Not taken on this day...but I love these...

Christy Oliphant, with daughters Heather and Karla!!!

I got these from Christy Oliphant.... aren't they great? Taken in high school of them. I've never seen these pictures before so it was such a treat! Christy is Scott and Berta's daughter (Leon and Phyllis Rayment's grand daughter) .... we've known her since she was born! I'm excited.... she is going to church with me on Sunday!

God keeps his promises...

God is faithful and his covenant is a covenant of love. He will not forsake us but will treat us better than we deserve, just as a loving parent treats a rebellious child better than she or he deserves. But our hearts must be tuned to honor God as God, not as just a good luck charm or a weekly guest into our otherwise busy lives. What we do must be done in awareness that it is done before and for him!

Faithful God, thank you for loving me so sacrificially and steadfastly. Thank you for your promises... and you brought Jesus just as you promised. I trust your promise to send him back to bring me home to you. Please receive my actions and words today as my thanks to you for your promises of love to me and those I love. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

mam and maddie blog....

Yesterday was weird. No one at work felt the earthquake. Nobody. But it made the news so I am not crazy. lol! I had a good day yesterday! I felt good at work....more confident and myself. Oh, the girls stayed on the other side of the room talking and whispering and stuff.... but I can't let that bother me. I just can't. It isn't going to change so I need to change how I react to the situation.

Maddie wants to write on my blog.

"My new word that I learned at school is we and to. I can spell them and read them. I know both.I woke up early this morning at mams. And I was watching TV and had some sugar toast. Sugar toast is not healthy but it is good. Know why sugar toast is not healthy? Cuz it has sugar on it. I got hit in the head by a Frisbee at school. Angela did it and she is smaller than me. I wasn't mad. It was kind of my fault cuz I looked back and it kind of flied into my head. Last night Lauren and I had fun. We jumped on the bed, we played monopoly but I just pay her money. I'm done. Goodbye and da do de o so." (that's maddie talk)

Well.... that was entertaining. Had some kids over last night as you can see. Had a good time with them. Andrew and I stayed up until after 11. The rest went to bed around 10. Lauren was having so much fun jumping on the bed and then just shut down. She does that. When she is done.... she is done. Too funny. You can tell by the pictures. And then there is Dylan. I don't know why Punkin' loves him so much. I guess because he is gentle with her.... doesn't overdo it with affection and stops when she wants him to... and he doesn't pick her up. She hates that. Every time he is here she finds his lap.

Toby was thrilled too.... Sandy girl came to spend the night! Ryan brought her over and when they walked in the dogs both flipped out! We had to put them outside right away so they could run around and be happy! They really love playing! Maddie is trying to teach Sandy tricks right now. lol! The rest are still sleeping at almost 7.

Well.... I am done, too. Hope your day is great and your weekend is long!

What's Ahead:
Showers will be sticking around for most areas Saturday morning, then tapering off in the afternoon. As we get into the afternoon, most areas will dry out with a few sunbreaks. Highs will range from near 40 in the zone to low 40s elsewhere.

We all dry out Saturday night, and that'll lead to areas of fog Sunday morning. The fog should burn off leaving midday sunbreaks, but clouds increase in the afternoon, followed by rain developing in the late afternoon and evening. Highs will stay in the low-mid 40s.

That rain should be through by Sunday night, leaving us with a nice little dry streak here Monday through Wednesday. Each day will feature morning fog, then clearing with highs around 50.

Rain returns on Thursday, then showers for Friday. Long range forecasts hint at perhaps a little cooler weather for the following week, but nothing too scary at this point.

It's an earthquake!!!!

Call me crazy but I think we just had an earthquake! It is 5:25 and I'm sitting here and I here something rattling like our stovepipe. And then my whole house is shaking.... the cat and I are both looking around....felt like the washer was off kilter and its not running. Lasted about 10 seconds or longer. Of course.... the news are saying nothing yet! Oh... now they are talking about it and checking on it. So.... there, I'm not crazy! Now they are saying it was a 4.6 centered west of Kingston.... by Kountry Korner.


