Abundantly Blessed!

New Chapter

2011-07-04T01:04:00.000-07:00

It is done! Since I created this blog I have been completing a Master's Degree and now it is complete! I am exstatic. I have been taking some type of course or class since September 2007. It is exciting to have some free time to spend with my children. I cannot not WAIT to see what God has in store next...

Waiting...

2011-01-17T11:55:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: The doctor's office already called me to let me know the MRI was normal! Praise the Lord.

Jacob's MRI only took about 20 minutes. Now for the waiting. Who's like to wait? I bet no one. This is why we have drive thrus, microwave, even mac n' cheese comes in instant form now! But sometimes the wait is necessary. It will probably be a few days before I get the test results and I am making a conscience decision to wait patiently. I read a blogger's post almost two years ago that I was reminded of this week. We have never met, in fact I have never commented on her blog, but I am going to share her link on waiting. It will be sooo worth a 2 minutes read. waiting by Stacy May

I will also be playing this song every morning. You will have to push pause on my blog's ipod over on the left!

Irrational Fear

2011-01-16T16:25:00.000-08:00

Almost everyone I know has something they fear or some type of phobia. Mine is bridges, which is called gephyrophobia. I do not like them. My worst fear is getting into a car accident on a bridge and going over into the water. While it is a fear, it does not keep me from crossing bridges, even though I have been known to take a ferry from Seattle to Bremerton instead of crossing the Narrows Bridge in Tacoma when it is windy or rainy. I haven't done that for over 15 years.

Jacob has been having headaches and dizzy spells since he had his 3rd concussion in June. I have been putting off taking him to the doctor in hopes that the problem would stop with time. Well, it has gotten to the point where I could not avoid it anymore and I am forced to deal with a secret fear. The doctor has ordered a brain MRI to see what is going on and to RULE OUT the possibility of a Chiari Malformation, which can be genetic and why I had brain surgery five years ago. And then the secret was out! When the doctor told me we needed to do the MRI, I could feel the fear taking over and he could tell I wasn't comfortable with the idea. I absolutely do not want any of my children to have this problem. Back when I was diagnosed and we discovered it can be genetic, Jason and I discussed it and agreed we would never want to have the kids tested unless they were showing symptoms and now here we are.

I have gotten very little sleep this week since we made the MRI appointment. Every morning I have had to continually given this over to God and yesterday I broke and sobbed uncontrollably for awhile. As much as I have tried to give it to God, I keep taking it back! I reach at my hand to hand it over, but I always pull back before it is handed over.

In church this month, our pastor has decided to take a break from the series of sermons he is preaching in Mark and focus on the responsibilities of the "church". Our church has grown tremendously in the last few years with many new believers. Today's sermon was entitled, "Messy" and focused on serving other. We started by reading Matthew 5:13-16. When I opened up my bible, there was a little box at the bottom of the page that said this:

Worry...

compromises your

joy, cramps your

peace, and confines

your freedom.

-June Hunt

What does that have to do with serving???? Well, nothing, but it had everything to do with what I needed to hear this morning! Instead of trying to hand it over, I have dropped it at his feet. I refuse to be crippled by this anymore. So, what happens if Jacob tests positive? Then we deal with it, just like we dealt with it 5 years ago when this birth defect can into my life. I am done picking back up this fear every day and every year.

Does this mean I don't convet your prayers in the morning? Absolutely not! Please be praying at 10:15am tomorrow morning (Monday) for Jacob and for me. The MRI will take about an hour.

I have entered the dog world!

2011-01-04T10:09:00.000-08:00

The main Christmas Present I gave my children looks like this: Her name is Twinkie and she is a 16-month old shihtzu. These pictures really show her big eyes. She has been a great addition to our family.

Looking forward to 2011

2011-01-03T13:07:00.000-08:00

My family had a great time over Christmas Break. We spent a ton of time just hanging out. It was very relaxing. We started the vacation with Jessa's appointment at Children's Hospital. They really run a tight ship! We were there for three hours and accomplished so much. They ran several tests and all of them but the vitamin D levels came back normal. Her vitamin D level is low, but not that low, so a daily supplement should do the trick! We really aren't that sure what has caused all the brokedness, but at least we now know there isn't a problem.

I hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Christmas and New Year. I am really looking forward to all the excitement that 2011 will surely bring. My family has seen it's share of brokedness over the last several years and I know we will find healing this year.

Christmas Countdown

2010-12-13T21:19:00.000-08:00

Could there really only be 12 days left until Christmas? Wow! Ever since I becamse a teacher it is a lot easier to enjoy this time of the year since I am off for two weeks. So really my countdown is already at 4. Four days until Winter break. Hooray! The plan is to spend a ton of time with my growing children. I have been keenly aware that since Jacob is a freshman, I only have four Christmas' left with him under my roof. We are going to start the break with a trip to visit cousins and make an important appointment for Jessa as well.

Part of why I was gone for so long, specifically in October was Jessa managed to break BOTH wrists within one week of each other. October was a very trying month for me. It takes a lot of extra time to help a child who has very limited use of both her arms. I had to help her bath, get dressed, write homework, etc. Since these fractures became #4 on the left wrist and #2 on her right wrist in three years, she has been sent to a specialist at Children's Hospital in Seattle. The timely is really perfect. No one has to miss school (which is work for me of course) and we get to stay and linger on the west side and spend some much needed away time from the day-to-day life around here. It will be a great trip.

Please keep us in your prayers as we travel and say an extra one for Jessa. She is really nervous about the appt and what they are going to "do to her".

Back among the Blogging

2010-11-29T10:13:00.000-08:00

Has it really been four months since I blogged???

There has been a lot of changes in my life over the last four months. One being that I returned to work on my Master's Degree. I just finished my first class since coming back and I got an A! I am so very excited because this was by far the hardest class I have taken yet. It was an educational research class and required A LOT of writing. The professor said my final paper was by far the best in the class!!! Now, I am sure he said that to everyone, but it still made me feel very good.

