Rachel's Rambling's

The last few weeks!

2009-06-27T21:56:00.006-05:00

I could blog for hours about what has been going on in our lives over the past few weeks but I'll spare you. I'm a very detailed person so its normal for me to want fill you in on all the details but I'll restrain, you would be yawning at the end of my post.

Wayne has been away on a work assignment in Texas and Caleb and I have been chalking up the baseball games, we managed to include a family vacation during this time as well to the beautiful Colorado Rockies. This vacation was planned to celebrate our nephew's graduation from high school- Congratulations, Christopher as you embark on your new journey.

I'm going to include some of the vacation pictures but I took a couple of hundred photos so there is no way I can post all of them. Enjoy!

Random Photos

2009-05-31T22:52:00.003-05:00

The face of a champion! Caleb's team won the league championship. We are All-Star bound!!

Savannah, my niece posing for a picture.

Spencer, my nephew enjoying his hotdog.

My aunt Linda and Doris and cousin Randy.

My dad with his three sisters, Doris, Linda and Annette.

Some rambling thoughts!

2009-05-27T19:31:00.003-05:00

I'm feeling a sense of excitement and sadness all at the same time.

Tonight, I've listened to my little boy/pre-teen/bubby/baseball lover/whatever name fits at the time tell excitedly about his introduction to the Jr./Sr. High School. Caleb and about 50 other 6th graders got to go and tour their 7th grade classrooms. He tells me that he will have 9 class periods, 2 different locker combinations, 3 minutes to change classrooms, and lunch will be at 12:50 so no snack when he gets picked up. He is like mom, I'm sure I'll forget which classroom to go into for the right period, how will I ever remember my locker combinations and I hope that I get study hall for the last period. He is excited and nervous about the change from elementary to junior high but he will do fine.

I never had to deal with this in the 7th grade, I attended a private school where there might be 20-30 kids in a classroom and that would be 7-12 grades. I've dealt with new situations and circumstances many times since the 7th grade, some have been handled much better than others. Life is all about the journey.

Caleb will adapt well, I'm very confident of that but I'm reminded every day that my little man is growing up so very quickly.

Motorcycle riding!

2009-04-19T13:52:00.003-05:00

Wayne and Caleb were trying out my brother's bike that he had just recently gotten out of the shop.

This is Wayne and Caleb with our friends, Bear and Jason.

Yesterday was such a beautiful day. Weather was perfect in the high 70's and sun was shining, so what better day to get on the motorcycle and ride. Caleb rode with a friend of ours and Wayne and I enjoyed the ride with quite a large group of local abate riders.

Spring Schedule

2009-04-08T20:44:00.003-05:00

A sure sign of spring for us is getting the baseball schedule. This schedule dictates our life for the next few months. Caleb has been practicing for the past month but the games will be starting on Monday. Fun times!

I can't get over how quickly my little guy is turning into a young man. The baseball pants that fit so well last year, literally look like he is poured into them. The cleats we just bought last fall, are now 2 sizes bigger this spring. Whew! The only thing that was salvagable from last season is the socks and belt, Hibbetts and Dicks definately enjoy my money.

Caleb has now decided that he enjoys being the catcher, he also is a pitcher but it is not as fun for him. (psst... I'll tell you a secret- I'm just as happy that he is not crazy about pitching, I worry about his rotator cuff and I get all nervous for him when he has the pressure of pitching.) This weekend he gets to go and watch the Louisville Cardinal Baseball team practice, so he is so pumped about this.

Another exciting thing we did a couple of weekend's ago was take a trip to TN. We had the wonderful priviledge of being with some dear friends and we celebrated my friend, LaDonna's birthday. It was a surprise party but we also got to fellowship with friends that we had not seen for a very long while. True friendships are a blessing and my life is richer because of friends.

Spring has arrived!

2009-03-26T17:56:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited for spring to arrive, it seems like it has been such a long winter. The ice storm that we had in January probably contributed to my feelings but I'm excited about spring. These are a few of my thoughts on spring.

I love being able to open my windows and air out the house.
The fresh buds on the trees start peeking their heads out.
The grass starts getting greener.
No more winter coats.
The smell of grilling.
Taking walks through the neighborhood.
Children playing in the yard.
Family trips in the boat.
The sight of daffodils brighten my day.
I get to enjoy the wonderful gifts that God placed on this earth.

Happy Spring to you'll!

The biggest loser!

2009-03-04T20:17:00.002-06:00

These are the photos from my recent adventure with my friend Tricia. I found out that the Biggest Loser TV show was going to hold auditions in a town very near to ours and I love the Biggest Loser show. I decided to participate and invited Tricia to come along and audition with me. We had a great time sitting out in the cold, watching the sun come up together along with about 500 others. We were told we'd receive a call back within 5 business days if we were chosen to do a second audition. Our phones never rang, but the lady in the blue in the group photo, she received a call back for a second audition. We are anxiously awaiting to see if she makes to the show.

Band Competition

2009-02-15T16:30:00.002-06:00

These are the many facial expressions that we saw yesterday from Caleb. He had a trumpet solo at the band competition. You can tell from his expression that he was having butterflies and then the elated smile that it was over. He won a gold medal for his performance. When I asked him if it was worth all the time that he had to practice, his comment was yes but I still don't like to practice.

A blast of wintery mix!

2009-01-31T10:34:00.003-06:00

What a week this has been.........

I had received a call from a friend of mine last Sunday who tells me we are going to be getting the worst winter storm yet for the Kentuckiana area. We were up in northern Indiana visiting my parents, where they had lots of snow and cold temps, so I'm thinking, surely, it won't be that bad. Well, was I ever wrong.

Let me just say, I was so much more blessed than some, we did at least have water- cold it was but it was water. The news is saying it maybe weeks before some get power restored. I'm very thankful, because the situation could have been so much worse.

Our electricity went out on Tuesday evening, Jan. 27th and didn't come on until Friday evening, Jan. 30th. We stayed at home during this frigid week, but we relived the scene of last fall when Hurricane Ike came through. The concern last fall was of your food in the fridge and freezer going bad, in the winter it is a matter of survival to keep warm. We piled quilts and layers of blankets on. Wayne was able to purchase a generator and that gave us a few lights but it doesn't have power to heat the house. We kept warm with a heating device that hooked up to our propane tank from the grill, but you could only burn it for a few hours. The carbon monoxide is a huge concern with propane so we had to be very careful.

I'm very happy to say, the power is back on but they are warning that another storm maybe headed our direction next week.

God vs. Science

2009-01-17T11:29:00.001-06:00

A science professor begins his school year with a lecture to the students, 'Let me explain the problem science has with religion.' The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand. 'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?' 'Yes sir,' the student says. 'So you believe in God?' 'Absolutely.' 'Is God good?' 'Sure! God's good.' 'Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?' 'Yes.' 'Are you good or evil?' 'The Bible says I'm evil.' The professor grins knowingly. 'Aha! The Bible!' He considers for a moment. 'Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?' 'Yes sir, I would.' 'So you're good...!' 'I wouldn't say that.' 'But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't.' The student does not answer, so the professor continues. 'He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?' The student remains silent. 'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax. 'Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?' 'Er...yes,' the student says. 'Is Satan good?' The student doesn't hesitate on this one. 'No.' 'Then where does Satan come from?' The student falters. 'From God' 'That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?' 'Yes, sir.' 'Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?' 'Yes.' 'So who created evil?' The professor continued, 'If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.' Again, the student has no answer. 'Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?' The student squirms on his feet. 'Yes.' 'So who created them?' The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. 'Who created them?' There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized. 'Tell me,' he continues onto another student. 'Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?' The student's voice betrays him and cracks. 'Yes, professor, I do.' The old man stops pacing. 'Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?' 'No sir. I've never seen Him.' 'Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?' 'No, sir, I have not.' 'Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?' 'No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.' 'Yet you still believe in him?' 'Yes.' 'According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?' 'Nothing,' the student replies. 'I only have my faith.' 'Yes, faith,' the professor repeats. 'And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.'

At the back of the room another student stands quietly for a moment before asking a question of His own. 'Professor, is there such thing as heat?' 'Yes,' the professor replies. 'There's heat.' 'And is there such a thing as cold?' 'Yes, son, there's cold too.' 'No sir, there isn't.' The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain. 'You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees.' 'Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.' Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer. 'What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?' 'Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation. 'What is night if it isn't darkness?' 'You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word.' 'In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?' The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester. 'So what point are you making, young man?' 'Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.' The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time. 'Flawed? Can you explain how?' 'You are working on the premise of duality,' the student explains. 'You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought.' 'It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.' 'Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?' 'If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do.' 'Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?' The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed. 'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?' The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided. 'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean.' The student looks around the room. 'Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?' The class breaks out into laughter. 'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir.' 'So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?' Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable. Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. 'I guess you'll have to take them on faith.' 'Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,' the student continues. 'Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?' Now uncertain, the professor responds, 'Of course, there is. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.' To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.'

The professor sat down.

Some more Christmas photos

2009-01-11T14:49:00.002-06:00

Caleb and Savannah were having a great time on Caleb's air mattress.

Wayne and I on Christmas Day.

My brother Nathan shooting a game of pool.

Dad is aiming for the perfect shot.

Spencer was having a great time riding on his uncle Wayne's shoulders.

Christmas Celebrations!

2008-12-28T09:10:00.010-06:00

My two brothers, Jon & Nathan and niece Savannah.

Dad and mom along with my brother Nathan looking at the book that I'd made for my parents at Christmas.

This is a mistletoe tree, the only way to get the mistletoe down is to shoot it down.

My brother Jonathan and his wife, Aytha.

Savannah is showing off her new princess dress, she absolutely loved it.

My brother Nathan is trying to open Spencer's gift (my nephew) while Telesa, Jon and Aytha all look on.

My brothers showing off their enthusiasm for guns.

Caleb and Spencer with dad looking on. This is a favorite picture of mine.

My brother, Jon and niece Savannah. Savannah had a great time playing with her uncle Jon on this visit.The princess is again twirling her septre.

The guys playing a game of pool on Christmas Day, I think they had a running game all day long.

Our niece, Marva and boyfriend Jonathan sharing a moment of laughter on Christmas Eve.

Niece Andrea and her husband David.

The tree was filled with presents, just waiting to be opened.

Sisters- Hannah and Keianna, they were anxiously awaiting the opening of presents.

We had played a game to see who could wrap their present the quickest. The game was judged according to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place but Jonathan was not be left out so he stuck his 4th place in the picture.

Dessert table on Christmas Eve.

This is a picture of Wayne's sisters, Tammara and Rosanna along with niece Marva.

Part of the spread on Christmas Eve.

Spencer decided he wanted to play with the septre.

Caleb was so excited to get his new gun for Christmas.

Caleb is looking on while Wayne is reading his homemade card. Caleb had cut out pictures from a calendar and asked to use my scrapbook things to put together this card, it turned out really nice.

Caleb and Spencer watching cartoons.

Spencer is trying out his sister's new cupcake boots. The boots are adorable.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T20:47:00.002-06:00

I want to wish all my blogger friends a Blessed and Merry Christmas! Take the time to dwell on the birth of Jesus, God's only Son which is the true reason we celebrate Christmas.

Christmas is upon us and my house will be bursting at the seams in a matter of hours. The excitement, laughter and joy that will be shared these next few days are priceless memories.

Christmas Tree

2008-12-19T10:25:00.002-06:00

This post is done for my mother who was protesting because I'd not posted any pictures of my tree this year. The pictures don't do the tree justice in daylight. It is much prettier at night with the white lights blinking but oh well.

The yummiest truffles and they are so easy to make- please see previous post.

Caleb and I went to Kentucky Center for the Arts and saw the Brown-Forman production of Nutcracker. He wanted to take a picture during intermission, no photos are allowed during the performance.

Caleb during intermission at the Kentucky Center for the Arts.

Just patiently waiting for the doors to open.

Christmas Moments

2008-12-17T21:20:00.002-06:00

It seems like the Christmas season comes so quickly even though we have 365 days to prepare. I typically will put up our Christmas decorations the week of Thanksgiving depending upon where we will spending the holiday. This is our first Christmas at this house so it was alot of fun preparing and decorating the house for family and friends. We will be celebrating Christmas Eve with my husband's family and then my family will be coming in for the weekend. I totally enjoy the Christmas season because of Jesus birth, family, friends and traditions that we make.

A tradition that I grew up with was going to my Grandma's and then onto my aunts as the family became larger on Christmas Eve. That tradition still holds and I miss it when I'm not there but we would gather for a time of eating and fellowship. After everyone would be stuffed my grandma would bring out our booklets that were full of Christmas carols and tunes, and my uncle would start strumming on the guitar and someone would break out into song. My grandparents are both gone now but the family tradition still stays.

This past weekend Caleb and I attended the Nutcracker production at the Kentucky Center for the Arts and we had a great time. He learned to love the Nutcracker several years ago when we had taken him to performance, since that first performance he gets a new Nutcracker every year to add to his collection.

Caleb and I made cookies and truffles this week. We had chocolate chip (all time favorite), sugar cookies decorated in snowman, trees, stars and covered with sprinkles. The truffles were a new experience but Caleb had a great time melting the chocolate and dipping my chocolate balls as well as dipping pretzels.

If you'd like a easy recipe to make truffles here it is:
20 Chocolate squares (Baker's semi-sweet)
1- 8oz. package cream cheese, softened

Melt 8 chocolate squares, beat cream cheese with mixer until creamy, still in melted chocolate. Refrigerate until firm. Shape into 36 balls. Place on wax paper. Melt remaining chocolate and dip chocolate balls and decorate with sprinkles, peanuts, powdered sugar or cocoa powder. Place in small foil cups.

This recipe came from Kraft foods but I only used the 8 squares of Baker's chocolate and dipped the balls in 1 package of chocolate bark. This is absolutely yummy!

A Different Christmas

2008-12-07T05:39:00.004-06:00

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.. My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest. Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve. My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep. In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear. Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow. My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight. A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold. Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
'What are you doing?' I asked without fear, 'Come in this moment, it's freezing out here! Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!' For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light Then he sighed and he said 'Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.' 'It's my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me. My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,' Then he sighed, 'That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.' My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ', And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile. Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red, white, and blue... an American flag. I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat. I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.. Who stand at the front against any and all, To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.'
' So go back inside,' he said, 'harbor no fright, Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.' 'But isn't there something I can do, at the least, 'Give you money,' I asked, 'or prepare you a feast? It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son.'
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, 'Just tell us you love us, and never forget. To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long. For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought and we bled. Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.'