UPDATE: Papa was driving.... he didn't feel it, Ryan didn't feel it.... Kevon slept through it. Did anyone else I know feel it? I know I'm an early bird.
There is a fault line from Edmonds to Kingston... they're checking it out to see if it was along that. It was a shallow one and that why it was felt so far.

some awesome kids....

Ok....I love this picture of Lauren taken 1-30-04. I think it was just a cookie she ate! But she is a mess. Of course.... now she is getting it in her hair! Too cute!

Maddie taken on the same day.... but I'm thinking maybe she didn't come to my house that day. She is way too clean. lol! What a beautiful smile!

I've always loved this picture of my boys.... I just can't believe it's been 2 years since it was taken already! It's such a great picture of all of them!!! I love and miss them!

Teach your children...

We are to begin each day with God. Every breath we take should be a powerful reminder that our Father has granted us another day of life to serve him. Each heartbeat is God's drumbeat of love, reminding us that we are blessed with another minute to offer him our best. This blessing is so easily forgotten. We best remember these truths when we teach them and show them and live them with and before our children. But, let's not leave their learning these truths to our example alone. Let's find teachable moments to explain our faith, to praise our Heavenly Father, and to teach God's truth.

Almighty God, thank you! Thank you for this breath I take and for the heartbeat that sustains my life. Make me aware as I travel and talk and rest and work that you are there and are worthy of my intentional best. In the name of Jesus, my gracious sacrifice I pray. Amen.

I'm so glad it is Friday!

Not much more going on since yesterday. I did stay more awake and had a bit more energy in the afternoon. The morning wasn't so good. I'm wondering how long it will be before I'm not so much the outsider at work. It's hard to fit in.... I'm older than most of the receptionist, they already have established relationships with one another, I only work til one so never have lunch or anything with them all, I'm totally out of the loop on most situations. For example... yesterday I heard that last Monday someone broke into 7 employee's cars downstairs in the parking lot under our building and did some damage. Also MA Christina is not working for us anymore.... she quit. I find these things out accidentally. I guess I'm saying that I don't feel like part of the team yet. Some people wouldn't care.... like papa. He'd rather be left alone. lol! But I'm thankful I have a job when I look at so many being laid off.

Mailing that video off today to my cousin! I'm excited! Not sure how long it will take him... but we'll have to have a party and watch it! This is our only copy right now. I'm so glad I found it.

Well, hope your day is good. I am just so thankful that it is Friday! No plans this weekend.

What's Ahead:
Many cities will begin Friday with partly sunny skies. Through the afternoon, clouds will increase. Rain will spread inland through the early evening. High temperatures will be in the upper 40s.
Steady rain will have changed to scattered showers by Saturday morning and much cooler air will make it a chilly day. Highs will be in the upper 30s and lows in the low 30s.
Sunday will have partly to mostly cloudy skies and temperatures will climb back into the mid 40s. Light rain is expected late Sunday night primarily north.

pic of day.... 30 years ago today!

1-29-1979... this is one of Lanny's pictures Ryan, Heather and Tara. It was taken 30 years ago today! Weird, huh? This will make papa feel old!

knowing him more....

When was the last time you truly searched after God? I'm not talking about an obscure theological insight about God or another best selling book about God. When was the last time you sought after the Father so that you could know him better and appreciate him more? Let's open our hearts and go on the Great Quest to find God. Like the prodigal son in Luke 15, we will find he's waiting and watching for us to come home!

Precious Heavenly Father, please bless me with a deeper and more personal knowledge and experience of you in my life. Until the day I can see you face to face in heaven, please draw me closer and closer to you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

yadda, yadda, yadda.....

Well....since I wrote so late yesterday I don't have a lot to say this morning. I am so sleepy in the evening.... seriously.... I fall asleep before 8 watching TV. So we're switching the two med's the doctor gave me to take before bed... since they can cause drowsiness. Duh. Maybe that will help. Since I go to bed so early... I woke up at 3 this morning! If I keep this up I'll be going to bed in the early afternoon and be getting up in time to watch the prime time shows! This is crazy!

