Lengthy Sunday morning stuff....

Today's picture of the day was taken February 3, 2004 of Parker and Patrick on their couch with Mona! They are all much bigger now 4 years later!!! Well, yesterday's meeting went much better than I expected. In fact, it was kind of fun. Ty talked and then we did a tour, then we broke into groups where we met back into the gym. I stayed in my chair in the back with Kurt and just had everyone pull up chairs. I started out the meeting talking about Parker and what he did at school. In case you didn't read Heather's blog...my 5th grade grandson, Parker, is an amazing boy. One thing he didn't like about his new school was how much the kids cussed. So he went up to each kid that did...one at a time...and asked them if they believed in Jesus. Each said yes. So, he then told them they need to ask for forgiveness because Jesus doesn't like it when you cuss.... and so they did! See why he is amazing? He walks to his own beat and doesn't care what people think. We need more Parker's in this world!!!! Anyway....I told everyone the story as Scott illustrated (acted it out) to my left. Everyone loved it and it wasn't even planned. Then that opened it up for others to share stories about how KidStuf has affected children and parents in our church. We discussed lots but didn't get everything discussed. But it was a good meeting. Got a group picture taken after the meeting. They all had lunch, but I went to urgent care. Papa & Amanda had taken Lauren there. Her fever hit 105 and they took her in. The doctor was surprised and so was Amanda...she had a bad ear infection! Lauren is a tough little girl and has a strong pain tolerance, but her ear didn't even hurt. It almost seemed liked the doctor couldn't believe it didn't hurt. I'm glad it didn't rupture. He put her on a strong antibiotic she takes for the next 5 days. I took Lauren home and Papa & Amanda went and picked up the medicine. We sat around and watched tv and Lauren slept off & on all afternoon. At one point her fever spiked up to over 104. She is a sick little girl and really needs your prayers. Andrew spent the night. He is still not eating much. Papa gave him some peanut butter toast and milk before bed. He didn't go to work last night.
Congrats to Don!!!! He got an awesome new truck yesterday! Papa is jealous! It is pretty much what he wanted! I am sure Heather will be posting pictures on her site soon. Speaking of sites....Lois updated recently. Check it out! And I will get mom to soon. I changed my "blessings" area and added pictures of the people who have blessed my life with me....except Tara...haven't taken a pic together since her wedding!?! If your name isn't there yet...be assured...it will be. And no....they are not in order of who is a bigger blessing except Jesus is and always will be first.
This morning we're going to church and the new schedule starts. We need to pray for our pastor. He will be giving his message 4 times every weekend! We are adding another Sunday service. He is very good and our attendance has gone up 65% in the past year. It is a great church home. Now we have a very casual service on Saturday night at 6:00 in the gym and 3 Sunday morning services....8:00 (which we'll go to), 9:30 (which is during KidStuf), and 11:00. My mom said...."well, how do you get a chance to know everyone?". I said, "I didn't know everyone at my old church and there was less than 200 people there. Plus, I don't need to know everyone." The music and message and people are great.
Well, I would like to know everyone who checks out my site. I got 3 replies from people when asked who reads it.....Heather, Karen and Linda. Thanks ladies. Now, who else is reading it? I know of Karla, Lois and Tara. But I get almost 30 hits a day and know there are more than these 6 checking it out. So....fess up and help me figure this out. OK? I pray you are blessed by my site in one way or another. Won't make you laugh like Karla's, but maybe it will make you smile. God bless & have a great day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VICKY!

Gotta love this picture taken in 2000 of Jordan and Patrick. What cheesy smiles!

Happy birthday to my niece, Vicky! Hope you have a wonderful day, year and years to come!

It is also Joel's parents' anniversary.....so Happy Anniversary to Roger and Karla!!! (yes....the names are right.)

And it is Ground Hogs day. So Happy Ground Hogs Day to ya'll! I guess that about covers it.

