the nations, seasons, and everything is his...

When Moses confronted Pharaoh and was met only by the hardness of Pharaoh's heart, God sent the plagues. Why? Because God wanted Pharaoh to know that Israel's God wasn't just another god, but that the LORD was the Only True and Living God. The nations, the seasons, and the earth are his. All people must come to revere his name and receive his grace.

God of all the universe and of all that I can imagine, experience, or see, I praise you and proclaim you to be God indeed. Thank you for opening my eyes to your beauty. In Jesus' name I praise you. Amen.

messy, messy maddie.....

I love this picture of Maddie! It was taken on
September 30, 2005.
I think she is helping her mom with cupcakes....
or herself to frosting. So cute!

punkin, ashes, and fundraisers.....

Happy Birthday Punkin!!!! It was a year ago today we got our cat Punkin! Dylan and Maddie were with us after church when we picked her up....Dylan named her and she loves Dylan. When he sat to open presents Sunday on the floor....she walked right over to him to lay by him. Too funny. If we don't know the actual day our pets are born on we acknowledge their birthday on the day we got them. She was 2 so today she is 3! She's a good cat. Pain sometimes.... but all cats are.

Well, another day in paradise....literally! I watched movies yesterday so I didn't have to watch our economic situation. Lanny's retirement is losing money. Most peoples are. Not good. I watched Alex & Emma with Kate Hudson. It was ok... nothing great. Then watched Anger Management with Adam Sandler & Jack Nicholson. All the bad words were edited out.... but I was getting aggravated watching it and almost shut it off a few times. Glad I didn't.... the ending was pretty good. Thought of Kevon when it started out. Kevon is so mellow and he had to go to anger management for hitting a kid at school. The woman wouldn't believe that he was a mellow kid without anger problems. It was dumb.

Rita and Kern spread mom's ashes on her property last night. In the middle of the circle was where she wanted to be so she could watch over the place. This made it final for Rita. She said it was very hard to do and the house seems very empty now because she knows she's not coming back. Thank you for your prayers for them... keep praying.

I didn't get that job. I got an email yesterday. I was sad.... but nothing I can do about it but to keep looking. God has his plans.

Got an email from my friend Lindsey..... I will be helping out at the auction fundraiser Trina's having for cancer at Kiana Lodge on the 11th.... checking people in etc... That will be fun. I need to bring someone with me.... let me know if you're interested. Noah is doing great.... he finished round 5 of chemo... one more to go! He didn't get sick and took it all like the trooper he is! God is good.

Dylan had a great day yesterday! What an awesome weekend for his birthday! He started out Thursday getting a new tv and dvd player for his room from his parents and grandpa, then went to the mariner game with his family Friday, then a party with his friends and sleepover Saturday, party here on Sunday, and yesterday he went out for biscuits & gravy for breakfast at Central Market....so good... and then to Red Robin for dinner! Lucky kid!!!!! They sang to him in choir, too. My friend is his teacher, Cyndi Gilman. I emailed her and told her. They announce it at school too. Pretty cool!

Mom is getting company today.... she is so excited! Rita, Vicky, Justin and Denika are coming over to visit her. That is so awesome! If they get by early enough I might pop over to say hello. Mom found out Kristy's cat that she had taken for a bit that wouldn't come out from under the bed..... is perfectly happy and content with Kristy's baby crawling all over it. Brady loves the cat! So I'm happy they have it back. I love happy endings. lol!

Speaking of endings..... I am done for now. Work this afternoon and that's about it. Have a happy day full of sunshine and smiles!

TUESDAY: Another day filled with sunshine. High temps in the middle to upper 70s.
Wednesday: transition day... the clouds increase before rain returns on Thursday. Temperatures will be in the lower 70s.
Thursday: Temps in mid 60s with the rain developing.
Friday: Periods of steady rain and gusty winds are expected.
A peek ahead to the weekend shows us staying in a damp and cool pattern. Rain showers are in the outlook for both Saturday and Sunday with highs in the lower 60s.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DYLAN!!!!!

