don't kid yourself....it's not a costume....

Satan is no play or pretend thing. He and his power are real and intended to harm. But rather than spending our time worrying about him, let's resist him when we are tempted and focus on Jesus. He's the one who won the big showdown at Calvary, triumphing over Satan. He took Satan's greatest tool and disarmed it. Now we can resist and Satan will flee.

Thank you, Almighty God, for sending Jesus to break Satan's stranglehold over us. Through the Savior's death you have assured me that mine won't be the end of our relationship, but the beginning of life with you. Today, however, I ask that you help me especially resist Satan's power over my life and the life of my kids and grandkids! Through power and in the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

These are my all-time favorite costumes of the gkids!

2006 Jared is a Pea in a Pod!

2005 Josua is Spiderman...look at those muscles!

2003 Maddie is an ice cream cone!

2005 Lauren was Lilo...from the movie Lilo and Stitch...and Andrew was Stitch!

10-31-06 Riley as Captain Jack

2000 Patrick as a dalmatian

2004 Jordan as Jasmine

2004 Dylan as Robin

1998 Parker as Tigger


1997 Andrew as Winnie the Pooh

halloween, work, haunted houses, and my continued search for better employment.....

Well, happy Halloween! Does anyone know who this is? If you don't... you've missed a huge laugh!!! Thought I would post it for Halloween. It doesn't seem like Halloween. Probably because I'm not having trick-or-treaters tonight. I'm probably going to mom's after my interview to catch them! It's just too far to expect the kids to come out here....especially when Papa will be working anyway. He is suppose to dress up....do you think I could talk him into it? No way. He's a party pooper. Speaking of parties....tomorrow will feel like Halloween to me! The sleepover is tomorrow night and I've been busy planning games etc... It will be so much fun!!!! We have tons of fun with the grandkids. Just have to figure out sleeping arrangements! You notice I never have holidays on the day?

Yesterday was a good day...despite the cold and hoarse voice. I went grocery shopping and ran into Karla and the kids. They hung out with me, came home and helped me unload and unpack the groceries, and then I took them home. They did get to see a small sub go thru. Yippeee. They get about as thrilled as me now. (sarcasm...I'm sure if you didn't live here it would be cool).

Work kept me extremely busy. Found out I'm not getting my raise like I was told at my hiring. Pam feels bad.... but the owner, Aleta, doesn't think the position warrants the raise. So now I get no extra hours and no raise. And no Poulsbo gym in the forecast. Looks like no future. hmmm. So papa said now I shouldn't feel so bad about finding another job. Of course, if you know me at all, you know I took it very personal.

The highlight of my afternoon at work was Tara and the girls stopped by to say hello! That was a ray of sunshine and made my day! I loved it! And during my lunch I went to the bank and then went and visited Lester and Cheryl. She wants to go to Yuma for her knee surgery.....so I suggest she go in May and June and we will housesit for them...that would solve both of our problems! Pretty smart of me, huh? Surprised myself!

After work I went and picked up Maddie and we went to Dylan's haunted house at school! We had to wait 30 minutes to get in....but it was pretty cool once we were in there. The kids did a fabulous job!!!! The little girl behind me...Ann (Maddie's classmate from Japan) was a bit scared. Poor little thing! But she loved it! So did Maddie....for the 2nd time.

Came home exhausted. Watched Survivor and played phone tag with Sharon during it. We've been doing that for years. Compare thoughts and notes....lol!

Today is cleaning and getting ready for tomorrow! I also have my job interview at 2:00! Then to mom's and then home. Busy day....but not as busy as tomorrow!

I have another job interview on Tuesday! Karen Cooper from CMC Daycare wants to meet with me Tuesday morning! Something should happen. I'm really not worried. I know God has it under control and will give me strength and wisdom for whatever job He gives me!

Lois updated her blog. It is short but sweet. That is about it for the day! Hope you have a wonderful and safe Halloween! It is pouring outside now...but looks like it will be ok tonight.....