_______________________________________________________________

This Christmas remember our soldiers as they are away from their families and the comforts of home. Our soldiers continue to protect the freedom that we enjoy daily. I personally want to

say thank you for all the sacrifices that each soldier has endured and Merry Christmas.

P.S. I'm not sure who wrote this poem.

Thanksgiving '08

2008-11-30T18:01:00.004-06:00

A couple of my cousins, Kelli and Jeanette and Jeanette's husband.
Wayne, talking on the phone to his best friend.

My dad and his baby sister, Annette.

Caleb and a couple of his cousins love to drag out the lego's at Aunt Annette's. They typically come up with several creations.

My cousin Joni and her husband Dave as well as my aunt Annette.

My uncle Darryl and cousin Dave.

Uncle Dave was at the dessert table again.

Wayne was talking to uncle Bob, they were discussing boats and motorcycles.

My mom with my aunts Linda and Doris.

Caleb is riding quite the bicycle that he and his dad contrapted together. Wayne took the forks from the bike and stretched them and welded the bike back together. Caleb enjoys the challenge of riding the stretched out bike.

Prayer Request

2008-11-24T21:53:00.002-06:00

My husband has a co-worker that he has worked with for the past year who this past weekend had a terrible loss. He and his wife were expecting their first child, she was 7 months pregnant. She had been rushed to the hospital on Friday morning with complications but the baby was unable to be saved. Please keep this family in your prayers as they deal with the loss of their child, the funeral was today.

Fall Recipe

2008-11-14T21:11:00.002-06:00

I have made this recipe several times recently and taken it to fall gatherings. It is well received and many ask for the recipe so I thought I'd share it with you. This recipe is not orignal with me but I have adapted as you see below. It will make your home smell so delicious as it is baking. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Crunch

1 box yellow cake mix
1 large can of pumpkin (29 oz.)
1 12oz. can of evaporated milk
3 large eggs
1 ½ cup sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup chopped pecans
1 cup butter (melted)
Cool whip

Grease 9x13 dish. Combine pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and then mix together. Pour into dish. Sprinkle dry cake mix over pumpkin mixture. Top with pecans and drizzle melted butter over pecans and dry cake mix. Bake for 55-60 minutes @350 degrees. Cool and top with cool whip.

Some Thoughts!

2008-11-05T21:31:00.002-06:00

We have a new President elect that is awaiting his swearing in ceremony. I watched and listened to Obama's acceptance speech and did not think that he was very excited about being elected President of the United States, he smiled in some appropriate places but there was a look on his face. The look seemed to say "What have I done?", Michelle Obama appeared to be happier about the election than her husband. I also found it strange that Vice-President Biden did not even join the stage until after the speech was completed- what happened to the team?

I'm reminded of this, "God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, nor sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way".

The future is yet to be written and the days are yet to be lived but my future is secure with God. My life is in God's hands. I'm worried in the human sense of what our country will become and the future of my family and friends but secure with the promise that God has everything under control. I celebrated my American freedom by voting and letting my voice be heard.

Busy Week!

2008-11-01T19:30:00.002-05:00

I was able to get rid of the rental car this week. YEAH!!!!!!! As you can see above the damage that was done to my car courtesy of a highway worker mowing along the highway. The brush hog that was being pulled by the tractor apparently had a little to much RPM for turning corners because the it picked up the interal workings of a car started and propelled it into my passenger door as I'm sitting at the stoplight. Talk about frightening, I ducked in my seat and covered my head. It sounded like a gun shot had gone off. This starter had skimmed across the top of a pickup truck, slammed into my door and bounced off and hit another car and then came to rest alongside the highway. The state and local cop that worked the scene were in total disbelief, they said that had never seen that happen before. My angel was working overtime. My car now looks brand new after getting it back from the body shop.

This is a picture of my hunter, his backdrop is his bathroom shower curtain. Caleb's bathroom and bedroom are done in camo.

On Wednesday night we went to the Sarah Palin rally in Jeffersonville, it took me 2 hours to go only a few miles to get into the warehouse where she was to speak. Definately worth it, it was incredible standing with an estimated 16,000 -20,000 people and watching the bus pull into the warehouse and see Sarah and her husband step off the bus. I have no pictures to post of this momentous occasion just yet.

This week has been busy with Caleb truck & treating, picking up the car, returning a rental, seeing Sarah Palin, visiting with LaDonna from TN, and fall festival at church. Lots of wonderful memories were made.

Sack Lunches

2008-11-01T18:58:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine sent this e-mail to me so I thought I'd share it with you'll. Salute our soldiers because they help us enjoy our freedom that we take for granted daily.

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. 'Chicago - to Great Lakes Base. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Iraq'After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached Chicago, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time.As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to Chicago. His friend agreed.I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?''Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks.'After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said, 'I want to shake your hand.'Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.When we landed in Chicago I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals.It seemed so little...A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check Made payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in This country who no longer understand it.'

Vacation in October

2008-10-15T20:04:00.006-05:00

Beautiful waterfall at Sea World!

The glorious morning sunrise that we looked out onto every morning from our deck at the condo.

Making their mark in the sand and trying to see if they could dam up the water.

Taking a vacation in October may seem strange to some, but Caleb is out for fall break for an entire two weeks. He attends school where they have a balanced school calendar, we start a little early but the breaks are nice.

On the beach!
Just a couple of seashells that Caleb liked, he and his papa went out every morning looking for shells. He came home with a huge bag of various seashells.

We rented a condo in Flagler Beach, Florida along with my parents and my brother and sister-in-law. My other brother had to be out of town so his schedule would not allow him and his wife to join us. We had alot of fun soaking up the sun, playing in the ocean, daily walks along the salty Atlantic, searching for seashells and just doing general sightseeing.

Mom and Dad and Rachel. This was my parents first time to see the ocean.

Enjoying the waves and trying jump them.

Some of the highlights of our trip was visiting Sea World where we got rained out about an hour before closing time, we all looked like drowned rats. There were a few of us that had a change of clothes and was actually able to enjoy the luxury of warm, dry clothes but no names will be mentioned to protect the parties involved (hah!). We visited St. Augustine which was simply beautiful and quaint. I could have spent the entire week there taking in the sights and soaking up the history of the town. We were able to ride the trolley around town and we learned something new each time we rode. The guys had to visit some Harley stores- of course- and get some souveneirs. While in St. Augustine, we visited the Old Jail, Fort, Old St. Augustine Village, and the Lighthouse just to name a few. There were a couple of moments that were filmed on video that should be placed on America's Funniest Home Videos, we've laughed so hard until tears were rolling. Memories of a family shared vacation will always be held dear.

Sea World sights.

This is Flagler College, one of the hotels Mr. Henry Flagler built for St. Augustine so his friends would have somewhere upscale to visit. Mr. Flagler built four hotels for his friends.

Hurricane windstorm in Indiana

2008-09-20T18:03:00.002-05:00

Gracious! Who would have thought that southern Indiana would have winds up to 82 m.p.h. from Hurricane Ike. Last Sunday that is exactly what was happening. I felt like a 4-wheeling momma on Sunday. We were on our way home from church and I was driving my nephew's truck (he has such a pretty new red Avalanche- way to go Christopher) and the path home was quite windy but nothing prepared me for the journey off of our exit.

We live in the country and the road to get to our house is lined with trees on both sides. We went about a mile down the road and got roadblocked, a huge tree had taken down the pole and power line, so we turned around (mind you I'm only 5 miles to my house when I get on this road). We went around another way only to find a couple of more trees in the road, I was able to drive under one tree, go into ditch/field on another, only to be 2 miles from my house and be stopped again. I'm stopped by a friendly but concerned lady, who states, there is a couple of trees down up the road, I'm not sure how far you are driving and there is a power line across the road. I asked this nice lady, how did you get passed the power line? She replies, well my car fit under the line but the truck behind me drove over it. I'm just a bit nervous because I don't want to tear up my nephew's truck and I have 3 passengers and I certainly don't want to endanger anyone's life. I thank the lady and then proceed to speak with the driver of the truck, he tells me that it is not a power line it is a telephone wire but there are several trees down in the road. By this time, I'm not sure if we will ever get home and I'm supposed to be having about 25 people over to my house for dinner. I then proceed to call my husband and find out where he is to see if he could rescue me out of this scary situation. The four guys, (Wayne, brother-in-law, nephew and son) all decide to pave the way home. We went under a tree, drove through a neighbor's yard (with permission) and proceeded to arrive at home only to find the electric out. Little did we know that our electric would be out for 3 1/2 days.

Our sump pump overflowed in the basement because the electric was out and we had to run the sweeper off the generator by flashlight to suck up the water but other than that we had no damage. We were able to use a generator starting Sunday evening and it ran until Tuesday then it chose to stop cooperating. We had wonderful neighbors who allowed us to run an extension cord from their generator to our house so that the fridge, freezer and even a lamp would work. We were truly blessed compared to others.

The comforts and luxuries of home were not there as we had become accustomed to but conditions were livable. We still had a houseful of company who were going through this trial with us but we managed and all survived. We will never forget the windstorm of 2008, we ate by candlelight, had long conversations over flashlights and tiki torches. It is amazing how much I take for granted the hot showers and electricity. Our next purchase will be a new generator. I sure am enjoying the hot water now.

2008-08-30T14:12:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago Wayne was driving down the interstate towards Missouri. He was kinda bummed because he was going to be at this job for a couple of weeks and he was already missing home. A truck pulled him beside him along the interstate and honked and the people started waving, Wayne got so excited because it was a friend of his that he had really bonded with a few months ago on a bike ride. It was none other than Mike Mercer, they were only together for a short time along the interstate but those moments meant alot. The entire encounter was orchestrated by God because only He works in perfect timing. I as a human being try to keep everything together and running smoothly but I fail so miserably at times. I have to remember that if I keep my hand in God's hand and let Him guide me that everything will always work out so much better than my plans. My favorite scripture is "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord..." Jeremiah 29:11

I had the wonderful privilege of spending last evening with my cousin Danny. He was working in a nearby town and we arranged to meet and have dinner together. We are only 1 day apart in age. It was fun hanging out with him, he was showing Caleb some neat pool tricks so that when Wayne gets back in town Caleb will be able to show off to his dad.

Interview with Rick Warren

2008-08-24T07:08:00.002-05:00

Rick Warren (REMEMBER HE WROTE 'PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE')

You will enjoy the new insights that Rick Warren has, with his wife now having cancer and him having 'wealth' from the book sales.

This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren,'Purpose Driven Life ' author and pastor of Saddleback Church in California In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said:People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me.I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort.God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.

This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems.If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness,'which is my problem, my issues, my pain.' But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her.It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life.

Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy.It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.

First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases.Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.Third , we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.

We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity?Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD. Painful moments, TRUST GOD.Every moment, THANK GOD.

Summer Day at the Lake

2008-08-17T21:43:00.003-05:00

Caleb and Bethany & Caitlin Myers enjoying their ride on the lake. We had a beautiful and fun day.
My dear friend Tracy, she actually was relaxed on this trip. She has overcome alot with her fear of water. Way to go!
This is Wayne being pulled by the boat on a tube, he absolutely loved the thrill of skipping across the water. I haven't learned to drive the boat yet so his best friend was driving and having a great time making Wayne hang on for dear life.

Caitlin and Caleb were going to try and ride the tube together as we drove over to the cove so the kids could go swimming but they only made it a few feet before they both fell off the tube. They shared lots of laughter.

Bethany was such a trooper about tubing. She initially didn't want to get into the water, as she had never been on a lake before but she finally built up her courage and started loving it. Her dad was driving the boat and started out really slow and she kept giving the signal to go faster. She never did fall off the tube.

We had such a fun day on the lake with friends and shared lots of laughter and memories. There is nothing quite like a picnic lunch on the boat, we made ham sandwiches while the boat rocked and munched on oreos & grapes and enjoyed God's wonderful creation. Caleb is already asking when we are going to take the boat out again.

Busy Weekend!

2008-08-03T18:20:00.002-05:00

My two brothers and I posed for this picture after being at our school reunion yesterday afternoon. I used to call them my two little brothers but they are both taller than me and I'm the short one.

My brother, Jonathan and his wife Aytha getting ready to hit the road back home to northern Indiana.

My brother, Nathan and his wife Telesa posing for a picture.

Nathan was talking to his daughter Savannah about this play gun and his other little monkey, Spencer is in the back ground. Spencer loves to climb and was having a great time.

Caleb took this picture of the hot air balloon as we were driving back home. This picture doesn't show it very well but the blue sky line was so pretty against this hot air balloon.

This is Stephanie Clemens Brugger and myself at our school reunion yesterday. The school has been in existence for 30 years and this is the first time a reunion had ever been done.
This is Elizabeth Harris and I, we graduated together back in 1990. Pilgrim Holiness Academy had only 4 seniors that year but we were considered a large class. It is so funny to look back on but we had always gone to very small private school and the graduating class was always small.

This is a former teacher of mine, Mrs. Toni Coleman. She was my teacher for so many years, we had a great time.

Stephanie was sharing a moment with the former Sharra Riggs.

Joe & LaDonna Covert and Wayne and I posing for a picture. Joe and I were some of the first students for Pilgrim Academy in Muncie, IN. He had a great time looking at the school photos and remembering who some of the people were, kudos for your memory Joe.

We had a great time this weekend, had a wedding to attend on Friday evening and then the school reunion on Saturday. Lots of memories were shared this weekend.

Camp Time

2008-07-22T22:00:00.002-05:00

This summer has gone by so quickly for me. It started with baseball and that ended the 4th of July weekend. We had a houseful of company then, the next couple of weeks were Vacation Bible School and this week Caleb is at camp. Caleb went to his first church camp where he was going to stay for the entire week. It has been harder for me than for him, because I can't call and check on him. I had to call and ask my mom how it felt when I first went to church camp for the entire week and I was just a couple of months younger than Caleb. I hope he is sleeping well at night, being a team player, exhibiting a good attitude, all the things that mom's wish for. We are excited for him, he is staying in a cabin with 18 other boys, their counselor is having loads of fun I'm sure.

