Life in the three digit heat

My my my... where to start.....
Just when life was busy now it is getting busy and insane.... I am still in our old place while my kids and hubby are in the new. Since my last post, things have definitely been interesting... last week I got a call that my youngest decided to slide down the bannister. The start was good but the end was not... Just when you turn to do something... for one second.. something happens... in that time frame he decided to slide down the bannister with a crash finish near the bottom on his face... My mom in law return to a blood curling scream from a child that had a mouth full of blood. What could have happened in that time frame...? After some brief inquiry she discovered his adventurous fall and concluded that he had bit the side of his tongue badly... There really was nothing to do but give him a popscicle and tynenol for the pain... I can't imagine how scarry that had to be. Thank goodness that has been it for the most part... My inlaws are gearing up for my sisinlaws wedding this coming weekend... Its crazy around there right now. My spouse is also a coach on top of being a teacher in our new location and two a days started this week as well. It seems to be a mad house there... Last weekend we went to the big city to do some things that were needed for this event with both my littles in tow. It was a long day with them and all that had to be done. In all the rushing about, my bank card was lost or feared stolen. At one time, my youngest was into my wallet so I don't know if maybe that is what happened to it or what.... I cancelled it as soon as I noticed it was gone... Thank goodness I did.... I called the bank the next business day and they said that there was not unknown transactions on it... THANK YOU JESUS!!!
While my inlaws are going like crazy this week, I am working on a song for the wedding, trying to get a high maintenance manual completed as a gag for the bride and groom from her brother and dad, continually searching for a closer job, and all while I am at work on breaks. I am keeping busy... I have been in town everyday so far this week. Town is 30 minutes one way for me. Monday was our monthly ladies night, Tuesday was my dear friends send off dinner ;(, tonight is church, tomorrow is a Bachlor/Bachlorette party...don't know if I want to go or not, Friday is the rehearsal, then Saturday I have an annual ladies call to prayer meeting that morning, salon appointment at noon, and the wedding that evening. I can't wait until this is all done so that we can find out what normal was like.... I say that but we still don't know at this point. My family will all be starting school soon and here I am... just hanging loose... For the first week or so, it was nice to be able to sit back and do nothing if I wanted to... now it is getting really lonely and I don't have a desire to do anything but be with my family. I have sewn, cooked, cleaned, and even ventured to visit with my parents to occupy my time.. but one can only do so much of those... Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed the break. I am sure that you are thinking... is she crazy... no, it really begins to wear on your emotions when all you have known for for so long is mom or wife... I am lucky that I get to see them on wednesday nights at church ... it gets harder and harder every week to leave them when I go to stay with them...
Well, so you are updated and I am sure you are tired of all my messes in life... hehehehehe....
I hope you enjoyed this view into my life in the three digit heat?!... check back for updates... and please pray for me be able to join my family soon... Have blessed day and my God guard and protect yah and your crews...hehehehehe

****DO YOU KNOW JESUS BECAUSE HE KNOWS YOU. God knows every hair on your head (Luke 12:6-8 NIV:Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies[a]? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows), and he gave his only son for you John 3:16 KJV-For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.)
****

Casting Crowns with Special Guests

God inspired, revealing, Amazing, and Soul lifting event that you do not want to miss.... We had an opportunity to see this band and guests this past weekend and let me tell you... YOU ARE MISSING OUT IF YOU DON'T GO..... Check out these videos from their websites....
CASTING CROWNS
The Altar and the Door Concert


LEELAND
(SONG TITLE: Yes you have)


JOHN WALLER
(SONG TITLE: STILL CALLS ME SON)



I will definitely go to see them again when I can. They were amazing. After seeing them in concert, it sounds like they are in a box singing... It was so refreshing and energic... A must if you can make it...



****DO YOU KNOW JESUS BECAUSE HE KNOWS YOU. God knows every hair on your head (Luke 12:6-8 NIV:Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies[a]? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows), and he gave his only son for you John 3:16 KJV-For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.)

This Weekend!!! (Sunday)

Kuddos for my sister for giving me an idea to what I have been sort of doing already... bible study notes to our lesson Sundays and all the things in between.