I have four classes to go and should be done in May, which is perfect timing to have another fun-filled summer with my children. It was so great to have the summer off with them this year. We enjoyed the new home, with the pool and just spending time together. I can't wait for more fun again.

Only three short weeks until our winter break from school! I have already finished the first three weeks of assignments for the current Master's class, so it should be a breeze this month. There is a lot of fun events going on for my family. Jacob is playing freshmen basketball and will have seven games over the next three weeks. Joel is playing basketball as well (something new for him) at the middleschool and he has four games. Jessa has a choir concert and xylophone band concert, plus SHE is hosting her first-ever Pampered Chef Party next Monday. I am busy at school and chaperoning for DECA.

I am planning to spend more time in the blog world, so I can't wait to catch up!

Where has the time gone?

2010-07-27T00:51:00.000-07:00

We officially moved on June 30th, but we have been without internet since then. We love our new house and have been very busy getting unpacked. Plus I was gone to camp for two weeks. July has been very eventful! I will post more later, but God is good...

Moving Countdown

2010-06-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

This the week! We were suppose to sign papers on Tuesday, but we have been told it will be later in the week now. We are planning to make the big move on Saturday. I am so excited, but so nervous at the same time. Packing, packing, packing! That is what we are doing all week. Feel free to come over. :)

House Pictures

2010-05-01T23:49:00.000-07:00

We had the home inspection today. There are only a couple of small items that need to be fixed by the owner before we move it. Both of them are electrical. Somehow the grounding to the pool has been disconnected! Apparently electricity, water and humans don't mix. Also one the burners on the stove didn't work, but that could just have been a disconnect element. The stove is pretty new, so I doubt there is anything wrong. I posted all the pictures I took on facebook, but here are a couple of my favorites...

Did I mention it had a pool? The house is on .54 acres

The owner is a master gardner! All the poor plants are going to very upset that I am taking over their care!

House

2010-04-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

All the paperwork is signed and to the mortgage broker. We close on June 15th. God is so good. We have the home inspection tomorrow, so I will take some pictures and post them then.

Strength arises as we wait upon the Lord!!!!

House - 11th hour

2010-04-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: The owner and us came to an agreement last night on the house I have desired for almost 3 months! Kevin and I have signed the contract, but the owner still needs to sign to make all of this official. A little nervous, but I feel God's hand in this! I will tell the whole story as soon as the house is official...

Well, this is proving to be a fun process! The original offer was countered, so we chose to look at another house. We put an offer on that one, but it became a little bit of a bidding war and we didn't have the arsenal to win it. That's ok, because the owner is a new single mom and I am happy that we could help her get even more money for her house.

Kevin asked me to call the nice lady with the original house that got all this going, so I called her last night and she is letting us come over today! I am excited! We are also going to look at a house in West Richland.

By tomorrow we will have a house I am sure of it.

Offer on a house...

2010-04-28T07:49:00.001-07:00

We put an offer on a house yesterday. It isn't the one I have talked about, the owner never got back to me. I don't think she is ready to sell the house she has lived in for over 40 years!

The offer needs a response by noon today. We should know something soon! I will post more details about the house when I find out if we will be the new owners.

Desire vs. Content

2010-03-20T19:47:00.000-07:00

House Update: Kevin and I were preapproved for a mortage on April 4th. As of April 22nd, we do not have a house. The nice lady has not gotten back to us about her home, so we have to move forward. We have three houses to look at this weekend. Our mortgage broker said he needs two days to create the sales contract. I have a feeling we will be signing our sales contract on April 30th!

Since Kevin and I got married, we have been living in the duplex that he has lived in since 1992. Our landlord is wonderful and has NEVER raised the rent. Ever! We have 3 bedrooms, 1 3/4 baths and an unfinished basement that is liveable. We are content. There are several things that we would like to update around here to make day to day living much easier.

We I got divorced 3 1/2 years ago I made three goals that I called my "Divorce Goals".

1. Buy a mini-van - did this in May of 2007
2. Take the kids to Disneyland - did this Spring Break 2009
3. Buy a House (only unfinished goal)

Kevin and I have been discussing the house thing for about a year. My parents sold their house last fall and we considered buying it, but I just didn't feel it was the right thing to do. I really feel like God has been working on me to be content with my life. I am somewhat of a perfectionist and I always want things to be better. The house could be cleaner, the kids to get better grades, my students should be learning more. You get the picture. So last fall I put the idea of buying a house on the back burner.

Now Kevin and I have an opportunity to buy a house that has become the desire of my heart and I have really felt God's hand in this. I mentioned to a co-worker that we were considering buying a house this Spring and she told me about a house that a friend of her's is going to sell, but it wasn't on the market yet. So I drove by and it is exactly in the neighborhood I want to live and I loved the look of the outside. I knocked on the door and met the nice woman. Her husband and her are the original owners, back in 1962 and her husband passed away last year. She let me look at the house last Friday. It's not perfect, but it feels like home.

Right now we are waiting to see how much she wants for it, what the actual square footage, is and what the mortgage company is going to say we can afford. We have the down payment and she knows we want to utilize the $8,000 first time homebuyers credit. I have been praying for her because I know this is a big step. She raised her family in this home and has lived here almost 50 years!

I am really hoping that a decision is made by sometime during spring break. I am content where I am and if we decide to stay in the duplex, we are going to make a few changes to utilize the space much better. My desire though, is to buy this home and finish my goals! I would love to have the 5-year plan done in less than 4. My master's degree will be done in August and I can start a new chapter of my life. I can't wait to see what God has in store...

Venting

2010-03-05T14:27:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 29:11 A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.

Ironically I read this verse not 5 minutes after receiving a work e-mail that usually would require LOTS of venting. Thank you Lord for your timing.

Daniel 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego asnwer and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer in this matter."

I think these verses are going to NEED to be my seasonal life verses right now. Feel free to borrow them if you need to too!

