It's Back to School: Are the parents ready???

My girls have been back to school going on three weeks now. They are loving it - so far. As I've mentioned before, this is the first time in about 15 years that I am not at work teaching. I have a little guy that I love more than myself. He just turned three and I am so glad to be home with him and I get to spend my days teaching him and watching him learn and grow instead of 25 kids...
That being said, I feel for these teachers as I drop my girls off and leave them in their hands day after day. I remember the feeling. It is a calling. These teachers are there (the majority of them anyway) because they really want to make a difference for these children.
I've already offered my help to each of the girls' teachers and have brought home work to do for my Naomi's teacher. I want to be as communicative and helpful as I can, because these teachers are going to be spending lots of time with my children. I want them to know that I am on their side. We are all working towards helping my girls to be successful, happy, productive people.
I came across an article that led to one more about things that teachers wished parents knew. As a teacher, I was nodding my head in agreement through the whole thing. I am posting the links here, but PLEASE take the time to read them. It's really quick and eye opening and I think it will help you, your child and your child's teacher. Have a great school year!!
13 Things Your Child's Teacher Won't Tell You
20 More Things Your Child's Teacher Won't Tell You

End of summer sweetness...

We were at the market and they had these tiny watermelon for 79 cents. My son took one look at them and had to have one.

What's a mama to do? See how much he loves it?? =)

I told him it was time to eat it. I had put it in the refrigerator to let it chill. He was obviously excited about this. haha.

I was surprised that there was no rind really.

It was basically seedless, of course.

The first bite...

So far so good!

It was a big hit. He loved it. It really was very sweet and full of flavor. Surprising for such a little thing.

School is in full swing and I'm going to miss a lot of the summer produce. Funny thing though, we hardly had any "summer" weather by Southern California standards, but now we get triple digit heat.

The kids think it's some kind of conspiracy against them. haha. We are thankful - very thankful - for air conditioning.

Fall is just around the corner...and you know me...I can't wait!!

Simplicity...

Marco just turned THREE years old. One of his favorite gifts was this home-made play dough.

He and his sister can play all morning with this stuff. Sure, he received all sorts of toys and he loves them too...it's just that he keeps going back to this...and I'm glad.

When the girls were younger, I played with them all the time. We did activities...or "activilees" as Hannah called it when she was little.

I feel like I've been missing that with my son and even a little with Naomi. We started the church almost 4 years ago, I home-schooled for a while and then went into full-time teaching. He just got shuffled to the back...Not much time for simple fun... Special time from mommy.

My cousin, Erin, who has been SUCH a help as far as my fitness and weight-loss journey once told me, ‎"Most things worth doing are simple, but not easy...". WOW!! That really resonated with me. Sometimes the solution to something is SO SIMPLE, yet it's not easy to do. How hard is it to give my time to my family? How hard is it to say "No" to unhealthy foods? How hard is it to do what I need to do for my family, my ministry, or myself? It's not hard...it's simple...but not easy. Are you confused yet? I'm not. It's kind of like "not seeing the forest for the trees"...or is it the "not seeing the trees for the forest"? haha

Simplicity. Yes. I want it back.

Look at those little dimples in her hands...

My special kids. This is why I am staying home this year. At least until this little guy gets into school. He needs me...or better yet, I need him. Simple.

And speaking of simple. Here is the adorable tag, ribbon and hand-made pinwheel that accompanied the gift of Play Dough. Thank you Lena!! Would you like the Simple recipe?

KOOL-AID PLAY DOUGH

1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

3 Tbs. cooking oil

1 unsweetened package of Kool-Aid

Add: 1 cup of boiling water and knead.

Enjoy.