I have a big meeting at the church regarding children's ministry. Pastor Ty is going to cover the first hour and I am suppose to lead the second hour over the KidStuf staff since I am the director. This is the part I hate. I hate meetings. I hate talking in front of more than a couple people at a time. There will be close to 20 people (only about 1/2 of our staff can make it). Pray for me. Most of these people are friends of mine so it shouldn't bother me....but there are other issues involved.

Anyway, that is my day today. Yesterday was really good. I got mom and we went to Red Apple diner in Bremerton. If you haven't been there I HIGHLY recommend it. Turn right on Kitsap Way when you get off the freeway and it is about a mile up the road on the right. So delicious!!! Best I have found in a long time. Lanny may be taking Ron there this morning for "man time". Then we went to the Dollar Store, Value Village, and WalMart. We had a great time together. Her cat is awesome. She changed the name to "nosie rosie" like Tara's. This cat saw me drive up and ran to the door to meet me! Too funny. She is so great for mom!!

I am doing something special for my love this year. Each day up to Valentine's Day I am giving him a small token of my love! Yesterday I gave him a small cactus with a big red flower at the top. He has always liked cactus's....and I gave him a note that says he makes me feel prickly all over! Today I am giving him a red rose....the symbol of my deep love for him with a little note expressing my love. I can't keep telling you my secrets because he reads my blog...but I think this will make him happy. I am just so thankful for him and that we get to spend another Valentines together. He is such a changed man...he is amazing.

On a bad note....Lauren's temp is back and Andrew threw up again. These guys can't seem to get a break. I am still praying hard for healing in that family!!! I am glad Dylan is ok, Jordan is ok, and Heather's family is so much better! Well...I think that is it for today.

I am curious about something. I have noticed people reading my blog from all over the place. Which is great! I love the fact that everyone visits me.....but I am wondering who is reading it from the Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Tennessee area's? Let me know if it is you! You will have satisfied my curiosity. In fact, I would love to know all who visits me....so let me know if you do! I know Lois does! Thanks!

Have a wonderful and blessed day and weekend!

no back ache!!!!

Picture of the day Jordan and Riley taken in 2003. What sweet smiles. I can't believe it....this is the first morning I've woken up with no back pain! Maybe the hardness of the mattress is what I needed! And I only remember waking up once and then going right back to sleep. Took me awhile to fall asleep, though. Watched LOST last night. Wasn't going to get into it again but Ryan and the kids were over yesterday (they are still sick) and I had recorded the night before so we watched it. I probably drove Ry crazy with all the questions!!!! I am sucked back into the LOST hole after being away a year. Last night was sooooo goood! Mom and I never did go out for lunch again! I couldn't reach her in the morning and when I did at lunch she wasn't really hungry. Is she putting me off? So I promised her today and threw in "junking" with it! She liked that idea! Junking is going around to Good Will and Value Village etc. My mom and sisters love it. Me...not so much. But I do like yard sales sometimes. Anyway, Ryan and the kids came over yesterday and hung out again. That was nice! Lauren's fever is gone but she tires easy. Andrew still has highs and lows too. Now Amanda is really sick!!! I felt so bad for her last night. Keep her in your prayers. Dylan came home from school sick with a headache and stomach ache.....KJ wasn't sure if it was because he didn't eat lunch or what. We'll see today. They are the only ones that have been healthy! Glad Heather's family is finally recovering!!! Thank you, Jesus! I totally spaced out on Bible Study last night! I hope this Ginko kicks into gear and improves my memory soon. I think my brain is just full of useless information. I did our taxes Saturday night online with Tax Act (who we always use) and got it back yesterday! We were shocked! Now maybe Papa can get a starter for his truck and get it fixed!!! It isn't good for it to be just sitting all winter. Today is my cousin's birthday (Bob & Linda's son and Amy's brother)....Happy Birthday David DeLay!!!! Picture enclosed of him and Will Smith's wife...Jada. Sorry, I don't have many pictures of him! He is into movies somehow...directing, making or producing or something. You know how I am about remembering peoples careers. Hope you all have a great day!!!