What's Ahead: Today starts cool and wet, but it will be drier for Trick or Treating tonight! We'll see fewer raindrops this afternoon and this evening for Halloween. Highs today staying in the mid 50s.
Look for a lull in rainfall through early Saturday. Rain returns Saturday afternoon and evening with a new wet weather system spinning out of that Pacific low.
More showers arrive Sunday. Weekend highs will be in the mid and upper 50s.
Rain showers continue through the middle of next week, and temps will cool to the 40s and 50s during the day. Snow levels Monday drop to near pass levels.

don't take him too lightly.....

Just as police officers call for back-up when they sense that danger may be imminent, the first thing we must realize about spiritual battle is that in our own strength, we are no match for the devil. I think a healthy respect of our adversary is in order for believers today. We don't want to underestimate him, nor do we want to overestimate him. We want to accurately assess who he is and what his abilities are. We need to recognize that he is powerful; we don't want to try and take him in our own strength.

When I hear some preachers on television or the radio calling the devil silly little names, laughing at him, or making jokes about him, I remember what Jude 9 says... that even the high-ranking Archangel Michael did not dare to condemn the devil with mockery. He simply said, "The Lord rebuke you!" He knew his enemy.

The reason we need to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" is because Satan wants to get us away from that. It is our power base. He wants to separate us from God, because the moment he gets us away from Him, we are open prey. Thus, the devil wants to put a wedge between God and us.The only power that can effectively drive Satan out is the power of Jesus Christ. Be strong in the Lord. Stay close to Him. Don't let anything come between you and God.

Father, forgive me for the times I have not taken the threat of evil seriously. Give me a holy revulsion for anything that is tied to what is unholy and opposed to your work and will. Let me not be deceived by temptation and deliver me from the power of the evil one in all of his forms. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

halloween or bday party?

October 30, 1999....taken 9 years ago! Here is Patrick (4 months), Dylan and Parker (2 years old) , Jordy (just days shy of being 2) and Andrew (3)! Where did the time go girls?????

papa, interview, maddie, and more......

Poor papa didn't sleep well last night. Which woke me up. The outside motion light at the driveway came on 3 times and he had to check it out. Must have been an animal. He let Toby out.... who didn't bark. He would have flipped out had it been a person. Then he got phlegm stuck so he kept coughing til he finally got up. He's at the tail end of this cold. Of course....he says he didn't give it to me! whatever.

My interview went really well.... they always do! She recognized me when I walked in. We've taken our animals to them since they first opened downtown...when we had Punky, Baby kitten, Bear, etc.... Did some name dropping about mutual friends and acquaintances.... thanks Karen!!!! Plus she loves Andrew!!! Andrew and her daughter Jill and Karen's daughter Caitlin all went to kindergarten thru 4th grade together! Plus I know Kimmy (used to be McCollum) who worked there as a vet and they love! So we had a good conversation. Doesn't mean I got the job.... but it was a nice visit.

Had time to kill before work so I went and picked up Maddie and we ran down to DQ for a quick bite to eat and we had a nice visit. She cracks me up! Heard all about school and her friends and the ones she doesn't like. Some don't speak English! How does the teacher do that? One kid got in Maddie's face and stuck his tongue out at her. Frankly, I'm shocked he got away with it. I'm surprised she didn't deck him! Another kid talks funny and has dark skin but he's not from another country, she informed me. I'm gonna have to go check these kids out! She doesn't have a boyfriend because she told me she is going to wait until she gets to heaven and marry George "the animal" Steel.... the WWF wrestler. Don't ask. And Joel? Guard your pumpkin... she's going to make a pie from it. lol!

Heard from Lester last night. Cheryl's knee that she broke didn't heal properly. Now they are going to have to replace it.... but it won't be until probably next summer! Poor Cheryl... it is always one thing after another with her. Keep her in your prayers.

