,  for the kids workshop. Then Daddy needed some helping cleaning up his lab so we went there to help him. Brandon also learned a few things about weighing and measuring .  After being stuck in the house for, 6 days for Brandon, 7 days for me, it was NICE TO GET OUTSIDE. I was a little stir crazy!!

Hmmmm...

Maybe I should dust?

My Baby Girl!!

My baby girl is all enrolled in PIMA Medical Institute in WA. Here is a picture of her taken during the first week of school. She is working her way toward a Vet Tech Degree.

Wow!

Warning! The following picture will raise your blood sugar level!  After talking with my blogging friend Shelley (see the post below) I decided to make the cake she suggested. Wow! This cake was so simple to make but boy does it pack a sugar punch. It was incredibly rich. It was very very good.!! If you're not a chocolate lover, you will prob not enjoy this cake. LOL.  It does not need frosting, but I sprinkled it with powdered sugar. Prior to making the cake, I made two loaves of Banana bread. I just felt like baking today. It was fun.

Yummy!

What could be better than chocolate cake and a good book? My friend Shelley has released her latest book, Grace, this week. She also told me recently about a wonderful cake recipe . So pop on over to her website and check things out. You'll find the recipe and information on her books including the information on her  latest release. I've mentioned before how much I really enjoy her books.  I am looking forward to her next release in March of 2011. Happy reading and eating!!

Kids and Critters (the on going saga)

As you know I've had my share of critters in my house lately. Last week was no exception. I've lived in two houses in the area and have dealt with lizards, vinagaroons, roaches, and recently a momma and baby scorpion. Ick!! Last week while the kids were visiting and playing with Brandon, Isaac spotted a lizard crawl into the dogs water bowl, which is in our dining room. It got in the house from the garage. I was glad that this 10 year old boy was more than willing to catch it and release it. The lizard found his way back into our garage about 1 hour later. . I am perfectly happy to let him live there. I just don't want him in my house.
So here are a few pictures of the kids playing & the lizard as it was caught and released.. From nose to end of tail we guess him to be 8 inches. I made the kids wash their hands well after handling the lizard.

I Am Back!

After a week of agonizing computer withdrawels. I am back on line! While I was gone a new blogger, Sue, visited my blog from another friends blog. She lives in AZ, too. Sue, if you're reading this I can't get to your blog to introduce myself. I don't know where to find you or whose blog you came from. . If you know who Sue might be, please ask her to come back or e mail me with a link to her blog. I love 'meeting' new bloggers, so I would like to find out who you are, Sue. Take care!!

Saturday at the Park.

We went to Lowe's today only to find a note that their workshop had been moved to the park. When we got there we found a bunch of stuff going on. It was a nice treat.

Last night I found a baby scorpion in our dining room. I killed it of course. This morning I moved a fan and found a dead one under it. I am so creeped out!!

 I should get a cute little kitty to hunt for me!

Here is the earlier post regarding the one we found in the garage. HERE

Green Belt

Brandon tested for his green belt on Saturday. He was too nervous to allow me to film him during his test. Today, during class, he was presented with his green belt.

Such A Sweet Girl!

I stayed home with Brandon all day today. He's a little under the weather--we are still not sure if he has a cold or allergies. Anyway, my Pastor's daughter, Emily, sent this home tonight for us. Brandon and I enjoy walking around our lake in the mornings. We enjoy looking for the turtle, which we were told, is named Sally. I don't know the name of the second turtle in the lake (Gary maybe?)  Sally is also my pastors wife (and friend) and Emily's mom. LOL.. So here is Sally, and friend (made out of a paper plate). Thank you Emily, that was very sweet of you!

Support Your Team!

Brandon's TKD class was putting on a demonstration today. Even though Brandon is not on the team (yet), we showed up to support them. We also wanted to see what they did. Since Brandon was in the crowd, he was allowed to come up and break a board. He's done this before, several times at class, but never in front of a crowd.

Start Wearing Purple-Yes, We Are A Little Crazy

My friend JoJo at For the Love of Purple posted this today. I can't get the tune out of my head now. LOL

Walks Are Best First Thing in the Morning

Brandon and I took a walk before church this morning. It was so nice.

The Baby Snake in New Mexico

We stopped at a rest area in New Mexico and I found this by the ladies restroom. No doubt it was hunting the 4 inch grass hoppers that were in the area. I filmed this with my cell phone so the quality is bad, sorry.

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Never Go Barefoot

Even in your own garage. My hubby stepped on this before he knew what he was stepping on (he didn't see it). It did not sting him, thanfully. Gross!!