Cross-Fit? *wimpers*

So, I have an awesome cousin who, besides being beautiful, sincere, a Jane Austen fan, lover of food, deeply spiritual, compassionate, strong, etc, etc... is a personal trainer at her gym, CrossFit Center City , in Philadelphia.
At my request, she has written up a month of work outs for me. I am only on day 4 and I was brought to tears.
How did I get to this point? I will be 40 this year. I weigh waaaaay more than I should and even though my mind feels fit, my body laughs cruelly in my face. With every squat and lunge, I can feel it mocking me. Ugh. Today, I really wanted to quit. It hurt and I still had another AMRAP to do.
I finished. Not because I wanted to, but because I knew I'd have to text Erin to let her know how I did. So...I finished. My legs are wobbly. I'm a sweaty mess and I cried a little.
It was worth it. Just one day closer to looking and feeling better.
I mentioned in my last post that I don't like to try things if I am not sure that I can do them perfectly. I think that is part of my fear. I know this will be work. I know that I will fail on some days.
Last week, I posted this as my status: "The key to change...is to let go of fear." ~Roseann Cash
I don't want to be afraid. I need to do this.
Even better than the quote is this verse: Isaiah 41:10~Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
I thought about the verse and then I needed an upbeat song that was at least 3 minutes to get me through my squats. This is the song I played and it was perfect. Great lyrics. It's called "Move" by Mercy Me from their newest album "The Generous Mr. Lovewell" I know I'm not alone in this journey. I just have to remember it when it gets hard.

What a day...

Today was a day jam packed with emotions. My day started very early with a call that my dear friend and church member delivered a beautiful, healthy baby girl while the rest of the world slept. I was so excited and happy for the couple. This is their first and we've been waiting a good while to meet her.

I would've gotten myself together to head right out to see them, but my daughter had a big day planned with a few of her best girlfriends. I was to be the lucky chaperone, as they are all too young to drive. We spent a wonderful day at the Mission Inn, looking through antique shops, and having a yummy lunch together. For me, it was a chance to watch my daughter interact with her friends and to see her truly happy and free.

After a great time with them and dropping them off at home, Hannah and I headed home.

I didn't even get out of the car. My husband slid into the driver's seat as he and I went to the hospital to visit the new baby.

She is absolutely perfect. Just beautiful. Mommy got to the hospital early this morning and had the baby about 30 minutes later. Can you believe it? Wow. It was a joyful time, to say the least. We bid them goodbye and continued to talk of the baby's sweetness as we left the hospital.

From there we went to another hospital nearby where another member of ours is just starting chemotherapy. He went in a while back to get his eye checked, because of pain and swelling, and from there found out that he has cancer in his eye, his stomach and more I believe. While he was in the hospital having stress tests done to see if he could endure some of the medications, he had a heart attack. I just felt so bad for him. He doesn't have a whole lot family.

So, we stayed with him for a bit and my husband and I prayed with him and shared some comforting words. He has great difficulty talking because of the tumor in his head. He will be getting transported to another hospital for radiation to his eye and then return again.

I share all of this with you to tell you...no, remind you that we are all at a different stage in our lives. I have recently been talking with people who are dealing with marital issues, drug abuse, joblessness, family hurts... People are hurting out there, but there is also joy. New babies, weddings, engagements, families reunited...

None of us know how long we are here on this earth. What are you doing with your time here? We all make a difference...but is it positive or negative? Are you letting yourself get worked up over the little things? Are you being true to yourself and those around you? Are you taking the time to really appreciate what you do have? Are you sharing the Gospel with anyone?

Just some things to think about...I know that it has given me reason to pause.

James 4:14 "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."

Sometimes you just need to let go...

that's why I'm drinking herbal tea today, instead of coffee. Ha!

No, seriously. I have been having a little bit of a rough time lately. Just "stuff". The thing is that it's really not my own "stuff" that I've been stressing over. Well, one thing is and that is the fact that we have to move because the house we're renting is being sold.

Anybody have room for a family of 6 and two small dogs?? o_O A little stressed about that!

Anyway, I worry for everyone else. I hurt for my siblings when they hurt. I get angry when I see somebody I love making the same mistakes over and over. I feel betrayed when people you care about and would do anything for, take advantage of your kindness.

So...after much worry, much crying, much sighing, and I'm sure much eye rolling....I'm letting it go. I have to. It's not my thing to be depressed or sad or anxious. It does not suit me.

I've got tea to drink now... Have a great day and KEEP IT REAL!