Strength and Love

2010-02-17T23:14:00.000-08:00

I have added Cale's Recovery as a blog I am following. You can read his story from the Tri-City Herald today. His wife Kathleen grew up at the church I attend and graduated from one of the high schools I teach at.

Please keep Cale and Kathleen in your prayers. The most urgent need right now is Kathleen needs a car to borrow in Greenville, North Carolina for a couple of weeks.

Cale was originally not expected to live and now he is fight very hard. God is being glorified through this sweet couple. There is a beautiful picture of Kathleen kissing Cale's hand. He is currently in a coma and they have no idea when he will wake up from it.

Don't Worry Now!

2010-01-29T21:10:00.000-08:00

When you feel like you are all alone
Just like your best friend up and gone
Don't worry now
Don't worry now
I've been there yeah, I know how it feels
To wonder if love is even real
Don't worry now
Don't worry now
It's gonna be ok
~Britt Nicole

I sang this chorus to my daughter the other day as I held her like a baby and she sobbed over some feelings she was having about her father. I suspect there will be many chances to repeat this memory.

First post of 2010

2010-01-22T00:05:00.000-08:00

Whether you say "Two Thousand and ten" or "twenty-ten", 2010 is here! Can you believe we are 3 weeks into it today? Wow, where has the time gone? Well, I actually know the answer to this for me. I teach in two buildings and we are just about done with finals. I have also started a new Master's class and it is kicking me in the rearend REALLY HARD! This class is a research class, so that means LOTS of writing; something I really dislike.

So for the next 8 months there is no "New Year's Resolutions" or great bible studies for me, although I am excited to lead a "Secret Keeper Girl" bible study for mom's and daughter's this fall. But for now, it is just me and my classes. I am half way there. I am so thankful these classes are only 6 weeks long. By week 5 I really start to drag and half the time end up skipping the assignment. I really need to stop this, so I guess that will be my goal for 2010...

My heart has been filled with love for those who are grieving. I know too many people in the last few months who have lost beloved family members. My family has been touched by those who are grieving and we want those families to know we love them, pray for them daily, and are thankful all of them will have the opportunity to spend eternity with them. One mom in particular I pray every morning she will have the strength to get up for the day. That's it, but I know it is the first hard decision she makes EVERY day.

I have learned to be more thankful and accept imperfection. I am thankful I have everything in my life. I don't like everything, but I am learning to be content with the things that God provides. After all, he didn't ASK my opinion.

Don't forget to go over to Rachel's Writings today and wish Rachel a Happy Birthday! I hope all of you have a wonderful rest of January. I am sure I won't be posting anytime soon. See you in February...

My Husband and Sarah Palin

2009-11-28T09:31:00.000-08:00

Sarah Palin has family that lives in Richland, so she is here for the Thansgiving Break. Her aunt is a frequent customer of the Spudnut Shop where my husband, Kevin works. There were rumors that she would be coming into the shop and sure enough about an hour ago she did. Kevin was so excited! Here is the proof.

We have known about Sarah as a person longer than she has been in the national eye. There is a very moving letter that she and her husband wrote to tell extended family about Trig and how he has Down's Syndrome, but is a gift from God. My husband is a big fan. We are going to the book signing tomorrow too!

update

2009-11-24T12:51:00.000-08:00

The kids made it to Boise around 1am last night. I hope they have a time filled with precious memories. Jessa is getting to go to Auntie Erin's Life Skills class at a local elementary school tomorrow. She is so excited! At this point in her life she is planning to be a Life Skills Teacher when she grows up. I love a good goal...

Life in 2 houses

2009-11-23T20:52:00.000-08:00

Two hours ago I dropped my children off at their dad's. They are going out of town with him this year to (one of my best friend's house) Boise to celebrate Thanksgiving. They will be gone for four nights and over Thanksgiving. Normally, I do okay with dropping them off, but this time it was everything I could do, not to go back in that house and take my children home! Something just didn't feel right. I tried all the way home to get my emotions in check. I even stayed in the van for a little while longer when I got in the drive way. Michael W. Smith was singing, "You are holy", so I raised my hands and sang along.

I came in the house and I knew I needed to make myself something to eat, but I felt like anything that I ate would end up coming back up later. I decided on an almond butter and jelly sandwich and chips and salsa. Kevin came in the kitchen to chat with me and I just kept thinking, "Keep it together". Finally, Kevin said, "Are you okay?". And ladies, you would be so proud of me...I said "NO I AM NOT". I didn't even try to fake it. Let the tears flow!

So two hours later, I think I am back to normal. They are on the road and Jason said he would text me when they got there. I probably won't sleep until they get there. That's okay though because I need to finish my master's assignment that is due at midnight!

This is the one part about being divorced that I hate. Most thanksgivings the kids spent it with Jason, but this is the first time it has been out of town. I am really happy they are going to see "Uncle Mike and Auntie Erin". I just can't shake this awful feeling that it is mistake. Please keep my family in your prayers this week. Pray that I am just being "one of those mom's".

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I for you, know I have so much to be thankful for!

Great-Grandma turns 105 today!

2009-11-04T08:38:00.000-08:00

My grandmother's 105th birthday is today! Her church threw her a celebration on Sunday. Isn't she beautiful!

My New Daughter!

2009-10-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

Joel decided to dress up as a girl for Halloween this year! I spent the morning curling his hair (yes, that is HIS hair) and he borrowed a dress from Jessa. Only an 11-year-old boy who is comfortable in his own skin could go to school like this! He has the thickest and straighest hair of anyone I know!

Joel HATES to have his picture taken, so I was very lucky to get this short clip.

Back on Track

2009-10-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been a difficult for us. Joel missed 5 days on school after the death of his friends. Then Jessa missed 3 days with the flu, only to return for 1/2 a day, fall and hit her head and neck and miss the rest of the week (4 days). And in between all of that, Jacob got sick and missed a day.

Somehow Kevin and I have managed to stay well. Everyone is back in school today for the first time in 3 weeks! I hope your family is healthy and happy. Have a GREAT week.