Lovin That Texas Hill Country!

We enjoyed our vacation very much. I did not take too many pictures enroute until we got to a town we were interested in seeing, Kerrville, TX. Along the way, In New Mexico, we stopped at a rest area and I found a baby diamondback near the ladies restroom-I nearly didn't need to use the restroom after seeing him!! He was no doubt hunting the huge 4 inch grasshoppers that were covering the ground--gross!! I took pics with my cell phone and will attempt to post those another time. We were headed to Kerrville, a town we saw years ago from the Interstate but did not have time to visit. We stopped and spent a night in Kerrville and really liked this area. It's so green and I enjoyed the deer you see wandering around in yards.

We met up with our friends who live in Kyle Texas (south of Austin)  and spent time with them. We had dinner with them several times and they visited Cabela's with us.We don't have a Cabela's near us, so it was a treat to play there.  I also went on a play date with Sherry and her daughter. I'll post those pic later.  We all took a trip out to Canyon Lake & Gruene and just drove around the area a lot.

Mike, Brandon and I went to a trourist trap called "Wonder World". I enjoyed it, though I was a little worried since it involved a cave-I am clausterphobic. However, I did it and didn't have too much trouble. I had more trouble on the hot elevator which takes you up to the tower to see the area. I just breathed deeply and prayed. On their tram ride we were able to see and feed the deer.

I'll be posting more pictures in the next few days. I have a hard time remembering the time line of events. I guess I should keep a journal next time. For me the highlight was all the green trees, the deer roaming aorund freely. I could have done without the grasshoppers and snake in New Mexico. I also could have done w/o the dead deer along the roadways and the dead armadillos too. Oh, and we ran over two snakes-they were suicidal snakes since they were trying to cross the interstate!!

Not To Embarrass My Son.. However....

If you've seen Brandon's blog lately you've seen that he is a young Spiderman in training. The other day my son had to be rescued by daddy from the built in wall shelf  in our living room. Brandon had crawled up there to get something he had 'accidentally' tossed up there. When he got up there he could not get himself turned around to get back down, as he could not see the ladder. He was afraid (so was I a little) I was glad that daddy was able to come home and that I didn't have to call 911. I am not strong enough to crawl up the ladder to help him down. If I had tried to lift him down most likely we would both be in the hospital right now. Today my dad sent this video -- I can totally see Brandon trying to do this in a few years--specially the end part.  I can't get this vid to post so here is the link. HERE.. I can't tell what word they are using at the very end of the video but I imagine it's not a nice one, so listener BEWARE...

The voice of weeping shall be no more heard."

Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empties today of its strength.  Charles Spurgeon


The voice of weeping shall be no more heard."

-- Isaiah 65:19



The glorified weep no more, for all outward causes of grief are gone.

There are no broken friendships, nor blighted prospects in heaven.

Poverty, famine, peril, persecution, and slander, are unknown there. No

pain distresses, no thought of death or bereavement saddens. They weep

no more, for they are perfectly sanctified. No "evil heart of unbelief"

prompts them to depart from the living God; they are without fault

before his throne, and are fully conformed to his image. Well may they

cease to mourn who have ceased to sin. They weep no more, because all

fear of change is past. They know that they are eternally secure. Sin

is shut out, and they are shut in. They dwell within a city which shall

never be stormed; they bask in a sun which shall never set; they drink

of a river which shall never dry; they pluck fruit from a tree which

shall never wither. Countless cycles may revolve, but eternity shall

not be exhausted, and while eternity endures, their immortality and

blessedness shall co-exist with it. They are for ever with the Lord.

They weep no more, because every desire is fulfilled. They cannot wish

for anything which they have not in possession. Eye and ear, heart and

hand, judgment, imagination, hope, desire, will, all the faculties, are

completely satisfied; and imperfect as our present ideas are of the

things which God hath prepared for them that love him, yet we know

enough, by the revelation of the Spirit, that the saints above are

supremely blessed. The joy of Christ, which is an infinite fulness of

delight, is in them. They bathe themselves in the bottomless, shoreless

sea of infinite beatitude. That same joyful rest remains for us. It may

not be far distant. Ere long the weeping willow shall be exchanged for

the palm-branch of victory, and sorrow's dewdrops will be transformed

into the pearls of everlasting bliss. "Wherefore comfort one another

with these words."

Charles Spurgeon

Butterflies--Everywhere!

We have been invaded by these pretty little butterflies. They are called Orange Sulphur butterflies (as near as my research could determine, that is).  They showed up several weeks ago.  It is so pretty to watch them in the field behind us. Unfortunatly, they don't mix well with cars so they are also laying dead on the roads.