Just aching to write...

but there's just been so many thoughts in my head!! Don't worry. I haven't completely forgotten myself. I do journal daily - it's just not here. Part of the problem is that I've had some trouble with my personal laptop. Hopefully, that'll get taken care of soon...
We made it through our first full week of school. Everybody has been doing great. Little Marco is even on a schedule there and he loves it.
We all took turns with a 24 hour flu bug, but it wasn't too bad. Anyone that knows me knows that I don't get sick very often. I just don't have time for that. lol
I've really enjoyed being in the classroom again. I am definitely in my element. I know that my children are enjoying school and they are all in very trusted hands not very far from my own classroom.
Our church has been at our new location for going on 1 month tomorrow, but it's funny - it feels like we've been there so much longer! Our congregation is growing and the people there are all working and worshipping in unity. One of the areas that is really booming is our Youth Group. The teens and young college age kids are so happy to be there and they love being a part of everything. It's very inspiring.
I've also finally got myself to a place where I am really making progress with some goals in my life.
I am really focusing my family and those around me. I recently read a blog post by my friend Denise. She talked about Feeling Loved and about helping others to feel loved.
I love doing things for others - I really do - but sometimes, I think I get caught up on worrying if it's enough or good enough or whatever and it holds me back from doing what was originally in my heart to do. I have missed many a birthday gift opportunity or just a plain old "random act of kindness" because I feel like I better add more to it or I second-guess my choice of way to show someone love.
What's up with that insecurity??
Anyway, today as I write this I am making a mental note of the different people I need to send a note to or buy a coffee for...
I've also missed all of my faithful readers here. I know it's my fault for being so sporatic, so one of my other goals is to really stay on top of my blog. I do love being here. It's very comforting to me to write and think.
I haven't been shooting pictures lately either. That'll pick up as we all settle into our schedules and I am more aware of my daily routine.
We've got a big day planned at church tomorrow and then Monday is Labor Day. Marco actually has the day off! We will probably just lay around with our bellies up in the air all day - but who knows? You'll have to check back and see. =] Hugs to you all!!

Summertime and some thoughts on Prayer...

Wow. So, I thought I'd have all sorts of time to blog and read blogs and basically lay around eating bon-bons all day once school got out, but it's been quite the opposite.
Well, I have discovered something that I really like for my sweet tooth, but it's not bon-bons. It's Chocolate Meringues from Trader Joe's. Oh.my.goodness. These aren't the mini ones either. These are white with a sprinkling of cocoa powder on the top. They are a smooth oval shape - oh! and they've got little mini chocolate chips in them. They've got this great snap to 'em and then they just melt in your mouth. Not too sweet and even better when you're having coffee...yum...
Oh, where was I?
Oh, yes. My blog.
Poor neglected friends.
I expected to come and find no followers left.
So, I've been deep in thought about a lot of things. I actually have been writing a lot. Here and there. Little snippets some times. Scribbled in a journal, on my pocket calendar, on 3x5 cards that I always have... Then there's the deeper writing that just comes out in a mumble jumble. Those are in my journals and in my prayer/devotion journals.