Words cannot express

2009-10-07T21:39:00.000-07:00

There was a horrific accident on I182 on Monday and two cousins suffered severe head injuries. Sadly, Alex died on Tuesday and Taylor died today. Joel was classmates with Alex and Taylor and Joel were great friends since the 1st grade. Even once Taylor moved to Yakima after the first grade, we kept in touch with Taylor and her brother Timmy (Jacob and Timmy are good friends too). Joel was so excited when Taylor moved back this summer.

We are all so heartbroken. Jessa is asking, "Why would God do this?". Joel hasn't been to school in two days. This is our season to mourn right now.

Please be praying for the Tefft and Woodall families.

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/yahoonews/story/743743.html

October

2009-09-30T22:44:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else wonder where in the world September went??? Goodness gracious, I don't even have my fall decorations out. I LOVE fall. Love it!!! I am glad September is over. I didn't enjoy this month this year. I am hoping for a calmer more restful October. I dare say it could be possible.

Never, ever forget

2009-09-10T23:27:00.000-07:00

I watched a documentary recorded in 2005 about September 11, 2001 the other day.
The memories came flooding back. Memories I don't want to ever forget.
Memories I want to share with my grandchildren.

Today is not about this post, it is about my background.

Never Forget, I don't know how I could...

My teenager

2009-08-26T23:53:00.000-07:00

One of the dad's on Jacob's soccer team is an avid photographer. I love it because I don't ever have to take pictures. Jacob is turning out to be a really good goalie (also called keeper).

I really loved this picture. Look at all that hair!

What really is my faith?

2009-08-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

This past week I have been blessed to chaperon our youth group on two separate trips. The first was to Silverwood. We had a great time just hangin' out and building relationships. I personally only went on two rides, but all the walking I did must have burned off at least a couple of hundred calories. I have a bad history of rides at Silverwood, since the corkscrew ride is what set off the birth defect in my brain 4 years ago, which caused me to have surgery a month later.

The other event was a youth all-nighter that I was only planning to stay at until around midnight, but ended up staying the entire time for. Wow, was I glad that I stayed. A big tradition that the kids look forward to every year is the "Underground Church" game. In a nut shell it a hide and seek game where there is a pastor, three bibles and all the youth hide and the cops (chaperons) have to find where the pastor or the three bibles are hidden.

In real life though there are many countries where underground churches are a big reality. This year's bible/video study focused on the underground church in Vietnam. Two years ago a christian organization took 8 teenagers there to bring bibles to the underground churches. The video series was amazing. The teenagers thought they were going to go there to minister, but they quickly realized that they were the ones being taught by God and the Vietnamese Christians.

In the very first segment we were introduced to the 8 teenagers and all I kept thinking was, "HOW COULD THERE PARENTS LET THEM DO THIS?" This mission had the potential to be very deadly for these teenagers. From the possibility of being caught in customs with over 500 bibles, to being caught in Vietnam in the underground churches. I really don't know if I would let my children do something like this. A nice tidy mission trip to England or Germany or any other relatively safe country, but to a communist country where they would be breaking the law? Not sure about that...

So for the last 36 hours, this has really been on my heart. Then today our pastor talked about sharing God with others, entitled "I am not afraid of the Gospel". He gave the analogy of a search party looking for a little girl in the woods, but all they did was go to the edge of the woods, make camp, have a BBQ, and every once in awhile the leader would shout out the girls name in case she could hear him. And isn't that what so many of our churches do? All the lost people are on the outside and if they come to us we will welcome them, but are we really out there looking for the lost people?

Sitting in church today, it was everything I could do keep from weeping. God really spoke to me about my faith. If God is truly the ruler of my life and I know that he is, THEN WHY WOULD I TELL HIM I DON'T TRUST HIM ENOUGH TO TAKE CARE OF MY CHILDREN? Oh sure I have no problem with a sweet little mission trip to somewhere nearby, or feel free to let them go anywhere safe, but God don't call my children to anywhere dangerous. I am not sure I have the faith for that!

I preach black and white to my children all the time. You are either lying or your not. The chores are either done correctly (meaning stuff ACTUALLY gets cleaned) or they aren't. There is no little-white lies, there is no in between. It either is or isn't. So why then do I tell God I trust him to watch over my children here, but not in a communist country? Do I believe he will be faithful in the US, but no where else? Absolutely not. It isn't God who has a faithfulness problem. That would be me.

grace

2009-08-11T01:42:00.000-07:00

Our Sunday School Class has been studying the topic of "grace" all summer. I thoroughly enjoyed the first 6 weeks, which was learning about God's grace. I have been very challenged by this lesson. My mouth has a tendency to get me in a wee bit of trouble sometimes! Honestly, the filter is much better than it used to be, but there is that occasional slip up, ok MOST of the time it is deliberate act of disobedience.

The last month has been on the study of "gracism". The author of this study defines gracism as putting a "g" on the front of racism "as the positive extension of favor on other humans based on color, class or culture". Honestly, I have disliked this study every week, but it has really opened my eyes. The biggest struggle I am finding is with different classes and by that I mean personalities that are different from mine. People that I am drawn to, I treat with respect and give them my attention. Unfortunately it was pointed out to me the other day when I was lacking grace.

My husband and I were at a social gathering where there were a lot of people we knew, but hadn't seen in quite a while. There was one person specifically that when I saw coming I tried to keep my head down, hoping she wouldn't come over! My husband knows her from a different circle than I do. It isn't that I dislike this person, but she is just very different than me and frankly gets on my nerves! I tried very hard to have a polite conversation with her, but I really wasn't enjoying myself and tried to find a quick exit.

I thought I had handled the situation pretty good, I made eye contact, I asked questions, you know all the polite things. Then my husband says to me in the car, "I take it you don't like ________ very much?"

I respond with, "Why would you say that?"

Answer: "Because you seemed to be blowing her off?"

I had been caught! And humbled I might add. This person was very nice to me, she complimented my children, she also told a funny story about how she found out Kevin and I were getting married, but instead I was concentrating on getting rid of her.

