Wednesday, October 29, 2008

most original costume award

Tonight was TRICK OR TREAT at my work for all the children of staff or family of residents. I didn't get out of work until almost 4:30 and then had to come home, eat, change, get Jocelyn in costume and get back to work by 5:30 to decorate and set up before the kids started arriving. This is on the couch by our aviary. It was hard for me to get a shot because she kept trying to watch the birds.Here is my little lamb crawling around. I guess she thinks that if lambs crawl around on all fours she might as well act the part. I can't even count the number of times people called her a cute little rabbit! Rabbits do not have hooves for their information!
Mike had a sucker in his mouth and Jocelyn would take it out of his mouth and stick it in hers. She just kept taking it back from him the whole time he had it.

Here's a video of the sucker theif...she was so funny, over and over she would take it back from us. She wanted her candy if she had to dress up for it!
There was a group of ladies from our resident council that sat together, and all the children paraded around so the ladies could vote. There were three categories: Prettiest, Scariest and Most Original. Jocelyn won the Most Original hands down. It may help that she's so cute and comes in to visit those ladies all the time. They just love her up everytime she comes to see me at work.
Such a big party that my little lamb got sleepy on me. She fell asleep on the way home. So precious!

Monday, October 27, 2008

two posts in one night?

These pictures are a little older, but I forgot that we had taken them. Landon got a chocolate covered carmel apple for sweetest day from his girlfriend. It looked quite tasty if you ask me. He decided to start eating it Sunday afternoon before dinner. Britani had told him that he was going to ruin his dinner, but of course he is a guy and does not listen. From what I can figure, Jocelyn must have thought that it looked pretty good too, that, or it was just because she has to do whatever Uncle Landon is doing. Take a look, I couldn't help but laugh.

As Landon looked away from his apple to laugh at Brit, Jocelyn dove in. Landon was very unexpecting, and she knew it. That little sneaky girl just had to have a taste of Uncle Landon's sweetest day treat.
This one is a little blurry but you get the idea. Anytime Landon would move the apple, she would go after it, and when he raised it up high so that she couldn't get to it, she sat back and started crying. She's not spoiled at all, is she? She would get over to it and try to bite it, and then just suck on the carmel/chocolate pieces.
She ended up with chocolate all over her face when he finally put it away until after dinner.
She just couldn't understand why everyone was laughing at her. "What? Do I have something on my face?"
To cute to pass up a post, so there you have it, the sweetest, Sweetest Day yet!!!!

first halloween party


Jocelyn had been fighting her sleep and finally crashed on the car ride to the school for the 1st annual Halloween/Fall Fest. There was trick or treat and fun and games, and free food! She was soo sleepy and not yet ready for a photo shoot when we arrived.
We had to have a shot with daddy, still not really up for pictures at this point. She would rather be sleeping, and she was too busy watching the other kids, it took a lot of effort just to get her to look at the camera for a picture.

Mommy and her little Minnie Mouse. She's so adorable and I love her so much. It doesn't get much better than this.
When the band was playing music, she about jumped off daddy's lap. She wanted to get out there and dance with the girls. She was so entertained. At one point she started clapping right along with the program.
Ready for her debut, all smiles, and jumping up and down. What a sweetie. She didn't win the costume contest, but there were a lot of kids there. Her age group was pre-k and under, so there was quite an age gap and lots of cute kids. It doesn't matter, she's still the cutest in her eyes. The prize for her category went to a pig, can you believe? She's such a sweetheart, not that I'm bias or anything, but she was the cutest kid there!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

new do

I decided that I needed a makeover, at least a hair makeover. As far as color goes, I have had virgin hair all my life. I was half afraid of color, and half afraid of my mom's reaction to color. However, it all went over much better than I had originally thought. I did not prepare any family, other than my brother, on my new look, and he's the one that was in the biggest amount of shock. I decided to lighten up and straighten out.


It's different, but it was well over due. I'm falling in love with it. Mike really likes it. I didn't get a straight permanent, as soon as I wash it, it will curl back up unless I straighten it. I have given it some thought, and I think I make straighten it a lot from here on out...I LOVE IT!


Here's a pic of the new do:


Thursday, October 23, 2008

politics, this is why you should always do research

I'll guess we will just have to share this over the Internet. Wonder if we can get it out to all homes in next 39 days. If I send it out to 50 friends and one radio talk show host, maybe we can get the word out. If each of us does the same, within 5 permutations we will reach 312,500,000 homes. Hmm, I wonder how many of those are Democrats?? --- Sarah Palin
Just information for anyone who is interested in both sides of our voting choices...........
Interesting. Nobody's perfect....Listening to the mainstream media these last few days, I've learned a few things about the GOP's VP nominee but also had to learn a few things on my own.