I get to work at noon today! That is a few more hours anyways. Except Jeff won't be there. He is getting a root canal done today. I'll be praying for him! It is so nice to work with Christian's. I've been trying to help him with his bible study on marriage. His wife is really sweet.

Having Toby and Punkin are like having children sometimes. She gets rowdy and he tries to hide because he doesn't like to play with her. She goes on the bed and stares him down.... daring him to get on the bed. It is weird. The only thing that dog is afraid of is her! And she knows it!

Well....hope someone goes to that play with me! Miss Ashley, my friend, is in it! I'm hoping I get to it! Keep trying to go to her plays but something happens.

Kevin and Libby delivered Donny's car and some of his stuff to Don and Lois yesterday. They have a few things to fix on the car.... then Denise is going for her license. Plus Lois said she can have the lap top computer if she goes to college. If not, she is keeping it. There is some incentive for you! Days get easier for Don and Lois but yesterday probably was tough. I called and talked to both her and Don last night. It never goes away.

Well, best finish. Hope your day is smooth.... not potholes. God bless!

What's Ahead:
Expect a mix of sun and clouds today with just a chance of some rain. Highs under the partly sunny skies will be between 55 and 60, with north wind to 10 mph.
Friday highs should hit the mid 50s as slightly cooler air flows through. Lows for Halloween night drop to around 50.

who wants to see this with me? suppose to be awesome!

King’s West Performance Company presents...

Grace Diner

Written and Directed by GWEN MANSFIELD

"Once you’ve eaten at the Diner,

your life will never be the same."

November 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23

2008

Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 pm

First Sunday 2:00 pm

Second Sunday 2:00 and 6:00 pm

It's 1943! Join us on an enchanting journey with sixteen quirky characters unexpectedly stuck during a snow storm in Bremerton, Washington. World War II music and costumes frame this delightful comedy.

TICKETS ON SALE

(credit cards now accepted)

For Tickets and Information Call Janis Miller, (360) 377-7700

Doors open 30 minutes before curtain. Star Supporters coming for an additional performance and those without tickets are recommended to arrive 30 minutes before curtain. This production is recommended for ages 9 and older. Please no babies or young children as it is an intimate theatre and disturbances distract the actors and audience.

Star Supporters: To be a Star Supporter you purchase a season pass and the following takes place: You reserve your seats once for the season's performances. You can see the show more than once by arriving 30 minutes prior to curtain and listing your name for an available seat. Please inform the ticket taker that you are a Star Supporter. A person who has never seen the show will be the only person who would take priority over your name on the list. You are a supporter of the performing theatre arts at King's West School. The student actors and technicians receive a strong financial base from the Star Supporters. You take part in theatre of excellence. Thank you for supporting Performance Company! Tickets prices: Star Supporter Season Pass $28.00 (some restirctions) Family pass (immediate family) $26.00 Adults $9.00 Seniors/Students $7.00 KW Students $5.00 Groups of 10 or more $7.00

what are you looking for???

What are you looking for? What are you wanting? Are you a "God-seeker"? Through much of history...when things are going well or in times of great wickedness, God has not found many who seek after him. But he's looking! He's searching! It matters to him! Just as God walked with Adam and Eve...God longs to walk with us. But he's looking for those whose hearts are wanting his presence in their lives. So let's be wanting!

Father, continue to search for the hearts that need to know you and to be known by you. Use me to shine the light...your light. I look forward to the day that I see you face to face. Until that day, please show your presence in my life and do your will in my character. May others see my life and know that I am your child and that I live to exalt your holy name. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

halloween party in 2005....

These two pics of Riley and Lauren were not taken on the 29th at our Halloween party like the ones below them.....but I can't find any taken that night so I'm showing you their costumes they wore that night in 2005.