I took a video of the field behind our house. I took it leaning over our block wall. It's just a small sample of butterflies in the area. I can't get it to load on to my blog so you can view it by clicking HERE

Happy 70th Birthday, Mom

Glitterfy.com - Happy Birthday Glitter Graphics

I love you.

Thank You Honey!!

Over the weekend my hubby gave me a late anniversary gift/early birthday present. Yes, it's purple!! I love it.

I know in the pic it might look more pink than purple. Sometimes in certain light the camera also looks more pink than purple, but it is really purple

eonvrye taht can raed tihs rsaie yuor hnad.

Isn't it interesing that only boys have their hands up?
 Only great minds can read this This is weird, but interesting!

Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.
 
 
i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!
 
Thanks Mackenzie for sharing this with me!!

Another Blessing!!

My friend Peggy sent this to me as an early bd present. She did the stitching herself (yes, it's purple). It's two pillow cases. I am so thankful for the friends in my life. First my pretty purple Bible (see the post below)  and now these two pretty pillow cases.

Look What I Have!!

I am so excited! Look what Mackenzie and her Mom and Dad gave me!! It has my name on it too.. It's so soft and PURPLE!! Thank you so much!

New Book

Excuse the "Look inside", I copied this picture from Amazon.com. I found this author, Suzanne Woods Fisher, through my friend Shelley Shepard Gray. Shelley was doing an interview on Suzanne's radio show, about her books and this is where I learned about this author. I just finished reading this book and I really enjoyed it. It is yet, another, safe, clean read. Suzanne is also the author of a book called Amish Proverbs.

Currently I am finishing up a book, The Telling,  by Beverly Lewis. If you're familiar with her work and enjoy her style, you will enjoy these books. They are very similiar.  I am anxious to get to Shelley's book Autumn's Promise.

Shelley was just featured in USA Today.. You can read about it here---> USA Today

Apple Cider Vinegar & Health

I have close friend who has told me about ACV over the years and its benefits. I could only imagine using it and just my luck I'd smell like an Easter Egg, I must point out she has NEVER smelled like an Easter Egg-- Hee Hee!! Anyway, I thought I would give  it a try over the next few weeks and see if I notice any changes in my health. ACV has a wide range of benefits from skin ailments, to helping with joint pain from arthritis to other similar related conditions. It is supposed to help with digestive disorders and even has benefits for diabetics in regulating their sugar/insulin levels.I have to admit after drinking some last night my all day tummy ache did go away!  If you do a search for Apple Cider Vinegar you'll find a WIDE assortment of information. I tried it last night for the first time in a drink form, called Honegar.  I mixed 1 teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of ACV in a little over 10 ounces of water. Usually the ratio is 1 Tablespoon of ACV to 1 Tablespoon of Honey (or a tad more) to 8 oz of water. It was very tasty..It did not have a vinegary taste at all. It tasted more like watered down lemonade.NEVER drink the ACV straight, it can ruin your teeth and your Esophagus. You can find this recipe along with others , on the Internet. This morning I mixed the ACV with my Ice Tea--I didn't like the taste change in my tea but it was still drinkable.. I am not sure what I am trying to accomplish by trying this 'cure' but maybe I will discover some health benefit . I would like improved skin (I have Psoriasis) and no joint pain ( I have Arthritis) I also have Chronic Fatigue & Sleep Apnea, just to name a few annoying health issues.. It is also supposed to help with blood pressure, too.    Have you ever tried it? What was your result? Do you know anyone who uses ACV for anything?

Here is one site to find information. Keep in mind there are many many sites so if you are interested, keep searching....----->>>>. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. A lot of sites recommend using Organic ACV. I have Heinz right now but I will prob switch to organic eventually.

*** Don't confuse ACV with White Vinegar** It's not the same.

Are They Bored?

They are climbing the walls!!

Brandon's 8th Birthday Party

Brandon had a good time at his party. He got some really nice and fun gifts. He is one tired little 8 year old.

Arizona's No Non Sense Approach

The different between California and Arizona... LOL..Thanks Dad for sharing this e mail with me.

California




The Governor of California is jogging with his dog along a nature trail. A coyote jumps out, bites the Governor and attacks his dog.



1. The Governor starts to intervene, but reflects upon the movie "Bambi", then realizes he should stop; the coyote is only doing what's natural.

2. He calls Animal Control. Animal Control captures the coyote and bills the state $200 for testing it for diseases and $500 for relocating it.