Speaking of prayer. I've thought a lot about what I believe about praying ever since I read a post written by someone who basically said that she did not believe in Intercessory Prayer. This is prayer where you are asking God to intercede or change a certain circumstances outcome or a prayer for others.
Hebrews 4:14-16~"14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
As I read this post I realized then, that she and I must not believe in the same God.
I believe in a God that is loving and forgiving that wants to intercede. I believe that our Heavenly Father sees the whole picture and will work His will. I believe, by faith, that it will be for the best.
Romans 8:28~And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
This verse does not mean that the outcome of every situation will be good, but it tells us that all things work TOGETHER for good. There's nothing good about losing a loved one, but it's especially hard to understand when it is something sudden or in the case of a friend, her 4 year old boy that was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma and died 55 days later. Doesn't seem fair, doesn't seem right. Hundreds of thousands prayed for that young boy - including myself. When we saw that he was fading, I'll be honest, my faith did falter. I am a mother of 4 children. I couldn't understand why this was happening. Then I learned of Suzanne's words ... after praying and crying and wishing and hoping... only several hours before Josiah's passing, she felt the Peace of Abba Father surround her and she knew her son was going to be gone that day.
Did it make it easier to understand? Absolutely not. Did it make it any easier to accept? Maybe just a little. Who can know why one person is healed and not another? Who can know what God is sparing that child in the future? We don't know. He does.
God does not always promise healing, but He does promise grace.
James 4:6a "But He giveth more grace..."
I find it funny that so many people are comfortable with wishing someone "good thoughts", or offering "peace", yet they can only do it if they leave God out of it. There are people that like to meditate, but they feel that prayer is a waste of time. I have known people that are okay with doing mantras or chants for meditation or yoga, but they don't understand my need to go in prayer to my God. The difference is they are speaking to themselves and I am speaking to the Holy Spirit. I don't believe in myself alone, I believe that I can do all things through Christ. (Philippians 4:13)
Our God created us all, but He created us with the ability to make our own choices. That right there shows me true love. True love is not about forcing someone to do something. He could have created us to be like robots, to do His every wish and command, but He did not. Just like a loving parent knows that in order for a child to grow and mature, they have to learn to make choices. Sometimes those choices lead us down the wrong path and we are faced with very hard consequences. Does this mean that the parent was wrong or does not care about their child? Absolutely not. However, at this point, a good parent should try to offer help and direction (once again) to that child. The parent should love and support that child, but ultimately, it is still up to that child to chose right. That is how it is with God.
Can a parent give the child everything he asks for? No. Would it be right? No. Why would a parent not give the child everything he asks for? The child may not need it, it may not be the right time for something, it may not be good for the child, he may need to learn patience. Does a parent sometimes change their mind because of the pleading child? Yes. Why would a parent change their mind? Because although it may not be "best", it may be okay. The parent may finally "give in" to teach the child a lesson.
So pray. Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) It gives us hope. It teaches us. It helps us to take our thoughts off of ourselves and to put our thoughts on others.
I believe that you can hope and pray. There are many Bible examples of how God did intervene and there are some examples of how He allowed things to happen as they were - and there was a reason for it all. You call it fate or destiny - I call it God's will.
I'll save some thoughts for another post! Have a great day!

“Prayer is not an old woman’s idle amusement. Properly understood and applied, it is the most potent instrument of action.” —Mahatma Gandhi

I've been MIA...

Hello friends! Really? Where has the time gone? I can't believe I allowed so much time to pass since my last post! It's not that I haven't thought about my blog...I really have. I've even written several posts in my journal. I just need to get it on here. I have been reading you all here and there as well, just not as often as I normally do. That last week of school and then graduations, retreats... Yes! I said retreat!...well, it just got very busy.
I recently went on a retreat that lasted from Thursday to Sunday!! It was up in Big Bear and it was with a group of ladies from a Scrapbooking Message board. I had met a few of the ladies before, but at the end of the retreat, was glad for a small group where we could all get to know each other. (All my pictures are uploaded on my Facebook photo albums)

Not only was I inspired by the pages and work that I saw, I was also refreshed and rejuvinated by being away. It was so beautiful there. We stayed in a very shabby chic retreat house that was decked out in a very cheery Cherry theme.
Great beds and plenty of room to get my scrap on! We laughed hard, ate well and just enjoyed each others company. No drama, no cat fights, no jr. high antics...yes, I've seen all of this at other retreats...

The only problem I did have up there was the altitude and dryness. My nose bled a couple of times and I fought head aches every day. I wore Sea Bands for the first time and they helped going up. I did not feel sick at all!
On the way down was a different story. As we were packing the car to leave, I manage to crap my noggin on the trunk of a friend's car. Didn't even know until I got home that I actually had a cut and was bleeding. Anyway, the drive down started out fine, but just got yucky. I was so sick.
Oh, well. Still worth it. I had a wonderful time away to enjoy the quiet and to appreciate my kids and husband. I was so thankful that I could go away like that and not worry or feel guilty that I was gone. They took care of each other and took care of things at home. They really are the best!
Well, I have a few "projects" that I'm working on and a full schedule as usual. I've got a graduation to attend this evening. I am making chicken taquitos (lots of them) to take to the celebration party, I am doing a wedding album for someone, favors for someone else's wedding and somewhere in there, completing Etsy orders and getting some things cleaned up and organized here at home.
The kids are in full "summer mode" and are enjoying the slower paced days. I'll be back later to share some "deeper" thoughts. Just wanted to stop in and touch base. =]

Good fortune...