I adore Dylan - I am so thankful for him and how much joy and laughter he brings to my life and our family. He is like no other! He is so smart and organized! I ove the way he loves to plan... and he can memorize anything...his reading skills have always been off the charts and he is always right. Just ask him. If he is proven wrong...his answer is "hmm." He is soooo funny without even realizing it half the time! He loves to talk and is such a great kid! He is such a brilliant light in our lives and we thank God daily for him! Happy birthday Dylan.... and may you have many more happy and healthy ones ahead! Love you!!!!

some things are not that complicated.....

This is the lesson I taught the girls yesterday and they loved saying it with the hand signals. This was a great and easy lesson for them to learn. You know ....some things are just not very complicated. Living for Jesus can be boiled down to two principles: love God with everything I am and have and love others and treat them like I would like to be treated. Not too hard to understand. I guess it's the living it that is the challenge!

O Living and only True God. Please accept the work of my hands, the words of my mouth, the moments of my rest, and the love of my heart as my worship to you this day. I pray that these are pleasing and refreshing to you. In the name of your Son, my Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.

pretty ladies.....

Maddie and Lauren wanted this to be the
picture of the day today.
I can't blame them....it is so cute of Tara, Jordan and Riley!
This was taken on September 29, 2004!

lessons, party, and birthdays.....

The birthday boy....guess his age! Turning 11....you're right!
Can you tell by the face? lol!

Dylan opening presents with the girls in front watching!

I think he likes this present!

Dylan's dad bringing out the cake...
everyone singing happy birthday!

Blowing out the candles!

The older kids enjoying their cake & ice cream.

And the younger ones enjoying theirs!!!Maddie and her great-grandma!
Brad, Tara, Jordan and Riley

It is 4:22....couldn't sleep in. Stuff on the mind. This is going to be a very long week and I'm not looking forward to it at all.

Yesterday was a rough day and also a fun day. I wasn't feeling well at all in the morning. I was better by afternoon but not great. The girls and I cleaned the house and had our Sunday morning bible study. They did so good and loved it. We do little skits and stuff. We learned about loving God first and then others. And about forgiveness. Those are both the most important things a person can learn. We made a Poke Jello Cake, too. We had the party, which was a success! Karla brought 2 pizza's, ice cream, fruit, chips, pop, etc.... We ate, Dylan opened his gifts, and we had cake and ice cream. Kevon and Meghan and Ryan and Amanda and the kids all left around the same time. Then mom left. Karla suggested a game....so her and I and Tara, Jordan and Dylan played Apples to Apples. It was so fun and made me feel better.

Today is Dylan's birthday and he has school. It is my cousin Don Tuff's birthday, too! Happy birthday to both!!! Suppose to have blood work done today...think I'll wait until Wednesday. Well, hope you have a good day....full of NICE surprises and people showing you some love! That's a good day.

What's Ahead: If you enjoyed the sunny and warm weather we had over the weekend, you'll love Monday's forecast. Temperatures will warm into the upper 70s and lower 80s. Monday's record for Seattle is 81 degrees and we should be near that number before the day is done. Tuesday will also be mostly sunny, but temperatures are going to drop back to the middle 70s. Cooler air from the Pacific begins to push inland on Wednesday, bringing more cloud cover with partial afternoon clearing. Highs will be in the lower 70s. Showers are set to develop on Thursday. Temperatures will only be in the middle 60s. Wet and breezy conditions are expected Friday and into the weekend.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!!

Today mom turns 81 years old! I am so thankful for every year we have her! She is like a best friend to me....what a mom should be. I know I can call her any time with any need, question or problem and she is there for me. She loves with all her heart. She forgives with all her heart. Not only forgives....but forgets. Her and dad tried to teach us kids to see the best in situations....keep a sense of humor. See the best in people...don't be so quick to judge others because you don't know their story. Do not hold grudges, pick your battles, and don't sweat the little stuff. That is how they lived their lives and wanted us to all be. They loved us unconditionally and we always knew it. I love you mom! I love your smile, your laugh (or cackle as dad called it) and I love your hugs! I thank the Lord for you!!!!! Happy birthday....I am praying for many more happy and healthy birthdays and years to come for you!

cold, hard, facts....or not?