3. He calls a veterinarian. The vet collects the dead dog and bills the state $200 for testing it for disease.


4. The Governor goes to hospital and spends $3,500 getting checked for disease from the coyote and for getting his bite wound bandaged.

5. The running trail is shut down for 6 months, while Fish & Game conducts their $100,000 survey to make sure the area is free of dangerous animals.



6. The Governor next spends $50,000 in state funds, implementing a "Coyote Awareness" program for residents of the area.

7. The State Legislature spends $2 million to study how to better treat rabies and how to permanently eradicate the disease, throughout the world.



8. The Governor's security agent is fired for not somehow stopping the attack  and for letting the Governor attempt to stop the attack.



9. Additional cost to State of California : $75,000 to hire and train a new security agent with additional special training re: The Nature of Coyotes.


10. PETA protests the coyote's relocation and files suit against the state.



Arizona


The Governor of Arizona is jogging, with her dog, along a nature trail. A coyote jumps out and attacks her dog.


1. The Governor shoots the coyote with her state-issued pistol and keeps jogging. The Governor has spent $0.50 on a .45 ACP hollow-point cartridge.


2. Arizona buzzards eat the dead coyote.


And that, my friends, is why California is broke.

Happy Anniversary, Honey

Today, Monday,  my hubby and I celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary! Thank you, honey, for loving me & providing for our family. You put in long hours to support us and never complain. You show your love in so many ways. I love you and thank you for all you do. Happy Anniversary, Babe. I  love you.

Teaching Phonics

My school day is a little bit like this.... Thanks Jo Jo  for posting it on your blog. I enjoyed it so much I am sharing it.

I Love Lucy - Ricky has problems with English

Vanity

Here is a poem I wrote after watching a stupid tabloid show. I should not have watched it.. I know better. So, here ya go Lindsay L and Mel Gibson.  And all the other people, Hollywood or not, who think they are above the law or more importantly living without one thought about what God thinks, Romans 10:3-For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God..  We all get self absorbed at times. We all sin, we all make mistakes. Romans 3:23-For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God .I thank God that through his mercy there is forgivness and a fresh start for those who seek him.Titus 3:5 --Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us...Sin comes with consequences, Proverbs 13:15... But the way of the trangressor is hard and Romans 6:23-For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. However, we can obtain mercy and strength through God if we ask.  Hebrews 11:6- But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

I am glad that God offers us an out to our sin our pride and vanity. He's put it in his word and we can get victory over it through prayer and submission to his word. Even for Linsday and Mel G. I know it's something that I am praying about for myself  in my life. I need more submission to God's word and less worrying about what others think about me, if I do.  All that matters is what God thinks about me, so if THAT is vanity too, so be it. I want to hear "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" someday.



Vanity

Why can' t you see,
It's all about me?
There is nothing in life
more important than me.

I see my beauty and need
constant praise.
All that I do
is on constant display.


If you reach out to me,
I am too busy to see.
The things that you need,
They won't concern me.


My life is just this -
It's for all to see.
There is nothing more important
Than my vanity.

Kristy
Poems are not to be used without my permisson. Thank you.

Speak To Me, Dear Lord

Speak to me like a gentle breeze
And let my spirit soar.
Speak to me loud and clear,
Just like a lion's roar.


Keep my heart soft and tender
As you work on me each day.
Let the cares of the day
Quickly leave and fade away

Kristy
Poems are not to be used with out my permission. Thank you.

I Won! I Won! --Again!!

I've done other posts on this author before, on my old blog.  I really enjoy her books. I entered another of her contests and won an early released copy. This is book three in her Seasons in Sugar Creek Trilogy I hate to see it end. It's due to hit the book stands in August. But I am sure she has another series in the works. Right Shelley? As I've said before I just love her books. They are very a good read.   You can see all of her books by clicking HERE  Shelley, when is the actual release date?  I am anxiously keeping an eye on my mail box. LOL.  Thanks, Shelley!

Blog Changes

I am still in the process of tweaking my blog to my liking. So far, this week, I have added a chat box. My Swagbucks link  (Sure would like more folks to sign up and earn points--hint hint.. It's free, ya know). Now, I've added a link to keep track of our blistering weather. You can find it below my chat box.

I am still deciding what I want to do with the color.  Should I leave it plaid like it is, or get a solid purple? I would like a different blog title and am still asking for suggestions. Anyone have one?

What Do You Do When It's 124 Outside?

You go for a walk! We went for a walk around our community lake (big pond). Ok, it was only 122 when we went for the walk. IT WAS HOT!! We got halfway around the lake when Mackenzie and I started to feel a little ill--go figure.