All because she is different than me. I think the reason I have hated this lesson so much, is that I still have sooo very much to learn by it.

"God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it" 1 Corinthians 12:24

I failed at honoring this person. She is a very giving woman, but all I can concentrate on was the flaws I saw. Shame on me!

August

2009-07-30T23:25:00.001-07:00

I feel like a kid! Now that I am teaching, I have thoroughly enjoyed my summer off. Now that August is just around the corner, I don't want to go back to school! And I have to go back earlier than my children.

Don't I sound like one of your kids?

Birthday Month

2009-07-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a great Independance Day. We sure did!

My oldest and my youngest have birthdays in July. Jacob will be 13 and Jessa, 10. In honor of them, I have made my background "Happy Birthday" to celebrate.

Have a wonderful week...

Master's Program

2009-06-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

I decided to start working on a Master's Degree last month! Yes, in my free time. There were two very important factors for my decision.

1. Money. As a teacher, your pay is based on how many years of experience you have and how much education you have. I can't make my experience go up in large numbers, but I can control how much education I have. A teacher makes about 15% - 20% more a year with a Master's Degree.

2. Knowledge. Since I am teaching computers and computers are a type of technology, I felt that it was important for me to keep up with technology. There is SOOO much out there and it gets better everyday.

The program I am in is an Online Program through Ashford University (www.ashford.edu) out of Iowa. The Master's is in Teaching & Learning with Technology. I am only in my first class, but it has been really interesting and useful. Each class is 6 weeks long and week 2's assignment was to create a blog! It is suppose to be more about the classroom and learning, but since I am in the middle of moving schools and such, I decided to spruce my personal blog up a little and use this for now.

So if you make comments, be nice, because my professor with be looking at this and grading it!

Palouse Falls

2009-06-04T15:36:00.001-07:00

Kevin and I drove up to Palouse Falls, which is about 75 miles from us, last night after our anniversary dinner. It is a beautiful place. There are a trails you can take around the back of the falls. We were set to take some beautiful pictures and then the camera said, "Recharge battery". I swear I had just done this. So, I am going to cheat a post a picture of the falls from April 2008 when we stopped there briefly on our way to Pullman for an Elton John Concert. There is quite a bit more water going over the falls right now. It was very relaxing. Kevin gave me a very simple, small and elegant flower arrangement. I thought it was perfect. I will try to take a picture before Noah (the cat, he was my valentine's present) eats all the petals.

I sure hope you and your husband's remember to spend sometime with each other, especially on your anniversary. I cherish the time Kevin and I have when we are alone. We are also leaving on Sunday for a quick getaway to the ocean. REALLY looking forward to that.

2nd Anniversary

2009-06-03T12:25:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of beautiful photos from our wedding for you to enjoy...

Today is Kevin and mine's 2nd Anniversary. We are going to enjoy an early dinner and then drive over to Palouse Falls and do a little sunset hiking. I am so excited. The last few weeks have been extremely stressful, but I think there is some end in sight. Look for a very exciting post on Saturday!

Ok, back to my wonderful husband. Kevin is absolutely a blessing from God. He keeps me grounded and sane when I am ready to yank my hair out. 2009 has been extremely interesting, but with him by my side it has been worth it.

I am very much looking forward to spending the late afternoon and evening with just my husband. He has wanted to go to Palouse Falls for quite awhile. Hopefully I will have some beautiful pictures to share.

Happy Anniversary to us!

Jessa update

2009-05-12T20:22:00.000-07:00

It has been quite awhile since I have posted anything about Jessa and her school situation.

FANTASTIC!

She has thrived so much. Her attitude is different, her study habits are different, her desire to go to school is better. It is fantastic!

Not only is here school situation better, but her counselor met with us two weeks ago and said she has made huge strides the last two months and he felt that we had met all the goals we set out for in counseling!!!! Just two months ago there was still no end in sight. She could barely make it to her next appointment from week to week without asking when she was going to get to go again.

Thank you, THANK YOU for your prayers everyone. I know you were praying. The principal sent me after a meeting with her and Jessa's teacher and said, "I just knew after talking with you that we at LCS needed to do everything we could to help Jessa". What an amazing feeling to know her principal is praying for her.

And one other interesting fact that I don't think I ever shared. Her counselor sent me an e-mail a few days after she started her new school and said, "BTW, your daughter and my daughter are in the same class". Coincidence?? I don't think so! I didn't even know he had a younger daughter!

God is good...(Can I get an AMEN, anyone?)

Has it been a month already?

2009-05-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

Wow, I said I would be busy, but this has been ridiculous! I haven't even shared pictures with you from our trip...

April has been the strangest month. Here's a quick run down.

1. Finished at Tri-Tech. I really loved that place. I miss it.
2. Joel got bronchitis - missed a week of school
3. Was told our school would be closing down and we would all be placed somewhere else in the district. (Our district is losing $4-5 million in State funding)
4. School Board voiced their concern about the alternative program closing and we were taken back off the chopping block. Jobs saved (for now).
5. My brother (36 years-old) proposed to his girlfriend of 4 years! They set a July 3, 2010 date. I can't believe he's getting MARRIED. I thought he would be single forever!
6. Jessa broke her nose (Jessa's nose vs. Jacob's knee - guess who lost?)
7. Fell at school (ie. work), hurt my back and have spent the last week down.
8. I have read three wonderful books while resting. I can't wait to post about them later. God has some good author's in his corner.
9. Joel and his friend broke our dining room window playing elephant ball in the backyard. Glad he is feeling better!

I told you it has been strange! Ok, 15 minutes in the chair is all I can take. Back to the couch and my icepack.

Feliz de Cinco de Mayo! (Happy May 5th).

We are home...

2009-04-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

We got home from our wonderful amazing trip at 6pm. We are exhausted, every is in bed, but me. Jacob and Jessa both aren't feeling so well, but it was totally worth it! I will post pics and comments later in the week. Very busy week ahead for this teacher. I have two weeks left at Tri-Tech and I have a very hands on project planned. Should be great!

