quick update on me....

My mom and the kids know this but I didn't post it yet. For several months I have been having chest pain. Thought it would go away. It got to be a nuisance coming and going when it felt.....not sharp or terrible. Just a bother. So last night after work I called the consulting nurse after work and she told me to go to Harrison Silverdale...which is really close to work....kitty corner, in fact. I was there for 3 hours while they ran all sorts of tests. I didn't have a heart attack or anything so that was ruled out. They did find out I am very anemic. Go figure. So.....they wanted to send me to Harrison Bremerton by ambulance to be admitted to run more tests. I said no and came home. Went to my doctor today and she took about 8 vials of blood....checking everything blood tests could check. She said my heavy pre-menopausal periods (sorry, men) could be causing my anemia which could cause chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue. OR I could have a bleeding ulcer or something which would cause the problems too. OR it could be my heart. So I go for my echo and stress test next week as planned, up my stomach dose for GERD, and some other fun stuff. A colonoscopy could be in my future....praying it is not. Sorry this is so rushed, have to go to work!!!!

We live in a time and culture of rights. "It's my right to ___." Just fill in the blank. But there is one thing we don't have a right to be: God's child. We are given that right by grace through Jesus' coming to earth, living, dying and being raised from the dead. We appropriate it through faith....believing. To be born of God, to be born from above...to be born again is the gift of adoption into God's family and entitles us to all the rights in God's house (Galatians 3:26-4:7). How great is that?

Father, thank you for including me in your family. May my life today reflect
your influence, character, mercy, holiness, compassion, righteousness, and love. I want to be like you, Father. So just as I was born into your family by
the power of the Holy Spirit, please fill me with your Spirit today so that I
will more closely reflect you in all I do and say. Through Jesus I pray. amen.

quick

not much I can report so this is going to be short today. met heather & tara at work and she picked up Parker. I'm going to miss that kid!!! He is so sweet. This morning I am going in for blood work and kids have their last day of swimming. my external hard drive is still disconnected so until i figure that out I am without pictures. sorry and sorry so short. will have more to report later in the day! stay tuned!

Are they unreachable?

"Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts."
(Hebrews 4:7)

Many people go out of their way to avoid Christians and the opportunity to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. All the while, their hearts grow harder, and they risk becoming calloused to the point of no return. We don't know when that point will come in their lives. Maybe you even know someone who seems as though they have reached it.
We can take heart when we look at the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. It was so radical and unexpected that when it happened, first-century Christians thought he was attempting to infiltrate their ranks and persecute the church even further. They didn't believe that God could save someone as wicked and hostile toward the church as Saul. But we know that Saul became Paul the Apostle. If you know someone who seems so far gone and permanently hardened toward the gospel, keep praying. You never know. That person just might be the next Paul.

Dear Lord....I know so many people that have chosen not to hear about you
and the wonderful things you offer. God, I don't want to think about them going to hell. Please use me if you wish to reach the unreachable. Thank
you....in Jesus' name. Amen

Lanny's surgery date....

A year ago today Lanny was getting his bypass. I remember they had to rush him in there because he was getting ready to have his 4th heart attack because they had to take him off all blood thinner before the surgery. It was touchy. Then he wouldn't wake up that evening after the surgery. But thank God he pulled through and I got him. That was a long day!!!! I've been trying to fix my computer. The F drive (my external hardrive that holds my pictures) disappeared from my computer. Now I have to figure out how to fix it. If any of you have had that problem....I would appreciate input. So there will be no picture of the day today....sorry. Yesterday was a pretty good day. Parker & Andrew played all day together. They had fun....they played with Lauren on the hammock too. I went to work last night. It was a quick and easy night. Freaked me out at first....3 people and a phone call bombarded me! The man on the phone asking questions about what we offer, one girl moving to Michigan so needed to stop membership, a guy changing the way his is billed, and a girl from my graduating class in high school came in and got a free weeks membership. Quite a challenge. Sounds all so simple but there is alot to it. Went to the game and took tons of pictures for Karla. Today I work....meet Tara there with Park and Heath is coming tomorrow to pick them up over there. The boys miss home and their family. It's been a week but any longer would be way too much for them. Anyway, that is my day...hope yours is good!

Today: A few early showers, especially north, otherwise becoming partly
sunny. Highs near 70.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, a few showers developing late, mostly mountains and west. High around 70.

Friday: Mostly cloudy, a slight chance of a few showers. High around
70.

Seafair Weekend: Morning clouds, becoming partly to mostly sunny in the
afternoon. Staying a little cool with highs in the lower to mid 70s.

His commands are good....

Much like the rules parents have for young children -- don't drink what's under the cabinet, don't play in the street, don't walk behind parked cars -- God's guidance is not intended to restrict us, but to protect us. His commands, both positive and negative, are for our protection and perfection. By them we find life and have it preserved. Sadly, society is ignoring them or throwing them away like they aren't important. So we see a world falling apart. Hold steadfast to His teachings....don't turn away like everyone else.