It sounds so simple and straightforward, doesn't it? Kinda like the newspaper headline about someone dying we don't know. Just cold, hard facts! But we know differently. Underneath this statement of grace lies the broken heart of God, the sacrifice of heaven, the brutality of supposedly religious men, and the searching love of our God who would not abandon us to the cruel "Deathmaster." For those who knew animal sacrifice, with its high personal cost and animal sacrifices, this verse is more than a headline: it is a "graceline." Once and for all -- no more sacrifices needed. Bring you to God -- no more distance, no intermediaries between God and us. Jesus is heaven's open door and God's open heart saying, "Come home; we've been waiting for you."

Father, what words can I use to express my appreciation for your sacrifice and grace? I have none sufficient to say what I feel. But even in this realization, I know the gift of your Spirit ensures that you hear my words and my heart. Every good and lasting thing I have comes from your grace. Please receive my undying love and my heartfelt praise for all you are, for all you have done, and for all that you will be. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.

mom's party in 2002....

This was mom's birthday 2002 on her deck. There is me, Tara, Dad, Libby, Jessica, David, Mom, Alyssa, and Parker, Andrew, Kevin, Kara, Amanda, Emerson, Heather, Patrick, Karla, Dylan, Kevon and Jordan! This was taken only 6 years ago today. It brings a smile to my face.

soccer, birthdays, and sleepovers......

Andrew is #34 and has the ball in this picture.
Here he is again with the ball. Good control. He's a pretty good player.
Look at the ball way up in the air! The other kid doesn't see it over his head?

Go andrew..............

This is a funny picture....I think Ryan is helping
Andrew get the ball back in bounds.

Lauren was so hot!!! Ice cold water does the trick!

Maddie loves Jordan so much!!!!

It is so bright they can't even open their eyes!
It was bright...and nice!

Uncle Ryan playing with Maddie....she loves it!

Ryan and his daddy!

Worked yesterday....papa and maddie came and helped me close up.... and we got our certificate for being the #1 fitness club!!!! We went to the soccer game....here are some pictures. It was beautiful weather....but Andrew was sweating! He got really hot and they lost again. I think Ryan and Andrew are frustrated with the team. Not sure what is going on. After the game we stopped at walmart for cake mix. Lauren made me laugh there....she found a grocery list in the cart....I asked her what it said and she told me "I don't read courage." She meant cursive". I thought that was so cute. We were almost home and papa realized my van was still at Snap Fitness!!! So frustrating! So we went Clear Creek back. It is 19 miles if I go that way, the freeway, or silverdale way. Weird. Papa made dinner and the girls played. Andrew was with his mom and dad at Old Mill Days. Ryan called and Andrew had just ridden the Zipper and was grinning bigtime! Sounds like they were having fun....and Mark Davison's band was playing and they were staying to hear them. Sleeping went good...Maddie only woke up once at 1:30 so I could fix her blankets...they were on the floor. Pretty good. It is 7:15 and she got up to use the bathroom and she said she is going back to bed. The kids always get to bed at 10 here...too excited. Lauren rarely ever wakes up here during the night and sleeps in. Really wanted Riley and Jo but with the party today and all....she knew they would be too tired come Monday. Missed them. It'll be nice...seeing the girls 3 days in a row!!!

Today is Dylan's birthday party at 4! That will be fun to be together. It has been a months! We'll miss Heather, though. She's coming next weekend for Kevon and Meghan's reception. Hopefully we can get a family picture! It is mom's bday today but she didn't want a party this year. But we had a lunch....and she wants to make sure today is Dylan's day. Plus, everyone is coming over next weekend for the reception and she didn't want to ask people to come two weekends in a row. She is thoughtful.