First I wanted to share some memories and events from our youngest's b-day. I was just a simple parents and our kiddos get together. We did not want to make it a big thing so we just kept it in the close family. It was great!!! We are kinda in the dark age this time around because our digital camera was not working so it had to be the manual taking pictures camera. THANKS GOODNESS my SIL had her camera... THANKS MARY!!! (Slide show below)If one was to look back at all the gifts, they would think we were CATERPILLER nuts or country bumpins. WE ARE COUNTRY BUMPINS for sure... our littlest one just really likes machinery toys...He likes to get dirty..He got a small skidloader, larger button activated skidloader, huge stacking blocks, and a large crane all that brand. Also got a large tanka dump truck, collectable John Deer Diecast tractor, and two leapfrog toys (refrig toy that sings ABCs, and littleleapster)... plus some winter clothes and a full decked out western outfit from wrangler jeans to wrangler emborderied shirt. Out of all the toys there,He lovedthree of them and ea from every set of parents attending. The cake was my first FONDONT covered cake with my decorative art on top. There was a small one for him to distroy as well. It was a great time and relaxed and fun... Every package (excluding clothes) he opened had him hooked... HE WANTED TO PLAY WITH IT RIGHT THEN.... He probably would have been happy with just one of those items and play with it all day....hehehehehe. Fondant is some great stuff to cover a cake but buddy it takes from major muscles to roll it all out ... did not taste real well however... The insides at least were very tasty..

This coming weekend we are going on a minivacation-honeymoon and I can't hardly wait. It is going to be so much fun!!!! We will start out with a concert and who knows from there...

OK.... on to what we dicussed in Sunday School. We as a class as couples that are in the same journey of life and have started a new bible study on how to become a team in your marriage--team building lessons. Already we are halfway thru the first lesson--longer lessons broken into 2 parts-- and I am already seeing my faults. In the lesson it speaks about a team or business that you might follow, admire or have even been apart of. Then it asks why you follow that team and what would cause the team to fail or fall apart or not get anywhere and even those that have skills but still they get no were.
Reasons wer came up with:
they did not have skills, did not work well together, lost their focus, try to play a position that they aren't made for, make bad choices, or selfishness (wants not for the team achievement), etc... These all related back to a marriage. One of the ladies in our class told us that she had read in one of Beth Moore books that many times we look to our spouse for our affection, attention, and understanding and asking them to try to do this is wrong on our part. WE need to re-direct, refocus our attention to the Lord to provide that to us. They are as inadequate at supplying that as we are to supply to their needs. After all we are different so how can we ask them to understand us when we don't understand them... They could never fully supply our needs as our Lord in heaven could. If there is a problem in your relationship it usually can be tracked back to a communication problem with your relationship with the Maker, the one who created and ordained every marriage. We are to love each other above all starting with Loving the LORD FIRST AND FOREMOST... then to love each other. We discuss so many topics in class that I don't have the time or right words to write here. There is so much more to our classes but this is all I can share due to time so I hope that this has stired your thoughts to act for the Lord.

I am so very very excited about this lesson and can't wait until next Sunday to see what the Lord will reveal to me...As always I have a very long ways to go but with each prayer and passing moment I pray that I will increase in love and decrease in selfishness...

I hope that this has blessed you as it did me...


****DO YOU KNOW JESUS BECAUSE HE KNOWS YOU. God knows every hair on your head (Luke 12:6-8 NIV:Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies[a]? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows), and he gave his only son for you John 3:16 KJV-For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.)
****

Life in a Cyclone

Ever feel like the World around you is sweeping your time, and energy away and carrying you off into a crazy dimension. Well, I have to say that it is not all that bad all the time at least. My Cuz Suz has got her hands completely full. She had quads on August 1st and I am assuming that all are probably home by now. If you would like to know the latest update on their lives and read a God-inspiring journey...click on her name to be linked to her blog. It is an honor and blessing to know her and be related to her and all those beautifully crafted miracles of joy. I have not gotten to see them yet but I am hoping by Christmas maybe.... ;)and Now for my cyclone life... This month had promised to be busy and that it is.. I can say that when I do step back from myself and view the big picture it is pretty peaceful.

I have not been feeling very well for a while now and I finally went to the Dr and just got some blood work done. It is not official but believed that I have a thyroid problem. Being moody, shedding hair like loosing a winter coat, exhausted all the time, and can't seem to get enough sleep then add in chasing a 5 and 2 yr old in the evenings... needless to say I have been a little worn out everyday. Apparently it is very common for this to mess with emotions, and even the female cycles. These can also be associated with Despress however my dr did not think that was the problem. With in time, hopefully I will get more energy and drive to do the things that I just can't seem to work up enough energy to do...

Well, this month so far has been very properous. The first weekend as part of our flower committee (chairman and president) felt like two kids in a candy shop looking for the discount-flawed pieces of sugar. We went to 3 different craft stores and brought back half of ea one. It was great... I can see why some ladies can see shopping as therapy. I don't get to do this often since my hubby and I live on a very budgetted life style. I am very blessed to be married to an amazing man who has numerous talents and dealing with finances as one of them. However it is nice to be able to go a little crazy sometimes. We found many new treasures and needed replacement items for our Christmas season as well as some great deals on fall and harvest items.Out of all three stores we went too, Hobby Lobby by for had the best deals and an amazing assortment of general items from garland to home decor.

