The Rogers have won pictures of the day!

These pictures were taken 12-31-05 of Joel with his kids! They are both touching moments and I love these pictures.... that's why they're my favorite! And I didn't even take them....imagine that!

Ending the year priority....

As you stand at the end of one year and look over tomorrow into the beginning of a new one, please remember that before the resolutions are made and broken, and before this year has come to an end, declare to the Lord and in your hearts, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord..." (Joshua 24:15b) as our first priority!

As I conclude this year and begin another, I pray that you will help me keep my eyes on Jesus, dear Father, and my heart focused on your will. In Jesus' name. Amen.

12-31-08 Wednesday...thank you!!!!

I want to thank all of you for your prayers yesterday. I could feel them while I was working and my day went so much better.....God changed my heart and calmed the situation. While driving to work I was praying and He gently reminded me how it was at the gym....how I was always getting "love note" for what I needed to improve, pay attention to, what I did wrong, etc... from Pam. That went on for a few months and I would get so frustrated with myself. But by the time she let me go....I had it down! So when he reminded me of that I knew I could get this job down.
Thank you for your words of encouragement! Those have been awesome to read and so helpful! Nice to have people there to encourage and push a bit! Love you guys!!!! Yesterday was so much better! My mind seemed clearer and sharper. I didn't hang up on a single doctor that phoned in! lol! I felt calmer, too. When I first walked in I didn't speak hardly at all. Just focused on getting going....but after some wonderful old ladies called in and made me laugh I really started relaxing. And Krysta and I talked a bit so that helped. Enough of my job.

Tonight is the sleepover at mam's!!!! I don't know who's more excited...me or the kids! I love a full house! I've always had one so it's hard when it's empty all the time. Need to get some things ready...papa is picking up kids today and Jo & Riley will meet me at work! We have to pick up a pizza or something....haven't figured out whats for dinner yet. No plans....just fun and games....and lots of pictures!

Hope you have a great night and a safe night tonight....and happy new year!!!!!!!!!!

Jared smiling and andrews little snowman....

12-30-06 I had to post this cute picture of Jared taken 2 years ago! He was only 8 months old. It is one of my favorite pictures of him.... so it has to make the picture of the day!
12-30-03 Andrew's first snowman of the year. Pretty cute, huh?

We need direction....

No matter how fresh the start nor how great the plans we have made, if we do not walk with God, the coming year will not be a spiritual success. As we receive this gift of a new year, let's commit to serve the Lord. As we make plans for the coming days ahead, let's make sure that those plans are made based on the LORD's revealed will in Scripture and prayerful consideration of what our God wants us to accomplish. God, thank you for being very near as I start on a new year. Please help me know your will each day. Bring the people into my life who will help me love you more, serve you effectively, and bless others in meaningful ways. To you be all the honor and glory in what I do, think, and say in the days ahead. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

12-30-08 .... stress and depression

I want to thank Kelly for all your encouraging words. I'm glad you came into my life. I need encouragement from time to time. Speaking of which....

Yesterday was a terrible day. Work was so hard I cried all the way home. You have no idea how difficult it is. Dealing with every little detail....there is little room for error! And now I am feeling pressured to hurry...which when you don't know what you're doing and have to speed that process up...it is tough. I am hoping when we get the phones in the back (which is suppose to be today) things will improve. I'm not just hoping, I am praying! Please pray for my day today. This stress is killing me. I am thankful for the job, but stressing, too. And getting depressed. I feel I am letting God down with the job he gave me...that I am failing. That's hard.

Well, not much more to write about. Hope you have a great day!

Boys can be goons....

This was taken 12-29-06 and is my picture of the day! I love it because it shows how goonie Dylan and Patrick are and how easily distracted Parker is. Makes me smile!

The old is gone....

The year is gone, finished, past. We cannot reclaim it or undo it. We cannot rest on the great distance it has brought us. If tomorrow dawns, it will be another day, a new opportunity, and the time to show our faith in Jesus as Lord. Let's move forward, knowing that God already inhabits the future and promises to provide us refreshment on our journey there.

Lord of all eternity, please help me to learn from my mistakes this past year, but not to dwell on them. Please help me not rest on my accomplishments in this past year, but use them to further your work in me and through me. Please help me not quarrel with those who injured me yesterday, last month, or this past year. Instead lead me in your paths and help me see your mighty works this next year. In Jesus' name and by his power I ask it. Amen.

church and babies.....