Next week starts the first day of school, I can't hardly believe it. It also brings a new school, new friends, new schedule and another adjustment to our daily lives. The good news is that Caleb will know alot of the kids that are at his new school, and he has already met his home room teacher and seems to like him alot.

This past weekend we were able to see an eagle. We had taken the boat out on the Ohio River with some friends and were crusin the Ohio, when we spotted the eagle. The kids all enjoyed seeing the eagle sitting up in the tree. The crows were all circling around it above the trees and Mr. Eagle just sat so patiently just watching and waiting. It was very relaxing enjoying the nature that God created along the river banks, the river itself is not so pretty but I'm amazed that as the boat cruises through the river it leaves this pure white path that comes from ugly brown water. It is kinda like God, he takes the all the ugliness that is in our lives and makes it so pure and white when we turn our life over to Him.

2008-07-16T20:50:00.002-05:00

This is just a really cute & helpful e-mail I received from a dear friend of mine so I'm sharing it with you. Enjoy!

Weekly Schedule:

Monday WashDay

Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead.

Tuesday Ironing Day
Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles
of prejudice I have collected through the years so that I may see the beauty in others.

Wednesday Mending Day
O God, help me mend my ways so I will not
set a bad example for others.

Thursday Cleaning Day
Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.

Friday Shopping Day
O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love.

Saturday Cooking Day
Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.

Sunday The Lord's Day
O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please help me so I may spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence.

Patients vs. Patience

2008-07-11T23:22:00.003-05:00

Wow! What a week this has been for challenging patients and challenging my patience.

I'm continously amazed at the way people think, live, act, ect.... I've had a 25 year old girl that has led a lifestyle that has wracked her body with disease and she has 2 small children at home, but she is unsure of who is taking care of her children. An 81 year old lady that has several sisters but no one wants to take responsiblity for her, they just want to place her in a nursing home and she doesn't want to go. Doctors that seem to think they speak the words and orders just magically happen in a split second. Then there is the 35 year old male that is so covered with tattoo's and a gauged earring that is so large that his earlobe is almost split. He is as gentle and soft-spoken as a baby but his body is filled with infection and he has no family support. I've had a lady that is 75 that was suffering from chest pain and when the test were ran, found out she had cancer spread throughout her body and now has to make some life altering decisions.

Human nature is a fascinating thing and when I deal with these patients, I have to think about the journey that has brought them to the point where they are today. Some of these patients have made some bad choices throughout their lives, others have just been dealt some really bad cards in life. My problems and situations in life are so small compared to what others have to deal with.

Tomato Plants

2008-06-30T21:10:00.004-05:00

This is the big tree that crashed through our back deck and walkout patio. Needless to say the dogs were pretty scared when I got home that night, today was the first day that they have slept in their dog houses.

Upward view of the tree on the house. It landed against my kitchen window and patio door but did not break any glass.

Another close-up view of the railing on the deck.

This is the back & side view of Wayne's pole barn, it appears that the entire roof will have to be taken off and replaced as well as some of the trusses.

Last week in the storm, my tomato plants got ruined and I was really bummed because my tomato plants were doing so well. This was the first time I'd ever tried growing tomato plants in a container on the deck but it was not to be. Tonight when I got home, I had a huge tomato plant on my front porch, my dear friend Tracy knew how badly I felt about my tomato plants and she shared one of hers with me. She even included this sweet card that shared my disappointment about losing these plants. I know they were just tomato plants but it was kinda like giving birth, you plant them so very small and watch them grow. Tracy thanks for being my dear friend, you are there for me through all my ups and downs in life and I'm so glad you are. Sniff, sniff. My girlfriends and my husband know how I can cry at anything and I'm feeling real sentimental about these silly plants. God made me such a unique creature it is no wonder He threw away the mold.

Storm Damage

2008-06-27T22:15:00.002-05:00

Last night on my way home from work, I stopped by to pick Caleb up from a friend's house and the clouds were rolling in. Sure enough we had just gotten into the car and it started pouring rain, visability was difficult but I snail-paced my way through (since I'm terrified now to drive in the rain due to my wreck). I almost pulled off a couple of times but kept on going, sure enough we had to wait for a tree to be cleared off the road before we could go on. When I pulled into our country subdivision I noticed my neighbors on their front porches (it kinda felt like a welcoming committee), I waved and they waved then I noticed the damage, almost every house had something torn off, or a couple of trees split in half. Needless to say, by the time I'm cresting the hill to go down to our house, I remarked to Caleb, hum wonder what kind of damage we have. I pulled in the driveway and noticed that Wayne's pole barn had two trees that had split over top of the barn, the trees had pulled the entire back of the roof line of the barn and one side of the roof line. I turned the corner to park in the garage and there was a huge tree that had crashed through our deck and onto the roof. Thank goodness it didn't come through the roof or window. I opened the door in the kitchen that opens onto the deck and there was that tree, nothing like leaves greeting you. Outside my kitchen window was a mass of green leaves. I'm bummed about my tomato plants that were growing so well, they were destroyed.

I'm thankful that no one was hurt, and the damage was all exterior. Wayne came home from work early to a real mess and spent his day chopping wood and cutting down trees. Caleb has been such a real trooper, he has helped his dad out all day. Wayne was letting him run a chain saw, which makes me a nervous wreck. I plead, he is only 10 but my husband says it is character building, oh, the joys of parenting. Tonight, I've also done my fair share of hauling and stacking wood and pulling branches, it is muscle building for me.

I'll post pictures later after I get them uploaded.

Picture update

2008-06-22T13:19:00.009-05:00

This a pictures of Wayne's grandma on Father's Day.

Everyone watching Wayne's dad open his scrapbook for Father's Day.

Wayne getting ready to give his dad his gift.

Caleb and his team after the last regular season game of baseball. Good job boys!

The boys and their coach Ben holding up their trophies.

Caleb getting in position to pitch a ball.

Pitching another ball.

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T07:53:00.002-05:00

Dad,
I just wanted to publicly wish you a Happy Father's Day since I will not be spending the day with you and will not see you for a few more weeks. I love you daddy and think that you are a wonderful person. You modeled the character that I looked for in a husband, you are hard-working, intelligent, persistent and a seeker of God. We don't always see eye to eye in everything but we have the right to disagree and still love. You have helped me to become the person that I am today and I thank you for it.

Just wanted to let you know that I will be thinking of you today as you celebrate the day with my brother. I wish that I could be there but my heart and spirit is with you.

Lots of love,
Rachel

P.S. Please don't buy a shirt with your money as I've already loaded your closet full.

Mosquito Spray

2008-06-11T21:16:00.001-05:00

Mosquito Spray...Worth a try
I was at a deck party awhile back, and the bugs were having a ball biting everyone. A man at the party sprayed the lawn and deck floor with Listerine, and the little demons disappeared. The next year I filled a 4-ounce spray bottle and used it around my seat whenever I saw mosquitoes. And voila! That worked as well. It worked at a picnic where we sprayed the area around the food table, the children's swing area, and the standing water nearby. During the summer, I don't leave home without it.....Pass it on.
OUR FRIEND'S COMMENTS: I tried this on my deck and around all of my doors. It works - in fact, it killed them instantly. I bought my bottle from Target and it cost me $1.89. It really doesn't take much, and it is a big bottle, too; so it is not as expensive to use as the can of Bug-spray you buy that doesn't last 30 minutes. So, try this, please. It will last a couple of days. Don't spray directly on a wood door (like your front door), but spray around the frame. Spray around the window frames, and even inside the dog house.

Just thought I'd pass this litle tidbit on.

Why did the chicken cross the road????

2008-06-05T19:16:00.002-05:00

I received this e-mail today and just had to laugh, thought you might enjoy reading it. I did have to delete a few lines, just simply because I do not want to offend anyone. Happy reading!

WHY DID THE CHICKEN CROSS THE ROAD?

BARACK OBAMA: The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a CHANGE! The chicken wanted CHANGE!

JOHN MC CAIN: My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialog with all the chickens on the other side of the road.

HILLARY CLINTON: When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure right from Day One! -- that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me.......

DR. PHIL: The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that he must first deal with the problem on 'THIS' side of the road before it goes after the problem on the 'OTHER SIDE' of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his 'CURRENT' problems before adding 'NEW' problems.

OPRAH: Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.

GEORGE W. BUSH: We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.

COLIN POWELL: Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road...

ANDERSON COOPER - CNN: We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.

JOHN KERRY: Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.

NANCY GRACE: That chicken crossed the road because he's GUILTY! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.

PAT BUCHANAN: To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.

MARTHA STEWART: No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information.

DR SEUSS: Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY: To die in the rain. Alone.

GRANDPA: In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.

BARBARA WALTERS: Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be able to let the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart warming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting and went on to accomplish a life long dream of crossing the road.

ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.

JOHN LENNON: Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together in peace.

BILL GATES: I have just released eChicken2007, which will not only cross roads but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your check book. Internet Explorer is an integral part of "Chicken". This is a new platform much more stable and will nevercra...#@&&^(C% - - - reboot

ALBERT EINSTEIN: Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?

BILL CLINTON: I did not cross the road with THAT chicken. Uhhh, chicken implies it's female, right?

AL GORE: I invented the chicken

COLONEL SANDERS: I guess I missed that one?

DICK CHENEY: Where's my gun?

Baseball & Summer

2008-06-04T19:17:00.002-05:00

Caleb is finally out of school, his school has what is called a balanced school calendar. The children start about the last week in July, take a 2 week break in October, go until December, take another 2-3 week break, go until March and get 2 weeks off for break and then end in June. I actually enjoy this type of calendar year, the kids don't have too much time to get bored in the summer and then their breaks are offset of everyone else's so it is kinda nice.

The spring baseball season is over for us (I have lots of pictures just haven't had a chance to upload them) and we are headed toward the all-star season. We received the phone call on Monday night asking if Caleb could play on the all-star team. It is a great honor to be chosen for the all-star team, so we are excited about this summer. Practice starts next week, last year you might remember their team won the district championship, so we'll see how this season goes.

Surprises!

2008-05-24T11:45:00.013-05:00

This has been the week of surprises and it has been so very exciting. Wayne's sister, Melissa and her family that lives in Colorado came in this week for a surprise visit. We knew that they were coming but none of the other family did and what a surprise. I was afraid my mother-in-law would have a heart attack because she got so excited. Wayne's other sister, Rosanna has just moved back into the area so the entire family was able to be together and that hasn't happened for 3 years. The special draw for the week was that our niece Marva was graduating from high school and what a happy occasion that was.

Aaron, Melissa, Christopher & Callie Johnson and Caleb. (We so enjoyed having them this week).

This is a pictures of Wayne's nieces. Sitting left to right is Marva, Kristen, Keianna, Hannah and standing is Callie & Andrea.

The entire Gresham family.

Larry & Juanita with their four children.

Wayne' s sister Melissa and her family.

Marva our niece graduating from high school, the occasion that drew all the family together.

Marva and her boyfriend Jonathan.

Wayne's sister Rosanna and her family.

Bike Pictures

2008-05-20T21:00:00.006-05:00

This is the group of fellows that all rode the Tail of the Dragon together. They made wonderful memories and enjoyed the Christian fellowship.

The Tail of the Dragon

2008-05-17T23:35:00.007-05:00

Unusual title! I'm sure some of you out there have heard of the Tail of the Dragon, it is nothing but 11 miles of curvy mountainous blacktop in beautiful TN. This is the trip that my husband along with my brother, Nathan and 6 others left for on Friday morning.

This trip has been talked about, researched out, planned and dreamed about for months. I've watched a portion of the video clips of the ride and had to turn away because my stomach started getting queasy, I've seen the statistics that are posted on the website of all the deaths that take place there and my insides turned to jelly. I've been a nervous Nellie about this ride, finally I had to tell everyone not to talk about it in front of me and I didn't want to discuss the ride. Great coping skills????

The journey to TN turned out to be about 12 hours (should have been 6) due to my brother having difficulties with his bike. Those guys babied and worked on Nathan's bike but they stood by him refusing to leave him behind. The motto was if Nathan had to stay behind they all were. Pretty admirable I thought. When they arrived to TN, they checked into their campsite and what a chilly night it was but they survived.

Saturday morning they met up with 7 other guys the leader being my friend LaDonna's husband, Joe. Joe has proved to be a great resource for the Tail of the Dragon and the local area, he had already ridden the Dragon a few times. The group of 15 guys met for breakfast and they hit the Tail of the Dragon and ALL survived without incident. I had to say a prayer of thanksgiving because I was worried about the trip. The guys have all had a great time of fellowship and fun. LaDonna has taken alot of pictures I'm told so stay posted for photos. LaDonna and her friend hosted a cookout for all the guys on Saturday after the ride. Thanks LaDonna and your friend for all your kindness.

Father's Day Present

2008-05-17T07:33:00.002-05:00

I know we just got over Mother's Day but I had to blog about my newest project that I'm working on. Wayne's dad is retiring at the end of this month from his full time job, and he retired from the fire department last month. The fire department had a big dinner and party in his honor. Only one of his children were able to be there that evening so I decided to put together a scrapbook celebrating his years on the fire department. I have lots of photos from the evening and my mother-in-law has a bookshelf full of fire department mementos. I'm taking those photos and memorabilia and then photos of Larry (my father-in-law) with his children and grandchildren and compiling the album. I'm so excited about the project. I went to Hobby Lobby and found the Fire Fighter scrapbook album (black leather with the red and gold fire emblem), used a 40% coupon that they had in the newspaper and saved some money. I contacted Wayne's sisters that live in Colorado and Georgia to mail me some of their photos so the project is now over 50% complete. The plan is to present it to my father-in-law on Father's Day, he doesn't know that I'm working on it. I stayed up until about 2am this morning working on pages and I'm ready to do some more.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-10T20:17:00.005-05:00

I just wanted to wish my mom a Happy Mother's Day. I've had the wonderful privilege of spending part of the day with her but on the actual day I will not be with her, so I thought I'd surprise her and leave her a note. I love you mom and you are one of my dearest friends.

