Total Chaos!

Okay ... my guys have been gone 2-1/2 days. Since I haven't had a working phone and the only way to get in touch with me is via e-mail or facebook, I've spent more time on the computer than I planned. My goal while the guys being gone (besides taking care of my responsibilities) is to get our home completely cleaned out, decluttered, treated for insects, back room painted and put back together in a homey atmosphere.

Well, I'm no where near where I thought I would be at this point. Today I'm feeling overwhelmed by the chaos I'm sitting in the middle of. I've been pulling EVERYTHING out of cabinets and cupboards to sort through and get ready to treat. Thus the overwhelmedness. At times I just sit down and play a quick game on the computer as I just don't feel like I'm making any progress and I need to see some completion somewhere ... even if its a silly game! This last time I sat down I found myself being so THANKFUL that God doesn't get overwhelmed with the messes we get ourselves in to or the junk we clutter. With His amazing sense of humor I'm sure He chuckles at us and finds a lot of amusement in our shenanigans. I'm so glad that He's ultimately in control in my life and knows what direction to push me in. I love knowing I can trust Him and that He loves me so much He will allow me to ... be me. Now just to step back, take a deep breath, say a Thankful prayer so I can get back to organizing chaos! PONDER POINT: Are you in a situation that you need to step back, refocus your mind-set, Thank Him, Praise Him, take a deep breath ... then get back into the journey?

Heart fuzzies!

I was just able to get a text from Malachi that said, "We're at HEB. I miss you already soooo much!" My heart is sad for him as I don't want him to be sad but yet at the same time I'm feeling like I'm not such a bad mom after all. Whoopee!! I mean HEB is only about 9 miles from here and he's only been gone 45 minutes. ADDENDUM: I later learned from Randy that when he got back out to the truck Malachi looked upset but wouldn't say anything. He finally got him to slide over by him and snuggle in. Malachi then told him he was missing me so much. Randy said he had such a long face and was doing all he could not to cry. He offered to bring him back home as it wasn't too late. He said it was hard for Malachi to chose but getting to see Grandma & Grandpa & Uncle Tony & Aunt Cheri finally won out. I'm proud of Randy for being so sensitive. PONDER POINT: There are points in our Christian Walk that we have to leave our current situation to be blessed in another area. It doesn't mean that God won't return us (a better person obviously) to our present situation but we have to be willing to make the choice to accept the journey to what is ahead and the blessings that are waiting and leave the comfort zone behind. What choices has God offered you that you had to decide, Do I stay where I am OR Go where He is leading/calling?

Kansas Bound

Wow! Randy was suppose to go to Kansas to check on my parents and work on some roofs after the nasty hail storm they got. However within the final few hours before leaving the boys ended up getting to go with him - thanks to Uncle Tony & Aunt Cheri coming to town too. My head is still spinning and I'm sure it will set in soon that I'm all here by myself in Texas. I don't even know for sure how long they are going to be gone. On top of that I'm on foot as my van broke down yesterday. The dogs are already mopping around and the boys' friend, Bobbie, is hanging around with me playing games and walking the dogs - he misses them already too. Oh yeah ... my cell phone has gone on the blink and isn't working either. Talk about feeling like I'm under attack and have amazing blessings waiting to flow down on me. Guess we'll have to stay tuned and see what all transpires. I think I'm more excited about what's to come than anything and possibly a little scared that I will be so overwhelmed by all that God is preparing to bless me with.

Date Night with the Gilmores!

Wow! A date night! Thanks to Julia Copeland and our own foresight that if we didn't have partners we'd probably stay home and work, we ended up having a fun night with the Gilmores. We ate at Wings & More, visted the Woodlands Mall, had some utterly nasty smoothies at Barnes & Nobles (okay one sip and it was a no way get you money back deal. I swear I've cleaned up vomit from a cat that resembled the texture and smell of this stuff!) Susan watered a dog (it resembled a dog but was the size of a small pony!) on the side walk then walked down by the river back to the parking lot. Once home, John & Susan dropped us off and we proceeded to watch movies (I had to chat some on FB) until 4 AM when Randy finally deemed it time for bed. Go figure ... I was ready for bed by 11! All in all, a great night! Thanks everyone for all the input and encouragement. Couples should do things like this more often!

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Raymond & Tyler Visit

Our family had ran to scope out the Woodlands Mall to get ready for our big date night tomorrow night when we got a call from Uncle Ray saying he and Tyler would be blowing through Houston on their way from Yuma to FL did we want to meet up? We were already close to 40 minutes closer so we loaded up and headed to a TA truck stop on East I-10 headed towards Beaumont. We had a wonderful evening of laughing and talking and the cousins got a chance to get to know each other better and play somewhat. They even got the truckers at another table somewhat involved in a game of napkin ball ... oops! (They were good sports about it!) We thoroughly enjoyed our time just wish Jaymie & Melisa could have been there too! Randy was dreading the 1 hour and 40 minute drive home ... but its a lot shorter than a drive to South Dakota!!

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Happy 4th of July!!

What a great day! We met some new friends, Edward & Hollie Estis & Daniel, as well as had "old" friends over for the evening. It was beautiful weather ... could have been hotter and most definitely could have been cooler ... but the fireworks were still great. The boys were somewhat bummed when we were told we couldn't set off fireworks where we lived but were allowed to get some firecrackers and pocket the rest of what was budgeted for fireworks ... so wasn't so bad after all. Of course, when evening hit and all the neighbors were lighting fireworks there was a bit of disappointment but the boys were in hog heaven when they got to climb up on the roof to watch the show. No one fell off ... they just knocked a big hole in the skylight in Randy & I's room - no biggie! We were proud to honor all those who fought for our freedom and still do to this day. Thank you and your families. Happy and Safe 4th of July to you all!

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My Baby is growing up!

My baby is growing up way too fast!!! Tonight Josiah pulled out his bottom eye tooth all by himself. His dad nor I were even allowed to touch it just to make sure we didn't pull it out for him. Where has the time gone?

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Happy 4th of July!!

Tomorrow we celebrate the Freedom of our Nation. Every Day we should celebrate our Freedom of Life.

Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

Meaning of a Flag Draped Coffin

All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings to establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's history. Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in and even more proud of those who serve to protect our 'GOD GIVEN' rights and freedoms.

I hope you take the time to read this ... To understand what the flag draped coffin really means ... Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers.

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2ndfold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.'

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie It is with their heart that They pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are ! Uppermost reminding them of their nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of ' Liberty and Freedom.'

MAYBE THE SUPREME COURT SHOULD READ THIS EXPLANATION BEFORE THEY RENDER THEIR DECISION ON THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. FORWARD IT; MAYBE SOMEONE WITH THE NECESSARY POWER, OR POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL INFLUENCE, WILL GET IT TO THEM.

IN THE MEANTIME, MAY GOD PROTECT US ALWAYS.

ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.