So every vacation has one mishap right??? Well ours was realizing in the Portland Airport on the way to Cali that I LEFT the Southern California City Passes (these would be our 3 days at Disneyland, day at Sea World, day at Wildlife Park) on my desk in Richland!!! Totally spaced it! Didn't even give it one second of thought on Friday when I was getting everything in the car.

Thankfully I have the most amazing friend, Michelle, who came to my rescue. She got into my house on Saturday (via getting into my parents' house who were out of town to get my house key) and had them overnighted. But Fedex and UPS couldn't get the tickets there until Tuesday, but good ole United States Postal Service had them waiting for me at the Anaheim Post Office at 11am on Monday. We were scheduled to start using the passes until Monday morning at 9am, so we only missed out on 3 hours of Disneyland. Michelle went above the call of duty on this one! So thank you so much Michelle for your persistence!!!

Ok, I am going to bed. Can't wait to post more later....

Goal #2 in 6 days!

2009-03-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

Spring Break is fast approaching. I am so excited! My family is going to Disneyland! We are going to be gone for the entire break. That's right, we live at 2pm on Friday to drive to Portland and catch a 8pm flight. This is the big southern California trip. Ronald Reagan library (Kevin's #1 choice), 3 days at Disneyland, a day at Legoland, Seaworld and San Diego Wildlife Adventure. We don't get back into Portland until 2pm on Sunday the 5th and then we drive home. Did I mention how excited I am???

As much as I am excited about the vacation, I am thrilled as to its meaning. You see when I filed for divorce back in September of 2006 I gave myself three goals.

1. Buy a minivan (Did this in May 2007)

2. Take the kids to Disneyland

3. Buy a house ( On track for August 2010)

The marriage to Kevin wasn't even one of the goals, but God threw that special one in too! I am so thankful that God has answered my desires to date. These were truly desires of my heart. I am humbled that He has given me the ability to financially make all this happen in less than three years. Did I mention I took a $20,000 paycut to become a teacher and spend more time with my kids last year? 2009 has been a difficult one for me, but I feel as though the fog has lifted (I am so glad it is SPRING). The positive attitude is returning. There are some tough decisions ahead, but for now we are off to make dreams come true! Thank you Jesus...

MySpace Countdown Clocks

A Good Day...

2009-03-09T17:15:00.000-07:00

Even though Kevin has been a christian for a very long time, he had never been baptized until yesterday! It was a precious moment for me. Getting in front of a group of people is a very hard thing for him.

I am just crazy in-love with that man (that would be Kevin, not Dustin)!

Jessa Update #4

2009-03-01T06:50:00.001-08:00

I took Jessa to what would be her new private school on Thursday. They always do some testing of new students to see where they are at. While she was doing that, I got to have a wonderful conversation with the new principal. I was feeling really good about this new school...

Then the teacher comes back and tells me, "There is no way that Jessa can be in the 4th grade here. She will have to go back to 3rd." I was so upset. Jessa has struggled academically for quite sometime and her new school definitely teaches a much higher academic standard than public school, but after everything that Jessa has been going through the idea of making her a 3rd grader tomorrow was more than I could take.

But, God is in control and I am a witness to that the last 4 days. I talked to Kevin about it, my parents, Jessa's other grandma, Jessa's dad, and many friends. Everyone's reaction to it has been, "Well if that is what is best for Jessa then do it." And my response has been, "Well you aren't the ones who have to make the decision! You aren't the ones who have to tell her this and listen to her and wipe her tears! I am!" Me, me, me.

So her dad and I sat her down Friday night and told her. We told her that this was what was best for her and that we believed it with all our hearts. We told her this was not her fault, that she has done nothing wrong. We talked how she will be getting a different kind of education than she is now and that she will get to go to chapel everyweek and that she will meet girls that want to be her friend and all they care about is playing at recess and not who likes who and whether she will be friends with her today and not tomorrow. Jessa cried (somehow I didn't), she said, "I don't want to be a 3rd grader". We said, "We know, but it's what we need to do right now." And she said, "OK"

Then we came home and she told her biggest brother Jacob what was going on. He told her, "I know you must be upset, but Jessa I struggled all through grade school and you won't have to anymore." Then I gave Jacob one of the long division problems that they are doing in the 4th grade there. It was 26/5200. Jacob said, "Mom, I just learned how to do this last year in honor's 6th grade math!" And I could see Jessa's brain thinkin', "You mean I am going to be smarter than my biggest brother in like 2 or 3 years?! Cool!"

So Monday morning, Jessa will start in the 3rd grade at her new school. We told her she didn't have to tell anyone that she has been in the 4th grade. Nobody needed to know. But, she told one of her friends from her old school yesterday and said, "And next year when I am in the 4th grade again, I will get to learn long division!"

As for, Mom (that would be me) I have used a whole box of Costco sized kleenex this weekend. But, God has taught me a very valuable lesson. My pride has nothing to do with what is best for my children. I am not sure why I seem to be struggling with this more than anyone else, but I definitely see God's firm hand on me. He is holding me up right now, but at the same time guiding me to be a stronger advocate for my children. And I like the idea of my baby girl being under my wing an extra year before she goes face the world.

Thanks for reading this long post. I have really felt your prayers guys. I can't tell you how much that has meant to me...

Taking a Web 2.0 Class

2009-02-23T17:44:00.000-08:00

As a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher I am able to take some classes free of charge about technology. I also get clock hours, which is great! So the next few posts will be while I am taking this class. Tonight is on "How to create a blog". Hopefully I will have some good ideas to post for everyone.

Jessa Update #3

2009-02-22T20:02:00.000-08:00

I finally got a response from Jessa's dad on Thursday night about private school. He said yes and even gave me his portion of the registration and testing fee! I registered her on Friday. She still has to be tested for placement. I don't know if she will start there this week or if we will just wait until next Monday, which is the beginning of a new month (that would be March!).