Not much planned for me.....I work today. We are closer to getting to our new desks! The desks are in the next room with the computers hooked up....we are waiting on the phones and chairs. It will be so awesome! I can't wait!

Papa is off all week. He's going to get bored I'm afraid. I'm trying to think of things he could do but not alot is coming to mind. I could have him paint but that would mean taking my Christmas decorations down and I'm not ready to do that yet until after the New Year. He is feeling alot better since his fall. His back hurts some, but it always does.

Dropped L & A off with their mom at their church. Thought about going inside but Ryan didn't go and Ron & Sharon weren't there so I would be sitting alone. Didn't want to do that. Ended up going to my church and ended up sitting alone anyway. It was weird there. Just didn't feel like my church for some reason. I felt very lonely even though I got a few hugs and hello's. I can't explain it but I left very sad. I'm trying to figure out what it means.

Did get to see Jaime and her baby! He is so cute....got this cute picture! Such a little man with his tie and little outfit. I love babies! They're like clean snow in the yard before it gets trampled on and dirty.

Hope you all have a great day today and that God blesses you with wonderful and happy surprises!

What's Ahead:
The next storm arrives Monday morning. This is the first of three storms moving our way over the coming week. Expect increasing rain through the morning hours and early afternoon. Winds will be out of the southwest between 15-25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. High temperatures on Monday will be in the low 40s. Through the higher hills Monday night, we could see a few snowflakes mix in with the showers as temperatures drop below freezing through some of the lowland areas.

As the week progresses, the storms look to get stronger. The next system arrives Tuesday afternoon, bringing rain into Wednesday. If you're making New Year's Eve plans, the bulk of the rain looks to fall during the day with scattered showers for the evening festivities.

The most powerful storm of the week is expected to arrive Thursday night into Friday. It's looking like heavy rain at times with strong winds toward the end of the week.

Riley in the hood.....

"Riley in the hood!"
What a doll!
Taken 12/28/03

Better than a second chance....

We all like "do-overs" or second chances. God does much better than that! He allows us to become new again. Being the "God of new things" he can even make us new. Beyond forgiveness, beyond cleansing, he makes us holy through Jesus. Let's use the opportunity of a New Year to start living a life fresh and new and alive for God!

O LORD, thank you for a New Year and a fresh start. Please give me wisdom and strength to serve you with integrity and faithfulness in this coming year. I pray that your work be done in my life as I offer myself, my plans, and my future to you. I pray this through Jesus my intercessor and Lord. Amen.

curtains, watches, and old friends.....

Slept in until 5...not bad for me. Nice to see so much of the snow melted away. I can see grass again! I have nothing going on today except to take Andrew and Lauren to their church. Andrew is helping Amanda teach a class. The quints started going to their church so they will have them in the class. That should be fun! Haven't figured out if I'll just stay there or go to my church since I'm half way there. We'll see.
Drove yesterday. Felt goooood! Got some thermal lined curtains for our room. I think it will be a good investment. Keep it warmer and darker....and will help keep it cooler in the summer. That's my theory....but you know how those work out for me. Had to get a watch too. Patrick found mine in the toyroom, but it wasn't working. So I changed the battery. Runs slow. Maybe I gave it to the girls because it wasn't working? Don't remember.
Mary Lane called yesterday. We talked for quite awhile but not about much. Mary is in her 80's and we've been friends for 10 or so years....but since we both attend a different church we don't stay in touch as we should. So it was nice to hear from her. We are going to have a small "lunch" party here on the 24th with some old friends. Should be fun seeing everyone again. Then Sharon called and we talked a bit. Then Amanda brought the kids over for the night and Lauren kicked Papa's butt at Guess Who....about 5 or 6 times. It was a nice evening.
Stared our new Goal program. We're setting small goals for ourself and accomplishing them this year. Notice I didn't say "try to accomplish" because that sets you up for failure. We're going to do it. Join us if you like. This is what I wrote to some people:

New Year's is coming up! I know some of you don't even try to start a resolution.... because you don't have faith in yourself to follow through. Been there. We're planning on changing that pattern. Our vow is to lose 10 pounds. After that we are going to make another vow.... to lose.....hmmmm...... 10 pounds. We're going to continue doing so until we are where we want to be. We're setting goals and making a plan on how to attain the goal. We've tried competing, we've tried going it alone. Now we are starting out with baby steps. Your goal may not be weight loss. It may be to quit smoking, quit chewing, eating healthier, more exercise, more patience, closer to God, closer to family or someone in particular, spend more quality time with family, less or more work, gambling, procrastinating, or any bad habit you may have. So don't think you're getting this because I think you're fat. It may be fun supporting each other with different goals! You can even remain anonymous if you have to.