Holy Lord, help me see your words as life. I know you have given your commands, your will for holiness, to bless me and protect me. Use your Spirit to make my heart less stubborn and my life more nearly conformed to your will. Through Jesus' power I ask it. Amen.

pictures from past 7-29th's....

7-29-03 Riley and her fuzzy head is soooo cute!
7-29-06 Bday party for Joshua! He is turning 2 here!

Maddie and Karla checking out Jared...3 months old.

The cousins having birthday cake!

tuesday....

Well, it's Tuesday now and promises to be a looooooong week. I'm having a terrible time. This is a bad week for me....you ladies will know what I mean. Plus Papa & I are feeling very stressed emotionally, spiritually and mentally right now. We are mostly stressed about his mom. It is so hard for us being so far away and so helpless. I just wish she was here or we were there. We have to be strong when we talk to her.....but I cry every time I get off the phone. I can't imagine my life without her. She has been such a blessing....so full of wisdom and advice, love and caring, she's my mom! I'm not sure how Papa is totally dealing with this stress. It is almost more than we can bear. At least he is talking to me about it. That is good. He used to hold everything inside. Keep him in your prayers, please. Today is swimming and I work this afternoon and then they have a softball game tonight. Last night we went to Bob & Nancy's for dinner. It was wonderful to just get away from everything for a little while. Bob bbq'd steaks that were so good! They are great people and amazing friends. We love them. Well, that's all I want to write so I'm done. May God shine on your day and give you His peace.

Today: Areas of light rain increasing this afternoon. Cooler, mid 60s.

Wednesday: Morning clouds ahead of partly sunny afternoon skies, near 70.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain mostly coast and mountains. High 60s.

Friday: Mostly cloudy. Highs in the low 70s.

It's your choice....

There is a poster that reads: "You are not born a winner, You are not born a loser, You are born a chooser.



This is a great reminder for everyone. Life is full of choices. Every day brings new challenges and decisions for you and me and everyone around us. Every day is a new day, and every day means we either choose to live for God, by the standards He lays down in the Holy Bible, or we live for ourselves by our own standards of right and wrong, as in the days when, ". . . every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).



We are free to make choices and we have to live with the consequences of those choices. Whether it is the career we select or the mate we choose or what we order from a menu. We experience the consequences of our choices.



Too many people today want to have a foot on each side of the fence. They want the path to heaven but want it to wander through the streets of the world.



Jesus said: "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. " (Matthew 6:24).



So remember that the choices are yours and may we all decide that we, and our house, will serve the LORD. Think about it. It's your choice!

~Lord, give me a true desire to faithfully serve You wholeheartedly and to
encourage my family as well. Amen.

past july 28th's....

7-28-04 The next two pictures were taken in 2004.

7-28-06 Maddie is a princess!

Same day....gotta love those eyes!

7-28-06 Dylan is helping papa today!

monday, monday

Another Monday morning. Woke up late....6:00. Put the kids down by 9:30 last night. They were all so tired yesterday. I went to church at Poulsbo Community Church. Really liked it. Pastor was very friendly and gave a great message. I liked the songs too. Sat with Scott & Bonnie. Greeting time I ran over and saw Cal & Bev. So good to see them. I even got a hug from Cal. lol! Lanny thought that was funny....Cal isn't much of a hugger and they've teased him about it for years. Picked up the kids from walmart. Mom got her cat but hasn't hardly seen it. It is under her bed and wouldn't come out. Why do cats always find a bed to hide under? Pray it comes out soon and starts calming down. Swim lessons today. Then Patrick is going with Karla for 2 days to play with Dylan. I think they are both excited. Parker is going to Amanda's tonight....we are going to Bob & Nancy's for dinner. She thought it was last night....I thought it was tonight. I look forward to it. Jordy is coming Tuesday night.....both boys are visiting her Wednesday night. It will be a busy week. Well....have a great day!

Today: Mostly sunny and warmer after scattered morning clouds and some
spotty fog. Highs rise to the low to mid 70s.

Tuesday: Rain likely and cooler. Mid 60s.

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of morning showers. Lower 70s.

Thursday: Partly cloudy, mid 70s.

Friday: Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of rain coast and north. Highs in the 70s.

Weekend: Mostly sunny, mid 70s.

run the race marked out for you....

God does have a plan for you, ya know? He has a place for you to serve Him and to do His work. Like the great heroes of the Bible... we can do God's work with confidence. But to boldly go where he wants us to go, we must first be willing to let go of the sin in our lives.... which distorts our vision and robs us of spiritual vitality and stamina. Are you willing?