Today we were able to celebrate Savannah's 3rd birthday. We went to the park and celebrated with some yummy picnic food that my sister-in-law Telesa had prepared. This picture was Savannah playing with Wayne's binoculars, she just looked so cute.

My brother Nathan acting silly, but then what is new?????

The rest of the above pictures were all taken today at the park where we celebrated Savannah's birthday party. Just thought you might enjoy seeing them.

Update on my dad

2008-04-22T22:10:00.002-05:00

Some of you have asked about my dad so here is an update. Dad is home from the hospital, he actually came home Friday afternoon. Thanks so much for your prayers.

The doctors did not find anything cardiac with this admission, other than the fact that he may have bruised his chest wall, thus causing his cardiac enzymes to be elevated. They also stated that it could be GERD (gastroesophygeal reflux disease), otherwise known as heart burn. As a cardiac nurse I know the cardiologists ran every test they could run on my dad, but I was hoping for a more definitive diagnosis. It was very reassuring that there was no cardiac disease but I also know there were so many people praying for my dad.

Dad has started his new stomach med and went back to work yesterday. He says he feels tired but otherwise good.

Motorcycle Riding Time

2008-04-17T21:07:00.004-05:00

Three of these fellows are Seeds of Abraham members, of course 1 of the 3 is Wayne.

This past weekend Wayne had a Seed of Abraham meeting and we were so encouraged to see Papaw. Several of you who've been reading my blog for awhile will remember that Papaw was involved in a very serious motorcycle accident last fall. He is doing so much better, his memory has improved dramatically. He was able to remember Caleb's code name for the club, and he also remembered about a motorcycle ride that the Seeds had ran a few years ago that others were having trouble remembering some details about.

A few of the guys were over at our house a couple of weekends ago and they all left on a motorcycle run together so of course I had to post some photos. I haven't been on the bike yet this year, still waiting for it to get a little bit warmer.

Look at the smoke roll, Michael T. is such a jokester, he even left a black mark on the driveway.

Blogging Tales

2008-04-17T19:19:00.010-05:00

Gracious! I'm not even sure where to start there has been so much going on.

Caleb and his DI team at state competition in Noblesville, IN.

Last weekend Caleb participated in his state competition of Destination Imagination that was held in Noblesville, IN. Since his team placed 2nd in the regional competition we had high hopes for the team going into the state competition but it was not to be. The boys did well but not as smooth as the regional competition. I was still very proud of Caleb and the team for a job well done and for the accomplishment of making it to the state competition. I was somewhat relieved when I heard that it was going to cost each family $1,000.00 if they had placed at the state level and would move onto the global finals. There would have been some serious fund raising going on with the school for the families involved. We were also excited that mom and dad, Nathan, Telesa and the children were able to share with us in the competition. We get to see family all to infrequent.
Spencer showing off his new teeth.

Nathan & Telesa patiently waiting for Caleb to get finished so we could all go out for dinner.

Along with being in Noblesville for the state competition, we also scheduled a fun day at Conner Prairie. I had not been to Conner Prarie in years, so much has changed there. We had such a beautiful day and the kids had a great time, we arrived at opening and stayed until closing time. We then traveled on to get a bite to eat and checked in at our hotel so the boys could go swimming. The boys were worn out come bedtime.
Caleb and Jon sitting at the old school house, getting ready for class.

Caleb holding a baby duck at the farm.

Another friend, Tim pumping water out of the old well, just so Caleb can pour into a bucket .

Caleb and Jon getting ready to cross over the bridge, don't you just love the old house in the background.

Caleb was holding a baby lamb that was only 2 weeks old.

Caleb using the outhouse at Conner Prairie. His Aunt Tammara has an original outhouse on her property so she will love this photo.
The boys putting their muscles to good use in the garden.

Monday morning brought me a sick little boy, who had not been feeling well for the past week with a cold. He ended up being out of school for 3 days this week but it was just all viral. I sure do hate it when my child is sick.

A Hospital Visit
Last evening brought a surprise to us. I realized I had a couple of voice mail messages when I got off work last night that were from my mother who stated that my dad had been rushed to the ER. Dad has been having chest pain for the past few weeks and I found out about this past weekend. Needless to say, I urged daddy to get it checked out but to no avail he waited until he got scared then went to the ER. They stabilized him last night at a local hospital in Fort Wayne, started a heparin drip, integrillin drip, nitro patch and Plavix bolus and then transferred him to the Heart Institute in Fort Wayne. I made a mad dash to get home, made arrangements for Caleb, packed my bags and took off. The Lord definately gave me strength to make the drive after working 12 plus hours and then having to drive 4 1/2 hours. I called my brother Nathan to see if he would ride up with me, so I picked him up about half way and he was able to drive the rest of the journey. Thank goodness for energy drinks because they kept Nathan awake last night while I was able to cat nap. Upon his initial visit to the ER, my mom was told dad's cardiac enzymes were grossly elevated and he had probably had a heart attack. Dad has 4 of 5 major risk factors, so chances of blockage were pretty significant. This morning they did a heart cath, numerous EKG's, Chest x-ray's, CT scan, and VQ scan but everything has been negative for blockages and pulmonary embolism so far. The doctor's cannot explain why his enzymes were so elevated or why he is continuing to have chest pain but for now he has been cleared from coronary artery disease. We would appreciate your prayers as he is still in the hospital.

This picture was taken last weekend with my dad and Spencer walking down the halls at Noblesville High School. I thought it was absolutely precious.

Flat Tires, Yard Sales & Baseball

2008-04-08T22:18:00.004-05:00

Sounds like a great combination, huh?

It all started on last Thursday night, difficult day at work and was looking forward to a weekend at home with my family. I'm talking away on my cell phone (with the earpiece of course, can't seem to drive any other way) coming across the bridge from Kentucky into Indiana and traffic seems so heavy. My cruise is set, radio on and earpiece in my ear and I realize there is something in the road, traffic is on both sides of me and I can't avoid hitting it without hitting another vehicle. Brakes go on, conversation is stilled and I pray for the best. As soon as I hit it and a split second before that I realize the object must be a bag of nails or some very sharp objects. My tire immediately started going down and I work on trying to get over on a 3 lane highway with merging traffic coming on to the interstate. My sole concentration at this point is to safely get over to the side of the road and hope to make it to the next exit which is about 2 miles away. My husband is telling me to stop or I'm going to ruin the rim. God always works everything out in His own time and way because for the past couple of weeks, Wayne has been out of town on Thursday night but that night Wayne was at home. My husband was on his way to be the knight in shining armor to rescue his princess. I called the cops to let them know that there was something in the road, they came and looked but never found it. The object/objects tore a quarter size piece out of my left rear tire sidewall and punctured the left front tire . We never did find out what actually was in the road, I thought it was nails but who knows. Bottom line is that I now have 4 new tires on my car and God kept His hand of protection on me and my checking account is $500.00 poorer.

Yard Sale season is upon us and I have to confess that I went to my first yard sale on Friday. Found a few things but on Saturday a local church hosted a 40 family yard sale in their gym which was a nice treat. I walked around the entire gym and never bought a thing until the last table and they had a couple of nice dress shirts for Caleb, 50 cents a piece, down blanket for $1.00, and jeans for Caleb 50 cents each. I was so excited the shirts looked brand new, the jeans were appropriate enough for nice casual and the blanket is perfect for a nice throw. I love to find bargains, I'm already excited about the next yard sale because who knows what treasure I might find there.

Baseball season is upon us and Caleb had his first game on Saturday, he was the starting pitcher and did such an awesome job for his team but they ended up losing the game 7-6. Tonight was another game with Caleb's team winning, the score was 11-3 and Caleb hit 2 home runs in the game. I wish that I would have had my camera tonight but I went to the ball field straight from work so no pictures from the game. I'll have plenty to post as the season progresses.

This was a snapshot of last year's baseball season.

A carrot, egg and a cup of coffee

2008-04-02T11:56:00.001-05:00

My sister-in-law Melissa sent this e-mail to me and I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to share it with my fellow blog readers.

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...
You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'
'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

Credit Reports

2008-03-25T09:48:00.002-05:00

I try to check our credit reports at least every couple of years because of the influx of identity theft, it should be done yearly but I haven't done it for a couple of years. There was an article in our local newspaper that gave the three credit reporting agencies information. Yes, you are entitled to a free credit report yearly, just takes a few minutes of your time to call and request the reports.

I had finally received all of our info via snail mail (USPS) and was looking over everything yesterday and I found an error. They had Wayne listed as a joint applicant on someone else's student loan, it was someone we didn't even know, fortunately for us this individual has been paying their student loan. If they were to default guess whose SS # is linked to the account, when Sallie Mae was contacted they felt that it was just a typographical error because no other info was linked to this account that belonged to Wayne. We had to submit the credit reports and file a dispute claim with all three credit reporting agenies, I also faxed everything to Sallie Mae. It will take about 30-45 days to get everything settled but I'm glad I was pro-active in pulling the reports this year. I don't think I will be delaying pulling credit reports each year again.

Here is the info to request your credit reports:

EQUIFAX www.equifax.com 1800-685-1111
EXPERIAN www.experian.com 1888-397-3742
TRANSUNION www.transunion.com 1800-888-4213

Just remember you can request your credit reports yearly at no charge, if you are interested in getting your FICA score I believe there is a charge for that.

Spring Break

2008-03-21T17:15:00.008-05:00

Caleb is on spring break this week, so we decided to pay a visit to Grandma and Grandpa Stevens in northern Indiana. We haven't been home since Christmas so it was nice to take a few days and visit. It just so happened that my brother Nathan and his family were also able to come and visit at the same time. Wayne and Jon (my other brother) were both working out of town this week so not everyone was around but we still had a good time. Below are a few pictures of our visit.

This is Caleb and my nephew Spencer, he is getting so big.

Caleb and Grandma Stevens at Science Central in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

My dad was just relaxing away on the couch, so excited about getting his picture taken.

Spencer riding the duck in front of the fireplace, he had the greatest time climbing on and off the fireplace.

Savannah at bath time, I just loved her big grin.

Savannah and her mommy, Telesa pulling their weight up the pulley at Science Central.

Caleb pulled his weight up the pulley.

My brother Nathan pulling my mom up the pulley.

Mom and I in front of Science Central.

Caleb and I at Science Central, it was freezing cold and so windy.

Caleb in the computer room where he spent alot of time playing games on the computer because grandma and grandpa's computer is so much faster than ours.

My brother Nathan smiling such a pretty smile (not) and Spencer.

Spencer is cutting teeth, he is waiting for his two front teeth to come in.

Savannah was having a great time playing with Grandma's bears, she was reading a story to them and playing music.

Savannah showing off her tremendous smile.

My sister-in-law Aytha playing on the computer.

Deer Picture

2008-03-19T21:51:00.003-05:00

My mom requested that I post a close up picture of the deer. If you are with my mom for any length of time at all in a vehicle you will quickly notice that mom can spot a deer faster than anyone that I know. We can be riding along and all the sudden mom is like, look at all those deer, Larry, please slow down I want to see the deer. So this is an inherited fascination that I have with all of these deer that seem to graze around our property and our neighbors.

Rain, Rain Go Away!

2008-03-19T21:29:00.003-05:00

Here are some pictures of what an area of our property looked like this morning, I'm beginning to feel like I have my own personal lake. So far the house is far from the rising waters, thank goodness. We are keeping a close eye on the flooding situation since our county is under a flood watch. This particular area on our property is a sink hole so the water will recede very quickly but in the mean time it bears watching. I feel so badly for those who have had to evacuate their homes due to the severe flooding that is going on.

Destination Imagination

2008-03-15T21:55:00.007-05:00

Whew! What a busy few months it has been getting ready for Destination Imagionation (DI- is what we affectionately refer to it as). Caleb participates in DI at his school and we had the regional competition today. I'm very proud to say that Caleb's team came in 2nd for the challenge that was presented to his team. The way that DI works is that the top three teams in a particular challenge will proceed onto the State Competition which will be held in Fishers, Indiana next month. I'm so very proud of St. John's Obstacles Of Course DI team. Way to go!

This is a team that has worked very hard and had a very difficult challenge to overcome. Their challenge was called, Obstacles, Of Course. They had to build without adult assistance, other than the coach guiding them, their own obstacle course, design a skit that went along with their theme. They ended up having a ramp that the car had to jump over, a tree where they had to save a cat in a tree, a tunnel, a set of steps, a fire station and a farris wheel. They designed a car
that had a string attached to the front of the car and pulled the car along using a cordless drill, so the car could go into forward or reverse. Caleb was the driver of the car and he handled the pressure of running the cordless drill with the car through the obstacles pretty good. One cute thing they did was, they had a sign made for roadside assistance and whenever the car would deter off the track, another little boy held up the sign and would put the car back on the track using kitchen tongs (because they were not allowed to touch the car with their hands so thus kitchen tongs).
I will quote from our handbook, "Destination Imagination is an international program for K-12 and college students which teaches life skills and expands imaginations through team-based creative problem-solving. Destination Imagination emphasizes creativity, teamwork, research skills, presentation skills, and the added art of improvisation". This is a great program for kids of all ages because it offers them so many skills that will stay with them throughout their life. Caleb is always ready for the competition to come because it typically means that we are finished until the next school year, but not this year.

Caleb is excited about going to the state competition for DI but baseball season has also started so this means practice, practice, practice and more practice.

This was a sight to behold out my front window a couple of weeks ago. The dogs were going crazy barking so I ran to the window to see and what a beautiful sight it was to see these 5 deer across the road in the neighbor's yard. These deer must live in the woods behind our neighbor's house because we see these beautiful creatures there alot. The dogs eventually got bored and moved onto something else, the deer must know that the dogs can't get out of our yard because of the "Invisible Fence". The dogs can bark all day long but the they can't get to the deer. I was able to step out onto the front porch and take this picture and the deer just looked at me.

The Rain Keeps Coming

2008-03-04T15:40:00.002-06:00

What a rainy time it has been, it started raining last evening and hasn't stopped today. The sinkhole/pond keeps filling up and Caleb remarked to me, "I think we are going to have a flood". We don't have to worry about that yet but I wish the sunshine would come back out.