I am trying to ad more blogs to read.... I found Lori McDonald Van Beek's blog. She was Tara's maid of honor and a family friend. She's lived in the Midwest since college. Very nice girl and a nice family. If you know of anymore blogs we may be interested in ... let me know! I know I wish some people had one... like Hilary, Tara, Renee, Karen, to name a few.... and I wish some would post more often! Oh well... can't control the world.

So.... there is nothing on the calendar for today. Tomorrow a new doctor is coming in to be interviewed and get a tour. We may be taking on another doctor. So.... we were told to be on our best behavior. Now.... what does that mean? I think we always are. Two more days and it's the weekend again! I love the weekends now! This has been such a long month!!!! Hasn't it?

Hope you have a great day!

What's Ahead:
Thursday: Areas of light rain decreasing in the afternoon to become partly sunny. High temperatures will be in the low to mid 40s.
A big ridge of high pressure offshore will maintain dry weather until the next frontal system increases rain by early evening Friday. Scattered showers will decrease Saturday and Sunday will be mostly dry until rain moves in Sunday night.

our Parksters!

Taken 1-28-05 of Parker..... just 4 years ago! He was 7 years old here. Time sure does fly, doesn't it? I love this picture of his face.... he is just so darn cute!!!!!

who is your joshua?

Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt and in the wilderness, but did not get to enter into the Promised Land because of his sin. Yet, for all those years, Moses nurtured and prepared the person who would do what he could not do. That person was Joshua. Who are you training, molding, encouraging, motivating, and calling to do what you won't be able to do? What successor will take your dreams farther than you can? Who is your Joshua?

Holy and Righteous God, please lead me to those with whom you want me to share my life and to pass on your heritage of faith. Please open my eyes to see them. Give me strength to live my life honestly and courageously before them. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Nasty driving, nasty man, and nasty internet!!!

This is right where the highway turns into the freeway by walmart... everyone started whipping past me until they saw this truck...then brake lights came on! lol! hmmm... maybe it is icy!! Ya think????
This was taken past Target by the theater. I go this route when the roads are bad.
People are braking on the main drag in Silverdale because a fire truck is coming the opposite direction.
Here is my work parking lot. I wondered where everyone was.... they all get to park down in the garage under the building..... they have keys. I don't get mine until after 90 days probation is up.



Welll...did i shake and have withdrawels this morning! My stinkin' internet service was out! so i didn't get to do my thang! I watched American idol instead of computer time. So I'll do it now! Today is nephew carter's birthday....he turned 6 years old!!!! Such a handsome boy! Carter's grandma is Rhonda (papa's sister....and mom is Hilary... one of my favorite nieces ever!). Love that family! Here he is giving his mom a hug last Thanksgiving! Happy birthday, Carter! Praying for many, many more happy and healthy ones to come for you!

Today went good. Work was good. Yesterday I had a very rude and abusive man on the phone. He yelled at me because he wouldn't get his DSHS coupon in the mail in time for his appointment on the 2nd... and he wanted me to fax them and get a copy. First of all.... we don't do that. It is the patients responsibility to bring it with them or they are not seen. Plain and simple. I suggested he go there or even go to the post office in the morning and get it.... neither one he wanted to do. I'm sure he knew he had to bring it .... I am sure he was told when he made the appointment. I told him it wasn't my policy....it was our office's policy and he yelled at me for that. I explained I schedule appts.... I didn't make the policies. It went on and on like that. Long story short.... now he can't come in until March 9th. Don't mess with me! lol! Why do people have to be so nasty? Seriously. I don't get it. Direct your anger at the right person. Better yet.... shut up.

Speaking of nasty.... it was so nasty going to work yesterday! Very windy and icy! I posted some pictures of a truck in Poulsbo and the roads in Silverdale. I slid a couple of times. So did alot of other people!

I am so happy for Karla. She wasn't without work long! Now she has 2 jobs! She is very, very good at what she does...... she deserves this! I hope she can handle them both... if not... she'll have her choice! Congrats, Karla! Love you and am so proud of you!

Talked to Cheryl today.... she is having knee surgery tomorrow morning! Keep her in your prayers!!! Well, going to finish up here. Gotta pay bills! Enjoy the rest of your day... what is left!