To wit:

1. From the media I learned Sarah Palin's husband had a DUI conviction 22 years ago.
* On my own I learned that Ted Kennedy (hero of the tribute at the DNC convention) was drunk while driving a car off a bridge in Chappaquiddick. That same crash killed a young campaign volunteer with whom he was having an affair. Oh, it has been said that woman was pregnant with his child.
* Mr. Palin's (who is not running for office) DUI came a mere 4 years after Barack Obama (who is running for president) stopped using cocaine and marijuana (by his own admission in his autobiography).
Shocking - it's OK for the presidential candidate to use drugs or the party patriarch to kill someone while driving drunk, yet the husband of a VP candidate should be demonized for something done 22 years ago.

2. From the media I learned that Sarah Palin's daughter is pregnant.
* On my own I learned that Joe Biden's (the other VP candidate) son was paid a large amount of money as a consultant to credit card company MBNA. That same company had business before Senator Joe Biden concerning regulation of consumer credit practices. After the company paid a hefty sum to Mr. Biden's son, Biden voted in favor of legislation to help that company. No kidding !!!!
* That same son, Hunter, is also engaged in a legal investigation and lawsuit for defrauding a former business partner.Shocking - it's a crime for the republican VP candidate to have a child who's pregnant, even though that is irrelevant to how she performs her job.It is ok, however, for the democrat VP candidate, while a senator, to vote in favor of a company that paid his son over a quarter of a million dollars.

3. From the media I learned that Sarah Palin should be considered 'selfish' for agreeing to run for VP knowing about her daughter's condition. Knowing that her public role would bring extra scrutiny on the family is selfish, and she should have declined to protect her child (actually heard this on ABC this weekend).
Strange - the same people who said Sarah is selfish for running for VP did not seem to care about any impact on Chelsea when Bill Clinton had his dalliance with Monica Lewinsky. That was a private, personal matter, you see.

4. From the media I have learned to be 'concerned' that Sarah Palin probably won't be able to manage her family and do an effective job of being VP at the same time.
Funny - I never heard anything about Hillary's ability to support Chelsea while re-doing healthcare, or any of the other feminist icons who state a woman can balance work and family. They also never mention that Barack will have to balance time with his children while meeting with heads of rogue nations or how Joe Biden's kids don't even have a mom and will be fighting for his time, maybe even while he hosts white house coffee fundraisers and sells nights in the Lincoln bedroom.

5. From the media I have learned that Sarah Palin is 'too inexperienced' to be a heartbeat-away from the presidency.
* Apparently taking on corruption in your own party and running a state that's the same size, people-wise, as Delaware (hint hint: that's where Joe Biden is from) is not really experience.
* However, time spent as a 'community organizer', and with less than 180 days in the senate where you've authored no significant legislation, is just the type of 'change' we're looking for from the top of the ticket.
Funny - inexperience at the top of the Democratic ticket is a mantra for 'change' and 'hope,' while strong practical everyday experience as that of the #2 Republican is cause for concern. ??

6. From the media I learned that Sarah Palin's husband once got a ticket for fishing without a license.
* I haven't heard much about the fact that, if he were still a practicing attorney, the VP candidate Joe Biden would be disbarred for plagiarism, not once but multiple times.
It's ok to break the rules if you're a democrat candidate but not Ok if you are the spouse of a republican candidate.

7. From the media I learned that Sarah Palin doesn't know much about Iraq ; in fact they wondered if she even knows where it is.
* Sarah's son volunteered into the US military and is now deployed in Iraq . I guess that doesn't count.
Sarah has spent more time with troops in Iraq (she visited Iraq last year as commander of the Alaska National Guard ) than Obama has, even while running for president. In fact, when Sarah went to Iraq she spent time with the troops.
When Obama went on his 'foreign policy' tour, he skipped a military hospital visit to go instead to work out at the Ritz Carlton. The military welcomed Obama, but would not allow the media crowd to go along - so, without the press adulation, a visit to the troops would be a waste of Obama's time !!!!

8. From the media I learned that Sarah Palin is a 'lightweight' and she better be a 'quick study' to keep up with the facts of this team.
Funny, nobody is talking about how, after Barack Obama had 'visited 57 states' and, according to him, he only had '5 more to go' or endless other stupid gaffes that expose who he really is.