I was able to spend today with a dear friend of mine and her sister. My friend was in an accident this morning on her way home from work. Our plans that we had made for working out at the YMCA got cancelled due to the wreck. I decided to do an impromptu visit to check on her and got to spend the day in Christian fellowship with good friends. I enjoy being with my sisters in Christ and when you can share, laugh and cry together, life is just sweeter.

Finally Posting Again

2008-02-28T21:50:00.006-06:00

This is a favorite picture of mine. Caleb is enjoying sledding down the driveway and he is laying in the sled and our two dogs see him laying and come running to check on him. The dogs are so protective of all of us but especially Caleb. If he is laying down they will stay by him until he gets up, I think he milks it just a bit because he loves having the dogs close by.

This is the snow view out of the front door. Across the street where the snow laden trees are is where we spotted the deer this week. Read further down the blog for details. I loved how the ice stayed on the trees and makes everything so beautiful at least when you get to stay home and not be driving.

This picture was taken on a recent snow day that we had. Caleb was having a blast with the our neighbor children sliding down the hill. They made a ramp to jump off of and spent hours playing in the cold. We've been blessed with some wonderful neighbors.

These are the beautiful flowers that Caleb gave me for Valentine's Day. He picked them out all by himself, his daddy was just the driver to the store. Wayne got me 3 of my favorite Lip Glosses. I hate lipstick because it dries my lips out too bad but Estee Lauder makes wonderful lip gloss so I got pink, pink and more pink lipgloss.

My dear wonderful mother reminded me yesterday morning on the telephone that it had been a very long time since posting. Aren't mothers wonderful to give you those gentle nudgings. I love you mom, thanks for the reminder. In all actuality I've been having computer issues, hopefully to be resolved very soon. I've had to visit the library to get computer access which is not always convienent.

To bring you up to date with what has been going on in our neck of the woods. Caleb has been a busy little boy these past few weeks. He has had Baseball Academy which basically means that he has been in training for the upcoming baseball season. He was able to attend the pitching and hitting sessions which are pretty intense. We will see how he does in the upcoming weeks with baseball season getting ready to kick off. He is supposed to be the primary pitcher for his baseball team, which is a great honor but such a responsibility. I think I get more nervous than he does because of all the pressure that is on him. Caleb has also been attending a hunter safety course at the Bass Pro Shops. Bass Pro puts on this course along with the local DNR and 4 H Club. He had his 100 questions test this past Tuesday evening and passed with flying colors, I was so proud of him. He passed with a 93%. This weekend he gets to attend a Field Day where DNR sponsors all ammunition for a 4 hour shooting session. There will be all types of guns that the kids will get to shoot, he is very excited about the shoot. Caleb received a gun for Christmas that he had been wanting for a long time but a requirement of ours was that he had to attend a hunter safety course before shooting. Voila! Hunter Safety Course is completed and many safe hunting days ahead. Yesterday, Caleb and I looked out our front windows and there were 6-7 deer all grazing in the yard across from ours. Caleb being the very typical little boy, says to me, "Mom, I need to get dad's 12 gauge and shoot those deer". My response was I don't think so, lets just watch and enjoy the deer. He didn't like my response one bit.

On a different note, I'd like for you'll to check out my friend Amy's blog, it is listed under Crosswalk. Amy and her family are going through a very difficult trial at this time and desperately need our prayers, the doctors also need wisdom in treating Amy's condition. I'd also like to mention a prayer request for a family of a patient that I took care of in just the past couple of weeks. This patient was a fellow employee that was 38 years old and was hospitalized for approximately 3 weeks, with a very unsure diagnosis. He ended up dying on my unit and his family has taken his death very hard. He and his wife had only been married for 5 years and did not have any children but were in the process of adopting a child.

Our problems in life seem so big in our little world, but when you look outside your windows there are always people that are hurting and have needs that are so much bigger than ours. I pray that God will make me sensitive to other's needs and help me not to be so self focused on my own problems. Please say a prayer for Amy and her family as well as this other family that I will simply call by the name "KM".

Love is in the Air

2008-02-13T12:33:00.003-06:00

Caleb got in the car this morning and says to me, "Mom, I want to get you a bouquet of flowers but they are too expensive, they wanted $29.99 for the flowers I wanted to buy you". I told Caleb, honey you don't have to buy mommy flowers but if you really want to, how about a single flower. A single flower means just as much too me. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love flowers, but I hate to see my husband and son go out and spend a bunch of money on something that will fade so quickly. I treasure the memory of Caleb's sweet voice telling me about the flowers and his desire to give something to me. I'll have to see what Valentine's Day brings.

Last week while I was having devotions, I got so much out of this particular devotional I decided to share it with you. It's taken from "Walk Thru The Bible Tapestry", February 2008 issue.
" When you love someone, you can't help thinking about that person. God says, He can't get us off of Hi s mind: "Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the child of her womb? Even if these forget, yet I will not forget you" ( Isaiah 49:15). When you love someone you invest in them. God gave us the Spirit as a down payment (2 Corinthians 5:5). He placed His Spirit inside of us. You don't invest in something you don't really want or desire. When you love someone, you care when they're going through hard times, and you walk through those times with them. The Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. "For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words (Romans 8:26 NLT). God specifically put His Spirit in us to act as our advocate and to pray for exactly what we need when we don't know what to pray. It's one thing to tell someone you love them. It's another to listen to them when they want to talk, to empower them, to encourage them, and to stand by them. You are deeply, passionately, and completely loved by the God of the universe. Soak that up for a second. The One who created the universe, hundreds of billions of stars, countless planets, and space as far as the eye can see is captivated by you. Soak up God's love. You are chosen. You are dearly loved. You are His.

Wow! I absolutely loved this devotion. God in all of His greatness and vastness is captivated by me through all of my shortcomings and faults and is willing to listen to me grumble and whine. God still loves me anyway and then helps me through my problems and issues. This is not something that I didn't know before but it came at a time when I needed it. Just thought I'd share it with you'll. I'm wishing you'll a love filled Valentines Day.

Stormy Weather

2008-01-30T11:38:00.000-06:00

We had quite the stormy weather yesterday evening in Southern Indiana and surrounding counties. I had just gotten off work when my phone rang and I was told there were 75 mph winds headed in the direction that I was going. I was 30 minutes away from home and am now terrified to drive in the rain, let alone winds that were going so fast. I said a quick prayer that sounded a little something like this, "Lord, you know that I'm scared to death and I just want to get home, please keep me safe and calm". I drove for about 20 minutes with some wind, a few sprinkles but once I hit the country road that we live off of, the storm decided to hit. It started pouring sheets of rain and I was on a curvy and hilly road that is surrounded by trees on both sides. My prayer turned to one of panic because the visibility was so bad, I almost pulled off numerous times but fear and determination kept me moving. I was only 2 miles away from home when I encountered the first tree but it was only covering half of the road so I could avoid hitting it. Small branches were scattered everywhere but I kept plugging on, I just wanted to get home. When I was only yards away from the road that we live on I encountered another tree, I stopped, evaluated then decided to plow on through, the tree wasn't that big. I managed to drag a portion of a tree branch into my garage. My husband says my good sense was overtaken by the panic that I was feeling. I'm thankful for God's protection but rain storms now scare me to death. There are a couple of small trees that are down in our yard but no other damage. I'm reminded of the scripture in 2 Timothy 1:7 that says, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity , but He has given us a spirit of power and of love, and of a calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control."

Snow Day!!!!.

2008-01-22T09:56:00.000-06:00

I just uploaded the pictures to my computer from this past weekend. Caleb gets to be home from school today, as we have a little over 1 inch of snow here in southern Indiana. My mom always laughs when I tell her if Caleb is on a delay or snow is cancelled because of the weather but I have to remind her that southern Indiana roads can be so treacherous with all of the curves and hilly roads. Northern Indiana folks seldom cancel school for weather, they would be out of school almost 3 months with all the snow they get. Anyhow, Caleb is enjoying being out of school and getting to play in the snow today.

Caleb had a great time playing the back yard with the dogs, sledding and snowboarding.

Here is a picture of our birthday celebration that we had this past weekend, pardon the bottle of dressing, my brother just couldn't resist.

My mom, brother Jon and dad all in a moment of togetherness.
Nathan, Caleb and Savannah were all feeling lazy, they had just woke up.

Spencer got a haircut this past week, we were teasing his mommy that he looked like a little Amish boy. He will be a year old in just a few weeks.

Birthday Celebration

2008-01-21T22:04:00.000-06:00

The month of January is a crazy month in my family for birthday's. My parents, brothers and one sister-in-law all share January for their birth month's. My mom and sister-in-laws and I debated about this weekend, did we want to go out or cook dinner. We finally decided that a home cooked meal would be just fine if it included a favorite for each individual. Our celebration dinner included the following:

Apricot Glazed Pork Loin
Wild Rice
Greek Salad
Orange Salad
Macaroni & cheese
Crusty multi-grain bread
Chocolate covered peanut butter pie
Carmel Apple Cake

I have to say the pork loin was a huge success. The original recipe was from Angela Nichols in Mt. Airy, N.C and was published by Gooseberry Patch "Magic of Christmas" but I tweaked it just a bit to our taste. The version below is mine.

Apricot Glazed Pork Loin

15 slices of boneless porkloin
Greek Seasoning sprinkled generously over pork loin
15-1/4 oz. can apricot halves, reserve juice
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Spray 13x9 glass baking dish with non-stick spray. Place porkloin in dish and sprinkle with Greek seasoning. Cover dish with foil and cook at 375 for 2 hours, then turn oven to 350 for 1/2 hour or until meat thermometer registers 160 degrees. Mash apricot halves with juice, blend in sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and cook 2-3 minutes, remove from heat. Pour apricot sauce over slices of porkloin. Enjoy! The Greek seasoning was just something that I had purchased at Walmart in the spice section, it is just another version of seasoing salt with a few more spices.

I'll post some pictures later, just haven't uploaded them yet.

Pictures of our house

2008-01-14T10:01:00.000-06:00

This is where Caleb and Wayne love to hang out. This weekend they spent a few hours in the pole barn coming up with ideas for Caleb's Destination Imagination program (DI). Caleb participates with this program through school where they are divided into teams and children are encouraged to think outside of the box, and solve problems creatively. It is a great program that I believe is done nationally but first they compete on a local level. This year his team has to come up with ideas for building a project that will have 4-6 obstacles, it must have a Christian theme, a skit and take no longer than 4 minutes to complete (this includes set-up time, skit and obstacles). It is definately a challenge. Wayne thrives on helping Caleb with these projects. A few topics that were discussed included positive and negative pressure, and flow of gravity. I love creative projects but DI gets just too technical for me.

The living room.

This is a picture of the dining room. Notice the cabinet holding my collection of cookbooks. I collect cookbooks and probably have over 250. This cabinet holds special meaning to us. We purchased it at Wayne's grandparents estate auction a few years ago, it was a cabinet that had been stashed in the barn after catching on fire some 50 plus years ago. His grandparents at one time displayed it in their kitchen. Wayne had it refurnished for me as a Christmas present a couple of years ago. When our house was up for sale, we had to have a sign in the cabinet window stating that the cabinet would not be going with house.

Here is a picture of my new kitchen. I'm absolutely loving it. It is great for entertaining.

My brother, Jon is diligently reading the newspaper. I don't even think that he knew I took this picture, he was so engrossed.

Caleb is patiently waiting to open Christmas presents and trying to have a pillow fight.

This is my sister-in-law (Tammara) acting silly with her camera on Christmas.

Window Washing

2008-01-09T16:27:00.000-06:00

It has been so nice outside the past couple of days here in Southern Indiana, that today I decided to wash windows. The windows were quite dirty at our new house, the previous owners never liked to open their blinds, so thus they couldn't see all the dirt. I absolutely hate dirty windows, just can't stand to look out them. My windows are all clean and sparkly for now but in a couple of months they will be dirty again.

Enjoying my Christmas Present

2008-01-08T09:41:00.000-06:00

I was unpacking more boxes yesterday and put in my new Christmas present to listen to. I received the newest CD from the group Selah and just had not had a chance to listen to it. I had never even heard of the group until Amy had it playing on her blog, and I enjoyed it so much I asked for the CD for Christmas. It helped to set the tone for what was going to be a boring day unpacking. Check out their website.
http://www.selahonline.com/

Christmas Pictures

2008-01-04T10:57:00.000-06:00

Caleb relaxing in the recliner after a day of unpacking boxes.

This was Wayne enjoying his Christmas present with Caleb looking on. I had bought him a box of motorcycle accessories, all chrome of course. It was a great surprise. All the chrome was put on New Year's Day before he took off on the polar bear run. I think it is named appropriately because who else would ride their motorcycle on a freezing cold day except for a polar bear.

This is a picture of Caleb on Christmas morning in our skeleton of a house, we had moved some of the boxes around and had a few pieces of furniture so it seemed somewhat like home.

This is Wayne's dad and brother-in-law. Wayne's dad complains of being cold all the time anymore, so a sweater was in order for his Christmas present.

This is a familiar scene at my mother-in-law's house at Christmas time. Our niece Andrea is at the front of the picture with her husband David beside her. Jonathan and then two of my sister-in-laws, Tamara and Rosanna are in the background. Wayne's sister and family that lives in Colorado were unable to be with us for Christmas.

This is a picture of Samuel, our nephew opening a Christmas present.

This is a picture of Wayne's mom opening her sweater for Christmas.

These are my two sister-in-laws. Aytha was putting away food and Telesa was talking about something. When she talks she uses her hands for expression, can you tell? Love ya girls.

This is a picture of my mom enjoying two things. #1 Spencer is getting alot of hugs and kisses, #2 she is enjoying her new chair that was delivered in the middle of us opening Christmas presents. It was too funny the furniture delivery truck pulled up in the driveway and mom says, they must have the wrong address, Larry, can you go talk to them. My dad goes outside to talk to the delivery truck driver all the time knowing that they are in the right place. Mom was so surprised. We then had the wonderful pleasure of rearranging her living room later that afternoon. What a fun day.

This was my dad cutting the crown roast that he had made for our Christmas celebration, he used a recipe that he had gotten off the internet. The recipe required that the roast be covered with rock salt and cooked at 500 degrees, we were all a little unsure of how it would taste. The roast was so tasty, there were no left over's. His helpers were my brothers and sister-in-law.