What's Ahead: Fewer showers today with clouds and some sunbreaks this afternoon. Highs warm to the middle 40s.
Expect a few showers Thursday.
Rain increases late Friday into Saturday morning, followed by showers through early next week. Highs stay in the mid 40s.

Chubby cheeks....

You can't tell if his cheeks are cold....he's all cheeks! This is Kevon back in the days...29 years ago.... he was 2 years old.... coming in from playing in the snow. Can't believe how big his cheeks were! One time he had cherries stashed in them and we didn't know! He even fell asleep that way. True story!

We all need encouragement when we start something new....

A word of encouragement is indispensable at the start of a new journey, especially when the journey demands your leadership. Joshua is no longer second chair. He is no longer the backup to Moses. Now it is his turn to lead. The people he leads have only known the leadership of the incomparable Moses. How will he lead? He will lead trusting the promises of God and without fear or discouragement! How is this possible? Because the real leader of God's people hasn't really changed! God is still God. His word is still true. His promises are still trustworthy. His might is still all-powerful. O God, as I face increasing responsibilities and greater challenges, remind me of your promises, remove my fears, strengthen my resolve, and lead me by your will. May the victories in which I participate always bring glory and honor to you. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

tired tuesday....birthday, barf, and bible study....

Tired!!!! Always tired! Tired of being tired! That's me! At least we didn't wake up to snow! Just did Dylan's map and it looks like it won't hit on my way to work either. I hate driving in snow. I'm not good at it and it makes me nervous for myself and others! I'm old.

Well.... I'm bad. Almost missed my sisters anniversary yesterday! Libby and Kevin have been married 24 years! I did call her on our way home from Bible study and left a message. I sang and told her this year I wanted to be the last person to call her. Think she bought it? Good thing her and her family rarely... if ever, check this, huh? I missed Chinese New Year too! Am I bad!!!

I did remember it's my favorite cousins birthday today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOB!!!!!We always call each other "the fav" because we're each other's favorite. He's the nicest guy and I just love Bob! He's Amy's dad and it seems like we don't see him very often.... which is sad. If it was a bridge instead of a stupid ferry...maybe we would. He looks a bit mean in this picture taken recently...but he really isn't. lol! He's the one making the dvd's for me! So far we need 4! The kids love it.

Today is also Rick and Kathy Rayment's anniversary. Can't remember how many years it's been....I went to their wedding and reception on this side... but can't remember when. I've known Ricky Roy all my life. Makes me laugh every time I see him. I mean every time! He's one of those guys that just has a contagious laugh.

Speaking of Rick.... I heard from his niece, Christy, yesterday. She may go to church with me on Sunday! She is looking for a church with more offered to singles her age. She is Heather's age.... wonderful girl. Never married, nurse, pretty, strong Christian.... we've known her since she was born. That would be nice to have someone to go to church with!

Well... that covers the ICU TV set. Old locals will get that. Went to Bible study last night. That was really good. We talked about guarding our minds. I have this saying which pretty much wraps up our study last night:

Be careful of your thoughts
For your thoughts become your words.
Be careful of your words
For your words become your actions.
Be careful of your actions
For your actions become your habits.
Be careful of your habits
For your habits become your character.
Be careful of your character
For your character becomes your destiny.

I believe this is very true. All starts with your thoughts..... and many of those come from what we're exposing ourselves to. Ok...that's what we discussed anyway.

I was suppose to go to Candice's after work yesterday for lunch. I admit.... I forgot until she left a message on my cell that Morgan was home from school and had been throwing up for 3 hours. Made me not want to go over there. Try to avoid sick people. We'll just have to reschedule it.

Pray for me at work today.... I got a headset I need to learn how to use. Fun. I know you push a button on the ear piece to answer.... now I have to figure out what happens after that! lol!

That's about it for me this morning. Hope you have a wonderful day. The almanac had said last fall this was going to be the coldest winter in a while... they were right! Stay warm!!!!

What's Ahead:
TUESDAY: Snow and sleet push through Western Washington, then chang to rain showers this afternoon and tonight. Highs in the low 40s. There's a chance of sleet and freezing rain south as we transition out of the snow.
Rain showers linger through Weekend. Snow accumulations will range from nothing to up to two inches; the highest amounts are expected near Hood Canal, Kitsap Peninsula, north interior and east Puget Sound Lowlands into the Cascade foothills.

get on the bus...everyone is blogging their 25 random things....