Joshua

Andrew

Patrick

Parker

Maddie

Jordan

Dylan

All these pictures were taken 10-29-05! Can you guess what everyone is? Our family isn't catholic......but you wouldn't have known that 3 years ago. Here are Tara and Brad going to a Halloween party! Great costumes! That's one big cross Brad is wearing!!! Don't forget to check out my Halloween link for more great costumes worn in our family over the years!

interviews, facebook, and sadness......

Today is my interview with the vet! I'm excited! I also have an interview this Friday at 2:o0 at Westsound Orthopedics. That place has 2 openings! I'm still praying and searching! Amanda has faxed a few out for me....which I really appreciate since I'm not hooked up to fax. So pray for me.

Sad news.....got an email from our friend Cindy Thompson (Craigmont's wife). Her foster sister was in a diabetic coma and passed away last night. Keep the family in your prayers, too. We know how hard it is to lose a loved one.

Well, never did get my facebook back......so I started a whole new one. You'll have to invite me as your friend if I lost you. Sorry. Getting my friends back, though. What an ordeal. Put 3 new photo albums in there that have some great pictures....ones that just speak to you.....some of my favorite family pics of all time. Hope you get a chance to browse. If you're not a facebook person....subscribe! It is easy and fun. I have found tons of people....old family members and classmates, etc.... I found my friend Konni Hoover Barich from high school through her sister Kristy! Konni was Miss Kitsap and we had a blast with that one year. She was older than I and we did lots of things we probably shouldn't have. We're setting up a coffee date soon!

Well, the stupid cold sores have struck the corner of my mouth. Sometimes that happens when I get a cold. The cold isn't too bad...it moved from sinus' one day, to throat yesterday, to chest today. If it keeps moving down it should be out by Friday! lol!

Work went good last night. Sold a membership. Julie came in so we got to chat. If I got the part time job at Westsound.....it would be 8-1 Monday-Friday and I could keep my Snap job, too. That would be cool. The other one is full time....like the vet. I'll watch God's plan open up....maybe he'll shut the door on all three. We'll see.

Well, I'm getting so excited about our sleepover this weekend! Jordy's bday party is first and then we'll take the kids home with us. It will be fun a fun day!

Hope you have a great day! May God bless it and you!

What's Ahead: A misty, gray start to Wednesday. Spots of drizzle are expected before areas of light rain develop.
Thursday: Dry weather and partly sunny skies.
Friday: Rain at times Friday through the weekend.
When making your Halloween plans, be prepared for the possibility of a little rain even though some areas will not see a drop. The Halloween weather front is weak and will only produce areas of light rain at times.

why worry?

Life is scary right now. We have an economy that is shaky at best, we have people trying to take God out of our country and lives, we have insecurities and concerns everywhere....and then the election coming in a week!!! Why wouldn't we worry? Let's find out why shouldn't we worry?

First of all, Jesus tells us, it's because of the Father. Our Heavenly Father is watching out for us. In Matthew 6:25 Jesus points to the birds. Certainly, the birds need to go out and gather their food. They do their part to get what they need. But they don't worry about it. The point Jesus is making is that if God cares for the birds, will He not take care of you? The answer obviously is yes, He will.

Second, worry does not bring about anything productive in your life. It is a destructive emotion. It doesn't lengthen your life and can even potentially shorten it.

The next time you are tempted to worry about something, put all of that energy into prayer instead. Say, "Lord, here is my problem. I am putting it in your hands. I am going to trust you." That is not an easy thing to do. But it is something we need to consciously do.

Loving Father and Almighty God, forgive my distraction over temporal things. I believe that you have given me everything I need. It is sometimes hard for me not to worry some about money and other issues. I know that I am richly blessed and have so many advantages. But Father, I don't want to be owned by the things I possess and I don't want to be sidetracked by trying to acquire what I don't have. Please help me as I seek to be rich in kindness, generosity, and thankfulness with whatever you choose to bless me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

look at that hair....