If you want to join us, watch our progress, or push us on.... you're welcome to. Our website is : http://agoalatatime.blogspot.com/

Quick question.....can any of you open the zippy video site to the right? I don't know if it's me or them.....but I can't open it. Please let me know. Thanks! Hope you all have a good day today! Enjoy your days off, Karla! You deserve them!

Outlook:
After the morning rain, expect scattered showers for your Sunday. High temperatures are running in the mid to low 40s. We'll keep the storm track over our area into next week. Expect showers around through New Year's Day.

maddie and her papa

Picture of the day is so sweet....of Maddie playing with her Papa. I love that smile. December 27, 2004!

Time to pause.....

At the end of the year, it sure is nice to be invited to rest in Jesus. So before we begin a new year, we should pause and place our hopes, our future, our dreams, and especially our burdens down at his feet and let him give us rest.

Father, Teach me to learn to rest in your grace more and worry less. I want to surrender my burdens to Jesus and let him teach me his way and how to find his rest. Sometimes I am so tired and weary I don't think I can continue, so please, dear Father, let me find rest in Jesus. In his holy name I offer this prayer. Amen.

creature of habit....

I am a creature of habit. I like to sit with my morning coffee and write. So much for change. I'm back to writing in the morning. I guess I'll just write when I feel like it. After all, I make the rules here, right? I'm trying to find a video Maddie and Lauren did about Christmas being over when they were little. It is so cute and I can't get into my Zippy account. Not sure why but it won't let me go there and I think that is where it is. I am sure I have it on disc, too, but which one?

Going to do some house work today. Toss things out, etc... Need to hem my curtains too. If I can get out today....which I think I can....I am going to run to walmart. Will feel good to drive again! It's been a couple weeks! But it sure was nice riding with Kev yesterday. He is a good driver and just spending time with him was nice. I like spending time with my kids. And my grandkids! The slumber party is in 4 days! I am so excited for it! Just wish I had them all....but that's not happening so I'll be happy with what I got. I was bumming about Christmas and Kelly pointed out to me I have lots of Christmassy days with family all through the year. That is true. Made me feel tons better! Thanks, Kelly! Wanted to leave you a note, but I can't leave comments on your site. Not sure why.....maybe you could change it so it isn't inline? I love leaving comments on peoples sites....I know how good it feels to get them so I like to leave them, too.
Well, I will finish doing my thing....there is last nights blog below. I hope you have a great day and your snow goes away. I love snow....and I loved having it....and I'll love seeing it go away!

What's Ahead:
Rain continues through the next 5 days as temperatures stay in the 40s though snow levels will become low at times only a rain/snow mix is expected with all snow staying in the mountains.

snow plus ice equals fall....

It's quite windy out there tonight....kind of worrisome since everything is starting to thaw. Not good. Snowed for awhile again today while I was at work. Papa went to warm the car up and fell flat on his face this morning. Scared me to death!!!! It was a solid sheet of ice out there! So of course he insisted on driving me. He said he was fine but got worse as the day progressed. He went to the doctor .....Dr. Brody told him to be careful because he doesn't want to see him much in 2009! At work we had 3 front desk girls missing....so I worked until 3 when we finally shut the phones down. Peggy and I were the last ones there. Kevon picked me up and gave me a ride home since I had to work late and didn't have the car. He shoveled part of the driveway up to the porch and threw some de-icer pellets on our driveway. That was nice of him to do. That was our day. Papa is on his way home from work tonight. Says he's sore. The older you are the harder you fall.
This feels so weird to write at night. Not sure if I will stick with it. Have a good and safe night.

December 26, 1999 Dylan and Jordy

I am chosing this picture taken 9 years ago of Dylan and Jordan. Their smiles are so real!!! :) The reality is they are so cute!!!!

Are you looking forward to seeing him?

God's gift to Simeon was truly precious and touching. All Simeon wanted was to see the Messiah before he died. Yet Simeon is just the symbol of every nation, race, and culture who are seeking God's salvation. God's salvation is for all people!