I've wasn't tagged but I'm playing anyway. I'm supposed to tag 25 people, so I am sincerely sorry.... but if I tagged you it's because I want to read about you.

1. My little fingers are double jointed
2. My birthday falls on Easter alot.
3. I'm super sensitive and get hurt easily
4. I don't really care for any animals but mine.
5. I love kids.
6. I can't cook very well and don't like to.
7. I hate lemon.
8. I'm sick of Dances with Wolves
9. I hate traveling by car.
10. Spiders don't scare me.
11. Snakes do.
12. I'm a good grandma...not so good mom.
13. I'm super insecure.
14. I'm a people pleaser....stress bad if anyone is mad at me.
15. I rarely ever see my 3 best friends and they all live in Kitsap county!
16. I hate change.
17. I don't like vw's
18. I love potatoes of any kind.
19. I'm full blooded Norwegian but hate lutefisk
20. My oldest and youngest brothers make me crazy most the time!
21. I love Jack Bauer....but not Keifer Sutherland.
22. I hardly have a little toe nail.
23. I was very anemic
24. I was almost a widow....very scary
25. I am stronger than I believe.

Loving her daddy....

Somebody loves her daddy!!! Here is a picture of Riley girl on 1-26-03 while she is smiling at her daddy! Love the look on her face.....so full of love and happiness!

Numbers 27

Wow! For any city, county, or country electing new leadership, or church selecting elders or ministers, what greater prayer could there be? O Father, please forgive us for choosing leaders for the wrong reasons and with the wrong character. Please raise up leaders at every level of community that have integrity of character and a deep concern for people. In the name of the Savior, Jesus. Amen.

Monday morning...movies, movies movies.....

Can't believe it's Monday already! I don't mean that in a good way. This weekend went way too fast!!! Andrew said all his weekends go too fast.

We went and saw Mall Cop with Andrew and Ryan yesterday. It was pretty funny! I had a few complaints... they put us in the smallest theater there so it was packed. Plus... it's been awhile since we went to the movies.... but it was $7.25 a piece for us to go to a matinee!!!! Doubt we'll go again. We'll wait and rent the movies. It was good to spend some the time with Ryan and Andrew though. And the popcorn is always good. Funny thing I didn't notice til we got home and papa pointed it out.... my shirt was on inside out the whole day! I'm turning into my mom!!!! Good thing I wore a sweatshirt over it and didn't go anywhere else! lol!

Ok..... I am so excited! Yesterday I was looking through my collection of purses to change mine out and I found "our family funniest home video"! This thing is hysterical! Its got the kids as teenagers and then Andrew, Parker, Dylan and Jo as babies. Love this video I put together! Now my wonderful, most favorite cousin in the whole world said he would put it on DVD's! So if you want one .... let me know now before I send it off! I'm so excited! I watched a little bit yesterday of parker on his belly laughing at dylan in the walker.... and andrew dancing to "Everybody wants to be a cat" from Aristocats movie....with his mullet! Too cute!

Well.... that's about it for me this morning. Sure nice to have a clean house at the end of a weekend. Rare....but nice! House and 24 tonight!!!!

Today: sunny. Highs in the mid 30s to lower 40s.
Tonight: mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s to lower 30s.
Tuesday: rain or snow likely in the morning, then showers likely in the afternoon. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Highs in the upper 30s to mid 40s.
Wednesday - Sunday: mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in mid 30s. Highs in the upper 30s to mid 40s.

A boy and his dog and his dog.

I love this picture taken 1-25-03 of Patrick with both dogs!!! He loves animals! This is titled : A boy and his dog and his dog.

His blessings.....awesome verses! Numbers 6:24-26

How would you like to place the mighty name of the LORD on people you love? God promised that this priestly blessing in today's Scripture enabled his name (his power and authority) to be placed on his people. What an incredible gift that we have the power to give to others with just our faithful words! Blessings are found all throughout Scripture. Why not begin looking today for ways to pronounce God's blessing on others? You can start with this one, and then add a bunch of others as you find them in Scripture.