This past weekend, our church put on our annual Ladies Ministry Craft Bazaar. It went well but maybe not as good as last years. It was a bunch of fun and I think we made a nice profit too. I like to do crafts myself like floral items, and some simple sewing. I even got to use a surger and now I am spoiled to one now. I know why every semstress raves about them instead of a regular sewing machine. I ended up spending a modest $ amount for items there my daughter and I could not live with out. Cactus Jelly, dogbone pillows, vintage song and children books, and of course some baked goods... If any churches in your area do something like this, check it out... There are always some wonderful things for Christmas gifts...

This weekend we will be celebrating my youngest birthday. I still can't hardly believe that he is that old until he does something and I realize... yah he is that old... Just family and nothing big or specially crazy. No matter the number of toys, or poeple attending it is a sure bet that He will enjoy it all down to the last brown package box.

The following weekend, I will be attending a Casting Crowns concert and spending the two days after with my Hubby on a mini honeymoon. Nothing extravagent but us time which all couples need these days from the craziness of this world we live in. In addition to the gift of the tickets, my MIL will come and take care of the littles one while we are gone. I am so excited I can't hardly wait. The tickets were a gift from my Inlaws and my hubby... They are so sweet.. My MIL told me that when she read that they coming to our area, she knew with no doubt that that would be the perfect gift for me for my bday this month and for our anniversary.

Well, there went September. We have already started working on our Christmas Cantata in Choir and all solo peices assigned. It is going to be a fun and beautiful event. Meanwhile, all the supplies we purchased this month will need to be added, put together, and organized for the coming season of Christmas. As always the fall season is coming up like a hill that needs to be climbed. We are steadily gaining speed to climb that mountain of time and hoping to get it all done in a peaceful and calm manner.

The last two weeks in Sunday school we have been studying what GOD is. He is love (benevolence, and goodness), holy, Immutability, Truth, omni-presence-science-potent-transcience. It was a wonderful lesson stretched over two Sundays. It is amazing how when you get into your bible and look up these passages that state these character traits and who the Lord is...how it clears up all the muddle of life and shows us for who we are. (The all seeing eye,all knowing, unlimited power (can't lie)-infinite/eternal)If you ever want to be reminded of who we are in the big picture run your hand thru your hair to realize that God knows every hair on your head plus those that just fell out and stand watching the sunset, ocean waves, or the night sky and realise how small we are in comparison to the Lord's creations. I think the most eye opening information I realized is that God was not actually physically tired when he created the world and rested on the 7th day...it was an example for us to rest and have a day of reflection as to his creation and the awesomeness of God. He is not human and does not grow weary or worn out. He is not bond by time, or physical boundaries. (2 Tim. 1:8-10,12)(Pslams 90:2) (Gen. 21:31) God choose to step into time (Isiah 66:1) which he created to show us the way by giving his son as an example and our leader...

This of course is my opinion and thought. There are many places in the bible that elode to this thought and information. Get in that Bible and search Gensis and Relevation for some clarfication.

****DO YOU KNOW JESUS BECAUSE HE KNOWS YOU. God knows every hair on your head (Luke 12:6-8 NIV:Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies[a]? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows), and he gave his only son for you John 3:16 KJV-For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.)
****

Last of this month and next to come

It has begun! The schedule of life has started it run and the vacation time has been placed on the back burner. The hussle and bussle of the Holidays are already upon us and the Holiday months are still months away. While our local retailers are introducing the Holidays sooner and sooner every year, we have not choice but to have them on our minds. Christmas in October....WHAT?! I will say however that if you are a bargain shopper, there are bargains to be had right now at most of the craft stores in our nation for the Christmas season. As a member of our floral committee of our church, these are a welcomed sites when deciding what the theme will be for this years Christmas. Oh and it is not just Christmas...It is Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years all in one lump sum that continues to grow in surplus as each Holiday grows closer and closer. The turn over rates at retail stores are just amazing. One day you walk in the retailers doors and are assulted by back to school supplies/clothes and the next day they have changed to sales on supplies, and Costumes are this way... WOW... They have got it down to an art these days. Talk about time flying....

It is so alarming and amazing at how quick our weekends now fill up. Our little family already have every weekend in September planned. From a Anniversary/birthday trip, another B-day party, church bazaar, and shows.... it is promising to be busy and exciting Month. It is one of the busiest months for our little family because of birthdays and an anniversary. As usual we go from trying to jam everything we wanted to get done during the summer into the one month before school started back and then add in our busiest month--which comes next. Hopefully it will run smoothly and we will all build upon numerous memories.


The Steece Quads are all doing great! Big Ben will be going home very soon and his one and only sister to follow suit with in a couple of days of that. They are saying that twins are not quit ready to go home yet but they are making great progress. Their mommy and daddy are a bit nervous and excited to have them come home.It was truly sooner than they were expecting to everything is a bit rushed at this point. At this early in the game, they will have learn how to tag team in so that someone will be at home with with one or two and someone at the NICU with the other two. Please continue to pray for them and for all the strength and stamina that they will need to minister to this little miracles of life that God gave them. They are so blessed beyond measures.