9. From the media I have learned that (gasp!), Sarah Palin's husband was once a registered member of a 3rd party that favored states' rights (man, this is really bad stuff).
* That same media has been silent about the story that when Barack Obama announced his first senate run, he did so in the home of William Ayers. Mr. Ayers is an un-repentant terrorist convicted for bombing the pentagon. This same Mr. Ayers said, about 9/11, that he and his group did not do enough to harm our military and he wished he had done more.During the same time as that comment, Ayers was serving on a Board with Barack Obama. All notes and information about their serving together is now locked up by the corrupt Chicago democrat machine and any reporters' access to those records are being blocked by the Obama campaign.
If we've had any doubts about the bias of the media, it's pretty clear now where they stand. This bias is egregious and corrupt.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

in case you were wondering

I got a call from my doctor today, and everything is about the same. It's a little bit better than it had been before, so there are a little fewer cells. Anyway, we are not completely in the clear, but we are however just continuing the six month watch plan.

Thank you for all of your prayers!

Monday, October 20, 2008

no news is good news?

Well, my report for my tests just got back today instead of a week ago as thought. So, we're still waiting, the office can't tell me anything until my doctor signs off on the results, they said hopefully tomorrow I should hear something, but they can't tell me anything other than what I already know.

But what is so great, is that I know that God's hand is in this, no matter what the outcome, He will see me through. Thank you for all the prayers, I'm just hanging in there.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

healing came by song

This morning as I was sititng in church my emotions were kind of running wild. As some of you know, I have been waiting for some test results. I was supposed to hear by letter or by phone call before tomorrow, and if not I am to call tomorrow. My doctor told me to pray for a letter because I didn't want a phone call. So I've been praying for a letter, my small group has been praying for a letter, and my family has been praying for a letter. Along with anyone praying from my blog.

I have not received a letter and I have been worrying about it. I even broke down to Missy at the crop last night because I try to be so brave and not let it bother me for the sake of Mike and Jocelyn. The truth is that I have been afraid to make the call tomorrow if a letter does not arrive. I think it's becaus I know that if they called me it wasn't going to be good news and so if I have to call them I just feel like it won't be good either. I know I should just make the call and hope for the best, but it's hard because I'm human.

However, sitting in church this morning, dreading the call I'm going to have to make tomorrow, a song made it all come together. The song was "You never let go" by Matt Redman. Now this is a song that we sing a lot at New Pointe, and I know that it's true, but today it struck me a little different. If you don't know the song, some of the lyrics are as follows:

...I will fear no evil
for my God is with me
and if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?...
...Oh no, you never let go
through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, you never let go
in every high and every low
Oh no, you never let go
Lord, you never let go of me...
...Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You...
As we were singing the words to this song, and peace just came over me, because it's so true, God is there all the way through, He never lets go of us, so what is there to be afraid of? He's right beside me, and I'm the only one that chooses to walk with Him or without Him. One day, there will be an end to these troubles, but as long as I am dealing with them I just need to let God handle the problems that are bigger than me and just praise Him. I know that sometimes that's harder than it sounds, but it's time to let go and let God.
I do have to make this phone call tomorrow and I ask you all to pray for me. I will be praying to, for God's love and strength to comfort me regardless of the news. It's all in His plans, and I am just here to worship Him, so whatever he has in store for my life is going to happen, but instead of being so stressed out about it, still I will praise HIM!
Thanks for all the prayers, I truly appreciate it. A special thanks to Missy for just letting me express myself last night, it was a big help and I really appreciate you listening...I LOVE YOU!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

crop till you drop

I went to my first crop over today. Mike worked last night, so I didn't get to spend the night, but I went about 10 this morning and scrapbooked until 8 this evening. So much fun and I really got a lot accomplished. I worked on pictures of Jocelyn all day, and had a ton of fun. It was nice to not have any interuptions all day. Well except for when Myranda made me move to a different table, and I had to move ALL of my stuff...it's ok Myranda, I still love you.

I guess this week will be full of journaling because that's all that is left to do on the pages, although I did do some journaling today as I worked. I feel it was a great success, now I just have to wait until next month for Myranda's crop and then I should be able to get a lot more done...I'm so ready.

If only I could calm down and get some sleep, I just can't adjust.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

a little bit of everything

What to post, what to post...

I had yesterday off and I went to the dentist. They want to extract all four of my wisdom teeth and fix three cavities. They say that's why I've been having the bad tooth aches and the ear aches too.