Holy Father, forgive me for my sin. Not just my blatant sins, but my willingness to dabble in things that are not holy, to flirt with things that are spiritually dangerous, and to expose myself to things that leave a residue of Satan's world. Give me strength to say no to the things that distract me from you and to embrace with passion those things that make me more like you. Through Jesus my Lord I pray. Amen.

past july 27ths

7-27-02 Jordan at Fort Flagler...not sure what is up with the hand over the heart?
Andrew also at the beach....same day, same time.

7-27-05 Dylan got his hair cut!!!! Now that is short!

Grandma Langager and Lauren playing. Must have been pretty funny!

7-27-05

This is how I would get them to sit still while I did their hair. I would set them in the sink with their tooth brushes and let them brush their teeth. Oh, I was smart! 7-27-05

7-27-05 Maddie fixing the door on the entertainment center.

Looking at the picture...I am not sure why I let a 2 year old have a screwdriver. hmmmm.

If you know Dylan.....this is a very funny picture. I wish you could see his expression better! Here is is watching Maddie with Gregory (our neighbor) and Matthew & Morgan (Candice's kids). 7-27-06

sunday morning

Well, it's Sunday morning and I don't have the gas or money to go to church again. I may have to find a closer church. I went to one up the road last week which had about 25 people in it and one lady was so rude to others it really turned me away. I may check out another one a couple miles away today. We'll see. Scott & Bonnie (played Vinnie for KidStuf) go to one in Poulsbo (same one as Cal & Bev) I may check out. I have to return 2 things to walmart anyway. We'll see. I'm seeing that I am pretty much resigned to the fact I have to step out of KidStuf. Gas is really an issue living out here. I love it here but see it as a mistake now. The 4 kids are coming over and spending the night...Papa is meeting them after work and bringing them home. Amanda and I are basically shipping them back and forth. I got lots of house work to do today. My house has gone downhill this week. Worked yesterday. It was awesome! I tell you....I love my job! I like the people that come in too! Now I am praying for more hours! Feels good to work again and I am so thankful! Mom gets her cat today after church! He is 4 years old and his name is Smokey. He's a pretty cat....and a real sweetheart, I hear. Hope it works out for both. Well, have a wonderful day! God bless you and your day!

Sunday: Mostly cloudy with a few scattered showers. Highs in the 60s.

Monday: Partly to mostly cloudy, low 70s.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with a chance for areas of light rain at times. Highs in the upper 60s to low 70s.

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, chance of showers late. Highs in the upper 60s to low 70s.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy. Highs in the low 70s.

Friday: Mostly cloudy to start the day, then some clearing for partly cloudy skies. Highs in the low 70s.

don't worry....

While the road ahead of us may be filled with questions and concerns, we can look back and see the many ways God has acted in our behalf to get us to the places we need to be. We see his work through history and we can take assurance that his promises are true and his victory in us is assured.

Almighty God, I believe that before there was a world, you existed. I trust that even now you sustain our world. I am confident that before the future arrives you are already there preparing it for us. Help me when I worry to remember my faith and to press on trusting that you are there.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

past july 26ths......

2006
2006

2005

2004

day at the beach

The rest of my day was pretty quiet. The boys spent the night with Andrew. They've been inseparable all week. Patrick and Dylan have gotten to spend some time together, too. That is good. They're buds. Working today. My days were changed already so I'll be working Wednesday nights instead of Monday's....which I like better. Then I get Mondays with Papa. Sorry I don't have more to write today. A little blah. I do have pictures to post from this past week though. It was a good week with the boys here (every day that Parker tells me he loves me!!!!), swimming lessons, and my new job (which I am so thankful to God for!)! Hope this week goes good! God Bless!

Saturday: Cloudy to mostly cloudy. A few showers on the coast, Olympic and Kitsap Peninsula and north interior. A chance of drizzle inland. Highs in the 60s.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy with a few scattered showers. Highs in the 60s.

Monday: Partly to mostly cloudy, low 70s.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with areas of light rain at times. Highs in the upper 60s to low 70's.

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, increasing rain late. Highs in the upper 60s to
low 70s.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CANDICE!

Today is one of my bestest friends birthday......Happy Birthday Candice Donahue Pullom! I love her.....she always makes me laugh! I haven't seen her for a while.....we try to talk on the phone sometimes. She is so special. We used to serve in childrens ministry together and had so much fun and became such good friends so fast! Some of you may remember her.... her and Ron sang for my mom at her birthday party at my house. They were great.
She also sang for Candy Ellis's daughters memorial for us. She is a good singer but a better friend. Happy birthday, Candice! Here is a picture of her with me, Tara and my other best friend....Sharon at a Valentines dinner.

come drink....