God knows I can only handle the ones I have now. I learned this weekend what it would be like to chase 4 children around the same age and let me tell you.... GOD KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING!!! I can bearly bear my two but when you add 2 more... Talk about all the different personalities, and attitudes of life. I was exhausted beyond my limits of operation and was still trying to kept a watchful eye on my babies and a few others. I got so stressed and upset with in hours and broke down in pieces. This is exactly why God has only graced me with 2 chilren at different ages. I could not handle it. HOWEVER, I think that I am growing and learn everyday so how knows what our future holds...ONLY GOD DOES.

With that said, I would like to thank all those that helped me this weekend realize that its natural to be tired and have some lack of energy but only to a certain point. Thank you for your love, and support and understanding that I am not myself at times.

To my Hubby: I love your more than my own life. God had you in my plan before I was born and was/is grooming me to be your mate for the rest of our lives together. You are absolutely and positively the best thing that has joined my life. You complete me, and make me into a new and better person. I have a long ways to go to be what God needs me to be but with your help and his control on my life I have become that much closer and pray that I will continue to change and allow him to work through you and my life situations to groom me to be more so every day. With God as our controling force, we will grow in his likeness. I can't think of anyone else that I would rather be with to make this journey and lifesong with. I pray that the Lord will be in complete control over myself so that He can groom you too thru me.

I pray that who ever is reading this will see the Lord's hand working for his Glory in our lives. May you all be blessed by abounding spiritual riches uncompariable to earth riches and seek God's face and control everyday to chisel you into his majestic and Glorified being. The Lord watches, creates, makes, and directs everything that we know and see. Trust him to provide for you emotionally, physically, and spiritually. He will reveal great and amazing mysteries to you when you trust him with your soul and life.

I once had a co-worker as me," What if this god that you believe is not real and when you die you won't go anywhere, What if!!!????" I simple replied, "I believe with out seeing and if I am laid to sleep in the ground where there is nothing, I will do it with my whole being with complete faith and knowledge that the Lord Lord and King of Kings...He will raise me to be with him...Lamans terms: I will follow as one of the most devoted children anyone has ever known" He did know what to say other than... WOW...

We can plant the seed for Christ but sometimes we don't get to water it. Sometimes all we only allowed to do is plant it while someone will water it. GOD WILL CAUSE IT TO GROW!!! Our Christian lives are much like a seed and it's growing process. When you plant a seed, water it and it will grow, breaking free of the ground, it is no longer the same... WE AS CHRISTIANS ARE THE SAME !!!! Someone at one time planted Christ in our lives, if we listen to our elders and leaders for Christ, and study God word it is like watering our souls, through time, we will grow and break thru our earth grounded lives and join Christ in the sky in our spiritual beings...




****DO YOU KNOW JESUS BECAUSE HE KNOWS YOU. God knows every hair on your head (Luke 12:6-8 NIV:Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies[a]? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows), and he gave his only son for you (John 3:16 KJV-For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.)
****

Summer is coming to a close around us...

I can't hardly believe that we are almost half way thru July already. Meaning that the Summer vacation is winding to a close. This summer our family has gone on a mini vacation, been part of many church events for the children, and we are working on planning another mini vacation in a different area before our time is occupied with the school season in August.