We're going to Andrew's soccer game, too, at 11. Well....that's all there is. Have a great day....God bless! Enjoy the sunshine....

Sunday's highs will climb into the lower 70s, then reach the upper 70s and lower 80s on Monday. We'll drop back to the middle 70s on Tuesday under mostly sunny skies. A gradual push of cooler Pacific air returns by mid-week. Clouds should increase late Wednesday and Thursday. The longer range forecast calls for the next round of rain to hold off until Thursday night and Friday.

where is your heart?

We had a friend, Rocky Schoen, that used to say "Where is your heart?" You can often tell where your heart is by what comes out of your mouth. How many times have you said the "wrong" thing? For me, it is more often than I would like to recall. Jesus' words on this topic are indeed convicting to me: "Out of the abundance of the heart does the mouth speak." In other words, poor words and bad timing in our speech are more issues of our heart than issues of social skills and decorum. Let's ask God to purify, mend, and re-focus our heart on his will and passions.

God, please purify my heart of all evil, hate, duplicity, prejudice, malice, lust and greed. By the powerful name of Jesus, please drive away any evil power or enticing temptation that would corrupt my heart and wound my soul. Fill my heart with love, grace, righteousness, holy passion, gentleness, forbearance, sensitivity, courage, conviction, and forgiveness. Give me discernment to know which of these qualities are needed at any given moment. Sanctify me -- body, soul, and spirit -- with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

pic of day from 2004...lauren sleeping

9-27-04 Lauren can fall asleep anywhere.....
even at lunch!

Red Robin, mom's birthday, and fun....

Here is all of us....the waitress took the picture of us. What a bunch of pretty ladies!


Riley was really enjoying her spaghetti at Red Robin!
Riley with her great grandma!
Jordan and Riley being goofy!
Jordan and Tara....nice retainer Jo! lol!
Tara and the girls with grandma....
Jordan and her great grandma....it looks like a gap in jo's teeth but it is really her retainer. She is so pretty!
Pretty girl Maddie was showing me how she smiled in her school pictures.
Mom was a bit embarrassed by the singing.....it took them two attempts to do it!
Tara telling Aunt Libby all about Jamaica....they had a great visit.
Me and my girl Riley....she was being real cuddly! I sure didn't mind!
I love this picture of Tara and the girls! What beauties!
Another good picture.....look at all those beautiful, brown eyes!!!!
I can't even begin to tell you how many takes it took to get this picture! Riley tried, Jordan tried, and then finally Tara took the camera. Too funny!


Another day when things didn't go as I planned....but they went better! I had a great day! It started out because I wanted to see Tara and the girls...so I asked if they wanted to go have lunch. So we decided on Red Robin. Then I asked mom if she wanted to go. She did....and then it grew to also Karla and Maddie and Libby! It was great! Since mom's birthday is Sunday we decided to make this a birthday lunch! Libby brought mom. It was soooooo much fun! It was really funny when mom left the table and about 6-8 people come out clapping their hands to our table to sing happy birthday and she wasn't there! We got a good laugh out of that. They came back when she did which was nice. She was embarrassed....which was the whole point. I'll put on the video too. It was great food and family! Then I took her to visit with one of her best friends, Mary Davison. That was such a nice visit. We always laugh alot with her. After taking mom home I dropped of a chili corndog with Andrew and visited him for a few minutes and then came home. Wonderful day. Mom really enjoyed it.

Today I have to work....then hoping to see some of Andrew's soccer game....then having a sleep-over with Lauren and Maddie! That will be fun!

Been wondering how Maddie's first Mariner game went last night. Karla texts that she forgot her camera. That must have frustrated her. I'm sure they had fun.

Sad news.....actor Paul Newman died of cancer at the age of 83. Pray for the family.

Well....hope your day is full of fun, family and friends! Have a great Saturday! God bless!