Caleb with Spencer and Savannah, under the Christmas tree.

This is Spencer, our nephew, this was his first Christmas at Grandma's house. He is not walking yet but loves to hang onto everything.

This is Savannah, our niece loving the nativity figurines at Grandma's. She looked so pretty in her Christmas dress, it was red velvet trimmed in white fur.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-04T09:49:00.000-06:00

It seems like it has been so long since I've actually set down to type something on my blog. 2007 has come and gone and the last few months of it passed in such a blur to me that I look back and wonder how we survived. Christmas is not a fun time to move but that was not our choice, it was just how everything worked out.

I have many people to thank for helping us through this transition. The week leading up to the move my dear friend Tracy came in and shampooed all of the carpets in the house. My brother-in-law came in and painted the living room on Christmas Eve and didn't even leave a paint smell. My dad and two brothers came in the day after Christmas and helped us tremendously, we joked that there was a personal helper for each one of us. Then this move would not be complete without the team of heavy lifters, you know who you are and we thank each of you so very much. When you have any kind of transition you just want life to stop until you get through the change, but life just doesn't happen this way. We continued to work our regular schedules, battled through sickness and survived with boxes surrounding us but God's grace was sufficient. Sunday evening before Christmas, I became very overwhelmed from the enormity of the task at hand but God sent some very special angels to help me lighten the load. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law came in on Christmas Eve, while I was at work and finished packing up our house. They power packed for a few hours and were such a blessing. When Wayne called me at work and told me that the rest of the house had been packed, I felt such a sense of relief. I had been under such pressure to get everything done, my boss had only allowed me to take one day off since it was during the holidays, I was fighting strep throat and laryngitis, I was extremely tired from buring the candle at both ends and just wanted to get through those few days. I did manage to get through the stressful period, I went to the doctor and got some antiobiotics and had to take some time off work because of sickness. I've been able to rest up and take life a little bit easier and look back and marvel at the blessings that God sends our way. The blessings came in many forms, a cooked meal, helping hands, hugs and laughter just to name a few.

Wayne was off work last week and that helped so much with getting alot of the outside stuff organized, his pole barn is up and running. The barn has a car lift in it and trust me, he is absolutely loving it. Tuesday night he had to change the oil in my car, he drove the car from the garage to the pole barn, put it up on rack and changed the oil without even getting dirty. The pole barn is his favorite thing about the new house. The house is pretty much organized, the kitchen and living room are all set up, bathrooms are organized but the bedrooms still have boxes in them. Wayne's grandma came by the house yesterday and made the comment, "Rachel, you know that Rome wasn't built in a day, so don't expect everything to be put away in a week".

I'll post some photos later, just haven't had a chance to upload them yet.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T17:17:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas my dear friends and family. This has definately been a Christmas to remember at our house. This morning at 1:30 we were finally able to put up a small tree and get our presents around it. We brought out a couple of Caleb's nutcrackers from his collection so that we could feel somewhat at home in our new house. We are surrounded by boxes and have so many more to come over to the new house but God has been good. We've been able to be with almost all the family in the last few days and celebrate Christmas. From our house to yours may your New Year be blessed with God's love.

Prayer Request

2007-12-10T21:30:00.000-06:00

Please continue to remember our friend and dear brother in Christ, Papaw (John Price). Wayne had the wonderful opportunity with the Seeds of Abraham motorcycle club to participate in a benefit to help Papaw yesterday. He is now home from rehab and is looking much better but continues to have some neurological deficits. His wife and family also need our prayers as they are standing by his side.

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!

2007-12-03T19:52:00.000-06:00

I received this poem from a friend of mine and honestly it made me stop and think. I know our soldiers are involved in war and I follow some of the stories that come out but I tend to forget the personal side of the soldiers involved. This Christmas as we enjoy the freedom of celebrating Christ birth, try and remember a lonely soldier that helped to defend our country so that we can celebrate. This month say an extra prayer for our soldiers as they are away from their families and all the celebrations of their home. If you get a chance send a card to a recovering soldier to the following address:

A Recovering American Soldier

C/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20307-5001

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight. My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest. Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight. The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve. My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep. In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream. The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear. Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow. My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door just to see who was near. Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight. A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold. Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child. "What are you doing?" I asked without fear, "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here! Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!" For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.. To the window that danced with a warm fire's light Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night." "It's my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you from the darkest of times. No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me. My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December," Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers." My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ', And now it is my turn and so, here I am. I've not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile. Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red, white, and blue... an American flag. I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family, my house and my home. I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat. I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.. Who stand at the front against any and all, To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall." "So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright, Your family is waiting and I'll be all right." "But isn't there something I can do, at the least, "Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast? It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son." Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, "Just tell us you love us, and never forget. To fight for our rights back at home while w e're gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long. For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought and we bled. Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

-Merry Christmas-

Coleslaw Recipe

2007-11-28T21:55:00.000-06:00

This is a favorite recipe of mine that I received from my sister-in-law Aytha, who happens to be an awesome cook. I made this recipe several times this summer and fall and we so enjoyed it. A friend had e-mailed me about posting this recipe again so here it is:

Bacon Ranch Coleslaw

2 bags shredded cabbage coleslaw

12 oz jar ranch dressing

1 pkg. bacon bits

1 pkg. craisins

1 cup sugar

Combine dressing, bacon bits, craisins, sugar and cabbage, mix well. Refrigerate to combine flavors until chilled. Serves 12 people.

Parrot Humor

2007-11-28T21:50:00.000-06:00

My friend, Lisa sent me this e-mail and I thought it was so cute that I decided to post it since we've all come through the Thanksgiving celebration. Enjoy!

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a badattitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious, and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing
soft music, and anything else he could think of to 'clean up' the bird's vocabulary.
Finally, John was fed up, and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot, and the parrot got angrier and even ruder.
John, in desperation, threw up his hands, grabbed the bird, and put him in the freezer.
For a few minutes, the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute.
Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer.
The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said to John 'I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions.
I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior.'
John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. Just as he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, 'May I ask what the turkey did?'

Thanksgiving Moments

2007-11-23T19:04:00.000-06:00

We had the wonderful priviledge of sharing Thanksgiving with my family this year, we try to alternate my family and Wayne's every year. It has been a tradition of my dad's family to meet at my aunt's house every year since she has the largest home and it is more central for everyone to meet at. We had the typical Thanksgiving fare with turkey and all the trimmings, every plate that I saw was loaded up. Holidays are just not the same without my grandparents, my grandma passed on a few years ago and her favorite thing to do on Thanksgiving was bring out the card games, she absolutely loved to play cards. Grandpa passed away last year a few days before Christmas and he was truly the sweetest soul, making sure everyone had everything they needed and of course we loved his hugs. Grandpa and Grandma have passed on but they are having a great time in Heaven sharing together and I like to believe they are looking down and watching over us all. I've included some pictures of the family gathering. Enjoy!

This is Caleb with a couple of his cousins playing a favorite game, my cousins and and I have primarily had boys so we have lots of testosterone running around and these boys are only a few years apart in age. They always have such a great time getting together.

The two ladies that are sitting at the table facing the camera are my two aunts, Linda and Annette, my dad's sisters.

This is my aunt Doris and her husband Bob. My dad's oldest sister.

My mom and Wayne.

My dad talking with his brother Daryl.

My cousin Joni and I. Joni and I can go for months without seeing each other but when we meet up again it is like we've not ever been apart.
My cousin Josh and Marcello.

Beautiful Flowers

2007-11-15T07:46:00.000-06:00

We've had a very busy last couple of weeks. Our house is up for sale and we've put an offer on another house so we've had showings and lots of paperwork and decisions to deal with. It looks like we could be closing on our house in the next few weeks and moving into our new home before Christmas. I've also picked up extra days at the hospital because Christmas will be here before we know it. My dear husband knew that I was under alot of stress because I've been having to deal with the majority of this, he has been out of town. Last weekend he brought me home this gorgeous bouquet of flowers, so I thought I'd include a couple of pictures. The flower arrangement has lilies, roses, sunflowers, and a few other flowers I'm not going to attempt to name but they are beautiful. I normally hate for Wayne to spend the money for flowers because they just die but this time I decided they were definately deserved. Each day I receive lots of pleasure from looking at these flowers, so I decided to take some pictures so that they can be put in my scrapbook. This picture below captured the pollen that had fallen onto the petals. Enjoy sharing my flowers with me.

Playing in the mud

2007-11-08T08:52:00.000-06:00

This picture was taken in September before the rain came, our pond was so low that the kids thought they would take the john boat out and row in the pond. They didn't get to far they realized that playing in the mud was much more enjoyable than rowing a john boat. This is Caleb along with Bethany and Caitlin Myers. These clothes were alot of fun to clean up, the mud smelled so bad on them they had to be hosed down outside before they were allowed to enter the house.

This is one very, very, very dirty little boy but he had such a great time playing in the mud. It definately makes for an interesting scrapbook page. I'm thinking the title should be "Fun in the Mud or Mud Boy". What do you think?

Then the guys (Wayne & Joe) decided they needed to play in the water and row around for awhile after they saw what fun the kids were having. The pond became the lowest it has ever been in several years this summer because of the lack of rain in Southern Indiana. We've since had rain which has brought the pond back to where it needed to be.

Mirage of Thoughts

2007-11-06T20:33:00.000-06:00

I've got so many thoughts running through my head tonight that I thought I'd at least share a couple. This past week has been absolutely nutty at our house.

Update on John Price (Papaw): we went and saw him on Sunday after church, he is not able to talk to us because of the trach in his throat but he did recognize us. It appears that his neuro status is not completely back to baseline. He has a very long road of recovery before him but at least he was moved on Sunday to a rehab unit at University instead of the ICU. Continue to pray for him and his family.
I had to make a lady DNR this week which simply means that she has made a decision to not be revived when her time of life is up. I fell in love with her and her family, she is the sweetest 90 year old lady and just found out that she has colon cancer that has spread throughout her body with less than a year to live. She has an absolutely awesome attitude about her situation even though her body is filled with cancer and blood clots.
I've dealt with a patient who was admitted with multiple bed sores on her body because of not being taken care of properly, needless to say social services had to be involved, such a sad case.
I've had open heart patients that are 3 and 4 days post-op and they are still confused, what a busy day that makes for me trying to continously reorient them and still get all my work done. Whew!
I've had so much going on that I actually stood a friend up for lunch today, talk about feeling bad. I was eating humble pie.
This list could go on and on but I'm going to stop for now.

Thanks to all who have told me that they are praying for me and to hang in there. God's perfect plan still hasn't been revealed yet but I'm learning to trust and hang closer.

Feeling Anxious

2007-10-31T19:41:00.000-05:00

Yesterday afternoon I received a phone call that caused me great anxiety regarding an important decision that we are in the process of making, 5 minutes later I received another phone call from the same source again causing those horrible anxious feelings to surface. I immediately starting fretting, and thinking of all the worse case scenarios that could happen. I tried to call a couple of people to discuss what was going on because isn't that what friends are for, but no answer anywhere only voice mail. Then inside of me that small voice of God telling me to not be anxious, just to trust Him in everything and He would work it out and then the words to one of my favorite songs "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee". I wish I could tell you all the questions and anxiety went away immediately but that wouldn't be true. I still have a ton of thoughts and questions in my head regarding how everything will work out but God reminded me again this morning that His plan is so much better than my own. I'm such a control freak that I need to know how every t will be crossed and every i dotted but God is the one in absolute control of our lives even though I tend to only be hanging by my fingertips at times. You know I have this mental picture of me hanging onto a ledge and when I get tired and anxious God is right there with His shoulders just letting me sit there to continue hangin on. What an awesome thought about our ever faithful God.
By the way I did receive phone calls later that evening but God had already done the work and I could actually laugh about my anxious feelings. The situation is far from resolved but I do have perfect peace.

Update on John Price

2007-10-28T19:24:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of Papaw along with a few others in the group, he is the one behind the motorcyle in the long sleeve black shirt with his mouth open, white hair and sunglasses.

Just wanted to give everyone an update on Papaw (John Price). He is now breathing on his own, ventilator is off, and the chest tube is out, there is no change with the blood clot on the brain. The problem is that he still has 9 broken ribs, is in a drug induced coma, is now running a low grade temp and still isn't responding appropriately to questions being asked. There is still some swelling on the brain and the neurologist feel somewhat hopeful that his neuro status will clear up but only time and prayer will tell the true outcome. His wife is very exhausted as she is spending all of her time at his side, please continue to lift her up in your prayers.

Need a Laugh?

2007-10-26T20:54:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine sent this to me today, I've seen it before but got a good laugh out of it none the less. Enjoy!

Country Funeral
As a young minister, I was asked by a funeral director to hold a grave-side service for a homeless man, with no family or friends. The funeral was to be held at a cemetery way back in the country, and this man would be the first to be laid to rest there. As I was not familiar with the backwoods area, I became lost; and being a typical man did not stop for directions. I finally arrived an hour late.

I saw the backhoe and the crew, who was eating lunch, but the hearse was nowhere in sight. I apologized to the workers for my tardiness, and stepped to the side of the open grave, where I saw the vault lid already in place. I assured theworkers I would not hold them up for long, but this was the proper thing to do. The workers gathered around, still eating their lunch.

I poured out my heart and soul. As I preached the workers began to say "Amen," "Praise the Lord," and "Glory"! I preached, and I preached, like I'd never preached before: from Genesis all the way to Revelations.

I closed the lengthy service with a prayer and walked to my car.

As I was opening the door and taking off my coat, I overheard one of the workers saying to another, "I ain't never seen anything like that before and I've been putting in septic tanks for twenty years."