Picture from Etsy - Handmade Soap Arent' they adorable? This seller has the most unique stuff!

I love Chinese food and I really enjoy reading my fortune at the end of the meal. They usually make my family and I laugh because they are so random AND general. We like them for fun anyway and try to guess who the "mystery person" will be that is foretold to enter our life, or where the "new riches" will come from that have just been promised...
So the other night we were at a nice, little buffet that we enjoy and this is what my fortune said:
"We are continually faced by great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems."
I love that! It is so true. The hard part is to keep the faith in times of trial long enough to see it as an opportunity. Things often happen that are out of control and we can not change. We might as well make the best of the situation and look at it as an opportunity instead of a set back.
What "problems" have you had to face? Is there any way that you could look at it as an opportunity? I hope you can. =]

Speaking of contentment and happiness...

If you've ever been to Disneyland or even ever heard of it, you've probably heard that it's known as the "happiest place on earth". Well, have you ever wondered where the happiest people really live? Have you ever wondered what truly makes people happy? Well, I read this article featured today on the front of my Yahoo! and I think you may enjoy reading it as well.
The article is called the World's Happiest Places and "the report looked at subjective well-being, defined as life satisfaction. Did people feel like their lives were dominated by positive experiences and feelings, or negative ones?"
Also taken from the article:
"Some sample questions: Did you enjoy something you did yesterday? Were you proud of something you did yesterday? Did you learn something yesterday? Were you treated with respect yesterday? In each country, a representative sample of no more than 1,000 people, age 15 or older, were surveyed."
Well, I will let you read the article for yourself, but have you asked yourself these questions lately? Have you EVER asked yourself these questions? Are you happy?
Just something to think about. I know it has me thinking. Take care and be happy!

Did you miss me?...

I missed all of you! I had a couple of days there where I didn't have access to my computer. Talk about withdrawals!!
Well, a few things I wanted to post:

Remember the Beauty Blog Challenge for January? Well, I won! I was really excited. Traci was sweet enough to send me this Michael's gift card. I looked for some Prima Flowers (you know how I love those!), but none of them really jumped out at me. I looked and looked, because I wanted to spend it wisely...and this is what I ended up with:
I know that a lot of you are probably wondering what this is and why I HAD to have it. Well, they are Fluid Chalks - a type of ink or stamp pad that I use for my projects. These are the colors I use most and I really needed a new set. They were on sale, so I had enough to put towards some paper that caught my eye a while back.
Remember the great purses I got at the yard sale? Well, I was emptying out my old purse to use one of the new ones and found a Michael's card that had a credit of almost $18 on it. Woo-Hoo! So the little owl up there is a peek at what I used the rest of Traci's card and my new found card on. You can go to my scrap blog (Altered to Perfection) to see more about that!
Anyway, thanks again Traci! I had fun and loved that there was a prize involved for more motivation! =]
Okay, what else?
Oh! Remember my little word for 2009? Well, my word is FOCUS! I have really tried to get simplified in my life and prioritise the things that really matter. One of the things I needed to address was the girls' schooling. I love homeschooling them, they enjoy their 2 days a week at the Charter school, yet, it wasn't enough. With two little toddlers at home - one of them more active than you can imagine, I didn't feel I was able to give the girls the quality of time and education they needed. So, my husband and I made the decision to put them back in school at the private school they attended a few years ago. It looks like I may be able to teach or do some work in exchange/towards their tuition. The girls were really excited to be able to be with their old school mates again. We still need to get proper uniforms, but these make-shift ones are fine for now.

Hmmm...I think that's it for now! More interesting and thoughtful post coming up later! I need to go and catch up with all of you now. =]
Leave me a comment so I know you stopped by!!

Which would you choose?

Beverly, a friend of mine, sent me this e-mail.