The rest of this month is currently vying for attention. Every weekend is starting to book up and looking to be a busy closure to the 2007 Summer. Reunions, Anniversary/ Birthday Parties, family events with our church family, and suring up things like dinners, and social events are all falling into to place like little ducks in a row. Here in Texas and the states just north have been attacked by numerous soakings of water from the sky but in our area it has been to a minimum. With that said the Summer heat has arrived and it has brought humidity with it from the Gulf...we are praying for more rain anytime though...
So for this summer here is a day in the life of one of our project we wanted to get done this summer....
This past Saturday I wake to a smiling face ready to take on the day. This smiling face being my Hubby. His a morning person and I am not. He teases me within minutes of when I wake up... Isn't there a law somewhere they says that teasing can't be done before a certain time of the day!!! Not that I secretly don't love the attention at all...hehehehehe.
This day we were pouring concrete into frames of rectangles, just outside our back door. My babies were still asleep when he flied out door ready to take on the day. About an hour later, here came the calvry with the concrete truck in parade. It took us about two to two and half hours to pour, level, smooth, adjust, and smooth again both pads and some extra leftovers into your drive away. We sweated, we cried, be bleed (blisters), and we ached by the end of the event. WE consisted of my dad, my hubby, mom, my sis, a little bit of me, and a little bit of the concrete deliverer. I never thought that pouring concrete could be SO exhausting but buddy... call in the professionals even if it is for a sidewalk. If you have to call in a concrete truck, call the professionals. We almost ran out of time and it ran everyone into the ground. Even with all that we had helping us we could have used about 2 more poeple to help out. Then add in my babies wanting to help out, and the humidity and you have got one heat, sweatly, and slippery pouring... Concrete dries very fast and even faster when it is humid. By the way, Concrete work is very dirty and messy. It almost makes one what to belly flop into the gray blob and then you think, could I get out. Concrete can begin to burn your skin if you leave it to long on your skin. It can remove your skin like a exfoliant but is not that easy to get off. Wet boots are great for this kind of work just besure and wash them off every break you get so that you don't get a blocked foot...hehehehehe
SPECIAL THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT HELPED OUT AND OFFERED THEIR TIME AND ENERGY TO OUR CAUSE!!!! My eldest has become an artist overnight with my interchild breaking through with chalk as well..
* She loves to child us about picking on each other. It is very funny. I could be teasing my hubby and poking him in the side and she will tell me" Mommy, don't do that it is mean!" Then when he tried to get me back, she does it to him too.
* She lives on our trampoline. If you do a special trick on the thing that involves her, you can be guaranteed that she will want to do it everytime you are around if possible. Horse ride, or "crack the egg", she loves them all.
* She is amazing to watch and listen to these days. She can sing the tone to a song (usually one from church or VBS) and ask me to sing it with her while we are driving. I kid you not that she is very good....she has an ear for music. She is always singing her songs from VBS. It brings so much delight to my heart that she is so happy
My youngest really likes the concrete pads too.... Not mention, he want to do everything sister is doing...chalk and all.
.* He is currently into climbing on anything that would make him seem taller even meaning standing on a rock on the ground or monkeying his way up a ladder or something else that could hurt him if He fell. It is right down funny and scarry of course at times. He just laughs when he gets there, gets off, and then back again.
* He loves to play with a waterhose until he get himself wet from the head down to which he freaks out and drops the hose and salters away from it. Oh but this does not last... He goes back for it with in minutes... to do all over again
* Anytime we tell him that we are going outside he runs up to the Tv and presses the Power button, runs to the back door, and tells us he is ready to go. If we do not follow or he hears the TV again, back he comes and does it again and again.

They are growing like weeds and getting to be more and more the apple of my eye. Thanks be to God for allowing me the opportunity to guide and love these beautiful and pure souls to him.....Well, that is pretty much it for now. I hope that your 4th and your summer has been as prosperous as possible and blessed with many physical and spiritual riches...

MY WEEK IN REVIEW

UPDATE~~CORRECTION to last post:
The snake was not in our sand but but right outside yard along our road. Apparently it was crawling around our bamboo fence when my hubby found it. STILL DOES NOT CHANGE THE FACT THAT IT WAS THERE AND THAT MY BABIES PLAY IN THAT AREA.

N*E*WAYS~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My Cuz SUZANNE is now in the hosptial for the long haul and is current in her 25th with her quads. She recently posted pics of her belly and family there with her at the Hosptial. Everything is looking good and the babies are all over 1 lbs that this time. Please continue to pray for those babies and all the staff that will attend to Suz' every need. She has setup baby registaries on her page for those of you that would like get her things that she will need.

I don't have any pictures right now but I still want to post about our VBS this year. I had the privilege to be able to attend as well as be a mentor for the 3rd/4th graders. It was different from what our church has been in the past but it went really well.We did what they call a group VBS this year to were we rotated around to stations and had 30 minutes of group time to followup on the bible lesson. One amazing sister of Christ provided the bible study and we followed up with that in our group time. That is why I called it a mentoring position. We escorted them around to all the areas for activity and were there for any questions and corrections of students that was needed.

I learned with our class movements to numerous popular christian worded songs, great verses for comfort and guidance, and was in 2 skits to which I really really hammed it up. Here is the music that we learned movements for this week... they are just short clips Let me tell you, getting on a stage to act like and be wild and crazy is a wonderful way to unload a bunch of stress. It was so much fun acting crazy and getting all the kids action...I love the rush of getting young ones geared up for GOD... We are talking about 4 yrs up to 6th graders. WHAT A GREAT TIME!!!! We studies about Jericho, a river being pushed back for the ark of the covenant, Rahabe and the spies, healing of lepercay(?), and Christ final walk. It was absolutely amazing to recall those memories and be able to refresh those "church camp" emotions and share them with kiddos. I have already signed up for next years VBS!!! During our time there we had 8 children pray to ask God into their hearts and that was just my class. I don't know about the others but how inspiring is that. GOD IS GREAT AND GOOD!! GOD IS REAL...GOD IS WITH US...GOD IS STRONG...GOD IS AWESOME...GOD IS IN CHARGE!!!! Make no mistake about it, there were volunteers there to run the music and powerpoint, provide food, perpare and instruct the recreational and art time. It was a whole group effect and it is all credited to GOD.