O LORD of every good and perfect gift, your blessings are too many to count and too wonderful to fully comprehend. Please use me to share those blessings with others. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear so that I can share your blessings with others today and each day! In the name of Jesus, your greatest blessing, I pray. Amen.

Sunday....we had a blast yesterday!

All I can say is.... we had a blast! Such good food, so much love and laughter, and it was so awesome! In fact, it was so fun we're doing it again! Here are some pictures!

The ladies got to eat at the grown up table... here is Mary, me, Cindy, Bev and Sharon!


We put the boys in the den at a picnic table.... Ron, Dick, Lanny, Cal and Craig! We didn't see much of them. Just heard lots of laughing!


We had such a wonderful time yesterday! It was great getting together with our old friends. We used to attend the same church for almost 10 years and the same bible study .... then the church fell apart and everyone went different directions. It is sad. We rarely see them any more! But yesterday was so much fun!!! We laughed alot!Dick and Mary are retired but we don't get over there. They have dog that I'm pretty scared of.... so we don't go to their home. They go to an Evangelical Free church between Silverdale and Poulsbo. While looking for a church we went there several times. The pastor plays racquetball with Brad. Sadly, Dick seemed a bit out of it yesterday.... he has some good days and some bad days.... but he always remembers us.... calls me Yoycie... that's how I know he remembers. I know they had a good time. And Mary brought some nummy cookies and a triple layer white and raspberry cake. Ron and Sharon are busy...she works produce at Central Market and he's doing his sheet rockingbusiness again and plays guitar Sunday nights at Cornerstone Church. I miss her. She wouldn't smile so Ron was forcing it a bit! She's going to hate the pictures. She brought some flat bread from her work... 3 different kinds! It was pretty good! They are the ones we talke to the most. They're are best friends!Cal & Bev own Swift Plumbing so, of course, they're very busy.... and they go to the church at the Poulsbo theater...can't remember the name.... but I really like their church! I would like to visit it again. He borrowed my "The Shack" book. He likes reading too! She brought a nice salad and me some beautiful flowers, too.Then Craig and Cindy live out in Hansville and attend church out there...she works for Kingston Junior High and he's a mechanic on Bainbridge. They have 4 kids they are raising!

So everyone is so busy and none of us cross paths too often. Very sad. But Bev is hosting the next gathering and will call us with a date and time. I can't wait!

I noticed it snowed this morning sometime. Not alot but some things are covered. It is cold out! And those wind chimes are pretty noisy this morning! I'd hate to be out there walking right now!

Talked with Betty yesterday.... she is getting out of the hospital today. She got very, very sick. It all started with a bladder infection that didn't heal with antibiotic. Her body ended up going into shock which dropped her blood pressure and caused her to retain fluid and her kidneys were shutting down. So they gave her antibiotic thru IV and kept her there. Pretty scary stuff. She has many health issues anyway so they need to keep an eye on her.

One nice thing about having people over...you get your house clean! I spent the whole morning doing that.... I have to take frequent breaks because of my back though. That is frustrating.

My Riley girl got hurt at school again! Tripped and fell and cut her chin. Poor baby! That's leaving a mark! Hopefully not a scar.. though it appears to be under the chin more.

Well.... this weekend is going way too fast! Yesterday went really fast! Our friends were here for 4 hours and it sped by! I hope today goes really slow!!! Have a great day!

What's Ahead:
Sunday: Some clouds will be around to get your Sunday started before the sun is expected to break out during the afternoon. Mostly sunny skies with high temperatures on the cool side in the upper 30s and low 40s.
We'll stay mostly sunny again on Monday before rain showers come back in Tuesday through the work week.
Tuesday morning will be cold enough to bring in some snowflakes before changing over to rain for the rest of the day.

Computers and snacking....

While Andrew and Lauren were playing on the computer... the cousins were enjoying a snack at home. Looks like Josh has had his fill of snacks! lol! I love this picture!
I also love the picture of Andrew helping Lauren.... just to put a smile on her face. It's a sweet picture. These were both taken on January 24, 2005 on opposite sides of the state!