This was taken on October 28, 2004. Lauren had the best head of hair! How could these not be the picture of the day????? What a cutie!

colds, Rita, and facebook frustration....

I found out yesterday I am a great aunt again! Cory is a new dad! Hilary will be sending pictures soon! Congrats Cory and Brianne....and welcome Jace!!!!

I rested yesterday. Except for dishes....I didn't exert myself....didn't go to bible study either. Pretty yucky headache, body ache and stuff. Colds are not fun....but it will pass. Right? So I don't have a lot to report from yesterday. I got a phone call and could have had a job interview had I lived in Yakima. lol! Rita called while Lanny was at Bible Study last night.... we chatted for quite a while. That is always nice. She's doing good. Kern is doing good, too. Lanny hasn't had a chance to talk to him in ages. I messed up facebook yesterday. I signed Lanny up and he's already heard from Rita and Susan on it....but somehow now I can't log in. hmmm.

I work this afternoon. That's about all on the calendar. Hope you have a great day! Hope you all have a wonderful day! May God bless you, protect you, and guide you!

What's Ahead: The sunny and dry stretch of weather is fading. This morning will have areas of fog and drizzle but the afternoon will break out to mostly sunny.
Wednesday will begin mostly cloudy with a potential of light rain late day.
Thursday will be partly to mostly cloudy and high temperatures will remain in the 50s.
Late Thursday night a frontal system will bring a strong southerly flow and rain will develop by Friday morning. Steady rain will change to showers behind the front which will begin to taper in time for "Trick or Treat".
A brief break in between storm systems is expected with another weather system increasing rain later Saturday and showers continuing through Sunday.

we really don't have to be afraid...

When all is said and done, there really isn't a whole lot we can trust. Most of us have been hurt at one time or another by a friend or family member who has betrayed our trust. The world economy is volatile and things can turn sour in just a few days. The weather shifts and changes by the hour. But in our world of change, in our heartbreak and disappointment, there is one constant. We can trust God. We don't have to fear change. He is our anchor that holds in the strongest storms. He is our strength in our worst battles. His word and his promises speak of good things for us. We don't have to be afraid; we can trust in him. No matter what the election outcome next week, no matter what happens in our economy, no matter what happens with our families and churches....God is God.

Almighty Father, my Deliverer and Strength, with your help and presence I will not fear the days ahead. I praise you for sustaining your people, preserving your Word, the Bible, through persecutions and purges. I praise you and will not be afraid because my life and my future are in your hands. In the name of Jesus, my Lord, I pray. Amen.

halloween party from 2006....

I love these laughing pictures!!!! You can see how much fun it was! We had the party at Auntie Karla's last year and just had a blast! This year it's at mam's house and it's a sleepover! These are my pictures of the day!!!

the yuckies, church, and facebook.....

I am praying this isn't a cold coming on! I don't want it. Yesterday morning I woke with a sinus headache which continued most of the day and is still going on. Hopefully it will just go away. I've been very fortunate.....a few allergy problems and just feeling punk, but no colds for a long time.

Dylan, Maddie and I went to KidStuf in the morning and then to church. Both were really good. It was nice to see all our friends. It was weird sitting at KidStuf and watching everyone....yet not really feeling a part of it any more. Kind of sad, too. Then up in church I am sitting there before church checking out all the new people I've never seen and Pastor Barry sat down with me and talked for over 5 minutes before service. That was nice....he really misses Lanny, too. It's hard with Lanny working Sunday mornings. I wish he had Sunday's and Monday's off. That would be perfect. After church we had a text message for Dylan to call his mom.....he knew what it was before he talked to her....his dad got a deer! He was so jazzed he was calling everyone!!!! Too cute. Very proud of his dad. Came home and played bunco, ate, watched the Seahawks win,and played Mariner & Seahawk trivia games on Facebook. It was a good day....then KJ picked them up. We watched the Amazing Race and went to bed.