Life is going well for us and seemed to have slowed down some too. There is always something going on and it depends as to how you handle that STUFF that will determine if you will given or rise above it. When those time approach remember Jesus in the desert:

10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'[d]" 11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Matthew 4:10

Trails and tribulations-one of many references 12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12

13Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."[a]
1 Peter 1:13-16

(all scripture taken from BIBLEGATEWAY.COM and in NIV translations)

THIS AND THAT AND IN BETWEENS

Well, I can honestly say that Summer is here and I am not ready. Where we live it gets blistering dry and hot fast and is very hard on little ones. I know it is here when I can hear the locust in the trees singing with the grackles (black birds). It is the sound of summer. Most of the little ones spend most of their young life in water and of course indoors most of the hot afternoons. After spending a afternoon couped up with littles ones, one could easily go nuts... It is like trying to keep a mud puddle calm and contained plus keeping the piglets out of the mud or human terms: trying to keep the house clean, childs occupied, and content and keeping yourself sane.......CRAZY!!! Since I don't have the summer off, my hubby has the crazy task of handling the childs.. WOW... HE IS AMAZING!!!!

This month we will be going to a tradedays event with my in-laws, we have a summer water day this coming week w/ our church family,VBS starting up in the middle and birthdays in the last leg of the month. Then you throw in the last minute mini-vacations and surprise events and your month is full. Our summers always fill up with things like yard improvements, and trips and get more active every year. We don't know at this point what our July and August will be like but I'm sure it will be as active or busy. With Family reunions and weddings and showers.... you just never know for sure.

Well, so far my Cuz is at 22 weeks now in her adventure of carrying quads.. and looks fabulous. She is in good company with spiritual and physical family there with her right now. Please continue to pray for her and that all going well and that this will be a learning experiences for all those she touches. There is a link on my page here that will take you to her page for the latest updates. Her name is Suzanne and she covets your prayers for strength, support, and blessings.

My sis just got out of galb surgery this past Friday and seems to be recovering well. She is staying at my parents with her little boys. My mom is pinch hitting for her because she can not be doing to much at this point, and her hubby has gone to a work thing and will be gone all week. I know that my mom is having a great time with having them there. I know my daughter is loving the attention and visiting with them as well as my son.

We are the same ol same ol... Hubby is out for the summer and working on moving his classroom since he had been reassigned to a different grade this year. As for as me, I am still pushing the pen and still on a solo mission on this end. Word is that there might be someone to join my duties sometime in the fall but in the mean time it is just me. There is always something going on or something that needs my attention or assistance and that is always a promise in my profession. I love my job and the different challenges that it presents everyday. I have reports that I do on a weekly and month schedule to keep my grounded in the right direction thank goodness.

The volunteering event that I was apart of went well. I ending up running one of the events involved and had a great time doing it. The only draw back was the I was not able to get my family to be there. It was just a very busy weekend of my little family. There was other events planned for that weekend and then we got lots of rain which created additional work too. It was nice but I would have been fabulous if I would have had them there. It is just nice to have my family there to support my efforts. I know that they do support me but sometimes it is nice to actually have them there physically to enjoy the event as well. I know that I would be nothing with out them and that I need then to stay grounded and sane in this crazy world.

Well...That is pretty much it on this end! Same ol same ol... boring or informative you be the judge. Either way this is our lives and how we choose to live our lives...
May you be bless richly with friendship, support, and love this week and I send my love and support thru our Lord and Jesus Christ.
OUR TRUE REWARDS ARE NOT FROM THIS EARTH OR SHOULD COME IN OUR LIFE TIME BUT SHALL BE AN ETERNAL REWARD IN HEAVEN....
GOD IS THE CRAFTMAN, THE HOLY SPIRIT AS THE CHISEL, AND JESUS AS THE HAMMER THAT IS CHIPPING AWAY AT MY IMPERFECTIONS (SINS) TO REVEAL THE BEAUTY OF HIS CHILD AND WHAT I COULD BE UNDERNEATH. ARE YOU A WORK OF ART IN THE MAKING?! REMEMBER THAT IF YOU DON'T HAVE SOME HARD TIMES EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, YOU MAY NOT BE GROWING INTO THE CHILD OF GOD THAT HE NEEDS YOU TO BE TO SHOW THE WORLD HIS GLORY!!!!--YOU ARE NEVER ALONE AND HE WILL NEVER GIVE YOU WHAT YOU CAN'T HANDLE--DEUT 5:30 "NOW THE THINGS THAT I COMMAND OF YOU TODAY ARE NOT TO DIFFICULT OR HARD FOR YOU TO REACH"

COMING UP FOR AIR...