I am feeling pretty good about this decision. I still have my doubts, but I think she needs a drastic change and this is the best I have right now. She has been doing very well at her current school, but I still think she is the best thing for her. My plan is to take it slow over the next 4 months and see how the rest of the year goes. If I see a big change then we will keep her there for next year.

Thank you everyone for your prayers and concern. Please put this issue on the long-term prayer list.

Jessa Update #2

2009-02-13T23:15:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone for your prayers! Jessa started at her new school on Monday. She really likes her new teacher. She had a pretty good week, but I am still searching for the best place for her right now. I have looked at all three private schools and have narrowed it down to the one less than a mile from our house. I went and got the paper work and toured the building. I even got to meet who her new teacher would be. We had a really nice talk. I was telling her that Jessa can not handle all the drama and she said, "The thing I like about teaching her as opposed to the public school, is that when a child is struggling with something I can take them aside and pray with them." Sold to the person with the right words this mama needed to hear!

I talked with Jessa's dad about it and let him know I was not going to pay for school on my own. He is all for this school since his 22 year-old girlfriend is a graduate from there and in fact wanted me to send her there at the beginning of the school year. Then when I said it would cost each of us $1,150 over the next four months and that I wanted to change the child support order to reflect his portion, he wasn't as "in" as before. He said he needed to the weekend to think about it.

So that is where we are at. I am sorry I didn't post earlier. It has been a very long week for me and I am still emotional over last Thursday night. I have talked with Jessa's counselor twice this week and he has assured me she is doing ok.

I am very thankful to be surrounded by people who love us and truly care about the well-being of my family. Thank you again!

Jessa Update

2009-02-06T17:33:00.000-08:00

Thank you Kim and Rachel (the two people who read my blog) for your prayers and support today. Boy could I feel it.

Today has been an exhausting day, but I think we have made some decent decisions. Both principals at Jessa's old school and her new school were wonderful in expediting the paperwork so that she could start school at the new school on Monday.

I have looked into 3 private schools today, one in each Tri-City. The one in Pasco isn't taking students for this school year. The one in Kennewick has a 4th/5th combo class of 19 and surprisingly the one in Richland has two 4th grade class of only 15 students each! I was very surprised by this. I had a brief phone call with Jessa's dad and it went fine. We are going to talk more this weekend.

I got to meet Jessa's new teacher. Funny thing is she used to work with Kevin at the Spudnut Shop! She seems full of energy. Jessa got to spend a fun day with her grandma Marcia baking valentine goodies and is spending the night there tonight.

Thank you for listening and praying. We still have a long road, but I am glad the decision to leave is over. We will see how the next couple of weeks go.

Just when I thought it couldn't get worse...

2009-02-05T23:39:00.000-08:00

Thanks Kim and Rachel for your encouragement. The school situation got extremely worse today. I can't bear to write what Jessa said to me, but she will not be returning to her school. She has an appt in the morning with her counselor and then she is going to stay with her grandparents until I get done teaching for the day. Hopefully her transfer papers will go through by the end of the day tomorrow and she will be at a different public school by Monday. If not I will have to find somewhere for her to go during the day until then.

I am in the process of looking at private school options, but obviously that kind of change takes more than a day. I still have to talk with her counselor after her appt. tomorrow and then there is the task of talking with her dad. A prayer request in itself.

My heart is broken right now. I need your prayers.

Not feeling very positive...

2009-02-04T21:55:00.000-08:00

As all of you know, there are times when being a mom is just down-right hard! Right now is one of those times for me. My daughter Jessa, is 9 years-old and in the 4Th grade. This has been a very difficult year at school for her. There has been the over abundance of girl drama, "You're not my friend today" garbage. Then there was the choking incident in December. Yes, you read it right, a girl at school was not very happy with my daughter and wrapped both her hands around Jessa's neck and shook her, thus the definition of choking someone. It's a much longer story than that and really not worth repeating, but she was NOT injured and the girl's story makes my children's' experience seem like a pony ride!

Jessa has been going to counseling for almost 6 months now and it has truly made a world of difference for her. Plus my advice is EVERY child whose parent's get divorced should do counseling. Jessa has learned some great coping skills and has really learned how to express and communicate her feelings and thoughts. We have been having a lot of conversations about school lately. We almost moved her to a different public school during Christmas Break, but at the last minute Jessa decided she wanted to give it one last shot.

A month later it is apparently obvious that this is wrong environment for my daughter. The problem is I have no clue what the answer is!!! I NEED a strong and definite answer from the Lord on this one. We could move her to another public school, but which one is a big question. I have explored the Private school option, but with me only on a part-time contract, I just don't know. Plus there is transportation issues and sometimes I don't know if private school is the answer. Home-schooling is not even an option.

So right now I am feeling helpless. It's a terrible feeling when you know the environment your child is in every day is hurting her growth and ability to learn. You want to do anything for your children and move earth if you must. I don't have the answer and I need one fast!

I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions. Prayers are coveted, especially.

Brought to You by the Letter "K"

2009-02-02T19:28:00.000-08:00

I'm playing along with my bloggy friend, Jill, who was playing along with her bloggy friend Jamie in a little word game. I LOVE game shows and record Pyramid from the Game Show network twice a day! It looked like fun, so I decided to join in.

Here's how it works: If you want to play, leave a comment on this post letting me know, and I’ll assign you a letter. You write about ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter, and post it at your place. When people comment on your list, you give them a letter, and the chain continues on and on...Jill assigned me the letter "K". So here it goes, the first one is obvious...

Kevin - That would be my amazing husband. We have been married for 20 months. He makes me smile. For those of you who don't know, he was my son's (Jacob) little league baseball coach. He fell madly in love with me, swept me off my feet by being grounded. It's a great story, I will post it sometime.

Kit Kat - Every once in awhile one of these sweet chocolate wafer candy bars entices me at the check stand. I especially loved the one time I found it in dark chocolate!

Kids - Especially my own. Jacob is 12, Joel is 11 and Jessa is 9. They are such a blessing and I appreciate them more everyday. I realize some of you are wondering if anymore "kids" are in the future. God is the creator of humor, so I won't rule it out...