It's been one week since my doctor visit and I don't think I updated on that, but they said that I'll know in two weeks, so that should be a week from Monday. She said that if she finds any more pre-cancerous cells then we'll have to take the next step. I don't have any idea of what the step is, but before I left she said if I don't hear from her by letter or phone in two weeks, I'm supposed to call to check on it. Then she told me to pray for a letter and not a phone call. So, I've been praying for a letter for a week now and there hasn't been any news yet. She wanted to make sure that they look at it very carefully this time and don't miss anything.

This morning we went to New Pointe for the worship programming meeting. I'm so excited to get involved in the worship service. I've always had a passion for music, whether it's listening, singing, or performing back when I was in the school band. A lot of times I refer to music lyrics to express how I feel because when I'm having a hard time I usually turn to music. The songs just help to cheer me up and keep me going. It's hard to believe that I could be on stage singing for the worship services. If I don't get to sing on stage, I'll still praise God from my seat. I'm just always so moved during worship and I want to be a part of making that happen.

After that it was off to Red Lobster for lunch. Jocelyn sat in a high chair and ate her sweet potatoes and applesauce. She was distracted tho, watching a table of ladies. It was hard to get her to look away from them. If she was older that could lead to a problem being that so many people get upset when someone looks at them or watches them. But for now she's so cute that she can get away with it.

Tonight I am going to a card class, and I'm very excited about that because I've wanted to start making my own cards, but I just haven't gotten around to it. I need to work on my scrapbooks more but I haven't had time, no I haven't made time is more like it. That used to be my outlet, but I get so stressed anymore because I don't have room and Jocelyn gets into everything and then I have to put everything away so it doesn't get messed up. I can't wait until we get a bigger apartment so that I can have a craft room, or at least a craft corner/area. I'm not asking for much just a place to organize my stuff and be able to have a large work surface.

So that's all for now, I'll try to update again with pictures tomorrow or the first part of the week. Jocelyn is just growing so fast.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

pumpkin pictures as promised

My little pumpkin and her daddy.

She had just woke up from the drive to the pumpkin patch.
Not co-operating at all. So precious...

Dad, I think I want this one!
Yep, I like this one...
Lost in the corn maze, had to take a picture, it was a kodak moment. She didn't like taking this one.

The fam at the pumpkin patch.
So there they are, just as I promised, a lovely fall day at the pumpkin patch. We did buy her the little pumpkin and she played with in the whole way home. It was just her size. So that was how we spent the afternoon on Saturday, it was a fun time, Abby came with us to help take the pictures and then she kept Jocelyn while we went to the movie last night.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

fireproof

So, to celebrate our one year anniversary we went to see Fireproof. Great movie, I strongly suggest it, very moving, you could her the sniffles throughout the theater during the movie. Also at the end, everyone was left sniffling and many of the audience members remained seated at the end pondering the ideas from the movie.
The movie was great and that's about all I can say for my evening. We didn't go out to eat since it was a late movie. We picked up Jocelyn and came home, and Mike is asleep...so much for our anniversary!

We went to NickaJack Farms today with Jocelyn and let her pick a pumpkin. We went on a hayride and got lost in a corn maze. Also got to pet some animals at the petting zoo. Pics of Jocelyn are to follow. I promise to have them up by tomorrow afternoon. I would do it right now but I'm not sure where the camera is. Jocelyn got a pumpkin that was just her size. So cute!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

don't be that guy

I don't even know if anyone reads this anymore, but I'm going to keep it up anyway. Maybe someday, someone will come across this blog and be touched by it, and it also works as an outlet and a place to just think freely for myself.

We just got home from First Wednesday a little bit ago. Mike is putting Jocelyn to sleep and I'm just reflecting. Tonight was all about making your heart right, and making your heart more like God's heart, at least that's what I got out of it. I got quite emotional towards the end, simply because I know that my heart is wrong a lot. It's so easy to be all about myself and not really care about others, or how they might feel. I want to get my "stuff" done so that it's out of the way, and I tend to avoid the help that others might need. Now don't get me wrong, this isn't all the time, but it's more often than it should be. I want to be a light in the dark world. I want to be a help, not a hinderence. I want to be the person that God created me to be, and I realize that I need to work on that a lot.

I laid it all out tonight as I sat there praying before taking communion, and I am making it a point to make my heart right. To be more like Jesus. I have made a commitment to God, to really work on this in my life. If you happen to run into me in the future and I'm being more of a struggle than a help, please point it out to me because I really am going to work on this, but there may be areas in my life that I don't realize I'm in the way. May God help me to realize my problem areas here and help me to have a heart like His, because that's what I truly want, and I know that it will only be possible with His hand on my shoulder...guiding me in the right direction.