Prayer Request

2007-10-23T10:42:00.000-05:00

Some of you may know that Wayne rides in a motorcycle club called the Seed of Abraham whose sole purpose is to minister to other motorcylists who do not know Christ as their personal Savior. One of the guys (John is his real name but he is known as Papaw to the group) in Wayne's club was involved in a very serious motorcyle accident on Sunday afternoon. The details are still sketchy as far as what happened but we do know that he was riding to work and went down on the Sherman Minton Bridge. John was stat flighted to our local University hospital (Level 4 trauma center). The injuries sustained are brain swelling, blood clot in the brain, crushed eye socket, punctured lung just to name a few. He is in a drug induced coma at this time to try and prevent any more intracranial pressure from movement. As of yesterday, John is responding to verbal commands but just not appropriately, when told to move 2 fingers he moves his entire hand. He has been upgraded from critical to serious and will be undergoing surgery today to repair the crushed eye socket. John and his family and the Seeds would certainly appreciate any prayers. This is a guy who has been riding for 30 plus years, his wife has been by his side since the accident and certainly needs God's sustaining strength to help her get through this difficult time. You can check out the Seed of Abraham club link by clicking: http://soamc.org/indiana.htm

Alcohol Anyone??

2007-10-17T20:10:00.000-05:00

I had to take care of a patient today that had cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure and needed to have a transplant that isn't going to happen due to other issues. This patient has been told he has less than 6 months to live with 4 of those months already gone. I felt empathy, sadness and disgust all at the same time because I knew that this patient's condition was brought on by alcohol abuse. This individual is an alcoholic who has lost all of their material possessions, and familial ties except for a mother who currently has multiple myeloma. It literally broke my heart to see how sick this individual was but how their lifestyle brought on this horrible illness so thus my title. I have never seen a person so juandiced (yellow) in all of my life, even his hair looked yellow; it is a picture that will stay in my mind for a long time. Again I ask, alcohol anyone???????

Miracles on the Roof

2007-10-15T18:32:00.000-05:00

Wayne and I had been dreading this past weekend because we knew there was going to be very little if any time spent together. I was going to have to work this weekend and Wayne was going to put a new roof on his parent's house. Wayne's parents needed a new roof put on and Wayne was the man for the job. The roof ended up being worse than originally thought (isn't it always) so the job was going to take longer and cost more money than they planned. Wayne's dad started tearing off some of the shingles on Friday morning and by afternoon his knees were really bothering him, he continued to work like a trooper though. On Saturday the job was continued and miraculously Wayne's dad had gotten off the roof to get a drink of water because as he was coming out of the house he went down on the back steps he was having severe chest pain. To make a long story short Larry (Wayne's dad) had to be rushed to the ER for severe chest pain that was unrelieved by 3 nitro pills. Larry has a history of heart disease, open heart surgery, and stent placement. ER ruled that Larry had a mild heart attack but no permanent heart damage was done, what a miracle.

Wayne was feeling very overwhelmed with a torn up roof that had to be covered and his dad in the ER. He started calling around asking some friends if they could help out and from the moment that folks started arriving to help there were always five people on the roof working even though people came and went all day long. God lifted this burden and other people were there to share the load. Another miracle on the roof. I'm happy to report that the roof is complete and Larry is feeling somewhat better. He is still in the hospital and there are some more test that are being ran to check out a few other things but things are improved.

Review of the past couple of weeks

2007-10-10T20:13:00.000-05:00

It has been a busy couple of weeks around our house we've had the school play, been on fall break and celebrated a graduation. Caleb was the sheriff in his school play How the West was Dunn what a great job learning the lines and performing he did. We were so proud of him. That evening before the play he said to me, mom, my stomach feels real funny, I just don't know if I can do it. Once Caleb hit the stage he didn't appear nervous at all. The cast and teachers at St. John's did a great job on the play, jitters and all.

Caleb gets two weeks in the fall for break because St. John's has a balanced school calendar so he has enjoyed himself immensly. We were able to visit the children's museum in Indianapolis as one of our fun trips. It had been a few years since I'd been there and so much has changed. They have the coolest display of hand blown glass 3,200 pieces to be exact that were blown in Seattle and flown to Indy for this display. The display stands approximately 48 feet tall and weighs 18,000 pounds. The glass is simply beautiful, several variations of color and shape. Some of the highlights of the day were the train center, game center, robotics center, the race car and of course the carousel ride and so many others things. When I asked Caleb what his favorite section was the science center took the number one spot. In the science center we were able to dam water, play with the display of the balls that would bounce and turn depending upon which lever you turned, made DNA of wheat germ and got to take some home (yummy). Caleb was asked to be part of a video that was being filmed that day and he had to act like he was running off of a slide. The day was so packed with interesting things to do and it helped to stimulate Caleb's brain that had been on vacation for a week. He has already asked when we can go again.

Another highlight for us this past weekend was that my mom graduated from college. She is 51 years old and got her college degree. She has worked so very hard the past few years to achieve this personal goal that she had set for herself. We celebrated by having a open house for her with friends and family. Mom I just want you to know that I'm very proud of you, what an achievement. My mom has some very serious health issues but decided she wanted to achieve this goal overcoming personal obstacles. Way to go!!!!!!

This was a favorite picture taken this weekend of Wayne & Spencer (nephew). Wayne had just taken Spencer over to pet the horses in the background. I took numerous photo's but my computer is just way too slow to try and load them all.

photos of the wreck

2007-09-30T17:41:00.001-05:00

These pictures are not the greatest quality because they were taken by Wayne's cell phone but you get the picture. Wayne took these pictures at the police impoundment lot when he got my stuff out of the car. Interestingly enough if you have a wreck in the state of Kentucky your car will get towed to a salvage yard in Cincinnati, Ohio, if you have a wreck in the state of Indiana your car will be towed to a salvage yard in Indianapolis, Indiana. This info is courtesy of Progressive insurance which has a very quick turn around for settling their driver's claims.

What a wreck

2007-09-28T21:46:00.000-05:00

What a day yesterday was. I was on my way to work driving in dark, cloudy, rainy weather yesterday morning when I had a wreck, not a small one but a major wreck. It happened at 6:30am, I was in the left hand of traffic of a 3 lane interstate, saw the truck ahead of me start to hydroplane, I started slowing down because I knew there was a car in the middle lane beside me, I hit the water and hydroplaned myself. My car spun out of control, shot across the 3 lane interstate, hit the concrete barrier on the right, I took my hands off the steering wheel and was screaming and holding my head while my car was spinning a 360, then it shot across the interstate again and hit the other concrete barrier and came to rest facing oncoming interstate traffic. I was so scared and my chest was hurting badly. Two other vehicles were involved, there was a truck behind me that also hydroplaned and hit the concrete barrier, a car that also got hit during this whole process and had damage to all of the right side of his car, but it was drivable and he was ok. The guy behind me that also hit the concrete barrier rushed up to my car to check on me and started freaking out because he thought my car was on fire but it was just smoke from both airbags popping out. I was shaking so bad and my chest was hurting terribly that all I could do was sit there and cry. I had glass all over me from the windshield shattering but no cuts, no broken bones but lots of chest trauma. They were concerned about my heart because of all the chest pain & trauma but the CT of the chest didn't show any damage. All I can say is that God kept his hand on my car & me protecting me from what could have been a very different situation. I'm so thankful for God's protection. I did get to take my first ambulance ride but the neck collar and the strapping me down on the board was a terrible experience (those EMS guys wouldn't hear to making the straps a little less tight, but I did have to ask). I did manage to call Wayne from the scene, he was 2 hours away but needless to say he made it to the hospital in record time to be with me. I have a huge bruise starting at my left shoulder all across my body in a diagonal pattern going to my right hip. My seatbelt did it's job but I'm so very sore. The insurance company already settled up this morning and I've been able to purchase another vehicle. God's blessings are amazing.

I've been tagged

2007-09-25T18:54:00.000-05:00

Thanks Ladonna & Dorcas! I've been tagged to write 7 random things about myself that you'll may not know.

I took my first plane ride when I was 16 years old for a short term mission trip to Turks & Caicos Islands with TLC out of Hobe Sound, Florida.
I've wanted to be a nurse since I was 5 years old.
I married my husband 6 days after I turned 18.
I collect cookbooks and can say that I probably have over 250 of them, in fact I bought another one this past weekend.
I enjoy playing volleyball.
I've made a CD with a ladies trio.
I love to travel and my dream vacation would be to go to Europe.

God's Message to Women

2007-09-25T18:30:00.001-05:00

My cousin Kelli sent this beautiful poem to me and the author is unknown but I wanted to share it with you'll.

God's Message To Women.

When I created the heavens and the earth,I spoke them into being.When I created man,I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils.But you , woman, I fashioned.After I breathed the breath of life into man,Because your nostrils are to delicate.I allowed a deep sleep to come over him,So I could patiently and perfectly fashion you.Man was put to sleepSo that he could not interfere with the creativity.From one bone I fashioned you.I chose the bone that protects man's life.I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs.And supports him, as you were meant to do.Around this one bone I shaped you.I modeled you.I created you perfectly and beautifully.Your characteristics are as the rib,Strong yet delicate and fragile.You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man,His heart.His heart is the center of his being;His lungs hold the breath of life.The rib cage will allow itself to be broken.Before it will allow damage to the heart.Support man as the rib cage supports the body.You were not taken from his feet, to be under him,Nor were you taken from his head, to be above him.You were taken from his side,To stand beside him and be held close to his side.You are my perfect angel, my beautiful little girl.You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence,And my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart.Your eyes are beautiful,Your lips, how lovely when they part in prayer.Your nose, so perfect in form,Your hands so gentle to touch.I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep,I've held your heart close to mine.Of all that lives and breathes, you are the most like me.Adam walked with me in the cool of the day,Yet he was lonely.He could not see me or touch me.He could only feel me.So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me,I have fashioned in you:My holiness, my strength, my purity, my love,My protection and support.You are special because you are the extension of me.Man represents my image - Woman, my emotions.Together, you represent the totality of God.So man, treat woman well.Love her, respect her, for she is fragile.In hurting her, you hurt me.What you do to her, you do to me.In hurting her, you only damage your own heart,The heart of your Father and the heart of her Father.Woman, support man.In humility, show him the power of emotion I have given you.In gentle quietness show your strength.In love, show him that you are the rib,That protects his inner self.Did you know that woman was so special in God's eyes?~Author Unknown~

Random thoughts

2007-09-20T08:40:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was a whirlwind of activity for us. Caleb was in the parade for his school band and then for his baseball team that won the district championship this summer. We just were not sure how everything would work out and it had been quite the topic of discussion for the past few weeks. The school float was #41 and the baseball team was #109 so there was little lull in between so Caleb was able to participate with both floats it kept Wayne & I very busy but we made it. We stayed at the festival the rest of the day and watched the tractor pull that night, the crowd just keeps getting bigger every year.
I just also want to say that there was something that I had been stressing over, praying about and just asking God for a miracle and that miracle happened this past week in a way that I never could have imagined. I'm a person that has to know how everything is going to work out, how plan A is going to fit into plan B and so on and when the exact time table is going to take place. My friends call me a control freak. God decided to take my little time schedule and toss it out the window and work His miracle in such a marvelous way. What a lesson in faith that has been for me.

On Tuesday evening I had the wonderful opportunity to be with a very dear and close friend of mine, we've been scheduling a time to get together for the past few months but life has happened and our schedules have not meshed together. We had a delightful evening out by the river at Captain's Quarters watching all the boats and birds as they flew in formation. I sat by the river on the pier and just thought about what an amazing world God has created, He gives us the beauty of the trees that are changing with the seasons, water that can be calm one moment but swirling with waves the next, birds that fly in formation but then land and pick a worm and then dear friends with whom we share some of life's most intimate moments. Thanks dear friend for an amazing evening and for letting me share my heart with you. I'm so very blessed to have you in my life.

Trumpet & Tractors

2007-09-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

This week I've been listening to alot of trumpet noise, Caleb has been practicing "America the Beautiful" all week. Alot of the times he is hitting the right notes but when he hits the wrong ones watch out for your ears. He is supposed to play in the parade on Saturday with his school. The one benefit of playing the trumpet is that Wayne can help him out with his notes & music and I beat out the notes on the piano but it is just not the same. I'm excited that Caleb has the opportunity to play in the parade but I get so tired of this long parade. It is a local festival parade that literally goes for 11/2 - 2 hours, every antique tractor that can be found in the barns surrounding the area enters in the parade. The problem is that we've attended the parade for the past several years and not much changes. On the positive note of the festival is that we will be attending the truck and tractor pulls that take place tonight and tomorrow evening. My favorite is the alcohol burning tractors because they can really light up the night sky with the flames shooting out of their pipes (for lack of a more technical term) and of course all of the excitement that comes along with the trucks and tractors making a full pull.

Dinner & Camping

2007-09-11T21:30:00.000-05:00

This past weekend the guys from our Sunday school class decided they were going to go on a primitave camping trip; unfortunately, not all of the class was able to attend. They went to the woods where there were no bathroom's, no electricity, no running water only tents and a campfire. The guys went tubing down the river, jumped off a rope into the river, ate numerous hotdogs & hamburgers and just had a great time overall. Caleb and Tyler (son of a friend) also went on this camping trip and didn't sleep too well because of the ghostly stories that were told about the old camper sitting out in the woods. The guys had a great time making up the sound effects that went along with the story. Caleb truly believed this story and it was the first thing out of his mouth when he saw me, in fact he tells me that it is a legend. What big guys don't tell little boys. The guys all had a great time they came home on Sunday morning to get showers and show up for church but there were alot of nodding heads in church on Sunday.

The guys went camping and the girls went out for dinner and a movie. Not all of the girls were able to meet for dinner but I've included a picture for those of us who went. We had a wonderful time of fellowship at Macaroni Grill where we had some yummy, yummy pasta, and a waiter that kept trying to sell us mixed drinks and then loved our special guest "Laura" so much he gave her a tablecloth to take home along with some crayons. We then went and watched the movie "No Reservations" which is definately a chic flick but so heartwarming. The evening was topped off with frozen custard sitting under the stars sharing with each other. We girls had a great laugh because we enjoyed the comforts of home while the guys had to rough it.

This is Christa, Lyndsey & Laura

This is Heather, Laura & myself

Weekend of Memories

2007-09-03T20:45:00.001-05:00

This is my cousin Danny and his wife Pam along with their four boys, Codi age 14,

Anthony age 11, Joseph age 6 and Jesse age 2.
Codi & Jesse having fun in the pool, although, Jesse wasn't too thrilled about posing for a pictures. Codi has a very sweet disposition and is quite the entreprenuer, he will sell you anything and for a great price but you can count on that he will be making a profit. Jesse is only 2 years old but because he has 3 older brothers he acts and moves much older. Wayne found him outside on the deck laying over the top railing with a look on his face that said " do I jump", he then proceded to go down the steps and jump the remaining couple of steps. This little guy also loves brownies with chocolate icing.