During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director 'How do you determine whether or not a patient should be institutionalized'
'Well,' said the Director, 'we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub.'

Which would you choose?


'Oh, I understand,' said the visitor. 'A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup.'
'No.' said the Director, 'A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?'

You know what? These kind of "tests" always seem to get us the first time, don't they? Of course, we are going to choose what seems to be the most logical out of the choices we are given. We aren't thinking that we have any other choice. We don't even consider anything "outside the box". Why is that? Next time you feel perplexed about something or think that there's "no other way"...think again. The answer may be obvious.

That's the truth!

You know those quotes on the Starbuck's cups called "The Way I See It"? Well, I always read mine and this one really struck a chord with me:

The Way I See It #17
The world bursts at the seams with people ready to tell you you're not good enough. On occasion, some may be correct. But do not do their work for them. Seek any job; ask anyone out; pursue any goal. Don't take it personally when they say "no" - the may not be smart enough to say "yes." --Keith Olbermann
Boradcast journalist and host of MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Oberman.

Today, I find BEAUTY in this truth. Think about it. You never know where you'll find something like this that just opens your mind!

Random Thoughts...

So, there has been some trouble with Blogger, I guess. Sometimes you can't comment and sometimes, I can't post. Hopefully, this will go through without a problem.

Anyway, I was thinking about tomorrow. The 25th of October. I am going to be the mother of a teenager. When did that happen?

It seems like yesterday that I was teaching her how to write and we would do daily "activa-lees" (activities) such as painting, scrapbooking, planting seeds, etc. Now I look at her and she is sitting in the "schoolroom" at her desk, taking an Algebra test. Unbelievable.

I was going to share a letter here, that I wrote to her, but I changed my mind. I think I will keep it for her. I have a special project planned for her and I will be sharing that with you later.

I will just tell you this, my blogging friends - I am very blessed to have such an awesome daughter. She is sweet, kind, and tender-hearted. She's a hard worker and she is passionate about the things she does. She is a wonderful big sister and sometimes could pass for their mama. She is not afraid to stand up for right. She is my helper. She is a scrapbooker and photographer. She's a cook and a musician. She is a friend and knows the meaning of loyalty. This girl is just all around awesome...and I am not just saying this 'cause I'm her mom. =]

Just a bit of Fun!...ABC's

Saw this on Patricia's blog. It looked like fun and I needed a break from my projects...so here goes!

♥A is for age: 38 in November! Wow!
♥B is for beverage of choice: (Hot) Pumpkin Spice Latte (Cold) Tropical Iced Tea
♥C is for career right now: Teacher, Domestic Engineer Extra-ordinaire...
♥D is for your dog's name: Oso
♥E is for essential item you use everyday: Laptop
♥F is for favorite TV show: The Office
♥G is for favorite game to watch: ummmm...these days...anything live. (not on t.v.)
♥H is for Home town: Riverside
♥I is for instruments you play: Piano
♥J is for favorite juice: Pomegranite
♥K is for a favorite keepsake: My scrapbooks
♥L is for last place you ate at: out... Korean BBQ
♥M is for marriage: Yes, Very happily married to Marco
♥N is for your name: Sherry
♥O is for overnight hospital stay: Childbirth
♥P is for people you were with today: My family
♥Q is for what's your best quality: follow through
♥R is for what are you currently reading: New Creating Keepsakes magazine that just arrived
♥S is for relationship status: Married
♥T is for time you woke up today: 7:00 a.m.
♥U is for the type of underwear you have on: I beg your pardon? =]
♥V is for vegetable you love: Asparagus
♥W is for worst habits: Take on too much!
♥X is for x-rays you've had recently: None for a loooong time
♥Y is for something candy : Truffles....um...I love candy...
♥Z is for favorite zoo animal: Giraffe

Quirky...to be or not to be...LOL

Here are the rules:
Link the person who tagged you.
Tell about 6 quirks of yours.
Tag 6 fellow bloggers to do the same.
Leave a comment to let them know.

I was tagged by Brynn
I was also tagged by Lee

1. I actually like burnt popcorn...of course, I am not talking about black coal popcorn, but I like it left in the microwave just a little more than it needs to be.