God of all nations, not only do I pray for peace on our earth, but I pray that the knowledge of Jesus may be spread to every nation this coming year. Please make me sensitive to those around me who need your grace and give me courage and the right words to say. Please stir me to be generous with those who are spreading your Gospel throughout the world. Please bind the work of Satan to keep nations in darkness and away from grace. Make your Kingdom triumph through the growth of your word throughout the world. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

sledding, games, and Christmas!

I'm going to start blogging in the evening from now on. I tend to feel too rushed in the morning before work. See how it goes anyway. Won't affect any of you.

Christmas is over.... changed my blog already. Will leave my decorations up until the 3rd. Then I'll have all day to take care of them.

Snowed like crazy today! My boot theory didn't pan out. I think it's because I called it Newton's law. Duh....I meant Murphy's. That's funny. Totally not the same! But my boots did come in real handy so far! Yesterday Andrew, Lauren and I went to the beach hill. Anyone that has gone to the beach near my house knows what that hill is like. Too cool for sledding! They loved it! Couldn't let Lauren go alone....she would have ended up on the beach. Andrew is such a good brother taking her down. They even took the camera! I posted them below. Also made a movie about our Christmas season. Anyways.... we came home and had hot cocoa and played some Monopoly. Andrew kicked our butts! Played a few card games, too. Had a nice day.

Today I had to use the boots to trudge over to mom's. We had to park the car over to Libby's....but first got it stuck in the road so Kevin, Kara's Kevin, Jack and Emerson came out and pushed the car. When we left mom's a couple hours later they had to help again. While having dinner at mom's it was snowing so heavy! I know how anxious the kids were feeling at our Christmas now! We had a nice turkey dinner at mom's. Rushed but nice. I posted pictures.

Working tomorrow. Andrew helped me do some memorizing for work. I appreciate that. Papa is off for over a week!

Got some sad news today..... Lester's dad passed away this morning. Please keep him in your prayers during this time. It isn't an easy thing to get through.

Lanny and I are going to start our life style change tomorrow. I know you've all heard it before from me....but my recent scale encounter scared, disgusted, and revolted me. So we have a plan and now we have to live it out. I hope you all pray for us. We could use it. If you want to do this with us....let me know.

What Weather is Ahead:
A few scattered snow showers.
We'll start the showers early in the afternoon. Some areas will start with snowflakes, but as the warmer air moves in with this system, we'll turn over to rain for all the lowlands this evening.
A Flash Flood Watch will take effect at noon today for most areas of Western Washington.
Rain continues through the weekend and into next week as temperatures stay in the 40s.

Our Christmas Season.....Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve at home.....

I can't believe how sad I am tonight. I had a great day today. Played with Andrew and Lauren... as you can see by the videos below it was so fun. But tonight is so quiet. It is lonely. Papa had to work. So here I sit spending Christmas Eve alone. I couldn't drive the van to Libby's..... it wouldn't have made it in her driveway at all. So here I sit. I always give up the holidays to take the stress off the kids because they all have to juggle being with other family. But it just seems funny having this huge family and being here alone. I know they all have families with traditions and things they have started. Just the circle of life. It sure hits hard sometimes. I miss the kids being small. I miss Christmas at Libby's with Captain Bob and Dad huddled together laughing. I miss watching the kids open presents Christmas morning. I miss the comfort of full bellies and kids playing with their new toys. Life isn't the same. Christmas wasn't the same this year. Not at all.

I also get sad when Christmas is over.... just like my new friend Kelly. It is hard to see the lights gone..... everything seems a little darker. And the Christmas music stops....everything seems a bit more solemn. The decorations come down and get put away for a whole year.... makes you wonder what your life will be like the next time you bring those boxes down. Then I sit and thank God for all the blessings and people He has given me. They may not be in the room with me right now....but I know they love me and I love them. Cherish people in your life....and your time with them....it's very precious.

I pray you are all having a very Merry Christmas....

Andrew and Lauren sledding down the hill!

Sledding down the hill

Me and Lauren having fun....12 takes later.....

picture of the day......

December 24, 1990....we had snow then, too!
Here we are going to mom and dad's for dinner!

Have the merriest Christmas of all.....

The gift of Jesus Christ is what Christmas is all about. Jesus came near to us so we could come near to Him.