We just had a wonderful time of fellowship with my cousin, just so glad they decided to take a mini-vacation over the holiday.

Fall is coming

2007-09-02T18:40:00.000-05:00

This past week I went into Old Time Pottery because they were having a sale. Every week they have sales but this time they had something I wanted. When I walked in the store, there were ceramic, paper mache and metal pumpkins that greeted me along with the various colors of mums, straw bales and gourds. It immediately put me in the mood for decorating. I have 2 totes full of fall decorations that I plan to put up within the next week. Needless to say I only bought some artifical flowers for the deck since I didn't need any more fall decorations. The cool mornings that we've been having along with the dry, dry weather are already starting to turn a few trees in our woods. I absolutely love all the wonderful colors that fall brings. God created such a beautiful world.

Right now I have a house full of company, my cousin Danny, his wife Pam and their four boys are visiting. Caleb has had a wonderful time visiting, the boys have been swimming, riding the dirt bikes, hiking the trails in the woods and camped out last night. The boys set up the tent, made their own camp fire (made me a little nervous), roasted marshmellows and made smores. What wonderful memories they are making. Danny and I are only 1 day apart in age and have managed to stay in touch through the years. I am tickled to death to have them here for the weekend, they went to Holiday World today so things are little quiet right now. I'll be posting some pictures later in the week. We were digging through some old family pictures last night and I was able to share some photos with him that he had never seen of our grandparents and of his mom. Thanks mom for letting me make copies of your treasured photos. Danny was really excited to see some of the photos of his mom when she was a little girl. It brought back some interesting and fun memories.

School is in Full Force

2007-08-27T20:05:00.000-05:00

Well, school is definately in full swing at our house. Caleb will be in school for one month this week and it already seems like it has been longer. He has already turned in a science project with another one due in 3 weeks that is supposed to display a model of the planets in his own creative way. He has a book report that has to be in the form of a diorama (scene made in a shoebox). He also has chosen an early culture to study and has to prepare a story board about this culture. I've decided my next investment should be in poster board supplies. I am so thankful Caleb has the opportunity to go to a Christian school but I'm amazed at the amount of projects that 5th grade has brought.
The 5th grade has brought some fun stuff that Caleb truly enjoys. He plays the trumpet in band at school and they will be participating in the local fall festival parade in just a couple of weeks. It has brought the opportunity to participate in the fall play in which Caleb will be playing a sheriff in "How the West was Dunn". The month of August has started fall baseball up although it has been so hot, practice had to be cancelled twice last week. As Caleb gets older it is exciting to see how his personality and interests develop, but it also is sad to watch my son start dispensing with his toys that he always played with, his music taste are changing to more grown up sounds. It seems each week bring something new that he wants to get rid because he feels it is too childish for him.
I've been reading a book called "Celebrations of Faith" and the author talks about the fleeting moments (kairos) with your children and how to make the most of each moment. My heart has been convicted as I read it because I realize how quickly life is changing and my little man is turning into a young man. My prayer has been for the Lord to help me with the kairos of life that these few moments will last a lifetime in my son's heart and mind.

Celebrating Wayne's Birthday

2007-08-21T21:42:00.000-05:00

This is the birthday guy! Happy 36th birthday Sweetheart!

We celebrated Wayne's birthday by going to Claudia Sander's Dinner House in Shelbyville, KY. We had not been there for a quite a while and Wayne thought it would be the perfect opportunity to take a motorcycle ride with our friends, Joe & Tracy as well as celebrate his birthday. The ride down wasn't bad but we decided to take the scenic ride home which was beautiful but needless to say we girls were ready to call it quits, our derriere's were not quite used to riding on the bikes that long. The dinner house was started by Colonel Sander's wife and was actually the place where KFC's corporate headquarters were first located before they moved to Louisville, KY. They will serve off the menu or you can be served family style. It is a neat place to go and visit and was actually featured in the Taste of Home magazine some time ago.

This is a picture of our dear friends Joe & Tracy. We are truly blessed to have them in our lives.

Notice the bad hair day, this is what motorcycle helmets will do for you.

Here I am pretending to drive this big bike, the seat is quite comfy but I'm not a driver of motorcycles it has taken a big effort on my part to ride behind my husband. It still is not my favorite mode of transportation but we have a good time while riding.

Here are the four of us, some nice man was gracious enough to take our picture. There were alot of fun memories made that day.

My husband

2007-08-17T22:42:00.000-05:00

This has been a rough week for me with work, emotional rollercoasters and just life in general but my husband put a smile on my face tonight. Wayne has been out of town all week with work, he came home last night and then left again today for a weekend of bonding with the guys at Promise Keepers. I was having a bad day at work because I had some very sick patients that needed my every second, it was so bad that I think I may have sat down 15 minutes in a 8 hour period and mind you I still had 4 more hours to go. Wayne called my cell phone to tell me he was leaving town and asked me about my day and with tears welling up I said it was not going well. Needless to say when I walked in the door of the house there was a precious note laying on the table that my husband had quickly written before he left town. That note was a welcome sight and just kinda set my world a little straighter. Thanks baby! By the way Wayne will be turning a year older on Monday, he will proudly be able to say that he is on the other side of 35. Happy Birthday!!!!

Protection Angel

2007-08-16T08:30:00.000-05:00

I had a protective angel watching over me last night and I just wanted to share this with you. I've had a very busy week this week with work and just life in general. Yesterday I sat in a class for 8-9 hours, rushed to meet a friend for shopping and dinner got into town approximately 9:30pm picked up Caleb, spent a few minutes with my in-laws, rushed over to a friends house to make a delivery and then it happened as Caleb and I pulled into their driveway. I heard this pop as I drove into their driveway and I thought I must have gotten my tire partly on the driveway and grass I hope I didn't hit anything. I get out of my car to open the trunk and there is my left rear tire popped.
The story behind this tire is that I had gotten a screw in my original left rear tire and Wayne decided to try putting some slime (it is supposed to help with tractors, ATV's, ect.) in the tire and then use a plug, well the slime set up in the tire and was causing quite the bumpy ride at slow speeds. So my dear husband was going to fix the tire this weekend but because of other obligations on Saturday we arrived at the tire place just as it was closing so the tire couldn't be fixed. Plan B was to get a tire from another source have it put on, remove the slime from the original tire and replug it, rebalance it and thus I'd have a new tire, well the plan worked except that the tire that we got had different lugnuts and now we are at the end of the weekend and my husband will be gone all week. Wayne calls a good friend of his and the friend offered to remove the slime from the original tire, put on the spare tire and then change back to my original tire once my tire was fixed. Sounds confusing, I apologize.
The bottom line was I was at the friend's house who was going to change my tire back to the original tire that had been repaired when the spare tire popped right in their driveway. It was simply a miracle for me that the spare tire did not pop as I was driving the many miles of highway that I was on yesterday and that God kept his hand over me and sent his guardian angel to protect me. I'm truly helpless when it comes to changing tires, airing up my tires or doing any maintenance with my car. God gave me a wonderful husband who is very mechanically inclined that takes care of those things for me. I also appreciate that we have some wonderful and dear friends that help us out but that we have close fellowship with as well.

Bible Promises

2007-08-09T20:39:00.000-05:00

HANDY LITTLE CHART
God has a positive answer:

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5

Summer Treat

2007-08-08T08:13:00.000-05:00

My sister-in-law, Aytha brought me this wonderful recipe the last time she visited and I have made it several times since. I enjoy cooking and trying new recipe's, the best kind are those that are quick and easy but taste absolutely wonderful. I thought I'd share this with you'll. Enjoy!

Bacon Ranch Coleslaw
2 bags shredded cabbage coleslaw
12 oz jar ranch dressing
1 pkg. bacon bits
1 pkg. craisins
1 cup sugar

Combine dressing, bacon bits, craisins, sugar and cabbage, mix well. Refrigerate to combine flavors until chilled. Serves 12 people.

Simple Pleasures

2007-08-04T10:35:00.000-05:00

You know you are in redneck country when you enjoy going to demolition derby's, truck and tractor pulls but I truly enjoy the simple pleasures that it brings. This week has been our county fair and we have enjoyed it immensly. It started with Wayne and Joe running in the demolition derby, watching these ugly, beaten up redneck cars being hit from every side, feeling sorry for those whose radiator or engine would tear up. Caleb went to the fair with his papa on Thursday night as Wayne and I were both working and Caleb got to see the big cars wrecking and tearing up. Caleb got to have a front row seat because his papa is one of the firefighters working the derby so pure enjoyment for him. Last night we went again to the fair to watch the tractor and truck pulls, they had the two wheel drive, four wheel drive and construction class of trucks. There were row back cages on the tractors, modified long nose tractors (that is what I call them because only the back of the tractor remains the same but the front is all customized with a big ole' long snout), we stayed at that silly pull until after midnight but again it is all simple pleasures. I will never forget the first time I went to a tractor pull, Wayne just thought I had to go and I thought I'd absolutely hate it but yours truly found it very interesting and I keep going back for more.
Don't get me wrong I truly enjoy the finer things in life too, fine arts, excellent eating establishments, beautiful clothes but there is something about the simple pleasure of being at the county fair watching cars crash, trucks and tractors lose their drive trains and front axle's that makes me enjoy a little bit of redneck country.

Demolition Derby

2007-07-31T17:54:00.000-05:00

This is Wayne being smashed by two other cars at the demolition derby last night. Thanks goodness we survived a night without injuries, which was my biggest fear. Tracy and I (my good friend who's husband Joe was the mechanic for the car) were both having butterflies before the derby started hoping that #107 would not be the first one to put their flag down. Wayne was not the first one out of the derby but his good ole' radiator overheated, thus the flag went down about midway through the derby.

This was a picture before the derby started, car #107 was voted to be in the pretty car contest, we didn't take home that trophy guess our fan base was not big enough. I was so looking forward to seeing that giant plastic trophy being shared between our garage and Joe & Tracy's. It would have been so funny if the guys had won the trophy because when it was Joe & Tracy's turn they could have put it on their mailbox so their wonderful neighbors could have wondered what rock they climbed out from. Sorry guys, just couldn't resist.

Here are some of the cheerleaders for car #107. Rachel, Heather holding Reagan and Tracy.

Another part of the fan base: Marva (Wayne's niece) and her boyfriend Jonathan, Andrea (Wayne's niece) and her husband David.

Wayne did end up running the car twice last night, there was a break between the two runs, so the guys changed out the radiator and tweeked a few other things. There is an interesting story about the radiator being rigged up the second time but I'll leave that for Wayne and Joe. Plans are already being made for next year but guys Tracy and I hope you will start a little earlier so we are not so exhausted.

Blueberry Muffins

2007-07-26T09:19:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning I had some blueberries that I needed to use before they went to waste so I went in search of a great blueberry muffin recipe and thought I'd share what I found. I modifed the recipe to suit me so here is my version. The original recipe came from my favorite cookbook of all time (The Original Sunday Dinner-Meals from family kitchens). Enjoy!

Maine Blueberry Muffins
1/3 cup salted butter-softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup milk
1 2/3 cups flour
1 3/4 baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pint fresh blueberries

Cream butter and sugar. Add beaten egg, salt, and milk. Add dry ingredients and vanilla. Fold in blueberries. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes. Makes 12 large muffins.

Scrapes & Cuts

2007-07-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

I had to work this past weekend, actually did 3 days in a row (Sat, Sun, Mon) which is exhausting 12-13 hour days on a critical care floor but that means I'm done for a few days. Sunday night as I was driving home and was about 10 minutes from home my cell phone rang and my husband was on the other end asking me what should they do. Alex who is a friend of the family had just wrecked on the dirt bike back in our woods. Alex apparently was riding and crested a hill (going pretty fast and without a helmet I might add) and laid down the bike the foot pedal chewed up his leg. Since I was only 10 minutes from home I told Wayne to wrap it up and I would look at it as soon as I got home. By this time Alex is not feeling so well and is getting really lightheaded. I walked in the house and Alex is all propped up on the couch looking mighty pale, his leg had a three inch gash that cut through the subcutaneous tissue, through the fascia and all the way down to the shiny muscle but at least it did not go through the muscle which was a blessing. His girlfriend got some tylenol out of the cabinet and gave it to him before we left and we headed to the local ER, thinking they will take him back right away but no we ended up waiting 2 1/2 hours before he got back to the trauma room. Needless to say Alex ended up being in the ER for 4 hours and got 12 stitches and a very sore, sore leg. Poor Alex is headed out to catch a flight today for a much anticipated vacation and will be navigating airports with an injured leg. His girlfriend will be keeping us updated on his progress. Needless to say I was pretty exhausted for Monday's events at the hospital but the day progressed quickly and busy. Now I get to go school shopping for Caleb as he starts school on Monday. The joys of being a mom, our jobs are never done.

Summer fun

2007-07-20T20:46:00.001-05:00

This was a catfish that Wayne and Caleb caught while fishing in our pond. We feed the fish along with our 6 ducks that we have pretty much every night. They caught this catfish by using a hotdog as bait. We grilled the catfish the next night and it was quite tasty. Wayne was talking on his cellphone to his dad about the big catch because feeding the ducks and fish is something Larry (my father-in-law) totally enjoys. He can stand on the bank for hours watching the ducks and fish.

This is Caleb enjoying the water, he loves to lay on the giant butterfly and float.

This is my nephew Spencer, he was sitting on the patio table, under the umbrella while everyone else was in the pool.

My brother, Jonathan and his wife Aytha holding niece Savannah. They were watching Caleb go down the slide.

Wayne and his dad eating out on the deck at Caleb's birthday party.

This one is for you bubby! Gotcha with your mouth wide open stuffing pizza in as fast as you could. You asked where your picture was well here it is. I almost did the swimming pool picture but thought it just might reveal toooooo much. Love ya!

This is Nathan, my brother and his wife Telesa holding daughter Savannah.