2. I can not knowingly buy a magazine or book that has a crease or tear or bend on the cover...I like it to look brand spanking new!

3. I have to drink my coffee out of a particular mug. It happens to be a Starbucks mug that is kind of shaped like a pumpkin. It just "feels" right in my hand.

4. I love to send and receive "snail mail"...it just doesn't happen as often as it should. =] Sad that this is something a bit abnormal these days, eh?

5. I love everything about a brand new box of Crayola Crayons. The smell, the colors, the look of them...it's all ruined once any of them get used.

6. I don't like choosing when it comes to going out to eat. It's just too much pressure. LOL

Ok, I'm sure that I have a lot more quirks...but that's what you get right now...I will now tag:
1. Deborah
2. Esther
3. Tammi
4. Tracie
5. Lita
6. Lisa

I Believe...

I found this on a card blog and I had to share. I must be getting sentimental, because it's the second of this type that I've posted this week. Well, sometimes the things that you've wanted to write or say have already been written or said - so, I will just pass it on and share! It's good stuff...Enjoy!

"A Birth Certificate shows that we were born

A Death Certificate shows that we died

Pictures show that we lived!"

I Believe...That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other.

And just because they don't argue, It doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I Believe...That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.

Same goes for true love.

I Believe...That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I Believe...That you should always leave loved ones with loving words.

It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe...That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing and have the best time.

I Believe...That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe...That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others.

Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief. You must pick yourself up and move on.

I Believe...That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe...Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

"The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;

They just make the most of everything."

So thankful...

Yesterday was the first "official" day of autumn. Of course, here in Southern California, it doesn't feel official at all. I'd have to drive a good 30 - 45 minutes or so to find some really autumn looking scenery.

Those that know me, know that I love all things fall. The colors, the holiday of Thanksgiving, school starting....but I also think that I love it because it causes me to reflect on all of the blessings in my life. The Lord has definitely given me much for which to be thankful.

• I am thankful for my salvation. I am thankful that He loved me enough to make a way for me to have eternal life. John 3:16


• I am thankful for the husband He gave me. I honestly don't know a more hard-working and patient man. He is selfless and treats me like a queen!


• I am thankful for my children. I love that each of my children are unique and have a personality of their own. I love that they already love serving the Lord in His house.


• I am thankful for our church congregation. We have a core group of people that I now consider to be family. I think about and pray for them daily and I know that they pray for us.


• I am thankful for my parents, siblings and extended family. Though they live so far away, we are able to (and enjoy) talk every week.


• I am thankful for my husbands family - my in-laws. I do not call them in-laws because I feel as if I have been a part of their family forever.
• I am thankful for my many friends. Because my father was in the army, we moved a lot. I went away to college in Indiana, even though I spent my high school years in Washington state. I have so many friends that are both near and far. I even have friends that I've gotten to know, but have never met IRL, because of a love for scrapbooking and a message board that I frequent. I consider some of my friends to be kindred spirits - you know who you are. I am thankful for them all.
  

There is so much more that I am thankful for, but those are the things for which I am always thankful. I will start putting out all of my fall decorations and it will remind me how much my Father in Heaven loves me!

15 Years Ago...

I said, "I do" to my best friend. Now, here we are with 4 beautiful children and more in love than ever. I am the luckiest girl on this planet to have found the perfect man! I wouldn't trade him for anything.
We usually go away for our anniversary. He has always "whisked" me away to some place that he secretly planned. Sometimes, we went all out and others, when things were kind of "tight", we stayed local. We've gone on trips to La Jolla, San Clemente, New York/D.C., Long Beach, Ventura, Big Bear...
This year, because of different circumstances, we won't be going out of town...well, we will - but not for this... ANYWAY, what I wanted to say is - I am okay with staying here. I am happy with him no matter where we are. Seriously. We've gotten to the point where we are just glad to be in each others company.
I will be sure to update you with a photo, because I am sure that we will be going out to dinner. I just wanted to take this time to tell him that I love him and I am thankful that he is in my life. I could not ask for more. Love you!