Don't you need regular sips from God's reservoir? I do. Max Lucado says he offers this prayer in countless situations: stressful meetings, dull days, long drives, demanding trips, character-testing decisions. Many times a day he feels dry and thirsty....not close to God and in need of His help. Drink from his bottomless well. You don't have to live with a dehydrated heart. Receive Christ's work on the cross,the energy of his Spirit, his lordship over your life, his unending, unfailing love. Drink deeply and often. And out of you will flow rivers of living water.

Lord, I come thirsty. I come to drink, to receive. I receive your work on
the cross and in your resurrection. My sins are pardoned, and my death is
defeated. I receive your energy. Empowered by your Holy Spirit, I can do all
things through Christ, who gives me strength. I receive your lordship. I belong to you. Nothing comes to me that hasn't passed through you. And I receive your love. Nothing can separate me from your love.

past 7-25-08 pic

7-25-08 view from one of papa's hospital room of bremerton, the shipyard and the helicopter pad.
7-25-04 lauren and andrew in seahawk gear.....

7-25-04 maddie swinging at the park

7-25-03 parker and patrick with mam & papa

better late than never....

Ok....so it is after lunchtime. I am late. Been a busy morning here. Maddie woke me up at 6:40 and climbed into bed with me and snuggled. We got up and I got my coffee and we sat out on the porch swing and talked. It was nice. Dylan was next one up, then Parker, Andrew, Patrick and lastly Lauren (about 2 hours after Maddie!). Papa made them bacon and pancakes for breakfast....they loved that and all ate good. I went to the beach with them all....the girls collected shells and the boys played on the giant rock. They had fun.....so did Toby! Will post pictures later. After we got home the boys played on the computer, mattress, baseball....Papa cleaned shells with girls and taught them how to play baseball. Karla picked up Maddie and Dylan. I'll be taking the others over to Andrew's later.


Got some good news today! Mom has been considering a cat....hers never did come back. She has been heartbroken. So......today Amanda called. Kristy (Bill & Judie's daughter ....and Mary's granddaughter) has a new baby that seems to make the cat uncomfortable....plus she had two cats and one is gone. She refuses to go outside....even with the door open. She is afraid.....which is what mom needs....a total inside cat. She is affectionate but a bit skittish. Gray cat named Smokey. Called mom.....here and Libby were at the Humane Society looking! Caught them just in time. Mom agreed to take the cat....apparently if it doesn't work out Kristi will take it back. I pray it works out.


Yesterday was good. Took the kids to lessons. Lauren still refuses to put her head in the water. Don't know how to get her past that! Went and got some groceries and the kids helped me unload them. That was great! The boys went to the beach. Work was awesome. Goes by really fast!!!! Met a lady my age named Karen....she is a surgical nurse at Harrison. Really nice. I think I did good. Went to the softball game after work. Our team really is good. Jay and Joel had awesome nights! All the kids made some awesome catches and plays. So proud of them! I collected money and ran to McD's for tons of McNuggets and some cheeseburgers and ice waters for starving kids. They ate during the second game. I was elected to have a slumber party....so all the kids came home with me except Jo & Riley. Brad & Tara didn't go to Amanda's for the celebration....so they took the girls. I told Jordy I would have her over another night. Lauren, Maddie and I sat out on the swing for a long time last night in the dark. Parker & Andrew were going to sleep in the trailer....but since the door didn't lock they were more comfortable in the livingroom. Papa got the door fixed today. Well, making lunches so best go! Hope your day is good. Enjoying this weather!!!! Sounds like its not going to last!

Today: Mosty sunny, mid 70s.

Saturday: A few showers on the coast and north interior. Cloudy. Highs in
the 60s.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy with a few scattered showers. Highs in the 60s.

Monday: Partly cloudy, low 70s.

Tuesday: Morning clouds, afternoon sun, a chance of rain Tuesday night. Lower 70s.

Weather Summary: One more pleasant Summer day today before coastal clouds invade for the weekend as a weak weather system slides by to the west, adding a threat of some drizzle Saturday, mostly west of the city. Sunday brings a better chance of showers before drier weather Monday
and most of Tuesday.

not easy...but worth it

Many people are surprised to find that the Christian life is not a playground, but a battleground. The day that you decide to follow Jesus Christ, you begin to face opposition from the devil. He doesn't want you to grow spiritually. He doesn't want you to move forward. So he will use every trick up his sleeve to try and pull you back.
We must recognize that to follow Christ means there is a price to pay. We may lose some friends. We may have to give up a few things. It may be difficult at times. But certainly, it is worth it.

past pics from 7-24

7-24-2003 Andrew and Lauren...5 years ago!
At the Mariner's game July 24, 2002
Dylan, Karla, Andrew, Amanda and Ryan!

This is the first thing Dylan would put on every time he was at my house!

He was in a huge motorcycle phase in his life when he was 3 years old. Even loved the old tv show "Chips"!

July 24, 2000