Christmas is not about tinsel or shopping or gifts under a tree. Christmas is about the gift God gave on the tree where Christ died for our sins, giving us the gift of eternal life.

That is what He has accomplished. This is the gift He extends. And if you receive it, you will experience the merriest Christmas of all.

play in the snow...are we done yet?

Andrew pushing his sister back up the hill

Lauren going back down....

Can he snowboard on a disc?

Nah....he's going to stick to sledding!

Punkin decides to check out what we're doing.....

Our Christmassy house

We look like we should be on the slopes! What fashion statements!

Don't you dare, Andrew!

Toby is more of a beach dog than a snow dog. They didn't get much snow in Puerto Rico!

Poor squirrel....Lauren is cleaning him off!

Had to take a picture of my new boots!

I never have to ask Lauren to get her pajama's on. She gets ready for bed as soon as she arrives. haha!

Just wanted to show you my work.... you see it every time you're on the freeway heading towards west bremerton. It is right by the Harley dealer. I always thought it was a gym....but that section is physical therapy.... which is part of WestSound Orthopaedics! We have parking underneath with an elevator! It is a huge building and all our business. Pretty cool, huh?

The snow is going to go away. I bought snow boots. Whenever mom fills her tub for the power to go out....it doesn't. If I buy gloves, boots, whatever....no snow. Newton's law. That's why I bought them! haha!

Andrew and Lauren are sleeping. They stayed the night so the parents could finish their Christmas shopping. When they got here Andrew asked if we could go play in the snow. So I put on my new boots (which worked great) and we went out.... the pictures. It was fun. Our hill isn't steep enough to get any speed like Karla's... but we had fun. Came in to hot cocoa and dinner. Papa is a good papa. Then we watched some tv, computer, Lauren and I played Connect 4.....just hung out. It was really nice. Papa and I were getting tired of each other. Nice to have someone else to bug.

It is snowing outside. We're not getting as much as Poulsbo and Silverdale. I've been watching the radar map (it's listed in my sites I like under weather map).... and it's been dumping there all morning. We'll have to see what the roads look like.

Well, Christmas is officially starting! Merry Christmas Eve! We're suppose to go to Libby's for prime rib dinner. Hope the roads work out for us. Papa works til 6. It's going to be crazy there for him! Tomorrow we're suppose to go to my mom's for dinner. I hope we can. Crazy weather.

Have a safe and fun Christmas Eve! Don't forget to leave out the cookies, milk and carrots!

our weather forecast:

Wednesday/ Christmas Eve will feature a one-two punch. Just after midnight Wednesday morning, we expect a very weak trough of low pressure to move through the area, bringing some areas of light snow to the region (could be hit-and-miss) with about 1" of new accumulation in the passing showers.

Then, around mid-morning, a stronger storm comes inland to our north. This will spread moisture over the cold air still stuck in place here. That should mean what falls will start as snow.

As we get into the early afternoon, warm air will begin scouring out the cold air and snow levels are expected to rise to about 500 feet in the metro area. That should change the sea-level areas to rain, but the cold air will be more stubborn up north, and also elevation will keep snow going in the Cascade foothills above 500 feet.

A WINTER STORM WARNING is in effect for western Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom County areas (basically the general I-5 corridor from Lynnwood north to the border), and the Eastern Puget Sound foothills (basically, anywhere east of Lake Washington above 400-500 feet) from late tonight through Wednesday evening. We could see as much as 2-6" of new snow up here.

The warning is also in effect for the Hood Canal area for as much as 3-7" of new snow.

For the greater Seattle -Tacoma area, southwestern Washington, and northern islands we have a Winter Weather Advisory in effect for the same time frame. Here, accumulations are expected to be around 1-3" before the change to rain.

But we still can't shake the cold, as cooler air will move back in on Wednesday evening, likely dropping the snow level back to sea level again. In the storm's wake, we'll see scattered hit-and-miss showers that could be quite intense as the atmosphere becomes unstable Wednesday night through Christmas Day.

New accumulations with these storms will be quite variable depending on whether a shower finds its way to your home and how long it sticks around. You could get anything from 0 to 3-4".

Snow showers taper off Christmas Night.

Friday will see a warmer storm and is finally the knight that slays the snow dragon. It might briefly begin as snow, but should change to rain fairly quickly and stay that way. The rest of the weekend will feature rainy and breezy conditions, with highs in the 40s. I'll have to check and see if any outdoor swimming pools will be opening :)