Have you ever had a month or two were you felt like you were not making much head way. Anologues of plenty come to mind that the moment like tryin to keep up with the Jones, Swimming in circles, drowning in a sea of paperwork... well, that is about where I am. I am so glad that my job is such a challenge! Since the turn over of the new year... it is a uphill battle and full of hooks... In Laman's terms: The more headway I make, the more STUFF jumps on board... I don't think that I have had many down moments and for some reason I just keep adding my own things to the pile. I love to help out when ever I can and do as much as I can to make the world and especially my job world a brighter and less stressful environment. Well, as usual I have done double duty and I am currently working on coming up for air. My usually volunteer event is here and I have decided that I would like to get serious about my physical condition: a new diet/life plan for myself and others around me.You guessed it: here comes a weeks worth of my regular duties.. I don't micro manage well at all (meaning that I could pass some things off to others to help me out with the BUSY jobs) but I just simple don't feel others should be going my reg stuff just becasue I decide to take on more things on top of of my ongrowing list. I know that I will get is done but it will take a littler longer than usual. WINE WINE... The best part is most of this volunteering stuff is that is is only for a short while and will be gone before I realize it. I do many simple things-reports, filing, etc (BUSY WORK) every day but it always brings new and different challenges. They keep me hooping and I am so very very thankful for it. Like most, if has its down times but either way I feel respected as a co-worker and as a person. It don't get much better than that folks!!! (In our sunday school class we have been in the Books of 1 and 2 Peter studying about suffering, and it is so nice to know that we are not alone in those frustrating times and have a reward in heaven awaiting us. It has changed my views on life as to how simple and sheltered my life can be even when the storms are raging outside. As long as one have the LORD as their focus and guide, he will be there and make it easier to handle. As John Randalls said, you must guard not just your sould but your mind... only you can let Satan--SHOW HIM THAT GOD IS YOUR BOSS AND THERE IS NO ROOM FOR HIM IN YOUR MIND AND SOUL)

I don't know about you all but I do know that I don't like this time of the year meaning TIMECHANGE!!! I am one of those folks that love love love to be outside with my family playing. I like to be outside when it is so pretty and inviting out there... Then by the time the sun is in bed, the dinner hour has landed in my lap. Of course the decision of what to make always take awhile and some balancing, and by that time, bedtime is knocking on the door. Yes I know...plan your meals... but that takes thinking and when I get home from work, I just want to be lazy and play with my babies--I think enough at work...heheehehe. I really am goig to try and do that in the future though ;). We get an early start every morning... even on weekends... my babies are morning rises not mid-morning... If only I could operate on less sleep and be a morning person. I come to life when it is time to sleep (cleaning mood, reading, etc)..I guess if I lived on the west coast maybe it would work (couple of hours of sleep more). WINE WINE... I know I know....I just don't like time slipping away from me when I am already swimming at medium to full speed...

Here comes summer... The thing that most folks that live in Texas know is that springs usually get skipped in our part of the world and we jump right into summer.
I can't hardly wait... I love the smell of the dry summer breeze, the sound of water and laughter, the campouts, vacations, and the laided back nights watching the lightn bugs. You just can't beat the summer night sky in Texas. I love being in a field in the mid of the night looking up at the sky. It reminds me that there is a whole universe out there bigger than lit ol me... WHAT A PEACE AND SURREAL REMINDER OF THAT GOD CREATED IT ALL TO SUCH DETAIL TO INCLUDE LITTLE OL ME! I don't know how truthful this may be but I had always heard that there was a president that would take his whole cabinet, who were all in a tissy about something, out back and just look up at the sky, until they all got quiet. Then after many minuteS, he would say some thing like "Now that we have things back in reality"... meaning "are not as BIG as we thought", lets get back to work. I find that quiet awakening to my soul when I get on my soap box or get the POOR MEs. HOLD IT SHORT STUFF AND REMEMBER YOU AREN'T ALL THAT...

ON THAT NOTE---
I hope that where ever you are today in your life that the Lord will hold you in his hand and show you the way to heaven. UNTIL MY NEXT MADNESS!!!HEHEHEHEHE ;)


****DO YOU KNOW JESUS BECAUSE HE KNOWS YOU. God knows every hair on your head (Luke 12:6-8 NIV:Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies[a]? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows), and he gave his only son for you John 3:16 KJV-For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.)
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Ramblings

Ok... so now it is apparent to me that I am the only one that looks at my blogsite... I know I am boring but I like the way I am ...
SO... for my tracking record of life here is the most recent going-ons:

ME:
I am here today but not all together.. I have been getting up and going to work an hour earlier in order not to use my earned time for my youngest's PT appointments that are twice a week. Let me note: I am not a morning person and I have to have 8 hrs or more of sleep a day...I have been sleeping in more and more every morning. My hubby bless this heart has been trying to get me to wakeup. I get ready, pack my lunch, get my son up and out the door in less than 15 minutes...WHOA..Talk about your day being off from the get go...
In about two weeks, I will be able to be a apart of the RELAY FOR LIFE event in my community. I am so excited...I get to exercise for a good cause.. THAT IS SOME MOTIVATION THAT I NEED... Speaking of exercise and motivation: I am working on starting a ex. program called Firstplace. As soon as I get my kit, I am off to the races...I have been needing to get serious about my health condition (obesity) for a while now and well, this might be it. Firstplace is not just an excer/diet program but is mainly for your to learn who you are and get on the right foot with more than just food... It is for your spiritual, and physical life.
LAMANS: Get in shape with GOD. I am seriously thinking about starting a bible study/accountablity group in my community with this program. There are numerous individuals have talked to that would like to try this program and I have a great accountiablity partner and leader that would mentor me in the right direction. I am praying about if this is what God wants me to do. I need to get myself into the program first to make sure I have all I need to leader a group of individuals like myself. PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL SHOW ME HIS WILL!!!

MY FAMILY:
School for my oldest is almost done and she has loved this year. It is just amazing how much she has grown. She is getting taller and taller everyweek and changes in facial looks as well. Talk about a personality. She is too funny. The hard part for me is the apparent fact that she is a girly girl. I don't really remember being that way but I do recall being a TOMBOY when I was in my early school days. She loves to be red to and loves her dollies. She told us the other day that she needs makeup because she is a big girl or what it she was a teenager now... HELLO.. She just started going to school...OH BOY... it has begun!
My youngest is one and half and is a jabber box. It is getting to were his words are getting understandable. As I stated before he is going to PT. He walks with a turned in foot and is caused by his hips tightness. Thank goodness he is at the age that he thinks he just goes to this place to play. He is a real charmer! I can honestly say that he lights up the room with his character and laugh. He has one of those laughs that makes your soul giggle to the outside.. Some call it a belly laugh. He loves to laugh and did I mention that he is a MANS MAN...That boy loves anything that has an engine and he seems to really like heavy machines... this of course due to his Grand father (my dad) who has mostly that where we live. He is starting to stretch out. Apparently this also means that his stomach is getting bigger and that it is making more room for food... Did I mention that He is a bottomless pit?! He can put away his food and usually anyone elses he can get his hands on. It must convert to energy fast because he is a busy toddler. He climbs stairs up and down, runs and dances in circles, has great reasoning skills (very observant), drinks from a sippy cup and straws, OH and can take his diaper off... Needless to say, can't put one on... to replace the one he removed.. LOOK OUT!!!
My Hubby seems to enjoy being a teacher most of the time. At times like most teachers he wonders if his kids are getting it and why he became a teacher...I simply tell him because they need him as an example and to learn from . He is absolutely amazing with children. I wish I had the talent he has. He currently is coach a spring sport which I think he is really enjoying... Not to mention I think it may have stirred up the want to run again. He is gearing up for a marathon as wel speak. I wish I could run and have the determination/stamina that he does but then again I have had two babes and he hasn't... OH WELL..in GODS TIME.

Well that pretty much sums up life with us. There is not much going on like my Cousins or my hubby's CUZ, OR my CLOSESTgirlfriend but in our world, we are busy.
I hope that all is well in your part of the world and in your lives. May you know that you are a blessing to us and that we send our love with and thru God.
'Til my rambles came again,
TEXOSE


****DO YOU KNOW JESUS BECAUSE HE KNOWS YOU. God knows every hair on your head (Luke 12:6-8 NIV:Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies[a]? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows), and he gave his only son for you John 3:16 KJV-For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.)
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Life as it is...

Well, not much in the life of my family and I. This past month my dadinlaw had triple bypass and is almost back up to before. It is amazing that it is such a normal thing that pry your chest apart and three days later he is released from the hospital. Hours after the surgery, they had him up and walking. WHOA!!! The kids are doing great and just living life to the fullest. I can't hardly believe that Easter is almost here and school almost over. WOW!!! This last week I had a chance to listen to one of the BIG 12 motivational speakers, named John Randles. He was amazing. We invited him to our church for a revival and I am so glad that I was able to go every day. It really put my life in prospective. He started a group @ Texas Tech called Paradigm and it is pretty amazing. (www.johnrandles.org)
That weekend, CARMAN came to our town for a concert. It was great and so many came to Christ as well. It has been a great month and we look forward to what will come next month. With my youngest starting to talk and the eldest almost done with school, this year has flown. SO until next time.... GOD BLESS AND TAKE CARE!!!!

****DO YOU KNOW JESUS BECAUSE HE KNOWS YOU. God knows every hair on your head (Luke 12:6-8 NIV:Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies[a]? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows), and he gave his only son for you John 3:16 KJV-For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.)
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