I really love facebook. I don't totally understand it yet....but tons of my friends are on it. Pastor and I are friends on it and he is amazed at the old friends he is picking up from being on it. I've met family I didn't know I had and got reacquainted with some people from high school! Lanny's sis, Rita, even just started it! Now if we can convince Tara and Meghan. hmmm. It is growing. I don't think it is as fancy as myspace....but it is cool in it's own way.

Well....going to rest today. We have Bible Study tonight. Today is nephew Brandon's birthday....he is 3! Only seen him a couple times...lives over in Lynnwood and they don't get over often. It is also Lanny's brother's birthday....Mike....who we've never met and lives in Forks...on his dad's side. Hope they both have great b-days!

Hope you all have a great week.....so happy October is almost done. Please, Lord, I pray November is better than September and October were!!!!!

What's Ahead: We'll keep the sunny and dry weather going into the work week. Another sunny day on Monday. Temperatures running above average as well with low 60s through most areas.
Tuesday stays mostly sunny and dry as well.
On Wednesday some changes on the way. A warm front moving in late Wednesday and Thursday expected to bring some scattered showers around the area.
On Friday expect more widespread rain as a series of disturbances move in toward next weekend.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREN!

Today is cousin Karen's birthday! She is the sweetest person with the greatest smile! We adore Karen and hope she has a wonderful day today....many, many more happy and healthy years to come! Happy birthday, Karen!

the blessings are so many....

"The prayers go up and the blessings come down..." The words to this children's song are only half right, because God sends his blessings many times even when we don't pray. But just as we love the special smell that comes with a drought-breaking rain, God loves the aroma of his children's joy, especially when he is the source of its delight! He's given each of us so many blessings! Let's focus on our blessings and not our burdens today!

Holy God and tender Father, you are my great delight. When all others fail, you are still God. You are my rock and fortress, you are my tender shepherd, and you are my solid mountain that cannot be shaken or moved. Your blessings and grace shower down upon me and fill me with joy. I can't wait for the day I get to see you face to face and delight in your presence forever. Until then, I will rejoice in anticipation. In Jesus' glorious name I pray. Amen.

the kevonator.....

10-26-91.......the Kevonator!

carnival, popcorn ripoff, score.....

A night at the carnival!!! I am pretty sure it is my last carnival. Did get to visit with old friend Cyndi Gilman for awhile. That was nice. Here is Maddie as a bride and Dylan Commander Blade....the vampire slayer.



Ok....they need to do things differently at the school carnival. It was packed and the lines were way too long! We did one game in the gym....the bean bag toss. We laughed at Dylan....he got all 3 in first try and walked away SOOO cool (you can see in the pictures). It was funny. We did the cake walk twice. It cost $10 for us to get in and then another $3 for the cake walk. Of course, we didn't win. Oh well. For a good cause, right? Maddie and I took a break and colored a picture. Sat with her friend Layla and her mom.
Papa got 2 things of popcorn for a dollar.....mine was only half full. Papa couldn't believe I asked the lady to fill it up. Who wouldn't....besides him? It was only half full!!!!! They were ripping me off! Came home and watched movies.

Yesterday was a boring day at work. It was pretty quiet. Busy when I first got there but died around noonish on. Got a text at work from Ry....Andrew scored at his soccer game. Bet he was happy! Sounded like Ry was!

Well....I guess that is it! Dylan and Maddie hanging out most of the day... we may go to KidStuf! Have a wonderful day.....especially you Karen!

What's Ahead: Warm and sunny fall weather on the way for the rest of your weekend and early next week.... mostly sunny skies and higher temperatures. Some fog developing in the morning hours will give way to mostly sunny skies in the afternoon. Temperatures running in the low to mid 60s across most areas of Western Washington. The dry pattern holds for the early part of next week. Clouds start increasing on Wednesday as moisture starts feeding into the area. Showers back in the forecast for your Thursday.