Kiss - I love that all my kids still want to give me kisses at night. Jacob on the cheek, but I will take what I can get. And my hubby, well let's just say the kids have been gone all weekend! :)

Knitting - I would love to learn how, but this left-handed gal has never been able to figure it out! If you are a great knitter and love a challenge, let me know.

Kaye - This is my middle name. My mom took the "e" from Juli and placed it on my middle name to make Kay"e". I have always loved my middle name because when someone asks what it is, I say it starts with "K" and they spend the next 5 minutes naming ever other name, but Kaye!

Kitten - I love Cats! Kitten are great, but I prefer to not have them live with me until they are considered a cat. Too many sleepless nights and if I wanted that, I would have more kids! My hubby is giving me a kitten for Valentine's Day and I am very excited. He is still picking it out, so if you know of a wonderful kitty/cat that needs a home, look no further!

Koala Bears - This was my favorite animal growing up (now it is Polar Bear). I remember when we went to the San Diego Zoo when I was 9, that was all I was interested in. I loved those little guys!

Karat - As in my beautiful wedding ring. I adore my ring. Whenever someone gives me a compliment on it, I can't help but say, "I know! Isn't it beautiful?!" My husband is the best!

Anyone else want to play?

It only took 10 days

2009-02-01T20:17:00.000-08:00

Yes, my dear friends the toilet paper has been put away! PRAISE THE LORD! Not only was it put away, but my hubby decided he didn't like where I was putting it and rearranged the shelving. The TP is now on the very top of the bookcase where I believe only he is going to be able to get it without knocking things over, but he did it himself; I am so proud. I knew he could do it. I released control of where the tp goes, which for those who know me know control is my favorite hobby!

TP saga over for now, hopefully forever.

Please tell me it is ONLY my family

2009-01-28T19:33:00.000-08:00

I truly want the response to my question to be, "Yes, Juli it is only your family." "My children and husband are extremely helpful and I NEVER have to ask!" I want this to be sooooo very true for you, because I know how frustrating it is!!! So here is the question....

What do these two things have in common?

If you know the answer, please someone call and tell my family, they don't seem to get it...

PS~For those of you thinking I am not staying true to my blog mission, the part about wanting your families to be perfect is the positive part! :)

B&B Pics

2009-01-27T19:19:00.000-08:00

It was a wonderful night. We were welcomed with fruit smoothies, had a fantastic dinner, the jacuzzi tub was awesome, the alone time with my hubby was special, the breakfast was scrumptious and we even made it back to Kennewick in time for church! The mansion is only about 30 minutes from the Tri-Cities.

This was the beautiful view from our gorgeous room.

And then it was back to life...

Kevin slipped on the ice on the way out to the car and fell flat on his back. Thankfully, he just has a very deep bruise. When I went to pick Jessa up from her Grandma's she had been vomiting all night! Thank you so much Marcia for not calling and taking care of it yourself! That is a great Grandma who will clean your daughter's puke up while you go have alone time with your hubby!!!

I highly recommend this wonderful respite. It was worth the slurge!

Bed & Breakfast

2009-01-24T10:42:00.000-08:00

My husband and I, along with my parents are going to Walla Walla tonight to stay at the Cameo Heights Bed and Breakfast. Can I just say how excited I am! This place is not cheap, but soooo nice. Each room has a "country" theme. There is the English Tudor suite, German, Greek, etc. We are staying in the Italian Suite, shown on the left.

Breakfast is included and for an additional fee you can have dinner on site, which is what we are doing. I am very much looking forward to a wonderful night of relaxing, food and great company. This was a long week at school for me (finals week), so I am happy it is over and ready for a great night! I will post some pictures tomorrow.

Inaguration Thoughts

2009-01-20T22:29:00.000-08:00

I did not watch much of the inauguration events today. I turned CSpan web on the computer in my classroom for awhile, though and caught a little. Since this is only my second post and I promised this blog would be POSITIVE I am going to go with the motherly saying about Michelle's Inauguration Green Dress which is "If you don't have anything nice to say, than don't say anything at all."

OK, onto "prettier" thoughts. Anyone who knows me knows I did not vote for our new president. Him and I are not on the same page with regards to many issues. But, the thing that really stood out for me today was the HOPE I saw on so many faces today, particularly African Americans. To see the tears of joy on many older, darker faces was really heart wrenching for me. So many of these people have lived such impoverish, prejudice lives and I was sincerely touched to see their emotion. At one point I saw some film of people in Kenya watching and I realized there are entire nations being touched. The color of these people skin has been a negative experience their entire lives and finally they see a positive in black. I can be thankful to God for that.

My prayer is people who have lived those kinds of lives can rise up during President Obama's tenure and live better more prosperous lives. Anyone who has lived in the South and has tried to look at people the way God looks at people should know the difficult up-bringing so many African Americans have endured.

So, I am going to look at our President as a Placebo effect. I don't think he is the prescription to solve what ails our country, but if him being elected brings a group of Americans out of their long cold season, then I say bring on the sugar water! And maybe more people will come to know Jesus as their savior and we can use the water to baptize them!!

Finally, Sasha's thumbs-up to her daddy made me smile. That was precious!

I have succumbed!

2009-01-17T22:28:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I have made the leap from lerker to blogger! Why the change? Well, I have been blessed to be teaching a web design and graphics communication class at our local High School Skills Center (TriTech) for the next three months and I decided I need some practice. What is that you ask, "Am I an expert web designer?" "Nope! I don't even know the first thing." But, I am staying a couple steps ahead of the class.

My goal for this blog is to share positive thoughts and happenings in my life! For way too long my life was spent in the negative. I find myself stepping back into that world sometimes, then I am humbled by goodness. My life has changed dramatically in the last 4 years and I am reminded time after time of how blessed I am. Every time I say, "Thank You Jesus" Maybe sometime I will share some of that...

May God be blessed by what is said and read here.

Welcome!